Hong Kong: FS meets leaders at global forum
Financial Secretary Paul Chan met various political and business leaders and gave two speeches at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland yesterday.
Mr Chan attended bilateral meetings with a number of financial and economic officials from the Middle East and Central Asia.
These included Bahrains Minister of Finance & National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and its Minister of Industry & Commerce Abdulla Adel Fakhro. He also met Qatars Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and Kazakhstans Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov.
Mr Chan invited countries in the Middle East and Central Asia to make use of Hong Kongs highly efficient and robust financial market to facilitate the development, promotion and financing of enterprises and projects.
He also met Minister of Economy & Finance of Italy Giancarlo Giorgetti and Governor of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru Julio Velarde Flores. They exchanged views on the current global financial environment and geopolitical situation, as well as on green transformation.
During a keynote speech at a lunch event, Mr Chan said that China continues to be open to the world and will continue to create strong momentum for the development of the world economy.
He added that through leveraging the unique advantages of one country, two systems, Hong Kong is striving to enhance its position as an international financial centre, and acts as a bridge between the Mainland and the world to forge win-win co-operation.
The finance chief then joined a China-themed event in the evening. He delivered a speech at the dinner outlining Hong Kongs role as a connector and a gateway in assisting the economic development of China and Asia.
Mr Chan also gave interviews to Hong Kong, Mainland and international media.
This story has been published on: 2024-01-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China, Togo look forward to closer cooperation
Xinhua) 08:44, January 18, 2024
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
LOME, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe on Wednesday met here with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides expressing willingness to promote bilateral ties and advance cooperation between Africa and China.
Gnassingbe asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and spoke highly of the bilateral relations and practical cooperation.
Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Togo and other African countries have achieved development in infrastructure construction, Gnassingbe said.
Africa has accelerated its economic growth, enhanced security and brought benefits to the people on the continent, he said, stressing that these achievements cannot be realized without China's long-term and selfless assistance.
Togo expresses gratitude to China for upholding justice in the international arena, opposing interference in Africa's internal affairs, and playing an indispensable role in Africa's peaceful development, the president said.
The African people need a friend like China, who takes care of Africa's realities, listens to Africa's demands, and never imposes its will on others, he said.
As a beneficiary of Africa-China cooperation, Togo will always trust China and carry forward the traditional friendship while deepening cooperation in various fields, he added.
In today's volatile world, Africa faces new challenges to its peaceful development and needs China's support and Africa-China cooperation more than ever, he said.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping. He said that the China-Togo friendship, forged by the older generation of leaders, has become a model of South-South cooperation.
China will enhance the synergy of development strategies with Togo and support Togo in achieving sustainable development, he said.
China understands and believes in Africa, he said, noting that as long as Africa is united and independent, grows strong through unity, and finds a development path suited to its national conditions, it will be able to overcome difficulties and create new opportunities.
The 21st century is a century of revitalization for developing countries, Wang stressed, noting that China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more fruits of China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries.
Wang said that China has provided a reference for developing countries to explore development paths suited to their national conditions, and China stands ready to share development experience and opportunities with Africa to realize modernization for both China and Africa.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A lawsuit by Washington state to block a proposed $25 billion merger between grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons is getting some qualified kudos from legal experts and lots (and lots) of love from Washington grocery shoppers.
The suit, filed Monday in King County Superior Court, is the first state or federal attempt to halt the acquisition of Albertsons, which owns Safeway and Haggen, by Kroger, which owns QFC and Fred Meyer.
And thats fine with people like Mark Sindelar, who lives near Redmond, Washington, and is one of nearly 600 people who responded to a Seattle Times callout, most of them in support of the lawsuit.
Years back, we had Safeway, Albertsons, QFC and Fred Meyer, Sindelar said. This merger will give us Kroger, Kroger, Kroger, or Kroger.
But the timing of Mondays suit is raising questions about the legal strategy of state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is running for governor.
To me, its just Ferguson rattling his cage for attention, for his base, said Renton, Washington, resident Timothy Lambro, echoing a sentiment expressed by several readers.
The suit may also have raised tensions between Ferguson and the Federal Trade Commission, the nations top merger regulator, which traditionally collaborates with states on big mergers but usually takes the lead on any legal action.
I can understand why the FTC would be irritated, said John Kirkwood, an antitrust expert and former FTC official who teaches law at Seattle University. The FTC has just spent months in a major effort to analyze this merger and so to have one state AG go out first this is not pleasing.
According to news reports last week, the FTC had faced a Wednesday deadline to decide whether to sue, but had agreed with the merging companies to extend the deadline into February even as reports surfaced that Washington state intended to file a lawsuit.
Federal and Washington state officials likely have been coordinating legal strategy around the merger for the past many, many months, said Doug Ross, an antitrust expert at the University of Washington School of Law.
The fact that Ferguson decided to file a lawsuit on (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) a day or two before the FTC was to make up its mind, suggests there was a complete breakdown in coordination between the FTC and the state of Washington, said Ross.
The Attorney Generals Office declined to say whether the suits timing was connected to any FTC actions. Its not unusual for us to decide to file our own case even when there may be other investigations going on, particularly where there are outsized impacts in Washington, Brionna Aho, spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office, said in an email Tuesday.
Our goal is to get in front of a judge and stop this proposed merger from happening, Aho added. As far as timing, we have been working on this case for some time. We file cases when theyre ready.
The FTC also declined to comment on the timing of Washingtons lawsuit because the agency does not publicly discuss internal matters related to ongoing investigations.
But an FTC official said Washingtons lawsuit wont hamper the FTCs investigation of the merger or its decision over whether or when to sue to block the merger. The official requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the press.
Mondays lawsuit and its complicated aftermath are the latest twists in a convoluted storyline that began in October 2022, when Kroger and Albertsons announced the deal, which requires federal and state approval.
From the start, Kroger and Albertsons argued that the merger is necessary: Only by combining will the firms have the scale to compete successfully against Amazon and especially Walmart.
Kroger and Albertsons also promised to preserve grocery competition by collectively selling off 413 locations, including 104 in Washington state, to another grocery company, New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers.
But consumer and labor groups and some academics and many shoppers have continued to insist the merger would put too much of the U.S. grocery market in the hands of a single company.
Those concerns were especially pronounced in Washington, where Kroger and Albertsons have more than 300 locations and account for roughly half of all grocery sales, according to the Attorney Generals Office.
Around two-thirds of those locations are in the Greater Seattle area, where the two retailers often appear to be the others biggest local competitor. In some smaller communities, Kroger and Albertsons are the only major grocery retailers.
Loss of competition is one of Fergusons two main arguments for blocking the merger.
By combining the two largest and, in some areas, the only supermarkets in many communities across Washington, the proposed merger is likely to lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less variety in many local markets throughout Washington, the suit states.
The Attorney Generals Office also contends that the plan to sell off stores is woefully inadequate to restore the competition lost through the proposed merger.
C&S Wholesale Grocers is mainly a wholesaler with only a relatively small retail operation and no locations in Washington. C&S also has little experience operating pharmacies or fueling stations, which are found at many Kroger and Albertsons locations, the suit states.
As evidence, the lawsuit points to an unsuccessful divestiture attempt that followed Albertsons 2015 acquisition of Safeway. In that case, the retailers spun off 146 locations, including 26 in Washington, to Haggen, a small Bellingham-based regional supermarket chain, according to the suit.
Within a year, Haggen had foundered and was forced to close or sell most of the stores many of which were reacquired by Albertsons, according to the lawsuit.
Many readers shared Fergusons concerns about another Haggen-like debacle, or made reference to another troubled corporate acquisition: Rite Aids 2020 acquisition Seattle-based Bartell Drugs, and the subsequent closure of a third of Bartell locations after Rite Aids bankruptcy.
Seattle does not need another Rite-Aid/Bartells boondoggle, said Fritz Kessler, a former Seattle resident currently attending school out-of-state, who responded to the Times callout.
Ferguson isnt the only regulator skeptical of the merger.
Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta spoke of suing over similar concerns, but said a decision hasnt been made and noted that, Right now theres not a lot of reason not to sue, according to a report by Reuters.
FTC Chair Lina Khan has publicly voiced skepticism that selling off locations is an effective way to preserve competition.
During a TV interview last September in Las Vegas, where Khan was attending a listening session for residents about the Kroger-Albertsons merger, the FTC chair noted that when regulators evaluate a merger, they must account for the fact that some efforts to preserve competition in the past have failed.
Enforcers sometimes have allowed mergers to go through and accept those promises and commitments. But historically, its been very difficult to actually enforce them, Khan said during another interview. Once you allow the merger to go through, the competition thats structurally existing in the market has gone.
Both interviews were reported in BoiseDev, a Boise, Idaho-area news site.
Kirkwood, the Seattle University law professor, thinks Khans FTC will want to try to block the whole thing and will argue that the proposed fix, as its called, wouldnt work.
If Khan does intend to try to block the merger at the federal level, Fergusons decision to go early might seem puzzling, legal experts acknowledge especially given that Fergusons team was likely familiar with the FTCs developing strategy and the ongoing negotiations with Kroger and Albertsons.
But Kirkwood and other legal experts say Fergusons early move has some logic to it.
Even if the FTC sues, a court could still approve the merger, especially since in many parts of the country, the companies arent in the same markets, says Kirkwood.
The FTC and the companies could instead agree to an even larger divestiture plan that envisions even more store sales in states, such as Washington, where the two companies have a high overlap.
In that case, Washington may have sued because it didnt like how Washington communities were being treated in any negotiations about a settlement or a remedy.
Negotiations over fixes are very location specific, said Daniel Rubinfeld, a professor of law at New York University School of Law and a former deputy assistant attorney general for antitrust in the U.S. Department of Justice.
Thats the inference I would draw (from Washingtons lawsuit) that the state AG believes theres some specifics about the way this merger would affect residents of Washington that would not be picked up by anything FTC would do.
In fact, although Washingtons lawsuit appears to indicate that the state has no confidence in C&S Wholesale as a retailer, regardless of the number of locations it acquires in the merger, some legal experts think the states tough position could be intended to force more concessions from the merging parties.
The attorney general might be saying, in theory, there is a solution that would be acceptable, but you havent offered it yet, said William Kovacic, an antitrust expert at George Washington University Law School.
The attorney general wouldnt speculate whether there could be a version of a merger that would be lawful, Aho said. The proposal the companies have announced is not lawful, and would be harmful to Washingtonians.
In fact, for any speculation of indignation at the FTC over Washingtons lawsuit, the federal agency might actually view the states move as useful, Kirkwood said.
The FTC can point to the suit by Washington and a possible suit in California and argue that individual states may demand more things and so you, Kroger, would be better off settling with us, Kirkwood says.
I think the impact of (Fergusons) suit will be to create this sense, this notion in the air that this merger is a serious problem. And that will help the FTC.
Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has urged the Law Society of Kenya to petition the courts to drop all charges against Brian Mwenda Njagi, the infamous fake lawyer who had won all of his 26 cases. This call follows the Cabinets approval of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework.
The Cabinet, led by President William Ruto on Monday, approved the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), paving the way for the implementation of a framework designed to acknowledge skills acquired in the informal sector.
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Commending the Cabinets decision, Atwoli said the LSK should petition the courts to dismiss the charges against Mwenda Njagi and proceed to subject him to the various processes outlined in the guidelines on RPL.
The fake lawyer faces six charges related to impersonating a High Court advocate. He allegedly accessed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) portal and manipulated the account details of an individual with an identical name.
The real lawyer, Brian Mwenda Ntwiga, contacted the LSK when he encountered difficulties accessing his account and discovered that certain details had been altered.
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In a statement on Wednesday, Atwoli emphasized that the Cabinets approval of the RPL Framework will guarantee that thousands of youth such as Brian Mwenda, spanning both formal and informal sectors of the economy, attain a formal qualification aligned with their knowledge and skills.
In this regard, COTU (K) calls upon the Law Society of Kenya, in supporting the move by the government to promote RPL, to beseech the courts to drop all charges against Brian Njagi and subject him to the various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL, Atwoli said.
The trade unionist highlighted that despite possessing exceptional abilities gained through practical experience, self-study, and non-formal educational channels, numerous Kenyan youth frequently encounter exclusion from opportunities in the formal sector. This occurs as the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways.
RPL is a proven mechanism for recognizing the diverse learning pathways of our citizens and for harnessing the untapped talents that can drive our nation forward in accordance with the Bottom Up Transformation Agenda (BETA), he said.
Atwoli noted that, as a workers rights body, they have long advocated for the application of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) principle.
The High Court sitting in Malindi has allowed the prosecution to conduct a mental health assessment on Paul Mackenzie and 30 other co-accused followers associated with the Shakahola massacre before proceeding to trial for the alleged murder of the children victims.
A total of 429 bodies, including at least 238 children, have since been exhumed from the expansive Shakahola forest. The victims reportedly perished after being purportedly compelled to observe weeks of fasting, with evidence suggesting that some were strangled to death.
Following a nine-month investigation, the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that Mackenzie and 30 others were accountable for the deaths of victims, predominantly children.
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Mackenzie and the co-accused were brought before the court on Wednesday, with the DPP requesting two weeks to conduct mental assessments before formally charging them with murder.
The defense team, led by Wycliff Makasembo, opposed the application.
Nevertheless, Malindi High Court Judge Lady Justice Thande Mugure granted the prosecution 14 days to detain the suspects for further mental assessments. The proceedings are scheduled to be mentioned on February 6.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has addressed the social media uproar that ensued when a young learner held an umbrella for him during a public event.
On Tuesday, Machogu graced the Muranga Child Bursaries awarding ceremony at Mumbi Stadium. While addressing the audience in Muranga, a young learner approached the CS and held an umbrella for him.
A picture of the incident went viral on social media, sparking criticism from some Kenyans.
One critic, aspiring politician Alinur Mohamed, wrote: Why would Education CS Prof Ezekiel Machogu instruct a child to hold an umbrella for him, and its not raining, and there is no sun? This is wrong.
The CS clarified that the learner volunteered, and he did not request the learner to hold an umbrella for him. CS Machogu said the boy wanted to get close to him, seeking an audience with him for assistance.
I went somewhere and the learner wanted to get the attention of the CS. The learner wanted school fees and uniform and even shoes, he said.
That small guy insisted on standing beside me with an umbrella. He comes from a background that you and I dont.
CS Machogu clarified that the media and Kenyans on social media misunderstood the situation.
The Education Minister added that he engaged in a consultation with the young boy and assisted him based on his request. He further noted that he frequently encounters needy children who wish to be close to him to express their concerns.
Senator Joe Nyutu from Muranga County has suggested that President William Ruto should consider choosing a new running mate for the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Thursday, Nyutu expressed his desire to see the President dumping Rigathi Gachagua and partnering with a more popular figure for the next general elections.
He highlighted Ndindi Nyoro, the Kiharu MP, as a more appealing choice than the current Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, emphasizing Nyoros rising popularity.
We want to ensure that the President faces no difficulties, especially in the Mt. Kenya region. The best strategy would be to select the most popular running mate, ideally through a democratic nomination process, Nyutu commented.
To secure an election victory, its essential to have a strong running mate. The President should avoid choosing an unpopular candidate. From what we see on the ground and the people we talk to, Gachagua might face challenges, and Nyoro seems to be the preferred choice. Nyoros interpersonal skills are impressive, and after all, effective leadership is all about connecting with people, Nyutu added during his interview on Citizen TV.
Several Muranga leaders, including Nyutu, had earlier showed their support for Nyoro as the Deputy Presidential candidate for the 2027 elections on Sunday.
Gatanga MP Edward Muriu stressed the need to recognize Murangas contribution to leadership, advocating for a young leader like Ndindi Nyoro. The women in Muranga also produce leaders. Ndindi Nyoro has the qualifications to assist Ruto and become a leader, Muriu remarked.
This support for Nyoro is widely shared among various leaders, who see him as a strong candidate for the deputy position. In response to the endorsements for Nyoro,
Deputy President Gachagua affirmed that he remains focused on his current responsibilities, urging politicians to stop all this 2032 talk. My commitment is towards assisting the President in the economic advancement of the country. The talk of succession is premature, considering we have a lot of time left in this term, Gachagua said.
The Kenyan government has announced an ambitious plan to mobilize Sh50 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the fiscal year starting July 2024.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to shift away from traditional debt-financed infrastructure projects. According to the draft Budget 2024 Policy Statement, the focus will be on key areas such as power generation and transmission, roads, water, and aviation.
In recent times, Kenya has increasingly relied on PPPs as a means of funding large-scale projects, moving away from the previous approach of relying on commercial loans.
This change in strategy is partly driven by the countrys constrained fiscal space and the need to manage its debt more effectively.
The National Treasury has highlighted that the PPP Directorate is managing a portfolio of 31 projects, with most at the procurement stage, aiming to raise significant funds in the 2024-25 financial year.
The drive towards PPPs is further underscored by the increasing debt obligations facing Kenya.
In the first quarter of the current financial year, debt servicing consumed two-thirds, Sh347 billion, of tax revenues.
This financial burden is largely attributed to maturing semi-concessional and commercial loans obtained for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, power plants, and the modern railway line.
One notable example of a project funded through expensive foreign loans is the Standard Gauge Railway, financed predominantly through Chinese lending.
However, the hefty cost of servicing these debts has become a significant concern for the government.
The recent amendments to the Public Private Partnerships Act of 2013, enacted in 2021, illustrate the governments commitment to enhancing PPP frameworks.
These changes, aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and attracting investors, allow public entities engaged in PPP deals to single-source work, thereby expediting project execution.
Additionally, the governments focus on PPPs is not just about funding infrastructure but also about ensuring the sustainability of these projects.
They aim to develop major infrastructure projects, including expanding the road network, modernizing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and ensuring the availability of water for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use.
This approach underscores the critical role PPPs play in facilitating large-scale infrastructure development in Kenya.
The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) is ready to initiate the construction of the first-of-its-kind factory dedicated to producing, assembling, and repairing assistive devices.
The estimated Sh500 million project aims to alleviate the challenge of accessing crucial tools and position Kenya as a regional powerhouse in supporting special needs education.
Assistive devices and services encompass products or services specifically crafted to enhance greater independence for People With Disabilities(PWDS). These include wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, calipers, surgical boots, and prosthetic arms or legs.
Nairobi Wire understands that the Kenya Institute of Special Education will issue a tender for the construction of the factory later this week.
On Wednesday, KISE director Norman Kiogora said the project will be constructed in Mavoko and is anticipated to be completed by 2025.
Funds Secured
Kiogora mentioned that funds for the construction have already been secured, and the groundbreaking for the project is scheduled to commence later this year.
The factory design has been designed by the Kenya School of TVET under a government-to-government deal and we will be floating the construction tender this week, Kiogoria said as quoted by the Standard.
Kiogora emphasized that producing the devices locally in the factory will significantly reduce their cost.
Majority of the assistive devices cannot be found in the local marketplace like exercise books rulers, pens, wheelchairs, a white cane, a magnifying glass and a hearing aid, he said.
Once operational, the KISE Director expects the factory to position Kenya as a key provider of support for special needs learners in the region.
Other countries in the region will depend on Kenya to source the devices and this will create a regional powerhouse in supporting learners with special needs, Kiogora said.
He mentioned that the factory will also play a crucial role in the repair and maintenance of already existing assistive devices for special needs.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) announced on Wednesday its approval of a significant real estate transaction involving Heri Holdings Limited.
The deal encompasses Heri Holdings acquisition of Nova Academies Tatu City Property Limiteds entire issued share capital for an undisclosed sum.
This acquisition marks a major shift in the ownership of the properties currently leased to and housing Nova Schools in Tatu City.
Nova Academies, initially established in South Africa and entering the Kenyan market in 2015, operates a total of nine facilities in South Africa and seven in Kenya.
In Kenya, these include Nova Pioneer Tatu City International, Nova Pioneer Athi River, Nova Pioneer Tatu City Primary, and several others in Tatu City, Athi River, and Eldoret.
However, the deal with Heri Holdings only involves the Nova Pioneer properties located within Tatu City.
Heri Holdings, with a history dating back to 1974, was founded by a group of prominent individuals, including politicians, businessmen, and civil servants from the Jomo Kenyatta era. Notable founders include Jeremiah Kiereini, former Attorney General Charles Njonjo, and Geoffrey Kariithi.
The company has evolved over the years, focusing on real estate and infrastructure asset investments and management.
According to the CAK, the transaction entails Heri Holdings taking over 100% of the issued share capital and loans of Nova Academies.
However, the deals specifics, notably its monetary value, were not disclosed by the CAK. Despite this, the regulator noted that the combined assets of the involved entities surpass Sh1 billion, necessitating regulatory approval for the transaction.
Given the substantial capital investment required for establishing schools meeting international standards, the value of this deal is presumed to run into billions.
Nova Academies will continue its operations in the Tatu City facilities as a tenant of Heri Holdings following the transactions conclusion.
The transaction encompasses only the school buildings, land, and related infrastructure, with no changes in the schools programs, brand, student body, teachers, or other staff.
This acquisition by Heri Holdings is not the first attempt to buy Nova Academies.
In 2018, South African property developer Summit Real Estate Proprietary Limited proposed acquiring Nova Academies.
Despite receiving clearance from the CAK, Summit Real Estate withdrew from the deal for reasons not publicly disclosed.
Summit Real Estate, which has investments in education and healthcare sectors in South Africa, was exploring expansion into other African markets at the time.
Mountain biking will be allowed soon in Alston Park after the Napa City Council Tuesday unanimously agreed to open dirt trails in its northern section over the objections of some dog owners who said it might be dangerous.
Though an exact timeline has not been set, the council's goal is to have the areas opened by spring as part of a pilot program. City staff will be tasked with evaluating its impacts and potentially recommending permanent changes after the pilot's completion.
Biking is currently only allowed on paved and gravel area.
Councilmember Liz Alessio said this move catches up with how the park is actually used.
We havent caught up with the public use of this park, she said.
Alston Park is a 157-acre open space and environmental preservation park that permits off-leash dogs in its southeast region. Last June, Napa Bike Coalition brought a proposal to change the usage of the park and expand mountain biking privileges as well as use it as a teaching ground for younger riders.
The decision from the council came on the heels of passionate public comment, where members and supporters of the Napa County Bicycle Coalition expressed their support.
Executive Director Kara Vernor said she wants everyone to share the trail.
We dont want to run into anyone; we get hurt too. We hear you; we know that its done safely, data shows its done safely, and this trail wont attract the daredevil type riders anyways, Vernor said.
Although the vast majority of attendees and speakers urged for the expansion, some dog owners and hikers were not enthused. In particular, they said Alston Park is one of the few places where both dogs and their owners can get exercise without worry.
Napa resident Yvonne Baginski said during public comment the change would negatively impact hikers and the landscape.
Walking trails where bikes are allowed have been a disaster for me. I have been braked on, sworn at and covered in mud. Mountain bike yahoos have tried to get around me without braking, she said.
And Sarah Vedder, also a Napa resident, is worried the push is moving too fast and could be a liability.
As someone who primarily uses the space for hiking and off-leash dog walking, it concerns me. You have dogs; you have beginner level kids. There are no barriers that are well-defined, Vedder said.
At the meeting, Parks and Recreation staff members noted concerns about environmental impacts and how they will monitor the program. They also worry the pilot could potentially confuse park users on what the clear rules are.
Still, Alessio said allowing expanded access seems like an easy call.
This is low hanging fruit. This is pretty easy in terms of what we can do to support our youth, Alessio said.
PHOTOS: Napa County celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with community service activities
The Napa Valley Grapegrowers announced Caleb Mosley will become its executive director, effective Feb. 5. Mosley will lead the organization after serving on its board of directors since 2019, the organization said in a news release.
Mosley grew up on a mountaintop vineyard before studying wine and viticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, according to the Grapegrowers.
He then landed back in the Santa Cruz mountains in 2006 as the viticulturist at Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello. At the start of the 2011 vintage, he moved to Araujo Estate in Calistoga to manage the Eisele Vineyard.
From the Eisele Vineyard, Mosley continued to the estate at Quintessa in Rutherford.
In 2016 he was hired as senior viticulturist for Michael Wolf Vineyard Services. He then joined Matthiasson Family Vineyards in 2021.
Mosleys innate ability to lead and collaborate coupled with an insatiable curiosity of all manners related to cultivating vines will serve as invaluable assets to the organization as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, the Grapegrowers said in its statement.
"I have found no greater satisfaction than working with the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and supporting its mission to cultivate viticultural excellence and environmental stewardship, Mosley said.
For more information, visit napagrowers.org.
RIO VISTA After years of secretly snapping up farmland for a new city northeast of San Francisco, the CEO of a company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires pitched voters Wednesday on his vision for a walkable, affordable community that would appeal to their California pride.
Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader spearheading the ambitious city-building effort, offered the first detailed look Wednesday at his proposal to construct least 20,000 homes in rural Solano County, between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.
His plan needs the approval of county voters in November to bypass protections put in place in 1984 to keep agricultural land from being turned into urban space. If approved, it would be built on more than $800 million of rural land Sramek and his company, California Forever, stealthily purchased.
He said the development could be "an amazing success story" in a state in need of a win at a time when leaders of Texas and Florida are routinely beating up California, something he said was unimaginable 50 years ago when all anyone could talk about was the "California Dream."
"California used to be this place of optimism," said Sramek, who was born in the Czech Republic and now lives in Solano County. "And if this project is done right, I do think it's going to change the conversation. It's going to open up a new path for the state and for the region."
The state is in desperate need of more housing, especially homes affordable for teachers, firefighters and other municipal employees that make a community run. Project proponents say Solano County is the ideal place to build, and the location near Travis Air Force Base would appeal to military contractors.
Critics, including a congressman and environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, remain skeptical about the project's aims, especially after Sramek's company spent years secretly buying up land around the base and even suing local farmers who refused to sell. They say more urban sprawl could harm sensitive ecosystems and tax the region's already strained water supply.
"Buying up farmland at low prices and rezoning for housing development has been a quick way to make a buck for decades in California," the Solano Farm Bureau said in a statement released by Solano Together, a coalition that opposes the initiative.
The company's newly revealed 83-page initiative, submitted to county elections Wednesday, next requires a ballot title and summary from the county before the campaign can collect signatures. The campaign needs signatures from roughly 13,000 county voters to place the measure before voters in November.
Sramek's presentation before media and supporters in the tiny city of Rio Vista, which would sit near the new community's eastern edge, outlined his plan for 50,000 residents living in rowhouses and apartment buildings between three and six stories tall within walking distance to jobs, schools, bars, restaurants and grocery stores.
Eventually, the city could grow to 400,000 people, the group says, but only if it can create at least 15,000 jobs that pay above-average wages. The plan calls for an initial $400 million to help Solano County residents and air force base families buy homes in the proposed community, among other investments. The money also could go toward new affordable housing for seniors, veterans and farm workers.
Veteran Democratic consultant Bill Carrick said the group faces a tough challenge winning over local residents at a time of high voter cynicism, hostility between political parties and inevitable doubts about wealthy outsiders coming into the community.
"People are wary of the unknown," Carrick said. The proponents "have to make Solano County voters believe this is better for them than the current status quo. People are suspicious about ballot measures otherwise, more of them would pass."
State Sen. Bill Dodd, the Napa Democrat whose district includes Solano County, was skeptical about the area's ability to absorb large-scale development.
Theyve certainly put plenty of money and time into their proposal but there are still huge, unresolved issues like traffic, and Im not sold, Dodd said in a news release shortly after California Forever's announcement. If the measure qualifies, Solano County voters will get to weigh in on whether they think its a good idea. I hope decisions are based on facts, not slogans, misdirection and massive campaign spending. We shouldnt gloss over very important public policy considerations that will have generational impacts.
It could be a costly ballot fight, given the deep pockets of the project's backers, which include philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and others. It's unclear if the opposition is poised to raise significant cash.
Carrick guessed it could cost at least $10 million, though Sramek declined to state how much he is prepared to spend. He said the campaign is not about money, but about tapping into a genuine desire from local officials and residents to build a sustainable community.
"I'm going to make this happen no matter what," he told reporters after the presentation.
Created in 2017, California Forever purchased more than 78 square miles of farmland in Solano County.
Critics of the project held signs outside the building during the presentation Wednesday. They spoke to reporters about their fears that Solano County does not have the infrastructure to accommodate such growth.
"I do feel that they're marketing to the younger generation, and they're throwing out a bunch of financial incentives to make it look bright and shiny to those people," said Rio Vista resident Roxanne Stiles-Donnelly, who is retired from nursing.
Sramek said he decided to build from scratch because the needs are too great to build within existing cities, construction costs are too high to make affordable housing work and there's not enough land to meet demand for jobs and homes.
Napa Valley Register city editor Howard Yune contributed to this report.
Today in history: Jan. 17 1944: Monte Cassino 1955: USS Nautilus 1961: Dwight D. Eisenhower 1966: Simon & Garfunkel 1994: Northridge Earthquake 1995: Earthquake 2016: Iran Prisoner Release 2017: Chelsea Manning
Chicago Public Schools teachers and student advocates are pleading for federal funding to assist city schools overwhelmed by an influx of migrant students with bilingual education needs.
Migrant students across the CPS system are struggling to learn in classrooms led in English, and many need help meeting basic material needs, such as winter clothing to wear in freezing temperatures, they said.
The city doesnt have the capacity, and the city doesnt have the infrastructure to shoulder this crisis, Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates said at a roundtable event Wednesday to detail the state of public education for migrant children. The school district needs more because the young people need more and these needs will not be met alone by the district or by the city.
Since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in August 2022 began sending migrants north to sanctuary cities as part of his effort to criticize immigration policies, more than 34,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago.
The union argued that federal funding would help schools buy course instruction in multiple languages, provide wraparound services to families and increase the number of bilingual teachers by covering the full cost of an English as a second language endorsement program. The CTU currently covers roughly 50% of endorsement programs for interested teachers. Programs can cost upward of $8,000 in Illinois.
Dont force teachers to pay for a program the school district needs, American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said.
Even schools with bilingual instruction education programs in place are struggling to meet the academic, emotional and physical needs of thousands of migrant children enrolled in the district, they said.
At Cameron Elementary School in Humboldt Park, 126 newcomer students are living in temporary housing situations. As a designated sustainable community school with additional resources compared with other CPS schools, Cameron is able to provide every student with bilingual education in English and Spanish through fifth grade.
Cameron parent Martha Ugsha said the school welcomed her and her son into the community, providing clothing and school materials in the process. But even Cameron only runs dual education classes, meaning students receive instruction in both English and Spanish, up to fifth grade. Ugshas son in sixth grade is still learning English and needs the bilingual instruction to further his learning, she said.
We request support from the federal government so our kids can have support for us to start a new life here, which has been very complicated, said Ugsha, originally from Ecuador, in Spanish through a translator.
CPS has struggled with a shortage of certified bilingual educators, which is now compounded by a shortage of coordinators at the individual school level to aid in wraparound services, said Gabriel Paez, an English learner program teacher at Cameron and chair of the bilingual education board for CTU.
The best thing you can do for a child who is newly arrived is to allow them time with a teacher who speaks their language and is trained in language acquisition, Paez said. We need people working solely on newcomer families and helping them.
In a statement, CPS said the district has poured millions of dollars into increasing staffing and services as a result of new arrivals in the school system.
Students run out after school ends for the day at Cameron Elementary School on Jan. 17, 2024.
We are working with the City, partners from across the State, the Chicago Congressional Delegation, and the United States Department of Education to secure additional funding to support our newcomers, the statement said.
A CPS spokesperson said on Wednesday the district has filled 96% of full-time bilingual teaching positions. In total, the district employs about 3,000 teachers with bilingual endorsements, up from 2,100 in 2017.
The American Federation of Teachers will donate 50,000 multilingual books for children in the school district to aid instruction and learning, Weingarten announced Wednesday.
At Cameron, the school only has one advocate, Viviana Ortiz, to assist with the needs of the 126 students and their families. Younger students tend to need the most emotional support after long journeys that cause lasting trauma, she said. Often they lean on each other.
The students are resilient, they establish their own support systems within the school from what Ive noticed, Ortiz said.
A large portion of the migrants coming to Chicago are fleeing economic and social unrest in their home country of Venezuela.
Many migrant students attending CPS schools live in city-run shelters, and a 60-day shelter limit currently on pause by Mayor Brandon Johnson because of extreme winter weather could mean families who move could face longer commutes to keep their children attending the same school.
CPS is federally required to support the enrollment and education of students who are homeless or in temporary living situations. There were 19,295 students in temporary living situations enrolled at the end of November a 51% increase from last November and more than ever recorded at this time of year, according to data provided by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
aguffey@chicagotribune.com
DIMAPUR: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) in Nagaland vehemently condemned the recent move by the central government to abolish the free movement regime (FMR) and proposed fencing of the India-Myanmar border.
It urged the central government to reconsider its decision and engage in a meaningful dialogue with the Naga community to find a solution that respects our historical rights and aspirations.
The federation also called for a just and inclusive resolution that respects the historical realities and aspirations of the Naga people.
This decision, fraught with historical implications and disregard to the rights of the Naga people, is a regressive step that will exacerbate conflicts in the North-East Frontier Region, the federation said in a statement.
According to it, the proposed fencing of the boundary line, as suggested by the authorities in Delhi, raises serious concerns about the historical context and the impact it will have on the Naga people.
The lands and hills between the Chindwin river and the Saramati mountain range, presently on the Burma side, are an integral part of the Naga heritage. It is crucial for India to acknowledge the historical truth that these territories belong to the Nagas, it said.
The NSF said the duplicity separation line, which persisted for over 80 years, has been a root cause of conflicts and insurgencies in the North-East Frontier Region, adding this cycle of conflict will persist until a just and equitable resolution is achieved.
It said, The Naga people, on both sides of the Saramati mountain range, have suffered the consequences of arbitrary divisions imposed by external forces. The Nagas on the Burma side were forced into conflicts with the Government of Burma, while those on the Indian side were embroiled in struggles with the Government of India.
The federation said the recent decision of the central government to abolish the FMR is deeply troubling.
It added that the FMR has played a crucial role in facilitating interactions between people residing close to the India-Myanmar border.
Abolishing this regime will not only restrict the cultural and social exchange between communities but will also add a layer of tension to an already delicate situation, it said.
Hari Har Jnawali, Wilfrid Laurier University
Indias regional politics are shifting. It is seeking to strengthen ties with South Asian ruling elites, including in Nepal and Sri Lanka, while ignoring ongoing ethnic uprisings in those countries in the hopes of securing its geopolitical interests.
The Indian governments opposition to ethnic rights within its own borders is well-documented. In 2019, for example, Narendra Modis government decided to revoke Jammu and Kashmirs special status as an autonomous region, a move recently upheld by Indias Supreme Court.
Jammu and Kashmir lost their constitution, flag and criminal code, and has been turned into two federally administered territories. India has also failed to manage ethnic conflicts in other territories, including Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Nagaland.
Indian hypocrisy
Ironically, the Indian government backs ethnic movements in other South Asian countries. It supports or has supported the Madheshi movement in Nepal, the Bengali liberation war in Pakistan and Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Because of its domestic record on ethnic rights, however, India lacks any moral authority to support them elsewhere. Instead, its now pursuing a policy of pleasing the ruling elites in its neighbourhood, which it hopes will serve its national aspirations to become a regional powerhouse like China.
So far, that policy has had a limited payoff.
India has been making amends to Nepal since 2015, when it imposed a blockade and obstructed the transportation of petroleum products to Nepal. It wanted to force the Nepalese government to incorporate Madheshi demands in the Nepali constitution.
Nepal refused and, instead, tabled its constitution without addressing Madheshi concerns. It also signed trade and transit agreements with China to minimize Nepals dependence on India.
In response, India quietly withdrew its sanctions, and has since refrained from pressuring Nepalese authorities. The ruling elites and Madheshi leaders were critical of Indias interference.
In short, India paid a high strategic price for the blockade.
Nepalese activists are detained by police outside the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, as they demand an end to a month-long blockade of supplies from India. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)
Past Indian missteps
India has had similar missteps in the past.
It involved itself in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in the early 1980s, irritating both government officials and insurgents. India ultimately stepped aside, and Sri Lanka overcame its ethnic strife with Chinese military and financial assistance.
In 1971, India intervened in the ethnic conflict in Pakistan when Bengali Muslims pursued independent statehood to become modern-day Bangladesh. This support escalated already tense Indian-Pakistani relations.
Bangladeshi girls dance during the Independence Day parade at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in December 2004. (AP Photo/Zia Islam)
Even after Bangladeshs independence, ethnic tensions persisted. Jumma peoples fought against the Bangladesh governments decision to transfer Bengali Muslims to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the contested homeland of Indigenous minorities. India supported their struggle by providing refuge to the displaced Jumma people in its Tripura state.
All of these efforts past and present to support ethnic movements in neighbouring countries have failed to help India achieve major player status in the region. Instead, they resulted in tense relations with ruling governments for years.
Appeasement efforts
Thats why India is in the process of mending ties with the ruling elites in South Asia. Its support for the governments of Sri Lanka and Nepal gives some hints about its future direction.
Sri Lanka has been facing global criticism for failing to prosecute war crimes and human rights violations that occurred during 25 years of ethnic conflict. The United Nations Human Rights Council demanded in 2023 that the government act promptly to address gross human rights violations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe before their meeting in New Delhi, India, in July 2023. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
While India supported previous UN resolutions on this issue in 2012 and 2013, it consecutively abstained from supporting the last two resolutions, indicating a shift in the Indian approach towards Sri Lankas ethnic tensions.
Likewise, India has stayed silent about the Madheshi demands in Nepal since 2015, and Indian parliament has passed resolutions that focus on mending ties with Nepal.
These gestures are part of an Indian policy to prioritize the neighbourhood in its foreign relations. Based on this policy, India can be expected to seek stronger ties with other neighbouring countries too.
Indias gains, minorities losses?
These initiatives may help India minimize Chinas influence in the region, but minorities will lose global backing.
South Asian ethnic movements have not received significant international attention and support.
In the past, most of the support was coming from India. In the absence of Indian backing, ethnic minorities lack substantive global allies, which their governments can capitalize upon to further ignore or oppress them.
Hari Har Jnawali, Instructor, Global Governance, Wilfrid Laurier University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Czech Rep. parliament speaker sends EU flag to Armenia colleague as token of support
Premier on Tavush Province meeting: I also showed here Armenia outline that I showed at press conference
Secretary General Stoltenberg's visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia is historic NATO says
Armenia opposition MP: PM told Tavush Province residents that 4 villages must be handed over to Azerbaijan immediately
Videos of Armenia PM Pashinyan's meetings in Tavush Province to be publicized later, spokesperson says (PHOTOS)
Young man throws stone at Armenia government building window
Armenia premier meets with Kirants village residents of Tavush Province (PHOTOS)
RFE/RL: Putin loses in Armenias Yerevan, wins in Gyumri in Russia presidential election
High-tech minister on removing Russia TV channels from multiplex: Armenia's dignity is at core of decisions
Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia
Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs discuss new logistical opportunities
Armenia 2041 Foundation launches Galvanizing Diaspora program
Kazakhstan FM notes Armenias Crossroads of Peace projects importance for Middle Corridor
Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs sign 2024/25 action plan
Armenia PM is in Tavush Province, meeting with residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, neighboring villages
Archaeologists find inscription of King Antiochus I of Armenian Yervanduni Dynasty, in Turkey
Kazakhstan FM is in Armenia (PHOTOS)
Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians
EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization
7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say
Armenia to submit application for EU membership?
Archaeologists discover where legendary British warship that disappeared in 17th century sank
Large number of Russians came from Georgia to Armenia to vote in presidential election, envoy says
Stoltenberg: NATO hopes to have stable peace between Azerbaijan, Armenia
Belgorod attacked by two rockets during the day: there are dead and injured
Media: Elon Musk's company is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence
Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages
MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians
New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday
India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June
Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other's sovereignty
Iran calls for formation of international coalition against Israel
Biden told Aliyev of US commitment to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia
Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue
Zakharova: There is a historical answer to Armenia's doubts about sincerity of Russia's intentions
Zakharova: Moscow discusses with Armenia dragging Yerevan into anti-Russian course
Zakharova: Armenia's withdrawal from CSTO should be based on real needs of the country, not on "flirting" with West
Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia
Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia
Armenia deputy FM: There has been considerable regress regarding visa facilitation with EU
Deputy FM: As landlocked country, Armenia recognizes vital importance of inclusive connectivity, open borders
FM: Armenia made every effort to prevent de-Armenianization in Karabakh
FM to reporters: You will be the first to know when Armenia intends to apply for EU membership
Ararat Mirzoyan: All Armenia authorities have negotiated on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan
FM: Deepening of Armenia's relations with the West, EU not directed against Russia
Mirzoyan: Unprecedented number of senior French officials visited Armenia in 2023
Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia, Azerbaijan are close to mutual understanding on recognition of 1991 borders
Armenia made very active efforts to have minimal mutually acceptable wording with CSTO partners, FM assures
FM: Georgia ready to contribute to process of establishing peace in South Caucasus
Armenia FM: Events have occurred that have made it impossible to do certain things
Armenia FM: Ultimate goal not materialized yet in relations with Turkey
FM: There are international players interested in Armenia ceasing to exist
Mirzoyan: No agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan to withdraw international lawsuits against each other
Armenia FM reiterates PM's arguments on handover of 4 villages in Tavush Province to Azerbaijan
FM: Armenia still doesnt understand how CSTO partners present their area of responsibility in South Caucasus
Mirzoyan: EU monitoring mission in Armenia has become factor of stability on Azerbaijan border
Dennis Francis: UN hopes for signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty
FM: 23 Armenians still kept in custody in Azerbaijan
Armenia FM: Still not many tangible results on fundamental issues, we are still negotiating with Azerbaijan
European Commission official underscores provision of assistance to people affected by Karabakh conflict
Peter Stano: Armenia can apply for EU membership
MFA: Genocide prevention agenda is among Armenias priorities
Russia holding presidential elections
US intelligence warns of potentially devastating new pandemic
Newspaper: Birth rate in Armenia 19% lower than last year
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to maintain stronger relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan
Georgian Prime Minister to visit Armenia
Premier receives IMF Armenia mission chief
Anne-Laurence Petel-led delegation to arrive in Armenia
FM: Armenia looks into prospects of further deepening partnership with EU
New technologies at the core of rural infrastructure development
Russia is world leader in nuclear technology, Putin says
Vardges Sureniants Salome painting returns to National Gallery of Armenia exhibition
Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia
Sunak: There is historic opportunity to put an end to Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict
Armenia authorities, who paid $6M for Snoop Dogg concert, still dont know when this postponed event will be held
Deputy economy minister: Matter of opening India-Iran-Armenia trade corridor being discussed
Armenia official: Trade with India amounted to $380M in 2023
ICC NCA head: India considers Armenia an important bridge to enter larger markets
Anne-Laurence Petel welcomes resolution on EU-Armenia relations
India ambassador: We are happy that our relations with Armenia are developing in defense sector also
Indians are now 2nd largest community in Armenia after Russians, envoy says
India-Armenia business forum kicks off in Yerevan
Armenia parliament speaker on European Parliament resolution: We thank European partners for this important step
PM: European Parliament resolution is another opportunity to discuss vision of Armenia's future
Azerbaijans next target in Karabakh is Artsakh State University
Russia deputy FM in Turkey, discusses process of normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations
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Newspaper: Armenia to leave CSTO on Putin's reelection day?
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European Parliament resolution demands Azerbaijan troops withdrawal from Armenia territory
European Parliament adopts resolution proposing to consider possibility of Armenia's candidacy for EU membership
Russia MFA spox: We are concerned by Armenia leaderships sometimes offensive rhetoric on CSTO topics
Armenia government plans to have Kapan city airport serve international flights as well
Zakharova on Russian border guards removal from Yerevan airport: Hardly meets Armenia security interests
Armenia defense minister, Austria envoy, military attache discuss enhancing cooperation (PHOTOS)
Armenia official: Those 4 villages in Tavush Province are not in our administrative territorial division
During the discussion of political issues, Ambassador Arman Khachatryan, the Permanent Representative of Armenia to the Council of Europe (CoE), presented to the CoE Committee of Ministers the latest statements of the top political leadership of Azerbaijan, and stressed that these statements can seriously disrupt the process of establishing peace.
Ambassador Khachatryan noted that Azerbaijan's bellicose rhetoric, reneging on agreements reached, and making new demands on Armenia do not contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region.
The Armenian ambassador called on the CoE Committee of Ministers to be consistent and take clear steps to prevent Azerbaijan from further worsening the situation in the region.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khachatryan reflected also on the report on the state of human rights published by the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic, as a result of her visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Nagorno-Karabakh. In this regard, the Armenian ambassador emphasized that the records of Commissioner Mijatovic clearly reveal the baseless claims of Azerbaijan regarding the blocking of the Lachin corridor and the circumstances of the forced displacement of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ambassador Khachatryan concluded his address by reaffirming Armenia's commitment to the process of long-lasting peace in the region based on previously agreed principles.
The embassy of Armenia in France presented details regarding the resolution passed by the French Senate. The respective post on the Facebook page of the embassy states as follows, in particular:
"A little while ago, the Senate of the Republic of France adopted, by a vote of 336 to 1, a resolution supporting Armenia and demanding sanctions against Azerbaijan.
Among other provisions, the resolution of the French Senate:
- Supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia,
- Condemns the military attack carried out by Azerbaijan, with the support of its allies, on September 19 and 20, 2023 in Nagorno-Karabakh,
- Calls on Azerbaijan to guarantee the right of return of the Armenian population to Nagorno-Karabakh by guaranteeing conditions that will ensure their safety and well-being,
- Calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops and their allies from the sovereign territory of Armenia,
- Notes that Armenia has the right to protect its territorial integrity and have the means to ensure its security, including by military means,
- Condemns the arbitrary arrests [by Azerbaijan] of the political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh,
- Calls for the removal of Azerbaijan from the [UNESCO] Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,
- Underscores the creation of an international group of experts at UNESCO and sending them to Nagorno-Karabakh to prepare an informative report on the state of cultural and religious heritage.
- Underscores as well the taking of the most stringent measures, including seizing the assets of Azerbaijani leaders and embargoing the import of [natural] gas and oil from Azerbaijan, to impose sanctions against the military aggression carried out by Azerbaijan."
French Senate Calls For Sanctions Against Azerbaijan in its Resolution
Czech Rep. parliament speaker sends EU flag to Armenia colleague as token of support
Premier on Tavush Province meeting: I also showed here Armenia outline that I showed at press conference
Secretary General Stoltenberg's visit to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia is historic NATO says
Armenia opposition MP: PM told Tavush Province residents that 4 villages must be handed over to Azerbaijan immediately
Videos of Armenia PM Pashinyan's meetings in Tavush Province to be publicized later, spokesperson says (PHOTOS)
Young man throws stone at Armenia government building window
Armenia premier meets with Kirants village residents of Tavush Province (PHOTOS)
RFE/RL: Putin loses in Armenias Yerevan, wins in Gyumri in Russia presidential election
High-tech minister on removing Russia TV channels from multiplex: Armenia's dignity is at core of decisions
Kazakhstan FM considers it necessary to increase trade with Armenia
Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs discuss new logistical opportunities
Armenia 2041 Foundation launches Galvanizing Diaspora program
Kazakhstan FM notes Armenias Crossroads of Peace projects importance for Middle Corridor
Armenia, Kazakhstan FMs sign 2024/25 action plan
Armenia PM is in Tavush Province, meeting with residents of Voskepar, Baghanis, neighboring villages
Archaeologists find inscription of King Antiochus I of Armenian Yervanduni Dynasty, in Turkey
Kazakhstan FM is in Armenia (PHOTOS)
Rolls-Royce Ghost to be retired and replaced by new Alpina sedan
Ardshinbank cardholders can now enjoy a 10% cashback!
Withdrawal from lawsuits against Azerbaijan in international courts will cause irreparable damage to Armenia, Armenians
EU Council to discuss assistance to Armenia, Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization
7,825 Karabakh residents who left Armenia since September 2023 have not returned, new data say
Armenia to submit application for EU membership?
Archaeologists discover where legendary British warship that disappeared in 17th century sank
Large number of Russians came from Georgia to Armenia to vote in presidential election, envoy says
Stoltenberg: NATO hopes to have stable peace between Azerbaijan, Armenia
Belgorod attacked by two rockets during the day: there are dead and injured
Media: Elon Musk's company is building a network of hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence
Shooting in Pennsylvania: at least three dead, gunman took hostages
MEPs appeal to EU leadership to protect cultural heritage of Artsakh Armenians
New talks between Israel and Hamas are scheduled in Qatar on Sunday
India's national elections will be held from 19 April to 1 June
Aliyev: Azerbaijan and Georgia have always supported each other's sovereignty
Iran calls for formation of international coalition against Israel
Biden told Aliyev of US commitment to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan
Stoltenberg will meet in Yerevan with the President and Prime-minister of Armenia
Turkish Foreign Ministry issues anti-Russian statement on Crimea issue
Zakharova: There is a historical answer to Armenia's doubts about sincerity of Russia's intentions
Zakharova: Moscow discusses with Armenia dragging Yerevan into anti-Russian course
Zakharova: Armenia's withdrawal from CSTO should be based on real needs of the country, not on "flirting" with West
Amazon and Microsoft suspend their cloud products in Russia
Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia
Armenia deputy FM: There has been considerable regress regarding visa facilitation with EU
Deputy FM: As landlocked country, Armenia recognizes vital importance of inclusive connectivity, open borders
FM: Armenia made every effort to prevent de-Armenianization in Karabakh
FM to reporters: You will be the first to know when Armenia intends to apply for EU membership
Ararat Mirzoyan: All Armenia authorities have negotiated on territorial concessions to Azerbaijan
FM: Deepening of Armenia's relations with the West, EU not directed against Russia
Mirzoyan: Unprecedented number of senior French officials visited Armenia in 2023
Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia, Azerbaijan are close to mutual understanding on recognition of 1991 borders
Armenia made very active efforts to have minimal mutually acceptable wording with CSTO partners, FM assures
FM: Georgia ready to contribute to process of establishing peace in South Caucasus
Armenia FM: Events have occurred that have made it impossible to do certain things
Armenia FM: Ultimate goal not materialized yet in relations with Turkey
FM: There are international players interested in Armenia ceasing to exist
Mirzoyan: No agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan to withdraw international lawsuits against each other
Armenia FM reiterates PM's arguments on handover of 4 villages in Tavush Province to Azerbaijan
FM: Armenia still doesnt understand how CSTO partners present their area of responsibility in South Caucasus
Mirzoyan: EU monitoring mission in Armenia has become factor of stability on Azerbaijan border
Dennis Francis: UN hopes for signing of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty
FM: 23 Armenians still kept in custody in Azerbaijan
Armenia FM: Still not many tangible results on fundamental issues, we are still negotiating with Azerbaijan
European Commission official underscores provision of assistance to people affected by Karabakh conflict
Peter Stano: Armenia can apply for EU membership
MFA: Genocide prevention agenda is among Armenias priorities
Russia holding presidential elections
US intelligence warns of potentially devastating new pandemic
Newspaper: Birth rate in Armenia 19% lower than last year
Stoltenberg: NATO sought to maintain stronger relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan
Georgian Prime Minister to visit Armenia
Premier receives IMF Armenia mission chief
Anne-Laurence Petel-led delegation to arrive in Armenia
FM: Armenia looks into prospects of further deepening partnership with EU
New technologies at the core of rural infrastructure development
Russia is world leader in nuclear technology, Putin says
Vardges Sureniants Salome painting returns to National Gallery of Armenia exhibition
Dollar drops, euro rises in Armenia
Sunak: There is historic opportunity to put an end to Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict
Armenia authorities, who paid $6M for Snoop Dogg concert, still dont know when this postponed event will be held
Deputy economy minister: Matter of opening India-Iran-Armenia trade corridor being discussed
Lovers of sculpture who prefer clay to other materials have much to celebrate this month in Chicago, with a not-to-be-missed pair of shows at the Smart Museum of Art and the Art Institute, respectively dedicated to Ruth Duckworth and contemporary Japanese women ceramicists.
Those who prefer marble and bronze, and especially those torn between all these substances, need not dismay. Also ongoing at the AIC is an exhibition of clay sculptures made by the 18th century Italian master Antonio Canova as preparatory sketches for his famously lifelike marble figures of Pope Clement XIV, Napoleons mother and a variety of mythological characters. Elsewhere in the museum is a show mixing finished marbles and bronzes, plus plaster and clay preliminaries by the trailblazing Camille Claudel, who at the turn of the 19th century defied gender norms to become one of Frances preeminent sculptors.
The decision to use this material or that was not really a choice for historical European artists like Canova or Claudel. A sculpture of any importance first needed to be sketched in clay and molded in plaster, so it could later be cast in metal or carved from stone. Contemporary artists have often thought otherwise, however, and one of Chicagos most dogged rule-breakers was Ruth Duckworth, subject of an elegantly installed monographic exhibition at the Smart Museum, on view through Feb. 4.
The gist of Ruth Duckworth: Life as a Unity, curated by Laura Steward, is that Duckworth was a sculptor who worked in clay, as opposed to a potter or ceramicist. The distinction matters a lot in traditional debates of art versus craft, but it neednt trouble visitors who have come to look closely at the work of one of Chicagos under-sung masters. In the five decades of work collected here, from organically misshapen mama pots to clean-lined biomorphic figures and ecologically textured murals, Duckworth massively expanded the possibilities of her chosen material, using it to express everything from the state of the body to the state of the planet.
Duckworth was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1919, and she fled to Liverpool, England, as a teenager when, as the daughter of a Jewish father, Nazi law forbade her from studying art. After years of trying out different art schools in England, often feeling confined by traditionalism, she traveled with a puppet theater, volunteered in a munitions factory and carved tombstones before gaining enough renown to be offered a job teaching ceramics at the University of Chicago. The year was 1964. She accepted the position mostly because of a desire to visit the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, and then she stayed, living and working in a converted pickle factory in Lakeview until her death at the age of 90.
Duckworth arrived at the University of Chicago at a propitious moment, when the departments of geology and meteorology were being unified due to scientific advances. Her first big commission, to design lobby art for a new brutalist geophysics building, can still be visited today. Earth, Water, Sky, a completely immersive environment located a short walk from the Smart, feels like being simultaneously inside and outside the planets crust. Looking for inspiration, Duckworth wandered the faculty labs, and was especially drawn to the cloud and tornado photography of Professor Ted Fujita. The formal motifs she derived from his research reappear in many of the landscape reliefs on view here (and in an enormous 1976 mural, Clouds Over Lake Michigan, recently installed in nearby Regenstein Library), looking as much like fins and fungus as the anvil clouds and suction vortexes on which they were based. Hers was an interest in the world guided, as well, by the environmental and nuclear fears of the day, as the Smart explores in a tidy display of archival news clippings, leaflets and other ephemera.
A few of the nearly 50 sculptures on view in Ruth Duckworth: Life as a Unity, up through early February at the Smart Museum of Art in Chicago.
Duckworths aerial views of land and its atmosphere rocky, mysterious, layered and soil-toned can appear less like they are picturing the Earth than that they are of the Earth. Which of course, being made of clay, they are. Her so-called mama pots the artist referred to them as such but the vessels themselves are untitled feel similarly grown from the ground, imperfectly built up of thick stoneware slabs, tight coils and rough ridges.
Duckworths porcelain sculptures are another thing entirely. She made all sorts, mostly building them by hand then sanding them down until they were gleamingly delicate. Some of these take on charming humanoid and birdlike shapes reminiscent of Constantin Brancu?i and Henry Moore, two of her early influences. A number of bulbous reliefs recall the bodily sculptures of Louise Bourgeois and the unsettling voids of Lee Bontecou. And then there are her cups and blades, delightful sets of small bowls sliced by impossibly thin wedges of porcelain, made separately and put together later, when Duckworth would play through any number of combinations before settling on the right one.
If Duckworths reputation lagged on account of tiresome American arguments about craft versus art, the problem has been otherwise in Japan, a country with one of the worlds longest traditions of ceramic manufacture. Its finest practitioners are officially designated Living National Treasures and to this day, not one is a woman.
Fukuromono (Bag Work), a stoneware sculpture by Tanaka Yu, is on display in Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan at the Art Institute of Chicago.
And yet, as is magnificently shown in Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan at the Art Institute, many of the countrys most extraordinary ceramic artists are female. Examples by 36 individuals, from groundbreaking senior figures to emerging stars, positively flabbergast. This is work that must be seen to be believed and, even then, it can be hard to fathom the mind-numbing detail of Ikake Sayuris blue-green breath, with its hundreds of thousands of tiny spikes folded in on themselves, or Hattori Makikos pale coil, sheathed in even more delicate frills. Uncanny verisimilitude of both nature and culture abound: Futamura Yoshimi uses novel techniques to produce what looks like an enormous burl of old wood, Tanaka Yu somehow fashions clay into bright yellow fabric, tied in a knot, and Mishima Kimiyo exhibits a sheet of crumpled newsprint made of glazed and silk-screened porcelain. Some works, including Kawaura Sakis bloody, amorphous organ, are terrifically grotesque, while others push the boundaries of taste, overdecorating for parodical effect, as in a gold-edged dinner plate by Oishi Sayaka, piled high with a face, lizard, fish, coral, knife, hand, ear, butterfly, jewels, shells and more. Delicious.
Ruth Duckworth: Life as a Unity runs through Feb. 4 at the Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., 773-702-0200 and smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan runs through June 3 at the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600 and artic.edu
Lori Waxman is a freelance critic.
At its Cabinet meeting Thursday, the Armenian government decided to accept shares of the Amulsar gold mine as a donation.
Deputy Minister of Economy Ani Ispiryan presented this draft decision. She noted that on February 22, 2023, a memorandum was signed between the Armenian government, the Eurasian Development Bank, and the Lydian Armenia company. The memorandum is intended to consider the possibility of continuing the preparatory, construction, and future operation of the Amulsar gold mine project.
For the effective implementation of this project, Lydian company has committed to provide at least $250 million of investments. During the construction of this project, Lydian committed to provide the Armenian communities affected by the environmental fee, in addition to the installments for the implementation of the environmental projects, as well as annual financial support in the amount of 7 million drams for each 12-month period.
Within the framework of the aforesaid memorandum, the Lydian company has committed to donate 12.5 percent of its authorized capital shares to the Armenian government.
In accordance with today's decision, it is proposed to accept the aforesaid donation, according to which the Armenian government will get 12.5 percent of the ordinary shares, with a nominal value of 5,000 drams, issued by Lydian; that is, it will accept 12,503 shares.
"At the same time, it is planned to entrust the authority of stock management to the Ministry of Economy [of Armenia], and the last contract will be signed with the company," added the deputy minister of economy.
In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted: "We considered the continuation of the project possible, and it is also very welcome that the investors themselves, perhaps following an example, have wanted the [Armenian] government to participate, have a share in that project. 12.5 percent of the shares shall pass to the Armenian government; that is, to the people [of Armenia].
"In addition, 7 million [US] dollars will be paid to the affected communities every year, it will be entered into the budget of these communities. In this case, the affected communities are Jermuk [city], Sisian enlarged community, and Vayk community."
During the meeting with the President of Armenia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran emphasized the importance of preserving historical communication channels and the inadmissibility of geopolitical changes in the ongoing developments in the Caucasus.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had a meeting and discussion with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Iranian embassy in Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Armenia, as well as his meetings and discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, the Iranian FM stressed that Armenia has an important and special place in Iran's policy with neighboring countries.
Noting the close relations between the two peoples, Amir-Abdollahian said: "Our assessment is that the relations between the two countries are progressing, and the strengthening of these relations ensures the interests of both peoples."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran considered it important to maintain stability and security in the Caucasus, and emphasized: "We [i.e. Iran] have always supported the peace talks between Baku and Yerevan, and we believe that we need to achieve stability in the region through regional solutions."
He especially stressed the importance of preserving historical communication channels and the inadmissibility of geopolitical changes in the ongoing developments in the Caucasus.
Amir-Abdollahian, referring to the "good neighbor" title given to Armenia by the supreme leader of the Iranian revolution, noted: "We [i.e. Iran] do not have any restrictions on the development of relations with Armenia."
In turn, the President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, expressed his satisfaction with the friendly and constructive relations between the two countries, and emphasized the historical ties of the two peoples and their impact on and positive role in the expansion of friendly relations and bilateral cooperation. He especially noted: "This friendship should be passed on to future generations of both countries."
Also, the Armenian President called for strengthening the cooperation between the private sectors and companies of the two countries. In addition, he considered it important to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in transportation and transit.
Furthermore, Vahagn Khachaturyan lauded Iran's support for the process of establishing peace and stability in the Caucasus.
In recent days, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have really addressed the topic of establishing a connection between the main part of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan in their public comments; Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan has said somewhere that Armenia is categorically against the Zangezur corridor. There was never any mention of the Zangezur corridor within the framework of the agreement reached between the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated this at a press conference Thursday.
According to him, in the trilateral statement which was signed on November 9, 2020 and which stopped the war in 2020, it is said that all economic and transport links, etc. will be unblocked, that Armenia guarantees the safety of transport communication between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevanin both directions. And the monitoring of this transport communication is carried out by the agencies of the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia.
"Here is the entire quote from the document that was signed in tripartite format on November 9, 2020. And what Mr. Pashinyan said, that he wants similar conditions for transit through Armenia, which will be used in the case of transit from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan through Iran... I did not see any logic here; to be honest, it is hardly appropriate to compare these routes.
"Within the framework of the tripartite working group, which was created at the level of the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan in 2021, it was agreed that in case of unblocking of all connections and routes, the countries through whose territory any unblocked route will pass will fully maintain their sovereignty and jurisdiction over these routes in their territory. .
"In June 2023, at the level of the deputy prime ministers, they agreed to restore such communication; initially, the railway. It was agreed, discussed with [Russian] President Putin in Yerevan, when he visited there, separately with Pashinyan, within the framework of the CSTO summit. I remember very well that it was received quite positively, but then everything went somewhere.
"Of course, we know that such retreats from the agreements reached are not rare, and I don't know what prevented these agreements from being finalized on paper, about the principles of opening the movement between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan. We only know very well that the good advice of Western friends always exists in the South Caucasus, and that advice is sometimes perceived by one or another participant in the process.
"But the fact that the advice of the West is always aimed at not finding agreements between the countries of the region, based on the balance of their interests, but are aimed at promoting their geopolitical tasks; that is also known to us. And I am convinced that there is no alternative to restoring such communication, its parameters are defined in the tripartite agreement. The route passes through the sovereign territory of Armenia, under the supervision of the Border Guard Service of the FSB of the Russian Federation. The border guard and customs control procedures when entering Armenia and Azerbaijan and exiting the Azerbaijani Nakhichevan from Armenia have been agreed upon here as well," said the Russian FM.
We have told the Armenian side that if the EU mission is closer to you, why not invite the CSTO mission at the same time? The response in the sense was that the CSTO disappointed Armenia because it did not condemn Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference Thursday.
"But if we go to the beginning of the history of that conflict, then at every turn on each side, both Armenian and Azerbaijani, so many actions will be accumulated, which obviously did not contribute to progress that we can go far, or we look for culprits and refuse the opportunity available today to really get support in strengthening the borders, or in that case we work with Western partners. As it seems to me, they have already publicly announced in Armenia that both the CSTO and Russia have disappointed. But did the West not disappoint? Well, it is the choice of the Armenian leadership.
"We have such an opinion in the society, in this regard they express themselves freely, the Armenian government has even declared a number of Russian citizens persona non grata for some expressions that, of course, there is a rather unusual development of events in the relations between the allies. We are in contact and always open for dialogue," the Russian FM said.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan himself closed the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference Thursday.
The Russian FM noted that after the signing of the tripartite statements and the start of their implementation, the EU and the US began to actively intervene in the process.
"[Russian President] Putin, not [French President] Macron, played an important role in achieving a tripartite agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. After those agreements began to come into effect, mechanisms for unblocking [regional] routes and border delimitation were created, then the Europeans and Americans began to be actively engaged in this process," said Lavrov.
According to him, in November 2020 and subsequent documents, the territory of Karabakh was described as the zone of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, and there was an understanding between the leaders of the three countries that negotiations were underway on the topic of status, and that they still need to continue in order to agree on this matter once and for all.
"Imagine our surprise when in the fall of 2022, Macron held a conference of the European Political Community in Prague... and at the meeting they approved a document stating that Azerbaijan and Armenia recognize each other's territorial integrity in accordance with the Almaty declaration. This meant the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh as an autonomous region within the Azerbaijan SSR. We [i.e. Russia] did not know that such a statement was being prepared. And when it was made, we made our conclusion that we reported in Baku that the issue of the status of Karabakh was closed; it was closed by the prime minister of Armenia himself," said the Russian FM.
Armenia does not want the Russian border guards deployment on the Syunik Province road from Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a press conference Thursday.
"I believe we should not be shy about the importance of evaluating the tripartite statements signed in 2020-2022. It is very sad that such a practical thing, beneficial for Armenia, as the opening of the route through Syunik Province, still remains on paper," said Lavrov.
According to him, the reason lies in Armenia's position. As per the head of the Russian foreign ministry, someone is giving advice to Yerevan in this matter.
"We saw that as soon as the European Union, France, Germany, and the United States realized that the Russian-Armenian-Azerbaijani process was yielding results in terms of unblocking [regional] routes, delimiting borders, and preparing a peace treaty, they immediately began to infiltrate these processes without invitation and act as a spoiler," said Lavrov.
Conde Nast is merging Pitchfork, the digital music publication it bought in 2015, with mens magazine GQ a move that will result in layoffs at Pitchfork, including the exit of editor-in-chief Puja Patel.
Anna Wintour, Conde Nasts chief content officer and global editorial director of Vogue, announced the changes in a memo to company staff Wednesday. Pitchfork was founded in 1996 by indie-music fan Ryan Schreiber.
Today we are evolving our Pitchfork team structure by bringing the team into the GQ organization. This decision was made after a careful evaluation of Pitchforks performance and what we believe is the best path forward for the brand so that our coverage of music can continue to thrive within the company, Wintour wrote in the memo.
According to Wintour, Both Pitchfork and GQ have unique and valuable ways that they approach music journalism, and we are excited for the new possibilities together. She added with the organizational changes, some of our Pitchfork colleagues will be leaving the company today.
A rep for Conde Nast did not have information on how many Pitchfork staffers are being let go. Wintours memo about the Pitchfork changes was first reported by Semafors Max Tani.
Wintour in her memo thanked Patel, formerly editor-in-chief of Spin, for her leadership of the title over the last five years. She has been a wonderful colleague and advocate for the brand, and Im grateful for her and the teams many contributions.
Pitchfork staffers who were laid off included features editor Jill Mapes, who posted on X/Twitter about getting pink-slipped.
The companys changes with Pitchfork come after Conde Nast CEO Roger Lynch said last November that the company planned to lay off upwards of 300 employees, representing 5% of total headcount, and take other steps to cut costs.
Pitchfork staff members will hear more about their reporting structure in meetings this week, according to Wintours memo.
Georgia has very close relations and partnership relations with neighboring countries Azerbaijan and Armenia, they are brothers and friends. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated this in a discussion held within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, reports the First Channel television of Georgia.
According to him, the position of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan is that they want to have relations at the bilateral level, which, according to Garibashvili, is the right way.
"Two years ago, I tried to carry out mediation. We had a successful first mediation, when Azerbaijan released 15 [Armenian] captives, and Armenia handed over maps of mined areas to Azerbaijan. It was a successful experiment. But this is a very difficult situation. We realize that there are many players in this region. I should add that I know the position of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, that they want to have relations with each other on a bilateral level. Personally, I think that it is the right way, as with the presence of so many mediators, so many interested parties, the process sometimes becomes more conflictual and counterproductive. Accordingly, I wish them success. I really hope that they will find a solution in the near future and sign a peace treaty," said the Georgian PM.
Emory University has named Ashley L. Brown as inaugural associate dean of students, effective Feb. 1. Brown brings a decade of experience in social justice education and student engagement to this role. She will report to Kristina Bethea Odejimi, associate vice president for belonging, engagement and community and dean of students.
As associate dean of students, Brown will guide the strategic direction of Belonging and Community Justice (BCJ), which encompasses Emorys six student identity spaces: Asian Student Center; Centro Latinx; Emory Black Student Union; Emory First (which includes 1915 Scholars and Emory QuestBridge); Center for Women; and Office of LGBT Life.
Brown will lead development of the vision for the identity spaces, creating opportunities to engage students around belonging and community concepts. She will also work closely with the dean of students to collectively assess and enrich the student experience in ways that empower all students to flourish, promoting their persistence to graduation and cementing lifelong connections to the Emory community.
Ashley is a great fit for the position and an outstanding addition to Campus Lifes team, says Odejimi. She brings a profound understanding of, and sensitivity to, the complexities that our undergraduate, graduate and professional students encounter in their daily lives. Just as important, Ashley has a deep knowledge of best practices for delivering the exceptional support that helps ensure that Emory students flourish.
I am thrilled and honored to join the Emory community in this inaugural role, says Brown. As a restorative practitioner, Im deeply committed to co-creating a vibrant, polycultural community of students who are empowered to be their full, authentic selves while remaining grounded in values of cultural humility and fostering socially just practices. The fact I get to be a part of something new and groundbreaking at Emory is incredibly exciting.
Strong background in social justice and student engagement
Most recently, Brown served with Vanderbilt University as senior director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and led the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI). In these roles, she provided counsel on EDI-related matters to the associate dean for EDI and the vice provost for student affairs/dean of students. She also supported strategic planning and implementation of initiatives focused on the needs of students, faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and the local Nashville community.
Brown created the award-winning IgniteVU program, a diversity, equity and inclusion education initiative that improved Greek-affiliated students intercultural awareness, competence and skills by 83%. The program boosted student engagement in SCSJI training by 79%. Brown also fostered new strategic partnerships with several Vanderbilt graduate schools, which committed to regular SCSJI workshops for all students in their respective schools.
Before joining Vanderbilt, Brown was assistant director in housing for Georgia State University (GSU), where she led a cross-functional team that designed and implemented Ubuntu, an inclusion program for all full-time housing staff. Brown also pioneered the first GSU housing study-abroad trip for a group of students and staff to Luxembourg to present at an international conference, publish scholarship and conduct research.
Brown holds an EdD in student affairs leadership from the University of Georgia, masters in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University and bachelors in public administration from Texas State University. The recipient of multiple professional awards, she has held leadership roles in the student affairs professional associations including NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) and ACPA (American College Personnel Association).
When she is not working, Brown enjoys hiking to explore waterfalls, attending concerts, traveling and binge watching TV and movies with her dog Lucy.
Singapore minister resigns over 27 graft charges
S Iswaran has denied the charges. File photo: AFP
SIU Carbondale to help local students apply for financial aid
by Kim Rendfeld
CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is assisting high school and college students in the Southern Illinois region with navigating changes in the new Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and completing the form.
Today and Friday (Jan.18-19), professionals from SIU Carbondales Financial Aid Office will assist students from 3-5 p.m. in Morris Library, Room 139 computer lab. The sessions are open to all students, regardless of where they go to school.
At SIU, we are committed to removing barriers, including financial obstacles, said Elyse Weller, director of the Financial Aid Office. We are holding these sessions to ensure students receive the aid due to them. The sessions fit well with our strategic plan, Imagine 2030, and its pillar of student success.
Students need to bring:
FSA ID.
Federal income tax returns, W2s and other records of money earned in 2022.
Social Security number and, for dependent students, parents Social Security number.
Asset information.
List of any federal benefits received.
Amount of any child support received.
SIU Carbondale professionals will also participate in FAFSA workshops for students at local high schools, including Carbondale Community High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 30 and Feb. 27 and from 5:30-7 p.m. Feb. 1 and Feb. 22, and Murphysboro High School from 8:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 27. SIU Carbondale professionals have also provided assistance during regional FAFSA nights at Carbondale, Carterville, Vienna, Du Quoin and Anna.
The new FAFSA application opened Dec. 31. Email fao@siu.edu for more information.
Climate change is here, and so are its impacts on our communities. Globally, coastal hazards produce increasing costs, often to the most vulnerable populations. Thats why UC Santa Cruzs Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR) and the University of California Disaster Resilience Network (UCDRN) are partnering with EY on its 2024 Open Science Data Challenge, focused on coastal resilience. CCCR will be hosting an event on campus on Jan. 25 for interested undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to learn more about this significant opportunity.
The EY challenge allows early-career professionals and university students to use data, artificial intelligence, and technology to help build a sustainable future for society and the planet. This year, EY and UCSC are co-designing the challenge on coastal resilience. Participants will use high-resolution satellite datasets and machine learning to build predictive models to help vulnerable communities adapt to evolving conditions and recover from extreme climate events.
The center is excited to partner with EY in engaging UC students and researchers in their exploration of solutions that can address the climate challenges currently impacting nature and people, said Mike Beck, director of the Center for Coastal Climate Resilience.
A kickoff event with leading coastal resilience experts from the Office of Research, CCCR, and EY will be held on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Alumni Room at the University Center on the UC Santa Cruz campus. The event will include a Q&A session. Students from throughout the UC system can also attend online and ask their questions about the challenge on Vimeo.
Borja Reguero, an associate professor on coastal risks with the Coastal Science and Policy Program at UCSC is co-designing the challenge with EY and will be evaluating the participant submissions.
The University of California produces some of the brightest minds in the country, and I look forward to seeing their creativity shine in this data challenge, said Reguero. Leveraging the increasing power of remote sensing has great potential to help vulnerable coastal communities who bear the largest burden of extreme weather events.
Throughout the challenge, UCSC and UCDRN, will tap the UC systems expertise in disaster resilience response and conduct scientific evaluations of participant submissions. UCDRN works with the 10 UC campuses to inform action that considers all facets of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, including the health, safety, socioeconomics, equity, and environmental sustainability of communities.
Registration for the 2024 challenge is now open; the challenge begins on Feb. 1. The best ideas are eligible for cash prizes up to $10,000 and attendance at a July 2024 celebration at the 2024 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium in Athens, Greece.
To learn more, visit challenge.ey.com/2024.
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 18: ThoughtFocus, Inc. ("ThoughtFocus" or the "Company"), a global provider of digital services and technology-enabled digital operations focused primarily on the financial services market, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santhosh Ananthakrishnan as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO). Santhosh will be responsible for defining the agenda and growth strategies, aligning the firm's capabilities with market needs, leading revenue-generating functions, and providing executive sponsorship to key customer relationships. Additionally, he will oversee strategic change initiatives and work towards creating long-term value for all stakeholders. "I am very impressed with the rich portfolio of long-term customer relationships that the firm has built," said Santhosh. "The culture of excellence built by the founders and their aspiration to leave a legacy resonates very well with me. All of this is getting a major boost with the latest round of growth investment from H.I.G. Capital. I am looking forward to working with Shylesh and the board to accelerate the firm's growth." In his new role, Santhosh will directly report to the Chief Executive Officer, Shylesh Krishnan. "We are delighted to welcome Santhosh to our team as we embark on our growth journey together. Given his exceptional track record in crafting digital business solutions that drive transformation, coupled with his deep expertise in strategic business growth, Santhosh is ideally poised to spearhead and expedite the growth trajectory at ThoughtFocus," said Shylesh Krishnan, CEO, ThoughtFocus. Santhosh has over 25 years of experience in catalyzing substantial growth through comprehensive business technology innovation. Prior to ThoughtFocus, he successfully led the global mortgage business at Tata Consultancy Services. Before that, Santhosh held various leadership roles at Freddie Mac, where he contributed significantly to technology, product development, and strategy formulation. Renowned as an award-winning speaker and consultant, he is widely acknowledged for his insights into business model innovation. "Santhosh comes to ThoughtFocus with expertise in scaling businesses and leading high-performance teams. His extensive background in consultative sales and digital transformation aligns seamlessly with the growth trajectory we envision for ThoughtFocus," added Kevin Van Culin, Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital. About ThoughtFocus ThoughtFocus helps forward-looking companies and organizations in the financial services, manufacturing, and higher education/public services sectors innovate and achieve a better future faster. ThoughtFocus' innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions enable its customers to deploy new capabilities faster, deliver better user experiences, and drive operating efficiencies. We do this through executional excellence and mitigating the risk of change. With headquarters in the U.S., the company has more than 2,100 employees in locations spread across five countries. For more information, please visit the company website, www.thoughtfocus.com Contact Abhishree KaulMarketing Managerabhishree.kaul@thoughtfocus.com ThoughtFocusTower D, 4th Floor, Subramanya Arcade, Bannerghatta Road,Bengaluru, Karnataka 560029080-67203000 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320269/Santhosh_Ananthakrishnan_ThoughtFocus.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320270/ThoughtFocus_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
ATK Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 18: Encore-Alcom, a city-based company which is into the manufacturing of aluminum doors and windows, has on Wednesday announced that it is setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit with an investment of Rs 60 crore at Surat in Gujarat. Spreading over 1.8 lakh square feet, the new plant, which will be the country's first manufacturing unit with an auto robotic facility for aluminum doors and windows, will have a manufacturing capacity of 30,000 square feet per day using German technology. "Our new plant will also be the largest such facility in the country in terms of area. It will be ready by March this year. The new plant will create employment opportunities for 180 people," said Siva Koti Reddy, Founder & Chairman and Managing Director, Encore-Alcom. Architectural products : Siva Koti Reddy further said: "We manufacture architectural products as per the customers' requirements. We already have a 60,000 sq. ft. plant in Surat with a manufacturing capacity of 10,000 sq. ft. per day. Our products are far better compared to our competitors. We currently have 60 companies as clients". Jayanthi Bhai Manubhai, Director, Alcom, said the company will display innovative technologies and products at ACETECH Trade Fair which will be held at Hitex in Hyderabad from January 19. New Fabrication Unit in Hyderabad : The company is setting up a 27,000-square-feet fabrication unit at Mokila near Hyderabad. This unit, which will generate jobs for 180 people, is also scheduled to start operations by March this year. The company is also establishing a 10,000-square- feet experience centre at this unit. According to Siva Koti Reddy, the company is operating under Encore brand in South India and Alcom brand in the North. Encore is already spreaded it's wings into wood doors. "Alcom started manufacturing aluminum doors and windows eight years ago in Surat. There are 450 employees in that plant. This apart, 300 people are working in our Patancheru plant near Hyderabad. Once the new plant in Surat becomes operational, we will introduce Encore brand aluminum doors and windows in South India," Reddy explained. Stall at ACETECH... ACETECH Trade Fair will be held at Hitex, Hyderabad for three days from January 19. The company will display an 18-feet tall window weighing 1.8 tonnes at the trade fair. Innovative products being manufactured by the company will also be on display. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
A police detective in London is asked by her boss to listen to a tape of an emergency call concerning an allegation of domestic violence. Its more a formality than anything; the caller refused to give her name or any other identifying details. But she does let slip one bit of information that catches the detectives attention: Her abusive boyfriend told her he killed his previous girlfriend years ago and now another man is serving a prison sentence for the crime. Then she screams and the line goes dead.
That call will be the undoing of several cops in the Apple TV+ police procedural Criminal Record. Cush Jumbo stars as June Lenker, a detective who thinks the allegations are worth investigating, opposite Peter Capaldi as the older, more senior detective named Daniel Hegarty, who initially worked the case and now uses every trick in the book to undermine Junes questions. Is it possible there was a wrongful conviction? I dont want to embarrass you, Daniel says patronizingly, but some caller out of the blue, doesnt give a name, he said/she said frankly at this point, its starting to sound like a prank. Behind her back, he and his cronies dismiss her as an ambitious token hire with an ax to grind.
Peter Capaldi stars in Criminal Record.
Most organizations, be they public or private, are designed to discourage people from asking too many questions that challenge the status quo especially if its a Black woman doing the asking. Systems exist to be preserved, no matter how amoral or dysfunctional.
This is what June is up against. Some of the corruption is driven by pressure from higher-ups to quickly close a case. Some of it is driven by sour, exceedingly stubborn bigotry. Similar issues were at the forefront of Steve McQueens Red, White and Blue, one of the films in his 2020 Small Axe compilation, starring John Boyega as a cop who is quickly disabused of any ideas that change from within is possible. But most British cop shows present a more idealized version of events of a diverse police force where racism isnt much of a factor in the workplace. The long-running crime series Vera comes to mind, not only because Jumbo co-starred on it for a couple of seasons, but because Criminal Records creators Paul Rutman and Elaine Collins (who is married to Capaldi) are Vera alum as well. Theyre taking a different approach here, which makes the show stand out.
U.S. audiences might better recognize Jumbo from The Good Fight. Capaldi is best known for Doctor Who and The Thick of It, and together they are a riveting pair. Theres not enough story here, or suspense frankly, to justify the eight-episode length like so many other streaming shows, it would have worked better as a movie but Jumbo and Capaldis performances are reason enough to watch. Her face is open, revealing her racing thoughts within. His face is closed off to better hide his secrets, but not his disdain.
June and Daniel are wary and distrustful of one another, forever on edge and trying to figure out how to undermine their opponent. She has righteousness on her side, but little institutional support. His colleagues give him the benefit of the doubt, while his cadre of equally dirty underlings do everything possible to muddy the waters of Junes investigation. But the pair have certain things in common, including personal lives that bleed into their work lives. Both are worried about their children her preteen son is racially profiled by one of Daniels henchmen to better scare her off; meanwhile he has his hands full as the single father to a drug addicted daughter who sees through his steely bluster.
The resolution, when it finally comes, is unsatisfying. After eight episodes, the thinness of the shows ambitions are revealed. Thats probably closer to real life than most of us would hope. Even when the outcome tips in favor of justice, the Daniels of the world remain firmly entrenched.
Criminal Record 2 stars (out of 4)
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Cush Jumbo stars in Criminal Record.
Nina Metz is a Tribune critic.
nmetz@chicagotribune.com
SRV Media New Delhi [India], January 18: Gujarat Logistics, the leading Fleet freight operators at Gujarat's major seaports including Mundra port and Kandla port has been conferred with the prestigious recognition as the "Logistics Company of the Year" at the 11th ET Now Leaders of Tomorrow Awards 2023. The award was presented at a grand ceremony at the Taj Palace Hotel, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on January 12, 2023. Partners Deepak Thacker and Rajesh Madhvi had the honour of receiving the award from the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of Textiles, Government of India, and Leader of House Rajya Sabha, Piyush Goyal. Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Thacker, Founders of Gujarat Logistics said, "It is a proud moment for us being named as National winner at Prestigious Leaders of Tomorrow Awards which reaffirms our commitment to providing the best service to our customers. It is dedicated to our employees whose efforts and hard work make this possible." Piyush Goyal, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry, delivered a keynote address on 'Innovation as a Catalyst for Growth' at the event, where he also felicitated the award winners. He expressed that the global community is eager to invest, innovate, and establish industries in India. In his speech, which followed the award distribution at the 11th Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, Goyal cited an example where a single fund house in the U.S. showed interest in investing $50 billion in India over a period of ten years. The event saw an esteemed assembly of guests and speakers, including V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO of IDFC First Bank, Sanjiv Bikhchandani, CEO of Info Edge, D. Shivakumar, Ex CEO of PepsiCo, Ravi Saxena, CEO of Wonder chef, and many prominent industry leaders. Esteemed jury members, such as Harsh Mariwala of Marico Ltd, Niranjan Hiranandani from the Hiranandani Group, and Arundhati Bhattacharya of Salesforce India, played a crucial role in the rigorous selection process. This process, audited by EY (Ernst & Young), evaluated nominees on various parameters like business model, risk management, impact and reach, and technological innovation. This year's theme, "Innovate to Elevate," highlights the importance of innovation in reshaping the country's commercial landscape. Gujarat Logistics, through this award, reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional logistics services and continuing to innovate and excel in the industry. The Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, in its 11th edition, plays a vital role in recognizing the contributions of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India's economic growth. Gujarat Logistics, having fleet of over 330 BSES compliant heavy goods vehicles, operating from major seaports including Mundra port and Kandla port, leading provider in the EXIM trucking and logistics solutions, GL has been setting benchmarks in service excellence and innovation, driving significant growth in the Indian logistics landscape. For further information, please visit - www.gujaratlogistics.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Thursday held the CII-AB InBev session on Public Private Partnership for Livelihood and Sustainable Ecosystem. Anheuser-Busch InBev, commonly known as AB InBev, is a Belgian multinational brewing company and is the largest brewer in the world. AB InBev has joined governments and policymakers to drive sustainable impact in support of the SDGs. The UN General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015 through a resolution known as the 2030 Agenda. The 17 SDGs and their 169 defined targets address various issues, including poverty and hunger, sanitation and clean water, energy, employment, economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, inequalities, climate change, terrestrial and aquatic life, the role of governments, and cooperation between institutions. Speaking at the session R Dinesh, President, CII & Chairman, TVS Supply Chain Solutions said that sustainability must be included in various livelihood businesses. "There are many good examples of public-private partnerships in India such as Digital Public Infrastructure, #GatiShakti, and others. Allocation of 2% of corporate profits for CSR has worked well. We need to make sure that sustainability is included in various livelihood businesses. - R Dinesh, President, CII & Chairman, TVSSCS said. John Blood, Global Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer and Company Secretary Anheuser-Busch InBev said that brewing has an impact across the value chain. "Beer is a golden liquid but it represents thousands of farmers. It has an economic impact across the value chain. Brewing is local and 1 in 10 workers globally are in the industry" John Blood said. AB InBev's initiatives align with the SDGs on responsible production, promoting sustainable agriculture, and increasing incomes. The aim is also to improve farmers' lives by driving upskilling, implementing digitisation, and financially empowering farming communities. AB InBev's farmer development programs provide training, digital tools and access to financing needed to grow their businesses, and opportunities to learn regenerative agriculture practices that can improve soil health and biodiversity. Speaking at the session, Arnold Puech d Alissac, President World Farmers Organisation said that there was a need to transform the way we work together. "According to leaders from the farming community, the biggest worry is the lack of an efficient multilateral approach. If we want to transform the food system to be more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive, we need to first transform the way we work together" he said. MB Patil Minister for Heavy and Medium Industries, Karnataka said that the state was taking intiatives in water treament which could gain from larger initiatives. "Untreated sewage water affects the land and farming. There are small initiatives for treating the water and making energy from the sludge that can help apart from larger initiatives" MB Patil said during the discussion. The Karnataka Minister also met Karthikeya Sharma, President of India and South Asia AB InBev at Davos. The potential investment of USD 50 million by the brewing major in the state was discussed during this meeting. According to a statement from the Minister the GCC centre in Bengaluru will focus on digital, big data, AI technology and supply chain excellence. (ANI)
By Vishu Adhana New Delhi [India], January 18 (ANI) India is collaborating with "friendly" countries on leveraging Artificial intelligence for enhancing defence capabilities, the head of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) said on Thursday. Speaking to ANI, Samir V Kamat explained that India is working with other countries on developing tools as well as fundamental research in improving the algorithm which goes into AI. Talking about the applications of AI in the defence sector, the DRDO chief said that Artificial Intelligence helps in preventive maintenance, surveillance and cyber security. "It is playing an increasing role in the offensive action. It is a technology which is going to make a big difference not only in improving the performance of the military but also in its efficiency," he said. When asked whether India is working with other countries on leveraging AI to enhance defence capabilities, Kamat said: "We are working in collaboration with countries which are friendly to us. With such disruptive technologies, it is good to work with other countries in collaboration." Kamat refused to divulge further details about collaboration with other countries. However, he added:" I will not state the name of the countries with whom we are working but we are working with friendly countries on developing tools as well as fundamental research in improving the algorithm which goes into making the AI tools." While mentioning about the threat posed by AI, Kamat informed that the country is working with several academic institutions to develop AI-based techniques to detect cyber intrusion "So the major threat from AI is in cyber. The large number of attacks which happen in AI are happening through bots which work on AI. The same AI can also be used in cyber defence," he mentioned. "We are working in a collaborative fashion with several academic institutions to ensure that the AI based on techniques to detect cyber intrusion...To prevent all our critical infrastructure is being attacked. How to use AI tools that we can prevent such attacks," he added. (ANI)
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday asserted that every major industry in India was boosted because of the massive physical infrastructure push that the current government in New Delhi is focused on. "If you look at the investments made in infrastructure, from a base of about $30 billion, in this fiscal year, India is investing USD 120 billion in infrastructure, that has multiple impacts, the impact on productivity is very good, the impact on overall economic activity is a multiplier of 3.6, so you invest USD 100, the economic activities are actually of USD 360," Minister Vaishnaw said. Speaking at a session themed 'Can India Seize its Moment?' during the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in which ministers Hardeep Puri and Smriti Irani also participated, Union Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the last decade has seen a significant structural shift in India's economy. The growth was underpinned by four basic pillars -- to improve productivity and efficiency in the economy, inclusive growth, focus on manufacturing, simplification and removal of archaic laws, he said. "He (PM Modi) has always kept the people at the bottom of the pyramid as the focus of his growth story," Minister Vaishnaw said, referring to the large-scale opening of bank accounts which brought millions under the formal financial system, housing for all, tap water and gas connections. "More than 1,500 archaic laws on the statute book have been repealed, many of the colonial era laws and procedures have been removed, and more than 30,000 compliances have been removed. It's a government which listens with an open mind," he added. Further, Vaishnaw said the current government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always kept the people at the bottom of the pyramid as the focus of his growth story. "I'll give it a few numbers, in the last decade 510 million bank accounts have been opened, that is the number of people who have who have been brought into the formal financial system. If you look at the number of houses constructed, 40 million houses were constructed for the rural and urban poor. That's like completely changing the landscape of size of a continent. Look at the number of tap water connections, gas connections, 110 million gas connections given. So, change the entire cooking habits from wood base to gas base. Multiple number of factors which are basically bringing a transformational change in the people at the bottom of the pyramid," he explained. (ANI)
"The use of drones is banned in Trichy City from January 17 to January 20. Trichy District Collector Pradeep Kumar also warned of severe action against those flying drones and other objects during the Prime Minister's visit," read the statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on January 19 and launch multiple development projects in the three states, according to an official release on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, PM Modi offered prayers for the happiness and prosperity for citizens of the country at Sreekrishna Temple, Guruvayur, on Wednesday during his two-day visit to Kerala.
"Prayed at the sacred Guruvayur Temple. The divine energy of this Temple is immense. I prayed that every Indian be happy and prosperous," PM Modi said in a post on X.
Guruvayur temple is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan (Lord Krishna) and is a significant place of worship for Hindus in Kerala.
As is the norm for PM Modi to wear a local outfit while visiting diverse states, the Prime Minister chose to wear the traditional Kerala attire, a 'mundu' (dhoti) and 'veshti' (a shawl covering the upper body) while offering prayers at the temple. (ANI)
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla cleaned the premises of the Khade Ganesh Temple in the Kota area of Rajasthan as part of the cleanliness drive on Wednesday and appealed to people to take part in 'Swachh Abhiyan' at different temples ahead of Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha. Birla said, "PM Modi has made cleanliness a part of his life from the beginning and has always appealed to the countrymen to make cleanliness a part of their daily routine... I also request the devotees to take care of cleanliness...Cleanliness is an important part of life. ..." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleaned the premises of the Kalaram Temple in Maharashtra's Nashik as part of the Swachchata Abhiyan campaign. Visuals showed the Prime Minister with a mop and bucket mopping the floor of the temple. Swachhata Abhiyan takes new momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted people to conduct a cleanliness drive at religious places as part of the campaign. His appeal came ahead of the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya on January 22. The campaign, which will continue till the temple ceremony, has been taken forward by ministers in several states. Delivering his inaugural address at the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for cleanliness campaigns, urging citizens to clean pilgrimage places and temples across the country on 'Pran Pratishtha' day of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22. (ANI)
He expressed confidence that the government is going to place a good budget for the state this year too.
Speaking with ANI, CM Sawant said, "Goa Assembly's budget session begins on February 2nd... We had a meeting with all the secretaries of the heads of departments."
He added that different suggestions from every department were taken for future planning of the Budget...
"We have also invited suggestions from the public...We are taking suggestions from all the industry associations, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs and all such organisations in the state," CM Sawant added.
"We are going to place a good budget for the state this year too. The preparations have begun," he said.
Meanwhile, the Budget session of Parliament, the last session before the general elections expected in April-May, will begin on January 31 and is likely to continue till February 9, sources said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the interim budget on February 1, they said.
The session will begin with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament.
The interim budget typically takes care of the fiscal needs of the intervening period till a government is formed after the Lok Sabha polls. (ANI)
Two Manipur police commandos were killed and six others injured in the Moreh area amid reports of fresh violence in the state, officers informed on Thursday. Taking to its official handle on X, Manipur Police posted that in the early hours of Wednesday, armed militants mounted an attack on a state police team, killing two commandos identified as Somorjit Meetei and Takhellambam Sieleshwor Singh. "Today (January 17, 2024) in the early morning, armed militants orchestrated a violent attack on the state forces, employing firearms and explosives in Moreh, Tengnoupal district. In the incident, one personnel of the 6th Manipur Rifles namely Wangkhem Somorjit Meetei S/O (L) W. Chaoton Singh of Malom Tulihal Mayai Leikai (R/No.- 0620211015) was martyred in the line of duty. Further, another Manipur Police personnel of the 10th IRB namely Takhellambam Sieleshwor Singh S/o. (L) T. Babu Singh of Akham Village, Imphal West District (Hav. No. 112005762) presently attached to Spl. CDO, was also martyred in the attack by the armed militants at Moreh," Manipur Police posted from its official X handle. https://twitter.com/manipur_police/status/1747701931215380962 The state police informed further that the forces were engaging elements deemed inimical to the state''s security as well as law and order. "Also, the following six police personnel also sustained injuries in the attack. (i) Rfn. No. 1310818 Md. Kamal Hassan, 3rd Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) (ii) Rfn. No. 1310823 Songsuathui Aimol, 3rd IRB (iii) Rfn. No. 022006172 Md. Abdul Hasim, 3rd IRB (iv)C/No 8018561 Ngasepam Vim, 8th IRB (Spl CDO) (v) ASI Sidarth Thokchom, 8th IRB (Spl CDO) (vi)Rfn No. 112005750 K Premananda of 1st IRB (Spl CDO). Security forces are engaging the inimical elements," the police added. In another incident in the Thoubal district, the state police informed that three personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) sustained bullet injuries and were shifted to Raj Medicity for treatment. "Today (January 17, 2024)), an irate mob targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (3IRB) in Khangabok, Thoubal District. Security forces repelled them using the minimum necessary force. Further, the mob attempted to breach Thoubal Police Headquarters, prompting the security forces to use legal force. Armed miscreants from among the mob fired with live rounds. As a result, 03 (three) personnel from BSF sustained bullet injuries namely (i)Constable Gourav Kumar, (ii)ASI Sobram Singh, and (iii)ASI Ramji," Manipur Police posted. https://twitter.com/manipur_police/status/1747702046307020975 "The injured security forces have been evacuated to Raj Medicity for medical treatment," they added. (ANI)
"Special invitations have been sent worldwide, and the entire universe is present. 'Sarva Devta' (All deities) have converged, with 'Sarva Devta Swaroopam' Shri Rama at the centre. Ayodhya radiates universal peace and love, embodying the essence of world and individual peace," he said while speaking to ANI.
In a separate reflection on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Kerala, Priest Sunil Das said, "In South India, the worship predominantly revolves around Krishna, Ayyappa, and Ganesha, but PM Modi chose to offer prayers at Shri Rama Kshetra. This temple symbolizes the presence of Shri Ram, Hanuman, Bharat, and Lakshman."
"During the one-hour pooja, PM conveyed a powerful message - the unity, purity, and divinity shared between Ram and Krishna," Sunil Das said.
When asked about the perception of PM Modi in Kerala, Priest Sunil Das described him as a Yogi and a divine soul.
"He is a Yogi. He is a divine soul. Yesterday, 90-year-old mothers were waiting for 3 hours to see PM Modi," he said.
Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol is scheduled at the grand temple in Ayodhya at 12:30 PM on January 22, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elaborate arrangements are being made for the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. During the ceremony, an idol of Lord Ram will be enthroned in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya's Ram Temple.
The rituals for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony began on Tuesday and will continue for seven days. Thousands of VIP guests have received invitations from the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the ceremony. (ANI)
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his call to cleanse temples ahead of the opening of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Saamana, the official mouthpiece of Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday claimed in its latest editorial that even Lord Ram would be smiling if he was watching the 'drama' unfold. Titled 'Jhaadu Ko Badnaam Kiya', the editorial claimed the clean-up call of PM Modi and the response to the same by Union ministers and top BJP leaders was a mere extension of the party's majoritarian outreach ahead of the Lok Sabha elections this year. Prime Minister Modi, who is set to preside over the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22, launched the cleaning campaign on a visit to the Kalaram Temple in Nashik on January 12. Mocking at PM Modi's clean-up act at the temple, the Saamana editorial claimed that he picked up the mop to clean an already 'shining' floor. "Ahead of the Shri Ram Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya, the BJP seems to be enacting a drama across the country. Lord Shri Ram himself would be smiling if he was watching this drama unfold. The BJP's Union Ministers have started cleaning temples across the country ahead of the January 22 opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Not just central ministers, but even cabinet members and BJP leaders across states are out sweeping and mopping temples in the run-up to the Ram Mandir Utsav. Is this part of any Pran Pratishtha ritual? However, what could the BJP leaders have done when Prime Minister Modi himself gave the orders? The PM launched the cleaning campaign by mopping a temple floor in Nashik that was already shining," the editorial read. Also taking a swipe at Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the editorial stated that the focus of the cleaning campaign needs to be on railway assets and infrastructure, as most trains, platforms and toilets are 'dirty'. "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Hanuman Setu Temple in Lucknow for a clean-up job. He visited the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and cleaned the floor. Union Minister Anurag Thakur also visited the Hanuman Temple in (Delhi's) Connaught Place and picked up the broom to clean the floor. Another Union Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav, too, indulged in a similar clean-up at a temple in Bhubaneswar. However, our Railway Minister should have directed his efforts toward local trains, railway platforms and toilets as they are very dirty. So the real clean-up job needs to be done at these places. However, he chose to take his eyes off the railway assets that are asking to be cleaned and mopped a temple floor instead," the editorial read. Underlining how a broom is considered auspicious by the Hindus and is a sacred symbol associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the column read, "The broom has a sacred place in the Hindu religion and the drama around the BJP leaders picking up brooms for cleaning temples was nothing but a distasteful act of political posturing with an eye on the Lok Sabha elections. Our Santan culture is clean and transparent. It is about the purity of one's heart and soul." (ANI)
Two new cold weather deaths have brought the total number of confirmed or suspected Cook County weather deaths to seven since a snowstorm and frigid temperatures swept through the Midwest, officials said Wednesday.
Officials in Will and Lake counties had also reported at least three possible weather-related deaths in the same period.
Police said Vanda Parish, 66, of the North Center neighborhood, was found unresponsive outside her home Tuesday morning and pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. An autopsy found that Parish died of injuries related to a fall down the stairs and hypothermia.
Thomas Kapala, 62, of the Mount Greenwood neighborhood, died Monday night of heart disease, diabetes and cold exposure, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Police said that Kapala was initially found unresponsive in his garage.
Authorities suspect that weather played a contributing factor to five other deaths since Jan. 11.
Richard Kellinger, 73, of Streamwood, died Jan. 12 of heart disease and complications of hypothermia.
Robert Tuxford, 62, of Oak Lawn, died Jan. 12 of heart disease. Officials listed probable cold exposure as a secondary cause of Tuxfords death.
James Jernigan, 81, of South Shore, died Friday of heart disease, but the medical examiner also named cold exposure as a possible factor in his death.
John Dryglaski, 86, of Elmwood Park, died Monday of heart disease and environmental cold exposure, according to the medical examiners office.
Autopsies determined that all seven deaths were accidental.
Andrew Siemionko, 60, was the first to die of cold exposure this year at his Schiller Park home on Jan. 11, just before the cold snap. Neighbors reported that Siemionko did not have heat or electric in his home where he was found after not answering messages or his door for some time. The medical examiner also found Siemionkos death to be accidental.
In Will County, the coroners office reported two potential weather-related deaths during the same period: Todd Tschiggfrie, 44, of Park Forest, was found in a driveway in Tinley Park on Jan. 12. An initial report from the coroner said Tschiggfrie was outside after shoveling snow.
Another man, Craig Buckley, 59, of Bolingbrook, was found outside his home Tuesday and pronounced dead, according to a statement posted to the coroners social media. Autopsies had been performed on both men, and Tinley Park and Bolingbrook police are investigating the respective deaths, the coroner said.
Lake County officials in northern Illinois reported one possible cold-related death since Jan. 11: Luule Eilau, 92, was found lying outside on Jan. 15, according to a coroners chief deputy. Preliminary autopsy results showed that Eilau, a resident of unincorporated Lake Bluff, likely died of cardiac issues but also showed evidence of cold exposure.
In DuPage County, Coroner Richard Jorgensen declined to comment on any weather deaths Thursday, saying forensic pathologists had yet to complete their reports on recent local deaths.
The cold began to ease its grip on Chicago and suburbs Wednesday, when OHare international Airport recorded a high temperature of 19 degrees and a low of minus 7 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The weather services high temperature forecast through Sunday ranged between 20 and 13 degrees, with lows dipping to minus 4 degrees overnight Saturday.
Components of the design of the stamps include the Ram Temple, choupai (the verse) 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', the sun, the Saryu River and sculptures in and around the temple.
The six commemorative stamps released today include those of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri- each key figures and symbols associated with Lord Ram's narrative.
The use of gold leaf detailing the sun rays and chaupai featured on the stamps lend a majestic touch to the stamps.
The five physical elements i.e. sky, air, fire, earth and water, known as 'Panchabhutas' are reflected through various design elements and establish the perfect harmony of Panchamahabhutas essential for all manifestations.
The book on stamps is an attempt to showcase the international appeal of Lord Ram to various societies.
This 48-page book includes stamps issued by over 20 countries including like USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia and organisations like the UN.
These countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Fiji, Gibraltar, Guyana, Grenada, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore, Srilanka, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Thailand, Togo, United Nations, and the USA.
Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol is scheduled at the grand temple in Ayodhya on January 22 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elaborate arrangements are being made for the ceremony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony. During the ceremony, an idol of Lord Ram will be enthroned in the sanctum sanctorum of the Ayodhya's Ram Temple.
The rituals for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony began on Tuesday and will continue for seven days. Thousands of VIP guests have received invitations from the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust for the ceremony. (ANI)
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has appealed to all the pharmacist associations in the country to dispense antibiotics only on the prescription of a qualified doctor. In an urgent appeal to pharmacists across the country, Director General of Health Services, Professor Atul Goel said in a letter, "Under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, antibiotics are included in the list of drugs specified under Schedule H, which are required to be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) only." "This is an urgent appeal to all the pharmacists in the country to strictly implement Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to stop the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and sell them only on the prescription of a qualified doctor," it said. "Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top global public health threats facing humanity. It is estimated that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and 4.95 million deaths were associated with drug-resistant infections," it added. AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of infections caused by resistant microbes, resulting in prolonged illness and a greater risk of death, it said. "Treatment failures also lead to longer periods of infectivity and the prohibitively high cost of second-line drugs may fail to treat these diseases in many individuals," it said. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are one of the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. With few new antibiotics in the Research and Development pipeline, prudent antibiotic use is the only option to delay the development of resistance. "Some high-end antibiotics are included in the list of HI drugs. This is an urgent appeal to all the pharmacists in the country to strictly implement Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to stop the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics and sell them only on the prescription of a qualified doctor," it added. All Pharmacist Associations in India Looking forward to your support to promote judicious use of antimicrobials to reduce the emergence of AMR, it said. (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet, in a meeting held at Lok Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, gave its nod to 8 important proposals on Thursday. According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, "The approved proposals include the much-awaited Semi Conductor Policy 2024, along with an increase in sugarcane prices, providing a significant benefit to sugarcane farmers." "In addition, approval has been given for three new universities in the state. Moreover, the proposal to change the name of Mundera Nagar Panchayat in Gorakhpur to Chauri Chaura also received the Cabinet's approval," it said. During the press conference held in Lok Bhavan, the state's Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, and Sugar Industry and Sugarcane Development Minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan informed the media about the decisions of the Cabinet. Providing information about the decisions made in the Cabinet meeting, Chaudhary Laxmi Narayan, the Minister of Sugar Industry and Sugarcane Development, mentioned that the sugarcane purchased by all sugar mills in the state (cooperative sector, corporation, and private sector) for the crushing season 2023-24, the State Advised Price (SAP) has been determined. In this, the SAP for early maturing varieties of sugarcane has been increased from Rs 350 per quintal to Rs 370, for common varieties from Rs 340 per quintal to Rs 360, and for unsuitable varieties, the sugarcane price has been increased from Rs 335 per quintal to Rs 355. In the cabinet meeting, approval was also granted for three new private universities in the state. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay informed that proposals for the establishment of JSS University in Noida, Saroj University in Lucknow, and Sharda University in Agra under the private sector have been approved. The Education Minister also mentioned that there has been significant improvement in the quality of higher education under the Yogi government. He further mentioned that currently, the state boasts five government and five private universities in the A++ ranking. In addition, there are three universities with an A+ ranking. There are further a large number of A-ranking universities in the state. Before the Yogi government, the state had only three universities in the B+ ranking. As per the release, the role of private universities will prove crucial in making the state a one trillion-dollar economy. This move is expected to contribute to both the quantity and quality of education in the state. Under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, the Yogi cabinet has approved Semi Conductor Policy 2024. In India, this industry is still in its early stages. So far, only Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have formulated policies on it. Uttar Pradesh is the fourth state to adopt the Semi-Conductor Policy 2024, which experts consider to be the best policy. This approval is expected to attract significant investments in the state on a large scale. The policy aims to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. Cabinet Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said that industrial groups investing in setting up semi-conductor manufacturing units will receive a fund of Rs 80,000 crores from the Government of India, with the Uttar Pradesh government contributing 75 per cent of this amount, said the release. The policy also includes provisions for providing financial incentives to industries and a subsidy of 75 per cent on land up to 200 acres in the form of land subsidy. So far, 13 companies have expressed their intention to set up semi-conductor manufacturing units in the state. Adequate water and uninterrupted electricity will be provided to the industries. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh government will provide Rs 10 lakhs for patents at the national level and Rs 20 lakhs for patents at the international level. Collaboration with the industry will be done under the CM Internship Program to ensure a skilled workforce is available. Furthermore, arrangements for training related to semiconductor manufacturing will be made in the technical institutes of the state. In a significant decision, the Yogi Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of Mundera Nagar Panchayat in Gorakhpur to Chauri Chaura. This decision reflects a gesture of respect towards the legacy, marking the centenary year of the famous Chauri Chaura incident during the independence movement. Additionally, approval was also given to make changes in the Uttar Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Policy to exempt private MSME units and PLEDGE parks from conversion fees for changing the land use of agricultural land under development authorities to industrial. Furthermore, the Cabinet has also stamped its approval on exempting the Metro Rail, RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System), and all their assets from acquisition under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959. (ANI)
Former MP Ashok Tanwar tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday citing the reason as the alignment of AAP with the Indian National Congress for Chandigarh Mayor elections. In his resignation letter to AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal he said, "In view of the current political scenario and your alignment with the Indian National Congress, my ethics won't allow me to continue as Chairman, Election Campaign Committee, Aam Aadmi Party Haryana. Therefore, kindly accept my resignation from Primary Membership and all other responsibilities of the Aam Aadmi Party." He further wrote that as a responsible citizen of this country and having been in active politics since his student days, he has always believed in the Constitution, the Country and the People first. "I will continue to work for the betterment of the state of Haryana, our beloved country Bharat and its People," he added. Congress and Aam Aadmi Party had decided to jointly contest the Chandigarh Mayor elections. AAP was going to contest for the Mayor seat while Congress was contesting for Senior Deputy Mayor. The date of the Chandigarh mayoral elections, which were scheduled to be held today (Thursday), was pushed back citing the "ill health" of the designated presiding officer. The announcement triggered protests by the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, who had formed an alliance for the mayoral elections. Meanwhile, AAP MP Raghav Chadha also reached the Municipal Corporation Office and while speaking to media personnel, he claimed that BJP wanted the election postponed with fear of defeat. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on a batch of pleas opposing the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard. A bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol reserved the order after all the concerned parties concluded their arguments. The apex court was hearing the pleas against the Centre's decision on the environmental release of GM mustard. Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued on behalf of the central government while advocates Prashant Bhushan and Sanjay Parikh represented the petitioner NGOs and environmentalists in the matter. On Wednesday, the SC had said that it would decide on the GM mustard issue on the basis of what is good for the country as it cannot go into a scientific debate on the matter.Various petitions were moved in the Supreme Court challenging the Union Environment Ministry's decision to approve commercial cultivation of GM mustard. In an affidavit filed earlier by the Centre, the government had submitted that the Union of India is committed to increasing farm productivity and the income of farmers through the development of low-input-high-output agriculture and making the country self-sufficient in edible oil and grain legumes. To achieve this objective, several nations around the world have safely employed genetic engineering (GE) technologies. It said that to safely encourage this endeavour in India, an elaborate statutory scheme exists to ensure effective regulatory review for the research, development and commercial use of GE technologies. Approximately 55-60 per cent of edible oil in India is imported. Strengthening of plant breeding programmes including the use of new genetic technologies are critical for meeting emerging challenges in Indian agriculture and ensuring food security while reducing foreign dependency, the Centre has said. Centre had submitted that issues raised by the petitioners fall within the domain of the executive, aided by scientific and other technical experts and the research, development and use of genetic engineering technologies is a highly technical matter guided by views that emerge from scientific consensus among subject experts. As such, it is most humbly submitted that the inquiry of the apex court may be limited to whether there is an adequate regulatory mechanism in place governing this field and whether there has been material compliance with the same, the union government had submitted. Centre had also said that the controversy raised by the petitioners concerns a conditional approval made to the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) for the environmental release of transgenic mustard hybrid DMH-11 and its parental lines bn 3.6 and modbs 2.99 containing barnase, barstar and bar genes before commercial release. It further said that this conditional approval has been made after a long and exhaustive regulatory review process which commenced as far back as in 2010. "It is to be noted that this approval of environmental release prior to commercial release is for the purpose of undertaking seed production and testing of hybrid of DMH-11 and developing new parental lines and hybrids under the supervision of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). As such, this conditional approval pertains to an environmental release prior to commercial release and is subject to necessary regulatory and technical oversight," the government has said. (ANI)
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)'s former President Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe has said that a group of 'Ramayana-Mahabharata' countries can also be constituted where these holy epics are deeply engraved in the culture. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Vinay Sahasrabuddhe recalled an anecdote he encountered in Azerbaijan, where he witnessed a Hindu fire Temple. "Many times it comes to mind that we have several groupings like the G20, BIMSTEC, SAARC, and perhaps others. We can also float another grouping of Ramayana- Mahabharat countries. There are so many countries that are linked to Ramayana and Mahabharat. I was in Baku a few years ago, the capital city of Azerbaijan. Right on the outskirts of the capital city, there is a 'Fire Temple', which is a Hindu temple. As the saying goes, that spot is related to the story of Daksha and Sati and is now considered a Shakti Peetha," Sahasrabuddhe said. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also mentioned that since 2015, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has continuously engaged with Asian and Southeast Asian countries by conducting the Ramayana Festival. "Since 2015, ICCR has been engaging itself in the conduct of the Ramayana festival which is an international festival and we invite troops from all those countries from which Ramayana is part of their tradition: Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka," he said. Recalling his surprise at a group of artists from Brunei who also participated in the Ramayana Festival, Dr Sahasrabuddhe said, "Brunei also came. We did not expect anyone to come from Brunei since they are a 100 percent Islamic country. Our officials were a little bit surprised that a delegation from Brunei came." "Their group presented a skit on the theme of Jatayu Vadh. When we told them that we were not thinking that someone would come from your country, the head who was leading the artist contingent said, You are making a mistake, we have changed our religion, not the culture," he added. On the question of figures like Jatayu and Varuna, who hold importance in Southeast Asian countries but not so dominantly in India, Sahasrabuddhe said that research should be carried out on this aspect. "It is interesting and it merits deeper research into why there is so much love affection reverence for the story of Jatayu and the kind of struggle he did against Ravana in his bid to save Sita," Sahasrabuddhe said. Dr. Vinay Prabhakar Sahasrabuddhe served as a Rajya Sabha member from 2016 to 2022 and held the position of Vice President in the BJP from 2014 to 2020. (ANI)
Earlier on Wednesday, the Congress held a seat-sharing meeting with Samajwadi Party leaders in Delhi.
Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, "...We've shared details of each seat with each other...I hope that the alliance happens before the (Bharat Jodo Nyay) Yatra reaches Uttar Pradesh."
The Congress is holding seat-sharing talks with all its alliance partners before launching the campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.
INDIA or 'Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance' is a group of opposition parties, including the Congress. The parties have come together to take on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and prevent it from winning a third straight term at the Centre in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, India's political landscape is undergoing a significant reshuffling. The emerging INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) consortium is gearing up to challenge the NDA, setting the stage for an electoral showdown.
Earlier in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 353 seats, the UPA stood at 91, and Others won 98. The voting was staggered in seven phases between April 11 and May 19, in which around 67 per cent of the nearly 900 million eligible people exercised their franchise to elect 542 members of the Lok Sabha. (ANI)
In response to the Ayodhya Rama Mandir Pran Pratishta Ceremony, which is scheduled on January 22nd, Deepa Das Munshi, AICC In-charge of Telangana, told ANI on Thursday, "The Party AICC has already made the decision and conveyed it to everyone, so I have nothing more to say beyond that." "Whoever goes to the mandir does so based on our faith, and we are with our faith. We go to the mandir not for political reasons but for our faith, so we are very clear about this," she added. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that RSS and the BJP have made the January 22 function at Ram Temple in Ayodhya "a completely political Narendra Modi function" and that it is difficult for Congress leaders "to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and the RSS". Rahul Gandhi, who addressed a press conference during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra here, said that the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion have made their views public about what they think about the January 22 function. Congress leaders - Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury-- had earlier "respectfully declined" the invitation "for the Ram Temple inauguration" on January 22, calling it a "BJP-RSS" event. Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol will take place at the grand temple in Ayodhya on January 22 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Elaborate arrangements are being made for the ceremony. Answering queries, Rahul Gandhi said he does "not try to take advantage" of his religion, lives by its principles and does not have to wear it on his sleeve like those "who do not believe in it". "The RSS and the BJP have made the January 22 function a completely political Narendra Modi function. It's a RSS BJP function and I think that is why the Congress President said that he would not go to the function. We are open to all religions, and all practices. Even the authorities of the Hindu religion, the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion have made their view public about what they think about the 22nd January function that it is political. So it is difficult for us to go to a political function which is designed around the Prime Minister of India and designed around the RSS," Gandhi said. The Congress leader said that a person who believes in religion keeps a personal relation with it. "He uses religion in his life. Those who keep a public relation with religion, try to take advantage of it. I do not try to take advantage of my religion, I have no interest. I try to live as per the principles of religion. I behave nicely with people, and I respect them. When says something to me, I don't respond with arrogance, I listen to them. I don't spread hatred. For me, this is the Hindu religion. I follow this in life. But I don't need to wear it over my shirt. Those who do not believe in it, need to wear it over their shirt," Gandhi said. He was asked about allegations by political rivals of Congress that the party and Gandhi family are "anti-Hindu". The Congress had issued a statement earlier this month that religion is a personal matter but the RSS and BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. "Lord Ram is worshipped by millions in our country. Religion is a personal matter. But the RSS/BJP have long made a political project of the temple in Ayodhya. The inauguration of the incomplete temple by the leaders of the BJP and the RSS has been obviously brought forward for electoral gain. While abiding by the 2019 Supreme Court judgment and honouring the sentiments of millions who revere Lord Ram, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have respectfully declined the invitation to what is clearly an RSS/BJP event," it said. A team of priests led by Lakshmikant Dixit will perform the main rituals of the Pran Prathistha of Ram Lalla on January 22. (ANI)
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. During the meeting, the Prime Minister appreciated the hard work of the women of the state and expressed his gratitude to them. Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister for declaring Uttarakhand as a wedding destination, the Chief Minister said that after the Prime Minister's appeal, a large number of people from the country and abroad are booking weddings in Uttarakhand, which will provide employment opportunities to the people of the state. Meanwhile, investments worth Rs 150 crore have also been received for developing a wedding destination in Uttarakhand. During the meeting, CM Dhami urged PM Modi, to speed up the work being done by the Border Roads Organization on the Karnaprayag-Gwaladam route and to make the 189 km Kathgodam-Bhimtal, Dhyanachuli-Mornola-Khetikhan-Lohaghat for tourism and military traffic and the general public. - He also requested to notify the Panchashtra Motorway as a National Highway and grant approval of Rs 1 thousand crore for 20 routes connecting Manaskhand temples under the Manaskhand Temple Mala Project. The Chief Minister said that it is necessary to upgrade the roads connecting Garhwal and Kumaon to encourage the travellers and tourists coming on the Chardham Yatra in the state to visit the Manaskhand Temple Mala. The Chief Minister informed the Prime Minister that out of the 48 mythological temples identified under the Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission, infrastructure development work has started in 16 temples. A master plan of Rs 150 crore has been made for Jageshwar Dham. For the promotion of Manaskhand temples, a request was made to operate the 'Bharat Gaurav Manaskhand Express train from various places of the country to Kathgodam, and Tanakpur railway stations of Uttarakhand, the CMO statement said. Under the Manaskhand Mandir Mala Mission, an action plan for the development of the Sharda Corridor is being prepared to develop the famous Purnagiri Dham located in the Kumaon region. Under the Manaskhand Mala Mission, a master plan is being prepared for the development of the famous Kainchi Dham located in the Kumaon region. A master plan has been prepared to develop the frontier village Gunji (Adi Kailash area) located in Pithoragarh as an international tourist destination. To be developed based on the theme of 'Shiv Nagari', Gunji has been divided into six components - art culture, skill, knowledge, meditation, science and relaxation, it added. In the first phase, the development of Sadhana Kendra, Eco Trail, Resource Centre, Heritage Village and adventure activities are proposed in Gunji under Swadesh Darshan Yojana-2.0. A survey has been conducted by the state government to provide heli services for Gunji, Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The Chief Minister said that the work of developing the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor on the lines of Kashi-Vishwanath will be done by the newly formed Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Board (UIIDB). To promote tourism in the state, it is proposed to build seven heliports in PPP mode, out of which land has been identified for two heliports. In the initial phase, heliports are proposed to be built in Haridwar and Dehradun. (ANI)
India's permanent representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said that she is honoured to share India's development journey at the United Nations Development Programme high-level policy dialogue for the Asia-Pacific. She stated that India is committed to fostering development for all with the support of all. Kamboj noted that India is on track to surpass the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target 1.2 before 2030. She stated that India is significantly focusing on women-led development. Taking to X, Ruchira Kamboj stated, "Today, honoured to share #India's development journey at the UNDP high-level policy dialogue for the Asia-Pacific. Focused on the DPI's success and the remarkable Aadhaar ID initiative. India is on track to surpass SDG Target 1.2 (halving multidimensional poverty) before 2030. Significantly focusing on women-led development. We are committed to fostering development for all, with the support of all." On January 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the goal is to make India a developed country by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence. Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 in Gandhinagar, PM Modi asserted that the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 is the first summit in this Amrit Kaal. He further said that India is working towards its goal for the next 25 years. PM Modi said, "In the recent past, India completed 75 years of independence. Now, India is working on its goal for the next 25 years. We have the goal of making it a developed country by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence. Therefore, this 25-year duration is India's Amrit Kaal. PM Modi said that the focus on structural reform was the reason behind India showing high rates of growth. He noted that India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and added that all major agencies estimate that India will be in the top three economies in the coming years. "We are all aware of the global circumstances. So, in times like these, if the Indian economy is displaying such resistance, if the growth in India is showing such momentum, a big reason behind this is our focus on structural reforms in the last 10 years. These reforms have enhanced the capacity, capability and competitiveness of India's economy" PM Modi said. "Today, India is the fifth largest economy in the world. 10 years ago, India was in the 11th position. Today, all major agencies estimate that India will be in the top three economies of the world in the coming years. Let people across the world do their analysis, but I guarantee that it will happen" PM Modi added. (ANI)
The more than 40 Illinoisans charged with participating in the riot at the U.S. Capitol three years ago have seemingly come from all walks of life: a real estate broker, a tech company executive, an HVAC technician, a retired firefighter, a Brazilian citizen here on a work visa.
And one Chicago police officer.
Next week, Chicago police Officer Karol Chwiesiuk will face sentencing along with his sister on misdemeanor charges of breaching the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and walking around the building while the mob trashed the Senate chambers and fought with Capitol police.
Unlike most Jan. 6 defendants found guilty of nonviolent misdemeanors, however, prosecutors are asking for relatively stiff terms of a year behind bars for Chwiesiuk and eight months in prison for his sister, Agnieszka.
Thats because the Chwiesiuks not only chose to take the case to trial instead of striking a plea deal, but prosecutors said Karol Chwiesiuk lied repeatedly on the witness stand in a self-serving attempt to escape blame, falsely telling the jury he had no idea what was going on at the Capitol and didnt see evidence of a break-in or signs prohibiting entry.
Karol Chwiesiuk chose to disregard the training he received and the oath he took as a police officer and public servant of the City of Chicago when he broke the law and stormed the Capitol and then took the stand, swore to tell the truth and lied to the jury when he told them that he thought it was fine to go inside, Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski wrote in a recent sentencing memo.
The attorney for the Chwiesiuks, Nishay Sanan, has asked for probation for each, calling the request for jail time an aberration from the sentences of other Jan. 6 defendants. Sanan also wrote in a filing this week that the Chwiesiuks went to Washington not to break the law, but to see Donald Trump speak and hear what he had to say about what they believe to be a stolen election.
A photo from the FBI shows Karol Chwiesiuk, a Chicago police officer, left, and his sister, Agnieszka Chwiesiuk, of Chicago, when they illegally entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Sanan said no sentence imposed by the court will change (Karol Chwiesiuks) political outlook and beliefs related to this prosecution, and that a probationary term would help him fight to keep his job on the police force when the case is over.
U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes is scheduled to sentence both Chwiesiuks on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Karol Chwiesiuk was charged in 2021 in a criminal complaint with five misdemeanor counts, including entering a restricted building, disrupting government business and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds with intent to impede a congressional proceeding. His sister was hit with similar charges in December 2022.
Two days before the riot, Karol Chwiesiuk sent texts to a friend that said, Busy planning how to (expletive) up commies, according to the charges. On Jan. 6, prosecutors alleged, Chwiesiuk texted the same friend, We inside the capital lmfao.
The complaint alleged that while inside the Capitol, Chwiesiuk broke into Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkleys office and took a selfie while he wore a hooded sweatshirt with a Chicago Police Department logo on it.
After the siege made national news, the friend texted Chwiesiuk about it, who replied, Yeah I was there and, with a racial slur, (Expletive) dont snitch.
It was epic. Super fun. The optics are bad but (expletive) it at this point ya know, Chwiesiuk wrote in another text about the event, according to prosecutors.
After a two-day trial last August, a jury convicted both siblings of the four charges related to breaching the Capitol building, but acquitted Karol Chwiesiuk of the charge that accused him of entering Merkleys office.
In their sentencing submission, prosecutors said it was unbelievable that the Chwiesiuks didnt know what they were doing when they entered the Capitol through a broken-out fire door, ignoring a blaring alarm, rioters suffering from tear gas and the fact that they had to work their way against a steady flow of rioters coming out of the Capitol.
Prosecutors also said neither sibling has accepted any responsibility or shown remorse for their actions, making it clear they could repeat their conduct in the future if faced with a political outcome they dont agree with.
Karol Chwiesiuk has been a Chicago police officer since 2018 and was most recently assigned to patrol the Harrison District (11th). After his arrest, he was stripped of his police powers and reassigned to desk duty.
Then-Chicago police Superintendent David Brown at the time said the charges against the officer made his blood boil.
And, yes, if these allegations are true, it breaks my heart. Participating in the siege on the Capitol in any way was a betrayal of everything we stand for, the oath (and) the law, he said at a 2021 news conference.
Sanan said in his sentencing filing that Chwiesiuk has been on unpaid leave since losing his firearm owners identification card, but he has yet to be terminated.
His employment status depends in some part on how this case resolves, Sanan wrote.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
Following Iran's strikes on the bases of a terrorist group in Pakistan, China has called on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that escalate tensions. While addressing a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China believes that the ties between the two nations should be handled based on basic norms governing international ties underpinned by the principles of the United Nations Charter. On being asked about China's statement regarding the tensions between Pakistan and Iran, Mao Ning said, "China believes that the relations between countries should be handled based on the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and all countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be earnestly respected and protected." "Iran and Pakistan are close neighbours and major Islamic countries. We call on the two sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate the tension and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable," she added. On Tuesday, Iran attacked the headquarters of a terrorist group opposed to Tehran with drones and missiles in Pakistan, Al Arabiya News reported citing Tasnim news agency. Two "important headquarters" of Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) in Pakistan were "destroyed," Al Arabiya News reported citing Tasnim News Agency. The strikes were concentrated in an area in Pakistan's Balochistan where "one of the largest headquarters" of Jaish al-Adl was located, the report said. Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, designated as a "terrorist" organization by Iran, is a Sunni terrorist group that operates in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Al Arabiya News reported. Over the years, Jaish al-Adl has launched numerous attacks on Iranian security forces. In December, Jaish al-Adl took responsibility for an attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan that claimed the lives of at least 11 police personnel, according to Al Arabiya News reported. Pakistan termed the Iranian airstrike an 'unprovoked' and 'blatant' breach of its sovereignty, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday. Pakistan also affirmed its right to respond against Iran and said that Tehran would be responsible for further consequences. "Last night's unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran is a violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. The statement read further, "This illegal act is completely unacceptable and has no justification whatsoever. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran." Pakistan also recalled its ambassador from Tehran and expelled the Iranian envoy over its response to the attack. The statement said, "We have conveyed this message to the Iranian Government. We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being. We have also decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days." Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday and said that the airstrikes in Balochistan have caused serious damage to bilateral ties between the two countries, the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement. "Expressing Pakistan's unreserved condemnation of the attack, the Foreign Minister added that the incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Pakistani foreign minister also underscored that the attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory on Tuesday was not only a serious breach of Pakistan's sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran. As per the official statement, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is currently leading the Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, received a telephone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein-Amir Abdollahian. (ANI)
Singapore Transport Minister S Iswaran was on Thursday charged in court with multiple offences, including corruption and receiving gratification as a public servant, months after a probe into him was made public, Channel News Asia (CAN) reported. This comes as the first time a sitting Singapore minister has been charged with corruption. Iswaran pleaded not guilty to 27 charges in all--two of corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, one of obstructing justice and 24 of receiving gratification as a public servant under the Penal Code. He was arrested on July 11 last year as part of an investigation by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). The arrest was made public on July 14, although no details were provided on the nature of the investigation. According to CAN, what was known was that property tycoon Ong Beng Seng had been arrested as well and asked to provide information in relation to his interactions with Iswaran. Ong also owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is the chairman of race promoter Singapore Grand Prix. Also Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Iswaran had been actively involved in the government's engagements with F1, including making appearances at press conferences where announcements about the event's future have been made, according to CAN. Iswaran arrived at the State Courts around 8 am on Thursday, surrounded by his lawyers including Senior Counsel Davinder Singh and Mr Navin Thevar from Davinder Singh Chambers. He did not respond to questions from reporters during his walk to the court entrance. The 61-year-old has been Minister for Transport since May 2021. His political career spans more than 26 years since he was first elected in 1997 as a Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC. Before he was appointed to the Cabinet in 2006, he served on several government parliamentary committees and was the Deputy Speaker of Parliament from September 2004 to June 2006. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong placed Iswaran on a leave of absence due to the CPIB investigation. Lee later revealed in parliament that Iswaran had his pay cut to Singapore dollar 8,500 (USD 6,390) a month until further notice. But he was allowed to draw the full annual MP allowance of Singapore dollar 192,500. It prompted the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) to file a motion requesting that Iswaran be suspended as an MP. The PSP motion was rejected in parliament last September, with MPs voting instead to consider the matter when investigations against Iswaran conclude. On January 9, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said in a written parliamentary response that CPIB had completed its probe into Iswaran. (ANI)
In its order, Justice Nadeem Akhtar asked the authorities to remove all billboards and hoardings and submit a compliance report on January 31 in the court.
As per ARY News, the high court also ordered to "Take action if concerned officer shows hesitance," It also observed, "If police officials found supporting them also register cases against them."
"What you are teaching to the new entrants in the city, is it the place of civilized people or a jungle," Justice Akhtar remarked, ARY News reported.
The court further commented," Avoid turning this city into a jungle, fulfill your responsibility".
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed political parties to ensure "mandatory" five per cent representation of women candidates on general seats, Pakistan-based Geo News reported.
In an order issued on Sunday, the ECP also directed the political parties to submit a list of male and female candidates for general seats within five days.
The electoral watchdog concluded the crucial phase of allotment of electoral symbols to registered political parties, Geo News reported.
Pakistan general elections will be held on February, 8. (ANI)
The Pakistan Army released operational details of its strikes against militants in Iran, targeting hideouts used by terrorist organisations such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Geo News reported. The operation, code-named "Marg Bar Sarmachar," aimed to neutralise terrorists responsible for recent attacks within Pakistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, emphasised the use of precision strikes, including killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and stand-off weapons, with a focus on avoiding collateral damage. "The precision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons. Maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage," it said. The military's media wing said it identified notorious terrorists utilising the targeted hideouts, including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham, and Wazir alias Wazi. "Pakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistani citizens against acts of terrorism," the statement added. The ISPR stated that the armed forces' resolve to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan are respected and safeguarded against any misadventure remains unwavering. "We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan," it added. The operation followed a reported violation of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran, which launched a strike in Balochistan, resulting in the tragic deaths of two children and the injuries of three girls. Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed a series of coordinated and targeted military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Sistan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran, under the codename "Marg Bar Sarmachar." "This morning, Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in the Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. The Foreign Office accused Iran of unprovoked and blatant breaches of Pakistan's sovereignty, describing it as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Pakistan had previously expressed concerns to Iran about safe havens and sanctuaries for Pakistani-origin terrorists inside Iran. Despite sharing multiple dossiers with concrete evidence, there was a lack of action, allowing these terrorists, known as "Sarmachars," to continue attacks on innocent Pakistanis. "Last night's unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran is a violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations," FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement on Wednesday. The military operation was a response to credible intelligence indicating impending large-scale terrorist activities by these groups. "This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars," read the statement. Pakistan asserted its unflinching resolve to protect national security and defended the professionalism of its armed forces in executing the complex operation. "The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people, which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred," it added. While emphasising respect for Iran's sovereignty, Pakistan clarified that its actions were solely in pursuit of its own security and national interests, which cannot be compromised. "As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged under any pretext or circumstances," according to the statement. Acknowledging Iran as a brotherly country, the Foreign Office stressed the importance of dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges, including terrorism. "We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges, including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavour to find joint solutions." Escalating tensions led to Pakistan downgrading diplomatic ties with Iran, expelling the Iranian ambassador, and recalling its envoy from Tehran. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos in light of the unfolding developments. China, a close partner of both Iran and Pakistan, called for restraint and offered to mediate between the two countries. The United States condemned Iran's actions, accusing Tehran of violating the sovereign borders of three neighbouring countries. Iranian officials reported casualties, including seven individuals without Iranian nationality who were killed during Pakistan's missile attack. As tensions escalated, Pakistan initiated strict monitoring of flights from the West, including Iran. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) began monitoring air activities over the western border, directing authorities to stay alert regarding all flights from the west. However, no decision had been made to close Pakistan's airspace to Iran, Geo News reported. (ANI)
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Pakistan's drone attack on non-Iranian villagers on the border of the two nations, calling it "unbalanced and unacceptable." It said Iran adheres to the policy of "good neighbourliness and brotherhood" between two nations and does not allow enemies to strain the ties between Tehran and Islamabad. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran condemns Pakistan's unbalanced and unacceptable drone attack on non-Iranian villagers on the border of the two countries," the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to the policy of good neighbourliness and brotherhood between the two nations and the two governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan. It does not allow enemies to strain the amicable and brotherly relations of Tehran and Islamabad," it added. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement comes after Pakistan said that it has launched missile strikes into Iran and that "a number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation," codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar." Pakistan's action came after Iran carried out strikes on a terrorist group in Balochistan. In the statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran considers the security of its people and its territorial integrity as a 'red line' and expects the Pakistani government to adhere to its obligations in preventing the establishment of bases and deployment of terrorist groups on its soil. "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the security of its people and its territorial integrity as a red line and strongly expects the friendly and brotherly government of Pakistan to adhere to its obligations in preventing the establishment of bases and the deployment of armed terrorist groups on its soil," Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. In the statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Border Taskforce of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force situated in Sistan and Baluchistan province on Tuesday took "preventive action" against a terrorist group preparing to infiltrate the territory of Iran to carry out "another terrorist operation similar to the criminal and terrorist attack in Rask." It further said, "The action was carried out against the terrorist group's barracks and headquarters located in the heights of the region, kilometres away from residential areas--a procedure which is part of the inherent duties of the border forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to "proportionately deal" with any "imminent terrorist threat" against the people and citizens of the country." In the statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "It is emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran differentiates between Pakistan's friendly and brotherly government and armed terrorists." It further said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran always adheres to its policy of good neighbourliness and does not allow its enemies and terrorist allies to strain these relations, especially when the genocide and crimes of the Zionist regime are the foremost issues affecting the Islamic world." After Iran carried out missile and drone strikes to destroy two "important headquarters" of Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) in Pakistan, which Islamabad said killed two children and injured three girls, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement said that it had undertaken a series of "highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts" in Iran's Siestan-o-Baluchistan. "A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar," it said. Pakistan's military action comes after it condemned Tuesday's strike by Iran, which it said killed two children. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry said that in its engagements with the neighbouring country Iran over the last several years, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists who called themselves "Sarmachars" on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan said it also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists. "However, because of a lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars," it said. The statement said, "This action is a manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred." (ANI)
On the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with counterparts from Egypt and Belarus in Kampala on Thursday (local time). During the meeting, Jaishankar and his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik exchanged views on cooperation between India and Belarus in various sectors. The two leaders spoke about developments related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Jaishankar took to social media platform X to share insights from the meeting held with Aleinik. "A useful meeting with Belarusian FM Sergei Aleinik. Exchanged views on India - Belarus cooperation in various fields. Also discussed developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict," Jaishankar posted on X. Jaishankar also held a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry. The two leaders appreciated his assessment of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During the meeting, Jaishankar and Sameh Shoukry noted the continued progress of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. Taking to X, Jaishankar stated, "Delighted to meet Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry. Appreciate his assessment and insights on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. We also noted the continued progress of our bilateral cooperation following the exchange of visits of our leaders in 2023." In Kampala, Jaishankar also met Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer and the two ministers exchanged views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. They further held discussions to expedite the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives and cooperation within SAARC and NAM. S Jaishankar met Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and held discussions on the expanding collaboration between India and Angola as well as broader India-Africa cooperation. "Good meeting with Angolan FM @amb_tete. Discussed the expanding India-Angola and India-Africa cooperation. Also spoke about cooperation in multilateral fora. Thanked him for extending visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals," said Jaishankar in a post on X. EAM S Jaishankar arrived in Kampala on Thursday to lead the Indian delegation at the two-day 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) starting from January 19. The summit will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels. "Arrived in Kampala to represent India at the 19th NAM Summit. Looking forward to engaging colleagues over the coming two days," said External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in a post on X.Preceding the NAM Summit, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh will represent India at the NAM Foreign Minister's meeting. Meanwhile, MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan will represent India at the G-77 Third South Summit, which will be held in Kampala on January 21-22, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The 19th NAM Summit under Uganda's leadership is being held under the theme 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence' and brings together more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance. India wholeheartedly supports Uganda's theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with NAM countries. As one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement, the MEA release said. After concluding his visit to Uganda, Jaishankar will then travel to Nigeria on an official visit from January 21-23. The EAM will co-chair the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart and meet with other leaders. The EAM will also inaugurate the 3rd edition of the Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, deliver a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, interact with delegates of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and inaugurate the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. He will also chair the regional conference of Indian Heads of Missions. (ANI)
Russian forces struck the town of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of Jan. 18, hitting a multi-story building, killing one person and injuring two more, oblast governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.
According to Syniehubov, one 57-year-old woman was killed, while two men aged 57 and 61 were injured. The governor added that emergency services were continuing to inspect fallen debris.
Apart from Kupiansk, other settlements in Kharkiv Oblast, as well as the Chuhuiv, Bohodukhivskyi, and Kharkiv districts, came under attack over the past day.
The last two missile attacks happened on Jan. 17 around 10.30 p.m. on the town of Chuhuiv, damaging an educational center and killing one person.
Liberated from Russian occupation in September 2022, Kupiansk lies less than ten kilometers from the front line, in a sector where Russia has conducted major offensive operations over the past months.
Due to its proximity to the Russian border, Kharkiv Oblast is subjected to near-daily attacks.
Read also: In heavily shelled Kupiansk, some choose to stay despite constant risk of killing (PHOTOS)
Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A snippet from the 2018-19 Netflix series Trolls: The Beat Goes On! has tapped into a new audience on TikTok. In December, users started adding a 10-second sound bite from Trolls that seemingly captures the feeling of wanting to do something again and again.
The footage shows Branch and Creek riding a canoe out of the Tunnel of Friendship over and over while shouting, Hahahaha again! TikTok labeled the original sound source as being uploaded by user @realosver, whose video from December is captioned, Fandoms forcing themselves to laugh at the same joke over and over again.
At first, the sound was applied to videos sharing the times people felt compelled to do something on repeat. Creator Ashley LaMarca applied the sound to a series of clips of her straightening her hair after telling herself to wear it naturally. Her video has over 33 million views.
A common example of the trend is when users talk about listening to the same song, or the same specific section of a song, repetitively although the reasons for why they need to listen to the same song on a loop seem to differ.
There is a scientific reason behind wanting to replay the same song. Peter Vuust, a professor at the Royal Academy of Music in Denmark and the leader of the Center for Music in the Brain, told Vice in 2017 that its because songs affect the brains reward system.
Because of the reward system, music is probably the artistic product we reuse the most, he said. After all, we rarely watch a movie or read a book much more than two or three times. But we listen to music again and again.
Another popular use of the sound is for describing hanging out with the same people all the time.
Why do people enjoy doing the same things repeatedly?
As with music, theres a psychological explanation for why people like doing things they enjoy over and over. Its reportedly due to a level of comfort from redoing the same things, which even toddlers seem to recognize. This appears to go against the principle of hedonic adaptation, which argues that when enjoyable activities become too familiar, they no longer bring joy.
Psychologist Ed OBrien at the University of Chicago argues in a 2019 study that people do enjoy repeat experiences more than they think they will, and the reality is that the events feel less repetitive than most people would think, even adding an unforeseen spice to life.
Yes, crime, migrants, schools and taxes are all big issues.
But two seemingly small things in my neighborhood perhaps better reflect much that is wrong with our city and what passes as modern government. The problems reflect a city more inept than corrupt.
I take the L to work, and since late November through December, many mornings the stairs and platform were covered with salt and sand. But in those two months, there was little to no snow or ice. Most days, it was well above freezing. No matter, salt and sand were still unnecessarily spread.
Besides being unnecessary and expensive in such a case, the salt is terrible for the environment; much of it ultimately ends up in the lake. It is also corrosive the stations steps and platform will need to be replaced sooner as a result. And its an eyesore.
I know, I know. Whats the big deal because its just some stray salt, after all? But its reflective of a city gone soft or dumb. And its almost comical then that when snow actually fell last week and we needed some salt and sand there wasnt any, and the platform was covered in snow, slush and ice.
The next problem reflects the old saying of a solution in search of a problem.
Our broke city just spent a million dollars to take what was actually a rare, well-functioning, beautiful street and make it a less pleasant eyesore, all in the supposed name of safety and environmentalism.
The street is Dickens Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, which starts at the zoo. It was to become a greenway complete with new bike lanes, even though there are existing bike lanes running in the same direction a block away on Armitage Avenue.
Dickens was already a natural greenway meaning it was a wide, one-way street with beautiful trees and great sightlines. It stops at legendary Oz Park and picks up on the other side of the park.
The greenway was originally sold as a mostly free project, meaning that the funding would come from the federal government. The Chicago Department of Transportation backed it.
But then an earnest retired resident Ed Fitzpatrick started digging. He determined the project likely violates numerous rules and regulations and questioned its safety.
Many local community groups, such as the Oz Park Advisory Council and Sheffield Neighborhood Association, objected or voiced concerns.
So what did the city do?
Going it alone, the city just finished the project, and now neighbors are taking note and complaining. The project has reduced parking, added speed bumps and clogged a once-nice street with numerous signs running in both directions.
The project has also closed part of Dickens by the zoo, which will make already-bad traffic there worse. And as the new bike path runs through Oz Park, which adjoins a busy high school, it has made the neighborhood less safe. Moreover, how is biking into oncoming cars on a street now littered with speed humps fun or fast?
To be sure, the project isnt completely one-sided. There are, at least facially, some benefits. But overall, it is a net negative.
And for those interested in social equity, surely the million dollars could be used in communities hurting more than Lincoln Park.
Yet there it now sits, a street made worse, a small reflection of a once-great city fading to mediocrity, or worse. And only in Chicago would a streets potholes remain unfixed during its transformation into a greenway.
Once upon a time, Chicago was the definition of a city that works. A City of Big Shoulders. A city of common sense with a can-do attitude.
Today, however, our image is best reflected in salt piles spread on snowless train platforms and beautiful streets becoming less green after being torn up and rebranded as greenways.
Born and first bred in Gary and then the south suburbs, William Choslovsky is a lawyer who has lived in Chicago for 30 years.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Novaya Gazeta Evropa, a Russian news outlet, has estimated that at least 2,500 scientists have left Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Novaya Gazeta.Evropa
Quote: "Almost immediately after the start of the full-scale war, leading scientists began to leave Russia. There are different ways to estimate the scale of the brain drain by tracking location changes on social media profiles, comparing lists of university staff before and after the war, or analysing publication activity.
Depending on the method, different estimates for the number of scientists who have cut ties with Russia can be obtained, ranging from several hundred to thousands."
Details: According to conservative estimates, 2,500 scientists have left Russia.
It became known in November that the Russian Ministry of Education requested lists of employees participating in international scientific events from institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
It is not known for certain how many scientists left Russia after 24 February 2022, with estimates varying widely.
For example, the Proekt (Project) media outlet was one of the first to identify 28 prominent scientists and professors who left Russia after the start of war. A former HSE staff member estimated the loss at about 30% of the 855 staff members known outside Russia with publications in international journals. A recent study counted 270 scholars who left, based on lists of staff before and after the war on university websites.
If the analysis takes into account not only scholars who have changed their listed workplace from a Russian to a foreign one, but also those who have resigned from a Russian organisation, added a new country to an online profile with no mention of an employer, or deleted records of employment in Russia, the number of scientists who have left the country is even higher. Under these metrics, approximately 900 people fell into this category in 2022-2023.
Thus, according to conservative estimates, 2,500 scientists have left Russia.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. An Independence, Missouri man and a Kansas City, Missouri man were sentenced in federal court Thursday for their roles role in a scheme to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes sentenced Eric M. Stilley, 42, of Independence, to 19 years and two months in federal prison without parole.
Kansas City man enters plea, sentenced in 2021 shooting
Devin E. Lawson, also known as Hambone, 30, of Kansas City, was sentenced to nine years and seven months in federal prison without parole.
In September 2023, Stilley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Lawson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Stilley and Lawson each admitted that he participated in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Jackson County from Aug. 15, 2021, to Aug. 2, 2022, according to the Department of Justice.
KCPD asks public for help in Crown Center shooting investigation
According to court documents, Stilley was responsible for distributing more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Stilley and Lawson are the first in this case to be sentenced. Three other suspects have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Two Greater Sacramento NAACP members suspended last October amid allegations of financial misdeeds have been cleared of wrongdoing and reinstated by the national headquarters.
Officials reinstated second vice president Velma Sykes and branch member Ken Nelson, according to notification letters obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
In October, Sykes said she was absolutely blindsided by the discipline and denied the allegations with a vow to contest her suspension. On Thursday, Sykes said she was pleased to return to her duties at the Greater Sacramento branch.
Ive spent many years working on behalf of the NAACP, Sykes said. Im happy I was able to provide the information they requested and get my membership reinstated.
The national NAACP and Nelson were not immediately available for comment Thursday.
Officials reviewed documentation provided by Sykes and Nelson leading to the suspensions being lifted, according to the reinstatement letters.
Longtime branch president Betty Williams, treasurers Dafna Gauthier and Lorraine Moore and education chair Salena Pryor remain suspended on suspected financial misconduct after NAACP auditors spotted extensive findings of potential impropriety in financial reports submitted to national officials in April 2023.
Officials at the national civil rights organization continue their forensic audit into the Sacramento branch. Sacramento County officials have also asked for the branchs financial records connected to its operation of a pandemic-era meals program.
Williams and Pryor appear to have used their staffing and consulting firms to operate the food program, Dine-In 2, and paid themselves more than $145,000 in county funds earmarked for contractors salaries, documents show.
Nine students from across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District spelled their hearts out in the districts Spelling Bee on Thursday.
The winner was Davidsons Dhruva Srivatsa, who won at the district level for the second straight year.
Srivatsa is hoping to advance past regionals and get to the national Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
>>WHO WON LAST YEAR?
First, hell have to win against the Carolinas best spellers at the regional event scheduled for March 17 at Bank of America Stadium.
An eighth-grader from Randolph Middle School, Arnav Srivastava, was the runner-up in the competition. Hell join Srivatsa to compete in the regional event.
The last time someone from North Carolina won the national Spelling Bee was in 1970.
(WATCH: CMS counselor opens toy boutique aimed at improving youth self-esteem)
CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A 21-year-old man was killed in a shooting this week in Catawba County, according to the sheriffs office.
The deadly shooting happened along Dublin Drive. As deputies arrived at the scene, they found Isaiah Johnson, 21, of Shelby, who had been shot. His family has been notified of his death.
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Crime & Public Safety
Investigators are not releasing additional information at this time as they consult with the District Attorney, the sheriffs office explained.
No charges have been filed yet in this case.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
This month marked a significant, personal anniversary for me. I vividly remember having finished class on Zoom that day and turning on the TV to watch the breaking news of Jan. 6.
Indelible images of rioters scaling the walls of the U.S. Capitol and police struggling to hold back the burgeoning crowd flashed before me. In real time, the home of the worlds strongest democracy was being torn down by the people it was meant to protect. I was just a freshman in high school, and the event left a lasting impression on me. Alongside history class, Jan. 6 was my introduction to American politics.
Today, Im a senior, set to leave for college soon. My life has changed so much during these three years. I can now drive a car, come to school without a mask and stay out without a curfew. Yet as I take a step back, it feels as if my country has remained frozen in that early January afternoon.
That day, I decided to write my thoughts down, seeking an outlet for the emotions I had experienced. To my surprise, what I wrote was published in the Tribune days later. I received encouraging messages from readers and was relieved to know that many citizens from different walks of life shared my concerns for the polarization that was tearing our precious democracy apart. Sadly, it appears now that too many of our politicians do not share the same sentiment.
Recently, I watched now-former President Donald Trump promise pardons to the Capitol rioters or hostages, as he calls them. Ive listened to him promote false conspiracies about the insurrection and reiterate claims about a stolen election all in the same breath. And Ive watched as his campaign continues to gain support.
These messages and their divisive tone have given me and my peers a sense of hopelessness. From the classroom to the cafeteria, there is an air of apathy. Even in an all-important election year in which most of us will be voting for the first time, it feels pointless to engage in political discussion because uncrossable lines have been drawn across most issues. In a country built on finding mutual ground, we are being steered away from the civil discourse and courage that enable compromise. In our formative years, as my generation prepares to lead, the precedents created are counterproductive and uninspiring.
A woman holds a sign saying Democracy is on the line during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 5, 2024, in Washington ahead of the third anniversary of the deadly Jan. 6 Capitol riots.
For such a significant event, it seems as if Jan. 6 has been too quickly pushed aside. Im shocked but also saddened. How could a literal and metaphorical wake-up call for American democracy become reduced to a hot-button issue, lost in the news cycle?
Jan. 6 should have been a turning point that created change and new conversations. I think back to 2001 and how the country united after 9/11, or more recently, how the world rallied around first responders in the fight against COVID-19. But now, the opposite seems to have happened. It appears as if that day has gone ignored, and political tensions have only been exacerbated.
The trauma of Jan. 6 remains a flashbulb memory in my high school life its why Ive chosen to major in public policy in college. I hope it also holds similar significance for my generation. I still believe we are capable of using this experience to promote change and achieve unity. The last three years have proved that progress isnt inevitable. Even when provoked by this shared traumatic event, we still manage to sink back into existing gridlock. Its our duty to create a new precedent and inspire future generations, not divide them.
In four years, I will become a senior in college. My only wish is that then, in 2028, my memory of Jan. 6, 2021, will still be vivid, hopefully alongside the real progress we will finally have made.
Winston Chu is a senior at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview and will study public policy at Cornell University in the fall.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
After a record year for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the state level, 2024 is shaping up to be just as challenging.
In 2023, more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across 43 states, and more than 80 were passed into law. So far in the new year, 285 have been introduced, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
These bills seek to limit LGBTQ+ peoples rights in education, health care, public accommodations, free speech and expression, and much more. A total of 130 would restrict students and teachers rights through curriculum censorship, forced outing of students, and other regulations. Seventy-one of the bills deal with health care, mostly with age restrictions. There are 21 drag show bans. Other measures would weaken civil rights laws by defining men and women according to reproductive capacity or prevent transgender people from changing their gender marker on official documents.
As in the past few years, many of the bills specifically target trans people. Transgender people across the country are enduring a historic and dangerous effort to control our bodies and our lives, fueled by extremist politics with the goal of erasing us from public life, ACLU attorney Harper Seldin told The Hill.
Taken together, these proposals are a blatant effort to deny transgender people the freedom to be ourselves at school, at work, and the support of the medical care many of us need to live, he added. We at the ACLU and our nationwide affiliate network stand ready to defend our freedoms and our families from this baseless assault.
The bills introduced so far are largely in the South and Midwest. Some are in Republican-dominated states that have already passed anti-LGBTQ+ laws, such as Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, and Missouri. Others, however, are in Democratic-governed states where they have little chance of passage, such as Illinois, Minnesota, and Washington.
But even when such bills do not pass, they do harm, the ACLU points out, as debate over them is marked by hateful rhetoric. Young LGBTQ+ people feel particularly threatened, as indicated by a Trevor Project study last year.
The ACLU will not stop speaking out against these cruel attacks nationwide, the organization vowed in a statement on its website. LGBTQ people have a right to live in safety, to thrive, and to be treated with dignity.
Three students on Cape Cod were taken to a hospital after one experienced a bad reaction after eating a chocolate bar on a school bus Thursday morning, school officials said.
Shortly after 9:00 a.m., the Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School resource officer was notified that a student inside the nurses office was experiencing a reaction after eating a chocolate bar on a school bus earlier in the morning.
Two other students also ate from the same chocolate bar but did not show symptoms, Yarmouth police said. The three students were then taken to Cape Cod Hospital to be evaluated.
The Yarmouth Police Department is working closely with school officials to thoroughly investigate the incident. The parents of the students involved have been notified and are being kept informed of the developments, Yarmouth police posted on Facebook.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) has awarded the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ENCV) a $300,000 grant to develop resources for Latino Virginians with disabilities and their families.
According to ENCVs Executive Director Dominique Dunford-Lack, this grant will be used to strengthen partnerships between the Latino communities in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Richmond, among other Virginia locations.
The grant will aid Centers for Independent Living with recruiting and training service providers.
ENCV provides numerous services for members of the community with disabilities, including medical equipment, independent living skills training, information on how to use public transportation independently and safely, and much more. Click here for a comprehensive list of resources.
The Board is delighted to collaborate with ECNV on this project designed to provide disability information to Virginians with disabilities and their families with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), the Boards Executive Director Teri Morgan said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
FILE - The logo for 3M appears on a screen above the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Oct. 24, 2017. 3M has started paying out parts of its $6 billion settlement to U.S. service members who say they experienced hearing loss or other serious injuries after using faulty earplugs made by the company. The chemical and consumer product manufacturer made a $250 million payment to the qualified settlement fund on Dec. 26, expected to result in 25,000 to 30,000 claimants dismissing associated litigation. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
NEW YORK (AP) 3M has started paying out its $6 billion settlement to U.S. service members who say they experienced hearing loss or other serious injuries after using faulty earplugs made by the company.
The chemical and consumer product manufacturer made a $250 million payment to the qualified settlement fund on Dec. 26, expected to result in 25,000 to 30,000 claimants dismissing associated litigation. And on Monday, 3M said it was accelerating another payment of $253 million to settle wave cases by Jan. 31.
All the remaining wave plaintiffs, whose claims were being prepared for trial prior to the settlement agreement, have now agreed to participate in the settlement and release their claims, 3M wrote Monday, noting that company amended existing settlement timing as a result of this strong support.
Saint Paul, Minnesota-based 3M reached the $6 billion settlement agreement back in August after over a quarter million veterans and current service members sued the company and Aearo Technologies, which 3M acquired in 2008, over their Combat Arms Earplugs.
Throughout years-long litigation, service members alleged that a defective design allowed the products to loosen slightly and possibly cause hearing damage, according to Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis, & Overholtz PLLC, one of the law firms representing plaintiffs.
At the time of announcing August's agreement, 3M maintained that the settlement which consists of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in stock was not an admission of liability.
Payments were set to run from 2023 through 2029. It's unclear out each claimant will be notified and receive settlement checks. The Associated Press reached out to attorneys representing the plaintiffs for further information Thursday.
In a Tuesday statement to the Star Tribune, plaintiff attorney Bryan Aylstock said the legal team was pleased with 3Ms decision to move up this payment and appreciate its commitment to the resolution of these claims.
Aylstock added that support for the settlement has been overwhelming so far and they "expect to meet and indeed exceed the 98% participation threshold provided for in the settlement agreement in the coming weeks.
Prior to this settlement, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million in 2018 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of the government alleging the company knowingly supplied defective earplugs to the U.S. military. There was no determination of liability in the agreement.
The kakapo, the world's heaviest parrot, managed to come back from extinction. FeatherStalker Don / Shutterstock
The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a large flightless bird from New Zealand. Also known as the owl parrot and the night parrot, it has an owl-like face but isn't an owl at all; it's a flightless parrot.
Learn more about these record-setting and critically endangered birds.
4. The Kakapo Is the Loudest Bird in the World
This critically endangered parrot is one of the loudest animals on Earth and the loudest bird, with a 132-decibel mating call known as a "boom."
The kakapo (sometimes spelled as "kakapo," without the Maori macron over each vowel) is the only flightless bird that engages in lek breeding.
This means that during the breeding season, male kakapos engage in competitive courtship displays (lekking) to attract females. Male kakapos dig shallow bowls in the ground to amplify their booming vocalizations.
The coloring of the kakapo, seen here walking on the forest floor, is similar to that of the kea, another New Zealand bird. But the kakapo sports a paler beak. Robin Bush / Getty Images
3. The Kakapo Is the World's Heaviest Parrot
As the world's heaviest parrot species, it's not entirely surprising that the kakapo cannot fly. An adult male kakapo can weigh up to 13 pounds (6 kilograms).
2. Kakapos Came Back From Extinction
The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the kakapo extinct in the wild in 1994, but by 2000, conservation efforts successfully saved the species from extinction and it was declared critically endangered in 2000.
Kakapos were abundant throughout the the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island in New Zealand before humans arrived; today, they live on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island), Anchor Island and Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier Island).
A major threat to these flightless birds is the presence of invasive mammalian predators like cats which hunt kakapos and stoats and rats, which eat kakapo eggs. Today, all introduced predators which threaten kakapos have been removed from their protected habitat to create predator-free islands.
Now That's Impressive
These flightless birds aren't the only living species to have come back from extinction. At least four other species were believed to be extinct for decades before living specimens were found in the wild.
1. Kakapos May Be the World's Longest-Living Birds
Kakapos live a long time. This island species may be the world's longest-lived bird, with a reported lifespan of up to 90 years of age. (The Guinness World Record for oldest bird went to Cookie, an 82-year-old cockatoo.)
The kakapo's forest-colored plumage gives it natural camouflage. FeatherStalker Don / Shutterstock
Unlike cockatoos, these land birds of New Zealand do not survive long in captivity, and their median lifespan in the wild is 40 years. It's essential that the kakapo islands remain predator-free so the kakapo population can continue to grow.
Original article: 4 Kakapo Facts That Are Almost Too Cool to Be True
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At least 40 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets have been inspected so far in the Biden administrations probe into the aircraft, after one of the planes lost part of its fuselage midflight earlier this month and was forced to make an emergency landing, officials said Wednesday.
Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee they will review information collected from the jets, all identical to the aircraft used in the Alaskan Airlines flight that experienced the blowout, before clearing the planes for passenger flights.
The FAA confirmed the number in an emailed statement.
All 737-9 MAX aircraft with door plugs will remain grounded pending the FAAs review and final approval of an inspection and maintenance process that satisfies all FAA safety requirements, the agency wrote. Once the FAA approves an inspection and maintenance process, it will be required on every grounded 737-9 MAX prior to future operation.
The safety of the flying public, not speed, will determine the timeline for returning these aircraft to service, it added.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker briefed members of the committee in a closed-door session for two hours Wednesday on the latest developments of the federal investigations prompted by the incident.
Officials said the investigations were still in their early stages, The Associated Press reported.
Nothing was said about penalties or enforcement, but when there is an end result, I have no doubt that there will be consequences, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) told the AP after the meeting.
Moran added that the FAA would be focused on the challenges that Boeing has faced over a longer period of time, of which this incident, this potential disaster, was only one component.
The agency revealed earlier this week that it would be expanding its probe to include looking into Boeings manufacturing practices and production lines. The FAAs investigation is focusing on whether Boeing followed standard quality-control measures, while the NTSB is investigating the midair accident.
Homendy explained that the NTSB would be looking into how the fuselage was produced by Spirit Aerosystems and how the panel was installed on the Alaska Airlines plane, according to the AP.
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are the only airlines to use the Boeing 737 Max 9, which have all been grounded as the investigation continues. Passengers have filed two separate lawsuits against the airline and manufacturer, citing trauma and distress.
The Hill has reached out to Alaska Airlines and United Airlines for comment.
The Associated Press contributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO, Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming, and Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival director of programming, participate in a panel discussion at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
The 40th edition of Sundance Film Festival kicked off Thursday morning with a discussion on looking forward and looking back.
This years Sundance program involved a record number of film submissions over 17,000 and an underlying theme of artificial intelligence, according to Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming.
Even after four decades, Sundance continues to celebrate new filmmakers and discovery. A large percent of the 17,000 submissions came from first-time filmmakers.
So many people go to Sundance for the element of discovery. This is really present in this program. Kim Yutani, the film festivals director of programming, said.
Related
Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival director of programming, speaks at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Both Hernandez and Yutani discussed looking forward to the future of filmmaking and to technologies like AI while simultaneously looking back. This years Sundance slate includes eight films that previously premiered at the festival, including Napoleon Dynamite.
Jason Blum, CEO and founder of Blumhouse and a member of the Sundance Institute board of trustees, asked what major themes creators and filmmakers focused on this year.
Hernandez responded by highlighting artificial intelligence and specifically citing Eno, the first generative documentary. But according to him and other Sundance officials, this years filmmakers are using AI to enhance their movies, not direct their films.
Joana Vincete, Sundance Institute CEO, said that the groups first goal is to protect creators and filmmakers.
Officials also said at the press conference that this years Sundance slate is more accessible, both online and in Salt Lake City. Hernandez, in particular, mentioned connecting with Sundances Salt Lake audience.
Another big connection between Sundance and its Utah audience? The 20th anniversary screening of Napoleon Dynamite, which Yutani said would be really fun.
I think about this movie all the time. Yutani said. I cannot think of a better film than Napoleon Dynamite that has such a (connection to a Utah audience).
Jason Blum, Blumhouse CEO and founder and Sundance Institute board of trustees member, moderates a conversation with Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO, Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming, and Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival director of programming, at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Jason Blum, Blumhouse CEO and founder and Sundance Institute board of trustees member, speaks before moderating a panel discussion at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival director of programming, speaks at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO, smiles after press line photos at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming, smiles after press line photos at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO, poses for photos at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Jason Blum, left, Blumhouse CEO and founder and Sundance Institute board of trustees member, moderates a conversation with Joana Vicente, Sundance Institute CEO, Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming, and Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival director of programming, at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival director and head of public programming, speaks at the Sundance Scoop opening day press conference for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at the Filmmaker Lodge in Park City on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
A male resplendent quetzal flies through a rainforest on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. mallardg500 / Getty Images
The quetzal is a colorful, tropical bird that has fascinated humans for thousands of years. One species in particular, the resplendent quetzal, is thought to have inspired Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican feathered serpent god.
Read on to learn more about these beautiful birds that live in the rainforests of Central America and South America.
About Quetzals
Quetzals are five species of Central and South American birds in the genus Pharomachrus of the trogon family:
The crested quetzal ( Pharomachrus antisianus ) is found in western South America, including parts of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.
The golden-headed quetzal ( Pharomachrus auriceps ) lives in western South America from Venezuela to Bolivia.
The pavonine quetzal ( Pharomachrus pavoninus ) lives in subtropical forests of the Amazon basin.
The resplendent quetzal ( Pharomachrus mocinno ) is found in the tropical montane cloud forests of Central America, including southern Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras, and parts of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and western Panama. The resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and inspired the country's currency, the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). It was also a sacred bird in Aztec and Mayan culture.
The white-tipped quetzal (Pharomachrus fulgidus) lives in the humid forests of northern Colombia and Venezuela.
The word "quetzal" comes from the Nahuatle "quetzalli," which refers to the resplendent quetzal's tail coverts, the brilliant green plumage covering the tail feathers of the male resplendent quetzal during the mating season.
Resplendent quetzals aren't the only species with long tail feathers: Golden-headed quetzals grow tail feathers up to 6.7 inches (17. cm) long, and crested quetzal feathers can reach 30 inches (76.2 cm) long. But the resplendent quetzal has the longest plumes at 35 inches (88.9 cm).
Is the Eared Quetzal Really a Quetzal?
The eared quetzal (Euptilotis neoxenus), found in the mountains of Mexico and occasionally the southwestern United States, is not a "true" quetzal because it is not in the Pharomachrus genus.
It is, however, in the larger togon family, so the eared quetzal sometimes referred to as the eared togon is a close relative of the quetzals.
Quetzal Conservation Status
All five quetzal species are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The resplendent quetzal is "near threatened" and the other four species are "least concern."
According to IUCN, the resplendent quetzal "is suspected to be experiencing a moderately rapid population decline, owing to widespread deforestation."
Original article: 5 Quetzal Species Flying in Central and South America
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5 signs you have intergenerational trauma passed on through your family, even if you're high-functioning day-to-day
Intergenerational trauma is where the psychological effects of painful events are passed on in families.
A psychotherapist shared five signs you might be experiencing intergenerational trauma.
Symptoms of intergenerational trauma include difficulty regulating emotions and being overly suspicious.
You're probably aware that your parents help shape who you are, but that effect runs deeper for those experiencing what is known as intergenerational trauma .
Intergenerational trauma , also known as multigenerational, transgenerational, or historical trauma, is where the effects of events experienced by a person's parents, grandparents, and ancestors are passed down through the repetition of behaviors and relationship dynamics, Hendrix Hammond , a psychotherapist based in London, told Business Insider. A person's environment or circumstance may lead them to behave in a certain way, which their child may mirror, with the cycle continuing for generations, he said.
Intergenerational trauma is also thought to have what is known as an epigenetic component, where past generations' experiences affect how certain genes are expressed in their children and grandchildren, with more research needed to confirm this.
The concept of intergenerational trauma was first described in the context of the children of Holocaust victims after Canadian psychiatrists noticed they were overrepresented in referrals to psychiatry clinics in the mid-sixties, two decades after the end of World War II. Since then, the term has been used to describe inherited trauma from enslaved people, including African Americans, as well as wars and natural disasters.
Trauma from personal events can be passed down too, such as child abuse or migration, Hammond said. One 2015 study found that the children of mothers who were severely abused in childhood were nearly 2.5 times more likely to experience persistent depressive symptoms than the children of women who didn't.
For example, Hammond said, if a mother is very depressed, her condition may make it challenging to develop a healthy attachment to her child, who might then grow up thinking a detached mother-child relationship is normal, which may be passed on.
However, a person experiencing intergenerational trauma may not be consciously aware because the symptoms may have become normalized Hammond said.
Hammond stressed that experiencing the symptoms below doesn't mean a person has intergenerational trauma, and those who are concerned should seek therapy.
Difficult relationships in your family follow a pattern
One of the most obvious indicators of intergenerational trauma is a repeating pattern of relationship dynamics in your family, Hammond said.
"For example, if a mother and daughter don't get on, I'd ask the mother how she got on with her mother, and you often notice a pattern that just keeps repeating itself. Maybe there was a rivalry that was traumatic for someone as a child, and this got passed on as a suspicion of all the girls in the family by their mothers," he said.
Hammond added: "There's these unspoken messages we get growing up which we then believe as truths and start repeating unconsciously in our relationships."
You're very suspicious of people
Hammond said that if a traumatic event in a person's family history occurred because of other people's betrayal or selfishness, they may have learned to be suspicious of others.
This can manifest as trust issues in romantic relationships if you've learned from your family to be suspicious of those looking after you, because romantic feelings are similar to those that babies have in relation to their carers, Hammond said.
You need to be around people all the time
Conversely, the need to be around people all the time could be an inherited need to feel safe in a group, Hammond said.
"As we were forming as humans, our brains were thinking: 'How do we stay safe? How do we feed ourselves? How do we just survive?' We're still primed in that way, so if some people have had trauma in their family history, they might always be looking around to check if they have enough people around them to help them survive," he said.
You struggle to regulate your emotions
Hammond said that responding to events in a way that may not be deemed appropriate, such as feeling numb when others experience emotions or behaving in an over-the-top way can also be a symptom of intergenerational trauma.
"Often people aren't aware of why they are responding in a certain way, but if you were to trace it back to their childhood and what's going on with their parents, you might see that people who have gone through really challenging trauma learn how to manage in particular ways, such as having difficulties expressing their emotions, which then gets modeled to their children," he said.
You may not have the tools to deal with low moods and mental health issues
Experiencing trauma can result in low moods and mental health problems . Although you might be genetically predisposed to experiencing issues such as addiction, the mental health issues themselves aren't the intergenerational trauma, Hammond said, but the response to them.
"If your family never had a mechanism for managing low moods, for example, reaching out and speaking to people, it can quickly turn into extended periods of depression," he said.
You self-harm or have destructive coping mechanisms
If you do have coping mechanisms for poor mental health, but they are destructive, this may be another symptom of intergenerational trauma.
As well as cutting or burning, self-harm can also be a person undereating or taking risks with their life. It can be an "indicator that someone is really repressed in their emotional responses to life," Hammond said.
Read the original article on Business Insider
A Texas transportation company is suing Chicago over rules the city put in place to restrict unscheduled buses carrying asylum-seekers.
The lawsuit filed by Irving-based Wynne Transportation earlier this month accuses the city of violating federal and state law with its restrictions on what Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration has referred to as rogue buses.
The legal move continues a back-and-forth battle as Chicago works to control the arrivals of asylum-seekers and Texas adjusts to continue sending them. Nearly 35,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending buses in August 2022.
The suit against the city is about allowing immigrants the opportunity to call Chicago home, the lawsuit says.
Rather than welcoming migrants and giving them sanctuary, Chicago is turning its back on those wishing to travel here by enacting an ordinance that targets the transportation companies that transport migrants from our southern border to their desired destination, it continues.
The lawsuit comes in response to city ordinances implemented in November requiring bus companies to drop off migrant passengers at a West Loop location, during business hours and only with prior approval. The rules also limit arrivals to two buses per day. Starting in December, the City Council added the threat of expensive fines and impoundment for violators.
Only two bus applications have been submitted to the Chicago Department of Transportation since preapproval was first required, despite 204 buses arriving in the city since the beginning of December, according to city officials. Both bus applications were approved.
The city has filed 95 complaints regarding buses violating its intercity bus ordinance and impounded two buses, both of which were released after fines above $3,000 were paid, officials said.
Chicagos restrictions, described by the city as an attempt to bring order to unexpected bus arrivals and secure the safety of arriving people, prompted new evasions from bus companies and Texan leaders.
Shortly after the rules were implemented, buses began to drop migrants off in suburban towns across Chicagoland, many of which have since implemented their own tough bus restrictions. In mid-December, Abbott began to send chartered planes carrying migrants to the city.
Migrants depart a bus after 4:00 a.m. for the second time after traveling from Texas to a Metra station outside of Chicago on Jan. 5, 2024, in Glen Ellyn. After first arriving after midnight in the suburb, Glen Ellyn police had to ask the bus they traveled in to return so the migrants would have a warm place to wait before the next train into Chicago at 5:00 a.m. that morning.
Wynnes subcontractors have faced 95 separate lawsuits filed by the city for violating the new rules, each seeking $2,000 to $10,000 fines, said the companys attorney, Michael Kozlowski, of the Chicago-based law firm Esbrook P.C.
It unlawfully interferes with the business and makes the business very difficult to run, he said. Its certainly not chump change.
The attorney cast doubt on the stated migrant-safety intentions behind the citys restrictions, arguing they are instead a tool to block migrants from arriving.
Its clearly directed at migrants, Kozlowski said. Every single one of these passengers wanted to go to Chicago.
The companys lawsuit argues Chicago doesnt have the authority to make rules restricting immigration. It also claims the city is violating the interstate commerce clause by discriminating against out-of-state buses, the right of migrants to equal protection and the Illinois Constitution.
The company is seeking financial damages, legal fees and an end to the ordinances new restrictions.
Johnson spokesman Ronnie Reese declined to comment on the pending litigation, citing city policy. But he said the citys stricter penalties were created as winter approached to prevent dangerous drop-offs.
Buses have attempted to drop off migrants in the middle of traffic, on random street corners, and at OHare Airport, Reese said in a statement.
The inhumane treatment further endangers the safety and security of asylum-seekers and adds additional strain to city departments, volunteers and mutual aid partners tasked with easing what is already a harsh transition, he said.
Kozlowski said he expects the city to respond to the lawsuit in the next few weeks, adding that the company and city will next appear in court in a city-filed lawsuit over a bus ordinance violation later this month.
jsheridan@chicagotribune.com
Bank customers in the US are often surprised by $35 overdraft fees, and those who can least afford them are charged the most frequently. That could change, however, after the Biden administration proposed a rule Wednesday that could save consumers more than $3 billion a year in bank fees.
Heres what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
1. Winter storms
As a brutal Arctic blast wraps up in the eastern US, a new winter storm system is bringing freezing rain and precarious conditions to the Pacific Northwest. At least 40 people have died in the dangerous winter weather across nine states since January 12. Fatalities have been reported in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Back-to-back storms are now delivering a deadly one-two punch to the Northwest with freezing rain and ice in Oregon and Washington and heavy snow through the regions interior through the end of the week, the National Weather Service said. Meteorologists warn that the icy roadways and downed power lines are triggering road closures and power outages impacting tens of thousands of people.
2. Middle East
The US military carried out another round of strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, marking the fourth time the US has struck the Iran-backed rebel group in less than a week. Hours earlier, the Houthis struck a US-owned and operated cargo vessel for the second time this week. The attacks have had consequences for the global economy as they have effectively closed off the Red Sea one of the main trade routes for container ships. Meanwhile, Iran is embroiled in an escalating spat with its southeastern neighbor Pakistan, which targeted locations inside Iran a day after deadly Iranian strikes on separatists in Pakistani territory. The new strikes mean both countries have now taken the extraordinary step of attacking militants on each others soil at a time of expanding conflict in the Middle East and the wider region.
3. School safety
The Justice Department is expected to release a review today of the failed law enforcement response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. More than a year after the tragedy which left 19 children and two teachers dead the Texas community is still grappling with why it took 77 minutes for law enforcement to stop the gunman. Surveillance video shows more than 370 officers gathered at the scene as the shooter roamed two adjoining classrooms, raising questions about whether lives could have been saved if authorities had acted sooner. The victims families met with Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday to be briefed on the report ahead of its release today, although some told CNN that many questions remain about what is being done to bolster security in schools across the US.
4. Border battle
The Biden administration gave Texas until the end of Wednesday to stop blocking the US Border Patrols access to several miles along the US-Mexico border following the drowning deaths of a woman and two children last week. State authorities had barred federal agents from the zone according to a Department of Homeland Security letter exclusively obtained by CNN preventing Border Patrol from attempting an emergency rescue. The Department of Homeland Security warned it will refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate action and consider all other options available to restore Border Patrols access to the border. Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton doubled down on the states actions Wednesday, saying, Texas will not surrender, in a statement issued by his office.
5. Royal family
Catherine, Princess of Wales, will spend up to two weeks in the hospital after undergoing abdominal surgery, Kensington Palace announced in a statement Wednesday. The operation was successful and Catherine known by many as Kate is expected to recover at her home in Windsor after she is discharged. It is unclear what the surgery was for, but a royal source told CNN that the 42-year-olds condition was non-cancerous. Shortly after Kates hospitalization was made public Wednesday, Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles III will also be going to the hospital next week for treatment for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace said the 75-year-old would undergo a corrective procedure and described his condition as benign.
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TODAYS NUMBER
45 billion
Thats around how many hacking attempts JPMorgan Chase fights off each day amid escalating cybersecurity challenges. Banks across the US and Europe have reported a surge in cyber attacks over the past few years. Some of that increase has been blamed on the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence and Russia-based cybercrime networks.
TODAYS QUOTE
As Americans, we expect the United States, the greatest superpower in the history of the world, to use its full power to secure the hostages release.
Jon Polin, the father of Hersch Goldberg-Polin an American citizen held hostage in Gaza speaking at a news conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Several families of American hostages are in Washington, DC, this week around the 100-day mark of their loved ones being taken when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. The families are scheduled to meet with White House officials today to discuss the governments efforts to bring their relatives home.
TODAYS WEATHER
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AND FINALLY
Rat hole is Chicagos newest must-see sight
Oddly enough, a rat hole in Chicago has become a new selfie hot spot. Watch this video to see why people are scurrying to the strange attraction.
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Nikki Haley is set to participate in a CNN town hall Thursday just days before a New Hampshire primary that the onetime South Carolina governor hopes will shake loose former President Donald Trumps hold on the 2024 Republican race.
Haleys campaign has long viewed the Granite State where the GOP primary electorate includes more moderates and independents than other early-voting states as her best shot at a win.
Trump, whose campaign in recent weeks has identified Haley as a threat, is deploying racist dog whistles against his former US ambassador to the United Nations while escalating his attacks on her on social media and the airwaves.
Here are five things to watch for at Thursday nights town hall, which will take place at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire, and will be moderated by CNNs Jake Tapper:
How will Haley hit Trump?
Wary of alienating the huge portion of the GOP base that remains loyal to the former president, Haley in recent days has lumped Trump together with President Joe Biden swiping at both of them with an argument for generational change.
The majority of Americans think that having two 80-years-olds running for president is not what they want, she told a crowd Tuesday in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Youve got two people who spent trillions of dollars in debt that our kids are never going to forgive us. Biden and Trump both did that.
Haley has faced calls to take on Trump more aggressively particularly from former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who used his speech dropping out of the primary last week to challenge the non-Trump Republicans remaining in the race.
Anyone who is unwilling to say (Trump) is unfit to be president of the United States, Christie said, is unfit themselves to be president of the United States.
Haley could benefit from Christies exit. Hed made New Hampshire the sole focus of his campaign, and polls had shown him in the low double digits. A CNN poll earlier this month, conducted before Christie dropped out of the race, found that Haley was the clear second choice among his supporters with 65% saying they would support her were Christie not running. Fewer than 1 in 10 of his backers chose other candidates, and 13% said they would not vote.
Does she respond to Trumps racist attacks?
In a post Tuesday on his Truth Social platform, Trump slammed Haley while referring to her first name, Nimarata which he misspelled as Nimrada. Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa and took her husbands last name after they married.
Trump also recently amplified a post that falsely claimed Haley was ineligible to run for president because her parents were not United States citizens at the time of her birth. Haley was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, and is a US citizen.
The attacks echo Trumps smears against former President Barack Obama. Trump was a chief promoter of the racist lie that Obama was not born in the US and was ineligible to be president. Trump also regularly emphasizes Obamas middle name, Hussein, at campaign rallies.
His attacks came the same day Haley was asked by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade if the GOP was a racist party.
Were not a racist country, Brian. Weve never been a racist country, she said. Our goal is to make sure that today is better than yesterday. Are we perfect? No. But our goal is to always make sure we try and be more perfect every day that we can.
Haleys remarks raised eyebrows. It came weeks after she was asked at a New Hampshire town hall to explain the causes of the Civil War and did not immediately mention slavery.
How she responds to Trumps race-focused attacks will be a key question Thursday night.
Setting expectations for New Hampshire
Polls have shown Haley within striking distance of Trump in New Hampshire. But after Trumps dominant victory in the Iowa caucuses, anything short of a race-jolting victory in Tuesdays primary might not be enough for Haley to slow the former presidents march to a third consecutive GOP nomination.
New Hampshires primary electorate is the most moderate of the four early-voting states on the GOP calendar, thanks in part to rules that allow those without a party affiliation to participate. While thats an advantage for Haley, it also means that if she cant win there, she might not be able to beat Trump anywhere else.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, Haleys most influential supporter in the state, said on Fox News this week that if Haley can shock the system Tuesday, that would be a great reset for the for the entire election.
However, he also predicted she would finish a strong second not exactly a shock to the system.
Balancing appeals with South Carolina in mind
While New Hampshires GOP primary electorate is relatively moderate, South Carolinas is much more conservative and even though its Haleys home state, polls show Trump is well ahead there.
If Haley defeats Trump in New Hampshire (or delivers the strong second that Sununu predicted), all eyes would be on the Palmetto States February 24 primary and on whether Haley can capitalize on that momentum to win with a much more representative slice of the Republican electorate.
It partially explains Haleys balancing act trying to win in New Hampshire while not alienating conservatives in other states as the race moves forward.
That look ahead could account for Haleys reticence to attack Trump in more direct ways. Though she frequently criticizes the former president for refusing to debate and invokes his age, she also defends the policies of his presidency.
What about DeSantis?
The lead-up to the Iowa caucuses was all about the race for second place between Haley and Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor won that fight, nudging Haley out though both finished well behind Trump.
Now, Haley says its a two-person race even though DeSantis is still in it. She announced she would skip pre-New Hampshire debates scheduled to be hosted by ABC News and CNN, saying she would only appear if Trump did.
Will she continue to attack DeSantis, as she did for weeks before Iowa voted? Based on her response Tuesday to CNNs Dana Bash after she was asked about DeSantis traveling to South Carolina that day to campaign, Haley might not.
Look, it really doesnt matter to me why he went there. Im sure he had a great time. South Carolina is a great state. But hes in single digits in South Carolina and single digits in New Hampshire. Hes been invisible in both states, she said.
He is not my concern. Im going after Trump.
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Seeking to restore diplomatic ties with China right choice independently made by Nauru: spokesperson
Xinhua) 08:47, January 18, 2024
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Seeking to restore diplomatic relations with China is the collective decision of the Nauru cabinet and a right choice independently made by Nauru as a sovereign country, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on reports that sources claimed that Nauru's surprise break of "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan was achieved through behind-the-scenes manipulation by a former president of the country, and the mainland took the opportunity to persuade Nauru to switch ties when Taiwan was still assessing and having consultations on Nauru's demand for economic aid.
To recognize the one-China principle, break "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan and seek to restore diplomatic relations with China is the collective decision of the Nauru cabinet and a right choice independently made by Nauru as a sovereign country, Mao noted.
Mao pointed out that the parliament of Nauru unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday, supporting, endorsing and affirming the Nauru government's decision to resume diplomatic relations with China and committing itself to develop Nauru's diplomatic ties with China and the friendly cooperation between the two sovereign nations, which once again shows that the one-China principle is where global opinion trends and where the arc of history bends.
The "sources" of the so-called claims are nothing but ill-intentioned speculation, Mao said, adding that those who see "dollar diplomacy" as a go-to tool need to understand that there are things that money cannot buy.
The one-China principle is a fundamental principle that cannot be traded and a prevailing international consensus, Mao said.
"China is the world's second-largest economy. Restoring and developing diplomatic relations and carrying out practical cooperation in various fields with China promise broad prospects and will bring unprecedented development opportunities for Nauru," she said.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Busloads of migrants, most reported to be from Venezuela, have been arriving from Texas to Chicago over the past year and a half. Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been transporting the migrants, who cross into the country at that states southern border with Mexico, to Democratic cities that have adopted sanctuary ordinances including Chicago and New York City.
This ordinance is set up to be something of a game plan, village attorney Hart Passman said at the Village Board meeting Tuesday. It is not a prohibition on the transfer of people into Arlington Heights.
But recently, after the Chicago mayor called for penalizing unannounced drop-offs and ones outside of the citys designated areas, migrants have been unloaded in suburbs which often dont have the resources to provide housing or other care for the asylum seekers. Additionally, they have been arriving wearing only shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops unprepared for the areas frigid winter conditions.
Trustee Nicolle Grasse acknowledged at the meeting Tuesday night that the ordinance adopted protects residents, businesses and new, undocumented arrivals.
We cannot control bad actors who are doing bad things by sending people here without proper health care, clothes or food, but we can control, as a municipality, how we respond to people who are needing help, Grasse said. We do not have the resources to provide them everything they need but we can be a welcoming place of safety and humanitarianism and really support them as living human beings who are suffering and trying to find a better life.
Like the ordinances in other towns, including Buffalo Grove, the Arlington Heights ordinance requires any bus that comes one way into the village from anywhere else, containing at least 10 individuals and that is not regularly scheduled, must submit an application to schedule an arrival at least five days in advance.
The application requires information about the bus, including the number of passengers, who ordered the bus, a written plan for how passengers will be transported to another location, cared for, fed and more, according to the ordinance.
Unlike other ordinances, it does require that the bus remain on site until passengers have left or the village excuses the bus.
Trustees approved the ordinance on an 8-0 vote.
This really does address a gap in our village code to address a situation thats not of our own making, said Mayor Tom Hayes. Im pleased with the recommendation from our staff to fill this gap and to address humanitarian and health and safety concerns that unscheduled bus stops could potentially bring to our community. This is a good way to address some of these concerns, not just for the passengers on the buses but our residents and our community.
Some trustees called the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border and subsequent busing of migrants north lacking a game plan, shameful and an abomination and considered this ordinance a humane way to manage the crisis at the local level.
Passman explained the intent of the ordinance is to create a coordination with the village so that those who are brought here can get to their final destination either in town or elsewhere safely and humanely.
Its not putting up a stop sign, its saying, Let us know when youre coming, give us five days and we can coordinate, give us your plan and come during hours when we can assist you,' Passman said.
In Arlington Heights, the buses would be directed to the Arlington Park Metra train station for service into the city. If bus operators do not comply with the ordinance, Village Manager Randy Recklaus said there would be fines of $750 per passenger and impoundment of the bus.
Recklaus said that once the ordinance passed, a letter detailing the town law will be sent via certified mail to the Texas governors office and the Texas Office of Emergency Management.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.
WASHINGTON The testing of sophisticated software aboard an XQ-58A Valkyrie drone will influence how the U.S. Air Force develops and deploys autonomous technology in the near future, according to a service official.
The Kratos-made UAV flew a three-hour sortie in July near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, relying for the first time on artificial intelligence algorithms. Its programming was matured over millions of hours in simulation and digital environments; in flights with an experimental F-16 jet known as the X-62 VISTA; and other events, according to the service.
Col. Tucker Cinco Hamilton, chief of AI testing and operations, on Jan. 16 said the Valkyrie proved to be a great test bed and one capable of illuminating novel approaches to traditional tasks.
We have to give it some space as its doing its maneuvering and just recognize that it is a computer-controlled aircraft, and it may do things differently than a human, Hamilton said during a livestreamed event hosted by C4ISRNET. We need to recognize theres a huge benefit there some things we are doing right now may not be the most efficient, most effective way of doing things.
Tinkering with the Valkyrie builds upon years of the Air Forces Skyborg program and is closely linked to its more recent effort for collaborative combat aircraft, or CCA. The service in the coming years wants to pair human pilots with CCAs to afford greater flexibility and firepower.
The uncrewed aircraft could execute a variety of assignments: conducting reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, jamming signals, serving as decoys and striking targets with their own missiles. Officials have said CCAs could range in cost and complexity, with some being expensive and precious while others could be easily sacrificed in combat.
If Im flying around in my fighter, I can imagine a world where I have multiple drones able to conduct some missions, Hamilton said. The key, though, is weve got to get the human-machine teaming right. Its all about that. AI and this autonomy its got to empower the decision-maker.
Robert Winkler, a vice president at Kratos, said in September that the Air Force and the Defense Department have communicated their desires for a fleet of robotic wingmen. David Alexander, the president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which makes the Gray Eagle and Reaper drones, has said the same thing.
The Air Forces fiscal 2024 budget blueprint included at least $392 million for CCA work. Billions of dollars are forecast to be spent in the long term.
An airman suffered a cardiac incident while awaiting a training exercise on an Arizona lake last June, where he drowned after he fell off the Jet Ski he was operating, a newly published Air Force investigation into the mishap has found.
The conclusion concurs with those of local civilian medical and law enforcement records obtained by Air Force Times late last year.
The body of Staff Sgt. Kory Wade, 33, a medical logistics technician with the 48th Rescue Squadron at Arizonas Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, was found June 17, 2023, three days after he was reported missing at Theodore Roosevelt Lake. The service announced his death in a news release following the incident.
Airman drowned after heart attack at training exercise, records show
Wades body was recovered from water about 130 feet deep following a search by local authorities and Air Force personnel, according to the accident investigation report published Jan. 12, which refers to Wade as Mishap Operator 1. He was not wearing a life vest when his body was found, despite being required to do so by Air Force policy and Arizona law, the service said.
In the minutes preceding the drowning, [Wade] suffered a cardiac event (possibilities include arrythmia, ischemia and/or heart attack), causing him to fall into the water and submerge to the lake floor, the Air Force report said.
Wade was one of two people, including a contractor working with the squadron, who arrived at Roosevelt Lake on the morning of June 14 to support search-and-rescue training operations planned through June 16. The contractor told investigators that Wade had appeared stressed while running late to the boat shop on base and to pick up groceries, but that the trip from Davis-Monthan to Roosevelt Lake, which took about three hours, was otherwise uneventful, the report said.
According to the report, Wade and the unidentified contractor arrived at the lake a day early to help keep summer boat traffic out of the area during infiltration-and-extraction training planned by the 48th RQS and 55th RQS, also from Davis-Monthan.
They were not required or expected to participate that day, and no watercraft or personnel from the two rescue squadrons were expected in the water, the report said. However, the two were slated to support training operations for the 68th RQS, another Davis-Monthan-based unit, in the week ahead, the investigation said.
An autopsy revealed that plaque buildup had narrowed one of Wades arteries by 80%, Air Force Times previously reported. Though others in his family had suffered from heart attacks, the airman had no personal history of cardiac issues, the Air Force said. He had used tobacco but quit in 2021; the investigation noted that two vaping devices along with food, a wallet, iPhone and sandals were found in the Jet Skis storage and a dry bag.
Airman found dead during training exercise at Arizona's Roosevelt Lake
The Jet Ski Wade was riding had no known maintenance problems at the time of the incident, the Air Force noted.
Wade enlisted in the Air Force in 2008 after high school and arrived at the 48th RQS in February 2023, where he took on the role of boat master for his squadron, the investigation report said. He was certified as an advanced rescuecraft operator and boat master in 2022, and had completed the BoatUS Foundations boating safety course in 2021.
He had also earned a commercial drivers license in anticipation of a second career after leaving the military, his parents told Air Force Times.
Jill Betz, Wades mother, questioned whether wearing a life vest would have saved her sons life if he was incapacitated by a heart issue. Still, Betz said she had never doubted Wades decision to join the military.
The military was the best thing for him to do, she told Air Force Times in November. To see the man that they turned him into wow. It was amazing.
Air Force Times Editor Rachel S. Cohen contributed to this story.
Ukrainian forces shot down 22 of the 33 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said via its official Telegram page on Jan. 18.
The drones were launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk in southern Russia, off the coast of the Sea of Azov, and Kursk region, according to the Air Force. At least two S-300 missiles targeting Kharkiv Oblast were launched from Russia's Belgorod Oblast.
The drones mainly targeted Ukraine's northern and southern oblasts.
Anti-aircraft missile units and mobile firing groups have been used to repel the air attack. The drones were downed over Sumy, Mykolaiv. Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad and Khmelnytskyi oblasts.
At least four of the 22 drones were downed over northeastern Sumy Oblast, damaging a warehouse and several trucks.
Read also: F-16s for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do?
Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The family of a 14-year-old autistic boy from Riverdale is contemplating legal action after he was allegedly shocked with a Taser by a Dolton police officer last November while walking back to his home from a trip to a grocery store.
The youth suffered a fractured femur as a result, and an attorney for his family says Dolton police are not providing information about what happened. The attorney, Calvin Townsend II, also said the boy has not been charged with a criminal offense by Dolton police.
Townsend declined to go into detail regarding the youths recovery process, but said he is still processing all that happened.
Sometime after 10 a.m. Nov. 20, the youth was headed to a store near his home when he was urged by neighbors to return to his home, as there was a heavy police presence in the area, Townsend said Thursday.
After realizing he had forgotten one of his favorite snacks at the store, the youth got permission from his mother to return to the store, according to the lawyer.
At about the same time, Riverdale police had stopped three men who were spotted with masks, according to Townsend. Riverdale officers attempted to engage the individuals; however, at some point a chase on foot ensued, he said.
Riverdale police asked for help from other police departments, including Dolton, and as the youth was running back toward his home he was met by a Dolton officer who used a Taser on him, Townsend said.
The youth typically clambered over a fence in the backyard of his home to get to and from the store, a trip he had taken numerous times, Townsend said.
Townsend said the youth was hurrying to get back home and climbing over the fence when the encounter with police occurred.
He was taken to a nearby hospital after being placed under arrest, then later transferred from the hospital to the police lockup in Riverdale, Townsend said.
The boys parents received little to no information about their son while he was in police custody, and the youth was charged by Dolton police with a criminal offense, according to Townsend. He was eventually released to the custody of his parents, he said.
Townsend said he has sought, through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, information from Dolton police about the encounter as well as from Riverdale police, which initially released limited information to the boys mother.
The attorney said he filed a FOIA request with Dolton in about the middle of December.
Doltons compliance with the state public records law is the subject of a lawsuit pending in Cook County Circuit Court by that villages clerk, Allison Key.
She was the villages appointed person to fulfill FOIA requests, but did not always have full access to village documents, such as police records, and alleges in her complaint, filed in April 2022, that Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard instructed some village department heads to not cooperate in fulfilling FOIA requests.
A separate lawsuit, amended late last month and filed by four Dolton trustees, says the duties of Key as FOIA officer were removed from her and given to the villages finance director.
Townsend said he is waiting to find out whether the youth will be criminally prosecuted, and what, if any information, Dolton police have turned over to the Cook County states attorneys office.
We are also determining the proper civil action in this matter, he said.
The Daily Southtown on Thursday also filed a Freedom of Information Act request with Dolton police asking for information, and a message left for police was not immediately returned.
mnolan@tribpub.com
Airmen from the 596th Bomber Squadron reunited at the Air Force Armament Museum to reminisce on the 33rd anniversary of Operation Senior Surprise.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE On Saturday, the Air Force Armament Museum hosted 25 airmen from the 596th Bomber Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing, to observe the 33rd anniversary reunion of the veterans who took part in Operation Senior Surprise.
This secret mission occurred on Jan. 16, 1991, and began the air campaign of Operation Desert Storm.
Known by the crewmembers as Operation Secret Squirrel, the reunion took a solemn tone as the surviving members in attendance took a moment to remember those who have "gone west."
A continued legacy
During the opening remarks by Robert Lightner, who was the electronic warfare officer on one of the seven aircraft, noted that at the 2017 reunion, Gen. Robin Rand, then commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, had a phone conversation with the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders, Richard Cole, who was the copilot in aircraft No.1.
In that conversation, Cole passed the legacy of the Raiders to the men who participated in Senior Surprise. That legacy included sharing the warriors' bond that was formed in battle and remembering the brothers they lost.
What was Operation Senior Surprise?
After six months of extensive training, mission commander Lt. Col. John "Jay" Beard and 56 airmen awoke to a siren about 3 a.m. on Jan. 16, 1991. The crews boarded seven B-52 Stratofortress bombers and took off from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
The aircrew launched with 40 AGM-86C Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missiles, a weapon designed to increase the effectiveness of the B-52 aircraft. For the B-52, crews would fly the first missions into combat since the end of the Vietnam War.
Just after takeoff, "Doom 34" broke radio silence to announce that one of the eight engines on the aircraft had failed. According to Beard, the mission had a "go, no-go point" where if an aircraft was unable to perform the mission for whatever reason, another B-52 could take off to join the formation.
After Beard received many "standby" updates from "Doom 34," he heard another update from the troubled aircraft.
"Doom 34-checking in. In the green, one (engine) shutdown," the crew said. Beard said his favorite memory of the mission was the men's "get it done" attitude.
As the seven aircraft traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, the first of four aerial refueling operations took place near the Azores, with another refueling over the Mediterranean Sea.
After entering Saudi Arabian airspace, the crew began to arm their weapons. Another issue arose when four missiles began to have software problems and could not be launched. After flying for 14 hours, each aircraft launched its inventory of missiles and then turned to return to base.
Those missiles hit high-priority Iraqi power and communication targets. With those threats eliminated, the air campaign of Operation Desert Storm could proceed as planned.
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With poor weather on the return flight, the crews were put through another test as reduced visibility with the tanker aircraft led to some difficulty during the return. After completing two more aerial refueling operations, all seven aircrews safely touched down in Louisiana.
At the end of the 35-hour, 24-minute mission, the "Secret Squirrels" set a new world record for the longest bombing mission in aviation history at 14,000 miles and saw the use of GPS-guided munitions for the first time in combat.
A heartening reunion
Every year around this time, the squirrels meet for their yearly reunion, which is usually conducted at Barksdale Air Force Base. This year, the reunion was held at Eglin Air Force Base for the first time.
For Beard, seeing the men again was a welcomed experience.
"It's hearting to see all the guys," Beard said. "I very much enjoy it. They were all lieutenants and captains when they flew. When it comes to the guys and to see how their careers went, whether they had full Air Force careers or left and moved on. It's very heartening to me."
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Air Force Armament Museum hosts reunion for Operation Senior Surprise
Akron Board of Education member Rene Molenaur expresses her disapproval of an impending vote at the regular Jan. 8 meeting. Recorded on YouTube, the video abruptly cuts her off twice in mid-sentence, removing roughly 40 seconds from the recording.
The Akron teachers union is questioning why nearly 40 seconds from a recording of an over two-hour school board meeting are missing.
Originally livestreamed on YouTube, the recording from the Jan. 8 meeting showed Akron Public Schools board member Rene Molenaur expressing her disapproval of an impending vote on a tutoring contract before the video abruptly cut her off twice.
The tutoring contract is now the subject of a grievance filed by the teachers union this week against the district.
Although not legally required to broadcast and later post videos of meetings, Akron Public Schools has posted livestreamed board meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mark Williamson, APS communications director.
"It's a live video signal; we have no control over it," Williamson said. "To suggest that anyone was manipulating it in any way is absolutely absurd."
During those 40 missing seconds, he said there was an "exchange between two board members."
"Right at that moment, an icon on the screen started spinning, saying it was buffering," Williamson said. "The gentleman monitoring [the livestream] did not know what the content was because it was buffering."
The Akron Education Association teachers union said in a news release Friday that an unnamed school board member shouted down into silence another board member who expressed concern about the contract in those 40 seconds.
No other jumps occurred in the more than two-hour recording.
The union recently issued a "Special Edition" letter to its members, which made its way to Superintendent Michael Robinson, Williamson said.
He said the letter accused APS of editing the Jan. 8 livestream video and of breaking the union contract by approving a tutoring contract with Varsity Tutors.
The superintendent responded with a letter to union President Patricia Shipe countering her allegations.
"Your implication regarding improper editing of a livestream video from the January board meeting is both reckless and inaccurate," Robinson wrote in the letter.
Shipe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The APS Board of Education President Diana Autry could not be reached for comment.
Contracting with Varsity Tutors for Schools
The contract with Varsity Tutors is part of Future Forward Ohio, which aims to help students recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including education loss, Williamson said.
The contract allows for 2,400 one-on-one 60-minute tutoring sessions for fourth graders who did not get a promotion score on the third-grade Ohio State Test. It will use funds from the Ohio Department of Education, he said.
The Akron School Board voted 6 to 1 at the Jan. 8 meeting in favor of approving the contract. Molenaur was the dissenting voice.
Participating school districts can contract one of 11 vendors, including Varsity Tutors, to use state funding. The APS contract is expected to cost about $156,000 of state funds with no cost to the school district.
"Akron is struggling to fill tutor positions," Williamson wrote in an email, adding that this program will help fill more than 70 open tutor positions.
He said APS teachers can apply through Varsity Tutors to work after hours for extra income as a tutor.
Each of the 11 vendors went through a grading process. To be considered for the Future Forward Ohio program, they had to score 75% or more, according to the Ohio Department of Education website.
Teachers union responds to contract, video
The Akron teachers union filed a grievance in response to the contract, stating it violates the collective bargaining agreement, according to a news release issued from the AEA on Thursday.
The union also filed an unfair labor practice charge with the State Employment Relations Board against the school board for allegedly violating the rights of public employees.
Although it has yet to be filed, the union said it will file an injunction to halt the contract from going forward, citing the Jan. 8 executive session to discuss the contract as illegal, according to the news release.
The union also accused the school board of editing the Jan. 8 meeting on YouTube and limiting the discussion of agenda items.
First cut was less than one second
This first jump in the recording from the Jan. 8 school board meeting is marked by a skipped beat as Molenaur spoke after a 40-minute executive session and the board's decision to vote on the Varsity Tutors contract.
"I rarely dont prepare something, but this is, I wasnt expecting to have a discussion right now," Molenaur said.
"But I do feel that this Molenaur said before the video cut her off for less than one second at the 2 hour, 11 minute and 20-second mark.
Molenaur's head, which was looking up, jerked down. Barbara Sykes, who was looking down one second earlier is suddenly looking up at Molenaur.
Superintendent Robinson put on his glasses and looked at Molenaur in the seconds leading up to the skip. One second later and without movement, he can be seen looking at his desk.
As the video resumes, Molenaur starts again, "questions, and I personally wish that we had more time as a board."
A second, longer jump
The second and larger jump comes four seconds after the first and occurs as the camera fades from a view of the board to an angle focused on Molenaur.
As the camera focused on her, a digital clock behind her on the wall continued to track time by the second. The last time it recorded was five seconds past 7:43 p.m.
With the camera fully focused on her, the clock is no longer visible, but about four more seconds tick by.
"I know" she said before the video cut her off again. There is no transition as the camera abruptly returns to the wider view of the board. When the camera shows the clock again after the jump, about 40 seconds have elapsed. The clock reads 50 seconds past 7:43 p.m.
Molenaur was no longer talking as the board voted on the contract.
Can YouTube livestreams be edited after broadcasting?
Livestreams on YouTube cannot be edited during the live broadcast. Once a livestream has been completed, it can be uploaded to the social media platform, according to YouTube.
Once uploaded, the recorded video can be modified in the video editor. Here, the video can be trimmed and cut to remove portions of the livestream.
The Akron Beacon Journal could not immediately confirm how YouTube treats buffered moments in recorded livestreams.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron teachers: Why is portion missing from school board meeting video?
Americans are divided on whether they support sending humanitarian aid to Palestinians amid Israels ongoing war with militant group Hamas in Gaza, according to a poll released this week.
The The Economist/YouGov survery found respondents were evenly split when it comes to whether the U.S. should increase, decrease or maintain the same amount of aid to Gaza where millions of Palestinians have been displaced and have been lacking food, water and other necessary supplies.
Increasing humanitarian aid, decreasing humanitarian aid and maintaining the same levels of aid each received 25 percent of support from Americans surveyed. Another 24 percent said they were unsure about the issue.
The difference was more defined when broken down by political affiliation. Roughly 44 percent of Democrats supported increased aid to Gaza, while just 9 percent of Republicans said the same. In contrast, 41 precent of Republicans said they want to see the U.S. decrease aid to the territory, compared with 10 percent of Democrats.
Similar shares of each party said they supported maintaining the same levels of aid to Gaza, with 31 percent of Republicans and 26 percent of Democrats saying as much.
The poll also found that Americans were more likely to sympathize with the Israelis instead of the Palestinians in the conflict.
About 37 percent of respondents said their sympathies were with Israelis, 14 percent said theirs were with Palestinians and 26 percent said they are about equal. Another 24 percent said they were unsure.
The survey was conducted Jan. 14-16 among 1,660 adult U.S. citizens. It has a margin of error of about 3 percentage points.
The Israel-Hamas war began last October after Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took another 240 people hostage in a surprise attack. Since then, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has said more than 24,000 people have been killed in Israels subsequent counterattacks.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An 18-year-old woman was hit by a car Tuesday morning as she crossed Main Street in downtown West Dundee, police said.
The woman was walking north from the southeast corner of Second and Main about 10 a.m. when a vehicle turning left at Second struck her, according to reports.
She was taken to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Police did not release the name of the 50-year-old female driver, who was ticketed for failure to yield to a pedestrian.
The driver told officers the glare from the sun may have prevented her from seeing the pedestrian, reports said.
By Lisa Baertlein
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - FedEx Corp is waging financial battles on two fronts.
The delivery giant wants a more profitable contract with the U.S. Postal Service and is seeking an elusive labor deal with its pilots. How both efforts shake out will be key to improving profit at its largest business, overnight-delivery provider FedEx Express.
If the domestic contract with USPS, Express' largest customer, lapses later this year, it would erase nearly $2 billion in annual business that funds hundreds of pilot jobs. A failure to reach an agreement with pilots could further delay retirements and buyouts that could reduce operating costs at Express. That lack of expense relief could increase the risk that FedEx will have to furlough pilots for the first time in its 52-year history.
The pilot talks have been ongoing since May 2021 and there is no set deadline. In the midst of softening global demand, dwindling USPS revenue and some pilots postponing their retirements in hopes of more lucrative contract terms, FedEx executives have said the company's 5,800 pilots are 700 too many. Margins in the company's Express business remain stubbornly low and investors want CEO Raj Subramaniam be bolder in slashing costs.
"FedEx has too many planes and too many pilots," said Trip Miller, founder of Memphis-based hedge fund Gullane Capital Partners, which has a small stake in the company. He wants FedEx to cut Express capacity by 15% to 20%.
FEDEX POSTAL REVENUE LOSES ALTITUDE
FedEx is the No. 1 USPS domestic air contractor, supplying the speed for the agency's Priority Mail and other quick services under a contract that will expire on Sept. 29.
USPS payments to FedEx reached $2.4 billion during the postal service's fiscal year ended September 2020. That shrank to $1.7 billion in fiscal 2023 after the postal service shifted letters and packages from planes to trucks. The switch appears to be starving the daytime air operation that FedEx created for USPS of the volume it needs to keep planes about 70% full and generating profit.
"It's a big contract and it was very profitable for a very long time. I'm not sure it is anymore," TD Cowen analyst Helane Becker said.
USPS now provides about 4% of Express' annual revenue, according to a Reuters calculation. FedEx has vowed to walk away from its 22-year relationship with the postal service if financial terms do not improve.
"We are focused on ensuring it continues to make good business sense for both parties," FedEx said in a statement this week.
USPS, meanwhile, is reorganizing its own operations to accommodate customers who are adopting Amazon.com's strategy of moving distribution centers closer to people who buy their products. That proximity means that fast deliveries have less need for air services.
"There is no reason for the USPS to pay more" for domestic air transport, said Satish Jindel, who helped found a company purchased by FedEx. Jindel analyzed for Reuters almost 1 billion packages shipped in the United States and found a significant increase since 2008 in parcels traveling less than 300 miles (483 km) - a distance easily handled by trucks.
USPS declined to comment. In its 10-year plan released in 2021, the agency said it sees opportunities in "diversifying the mix of air carriers and enhancing carrier contract management." Its other air service providers include FedEx rival United Parcel Service, which had $308 million in USPS business in fiscal 2023.
PILOT DEAL UP IN THE AIR
As many as 300 pilots at FedEx could be out of work if the company loses the USPS contract this year, news provider FreightWaves said earlier this month, citing a recording of a meeting between a FedEx executive and pilot evaluators. FedEx also hopes to convince 400 tenured pilots to take early retirement, the executive said.
That message landed as FedEx and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) gathered for the first negotiations of 2024.
FedEx said the recorded comments represented that executive's "personal speculation" and that the company is committed to reaching a fair contract agreement.
Asked if pilots were willing to make concessions to avoid furloughs, Captain Billy Wilson, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council, said its members "remain steadfast in their resolve."
A group dominated by newer pilots rejected a tentative deal last July, which some analysts saw as a risky move because it paused the departures of senior pilots who are last in line for cuts.
"The problem is that when you furlough, you furlough from the bottom. You can't furlough from the top," TD Cowen's Becker said, referring to pilot seniority. "If I was a younger pilot at FedEx, I'd be kicking myself that I rejected the contract."
(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
A man watches a news channel on television inside a shop after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran targeting separatist militants, in Peshawar
By Parisa Hafezi, Charlotte Greenfield and Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - An Iranian strike on Pakistan this week that drew a rapid military riposte and raised fears of greater regional turmoil was driven by Iran's efforts to reinforce its internal security rather than its ambitions for the Middle East, according to three Iranian officials, one Iranian insider and an analyst.
Both the heavily-armed neighbours, oftentimes at odds over instability on their frontier, appear to want to try to contain the strains resulting from the highest-profile cross-border intrusions in recent years, two analysts and two of the officials said.
Iran sent shockwaves around the region on Tuesday with a missile strike against what it described as hardline Sunni Muslim militants in southwest Pakistan. Two days later, Pakistan in retaliation attacked what it said were separatist militants in Iran - the first air strike by warplanes on Iranian soil since the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.
Tuesday's strike was one of Iran's toughest cross-border assaults on the Sunni militant Jaish al-Adl group in Pakistan, which it says has links to Islamic State. Many of Jaish's members previously belonged to a now-defunct militant group known as Jundallah that had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
The move deepened worries about Middle East instability that have spread since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October. Iran-allied militias from Yemen to Lebanon have launched strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets, including on Red Sea shipping, in sympathy with Gaza's Palestinians.
It also came a day after Iran launched attacks in Iraq and Syria, which it said targeted Israeli espionage and Islamic State operations, respectively.
But the tit-for-tat blows between Iran and Pakistan occurred far from that war zone, in remote borderlands where separatist groups and Islamist militants have long carried out attacks on government targets, with officials in Pakistan and Iran often accusing each other of complicity in the bloodshed.
Gregory Brew, an analyst at Eurasia Group, an international risk consultancy, said Tehran's strikes were motivated in large part by Iran's rising concerns about the threat of domestic militant violence in the wake of a deadly Jan. 3 bombing claimed by the Islamic State group.
"There's a lot of domestic pressure to 'do something,' and the leadership is responding to that pressure," he said.
Spokespeople for the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministries could not immediately be reached for comment.
'CRUSHING RESPONSE'
Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran in protest at Tuesday's attack. For its part, Tehran strongly condemned Pakistan's strikes on Thursday, saying civilians were killed, and summoned Pakistan's most senior diplomat in Iran to give an explanation.
But in their statements, neither government sought to make a link to the Gaza war or to attacks carried out in support of Palestinians by a network of Arab militias allied to Iran from the Mediterranean to the Gulf.
In a public statement on Thursday, the foreign ministry in Tehran said: "Iran considers the security of its people and its territorial integrity as a red line" and expects "friendly and brotherly" Pakistan to prevent armed militant bases on its soil.
For Iran, the trigger for the flare-up was a devastating bombing on Jan. 3 that killed nearly 100 people at a ceremony in the southeastern city of Kerman to commemorate commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a U.S. drone in 2020.
Soleimani, architect of Iran's drive to extend its influence across the Middle East, was a hero to supporters of the hardline establishment. Tehran publicly vowed revenge against Islamic State, the ultra-hardline Sunni Muslim militant group that claimed responsibility for the bombing.
An Iranian insider close to the country's ruling clerics described the Kerman bombing as "an embarrassment for the leadership" that had shown Iranian security to be vulnerable.
Tuesday's strike was aimed at demonstrating the security organisations' capabilities amid concern among Iranians about a lack of security in the country, the Iranian insider said.
"Such terrorist attacks will get a crushing response from Iran," the insider said.
Iran has also arrested dozens of people linked to Islamic State.
On Tuesday, Iranian missiles struck two bases of the Sunni Muslim group Jaish al-Adl (or the Army of Justice) in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, which borders Iran. The group's ultra-hardline Sunni Islamist militancy is seen as a threat by Iran, primarily a Shi'ite Muslim country.
A senior Iranian security official told Reuters that Iran had provided Pakistan with evidence that Jaish al-Adl was involved in the Kerman attack, coordinating its logistics, and had asked Pakistan to act against it. Iran had obtained evidence that members of the group were among a number of militants planning further attacks in Iran, he said.
"We have warned everyone that any action against our nation, our national security will not go unanswered," the official added, speaking on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the matter.
IRAN 'LOST PATIENCE'
Iran has been pressing Islamabad for years to address the presence of militants near its border, Brew said. The missile strikes were a sign that Tehran has lost patience, he said.
To be sure, Iran continues to see its role and influence in the Middle East as a central to its security goals.
Brew said that Iran's strike on Pakistan was also intended to signal its resolve, to both enemies and allies, to defend itself in the context of the regional crisis over Gaza.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, a Washington-based think tank, said bilateral tension on border security was a longstanding problem for Iran and Pakistan.
De-escalation would be difficult in the immediate term, "given the high tensions and temperatures at play", he said.
Neither country appears poised for conflict, however. In public statements, both countries have observed their attacks were not aimed at each other's nationals, and signalled they don't want escalation.
Kugelman said both countries might welcome bilateral dialogue and potential third party mediation from a country like China, which has good relations and leverage with both countries. "Diplomacy will be critical from here on out," he said.
(This story has been refiled to clarify first air strike by warplanes, in paragraph 3)
(Editing by William Maclean)
The driver of an Xpress Natural Gas truck hauling gas cylinders has been cited after the truck he was driving crashed into a Honda Sonata on Interstate 295 in Yarmouth on Wednesday morning, state police said.
Jerry Freeman, 55, of Lakeport, New Hampshire was cited for failing to maintain his lane, state police said.
The crash shut down northbound traffic on Interstate 295 near Exit 17 for approximately 15 hours.
At about 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, Maine State Police received multiple reports of a crash on I-295 in Yarmouth involving a commercial motor vehicle and a passenger vehicle. Initial reports indicated the truck had disconnected from its trailer and landed on top of the Honda.
Freeman, driving an XPress Natural Gas tractor trailer, was traveling northbound when he drifted out of his lane as the travel lanes shifted in a construction zone and crashed, state police said. Freeman had been drifting off the side of the highway multiple times, state police said.
When troopers arrived on scene, they found a truck, operated by Xpress Natural Gas LLC of Andover, Massachusetts, had crashed into a line of concrete jersey barriers that had been set up along the detour route of the mile 17 bridge replacement project, state police said. The truck rolled onto its side, into more concrete barriers, then landed on top of a passenger vehicle.
This crash scene was complex and highly sensitive due to the nature of the product hauled in the trailer, state police said in a statement. The trailer, loaded with UN1971 (Natural gas, compressed), was being transported in 51 individual cylinders inside the trailer manifolded together as one unit. This type of trailer is authorized to be transported under a complex special permit issued to the manufacturer of the unit by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA). Not visible when looking at the trailer, there are various pipes and valves on the sides and the top of the trailer that if ruptured would cause a catastrophic release of the hazardous material.
State police worked carefully with other personnel to clear the scene. Xpress Natural Gas fully cooperated with and assisted in the investigation and cleanup, and sent managers, mechanics, 3 empty trailers, and an engineer to the scene to assist, state police said.
The overturned trailer was offloaded to the extent possible by Xpress Natural Gas, a process that proved slow and arduous, state police said. Upon completion of the offloading Mid-Coast Towing attempted to upright the trailer but due to its weight and awkward configuration they were not able to initially do so. Xpress Natural Gas requested the assistance of National Wrecker Service of Eliot, Maine whom they have a company contract to respond.
National Wrecker Service responded with additional resources and knowledge of the trailer and its construction and ultimately everyone on scene crafted a safe plan to disconnect the Intermodal container containing the 51 cylinders from the trailer chassis, state police said. Once this was done, the container was loaded onto a trailer, and the State Police escorted the load from the crash scene to Xpress Natural Gas location in Eliot, Maine.
Troop K, the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CVEU) consists of a skilled group of Troopers and Inspectors that are highly trained at the Federal level in driver qualifications and mechanical operation of commercial motor vehicles involved in both intrastate and interstate commerce, state police said. Additional expert training certifications are held for inspections of commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials and tank vehicles which authorize the inspection and verification the motor carrier is properly operating in state and federal law, both of which came into play in this crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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People push a car out of a snowbank as a winter storm arrives on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in West Allis, Wis. | Morry Gash, Associated Press
Just as an arctic blast that brought subzero temperatures and heavy snow across the United States wrapped up, another one is heading for the country.
A blast of freezing arctic air is expected this week, bringing even more winter storms coast to coast, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.
In less than a week, there have been at least 40 storm-related deaths reported in nine states across the country: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin, CNN reported.
Another round of storms is coming
The Northwest can expect more heavy freezing rain, while 1-2 feet of heavy snow will hit the Cascades late Thursday.
A fast moving low will bring a quick blast of light but hazardous snowfall through the northern Rockies, north-central Plains, and Midwest today, the NWS predicted Thursday. Heavy lake effect snow continues in the Great Lakes.
What is an arctic blast?
An arctic blast occurs when freezing air from the Arctic pushes southward, often bringing icy weather with it.
According to the National Weather Service, these very cold air masses usually come from the Siberian Region of Asia, cross over the north pole into Canada and push south and east into the lower United States.
What causes arctic blasts?
Experts suggest that the severe winter weather in the U.S. while much of the globe is currently warmer than average is due to climate change.
Related
When the Arctic is off-the-charts warm (like now), were more likely to see frigid cold invade places like Texas that are ill-equipped to deal with it, Jennifer Francis, a Woodwell Research Center climate scientist, told The Associated Press. Rapid Arctic warming is one of the clearest symptoms of human-caused climate change, making winter extremes more likely even as the globe warms overall.
A San Luis Obispo County woman has been arrested and accused of distributing fentanyl that resulted in the overdose death of a victim last May, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Paso Robles resident Jessica Leigh Alalia, 30, otherwise known as Jessica Mitchell, was arrested Tuesday and arraigned Wednesday afternoon at United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles alongside her boyfriend, 37-year-old Paso Robles resident Damian Naudh Lagunas-Garcia.
The arrest came as a San Luis Obispo woman remained on trial for murder in connection with another fatal fentanyl overdose two years ago. Brandi Turner is accused of selling the fentanyl that killed Quinn Hall in 2022.
On May 6, 2023, Alalia intentionally distributed fentanyl to a victim identified in court documents as R.S., who died of an overdose, according to the Jan. 11 indictment, the release said.
The grand jury indictment further alleged that Alalia and Lagunas-Garcia conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl from January to August 2023, using their Paso Robles home to pack, store and distribute drugs.
According to the release, Alalia and Lagunas-Garcia coordinated with each other through coded text messages to discuss drug sales.
Alalia was charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, while both defendants were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, one count of knowingly maintaining a drug-involved premises, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, the release said.
If convicted, Alalia and Lagunas-Garcia each would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, with Alalia facing an additional mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, the release said.
Lagunas-Garcia would face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison for the drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine counts.
Both Alalia and Lagunas-Garcia pleaded not guilty to all charges and will remain in federal custody through their detention hearings Jan. 22 and trial on March 12, the release said.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administrations Overdose Justice Task Force and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Weiner and Alexandra Michael.
In this undated photo provided by Arienne Childrey, Childrey speaks into a megaphone outside of Mercer County Courthouse in Celina, Ohio, during a protest of the Ohio Drag Ban. Several transgender candidates for state office in Ohio, including Childrey, are facing challenges and even outright disqualification for omitting their former names from petition paperwork under a little-known state elections law. Childrey has her disqualification hearing on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (Sam Shim/Arienne Childrey via AP)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A transgender candidate vying for a seat in the Republican-majority Ohio House was cleared to run Thursday after her certification had been called into question for omitting her former name on qualifying petitions as required by a little-used state elections law.
The Mercer County Board of Elections chose not take up a vote on disqualifying Arienne Childrey, a Democrat from Auglaize County who is one of four transgender individuals campaigning for the Legislature, for not disclosing her previous name on petition paperwork.
Childrey, who legally changed her name in 2020, has said she would have provided her deadname the name a transgender person was assigned at birth but does not align with their gender identity if she had known about the law.
I would have filled out whatever was necessary, because at the end of the day, while it would have been a hit to my pride, there is something much more important than my pride, and thats fighting for this community, Childrey said.
The Ohio law, unfamiliar even to many state elections officials, mandates that candidates disclose any name changes in the past five years on their petition paperwork, with exemptions for changes caused by marriage. But the law isn't listed in the 33-page candidate requirement guide and there is no space on the petition paperwork to list any former names.
All four transgender candidates for the Legislature this year have run into issues with the name-change law, which has been in place in some form for decades but is rarely used typically in the context of candidates wishing to use a nickname.
The complications in Ohio come at a time when Republican-controlled state governments nationwide have moved to limit transgender rights. Last year, legislatures passed dozens of bills restricting medical care for transgender youth, governing pronoun and bathroom usage at schools and dictating which sports teams transgender athletes can join.
Earlier this month, Ohio's Mercer County Board of Elections received a protest to Childrey's ballot certification from county Republican Party Chairman Robert J. Hibner. Because the ballot is for the upcoming March 19 primary, the board ruled Hibner's protest invalid, as Hibner is from the opposing political party.
The board did not immediately respond to questions regarding the elections law itself and what role it played in Thursday's decision to keep Childrey on the ballot.
If Childrey were to win the Democratic primary, she would likely face Rep. Angie King, a Republican lawmaker who has sponsored anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and voted for bans on gender-affirming care for minors in Novembers general election.
Childrey told The Associated Press Thursday that its nice to take a deep breath as she and her team now plunge into campaigning.
Hopefully people will see that this is a marginalized community in Ohio, and yet were still standing, she said.
Last week, Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose said his office is open to putting the rule on the candidate guide but not to tweaking the law and its up to candidates to ensure they comply with Ohio election law.
But Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday that the law should be amended and county boards should stop disqualifying transgender candidates on these grounds. DeWine did not say how it might be amended.
We shouldnt be denying ballot access for that reason, the governor told Cleveland.coms editorial board. It certainly should be fixed.
DeWine recently vetoed a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, but the state House overrode that veto. The Senate is expected to do the same next week.
Vanessa Joy, a real estate photographer from Stark County running for the Ohio House who legally changed her name in 2022, was disqualified earlier this month for omitting her deadname from petition paperwork. She appealed her disqualification but was denied. Joy, who said the current law is a barrier to transgender individuals who want to seek office but do not want to disclose their deadname, is now working with legal counsel and the Ohio Democratic Party to try to change the law.
Ari Faber, a Democratic candidate for the Ohio state Senate from Athens, was cleared to run but must use his deadname since he has not legally changed it.
Bobbie Arnold, a contractor from West Alexandria running as a Democrat for the Ohio House, had her possible disqualification dismissed Tuesday by the Montgomery County Board of Elections and will be on the ballot in the March primary.
However, under the state law, if Arnold or Childrey were to win their elections, they could still be removed from office for not disclosing their deadname and both are consulting with legal counsel about that part of the law.
Arnold hopes that between Joy's work with her own team to change the law and DeWine's call for candidates to stay on the ballot, that won't be an issue come November.
For now, like Childrey, she's excited to start campaigning.
Its important for the overall well-being of our society that every voice has an opportunity to be heard," said Arnold, who went to Childrey's hearing to support her. And thats something that were not experiencing right now in Ohio.
In light of the outcomes of Childrey and Arnold's cases, Joy appealed again Thursday to the Stark County Board of Elections.
___
Samantha Hendrickson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
On the heels of a wintry week, another gasp of bone-chilling air and snow will continue this weekend across the Great Lakes and Northeast, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.
"A reinforcing shot of cold air and a renewal of lake-effect snow are in store through the weekend," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. "This follows what has been the coldest stretch of days so far this winter for residents of the Great Lakes and Northeast."
The wintry blast will ensure that the cold weather gear and snow removal equipment stay out for a few more days. In some areas, it will push weekly snow totals close to an incredible 7 feet, while AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures can, once again, drop to dangerously low levels well below zero.
The lake-effect snow will closely follow a winter storm that will moved off the mid-Atlantic coast after dropping several inches of snow into Friday evening.
Lake-effect snow is generated from cold air moving over comparatively warmer lake waters. A shift in the direction of the wind behind the initial storm will not only generate these lake-effect snow bands but also result in the temperature drop that will last into the weekend. It can also send the snow to different areas compared to earlier in the current cold snap.
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"Unlike the lake-effect event that unfolded in recent days in the west-to-southwest prevailing snow belts, a northerly wind this weekend will shift these bands into different areas," said Buckingham. "This predominant wind direction will bring very heavy snow to places like northwestern Pennsylvania and along the south shore of Lake Ontario."
Several rounds of lake-effect snow blasted western New York from last weekend into earlier this week, dropping as much as 75 inches of snow over a multiday period in the Southtowns of Buffalo. While additional accumulations can push weekly snow totals in this area to close to 7 feet, heavier amounts will fall this time in places such as Michigan City, Indiana; Ashtabula, Ohio; and Edinboro, Pennsylvania; with an AccuWeather Local StormMax of 30 inches.
Patrick Sahr shovels snow in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. City hall was closed, and school districts declared snow days. Travel bans were issued for several suburbs. (AP Photo/Carolyn Thompson)
The lake-effect snow began on Friday morning downwind of Lake Michigan but downwind of lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario, the snow bands wasted no time setting up. The snow will diminish as the wind direction switches again, shifting farther east by Sunday morning.
In areas where the heaviest snow is forecast to fall, including parts of the Cleveland, Erie and Buffalo metropolitan areas and along stretches of Interstates 71, 80, 86 and 90, the white stuff can fall at an intensity where snow plows will struggle to keep up-up to 2 or 3 inches per hour for a time. The expected wind will also blow around the snow, further reducing visibility.
Farther away from the lakes, snow showers and flurries can fly in places such as Pittsburgh and Binghamton, New York, deep into the weekend, resulting in light accumulations. While the larger cities along I-95 from Baltimore to Boston will avoid lake-effect snow, they will not avoid the cold winds.
"Even in areas removed from the lake-effect snow, the gusty winds in the wake of Friday's storm can lead to areas of blowing and drifting snow across a wide swath of the Northeast," added Buckingham. The proclivity for the snow to move around will be due to its dry, powdery nature.
Adding to the dangers of traveling in lake-effect snow will be a bitter chill. The already cold weather will be reinforced by the change in wind direction, allowing temperatures to drop another 10-20 degrees or more through at least the first half of the weekend. This will result in temperatures mainly in the single digits and teens, and AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures as low as 20 below zero, increasing the risk of frostbite.
For those growing weary of the cold air, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. A milder weather pattern should take hold over much of the Great Lakes and Northeast next week.
"After the bitterly cold air into this weekend, there are signs of a major warmup on the horizon next week," said Buckingham. "This means temperatures will finally rise above freezing early in the week and perhaps well into the 40s in some areas by midweek."
However, the upcoming thaw next week will present problems in the form of fog, ice and even more snow.
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Members of seven community organizations, including the Iowa Hunger Coalition, Lutheran Services in Iowa and Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), gathered at the Capitol Wednesday, urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that ensures Iowa participates in the Summer Electronics Benefit Transfer program next year and the years to come.
They say Summer EBT is crucial to low-income families, and Gov. Kim Reynolds' refusal to enroll the state in such a program comes at a time when food pantries saw a surge in the number of visitors last year spurring historic record highs.
"We're doing everything we can in the nonprofit sector," said DMARC CEO Matt Unger, whose faith-based organization manages more than a dozen food pantries in the Des Moines metro. "We're asking our government to please make the same effort."
At a makeshift podium, in the Capitol rotunda, Unger was among the community leaders at the rally who voiced concerns over Reynolds' decision to reporters, passersby and a handful of legislators. He said he sees less and less support from government officials, forcing already "stressed" agencies like his to "take on more share" and meet the challenge.
DMARC's Matt Unger advocates for Iowa to participate in a federal summer EBT program for Iowa children Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at the Iowa State Capitol.
DMARC distributed a petition signed by 140 Iowa faith leaders encouraging Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia, to "change course" or reconsider the state's participation in the Summer EBT Program. The Iowa Hunger Coalition, which led the rally, also launched a petition demanding lawmakers make the Summer EBT program a priority during this legislative session.
Luke Elzinga, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, which led the rally said legislation must be passed during this session so Iowa can participate in the 2025 Summer EBT program.
DMARC served approximately 29,469 people in November "the busiest" month in the organization's 47-year history. The Food Bank of Iowa also distributed 2.15 million pounds of food in November, beating its previous record set in October 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unger said programs such as the Summer EBT are "a tool in our toolbox" and recalled that DMARC saw slightly fewer visitors when the federal government launched the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program.
State officials reported that 244,798 children in Iowa received Pandemic EBT benefits last summer. That program ended with the end of the federal public health emergency last year.
With Summer EBT, families would get $40 per eligible child $120 total per child to purchase groceries while schools are dismissed for summer break.
Elzinga, who also serves as DMARC's policy and advocacy manager, broke that amount down further: That's $1.33 per day for three months. He said he and other leaders know that dollar amount may seem small, but it can provide some relief to families.
From left to right: Mandi Remington, Luke Elzinga and Matt Unger listen as Common Good Iowa's Anne Discher (not pictured) speaks during a rally for summer EBT programs Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at the Iowa State Capitol.
In her announcement last month, Reynolds raised concerns about the Summer EBT program's failure to promote healthy eating habits among its users, stating "an EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic."
State officials have since walked back that comment.
"We did not indicate that the Summer EBT program was linked to obesity, however, a cash benefit card with very few limitations on purchases does not achieve direct access to healthy meals for school-age children," Sarah Ekstrand, spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, previously told the Des Moines Register. "Whereas existing programs administered by Iowa HHS and Department of Education are centered around healthy food options and nutrition."
Governor's office spokesperson Kollin Crompton echoed Ekstrand's sentiment. Summer EBT funds, he said, carry no requirements that they be used to purchase fruits, vegetables or other nutritious food. But state-run food programs such as the Seamless Summer Option are required to offer balanced meals that provide milk, fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains, Crompton said.
Though the state has opted out of Summer EBT, Crompton said officials are exploring using federal American Rescue Plan dollars to incentivize eligible school districts and other sites to either participate in USDA-funded summer meal programs or expand their programs. They are also looking for ways to make sure Medicaid-eligible Iowans have healthy food options.
But leaders such as Elzinga say Summer EBT is meant to complement and boost the state's efforts. Again, Elizinga said, the federal program offers "a little bit of extra help" for families in need.
For Mandi Remington, the issue of food insecurity hits too close to home.
Remington, who attended the rally alongside Unger and Elzinga, opened up about her experience as a single mother and domestic abuse survivor caring for her family. Remington, executive director of Corridor Community Action Network in Center Point, said rising costs rent, car payments and childcare expenses have made it tougher for families like hers to meet their basic needs.
Remington said attending the rally was so important to her that she took time off work to join her colleagues and show support for programs such as Summer EBT and Pandemic EBT.
"During the summer my family received Pandemic EBT, it made a major difference in our ability to afford milk and fresh produce," she said. "Today's advocacy is an effective call to action to bridge those gaps and ensure that no child goes hungry when school's out."
F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa.
Healthcare reporter Michaela Ramm contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Anti-hunger leaders rally at Capitol, push lawmakers to pass legislation for Summer EBT program
Viewers of an exhibit on Frederick Douglass in Waukegan will learn the onetime slave not only met three times with President Abraham Lincoln in his quest to end slavery, but a few years before that worked with Susan B. Anthony to help women get the right to vote.
A quarter-century after advocating for the end to slavery with Lincoln, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Douglass to be the United States counsel general in Haiti. Already on display, the exhibit will be part of the celebration of Black History Month in northeast Lake County.
The Frederick Douglass Advocate for Equality exhibit opened Monday and remains on display through Feb. 9 at the Waukegan Public Library, giving people a glimpse into the life of a man who fought for equality and equity on all fronts.
Along with the Frederick Douglass exhibit is a selection of books about the man.
He was a great American, who was brave and selfless, library Executive Director Tiffany Verzani said. He did what he could for all people, advocating for civil rights and human rights. He was an inspiration with a positive impact through today.
On loan from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York, the exhibit consists of six panels with pictures of Douglass and information about him from his birth in 1818 as a slave in Maryland through a life full of significant accomplishments.
Near the exhibit is a display of books from the Waukegan Public Librarys collection about Douglass. There will be other Black History Month activities at the library as well as activities offered by the Waukegan Park District through February.
Though she could not arrange to display the exhibit through all of Black History Month, Jennyfer Cordova, the librarys communications and community engagement manager, said opening on the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was significant.
This is a traveling exhibit. I learned it was coming to Illinois, Cordova said. I felt there was a lot people who could learn from it. I wanted it to be here for all of Black History Month, but it was already scheduled for other places in Illinois.
Both Cordova and Verzani said the exhibit taught them about Douglass. He wrote three autobiographies, and made speeches aimed at ending slavery. When the Jim Crow era arrived, he railed against it. He was advocating for womens rights before slavery was abolished.
I was amazed he met Abraham Lincoln three times, Cordova said. He attended a conference on womens rights (in 1848). He felt people should have the right to vote so their voices could be heard.
Impressed by Douglass courage, Verzani said his life continues to be an example of what people can accomplish as they advocate for their beliefs. He made an effort to recruit Black people in the north to enlist in the military to help fight the Civil War.
He showed a lot of bravery in his essays on abolition, Verzani said. He learned that you have to be involved.
Three years before he died in 1895, Douglass was the commencement speaker at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, where 5,000 people gathered to hear his speech. There were 15 graduates in the class.
Throughout Black History month, the library will be handing out themed book bags containing activities. A presentation of African Americans and the arts takes place Feb. 21, and Connie Martin talks about spiritual music and the Underground Railroad at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 26.
Along with the librarys Black History Month programs, the Waukegan Park District hosts an African American history exhibit throughout February at Haines House Museum in Bowen Park. It features local stories, like the stops on the Underground Railroad, the segregated Frog Island community and desegregation of Whittier Elementary School.
The Park District will host a soul food cooking demonstration by Sylvia England on Feb. 3. She is the founder of the African American Museum at England Manor and will demonstrate how to prepare the meals.
Another Park District event is the Black History Celebration with music, dancing and dramatic readings from African American artists from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Bowen Park.
Atlanta police are investigating a deadly shooting in Northwest Atlanta that happened on Wednesday evening.
Police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that one person was shot at James P. Brawley Ave. NW at 8:45 p.m. and died.
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Details on the shooting are limited. Police have not commented on what led up to the shooting.
The Atlanta Police Department has not yet provided any information about the victim.
The Homicide Unit is currently responding to the scene to learn more about the incident, according to APD.
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AUSTIN (KXAN) Austin City Council will convene for its first meeting of the new year on Thursday morning. The 93-item agenda covers things like pay for police officers, a new agreement about the operation of the Travis County Central Booking facility, and property tax exemptions for eligible daycare facilities.
Heres a look at some of the items on the agenda.
APD pay and benefits
A key item on Thursdays agenda is an ordinance dealing with officer pay as Mayor Kirk Watson tries to get the Austin Police Association back the negotiation table to create a long-term agreement. The previous agreement ended in March last year and no agreement has been made since.
Council passed an ordinance last year that guaranteed police pay and benefits during this time, but that is set to expire in March. This new resolution would continue that pay guarantee for another year, or until the city and police department come to a new agreement.
The resolution also calls for financial incentives for new cadets, current officers, and a financial component for APD officers that incentivizes the APA to resume immediately good faith bargaining for a new meet and confer labor agreement with the City, according to city documents.
Earlier this month Mayor Watson said, Its time for the City of Austin and the APA to get back to the bargaining table and negotiate a contract to address key issues such as salaries, benefits, grievance processes, and other important matters, in his weekly newsletter, Watson Wire.
Tax exemptions for daycare facilities
This year, some eligible daycare facility owners could exempt 100% of their property taxes owed to the city if the council decides to pass item 13 on its agenda this morning.
This ordinance stems from a November vote where Texans voted to amend the states constitution to allow cities to provide an exemption from property taxes up to 100% for eligible daycare facilities.
To qualify, a daycare owner or operator must be licensed by the Health and Human Services Commission, participate in the Texas Workforce Commissions Texas Rising Star Program, and have at least 20% of the total number of children enrolled at the facility by subsidized by TWCs child-care services program, according to city documents.
In November, council members approved the city manager to create the ordinance that is up for a vote today.
Central Booking Facility Agreement
The city council will discuss how it will fund the Travis County Central Booking Facility downtown. The facility is used by both the Travis County Sheriffs Office and the Austin Police Department, and its where people are brought upon arrest for booking. TCSO operates the facility, but the city and county share the cost to run it.
The city and county have decided to extend a 2018 agreement for an additional year to make it good through Sep. 30 of this year. Something different about this extension is that Austin will be paying more.
The city will pay $9,908,902 as its share of operating the facility, which is a $2.2 million increase from the prior year. Documents show the increase is due to an increase in costs for operating the facility.
The agreement also says both sides will meet throughout the year to discuss operational issues at the facility and create pilot projects that would affect the operation of the facility.
Urging a recall of Kia and Hyundai vehicles
Another interesting item on this weeks agenda is item 47, which is a resolution to urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall on Kia and Hyundai models because the tech in their cars makes them vulnerable to theft.
City documents say, Kia and Hyundai did not install industry-standard engine immobilizer technology on certain models between 2011 and 2022. It also says vehicles can be stolen within minutes, and instructional videos explaining how to do it are circulating on social media.
The city calls it a risk to public safety. The police departments Chiefs Monthly Report showed there was a 63% increase in car thefts when comparing the month of November in 2022 and 2023. There was an overall increase of 34% last year.
City documents said Kia and Hyundai vehicles only make up nine percent of vehicle registrations in Travis County, but those two carmakers account for 35% of all stolen vehicle cases handled by APD.
The two carmakers offer free software upgrades to address this issue.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Germany unveils new military aid package for Ukraine, including tanks, drones, and communication terminals
The German government announced on Jan. 17 a new package of military aid for Ukraine, which includes ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks, reconnaissance drones, and SatCom communication terminals.
Poland gears up for further military aid to Ukraine
Poland is developing plans to expand domestic munitions and military equipment production to sustain future security assistance to Ukraine, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Jan. 17, as reported by Reuters.
EU confident that $54.3 billion in Ukraine aid to be finalized within weeks Politico
The European Union is confident that an agreement to provide Ukraine with 50 billion ($54.3 billion USD) in aid can be finalized within the next few weeks, Politico reported on Jan. 16, citing anonymous diplomats and officials.
New ballistics from North Korea. Which regions of Ukraine are in danger
How real is the threat from the military alliance between Russia and North Korea, and what other weapons can the enemy get? Kovelenko
Without aid, Russia may seize chance to overrun Ukraine, threaten wider Europe, Zelenskyy warns West
If Ukraine stops receiving assistance from its Western partners, it will become weaker on the battlefield, giving Russia a chance at victory, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a briefing in Davos on Jan. 17 in response to a question.
Secretary Blinken warns that lack of further U.S. aid to Ukraine could undermine global security
If Congress does not approve additional funding, including aid for Ukraine, this will pose a "real problem," not only for the country, but for the whole world, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with CNBC in Davos on Jan. 16.
Chinese delegation declines to meet with Zelenskyy at Davos report
Despite Kyivs efforts to establish robust diplomatic contacts with Beijing, the Ukrainian delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos did not meet with Chinese officials attending the event, Politico reported on Jan. 17.
Media union urges Zelenskyy to condemn intimidation of journalists through harassment, surveillance
Members of Mediarukh, a Ukrainian media freedom movement comprising leading media outlets and watchdogs, have called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to condemn pressure on independent journalists and investigators and to take charge of the investigation of crimes against media workers, the Detector Media watchdog reported on Jan. 17.
What air defense systems does Ukraine need to protect its skies effectively? - NV video report
Simply having American air defense systems like the Patriot in Ukraine is insufficient to secure Ukrainian airspace. What more is needed to achieve this goal?
Ukraine's banking system faces first regulatory capital dip since 2022
Ukrainian banks are facing growing difficulties in meeting financial obligations, parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Danylo Hetmantsev said on Telegram on Jan. 17.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
ASBURY PARK - A local man armed with a knife, who barricaded himself in a room at the Delmonte Hotel, has been charged with a number of criminal offenses after triggering a standoff with police, according to authorities.
Gregory Letizia, 35, of Asbury Park, is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and bias intimidation, said police Sgt. Michael Casey, a department spokesman.
The incident began at 3:14 p.m. Friday, when police were summoned to the hotel on First Avenue for a report that a possibly intoxicated man was behaving in a belligerent manner and threatening another person with a knife, Casey said.
The victim and several other witnesses at the scene had reported the threat to police, he said.
Latest Headlines: Storm gains power, bringing dangerous winds, coastal flooding to Jersey Shore
Upon arrival, police officers went to Letizias room and made contact with him through the locked door, the captain explained.
When officers were unable to persuade him to leave the room, the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT), members of the Monmouth County Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and additional officers from the Monmouth County Sheriffs Office were called in to assist, he said.
Shortly after their arrival, Letizia was taken into custody without further incident. He was moved to a local hospital for a medical evaluation before being processed at Asbury Park Police Headquarters and later at the Monmouth County Jail in Freehold Township, Casey said.
Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park NJ man charged after standoff with cops at local hotel
NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Security Policy Boris Ruge has assured the public that the Alliance is sufficiently powerful today to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Source: European Pravda, citing Boris Ruge in an interview with LRT
Details: Ruge noted that since 2014, when Russia first invaded Ukraine and occupied Crimea, NATO's main task has been to enhance deterrence and defence.
"So, over the past ten years, we've been working on better deterring Russia and, if necessary, defending against any kind of Russian aggression," said the NATO Assistant Secretary-General.
He added that Russia is currently considered the number one threat to the Alliance, and that NATO has a comprehensive set of military plans for deterrence and defence.
Ruge emphasised that NATO takes the support of allies on the eastern flank and protection against any possible aggression very seriously. "Ultimately, NATO, soon to have 32 members, is a very powerful alliance. We have very strong economies and cutting-edge technologies. We are fully capable of defending ourselves against Russian aggression," Ruge said.
Background:
On 15 January, the Bild publication reported that it gained access to a secret Bundeswehr document a training scenario that step by step describes how a military conflict between Russia and NATO could unfold. The scenario outlines the actions of Russia and the West month by month, culminating in the deployment of hundreds of thousands of NATO soldiers and the inevitable onset of war in the summer of 2025.
Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communications, said that the story by the German tabloid Bild, which says NATO is preparing for war with Russia, is based on a training scenario document.
The Office of the President of Lithuania and the Ministry of National Defence of the country, against the backdrop of Bild's publication, stated that they are not changing their assessment of the threats in the region.
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Naperville City Councilman Josh McBroom is adamant the city should not use taxpayer dollars to house or aid migrant families amid the continued and growing influx of asylum-seekers to the Chicago area.
However, he would welcome Naperville families being given the option to host migrant families instead.
McBroom brought the idea forward at the Naperville City Councils Tuesday night meeting.
Naperville City Councilman Josh McBroom
Chicagos migrant crisis and how it has or could involve Naperville was not on the meeting agenda. McBroom broached the idea under new business.
Since August 2022, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent more than 630 buses and 30,000 migrants to the Chicago area. For more than a year, Abbotts unrelenting practice of busing migrants to Illinois was centralized to Chicago. But in December, buses started arriving in collar counties after Chicago tightened restrictions on when and where migrant drop-offs could take place.
To skirt the regulations, buses began unloading at suburban Metra stations, leaving migrants to go the rest of the way to Chicago by train.
As of Wednesday, six buses carrying migrants have stopped at Napervilles downtown Metra station since Dec. 21, according to city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche.
With a new precedent of buses arriving announced in the suburbs, McBroom said Tuesday theres increasing pressure for some suburbs to do (their) part.
Other suburbs have responded with regulations establishing when and where buses can drop off migrants arriving from the southern border.
But for Naperville, which has been quiet about the recent wave of suburban drop-offs, McBroom broached the possibility of creating a sign-up sheet for local households willing to host migrant families.
We do have a very affluent community. A lot of big homes, he said. What Id like to do is direct staff to create a sign-up sheet for individuals that would be willing to house migrant families. And if theres people that would do that, God bless them.
Because the matter was introduced under new business and not formally on Tuesdays agenda, the council could not take final action on the recommendation. Instead, McBroom directed staff to come back with their ideas on how they could facilitate something like this.
By a show of hands, council members Nate Wilson, Paul Leong and Jennifer Bruzan Taylor supported McBrooms proposal. The idea will be vetted more thoroughly by staff before it is brought back to the council for discussion at a future meeting.
Our constituents are asking about it more frequently, McBroom said, adding that hes heard from community members who are imploring the city to do more as well as some who are asking what the city is doing to prevent buses from coming to Naperville.
While he stressed that taxpayer dollars are not and will not be used to house or aid potential migrants coming to Naperville, per the conversations he has had with city leadership, I do think that its an issue. Im hearing stories about little kids at train stations without coats on.
In the early hours of Jan. 5, the Chicago Tribune watched a charter bus from Texas drop off a group of migrants at a Glen Ellyn Metra station and then drive away. After missing their train to Chicago, migrants stood outside in subfreezing temperatures wearing cotton T-shirts, pants and sandals.
They told the Tribune they had spent several days in a detention center in El Paso, Texas, one of the worlds largest urban border regions.
Glen Ellyn received the bus after a wave of nearby municipalities passed ordinances to curb migrant drop-offs in their own jurisdictions.
Those sort of ordinances do not appeal to him, McBroom said. And he doesnt think his fellow elected leaders would support them either.
Im not sure anyone in Naperville government would have the appetite to go down that road, McBroom said, speaking with the Sun Wednesday.
Still, he wants the council to discuss the issue.
I did not want to propose one of these more aggressive ordinances for a lot of reasons, but I wanted the situation to be addressed because were a major city and weve been largely silent publicly about it. And its like, what could I propose?
Asked how hosting migrant families in Naperville would work, McBroom said, Right now, for me, its just information.
You know, if we had a number of homes who said yes, we are willing to take in migrants into our home, who do we contact and how do we coordinate? Or would (the city) play a role in that? Or will we provide them the resources. Say heres where you could contact. I dont know, and theres probably a lot of legal questions that would need to be answered.
I think the first step would just be, lets find out if theres willing residents. I think there probably are some.
Councilman Wilson voiced support for McBrooms idea Tuesday. He said that while city services wont be directed toward this we obviously dont want kids or people (outside) when its negative 10 degrees.
Meanwhile, Councilman Patrick Kelly said he would not support the use of much staff time on a project like this without clear support from the community.
Mayor Scott Wehrli also had reservations.
Id be concerned, he said, about our liability in potential screening and necessary things that are involved in trying to connect families to shelter migrants and any exposure we would have at the city level.
Chicago Tribune reporter Nell Salzman contributed.
teknny@chicagotribune.com
An automated teller machine was removed by forklift from a credit union and found in a Home Depot parking lot over the weekend, according to Chehalis police.
About 8:15 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the Washington State Employees Credit Union branch in the 1700 block of Northwest Louisiana Avenue after a report about the damaged machine.
Police say the ATM was removed from the front of the credit union building with a forklift and then was taken to the Home Deport parking lot where it was opened. An undisclosed amount of cash was removed, according to police.
Police have probable cause for first-degree theft.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call detectives at 360-748-8605 or Lewis County dispatch at 360-740-1105
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A former Atrium Health employee is accused of stealing fentanyl while she was working at Carolina Medical Center, according to Mecklenburg County court documents.
Katherine Rupert, 26, of Charlotte was charged Tuesday with felony embezzlement for the incident that allegedly occurred last April. The arrest warrant states that while she was a registered nurse, Rupert embezzled and diverted the dangerous controlled substance for personal use and without authorization of her employer.
Rupert has not worked for Atrium since April 27, 2023.
The warrant came out of the State Bureau of Investigations Greensboro office.
This is a developing story ; check back for updates
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
An aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked first responders to avoid using lights and sirens in requesting an ambulance be sent to Austins northern Virginia home after he had complications from surgery for prostate cancer that he had kept secret from senior Biden administration leaders and staff.
Austin was hospitalized Jan. 1 and admitted to intensive care after developing an infection a week after undergoing surgery. He was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday.
On the Jan. 1 call to the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety, a man who identified himself as a government employee described Austin as alert. The identity of Austin and the caller were redacted from a copy of the 911 audio, which was obtained by The Associated Press under the Freedom of Information Act. The caller named the street on which Austin lives.
In the four-minute call, the reason for needing the ambulance also was redacted. The caller said Austin was not having chest pains.
Can I ask, like, can the ambulance not show up with lights and sirens? Um, were trying to remain a little subtle, the aide said, according to the recording.
A dispatcher responded that the ambulance would comply once it got near the home.
Usually when they turn into a residential neighborhood, theyll turn them off, the dispatcher said, adding that emergency sirens and lights are required by law on major roads when ambulances are responding to a call.
Austin was located on the ground floor of the residence, said the aide, who indicated he would be waiting outside for the ambulance.
The caller asked how long it would take to get to the home. The dispatcher said it depended on traffic and road conditions and said first responders would be arriving from the closest available station.
Details of the 911 audio file from the Fairfax County Public Safety Department were first reported by The Daily Beast.
As he recovers, Austin will be working from home. His doctors said he progressed well throughout his stay and his strength is rebounding. They said in a statement the cancer was treated early and his prognosis is excellent.
Austin, 70, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery to treat the cancer, which was detected earlier in the month during a routine screening.
Dr. John Maddox, the trauma medical director, and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, the director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research at Walter Reed, said that during Austins hospitalization he underwent medical tests and was treated for lingering leg pain. They said he has physical therapy to do but there are no plans for further cancer treatment other than regular checks.
President Joe Biden and senior administration officials were not told about Austins hospitalization until Jan. 4, and Austin kept the cancer diagnosis secret until Jan. 9. Biden has said Austins failure to tell him about the hospitalization was a lapse in judgment, but the Democratic president insists he still has confidence in his Pentagon chief.
During Austins time at Walter Reed, the U.S. launched a series of military strikes late last week on the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, targeting dozens of locations linked to their campaign of assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Working from his hospital bed, Austin juggled calls with senior military leaders, including Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, and White House meetings to review, order and ultimately watch the strikes unfold over secure video.
The lack of transparency about Austins hospitalization, however, has triggered administration and Defense Department reviews on the procedures for notifying the White House and others if a Cabinet member must transfer decision-making authorities to a deputy, as Austin did during his initial surgery and a portion of his latest hospital stay. And the White House chief of staff ordered Cabinet members to notify his office if they ever cant perform their duties.
Austins secrecy also drew criticism from Congress members on both sides of the political aisle, and Rep. Mike Rogers, an Alabama Republican who is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said he has opened a formal inquiry into the matter. Others openly called for Austin to resign, but the White House has said the Pentagon chiefs job is safe.
It is still unclear when Austin will return to his office in the Pentagon or how his cancer treatment will affect his job, travel and other public engagements going forward. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks has been taking on some of his day-to-day duties as he recovers.
Dear Mr. Bradshaw,
I am thinking about applying to Berkeley and Harvard next year. How do I make the right decision? Why did you chose Berkeley over Harvard or other top colleges?
Signed,
A high school Junior
Dear Junior,
The decision between Berkeley and other top colleges will depend on various factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, financial considerations, and personal preferences. Here are some of the reasons I chose Berkeley.
1. Academic Programs: Both UC Berkeley and Harvard are renowned institutions, but they may have different strengths in various academic fields. Consider which university offers the programs and majors that align with your academic interests and career goals. I chose Berkeley because of its reputation for a flexible curriculum and outstanding professors. I wanted a double major in Political Science and Sociology. A lot of the subject material in these classes overlap and I wanted a deep understating of both fields. As a bonus, a few of classes fulfilled requirements in both majors. That plus summer school and I was able to graduate in just over three years.
2. Reputation: Harvard is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally, while UC Berkeley is known for its academic excellence and research contributions. Consider the reputation of the universities in your field of study.
3. Location: Berkeley is located in California, near San Francisco, offering a vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Harvard is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, providing access to the rich academic and cultural environment of the Boston area. Consider your preferences for climate, lifestyle, and surroundings.
An aerial view of the Harvard Campus featuring Eliot House Clock Tower along Charles River, in Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts.
4. Campus Culture: The campus culture and social environment can vary between universities. Berkeley is known for its activism and diversity, while Harvard has a historic and traditional atmosphere. Visit both campuses if possible to get a feel for the environment. Berkeleys location and vibrant political and cultural scene played an important role in my decision.
5. Financial Considerations: Consider the financial aspects, including tuition, living costs, and available financial aid. Harvards tuition is generally higher, but financial aid options may be extensive.
6. Networking Opportunities: Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections for future career opportunities. Consider which university may offer better networking opportunities in your desired field of study. Berkeley is near Silicon Valley and a lot of its STEM majors find internships and job opportunities with a myriad storied companies such as Apple and Google. Many students feel that Silicon Valley is also the center of the universe in Artificial Intelligence. Tesla began life in nearby San Francisco.
7. Class Size and Teaching Style: Consider the size of classes and the teaching style at each university. Some students prefer smaller class sizes and more personalized interactions with professors. Several universities use the same textbook and have similar reading lists so that didnt play a big factor in my decision to pick Berkeley.
8. Research Opportunities: Both universities are research-intensive, but the specific research opportunities and facilities may differ. Explore the research opportunities available in your field at each institution. I was able to write a history research paper as an undergraduate in place of taking the midterm and final examination.
Ultimately, the choice between Berkeley and Harvard or other top school is highly personal and should align with your academic and personal preferences. I recommended researching both universities thoroughly, visit campuses if possible, and perhaps talk to current students or alumni to get a better sense of each institutions culture and offerings.
Gerald Bradshaw is an international college admissions consultant with Bradshaw College Consulting in Crown Point.
Macys department store workers in Bellingham are asking customers to boycott the store as a possible strike looms over the retail chains work environment.
The Macys Workers United UFCW 3000 union first had a strike on Black Friday, Nov. 24, calling for the company to pay workers more and have more safety protocols in place. The union includes members from multiple Macys locations across the state.
Ive been at the Bellis Fair Macys for 19 years, Christina Verkist said in a news release. ... because they cut down on workers, Im alone a lot in my department. With the threats we face from shoplifters, Macys needs to improve security, and we deserve better pay. The price of everything is up but my pay is not. Most of the time I cant afford to fill up my gas tank.
After the Black Friday strike, the union and company bargained again. The union employees authorized another strike on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15, at Alderwood Mall Macys store.
We will strike for as long as it takes. We wont put up with being underpaid and understaffed while Macys refuses to deal with health and safety risks, union members said in a news release.
The Alderwood Mall Macys employees have been on strike since Monday, Jan. 15, but all stores in the union are asking customers to boycott the other Washington state locations, including Bellis Fairs store.
For the Bellis Fair store in particular, though Lynnwood is the only store currently striking, we ask customers to boycott our store and other Macys locations as well to show a strong unified front and to let Macys know their customers wont let them get away with continuing to commit unfair labor practices, Samantha Wilson, a full-time sales associate at Bellinghams Macys, wrote in an email to The Bellingham Herald.
If Macys continues to refuse to negotiate with us and doesnt come back to the table with clear safety policies and livable wages, Southcenter and Bellingham could very well go on strike. Our Bellis Fair location could go on strike very soon, it could be as early as tomorrow, we are ready if the need arises, Wilson wrote.
As of Jan. 17, over 20,000 shoppers have pledged not to cross picket lines and boycott Macys stores, according to the unions website.
Eleven Washington Macys stores are included in the boycott, including Bellingham, Bellevue, Wenatchee, Alderwood, Columbia, Kitsap, Spokane, Valley Mall, Southcenter Mall, Vancouver and South Hill.
So far Macys has come forward with five Best and Final offers, and the last couple ones have been worse than their previous ones, Wilson wrote. It shows a lack of professionalism and is disrespectful. The associates at all of our stores deserve to feel safe at work and be compensated a fair and livable wage. Macys needs to come to the table and honestly bargain in good faith so we can get this all settled.
The Bellis Fair mall Macys had not called a strike as of Thursday morning. Updates will be posted on the unions website.
The Bergen County Police Academy has regained its certification and will now be overseen by the county executive's office instead of the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.
This is the first step needed to reopen the academy, which trains hundreds of future law enforcement officers every six months, since the New Jersey Police Training Commission suspended its certification in December 2023 after two anonymous letters were received indicating that "possible serious rule infractions and Instructor Code of Conduct violations have been committed."
The academy is a unit of the county's Law and Public Safety Institute and operates as a partnership among Bergen County, its Prosecutor's Office and its Sheriffs Office.
The offices of the prosecutor and sheriff will still have a presence as instructors when the next class resumes.
Kenneth R. Ehrenberg tolls the bell as names of Bergen County residents who perished on 9/11 are read aloud. Monday, September 11, 2023
The next police academy class was scheduled to begin at the end of January, but it is unclear when it will start.
The county will work with the Police Training Commission to satisfy the remaining requirements to allow the resumption of classes at the academy, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco said in a statement.
Tedesco said he will assume full operational responsibility for the Bergen County Police Academy with direct civilian oversight. Deputy County Administrator and retired Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg will now also serve as the academy's transitional director and will oversee the curriculum and operation.
Paramus Deputy Chief Kenneth R. Ehrenberg shown in 2013.
Ehrenberg's full-time responsibility will be the oversight of the Bergen County Police Academy, effective immediately, Tedesco said.
"I want to thank the Bergen County Prosecutors Office and Sheriffs Office for their partnership throughout this process and I look forward to working closely together to ensure that Bergen County Police Academy provides the highest quality training to keep our residents safe," Tedesco said. "I also would like to thank the Police Training Commission for taking this recent action and for their ongoing collaboration."
When the academy fulfills the Police Training Commission's criteria, officials can approve the academy's reopening date.
Local: These Bergen County towns are luring away Paterson police officers with better pay
What went wrong?
The New Jersey Police Training Commission received information regarding alleged rule violations occurring at the Bergen academy. It's unclear when, and what the rule violations include, but an item under "academy issues" in a Bergen County Police Academy Administrative Report appeared on the training commission's Dec. 6, 2023, meeting agenda.
A copy of the report obtained by NorthJersey.com, dated Nov. 21, 2023, noted that the agency received two anonymous letters in the previous week indicating that "possible serious rule infractions and Instructor Code of Conduct violations have been committed" by several academy command staff members and other instructors. The document did not specify what those offenses were.
"These allegations will be fully investigated with the findings being fully recorded and reported to the Police Training Commission," said the report, signed by field investigator Donald Robertella.
Robertella noted in the training commission report that he was assigned to monitor and inspect operations daily at the police academy beginning Oct. 16, 2023. The report said the investigator made a series of procedural recommendations to academy administrators, but "no unusual incidents were observed or reported" through Nov. 17.
"We take all allegations of misconduct seriously, and we immediately began an investigation into those allegations," Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said in a statement this month.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County Police Academy regains certification with new director
An Indiana Senate bill seeking funding for research into medical applications of psilocybin was passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 139 would create a therapeutic psilocybin research fund controlled by the Indiana Department of Health, which would provide financial assistance to Indiana research institutions for studying the substances use in treating mental health and neurological conditions.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring chemical contained in certain types of fungus commonly called magic mushrooms. When consumed, it is metabolized in the body to produce the active drug psilocyn, which can produce psychedelic effects, impacting a persons senses and altering their perception of reality.
Psilocybin mushrooms at the Freedom Festival marijuana expo Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in Bensenville, Illinois.
Used for thousands of years around the world, psilocybin mushrooms gained popularity among the counter culture that emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century. A 1965 law passed by Congress made possession of the substance illegal, and psilocybin is currently categorized under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The designation, given to drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, is also applied to marijuana and heroin.
Psilocybins psychiatric applications have garnered increased attention in recent years from researchers and regulators. In June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued its first draft guidance on clinical trials with psychedelic drugs. Research institutions including New York University, Johns Hopkins and Yale have explored psilocybins ability to treat an array of conditions and symptoms ranging from depression to substance abuse disorders to cluster headaches, with promising results.
In studies, psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown an ability to promote the growth of new connections between neurons in the brain, a phenomenon known as plasticity.
Psilocybin mushrooms stand ready for harvest in a humidified fruiting chamber in the basement of a private home on July 28, 2023, in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
In November, a report approved at the final meeting of Indianas interim study committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services urged lawmakers to authorize a psilocybin pilot program during the 2024 legislative session.
State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, chaired the study committee and authored SB 139. He said testimony from subject matter experts convinced him that further investment in research is warranted.
For veterans and folks that deal with serious mental health issues, you want to find things that provide some hope, he told the Post-Tribune. And this is clearly something that provides, in my mind, some real hope for a treatment.
Several medical experts voiced their support for the legislation during Wednesdays committee hearing. Brandon Weiss, a clinical psychologist at Johns Hopkins, told lawmakers that existing data on psilocybins health impacts has made him and his colleagues optimistic about its future in medicine.
At this point in time nearly 50% of U.S. states contain research studies investigating the therapeutic application of psilocybin, he said. However, research remains relatively limited in most of these states as a result of constraints on funding. Allowing for the creation of a fun that donors in the state can possibly invest in the future holds great potential for medical innovation.
Richard Feldman, a family physician and former Indiana State Health commissioner, noted the potential benefits to depressed patients who do not see improvement from conventional antidepressants and lauded the bill as a a good conservative initial step in this process.
Many states are moving to make statutory changes, either to decriminalize, which I think is a bad idea, or even California thats moving to legalize psilocybin, which is a really bad idea, he told the committee.
Last year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have decriminalized several psychedelic drugs, including psychedelic mushrooms.
Charbonneau stressed that his bill will not change the legal status of psilocybin or make the substance more accessible to recreational users. He drew a sharp distinction between funding psilocybin research and making medical marijuana available to Hoosiers a policy proposal that has been revived this session by Statehouse Democrats after repeatedly failing in past years.
This is in no way has anything to do with legalizing marijuana or anything else. Were talking about trials under very controlled settings, not decriminalizing anything, he said. (Psilocybin) has gone through these rigorous trials and has shown some benefits, and its really what separates it from the medical marijuana because Im not sure how much credible research is done on that.
Charbonneau declined to say whether he would vote for a medical marijuana bill.
Because SB 139 deals with funding, it is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers will deliberate on whether and how to fund its provisions. Charbonneau acknowledged that state funds for his legislation might be hard to come by during a non-budget session and after Indiana identified a nearly $1 billion shortcoming in the states projected biennial Medicaid costs in December.
We write a two-year budget and we shouldnt be monkeying with that budget in the off year, he said.
adalton@chicagotribune.com
Guatemala's former President Alejandro Giammattei was designated as inadmissible to the United States on allegations of corruption. Pool File Photo by Justin Lane/UPI
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Biden administration targeted two former Guatemalan officials, including former President Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla, with punitive measures on Wednesday over allegations of corruption.
Giammattei was barred from entry to the United States by Biden's State Department while former Ministry of Energy and Mining Alberto Pimentel Mata was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury, blocking all property in his name and preventing U.S. persons from doing business with him.
The Biden administration says fighting corruption has been a core national security interest as it targets what it deems a root cause of migrants and refugees fleeing their countries for refuge in the United States.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Giammattei was being made ineligible for entry over his involvement in "significant corruption."
"The State Department has credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of his public functions during his tenure as president of Guatemala, actions that undermined the rule of law and government transparency," Miller said in a statement.
The Treasury separately sanctioned Pimental on allegations of accepting large bribes in exchange for permits and licenses for a private company operating in the energy and mining sector of Guatemala.
Biden administration officials said in one instance Pimental received a large bribe to start consultations with local communities in El Estor, Izabal, in eastern Guatemala, on behalf of private companies. In a second instance, he accepted a $1 million bribe to provide industry groups with mining licenses.
"The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse their positions in pursuit of personal benefit, weakening the public's faith in government institutions," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.
The announcement comes after Giammattei was replaced as the leader of Guatemala on Monday when anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arevalo was sworn in as president.
Last week, Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah announced that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol had denied entrance to one of Giammattei's sons at a Miami airport.
During the last three years of the Biden administration, more than 400 people and their family members have been either barred from entering the United States or been sanctioned for engaging in corruption or undermining democracy or the rule of law in Guatemala.
"The United States remains committed to strengthening transparency and governance in Guatemala and throughout the Western Hemisphere and we will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine it," Miller said.
Third party candidates may be popular, but the path to victory is rough
Third party candidates may be popular, but the path to victory is rough
By Jarrett Renshaw
CHEYENNE, Wyoming (Reuters) - American Bridge is the Democratic Partys primary opposition research organization, spending tens of millions of dollars to track Republican rivals and produce attack ads.
But in 2024, the deep-pocketed ally of President Joe Biden is adding a new role that could help shape the Nov. 5 presidential election: third-party suppressor.
Worried that third-party bids from a centrist group called No Labels and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could siphon off votes from Biden in key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Arizona, American Bridge has hired prominent election attorney Marc Elias to help thwart these outsider bids, among other things.
A central tactic employed: flagging technical issues or starting a legal challenge as third-party candidates navigate a patchwork of laws of get on state ballots.
"We're keeping an eye out to make sure they're dotting all their i's and crossing their t's, and we are not ruling out legal action with our attorneys if we identify a problem and that applies for all third-party threats to President Biden," Pat Denis, president of the American Bridge group, said in a statement to Reuters.
Other Biden allies have also launched a multi-pronged assault to starve third-party candidates of financial and political support. In addition to trying to keep them off state ballots, they say they are asking donors not to send them money and warning potential candidates to stay on the sidelines, according to interviews with groups involved in the efforts.
No Labels filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice alleging those efforts represent an "illegal conspiracy to use intimidation, harassment and fear" against its supporters and donors, Dan Webb, a former U.S. Attorney and No Labels leader, announced on Thursday.
U.S. demand for a third-party presidential candidate has reached record highs amid deep voter dissatisfaction with 81-year-old Biden and his likely Republican rival Donald Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in December showed six in 10 respondents were unhappy with the two-party system and want a third choice.
Polls show voters have deep concerns about Biden's age and the strength of the economy as well as Trump's threats to upend democracy.
No Labels and Kennedy, two challengers who are not connected to each other, have amassed among the most well-funded and well-organized outsider bids in modern political history to test the major party firewall, political experts say.
No Labels, which has yet to name a candidate, has already raised more than $60 million and has qualified in 14 states, including Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina - states that are likely help decide the election. It's on the ground or has submitted petitions in at least 13 more and plans to spend about half of its cash on securing ballot access across all 50 states.
"We are in a super unique time where voters from New York to Wyoming are just fed up beyond belief with their options," Jane Hall, who worked in former President Bill Clinton's administration and is the No Labels co-chair in Wyoming, said as she went door-to-door in the city of Cheyenne collecting signatures for the party.
Meanwhile, Kennedy and a Super PAC political organization supporting him plan to spend a combined $30 million to get him on state ballots.
No third-party candidate has won a modern U.S. presidential election, although some like Ralph Nader in 2000 and Ross Perot in 1992 have played outsized roles as spoilers, taking votes from major party candidates. Democrats fear their party may splinter this time with a centrist third-party bid, while Trump's loyal base sticks with him.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll in December showed Trump's lead widened to a 5-point advantage nationally when respondents were given an option to vote for Kennedy.
"They're very unlikely to win...But there is a real chance, a substantial chance, that they will determine the winner in the fall, which is why Democrats are apoplectic about them," University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said.
NO GOOD CHOICES
Matt Bennett, a co-founder of the center-left group Third Way, is among the more prominent voices helping Democrats block third-party candidates. The group has banded with progressive organization MoveOn and others to dissuade voters from having any association with No Labels.
"We've talked to donors, political insiders and potential candidates, and our message to everyone is the same: there is no chance these third-party efforts are going to be successful, but they will help Donald Trump win and that's a bad thing," Bennett said.
Those efforts are bankrolled by more than $1 million from Reid Hoffman, the billionaire Democratic megadonor, Bennett said.
Richard Gephardt, a former Democratic congressman, formed a Super PAC called "Citizens to Save Our Republic" to warn Americans against supporting third-party candidates. He has raised $200,000 so far for an information campaign.
"Sometimes in life, you don't get two good choices," Gephardt said. "You don't even get one good choice. You get two choices you really don't like but you got to make a choice. And that's what we're trying to say to Americans. You may not like this choice, but don't make a choice to put somebody back in office who tried to overthrow the federal government."
Tony Lyons, the head of the pro-Kennedy Super PAC, said Americans should be "outraged" by the lengths Democrats have gone to prevent third-party bids.
"We live in a democracy, at least we are supposed to. How is it possible, even legal, to keep spending millions to keep a candidate off the ballot or tie them up in nonsense legal fights?" Lyons said.
'HAZING RITUAL'
Unlike Republicans and Democrats who are automatically on the presidential ballots, outsider campaigns often face an uphill challenge just to get on the ballot.
They need to spend millions to hand collect hundreds of thousands of signatures from registered voters, line up officials called electors, convince voters to formally ditch their parties in some states and hold conventions in others.
"Some of these states haven't changed their laws in 100 years, you know, and some have only have made them worse," said Theresa Amato, former campaign manager for Ralph Nader, who ran for president in 2000 and 2004 but did not get on all 50 state ballots. "We really have to ask ourselves, why do we allow two parties to enforce a hazing ritual for all other competitors and political voices in the United States?"
Reuters last month joined No Labels canvassers in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as they collected signatures in person. They spent two months collecting some 9,000 signatures - more than double the requirement to get on the ballot - figuring many would get tossed due to an unusual state law that purges voters from its rolls for not voting in the last election.
In Maine, voters are required to officially switch parties if they want to even just show support for a minor party petition. Some 800 people withdrew their support for No Labels after the secretary of state, a Democrat, took the unusual step of writing to voters informing them that they switched parties when they signed up to back No Labels' bid to get on the ballot.
In Arizona, No Labels is in federal court to beat back efforts led by Biden supporters to force the group to disclose its donors, as some Democrats worry it is funded by conservative activists.
Barbara Wejnert, a political science professor at the University of Buffalo, says most of the worlds democracies have adopted parliamentary-style governments that embrace multiple parties.
"The U.S. is the most hostile democracy when it comes to third parties," Wejnert said.
VOTERS WANT CHOICE
Interviews with more than two dozen voters who signed the No Labels petitions to get on ballots in Wyoming and Maryland showed a strong appetite for a third-party bid, but also highlighted the challenges of winning an election.
Many voters themselves fear that supporting the effort will do little other than drain votes from Biden or Trump - a concern borne out by history.
Nader drained votes from Democrat Al Gore, helping hand the 2000 presidential election to Republican George W. Bush, while businessman Ross Perot had the same impact on the 1992 reelection campaign by Bush's father, George H.W. Bush.
"I am not happy with both parties, but I would not vote for a third party if I thought it meant it would help Biden win, said Anthony Gabriel, a 42-year-old registered Republican from Cheyenne who signed the petition.
(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Deepa Babington)
President Biden is heading to North Carolina on Thursday to announce $82 million in new investments to connect homes and businesses in the state to high-speed internet.
He will go to the Raleigh-Durham area in the critical battleground state to make the announcement, alongside Gov. Roy Cooper (D). The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, which was the COVID-19 relief package Biden signed into law in 2021, and aims to connect an additional 16,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina.
The investment, according to a fact sheet from the White House, will also create jobs in manufacturing and construction to produce Made-in-America fiber-optic cable that will build out internet infrastructure across the country.
The investment will also save North Carolinians money on their internet bills every month, according to the fact sheet. The White House aims to help 885,000 North Carolina households, about 1 in 5, save up to $30 per month on their internet bills.
Biden will give remarks and discuss his goal to connect more than 300,000 more homes and businesses to high-speed internet by the end of 2026, through a total of $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan. Across the country, the goal is to connect all Americans to high-speed internet by 2030.
Bidens remarks will highlight his so-called Bidenomics agenda, which is his economic plan to build the economy from the bottom up and the middle out.
Former President Trump beat Biden in North Carolina in 2020. Trump also won the state in the 2016 election, beating Democrat Hillary Clinton. Former President Obama won North Carolina in 2008 but lost it in 2012.
The Biden campaign recently beefed up its operations in the Tar Heel State, as well as other battleground states, and Vice President Harris went to the state last week to discuss combating gun violence.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden apologized to former GOP presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson following a statement by the Democratic National Committee that appeared to mock the former Arkansas governors long-shot campaign, the White House said Wednesday.
Hutchinson, one of former President Donald Trumps toughest critics in the GOP primary, dropped out of the race a day after the Iowa caucuses, where he finished sixth and got only 0.2% of the vote.
The former governors campaign failed to get traction, and he only qualified for the first Republican primary debate in August.
My message of being a principled Republican with experience and telling the truth about the current front-runner did not sell in Iowa, he said Tuesday as he dropped out of the contest.
The DNC poked fun at the governors announcement.
This news comes as a shock to those of us who couldve sworn he had already dropped out, DNC national press secretary Sarafina Chitika said.
While press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not get into whether the White House spoke to the DNC following their decision to issue that statement, she said Bidens chief of staff Jeff Zients called Hutchinson to apologize on behalf of Biden, adding that those words did not represent the presidents views.
Jean-Pierre told reporters, President Biden has deep respect for Governor Hutchinson and admires the race that he ran. The president knows him to be a man of principles who cares about our country and has a strong record of public service.
White House Press Sec. Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden Chief of Staff Jeff Zients called Asa Hutchinson to apologize after the DNC issued a statement mocking him after he dropped out of the presidential race:
It did not represent [Biden's] views. We apologize to the governor. pic.twitter.com/NazCdTsrUp The Recount (@therecount) January 17, 2024
Hutchinson, who worked closely with Biden as governor in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, said he accepted the presidents apology.
The call from the White House was not necessary but still appreciated, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. We can disagree without demonizing.
The call from the White House was not necessary but still appreciated. We can disagree without demonizing. The bipartisan push back will hopefully lead to more focus on issues that are important to Americans. https://t.co/WMgV2xKo8r Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) January 17, 2024
Trump comfortably won the Iowa caucuses Monday night, securing 51% of the vote and solidifying his status as the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came a distant second, closely followed by former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
Hutchinson was one of the few candidates to rule out supporting Trump as the nominee if he was a convicted felon. Many of his fellow Republicans act as if Trump is the only candidate still in the race.
Related...
US President Joe Biden has met with the Congressional Leadership and members of the House of Representatives in order to discuss the urgent need to allocate funds for Ukraine.
Source: Bidens statement on the White House website
Details: During the meeting Biden stressed the importance of Congress providing Ukraine with the resources it needs, including air defence and artillery, to protect itself from Russias brutal invasion.
The US President also "discussed the strategic consequences of inaction for Ukraine, the US and the world".
He noted that Congresss inaction puts the national security of the US, NATO and the rest of the free world in danger.
Biden urged Congress to quickly provide additional funding for the support for Ukraine and send a powerful message of US resolve.
He added that he was inspired by the progress achieved in bipartisan talks held in the Senate.
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U.S. President Joe Biden met with Congressional leaders to discuss Ukraine and the unblocking of U.S. aid funding, the White House press service announced on Jan. 17.
Since autumn 2023, Congress has disagreed on a supplemental funding bill that included $61 billion in aid for Ukraine. Republicans in the U.S. Senate blocked an initiative in December, insisting that further military aid must include significant domestic border changes.
President Biden underscored the importance of Congress ensuring Ukraine has the resources it needsincluding air defense and artillery capabilitiesto defend itself against Russias brutal invasion, the White House press service wrote in a statement.
Biden called on Congress to provide Ukraine with additional funding, stressing the high cost of inaction for Ukraine, the U.S., and the NATO alliance.
According to the White House statement, the U.S. President committed to reaching a bipartisan agreement on border policy and the need for additional resources at the border.
Despite the president's initiative, many Republiacan Congress members continue to insist on Biden addressing border policy demands before committing to additional aid for Ukraine, CNN reported on Jan. 17, citing the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
There are a couple of people in the room who said lets do the border first we said we have to do both together in the Senate, Schumer said.
The U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as Schumer, described the meeting as productive but said that the border issue must be a top priority.
Were not insistent upon a particular name of a piece of legislation, but we are insistent that the elements have to be meaningful, Johnson said, referring to the potential inclusion of a partisan House-passed border security bill.
Biden signed the last U.S. $250 million aid package for Ukraine on Dec. 27, including ammunition for the anti-aircraft warfare, multiple launch rocket systems, artillery, anti-tank mines and others.
Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell announced on Jan. 17 that the Senate could consider the Ukraine aid package together with border policy as early as next week.
Read also: Francis Farrell: Ukraine could still lose the war. Lets get some things straight
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The Biden campaign is planning an aggressive effort to highlight the stakes of the 2024 election for abortion access around what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
President Biden and Vice President Harris will headline a rally in Virginia on Wednesday to discuss the threat Republicans would pose to abortion rights if they win back the White House. The rally comes after Virginia Democrats secured majorities in the state Legislature largely because of the issue of abortion.
They team also plans to launch a new paid media campaign aimed at women and swing voters in battleground states focusing on the impact abortion bans nationwide have had on women and health care providers following the end of Roe.
Donald Trump is the reason that more than 1 in 3 American women of reproductive age dont have the freedom to make their own health care decisions, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. Now, he and MAGA Republicans are running to go even further if they retake the White House.
Trump directly paved the way for Republican extremists across the country to enact draconian bans that are hurting women and threatening doctors, she continued. In 2024, a vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris is a vote to restore Roe, and a vote for Donald Trump is a vote to ban abortion across the country.
Abortion is set to be a pivotal issue in the 2024 election after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in June 2022, ending federal protections and paving the way for numerous Republican-led states to pass restrictions on abortion access.
Democrats have successfully campaigned on protecting abortion access in the nearly two years since, winning gubernatorial and state legislative races, as well as passing ballot measures to guarantee access.
The Biden campaign is hoping to deploy a similar strategy, warning frequently that a Republican in the White House could pass a national abortion ban.
Former President Trump, the leading candidate for the GOP nomination, has repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would sign legislation restricting abortion. But, he has also on numerous occasions said he deserves the credit for ending Roe, citing his appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON President Joe Biden on Wednesday hosted congressional leaders at the White House in a bid to break the gridlock that has held up a massive foreign aid bill that includes security assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific partners.
The meeting comes as Congress inches closer to a deal on immigration policy changes Republicans have sought to unlock $61 billion worth of Ukraine assistance.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., briefly addressed reporters at the White House after the meeting. He was flanked by House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike McCaul, R-Texas, two strong Ukraine aid proponents.
Johnson called the meeting productive and said he pushed for substantive policy change at the border.
Were not insistent upon a particular name or piece of legislation, but we are insistent that the elements have to be meaningful, he added. We understand the necessity about Ukraine funding, and we want to say that the status quo is unacceptable.
Johnsons comments appeared to reflect a shift; he previously insisted on pairing Ukraine aid with a House immigration bill strongly opposed by Democrats. He noted he had a phone call with Biden on the topic last week.
Johnson said the Biden administration must answer questions about the strategy, about the end game and about accountability for the precious treasure of the American people.
House Republicans have become increasingly skeptical of Ukraine aid in recent months, but Johnsons comments indicate an increasing openness to trading aid to Kyiv for immigration policy changes.
The Biden administration has said it will not transfer more weapons to Ukraine without more funding from Congress, having used its last $1 billion in December to replenish U.S. stockpiles of arms sent to Kyiv.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., also joined the White House meeting.
McConnell, who opted to tie Ukraine aid to immigration policy in the Senate, has argued in favor of a bipartisan immigration deal. He predicted the Senate could vote on the foreign aid spending bill as soon as next week. And Schumer told reporters before the meeting that for the first time, I think the chances of getting it done in the Senate are greater than not getting it done.
McConnell and Senate Republicans tanked a roughly $110 foreign aid spending bill last month based on Bidens October supplemental request because it didnt include the immigration policy changes.
That bill includes $13.5 billion to continue arming Kyiv through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. It allocates $15.1 billion for the Defense Department to continue supporting the Ukrainians with military training, intelligence sharing and an increased presence in the European Command area of responsibility, per a Senate summary of the bill.
On top of that, the bill appropriates $24.5 billion to replenish weapons the U.S. has already sent to Ukraine and Israel through its stockpiles. It also sets aside $2.8 billion to increase capacity for the munitions-industrial base.
Ukraine is already suffering from a lack of armaments, Schumer said ahead of the meeting. If Ukraine folds, were going to be suffering the consequences not for months, but for years to come.
He added that the goal of the White House meeting was frankly to make it clear that things are changing in Ukraine for the worse, and if we dont get aid to them quickly, the whole thing could turn around and be irretrievable.
The bill also includes $14 billion in additional military aid for Israel as it continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, it allocates $2 billion in Foreign Military Financing for allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan. It also includes more than $2 billion to improve the capacity of the submarine-industrial base amid congressional concerns the trilateral AUKUS agreement in which the U.S. will send up to five Virginia-class vessels to Australia could further strain Navy production goals.
However, final funding levels may change if and when the Senate reaches a compromise and unveils a new bill.
Thousands of Afghans served as interpreters for the United States military in Afghanistan. The Americans promised to protect them, but that promise disappeared when the United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in 2021. These interpreters then became targets of the Taliban.
Playwright Sylvia Khoury tells the story of Taroon, one former interpreter in Selling Kabul, onstage Jan. 25-Feb. 25 at Northlight Theatre.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30; 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2:30 p.m. (except Jan. 27) and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Jan. 28 only) Sundays.
The play is entertaining but, at the same time, its such an important message, said director Hamid Dehghani, who moved here from Iran in 2018. When I was in Iran, I used to do my own plays based on social and political events in my own country to speak for my people. When I came here, I was thinking, What can I do here now that my audience has changed?'
Hamid Dehghani directs Northlight Theatres production Jan. 25-Feb. 25 of Selling Kabul by Sylvia Khoury.
Directing this play provided one answer. Dehghani noted that there were a lot of Afghan refugees in Iran, where he saw their struggles, their pain, and the influence that the United States had on Afghanistan, the director said. America withdrew in a very bad way from Afghanistan and left many people behind. People should always be reminded of why these things happened.
It is important to the director that he accurately portray the culture of Afghanistan so he hired two Cultural Consultants, Awesta Zarif and Sahar Sediqi.
Dehghani described Taroon as hopeful. He believes in the promises that were given to him.
That included the promise of a visa so that people who assisted the U.S. military could come to America. Because of that fast withdrawal, many of them have been left behind, Dehghani said. Their families are in danger as well.
Taroon is hiding from the Taliban in his sisters apartment. He must decide whether to stay there where he is safe from the Taliban or venture out to see his newborn son.
It is a very beautiful story, Dehghani said.
The director said he chose Owais Ahmed to play Taroon because, He could show the anger, the frustration, and the emotional burden that Taroon is carrying because of living for four months in secret.
The script is beautiful, Ahmed said. As an actor its such a treat to play something thats so poetic and speaks to a bigger intention of the story.
The actor described Taroon as impulsive, reactive, bright. He has a lot of love for his family. When we start the play, hes at a place where hes really cutoff from the outside world. He cant see his wife. He isnt in contact with his mom. Hes literally in confinement for four months.
Ahmed said that there were several reasons why Taroon decided to become a translator. One was that, Hes trying to fight against anything thats affecting his people and his culture.
Taroon couldnt have predicted how dangerous that role would become to the point where translators are being hunted, Ahmed said.
The actor stressed the universality of this story. Aside from being Afghan, aside from being hunted, they want the same things, Ahmed explained. They want family, they want safety, they want a government that doesnt test them.
Dehghani said, This show is a small step toward humanizing people who have been dehumanized for years.
Selling Kabul
When: Jan. 25-Feb. 25
Where: Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Tickets: $39-$89; $15 students
Information: 847-673-6300; northlight.org/events/selling-kabul
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
(Bloomberg) -- Congressional leaders said they were cautiously optimistic about reaching a deal on stricter border security that would unlock funding for Ukraine, following a White House meeting with President Joe Biden.
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While lawmakers struck a positive tone, there were few signs of concrete progress Wednesday toward breaking a months-long stalemate that has delayed funding for Kyiv, as well as Israel.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the session with Biden and congressional leaders was productive but reiterated Republican demands for a crackdown at the US-Mexico border in exchange for supporting the presidents $110 billion emergency spending request.
We must insist that the border be the top priority, Johnson told reporters after the meeting.
Johnson said later on Fox News he had been consulting pretty frequently with Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, who opposes an emerging border compromise in the Senate. He said Republicans would continue to push for limits on asylum claims and the presidents power to shield certain migrants from deportation.
Were cautiously optimistic, the speaker said.
Republicans did not draw red lines on a House bill that includes many of those measures, though, according to a person familiar with the discussion.
But Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday night, said any border deal was unacceptable unless we get EVERYTHING needed to shut down the INVASION of Millions & Millions of people, many from parts unknown, into our once great, but soon to be great again, Country!
Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said of course, were making the pitch for all of the House bill. I also live in a realistic world. I dont think the Senates going to adopt every provision, he added.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called meeting very positive because everyone at the table agreed on the need to address the border and Ukraine. The chances the Senate reaches a bipartisan agreement are a little bit greater than half now, he said.
If we dont come to Ukraines aid, Schumer said, the consequences for America around the globe would be nothing short of devastating.
Still, a Senate-passed border bill will face an uphill battle in the House, where hard-line Republicans are insisting on even more sweeping changes.
Political Stakes
The standoff carries high stakes for the USs standing in the world, as well as political implications for Biden and Johnson.
For Biden, a border deal could help neutralize one of his biggest political weaknesses ahead of the 2024 election. Voters want tighter restrictions on undocumented migrants and rank Bidens handling of the issue poorly, polls show.
Johnson, at the same time, is pushing border policies favored by conservatives as he tries to quell a GOP rebellion amid continued threats to his speakership. Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene told reporters Wednesday she would move for a vote to oust Johnson if he approves more Ukraine funding.
Biden has repeatedly said hed compromise on border policy, but has not specified any concessions. The White House has suggested it could consider changes to asylum policies being discussed by the bipartisan group of senators.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who attended the meeting, said Schumer should schedule a vote for next week on a border-Ukraine bill to force a speedy compromise. McConnell has long advocated for more aid to Ukraine, putting him at odds with ultra-conservatives in the House.
Its time to try to act, he said.
Some Republicans demand restrictions on the presidents use of humanitarian parole, which has allowed many people fleeing poverty and violence in South America as well as war zones in Ukraine and Afghanistan to legally enter the US. They also demand a border wall and other policies Democrats oppose.
Immigration has emerged as a top concern for voters as the election intensifies. Some four in 10 Iowa Republican voters before Mondays caucuses ranked immigration as the most important issue facing the US, according to AP VoteCast, more than those who chose the economy.
At the same time, the White House has warned that failure to send Ukraine fresh aid amounts to a victory for Russia, which invaded the country in February 2022.
The talks also came as Congress races to pass a temporary spending bill that would avert a partial government shutdown. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called on lawmakers to clear the measure, which will require Democratic votes to pass the House over objections from Johnsons conservative flank. Talks are also ongoing on a potential tax deal.
The Senate has scheduled a series of votes on Thursday to approve the spending measure.
--With assistance from Akayla Gardner.
(Updates with Trump post, in eighth paragraph. Senate vote in final paragraph.)
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Biden may get some help from Republicans against Trump
President Bidens reelection bid may be getting some help from an unlikely source: Republicans.
A slow drip of Republicans and former Trump administration officials are outright saying they would vote for Biden over former President Trump in a general election rematch, citing their belief that Trump poses a risk to U.S. democracy.
While Ive never voted for a Democrat a day in my life, I would support Biden over Trump if he becomes the GOP nominee. I wont support someone who refused to participate in a peaceful transfer of power, tried to overthrow a free and fair election, and incited a mob to attack the U.S. Capitol, Sarah Matthews, a former press aide on Trumps 2020 campaign and in the Trump White House who resigned on Jan. 6, 2021, told The Hill.
Recent polling also showed a swath of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley supporters in the Iowa caucuses would back Biden over Trump in a general election.
The willingness of some Republicans to cross party lines hints at what may become a key factor in November: If Trump-skeptical Republicans can swallow their concerns and back the former president, or if they vote for Biden and bolster his coalition in what will likely be a close race.
A Decision Desk HQ average of national polling shows the former president leading Biden by roughly 1 percentage point. Recent swing state polling shows Trump leading Biden by 8 points in Michigan and Georgia, while Biden is narrowly ahead in Pennsylvania.
Strategists have said Novembers election may depend on which candidate best gets out their base given the limited number of persuadable voters to chase.
President Biden ran for president to unite the country, and has governed for all Americans with red states and blue states benefiting from the historic infrastructure legislation, lower costs on prescription drugs and a boom in manufacturing jobs, Ammar Moussa, a Biden campaign spokesperson, said in a statement. We welcome the support of everyone who is concerned about the existential threat that Donald Trump and extremists pose to our freedom and democracy.
Many GOP voters resistant to Trump are holding out hope that Haley can secure the nomination. An NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll of Iowa voters conducted days before Mondays caucuses found 43 percent of those who supported Haley said they would vote for Biden over Trump in a general election.
But Trumps dominant showing in Iowa and his strong polling lead in other early primary states suggests hes likely to be the nominee.
I think its highly likely that its gonna be Biden against Trump. And in that case, there is no question who I would support. I believe in America way more than I believe in the Republican Party, former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), who served on the House committee that investigated Jan. 6, said on CNN.
Asked if he would vote for Biden, Kinzinger said hed pick the sitting president over Trump in a heartbeat.
To me, thats not even a question I would have to wrestle with, Kinzinger said.
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Anthony Scaramucci, who infamously spent 10 days as Trumps White House communications director, backed former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) in the 2024 primary. But he told CNN on Saturday he would 100 percent support Biden over Trump in a general election.
This really is going to be a battle for democracy, this one, Scaramucci said, warning Trump would expand executive power and use the Justice Department to target his adversaries.
Other Republicans have yet to go as far as outright saying they would vote for Biden but have signaled they could not fathom supporting Trump again.
There are some conservatives who are trying to make this claim that somehow Biden is a bigger risk than Trump, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) said during a recent appearance on The View.
Former Rep. Liz Cheney speaks at The 92nd Street Y New York on June 26, 2023 in New York City. (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
My view is I disagree with a lot of Joe Bidens policies, added Cheney, an outspoken Trump critic. We can survive bad policies. We cannot survive torching the Constitution.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, who was a press aide for Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, has expressed concerns about Bidens ability to win in November. But she has offered stark warnings that another Trump victory could mean the end of American democracy as we know it.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who is retiring at the end of his term, did not rule out voting for Biden over Trump, who he called dangerous for the country.
While a potential third-party bid, like the one being organized by No Labels, could attract some anti-Trump conservatives, Democrats believe it is important for Biden to try to win over that faction of Republicans.
The thing that I would look at if I were the Biden campaign is that third of people who say, no, the election was legitimate, yes, I think that President Trump would be unfit if he were convicted of a crime, David Axelrod, a former senior adviser in the Obama White House, said on CNN after the Iowa caucuses. It seems to me among that group, there are people who might consider voting for Biden.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the clashes between Iran and Pakistan this week show that Iran is not well-liked in the region as the White House said it does not want to see an escalation.
Pakistan launched strikes on separatist militants inside Iran on Thursday, in a retaliatory attack two days after Tehran said it struck the bases of another group within Pakistani territory.
"As you can see Iran is not particularly well liked in the region and where that goes, we're working on now. I don't know where that goes," Biden said.
The United States has been locked in a test of wills with Iran over its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen who have been launching attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Air Force One as Biden flew to North Carolina that Washington is monitoring the Iran-Pakistan clashes closely.
"We don't want to see an escalation clearly in South and Central Asia. And we're in touch with our Pakistani counterparts," Kirby said.
Kirby said the attack on Pakistan was another example of Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region.
(Reporting by Steve Holland and Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Franklin Paul and Alistair Bell)
President Biden on Thursday signaled there likely will be more U.S. strikes against the Houthis, acknowledging the Iranian-backed military group in Yemen has not been deterred by an initial response from the Biden administration and its allies.
Biden was asked while departing for North Carolina if strikes against the Houthis were working.
Well, when you say working are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes, Biden told reporters.
The U.S. has carried out multiple rounds of military strikes against the Houthis in recent days, targeting command centers and military installations. The first round of strikes, launched last week, was carried out in coordination with the United Kingdom.
The Houthis have attacked multiple civilian cargo ships with missiles in recent weeks, including multiple U.S.-owned ships and U.S. Navy vessels. The most recent incident was against the U.S.-owned bulk carrier Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday.
With each and every one of these strikes, we are taking away capability from the Houthis, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday. With each and every one of these strikes we are making it harder for them to propagate these attacks.
If the Houthis continue to go down this path, we will continue to do what we can to disrupt and degrade their ability, he added.
The administration announced Wednesday it will designate the Houthis as a Specially Designated Terrorist Group (SDTG), in response to attacks the group launched against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and what the Houthis say is a response to Israels war against Hamas.
The SDTG label differs slightly from a Foreign Terrorist Organization label, a designation imposed by the Trump administration in the early days of 2021, but revoked by the Biden administration over concerns that it would block humanitarian assistance to Yemen.
Updated at 12:52 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. On the stage of historical exchanges, the two countries have shared a series of remarkable moments and milestones.
On January 24, 2004, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated in "Chinese Red" for the first time. Bathed in a warm glow of light, the 115-year-old tower resembled a fluttering artist adding a rich touch of Chinese color to Paris.
In the same month, French audiences experienced for the first time original Chinese ballet performances of "The Bright Red Lanterns Hung High" and "The Red Detachment of Women." This marked a deep collaboration between China and France in the field of dance, conveying the exquisite language of culture to a wider audience.
In 2014, the "Ten Masterpieces of French Painting," a special exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France was held at the National Museum of China in Beijing. This special exhibition brought together 10 exquisite paintings from several museums including the Louvre, the Musee dOrsay, Centre Pompidou, the Palace of Versailles and the Picasso Museum, in a showcase boasting both high artistic quality and historical value.
In September 2016, experts and scholars in the field of cultural heritage from China and France initiated a series of exchanges and collaborations centered around "Gongshutang," a state-protected cultural relics site in the ancient Chinese city of Xian in Shaanxi province. This resulted in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research, which contributed to the advancement of research into the conservation of the cultural relics found at Gongshutang. At the same time, it facilitated the improvement of technical expertise in the field of conservation on both sides.
This winter at the Harbin Ice and Snow World, a landscape inspired by the 2024 China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, has made a big impact. It incorporates two world-famous cultural heritage sites, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, as its core elements. A bridge symbolizing friendship connects the ice sculptures that represent these two regions, creating a visually stunning scene.
Over the decades, through the language of various forms of art, the people of both countries have forged deep bonds in their shared cultural exploration. This is an important chapter in the fusion and meeting of two civilizations, heralding a promising future of even richer collaboration and exchange.
Andrea Mairs had been employed at Kings Road Primary School in Stretford, Manchester, for 20 years when she lost her job because six coworkers said her relentless complaining about racial issues in the classroom made them feel intimidated.
A Black teacher in England has successfully sued her former school for discrimination after colleagues perceived racism.
The Telegraph reported that Andrea Mairs filed a lawsuit against Kings Road Primary School in Stretford, Manchester, and Trafford Council, alleging race discrimination by victimization, unfair dismissal, unauthorized wage deduction, and breach of contract.
Members of the schools senior leadership team (SLT) filed a collective grievance against Mairs in June 2019, claiming they were afraid to use the word black and concerned about being labeled racist while she was around.
Andrea Mairs filed a lawsuit against Kings Road Primary School in Stretford, Manchester, and Trafford Council, alleging race discrimination and over how she addressed perceived racism and microaggressions. (Photo credit: Screenshot/YouTube.com/Kings Road Primary School)
They vowed to launch a wild cat strike if she was allowed to stay at the school.
They are unable to use the word black, which indicates how uncomfortable they are around their Black colleague, said Mairs in response. This again is racial discrimination and more commonly known as blackophobia.
She had been employed for 20 years when she lost her job because six coworkers said her relentless complaining about racial issues in the classroom made them feel intimidated.
Since September 2001, when Mairs first joined the school, she complained about nine staff members and reported many instances viewed as microaggressions, according to The Telegraph.
In one instance, Mairs took offense at a visiting magician calling students little monkeys, resulting in school officials banning any use of the term. They removed art exhibits and library books and forbade children as young as three and four from reciting the Five Little Monkeys rhyme.
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Mairs raised an issue with headteacher Darren Morgan over a picture of a Black student in an art exhibit wearing a label that said blackcurrant, stating that she felt the label was inappropriate and could be misconstrued.
She was also requested to deal with a Black parent who specifically wanted to speak with the headteacher about racism at the school.
After almost a year of sick leave, the SLT objected to Mairs return to work, claiming she had instilled fear in colleagues and made them feel unsafe with her relentless complaining.
She lost her job at the school in January 2022 after an investigation panel found that her relationship with the SLT had irretrievably broken down.
The panel learned that after filing her monkey complaint, the staff blamed Mairs for the schools decision to outlaw the word, causing tension.
After her departure, parents and former students created a Change.org petition titled Bring back Miss Mairs, which garnered 800 signatures from people who said she was a great teacher and a role model to the diverse children she teaches, according to The Telegraph.
According to the ruling of Employment Judge Jane Aspinall, Mairs was a long-serving educator who had no disciplinary or poor performance issues before her termination.
The Tribunal finds that [Ms. Mairs] honestly believed that SLTs motivation was because they were afraid that if they raised a concern with her she would accuse them of racism, said Aspinall, The Telegraph reported. This is what she meant by use of the term blackophobic.'
Mairs compensation will be determined during a subsequent remedy hearing.
Aspinall contended that Mairs honestly believed that if she werent Black, SLT would not have lodged a collective grievance without first addressing the issues with the specific teacher. She believed and believes to this day that was true, she added.
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The post Black teacher in England wins discrimination claim against school after colleagues say she instilled fear in them when discussing racism appeared first on TheGrio.
A Black woman is taking legal action against a school district in northern Utah that hired her to investigate racial harassment at their schools, which district officials made impossible after they began discriminating against her, according to a fresh lawsuit.
Joscelin Thomas once served as a coordinator for the Davis School District. Her position was created in 2022 as part of a settlement agreement between the district and the Justice Department that mandated the district adopt a means to address racial harassment in their schools.
So, in the districts newly-created Office of Equal Opportunity, Thomas was hired as a district coordinator to investigate and respond to complaints of racial harassment.
A Black woman who was hired to investigate racial harassment at the Davis School District, which is north of Salt Lake City in Utah, alleged that district officials discriminated against her on the job in a new lawsuit. (Photo: Davis School District website)
This followed a full probe in 2021 that discovered that Black and Asian American students in the district were overwhelmingly targeted and mistreated by white students. There was an inordinate number of instances documented over a five-year period that revealed that students were called the N-word and other racial slurs.
While Black students only make up about 1 percent of the districts student population, which is composed of 74,000 students, reports show they were disciplined more harshly than their white counterparts. Even after years of data showed this to be true, the school district had done nothing to address the trend, according to investigators.
It was only until a 10-year-old Black student on the autism spectrum died by suicide after being mercilessly bullied by her classmates at Foxboro Elementary School that the district finally took action. That student, Isabella Izzy Tichenor, was the only Black student in her class. Her family filed a lawsuit against the district in which they asserted that kids regularly called Tichenor the N-word and teased her for being autistic.
The district awarded the family $2 million and confessed that district officials mistreated the girl after they were accused of responding poorly to the bullying.
They also awarded three Black students a shared settlement of $200,000 after those students complained they experienced harassment daily.
Although Thomas was hired to address incidents similar to these, the hostile work environment she experienced made it difficult for her to fulfill her tasks, according to her complaint.
In a federal lawsuit, she alleges that district staff treated her as if she were stupid, accused her of having a substandard work ethic, and denied her training and mentorship opportunities that were offered to her white colleagues, AP reports.
She cited an incident that took place one month into her position in which a colleague handed her a pile of trash and told her to clean it up during an administrative meeting. When she refused, the colleague was furious, according to the complaint.
One year after she was hired, district administrators decided not to renew her contract without providing cause, which effectively ended her employment on June 30, 2023.
She scheduled a meeting weeks before she was let go with the districts human resources director to discuss the discrimination shed been subjected to. However, just 15 minutes before the meeting, the assistant superintendent placed her on administrative leave and told her that officials would be investigating her ethical, moral, or professional conduct. She never learned what came of that investigation.
Our hope is that through our efforts to address the violation of Dr. Thomas rights, the district will be forced to make systemic change, attorney Katie Panzer said. The district has an obligation to provide both students and employees a safe environment free from race discrimination. We would like to see them actually fulfill that obligation.
The complaint named the school district and two district employees, Fidel Montero and Suzi Jensen, and a third-party consultant, Heidi Alder, as defendants. Thomas seeks damages and possible reinstatement.
A spokesperson for the district declined to comment on the injunction because the district will not make comments about potential litigation.
Davis School District administrators, teachers, and staff stand firmly against any form of harassment or discrimination that affects a childs learning experience in our schools, the statement read. Our primary duty and responsibility is to create a safe environment for every child, employee and patron.
Black Woman Hired to Investigate Racism In a Utah School District Ends Up Facing Discrimination Herself, New Lawsuit Says
(Bloomberg) -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will use his visit to four African nations next week to discuss economic development, health and security.
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The US is concerned about coastal West Africa as well as Nigeria because of recent coups and terrorist threat in the Sahel, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee said at a press conference Thursday.
Were really good at security assistance and were really good at going after terrorists, but if you neglect governance, economic development factors like climate change, you cant really get it a durable solution, she said. So helping make sure that these countries are moving out on all fronts to strengthen their societies to prevent the expansion of the terrorist threat we see in the Sahel, that will be a part of the discussion.
There have been eight successful military takeovers in the region since 2020, leaving countries such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Gabon and Chad under junta heads. Terrorist attacks by an Islamist insurgency in the Sahel, have aggravated the security situation. The US is also concerned about tensions between Rwanda and the Congo, Phee said.
Blinken will travel to Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Angola from Jan. 21 to 26. In Ivory Coast talks will focus on governance in West Africa and shift to building pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in Nigeria, Phee said. In Cape Verde and Angola, the discussions would be around ports and rail infrastructure, she said.
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Tucked away in a hutong area in downtown Beijing, the Huguang Huiguan, or the Huguang Guild Hall, a complex of buildings over 200 years old, is in the process of being reborn.
After over a year of renovations, it is finally ready to reopen as a theater for performances of traditional Chinese operas, among them Peking, Kunqu and Yueju opera.
The Huguang Guild Hall dates back to 1807 and was built by Liu Quanzhi, a scholar from Changsha in Hunan province, and Li Junjian, a government official from Huanggang in Hubei province. It originally functioned as a cultural, business, and social center, and served the increasing number of people from the two provinces living in the capital.
With its courtyards and halls, the complex is most famous for its center stage, where Peking Opera masters such as Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), Tan Xinpei (1847-1917) and Yu Shuyan (1890-1943), once performed.
"Everything has come together and we are just thrilled," says actor Song Yan, who heads the Beijing Fenglei Peking Opera Company.
On the night of Jan 10, the company put on a performance of Huguang Hui Meng, an opera production Song wrote especially for the Huguang Guild Hall, and which is currently in a trial run.
As giant red doors open, the audience is greeted by performers, who serve as narrators ushering them into the show's dream world. Since the show takes place at night, the performers hold red lanterns to light the way as they guide the audience around the complex.
The first performance space is a small courtyard located to one side of the complex, where actors do their training and rehearsals. The rooms here are packed with costumes, accessories, and stage props, and give the audience a backstage glimpse into an old Peking Opera troupe.
On the other side of the complex, an actress stationed on the second floor sings and dances from above. She practices the Peking Opera skill of playing "water sleeves" as she sings. Before wrapping up her performance, she allows her long sleeves to unfurl from the second floor to the ground, to the audience's delight.
To the characteristic sound of Peking Opera, the thin, high-pitched strains of the jinghu (a two-stringed fiddle) and the sharp, dry thump of the banggu (a frame drum), the show starts in the old, two-floor building, which is decorated with lanterns. Wooden tables and chairs are arranged around a stage in the middle.
Different characters are introduced as martial arts, songs and dances are performed by young Peking Opera actors. Song, who will turn 60 this April, brings the show to an end with a display of martial arts movements in tandem with the other young actors.
"The show is centered on the theme of meng, or dreams. We want to take audience back to the olden days, when Peking Opera masters regularly performed here. The building proves that there is more to heritage than age and architectural aesthetics. It is about memories, too," says Song. "I am proud to be performing here because it's where great Peking Opera masters once performed."
Born in Beijing and embarking on a career in Peking Opera at the age of 6, Song is director of the Beijing Fenglei Peking Opera Company, which was founded in 1937 and is dedicated to preserving the 200-year-old art form that is also known as jingju.
"I can still remember that when I was in my early 20s, I performed two shows a day at the Huguang Guild Hall, because lots of tourists, especially from the West, loved coming here to watch Peking Opera," says Song, who joined the company when he was 12 years old.
According to Xu Xiaohui, general manager of the Tianqiao Zenith Group, the Beijing-headquartered company in charge of the renovation of the guild hall, the complex has undergone several renovations. In 1984, it was placed on the cultural heritage protection list by the Beijing municipal government.
"This ancient complex is a wooden structure, so a key part of the renovation was to protect its buildings, while focusing on effective fireproof methods," says Xu. "Repair and reinforcement of the buildings was also very important."
After it opens formally to the public, the 2,000-square-meter complex is intended to become a new hub for tourists and fans of traditional Chinese opera.
Xu says that one highlight is a museum dedicated to the history of Peking Opera, where visitors can learn about the art form in the form of videos, pictures and books, and where they can get a close look at the costumes and stage props used by the masters of the past, an example of which is a costume made using the kesi technique a pictorial silk tapestry technique that was donated by the Beijing Fenglei Peking Opera Company. According to Song, it is over 100 years old. A paper fan, given by Mei Lanfang to Chen Delin (1862-1930) as a gift, is also on display.
There is also a space dedicated to the history of the Huguang Guild Hall. Song says that he is working on a new production, Night of the Museum, to teach audiences about Peking Opera, from its costumes and makeup, to the choreography used for hand and eye movements.
Beijing's guild halls first appeared during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and reached their peak during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when there were over 500 guild halls in the capital, mainly serving as functional spaces for students traveling from different parts of the country to take imperial examinations, and for the use of local officials.
Since 2021, the Beijing government has been busy reviving these old buildings and promoting their re-use.
"One of the most important aspects of keeping these old buildings alive is to protect them first. They are hundreds of years old, and when visitors enter, it is like traveling back to olden times, which makes the experience of attending a performance in them very special," Dong Ning, deputy general manager of the Beijing Performance and Arts Group, states in a previous interview.
In addition to the Huguang hall, increasing numbers of the city's old guild halls have been opened to the public, among them the Yanliao (Pigment) Guild Hall which was built by pigment merchants from Shanxi province in 1741, and the Shaozhou Guild Hall, which is 155 years old and was built by people from Shaozhou (modern day Shaoguan city) in Guangdong province. They have become new tourist sights, and present a range of programs, including live performances, exhibitions, and workshops highlighting items of intangible cultural heritage.
SARAJEVO (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Bosnian Croat lawmakers to stop holding up legislation to build a natural gas pipeline with Croatia, seen as an alternative to Russian gas, local media reported on Thursday.
In a letter to Bosnia's Foreign Minister Elvedin Konakovic, dated Jan. 11 and published by news portal istraga.ba, Blinken called on Konakovic to press Dragan Covic, leader of HDZ, the largest Croat party in Bosnia, "to end his obstruction on this matter".
Blinken said that he had sent the same request to Croatia's foreign minister Gordan Grlic-Radman.
Bosnia has no gas reserves but uses natural gas for up to 8% of its energy use. It relies solely on Russian gas supplies which it gets via Serbia through the TurkStream pipeline.
The project to build the South Interconnection Gas Pipeline, bringing natural gas to Bosnia from an LNG terminal on the Croatian island of Krk, was approved two years ago in the lower house of the Bosniak-Croat Federation parliament but has been blocked in the upper house.
The Bosniak-Croat Federation is one of two autonomous regions that make up postwar Bosnia. The other region is the Serb Republic.
The Croat faction in parliament's upper house, or the House of Peoples, has made its approval of the project conditional on the establishment of a new transmission system operator that would be based in the Croat-dominated part of Bosnia despite the existence of such an operator, the BH Gas company, in Sarajevo.
"We urge the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina House of Peoples to pass the law on the Southern interconnection," Blinken said in the letter, which Konakovic's cabinet confirmed it had received.
Blinken said that Covic's demands for the formation of a new operator were "duplicative, economically inviable, and put the entire project at risk. Such obvious corruption and self-dealing could jeopardize Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU path."
"The United States does not support any effort that undermines the Southern Gas Interconnection's potential to deliver energy security," Blinken said in the letter.
No one in the HDZ was immediately available to comment on the letter.
(Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Susan Fenton)
These Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) are seen swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Manfred Bortoli / Getty Images
You may have heard of bluefin tuna as a premium sushi ingredient. It's also at risk of extinction due to overfishing.
Learn more about the three bluefin tuna species.
What Is Bluefin Tuna?
Bluefin tuna is any of three large tuna (Thunnus) species: Pacific bluefin tuna, Southern bluefin tuna and Atlantic bluefin tuna. All three species are used in sushi and sashimi.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) is the most expensive fish in the world. In 2019, a single fish sold for $3 million. At 612 pounds, the Pacific bluefin tuna cost over $5,000 per pound.
Some conservationists think the price wasn't high enough; Pacific bluefin tunas were declared "near threatened" by the IUCN Red List in 2021. Since the 1950s, the species has declined by almost a quarter.
Pacific bluefin tuna inhabit the eastern Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, Mexico, and the western Pacific Ocean from the southern Sea of Okhotsk to the northern Philippines.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is the rarest of the three bluefin tuna species. It was declared critically endangered by the IUCN Red List in 1996, but has moved down to endangered status as of 2021.
Southern bluefin tuna live in the southern parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. One conservation issue may be that fishing limits are set by weight of the catch, but a common practice is catching wild juveniles and fattening them up in captivity.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), also known as the northern bluefin tuna or giant bluefin tuna, is the most abundant and largest of the three bluefin tuna species. A 1,496-pound (678.58 kg) adult Atlantic bluefin caught in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1979 set the International Game Fish Association record for largest tuna ever caught.
Although Atlantic bluefin tuna face overfishing just like Pacific and Southern bluefins, the global population has not faced a major decline in the past three generations and therefore its IUCN Red List Status is "least concern."
There are two major populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna:
Eastern Atlantic stock : These fish live in the eastern Atlantic ocean and spawns in the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern Atlantic population comprises 80 percent of the global population and may be increasing.
Western Atlantic stock: These tunas live in the western Atlantic Ocean from eastern Canada to northern Brazil and spawns in the Gulf of Mexico. This much smaller population has experienced significant decline.
Outside of spawning season, there is significant mixing of the two stocks.
In 2022, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) adopted its first management procedure for both stocks of Atlantic bluefin tuna, including catch limits for Atlantic bluefin fishing.
Bluefin Tuna Conservation
The huge demand for bluefin tuna in sushi markets has led to population declines of all three species. The biggest threats to bluefin tuna are overfishing and illegal fishing.
If these highly migratory species are to survive, their conservation will require international cooperation. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) has 52 member nations and oversees conservation of bluefin tuna and other species.
Can I Eat Bluefin Tuna?
NOAA Fisheries recommends eating U.S. wild-caught Pacific bluefin tuna and U.S. wild-caught western Atlantic bluefin because they are "sustainably managed under a rebuilding plan that allows limited harvest."
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recommends avoiding all species of bluefin tuna, regardless of where they were caught or farmed.
Other Species of Tuna
There are a total of eight species of tuna (genus Thunnus), only three of which are bluefin species. The other five species of tuna are:
Albacore tuna ( Thunnus alalunga )
Bigeye tuna ( Thunnus obesus )
Blackfin tuna ( Thunnus atlanticus )
Longtail tuna ( Thunnus tonggol )
Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Original article: Bluefin Tuna: Tasty Meal or Endangered Species?
Copyright 2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Mo. The search for a missing Missouri mother has ended in heartache for a Washington County family.
Donna Eye, who was reported missing on January 11, was found dead Wednesday afternoon near a farm less than half a mile south of Route 8. She was 44.
Ronald Eye, Donnas brother, had previously told FOX 2 that his sister had a medical condition that would sometimes limit her ability to walk and that she had mental health issues.
Donna had been in a hospital but decided to leave late in the evening on Monday, January 8. Days after Donnas disappearance, a female Washington County sheriffs deputy picked Donna up at the hospital to bring her home.
Donna gave the deputy her address.
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When the deputy arrived at Shirley School Road Donna told the deputy to let her out. The deputy let Donna out, thinking it was her brothers driveway.
Donnas brothers driveway is about a mile away from where she was dropped off.
A missing persons report was not filed until three days later. Eventually, Sheriff Zach Jacobsen requested the help of the Mineral Area Major Case Squad.
The body of Donna Eye was found by searchers Wednesday on a farm in Potosi. A person with the search team then went to alert the Mineral Area Major Case Squad, which was nearby executing a search warrant. Family positively identified the body as Donna Eye.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of Eyes death. The investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with information on the investigation is asked to contact the Washington County 911 Center at 573-438-1079.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Jordanian students learn about Chinese Spring Festival culture
Xinhua) 08:55, January 18, 2024
A teacher shows a piece of paper cutting work during a cultural event for the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival at Philadelphia University in Jordan in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
AMMAN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A cultural event was held Tuesday at Philadelphia University in Jordan to showcase the traditions of China's Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.
The event was jointly held by the university's Confucius Institute and the China Cultural Center in Amman, attracting the participation of more than 300 students who were eager to learn about Chinese Spring Festival culture.
During the event, the Jordanian students tasted dumplings, the quintessential festive food of China, enjoyed a Chinese classical music performance, practiced Chinese calligraphy, and learned traditional Chinese paper cutting.
A student experiences the art of Chinese tea during a cultural event for the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival at Philadelphia University in Jordan in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
Shi Wei, the cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Amman, said the Spring Festival, which sees families reunited, embodies traditional Chinese values of peace, harmony, and balance... were shared by Jordanians.
Shi added that the event has allowed students in Jordan to deepen their understanding of and interest in Chinese culture by closely experiencing the Spring Festival traditions by themselves.
A student shows traditional Chinese costume during a cultural event for the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival at Philadelphia University in Jordan in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
The counselor noted that the Spring Festival has become an international festival, and an increasing number of people across the globe are joining the Chinese people in the festive celebrations.
In December last year, the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, was officially listed as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings as of 2024.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
You are here: Business
A C919 passenger aircraft lands at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Beijing Daxing International Airport handled over 290,000 inbound and outbound flights, and more than 39.4 million passenger trips in 2023, the airport said on Wednesday.
The international airport, hailed as the new gateway of China, saw over 2 million arrivals and departures at its entry-exit port in 2023.
By the end of the year, it had opened more than 30 passenger air routes connecting foreign destinations, as well as China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.
Of the Chinese mainland residents who used the entry-exit port at Daxing airport, more than a quarter were from Beijing's surrounding areas, highlighting the airport's continued role as a transportation hub in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Republican Bernie Moreno announces his U.S. Senate campaign at the Little Miami Brewing Company in Milford, Ohio, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Bernie Moreno, a Trump-backed candidate for Ohios crucial U.S. Senate seat who touts his success in business, faced multiple lawsuits alleging discrimination against employees in the run-up to the sale of his high-end Cleveland car dealership, an Associated Press review has found.
Three discrimination suits were filed in Cuyahoga County between 2015 and 2017. Two accused Moreno and Bernie Moreno Cos. of gender and age discrimination, respectively. The third, in which Moreno was not named, alleged race discrimination against a dealership run by a BMC subsidiary.
A campaign spokesman said that the two employees who sued Moreno directly now support his Republican U.S. Senate campaign and that Moreno, who was born in Bogota, Colombia, prided himself on giving equal opportunities to all his workers.
More: How Senate candidate Bernie Moreno got caught in court fight over employees' overtime pay
Morenos performance in business was cited by former President Donald Trump as he endorsed Moreno in the three-way primary with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Sen. Matt Dolan last month.
Bernie Moreno, a highly respected businessman from the GREAT State of Ohio, is exactly the type of MAGA fighter that we need in the United States Senate, Trump said, using the acronym of his Make America Great Again slogan.
The discrimination claims come to light as Republican support has begun to coalesce behind Moreno since Trumps endorsement, with recent endorsements by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan and former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. The winner of the GOP primary March 19 will face third-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, among Democrats most vulnerable incumbents this year in the narrowly divided Senate.
Brown characterizes his fight for the dignity of work as a key policy and campaign priority, while Moreno has said he is running for the Senate to support policies good for American workers and families.
All three lawsuits identified by the AP were settled out of court, and terms of any resulting settlement deals were kept private. Often, such deals include a clause preventing either side from disparaging the other.
The first lawsuit, filed in 2015, accused BMC and Moreno of gender discrimination.
Female former dealership supervisor Cara Wilson, then of Streetsboro, in Portage County, alleged Moreno repeatedly belittled her about being a mother, sometimes in front of her peers.
She told the court Moreno called her a bad leader but a better mother and once, when she approached him about her flex time arrangement, he said, Lots of people are single parents, put your kids in f-ing daycare.
The lawsuit alleged Wilson was stripped of her flex time schedule, was blamed for her dealerships poor performance despite being deprived of the leeway given to male counterparts to make key decisions and was wrongfully fired.
Reached by phone, Wilson said she and Moreno are great friends now as evidenced by the fact she hosted a fundraiser for his campaign last fall and declined to comment further.
In a 2017 lawsuit, a Black former service manager at an Akron Infiniti dealership operated by BMC subsidiary M9 Motors, alleged that he was targeted for discipline and then demoted after taking concerns to human resources about white peers and a subordinate being paid the same or more than him.
Ronell Thompson claimed racial discrimination led to his demotion and eventual wrongful termination. Reached by phone, he referred a reporter to his lawyer, Peter Mabley, who confirmed in a statement that his Cleveland-area law firm represented Thompson and that the matter has been resolved which suggests Thompson is limited by a settlement agreement from discussing details.
In the third lawsuit, filed against BMC and Moreno the same year, an award-winning, top-performing saleswoman who was 67 alleged gender and age discrimination. Dolores Wolfe, then of Rocky River, a Cleveland suburb, claimed that she was repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of white males, some in their 20s.
She told the court she was preparing to take a new job in New York when Moreno flew in to meet with her and persuaded her not to resign by offering a promotion complete with increased salary, benefits and bonuses. She said she passed up the out-of-state position and stayed, only to have the promotion never materialize. She told the court her treatment caused her economic and emotional distress and physical sickness.
In an interview, Wolfe said that her lawsuit had to do with business issues and that Moreno is a tremendous businessman who would make a great U.S. senator.
Every female who worked for him, and every age group who worked for him, were generously treated, she said.
Moreno campaign spokesman Conor McGuinness said in a statement that Moreno knows Wolfe and Wilson personally and they have all moved past any previous misunderstandings.
He said Moreno is a proud minority businessman who based his company on the colorblind principles of merit and hard-work.
As someone who has previously experienced discrimination himself, Bernie has always been committed to giving opportunities to all of his workers, regardless of race, color, gender or creed, his statement said.
Robert Foehl, a professor of business law and ethics at Ohio University, said multiple lawsuits against a company doesnt necessarily mean theres something systemically wrong.
The devils in the details, he said.
Foehl said its not unreasonable to expect a company of BMCs size to have a robust anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation training program for its managers.
Its really incumbent on the employer in these traditionally male-dominated industries to be sure that theyre working within the bounds of employment law, ensuring that theyre providing those opportunities to, not just the men in the work setting, but also women in the work setting, and ensuring equal opportunity for all those based on their protected characteristics, he said.
In response to the APs reporting, the Moreno campaign produced an open letter signed by 23 former female employees vouching that he treated them fairly and respectfully.
A BMC subsidiary, M10 Motors, also faced a lawsuit in Florida unrelated to discrimination. The civil rights class action brought by Andres Gomez, who is blind, alleged a Coral Gables Infiniti dealerships website was inaccessible to the visually impaired, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. A settlement agreement was reached in the case in 2020.
Get more political analysis by listening to the Ohio Politics Explained podcast
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bernie Moreno, Trumps Senate pick in Ohio, faced discrimination lawsuits
Cafe Astorias dinner service is like nonnas kitchen, in the best way
Ive long been a fan of Cafe Astorias delicious coffees and breakfast food, and after that, co-owner Leah Raymundos delicious Filipino food at (sadly, now closed) Kalsada.
Now, its her partner and co-owner John Occhiatos turn to wow my taste buds.
Occhiato is now serving Italian dinners in the evenings at Cafe Astoria, and some friends and I stopped by to check it out on a recent weeknight.
This was before Dry January began, and we were hoping to accompany our meal with a glass of wine, but Occhiato explained that his liquor license hadnt yet been issued not a surprise given how long it generally takes St. Paul to get around to such things.
We opted instead for some tasty mocktails. Lets hope the liquor license comes soon, mostly because restaurants tend to make more money on alcohol than food, but also because its nice to have a glass of wine with pasta.
Anyway, bygones, especially because dinner was great!
We started with the Antipasti Misti, a combo of five of the appetizers available on the menu, and the resulting charcuterie board was a great little assortment of snacky bits: crispy, garlic roasted marcona almonds, bright green Castelvertrano olives, mortadella, speck, spongy focaccia and a lively radicchio salad. It could easily be a lovely, light dinner for two people.
As for entrees, I think the orecchiette was our favorite. The little ears are accompanied by a harmonious mixture of lamb sausage, creamy chickpeas, bright, blistered cherry tomatoes, olives and mint.
The goat cheese ravioli were also delicious we loved the accompanying smoked prosciutto, pistachios and mint, but were wishing the sauce, which was sort of a brodo (broth), had a little more heft to it.
The Campanlle Carbonara, on the other hand, featured a perfect, silky sauce, lots of pepper (almost an aggressive amount, but we dug it) and little bits of smoky bacon comfort food at its finest.
And last but not least, the simple, tasty porchetta pork belly rolled and roasted until the skin was deep brown and crackling. Though it was delicious, Id order a salad with it next time to help cut through the fat. We did order the melt-in-your-mouth, crispy, deeply flavored JW Potatoes to accompany it, a decision I cant say anyone at the table regretted.
Dont be tempted to skip dessert. A fluffy, not-too-sweet tiramisu and crepes filled with almondy frangipane and dates were the perfect ending.
Occhiato has said hes trying to emulate Jonathan Waxman, the New York Chef who is known for his rustic Italian food, and I am sure thats right, but all I kept thinking, in the best way, was that eating at Astoria was like sitting in the kitchen of an Italian grandmother. And I think that is the best compliment I could offer.
Cafe Astoria
Where: 325 W. Seventh St., St. Paul
Contact: 651-340-9471; cafeastoria-stpaul.com
Prices: Small plates run from $6-$16; entrees from $15-$22; desserts, $10
Good to know: Dinner is served Thursday-Saturday; parking on West Seventh can be tough, rideshare or public transportation is a good bet.
Small Bites are first glances not intended as definitive reviews of new or changed restaurants.
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SAN DIEGO (KSWB) A majority of California voters view two of the biggest cities in the state as less safe than other large cities in the U.S., according to a new Inside California Politics/Emerson College poll.
As part of the sweeping poll on attitudes headed into the March primary, voters were asked about whether they think of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and San Diego as generally about as safe as other big cities, less safe, or more safe.
Out of the surveys respondents, 54% said they believe Los Angeles to be less safe compared to other large cities, while 59% agreed with the same statement for San Francisco.
Schiff expands lead as Garvey surges past Porter, Lee in latest Senate poll
San Diego and Sacramento were both described by more voters as about as safe compared to other large metros, with 51% and 49% of voters saying that describes their point of view about public safety in the cities respectively.
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
When broken down by party affiliation, larger shares of Republican voters agreed with the statement that all the cities mentioned in the survey except San Diego were less safe compared to those that said they were registered Democrats or Independents.
According to the poll, 74.3% of registered Republicans described Los Angeles as less safe, 74.5% agreed with the statement for San Francisco, and 58.2% said the same for Sacramento.
Meanwhile, about 46.8% of registered Democrats said they view Los Angeles as less safe, 54.3% view San Francisco as the same. Only about 30.5% of Democratic voters said they think of Sacramento as less safe.
A plurality of Republicans said they viewed San Diego as about as safe as other large cities, however, the difference between those that said it is less safe falls within the surveys margin of error. More Democratic and Independent voters agreed the city was about as safe.
Overall, 11% of voters say that they believe crime is the biggest issue facing California a roughly 1% increase from a November Inside California Politics/Emerson College poll. The economy is currently considered the most important issue in the state for the surveys respondents.
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
The voters that said crime was the most important issue were also more likely to agree with the statement that Los Angeles (69.8%), San Francisco (69.2%) and Sacramento (45.2%) were less safe. However, a majority of voters that said crime was the most important issue about 58.1% said they believed San Diego was as safe as other large metro areas.
When asked which U.S. Senate candidate they trust to do the best job on the issue of crime, 30% said Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, 22% said Republican Steve Garvey, 18% said Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, and 13% said Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee.
Inside California Politics/Emerson College Poll
The poll surveyed 1,087 registered voters between Jan. 11 to Jan. 14. According to Emerson College, the surveys credibility interval was similar to its margin of error of +/- 2.9 percentage points.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.
The California condor, an endangered species, is one of the largest flying birds in the world and the largest land bird in North America. Weili Li / Getty Images
The California condor has an amazing conservation story, but it's still under threat. Learn more about this uniquely North American bird.
About California Condors
The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is one of the largest flying birds in the world and the largest land bird in North America. Adult condors weigh 18 to 22 pounds (8.5 to 10 kilograms) and have a wingspan of 9.5 feet (2.8 meters).
Like other vultures, California condors have featherless heads and necks and eat carrion (decaying animal carcasses).
California condors flap their wings as little as possible to conserve energy. They can glide for hours at high altitudes and use their keen eyesight to spot food. Adult California condors make their nests on steep cliffs and in large trees.
Where Do California Condors Live?
The California condor's historical range stretched all the way to Florida in the east and western Canada in the north.
There are currently three active release sites in California, one in Arizona and one in Baja California, Mexico. The wild California condor populations are:
Pacific Northwest Flock : Yurok Ancestral Territory and Redwood National Park in northern California is the newest and smallest release site, established in 2022 with eight individuals.
Southern California Flock : The U.S. Fish & Wildlife service manages the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Ventura County, home of the Condor Recovery Program. The Southern Californian Flock consists of 89 wild individuals (as of 2022).
Central California Flock : The Ventana Wildlife Society and Pinnacles National Park manage a Central California flock of 116 individuals (as of 2022).
Arizona Flock : As of 2022, 116 birds were part of the Arizona Flock, based in Vermilion Cliffs, Coconino County, Arizona. These birds can be found in the Grand Canyon; in Kane County, Utah; and as far as New Mexico, southwestern Colorado and Wyoming.
Baja California Flock: The Baja Flock is the only California condor subpopulation outside of the U.S. As of 2022, there were 40 birds in Baja California, Mexico.
California Condor Population Status
The California condor is a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Despite their rarity, California condors are somewhat of a conservation success story.
Once abundant in North America, by the 1980s, condor populations were close to extinction. In 1987, the last six remaining wild condors were placed in a captive breeding program.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began reintroducing California condors into the wild in 1992. By August 2003, there were 138 California condors in captivity and 85 reintroduced in California and northern Arizona.
The USFWS leads the California Condor Recovery Program with partners including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Los Angeles Zoo, the National Park Service, the Oregon Zoo, the Peregrine Fund, the San Diego Zoo and the Santa Barbara Zoo.
How Many California Condors Are Left?
The combined total wild population of California condors as of 2022 stands at 347 with an additional 214 captive individuals, for a total world population of 561. You can find details about individual condors at condorspotter.com.
Threats to California Condors
Lead contamination is the greatest threat to the critically endangered California condor due to the use of lead ammunition in the condor's range.
California condors eat decaying carcasses of animals like deer and cattle, and while their specialized digestive systems allow them to safely eliminate toxins like anthrax, botulism and cholera, they can die of lead poisoning, the number-one cause of condor deaths.
Original article: The California Condor: A Conservation Success Story
Copyright 2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company
A woman works at an enterprise producing net and rope products in Lizhuang Town of Huimin County, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
Although the global economy is facing sluggish growth and numerous challenges, business leaders attending the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) remain confident over the prospects of the Chinese economy.
Over recent years, China has been an important engine for the global economy. China's gross domestic product (GDP) posted a growth of 5.2 percent year-on-year in 2023, higher than the annual target of around 5 percent, according to data from China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Wednesday. The country's GDP reached a record of 126.06 trillion yuan (about 17.71 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2023.
"The Chinese economy met the national target that was set of around 5 percent and actually exceeded it. That is good news for China and also good news for Asia and the world because China delivers one-third of global growth," Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday.
This photo taken on Dec. 14, 2023 shows people posing for photos at Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
At a session "Recharging Growth in China" of the WEF, Zhu Min, vice-chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges and also former deputy managing director of the IMF, said the growth of 5.2 percent "showed the resilience of the Chinese economy."
China's consumption has rebounded strongly, and capital investment has also recovered, said Zhu.
Many large multinationals have been actively grasping opportunities generated by China's huge consumer market. Over the years, foreign investments in the Chinese market have achieved tremendous success and foreign investors are also confident in China's economic development.
"I don't think the worst is ahead of China, I think the worst is behind China. And I think we're probably going to do pretty well in the next year or two," David Rubenstein, co-founder and co-executive chairman of Carlyle Group, told Xinhua in an interview at the WEF.
"When I look around the world today, I'm very optimistic about the Chinese economy," said Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey & Company in Greater China, a worldwide management consulting firm. He said that the fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain unchanged amid global economic uncertainty.
This photo taken on Nov. 18, 2023 shows people posing for photos at Lake Songhua Resort in Jilin City, northeast China's Jilin Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Despite the current geopolitical tensions and slower economic growth, ABB Chairman Peter Voser said he remained confident in China. He added that ABB does not plan any strategy changes in the country.
ABB, a global tech giant in electrification and automation, has made its production hub in Xiamen City of southeast China's Fujian Province a flagship for sustainable manufacturing.
Jesper Brodin, CEO of Ingka Group, which owns most IKEA stores worldwide, said IKEA plans to expand its presence in China and India. In August 2023, IKEA said that it would invest 6.3 billion yuan in the Chinese market over the next three years.
Despite the backdrop of a global economic slowdown, China has achieved a significant increase in the number of newly-established foreign-invested enterprises, coupled with an optimized structure of foreign investment, Deloitte China Chair Jiang Ying said in an interview with Xinhua.
"China's development cannot be separated from the world, and the world's prosperity also needs China," Jiang said, adding that China has contributed more than 30 percent of global economic growth for many years, and is an "important engine" for the stable growth of the world economy.
Staff members handle parcels at an express mail distribution center of China Post Group Co., Ltd. in Daoxian County, central China's Hunan Province, Nov. 12, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
During January-November in 2023, the number of new foreign-invested firms in China increased by 36.2 percent year-on-year, according to the latest statistics from China's Ministry of Commerce. (1 yuan = 0.14 U.S. dollar)
California health officials have shortened the COVID-19 isolation guidelines for those who test positive as the department aims to focus more on people who are the most at risk of severe illness while also working to minimize school and workplace disruptions.
As of Jan. 9, people who test positive for COVID-19 but have mild symptoms and have been fever-free without the help of medication may return to school or work after one day of isolation.
Previously, the recommended guidelines called for five days of isolation.
What will change after Californias COVID state of emergency ends?
The reason for these changes is that we are now at a different point in time with reduced impacts from COVID-19 compared to prior years due to broad immunity from vaccination and/or natural infection, and readily available treatments for infected people, a representative with the California Department of Public Health told KTLA in an email statement.
Most of our policies and priorities for intervention are now focused on protecting those most at risk for serious illness. Additionally, previous isolation recommendations were implemented to reduce the spread of a virus to which the population had little immunity and had led to large numbers of hospitalizations and deaths that overwhelmed our healthcare systems during the pandemic.
Health officials still recommend that people who test positive for COVID-19 wear a mask, avoid contact with those who have a higher risk of catching severe COVID-19 and, if needed, seek medical treatment, according to the updated guidelines. COVID-19 vaccinations are also still recommended by health officials.
COVID, flu, RSV cases on the rise across L.A. County as holiday season ends
The CDPH reported 3,011 new COVID-19 hospital admissions in California as of Jan. 12.
When looking at county data, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that areas like Merced, Mariposa and Orange counties had a medium COVID-19 hospitalization rate.
Other areas like Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties had low COVID-19 hospitalization rates.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Dr. Keith Heinzerling talks with a study participant preparing for a psilocybin session at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica. Such studies require approval from a state panel, but it hasn't met since August. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
At the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, scientists are eager to explore whether a psychedelic chemical found in a toad could help people whose depression has not eased with typical treatments. Patients regularly call or send emails about joining clinical trials to test that and other compounds, but the research center is turning them away.
"We have to tell them we don't have any studies enrolling right now," said Dr. Keith Heinzerling, director of the institute's TRIP Center, which focuses on treatment and research on psychedelics. "We've been put on hold by the state."
Across the state, dozens of such studies are in limbo thanks to a little-known government panel that monitors research on federally restricted drugs and addiction treatment.
The holdup, tied to a state law requiring government meetings to be held in public, has dragged on since the fall and galvanized some scientists to push for the panel to be dissolved.
Lawmakers in Sacramento established the Research Advisory Panel of California more than half a century ago to vet studies involving cannabis, hallucinogens and treatments for "abuse of controlled substances," according to the state's health and safety code.
The panel, which includes representatives of state agencies and universities, has the power to reject studies if they are poorly conceived, would produce little of scientific value, or would expose Californians who sign on as research subjects to excessive risk. It also monitors ongoing research and can revoke its approval if studies veer from what it approved.
Read more: Scientists explore using psychedelics to treat alcohol, drug disorders
Getting the panel's blessing is a crucial hurdle for researchers working in the state to find better ways to treat drug addiction, a crisis leading to more than 100,000 overdose deaths across the country each year. The panel also has oversight over research in the burgeoning field of psychedelics, which is developing potential treatments for depression, substance use disorder and other conditions.
The panel typically meets every other month, but gatherings scheduled for October and December were canceled with little explanation. Scientists waiting for the go-ahead to launch their studies say they've received no information about when meetings will resume.
Among those frustrated by the standstill is David, a 50-year-old grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Los Angeles resident, who asked not to be identified by his full name to protect his medical privacy, reached out to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute to ask about upcoming clinical trials.
"I've been in search of a treatment that will alleviate symptoms of PTSD for a long time," David said. Some existing treatments "have worked pretty well, but there are still times where there's challenges and episodes that can be pretty destabilizing," including prolonged bouts of insomnia.
Researchers use a quiet room to test psilocybin therapy at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
The potential of a psychedelic compound like psilocybin is appealing, but since he's in recovery for alcohol use, David wants to try it only if it's administered by medical professionals in a therapeutic environment. The Santa Monica center told him their next possible trial was being held up indefinitely.
"It just seems like the gears of bureaucracy conspire against meaningful solutions," he said.
At UC San Francisco, Dr. Josh Woolley said two of his planned studies on psilocybin are on indefinite hold. One of them is for young adults with anorexia, a disorder that can significantly ramp up the risk of death if left untreated. Now "we don't know when it will be approved," said Woolley, director of the Translational Psychedelic Research Program at UCSF.
The holdup has also interrupted plans for Dr. Charles Grob, a psychiatrist doing research with the Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to examine whether psilocybin could help patients suffering from existential anxiety and demoralization near the end of life.
"Just when things are ready to take off with more research, the field is frozen," Grob said.
Several current or former members of the panel declined to comment or did not respond to messages. Dr. Tanveer Khan, the panel's executive officer, referred questions to the California attorney general's office.
In a statement, the office said the panel was created to ensure that research involving addiction or certain controlled substances is tracked by the state and proceeds safely in line with "best medical practices and California law." It attributed the interruption in its meetings to concerns about how a state law requiring public meetings might apply to the panel, but declined to clarify whether those concerns were prompted by recent changes to the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act or a new interpretation of existing rules.
Before it stopped meeting altogether, the Research Advisory Panel routinely convened behind closed doors. Scientists argued that meeting in public would be a nonstarter with funders who wanted to protect their intellectual property.
"Realistically, the pharmaceutical companies are not going to allow their stuff to be reviewed in public, unless there's a very well-thought-out process that protects their interests," Heinzerling said.
Read more: Can a Target gift card help you stay off meth? This L.A. program is trying it
The backlog of studies awaiting review and approval has ballooned since the panel last met in August. By December, 33 new proposals were on ice, as were 13 amendments to existing research projects, according to the attorney general's office.
The attorney general's office said it was working with lawmakers and the governor's office on a legislative solution to resolve the problem but declined to give specifics.
The impasse, first reported in the newsletter Psychedelic Alpha, has deepened longtime frustrations among scientists who argue that even when the panel is meeting normally, it is an outdated and unnecessary entity that slows down vital research.
Dozens of researchers in a newly formed consortium are now calling for the panel to be eliminated. They argue that studies involving controlled substances and addiction treatment are vetted by other oversight boards and that the California panel often rehashes issues that were already decided by other regulators.
Dr. Keith Heinzerling holds a ceramic bowl containing one psilocybin pill that will be used by a study volunteer to try to treat her alcoholism. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Psychologist Steven Shoptaw, director of the Center for Behavioral and Addiction Medicine at UCLA, said there was a time when such experiments were conducted on people in jails and other settings who could not freely consent. But the rigorous scrutiny from institutional review boards, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and others now makes the California panel obsolete, he said.
"I've never understood why this was not dismantled decades ago," said Shoptaw, who has studied possible treatments for people who use methamphetamine.
Stanford University clinical psychologist Keith Humphreys said he was asked to join the panel years ago by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, but he declined "because I could see no purpose to it."
"I just thought, 'We have an FDA. We have an NIH. Why is the state doing this?'" Humphreys said.
Even without hiccups, undergoing the state review can delay a study for upward of five months, researchers complained. That means wasting $100,000 or more on "unnecessary staff expenditures" during that time, they argued in a letter sent Thursday to Gov. Gavin Newsom and other decision makers.
Such delays can also shut Californians out of multi-state trials of emerging treatments, scientists argue. The lag time now looms larger as medication studies are expected to be run more quickly within as little as a year instead of five, they said.
"If you're competing against other states where they don't have this delay, the industry is going other places," said Woolley of UC San Francisco.
Dr. Phillip Coffin, director of the Center on Substance Use and Health at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, wanted to join a federally funded study on whether ketamine could help people struggling with methamphetamine addiction. But he said his site and others in California were excluded because of the panel's delays.
Losing out on the ketamine study and other research opportunities means that "I won't be able to hire or I will have to let go of staff," Coffin said.
Compass Pathways, a London biotech firm developing psilocybin treatments, decided not to establish a new "centre of excellence" in San Diego. In an email sent in 2019 to a San Diego researcher, company co-founder George Goldsmith cited the "incredibly slow" state panel as a reason. (A Compass representative reached this week said the company's clinical trials for depression treatments underway in California had not encountered any delays.)
Read more: California bill paves way for psychedelic therapy after failure to legalize 'magic mushrooms'
Many researchers are frustrated that the panel has been reviewing trials for addiction treatment even if they involve ordinary medications. For instance, the panel vetted a study Coffin undertook on mirtazapine an FDA-approved antidepressant as a treatment for people who use meth.
In 2022, the panel reviewed 52 new applications plus two submitted the previous year, according to its most recent available annual report. Among those 54 applications, three were either not approved or withdrawn. The reasons weren't given in the report.
By the end of that year, the panel was monitoring 132 ongoing research projects, including studies on whether cannabis use affects antiretroviral therapy and how psilocybin helps people suffering from phantom limb pain.
Michiel van Elk, who studies altered states of consciousness at Leiden University in the Netherlands, said he wasn't familiar with the California panel, but could understand the need for a specialized review board because assessing research procedures for psychedelics poses some unique challenges.
"It is really difficult to evaluate the risks of the drug itself, because it always interacts with the mind-set of the person and also with the setting in which it's administered," Van Elk said. In general, "our current system is not set up for dealing with those type of challenges."
Not all researchers who interact with the panel are joining the calls to eliminate it. Grob said going through the panel is "extra work, but it's been positive," praising its members as astute and helpful.
"California has this extra layer of regulatory oversight, but the problem is not the committee itself," he said. "It's that the committee is unable to do its job."
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California recently updated its COVID-19 guidelines to focus on high-risk individuals and reduce social disruptions.
The states new guidance no longer recommends that those who test positive for the coronavirus need to isolate for five days. Instead, as of Jan. 9, the California Department of Public Health says the length of someones isolation period should be determined based on the severity of their symptoms.
Previous isolation recommendations were implemented to reduce the spread of a virus to which the population had little immunity and had led to large numbers of hospitalizations and deaths that overwhelmed our healthcare systems during the pandemic, the state health department wrote.
California is in a period of reduced impacts from COVID-19, the department added.
The state health department recommends people who test positive for COVID-19 stay home until they:
Dont have a fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications AND
Their other symptoms are mild and improving.
Those who have close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus should test and mask right away if they have new symptoms. If youre high-risk, test within five days, guidelines state.
People who become sick or test positive with no symptoms should continue to wear a mask for 10 days while around others indoors.
The mask may be removed sooner with two consecutive negative test results taken at least one day apart, the recommendation states.
The infection period is two days before the onset of your symptoms or the date of your positive test (if asymptomatic) through day 10. Day zero is considered the onset date or the date of your positive test date.
The state health department advises sick people to avoid contact with high-risk individuals people 65 and older, those living in group care facilities and individuals with immunocompromising conditions for 10 days.
Is COVID-19 on the rise in California?
The number of reported COVID-19 cases across California spiked in the weeks following Christmas, with several counties in the northern portion of the state bearing the worst of the virus.
JN. 1, the latest COVID-19 variant being tracked by health experts, has been rapidly circulating. COVID-19 test positivity was at 11.8% as of Jan. 12, according to the state health department, compared to 9.6% on Dec. 22.
In the past week, 3,611 patients were admitted to the hospital due to the coronavirus, and about 3.7% of deaths were COVID-19-related, the state health department wrote in its weekly report.
Nearly 1,540 COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded across California, between Oct. 1, 2023, and Jan. 6, 2024.
New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 17 out of Californias 58 counties including Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and El Dorado counties have reached medium levels for COVID-19-related hospitalizations.
COVID-19 spikes in California at start of the new year. Which counties have it worst?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The latest COVID-19 surge could continue into February, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Case rates will likely go up, digital content strategist Aliza Rosen with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health writes in a Jan. 9 article titled What to Know About JN.1, the Latest Omicron Variant.
Were coming out of a period when we already expected transmission to go up, due to increased travel and holiday gatherings.
COVID-19-related symptoms could appear within two weeks of exposure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Possible symptoms include:
Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Chills
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle aches
Runny nose
Headache
Chest pain
Pink eye
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rash
Nausea
Breathing could also become difficult, the clinic stated.
Symptoms could change based on the COVID-19 variant and vary depending on a persons vaccination status, according to the CDC. Loss of taste and smell is not a common symptom with recent strains.
The state health department strongly recommends people get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent severe illness and death.
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.
Most Californians see the state headed in the wrong direction, and voters have mixed feelings about Gov. Gavin Newsoms leadership, a new poll released Thursday shows.
The Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted earlier this month found 47% of registered California voters disapprove of the governors leadership, while 46% approve.
Thats up slightly from late October, when 44% of voters approved of Newsoms performance and 49% disapproved.
April 2021 was the last time more than half of voters approved of the governors leadership. At that time, 52% of surveyed voters favored his performance, while 43% disapproved.
He saw his highest approval ratings in September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-four percent of surveyed voters supported Newsoms leadership then, while 36% disapproved of his performance.
Newsom has been trying to establish himself as a prominent national Democratic voice, possibly with the hope of being a presidential candidate in the future. But that sort of stature first comes with strong support in his home state.
A Newsom spokesman had not provided a comment about the poll by publication time.
The governor appears to be wounded politically by voter anxiety over the state of the state. The poll found one-third of those surveyed saw California moving in the right direction, while 57% saw it moving in the wrong direction.
Berkeley IGS noted the state approval ratings are still higher than they were when California last experienced financial difficulties in 2008-2011, when 69% to 80% of voters believed conditions were on the wrong track. But theyre down from 11 months ago, when 36% of voters saw the state moving in the right direction. Forty-six percent of voters were positive about the states trajectory in May 2021.
Newsom faces a budget crisis, and the poll indicates 50% of voters surveyed believe Californias spending shortfall is a extremely serious, while 37% see it as somewhat serious.
The organization surveyed nearly 8,200 registered voters from Jan. 4-8, before the governor released his budget on Jan. 10. The poll has a 1.5% margin of error.
Newsom projected the budget gap is closer to $38 billion, far smaller than the $68 billion estimate the Legislative Analysts Office released in December. The poll did not indicate the size of the shortfall, asking voters only about a large budget deficit.
About 51% of surveyed voters said they want state leaders respond to the budget gap with spending cuts, and 35% would like to see them dip into Californias rainy-day fund. Only 13% are in favor of tax increases.
Newsom last week proposed closing the budget gap with a combination of spending cuts and delays, and also by using some of the states reserves. He was stridently opposed to any tax increases, especially a proposed tax on wealthy Californians net worth.
For those who prefer their glass of wine of the fishbowl-sized variety, it could be time to drink up.
University of Cambridge scientists have found that removing the biggest measures in pubs reduces customers alcohol intake to healthier levels without hurting sales.
A trial in 20 UK venues revealed that removing the largest glass of wine often a 250ml option from the menu cuts alcohol intake by eight per cent without damaging the bottom line of the public house.
Three sizes of wine are often available 250ml, 175ml and 125ml but when only smaller servings are available, customers were found to not compensate for it by ordering more glasses.
It looks like when the largest serving size of wine by the glass was unavailable, people shifted towards the smaller options, but didnt then drink the equivalent amount of wine, said Dr Eleni Mantzari, the studys first author.
People tend to consume a specific number of units in this case glasses regardless of portion size. So, someone might decide at the outset theyll limit themselves to a couple of glasses of wine, and with less alcohol in each glass, they drink less overall.
The experts suggest that even a small reduction in how much alcohol people drink could make a meaningful contribution to the health of the population. Alcohol consumption is the fifth largest contributor to premature death and disease worldwide.
Data from the study, which was done between Sept 2021 and May 2022 and published in PLOS Medicine, found that removing the largest wine glass serving led to an average decrease of 420ml of wine sold per day per venue a 7.6 per cent decrease.
The scientists also found no evidence people were making up for drinking less wine by buying more beer or cider.
According to the findings, there was no evidence it affected total daily revenues, implying that participating licensed premises did not lose money as a result of changing the menu and selling less wine.
It is possible this stemmed from the higher profit margins on smaller serving sizes compensating for the decrease in alcohol consumed, the experts suggest.
Prof Dame Theresa Marteau, the studys senior author and an honorary fellow at Christs College, Cambridge, said: Its worth remembering that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health, with even light consumption contributing to the development of many cancers.
Although the reduction in the amount of wine sold at each premises was relatively small, even a small reduction could make a meaningful contribution to population health.
In the study, managers at only four of the 21 premises reported receiving complaints from customers.
According to the researchers, even though removing the largest serving glass would potentially be acceptable to pub or bar managers, given there was no evidence that it can result in a loss in revenue, a nationwide policy would be likely be resisted by the alcohol industry given its potential to reduce sales of targeted drinks.
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Editors note: This is the second of four profiles of the main candidates running for mayor of Sacramento that will be published ahead of a mayoral forum The Bee Editorial board will co-host with KVIE on January 31. There, the hopefuls will be questioned about their qualifications and the issues important to voters. In this profile and the others, the goal is to give readers a stronger sense of who the candidates are as people. These profiles are not endorsements but personal stories detailing the work the candidates have done in Sacramento and what drove them to run for mayor. Ultimately, our board will endorse one candidate on February 5, the day ballots are mailed to voters.
Steve Hansen could be the first openly gay mayor in Sacramento history. He was the first gay person elected to the city council a decade ago. Neither distinction defines his candidacy or explain who he is or what drives him for the citys highest elected office.
His motivation is informed by a sometimes traumatic life that Hansen didnt reclaim so much as build, largely on his own, from a very young age. Soliciting votes and endorsements in a mayoral race would have been unimaginable based on where Hansen started and where hes been on the rough road that led him to Sacramento.
I come from nothing, Hansen said recently. Im still that kid who feels so lucky to have done better than my parents. In my life, Ive had very clear moments of realization where Ive had to face things.
Opinion
Growing up, Hansen experienced poverty, family trauma and casual homophobia administered by people around him. He was on his own when he was still a minor and had no point of reference for the life he leads today as a mayoral aspirant attempting a political comeback after being voted out of office four years ago.
All of that is true, but so is this: Hansen recently announced that he has raised a half million dollars in his race for mayor.
On the issues and complexities facing Sacramento, Hansen is as knowledgeable about what the city is up against as any of the four main candidates running for mayor, if not more so.
At 44, Hansen is a Democrat (as are his three main opponents: epidemiologist Flojaune Cofer; Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and former State Sen. Richard Pan). More than any other candidate, Hansen is supported by Sacramentos business establishment.
An outsider in his past life in St. Paul, Minnesota has become the choice of insiders in his adopted home of Sacramento.
Hansen has achieved this as a newer version of the centrist Democrats who have held sway in Sacramento for a very, very long time. In generations past, a mayoral candidate in Sacramento who was endorsed uniformly by business interests and public safety unions would have earned such support by ascending to office from an established neighborhood or through longstanding personal or family relationships. This has not been Steve Hansens path.
Hansen estimates that he and his family moved eight to 10 times by the time he was ten and said that he and his late mother lived in a shelter for a time.
We were on welfare ... when we were moving around, Hansen said. We were just trying to survive.
If I wanted to go to college, my parents and my family didnt have a way to pay for that, he said. I didnt know myself then, and when I look back, I realize other kids knew I was gay before I did. In fourth grade, these kids would chase me around, calling me AIDS Boy. This was 1990. It was a different world then.
Like many kids from underprivileged backgrounds, Hansen joined the military as a way up. He said it was in the Army National Guard that he gained confidence he had never had before.
I came back a transformed person, he said.
A Reserve Officers Training Corps scholarship landed him a spot at Gonzaga University.
I drove my dads 1987 Ford Ranger from Minnesota to Spokane, Washington, he said. He thought of being a diplomat or joining the Peace Corps until a government fellowship brought him to Sacramento in the summer of 2002 at 22 years old.
He never left. Hansen got involved in politics and policy. Like some of us who move here from somewhere, he felt like he belonged in Sacramento. He felt welcome and part of something larger than himself.
When he was elected to the Sacramento City Council, Hansen was the youngest person on the dais. His upbringing and military background imbued him with a desire to fix things and find order.
Im a policy person, he said. I like systems. When systems fail, things break (and) people fall through the cracks.
Hansen was one of the more effective members of the council, but he lost in 2020 when he sought a third term in his former downtown district to current Council Member Katie Valenzuela, who is further to the left of Hansen on the political spectrum.
Members of Sacramentos business community missed Hansens voice on the council. He had been a supporter of Sacramentos public subsidy which helped seal the deal to build the Golden 1 Center downtown. That deal kept the Kings in Sacramento.
Hansen had been a champion for increased housing in the downtown core. He was a supporter of city police and not in the defund police movement. Once he was off the council, he lamented the loss of downtown businesses and an erosion of public safety. So when he decided to run for mayor, Hansen found support in business leaders and public safety unions alarmed at the proliferation of homelessness in Sacramento in recent years.
Thats how the outsider became the insider. The kid who was on welfare and moved constantly became a successful man who now shares a home with his partner and two small children.
What we need are people who dont care about titles, he said. We need people who are willing to put it on the line for their city and not just do what is good for their careers.
Sometimes it takes someone from the outside to come in and help you understand what you dont see. And weve seen so many people move here that are part of the lifeblood of the city because they see something that people who grew up here dont see: They see a place worthy of love (that) is worth fighting for.
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has meant that the current reality is "like being a Foreign Minister or a leader in Europe in the 1930s" in a podcast published by Politico on Jan. 18.
Cameron, who was U.K. Prime Minister between 2010 and 2016, was appointed foreign secretary in November 2023.
"To me, Ukraine is the absolute number one priority," he answered when the podcast host asked if Russia's invasion of Ukraine was at risk of being forgotten.
"This is the challenge for our generation. This is like being a Foreign Minister or a leader in Europe in the 1930s. We have got to not appease Putin, we have got to stand up to the evil that his invasion represents," he said.
"I think there is a lot of attention on Ukraine, a lot of unity, and a lot of purpose," Cameron said.
Cameron referenced the continued support from France, Germany, and the European Union, as well as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to Kyiv, during which he announced a $3.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Jan. 16 that France will send Ukraine 40 new long-range SCALP-EG missiles in addition to "hundreds of bombs." Germany also announced plans to provide Ukraine with security assistance worth over 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion).
Cameron said that Ukrainians have demonstrated that "Putin isn't winning," as he has "lost 300,000 people, he has lost a fifth of his Black Sea Fleet," and he has encouraged two more countries to join NATO, namely Sweden and Finland.
Cameron was also asked what to expect if Donald Trump wins the U.S. presidential election in November.
"If you show during the course of this year a level of commitment and success, and you continue to demonstrate the vulnerability of Putin's Russia, whoever takes the presidency at the end of this year will have to look at the situation as it is, and not at the narrative perhaps is going at the moment," Cameron responded.
Trump, who was president between 2017 and 2021, is currently ahead in the polls to become the Republican nominee. Trump has broadly criticized Biden's policy on Ukraine and declared he would be able to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine in "24 hours."
Read also: Trump wins Republican caucus in Iowa
Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ashton Pearcy sends his arrow toward the target during the archery event of Camp Corral at Gig Harbor, Wash. Camp Corral is a free weeklong summer camp to military children and has served thousands of military children since the start of the program in 2011. U.S. Army photo/released.
Camp Corral offers recreational programs designed specifically to empower Americas military children to make connections, build coping skills, and increase self-confidence. As a national leader and provider of educational resources, research, and advocacy related to the challenges faced by children of wounded, ill, and fallen military service members, many of whom provide caregiving duties within the wounded warrior family unit, Camp Corral helps build life skills to empower strong, resilient, and independent individuals. Children who participate in Camp Corrals programs experience adventure, test their limits, challenge their fears, celebrate their accomplishments, and make life affirming friendships that assure them they are not alone. Now, applications for their 2024 Summer Camps are open.
What happens at Summer Camp?
Camp Corral is proud to partner with our nation's best camps! Their team engages in a strict, thorough vetting process ensuring partnerships with only the most highly regarded camps throughout the country. Each partner camp must meet stringent standards and hold American Camp Association accreditation. Careful attention is paid to quality of programming offered, facilities, leadership, and staffing. While Camp Corral sessions incorporate elements typically associated with a week at summer camp, additional programming - to include a Hero Day and other military components - enhances the curriculum. Programming can include swimming, ropes courses, rock wall climbing, horseback riding, sleeping under the stars, and all of the traditional camp fun of songs, campfires, arts and crafts, and more.
Who is eligible to attend Summer Camp?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmOPwoth6Zg
Summer Camp is offered to children (ages 8-15) of wounded, ill and fallen military service members and veterans. There is no minimum disability rating but injuries do need to be service-connected nor does the rating determine application acceptance. Likewise, they can be both combat and non-combat related. Camp Corral does have a verification process that requires submission of a redacted DD214. Once verified, those files are deleted for security purposes.
How do we apply for Summer Camp?
Camp dates and locations are announced on Veterans Day each year. Applications will open in January and spots are available on a first come, first served basis. Campers can apply to attend the camp of their choice with a limit of one camp per summer. Campers can attend one camp each year as long as they are between the ages of 8-15 on the first day of camp. Camp Corral takes extra care in providing camp to siblings enrolled for the same camp session.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to Camp Corral's dedicated partners and donors, Summer Camps is offered at no charge to families. A small, fully refundable "Hold My Spot" deposit of $30.00 per child is required after an application has been approved to move forward with the enrollment process. From there, you will receive more information from your selected camp throughout the spring and have to provide medical information, emergency contacts, etc.
Missouri abortion rights supporters on Thursday formally launched a campaign to overturn the states near-total ban on the procedure, following an intense legal effort by Republicans to render the proposal politically toxic.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom announced it is backing a measure that would enshrine the right to an abortion in the state constitution but also give lawmakers leeway to regulate the procedure after fetal viability as defined by the amendment.
Missouris cruel and restrictive ban on abortion is tying the hands of doctors and preventing necessary care, Iman Alsaden, an advisor to the group and the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said in a statement.
Missourians, Alsaden said, are taking a critical step to make their own medical decisions and kick politicians out of the exam room.
Missourians for Constitutional Freedom had originally put forward multiple versions of an amendment, with some going further than others in protecting abortion access. The proposal the group is getting behind represents a middle ground among the versions previously offered.
Abortion rights supporters had been divided over strategy and how far to go in attempting to overturn the abortion ban, which went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Some abortion rights advocates have pushed back on any proposals that would allow state lawmakers to ban abortion after fetal viability.
Thursdays announcement, however, signaled that the states major abortion rights groups are unified behind the effort, a significant step toward getting the measure on the ballot. The coalition includes the ACLU of Missouri, Abortion Action Missouri, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes and Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.
The proposal backed by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom defines fetal viability as the point in a pregnancy when a health care professional decides, based on the facts of the situation, there is a significant likelihood of the fetuss sustained survival outside of the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.
Fetal viability is difficult to precisely define but clinicians commonly focus on 20 to 25 weeks of a pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly opposes policy makers from using viability as a basis to limit abortion care due to the fact that there is no clinical definition.
Policy making around viability interferes in the patientphysician relationship, the association wrote on its website.
Medical Students for Choice, an international group that trains students about reproductive health care, in a statement pushed back on the coalitions decision to include viability limits.
There is no test that definitively determines viability, the group, which is led by Pamela Merritt, a longtime abortion rights activist originally from Missouri, said. Viability should never be used to restrict access to care, and it absolutely should not be enshrined in state constitutions as a requirement to access abortion.
Merritt previously told The Star that she was originally part of the coalition but stepped away from the effort in July because she felt the group was considering restrictive language.
While Missouri remains staunchly conservative, abortion rights remain popular. Polling conducted in 2022 by Saint Louis University and YouGov showed that a majority of Missourians were in favor of some level of legal abortion and disagreed with the states ban on abortion.
The abortion rights coalition still faces an uphill battle to get the measure on the ballot after a series of legal battles with anti-abortion Republican officials kept versions of the petitions tied up in court for months.
The ACLU of Missouri fought in court with Missouri Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft over incendiary language he wrote for the proposals. The group also battled with Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey after he tried to claim that legalizing abortion would cost the state billions.
A state appeals court late last year rejected both of the Republican efforts.
Supporters of the amendment will have to collect more than 170,000 signatures from voters by May 5 to get the proposal in front of voters. The coalitions fundraising page estimates that signature collections will cost roughly $5 million.
The ballot measure will face resistance from anti-abortion activists in Missouri, who have launched a group called Missouri Stands with Women to block the effort.
The anti-abortion group, in a post on social media on Tuesday, said the abortion rights push was aimed at reversing Missouris #prolife laws and enshrining extreme abortion initiatives to the states constitution.
The emergence of the abortion rights campaign is also likely to bolster attempts by Republican state lawmakers to make it harder for voters to amend the state constitution. Republicans have filed a slew of proposals this year that would overhaul the states century-old initiative petition process and raise the threshold for passing an amendment at a statewide vote.
Some Republican leaders have acknowledged that they expect a majority of Missourians to approve a measure restoring abortion access if it was placed on a ballot.
Another complication for the abortion rights ballot push is the emergence of a Republican-led campaign that would legalize abortion up to 12 weeks and add exceptions for rape and incest.
Several abortion rights groups, health care providers and Democratic lawmakers remain skeptical of the Republican effort, arguing it would give lawmakers too much room to regulate reproductive health care.
China on Wednesday urged the United States to abide by its one-China policy, which has been reaffirmed by U.S. President Joe Biden many times.
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the comments in response to a media query concerning Biden's remarks after the conclusion of Taiwan leadership and legislature elections that the United States does not support "Taiwan independence."
The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, and is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, Chen said.
Regarding the visit to Taiwan by a delegation led by former U.S. officials, Chen said the recent election outcomes will not change the fact that there is but one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China.
China's stance of opposing any official contact between the United States and China's Taiwan region is consistent and clear, Chen noted.
"We urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three joint communiques between China and the United States, take concrete actions to honor its commitment of not supporting 'Taiwan independence,' and stop sending wrong signals to separatist forces for 'Taiwan independence,'" said Chen.
This image from police body-worn camera video, and contained and annotated in the Justice Department's sentencing memorandum, shows Kenneth Bonawitz colliding with two officer at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Bonawitz, who assaulted at least six police officers during a mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol, has been sentenced to five years in prison. (Department of Justice via AP)
A Florida man described by prosecutors as one of the most violent rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Wednesday to five years in prison, court records show.
Kenneth Bonawitz, a member of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group's Miami chapter, assaulted at least six police officers as he stormed the Capitol with a mob of Donald Trump supporters on Jan. 6, 2021. He grabbed one of the officers in a chokehold and injured another so severely that the officer had to retire, according to federal prosecutors.
Bonawitz, 58, of Pompano Beach, Florida, carried an eight-inch knife in a sheath on his hip. Police seized the knife from him in between his barrage of attacks on officers.
His violent, and repeated, assaults on multiple officers are among the worst attacks that occurred that day, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean McCauley wrote in a court filing.
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb sentenced Bonawitz to a five-year term of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, according to court records.
The Justice Department recommended a prison sentence of five years and 11 months for Bonawitz, who was arrested last January. He pleaded guilty in August to three felonies one count of civil disorder and two counts of assaulting police.
Bonawitz took an overnight bus to Washington, D.C., chartered for Trump supporters to attend his Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6.
Bonawitz was one of the first rioters to enter the Upper West Plaza once the crowd overran a police line on the north side. He jumped off a stage built for President Joe Bidens inauguration and tackled two Capitol police officers. One of them, Sgt. Federico Ruiz, suffered serious injuries to his neck, shoulder, knees and back.
"I thought there was a strong chance I could die right there," Ruiz wrote in a letter addressed to the judge.
Ruiz, who retired last month, said the injuries inflicted by Bonawitz prematurely ended his law-enforcement career.
"Bonawitz has given me a life sentence of physical pain and discomfort, bodily injury and emotional insecurity as a direct result of his assault on me," he wrote.
After police confiscated his knife and released him, Bonawitz assaulted four more officers in the span of seven seconds. He placed one of the officers in a headlock and lifted her off the ground, choking her.
Bonawitzs attacks did not stop until (police) officers pushed him back into the crowd for a second time and deployed chemical agent to his face, the prosecutor wrote.
More than 100 police officers were injured during the siege. Over 1,200 defendants have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. About 900 have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials. Over 750 have been sentenced, with nearly 500 receiving a term of imprisonment, according to data compiled by The Associated Press.
Dozens of Proud Boys leaders, members and associates have been arrested on Jan. 6 charges. A jury convicted former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio and three lieutenants of seditious conspiracy charges for a failed plot to forcibly stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 election.
Bonawitz isn't accused of coordinating his actions on Jan. 6 with other Proud Boys. But he "fully embraced and embodied their anti-government, extremist ideology when he assaulted six law enforcement officers who stood between a mob and the democratic process, the prosecutor wrote.
Bonawitz's lawyers didn't publicly file a sentencing memo before Wednesday's hearing. One of his attorneys didn't immediately respond to emails and a phone call seeking comment.
A food delivery driver was carjacked at gunpoint earlier this week in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities announced.
The Jan. 15 incident occurred just before 10 p.m. at the corner of 10th Street and Plymouth Avenue, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department.
After he had picked food for delivery, the victim told police he noticed he was being followed by a vehicle described as a black, newer model SUV that ultimately cut him off and blocked his path.
Two suspects exited the vehicle and, at gunpoint, ordered the victim to exit his vehicle and patted him down, taking his wallet and his car keys, police said, adding that two other suspects stayed inside the black SUV.
The armed suspects, described as Hispanic males 20-25 years old, also took the victims white 2013 Hyundai Sonata, which has still not been recovered.
No description was available for the two suspects that remained in the SUV.
L.A. Deputy who walked in on armed robbery at 7-Eleven speaks out
The investigation into the carjacking and robbery is ongoing and detectives are searching for security camera footage in the area that may have captured the suspects vehicle.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact LAPD Wilshire Robbery Det. A. Aguayo at 213-922-8215. Anonymous tips can be made through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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More than 1,900 criminal organizations involved in gang crimes were busted in 2023 as China intensified its fight against organized crime, the Ministry of Public Security said Wednesday.
Around 27,000 criminal suspects were apprehended and 29,000 criminal cases of various types were investigated amid this crackdown.
According to the ministry, in 2023, it supervised the handling of 37 major and complex organized crime cases, providing guidance and expert support in investigations.
Simultaneously, all-out efforts were made to hunt fugitives linked to organized crime, resulting in the apprehension of 1,222 individuals, including 117 from overseas.
In a special session today, Gov. Tate Reeves will ask Mississippi lawmakers to send millions in state taxpayer funds to a Chinese technology company to close an economic development deal.
In 2023, Gov. Tate Reeves decried Chinese technology as an existential threat and signed bills limiting what business the state of Mississippi could do with China.
In a special session Thursday, Mississippi lawmakers approved sending millions in state taxpayer funds to a Chinese technology company to close an economic development deal.
A China-based technology company is one of four companies that will partner to construct a $1.9 billion Mississippi plant to make an electric battery to power commercial trucks.
Bill Cork, Reeves appointed director of the Mississippi Development Authority, confirmed to members of the Mississippi House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday that three major commercial vehicle companies will each own 30% shares of the company, while the Chinese company, which will provide the technology to manufacture the battery for the commercial vehicles, will own 10%.
Cork gave the presentation in advance of Thursdays special session called by Reeves, who received Legislature approval to appropriate around $350 million in state incentives to entice the companies to locate their project in Marshall County near the Tennessee state line.
Cork said he could not divulge the names of the companies involved in the project until after the Legislature passed the incentive package. But upon direct questioning from a Ways and Means member, Cork confirmed the technology provider is a respected Chinese company.
Cork said the Chinese company which a Jan. 11 article published in trade magazine Transport Topics named as Eve Energy Co. was needed in the partnership because American companies are not providing similar technology.
The other companies involved in the deal, according to media reports, are Paccar Inc., Cummins Truck Holdings, and Daimler Truck Holdings.
Every one of you has a cell phone with a battery made in China, Cork told committee members. No House member raised objections during the meeting.
Upon further questioning from Ways and Means Chairman Trey Lamar, a Republican from Senatobia, Cork said the other three companies would be responsible for repaying the state if their commitments, such as providing 2,000 jobs, are not met. He said the three companies would each be responsible for repaying one-third instead of trying to collect from the Chinese company.
The Reeves administrations reliance on the Chinese company to close the Marshall County electric battery deal counters recent messaging from the governor. In 2023, lawmakers passed two bills that limited Mississippis relationship with China: One that prevented Mississippi state agencies from purchasing small aircraft systems or drones produced by Chinese technology companies, and another that banned the TikTok app from state devices.
In signing the bills last year, Reeves said: The Chinese Communist Party is not a friend to Mississippi or the United States. They want to exploit vulnerabilities in technology to harm our country and our citizens. Were not going to let that happen in Mississippi, and thats why I signed these two bills. Its time for our country to wake up and recognize the existential threat that the Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors around the world pose to Americans. Were putting the safety of Mississippians first, and if that means you cant use TikTok and other compromised technology on state devices or purchase drones made in China, so be it.
In the House committee meeting on Wednesday, Cork also answered general questions about electric vehicles a contentious technology among many national Republican politicians. Notable GOP politicians across the country and in Mississippi have decried the emergence of electric vehicles, defending the fossil fuel industry and complaining about the federal governments push for green energy.
Cork on Wednesday said several companies are planning to open electric vehicle battery production plants across America. He said MDA has tried to recruit some of those companies to Mississippi, but in the end many wanted more incentives than the state was prepared to offer. He said he felt confident in the state partnering with companies that were working on commercial vehicles.
Transportation companies will figure out how to make this work, Cork said. If they dont, they will pay us back.
Cork also confirmed to the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday the project would have to receive federal approval because some of the unnamed companies involved in the project were foreign-owned. Of the four reported companies that are part of the deal, Daimler is Germany-based and Eve Energy is China-based.
China has launched its first space station mission of the year to resupply the orbital outpost.
A Long March 7 rocket topped with the robotic Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft lifted off from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan island in the South China Sea on Wednesday (Jan. 17) at 9:27 a.m. EST (1427 GMT; 10:27 p.m. Beijing time).
Tianzhou 7 is planned to rendezvous and dock with China's three-module Tiangong space station around three hours after launch. The three crewmembers of the Shenzhou 17 mission onboard Tiangong will oversee the freighter's arrival and later begin sorting through its cargo.
Related: The latest news about China's space program
a white rocket rises off its launch pad at night.
China's Tianzhou spacecraft have recently been upgraded, allowing the 29,760-pound (13,500 kilograms) spacecraft to carry around 16,300 pounds (7,400 kg) of cargo to Tiangong. This improvement means China needs to launch a resupply mission once every eight months instead of once every six months.
Tianzhou spacecraft haul supplies, propellant, scientific experiments and equipment to Tiangong. On this mission, the cargo also includes surprises for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations, as well as some fresh fruit and vegetables.
"There will be a further increase in the quantity and weight of fresh fruits we are to deliver this time, which should continuously improve the quality of astronauts' life in orbit," Yang Sheng, development technician of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), told CCTV ahead of launch.
Tianzhou 7 carries supplies for both Shenzhou 17, which arrived at Tiangong in late October, and for the coming Shenzhou 18 mission. Chinese crewed missions to the space station typically last six months.
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The previous cargo mission, Tianzhou 6, launched in May of last year. That spacecraft undocked from Tiangong on Jan. 12, making way for the arrival of Tianzhou 7.
Tianzhou 6 is now in free flight mode and will be deorbited in a controlled manner in the near future. Having first delivered supplies to Tiangong, it is now being used to dispose of space station waste.
Tianzhou 8 will launch around August to resupply Tiangong once more. China will launch the Shenzhou 18 and 19 crewed missions in 2024, meaning it will send a total of four spacecraft to Tiangong this year.
National flags are placed outside a room where Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng address reporters after their meeting in Beijing
BEIJING/MANILA (Reuters) -China and the Philippines agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks in regards to issues around the South China Sea, their foreign ministries said in a statement.
China Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro held a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the situation while co-chairing the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, according to statements released by the Chinese and Philippine foreign ministries.
In the talks, the two sides reaffirmed that the South China Sea dispute is "not the whole story of bilateral relations," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement released late on Wednesday.
The two countries have had numerous confrontations recently in certain disputed waters in the South China Sea, with both trading accusations of provoking conflict in the economically strategic waterway, including charges that China rammed a ship last month carrying the Philippine armed forces chief of staff.
China said its operation was "professional, reasonable and legal".
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Both officials believe "maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintaining maritime peace and stability", the Chinese foreign ministry said.
In the Jan. 17 statement released by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, it said both sides "agreed to calmly deal with incidents, if any, through diplomacy".
The two sides agreed to properly manage maritime conflicts and differences through friendly consultations, as well as properly handle maritime emergencies, especially the situation around the Second Thomas Shoal, known as Renai Reef in China, and Ayungin in Manila.
"Both sides presented their respective positions on the Ayungin Shoal and assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions," the DFA said.
Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels have had heated and dangerous run-ins in that area, as China becomes more assertive in pressing its maritime claims there.
Relations have been strained for months, but both have reiterated a commitment to dialogue. Both said in the meeting they would advance practical maritime cooperation, "so as to create favorable conditions for the sound and stable development of China-Philippines relations," according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
On Tuesday, China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines and warned the country "not to play with fire" after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan's president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory on Saturday.
The remarks made by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning did not sit well with the Philippines' defense secretary who on Wednesday accused the official of insulting Marcos, stooping to what he called "low and gutter-level talk."
China demanded that the Philippine side earnestly abide by the one-China principle.
The Philippine side reiterated that it adheres to the one-China policy and will continue to implement it, according to the Chinese foreign ministry statement.
(Reporting by Bernard Orr in Beijing and Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by Leslie Adler, Michael Perry and Kim Coghill)
China's population fell by about 2 million last year, prompting experts to say that, with continued but mild declines likely in the foreseeable future, more attention should be paid to improving the quality of human resources and implementing fertility support measures.
The number of babies born last year went down by about 540,000 year-on-year to 9.02 million, according to data released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics. With 11.1 million deaths recorded last year, the total population dropped by 2.08 million to around 1.41 billion.
Meanwhile, the proportion of the working-age population those ages 16 to 59 years old decreased slightly year-on-year to 61.3 percent in 2023, while the proportion of people age 60 and older rose by 1.3 percentage points to 21.1 percent.
The decrease in total population last year aligned with demographers' predictions. Due to fewer women of childbearing age, a low willingness to have babies and delays in marriage coupled with the effects of COVID-19 China's birthrate has been falling gradually.
These contributed to the historic drop in total population that was recorded in 2022.
"The general, long-term trend in China is that we will see a steady decline in total population, but it is also important to note that global fertility is falling and modernized development will inevitably result in an aging society and low birthrates," said He Dan, director of the China Population and Development Research Center.
She said that despite the decrease in population, the total number remains massive and the quality of the population is now a more important criterion than the number in assessing demographics. "It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach that incorporates quality, structure and distribution of population when evaluating population development," she added.
Yuan Xin, a professor at Nankai University's School of Economics and vice-president of the China Population Association, said it is projected that by 2050, China will still have 1.2 to 1.4 billion people accounting for 14 to 18 percent of total global population.
Wang Jinying, a demographer at Hebei University, said the education levels of the working-age population and of the entire population have both markedly increased in the past two decades.
"In particular, the number of talent with a master's degree spiked tenfold from 2000 to 2020," he said. "The average life expectancy also rose from 71.40 to 77.9 years during that period."
"With great improvements in education and health, China's human capital has increased substantially, helping drive a steady supply of labor and high-quality economic development," he added.
However, experts have also warned of a considerable downfall in the population in the longer term due to the lack of concrete steps to encourage births.
In July 2021, the central leadership released a decision that allows all couples to have three children and strengthens fertility support, prompting the rollout of a variety of local policies to encourage births.
He, director of the China Population and Development Research Center, said that these policies have yielded positive results, including improvements in prenatal and postnatal care and an increase in the number of babies born as a second or third child. But the policies have not fully met the demands of the public.
"The current fertility level in China stands around one (birth per woman of childbearing age), and nearly 40 percent of fertility intentions are not realized, primarily due to lack of housing and nursery care services, high education costs and infertility conditions, among other factors," she said. "These problems can be addressed through proactive action and policy interventions."
"The younger generation's perception on marriage and childbearing is moldable, and it is important for us to help them foster a positive attitude toward getting married and having children, and give them support," she said, adding that the convention of starting a family and having children over a lifetime is still widely accepted.
She noted that to build a sound fertility support system, practical problems such as steep housing costs, anxiety over education and the burden of medical care should be tackled. It is vital to expand the coverage of maternity insurance, elevate the system for child care support and fertility health protection from the local to national level, and have legal statutes in place to ensure their implementation, she said.
By Marco Aquino and Adam Jourdan
CHANCAY, Peru (Reuters) - In September, a group of Brazilian farmers and officials arrived in the Peruvian fishing town of Chancay. The draw: a new Chinese mega port rising on the Pacific coast, promising to turbo charge South America's trade ties with China.
The $3.5 billion deep water port, set to start operations late this year, will provide China with a direct gateway to the resource-rich region. Over the last ten years, Beijing has unseated the United States as the largest trade partner for South America, devouring its soy, corn and copper.
The port, majority-owned by Chinese state-owned firm Cosco Shipping, will be the first controlled by China in South America. It will able to accommodate the largest cargo ships, which can head directly to Asia, cutting the journey time by two weeks for some exporters.
Beijing and Lima hope Chancay will become a regional hub, both for copper exports from the Andean nation as well as soy from western Brazil, which currently travels through the Panama Canal or skirts the Atlantic before steaming to China.
"The Chancay mega port aims to turn Peru into a strategic commercial and port hub between South America and Asia," Peru's trade minister Juan Mathews Salazar told Reuters.
Part of China's decade-old 'Belt and Road' drive, the new port embodies the challenge facing the United States and Europe as they look to counter Beijing's rising influence in Latin America. China's trade muscle has helped it win allies and gain leverage in political forums, finance and technology.
Full construction started in 2018 at Chancay, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Lima. Workers are now laying thousands of piles and breakwaters; work signs are written in white-on-red Chinese characters.
The first phase of Chancay is set be completed in November 2024. Chinese President Xi Jinping, expected in Peru for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that month, could inaugurate the port, a diplomatic source in Lima said.
China's embassy in Lima did not respond to Reuters queries.
"It's part of China's new Silk Road," said Mario de las Casas, corporate affairs manager for Cosco Shipping, which holds a 60% stake in the port. The remainder is controlled by local miner Volcan, in which Glencore owns a stake.
Jose Adriano da Silva, a farming entrepreneur from Brazil's western Acre state who visited the port, said the project would accelerate regional development. He said talks between Peruvian and Brazilian officials were underway to resolve overland transport challenges.
Peru's government is planning an exclusive economic zone near the port and Cosco wants to build an industrial hub near Chancay to process raw materials that could include grains and meat from Brazil before shipping them to Asia.
Brazil's ambassador in Peru, Clemente Baena Soares, said there were plans for meetings between officials early this year to seek to resolve logistical, sanitary and bureaucratic hurdles at the border so Brazilian trucks can more easily reach the port.
"It's an opportunity for grain and meat production - especially from Rondonia, Acre, Mato Grosso and Amazonas - to go to Asia through the port of Chancay," said Soares, who also visited Chancay in September, naming four states in western Brazil.
"(Brazilian businesses) are delighted with the possibility of not using the Panama Canal to take their goods to Asia."
He added there would need to be investment in an existing road known as the Interoceanic Highway - which runs from further south in Peru across the Andes to Brazil - to improve transport routes. A long-discussed rail link remained in the study phase, he said.
STARK TRANSFORMATION
China overtook the United States on trade in South and Central America under former President Donald Trump, despite his administration warning the region about the dangers of getting too close to Beijing. Under President Joe Biden the gap has widened despite attempts to reverse it.
U.S. officials are now taking a different tack, arguing that the United States offers the region other things beyond trade, including investment in high-tech industries.
"I think using the metric of trade to evaluate the influence of China is not an accurate way," Juan Gonzalez, a White House adviser and the National Security Council's Western Hemisphere senior director, told Reuters in Buenos Aires.
"We're confident in our ability to compete with China," he added, urging regional governments to ensure there were no "political strings attached" to trade with Beijing.
Beijing says its trade and investment in Latin America is a win-win for both sides. Some 150 countries have signed on to the Belt and Road with China, including 22 in Latin America.
The change over ten years is stark.
A decade ago, Peru, the world's no. 2 copper producer, traded slightly more with the United States than China. Now, China has a more than $10 billion lead in bilateral trade, the latest annual data show.
That trend is playing out around the region.
Reuters interviewed two dozen officials, business leaders and trade experts, along with an analysis of ten years of trade data, revealing how China's infrastructure spending is cementing its role as the key trade and investment partner for South America, defying an economic slowdown at home and U.S. warnings about debt trap diplomacy.
Part of the shift is pragmatic. Fast-growing China needs the copper and lithium from South America's Andes, along with the corn and soy from the plains of Argentina and Brazil.
But its widening trade lead - some $100 billion around South America in the most recent annual data - brings extra clout.
Beijing has in the last year upgraded ties with Uruguay and Colombia to "strategic partnerships" - the latter a U.S. ally.
Argentina's President Javier Milei, once highly critical of China, has softened his stance since taking office last month, reflecting Beijing's importance to the crisis-hit economy.
It is the top buyer of Argentina's soy and beef and has an $18 billion currency swap line with the country - which Argentina's cash-strapped government has tapped to pay its debt, including with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
"The last thing our dear Argentine friends need in these challenging times is to lose the support of an important partner like China," the Chinese ambassador in Colombia wrote on social media platform X following Milei's inauguration.
'POINT OF LEVERAGE'
Peru's trade with China doubled in the last decade to $33 billion in 2022, driven by rising copper exports, even as its commerce flatlined with the United States. China has invested some $24 billion in Peruvian mines, the power grid, transportation and hydro-electric power generation over the same period.
Exports to China grew 9.3% in the first eleven months of last year, government data show, faster than the 5.3% growth of exports to the United States. Peru has a $9.4 billion trade surplus with China and a $1.3 billion deficit the United States.
Peru's President Dina Boluarte met China's Xi in November at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in San Francisco. They discussed the Chancay port, which Boluarte said was a "significant boost to free trade and new Chinese investments."
That came after an awkward on-the-move parlay in Washington with Biden, which was not given full bilateral meeting status.
"China is taking advantage of our absence and that's a real problem," said Eric Farnsworth, a former White House adviser and State Department official, who is now a Latin America expert at the Council of the Americas and Americas Society.
He said the port bolstered China's powerful position in Peru and created a "point of leverage" in the region.
Two regional diplomats said it also reflected a more muscular and ambitious China, often backed by deep pockets: a far cry from a wave of Chinese immigration to Peru two centuries ago when migrants came as cotton workers or to set up 'chifas' - Chinese food outlets.
"Now business executives or bankers come, with big projects tucked under their belts," said Juan Carlos Capunay, Peru's former ambassador to China.
'NEW BATTLE GROUND FOR MINERALS'
China hasn't had things all its own way. Its Belt and Road has faced pushback in Asia and Europe - Italy recently pulled out of the initiative - while bad debts owed to China have ballooned. In Latin America, projects from Argentina to Venezuela have faced hold-ups.
Diplomats and trade experts also cautioned that the Chancay port would only be successful if regional infrastructure including roads and railways improved to enable goods to get there, including grains from Brazil.
Currently, the Interocean Highway - a little-used road corridor of some 2,600 kilometers (1,616 miles) in five sections, built more than a decade ago - links the Pacific Coast in the south of Peru to Brazil's state of Acre.
"The issue today is a lack of regional connections, which is very complex for the success of the project," said Fernando Reyes Matta, former Chilean ambassador to China.
Nonetheless, several of the people said China's rise in South America was solidifying despite these headwinds, with the region desperate for financing and foreign currency.
A senior European diplomat based in South America said the big gap in infrastructure funding in the region made it hard for the United States to "strong arm" local governments to turn down Chinese money.
Meanwhile, global interest had grown in South America's resources such as lithium, copper and grains.
"Latin America has become a new battle ground for those minerals between the United States, Europe and China," he said.
(Reporting by Marco Aquino and Adam Jourdan; Additional reporting by Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo, Matt Spetalnick in Washington, Adriana Barrera in Mexico, Natalia Ramos in Santiago, Vivian Sequera and Mayela Armas in Caracas, Candelaria Grimberg in Buenos Aires, Luis Jaime Acosta in Bogota, Gustavo Palencia in Tegucigalpa, Alvaro Murillo in San Jose, Nelson Renteria in San Salvador and Ana Mano in Sao Paulo; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
[Source]
China's population has declined for the second consecutive year, with a record-low birth rate and increased COVID-19 deaths contributing to the downturn in 2023.
The data: The nations total population dropped by 2.75 million (0.2%) to 1.409 billion, surpassing the decline in 2022. Deaths rose by 6.6% to 11.1 million, reaching the highest rate since 1974, and the birthrate, which fell by 5.7% to 9.02 million, hit a historic low at 6.39 births per 1,000 people, reported Reuters.
Factors of the decline: Various factors, including the nations one-child policy and urbanization, have contributed to the declining births for decades. Economic challenges, youth unemployment, falling wages and property crisis also further impact childbirth rates.
Challenges such as high childcare and education costs, job market uncertainty and gender discrimination have discouraged couples from having children. Despite government incentives and educational efforts, local policy implementation remains inadequate. Public reluctance to have children persists, emphasizing the difficulty of reversing the demographic trend.
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China's demographic challenges: Concerns have arisen about Chinas growth prospects, as fewer workers and consumers coupled with rising elderly care costs strain local governments. China's aging population is expected to reach over 400 million by 2035.
Demographers propose further reforms, with some hoping for a post-pandemic baby boom or increased births in the Chinese zodiac Year of the Dragon in 2024.
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A Chinese Kuaizhou-1A rocket lifts off from Jiuquan on Jan. 10, 2024 carrying the Tianxing-1 (02) satellite. .
China sent a classified experimental satellite into orbit last week with yet another launch of the Kuaizhou-1A solid rocket.
A Kuaizhou-1A lifted off from a transport erector launcher at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert on Jan. 10 at 10:52 p.m. EST (0352 GMT and 11:52 a.m. Beijing time on Jan. 11).
The rocket's operator, Expace, confirmed launch success within the hour, announcing the payload to be a satellite called Tianxing-1 (02).
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a black and white rocket launches into a blue sky.
Little is known about Tianxing-1 (02). The satellite was described by the state media outlet Xinhua as to be used for experiments such as "space environment detection." The previous Tianxing-1 satellite, launched in June 2022, was likewise given only a short description. Its classified nature suggests it is at least partially for military customers.
Tianxing-1 (02) was developed by the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS).
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The mission was the fourth Kuaizhou-1A launch inside three weeks. The rocket, operated by Expace and developed by the state-owned defense giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASIC), launched three sets of four Tianmu-1 weather satellites across late December to early January.
The small, solid-fueled launcher can carry a payload of 440 pounds (200 kilograms) to a 345-mile-high (700 kilometers) sun-synchronous orbit.
The launch was also China's third of 2024 and was followed shortly after by the sea platform-based debut launch of the commercial Gravity-1 solid rocket .
TAMPA (WFLA) There have been five Republican debates to this point, and all indications point to there being no more.
ABC News and CNN, slated to host debates during the week-long lead-up to the New Hampshire primary, have canceled their debates due to a lack of participants.
The Republican field has largely been cleared out recently, with only three candidates left. The previous five Republican debates have all been held without the attendance of front-runner Donald Trump, who has chosen to skip the events.
Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has followed suit, stating on X, The next debate I do will be with Donald Trump or Joe Biden. I look forward to it.
That has left Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the only candidate who has agreed to participate in further debates, prompting the networks to cancel the events.
Haley is coming off a third-place showing in the Iowa Caucuses, finishing only two percentage points behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Haley currently sits in second place in New Hampshire and South Carolina polling, as she and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attempt to posit themselves as the alternative to former President Donald Trump.
The New Hampshire primary will be held on Jan. 23 and will be followed by the South Carolina primary 11 days later.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Hong Kong youths' recognition of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has reached new heights, with 66 percent of respondents in a recent survey expressing their willingness to develop in the area, and 67 percent either "agreeing" or "strongly agreeing" with the development plan of the GBA, according to the survey released on Tuesday.
The percentage of youths' recognition of the development plan of the GBA was nearly twice as high as the response in 2021, and marked a record high for the tracking index launched in 2018.
The survey was conducted by the Hong Kong Guangdong Youth Association and another three organizations, and interviewed 1,000 Hong Kong youths aged 15 to 39 and 530 Hong Kong youths residing in Guangdong province from September to October. The goal of the survey was to take the pulse of youths' views on the development of the GBA.
Among the interviewees who have plans for further study, more than 70 percent intend to go to the Chinese mainland. Among those who are studying in Guangdong, 42 percent indicated a desire to return to the special administrative region within five years. The survey organizer believed that it shows that Hong Kong residents have a high potential to work and study between the two places.
Adam Kwok Kai-fai, founder and executive chairman of the association, said that in view of the shortage of talent and labor in Hong Kong in recent years, the government should adopt multipronged approaches, and start attracting students who have the potential to the SAR to pursue further studies as early as possible, as well as encouraging those who have finished their studies in Hong Kong to stay, so as to provide talent for the city's transformation into "eight centers" eight key areas set out by the nation for the city in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).
Lawyer Elvis Lam Gwong-kin, who completed his university studies on the mainland and who has practiced in the GBA since 2016, agreed with the measures proposed in the report, including optimizing the government's funding for students to pursue study on the mainland the Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme.
Lam told China Daily that it provides incentives for youngsters to choose the mainland for study as it significantly reduces the cost of studying.
The scheme allows students from poor families who have dreams of going to college or graduate school to continue their education, he added.
Lam also proposed simplifying the government's Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme, which provides a HK$10,000($1,300) subsidy for job positions in the GBA's mainland cities for 18 months. Lam suggested canceling the requirement of only those who have recently graduated from college, allowing more youngsters to apply for the employment scheme.
A PhD student from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine shared his personal experience of studying and starting a business on the mainland at the news conference. He said studying on the mainland can help Hong Kong students become more familiar with the cultures of each place, as well as the national development guidelines and policies, giving them the upper hand in pursuing their own careers.
Patrick Choi Cheong-wa, a Hong Kong interior designer who founded an architectural design company in Foshan, Guangdong province, told China Daily that he hopes that the authorities can launch entrepreneurship support programs for Hong Kong youngsters, providing support like apartments, capital, training and professional guidance.
The Coastal Carolina University chapter of Alpha Chi Rho has been suspended because of hazing violations, said CCU director of communications Jerry Rashid.
The national chapter of Alpha Chi Rho has closed the CCU chapter following the suspension.
The suspension was granted by the CCU Division of University Belonging and Student Affairs until 2028.
The hazing violation happened off campus in the early morning on Oct. 11, 2022, and was reported to university officials on March 29. An interim suspension was issued on March 31 while an outside firm began an investigation. The firm submitted its investigative report on Oct. 24, stating the fraternity had committed acts of hazing, Rashid said.
Rashid did not describe the nature of the hazing actions.
The national fraternity chapter did respond immediately to The Sun News for comment.
Alpha Chi Rho appealed the decision on Nov. 17, but the suspension was upheld by the appellate authority on Jan. 3.
The CCU handbook says, Hazing is any reckless or intentional act, occurring on or off campus, that produces physical, mental or emotional pain, discomfort, humiliation, embarrassment or ridicule directed toward other students or groups (regardless of their willingness to participate), that is required or expected of new or current members and which is not related to the mission of the team, group or organization. This includes any activity, whether it is presented as optional or required, that places a new or current member in a position of servitude as a condition of membership.
Since 2013, a total of eight fraternities and sororities at CCU have been accused of hazing violations, according to the Tucker Hipps Transparency Act Report. CCU suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon for three years in 2014 and Delta Chi for seven years in 2013. Kappa Alpha Psi was suspended by the national chapter and Tau Kappa Epsilon was shut down indefinitely by its national organization. Others have received probation.
A chapter of Alpha Chi Rho at Syracuse University in New York was suspended in 2019 for shouting racial slurs at a Black woman, the Daily Orange reported.
Decades after their horrific assaults and stabbings in a Hancock County cornfield in 1975, three women finally saw their case come to a close.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police on Thursday announced a major break in the nearly 50-year-old open investigation. The girls attacker, who's eluded law enforcement since that day, was identified as Thomas Edward Williams. Dubbed the Slasher by police and the women, Williams died at age 49 in November 1983 in a Galveston, Texas, prison. At the time of the abduction, he lived near the site of the kidnapping.
What to know: Detectives name man they say hunted and left 3 young Indiana hitchhikers for dead in 1975
The reveal of their assailant's name was a long-awaited answer for the women, who have relentlessly pushed law enforcement in the 48 years since the attacks even as the case turned cold. The attack unfolded as the three girls left a gas station on Aug. 19 and hitchhiked along East Washington Street in hopes of reaching an amusement center. They were picked up by Williams, who drove the girls past the teen hangout and continued east into Hancock County, eventually heading off a county road and into a cornfield.
There, he raped Sheri Rottler Trick, 11 years old at the time, and stabbed her three times in the throat and another 15 times in her chest. He then slashed the throats of Kandice Smith, then 13 years old, and Kathie Rottler, 14 years old at the time, and left them for dead. Smith and Kathie Rottler crawled to U.S. 40 and flagged down three men, who helped.
The assault and stabbings ignited a flurry of calls for tips and leads into the identity of the attacker. As year after year passed, the women said it seemed their hope for an answer dwindled.
It seemed every call I made as met with another dead end, Kathie Rottler, one of the survivors, described. Rottler said at the same time, she was determined not to give up.
In 2018, Rottler was connected with the Indianapolis police departments cold case unit. From there, DNA from pieces of evidence were soon tested. A match was further confirmed with swabs from Williams daughter and son, leading to his identification as a suspect.
The women, finally, had their answer.
"I'm at peace now in my heart," Kandice Smith said.
From a podium, Rottler Trick shared her feelings toward Williams.
I do forgive this man, she said. I had to, in order to continue my life. I hope anybody whos in this situation can please do the same.
Background of the 'Slasher' case
Retired IMPD Sgt. David Ellison, speaks Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, during a press conference at the City-County Building in Indianapolis. Law enforcement, with the help of genetic genealogy testing, was able to solve a cold case from 1975. Ellison began investigate the cold case in 2018.
In 1975, the three girls were trying to get to a teen hangout spot and decided to hitchhike along the 800 block of East Washington Street. A man picked them up. They quickly realized something was wrong when the front passenger door was missing an inside door handle. When they protested, he pulled out a gun.
Williams drove the girls past the amusement center on Post Road and continued east into Hancock County, eventually heading off a county road and into a cornfield.
IndyStar has completed extensive interviews with the law enforcement first on the scene in 1975, the driver of the car who picked up two girls, multiple detectives who tried to crack the case and the three survivors who have waited nearly 50 years for answers.
Steve Gibbs, at the time a detective sergeant with the Marion Co. Sheriff's, picked up the cold case and described the assailant this way in an interview with IndyStar in 2018.
Kandice Smith, Sheri Rottler Trick, and Kathie Rottler share their emotions Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, after their nearly 50-year cold case was solved.
"He was hunting," he said. "I would hate to use the word professional, but he was a hunter ... of victims. Once you're in his car, it's like being caught in a spiderweb, there's no getting out."
One officer, who arrived first on the motel scene, compared the cuts to the girls' necks as appearing similar to that of an accordion.
Against all odds, the girls survived. And so ensued the hunt for who was behind their heinous assault.
A manhunt ensues, but the case goes cold after charges dropped
Police and family members begged the public for any information. Newspaper clippings shared leads and provided suspect sketches from what the girls relayed to artists. Leads were followed, and after ruling out suspects, the investigation stalled.
In 2018, Kathie Rottler was connected with Indianapolis police Sgt. David Ellison from the department's cold case unit, who agreed to take on the investigation.
Three separate DNA profiles recovered from evidence returned to one, unknown male, Ellison shared about how they built the case. Investigators partnered with a private forensic laboratory, DNA Labs International, and with the funding help from media company Audiochuck, utilized their genealogy testing to identify Williams' son and daughter. From there, they identified the suspect.
"This was an act of evil that none of (the women) deserved," said Ellison, who's now retired. "I hope today brings you some sort of closure, knowing your attacker has been identified and he's no longer in this world."
Marisa Kwiatkowski and Mykal McEldowney contributed to this report.
Contact Sarah Nelson at 317-503-7514 or sarah.nelson@indystar.com
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana 'Slasher' identified by police as Thomas Edward Williams
A Tuesday night city council meeting in College Park ended on a tense note as council members exited an executive session and fired the city manager.
Video posted to the City of College Park Government Facebook page shows the moments where Mayor Bianca Motley Broom tried to end the council session, but was overridden by two council members.
Then, the vote to terminate now-former City Manager Stanley Hawthorne occurred. The process took less than 10 minutes.
Hawthorne began working for the city on April 3, 2023, according to web archives of the citys Office of the City Manager page.
At 11:31 p.m., the mayor moved to end the session, but Councilman Joe Carn said there was still pending business out of the executive session, even after the mayor said the vote to adjourn the meeting was unanimous.
Excuse me, we are not adjourned, we did not get a consensus out of executive session, I dont believe, Carn said.
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Broom, citing privilege as council chair, said there was no action pending and tried to adjourn.
No, we are not, Carn continued. Were not done, we have to finish executive session and we have to finish, whether you want to finish or not.
He said there was an action item coming out of the session and a decision was needed immediately.
Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie made a motion to override the adjournment, which the council voted to do.
Then, Carn said the pending business was the termination of Hawthorne as city manager.
There is a motion to terminate City Manager Hawthorne for cause, Broom said.
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She then asked if there was discussion, and Hawthorne participated, asking why he was fired.
Id just like to know termination for cause. Can that be explained to me? Hawthorne asked.
Youll get it from the city attorney, Carn answered. I guess thats going to take effect as of tomorrow morning. The city attorney, I guess, will follow up with you about the best way to go about this. We had a motion and we voted, right?
The mayor asked if there was additional discussion, and Hawthorne said there were contract stipulations to consider, and Carn cut him off saying to go to the city attorney.
Broom and Carn entered into a heated back and forth about if Hawthorne wanted to ask, or if he even could ask, due to the item coming out of executive session. City Attorney Winston Denmark said the council could vote yes or no, but there was no law that blocked it.
Hawthorne was given an option to ask a question and Councilman Roderick Gay motioned to end discussion. Then the mayor asked if there would be a vote to limit Hawthornes ability to comment. He was prevented from further discussion and McKenzie said they had not technically voted on termination yet.
Then, council voted to terminate Hawthorne for cause. The vote was split between approval of termination and two abstentions. The whole process took roughly seven minutes, by Brooms count on the record.
In the hours since Hawthornes termination, which occurred at 11:38 p.m. Tuesday night, Public Works Director Dr. Emmanuel Adediran was installed as the interim city manager.
Channel 2 Action News viewed the video posted online and sent multiple requests for comment and explanation to College Park officials.
When asked, the city attorney declined to comment on the situation at all, including whether or not to provide a statement confirming that Hawthorne was, in fact, fired. We are still working to learn more details on what prompted Hawthornes termination.
Wednesday morning, the College Park Office of the City Manager page was updated, showing Public Works Director Dr. Emmanuel Adediran was installed as the interim city manager.
Channel 2 Action News has attempted to contact Hawthorne but has not been able to reach him for comment.
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FILE - Mike Lynch, Colorado House of Representatives minority leader, R-Wellington addresses attendees during a rally, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, outside the State Capitol in downtown Denver. Lynch, who is also running for a seat in Congress, was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of drunken driving and possession of a gun while intoxicated an episode that stayed under wraps until the The Denver Post reported it Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
DENVER (AP) Colorado state Rep. Mike Lynch, who is also running for a seat in Congress, was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of drunken driving and possession of a gun while intoxicated an episode that stayed under wraps until the The Denver Post reported it Wednesday.
Lynch, the Republican minority leader in the Colorado House, is running for the hotly contested U.S. House seat that Republican Rep. Ken Buck is vacating. Far-right Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert is another contestant in the primary after she switched congressional districts last month.
Lynch pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired and was sentenced to 18 months of probation and monitored sobriety, along with a required handgun safety course and a prohibition on possessing firearms. The sentence for the weapons charge was deferred, and Lynch completed the course and is finishing community service.
I just made a mistake, and you don't learn from success, you learn from failure, Lynch said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday. I'm a non-drinker today and plan on staying that way. I own it, and thank God nobody got hurt."
As far as electoral consequences, said Lynch, I believe that people understand that nobody's perfect.
The candidate clocked 90 mph (145 kph) on an interstate north of Fort Collins, Colorado, on Sept. 30, 2022, when Trooper Matthew King pulled him over and smelled alcohol on him, according to a Colorado State Patrol report obtained by The Denver Post.
The report details Lynch telling King he was a supporter of law enforcement and asking the trooper to call Colorado State Patrol's legislative liaison at the state Capitol. Lynch reconsidered when King said he didn't know who that was.
Lynch said he was not trying to bandy his status to get out of repercussions but instead wanted to give those he works with a heads-up.
His blood alcohol content was roughly double the state's 0.08% limit, according to The Denver Post.
JPMorgan Chase Chairman and Chief Executive Jamie Dimon, center, represents the Davos consensus which is to say he has some very wrong ideas. (Patrick Semansky / Associated Press)
Those of us who diligently follow financial forecasts know that the go-to place for mapping out the course of the economy over the coming 12 months is Davos, Switzerland, the host city of the annual World Economic Forum every January.
Rule of thumb: Listen closely to what the gathered business and political leaders predict, then take the other side. Or as the American economist Kenneth Rogoff said in 2020:
"No matter how improbable, the event most likely to happen is the opposite of whatever the Davos consensus is.
"I think this negative talk about MAGA is going to hurt Biden's electoral campaign."
Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase CEO
It's hard to find a single explanation for the long history of Davos attendees missing the signs of impending world recessions or confidently forecasting recessions that never arrive (among other errors).
But an interview of Jamie Dimon, the chair and chief executive of JPMorgan Chase & Co., aired Wednesday morning on CNBC offers a clue: The potentates and plutocrats come to Davos without the slightest clue of what they're talking about.
As he basked in the limelight of a CNBC kiosk with snow-flecked Davos evergreens behind him and earnest, parka-garbed CNBC anchors in front of him, Dimon unburdened himself of some remarkably delusional judgments of current affairs and recent politics.
Dimon's general take on politics was that Donald Trump wasn't that bad as a president, and therefore Democrats should be more careful about attacking him and his supporters. "I think this negative talk about MAGA is going to hurt Biden's electoral campaign," he said.
Dimon attempted to get into the minds of MAGA supporters. "I don't think they're voting for Trump cause it's family values," he said.
"Be honest," he said. Trump is "kinda right about NATO. Kinda right about immigration. He grew the economy quite well. Tax reform worked. ... I don't like how he said things about Mexico, but he wasn't wrong about some of these critical issues, and that's why they're voting for him."
Read more: Column: The war on 'junk fees' is gaining ground, but the fight is not yet won
We'll have to unpack some of this ourselves, because Dimon's CNBC interlocutors sat by silently as he spouted off. If they bestirred themselves to ask "how is he right?" those questions and his answers didn't make it into the broadcast. So let's begin.
Is Trump "kinda right about NATO"? While he was president, he told European Commission members (at Davos!), that "if Europe is under attack we will never come to help you and to support you, according to Thierry Breton, a French commissioner. He said Trump added: By the way, NATO is dead, and we will leave, we will quit NATO.
Trump's repeated promise to withdraw from NATO prompted Congress to insert a provision in the annual Defense Appropriations Act barring any president from quitting NATO without the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. The act, including that provision, was signed into law by President Biden in December.
If Dimon was referring to Trump's withdrawal promise or his denigration of the mutual defense provision of the NATO treaty, which commits all NATO members to defending against an attack on any of them, then Dimon's assertion contradicts his own opinion of the necessity of supporting Ukraine against Russia in the CNBC interview.
That battle "is about freedom and democracy for the free world," Dimon said, urging American political leaders to explain to voters why supporting Ukraine is necessary. Ukraine "may be about whether the world is free and safe for democracy for a hundred years." Ukraine isn't a member of NATO, but supporting a European country under attack is obviously incompatible with quitting NATO.
Immigration? Trump's most recent notable comment on this topic is that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country," uttered at a Dec. 17 rally in New Hampshire. Was he "kinda right" about that?
The Trump administration's immigration policy encompassed the outstandingly inhumane practice of family separation, under which thousands of children were forcibly removed from their families on this side of the southern border; as many as 1,000 children are still missing. Was that "kinda right"?
Read more: Column: Short selling makes markets work better. So why do banks want to outlaw it?
In October, the Biden administration settled a lawsuit over the policy by allowing families to remain in the U.S. while they search for their children and committed to ceasing family separations for eight years.
Dimon stated during the interview that securing the border is imperative. He wasn't asked about, and didn't mention, who's responsible for blocking a sensible immigration policy. It's Trump's party: The House GOP caucus is refusing to accept a deal on immigration unless it includes draconian provisions that would ban almost all asylum and mandate the construction of a border wall something that Trump was unable to accomplish himself during his four years in office.
Did tax reform work? No doubt the 2017 tax reform worked for taxpayers in Dimon's class and corporations like his. But there's is no discernible evidence that it achieved what its GOP sponsors claimed were its goals, growing the economy and raising so much government revenue that it would "pay for itself."
As a share of gross domestic product, federal tax receipts plummeted after the 2017 tax cuts to 16% in 2020 from 17.4% in 2016. Nor did the tax cuts have any noticeable effect on wages, despite promises from Trump officials that average wages would be pumped up by $3,000 to $7,000 per worker.
The study that predicted such an outcome, observed Republican economist Bruce R. Bartlett in Senate testimony last May, was "more of a public relations document than a serious analysis; once its purpose was served and the legislation enacted, it was forgotten."
The tax cuts did have a noticeable effect in the world Dimon occupies, however. The average tax rate paid by his corporation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., fell to 24.5% of net income in the five years since the cuts from 38.6% in the five years before their enactment.
It may be true or at least arguable, as Dimon said, that Trump "grew the economy quite well." But there's no question that in many respects his record pales in comparison to his successor's.
In the first three years of his term leaving aside the pandemic year of 2020, when employment cratered Trump achieved average annual job growth of about 289,000. In the latest two years of Biden's term leaving aside the post-pandemic year of 2021, when jobs recovered strongly from the previous year's losses jobs grew by an average 481,000 a year.
Read more: Column: These 63 billionaires supported Trump, showing the necessity of a wealth tax
One can only speculate about the source of Dimon's view about MAGA politics. He's a highly intelligent and accomplished executive; no one without his ability and perspicacity could have remained CEO of the nation's largest bank company for 18 years and its chairman for 17. Much of what he has had to say over that period has been well worth hearing, especially when it concerns business, economics and finance.
Yet in issuing political proclamations, he sounds like someone out of his lane. It's hardly unusual for someone so accomplished in one field and so rich to feel the impulse to stray into topics well beyond his field of expertise, especially when his opinions are sought by sycophantic interviewers in public. Who could resist?
That's also why the cocksure predictions issuing from Davos year after year are so risibly unreliable, the vision of the future so clouded.
In 2022, for instance, the then-president of FTX.US, the cryptocurrency firm's American unit, told attendees that the firm was in a "very good spot" and had so much capital it would soon be looking for acquisitions. The following year, its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, was charged with fraud and the firm collapsed. That same year, Davos was certain that a recession in Europe was inevitable; it still hasn't happened.
In 2008, no one at Davos noticed that the subprime crisis was erupting and therefore that it would produce a major recession. In 2016, no one at Davos expected Trump to win the election or the U.K. to stage Brexit, its departure from the European Union. The following year, the Davos organizers were so mortified that they actually scheduled a session on why the assembled pundits got so much so wrong.
The fact is that bringing together a host of successful but self-important luminaries to forecast the future is a mug's game. They're wrapped up in their own worlds and insulated from what's happening on the ground.
Nor are they accustomed to being challenged in public. One such uncommon moment occurred during a panel at the 2019 meeting, discussing a proposal by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) for a 70% tax rate on income over $10 million.
Panelist Michael Dell, the computer entrepreneur, scoffed. "Name a country where thats worked, ever, he said.
Dell's fellow panelist, economist Erik Brynjolfsson (then of MIT, now of Stanford), jumped right in. "The United States," he said. "From about the 1930s through about the 1960s. ... And those were actually pretty good years for growth. ... Theres actually a lot of economics that suggests that its not necessarily going to hurt growth.
Dell had nothing to say. The panel moderator, Heather Long of the Washington Post, did, however. The top tax rate exceeded 70% only "briefly, in the 1980s, she said.
Not so. The top tax rate in the U.S., as Brynjolfsson said, exceeded 70% from 1936 until 1982, peaking at 94% in 1944-1945. And those decades encompassed some of America's most prosperous periods.
But getting something so fundamental so wrong? Over the World Economic Forum's 53-year history, that's become a tradition.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Smoke hung thick in the air above a section of Concord Pike in Talleyville for several hours on Thursday after a McDonald's restaurant was destroyed in a mid-morning fire.
The blaze, which county paramedics said injured two employees, began a little before 9:15 a.m. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the building.
Talleyville Fire Company Assistant Chief Michael DiMauro said the employees' injuries were minor. One woman was taken to the hospital by ambulance, while the other employee declined transport.
The blaze shut down Route 202 for hours as firefighters from numerous agencies battled the flames. The State Fire Marshal's Office later said the fire began in a heating unit on the roof of the building and was caused "by an unknown electrical/mechanical malfunction in the unit."
A section of Concord Pike (Route 202) is closed in Talleyville as responders battle a fire that has heavily damaged a McDonald's restaurant on Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024).
There were no sprinklers in the building, a news release said.
By noon, firefighters had contained most of the fire, though the fast-food restaurant's roof had collapsed and the inside of the building was blackened. Small flames could still be seen above a drive-thru window, however, as a pair of drones flew above the scene, located at 2507 Concord Pike.
Several onlookers stood outside the building watching firefighters work. One woman said she works for the restaurant, but was not there when the fire began. She declined to speak to a Delaware Online/News Journal reporter, instead directing them to a McDonald's press contact.
At about 12:15 p.m. three hours after the fire broke out a single firefighter climbed to the top of a fire ladder that had been extended over the McDonald's. He could be seen looking down at the building before directing a hose and spraying water downward.
Thick clouds of gray and white smoke wafted over the area as firefighters directed their hoses to several still-burning spots in the building.
Emergency personnel from Claymont, Talleyville, Five Points, Elsmere, Brandywine Hundred, Hockessin and Bethel Township, Pennsylvania fire companies and New Castle County Paramedics encircled the restaurant.
'Smoke pouring from everywhere'
According to DiMauro, firefighters who arrived on the scene soon after the 911 call were greeted with "heavy smoke pouring from everywhere."
Crews quickly entered the building and tried to fight the flames from inside, but the fire was "well advanced above the ceiling before we even got here," DiMauro said.
A section of Concord Pike (Route 202) is closed in Talleyville as responders battle a fire that has heavily damaged a McDonald's restaurant on Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024).
"It got to be too much and we started to have the roof collapse," he said. "We had to pull everyone out."
None of the approximately 100 fire personnel from numerous agencies were injured, DiMauro said. Paramedics said the employee who was taken to Christiana Hospital was a 30-year-old woman who had chest pain. The man who declined transport was 25.
By about 12:30 p.m., firefighters had extinguished the majority of the blaze but were still working to put out hot spots. Two could be seen near the drive-thru windows, where orange flames poked through charred, black rafters.
DiMauro said once those were extinguished, crews would clean up and head out. He said though firefighters worked in the bitter cold for several hours, they were handling the weather well.
Firefighters direct water toward a fire hot spot at the McDonald's on Route 202 in Talleyville on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
"It's a little cold but we're pushing through it," DiMauro said. "We'll get the job done."
A fire here previously
This is not the first fire that has occurred at the popular restaurant, operated by the family-owned Dukart Management Corp.
In late 1999, a 17-year-old worker suffered smoke inhalation and briefly lost consciousness after the State Fire Marshal's Office said another employee started a fire. The teen worker was eating her lunch in the store's basement break room when the blaze broke out.
Seeing smoke, the worker hid in a corner instead of running upstairs. Firefighters rescued her from the basement and took her outside where she was treated.
Representatives from Dukart Management could not be immediately reached on Thursday. The family and its business, which has offices adjacent to the damaged restaurant, is responsible for starting Delaware's first McDonald's as well as the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.
A McDonald's assistant manager is carried away after a blast ripped through the Newark McDonald's on Dec. 1, 1976.
In 1960, Leonard Dukart opened the state's first McDonald's on Newark's East Main Street. The restaurant would later have to be rebuilt after a gas explosion destroyed the building and injured 22 people in December 1976.
Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fire at Talleyville McDonald's destroys building
You are here: China
A new-generation large language model, capable of accepting and processing about 300,000 Chinese characters at one time, was released in Shanghai on Wednesday.
The limited context length of large models is a significant problem in artificial intelligence.
The new model, InternLM2, was developed by the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, SenseTime, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Fudan University.
In an experiment, the researchers fed the model a three-hour public meeting transcript and asked it to extract salient information.
The test results showed that although there were many typos in the unproofread text, InternLM2 can accurately extract key information and summarize the speaker's main points.
The developers aim to advance the language modeling ability of the model base by improving the corpus quality and information density.
The Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory said that it continues to license InternLM2 for free commercial use.
The National Park Services proposed removal of a statue of William Penn from Philadelphias Welcome Park turned out to be short-lived. Announced on Jan. 5, 2024, the proposal was quickly pulled from consideration due to a public firestorm.
The Republican leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives accused the Biden administration of attempting to cancel William Penn out of whole cloth. The proposal was, he said, an example of contemporary left-wing wokeism. The states Democratic governor had also opposed the plans.
Setting aside debates over whether the statue should remain in its Welcome Park location or not, however, you could ask a slightly different question: Should there be a statue at all?
Born in London in 1644, Penn spent the better part of his adult life advocating against the persecution of religious dissenters. King Charles II granted him an American colony in 1681; he traveled to America the following year, arriving on the ship Welcome hence the name, Welcome Park.
Penn envisioned his colony as a place where civil and religious liberty could thrive in ways that were impossible in his home country. Although he spent just four years in America, he oversaw the founding of the colonial government as well as its capital city, Philadelphia. Since 1894, a 37-foot statue of Penn has graced the top of Philadelphia City Hall; the present controversy had to do with a 6-foot replica of that statue, located at the former site of Penns first Philadelphia home.
Having spent the better part of two decades studying Penns life, career and legacy, one thing stands out to me clearly: The Quakerism that transformed Penns life in Ireland, in his early 20s, and that he spent the rest of his life serving and promoting, was profoundly hostile to expressions of human vanity. It condemned anything that suggested the elevation of one individual or social class over others.
In other words, William Penn might well have objected to a William Penn statue.
William Penn and several family members are buried here, or somewhere near here, in Jordans, England. Gregory Zucker, contributed, CC BY
Opposing expressions of vanity
These egalitarian principles expressed through such vehicles as plain speech and dress, a refusal to remove hats to honor social superiors, and a rejection of luxurious apparel and worldly titles precipitated a bitter rupture between Penn and his father when he became affiliated with the Society of Friends the formal name for the Quakers in 1667. They also set him on the path that would lead him to Pennsylvania 15 years later.
Penn made his name as a defender of such plain principles. He was fined by the judge for refusing to remove his hat at his 1670 London trial for unlawful assembly and disturbing the peace, stemming from his preaching to an unauthorized religious gathering. As he put it, I do not believe, that to be any respect. Despite numerous threats from the judge, Penns jury found him not guilty. The fine for refusing to remove his hat, however, remained in force. He had earlier offered no fewer than 16 reasons against such hat-honour in his pamphlet, published in 1669, titled No Cross, No Crown.
A decade later, shortly after receiving his colonial charter, Penn took pains to ensure that people knew his American colony was not named for him, which would have represented the height of personal vanity. It was named for his father, a well-known naval commander and friend of Charles II. Though William Penn had proposed New Wales, that name was rejected; when he suggested Sylvania, the king added Penn.
Thus was born Pennsylvania, Penn wrote in a letter to fellow English Quaker Robert Turner, a name the King [gave] it in honor to my father whom he often mentions with praise. Penn even tried to bribe the undersecretaries of state to change the name, for I feared lest it should be looked on as vanity in me.
Members of the Society of Friends were so committed to opposing expressions of vanity that for a time, both during Penns lifetime and for years after his death, they forbade grave markers entirely.
Unmarked grave or grand mausoleum?
Penn died in 1718 in England. Philadelphia lawyer George Harrison was deputized by Pennsylvanias government to bring Penns remains back from England to Philadelphia in 1882, to mark 200 years since the founders first arrival.
But Quakers in Jordans, a village in Buckinghamshire, England, where Penn is buried, insisted that the precise location of Penns remains were unknown. The meeting in other words, the local Quaker congregation had decided to do away with gravestones entirely in 1766. Friends Meeting clerk Richard Littleboy told Harrison that no one was entirely sure where Penn rested.
Jordans Friends also pointed to the incongruity of Penn being interred in a grand mausoleum, with pomp and fanfare, as Pennsylvania officials planned to do, when Friends principles pointed so firmly in the opposite direction.
Littleboy protested the removal of his remains to a trans-atlantic home, amid the pomp and circumstance of a state ceremonial, accompanied in all probability by military honors and parade, which he considered utterly repugnant to Penns character and sentiment.
And so Harrison returned to Pennsylvania empty-handed, and Penn remains to this day somewhere in the burial ground outside Jordans Meetinghouse in Buckinghamshire, England.
From City Hall to Welcome Park
The statue in Welcome Park pales, of course, compared to the massive Penn that stands atop City Hall, and which, as an iconic part of Philadelphias skyline for more than a century, is surely not going anywhere anytime soon.
The Welcome Park site more generally which also includes a model of the Slate Roof House, Penns first home in Philadelphia is a historically significant site that merits upkeep and interpretive resources appropriate to 21st century concerns. There are many ways to accomplish these tasks. It is worth noting that representatives from the Native American tribes consulted by the Park Service on the plan for the park apparently were not especially concerned about either the statue or its location in Welcome Park.
The statue itself in miniature, at Welcome Park, or supersized, on City Hall implicitly poses its own question: How best to commemorate someone who spent his life guided by the principles of a group that resisted commemoration?
This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.
It was written by: Andrew Murphy, University of Michigan.
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In the past I received a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship (2011-12) to study Penn's political thought.
After months of stalled negotiations and short-term funding resolutions, the House of Representatives finally passed a measure on Thursday to keep the federal government funded. The effort received minimal support from Republicansnearly half of whom, 106 members, actually voted against the initiative.
It passed in a 314108 vote with near-unanimous support from Democrats, some 207 of whom voted for the measure, compared to just 107 Republicans. The bill is now on its way to President Joe Bidens desk.
The short-term spending bill was voted on by the House just two hours after the Senate passed it, narrowly bucking a looming two-part shutdown that was set to begin on Friday. The continuing resolution has granted Congress an extra six weeks to coordinate a full spending measure before its next two-part shutdown deadline, slated for March 1 and March 8, when funding for agencies ranging from the Department of Defense to the Food and Drug Administration will finally run dry.
The passage of the stopgap resolution is a win for House Speaker Mike Johnson, who pulled off a bipartisan deal that his predecessor, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, failed to. Facing a momentous countdown on the clock, Johnson cut a deal with other congressional leaders in order to avert the shutdown, despite outsize pressure against it stemming from the House Freedom Caucus.
Johnson has struggled in recent weeks to keep hold of his newfound power since he won the Houses highest seat in a shocking election in October, enduring calls by far-right hard-liners in the House to kick him out just three months into his tenure.
On Wednesday, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said she would personally force a vote to oust Johnson if he cut a deal to fund Ukraine, regardless of bipartisan negotiating.
We cant fund Ukraine, she told NBC News, calling it an absolute no-gothat would be a reason to vacate.
But Johnson appeared nonplussed by the threat, pointing out that he had a job to do.
We all have to do our jobs, Johnson said on CNNs The Source. Marjorie Taylor Greene is very upset about the lack of oversight over the funding and over the lack of an articulation of a plan, as am I.
Ive talked with her about it personally at great length, and shes made her position very clear, he continued. We have to do our job. We have to continue to ensure that were covering all these bases, and well see how this all shakes out. Im not worried about that. I got a job to do here. And we have to make sure we get the answers that we demanded.
This story has been updated.
WASHINGTON Congress is striving to accomplish what rarely gets done in an election year: three separate bipartisan agreements on taxes, spending and immigration policy.
Landing even one deal would be considered a win before lawmakers depart for the campaign trail this summer, when partisan presidential politics kicks into high gear and action on Capitol Hill hits a standstill.
House and Senate leaders have made some progress on agreeing to top-line spending levels for the fiscal year, but theyve yet to finalize important details and pass a bill. The appropriations process remains a huge mess, and all Congress has been able to do is pass short-term measures averting a government shutdown.
Meanwhile, a Senate group led by Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) has pursued an even more challenging bargain pairing immigration reform and tougher border policies with military aid to Israel and Ukraine.
The unfinished deal has been subject to a barrage of criticism from conservatives, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who, like his predecessor as speaker, Kevin McCarthy, is facing a far-right faction within his narrow GOP majority that isnt happy with making any concessions to Democrats, even if they have support from Senate Republicans.
Already, some House Republicans are urging their Senate counterparts not to agree to any border deal with President Joe Biden because the incredibly hard task of reforming the nations immigration laws will somehow get easier for Republicans if Donald Trump becomes president again.
To those who think that if President Trump wins, which I hope he does, that we can get a better deal you wont, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told reporters on Wednesday.
Theres been a group of folks who have proclaimed themselves as the conservatives, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) said of the GOP hard-liners. Whats starting to come out is this has nothing to do with being conservative. This is all to do with being celebrities.
Murphy suggested the dynamic in the House may be the biggest obstacle to finalizing an immigration and foreign aid deal.
Theres no doubt that the House is a big mess right now, Murphy told HuffPost. But that cant stop us from trying to do our job, which is to seek bipartisan compromises on tough, tough issues.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) speaks at a news conference Wednesday following a closed-door lunch meeting with Senate Democrats at the Capitol. He said the House has a duty to
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) speaks at a news conference Wednesday following a closed-door lunch meeting with Senate Democrats at the Capitol. He said the House has a duty to "seek bipartisan compromises on tough, tough issues.
In response to a surge of migrants at the southern border, Republicans have proposed sweeping changes to asylum and parole laws that allow migrants to enter the country without giving them status as legal permanent residents, including limiting the administrations parole authority and narrowing the circumstances under which a migrant can seek asylum in the U.S. the biggest hang-ups in the talks right now.
But Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), who chairs the powerful House Rules Committee, said the immigration deal, if it ever makes it through the Senate, could go down at the hands of House Republicans who say its not strict enough but who are actually opposed to funding Ukraines defense against Russia.
We have some people who are prepared to say any border agreement is not enough, mostly because theyre against Ukraine and its packaged with that, Cole said.
Meanwhile, the top lawmakers working on tax policy in the House and Senate have been negotiating for weeks on a deal to expand the child tax credit alongside a revival of lapsed business tax deductions. This week they announced theyd reached an agreement but its anyones guess if it can make it through Congress and to Bidens desk.
The proposal, hashed out by Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), would expand the child tax credit so that low-income working parents would be able to receive larger refunds after they file their taxes a priority for Democrats. The Republican side of the deal would restore business deductions for research and for capital investments.
The Wyden-Smith proposal has received mixed reviews by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), House Democrats point man on taxes, said the child tax credit changes should better resemble what Democrats passed in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan. That law temporarily boosted the credit from $2,000 to as much as $3,600 per child and allowed households with no incomes to qualify.
The Wyden-Smith proposal would allow families who already qualify for the credit to receive a larger portion as a refund, and it would give them flexibility to base their eligibility on whichever of the two most recent tax years provides the biggest benefit. But it wouldnt expand eligibility to households with no income, meaning the credit would retain the work requirement for recipients that many Republicans have described as a priority.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) is skeptical of a child tax credit expansion that's part of a business tax deal with Republicans.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) is skeptical of a child tax credit expansion that's part of a business tax deal with Republicans.
We would like a more predictable path to cash flow for poor people, Neal told HuffPost on Wednesday, echoing criticism from Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), a prominent supporter of the child tax credit who has suggested she would not necessarily back a more modest change.
The Wyden-Smith deal pairs business and family tax breaks in order to win support from Republicans and Democrats, but some lawmakers stray from their party positions. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) told HuffPost he liked the idea of expanding the child tax credit better than the business tax credits in the deal.
Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) also said he supported the child tax credit expansion. We cant keep saying we support family values and not do things to promote it, said Van Orden, who got into hot water after he yelled at a group of Senate pages for taking photos in the U.S. Capitol last year.
But most Senate Republicans have approached the deal cautiously, suggesting theyd like to see changes before they sign on.
In a bad sign for its odds of passage in the Senate, Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a key player who has been active on the issue, told HuffPost he had concerns about the deals $70 billion price tag.
Im going to have a hard time adding more money to the child tax credit, Romney said Wednesday, adding that he preferred Congress instead pass his deficit-neutral bill that would give monthly cash payments to parents.
Congress must find solutions to help families take on the important job of raising children, and I believe we can accomplish this without adding to the deficit, the senator added in a statement. (Wyden and Smith offset the cost of their bill by cutting a controversial employee retention tax credit so that the tax package wouldnt add to the deficit.)
It may be difficult for Congress to write complicated legislation on a controversial topic during an election year, but its not impossible. In 2022, following two high-profile mass shootings, Murphy helped negotiate bipartisan gun safety reforms that made it to Bidens desk.
Compared with talks over immigration and foreign aid, Murphy said, gun reform was easy. That was a piece of cake.
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WASHINGTON The top Republicans in Congress have told the Supreme Court that Colorado was wrong to disqualify Donald Trump for ginning up the crowd that assaulted the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
In a court filing signed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and two-thirds of congressional Republicans, the lawmakers said Colorados decision ignored the role of Congress and used too broad a view of what it means to engage in insurrection.
Anyone viewed as morally complicit could be swept within this vague definition, they wrote.
After the then-GOP-controlled Senate acquitted Trump in 2021 on an impeachment charge of inciting an insurrection, McConnell said Trump was nonetheless practically and morally responsible for proving the events of the day.
The people who stormed this building believed they were acting on the wishes and instructions of their president, and having that belief was a foreseeable consequence of the growing crescendo of false statements, conspiracy theories, and reckless hyperbole which the defeated president kept shouting into the largest megaphone on planet Earth, McConnell said in a scathing floor speech.
Related: Why Trump's critics are citing Justice Gorsuch in fight over ballots, insurrection
President Donald Trump arrives at the U.S. Capitol to attend the Republicans weekly policy luncheon on March 10, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
Colorado's Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump was barred from another term and therefore banned from that states primary ballot by a Reconstruction era provision in the 14th Amendment intended to keep federal officials who sided with the Confederacy from regaining power in the reconstructed federal government.
Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination, appealed that decision. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Feb. 8.
The Republican lawmakers are among the many outside interests urging the court to side with either Trump or Colorado. The filing was led by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
Republican lawmakers say states cant use the 14th Amendment unless Congress passes legislation authorizing enforcement of the section relating to insurrection.
The lawmakers also make another argument Trump included in his appeal: That the insurrection provision doesnt apply to former presidents.
And they rejected the charge that Trump engaged in insurrection.
The Colorado Supreme Court, lawmakers said, sailed right past President Trumps repeated statements to his supporters both before the breach of the Capitol and after it was breached telling them to act peacefully.
The Colorado Supreme Courts decision does reference those statements but says Trump didnt condemn the violence nor asked the mob to disperse while rejecting pleas from House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy to intervene.
McConnell, in 2021, said Trump only halfheartedly began calling for peace instead of immediately telling the mob to depart.
But McConnell has also said he will support Trump in this years election if he wins the GOP nomination.
In Thursdays court filing, McConnell and the other lawmakers said engaging in insurrection requires more than encouraging or inflammatory message of moral support or organizing a political rally that ultimately results in political violence.
Taking a more expansive view, they argued, will lead to widespread abuse of the 14th Amendment.
Most legal experts believe the high court will have to resolve the case, but will seek a way to do so narrowly. Dozens of similar lawsuits are pending in states across the country.
Related Maine ruling on Trump leaves his name on the ballot. What will the Supreme Court say?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court asked to keep Trump on ballot by Republicans
Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York will campaign with former President Donald Trump in New Hampshire on Friday night at a campaign rally in Concord, a source tells CBS News. Soon afterward, Stefanik tweeted about her plans. Then on Saturday she will speak at Trump headquarters in Manchester, the campaign says.
This is the first time Stefanik, who is also the House GOP chairwoman, will join Trump as he tries to win the New Hampshire primary. Her appearance also comes at a time where she is rumored to be among the potential picks to be Trump's running mate.
File: Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) speaks at a press conference following a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 16, 2023. / Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Stefanik was among the first members of Congress to endorse Trump in the presidential primary season in November 2022, when he announced his third bid for the White House. She's viewed as a loyal ally to Trump, according to sources.
Recently, Stefanik called on former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to drop out of the presidential race and back Trump.
"I am calling on every other candidate all of whom have no chance to win to drop out, so we can unify and immediately rally behind President Trump so that we can focus 100% of our resources on defeating Joe Biden to Save America," she wrote in a statement.
In December, Stefanik won rare bipartisan praise for questioning top university presidents about why administrators hadn't yet punished students or eliminated student groups using hateful and violent language against Jews.
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A "contentious" court hearing is expected as the state's death penalty case against the El Paso Walmart mass shooter continues to move at a slow pace nearly four and a half years since a racially-motived shooting left 23 people dead and dozens more injured.
El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks and gunman Patrick Crusius' attorneys will provide updates on where each side stands on the case during a status hearing at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, before 409th District Court Judge Sam Medrano at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in Downtown El Paso.
Key arguments expected to be heard during the hearing include the handling of evidence, request for deadlines for pretrial motions to be filed to begin the process of setting a trial date and splitting the original case against the gunman into two different cases.
"We anticipate that (Jan.) 18th will be a contentious hearing with various allegations being made by the defense," Hicks said. "We ultimately hope that the judge will set a deadline date for all pretrial motions to be heard or to be filed. And then for the judge, once those pretrial motions have been filed, we, of course, will ask for hearing dates after that so that the judge can wade through all of the pretrial motions and have hearings on those motions and then we can get to the actual purpose of being here, which is to try this case to a jury."
Accused El Paso Walmart mass shooter Patrick Crusius is arraigned Thursday, October, 10, 2019 in the 409th state District Court with Judge Sam Medrano presiding. Crusius, a 21-year-old male from Allen, Texas, stands accused of killing 22 and injuring 25 in the Aug. 3 mass shooting at an East El Paso Walmart in the seventh deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history and third deadliest in Texas. Crusius entered a not guilty plea along side his attorneys Mark Stevens and Joe Spencer.
The gunman's attorney, Joe Spencer, also is hopeful a deadline for motions will be set at the hearing but said his team continues to receive "massive amounts of evidence" from state prosecutors. Evidence is also referred to as discovery in court proceedings.
"We want to get to a trial date assuming we're able to make sure we have all of the discovery and we reviewed it," Spencer said. "We are in the process of going through what was dumped on us in the last six weeks and we hope to have a report to the judge on Thursday of what the District Attorney's Office has given us and when we think we might be able to go through it because it hasn't been given to us in a format with the date stamped, index or categorized that is not usable without having to go to each individual file."
Medrano declined to comment.
More: Hes here with me: Walmart shooting survivor honors late father at quinceanera
The gunman, from Allen, Texas, already pleaded guilty to committing the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting at an East El Paso Walmart. He killed 23 people and injured dozens more. The gunman confessed during the federal court proceedings to being a white supremacist and targeting Hispanic shoppers at the store during one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.
He pleaded guilty Feb. 9 to 90 federal charges. He was sentenced July 7 to 90 consecutive life sentences in federal court for the mass shooting. However, unlike the U.S. Attorney's Office, the El Paso District Attorney's Office is seeking the death penalty against the gunman.
The state prosecutors trying the case include Hicks, Rebecca Tarango, Rick Locke and John Briggs. The gunman's defense attorneys are Spencer, Mark Stevens and Felix Valenzuela.
What evidence remains pending for defense review?
A gag order issued in the case prevents state prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses or anyone directly connected to the case from publicly commenting on specific evidence or issues.
A status hearing held in September revealed delays, with state prosecutors still working to turn over evidence to the Walmart mass shooting gunman's legal team.
Hicks and his team promised in September all major evidence would be turned over to defense lawyers by the end of December. Hicks said his team met that deadline.
"All of the substantial evidence, all of the material evidence, all of the main bulk of the evidence has been turned over to them," Hicks said. "There is always going to be supplemental evidence or additional supplements that need to be turned over. Every time we meet with witnesses, there's some addendum to a witness statement, and that is always going to be the case and always is the case in almost all complicated capital murder-type cases.
"So there will always be ongoing discovery, as is our obligation. So, any time we discover anything new, we are obligated to turn that over. However, and I emphasize all substantial evidence, everything substantial has been turned over to the defense in this case and was done so by the early- to mid-part of December."
El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks speaks to the press after listening to the victim impact statements after Facundo Chavez's trial on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023. An El Paso jury has returned a death penalty sentence for Chavez, who was convicted of killing El Paso Sheriff Deputy Peter Herrera during a 2019 traffic stop.
Defense attorneys, however, continued to receive key evidence in the days leading up to Thursday's hearing, Spencer said.
"We got an email (Tuesday) saying, 'oh, we've got more evidence that we're downloading that we're going to get to you that we just got from detectives and rangers back in August,'" Spencer said. "He (Hicks) said they were ready in November. He said they were ready in December. He said they turned over the evidence and we have emails from their office saying, 'come pick up more evidence.' So he keeps misrepresenting when he says he's ready to go (to trial). He knows that we have to have all of the evidence, and he knows what our ethical, moral, and legal obligation to our client is to review all of the evidence. He's being very disingenuous when he represents to the public that he is ready to go."
Without defense attorneys being given adequate time to review all evidence, the case against the gunman will remain pending in state court, Spencer said.
"This case is not going to reach judicial finality if we rush to trial," Spencer said. "If we are not given all of the evidence and allowed to review it, we're going to be back here 20 years from now trying this case again. He (Hicks) first came into office a year ago and represented to the public that the Walmart case was going to be his number one priority. Why in the last six weeks have we gotten over 10 terabytes of discovery?"
Hicks said he and his team are ready for trial when Medrano sets a trial date.
"We are absolutely ready to try the case now," Hicks said. "However, of course, the trial process is that we have to go through pretrial hearings. We understand that we are ready to go through those pretrial hearings. We just need the court to set a deadline for both sides to file pretrial motions to have those hearings. And then the next process after that will be to go through the jury selection."
Hick added, "This has been the number one priority since I took office and absolutely has remained the number one priority. We continue to move this case forward. I'm very proud of the work of everyone in this office. We are moving this case forward with efficiency and with an eye towards seeking justice for the people of our community."
Lead defense attorney Joe Spencer speaks to the news media outside the Albert Armendariz Sr. Federal Courthouse in El Paso, Texas, on July 7, 2023, after his client, Patrick Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences for the mass shooting that occurred Aug. 3, 2019, at a Walmart in East El Paso.
Court filings begin to show legal strategy as trial awaits
The gunman was initially indicted Sept. 12, 2019, on one count of capital murder of multiple persons. He was then reindicted June 25, 2020, on one count of capital murder of multiple persons and 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
In September, Hicks dismissed the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on the 2020 indictment. He then reindicted the 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on their own, court records show. The gunman now faces two cases one case of capital murder of multiple persons and another with 22 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The cases will be taken to trial separately before two different juries, Hicks said.
"They (previous DA Jaime Esparza administration) indicted the capital murder charge with the aggravated assault charges in order to preserve the statute of limitations and to give the subsequent administrations the maximum amount of latitude in deciding what would be the best way to proceed to trial," Hicks said. "In our strategy decisions, we have decided that the best way to streamline the trial process, we have indicted the aggravated assault charges with the hate charge provided and taken them from a second degree to a first degree felony under a separate case, and then dismissed the aggravated assault charges out of the capital murder charge, creating two separate cases."
More: Scheduling conference reveals ongoing evidence delays in Walmart mass shooting case
The capital murder charge would likely go to trial first, Hicks said.
"We presume that the capital murder charge case will go first," Hicks said. "Whatever the jury decides to be the appropriate punishment on the capital murder charge, the aggravated assault charges themselves, the facts of the aggravated assault charges are all part of what happened with the capital murder, so you can't separate the facts, you just separate the charges. So it's legally, I understand a little confusing, but it doesn't mean that the facts are separated. Just the charges are separated."
Patrick Crusius, 24, was sentenced Friday morning to life in prison on each of 90 federal charges he pleaded guilty to earlier this year in connection with the Aug. 3, 2019, mass shooting that killed 23 people and injured dozens more at an East El Paso Walmart.
Spencer argued the decision to separate the case would only prolong the process and cost taxpayers more money.
"This tells me that they (state prosecutors) do not understand what goes on when it comes to jury selection," Spencer said. "This seems like they are actually attempting to minimize the other 22 victims and give a false sense of hope to the community that somehow it's going to make jury selection shorter. To me, it's going to be the complete opposite. It's not going to make it shorter. We're going to double the cost to the taxpayer. We're going to double the time of getting to judicial finality."
The decision to split the cases will not delay the case as the verdict on the capital murder charge will impact how his office moves forward on the other charges, Hicks said.
More: El Paso district attorney borrowing county funds to hire staff for Walmart shooting case
"It will not delay the process at all," Hicks said. "The decision on whether or not to go forward on the aggravated assault charges will be made after the conclusion of the capital murder trial."
Hicks added any suggestion that the decision puts more importance on one set of victims over the other victims is out of line.
"Every victim in this case is important to us," Hicks said. "Every victim of this case, whether they are the families of the deceased, the injured, victims who survived, or even the people who were just in the Walmart and suffered great mental distress being subject to having someone killed right next to them.
"Every victim of this case, even our community, our victims at large, everyone is a victim of this case. And everyone means a great deal to us. You can't value one person's life over another. You just can't do that. That's just impossible to do, and it's, quite frankly, offensive to even suggest."
Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Walmart shooter case faces contentious hearing
A convicted felon with alleged neo-Nazi ties has been unanimously cleared to remain on the GOP ballot in North Carolina, per the states Board of Elections.
Joseph Gibson III is running to represent District 65which includes Rockingham County along North Carolinas northern border with Virginiain the states House of Representatives.
Its the second time Gibson has appeared on the districts ballot and proved a legitimate challenger. In 2022, the Connecticut native carried more than 20 percent in the North Carolina GOP primary, shortly before he was put on blast by the Anti-Defamation Leagues Center on Extremism for his neo-Nazi ties. The ADL found that Gibson had promoted a rally by the National Socialist Movement, or NSM, one of the largest white supremacist groups in the country, had simulcasted his podcast on the groups network, and had shared the groups manifesto to his social media accounts.
Ive never been to an NSM rally, Gibson told WRAL News last week, denying any relationship with the racist group. Ive never supported them. But I think thats coming from my podcast because I have had them call in. But Ive had Black Panthers call in. I have all sorts of people call in. I believe in the First Amendment.
Still, despite wiping some of the more egregious evidence documented by the Anti-Defamation League from his social media accounts, Gibson retains some eyebrow-raising posts. In one post made in 2021, Gibson used a racial slur against Black people while complaining about an interracial family, per Vice News. In other comments, Gibson agreed with posts by a self-proclaimed former member of the KKK and the NSM, and shared a propaganda video titled, Aryan: Our Purpose.
And yet, Gibson expects apologies, after Republican officials challenged his candidacy. On Tuesday, Gibson told WRAL News that he expects the states GOP to say sorry for his character assassination and political assassination as he returns to challenge state Representative Reece Pyrtle.
Ultimately, the decision is a foreboding omen for those fighting to keep Donald Trump off the presidential ballot, even as he faces the possibility of conviction in any one of his several criminal trials.
The outcome of Trumps criminal trials has proven to be one of the few issues that sways some of his raucous supporters. More than a quarter of Republicans said that the real estate mogul should not be a presidential candidate if hes convicted of a crime, according to a December New York Times/Siena College pollthat could be enough to swing the general election in a matchup against President Joe Biden.
It will be up to voters as to whether they want an insurrectionist in the White House, said Andrew Weissman, a New York University law professor and former lead prosecutor in Robert Muellers special counsel investigation, during The New Republics America in Crisis event on Wednesday evening.
Trump is on the line for 91 charges across four separate criminal cases, for his behavior related to the January 6 insurrection, his attempt to undermine the election results in Georgia, his alleged theft of thousands of classified documents, and the Stormy Daniels hush-money case, in the last of which Trump is accused of using his former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with the porn actress under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
With nearly a year to go before the 2025 presidential inauguration, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) is calling for greater transparency on how presidential inaugural committees use the funds they raise.
The next presidential inauguration will take place one year from now, and we need to have safeguards in place to ensure the American people know who is donating to inaugural committees and how that money is being spent, Cortez Masto said in a statement.
The bill, titled the Inaugural Committee Transparency Act, would increase oversight and public disclosure surrounding donations and how they are dispersed by presidential inauguration committees. Cortez Masto is hoping this will prevent any misuse of committee funds.
Its past time we close loopholes and help make sure that these committees do not become vehicles for corruption or pay to play politics no matter who the president is, she said.
Unlike campaign committees, which are prohibited from accepting contributions directly from corporations, inaugural committees currently can accept unlimited amounts of money from virtually anyone, including companies.
Under the introduced legislation, inaugural committees would be required to disclose to the Federal Election Commission the name and address of each individual who gave a payment of $200 or more, along with the purpose of the payment.
Donations on behalf of another person and putting donations to personal use would also be prohibited, and any remaining funds would need to be donated to a charity within 90 days of the inaugural ceremony.
The Nevada Democrat first sounded the alarm on the topic in 2019 amid reports former President Trumps inaugural committee misused some of its funds. The committee raised more than $100 million for his 2017 inauguration, a chunk of which came from billionaire mega-donors.
This was far more than President Bidens inaugural committee, which raised nearly $62 million, a sum largely financed by corporations and wealthy donors. Bidens numbers, however, were higher than former President Obama, whose inauguration committee raised about $53 million for his 2009 inauguration and $43 million for his second inauguration in 2013.
Federal prosecutors in New York launched an investigation in which the former presidents committee was subpoenaed to turn over documents about its donors, finances and activities.
District of Columbias attorney general also launched a probe into the inaugural committee. The attorney generals office filed suit against the committee in 2020 over allegations it misused nonprofit funds and collaborated with the Trump family to overpay for an event space in the Trump International Hotel, which was later added to the suit along with the Trump organization.
The former presidents entities, along with the inaugural committee reached a deal in May 2022 and agreed to pay the District of Columbia $750,000 to be used for three nonprofit organizations.
Cortez Masto introduced a bill under nearly the same name in the Senate in 2019, but it was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Democratic Reps. John Sarbanes (Md.) and Mary Gay Scanlon (Pa.) introduced similar legislation in November that would require full disclosure of expenditures and contributions over a certain amount, along with a $50,000 limit on contributions. The bill, titled the Inaugural Fund Integrity Act, was referred to a committee.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Flash
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house, in Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
China and Ireland should adhere to mutual benefit, and always regard each other as key cooperative partners and development opportunities, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said Wednesday.
Li made the remarks when meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house, in the Irish capital of Dublin.
During their talks, Li said China and Ireland have maintained healthy and stable development of their ties since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 45 years ago.
In recent years, particularly, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Michael D. Higgins, the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation has increasingly deepened, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, Li said.
China is ready to work with Ireland to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and share development opportunities more fully, in a bid to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, Li noted.
Li expressed China's willingness to work with the Irish side to adhere to mutual respect and trust, strive to seek common ground while shelving and resolving differences, deepen mutual understanding, and support each other on major issues.
China and Ireland should continuously expand trade, strengthen cooperation in green and low-carbon development, sustainable agriculture, finance and other fields, and expand innovation cooperation in digital economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, making the pie of cooperation bigger, he said.
China will apply unilateral visa-free policy to Ireland to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, Li said, voicing the expectation that Ireland will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.
China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Ireland within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism, jointly tackle global challenges and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.
It is hoped that Ireland will play a greater role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-Europe relations, said Li.
For his part, Varadkar said that China is an important cooperative partner of Ireland, and the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect and trust.
Ireland appreciates China's great achievements in economic and social development, always abides by the one-China principle, and hopes that China will achieve peaceful reunification at an early date, he added.
Ireland stands ready to expand two-way investment with China, strengthen bilateral cooperation in such fields as agriculture, food, innovation, and green development, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in education and culture, Varadkar continued.
The Irish side is willing to actively consider providing more convenience for Chinese citizens to visit Ireland, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Ireland, he noted, adding that Ireland supports further deepening Europe-China cooperation.
Prior to the talks, Li attended a grand welcome ceremony held by Varadkar and reviewed the Irish Guard of Honor.
Sir Keir Starmer has said he would never be mates with Rishi Sunak because the two are from totally different worlds.
Sir Keir, the Labour leader, said that although he got on alright with the Prime Minister, he would not be friends with him if circumstances were different.
He made the comments as he allowed cameras to follow him around the country for an ITV documentary, including while in Parliament ahead of the Kings Speech and at a cafe in his north London constituency.
When it was suggested there might be some similarities between him and the Mr Sunak, and that in different circumstances they might have been friends, Sir Keir said: We wouldnt be mates were from totally different worlds.
He also spoke about his time as a student at Leeds University in the 1980s, when he wrote about the authoritarian onslaught of Thatcherism in a Socialist Alternatives magazine.
The Labour leader faced a backlash from his backbenchers last month for praising Thatcher, writing for The Telegraph that she had sought to drag Britain out of its stupor by setting loose our natural entrepreneurialism.
Speaking about his critical words in Socialist Alternatives, he told ITV: Even now I would say the same. What she had was a clarity of mission and purpose. But actually what she did was very destructive.
Sir Keir, who was elected as MP for Holborn and St Pancras in 2015, became shadow immigration minister under Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader. He resigned in protest at Mr Corbyns leadership in June 2016, later returning to become shadow Brexit secretary.
Asked whether he had ever wanted Mr Corbyn to become prime minister, he said: I didnt think the Labour Party was in a position to win the last election, I didnt obviously vote for Corbyn in 2015 or 2016. On the contrary, I resigned in 2016.
I thought that once that 2016 Brexit referendum had happened, I took the view that what then followed in the next few years was going to be felt for generations and that I thought it was my responsibility to play a full part in that.
Sir Keir has frequently spoken about his working class upbringing, with a father who worked as a toolmaker and a mother who was a nurse. He went to a selective state school before going to university at Leeds.
Mr Sunaks parents worked as a GP and a pharmacist. He attended Winchester College before going on to study at Lincoln College, Oxford.
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A lengthy Justice Department report issued today found that the disastrous police response to the 2022 mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, was a result of a lack of leadership and failure to follow well-established principles for responding to active shooters.
The over 600-page review confirms what previous investigations by media outlets and Texas state agencies have reported: that the inexcusable delay in confronting the shooter for over an hour left children and teachers trapped and defenseless inside classrooms.
"The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, deserved better," Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a Justice Department press conference today.
The most significant failure identified by the Justice Department's critical incident review of the mass shooting was that "responding officers should have immediately recognized the incident as an active shooter situation, using the resources and equipment that were sufficient to push forward immediately and continuously toward the threat until entry was made into classrooms."
Instead, because of erroneous information and poor communication, police treated the shooter as a barricaded suspect. That meant officers spent time waiting for additional equipment and trying to negotiate with the gunman. In one instance, they spent 15 minutes waiting for a set of keys to unlock a door that was likely unlocked all along. And it meant that survivors were trapped in rooms with the shooter for more than an hour after the first officers arrived on the scene.
The review found there was no incident command structure among the enormous number of police officers gathered at the school, leading to indecision and chaos both during and in the aftermath of the shooting.
At the Justice Department press conference, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta described how the lack of leadership meant there was no plan to triage the numerous victims after the shooter was killed.
"Victims were moved away without appropriate precautions," Gupta said. "Children with bullet wounds were put on school buses without medical attention."
The report found that city and state officials spread inaccurate information at news conferences, not just about the police response but also the status of victims, which further added to the distress of the community.
As questions about the shooting mounted, the City of Uvalde and Texas law enforcement agencies began to aggressively fight requests from media outlets for public records on the police response. The reason why they wanted the details to remain secret soon became clear.
The Texas Tribune recently reported in excruciating detail how the children and teachers at Uvalde actually followed their lockdown protocols by hunkering down and staying quieteven among their dead and dying friends and teacherswhich led officers to incorrectly assume the rooms had already been evacuated. "I'm watching that door. No screams. No nothing. No nothing," one officer later told investigators. "You know. Things you would think you would hear if there had been kids in there."
The Justice Department report notes, "More than one survivor recalled hearing someone state, 'Say 'help' if you need help,' and when a child tried to say 'help,' the subject reentered room 112 from room 111 and shot the victim."
Meanwhile, survivors inside the classrooms were calling 911, texting family members, and wondering why the police hadn't come yet. The police were busy doing things like holding back a fellow officer whose wife had been shot in one of the classrooms.
One mother who snuck past police into the school and retrieved her two children alleged that Uvalde police threatened her with arrest for obstruction of justice if she continued to talk to the media about what happened.
"This community deserved more than misinformation from officials after the attack," Garland said at the press conference today.
It's worth remembering that, before the most basic details of the botched police response began to trickle out, Texas politicians defaulted to their usual deference.
"The reality is, as horrible as what happened, it could have been worse," Republican Texas Gov. Gregg Abbot originally said. "The reason it was not worse is that law enforcement officials did what they do. They showed amazing courage by running toward gunfire for the singular purpose of trying to save lives. And it is a fact that because of their quick response, getting on the scene of being able to respond to the gunman and eliminating the gunman, they were able to save lives."
The post Damning Justice Department Report Finds Leadership Failures Led to Botched Uvalde Police Response appeared first on Reason.com.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch
In politics as in life, new traditions are forever being born. But it takes a few repetitions before theyre recognized as traditions.
Years ago, for instance, some presidential hopeful got the bright idea to show up at the Iowa State Fair and flip burgers to demonstrate his common touch to future caucus-goers. That wasnt a tradition then. It sure is now.
Lots of politicking in presidential campaigns has become traditional. Town halls in New Hampshire; cattle calls at CPAC; photo ops at Pizza Ranch; accusing your opponent of having cheated, even after youve defeated them.
I suspect well see that last one again in November from the Republican nominee, win or lose. As I say, new traditions are forever being born.
A fun new tradition thats developed in Republican presidential primaries in recent years is doomed also-rans finally blurting out the truth about Donald Trump and his enablers as they approach electoral oblivion.
Marco Rubio did it in 2016 shortly before he was annihilated in his home states primary and left the race. Ted Cruz followed suit not long after, tearing into Trump as a pathological liar on the eve of having his candidacy crushed in Indiana. These were the political equivalent of deathbed confessions: Only when the reaper was at the door did either man feel free to speak with stark candor about their opponent.
Ron DeSantis is the latest Republican to follow tradition by losing to Trump and then truthbombing the rubble of his own campaign.
The bombing commenced last month, as the governor of Florida reckoned with the fact that there would be no last-second groundswell of support for him in Iowa amid Nikki Haleys national surge. He dropped this ordnance in response to a question about the frontrunner potentially alleging fraud if he lost:
Ron DeSantis: If Trump loses, he will say it's stolen no matter what.
Hes not wrong. pic.twitter.com/gasLwxOjs0 Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 15, 2023
Last week, with defeat impending, the bombing campaign intensified:
DeSantis: You can be the most worthless Republican in America, if you kiss the ring, Trump will say you are wonderful. pic.twitter.com/bfbOtN9n1D Acyn (@Acyn) January 15, 2024
As it happened, the most worthless Republican in America did in fact kiss Trumps ring at a rally in New Hampshire on Tuesday. And Trump did in fact turn on a dime from attacking him a few days earlier to praising him lavishly.
The biggest blast from a DeSantis truthbomb, however, originated with this soundbite:
[Donald Trump's] got basically a Praetorian guard of the conservative media Fox News, the websites They just don't hold him accountable because they're worried about losing viewers.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) says conservative media should hold Trump accountable pic.twitter.com/QW4Amx4YVl The Recount (@therecount) January 12, 2024
Theres as much fake news on the right as there is on the corporate press, the governor grumbled to an audience in Des Moines the day before. Its all a rackettheyre trying to get clicks, theyre trying to do all this stuff. Upon reading that quote, one colleague wondered if we should invite him to write a newsletter for The Dispatch. Personally, Im cheered to know that the heroes of right-wing populist media, TrumpWorld included, seem to hold the industry in as much contempt as I do.
Why have deathbed confessions from losing Republican candidates become a tradition?
On paper, Ron DeSantis was set to be the most formidable Republican challenger Trump has ever faced.
He waltzed to reelection in Florida in 2022 on a bad night for his party nationally, raised a ton of money in the process, and piled up one populist policy win after another in executing his strategy to somehow out-MAGA Trump. He also had things going for him that Rubio and Cruz didnt. He got to face the frontrunner post-coup, post-insurrection, post-impeachment, and post-indictment, after Republican voters had learned the hard way what Trump was capable of. And he had molded his political persona over time to suit the populism of the Trump era, leaving him more in sync with the primary electorate than the conservative challengers of 2016 were.
DeSantis actually led in a few very early polls before the primary campaign began in earnest. Imagine having that much wind at your back at the start of the race only to end up limping to the finish line in Iowa, more focused on eking past Reaganite relic Nikki Haley for a very distant second place than actually winning the nomination. The depth of the disappointment must be unfathomable.
A wise man said recently that to understand right-wing politics in 2024 youd do better to ask a psychologist than a pundit. But in this case, the psychology seems straightforward: Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis each enjoyed enormous hype about their national potential yet were ultimately routed by an amateur for whom they feel intense contempt. Rubio was the great young hope of the conservative establishment; Cruz was the fire-breathing avatar of Tea Party populism; DeSantis was the fusion candidate who would at last unite populists and traditional Republicans against Trump.
Each had good reason to believe he might really, truly win the presidency. And each ended up squashed by a guy who was recently found civilly liable for rape and whos begun to refer to Haley by her Indian first name to remind Republican voters that shes not One Of Us.
We should take care never to impute too much humanity to politicians. But while I hold no regard for any of the three, Ill pay them the compliment of believing that each is human enough to have felt sincere, monumental exasperation at having lost to such an unworthy opponent. Its one thing to see ones fondest ambitions dashed, its another to see them dashed by a cretin. The only salve to a wound like that, perhaps, is to speak the truth frankly about him and his toadies. Hence the deathbed confessions.
Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis have something else in common. They werent just beaten by Trump, they were belittled.
You know the nicknames: Little Marco, Tiny D. Ted Cruz suffered the indignity of Trump ridiculing his wifes mental health and even her looks before the end of the 2016 primary. The governor of Florida appears to have developed such a complex about his physical stature during this campaign that hes taken to wearing boots thatallegedlyhave lifts hidden inside, which naturally became a punchline in itself.
Trump doesnt just aim to defeat his challengers, he aims to emasculate them. His obsession with demonstrating strength by humiliating rivals doubtless reinforces the cult of personality hes built around himself. But the wounds he inflicts to their pride in doing so must sting terribly.
The dearth of male pride among Trumps many toadies in Republican politics and media is one of the most curious and dispiriting phenomena of this political era. No one revels in masculine bravado as much as right-wing activists do, yet no one is more likely to bow and scrape before Trump as some sort of alpha daddy. Last month, Cruz half-joked that liberal women are unhappy all the time because their men cant satisfy them; yesterday he formally endorsed the candidate who mocked his wife eight years ago. Male Republican elected officials, as a group, have a shockingly high tolerance for self-abasement.
High, but not limitless. Amid the ordeal of a national campaignthe intense media spotlight, the embarrassment of being routed, the heartache of watching a presidential dream diego figure that Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis might each eventually hit their breaking point and lash out at the bully once theres no longer any denying that hes ruined them. They wont be president but they could at least be men again, however briefly, by telling truths about him that hed rather not hear.
Theres one more component to the new tradition of deathbed confessions: omerta, the code of silence about Trumps unfitness to which all Republicans in good standing must conform.
Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis werent just contending with a more popular opponent. They were contending with a figure who commanded such bizarrely intense loyalty among the grassroots of the party that criticizing him risked hurting the critic more than it did him. Eight years of Trumps leadership has only made that problem worse; historians will marvel at how DeSantis never dared question his fitness for office in this campaign or tried to use his criminal indictments against him, not even when he finally reached the terminal stage and began truthbombing. Rubio and Cruz spoke much more harshly about their mutual opponent in their own deathbed confessions than the governor of Florida did in his.
But its worth remembering how quickly the culture of omerta around the frontrunner developed after he announced his candidacy in 2015.
For much of that campaign, Ted Cruz declined to speak ill of Trump for fear that populist voters who had rallied behind the upstart would hold it against him. Think of that. Cruz was probably the best-known populist in the party at the time, the man who had cynically caused a government shutdown two years earlier to try to block Obamacare from taking effect because he knew how much the Republican base would relish his willingness to fight. If anyone should have felt comfortable challenging Trumps pretensions to working-class-hero status, it was him.
But he didnt, not until it was too late. As Trump took off early in polling, the senator from Texas recognized that antagonizing Trumps base by attacking him aggressively likely would have done Cruz more harm than good. Better to sit back, slather on the flattery, and wait for populists to grow disenchanted with Trump organically, he thought. Well, its now 2024 and hes still waiting. Republicans have spent seven years developing an elaborate framework and vocabulary to explain away [Trumps] problemsthe deep state, weaponized government, partisan prosecutorsthat his base has fully internalized, Benjy Sarlin recently observed for Semafor, explaining the futility of criticizing him. At this late date, for a Republican to tell forbidden truths about Trump is to take his professional life in his hands.
I chafed at that omerta while covering Trumps political ascendance for conventional conservative media. But I cant imagine how much more intense and frustrating it must be for figures like Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis, each of whom had to find ways to try to defeat Trump while steering clear of some of the most potent, irrefutable criticisms of him available. Imagine spending month after month on the trail knowing that the tepid criticisms youre allowed to make arent helping you, yet the harsh criticisms youre not allowed to make, if articulated, would destroy you.
In the end, the pure transgressive joy of defying that stultifying culture of omerta as all hope of victory implodes might make a deathbed confession too sweet to pass up. As miserable as this campaign has been for DeSantis, I bet he never enjoyed himself more than when he called conservative outlets like Fox News a Praetorian guard for Trump and a racket last week. The emperor has no clothes; Ron finally felt free to say so.
Im glad he did. Take it from a guy whos fortunate enough to do that for a living: It feels great.
It would be easier to feel happy for DeSantis getting to reclaim a bit of dignity in defeat if not for a few unpleasant facts. One being that hes a brazen hypocrite.
How seriously can we take a man who grouses about the frontrunners transactional nature knowing that he cut this ad in 2018 to land Trumps endorsement in Floridas gubernatorial primary?
Lobbyist Liam Donovan remembered that and wondered how Republican voters might parse DeSantis accusation. Is Trump really so much more mercenary than the governor himself, or is he just more honest about it?
Another unhappy truth is that DeSantis seemingly has no problem in principle with right-wing media serving as a Praetorian guard for Republican candidates, only that theyve chosen to serve someone other than him. Not so long ago, it looked like things might be different. At New York magazine, Jonathan Chait writes:
One unmentioned irony is that a large chunk of this very same conservative-media apparatus used to work for DeSantis. After January 6, when Republicans assumed Trump was radioactive, conservative media set out to wean the base off Trump and get them hooked on DeSantis. We want to make Trump a nonperson, Rupert Murdoch wrote to a colleague. We see [DeSantis] as the future of the party, a Fox News producer wrote in an email obtained by the Tampa Bay Times. For a period of time from after the insurrection to the middle of last year, conservative media promoted DeSantis infomercial-style.
With Trump momentarily sidelined and the governor riding high for his handling of COVID, DeSantis may well have been the most popular Republican figure in populist media circa 2022. He was so confident that right-wing outlets would rally behind his presidential candidacy that he gave them exclusive access to his campaign early on, cutting off all contact with the dreaded mainstream media to protest their liberal bias.
Now that the Trump cult has reasserted itself and populist media has fallen in line, hes struggling to contain his bitterness over the apparent betrayal. Like practically every other figure in the party, DeSantis was fine being a member of the Leopards Eating Peoples Faces Party so long as his own face wasnt the one being eaten.
A third unpleasant fact is that, for all his truth-telling elan recently, DeSantis will assuredly endorse Trump for president. And almost certainly soon.
Thats an important postscript to the sagas of Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. Any moral force that their cutting criticisms of Trump during the 2016 campaign might have carried into the future was incinerated by their decisions to reconcile themselves to him afterward. Both men endorsed him for president (again) in just the past few days, in fact, knowing that the longer they delayed the more Trump and his toadies would hold their delay against them in the future. Whatever male prideor basic civic dutymight have restrained them from doing so disappeared into the ether long ago, discarded as a hindrance to ambition. Their deathbed confessions in 2016 were the last time they told the truth about Trump and will almost certainly remain so forever.
Theres no reason to think DeSantis confession will be different, as the governor has many burned bridges to repair if he wants to remain a viable candidate to lead Trumps party in 2028.
His deathbed confession may have involved a calculation that the frontrunner wouldnt hold a few harsh words said during the death throes of his campaign against him. Hes no longer a threat to win; who cares what he says at this point? Or perhaps DeSantis anger about losing momentarily blinded him to the potential long-term repercussions of criticizing Trump. If so, hell think better of it once he cools off, as Rubio and Cruz did before him.
Finally, theres the small matter of his timing. Instead of waiting until the campaign had reached garbage time to offer his observations about Trumps mercenary politics and the rights conspiracy of silence around him, why didnt DeSantis speak up boldly six months ago?
Anyone can tell the truth on their deathbed when theres nothing left to lose. As a matter of pride, never mind campaign strategy, he could have taken a risk by starting the truthbombing much earlier.
Im lukewarm about that criticism of him, though, possibly because Ive already sunk into deep fatalism about this endless national nightmare. Chris Christies fate serves as a lesson in hindsight of how a frontal attack on Trump by a more formidable candidate likely would have played with Republican voters, especially after the first criminal indictment was handed down. The Christie experiment failed. The DeSantis experiment likely would have failed as well, with the governor accomplishing nothing except thoroughly destroying whatever national future he might have had down the road.
And so DeSantis probably did the shrewd thing, which is also the cowardly thing, by reserving his truth-telling for when it would no longer benefit or harm him. The only suspense left in the race now is whether Nikki Haley will also start throwing harder jabs at Trump in the final days of her candidacy or whether shell show more discipline than Rubio, Cruz, and DeSantis did by refraining from a deathbed confession of her own. My bet is on discipline: After all, unlike them, Haley is okay with finishing second.
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Flash
Yemenis participate in a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on Jan. 12, 2024. Thousands of supporters of the Yemeni Houthi group held a rally in Sanaa on Friday to protest the U.S.-Britain joint retaliatory airstrikes on the group's camps. [Photo/Xinhua]
Yemen's Houthi group on Wednesday claimed responsibility for launching a missile attack on a U.S. ship in the Gulf of Aden.
"In support of Palestinian people and response to the U.S. and British aggression against our country, our naval forces carried out an attack targeting the U.S. ship 'Ginko Picardie' in the Gulf of Aden with a number of missiles, and the strike was accurate and direct," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.
"Our forces will not hesitate to target all sources of threat in the Arab Sea and the Red Sea within our legitimate right to defend Yemen and to continue supporting the oppressed Palestinian people," the spokesman stressed, adding that any new assault from the United States and Britain "will not go without response and punishment."
"We target only Israeli vessels or those heading to the Israeli ports... Our military operations will continue until Israel ends attacks and siege on the Palestinian enclave of the Gaza Strip," Sarea said.
This statement came after the U.S. re-designated Wednesday the Houthi group as a terrorist organization, which will officially take effect in 30 days.
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement that the designation was in response to the Houthis' continued threats to and attacks on the "United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden," adding that the decision would be reversed if the Houthis cease their attacks.
In January 2021, the Houthi group was designated a terrorist group as the U.S. administration of then-President Donald Trump rolled out a slew of its last foreign policies. The designation was revoked by the Joe Biden administration in February 2021.
The faction immediately responded to the new U.S. sanction, saying the re-designation came for political purposes and would not deter the Houthi operations.
The Houthis have escalated their attacks in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, demanding an end to Israeli attacks and siege on Gaza.
The Houthis have controlled much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, since ousting the internationally recognized Yemeni government in 2014.
Any unexpected death is sad. But the untimely loss of two good men in recent days is profoundly tragic.
Richard Henderson died on a subway car on Sunday night in Brooklyn. Joseph Zadroga died the day before in a parking lot at a rehabilitation center near Atlantic City.
Both deaths were needless and thats an understatement.
Henderson was shot to death when he tried to break up a fight between two subway passengers on Sunday evening. Zadroga was about to step into his car on Saturday afternoon, after visiting his wife at the Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation in Galloway Township, New Jersey, when police say an elderly man behind the wheel of an SUV accidentally hit the gas and plowed into him.
Such are the basic facts about how these men left us. Whats important to remember is how they lived. And understanding that part of this tragedy underscores why their losses are so distressing.
Mike Kelly from 2017: Five portraits of lives forever changed by 9/11
Richard Henderson 'radiated warmth and joy'
Henderson, 45, made his home with his family in Brooklyn but worked as a crossing guard at a private school in Manhattan. To say he was beloved at the World School on 10th Avenue in Manhattans Chelsea neighborhood doesnt really do justice to the way he interacted with students.
Henderson was known as the guy who not only guided students across the street near the school, but acted as an unofficial security guard during recess. Students say he routinely fist-bumped everyone as they walked into school. During breaks, he was known to push young students on swings.
Richard Henderson, 45, of Brooklyn, was shot to death Sunday night when he tried to break up a fight between two subway passengers.
In a statement, World Schools head, Judy Fox, said Henderson was an amazing man who radiated warmth and joy. Fox went on to note that he also seemed to embody a sense of duty that wasnt part of his formal job description, often checking nearby parks after the children returned from recess to make sure no one had left anything behind.
He came to work each day with a warm smile on his face and a kind word for all he came into contact with, Fox said in her statement. He made everyone feel special, cared deeply about our students, and was devoted to their safety and well-being.
After news of Henderson's death spread, students left bouquets by a wall outside the school, with a poster asking passersby to write personal sentiments. The school also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Hendersons wife, three children and two grandchildren. Within days, more than $250,000 had been pledged with more likely to be promised.
More: Brooklyn man fatally shot inside NYC subway train tried to break up fight, reports say
Joseph Zadroga's legacy of respect and love
Joseph Zadroga left behind a similar legacy of respect and love.
Zadroga, 76, had been a cop in North Arlington, New Jersey, for nearly three decades his final years as the departments chief when he retired in 1997. He then devoted several more years to teaching new recruits at the Bergen County Police Academy in Mahwah, New Jersey.
Joe Zadroga with his granddaughter Tyler Ann in 2015 at the North Arlington sports complex named after his son and Tyler Ann's father, James Zadroga.
With his wife, Linda, Zadroga moved to Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, to a spacious home that overlooked the peaceful marshes on the edge of Barnegat Bay. An avid fisherman, Zadroga kept a boat docked during the summer months just a few feet from the back door of his house.
It was here that the quiet retirement that Joe and Linda Zadroga planned changed dramatically.
Their son, James, wanting to follow his father's career, had joined New York Citys police force. When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, took place, James rushed to the rubble of the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, laboring for weeks with other first responders in search of the remains of the more than 400 police officers and firefighters who died there. In just three weeks, he worked more than 500 hours basically round-the-clock.
James, who had been promoted to detective in the NYPD, soon developed severe respiratory problems. At the time, few experts knew how toxic the air at the trade centers rubble had become. Soon, however, scientists learned of a terrible new tragedy that would eventually take the lives of thousands of people including hundreds of first responders and require thousands more to be regularly monitored with annual medical exams.
The most famous victim was James Zadroga. His lungs were filled doctors later said caked with all kinds of toxic matter from Ground Zero. Meanwhile, James wife, Rhonda, suffered a heart attack and died.
James was left with the couples daughter, Tyler Ann, then only 1 year old.
James could hardly walk without someone helping him. He retired from the NYPD on a disability and was living at his parents home in Little Egg Harbor.
On Jan. 5, 2006, he collapsed there and died. Tyler Ann was only 3 years old.
Joseph and Linda stepped in to raise Tyler Ann, who is now in her 20s.
I just sit here at night and cry, Linda told me when I visited the home a dozen years after James died. I have to be strong for Tyler Ann.
Besides their new parenting role, the Zadrogas faced another challenge. Their son was not counted as an official 9/11 casualty.
The Zadrogas mounted a national campaign to draw attention to the health problems that took the life of their son. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg opposed them. So did the NYPD, refusing even to send an honorary contingent of officers to James funeral in North Arlington.
Were angry, Joe told me during that visit in 2017. He mentioned how his son was my fishing buddy and had been a terrific police officer in his own right.
He loved being a cop, Joe said that day. He was the kind of guy who could sit down with somebody and within five minutes would know their life story.
Joe Zadroga did not give up on his sons legacy. He lobbied Congress and the White House and all manner of media. And eventually, the Zadroga Act was passed and signed into law, guaranteeing federal health care funding for decades for first responders and others who developed medical problems from the poisons of Ground Zero.
More coverage: Joseph Zadroga, advocate for first responders of 9/11, struck and killed in NJ parking lot
Let's remember these men for their many good deeds
As news spread this past week of Joe Zadrogas death, many friends remembered how he changed the lives of so many first responders who rushed to the smoke and fire of Ground Zero and were wounded with massive and often mysterious health problems.
The same is now true of Richard Henderson and the legacy of care he left among the students and staff members at his school.
Sadly, both men died far too early Henderson from the bullets fired by an angry man and Zadroga pinned under the weight of an SUV driven by an 82-year-old who police say may have pushed the gas pedal instead of the brake as he tried to find a parking space.
May the memories of both men be framed by their good deeds.
Mike Kelly is an award-winning columnist for NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, as well as the author of three critically acclaimed nonfiction books and a podcast and documentary film producer. To get unlimited access to his insightful thoughts on how we live life in the Northeast, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kellym@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What can we learn from deaths of Joseph Zadroga and Richard Henderson
Ukraines Defence Ministry has reported that Minister Rustem Umierov cancelled his visit to France, where the creation of an artillery coalition will be announced, because he had to participate in the meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry
Quote: "Regarding the participation of the defence minister in the opening of the artillery coalition...
The participation of the defence minister was announced in advance, but the visit may be postponed because yesterday (17 January ed.) the minister of defence took part in the meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
The minister of defence will participate in the opening event of the artillery coalition online."
Details: The ministry also added that now the teams of the Ukrainian and French ministries are working on a new date for the visit.
At the opening of the coalition, the artillery of the Ministry of Defence will be represented by a Ukrainian delegation headed by Deputy Minister Ivan Havryliuk.
Background:
Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov cancelled his trip to France on 18 January at the last moment, citing "security considerations", and said he will participate in the planned events online.
An artillery coalition was expected to be announced during Umierov's visit within the Ramstein-format meeting, involving 20 states led by France and the USA.
The detailed programme of the visit for the media was published on 15 January.
On January 17, the first NATO-Ukraine Council meeting at the level of heads of defence departments was held, however Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, did not attend.
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While membership in NATO and the European Union provides the best security guarantees in the world, Riga still needs to take "real measures" to counter the threat from Russia, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said at the Davos Ukrainian Breakfast on Jan. 18.
European countries should be prepared for hybrid warfare, Rinkevics warned participants, highlighting how the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has employed such methods against Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
Read also: Leaked Bild article provides glimpse of West quietly modeling Russia raising the stakes diplomat
"But our first line of defense is Ukraine. Rinkevics said, noting that Latvias defense industry should strengthen its capabilities to help Kyiv.
We should be more grateful to the Ukrainians, who are now fighting against Russia on the worlds behalf.
Rinkevics also called for the strengthening of Latvia's defense industry, introducing conscription, and increasing defense spending, which is expected to rise to 3% of GDP by 2027.
"Unfortunately, we are always one or two steps behind Putin," Rinkevics said.
Read also: War between NATO & Russia is imminent, according to secret German Armed Forces document Bild
He finds ways to attack us and we find ways to repel those attacks. But we have to be more creative and understand that they are invading without any rules.
Rinkevics added that he sometimes has to convince his NATO colleagues that the alliance could face even more greater challenges in the future, so constant preparedness is necessary.
Polish President Andrzej Duda, British Foreign Minister David Cameron, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and several other important figures are hosting the Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 18.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
In January, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security held a meeting on the draft law on mobilization in full secrecy
The Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security held long meetings on the government's mobilization bill in the first days of 2024 in complete secrecy, news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported on Jan. 18.
Some of the discussions were attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and representatives from other ministries.
Read also: Russia's corpse conscription means Ukraine is always outnumbered but values life Zelenskyy
According to one of the participants of the meetings, "Zaluzhnyi said, in fact, everything he stated publicly, but with additional figures and details," and "when Umerov came, he communicated only with pre-prepared points."
"In general, he was not particularly interested in us," the source said.
He said he was in a hurry for the next meeting and left the Defense Ministry lawyers and his deputy, Kalmykova, to work.
Read also: Ukraines 2024 mobilization: Insights into new bill and fitness standards
Despite revisions, the Cabinet's mobilization bill failed to gain enough support for introduction in parliament, with not enough lawmakers willing to put their names on the controversial bill.
One influential representative in the Rada said that neither the leaders of European Solidarity, Petro Poroshenko, or of Batkivshchyna, Yulia Tymoshenko, nor MP and former Speaker of the Rada, Dmytro Razumkov, "would benefit from voting for mobilization, because it is not and will never be popular among the people."
"To vote for this law means to share all the negativity and responsibility with the authorities," the source said.
The head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, said on Jan. 11 that, following a meeting in parliament with the participation Zaluzhnyi, Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff Serhiy Shaptala, the mobilization bill would be sent back for revision.
The Cabinet initially registered a bill in the Verkhovna Rada on conscription issues on Dec 25.
Read also: Objective component of war: Zaluzhnyi and Umerov comment on increased mobilization at Parliament Committee
The bill received substantial criticism, both from lawmakers and the public at large.
The document was expected to be considered in the first reading on Jan. 11. The second reading, after all the amendments are made, could take place in early February.
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The Ministry of Defense (MoD) refuted information that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had canceled his visit to France over security concerns, as was previously reported by French newspaper Le Monde media, MoD comments provided to NV said.
The Ukrainian MoD will be represented by a delegation led by Ivan Havryliuk at the Artillery Coalition Launch in Paris on Jan. 18, the Ministry reported.
The Defense Ministers visit was reportedly postponed in advance due to his taking part in events at the headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief yesterday. Umerov will take part in the Artillery Coalition launch remotely.
The Ukrainian and French Ministries are currently working to set a new date for his visit.
Read also: France finalizing security agreement with Ukraine Macron
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukraine's Defense Ministry has terminated the last contract with the companies of businessman Ihor Hrynkevych, who is under investigation for a large-scale corruption scheme, the ministry said in a press release on Jan. 17.
Hrynkevych was arrested on Dec. 30 while allegedly attempting to bribe a top official in the bureau. He is charged with offering $500,000 to a state employee in exchange for the return of his property confiscated during criminal proceedings.
The court seized more of the businessman's property in January. He was also served his second suspicion notice for fraud connected to the Defense Ministry contracts on Jan. 17.
Hrynkevych used to be one of the leading suppliers for the Defense Ministry, winning 23 tenders with his companies. According to law enforcers, he failed to complete the contracts and caused the ministry financial damage of Hr 1.2 billion ($31.6 million). The goods Hrynkevych's companies supplied were allegedly of low quality and inappropriate for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.
Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion, Ukraine's Defense Ministry has been involved in several corruption scandals. The most notorious were related to the former Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, one regarding inflated prices for food supplies and the other connected to low-quality winter jackets.
Read also: Investigative Stories From Ukraine: Another procurement scandal spotlights Defense Ministry contractor
Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
With the March 19 primary a little over two months away, Judge Eileen ONeill Burke has nearly $250,000 ready to spend and almost $100,000 more than opponent Clayton Harris III as the Democrats vie to succeed Kim Foxx as Cook County states attorney.
Harris and ONeill Burke were roughly neck-and-neck in fundraising during the final three months of 2023, with Harris raising $200,000 during the final quarter of the year about $15,000 more than ONeill Burke, the latest campaign finance reports released Tuesday show.
But Harris raised less money at the start of the campaign and has spent more, mostly on political consulting, campaign staffing and polling, meaning ONeill Burke began 2024 with about $247,000 in her campaign fund compared with Harris roughly $155,000, campaign finance reports show.
The disclosures were among the highlights of campaign finance reports filed by politicians across Illinois that also showed Mayor Brandon Johnson returning more than $55,000 in contributions he wasnt allowed to accept under a mayoral executive order.
In the race to succeed Foxx, the outgoing states attorney who chose not to run for a third term, Harris has gained an organizational upper hand. He was endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party led by County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and many of its leaders, as well as the Chicago Teachers Union. Harris also has rolled out other endorsements from dozens of local elected officials over the past month.
ONeill Burke also unveiled a series of endorsements in recent days, including U.S. Rep Mike Quigley of Chicago, state Reps. Margaret Croke of Chicago and Marty Moylan of Des Plaines, and Ald. Pat Dowell, who is head of the powerful Chicago City Council Finance Committee. Several trade unions, including the well-funded Operators Local 150, are also backing her.
The Chicago Federation of Labor, an umbrella organization representing area unions, announced this week it was staying neutral in the race.
Both candidates are former prosecutors in the office and are raking in contributions from local attorneys and law firms. Until last summer, Burke was a justice on Cook Countys 1st District Appellate Court, but she stepped down to run for states attorney.
ONeill Burke also has garnered contributions from leaders in the business world: Richard Melman and his son R.J., who head operations for the restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You, each gave $6,900, the maximum amount allowed for individuals, as did Gerald Beeson and Matthew Simon, both of the hedge fund Citadel.
Beesons wife also gave ONeill Burke $6,900, and Rich Melmans wife, Martha, gave $2,500. Investment management firm Artisan Partners director Daniel OKeefe also gave a maxed out contribution.
Beeson supported Paul Vallas in the Chicago mayoral election and is a frequent donor to Republican candidates on the national level. The Melman family are prolific local donors, often giving to business-friendly candidates.
Norman Bobins, former CEO of LaSalle Bank, gave ONeill Burke $2,500. Development firms Lakewest Venture Partners and Magellan Development Group also contributed.
Larry Axelrood, a former county prosecutor, circuit court judge and now mediator, also gave $2,500. ONeill Burke received $500 from attorney Timothy Grace, who has recently represented a Chicago police officer involved in the Capitol breach in Washington, as well as officers involved in the shooting of Anthony Alvarez and Adam Toledo. Hes also represented the local Fraternal Order of Police.
Harris has raised about $50,000 less from the start of the campaign and spent about $50,000 more than ONeill Burke. A significant chunk of that spending $30,000 went back into Cook County Democratic Party coffers, which are used to help pay for countywide mailers and get-out-the-vote efforts. Harris also spent nearly $57,000 on various fundraising, finance and communications consulting.
Among those giving maxed-out $6,900 contributions to Harris are from people who also backed Foxx. That includes Fred Eychaner, a Democratic megadonor who gave Foxx $1.5 million over the years and is a longtime supporter of Preckwinkle; former state Sen. Heather Steans, who also chairs her familys foundation; and Leo Smith, the head of policy at the violence prevention group Chicago CRED.
Harris also has his share of business leaders among his contributors, including from Loop Capital founder Jim Reynolds, Ariel Investments founder John Rogers Jr. and Invenergy CEO Michael Polsky. Former MacArthur Foundation President Julia Stasch also contributed $5,000. Brent Kent, a public policy manager at Lyft, where Harris was a lobbyist, also gave $1,000.
Among attorneys who have contributed to Harris are high-profile personal injury lawyers Antonio Romanucci, who has represented victims of sexual abuse and police shootings, and Robert Clifford, former head of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
Johnson, meanwhile, has followed up on promises he made last year and refunded just over $55,000 in contributions from several city contractors, businesses and lobbyists, according to his latest quarterly report. Accepting those contributions was a violation of previous mayoral executive orders. The Sun-Times first identified $46,500 in contributions Johnson should not have accepted under the executive orders.
Last month, the Chicago Board of Ethics announced it had found probable cause that four lobbyists had improperly contributed to the mayor and could lose their ability to lobby city officials.
Johnsons political spokesman said the mayoral campaigns national compliance team which campaigns hire to review contributions and decide whether to cash checks or return them had used the wrong ethics guidelines.
In all, the Johnson campaign refunded 35 contributions totaling $55,100.
That includes $6,500 in contributions from members of the Tadin family, who run the MAT construction and leasing companies, as well as a $1,500 contribution from Sanchez Construction Services, whose owner also owned the Brighton Park site where Johnsons administration planned to locate a base camp for migrants before the state scuttled the plans over environmental concerns. It also includes donations from those four City Hall lobbyists.
Johnson raised nearly $314,000 for the quarter that ended on New Years Eve and spent just over $215,000. He has just over $2 million on hand.
Among his top donors this quarter were political action committees representing construction trades or firms. The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150s PAC contributed $68,500 to the mayors campaign fund, while the Illinois Road Builders PAC gave $50,000 and the Chicago Land Operators Joint Labor Management PAC gave $60,500. Leaders for Tomorrow a PAC funded largely by GMA Construction Group and other construction firms gave $25,000. Most of those donations landed around the holidays.
aquig@chicagotribune.com
Democrats in the House of Representatives are discussing asking President Joe Biden for the resignation of Brett McGurk, his deeply controversial Middle East adviser, according to a Democratic lawmaker and a senior congressional aide.
Led by progressives who see McGurk as driving a counterproductive Middle East policy with an unacceptable human rights toll, the effort would take the form of a letter to Biden from a group of House Democrats, they said.
A draft has already been written and supporters of the bid expect to secure between 10 and 15 signatories, the lawmaker told HuffPost. The plan is to circulate the letter widely next week and raise the proposal at the next meeting of the powerful Congressional Progressive Caucus, which has more than 100 members.
Frustration has reached a boiling point among Democrats who see McGurk as responsible for harmful policies that undermine Bidens support, the lawmaker said. Sources for this story requested anonymity to discuss ongoing deliberations. Spokespeople for McGurk declined to comment.
The White House adviser has faced significant criticism since he became White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa when Biden entered office in 2021.
Skeptics say that he wrongly focused Bidens Middle East policy on deepening U.S. ties to Saudi Arabia a risky proposition given its record of rights abuses that implicate the U.S., and its resistance to Washingtons requests on matters from drawing closer to Russia and China to preventing spikes in oil prices.
In announcing McGurks appointment, Biden cast him as one of a group of crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants [who] will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore Americas leadership in the world. Current and former U.S. officials told HuffPost that McGurk wields major influence over the president and has sidelined expertise from other national security personnel at agencies like the State Department and Pentagon.
McGurks focus on Saudi matters made him determined to craft a U.S.-brokered deal for the kingdom to establish relations with Israel for the first time since its founding in 1948. Many U.S. officials and regional experts say that the U.S. push for a Saudi-Israel agreement inspired resentment among Palestinians who wanted the Saudis major players in the Muslim-majority world to resist such a bargain without the creation of a Palestinian state. Biden has publicly said that the Oct. 7 attack inside Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas was intended to stymie Saudi-Israel talks.
But despite the October massacre of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the killing of more than 24,000 Palestinians in Israels U.S.-backed offensive against Hamas since then, McGurk has doubled down on the idea of a Saudi-Israel bargain as the way to establish peace in the Middle East, HuffPost has reported. In recent weeks, he has pushed fellow U.S. officials to tie the future of the Palestinian enclave of Gaza to the prospective Saudi-Israel deal, circulating a plan suggesting that Washington can secure reconstruction money from the Saudis, Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, and a Palestinian blessing for the deal as part of an urgent road map for rebuilding Gaza, HuffPost revealed last week.
U.S. officials told HuffPost that the plan was unlikely to succeed one called it delusionally optimistic and, even if implemented in some form, would likely overlook Palestinian discontent, sowing seeds of future violence. The White House National Security Council initially declined to comment, and then called the story not true. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly denied that the plan could be adopted, saying that Israel would not accept the establishment of a Palestinian state or even the limited Palestinian autonomy in Gaza that McGurks proposal envisioned.
Brett McGurk speaks during a security conference in Manama, Bahrain, on Nov. 18, 2023.
Brett McGurk speaks during a security conference in Manama, Bahrain, on Nov. 18, 2023.
Concerns about McGurks handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Gaza crisis are only the latest aspect of his record to disturb some observers. He is one of a tiny group of noncareer national security professionals tasked with Middle East policy under four presidents of different parties. His work on the region began in Iraq under President George W. Bush, and he then remained mostly focused on Iraq and Syria under Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Interviewed for a 2022 HuffPost profile, one former U.S. official said that colleagues inside the government viewed McGurk as the most talented bureaucrat theyve ever seen, with the worst foreign policy judgment theyve ever seen.
Under Biden, he drew particular ire from Democrats who did not support his campaign to encourage the president to travel to Saudi Arabia and meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. That strategy became even more toxic a few months later when the Saudis raised oil prices ahead of the midterm elections, potentially harming Biden and his party.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), a prominent progressive, at the time called for McGurk to testify before Congress over the disastrous visit.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) demanded a wholesale reevaluation of U.S.-Saudi ties, saying, I just dont know what the point of the current alliance is, if we have to work so hard to get the Saudis to do the right thing.
Murphy and 19 other senators have publicly warned Bidens team to tread carefully in making U.S. promises to Saudi Arabia as part of its quest for a U.S.-Saudi-Israel agreement. McGurk has consistently been a pro-Saudi voice inside the administration, recently by pushing for Biden to lift his ban on exporting offensive weaponry to the country, HuffPost revealed in December.
Khanna this week wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that McGurk was involved with failed policy in Iraq, disastrous policy on Yemen, and the initiative for normalization of Israel & Gulf States with an indifference to the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
As evidence of his expertise and success in guiding Bidens Middle East approach, McGurks allies often cite his work on developing a truce between the Saudis and an Iran-backed militia in Yemen called the Houthis that paused a devastating U.S.-backed, Saudi-led military operation in the country.
Yet in recent months, Bidens choices on Gaza have spurred the Houthis to begin attacking commercial shipping in the vital Red Sea, prompting the U.S. and its partners to start bombing Yemen in a campaign that is alarming to top Saudis and risks igniting broader conflict. Two congressional aides say its unclear in Washington foreign policy circles whether McGurk and the administration have a plan beyond launching strikes on Houthi targets, as they have done repeatedly since last week after HuffPost first reported their decision to begin doing so.
Asked Thursday if his response was effective, Biden said: When you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No. Are they going to continue? Yes.
NEW YORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams has his first viable reelection challenger and hell face a familiar foe.
Former City Comptroller Scott Stringer is registering a campaign committee on Thursday and will begin raising funds as he explores a run for mayor, he confirmed to POLITICO.
Stringer had been a frontrunner in the 2021 race until his campaign was derailed by a sexual misconduct allegation.
And as he did then, Stringer will be challenging Adams from the political left.
The Manhattan Democrat charges that the mayor has fumbled city budget negotiations as well as the migrant crisis aligning himself with concerns cited by voters in a December poll that showed Adams with a record-low approval rating.
You cant love migrants on Monday, blame them for the ills of the city on Wednesday and fail to build relationships at the highest levels of government and think its going to be OK, Stringer said in an interview.
He also took a broadside at Adams overall record.
Crimes up, housings down, educations flat, he said. For the last two years, this administration has been steering the ship straight into an iceberg, and we need a new captain to get around these multiple crises.
The mayor's campaign declined to comment.
Criticisms of Adams a retired police captain who won in 2021 as a law-and-order candidate vary from his attention to affordability, to his management style, to his active nightlife.
Stringer is zeroing in on two issues of serious concern to voters: Of those polled by Quinnipiac in December, 66 percent disapproved of Adams handling of the migrant surge and 83 percent expressed worries about his budget cuts.
The mayor and his team have previously responded by noting that major crime, including murder and shooting rates, is down and more jobs are being created under his watch. He regularly says he is steering New York City through an unprecedented crisis with 170,000 migrants arriving since spring of 2022.
Stringer was well positioned in the crowded 2021 Democratic primary for mayor until the sexual misconduct allegation was made about an interaction 20 years ago. He finished in a distant fifth place.
He sued his accuser for defamation, producing sworn statements from allies disputing her account. His suit was tossed because he filed it too late, and he is appealing.
The formalizing of his interest in the race comes when Adams is at his weakest politically, hamstrung by a federal investigation into whether his 2021 campaign colluded with a foreign government and saddled with a 28 percent job approval rating.
Nevertheless, Adams has a massive fundraising advantage. The mayor has more than $2.2 million in his 2025 campaign war chest.
Stringers name was among the contenders in a hypothetical special election in a Slingshot Strategies poll released in December. The survey found he had a 30-18 favorability rating, with 26 percent not knowing him and another 26 percent being undecided.
Other names floated as potential 2025 challengers have included state Sens. Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie; Kathryn Garcia, a top aide to Gov. Kathy Hochul, who came close to beating Adams in 2021; City Council Member Justin Brannan; and former state Assemblymember Michael Blake.
Stringer, who is 63 and white, was initially boosted in 2021 by a coalition that looked nothing like him: younger people, Black, Latino and Asian New Yorkers, all who shared his progressive platform. But backers peeled off when he was accused of unwanted sexual advances.
Stringer will have to rebuild that support to go up against a mayor who remains popular with Black, middle-class and politically moderate New Yorkers.
Senate Democrats underscored their commitment to abortion rights in a press conference on Wednesday, ahead of the 51st anniversary of Roe v Wade. The now-overturned supreme court case provided American women with a constitutional right to abortion for nearly 50 years.
Experts at the briefing described Republican-backed abortion bans across the country as cruel, extreme and causing untold suffering for American women, thousands of whom are forced to travel across state lines for abortions or be forced to remain pregnant.
Senate Democrats will not let anyone turn away from the devastation Republicans have caused, said Senator Patty Murray, a Washington state Democrat. And we will not stop pushing to restore the federal right to abortion.
The briefing comes at the start of the 2024 presidential election cycle, in which abortion rights are expected to be a defining issue. Former president Donald Trump, called the most pro-life president by anti-abortion activists and national organizations alike, has already won the Iowa Republican caucuses handily, and is widely expected to become the Republican partys nominee.
Trump nominated and the Senate confirmed three right-leaning supreme court justices, all of whom voted to overturn Roe v Wade in the case that now governs federal abortion rights Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health Organization.
Even so, anti-abortion laws have become a politically poisonous issue for Republicans. Abortion rights have won at the ballot box again and again, as in Michigan and Kansas. Polls show more Americans than ever support abortion rights. Even Republicans in the House, where caucus members have repeatedly signed on to federal legislation that would amount to a total abortion ban, are now backing away from anti-abortion messaging bills.
The anniversary of Roe v Wade should be a joyous day for our country, a day when the supreme court decided to value a womans right to privacy and autonomy, said the Democratic Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer. In 2022, tragically, alarmingly and outrageously they succeeded when a hard-right majority voted to overturn Roe v Wade, he said.
In addition to the anniversary of Roe, the briefing also comes ahead of the March for Life, the largest gathering of anti-abortion activists of the year. Before the Dobbs decision, anti-abortion activists marched in protest of Roe v Wade. Today, activists strategize about further abortion bans including a federal 15-week ban on abortion.
Dr Austin Dennard is an obstetrician and gynecologist who said she was forced to flee her state for an abortion after her fetus was diagnosed with anencephaly, a severe and fatal condition where a fetus develops without parts of the brain or skull.
We have to flee the state, she said. My state she is a sixth-generation Texan where I practice medicine, where Im raising my family, said Dennard. Then my doctor gave me a hug. Im so sorry, was all she was able to say.
Dennard was forced to travel east, but said she was afraid to use credit cards or tell people where she was going for fear she would be criminally prosecuted under Texass anti-abortion laws.
It was absolutely humiliating and I felt physically and emotionally broken, said Dennard.
Dr Serina Floyd, an OB-GYN in Washington DC and the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood, said only last week she provided an abortion for a woman, who she referred to under the pseudonym Nina.
Nina traveled by bus from North Carolina, where a 12-week abortion ban recently went into effect. She missed her first bus, was able to board a second but arrived too late for her scheduled appointment. Nina was rescheduled for the next day. When Floyd asked Nina where she would stay the night, Nina said she had found a homeless shelter 15 minutes from the clinic.
Nina had no money not for a hotel, not for food, not for nothing. All she had was a bus ticket home, said Floyd.
Another expert, feminist and columnist Jessica Valenti, said she regularly documented suffering, and received more messages from women than she could ever respond to.
When Republicans feign surprise or compassion over post-Roe horror stories they are lying, said Valenti. She said she has documented a quiet campaign by national abortion groups to undermine prenatal testing that reveals fetal abnormalities and to sow doubt about the accuracy of maternal mortality numbers (the US has among the worst in the developed world).
The question I get asked most often is, Why? said Valenti. Republicans, she said, are trying to enforce, a world view that it is womens job to be pregnant and stay pregnant no matter the cost or consequence.
U.S. re-designates Houthis as terrorist organization
Xinhua) 09:16, January 18, 2024
The White House is seen during a snowfall in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 15, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua)
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the designation was in response to the Houthis' continued threats to and attacks on "United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The United States re-designated the Houthi militant group as a terrorist organization on Wednesday, once again labeling it a so-called Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement that the designation was in response to the Houthis' continued threats to and attacks on "United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."
Sullivan said the designation will "impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions." He added that if the Houthis cease their attacks, "the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation."
The designation will become effective in 30 days, Sullivan said. The intervening time between now and when the designation become effective will allow the United States to "ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen," he added.
A senior administration official said during a call with reporters that the Houthi attacks on international shipping were "a clear example of terrorism in a violation of international law and a major threat to lives and global commerce," adding that "they jeopardize the delivery of humanitarian assistance."
The "ultimate goal" of the U.S. action, the official said, is "to convince the Houthis to deescalate and bring about a positive change in behavior." The official said the United States "can consider de-listing this designation" in the event that the Houthis cease their attacks.
Another administration official told the briefing that the Treasury Department will issue five "broad general licenses" authorizing transactions related to food, medicine and medical devices, along with fuel, personal remittances, telecommunications and the operation of ports and airports.
A third administration official told reporters that instead of re-listing the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), the United States considered the SDGT designation "an appropriate tool at the moment," helping Washington achieve its "desired foreign policy effect while minimizing unintended consequences."
On Jan. 10, 2021, the U.S. administration of then President Donald Trump rolled out one of its last foreign policies by designating the Houthis as an FTO. The Houthis were already designated as an SDGT at the time.
In February 2021, the Joe Biden administration revoked both of the two designations, saying the decision was "a recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen."
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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The NATO-Ukraine Council on Wednesday held its first meeting in military format at the chiefs of defense level, Ukraine's mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said on social media.
Major General Serhii Salkutsan, Ukraine's military representative to NATO, addressed the meeting in Brussels on behalf of Valery Zaluzhny, chief commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Salkutsan briefed the participants on the current situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and highlighted the priority needs of the Ukrainian army.
Salkutsan also called for increased weapons supplies to Ukraine, including air defense systems and missiles.
The NATO-Ukraine Council was set up at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July 2023.
Lord Rees said it could not be ruled out that Covid leaked out from a laboratory - Andrew Crowley
A deranged loner could easily unleash a pandemic on the world with a homemade lab and off-the-shelf equipment, one of Britains most eminent scientists has warned.
Laboratories, equipment and expertise are becoming increasingly available globally due to the democratisation of science, with security experts cautioning that acts of bioterrorism are a concern of the same magnitude as chemical or nuclear warfare.
Lord Rees, the Astronomer Royal, cautioned that developments in biotechnology have made it easy for rogue actors to obtain, manipulate and enhance a pathogen.
Speaking in the House of Lords during a debate on biosecurity, Lord Rees, who is co-founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge, said that the worlds experience with Covid-19 is not the worst that could happen.
He described the origin of the pandemic as controversial and said it cannot be ruled out that the virus leaked from the laboratory of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.
We cannot rule out lab leakages in the future, he added.
There is surely a case for enhancing security and independent monitoring of level four labs around the world which are researching these lethal pathogens.
And, more importantly, ensuring that experiments on lethal pathogens are not done in less-secure labs.
The comments follow an investigation by The Telegraph which revealed laboratory leaks and accidents have risen by 50 per cent in Britain since Covid-19 emerged.
Security staff stand guard outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in February 2021 - HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP
Nightmare scenario
Lord Rees said the unpredictable nature of pandemics, including a lack of control over who becomes infected, means governments and terrorist groups will avoid deliberately creating engineered pandemics.
The real nightmare will be a deranged loner with biotech expertise, who does not care who becomes infected or how many, the scientist said.
In contrast to the elaborate, conspicuous equipment needed to create a nuclear weapon, which can feasibly be monitored by international inspectors, biotech involves small-scale, dual-use technology that will become easily accessible.
There are thousands of academic and industrial labs around the world where dangerous pathogens are being studied and modified. An increasing number of individuals will acquire the requisite expertise.
The dangers are looming ever larger; regulation of biotech is needed ever more today... This is the stuff of nightmares.
The rising empowerment of malign, tech-savvy groups, or even individuals, by biotech will pose an intractable challenge to governments and aggravate the tensions between freedom, privacy and security.
Lord Rees said the moral and practical challenges of tackling such a nascent field has left the worlds authorities unprepared. He said biotech has stupendous potential which could just as likely endanger humanity itself as help society flourish.
We must hope that vaccines and antidotes become ever more effective and speedily produced, in step with the growing threat, Lord Rees said.
The UK can indeed achieve influence in what has to be a global programme.
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DeSantis admits he picked the wrong media strategy to kick off his presidential campaign
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis now says he had the wrong media strategy for months.
DeSantis said he should have "blanketing" cable news instead of largely sticking to conservative media.
It's likely this won't be his only regret of his presidential run.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to look into the mirror when it comes to his presidential run that once held so much promise and now appears to be near its end.
In particular, DeSantis said it was a mistake to kick off his 2024 run with an insular media strategy that ceded significant ground to former President Donald Trump.
" I came in not really doing as much media," DeSantis told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. "I should have just been blanketing. I should have gone on all the corporate shows. I should have gone on everything. I started doing that as we got into the end of the summer, and we did it. But we had an opportunity, I think, to come out of the gate and do that and reach a much broader folk."
It's likely the Florida governor and his team will eventually have more regrets. DeSantis was once Trump's best-positioned primary foe. Now, DeSantis didn't win a single county in the Iowa caucuses despite making a point of visiting all 99 of them. DeSantis has argued that his distant second-place finish in Iowa was strong enough to press on, but it's unclear how the map will get more favorable for him.
DeSantis only began to venture beyond the conservative media ecosystem as his campaign began to struggle over the summer. His initial strategy led to an endless string of appearances on Fox News.
It's worthing point out that DeSantis' approach dovetailed with how he grew his national brand during the COVID-19 pandemic and even how he wooed Trump to offer a critical endorsement during DeSantis' first gubernatorial run. But even DeSantis now has soured on the right-wing media space.
"They don't hold him accountable because they're worried about losing viewers, and they don't want to have the ratings go down," the Florida governor recently told reporters about how conservative media treats Trump, which DeSantis deemed a "Praetorian Guard."
Read the original article on Business Insider
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said he regrets his early campaign strategy of avoiding the media, reflecting back to the first months of his White House bid when he stuck mostly to friendly platforms and conservative outlets.
DeSantis, who finished second in the Iowa caucuses Monday, was asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt what miscalculations the governor had made during his presidential run so far.
What errors did you make that youre willing to say: I shouldnt have done this, but Im going to correct it going forward and Im going to do well in March, Hewitt asked Thursday.
I came in not really doing as much media, DeSantis said. I should have just been blanketing. I should have gone on all the corporate shows. I should have gone on everything. I started doing that as we got into the end of the summer, and we did it. But we had an opportunity, I think, to come out of the gate and do that and reach a much broader folk.
Since starting his presidential campaign last May, the Florida governor struggled to make a dent in former President Trumps lead in the GOP primary. DeSantiss team was weighing a shift in media strategy in July, including doing more interviews with mainstream networks and town halls.
The shift was realized roughly a month before the first GOP primary debate. Now, he appears on mainstreams shows and engages more with reporters after campaign events.
More top stories from The Hill:
DeSantis was the only GOP candidate to accept the invitation to participate in the ABC News/WMUR debate in New Hampshire. The debate was scheduled for Thursday but was canceled after neither Trump nor former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley confirmed their attendance. CNN canceled its Sunday debate, citing the same reason.
Now, Im everywhere, DeSantis said Thursday. I mean, Ill show up wherever. I committed to do the debate tonight on WMUR and ABC in New Hampshire. Im the only one thats willing to debate. Ive done these televised town halls. I go out and take questions from voters. You know, I think thats good.
Im the only one thats not at this point running a basement campaign. Bidens running a basement campaign. Trump wont debate, wont take questions from voters. And now, Haley wont debate and wont take questions from voters.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Flash
Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah Dogbe (L) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during their meeting in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah Dogbe and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday agreed to promote the implementation of the outcomes of China-Africa cooperation.
Dogbe thanked China for its selfless support in Togo's development. Togo firmly upholds the one-China principle and supports China in realizing national reunification at an early date, she said.
Togo admires China's remarkable development achievements and hopes to learn from China's experience to strengthen cooperation in such fields as poverty alleviation, agriculture, industrial parks, interconnectivity, digital economy, personnel training and environmental protection, to create more jobs and achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, Dogbe said, adding that Togo welcomes more investment from Chinese enterprises.
Dogbe said that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played a vital role in accelerating Africa's development, and the "nine projects" proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping have greatly benefited Togo.
Togo is ready to work closely with China to prepare for the next meeting of the forum, she said.
Togo supports a series of important global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president and is ready to strengthen coordination and implementation in this regard, she said.
Currently, the Sahel region is facing challenges to peace and security, Dogbe added, noting that she hopes to strengthen security and defense cooperation with China to combat terrorism.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that over the past half a century, China and Togo have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, continuously enhanced political mutual trust and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation.
China will continue to support Togo in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, national security and national dignity, Wang said, promising that China will strengthen all-round cooperation with Togo and assist it in accelerating its industrialization process.
Wang stressed that the FOCAC has become an important platform for promoting Africa's development, served as a banner for China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and effectively guided international cooperation with Africa.
China will adhere to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith for China's policy to Africa proposed by President Xi, carry forward the spirit of China-Africa cooperation in the new era, advance the implementation of the "nine projects" in Africa, and help African countries explore development paths suited to their national conditions, Wang said.
China's commitment to high-quality development and opening-up will continue to be an important engine for global economic growth, Wang noted, emphasizing that China is ready to share opportunities with African countries and expedite their respective modernization efforts.
The owner of a dog training facility was arrested months after a dog died in his care, Minnesota deputies say.
The December arrest of Edward Erickson follows the July death of a German Wirehaired Pointer named Evie, the Kanabec County Sheriffs Office said in a statement of probable cause.
Evies death will be known, she didnt deserve this, her owner, Kristina Ringold, said in a July 18 post on Facebook. She was my best friend.
Ringold told deputies her dog was at Ericksons facility, Autumn Breeze Kennel, on July 10, court records show. Evie spent 14 days at Autumn Breeze Kennel during her second round of training, according to a GoFundMe.
During Evies stay, Ringold was sent a video by Erickson of her dog, who had a leash connecting her neck to a kennel, deputies said.
In the video sent by (Erickson), Evie can be seen rolling upwards and struggling, hanging upsidedown by the leashes connecting her to the side of the kennel, according to the complaint. During this, (Erickson) can be heard stating he would not let this (expletive) win.
As Ringold was on her way to pick up Evie, Erickson called and told her that Evie had died of a heart attack, authorities said.
But that claim, a necropsy revealed, was false.
The necropsy performed July 11 showed signs Evie had bloody toenails and fecal matter along her sides, which indicated she struggled before dying, the sheriffs office said.
The appearance of hemorrhages throughout her body suggested Evie died of asphyxiation, probably secondary to strangulation from the rope that had been tied around her neck, according to the complaint.
Erickson was charged Dec. 12 with overworking or mistreating animals under a torture provision, court records show. He is due in court for the first time Jan. 22.
Knowing what she went through, I have to live with that the rest of my life, Ringold told KMSP.
According to his website, Erickson has been a dog trainer since 1998 and trains various breeds.
Autumn Breeze Kennel is in Isle, about 100 miles north of Minneapolis.
Pentagon official accused of killing dogs that performed poorly in dogfights, feds say
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Attorney General Merrick Garland and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta spoke in Uvalde, Texas today about the Justice Departments report detailing the police response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in 2022.
I told the families gathered last night, what I hope is clear among the hundreds of pages and thousands of details in this report, their loved ones deserve better, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. Law enforcement response at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022 and in the hours and days after was a failure that should not have happened.
The Justice Department report identifies myriad problems from failed communication and leadership to inadequate technology and training.
The federal report is not the only investigation into the Uvalde shooting response. A panel of Texas state lawmakers published an 80-page report and investigations by journalists described the 77 minutes when officers went in and out of the school with weapons drawn but did not go inside the classroom where the shooting was taking place. The 376 officers at the scene included state police, Uvalde police, school officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents.
It is hard to look at the truth, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said, that the law enforcement response on May 24th was an unimaginable failure, and that a lack of action by adults failed to protect children and their teachers.
At least five officers have lost their jobs, including two Department of Public Safety officers and Uvaldes school police chief, Pete Arredondo, who was the on-site commander during the attack, which left 19 students and two teachers dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Flash
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe on Wednesday met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Lome, with both sides expressing willingness to promote bilateral ties and advance cooperation between Africa and China.
Gnassingbe asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and spoke highly of the bilateral relations and practical cooperation.
Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Togo and other African countries have achieved development in infrastructure construction, Gnassingbe said.
Africa has accelerated its economic growth, enhanced security and brought benefits to the people on the continent, he said, stressing that these achievements cannot be realized without China's long-term and selfless assistance.
Togo expresses gratitude to China for upholding justice in the international arena, opposing interference in Africa's internal affairs, and playing an indispensable role in Africa's peaceful development, the president said.
The African people need a friend like China, who takes care of Africa's realities, listens to Africa's demands, and never imposes its will on others, he said.
As a beneficiary of Africa-China cooperation, Togo will always trust China and carry forward the traditional friendship while deepening cooperation in various fields, he added.
In today's volatile world, Africa faces new challenges to its peaceful development and needs China's support and Africa-China cooperation more than ever, he said.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping. He said that the China-Togo friendship, forged by the older generation of leaders, has become a model of South-South cooperation.
China will enhance the synergy of development strategies with Togo and support Togo in achieving sustainable development, he said.
China understands and believes in Africa, he said, noting that as long as Africa is united and independent, grows strong through unity, and finds a development path suited to its national conditions, it will be able to overcome difficulties and create new opportunities.
The 21st century is a century of revitalization for developing countries, Wang stressed, noting that China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more fruits of China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries.
Wang said that China has provided a reference for developing countries to explore development paths suited to their national conditions, and China stands ready to share development experience and opportunities with Africa to realize modernization for both China and Africa.
Officers had many opportunities as the 2022 school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, was still unfolding to reassess their flawed response to the shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead, the US Justice Department concludes in a damning new report.
Bursts of gunfire, reports a teacher had been shot, then a desperate call from a student trapped with the gunman could and should all have prompted a drive to stop the bloodshed far sooner, the Critical Incident Review released Thursday says.
Instead, it took 77 minutes from when the 18-year-old shooter walked into Robb Elementary School until he was stopped. The carnage remains among the deadliest episodes in Americas ongoing scourge of campus shootings.
Critical failures in leadership among specific law enforcement officers who rushed to Robb Elementary are blamed by the Justice Department, whose 575-page report nearly 20 months after the massacre is the fullest official accounting of what happened, though much already was known largely through CNN investigation.
Ample problems also emerged after the gunman was killed, from getting students away from the school and reunited with families to how bereaved parents were told their children were dead, the release of information about what happened, and the provision of therapy services, the federal report finds.
The response to the May 24, 2022, mass casualty incident at Robb Elementary School was a failure, the Justice Department report concludes bluntly.
Their loved ones deserved better, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday of the victims, whose families he met with a day earlier.
The law enforcement response at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022 and then the hours and days after was a failure that should not have happened, he said in an afternoon news conference.
Had law enforcement agencies 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, Garland said.
Read the FULL REPORT
While the report lays out law enforcement actions and shortfalls in often-excruciating detail, it also has its limits: The much-anticipated assessment, for instance, does not make recommendations for punitive steps and offers limited introspection of federal forces actions. It was requested by the then-mayor of Uvalde, who within weeks of the horror said he feared a cover-up and being shut out of other investigations amid changing narratives of what happened that day and who took on key decisions.
Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed, fought through tears at a separate news conference Thursday at which victims families demanded accountability and gun reform to prevent a shooting like the one at Robb Elementary.
I hope that the failures end today and that local officials do what wasnt done that day: Do right by the victims and survivors of Robb Elementary, Mata-Rubio said, calling for terminations and criminal prosecutions.
She also called on her state and federal government (to) enact sensible gun laws, she said, because Robb Elementary began the day an 18-year-old was allowed to purchase an AR-15.
The Justice Department report hopefully will bring more scrutiny to the police response so not only people in the United States but around the world will finally see the abysmal failure that law enforcement had here, Oscar Orona, whose son Noah was wounded, said after Garland met Wednesday with victims families to brief them on the reports contents.
Garland told CNN that in those meetings he heard enormous pain as any human being wouldve expressed given what happened to their children and their loved ones. He added in the exclusive interview that the families expressed pain, anger and every human emotion that you would expect.
The families yearn for accountability, said Alfred Garza III, whose 10-year-old daughter Amerie Jo Garza was killed. We want people to be held accountable for what they didnt do that day.
Thats all thats left to do.
Amerie Jos grandmother, Berlinda Irene Arreola, expressed frustration that authorities implicated in the report are pointing fingers at each other.
No one wants to take responsibility. Nobody wants to take accountability, Arreola told CNNs Anderson Cooper Thursday night.
Kimberly Mata-Rubio, center, and other family members of the Uvalde shooting victims listen to US Justice Department officials during Thursday's news conference. - Eric Gay/AP
Barricaded suspect decision was key flaw
The Justice Department report describes the quick arrival of law enforcement officers who ran toward the sound of gunfire, then almost immediately stopped once they got near the classrooms where the gunman was killing fourth graders and educators a decision that ran counter to widely established active shooter response protocol, which instructs law enforcement to move toward and eliminate any threat.
Officers on scene should have recognized the incident as an active shooter scenario and moved and pushed forward immediately and continuously toward the threat until the room was entered, and the threat was eliminated. That did not occur, it says.
Instead, the intensity level dropped as responders began to treat the situation as a barricaded suspect operation that did not need immediate action, even as more officers arrived and the signals of ongoing danger multiplied.
That was the single most critical tactical failure, the team from the Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services finds.
For the span of more than 1 hour, between 11:37 a.m. and 12:49 p.m., there were at least 10 stimulus events, including at least six separate instances of gunfire totaling approximately 45 rounds in law enforcement officer presence, as well as officer injuries and the presence of victims. Any one of these events should have driven the law enforcement response to take steps to immediately stop the killing, the report says.
During that period, no one assumed a leadership role to direct the response toward the active shooter, provide situational status to responding officers, establish some form of incident command, or clearly assume and communicate the role of incident commander. Interviews with responding officers confirmed that there was confusion about who, if anyone, was in charge, what to do, or the status of the incident.
Some officers were confused about why there was no attempt to confront the active shooter and rescue the children. Without structure, agency leadership was unaware of the facts surrounding the incident and therefore unable to challenge the repeated decisions not to make entry into the classrooms.
Local leaders critical mistakes singled out
Then-school Police Chief Pete Arredondo, then-acting Uvalde Police Chief Mariano Pargas and Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco are singled out for failing to lead. Both were on the scene within minutes, but neither took effective command, the report finds.
Arredondo, whom the Justice Department calls the de facto on-scene commander, even delayed help getting to the children and their teachers in classrooms 111 and 112, thinking they were already dead, the report finds, as CNN has reported.
He acknowledged the likelihood that there were victims and deceased in the room with the shooter and intentionally prioritized the evacuations over immediate breach and entry into the room, the report says.
This is counter to active shooter response principles, which state the priority is to address and eliminate the threat.
More than one survivor recalled hearing someone say, Say help if you need help, then a child trying to say help, then the gunman shooting the victim, the report states. It wasnt clear if the shooter or police responders invited the child to call out.
The 911 call from Khloie Torres inside classroom 112 should have changed everything, the Justice Department report finds, but no one effectively questioned what was going on and why active shooter protocol was not being followed to stop the killing and get help to victims.
Some other officers that day were looked on as leaders, including two constables and the US Border Patrol tactical team commander who more than 30 minutes after he arrived led the deadly assault on the gunman.
Although these individuals at times attempted to direct or coordinate with other law enforcement resources around them, none coordinated to develop a plan to enter classrooms 111 and 112 or establish an incident command structure, the report says.
Extra criticism is aimed at the sheriff, who had vital information about the gunman he did not share, as CNN first reported.
Sheriff Nolasco did not seek out or establish a command post, establish unified command, share the intelligence he learned from (the shooters) relatives, nor did he assign an intelligence officer to gather intelligence on the subject. At one point, Sheriff Nolasco and UPD Acting Chief Pargas were within 10-15 feet of each other outside the exterior door of the northwest hallway; however, they were not coordinating with one another and continued to act independently, the Justice Department report says.
Without proper command and control, a game warden and constable were taking on roles traditionally performed by an incident commander.
And yet no one challenged them. On the day of the incident, no leader effectively questioned the decisions and lack of urgency of UCISD PD Chief Arredondo and UPD Acting Chief Pargas toward entering classrooms 111/112.
Nolasco told CNN Thursday evening that he has yet to thoroughly review the report but said criticism leveled against him is all false.
The sheriff declined to comment when asked if he considers his actions on the day of the shootings appropriate. I cant comment because of the pending litigation thats going on, he said.
In a statement Thursday, the city of Uvalde said it had hired an independent investigator to conduct a thorough, objective, and credible review of the citys involvement in the law enforcement response.
At every level throughout the review process, the City of Uvalde cooperated and provided extensive information to the Justice Department to ensure a fulsome account of law enforcements response from the Citys perspective, it said, adding it was reviewing the DOJ report.
In a statement, the Texas Department of Public Safety thanked the DOJ for its report. As DPS Director Steven McCraw first stated in the weeks after the shooting, the law enforcement response that day was an abject failure, and this reports observations underscore those failures, the DPS said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also thanked the Justice Department for its findings, saying in his own statement the state had already adopted and implemented some of the recommendations proposed in the report.
We will continue to evaluate all possible means of making our schools safer, the governor said, and we will carefully review all other recommendations the Department has offered to prevent future tragedies across our state.
Medical response and crime scene probe were also flawed
The litany of errors committed by responders that day runs from the early on with no one checking whether the door connecting the two classrooms was locked, even as that should be the first immediate approach through the scramble after the gunman was killed and into the night when parents were told their children were dead, the Justice Departments report finds.
The Critical Incident Report is based on analysis of more than 14,100 documents and more than 260 interviews, it says. The team that crafted it visited Uvalde nine times and spent more than 50 days there.
The report talks of chaos in the hallway after the gunmans death that could have been dispelled upon arrival by the regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The regional director did not, however, provide direction or coordinate with other leadership personnel in the hallway. Instead, the TXDPS regional director, and some other officers, walked past the law enforcement officers bringing injured and deceased victims out of the classrooms and entered classrooms 111 and 112 with no identifiable purpose or action, therefore compromising the crime scene.
Emergency medical teams were hampered from doing their job, the report finds.
EMS staff were not the first to assess the situation in the classrooms and ensure the most appropriate use of critical resources. Deceased victims were moved out of the classrooms, left in or outside of the hallway, or transported to the hospital; at the same time, injured child victims were being tended to or put on school buses with injuries unknown to law enforcement.
Among other problems with the emergency medical response the report identifies:
Law enforcement (was) moving injured kids in ways that were probably more harmful, one responder told investigators;
Due to communication problems, an ambulance drove past an available helicopter with medics and another traveled at least 15 minutes to get a patient on a flight to a hospital;
EMS personnel brought one victim out on a stretcher to find their ambulance was missing after a crew from another agency had commandeered it;
Several students with bullet wounds, grazes and other injuries were directed onto buses to a civic center without having been brought to medics attention.
Initial crime scene investigation was hampered by too many people going to have a look at classrooms 111 and 112, while the gunmans hellfire trigger system only later recovered from a trash can was not catalogued as evidence because teams didnt know what it was or its possible relevance, the Justice Department report finds. Further, an FBI offer to process the shooters truck before a storm was not accepted, it says, leading to heavy rain compromising evidence there.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, with Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, and COPS Director Hugh Clements, Jr., right, speaks during Thursday's news conference in Uvalde, Texas. - Eric Gay/AP
Families anguish was worsened and lingers
The Justice Department assessment also looks at how families and the public were told what had happened at Robb Elementary and how an initial narrative of brave first responders saving lives was false.
Ultimately, this storyline was proved to be inaccurate, and many victims shared that it added to their pain during a challenging time, it finds.
From a lack of information in Spanish offered to residents of the half-Latino town to erroneous messages posted and not corrected by the school district and police, many communication errors have had lasting damage, the report states.
Parents whose children were dead were misled at the civic center-turned-reunification site and at hospitals, it finds: One family member who said theyd been told their child was at the hospital went from staff member to staff member there describing their child, only to be told they were not there then later finding out the child was deceased and had been at the hospital for hours, unidentified.
At the reunification site, one person asked officials if relatives who remained at the site were the families of the dead because everyone else had been notified. The leaders told them that this was not the case, when in fact it was, the report says.
The report notes the district superintendent told a school board member he intended to honor our families at this time with support, love, and the commitment to move forward as a district for our students. However, around the same time, the district hired as a school police officer a former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper who had been at Robb Elementary during the shooting.
When CNN revealed she had told fellow officers she would have been more active during the massacre if her own son had been inside, shooting victims families were outraged and the district fired her. But the fact that the decision to hire the former trooper was made in a vacuum without communication to the public further enraged an already skeptical community, the report says.
And though the Justice Department report marks the most robust effort so far to detail the school shooting nightmare, Uvalde victims families still dont have all the information they need: The local district attorney has not yet completed her inquiry into what happened that day, including whether any law enforcement officer should be criminally charged.
Several family members indicate they cannot move forward with their lives and do the things they normally need to do until they know what happened to their children, the Justice Department report says. Some have asked if their child was alone or near friends. Others want to know if their child would have lived had law enforcement entered the classroom earlier. Many victims and family members have reported that no one has taken accountability for what happened, no one has apologized, nor even acknowledged that the families deserve this information.
This void of information about the circumstances of the death of their loved ones has contributed to their trauma. Families report they cannot heal without the information they need about what happened to their family members on May 24, 2022, and they are unable to even begin to recover until those in charge are held accountable.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNNs Holmes Lybrand, Carolyn Sung and Matthew J. Friedman contributed to this story.
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Police officials demonstrated no urgency in their response to the deadly elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the response that did happen was plagued by cascading failures, according to a scathing Department of Justice report released Thursday.
A gunman opened fire in the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022. He barricaded himself in a classroom and shot dead 19 students and two teachers, wounding 17 others, before police finally stopped him.
It took officers more than 70 minutes before they engaged the shooter, and law enforcement officials at all levels have come under intense scrutiny over the response to the attack.
The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. The law enforcement response at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022and the response by officials in the hours and days afterwas a failure.
The nearly 600-page report found that even though officers arrived just minutes after the shooter, they did not engage him because he shot at them from inside the classroom. There were 376 officers at the scene before a Border Patrol tactical team finally breached the classroom.
An active shooter with access to victims should never be considered and treated as a barricaded subject, the report said.
Police failed to set up a centralized command post, which caused confusion among officers and first responders, the report found. There were issues with technology resources and training protocols. There were also multiple communication issues, including some caused by thenschool district Police Chief Pete Arredondo.
Arredondo discarded his radios when he arrived at the school because he thought they were unnecessary. He then told officers by phone not to enter the classroom with the shooter until the other classrooms had been emptied of students and staff. One sheriffs deputy tried to breach the classroom when he realized his 10-year-old daughter was inside. Other officers restrained him, as per Arredondos orders.
The report also included quotes from a 27-minute-long 911 call that children made from inside the classroom. They included multiple cries of Help! and one child saying, I dont want to die. My teacher is dead.
At least five officers, including Arredondo, lost their jobs over the shooting response. The Uvalde community is still reeling over the shooting years later, and families of the victims are unsure how the Justice Department report helps.
Velma Lisa Duran, whose sister Irma Garcia was one of the teachers killed, told the AP she was grateful for the agencys work. But a report doesnt matter when there are no consequences for actions that are so vile and murderous and evil.
What do you want us to do with another report? she said. Bring it to court.
DOJ's Uvalde report details failures by hundreds of police officers. Only a handful faced any consequences.
The DOJ has released the report of its investigation into the police handling of the Uvalde school shooting.
Hundreds of police officers and first responders failed to act quickly to confront the shooter.
Here's what agencies were involved, and if they faced any repercussions.
The US Department of Justice's report into the Uvalde school shooting is nearly 600 pages full of what the feds call "cascading failures" by police and first responders.
But out of hundreds of officials who responded to the scene, according to the report, only a handful have faced any consequences so far.
On Thursday, the DOJ released its long-awaited report summarizing its investigation into how police and other officials handled the May 24, 2022, Uvalde, Texas, school shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead.
Despite nearly 400 officers and first responders arriving on the scene, officers didn't take on the shooter until 77 minutes after he had entered the building because of a series of communication and leadership failures.
The DOJ's scathing report details how officers hesitated to confront the shooter, violating training for how to handle active shootings.
Here's a list of the agencies involved in the incident and what repercussions they faced if any for failing to save more lives that day.
Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Department
The district's police chief, Pete Arredondo, was fired three months after the shooting, over accusations that he failed to do his duty as commander of the scene.
Two months later, the district police department suspended all of its officers after months of criticism for their handling of the deadly shooting.
Two officers were put on administrative leave, while a third chose to retire. The district's other police officers were offered other jobs in the district, the schools said at the time.
The DOJ report says the UCISD PD didn't do any internal investigations.
Customs and Border Patrol
A tactical team from the US CBP called BORTAC which operates within 100 miles of the border, including Uvalde was responsible for finally taking down the shooter, despite local police's warnings to stay outside.
The CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility typically waits for criminal investigations to be completed before starting its own administrative one.
The Uvalde County District Attorney's investigation into possible charges hasn't finished as of January 2024, over a year since the shooting.
After waiting 9 months for the District Attorney's local criminal investigation to wrap up, the CBP decided to start its own review anyway. No findings have been released.
Uvalde County Sheriff's Office
The county sheriff's office hasn't started an internal investigation, but the DOJ report says it's common practice for agencies to wait for a criminal investigation to be finished before starting their own administrative one.
The DOJ report does say, however, that waiting to start an investigation slows the process down.
Uvalde Police Department
The Uvalde Police Department (UPD) launched its own internal investigation into the incident, which hasn't finished, according to the DOJ report.
The UPD also coordinated with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) on an independent, external investigation, sharing evidence like police body camera footage, with the TXDPS, according to the report.
However, the TXDPS has not shared its data back with the City of Uvalde to help the UPD's internal investigation, the report says.
Lt. Mariano Pargas the acting UPD police chief at the time of the shooting was suspended from his position a few months later while the city investigated if he had failed to take command of the scene.
He later stepped down from his position, after facing backlash from victims' families, the Texas Tribune reported.
Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers
The director of the TXDPS Steve McCraw has said that seven of his members were investigated for their actions the day of the shooting, and their cases are currently being reviewed, according to the DOJ report.
Two TXDPS employees were fired, including a ranger, and one state trooper who was being investigated has resigned, according to the DOJ.
According to the Texas Tribune, the state trooper who resigned was later hired by Uvalde school's police department, but the school backtracked after parents protested.
The four other officers were cleared and kept their jobs, the Texas Tribune reported.
In February 2023, state police said no other officers would be disciplined, according to the Associated Press.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
The ATF completed an investigation into the firearm used in the shooting, including the "hellfire trigger" the shooter had attached to make the AR-15 fire at a higher rate.
The ATF found that the design, marketing, and instructions for the "hellfire" device proved that its sole purpose was to turn a weapon into a machine gun.
And so, the weapon the shooter used is considered a machine gun under federal law, according to the DOJ report.
But the report notes that the crime scene investigators nearly didn't spot the "hellfire" trigger; someone had thrown it out into a classroom trash can after the tragedy.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Flash
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey during their meeting in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey on Wednesday pledged to enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries in their joint effort toward modernization.
Dussey said that he once again welcomed Wang's visit, emphasizing its special significance. Togo highly appreciates China's tradition of adhering to the annual first visit of foreign ministers to Africa over the decades, he noted.
The Togolese foreign minister reiterated that Togo would always stand firmly on China's side, adhere to the one-China principle, and support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Togo-China friendship has a long history, and practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, Dussey said. He expressed gratitude to China for its long-term strong support for Togo's economic and social development, saying that Togo would follow the guidance of President Faure Gnassingbe and President Xi Jinping to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with China and further deepen practical cooperation in various fields.
Facing the complex and severe challenges on the African continent and in the sub-region, Togo looks forward to strengthening strategic cooperation with China to jointly safeguard peace and stability, Dussey added.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Dussey expressed firm support for the one-China principle at the airport last night, which fully demonstrated the friendly sentiments of the Togolese government and people toward China and the genuine partnership of mutual support between China and Togo.
Over the years, China and Togo have set an example by treating each other on an equal footing and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, and this relationship has also become a symbol of China-Africa solidarity and friendship, Wang said.
Under the guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have maintained a steady momentum of development, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he added.
China is willing to expand all-round cooperation with Togo, implement joint projects effectively, and assist Togo in advancing its development, aiming to jointly strive for modernization, Wang said.
Wang said that China appreciates Togo's adherence to Pan-Africanism and its active mediation of sub-regional hotspot issues, and China supports Togo in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.
Wang expressed China's wish for Togo to successfully hold a Pan-African Congress.
Africa is a continent full of hope and represents an independent pole in a multi-polar world, Wang said. He stressed that China supports African countries in upholding independence, seeking strength through unity, and holding Africa's destiny in their own hands.
In the historical process of seeking development and revitalization, Togo and other African countries can always rely on China as a long-term strategic partner, Wang said. He affirmed that China fully supports Africa in exploring the African path to modernization and in jointly creating an even brighter future for China-Africa cooperation.
PLYMOUTH The Tasty restaurant and the Honey Baby cocktail lounge in Plymouth have included mocktails cocktails without the alcohol on their menus for a while now, owner Mike Peters says.
But he said he wouldnt be shocked to see an uptick in their popularity as people scale back on the alcohol intake due to New Years resolutions.
"Having them on our menu makes them a viable choice, and theyre made with the same care as we put into our regular drinks," he said. "Theyre a nice, flavorful option."
'Dry January' spurs interest in mocktails
Dry January has gained popularity as an annual tradition when people abstain from drinking alcohol for the month after what is often an indulgent holiday season. And as nonalcoholic options become more popular, it's getting easy for people to skip the spirits.
A 2023 study by the market researcher Mintel found that nearly 40% of respondents occasionally follow a sober-curious lifestyle, meaning they cut their alcohol consumption.
Bartender Nicole Johnson creates a "Raspberry Beret" - raspberry syrup, lemon juice, agave, fresh basil and soda water - at Honey Baby in Plymouth on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2024.
And a Gallup Poll from last year found that 62% of American adults 35 and younger said they drink alcohol, a drop of 10 percentage points from two decades ago.
Nikki Johnson, a bartender at both The Tasty and Honey Baby, said she's been bartending for 20 years, and this is the "biggest zero-proof season" she's seen.
"I'm really shocked," she said. "There are a lot more people coming in and requesting nonalcoholic drinks. We do serve them all the time, but I'm definitely seeing more frequency."
Mocktails provide an 'elevated' option for people skipping the alcohol
Peters said many of their mocktails mimic alcohol options on the menu. For example, the Penicillin is a blend of scotch, ginger, lemon and honey. Its mocktail counterpart, Amoxicillin, substitutes boiled cider for the scotch.
Another option is Lime in the Coconut, which is a nonalcoholic version of Honey Baby's pina colada. It includes Coco Lopez, pineapple juice, lime and cinnamon simple syrup.
"They're so good anyways, and you can't even tell the difference, and they're presented the same way," Peters said.
Mocktails at the Honey Baby cocktail lounge in Plymouth on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2024.
Honey Baby and The Tasty make their own syrups with flavors like jalapeno and orange cream, which Peters said helps elevate their mocktails.
Johnson, who owns the botanical elixir company the Botanical Drinkable, said the fresh ingredients and presentation are what really make a zero-proof cocktail.
"People have an idea that it's very childish and fruity and served in a Collins glass with a straw," she said. "I turn zero-proof cocktails into something more sophisticated by using a king ice cube in an old fashioned glass with ingredients like ginger and lemon."
More: America's Test Kitchen offers five 'mocktails' if you're planning on a Dry January
Mocktail events popping up on the South Shore
At Gather Canton, the menu includes herbal-infused mocktails that encourage relaxation without the alcohol, such as a mimosa made with elderflower and lavender.
The restaurant will host an event called Bar None from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, that will include nonalcoholic craft cocktails, music and socializing.
Owner Jaime Perkins said the restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch, recently relocated from Pembroke to Canton. Rather than apply for a liquor license, she said she and her husband, chef Shelton Perkins, decided to try make a go without one.
She said she came up with the idea for Bar None after hearing from people who want to socialize and have a good time without alcohol.
"I found there are a lot of nonalcohol cocktails, and liquor companies are starting to create more replacement options," she said. "It's been really intriguing."
Perkins said the event will include six to eight nonalcohol mocktails made by bartenders who are dedicated to their craft. She said all drinks are served in a beautiful glass with a garnish, like a regular cocktail. For example, the nonalcohol Moscow mule is in a traditional mug with a sprig of lavender and lime, while the nonalcoholic s'mores espresso martini has a toasted marshmallow skewer.
"It sounds like people want the option to go out and be social and not deal with the hangover," she said. "There are certain seasons of life where people are ready for this, and it seems like millennials especially are all about health, but miss the socialization."
Johnson, the bartender at The Tasty and Honey Baby, plans to teach a mixology class at Mix It Up Kitchen, 19 Depot St., Duxbury, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8.
Johnson said the class will cover how to make cocktails and mocktails fresh, delicious and unique. For more information and tickets, visit https://mixitupkitchen.com.
Some other spots to grab a mocktail on the South Shore
This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Where to get mocktails on the South Shore
Vladimir Putin has decided to "set the world on fire," President of Poland Andrzej Duda said during the Ukrainian Breakfast event in Davos on Jan. 18.
"Im absolutely sure that we can say, 30 years after the Soviet Union collapsed, that now we are witnessing the rebirth of Russian imperialism in its bloodthirsty version," the Polish leader said.
Read also: Zelenskyy meets Polish President Duda in Davos to discuss policy of support
Without any doubts, Putin decided to set the world on fire.
He argues that the most dangerous thing is that a "coalition of evil" is forming against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine.
Duda urged world leaders not to succumb to war fatigue and warned that the new "coalition of evil" is ready to take any risk to run the global order.
Read also: Duda, Cameron, Kuleba highlight key figures at Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos watch online
If Putin wins in Ukraine, it will send a clear message to the whole world and encourage Russia's supporters to step up their actions against the West.
"Ukrainians must decide their own future, he continued.
No one else can decide it."
Duda emphasized that the conflict would only end with Moscows full defeat. If Rusia emerged victorious, then it will set its sights on a new victim.
This is typical behavior for Russian imperialism, said Duda.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba earlier said that Russia would suffer more defeats in 2024, noting that Hitler, like Putin, also projected strength but ended up being defeated.
Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the Davos meeting, said on Jan. 15 that discussions of peace talks without Russia's participation were allegedly "devoid of prospects for achieving results."
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
CONCORD, N.H. Democrats who want to cast a ballot for President Joe Biden in the New Hampshire primary will have to write his name in on Tuesday.
Biden is seeking a second term as president, but he is not competing in New Hampshire. The state is holding its contest earlier than this years Democratic primary calendar allows, and candidates who appear on the ballot here will not be eligible to accrue delegates to the national convention.
His absence from the ballot in the first-in-the nation primary state stems from an argument between New Hampshire and national Democrats over which contest will lead the nominating process.
PORTSMOUTH, NH - APRIL 19: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the bipartisan infrastructure law on April 19, 2022 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775801649 ORIG FILE ID: 1240091440
At Biden's request, the Democratic National Committee made South Carolina the first primary of 2024, replacing Iowa as the first contest in the partys presidential selection process. It ordered New Hampshire to go second and on the same day as Nevada.
New Hampshire law mandates it hold the first primary, and legislators in the Republican-run state refused to break with tradition. The states attorney general is accusing the DNC of voter suppression and sent the organization a cease-and-desist letter last week that threatened further legal action.
Biden is unable to campaign in the state without coming under penalty from the national party. That has not stopped his administration from sending Cabinet members to New Hampshire in recent weeks to attend official administration events alongside the states federal delegation.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who came in second in the 2020 New Hampshire Democratic primary, have all held events this month in New Hampshire. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai was here in December.
A group of volunteers who are unaffiliated with Bidens reelection campaign have also launched a grassroots write-in effort to keep the sitting president from losing the New Hampshire primary.
Self-help author Marianne Williamson and Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips are challenging Biden. They are participating in the unsanctioned competition on Jan. 23 that will not count toward winning the nomination and have opted to appear on the Democratic ballot.
Biden tends to draw support in New Hampshire from voters over the age of 50. Voters under the age of 30 were his weakest age group in an Emerson College poll that was published last week.
Organizers of the write-in effort have begun to lower expectations for Bidens performance in next weeks contest. Although most Democratic voters say in surveys that they support Biden, they will have to proactively put his name down in New Hampshire for the president to emerge victorious.
Write-in campaigns are very difficult and Joe Bidens vote total on January 23 will understate his actual support among New Hampshire Democrats and Independents, the group said in a Jan. 16 memo.
Former President Barack Obama, who did appear on the ballot, won his 2012 primary with 49,080 votes.
Biden is expected to have far less support in the state where unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in either partys primary. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is vying for the support of independents in her bid to defeat former President Donald Trump in the Republican contest. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is also competing in New Hampshire.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Joe Biden won't be on New Hampshire's primary ballot Tuesday
Before E. Jean Carroll's name became tied irrevocably to Donald Trump's, she was a trailblazer in New York City's elite literary circles. Before that, she was an advice columnist who appeared on TV.
But before all that, she was a Hoosier a cheerleading beauty queen from Fort Wayne who graduated from Indiana University in the 1960s.
Carroll grew up in "middle America" and felt she could get a job doing whatever she wanted, which, as it turned out, was to be a writer. Here's what you should know about her.
Who is E. Jean Carroll?
Elizabeth Jean Carroll is a lauded writer, journalist, author and advice columnist who was featured in Elle Magazine for nearly 30 years until 2020. She wrote for Saturday Night Live in the 1980s and hosted "Ask E. Jean," a TV show that aired from 1994-96 and served as a precursor to MSNBC's "America's Talking."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 8: E. Jean Carroll arrives at Manhattan federal court on May 8, 2023 in New York City. Attorneys for E. Jean Carroll and Donald Trump are set to give closing arguments Monday morning in the battery and defamation trial against the former president in Manhattan federal court. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775975213 ORIG FILE ID: 1253154783
Is E. Jean Carroll a good writer?
Carroll's writing, known both for her humor and empathy, has been featured in publications like Rolling Stone, Esquire and Playboy where she was the first woman to serve as its contributing editor.
"In the literary journalism world, she was a player, which is saying a lot,'' a former editor said of Carroll in 2019. "There weren't a lot of women who were being hired by men's magazines. And she was.''
Beauty queen, journalist, pioneer: The many faces of E. Jean Carroll.
Where is E. Jean Carroll from?
Despite the glitz of New York City, Carroll's roots are planted firmly in the Midwest. She grew up in Fort Wayne as the oldest of four children. An IU graduate in the class of 1967, Carroll was named Miss Indiana University in 1963, as well as Miss Cheerleader U.S.A., which earned her a scholarship.
E. Jean Carroll cheerleading at Indiana University in 1965.
Why did E. Jean Carroll sue former president Donald Trump?
Carroll, 80, claimed Trump, 77, sexually assaulted her in a New York City department store dressing room roughly 30 years ago, charges the former president has publicly denied.
The moment the dressing-room door closed, Carroll said Trump lunged at her, shoving her against a wall where he next pulled down her tights. Carroll gave a graphic account of the assault both in her book and in a later article.
Was Donald Trump found guilty of rape?
In May, a jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll, but not for rape. Trump was also found guilty of defaming Carroll in 2022 when he called her a "con job." He was ordered to pay $5 million.
A civil defamation trial was set for January to determine how much money Trump should pay additionally after damaging Carroll's reputation.
More: Did Donald Trump rape E. Jean Carroll? Here's what a jury and judge said.
What did Donald Trump say about E. Jean Carroll?
Trump has strongly denied Carroll's accusations, saying in 2019: "I've never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section."
A photo of Trump and Carroll together was taken around 1987 years before the alleged assault along with Trump's ex-wife, Ivana Trump, and Carroll's then-husband.
Donald Trump (left) and E. Jean Carroll (second from left, with then-husband John Johnson) in a photograph Carroll says dates from a 1987 party they attended.
Trump called Carroll's allegations "a disgrace" and said "people should pay dearly for such false accusations.
Trump's tone hasn't shifted much. On Wednesday, a New York judge threatened to toss Trump out of the courtroom after the belligerent ex-President could be heard making disparaging comments about Carroll within earshot of the jury.
Has E. Jean Carroll been threatened by Trump supporters?
Carroll has received numerous threats ever since she went public. One said the "penalty for lying about rape should be execution by hanging or firing squad," while another said "stick a gun in your mouth and pull the trigger and send yourself to HELL."
"I spent 50 years building a reputation," Carroll said. "Now I'm known as a liar, a fraud, and a whack job."
Trump to pay $83 million to E. Jean Carroll
On Jan. 26, the former president was ordered by a federal civil jury to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her in 2019, when he denied her allegations of sexual assault and said "people should pay dearly for such false accusations."
Carroll was awarded $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages.
John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Andrew Clark, Charisse Jones and USA TODAY reporter Aysha Bagchi contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Who is E. Jean Carroll? What to know about the Indiana native
NEW YORK After a day of fireworks that saw Donald Trump threatened with expulsion from the courtroom, an expert for advice columnist E. Jean Carroll testified that the price to repair the harm caused by Trump for defaming her could be as high as $12.1 million not including any punitive damages.
The $12.1 million figure was the high end of estimated ranges Northwestern University professor Ashlee Humphreys testified to on Thursday based on the impact of two statements Trump made in 2019 denying that he had sexually assaulted Carroll nearly three decades ago.
Humphreys said she analyzed the number of readers and viewers who encountered Trump's statements through various news outlets, and the cost of a campaign to repair the reputational damage to Carroll.
Trump, who attended jury selection on the first day of the trial and the full second day of proceedings, was in Florida on Thursday for the funeral of his mother-in-law, Amalija Knavs.
Martha Stewart, Taylor Swift highlighted as reputational repair models
Trump lawyer Michael Madaio peppered Humphreys with questions about whether she could could tell the difference between attacks Carroll received based on her accusations against Trump and those she received based on his 2019 denials. Humphreys said she looked at attacks against Carroll that came through comments on online posts of articles that included Trump's statements, and she noted language in some attacks that mirrored Trump's own words.
Madaio also questioned whether a reputational repair campaign could be successful for Carroll, and asked for examples. Celebrities Martha Stewart, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber all had campaigns that are "widely regarded" as successful, Humphreys replied, although she didn't know how much those campaigns had cost.
Humphreys testified that Carroll may want to hire someone like mega-podcaster Joe Rogan or conservative political commentator Candace Owens to support efforts to repair her reputation by targeting audiences receptive to Trump's claims, which Judge Lewis Kaplan has ruled were defamatory.
During the cross-examination, Humphreys said her analysis didn't count the roughly 75% of comments that may have been positive to Carroll, but included the roughly 25% that aligned with Trump. Earlier in the day, she said accusations that are believed even by only a minority of people can severely damage a person's reputation. She gave the example of an accusation that 20% of one's co-workers believe and 80% don't believe, noting it would cause reputational harm as it becomes a significant talking point in the office.
The current trial
Carroll has accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. A civil jury in May ruled Trump was liable for sexual abuse over the incident, although it didn't find him liable for rape. It also ruled he defamed Carroll in 2022 when he called her accusation a "con job," and awarded her a combined $5 million.
More: A courthouse or a campaign stop? Donald Trump tries to twist criminal charges, lawsuits in the 2024 election
The current trial focuses on two lengthy denials Trump made after Carroll went public with her story in 2019, including his statement that "people should pay dearly for such false accusations." Carroll's legal team has argued Trump unleashed his millions of followers on their client, and it's now Trump's turn to "pay dearly."
Trump in court for E. Jean Carroll defamation suit
On Wednesday, Carroll testified that she may have deleted some of the threatening messages she received after filing her lawsuit against Trump, saying she "didn't know how to handle death threats" and wanted them out of her mind.
Trump attorney Alina Habba said that was grounds for a mistrial. "The witness just admitted to deleting emails," Habba told Kaplan.
Kaplan swiftly denied the request.
More: E. Jean Carroll seeks to prevent another Trump 'circus' in defamation damages trial
Judge and Trump clash over courtroom behavior
Trump can't claim in the current trial that he didn't assault Carroll given the May verdict; he can only fight Carroll's claims for damages over the 2019 statements, Kaplan ruled earlier.
But Trump has continued to trash Carroll's accusation. According to one of her lawyers, Trump could be heard Wednesday within earshot of jurors denigrating Carroll's claims as a "witch hunt" and "con job" from the defense table, even as she testified.
Kaplan warned that Trump could forfeit his right to be in the courtroom through disruptive behavior, adding that the 2024 Republican presidential front-runner was probably "very eager" to be kicked out. "I would love it," Trump shot back.
Trump campaigned in New Hampshire Wednesday evening and said Thursday morning he had arrived in Florida to attend the funeral of Melania Trump's mother. Kaplan has denied multiple requests from Trump's legal team to cancel Thursday's trial proceedings, although he said Trump may testify on Monday even if his defense team is otherwise finished on Thursday.
Judge keeps lawyers, Carroll in check
Kaplan has also taken Carroll and other lawyers on both sides to task at different times during the trial.
Carroll was reproached or cut off by the judge several times when he said her responses didn't address the specific question she was asked, or when she gave an answer after he sustained an objection to a question.
Kaplan was especially critical of Habba's trial lawyering Thursday. After he sustained an objection to one of her questions, she asked for the basis of the objection. "This is not my law school examination," he replied. When he ruled a question from Habba to Carroll about income that used the vague term "good amount" was improper, he told the lawyer, "It's evidence 101."
But the judge also reproached other attorneys in the courtroom, telling one Carroll lawyer who wanted Habba admonished about a question, "We're not going to make a mountain out of every molehill in this case." Kaplan also supported Habba's defense of her questioning: "When you're right, you're right, Ms. Habba."
More: 'You just can't control yourself': Judge threatens to kick Trump out of E. Jean Carroll defamation trial
Trump's ongoing attacks are fodder to Carroll's lawyers
Trump continued attacking Carroll's claims on social media Wednesday night, saying in all-caps that he "NEVER TOUCHED HER, OR IN ANY WAY WOULD WANT TO TOUCH HER." It's not the first time Trump has disparaged Carroll by suggesting she wasn't his "type," even though when shown a photo of Carroll during a deposition he mistook his accuser for Marla Maples, his spouse from 1993 to 1999.
On Thursday, Trump posted screenshots of past tweets from Carroll, many of which discussed sex.
Habba presented some of those same tweets in court when she cross-examined Carroll, including one from 2015 that stated, "How do you know your 'unwanted sexual advance' is unwanted, until you advance it?" Carroll explained her tweet by way of example: a person who reaches for another person's hand doesn't know whether the recipient wants to hold hands until the recipient reacts, she said.
The ongoing attacks by Trump form a key part of Carroll's case for why he should have to pay a hefty price above and beyond compensating her for the direct harm his 2019 statements caused. Carroll lawyer Shawn Crowley said in opening statements that jurors should consider what price tag will make the "self-proclaimed billionaire" leave her client alone.
"It's time to make him stop. It's time to make him pay dearly for what he's done," Crowley said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In E. Jean Carroll case, expert says Trump could owe $12M or more
Ukraine requires financial and military support to sustain its economy, stated Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the business news portal UBN reported on Jan. 18.
Despite last years growth of over 5%, the economic situation in Ukraine remains challenging.
Read also: EBRD board greenlights EUR 4 billion boost for Ukraine investments
There is a significant risk that if money does not come from abroad, the situation may spiral, and the government may have to resort to the printing press, she said, highlighting the Ukrainian governments excellent work in ensuring macroeconomic stability.
Javorcik also announced EBRD plans to invest 7.5-15 billion ($8-16 billion) in Ukraine over the next five years, with a specific focus on supporting the private sector.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, earlier called on Western partners at Davos to offer predictable financial aid to Ukraine in its confrontation with the aggressor, Russia.
Read also: EBRD forecasts rise in Ukraines GDP of 1% in 2023
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Economists gave top marks to a dark horse candidate in Indonesias presidential race, favoring former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan to oversee Southeast Asias largest economy, according to a Bloomberg survey.
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Baswedan, a prominent critic of President Joko Widodo got the highest score of 33 from the 17 economists and market analysts when asked who they think is the best person to lead Indonesia. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto took second spot with 29, while former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo got 28.
Indonesia is less than a month away from its presidential election when over 204 million eligible voters will choose a leader to oversee the more than $1 trillion economy. It is likely to be a long election season: if none of the three candidates secure at least half of the vote, there will be a run-off in June.
The economy is expected to grow faster than 5%, according to the survey. The president, popularly known as Jokowi, has failed to reach his 7% goal as he wraps up his second and final five-year term.
The Bloomberg survey, carried out in early January, comes as Baswedan is gaining ground in Indonesias major opinion polls, which has ex-general Prabowo in the lead.
Prabowo brought in Jokowis son as his running mate for his third run at the top job, triggering accusations of dynasty building. The duo are pledging to continue Jokowis policies including minerals downstreaming and the construction of a new $34 billion capital city.
Prabowo is banking on an appetite for Indonesia to stay the course that helped the countrys assets outperform emerging-market peers. Rupiah bonds have returned an annualized 5.5% for dollar-based investors since Jokowi was elected president in July 2014, far higher than debt in neighboring Philippines and Malaysia, and the 0.5% annual return for a broad gauge of emerging market local currency sovereign debt, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
In Jokowis first term, Baswedan became education minister but was dropped in a cabinet reshuffle two years later. He then set his sights on, and won, the Jakarta gubernatorial race in 2017, using a divisive campaign that tapped a Muslim backlash against a Chinese-Christian incumbent who was also a Jokowi ally.
As part of his campaign, Baswedan has pledged to tax the rich and create millions of green economy jobs. He has also been one of Jokowis more prominent critics on the presidents plans to build a $34 billion new capital on Borneo island, saying policies shouldnt be based on personal aspirations. He also criticized Jokowis administration for not acting swiftly to contain Covid-19 and called to question the data on cases at the height of the pandemic.
Dynastic Politics
Indonesians are increasingly uneasy with dynastic politics a regular feature in the country since independence. Prabowo represents that thread of history not just through his running mate, but as a former son-in-law of the late dictator Suharto.
Ten out of 17 in the Bloomberg survey said a political dynasty under Jokowi will not bode well for markets and the economy.
While Jokowi came to power a decade ago as an outsider on a campaign promoting him as the man of the people, his sons are now actively involved in politics and a son-in-law is mayor of Medan one of Indonesias largest cities.
Allegations of nepotism flared up last year after a constitutional court presided by the chief justice whos a brotherin-law of Jokowi lowered the eligible age for president and vice-presidents. It paved the way for Jokowis son, 36-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka, to contest as a vice presidential candidate.
Jokowi has denied trying to create a political dynasty, saying Indonesian voters will decide who wins.
There is no guarantee Jokowis policies will continue under a Prabowo presidency, according to Ian Wilson, a senior lecturer and senior research fellow at Murdoch Universitys Indo-Pacific Research Centre. He didnt take part in the survey.
Once Jokowi is out of office, his political influence will wane significantly, Wilson said. He doesnt have significant financial resources to exert influence, nor a powerful political vehicle.
Here are the other findings from the survey:
Mining and metals are the most attractive sector for investors to focus on during the election year, followed by infrastructure and renewable energy.
Analysts say Indonesias downstream policy should be continued by Jokowis successor, followed by infrastructure reforms and a green energy transition.
Most respondents said a heavy reliance on coal is one policy that shouldnt be continued.
--With assistance from Grace Sihombing, Claire Jiao and Matthew Burgess.
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A prosecutor investigating the dramatic live-broadcast armed assault last week on an Ecuadoran television station was shot dead Wednesday, the country's attorney general said.
"In the face of the murder of our colleague Cesar Suarez... I am going to be emphatic: organized crime groups, criminals, terrorists will not stop our commitment to Ecuadoran society," Attorney General Diana Salazar said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Local media broadcast images of Suarez's truck with bullet holes through the driver's window on a street in the port city of Guayaquil, the nerve center of Ecuador's war against narco gangs.
The murder comes amid a surge in violence in the once-peaceful South American country, which has become a hub for the global export of cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru.
Members of the National Police inspect the car in which Prosecutor Cesar Suarez was at the moment he was shot dead in Guayaquil, Ecuador on January 17, 2024. / Credit: CHRISTIAN VINUEZA/AFP via Getty Images
The government last week declared war on powerful drug gangs, who in turn threatened to execute civilians and security forces and carried out a wave of attacks that have left about 20 people dead.
President Daniel Noboa in turn deployed to the streets over 22,000 security forces, who have frisked and stripped down young men in search of the tattoos identifying them as a member of one of the gangs.
Last Tuesday, hooded gunmen burst into a TV studio, firing shots and forcing terrified staff to the ground in an incident broadcast live for about 30 minutes until police arrived on set.
Thirteen assailants were arrested, many of them teenagers.
A prosecution source told AFP Suarez had been in charge of determining which criminal group was behind that attack.
Salazar wrote on social media that it was "impossible" not to be affected by the death of her colleague.
"Thank you for your work, Cesar. Rest in peace. My solidarity with his family and friends," she wrote.
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The prosecutor investigating a gang attack on a TV studio in Ecuador which broadcast the harrowing incident on air has been killed, according to local media reports. Cesar Suarez was shot to death in a daylight attack while driving near his office in the city of Guayaquil, the countrys attorney general, Diana Salazar, said in a transcribed statement reported The Guardian. The criminals, the terrorists, will not hold back our commitment to Ecuadorian society, Salazar said. We call on the forces of order to guarantee the security of those who are carrying out their duties. It is unclear if the shooting is linked to the investigation into the TV station attack, where masked men raided public TV channel TCs studio while on-air and threatened staff at gunpoint, however police told Reuters that the shooting had all the signs of an assassination. Cops also confirmed the victim was hit by a number of gunshots. According to newspaper El Universo, Suarez told the publication before his death that he had no police protection despite interrogating 13 suspects involved in the attack.
Es imposible no quebrarse por la muerte de un companero en la lucha contra la delincuencia organizada. Seguiremos firmes en su nombre: por el, por el pais, por la justicia.
Gracias por su trabajo, Cesar. Descanse en paz. Mi solidaridad con su familia y amigos. https://t.co/AQN5BvFz5P Diana Salazar M. (@DianaSalazarM2) January 17, 2024
Read it at The Guardian
Read more at The Daily Beast.
Soldiers enter the prison in Cotopaxi, Ecuador, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Soldiers and police intervened on Sunday in several prisons in Ecuador in search of weapons, ammunition and explosives and to restore order. | Dolores Ochoa, Associated Press
A prosecutor who was investigating the on-air attack of a public television channel in Ecuador has been shot and killed.
Prosecutor Cesar Suarez, who has been involved in other high profile transnational crime cases, was shot while driving a vehicle in Guayaquil, the most dangerous city in Ecuador, The Associated Press reported.
Organized crime groups, criminals, terrorists will not stop our commitment to society, Attorney General Diana Salazar said during a video broadcast, per AP.
What we know about Cesar Suarezs killing
Two men were arrested by Ecuadorian police for their alleged participation in the assassination of Suarez, according to CNN.
It is impossible not to be broken by the death of a colleague in the fight against organised crime, Salazar said, per BBC. We will remain firm in his name: for him, for the country, for justice.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in the country that will last 60 days, following a recent burst of violence, which includes the gunmen who interrupted the TV broadcast, explosions in several cities and the hostage-taking of more than 200 prison staff, Reuters reported.
What happened during the armed on-air attack in Ecuador?
On Jan. 9, armed men wearing hoodies stormed a broadcast on TC Television. Thirteen men were arrested following the attack. One cameraman was shot in the leg and another cameramans arm was broken, according to BBC.
Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, convicted last month on racketeering, extortion and bribery charges, will always be remembered for asking an informant this incriminating question: So did we land the, uh, tuna?
The tuna was an illegal payoff from the developers of Chicagos massive Old Post Office building, in the form of hiring Burkes private law firm to conduct tax business.
Klafter & Burke specialized in bringing appeals before the blandly named Cook County Board of Review, the government office where taxpayers challenge property assessments to reduce their tax bills.
The corrupt practice of steering business to property tax law firms in exchange for political favors was not invented by Burke. Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and other crimes, is accused of doing the same thing with his private law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner.
Want a tax break? Hand over the tuna.
The Cook County property tax system is set up to make these schemes highly profitable. Attorneys who reap millions in percentage-based fees for tax appeal work donate to favored candidates for Cook County assessor and the Board of Review commission. The obvious goal is to influence the tax assessment and appeals process, so their clients will get special attention from people theyve helped to elect.
Over the years, the county tax system has been a bastion of nepotism and patronage hiring. Joe Berrios, a former assessor and ex-Board of Review commissioner, was criticized again and again for using his public office to employ unqualified family members, among other cronies. We were part of that chorus.
The system has favored commercial property owners over homeowners, and wealthier areas over less-wealthy ones. Those least able to afford it pay an outsized share of taxes, while those with the knowledge, connections and funding to fight their assessments get better deals.
Appealing property tax assessments is so common in the Chicago area that it might come as a surprise how in most cities and states, successful appeals are unusual. Also unusual is how, over the past 50 years, the Northern District of Illinois has presided over darn-near 2,000 federal public corruption convictions. The two go hand in hand, and considering the decades of investigations, media exposes and editorials such as this one, the resilience of corruption in the property tax system is simply astonishing.
As this page has stated before, public officials involved in setting property taxes should refuse campaign donations from property tax lawyers. Accepting those donations is a blatant conflict of interest.
Further, only qualified individuals should be employed on the public payroll: Its a shocking idea, we know.
And how about making the appeals process anonymous, to combat the ever-present suspicion of bribery when some well-connected lawyer wins a big tax reduction for a tuna-bearing client?
Happily, Assessor Fritz Kaegi has championed those ethical steps and others since being elected in 2018, and he now has an ally on the Board of Review in Samantha Steele, a highly qualified commissioner elected in 2022 who also has committed to reforming the system. Wed like to believe that with Kaegi and Steele, Cook County can finally make genuine progress in an arena so incredibly resistant to it.
Yet theres no vigorish in reform.
Of late, Kaegi has been criticized by many commercial property owners, not only because he threatens to upset a system that has worked for them, but because of reasonable complaints about how he values their holdings. Thats a complex issue but also a concern to which Kaegi will have to pay attention, going forward.
The assessors office uses a mass-appraisal model to review Cook Countys 1.8 million property parcels, while the Board of Review considers appeals on an individual basis. The criteria differ, which, corruption aside, goes to the root of why many appeals are successful. Kaegi, for instance, doesnt consider the cost of property taxes when valuing commercial parcels. The landlord-friendly Board of Review takes that cost into account, and Steele wants Kaegi to change his method, which hes loath to do. We think he should take a closer look at what Steele is saying.
Thats because this seemingly technical point carries high stakes, especially during a volatile period for commercial real estate. The pandemic left behind a massive overhang of empty office and retail space. Those buildings arent worth as much as they used to be, and their assessments should be reduced accordingly. Calculating their value, however, involves some tricky math, and the market for those properties is a moving target. As it stands, a spike in appeals is the likely outcome, providing more opportunities for landing tuna.
Its crazy for the Board of Review to routinely invalidate the work that goes into so many of the countys initial property assessments. Cook County needs one agreed-upon set of criteria for setting taxes, which would help put an end to the appeals racket. Is that too much for us poor beleaguered taxpayers to ask?
In Kaegi and Steele, a system prone to corruption finally has two credible experts in place, although Steele is only one of three commissioners and needs less squishy allies.
They may represent different parts of the system. But we urge this duo to work together on a common plan for additional reforms that will bring greater accuracy and fairness to Cook County government.
Join the discussion on Twitter @chitribopinions and on Facebook.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) scorched Donald Trump on Wednesday for his role in getting Roe v. Wade overturned, saying the former president is the reason abortion will be on the ballot in 2024.
He proudly put this Supreme Court in place, Warren told MSNBCs Alex Wagner. He proudly screened them for their position on abortion. And he is responsible for the state of abortion in this country right now.
Trump, who won Iowas GOP caucuses this week and leads the pack for the Republican presidential nomination, is still boasting about his role in packing the U.S. Supreme Court with abortion opponents, leading to the downfall of federal reproductive rights protections in 2022.
Warren predicted that if Republicans win big in November, the procedure could become completely inaccessible nationwide.
If the Republicans had the House, the Senate and the White House and please, no but if that happened, I dont think theres any doubt theyre going for a nationwide abortion ban, she said. Theyve made that clear.
"If you care about abortion rights. If you care about protecting the right of people to have access to abortion, understand this: Donald Trump and the Republicans are coming for you." @SenWarren makes the stakes clear for reproductive rights in the 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/T3q0D1Nd6q Alex Wagner Tonight (@WagnerTonight) January 18, 2024
Abortion will be on the ballot in 2024, Warren promised.
She listed some of the grim events that have arisen in the U.S. since the fall of Roe.
A 10-year-old who needs an abortion and cant get it in her state, Warren said. A mother who desperately wants a baby, but understands that this fetus in her is badly deformed and she needs an abortion. Another mother, whose life is at risk, and doctors stand beside her saying, Is she close enough to death for us to give her an abortion under local laws? So, its watching the reality unfold [a] piece at a time.
Lawmakers have made abortion illegal in 14 states over the past 18 months. But voters have repeatedly upheld access to the procedure in places where its landed on the ballot even in deep red states and swing states, from Kansas and Kentucky to Ohio and Michigan.
Polls show that a majority of Americans support some degree of access to abortion. In a 2023 Gallup poll, a record-high 69% of people said abortion should generally be legal during the first three months of pregnancy, and 52% said abortion is morally acceptable.
Related...
Sunny Outlook
Elon Musk is back at it again with the outlandish forecasts, and this one about humanoid robots is a doozy.
It all started with a tweet from Midjourney founder David Holz, who predicted that by the time we reach the 2040s, "we should be expecting a billion humanoid robots" on Earth and that 20 years after that, we should expect 100 times that many "mostly alien" robots, whatever that means.
"Probably something like that," Musk replied to Holz unprompted, "provided the foundations of civilization are stable."
To be fair, this almost certainly overblown prediction is shared by many who have stakes in the technology. Nearly a decade ago, leaders in the robotics industry told Pew pollsters that by the year 2025, artificial intelligence and robots will pervade "nearly every aspect of daily life" from manufacturing to household chores a la Rosey the Robot from "The Jetsons."
With one year to go, of course, that's not even close to happening. But advocates are still bullish, even if they're kicking back the timeline: the Austrian financial firm Macquarie said in February 2023 that its markets intelligence analysis predicted humanoid robots would replace more and more human workers in factories by the mid-2030s.
Big Talk
When it comes to making bold predictions, nobody does it like Musk.
This latest quip comes after a particularly weird week for the dual South African-born billionaire, who got called out for saying something super racist and then whined about not owning as much of Tesla as he wants because, as he tweeted, he's "uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI and robotics without having ~25 percent voting control."
It also occurred just a few days after Musk posted a video showing one of Tesla's Optimus robots folding a shirt, which was supposed to display the robot's autonomous prowess.
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1746964887949934958
Eagle-eyed critics, however, noticed a gloved hand moving in and out of the corner of the frame, strongly suggesting that a human was controlling the robot's movements. Musk was forced to admit soon after his initially post that "Optimus cannot yet do this autonomously, but certainly will be able to do this fully autonomously and in an arbitrary environment."
After that miniature debacle, which is likely so low on Musk's list of concerns that it barely registered, one would think he'd be reticent to make another outlandish claim about the proliferation of humanoid robots so soon after getting debunked.
Then again, this is Elon Musk we're talking about, and humility has never been his strong suit.
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Derrick Lewis visits a memorial for his mother-in-law, Trina Newman-Townsend, who was struck and killed by a driver on Dec. 24, 2022, on South Broadway in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)
Los Angeles had more traffic deaths than homicides last year. At least 330 people were killed in vehicle collisions, the highest number in 20 years.
Even as L.A. streets have become deadlier, the city has slow walked or simply ignored its own plans to make travel safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. That includes the citys Mobility Plan 2035, an ambitious transportation vision adopted by the City Council and then-Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2015 that committed to redesigning streets over two decades to make it safer and easier for people to walk, bike and take transit.
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The Mobility Plan proposed hundreds of miles of new bus-only lanes and protected bike lanes, as well as sidewalk and streetscape enhancements in neighborhoods with lots of pedestrians. But since its adoption, the city has completed upgrades to just 88 miles of city streets. Thats only about 5% of the miles envisioned for bike, bus and neighborhood safety projects. At that rate, it will take L.A. 160 years to fully implement the Mobility Plan.
The problem? For all L.A. leaders talk about fighting climate change and building a safer, greener city, their ambitious plans are too often scaled back or abandoned at the first sign of opposition. And there's always some opposition to projects that carve out street space for bikes or buses or anything that might slow down motorists.
Frustrated by the lack of political will and bureaucracy, street safety advocates collected enough signatures to put Healthy Streets LA, or Measure HLA, on the March ballot. The initiative would force the city to carry out the improvements in the Mobility Plan. Any time city departments repave at least one-eighth of a mile of street, they would have to add the improvements outlined in the plan, whether bike lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian enhancements or fixes to ease vehicle traffic.
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This makes sense. When city crews have to repaint the lines when repaving a street, why not restripe the roads according to the Mobility Plan at the same time? Yet in a city as large as Los Angeles, making this a smooth process is not always easy. The multiple departments responsible for street paving, engineering and transportation safety struggle to coordinate and have missed opportunities to install Mobility Plan projects. The mandate of Measure HLA would, ideally, prompt City Hall to better organize street work programs and make Mobility Plan improvements a part of routine road maintenance.
The initiative also would require the city to create a website so the public can track and follow the progress of Mobility Plan projects. The measure would gives residents the right to sue the city if it fails to comply.
Read more: Editorial: California's transportation spending doesn't match its climate promises
Opponents of Measure HLA, including the group Keep LA Moving, argue the initiative is anti-car because it will result in some projects that remove traffic lanes, which could slow commuters and emergency response. But they lack any hard data to back up their fears. The reality is that the vast majority of L.A. streets will be untouched by the Mobility Plan.
Measure HLA has broad support among neighborhood councils, environmental, labor and business groups. Their members understand that Los Angeles needs to evolve into a city that is safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and, yes, even motorists. The plan recognizes that Angelenos will still drive it includes 80 miles of streets that are prioritized for vehicle travel and projects that help drivers maintain safe, consistent speeds and reliable travel times.
The rising number of traffic deaths is a preventable tragedy. Voters have the power to make Los Angeles' streets safer. Vote yes on Measure HLA.
If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In many areas of Europe, it's hard to escape the visual reminders of World War II's devastating impact. Numerous buildings, bunkers, and military installations that survived the war, both in Germany and across the continent, attest to this. However, in the mid-1980s the discovery or, rather, re-discovery of three German U-boats entombed in an abandoned U-boat bunker in Hamburg brought to light an altogether unknown history.
The boats in question, U-2505 , U-3004 , and U-3506 , all XXI type U-boats, were found in the remains of Elbe II a U-boat bunker off the River Elbe in Hamburg which was constructed by the Nazis during the early years of the war. The U-boats themselves were used as training vessels in wartime, and did not undertake patrols. While they might at first glance seem less interesting than U-boats which were used operationally, the story of how they came to survive the war in Elbe II, and how they were unearthed by the German historian and journalist Jak P. Mallmann-Showell, is wild, to say the least.
Front entrance of Elbe II. Unknown author
Elbe II, likely pictured at some stage during the war. Jak P. Mallmann Showell
U-2505, U-3004, and U-3506 were all ordered in November 1943, and built by three different ship manufacturers U-2505 was built by Blohm & Voss, U-3004 by Aktien-Gesellschaft-"Weser," and U-3506 by Schichau-Werke. Each had a displacement of 1,621 tons surfaced (1,819 tons submerged) and measured just over 251 feet long. The boats were rated to test depths of some 920 feet. It was not until late in the war that they were put into service by the Kriegsmarine , however. U-2505 was commissioned in November 1944, U-3004 in August 1944, and U-3506 in October 1944.
U.S. Navy Type XXI submarine diagram. U.S. Navy
U-2540 in wartime configuration and exhibited at the Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven, 2007. It is the only floating example of a Type XXI U-boat. AlMare via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
At the time the war in Europe was nearing a conclusion in the spring of 1945, the three U-boats along with two non-commissioned Type VIICs, U-684 and U-685 were crammed together in Elbe II's western-most pen.
Principally designed to provide cover for XXI U-boats while being fitted out, Elbe II was located at the Howaldtswerke yards on the River Elbe. From as early as the end of 1939, the German High Command had plans to build submarine bunkers in exposed locations. This included "Vulkanhafen," named after the Stettiner Vulkan Works which originally built a shipyard on the River Elbe in 1905, and constructed submarines for the Imperial German Navy during World War I . From as early as 1930, Howaldtswerke of Kiel took over the yards.
Elbe II U-boat bunker location off the River Elbe, Hamburg. Jak P. Mallmann Showell
Construction of Elbe II began in late-1940 by the firm Dyckerhoff & Widmann AC at the east end of the Vulkan basin, and was completed in March 1941. Its side and supporting walls were made from around 50,000 cubic meters (or 1,765,733.3 cubic feet) of reinforced concrete. Its ceiling thickness was three meters (just under 10 feet), while its outer walls were two and a half meters (just over eight feet) thick.
Elbe II seen from the air, likely early on in the war, in the right hand corner. Jak P. Mallmann Showell
Alongside dedicated facilities for personnel to work on the XXI U-boats, the bunker itself consisted of two wet pens. Each of these ran 112 meters (some 367 feet) long and 22.5 meters (nearly 74 feet) wide. Both pens could accommodate three boats moored side-by-side, and there was space to add six additional pens to the sides if necessary; although this was never completed.
Although it managed to survive the onslaught of Allied bombing raids on Hamburg, which began in July of 1943 , Elbe II did sustain some damage during the war, notably in 1945. A direct hit by a Tallboy bomb in March of that year caused the three meter (almost 10 foot) thick ceiling to bend slightly. On April 8, the impact of a direct bomb hit ended up blowing the large steel entrance doors of the bunker off. However, the vessels inside remained undamaged.
Tallboy bomb, date/location unknown. Jak P. Mallmann Showell
Around the time that Germany agreed to surrender Hamburg to the British on May 3, 1945, plans to scuttle the five U-boats housed in Elbe II using explosive charges as part of Operation Regenbogen were enacted. On April 30, following his appointment as Germany's head of state and supreme military commander due to Hitler's death by suicide, Grand Admiral Karl Donitz ordered that Germany's entire existing U-boat fleet be scuttled to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Allies. Operation Regenbogen only lasted until around May 4, but this was enough time for the Eble II-based boats to be sunk.
Donitz observing the arrival of U-94 at St Nazaire in France in June 1941. Bundesarchiv/Lothar-Gunther via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA 3.0
U-684 and U-685 were both scuttled in the harbor in front of Elbe II. However, the three XXI boats were scuttled inside the westernmost pen by their own crews rather than in the River Elbe, the reasons for which are unclear. A fourth boat, U-2501, was sunk in front of the bunker.
A rare image of Elbe II's three scuttled U-boats, prior to the demolition work of the Royal Engineers in November 1945. The image is published in Jak P. Mallmann-Showell's book, Hitler's U-Boat Bases, and gives no date. It was probably taken by a member of the British armed forces sometime between early-May and early-November, 1945. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
Interior of Elbe II, looking over the Vulkanhafen. Again published in Hitler's U-Boat Bases. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
Months after victory in Europe was declared on May 8, 1945, troops from the Royal Engineers used a stockpile of captured Luftwaffe ordnance to blow up the bunker on November 11. The resulting explosion caused the central dividing wall between the two pens to collapse. Without the support of said wall, the ceiling ended up breaking, with the impact crushing U-3506. However, U-2505 and U-3004 remained intact.
The Bunker pictured after the demolition. Unknown author
Two of the U-boats seen sometime after the demolition. Unknown author
While there remains a lack of imagery of this occurring, photos from the Imperial War Museum in London do show Royal Engineers blowing up Fink II , a much larger U-boat shelter also located in Hamburg off the River Elbe, using Luftwaffe ordnance in mid-October 1945.
Fink II seen in relation to Elbe II. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
Copyright: IWM
Ordnance being maneuvered in preparation for Fink II's demolition. Copyright: IWM
Copyright: IWM
Copyright: IWM
Impact of the demolition. Copyright: IWM
Copyright: IWM
Initial construction on that shelter, which was originally a four-pen bunker, began in March 1941 by main contractors Wayss & Freytag and Benton & Monierbau AG. Eventually, by April 1944, Fink II would become a five-pen bunker capable of accommodating some 15 boats three in each pen nestled side-by-side. Remnants of that bunker are still visible today.
The Fink II bunker, pictured by the Royal Air Force in October 1945. Copyright: IWM
Remnants of Fink II seen in May, 2007. GeorgHH via Wikimedia Commons
Following the Royal Engineer's entombment of U-2505, U-3004, and what remained of U-3506 at Elbe II, the boats began to fall into a sort of liminal status. It was generally assumed, even by academic historians , that they had likely been scuttled in the River Elbe, and that their remnants were probably somewhere along the river bed. Their true, and very specific, location was not widely known outside of certain military, government, and industry circles for many decades thereafter.
In 1949, Hamburg's authorities, aware of the locations of the U-boats, looked to see if there was a way of removing the bunker as well as the submarines within it. After a diver completed necessary checks to ensure they weren't carrying torpedoes or other kinds of ammunition, former members of the Kriegsmarine were recruited to dismantle, or possibly even raise, the boats under the direction of British forces. Hans Loeck, the former chief engineer of U-2513 , was appointed head of the salvage group.
In 1950, the remaining batteries, junker compressors, and all copper cables from U-2505 and U-3004 were all recovered, as was one of U-3004's two diesel engines. Further operations saw the sterns of U-2505 and U-3004 blown off, allowing for further materials to be salvaged from the wrecks the precise nature of which remains unclear. Parts of U-3506's turret were dismantled at some stage, while U-2501, which had sunk in front of the bunker, was raised and eventually scrapped later in the decade.
Harborside HafenCity, Hamburg, pictured in the 1950s. Unknown author
Owing to the unsafe nature of the bunker, work on its demolition during the 1950s was abandoned, and the site was fenced off. Although it was still visible to the naked eye, its out-of-the-way location, a few meters within the boundaries of the freeport of Hamburg, made accessing it geographically difficult. This was compounded by tight security around the area, with the location of the ruined bunker falling within the German shipping company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft's (HDW) sphere of operations. Access to the bunker was only possible via a separate, well-guarded entrance. However, if one had been able to access it, the dormant U-boats would have been visible at low tide.
In the early to mid 1960s, renewed attempts to demolish Elbe II's remains came about in order to make further space for shipping. While a substantial amount of concrete was removed, the site was not altogether demolished, primarily due to rising costs.
Two decades went by before the existence of the U-boats garnered wider public attention, thanks largely to the work of Jak P. Mallmann-Showell. As he indicates in his book , Hitler's U-Boat Bases, Mallmann-Showell was researching at the Royal Navy's Submarine Museum at the shore establishment HMS Dolphin , southeast England, either at the end of 1984 or spring 1985.
An aerial view of HMS Dolphin, date unknown. Unknown author
At that time the Museum had been asked for help with identifying a possible U-boat housed within Elbe II, following the 'confession' of a former British soldier that he had removed a sighting cap from a submarine in Elbe II's ruins while guarding the site in 1948. To this point, no official records had been unearthed suggesting that any U-boats were in fact in the bunkers and, to Mallmann-Showell's knowledge, all the U-boats captured by the Allied had been scuttled between the end of 1945 and early 1946 during Operation Deadlight , bar a very small number.
How exactly this intriguing nugget of information was discovered in the first place remains unclear, but somehow Mallmann-Showell was able to get his hands on "a meter-high pile" of papers connected to Elbe II that arrived at the Museum while he was there.
"Curious to see what this recent release contained, I started to pull out some sheets about halfway up because they were the only ones sticking out at an untidy angle," he explains in Hitler's U-Boat Bases. "Imagine my surprise when this turned out to be a report about the condition of the dock facilities around the Elbe II bunker. From [the report] it was possible to identify the boats [there] as U3506, U3004 and U2505."
An investigative letter subsequently sent to HDW was returned to Mallmann-Showell with an invitation to inspect the ruins at low tide. Along with Wolfgang Hirschfield, an ex-U-boat operator, he set off for Hamburg in the summer of 1985.
Elbe II pictured in 1981. Dietmar Rabich via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
"Herr Traband, our guide from HDW, had known the site since the war and told us that nothing had changed a great deal. The U-boats were still lying there where they had been scuttled all those years earlier the rusting hulks under the sloping roof were easily recognizable as Type XX1 U-boats."
Images of the surviving U-boats at Elbe II. It remains unclear whether these were originally taken by Mallmann-Showel in the summer of 1985, or by another author at a later date. Sammlung KaySchmedes via lostplaces.de
Sammlung KaySchmedes via lostplaces.de
Sammlung KaySchmedes via lostplaces.de
Sammlung KaySchmedes via lostplaces.de
"Although Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft had known about them all along, the fact of their existence had hardly ever been allowed to trickle out and our accidental 'discovery' produced some intriguing responses. Many people didnt believe us, even after they had seen photographic evidence; and then, when others took the trouble to verify the 'find', some groups battled for the credit of having done the research which led to the discovery. Indeed it was quickly heralded on the other side of the Atlantic as an American achievement!"
Later in 1985, HDW's Hamburg yard ended up closing. With it, the security and fencing surrounding Elbe II were removed. In the years that followed, relic hunters were known to have visited the bunker, looking for artifacts to sell after the rediscovery of the U-boats.
In 1995, it was decided that owing to its unstable nature, something had to be done to permanently remove the bunker. Due to the exorbitant costs of totally demolishing it at that time, what remained of Elbe II was filled in from the inside with sand on October 8 of that year.
However, in June of 2001, renewed attempts to remove the ruins to ground level were made. 226 dynamite charges, with a total weight of 150 kilograms (just over 330 pounds), were used with little success; its walls stood unaffected and the ceiling tiles did not move. From there, the focus shifted to breaking down the structure into smaller chunks, which were then crushed via hydraulic machinery.
Front of Elbe II, showing the demolished western wall and sloping roof, with the three subs still underneath it, at the start of the 21st century. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
The eastern wet pen. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
Underside of the sloping roof. Jak P. Mallmann-Showell
Demolition work in early 2002, involving hydraulic machinery. Stephan Weckauf via lostplaces.de
Stephan Weckauf via lostplaces.de
In the summer of 2003, Elbe II's remnants were completely covered in a layer of earth which removed any visual signs of it. Today, it sits below HHLA 's Container Terminal Tollerort ( CTT ), one of several shipping container terminals owned by that company, in the Port of Hamburg.
The site of Elbe II pictured in 2003 post-leveling. M. Grube via lostplaces.de
Satellite imagery displaying the geographical coordinates of the buried Elbe II bunker today. Google Maps
Google Maps
While Elbe II's previously forgotten U-boats may no longer be visible, parts of those vessels still lie buried beneath the soil to this day. And, although they are buried, they are no longer forgotten.
Contact the author: oliver@thewarzone.com
In a huge step toward creating a healthier Earth, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will prioritize the investigation of a commonly used flammable toxic chemical: vinyl chloride.
Vinyl chloride, a type of colorless gas, is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride, a hard plastic resin that makes up about 12% of the worlds plastic products and was recognized as a human carcinogen as far back as the 1970s, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
According to Inside Climate News, the decision is largely thanks to environmental groups that advocated for a ban on vinyl chloride by visiting EPA offices and collecting thousands of petition signatures.
We are pleased that EPA has taken the first step in a comprehensive scientific review, and we are hopeful that it concludes with the decision to ban vinyl chloride because there is more than enough science on this chemical to warrant a ban, said Judith Enck, a former EPA regional administrator and the president of Beyond Plastics.
The timely decision follows a crash in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train carrying vinyl chloride derailed and caught fire, raising concerns about harmful pollution in the area.
Inhaling the smoke and toxic fumes from the train crash seemed to create issues for the towns residents, who later reported headaches, nausea, nosebleeds, and coughing among their symptoms, per Inside Climate News.
Thankfully, actions from the EPA, corporations, and individuals in advocacy groups create a collective effort toward a safer, more sustainable future for people and the planet.
Plastic takes hundreds and hundreds of years to decompose and releases chemicals that can cause harm to humans and wildlife, but we can reduce plastic waste by bringing awareness to the dangers created by the industry and cutting down on single-use products.
Companies such as Apple, IKEA, Nike, and others have already committed to getting rid of PVC in their products, per advocacy group Toxic-Free Future, aligning with the U.S. Plastics Pacts goal to eliminate problematic materials by 2025.
If you live, work or attend school along the rail line, you and your loved ones are at risk for the same fate as East Palestine, Ohio,Jess Conard, an advocate for Beyond Plastics, told Inside Climate News. We cannot continue to put our children at risk. It is time to ban vinyl chloride.
That accident was a chilling warning that we must act now to ban petrochemicals like vinyl chloride and keep communities safe from known carcinogens, former EPA regional administrator and Beyond Petrochemicals leader Heather McTeer Toney told CBS News.
Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Casey McQuiston has written their "spiciest" book yet.
Their third adult novel, "The Pairing," brought McQuiston on a culinary tour of Europe all part of the research required for writing about a pair of ex-lovers who find themselves on the same vacation.
In "The Pairing," which comes out Aug. 6, exes Kit and Theo meet again on a shared food and wine tour. In an attempt to prove there's no lingering feelings, they embark on a "European hookup competition" essentially, who can get with the most people.
"It's not just about making each other jealous, but it's about like, proving to you that I'm fine," McQuiston tells TODAY.com in an exclusive interview for a cover reveal of "The Pairing." "It's about finding parts of you in other people and making that enough for tonight."
The Pairing (Courtesy St. Martins Griffin)
Before writing the book, the Louisiana-born author says they'd never been to the places they wanted to write about. So after going to London to visit the set of the film adaptation of their first book "Red, White & Royal Blue" in summer 2022, they seized the chance to "research."
From London, they went to Paris, Barcelona, Florence and Rome and went on chocolate crawls, tapas tours, sunset sales, trips out to the countryside essentially "everything I could imagine would spark an idea."
"There were so many little moments that I was like, 'Oh, this is a book,'" they say. "Like when I was in Barcelona, walking through the Gothic Quarter, I would look up and I would see how the apartments there, the streets are so narrow ... You have a balcony, you have a balcony, you have three feet of space between them. I was like, 'That's a scene.'"
McQuiston always has a nickname for their novels. "Red, White & Royal Blue" was known as "Friendly Relations," an innuendo based on the diplomatic term. "One Last Stop" was "Subway Girl," which ended up being a nickname for one of the main characters.
Casey McQuiston (Courtesy Sylvie Rosokoff)
"The Pairing" is also known as "Sluts in Europe," based in part around the idea of exploring the trope of the "slutty bisexual" in a "lighthearted and sensual and transformative way that explores how queer sex can be transformational and affirming," McQuiston explains.
So when they looked up at those nearly adjoined balconies in Barcelona, they saw a metaphor emotionally apart, yet physically right next to each other that informed their upcoming book.
"I'm just imagining these two characters going home with two neighbors, and they're both hooking up with their conquest of the evening in neighboring apartments and there's literally three feet of space between the two," they say.
"It really like completely rebirthed me as an artist and as a writer... All of the time trapped indoors, to be able to go out into the world, reconnect with humanity and art and flavors and everything, I think all of that is in the book," they add.
Below McQuiston walks us through the experiencing of writing "The Pairing" and how it reminded them of why they loved writing in the first place.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What was the initial inspiration for this book?
I was gearing up to write my fourth book, and I really wanted to reconnect with the joy of creation and the joy of writing and the spark that brought me here in the first place. This thing that was once my passion project, hobby, is now my bread and butter. Sometimes that takes a little bit of the magic out of it.
I was like, what would reconnecting with that magic look like for me? What are the things that inspired me? What are the things that I draw the most joy from and that I feel most energized by? For me, that is beautiful art and travel and beautiful places and discovering new things.
Could you walk me through the inspiration behind the cover design?
I wanted a cover design that is kind of flirting with literary crossover. I think some of the cover comps I sent were like Sally Rooney and Emma Straub and authors like that who are sort of romance and also fiction.
Casey McQuiston (Courtesy St. Martins Griffin)
This book is definitely extremely romance. But I was really trying to bring my A-game on a craft level. I always am attempting to bring my A-game on a craft level, but this time, I really felt when I was writing it, I could tell I was leveling up as an artist and that I had leveled up with time. It's been seven years since I started writing my first book. And so, God, I hope I have grown as an artist since then.
When we were talking about what we wanted the cover to look like, we want it to feel like romance, we want it to read as romance and to have this very evocative, sensual vibe to it. Because it's a super evocative, sensual book. But we also wanted something that showed that it was a little bit of a break from my first two books in terms of like, "This is Casey 2.0."
Compared to Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop, whats different about this novel?
From just like a behind-the-scenes point of view, it is the most fun Ive had writing a book in a long time. And I had tons of fun writing my last two books, but there was something about this one that I got to really bury myself in it in a very fun way. A lot of it is about food and wine and art. And so I got to travel around Europe and call it research. I took wine classes. And I was baking weird little, local French pastries that were specific to the scenes I was writing. Its really amazing and really rare as a writer to get to have the chance to bury yourself in all of your favorite things and call it research.
I was just having a blast and being totally indulgent. And I think that kind of shows in the book. I think this is definitely my most like indulgent book. I feel like both Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop" had a really intense, high-stakes plot engine behind them, where its like, the future of the world or time and space. And this one is like, just about being hot and sweaty in Europe.
I feel like both Red, White & Royal Blue and One Last Stop had a really intense, high-stakes plot engine behind them, where its like, the future of the world or time and space. And this one is like, just about being hot and sweaty in Europe.
I would also say it is my what is the word that romance readers like to use these days? I would say its my spiciest book. I think Ive been building up my confidence as a writer to be able to publish spicy romance without being self conscious or embarrassed about it.
Ive always wondered if authors are embarrassed about other people reading their romance novels. Have you felt that and is it embarrassment?
Its more just like its like that thing where its like, even if you have a kid, you dont want your parents to think about how the kid was made, you know? Its like, yes, I have written a very successful novel. However, I have to live with the fact that all of my moms neighbors know that I have thought about at least three specific sexual scenarios. I dont love that.
But I find that as I get farther into this career, I am so much less apologetic and so much less embarrassed about sex and pleasure being something that we talk about and that we use as a tool in romance to do really beautiful emotional storytelling. Its just fun, and its OK for that to be the point. Pleasure reading is nothing to be ashamed of, and pleasure writing is nothing to be ashamed of.
But certainly, when I wrote my first book, my mom read it, and I was like, OK, well please tell me you at least skimmed the sex scenes and didnt read all of them, and shes like, Oh, no, I read those. I just skimmed like the plot. I was like, I wish I didnt know that.
Looking back at your career, how has your motivation for writing romance changed over time?
I feel like it's gone through a sort of full circle thing. When I sat down to write my first book, I wanted to write something really fun and really delicious and delightful that people would love to read.
And then, as I started publishing books, and my work started being something that didn't exist only in a vacuum or off my computer, I really wanted to make a difference, and I wanted to write things that were quote unquote "important." And I think that's a really honorable goal to have for any artist. But I think also it's a lot of pressure to put on yourself, and sometimes it can get in the way of just being able to write and to do what you're trying to do. For a while, my motivations and my goals and writing were more externally focused on wanting to write something that would mean something to people and wanting to write something that could change something.
Then I kind of came back around to wanting to write something for fun. Sometimes writing for pleasure is important. And it does change things because especially when you're writing about queer love and about queer intimacy it's really important that those things are just allowed to exist for pleasure. That, too, is transgressive, and it makes a difference in the world. I'm really proud of my body of work, and I'm kind of coming back around the circle to the place where I'm like, let's just have a good time, guys.
To give readers a hint of whats to come with the two main characters of "The Pairing," what are their star signs?
Oh my god, OK. So Theo is a Libra. Theo is a bartender by day, aspiring sommelier by night, and they are completely unserious. Very rarely are they serious about anything, but theyre so charming, theyre so gregarious, they can do anything that they put their mind to. But they have such an inferiority complex in a way, because theyre very much a jack of all trades, master of none. Theyve never really found their way in the world, but my God, can they find their way through any situation? Yeah. When I was giving notes for the audiobook narrator I was like, "Theo sounds like the friend who is always down to help you move, but theyre gonna show up an hour late because they forgot."
Then Kit. I thought a lot about fairy princes. I thought about Legolas, I thought about soft fantasy heroes. He has a sort of ethereal quality, but hes also into the finest linens and the ripest fruits. He wants the most of everything. Hes deeply a pleasure seeker. He loves art. Hes just very sensitive, very soft, very passionate, very French. And hes a Taurus. Listen, I love a Taurus. I think Tauruses are the backbone of our society.
If your six main characters Theo and Kit, Alex and Henry from Red, White & Royal Blue and Jane and August from One Last Stop" were on a desert island together, what would happen?
So first of all, I feel like Henry and Kit are forming the finer things club. They're sitting in a corner discussing like, artisanal butters. And then I feel like Jane and Theo are like, competing to see who can lift something heavier. Alex is maybe involved in this competition, too. Then I feel like Alex and August are like, both going to try to become the logistical manager of the situation, and they're going to have very different methods, and they're probably going to beef. They're going to become friends in the end, but like, August is going be like, "This is no way to organize." It's going to be like, a spreadsheet and Alex is going to be like, "Please don't question my methods."
Seeing the film adaptation of "Red, White & Royal Blue" in a theater, what was it like seeing people react to your work?
It was an out-of-body experience. Every step of the way with the movie, I was like, the next thing that happens is when it will start feeling real. Surely when I visit the set, it will start feeling real. Surely when I see this trailer, surely when I go to a screening and when I see it on the big screen Here I am, almost six months later, I'm like, I don't believe that happened.
It's such a surreal experience. I think, as an artist and as a writer, the greatest thing you can hope for is for people to care as much as you do, because you care so much about the characters in the story. And to be in a room full of people that very vocally cared as much as I did was amazing.
It's so funny, because I could tell there were people there who hadn't read the book yet. And so there'd be moments where there'd be like a little moment that is definitely an inside joke with readers of the book that I could just tell certain pockets of the audience were reacting to you. I was like, "My people."
Are you still in touch with the cast?
The cast is chock full of absolute angels. They are all extremely booked and busy right now. We drop each other Instagram DMs whenever we have time.
Aneesh, who played Amy, was living in the city for a while, and so we would like meet up for dinner and stuff like that. I had dinner with Taylor (Zakhar Perez) a few months ago, shortly after the movie came out. Nick (Galitzine) and I will occasionally DM about video games. They're so sweet, and it's just a great cast. Everybody likes each other so much. I feel really lucky to get to know them.
Are there any potential adaptations of your other works coming down the pipeline?
I have to plead the fifth on that one. I have some assorted things percolating, but nothing I can speak on yet.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
By Maha El Dahan and Dmitry Zhdannikov
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia is still considering an invitation to become a member of the BRICS bloc of countries after being asked to join by the group last year, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
The group in August invited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, Argentina, and Ethiopia to join starting Jan. 1, although Argentina signalled it would not take up the invitation in November.
The two sources said Jan. 1 was not a deadline for a decision, with one adding there were strong benefits to joining the bloc as members China and India are the kingdom's biggest trading partners.
"Saudi Arabia is assessing the benefits and then will make a decision, there is a process happening," one of the sources said.
The expansion of the group would add economic heft to the BRICS, whose current members are China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. It could also amplify its declared ambition to become a champion of the Global South.
Faisal Alibrahim, Saudi Arabia's economy minister, later confirmed the kingdom was still in a decision-making process on joining the bloc.
"The kingdom is a part of many multilateral platforms and multilateral institutions and whenever the kingdom is invited into one of them it goes through a process that is a multi-step process and at the end of it a decision is made," he told Reuters in an interview.
"Right now we are in a similar process and I will comment at the end of it."
Riyadh is weighing its options against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S., China and Russia, and as the kingdom's warming ties with Beijing have caused concern in Washington.
Despite its strong ties with the U.S., Saudi Arabia has increasingly pursued its own path out of concern that Washington is less committed to the Gulf's security than in the past.
"While officially joining the group is advantageous for the Kingdoms economy, it must carefully consider the political implications it may have on its relations with other major powers," Hesham Alghannam, director general of the Security Research Center at Naif Arab University for Security Sciences said.
"The Kingdom aims to maintain an equal distance from all major powers and, at present, it does not want to send any signals that could be misinterpreted by any party.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's minister of commerce stated that Saudi Arabia had not joined the BRICs in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos, without elaborating.
Following the minister's statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that integrating Saudi Arabia into the BRICs bloc was very important work that was continuing on Wednesday.
Saudi state TV reported earlier this month that the kingdom had joined the bloc, only to remove the reports from its social media accounts later.
Fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, the UAE, said it had accepted the invitation and joined the bloc, according to the ministry of foreign affairs.
Its decision was based on economic considerations and not political ones, Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq al Marri said on Thursday.
"We are not living in a cold war ... joining the BRICs is not from a political stance, it's from an economic stance," Marri said in a session at Davos.
"Yes polarisation has happened, it's unprecedented since the 1980s, but the joining of BRICs is more of a south-south agenda ... the UAE will always engage the West."
(Reporting by Maha El Dahan and Dmitry Zhdannikov; additional reporting by Pesha Magid and Rachna Uppal; Editing by Andrew Heavens, Alison Williams and Hugh Lawson)
Earlier this month, British news magazine The Spectator published a piece with the eyebrow-raising title "Have We Just Discovered Aliens?" making the case that we may be about to get "strong evidence" of a biosignature on a distant exoplanet.
Perhaps the grabbiest quote was from UK astronaut Tim Peake, who speculated that NASA's James Webb telescope had already found evidence of alien life and "they dont want to release or confirm those results until they can be entirely sure."
The piece also quoted UK astrophysicist Becky Smethurst, who predicted in a YouTube video late last year that "we are going to get a paper that claims to have strong evidence for a biosignature in an exoplanets atmosphere very, very soon."
As we wrote yesterday, it's true that the James Webb has started to make some extremely interesting observations more on that in a moment that are of great interest to astrobiologists. But as always, there's reason for skepticism about these outsize claims.
Case in point, the experts quoted by the British magazine have also started to speak up, throwing cold water on the whole thing.
"So turns out something I said in a YouTube video has been jumped on by UFO enthusiasts and then bizarrely The Spectator," Smethurst tweeted.
"I said that in 2024 we could see a claim of a biosignature found in the atmosphere of an exoplanet with JWST," she added. "This was just an enthusiastic and hopeful guess."
"The leap from 'potential biosignature' to full on 'aliens' is ridiculous," Smethurst added in a followup. "By biosignature, we're talking tiny molecule in atmosphere of an exoplanet that's big enough that JWST can even do this. Not aliens on a rocky planet."
Astrophysicist Jonathan O'Callaghan chimed in to agree that The Spectator's claims were "unlikely for a number of reasons."
"JWST isn't looking at any rocky planet in detail enough to be able to find biosignatures," he tweeted. "The only such planets we have begun to investigate in this way are the TRAPPIST-1 red dwarf planets, but only the innermost planets which have little to no atmosphere."
There's also a basic issue of subject matter expertise: the three quoted experts in the Spectator article are an astronaut, an astrophysicist, and a mechanical engineer. None are astrobiologists or have any particular expertise in the search for life beyond Earth.
"And I'd gently point out that none of the three people quoted two of whom are close colleagues would claim to be experts in atmospheres, or astrobiology," Oxford astronomer and author Chris Lintott tweeted.
That's not to say that the James Webb hasn't already yielded data that could, if the research bears it out, indeed suggest an actual alien biosignature. The most prominent are observations from late last year of a "hycean" ocean planet dubbed K2-18b, some 120 light-years from Earth and located in the "habitable zone" of its star. In them, the observatory found evidence of dimethyl sulfide which here on Earth, is only produced by living organisms in the planet's atmosphere.
On its face, that's incredibly exciting. Sure, maybe there's something wrong with the data, or the way scientists are interpreting it, or maybe there's a way that dimethyl sulfide can arise without life. But that's the way science works: researchers find something interesting, and then they and their peers dig deeper to figure out what it really means. Many initially exciting findings are dead ends, but others aren't and at the end of the day, it would be very cool to find compelling evidence that we aren't alone in the universe.
Until then, though, NASA's message is to keep your hat on.
"It is anticipated that JWST observations may lead to the initial identification of potential biosignatures that could make habitability more or less likely for a given exoplanet," James Webb's deputy project scientist for exoplanet science Knicole Colon told Ars Technica of the Spectator's claims. "Future missions will be needed to conclusively establish the habitability of an exoplanet."
And in the process, let's not take any experts' comments out of context.
"The storm that's been whipped up is because 3 sci-commers have been asked 'what exciting things are happening in 2024' and we all wanted to give an exciting answer," Smethurst tweeted.
"I can't speak for Maggie or Tim Peake, but as far as I know, there's no detection," she added. "There's no paper I've seen."
More on the kerfuffle: Rumors Circulating That James Webb Has Discovered Life on Another Planet
In what direction will the Russian and Ukrainian armies develop, and where will the main battles be fought in 2024?
The war in Ukraine has become not only a war of worldviews and military science, but also a war of technology. Western support has allowed the Defense Forces to compensate for losses in equipment with modern models that were previously out of the question. It also opened up opportunities to create labor-intensive weapons using Western technologies.
At the same time, the Russian army continues to degrade, decommissioning old Soviet equipment. The quantity of new models is small. In addition, Russia is forced to turn to Iran and North Korea for support, which has negatively affected its reputation as a country with a self-sufficient military-industrial complex. This is the direction in which both armies will continue to develop. More precisely, one will develop, and the other will degrade.
Today, Ukraine has the opportunity to develop several promising areas, including drone technology. In addition, Ukraine has managed to preserve rocketry and modernize the R-360 of the Neptune missile system. Another crucial area is the production of artillery ammunition, which is gradually reaching new volumes. However, it is not yet possible to discuss creating new productions of heavy, medium, and light armored vehicles. This will be possible after the war is over.
Russia is turning into a repair-based country
Therefore, we will depend on our partners to supply a wide range of this equipment. A vital solution could be the transfer of TAURUS cruise missiles from Germany, as well as bringing the supply of ATACMS missiles to the system level with various modifications. Ukraine needs a modification with the M39/M39A1 cluster warhead and the M57/M57E1 high-explosive, penetrating warhead.
We are all waiting for the delivery of F-16 fighters, but knowing what kind of missile weapons will be delivered is essential. This will determine the level of their effectiveness. For example, we need modifications to the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile to destroy air targets over long distances. To destroy targets at short and medium distances, we need the AIM-9 and more. To destroy land targets, the F-16 has the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon tactical guided air bomb or the AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile. To combat surface targets, we will need the AGM-119 anti-ship missile. At the same time, an important factor will be to support the F-16 with AWACS airborne detection and targeting systems.
Russia is turning into a repair-based country. The Russian military-industrial complex has crossed the point of no return, and the combat capability of the entire country has reached a critical point of non-replacement of losses even after decades. Yes, Moscow seems to have an endless human resource, but this resource solves little without equipment. 2024 should be the year when maintaining positions will become an impossible task for Russia.
In general, the Defense Forces' future actions should be treated with restraint and rationality. In 2024, we will neither end the war nor liberate Crimea. But this does not mean that we will not have victories. We will. First of all, in the mainland south.
The main battlefield will be the left-bank Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The JFO has every chance of pushing Russian troops away from the left bank, creating a stalemate in the south by weakening the Dnipro group of soldiers and influencing the development of events in the Zaporizhzhia region. A key element will be the Crimean bridge, depending on whether it will be operational. According to the optimistic scenario, in 2024, we will reach the administrative borders of Crimea and will be able to start creating conditions for its liberation.
The sequence of the JFO's liberation activities is seen as a systematic offensive in the mainland south of Ukraine, followed by the Crimean operation, and only at the end can we talk about the beginning of the campaign to de-occupy the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Claim:
GOP 2024 U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley "changed her name" to a less foreign-sounding one.
Rating:
Rating: False
Context:
Nikki Haley was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa to Punjabi Sikh immigrants. She has gone by her middle name, a Punjabi word for "little one," since well before she entered political life.
Former South Carolina governor, U.N. ambassador, and 2024 U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley has stated, on myriad occasions, that, "America is not a racist country." Following such statements, political opponents often reignite a false claim on social media that Haley, daughter of Punjabi Indian immigrants, changed her name to be less foreign-sounding.
This talking point re-emerged on Jan. 16, 2024, in response Haley to making that statement to Brian Kilmeade on the morning news program "Fox and Friends":
The claim is false for several reasons. Haley was born Nimarata Nikki Randhawa. Her legal middle name has been Nikki since her birth -- she did not choose that name, nor did she "anglicize" her first name from Nimarata to Nikki.
Second, while Nikki is a common American nickname, it is a Punjabi one as well. As Tunku Varadarajan explained in a Wall Street Journal editorial, 'Nikki' is a Punjabi word that means 'little one,' often used as a term of endearment for the youngest girl in a Sikh family."
Finally, Haley did not adopt the name Nikki as a way to boost her political career, as she has used that name since long before she entered the political arena. For example, she identified herself as Nikki Randhawa in her 1989 high school yearbook. In 1997, she married Michael Haley and took her husband's last name, becoming Nikki Haley.
Allegations that Haley "whitewashed" her Indian roots in service of her political career are long-standing. In 2020, for example, in response to a speech in which Haley asserted that "America is not a racist country," a group called South Asians for Biden tweeted (and later deleted) the question If America isnt racist, why did Nimrata Haley feel compelled to change her name to Nikki?"
In late April 2021, when Haley tweeted her objection to "wokeism" and made the assertion that "Democrats want to teach white kids that they're racist and minority kids that the deck is stacked against them." In response to that tweet, several commenters, including activist Bree Newsome, repeated the allegation that Haley had changed her name (to a less foreign-sounding one).
Because Nikki is a legal name given to her on her birth certificate with a cultural connection to her heritage, and because she has used this name all of her life, allegations that Nikki Haley "changed" or "whitewashed" her name are "False."
Sources:
Nikki Haley Claims America Is Not Racist, Later Says She Faced Discrimination. NBC News, 25 Aug. 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/nikki-haley-claims-america-not-racist-later-says-she-faced-n1238025.
November 12, Christina Bellantoni Posted, and 2010 at 2:29pm. Flashback: Nikki Haleys Senior Class Photo. Roll Call, 12 Nov. 2010, https://rollcall.com/2010/11/12/flashback-nikki-haleys-senior-class-photo/.
Varadarajan, Tunku. The Smearing of Nikki Haley. Wall Street Journal, 27 Aug. 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-smearing-of-nikki-haley-11598549001.
Third party candidates may be popular, but the path to victory is rough
By Jarrett Renshaw
(Reuters) - For third-party U.S. presidential candidates, getting on state ballots is challenging and expensive, thanks to a patchwork of U.S. laws designed by Republicans and Democrats, the dominant parties which control statehouses nationwide.
In many cases, outsider challengers can seek to qualify either as an independent candidate or a candidate from a minor party, though not all states have multiple options. Conversely, Democratic and Republican candidates automatically get on ballots due to state laws that reward parties for voter support during previous elections.
Here is a summary of states with the most cumbersome ballot access laws, according to experts, including Richard Winger, co-editor of the newsletter Ballot Access News.
CALIFORNIA
To qualify as a minor party, an organization must collect 75,000 signatures from residents who are willing to switch parties or register for the first time.
An independent candidate must collect some 219,000 signatures - the most of any state - over a 105-day stretch that starts in April.
NEW YORK
In 2020, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo led an effort to modify the state's ballot access law that changed the definition of a pre-qualified party, taking the Libertarian, Green and Independence parties off the ballot.
The petition requirement tripled to 45,000 signatures - including at least 500 in half of the state's 26 congressional districts, but the six-week petitioning period remained the same.
TEXAS
Independent candidates must collect 113,151 signatures over a 70-day stretch that begins on May 13. Voters who participated in the Republican or Democratic presidential primary election, held on May 5, are disqualified from signing a petition.
A minor party must get 81,000 signatures over a 75-day stretch.
Last year, a federal judge blocked a 119-year-old state law that required independent and minor parties to collect the signatures on paper. The ruling is on hold while the case in under appeal.
INDIANA
An independent candidate must collect 36,944 signatures - or 2% of the vote count for secretary of state - by July 1. The 2% requirement is tied with Wyoming as the highest percentage of a previous election tally in the country.
There is only one way to get on the ballot
WEST VIRGINIA
An independent candidate must collect 7,948 signatures by Aug. 1 and register in each of the state's 55 counties where they want to collect signatures.
ARIZONA
An independent candidate needs to collect some 43,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot 90 days before the general election.
The path for a minor party requires fewer signatures at 34,116, but they must be submitted a whole year prior to the election.
FLORIDA
An independent candidate needs 145,040 signatures to get on the state's presidential ballot.
A minor party doesn't require any signatures, but their national committee must be recognized by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), which has only recognized eight parties' national committees.
MAINE
A minor party seeking to qualify for Maine's presidential ballot must collect 5,000 signatures from residents willing to ditch their current party registration or register for the first time. Only a handful of states require residents to switch parties.
No Labels and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows clashed after Bellows, a Democrat, issued a letter to residents who signed the No Labels paperwork to advise them that they had switched parties. About 800 Maine voters rescinded their enrollment after the letter was issued, according to the state.
Despite that, No Labels officially qualified for the state's ballot earlier this month.
An independent candidate must collect between 4,000 and 5,000 signatures to be on the ballot.
(Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Heather Timmons and Jonathan Oatis)
White House National security adviser Jake Sullivan will meet Thursday with families of the Americans believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas, a White House official told CNN.
Several families of American hostages are in Washington, DC, this week around the 100-day mark of their loved ones being taken after Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.
103 days is 103 days too many and we are running out of time. The hostages are running out of time, Jon Polin the father of Hersch Goldberg-Polin, an American citizen held hostage said at a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday, alongside the families of other Israelis and Americans still held captive. And as Americans, we expect the United States, the greatest superpower in the history of the world, to use its full power to secure the hostages release.
Four Americans have been released since the start of the war and the US believes six Americans remain in captivity in Gaza.
The White House has extended invitations to the family members of all six hostages, the official said. Its not immediately clear how many family members will attend.
More than 100 people were released by Hamas during a seven-day truce with Israel late last year. Soon after the truce ended, multiple senior administration officials told CNN that additional hostage release talks had stalled.
Thursdays meeting comes a month after President Joe Biden met with family members of the Americans still held hostage from the Hamas attack. At the time, the relatives said the president made clear that his administration is committed to bringing their loved ones home.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week that he discussed efforts to secure the release of hostages as part of a day of talks with top Israeli officials.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNNs Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Alex Marquardt, MJ Lee, and Michael Williams contributed to this report.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
AUSTIN (Nexstar) At four months old, Sufyan Pashai is in the fight of his life.
Monochromatic leukodystrophy is an ultra-rare genetic disorder that attacks the central nervous system early in life. It can take months to years for the disease to manifest, often evading detection until it is deadly. Once symptoms reveal themselves, they are debilitating and irreversible.
Its a fight his older brother, Mohammed, has already lost. At two years old, his disease is too far along to alleviate. His suffering has now turned into a sacrifice that could be Sufyans saving grace.
Mohammed and Sufyan Pashai (Courtesy: Fazalkhaliq Ali)
It is a devastating, nightmarish disease, said Dr. Maria Kefalas, an advocate for MLD patients whose own daughter died of the disease in 2022. Its like ALS and Alzheimers in a 2-year-old imagine youve been told one child is going to die. And its going to be horrible, its going to be painful, it is a nightmare, and then you find out that your 3-month-old has the same disease and the baby looks perfectly fine.
Thats the tragic reality the Pashai family now faces. After Mohammeds diagnosis, the Pashais knew to test Sufyan to see if he also inherited the deadly gene. Doctors gave them an urgent ultimatum treat Sufyan now, or lose a second son.
Hes a very healthy kid and a happy kid, for now, Sufyans father said. Doctors are saying we have to do the treatment as soon as possible so we can save him, because when he shows symptoms, they cant treat him anymore.
Just a few years ago, Sufyans father would have had little recourse. In 2021, he and 3-month-old Mohammed escaped the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on a U.S. warplane. He worked security for allied troops before fleeing on a humanitarian visa when the Americans evacuated. Safe in Dallas, he and his wife brought Sufyan into the world as the familys first American citizen.
Yet, even in the U.S., treatment for MLD is a recent breakthrough. The gene used to be a ticking time bomb with no way to defuse. Now, cutting-edge gene therapy is being hailed as a miracle.
The Pashai parents requested to remain anonymous out of security concerns for their family still in Afghanistan. Mohammed, middle, is suffering the symptoms of MLD. Sufyan, right, is seeking preemptive treatment. (Courtesy: Fazalkhaliq Ali)
European biotechnology company Orchard Therapeutics has offered their multimillion-dollar MLD treatment to the Pashais free of charge. If Sufyan can receive it and fast it can repair his damaged genes and allow him to live a normal life.
Leading experts in the world call it one of the most miraculous treatments ever invented, Dr. Kefalas said. This gene therapy could give this child a healthy, normal life.
But, still, Sufyans father is fighting another war this time, not against insurgents, but insurance. Even miracles cost money.
Texas Medicaid declined to cover Sufyans medical bills. They now face two hail-mary options: get Medicaid to reverse its decision, or raise the money to pay out-of-pocket.
Sufyans doctors have explained to Texas Medicaid that the level of coverage they are offering is inadequate to provide the help he needs. Even with the treatment itself donated, the Pashais expect to owe at least $300,000 for hospital stays, chemotherapy, bloodwork, outpatient care, travel, and other ancillary costs.
We will do anything thats possible on our end, but we dont have anything. The only thing is just to wait, Sufyans father said.
Mohammed, 2, in the hospital after MLD diagnosis. (Courtesy: Fazalkhaliq Ali)
Nexstar is awaiting Texas Medicaids response to an inquiry regarding the reason for the Pashais denial and the standards by which they determine eligibility for similar cases.
Dr. Kefalas explained state insurers are often hesitant to cover novel treatments like the one Sufyan needs. They can be extraordinarily expensive, and Orchard Therapeutics treatment is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
We are sympathetic to the pressures on Texas and all the Medicaid systems across the country. However, in this case, we have to advocate for our family. This drug is being donated. And its the right thing to do financially, fiscally and morally, Dr. Kefalas said. I understand that this is a frightening time as we move forward into a world with gene therapy. But we cant solve the problem of the health care system in America on the back of a 3-month-old baby.
The Pashais and their doctors are now in an excruciating waiting game as they watch the time left on hope tick down. Their family friend started a GoFundMe to raise money for medical costs if Medicaid does not reverse course.
Without treatment, Sufyans father said, the only thing I can do is keep him happy while hes alive and service whatever he needs to be happy until his last breath.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The family of a Long Island-raised Israeli-American man who is being held hostage by Hamas is pleading with those in power to help bring 22-year-old Omer Neutra back home.
Neutras parents sat down with MSNBCs Andrea Mitchell after standing on the border with Hamas-run Gaza so close to Omer, his mother, Orna Neutra, said at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. It was there that they and the families of other hostages held a vigil to mark 100 days passed since Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked Israel and abducted nearly 240 people, including many civilians.
We are pressing for action from anybody that we see, his father, Ronen Neutra, told Mitchell. Whether its the State Department or FBI or Israeli authorities.
Its been too long, its too dangerous, agreed Orna.
Many hostages families are now pushing for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, which promptly responded to the attacks with an offensive.
Whatever theyve achieved so far, they can continue doing that after they bring (the hostages) out alive, said Orna.
The Neutras, who are both descended from Holocaust survivors, emigrated to the States from Israel in 2000.
Neutra enlisted in the IDF as part of a gap year before starting college. Though his parents were aware of the risks, Orna said they could never imagine this situation.
He was in his tank with his team and they were ambushed on the border of Gaza on Oct. 7, said his mother. They forced them out and they took them.
Hamas attacked Israeli civilians on Oct. 7 at the Nova music festival and in their homes, leaving an estimated 1,200 dead. While some hostages have been released amid brief ceasefires, more than 130 are still being held captive.
Over 24,000 Palestinians have been killed as part of the responding offensive, according to Gazas health ministry.
_____
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) faces a hearing scheduled for February 15 to address allegations that she is in a romantic relationship with one of the lead prosecutors in Donald Trump's Georgia election interference case which, if found to be valid, would be a violation of ethics rules.
The hearing, which was ordered by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, will require Willis to answer to claims that she and the prosecutor, Nathan Wade, "traveled on expensive vacations financed by the income Wade earned from his work on the case," after being brought on by Willis on a contract basis, according to Politico.
A spokesman for Willis has issued only one statement on the allegations thus far we will respond in court but The Washington Post reports that Willis opened up about the matter indirectly while speaking to the congregation of Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta on Sunday.
God, why would you send this imperfect and very flawed person up to that position? Willis said in church. God, you did not tell me my home would be swept multiple times for bombs or that most days and nights that I would spend them in isolation because that was the safest place to be. You forgot to mention, Lord, that I would have to abandon my home. You forgot to mention the loneliness of this position. And you certainly didnt tell me about the stress.
Suggesting that race plays a role in all of this, as the prosecutor in question is a Black man, Willis furthered, I appointed three special counsel, which is my right to do. Paid them all the same hourly rate. They only attack one.
The allegations against Willis came to light last week in a filing from one of Trumps co-defendants, former campaign aide Mike Roman, who is asking for the DA and Wade to be removed from the case, and for the charges to be dismissed against Trump and 14 co-remaining defendants.
The father of a 4-month-old is accused of fatally abusing his son while trying to quiet him down, Oklahoma police say.
Medical staff at a Tulsa hospital reported the infant suffered fractures in the skull, jaw, ribs and legs, bruising on his head and a subconjunctival hemorrhage, according to police. A subconjunctival hemorrhage is described more commonly as a broken blood vessel in the eye, according to Mayo Clinic.
The infant was brought to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa on Jan. 8 and died Jan. 11, police say.
Daquan White was arrested Jan. 9 on an outstanding warrant, and he told investigators he had committed dangerous acts on the 4-month-old in an effort to quiet the infant, according to a Facebook post by Tulsa police.
Public court records did not have an attorney listed for White as of Jan. 18.
The dad is charged with second-degree murder, child abuse and child neglect, according to police. His bond is set at $1 million, according to Tulsa County records.
White was convicted of a felony last year, court records show. If convicted on these charges, he would serve at least 10 years to life due to his previous felony conviction, according to Wyatt Law, an Oklahoma law office.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 23.
4-year-old hospitalized for fentanyl overdose on birthday, cops say. Parents arrested
32-year-old accused of raping 13-year-old cousin says he is in love, Oklahoma cops say
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The FBI El Paso has launched an Instagram account, @fbi.elpaso, as another tool to communicate with the West Texas communities, according to a press release sent by the FBI El Paso Field Office.
Photo courtesy of FBI El Paso
Embracing social media is vital for connecting with our community. As Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office, John Morales emphasized the importance of expanding FBI El Paso Field Offices means of outreach with the community. With the addition of Instagram to our social media platforms, we, at the El Paso FBI aim to reach and engage with a wider audience, sharing insights into our work and proactively addressing public safety concerns.
The FBI launched its presence in social media in 2008. FBI El Paso launched its English X (formerly known as Twitter) account (@FBIElPaso) in 2011, its Spanish X account (@miFBIElPaso) in November of 2022, and its Facebook account (FBI-El Paso) in May of 2023.
FBI El Paso uses social media to post wanted fugitives photos, arrest, criminal charge information, safety tips and messages, community outreach efforts, events and more, according to the press release.
If you believe you are a victim of or have information about a federal crime, you can submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The Department of Justice is recommending the adoption of national standards to confront active shooters with the aim of empowering local law enforcement to rapidly stop the killing and the dying.
This critical recommendation is a top takeaway from the federal governments new incident review, which was made public on Thursday morning. It goes into detail about the horrific May 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, which was likely made deadlier by what the report blasts as cascading failures of leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy, and training.
The Uvalde shooter killed 19 students, two teachers, and left more than a dozen others with serious injuries. The 610-page government report recaps, in infuriating detail, how officers arrived on the scene within three minutes of the attack beginning. But instead of mounting an effective confrontation of the shooter with the resources available, the local chief of police who was without key communication equipment including radios alternately sought to contain the shooter, who was still in a position to shoot children, and mount a search for keys to open the reinforced classroom door.
Even as overwhelming numbers of law enforcement personnel from different agencies arrived on the scene, the report describes, there was no effective command-and-control established at the school. Owing to this lack of effective leadership, law enforcement response dragged out even as the killer continued to fire rounds inside the school. The shooter was finally confronted and killed by federal agents 77 minutes after the first officers entered the school, the report describes, and only after 45 rounds were fired by the shooter in the presence of officers.
This wildly disorganized response in which even well-trained officers stood to the side as the minutes ticked by, and law enforcement continued to act as if the incident were a barricaded subject scenario and not an active shooter situation drives the federal governments recommendation for the development of national standards to confront mass shooters.
The report describes that many officers on the scene believed that they were waiting for more assets to arrive, such as shields and a specialized tactical team, to make entry. The report counters that law enforcement responding to an active shooter must be prepared to approach the threat and breach a room using just the tools they have with them, which is often a standard-issue firearm/service weapon.
National response standards, the report insists, would enable a de-facto team of similarly trained officers to rapidly assemble, communicate, and act as a team moving immediately to stop the killing and stop the dying. Such standards would also give leaders on the scene a playbook for when a situation becomes stagnant to create a core tactical team responsible for neutralizing the shooter, while removing all other personnel to avoid overcompensating the situation.
Introducing the report, Attorney General Merrick Garland insisted, The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better. He starkly described the law enforcement response in Uvalde as a failure. He insisted that the federal review must spark change. We hope to honor the victims and survivors, he said, by working together to try to prevent anything like this from happening again, here or anywhere.
Among other key recommendations, the federal report also advises:
Law enforcement training academies and providers should ensure that active shooter training modules include the factors in determining active shooter versus barricaded subject situations.
An active shooter with access to victims should never be considered and treated as a barricaded subject.
And: [N]o single piece of ancillary equipment is required for a response to an active shooter.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Read the entire Critical Incident Review below:
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Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) endorsed Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) in the Democratic primary for New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendezs (D) seat Thursday.
Fetterman told The New York Times in an interview that he is enthusiastic about Kims background in politics. He said he decided to get involved in a primary against a sitting senator because anything would be an upgrade over Menendez.
One of the most important things is that we have a reliable Democratic vote, Fetterman said. We have to run this table in 24 in order to maintain the majority. But we need to count on every Democratic vote. Andy Kim is the kind of guy we can count on.
He later tweeted his endorsement, reiterating that Kim can be trusted to be a reliable Democratic vote in the Senate and saying New Jersey has an opportunity to elect a truly decent person to the seat.
Fetterman was the first Democratic senator to call for Menendezs resignation in the fall after the senior New Jersey senator was indicted on charges of bribery over allegations that he and his wife accepted $600,000 in bribes from three businessmen in exchange for favors.
Fetterman called for Menendezs expulsion from the Senate after a subsequent charge accused the New Jersey senator of acting as an agent on behalf of the Egyptian government.
Menendez has denied the charges and refused to step down. He has also indicated that he intends to run for reelection.
After Menendez was indicted, a couple of additional candidates jumped in the race against him for the Democratic nomination. Kim was the first major candidate to join the race in November.
New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy has also launched a Senate bid and racked up establishment support in the state.
Fetterman said Murphy being a former registered Republican made him uncertain about her candidacy and the type of senator she would be.
I wouldnt want to risk having someone that might waffle when we have to deliver a solid Democratic vote in a very, very divided Senate like we have, he said.
Fetterman tweeted that Kim can still win through grassroots support even if he does not have the establishment backing that Murphy does.
Andy doesnt have the support of NJs political bosses. So what? Lets show them what grassroots support looks like, he said.
Kim told the Times in an interview that he appreciated Fettermans endorsement.
To have someone who is a sitting senator, who knows the job, knows the role of a legislator at this moment, and also just understands the crazy, chaotic moment that we live in right now, thats something that stands out, he said.
The Times reported that Kim was also expected to announce endorsements from six Pennsylvania Democratic House members Thursday.
Updated at 12:41 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Euren Balbuena reacts after a relative of the victim lunged at him during sentencing Wednesday for the 2020 murder of his girlfriend.
A courtroom fight interrupted Wednesday's sentencing hearing for a Simi Valley man who killed his girlfriend in 2020.
The victim's stepfather lunged at 33-year-old Euren Balbuena during the emotional hearing, said Joey Buttitta, spokesman for the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.
Balbuena was sentenced to 33 years to life in prison for three felony convictions, including the 2020 murder of 31-year-old Zaira Patino-Trejo, by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Anthony Sabo.
Patino-Trejos family members had gathered in the courtroom to read victim impact statements, telling the court how her loss affected their lives.
While the victim's mother was giving a statement, her stepfather lunged at Balbuena. He landed at least one punch before the two men were separated by bailiffs, Buttitta said.
The stepfather was removed from the courtroom. Impact statements continued about an hour later, Buttitta said.
As of Thursday afternoon, county sheriff's officials hadn't filed a case concerning the incident with the DA's office, he said. A sheriff's official couldn't immediately be reached to say whether the agency is investigating the altercation.
In November, a jury convicted Balbuena of first degree murder and battery causing great bodily harm. Balbuena was also convicted of assault with a deadly weapon against Patino-Trejos mother.
The victim was found stabbed to death at the Woodside Apartments in Simi Valley on Feb. 27, 2020, after a domestic dispute. During the fight, Balbuena stabbed Patino-Trejo more than 30 times with multiple knives. Prosecutors said during the trial he stabbed and slashed her some 95 times.
Patino-Trejos mother, Ariadna Avetisyan, knew about the couple's ongoing argument and about their history of domestic violence, according to the DA's office. Avetisyan came to the apartment during the fight and tried to leave with her daughter, but Balbuena wouldn't let Patino-Trejo out of the unit.
Balbuena first slashed the mother twice in the head before attacking Patino-Trejo, prosecutors said. The mother ran from the apartment and found a bystander who called 911.
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Fight breaks out during sentencing in 2020 Simi Valley murder case
Since opening Valiant Cross Academy in 2015, brothers Anthony and Fred Brock fixed their eyes on the future. They had a vision for a school that would fill in the gap for a faith-based education tailored to young Black men in Montgomery, and they were running toward that reality.
Now, with over 200 students on two campuses, they say its time for an expansion.
Come fall 2024, Valiant Cross Academy plans to open an elementary school in the city. Details like the number of open spots for students, a building location and curriculum specifics have not yet been released to the public.
VCA Head of School Anthony Brock announced the growth plan Thursday morning during an event at the middle school campus on Dexter Avenue.
We know that these young men at the school are amazing, Brock said. We're just trying to get them back on track, filling in the gap. God needs vessels.
Brock mentioned the high number of homicides in Montgomery 75 in 2023 and said that ridding the community of violence starts by reaching kids at a young age in homes and in schools.
Head of School Anthony Brock greets students during the daily morning assembly at Valiant Cross Academys Middle School Campus in Montgomery. Valiant Cross Academy received the $1 million Yass Prize for 2023.
Our goal is to intentionally put more Black men back into homes here in Montgomery, Alabama. That's the goal we've set out to do, he said.
The elementary school was a core piece of Brocks pitch to education advocate Janine Yass as to why she should award Valiant Cross her organizations $1 million Yass Prize, also colloquially known as the Pulitzer of education innovation.
Yass and her team were thoroughly convinced, and back in December, Brock accepted the top award in New York City. Valiant Cross is just the third winner of the massive honor, and the school will put much of the funding toward the new elementary school.
Beyond that, Brock said future plans may include opening a new Valiant Cross Academy school in another state and building out a resource center for students in Montgomery.
Among those in attendance at Thursdays event were Gov. Kay Ivey, former Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery County Commissioner Doug Singleton and city council members CC Calhoun, Julie Beard, Oronde Mitchell and Marche Johnson.
Valiant Cross founders Anthony Brock, left, Fredrick Brock, right, Jeanne Allen, CEO of Yass Prize, middle left, Janine Yass, middle right, and Gov. Kay Ivey pose for a photo during the Yass Prize award ceremony at Valiant Cross Academys Middle School Campus in Montgomery.
Valiant Cross Academy is also a shining example of the tremendous positive change that can occur in a child's life when they are afforded the chance to obtain a quality education, Ivey said. Many parents desire the opportunity to present their children with proven alternative methods of learning. They must not be hindered in their determination to give their children.
Ivey has repeatedly expressed support for expanded school choice in Alabama, allowing families to use public education funds to access alternatives to traditional public schools. In June 2023, she signed into law a bill to broaden a scholarship program aimed at helping students from low and moderate income families attend private schools.
The expansion to the Alabama Accountability Act more than doubled the schools identified for the program and opened up the income threshold for families to participate.
Yass and members of her team specifically thanked Ivey for her support of policies like this.
Thats why were here today. It's because of (things) like this, your Alabama Educational Scholarship program that's active, that's progressing. There's a commitment to expand more of the existing money in the state budget for education to have more of those dollars follow more children to the schools that they feel best serve their needs, Yass said. A lot of people were on the wrong side of history back in the Civil Rights era, and I think Alabama, going forward, is going to be on the right side of history when it comes to educational freedom.
Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange greets Gov. Kay Ivey during the Yass Prize award ceremony at Valiant Cross Academys Middle School Campus.
Alabamas new legislative session begins on Feb. 6, and Ivey said she plans to support more school choice legislation, including offering parents the option to create publicly funded education savings accounts (ESAs) for their kids. According to her office, the proposal details are forthcoming.
Leaders at Valiant Cross like Brock have been outspoken advocates for school choice, and with the new elementary school, Brock said it will be just another option for Montgomerys kids to get educated.
We don't think our school is any better than any other schools in America. But we think it's just as good as any other school in America at the same time, he said. We're unapologetically raising God-fearing men.
Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Valiant Cross to open new elementary school in Montgomery by fall 2024
The Florida Board of Education announced that it is banning public colleges from using state and federal funds for diversity, equity and inclusion programs the latest move by the GOP-controlled state to crack down on efforts to address race- and gender-related inequities in higher education.
On Wednesday, the board said it has implemented strict regulations to limit the Florida College Systems use of public funds for DEI programs, activities and policies. The decision applies to all 28 of the states college campuses, including some that have substantial Black and Latine populations.
The board defines DEI as any program, campus activity or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.
But actual DEI professionals work to help organizations correct inequities that affect marginalized groups, such as addressing accessibility issues for disabled people and drafting reports on potential discriminatory practices related to hiring and pay.
Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said in a statement on Wednesday.
These actions today ensure that we will not spend taxpayers money supporting DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division in our society, he continued.
DEI has become a popular boogeyman for Republicans as they aim to turn academic institutions into places of censorship and conservative ideology. GOP lawmakers have introduced legislation meant to gut diversity initiatives in over a dozen states.
This is about discrimination against people who have just begun to get access to these spaces, Antonio Ingram, an assistant counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), told HuffPost last year. Theyre being told the doormat is being rolled up, weve had enough.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has spent years targeting the education sphere, going after what he claims are instances of schools using the college-level academic framework known as critical race theory. His agenda has also included banning books that dont align with conservative values, and signing multiple pieces of legislation that effectively prohibit educators from talking about race, gender and sexuality.
DeSantis has made his so-called war on woke the centerpiece of his current presidential campaign with a particular focus on an intentionally vague piece of legislation, the Stop W.O.K.E. Act, that blocks publicly funded colleges from teaching race-related curricula. The law severely limits people in academic institutions from learning and speaking about issues related to race and gender.
In August 2022, the LDF and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of college students challenging the law.
Governor DeSantis nefarious attack on truth, history and public education cannot be masked by a fatuous acronym mocking a Black colloquialism, LDF President Janai Nelson said in a press release at the time of the lawsuit. [This law] seeks to deprive future generations of knowledge, information and the ability to appreciate the humanity of their fellow citizens. It is also a direct and unlawful assault on the bedrock principle of free speech in a democracy.
A judge blocked the law from going into effect, arguing that the First Amendment protects speech in the classroom, and that the legislations vague restrictions make it unenforceable. A bench trial to ultimately decide the laws future is set for October.
Related...
Pakistan recalls ambassador from Iran
Xinhua) 09:17, January 18, 2024
This photo taken on Jan. 17, 2024 shows the entrance of the Pakistani Foreign Ministry in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the country has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan who is currently in Iran "may not return for the time being."
"Unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran is a violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations," the ministry said in a statement.
The foreign ministry said that the country has also decided to suspend all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.
Earlier it said that two Pakistani children were killed and three girls injured due to Iran's violation of Pakistan's airspace on Tuesday.
According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, two important bases of the Jaish al-Zulm "terrorist group" in Pakistan were destroyed in missile and drone strikes on Tuesday.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Florida lawmakers have voted to move forward with a bill that would effectively ban Pride flags from government buildings and schools.
HB 901 says that "a governmental entity may not erect or display a flag that represent a political viewpoint, including, but not limited to a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint."
The proposal, introduced by Florida state Republicans Rep. David Borrero of Sweetwater and Rep. Randy Fine of Brevard County, was approved Wednesday in a 9-5 vote along party lines in the Republican-led House's subcommittee on constitutional rights, rule of law and government operations. It's now in the State Affairs Committee.
Hundreds of LGBTQ residents and their supporters rallied and waved a 700-foot Pride flag in Sarasota, Florida on Feb. 27, 2022 in opposition to the state's "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Legislators comment on HB 901
The bill's supporters say the bill doesn't affect flags being flown at homes and other private places, and is intended to counter "indoctrination," especially in schools.
This is something that literally is bringing us back to the focus of education and not indoctrination, said Republican Rep. Doug Bankson, who represents Apopka, according to the News Service.
Bill co-sponsor Fine said that he doesn't want "a Hamas flag flying in this (subcommittee) room."
I dont want the Black Lives Matter flag flying in this room, and I dont want the 'Trump for president' flag flying in this room," he said, according to the News Service. "Theyre not appropriate in this room, theyre not appropriate in our schools, theyre not appropriate in our government buildings.
Florida Republican Rep. Randy Fine speaks at a protest over vaccine mandates in Palm Bay, Florida on October 2021.
The bill has drawn opposition from the LGBTQ community, who point to other anti-LGBTQ laws passed by the Legislature, according to reporting by the News Service of Florida. They argue that it amounts to intolerance.
The problem with this bill is, in addition to the constitutional issues, that it fosters the same kind of intolerance that breeds the violence that makes our communities unsafe, said Rep. Dotie Joseph, a North Miami Beach Democrat, the News Service reported. And how it does that is by, instead of fostering tolerance, we focus on intolerance for culture wars.
St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross said: I think we should be fostering communities of inclusion, and I think this bill is moving us backwards and not forwards.
19 bills aimed at LGBTQ community filed ahead of 2024 session
As previously reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, at least 19 bills either targeting transgender people specifically and potentially LGBTQ+ people in general were filed before the start of the session on Jan. 9, 2024.
Here are some of those bills:
HB 1233: Biological Sex Filed by Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, the bill seeks to ban legal recognition of transgender identities in the state and require biological sex affidavits for all Floridians getting new or renewed driver's licenses.
HB 599/SB 1382: Gender Identity Employment Practices Introduced by Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, the bill extends "Don't Say Gay" laws prohibiting preferred pronouns and sexual orientation trainings to employers.
HB 1135/SB 1238: Lewd or Lascivious Grooming The bills from Rep. Taylor Yarkosky, R-Montverde, Rep. Doug Bankson, R-Apopka, and Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, create the crime of "lewd or lascivious grooming" and make it a second-degree felony. The bills define grooming as a person "preparing or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity through overtly sexually themed communication with the child." Citing the fact that in Florida just being openly gay has been equated to grooming, critics are concerned the bills could be weaponized if they become law.
SB 1780: Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likenesses This bill, filed by Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, would declare practically all accusations of homophobia, transphobia, or discrimination against LGBTQ+ people to be "defamation per se" and leave the accuser liable for damages of at least $35,000. It contains numerous ways to protect people from being accused, regardless of their public statements, and help them seek damages.
Contributing: Jim Saunders, NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida House bill limiting flags with 'political viewpoint' approved
Carrying out parts of a controversial 2023 law, the State Board of Education on Wednesday approved rules that will prevent colleges from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and remove a sociology class from a list of core courses.
The rules stem from a law (SB 266) approved in May by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor, who has been traveling the country for months in his presidential campaign, has made fighting against diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives a pillar of his education agenda.
One of the rules approved Wednesday defines DEI as any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals based on such classification.
State Board of Education Chairman Ben Gibson echoed previous remarks by DeSantis, saying DEI really is a cover for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination. That has no place in our state colleges at all, and our state colleges need to be focused on learning.
Under the rule, Floridas 28 state colleges will not be able to use state or federal money to promote, support, or maintain programs or campus activities that would violate a state law related to discrimination against students and employees.
Read: State attorney: Pastor who whipped 16 students with belt at Orlando private school wont be charged
Part of the law says that it would constitute discrimination to subject students or employees to instruction or training that would compel them to believe that a person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex, should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.
Also prohibited are expenditures that would advocate for DEI. The measure defines such advocacy, in part, as colleges promoting the position that a group or an individuals action is inherently, unconsciously, or implicitly biased on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Floridas 12 state universities also have been barred from spending money on DEI initiatives under the law. In November, the university systems Board of Governors approved a public notice of intent to adopt a regulation that would carry out the prohibition.
The colleges and university measures also are designed to prohibit expenditures that promote or engage in political or social activism as defined by the rules.
Read: Roller coaster weather patterns bring humidity, showers as well as weekend cold
The college systems rule, which is nearly identical to the university systems measure, defines such activism as any activity organized with a purpose of effecting or preventing change to a government policy, action, or function, or any activity intended to achieve a desired result related to social issues, where the institution endorses or promotes a position in communications, advertisements, programs, or campus activities.
In a November statement, Florida National Organization for Women President Debbie Deland said the universities regulation represents unabashed assaults on democratic values.
Shamelessly violating freedom of speech, freedom of assembly in the hallowed ground coveted for the intellectual and humane development of our future citizenry and our future leaders is intolerable, Deland said.
The Board of Education on Wednesday also approved an update to a rule about general education course options, which can be used to fulfill required coursework in various subject areas.
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The revamped rule, in part, removes the course Principles of Sociology from a list of courses that students could take to complete coursework in the social sciences. In its place, the board elected to add a history course titled Introductory Survey to 1877.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz said the sociology course involves the teaching of theories, which he said under the 2023 law puts the class out of compliance with the states requirements for core courses.
The course in sociology is still available for students to take. But I think the statute is clear, that within the general education code, courses may not distort significant historical events or include curriculum that teaches identity politics or theories, Diaz said Wednesday.
The commissioner contrasted the sociology course to the newly added history course.
I think when you go into the sociology course youre talking about theories. And thats an option that students have, to explore those theories in a non-general education course. But it is important that our students are well-versed in American history, including those periods covered in (the history course) which includes things like slavery, and leading up to the Civil War, Diaz said.
The push to remove sociology as a general education course has drawn pushback. During a news conference Tuesday at the Capitol, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, criticized education officials actions.
The Board of Governors, yall, they are going after not just DEI, but sociology as a program. Please understand that every culture war really is a class war. We have to do what we can to ensure that regardless of how much money you have, that you can read books about yourself, Eskamani said.
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Florida state colleges are barred from using state or federal money to fund diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to a rule implemented Wednesday by the states Board of Education.
The board said strict regulations would be put on the Florida College System regarding the use of tax dollars to support DEI, which it defined as programs that categorize individuals based on race or sex for the purpose of differential or preferential treatment.
The board also announced Principles of Sociology could no longer be a course and needs to be replaced with a general class about American history.
Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies, said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr.
These actions today ensure that we will not spend taxpayers money supporting DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division in our society, he added.
The adopted rule will affect 28 of Floridas state schools.
It follows Gov. Ron DeSantiss (R) law he signed last year that banned public colleges from using tax dollars to implement or promote DEI initiatives.
This is the latest in steps conservatives have taken in their fight against DEI, which they describe as a threat to education.
Last year, 40 bills were introduced across the country to restrict the use of diversity statements, mandatory diversity trainings and DEI programs, according to a tracker from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Florida State Board of Education has put strict regulations in place to prohibit its 28 public colleges from using taxpayer funds to conduct programs categorizing individuals based on sex or race for differential or preferential treatment.
Floridas State Board of Education has moved to ensure taxpayer funds will no longer support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the 28 state college campuses.
According to WPTV-5 News, the board announced Wednesday that they had put strict regulations in place to prohibit Florida College System institutions from using state or federal funds to conduct programs categorizing individuals based on sex or race for differential or preferential treatment.
The board also replaced the class Principles of Sociology with an American history course.
Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies, said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. (above) on Wednesday. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union/USA TODAY NETWORK)
The aim is to provide students with an accurate and factual account of the nations past, rather than exposing them to radical woke ideologies, said the Florida Department of Education in a statement, which had become commonplace in the now replaced course.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is currently serving his second term and seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. president, has been a key opponent of DEI.
Last year, the governor signed a bill into law banning state or federal spending on DEI programs at publicly funded colleges in Florida. He also requested Floridas public colleges and universities to report how much they spend on DEI, later claiming they self-reported at least $34 million.
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Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies, said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr. on Wednesday. These actions today ensure that we will not spend taxpayers money supporting DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division in our society.
According to WPTV, the nonprofit Equality Florida said theyre not surprised at the passage of the education departments new rule, describing the board as a rubber stamp for Governor Ron DeSantis agenda of censorship and surveillance.
This is a brazenly political attack on Floridas colleges, and all minorities in Florida, and is one more way state agencies have been weaponized to support Governor DeSantis failing political ambitions, said Equality Florida, WPTV reported. Shame on the State Board of Education for passing rules that weaken and threaten Floridas colleges in service to one more manufactured culture war.
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The post Florida education dept. says college DEI initiatives will no longer be funded by state, federal dollars appeared first on TheGrio.
A Florida man was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison after pleading guilty to three felonies, including assaulting a law enforcement officer, during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
The Justice Department (DOJ) announced the sentencing of Kenneth Bonawitz, a 58-year-old Proud Boys member, whom the DOJ described as one of the more violent January 6 rioters.
Bonawitz was sentenced to to 60 months in prison, 36 months supervised release and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution and fines. He also pleaded guilty to felony charges of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding, the DOJ said.
Bonawitz assaulted at least six law enforcement officers on the West Plaza on Jan. 6, 2021. The attacks, several of which are detailed in the news release, included hurling himself at officers and tackling them to the ground, placing one officer in a chokehold, and lifting the officer up by the neck, according to the DOJ.
One police officer who had also been a first responder at the Pentagon on 9/11, the DOJ said, was injured so severely that the officer has now been forced to retire from the United States Capitol Police.
Bonawitz, who was carrying an 8-inch knife in a sheath attached to his belt, was at the front of the crowd that pushed through the police defensive line near the West Front, the DOJ said.
As police were trying to hold rioters back, Bonawitz climbed onto the pre-set presidential inauguration stage, and he then ran the length of the stage, raised his arms, threw himself into the air as the stage ended, and used his outstretched arms to tackle two United States Capitol Police officers who were standing at the base of a short set of stairs.
After the two officers managed to confiscate his knife, Bonawitz managed to slip away from the officers due to the unfolding chaos. He then rejoined the mob, the DOJ said. He assaulted four Washington, D.C., police officers almost immediately in a melee.
At one point, Bonawitz shoved an officer, who stumbled forward and then turned around to face Bonawitz. Bonawitz then wrapped his arms around the officer from behind, inserted his forearm under the officers shield, and then put the officer in a chokehold. He briefly lifted the officer off the ground and caused the officer to gag before struggling free of his grip.
He assaulted three more officers before leaving, according to the DOJ.
The DOJ noted Bonawitz gave two media interviews as he was leaving, during which he identified himself and described some of his interactions with police.
More than 1,265 people have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, including more than 440 who were charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Nato chief sceptical about US aid for Ukraine continuing under Trump
A former Nato secretary general has said he was sceptical about the US continuing to provide military aid for Ukraine if Donald Trump was re-elected as president.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen told PBS Newshour on Wednesday that it was detrimental for Americas national security interests for Russia to win the war against Ukraine. We cannot allow (Vladimir) Putin any success in Ukraine.
He was asked about US aid for Ukraine that has been held up by Congress, as Republicans seek to force the Democrats into passing tougher immigration controls.
If a new aid package cannot be passed under president Joe Bidens government before the US goes to the polls in November, Mr Rasmussen said he was sceptical of the chances one would be agreed under a potential Trump administration,
He added that Mr Trumps nomination as the Republican candidate for president has already changed the behaviours of international players keenly watching the US elections. They try to hedge their bets, Mr Rasmussen said.
In Europe for instance, there is a great concern that a new administration might be inward looking, more isolationist, that they will leave Europe behind. I dont think that would be in the interest of the United States, to weaken its alliance across the Atlantic, said Mr Rasmussen, who served as Nato chief between 2009 and 2014.
While serving as the US president, Mr Trump attempted to withhold military assistance to Ukraine in order to get Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into Mr Biden, who Mr Trump saw as his main rival in 2020.
During an infamous press conference in Helsinki, Finland, Mr Trump sided with Mr Putin when asked if he believed Russia had interfered in the 2016 US election, as outlined by the US intelligence community.
More recently, Mr Trump has argued that all aid to Ukraine should be put on pause until federal agencies provide evidence regarding what he claimed were corrupt business dealings by Mr Biden and his son Hunter Biden.
During a July rally in Pennsylvania, Mr Trump argued that Mr Biden was dragging the US into the war.
A Trump victory in 2024 is likely to raise the possibility of the US largely abandoning Ukraine as it seeks to repel Russias invasion.
My advice would be to do what it takes to ensure that Ukraine wins the war against Russia because it is detrimental for the US national security interests if Russia wins this war, Mr Rasmussen advised US lawmakers.
Under a sky filled with gray clouds that promised rain later in the day, the casket carrying a former first ladys mother was lifted into the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach on Thursday morning.
The funeral for Amalija Knavs, mother to Melania Trump and grandmother to Barron Trump, began at about 10 a.m., with the former first lady, her father Viktor Knavs, Barron, former President Donald Trump and the Rev. Tim Schenck, Bethesdas rector, meeting the casket at the church sanctuarys west-facing entrance along South Ocean Boulevard.
Viktor Knavs (from left), Melania Trump, Barron Trump, former President Donald Trump and Bethesda-by-the-Sea Rector the Rev. Tim Schenck await the arrival of the casket of Amalija Knavs at the church on Thursday.
The Trumps arrived at the church in a motorcade of black SUVs, with Secret Service and Palm Beach police accompanying the vehicles from Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club, about 2.5 miles to the south.
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive for the funeral of Amalija Knavs on Thursday.
Amalija Knavs died Jan. 9 at age 78 after an undisclosed illness.
More: Funeral for Melania Trump's mother today; Palm Beach warns of traffic around church
Her casket carrying the body of the woman whose cooking former President Trump recently credited with making his youngest son 6 feet, 7 inches tall at age 17 arrived at the historic church in a black Cadillac hearse.
According to a source close to the proceedings, Knavs will be laid to rest in her home country, Slovenia.
Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, arrive Thursday for the funeral of Amalija Knavs.
Donald, Melania and Barron Trump were joined at the church by friends and family, including the former presidents daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and their spouses, Jared Kushner and Michael Boulos. Also present were Donald Trump's eldest sons, Don Jr., who attended with partner Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Eric, who was there with wife Lara Trump.
Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also attended the service, along with two former members of Trump's White House cabinet: Dr. Ben Carson, who was secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Wilbur Ross, who was secretary of Commerce.
Members of the family did not speak with the media, but Melania Trump did share a message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, following her mothers death on Jan. 9.
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," the former first lady wrote. "Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy."
'The epitome of elegance and grace'
During the private funeral service, Melania Trump eulogized her mother, saying she was "the epitome of elegance and grace," and that she was "the essence of a true woman."
"Her love for her husband, Viktor, my father, Ines, my sister, and me was boundless," Trump said. "Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations. She showered her grandson, Barron, with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care and unwavering devotion.
"She embodied the best mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, a true beacon of love and luxury in our lives."
Melania Trump watches as pallbearers prepare to load the casket of her mother, Amalia Knavs, into a hearse following her funeral at the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea on Thursday.
Amalija Knavs was born in Austria, and lived there and in Slovenia throughout her childhood. She met her husband in 1966, and they had their two daughters: Melania in 1970, and Ines in 1968.
Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs but adopted an alternate spelling of her name, Melania Knauss, when she began her modeling career.
Over the past decade, her parents traveled frequently to the U.S. from Slovenia. Melania Trump sponsored their green cards, and in 2018 the couple became U.S. citizens during a ceremony in New York City.
"With each step she took, she embraced the privilege bestowed upon her and, in time, the privilege of becoming a U.S. citizen," Melania Trump said during Thursday's service. "She vowed to contribute to make a difference in the world. Filled with uncertainty, she knew an exquisite sense of pride as my husband became the president of the United States, and I embarked on a grand odyssey, traveling the corners of the globe as the first lady."
Melania Trump described the world as seeming "to shimmer with radiant joy" when her mother was near. She described her closeness with her mother, saying that she was a friend and confidant, and the mother-daughter pair shared an unbreakable bond. Her mother taught her to cook, and fostered her love of fashion, she said.
Former President Donald Trump's children and their spouses wait in the doorway of the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea following the funeral for Melania Trump's mother, Amalija Knavs, on Thursday.
"She was my dear friend, an irreplaceable treasure, a gift bestowed upon me by the universe," Melania Trump said. "And for that, I am entirely grateful. Rest in peace, my beloved mommy."
The church's choir performed during the service, and a soloist accompanied by Bethesda's organ sang "Ave Maria" during communion.
During his message, Schenck noted that the Episcopal Church's prayer book lists the burial rite as an Easter liturgy while the joy of Easter may be far from the minds of those who attend a funeral.
"But in the Christian faith, death cannot be separated from resurrection," he told the crowd of mourners. "Death opens the gate to a larger life in God's eternal care. So rather than a liturgy of despair, the burial rite is an affirmation of our hope in Jesus Christ."
Schenck said that while he did not know Amalija Knavs he joined Bethesda-by-the-Sea as rector in 2022 he was grateful to Melania Trump for sharing her memories of her mother.
"Perhaps my biggest takeaway from meeting with the family this week was just how much delight Amalija took in absolutely spoiling her grandson rotten. Which is always a good and holy thing to do," he said in his message.
"But just because we gather this morning to celebrate Amalijas life in the context of our Lords resurrection; just because our faith proclaims that death is not the end, that death doesnt actually get the last word; that doesnt mean that grief isnt real. Or hard. Losing a loved one hurts. Deeply and unimaginably."
Trump family history with the church
The setting for Thursday's funeral service was a familiar one for the Trump family.
Donald and Melania Trump were married at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in 2005, and Barron Trump was baptized there in 2006.
Over the years, the Trumps attended services at the church when they were in town, including Christmas Eve and Easter services.
The church's history dates to 1889, when four congregants formed the first Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea on the lakeside of Palm Beach island. A larger second church was built just north of the first in 1896. That building is now a private home.
Construction of the current gothic revival-style structure on South Ocean Boulevard began in 1925, with the first service held on Christmas Day in 1926.
It is the oldest house of worship in Palm Beach.
During the beginning and ending processions of Knavs' funeral, traditional incense was used, with a member of the clergy dressed in a robe and carrying a thurible, the name for the metal censer in which the incense burned throughout the service.
Incense has been used in religious services for thousands of years, Schenck told the Palm Beach Daily News following Thursday's service.
"In this context, there's a psalm that says, 'Let my prayer be set forth in your sight as incense. The lifting up of my hands is the evening sacrifice,'" he told the Daily News, quoting Psalm 141 from The Bible's Old Testament. "So I always think about connecting incense with the lifting up of our prayers, as our eyes and our senses move heavenward. That seems like an apt metaphor for resurrection."
A funeral service is about Jesus' resurrection and new life, and the sense that death isn't the end, Schenck said: "It's not the final answer," he added. "We believe that we enter into a new larger life in God's eternal care."
'Entrusted to God's care'
Following the service, the casket adorned with white flowers was led back to the hearse by a procession of clergy from the church, with a priest carrying incense at the head and Schenck at the rear. The casket followed Schenck, and Viktor Knavs and Donald, Melania and Barron Trump followed the casket.
As the casket and family moved down the sanctuary's center aisle, the organ played a song requested by Amalija Knavs' family: a Slovenian tune, "Oh Happy Home Above the Stars," Schenck told the Daily News. It was a song her family said she loved.
Speaking to the mourners before the service's end, Schenck asked that they hear the song and imagine Amalija being carried to heaven, to her new home above the stars.
"May Amalija rest in peace in that happy home above the stars, and may God richly bless you all," he said. "Amen."
Trumps eldest four children remained at the churchs entrance as the casket made its way down the sidewalk to the waiting hearse, where the pallbearers lifted it in and the hearse's driver closed the door.
Knavs and the Trumps stood in a row along the curb of South Ocean Boulevard. The camera shutters of photographers across the street clicked rapidly as about a dozen members of the media shifted places on the sidewalk to jockey for a clear image.
Once the door to the hearse was closed, Schenck spoke with each of the four family members, then led the clergy back toward the church.
Melania Trump and her father went into the black SUV waiting for them, just behind the hearse. Donald and Barron Trump sat in the SUV behind theirs. As the former president helped his wife into the car, he appeared to say, Im going to ride with our son.
After the motorcade departed and traffic flowed once more on South Ocean Boulevard, Bethesdas bells pealed for Amalija Knavs.
The slow, steady ringing of the bells is a tradition, Schenck told the Daily News.
"It's letting the community know that we have buried someone, and that this soul has now been entrusted to God's care," he said.
Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Melania Trump's mother's funeral attended by former president in Florida
Under a sky filled with gray clouds that promised rain later in the day, the casket carrying a former first ladys mother was lifted into the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea on Thursday morning.
The funeral for Amalija Knavs, mother to Melania Trump and grandmother to Barron Trump, began at about 10 a.m., with the former first lady, her father Viktor Knavs, Barron, former President Donald Trump and the Rev. Tim Schenck, Bethesdas rector, meeting the casket at the church sanctuarys west-facing entrance.
Viktor Knavs (from left), Melania Trump, Barron Trump, former President Donald Trump and Bethesda-by-the-Sea Rector the Rev. Tim Schenck await the arrival of the casket of Amalija Knavs at the church on Thursday.
The Trumps arrived at the church in a motorcade of black SUVs, with Secret Service and Palm Beach police accompanying the vehicles from Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club, about 2.5 miles to the south.
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, right, arrive for the funeral of Amalija Knavs on Thursday.
Amalija Knavs died Jan. 9 at age 78 after an undisclosed illness.
More: Funeral for Melania Trump's mother today; Palm Beach warns of traffic around church
Her casket carrying the woman whose cooking former President Trump credited with making his youngest son 6 feet, 7 inches tall arrived in a black Cadillac hearse Thursday morning.
Its unclear where she will be laid to rest.
Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, arrive Thursday for the funeral of Amalija Knavs.
Donald, Melania and Barron Trump were joined at the church by friends and family, including Donald Trumps daughters Ivanka and Tiffany, and their spouses, Jared Kushner and Michael Boulos. His sons, Don Jr. and Eric, also attended with their partners, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Lara Trump.
Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina also attended the service.Members of the family did not speak with the media, but Melania Trump did share a message on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, following her mothers death.
It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, Amalija," the former first lady wrote. "Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy."
Following the service, the casket adorned with white flowers was led back to the hearse by a procession of clergy from the church, with the lead priest carrying incense and Schenck at the rear. The casket followed them, and Viktor Knavs and Donald, Melania and Barron Trump followed the casket.
Trumps eldest four children remained at the churchs entrance.
The pallbearers lifted the casket into the hearse, as Knavs and the Trumps stood in a row along the curb of South Ocean Boulevard, the shutters of photographers across the street clicking as about a dozen members of the press shifted places on the sidewalk to jockey for clear image.
With the hearse closed, Schenck spoke with each of the four family members, then led the clergy back toward the church.
Melania Trump and her father went into the black SUV waiting for them, just behind the hearse. Donald and Barron Trump sat in the SUV behind theirs. As the former president helped his wife into the car, he appeared to say, Im going to ride with our son.
After the motorcade departed and traffic flowed once more on South Ocean Boulevard, Bethesdas bells chimed.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Melania Trump's mother's funeral attended by former president in Florida
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Fortis College is giving local children a reason to smile once again this winter.
In February, Fortis College in Norfolk will participate in Give Kids A Smile, an American Dental Association program that offers free dental care to underserved children.
The college will host its annual event on Friday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on campus, located at 6300 Center Drive, Suite 100 in Norfolk.
Participants will receive free services, including visual exams, fluoride varnish applications, and instruction from dental assisting students on overall dental treatment.
Participating dentists on site will be supervising the dental assisting students.
This event provides our students hands-on dental experience while simultaneously addressing a vital health need in our community, Fortis College in Norfolk Campus President Fabian Fernandez said.
To RSVP, contact Ashli Anderson at (757) 499-5447.
For more information, visit Give Kids A Smile Day at Fortis.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Four Georgia Black women filed separate lawsuits against major chemical hair relaxer manufacturers after exposure to the products was linked to cancer and uterine fibroids.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022 using data from more than 33,000 women found those who reported using hair straightening products were almost twice as likely to have developed uterine cancer than those who did not.
Although the study didnt find that the link between using these products and uterine cancer risk was different by race, the effects were greater for Black women because they were more likely to use the products.
After the study was published, women across the country began filing lawsuits against manufacturers, including thousands of complaints in Illinois.
Danielle Ward Mason is an attorney whose civil practice has primarily focused on litigating cases impacting the health and well-being of women.
Attorney Danielle Ward Mason filed lawsuits on behalf of four Georgia women against manufacturers including LOreal and Strength of Nature in the State Court of Chatham County.
These women continuously used hair relaxers for years, according to the complaints, and later experienced health problems including uterine fibroids, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
The study that the lawsuits are based on recognizes the need for more research, LOreal said in a statement, and one researcher acknowledged there could be other potential contributing factors to the health outcomes.
While we understand the desire of each plaintiff to find answers to and relief from their personal health concerns, the statement reads. We are confident in the safety of SoftSheen-Carsons products and believe the allegations made in the lawsuits have neither legal nor scientific merit.
Each of the four Georgia lawsuits seek between $1.7 million and $2 million on counts including fraud, general negligence, negligent failure to warn about risks and design or manufacturing defects.
The lawsuits argue companies fraudulently misrepresented the products as safe and marketed them with images of young girls who never actually got their hair relaxed. Instead, other straightening tools and products were used to achieve the look of having a relaxer.
Masons plaintiffs told her they want to hold the hair relaxer manufacturers accountable for the harm done to them, she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Many of them have said to me that the money is not what theyre after, Mason said. Accountability is always first on the list. And then second on the list is if you cant make these products any safer, then they need to be removed.
Health problems impacting quality of life
Atlanta resident Kiara Burroughs was the first to file a claim in June 2023 followed by Pamela Barney-Culbreth, Toya Dickerson, and Erica Latimer who filed at the end of December.
Burroughs started using hair relaxers around the age of six and stopped in 2014, according to her complaint, resulting in about 19 years of continuous exposure as she received regular touch ups.
She was diagnosed with uterine fibroids at 29 years old in 2018 after experiencing heavy bleeding and pain during her periods. Burroughs underwent her third myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove uterine fibroids, in June 2022. But she still has a remaining fibroid in her uterine too risky to remove.
Lack of research in the area of uterine fibroids meant Burroughs, who said she was active and maintained a healthy diet, didnt have a clear answer as to what caused her own health problems. She wondered if there was a genetic reason because her mother, who used hair relaxers, also had uterine fibroids.
Before the study was published, she became involved with a nonprofit organization focused on education and awareness about uterine fibroids.
This included advocacy work in Washington D.C. to get the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act passed.
The results of the study changed things for Burroughs.
It really gave me something to hang my hat on, she said. Theres this product. I used it for an extended period of time, so it could have a significant impact on my health.
Burroughs believes the lawsuit gives her a chance to represent other women with similar experiences.
One such woman, Columbus resident Shawnitra Williams, also used hair relaxers for an extended period. Williams began receiving hair relaxers when she was around two or three years old, she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Williams now has uterine fibroids, she said. News of the study makes her wonder if hair relaxers are the cause because of the higher rates of fibroids among Black women.
The size and growth rates of fibroids are greater in African American women, according to a 2013 study published in the National Library of Medicine, and they are more likely to undergo surgical intervention than other racial groups.
When Williams gave birth to her second child, her uterine fibroids were so large they were blocking her sons path out of her uterus.
They were so big, she said. They almost lost both of us.
Shawnitra Williams
Societal pressure to straighten Black hair
A significant portion of the lawsuits reference the history of discrimination against Afro-textured hair, described as naturally growing up and out, in the United States contributing to the plaintiffs extended use of relaxers.
When enslaved people were brought to America, their hair was shaved or cut low as a form of punishment and to remove a marker of pride for most Africans, according to the United States Library of Congress.
Throughout slavery Black women struggled to care for their hair, according to the lawsuit, which would often become tangled and matted. In 1786, the governor of Louisiana passed the Tignon Law that required Black women to wear a tignon, or scarf, over their hair to show their status in the slave class even if they were free.
These conditions signaled to Black people their hair was a symbol of inequality and gave rise to texturism, the idea that good hair has a straighter texture, the lawsuit explains.
African American consumers purchase hair and beauty products at a rate nine times higher than other groups and disproportionately purchase hair relaxers and straighteners, according to a 2017 report in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
(The history) has to be told to fully understand the complexity and the breadth of the harm that were facing here, Mason said.
African American inventor Garrett Augustus Morgan created the first hair relaxer in the 20th century, but the product gained widespread popularity among Black Americans in the 1950s and 1960s.
There was societal pressure to straighten hair in order to be presentable.
Williams remembers the peer pressure she received growing up in the 1970s in Cincinnati preventing her from wearing natural hairstyles rather than continuing to use relaxers.
How people reacted to natural hair, it wasnt something I would have been brave enough to do, she said. And Im ashamed of victimizing someone who had natural hair.
Taniesa Taylor is the owner of Locs, Twists, Braids and Crochets in Columbus, Georgia. 01/11/2024
Columbus stylist Taniesa Taylor, who specializes in applying locs, remembers feeling pressure to not wear natural hairstyles when she worked in a corporate position.
Shes happy to see the push to get the CROWN Act, legislation to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles, passed in states across the country.
Its just that we were taught for so long that we should look a certain way from (childhood) when we see a Disney movie and things of that nature, Taylor said.
Shanea Buie is the owner of Novi Te Salon in Columbus, Georgia. 09/21/2023
Safely straightening hair
Shanea Bella Buie, a Columbus-based hair loss specialist, remembers growing concerns about the safety of hair relaxers when she was in beauty school around 2005.
There was a warning within the Black community, hair community, that relaxers was dangerous, Buie said. ...At that time, it wasnt exactly known why. There werent studies or anything at that time to say what it was actually causing.
Although recent studies linked hair relaxers to certain cancers and uterine fibroids, there are reasons people may want to continue using the products.
Relaxers can help camouflage severe hair loss or noticeable hair loss in different areas, Buie said, but its important stylists get the education and training they need before safely applying relaxers.
Theres a proper way to do it, she said. And there are stylists who arent licensed who give relaxers. I dont know why its not regulated.
Taniesa Taylor, the owner of Locs, Twists, Braids and Crochets in Columbus, Georgia styles Shawnitra Williams hair recently. 01/11/2024
Taylor also suggests people who are making big decisions when it comes to their hair to go to skilled professionals for information or research online. She advises women who may want to get locs to utilize YouTube and other online resources to learn what it was like for other women.
I would advise them to do the same if were talking about straightening your hair, look at the product youre going to use, the method youre going to use and how its going to affect you. Research, research, research.
The Food and Drug Administration announced last year that it was proposing a rule to ban formaldehyde (FA) and other FA-releasing chemicals as an ingredient in hair straightening products.
Burroughs hopes the lawsuits she and the other three women in Georgia will raise awareness of the dangers of hair relaxer and hold companies like Strength of Nature and LOreal accountable, she told the Ledger-Enquirer.
FOX CROSSING, Wis. (WFRV) The Fox Crossing Police Department recently received a donation from a local business providing them with bright yellow jackets to brave the Wisconsin winter.
According to a Facebook post, J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. donated SAFEGUARD parkas, bomber jackets, and gloves that officers say will protect those who protect us during the winter months.
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You are an amazing community partner that truly cares about the people we protect, said officials with the Fox Crossing Police Department.
The Fox Crossing Police Department currently has 28 sworn officers and 5 civilian personnel.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
FRAMINGHAM The city has received a $50,000 state grant to examine its hiring and employment practices, with a focus on gaining greater diversity at City Hall.
Framingham was awarded the so-called Community Compact best practices grant in October. The $50,000 will be used to pay an outside agency to audit the city's practices in hiring and retaining a diverse workforce including different races, ethnicities, gender orientations and the disabled.
The grant comes from the state as part of an initiative of the Healey-Driscoll administration.
Jesse Edwards, Framinghams chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, pitched the value of conducting such an audit during a presentation Jan. 11 before finance subcommittee. Edwards said the audit would study the fairness of the city's policies and practices, noting that a similar audit was conducted for Framingham Public Schools in 2020. He said other Massachusetts cities, including Newton, Cambridge, Lowell and Worcester, have either gone through or are in the process of going through equity audits.
The Framingham City Council has voted to approve acceptance of a $50,000 state grant that will be used to pay an outside agency to audit the city's practices in hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.
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We, as the municipality, would set the scope of services or parameters and guidelines on what we would and would not want an outside agency to review, Edwards said. We are looking at a formal review of our internal personnel policies, procedures and, hopefully, also conducting an employee satisfaction survey.
Edwards said other things that should be investigated through the audit include the citys discrimination complaint policy and procedure; what the city is doing for recruiting and job postings; whether the city has a fair and equitable harassment process; and developing a civility statement.
Edwards told the finance subcommittee that a major focus would be to look at who works in Framingham, and what the city is doing to create a workforce that is representative to the entire Framingham community.
What is the representation of women, people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and veterans?" Edwards asked. "What is the makeup of our employees here in the city of Framingham? What is the payment and compensation structure, and is it equitable to all groups? What does the data look like for our municipality and what next steps could be taken to make our city more equitable?
The city would put out a bid for a firm to conduct the audit, with Edwards saying he expects the cost of the audit to be between $30,000 and $50,000.
Councilor White Harvey says city must be serious about evaluating itself
The City Council on Tuesday approved accepting the grant. District 8 City Councilor Leslie White Harvey said she felt it was important for the city to be serious about evaluating itself.
I think it's very valuable for Framingham to put our money where our mouth is," said White Harvey, who joined the council earlier this month after winning election in November. "With the equity and inclusion we always talk about, we can always do better and Im happy to see we have a unanimous vote."
There was more discussion about the audit earlier, during the Jan. 11 finance subcommittee meeting.
District 3 City Councilor Adam Steiner recommended favorable action on the audit, citing that every community would benefit from an examination of its practices in terms of hiring a diverse workforce.
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I think every city and town in the United States could benefit from an equity audit," Steiner said at the time. "Just looking at the policies and procedures, we can always do a better job attracting and retaining people of color in our workforce."
Councilor Michael Cannon says problems are already known
District 4 City Councilor Michael Cannon said he had questions about how effective bringing in a consultant would be, especially if the city already has known issues such as a lack of language access that it's trying to address.
Why are we hiring an outside consultant to tell us something that we have known for some time and are already taking action on? he asked.
Cannon also said he was confused about the goal of hiring a workforce that is as diverse as the city, saying that would mean saying that a white resident could not be adequately served by a city employee who was a person of color.
If the goal is to make sure the municipal workforce is consistent with the population it represents which I think sounds warm and I think the sentiment is well intended why does it seem that means we believe that a white resident cant be served by someone in the treasurer's office that is of color? Cannon asked. I dont believe that can possibly be true, and I think there is training and other traits beyond racial composition that would have that interaction be more effective.
Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said an audit would not only identify issues, but also determine the best methods for rectifying any problems.
Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said during the Jan. 11 meeting that an audit would not only identify issues, but also determine the best methods for rectifying any problems.
I think part of the equity audit is that it's going to help us to move forward, and that if we want to make the workforce reflect what the community looks like, they are going to help us develop best practices to do that, the mayor said.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham gets $50K state grant study City Hall equity practices
France is nearing completion on a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, following the example set by the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 17.
He emphasized that such an agreement would serve as a means of exerting pressure on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Macron added that there is strong coordination between Ukraine and NATO members, which has led to the proposal of signing bilateral agreements with some key alliance members. These agreements would ensure Ukraines security and would not be dependent on NATO membership.
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[UK] Prime Minister [Rishi] Sunak traveled [to Kyiv] a few days ago and signed such an agreement, said Macron.
We are completing our work on a similar agreement with Ukraine.
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On Jan. 12, the UK and Ukraine signed a ten-year security agreement.
London will exchange intelligence with Kyiv, assist with cybersecurity, military training, and develop mutual defense-industrial cooperation.
Read also: France considers transferring hundreds of AASM Hammer precision-guided bombs to Ukraine
The agreement also commits the United Kingdom to consult with Ukraine in case Russia launches another attack and to provide "rapid and sustained" security assistance.
On Nov. 29, 2023, French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre stated that France intends to conclude a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine by early 2024.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Production of Caesar self-propelled howitzers at the Nexter facilities in Roanne. Photo: Anthony Thomas-Trophime
France can produce 78 Caesar self-propelled howitzers for Ukraine by early 2025.
Source: European Pravda; French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu in an interview with France Inter
Details: Lecornu noted that in the coming weeks, Paris will supply six Caesar howitzers to Kyiv, with plans for the delivery of another 72 by early 2025. In total, around 78 howitzers are expected to be produced over the course of just over a year.
"Currently, there are 49 of them [Caesar howitzers ed.] in Ukraine, which has led to tactical success. Our initiative aims to produce 78 Caesar howitzers in 2024, and we encourage Europeans and other allies to co-finance the effort," Lecornu said in an interview with Le Parisien.
Lecornu noted that Ukraine bought the six howitzers at its own expense. The creation of a French and American-led artillery coalition, aimed at strengthening Kyivs capabilities, is to be announced in Paris on Thursday.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov was scheduled to visit the French capital, but his trip was cancelled for security reasons. He will join the planned events online.
Lecornu added that the Caesar long-range self-propelled howitzer, the flagship of French artillery pieces, costs between 3-4 million, a price he believes is "acceptable" to Paris' allies.
Lecornu also said that the delivery of about 40 additional SCALP cruise missiles to Ukraine, promised by President Emmanuel Macron, will begin soon and will take a year, according to a schedule he did not elaborate upon.
Macron had previously announced that he would visit Ukraine in February to finalise a bilateral agreement on "security guarantees".
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French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has announced that his country will begin monthly deliveries of dozens of missiles adapted for Soviet aircraft models to Kyiv, along with an additional 1,000 artillery shells.
Source: European Pravda, citing Sebastien Lecornu in an interview with France Inter
Details: The minister said that France plans to supply Ukraine with ADSM-type medium-range air-to-surface missiles.
Lecornu said that the French had managed to adapt these missiles for Soviet aircraft types, rather than the older French Rafale or Mirage fighter aircraft for which they were originally designed. "We will supply 50 of them per month throughout 2024, beginning in January," the minister said.
Lecornu added that France will also increase the monthly volume of munitions it delivers to Ukraine. Lecornu said that from the first months of the full-scale war until the beginning of 2023, France provided thousands of munitions per month. "Since last February, it has been 2,000 per month, and from this month, it will be 3,000 munitions every month," Lecornu noted.
The minister declined to specify the delivery dates for the 40 long-range SCALP missiles announced by President Macron for security reasons.
In the interview, Lecornu also stated that France will be able to manufacture 78 Caesar self-propelled howitzers by the beginning of next year.
The minister also stated that he strongly disagrees with claims that Russia has completely seized the initiative and noted that while the Ukrainian counteroffensive did not achieve the anticipated results, neither has the Russian offensive, and the front line remains stable.
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FREDERICK COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A Frederick County man was walking on the frozen surface of a lake when the ice cracked and he fell into the water, leading rescue crews to jump into action.
Howard Cahill was walking across Lake St. Clair on Wednesday, trying to get from his home in the 600 block to the opposite shoreline. He broke through the ice and found himself chest-deep in the waters, the Frederick County Sheriffs Office stated.
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A call to 911 came in just after noon and both law enforcement and fire and rescue officials were dispatched to the area.
With outdoor temperatures of 20 degrees, and Cahills body having been submerged for 20-30 minutes, a plan of action was quickly put into motion.
One of the deputies found a kayak nearby and had another deputy attach a rope to it before scooting across the ice toward Cahill. The deputy had him grab hold of the kayak while the deputy waiting on shore, pulled the kayak back toward the shoreline.
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Once out of the water, Cahill was taken to a nearby ambulance where he was warmed up before being transported to the Winchester Medical Center for evaluation.
The Frederick County Sheriffs Office said that Cahill did not suffer any apparent injuries from his fall into the lake.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
An Israeli woman kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel said she fears for her husband, who remains a captive in Gaza more than three months later. Sharon Aloni Cunio told CNNs Anderson Cooper during an emotional interview on Wednesday that she is both mother and a father right now to her 3-year-old twins, alongside whom she was released in late November. She alleged that she, her children, and her husband, David Cunio, were held at Nassar hospital in southern Gaza for the majority of their captivity. Aloni Cunio said that there were three rooms in the hospital used to hold up to a dozen captives each, a claim that supports Israels assertions that Hamas has hidden hostages on sites nominally shielded from military actions. (CNN noted that it could not independently verify her account.) Before her release, Aloni Cunio told the Associated Press on Tuesday, her husband told her, Fight for me. Dont give up. Please yell what I cannot yell. Im scared as hell. She added to CNN that everything needs to be done in order to make a deal and bring the remaining 105 hostages believed to still be alive in Gaza back home.
Read it at CNN
Read more at The Daily Beast.
On 18 January, Frances Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuted a claim made by the Russian Defence Ministry that French mercenaries were killed in an attack on Kharkiv on 16 January, calling it a "manipulation".
Source: European Pravda with reference to AFP
Details: Russias Defence Ministry reported yesterday that as a result of a "high-precision" attack on the city of Kharkiv on 16 January, "a temporary deployment point of foreign fighters led by French mercenaries was struck".
The French Foreign Ministry responded that France "has no mercenaries either in Ukraine or anywhere else, unlike certain others".
"This is just the latest crude Russian manipulation. We should not give it any more attention than the previous ones or those that will surely follow it," the French ministry added.
Background: Russias "high-precision" strike on Kharkiv on 16 January damaged civilian housing infrastructure and left 17 civilians injured.
Last month, a reminder by the French Foreign Ministry that Russia is an aggressor state in the context of explosions in the Russian city of Belgorod triggered a temper tantrum in Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President and current Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council.
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Paris A 13-year-old is being questioned by police in western France in connection with at least 380 false bomb threats. Police say the adolescent is suspected of having emailed or called in the threats to airports, courthouses and universities across France.
The teenager, who is believed to suffer from behavioral issues, was picked up by police on Monday. The teen, identified as a boy by local media, faces multiple charges, notably of providing false information about impending destruction and of making death threats.
Officials say there has been a huge increase in hoax threats across France since the fall of 2023. In Rennes, in western France, a series of fake warnings about bombs in the city at the start of January led investigators to detain and question a family of four from Laval, 45 miles away, on Monday.
Local police said the parents and one child were quickly excluded from the investigation and released, but the youngest child, the 13-year-old, admitted having made numerous bomb threats against institutions across the country. He was held in custody.
Police take security measures as people evacuate the Saint-Lazare train station due to a bomb threat in Paris, France, Nov. 6, 2023. / Credit: Mohamad Salaheldin Abdelg Alsayed/Anadolu/Getty
Local prosecutor Philippe Astruc told reporters the minor had admitted making the fake threats "as a game," with no political or religious motivation.
The teenager used a foreign VPN to mask his IP address. The prosecutor said technical police work and international cooperation led them to the originating computer, and the family in Laval.
Two other minors have also been identified as suspects by investigators in Rennes.
France's Justice Ministry says it has opened 192 investigations into false bomb threats so far. Officials say around 30 of them have already led to charges, most of them against minors or young adults. The Justice Ministry stressed that the majority of the threats made no mention of the situation in the Middle East or other international events.
In late 2023, as Israel ramped up its offensive against Hamas over the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 terror attack, there were scores of bomb threats made against airports, museums and schools in France.
Visitors wait to enter the Palace of Versailles after it was evacuated due to a bomb threat, in Versailles, France, Oct. 17, 2023. / Credit: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu/Getty
Dozens of flights had to be rescheduled as airports were evacuated. Tourists were left disappointed as famous sites, including Paris' Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles, were forced to close. Thousands of schoolchildren were less upset at being sent home as classes were cancelled and schools searched.
At the time, French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti said many of the hoaxes were carried out by children who didn't understand how serious their actions were. Nonetheless, a file was opened by police on each threat, and the minister vowed: "We will find these smart alecks."
Dupond-Moretti also warned that parents of minors found making false bomb threats would be forced to reimburse any damages suffered by the institutions targeted.
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A former New Yorker, who stole the identity of a deceased child 40 years ago and relocated to Fresno, pleaded guilty this week to passport fraud.
Kenneth Laitman, aka John Rodman, 79, worked as a stockbroker in New York during the mid-1980s. For some unknown reason, he moved to California in 1984 and began using the name, John Rodman.
According to court documents, Rodman died in 1950 at the age of four.
With a new identity, Laitman was able to get various forms of identification, worked different jobs, opened bank accounts, and received government benefits, according the federal indictment. At one point, Laitman worked at an endoscopy practice.
His downfall came in 2014 when he tried to renew his passport using Rodmans name, date of birth and social security number.
Laitman is charged with fraudulently attempting to renew his phony passport.
He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is due to be sentenced on April 29.
This case was investigated by the Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.
Friends are remembering 24-year-old Carson Philbin after he drowned in the ocean over the weekend.
They spoke to Channel 9s Hunter Saenz on Thursday, saying Philbin, from Charlotte, was charming and dependable.
Saenz actually interviewed Philbin years ago and remembers his as a charismatic and passionate man. It spoke volumes for nearly a dozen of his closest friends to stop what they were doing Thursday and talk to Saenz about who Philbin was, their fondest memories, and the impact he made.
PREVIOUS: Charlotte man drowns after being swept out to sea in Hawaii
Just talented at pretty much everything he did, Elliott Schultz said.
His love was just so big, Shannon Stone said.
Carson especially is the type of person that you just cant fathom not being here, Jackson Dumas said.
Philbin was an action-packed person. He was a young man full of humility, his friends say, and a charming soul who was as vulnerable as he was dependable to everyone who crossed his path.
I really feel like he really changed my life, Ethan Kim said.
He was such a multidimensional and multifaceted person, Ryan Kendall said.
Eleven of Philbins friends spoke to Saenz together on Thursday in an almost therapeutic conversation.
I think the biggest thing for me was just how much excitement and life, kind of, came to everything, Jake Aschenbrenner said.
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They said the Ballantyne native was an avid runner and was successful behind the camera, producing memorable and viral moments.
But Philbins life was cut short Saturday when police in Hawaii said he jumped into the ocean, experienced rough waters, and was swept out to sea. His body was later recovered.
Its been really hard, Stone said.
Was just very, very scary and overwhelming, Kendall Platt said.
Platt and a few others were with Philbin on that trip to celebrate his birthday Friday, the day before his death.
We were going to go on a hike later that day and swim like at a waterfall. Carson was just showing us like all the different spots that he loved, he said.
They all are grieving, but choosing to push through their pain. Some got matching tattoos -- one of which Philbin himself had of a motto he lived by.
He had this this tattoo actually on his hand, why not? Schultz said.
Im glad that he really did know how many people loved him, Michael Gallo said.
Philbins friends said there will likely be a memorial service in the coming weeks when his family returns to Charlotte.
(WATCH BELOW: 13-year-old boy from Locust drowns in NC lake, sheriffs office says)
A Fujitsu manager told a colleague tasked with presenting evidence in Post Office prosecutions that a sub-postmaster was a nasty chap intent on going all out to damage the companys reputation, the Horizon IT Inquiry heard.
Lee Castleton, 55, was blamed for a 26,000 shortfall at his Yorkshire branch in 2004 and declared bankruptcy three years later after the Post Office took his case to the High Court.
He was one of hundreds of sub-postmasters pursued through the courts in civil and criminal prosecutions by the Post Office after glitches in the Horizon system left losses on counters that did not exist.
However, an email presented to the inquiry on Thursday revealed how manager Peter Sewell branded Mr Castleton a nasty chap who was all out to rubbish the FJ [Fujitsu] name, ahead of his 2007 legal battle.
Mr Sewell, who was part of the Post Office Account Security Team at Fujitsu, also made a crude reference to Fetter Lane where the High Court is situated.
In court, Mr Sewell appeared shocked when presented with his own words telling Julian Blake, counsel for the inquiry: I dont remember writing it, but obviously I did. But I certainly dont understand it.
The email was sent to Andy Dunks, an IT analyst Mr Sewell managed, who was due to present Horizon evidence in the Castleton case.
Sent in December 2006, Mr Sewells email read: See you in court then.
Fetters [Fetter] lane is where they used to hang people out to dry. I dont suppose that type of thing happens any more though.
He added: That Castleton is a nasty chap and will be all out to rubbish the FJ (Fujitsu) name. Its up to you to maintain absolute strength and integrity no matter what the prosecution throw at you.
We will all be behind you hoping you come through unscathed. Bless you.
In response, Andy Dunks wrote back: Thank you for those very kind and encouraging words.
I had to pause halfway through reading it to wipe away a small tear Bless you all.
Speaking to The Telegraph less than an hour after seeing the email, Mr Castleton said: I dont know either of the people mentioned in the email and I would have thought you would need to meet someone to make a judgment like that.
Lets face it, we know exactly what kind of people we are dealing with, its a group of people who were out to ruin me, so in that sense it doesnt surprise me.
He added: Hanging me out to dry? That is exactly what they did to me and that is the ethos of both companies [Fujitsu and Post Office].
He later attended the inquirys afternoon session along with former sub-postmistress Jo Hamilton, who was wrongfully convicted as a result of the faulty software.
Both of their stories were depicted in the ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.
Mr Blake sprung the email on Mr Sewell shortly before the hearing broke for lunch.
It followed Mr Sewell being asked whether he saw protecting Fujitsu as an important part of [his] job.
After failing to answer the question to Mr Blakes satisfaction twice, Mr Sewell eventually said: We will protect our own companies. Yes.
Mr Blake then produced the email and asked him: Is that typical of your approach to the work that youre doing?
No, no. I dont know why that was written, Mr Sewell replied.
He then added: I dont know whyI dont remember writing it but obviously I did. But I certainly dont understand it.
Sewell accused of egging on Dunks
Later, Flora Page, a barrister representing Mr Castleton and several other affected sub-postmasters, accused Mr Sewell of egging on his colleague and urging him into battle against Mr Castleton.
What you say to reassure him is dont worry, hes a nasty man. How did you form that opinion Mr Sewell? Ms Page asked.
I dont know. I dont know why I wrote it, I apologise, Mr Sewell responded.
You were egging Mr Dunks on werent you? Urging him to go into battle with Mr Castleton werent you? said Ms Page.
She continued: You will know by now that Mr Castleton was hung out to dry?
Mr Sewell replied: I know a lot more about it now than I did, yes.
On Friday, the inquiry will hear evidence from Paul Patterson, the director of Fujitsus European arm.
Earlier this week he told MPs and victims he was truly sorry for the firms part in the appalling miscarriage of justice.
He also said that the Japanese company had a moral obligation to contribute to compensation for victims.
04:38 PM GMT
Goodbye and thank you for joining us
We are ending our live coverage here as the Post Office inquiry wraps up for the day.
Three Fujitsu employees, Gerald Barnes, a software developer, Peter Sewell, a former project and operations manager, and Donna Munro, a former systems management team leader and security operations manager, have addressed the inquiry today.
In an email shown at the public inquiry, Mr Sewell described sub-postmaster Lee Castleton as a nasty chap, despite Mr Castleton denying he had ever met the former Fujitsu manager.
Keep checking the Telegraph website for the latest stories on the Post Office scandal including reaction and a full report on the evidence heard today.
Thanks for following.
Read more: Everything you need to know about the Post Office Horizon scandal.
04:36 PM GMT
'Gaping hole' in prosecution support after Fujitsu employees refused to testify
An email sent by Ms Thomas to Ms Munro on January 13 2012 warned she faced a gaping hole as far as prosecution support is concerned after two other Fujitsu employees refused to give evidence at trial.
Correspondence between several Fujitsu employees showed Andy Dunks felt his knowledge was not good enough to answer questions in court, while employee Rajbinder Bains was not prepared to submit a statement.
Ms Patrick, who is representing several sub-postmasters, asked Ms Monroe: Shes raising a substantive issue about what evidence the members of your team are qualified to give - is that fair?
Ms Munro replied: Its not writing what theyre qualified to give, its what theyre comfortable to give.
Ms Patrick continued: There appears to be a hole in your team in terms of the prosecution support youre able to provide - is that fair?
Ms Munro: From what were reading here, that could be assumed, yes.
Ms Patrick: So, shes raising a gaping hole and is that not an important gaping hole in prosecution support?
Ms Munro: Yes.
04:00 PM GMT
'Robustness of Horizon system was misrepresented during prosecutions'
A sharp but effective question from the lawyer of another interested party.
Based on what youve seen today, do you consider that sub-postmasters were being prosecuted in circumstances where the Post Office, with Fujitsus assistance, was misrepresenting the robustness and integrity of the system?
Ms Munro said: Based on what Ive seen and read today, I would say yes.
03:52 PM GMT
Final questioning of former Fujitsu technician
One final question from Ms Price to Ms Munro on whether she knew there was remote access to data.
Ms Munro said: I was aware that they had remote access. I wasnt aware that they had the ability to amend any data in there.
Ms Price: Had you been aware, would this have been a cause of concern for you?
Yes, because you shouldnt be able to manipulate data, replies Ms Munro.
03:37 PM GMT
Standard Fujitsu witness statements created to address transaction issues
Donna Munro, former systems management centre and operations team manager for Fujitsu's Post Office account security team gives evidence to the inquiry - Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry/PA
The inquiry has been shown emails sent between Fujitsu staff about a very significant problem, with Penny Thomas, the sender of the emails adding: In a nutshell the HNG-x application is not removing duplicate transactions (which may have been recorded twice on the audit server) and they are appearing in the ARQ returns.
She adds: I attach a standard witness statement with modifications for duplicate transactions which Gareth has already reviewed.
Emma Price, who is questioning Donna Munro today, asked: Do you recall there being a standard Fujitsu witness statement which was used by litigation support?
Ms Munro responds: I recall they had a template, yes.
The template, which is then shown to the inquiry, refers to the duplicate transaction issue.
However, a later line reads: There is no reason to believe that the information in this statement is inaccurate because of the improper use of the system.
To the best of my knowledge and belief at all material times, the system was operating properly or was out of operation was not such as to affect the information held within it.
This template statement was sent on July 7 2010 more than four years before prosecutions were halted.
Ms Price asked Ms Munro: Do you remember receiving and reading the draft statement circulated by Ms Thomas with that proposed working?
Ms Munro: No, I dont recall receiving or reading it.
Would you, having seen that email chain, have read the statement that was attached to the email which you were copied in to?, asked Ms Price.
Ms Munro said: I would have, if it was sent to me direct, not as a copy.
03:19 PM GMT
Scottish Government to develop own legislation exonerating sub-postmasters
The Scottish Government is working on its own legislation to exonerate those wrongly convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal, Humza Yousaf said as he told how there could be complexities with Westminster acting for all of the UK.
The Scottish First Minister said he believes the easiest and quickest route would be for legislation being brought forward by the UK Government to clear the names of those who suffered a miscarriage of justice to apply in Scotland as well.
But with the issue of justice devolved, he told MSPs there are complexities to work through for that to happen.
He stressed he had received a positive response after writing to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on the issue, but said the Scottish Government is already looking at contingencies which could see it bring forward its own legislation.
03:15 PM GMT
Scandal victim arrives at inquiry to hear evidence
Jo Hamilton, a former sub-postmistress, arrives at the inquiry - Paul Grover/Paul Grover for the Telegraph
Jo Hamilton, a former sub-postmistress, has just arrived at the inquiry and taken a seat.
She is not giving evidence today, but like other victims of the scandal, she has chosen to hear the evidence in person.
02:57 PM GMT
Questioning of former Fujitsu technician has begun
Following a short break, Donna Munro has now taken the stand.
Mrs Munro confirms that she held a technician role at Fujitsu in the early 2000s and monitored the Horizon rollout as part of her job.
Peter Sewell has finished giving evidence. After a short break, we will hear from Donna Munro, former Systems Management Centre Team Leader and Security Operations Manager, Fujitsu.#PostOfficeInquiry Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry (@PostOffInquiry) January 18, 2024
02:54 PM GMT
Fujitsu manager accused of urging staff into battle
Peter Sewell, former Fujitsu Project Manager and Operations Team Manager, leaving the Horizon IT Inquiry after giving evidence - Heathcliff O'Malley, All Rights Reserved/Heathcliff O'Malley
Lee Castletons lawyer has accused Mr Sewell of egging on Mr Dunks and urging him into battle with her client and other sub-postmasters.
Before lunch, the inquiry was shown a 2006 email in which Mr Sewell described Mr Castleton as a nasty chap who was out to rubbish Fujitsus name.
Mr Dunks responded with an email which read: Thank you for those very kind and encouraging words I had to pause halfway thought reading it to wipe away a small tear Bless you all.
Quizzing Mr Sewell at the end of his evidence session, Flora Page, representing Mr Castleton and a number of other sub-postmasters, said: Was this your pep talk to your team member that you were managing before he had to give evidence?
Mr Sewell said: No, it wasnt a pep talk, no.
Ms Page: Youre saying dont worry were all behind you, arent you?
Thats what it says, said Mr Sewell.
What you say to reassure him is dont worry, hes a nasty man. How did you form that opinion Mr Sewell? Ms Page asked.
I dont know, I dont know why I wrote it, I apologise, Mr Sewell responded.
When asked what was said within Fujitsu to make him form that opinion, Mr Sewell said: Nothing.
And when questioned whether this was the opinion he formed of all sub-postmasters who took issue with the Post Office, Mr Sewell said: Absolutely not.
You were egging Mr Dunks on werent you? Urging him to go into battle with Mr Castleton werent you? said Ms Page.
She continued: You will know by now that Mr Castleton was hung out to dry?
Mr Sewell replied: I know a lot more about it now than I did, yes.
Ms Page also asked the Fujitsu manager if he said this before he gave evidence against Seema Misra, a former sub-postmistress.
He said: No, I didnt.
Ms Page continued: The attitude towards sub-postmasters that you encouraged in your team must have been one they carried into court whenever they gave evidence against sub-posmasters, is that right?
Mr Sewell said: I dont believe so.
02:43 PM GMT
Post Office did not want specific details in witness statements
An email sent by a former Fujitsu employee showed the Post Office did not want specific details included in witness statements provided to the court.
On Jan 8 2009, Penny Thomas wrote: POL [Post Office Limited] clearly do not want the specific details of this incident included in the witness statement.
Her email related to an event involving a financial imbalance at one particular Post Office branch.
Further correspondence, sent by David Possnett, a Post Office investigator, reiterated these concerns over the content of Fujitsu witness statements.
He wrote: Why inform anyone about a problem weve had within the network but possibly only at one branch, if it bears no relation or relevance?
The paragraph in question identified an issue experienced at a Post Office branch in December 2007, where a financial imbalance was evident and was subject to investigation by Fujitsus Service Support Centre (SSC) and Post Office Limited.
The original witness statement said: Testing of that correction has established that the unmonitored error does not occur elsewhere in the system.
When questioned on his knowledge of this discussion, Mr Sewell said: Ive read the paperwork and obviously, Ive picked up on it by reading the paperwork.
To this, Mr Blake asked: But its not something that stood out at the time?
Mr Sewell responded, No.
02:21 PM GMT
Sub-postmaster had never met Fujitsu manager who branded him a nasty chap
Speaking less than half an hour after he discovered an email branding him a nasty chap existed, Lee Castleton, a former sub-postmaster, said he had never met either Mr Sewell or Andy Dunks.
He said: I only found out about the email about twenty minutes ago, when a barrister sent me a screenshot.
I dont know either of the people mentioned in the email and I would have thought you would need to meet someone to make a judgement like that.
Lets face it, we know exactly what kind of people we are dealing with, its a group of people who are ruin me, so in that sense it doesnt surprise me.
He added: Hanging me out to dry? That is exactly what they did to me and that is the ethos of both companies [Fujitsu and Post Office].
The inquiry was shown an email sent from Mr Sewell, a former Fujitsu manager, in 2006 about Mr Castleton to Mr Dunks, who he managed at the time.
The email read: See you in Court then. Fetters Lane is where they used to hang people out to dry. I dont suppose that type of thing happens any more though.
That Castleton is a nasty cheap and will be all out to rubbish the FJ [Fujitsu] name, its up to you to maintain absolute strength and integrity no matter what the prosecution throw at you. We will all be behind you hoping you come through unscathed. Bless You.
02:01 PM GMT
Fujitsu will contribute to sub-postmasters compensation payments
Fujitsu has confirmed it will contribute to compensation payments to Post Office sub-postmasters wrongfully convicted in the Horizon IT scandal.
The Japanese technology firm offered its deepest apologies to wronged sub-postmasters and their families in a fresh statement on Thursday.
Fujitsu said it will co-ordinate with the UK Government over its response, including providing funds to compensate victims.
It said it is co-operating with the public inquiry, which is examining complex events that have unfolded over many years.
The Fujitsu Group hopes for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims, it said.
Fujitsus European boss first hinted at the group providing cash to postmasters during a grilling by MPs from the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday.
Paul Patterson said the technology giant has a moral obligation to contribute to compensation, admitting to bugs and errors in the Horizon system.
01:49 PM GMT
Fujitsu won't bid for Government contracts whilst inquiry is ongoing
Alex Burghart, a Cabinet Office minister, said Fujitsu will not bid for Government contracts - NurPhoto/NurPhoto
Fujitsu will not bid for Government contracts whilst an inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal is ongoing, Alex Burghart has said.
Speaking in the Commons, Alex Burghart, a Cabinet Office minister, said: This morning [the] Cabinet Office received a letter from Fujitsu voluntarily undertaking not to bid for Government contracts whilst the inquiry is ongoing, unless of course the Government ask them to.
It comes amid calls for the company to be blocked from bidding for future contracts.
He was responding to Conservative former cabinet minister Sir David Davis, who called for companies like Fujitsu to be blocked from bidding for future Government contracts on the basis of having terrible track records.
Sir David asked the Commons: Will the Government give further serious thought to blocking large companies like Fujitsu with terrible track records from bidding for future contracts, and if absolutely necessary legislate accordingly?
Since 2012, the public sector as a whole has awarded Fujitsu almost 200 contracts worth a combined total of 6.8 billion, according to analysts Tussell.
About 43 of those contracts are still in operation, worth a total of 3.6 billion, including the contract for Horizon.
It also has contracts with multiple Government departments including the Home Office, the Foreign Office, Defra and the Ministry of Defence.
01:47 PM GMT
Inquiry on lunch break
The inquiry has currently paused for lunch. Proceedings will resume at 2pm.
Proceedings have now broken for lunch. We will resume from 1400 to hear more from Peter Sewell, former Project Manager and Operations Team Manager, Post Office Account Security Team, Fujitsu.#PostOfficeInquiry Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry (@PostOffInquiry) January 18, 2024
01:04 PM GMT
Cost was major player in delays to Horizon IT system updates
Internal Fujitsu documents proposing a change to Horizon have been shown.
A conclusion reads: While, we do not believe that (due to time constraints) it is practical to introduce this change into Horizon, it is required to ensure the viability of the ongoing Prosecution Support service within HNG-X
Yesterday, the hearing heard that cost was an issue when Fujitsu staff were considering changes.
Mr Blake asked Mr Sewell: Would you agree with the cost issue as well as time?
Mr Sewell said: That was a major player in this yes, the cost of introducing it into the legacy system, yes.
Mr Blake pressed on: People were, during this period, being prosecuted or there were court cases that were going on relating to the Horizon system.
It might be asked why it wasnt seen as sufficient priority in those circumstances?
He is talking about the early release of a change.
Why do you think a more reliable solution couldnt have been implemented earlier?
Mr Sewell replied: For cost as much as anything, and resource availability, and I think it would have approved of the whole HNG-X proposals pushed back.
12:58 PM GMT
Former Fujitsu manager insists he didn't review any witness statements
Mr Sewell has insisted he didnt review any witness statements.
He has told the inquiry that he was named in documents, but it was staff underneath him who carried out the work.
This continues to be a running theme throughout his evidence today.
12:45 PM GMT
Former employee expressed concerns over court witness statements
Penny Thomas expressed concerns over witness statements being used in criminal and civil proceedings, according to documents shown to the inquiry.
The correspondence from Ms Thomas read: I do not believe we should send any further standard witness statements until we have a chance to discuss what was said last week and the implications. I currently have three outstanding.
Mr Blake continued: So she, at that stage, raises quite serious concerns about the content of witness statements arising from this issue. And this isnt something you recall?
Mr Sewell: I would think thats got something to do with the manual exercise that was going on, the manual check-in of events.
Mr Blake continued: Was this not a matter that needed to be brought to the attention of very serious people within Fujitsu?
Mr Sewell: I dont remember.
12:36 PM GMT
'Some people may be struggling to understand what you did
Peter Sewell has been asked by Mr Blake why he did not involve himself more in the details and integrity of data provided to the court by Fujitsu during prosecutions of sub-postmasters.
Mr Blake told Mr Sewell: Some people might be struggling to understand quite what you did?
What did you see as your role if not to get involved in things like witness statements or if not to get involved in something where you are named as the change owner?
To this, Mr Sewell replied: I relied on other people with the technical knowledge to give me the advice.
The exchange continued with Mr Blake asking: Do you not think you should have got down into the detail of what was going on given your teams role with regard to the prosecution of sub-postmasters?
Mr Sewell: My detailed knowledge was limited, so I couldnt get any more involved than I did.
12:14 PM GMT
Technical team should have taken on responsibility for checks
Peter Sewell is being grilled on an email sent to him in September 2008 by Penny Thomas, a Fujitsu staff member he managed at the time.
The note read: As an afterthought, what happened with regards to check event errors for cases we are not advised of? Was someone actioned to deal with that?
Mr Blake stresses this would have involved looking back at cases as far back as 2003.
However, Mr Sewell tells the inquiry: [I] dont remember why that was not done.
Mr Blake: Were you the person who was responsible, if it had taken place, to have instigated it?
Mr Sewell: I dont believe so, no.
Who do you say should have done that?, asked Mr Blake.
Mr Sewell says someone from the design authority or audit system.
When probed whether he, as someone who managed staff giving evidence in prosecutions, should have instigated these checks, Mr Sewell stood his ground, saying: I think one of the technical team should have taken it on.
11:58 AM GMT
Not enough evidence found to warrant continued Horizon system reviews
Peter Sewell, Former Project Manager and Operations Team Manager, gives evidence to Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry - Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry/PA
Peter Sewell is now being shown an email which followed a meeting held on Sept 3 2008.
Sent to Mr Sewell and others, it refers to a PEAK, which triggered a review of the audit mechanism and the Horizon counters behaviour.
The email reads: This review has been going on over the last two weeks.
It goes on to say that the conclusion is that there was not enough evidence to warrant continuing the review further.
Again, Mr Sewell says, I dont recall when questioned on the documents meaning.
11:39 AM GMT
Short break before questioning resumes
The inquiry is now taking a 15-minute break.
11:32 AM GMT
EPOS system issues were 'endemic', according to memo
Mr Sewell is noticeably defensive when shown a memo by Gerald Barnes in 2008, which describes issues with the EPOS system as endemic.
I dont understand this, Mr Sewell tells the inquiry. This is Gerald Barnes. Yes. Hes one of the technical guys in the SSC.
Mr Blake summarises how Mr Barnes explains the issue in lay terms, as effectively an error that is silent to the postmaster.
However, Mr Sewell again states this is something he wouldnt know.
Mr Blake: Was that something that was explained to you?
Mr Sewell: I dont know, I dont recall.
Mr Blake: Would that be a concern to you?
Mr Sewell: If I was involved at this level, yes I guess so. But I wasnt.
Mr Blake: But you were the manager of a team that provided evidence in prosecutions of sub-postmasters?
Mr Sewell: Yes, I dont think I recall this at all.
11:19 AM GMT
Ex-Fujitsu employee didn't like the way' system faults witness statement was written
Mr Sewell has been questioned further on the email sent to him by Penny Thomas, a Fujitsu staff member, in 2005.
He replied: What about the paragraph that starts with none of these faults relate to etc is this now acceptable to provide this response once we have examined fault logs.
The inquiry is shown the relevant line from the first draft, which reads: None of these calls related to faults which would have had an effect on the integrity of the information held on the system.
Ms Thomas responds with: I agree. Ive scoured it out. I will now send to Graham Ward.
When asked about his response, Mr Sewell tells the inquiry: I dont think I liked the way it was written.
11:00 AM GMT
'I didn't involve myself with any of the witness statements
Peter Sewell has been shown an email sent to him in 2005 by Penny Thomas, a Fujitsu staff member he previously managed - which contained the first draft of a witness statement written by her.
Asked what involvement he had in the standard template being circulated, he said: Not a great deal, I didnt involve myself with any of the witness statements.
When questioned as to why the document had been sent to him, he continued: I think out of a standard way of letting someone see what she had done, and I was that person, as I was a manager.
10:56 AM GMT
Peter Sewell was a 'development team manager' during Horizon rollout
Peter Sewell has told the inquiry he joined ICL in 1997 and would have probably been a manager of the development team in 2000 during the early stages of the Horizon roll out.
Julian Blake asked him: So you were on the technical side?
Mr Sewell: No, I was the manager.
In 2007, he became the operations team manager of the Post Office Accounts security team.
When asked what that involved he said: It really managed the team of three or four people in the security team who carried out various security processes and functions.
10:43 AM GMT
Peter Sewell takes to the stand
Mr Sewell, a former Fujitsu operations team manager, will be questioned by Julian Blake.
10:35 AM GMT
Questioning of Gerald Barnes begins
Gerald Barnes, Software Developer, Fujitsu, gives evidence to Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry - Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry/PA
Emma Price, counsel to the inquiry, has begun by questioning Gerald Barnes on a case relating to a Post Office branch in Apex Corner, London, which was taken to the Court of Appeal by the sub-postmaster.
A spreadsheet showed 13 missing transactions for March 2008, which had been marooned on the counter at Apex Corner.
Putting Mr Barnes evidence to him, Ms Price said this was discovered in April 2008 by the Software Support Centre and the staff then manually re-inserted these marooned transactions into the Legacy Horizon correspondence using a virtual counter ID.
Ms Price has asked whether it was the the fact this action was taken a month after they [the transactions] were actually done that caused a problem.
Mr Barnes said: Thats right exactly the key thing here is that it was a month afterwards, if theyd done it very quickly, there wouldnt have been a problem.
As the Court of Appeal case related to Apex Court is still ongoing, Sir Wyn Williams, the chairman, has said the Inquiry will have to tread carefully around this data.
Mr Barnes has how finished giving evidence.
09:52 AM GMT
Who is due to give evidence?
Good morning and welcome back to the Telegraphs Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry live blog.
This morning we will hear from two more Fujitsu staff but the hearing will begin with more evidence from Gerald Barnes, the software developer who went on to join the companys audit team.
Mr Barnes previously told of how he worked on numerous technical tasks and flagged concerns about how bugs could impact upcoming court cases.
Once Mr Barnes has finished giving evidence, Peter Sewell, Fujitsus former project manager and operations team manager at the Post Office account security team, will be questioned.
His seniority could see him asked direct questions about decisions made by himself and the company.
Donna Munro, a former systems management centre team leader and security operations manager at Fujitsu, is also expected to give evidence today.
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The logo of the Bosch technology group shines on a parking garage at Messe Stuttgart above the A8 highway. German automotive supplier Bosch is considering another round of major job cuts, this time in the company's vehicle electronics and software divisions. Marijan Murat/dpa
German automotive supplier Bosch is considering another round of major job cuts, this time in the company's vehicle electronics and software divisions.
A Bosch spokeswoman told dpa on Thursday that the potential reduction in personnel currently stands at around 1,200 jobs worldwide by the end of 2026.
In Germany, up to 950 jobs could be affected, she said.
Bosch informed workers of the potential job cuts on Wednesday. Negotiations between Bosch management and labour representatives are expected to start in the near future.
The job cuts would impact the company's Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division, which is responsible for vehicle computers, sensors and control units as well as associated software.
The division is facing significantly greater challenges than expected, according to the spokeswoman. She said that Bosch needed to maintain the difficult balance between investment and cost discipline.
In December, Bosch announced that the company was considering cutting up to 1,500 jobs in the drivetrain division.
In both cases, the company said it would look for ways to make job cuts in a responsible way that avoid compulsory redundancies.
An agreement struck with labour representatives last summer commits the company to avoiding compulsory redundancies for roughly 80,000 Bosch employees in Germany until the end of 2027.
Olaf Scholz's party is now lagging in fourth place in the polls - FILIP SINGER/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK
Olaf Scholzs ruling party haemorrhaged tens of thousands of members after he became chancellor, new figures show as the German leader continues to tank in the polls.
Nearly 30,000 Social Democrats have abandoned the centre-Left party since Mr Scholz led it back to power at the end of 2021, its own data showed.
The figures mark a drop of more than 7 per cent in membership of the oldest party in German politics, the only one from the Weimar era that was reborn after the Nazi tyranny. It now has some 365,000 members, down from 394,000 at the end of 2021.
It is a dramatic fall from the Social Democrats heyday in the 1970s, when the party ruled Germany under two successive chancellors and for a time had more than a million members.
Its main rivals, the centre-right Christian Democrats, have not yet released their membership data for this year but at the last count had some 370,000 signed up.
The Social Democrats membership figures emerged as fresh polling revealed the extent of the partys loss of public support since Mr Scholzs rise to chancellor.
Little chance of majority at next election
Data released on Tuesday put the party on 13 per cent, far behind the Christian Democrats, who held a comfortable lead on 31 per cent. At the 2021 election, the Social Democrats won 26 per cent of the vote.
The polling released by Forsa put Mr Scholzs party in fourth, behind the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on 22 per cent and the Greens on 14 per cent.
The chancellors three-way coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats is deeply unpopular with the German public. Polling indicates they have little chance of winning a majority at the next election, due in 2025.
The Free Democrats are on course to be thrown out of Germanys parliament, the Bundestag, with the latest poll putting them on just 4 per cent support. That is below the amount required to gain parliamentary seats in the countrys proportional system.
The collapse in support reflects the degree to which Mr Scholzs tenure as chancellor has been racked by crisis. Just two months after he took power Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to German energy supplies being upended overnight.
Since then, his government has struggled to reboot a stagnating economy, and he has been forced to impose painful budget cuts after the countrys supreme court ruled his spending plans breached the constitution.
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Tino Chrupalla, left, Alternative For Germany (AfD) federal chairman and AfD parliamentary group leader, and Alice Weidel, right, AfD parliamentary group leader, take part in a meeting of the German federal parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Germanys governing parties have assailed a resurgent far-right opposition party over a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including German citizens, which has led to a string of protests in recent days. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)
BERLIN (AP) Germany's governing parties assailed a resurgent far-right opposition party on Thursday over a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including some with German citizenship, which has led to a string of protests in recent days.
Media outlet Correctiv last week reported on the alleged far-right meeting in November, which it said was attended by figures from the extremist Identitarian Movement and from the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD. A prominent member of the Identitarian Movement, Austrian citizen Martin Sellner, presented his remigration vision for deportations.
National polls currently show AfD in second place with support of over 20% behind the mainstream opposition center-right bloc, but ahead of the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unpopular center-left governing coalition. The party is even stronger in three regions in the formerly communist east that will hold state elections in September.
AfD has sought to distance itself from the meeting, saying it had no organizational or financial links to the event, that it wasnt responsible for what was discussed there and members who attended did so in a purely personal capacity. Still, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has parted company with an advisor, Roland Hartwig, who was there while also decrying the reporting itself.
In recent days, we have heard fears and concerns; we have seen that, at kitchen tables in Germany, German citizens are discussing the question of whether they must flee their own country, Lars Klingbeil, the co-leader of Scholz's Social Democrats, told parliament on Thursday.
You are a wolf in sheep's clothing, but I'm telling you that your facade is beginning to crumble, he told AfD lawmakers.
Konstantin Kuhle, a senior lawmaker with the Free Democrats, one of Scholz's coalition partners, said the reported meeting showed that AfD is working to serve as civic proxies to right-wing extremists.
There have been repeated demonstrations against the far-right in German cities in recent days, including one in Cologne on Tuesday that attracted tens of thousands of participants.
AfD chief whip Bernd Baumann complained that mainstream parties are falsifying our demands, particularly on the issue of remigration'" and asserted that his party faces a devious campaign by politicians and journalists from the ruined left-green class.
Little private debating clubs are being blown up into secret meetings that are a danger to the public, he said.
The furor has prompted calls for Germany to consider seeking to ban AfD, which has moved steadily to the right since its founding in 2013. Many of its opponents have spoken out against the idea, arguing that the process would be lengthy, success is highly uncertain and it could benefit the party by allowing it to portray itself as a victim.
Tractors drive along street 17 June towards the Victory Column as part of the agricultural protests. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
The leader of the German Farmers' Association has threatened further protests from Monday if government plans to cut agricultural subsidies for diesel fuel are not reversed.
"We don't even need to ask the farmers. They keep calling and asking: 'Is anything moving? If nothing moves, we'll take to the streets again," Joachim Rukwied said on Thursday, ahead of a key government budget committee meeting scheduled for the evening.
The conflict over government plans to phase out the fuel subsidy for the agricultural sector has also overshadowed the annual week-long Green Week agricultural trade fair in Berlin, typically a major event for the sector.
Angry farmers have spent weeks protesting against the subsidy cuts, with thousands driving tractors and other heavy equipment into cities and blocking roads.
A mass demonstration in Berlin on Monday brought thousands of tractor-driving farmers into the centre of the capital city.
Rukwied, however, said the protests so far have only been "foreshadowing."
"If nothing changes, then there may be an eruption. From next Monday, if the budget adjustment meeting this evening does not produce a positive result in our opinion, we will continue with actions throughout Germany," said Rukwied.
He declined to describe plans for protests, but said farmers hoped to " "make pinpricks that hurt, but in no way escalate or radicalize."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition government has proposed phasing out the fuel subsidy for the agricultural sector as part of their plan to raise additional revenue and close a large budget gap.
Farmers, however, have complained that eliminating the subsidy would leave them paying among the highest diesel fuel prices in the European Union and put them at a disadvantage.
Ministers, including Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir, have called for resolving the standoff by finding other ways to ease conditions for German farmers.
Speaking in parliament on Thursday, Ozdemir called on the opposition to work with the government to improve structural conditions for the agricultural sector.
"We can all work together constructively to make German agriculture fit for the future," Ozdemir said.
Farmers can help address environmental issues, improve animal welfare and produce high-quality food at the same time, Ozdemir said, "but someone has to pay for the effort."
The conservative CDU/CSU opposition bloc has backed the farmer protests and denounced the government over its handling of the tax.
Opposition leader Friedrich Merz on Thursday demanded that the government leave the subsidy in place. He called the farmers' demonstrations an "expression of growing dissatisfaction and pent-up frustration."
Ozdemir has proposed adding a fee on supermarket sales of food products to support agricultural investments.
Farmers' groups, however, argue that the sector needs help now and cannot wait for that scheme to be implemented.
Rukwied, the German Farmers' Association leader, has said the government must first back down on the diesel subsidy before any other issues are raised: "It makes no sense to discuss an overall strategy now."
Some other agricultural industry groups, however, criticized Rukwied's position as intransigent.
"I have the impression that Mr Rukwied is turning this into a personal showdown," said Carolin Pagel, agricultural policy officer at the growers' association Bioland.
Farmers stand around a bonfire at a rally on the Schuetzenplatz in Stendal. They are protesting against the German government's austerity plans. The farmers' tractors can be seen in the background. Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/dpa
Despite earlier rejecting a proposal to supply Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles, Germanys parliament (Bundestag) will again vote on the bill, Ukrainian parliaments National Security deputy chair, Yehor Cherniev, wrote on Facebook.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union party's faction, introduced the resolution on Jan. 17. The bill was rejected after just 178 of the 666 deputies voted in favor of the bill at the time.
Read also: Taurus missiles no game changer for Ukraine, Pistorius says after Germany rejects their transfer
When he asked his friends in the Bundestag about their rejection of the Taurus bill, everything turned out to be simpler, he explained.
The rejected bill was a separate proposal from part of the opposition. They wanted to put it to a vote without coordinating with others, Cherniev explained. It was not rejected on its own merits, but rather due to a violation of procedure and an attempt to use it for "narrow-party PR (public relations ed.)."
"The plan for all factions to jointly submit a bill to the Bundestag is still in effect, he explained. The vote will likely take place before February 22. As such, preparations are underway for the 'push' on Scholz's office."
Read also: Bundestag MP calls for immediate transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine after massive Russian attacks
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
After weeks of political wrangling and tough austerity decisions, the German parliament's budget committee approved a budget for 2024 on Thursday evening with expenditure of around 476.8 billion ($517.8 billion) and new loans totalling around 39 billion.
The lower house, the Bundestag, and the upper house, the Bundesrat, are due to make a final decision on the 2024 budget at the beginning of February, but the so-called "clean-up meeting" of the powerful budget committee is already considered a decisive stage on the way to adoption in parliament.
The most important issues have now been clarified.
"As coalition parliamentary groups, we are putting together a balanced budget despite different perspectives, against the backdrop of multiple crises and despite a difficult starting point for these parliamentary deliberations following the Federal Constitutional Court judgement," the budget ministers of the three coalition parties explained after the meeting.
The government faced serious budgetary problems following a Federal Constitutional Court ruling in mid-November that blocked the reallocation of unused funds from a reserve set up to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday evening, the budget ministers - Dennis Rohde for the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), Sven-Christian Kindler for the Greens and Otto Fricke for the Free Democrats (FDP) - stressed various advantages of the budget, including social justice, economic incentives, including in tax policy, investment in climate protection, strengthening democracy and international cohesion. At the same time, subsidies would be reduced, they said.
The federal budget for the current year should have been finalized long ago, but the court ruling thwarted the plans of the coalition government. As a result, billions had to be plugged in the budget and in the climate investment fund and the modernization of the economy.
The leaders of the SPD, Greens and FDP negotiated for weeks - and made highly controversial decisions on cuts and savings.
Consumers will have to adjust to more expensive flights and higher prices for petrol and heating.
Farmers across Germany have been taking to the streets for weeks because of the planned gradual abolition of tax relief on agricultural diesel. Despite the protests, the coalition has not backed down from these plans, even in the budget committee.
Before the meeting, the farmers' chief representative Joachim Rukwied threatened new far-reaching protests from Monday if the planned subsidy cuts were not cancelled. He warned that the massive protests so far involving major roads blocked by convoys of tractors during rush hour were just a "prequel."
After years of exceptions, it is not yet certain whether the government will adhere again in 2024 to the strict constitutional ban on extra borrowing - known as the debt brake - after several years of exceptions.
The SPD, Greens and FDP have agreed: Should more money be needed to support Ukraine later in the year - for example, because US aid is cancelled - additional loans could be authorized after all.
The debt brake enshrined in the German constitution only provides for strictly limited net borrowing. However, it can be suspended in the event of natural disasters or other extraordinary emergencies if the state's financial situation is significantly impaired.
Robert Habeck, Germany's Economy Minister, arrives for the Bundestag's budget committee meeting. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
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On Tuesday, freshman Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) introduced a bill allowing House members to cast votes on behalf of new mothers unable to attend Congress in person, giving the mothers time to recover and be with their newborns without the hassle of traveling to Washington for work.
On Wednesday, in a tense exchange with a witness at a committee hearing, Luna said she wanted migrants claiming asylum at the U.S. border to be at least temporarily separated from any children who accompany them.
The reason why we want family separation, until we can confirm if they are the actual biological parents, is because these kids are being trafficked, she said at a House oversight hearing on immigration.
The witness, David Bier, associate director of immigration studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, had said the Donald Trump administration had engaged in unnecessary psychological torture of children with its family separation policy. He challenged Lunas assertion of widespread child trafficking by people posing as young migrants parents, which led to the exchange.
Luna doubled down later in the day on her comment, saying in a video posted on social media she did not make apologies for endorsing the family separation policy even though it triggered a lot of people.
Im sorry that were breaking through your programming, but the fact is family separation and biological confirmation saves lives, she said.
Just a day before the hearing, Luna introduced H. Res. 967, which would change the rules of the House to allow members who had given birth up to six weeks afterwards to vote by proxy.
At a press conference Thursday, Luna didnt answer directly when asked if she saw any contradiction in her stances.
I think we need to focus on the maternity vote by proxy, she said.
What I can tell you is I dont make any apologies for that statement, she said of the family separation dustup. I would absolutely rather have my child confirmed that thats my biological child if someone was claiming to be their parent.
House Republicans strenuously opposed proxy voting when it was instituted by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a safety measure.
But Luna, who gave birth to a son named George Henry in August, told the New York Times her perspective had changed in part because of post-pregnancy medical complications that kept her from being able to travel for a while.
Youre being forced to choose between your career and having a family, she said.
On Thursday, she said the bill should get bipartisan support, with Democrats being pro-women and Republicans being pro-family, but said both sides have reservations.
We champion pro-life and and pro-family values, but theres some hesitancy I think on supporting it, she said.
Lunas bill had drawn 24 co-sponsors as of Thursday. Only four were Republicans, however, and two of those were women, Reps. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.).
Fearing a backlash from the U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision allowing states to restrict abortion access, Republicans are trying to emphasize their family-friendly credentials ahead of November.
We want to make it easier for working mothers and moms and dads to start and raise a family, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Luna herself leaned into her own new role in her back-and-forth at Wednesdays hearing.
When Beir started to challenge her by saying, As a father, Luna cut him off.
Im a mother, she said. We can go back and forth.
Related...
Governor John Carney delivers the State of the State address in the House or Senate chamber of Legislative Hall in Dover, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. Carney postponed his 2024 address Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, due to illness.
Delaware Gov. John Carney's State of the State address has been postponed.
The Democrat was set to give his last State of the State address Thursday afternoon as he leaves office at the end of 2024 due to term limits, but his office said Thursday that Carney was ill and had to postpone the speech.
The governor's office said in a news release that Carney "has a fever and mild symptoms, but is in good spirits."
Carney tested negative for COVID-19, the governor's office said.
WHAT TO KNOW: Respiratory illnesses on the rise in Delaware
The State of the State will be rescheduled and announced at a later date.
Carney gets COVID, twice
Carney first tested positive for COVID-19 in May 2022 after feeling mild symptoms.
Delaware Gov. John Carney, center, accompanied by fourth grade teacher Leanna Vitti, to his right, and Vitti's class, holds up the newly signed bill banning smoking in cars with children under 16 years old at Wilbur Elementary in Red Lion on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Vitti has led the efforts with her class in support of this legislation.
At the time, he was vaccinated and double boosted. He also continued to work remotely, but avoided in-person events.
He tested positive again for the virus in January 2023.
RELATED: Delaware Gov. John Carney tests positive for COVID-19 a second time
Carneys last State of the State
This year marks Carneys final State of the State address as Delawares governor.
The state constitution prohibits the governor from running for a third four-year term.
But Carneys departure as governor at the end of the year may not be a permanent leave from politics.
POSSIBLE MAYORAL RUN: Carney expresses interest in Wilmington mayor after Purzycki announces he won't run
The Wilmington resident has expressed interest in running for city mayor, and in November established a political campaign committee Carney for Wilmington with the state Department of Elections, according to the election commissioners Campaign Finance Reporting System. Mayor Mike Purzycki announced in October that he would not be seeking a third term.
Wilmington resident Javier Horstmann is listed as Carneys campaign treasurer, according to filings.
LAST YEAR: Here are 5 takeaways from Delaware Gov. John Carney's 2023 State of the State address
Last year, the governors address promised raises for teachers, more investment in early education and tackling the states worsening climate crisis. It was the first speech, since the beginning of the pandemic, in which lawmakers both appeared in person and many didnt wear masks.
Got a tip? Contact Amanda Fries at afries@delawareonline.com. Follow her on X at @mandy_fries.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware governor postpones State of the State speech due to 'illness'
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek unveiled her latest housing proposal on Wednesday in an effort to address the states housing shortage with a $500 million boost.
Senate Bill 1537, the only legislation the governor says shes introducing in 2024, aims to boost housing production amid the states worsening homeless crisis with a $500 million investment package from existing state resources.
Decades of under-building have left Oregon with a severe housing shortage that is driving up rents, home prices, and worsening our homelessness crisis, Governor Kotek said in a press release.
PHOTOS: Winter weather leaves Portland covered in ice
She added, People that are ready to transition out of homelessness struggle to find housing. Meanwhile, employers both public and private in Oregon struggle to hire due to a lack of workforce housing for rent or purchase, harming local economies across the state. Thats why SB 1537 is my top priority in the short session, and I look forward to working with legislators to make progress this year.
The bill would create the Housing Accountability and Production Office to support housing production and address issues from local governments and developers over compliance with state housing laws.
VIDEO: Ice storm turns Portland streets into a skating rink
SB 1537 would also provide a one-time tool for cities to add land for housing to their urban growth boundary. The governors office says any land added would need permission from the property owner and can only be urban reserve, non-resource land, or exception land, and not high-value farm or forest land.
The bill would also require 30% of new housing units to be restricted for affordable housing which Kotek points out, is one of the strongest requirements in the U.S. with most states requiring 10-20% affordable units.
Additionally, the bill funds grants for new affordable housing that includes energy-efficient design, and reduces energy costs for low-income Oregonians.
The governors office says the bill will be posted to the state legislatures website at a later date.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Weve all seen it before. More times than not, governors use a State of the State address to tell citizens what a great job theyre doing. In this sense, Gov. Phil Murphys address of Jan. 9 was typical, but it was also another wasted opportunity to have a more candid discussion with citizens.
Given the problems that continue to challenge everyday New Jersey residents and thwart our states economic development and prosperity, anyone listening to the governors address might ask the question: What state does Phil Murphy live in?
To the governors credit, he did speak to one challenge that directly affects everyday New Jersey residents; namely, medical care debts, which can be crippling. No disagreement here health care is a right, not a privilege. And so, anyone who lacks the ability to pay their medical care debts should not be sent to a collection agency or have their credit rating ruined.
Why can't Murphy address property taxes?
Beside that, the address contained shameless pandering (e.g., allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote); strawman arguments with other governors (whom most New Jersey residents have never heard of); vague allusions to criminal justice reform (his previous versions have handcuffed police and encouraged lawlessness); and an excessively lengthy discussion on the potential benefits of artificial intelligence AI that glossed over all its economic, ethical and legal complications.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shakes hands with Senate President Nick Scutari before he delivered his State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature gathered in the Assembly Chamber at the Statehouse in Trenton Tuesday, january 9, 2024.
While there was boasting of all the property tax rebate programs, which arent sustainable, there was no mention of any permanent reform to address the highest property taxes in the nation. No mention of New Jersey being the worst place in the nation in which to do business, especially on Main Street. No mention of the thousands of students trapped in failing educational systems and dilapidated schools. No mention of economically distressed urban centers plagued by blight. And no mention of rampant suburban overdevelopment and all the flooding and stormwater management issues that come along with it.
Murphy likes to call himself a progressive, but what kind of progress have we truly made?
Charlie Stile: Here are five takeaways from Gov. Phil Murphy's State of the State address
This is how we can make real progress for New Jersey
The only way to deliver real progress for our residents is through a mainstream conservative agenda:
Property Taxes freezing property taxes for all senior citizens while also consolidating existing rebate programs into a single program that, for example, limits taxes to an affordable percentage of household income
Business Climate cutting or eliminating business taxes, reducing regulations and adopting Delawares by-laws for corporate governance
Education adopting a new school funding formula, implementing school choice/vouchers, offering high-impact and extended instruction in basic skills; ensuring an age-appropriate curriculum; providing more vocational training; and respecting the role and rights of parents
Economic Development incentivizing a robust and dynamic plan that rejuvenates our urban centers, making them self-sustaining communities no longer dependent on state aid
Suburban Overdevelopment approving aggressive conservation goals that seriously address sprawl, flooding, stormwater management, and an ever-increasing suburban carbon footprint
The governors failure to advance meaningful and permanent reforms adds up to an opportunity forgone that begs another question: Have the Murphys already moved to Washington? The governors relentless and overtly political and offensive grandstanding on one particular issue says the answer is, Yes. That issue is abortion.
My very strong libertarian streak is what always attracted me to the Republican Party the Party of Lincoln with its emphasis on empowering individuals with liberty, self-determination, and upward mobility based on hard work (i.e., a meritocracy). And its these principles that have always defined the type of conservatism to which I subscribe, believing very strongly that the antithesis of conservatism is government getting involved in deeply personal decisions, like a womans right to choose, which I support.
More perspective: Gov. Phil Murphy's agenda for 2024 is unaffordable for NJ. The Legislature must reject it
Rep. Josh Gottheimer: To jump-start Jersey, we need bold action on jobs, taxes and affordability
We have other issues to address in NJ, too
We all need to recognize that the decision to end a pregnancy is not only deeply personal, but also heart-wrenching. That said, just like we dont need politicians in some states banning women from accessing legal abortions, we dont need the governor of our state demeaning life by promoting abortion and speaking about it in giddy, aspirational terms. I, for one, find that dark and dispiriting, not to mention divisive.
Murphys celebratory abortion rhetoric is a far cry from the solemness of a procedure that the vast majority of New Jerseyans believe should be legal, safe and rare and discussed in a way that is respectful of people who hold strong personal beliefs on every side of the issue.
If the governor took some of his celebratory abortion energy and applied it toward seriously addressing New Jerseys education, conservation and affordability crises, that would truly be progress.
The governors upcoming budget address provides another opportunity. Hopefully, it wont be forgone.
Jack Ciattarelli, the 2021 Republican nominee for New Jersey governor and a likely 2025 gubernatorial candidate, is a regular contributor to the opinion pages of USA TODAY Network New Jersey publications.
Jack Ciattarelli
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Gov. Phil Murphy missed another chance to address property taxes
OTTAWA COUNTY Michael Zitta, an attorney from Grand Haven, is the first to throw his hat in the ring for Ottawa County's next probate court judge.
Zitta's announcement Tuesday, Jan. 16, comes after Judge Mark Feyen announced earlier this month he's not seeking re-election in November.
More: Probate Judge Mark Feyen will retire at the end of 2024
I have made the decision to run for Ottawa County Probate Judge because I believe it's extremely important to have the right person in that seat, Zitta wrote in a press release.
Being a probate judge requires a commitment to serve, the knowledge and experience to provide just and fair results, and the temperament to treat all persons contacting the court with consideration and compassion.
Zitta is a native of the Tri-Cities area and graduated from Grand Haven High School. He holds a bachelors degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA and law degree from the University of Minnesota.
He spent five years practicing law in Minneapolis before returning to West Michigan. Hes been a partner at Scheuerle and Zitta since 2001.
In 2023, Zitta was appointed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to be Ottawa Countys public administrator in probate matters. Public administrators handle estate cases in which the deceased didn't have a will or known heirs. They also manage the determination, collection, liquidation and distribution of any assets in the estate.
With my background, I believe I am well-suited to be Ottawa Countys next probate judge, Zitta wrote.
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Feyen is the courts longest serving judge. He was first elected in 1988 and took the bench on Jan. 1, 1989. He was re-elected five times.
In his time on the bench, Feyen has overseen cases on probate estates, mental commitment, guardianship, conservatorship, child abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, divorce and more.
He also helped establish, and has served as judge for, the Ottawa County Recovery Court. The specialty court helps adult criminal offenders achieve and maintain sobriety.
Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Grand Haven attorney files for Ottawa County Probate Judge
Kathy L. is a 46-year-old mother of three in North Carolina. Five years ago, she moved her family back to her hometown in order to help care for her aging parents, but for the past year and a half, the family has devoted significant time and resources to caring for her husbands aunt, who has dementia. Her children were ages 15, 11 and 9 when the aunt came to live with them last summer.
Initially, the plan was to care for the aunt at their home for 12 weeks, at which point her long-term care insurance would kick in to cover the cost of an assisted living facility. But after 8 weeks, the family decided to pay out of pocket to move her into one.
Our family hit a breaking point, Kathy L. told HuffPost.
Dementia patients can often get aggressive because they are confused/scared and dont know whats going on, she explained. While her two older sons were able to handle the aunts outbursts, her youngest child struggled. Kathy L. said her 9-year-old daughter was crying every day and was terrified to say or do anything that would set her off.
In addition, her husband was granted power of attorney for his aunt, taking care of her finances and clearing out and selling her home.
In spite of these challenges, Kathy L. says the experience of providing this care wasnt all negative. I also feel very honored to be able to help, she said. There are a lot of layers of feelings involved.
People like Kathy L. who find themselves in the dual and at times competing roles of providing child care and elder care simultaneously are sometimes referred to as the sandwich generation.
With an aging population and a declining fertility rate globally, more and more families are likely to find themselves in this situation.
A research group at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany, headed by Diego Alburez-Gutierrez, recently published a paper entitled Projections of Human Kinship for All Countries. Using data from the UN World Population Prospects 2022 report (the most recent year available), researchers were able to make probabilistic predictions of what the families of the future will look like.
One important finding is that family networks measured by the number of biological relatives a person has are going to get smaller. (While the researchers understand that family can mean much more than the people who are biologically related to you, for the purposes of this research, they did not include other kinship relations such as spouses, in-laws, adopted children or LGBTQ family structures.)
People are going to have fewer living relatives, on average. At every age, we see that as we move into the future, families will become smaller, Alburez-Gutierrez told HuffPost.
For example, a 65-year-old woman in 1965 could be expected to have 41 living relatives, while a 65-year-old woman living in 2095 is projected to have only 25. The drivers of this change are delayed childbearing and declining fertility rates. Some countries have already seen their birthrates decline, while others may experience this in the years to come.
Another trend shaping demographics, the researchers found, is that families are becoming more vertical, Alburrez-Gutierrez said. That means that youre going to have fewer lateral kin siblings, your cousins and because people are living longer, it means that you will have more genealogical generations at the same time.
In other words, you will probably have fewer siblings and cousins, but youre more likely to get to meet your great-grandparents.
One finding that Alburez-Gutierrez found striking, he said, was that the probability that a newborn baby will have a living grandparent, lets say in countries of the Global North, it will be 100% in the coming years.
Also, in Europe, it will be increasingly common [for a baby] to have up to six living great-grandparents when they are born.
The researchers also found increasing age gaps between generations in families, leading to people becoming grandparents (and great-grandparents) at later ages. For example, if you have a child when youre 20 and that child has a child when theyre 20, you become a grandparent at age 40. But if you have a child at age 40, and then your child has a child at age 40, you wont become a grandparent until youre 80. Increasing life expectancies mean that youre more likely to be around to see the birth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren but these increasing age gaps mean that youre more likely to be frail or disabled when you do meet them.
There are advantages and disadvantages to these population changes.
A big advantage of increasing longevity is that we are more likely able to meet, spend time with and build relationships both with our grandparents and even great-grandparents.
Ellen Carbonell, a professor of social work at Rush University, explained that the roles of grandparents in the U.S. have changed over time.
Today, grandparents roles are more diverse than ever before, Carbonell told HuffPost. In addition to their traditional roles as family historian, and provider of love, support and wisdom, Carbonell explained, grandparents are more likely to function as childcare providers.
No longer simply babysitting grandchildren to give parents some free time, many grandparents are providing childcare for grandchildren on a regular basis, Carbonell said.
Since grandparents are older, on average, when their grandchildren are born, they are also more likely to be retired.
There can be a greater ease and enjoyment of the role without the competing tasks that come with employment. This greater flexibility can be seen in grandparents who relocate to be closer to their out-of-state children and grandchildren so they can be more involved in their day-to-day lives, Carbonell said.
These advantages assume good health, which isnt a guarantee and becomes less likely the older a grandparent gets. Older grandparents also may lack financial stability.
Many have been unemployed or underemployed for years, or have contributed financially to the care of others, leaving them particularly strapped financially during their grandparenting years, Carbonell said.
When a grandparent needs financial support or caregiving, the burden may fall to family members who are also caring for children, creating the sandwich dynamic.
These dynamics can both be at play at the same time within one family. Kathy L., for example, was able to turn to her mother for help with childcare at the same time that she was serving as a caregiver for her own father and her husbands aunt. The layers of her situation were both emotional and logistical.
With so many generations living at the same time, there are increasing instances of what Alburez-Gutierrez called the grand-sandwich and Carbonell called the club sandwich of one generation caring for parents, children and grandchildren. Such a load can take a heavy physical, emotional and financial toll, Carbonell said. Increased longevity, in other words, can make for more caregivers but also more caregiving responsibilities.
The increased availability in the sense of grandparents and great-grandparents in the future, which we think is going to happen, doesnt necessarily mean that there will be more sources of informal care within families, Alburez-Gutierrez said. Actually it may be the other way around. Well place more of a burden on the current generation.
Grand- or club-sandwich caregivers, Carbonell explained, may put their own needs last and delay preventative health care. The sandwiching also creates an unstable network that is likely to collapse if an emergency arises.
With no built-in backup for care provision, Carbonell continued, we can see how the fragility of a tightly stretched care system can be pushed beyond its ability to cover care needs.
The ramifications of these demographic changes extended beyond individual families.
With fewer living relatives within each generation, the caregiving duties will fall to a smaller number of people, increasing their responsibilities. It will also mean that more families look to public and private institutions to provide care for the members of their family who need it.
One challenge will be that even in countries that have taken into account the aging of the population, and introduced measures to try to address that in terms of restructuring pension schemes or changing the retirement age, is they have still assumed that there was going to be this constant pool of informal support to provide care, Alburez-Gutierrez said.
Grandparents stepping in to fill the child care gap. Kathy L. and her husband stepping in to care for his aunt. Without this unpaid labor, our society wouldnt be able to function. If a shrinking, aging population means that we have to outsource more of this labor, and pay for it, it will require a huge financial investment.
Carbonell pointed out that caregiving, whether for children or elders, often falls to women. When they take time out of the workforce to care for family members, they lose both seniority and years of accumulated pension or social security contributions.
Paid caregivers also tend to be women, many of them immigrants, and the pay for such work is often low, leading to a high turnover rate.
As it stands, the system is fragile, and the combination of increased longevity and declining birthrates continue to add stress.
This country has no comprehensive long-term care system, particularly for older adults. It is crucial that this issue be explored and dealt with promptly, as an increasingly aging population will be needing care for which there is currently no plan, Carbonell said.
While these are serious concerns, a sandwich situation in which your children witness you caring for elderly family members can also be a source of meaning and insight.
As hard as it was this past summer, I think our kids saw what it looks like to take care of family, Kathy L. said.
Our 15-year-old saw us cleaning up after our aunt one time ... and said, Wow, I cant wait til its my turn to do this for you guys. And I was struck with two competing feelings: One, I hope you never have to do this for me, and two, Im so thankful that you automatically expect thats what youll do.
Related...
Police clashed with students who rallied in Athens on Thursday against planned education reforms that would allow the introduction of private universities in the country.
The conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who won a second term last year, is expected to submit a bill to parliament this month that would permit private universities to operate in the country as Greek branches of foreign universities.
Announcing the bill last December, Mitsotakis said it aimed to attract foreign students to the country and make a significant contribution to the Greek economy.
A protester holds a flare during a demonstration outside the Greek Parliament, Athens, Greece, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. - Michael Varaklas/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
He added that the approximately 40,000 Greek students who travel abroad for higher education each year would have the option to study in the country.
Greece has 24 accredited government-funded public universities where attendance has been free for decades. It also has several private colleges.
The country has implemented a series of educational reforms in the past, despite fierce opposition from students and staff.
Protesters march during a demonstration in central Athens, Greece, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. - Michael Varaklas/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
Student unions believe the move will devalue degrees from Greece's public universities and that the private system will exclude those who cannot afford it.
The Greek Federation of Secondary Education State School Teachers (OLME) who participated in the protest said it supported the public character of universities.
As Ecuadorians wage war against almost two dozen gangs that are brazenly turning their once peaceful country into one of the regions most violent, experts warn that the South American nations drug-financed criminal organizations pose one of the gravest security threats Latin America in years.
The cure for the violence, some security and political analysts say, may have to come at the expense of democratic rule and human rights.
In the last month, Ecuador has seen an escalation in violence fueled by gangs push to find new drug trafficking routes to the United States and Europe. Police officers have been killed, cars have been bombed and more than 100 guards held hostage as prison riots broke out. One of the most brazen acts was the armed takeover last week of a public television station in Guayaquil during a live broadcast.
On Wednesday, the prosecutor investigating the attack was killed, shot to death while driving his car, the countrys attorney general confirmed. The region is already dealing with extreme inequality, weak institutions and high levels of corruption.
Our American democracies are not prepared to face this type of situation, former Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos told the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald. What we are seeing in Ecuador is a huge wake up call for the whole region. Similar explosions of violence in other countries cannot be ruled out if serious measures are not taken against this criminal phenomenon.
In response to the violence, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa took the unusual step of declaring a state of internal armed conflict and directing the military to pursue 22 criminal gangs he defined as terrorists organizations. Since then, the government has made 15,461 arrests, charging 158 individuals as terrorists and announcing that five gang members have been killed during the police raids.
On Tuesday, Noboa told CNN that Ecuador was the latest frontline of a global problem and that his country needs international help.
I would gladly accept the cooperation of the United States. We need equipment, we need weapons, we need intelligence and I think this is a global problem. It is not just in Ecuador, he said.
Experts agree with him.
Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, underpaid police and and security forces are spread thin. What is happening in Ecuador is also taking place, though to a lesser degree, in neighboring Peru, Chile, Honduras and Colombia, Santos said. Our societies are approaching crucial crossroads where they must decide if they cover the fiscal and political costs of combating these criminal organizations head on, he added.
The violence is being sparked by drug trafficking and the need for traffickers to find new routes to get cocaine to Europe and the United States. Still, Ecuador stands out, says Ivan Briscoe with the International Crisis Group, because it bucks the previous trend in Latin America.
The entire trend of organized crime over the last 40 years in Latin America has been to reduce the level of exposure of criminal organizations to a crackdown by governments, said Briscoe, program director for Latin America and the Caribbean. Ecuador is moving in the other direction and thats the mystery here.
Until a few years ago, crime and violence in the country paled in comparison to what was happening next door in Colombia and Peru.
No history of drug production until quite recently along the Colombian border. No major guerrilla movement. Occasional increases in the murder rate as crime ebbs and flows but nothing too substantial. Ecuador was not a violent country, Briscoe said. Political misrule in Ecuador paled in comparison to what you saw next door in Peru, and now Ecuador seems far worse off than Peru and Colombia in terms of basic human security.
Alberto Ray, director of the Florida-based Risk Awareness Council, said one reason for the crisis is that some of the organized criminal groups in Ecuador hold more power than the state.
They have become very powerful, and because of this, they manage to control spaces within the national territory, which leaves law enforcement agencies unable to interrupt their operations or even prevent them from expanding, Ray said.
Because of this, the gangs are able to run lucrative operations, the main one being drug trafficking, while at the same time establishing alliances with other international criminal organizations.
State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller announced last week that senior U.S. officials will travel to Ecuador in coming weeks to explore ways the U.S. can help. He described the level of violence as appalling. The officials Todd Robinson, assistant secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement; Kevin Sullivan, deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, and Gen. Laura Richardson, head of the Pentagons U.S. Southern Command.
In addition to the visit, the U.S. will also provide other assistance, Miller said, including increased intelligence sharing.
Mark Feierstein, senior advisor with the Latin America program at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the crisis in Ecuador requires a significant response. Feierstein was senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs on President Obamas National Security Council.
This is why you have the high level delegation going to Ecuador, and we are responding the way we are. The other question is what sort of resources is the administration and even Congress prepared to put in this, because weve seen aid cuts over the years, particularly in this region, he said. Even the administration, which has been quite bold on the domestic side, has been less bold when it comes to budgeting on the foreign affairs side.
The implications loom large. Crime and violence not only affect economic growth, but they also contribute to migration flows as an increasing number of Ecuadorians flee poverty and violence for the U.S.-Mexico border.
The criminal gangs operating in Ecuador, have set up alliances with the Mexican drug cartels.
This is a problem for the security of the citizens that ends up becoming a problem for the defense of the government. Why? Because when these organizations become more powerful than the national armies, the police and the national guards of the countries, the power they yield begins to challenge the stability of the state, Ray said.
So far, the only successful solution appears to be the adoption of hardline measures, such as the ones President Nayib Bukele implemented in El Salvador. The harsh crackdown on gangs has been criticized abroad for leading to violations of human rights, even though the measures are popular at home.
The success of Bukeles policy has been hailed by other leaders as a model, given that vast sectors of the population might be willing to tolerate some degree of human-rights abuse in exchange for being able to walk the streets safely at night, Ray said.
Feierstein said even if people are prepared to sacrifice certain elements of democracy for improved security, there is a big difference between the street gangs operating in El Salvador and the drug cartels in Ecuador.
An alternative, he said, may be elements of Plan Colombia, the U.S. diplomatic, military and foreign aid initiative used to combat drug cartels in Colombia.
Its important to think about the lessons of Plan Colombia, what worked and what didnt, and what would be the matrix of success in a place like Ecuador, said Feierstein. But there are budgetary trade offs. If we are going to invest in Ecuador, where is it going to come out of?
In Ecuador, delays in addressing the emerging threat led to the surge in criminal activity that now threatens the nations stability. Evan Ellis, research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, said that Ecuadors homicide rate has multiplied eight-fold in the last eight years. That rate places the country with a rate of 46.5 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the highest in the region.
For the moment, the measures adopted by Noboas government appear to have had some measure of success. The 60-day state of emergency has allowed for the mobilization of the army as part of the campaign to combat gangs, Ellis said.
The temporary social and political consensus strengthened by the gangs latest overreach and the legal conditions created by the Noboa governments response have arguably created the conditions for the government to achieve significant results against the immediate threat in the coming weeks, he added.
Kansas Citys Bloom Baking Co. has cooked up another spot to sell its cupcakes, macarons and breakfast sandwiches.
The bakery moved into Lighton Plaza office complex at 7500 College Blvd. in Overland Park before Christmas. Owner Sarah Darby said the space will celebrate its grand opening on Feb. 1 with giveaways and live music.
This is Blooms third location (fourth, if you include its Kansas City International Airport kiosk). Its held its River Market location at 15 E. Third St. for 14 years. In 2020, it expanded to 920 Main St., Suite 209.
Blooms baked goods are completely scratch-made, Darby said, and the Lighton Plaza spot offers an array of cafe food: egg scramble bowls (egg, cheddar, a choice of protein, potato, spinach and house salsa), Reuben sandwiches, salads and more.
And, of course, it sells its popular pastries, like its German chocolate cupcake, lemon bars and macarons.
The Lighton Plaza location carries Mother Earth Coffee, Lucky Elixir Kombucha and goods from other local small businesses.
Our flour is milled locally, we have our egg farmer out of Missouri, Darby said. We have local dairy, a lot of produce that comes from farmers down in the farmers market.
Blooms Lighton Plaza spot is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
A flood of gruesome videos of human and animal mutilation left in chats used by students and professors at a California university left viewers shaken, news reports say.
There were some things on there that I just could really not unsee, Alina Kim, who helps oversee student-run chatrooms at the University of California, Irvine, told KCAL.
I know there were a couple instances of students who were actually hospitalized due to excessive vomiting, Kim told KABC. I know theres a lot of us who lost sleep over this.
The university said in a statement to McClatchy News that it does not manage the Discord servers that were hacked in the incident.
However, we take seriously our commitment to protecting members of our community, the statement read. The university also offers tips on cybersecurity and counseling services.
Students use channels on Discord, an online service which hosts voice calls, video calls and text messaging, to communicate about group projects or for social purposes, the Orange County Register said.
Kim estimated that about 3,000 people viewed the very disturbing gore starting around 9 p.m. Jan. 9, according to the publication.
Student moderators ultimately managed to identify and block more than 400 accounts responsible for the horrifying videos, KCAL reported.
The hackers demanded a $1,000 ransom to halt the so-called gore raid, which lasted about four days, Kim told the Orange County Register. No ransom was paid.
Campus police are investigating, and Kim plans to contact the FBI, KNBC reported.
Nearly 37,000 undergraduate and post-graduate students attend UC Irvine, which is about 45 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
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No Labels leadership and guests from left, Dan Webb, National Co-Chair Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, and founding Chairman and former Senator Joe Lieberman, speak about the 2024 election at National Press Club, in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
WASHINGTON (AP) A top No Labels leader said Thursday that Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley would deserve serious consideration for the group's nomination if it decides to run a third-party candidate for president.
Joe Lieberman, a former Connecticut senator and co-chair of No Labels, said Haley's record as governor of South Carolina and U.N. ambassador would be a good fit for the group's plan to find a candidate in the likely event that the 2024 election becomes a rematch between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump.
I think Im speaking for a lot of No Labels members. Gov. Haley would deserve serious consideration, Lieberman said. But thats a decision for her to make, and its not an easy one. So well have to wait and see.
Haley's team said she wasn't interested in the offer.
Nikki has no interest in No Labels, shes happy with the Republican label, said Haley campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.
Haley came in third in the Iowa caucuses and is banking on a strong showing in New Hampshire's primary next week to give her a path to surpass Trump, the overwhelming front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination.
Lieberman last week said hed like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who recently ended his own GOP presidential campaign, to consider running on the No Labels ticket, calling him the kind of candidate No Labels is looking for.
Meanwhile, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan quit his role as a No Labels co-chair in a move that prompted speculation he was preparing for a possible presidential campaign in the No Labels ticket. He later sought to squelch that speculation, endorsing Haley for Republican nominee.
Lieberman's comments about Haley came in response to a question before the abrupt end of a news conference in Washington where No Labels leaders called for the Department of Justice to investigate their critics. Several groups aligned with Democrats have aggressively criticized No Labels and are discouraging candidates and political operatives from working with the group, warning a third-party candidate can't win but would help Trump return to the White House.
In a letter to the head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, No Labels leaders allege the campaign against them is an illegal conspiracy designed to interfere with their constitutional right to seek access to the ballot. They distinguish attacks on them from typical political commentary, which is speech protected by the First Amendment, by comparing their work to the civil rights movement.
The alleged conspiracy to stop No Labels is a brazen voter suppression effort, Benjamin Chavis Jr., a former head of the NAACP and a co-chair of No Labels, said during the news conference.
The letter cites an array of events, most of them common political tactics or governmental decisions. A mobile billboard with a picture of Trump alongside photos of No Labels CEO Nancy Jacobson and her husband, Mark Penn, drove through their Georgetown neighborhood. A No Labels staffer said she was warned by a friend that she was endangering her career in Democratic politics by working with the group.
The Arizona Democratic Party filed an unsuccessful lawsuit challenging No Labels ballot access in the battleground state. The Maine secretary of state sent a letter to members of the new No Labels party telling them how they could change parties. A letter from the liberal group MoveOn asked other secretaries of state to investigate the group. And various critics have held meetings to discourage lawmakers, donors, candidates, political operatives and others from working with No Labels.
This is a desperate attempt to salvage their failing campaign and keep their fleeing supporters who have finally seen through their facade, the Lincoln Project, one of the groups targeted in the letter, said in a statement.
No Labels, which has refused to disclose its donors, has qualified for the ballot in 14 states, including the battlegrounds of Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina, and is working in more than a dozen others. It plans to offer its ballot line to a bipartisan unity ticket as an alternative to Trump and Biden if they remain the front-runners to win their parties' nomination, saying Americans are crying out for another option.
___
Cooper reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard contributed from Columbia, S.C.
___
The Associated Press coverage of race and voting receives support from the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Half of Bangladeshi drinking water is polluted with arsenic - and climate change is making it worse
Bangladesh is well known to be one of the countries most imperilled by the climate crisis.
Its sea-level is expected to rise half a metre by 2050, claiming around 11 per cent of the land. Intensifying monsoon rains currently flood around a fifth of the nation every year, driving families from their homes.
But these water disasters are also posing a more insidious threat to the Bangladeshi people: arsenic contamination.
Around 49 per cent of the countrys drinking well water - which almost everyone drinks - has unsafe limits of carcinogenic arsenic.
And a new study has found that the climate crisis is making the situation worse - pointing to a looming public health crisis in Bangladesh.
Issues such as arsenic and climate change is inflaming an already dire situation in Bangladesh, Md Tahmidul Islam, technical lead at WaterAid Bangladesh, tells Euronews Green.
Cyclones, floods, parching heat are all intensifying, tearing up homes, toilets, roads, farmland. With clean water always the first thing to go, this reality is leaving almost 26 million people being exposed to saline water and struggling to survive.
Why are Bangladeshis drinking water poisoned with arsenic?
Arsenic is naturally present at high levels in the groundwater of a number of countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, Cambodia, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, the US and Vietnam.
Bangladeshs problem with the toxic contaminant dates back to the 1970s, when there was a concerted effort to move the population away from drinking polluted surface water in which waterborne diseases spread.
The government, UN aid agencies and NGOS installed around 10 million drinking water wells in the country, which succeeded in lowering the devastatingly high rate of child deaths.
But by the 1990s it became clear that the water drawn from sedimentary rocks contained high levels of inorganic arsenic. Around 97 per cent of Bangladeshs 165 million strong population still drink well water, however.
A woman walks back after collecting drinking water from a tubewell on the outskirts of Dhaka, 2016. - A.M. Ahad/AP
Almost half of Bangladesh's area has drinking well water with arsenic concentrations that exceed the 10 micrograms per litre (g/L) guideline from WHO, a team of scientists found in 2002.
Chronic arsenic poisoning can cause skin lesions on peoples palms and feet. Internally, the buildup of arsenic in their organs causes cancer. It has also been associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and detrimental cognitive development impacts in those exposed from a young age.
The lead author of the previous study, Dr Seth Frisbie of Norwich University in the US, has led a new investigation - published in the journal PLOS ONE yesterday - to see what impact climate change is having on this already severely compromised water source.
How is climate change making arsenic poisoning worse?
Increased amounts of arsenic are directly tied to rising sea levels and more severe flooding, the scientists say.
Frisbies team collected drinking well water samples across all of Bangladesh, testing their arsenic concentration as well as dissolved oxygen concentration and other elements.
They found that the concentration of arsenic increases as the concentration of dissolved oxygen decreases - a phenomenon that can be caused by rising sea levels.
Two chemical processes known as reduction and the salt effect mean that more arsenic is leaching from the sediment as saltwater encroaches into the aquifer.
This increased exposure to arsenic is expected to increase the rates of death and disease from chronic arsenic poisoning, Frisbie writes in the study.
This unfolding crisis is not limited to Bangladesh, Frisbie told UK paper The Independent. The same chemical processes from rising sea levels that release arsenic from sediments into Bangladeshs drinking well water will also very likely release arsenic from sediments into West Bengals drinking well water.
The scientists called for a quicker roll out of solutions like water purification technologies and infrastructure to prevent groundwater contamination, the paper reports.
Groundwater could be the worlds insurance policy against climate change and save millions of lives. But investment in responsible groundwater development, such as better mapping and monitoring of the earths subsurface to determine where good-quality groundwater is available and extractable, is needed urgently so everyone has clean water nearby, comments WaterAids Md Tahmidul Islam.
The charity is calling on world leaders to invest in clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to work with communities to introduce context-specific technologies. These include rainwater harvesting systems, reverse osmosis plants, climate resilient toilet blocks and faecal sludge treatment plants to secure life-saving water and sanitation for communities living on the climate frontline.
Since confirming the arrival of her first child, Halle Bailey has been showing off her pregnancy belly on social media.
After hiding her baby bump for nine months, Halle Bailey is finally giving the public a glimpse into her pregnancy journey. This week, her sister Chloe posted a TikTok video of herself and a then-pregnant Halle dancing to Drakes song Rich Baby Daddy.
Recreating the viral dance trend, The Little Mermaid star is seen showing off her baby bump, wearing nothing but a sports bra and sweatpants. Earlier this month, Bailey and her boyfriend, rapper DDG, publicly introduced the world to their son, Halo. In a heartwarming Instagram post, the couple announced the news with a photo of them holding their baby boys hand, which bore a gold nameplate bracelet announcing his name.
Even though were a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son, the new mother captioned the post. Welcome to the world my halo.
Teasing at the long-held speculation of her pregnancy, she added, The world is desperate to know you. Earlier this month, Bailey has been posting throwbacks to milestones like her previously secret maternity shoot. In honor of her role as The Little Mermaid, the actress and singer did an underwater photoshoot to commemorate her first pregnancy.
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Missing my belly already, she wrote on Instagram, adding a mermaid emoji. But I obviously had to do underwater pics.
While social media congratulated Bailey on motherhood, her boyfriend sang her praises in a YouTube video.
Me and Halle had a baby together. I wouldnt chose no other person in the world to have a child with. We learning, he said. Shes a great mom. Like its crazy. Shes amazing.
Confirming that the family of three is doing great, DDG labeled Bailey a professional mom.
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The post Halle Bailey finally shares a glimpse of her pregnancy in throwback videos appeared first on TheGrio.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) The city of Hampton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will study flooding in coastal regions and rivers on the Peninsula that are exacerbated by sea level rise.
They received approval in December from the Corps national headquarters to begin the Virginia Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, which includes low-lying areas that have experienced repeat damage from coastal storms, rain and floods.
The $3 million federally-funded study, which will cover Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, along with James City and York counties, was approved under the Long-term Disaster Recovery Investment Plan component of the 2019 Additional Supplemental Appropriations Disaster Relief Act. The area includes the James River to the south, the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the York River to the north.
Hampton has taken a very proactive position on mitigating the impact of storms and sea-level rise, Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting said in a statement. This is a study we have been seeking for several years and are pleased that it is moving forward. We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with our regional partners and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Floodwaters cross borders, and this comprehensive study is an opportunity for the Peninsula to have a regional planning approach for shoreline protection projects. The Army Corps study will provide an understanding of those issues and develop potential solutions that will make the region safer and stronger.
The study will look into the federal interest and feasibility of putting into place measures to mitigate flooding, including building elevation or flood-proofing, nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and structural measures such as tide gates and flood walls to aid in managing the risk of storm damage.
Col. Brian Hallberg, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, said they look forward to partnering with the Peninsula localities. Based on the studys findings, Hampton and the surrounding communities will partner with the Corps on a plan for designs leading to construction to help manage coastal storm risk and improve the Peninsulas economic resiliency.
For a detailed study description, go here.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Clarence "Ron" Oliver, the former United Way of Erie County employee who filed a civil rights lawsuit against the organization, has reached a settlement with his former employer.
Oliver, who served for more than a decade as the United Way's labor liaison, claimed that United Way leadership discriminated against him between August 2021 until the day his job was eliminated on Feb. 1, 2022.
More: Former United Way vice president claims his age and race were reasons he was fired
Oliver, who filed the case pro se, or without the help of a lawyer in U.S. District Court in Erie, used informal language, copies of emails and recollections of conversations to make the case that he had been treated unfairly.
The details of his claim
Oliver, 65, sought from the United Way an apology, the return of his job, full back pay or $10.7 million, an amount equal to $1 million for every year of service to the United Way.
Ron Oliver, the former labor liaison for the United Way of Erie County, loads food bags into a vehicle for a food distribution event in May of 2020. After filing a civil rights lawsuit last year, Oliver has reached a settlement with the United Way.
Oliver claimed in his lawsuit that "Laurie Root, President of the United Way of Erie County, didn't want to work with Mr. Oliver, a black man in partnership under her leadership with a Vice President title, and no college degree."
Oliver said that he was told by his former boss, Bill Jackson in August of 2021, that the United Way was moving into a new home at 650 East Ave. and there wouldn't be room for Oliver to have an office of his own. However, Oliver said he was also told that he could have free use of a conference room.
Oliver said in his lawsuit that it didn't work out that way and that Root told him he no longer had access to the office's eastern conference room.
Some of what Oliver claimed would have been hard to prove.
Among other claims raised in his self-prepared legal action, Oliver wrote: "President Laurie Root's facial expression was very negative and very racial."
In one of the emails that accompanied the lawsuit, this one to Jim Ohrn, the former United Way chairman of the board, Oliver continued on that same theme. He wrote: "President Laurie Root has created a hostile environment for me. It is very hard emotionally to come to work and know that you're not welcome anymore."
In an October interview with the Erie Times-News, Root said the elimination of Oliver's job was neither racially motivated nor related to his job performance.
Eric Seggi, a labor council delegate, joins protesters at the entrance to the Bayfront Convention Center along the Bayfront Parkway on May 11, 2023, outside the United Way's annual meeting. They were protesting the United Way's dismissal of Ron Oliver.
"This is not how we operate," Root said at the time. "It's against the values of our organization. It certainly doesn't reflect how we treat anyone in the organization or the community."
The elimination of his job, she said, was the product of changing priorities as the United Way shifted much of its focus to support of community schools as part of its mission to eliminate poverty.
At the same time, Root said, there has been a substantial decline in workplace fundraising.
"That is why we had to change our model that looks at how we support our work," Root said in October.
Even before Oliver filed his complaint, his dismissal had won public attention. In May, members and supporters of the Erie-Crawford Central Labor Council staged an informational picket outside the United Way's annual meeting.
More: Erie and Crawford union members picket dismissal of United Way employee
What happened with Oliver's lawsuit
Oliver's lawsuit, against which the United Way had said it would defend vigorously, was resolved by a stipulation or agreement signed Jan. 12 by U.S. District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.
That one-page document said Oliver and the United Way "stipulate and agree that the parties have reached an amicable resolution."
The document continued: "The amended complaint in this action is dismissed with prejudice, without any award of fees or costs by the court."
Joelyn Bush, vice president of marketing and communications for the United Way, said the terms of the settlement prevented the United Way from commenting.
Oliver did not respond to repeated messages left by the Erie Times-News.
Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: United Way of Erie County settles lawsuit with former employee
SINGAPORE, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's former transport minister S. Iswaran was charged with 27 offenses in court on Thursday, according to local media reports.
Iswaran was charged with corruption, obtaining items from someone he had business dealings with as a public servant, and obstructing the course of justice, said the reports.
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong accepted Iswaran's resignation as the transport minister and as a member of Singapore's ruling People's Action Party on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office Thursday.
Iswaran also resigned as a member of parliament, said the statement.
Lee noted that the government has dealt with this case rigorously in accordance with the law, and he is determined to uphold the integrity of the party and the government.
Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau started investigations into Iswaran in July 2023.
Enhanced shipping capability contributes to China's auto exports
09:31, January 18, 2024 By Wang Weijian, Bai Guangdi ( People's Daily
China's auto exports hit 4.91 million units in 2023, according to statistics released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
From surpassing 1 million units in 2012 to exceeding 2 million in 2021 and 3 million in 2022, China's auto exports rocketed past 4 million units in just the first 11 months of 2023. This rapid growth reflects the increasing globalization of the Chinese auto industry. It is also inextricably linked to China's improved logistics capabilities.
A batch of vehicles is about to be exported at the Taicang International Container Terminal in east China's Jiangsu province, Jan. 14, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Ji Haixin)
Ocean shipping, China-Europe freight train service, and road transportation are the common methods of exporting automobiles, with ocean shipping being the most popular. The Taicang port in east China's Jiangsu province is exactly a good example.
Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, 60 kilometers away from the estuary, the Taicang port was bustling. Semi-trailers from all directions lined up at the entrance of the port, loaded with various brands of vehicles.
Next to the berth of a vessel of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited at the Taicang International Container Terminal, a 40-meter-high gantry crane was loading containers onto the vessel's cargo hold. This vessel was about to set sail for Europe a day later.
Hao Yong, the on-site supervisor for vehicle shipping at the terminal, said that about 7,000 to 8,000 vehicles were shipped monthly from the terminal last year, with the peak reaching nearly 30,000 units in December.
The roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) auto terminal Haitong Taicang Terminal features higher efficiency. The currently operational storage yard at the terminal, which houses 20,000 standard parking spaces, is still not enough to meet the rapidly growing business volume.
"The yard will be full again just a few days after a batch of cars is shipped, " said Wang Haibo, the manager on duty of the control center of the logistics company that runs the terminal.
According to him, the terminal is still under construction, with an investment of over 2 billion yuan ($281.16 million). Once fully operational, it will have an annual throughput capacity of 1.3 million vehicles, Wang added.
The "tight parking space" at the storage yard reflects the bustling activity at the port. According to statistics from the customs of Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, 397,300 vehicles were exported from the Taicang port in the first 11 months of 2023, up 157 percent year on year.
The surge in auto exports has also led to rising demand for RoRo vessels. Improving efficiency through digital and intelligent upgrading, shipbuilders are working in full capacity to meet this demand. In the first half of 2023, China Merchants Jinling Shipyard delivered 21 RoRo vessels, and the company's order book is full with deliveries scheduled all the way until 2027.
New energy vehicles hold a prominent position in China's auto exports. In 2023, China exported 1.203 million units of new energy vehicles, marking a remarkable 77.6 percent year-on-year growth.
A vessel carrying China-manufactured vehicles leaves the Yantai port in east China's Shandong province, Jan. 10, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Tang Ke)
It is learned that new energy vehicles must maintain a battery charge level between 20 percent and 50 percent during long-haul transportation. Therefore, there must be charging facilities on board. Additionally, specialized fire prevention systems, fire detection equipment, and fire-resistant materials are required to mitigate risks such as battery leakage, short circuits, and fires.
At a terminal of the Taicang port, a vessel of COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. departed for South America, carrying 2,797 new energy vehicles. Inside the cargo hold, each vehicle was monitored by an infrared temperature imaging device. Once the temperature exceeded a certain threshold, the sprinkler system would be activated to ensure the safety of transportation.
An executive from COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. said that, in response to the requirements for transporting new energy vehicles, the company has collaborated with designing institutes and shipyards to enhance the structural strength of cargo holds.
"Currently, we have over 30 multi-purpose vessels capable of transporting new energy vehicles," the executive noted.
Meanwhile, the shipping industry is expediting its transition towards a green and low-carbon approach. It is reported that COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. has ordered 24 large dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicle carriers. China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, on the other hand, has equipped its RoRo vessels with LNG tanks and hybrid battery technology to reduce the emission of toxic gases.
According to estimates, compared to traditional fuel-powered container ships, these dual-fuel ultra-large container ships can lower carbon emissions by 20 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 85 percent, and sulfur emissions by 99 percent, significantly reducing environmental pollution.
In order to cultivate competitive advantages in automobile exports, various regions and business associations in China have facilitated cooperation between automobile and shipping companies and guided them in signing medium to long-term agreements.
In the first half of 2022, SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor specializing in automotive logistics business, ordered two dual-fuel vehicle carriers with a capacity of 7,600 vehicles and three ships with a capacity of 7,800 vehicles from Jiangnan Shipyard. It also established a joint venture automotive supply chain company with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. and other partners.
In 2023, Chinese automobile manufacturer Chery, in collaboration with Wuhu Shipyard, built a production base for vehicle carriers in Weihai, east China's Shandong province. The base will focus on the production of carriers with a capacity of 6,000 vehicles, 80,000-ton Panamax bulk carriers, among other leading products.
Car makers becoming ship owners is a reflection of the continuous growth and internationalization of the Chinese automotive industry. Similarly, ship companies that embrace customized orders will also find new avenues to enhance their strength and expertise in the high-end market.
(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
MADRID, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- La Liga outfit, Real Sociedad on Thursday confirmed the signing of Surinam international forward, Sheraldo Becker from German club, Union Berlin for a fee of 2.1 million euros.
The 28-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract until the end of June 2026, with the option of extending the agreement for a further year, with the San Sebastian based club and replaces French forward Momo Cho.
Cho has recently moved back to France to join Nice after an unsuccessful 18-month spell in Spain.
"Real Sociedad have reached agreement with FC Union Berlin for the transfer of the player Sheraldo Becker," confirms the Real Sociedad website.
Born in Amsterdam, Becker began his career in the Ajax youth system, before joining PEC Zwolle and ADO Den Haag and then moving to Germany, where he spent four years in Berlin, scoring 24 goals in 140 appearances.
Although Becker represented the Netherlands at youth categories from Under-16 to Under-20, in 2021 he switched his allegiance to Surinam and has scored two goals in seven international appearances.
He could make his debut on Saturday when Real Sociedad, who on Wednesday booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win away to Osasuna, visit Celta Vigo.
Deputies arrested a man accused of breaking into a womans Nevada City home, hiding in her bedroom with a knife and assaulting her, before her friend punched out the suspect and detained him until authorities arrived.
The incident unfolded early Wednesday at a home in the 16000 block of Indian Flat Road, a rural area just north of Highway 49.
The woman arrived home with her friend. She entered the home while her friend stayed outside briefly to attend to his dog, the Nevada County Sheriffs Office announced in a news release.
The woman did not know that Damien Michot, 31, had broken into her home earlier and was hiding behind her bed with a knife, sheriffs officials said.
Its unclear how Michot and the woman knew each other, but one of his criminal charges stemming from Wednesdays reported assault is an allegation of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, according to Nevada County Superior Court records.
Sheriffs officials said Michot assaulted the woman in her home. Her friend became aware of the situation and intervened.
He took matters into his own hands and punched Michot in the face, knocking out the suspect, sheriffs officials said.
The womans friend then detained Michot until deputies arrived and arrested the suspect. Sheriffs officials said the woman suffered several minor injuries and was treated by medics at the scene.
Sgt. Andrew Liller, one of several sheriffs officials who responded to the reported assault, said the womans friend just happened to be accompanying her home and very well could have saved her life.
This case could have turned out entirely different had he not been there, Liller said in the news release. He is a hero.
On Thursday, Michot remained in custody at the Nevada County Jail. His bail was set at $500,000.
Michot, a Grass Valley resident, appeared Thursday afternoon for his arraignment in court. He faces felony charges of burglary, assault with a deadly weapon that was not a firearm, false imprisonment and assault likely to cause great bodily injury, court records show.
Editors Note: The video above is a military pilots first-hand account of a UFO encounter.
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (WJW) Hey aliens! Look at Lexington!
That message is being beamed to space from Lexington, Ky. The citys convention and visitors bureau is trying a far-out method to bring attention to their town, and it appears to be working.
Goldie Hawn says extraterrestrials touched her face in intimate encounter
Using an infrared laser, VisitLEX and a team of scientists and scholars from Lexington beamed a message toward potentially habitable planets in the TRAPPIST-1 solar system 40 light years away. The message, which was sent from the Kentucky Horse Park, is intended to invite extraterrestrial travelers to Lexington, a press release states.
It will take about 40 years for the message to get there, and if there is a response, it would take another 40 years to receive it.
Dr. Robert Lodder helped lead the team for the project. Hes a Lexington native, and an expert in engineering, astrobiology and SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.)
Ring offering $1M for proof of extraterrestrial life caught on camera
It was quite the team effort, said Dr. Lodder. We brought together experts in engineering, linguistics, digital media, philosophy, and science fiction to design, debate, and transmit this message.
Contents of the message include photos of Lexington, an audio recording from legendary blues musician Tee Dee Young, and a coded bitmap image with clues to the origin and intent of the transmission.
The bitmap image is the key to it all, said linguistics expert Dr. Andrew Byrd. We included imagery representing the elements of life, our iconic Lexington rolling hills, and the molecular structure for water, bourbon, and even dopaminebecause Lexington is fun!
We believe Lexington is the best place on Earth, said VisitLEX President Mary Quinn Ramer. Its the ideal location for extraterrestrial travelers to begin exploring our world.
The message was transmitted with FAA approval, the city said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
By Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily
BEIRUT (Reuters) -Iran-backed Hezbollah has rebuffed Washington's initial ideas for cooling tit-for-tat fighting with neighbouring Israel, such as pulling its fighters further from the border, but remains open to U.S. diplomacy to avoid a ruinous war, Lebanese officials said.
U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein has been leading a diplomatic outreach to restore security at the Israel-Lebanon frontier as the wider region teeters dangerously towards a major escalation of the conflict ignited by the Gaza war.
Attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis on shipping in the Red Sea, U.S. strikes in response and fighting elsewhere in the Middle East have added urgency to the efforts.
"Hezbollah is ready to listen," a senior Lebanese official familiar with the group's thinking said, while emphasising that the group saw the ideas presented by veteran negotiator Hochstein on a visit to Beirut last week as unrealistic.
Hezbollah's position is that it will fire rockets at Israel until there is a full ceasefire in Gaza. Hezbollah's rejection of the proposals presented by Hochstein has not been previously reported.
Despite the rejection and Hezbollah's volleys of rockets in support of Gaza, the group's openness to diplomatic contacts signals an aversion to a wider war, one of the Lebanese officials and a security source said, even after an Israeli strike reached Beirut on Jan. 2, killing a Hamas leader.
Israel has also said it wants to avoid war, but both sides say they are ready to fight if necessary. Israel warns it will respond more aggressively if a deal to make the border area safe is not reached.
Such an escalation would open a major new phase in the regional conflict.
Branded a terrorist organisation by Washington, Hezbollah has not been directly involved in talks, three Lebanese officials and a European diplomat said. Instead, Hochstein's ideas were passed on by Lebanese mediators, they said. Reuters consulted eleven Lebanese, U.S., Israeli and European officials for this story.
One suggestion floated last week was that border hostilities be scaled back in tandem with Israeli moves towards lower intensity operations in Gaza, the three Lebanese sources and a U.S. official said.
Another suggestion is that Hezbollah keep its fighters at least 7 km (4 miles) from the border, two of the three Lebanese officials and an Israeli official said. The proposal was communicated to Hezbollah, the Lebanese officials said.
That could leave fighters much closer than Israel's public demand of a 30 km (19 mile) withdrawal to Lebanon's Litani River, as stipulated in a 2006 U.N. resolution.
However, Israel believes most anti-tank missiles fired from further than 7 km would not land on northern Israeli communities, according to the Israeli official, who was briefed on war cabinet discussions, but requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the conversations.
Hezbollah has dismissed both ideas as unrealistic, the Lebanese officials and the diplomat said. The group has long ruled out giving up weapons or withdrawing fighters, many of whom hail from the border region and melt into society at times of peace.
Israel would also want to see Hezbollah's elite Radwan force kept north of the Litani and a United Nations peacekeeper force "beefed up," the Israeli official said.
Israel's Prime Minister's office declined to comment on "reports of diplomatic discussions" in response to questions from Reuters for this story.
Spokespeople for Hezbollah and the Lebanon government did not immediately respond to detailed requests for comment. The White House declined to comment on Reuters' reporting.
Hezbollah has, however, signalled that once the Gaza war is over it could be open to Lebanon negotiating a mediated deal over disputed areas at the border, the three Lebanese officials said, a possibility alluded to by Hezbollah's leader in a speech this month.
"After the war in Gaza, we are ready to support Lebanese negotiators to turn the threat into opportunity," one senior Hezbollah official told Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity. He did not address specific proposals.
Hezbollah previously held fire during a 7-day Gaza truce in late November.
Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy, in response to a Reuters question at a media briefing on Wednesday, said there was "still a diplomatic window of opportunity," to push Hezbollah away from the border.
Hochstein has a track record of successful mediation between Lebanon and Israel. In 2022, he brokered a deal delineating the countries' disputed maritime boundary - an agreement sealed with Hezbollah's behind-the-scenes approval.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in whose cabinet Hezbollah has ministers, has said Beirut was ready for talks on long-term border stability.
During his Jan. 11 visit to Beirut, Hochstein met Mikati, the parliament speaker and army commander. He said publicly at the time that the United States, Israel and Lebanon all preferred a diplomatic solution.
Hochstein was hopeful "all of us on both sides of the border" could reach a solution to allow Lebanon and Israel to live with guaranteed security, he told reporters.
IRAN
The spearhead of the Iran-aligned "Axis of Resistance", Hezbollah was drawn into a battle it has said it did not expect when Palestinian ally Hamas stormed Israel on Oct. 7, triggering a conflict that has also spilled into the Red Sea, where U.S. strikes have targeted Yemen's Houthis over their attacks on shipping.
Hezbollah has said its campaign has aided Palestinians by stretching Israeli forces and driving tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes.
It has come at a cost, with around 140 Hezbollah fighters and at least 25 Lebanese civilians killed, as well as at least nine Israeli soldiers and a civilian. The intensity has been growing in recent weeks.
Hezbollah, founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, is the most powerful and influential of the groups Iran backs. It has played a big part in Tehran's wider foreign policies.
Sources familiar with Hezbollah thinking have said it knows all-out war would be ruinous for Lebanon, a country already destabilised by years of financial and political crises, and where Hezbollah's vast arsenal has long been a point of contention. Experts say the cache includes more than 100,000 rockets.
Even as Iran-aligned fighters draw U.S. fire elsewhere in the region and Iran launches strikes in Syria and Iraq, Tehran would be loathe to see Hezbollah and Lebanon subjected to massive destruction, not least because it has previously had to foot the bill of reconstruction, said Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of the Carnegie Middle East Center, a think-tank based in Beirut.
Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said attacks against Israel and its interests by the "Axis of Resistance" will stop if the Gaza war ends.
Hage Ali said Hezbollah clearly wanted to avoid full-scale conflict. It did not want to be left in a situation where Israeli strikes continue or intensify in Lebanon after the Gaza war ends or is significantly scaled back, he said.
"A process in which it can engage, or support, the Lebanese state as it negotiates would provide the benefits of de-escalation," he said.
'THREATS AND INDUCEMENTS'
The diplomacy faces significant complications, and many observers see a serious risk of an escalation in fighting. Israel has said its army will act if diplomacy cannot restore security to northern Israel.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the group had heard "threats and inducements".
The threat, Nasrallah said in a Jan. 15 speech, was the warning that Israel would move forces to its northern border as it shifts to the next phase of the Gaza war. Hezbollah was ready for war and would fight without "any limits, rules or boundaries", he said.
But he has also alluded to diplomatic possibilities, saying in a Jan. 5 speech that once the Gaza war was over Lebanon had "a historic opportunity" to liberate land.
Those comments were widely interpreted as reflecting the possibility of a negotiated deal settling the status of disputed border areas.
Four Lebanese officials briefed on the matter said Hochstein has discussed ideas aimed at advancing such a deal, but he had not presented any draft proposals. The officials did not provide details of the ideas.
An Israeli official told Reuters Israel's government has "relayed lots of demands," without giving details. "One way or another, our 80,000 northern residents will be returning home," the official said.
France has also been involved in de-escalation efforts. A source familiar with French thinking said Nasrallah's public comments alluding to a possible border deal were "direct messages to the Americans and to the French".
"He's telling us: 'the door is open'".
(Reporting by Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily; Additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem, Tom Perry in Beirut and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
A Hilton Head Island man was arrested Saturday for two charges of criminal sexual conduct, one with a minor.
Victor Lanuza Gimenez, 37, is accused of sexual battery with two unnamed individuals resulting in two charges, criminal sexual conduct with a minor and criminal sexual conduct third degree.
Lanuza Gimenezs alleged victims are aged 14 and 16. It is unknown whether Lanuza Gimenez knew the two victims.
Only the conduct with he 14 year-old is considered an illegal act with a minor. The age of consent in South Carolina is sixteen, leading to the separate charge of third degree criminal sexual conduct.
One of the charges is for an event or events that happened sometime between July and October of last year and the other charge was sometime in October.
The alleged abuse was reported by a school social worker on October 30, which lead to an investigation from the Sheriffs Office and subsequently a warrant issued for Lanuza Gimenez.
On Saturday, the Sheriffs Office received a 911 call from Chimney Cove on Hilton Head island but the caller hung up before speaking to dispatchers. The Sheriffs office investigated the call and found Lanuza Gimenez with active warrants and arrested him. As of Thursday morning, he is being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
Tectonic plates that are causing the Himalayas to grow may also be splitting Tibet in two, study suggests
As the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly collide, the Himalayan mountains continue to rise.
However a new study suggests the Indian plate may be peeling apart, causing a slab tear.
Scientists say the tear could split the Himalayas, and therefore Tibet, into two pieces.
An eons-long collision that created the Himalayas, the world's tallest mountain range, may also be splitting Tibet apart into two pieces, new research suggests.
The collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates began 60 million years ago when an island, now known as India, crashed into the continent.
The edge of the Eurasian plate crumpled upward as India pressed into it, thrusting the Himalayas into existence.
The landmark Potala Palace is seen after a snowfall in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Gongga Laisong/China News Service/VCG/Getty Images
The slow-motion collision is still ongoing, meaning the Eurasian plate is still crumpling and the Himalayas continue to grow. But scientists haven't been sure where exactly the Indian plate was going. Is it sliding directly under the Eurasian plate, skimming its underside? Or is it plunging deeper into the layer of mantle below?
New research paints a chaotic picture where both things are happening: The Indian plate is peeling apart, with its buoyant upper crust detaching from its dense bottom layer.
What's more, that process is creating a vertical split in the plate beneath Tibet, as the peeling section tears away from an adjacent region that's not peeling, the new findings suggest.
A man stands in front of his house, which was damaged by 6.9 magnitude earthquake, at the Himalayan Mangan village in India. Stringer/Reuters
That doesn't mean a giant crack is going to open across the surface of Tibet. Rather, there seems to be a lot more going on deep beneath the surface than scientists realized.
Still, this "slab tear" under Tibet could drive hazardous earthquakes in the region.
The research has not yet undergone peer review, but it was presented at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union in December, and a pre-print version of the paper was published online.
"We didn't know continents could behave this way and that is, for solid earth science, pretty fundamental," Douwe van Hinsbergen, an Utrecht University geodynamicist who was not involved in the research, told the magazine Science.
Simon Klemperer, a geophysicist at Stanford University, worked with colleagues at three Chinese research institutions to piece together this picture of the plates. They studied earthquake waves that passed through the deep layers below, examined the locations of earthquakes under Tibet, and analyzed gases rising into hot springs above.
"We speculate that this slab tear may divide the mountain chain along its length," the scientists wrote in a summary of their findings.
The Himalayas run along the southern edge of Tibet, which sits on a plateau about 13,000 ft above sea level.
Though no direct link has been documented, these deep shifts in the earth might affect earthquakes near the surface, van Hinsbergen told Science.
Scientists have long thought this type of tearing could happen when continental plates collide, but this is the first time it's been "caught in the act," van Hinsbergen said.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The historic Murrieta Hot Springs Resort will reopen to the public for the first time in nearly 30 years next month.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the end of January before the property officially opens on Feb. 1, the resort posted on its website.
For centuries the healing mineral waters of the Murrieta Hot Springs have attracted visitors seeking restoration and rejuvenation, the website stated.
Geothermal water flows into a lake at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Photographed in Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The historic Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, captured on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda/MediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise via Getty Images)
Steam rises from the geothermal water flowing through Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Photographed in Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Construction takes place in the bathhouse at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Photographed in Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A vitality plunge pool, offering a refreshing dip with a temperature of 54 degrees, at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda/MediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise via Getty Images)
A serene view of palm trees lining the lake at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda/MediaNews Group/The Press-Enterprise via Getty Images)
The historic resort, built over 100 years ago, spent nearly 30 years as a Bible college and Christian retreat center before being sold in 2022.
The new owners have been refinishing the property to reopen to the public as a wellness resort and hotel.
The resort will offer spa services, several types of soaking, 174 hotel rooms and some buildings that date back to the early 20th century, the Los Angeles Times reported.
The historic Murrieta Hot Springs Resort in Murrieta, captured on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
The areas healing geothermal waters, which flow into a lake at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort, were first discovered by the regions Native Americans.
Our water comes out of the ground at about 125 to 130 degrees, depending, Dr. Marcus Coplin, the resorts medical director, told the Times, noting that the water is cooled to 104 degrees or less before guests bathe.
Steam rises from the geothermal water flowing through Murrieta Hot Springs Resort.
Several minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chloride, fluoride and boron, are naturally found in the water.
In addition to soft, nourished skin, soaking in these mineral-rich waters has proven to relax the muscles and relieve inflammation, the resort stated.
Reservations can be made on the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort website with rooms starting at $399 and increasing to over $400 on Fridays and Saturdays. Day passes costing $89 for adults and $45 for children are also available.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A tax crackdown on freelancers and agency workers linked to 10 suicides and an abortion has been labelled the next Horizon scandal.
MPs on Thursday called for an end to HM Revenue & Customs controversial loan charge a tax charge affecting 60,000 workers including nurses, teachers and IT contractors and leaving them with crippling bills.
The self-employed and contractors entered into widely promoted tax-saving schemes, which meant they were paid wages via loans.
Being paid wages via loans meant they avoided paying income tax and national insurance.
However, in 2017 HMRC demanded those who used them to pay tax on all the loans they had received in one go.
Some had used the loans for years, resulting in in six-figure back tax bills charged at the highest 45 per cent rate.
The charge has been formally linked to 10 suicides, while on Thursday it emerged one victim had chosen to have an abortion to avoid having a child with the financial stress of the tax dispute hanging over her.
It is more than double the four suicides so far linked to the Post Office Horizon scandal.
Debating the charge in the House of Commons, MPs accused HMRC of chasing the victims of the loan charge schemes because they were easy targets, rather than going after their unscrupulous promoters, and said the governments had turned a blind eye to the issue.
Sammy Wilson, Democratic Unionist Party MP for East Antrim, said: We are looking at another Horizon scandal.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, Conservative MP for North East Somerset, said: This is a classic example of the state abusing its power through aggressive tax collection.
The loans, sold from the turn of the millennium, were designed to avoid tax and were argued to the contractors as compliant with UK law.
Some were even forced into these schemes by their employers, it is claimed.
Sarah Green, Liberal Democrat MP for Chesham and Amersham, said one of her constituents had an abortion because she was concerned about the affordability of having a child because of the charge. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, accused HMRC of operating almost without impunity.
Sarah Gabbai, of law firm McDermott Will & Emery, said: There is an increasing body of evidence which shows that contractors and freelancers across a variety of sectors from IT to health and social care were either inadvertently dragged into these schemes or were inadequately advised of the risks, and are now facing unaffordable and life-changing tax bills.
MPs including Ms Green and Gerald Jones on Thursday called for the Government to launch a genuinely independent review into the loan charge scandal, concerned that HMRC may have influenced the 2019 review which concluded the charge should remain in place. In 2019 the Government ordered for an independent review of the loan charge to be carried out by Sir Amyas Morse of the National Audit Office.
Many of the reviews recommendations were accepted including one that the charge should be repealed for loans made before 2010.
But a report by the Loan Charge All-Party Parliamentary Group alleged that HMRC interfered, including by getting an early look into the reviews findings before publication. This was according to several freedom of information requests.
Gerald Jones, Labour MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, said: The 2019 Morse Review cannot be the final word on this matter.
However, Nigel Huddleston, financial secretary to the Treasury, told MPs he did not think a case had been made for another review.
The Morse review was thorough, he continued, and 19 of the 20 changes were implemented.
Provisions in the Finance Bill currently progressing through this house will make it a criminal offence to promote tax avoidance schemes after HMRC has issued a formal order to cease promotions, known as a Stop Order, he added.
An estimated 40,000 are still being pursued for the loan charge.
An HMRC spokesman said: The loan charge seeks to recover tax that has been avoided by disguising income as loans. It is our responsibility to collect the tax that people owe.
We take the wellbeing of all taxpayers very seriously and recognise that dealing with large tax liabilities can lead to pressure on individuals.
The support we have in place to help people settle their previous tax avoidance includes offering payment by instalments: these arrangements are based on what the taxpayer can afford, and theres no upper limit over how long we can spread payments. Our message to anyone who is worried about paying what they owe is: please contact us as soon as possible to talk about options.
Above all we want to prevent people getting into these types of situations and our message is clear if a tax scheme sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Recommended
HMRC spends thousands of taxpayers money chasing trivial sums
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Around California, voters who use non-English languages face hurdles to understanding the voting process and the content on the ballot.
Under state law, voter materials are not required to be translated into commonly used languages, leaving thousands of voters without the support they need.
Our states diversity ranging across backgrounds, religions and languages is celebrated in our art, our communities and by our politicians. But the states diversity is not fully reflected in a critical place: our election laws.
Opinion
Californias election laws only offer a patchwork solution. For example, Korean-speaking voters in Ventura County have no access to language services, even though the county has more than double the population of limited-English-proficient, Korean-speaking adults than Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara County, however, is required to offer sample ballots in Korean because this its community is more densely concentrated.
A recent Berkeley Institute of Governmental Affairs poll found that 66% of Californians believe that the state government has a responsibility to encourage voting participation among under-represented groups. Since federal and state language assistance exclude many communities, these voters have no guaranteed assistance and must fend for themselves when voting.
When voters are denied language assistance help, they are less confident in their choices or, worse, they give up on the voting process altogether. Given that almost half of California residents speak a language other than English at home, the lack of adequate language assistance severely affects communities across the state. Californias population is projected to become more diverse, so by making investments today, we are in a better place to serve our growing diversity.
To identify the most effective solutions, our teams at the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) and the Asian Law Caucus along with a broad coalition of civil rights and community organizations spent over a year investigating how current laws create barriers to voting for people who use languages other than English.
On Sept. 26, our groups released a statewide road map for California lawmakers and the secretary of states office to embrace our full diversity and establish our state as a leader in multiracial, multilingual democracy.
The road map envisions a California where comprehensive language assistance is provided to large populations in languages beyond Spanish, Asian and Native American languages; votable ballots and registration forms are available in the languages used and preferred by smaller-sized communities; statewide standards exist for disseminating translated election materials, including how poll workers interact with voters who need language assistance; and community education funds are provided to local election officials and community local organizations that are trusted sources of information.
To develop the road map, our organizations heard directly from community members about what they need to be active, informed and confident voters.
The ballot must be translated in Chinese, said Sophie Zeng, a California resident who became a U.S. citizen in 2020 and primarily speaks Chinese. Voting is inaccessible to many limited English proficiency community members, especially seniors that also have technology barriers.
Due to a growing Arabic- and Somali-speaking community in San Diego County, PANA and its partners advocated for and convinced the San Diego County Registrar of Voters and Board of Supervisors to fund and make sample ballots in Arabic and Somali available. However, not every county has community organizations to advocate for translation services, which is why the state needs to take action now.
Our state road-map plan is rooted in proven solutions that are already helping voters in states like Michigan and Oregon as well as many California counties. To meet the needs of our increasingly diverse population, we must ensure that all voters have equal access and say in Californias future.
Rahmo Abdi is director of campaigns and organizing at Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the full economic, social and civic inclusion of refugees in the San Diego region, throughout California and across the country. Deanna Kitamura is the voting rights program manager at Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving low-income, immigrant and underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Holiday let owners in an area of Norfolk known as Chelsea-on-Sea because of its popularity among Londoners are being asked to pay a total of 20,000 towards the cost of maintaining the village.
Burnham Market parish council is writing to around 200 people requesting they each give 100 for the upkeep of the North Norfolk village.
The funds will go towards the cost of street lighting, mowing greens and maintaining playing fields and the childrens playground, the parish council said.
Second home owners in the tourist hotspot are facing a council tax surcharge on their properties from 2025, but owners of furnished holiday lets will be exempt from the levy because they pay business rates instead of council tax.
Dennis Clark, the Burnham Market parish council chairman, said: We just want to write a letter to ask them if theyll make a contribution its totally voluntary. Were asking them to do the village a favour because they dont pay council tax.
Holiday let owners in Burnham Market do not pay council tax - Jason Bye
Mr Clark said the letters will be sent out in March or April, and claimed one couple he had spoken to had described the fee as fair.
The owner of one 1,600-a-week let, a four-bed property near the centre of the village, said: I think its a fair comment, its a fair thing to ask.
The owner, who did not wish to be named, added: I think everyone needs to work together on these things its a discussion that needs to be had.
Burnham Market voted to ban second home owners in October. It is thought that one in four properties in the village is a second home and that the number of full-time residents has fallen by a fifth in the past two decades.
More than 80 per cent of 201 respondents to a referendum supported the plan, which states that newly-built homes should not be used as second residences or holiday homes.
The proposal states that new dwellings would only be supported if developers guarantee the property will be the occupants sole or main residence.
In Wales, local authorities have the power to increase council tax by up to 300 per cent on second homes. Similar powers are tabled to be introduced in England from April 2025 to boost funding for local services.
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Large numbers of churches were closed last year, with only four of Algerias 47 official Protestant congregations continuing and at least 10,000 churches shut down in China, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian.
Among other significant findings, seven times more church buildings and other Christian properties came under attack last year than in 2022, according to the WWL report released on Wednesday (Jan. 17) 14,766, up from 2,110 the prior period. The WWL reporting period was from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023.
The number of attacks on churches and Christian-run schools, hospitals and cemeteries has exploded in 2023, the report stated. Its been driven by mob violence in India, church closures in China, and attacks in Nigeria, Nicaragua and Ethiopia.
While violence against believers remained rare in China, church closures and raids continued to happen, with pressure across all parts of life steadily rising, the report stated. This year, the government passed regulations requiring churches to post signs that read, Love the Communist Party; Love the country; Love the religion.
More than twice as many Christians were forced to flee their homes compared with the previous year as war, as religious extremism, political instability and natural disasters hit them in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the report.
As in last years list, North Korea was the most dangerous place in the world for Christians.
Being discovered as a follower of Jesus is effectively a death sentence, the report stated. In 2023, the country strengthened its border with China so its now harder for Christians to flee and harder for support to reach them.
Among the countries where conditions worsened was Algeria, which moved up four places on the list to No. 15.
State pressure on Protestant Christians has increased to a level not seen in years, the report stated. While recent years have witnessed multiple church closures (and those churches have remained closed), the tactics seemed to change. Instead of officially sealing church buildings as in recent years, the government began threatening church leaders with prosecution if their churches did not cease meeting.
Some churches stopped meeting out of fear of the Algerian government crackdown, and several Christians received suspended prison sentences. Islamic extremist teachers exert influence over state authorities, leading to Christians, especially converts from Islam, suffering persecution from their families and communities as well from government officials.
Other countries making notable jumps were Nicaragua from No. 50 to No. 30, owing in large part to official hostility toward churches, and Oman from No. 47 to No. 31, with reasons withheld for security reasons.
Nigeria remained the deadliest place to follow Christ, accounting for 82 percent of the 4,998 Christians murdered for their faith in 2023. More than 4,100 Christians were killed in Nigeria, which remained at No. 6 on the list.
Sub-Saharan Africa remained the epicenter of both Christian growth and persecution, said Open Doors US CEO Ryan Brown.
Its heartbreaking to hear about what our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing in Nigeria and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, Brown said. Most of us cant imagine what its like to live in fear for our very lives because of our faith in Christ, but what a testimony these faithful believers are to the rest of us.
Throughout the world, 13 Christians a day lost their lives for their faith, according to the WWL report.
In total, 365 million Christians live in nations with high levels of persecution or discrimination (up from 360 million in the prior reporting period) one in seven worldwide. That includes one in five in Africa, two in five in Asia and one in 16 in Latin America, according to the report.
All 50 of the countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian scored very high persecution levels on Open Doors rating system as did seven others that fell outside the top 50.
Laos made a large jump for the worse, from No. 31 in 2023 to No. 21 on this years list.
This is largely due to a sharp rise in violence, the report stated. After many years without any Christians being killed for their faith, four were killed during the period analyzed. This has had a chilling effect on the wider church (for example, pastors deciding not to travel alone for ministry engagements, but in pairs), which in turn increased the pressure faced by believers in all spheres of life.
Among the top 10, Somalia remained at No. 2. Libya went from No. 5 last year to third in 2024, replacing Yemen, which ended at No. 5. Somalia remained at No. 2 and Eritrea at No. 4, while Sudan went from 10th in last years list to No. 8 this year. Iran went from No. 8 to No. 9, and Afghanistan went from No. 9 to No. 10 in this years ranking. India remained at No. 11.
In terms of where Christians face most violence, Nigeria led the list followed by Pakistan and India. Attacks on Christian homes in India doubled to 180, and deaths were nine times higher at 160. Significantly, assaults on churches and Christian schools in India spiked to 2,228 from 67 the previous period.
AfterChina and Indias high number of attacks on or closures of churches and other Christian properties was Nigeria with 750.
While Nigeria again led the world in the number of Christians killed, the country with the second highest number was the Democratic Republic of Congo with 261, followed by India with the aforementioned 160. Uganda, which at 70th place did not make the top 50, was next with 55 recorded killings, followed by Myanmar with 34, Burkina Faso with 31, Cameroon with 24, the Central African Republic with 23 and Colombia with 16.
The nearly 5,000 deaths worldwide represented a drop of more than 600 from the previous reporting period in Open Doors conservative estimates. Still, the decrease of 11 percent remained the third highest since the 2016 tally of 7,106 deaths.
Overall, Christians beaten or threatened increased from 29,411 reported cases in the prior period to 42,849. Attacks on Christian homes rose 371 percent, from 4,547 to 21,431. Christians forced out of their home or into hiding more than doubled, from 124,310 to 278,716.
As Christian persecution rises to the most significant levels in history, theres an opportunity for us as believers to come alongside and support our brothers and sisters in Christ as they are enduring persecution for the sake of the gospel, Brown of Open Doors US said.
Michael Tomlinson, the minister for countering illegal migration (left) said there were 5,598 rejected asylum seekers still in the UK - Stefan Rousseau/Reuters
Nearly 6,000 asylum seekers have gone missing after having their applications withdrawn, the Home Office has admitted.
In a letter to the Commons home affairs committee, ministers Michael Tomlinson and Tom Pursglove said there were 5,598 rejected asylum seekers still in the UK and that the Home Office was taking steps to urgently re-establish contact with them.
They are among 17,000 asylum seekers whose claims have been withdrawn in the 12 months to September last year after they failed to attend appointments or respond to letters from the Home Office.
The number of withdrawn cases has quadrupled on the previous year, from 4,260. The surge has led to claims that they are being wiped off the list without being fully assessed to help meet Rishi Sunaks target of clearing the legacy backlog of asylum cases older than June 2022 by the end of 2023.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said: This is a staggering admission that the Home Office has lost almost 6,000 asylum seekers and has no idea where they are.
The fact that thousands of people have been allowed to effectively disappear into the underground economy or left vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs is yet more evidence of the shocking mismanagement and chaos in the asylum system.
The admission comes after Sir Matthew Rycroft and Simon Ridley, the two most senior mandarins in the Home Office, suggested they did not know where the 17,000 withdrawn asylum seekers were when they appeared before the committee late last year.
In their letter, Mr Tomlinson and Mr Pursglove said this was erroneous and provided a breakdown of the 17,000, saying that 18 per cent, or 3,144 people, had left the UK, and some 15 per cent, or 2,643, had been granted some form of lawful immigration status after being initially rejected.
The asylum applications of a further 35 per cent, or 5,931 people, were still being actively investigated but, they admitted that 32 per cent of the total 5,598 people were missing.
The ministers said the migrants could not legally work or access public or private services, adding: The Home Office has a dedicated tracing capability that works with the police, other government agencies and commercial companies to trace absconders.
Where we obtain up to date contact details for a person from our tracing checks, we will then consider the most appropriate intervention, including whether to task an enforcement team to go and arrest them.
Many individuals who are out of contact may voluntarily re-engage with the department or decide to leave the UK, others may come to light as a result of an encounter with the police, or during other enforcement activity such as an illegal working raid.
A Home Office spokesman said: Withdrawing asylum claims is not new and can occur for a number of reasons. At each step of the asylum process, individuals are warned about the importance of complying with the asylum process and that their asylum claim may be withdrawn should they fail to do so.
If someones claim is withdrawn and they have no other right to be in UK, they will face removal from the UK and cannot work, rent or access public services. A dedicated team, who work with police and other partners, is also in place to help trace and locate absconders.
Home Office reprimanded by statistics watchdog
The disclosures came as the Home Office was reprimanded by the statistics watchdog after the Government was accused of lying about clearing the legacy backlog of asylum cases.
Sir Robert Chote, the chairman of the UK Statistics Authority, warned that the episode may affect public trust and said it was not surprising that the Governments claim had been greeted with some scepticism and that some people felt misled.
Mr Sunak claimed to have cleared the backlog of 92,000 people who had claimed asylum before July last year but were still awaiting an initial decision.
However, this excluded 4,500 complex cases that were still outstanding because of criminal proceedings, or other hearings.
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The fate of Californias coast may hinge upon the outcome of a contentious ongoing lawsuit in which a small group of homeowners is battling to build a sea wall that the state has refused to approve.
Rising sea levels are threatening to eat away much of the states 1,100-mile shoreline, while potentially destroying many of the homes and businesses that have been built alongside it.
In a case that has pitted public beaches against private property rights, the resolution of a regulator-residential rift could help clarify who is allowed to shield their properties from this encroaching danger and in doing so, make a far-reaching impact on the future geography of the states bluffs, beaches and coastal communities.
It would affect in a significant way how people think about the rights they may have to build sea walls and shoreline structures, Charles Lester, director of the Ocean and Coastal Policy Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, told The Hill.
The case in question revolves around whether a cohort of bluff-side residents in Half Moon Bay a city in San Mateo County about 20 miles south of San Francisco should be allowed to build sea walls to protect their homes from the impacts of erosion.
The petitioners applied in November 2018 to build a 257-foot concrete sea wall, as well as a public access staircase that would replace existing emergency boulders.
Their proposal, as recently reported by the San Jose Mercury News, sought to protect Casa Mira Homeowners Association condos, a nearby apartment building, a California Coastal Trail segment and a sewage line. But the Coastal Commission rejected the requests in the summer of 2019 and only authorized a 50-foot sea wall for the apartment building, despite internal staff recommendations to approve the entire plan.
Following that rejection, the homeowners filed a lawsuit that received the final approval of a county court judge four years later. The agency filed an appeal in September, however, extending the litigative labyrinth.
The homeowners, and the judge who ruled in their favor, contended they had a right to protect their property under California law.
But both Lester and other coastal policy experts warn that building sea walls or other protective structures pose their own risks. And from a state regulatory perspective, the Coastal Commission pointed to the need to protect the states coast more broadly.
Sarah Christie, legislative director of the commission, said in an emailed statement that the agency cannot comment on active litigation. She stressed, however, that sea level rise has become the real force thats shaping the coast.
The Coastal Commission is focused on supporting coastal resiliency so that California still has livable coastal communities, public beaches and healthy coastal ecosystems, Christie added.
Coping with chronic loss
Regardless of the litigative and regulatory outcomes of the ongoing lawsuit, the fact remains that Californias coastline is rapidly eroding including the bluffs of Half Moon Bay.
I was just there last week, and those beaches around there are incredibly eroded right now, Sean Vitousek, a research oceanographer at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), told The Hill.
Theres almost no beach from that area going further south, he said. Its a pretty vulnerable area.
Californias coast in general is so vulnerable that between 24 and 75 percent of the states beaches could be entirely eroded by the end of the century if the process continues unimpeded, according to a study led by Vitousek this past spring.
Just a single meter of sea level rise could drown a quarter of the coastline, while a more extreme, 3-meter surge could wipe out three-quarter of these beaches, per the study, a partnership between the USGS and the University of New South Wales in Sydney.
Separate research from California State University showed that not only might most beaches disappear, but their elimination could exacerbate environmental justice concerns.
For example, a meter of sea level rise in San Diego County could destroy more than a quarter of picnic areas, half of lifeguard towers and 15 percent of public restrooms along the coast.
Urban planners face a complex decision when it comes to deciding whether to allow erosion to occur uninhibited or to try to stop it in its tracks.
When eroding naturally, beaches maintain their width and retreat together with the shoreline serving as a buffer between the ocean and the back of the shore, Lester explained.
But when a sea wall interrupts this process, that movement changes.
The beach itself has nowhere to go as the water and the shoreline continues to erode, Lester said. In the presence of a sea wall, eventually the beach disappears entirely.
Under these passive erosion conditions, the waves encroach so close to the fixed-back sea wall structure that theres no beach that can survive, Lester explained.
Some sea walls also trap sand behind them, while others accelerate active erosion an effect that scientists believe might occur when the structures reflect waves that would have otherwise dissipated, according to Vitousek.
There are relatively few cases in which sea walls can help prevent erosion, he said.
Lester echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that these structures do have the ability to protect homes for a while, depending on the specific circumstances.
But if you like beaches, sea walls arent necessarily a good thing, Lester added.
As far as Half Moon Bay is concerned, Vitousek and his colleagues painted a stark picture for this coastal city and its future, visualized via metadata published alongside their study.
The data, accessed on Google Earth, shows that the city is very much at risk of losing most, if not all, of its beach. A second mapping tool, called CoastSat, relayed similar predictions.
From 2005 to 2023, the beach area retreated by about 300 feet, with whitewater visibly replacing expansive sands, according to time-lapse images derived from the metadata.
Asked if Half Moon Bays beach disappearance is inevitable, Vitousek predicted that the combination of sea level rise and a permanent sea wall could make it so.
If these structures were removed, in theory, then you may have a beach, Vitousek said, noting that the whole shoreline system could migrate landward behind the freeway.
If city planners were interested in reviving historical beach widths, on the other hand, they would need to conduct considerable beach nourishment and dune restoration efforts, he noted.
You can see kind of a chronic loss, Vitousek said.
A right to property protection?
At the heart of the Half Moon Bay case is Section 30235 of the 1976 California Coastal Act, which allows for natural shoreline alterations if they serve to protect existing structures from the threats of erosion.
In their July 2019 rejection of the initial construction request, the Coastal xommissioners determined that neither the Casa Mira Homeowners Association condos, the sewer line nor the coastal trail were entitled to a sea wall as the homeowners proposed under that clause.
Section 30235 became the key issue up for debate, San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Marie S. Weiner wrote in her 2023 decision, in which she ruled in favor of the homeowners. Deeming the clause unambiguous, she accused the agency of trivializing private properties and allowing them to deteriorate and collapse.
This is an unreasonable interpretation of the Coastal Act, she concluded.
Jeremy Talcott, an attorney for the Pacific Legal Foundation which has previously sued the Coastal Commission over property rights said the Coastal Act has always included a right for landowners to protect existing structures with sea walls.
The Commission has decided to unilaterally remove that protection because of their preference that those homes effectively get washed away, Talcott said.
Lester, however, argued that such interpretations of the act guaranteeing an inherent right for property protection could make sea wall eligibility too flexible.
A Half Moon Bay sea wall approval, he explained, could set a precedent along the coast for places keen to follow suit.
Lester qualified his concerns with the fact that most owners who built homes in recent decades waived their rights to protection, as a condition of their permits.
The Coastal Commission was trying to, in a sense, get ahead of that issue, said Lester, who headed the agency from 2011-16.
He recognized, however, that theres some uncertainty as to how these waivers would hold up in court. But the contracts subject to the most legal ambiguity, he assumed, would be those approved before permits included explicit prohibitions on sea walls.
There was a lot of development approved between 1977 and the early 1990s, Lester said.
With so many properties arguably eligible for protection and such an uncertain regulatory environment, Lester expressed fears that wealthier residents could try to exploit the situation.
Its often the case in California, where youve got homeowners that have a lot of resources they dont hesitate to use the legal system to further their interest, he said.
But Talcott stressed that property rights protections are guaranteed by Californias Constitution and therefore questioned whether a state agency could compel landowners to relinquish those rights.
The Coastal Commission should not be forcing landowners to waive those types of rights as a condition, Talcott said. But certainly, once an individual has, thats something that theyve consented to and so theres just different issues at play.
Protections amid precarious projections
For the time being, it will be in the responsibility of the courts to steer Californias coastal future as the threat of erosion looms.
Which courts will assume that role, however, remains up in the air. As for the Half Moon Bay case, Lester said he couldnt predict in whose hands the lawsuit might end up and whether it could land in the highest state or even federal chambers.
In the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court case Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, the justices decided that a regulation requiring homeowners to preserve public beach view access was unconstitutional. That ruling against the coastal commissioners, Lester explained, had a chilling effect on their decisionmaking going forward.
Lester said he could envision certain parties escalating the current case, calling out the Pacific Legal Foundation for pressing private property interests through the courts.
Talcott said he would not be surprised to see this very important question of state statutory interpretation end up in the California Supreme Court, but he views the federal option as a less likely destination.
Regarding his organizations interest in private property, Talcott said he viewed its mission as protecting rather than pressing these rights citing a core tenet of constitutional values.
Tom Roth, an attorney for the Casa Mira condo owners, initially agreed to an interview with The Hill about the case but ultimately declined to speak about the subject.
Protecting both public beaches and the interests of private properties from the impacts of erosion may be a formidable task, but Lester urged officials to harness existing planning structures to identify both vulnerable coastal conditions and the mechanisms available to push back development.
Californias Legislature, he noted, has previously considered providing low-interest loans to jurisdictions interested in purchasing and removing at-risk properties.
The related bills S.B. 83 and S.B. 1078 earned the approval of the Legislature in 2021 and 2022. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed both, however, contending that they failed to comprehensively address the cost of the proposed buybacks.
Lester credited the idea behind the legislation with being interesting and important but raised similar questions about whos getting stuck with the bill.
He argued that the state should instead be promoting programs that would unfold over decades and help homeowners adjust to the idea of managed retreat defined by one expert as the purposeful, coordinated movement of people and assets out of harms way.
When people talk about managed retreat, a lot of people react and seem to think, Oh, well, youre telling me I have to remove my house tomorrow and move away, Lester said.
Such policies, however, could be implemented over time and involve a mix of tactics, including a loan program that accounts for equity issues, according to Lester.
To keep coastal areas livable, he urged officials to embrace a long-term community outlook formulating redevelopment plans based on natural erosion projections. Doing so, he said, could help cities make investments that are sensible for a certain period of time.
Vitousek, of the USGS, likewise emphasized the magnitude of the ongoing case, noting the fragile balance that coastal managers must maintain amid competing public versus private interests.
The future sea level rise projections that are expected in the next 80 years are pretty significant in terms of the erosion, he said. And based on the structure of the California coastline, there isnt a ton of accommodation space.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An autopsy was conducted Wednesday on a 19-year-old homicide victim, authorities say.
Zackary Sullivan, of Concord, New Hampshire, died from a gunshot wound to the neck according to Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg.
Attorney General John M. Formella says Sullivan was shot and killed on Tuesday night.
According to investigators, all parties involved in the crime have been identified and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
However, the incident remains under investigation and anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Concord Police Department at (603) 225-8600 or (603) 226-3100.
No further information was immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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Medicines could soon be on their way to Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip under a Qatar-mediated deal that also provides for more aid to Palestinians in the territory.
Two planes carrying food and medicine from Qatar and France landed in the Egyptian coastal town of al-Arish on Wednesday, a representative of the Egyptian Red Crescent said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said earlier that that medicine from France would be flown to Egypt on board two Qatari military aircraft. From there, they will be transported to Gaza.
Broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing the French Foreign Ministry, reported that 45 hostages were to receive three months' worth of medication for the treatment of their chronic illnesses.
An Israeli government spokesman has said that a third of the remaining 132 hostages suffered from chronic medical conditions.
Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, wrote on social media that Hamas had set several conditions before agreeing to the Qatar-brokered deal.
He said Hamas demanded that for every box of medicine intended for the hostages, a thousand boxes of medicine be delivered to benefit Palestinian civilians in the devastated Gaza Strip.
A further condition is that Israel's army does not inspect the medicine deliveries.
But the Israeli COGAT authority, which is responsible for contacts with the Palestinians and humanitarian aid, will go ahead and inspect the shipments, which are to be transported via several lorries, reported the Times of Israel.
Israeli media had previously speculated as to whether the deliveries would be inspected or not.
As a matter of course, Israel insists on inspecting all aid shipments before they are brought to Gaza, as there are fears that weapons could be smuggled in.
The supply of chronically ill hostages with necessary medication had been under negotiation for weeks. Al Jazeera reported Hamas feared that the medical aid could be prepared in such a way that it could be tracked and Israel could find out where the hostages are.
According to the latest Israeli government figures, 253 people were abducted in the Gaza Strip during the raid and massacre by the Hamas and other Palestinian militants on Israel on October 7. Currently, 132 people are still being held. Israel believes 27 of them are no longer alive.
In southern Gaza, a field hospital set up by Jordan to treat the wounded has been severely damaged by Israeli fire, according to the Jordanian army.
One member of staff and a man being treated in the intensive care unit at the hospital in Khan Younis were injured, the Jordanian army said.
Israel bears "full responsibility for the safety of the hospital staff," it added.
Israel's army announced in the evening that it had encountered terrorists near the field hospital during an operation against Hamas fighters in Khan Younis and that there had been an exchange of fire.
The military added that the field hospital had not been attacked. It was undamaged, functional and continued to provide medical care, according to the IDF. In addition, the medical staff had been instructed to move to a safe area before the operation, a spokesman said.
The total number of people killed in Gaza since the start of the war has risen to 24,448, the the Hamas-run health authority said on Wednesday, adding that 61,504 people have been injured.
Gaza's telecommunications services were down for the sixth day in a row. It is the longest-running disruption since the war's start, the internet monitor NetBlocks said.
Paltel, the communications company based in the West Bank, reported last Friday that all communications and internet services in the were no longer functioning in Gaza. It cited the "ongoing aggression" by Israel as the cause.
More than 100 days after the start of the Gaza war, several Hamas leaders remain in hiding the Gaza Strip despite the intense Israeli military ground and air offensive.
They are believed to be in the huge network of underground tunnels Hamas had dug over the year. The Israeli army's main focus is on Yehya al-Sinwar, who is the head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
A Hamas source told dpa in Beirut on Wednesday that Gaza is their land and that the group's senior members have no intention of leaving.
"It's either victory or martyrdom," the source said.
Violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank has surged in parallel with war in Gaza.
Israel's army said it has killed the leader of a militant cell in the West Bank which was planning a "large-scale terrorist attack" on Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Abdullah Abu Shalal "was eliminated during a precise airstrike."
Abu Shalal was the head of the "terrorist infrastructure in the Balata [refugee] camp" in Nablus, the IDF said.
Three Palestinians were killed in the Israeli drone attack on the Balata camp, according to the Palestinians.
According to the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, which is close to the Fatah party of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the three people killed were members of the armed group.
They mentioned three names, but Abu Shalal's was not among them. His family reportedly denied his death.
The Israeli army said Abu Shalal was responsible for carrying out several attacks over the last year, including a shooting in Jerusalem that left two injured and the bombing attack on the IDF in October in which a soldier was injured
The IDF wrote that the cell was financed and directed by Iranian sources.
Elsewhere in the West Bank, four people were killed in in the town of Tulkarm. The dead were killed in a drone attack, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.
The Israeli army said its forces had been carrying out a "counterterrorism operation" in a refugee camp in the city when shots were fired at officers and explosive devices thrown.
The Israeli force then opened fire and also attacked from the air, resulting in several armed people killed.
It was initially unclear whether the dead belonged to an extremist group.
The army said one military reservist was injured during the operation. The Palestinian Red Crescent said two paramedics were also injured when their ambulance was hit by a drone attack.
Witnesses reported that the Israeli army had completely destroyed the main road in the refugee camp.
Hear ye, hear ye. Jane Seymour the Medicine Woman, not the Tudor queen is enjoying the best lovemaking ever at the age of 72.
No, not with a husband, dont be silly. Shes had four of those, but evidently none can compete with her new boyfriend if you can call a 73-year-old with badly dyed hair a boy.
Regardless, hes John Zambetti, an American songwriter and musician, father of two adult children and quite the studmuffin by all accounts. Having gone Instagram official in October, the couple are now celebrating their anniversary every month because, This time in life, youre not going to wait 50 years, are you? Well said, Dr Quinn.
According to her account in Cosmopolitan magazine, former Live and Let Die Bond girl Seymour, who has four children, is one smitten kitten: Sex right now is more wonderful and passionate than anything I ever remember, because it is built on trust, love and experience.
The older I get, the more sex is built on emotional intimacy, on having shared the ups and downs of life with someone our feelings, our joys, our sadness, our mutual passions, and desire.
Crikey. I think we could all do with some of that. Not right now Im too busy juggling the demands of midlife. Nothing to do with the heartbreaking trade-offs of the Sandwich Generation: The Traitors and Love Island All Stars are vying for my 9pm sweet spot and thereafter Im utterly spent.
But Id definitely like to think Id be up for a perky retirement reboot in a couple of decades time my husband, who plans to read his way to the grave, says hes more than happy to outsource me, which sounds kind but isnt entirely.
In an ideal world, of course, we would be able to put our names down with the council, the way you do for an allotment. Then, years later, when you reach the top of the waiting list, you could decide if you want a snake-hipped lover or if youre more in the low-impact aqua aerobics zone.
The more green-fingered will always stick with tradition by raising nothing more libidinous than Swiss chard in their beds. But anything that gets your heart rate up is surely a good thing?
I dimly recall that, for a while, social prescribing was supposed to be the next big thing. It was rolled out by GPs in 2019 as a way of revolutionising preventative healthcare, by encouraging individuals to engage with each other and take part in group activities.
Pottery, passionate congress, guided walks or boules on the village green it all contributes to a sense of community and revives the spirit of shared endeavour.
Your sex life doesnt need to end at 60, Seymour points out. At the end of the day, everyone is looking for something that puts blood into a certain area.
Who knows what will do the trick? Some like it hot, others want it lukewarm, and others still prefer propagating carnations to carnality.
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The House on Wednesday approved a resolution condemning the Biden administrations border and immigration policies, a move by GOP lawmakers to maintain pressure on the politically polarizing issue in the weeks ahead.
The legislation pins singular blame on President Bidens open-border policies for conditions at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the stark partisanship behind immigration and border policy. It passed 225-187, with 14 Democrats voting in favor.
The vote is the latest example of Republicans running a full-court press on the matters of immigration and border security in the new year, which have proved to be salient issues among voters. It also allows them to message on a topic that has been a weak spot for the Biden administration.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) kicked off the year leading a trip to the border with more than 60 GOP lawmakers, and the House Homeland Security Committee is forging ahead with impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The panel is scheduled to hold the second of four planned hearings on the matter Thursday.
The vote also comes as House Republicans are at odds with Senate Republicans over immigration and border policy. A bipartisan group of senators has been negotiating a border security package for months, after Republicans tied the matter to aid for Ukraine, but House GOP lawmakers say they will not accept a compromise bill from the upper chamber.
On Wednesday, Johnson shut the door on comprehensive immigration reform, telling reporters, I dont think now is the time for comprehensive immigration reform, because we know how complicated that is.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) gives a statement to reporters following a meeting with Congressional leaders and President Biden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 to discuss Ukraine funding and border security in the next supplemental bill. (Greg Nash)
Senate negotiators continued talks on border and immigration policy tied to Ukraine aid, and President Biden hosted Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House and Senate minority leaders Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and select committee chairs to discuss the national security package.
The White House insisted the bipartisan meeting would center on Ukraine, rather than the border, though Johnson earlier Wednesday said he would remain laser focused on what weve told the American people: border, border, border.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Johnson would not steer the conversation at the White House.
[Johnson] is not the only congressperson in the room today. Hes not. Hes not the only person thats going to be in the room, Jean-Pierre said.
Therell be other congressional members, the president has been really clear, he wants to talk about Ukraine, the urgency of making sure we continue that assistance to Ukraine, what that means, not just for the broader worlds national security but also for us.
Top Stories from The Hill
The chaotic three-ring circus of border policy, accentuated by the GOP push to impeach Mayorkas, drew criticism from 26 former Homeland Security officials, who characterized the impeachment push as a grave mistake.
In a letter to House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) and top committee Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.), the bipartisan group of officials called for a pivot away from the impeachment fight and toward substantial talks.
We advocate for legislative solutions, including adequate funding, to replace the outdated policies that currently characterize our immigration system. It is crucial that Congress prioritizes solutions that strengthen our borders, treat migrants with dignity, and reduce backlogs that delay decisions on asylum claims, legal immigration petitions, and other cases and applications, they wrote.
Yet the resolution approved by the House on Wednesday focused more broadly on laying blame on Bidens policies for current conditions, while extolling Trump-era border policies such as the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as remain in Mexico.
According to the resolution, the Biden administration refuses to use tools already at its disposal to end the border crisis, a claim thats at the center of partisan disagreement on how to address the border.
Democrats have been severely critical of Republicans for not quickly approving the White Houses supplemental budget request, which included aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, but also funding for 1,300 new Border Patrol agents and a host of other border enforcement upgrades.
Republicans have countered that failures at the border are not a funding issue, but a policy issue, a mantra repeated by former Trump Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting Director Tom Homan at Wednesdays Oversight hearing.
The floor vote on the resolution came the day before the House Homeland Security Committee will hold its second hearing evaluating Mayorkass impeachment a move that comes as Green said articles of impeachment have already been drafted.
Green invited Mayorkas to testify Thursday, but after a scheduling conflict the chair abandoned his plans to have Mayorkas publicly testify, instead demanding he submit written testimony.
The hearing will still include its original panel, hearing from a sheriff and parents who lost children to gang violence and fentanyl.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), a member of the committee, said the panel could review articles of impeachment as soon as Jan. 31.
Rebecca Beitsch contributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A fire that tore through a South Carolina home may have been used to cover up the scene of a double homicide, officials said.
Deputies tracked down a person of interest in the case and fired their weapons, killing him Wednesday, Jan. 17, according to the Greenville and Spartanburg County sheriffs offices.
The shooting was reported at about 7 p.m., hours after firefighters responded to a burning house in Greenville. Two bodies were found inside, sparking a search for clues, officials said.
The Greenville County Coroners Office in a news release didnt identify the two people or share a cause or manner of death for them.
But Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said those who died were women whose bodies showed signs of trauma. He believes the fire was started in an attempt to hide a homicide scene, according to WHNS and WYFF.
Greenville County deputies identified a person of interest and found him in Landrum, in neighboring Spartanburg County.
After several call outs were unsuccessful, the person of interest exited the residence brandishing a firearm, and an officer-involved shooting occurred, the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office wrote in a Facebook post.
Both sheriffs offices reported that at least one of their deputies fired a gun. The man died, and an autopsy was scheduled for Jan. 18.
I am unable to identify the decedent in this case as I have not been able to make legal identification or notify family, the Spartanburg County Coroners Office wrote in a news release. I can inform you that there are no injured law enforcement officers in this incident.
The S.C. Law Enforcement Division reportedly has been asked to investigate the shooting. The house fire also was under investigation as of Jan. 18, deputies told McClatchy News in an email.
The Greenville County coroners and sheriffs offices didnt immediately share additional information with McClatchy News on Jan. 18.
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14-year-old found shot dead on South Carolina road, cops say. Teens among 4 charged
FILE - Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during a hearing of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill, Nov. 8, 2023, in Washington. House Republicans are marching ahead with impeachment plans, their sights on Mayorkas as "derelict in his duty" over handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. Speaker Mike Johnson gave his nod to Wednesday's hearing at the Homeland Security Committee.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) Laying the groundwork for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a House committee on Thursday heard from parents whose tearful testimony sought to link government border policy to their daughters' deaths and from a law professor warning off the effort.
Committee Chairman Mark Green is heading toward a vote on Mayorkas' impeachment by the end of the month, setting up action by the full House as soon as February which would be a first for a Cabinet official in nearly 150 years.
Green, a Tennessee Republican, opened the second impeachment hearing saying no American is safe under Mayorkas' handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, with a record number of illegal crossings. He argued that the secretary's egregious misconduct and failure to fulfill his oath of office are grounds for impeachment.
But the panel's top Democrat, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who has repeatedly insisted policy differences with President Joe Biden are not grounds for impeachment, was backed up by one of the witnesses, Princeton University law professor Deborah Pearlstein.
Policy differences, no matter how profound, is exactly not what impeachment is for," Pearlstein said.
She argued that no branch of the U.S. government has more power than the Congress to set policy and that, with years of inaction on border legislation, those powers have gone unused.
House Republicans have been eager to impeach Mayorkas since seizing majority control last year, particularly as their efforts to impeach Biden over the business dealings of his son Hunter Biden have come to a standstill.
Accelerating the action in the new year comes as the focus on border security is driving the discussion on the campaign trail. Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, has vowed to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if he returns to the White House.
Biden told congressional leaders this week during a meeting at the White House he wanted a big border security bill as he tries to drive Congress to wrap up work on his $110 billion national security package for Ukraine, Israel and other needs, including the U.S.-Mexico border.
The leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, emerged cautiously optimistic, as Senate leaders eye a potential vote on that package next week.
But hours after the White House meeting, Trump signaled his skepticism toward any border deal, unless we get everything to shut down the migrants crossings, he wrote on social media.
Mayorkas has been deeply involved in Senate negotiations over the border security package, which would potentially restrict entry into the U.S. and more rapidly deport those people in the country without legal documentation. He has yet to appear before the committee for the impeachment proceedings.
Frustrated that Mayorkas would not appear Thursday, Green said the secretary is stonewalling the panel.
But the Department of Homeland Security said Mayorkas told the committee he was unavailable Thursday but would be willing to appear on other dates. The department noted he has appeared before Congress more than any other Biden administration Cabinet member including 27 times in 35 months.
This is just the latest example of Committee Republicans sham process, department spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg said. Its abundantly clear that they are not interested in hearing from Secretary Mayorkas since it doesnt fit into their bad-faith, predetermined and unconstitutional rush to impeach him.
One of the witnesses, Josephine Dunn, testified that her daughter, Ashley, died of a fentanyl overdose and said that she traveled from Arizona to appear at the hearing for the opportunity to question Mayorkas.
Mr. Mayorkas is partly responsible for my daughter's death, she said, calling fentanyl a "weapon of mass destruction." Whatever hes doing I hope is more important than that."
Another parent, Tammy Nobles, had previously testified before Congress.
Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shared his own family's experiences with the friends' lives lost to drugs and said he would bring the mothers' stories to his next meetings with officials from the U.S. and Mexico.
This is the personal side of the chaos, he said. It has to stop.
Several Democrats spoke of their own concerns with the situation at the southern border, particularly as drug cartels push the flow of fentanyl, even as they stopped short of blaming Mayorkas for the magnitude of the problem.
Let's get it together, Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., implored his colleagues, pointing to the federal funding battles coming this spring. Surge resources to the border.
Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., spoke of the pain of migrants fleeing their home countries and urged Republicans to come to the table with solutions. "Work with us to pass legislation," she said.
Impeaching a Cabinet secretary has happened only once before in the nations history, when the House impeached Defense Secretary William Belknap in 1876 over kickbacks in government contracts.
It's unclear if Republicans, with only a very narrow majority in the House, will push ahead with impeachment if they don't have enough support from their ranks. So far, a handful of Republicans have expressed reservations, but some who initially voted to shelve the issue have indicated they are more willing to proceed.
If Mayorkas were to be impeached, the charges would next go to trial in the Senate, where it takes a super-majority to convict. In the Belknap impeachment, he was acquitted.
Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists kidnapped a pastor and three other Christians on Saturday (Jan. 13) in central Nigeria, sources said.
The Rev. Haanongon Gideon, a pastor and council member of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue state, and the three others were ambushed on the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam Highway, said Jonathan Modi, Secretary of the Ukum Local Government Council.
The pastor and his personal assistant, Ior Silas Yuhwam, along with his driver and a police orderly, were kidnapped near Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala County, at about 6:30 a.m. while on their way to attend a burial, Modi said.
The council hereby advises all her citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding, while measures are in place to make sure the chairman regains his freedom, he said.
Benue state spokesman Matthew Abo, a resident of the area, confirmed the kidnapping in a text message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Rev. Haanongon Gideonwas on his way to Katsina-Ala town when he, together with three of his aides, were ambushed and kidnapped by armed Muslim terrorists, Abo said.
The Rev. Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, called for the release of Pastor Gideon while speaking at the funeral the kidnapped church leader was en route to attend on Saturday (Jan. 13).
Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene police said she had received a report about the incident, and security personnel have been deployed to track the terrorists and rescue the victims.
Christian and community leaders across Benue state say terrorist attacks in the state have become widespread, with cases reported daily. Emmanuel Odeh, an area community leader told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that such attacks have taken place in Logo, Gwer West, Ukum, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, Ugbokolo, Otukpa, Orokam, and others.
Christians have become vulnerable to these attacks, Odeh said. The invaders use forests and mountainous areas as bases for their operations and nefarious activities, and security agents know this. Truth is, they lack the will to curtail these terrorist activities.
More kidnappings of Christians took place in Nigeria, with 3,300, than any other country, and it remained the deadliest place to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report.
Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.
In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year.
Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.
They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.
Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
Africa has emerged as the key battleground for terrorism, with a major increase in the number of active groups operating on the continent, said U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari. His remarks came during the U.N.s third high-level conference of heads of counterterrorism agencies in June 2023.
Experts at the event spotlighted Africa as the epicentre of Islamist terrorism noting that terror groups including Al-Qaida, ISIS and their affiliates continue to grow in size and threat. They also reported that over half the victims of global terrorist acts in 2023 were in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in West Africa and the Sahel region. The 2022 Global Terrorism Index lists five African countries among their top 10 countries impacted by terrorism.
Rev. Dr. James Movel Wuye is a Christian leader in this region taking action to thwart terrorism. He serves as the vice president of the Assemblies of God, Northern Nigeria, where he oversees churches in seven states in what he describes as a difficult terrain because of frequent and devastating interfaith conflicts.
Wuye also serves as a co-director, with Imam Muhammad Ashafa, of the Interfaith Mediation Centre of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue in Kaduna, Nigeria. Between 2011 and 2023, nearly 7,000 people in Kaduna died in attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
I believe very strongly that where religious leaders can walk together, they can drastically reduce violent extremism where possible, said Wuye. And if they are supported, they can do quite a lot to ensure they disarm one another by expressing genuine love for one another.
Whenever he goes for an interfaith engagement, Wuye likes to open up to the church the possibilities of engaging with the mandate of Christ as ambassadors of peace. His anchor scripture is drawn from Hebrews 12:14-15, which he said is hinged on the condition that if you dont practice peace or you dont live in peace with all men and holiness, you will not see the Lord.
Wuye dreams of a continent of trained religious mediators, and trained psychosocial and trauma healing religious leaders. He wants to see these leaders counselling within the church walls, and counselling both Christians and non-Christians wherever they are found.
So I believe dealing with violent extremism is showing them practical Christianity, by ensuring that you show love and disarm them through love, he explained. The new love is inching towards a passive enemy, with an open hand and heart, with the love of Christ.
He strongly believes that Christians in Africa today must exhibit a righteousness that is better than the Pharisees. Reaching out to people who have been programmed to hate Christs love disarms them from their hate.
Wuye and Ashafa are featured in the documentary film, The Imam and the Pastor: From the Vegence to Forgiveness. In the film, Wuye points out practical interfaith interventions in Nigeria that led to peace-building and averted genocide between 2004 and 2005 in locations in the Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Wuye believes the practical solutions featured in the film are transferable to any context.
The interfaith religious council that Wuye co-leads with Ashafa was formed in 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria. Church and Islamic groups came together at that time to talk about how faith groups could assist the African Union to help intervene during or before inter-religious conflicts escalate into violence. Where they escalate into violence, the platform was to avail the African Union of a team of experts to intervene in conflict situations within the African continent.
Working with the African Union has given Wuye unique opportunities to serve the Church and contribute to peacebuilding in Africa. Most of the church membership do not have the capacity, especially the clergy, but they have the willingness because its a mandate for Christians to be at peace with everyone. So we have that opportunity to train more religious clergy and clerics to handle both intra and inter-religious crises, thereby dealing with issues of violent extremism.
The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and its partners invited heads of evangelical churches, mission agencies resource persons from Africa, and other members of the global evangelical community to a series of meetings in 2022 and 2023 aimed at assessing the impact of religious extremism on the Church and missions. The meetings also sought to forge a united Christian response from various regional blocks in the continent.The prevailing concern in all of the meetings was the rise of extremist violence in Africa that has led to thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
In one such conference, a communique issued on 24 November 2022 by Nigerian Christian leaders, ahead of the countrys polls last year, read, we call on all evangelicals in Nigeria to pray for the safety and protection of all Nigerians, especially during the ongoing electoral process; to pray for peace among all religious communities; and to pray for those in leadership to be agents of peace and stability in the country.
Leaders representing the Central African Region, which includes several nations in the Sahel, similarly presented their concerns to the public in a joint statement published on 7 October 2022, noting that, after deep introspection, they believe, human rights and the rule of law are merely regarded as a concept and not reality by their respective governments and security agencies in the region. They further observed that the Church in Central Africa has not always been united in countering threats of persecution, yet it continues to be publicly humiliated, marginalized and defiled as a result of religious extremism with reports of killings, rape, abductions and socio-economic exclusion on the rise.
In September 2023, the AEA issued a statement calling for peace, negotiation and respect for human lives in the Sahel countries of Africa. The political crises in our continent have in many respects further contributed to our underdevelopment. The people of Africa have one hope, and that is for an Africa that is freed from inequalities, injustices, corruption, ethnic hegemonies and divisions, as well as divide and rule tendencies common in our motherland. We pray and appeal for an Africa where guns are silent, where conflicts are solved through dialogue, where fellow Africans act as each others brothers keepers and where African natural resources are harnessed and used for the good and prosperity of her citizens.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Huntersville man has been arrested for giving another man a fatal dose of fentanyl, according to the Mooresville Police Department.
On September 28, 2023, detectives say they began investigating the overdose death of 25-year-old William Carney. It was discovered that 25-year-old Tristan Randy Charles Strickland had provided Carney with the lethal dose.
Strickland (Iredell County Sheriffs Office)
On January 3, 2024, Strickland was indicted for Second-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Sell a Schedule I Controlled Substance, authorities say. On January 17, he was arrested in Charlotte by the United States Marshal Service on the two charges.
Officials say Strickland is being held under a $750,000 secured bond at the Iredell County Detention Center. The Huntersville Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
An argument between a South Carolina couple escalated when the husband brandished a weapon, deputies said.
The 51-year-old husband, Eric Raymond Lavoie, is accused of stabbing a man multiple times with a knife at his Westminster home Saturday, Jan. 13, according to an Oconee County Sheriffs Office arrest warrant. Despite fleeing from police for a couple days, Lavoie was later arrested, deputies said.
Before the stabbing, Lavoie and his wife were embroiled in a heated argument, according to a Jan. 17 Oconee County Sheriffs Office news release. At one point in the fight, Lavoie pulled a knife on his partner, deputies said.
Then, another man at the home stepped in to intervene, according to the sheriffs office.
While the man tried to break up the fight, Lavoie began stabbing him repeatedly with the knife, authorities said.
Lavoie fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, the sheriffs office said. The man who was stabbed was taken to the hospital via a helicopter, according to the sheriffs office.
The identity of the injured man was redacted in the arrest warrant and not included in the sheriffs offices news release.
As investigators looked into the stabbing, deputies obtained arrest warrants for Lavoie and began searching for him, according to the sheriffs office.
A few days later, on Jan. 17, Lavoie was arrested and booked at the Oconee County Detention Center, deputies said.
He was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according Oconee County Sheriffs Office inmate records.
Lavoies bond is yet to be set by a circuit court judge, inmate records show.
Westminster is about 110 miles northeast of Atlanta, Georgia.
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Mick Heikkola said he thought he was acting as a responsible citizen when he went to the Kuna police station last year to dispose of expired medicine. He didnt know that he would soon end up thrown in jail and experience one of the most humiliating moments of his life, he told the Idaho Statesman.
Heikkola sued Ada County and Kuna law enforcement Wednesday in Idahos U.S. District Court and said they violated his civil rights when they arrested him for allegedly resisting officers exactly one year ago. A judge later dismissed the case and said police had no reasonable suspicion for apprehending him.
The court ruled that the officers had no lawful basis to stop, detain or seize Heikkola, much less manhandle, arrest or jail him, his attorney, Ritchie Eppink, wrote in the complaint. The complaint named Ada County, three Ada County sheriffs deputies and Kuna Police Chief Michael Fratusco as defendants.
Heikkola, 70, of Kuna, had tried to return prescribed expired medication to his pharmacist, who advised him to drop it off at one of Idahos official prescription drug disposal boxes, according to the complaint. Following his pharmacists advice, he headed to the Kuna police station, which had one of those boxes.
What followed was a tense and physical interactions with an Ada County sheriffs deputies, hours of interrogation and a misdemeanor charge that was later dropped.
I really couldnt believe that it was really happening, Heikkola said. Its just a very, very helpless feeling. ... And they were really rough.
Mick Heikkola was born in the Treasure Valley and has lived in Kuna for 35 years.
Kuna man arrested, interrogated by deputies
Heikkola told the Statesman that he parked next to two patrol SUVs at about 12:30 p.m., got out of his car and began inspecting the vehicles.
They used to have (police cars) open down at the fairgrounds during the fair, Heikkola told the Statesman by phone. You could walk up and look in the police car and stuff like that. And I hadnt looked in one for probably 30 years, so I was curious.
In security footage without audio, which the Statesman obtained through Heikkolas attorney, Heikkola can be seen examining the cars and peering into their drivers windows for about 30 seconds before an unmarked white vehicle pulled up and a man got out. Heikkola said he later learned he was Ada County Sheriffs Sgt. Brian Keen wearing plain clothes but did not know who he was at the time.
The complaint alleged that Keen shouted at Heikkola, asking him why he was looking into our cars. Heikkola responded that they were his cars too.
I know that as taxpayers, we pay taxes for those cars, Heikkola told the Statesman.
Keen persisted and demanded the Heikkola show him his hands, to which Heikkola responded with an expletive before walking toward the station door. The exchange lasted about 15 seconds, according to the security footage.
Heikkola can be seen in the videos talking with the receptionist as he deposits his medication when multiple officers rush in. According to the complaint, the officers ordered him out of the building and asked to see his hands. Video showed that at least six officers pinned Heikkolas arms behind his back.
According to the complaint, officers then pushed Heikkola up against an outdoor railing, which caused him to soil himself because he recently had invasive surgery. Officers searched him for weapons and interrogated him in a room without reading him his Miranda rights, the complaint said.
Police forced Mick Heikkola against the rail outside the Kuna Police Department station.
Heikkola said Ada County Sheriffs Deputy Justin Philylaw told him he was under arrest, and the Kuna man was driven to the Ada County Jail. Heikkola later learned he was charged with a misdemeanor for resisting or obstructing law enforcement, according to the complaint.
Heikkola sat in his own feces all the way from Kuna to the jail in Boise, Eppink wrote in the complaint, and then was forced to continue to sit in his filth for hours.
Four hours after his arrest, Heikkola said he was allowed to call his wife.
It was pretty emotional because I had just taken my wifes car to drop off the medicine and get an oil change and tires rotated, and four hours later, I called her and told her I was in jail, Heikkola told the Statesman. It was horrible, it was humiliating.
The Ada County Sheriffs Office and the Ada County Prosecutors Office said they could not comment on the case at this time.
The incident took place at the Kuna Police Department station.
Ada County judge sides with Heikkola
Though deputies told him that he was being arrested for resisting law enforcement, they never filed an official sworn complaint.
Heikkola then filed a motion to suppress all evidence against him and dismiss the charge, arguing that Keen and all other officers had no basis to stop him, much less order him to do anything with his hands, according to the complaint.
Ada County Magistrate Judge Michael Dean in August ruled in favor of Heikkola, dismissed the case and ordered all evidence be suppressed, meaning it cant be used because it was obtained illegally.
Nothing in Heikkolas actions or statements rises to the level of reasonable suspicion to believe that criminal activity had occurred or was about to occur, Dean said in his dismissal order. Granted, his language may have been colorful, but Heikkola was not required to speak with officers or obey the command to remove his hands from his pockets.
Heikkola has asked the federal court to order Ada County and the deputies involved to pay him monetary damages and provided declaration that they violated Heikkolas constitutional rights, including wrongful arrest and imprisonment, unreasonable seizure, malicious prosecution and violating his freedom of speech.
I just would like the police to get more training and honor their oath, Heikkola told the Statesman.
A Haitian national recently arrested on rape charges in Boston was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on January 9, officials say.
The 31-year-old man, who can ICE source identified as Pierre Lucard Emile, was arrested in September 2023 for rape and indecent assault and battery on a developmentally disabled person, according to U.S. ICE. Enforcement and Removal Operations lodged an immigration detainer but Emile was released from custody by Dorchester District Court, the federal agency says.
ERO officials in Boston began to investigate the matter and arrested him without incident in Dorchester on January 9, ICE says.
Disturbingly and despite our filing an immigration detainer, this individual was released back into the community by the criminal court, said ERO Boston Field Office Director Todd M. Lyons in a statement. The men and women of ERO Boston continue to protect the community from those who pose a real public safety threat to our communities. We remain strongly committed to protecting residents in communities by apprehending those who are not lawfully present in this country and pose a threat to public safety. This remains a central piece of our mission.
His charges remain pending in Dorchester District Court but he will remain in ICE custody pending an upcoming hearing before a DOJ immigration judge. ERO agents will seek his removal from the United States, following adjudication of his local criminal charges, ICE says.
Emile attempted to enter the United States at the border crossing in Brownsville, Texas in December 2022 but was deemed inadmissible, ICE says.
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Protestors rally outside of the Indiana House chamber against House Bill 1002, which defines antisemitism and bans its teaching at Indiana schools, Thursday, Jan 18, 2024, in Indianapolis. Opponents to the bill say it could be used to shut down support for Palestine and criticism of Israel. The bill was passed unanimously and now advances to the state Senate. (AP Photo/Isabella Volmert)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Thursday that defines antisemitism as religious discrimination in the state education code, repeating a 2023 vote after a similar bill died in the state Senate.
Backers hope the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and ensuing war in Gaza have spurred renewed support for the bill this legislative session. State lawmakers across the country are expected to use annual legislative sessions for various symbolic and policy proposals centered on the war.
Indiana House Republicans included the bill, House Bill 1002, as one of their five priorities for the 2024 session. The legislation largely aimed at higher education would define antisemitism as religious discrimination and provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination.
At a committee hearing this month, lawmakers heard passionate testimony from dozens of people, including high schoolers, undergraduate and graduate students in Indiana.
Advocates for the bill said instances of antisemitism have increased at college campuses in Indiana since the Oct. 7 attack, when militants stormed into Israel from Gaza, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing around 250 people.
Supporters of the legislation say a working definition of antisemitism in the state education code has been wanting long before October. Opponents of the bill worry it will be used to silence support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel.
The language of the bill currently says antisemitism does not include criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country. Critics say the provision is vague and will not adequately protect students, faculty and others who are critical of Israel military operations in Gaza, where more than 24,000 people have been killed since Oct. 7.
About 30 people gathered outside of the House chamber Thursday to protest the measure, and one protestor was removed from the gallery before the vote.
Yaqoub Saadeh, 21, president of the Middle Eastern Student Association at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, said the legislation will infringe on academic freedom and his ability to speak out against Israel.
I dont need to feel like as a student Im going to be either censored or attacked or harassed, he said.
The House unanimously passed a bill with the same language during the 2023 legislative session. The 2024 bill now goes to the Senate, where it failed to get a committee hearing last year.
House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, told reporters Thursday he was thrilled about the unanimous vote.
We feel good about what the House has done and we'll leave it up to our Senate colleagues, he said.
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, has said his caucus would take a look at the bill should it pass to his chamber.
The worlds a little bit of a different place than it was even last year, he told reporters at a press conference Jan. 11.
In at least eight statehouses across the country, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers sometimes working together have introduced measures to define antisemitism. Some of the measures were introduced after the Oct. 7 attack. Others were on the agenda before that: Arkansas passed such a law early last year and one chamber of legislatures in both Georgia and South Carolina did, too.
Bills are also pending in at least Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey and South Dakota.
Lawmakers have also introduced scores of resolutions condemning the Oct. 7 attacks and supporting Israel. Some have pushed bills that would go further. For example, a measure being pushed in Florida would require students who "promote a foreign terrorist organization to pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. New Jersey lawmakers have proposed reimbursing state residents who left Israel after the attacks.
In Iowa, a resolution to reaffirm support for Israel passed by voice vote Thursday in the House, as other states have done. The Republican-led act condemned Hamas, saying Israel should oppose any pressure to enact a ceasefire before the State of Israel has secured its safety.
State Rep. Sami Scheetz, an Arab American of Syrian and Palestinian descent whose district includes Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said the resolution will not change the outcome of the conflict. Scheetz said he voted against the resolution that the hyper-partisan Republican majority brought without any consultation with Democrats.
This is not justice that will lead to a lasting peace, Scheetz said, citing statistics on the more than 24,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced. Republicans in the Legislature stood for partisanship and exclusion instead of peace, justice and nonviolence for all.
Iowa passed a law in 2022 to enshrine the definition of antisemitism in the state code. Thursdays resolution in the House includes a call for law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans.
The South Dakota Senate on Thursday approved a resolution affirming the Republican-controlled Legislatures support of Israel, days after the House adopted the measure, both with overwhelming support.
___
Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa; Geoff Mulvihill in Cherry Hill, New Jersey; and Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota contributed to this report.
Coalition of Pro-life Activist Groups to Hold Public Protests and Prayer Vigils in Washington, D.C. Surrounding the March for Life and Roe v. Wade Anniversary NEWS PROVIDED BY
Christian Defense Coalition
Jan. 18, 2024
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The groups will be focusing on the message of ending abortion violence, showing images of abortion victims and praying for an end to abortion abuse.
The groups will also be encouraging the pro-life movement to be a loud voice for human rights and ending abortion violence in their communities leading up to the 2024 national elections. Events:
Thursday: January 18 from 8:30-11:30 AM
Prayer vigil and demonstration in front of Planned Parenthood located at: 1225 4th St. NE Washington, DC 20002
Thursday: January 18 from 12:30-2:00 PM
Protest in front of the White House with large posters of "abortion victims," showing President what abortion really looks like. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C.
Monday: January 22 from 11:00-12:00 PM
On the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, activists will be laying flowers in front of the United States Supreme Court to remember and honor the nearly 65,000,000 innocent children who have died from abortion violence. Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based, Christian Defense Coalition, states; "Pro-life activists will be going to the streets of our nation's capital standing and praying for human rights as well as calling for an end to abortion violence. Following in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will not be silent or indifferent when it comes to the issue of violence against America's children.
"As we stand in front of the White House, pro-life activists will be displaying large posters of children who have been tragically killed by abortion. We will be there to remind President Biden of what abortion really looks like as we prepare for the 2024 national and Presidential elections." For more information or interviews contact
Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741
SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition
CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741
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After UC Irvine-affiliated groups on the instant messaging platform Discord were targeted by trolls spreading gory images, students banded together to block the attack. Above, students on campus last year. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
At the start of a new quarter, many UC Irvine students join communities on the instant messaging platform Discord to swap notes, chat about local restaurants and form interest groups. But on the second day of class this winter, internet trolls spouting alt-right and transphobic language raided those channels, flooding them with images of gore.
Some of the images included photos of a dead mans head, Islamic State bombing videos, a decapitation and violence against children and pets, said Alina Kim, an independent manager for UC Irvines student-run communities on Discord.
Several students vomited after seeing the graphic visuals, according to Kim, who said there were many traumatic responses to the blood and gore.
But the students and alumni who use the channels banded together, turning from victims into combatants to fight off the trolls, said Kim, who stopped short of claiming the counterattack completely thwarted the so-called gore raids.
Were hesitant to say their attack has fully stopped' because we dont want to encourage the groups to come back, Kim said Tuesday. What we can say is that we havent had any incidents over the last 48 hours.
Read more: Faculty call for overhaul of how L.A. community colleges respond to sexual harassment
About 3,000 users on 30 to 40 servers were affected, and the raiders unsuccessfully attempted to hit 70 more servers, according to Kim. The incident was first reported by the Orange County Register.
As the chaos began around 9 p.m. Jan. 9 across the UC Irvine Discord servers, some community creators were unaware of what to do and three to five servers that included years of history and notes were deleted, Kim said, adding that the mathematics server "got hit hard."
The computer science Discord was targeted with a couple of videos but quickly responded to block the content. Other servers were loaded with images as moderators were offline for hours, according to Kim.
Along with the images, the Discord raiders demanded a $1,000 ransom, which bewildered Kim.
It sounded like a joke because it was such a little amount, she said.
Instead of money, Kim believes the trolls attacked for notoriety.
Read more: Blue Shield of California customer data stolen in cyberattack
As far as we can tell, we think this attack was motivated by attention, Kim said. Were not identifying the groups responsible for this action.
UC Irvines Discord community may have been a target because of its size: Over 30,000 users exist across 500 school-affiliated servers, according to Kim. Her own community, the computer science Discord, boasts 7,600 users, almost 5,000 more than UCLA's, she said.
Kim believes three groups are involved and has classified them as anti-trans and alt-right, saying that those carrying out the raid specifically searched for transgender students and used slurs. Many of the raiders whom she and others identified also belonged to anti-trans social media groups, she said.
Because Discord is a public-facing, non-university platform, there was very little user verification prior to the attacks, Kim said. Anyone can easily join servers through invitations sent in emails or posted online, and a school-affiliated email address was not necessary.
Since the attack, some Discord server moderators have enabled two-factor authentication through cellphones.
After Kim warned other server leaders of the attacks, she said, many of them shared user IDs of the attackers so that moderators could block the raiders preemptively.
Biomedical engineering student Vietbao Tran then went on the offensive, creating a Discord bot that automatically banned those IDs before channel moderators could. The bot eventually was used to protect the 98 largest servers, according to Kim.
It was an incredible response because he worked through the course of 24 hours and it was so incredibly helpful, Kim said.
Kim and other UC Irvine Discord leaders also reached out to student groups at Washington State and USC, which received similar attacks.
Read more: UC Berkeley makes dead-of-night push to wall off storied People's Park
In a statement about the attack, UC Irvine officials said that because the servers are independent, the university was not involved in their security.
Officials are offering assistance to affected students, however.
The university offers information security training and resources , and encourages members of the community to engage in cyber hygiene best practices including use of strong passwords and awareness of phishing attacks meant to harvest confidential credentials, the statement read.
Michael Dennin, UC Irvines vice provost of teaching and learning, said in a statement that counseling was also available for students.
UC Irvine Discord moderators were collecting evidence and user IDs to submit to the FBI's cybercrime division, Kim said.
"We're not back to normal, but we're getting there," Kim said. "I'm proud of how our students responded, and we came together and handled it."
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Two paintings attributed to European masters Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall have been found by local Belgian police inside the basement of an Antwerp house, both of which were stolen from an Israel-based art collector 14 years prior, as reported by Reuters.
A Breakthrough in the 14-Year-Old Tel Aviv Art Theft Case
The rare pieces, Picasso's cubist portrait dubbed "Tete" and Chagall's "L'homme en priere" or "The Praying Man," were looted from a Herzikovich-owned estate in Tel Aviv back in February 2010.
Around the time of the incident, the two artworks were estimated at a value of $900,000, or 710,000. Alongside the paintings, the family also suffered the loss of pieces of jewelry that are collectively worth $680,000 and, to date, have still not been tracked down.
The police involved with the case made a breakthrough after they received a substantial tip that two paintings, which fit the description of the missing ones from Tel Aviv, were being offered for sale by an art dealer that was based in the Wallon Region's capital city of Namur.
Using this information, the authorities launched a several-month-long covert operation that led them to a lead suspect they only referred to as "Daniel Z," a 68-year-old Israeli luxury watch merchant.
Read Also: Works by Picasso, Rembrandt, and Goya May Have Been Lost Due to a Seattle Art Gallery Fire
Missing Picasso and Chagall Paintings Found at Last
At the request of the case prosecutor, the Belgian police launched a raid to search out the suspect's house last week which yielded a sizeable amount of money without any signs of the paintings.
In a statement to the Belgian publication Le Soir, police officials said: "The checks and police resources implemented during 2023 made it possible to establish that the suspect had the works sought and that he could have them at his home or the home of one of his relations."
"Although confessing to possessing the paintings, the suspect refused to communicate where he had stored them," they added.
To close in on the locations of the paintings, the investigators widened their search area to include the city of Antwerp, especially a building that was previously linked with different cases involving stolen art.
There, they found two wooden crates with lids that are sealed close using screws, which they eventually opened to confirm that it is indeed where the stolen Picasso and Chagall paintings were held.
According to the authorities, the artworks were undamaged and were still inside the frames they were put in before the incident. Consequently, the lead suspect was then arrested for possessing the two stolen artworks.
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Investigators at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department plan to speak with residents in an east Charlotte community after a home invasion and sexual assault.
Man accused of forcing himself through door, sexually assaults woman in northeast Charlotte
Someone got into a womans apartment at the Brookridge Apartments on East W.T. Harris Boulevard on Jan. 12. CMPD said.
The victim said the intruders demanded cash and then sexually assaulted her.
CMPD said it wants to speak with neighbors about the case about safety concerns they have.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
VIDEO: Man accused of forcing himself through door, sexually assaults woman in University City
The Ukrainian businessman and the founder of the Concorde Capital investment company, Igor Mazepa, was detained at the border, Concorde Capital announced on Jan. 18.
Law enforcement officers also entered the company's premises and are carrying out searches of the building and employees, the statement read.
The announcement comes the same day as several media outlets reported on Mazepa's detention by the State Bureau of Investigation at the Shehyni border crossing with Poland.
According to the Ukrainska Pravda outlet, which talked to Mazepa's lawyers, the businessman was on his way to the Davos forum in Switzerland.
The company claims that the searches are being carried out "without a court order," and law enforcement officials are taking all documents related to Mazepa's business activity.
Law enforcement authorities are yet to make a public statement.
The Ukrainian publication NV said, citing its sources, that the case is related to the acquisition of land rights for the construction of the luxurious cottage resort Goodlife Park in the Vyshhorod district, Kyiv Oblast.
The resort, lying only 12 kilometers from the capital, was built in 2013 and covers an area of 40 hectares.
Mazepa founded Concorde Capital in 2004. The company provides banking, brokerage, and asset management services and is considered to be one of Ukraine's leading investment banks.
For several months in 2014, Mazepa was a supervisory committee member of Alfa-Bank, run by a banking group of Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Pyotr Aven. Last year, Ukraine nationalized the Ukrainian branch of Alfa-Bank, renamed Sense Bank.
Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Iowa sued TikTok on Wednesday, accusing the video-based social media app of misrepresenting the prevalence of inappropriate content on the platform to avoid parental controls.
The lawsuit alleges that TikTok falsely claims there is only infrequent or mild sexual content and nudity, profanity or crude humor, mature and suggestive themes, and alcohol, tobacco or drug use references on the platform to obtain a 12+ rating in Apples App Store.
TikTok knows and intends to evade the parental controls on Apple devices by rating its app 12+, the complaint reads. If TikTok correctly rated its app, it would receive a 17+ age rating, and parental restrictions on phones would prevent many kids from downloading it.
The Hawkeye State also accused TikTok of making misleading, deceptive, and unconscionable statements about the apps Restricted Mode, which is meant to limit inappropriate content, as well as in its Community Guidelines and on the Google Play and Microsoft stores.
TikTok has kept parents in the dark, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird (R) said in a statement. Its time we shine a light on TikTok for exposing young children to graphic materials such as sexual content, self-harm, illegal drug use, and worse.
TikTok has sneaked past parental blocks by misrepresenting the severity of its content. But no longer, Bird added. As a mom and prosecutor, I am committed to equipping parents with information to keep their kids safe and to holding TikTok accountable.
Indiana filed a similar lawsuit in December 2022, alleging that TikTok misleadingly markets itself as appropriate for children ages 13 to 17 in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, the case was dismissed by a state judge in November.
A TikTok spokesperson noted in a statement that the platform has industry leading safeguards in place for young people, including parental controls and time limits for those under 18.
We are committed to tackling industry wide challenges and will continue to prioritize community safety, the spokesperson added.
Updated at 1:13 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Members of Muslim Talba Mahaz Pakistan chant slogans at a demonstration to condemn Iranian strikes in the Pakistani border area, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Pakistans air force launched retaliatory airstrikes early Thursday on Iran allegedly targeting militant positions, a deadly attack that further raised tensions between the neighboring nations. | Anjum Naveed, Associated Press
The weeks strikes via Iran and Pakistan on each others territory are part of decades of tension, which have been renewed due to major events in the Middle East lately, according to The Hill.
Per The Hill, the two nations have had complicated relations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The existence of terrorist groups in southeast Iran and southwest Pakistan also creates tensions and explains recent strikes between the two nations, BBC reported.
Why did Iran and Pakistan strike each other?
Pakistan announced Thursday that it had launched airstrikes against alleged terrorist hideouts inside Iran, according to The Associated Press. The strikes, which killed nine people, followed a similar attack from Iran on Pakistan two days earlier.
The Iran-Pakistan border, particularly Pakistans Balochistan province and Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province on both sides of the border, is a common hideout for militants, CNN reported. Both nations have fought terrorists for a long time on the border, but Iran and Pakistan rarely attack militants on each others soil.
That changed this week. Internal political pressures led to Iran and Pakistan striking each other over charges that neither is doing whats possible to keep terrorists at bay, according to AP.
The Jaish-al Adl and Jundullah militant groups have bases in Pakistan and attack Iranian police and soldiers, while the Baluch Liberation Army is in Iran and has fought Pakistan for decades, The Hill reported.
Middle East chaos and Iran
The airstrikes on terrorists come not long after Iran struck targets in both Iraq and Syria, according to BBC. Iran has accused both the Islamic State and Israels Mossad spy agency of being part of a bombing in Iran that killed 84 people. Iran said that it struck both organizations, BBC reported.
In addition to its own military action, Irans proxies like Hezbollah and Yemens Houthis continue to pursue activity, according to CNN. Iran has much to gain from the dysfunction, per CNN.
... Irans dominant position in the Middle East, in contrast to conflict-ridden nations like Yemen and Syria, means it stands to gain from regional instability and filling power vacuums. And Irans activities now serve to further several of its main goals, which include empowering Palestinians and counteracting American influence in the Middle East, CNNs report read.
Irene Blau (left) and her daughter, Joan Morrissey celebrated 31 years at Germantown's Sinter Klausen Christmas Markt in 2019. Blau died at age 94 on Christmas Day in 2023.
Irene Blau of Germantown impacted people around the world by sharing Christmas traditions especially ones from Germany that people can have forever.
Whether it was talking about the German Christmas traditions as a 31-year business owner of Sinter Klausen Christmas Markt or telling fun and inspirational stories about Christmas traditions to her family, Christmas is what Blau was known for.
In the words of Blau's daughters, Janet Larsen, Joan Morrissey and Mary Brandt, their mother "owned Christmas."
Blau died Dec. 25 at age 94. Christmas Day.
"How appropriate," said Larsen.
In Blau's final days, Larsen, Morrissey and Brandt set up a hand-carved Nativity set from Oberammergau a municipality in Bavaria, Germany with 300 twinkling lights in a small area near Blau's bed. When Blau woke up each morning, it was the first thing she'd see, said Larson. "She explored ways to instill the story of Christ, the Holy Family, and the Bible and to discover, share and pass it on," Larsen said.
Pictured is the Oberammergau Nativity set that Irene Blau gave her daughter, Joan Morrissey for Morrissey to have as a family heirloom. Blau, who is known for being the village historian in Germantown and for her passion toward sharing German Christmas traditions, died on Christmas Day 2023 at age 94.
Sharing Christmas traditions
There were many Christmas traditions that Blau shared with her family that will keep Blau's spirit alive, her daughters said. This was especially true with her ornaments, said Morrissey.
One is the pickle tradition, a German tradition where parents hide a pickle ornament in their Christmas tree. Before the kids could open their presents, they needed to find the pickle, the sisters explained.
This year, Morrissey said she hid five pickles in her tree to celebrate with her children and grandchildren. "They have to look with their eyes (and not search with their hands), and it is a way for them to see the other ornaments," she said.
Pickle ornaments are a popular German tradition. Parents hide the pickle in the Christmas tree, and the children try to find it before they can open the presents the next day. Germantown's Sinter Klausen Christmas Markt, which shared German Christmas traditions with the community, closed in December of 2019. The owner, Irene Blau, died on Christmas Day, 2023.
Blau sold glass-blown ornaments at her Christmas shop
At her Christmas shop, Sinter Klausen Christmas Markt, Blau sold many glass-blown ornaments from Germany, which are very popular there, said Morrissey.
For instance, Blau sold a lot of glass mushroom ornaments, which symbolize good luck, and glass birds, which are a symbol of happiness and joy. She also was known for selling Inge Glas ornaments from Germany at the shop.
Customers came from all over the country to shop there, her daughters said. The store a fixture on Main Street in Germantown closed after the 2019 Christmas season when Blau retired at age 90.
Preserving German's history in Germantown
But Blau, with roots in Germany, wasn't just about Christmas. She also was fascinated with the architecture of historic buildings and fought to preserve and share Germantown's history.
Many members of her extended family, including her great-grandfather Joseph Schimmels, were among the first German settlers in Milwaukee. Schimmels was a carpenter who shared German designs with other contractors and people in Milwaukee, Blau told the Journal Sentinel in December 2019. He provided carpentry work for Milwaukee City Hall and many hospitals, including St. Joseph's, and churches.
Blau's passion for historic buildings and landmarks, according to Larson, was crucial in preserving the buildings in Dheinsville Park, Germantown's oldest crossroads settlement.
Dheinsville Park is where Blau opened the 1862 Christ Church Museum and campaigned for the building to be on the National Register of Historic Places.
For the museum to be restored, Blau reached out to William Gay, a 35-year retired English teacher at Germantown High School, whose National Honor Society students helped wash windows and walls and did maintenance work to help open the museum. Blau also created sketches of the historical buildings in the park to share with different developers so the history would be preserved, Brandt added.
After 31 years in business, Germantown's Sinter Klausen Christmas Markt a fixture on Main Street in Germantown closed after the 2019 Christmas season.
Active in the community
Blau was married for 73 years to her surviving husband, Frank, raised 10 children and had 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
She was the founding president of the Germantown Historical Society from 1974 to 2009.
Blau also was fundamental in starting the Deutschstadt Heritage Foundation, a foundation for preserving the village's German heritage. Maifest, a traditional German festival, which occurs every May in Germantown, is a fundraiser for the foundation.
"There are people who say she put the German in Germantown," said Morrissey.
Known as the 'history lady'
Blau was known as the "history lady," Morrisey said. She said Blau was very interested in learning more about the history of the house she and her husband bought when they moved to Germantown in 1963.
"Her humbleness of talking about history, and the things she did with it ... became a hobby and a passion," explained Brandt.
Irene Blau was the founding president of the Germantown Historical Society in 1974 and held the position until 2009. The historical society recognized her years of service Sept. 16, 2017
Blau was involved in promoting Germantown's history as a member of both the Germantown and Washington County 1976 bicentennial committees and was active with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Trust for Historical Preservation, the Wisconsin Office of Tourism and the Wisconsin Landmarks Commission.
Gay said Blau was an "excellent communicator." She went into the elementary classrooms and talked about the history of Germantown and also enlisted high school students to act out parts in historical plays. He and Blau also authored three books with local graphic designer Tiffany Brandt. The Germantown Historical Society published these books, and they are at the Germantown Library.
The books chronicle Germantown's history beginning in 1838: "Germantown, The early years: 1838-1915," "Germantown in the 20th Century, Part 1: 1900-1959" and "Germantown in the 20th Century, Part 2: 1960-2015."
"(Blau) had all of these memories and all of this information," said Gay. "She was like a walking, talking encyclopedia."
Irene Blau's legacy to continue
While known as a true historian and for sharing her Christmas traditions, Blau was also known as a talented, hardworking person in so many facets, her daughters said.
After raising 10 children, she went back to school to get a college degree at Mount Mary University in art history and communications in 1983. Larson, who graduated with dual college degrees in business administration and communications, said it is "extraordinary to have that connection" of graduating the same year as her mom.
Blau was named the Germantown Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year in 1983. In 2003, she was the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award, which was renamed the Irene Blau Lifetime Achievement Award. She also was a Germantown 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal in 1983 and was the Germantown High School Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in 1986.
Brandt also said her family members have had booths at Christkindl Markets such as the Christkindl Market in Menomonee Falls.
Brandt said that continuing to be at those markets will help keep Blau's Christmas traditions alive.
Donations in memory of Irene Blau
The family is asking for donations to be made to the Germantown Historical Society's Irene Blau Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 31, Germantown, WI, 53022
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Germantown Christmas shop owner, 'History Lady,' dies on Christmas Day
Israel has joined a notorious band of authoritarian states with a history of imprisoning journalists by detaining Palestinian reporters without trial since the beginning of the latest war in Gaza.
Related: Israeli military accused of targeting journalists and their families in Gaza
A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released on Thursday said that for the first time Israel figures in its list of worst jailers of journalists, putting it on a par with Iran.
The worst offenders were China and Myanmar, two countries with a long history of suppressing free speech where each imprisoned more than 40 journalists in 2023. They were followed by Belarus, Russia and Vietnam.
Israel is in sixth place after the CPJ recorded 17 Palestinian journalists in its jails in December, the first time the country has featured among the worst offenders. It is now holding 19. Others were detained and released. Iran was also imprisoning 17 journalists.
Jodie Ginsberg, CPJs chief executive, said Israels inclusion on the list of detained journalists reflects a broader crackdown on free speech and criticism of the war in Gaza.
Israels standing in CPJs 2023 prison census is evidence that a fundamental democratic norm press freedom is fraying as Israel exploits draconian methods to silence Palestinian journalists. This practice must stop, she said.
The CPJ said Palestinian journalists are mostly held under the Israeli militarys powers to detain people in the occupied territories without trial or time limit. The practice, known as administrative detention, permits the army to arrest a person on suspicion alone. Some Palestinians have been held for years without charge.
The Israeli human rights group BTselem said it is almost impossible to mount a defence against the detention.
The person is detained without legal proceedings, by order of the regional military commander, based on classified evidence that is not revealed to them. This leaves the detainees helpless facing unknown allegations with no way to disprove them, not knowing when they will be released, and without being charged, tried or convicted, it said.
The CPJ said the Palestinian journalists were among 320 reporters and other media workers imprisoned around the world. One in five were held without charge.
Prolonged pretrial detentions and cruel treatment are common, while some governments, such as Russia and Ethiopia, have even persecuted journalists across borders. In Vietnam, Egypt, and other countries, even after their release, journalists continue to face travel bans, other movement restrictions, and measures that effectively curtail their freedom, the report said.
The detained Palestinian journalists include Alaa al-Rimawi, the director of a West Bank news agency, J-Media, which was banned by Israel on security grounds. The presenter of a popular radio phone-in show, Tarek el-Sharif, who the CPJ said provided daily updates for his listeners on Israels military response, discussing airstrikes in Gaza and the Palestinian death toll with local callers, was arrested in November and charged with incitement.
Others detained include journalists with a Ramallah-based television station, a freelance cameraman for Al Jazeera and Jordanian television, and a correspondent for a London-based press agency.
The arrests are part of a broader pattern of risks for journalists reporting the Israel-Gaza war. The CPJ says at least 83 media workers have been killed in Gaza, most of them Palestinian.
The CPJ said it has also documented multiple kinds of incidents of journalists targeted in Israel and Palestine, including numerous assaults, threats, cyberattacks, and censorship.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has destroyed around two thirds of Hamas' fighting regiments in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, vowing to press on with the war until "complete victory."
"There are two stages to the fighting; The first is destroying the Hamas regiments, those are their organised combat frameworks," Netanyahu said at a news conference in Tel Aviv.
"Up until now sixteen or seventeen out of twenty four have been destroyed. After that there is the (stage) of clearing the territory (of militants). The first action is usually shorter, the second usually takes longer."
Holding up a photo of a fallen Israeli soldier, Netanyahu said troops will not have died in vain and pledged fighting would continue until Hamas has been defeated and the hostages in Gaza recovered.
"Victory will take many more months but we are determined to achieve it," Netanyahu said.
(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Kate Holton)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it crystal clear Thursday he has no interest in the proposals by the United States, his countrys strongest supporter, for either paring down the Gaza offensive or the future after the war.
In a nationally televised news conference that exposed his growing rift with the Biden administration, Netanyahu seemed to dismiss the notion of a Palestinian state, a condition other Middle East nations have set for normalizing relations.
In the future, the state of Israel has to control the entire area from the river to the sea, Netanyahu said, referring partly to the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea that Palestinians envision as their future home.
We obviously see it differently, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.
Netanyahu said he rejected the American attempt to impose on us a reality that will jeopardize us.
He also rebuffed calls for scaling down a military operation that has killed more than 24,000 Palestinians in Gaza and left countless others on the verge of starvation as his forces pursue the Hamas militants responsible for the vicious Oct. 7 rampage that sparked the war
We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory, Netanyahu said.
Israeli security forces are seen during a raid in the Tulkarem refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday.
Developments:
The Israeli military said it found and destroyed a "major site" of the Hamas manufacturing industry in the center of Gaza that included a network of tunnels and factories used to make weapons and rockets.
The European Parliament approved a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire "provided that all hostages are immediately and unconditionally released and the terrorist organization Hamas is dismantled."
Eight Palestinian gunmen were killed in a "counter-terror operation" in the West Banks Tulkarem refugee camp, the Israeli military said. Dozens of hidden explosives were found and 15 wanted Palestinians were arrested, the military said.
Police agreed to allow an antiwar protest Saturday in Haifa's Paris Square. The protest, the city's first since the war began Oct. 7, will be limited to 700 demonstrators.
2 hostages were murdered after being featured in Hamas video, kibbutz says
A picture of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage to be kidnapped by Hamas militants, is held in front of balloons as Israelis attend his first birthday celebration in Tel Aviv on Thursday.
'No security' without a Palestinian state, Palestinian Authority says
In response to Netanyahu's opposition to a Palestinian state, the Palestinian Authority said there would be "no security and stability" in the Middle East without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
"The entire region is on the verge of a volcanic eruption due to the aggressive policies pursued by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights," said Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
Rudeineh added that the U.S. "bears responsibility for the deterioration of security and stability in the region due to its bias and blind support for the Israeli occupation."
The U.S. has encouraged working toward a two-state solution, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Israel would not achieve genuine security without a pathway for Palestinian statehood. Earlier this week, the White House also announced that it was the right time for Israel to lower the intensity of its military offensive in Gaza.
US strikes at Houthis for fifth time, destroys missiles
U.S. warplanes conducted strikes Thursday on two anti-ship missiles in Yemen that had been aimed into Red Sea shipping lanes, the Pentagon said after the fifth such attack by the U.S. and its allies against Iranian-backed Houthi militants in a week.
Commanders determined the missiles posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region, according to a statement from Central Command. U.S. forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense.
Navy F-18 aircraft attacked the missile sites, Sabrina Singh, the Pentagons deputy press secretary, told reporters.
The Houthis have launched more than 30 attacks in the Red Sea since Nov. 19, disrupting commercial shipping in a critical corridor, in what they say is retaliation for Israels invasion of Gaza. After repeated warnings to stop, the U.S. led the first attack aimed at degrading their capabilities on Jan. 11 and has kept up the pressure since, including striking 14 missiles Wednesday.
The U.S. and its allies have also been targeted more than 100 times elsewhere in the Middle East since the Hamas rampage of Oct. 7. There have been 83 attacks, mostly by rocket and drone, in Syria, and 57 in Iraq, Singh said, adding that Irans hand is behind all of them.
The U.S. remains focused on preventing the fighting in Gaza from spilling out and intensifying elsewhere, she said.
Tom Vanden Brook
'The US is next': Israeli says 'barbaric jihadists' oppose free world
Israels president dismissed the global outcry for peace in Gaza on Thursday, saying Israelis have lost trust in the peace process because they see that terror is glorified by neighboring countries.
President Isaac Herzog, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said Israelis are consumed by concerns they will be attacked from the north, south, or east.
If you ask an average Israeli now about his mental state, nobody in his right mind is willing right now to think about what will be the solution of the peace agreements, Herzog said. Everybody wants to know, can we be promised real safety in the future?
Most governments agree that lasting Israeli security will require recognition of a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia said this week its willing to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for a pathway toward Palestinian statehood. Israel, unwilling to cede control of security in Gaza and the West Bank, has rejected such overtures. Herzog said Israels destructive effort to crush Hamas should be supported globally.
We are fighting a war for the entire universe, for the free world, Herzog said. If Israel was not there, Europe will be next because these barbaric jihadists want to get all of us out of the region and want to get Europe out of its place as well. And the United States is next.
Supporters mark 1st birthday for Kfir Bibas, seized in Hamas rampage
The extended family and supporters of Kfir Bibas gathered Thursday in Tel Aviv to mark his first birthday and demand the government work harder for a deal to free him and the other hostages. Hamas said in November that Kfir and his family were dead, but Israeli authorities have not confirmed the claim and the family clings to hope. A sea of orange balloons in homage to Kfir's ginger hair marked the event at so-called Hostages Square.
Kfir, his brother Ariel, 4, and parents, Shiri and Yarden, were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7 as the deadly, Hamas-led rampage into Israel was unfolding. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 hostages seized that day. More than 24,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since.
The Hostages and Missing Family's Forum, a sponsor of the event, posted a statement directed at Kfir saying it was "heartbroken" at the way the world has treated him.
"You deserve all the tenderness, warmth, and love there is in our world," the statement said. "Kfir, know that all of this beauty is waiting for you at home. The world has so much more than cruelty and fear to offer you. Free Kfir, save him and all the hostages before it's too late."
Pakistan launches retaliatory strike in Iran, killing 9
Pakistans air force launched retaliatory airstrikes in Iran on Thursday, killing at least nine people two days after Iran struck at separatist camps in Pakistan. Both attacks appeared to target two Baluch militant groups with similar separatist goals on both sides of the border, and each country has accused the other of providing safe haven to the militants. Pakistans Foreign Ministry described its attack Thursday as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted, precision" strikes that were not directed at Iran itself.
This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats," the statement said.
The Baluch Liberation Army, an ethnic separatist group that's operated in the region since 2000, said in a statement the strikes targeted and killed its people. Pakistan will have to pay a price for it," the group warned.
Iran has been facing domestic unrest while the proxies it supports in the region Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen are engaged in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Contributing: The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Live Israel Hamas war updates: Netanyahu rejects US plan, showing rift
Two British siblings have been locked up in Switzerland after they confessed to breaking into a Geneva museum to steal famed Chinese Ming Dynasty artifacts worth around $3.8 million, or about 3 million, according to BBC.
Three-Man Heist at the Museum of Far Eastern Arts in Geneva
Both Stewart and Louis Ahearne, who hailed from Greenwich, South London, have been sentenced by a Swiss court to three years and six months in prison each last Jan. 16, following their admittance.
As per their testimonies, shared by The Metropolitan Police, they were part of a three-man gang that enacted a heist against the Baur Foundation, Museum of Far Eastern Arts in Geneva, Switzerland.
This high-profile criminal operation transpired in June of 2019, resulting in the theft of two Ming Dynasty vases and a cup that are all dated around the 15th century.
According to a statement by Geneva's Palais de Justice President Patrick Monney, the act itself was deliberate and meticulously planned, saying, "After checking out the configuration the day before they know where they are going to the point they run once inside."
"Everything was prepared and organized. Everything was very quick," he added.
Read Also: Massive Network of Ancient Amazonian Cities Unearthed in Ecuador's Upano Valley
How the British Brothers Were Caught
As to how the authorities caught the British brothers, they reportedly traced a DNA sample found in the crime scene back to Stewart Ahearne by running it through an international database.
Detectives working the case lured out the brothers, both of whom were still living in South London by then, to a hotel within the city under the guise of "buying" a vase they had on hand for 450,000, or $570,000.
The Ahearne siblings were promptly arrested following that sting operation and were handed over to Switzerland where they admitted to their crimes.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb told the South China Morning Post: "The Ahearne brothers meticulously planned this burglary, carrying out careful reconnaissance to ensure they could make a clean getaway and bring the items back to the UK."
Aside from the brothers, three other individuals were sentenced for possessing criminal property after the attempt to sell one of the vases.
As for the ancient "Doucai style" Chinese cup, police said it is still missing and that they are currently offering 10,000 for any information that may lead to its recovery. The cup itself fashions a repeated design depicting chickens on the side.
Read More: Local Belgian Police Recover Stolen Picasso, Chagall Artworks Worth $900,000 in Antwerp Basement
2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Palestinian fighters from Hamas' military wing during a military parade from July 2023 - Yousef Masoud/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Israeli troops have destroyed a massive underground weapons centre used by Hamas to manufacture and distribute rockets.
The 36th division uncovered dozens of tunnels divided into workshops to build missiles beneath Salah a-Din road in central Gaza, according to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF).
Footage released by the Israeli military shows dozens of missiles mounted on workbenches and lined up along the walls of a tunnel, surrounded by what appears to be manufacturing equipment and trolleys.
Hamas were said to have used the hub to distribute weapons to fighters across the Gaza Strip.
One of the tunnels uncovered led into the home of a senior Hamas official responsible for weapons production, the IDF said.
The IDF said that in addition to hundreds of long-range rockets, troops seized chemical containers, Hamas propaganda, and other equipment during their raid on the underground network, which is thought to stretch for hundreds of miles in its entirety.
04:37 PM GMT
That's all for now
Thanks for following our coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and tensions in the Middle East. Well be back tomorrow with the latest updates.
04:35 PM GMT
Hamas 'rebuilding northern battalions' as Israel moves south
Hamas is quietly attempting to rebuild battalions that were shattered by Israel earlier in the war as attention shifts to the southern part of the Gaza Strip, according to reports.
The terrorist group has been reappointing officials to senior positions in its northern division as the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) reduces the size of its reserve forces.
Dismantling the a-Shati, Shujaiyeh and Jabalya battalions was a key objective at the start of the war. Security sources told Haaretz, the Israeli newspaper, that Hamas has begun appointing commanders to replace those killed in the fighting.
Herzl Halevi, the IDFs chief of staff, has apparently warned political leaders that its military successes will be eroded because of a lack of strategy after hostilities conclude.
We may have to operate again in areas where we have already completed the fighting, he added.
04:26 PM GMT
'Hezbollah is ready to listen'
Iran-backed Hezbollah has rebuffed Washingtons proposals to avert an escalating conflict with Israel, according to Lebanese officials.
The group is said to regard ideas presented to Beirut last week, such as pulling its troops back from the border, as unrealistic. However, a senior figure said: Hezbollah is ready to listen.
04:19 PM GMT
Pictures: Israeli Defence Forces active across Gaza and Lebanon
IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip - IDF Handout
IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip - IDF Handout
Smoke billows following Israeli strikes on the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila - HASSAN FNEICH/AFP via Getty Images
04:12 PM GMT
EU calls for permanent Gaza ceasefire
The European Parliament has passed a motion calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Its resolution, which is non-binding and passed by 312 to 131 votes, also appeals for renewed efforts towards a political solution provided that all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
04:00 PM GMT
US vessel hit travelling through Gulf of Aden
The first images have emerged of the damage inflicted on a merchant vessel by Houthi attacks near the Red Sea.
Photos released by the Indian navy show the charred stern of the MV Genco Picardy, a US-owned bulk carrier struck by a drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Wednesday.
A section of railing has been destroyed and a metal grille is shown hanging loose.
Read the full story here.
03:27 PM GMT
Suez wheat shipments plunge amid Red Sea attacks
Houthi attacks around the Red Sea have caused wheat shipments going through the Suez Canal to collapse by 40 per cent, the World Trade Organisation estimates (WTO).
Cargo ships have been targeted by drones and missiles launched from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, meaning just 0.5 million tonnes of wheat passed through the vital trade route in the first half of January.
03:17 PM GMT
First images released of Houthi damage to US ship
A US-owned cargo ship damaged in a Houthi drone attack - @indiannavy
Indias navy has released images of a Houthi drone strike on a US-owned ship near the Red Sea.
MV Genco Picardy, a bulk carrier passing through the Gulf of Aden, sent out a distress call after the fire broke out onboard yesterday evening.
Photos from the Indian navy, which scrambled a warship in response, show the stern of the vessel is charred, a section of railing destroyed and a metal grille hanging loose.
A navy spokesperson said: After a thorough inspection [commandos] have rendered the area safe for further transit. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.
The Houthi strike is the latest in a series of attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and nearby region, which has thrown shipping into chaos on the crucial trade route.
02:43 PM GMT
EU to clamp down on Hamas with new sanctions
The European Union is to bring in sanctions against Hamas next week in response to the groups massacre of Israeli civilians in October.
Christophe Lemoine, French foreign ministry spokesman, said Brussels will adopt a regime of sanctions against Hamas that will target individuals and transfers of funds.
02:24 PM GMT
Pictured: Activists protest Germany's support for Israel with Swastika poster
A Palestinian activist carries a Swastika poster in protest at Germany's support for Israel - AP Photo/Nasser Nasser
02:15 PM GMT
US reassigns Houthis as terror group three years after militia was delisted
The United States has designated the Houthis as a terrorist group nearly three years after the Iran-backed militia was taken off its list of proscribed organisations.
Announcing the move, which comes into force in 30 days, the State Department said Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping had endangered mariners, disrupted the free flow of commerce, and interfered with navigational rights and freedoms.
It added: The Houthis must be held accountable for their actions, but it should not be at the expense of Yemeni civilians.
Read David Millwards full article on the Biden administrations about-turn here.
01:55 PM GMT
Watch: US hits Houthi-controlled Yemen in latest round of airstrikes
01:40 PM GMT
Stopping putting peoples lives at risk, Sunak tells Houthis
Rishi Sunak has called on Houthi rebels to end their illegal attacks on cargo ship after a US-owned vessel was attacked by a drone.
Speaking during a press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said the disruption to the vital trade route which has continued despite the intervention of a US-led coalition is concerning.
He told reporters: The rise in attacks on commercial shipping is both illegal and causing enormous disruption to the global economy and putting innocent lives at risk.
It was right that we took action to protect both interests and lives. And together with allies, we have been very clear in our condemnation of their behaviour.
We will continue to urge them to desist from carrying out what are illegal attacks, putting peoples lives at risk.
01:05 PM GMT
Dead hostages family accuses government of removing critical gravestone
The family of a dead Israel Defense Forces soldier who was kidnapped on Oct 7 have accused the Israeli government of removing a gravestone which called them a failure.
The stone on the grave of the late Ron Sherman had read: Kidnapped, abandoned and sacrificed in Gaza, by the government of failure.
Maayan Sherman, his mother, has accused the defence ministry of removing the stone from his resting place in a military cemetery.
She replaced it on Thursday with one reading: Im asking forgiveness for the abandonment, your brutal kidnapping, the fact that you were sacrificed for political gain after the biggest failure in the history of the State of Israel which you loved so much.
The Israeli government is yet to comment.
12:20 PM GMT
Report: Hamas rebuilding northern battalions
Hamas is working to quietly rebuild battalions that were shattered by Israel earlier in the war as attention shifts to the southern part of the Gaza Strip, according to reports.
The terrorist group has been reappointing officials to senior positions in its northern division as the IDF reduces the size of its reserve forces, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports. Dismantling the Hamas battalions was a key objective at the start of the war.
12:05 PM GMT
Aerial target heading for Israel intercepted near Eilat
Israel said it had intercepted a suspicious aerial target that was approaching the southern city of Eilat.
The IDF said in a statement: An interceptor was launched in the area of the Red Sea toward a suspicious aerial target that was approaching Israeli territory.
Sirens were sounded in the area of Eilat following the launch of the interceptor. The incident has concluded and there is no risk of a security incident.
Eilat, on the Red Sea, has been a frequent target of attacks by Iranian-backed Houthis, in response to Israels bombardment of Gaza.
11:53 AM GMT
Hot Houthi pirate tells followers to focus on a free Palestine
A Yemeni social media influencer dubbed the hot Houthi pirate has told his admirers to stop gushing over his good looks.
Rashid Al Haddad has gone viral on social media after sharing footage of himself aboard hijacked container ships. Online commenters have nicknamed him Timhouthi Chalamet, because of his resemblance to Timothee Chalamet, the American actor.
But he has now asked his tens of thousands of followers to focus their attention on the war in Gaza not the way he looks.
Read the full article from Tim Sigsworth here.
11:27 AM GMT
Israel strikes Hezbollah positions in Lebanon
IDF fighter jets carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah in the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli media.
Troops also struck Kafr Kila and Marjaayoun in the same region.
The IDF said two projectiles were fired from Lebanon at the Arab al-Aramshe area earlier today, which both landed in open areas without causing damage.
11:23 AM GMT
Pictured: US-owned ship continues journey after Houthi attack
MV Genco Picardy after a fire broke out onboard following a Houthi drone strike - @indiannavy
11:08 AM GMT
Israel must let Gazans return home, Jordan minister says
Israel should allow displaced Palestinians in Gaza to return to their homes, Jordans Foreign Minister has said.
Ayman Safadi added that it the war in Gaza needed to be brought to a close and avert escalating violence across the wider Middle East region.
He said: With regard to the current priorities, they are clear: ending the aggression in Gaza, letting in sufficient permanent humanitarian aid to all parts of the Strip, south and north, stopping the destruction, and working immediately for the return of displaced Gazans to their areas and homes.
10:48 AM GMT
Israel has lost trust in the peace process
Irans empire of evil is to blame for the instability gripping the Middle East, the Israeli president has said.
In comments reported by The Times of Israel, Isaac Herzog stressed that the war is not only between Israel and Hamas, adding: The world has to face it point blank: There is an empire of evil emanating from Iran.
Mr Herzog also said that Israel had lost trust in the peace processes because they see that terror is glorified by our neighbours.
Nobody is in his right mind is willing now to think about what will be the right solution of the peace agreements, he continued. Everyone wants to know that he will not be attacked in the same way from north or south or east.
10:20 AM GMT
Israel praying for medicine to reach hostages
Isaac Herzog, Israel's president, talks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland - STEFAN WERMUTH/BLOOMBERG
Isaac Herzog, the Israeli President, is praying that emergency medicine will reach hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
We are praying that all the medication .... will reach them, but thats only the beginning, he told the World Economic Forum in Davos, sitting next to a picture of the youngest of the 132 hostages, one-year-old Kfir Bibas.
10:05 AM GMT
Israel is more likely to face two-front war, says IDF chief
Israel is increasingly likely to be drawn into a war in Lebanon, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) chief of staff has said.
Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told troops in northern Israel that the IDF is increasing readiness for fighting in Lebanon, we have a lot of lessons from the fighting in Gaza, many of them are very relevant to fighting in Lebanon.
According to The Times of Israel, he added: I dont know when the war in the north [will happen]. I can tell you that the likelihood of it happening in the coming months is much higher than it was in the past.
I can tell you that I think we are starting it with many more advantages.
09:42 AM GMT
Cameron: Iran must stop supplying Houthis
Iran must cease supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence and use its influence to stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Iran must also stop using the regional situation as cover to act recklessly and violate others sovereignty.
I made this clear to FM @Amirabdolahian David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 17, 2024
09:38 AM GMT
It's celebrating for someone who isn't here
Family members have marked the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli held by Hamas militants in Gaza, in a sombre ceremony in Tel Aviv.
On Tuesday, they gathered at the Bibas home in Kibbutz Nir Oz near Gaza, blowing up orange balloons to hang on the walls to cover bullet holes and filling his former classroom with birthday decorations.
Yossi Schneider, a cousin of Kfirs mother, Shiri, told Israels Channel 12 TV: Its celebrating for someone who isnt here.
Hes supposed to be out here on the grass of the kibbutz, with balloons on the trees, with family and high-fives and presents and love and hugs, and none of those things will be there.
09:18 AM GMT
US launches fourth round of air strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen
US forces launched a wave of strikes on Houthis in Yemen on Wednesday, the fourth time in less than a week that it has targeted the rebel group.
Officials said the US targeted 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired from Yemen.
In a statement, US Central Command said the Houthi missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and American Navy ships in the region.
Read the full story on the latest US strike on the Houthis here.
08:55 AM GMT
Pakistan's military on high alert as tensions rise
Pakistans armed forces are on extremely high alert and will respond to any further Iranian attacks with force, a security official has told Reuters.
08:52 AM GMT
Pakistan launches retaliatory missile strike at Iran
Pakistan has launched missiles at Irans terrorist hideouts in response to an Iranian strike late on Tuesday.
Iranian state television said three women and four children had been killed in the attack, which took place in the Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Pakistan said it respected Irans sovereignty and territorial integrity, but had taken the action to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
08:48 AM GMT
Pictures: Ambulance arrives at Gaza refugee camp as war drags on
Israeli soldiers prepare to check a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance at the entrance of the Tulkarm reugee camp - MARCO LONGARI/AFP via Getty Images
An unidentified piece of military equipment wedged between two houses of Al Nusairat refugee camp in the Gaza Strip - MOHAMMED SABER/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK
08:42 AM GMT
US-owned bulk carrier hit by Houthi drone
Houthi rebels struck a US-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden with a drone launched from Yemen, according to a statement from the US military.
The attack did not cause any injuries and the ship is still seaworthy, despite some damage. Other reports indicate that the gangway was hit in the strike.
08:24 AM GMT
Morning
Hello and welcome to the live blog. Well be bringing you all the coverage from developments as the Israel-Hamas war enters its 104th day and tensions rise in the Middle East.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that its soldiers had killed some 60 militants during battles in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, with 40 killed in the southern city of Khan Younis alone.
Israel aims to eliminate the leadership of the Islamist Hamas movement and suspects its fighters are hiding in the extensive network of tunnels beneath the city.
The focus of the military operation, which began in response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, is now on the southern part of the strip; the Israeli Defence Ministry said intensive combat operations against Hamas have ended in the north.
The information could not be independently verified.
Terrorists from Hamas and other groups killed more than 1,200 people and took around 250 others hostage from southern Israel on October 7. Since then, dozens of hostages have been released.
Israel responded to the attack with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip that has led to the deaths of more than 24,400 people and more than 61,000 injured, according to the Gaza health authority, which iscontrolled by Hamas.
Israel is facing growing international criticism due to the soaring number of civilian casualties and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Smoke rises over the residential areas following Israeli attacks. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
President of Israel Isaac Herzog speaks at an event during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos. Hannes P. Albert/dpa
Israeli President Isaac Herzog warned that Iran and the militias it supports are jeopardising global stability during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.
"There is an empire of evil emanating from Tehran spending billions of dollars on arms," he told the business and political leaders gathered in the Swiss Alps.
Israel is waging a war "for the free world," Herzog said. If Israel did not exist, it would be Europe's turn. "Because these barbaric jihadists want to get all of us out of the region." The US could also be next, according to Israel's president.
He noted that Iran had "attacked the United States' forces" a few days ago.
He was referring to Iran's Revolutionary Guards firing missiles at targets in Iraq and Syria earlier this week. Witnesses said several missiles struck near a US consulate under construction.
US troops were not hit. Iran's Revolutionary Guard described the target in Iraq as an espionage centre run by Israeli secret service Mossad.
Herzog also praised the international coalition fighting the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, which was set up in response to repeated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
The US, Britain and further allies have carried out a series of strikes on Houthi targets in a bid to halt the maritime attacks on commercial vessels transiting one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Houthis began attacking international cargo ships fter the war broke out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 terror attacks.
The Houthis have said they will not stop until Israel's military offensive in Gaza ends and humanitarian aid gets to Palestinians there.
Iran is the only country in the world that maintains official diplomatic relations with the Houthis. The Shiite group is part of the so-called "Axis of Resistance," an Iran-affiliated network in the fight against Israel.
The Jewish state has been Iran's declared arch-enemy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
President of Israel Isaac Herzog shows a picture of a small child at an event during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos. Hannes P. Albert/dpa
Israel's leaders appeared to pour cold water on hopes for a Palestinian state any time soon as the war in Gaza dragged on.
President Isaac Herzog said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss ski resort of Davos on Thursday that Israel must work hard to find new ways for dialogue with the Palestinians.
"Israelis lost trust in the peace processes because they could see that terror is glorified by our neighbours," Herzog said.
In his opinion, countries calling for a two-state solution must first clarify the question of how Israel's security can be guaranteed.
Israelis and Palestinians must be offered a better future. "People want to live together and they want to live in peace."
A two-state solution has been sought since the mid-1970s and is internationally recognized as the formula that could bring peace to the Middle East conflict.
The signing of the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993 raised high hopes, and the Palestinian Authority was founded a year later on the basis of these agreements.
The Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement has been torpedoing the peace process ever since with bloody attacks on Israelis. However, the United Nations also sees the Israeli settlements in the West Bank as a major obstacle to a peace settlement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that any solution in the foreseeable future must include Israel's military control over the entire West Bank.
This contradicts the idea of the sovereignty of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said at a press conference on Thursday. "What are you supposed to do?" he said when asked whether the United States was planning a scenario for the "time after Netanyahu" that envisages the creation of a Palestinian state.
In talks with US representatives, he said, he had fended off attempts to dictate a reality that would harm Israel's security. "Israel's prime minister must be able to say 'no' when necessary, even to our best friends," Netanyahu continued.
"From every area from which we withdraw, we get terror, terrible terror," said the right-wing politician, adding that this had happened in southern Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip and in parts of the West Bank. That is why control of the West Bank is so important, he said.
On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that their soldiers had killed some 60 militants during battles in the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, with 40 killed in the southern city of Khan Younis alone.
Israel aims to eliminate the leadership of the Islamist Hamas movement and suspects its fighters are hiding in the extensive network of tunnels beneath the city.
The focus of the military operation, which began in response to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, is now on the southern part of the strip; the Israeli Defence Ministry said intensive combat operations against Hamas have ended in the north.
The information could not be independently verified.
Miltants from Hamas and other groups killed more than 1,200 people and took around 250 others hostage to the Gaza Strip on October 7. Since then, dozens of hostages have been released.
President Herzog said on Thursday there was little chance of talking about peace while hostages were still being held in Gaza: "In order to change the atmosphere, we need to get the hostages back."
Israel responded to the attack with massive airstrikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip that has led to the deaths of more than 24,400 people and more than 61,000 injured, according to the Hamas-run health authority.
Israel is facing growing international criticism due to the soaring number of civilian casualties and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Medicine sent by Qatar was delivered to the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Thursday, an Egyptian Red Crescent official told dpa.
Some 60 tons of medicines and other medical goods were delivered to the strip after they were inspected by Israel at the crossing, he said.
The medicine is provided according to an agreement brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, which stipulates the medicine to be distributed at a ratio of 1:1,000 to hostages and people in the besieged coastal strip, according to the Red Crescent official and the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera.
As part of the agreement, two planes carrying food and medicine from Qatar and France landed in the Egyptian coastal town of al-Arish on Wednesday.
The European Parliament, meanwhile, called for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza conflict provided that all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
The resolution noted that Israel has the right to defend itself within the limits of international law.
The plenary session called for a European initiative for a two-state solution. Resolutions passed by the EU Parliament are not legally binding.
President of Israel Isaac Herzog speaks at an event during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos. Hannes P. Albert/dpa
FILE PHOTO: Statue of Italy's King Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Duomo doused with paint by Last Generation climate activists in Milan
ROME (Reuters) - Italy's parliament on Thursday gave final approval to a law introducing tougher penalties on those who damage monuments and cultural sites, following a series of climate protests.
In recent months, environmental activists in Italy have thrown paint or otherwise defaced monuments, buildings and artworks, including the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and La Scala Opera house in Milan.
The bill, passed by the lower house of parliament with a 138-92 vote, envisages fines of up to 40,000 euros ($43,548) for those who deface monuments, increasing to up to 60,000 euros if cultural heritage is destroyed.
Current fines are in the range of 1,500-15,000 euros.
The law also stipulates that the culture ministry can use the proceeds from fines to clean up and repair damaged monuments.
"Today is a beautiful day for Italian culture, and in particular for the artistic and architectural heritage of the nation," Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, the chief backer of the reform, said in a statement.
The legislation dubbed the 'eco vandals' law is the latest example of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni right-wing government's tough approach on law and order, adding to measures against juvenile offenders, irregular migrants and rave party organisers.
Climate activists, who call on governments to stop the use of fossil fuels and tackle global warming, have staged similar protests across Europe, targeting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin along with paintings in London and Vienna.
($1 = 0.9185 euros)
(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Alvise Armellini and Barbara Lewis)
A newly released 196 page report from the internal affairs department for the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said all officers were cleared for any wrongdoing in a mistaken identity case.
Can somebody please talk to me, a woman is heard saying in cell phone video from the April incident.
In April of last year, Jacksonville officers forced their way into Khristi Jacksons Moncrief apartment, later detaining her in a case of mistaken identity.
Read: JSO officers force entry into womans home in mistaken identity case caught on video
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
All were trying to do is get this figured out, a JSO officer is heard saying in the cell phone video.
Officers were investigating reports of gunfire at the Calloway Cove apartments. Witnesses gave officers a physical description, similar to Jacksons, and police said neighbors directed them to her apartment.
During an interview on June 8, 2023, a detective with the internal affairs unit for JSO spoke with office Donald Bowers, Jordan Fincher, Jerry Rose, and Matthew Zona. All four have been cleared of any wrongdoing. The interviews were released this week.
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They [the officers] observed a black female [Jackson] with short red hair that fit the description of the suspect who immediately became agitated and irate and was uncooperative with anything we said to her, Officer Bowers said, recalling the encounter.
Officers were looking for 42-year-old Shalarwn Cooper who also had short red hair and lived at the complex. At the time, officers mistook Jackson for Cooper.
The internal affairs report said Jackson refused to identify herself and was resisting officers.
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She doesnt have to identify herself, Dale Carson said. The problem is that it was clearly an error, because its not the right person.
Carson is our Action News Jax law and safety expert. Hes a Jacksonville defense attorney who spent decades as a law enforcement officer in Miami and as an FBI agent. He said from Jacksons perspective she felt harassed by police.
Both Cooper and Jackson lived near each other. Police later determined Cooper was hiding in the back of Jacksons apartment, according to statements made by Cooper in the internal affairs report. The report said Cooper claimed she was waved into Jacksons apartment while police were at the scene.
Investigator: Is there anything you would have done differently at that call?
JSO Officer Jordan Fincher: Not that I can think of.
All officers have been cleared of the allegations of improper action. We did go to Jacksons apartment complex for comment, but we were told it was private property and could not connect with her in person or through the phone.
Read: Florida opts out of program to feed hungry kids
Read: Lake City woman receives the gift of sound that changed her life
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Jacksonville University officials said Thursday theyll open an honors college named after JU President Tim Cost and his wife, Stephanie, to recognize donations theyve made totaling more than $10 million.
The Cost family is one of the universitys most generous, trustees Chairman Matt Kane said in announcing the creation of the new Cost Honors College.
Tim Cost, who graduated JU in 1981, was an executive at businesses including PepsiCo and Bristol-Myers Squibb before becoming president of the private Arlington university in 2012.
The couple began giving money to the school in the 1980s, incrementally adding more until the total reached eight figures, the school said.
Jacksonville University's new honors college will be named after JU President Tim Cost (left) and wife Stephanie Cost (right) to recognize donations totaling more than $10 million. The couple posed with Lisa Sutherland, executive director of the existing honors program.
Tim and I believe in the impact that a high-quality, challenging education can have on a students life and their trajectory, Stephanie Cost told a roomful of university supporters as plans for the college were detailed. She said the honors college was part of creating the college experience wed want for our own children.
Fundraising success: Jacksonville University touts $175 million fundraising campaign for 'bold' new future
The honors college will open in the fall of 2025, with its first graduations the following year.
JU has had an honors program for many years, which now involves 220 students who maintain a weighted 3.8 grade-point average.
Remaking the program as a distinct college is meant to help students seek a deeper, more profound look at almost any subject they explore, said program Executive Director Lisa Sutherland, who has worked on plans for the new college for about two years.
Academic contest: JU passes UNF in college rankings
Sutherland said the colleges enrollment could total 250 to 300 students.
Faculty throughout JU already incorporate honors instruction into their work, so the additional college wont involve staffing changes.
The college will continue efforts to expand JUs identity through seps that included opening a downtown law school in 2022 and developing a partnership with the countrys largest medical school, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, which announced plans to open a Jacksonville medical school by 2026.
Tim Cost said the honors college fits into efforts to enhance JU by increasing its academic offerings.
Our goal has always been to build a much better university, serve the broader Jacksonville community, unlock potential, and graduate more ambitious, competitive and well-rounded citizens, Coast said.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: JU names new college for President Cost, wife, after $10 million gifts
Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said he would rather see Donald Trump win the upcoming US election than Joe Biden, claiming the current President dislikes Britain.
The former business secretary said President Bidens tenure has been very unfortunate for UK-US relations.
And he said Mr Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom.
Jacob Rees-Mogg said Mr Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom (PA Wire)
His comments came after the ex-President overwhelmingly won the Iowa caucuses on Monday evening in the first official contest of the Republican presidential primaries.
Sir Jacob told ITV: I would rather have Donald Trump than President Biden.
I think Donald Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom, I think President Biden has shown his dislike for the United Kingdom throughout his presidency and thats been very unfortunate and unhelpful to whatever you make of the special relationship.
Asked for his view on what would happen if, as some fear in the US, Mr Trump stopped backing Ukraine in its war against Russia, he said that would be a terrible thing.
We cannot let the tyrant Putin win, and I would hope that any American president would support those efforts, Sir Jacob said.
He added: I would be very surprised if he did that. But Donald Trump often says things in a way that excites people and then hes much more pragmatic when hes in government.
Certainly that was true with all that he said about Nato when he was president last time around.
The former US President had dangled the prospect of striking a very big trade deal with Britain while in office, hopes of which have been dashed under Mr Biden.
But defence chiefs have warned of the prospect of Mr Trump withdrawing his backing for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in Europe.
A former Nato secretary general has said he was sceptical about the US continuing to provide military aid for Ukraine if Donald Trump was re-elected as president.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen told PBS Newshour on Wednesday that it was detrimental for Americas national security interests for Russia to win the war against Ukraine. We cannot allow (Vladimir) Putin any success in Ukraine.
He was asked about US aid for Ukraine that has been held up by Congress, as Republicans seek to force the Democrats into passing tougher immigration controls.
If a new aid package cannot be passed under president Joe Bidens government before the US goes to the polls in November, Mr Rasmussen said he was sceptical of the chances one would be agreed under a potential Trump administration.
A mysterious humanoid sculpture placed on a waning wooden wharf along Australia's Sydney Harbor finally succumbed to the shallow waters of Berrys Bay, after the splintered and rotting structure it was on broke down.
Regarding its demise, the sculptor Gary Deirmendjian wrote in an Instagram post: "Poetry writes itself at times."
"The fate of 'Lone Man' and the world he sat on. There on Sunday seen in person and by Monday morning both were no more, gone with the sudden collapse of the well-weathered wharf."
First Sighting of Gary Deirmendjian's Sculpture
According to a report by the Aussie publication ABC News, locals of the area first sighted the chalky sculpture of a man in deep thought, above Berrys Bay waters, last November. This coincides with another post in the artist's Instagram that included a photo of "Lone Man."
In an interview with the publication's radio broadcast, Deirmendjian said that the statue's last moments in "exhibition" were very fitting, saying, "That's where he wanted to go, then that's where he should stay."
Genia McCaffery, North Sydney Council's former mayor, recalled the collapse's details. She said she was in the middle of a walk around the area, alongside her friends, when she suddenly heard a loud and "enormous" crash as the rickety wharf caved in.
She added that the sound was akin to a "big cracking timber," which prompted them to look at the aftermath, especially the "sad part" of the statue amongst the wreckage.
Eventually, the witnesses reported the incident to the local Maritime officials, who then brought boats and clean-up equipment to tidy up the wreckage.
A spokesperson for the NSW Maritime shared that the operation took place alongside "storm recovery work resulting from recent weather events."
They added that an "initial navigational assessment" will also be conducted in the coming days to see if there are "navigational risks" that are still left unchecked around the area of the incidents.
Read Also: British Brothers Jailed for Stealing Ming Dynasty Artifact Worth $3.8 Million From a Swiss Museum
The 'Lone Man,' A New Home for Barnacles
To convey a sense of "being alone," outside of actually being "lonely," Deirmendjian deliberately positioned the statue with its back facing the metro across the Sydney Harbour.
Locals even became fond of the sculpture, endearingly dubbing it "Gunny." This name was particularly attributed to a grandchild of one of McCaffery's companions.
As for the material that made up "Gunny," the sculptor said that it was created using cardboard as the foundation which was then wrapped up in aluminum foil before it was covered in plaster and resin-coated hessian, thus making it "sturdy but light."
Deirmendjian expects the statue to last quite a while in its new underwater spot, predicting that "a lot of bio-growth" will take place on it "very quickly."
He also explained that it was he and his pupils from the National Art School who had taken "Gunny" to the now-defunct wharf by boat, installing it last November. Initially, he thought it wouldn't last a few days let alone months.
"A few days was a win as far as I was concerned," said the artist.
Read More: Local Belgian Police Recover Stolen Picasso, Chagall Artworks Worth $900,000 in Antwerp Basement
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Joe Biden has admitted US airstrikes have not stopped Houthi attacks on shipping in and around the Red Sea but vowed to continue targeting the Iran-backed rebels until they ended their assaults.
American forces conducted two further strikes on Houthi targets on Thursday morning, hitting 16 missiles that had been loaded to fire on vessels in the Bab El-Mandeb Strait.
US intelligence officials believe that two initial strikes on Houthi drone and missile sites last week left the group with around three-quarters of its capabilities intact, raising questions about the efficacy of the operation.
Asked about the bombings by reporters at the White House on Thursday, the US president said: Well, when you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No.
Are they gonna continue? Yes, he added.
The first strike against the rebel group last Thursday saw four RAF Typhoons sent from an airbase in Cyprus to join the operation, hitting targets in Houthi-controlled northwestern Yemen.
Despite assurances from Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, that the UK was willing to attack again if necessary, the US has since acted unilaterally in the region.
A defence source said the UK had not been asked to participate in further strikes because the most recent action taken was smaller than the initial response and had not required international co-operation.
US forces conducted two strikes on Thursday, bringing the total to six assaults on the Houthis since last week.
They were conducted against projectiles which had already been loaded to fire at ships in the Red Sea, a US Central Command statement said.
These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves, the statement said.
A fire following an airstrike in Yemen's capital Sana'a last week - Wang Shang/Xinhua News Agency / eyevine
These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthis capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
The US has stationed several warships and the Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the region as part of its operation to defend commercial shipping from Houthi attacks.
Houthi commanders have said the groups strikes are a show of solidarity with Palestinians over the war in Gaza.
The group launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a US-owned tanker ship late on Thursday that hit the water near the vessel but caused no injuries or damage, the US military said.
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President Biden and congressional leaders in both parties are ramping up pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to accept an expected deal on Ukraine funding and border security, warning national security is at risk without action by Congress.
Security experts at a White House meeting Wednesday briefed Johnson and other leaders about the dire situation faced by Ukraine. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan were among those in attendance.
The looming package also includes funding for Israel and the Indo-Pacific region, two other hot spots where U.S. concerns are rising.
Lawmakers say the intent was to highlight that Congress is running out of time to pass an emergency supplemental and that the primary intended audience was Johnson, who has pushed back against the emerging Senate border deal amid pressure from conservatives in his own conference.
The White House and congressional leaders, including Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), are stepping up their engagement with Johnson after he poured water on the border security talks over the weekend.
Johnson on Saturday posted a Fox News summary of the deal, which reported it would include an increase in green cards and allow up to 5,000 migrants a day into the United States.
Absolutely not, Johnson wrote above the news graphic.
House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., second from right, flanked by, from left, Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas., speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, following their meeting with President Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The Speaker then doubled down on his criticism Wednesday morning, telling reporters: I dont think now is the time for comprehensive immigration reform, because we know how complicated that is.
He called for more time for the talks to play out, and made another pitch for H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which the House passed in May without any Democratic votes.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), however, has called that bill a non-starter in the Senate.
Senate leaders are feeling increasingly confident about finalizing a Ukraine funding and border security package in the next few days but acknowledge they dont know whether it can pass the House.
I dont know what the House will do, but what were working on is trying to get a package out of the Senate that deals with national security and border security in a credible way, McConnell said Wednesday.
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McConnell told reporters he expects the national security emergency spending package, which would include border security reforms, to reach the Senate floor next week.
Johnson still sounded skeptical after the White House meeting, raising concerns about the prospect of an open-ended commitment to Ukraine.
We need the questions answered about the strategy, about the end game, he said.
He also emphasized that border security is as important as other national security concerns.
We must insist that the border be the top priority, he said.
Republican critics of the expected Ukraine-border security deal argue it doesnt go far enough to stop the flow of hundreds of thousands of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border.
But administration officials warn waiting longer to pass military aid for Ukraine and Israel will have serious consequences.
They are getting backup from McConnell, who says the United States faces the most serious international situation since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
McConnell is urging GOP colleagues not to focus solely on the border security piece of the deal but look more broadly at the nations pressing security needs.
The rest of the bill is important. Were getting shot at. The Houthis are shooting at our ships, at commercial ships. Weve got a war in Israel, a war in Ukraine. Im sure the Chinese were unhappy with the outcome of the presidential election in Taiwan a few days ago, he said. I think its time to go ahead with the supplemental, and Im anticipating it will be before us next week.
McConnell also pushed back on GOP critics who argue Republicans should take border security into the 2024 election in hopes of passing stronger reforms if Republicans capture the White House and control of Congress.
He warned that Democrats would block border security reforms even in the Senate minority and the time to act is now.
One of the things I keep reminding my members is if we had a 100-percent Republican government president, House, Senate we would probably not get a single Democratic vote for border security reform, he argued. This is a unique opportunity to accomplish something in divided government.
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) speaks at weekly policy luncheon at the Capitol on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. (Allison Robbert)
McConnells top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.), said time is running out to help Ukraine. He said the White House meeting would create a sense of urgency around getting this done, particularly with regard to Ukraine.
Theres a sense at least in the White House right now that time is slipping away, he said.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), one of several Senate conservatives who have raised concerns about sending more money to Ukraine, said the meetings purpose was to strong-arm Johnson.
This is all about pressuring the Speaker. You got three people in agreement you got Biden, Schumer, McConnell all in agreement. And then you have Johnson. I think clearly this an effort to strong-arm him, just like they did on the [defense bill], just like they have been doing on the budget bill, Hawley said.
Emerging from the White House, Johnson appeared to soften his earlier demand that the House-passed border security bill be added in its entirety to Ukraine funding.
He said the reforms dont need to be named H.R. 2, though he said the policies need to be meaningful.
Schumer, who also attended the meeting, warned it would be a disaster if Ukraine loses its war with Russia.
Ukraine is already suffering from a lack of armaments and if Ukraine folds were going to be suffering the consequences, not for months, but for years to come, he said.
Schumer later said there was tremendous focus on Ukraine at the White House meeting and that abandoning the war effort would have consequences for America around the globe that would be nothing short of devastating.
The Democratic leader, however, said he was optimistic of reaching a deal in the Senate soon.
For the first time, Im optimistic. For the first time, I think the chances of getting it done in the Senate are greater than not getting it done, he said. This is good news.
Emily Brooks, Alex Gangitano and Brett Samuels contributed.
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Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) says hes not worried about being ousted from his post after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) threatened him with a motion to vacate on Wednesday if he passes a budget continuing resolution amid ongoing funding negotiations.
Johnson is in the middle of difficult talks with the Senate and White House over border security and foreign aid expenditures. He struck a separate top-line spending deal to fund the government last weekend but said he will not agree to additional Ukraine aid without border security concessions.
In a CNN interview Wednesday, Johnson said he isnt concerned with the rising conservative wing threats to remove him from the Speakership, the same fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
I have a job to do, he said. We all have to do our jobs. Marjorie Taylor Greene is very upset about the lack of oversight over the funding and over the lack of an articulation of a plan, as am I.
Ive talked with her about it personally at great length, and shes made her position very clear, he continued. We have to do our job. We have to continue to ensure that were covering all these bases and well see how this all shakes out. Im not worried about that. I got a job to do here. And we have to make sure we get the answers that we demanded.
Dissenting Republicans tanked a procedural vote and held up a floor vote in protest of the top-line deal this week, with multiple members openly calling for the negotiated agreement to be thrown out.
The deal caps government spending at $1.59 trillion with around $69 billion in additional budget tweaks largely in line with the spending caps included in the debt limit deal McCarthy struck with President Biden last year that outraged Republicans, leading to McCarthys ouster.
Rep Garret Graves (R-La.) denounced the dissent as only theatrics.
This is the drama caucus, he told The Hill last week. Whos the conservative? Nice job, guys.
Congress is staring down Friday and Feb. 2 shutdown deadlines.
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The King has been seen wearing the pink and blue T-Rex tie several times
The cheerful King let his sartorial choices convey his sense of humour as he revelled in his new status as monarch, a new book has revealed.
Charles, 75, has been spotted out and about on several occasions over the last year wearing a pale pink silk tie featuring a light blue tyrannosaurus rex pattern.
It is understood to have been given to him by a member of his family as a coded play on his new title: Charles III Rex, or C-Rex.
The Kings new nickname is discussed in Robert Hardmans new book, Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, published on Thursday.
Hardman notes that the Kings capacity for gloomy introspection appears to have lifted in recent months and that his mood is unquestionably more cheerful these days.
The new mood has even permeated his wardrobe, he writes. Finding gifts for the man who really does have everything might be tricky, but, since his accession, his family have given the King several new ties.
A particular favourite, seen on numerous occasions, from church at Sandringham to a walkabout in Manchester, is of pale pink silk with a light blue tyrannosaurus rex pattern printed all over it.
Is the T-Rex motif a humorous, coded play on C-Rex? I couldnt possibly comment, says one of his team with a grin, suggesting strongly that it might be.
Like his mother, who thoroughly enjoyed being Queen, even during some very dark days, Charles III is, simply, very happy being monarch.
The King may take great pride in spending hours at his desk, meticulously trawling through his red boxes of government papers but there is one issue that caused concern.
Six months into the reign, officers of the Household Division received a polite request from the Kings equerry asking if soldiers might lower the decibels when barking orders outside St Jamess Palace, Hardman writes.
Full marks for vigour, he wrote, but please could you pass down to those on guard that some volume control would be very much appreciated.
Elsewhere in the book, the author describes how the King, while wanting to be viewed as a modern man, wanted to remain just behind the curve.
His press secretary in the late 1970s was John Dauth, an Australian diplomat, who describes how various career plans were considered for the young heir to the throne.
He reveals that the Prince did not want to be at a desk 9-5 and so the suggestion of a senior role with the British Council was rejected.
Hardman writes: Dauth also remembers a separate discussion about his bosss approach to royal duties: The Prince said: I want to be seen as a modern man but not too modern. Just behind the curve. Ive always remembered that just behind the curve.
The King is said to have likened his accession from heir to King to the transition from barrister to judge.
A senior aide is quoted as saying: The way he looks at it is rather like the legal profession and the way lawyers can be barristers and then judges.
You can be a barrister and then you can become a judge. It is a completely different job but you change when the time comes and that is accepted.
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Not sure if youve heard the news but those backwards folks down in Kentucky are at it again. At least thats the sentiment I keep seeing on social media recently.
Rep. Nick Wilson, R-Williamsburg, filed a bill that wouldve removed first cousins from Kentuckys criminal incest law. House Bill 269, in its original version, struck first cousins from the list of familial relatives it is illegal for an individual to have sex with.
When the text and details of the bill were posted by reporters on X (formerly Twitter) the evening of Jan. 16, it resulted in a lot of general confusion, befuddlement and other feelings ofreally just absurdity, about why this is something a state representative wants to focus on.
Wilson explained in a subsequent Facebook post on Jan. 17 that during the drafting process of this bill there was an inadvertent change, which struck first cousins from the list of relationships included under the incest statute, and that he failed to include that language back in before formally filing the bill.
In the post he said the purpose of the bill is to add sexual contact, such as touching or groping, to the statute. That would make sexual contact done by those with a familial relationship fall under the states existing incest law, which it currently does not.
He told WKMS the intent of the bill is to create a new law protecting Kentuckians from acts that dont amount to intercourse from people with familial relationships.
Wilson has since withdrawn the original bill and refiled it with the language pertaining to first cousins included. Which, let me be clear, leaving that part of the statue as is, with first cousins included, is the correct thing to do.
Now Im not going to talk at length about the specifics of this legislation, or the general screw-up that happened here; other than say if youre a state lawmaker consider, I dont know, reading over your bills before filing them. If you dont intend to remove first cousins from the states incest law then, maybe, dont file a bill that would do that.
What really gets me about these kinds of situations that throw Kentucky into a national spotlight (likely in part because Wilson won Survivor: David vs. Goliath, and also because of how crazy it is) is that everyone has something to say about Kentucky.
Rep. Nick Wilson, R-Williamsburg, spoke in the Kentucky House of Representatives during the 2023 General Assembly.
Just when you think were pulling ahead in the court of public perception we end up taking thirty steps back! Certainly doesnt help us combat the stereotypes we often fall prey to.
I did a lot of scrolling online about what people had to say about this news story. I was not surprised to see a lot of the same jokes and comments people like to throw out there whenever Kentucky gets into the limelight.
KentuckyIm shocked [rolling eyes emoji], I guess Kentucky is running out of banjo players, Kentucky inbreds, Kissing cousins, Family tree with no branches, you get the idea.
Jokes and comments like this, I dont even personally find them offensive anymore. I grew up having people in the bigger cities like Lexington and Louisville, and plenty of people from outside the state, make jokes about where I grew up.
Oh, you all wear shoes? Oh, you know how to read? Oh, I didnt realize it was this poor in these areas. Oh yeah, youre Kentucky Fried Chicken! That last one was pretty funny because it was said to me by a drunken Welsh man inside of a KFC, actually.
Other people may find them offensive, and thats fair, but more than anything else I find them unoriginal. At least have some creativity with these jokes, people.
Did you know there are two states that have legalized incest? In Rhode Island and New Jersey incest between consenting adults is legal, but marriage in these circumstances is not allowed.
Yet I dont see many jokes being cracked about the people in these states. I suppose the hillbilly trope doesnt extend that far up the eastern seaboard.
I wont pretend incest doesnt exist at all in Kentucky. Perhaps the most enduring and infamous story surrounding it is the Blue People of Kentucky, aka the Fugate family who lived near Troublesome Creek.
Members of the family were carriers of a recessive gene, which caused a decreased availability of oxygen to circulate in the body and resulted in blue-colored skin.
As the family grew, they did, indeed, marry first cousins and other family members; as well as marrying into other families who lived close by in the area.
Dr. Madison Cawein, a hematologist at the University of Kentucky, who studied the ancestry of the Fugate family and went on to author research into his medical findings, told Science magazine in 1982 that the descendants were embarrassed and ashamed about their condition.
Kentucky is much more than these stereotypes that crop up when inane things like this happen. Ive almost got it down to a science now with how people respond and its, frankly, boring that folks on the internet dont have better material.
But in this case its also disheartening. Incest, inter-family violence, sexual abuse and the like are points of real concern for Kentuckians, perhaps especially those who live in Wilsons rural district who may not have the needed resources to get themselves out of a harmful situation.
So feel free to laugh it up at our expense, but at least consider why you find it so funny; barring that, step outside your comfort zone and remove the banjo bit from your next stand-up routine.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is requesting a transcribed interview with a former Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) official for allegedly flagging consumer transactions that had the phrases TRUMP or MAGA in them.
On behalf of the Judiciary Committees Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, Jordan sent a letter requesting testimony to Noah Bishoff, the former director of an office in the Strategic Operations Division of FinCEN, which is part of the Treasury Department.
Jordan said the committee had obtained documents showing that FinCEN outlined typologies of persons of interest in materials distributed to financial institutions. He said these materials included suggested search terms and Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) for identifying transactions on behalf of federal law enforcement after Jan. 6, 2021.
These materials included a document recommending the use of generic terms like TRUMP and MAGA to search Zelle payment messages as well as a prior FinCEN analysis of Lone Actor/Homegrown Violent Extremism Indicators, the letter states.
Jordan said FinCEN warned financial institutions of extremism indicators, such as transportation charges for travel to areas with no apparent purchase or subscriptions to other media containing extremist views.
In other words, FinCEN urged large financial institutions to comb through the private transactions of their customers for suspicious charges on the basis of protected political and religious expression, he said in the letter.
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The Treasury Department declined to comment on the letter. FinCENs mission is to safeguard the financial system from illicit use, combat money laundering and its related crimes including terrorism, according to its website.
Jordan also said FinCEN distributed slides that showed financial institutions how to flag customers who may be potential active shooters or terrorists based on their transactions. He contends that those who may have purchased a firearm, made a purchase at Cabelas or Dicks Sporting Goods and other businesses may have had their transactions flagged.
Despite these transactions having no apparent criminal nexus and, in fact, relate to Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights FinCEN seems to have adopted a characterization of these Americans as potential threat actors, Jordan wrote.
This kind of pervasive financial surveillance, carried out in coordination with and at the request of federal law enforcement, into Americans private transactions is alarming and raises serious doubts about FinCENs respect for fundamental civil liberties, he added.
Jordan is asking Bishoff to contact the committee staff to schedule a transcribed interview with the committee no later than Jan. 31.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON The judge overseeing the federal election interference case against former President Donald Trump has rejected his request to hold special counsel Jack Smith and his office in contempt.
Earlier this month, attorneys for Trump asked U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to hold Smith in contempt for filing motions while the case is stayed pending Trumps appeal on presidential immunity grounds.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan. (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia)
Chutkan, however, said in her opinion and order Thursday that she agrees with Trump that Smiths filings place a "cognizable" burden on him, and that although it was "not a major burden" for Trump's team to have to review Smith's filings, and that she would now forbid the special counsel from making substantive pretrial motions without permission going forward.
Chutkan has ordered that both parties be required to seek her permission before filing additional pre-trial motions while the stay order remains in effect.
This measure is an addition to the Stay Order, aimed to further advance its purposes, and does not reflect a determination that the Government has violated any of its clear and unambiguous terms or acted in bad faith, she wrote.
Chutkan wrote that continuing to produce discovery was a separate matter, and that she "cannot conclude that merely receiving discovery or an exhibit list constitutes a meaningful burden," because receiving discovery "requires no review or response" from Trump's team.
Smith's office had explicitly notified both the court and Trump's team that it planned to continue to meet the deadlines previously set by the court. In a memo opposing Trump's motion to hold the special counsel in contempt, Smith's office noted that the office "did what it said it would do."
Chutkan noted in her order that Smith's office was factually correct: Her motion did not forbid the special counsel from continuing to meet deadlines.
"On its own terms, then, the Stay Orders key operative sentence did not clearly bar the Government from voluntary rather than obligatory compliance with the Pretrial Orders now-stayed deadlines," Chutkan wrote.
Trump had filed a motion that contended that the federal government violated a court order by continuing to produce discovery in the case and filing a motion while the case was paused as an appeals court considers Trump's effort to dismiss the case based on presidential immunity grounds.
The motion earlier this month came from Trump lawyer John Lauro who argued that Smith should be held in contempt for an unlawful production of discovery and said that federal prosecutors are engaging in partisan-driven misconduct.
Chutkan's opinion Thursday noted that even after she stayed the case on Dec. 13, Smith's office produced additional discovery and a draft exhibit list to Trump's legal team as well as a motion seeking to exclude certain evidence and arguments from any trial in the case.
Trump is waiting for a ruling by a federal appeals court in a case in which he argues that he's immune from being prosecuted over his election interference efforts because he was president at the time. The case is likely to end up in front of the Supreme Court.
The trial in the election case is scheduled to begin on March 4, though Chutkan suggested in her order it could be delayed as these legal matters are considered by the courts.
"Contrary to Defendants assertion, the court has not and will not set deadlines in this case based on the assumption that he has undertaken preparations when not required to do so," she wrote.
She then quoted a prior statement she made in which she said seven months would be sufficient time to prepare for trial, suggesting that an additional few weeks could be added since the case has been paused since December.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A Fulton County judge has scheduled a hearing for a motion filed by one of the co-defendants in the Georgia election indictment who accused Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of misconduct.
Michael Roman and his attorneys filed a motion in January for his charges to be dismissed, alleging that Willis had an improper relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
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The defense attorney who made those explosive allegations told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne that she has eyewitnesses.
I would never have filed something like this if I didnt have multiple sources to corroborate, Ashleigh Merchant said about the motion she filed on behalf of her client, Michael Roman, alleging an improper relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, possibly tainting the case.
Fulton County District Attorneys Office spokesman Jeff DiSantis said in a previous statement that the office will respond to the allegations in court filings and they look forward to addressing the matter.
Judge Scott McAfee scheduled an evidentiary hearing on Feb. 15, according to a document obtained by Channel 2 Action News. Willis has until Feb. 2 to respond.
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NEW YORK The judge at Donald Trumps Manhattan defamation trial threatened to boot the former president from the courtroom Wednesday for mouthing off about E. Jean Carroll in front of the jury after being warned to keep quiet.
Mr. Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited, and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, which is what has been reported to me ... and if he disregards court orders, Manhattan Federal Court Judge Lewis Kaplan said.
Mr. Trump, I hope I dont have to consider excluding you from the trial, the judge said. I understand youre probably very eager for me to do that.
Trump then brazenly replied, I would love it.
I know you would. You just cant control yourself in these circumstances, apparently, the judge said.
The tense back-and-forth came after Carrolls lawyer, Shawn Crowley, informed Kaplan that Trump had continued to criticize Carroll from his seat while she was on the stand, even after Kaplan had earlier warned him not to.
It is a witch hunt, Crowley quoted Trump, adding that the former president was also overheard saying, It really is a con job, and Its true when Carrolls lawyers played footage of him deriding Carroll.
Carroll, 80, took the witness stand on the second day of her defamation trial against Trump, who another jury determined sexually abused and defamed her last May, awarding her $5 million in damages. That case involved the second of two suits Carroll brought against Trump in recent years and defamatory Truth Social comments. Shes seeking at least another $10 million.
The abuse aimed at her after then-President Trump called her a liar in June 2019 forming the basis of the first suit continued long after he left the White House and shattered her reputation, the advice columnist told a packed courtroom as Trump glared at her from the audience.
Yesterday, I opened up Twitter and it said, Hey lady, youre a fraud, Carroll testified.
Jurors will determine how much Trump owes Carroll for the statements he made when she first accused him of assaulting her in a Bergdorf Goodman changing room in the 1990s, which Kaplan decided were defamatory after the first trial. He denied assaulting Carroll because he said she wasnt his type and accused her of fabricating the incident to sell books.
Im here because Donald Trump assaulted me. And when I wrote about it, he said it never happened. He lied, and he shattered my reputation, Carroll said.
To have the president of the United States, one of the most powerful persons on earth, calling me a liar for three days and saying Im a liar 26 times I counted them it ended the world that I had been living in.
Asked by her lawyer Roberta Kaplan what she thought Trump meant when he said she wasnt his type, Carroll said, It means Im too ugly to assault.
Seemingly on the verge of tears at times, Carroll testified about a torrent of death threats, leading her to sleep with her late fathers gun beside her bed, hire private security, and have a pit bull guard her property.
Known for decades as a respected advice columnist for Elle, Carroll told the jury, Now Im known as a liar and a fraud and a wack job.
Wednesdays proceedings got off to a dramatic start when Trump lawyer Alina Habba made yet another request to the judge to postpone Thursdays proceedings so Trump could attend his mother-in-laws funeral in Florida without missing trial. When Kaplan denied the request and told Habba to sit down, the defense attorney scolded the judge for his tone.
The drama didnt end there, with Habba and her client angering Kaplan throughout the day. Kaplan also denied a request to recuse himself, with Trumps lawyers citing his general hostility towards the defense.
When Habba asked for a mistrial and accused Carroll in front of the jury of destroying evidence by deleting hate mail in her inbox, Kaplan boomed, Denied! The jury will disregard everything Ms. Habba just said.
The Republican front-runner for president lambasted the judge and Carroll in lengthy Truth Social diatribes throughout the day. Hes not expected to be at the trial on Thursday to attend his mother-in-laws funeral.
His lawyers plan to call him to the stand, but he wont be permitted to deny sexually assaulting Carroll or defaming her.
---------
The Georgia judge overseeing the racketeering case charging Donald Trump and allies with attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in the state has scheduled a hearing for February to weigh whether the Fulton county district attorney should be disqualified from prosecuting the charges.
In a one-page order, the Fulton county superior judge Scott McAfee set an evidentiary hearing for 15 February to address allegations raised by Trumps co-defendant Michael Roman that the district attorney Fani Willis had an improper romantic relationship with one of her prosecutors.
Related: Trump lawyer tries to discredit E Jean Carroll in bizarre exchange during trial
The judge also ordered the district attorney to file a response to the allegations by 2 February. Earlier this week, Williss office had privately told at least two lawyers involved in the case that they intended to submit their written response by that date, people familiar with the matter said.
The case is unlikely to be dismissed outright even if the allegations are proven true. But that could result in the disqualification of Willis, which, under Georgia caselaw, would necessitate the disqualification of the entire Fulton county district attorneys office, as well.
At issue is an explosive complaint from Roman director of Trumps 2020 election-day operations that Willis should be relieved of bringing the case because of conflicts of interests arising from her ongoing relationship with a lawyer named Nathan Wade, whom she hired as a special prosecutor.
The filing claimed Willis personally profited from the contract. Wade was paid at least $653,000 and potentially as much as $1m for legal fees as one of the lead prosecutors on the Trump case, and the filing alleged Wade then paid for trips he took with Willis to Napa Valley and the Caribbean.
The filing included no proof of the allegations. Romans lawyer Ashleigh Merchant, a respected local attorney who publicly endorsed Wade when he ran to be a Cobb county superior judge 2016, has said the claims were based on sources and records from Wades divorce proceeding that remains under seal.
Wade started divorce proceedings the day after he was hired as a special prosecutor on the Trump case. According to court records, the divorce case has been contentious, and Joycelyn Mayfield Wade wrote that her husband had failed to disclose his finances, including from his Fulton county work.
For his part, Wade has repeatedly insisted in court filings that he had complied with the discovery obligations and accused his wife of being stubbornly litigious and dragging the matter out for no stated reasons.
Three days after Trump was indicted in Atlanta last August, the presiding Cobb county superior court judge Henry Thompson held Wade in contempt for failing to disclose financial statements, including bank and credit card statements.
Weeks later, Joycelyn Mayfield Wade said in a filing in September that she would be forced to subpoena records to obtain her husbands earnings from legal work done for the Fulton county district attorneys office and Fulton county in November and December respectively.
Willis herself was subpoenaed for testimony on 8 January, just hours before Roman filed his motion seeking dismissal of the charges and disqualification. The subpoena ordered her to appear for a 23 January video-taped deposition.
Willis has not directly addressed the allegations, and a spokesperson has said it would all be addressed in court filings.
Romans allegations threaten to upend one of the most consequential criminal cases against Trump, who pleaded not guilty to charges that he and his co-defendants violated the Georgia Rico statute through his efforts to reverse his 2020 election defeat.
Whether Willis, and therefore the district attorneys office, can be disqualified from prosecuting the Trump case turns less on Wades credentials and more on the extent of a potential conflict of interest, legal experts said.
The standard for disqualification does not turn on whether Willis made prosecutorial decisions to benefit Wade, the experts said, but whether she made decisions to extend a criminal investigation actually benefited Wade, who was also paying for travel and vacations.
In 2022, the chief Fulton county superior court judge Robert McBurney disqualified the Fulton county district attorneys office from prosecuting the Republican lieutenant governor Burt Jones after Willis endorsed his political opponent, Charlie Bailey.
The order from McBurney found that there was an actual conflict of interest because even though Jones might not have had definitive proof that an investigative decision was made to benefit Bailey any public criminal investigation into Jones plainly benefits Baileys campaign.
Should McAfee ultimately decide to disqualify Fulton county, the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia would be tasked with deciding where the case would be transferred to. It could pursue the case itself, or give it to another district attorneys office, which could choose to drop the charges.
The Georgia judge overseeing former President Trumps criminal case scheduled a hearing next month to weigh accusations that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) hired her romantic partner as a top prosecutor on the case.
Judge Scott McAfee scheduled the hearing for Feb. 15 and directed Willis to respond to the allegations in writing by Feb. 2.
The accusation first surfaced last week in court papers filed by an attorney for Mike Roman, a Trump 2020 campaign operative who is one of the former presidents co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case. The filing did not contain any hard proof of the alleged relationship.
Roman said the purported relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade makes the indictment fatally defective and asked the judge to dismiss the charges. He also asked the judge to block the Fulton County district attorneys office from further involvement in the case.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks during a worship service at the Big Bethel AME Church, where she was invited as a guest speaker on Jan. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
During a church service earlier this week, Willis appeared to defend her hiring of Wade, without naming him, also insinuating that race had played a role in the criticisms.
Trumps lead lawyer in Georgia, Steve Sadow, signaled last week that the former president might join Romans motion after Willis has had a chance to respond. Trump himself called for the case against him to be dropped, describing Willis as totally compromised.
The allegations have given Trump-allied Republicans more fodder to paint the district attorneys case as corrupt and politically motivated.
More top stories from The Hill:
A hearing in Wades ongoing divorce case, which Romans lawyer has said would yield evidence to support the claim, is scheduled for Jan. 31, two days before Willis is required to reply. The district attorney was subpoenaed in the divorce case the day the accusations went public, according to a court document obtained by The Hill.
Trump is charged alongside more than a dozen others including Roman with racketeering and other counts for allegedly entering a monthslong conspiracy to keep Trump unlawfully in power. It is one of four criminal indictments Trump, who pleaded not guilty, faces as he campaigns to return to the White House.
The Washington Post first reported the Feb. 15 hearings scheduling, which is slated for the same day that Trump and his legal team are expected to appear for a hearing in his hush money criminal case.
Updated 1:38 p.m. ET Jan. 18.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The judge overseeing the Fulton County prosecution of former President Donald Trump and numerous co-defendants has directed District Attorney Fani Willis to respond to allegations that she is in a romantic relationship with one of the lead prosecutors and has violated ethics rules.
Judge Scott McAfee ordered Willis to file a written response by Feb. 2. He said he will hold a hearing on the allegations on Feb. 15.
Mike Roman, a former Trump campaign official and one of the defendants in the case, lodged the bombshell allegations against Willis in court papers last week filed by his lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant. Merchant claimed that Willis is involved in an improper relationship with Nathan Wade, an outside lawyer whom Willis hired on a contract basis as a special prosecutor to help run the case.
Merchant claimed, without proof, that Willis and Wade traveled on expensive vacations financed by the income Wade earned from his work on the case. The arrangement violates rules barring conflicts of interest, Merchant argued, and is grounds for the judge to disqualify Willis and her team from the prosecution.
Before joining the Trump probe, Wade does not appear to have had any experience prosecuting complex cases. Wades biography on his law firms website touts his experience on personal injury issues, family law, contract disputes and other civil matters.
Willis office said it would respond to the allegations in court filings. In an order handed down Thursday, McAfee directed Willis to do just that.
Willis recently defended Wades qualifications in remarks during a church service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. She did not address the allegations of impropriety.
In November 2021, a day after joining the district attorneys team, Wade filed to divorce his wife of more than two decades. That divorce proceeding has now become intertwined with the Trump case, as Wades wife, Joycelyn Wade, recently subpoenaed Willis to testify in the divorce proceeding.
The Wade divorce proceedings are sealed. On Jan. 31 two days before McAfees new deadline there will be a hearing in the divorce case on whether to unseal it. Merchant has moved for the case to be unsealed, and earlier this week a coalition of media outlets weighed in to support unsealing the proceedings.
On Thursday, Willis moved to quash the subpoena for her deposition, which is scheduled for Jan. 23, arguing that she has no relevant evidence to offer in a divorce proceeding in which both parties have agreed the marriage has been irretrievably broken since 2021.
Willis called the subpoena an attempt to embarrass and harass her and suggested it had been coordinated with Roman. She noted that the subpoena for her testimony came simultaneously with Romans allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Willis and Wade. And she said the only conceivable relevant information she would have for Wades divorce details about his compensation as her employee had already been provided.
Joycelyn Wade has not identified any other relevant basis for questioning or seeking discovery from the District Attorney Willis, Willis attorney Cinque Axam wrote.
Willis' filing did not address the allegations by Roman that she and Nathan Wade have a personal relationship.
Merchant, Roman's attorney, responded to Willis claim of coordination.
As she did in Fulton County, Willis attempts to create a conspiracy where none exists, Merchant said. We filed Mr. Romans motion on the day it was due, January 8th. We believe her filing in Cobb County is just another attempt to avoid having to directly answer the important questions Mr. Roman has raised.
The bullet that killed 6-year-old Aiden Leos punched a small hole in the trunk of his mother's silver Chevrolet, a few inches from the license plate.
The round traveled through the car's back seat, through his booster seat and into the child's back, passing through his liver, lung and heart. He was already lifeless, minutes later, when an off-duty police officer found him bleeding on the side of the 55 Freeway near his screaming mother and tried to revive him.
When investigators caught up to 24-year-old Marcus Eriz after an intensive 16-day manhunt, he said that the Chevrolet's driver, Aiden's mother, had flipped him off in traffic. But he otherwise offered scant insight as to why he took hold of his 9-millimeter semiautomatic gun and fired into a stranger's car that morning in May 2021.
Read more: Pair arrested in apparent road rage shooting of Orange County boy
"I just grabbed my gun for some reason ... shot at them," Eriz told an interrogator, according to a transcript presented in Orange County Superior Court on Thursday, where Eriz is on trial facing charges of second-degree murder and shooting at a motor vehicle.
"This is not a road rage case," Deputy Dist. Atty. Daniel Feldman told jurors in his opening statement, but rather about the defendant's "callous and total disregard for human life."
Eriz had been a passenger in his girlfriend Wynne Lee's Volkswagen at rush hour on the morning of May 21. They were on the 55 Freeway near Chapman Avenue and headed north to Riverside County, where they worked together at a collision-repair shop.
Joanna Cloonan had strapped her son Aiden into his booster seat and was driving him to kindergarten on the same stretch of freeway. He had just turned 6. By Cloonan's account, the Volkswagen cut her off in the carpool lane, forcing her to hit her brakes, and its driver, Lee, flashed a peace sign she interpreted as sarcastic.
Cloonan followed the Volkswagen for a short distance, then changed lanes to pass and extended her middle finger at the other car, "something she would come to regret beyond comprehension," the prosecutor told jurors.
As Cloonan pulled away, she heard a sound like a rock hitting her car and her son cry out in pain. She pulled to the side of the freeway and unstrapped him. "Please help," she repeated frantically to a 911 dispatcher. "He's bleeding to death. ... I'm on the freeway."
An off-duty Seal Beach police officer, Joe Garcia, saw the commotion and pulled over to help. He performed CPR and carried the boy to the ambulance that transported him to Children's Hospital of Orange County, but the boy was pronounced dead within the hour.
A motorist witnessed part of the incident and managed to snap a blurry photo of the Volkswagen as it pulled away, which gave investigators a focus as they launched a massive manhunt. There was a conspicuous memorial at the shooting site, posters that said "Who shot Aiden?" hung up and down the freeway, and by early June the reward had climbed to $450,000.
Around that time, when a co-worker told Eriz that his girlfriend's Volkswagen resembled the car police were looking for, he parked the car at his family's house in Whittier and began driving to work in his truck. He and Lee, who was 23, were taken into custody at their home in Costa Mesa days later.
The shooting resulted from "a momentary lapse of reason by a 24-year-old guy who had very little life experience," Deputy Public Defender Randall Bethune told jurors Thursday.
Read more: Boy killed in freeway road rage shooting is mourned: 'Too pure and innocent for this world'
"The man who confesses was aware of the consequences," he said, but "the man who pulled the trigger" was not. After the shooting, Eriz's girlfriend asked why he'd done it. "He didn't have a good answer as to why he did what he did, right then," Bethune said. "He just didn't have an answer."
Eriz went to work unaware that he had killed the boy, the defense attorney said, describing him as "a 24-year-old guy who likes to play video games and watch YouTube" rather than follow the news, which left him in the dark for days about what he'd done.
When he found out, the defense attorney said, he didn't turn himself in because he was "frozen with fear," though he did not get rid of the gun or flee the area.
"He's not a monster," Bethune told jurors. "He's just a young guy who made a mistake."
The trial continues in the Santa Ana courtroom of Superior Court Judge Richard King. Lee, who faces a felony charge of accessory after the fact to the crime, is scheduled to be tried separately.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Arab Parliament backs one-China policy, praises China's support for Palestine
Xinhua) 09:42, January 18, 2024
CAIRO, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Arab Parliament, based in Cairo, reaffirmed on Wednesday its full support for the one-China policy and praised China's stance on the Palestinian issue.
In a statement, the parliament expressed its opposition to so-called "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference in China's internal affairs, vowing support for China's legitimate right to maintain territorial integrity and full sovereignty.
It said the one-China principle is firmly established in Arab foreign policy and that the recent elections in Taiwan have no impact on it.
The statement also lauded China's efforts to support the Palestinian cause and reject any plans to displace the Palestinian people or end their struggle for their rights.
It also voiced appreciation for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remarks during his latest trip to several Arab and African countries, which condemned all violations of international laws.
The statement also highlighted the strong strategic ties and cultural affinities between China and the Arab countries, and called for further cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The judge presiding over E. Jean Carrolls second defamation trial engaged in a very testy exchange with Donald Trumps lawyer when she requested an adjournment or delay in the proceedings of the case.
He also threatened to throw the real estate mogul-turned-politician out of his court for being disruptive.
Attorney Alina Habba asked U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Tuesday, Jan. 16, whether her client could attend his mother-in-law Amalija Knavs s funeral, a move that, if granted, would potentially delay the trial. Kaplan promptly denied the request.
Former President Donald Trump leaves a press conference at 40 Wall Street on January 17, 2024 in New York City. Trump held a press conference after leaving the second day of his defamation trial involving E. Jean Carroll. The trial is to determine how much money in damages the former president must pay Carroll as a result of public comments that he made both while he was president and after the jurys verdict in May. Carroll was awarded $5 million in damages in May from the previous lawsuit. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Politico reporter Erica Orden recorded the back-and-forth on her X profile.
The application is denied, the judge asked. I will hear no further argument on it.
Habba: "I don't like to be spoken to that way, your honor." She continued to ask for an adjournment, at which point Kaplan cut her off again:
"Its denied. Sit down." erica orden (@eorden) January 17, 2024
Habba continued to push her request but was shut down immediately by the bench, who said, None. Do you understand that word? Sit down.
I dont like to be spoken to that way, your honor, and we are going to be here for several days, Habba said and continued to inquire about the adjournment. But Kaplan did not budge on his decision, telling her, Its denied. Sit down.
This is not the first time that Habba has asked the judge to push the trial back, and each time, her request has been met with a rejection.
This is the second trial for Carroll vs. Trump.
At the crux of the case is an allegation by Carroll, who was a columnist for Elle Magazine from 1993 through 2019, becoming one of the longest-running advice columns in American publishing, alleges that Trump raped her in the Bergdorf Goodman stores dressing room in New York City during the 1990s.
In May, a jury ruled in Carrolls favor, ordering the former president to pay her $5 million for sexual abuse and defamation.
Despite this, Trump maintains his innocence and publicly accuses Carroll of lying.
The current trial is about claims Trump is committing ongoing defamation of the writer and will determine if the court will award additional financial damages to Carroll.
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, Kaplan threatened to kick Trump out of the court because he was making disruptive comments that Carrolls lawyers could hear while the journalist was on the stand.
To have the President of the United States, one of the most powerful persons on earth, call me a liar for three days and say it 26 times, I counted them, it ended the world I had been living in, and I lived in a new world, Carroll testified.
I am here because Donald Trump assaulted me, she continued. And when I wrote about it, he lied, and he shattered my reputation.
He lied last month, on Sunday, yesterday, and I want my reputation back, she said before noting that she is now 80 years old and has spent the last 50 years trying to rebuild her reputation, one destroyed when the powerful Trump assaulted her, and she spoke up.
She also spoke about the ongoing harassment she has experienced, even recently on social media, Yesterday I opened up Twitter, and it said, Hey, lady, youre a fraud.
Trump said while Carroll was testifying, This really is a con job.
Kaplan agreed with Carrolls counsel and told him to keep his voice down.
Mr. Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited, and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, and if he disregards court orders, Kaplan said after she dismissed the predominately male jury for lunch, according to CNBC.
Mr. Trump I hope I dont have to consider excluding you from the trial, I understand you are very eager for me to do that, the judge said.
Rebelliously, Trump responded, raising his hands in the air and shaking them, I would love it. I would love it.
I know you would because you just cant control yourself in this circumstance, the judge shot right back at him.
After the proceeding, Trump took to his social media and ranted about the treatment he received from the judge.
He wrote, I feel an obligation to be at every moment of this ridiculous trial because we have a seething and hostile Clinton-appointed Judge, Lewis Kaplan, who suffers from a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Just Cant Control Yourself: Judge In Trump Defamation Trial Threatens to Kick Former President Out of Court, Refuses to Let Him His Team Defy His Orders for Decorum
When Cartisha Morgans daughter said she was going on a spiritual journey, she was initially supportive.
But troubling signs soon appeared, especially when Ma'Kayla Wickerson, 25, distanced herself and her 3-year-old daughter, Malaiyah, from the rest of her family a decision Morgan said was unlike anything her daughter had ever done.
She was so different, Morgan told USA TODAY. I didnt understand.
Although she grew increasingly concerned, Morgan could never have known what they were caught up in.
Police say Ma'Kayla and Malaiyah have vanished, swallowed up with four other people by a "spiritual cult."
Authorities are investigating the disappearances, the suspected cult and possible ties to murders in other states, Missouri police say. Berkeley Police Maj. Steve Runge told USA TODAY he hopes spreading the word will help authorities find the missing alive and well.
A neighbor provided this photo to police in Berkeley, Missouri, investigating the disappearance of the adults shown meditating in their backyard. Police say they are followers of a 'spiritual cult' and have been missing since August.
In addition to the Wickersons, that includes 24-year-old Mikayla Thompson of St. Louis; 27-year-old Gerrielle German and 3-year-old Ashton Mitchell of Lake Horn, Mississippi; and 29-year-old Naaman Williams of Washington, D.C. They were last seen at a Quality Inn near St. Louis in August.
"Theres been no response from them whatsoever despite multiple attempts," Runge said. Nobodys heard anything, the holidays have come and gone, and these people, from speaking with the family members, they cant believe that their family members wouldnt reach out.
Runge says the investigation has not turned up direct evidence that those missing are in imminent danger, and there is no indication that this is a violent group."
The adults are believed to be followers of Rashad Jamal, a convicted child molester who leads "The University of Cosmic Intelligence. Police described the group as a "spiritual cult," which has about 200,000 subscribers on its YouTube channel and tens of thousands more across other platforms.
Ma'Kayla Wickerson, 25, and her 3-year-old daughter Malaiyah, along with four other people, have been missing since August, according to police in Berkeley, Missouri.
Authorities said believers have been active on social media and shared Jamals videos, disconnected from family and friends, quit their jobs, meditated outside without clothes and had polygamous relationships.
Morgan said she holds out hope for her missing loved ones.
"We miss Ma'Kayla and Malaiyah so much," Morgan said. "Faith has been keeping us together as a family. ... We still believe that everything's going to be OK and they're going to come back home safely. I just wish I knew where they were."
'There were signs I should have noticed'
Ma'Kayla Wickerson has four siblings and a large extended family who mostly live near St. Louis, where she was born and raised. Her mother said she excelled in school and was always independent.
For years she had lived on her own but remained in constant contact with family. That changed in late 2022, when Wickerson moved with young Malaiyah into a house in Berkeley, Missouri, and became close with people she had met online, Morgan said.
Malaiyah Wickerson, 3, has been missing since August 2023, according to police in Berkeley, Missouri.
She slowly withdrew from family, and in March 2023, things came to a head. Morgan received a call from her daughter's boss, who told her Wickerson had quit her job. When confronted, Wickerson told her mother she was going to start her own business.
That same month, Morgan dropped by Wickerson's house and saw people she didn't recognize. Wickerson told her mother the people were "her family" and asked that she not come over anymore. Morgan listened, and from then on drove by the house only to make sure things looked "all right," she said. Morgan twice asked authorities to conduct a wellness check, but Wickerson answered all their questions and seemed OK to them, so nothing was done, Morgan said.
Since the group was last seen at the hotel in August, Morgan said she has been plagued by thoughts of what else she could have done for her daughter.
Mikayla Thompson, left, Gerrielle German, rear, and MaKayla Wickerson are shown on security footage. They were last seen at a hotel near St. Louis, according to police in Berkeley, Missouri.
"Now that I look back, she was saying she was overwhelmed and needed a break," Morgan said. "There were signs I should have noticed."
She believes Wickerson suffered from long-term postpartum depression and was vulnerable to online manipulation.
"My granddaughter was her first child, and that's overwhelming," she said. "There were probably some things that she was dealing with in silence, too."
What happens in the 'spiritual cult'?
The behavior Wickerson's mother described tracks with what authorities have seen from other followers of Jamal. Berkeley police said adherents have quit their jobs, changed their names to "a spiritual God or Goddess" and disconnected from families.
Other behaviors that have been red flags, police say:
Living off of credit cards.
Going off the grid a total disconnection from cell phones and social media.
Embracing sovereign citizenship.
Polygamy.
"Strange behavior" such as meditating nude in front and back yards with neighbors present.
Referring to their mother as a "shell" that brought their spirit into the universe.
Several of those behaviors appear tied to Jamal's teachings in his videos.
Jamal, whose full name is Rashad Jamal White, denied knowing the missing people or being a cult leader in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch by phone from a prison in Georgia, where he is serving an 18-year sentence for child molestation and cruelty to children in Georgia, the Post-Dispatch reported. He said the University of Cosmic Intelligence is an online platform he uses to share opinions, much like any social media influencer would.
What is The University of Cosmic Intelligence, and who is Rashad Jamal?
In University of Cosmic Intelligence videos, Jamal says Black and Latino people are gods and goddesses, while people of other races and ethnicities are not originally from this planet. He also claims that the weather is being controlled by weather machines disguised as "5G towers" and that elite families and presidents are "reptilian shapeshifters ... who actually eat the blood of the gods."
His website and social media channels promote sales of "crystals," merchandise and rap music videos he also creates.
Jamal describes himself as a "Black activist, scientist, author, philanthropist ... working hard to raise the vibration of the collective consciousness."
Im just giving you my opinion on a plethora of different subjects: from metaphysics to quantum physics to molecular biology to marine biology to geography to Black history to world history. Im giving you my opinions on these things, he told the Post-Dispatch. That doesnt make me a cult leader.
Families rocked by disappearances, and the draw of Rashad Jamal
In one of the last conversations Naaman Williams had with his mother, Lukeitta Williams, he told her she was not his mother, just a shell that brought him into the universe, police said.
Naaman Williams, holding an unidentified child, has been missing since August, according to police in Berkeley, Missouri.
Williams secretly moved to St. Louis after Mikayla Thompson, whom he had met on the internet, drove from her home in the St. Louis area to Washington, D.C., to pick him up. The Berkeley Police Department said in a news release that Williams began his spiritual journey around September of 2022.
Ivory Hill, one of Thompsons great-aunts, told USA TODAY she and her family are shocked by her disappearance. Thompson has a daughter who is being raised by another great-aunt.
She has a family she loves: a sister, three brothers, a daughter. Its just so sad to see this happening, Hill said.
Runge is asking anyone with information, including other law enforcement agencies grappling with similar cases, to contact Berkeley police.
Vanished 6 people disappeared without a trace from a Missouri hotel. Is an online cult involved?
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: University of Cosmic Intelligence cult followers still missing
Every morning, Veronica Mata goes into her daughter Tess room to raise the blinds even if Tess is no longer there to see the sun. Thursday, though, the ritual took on a new significance. She had at least a few more answers about Tess final moments.
On May 24, 2022, a gunman entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 fourth-grade children and two teachers including Tess. The gunman remained in the school for more than an hour before police confronted and killed him. Desperate parents and family members outside the school sparred with law enforcement barricading them from reaching their loved ones, who were still attempting to call for help from inside the building. Now, nearly two years after the shooting, the Justice Department has released a report detailing the failures of law enforcements response to the Uvalde massacre the findings are damning.
With the report finally out in the public eye, interest in the shooting rekindled, Mata says she gazed at the cross bearing Tess picture on the wall and promised shed keep fighting. Tess was a fighter, she says. These kids didnt deserve this. They deserve to be here.
After Attorney General Merrick Garland met with families on Wednesday evening, the report hit the general public Thursday morning. In summary, the response to the May 24, 2022, mass casualty incident at Robb Elementary School was a failure, the report, a copy of which was obtained by multiple outlets, says.
The painful lessons detailed in this report are not meant to exacerbate an already tragic situation or further the pain and trauma to those directly impacted by the events on May 24 and the subsequent days, weeks and months, but rather to provides answers to those directly impacted, while also conveying recommendations and lessons learned to the nation, the report says.
A separate 2022 investigation conducted by the Texas House of Representatives reached a similar conclusion, blaming systemic failures and egregious poor decision making for the catastrophic death toll. 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, read the scathing analysis from Texas lawmakers.
Families had mixed reactions to the report relief that theyre finally getting answers, but plenty of sorrow and anger. Theres some vindication because now we have the Attorney General himself stating what we already knew: that law enforcement failed us on that day, Kimberly Mata-Rubio tells Rolling Stone. The president of Lives Robbed, a nonprofit organization created by several parents of the victims, Mata-Rubios 10-year-old daughter Lexi was killed in the massacre.
I think it brings up mixed emotions. But anger is definitely one of the prominent ones, she adds. One of the failures thats not listed in this report is the federal governments failure to enact common-sense gun legislation. Mata-Rubio ran for Uvalde mayor in 2023 on a gun control platform, and despite losing the election, she says shes not done running for public office.
For Veronica Mata, the report opened old wounds and raised her ire. Why didnt they go in there? she says of law enforcement. I want to hear from them. I want them to tell us why they made the decision that they did. And I want to I want them to admit that they were wrong.
Mata-Rubio, like many parents, is most haunted by the answers she doesnt have. I dont know how long she was alive. I dont know if it was fast. Or if she waited and was scared, she says of Lexi, who she says she talks to every day. I just hope that today she is proud of the work thats been done in her honor.
Mata shares Mata-Rubios sorrow and confusion. We dont know if Tess was one of the first ones or if she was at the very, very end, she says. So it just kind of hit us in the gut. Maybe there was a possibility that she could survive. And they didnt do all that they could.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Uvalde Police released conflicting accounts of what exactly had transpired within the school in the 77 minutes between the time the shooting started and the moment they were finally able to neutralize the shooter. On July 12, 2022, more than a month after the shooting, The Austin-American Statesman released surveillance footage from within the school which showed that officers had been in the building just three minutes after the shooting began. The gunman continued his rampage for almost 30 minutes as a group of armed officers clad in tactical gear and shields debated how to intervene.
The footage shows law enforcement sending texts and making calls, grabbing hand sanitizer from a wall-mounted dispenser, fist-bumping each other, and searching for keys to the classroom within which the shooter was barricaded. All the while children trapped inside the room alongside their dead and wounded classmates and teachers continued attempting to call 911.
Uvalde Police Chief Pete Arredondo was fired from his post by a unanimous vote of the Uvalde School Board in August of 2022. In October of the same year, the entire Uvalde CISD Police Department was suspended.
Following the shooting, Robb Elementary School was permanently closed. In June 2022, the city announced to demolish the building. You can never ask a child to go back or a teacher to go back in that school ever, Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin said of the decision.
While the building may one day disappear, the pain felt by the families who lost their children and loved ones, and the devastation wrought upon their community, continues to linger.
As for what families hope comes out of the report, Mata-Rubio wants accountability: I hope local officials read the report and think about the recommendations and then take action, whether thats terminating the officers that are at fault, or criminal prosecution, or changing policies to make sure this doesnt happen again.
I dont think any answers that they give us are ever going to heal us, Mata says. We can never really move on from this. We dont have that member of our family here with us anymore.
This article was updated on Jan. 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET to include comments from family members of the victims.
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UVALDE, Texas (AP) Police officials who responded to the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas demonstrated no urgency in setting up a command post and failed to treat the killings as an active shooter situation, according to a Justice Department report released Thursday that identifies cascading failures in law enforcements handling of one of the deadliest massacres at a school in American history.
The Justice Department report, the most comprehensive federal accounting of the haphazard police response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School, identifies a vast array of problems from failed communication and leadership to inadequate technology and training that federal officials say contributed to the crisis lasting far longer than it should have, even as terrified students inside the classrooms called 911 and agonized parents begged officers to go in.
The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. The law enforcement response at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022 and the response by officials in the hours and days after was a failure. As a consequence of failed leadership, training, and policies, 33 students and three of their teachers many of whom had been shot were trapped in a room with an active shooter for over an hour as law enforcement officials remained outside.
Even for a mass shooting that has already been the subject of intense scrutiny and in-depth examinations, the nearly 600-page Justice Department report adds to the public understanding of how police in Uvalde failed to stop an attack that killed 19 children and two staff members.
Uvalde, a community of more than 15,000, continues to struggle with the trauma left by the killing of 19 elementary students and two teachers, and remains divided on questions of accountability for officers actions and inaction.
The shooting has already been picked over in legislative hearings, news reports and a damning report by Texas lawmakers who faulted law enforcement at every level with failing to prioritize saving innocent lives over their own safety.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta tours murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Artist Abel Ortiz, right, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, center, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left,tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Artist Abel Ortiz, second from right, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, right, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Attorney General Merrick Garland tours murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, tour murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, tour murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Family members and others affected by the Robb Elementary shooting leave a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Dora Mendoza, right, is hugged by a friend as she leaves a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Mendoza is the grandmother of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza who was killed in the shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Artist Abel Ortiz, second from right, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
A woman gives a thumbs up as she, family members and others affected by the Robb Elementary shooting leave a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE A law enforcement officer speaks with people outside Uvalde High School after shooting a was reported earlier in the day at Robb Elementary School, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. A federal report into the halting and haphazard law enforcement response to a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was scheduled to be released Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, reviving scrutiny of the hundreds of officers who responded to the 2022 massacre but waited more than an hour to confront and kill the gunman. (William Luther/The San Antonio Express-News via AP, File)
FILE A woman cries as she leaves the Uvalde Civic Center, Tuesday May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas, after a mass shooting. AA federal report into the halting and haphazard law enforcement response to a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was scheduled to be released Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, reviving scrutiny of the hundreds of officers who responded to the 2022 massacre but waited more than an hour to confront and kill the gunman. (William Luther/The San Antonio Express-News via AP, File)
FILE Police walk near Robb Elementary School following a shooting, May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas. A federal report into the halting and haphazard law enforcement response to a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, was scheduled to be released Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, reviving scrutiny of the hundreds of officers who responded to the 2022 massacre but waited more than an hour to confront and kill the gunman. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
Dora Mendoza, left, and Berlinda Arreola, right, receive hugs as they leave a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Family members and others affected by the Robb Elementary shooting leave a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Uvalde school district officers arrived within three minutes of Ramos arrival at the school and ran toward the classroom, but as they approached, Ramos fired from inside the classroom. Two officers were hit by shrapnel and police retreated to take cover.
An active shooter with access to victims should never be considered and treated as a barricaded subject, the report says, with the word never emphasized in italics.
In the 20 months since the Justice Department announced its review, footage showing police waiting in a hallway outside the fourth-grade classrooms where the gunman opened fire has become the target of national ridicule.
Attorney General Merrick Garland was in Uvalde on Wednesday ahead of the release of the report, visiting murals of the victims that have been painted around the center of the town. Later that night, Justice Department officials privately briefed family members at a community center in Uvalde before the findings were made public.
Berlinda Arreola, whose granddaughter was killed in the shooting, said following Wednesday nights meeting that accountability remained in the hands of local prosecutors who are separately conducting a criminal investigation into the police response.
I have a lot of emotions right now. I dont have a lot of words to say, Arreola said.
The review by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services was launched just days after the shooting, and local prosecutors are still evaluating a separate criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers. Several of the officers involved have lost their jobs.
Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell said in a statement Wednesday that she had not been given an advance copy of the Justice Departments report but had been informed it does not address any potential criminal charges.
How police respond to mass shootings around the country has been scrutinized since the tragedy in Uvalde, about 85 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of San Antonio.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott initially praised the courage of officers response and blame was later cast heavily on local authorities in Uvalde. But an 80-page report from a panel of state lawmakers and investigations by journalists laid bare how over the course of more than 70 minutes, a mass of officers went in and out of the school with weapons drawn but did not go inside the classroom where the shooting was taking place. The 376 officers at the scene included state police, Uvalde police, school officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents.
The delayed response countered active-shooter training that emphasizes confronting the gunman, a standard established more than two decades ago after the mass shooting at Columbine High School showed that waiting cost lives. As what happened during the shooting has become clear, the families of some victims have blasted police as cowards and demanded resignations.
At least five officers have lost their jobs, including two Department of Public Safety officers and Uvaldes school police chief, Pete Arredondo, who was the on-site commander during the attack.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Attorney General Ken Paxton sought Thursday to end the long-running whistleblower lawsuit against him and avoid sitting for a deposition by saying he would no longer contest the facts of the case and was prepared to accept any judgment.
The move came after he appeared to exhaust his options to reverse a Travis County judges order that he and three top aides answer questions under oath by Feb. 9. The all-GOP Texas Supreme Court ruled against Paxton on that issue last week.
[Meet the 4 whistleblowers behind most of the impeachment allegations against Ken Paxton]
Paxtons office portrayed Thursday's move as one that would finally put an end to a costly and distracting lawsuit, in which his former top deputies allege they were illegally fired for reporting the attorney general to law enforcement alleging abuses of office. But a lawyer for one of the whistleblowers said the lawsuit was not over and Paxton was just trying to delay it further and on Friday, a Travis County judge ordered Paxton and his aides to appear for depositions again, this time giving them specific dates.
Today, my office acted to end this wasteful litigation by filing an amended answer that consistent with the previous decision to settle this case will enable the trial court to enter a final judgment without any further litigation, Paxton said in a statement Thursday. He added that he "will not allow my office to be distracted by these disgruntled former employees and their self-serving sideshow."
With his latest court filing, Paxton is essentially dropping his denial that he violated the Texas Whistleblowers Act one of the allegations that the Texas Senate acquitted him in his impeachment trial last year. The filing emphasized that it should not be "construed as an admission" of guilt by Paxton or his office.
State Rep. Andrew Murr, the Junction Republican who was the top House impeachment manager, claimed vindication after Paxton's new filing, saying he has has "dropped all pretense of innocence."
"He's admitted to what many in the Texas House have known in our hearts to be true: he flagrantly broke the law, violated the Whistleblower Act and betrayed the trust placed in him by retaliating against his own team, those who bravely reported his illegal actions," Murr said in a statement.
The Travis County judge, Jan Soifer, did not appear fazed by Paxton's latest filing as she issued a new order Friday ordering him to appear for a deposition on Feb. 1. She also ordered the three aides Brent Webster, Lesley French Henneke and Michelle Smith to be sit for depositions on Feb. 2, 7 and 9, respectively.
Whether Paxton's reversal in the courts actually ends the case remains to be seen. The whistleblowers lawyer, Tom Nesbitt, said Paxtons latest maneuver is another desperate stunt by Ken Paxton to prevent the truth from coming out.
Ken Paxton has never answered questions about his illegal and corrupt conduct, Nesbitt said. He is clearly terrified of doing so - even if it means taking a different position now about him breaking the law than he did at his impeachment trial.
The whistleblowers four former top deputies filed suit against Paxton in 2020, alleging they were improperly fired for reporting him to the FBI. They said they believed he was misusing his office to help his friend and campaign donor Nate Paul.
The whistleblowers almost settled with Paxton for $3.3 million early last year, but state lawmakers balked at using taxpayers dollars for the settlement and the House chose to investigate the underlying claims, leading to Paxtons impeachment. The Senate acquitted Paxton after a trial in September, and the whistleblower lawsuit resumed.
The whistleblowers claims have also been under federal investigation.
Paxton has spent the months since the impeachment trial trying to derail the revived whistleblower lawsuit, arguing it was already effectively settled, even though the Legislature still had not funded the $3.3 million. But multiple judges have rejected that argument, and last month, a Travis County district judge ordered that the case move forward with depositions.
Paxton announced Thursday's filing on the radio show of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, saying his office has decided "we're not playing this game anymore."
"Give us whatever liability you think we have, whatever damages," Paxton said. "The end result is the Legislature has already ... said theyre not paying anything and so theres no reason for us to let them harass my office when were dealing with all these immigration issues and suing Pfizer and weve got this huge Google lawsuit."
The whistleblowers have said they are intent on having their day in court and want to see Paxton answer questions under oath.
"We are not going away, one whistleblower, Blake Brickman, said at a news conference after Paxtons Senate acquittal. For us this case has always been about more than money. It's about truth. It's about justice."
Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will accept a trial court judge's final ruling on the wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former top aides in his office who complained to the FBI about their former boss' potentially illegal behavior in using the state office to help a friend and campaign donor, former Austin real estate developer Nate Paul.
In announcing his intent to accept a final judgment by a Travis County state District Court, Paxton, with his Thursday court filing, is effectively seeking to end the suit as a previous court order mandating his deposition in the case requires him to comply by Feb. 9.
Expressing disdain for the lawsuit brought by the whistleblowers, Paxton said he hopes Thursday's motion will end an effort to "sabotage" his leadership and save taxpayer dollars. Paxton has expended his legal remedies to keep him from testifying under oath in the case or having the suit thrown out after the Texas Supreme Court last week affirmed the lower court's ruling compelling his deposition.
"For these reasons, today, my office acted to end this wasteful litigation by filing an amended answer that consistent with the previous decision to settle this case will enable the trial court to enter a final judgment without any further litigation," Paxton said in a statement.
More: 'Largest single donation in Texas history': Abbott gets $6M from school choice advocate
Arguing that many of the allegations brought in the lawsuit were previously adjudicated publicly during a Senate impeachment trial last September, in which Paxton was acquitted on all counts, Thursday's filing states that the decision to accept the court's judgement should not be construed as "an admission that OAG, its employees, or the Attorney General violated any state or federal law because none of them have violated any law as has been adequately and thoroughly shown elsewhere."
Laying the blame at the feet of the whistleblowers for not accepting the Senate's ruling last year and continuing to seek a settlement after the Texas House refused to fund an initial $3.3 million settlement agreement the lower chamber decided instead to pursue an impeachment inquiry and ultimately overwhelmingly voted to impeach the attorney general on 20 charges, including bribery and abuse of office Paxton says he views the ongoing case as "bad-faith efforts to prolong legal proceedings."
"I will not allow these former employees to deter me from doing the job that voters elected me to do," Paxton said. "For these reasons, we have moved to end this litigation and eliminate the distractions associated with it.
From left, whistleblowers David Maxwell, former director of law enforcement at the Office of the Attorney General, and former Deputy Attorneys General Ryan Vassar and Blake Brickman listen to closing arguments at Ken Paxton's impeachment trial Sept. 15.
Joe Knight, who represents Ryan Vassar, Paxton's former deputy legal counsel who is one of the plaintiffs in the case, sought to throw cold water on Paxton's accusations Thursday, saying he will examine the filing further before providing a full comment. But, he said, Paxton's argument against the validity of the whistleblowers' case has been previously rejected by four separate courts.
"I can say without hesitation that the accusation you quote is utter crap," Knight responded in an email to an American-Statesman request for comment on Paxton's filing. "And I edited myself. OAG made that argument in four different courts (one of them twice) and lost every time."
The Texas Supreme Court on Jan. 12 rejected Paxton's appeal to block him from being deposed. The court, ruling to uphold previous decisions by District Judge Jan Soifer and the 3rd Court of Appeals, mandated Paxton's deposition and allowed the whistleblowers to continue seeking a settlement agreement.
On Tuesday, Nate Paul, who was at the center of the allegations against Paxton in the impeachment trial and never took the witness stand, filed a motion to quash his deposition in the whistleblower case, which was set for Feb. 21, and sought a protective order.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, middle, sits with his attorneys Tony Buzbee, left, and Mitch Little during his Senate impeachment trial in September.
In a separate case last June after the House had impeached Paxton but before his trial in the Senate Paul was indicted on eight federal charges accusing him of making false statements to secure loans to purchase properties. In November, he was indicted on four additional counts of wire fraud accusing him of lying to his business partners who invested in his real estate company.
As part of Paxton's motion to halt the lawsuit in favor of a final judgment, the state's top law enforcement officer said he will accept and not contest the ruling, seeking to leave the decision to the Legislature on "whether and when to fund such judgment, whether in whole or in part, consistent with the Legislatures prerogative."
Separately, Paxton who spent roughly $2.3 million on legal fees during the impeachment trial and sits with over $1.8 million campaign cash on hand, according to Texas Ethics Commission filings Thursday faces a separate yearslong securities fraud lawsuit in Houston that is set for April.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas AG Ken Paxton seeks final judgement in case that led to impeachment
While lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 are down from a holiday peak, only about 12% of Kentuckys population has received an updated coronavirus vaccine booster, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thats amid a new, fast-spreading coronavirus strain, that went from accounting for 3.5% of all cases nationwide in mid-November, to making up more than 60%, according to CDC estimates.
So where does Kentucky stand with COVID-19 and how should you protect yourself during another active season for respiratory viruses? Heres what to know.
A look at Kentuckys Respiratory Disease Dashboard, which shows decline in lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 and influenza from earlier peaks around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Whats going on in Lexington with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses?
Lexington added 205 new COVID-19 cases last week, not including at home tests, according to Lexington-Fayette County Health Department spokesperson Kevin Hall.
Lab-confirmed cases have been generally on a downward trend since the week after Thanksgiving, here in Lexington, Hall told the Herald-Leader in emailed comments Wednesday. Again this is only a snapshot of what is happening in the community, but the data suggests there has been less spread since the beginning of December.
As of Thursday, the number of patients hospitalized at UK HealthCare for COVID-19 stood at 32, according to spokesperson Allison Perry. Another 19 patients were being treated for influenza and 20 for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus.
Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels, an infectious disease specialist with UK HealthCare, told the Herald-Leader in an interview Wednesday the community continues to see high levels of respiratory disease activity.
My public health message would definitely be to get your flu shot and get your COVID booster if you havent, Van Sickels said, also emphasizing good hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing or using hand sanitizer. Keeping your hands clean, including by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, has been shown to prevent 1 in 5 respiratory infections, per the CDC.
Is COVID activity surging or falling in Kentucky?
The latest available respiratory virus update from the states Cabinet for Health and Family Services, dated Jan. 11, indicates activity for COVID-19, influenza and RSV is elevated. Hospitalizations for the flu are also at a high level, according to the update.
That said, the number of laboratory-confirmed cases does appear to be on the decline from previous peaks during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, according to limited state data. As of the week ending Jan. 6, the latest for which figures are available, the number was 3,316 reported active cases statewide.
Its worth remembering the state has largely scaled back its COVID-19 data reporting in recent months, and those are only laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza and COVID-19. The data doesnt account for at-home tests you might buy at a drugstore or obtain for free through Covidtests.org.
As of the week ending Jan. 6, state data shows emergency department visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 and the flu are also on the decline.
According to CDC data for the week ending Jan. 6, fewer than a dozen Kentucky counties were classified as having high hospitalization rates for COVID-19. They were primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the state, followed by the western half.
This map from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows new hospitalization admission rates for COVID-19 by county in Kentucky.
Fayette County was classified as having a low rate with 55 new hospital admissions for COVID-19 for the week ending Jan. 6. It was a 18% decline from the previous week.
Is now the time to wear a mask in Kentucky?
While it cant hurt, Van Sickels said the decision to mask in public is a personal one.
If you are really high risk, it is OK to mask, Van Sickels said of those at high-risk of severe COVID-19.
Flu is spread by droplets and usually close contact, same with COVID, Van Sickels said, adding masking in public can help keep you from spreading respiratory viruses to others if youre incubating them.
Do you have a question about health care in Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know via the Know Your Ketnucky form below or email us at ask@herald-leader.com.
KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD) The city of Kentwood received a $300,000 grant to make trail improvements.
The city received the grant from the Michigan Resources Trust Fund to make improvements to the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, according to a news release from the city.
The money will go towards replacing and restoring asphalt on the 2.8 miles of trail that run from Kalamazoo Avenue SE and 44th Street to East Paris Avenue and 60th Street, according to the release.
Were delighted to receive these funds from the Department of Natural Resources in support of our vision for Kentwoods trail systems, Mayor Stephen Kepley said in the news release. The grant is one example of our promise to voters in 2022 when they approved the parks millage that we would continue to pursue grant funding, ensuring taxpayer dollars go as far as possible to fund park and trail improvements.
The city said it plans to start work on the improvements in 2025.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The News
NAIROBI An onslaught on Kenyas judiciary led by the countrys president and his allies has prompted fears that it could trigger constitutional crises and erode public trust in the legal system.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had been expected to file a petition on Thursday seeking the removal of a high court judge who ordered the forfeiture of his funds amounting to $1.2 million in a graft case before his election. But he announced on the day that he would put the petition on hold to enter talks over the dispute. Gachagua has urged Kenyans who have had bad experiences with judges to file official complaints.
In January, Ruto vowed to defy court orders he claimed were imposed by corrupt judges who had accepted bribes to sabotage his administration. Kenyas courts have prevented the implementation of some of Rutos most important policy decisions, including an affordable housing levy and the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti.
Timothy Thondu, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, said the ongoing disputes with the judiciary would embolden regular citizens to disregard the rule of law. Had the president restrained himself from attacking the judiciary, then he as a symbol of authority would also be able to prevail on his cronies to respect the rule of law, he told Semafor Africa, asserting that the president had set a dangerous precedent.
Chief Justice Martha Koome in January said Ruto was setting up the country for chaos and anarchy.
Know More
Gachaguas case is just the latest flashpoint. Oscar Sudi, a parliamentarian and ally of President William Ruto, on Wednesday led a demolition and eviction exercise in defiance of a court order protecting the occupants of a 20-acre piece of land. The politician, accompanied by youth carrying crude weapons, repeated allegations of judicial corruption that have been made by the president and members of his inner circle.
Martins view
Kenyas judiciary has a record of strong decisions demonstrating its independence and ability to go against the executives wishes. Kenyas Supreme Court in 2017 became the first in Africa to nullify the results of a presidential election, for instance. Court rulings that have been a roadblock in the implementation of Rutos flagship programmes since he took office in September 2022 have driven the frustration within his administration that weve seen in recent days.
At the same time, the judiciary has faced its fair share of corruption allegations against judges and other officials. In one high profile case, a tribunal formed to investigate a high court judge accused of bribery last year found that he had breached the constitution. Such cases, combined with constant criticism from Ruto and his allies, have tarnished the judiciarys reputation.
Many Kenyans share concerns on judicial corruption, according to a survey published in 2021 by polling company Afrobarometer. It found that 51% of Kenyans think at least some of the judges and magistrates in Kenya are corrupt, while 35% believe most or all of them are corrupt. The survey found that trust in the courts was weaker among better-educated citizens and urban residents.
Kenyas judiciary faces an uphill task to strengthen public trust in Kenyas court system. And opposition from political leaders looks likely to aggravate the situation. Rutos lieutenants will naturally take their cue from him when it comes to defying court orders. Many fear that his statements could fuel a sense of impunity among powerful individuals close to the current administration.
Room for Disagreement
Rutos declaration sparked nationwide protests led by lawyers body the Law Society of Kenya (LSK). Opposition leader Raila Odinga has also threatened to lead a million-man march against Ruto over his assault on the judiciary.
In a deeply polarized nation, some voters do not like the candidates offered.
That leads to growing interest in ranked choice voting a system where voters also cast ballots for their second and third choices in a contested race. Those choices can eventually be counted in the race as candidates seek an overall majority of the vote in essentially an instant run-off election.
But Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says that ranked-choice voting is likely unconstitutional in races for state legislature and statewide offices like governor, treasurer, and attorney general. Tongs formal opinion throws uncertainty into an issue pushed by advocates, and he acknowledged the intricacies of the matter that he described as a complex and novel question, which no Connecticut court has examined.
The legislature debated multiple bills on the issue last year at the committee level, but the measure was not passed and is awaiting debate again when the 2024 legislative session starts on Feb. 7.
In a highly detailed letter with 22 footnotes, Tong wrote that ranked-choice voting would likely not survive a constitutional challenge.
This is a close call, Tong wrote in the final lines of the 11-page letter to House Speaker Matt Ritter of Hartford. But I must conclude that legislation implementing RCV in state general elections would not pass constitutional muster absent a constitutional amendment.
The states complicated election laws are often changed only by constitutional amendments that need to be approved by the voters, as already done for early voting. Another amendment for no-excuses absentee balloting is on the statewide ballot in November.
Our state has never used ranked choice voting. Our constitution does not mention it; and I found no evidence that the framers of our constitution intended to authorize it, Tong wrote. But that does not end the inquiry, since the Connecticut constitution is a living document and an instrument of progress intended to stand for a great length of time and should not be interpreted too narrowly or too literally so that it fails to have contemporary effectiveness for all our citizens.
Gov. Ned Lamont favors the idea, and his spokesman, David Bednarz, said Wednesday that the issue now remains unsettled.
The governors counsel is in the process of reviewing Attorney General Tongs opinion on ranked choice voting, including its impact on state elections and how that differs from the ability to enable this option for primaries and municipal and federal elections, Bednarz said. The governor believes ranked choice voting will benefit Connecticut and is reaching out to advocates on both sides of the aisle to hear their suggestions on whether this remains as something they would be interested in pursuing.
Tongs opinion was relatively narrow in scope. Based on the complicated vagaries of the state Constitution, the opinion applies only to general elections and not primaries. It also does not cover federal or local municipal races for mayor or first selectman.
Lamonts 2022 campaign
The issue dates back to the 2022 race between Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski.
During that battle, Lamont received an important endorsement from a third political party, known as the Griebel-Frank for CT Party, which was created by business executive Oz Griebel and attorney Monte Frank for their 2018 race for governor.
While the party was not well known to the general public, the endorsement was politically important because it made Lamont the first Connecticut governor in more than 100 years to have three ballot lines.
Frank noted that the endorsement was based largely on support by Lamont and Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz for ranked choice voting.
Our endorsement is not based on left-right ideological issues, but instead was premised on their commitment to the people of Connecticut to lead the charge to enact ranked choice voting and help restore our democracy, Frank said at the time. Governor Lamont has pledged to introduce a bill in the next legislative session for ranked choice voting in federal elections and to give municipalities the option of using it in single-office races. We look forward to working alongside the governor to pass the bill.
The bill did not pass in 2023, and Tong was asked by Ritter to explore whether the issue was constitutional at the state level.
While unknown to many voters, ranked choice voting had been used in 2022 in Alaska, where former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin lost to a Democrat in a race for Congress.
Sarah Palin said, I think ranked choice votings a little weird. It sorta took on a new credibility with me, Lamont said. I think its a lead worth taking, no question about it.
Under questioning outside the state Capitol after he received the endorsement, Lamont said it was the first time that he had publicly endorsed ranked choice voting.
Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
Ranked choice voting is proposed in Connecticut, but what is it?
A Virginia landlord threatened and physically assaulted tenants who asked him to make reasonable repairs, including attacking one with a chainsaw and hitting another in the face with a shovel, federal prosecutors said.
David L. Merryman, 58, the owner of more than 60 rental properties in Hampton and Newport News, is accused of extreme harassment against tenants and of stealing their money in a 51-page indictment filed Jan. 17.
The harassment included threatening to kill and hurt tenants, hurling graphic racist slurs toward those who were Black and making repeated references to slavery, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a Jan. 18 news release.
Merryman is also accused of mocking the Black Lives Matter movement in comments to tenants.
In addition to threats, racial harassment and physical assault, the indictment details how Merryman defrauded victims of their money, stole their identities to cash in on rent relief benefits and evicted them in retaliation.
A warrant was issued for his arrest Jan. 17, court records show.
Information regarding his legal representation wasnt immediately available Jan. 18.
The indictment charges Merryman with 30 counts, including:
10 counts of wire fraud
Four counts of interfering with housing rights
Two counts of interstate communications with threats to injure
Six counts of theft of government money
Four counts of making false statements to the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Four counts of aggravated identity theft
Alongside tenants, prosecutors said Merrymans victims also included a businessman and a Newport News city official.
Landlord threatens, hits tenant with shovel
When a renter moved into a single-family home owned by Merryman in June 2018, the property was missing doors, had a broken water heater and an air conditioner that didnt work, according to the indictment.
The man, who is Black, paid Merryman $10,000 as a prepayment for 10 months rent before moving in, the indictment says.
Merryman promised the tenant hed make repairs or compensate him for any repairs the tenant made but he didnt make good on those promises, according to the indictment.
After the man asked Merryman for reimbursement for repairs hed hired a contractor for, Merryman began barging into his home unannounced.
The landlord refused to fix the air conditioner in the mans home and told him yall should be used to thatyoure Black. You can take the heat a little bit, the indictment says.
In August 2018, the man asked Merryman to leave when he showed up unannounced to his house again, according to the indictment.
Merryman became enraged and swung a lawn mower at (the tenant). Merryman then picked up a shovel, and while calling (the man) a (racial slur), hit (him) in the face with the shovel, the indictment says.
Merryman ultimately evicted the man by lying and claiming hed never paid rent, which the man didnt have documentation to disprove, according to the indictment.
Tenant beaten with chainsaw
In September 2022, a tenant moved into a single-family home owned by Merryman and found it was infested with cockroaches, lacked a stove or refrigerator, and had filthy carpets and black mold, the indictment says.
Merryman became violent after receiving repair requests from this tenant, a Puerto Rican man who identifies as Hispanic and is married to a Black woman, according to the indictment.
In December 2022, Merryman cursed at him, threw a wrench toward the man and picked up a chainsaw after the man asked him to fix the water heater, the indictment says.
Merryman cranked the chainsaw and hit the man four times with the blade, which wasnt turned on, while calling him racist slurs, according to the indictment.
Tenants and government defrauded
Merryman lied about the condition of his rental homes to obtain housing assistance payments from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to prosecutors.
He also lied about whether he was receiving other payments that would be duplicative of federally funded rental assistance, prosecutors said.
In addition to this, Merryman stole his tenants identities and faked their signatures while fraudulently applying for rent-relief during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to prosecutors.
He obtained significant sums of rent relief without telling the tenants, all the while evicting, or seeking to evict, the tenants for unpaid rent, officials said.
Merryman made multiple false promises to tenants about repairing his rental homes to steal their money, according to prosecutors.
He caused them to pay upfront fees for neglected, even uninhabitable properties that he had no plans of fixing, officials said.
He would demand significant initial fees or deposits from prospective renters and then subject those same tenants to racist and discriminatory practices, in part so they would leave the property, which would allow Merryman to start the cycle again with new tenants, prosecutors said.
Merryman also owns a landscaping business, Merryman Grounds Maintenance, Inc., according to the indictment.
McClatchy News couldnt reach the business Jan. 18, as its phone number was out of service.
In May 2022, the U.S. Department of Labor announced U.S. Marshals arrested Merryman for not complying with federal court orders in relation to not paying his employees.
Merryman was ordered to pay employees $45,846 in back wages after an investigation of Merryman Grounds Maintenance, according to labor officials.
He was taken into custody for violating court orders, the Department of Labor said. Its unclear if hes still in custody in connection with that case.
For the current case, Merryman is scheduled to appear in court at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18, court records show.
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A Laotian restaurant with a big following on social media has made its debut in Pasco.
Steven Thavone said his family started Saap Kitchen to cater to the booming community of Laotian immigrants.
The restaurant, serving Laotian cuisine as well as staples from neighboring Thailand, is at 4525 Road 68, Suite B, in Pasco, next to Shakeys Pizza.
Steven Thavones family serves up favorite Laotian dishes as well as Thai cuisine at Saap Kitchen, which opened in January in Pasco.
He is gratified by the strong reception since the restaurant opened last week and noted their social messaging reached more than 40,000.
That translated to about 600 customers in the first few days and positive reviews for the distinct Laotian palate.
Our food is very flavorful, very tasty, very savory, he told the Herald.
His family came to the U.S. in the mid-1980s and settled in Connell, where they remain today.
We just worked our way to establish our selves to become Americans. said Thavone, who was born in the U.S.
Its cooks bring decades of experience preparing Lao dishes, he said.
For Thavone, standout dishes include pho, Laotian papaya salad, Lao sausage and Chicken Laap laap (or larb) referring to chopped meat dishes.
Drunken noodles, made with wide black noodles, eggs, basil, broccoli, bell pepper and onion is another popular choice.
Saap Kitchen in Pasco serves Laotian as well as Thai cuisine.
Lunch combo offerings include orange chicken, General Tso chicken, banh mi sandwiches and pineapple chicken.
Appetizers include chicken wings, tempura shrimp, chicken satay, egg rolls and spring rolls. It caters to families with a kid offering: three chicken tenders and fries.
Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Place orders for pick-up at 509-567-7014.
Go to SAAP-itchen.com or follow Saap Kitchen @SAAP.Kitchen on Facebook at bit.ly/SAAPKitchen
Saap Kitchen serves Lao sausage and other Laotian and Thai dishes. The restaurant opened in Pasco in January.
Office Depot closing
Office Depot, 1717 George Washington Way, is closing. The move will leave one Office Depot location in the Tri-Cities, on Canal Drive at Columbia Center.
The two stores are operated by parent company, OfficeMax, which could not be reached to discuss its plans for the market or its Richland employees.
The stores 21,000-square-foot space is being offered for lease at $12 per square foot per year on a triple net basis, meaning the tenant is responsible for operating costs. The store is on the south end of the Safeway-anchored shopping center. Kiemele Hagood is representing the owners, according to a listing on the LoopNet commercial real estate service.
AKS Engineering & Forestry
AKS Engineering & Forestry, a Northwest engineering firm, has established an office in Kennewick.
Anthony Cockbain, an engineer and project manager with 25 years of experience, is leading the new office, 501 N. Quay St., Suite C-102.
AKS is a full-service engineering firm that provides expertise in civil engineering, water resources, surveying, land use planning, construction support, natural resources, landscape architecture, forestry and aerial surveying.
It employs 360 across seven offices in Vancouver and White Salmon, Wash., and in Bend, Keizer, The Dalles and Tualatin, Ore.
Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities
Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A gentlemens club entertainer allegedly stole two expensive watches from a mans home after spending the night, documents said.
Jennifer Tapia Alvarado faces charges of grand larceny and burglary, records said. Her date of birth was redacted in court documents, but her year of birth indicates she was 24 or 25.
In August, a man said she went to a gentlemens club where he met with a woman he knew as Hazel, police said. Hazel was Jennifer Tapia Alvarado, who was identified in court documents as a female entertainer, police said. The man and Tapia Alvarado previously knew each other and had exchanged messages.
Around 3 a.m. on that August night, the man left the first gentlemens club and headed over to a second, police said. There, the man and Tapia Alvarado agreed to meet, and later, the pair went home together.
The man was adamant that Tapia Alvarado did not solicit [him] for any sexual services and believed the encounter to be consensual, the detective wrote in court documents.
The next morning, the man woke up, finding two Rolex watches, with a combined value of $40,000, missing. When he attempted to contact Tapia Alvarado, he found his number blocked, police said.
Police said Tapia Alvarado, who had a Phoenix address, worked at one of the gentlemens clubs, where police contacted her that week, they said.
A warrant for Tapia Alvardos arrest was filed in November. A judge granted her an own-recognizance walkthrough arrest, meaning while booked at the jail, she did not have to stay.
A preliminary hearing was scheduled for February.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Several local leaders and businesses were honored for their civic accomplishments and contributions to the Las Vegas valley on Tuesday.
The winners of the second annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raices) Latino Awards were announced at Las Vegas City Hall on Jan. 16.
The winners of the second annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raices) Latino Awards were announced at Las Vegas City Hall Jan. 16, 2024.
The winners of the second annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raices) Latino Awards were announced at Las Vegas City Hall Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo credit: City of Las Vegas)
The winners of the second annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raices) Latino Awards were announced at Las Vegas City Hall Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo credit: City of Las Vegas)
The winners of the second annual HONOR (Honrando Orgullosamente Nuestras Obras y Raices) Latino Awards were announced at Las Vegas City Hall Jan. 16, 2024. (Photo credit: City of Las Vegas)
The winners of the 2024 awards are listed below.
Yvette Machado was honored for her community work, Machado was recognized as the Governors Point of Light Collegiate Volunteer of the Year. She has created scholarships for women and undocumented students and established a fellowship program to provide opportunities for student workers ineligible for employment or public funding due to their immigration status.
Jose Antonio Gonzalez started his mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Nuestras Raices de Jose A. Gonzalez. He has performed alongside the worlds premiere mariachi ensembles numerous times and has grown to be an internationally recognized and award-winning mariachi.
William and Eugenia Tejeda are the proud owners and operators of Crepe Station, a successful and growing local Latino-owned business. Upon arriving in Las Vegas, the Tejedas began doing what they knew best making their crepes. After years of hard work and perseverance, they started their own business in East Las Vegas. Since then, they have grown to include two locations, providing catering services across the valley, and supporting numerous community events throughout the year.
Puentes is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community-based organization focused on reducing systemic and structural inequity. They serve communities at a higher risk for poor outcomes as a result of the barriers they experience to social, economic, political, and environmental resources. Last year, Puentes conducted 785 outreach events throughout Southern Nevada. By hiring and empowering individuals from the communities they serve, Puentes prioritizes cultural sensitivity as a pillar.
Padre Rafael Pereira Alvarez had a career in finance and was a successful entrepreneur in the import-export, wholesale, and retail sectors, before relocating to Las Vegas in the year 2000 and successfully establishing a parcel delivery business. In 2012, he joined the Episcopal Church, eventually being ordained to the priesthood in 2016. He has served on the board of directors for the Southern Nevada Health District and is currently the priest in charge of All Saints Episcopal Church, home to a large and diverse community of 600 parishioners. Opening the church doors and facilities to all community members, regardless of race, socio-economic background, gender, or sexual orientation, All Saints Episcopal Church currently operates the Southern Nevada Health District Sexual Health Clinic.
Omar Lopez was born and raised in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas, where he still resides and works. Omar is a first-generation, high school graduate who continued to be a trailblazer for his family by also being the first to receive a bachelors and masters degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Working alongside the Las Vegas community for more than 20 years, Lopez has represented government and nonprofit entities for more than 15 years. As a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department crime prevention specialist, Lopez teaches and provides the public with the tools needed to avoid becoming victims of crime.
For more than 12 years, Maritza Rodriguez has worked with the Las Vegas community in a variety of roles and capacities. She began her community work promoting voter rights, and she has continuously advocated for fair wages and immigrant rights. Rodriquez is involved as a volunteer and member of numerous community organizations, including Chispa Nevada, the Comite Centro America y Mexico, Mi Familia Vota, y Fundacion Naciones Unidas Corazon de Plata.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge has found the Las Vegas man accused of killing three people competent to stand trial following a year of delays, records said.
Alonzo AJ Brown was 19 when he gave 8 News Now Investigators a jailhouse interview, insisting he was not responsible for the three deaths. Brown, who is now 20, was back in custody Wednesday at the Clark County Detention Center following a several-month stay at a state psychiatric facility.
On Wednesday, District Court Judge Christy Craig found Brown competent to stand trial, meaning psychiatrists recommended and she believed he understood the charges against him.
Brown was accused in the 2022 killings of Tevin Alhashemi, 26; Josue Chaparro-Montalvo, 36; and Paul Viana, 62.
Alonzo Brown (LVMPD/KLAS)
All of the victims were shot to death. Brown lived extremely close to the May and June homicide scenes, police wrote in court documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained earlier this year. Police described the distance as fewer than 300 feet near Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard in the east valley.
Police said DNA evidence ties Brown to the crimes. Police suspect Brown and Alhashemi knew each other and had an altercation before Alhashemis murder. The other two homicides were random, police said.
Prosecutors previously filed a notice of their intent to seek the death penalty should a jury convict Brown.
A trial was scheduled for March 2025.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Shay Bailey, current District Attorney investigator for the Taylor County Courthouse, says he is above election games and in-fighting. In an interview with Abilene Reporter News, Bailey emphasized that he is not running against Sheriff Ricky Bishop or Elias Carrasquillo Jr., he is just "running for that office" in hopes of making it better.
Shay Bailey, in his office at the Taylor County Courthouse in Abilene, Texas.
Unafraid to 'put cops in prison'
Shay Bailey was born in Jones County and grew up on Lake Fort Phantom Hill. He is a born and bred Texan and began his career in law enforcement 32 years ago.
Bailey got his start in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in what was then simply called "corrections." Here, he received "Officer of the Year" from the department in 1999. From there, he followed his wife to her hometown of South Bend, Indiana, after she had received a job offer.
For a short while, he worked with the sheriff's office there before becoming a certified peace officer with the South Bend Police Department. Here, Bailey ascended the ranks as he worked in undercover narcotics, eventually taking over as supervisor of the division.
It was here that he described a tough four years in which he attended five separate funerals for fellow police officers to include his own partner in narcotics.
While he said it was a horrible time, Bailey took pride in the investigations he headed up over alleged dirty cops. At the time, the South Bend Police Department had over 250 members in it, some of which Bailey had to investigate.
It was at that time that he proved unafraid to "put dirty cops in prison." According to his campaign website, Bailey believes "theres no room for error or a lack of ethics when it comes to public safety."
A return to his roots
After four years in Indiana, Bailey, a country boy at heart, wanted to return home to Abilene to raise his children here. He subsequently re-started his law enforcement career with the Taylor County Sheriff's Department. Bailey first worked in patrol until a spot in narcotics became available.
Bailey eventually took over that department as well, in 2010 when he became the supervisor of narcotics. After about 8 years in, he also became a Federal Taskforce Officer, carrying federal credentials and enforcing federal laws in addition to state laws as well.
Bailey was awarded "Taylor County Law Enforcement Employee of the Year" for 2022. He faithfully served the sheriff's department for about 12 years, until he had decided to leave in order to give his family a respite from the demanding schedule that a narcotics officer can have.
From working weekends and nights, to always being on call, Bailey was ready for a change of pace after almost 30 years of service. He then joined the District Attorney's office about two years ago where he became an investigator.
Now, Bailey is proud of his work as an investigator where he gets to see the other side of the law, while helping victims get through their most difficult times. From only arresting criminals before, he now gets the evidence the prosecution needs in order to close the case for good.
In the interview, Bailey remarked that his new job with the District Attorney has provided him a much different outlook on life and on his career in law enforcement. He smiled as he reminisced about the victims he has helped, holding their hands throughout the entire process, and even escorting some to and from the courthouse or the airport. Many notes from these victims cover a wall in his office.
Decision to run for sheriff
Bailey doesn't take his decision to run for sheriff lightly. After serving in corrections for 12 years and law enforcement for 20, he feels he is ready to answer the call that has been on his heart for years.
Bailey noted in the interview that he had wrestled with the idea of running for sheriff for the last ten or so years, but now he feels the time is right. He described his campaign as simple: he wants to make the office "better than what it is today."
He stressed that he wants to bring the department back to being a family again. He wants to continue to "protect and lead," making sure his deputies would be happy to come to work each and every day. He wants to bring his experiences in investigations and corrections to the table and lead the department into the next era.
Changes to the sheriff's department
On his campaign website, he says that Taylor County is "exacerbated by low morale, bad organizational policy, lack of recruitment programs, and not enough rewards to keep officers on the job." If elected, Bailey's primary goal is to create a family atmosphere for all those working in the department, and raise morale and the retention rate.
Secondarily, he hopes to tighten down the budget. He hopes to bring back federal prisoners to the Taylor County Jail, which would in turn bring additional income to the jail without putting additional strain on local taxpayers.
He also hopes to broaden the training program in an effort "to consistently train officers to sharpen their skills." He says this is the one area of the new budget that he "won't skimp on."
Bailey also wants to go beyond "the bare minimum," by also increasing law enforcement at schools and increasing the number of safety meetings held every year. When it comes to safety and security at Taylor County schools, he doesn't want Abilene to become "another Uvalde."
Instead, Bailey hopes that by placing more officers in the schools, it will allow the department to go from reactive to proactive. He hopes that his officers would be able to build relationships with children so that they will have "respect for the law" and see the officers as a "friend versus the enemy."
Bailey also hopes to bring a higher level of transparency to the sheriff's office. He noted that whether the sheriff's office was to do something good or bad, he wants to hold a press conference and release that information. Here he noted that it might not suit him politically, but that if elected, he would bring back much-needed trust to the community while also protecting it.
Shay Bailey hopes to return home to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office by winning the primary elections on March 5, ending on the note that it is not personal, rather "this is democracy."
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Last Texas candidate for sheriff: Above the politics and games
Riga has begun deportation proceedings against 985 Russian citizens who failed the state language exam or did not apply for another type of residence permit, which is required by the Immigration Law, the Latvian news outlet LSM reported on Jan. 18.
Read also: Latvia may expel over 3,000 Russian citizens
The affected people have been sent letters instructing them to leave within two weeks or regularize their legal status in Latvia. The authorities do not have sufficient immigration information about the Russians because their permanent residence permits have expired and they have not tried to meet the necessary requirements.
Information about them will be sent to the State Border Guard Service to verify the last declared place of residence and whether they currently reside there, head of the Latvian Citizenship and Migration Department Maira Roze explained.
"If a person does not live [where they claimed], we still ask the neighbors but assume that they left, for example through Estonia, said Roze.
Read also: Latvian court grants asylum to Russian citizen who fought for Ukraine
But if the person is at the declared place of residence, they will receive an order to leave".
The same procedure will be applied to those who have failed the language test starting from April. They can apply for a two-year temporary residence permit and take the test later, but thus far about 2,500 people have not submitted the required documents and are not complying with the law.
The only alternative is voluntary departure. This means that everyone has the right to leave the country voluntarily, except for those who pose a threat to national security. Forced deportation can be used if individuals do not take any action or appeal.
Roze noted that most Russian citizens have regularized their status by passing the language exam, applying for another residence permit, or left the country.
Gunars Kutris, the chairman of the Latvian Saeima's Committee on Citizenship, Migration, and Social Cohesion, predicts forced expulsions of Russians, but notes that the exact number is uncertain and that it will not happen overnight.
The Citizenship and Migration Board admits that some of the 985 Russian citizens to be deported may have already left Latvia, as the country's border service only has information on people who leave Latvia via the Russian or Belarusian border. It does not have information about those who via Estonia, for example, without crossing the border with a third country.
Read also: Latvia expels pro-Kremlin head of Latvia-Russia Association
In September 2022, Latvian authorities amended the immigration law to require people with Russian passports who are permanent residents of Latvia to take a language test within one year. The changes affected about 25,000 Russians living in the country.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) More than 500 days ago, Anna Corbetts husband, Ryan Corbett, was detained by the Taliban.
Hes changed so much, hes aged a lot and lost a lot of weight, and Im so scared, Anna said.
Since then, shes spoken to him three times, the last time on Christmas.
He was asking why is this taking so long, why am I still here, Anna said.
The family lived in Afghanistan for more than a decade, and Ryan started a business to help Afghans get micro loans for their homes and businesses.
The family left Afghanistan when U.S. troops pulled out in 2021.
Thinking it safe, Ryan returned to Kabul on August 10th, 2022, for a business trip but the Taliban wouldnt let him leave.
Ryan is being held in a nine-by-nine-foot basement cell. He does not have regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, adequate nutrition, or medical care, Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) said.
Tenney has introduced a bill calling for Ryans release.
Fellow Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-N.Y.) says he and his colleagues should be exhausting all possible avenues to ensure Ryan is returned to the United States and to his home.
Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) says the U.S. should cut off all aid to the Taliban until Corbett is freed.
Lets not continue sending American taxpayer dollars while were having Americans held in this brutal horrible manner, Meuser said.
Anna Corbett says she still hasnt received a straight answer as to why her husband is a prisoner.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
The Securities and Exchange Commissions (SEC) new climate disclosure rule was the latest flashpoint in the GOPs battle against government overreach in a House hearing Thursday.
Republicans say the rule is not only a threat to enterprise but will be struck down in court, with the Supreme Court this week signaling it will claw back federal agency power. Democrats say the SEC is protecting investors and isnt subject to restrictions that could soon be placed on other government agencies.
The SEC seeks to require publicly traded companies to report direct and indirect emissions, as well as all emissions generated through their business supply chains and partners. Additionally, it would require companies to detail the actual or likely material impacts of climate change on their business strategy, and any plans to move toward cleaner energy.
Republicans think the SEC is out of its lane.
Congress has not delegated the authority to the SEC to require climate disclosures, Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, said.
Huizengas Republican colleagues indicated they believe the courts will continue to curtail the rulemaking abilities of agencies after West Virginia v. EPA, a landmark Supreme Court case that limited the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) ability to restrict emissions.
Lawrence Cunningham, professor emeritus at Georgetown and special counsel to law firm Mayer Brown, called the SECs proposed rule an undemocratic power grab during his witness testimony, agreeing with Republicans that West Virginia v. EPA would invalidate the rule.
Cunningham said the Supreme Court is going to be careful to not allow administrative agencies to exceed their grant of Congressional authority. He then offered that while Americans need the SECs protection, it is authorized to protect the interests of investors, not the climate.
Democrats such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (DMich.), however, point to a 1979 D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that granted the SEC broad discretionary powers to promulgate or not promulgate rules requiring information beyond that specifically required by the statute.
As Tlaib pointed out, the SECs ability to adjust its disclosure requirements on publicly traded companies has never been challenged by a court in its 90-year history.
Early in the discussion, Huizenga admitted that Congress awaits further Supreme Court consideration of Chevron deference the policy to defer to agency interpretation of an ambiguous statute to properly understand agency rulemaking powers.
In the SECs case, the language used by the D.C. Court of Appeals in its ruling amplifies that uncertainty.
The so-called climate disclosure rule claims climate change presents companies with material risks that affect investors the necessary validation for any SEC action.
George Georgiev, Emory University School of Law associate professor and a witness at the hearing, said that disclosure regimes are the hallmark of successful markets, and that the updating of disclosure requirements by the SEC is a lawful process of calibration and tailoring to economic realities.
Just because an issue involves climate change doesnt mean that only the EPA and [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] can touch it, he said. All agencies in the federal government have to make allowances for climate change.
Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) pointed to the flight of large corporations from areas vulnerable to climate changes immediate effects, and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration study that found the cost of climate-related disasters was $617 billion between 2018 and 2022. Casten also cited a 2022 survey from Environmental Resources Management, which found the average corporation is spending $500,000 a year to assess the risks posed to their operations.
This hearing is really about whether were going to protect investors rights to access information or protect companys rights to withhold information from investors, Casten said.
The survival of the SECs climate disclosure rule could predict the fate of other Biden administration efforts to use the agency to meet climate objectives.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On Jan. 16 the Ukrainian parliament adopted a bill that will provide for the digitalization of military registration and the ability to obtain a military service record online. The document still needs to be signed by the President of Ukraine or the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada to come into force.
NV consulted with lawyer Roman Lykhachov to understand how electronic military records will function.
Read also: Political scientist describes classic mistakes made by Ukrainian authorities in drafting mobilization bill
The document unlocks the digitalization of the Ukrainian army and will allow it to be more mobile and act efficiently both on the battlefield and in the rear," the department said.
The goal of the law is to expand the list of personal data of those liable for military service, conscripts, and reservists that can be entered into the Oberih electronic register without their personal consent. Non-disclosure of information entered into the register is guaranteed by the state. The law will optimize the process of registration and mobilization of persons liable for military service, conscripts, and reservists.
The Oberih system will store personal and service data of citizens, as well as provide access to certain services. However, these changes do not necessarily cancel visits to the military enlistment centers. Displaying the data of persons liable for military service in an online format will only make information more available to citizens themselves, as well as to the relevant agencies that keep records and conduct mobilization.
Read also: Defense leaders held discussions on mobilization bill with MPs in early January Ukrainska Pravda
The adoption of the bill has both positive and negative aspects, Roman Lykhachov, a lawyer at the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, told NV.
On the positive side, data will be unified and conscripts, persons liable for military service, and reservists will be able to see all their personal information in the system. Generally speaking, the law governs what is permissible within the Oberih system, though many aspects still need to be finalized.
Personal data protection is an important topic in many countries. However, Ukraine is developing a system that does not even require a person's consent to process it.
"In fact, the state collects information about individuals in a single register, and this information about a person is provided to a wide range of people, including military enlistment centers," Lykhachov said.
There is thus an infringement human rights in this aspect, which is consistent with martial law.
The register will help to obtain a huge amount of data, starting with the state of health of a person liable for military service whether he is fit or unfit and ending with other personal data, such as knowledge of languages, all of which may be obtained without consent.
Read also: Ukraines 2024 mobilization: Insights into new bill and fitness standards
It is not yet clear how data will be used or who will be responsible in case of possible illegal use, the lawyer said.
"Our country is trying to make sure that everyone is registered, that we have a realistic picture of the situation and an understanding of the number of people liable for military service," says Lykhachov.
But the question is how this electronic account will work in practice. It is not clear yet.
He agrees nonetheless that the state is working to put military registration in order.
Such an electronic system could also facilitate border crossings. Despite the claims that border guards have access to the necessary services, border crossings take place after border guards contact representatives of the military enlistment center and check whether a document of unfitness, deferral, etc. was actually issued.
"This manual mode, according to this bill, should disappear, Lykhachov concluded.
But, given the mess we have, the adoption of a draft law does not mean its actual normal implementation."
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The prosecution was one of more than 900 taken against sub-postmasters across the country - DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGES
A lawyer who successfully prosecuted a sub-postmaster accused of stealing from his own business has written a public apology.
Gareth Roberts, a criminal barrister, was briefed by the Post Office for the case against the unnamed worker several years ago.
The prosecution was one of more than 900 taken against sub-postmasters across the country after faulty accounting software, called Horizon, led to shortfalls at their branches.
Mr Roberts has apologised for his part in what has been described as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.
Although he does not know the name of the person he prosecuted or if they were ever convicted, Mr Roberts wrote in Byline Times he would gladly meet them on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice and apologise for my role in this scandal.
Gareth Roberts says he accepted expert evidence on the Horizon IT system from the Post Office in good faith
Mr Roberts recalled receiving expert evidence from the Post Office before the case, consisting of a number of formal, slightly generic expert statements about the Horizon IT system.
Let me point out that, as barristers, we act upon instructions, he wrote in the open letter.
When we receive papers and statements, we do so trusting that the person who has sent them has done so in good faith, be it a high street solicitor or the CPS.
As such, even though there was no evidence of what had happened to stolen money in the papers, and the defendant was (again from memory), an individual of impeccable character, with a number of years experience as a sub-postmaster, with no apparent motive to suddenly take money from the till, I would have read the expert evidence, and accepted on face value the assertion that this individual had dishonestly taken money that didnt belong to them.
Mr Roberts has no memory of the case proceeding to trial, which, he said, suggests that the defendant entered a guilty plea.
Numerous sub-postmasters were advised by their lawyers to plead guilty to lesser charges, such as false accounting rather than theft, to escape a prison sentence.
This is advice I have given to many defendants over the years, Mr Roberts said, and, like every other barrister, it is always delivered with the caveat that an innocent person should never plead guilty if they havent done anything wrong, and that I will respect their plea whatever it is.
People usually assume that an innocent person would never plead guilty to an offence they hadnt committed, he said, but the reality is that faced with the prospect of prison or liberty, many people will hold their nose and accept guilt.
Mr Roberts said that to discover years after the case that he played a part in what is clearly a systemic failure of the Criminal Justice System, hurts.
He added that he takes pride in doing his job properly and fairly, and the idea that I may have presented evidence before a court of law that was wrong is sickening and I am ashamed of that.
The Metropolitan Police is currently investigating whether former Fujitsu employees lied under oath in court during prosecutions against sub-postmasters.
Gareth Jenkins, a Fujitsu software engineer and the architect of the Horizon system, was among those who gave expert evidence that the system was working correctly, which was repeatedly called upon by Post Office lawyers in court to help secure convictions.
Mr Jenkins is now under police investigation for alleged perjury after concerns were raised that he had not told the truth in court.
Another IT expert, Anne Chambers, is also under police investigation for perjury over evidence she gave regarding the Horizon system.
Mr Roberts added in his letter: The challenge now, is twofold: First, ensuring that it never happens again, and second, ensuring that those affected by this miscarriage are given proper compensation.
He said he hopes the ongoing public inquiry into the scandal will suggest a profound reform of how organisations other than the CPS are allowed to bring prosecutions.
Just 93 sub-postmasters have had their convictions overturned to date, with Rishi Sunak announcing last week that a new law is to be introduced that will see victims swiftly exonerated and compensated.
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Marine Le Pen has made it clear she would like Jordan Bardella to be her preferred prime minister if she wins the 2027 presidential election - Lafargue Raphael/ABACA/Shutterstock
Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old leader of the French hard-Right, has been accused of using an anonymous account on X, formerly Twitter, to spread racist messages.
The allegations against the president of Marine Le Pens National Rally (RN) party were made in an investigative report broadcast on state TV channel France 2 on Thursday evening.
The report cites three people who used to be close to him from 2015 to 2017 as saying that Mr Bardella used the pseudonym RepNat du Gaito on X to share racist messages.
Mr Bardella denied this, telling France 2: I am sorry to disappoint you but I only have one Twitter account. I will not stand by comments I did not make.
The report says he also used the network to sing the praises of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the co-founder of the Front National (RNs predecessor), who has several convictions for racism and anti-Semitism.
Mr Bardella recently said he had no problem with Mr Le Pen, who notoriously once called the Nazi gas chambers a detail of history before back-pedalling.
One 2017 post from the RepNat du Gaito account includes an obscene image mocking Theo Luhaka, a young black man who suffered severe anal injuries from a police baton, in an assault for which three policemen are now on trial.
Victor Chabert, an RN spokesman, defended Mr Bardella and messaged a France 2 reporter: You will be prosecuted and a formal notice has been sent to France Televisions [the group that owns France 2].
Mr Bardella, whom surveys suggest is one of Frances most popular politicians, is leading RNs European election campaign. His group is polling to come comfortably first in the June European Parliament election, some 10 points ahead of Emmanuel Macrons Renaissance group.
Mr Bardella was formally elected to lead the National Rally in 2022, replacing three-time presidential candidate Ms Le Pen after more than a decade at the head of the party.
He has also been an MEP since 2019.
Ms Le Pen is widely expected to run in the 2027 presidential elections. She has made it clear Mr Bardella would be her preferred prime minister if she wins.
In the report, Ms Le Pen tells France 2 her protege has the qualities to lead a government.
He even has qualities for something else. Thats the real question that I will have to ask myself when the time comes, she adds, without elaborating.
Mr Macron - who beat Ms Le Pen in 2017 and 2022 - in a rare press conference on Tuesday adopted some of the hard-Rights themes in an apparent bid to stem the RNs rising popularity - notably using the phrase so that France can remain France.
But he also laid into the RN, calling it the party of collective impoverishment and lies, arguing that it offered no workable responses to Frances problems.
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The Will County coroner issued a warning to residents to be careful with extreme cold and heavy snow after deaths related to the weather.
Coroner Laurie Summers urged residents to use caution shoveling snow and limit their exposure to the frigid cold weather after her office had two possible cold exposure deaths over the weekend. The Cook County medical examiners office also cited weather as a contributing factor in five other deaths since Jan. 11.
A wind chill advisory was in place across the Chicago area through Wednesday as bitterly cold temperatures descend over the region, and wind chills Sunday morning reached minus 40, the National Weather Service said.
Todd Tschiggfrie, 44, of Park Forest, died Jan. 12 after being found in a driveway in the 8400 block of Brookside Glen Drive in Tinley Park. He was pronounced at 11:42 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, according to the Will County coroners office.
Thomas Kapala, 62, of the Mount Greenwood neighborhood in Chicago, died Monday night of heart disease, diabetes and cold exposure, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. Police said that Kapala was initially found unresponsive in his garage.
Robert Tuxford, 62, of Oak Lawn, died Jan. 12 of heart disease. The medical examiner listed probable cold exposure as a secondary cause of Tuxfords death.
In Bolingbrook, Craig M. Buckley, 59, died Tuesday after being found outside in the 200 block of Coral Court, according to the Will County coroners office.
Caroline Kubzansky contributed to this article.
akukulka@chicagotribune.com
The progressive left has been displeased with Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman since October, when he emerged as one of the national scenes most vocal, least conflicted supportersfrom either partyof Israels war in Gaza. Now hes taken an equally confrontational position on immigration, joining the ongoing discussions about a potential border security bill in the Senate by admonishing liberals to concede that conditions at the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico constitute a crisis.
I hope Democrats can understand that it isnt xenophobic to be concerned about the border, Fetterman told Politico in early December, describing the monthly number of so-called encounters between undocumented migrants and U.S. enforcement agents as astonishing and not a Fox News kind of statistic. (That number, for the most recent month available, was 242,000. Annually, encounters have more than doubled from pre-pandemic levels.) A week later he told NBC News, in response to questions about both Israel and immigration, that hes not a progressivea declaration which came as a surprise to those who remembered him repeatedly describing himself as one while he was running for office in Pennsylvania.
The question this raisesand that NBC News raised, explicitly, in the headline of its reportis whether Fetterman is becoming a maverick, that fabled creature of Senate myth, a horse with John McCains body and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas head, one which votes by the light of its own convictions rather than the stifling dictates of leftright ideology. Political reporters like mavericks because wild-card voting patterns make for exciting news cycles, and pundits like them because they keep the dream of a moderate-voter uprising alive. There are attention-based rewards available, in other words, for those who take this path, and Fetterman does already have an iconoclastic manner of dress.
The existence of another Sinema would be alarming to both progressives and mainstream, party-line Democrats. She nearly derailed Joe Bidens first term by helping kill the social spending provisions in his Build Back Better proposal, and her support for preserving the filibuster precluded the possibility of passing laws that would protect voting rights and abortion access. With a narrow Senate majority that is likely to stay small next year if it doesnt disappear completely, Dems dont want to worry about some guy in shorts going rogue every time theres a high-profile vote. (Sinemas quasi-defection from the party has been so extreme that another candidate, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, has become the favorite to win the partys nomination for her seat this year, although Sinema may still run as an independent.)
Terrifying as this may be to certain parties, its unlikely that Fetterman will end up where Sinema has, at least over the issues of immigration (or the Middle East). The order to negotiate with Republicans came from the White House in the first place because Biden hopes a border deal will secure GOP support for a package bill that will also provide military aid to Israel. While border discussions have yet to produce any sort of agreed-upon framework, much less the actual text of potential legislation, the president seems to be prepared to reduce the number of cases in which migrants are granted asylum and limit the number that are granted parole (i.e., allowed to live in the U.S.) while their cases are being handled. Fetterman hasnt said Democrats should go any further than that, and hes said he wont support measures from the House Republican caucuss more severe and restrictive immigration bill, H.R. 2. (The Senate is essentially ignoring the Houses work on the subject and creating its own, separate legislation, which could lead to another set of problems down the line.) On both the border and Israel, his positions match Bidens.
What sets the NBA-sized Keystone Stater apart from his Democratic colleagues is simply what top-level communications professionals call framing. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, for instance, is leading border negotiations for the Democratic caucus; he said in November that he is not happy about his role or the position Republicans have put us in, and that he is just trying to figure out if theres a pathway to come to a compromise. Murphy is not materially working toward a different outcome than Fetterman is. But they sound different when they talk about the subject.
Theres a lot of the Democratic Party, starting with the White House, that appears to be of the opinion that immigration is not a winning issue for Democrats right now, says Dara Lind, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council. And that their primary commitment on the issue, therefore, needs to be keeping it out of the headlinesthat we need to stop people from coming so that we stop getting headlines about how were letting too many people into the country.
Fetterman will likely end up voting like a loyal Democrat on immigration. But he is creating headlines rather than suppressing them, as is his custom in general. I think what people are noticing is just his stylistic approach, says Mark Nicastre, a former spokesman for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, citing Fettermans political origins as a small-town mayor who earned national attention for his positions on marriage equality and marijuana laws. When he stakes out a position, he loudly stakes it out. He uses his full communications toolbox, as it were. (As Nicastre notes, Fetterman stated his current position on Israel with equal force when he was running for Senate in 2022.)
Fettermans comments about taking the Republican position about border encounters seriously are also consistent with his history, Nicastre says: When he first became lieutenant governor, we talked with him in his office about doing a tour of the state to talk about the potential of legalizing recreational marijuana. We said, You can do the events regionally, do seven or eight of them, and he said, I want to do 67, which is the number of counties in Pennsylvania. He wants to hear from people and keep open lines of communication.
Says Nicastre: He used the word encounters in the December quote in relation to encounters between people who are seeking asylum, or immigrating, and border patrol agents. That struck methat he is looking to reduce the number of those encounters, which could ultimately become dangerous or be deadly for both immigrants and agents. I think that might be at the center of this, that he wants to make that a safer, more orderly process. Indeed, during his 2022 Senate race, Fetterman said that he believes a secure border can be compatible with compassion and that he supports comprehensive immigration reform, which usually refers to legislation that would include increased funding for border security as well as the granting of legal status to undocumented immigrants who are already in the U.S.
The limited polling thats been done since December does not depict a Sinema-like backlash against Fettermans positions on either Israel or immigration. A Quinnipiac survey of registered Pennsylvania voters released last Wednesday found that nearly 60 percent of Democrats said Fettermans support for tougher immigration policies did not affect their view of him; 26 percent said it made them view him more favorably, and only 12 percent said it made them view him less favorably. Among independents, more favorably beat less favorably 408.
Everyone wins, perhaps, except for asylum-seeking migrants, who face a system that may become harder to navigate despite the historic lack of evidence that tougher or less humane conditions in the U.S. have a lasting effect on the frequency of attempts to cross the border. (Surges, rather, appear more closely linked to economic and political conditions in migrants countries of origin.)
I think its totally reasonable to say we dont have order at the U.S.Mexico border, [and] that is resulting in communities in the United States dealing with migrants and not having the means to support them, Lind says. The problem is that the number of people coming to the country is not something that we can actually control by passing policies. Weve never really invested in orderly processing at the border; we keep going to Congress and asking for temporary spaces to hold people, rather than actually building things that will work the next time theres an increase in the numbers. It might turn out, then, that for all the maverick headlines, Fetterman is actually participating in the most conventional Washington activity of all: Kicking the can down the road.
Trump lawyer Alina Habba struggled through her cross-examination of E. Jean Carroll on Wednesday.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is overseeing the defamation case against the former president, repeatedly admonished the attorney for running afoul of his court rules and general procedures.
Prior to Carrolls testimony, Habba requested an adjournment so that Trump could attend his mother-in-laws funeral.
The application is denied. I will hear no further argument on it. None. Do you understand that word? None. Please sit down, Kaplan, a Bill Clinton appointee, told Habba about the motion that he already denied.
Kaplan repeatedly interrupted Habbas questions, including when she began to read from a document that had not been formally entered into evidence, sending the trial to a recess.
During which you should refresh your memory about how it is you get a document into evidence," Kaplan told the lawyer.
Habba later questioned Carroll about whether or not she deleted any emailed threats after receiving a subpoena and requested a mistrial citing deleted evidence while the jury was still in the room.
Denied, Kaplan said The jury will disregard everything Ms. Habba just said.
Habba: Ms. Carroll, are you aware it is illegal to delete evidence?
Carroll's lawyer: Objection
Habba: I move for a mistrial, evidence has been deleted
Judge Kaplan: Denied and the jury will disregard everything Ms. Habba just said Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Kaplan tangled with Habba about 14 times, according to an analysis by Business Insider.
"The last I heard, Ms. Habba, I do not need announcements from counsel on what they intend to do," Kaplan told Habba when she interrupted Carrolls direct testimony. And I make the rulings here, not the lawyers.
Has Alina Habba ever tried a case in her life? questioned former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti.
Has Alina Habba ever tried a case before in her life? https://t.co/AsBU9Cw8Ew Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) January 17, 2024
Can you imagine showing up to a trial and asking the trial court judge, How do you suggest I proceed? because you don't know the rules of evidence? tweeted Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis.
Lawyers can bring a variety of different skills to a legal team. Trial technique, oral arguments, subject expertise, negotiations, media relations, or witness work, he added. Unfortunately, here, the wrong skill set has been matched up with the wrong setting.
Former federal prosecutor Elizabeth de le Vega warned that Habbas performance would not help her sway the jury.
Habba might think she's doing a great job by performing for Trump, but she's already succeeded in making the jury dislike her intensely. (I am 100% certain of that.) she tweeted. Since the jury will be deciding the amount of damages, it would be a lot smarter to be as charming as hell.
Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb called Habbas performance a minor league job.
The judge was very patient with her, he told CNN. He gave her sort of two recesses or two opportunities to try to guide her through it himself, called a halt, and took a break with the hope that one of her colleagues could help her figure out how to do what it was that she intended. It was really sort of, you know, embarrassing.
Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann noted that Habba stepped into the role of Trumps lead lawyer in the case after attorney Joe Tacopina withdrew ahead of the trial.
"So she has had to step in, presumably, with a larger role than she anticipated," he told MSNBC. "Mr. Tacopina is a trial lawyer. Alina Habba may be a very skilled lawyer outside of the courtroom, and maybe inside the courtroom it doesn't bear the rules of evidence. So, it is an odd choice.... because basic evidentiary issues are the kinds of things that... [are] not something that's part of her toolkit."
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Alina Habba, she's doing a few things. One, she's doing the spectacle for her client, but two, she's also doing it because she doesn't know what the hell she's doing, MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang said Wednesday. I am comfortable in saying that the lack of competence on the part of Alina Habba is glaringly obvious now."
Phang stressed that Habba has shown she does not know how to enter evidence or how to impeach a witness.
She does not have the requisite trial skills to be defending the former president of the United States in a multimillion dollar defamation trial. And yet, you get what you pay for, and that is exactly what's happening to Donald Trump right now, she said.
There are no cameras, there is no audio in the courtroom so the only thing coming out of that courtroom is gonna be Trump doing his pressers after court and Habba doing her pressers after court saying what they say, which is always wrong, Phang added. It is not an accurate relay of what happened in court, and that's the frustrating thing about what happens when there's this perversion of the judicial system."
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said city crews will start working this afternoon to try to treat roads before temperatures plummet and snow starts to fall later Thursday.
The severe winter weather for the region in the coming days is expected to include precipitation that will be fully snow by early Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Total snow could be 1 to 3 inches, the NWS reported Wednesday. Temperatures will drop into the teens and single digits by Friday evening, and wind chills could be as cold as -12 degrees Fahrenheit by Saturday morning.
Our top priority is to keep our residents safe and warm, Gorton said. Were encouraging our residents to stay off roads if possible and to limit your time outside.
If you go out, wear extra layers, Gorton said. Check on neighbors and bring pets inside, she said during a press conference Thursday.
Streets and roads crews will be pre-treating roads with a brine and beet mixture this morning. Beet has a sugar additive that helps salt work at lower temperatures and keeps salt on the pavement. The city used the mixture earlier in the week and it worked well, officials said in Thursdays news conference.
The citys snow contractor has also been activated to help plow major roads such as New Circle Road.
Crews are prepared to work 12-hour shifts, said Rob Allen, director of streets and roads.
Lexington Police Chief Lawrence Weathers told drivers if they have to drive, allow extra time to get to their destinations, increase distance between other vehicles and put cars in lower gear to get better traction.
Slow down. No matter what type of vehicle you are in, it takes longer to stop, Weathers said.
In addition, the city is working with social services and homeless care providers to get as many people who live outside indoors.
Many homeless shelters are in need of additional winter clothes, including hats, gloves, hand warmers and toiletries. Those donations should be sent to homeless providers directly, city officials said Thursday.
The shelters have been mostly full, said Charlie Lanter, commissioner of housing advocacy and community development. Lanter said they opened a temporary shelter, the Hope Village, on Loudon Avenue to help with overflow in November.
Lanter said outreach teams are going out each night to try to make contact with the unhoused.
Gorton said the city does not plan on changing waste services pick-up.
Lexington has had several days of below freezing temperatures as an arctic blast has settled over much of Kentucky.
The National Weather Service in Louisville is predicting snow starting after 8 p.m. in Central Kentucky, said Rob Larkin, director of emergency management. Snow will likely not be the biggest problem, Larkin said.
Our biggest concern is the dropping temperatures over the weekend, Larkin said.
If someone needs help or shelter, contact the Lexington Police Departments non-emergency number at 859-258-3600. Do not call 9-1-1 for road updates, officials urged Thursday. Check Lexingtons official social media sites for road conditions, Weathers said.
In the distance, June ONeal spotted the flicker of a warming fire.
Soon, a northbound freight train would rumble past, a steel whoosh of cold air on a frigid night. But for a moment ONeal stood her ground.
She had come to help the homeless. She heard there might be some huddled near a dirt path along the tracks that skirt the Ocmulgee River near where Interstate 16 juts off I-75.
So here she was to give a ride to those who might prefer spending the night indoors, in a shelter. She prayed some would.
The path where she stood in the dark was treacherous with loose gravel and soft dirt. ONeal, 66, clad in a fuchsia overcoat, hiked as near as she could to the fire. From maybe 50 yards away, she called out: Hello!
It was 31 degrees in Middle Georgia. Her voice was beaten back by gusts that made it feel like 20.
Hello! Its June ONeal! she yelled. Will you come in with us?
In the fires shadows, she could just make out a pair of figures people but there came no replies.
Hello! Hello! she kept on. I can take you to shelter! ... Ill take you in my car! Ive got blankets and coats!
Still no response.
For a full five minutes, the sole reply was the biting breeze.
Headed back to her small SUV, ONeal spoke of the system for reaching and encouraging homeless people to seek shelter.
Were doing everything we can do. Weve told everybody we know to tell and put the word out at all the usual places, she said. Its so frustrating to have resources and they wont come.
Meanwhile, sheriffs deputies and firefighters were on the lookout for people without a place to stay, informing those they might happen upon of ways to get to the countys five shelters. In the end, about 260 sought refuge in the 320 or so available beds, according to the Rev. Jake Hall, executive director of United to End Homelessness.
For the better part of two hours Tuesday night, ONeal drove around downtown Macon. If someone she saw looked like they might be wandering, she stopped and rolled down her window.
She began her trek half an hour after sunset, on her way home from a Bibb County Commission meeting where the program she runs for at-risk students was saluted as the organization of the year by Macons Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
In cold weather, ONeal, a social worker by trade, scours the city, often alone, in search of those in need. Like many parts of Georgia, Macon was being buffeted by below-freezing temperatures.
Soon ONeal spied two men hustling down Mulberry Street near the county courthouse. One of the men was coatless in the chill, hunched over, his head shrouded in a blanket.
Will you let me take yall somewhere? ONeal said. I dont want you to freeze to death.
Where we going? one of the men replied.
ONeal mentioned a couple of shelters.
The men didnt want to go. They said they had a place. They didnt say where.
Well please dont freeze to death tonight, Im begging you, ONeal said.
I promise, I wont, one of the men said.
ONeal shook her head as she rolled away.
They said they have somewhere to go, she said. I know different.
Reasons they dont want help
Persuading people to come in from the cold can be challenging. ONeal said some dont like crowds, some are addicts, some suffer from mental illnesses. Some are afraid to leave their belongings on the street. If thats all you got, ONeal said, your stuff will get stolen.
Near a hot wing joint off I-16, ONeal noticed a man trudging up the sidewalk. In one hand, he gripped a Bible. In the other was a walking stick almost as tall as he was. The stick, wrapped thick with duct tape, was a homemade cross.
ONeal said, Hey, you want to come with me to the Salvation Army?
The man did not seem to hear.
Alrighty, he said to himself, alrighty now.
ONeal asked him again.
I dont want you freezing, she said.
The man claimed to have a room at a motel about a quarter-mile away.
ONeal rode on, but she was not so sure. She doubled back, cutting the wrong way through a Checkers drive-thru. She followed the man at a distance until he made it to the motel.
We might drive all night and not get one person, she said. Thatll break my heart.
Not far from the river, outside a Burger King, ONeal encountered two men in a car. They were from a downtown shelter, out doing the same thing she was: Seeking the hidden.
Before long a homeless man angled across the lot on foot.
Hey, ONeal said to him, would you let me take you to a shelter?
Uh, Im good on that one, the man said. The Salvation Army had bedbugs one year.
ONeal thought she recognized the guy from a Christmas party at a church nearby. The man said it wasnt him.
I didnt do nothing on Christmas, he said. It was like just a normal day to me. It was peaceful.
The man said his name was Richard, that he was 32 and that he preferred keeping to himself, despite the cold.
I just try not to be a bother, he said. Out here theres lots of s thatll bother you, and I dont want to take no chances for someone else to be bothered by it.
He planned to hoof it around town, stay on the move, for as long as he could.
He asked what the temperature was.
It was 30 degrees.
Negative 30? he asked.
He had on two jackets.
ONeal went to hand him a third.
He was reluctant to accept.
Before sliding his arms into the sleeves and tugging it on, he asked ONeal a question: Are you sure you dont need it?
This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news and events in metro-Atlanta and Georgia, visit AJC.com. Joe Kovac Jr. covers Macon and Middle Georgia for the AJC.
Maggie Haberman has recalled a recent phone call she received from former President Donald Trump.
Trump called the New York Times journalist to talk about his multiple civil and criminal cases. But much of what the Republican 2024 front-runner said I didnt report on, Haberman told Gayle King and Charles Barkley on Wednesdays episode of CNNs King Charles.
Haberman recalled Trump being very upset about some of her reporting in her 2022 book Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America.
Allegations in the book included him flushing papers down White House toilets and having a racist response to staff members of color, which prompted him to repeatedly slam Haberman as Maggot.
But Trump will always engage with a reporter eventually if he sees some reason to, Haberman explained to King and Barkley.
I was writing a story about how politics and the courts are going to converge again, she said. Most of Trumps comments I didnt report on but he thinks hes his own best comms director and his own best defender, and youll see more of that, I suspect.
Haberman also predicted a grim few months ahead of the 2024 election.
I think this is going to be a pretty bleak campaign on many levels, she said.
I just think that the way our campaigns are fought now are all about who you hate and who hates you back and I think you are going to see that to the nth degree in 2024, she added.
Watch the video here:
Related...
Maine's top trial court has deferred a ruling on whether to uphold or overturn the Maine secretary of state's decision that former President Donald Trump is disqualified from appearing on the 2024 primary ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, also known as the "insurrection clause."
Justice Michaela Murphy in Kennebec County Superior Court wrote in a 17-page decision on Wednesday that she wanted to "promote consistency and avoid voter confusion" ahead of the state's March 5 primary by declining to rule on the "unprecedented issues" that are already set to be considered in a separate case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Murphy denied the Trump team's appeal of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' December decision and his motion to stay the court's proceedings but also stayed Bellows' ruling pending the outcome before the U.S. Supreme Court.
The nation's highest court said on Jan. 5 that it would consider a similar 14th Amendment challenge to Trump out of Colorado, after that state's top court ruled the former president ineligible for their primary ballot under the disqualification clause.
The U.S. Supreme Court set oral arguments for Feb. 8.
Murphy ordered Bellows to make a new ruling on Trump's qualifications within 30 days of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the 14th Amendment challenge out of Colorado. Bellows must then either confirm, modify or withdraw her prior decision, Murphy decided.
MORE: SCOTUS to consider Trump 14th Amendment ballot disqualification case
PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump leaves his apartment building in New York, Jan. 17, 2024. (Seth Wenig/AP)
Bellows, a Democrat, on Dec. 28 ruled Trump ineligible to be on the state's 2024 primary ballot because of actions surrounding the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, finding that he violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
She found that the rioting was carried out "at the behest of, and with the knowledge and support of" Trump, which he has consistently rejected.
Her order upheld challenges from three Maine politicians and a resident of the state: former Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling; former state Sens. Kim Rosen, a Republican, and Tom Saviello, who is a former Republican turned independent; and resident Mary-Anne Royal, all of whom argued the former president was ineligible under Section 3.
"Ultimately, were happy with the Court's decision to leave the Secretarys ruling intact: that Trump is an insurrectionist and that the 14th amendment applies. Well decide next steps soon," Strimling said in a statement.
A Trump spokesman reacted to the Maine court ruling later on Wednesday, saying in part, "This is a correct action, and we remain steadfast in our opposition to these bad-faith shams."
Trump has vigorously denied all wrongdoing and quickly appealed Bellows' decision -- just as he appealed the court finding in Colorado that he engaged in an insurrection on Jan. 6.
MORE: Trump appeals Maine 14th Amendment election disqualification to state Superior Court
Bellows decided to "suspend the effect" of her decision until the Maine courts ruled on Trump's appeal. Trump's legal team then asked the Maine court to hold off on weighing in on Bellows' ruling until after the Colorado case was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump's team contended the secretary of state was a "biased decisionmaker who should have recused herself and otherwise failed to provide lawful due process" and had "no legal authority" to consider the challenge.
PHOTO: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows attends an event in this Jan. 4, 2023, in Augusta, Maine. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)
The extensive legal maneuvering underscores the gravity of the issue now before the courts: Whether Trump's conduct related to Jan. 6 amid his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss disqualifies him from running for president again.
He has faced a number of such challenges, many of which have failed although they were successful in Colorado and Maine, leading to the ongoing legal battle.
In her ruling last month, Bellow said she was "mindful" no secretary of state had "deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment" but balanced that with what she said was the nature of Trump's actions.
"I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection."
Maine court defers ruling on election official disqualifying Trump because of 14th Amendment originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump is challenging Maine's decision to remove him from the ballot over his alleged role in the attack on the Capitol - GETTY IMAGES
Maine has been ordered to put its disqualification of Donald Trump from the presidential election on hold.
A judge has said the former president would remain on the ballot until a definitive decision on his eligibility was reached by the Supreme Court.
Maine followed Colorado in ruling that Mr Trump had infringed the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution by engaging in insurrection - a clause introduced after the American Civil War to keep former Confederates out of Office.
Those backing Mr Trumps exclusion from the race argue that his conduct after his election defeat and at the time of the January 6 storming of the Capitol amounted to insurrection.
Courts in around 30 states across the country have been considering similar challenges.
Trump's supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 - GETTY IMAGES
In Michigan and Minnesota, the states supreme courts have ruled that Mr Trump should remain on the ballot.
Other cases are still pending at state level.
Underpinning the challenges is an argument written by two legal scholars William Baude of the University of Chicago and Michael Stokes Paulsen of the University of St Thomas.
Both men are members of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal group that supports a very strict interpretation of the US Constitution.
The ruling ordering Shenna Bellows, Maines Democratic Secretary of State, to put the case on hold was issued by state Supreme Court Justice Michaela Murphy.
In a 17-page ruling, she said the decision by the US Supreme Court to consider Mr Trumps appeal against the Colorado ruling changes everything.
She added: And while it is impossible to know what the Supreme Court will decide, hopefully, it will at least clarify what role, if any, state decision-makers, including secretaries of state and state judicial officers, play in adjudicating claims of disqualification brought under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Mr Trump faces a blizzard of litigation in the run-up to Novembers presidential election in addition to the 14th amendment cases.
In all, Mr Trump faces 91 federal and state charges in relation to allegations of election interference, illegally handling classified documents and falsifying business records.
The former president denies the charges and claims they are politically motivated.
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Former President Donald Trump celebrates his win Monday in the 2024 Iowa Caucus in Des Moines. On Wednesday, a judge in Maine declined to rule on whether to uphold or overturn a decision to remove Trump from Maine's 2024 primary ballot, pending a decision on a similar case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI
Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A judge in Maine declined to rule Wednesday on whether to uphold or overturn the secretary of state's decision to remove former President Donald Trump from Maine's 2024 primary ballot, pending a decision on a similar case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Justice Michaela Murphy in Kennebec County Superior Court declined to rule on Trump's appeal of Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' decision that would disqualify him from being on the ballot for president based on the "insurrection clause" of the 14th Amendment.
Murphy argued that the same issues already are set to be considered in a separate case, on Colorado's ballot disqualification, which will go before the Supreme Court on Feb. 8.
"Put simply, the U.S. Supreme Court's acceptance of the Colorado case changes everything about the order in which these issues should be decided, and by which court," Murphy wrote in her 17-page opinion Wednesday.
"The court concludes that a remand to the secretary pending a decision by the Supreme Court on these unprecedented issues will promote consistency and avoid voter confusion in the weeks before the primary election," Murphy added.
"Because many of the issues presented in this case are likely to be resolved, narrowed, or rendered moot by the Supreme Court's decision in the Colorado case, the court concludes that a remand is necessary," Murphy wrote, sending the case back to the secretary of state.
Murphy ordered Bellows to issue a revised ruling on Trump's qualifications within 30 days of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the Colorado appeal.
"While it is impossible to know what the Supreme Court will decide, hopefully it will at least clarify what role, if any, state decision-makers, including secretaries of state and state judicial officers, play in adjudicating claims of disqualification brought under Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment."
Earlier this month, Trump appealed the Colorado ruling, which removed him from the state's Republican primary ballot, to the U.S. Supreme Court. The former president also appealed a similar decision in Maine in the complaint filed and now deferred in Kennebec County Superior Court.
While Colorado and Maine are the only states to remove Trump from their 2024 primary ballots, lawsuits in other states -- including Minnesota, New Hampshire, Michigan and Oregon -- were dismissed on procedural grounds.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE, England (KFOR/Storyful) A man wearing a rosary, who called himself the best drug dealer about, was pulled from his car by police, arrested, and sentenced to prison time.
Robert Busby, 54, was arrested in Cambridge, England, after admitting to having crack cocaine in his pocket. Officers also found heroin.
WATCH: Man in clown costume robs clerk at gunpoint
After receiving a tip of Busbys whereabouts, police say he first tried to drive away when officers yanked open his car door and placed him under arrest.
However, as seen in the video at the top of this story, Busby then admitted to drug possession as he was being arrested.
Robert Busby, 54, claimed to be the area's "best drug dealer."
While being booked into jail, officers say Busby bragged about being one of the areas best drug dealers a title that has earned him five years and seven months behind prison bars.
Busby was sentenced January 16 after pleading guilty to multiple drug-related and driving offenses.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A man sought by Athens-Clarke police since warrants were obtained in April 2023 is in jail on charges that he placed a dead womans body in a trash can and pulled it into the woods adjacent to the home where he was living in Athens.
Javier Carbajal-Soto, 51, faces charges of concealing a body and tampering with evidence.
Carbajal-Soto, was placed in the Clarke County Jail on Jan. 13, where he remained Thursday without bond.
Adriana Castaneda
The charges stem from the mysterious disappearance of Adriana Castaneda, 38, who was reported missing by her roommate on March 7, 2023.
The 41-year-old roommate told police he had not seen her in the past three days. She had left the home on Kathwood Drive to attend a party at a bar located on U.S. Highway 441 in Athens and never returned, according to the man.
Castanedas body was found days later on March 21 by a police officer in the wood line at the corner of Lavender Road and Maple Forge Drive. At the time the officer was working on another case and was not looking for a body, according to reports previously released by police.
The suspect resided at 100 Maple Forge Drive and Castanedas decomposed body was found inside a trash can linked to that location, according to documents. The body had been wrapped in plastic and police charged that Carbajal-Soto did this to obstruct their investigation into the woman's disappearance.
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Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson said Wednesday that the woman's cause of death has not been determined and that he is still awaiting medical evidence from the State Crime Lab's autopsy.
Although police detectives have not released details, detective David Harrison signed an arrest warrant against Carbajal-Soto on April 11, 2023, but the suspect had apparently left Athens by that time. The nature of the relationship between the suspect and victim was unclear.
Police would not comment on Wednesday on how or where the suspect was apprehended, but a Clarke County Sheriff's deputy picked him up at the airport in Atlanta where he was detained and transferred him to the jail Athens.
Castaneda was employed at a battery factory in Commerce at the time of her death, according to her roommate.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Suspect arrested in Athens case of woman's body found in trash can
Police are looking for a man who led officers on a chase in a stolen truck through several counties before crashing in Sandy Springs and running off.
Just before 3 a.m. Thursday, the Dodge Ram truck which Georgia State Patrol says was stolen from an airport in Kentucky slammed into a utility pole along Mount Vernon Highway near Northside Drive. It traveled a short distance before crashing in the yard of a vacant house.
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Sandy Springs police used K9s in an effort to track down the driver, but say theres no evidence hes in the immediate area. GSP says investigators are working to determine the identity of the driver. Officers recovered a wallet from the debris at the crash scene, which could identify the driver.
Eric Schonberg lives along Mount Vernon Highway.
I heard sirens in the distance and all of a sudden a car flying up the road, and then I heard three cop cars following pretty closely, he said. And all of a sudden, I heard an explosion, kind of a pow, and then everything stopped.
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The Georgia State Patrol says the driver got away from a trooper in Whitfield County, near the Tennessee state line, and headed south on Interstate 75. Investigators say Cobb County police lost contact with the truck as it sped east on I-285 into Sandy Springs.
Police in Sandy Springs say they found the pickup truck behind a business, but the driver took off. He led police and troopers on a chase along Mount Vernon Highway, where the truck ran into a power pole and crashed in a yard.
The impact knocked out power to about two dozen homes for hours on a cold Thursday. We lost heat for a couple of hours, but it wasnt bad, said Ted Green, who lives near the scene. With the suspect on the loose, he expressed concern for the neighborhoods safety. Its a little disconcerting. Once we heard that, then we locked our doors and got the dog out, Green said.
Local authorities in Kentucky are in the process of completing the stolen vehicle report, said a statement from the Georgia State Patrol.
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It was supposed to be a routine court appearance this week for Nicholas Rossi, who is facing a rape charge in Utah.
Rossi appeared via video Tuesday from the Utah County jail, his face partially hidden under an oxygen mask and his voice barely audible. When the judge asked him, Are you Mr. Rossi? he mumbled a different name in what sounded like a British accent.
The suspect then identified himself as Arthur Knight Brown and gave a date of birth that differed by a year from the one listed in court records. He used the British date format that starts with the day, followed by the month and the year.
When a prosecutor told the judge that Rossi has not admitted his name or birth date accurately, Rossi responded, Objection, my lady, that is complete hearsay.
Its the latest episode in the increasingly bizarre saga of a man authorities say has used false identities, fled the country and attempted to fake his own death to elude prosecution for sexually assaulting multiple women.
After he was arrested in 2021 in Scotland, Rossi described himself as an Irish orphan who had never visited the United States. But investigators say hes an American who posted his own fake obituary and fled to Ireland and Scotland to avoid rape charges in Utah.
A Scottish court ruled in August that Rossi could be extradited to the US. The 36-year-old, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, arrived in Utah this month to face charges stemming from a 2008 alleged rape in Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. Hes also facing a separate rape charge in Salt Lake County.
A prosecutor in Scotland said Rossi has used at least 10 aliases and has been known to speak in British, Irish and American accents, depending on which identity hes using at the time.
Rossi appeared in court in Utah without an attorney, and its unclear whether he has legal representation in the US. CNN has reached out to an attorney listed in court documents.
His attacks followed a pattern, authorities say
Investigators in Utah pursued Rossis extradition from Scotland ater he was charged with incidents of sexual assault in Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Hes also been convicted of sex offenses in Ohio and there have been police reports of possible harassment, sex assault and kidnapping in other states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts, according to a 2020 declaration of facts by a Utah state investigator seeking an arrest warrant for Rossi.
Rossi speaks during a virtual court appearance Tuesday in Salt Lake City. He denied being a rape suspect and gave his name as "Arthur Knight Brown." - KSTU/Pool/AP
His attacks followed a pattern, the investigator said in court filings. Rossi met the women online, convinced them to meet somewhere alone and initiated inappropriate contact, court documents said. If the woman tried to leave, he would threaten suicide or force a non-consensual encounter, the documents said.
In 2017, authorities in Utah began reviewing old sexual assault kits and discovered a DNA profile from the 2008 rape case matched one from a sexual assault case in Ohio. The suspect was identified as Rossi, court documents said.
Around that time, investigators also discovered that Rossi had fled to Dublin, Ireland.
An online obituary claimed he died in Europe
In January 2020, Rossi petitioned the Rhode Island Courts for a reduction in sex offender registry level, which would remove his photo and information online, according to a court filing. He had been convicted of public indecency and sexual imposition in Ohio, and was required to register as a sex offender, court documents said.
Weeks after the petition, an obituary appeared online saying Nicholas Alahverdian had died and his cremated remains were scattered at sea. But the source of the obituary was not mentioned, and officers have not located any official death notification, the court document said.
Four months later, an email with an encrypted address claiming to be from the Alahverdian Foundation was sent to the Rhode Island Police stating that Rossi had died in Eastern Europe, court documents said. It did not provide any specifics.
The emails and the obituary were all written in a similar manner to previous written communications sent by Nicholas Rossi prior to his purported death, the 2020 court document said. There is a generally held belief between the different states involved that Nicholas Rossi is alive and attempted to fake his death.
The FBI pinpointed Rossis whereabouts in 2021 after searching his cell phone records and iCloud, according to The Providence Journal in Rhode Island. He was arrested while hospitalized in Glasgow, the Journal said.
Investigators have not released many details on how they figured out Rossi was at a hospital in Scotland.
We are not going to answer the questions of how we found him, as that would expose investigative techniques, Utah County Attorney David Leavitt said in a statement after his arrest. We will respond that we found him through diligent investigative efforts, which we passed on to Interpol authorities, who located him in Scotland.
Hes accused investigators of taking his fingerprints at the hospital
For nearly two years, Rossi has denied that he is a rape suspect or even that he is Nicholas Rossi. He says hes a victim of mistaken identity.
But Norman McFadyen of Edinburgh Sheriff Court in Scotland has said that Rossis fingerprints match those provided by US law enforcement and that he has distinctive tattoos that match descriptions given by witnesses in the US.
Rossi has accused investigators of obtaining his fingerprints through a health service worker when he was hospitalized with coronavirus at a Glasgow hospital in October 2021. He also alleges he was tattooed while in a coma at the hospital, allegations McFadyen has called implausible and fanciful.
Nicholas Rossi leaves court in Edinburgh, Scotland, after his extradition hearing in June. He described himself as an Irish orphan who had never visited the US. - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Our office is grateful for the significant interagency collaboration of law enforcement to bring this suspect to justice, Leavitt, the Utah prosecutor, said in a statement in January 2022.
In Scotland, Rossi often appeared in court via video, saying he was not well enough to attend in person. Hes also gone to court in a wheelchair and wearing an oxygen mask, but a doctor at the Edinburgh prison where he was held said she had no concerns over his health.
At Rossis 2022 bail hearing in Edinburgh, a prosecutor said his name is Rossi and that in the US he spoke with an American accent. The prosecutor added that Rossi got married in February 2020 around the time his obituary posted online under an alias and his wifes family knew him as Nicholas Brown, a man who had an Irish accent. At a hospital in Glasgow, he was listed as Arthur Winston Brown and spoke in an English accent, the prosecutor said.
He appears today as Arthur Knight but has previously been identified by medical professionals and civilians as Nicholas Rossi, the prosecutor told the court. Rossi then shouted from the dock, Thats not true.
Last year, Rossis attorney in Scotland said his extradition to the US would serve as a flagrant breach of his human rights.
Rossis next hearing in Utah is set for January 26.
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A man is in critical condition after being found shot Wednesday morning in the area of Ellicott Mills Middle School in Ellicott City, according to Howard County Police.
Police said in a news release that officers responded at about 8:45 a.m. to a parking lot in the 4400 block of Montgomery Road, which includes the middle school and Childrens Manor Montessori School, and found the man suffering from a single gunshot wound.
He was taken to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where he is in critical condition, police said, noting they were working to determine both the time the shooting happened and the circumstances surrounding it.
Those with information are asked to contact police at HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-STOP.
An Ohio man is accused of fathering a child, getting married and getting arrested under the stolen identity of a former acquaintance, court documents show.
Yaw Mintah Afari, of Cincinnati, met the acquaintance when he lived in Virginia, after coming to the U.S. from Ghana, and stole the mans identity sometime after 2001, according to an affidavit.
The victim told investigators he was seriously impacted by the identity theft, the affidavit said. The victim said he had to travel to Georgia twice once after being arrested for a crime Afari was accused of and again to take a DNA test to avoid child support payments for Afaris alleged child, court records showed.
Due to the criminal charges under his identity, the victim also said he lost his job as an Uber driver, according to court records.
Afaris attorney did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment on Jan. 18.
Court records indicate that Afari used the stolen identity when he was arrested in Georgia in 2007. He pleaded guilty to or was convicted of several crimes in multiple Georgia counties and was in prison from 2009 to 2012, according to the affidavit.
While serving his prison sentence, Afari applied for two replacement Social Security cards using the victims information and his prison ID number, court documents show.
Afari moved to Cincinnati sometime between 2018 and 2019 and got married using the victims identity in 2019, according to the affidavit.
He eventually obtained a replacement of the victims Social Security card in 2021 and later applied for a passport in 2022, according to court documents. Afaris passport application was flagged, which led investigators to later determine that he was using a stolen identity, they said.
Afari was charged with aggravated identity theft, passport fraud and making false statements to a federal agency, court documents show. If convicted, he faces up to 17 years in prison, according to WKRC.
Afari was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 17, and appeared in court the same day where his court records were unsealed, according to Butler County inmate records and WXIX.
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Charges have been filed in connection with a deadly pedestrian crash on Route 1 in Wrentham on Tuesday after investigators determined that the victim was struck by two vehicles, including a plow truck driver who fled the scene, investigators announced Thursday.
Gregory Stahl, 73, of Wrentham, will be called to court at a later date to face charges of leaving the scene of a collision causing death and driving with an expired license, according to the Wrentham Police Department.
Officers responding to a report of a person struck by a motor vehicle on the highway in the area of 545 Washington Street just after 5:30 p.m. found the body of a man in the left travel lane, investigators said.
The pedestrian, who police identified as 42-year-old Patrick E. Royster, of Taunton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Royster was said to be walking north in a southbound breakdown lane when he attempted to cross the highway and got hit.
The driver of the initial vehicle that struck Royster remained at the scene and spoke with officers. Charges have not been filed against him. Witnesses later told police that a pickup truck with a plow also hit Royster while he was down in the middle of the road.
A subsequent investigation led police to Stahl, who allegedly drove away from the scene before officers arrived.
Massachusetts State Police are continuing to assist Wrentham police with an investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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A man was accused of killing his co-worker at a storage warehouse because he messed with his stuff, Utah officials said.
Nathan David Evans, 41, according to FOX 13, was overheard saying on Dec. 29 that he planned on going down to a warehouse to kill someone by bashing his head in, according to a Jan. 17 news release by the Salt Lake County District Attorney.
Days later, the body of David Hinkebein, 65, according to FOX 13, was discovered in the back office of the Salt Lake City warehouse, officials said.
Dave had an infectious smile and a keen sense of humor. He worked tirelessly to take care of the population that he served and was willing to give help to anyone in need, Hinkebeins obituary said.
One of the mens co-workers saw Evans at work Jan. 1, but not Hinkebein, officials said. Later, he went near a back office and noticed bloody handprints on the wall and blood-stained carpet.
The man confronted Evans about the mess and reported his findings the next day after it had not been cleaned up, the district attorney said.
On Jan. 3, officers performed a welfare check at the warehouse and found a large amount of blood along with Hinkebeins body, officials said.
The medical examiners autopsy revealed Hinkebein had at least 15 blunt force injuries to the head, consistent with a hammer, officials said.
Officers found a bloody hammer with what they believed to be Evans hair on it next to a minifridge, officials said. A garbage bag full of bloody clothes typically worn by Evans was also found.
McClatchy News reached out to the district attorney for more information Jan. 18 and is awaiting a response.
Evans was charged with murder and abuse or desecration of a human body, officials said.
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A childs chilling phone call led deputies to a bloody scene inside a Texas home.
Around 6:52 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, Fort Bend County sheriffs deputies responded to a home in Richmond after a child called and said someone in the home was shooting family members, Sheriff Eric Fagan said at a Jan. 17 news conference streamed by KRIV.
When deputies arrived, they found two children hiding and five people dead, Fagan said.
This event is something that we pray that would never happen, Fagan said.
After investigating, officials determined 46-year-old Alrick Shawn Alphanso Barrett came to the home to return a child from visitation. When he arrived, he asked a grandmother at the home if he could come in, and she agreed, not knowing what would happen, Fagan said.
While at the home, Barrett spoke with his estranged wife and officials say he said he wanted to reunite. However, she refused and shots were fired, officials said.
Barrett shot and killed his wife, 8-year-old niece, his wifes 43-year-old brother and 46-year-old sister, WOWT reported. Officials say after the shootings, Barrett died by suicide.
A 7-year-old and 13-year-old were hiding in the home during the shooting, KHOU reported.
Fagan said the victims were all found in different rooms in the home. He couldnt say if they were sleeping when they were shot, but said they were all in night clothes.
Officials have not released the names of the victims.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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SHAWNEE, Kan. The suspect connected to a 2022 deadly shooting in Shawnee, Kansas has pleaded guilty.
Fernando Reyes-Lara pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree intentional murder and two counts of aggravated robbery in the Nov. 30, 2022 death of 25-year-old man Jarod Rogers.
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On Nov. 30, 2022, officers responded to a parking lot near Johnson Drive and Nieman Road for a welfare check around 6:30 p.m.
When officers arrived on the scene they found Rogers suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The following day, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Olathe Police Department, and Shawnee Police Department were involved in a chase connected to the shooting.
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On Dec. 2, 2022, Shawnee police learned that someone involved in the shooting turned themselves in at the Kansas City, Kansas, South Patrol Station and was taken into custody.
Reyes-Lara is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A Columbus man could spend up to the next 24 1/2 years in prison for a fatal 2021 stabbing at an east Columbus nightclub.
Warren S. Tucker
Warren Tucker, 35, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a repeat offender specification. He was sentenced to between 11 and 16 1/2 years for the manslaughter charge with an additional 8 years added for the specification.
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Upon release, Tucker will have to serve between 2 and 5 years of post-release control.
In exchange for the guilty plea, murder, aggravated murder, and aggravated robbery charges were dropped, according to court records.
Tucker was charged with stabbing 34-year-old Clyde Woods Jr. at the Columbus Confidential club on Lake Club Drive on June 12, 2021. Woods would die a few hours later at the hospital.
Tucker was arrested in May 2022.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Gov. Wes Moore unveiled a $63.1 billion state budget plan Wednesday that he said would not require new taxes despite a growing budget deficit and billions of dollars owed for future policies and that would still increase spending on child care programs, efforts to help juveniles in the justice system and construction on the FBIs new headquarters in Prince Georges County.
The Democratic governors proposal, which requires approval from the Maryland General Assembly in the coming months, would use a variety of methods to resolve a roughly $1.1 billion cash shortfall while raising spending on his top policy plans for the fiscal year beginning in July.
Among those, he said, is $270 million in additional funding for the Maryland State Department of Educations child care scholarship program, where high demand has required additional funds. The budget also includes $500 million more for schools, $100 million for the FBI building in Greenbelt that federal officials approved last year and $16 million more for the Department of Juvenile Services as the agency faces public scrutiny over its rehabilitation programs.
Moore also reiterated his intention to restore $150 million in planned cuts to transportation programs next year.
Those and other funding increases are possible because of plans to pull from the states rainy day fund, borrow more than previous years, shift money around and reevaluate funding for programs and funding formulas. Officials said the trims are spread out across government agencies and were necessary to avoid raising taxes at a time when some lawmakers say the state must soon begin looking for major sources of new revenue including possibly raising taxes on the rich or corporations.
Drafting this budget wasnt easy, Moore said Wednesday in Annapolis. It was hard. We were operating under very tight constraints, very tight realities.
That financial reality is a far cry from one year ago, when Moore was inaugurated and quickly introduced a budget that started with a surplus and the last remnants of pandemic-era federal funding that kept Marylands and many other states budgets flush in recent years.
Those funds dried up as Moore and the Democratic supermajorities in the legislature last year passed a $63.1 billion budget that made the first major investment in the states education reform plan a $900 million infusion for the Blueprint for Marylands Future and saved $2.5 billion in the rainy day fund. Moores first-year agenda also had a cost, with tax credits for low-income families adding nearly $200 million to the states bottom line, for example.
The governor had stressed fiscal discipline leading up to Wednesdays announcement. He described the savings found in the budget as a rebasing, a process that budget officials said included reducing or slowing increases for programs that had seen a significant boost with the influx of federal pandemic funds.
For example, a formula that provides a subsidy for private higher education institutions has allowed the subsidy to increase quickly every year, from $59 million in the 2020 fiscal year to $137 million in the current 2024 fiscal year. The proposed 2025 budget would lower the figure to just under $134 million.
There is a rebasing that we have on a few different state programs that we think are still showing our measurement of being aggressive yet at the same time dealing with current economic [conditions], Moore said.
Larger fixes were recommended by the legislatures Spending Affordability Committee last month and accepted by the Moore administration.
Those include borrowing an additional $500 million to pay for capital projects increasing the general obligation bond debt to $1.75 billion and dipping into the rainy day fund to restore $150 million after the Maryland Department of Transportation last month announced $3.3 billion in reduced spending on the states six-year transportation plan. The restorations were only made for the next fiscal year as lawmakers look to remake the states transportation funding system.
The rainy day fund balance, if legislators dont seek to tap into it further, would remain at $2.34 billion, or 9.4% of general fund revenues. That rate was another recommendation of the Spending Affordability Committee that Moores administration followed, in addition to the overall goal of reducing the $761 million structural deficit by a third.
Separate from the states cash deficit, the structural deficit is an indicator of how expenditures are outpacing revenues, and its set to increase to $2.7 billion in the 2029 fiscal year if further adjustments arent made.
That deficit does not include expenses for other progressive policies around education, climate and transportation that Moore and other Democrats support but have not found revenue for. The Blueprint, the long-term education plan, is the states largest future cost driver and is funded only through the 2027 fiscal year. Moore said a $500 million increase in the states education budget in 2025 will cover current Blueprint costs and bring total K-12 public school funding to $9.2 billion.
The governor did not propose any solutions for the longer multi-year issues and House and Senate budget negotiators are showing signs of disagreement over how aggressively to pursue them this year.
House Appropriations Chair Del. Ben Barnes, a Prince Georges County Democrat who is his chambers top budget negotiator, said each side shares the same values and he believes they will come together to work on solutions. But the lack of any plans for long-term Blueprint or transportation funding are a concern.
That gives me pause spending on new programs while we havent figured out how to pay for all the great programs we have on the books, Barnes said, declining to single-out any new programs before his committees budget hearings get underway.
Senate President Bill Ferguson, meanwhile, said the Senate would not likely consider new major sources of revenue, like taxes, in the current annual 90-day session. He said in an interview Wednesday that Moores budget plan was a decent starting point and a way of picking specific priorities and doing what we can with what we have.
Thats an important value for us moving forward, said Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat.
Republicans in the minority of both chambers also warned about future costs but said it was a relief that the budget would spend less than the current year (total spending for the 2024 budget grew slightly to about $64 billion) and that it does not include taxes.
Long-term, spending is still outpacing revenues and this budget does not identify a solution to this ongoing dilemma, said Sen. Paul Corderman, a Washington County Republican on the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. We must address these expensive mandates from the past and refrain from adding new ones that will further weigh down the budget.
Republicans also celebrated the $9 million maintained for the private school scholarship program, known as BOOST, for low-income families. Moore proposed reducing that fund last year, setting off a battle against Republicans and Senate Democrats who wanted to keep the program fully intact.
The child care scholarship program, meanwhile, will receive both $270 million in the 2025 budget and another $218 million in the current 2024 budget necessities because it was underfunded in recent years and because it quickly grew as policymakers made tweaks, according to state budget documents. More than 21,000 families received subsidies to cover most of the cost of child care in the 2023 fiscal year, an increase of nearly 40% over the prior year, according to the documents.
The increase for the program in Baltimore was far greater, at about 300%, said Del. Stephanie Smith, a Baltimore Democrat whos welcoming the investments but is concerned about a cost-saving measure in the program that went unmentioned by Moore on Wednesday.
According to a notice from the Maryland State Education Department, some scholarship recipients will be required to begin paying higher co-pays, which to-date had been just a few dollars. The rate, like the subsidy itself, is based on income level, with the lowest earners not being required to pay.
Smith said that could mean $100 to $300 per week for the most vulnerable working families in the state. Preventing the change would require legislation and finding around $25 million in funding, she said. She did not say specifically if legislation was in the works but said the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, of which she is a member, would stand in opposition to the move when it announces its legislative priorities Thursday.
Any conversations about revenue should be really sensitive to putting any additional pressures on families that qualify for child care assistance, Smith said.
Moore also highlighted investments in public safety, a topic that he and other lawmakers say will be a primary focus this year.
Local police will receive $5 million more, for a total of $127 million, in state aid. A new gun violence prevention center within the Department of Health will receive $10 million to launch efforts that include data collection and analysis.
Within the Department of Juvenile Services, $4.4 million more is being allocated for the Thrive Academy, which launched last year to target supports and interventions for young people at risk of being involved in gun violence. Another $12 million increase will go toward the departments efforts to serve the majority of young people who come into contact with it but are not eligible for other programs, including those who are diverted from prosecution and cannot be referred to the delinquency system under current law, according to budget documents.
Other investments announced Wednesday include $115 million more for housing and community development projects, $6 million for Baltimores Tech Hub Consortium and $13 million more for the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, which Moore created last year to launch his signature service year program for recent high school graduates. The $100 million for the FBI headquarters, meanwhile, was previously authorized by state lawmakers and was contingent on the General Services Administrations selection of the Greenbelt site in the prolonged fight with Virginia over winning the bid. Moore said the event headquarters will generate 7,500 jobs and $4 billion in economic activity.
_____
Aiming to build off their progress in recent years on increasing access to health care and making the criminal justice system more equitable, Marylands Legislative Black Caucus said Thursday it will back a lengthy list of legislation and moral goals in the annual legislative session that kicked off last week.
The caucus, with 66 members between the 141-member House of Delegates and the 47-member Senate, is the largest one of its kind in the country, said its chair, Del. Jheanelle Wilkins, a Montgomery County Democrat. She and other members introduced plans for bills spanning health care, housing, transportation, education, criminal justice and businesses that seek to benefit from contracts with the state.
Criminal justice efforts will focus on expungement opportunities, where changes to the law in recent years have expanded the option for some felonies and reduced wait times after a person has been convicted and served their sentence.
Sen. Jill Carter, a Baltimore Democrat, said some misdemeanors such as driving without a license or driving while uninsured have been overlooked in the list of crimes to expand expungement rights. Some marijuana-related offenses are also still not eligible for expungement, even after lawmakers legalized recreational use and offered a path for expungements for many of those convicted under previous law, she said.
Weve made a lot of progress on expungement rights, but its time that we stop looking at the crime and look at the person, Carter said. We need to look holistically at the person and who deserves a right to have their record expunged.
Wilkins said no single policy area will rise above the rest for the caucus which has considerable sway in Annapolis and has worked since last year with Gov. Wes Moore, Marylands first Black chief executive and the only current Black governor in the country but she also said every conversation must start with the fact that Maryland already leads the entire nation in its incarceration of young Black men.
We know that the history of inequality and systemic discrimination in this nation and in our country is complex and its systemic, Wilkins said.
As lawmakers and Moore put a renewed emphasis on housing policy this year, the caucus is also looking to pass legislation that will establish clear and reasonable criteria for evictions to prevent instances where its arbitrary and unjustifiable, said Del. Adrian Boafo, a Prince Georges County Democrat.
Boafo said he would also introduce legislation to ban the box on rental applications by limiting or prohibiting rental housing providers from discriminating against applicants based on their criminal history. The legislation would, in part, make it illegal for landlords to look at any criminal history past three years after a sentence has been served, Boafo said.
A list of health-related bills, meanwhile, includes legislation to take steps to improve care and connections to services for new mothers; set up a public campaign around a previously passed law that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for cancer screenings; and expand the authority of Marylands Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The latter is also the top priority for health care advocates this session, with the goal of enabling the board to cap the costs of more medications.
Patients are being forced to skip doses, ration their medications or simply leave their prescriptions on the pharmacy counters due to cost. We know all too well that these rising costs are a burden to all Marylanders and specifically for the African American community, who face persistent racial health inequities, said Del. Jennifer White Holland, a Baltimore County Democrat.
Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm Augustine, a Prince Georges County Democrat, also emphasized the needs for the health care bills.
Hold all other things constant, its actually a hazard in America to be Black as it pertains to health, Augustine said.
Other bills are aimed at minority-owned businesses and education, including an upcoming bill from Democratic Del. Stephanie Smith, of Baltimore, that would try to ensure some programs offered at historically Black colleges and universities are not duplicated at non-HBCUs.
Another bill from Del. N. Scott Phillips, a Baltimore County Democrat, would increase transparency around the Board of Public Works awarding of state contracts to minority-owned businesses. A public-facing, interactive dashboard would allow the public to search the data and see if the state was meeting its goals on such contracts.
Other goals are less legislative and more aspirational or at least aimed at using the caucus collective power to advocate for ideas, like a sustainable funding mechanism for the states embattled Transportation Trust Fund.
Moores administration announced last month $3.3 billion in cuts to the states six-year transportation plan, a necessity absent new revenue streams. The governor said he would restore $150 million of those cuts for the fiscal year beginning in July but did not present future revenue options in his budget announcement Wednesday. A separate commission of legislators and industry experts looking for sustainable funding is not due to present final recommendations until 2025.
Del. Robbyn Lewis, a Baltimore Democrat, said the Legislative Black Caucus would push for a moral shift in how the state funds transportation. She and other members did not offer specific solutions but stressed they will make it a priority to find them with the future cuts looming.
Its a civil right, the ability to move, the ability to seek opportunity, the ability to find a job to move to a location where you can start a business that requires access to transportation, Lewis said. A budget cut to our transportation system is a civil wrong.
Labor Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan argued in favor of removing the former president from the Massachusetts presidential primary ballot at a hearing of the State Ballot Law Commission Thursday.
BOSTON Should former President Donald J. Trump's name remain on the Republican presidential primary ballot in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Ballot Law Commission may make a ruling on the issue, but first it will have to determine whether it has jurisdiction to do so.
Nine registered Massachusetts voters have challenged the placement of Trumps name on the ballot by Secretary of State William Galvin in two separate filings, claiming that Trump is not qualified to serve if elected and therefore should be removed from consideration.
However, the Ballot Law Commission meeting Thursday concluded that its first act is to determine if it has the legal right to make a decision in the case.
Trumps team, represented by attorney Marc Salinas of Silva & Salinas, and supported by his Massachusetts campaign manager, Tom Hodgson, the former Bristol County sheriff, argues that the question of whom to elect is up to the people to decide.
Removing his name will disenfranchise millions of voters, Salinas said, adding that only U.S. Congress has the authority to decide if Trump is qualified to serve if elected.
Attorney Marc Salinas argued at a hearing Thursday that former president Donald Trump was placed on the primary presidential ballot at the request of the Massachusetts Republican Party and therefore his ability to serve if elected is not a matter for the state Ballot Law Commission to decide.
In contrast, the objectors represented by labor attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan and Ronald Andres Fein, director of Free Speech for the People argue that under Massachusetts law, only candidates eligible to serve upon election can be placed on the ballot.
The secretary of the commonwealth erred in his claim that it was his duty to place Trumps name on the ballot at the request of the state Republican Party, Liss-Riordan said. It is this commissions duty to decide if Secretary Galvin was correct in placing Donald John Trumps name on the ballot."
Under state law, a hearing cannot start before Jan. 22 and must conclude by 5 p.m. Jan. 29, Riordan said.
The commission, Liss-Riordan said, has the legal authority to investigate the legality and completeness of a candidates nomination for presidential and state candidates on the primary ballot.
Liss-Riordan argued that the Colorado Supreme Court had removed Trump from that states ballot after finding him to be an insurrectionist, who violated his oath of office to uphold the United States Constitution Jan. 6, 2021. He was found, she said, to have encouraged an angry and violent mob to intrude into the Capitol to interrupt the proceedings of certifying the 2020 elections in order to prolong his time in office.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at a campaign event in Portsmouth, N.H., Wednesday.
The objectors believe that having violated his oath and been declared an insurrectionist; he is unqualified to serve another presidential term. Congress can vote to remove the disability, Liss-Riordan said, adding that it must be done by two-thirds majority vote in each house.
Liss-Riordan said she expects the question of whether Trump is qualified to serve will ultimately be determined by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The commission alerted each of the attorneys that the only matter it will immediately consider is whether the commission has jurisdiction in the case. The commissioners refused to consider any of the arguments put forth in Colorado or any questions of fitness and ability to serve.
Former Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson attends a hearing Thursday to determine whether the state Ballot Law Commission has the right to decide whether Donald J. Trump can remain on the state's presidential primary ballot, as requested by the Massachusetts Republican Party.
Liss-Riordan suggested that the commission has decided ability to serve in the past most notably in rejecting the challenge to Mitt Romneys candidacy for governor on a question of meeting residency requirements.
This is the proper forum for the objections to be heard, Liss-Riordan said.
Salinas said there was no question of abnormalities in Trump's nomination papers and procedures, as his name was included on the ballot at the request of the states Republicans.
If the Republican Party requested a 12 year old be placed on the ballot, that name must appear on the ballot, Salinas said, adding the name must appear regardless of whether the candidate would be fit to serve if elected. Qualifications to serve are only considered through the nomination process, he said.
Hodgson believes that the American people, have the right to decide who will lead the country, claiming the objections were part of the maneuverings against Trump and political in nature.
They are afraid he will win, Hodgson said. Even if he is kicked off the ballot in Massachusetts, it will not dissuade people from voting for him. They cannot take away the right of the American people to select who will be president and lead this country.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts ballot commission asked to rule on Trump ballot spot
Gov. Maura Healey launched into her second year as governor with big spending promises, but Democratic leaders in the Legislature say they aren't planning to raise taxes to pay for them, even as the state's fiscal picture looks grimmer than it did a year ago.
Healey's State of the Commonwealth address included pushes for major spending increases for roads and public transit, moving towards universal free pre-K access for every 4-year-old in the state, and more.
She said the state will "need to be smart with how we spend our money," after she just made the first mid-year budget cuts in seven years as tax revenues have come in below projections each of the last six months. The governor said the budget she will file next week will be "balanced, responsible and forward-looking."
Asked if he would consider proposals to raise taxes to pay for lofty spending promises with fiscal storm clouds gathering, House Speaker Ron Mariano said "life goes on" and pointed to a tax cut package lawmakers and Healey passed last year.
"No we're not going to raise taxes, we just lowered taxes. We're not schizophrenic," the speaker said. "We've chosen the course of action and we think the competitiveness that the tax cut gets us is an important fact."
Mariano praised last year's tax reforms, which figured prominently into Healey's speech as well, saying they will "go a long way" to make living in Massachusetts more affordable.
Gov. Maura Healey delivers her second annual State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday night.
Senate President Karen Spilka also said her chamber is not considering raising taxes.
"That is not something that I believe we are looking at. I believe, you know, that we will take a look and closely monitor our revenue for the coming months, for the coming year, and we will take a look. We will take a look at the governor's budget, and then the House will do its budget and we'll do ours. But we will closely monitor our revenue," Spilka said.
The state budget has ballooned in recent years, in line with a surge in tax collections since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The budget in fiscal year 2020 was slightly above $43 billion, compared to the $56 billion fiscal 2024 budget.
Just before the pandemic hit in 2020, the House approved a package of tax and fee increases to increase funding for the MBTA and transportation projects. The Senate didn't take up the bill and then Beacon Hill's priorities shifted to addressing the pandemic.
On Wednesday night, Healey proposed doubling support for MBTA operations and addressing deferred maintenance on the system that has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe in the time since.
However, without raising taxes and with less general tax revenue to spend in the next budget than was originally appropriated for fiscal 2024, when asked how the state would afford Democrats' spending priorities both Mariano and Spilka said they look forward to seeing the details of Healey's budget proposal.
"Well, that remains to be seen," Mariano said when asked how the state could pay for all the spending Healey proposed in her speech Wednesday night.
He added, "The devils are in the details, and she's going to release her budget in a week or so. And we'll have to look at the details then, compare it to the line items that we've traditionally funded that affect a lot of the same people that she's highlighted in these new programs."
Spilka agreed with some of the priorities that Healey laid out, including education spending.
"These are bold plans," Spilka said. "When you talk about critical areas such as early education and care, COVID highlighted how broken and totally out of reach, because of how expensive it is for so many families. We need to do something in early education and care."
Spilka last week indicated that the Senate will also propose making community college free for all residents in its own version of the budget.
Though some Republicans were wary of top-dollar spending priorities, Republican Rep. Donald Wong of Saugus said he agreed with the governor's points on education.
"Yes," he answered, when asked if he agreed with her list of priorities. "And you know, one of the things that's very important is education for the kids. We're not just competing against kids in the U.S., we're competing against kids around the world. And we have to get our kids up there so they can have the good jobs, good companies, and be our future."
Democrats for Education Reform applauded Healey's announcement of significant investment in early literacy. The governor announced a program she's calling "Literacy Launch" with funding to go towards educator training programs and better curriculum materials.
"We applaud Governor Healeys historic announcement of Massachusetts significant investment in early literacy. The importance of teaching our children to read with research and evidence-based curricula cannot be overstated. Funding for teacher professional development to support educators is also an essential component of the Governors vision for student success," Mary Tamer of Democrats for Education Reform said in a statement.
Former House Ways and Means Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez of Boston said, "There's an optimism that's here right now relative to early education and pre-K than I think that I've felt in a while, so I think it's exciting."
MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said Healey's vision for the T which includes significantly higher state investment for the beleaguered system was "very inspiring."
"Transportation she talked about, quality of life, families, future generations it's everything that I look for in public service. And I'm just really proud to be part of it," the GM said on his way out of the House Chamber.
Greater Boston Business Chamber President and CEO Jim Rooney said he was encouraged by the governor's "enthusiasm and optimism for our future," and making "sure that our workforce and businesses stay and grow here," through new approaches to housing affordability, transportation fixes and immigration reform.
"For the transportation crisis, I was pleased to hear the governor's recommitment to advancing meaningful solutions. The Chamber has long advocated for a focus on developing a long-term strategic transportation funding plan for the commonwealth; we were pleased to hear the Governor embrace this recommendation and look forward to hearing more details on the make-up and charge of the task force she announced tonight," he said in a statement.
But not everyone was completely sold on all of the governor's proposals.
"I think we heard one half of the equation tonight, which has some very ambitious goals for some very important subjects like climate change, education, housing, transportation. What we are still yet to hear is the other half of the equation, which is how are we going to keep the budget balanced in the face of taxpayers fleeing Massachusetts?" said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.
There has been a general trend of domestic outmigration out of Massachusetts over the past two decades, though the state did see its population bounce back and grow in 2023 after a dip in 2022.
"Gov. Maura Healey has an opportunity to tackle head on the issue of our declining economic competitiveness and address the ever-growing flight of wealth and people from our state. Over the last year, Massachusetts has seen thousands more people leave, taking with them millions of dollars that are not being replaced. The emergency budget cuts Healey was forced to enact just days ago are only one symptom of this growing problem," Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance spokesman Paul Craney said.
Tarr said Republicans are "not going to be bystanders in the budget process."
"How are we going to make sure that as we reach for the stars, that our feet are on a solid financial footing?" he said. "And that may not be as glamorous or exciting as some of the things that were discussed tonight, but it's equally as important if we're going to pursue all of these things, many of which are important and many of which philosophically we have no disagreement with, then we also need to deal with the reality of the fiscal climate that we're in."
Business groups stressed that they think the governors' focus needs to remain on making the state more competitive through changes in tax policy and spending.
"Our existing tax policy must be heavily scrutinized as revenues continue to decline and the realization sets in that Massachusetts cannot tax itself into prosperity. It is essential that Gov. Healey and Beacon Hill lawmakers work to make the Commonwealth more conducive to economic growth by instead easing tax burdens and avoiding costly new labor mandates for small businesses seeking relief in an increasingly unaffordable state," said Christopher Carlozzi, Massachusetts state director for the National Federation of Independent Business.
Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said the speech was "very positive" but that there is still more to do to stay competitive with other states. He called for investments in small businesses to be the "primary focus of the economic development plan."
"But much more is needed to move us forward in keeping the Commonwealth competitive vs the other 49 states, including reforming our worst in the nation Unemployment Insurance system. And equally important to us being able to compete with other states, are our efforts to achieve competitiveness and fairness within the actual borders of the Commonwealth. We must eliminate state discriminatory laws which create higher costs for our in state small employers vs their big employers competitors," Hurst said.
Most lawmakers, former lawmakers, advocates and other state officials' praised the speech on their way out of the chamber on Wednesday night a nearly hour-long speech during which there were at least 48 rounds of applause.
As to whether Healey's "big vision" is attainable, former Senate President Stanley Rosenberg put it: "Nothing happens overnight. But if everybody puts their shoulder to the wheel, good things will happen."
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: The state budget has ballooned in recent years
Dean Kapsalis is comforted by his attorneys Jack Cunha, left, and Helen Holcomb, as his sentence is read during a hearing at Middlesex Superior Court, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Woburn, Mass. Kapsalis, convicted in the 2021 killing of Henry Tapia, a Black man, following a road rage encounter in which he yelled a racial slur, was sentenced to life in prison with possibility of parole after 15 years. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)
A Massachusetts man convicted of murder in the 2021 death of a Black man after a racist road rage encounter was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.
Dean Kapsalis, of Hudson, was convicted by a jury last year of second-degree murder, violation of constitutional rights and other offenses in the killing of Henry Tapia. Kapsalis and Tapia got into an argument on Jan. 19, 2021. Investigators found that as the argument wound down, Kapsalis shouted a racial slur and then hit Tapia with his pickup as he drove off. Tapia died at a hospital, prosecutors said.
The murder of Henry Tapia is a senseless tragedy fueled by hate and anger, District Attorney Marian Ryan said last year after the conviction. The fact that some of the last words Henry Tapia heard were a horrific racial insult meant to intimidate and threaten him based on the color of his skin is something we cannot tolerate."
Judge David A. Deakin, according to The Boston Globe, called the sentence Wednesday proportional to the crime. While he took into account the support Kasalis received from friends and family, he noted that your record reflects essentially a lifelong tendency toward violence.
Deakin also addressed relatives of Tapia, who left behind a fiancee and children.
I am well aware that no sentence can give them what they most want, which is to have Mr. Tapia back," Deakin said. "If I could, I wouldnt do anything other than that.
Kapsalis argued at trial that Tapias death was an accident. His sentencing was delayed by his unsuccessful attempt to reduce his conviction to manslaughter.
Winter fishing-themed festival kicks off in Jixi, NE China's Heilongjiang
People's Daily Online) 09:44, January 18, 2024
Aerial photo shows the winter fishing-themed festival at Xingkai Lake in Jixi city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo/Sun Yunge)
A winter fishing-themed festival kicked off at Xingkai Lake in Jixi city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Jan. 16, attracting throngs of visitors from home and abroad.
At the festivals opening ceremony, nearly 1,000 performers danced to recreate the fishing and hunting scenes on the shores of Xingkai Lake thousands of years ago. They showcased various rituals such as drumming and igniting the holy fire, and performed a lake worship ceremony, and fishing chants. One of the exciting scenes was dozens of fishermen pulling a huge net more than 1,500 meters long out of ice.
Photo shows freshly caught fish at the winter fishing-themed festival at Xingkai Lake in Jixi city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo/Hao Jiyan)
"We set the net in the center of the lake last night. We used a 5-inch net to catch the big fish and let small ones through, which allows the small fish to grow for sustainable fishing. This helps protect the fishery resources of the lake," said Fu Lisen, a leading fisherman, who has been fishing at the lake for more than 30 years.
Over 35,000 kilograms of fish were caught. The largest one, which weighed 26 kilograms, was sold at an auction for a staggering price of 999,000 yuan ($138,814).
Photo shows visitors at the winter fishing-themed festival at Xingkai Lake in Jixi city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo/Wei Bo)
"It was absolutely stunning! I have never seen winter fishing before. It is my first time to see so many fish. I'm so excited," said Emily, a Russian tourist, adding that she and her family made a special trip from Russia to experience the winter fishing.
Photo shows freshly caught fish at the winter fishing-themed festival at Xingkai Lake in Jixi city, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo/Wang Nina)
(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Meta estimates about 100,000 children using Facebook and Instagram receive online sexual harassment each day, including pictures of adult genitalia, according to internal company documents made public late Wednesday.
The unsealed legal filing includes several allegations against the company based on information the New Mexico attorney generals office received from presentations by Meta employees and communications between staff. The documents describe an incident in 2020 when the 12-year-old daughter of an executive at Apple was solicited via IG Direct, Instagrams messaging product.
This is the kind of thing that pisses Apple off to the extent of threatening to remove us from the App Store, a Meta employee fretted, according to the documents. A senior Meta employee described how his own daughter had been solicited via Instagram in testimony to the US Congress late last year. His efforts to fix the problem were ignored, he said.
The filing is the latest in a lawsuit initiated by the New Mexico attorney generals office on 5 December, which alleges Metas social networks have become marketplaces for child predators. Raul Torrez, the states attorney general, has accused Meta of enabling adults to find, message and groom children. The company has denied the suits claims, saying it mischaracterizes our work using selective quotes and cherry-picked documents.
Meta issued a statement in response to Wednesdays filing: We want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences online, and we have over 30 tools to support them and their parents. Weve spent a decade working on these issues and hiring people who have dedicated their careers to keeping young people safe and supported online.
A 2021 internal presentation on child safety was also referenced in the lawsuit. According to the suit, one slide stated that Meta is underinvested in minor sexualization on IG, notable on sexualized comments on content posted by minors. Not only is this a terrible experience for creators and bystanders, its also a vector for bad actors to identify and connect with one another.
The complaint also highlights Meta employees concerns over child safety. In a July 2020 internal Meta chat, one employee asked: What specifically are we doing for child grooming (something I just heard about that is happening a lot on TikTok)? According to the complaint, he received a response: Somewhere between zero and negligible.
Metas statement also says the company has taken significant steps to prevent teens from experiencing unwanted contact, especially from adults.
The New Mexico lawsuit follows a Guardian investigation in April that uncovered how Meta is failing to report or detect the use of its platforms for child trafficking. The investigation also revealed how Messenger, Facebooks private messaging service, is used as a platform for traffickers to communicate to buy and sell children.
Meta employees discussed the use of Messenger to coordinate trafficking activities and facilitate every human exploitation stage (recruitment, coordination, exploitation) is represented on our platform, according to documents included in the suit.
Yet, an internal 2017 email describes executive opposition to scanning Facebook Messenger for harmful content because it would place the service at a competitive disadvantage vs other apps who might offer more privacy, the lawsuit states.
In December, Meta received widespread criticism for rolling out end-to-end encryption for messages sent on Facebook and via Messenger. Encryption hides the contents of a message from anyone but the sender and the intended recipient by converting text and images into unreadable cyphers that are unscrambled on receipt. Child safety experts, policymakers and law enforcement have argued encryption obstructs efforts to rescue child sex-trafficking victims and the prosecution of predators. Privacy advocates praised the decision for shielding users from surveillance by governments and law enforcement.
By Kylie Madry
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico and Chile expressed "growing worry" on Thursday over "an escalation of violence" after several months of war between Israel and Hamas in a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over possible crimes.
Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel in October, killing 1,200 mostly civilians and seizing 253 hostages, with multiple accounts later emerging of rape and mutilation.
The Israeli retaliatory offensive on the Hamas-led Gaza Strip has led to increasing international alarm and scrutiny over the deaths of civilians, especially children. Gaza health authorities said on Thursday the war's death toll had risen to 24,620, with many more feared buried under the rubble.
In a statement, Mexico's foreign ministry argued that the ICC was the proper forum to establish potential criminal responsibility, "whether committed by agents of the occupying power or the occupied power".
"The action by Mexico and Chile is due to growing worry over the latest escalation of violence, particularly against civilian targets," it said.
Israel is not a member of the Hague-based court and does not recognize its jurisdiction. But the ICC's prosecutor has stressed his court has jurisdiction over potential war crimes carried out by Hamas militants in Israel and by Israelis in Gaza.
Mexico cited "numerous reports from the United Nations that detail many incidents that could constitute crimes under the ICC's jurisdiction".
Chile's Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren told reporters on Thursday in Santiago that his nation was "interested in supporting the investigation into any possible war crime" wherever they might occur.
Mexico said it was closely following the case presented last week before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in which South Africa accused Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza and demanded that the court order an emergency suspension of Israel's military campaign.
Israel has rejected the accusation.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed the referral to the ICC, which it said confirmed the court's need to fulfill its mandate by deterring, investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes. "Israeli officials are not deterred as they continue with their genocidal war," it said in a statement.
Both the ICJ and the ICC handle cases of alleged genocide, with the former resolving disputes between states and the latter prosecuting individuals for crimes.
(Reporting by Kylie Madry; Additional reporting by Alexander Villegas and Ali Sawafta; Editing by David Alire Garcia, Rosalba O'Brien and Gareth Jones)
A South Florida member of the far-right Proud Boys was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday after federal prosecutors described him as one of the most violent January 6 rioters who assaulted at least six police officers while attacking the U.S. Capitol three years ago.
Kenneth Bonawitz, 58, of Pompano Beach, grabbed one of the officers in a choke hold and lifted her up and injured another so badly that he was forced to retire, according to federal prosecutors.
Bonawitz, a member of the Miami chapter of the Proud Boys, was carrying an 8-inch knife in a sheath on his hip when he stormed the Capitol with a mob of Donald Trump supporters after gathering for the presidents Stop the Steal rally on the Ellipse before the attack.
Police seized the knife from him in between his barrage of attacks on officers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean McCauley wrote in a sentencing memo recommending the high end of the guidelines, or nearly six years in prison. His violent, and repeated, assaults on multiple officers are among the worst attacks that occurred that day.
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb in Washington DC gave Bonawitz a five-year sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. Arrested a year ago, he pleaded guilty in August to three felonies one count of civil disorder and two counts of assaulting police.
Last week, a Hialeah man who also belonged to the local Proud Boys chapter was sentenced to four years in prison for participating in the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, which aimed to block the congressional certification of the presidential election won by Joe Biden. A Washington, D.C., federal judge found 49-year-old Gilbert Fonticoba guilty of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding in October.
Attacks on Capitol Police officers
During the riot, Bonawitz was accused of hurling himself at officers and tackling them to the ground. Bonawitzs attacks injured one officer so severely that the officer was forced to retire from the U.S. Capitol Police last month.
Sgt. Federico Ruiz, a 20-year veteran with the Capitol Police, suffered serious injuries to his neck, shoulder, knees and back.
I thought there was a strong chance I could die right there, Ruiz wrote in a letter addressed to the judge. Ruiz said the injuries inflicted by Bonawitz prematurely ended his law-enforcement career.
Bonawitz has given me a life sentence of physical pain and discomfort, bodily injury and emotional insecurity as a direct result of his assault on me, he wrote.
Bonawitz took an overnight bus to Washington, D.C., chartered for Trump supporters to attend his Stop the Steal rally near the White House on Jan. 6. Bonawitz was one of the first rioters to enter the Upper West Plaza once the crowd overran a police line on the north side, according to court records. He jumped off a stage built for President Joe Bidens inauguration and tackled two Capitol police officers.
After police confiscated his knife and released him, Bonawitz assaulted four more officers in the span of seven seconds, according to court records. He placed one of the officers in a headlock and lifted her off the ground, choking her.
Bonawitzs attacks did not stop until (police) officers pushed him back into the crowd for a second time and deployed chemical agent to his face, the prosecutor wrote in the sentencing memo. More than 100 police officers were injured during the siege.
More than 1,200 charged in Jan. 6 riot
More than 1,200 defendants have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. About 900 have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trials. Over 750 have been sentenced, with nearly 500 receiving a term of imprisonment, according to data compiled by The Associated Press. Dozens of Proud Boys leaders, members and associates have been arrested on Jan. 6 charges.
Last year, a jury convicted former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio, a longtime Miami resident, and three lieutenants of seditious conspiracy charges for a failed plot to forcibly stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 election.
READ MORE: Proud Boys leader sentenced in Jan. 6 riot. What to know about his ties to Miami
Bonawitz wasnt accused of coordinating his actions on Jan. 6 with other Proud Boys. But he fully embraced and embodied their anti-government, extremist ideology when he assaulted six law enforcement officers who stood between a mob and the democratic process, the prosecutor wrote.
Moreover, since pleading guilty in this case, Bonawitz has specifically disavowed portions of the statement of offense to which he swore, and, in doing so, has demonstrated that he still takes pride in his conduct on January 6, 2021, including his assaults against multiple police officers, McCauley wrote in the sentencing memo.
Bonawitzs lawyers didnt publicly file a sentencing memo before Wednesdays hearing.
The immediate reforms to credit card oversight passed by the Miami-Dade School Board this week are a sensible steps toward regaining the publics trust after the disturbing allegations and financial scandal engulfing former board member Lubby Navarro.
But it will take more than a single push for transparency and oversight in this strange case to rebuild the erosion of voter trust in the board. Thats a shame for a district that guides our childrens futures. If even a fraction of the charges against Navarro are true, tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were misused for personal gain rather than education.
How was this allowed to happen? How could a school board member have the ability to run up the tab on a school board credit card over and over and spend money on things like fake pregnancy bellies, refrigerators and 56 lemon pies without setting off alarm bells? Without anyone calling her expenses into question?
Navarro is accused of using her school district-issued credit cards to buy more than $92,000 in items for herself, her family and friends and an ex-boyfriend. Prosecutors say she also spent more than $9,000 for personal trips to Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic.
While the board met Wednesday, Navarro appeared in court to face one count of organized fraud of $50,000 or more, one count of between $20,000 and $100,000 and two counts of grand theft. Her attorney, Benedict Kuehne, says shes innocent of all charges.
This breach of trust by Navarro, if true, cant help but shake the publics confidence in the school board. But these kinds of allegations dont just damage that one institution. They spur mistrust of other elected officials and government organizations, too. Thats the last thing Miami needs after months of bad news and investigations into other elected officials.
The big question: Where was the spending oversight on school board members? We doubt Navarro was a financial genius who managed to circumvent serious financial safeguards, assuming the school board had them in place.
Someone missed red flags or willfully looked away. The district owes taxpayers a full accounting. No doubt the Navarro incident will be front and center next time the district seeks additional tax money from the community.
Current and former school board members are baffled and embarrassed, rightfully, by what Navarro appears to have done.
I do not recall the expenses of school board members being treated loosely. On the contrary, the rules were pretty stringent, said Marta Perez, a former school board member who was instrumental in creating the districts inspector generals office.
Current School Board chairwoman Mari Tere Rojas called the allegations extremely problematic and reprehensible and said shes expecting a report from Superintendent Jose Dotres as are we.
Board member Danny Espino said the district should have seen the problems: Forget red flags; red flares shouldve gone up.
The school board is moving swiftly to prevent such abuses of power and funds from happening again, sending a message that misuse of public funds will not be tolerated. By reforming credit card policies now, they aim to safeguard against future fraud. Thats obviously a good thing, even at this late date.
Instituting stricter auditing procedures of board members past and present expenses demonstrates a commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayers money.
At Wednesdays meeting, proposals to address the growing scandal included an idea to let the public assess board members expenses. That would be smart. Complete transparency is the only way forward.
The actions and discussions this week are just the beginning. Taxpayers should expect complete disclosure of Navarros expenses and accountability from everyone else who has or had a school board credit card.
Can the board rebuild trust with the public? Or will this be another example, like the squandered transit tax, that rankles taxpayers for many years to come? School Board, thats up to you.
Doug Barrowman, husband of Baroness Mone, is linked to AML Tax which sold tax-saving schemes in the 2010s - Sofi Adams
The husband of former Conservative peer Michelle Mone has been linked to promoters of tax avoidance schemes which left workers being chased by HM Revenue and Customs for crippling bills.
Doug Barrowman is connected to the firm AML Tax, which sold tax-saving schemes to self-employed workers in the 2010s.
HMRC, which has said the company is part of Mr Barrowmans Isle of Man-based Knox Group, has previously referred to it as Doug Barrowmans tax avoidance firm.
Mr Barrowman and his wife Baroness Mone have been at the centre of a PPE scandal. Another company of Mr Barrowmans, PPE Medpro, is currently being investigated by the National Crime Agency after it awarded more than 200m worth of UK government contracts during the pandemic through a so-called VIP lane.
In November 2023 Baroness Mone admitted she lied about her involvement in the company, a supplier of medical goods.
Mr Barrowman said that he and his wife were being hung out to dry to distract from government failures in PPE procurement in a recent statement on the platform X, formerly Twitter.
Mr Barrowman and Baroness Mone have denied any wrongdoing.
AML Taxs schemes worked by paying contractors via loans to avoid income tax and National Insurance. In 2017 the tax authority cracked down on these schemes, levying a loan charge against the contractors, demanding all disputed taxes be repaid.
HMRC has since pursued 60,000 contractors for tax liabilities worth sometimes hundreds of thousands, with some taking their own lives.
There have so far been ten suicides in connection to the loan charge. MPs on Thursday said in Parliament that the loan charge was the next Horizon scandal and called on the Government to launch an independent review.
In a call for evidence in 2022, the Loan Charge & Taxpayer APPG, a cross-party group of MPs, found that AML was responsible for 189 of the 1,006 schemes reported to it.
AML Tax was fined 150,000 in March 2022 for failing to provide HMRC with information required as part of a tax investigation.
Mr Barrowman and Knox Group did not respond to The Telegraphs request for comment. However lawyers for Knox Group told the BBC it denied any and all allegations of dishonesty, misconduct and wrongdoing.
Knox Group said it had properly notified HMRC of the schemes and that the tax office had never even suggested, let alone alleged, that there has been any form of dishonesty or wrongdoing by the Knox Group.
It added that it deeply and sincerely regretted the distress caused by the loan charge, attributing this to retrospective taxation by the Government.
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) A public school district in Michigan is considering a resolution Wednesday calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war while also encouraging its teachers to discuss the conflict in its classrooms.
The resolution before the Ann Arbor Public Schools board appears to be among the first times that a public school system in the United States has made such a statement on the international conflict. Supporters on each side of the conflict poured out to Wednesdays meeting, with over 120 people signing up to give public comment on the issue.
The meeting in Ann Arbor, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Detroit, is symbolic of the rising tensions seen across the nation in response to the war in Gaza, which is now entering its fourth month following a deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants.
The conflict has divided college campuses, where long-simmering tensions are occasionally erupting in violence and shattering the sense of safety that makes colleges hubs of free discourse. Dozens of U.S. cities, including Ann Arbor, have approved cease-fire resolutions that have no legal authority but reflect the pressure on local governments to speak up on the Israel-Hamas war,
The resolution in Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan and sizable Jewish and Arab-American populations, is one of the first times that a public school system in Michigan would make such a statement, said Don Wotruba, executive director at Michigan Association of School Boards.
What theyre thinking about doing would be pretty rare, if not the first time. Particularly as its related to a more international situation, Wotruba said before the scheduled vote.
The district expresses support for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, according to the resolution proposed, and encourages educators within the Ann Arbor School District to facilitate informed and respectful dialogue about the conflict.
Tensions were high at Wednesdays meeting as public comments on each side of the issue stretched for over two hours, with the board repeatedly asking the crowd to stop interrupting speakers.
Tasneem Madani, a student teacher in the district, supported the resolution and stressed its importance, saying that our students are watching us.
It is my responsibility, particularly as an English teacher, to help students develop the skills to engage in informed academic dialogue in safe spaces, Madani said at Wednesdays meeting.
Some parents in the district, which holds nearly 17,000 students, have expressed outrage about the resolution, and a petition opposing it collected nearly 2,000 signatures. The petition said that the issue has taken resources away from other important matters such as hiring a new superintendent, which the district is without.
This resolution does not help advance the quality of life of one single child in this district, said Daniel Sorkin, a parent of two students in the district who spoke out against the resolution Wednesday.
Other schools across the country have contemplated similar resolutions. In California, the Oakland Unified School District has considered a resolution calling for a cease-fire and release of hostages in Israel and Palestine, but has yet to pass it.
Wotruba, who leads the states school board association, said that while the board has the power to make any statement as an elected body, its uncommon for a resolution to not be directly related to education.
Ann Arbor has long been known for its progressive politics, but the city and its university has found itself divided over the Gaza conflict beyond the confines of its public schools.
Nearly 6,500 Jewish students attend the University of Michigan, a total of 15% of its entire student population, according to the University of Michigan Hillel. A significant number of Arab American students also attend the university, which is near one of the largest Muslim populations in the nation.
In December, University of Michigan President Santa Ono barred students from voting on two resolutions related to the Israel-Hamas war, calling them controversial and divisive. The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations accused the university of suppressing free speech at the time.
The proposed resolutions have done more to stoke fear, anger and animosity on our campus than they would ever accomplish as recommendations to the university, Ono said in an online post at the time.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A locally owned, Central Pennsylvania coffee company recently acquired the long-time Bagel Lovers in Harrisburg.
Idea Coffee, which is owned and operated by Midstate natives LaShae and Josh Willits, recently acquired the Harrisburg-based Bagel Lovers, located at 2237 Paxton Church Road.
According to Josh, this Harrisburg staple was first opened back in 1995 by the original owners, Joe and Joanne Berlin. Eventually, new owners took over the establishment and over the past few years the business struggled.
Josh cited issues with staffing, and a change of recipe as the main contributors for why Bagel Lovers had difficulties in recent years.
The Willits officially acquired Bagel Lovers back in September of 2023. Since acquiring the bagel business, Josh said that they have implemented multiple changes and improvements, which consist of:
Restoring the original bagel recipes that Joe & Joanne Berlin had developed.
Designing a brand new logo for the Bagel Lovers business.
Incorporating Lonely Monk Coffee products, along with adding a new coffee bar and a commercial expresso machine for specialty coffee drinks.
Bringing back Boars Head meats and cheeses, as well as making other food quality improvements.
Completely rebuilding the menu at Bagel Lovers.
Had a new custom mural complete, which was created by local artist Cecile Madonna, with Lola Love Letter.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Idea Coffee opens new Lancaster County location
Idea Coffee recently opened its third Midstate coffee shop location back in February of 2023. In addition to owning and operating Idea Coffee and now Bagel Lovers, the Willits also own the Lemoyne-based Lonely Monk Coffee Roasting.
abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
A Nassau County midwife was issued a $300,000 fine for creating false immunization records for approximately 1,500 school-aged children throughout New York state.
The vaccine scheme began at the start of the 2019-2020 school year, three months after the June 2019 elimination of non-medical exemptions for required school vaccinations, according to a New York State Department of Health news release Wednesday.
Jeannette Breen, a licensed midwife who operated Baldwin Midwifery, supplied children with a series of homeopathic oral pellets instead of the required vaccinations, and then falsified their immunization records, the health department release said.
The pellets, touted as an alternative to vaccination, are not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Department of Health as an immunization, according to the release.
Breen administered the pellets as a substitute for vaccines for diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, polio, rubella and other diseases, officials said.
Breen was found to have administered 12,449 fake immunizations to roughly 1,500 school-aged patients as pretext for submitting false information to the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), the release said.
CNN reached out to Breen for comment.
The scheme, which included children from throughout the state, with the majority being from Long Island, resulted in their immunization cards being voided, according to the release.
All affected children must be fully up to date with all age-appropriate immunizations, or be in the process of receiving their missing vaccinations, before they can return to school, the release said.
Breen paid $150,000 of the agreed-upon $300,000 fine. The agreement requires that Breen never again administer a vaccination that must be reported to the New York State Immunization Information System and that she be permanently excluded from accessing it, according to the release.
The remainder of the fine will be suspended if Breen complies with certain stipulations, including refraining from administering immunizations and not participating in any scheme or attempt to misrepresent immunization records, the release said.
The New York State Education Department, which licenses midwives, has the authority to pursue charges of professional misconduct against Breens license, according to the release.
By intentionally falsifying immunization records for students, this licensed health care professional not only endangered the health and safety of our school communities but also undermined public trust, State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa said in the statement.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald added that misrepresenting and falsifying vaccine records puts lives in jeopardy.
Let it be clear, the New York State Department of Health takes this issue seriously and will investigate and use all enforcement tools at its disposal against those who have been found to have committed such violations, McDonald said.
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FDR's vice president was a Texas conservative who didn't support his New Deal legislation.
Al Gore distanced himself from Bill Clinton after the president's affair with Monica Lewinsky.
Donald Trump and Mike Pence's relationship "broke down" after the January 6 insurrection.
In a letter to his wife preserved by the National Archives, John Adams, the first vice president of the United States, once called the position "the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived."
While some vice presidents and presidents have worked closely together, others have been shunted to the sidelines due to disagreements and difficult relationships.
Here are six presidents and vice presidents who didn't always see eye-to-eye.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Vice President John Nance Garner
John Nance Garner (left) and Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a campaign stop in Topeka, Kansas, in 1932. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
A Texas conservative who opposed unions and steep federal spending, Garner didn't approve of Roosevelt's liberal New Deal legislation establishing Social Security, a wealth tax, and labor rights, according to the University of Virginia's Miller Center.
When Roosevelt ran for a third term in 1940, Garner ran against him and lost. Roosevelt usurped Garner at the Democratic National Convention and replaced him on the ticket with his agriculture secretary Henry A. Wallace.
David B. Woolner, a history professor at Marist College, told The History Channel, "I'm not even sure that the two men ever spoke again" after Roosevelt's second term.
President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson
John F. Kennedy (left) and Lyndon B. Johnson. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
In a series of interviews with Jacqueline Kennedy conducted in 1964 and made public in 2011, the former first lady described the contentious relationship between her husband and his vice president, ABC News reported.
Jacqueline Kennedy revealed that John F. Kennedy would occasionally say to her, "Oh, God, can you ever imagine what would happen to the country if Lyndon was president?" and that "you could never get an opinion out of Lyndon at any cabinet or national security meeting."
She also said that the idea of a Johnson presidency made her husband "worried for the country."
Johnson did, in fact, become president after John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
President Dwight Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon
Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
Jeffrey Frank, author of "Ike and Dick: Portrait of a Strange Political Marriage," told US News & World Report in 2013 that while Nixon was publicly loyal to Eisenhower, they disagreed on issues such as sending US troops to aid the French during the decolonization of South Vietnam and the Supreme Court's decision to desegregate public schools in 1954 (Nixon supported both, while Eisenhower was opposed).
Frank said their issues came to a head in 1960 when Eisenhower was asked to name a major contribution Nixon had made to his administration and answered, "Well, if you give me a week I might think of one."
The pair eventually reconciled when Nixon's daughter Julie married Eisenhower's grandson David in 1968.
President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew
Richard Nixon (left) and Spiro Agnew wave to supporters in 1972. Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images
"A Companion to Richard Nixon," edited by history professor Melvin Small, describes Agnew's role in the Nixon White House as "nonexistent."
The Atlantic reported that Nixon wanted to choose a more effective vice president for his 1972 reelection campaign, but couldn't since Agnew was popular with conservatives.
Their already-fraught relationship deteriorated when Agnew resigned in 1973 after pleading no contest to a charge of federal tax evasion following an investigation by the Justice Department.
Nixon and Agnew did not speak again after his resignation, though Agnew did attend Nixon's funeral in 1994.
President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore
Bill Clinton (right) and Al Gore at the White House. Joyce Naltchayan/AFP via Getty Images
Vanity Fair reported that Gore grew to resent Hillary Clinton's heavy involvement in policy decisions and influence over her husband during Gore's time as vice president.
After news broke of Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, Gore condemned the president's behavior as "inexcusable" and said that "particularly as a father, I felt that it was terribly wrong" in a 1999 interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC News.
In the wake of the scandal, The New York Times reported in 2000 that Gore distanced himself from Clinton as he launched his own presidential campaign. One Clinton advisor told the Times that their relationship was "the most tense" it had ever been, and it worsened when Gore lost the 2000 election. By 2001, the two men "were barely on speaking terms," according to Vanity Fair.
They appear to have become more friendly in recent years, making joint appearances with Gore calling Clinton "my partner and friend" and Clinton calling Gore "the best vice president this country ever had," Politico reported in 2009.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence
Donald Trump (right) and Mike Pence in Westfield, Indiana, in 2016. REUTERS/John Sommers II
Pence supported Trump publicly throughout his presidency until the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to prevent Joe Biden's win from being certified.
Trump falsely claimed that Pence had the ability to overturn the 2020 election results, leading some Trump supporters to chant "Hang Mike Pence" during the insurrection when Pence refused. Pence completed the election certification process, after which their relationship "broke down," according to Pence's 2022 memoir, "So Help Me God."
In his 2024 presidential campaign announcement, Pence said that "anyone who puts themselves over the Constitution," or asks someone to do so, "should never be president again," ABC News reported. He dropped out of the race in October and has not endorsed Trump.
Read the original article on Business Insider
Left: Major General Chris Donahue, commander of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, boards a C-17 cargo plane at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Donahue is the final American service member to depart Afghanistan; his departure closes the U.S. mission to evacuate American citizens, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and vulnerable Afghans. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Alex Burnett) Right: Corie Weather's new book, "Military Culture Shift."
Corie Weathers grew up as a self-described Gen X latchkey kid who loved playing Wonder Woman and saving people.
I didnt realize it at the time," Weathers shared, "but I think that was the core part of me that really longed to do something that made a difference. I also didnt like to see people bullied and would frequently get into fights defending my brother even though he was older. It got so bad my parents had to move us, she laughed. I realized I am pretty feisty when it came to people who were hurting.
That sense of justice and helping others led her to become a mental health therapist just as she and her husband began Army life. Not long after his commissioning as a chaplain, he was deployed to Afghanistan and Weathers started her practice.
Weathers and her husband at a homecoming. Photo courtesy of Weathers.
I think that's what ultimately led to writing the book. After serving individuals and families and small groups for 15+ years, I realized I was seeing this hurt happening in a whole culture, Weathers explained.
Military Culture Shift: The Impact of War, Money, and Generational Perspective on Morale, Retention, and Leadership was released in the fall of 2023. No stranger to writing, Weathers is also the author of Sacred Spaces, published in 2016. It was a book she wrote after taking her own tour of the Middle East with the Secretary of Defense, an experience that shifted her perspective and brought a deeper empathy for serving those who serve.
Weathers in Afghanistan. All photos courtesy of Weathers.
Corie Weathers walks among soldiers in Afghanistan.
Corie Weathers meets with soldiers in what appears to be a bunker.
As Weathers watched the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan in 2021, her heart broke for the families who dedicated so much to the region. When the mass exodus began and recruitment was at an all-time low, she wanted to understand the why.
This is kind of a Greek tragedy and yet, it's the truth," Weathers explained. "You can't gloss or pretty up the truth. We have to be able to have those conversations of how we all had that common purpose of post-911 patriotism, saving the country, serving the country, whatever you want to call it. That cohort that came in with that sense of purpose is now dealing with massive amounts of moral injury of how it ended. Even those who carried that momentum are now struggling to pass that down because they're questioning and they are exhausted and they're tired or they're physically broken.
From her research for the book, Weathers indicated that a big part of the problem she is seeing is the lack of focus on valuing the current uniformed members and retention.
These are the ones who ultimately pass the flame down and right now they arent wanting to, she added.
Its more than a sense of absent purpose or a devaluing of the Armed Forces, its the consistent battling of the same issues that have plagued the military community for decades. The frustration with the continuous fight on basic quality of living issues have taken a toll.
We were talking about housing issues in the 1980s and the child care centers not being fit. When I saw this it caused a big drop in my stomach. I questioned why we were still talking and advocating for the same issues over 40 years later, Weathers said. The other surprising part of my research was discovering that the military can essentially be considered a welfare state by the civilian community.
Weathers and her family. Photo courtesy of Weathers.
This is due to the entitlements created once the military was shifted into an all-volunteer force and for the way recruitment tends to focus on socio-economically depressed areas of the country.
Recruiting Gen Z is proving to be harder than anticipated. From the pool of eligibility dwindling (only 23% of youth qualified according to the DOD), no 9/11 to create a call to arms and shifting priorities, the United States is entering a crisis point.
Our military families are carrying the burden of the nation when the nation should be carrying it with us. So a lot of parents are going, 'No, I don't know if I want this to be a family business anymore.' It's for the sake of our kids, it's for the sake of having a choice on whether our kids come in or not because none of us want this to become a draft, she said. So part of it is to protect that choice. There is a whole massive group of people, some of them are out and veterans and have families now and some that are still in, who have carried the cost for decades who feel forgotten. It's never okay for a large part of our society to feel forgotten, especially if they sacrificed for the country. This is where my anti-bullying and compassionate heart comes up. I want to shake the nation and just say, 'Pay attention, this is on you and this happened on your watch.'"
Those carrying the burden have flooded the mental health system and the wait or lack of providers is causing even deeper problems within the services. "Military Culture Shift" is a deep-dive examination of warfighters through the ages, their families and the changes (both good and bad) impacting a nation. Weathers indicated she wrote it for leadership trying to solve the crisis, those who serve or served and the spouses holding down the homefront.
Weathers at home. Photo courtesy of Weathers.
I think at the core weve forgotten how to talk to people, to reach out and be empathetic. I remember a time when the single soldiers would come back from deployment and the spouses would fill their barracks with goodies. It doesnt really happen anymore, Weathers stated. A lot of what Im doing is reminding people how to be human again.
You can learn more about Military Culture Shift and Corie Weathers by clicking here .
Planning to move to a new base? The U.S. military has started rolling out new details about what troops need to be reimbursed for the cost of bringing pets along for the ride.
Service members can be reimbursed up to $2,000 for one dog or cat for each permanent change of station move to or from the continental United States, or $550 if moving within the lower 48 states. PCS orders must be effective on or after Jan. 1, 2024.
Here are the rules to get reimbursed for shipping a pet in 2024
Transporting pets during PCS moves has become increasingly difficult and expensive for military families over the past few years. Lawmakers sought to help alleviate that burden by authorizing reimbursements in the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
Now, troops can seek reimbursement for costs related to mandatory microchipping, quarantines, boarding, hotel service charges, virus immunity testing and pet licenses at the new duty station. The Pentagon can also reimburse the cost of shipping a pet via air, if the service member flies rather than drives, or if the pet is shipped separately from its owner.
The Defense Departments Joint Travel Regulations lay out the general rules for reimbursement of reasonable and substantiated costs during a permanent move. Troops must provide the required receipts to get their money back, but the services may require additional documentation, according to the Defense Travel Management Offices website.
Troops will use the form DD 1351-2 to claim pet expenses, and theyll be paid when the travel claim is settled. Service members must be on PCS orders; the benefit is not retroactive.
When transoceanic travel is involved, according to the Joint Travel Regulations, service members must use government-run or federally contracted transportation to ship their pet, if its available. If thats not an option, defense travel officials added, service members must get what is called a non-availability letter in order to be reimbursed for travel they book separately.
Those letters state that a government ride for a pet wasnt available, and are issued by the office processing the transportation request. Service members should contact their transportation office for more details, according to defense travel officials.
The Department of the Air Force on Jan. 4 became the first of the military branches to announce more specifics about what troops need to recoup pet shipping costs:
All receipts related to pet travel must be provided and itemized, and indicate which pet they are for. They should include the name of the pet, if possible, especially for specialized care such as pre-travel vaccinations. All receipts must be provided, including those for expenses under the typical reporting threshold of $75.
If the pet is flying cargo because it exceeds the weight limit for traveling by government-run or contracted transportation, the receipt must include the pets weight.
All documentation used to get a non-availability letter, proving a lack of government transportation, must be included when the service member files for reimbursement.
According to Air Mobility Command, travelers using AMC Patriot Express government-contracted flights will get a receipt for their pet travel fees when checking in for a flight.
The Navy and Marine Corps dont require any additional documentation outside of the Joint Travel Regulations, service officials told Military Times.
The Army expects to soon publish their own guidance explaining the claims and documentation process for reimbursing soldiers, said Army spokeswoman Lt. Col. Ruth Castro. Until that guidance is published, soldiers should refer any questions to their chain of command, she said.
Defense travel officials stress that costs can only be reimbursed for one pet. If service members pay to ship more than one household pet, they can choose which pet costs to claim for reimbursement. However, if a dual-military couple is traveling on separate PCS orders, each may seek reimbursement for one household pet meaning two pets could be covered in total.
Although the law allows DOD to reimburse up to $4,000 in relocation-related costs per pet, per PCS move to or from overseas, defense officials capped the maximum repayable amount at $2,000 and delayed the policys implementation until Jan. 1, 2024.
The Marine Corps said in a June 9 memo that significant unbudgeted costs had prompted the Defense Department to delay the benefit after it became law in December 2022.
Realizing the financial hardship military families face to transport their pets around the world, the military relief societies have stepped up to help service members with the cost. Army Emergency Relief and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society have spent about $3,000 per client, on average, to assist with pet travel.
For more information, service members can contact:
Air Force and Space Force: Local finance office
Navy: Human Resources Service Center at 833-330-6622, or askmncc@navy.mil
Marine Corps: usmcpassengertravel@usmc.mil
Army: For now, the local chain of command
Not sure where to grab a bite to eat? With lots of options around the Taunton area, it can be difficult to choose.
If youre having a hard time, were here to help you narrow it down.
We've compiled a list of meal deals, special events, and mouth-watering offerings at local eateries and markets to consider when planning your next night on the town, or a quick stop for a tasty treat.
This week, The Milk Bottle in Raynham has announced a re-opening date. Plus, a fundraiser for TRUE Diversity, Tacorita Tuesdays, dessert pairings, and Ferrero Rocher bouquets.
Lets dig in:
The Milk Bottle in Raynham to re-open Jan. 24
The Milk Bottle, 785 Broadway, Raynham, has been closed while the community mourns the passing of Joseph LoSciuto Jr.
LoSciuto, owner and operator of the iconic local restaurant, died unexpectedly on Dec. 29 at age 68, according to his obituary. Known affectionately as Papa Joe by family and friends, he had been at the center of Raynhams landmark restaurant for more than 20 years.
In a Jan. 14 Facebook post, the LoSciuto family announced that The Milk Bottle will be re-opening on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
We would also like to thank everyone for their support during our devastating time, they said in the post. We look forward to seeing our devoted customers and longtime friends!
Patrons pour into Talisa's on Main wine bar in downtown Taunton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.
TRUE Diversity fundraising soiree at Talisas On Main
There will be a fundraising soiree for TRUE Diversity at Talisas On Main, 65 Main St., Taunton, on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. Mingle, dance, and enjoy an evening of celebrating community while raising funds for TRUE Diversity programming. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite at http://tinyurl.com/mrys2n6u.
Taunton Eats: Malis is under new ownership, with a new name and new menu
Tacorita Tuesdays at Torched Kitchen & Bar
Stop by Torched Kitchen & Bar, 15 School St., Taunton, for Tacorita Tuesdays. All day and night, theyre offering $2 tacos, and $6 margaritas. For the latest specials and updates, follow them on Facebook.
Raynham man fulfills dream: My Three Sons in Brockton serves up blueberry cheesecake pancakes and friendly 50s vibes
Dessert pairings at Bracks Grille & Tap
Bracks Grille & Tap, 2097 Bay St., Taunton, is offering dessert pairings. This month, theyve got a Southern Maine Whoopie Pie Stout, paired with their whoopie pie dessert, for $12.99. They also promise more dessert pairings in the future.
Pre-order Ferrero Rocher bouquet from Italian Gem Cafe
Its not too early to start looking for something special for Valentines Day. Whether youre looking for a sweet gift for someone else, or you want to get yourself a little treat, you can now pre-order a Ferrero Rocher bouquet from Italian Gem Cafe, 19 Center St., Middleboro. They offer small, medium, and large sizes.
Do you have a special deal, menu item, or food-related event to share with local foodies? Send us an email at kfontes@heraldnews.com or newsroom@tauntongazette.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Taunton Eats: Milk Bottle in Raynham announces re-opening date
With the arrival of the new year comes feelings of optimism and anticipation. The possibilities are limitless. But for those living with hunger, 2024 arrives with a different senseone of uncertainty and the promise of unmet needs. And these days, for more and more people, thats a fact of life.
This past fall, the USDA released their most recent Household Food Security Report, and their findings were not good. Seventeen million households in the U.S. are food insecure, including 1 in 5 children. There are over 800,000 people facing hunger in Tennessee alone. These are not acceptable facts, and they point to a reality that simply does not have to be.
Before the onset of COVID 19, significant progress was being made in efforts to end child hunger. When the pandemic hit, hunger skyrocketed as millions of families faced unemployment, hospital bills, evictions and other hardships. However, effective government programs were enacted to help struggling kids and families, from expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that helped parents buy groceries to tax credits that helped families pay their bills.
Another view: More investment in Tennessee child care will improve the economy and reduce inequities
Nearly a third of Tennessee families skip meals daily
In 2021 we saw record-low food insecurity among families with children. But Congress stopped investing in many of these critical programs and overall food insecurity increased.
Child hunger in America
The number of children living with hunger skyrocketed in that one year from 9 to 13 million. Here in Tennessee, the same trend can be seen. In a recent Vanderbilt University study, almost 30% of families reported skipping meals due to rising food costs. 2.3% were children. Our kids and families deserve better.
When our nation invests in nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), school and summer meals, and programs that help get grocery and Child Tax Credit benefits into the hands of families, hunger and hardship numbers recede.
When kids have access to the food they need, theyre healthier, better able to learn and more likely to escape the cycle of poverty. The bottom line is that policy matters.
Lawmakers need to do right by women and children
With the January 19 deadline to avert a partial government shutdown looming, let us not lose sight of the fact that access to adequate nutrition is a right not a privilege.
Marissa Spady
Its hard to overstate how important it is to correct the course for soaring food insecurity and poverty rates. Right now, 38,000 women and young children in our state stand to lose access to essentials like formula, milk and fresh produce through WIC if Congress fails to provide full funding for the program. Lawmakers have an opportunity to make this right, but time is running out.
Rhonda Chafin
Congress can improve and strengthen existing programs to better meet the needs of millions of families. The 42 million people who use SNAP to buy groceries and the 7 million women and young children who depend on WIC for essential nutrition are relying on Congress to keep the heartbreaking reality of hunger at bay. Your voice can make a difference. Contact your representatives today and urge Congress to protect SNAP and WIC.
Marissa Spady is senior manager of No Kid Hungry Tennessee and Rhonda P. Chafin is executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Food insecurity: Millions of Americans are hungry and need federal aid
Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood General Manager Scott Becker, left, and Executive Chef and owner Mark Bohanan are optimistic about the future of the restaurant; Houston Street, where its become a mainstay; and downtown San Antonio overall. Robin Jerstad
When Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood opened on Houston Street in 2002, the once-vibrant retail corridor was struggling after its famous department stores closed during the prior decades to pursue San Antonios suburban growth with new locations at places such as North Star Mall.
Since then, Houston Street has endured a lot, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet it has gained new life with the opening of retail businesses such as La Panaderia Bakery Cafe and Voodoo Doughnut, and with the growth of an entrepreneurial sector occupying office space in some of the former department stores.
Through it all, Bohanans has kept growing. In 2009, it unveiled a street-level bar and library. Last year, it grew again with $500,000 in renovations sprucing up the bar with antiques and paintings, expanding the nearby kitchen separate from the upstairs one, which cooks the wide selection of steaks and adding a 2,500-square-foot outdoor seating area in a landscaped courtyard facing the street.
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The restaurant now occupies 18,500 square feet up from its original 10,000 square feet with 150 staff on the payroll.
The pandemic was a blow to the business, forcing it to end its lunch service. Yet as Houston Street enters a new chapter with the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza at its eastern end, Bohanans will continue to grow, said its general manager of 18 years, Scott Becker, and chef/owner Mark Bohanan. Last year was the best year yet for the restaurant, they said.
Mark Bohanan is executive chef and owner of Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood, which has become a mainstay in downtown San Antonios restaurant scene. Robin Jerstad Mark Bohanan is executive chef and owner of Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood, which has become a mainstay in downtown San Antonios restaurant scene. Robin Jerstad Mark Bohanan is executive chef and owner of Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood, which has become a mainstay in downtown San Antonios restaurant scene. Robin Jerstad
This is the first year I can truthfully say were back after COVID, Bohanan said in December. Are we back to a level that we can open for lunch? No. We may never be able to open for lunch because too many people have chosen to work from home. Good for them, but thats not good for a restaurant trying to serve lunch.
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They recently sat separately to discuss the growth of the restaurant and Houston Street, the local tourism industrys rebound from COVID and the future of downtown. Their interviews have been merged below and edited for brevity and clarity.
Q: Bohanans has become a downtown landmark. To what do you attribute its success?
Bohanan: The growth of the restaurant can only be attributed to some things that not everybody might believe in. You know, I believe in God and the customers of San Antonio and everybody thats graced our doors since 2002. The real deal is hiring like-minded people that want to be the best and can deal with that on a day-to-day basis to the tune of 275 to 300 guests every day trying to be perfect on every guest. If you do that, of course youre going to grow the business. And thats pretty much what weve tried to do.
Q: Tell me the story of how you came to expand the downstairs kitchen and add the courtyard dining.
Becker: (When COVID happened), we had a lot of time to think, What is it that we should be doing, and what is it that we have the opportunity to do? Outdoor dining was always something that was missing. Just the sheer beautification, something to look at outside, was a desire.
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One of the things that we really wanted to address was we should be able to cook a steak and a hamburger downstairs. So we expanded our kitchen by, believe it or not, just 200 square feet. We have limitations on what we can do down there, but we put a lot of thought (into it). Were right across the street from the Majestic Theatre, so a theater event happens and that bar fills up to capacity.
Q: Is the menu different downstairs?
Becker: Its smaller, more approachable, faster. Theres a riff on what we do. Every top steakhouse would have the best hamburger in town, right? We do have that. We do have steak sandwiches. We do have a couple of steaks that we offer not 20 steaks; two steaks.
A 24-ounce prime New York strip steak and an Australian cold water lobster tail. Mike Sutter / Staff
Q: What impact did COVID have on the business?
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Bohanan: Im not gonna lie about it. The people in the front of the house, they make a lot of money, especially after COVID, because we had to raise prices. Because the prices went through the ceiling and the stratosphere. I never raised the prices enough to get the same margin I used to get. I mean, ever since COVID, if you used to make $20 out of $100, now youre making $15. If I went up enough to get back to the safety net of the margins, I would price myself out. So Ive got to come up with a fine-line balancing act of where do I go so that I can actually replace the broken wine glass, or give the guy in the back of the house a raise? Where do I go to attain that without being so expensive people wont even walk in the door?
Q: Tell me about the decision to end the lunch service.
Bohanan: Right now, the numbers and the volume do not work. First of all, youve got to have another staff to be able to do that, and we do well just to keep all the people we need to do what we do already. We would like to do it, but I cant open and run the loss every day. Its just not gonna happen. But would we consider reopening at the right time and with the right support from downtown and/or tourism? Of course we would. Its just, we may not quite be there yet. But hey, maybe in 24 we can get there.
Q: How has Houston Street changed while the business has been around?
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Bohanan: When I came to Houston Street in 2002, it had gone through that dilapidation phase. In the old days, Frost Bros., Josephs clothing store and everything else that was down there had closed, and it was kind of abandoned. It was just on its way coming back. The Palm opened first in 2001, followed by me in 2002. I would like to think that with the 150,000 to 200,000 guests that weve put through there, it has changed dramatically. Were not done yet. Houston Street has got a lot to offer, but its going to have a lot more. I mean, thats why we opened the outdoor bar to give those people that might want to get away on Friday and Saturday night a place to sit and relax, weather permitting.
Becker: People come down more often (than in the early years).
Bohanans Prime Steaks and Seafood General Manager Scott Becker, right, and Executive Chef and owner Mark Bohanan are optimistic about the future of the restaurant; Houston Street, where its become a mainstay; and downtown San Antonio overall. Robin Jerstad
Q: You mean tourists?
Becker: Locals. When we opened, I think our spread of business was probably in the neighborhood of 80-20 (tourists versus locals). Conventioneers, business diners that was our bread and butter. Still is, to a degree, but much, much less. Its probably 60-40 now. I think that a better way of phrasing it is that San Antonians, over the last couple of decades, have kind of reclaimed their downtown. They havent reclaimed the River Walk because that really isnt theirs. But Houston Street, Ive long said, should be and could be the best street in the state. I cant think of another one that has this much history. The whole city revolved around Houston Street at one time.
Q: Whats your vision for an ideal Houston Street?
Becker: It would be great to have a wonderful Italian restaurant down the street and more pedestrian traffic. It probably will come with the Alamo Plaza redesign. Were three blocks away. Just more and more, San Antonians are taking back their urban center. I think what Centros doing is phenomenal, with the lighting that theyre going to be doing on the street.
Q: Whats made the street more inviting to locals?
Becker: Im gonna throw out a guess: Its the locals thats changed. Kids arent afraid to come down. People breed people. Every night Im working, children of friends of mine will bring their whole pack of friends down here. When we were young, we were going out north to go to a bar or a restaurant.
Q: Do you feel that the convention and tourism industry has rebounded from COVID?
Becker: Its a little different, but its rebounded. Wed always looked to 2023 as the rebound year. There was a consensus that 2023 would rebound, and so far it has. We are up 20% from what we were before the pandemic, so weve not only rebounded, weve exceeded. The groups are smaller than what we saw; before the pandemic was huge mega-conventions, and now we dont see them, but it doesnt take a mega-convention to fill up a 200-seat restaurant. We always had our antenna out for the right kind of 250-member convention that would fill us up.
Bohanan: For us, (2023 was) extremely good. And hopefully thats because we gave our employees all the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) money and kept everybody together, so when we did reopen, we didnt have to start from scratch. Some people werent able to do that.
Q: How do you feel about downtowns future?
Bohanan: Im hoping everybody has a great 24. Theres talk of the Spurs coming back downtown; theres talk of other hotels and rental complexes; Graham Westons names out there; Hemisfair and all of that is a possibility for the Spurs. I mean, theres a lot of people out there that are in the know, and Im just going on what they say. I dont want to act like I have a crystal ball. But the future for downtown and Houston Street to me is very bright.
Q: Whats next for the restaurant?
Becker: Our next project were working on is how to enlarge this kitchen we just enlarged. Weve already met with the architects.
Q: Im interested in your opinion as to Texas wines. Do you have a lot of them in your cellar?
Becker: We dont. Some. We do have more emphasis on Texas wines at Peggys (on the Green, in Boerne, a sister restaurant).
Q: Where do your wines start and where do they end, as far as prices?
Becker: Four or five thousand for a bottle of wine, certainly.
Q: How often do people get those?
Becker: Often enough.
Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin said Ukraine hit a target near St. Petersburg on Jan. 18 using a drone of Ukrainian production that flew 1,250 kilometers.
His confirmation came the same day when Ukrainska Pravda and several other Ukrainian media outlets reported, citing an intelligence source, that the attack was a military intelligence operation with the involvement of "modern Ukrainian assets" and targeted an oil depot near St. Petersburg.
"We are able to produce something that flies and costs $350 per item, something that flew to St. Petersburg this night. Its produced in Ukraine. So we hit the target that night. This thing flew exactly 1,250 kilometers," Kamyshin said at a panel discussion of the Deciding Your Tomorrow project in Davos, Switzerland.
Medias source claimed the drone strike demonstrated that "military facilities in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast are within reach of Ukrainian forces." According to the minister, Ukraine "is rebuilding its arsenal" and "can do more."
"Im sure that asymmetrical war will demand more things like drones. I'm sure we will see more and more things happening this year," he said.
While Ukraine aims to localize arms production in 2024, Kamyshin noted the country is "quite good" already at building 155mm self-propelled artillery systems.
Earlier in January, several drones reportedly struck an oil depot and energy provider in Russia's Oryol Oblast, and explosions were reported at a railway track by an oil depot on the outskirts of Nizhny Tagil, a city near the Urals.
Read also: Deadly drone arms race intensifies as Ukraine, Russia embrace the future of war
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French arms manufacturers will produce 78 Caesar howitzers by the beginning of 2025 to supply them to Ukraine, the country's Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Jan. 18 in an interview for Le Parisien.
The news came amid the announcement of several new weapons deliveries to Ukraine following French President Emmanuel Macrons announcement about signing a bilateral military agreement next month while in Kyiv. As revealed by Macron, 40 SCALP long-range missiles and other ordinance are also expected to be delivered by France.
According to Lecornu, in the coming weeks, France will deliver six Caesar howitzers, bought by Kyiv at its own expense, with Paris able to produce 75 more by 2025. The approximate price of one of the artillery pieces is up to 4 million euros ($4.31 million).
There are 49 Caesar howitzers in Ukraine so far that led to tactical success. We aimed to produce 78 Caesar howitzers in 2024, encouraging Europeans and our allies to join financing, he said.
The Defense Minister also said that France will be supplying Ukraine with 50 AASM high-precision air-dropped bombs per month until the end of the year. The munitions, which will see service in Ukraine for the first time, have been adapted to be deployed from Ukrainian Soviet-era combat aircraft.
Paris will also increase the delivery of artillery shells to up to 3,000 per month in February, Lecornu said. Earlier, France had been providing Ukraine with 2,000 artillery shells per month.
An artillery coalition to strengthen Ukrainian capabilities against Russia is expected to be launched by Paris on Jan. 18. This coalition will be chaired by France and the U.S., and it will proceed within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in a format of Ramstein.
Read also: Macron: France to deliver 40 SCALP missiles, hundreds of bombs to Ukraine
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The Ventura Maintenance Association Inc., a homeowners association, has sued a homeowner and his tenants alleging "various unauthorized animals" are being kept at the property. The HOA included this photo and others as exhibits with its lawsuit. The horse was relocated last month from the property to a ranch, but three goats and a duck still remain at the property. Court document
A Northeast Side homeowners association wants residents of a home at 7310 Roveen Trail to be held in contempt of court for allegedly failing to remove livestock from the property.
The request is the latest twist in a legal fight Ventura Maintenance Association Inc. has been waging against a homeowner and his tenants.
In August, Ventura sued homeowner William Wade, his wife, Amanda, and tenants Richard and JaNet Hayes, alleging they had been keeping various unauthorized animals including a horse, goats, chickens and most recently ducks on the property since about April. The Wades live in Arizona; the Hayes family has rented the house for about five years and have a right to purchase it.
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Richard Hayes said he intends to argue at the contempt hearing set for Friday morning that the goats serve as emotional support animals for his two children.
The neighborhoods restrictive covenants, established in 1985 by homebuilder Ray Ellison Homes Inc., prohibit livestock and poultry from being kept on any lot. They also restrict animals to household pets. No more than two dogs and two cats are permitted.
Retired state District Judge Larry Noll granted the association a temporary restraining order on Aug. 30, the day it filed suit, preventing the defendants from bringing any additional livestock on the property.
A temporary injunction hearing was held two weeks later before Judge Norma Gonzales.
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These animals, all of them are being housed in the backyard of this 7,000-square-foot lot, William Crist, a San Antonio lawyer representing the HOA, said during the hearing.
Earlier communication
Prior to filing suit, the homeowners association sent multiple letters requesting the animals be removed. But Crist said the Hayeses continued to accumulate additional animals, most recently the ducks.
Richard Hayes, who attended the court hearing with his wife and son, said they had been in contact with the HOA and went to a couple of its meetings.
We even told them, this is not permanent, he said at the hearing, adding that some of the animals had already been sold off or whatnot.
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He acknowledged they had a horse, two Nigerian goats, another goat and two ducks on the property at the time of the hearing. The chickens have been gone forever, he said.
His daughter and son, who were in Future Farmers of America while they attended Judson High School, have been raising the animals, he said. He added he only learned about the restrictive covenants after moving into the house.
Hayes told Gonzales the family was working on finding a place to keep the horse.
The judge issued a temporary injunction that, like Nolls order, barred any new animals on the property. She declined to grant the associations request that the defendants remove the animals already on the property, however, instead giving the family time to take care of the issue.
Gonzales added, Continue to work with rehoming the horse, and I guess the Nigerian goats, and whatever else She set it for a full-blown hearing on Nov. 14 in the event the animals remained on the property.
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But the association on Oct. 13 moved for summary judgment, asking the court to grant a mandatory injunction requiring the removal of the unauthorized livestock and a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from keeping livestock on the property.
The request was granted by retired Judge John Specia Jr. on Nov. 7. He gave the defendants 30 days to remove the animals. He also ordered them to pay more than $8,500 in legal fees and costs to the HOA. The Hayes family didnt attend the hearing because they didnt know about it, Richard Hayes said, adding they dont have an attorney.
Then, late last month, the HOA filed its motion for contempt. It said the defendants didnt comply with the Nov. 7 order to remove the animals by Dec. 7. It doesnt appear the Nov. 14 hearing that Gonzales scheduled was ever conducted.
A court hearing on the contempt motion is scheduled for Friday morning.
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No concerns
During an interview, Richard Hayes said the family has relocated the horse a 20-year-old white broodmare on Dec. 6 to a ranch he declined to disclose. He suspects an opossum may have killed the three chickens they had. His family still has two Nigerian goats, a show goat and a duck at the home, though.
We told them (the HOA) the horse was temporary in the backyard, he said. Bexar County Animal Control Services came out and told him everything was peachy keen as long as he didnt add another horse, he said.
Both Animal Control and Bexar County Environmental Services have visited the property multiple times in response to complaints, county spokeswoman Monica Ramos said in an email Thursday.
Each time, there were no concerns found, she said.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar also paid a visit to the house and said he had no problem with the animals on the property, Hayes said. Ramos was unable to immediately confirm Hayes account.
Hayes daughter has raised the show goat and didnt want to sell it for fear it would be slaughtered and sold for meat. But Hayes also said the goats serve as emotional support animals for both of his children. His son, 21, is autistic, and his daughter, 19, is intellectually disabled, he said.
This is something that really helps them thrive and move forward with their lives and their daily routines, he said. He has documentation from a medical professional to support the claim.
Fair housing laws
Hayes plans to contest the contempt motion and fight to keep the goats on the property. His family still has to figure out what to do about the duck, though.
The law may be on his side if he can show documentation of his childrens disabilities from a counselor or health care professional and the need for an accommodation permitting his children to possess the animals.
The federal fair housing laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, and that includes requiring that most municipalities and property owners associations grant reasonable accommodations of their rules and regulations with respect to housing so as to permit persons with legitimate disabilities the opportunity to have equal use and enjoyment of their homes, said Tom Newton, a San Antonio lawyer who represents associations. He is not involved in the case.
In 2020, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a notice explaining certain obligations of housing providers under the Fair Housing Act with respect to animals when individuals with disabilities request accommodations.
Complaints about denial of reasonable accommodations and disability access accounted for 60% of all FHA complaints, the agency said. And those involving requests for reasonable accommodations for assistance animals are significantly increasing.
Reasonable accommodations can include more than one animal, too.
Newton recalled attending a seminar on assistance animals that included investigators from the Texas Workforce Commissions Civil Rights Division.
They said if you have a doctors note thats legitimate, you can have a flock of emotional support chickens, he said. So its not limited to one.
After a brief warm-up this week, Wichita is forecast to see another round of arctic air starting Thursday night and stretching into the weekend.
The cold front is expected to move into the Wichita area by 6 p.m. Thursday with temperatures slowing starting to fall. The high for Thursday, 38 degrees, is expected to drop to a low of 8 overnight, a detailed forecast shows.
By nine o clock or so were going to be flirting with roughly zero for the wind chill and then well fall from there, National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Baerg said in Wichita.
Friday morning will see the lowest wind chill with a forecast of minus 10 as the sun comes up. The high for Friday is expected to be 20 degrees with a wind chill of minus 9, the NWS said.
Bitter cold wind chills are expected early Friday morning from 6 below to 16 below zero. Even colder wind chills will grip the area Friday night through Saturday morning, as low as 20 below zero in central Kansas. #kswx pic.twitter.com/L2mzP53XJa NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) January 18, 2024
We may spend a few hours above zero as far as the wind chills go tomorrow [Friday] afternoon, Baerg said. But then the the below zero wind chills come back late night Friday night into Saturday morning.
Friday night is expected to drop to 3 degrees with a wind chill value of minus 5. Saturday morning will see another round of wind chills in the minus 10 range before things start to warm up.
We encourage people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and minimize your time outdoors over the next couple of mornings, Baerg said.
Saturdays high is forecast at 20 degrees with Sunday spiking up to a partly sunny 36 as a warming trend moves in, according to the NWS.
Monday well be pushing 40 degrees and then should be solidly in the 40s for much of the rest of the week, Baerg said. Sounds like summer compared to what weve had.
Forecast temperatures for Monday to Wednesday currently sit between 38 to 44 degrees with a slight 20-to-30 percent chance of rain for all three days, an NWS forecast shows.
Moscow has suspended operations at Vnukovo airport, as well as at nearby Kubinka and Yermolin airfields, local Telegram channels reported on Jan. 18.
All arrivals and departures have been halted, and flights are being diverted to other airports.
Read also: Russia claims to shoot down three drones overnight, Moscow airports again closed, causing cancelations and delays
St. Petersburgs Pulkovo Airport was also closed overnight.
Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Moscow, Leningrad, and Belgorod oblasts in an overnight operation, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Telegram on Jan.18.
Air defense forces shot down one drone over the Moscow region and intercepted another over the Leningrad region, the Russian Defense Ministry alleged. At least 10 missiles were intercepted over Belgorod Oblast, claimed oblast governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Read also: Voronezh governor reports attack by Ukrainian drones - photos, video
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Senior surgeons said the lack of scheduled operating time meant trainees were struggling to get enough time training - E+
S/F: Investigation by royal college found lack of operating theatre space was a major challenge for medics, particularly for surgical trainees
EMB 00.01 THURS - schedule for 8am pls
By Laura Donnelly, Health Editor
Most NHS surgeons in the UK now carry out scheduled operations just twice a week, despite sky-high waiting lists, landmark research shows.
A census of more than 6,000 medics warns that getting access to operating theatres is one of the main challenges surgeons face.
Senior surgeons said the lack of scheduled operating time meant trainees were struggling to get enough time training, slowing down their career progress and meaning they needed to work under closer supervision for longer.
The investigation by the Royal College of Surgeons found that 63 per cent of consultants carry out two or fewer scheduled operating sessions for the NHS per week.
In addition, surgeons can carry out private practice.
The college said staff shortages, pressures to work on emergency cases, and a lack of operating theatre space meant surgeons were unable to carry out such surgery for most of their working week.
In the census, 56 per cent of respondents said that access to theatres was a major challenge rising to 61 per cent of all surgical trainees.
It comes as the NHS waiting list in England stands at 7.6 million people in England, up from 4.6 million before the pandemic.
Efforts to cut waiting lists have been repeatedly set back by doctors strikes, with more than 1.3 million appointments and operations cancelled.
The findings show 22 per cent of surgeons had one or fewer operating sessions scheduled weekly. Typically a session lasts half a day.
A further 41 per cent were assigned two such sessions.
The minority were booked for at least three sessions a week with just two per cent having elective operations scheduled on a daily basis.
In other countries, such as the United States, theatre sessions typically last nine hours, and are scheduled daily, with dedicated surgeons who do not have to carry out emergency cases.
The report warns of dramatic falls in healthcare productivity during the pandemic, with a 25 per cent fall in productivity of public healthcare in the UK in 2021.
Last year Prof Neil Mortensen, then president of the college, said surgeons were increasingly reporting that they could only get into surgery [for planned operations] one day every two weeks. The colorectal surgeon said he had been operating four days a week when he began his career.
William Allum, lead report author and Royal College of Surgeons of England council lead for workforce and training, told the Telegraph: There are insufficient anaesthetic staff, there are not enough theatre nurses, and there are problems with infrastructure. There are just not enough theatres available for the work thats required.
Trainee surgeons were now struggling to get enough time learning how to operate, he warned.
They are fed up of not getting these opportunities, said Mr Allum.
There is still a big hangover from the pandemic where getting the right skills has been delayed and theres still a lot of trainees whose portfolios are not as good as they could be, and a knock-on effect where newly trained, appropriately qualified, newly appointed consultants need support from their older colleagues.
And then the problem weve also picked out is the significant number of retirements.
He said surgeons who were not carrying out elective operations were usually being deployed elsewhere often carrying out emergency procedures while handling an ever-growing bureaucratic burden.
There are insufficient numbers to meet the demand emerging, particularly from urgent and emergency situations, which get prioritised.
In the census, two-thirds of consultants stated that they always or frequently work more than their contracted hours, with 41 per cent of respondents giving the level of administrative work as the main reason.
Tim Mitchell, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: At a time when record waiting lists persist across the UK, it is deeply concerning that NHS productivity has decreased.
The reasons for this are multifactorial, but access to operating theatres and staff well-being certainly play a major part. If surgical teams cannot get into operating theatres, patients will continue to endure unacceptably long waits for surgery.
There is an urgent need to increase theatre capacity and ensure existing theatre spaces are used to maximum capacity, he said.
The surgeon said the problem could be exacerbated by a significant loss of experienced surgeons in coming years, with rising numbers considering retirement, and widespread feelings of burn-out.
Srinivas Cheruvu, president of the Association of Surgeons in Training, said: Access to theatres is fundamental for surgical trainees, and despite some improvements following the pandemic, this continues to be a major barrier to their progress.
He said trainees were struggling to get enough time to undergo training.
There is still a shortfall of elective operating for trainees as compared to pre-pandemic. They need dedicated time for training across all areas where training opportunities exist including the independent sector.
The census provides insight into a range of issues that need to be addressed urgently to support a sustainable surgical workforce; one that is highly trained and will deliver safe patient care for both the short and long-term.
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Most Republican voters are satisfied with former President Trump leading the GOP ticket in November, according to an ABC News/Ipsos poll released Thursday.
The poll showed that 75 percent of Republicans would be satisfied with Trump as the partys 2024 presidential pick, a higher number than fellow contenders Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (64 percent) and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley (50 percent).
The former president is coming off a strong performance in the Iowa caucuses, where he won with 51 percent of the vote, far ahead of DeSantis, who placed second with 21 percent, and Haley, who secured 19 percent.
Trump is facing a tougher fight in New Hampshire, where Haley is rising in polls and has endorsements from key figures like Gov. Chris Sununu (R).
Republican-aligned adults still see Trump as the best candidate to win the White House. About 80 percent of them see the former president as having the best chance of winning this election cycle, according to the poll. One in 10 adults said the same about Haley, while 9 percent see DeSantis as the partys best shot.
Trump also has higher favorability than Haley and DeSantis. 72 percent of respondents said they have a favorable view of the former president, almost 10 points higher than DeSantis at 63 percent and well ahead of Haley at 49 percent.
Despite Haleys relative strength in New Hampshire, the former president is still the favorite to win the Granite State.
On Thursday, the poll from Saint Anselm College Survey Center found Trump has the majority of support from likely GOP voters with 52 percent.
In the latest Decision Desk HQ/The Hill polling average, Trumps 44.4 percent support is almost 10 points ahead of Haley, while DeSantis is at 5.7 percent.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
HANOVER TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A mother is being charged after police say she struck a child in the head with a hammer during an argument.
According to the Hanover Township Police Department, officers were called to Hanover Village Apartments for a disturbance on January 13.
Police say they arrived on the scene and saw a child holding a bloody towel to his head.
Arrest made, various drugs seized during traffic stop
The child and other juvenile witnesses told investigators Brianna Fish, 34, of Hanover Township, was arguing with the victim about taking a video game system to another apartment, court documents stated.
As stated in the affidavit, during the argument, Fish punched the victim who shoved her in return, and a witness said Fish retrieved a hammer and used it to strike the child in the head.
Fish was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, endangering the welfare of children, and harassment. She was jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
IKEA is opening a design and planning store at The Domain in Austin. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
Austin is getting another IKEA, but the new store planned for The Domain is a far cry from the traditional winding aisles of the Swedish furniture store.
The new IKEA will be a "Plan and Order point" where customers can meet with experts for free to design their space and order products.
Expected to open this summer at 3306 Esperanza Crossing in Austin, the store also will function as a pickup point for online orders, whether you ordered from a consultation or not.
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It won't have a showroom or product warehouse like the original IKEA concept, so customers looking to test out a piece before buying should head to a different location.
The concept aims to increase accessibility and support for customers, according to a release from IKEA.
MORE AUSTIN NEWS: Even more Californians could be moving to Austin after Apple shuttered a San Diego office
Austin is the second Texas city after Southlake to get a Plan and Order point. Another is planned in Katy.
Yahoo Sports
Why Fields wasnt scooped by other teams largely centers on his one year of rookie contract control, which features a fifth-year option that will be set at $25.6 million.
Gorillas soon will return to the San Antonio Zoo.
The citys Historic and Design Review Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved designs for a habitat with a pair of large yards, a tower for climbing and a treetop trail for the gorillas, along with a parallel trail for visitors and a building from which they can see the animals.
A family of four gorillas a silverback male and three females and four bachelor males will live in the 2-acre habitat called Congo Falls, spokesperson Cyle Perez said.
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An event space named The Ralston set to overlook the gorilla, lion and savanna habitats will host weddings, galas and other gatherings. The Ralston Family Charitable Foundation donated $10 million to the zoo last year, and the event space is named in the familys honor.
Congo Falls and the event center are expected to be completed in 2025.
A rendering depicts the future event center above the gorilla habitat at the San Antonio Zoo. Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo A rendering depicts the future event center above the gorilla habitat and the gorilla tower at the San Antonio Zoo. Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo A rendering depicts the future event center above the gorilla habitat at the San Antonio Zoo. Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo
The goal is to create an immersive space where gorillas and people can come together, the zoo wrote in its application to the commission.
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Commissioners granted conceptual approval after asking about landscaping and materials in certain areas and requesting a landscape plan. The project will need final approval from the panel.
The zoos last gorilla resident, Mopie, departed in 1990 to return to the Smithsonians National Zoo.
Congo Falls is among several improvements coming to the zoo as part of a 20-year master plan. The organization is investing $200 million to $250 million in building or expanding habitats for more animals, modernizing the 57-acre property and offering opportunities for visitors to see behind the scenes.
The zoo recently unveiled a new entrance that features a colorful butterfly canopy, a large topiary gorilla, a skywalk for lemurs and event space. The historic Monkey House building, which once was occupied by primates and used for handling food, has been converted into a retail store, a cafe and restrooms.
The zoo also has built a catwalk for jaguars, added a new rhino habitat, expanded a tortoise habitat and refashioned food and beverage options in recent years.
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A rendering depicts the future event center above the gorilla habitat at the San Antonio Zoo. Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo
The organization plans to overhaul the savanna habitat, removing an elephant house and building a barn with room for more giraffes than the three it has now. It also will provide more space for species of zebras, ostriches, cranes and gazelles, and it will build an elevated walkway for visitors to move around the area.
Visitors will be able to rent a one-and-a-half-bedroom casita on piers overlooking the habitats. Those changes are scheduled to be finished by mid-2024.
The zoo also wants to eventually expand across U.S. 281, where it owns about 15 undeveloped acres. It likely will use part of that property for an elephant habitat, bringing the animals back after the last elephant left in March for a sanctuary in Tennessee, the zoos leaders have said.
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NATO is to hold large-scale military exercises in February involving 90,000 military personnel to rehearse a scenario of a Russian attack on the territory of a NATO member.
Source: German press agency dpa, which learned the details on the sidelines of a meeting of the Alliance's top military representatives in Brussels; European Pravda; Bild
Details: The Western defence alliance wants to mobilise about 90,000 soldiers for training, making the manoeuvres the largest since the end of the Cold War.
The exercises, which are to begin in February, will be called Steadfast Defender and will focus on notification and the deployment of national and multinational ground forces.
A meeting of NATO defence ministers will also be held in Brussels in mid-February.
According to dpa, the scenario of the exercises envisages a Russian attack on the territory of NATO member states which leads to a declaration of "action" under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.
Article 5 regulates the obligation to provide assistance within the Alliance and states that an armed attack on one or more Allies is considered an attack on them all.
The last major manoeuvre of this kind took place in 1988.
NATO's largest exercise to date since the end of the Cold War was organised in 2018, with a focus on Norway. Trident Juncture 2018 involved about 51,000 soldiers.
The last NATO manoeuvres that were larger than the exercises now being planned took place before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. At that time, among other things, there was a series of manoeuvres called Return of Forces to Germany. In 1988, for example, about 125,000 soldiers were involved.
Background:
Bild reported that it had gained access to a secret Bundeswehr document a training scenario that describes step by step how a military conflict between Russia and NATO could develop. The scenario describes the actions of Russia and the West month by month, culminating in the deployment of hundreds of thousands of NATO soldiers and the inevitable outbreak of war in the summer of 2025.
Janis Sarts, Director of the NATO Center of Excellence for Strategic Communications, said that the Bild article was based on a training scenario document.
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A NATO flag flies at the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting. NATO plans to mobilize 90,000 soldiers for a manoeuvre aimed at deterring Russian aggression, in the biggest exercise staged by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. Daniel Naupold/dpa
NATO plans to mobilize 90,000 soldiers for a manoeuvre aimed at deterring Russian aggression, in the biggest exercise staged by the alliance since the end of the Cold War.
According to information obtained by dpa on Thursday, the scenario for the Steadfast Defender exercise due to start in February is a Russian attack on allied territory that triggers Article 5 of the NATO treaty that enshrines the promise of collective defence.
Article 5 has been invoked only once, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States.
The largest post-Cold War NATO exercises were staged in 2018. Those drills, called Trident Juncture, took place largely in Norway and involved some 51,000 soldiers were involved.
A NATO flag flies at the NATO Foreign Ministers' Meeting. NATO plans to mobilize 90,000 soldiers for a manoeuvre aimed at deterring Russian aggression, in the biggest exercise staged by the alliance since the end of the Cold War. Daniel Naupold/dpa
NATO plans to mobilize 90,000 soldiers for a manoeuvre aimed at deterring Russian aggression, in the biggest exercise staged by the alliance since the end of the Cold War.
According to information obtained by dpa on Thursday, the scenario for the Steadfast Defender exercise, which is due to start in Europe in February, is a Russian attack on allied territory that triggers Article 5 of the NATO treaty that enshrines the promise of collective defence.
The focus of the drills will be on alerting and deploying national and multinational land forces in the event of a Russian attack.
Article 5 has been invoked only once, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks by al-Qaeda on the United States.
The largest post-Cold War NATO exercises were staged in 2018. Those drills, called Trident Juncture, took place largely in Norway and involved some 51,000 soldiers.
The British Ministry of Defence recently said that around 20,000 of its soldiers from the naval, air and land forces will be taking part in Steadfast Defender.
NATO's Baltic members - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - and Poland see themselves as front line states for potential Russian aggression.
Many on NATO's eastern flank fear they could one day face a similar fate to the people of Ukraine, who have suffered a grinding war with invading Russian forces for nearly two years.
NATO's highest military authority, the Military Committee, held a meeting in Brussels on Thursday.
Nato's military is ready, but civilians must also prepare for war, one of the alliance's top figures has said - Staff Sgt Agustin Montanez
Civilians must prepare for all-out war with Russia in the next 20 years, a top Nato military official has warned.
While armed forces are primed for the outbreak of war, private citizens need to be ready for a conflict that would require wholesale change in their lives, Adml Rob Bauer said on Thursday.
Large numbers of civilians will need to be mobilised in case of the outbreak of war and governments should put in place systems to manage the process, Adml Bauer told reporters after a meeting of Nato defence chiefs in Brussels.
We have to realise its not a given that we are in peace. And thats why we [Nato forces] are preparing for a conflict with Russia.
But the discussion is much wider. It is also the industrial base and also the people that have to understand they play a role.
Adml Bauer, a Dutch naval officer who is chairman of Natos Military Committee, praised Sweden for asking all of its citizens to brace for war ahead of the country formally joining the alliance.
Stockholms move, announced earlier this month, has led to a surge in volunteers for the countrys civil defence organisation and a spike in sales of torches and battery-powered radios.
It starts there, Adml Bauer said. The realisation that not everything is planable and not everything is going to be hunky dory in the next 20 years.
Some 90,000 Nato troops will next week begin the blocs largest military exercise since the Cold War.
The Steadfast Defender 2024 operation has more than doubled in size since it was announced last year, and is explicitly designed to prepare the alliance for a Russian invasion.
Britain has committed around 20,000 soldiers, as well as tanks, artillery and fighter jets to the drills taking place across Europe until May.
But senior Nato officials are increasingly concerned that governments and private arms manufacturers are falling behind in preparations on the domestic front.
A military exercise of Sweden was carried out in September last year - JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images
Stockpiles of weapons and ammunition have been drained by the conflict in Ukraine and will take years to replenish at the current rate of production.
Meanwhile, Russia has tripled its military expenditure to 40 per cent of the entire national budget, while drastically speeding up manufacturing lines.
We need to be readier across the whole spectrum, Adml Bauer said. You have to have a system in place to find more people if it comes to war, whether it does or not. Then you talk mobilisation, reservists or conscription.
You need to be able to fall back on an industrial base that is able to produce weapons and ammunition fast enough to be able to continue a conflict if you are in it.
Adml Rob Bauer has encouraged Western governments to plan harder for a war with Russia - OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Western aid to Ukraine has dwindled amid growing public resistance in the United States and European Union.
The EU has been unable to deliver on its promise to send one million 155mm artillery shells to Kyiv by next month, contributing to a collapse in the rate of fire of Ukrainian artillery.
Joe Biden has also been unable to convince Republican leaders to back further spending packages for Ukraine, as they argue the money should be spent on domestic priorities, such as border security, instead.
On Thursday, David Cameron warned against 1930s-style appeasement of Vladimir Putin and promised Britain would keep supporting Ukraine in the struggle of our generation.
The Foreign Secretary urged Britains allies not to push for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, arguing that unifying behind Ukraine was the best way to end the war.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Lord Cameron compared the calls for negotiations to the appeasement of Adolf Hitler by prime minister Neville Chamberlain in the lead-up to the Second World War.
If foreign ministers keep saying Yes, we will support Ukraine but, yes, we must also start a peace process, theyll neither get a strong Ukraine nor a peace process, he told the gathering of diplomats, foreign leaders and executives.
This is like being a foreign minister or prime minister in the 1930s and fighting that aggression. And what we know from that is, if you appease aggression you get more of it.
Lord Cameron also nodded as Radoslaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, stood up and said: There is never a shortage of pocket Chamberlains willing to sacrifice other peoples land or freedom for their own peace of mind. We shouldnt do it.
French support questioned
It came as Frances defence minister hit back at German accusations it had fallen short on supporting Ukraine.
Sebastien Lecornu said a list compiled by the Kiel Institute, a German think tank, showing Paris 12th in terms of military deliveries was neither trustworthy nor viable.
The tracker, last updated before Emmanuel Macrons latest promises of missiles and bombs, showed that Paris had provided just 544 million in bilateral military aid to Kyiv since the start of the full-scale invasion almost two years ago.
In comparison, Germany was credited with promising 17 billion towards Ukraines war effort.
Its entirely based on promises and declarations, Mr Lecornu said.
You have certain countries which, for domestic political reasons, have made a lot of announcements and then the promises have not been kept, or when they have been kept, its with equipment that is sometimes faulty.
He also lashed out at Germany for shying away from sending game-changing long-range missiles to Ukraine, in a further escalation of the row between the EUs first and second largest economies.
Germany refuses to deliver Taurus missiles which are the equivalent of SCALPs and which are the real game-changers, Mr Lecornu said.
And yet President (Macron) has announced a new delivery of 40 or so of these missiles.
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Thirteen years ago, the current head of the Navys surface fleet was captaining the destroyer Carney.
Even in 2010, airborne drones were a threat for which his ship had tactics and munitions at the ready, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, now the head of Naval Surface Forces, told reporters earlier this month.
We had a specific tactic to go after it, with a specific munition that we could shoot out our gun, McLane said.
Fast forward to the present day and McLane has watched his former warship Carney, along with fellow destroyers Gravely, Laboon, Mason and Thomas Hudner, shoot down dozens of attack drones and missiles in the Red Sea in recent months.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched attacks at commercial vessels transiting the vital economic waterway, and sometimes at Navy warships themselves. The attacks have come on a regular basis since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, and Israels subsequent operations to clear the militant group from the Gaza Strip.
The Navy destroyer Laboon at work in the Red Sea in December. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alice Husted/Navy)
The Carney and other warships have been at the spears tip for intercepting these attacks, shooting down scores of Houthi air attack drones in the process.
And while it remains to be seen whether last weeks U.S.-led bombing of Houthi sites in Yemen will cause the rebels to meaningfully relent, current Navy leaders and analysts agree: The volume of intercepts in the Red Sea is without modern precedent for the Navy, and the surface fleet is quickly learning from the encounters.
Those lessons are also raising questions about which warship weapons are right for such a job. While McLane declined to get into the specifics of how the Red Sea fight is impacting tactics and training during a recent interview, citing classification levels, he said the surface fleet is tracking developments very closely.
We have our warfare tactics instructors involved in analyzing the data that were getting from the tapes on the Carney and the other ships, he said. And were looking very closely at profiles and what we have to do when it comes to radar tuning. And what we have to do when it comes to setting up our weapons system on the ship to make sure that we have maximum defensive capability at all times.
Those instructors are also helping to analyze data and provide updated tactics, techniques and procedures, Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill, the head of Naval Surface Force Atlantic, told reporters this month.
While destroyers have taken part in a variety of missions over the years to keep commerce flowing in the Middle East, the months-long effort to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones is new, and something the Navy hasnt done regularly since gunfire support missions during the Vietnam War, according to Jan van Tol, a retired forward-deployed warship captain and senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.
USS Carney sailors awarded for battling Houthi attacks in Red Sea
The surface fleet finds itself steaming through uncharted waters in the Red Sea, when it comes to the types of munitions they are intercepting and the sustained nature of the threat.
This is a mix we havent seen before, and it does represent a new wrinkle, retired Vice. Adm. Robert Murrett, a former vice director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff who now leads the Institute for Security Policy and Law at Syracuse University.
According to McLane, the captain of the Carney, Cmdr. Jeremy Robertson, has reported that while his crew has been working hard, the urgency of the mission seems to have supercharged the deck plates.
[Robertson] told me that, two days after their first engagement, he had 15 reenlistment contracts on his desk, McLane said. I think this has something to do with the investment that weve made in [weapons tactics instructors], and the investment that weve made in developing a warfighting culture.
Our sailors are incredibly energized by being able to operate their weapons systems in the way that they are intended and seeing success in doing that.
A sailor stands ready during flight quarters aboard the Navy destroyer Gravely in the Red Sea on Jan. 5, 2024. Gravely and other destroyers have been shooting down a steady stream of attack drones and missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen since October. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word/Navy)
Pick your poison
The Navys Red Sea engagements have often pitted relatively cheap, Iran-made attack drones against a Navy destroyers SM-2 missiles, which cost roughly $2.4 million each but allow a ship to take out a threat from a greater distance compared to other onboard weapons systems.
To date, the SM-2 munition is the only one used in the Red Sea that the sea service has officially confirmed.
Relying on a pricey asset to eliminate cheap threats raises questions about the sustainability and efficiency of the tactic, multiple analysts told Navy Times.
Navy leaders have indicated that they feel good about the surface fleets munitions stockpile.
Right now, were stable in our inventory, Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, head of the Surface Warfare Division for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, told reporters this month. But its something we are very focused on and we continue to work on it.
The men and women of the Navy destroyer Mason are one of several that have shot down scores of Iran-backed Houthi rebel attack drones and missiles over the Red Sea in recent months. The crew is shown here during an at-sea replenishment on Dec. 21. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Krucke/Navy)
Still, some analysts argue that shooting Houthi drones out of the sky with SM-2s might not be an ideal solution.
Todays operations will stress the sustainability of the U.S. surface fleet, which relies on relatively expensive weapons for self-defense, Bryan Clark, a retired submariner and current senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said in an email to Navy Times.
Not relying so heavily on the SM-2 could allow commanders to become more comfortable with the idea of letting drones get in closer proximity to where they can be taken out with less expensive assets, said James Holmes, a former surface warfare officer and director of maritime strategy at the Naval War College.
But not relying on SM-2s to take out Houthi threats and engaging attack drones with different systems at a shorter range involves greater risk to a Navy warship and its crew, Holmes warned.
Anything we can do to bring about a soft kill, whether through the new electronic-warfare upgrades to our destroyers, or through directed energy, is certainly worth exploring as we try to keep costs down and manage weapons inventories, he said.
The surface fleet could create new concepts to defend against such attacks that dont require firing their SM-2s, a combination of defensive air drones, electronic warfare and other assets, he added.
While the Navy has been pretty cagey with operational details for obvious reasons, Holmes noted that these expensive engagements are expending a finite inventory of surface-to-air missiles.
Sailors assigned to the Navy destroyer Carney stand watch in the ships Combat Information Center during an operation to defeat a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles on Oct. 19, 2023, in the Red Sea. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Lau/Navy)
[I have] no idea what specific doctrine our ships are using in the Red Sea, but you generally train to use multiple missiles per engagement, Holmes said. If its an SM-2 engagement the latest variant of the SM-2 seems to run about $2.4 million per round, so youre talking just under $5 million to bring down what is probably an inexpensive threat. And again, weapons expended in the Red Sea are weapons not available in the primary theater, East Asia, and are not quickly replaced.
Big Navy is likely grappling with such questions internally, according to Holmes.
Sad to say, but human nature is that it usually takes a crisis to focus the mind, he said. As Dr. Johnson once wisecracked, the prospect of a hanging concentrates the mind wonderfully.
Destroyers could also use shorter-range weapons, like the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile or the Rolling Air Frame missile, munitions that can be carried in greater numbers, according to Clark.
Four Sea Sparrows can be loaded into one vertical launch system cell on ship, he noted, and the Rolling Air Frame missile can be reloaded at sea.SM-2s, however, cannot be reloaded while a ship is underway.
While the Navy has confirmed the use of SM-2 missiles, Clark said he suspects ships are already using other systems against less-capable drones.
[Five-inch] guns do have an anti-air capability, though, and the Navy has been fielding man-portable counter-drone [electronic warfare] systems like those used by the Army and Marine Corps, he said.
The SLQ-32 electronic warfare system could also take out a drones navigation or command signals, Clark added.
A destroyers five-inch gun and smaller missile options would make sense in the Red Sea against incoming Houthi fires, but it remains to be seen whether the surface fleet would culturally choose those options, given how ingrained the concepts of layered defense are within the fleet and the desire to take down a threat from as far away as possible, according to van Tol.
Ultimately the likely future increase in numbers of simultaneous incoming threats will require higher capacities of defensive fires, and those cant only be expensive [long-range, surface-to-air missiles], both for cost imposition and limited ship [vertical launch system] capacity reasons, he said.
After a busy eight-month deployment that involved shooting down Iran-backed Houthi rebel attack drones and missiles in the Red Sea, the Navy destroyer Thomas Hudner returned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, on Jan. 4. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brandon J. Vinson/Navy)
Rough seas
Analysts say the very nature of the Red Sea makes it a challenging fight for the Navy.
In a way, the Houthis are firing into a prime theater. The Red Sea is shallow and relatively narrow, and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait at the seas south end is only about 16-nautical-miles wide, van Tol noted.
The Houthi targeting challenge is not high if they just want to whack a ship since there are multiple ways to detect it and get the targeting info to the shooters, he said. Theres obviously also limited reaction time once an incoming [anti-ship cruise missile] or drone is detected.
The volume of Houthi strikes thus far has not suggested that any Navy destroyers would need to head to the Mediterranean Sea or Bahrain to refill their missile cells, Holmes said.
If someone attacked shipping in the Suez Canal, closing it, or interfered with passage through the Bab el-Mandeb or Hormuz strait, things could get uncomfortable trying to resupply our Red Sea flotilla, he said.
Josh Giddey of the NBAs Oklahoma City Thunder wont face criminal charges related to allegations that he dated an underage girl, police said.
Giddey, 21, was allegedly involved in a relationship with a girl who was 15 or 16 at the time; in California, the age of consent is 18.
The Newport Beach Police Department investigated the matter after the allegations were posted on social media and despite information and photos posted online, police were unable to corroborate any criminal activity.
TMZ, which was the first to report that Giddey would not face charges, previously reported that the girl and her family were refusing to cooperate with the police investigation.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Newport Beach police said detectives had conducted a thorough and exhaustive examination of the case. The Police Department, which was relatively quiet throughout the process, said it was committed to ensuring that accurate information was disseminated to the public, while also ensuring the rights of those involved.
The Australian star has not commented on the allegations.
Despite the active police investigation, Giddey continued to play for the Thunder who are currently second in the NBAs Western Conference.
The NBA has previously indicated it was conducting its own independent investigation but commissioner Adam Silver said in December that the league would take a backseat and wait for the criminal investigation to conclude.
The league could still suspend the rising star under its player conduct policy, but it remains to be seen if such a punishment will be made.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
"The Bean and Chisme Show" returns Jan. 24 for a fourth season of online Latina comedy, now featuring original co-creators Samantha Najera (left) and Nina Duran. Courtesy The Bean and Chisme Show
If there's one thing the co-creators of "The Bean and Chisme Show" have learned, it's that putting on a Latina-led comedy show also means, in their own words, putting on your big-girl chones to take on whatever life throws your way.
To which you can imagine Nina Duran and Samantha Najera shouting with a mighty fist bump, "Wonder loca powers, activate!"
Make that reactivate. After a two-year hiatus for Duran, the original duo are back for a new season of "The Bean and Chisme Show," which kicks off live 7 p.m. Jan. 24 on Facebook (facebook.com/beanchisme) and YouTube (youtube.com/beanandchisme). Related links are available at beanandchisme.net.
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Bean and Chisme is the bawdy, bilingual creation of Duran, former publisher of the bilingual newspaper La Prensa, and Najera, CEO of the marketing company HeartFire Media. The two launched the series in 2017 as a Facebook live gabfest about growing up Tex-Mex in the 210.
Several years and several million views later, "Bean and Chisme" has grown into a full-fledged laugh squad. Area comedians Joanna Chona E Estrada. Michelle Cantu and Alex AJ Rivas now round out the show's hilarious bits about the Hispanic experience, which spoof just about everything from street tacos and Fiesta to cucuys and quinceaneras.
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All that was missing was Duran. In late 2021, she left the show when her oldest son was diagnosed with cancer and her mother was dying. Her mother passed away a year later, while her son has been in remission for almost two years.
Now "everything feels right in my soul," Duran said.
As for coming back to "Bean and Chisme," all it took was a heart-to-heart with Najera at the Jim's restaurant across from Wonderland of the Americas mall, where everything fell back into place the moment they fell back into the booth.
"That chemistry and sisterly bond has always been there," Najera said. "So to have it back. ... I'm just so excited to go back to the roots of the show."
The two joked that as Latinas born in the 1980s, growing up in a Mexican household practically gave them secret superpowers. Abilities they say all Latinos have but may not realize they possess.
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Here are those powers, as told by the mighty mujeres who wield them.
Reflexes of a gato
Little did you know that all those times the chancla was thrown at you, it was actually preparing you to become quick like a cat! Learning how to dodge and duck the chancla has made you agile and given you a quick response time, preparing you for those moments in life when you need to quickly avoid any object thrown your way.
Context: If you grew up in a Latino family, chances are your mom or some other matriarch flung a chancla at your head when you misbehaved.
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Ability to perform an exorcism
Are you aware that you have the power to ward off evil spirits and cleanse your spirit of all negative energy? Amigos, the power of the huevo is real.
Context: Mexican folk medicine swears by mal de ojo or "the evil eye," an envious look cast your way that can lead to illness. Cue the cure with a cold egg passed gently over your body by a loving curandera or relative, then cracked into a glass and placed under your bed to ward off any, uh, mal de mojo.
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Gut of iron
It's safe to assume that most Latinos grew up drinking cafecito and eating foods that pica since infancy. (Como que probiotic?!) Our stomachs can handle almost anything, thanks to our tias, abuelitas and madres feeding us solid food at 4 months old.
Context: What, you think handling jalapenos and the like starts in high school?
Master communicators
No secret is safe. We as Latinas pride ourselves on our ability to spread chisme and do it in a timely manner. We have nurtured our communication skills and mastered the art of keeping nothing confidential.
Context: Hello? The show's title has the Spanish word for gossip.
Ninja-like awareness
We were all told that the cucuy would take us at one point in our childhood, and while it may have scared you then, now you're vigilant and have keen skills that help you stay alive. You know how to fight and you know when to run. There's a reason why Latinos never get killed first in movies.
Context: The boogeyman has nothing on La Llorona (the weeping woman), La Lechuza (the witch owl) and other cucuys of Latino folklore.
CUCUYS FOR THE WIN: San Antonio's Top 10 ghosts and urban legends from La Llorona to the Ghost Tracks
And while this isn't necessarily a superpower, we sure do know how to bounce back.
Najera said Duran's return not only speaks to her toughness but also to the support "Bean and Chisme" fans have for the co-host. And such a sense of love and community only makes them feel stronger.
NBCs Chicago Wednesday premieres with all the emotions
(NBC) A big night for fans of NBCs Chicago universe, season premieres are on tap Wednesday for Fire, Med and PD.
Stars Joe Minoso from Fire and Jessy Schram from Med talk about what is ahead with their shows.
NBC 2024 premiere dates, when to watch One Chicago, Law & Order
Chicago Fire wasnt satisfied with one cliffhanger last spring, setting up Wednesdays emotional season premiere.
This is what we do on Chicago Fire, were all about the emotions, said Minoso.
And the possibility of losing Mouch is too much for Minoso.
One Chicago Wednesday 1/17, Courtesy/NBC
It is too heartbreaking for me to talk about, but you will get to find out one way or the other, whether or not he makes it, said Minoso.
One character saying goodbye on Wednesday is Gallo.
They keep bringing in these people I fall in love with and then they keep leaving, said Minoso.
But Taylor Kinney is back and his character Severide has fences to mend, not just with his wife.
Cruz feels a little underappreciated for all what, that he did for him and taking care of squad while he was away, said Minoso.
While on Chicago Med, the staffs coping with Dr. Halsteads departure last spring.
While nobody can ever replace Dr. Halstead, weve got some, some new, some new blood coming in to shake things up, said Schram.
Including Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley who has a history with Dr. Charles.
NBC4 to air live coverage of 2024 US Figure Skating Championships in Columbus
Itll be really interesting to watch that unfold because I think its definitely a different dynamic for Dr. Charles to deal with, said Schram.
And potentially, a romantic dynamic for Dr. Asher.
Itll be, let me just say, we are exploring things and its itll be entertaining, said Schram.
The fans known as Chi-hards would expect nothing less.
It all begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. with Chicago Med, followed by Fire and PD to round out the night.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures after his speech at the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos from Jan. 15 until Jan. 19, 2024.(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
WASHINGTON (AP) It's been nearly two years since the United States and its allies froze hundreds of billions of dollars in Russian foreign holdings in retaliation for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. That roughly $300 billion in Russian Central Bank money has been sitting untapped as the war grinds on, while officials from multiple countries have debated the legality of sending the money to Ukraine.
The idea of using Russia's frozen assets is gaining new traction lately as continued allied funding for Ukraine becomes more uncertain and the U.S. Congress is in a stalemate over providing more support. But there are tradeoffs since the weaponization of global finance could harm the U.S. dollar's standing as the world's dominant currency.
At this week's World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a strong decision this year for the frozen assets in Western banks to be directed towards defense against the Russian war and for reconstruction of Ukraine.
Putin loves money above all, he said. The more billions he and his oligarchs, friends and accomplices lose, the more likely he will regret starting this war.
Biden administration officials who previously dismissed the idea as legally cumbersome are showing growing openness to the idea.
Penny Pritzker, the U.S. special representative for Ukraines economic recovery, said at the Davos forum that the U.S. and Group of Seven allies are still looking for an adequate legal framework to pursue the plan.
Get all the lawyers and all the various governments and all the parties really to come together to sort that through, she said. Its hard, its complicated, its difficult, and we need to work.
Administration officials caution that even if a legal way can be found to transfer the frozen dollars to Ukraine, the war-torn nation has immediate needs for funds that must be met by other means since U.S. assistance to Ukraine's military has ground to a halt.
Bipartisan legislation circulating in Washington called the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act would use assets confiscated from the Russian Central Bank and other sovereign assets for Ukraine.
A senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity to relay internal discussions said the administration was generally supportive of legislation to give the U.S. more flexibility in making sure Russia pays for the damage it has caused and is in active conversations with allies on how best to do that.
But even if legislation were enacted, Nicholas Mulder, a sanctions expert at Cornell University, cautioned that seizing frozen assets could have the unintended effect of undermining efforts to ensure longer-term funding for Ukraine.
Right now it is being advanced by Washington as a substitute rather than a complement to long-term Western support for Ukraine, he said. If the assets are transferred, these funds too will run out sooner or later. But by that time Western leaders will have ceased to make any political case for supporting Ukraine, and getting support back up will be much harder."
The U.S. announced at the start of Russias invasion that America and its allies had blocked access to more than $600 billion that Russia held outside its borders including roughly $300 billion in funds belonging to Russia's Central Bank. Since then, the U.S and its allies have continued to impose rounds of targeted sanctions against companies and the wealthy elite with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The World Banks latest damage assessment of Ukraine, released in March 2023, estimates that costs for reconstruction and recovery of the nation stand at $411 billion over the next 10 years, which includes needs for public and private funds.
Since the war began in February 2022, the United States has given Ukraine roughly $111 billion in weapons, equipment, humanitarian assistance and other aid. Other countries also have provided Ukraine with substantial support the U.K. announced a $3 billion assistance package on Friday.
At the White House, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young this month told a group of reporters that while the possibility of seizing Russian assets is being studied, it would not have an immediate impact on Ukraine's financial needs.
That does not absolve the need to provide funding now, Young said. "That is a future benefit to Kyiv I think we should look at and take seriously.
Sergey Aleksashenko, a former Russian Central Banker who is now a member of the Russian Antiwar Committee with other dissidents, said that while he strongly believes Russia should be forced to compensate Ukraine, "I do not believe that there is any way to confiscate assets of the Russian Central Bank without a court deciding on the matter.
Because if there is no legal basis to confiscate Russian assets, and if it is done by the decision of the administration, that means that there is no rule of law in the U.S. and there is no protection of private property.
He said an administrative decision to confiscate Russia's assets could prompt nations like China the biggest holder of U.S. Treasuries to determine that it is not safe to keep its reserves in U.S. dollars.
There are some efforts under way to seize Russian funds and those of sanctioned oligarchs under limited circumstances. Last May, the Justice Department announced that it had transferred $5.4 million seized from Russian tycoon Konstantin Malofeyev to a State Department fund for rebuilding Ukraine.
And in December, Germanys federal prosecutor filed a motion for asset forfeiture concerning more than 720 million euros ($789 million) deposited by a Russian financial institution in a Frankfurt bank account because of a suspected attempt to violate embargo regulations.
Belgium, which is holding the rotating presidency of the European Union bloc for the next six months, is now leading the talks on whether to seize Russia's assets. Belgium is also the country where most frozen Russian assets under sanctions are being held.
The country is collecting taxes on the assets. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said in October that 1.7 billion euros ($1.8 billion) in tax collections was already available and that the money would be used to buy military equipment, humanitarian aid and help with the rebuilding of the war-torn country.
But EU countries are worried that going further by confiscating the assets could pave the way for serious legal problems and could also destabilize the financial system.
De Croo said this week he is hearing a lot of prudence when the issue of seizing assets is raised.
It's crucial that we stay within a legal framework, he said.
Maria Snegovaya, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cautioned that if Ukraine's immediate needs aren't met, no amount of seized Russian assets is unfortunately going to compensate for what may happen."
"And by then it is going to be very overwhelming.
___
Associated Press writers Ellen Knickmeyer, Lisa Mascaro, Seung Min Kim, Zeke Miller and Aamer Madhani in Washington and Sam Petrequin in Brussels and Jamey Keaton in Davos contributed to this report.
I remember coming here fishing as a young man in the early 70s, the now older man said. It was a wonderful location for families to camp, boat, and just have fun.
Laureen, my lovely wife, and I had just met this fella along the shores of the Colorado River, not far south of the Hoover Dam.
In all transparency, we were at Lake Mohave, but it is still all part of the Colorado River. In fact, gold ore used to be shipped along the river near the town of Nelson 350 miles to the Gulf of California. With the building of Hoover Dam, Davis Dam, and others, the river was tamed, and manufactured lakes were created, but they are still all part of the Colorado River system.
We had been exploring places we had not yet visited when we found ourselves along the shore of crystal clear waters.
Scene of where the popular river resort of Nelson's Landing once stood along the Colorado River, as seen on January 6, 2024. The resort was totally destroyed in September 1974 with a great loss of life.
Then, in an instant, it was all gone, he concluded, driving off through the sandy wash westward.
It was a sobering moment as we learned we were standing on the ground where Nelsons Landing had once stood. A river resort that countless folks had loved and shared for decades.
Nelsons Landing had been on the western edge of Lake Mohave in El Dorado Canyon, roughly five miles east of the ghost town of Nelson - where Laureen and I had been heading. But, unbeknownst to us - there was another story at the end of the pavement when we had decided to travel past the ghost town.
Lets see if we can get to the river on this road before touring Nelson, Laureen said, and the dutiful husband and traveler agreed.
All roads lead somewhere interesting, I replied.
At that moment, the idea of interest had been an understatement. It turned out to be a black ribbon of asphalt with a tale of horror and tragedy at the end of it.
Nelsons Landing had been a small beach settlement enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Mobile homes, RVs, campsites, boat docks, restaurants, and other amenities make this place a must-go river spot.
If you are looking for a choice for water activities, there is Lake Mead, north of Hoover Dam, or Lake Mohave, south of Hoover Dam. Take your pick. Either would be a good choice on a hot day. It was an accessible destination for people living near Boulder City or even Las Vegas, a mere 50 miles away.
One such summer day was Sept. 14, 1974, when people were boating, laying on the sandy beach, camping, and enjoying lunch in one of the restaurants at the Landing when the unexpected reared its ugly head.
Miles away to the west, a storm cloud showed up and poured a monsoonal amount of rain onto the desert soil in only a few minutes.
The torrent splattered the desert floor, but with the sun-scorched hardened earth, the ground was like a piece of tile, and that rain did what gravity intended - flow downhill undeterred.
Soon, a 40-foot wave of water channeled from five separate smaller canyons rushed through El Dorado Canyon toward the resort. In a matter of minutes, the resort was utterly wiped out.
Among the rubble, only memories were left by those who had survived.
Nine people died on that fateful day.
A place where visitors can marvel at the Colorado River from above Nelson's Landing, as seen on January 6, 2024. During hotter months daredevils leap from these high cliffs and into the water below.
According to a July 9, 2019, online news article from 8@NewsNow.com (Las Vegas) - resident Tony Werly stated: Thats fifty-two square miles that all merged into that one canyon. As the cloud was coming down the mountain, they (the people enjoying the day at Nelson Landing) were trying to get their boat docks out of the water before they got rained on. They never knew what was coming down the canyon with it.
Werly also stated a teacher he had once had, Jack Dailey, had been one of the victims of the flooding disaster.
Dailey was a school teacher of mine when I was in high school, and he was one of the guys that died.
Daileys friend, John Gellifent, was also interviewed.
Jack was out boating, Gellifent said. He was coming back when the wall of water hit.
It turns out the teacher and friend of Gellifents had been out enjoying the river, and upon returning to the beach in his boat, he was overtaken by the destructive path of the flood and killed just offshore.
Nelsons Landing was never rebuilt. There are now signs warning visitors that the chance of a severe flood is a natural and present danger.
We looked out across the area where, one minute, visitors were having the time of their lives and the next, there was no time left.
How horrible, Laureen said. To be here with your family enjoying a wonderful day, and then that happens.
I did not reply. My gaze took in the blue waters of the river in front of me, and I could almost hear the terrified screams of those watching from wherever they were as a tsunami barreled down on them.
Then, the frantic search and rescue through the rubble that had been a popular beach resort must have been heart-wrenching.
It did not take a vivid imagination to feel what those poor folks felt as they looked westward up El Dorado Canyon and saw nothing but a huge debris-filled wave of water racing toward them.
I felt chills run down my spine. It is amazing to be standing at a gorgeous location, as this place is, and then realize you are standing on hallowed ground.
People had perished here. Their only fault is just enjoying a hot summer day in cool waters.
It was not something we had expected to experience as we had happily been driving north along US Route 93 toward Boulder City, Nevada, when we took a short jaunt toward the ghost town of Nelson.
A few years ago, my buddy Paul and I had powered up the Colorado River from Katherine Landing aboard my pontoon boat. It was a casual camping excursion, where we took in gorgeous inlets, water canyons, and hidden coves and witnessed families of Bighorn sheep and wild donkeys. The final cru destination is Willow Beach, on the Arizona shore to the Hoover Dam, 12 miles to the northwest.
The previous day, we had witnessed dozens of people laughing while they jumped from some pretty high natural cliffs alongside the Colorado River on the Nevada Shore.
Throughout the warm months, people flock to Nelsons Landing to jump off the cliffs into Lake Mohave. Some spots along the steep walls are 50 feet high, and caution and common sense are needed here.
I wondered if those summer-loving folks realized that less than half a century ago, folks had fought for their lives on that sunny September day, and some had fought in vain.
I boated past this spot without realizing the tragedy that had taken place, I said to Laureen. When Paul and I made our way to the Hoover Dam and saw people jumping into the water. Never thought of where or how tragic this place was.
Laureen nodded.
Though the temperature was in the high thirties when we visited in January, the sun shone, making the water sparkle and the sand crunch beneath our feet.
No sign of a past calamity was to be witnessed in this picturesque setting. It's just quiet and beautiful.
According to the National Weather Service - Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mudslides. You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. Most flood deaths are due to FLASH FLOODS.
A must for the traveler is observing the massive pieces of rock that often tumble down the narrow El Dorado Canyon, as seen on January 6, 2024. In 1974, boulders similar to these destroyed Nelson's Landing during a summer flood.
The fun-loving people enjoying a hot September day in 1974 did not think twice about a dark cloud far away on the horizon - why should they? But, in a matter of a blink of an eye, rain fell in huge amounts and turned that carefree event into a horrific and unforgettable catastrophe.
The teacher, Jack Dailey, did not live to see a school named after him in Las Vegas - Dailey Elementary School.
Though I often make light of being out in nature and possibly ignoring signs about this or that - driving out of El Dorado Canyon on that January morning reminded me that signs are there for a reason and must be taken seriously.
John can be contacted at: beyersbyways@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Nelsons Landing in El Dorado Canyon worth a visit to see Lake Mohave
With a view to possible scenarios after the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that any solution in the foreseeable future must include Israel's military control over the entire West Bank.
This contradicts the idea of the sovereignty of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said at a press conference on Thursday. "What are you supposed to do?" he said when asked whether the United States was planning a scenario for the "time after Netanyahu" that envisages the creation of a Palestinian state.
In talks with US representatives, he said, he had fended off attempts to dictate a reality that would harm Israel's security. "Israel's prime minister must be able to say 'no' when necessary, even to our best friends," Netanyahu continued.
"From every area from which we withdraw, we get terror, terrible terror," said the right-wing politician, adding that this had happened in southern Lebanon, in the Gaza Strip and in parts of the West Bank. That is why control of the West Bank is so important, he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday rejected calls by the United States to open a path for a Palestinian state as his nation presses on with its war against the militant group Hamas in Gaza.
Netanyahu said during a news conference Thursday that he told the U.S. he opposes any establishment of a Palestinian state in any post-war situation, The Associated Press reported. He also reiterated that Israel will continue its offensive until it clinches a decisive victory over Hamas.
In any future arrangement Israel needs security control over all territory west of the Jordan, Netanyahu said, according to the AP. This collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can you do?
National security spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday that U.S. officials obviously see it differently, the AP reported, speaking about Netanyahus comments.
The U.S. has pushed for a two-state solution for the post-war scenario, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying this week that a pathway for Palestine to become its own state is necessary for Israel to obtain genuine security.
The problem is getting from here to there, and of course, it requires very difficult, challenging decisions, Blinken said Wednesday at the World Economic Forum, as reported by the AP. It requires a mindset that is open to that perspective.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also said last week that Arab nations are ready to partner with the U.S. on short-term and long-term solutions for Palestinians in Gaza if Israel agrees to as well.
The Israel-Hamas war started Oct. 7 when Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took another 240 hostage. Since then, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry has said Israel has killed more than 24,000 people in counterattacks.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mr Netanyahu welcomes Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, during his official visit to Tel Aviv - Kobi Gideon/Anadolu
Benjamin Netanyahu has said he told the US he opposes the creation of a Palestinian state, declaring that Israel must be capable of saying no to our friends.
In a televised broadcast on Thursday, the Israeli prime minister said he had rejected Joe Bidens call for a two-state solution in the region, adding that Tel Aviv must have security control on all territory west of the Jordan river.
His remarks appeared to knock back plans to tie Palestinian statehood to a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, which would be brokered by the United States.
Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, told Mr Netanyahu on a visit to Israel last week that the US hoped to see a pathway to an internationally-recognised Palestinian state.
The message was repeated by Jake Sullivan, Mr Bidens national security adviser, in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week.
Capable of saying no to our friends
However, in his address, Mr Netanyahu rejected the idea and suggested he would stand up to the USs plans for the region, despite Washingtons backing for Israel since Hamass terror attacks on Oct 7 last year.
In any future arrangement Israel needs security control of all territory west of the Jordan, he said. This collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can you do?
He added: The prime minister needs to be capable of saying no to our friends.
Responding to Mr Netanyahus comments on Thursday, John Kirby, the White Houses national security coordinator, said: This is not a new comment by Prime Minister Netanyahu. We obviously see it differently.
We believe that the Palestinians have every right to live in an independent state with peace and security. And the President and his team is going to continue to work on that.
On Tuesday, Mr Sullivan, the White Houses top security official, said the continued rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia should be conditional on a process to create a Palestinian state.
The strategy post-October 7 is that we want to see normalisation tied to a political horizon for the Palestinians, he said.
It is President Bidens firm conviction that the way to do that is two states with Israel security guaranteed, Mr Sullivan added, acknowledging that Mr Netanyahus administration had expressed quite strong views about that proposal.
I know it is hard to imagine right now, but this is the only path that provides peace and security to all, he said.
It can be done. The pieces are there to put together. Not years down the road but in the nearer term if all of us pull together and make bold decisions.
Mr Bidens plan to tie an historic Saudi-Israeli peace deal to a two-state solution was backed by Riyadh on Thursday.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador to the US, said at Davos that the kingdom would enter into a deal on the condition of an irrevocable agreement to recognise Palestine.
She added that normalisation talks would not continue without a ceasefire in Gaza.
The kingdom has been quite clear. While there is violence on the ground and the killing persists, we cannot talk about the next day, she said.
The other strands of the USs Middle East peace plan are an end to terror attacks on Israel from Gaza, peace between Israel and other Arab states, and security assurances for Israel, Mr Sullivan said this week.
But Mr Netanyahus opposition to a Palestinian state threatens the continued normalisation of Israeli-Saudi relations hailed as a significant step towards peace in the region.
His administration has repeatedly rejected a two-state solution, while the prime minister himself has vowed to push ahead with the war in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed.
The US and other Western countries have meanwhile urged restraint as the death toll in Gaza reaches 25,000, according to the enclaves Hamas-run health ministry.
Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, said on Tuesday that a future government in the territory would not be run by either Israel or Hamas.
Gaza residents are Palestinian, therefore Palestinian bodies will be in charge, with the condition that there will be no hostile actions or threats against the State of Israel, he said.
Israel has previously said it will retain overall security responsibility for the territory.
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WASHINGTON Senate Democrats aggressively pushed back Thursday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has informed the U.S. that he opposes the creation of a Palestinian state at the conclusion of the war in Gaza.
A key lawmaker, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., warned that Netanyahus remarks could complicate delicate bipartisan negotiations in the Senate on a supplemental package that calls for military aid for Israel coupled with immigration measures and aid for Ukraine.
I think when Netanyahu says things like that, it does not help win votes from people who are skeptical about the future of a Palestinian state, Murphy, the Democrats top negotiator on the package, told reporters. That statement is not helpful and, yes, were going to need to get a lot of Democratic votes to pass this.
Progressives in the Senate, whove already been critical of Israels military assault in Gaza that has killed thousands of civilians, openly questioned whether the U.S. should continue to send aid to Israel. The close U.S. ally launched its military campaign after Hamas carried out a brazen terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7 that killed more than 1,000 people.
It is the official policy of the United States government that we support two nations for two people to live in dignity and with self-determination, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., who serves on the Armed Services Committee. If Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes that, then we need to question why we are supporting the Netanyahu government.
Another liberal, Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., also had a sharp response for Netanyahu: What were seeing with Netanyahu is that he is willing to take our money but will always reject our advice.
He does not share our concern about the loss of Palestinian life. In Gaza, its full speed ahead. Netanyahu is going his own way, Welch said, adding that Netanyahu's remarks could create more tension when it comes to the U.S. wanting new conditions when supplying additional aid to Israel.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a decorated Iraq war veteran who serves on the Armed Services Committee, said she was appalled by Netanyahus comments.
I think the way forward to peace in the region is a two-state solution, Duckworth told NBC News. And a Palestinian state is also important for the peace of Israel as well. I dont think hes in step with the majority of his own population.
Netanyahus wrong. Hes making it extremely difficult for Israels future, for the prospects of peace," added Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii. "He is, at every opportunity, making things worse."
Schatz said he will be introducing an amendment to the supplemental supporting a two-state solution.
Netanyahus latest remarks came in response to an NBC News reporting Thursday that U.S. lawmakers and diplomats are working to revive a potential treaty between Saudi Arabia, Israel and the U.S. to end the war, stabilize the region and pave the way for some form of Palestinian self-governance in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu rejected the idea of Palestinian sovereignty, saying it conflicts with the need for Israeli security.
With or without the settlement, the state of Israel must have security control over the entire territory, Netanyahu said. This conflicts with the idea of sovereignty. I also say this to the U.S. A prime minister in Israel should be able to say no even to our best friends thats how I drive.
Republicans largely stood by Netanyahu, arguing that a two-state solution should be left to the Israeli government to decide not the U.S.
I have long said, on the question of a one-state or two-state solution in the Middle East, that America should not try to dictate that outcome that nobody cares for the safety and security of Israel more than the people of Israel, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
If the people of Israel decide to negotiate a two-state solution, that is within their sovereign prerogative to do so, he continued. But if they decide that the threat of the sorts of attacks we saw on Oct. 7 are too great for that sort of solution, that also should be within their prerogative.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, also poured cold water on the concept of a Palestinian state.
I dont think a Palestinian state is possible right now. Ive always believed that. Who would govern it? Rubio asked. What we know is that both of the groups who claim leadership of the Palestinian people, both believe in the destruction of the Jewish state. And so its tough to negotiate and turn over governance when every time youve done so, theyve turned those territories and operating bases to attack your country.
I hope one day will come where thats possible, he added. I dont know right now how its possible. Its just a realistic assessment.
On Thursday afternoon, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived on Capitol Hill to brief members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about his trip last week to the Middle East. Blinken had urged Israel and Arab leaders to agree on a path forward for Gaza after the war with Hamas comes to an end, though Netanyahu rejected the U.S. proposal.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo (R) will endorse former President Trump for the states upcoming caucus, he said Thursday, going back on a promise to stay out of the GOP presidential primary.
Lombardo told The Nevada Independent that he will also vote none of the above in the states primary, where Trump is not on the ballot.
Nevada will hold both a caucus and primary on Feb. 8 and 6, respectively, after a protracted legal battle between the state and Nevada Republican Party. Only the caucus results will award delegates for the Republican Partys nominee selection.
Trump endorsed and campaigned for Lombardo during his 2022 gubernatorial bid.
We need President Trumps decisive leadership back in Washington, D.C., Lombardo said in a statement to The Hill. President Trump oversaw record economic success, implemented strong foreign policy, and ensured our law enforcement officers are treated with the respect they deserve.
The governor said in September that he would not make an endorsement in the presidential primary but dismissed the notion Thursday.
For all practical purposes the race is over, he said.
Trump holds a massive lead over GOP rivals former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in national polls. He has about 62 percent support, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs average of polls.
In the only Silver State poll of the race released so far this year, a small sample from Emerson College, Trump led his opponents by 65 points, taking 73 percent support.
Updated at 3:18 p.m.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Nevada Supreme Court denied a second appeal from accused sexual predator Nathan Chasing Horse on Tuesday after the Dances with Wolves actor asked Nevadas highest court to drop the charges against him.
Chasing Horse is charged with 18 counts in Clark County District Court in connection with alleged sexual abuse against two women. One of the women said that sexual abuse began when she was underage.
Breaking the Circle: Nathan Chasing Horse Exposed
In February of 2022, Chasing Horse was indicted by a grand jury in Clark County for a total of 19 counts. This included 10 counts of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 16, six counts of sexual assault, along with open and gross lewdness, first-degree kidnapping of a minor, and trafficking in a controlled substance. Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny later dropped one drug charge.
Las Vegas crimes case against actor Nathan Chasing Horse continues to stall
In January of 2022, Las Vegas Metro police investigated Chasing Horse and executed a search warrant at his North Las Vegas home where he lived with several women who were referred to as his wives. He was taken into custody.
The 8 News Now Investigators have learned that similar allegations against Chasing Horse have previously been made, but did not result in an arrest.
Nevada Supreme Court declines to drop charges against Nathan Chasing Horse
The Las Vegas case is the first of several to move forward against Chasing Horse. He faces federal charges along with warrants in Montana and Canada. He also has previously been banned from several reservations.
Chasing Horse remains in jail in downtown Las Vegas. His bail was previously set at $300,000.
A status check in the Las Vegas case is scheduled for Jan. 24.
To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy with any tips or information, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com.
To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Lynda Espinoza, the mother to Andre AJ Hernandez, a 13-year-old boy fatally shot by an officer, grieves as she gathers June 9, 2022, with family and a small group of local activists decrying the circumstances of the boys death in front of Public Safety Headquarters. Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Lee Merritt, a lawyer who represented the family of Ahmaud Arbery, poses May 9, 2020, for a photo by a mural in the likeness of Arbery in Dallas. Merritt is representing the family of Andre AJ Hernandez, a 13-year-old boy fatally shot by San Antonio police on June 3. Tony Gutierrez, STF / AP Andre AJ Hernandez celebrates his 13th birthday. Courtesy of the Hernandez family
The family of 13-year-old AJ Hernandez, who was shot and killed by a San Antonio police officer in 2022, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Wednesday against the officer and the city of San Antonio.
Hernandez was unarmed when he was shot by officer Stephen Ramos while fleeing from officers on June 3, 2022, the family said. Lee Merritt, a prominent civil rights lawyer out of Dallas, represents the family.
The lawsuit alleges that Ramos actions violated Hernandezs Fourth Amendment rights, which protect citizens from unnecessary search and seizures, which, in this case, Merritt said, manifested as excessive force.
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We believe the officers used more force than necessary to arrest Mr. Ramos, Merritt said. There was no justification for the use of deadly force, but it follows a pattern that we have seen throughout the city of San Antonio and Bexar County.
Merritt previously represented the families of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, and Ahmaud Aubrey, who was killed by three men who chased him while jogging in a Georgia neighborhood.
The Hernandez lawsuit, Merritt said, targets not only Ramos but the city of San Antonios policies that continue to perpetuate the deadliest police culture in the modern world, he said.
There is no justification that a 13-year-old boy who was reported missing less than a month prior would be gunned down during a joyride call, Merritt said. The officers at no point indicated that AJ Hernandez, at 13 years old, represented a deadly threat to Officer Ramos, to his partner or to the public.
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Hernandezs mother, Lynda Espinoza, and his aunt Stephanie Martinez stood alongside Merritt during a news conference in front of the U.S. Federal Courthouse on Wednesday. Espinoza was overcome by emotion while reading a prepared statement to the media.
It was not OK to shoot and kill my son because he was running scared, Espinoza said.
In February, a Bexar County grand jury declined to indict Ramos, ending the criminal investigation into the shooting.
Merritt said he was not satisfied with the evidence presented to the jury because the facts were solely presented by the police department and the family was not invited to speak. He added that body camera footage from the shooting was only released after the presentation.
In a statement, City Attorney Andy Segovia said the evidence presented to the jury was enough.
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This is a tragic incident, and our sympathies are with Mr. Hernandezs family. However, the evidence clearly shows that the officers actions were justified, Segovia said. We will seek resolution of this matter through the courts.
Officers were responding to a report about shots being fired in the 4900 block of War Horse Drive when they spotted Hernandez, who was driving a stolen red Toyota Corolla.
When he realized he was being followed, Hernandez pulled into a driveway. Two police cars pulled up next to Hernandez, who was using the driveway to turn in the opposite direction. Hernandez then drove into the driver-side door of one of the police cruisers, a Chevrolet Tahoe.
Police said the officer in the Tahoe was about to step out but pulled his leg back inside when Ramos radioed them that Hernandezs Corolla was coming toward him. Hernandez hit the door of the Tahoe, closing it shut, police said. Ramos fired at Hernandez as he was fleeing, striking the teen in the abdomen.
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Hernandez was taken to the hospital, where he later died. There were two other juveniles in the car, but they were uninjured.
The lawsuit states that Ramos fired his weapon for no other reason than to prevent the escape of the minors, despite it being well established that the use of such force was a violation of the Constitution.
The way to stop a moving vehicle is not to shoot the driver, Merritt said.
Hernandezs family also argued that the speed of the Corolla was not fast enough to be a threat to the officer. However, police have said the vehicles impact was strong enough to damage the Tahoe, posing a threat to the life of the officer who pulled his leg back inside.
The city of San Antonio law enforcement agencies must begin to rein in their use of deadly force, Merritt said.
TAMPA Earlier this month, two bombshells dropped in the case of Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, who was booted from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis and has been battling in the courts to win his job back.
Warren announced Jan. 8 he wouldnt run in November because, he said, DeSantis would likely suspend him again if he won. It sounded like farewell.
But two days later, a federal appeals court ruled in Warrens favor, raising the possibility of his return to office and setting off a flurry of questions about politics, procedure and what comes next.
How did we get here?
In 2022, the Republican governor currently running for president announced the surprise suspension of Warren, a progressive Democrat focused on criminal justice reform. Flanked by law enforcement officers, DeSantis said Warren had refused to follow the law, citing two pledges hed signed with other prosecutors around the nation promising not to pursue cases involving abortion or transgender health care.
He also pointed to Warrens own policies that discouraged prosecuting certain low-level crimes and cases arising from police bicycle stops, a practice that has been tied to racial disparities in the criminal court system.
Warren spent the next 17 months trying to win back the job to which Hillsborough voters elected him twice. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle last year ruled that DeSantis violated Warrens right to free speech as well as the state constitution, but the judge concluded he was unable to restore him to office.
It appeared Warrens cause in the courts could be over.
What happened next?
After months of talk about Warrens political future, he announced he would not run in 2024 against Suzy Lopez, the Republican former prosecutor the governor appointed to replace him.
Then, on Jan. 10, a three-judge panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued its lengthy ruling that critiqued Hinkles analysis and refuted his conclusion that he was barred from restoring Warren to office. The appeals court kicked the case back to Hinkles court for further proceedings.
That opinion serves as a legal road map for what could happen next.
What did the appeals courts opinion say?
The ruling is complicated.
It focuses on Hinkles legal analysis, which identified several factors that motivated Warrens suspension.
Hinkle, who was appointed to the federal bench in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, found that Warrens political ties and his advocacy for criminal justice reform were protected by the First Amendment. But free speech did not shield Warren from other factors, the judge found, including his policies on low-level crimes and bike stops and his prosecutorial performance.
And even if those were protected by the First Amendment, the judge concluded he lacked the constitutional authority to restore Warren to office.
The appeals court judges disagreed, finding other factors in the suspension were indeed protected by the First Amendment.
They sent the case back for Hinkle to reconsider whether Warrens policies and performance would have been enough for the governor to suspend him. They also noted, among other things, that Warrens prosecutors had discretion in pursuing cases, and that DeSantis lacked probable cause for the suspension.
In a crucial footnote, the court disagreed that Hinkle didnt have the power to reinstate Warren.
Who were the three judges?
The ruling was authored by 11th Circuit Judge Jill Pryor, who was appointed to the court by former President Barack Obama. Judge Kevin Newsom, appointed by former President Donald Trump, concurred with Pryors opinion and also wrote his own. Senior U.S. District Judge Anne Conway, a George H.W. Bush appointee who was temporarily assigned to the appeals court, also heard the case but did not write her own opinion.
Does that mean Warren could get back in office before the November election?
Its all about timing.
Matters dont generally move quickly in federal court, but Warren asked the appeals court to speed things up. On Thursday, despite objections from DeSantis lawyers, the court granted Warrens request.
DeSantis attorneys indicated in court documents they plan to ask for a review by all 12 judges on the 11th Circuit. The courts rules, however, discourage losing parties from making such requests unless the case presents an issue of exceptional importance.
The courts order gives them a deadline of this Thursday to file a petition for that review.
Court documents also indicate DeSantis could seek a stay from the U.S. Supreme Court.
Via email, the governors office said recently that any comment would be contained in its legal filings.
Will there be another hearing with testimony before Hinkle or just a new ruling?
Lawyers say thats the judges decision to make.
Its absolutely up to Judge Hinkle to decide how best to proceed, said Jean-Jacques Cabou, one of Warrens attorneys. We certainly do not believe a hearing is necessary. As far as were concerned, we hope hes writing already.
In an email following the appeals court decision, a spokesperson for the governor said they were still considering the courts ruling, but we will ensure that Floridas sovereignty and constitution are respected.
Will this change Warrens decision not to run in 2024?
Maybe.
In Warrens request to speed up the case, his lawyers noted that he has a year left in his term and voters have been deprived of the official they elected state attorney.
Warrens decision on whether to run depends in significant part on the outcome of this litigation, his lawyers wrote. Here, too, timing will be critical.
It sets up an unusual potential scenario: Warren gets back in office before the election, which could give him political advantage if he runs. He would need to catch up with Lopez, though, who has been campaigning for months. Warren has yet to raise any campaign funds.
I think this decision opens all options for Andrew, said Ione Townsend, chairperson of the Hillsborough County Democratic Party.
In the two days between Warrens announcement that he would not run and the appeals courts ruling in his favor, chatter abounded among Democratic politicos about who might launch a challenge to Lopez. One name that surfaced was former State Rep. Sean Shaw, but he has since announced he would run for Hillsborough County Commission.
Since then, no other Democrats besides Warren have been mentioned.
In my view, Andrew is our leading candidate, Townsend said.
Some say, though, that Warrens sudden return to office could disrupt the criminal justice system.
What everybody wants is stability in the courthouse, said Tampa attorney Paul Sisco, a Lopez supporter. The litigants want that. The lawyers want that. And we have that right now, candidly, with Ms. Lopez.
What does Lopez think of all this?
Lopez hasnt directly addressed the latest in the case. Her office issued a statement saying she is singularly focused on keeping this community safe.
Even before recent developments, though, Lopez seemed to anticipate a run against Warren. In her campaign, shes spoken critically of his reformist style while touting her own prosecutorial philosophy that emphasizes steep penalties, heightened sympathy for victims and support for law enforcement.
The community has a choice to make, Lopez said at her November campaign kickoff. Will we have a state attorney who follows the law? Or one who wants to experiment with the law?
Ryan Smith, a consultant on Republican campaigns who is working with Lopez, said the former state attorney wants to make everything about him and his issues.
Thats not what this is about, said Smith. This race is about whos going to keep Hillsborough County safe and thats Lopez, he said.
Lopez has drawn substantial support from the local legal and law enforcement communities. Her latest campaign finance totals released recently show that she has raised more than $250,000 in contributions to her campaign and a political action committee. That gives Lopez a significant head start if Warren changes his mind about running. He filed campaign paperwork last fall but has not yet reported any financial contributions.
How are others reacting to the latest in this case?
The latest turn of events has been the talk of political circles.
The timing was amazing, said Mark Proctor, a local Republican campaign consultant who works on judicial races. The fact that within, what, 48 hours of him saying hes not running, theres a possibility he could get put back in office.
Timing is everything in politics, he said.
Florida Democratic Party chairperson Nikki Fried praised the appellate courts ruling and said she believed it would encourage Warren to rethink his decision not to run. She said she hoped to see a speedy resolution.
The sooner these decisions get made and the peoples voice is heard once again, the better it is for people and democracy, she said.
The head of Hillsborough Countys Republican Party could not be reached by phone or email for comment.
A state prosecutors declared commitment to not enforce the laws of this state is not protected by the U.S. Constitution, DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern said in an emailed response to the Tampa Bay Times after the court ruling. The federal appeals court is flat wrong to have concluded otherwise.
On Monday morning, at the Tampa Organization of Black Affairs 44th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast traditionally well-attended by political officeholders observers noted that Warren was introduced as the state attorney, not the suspended state attorney, and Lopez as acting state attorney.
When a speaker later amended that to call Lopez simply the state attorney, there were murmurs in the crowd.
Attendees described the moment as awkward.
Bad news has been the norm for Catholics in Nicaragua, where clergy and church groups have been frequent targets of a wide-ranging crackdown for years. But on Jan. 14, 2024, they received a happy surprise: The government unexpectedly released two bishops, 15 priests and two seminary students from prison and expelled them to the Vatican.
Those released included Bishop Rolando Alvarez, a high-profile political prisoner who was detained in 2022 for criticizing the government and then sentenced to 26 years in prison for alleged treason.
They also included priests detained by President Daniel Ortegas government in late December 2023 for expressing solidarity with Alvarez and other political prisoners. Days later, Pope Francis criticized the regime in his New Years message and then called for respectful diplomatic dialogue.
Nearly six years after mass protests erupted against Ortega and then were brutally repressed, these prisoner releases offer some hope to Nicaraguas opposition. As my research has shown, however, the Ortega regime is unrelenting in trying to retain power, which suggests this is not necessarily a turning point. In fact, the government reportedly took yet another priest into custody on Jan. 16.
Nicaraguans attend mass in San Juan de Oriente on June 24, 2023. Stringer/AFP via Getty Images
Why target the church?
Ortega first led Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, after his left-wing revolutionary organization, the Sandinista National Liberation Front, or FSLN, spearheaded the overthrow of dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle. In the 1980s, the FSLN clashed with the Vatican and church hierarchy over the groups socialist politics, even as many poorer Nicaraguan Catholics embraced them.
When Ortega took office again in 2007, however, he did so with the blessing of Christian leaders. During the 2006 elections, he had turned to alliances with Catholic and Protestant elites to return to power in exchange for adopting conservative social policies like banning abortion.
Over the next decade, Ortega remained popular, presiding over economic growth in collaboration with business leaders and developing new public infrastructure and services.
Yet he and the FSLN party he controlled were also consolidating power and governing in an increasingly authoritarian manner. Ortega won reelection in 2011 and then retained power in fraudulent elections in 2016. Opposition candidates were disqualified, and Ortegas running mate was his wife, Rosario Murillo.
Unexpectedly, Ortegas popularity and his relationship with the church came crashing down in April 2018, when the government announced cutbacks in social security benefits for retirees. Nicaraguans from all backgrounds took to the streets, and Ortega and Murillo responded with a furious crackdown, unleashing police and pro-government paramilitaries armed with military-grade weapons.
Cathedrals and churches tried to offer refuge to protesters, but over 300 people were killed. Church leaders facilitated a national dialogue between the government and an opposition coalition, but withdrew as repression continued.
When popular Catholic leaders criticized violence against protesters, the regime began viewing the church as a rival threatening Ortegas waning legitimacy. Police, paramilitaries and FSLN supporters started harassing and attacking clergy and Catholic institutions.
In 2019, the pope recalled Silvio Baez, the auxiliary bishop of Managua and a prominent critic of Ortega, from Nicaragua. Yet other bishops and priests still found themselves in the regimes crosshairs.
Nicaraguan citizens in Costa Rica demonstrate in front of the Nicaraguan Embassy in August 2022 to protest the detention of Bishop Rolando Alvarez. Oscar Navarrete/AFP via Getty Images
Some fled into exile or were blocked from entering Nicaragua if they traveled abroad. Others who stayed were kept under surveillance. Priests who expressed support for political prisoners or continued to criticize the regime, even in vague terms, could be arrested or beaten.
The government expelled 12 formerly detained priests to the Vatican in October 2023 after what the regime called fruitful conversations. But Alvarez, the highest-profile political prisoner, was still held by the government and was stripped of his citizenship after refusing to go into exile in February 2023.
Broader patterns of repression
Attacks on the church are a symptom of the Ortega regimes absolute intolerance for dissent.
With over 3,000 nongovernmental organizations shut down since 2018, the church has become Nicaraguas only major nonstate institution with nationwide reach.
In a country where over 40% of the people identify as Catholic, many normally turn to the church in times of need. Suppressing Catholic institutions means Nicaraguans must turn to the state for aid, which monitors citizens and has been accused of denying services for perceived disloyalty.
At least 27 Catholic and secular universities have also been closed or seized by the government, as have more than 50 media outlets.
T-shirts depicting Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega for sale in Managua in July 2023. Oswaldo Rivas/AFP via Getty Images
The governments decision to expel clergy on Jan. 14 is also in line with its tendency to either block opponents reentry into Nicaragua or force them into exile. In many cases, Nicaragua has then revoked critics citizenship, as when it expelled 222 political prisoners in February 2023 to the United States.
When imprisonment or threats have not shaken critics resolve, Ortega and Murillo appear to have decided that keeping them abroad is best. Not only does this reduce the risks of anti-regime action in Nicaragua, but it may diminish international scrutiny of political prisoners mistreatment.
Cautious criticism
Since 2018, repression in Nicaragua has come in waves, with the brutal violence that repressed the protests shifting toward an environment of constant surveillance, legal actions against independent institutions and opponents, and periodic arrests. Moments of seeming calm, however, have often been followed by harsh crackdowns, such as a slew of arrests ahead of the 2021 elections.
Even as repression has mounted, the Vatican has been cautious about criticizing Ortega and Murillo, and some Nicaraguans and Catholics abroad have urged the pope to do more. Yet the Vaticans restraint has not appeared to decrease threats against clergy or limits on activities like religious processions.
In January 2024, however, Francis pointedly called attention to the crisis during two speeches, days after a dozen priests were arrested. One week later came the release of Alvarez and his colleagues free to leave Nicaragua, but not to come back.
Catholic leaders remain Nicaraguas most popular figures, according to independent polling. This makes them a continued threat to Ortega and Murillos quest for total control. Ezequiel Buenfil Batun, the priest detained Jan. 16, belonged to a religious order whose legal status was revoked that same day, along with several other nongovernment organizations.
As many Nicaraguans lose hope of conditions improving and dozens of political prisoners remain jailed, any positive news like the priests release is welcome. But it holds no guarantees of broader change ahead.
This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world.
It was written by: Kai M. Thaler, University of California, Santa Barbara.
Read more:
Kai M. Thaler 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.
A sign with QR codes telling people about a chatbot that responds to questions about construction along Broadway at the corner of McCullough Ave and Broadway on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in San Antonio. There are 40 signs all along lower Broadway Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Detour signs along Broadway due to construction on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Detour signs at Broadway and Sixth Street due to construction along Broadway on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Construction at the intersection of Broadway and McCullough Ave on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Detour signs at Broadway and Sixth Street due to construction along Broadway on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News
Construction has turned sections of lower Broadway, one of the main arteries into and out of downtown, into impassable hellscapes.
Looking to ease the growing frustration of motorists and area business owners, city officials recently took action they rolled out a chatbot.
It went live Nov. 3, with the aim of answering questions about the street work, which has stymied parts of lower Broadway for four years.
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"Talkin' Broadway represents the first initiative of its kind for the City, offering an innovative and inclusive solution to bridge the information gap between the city's construction projects and the public," a news release announcing the project boasted.
The announcement was accompanied by a short video, edited to mimic silent films, showing San Antonians how to use the bot.
But the chatbot stumbled through its launch. It was glitchy, often kicking back incorrect or unhelpful answers to users' questions.
The news outlet Axios San Antonio outlined the bot's shortcomings Nov. 6, including its frequent inability to give clear answers to simple questions, such as: What type of work is being done on Broadway?
City officials scrambled to make the chatbot function as advertised. A flurry of emails between staffers and Hello Lamp Post, the London-based company that created and manages the Talkin Broadway chatbot, showed signs of panic setting in.
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We need this addressed quickly, John Peterek, assistant to City Manager Erik Walsh, said in an email. Local media is finding issues that we asked to be corrected before launch. Please advise.
The San Antonio Express-News obtained 377 pages of chatbot-related emails as well as bot response data through an open records request.
When will Broadway reopen? That was one of the many questions city spokesman Brian Chasnoff asked the chatbot as he tested its capabilities. First, the bot gave him a reply about "Broadway theatres in San Antonio." Then it incorrectly said crews would complete the work later that day.
When asked for shops to visit on Broadway, the bot spit out the names of businesses across San Antonio, many of them far from Broadway.
Several of the responses had not been preapproved by the city, despite officials requesting that the tool shoot out replies from a bank of carefully written answers. (This is not cutting-edge technology.)
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It turned out that Hello Lamp Post had made a critical mistake when it launched Talkin' Broadway: Employees did not turn off an artificial intelligence feature as San Antonio officials had requested.
The city wanted to roll out the chatbot with preapproved answers before deciding whether to allow AI technology to answer users' questions. Using AI would require a city employee to constantly monitor the answers it gives, and Chief Innovation Officer Brian Dillard said the city does not currently have the capacity to do that.
The AI feature was shut off the same day the Axios article ran.
That day was the bots busiest, according to data covering its first seven weeks on the job. It received 160 questions that day many of them from Chasnoff.
It has broken the 100-response mark only two other times since Nov. 6. Indeed, since peaking in the first week after its launch, the chatbot has had at least five days in which no one asked it anything.
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A response is when someone sends a message to the tool. There can be numerous responses in a single conversation. Hello Lamp Post cannot track how many people have used the bot because responses are anonymous, but the company estimated in December that there were about 220 users and it's unclear how many of those questioners worked for the city.
Most conversations with the chatbot are short, with people often just making it through the first couple of prompted questions before dropping out of the conversation altogether. Chasnoff has had the longest conversation with the bot by far, asking dozens of questions.
The citys Office of Innovation spent about $14,000 for Hello Lamp Post to build and run the bot. Chasnoff said the city will continue to evaluate Talkin' Broadway through the summer, when construction along lower Broadway is slated to end.
The city might use the chatbot for other construction projects, if it's deemed worthwhile.
I think it does provide a lot of utility for the city, like the ability to collect feedback 24/7, instantly, Chasnoff said. I don't know if there is any other tool like that. I see a lot of potential. Were going to have to really look at the data before we evaluate whether or not its a worthy investment.
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How it works
Construction along lower Broadway from East Houston Street to Interstate 35 kicked off in 2020. The $42 million, 2017 bond project includes road reconstruction, new sidewalks, and lighting and utility upgrades, among other improvements.
The Office of Innovation started looking into creative ways to disseminate information about the project at the request of District 1 Council Member Sukh Kaur.
We wanted to make sure that we're getting information into the hands of people in a more expedited way that wasn't a static website thats not really changing, Kaur said.
The first-term council member, who beat then-incumbent Mario Bravo in a June runoff election, was trying to avoid the kind of backlash that Bravo weathered when roadwork on North St. Marys Street took longer than expected. The project effectively shut down the St. Mary's Strip for the better part of two years, hurting live-music venues, bars and restaurants and bedeviling area residents many of whom bitterly complained about the citys lack of communication, pushing officials to hold regular community meetings.
Forty signs posted along lower Broadway sidewalks have a QR code for people to access the chatbot. The signs also provide a phone number for people without smartphones.
The bot walks users through a series of questions, letting them share their opinions about the construction and ask questions. It also links to a list of businesses in the area and gives the history of nearby landmarks.
Using Talkin Broadway
The chatbot struck Brandon Howard, president of local software development company Zelficam, as a little inefficient.
Its a lot of work to get useful information, he said.
Howard praised the bot for having a texting option to make it available to as many people as possible but said it made little sense to go through a chat when many of the answers direct users to a website with more information. He also said that in several conversations he'd started with the chatbot, it abruptly stopped responding.
It might make more sense to just have a QR code that links people to a frequently-asked-questions page, he said.
Its a novelty, in my opinion, Howard said of the bot.
Howard is OK with the city's decision to forgo using AI because bots with AI capabilities can be pushed into giving inappropriate replies.
"What AI is really good at is giving you these very dynamic answers, connecting the dots, things of that nature," Howard said. "However, it's really easy to trick it as well. And if there aren't safeguards in place, it's very possible to make your very public site become a PR nightmare. So there's really good reasons not to use AI for this."
While business owner Zach Garza said the tool isnt perfect, he is happy to see the city making an effort to improve communication about long-term construction projects. He said its better than the confusion and unanswered questions that friends of his dealt with on North St. Marys.
Their businesses have just disintegrated in their fingertips because there was no communication there was no effort by the city, he said.
Garza co-owns the Garaje Cantina, a bar based in the Make Ready Market food hall between Avenue B and Broadway. He was featured in a promotional video the city made about Talkin Broadway.
Garza thinks it could be useful for people who drop by his cantina.
I think that it is helpful and at the very worst, its something, he said. At least the city is doing something.
Ocean City Jeep Fest has been given the greenlight for 2024.
The Ocean City Town Council recently approved the event application at a work session. The return of the resorts marquee Jeep event is scheduled for Aug. 22-25.
CEO Brad Hoffman of Live Wire Media & Events said he is thrilled to once again be staging Ocean City Jeep Fest, which has been produced by Live Wire Media since 2014.
Jeeps parade across the Beach during Ocean City Jeep Week on August 23, 2019.
We pride ourselves on fun, sun, and family at Ocean City Jeep Fest, Hoffman said in a release. Its a gathering of the Jeep community on the East Coast. Our guests tell us they wait all year to join us here at the beach. Its an honor and a privilege to produce this event for the past decade.
A true celebration of the Jeep a historic American automobile marque is what Ocean City Jeep Fest is all about, Delmarva Now previously reported.
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What to expect: Sand Course, vendors and more
The festival includes key elements such as the daily sunrise Beach Crawl and Sand Course, both of which take place right on the beach in downtown Ocean City.
This year, the festival plans to update the design of its Delmarva Jeep Events' Sand Course.
Jeeps face several obstacles on the beach course during Ocean City Jeep Week on August 23, 2019. Jeep Week runs from August 22-25, 2019.
The popular Sand Course is a roller coaster ride on the sand and open for three shifts a day to participants from Thursday through Saturday, and one shift on Sunday. Jeep drivers can climb over sloping hills, head over whoop-de-doos and have their photo taken on the mega-mound.
In 2023, several vendors at Ocean City Jeep Fest reported record sales at the festival's Vendor Village. According to the release, the festival's key vendors for 2024 will include title sponsor Kicker Audio, as well as Audio Works, Vision Wheel, Quake LED, 717 Companies, Fan Fam, Steinjager and more.
In addition, the Ocean City Jeep Club under the leadership of president Mike Locke has pledged its exclusive support to Ocean City Jeep Fest, meaning it will not support any other Jeep events in the resort town. The 1,300-member club is a major part of the festival's success, the release stated.
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If you go:
WHAT: Ocean City Jeep Fest
WHERE: Roland E. Powell Convention Center and on the beach in Ocean City
WHEN: Aug. 22-25, 2024
INFO: https://www.oceancityjeepfest.com/
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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Everything you need to know about 2024 Ocean City Jeep Fest
Iman Delano Salik White gets pinned into the South Bend Police Department.
SOUTH BEND South Bend's police and fire departments are starting off the year with some staffing changes.
The Board of Public Safety unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve the hiring of Iman Delano Salik White as a South Bend police officer, transferring from the police department in Hammond, Ind.
White, raised on Chicago's South Side, moved to Indiana in 2014 to pursue an emergency medical technician certification and later earned his firefighter certification in the state of Illinois. In 2019, he began his position in Hammond.
Officer White raises the size of the force to 251 officers, strengthening the department's strategy to lower crime rates in the city by increasing the number of police.
Since adding 27 officers in 2023, SBPD has reported a decline in gun violence compared to 2022.
"All the little pieces you're putting together are coming to fruition," board member Pam Claeys said.
Iman Delano Salik White gets sworn into the South Bend Police Department by City Clerk Bianco Tirado on Wednesday, January 17.
South Bend Fire Department Assistant Chief of EMS Andrew Myer approached the board to approve four declarations of retirement and one resignation.
Each fire department retiree was praised for delivering excellence in their line of work.
Randy Newman, with over 33 years of service, was a very active member and will be a "big void to fill," Myer said.
The fire department's Eric Purcell, serving from Oct. 25, 2000 to Jan. 10, 2024, was an "excellent paramedic."
Shannon Pohl was heralded as an "excellent engineer" and "advanced EMT."
Lastly, Craig Fruth, was praised for his commitment to SBFD for over 20 years.
"He enjoyed being devil's advocate and bringing things to our knowledge," Myer said. "He saw the need for improvement."
Fruth isn't holding back on his next step in his career, as he'll attend a cardiovascular perfusionist program, which Myer attests is a difficult program to be accepted into.
"If there's a way to swim upstream, he will," Myer said.
The board unanimously approved all applications and declarations for retirement and accepted the letter of resignation from firefighter Andrew Hein.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend police and fire departments make changes to their staff
The City of Tacoma says it will now issue $500,000 in exchange for the voluntary resignation of each of the police officers cleared last month in the death of Manny Ellis.
Christopher Burbank, Matthew Collins, and Timothy Rankine all agreed to leave the department on Tuesday.
Mayor Victoria Woodards issued a lengthy statement highlighting the citys reforms in improving the use of force and accountability policies.
She was previously criticized by the officers defense attorneys and their union after calling for their firing.
We know we still have a lot of work to do, Woodards said. Regardless of what changes have been, or will be made, an entire community has been affected. I promise you, we are moving forward.
A federal judge has ruled that an Ohio elected official had her constitutional rights violated when she was arrested for criticising her local sheriff at a meeting in July 2022.
Niki Frenchko, 49, spoke out against Trumbull County Sheriff Paul Monroe at a public meeting and criticised his performance. After her remarks, the sheriff had two deputies arrest her. The incident was streamed to Facebook Live.
Ms Frenchko, who serves as the only Republican on the three-member Board of County Commissioners, was handed a misdemeanour charge of disturbing a lawful meeting. The charge was later dropped and the commissioner filed a civil rights lawsuit.
Sheriff Monroe is the defendant in the case. Ms Frenchko also sued Trumbull County, the County Sheriffs Department and the Trumbull County Board of Commissioners.
Here in America, we do not arrest our political opponents, J Philip Calabrese, US District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, ruled. This case tests that long-standing norm as well as our Constitutions robust protections for free speech that allow us to criticize our representatives and public officials.
The official added that Ms Frenchkos speech caused her arrest, adding that Trumbull County, the Board of Commissioners or the Sheriffs Department could be held liable for damages under federal law.
Ms Frenchko was elected to the board in 2020 after defeating incumbent Dan Polivka, ending his 16-year streak in the role. Shes since been a dissenting and often unwelcome voice, Judge Calabrese wrote.
Commissioner Frenchko and her two colleagues often sparredOften, the meetings descended into personal insults.
But during the meeting where Ms Frenchko was arrested, she appeared to irritate her colleagues by discussing in-custody death at the county jail. She said an inmate had died after being taken off of their medication.
At that point, Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa told her she was being disruptive.
You are talking about the chief law enforcement officer in Trumbull County; its unacceptable, he said.
Ms Frenchko did not directly address the remarks and attempted to redirect the conversation back to her points. A sergeant then entered the room and asked Ms Frenchko to exit the meeting. She was later put in handcuffs.
China releases naming guidelines for social organizations
Xinhua) 10:04, January 18, 2024
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled regulations to manage the names of social organizations, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They are the first comprehensive guidelines for the naming of such entities and are set to take effect on May 1, 2024.
China has nearly 900,000 social organizations, spanning social groups, various foundations and private non-enterprise entities, according to the ministry.
At present, specific regulations govern the naming of foundations and private non-enterprise entities, but the names of social groups have no legislative clarity.
The new regulations represent the first standardized guidelines for the names of social groups, and aim to establish a unified system for the management of social organization naming practices, the ministry said.
The terms "first," "highest," "national-level" and similar misleading expressions will not be permitted, according to the guidelines, which also regulate the use of specific individuals' names in the appellations of social organizations.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Police in Clifton say a drug ring sold meth at the local Dairy Queen. mbbirdy/Getty Images
A former KSAT sportscaster survived an accident Monday that caused traffic to stall on both sides of a California freeway.
Cordell Patrick, who once served as a studio host for KSAT's coverage of the San Antonio Spurs, was thrown from an RV after it crashed on California State Route 14. Patrick sustained a broken collarbone, two broken bones in his leg and needed stitches in his forehead, according to CBS News.
CBS News reported that his wife was driving their new RV back from a camping trip when she fell asleep.
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Patrick was unable to gain control of the swerving vehicle and was thrown across the freeway after the RV made contact with the center median, CBS News reported. A Good Samaritan spotted Patrick on the freeway and pulled over to protect him from approaching vehicles, according to KTLA.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ohios state board of education is facing a clear and present danger: Its running out of money.
At least, thats how the Department of Education and Workforces new superintendent described it to the board during its January meeting. The state school board is facing a $2 million budget shortfall by the end of next fiscal year a hefty sum to overcome considering the boards $15 million annual budget.
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As we get into that June timeframe, well probably not be able to make payroll, Paul Craft, state superintendent, said. Thats worrisome. Maybe, if were very, very careful, that can be July.
The fate of the boards finances, Craft said, will likely depend on the flow of money from licensing and renewals. Overseeing licensing is one of the few tasks the school board has retained after most of its powers were stripped in the states biennial budget.
The state board is already understaffed, Craft said. As its finances currently stand, the board does not have the funds to hire a communications director, chief legal counsel or an executive assistant for the superintendent.
If I could afford to hire an executive assistant, I would be glad to give you her name, Craft said. But as of right now, thats not a position that I see us being able to fill.
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It is the state budget, Craft admitted, that has left the board without enough money. It happens from time to time, he said, noting that greater funding for the board as proposed by Gov. Mike DeWine was eliminated by the Senate.
The Senates budget version also cemented the transfer of most of the school boards powers, including rulemaking and curricula evaluation, to a governor-appointed position. A lawsuit seeking to block the transfer of powers, accusing the legislature of effectively eliminating the constitutionally required state board of education, remains ongoing in Franklin County court.
They want to put us out of business, and I think thats very plain and clear that thats whats happening, Meryl Johnson, an elected board member representing the Cleveland area, said.
Addressing the budget shortfall is one of Crafts main priorities in his first year in the role Jan. 8 was his first board meeting as superintendent. Other priorities he laid out included building trust in the school board to perform its duties in a timely, professional manner; rebuilding relationships with stakeholders, including DeWines office, the legislature, the education department and relevant associations; meeting individually with every board employee in his first 100 days; and returning to school to complete his doctoral dissertation.
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Member John Hagan, elected to represent the Alliance area, told Craft he thought the new superintendents priorities were good initial goals, for the most part.
As far as your continuing education, I would hope that thats the lowest priority on your list, because I think you have a lot to do here and probably wont have a lot of spare time, Hagan said.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A Ukrainian-made drone travelled 1,250 kilometres before striking an oil depot in St Petersburg on the night of 17-18 January.
Source: Oleksandr Kamyshin, Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, during a discussion at Ukraine House in Davos
Quote: "We can manufacture anything from small FPV drones that cost US$350 to the kind of munitions that travelled all the way to St Petersburg last night. This munition traversed 1,250 kilometres last night before striking its target. Now we can manufacture more of those munitions. An asymmetric war requires countless drones. Im sure that this year we will see more incidents like this one."
Background:
Ukrainian drones attacked an oil depot in Russia's Leningrad Oblast on the night of 17-18 January. Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that the attack was a special operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defence admitted that a Ukrainian drone attack occurred in Leningrad Oblast on the night of 17-18 January, but claimed that all drones had been intercepted. Meanwhile, Astra, a Russian media outlet, reported that the drone crashed and exploded on the grounds of the St Petersburg Oil Terminal.
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MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The Chawanakee Unified School District will be hosting a Community Health Fair on Friday in North Fork.
The Community Health Fair will go from 2 p.m. through 5 p.m. It will be located at North Fork School at 33087 Rd, 228, North Fork.
There will be free food at the fair and free food bank boxes will be given out to the first 75 people, according to organizers.
It will be a one-stop shop care and will include plenty of services. According to organizers, there will be vaccinations available, dental care, vision screenings, hearing screenings and mental health care. There will also be housing assistance, Medi-Cal enrollment, education and career assistance, CalWORKs and CalFresh.
Organizers say there will be no cost for those uninsured, under Medi-Cal and tribal members.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com.
At least one woman is dead and another injured after Russia launched two strikes on Chuhuiv, Kharkiv Oblast during another overnight attack on Jan. 17, Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head, Oleh Synehubov, reported.
A civilian woman working as a boiler room operator was killed in the Russian attack. Medical assistance was provided to another person injured in the attack.
Read also: U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine condemns Russian overnight attacks on Odesa and Kharkiv
An educational institution was damaged, according to initial reports.
There was an air raid alert in the Kharkiv Oblast in the evening of Jan. 17 due to the threat of ballistic weapons.
Russia launched two missile strikes on Kharkiv, damaging 19 residential buildings and injuring 17 people on the evening of Jan. 16.
Read also: Ukraine eliminates 19 of 20 Russian kamikaze drones overnight Ukrainian Air Force
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Anti-abortion supporters listen as members of the Amarillo City Council meet to consider a so-called abortion travel ban during a work session Dec. 19. The council has debated the issue since October. Credit: Mark Rogers for The Texas Tribune
Ever since the so-called abortion travel ban crossed the desks of Amarillos city leaders in October, a majority of members did something very few municipal Texas lawmakers before them have questioned it.
Ordinances banning motorists from using city roads to transport women en route to an abortion have already passed in Odessa and Little-River Academy, as well as Lubbock, Cochran, Goliad, Mitchell and Dawson counties.
The Amarillo City Council announced in December theyll continue considering the ordinance, but it wouldnt necessarily look the same. Mayor Cole Stanley was working on an alternative draft that would likely ban medication used for abortions. The new version also left out one big part of the proposed travel ban ordinance the travel ban itself.
The exclusion of the ordinances original purpose has enflamed the ire of anti-abortion advocates, and brought a new level of pressure and tension to this already heated debate in the Panhandle.
The drama has unfolded online through the citys public message board where some council members are skeptical of the ordinances purpose, and also on social media, where Mark Lee Dickson, the creator of the ordinance, calls out city leaders.
Stanley said in an interview with The Texas Tribune that the city has been trying to reach out to everyone to combat misinformation and to put out there that you should ask good questions and make sure you understand what youre in favor of.
I am concerned that most of our citizens do not understand that this draft does not do what it has been represented to do, Stanley wrote online on Dec. 29.
Stanley said he was working on a revised version of the ordinance when council members learned of a citizen-led petition circulating. The petition would force the councils hand on voting to approve, amend or reject the original 18-page ordinance. If the council still rejects the ordinance, then it could be put on the local ballot.
Dickson, who is originally from Longview and not an Amarillo resident, told the Tribune members of the initiating committee started the petition because they were uncomfortable with the direction the city council was going with the ordinance.
Stanley asked on the message board if the councils time would be better spent discussing how the current state law already gives private citizens the right to sue anyone who aids or abets an abortion.
MLD specifically told me in our last conversation that any person could not sue anyone who aids or abets someone in carrying out an abortion, Stanley wrote. Obviously, this is not in line with state law.
Stanley also questioned how the ordinance is different from state law calling it a reprint of what the state has already accomplished.
In an interview with the Tribune, Stanley said while they are an anti-abortion council, they are trying to avoid stepping into the states jurisdiction.
I cant just go out and call something a felony because I want to and put it into an ordinance, Stanley said.
With this in mind, Stanleys version of the ordinance would focus on possession of abortion-inducing drugs. The most that could get imposed then would be a fine and a class C misdemeanor the same level of crime as a traffic ticket. But when the petition was brought forward, Stanley said it changed things.
I think it took us a step backwards, Stanley said. Why pursue this draft when its going to be more symbolic than it is enforceable? Why not allow the process to complete itself through the voice of the petitioners?
Stanley said working with Dickson, a director with Right to Life of East Texas, has been challenging. Stanley referenced one social media post where Dickson said Stanley wrongly implied what state law does and said Dickson conveniently left out other laws from the health and safety codes.
Though that may be a true, factual statement, SB 8 isnt the only law on the books, Stanley said. So you have to be very specific when youre questioning him.
Stanley added, If you have a good ordinance thats healthy and the right thing to do for the community, then answer all the questions. Not just the ones that you can make appear certain.
Council Member Tom Scherlen, one of the most outspoken critics of the ordinance, replied in the forum. Scherlen is against abortion, but has been adamantly opposed to the enforcement mechanism of the ordinance, which he previously compared to how Nazis had enforced their laws in World War II.
He said they need to make an attempt to explain to citizens how the state law is effective as is.
I believe our citizens are being led down a path of untruths about what state law actually does, wrote Scherlen, who said he would still be willing to talk about punishing people for possession of abortion-inducing drugs. In reality, I think we will be wasting our time because MLD has already taken this to the next step, which I feel will hurt our city in the long run.
Scherlen has not refrained from sharing his opinion of Dickson, and neither has Dickson. In a recent social media post, Dickson accused Scherlen of lying in an interview with the Amarillo Globe-News.
At this point, there are some council members I will not meet with alone, Dickson told the Tribune. Im making sure I have an Amarillo resident there with me because I do not want to be misquoted or misrepresented.
Dickson said signatures for the petition are being collected at more than 50 churches in Amarillo. The group needs roughly 5,671 verified signatures from Amarillo voters.
While every city and county we have worked with has had us present and explain the ordinance under consideration, the Amarillo City Council did not give that opportunity, Dickson said.
Dickson also stated that both Stanley and Scherlen two Republicans appeared to be going against the Republican Party platform by criticizing the enforcement mechanism of the ordinance.
Council Member Josh Craft agreed with tabling the discussion until the petition comes in. Craft also shared the exact text from the Senate Bill 8, which passed in 2021, that allowed people to sue for aiding an abortion in Texas.
If legal, or anyone, can explain to me what the ordinance in the petition will accomplish that isnt already covered in state law, I would like to hear it, Craft wrote.
Lloyd Pegues has been indicted on two counts of online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14. He taught at Rhodes Middle School. Courtesy, Bexar County Sheriff's Office
A Bexar County grand jury has indicted a former San Antonio Independent School District middle school teacher who was arrested in 2023 after officials reportedly found sexually explicit videos and photos shared between him and a student.
Lloyd Pegues, 50, was indicted Wednesday on two counts of online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14, according to a statement released late Wednesday by the Bexar County District Attorneys Office.
The investigation of Pegues began in June 2022 when the San Antonio Police Departments Human Exploitation Unit received a call from a parent of the student who had found images and text messages, police said.
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Pegues taught at Rhodes Middle School. Detectives were able to get a warrant for Pegues arrest after a six-month investigation. By then, Pegues had resigned after the school district began its own investigation.
We entrust teachers with the education of our children. This allegation, if proven true, is a betrayal of that trust, Bexar County District Attorney Joe D. Gonzales said in the statement. The safety of our children has always been a priority for our office, and we will vigorously prosecute this case.
Online solicitation of a minor is a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Authorities have not said where the victim attended school, but the indictment includes an enhancement paragraph that alleges Pegues was employed at a public secondary school during the commission of the offense and knew the victim was enrolled at a public secondary school. Should a judge or jury find that to be true, the punishment would increase to that of a first-degree felony, five to 99 years or life in prison, according to the statement.
Pegues, who is free on bond, has a trial setting set for Friday before Judge Kristina Escalona in the 186th District Court. Online court records indicate his court-appointed attorney is Orlando Castanon.
AI Warfare
After being caught quietly removing mentions of a ban on "military and warfare" from its usage policies page, OpenAI is working with the Pentagon.
As Bloomberg reports, the company confirmed that it's working with the US Defense Department on open-source cybersecurity software and is also looking into ways to prevent veteran suicide with its tech.
OpenAI VP of global affairs Anna Makanju revealed the company's reversal in its willingness to work with the military during a Bloomberg talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week.
"Because we previously had what was essentially a blanket prohibition on military, many people thought that would prohibit many of these use cases, which people think are very much aligned with what we want to see in the world," she said, as quoted by Bloomberg.
However, OpenAI is keeping a ban in place for having its tech being used to develop weapons or harm people.
Weapons Ban
The news comes after The Intercept noticed that OpenAI quietly yanked mentions of a ban on "military and warfare" from its "usage policies" last week. According to the revised webpage, the changes are meant to make the policies "clearer" and "more readable."
"Any use of our technology, including by the military, to [develop] or [use] weapons, [injure] others or [destroy] property, or [engage] in unauthorized activities that violate the security of any service or system, is disallowed," OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix told The Intercept.
It's an especially notable change considering OpenAI's largest investor, Microsoft, already has several high-profile contracts with the US military in place.
OpenAI has also revealed it's collaborating with the US Defense Advanced Research Agency.
"We are already working with DARPA to spur the creation of new cybersecurity tools to secure open source software that critical infrastructure and industry depend on," an OpenAI spokesperson told The Register.
"It was not clear whether these beneficial use cases would have been allowed under 'military' in our previous policies," they added. "So the goal with our policy update is to provide clarity and the ability to have these discussions."
Critics of the change are warning OpenAI's revised policies could still technically allow for problematic uses of its AI technologies in war zones.
"Given the use of AI systems in the targeting of civilians in Gaza, its a notable moment to make the decision to remove the words military and warfare from OpenAIs permissible use policy," Sarah Myers West, managing director of the AI Now Institute, told The Intercept. "The language that is in the policy remains vague and raises questions about how OpenAI intends to approach enforcement."
More on OpenAI: Sam Altman Says Human-Tier AI Is Coming Soon
First-year teacher Margaret Maggie Johnston works with her students at Crescent Elementary in Sandy on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The idea of merit pay for teachers could be a hot item in this legislative session. Whether teachers unions go along remains to be seen.
Traditionally, they have resisted the idea, going back a couple of decades.
Back then, the Utah Education Association even rallied enough support to overturn a voucher bill through a referendum vote in 2007.
But that was then.
Last year, lawmakers succeeded in finally passing a voucher program, although it became known instead as the Utah education fits all scholarship. Could an aggressive merit pay system be next? Could it be one that dangles the possibility of, to use a colloquialism, real money?
Senate President Stuart Adams raised the issue during his speech to senators on opening day of the 2024 legislative session.
During this session, we will prioritize creating an optional program to sustain and reward high-performing teachers, he said. The goal is to identify the best-performing teachers and reward their efforts by increasing their salaries to $100,000. It is important to compensate them for their dedication and improvement of student outcomes.
One hundred grand could take teaching to a new level in Utah. It might even attract more college students to the profession. Republican lawmakers already like to boast that starting salaries in many school districts now are $60,000 or more, which is higher than in many states.
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, said his aim is to improve teacher retention. A legislative performance audit two years ago found that 43% of new teachers quit or leave the state within the first five years.
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Im working to tackle that problem with a multifaceted approach that includes lighter regulation on teachers, empowering them inside of their classrooms and rewarding them financially for high performance, he told media members in the Senate presidents office on Tuesday.
Teachers, he said, should enter the profession knowing its a $100,000 career. They should think to themselves, I dont have to leave teaching to go into administration or to go to some other field in order to support a family on a single income.
Fillmore said the bill wont be ready for another week or two.
A spokeswoman for the UEA declined to comment until the bill is officially filed. Fillmore told me he has been working with the union to try to gain support.
But the National Education Association has been consistent in its, shall we say, skepticism about merit pay. An essay on its website about the federal Every Student Succeeds Act lists problems with the idea. As always, the details how will teachers be evaluated (Student test scores? Student improvements?) and by whom are the main sticking points.
Among other things, the (test) scores do not take into account many outside factors that are out of the educators control. These may include class size and teaching high-needs students, the website said. There are also factors that contribute to variances in test scores that are not related to educators, including student/family background, poverty, and other outside influences.
Which sounds a lot like the problems inherent in any employee evaluation system in any industry. There is a certain amount of subjectivity involved, on the part of managers. Yes, office politics may even be involved.
But who would want to take a job where performance could never be rewarded with higher pay? Good teachers dont enter the profession for the salary. But that could be said of hard workers in many different fields, and it doesnt mean a reward with extra pay isnt a meaningful incentive.
And dont overthink this. At every public school my children attended, parents could tell you the names of the best teachers.
Adams suggested a master teacher designation for the top instructors, and that others could learn from what those teachers are doing. He said the joy of teaching comes from the adrenaline rush that comes from helping someone learn.
If we can get every teacher to be high-performing, and in addition to pay them (well), theyll stay, he said.
It certainly seems worth a try.
Editors Note: Robert C. Gottlieb is a former Manhattan prosecutor and
founder of the criminal defense firm Robert C. Gottlieb & Associates PLLC in
New York City. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View
more opinion on CNN.
Former President Donald Trump has made history in more ways than one. First president to be impeached twice, first president to incite an insurrection against America and first president to be indicted by state and federal prosecutors four times. (Trump denies any wrongdoing.) Now, he might as well become the first president to have his criminal trial televised.
Robert C. Gottlieb - Courtesy Robert C. Gottlieb
The disturbing spectacle of Trump daring Federal District Judge Lewis Kaplan to remove him from the courtroom for his disruptive behavior in the second day of the E. Jean Carroll trial for defamation on Wednesday underscores the need to allow the people to judge for themselves what goes on during a Trump trial.
The federal judge overseeing the election subversion case against Trump, Tanya Chutkan, is considering an application brought by a coalition of media to televise what has been described correctly as the most consequential trial in American history (CNN is part of this media coalition). The media relies in large part on the publics First Amendment right to attend criminal trials, an interpretation of the First Amendment rejected by the prosecutor, special counsel Jack Smith. His opposition rests primarily on Rule 53 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures prohibition against courtroom photography and broadcast of federal trials.
Whether Rule 53s per se prohibition on the broadcast of all federal proceedings contravenes the First Amendment is an issue that has generated thoughtful arguments both in favor and opposition among constitutional experts. But there should be no need for Judge Chutkan to decide which argument prevails. There is an expedited solution to ensure that the trial will be televised. The Supreme Court has the power to modify Rule 53 to permit the Trump trial to be televised gavel-to-gavel.
Lets address the non-constitutional objections that those opposing cameras in the courtroom often raise:
Cameras in the courtroom negatively affect trial witnesses.
I have firsthand knowledge of that stress having testified in several cases. This concern, however, is flawed; testifying in court is always an uncomfortable situation with or without cameras staring at you.
In every high-profile trial, whether televised or not, the media is omnipresent with reporters seated in the first rows scribbling away. Witnesses cannot avoid knowing that the media is watching, hanging onto every word. Whether a trial is televised or not, witnesses are often accosted and recorded for broadcasting outside the courthouse as they arrive to testify.
There is no empirical data to support a claim that adding one small, stationary and silent camera in the courtroom adds to witnesses stress beyond what they already suffer knowing that reporters are in the courtroom, reporting on their testimony.
Televising trials will lead to grandstanding by attorneys and even judges.
There is no data to support this claim. In fact, in a four-year pilot program conducted by the Federal Judicial Center studying video recordings of courtroom proceedings in 14 federal district courts, the views on the extent to which cameras affected attorneys conduct were evenly split. One third of the judges surveyed thought that the hypothesized negative impact of cameras did not materialize. Rather, the judges observed that attorneys were prompted to come to court better prepared and to be more courteous.
Similarly, attorneys who participated in the program agreed that grandstanding likely occurred to no or a small extent. The most likely impact, according to the attorneys, was to provide the viewing public with a more positive view of the proceedings. If an attorney or a judge is apt to grandstand, the available evidence is that it does not matter if the proceedings are televised. Just having reporters covering a trial in the courtroom is enough to encourage grandstanding.
Cameras would place an increased burden on judges.
Opponents have expressed concerns that judges would become responsible for policing the cameras, thereby diverting them from their primary obligation to ensure a fair trial. This argument makes no sense knowing that judges must address far greater thornier legal issues than making sure the unobtrusive camera is operating properly.
Judges already are preoccupied with ruling on complex objections, evidentiary issues and disruptive conduct by lawyers, defendants and spectators. Having a stationary camera in the courtroom hardly adds to the judges burden to control the courtroom. If cameras are permitted to televise Trumps trial, any violator of the courts rules can be banished from the courtroom.
Jurors will be negatively affected by cameras.
Having participated in televised state jury trials, I have never heard that the presence of a single camera added to a jurors concerns or fears.
The media is typically instructed by the court not to show the faces of jurors or disclose their identity. And there is more that courts can do to protect jurors.
Judges already have the authority to empanel anonymous jurors in highly charged cases, to ensure that their identity will not be known to the defendant, prosecutor or public. This has been done in federal courts throughout the country in cases involving organized crime and terrorism. There is no data showing that jurors in those cases have been incapable of rendering a fair verdict.
Cameras will cause witnesses to be more hesitant to testify.
This ignores the reality that witnesses are rarely thrilled to testify in court even in the absence of cameras. In high-profile cases, such as Trumps trial, witnesses will be aware that even if cameras are prohibited inside the courtroom, reporters and cameras will be everywhere else chasing them down, documenting their every word and movement.
The Supreme Court should accept that there is no data to justify prohibiting Trumps trial from being televised, and immediately remove Rule 53 as an obstacle. Speculation is not enough reason to prevent Americans from bearing witness to the prosecution of a former president charged with subverting the electoral process.
Whether or not cameras are permitted, we know that Trump will continue to impugn the integrity of the proceedings, prosecutor and judge, twist the testimony and repeat his debunked conspiracy theories. His disturbing behavior that was on full display during Wednesdays court proceedings will undoubtedly continue during his upcoming criminal trial.
The American people are entitled to see and hear for themselves what goes on in the courtroom so that they can draw their own conclusions from the evidence.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Editors Note: Karen Finney is a CNN political commentator. She was senior spokesperson and senior advisor to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. Read more opinion at CNN.
I am the great-great-great-great niece of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. My maternal grandmother Mildred Lee was named after her grandmother, a beloved niece of the general who was also named Mildred Lee.
Karen Finney - Ralph Alswange
I am also the great-great-great granddaughter of a freed slave from Virginia whose name I will probably never know.
Walking through the door of my grandmothers home in North Carolina, it was impossible to miss a portrait of Lee proudly displayed on the wall. At meal times, during what occasionally felt like indoctrination, she would admiringly describe our famous ancestor, the General, as a benevolent slave owner and noble warrior.
As she explained it, Lee valiantly fought an unjust War of Northern Aggression in defense of states rights, often referred to as The Lost Cause. The South had been defeated, my grandmother insisted, only because the Northern army had more resources and slavery really wasnt so bad.
There was no room in her worldview for my lived experience as her biracial granddaughter or the very different reality experienced on the other side of the color line by my fathers family in Virginia which had endured the horrors of slavery, segregation and racial violence.
When challenged, my grandmother, a former university librarian, would cite historical literature to bolster her points. But history, as with any story or account, can differ based on who writes it.
The work to preserve and promote Lost Cause lies included efforts by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to ensure that textbooks were used to educate millions of public school children from the 1870s, well into the 1990s. These lies even appear in textbooks and curriculums used in some areas of the country today. They also worked to install Confederate monuments throughout the country to promote white supremacy and myths about General Lee.
It has been jarring to see the perpetuation of this dangerous mythology during the 2024 presidential campaign. It speaks to our unresolved national complex around slavery, the war fought to end it, the Jim Crow era and issues like systemic racism that we continue to grapple with. The myth of the Lost Cause hasnt been defeated. It became such a pervasive ideology and intertwined with a sense of identity, that it essentially became a civic religion.
During his recent speech at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, President Biden eloquently spoke to the dangers of Trumps attempt just like Civil War apologists to turn a loss into a lie. In gaslighting remarks that sounded a lot like my grandmothers, former President Donald Trump recently invoked the Civil War at a campaign rally in Iowa, suggesting that it could have been avoided through negotiation, and that Abraham Lincoln should have done more to avoid bloodshed.
Echoes of Lost Cause mythology have also been invoked throughout the primary by Trumps leading opponents, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Early on in his campaign, DeSantis actually centered his presidential effort around an anti-woke agenda that among other things, literally rewrote history in childrens textbooks, replacing a modern truth-based telling, to a Lost Cause explanation of chattel slavery as possibly having an educational benefit to enslaved people.
And in a blatant attempt to appeal to Trump voters, DeSantis invoked graphic Reconstruction-era language on the third anniversary of the January 6 attack on the Capitol telling Fox News that while the rampage shouldnt have happened, in his view its not a reason to wave the bloody shirt and try to impugn tens of millions of Americans. As the Florida Governor likely knows, waving the bloody shirt is a pejorative expression coined during post-Civil War political campaigns to criticize or shame candidates who invoked the atrocities of the Civil War and supported Reconstruction.
Then theres Nikki Haley. In her ongoing attempt to walk the line between appealing to Trumps MAGA base and a more centrist appeal to moderate and independent voters, she has yet to come up with an answer about the cause of the Civil War without invoking Lost Cause talking points. Beyond absurdly omitting slavery as the root cause of the War, she made matters worse while trying to clean up her comments during a recent CNN Town Hall, saying she just assumed that slavery was a given since all children learn about it in school in the South.
Then in an interview with Fox News this week, Haley again struggled to walk that line when asked if America is a racist country. In her response she declared that We (America) have never been a racist country. Her comments continue the gaslighting about the centrality of White supremacist beliefs about slavery, the creation of the Lost Cause lies, and our countrys ongoing struggle with racism and bigotry.
Haley is the former governor of South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union, and she successfully navigated the politics of removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina State House grounds. Like my grandmother and Gov. DeSantis, she knows full well that the version of history printed in textbooks matters greatly.
Against this backdrop, the US Supreme Court will soon decide whether, based on the third clause of the 14th Amendment which banned former Confederate leaders who fought against the United States to preserve slavery and a Lost Cause way of life, former president Trump can be barred from the ballot in a number of states. It has been compelled to answer this question as those states have deemed him ineligible due to his role in the January 6 insurrection and his efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election.
Just as the Supreme Court was announcing that it would take up the case, the former president informed Illinois that he would not sign a McCarthy-era pledge to not engage in insurrection against the United States, despite having signed it both in 2016 and 2020.
In short, it was defeated and discredited, but Lost Cause mythology nevertheless lives on. As writer Clint Smith eloquently explained, in a piece for The Atlantic, it became a dangerous civic religion for generations of its followers. As he and many other writers explain, the irony is that while the Confederacy lost the war, its supporters won the battle to tell the story of our history. The lies on which it was based rationalized the Souths crushing defeat, stoked its grievances against the North as well as fears about the cultural, social and industrial changes that were occurring across the country.
In parts of the country, progress made during Reconstruction was reversed, replaced by Jim Crow and the birth of violent extremist groups like the Ku Klux Klan in a dramatic attempt to kill the movement for equal rights and force America backwards.
It was easy not to indulge my grandmother Mildred Lee in her promotion of Lost Cause mythology. It may also seem easy to dismiss the divisive, false alternative realities that so many Republican candidates appear eager to embrace. But as weve learned both from history and the last few years, counterfeit narratives cannot be indulged or ignored not in our society, not in the history we teach in schools and not in a presidential campaign.
In this era that many historians have called a Third Reconstruction following the progress of the immediate post-Civil War period and the Civil Rights era we cannot allow painful truth or hard-earned gains for social, cultural, racial and gender justice to be erased.
And we must not elect a president who is unwilling or unable to face the full truth about how we got here. Doing so would pose a grave danger to Americas ongoing journey toward the beautiful ideals enshrined in our Constitution and the success of our democracy.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Editors Note: Jordan McGillis is economics editor at City Journal. The opinions expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.
Income inequality is starker than ever or so weve been told. New research by economists Gerald Auten and David Splinter indicates that the prevailing narrative of runaway inequality is not as empirically sound as believed. But in proving that the top 1% has not pulled much further ahead in terms of income, Auten and Splinter inadvertently reveal that America suffers from troubling socioeconomic fissures nonetheless.
Jordan McGillis - Manhattan Institute
Auten and Splinters analysis, accepted in November by the Journal of Political Economy, shows that the share of the nations income going to the top 1% of earners after taxes and transfers has increased by just 1.4% since 1979. Going back to the early 1960s, Auten and Splinter find that even the top 1%s share of pre-tax income has increased by just 2.6% and that its after-tax income share hasnt budged at all.
This challenges the dominant position in the economics discourse, famously championed by Thomas Piketty. Piketty, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman contended together in 2018 that the top 1% of the American population was earning 20% of the countrys total pre-tax income, a dramatic increase from 12% in the early 1980s. They also argued that real incomes for the bottom half of the earning distribution had stagnated since that time. Their research was believed by many to have provided empirical substantiation to the view that Americas economic gains in recent decades have only benefited the rich, an outlook that motivated the Occupy Wall Street movement of the early 2010s.
Skeptics, however, have argued that Piketty, Saez and Zucmans eyepopping figures were a byproduct of the authors political inclinations. Auten and Splinter vindicate those critiques, dismantling Piketty, Saez and Zucmans central claims. They find that economic gains have been broadly shared during this supposed period of widening inequality, with the top 1% garnering just 14% of the countrys pre-tax income. Not only has the top 1%s share of pre-tax income risen less than Piketty and his coauthors assert, but the bottom half of American earners has benefited from a real pre-tax income rise of 40% and a real after-tax income rise of 66%.
The basis for the discrepancies in the rivals findings is methodological. The treatment of two key income factors, among a few lesser ones, generates this new portrait of income inequality: underreported business income and retirement savings. According to Auten and Splinters analysis, Piketty and his coauthors inadequately adjusted for changes in income reporting behavior incentivized by the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Moreover, they improperly considered money rolled over from one retirement account to another as income, artificially boosting the top 1%s income share. By accounting for these issues, Auten and Splinter operate with a more consistent definition of income across time.
An income reporting issue where the rivals agree, however, is more intriguing than these academic divergences and it helps us intuit why, despite the evidence indicating that economic gains have been broadly beneficial, Americans are rather unhappy about their financial and social footing. Piketty, Saez and Zucman, along with Auten and Splinter, evaluate per-person incomes, a change from earlier approaches made necessary by Americas unequal declines in the rate of marriage. Though the prevalence of marriage has remained very strong among rich Americans, it has plummeted among less affluent people. Marriage rates on tax returns declined from 67 to 37 percent between 1960 and 2019, Auten and Splinter observe. However, marriage rates have remained high among the top one percent, decreasing only from 90 to 85 percent.
They explain that this uneven family formation results in more observed tax units among lower-earning Americans and a subsequent distortion of the income picture in percentile terms. Because tax units at the high end of the income spectrum are much more likely to include married adults and children, a tax-unit focus gives the impression that the top 1% earns a greater share of national income than it really does. The new methodologies ensure that each income percentile has an equal number of individuals, rather than families. This apples-to-apples comparison of economic resources shows that the top 1% does not command as much national income as previous methodologies suggested.
While income inequality may not have notably escalated, the differential marriage rates that demand the methodological adjustment are themselves deeply concerning.
The exclusivity of marriage in the contemporary era has dire, compounding consequences across generations. As researchers Shelly Lundberg, Robert A. Pollak and Jenna Stearns document, in 1960, people with and without college degrees married and formed families in a similar manner, but today, just 11% of childbirths for those with college degrees are nonmarital, while 58% of childbirths for those without are. This cleavage makes possible what the Brookings Institutions Melissa Kearney describes as two-parent privilege, an emerging phenomenon through which well-off couples transmit educational and economic advantages to their children. Viewed from this angle, it should not surprise us that many Americans think the rich are galloping ever further ahead.
While Auten and Splinter show that inequality in dollar terms is not as pointed as the popular narrative has held, ours is a riven society in ways that may be more important still.
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A student uses a cellphone after school at Evergreen Junior High School in Millcreek on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Phones are banned at Evergreen during the school day but are allowed after the final bell rings. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News
Last summer, I turned off my phone and hiked into the woods. In an isolated cabin, I spent the better part of three days unplugged and uninterrupted, giving me time to read and write, reflect and pray. It was incredible.
Technology is a beautiful thing, and I appreciate how smartphones can connect us with our families, our friends and the world at large. But I also recognize these devices have a unique power to distract us, divide us and affect our mental health.
Our children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of cellphones. Thats why I sent letters to our State Board of Education, district and charter school leaders, school principals and school community councils, urging them to restrict cellphones during class time.
Mounds of evidence show how cellphones interfere with our ability to learn. Jonathan Haidt, the renowned social scientist, has written extensively about how cellphones affect our well-being and ability to focus. He cites one study where a group of students about to take a test were divided into three groups: some were asked to put their phones on the desk, others to put their phone in a pocket or bag, and the rest were to leave their phones outside the room. Those students who were physically closer to their phones performed worse on memory tests than those further away.
Another study showed that college students studied less than 6 minutes before switching to (a) technological distractor. Yet another found that students who were not using their mobile phones wrote down 62% more information in their notes, took more detailed notes, were able to recall more detailed information from the lecture, and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on a multiple choice test than those students who were actively using their mobile phones.
The evidence is overwhelming: Removing cellphones during study time improves student performance.
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Some Utah schools are already doing this with very positive results. Delta High School in Millard School District is one of them. Delta High students put their phones in a clear pocket that hangs in front of the classroom. It was a battle to begin with, but it has been so worth it, said Assistant Principal Jared Christensen. Students and parents have all adapted, our teachers are happier and learning has increased.
At Evergreen Junior High in Granite School District, students cant use phones in classrooms, halls or lunchrooms. Its so much easier to just ban them altogether, said Principal Ryan Shaw. Learning has improved, and our scores reflect that. Bullying and fighting have decreased. The students connect with each other in a more meaningful way.
When students are on their phones in the halls and at lunch, their ability to make friends and connect with others diminishes. We need each other and school connections are great mental health protective factors.
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during an interview with the Deseret News leading up to the 2024 legislative session at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. | Megan Nielsen, Deseret News
To be clear, Im not advocating for a complete ban of cellphones in schools. Nor do I believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. But I am pushing schools and districts to work with parents to develop cellphone policies that will give every student the best environments to focus and to learn. And I hope parents will advocate for phone-free instruction.
Placing cellphones in backpacks or lockers during class time allows students to give their undivided attention to lessons, to fully participate in discussions and to build relationships with their peers. Phone-free classrooms empower teachers to engage fully with their students.
Our students deserve every advantage and removing cellphones from learning time is one proven way we can help our children succeed.
Gov. Spencer Cox is Utahs 18th governor.
High-tension power lines run along Wright Brothers Drive near the Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City on May 24, 2022. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Last November, I participated in a summit in Salt Lake City entitled Mountain West Renewables. The conference was attended by both developers and policymakers. One recurring theme was the critical need for additional transmission lines and capacity.
Domestic energy production of all forms and especially renewable energy is a major economic opportunity for rural Utah especially. But to fully realize this opportunity, rural communities need the ability to move the energy they produce to the population centers inside and outside our state where most of that energy will be consumed.
The states $23 billion agricultural sector relies heavily on roads, highways and interstates to transport cattle, sheep, wheat and alfalfa across Utah and all across the country. But those roads didnt get built on their own.
In the early 20th century, farmers played a pivotal role in the good roads movement, which lobbied for the creation of todays modern road network. More recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has noted that well-maintained roads are indispensable to support the transport and economic competitiveness of agricultural goods.
In the 21st century, the new challenge is building power lines, which will allow rural communities to sell electricity from solar arrays and other energy sources to consumers in Salt Lake City and other major urban centers across the western United States.
In short, our leaders need to start thinking of transmission lines as roads for electricity.
Thankfully, construction has already started. PacifiCorps Gateway lines and the TransWest Express Transmission project, originating in southwestern Wyoming, will help, but much more is needed.
The White House announced last week a $1.25 billion initiative for lines from Arizona to New Mexico, and another from Nevada to Utah will soon get underway. This is good news.
In 2019, the Utah Legislature commissioned a study on the need for additional transmission as the states population explodes. The initial key finding was that while Utah has excellent electric generation potential and development activity, future generation buildouts will increase congestion on the transmission grid. The study suggested that Utah may need to accommodate between 5.5 and 9 GW of new generation capacity by 2040 that would double the amount of generation capacity online in the state at present. This buildout could lead to a $3.6 billion increase in state domestic product by 2040.
These proposed projects include new power lines to support the growth of renewable energy in Utah.
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According to an economic impact study on the impact of renewable energy in Utah commissioned by The Western Way in 2022, the total direct and indirect benefits of annual renewable energy operations in Utah will be an estimated $154.4 million in total output ($87.8 million direct output plus $66.6 million indirect and induced output) produced by 568 employees (147 direct employees plus 421 indirect employees) earning a total of about $32.1 million ($13.2 million direct earnings plus $18.9 million indirect earnings).
The permitting process for approving transmission line projects has been famously slow TransWest Express being the most egregious example that required 15 years and billions of dollars from inception to groundbreaking earlier this year.
Utah as a whole, and especially its rural communities, cant afford anything close to those kinds of delays.
Just like the network of roads, transmission lines are indispensable for the interconnected power grid that underpins our economy and way of life even if they dont directly serve our homes or businesses. They also forge economic links between electricity-producing rural areas and electricity-consuming urban areas.
Federal, state and local officials need to find ways to streamline the permitting process for new transmission lines and address unwarranted opposition to these projects. Electricity is becoming a vital commodity for rural America, and transmission lines are the roads that connect producers to consumers.
Just as better roads transformed agriculture in the past, better electricity transportation infrastructure can revitalize rural America today. Lets pave the way for a brighter energy future and make these projects exist in the real world and not just on paper.
Steve Handy, a former Utah legislator, is the Utah director for The Western Way, conservative stewards of the Western environment.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.
Alina Habba Had An Unforgettable Day In Court
I cant recall a lawyer having a worse go of it in open court than Trump lawyer Alina Habba did yesterday in the damages trial against Donald Trump by E. Jean Carroll.
Habba had the unenviable task of cross-examining Carroll, the 80-year-old victim of Trumps sexual assault and subsequent defamation. But Habba made things so much worse for herself. So much worse.
U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, a 79-year-old veteran jurist, shot Habba down so many times that I started to wonder if her misguided strategy was to somehow make the jury hate her more than her client. What good that would do, one can only imagine.
I counted at least five times that the judge ordered Habba: Sit down.
But there was also the one time that he ordered her to stand up: Ms. Habba, when you speak in this courtroom or any other courtroom youll stand up.
Habba struggled to make proper objections during Carrolls direct testimony. She struggled to introduce evidence on cross. She struggled with the hearsay rule. It was epically bad.
I dont usually like to clutter up Morning Memo with numerous tweets from the same thread, but these are so good (thanks to the work of Matthew Russell Lee) and so many of you are no longer on X/Twitter, that Im going to make an exception today. Heres a choice sample, in chronological order:
RW: Let's show this
Habba: Objection
Judge Kaplan: Ground?
Habba: It's prejudicial.
Judge Kaplan: All evidence is prejudicial against the party it is offered against Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Habba: She said too different things about Montana
Judge Kaplan: She said it's great and before she said, it's not boring that's your difference?
Habba: I can ask another question.
Judge Kaplan: That would be a good idea. Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Habba: You were a regular at Elaine's, right?
Carroll: Yes.
Habba: It's hard to get into, isn't it?
Carroll: No, not hard.
Judge Kaplan: It doesn't exist anymore. That's why it's hard to get into Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Habba: Do you know if there is a communications team at the White House?
Carroll: I don't know.
Habba: I represent to you that it does
Judge Kaplan: You're not going to be representing anything, or you'll be a witness. Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Habba: How do you suggest I proceed?
Judge Kaplan: Show it to her, ask if she recognizes it.
Habba: Do you recognize it?
Carroll: Yes.
Judge Kaplan: It's not marked. It should be marked. Do it appropriately. Do it overnight. They. Need. To. Be. Premarked. Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
Habba: Ms. Carroll, are you aware it is illegal to delete evidence?
Carroll's lawyer: Objection
Habba: I move for a mistrial, evidence has been deleted
Judge Kaplan: Denied and the jury will disregard everything Ms. Habba just said Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
They're back.
Habba: Have you deleted text message and not just emails?
Carroll: When I see threats I delete them.
Habba: Can we have a sidebar?
Judge Kaplan: No. Inner City Press (@innercitypress) January 17, 2024
If youve spent most of the last decade yearning for someone to bring Trump to heel, perhaps you can vicariously enjoy Habbas drubbing as a proxy for Trump himself.
Trump Almost Bounced From Court
As for Trump, Judge Kaplan confronted him directly for making comments about the proceedings that were audible to the jury in the courtroom.
If Trump continued to act out, Kaplan told him, he would forfeit his right to be present for the trial.
That led to a brief but charged back and forth between Trump and the judge.
Trump Self Bounces
Perfect little detail illustrating Trump's disrespect for process, judge, and jury: he walked out of the courtroom at the end of court day rather than standing for the jury and waiting for them to exit, as every litigant, lawyer, audience member knows to do. Harry Litman (@harrylitman) January 17, 2024
Quote Of The Day
I think a lot of people in this country are out of touch with reality and will accept anything Donald Trump tells them. You had a jury that said that Donald Trump raped a woman. And that doesnt seem to be moving the needle. Theres a lot of things about todays electorate that I have a hard time understanding. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT)
Maine Disqualification Clause Case Paused
A state court in Maine has ordered Secretary of State Shenna Bellows to hold off on implementing her decision to remove Donald Trump from the GOP primary ballot until after the U.S. Supreme Court decides the Disqualification Clause case out of Colorado.
Yesterdays Biggest News
In oral arguments Wednesday, the Supreme Court conservative supermajority looked poised to radically rewrite its own precedent on administrative law, firmly grasping the brass ring the conservative legal movement has been reaching for for decades.
If that doesnt sound particularly serious, let me be clear: It likely portends a fundamental reordering of public and private life in America that will endure for decades and be felt in more ways than we can possibly envision from our current vantage point.
Time To Step Up
Greg Sargent: Trump Pocketed Millions in Foreign Payments. Why Wont Senate Democrats Investigate?
Rinse And Repeat
Brian Beutler: The Democrats Alarming Nonchalance About The Juggernaut Of Reactionary Media
For Your Radar
Iran and Pakistan have traded airstrikes this week in a dangerous and destabilizing tit-for-tat. This week alone, Iran has carried out strikes against Iraq, Syria, and now Pakistan.
Greenland Is Sending Out A Warning
The Greenland ice sheet is melting faster than previously thought, according to a new study that finds previous analyses underestimated the loss of ice by as much as 20 percent.
Iceland May Be In For A Long Eruption Cycle
Molten lava from a fissure on the Reykjanes peninsula 3km north of the evacuate town of Grindavik, western Iceland on December 19, 2023. (Photo by Kristinn Magnusson / AFP) / Iceland OUT (Photo by KRISTINN MAGNUSSON/AFP via Getty Images)
As you may have detected by now, I enjoy the mind-fuck of geology, especially trying to wrap my head around geological time frames.
The latest eruptive cycle on the Reykjanes Peninsula comes after an 800-year period of quiescence. Were four years into the current eruptive cycle, and rather than being a singular explosive eruption that quickly dissipates, the geological record suggests that Iceland could be in for decades of disruptive eruptive activity along the peninsula.
Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez appears in court on the second day of his capital murder trial at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Prosecutor Raul Jordan publishes a photo of victims Nicholas Andrew Milanovich and Julia Chase Wright during the second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense Attorney George Shaffer, left, and Prosecutor Raul Jordan speak during the second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Melissa Cortez testifies during the second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Judge Velia J. Meza listens to attornies as they confer during the second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez is seen on live streaming video screens on the second day of his capital murder trial in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense Attorney George Shaffer speaks with his client Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez on the second day of his capital murder trial in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Melissa Cortez looks over an exhibit presented to her by Prosecutor Raul Jordan as she testifies during the second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Medical Examiner Dr. Garrett Phillips demonstrates a possible trajectory of a bullet that struck Julia Wright as he testifies in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Medical Examiner Dr. Garrett Phillips looks over reports as he testifies in the capital murder trial of Jilson Avelar-Rodriguez in the 226th District Court at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024 in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News
Jilson Duban Avelar-Rodriguez, accused of killing a couple in a gruesome home invasion in 2018, went to an ex-girlfriends home the night of the slayings, took a shower and threw his clothes in a trash bag, jurors heard Wednesday.
Avelar-Rodriguez, 24, a Honduran national, is charged with the fatal shootings of Julia Chase Wright, 21, and Nicholas Andrew Trey Milanovich, 23, on Sept. 30, 2018, at the Sonoma Canyon Apartments.
The revelation came from Melissa Cortez, 48, who was called as a states witness in the second day of testimony in his capital murder trial.
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Prosecutors Raul Jordan and Willem VanZeben allege that the killings were motivated by drugs, or the proceeds from a sale of drugs, Jordan said in his opening statement Tuesday.
Defense attorneys George E. Shaffer and James Ishimoto contend that the couple was dealing drugs, and someone was also in that building who wanted to silence and shut down their operation, Shaffer told the jury in his opening statement.
Cortez said she was living on West Poplar Street when Avelar-Rodriguez went to her home shortly after the shootings.
Under direct questioning, she told Jordan that she could not remember what exactly she told police about the events of that night, so Jordan allowed her to read a statement she had given when interviewed by Mark Duke, a San Antonio police detective.
He got there and took a shower and put them (the clothes) in a gray plastic bag, Cortez read to the jury.
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She said Avelar-Rodriguez did not say anything, but became upset when he opened a silver lock box that he had brought with him.
As her questioning continued, Cortez suddenly asked if she could speak to her lawyer. At that moment, state District Judge Velia J. Meza called a brief recess and the jury left the courtroom.
Cortez was excused for the rest of the day.
Later in the morning, Dr. Garrett Phillips, a Bexar County medical examiner, testified that Wright was shot in the right cheek and that the bullet lodged near her left ear. He noted that the bullet tore through the carotid artery.
When Jordan asked if someone would die immediately from that type of injury, Phillips said, I would not expect them to die immediately.
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He added that severing the carotid artery would result in a large loss of blood.
Phillips said toxicology tests showed Wright had Benadryl and methadone in her system.
Milanovichs toxicology tests also showed he had Benadryl in his system, in addition to ketamine, Phillips said.
Phillips said Milanovichs autopsy occurred about two days after Wrights because he was an organ donor and several of his organs had to be prepared for transplant.
Testimony established that an assailant broke in to the couples Medical Center-area apartment, entering through a window.
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The couple was shot while sleeping. Milanovich was shot above the right eyebrow, Phillips said, rendering him unconscious. Though wounded, Wright managed to run downstairs and out of the apartment.
Video taken by San Antonio police crime scene investigators showed a gruesome, bloody scene that began outside the apartment and continued inside, up the stairs and into the bedroom.
Photographs also showed a blood trail from the apartment, pooled blood in front of the units and hand prints on the doors.
An image showed Wrights covered body on the sidewalk outside their apartment. Only her hands were visible.
Investigators found a bag of marijuana lying on a couch near the window where the break-in occurred. A footprint was left on the fabric. Drug paraphernalia also was strewn throughout the apartment.
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Late Tuesday, Avelar-Rodriguezs girlfriend, Valerie Rocha, 30, told the jury she did not want to be a witness, but was there because she had been subpoenaed. She is testifying for the state.
She told the jury that days before the start of the trial, she had spoken with Avelar-Rodriguez in a phone call from jail. She also said she couldnt recall much about what happened in 2018 and said she had never met the couple her boyfriend is accused of killing.
When asked if she knew whether Avelar-Rodriguez ever had a gun, she said she could not recall. However, she said she had a conversation with him about taking a gun out of her apartment because she was on parole in a separate case and didnt want to violate the terms of her parole.
Under cross-examination, Shaffer asked Rocha if she would still be with Avelar-Rodriguez if he were to be released. She responded yes, that she still loved him.
Testimony is being heard in the 226th District Court. If convicted, Avelar-Rodriguez faces life without the possibility of parole. The Bexar County District Attorneys Office is not seeking the death penalty in this case.
Pakistan launched counterstrikes on Iran early Thursday, allegedly targeting a militant groups hideout in the country just days after Tehran conducted airstrikes within its borders.
Pakistans Foreign Ministry said it conducted a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against Baluch militant locations in the Sistan and Baluchestan province of Iran.
A local Iranian official said three women, four children and two men were killed in the strikes near the town of Saravan, along the border in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, according to reporting from The Associated Press.
This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
The AP also reported that Pakistans military said it used killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and standoff weapons in its strikes Thursday.
Pakistan labeled the action as Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar. The AP noted marg bar means death to in Iranian Farsi, and Sarmachar means guerrilla in the local Baluch language and is used by militants in the region.
Iran launched airstrikes in Pakistan against a separate Baluch militant group Tuesday, which Islamabad labeled a serious breach of Pakistans sovereignty. Pakistan later recalled its ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday over the strikes, per the AP.
The recent exchanges of strikes can only escalate tensions in the region, as the war between Israel and militant group Hamas rages on in Gaza. Iran also conducted strikes in Iraq and Syria earlier this week, actions that were condemned by the U.S. State Department as reckless missile strikes that undermine Iraqs stability.
The Associated Press contributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Semafor Signals
Insights from The New York Times, Dawn, The Times of Israel, and NBC News
The News
Pakistan launched a retaliatory strike into Iran on Thursday aimed at a separatist militant group after Tehran attacked another militant group within Pakistan territory earlier this week.
The airstrikes come amid increasing growing tensions in the Middle East as the impact of Israels military operation in Gaza continues to reverberate.
SIGNALS
Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories.
Iran using strikes to ratchet up support
Source: The New York Times
Iran has used its strikes on Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria to drive support among its overseas proxy militias as well as its domestic conservative hardliners, The New York Times reported. Iran has historically leaned on its proxy militias to carry out fighting on its behalf, but in recent strikes actually acted on its own, the Times noted. Tehran has long attempted to export its conflicts abroad, one expert told the paper. The result is a higher domestic security risk: Iran suffered its worst terrorist attack in years earlier this month.
Escalations between Pakistan, Iran possible after strikes
Source: Dawn
Analysts fear that tensions between Tehran and Islamabad could hit a fever pitch following the retaliatory strikes. Iran has long cultivated terrorist cells in Pakistan, one expert told Pakistani newspaper Dawn. On the surface, Pakistans targeting of these groups is perfectly defensible, political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi said, but warned of an unpredictable situation to come down the line. Iran wants a fight wherever it can get one because a revolutionary regime cannot survive without fighting for its grand vision.
Cracks emerging in US-Israel ties over post-war plans
Sources: NBC News, The Times of Israel
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly not spoken in weeks, as tensions between the two countries grow. Netanyahu has rebuffed American efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state something analysts view as a crucial step to resolve the conflict. Israeli President Isaac Herzog highlighted growing regional divisions as a driving cause of his countrys continued war effort: At the World Economic Forum in Davos he told attendees that Israelis arent willing to think about a peace deal yet, adding that Israel lost trust in the peace processes because they see that terror is glorified by our neighbors.
Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen attends a Bexar County Elections Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) Kaylee Greenlee Beal Bexar County Election Commission members meet for the first time in more than a decade on Jan. 17, 2024. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark attends a Bexar County Election Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) Kaylee Greenlee Beal Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen attends a Bexar County Election Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) KAYLEE GREENLEE BEAL Bexar County Election Commission members meet for the first time in more than a decade on Jan. 17, 2024. (Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Contributor) Kaylee Greenlee Beal
Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen is keeping her cards close, despite mounting pressure from voting rights groups to step down from the post she has held for nearly two decades.
The five-member Bexar County Election Commission, which is responsible for hiring county elections chiefs, met Wednesday for the first time in nearly two decades to discuss Callanens future. It hadn't convened since appointing Callanen as county elections administrator in 2005.
If the meetings aim was to force the issue of her retirement plans, Callanen, 78, didnt bend.
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She said she has no plans to retire ahead of the November presidential election.
Beyond that?
Well see what this next (election commission) meeting has to say, Callanen told reporters after Wednesdays meeting. I dont want to put anything out there that would be contradictory to what the commission is thinking.
The only decision the commission made Wednesday was to announce that it would reconvene within the next 90 days and take up whatever corporate actions are necessary, which may include the succession plan for the elections administrator, County Judge Peter Sakai said in his closing remarks.
Sakai chairs the commission, which includes County Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti, County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark, and Monica Alcantara and Jeff McManus, the respective chairs of the countys Democratic and Republican parties.
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The commissions lack of action ensures that Callanen will remain in her post through the March 5 primary elections. And a majority of commissioners signaled that they want her to stay on the job at least through the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Weve got to get through November. You dont change horses in the middle of the race, Uresti told Callanen privately after the commission meeting.
Alcantara told Callanen that she looks forward to working with you through the general election.
Callanen first publicly discussed her retirement plans the day after the November 2020 presidential election, telling reporters that it would be the last presidential contest that she would oversee.
Since then, she has kept mum about her future.
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The commission hasnt indicated where it stands on that matter.
Whatever process we do for the successor of the elections administrator will be open and transparent, Sakai told reporters after the meeting. I will want feedback from the commission members themselves. I will also want feedback from the county commissioners.
We have to have clarity from Ms. Callanen as to what her wishes are and then put that clearly on the record, he said.
Callanen said she was exhausted when she made her 2020 statement about retiring before this years presidential election. It was just after a bitter election fight between then-President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and still early in the pandemic.
That was obviously the toughest election that Id ever run in all the years because it was in the middle of COVID and things were changing, and my responsibilities were for keeping my officials safe, keeping the voters safe, she said.
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She said shell give the election commission plenty of time to find her successor, once she announces her retirement plan. Her passion for the work is what keeps her going after all these years, she said.
In recent months, voting rights advocates have ramped up their calls for the election commission to prepare to find Callanens replacement.
Advocates have grown increasingly frustrated with the elections department over Callanens decision to reduce the number of polling places in the 2022 midterm election and in the 2020 presidential election, taking her to court to force her to add more sites. Theyve also been angered by her reluctance to discuss putting a polling place in the Bexar County jail like Harris County, which first opened a polling site in its county lockup in 2021.
Given the approaching election, Callanens inconsistent statements about her own future in this role, and her track record of administrative problems, a meeting of the Bexar County Election Commission is necessary to get answers about the future of Bexar County Elections, several voting rights and liberal groups said in a Dec. 20 letter to Sakai and the other commission members.
The letter signers included representatives of Texas Civil Rights Project, Radical Registrars, Jolt Action, Texas Rising, MOVE Texas and All of Us or None Texas.
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Callanen has her supporters, too and more than a dozen of them showed up at the election commission meeting. They lobbied the commissioners to keep Callanen at the helm, at the very least through this years presidential election.
She demands perfection, Rose Marie De Hoyos told commissioners. She is a Virgo, so thats in her DNA.
Supporters described Callanen as fair, competent, professional, nonpartisan, and a person of integrity and high standards and as someone who has been subject to unfair criticisms by those who are dissatisfied with her leadership.
Supporter Cheryl Hagenson didnt see the commissions inaction as a small victory for Callanen. Instead, she accused commissioners of ageism.
They are pushing Ms. Callanen to retire, and we have a very professional and knowledgeable woman running our elections, Hagenson told the Express-News. The experience there will do well for Bexar County in running elections in the future, and it should be her choice when she chooses to step down or retire because there is no retirement age for that office.
Hagenson has worked county elections since 1996, serving as a presiding election judge and alternate judge.
Only three people spoke in favor of starting the search for Callanens successor.
Things are not as perfect as the demographic of people in here are saying, said Valerie Reiffert, co-founder and executive director of Radical Registrars, a San Antonio nonprofit that registers young voters of color and LGBTQ voters. I am one of the brownest and youngest people here, and my lived experiences of what Ive gone through as a voter, as a VDR (volunteer deputy registrar), as an election clerk they are real and they deserve to be heard.
The commissions 11:30 a.m. meeting time made it difficult for workers and students to share their perspective with the commission, Reiffert said.
Pakistani army soldiers travel on vehicles carrying ballistic missiles and a drone during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, 2016. Pakistan National Day commemorates the passing of the Lahore Resolution, when a separate nation for the Muslims of The British Indian Empire was demanded on March 23, 1940.
Pakistan has struck back at Iran with attacks on militant groups near the border between the two countries after Tehran targeted militant sites within Pakistan just two days prior. Pakistan said it used weapons including drones and loitering munitions to hit the Iran-based Baloch separatist militants, stoking fears of an escalating conflict between the two countries. It's the first time another country has openly struck inside Iran since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.
The Iranian attacks on Pakistani territory were part of an unprecedented operation involving what Iranian officials described as precision missile and drone strikes. These were directed against two alleged strongholds of Jaish al Adl (JAA), a Sunni Islamist militant group that has previously mounted attacks in Iran, including against the countrys Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and police. Pakistani authorities said that Tuesdays strikes hit civilians, killing two children.
In regards to the Pakistani retaliation, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry today said: A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation, which it described as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts.
The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised, the ministry added, also stating that it had credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by separatists operating in Iran.
The location of the strikes which were carried out under Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar was the Sistan-Balochistan province in southeastern Iran.
Pakistans military intelligence also said that the targets were bases used by two groups of ethnically Baloch separatist militants: the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) and the associated Baloch Liberation Army.
Both groups operate in the Balochistan region, an area that includes Pakistans southwestern province of Balochistan, Irans southeastern Sistan-Balochistan province, plus parts of southern Afghanistan. The groups are fighting for an independent state of Balochistan, which has led to a militant insurgency directed against both Iran and Pakistan those countries blame each other for harboring terrorists.
A U.S. government map from the 1980s shows the four major ethnic groups of Pakistan including the area in which
the Baloch people are the major ethnic group. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency
The precision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions, and standoff weapons, Pakistans military intelligence said in a statement . Maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage, it added.
Local reports suggested that drone strikes began at around 4:30 am, hitting several residential houses in the village of Haq Abad, around two miles from the Pakistani border.
With past relations between Islamabad and Tehran already strained, a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters that the military is now on extremely high alert and is ready to use force to respond to any misadventure from the Iranian side.
Iranian media reported that several Pakistani missiles struck a village in the Sistan-Balochistan province.
The information received indicates that four children, three women, and two men, who were foreign nationals, have been killed in the explosion that occurred in a village, Irans Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told state TV.
Other reports indicate that 10 people from one family were killed in the attacks, including six children, reportedly all non-Iranian nationals.
In a statement, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country condemns Pakistans unbalanced and unacceptable drone attack on non-Iranian villagers on the border of the two countries. At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to the policy of good neighborliness and brotherhood between the two nations and the two governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan. It does not allow enemies to strain the amicable and brotherly relations of Tehran and Islamabad.
As well as condemning the strikes, Tehran has summoned Pakistans senior diplomat in Iran to provide an explanation.
The political fallout is being felt in Islamabad, too, reportedly forcing Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar to cut short his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and return home.
The Pakistani Foreign Office has made efforts to diffuse the situation including stating that Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Before todays strikes, Pakistan had already reacted angrily to the Iranian attacks, which it described as a blatant breach of its sovereignty, recalling its ambassador from Iran, and warning Tehran against further action. A planned joint naval exercise between Iran and Pakistan has also been called off.
The situation remains tense, for now, with this weeks cross-border attacks the most serious escalation between the two nations in recent years. As well as a powerful demonstration of intent to Iran, the Pakistani strikes are likely intended to send a message to Afghanistan, which Islamabad sees as dragging its heels when it comes to confronting the Baloch militants.
Today, Taliban officials in Afghanistan reportedly called upon both Iran and Pakistan to show restraint and avoid further violence.
This is all being played out against the backdrop of a fast-deteriorating security situation in the wider region, triggered by the war between Hamas and Israel that began on October 7 , and which has since drawn in other actors, including the Yemen-based Houthi militants , the United States and its allies, armed groups in Iraq and Syria, and others.
Throughout, Iran has been playing a major role, as the chief sponsor of Hamas and the Houthis, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
As well as backing these groups, Tehran has recently shown its willingness to launch attacks on militant groups in Iraq and Syria, and now also in Pakistan. Its attacks on targets in all three countries serve multiple purposes, including displaying its ballistic missile capability, especially to Israel, with the first use of a longer-range missile that can hit Israeli territory, as you can read about here .
Further to that, tit-for-tat strikes against alleged terror targets by Iran and Pakistan in each others countries could also serve to showcase their respective capabilities and demonstrate resolve without directly attacking each other. Reported air defense drills launched by Iran today could also deliver a similar message.
Until today, however, Irans various antagonists in the region and beyond have held back from launching attacks on Iranian territory. With that in mind, Pakistans attacks significantly up the ante in a situation thats already highly unpredictable.
Contact the author: thomas@thedrive.com
The health system in Gaza is collapsing and Palestinians are dying daily in the enclaves overwhelmed remaining hospitals, a United Nations agency official said Wednesday, as Israel continues its military offensive in the region against militant group Hamas.
About 16 of Gazas 36 hospitals remain minimally or partially functioning and are crowded with thousands of patients and displaced residents trying to escape the fighting, the U.N. said.
Sean Casey, a health emergency officer with the World Health Organization (WHO), spoke with journalists in New York, renewing calls for a cease-fire after spending more than five weeks in the war-torn territory.
I saw patients in hospitals every day with severe burns, with open fractures, waiting hours or days for care, and they would often ask me for food or water, he said. It demonstrates the level of desperation that we see.
Casey emphasized the need for greater access for medical staff and resources, adding that he and aid convoys tried for an entire week to deliver fuel and supplies to Gaza City in the north but were denied each time.
He visited six hospitals in the coastal enclave, including al-Shifa in Gaza City, Gazas largest hospital, with more than 700 beds.
The hospital with tens of thousands of displaced individuals living in parts of its corridor, stairs and operating theaters is now an emergency room thats full of severely injured patients and five or six doctors and nurses, Casey said.
Nearly 85 percent of Gazas population, equal to about 1.9 million individuals, have been forced out of their homes since the violence began shortly after Hamass Oct. 7 assault in southern Israel, according to the U.N.
The initial attack, which sparked the war, left an estimated 1,200 people dead, while an estimated 240 people were taken hostage. Israel quickly launched a counteroffensive against the militant group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007.
Israels bombardment of Gaza by land and air has killed more than 24,400 people and wounded another 60,000, Gazas Health Ministry said Wednesday, per The Associated Press.
At al-Ahli Hospital in northern Gaza, Casey said he witnessed patients lying on church pews, basically waiting to die, in a hospital that had no fuel, no power, no water; very, very little in the way of medical supplies and only a handful of staff remaining to take care of them.
He added that the WHO is trying to mobilize more surgeons, doctors and nurses in the region and established field hospitals to meet the significantly increased burden of case.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Two Pennsylvania parents have been charged after police and humane officers found their teen son living in an uninhabitable home with nearly 80 animals.
James and Kathleen Chaney were charged Friday with endangering the welfare of a child and several counts of animal cruelty after officers were called to a Westmoreland County home in August.
Their 14-year-old son was living in conditions police described as deplorable, according to a criminal complaint obtained by HuffPost. Animal rescue workers took 46 dogs, 23 cats, five guinea pigs, a dove, a ferret and a chinchilla from the home.
Photographs of the Chaneys' home taken by a volunteer for an animal rescue group.
Photographs of the Chaneys' home taken by a volunteer for an animal rescue group.
According to the complaint, Cassie Wilson, a volunteerhumane officer with the nonprofit rescue group All but Furgotten, observed several animals, some missing fur, outside the Chaneys home living in filth.
Wilson reported that as she got closer and could see into the home, she discovered that the interior was coated in urine, feces and fly traps that were full of dead flies. The Chaneys 14-year-old son, identified as LC, was also at the home.
Wilson told HuffPost that everybody going in there was just in complete shock.
A police officerand child service caseworker who were greeted by LC described the teen as nervous, having disheveled hair and clothes, and smelling of urine and feces.
Areas of the Chaneys' home were photographed as animal welfare workers searched the property.
Areas of the Chaneys' home were photographed as animal welfare workers searched the property.
Kathleen Chaney allegedly told police and humane officers that LC was her son and that he lived inside the home. She said she and her husband, James Chaney, cared for the animals on the property, according to the complaint.
Kathleen Chaney was at work when police called to say they were serving the search warrant, but she refused to come home, according to CBS News. Court documents indicate James Chaney lived in another town.
The boy was removed from the home, Wilson told HuffPost, and the animal rescue operation began, which took hours. There were more animals around every corner, she said, and once the house was clear, we went outside and found more animals.
In the complaint, police described each room of the home as being covered in cobwebs, mold and waste, adding that the smell of urine was so bad that one officer had to leave several times and return.
Pets rescued from the home were documented by Ninth Life Rescue Center in Pennsylvania, which assisted with adoptions.
Pets rescued from the home were documented by Ninth Life Rescue Center in Pennsylvania, which assisted with adoptions.
According to police, the home had no running water or food for the 14-year-old to safely eat.
Jenn Johnson, president of Ninth Life Rescue Center, who assisted in the rescue of the animals,said volunteers and officers found multiple dead animals inside the home.
Police noted in the criminal complaint that they found a rotting carcass of a long-dead dog.
There were feces and urine covering the house, Johnson told HuffPost. Animals in cages locked in bedrooms. There was a deceased dog laying in the bathroom, chickens that were dead in a pen outside it was a rough day.
The surviving dogs and cats were suffering from serious medical conditions, and many did not have access to water or food.
One of the dogs had a needle stuck in its belly and another dog was suffering from a ruptured uterus, according to the complaint.
Two of the rescued cats that were adopted from Ninth Life Rescue Center.
Two of the rescued cats that were adopted from Ninth Life Rescue Center.
The 14-year-old boywas taken into a temporary living situation immediately following the rescue, and themajority of the surviving animals have been medically treated and adopted, Johnson told HuffPost. However, she added that some animals are still undergoing surgeries and need ongoing support.
No attorney was listed for the two parents, and county inmate records did not show them as having been booked or taken into custody as of Wednesday. Penn Township police did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for information.
Both Johnson and Wilson told HuffPost that large-scale animal rescue cases have become more common in recent years, making it increasingly difficult for nonprofits like theirs to provide immediate medical care. The rescuers said their organizations are still financially recovering from the rescue months later.
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France will supply Ukraine with up to 50 precision-guided air bombs per month and increase the supply of artillery ammunition to 3,000 shells per month until the end of 2024 to help it fight against Russia's invasion, Le Figaro reported on Jan. 18, citing French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
This commitment follows the previous supply of 2,000 shells per month starting in February 2022.
Read also: France to begin training Ukrainian pilots in early 2024
While acknowledging that the Ukrainian counteroffensive did not work as we wanted, Lecornu denied that Russia had "gained an advantage and seized the initiative at the front, saying that Putins successes were limited to "two kilometers, bitten off here and taken back."
Earlier, he said that the Caesar manufacturer Nexter had managed to halve the production time of the howitzer to 15 months meaning that about 78 units would be available for Ukraine this year.
Six of them, which Kyiv bought for between EUR 3-4 million ($3.26-$4.35 million) each, will soon be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Paris is now approaching allies to purchase the rest. Ukraine currently has 49 Caesar self-propelled howitzers provided by France and Denmark.
Read also: Zelenskyy and Macron discuss frontline developments, new French arms for Ukraine
"We want to share the bill and enable European countries to share the financial burden," Lecornu said.
France is nearing completion on a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine, following the example set by the UK, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 17.
On Jan. 12, the UK and Ukraine signed a ten-year security agreement. London will exchange intelligence with Kyiv, assist with cybersecurity, military training, and develop mutual defense-industrial cooperation.
The agreement also commits the United Kingdom to consult with Ukraine in case Russia launches another attack and to provide "rapid and sustained" security assistance.
French President Emmanuel Macron also announced on Jan. 16 that Ukraine would receive a new batch of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles from France.
Ukraine is reportedly in line to receive hundreds of AASM Hammer precision-guided munitions from France, Ukrainian military news outlet Defense Express reported on Jan. 17.
The AASM Hammer is essentially a conventional bomb equipped with special modifications that significantly enhances its range and accuracy.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Joseph David Melgar-Hernandez was charged with murder after detectives used a GPS tracker to link him to several crime scenes. Bexar County Sheriff's Office
San Antonio police accused an 18-year-old man of killing someone and dumping his body off a West Side highway in December.
Joseph David Melgar-Hernandez was charged with murder after detectives used a GPS tracker to link him to several crime scenes.
According to the arrest affidavit, police responded to what they thought was a major accident on Dec. 20 in the 5800 block of the Texas 151 access road. There, they found Damion Jamal Franklin, 29, shot multiple times in the back. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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ALSO READ: Man shot and killed by San Antonio police during traffic stop on South Side
Police also found Franklins phone, which had alerted 911 with its crash detection function.
Later that day, San Antonio Police Department officers on the East Side found an abandoned vehicle registered to Franklin. The vehicle had a bullet hole in the driver-side window and blood on the drivers seat, steering wheel and driver-side door panel.
Shell casings in the vehicle led detectives to believe that the 29-year-old was shot while in the drivers seat.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Franklins phone and saw he had contact via text with Melgar-Hernandez throughout the week before he was found dead. Texts and phone calls were logged several times on Dec. 20.
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Surveillance video from a local food mart showed Melgar-Hernandez getting into the passenger side of Franklins car minutes before the shooting.
A witness, not identified in the affidavit, was on the phone with Franklin minutes later when she heard him pleading for his life with someone in the vehicle, the arrest affidavit states.
Detectives believe Melgar-Hernandez shot Franklin and then dumped his body on the side of the Texas 151 access road on the West Side. Melgar-Hernandez abandoned the vehicle shortly after the incident in the 700 block of Westfall Avenue, two minutes from his residence, according to police.
During the investigation, police also found that Melgar-Hernandez was involved in a separate incident on Jan. 15. The affidavit states Melgar-Hernandez was trying to buy crack in the 1000 block of Paso Hondo when the drug dealer pulled a knife on him. Melgar-Hernandez pulled a gun on the dealer, and a witness ran away to call police, the affidavit states.
The witness of the January incident provided an address for Melgar-Hernandez, and they contacted his father.
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Melgar-Hernandezs father did not know where his son was, but he gave officers identifiers, including his Facebook account.
Detectives returned to Melgar-Hernandezs father on Jan. 16 to confirm his son had made it home. While they were there, Melgar-Hernandez woke up and talked to them. He wore a black leather jacket and boots that matched the description found on the surveillance video at the food mart on Dec. 20 during the house visit.
Both Melgar-Hernandez and his father thought detectives were investigating the aggravated assault incident that occurred days before. So when Melgar-Hernandez was asked if he would provide a non-custodial voluntary statement at SAPD headquarters, he agreed.
While still at Melgar-Hernandezs residence, detectives asked him for his phone number to see if it matched the number given to them by TextNow. As he began to recite the number, he revealed the six digits but stopped and stated he did not remember his phone number.
Once at SAPD headquarters, Melgar-Hernandez was initially interviewed about the January incident and stated he didnt know why his friend, who was the witness, called the police. He denied the witnesss recollection of events.
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Detectives then confronted Melgar-Hernandez about the murder investigation from Dec. 20. Melgar-Hernandez denied knowing Franklin and stated he didnt know what detectives were talking about, the affidavit states.
When asked what his cellphone number was, Melgar-Hernandez provided a different number than the one listed. He also provided his email, which matched the one given to detectives during the early parts of the investigation.
During the interview, Melgar-Hernandez denied having the number that detectives had listed. He said he only owned one phone and had it for months. He continued to deny speaking or knowing Franklin.
Detectives spoke to the witness of the January incident again after the interview. The witness confirmed Melgar-Hernandezs phone number to detectives, which matched the number they had.
The witness also said Melgar-Hernandez did have a gun on him during the January incident.
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Melgar-Hernandez had told the witness the number was no longer in service as of Jan. 15. Detectives then asked the witness to positively identify Melgar-Hernandez in the surveillance footage from the food mart on Dec. 20, which he did.
The witness did not know that Melgar-Hernandezwas also part of a murder investigation when detectives asked him to identify him as the person in the surveillance footage. He immediately identified Melgar-Hernandez as the person in the video.
A group of European parliamentarians who are in Washington to drum up more support for Ukraine have a message for lawmakers and the White House: Get your act together.
The group is wrapping up a frustrating week spent meeting with policymakers and lawmakers, and is ready to leave town unsure of Americas place in European security after finding their U.S. counterparts unable, or unwilling, to act on important issues.
The parliamentarians spent the week pleading with Americans to be Americans, to be engaged, to be focused, to be disciplined, and to work as closely as possible with us, Ali Ehsassi, chair of the Canadian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters on Thursday.
The message from other lawmakers in the group from the U.K., France, Spain, Lithuania and the Czech Republic were the same. Theyre fed up watching the Biden administration struggle with Congress to support Kyiv in beating back the Russian troops still occupying a large swath of Ukraine.
It's painful, but you have to spend 80 percent of your energy waking up Washington to be Washington, said Zygimantas Pavilionis, chair of the Lithuanian parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee.
The takeaway from meetings with Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Congress and think tanks across Washington was that the European allies see a creeping American indifference to the five-month delay in passing a $100 billion supplemental bill that includes $61 billion for weapons and military support for Ukraine.
The comments come a day after Biden hosted congressional leaders at the White House to speed up negotiations on the supplemental. While there is bipartisan support for funding Ukraine, Democrats and Republicans are at odds over border legislation. The meeting included presentations by national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines laying out the consequences of not funding Ukraine.
The U.S. sent its final tranche of munitions and equipment in December, using the last of its funding from a previous supplemental to assist Ukrainian forces. It now has to wait for a new pot of money before more weapons can be sent.
When it comes to the Democrats, our message has been use your muscle, stop hunkering down and letting the Republicans set your agenda on foreign policy on the Hill, said Alicia Kearns, chair of the U.K. Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Commons.
Biden is letting it be set by the opposition when they are not even in charge, she added.
A White House official said the administration has been working to get the supplemental moving, and we share their frustration with congressional inaction on Ukraine, adding it is a top priority to secure more security assistance for Ukraine, and supporting Ukraine has been an important priority for the president. The official asked for anonymity to discuss issues relating to NATO allies.
Id reassure our European allies that president Bidens commitment to Ukraine and to our European allies remains strong and unwavering, the official said.
The traveling party bristled at what they saw as the dismissiveness of some politicians in Washington over the three-month delay in getting the Ukraine package through Congress.
It is so slow, and we have to admit that we can lose a lot in the meantime if Ukraine has to curtail its operations due to lack of supplies, added Pavel Fischer, chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Committee in the Czech Parliament.
The concerns will likely spill over into the annual NATO summit in July in Washington, a meeting that will mark the alliances 75th anniversary and, many hope, will set Ukraine on a path to membership in the group.
Those same hopes were dashed at the summit in Lithuania last summer, when several members pushed for the start of Ukrainian accession. The bid fell short, however, and ended with an alliance statement at the conclusion of the gathering that called for eventual Ukrainian membership.
Lithuanias Pavilionis blamed the Biden administration, who did not support Ukraines bid at the time.
This year we will fail like we failed at the Vilnius summit if we do the same in Washington, he added. If NATO continues to kick the can down the road on bringing Ukraine into the fold it will only embolden Putin, he said, leading to more Russian aggression in the future. Who is next, Balkans, Taiwan, Korea, the Baltics it takes years to wake up Washington, so please guys wake up.
The White House, which has repeatedly pressed lawmakers to pass the package, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Given that the summit comes during what will likely be a tight, and contentious, presidential election year in the U.S. in which foreign policy seems increasingly intertwined with domestic policy, the U.K.s Kearns is concerned that the event wont get the White Houses full attention.
But Europe, and Ukraine, cannot afford Biden sitting there on his hands, bunkering down because he's fearful of what Republicans will or won't do or how they use it against him, she said. I think he's going to bunker down and try and pretend it's not happening on his land if I'm honest.
Editor's note: This article was updated after the Ukrainian embassy in Poland clarified that the extension concerned only third-country residents of Ukraine, not Ukrainian citizens granted protection under a special law.
The Polish government announced on Jan. 18 an extension of temporary protection for third-country residents of Ukraine who fled the war until March 2025.
Poland hosts around 1 million Ukrainians who fled from Russia's war, the highest number of all countries. The U.N. records approximately 6 million refugees residing abroad as a result of Russian aggression.
The EU initially activated the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian refugees in March 2022, shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The European bloc has extended the measure several times since then, most recently in October 2023.
The extension is provided to third-country citizens who had permanent residency in Ukraine at the start of the full-scale war and fled to Poland.
Foreigners who received a certificate of temporary protection do not have to apply for new ones as their validity is extended, the Polish government's statement read.
According to the Polish newspaper Gazeta Prawna, the Polish government is working on amendments to the special law to extend the stay for Ukrainian refugees as well.
The document is expected to be submitted to the parliament for approval in the coming weeks.
Poland has provided extensive support to Ukrainian refugees coming to its country, which included waiving residency requirements and providing free access to education, healthcare, and family benefits.
The aid for refugees was initially instituted under the previous conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government.
Last September, the PiS government spokesperson hinted that the support may not be extended to the same extent also for the following year. The statement came amid a Polish-Ukrainian row over grain imports. The conservative party has since then been voted out of power and replaced by a coalition of formerly opposition parties.
Read also: Its their turn now: Ukrainians call on government to demobilize exhausted soldiers fighting for nearly two years
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When it comes to Coloradans' feelings about wolves, there is little gray and lots of black and white.
Those polarizing feelings have been stoked since Colorado Parks and Wildlife released 10 wolves into Grand and Summit counties in late December. They were the first to be released under the state's wolf recovery plan, which calls for 30 to 50 wolves total to be released over the next three to five years.
Wolf advocates say wolves belong back on the landscape and will offer wildlife viewing opportunities and tourism revenues. They also point to how reintroduced wolves restored the ecology of Yellowstone National Park and say they will do the same in Colorado.
Ranchers claim wolves could put them out of business, and hunting outfitters say the apex predator will decimate the lucrative deer and elk hunting industry in the state. Others fear wolves are a threat not only to livestock but people and pets as well.
There is some truth to those ideas, but the polarization also inherently perpetuates half-truths.
One thing is for certain: Wolves are back in Colorado and maybe this time for good, after largely being extirpated from the state in the mid-1940s.
There are studies to support claims by both sides of the wolf aisle, but here are answers to common questions about wolves that separate fact from fiction based on the most accepted science.
Two entities that include those studies on their websites are Colorado Parks and Wildlife and CSU's Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence.
How are the recently released wolves doing in Colorado?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said as of the first month after the release, all the wolves are still alive and in Colorado and none had a reported livestock depredation.
Some have stayed in the general area of the release sites, and some have moved northwest into south Routt County. One of the first photos of the released wolves by the public was taken about 5 miles from the first release site.
Then why did the reintroduction cause such a stir among some?
The released wolves are the beginning of what the state wolf recovery plan hopes will lead to a sustainable population of a minimum 150 to 200 wolves. That plan, which many viewed as a success, started three years ago, so the release in late December didn't come as a surprise.
What angered mostly ranchers, outfitters and rural folks on the Western Slope was the way the release was handled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
State wildlife agency leadership said the release needed to be done in as much secrecy as possible for the safety of the wolves and the people doing the release. Those people numbered about 45 and included Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, wolf advocates and Gov. Jared Polis, who pushed for the reintroduction deadline to be moved up from 2023 to 2022 after the measure was passed. That idea was rebuffed by the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
The Colorado Wildlife Commission, which voted on the recovery play, was not informed of the release until after it happened, which upset some members.
That anger spilled over to some state and county government leaders and ranchers whose land was near the release sites and weren't told about the release.
What further exacerbated the situation was Colorado Parks and Wildlife capturing wolves from northeast Oregon packs with a recent history of depredation of livestock and the belief those wolves will kill or injure livestock in Colorado.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife leadership has apologized for not making it clear they would capture wolves with prior depredation history and have vowed to work on its communication with affected ranchers.
They also said they are working on a program that will allow the public to see areas where the wolves are present and inform livestock producers of the wolves' whereabouts to allow them to take precautions.
However, ranchers and hunting outfitters say a lack of transparency and communication from Colorado Parks and Wildlife has strained their relationship and that it will take time to regain trust in the agency.
Why is Colorado reintroducing wolves when they are already here?
Quick answer: Voters approved a ballot initiative in 2020 that mandated gray wolves be reintroduced west of the Continental Divide starting by the end of 2023. The measure was the first of its kind passed by a state in the U.S., and it passed with 51% of the vote.
An explanation: The vote was a sharp divide between urban and rural counties. Only 13 of 64 counties voted in favor of reintroduction, but the bulk of those favoring the measure were heavily populated Front Range counties that include Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver and Colorado Springs.
Only five western counties where wolves can be released voted in favor of the measure. Those counties include the municipalities of Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride and Durango.
Digging deeper: There have been infrequent sightings of wolves in Colorado for decades, but some groups wanted to speed up the process to restore wolves to a sustainable level through reintroduction, like what had been done in Yellowstone National Park and Idaho in the mid-1990s.
Points to consider:
Wolf populations in Yellowstone and Idaho reached initial recovery goals three years after reintroduction but it wasn't until 2002 that those goals were reached for three consecutive years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2020, a pack was found in Moffat County in the far northwest corner of Colorado. The Moffat County pack disappeared a year later.
In spring 2021, two wolves that naturally migrated into Colorado from Wyoming gave birth to six pups in Jackson County, the first born in Colorado in 80 years. Those were known as the North Park pack, which now numbers just two.
Many of those wolves from both packs were legally shot in Wyoming.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the state is home to the 10 recently released wolves and two from the North Park pack in Jackson County that have GPS radio collars. Ranchers claim there are more.
A look at how Colorado counties voted on Proposition 114, which passed 51% to 49% in favor of reintroducing wolves to the state.
Will wolves kill a lot of cattle and sheep in Colorado?
Quick answer: This is mostly a myth. Considering the overall number of cattle and sheep where wolves are/will be present in Colorado, there will be minimal impact. But impacts can and have been significant to certain ranches in certain areas in Colorado and elsewhere.
Digging deeper: In the West, the percentage loss of livestock to wolves is somewhere in the low single digits or lower when you factor in only cattle on farms and ranches where wolves exist and don't include cattle in feedlots, which have minimal risk.
Points to consider:
Studies in Montana show about 17% of wolfpacks kill livestock.
In northeast Oregon, where Colorado captured and relocated wolves for its reintroduction program, Oregon Department of Game and Fish records show 13 of 29 packs (45%) have confirmed depredations since July 1, 2023. Five of the 10 released wolves were from packs that had depredated livestock in Oregon in the last six months.
Studies have shown once wolves learn to kill livestock, they have a propensity to continue the behavior, which worries Colorado livestock growers.
Members of the North Park pack have been confirmed by the state wildlife agency to be responsible for killing or injuring 20 livestock, including 14 cattle, three sheep and three working cattle dogs over the last two years across six ranches in Jackson County. Seven of those livestock killed have been on a ranch leased by Don Gittleson north of Walden.
Studies after wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone and Idaho show the number of times wolves killed or injured livestock steadily increased for several years until the wolf population stabilized, then livestock depredations declined.
Will wolves wipe out Colorado's deer and elk herds?
Quick answer: This is mostly a myth. Like in the livestock industry, wolves are unlikely to have a major impact on overall deer, elk and moose populations or hunting opportunities in Colorado at a statewide level, but populations may be impacted in certain areas.
Digging deeper: There is much information spread that wolves have decimated deer and elk herds and hunting opportunities in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho since wolves were reintroduced into Idaho and Yellowstone in the mid-1990s. The concern is that will happen in Colorado.
Points to consider:
Elk are the primary prey base of wolves in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Despite an increase in wolves, the elk population and number of elk killed during hunting season have not declined since wolves were reintroduced in 1995 to 2018.
Colorado has an abundant prey base for wolves. The state's elk herd of around 280,000 is the largest population of any state, and the vast majority of its 430,000 mule deer are found in western Colorado where wolves are being reintroduced.
In pockets, wolves, along with other factors including severe winters and habitat degradation, have reduced the number of elk in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho and could do the same in Colorado.
According to the Colorado Wildlife Council, in 2018, hunting brought in $834 million into the state, the vast majority of which comes from deer, elk and moose hunting licenses and spending by those hunters.
Cisco, left, was found killed by wolves in Jackson County, Colorado on March 13, 2023. Blaze was fatally injured by wolves March 14, 2023, four miles away.
What threat do wolves pose to people and their pets?
Quick answer: Wolves pose virtually no risk to humans but some risk to dogs.
Digging deeper: Since 1900, there have been no reported fatal human attacks by wolves in the lower 48 states and one fatal attack in Alaska in 2010. Since 2002, there has been one nonfatal wolf attack of a human in the lower 48 states, which happened in Minnesota in 2013.
Points to consider:
Wolves are generally afraid of humans but see dogs fellow canids as competition to territory and prey and will kill them if they perceive a threat.
Colorado's North Park pack has confirmed kills of three working cattle dogs and at least one pet dog.
Other Colorado wildlife pose more of a threat albeit still remote than wolves. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, since 1990, there have been 88 attacks by black bears on humans, three of which were fatal, and 28 attacks by mountain lions on humans, three of which were fatal. Since 2006, there have been 21 attacks by moose on humans, with one fatal attack, and nearly all occurred with a dog or dogs present.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife veterinarian Pauline Nol and biologist Ellen Brandell examine a wolf after the agency captured five wolves in northeast Oregon on Dec. 17 to translocate to Colorado as part of the state's first wolves to be reintroduced into the state.
What has/will it cost Colorado to bring wolves to the state and to compensate ranchers for livestock losses?
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the state has spent $3.3 million over the past three years for planning and reintroducing wolves to Colorado. The agency allocated $2.1 million for reintroduction efforts in 2023-2024. The agency also paid $1 million for the environmental impact statement required under the National Environmental Policy Act to obtain the 10(j) rule, which allows lethal take of wolves in certain situations. This money comes from the state's general fund.
The ballot measure passed included compensation to livestock producers up to $15,000 per animal as stated by the recovery plan for loss to wolves. The state wildlife agency has paid ranchers nearly $40,000 over the last two years as compensation for the loss or injury to 14 cattle, three sheep and three working cattle dogs from the North Park pack. These funds do not come from hunting and fishing license fees but from separate funds, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife's species conservation trust fund and Colorado's nongame conservation and wildlife restoration cash fund.
Comparatively, in fiscal year 2022-23, Colorado Parks and Wildlife paid nearly $550,000 in compensation to livestock producers for 147 claims involving loss of livestock to black bears and mountain lions and elk eating crops and hay.
The state legislature has allocated the following money from the general fund to pay for livestock compensation due to wolf depredations: $175,000 for fiscal year 2023-24 and $350,000 and for each state fiscal year after that.
Starting Jan. 1, a "Born to be Wild" license plate was offered, with $50 of every specialty plate sold going to Colorado Parks and Wildlife's wildlife cash fund to pay for nonlethal control of wolves. For fiscal year 2023-24, a legislative bill authorizes up to $548,000 to be used by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to help livestock producers with nonlethal means to deter wolves.
A CSU study indicated those who voted for reintroduction would be willing to pay $31 million per year for 200 reintroduced wolves.
CSU created The Wolf Conflict Reduction fund to support the use of nonlethal tools for livestock producers through donations. Other nonprofit wolf advocacy organizations also have pledged financial help.
The area within the green circle is where Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommended the state's first reintroduced wolves be released, followed by the yellow circle.
Here are rapid fire answers to other common wolf questions
Can you legally kill wolves in Colorado? They are listed as endangered and can only be killed if they are a threat to human life, in the act of killing livestock or when they are deemed to have chronically killed or injured livestock. Hunting of wolves is not allowed, and illegally killing a wolf can include a fine of up to $100,000 and jail time.
How many wolves can Colorado support? The state's minimum recovery goal is a sustained population of 150 to 200, but most studies indicate it could sustain more.
How successful are wolves at killing wild animals? They're successful killing elk and deer about 15% to 20% of the time.
What kills most wolves? Humans do through hunting, poaching, livestock depredation removal and collisions with vehicles. After that, in areas where other wolves are present, wolves killing other wolves over territory ranks high.
Do wolves kill for fun? Ranchers and hunters say yes, biologists say no. Sometimes, wolves eat only a portion of what is killed. Biologists say wolves might "surplus kill," meaning they kill more prey than they can immediately eat and sometimes return to eat it later.
Do wolves only kill the sick, old and injured? Wolves are opportunistic hunters. Biologists say a better explanation is they kill the vulnerable, which mostly are the sick, old and injured, but could also be a healthy cow elk made vulnerable when trapped in deep snow. The reason wolves opt for the most vulnerable is it reduces the risk of injury or death to the wolves.
Do wolves reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease in and vehicle crashes with deer and elk? Some, because they eat those animals, just like mountain lions do, but it is largely believed they don't play a significant role in either in most areas.
Did the reintroduction of wolves restore the Yellowstone National Park ecosystem and cause the drastic decline in elk numbers in the Greater Yellowstone Area and in central Idaho, as some claim? Just like wolves don't by themselves decimate deer and elk herds, neither do they single-handily restore ecosystems. In each case, they have played a part. Also in each case, some would have you believe that part is much larger than it actually was. Nature isn't that simple. Other ecological factors also have played a role in those events.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Why Colorado's wolf reintroduction has caused such a big stir
Raquel Guerra, stepmother of Matthew Guerra, center, talks with Gloria Cordova, right, mother of Savanah Soto, and Laura Cordova, Sotos aunt, left, during a vigil held for Matthew Guerra on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 at Woodlawn Lake Party in San Antonio, Texas. Guerra, 22, and his pregnant partner Savanah Soto, 18, were found dead on a week ago, each with a gunshot to the head. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Gabriel and Raquel Guerra, father and stepmother of Matthew Guerra, answer journalists questions during a vigil held for Matthew on Monday, Jan. 1, at Woodlawn Lake. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News
Matthew Guerras stepmom has spoken out after she says a church cult she left made several YouTube videos about his death.
I find out that the (church) cult I was born and raised in, makes a video about my son, daughter-in-law and grandson saying I deserve what happened to us!! What kind of religion is that!!!! It makes me sick to my stomach, Guerra posted.
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Guerra said her former church made the videos because she publicly came out against it in a 2019 interview with the Law & Crime Network after a public figure in the church was arrested for sex crimes involving minors.
The leader of the Light of the World Church, Naason Joaquin Garcia, was indicted in October on two federal charges of production of child pornography and possession of child porn involving a 16-year-old girl. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting three minors in California and was sentenced to 17 years.
Guerra said she initially called the church out to let the world know about some of its followers, not all.
Batallon Cibernetico, a YouTube channel dedicated to the Light of the World Church, posted two videos in Spanish about the deaths of Matthew and Soto. The first video was posted on Dec. 29 before Christopher and Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos were arrested in connection with the couples deaths.
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The host, Gerardo Ortiz, claimed Guerra had been blamed for not noticing that Matthew was involved in drug or criminal activity. Ortiz said Matthews bad decisions are what led to the death of Soto and their unborn child.
Police believe their deaths are the result of a drug deal gone wrong.
A week after burying her stepson, Guerra faced more claims from the same YouTube channel.
The second video was posted Monday. In it, Ortiz said Matthew shouldnt be looked at as a hero or an angel but as a criminal because of his involvement in drug activity and his criminal history.
After Raquel Guerras post gained traction on social media, the YouTube channel released a statement Wednesday in the comment section of the video stating that they never said that she or the victims of the shooting deserved it.
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In the same statement, the channel went on to say that it is unfortunate that Guerra is trying to divert attention and hinder the criminal case that is being carried out in order to cover up the criminal acts of her stepson (Matthew).
Ortizs claims stem from court documents revealing that Matthew had pleaded guilty to a domestic violence charge from Christmas Day 2022. Records state he struck Soto with his hand and foot.
Matthew also had run-ins with the law shortly before his death as he was arrested on charges of reckless driving, unlawfully carrying a weapon and evading arrest with a vehicle. He was free on bail and awaiting indictment when he was killed. Guerra also posted several photos of him and Soto holding stacks of cash.
Gabriel Guerra, Matthews father, said his son didnt hang out with the best crowd but he and Soto were excited about their baby.
Matthews stepbrother, Eli Palos, said people see photos of his brother on social media and call him just another thug off the street. He wants people to know that Matthew was a victim, too, and that his criminal record is not indicative of his character.
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When Jake Monteer was 12, his father let him take his motorcycle for a spin near their home on Spruce Street in Bates City.
Jake climbed on, confident that he could keep it upright. And he was off. In some ways, he never looked back.
Growing up in the small town just east of Kansas City, Jakes passion for motorcycles only grew. As an adult, he learned how to fix bikes and rode from daylight to dark.
I think he just liked feeling free, his father, David Monteer, said.
Jake Monteer was 41 years old last March, when he and a friend hopped on his motorcycle with a pizza to share. They were driving in Independence when a Jeep, fleeing police in a high-speed chase, hit them.
They both died.
It feels like part of your heart is ripped out, David Monteer said during an interview with The Star.
As weeks and months passed, he and his wife Terri Monteer learned more about the circumstances of their sons death. They found out that police were chasing the Jeep because it was stolen and not for a more serious crime. That one of the officers in the chase had been involved in a previous pursuit that left four people dead. And that it was when police laid down stop sticks in front of the Jeep that it lost control and hit their sons motorcycle.
Since when is a stolen vehicle worth somebodys life? David Monteer said. Thats my question.
Its a question other families have asked after previous high-speed pursuits by Independence police that seem to repeat the same pattern again and again.
The spot where Jake Monteer and his passenger Jessica Fields were killed is just three miles from the scene where an Independence police pursuit of another stolen Jeep resulted in a crash that killed four people, including several innocent bystanders, in 2018.
And its about five miles from where another similar crash in 2014 killed a father of five and injured two others, none of whom were involved in the chase.
Across the Kansas City area, police chases routinely exceed 100 mph, with some chases reaching 130 mph, a review of police reports showed. Officers often pursue drivers for trivial violations and in dangerous conditions, including poor visibility. In various instances, officers have given chase with a civilian ride-along in a patrol vehicle, near a school bus or with juveniles in the suspects vehicle.
Less than three weeks ago, a man who had fled from police in Kansas City drove down Interstate 435 in the wrong direction and crashed into an innocent bystander. Both drivers died.
For years, the problem of dangerous high-speed police pursuits has been known to police leaders across the metro. In 2004, after a particularly bad crash in Johnson County, a conversation began about unifying pursuit policies to improve safety but it hasnt happened.
Today, many local agencies allow officers to chase at high speed for any infraction, no matter how minor, a policy at odds with guidance offered by national public safety experts. The results are what experts predict: more crashes and more innocent people hurt or killed.
More than 320 people have been injured in the past five years in the metro, according to data from the Kansas Department of Transportation, annual police department reports and a search of news stories from chases in Missouri, which does not track pursuits.
To understand the problem, The Star spent months collecting police pursuit policies and reports from more than 70 law enforcement agencies around the Kansas City area. When reporters identified chases that resulted in crashes that hurt or killed innocent bystanders, they interviewed survivors, family members, attorneys and in one case the fleeing driver responsible for the most devastating of the wrecks.
They also interviewed local police leaders, national law enforcement experts, academics who study chases and advocates for safer policing.
The nine-month Star investigation found that Independence police chase more than any other police force in the area, including the Kansas City Police Department. Among the findings:
In 2022, more than 1,200 police chases took place in the Kansas City metro, resulting in over 150 crashes and 51 injuries. Independence accounted for 33% of those injuries. The Independence Police Department initiated 330 chases in 2022. Kansas City, which is four times larger in population but has a more restrictive policy governing police chases, recorded 98. Over the past six years, eight people have died in chases involving Independence officers. Six were innocent bystanders, one was a passenger in a fleeing car and one was a fleeing driver. According to a report by the Police Executive Research Forum, 70% of police departments placed narrow restrictions on when a chase is warranted. In the Kansas City metro, the rate is about 56%. Where data was available, 17% of the chases violated department policy.
I think thats way out of proportion, attorney Jamie Walker, who is representing the Monteers, said of Independences numbers. It shows that the Police Department does not have appropriate guidelines with respect to car chases.
Independence police have long defended their policies, which permit high-speed chases for virtually any offense, no matter how minor, in defiance of best practices advocated by experts and policing organizations. In 2022, 72% of Independence pursuits began over traffic violations.
In an interview at Independence Police Department headquarters, Chief Adam Dustman agreed that a stolen car is not worth a life.
But he said the sole responsibility lies with the fleeing driver, not officers. He defended the departments chase policy and said he does not plan to make any changes to it.
I understand that some agencies dont share that same sentiment, but I will tell you that from my seat, where I sit, we have a good policy. Its backed up by the stats that are there, Dustman said.
Were going to continue to do that. Thats our job. Our job is to seek those that choose to victimize our community.
Of Independences seven-member City Council, which includes Mayor Rory Rowland, only Councilwoman Bridget McCandless agreed to an interview.
She said officials continually reassess the departments policies.
We are careful to keep looking at this, she said. Theres a public safety cost to saying that people who have encounters with the police and flee and the police dont pursue, I mean theres a public safety cost to that as well, and trying to balance those two things against each other, its a really challenging place to be.
McCandless launched a study session discussion about chases, which will involve a report from the Police Department and a discussion by the City Council tentatively scheduled for February, Councilman Jared Fears told The Star in an email.
In September, a 160-page report by the Police Executive Research Forum, a nonprofit think tank based in Washington, D.C., said police chases should only be allowed when a violent crime has been committed and there is an imminent threat to safety.
The notion that chasing someone with a stolen car makes sense it only makes sense if youre not concerned about the consequences of endangering that 17-year-old teenager youre chasing or that couple who have gotten a babysitter and now theyre out having a nice night and then someone rear ends them and they die, said Chuck Wexler, PERFs executive director. And this happens.
In recent years, such things have happened in Kansas City, Kansas; Bonner Springs; Prairie Village; Kansas City and Lone Jack.
In Independence, it has happened to a father on his way to see his newborn daughter and a mother of five heading home from the grocery store.
And it happened to Jake Monteer.
Jake Monteer and his dog Lucky are shown in this undated photo. Monteer was killed in March when a driver fleeing from police in Independence struck the motorcyle he and a friend were on. Both were killed.
A son, motorcyclist and mechanic
In his 41 years, Jake Monteer had gotten in trouble a few times, his parents acknowledge. He ran with a wild crowd and didnt always have a home or steady job. At times, he made decisions that frustrated his dad.
He was more prone to listening to his mother, who he sometimes called Terri mom a term his two older siblings couldnt get away with using as children. He didnt keep secrets from her, Terri Monteer said, even though some of them he should have.
He was a mamas boy, she said. He made my heart smile.
Jake Monteer was also a talented mechanic there wasnt much he couldnt fix, his father said. He was always helping someone out or showing a soft heart in some other way.
When winter approached, he gathered firewood to heat his parents home. A couple of years ago, he picked up a dog that had been dumped on the side of the highway, named it Lucky and zipped it into his jacket so they could ride together on his motorcycle.
In June 2022, David and Jake Monteer went to Lake of the Ozarks where a group had gathered for a memorial ride for a friend who had been killed in a motorcycle collision.
They spent the day barbecuing and riding in beautiful weather, David Monteer remembered.
It would be their last ride together.
David and Terri Monteer have lots of questions about events that led to the death of their son Jake who was killed in March after he was struck by a driver fleeing from police in Independence.
Pursuit for stolen car reaches 93 mph
As Officer Stauch neared the intersection, he observed what he thought was debris that had fallen out of the vehicle while it was losing control.
Once he got close, he noticed two bodies lying on the street, court documents said.
Parts of Jake Monteers bike had been flung several feet up the street after it had been struck by the Jeep. Their pizza was splattered on the ground.
John Cox Jr. lives near the scene and witnessed part of the chase. After the moment of impact, he crossed Winner Road and an officer handed him a flashlight. When Cox got to Jake Monteer, it was clear he was dead. Fields was face down in a fetal position. All he could see was blood.
Nothing I want to see again, Cox said, standing near the scene three months later.
Jake Monteer was declared dead at the scene. Fields, 42, was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Terri Monteer carries a cross memorializing her son, Jake, to a garden in her yard on Aug. 30 near Bates City. Jake was killed in March when a driver fleeing police struck the motorcycle he was riding.
The suspect continued through a driveway and a yard before entering westbound Interstate 70 in the wrong direction.
Officers, including Stauch, followed the Jeep in the correct lanes. Eventually, the driver turned onto Lees Summit Road and a sergeant pushed the Jeep into the side of a patrol vehicle near 42nd Street, causing several thousands of dollars in damage to the patrol vehicle and ending the pursuit.
It wasnt the first time Stauch, who joined the Independence Police Department in 2007, was involved in a high-speed pursuit that ended with innocent people getting killed.
Two chases, six dead
In 2018 about three miles from where the chase in March would end in two fatalities Stauch was involved in a pursuit where four people died. That chase also began over a stolen Jeep.
The driver in that Jeep crossed into Kansas City and struck a silver car that rolled over in a ditch at 23rd Street and Television Place.
Three bystanders died: AaRon Daniel, 29, and Shawn Johnson, 30, cousins who both lived in Kansas City, and Anthony A. Belton Jr., 24 of Kansas City, who were in the silver car. Amanda Perry, 27, a passenger in the Jeep, was also killed. Three others, including the fleeing driver, Victoria Brown, were injured.
According to a review of police chase reports going back to 2018, Stauch has been named in 14 additional pursuits.
Those chases began over stolen cars, license plate and traffic violations, and a motorcyclist under suspicion of being under the influence. None were violent felonies. One chase ended in a crash where two innocent people, both in their 60s, were struck by a fleeing driver and had to be transported to a local hospital, a police report said.
Wexler, with PERF, said if an officer has been engaged in numerous pursuits with terrible outcomes youd certainly want to ask a lot of questions as to what is happening in each of those situations and why.
David Monteer questioned Stauchs qualifications.
He might try to find another occupation, he said.
Stauch was promoted to sergeant three months after the chase that killed Jake Monteer and Fields.
He did not respond to a request for comment.
Four people, including three innocent bystanders, were killed in a 2018 crash after a police chase crossed from Independence to Kansas City. The chase and wreck followed a pattern nearly identical to a pursuit and fatal crash four years earlier.
Policies guide pursuits
According to the Independence Police Departments policy, detective Gena would have been expected to try to stop the driver from getting into the Jeep before the chase that killed Jake Monteer.
The departments policy on pursuits states that officers who see an unoccupied stolen vehicle will make all reasonable efforts to apprehend suspect(s) entering the vehicle prior to the vehicle becoming mobile.
Its unclear why he did not try to stop the driver when he got into the Jeep. He did not respond to a request for comment.
The departments 18-page policy goes on to state that officers are authorized to initiate a pursuit when it is reasonable to believe that a suspect is attempting to evade arrest or detention by fleeing in a vehicle. It gives officers wide discretion to begin and continue chasing, though it also says they should consider several factors including the time of day, amount of traffic and weather.
Those broad parameters are frowned upon by policing experts who say the risk outweighs the benefit in most situations.
Twenty-seven agencies in the metro have similarly lax guidelines, including Gladstone, Raytown and Olathe.
Others impose stricter rules.
Police in Grandview, Lees Summit and 19 other jurisdictions can chase if a violent felony has been attempted or committed. Sixteen additional agencies have some restrictions but allow for exceptions like suspected drunken drivers. Rangers with Jackson County Parks and Recreation and officers with Metropolitan Community College are banned from chasing.
You can get a suspect another day, but you cant get a life back, Wexler wrote in the introduction of PERFs report on chases.
The problem has been known in the Kansas City area for years. In 2015, the Hale Center for Journalism reported that 23 people had been killed in 706 pursuit-related crashes in the metro over a period of 10 years.
The bottom line is that if you think about how policing has evolved, just in the last five to 10 years, everything is about the sanctity of human life and proportionality, meaning whatever action you take, you want it to be proportionate to whatever the issue or threat is, and the number of people across the country who die or are injured as a result of police pursuits is significant, Wexler said.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who sits on the Board of Police Commissioners, said he was concerned that different policies guided dozens of law enforcement agencies, who sometimes chase into Kansas City.
I would ask all of their police chiefs and their city leadership, voluntarily, to reevaluate or to evaluate the why in connection with a chase, he said.
We have fairly loose rules and borders because we recognize that a threat to one community is often a threat to another. That being said, nobody wants a situation where you have innocents who are falling at risk of something, particularly when officers dont really know the communities that they may be engaging in a high speed chase through.
Many jurisdictions with stricter policies had fewer chases. For instance, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office chased two people in 2022.
The departments pursuits came under scrutiny after a deputy plowed through a red light in 2018 without its lights and sirens on and struck an uninvolved motorist, severely injuring him. Deputy Sean Stoff pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle in a careless manner. He is still employed at the agency.
Sheriff Darryl Forte tightened parts of the policy after that crash.
The sheriffs policy says, Deputies will not initiate a vehicle pursuit unless they determine that there is a reasonable belief that the suspect vehicle or occupant(s) present a clear and immediate danger to the safety of others. Another factor is whether a dangerous felony has been committed.
Sheriffs offices in Cass, Clay and Platte counties have less restrictive policies. They recorded 54, 108 and 93 chases, respectively.
Bonner Springs, a Kansas town of about 7,800 people, recorded 47 chases and nine crashes. It also allows chases for any reason.
The nearby sheriffs offices in Johnson County and Wyandotte County have more restrictive policies and recorded nine and four chases in 2022, respectively.
In addition to policy considerations, several experts said there were alternatives to chases. The simplest option is to stop chasing.
Jonathan Farris has advocated for awareness and policy changes as founder of Pursuit for Change, a national organization he launched after his son, Paul, was killed in 2007 in Massachusetts when a fleeing driver struck the taxi Paul was riding in.
Studies have shown that those people will slow down very quickly once they dont have a policeman in their rearview mirror, Farris said.
There are also tools such as StarChase, which deploys a dart with a GPS device.
That works, Farris said. And then theyre able to track where that person goes and gather the resources to get in there without putting anyone in danger.
StarChase was successful 88% of the time it was used by Independence police in 2022. But not every patrol vehicle is outfitted with the technology, and it was only used in 2% of the departments pursuits.
Not the officers fault
Dustman, who became police chief in Independence in August 2022, acknowledges that other police agencies have more restrictive policies.
Speaking from his office, he said chases are inherently dangerous, but strongly defended the agencys policy on chases and does not plan to make any changes to it even as three innocent bystanders died last year.
The department in 2022 initiated 13,850 traffic stops. Dustman said a small portion 330 or 2% resulted in a chase. Of those, 211 were abandoned on the officers accord or stopped by a supervisor. In the 119 chases that continued, 124 people were arrested.
That to me as the chief says that that is a darn good job by our folks that are weighing risk versus reward, risk of the public versus risk of apprehension of the suspect, seriousness of the offense, that the policy that is in place that we have is working, he said.
While Independence has by far the most chases in the metro, Dustman said each community sets its own expectations.
Adam Dustman, Independence police chief, poses for a portrait on Dec. 6, 2023.
Theres a lot of angst that we terminate more than what we should in the communitys mind when it comes to felony shoplifts, felony property damage, he said.
Dustman said he believes when there is a crash, the driver bears sole responsibility.
They (the officers) didnt choose the suspect to go there because of a stolen car and we dont know that at the time. It may be a stolen car. It may be a homicide suspect. It may be somebody that, you dont know, theyre running for reason.
We didnt force them into the situation that they were in, he continued. They chose to put themselves in that situation. And that is horrific. But thats not the officers fault.
Every chase is reviewed by at least three levels in the Police Department to judge whether training or policy adjustments need to be made. Data is collected in an annual report. Annual reports dating back to 2018 show that traffic offenses are consistently the predominant reason for a pursuit in Independence.
Dustman said he could look up the number of chases that were within policy, but he would not release personnel information. When asked if the rate could be disclosed with personnel records redacted, Officer Jack Taylor, a spokesman for the Police Department, said the information was closed under Missouri law.
Some police agencies on both sides of the state line provided data on the number of chases that were in compliance with their policies, including Harrisonville, Blue Springs, Grandview, Overland Park, Prairie Village and the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office.
Collectively, 17% fell outside the departments pursuit policies.
Justice for Jake
Burying Jake was the last thing they could do for him, the Monteers said.
Many people attended his funeral including his teenage daughter, friends, those close to the Monteers and Cox. Though the neighbor who had rushed to the scene hadnt known Jake, it was the least I could do, Cox said.
In late August, Jakes gravesite did not yet have a headstone. But it was covered with flowers, a blue bandanna hanging from one of the wire decorations and a sign that said Go easy RIP.
Friends and family have visited Jake Monteer's grave site, shown in this photo from Aug. 30, 2023, near Bates City. He was killed after being struck by a vehicle fleeing police in Independence in March.
Flowers have also been placed at the site of the crash along with a bright yellow sign that reads Watch for motorcycles.
David and Terri Monteer have now lost both of their boys. Their older son died of cancer about a year and a half before Jake was killed.
Weve been through hell, David Monteer said.
The suspect in the chase was identified as Melvin T. Brown, 27, who faces two counts of second-degree murder, resisting arrest, leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with a motor vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty. A trial is scheduled for March. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
David Monteer wants the driver to get 20 years. Terri Monteer says he needs rehabilitation. When a victims advocate reached out to them about a possible bond reduction, David Monteer said he was OK with that, but he would like to talk to Brown. Terri Monteer said she wanted to know if he has remorse. She also said she thinks Jake would forgive him.
The Monteers filed a lawsuit against the Independence Police Department in November. It questions why the detective allowed the driver to get into the vehicle prior to the chase and alleges officers placed the stop sticks in a dangerous location. The lawsuit also says that Independence failed to properly train and supervise Stauch, and that the department fosters a wild west culture with respect to vehicle pursuits.
Since April 2019, Independence has paid out at least $3.88 million for claims and settlements related to police chases.
David Monteer said he wants to see the department change its policy so chases are curtailed.
I want justice for Jake, Terri Monteer said. He should not die in vain.
How we reported this
After two innocent bystanders were killed in a police chase in March in Independence, Star reporters began looking into law enforcement pursuits in the Kansas City area. Over the next nine months, the reporters filed more than 140 public records requests with more than 60 local law enforcement agencies across the metro. They gathered police pursuit policies and documents recording chases, crashes and injuries over a period of five years.
Reporters also obtained investigative case files from serious and fatal wrecks, including dashboard camera recordings. They reviewed court documents from lawsuits and legal settlements. In all, the team examined more than 4,500 pages of documents, allowing them to identify patterns in police pursuits and practices in the metro.
They also spoke with more than 60 people, including innocent bystanders who were injured in police chases, families of victims killed in pursuits, police officials, attorneys and academics who have been studying the topic for decades. They interviewed a person in prison serving a sentence for killing four people in a crash during a police chase in 2018.
The project is published in a series of eight stories, with videos of interviews and crashes, as well as infographics showing the scope of police pursuits in the metro.
Credits
Katie Moore, Glenn E. Rice and Bill Lukitsch | Reporters
Emily Curiel and Nick Wagner | Visuals
Monty Davis | Video Editing
Neil Nakahodo | Illustrations & Design
David Newcomb | Development & Design
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) A day of playing outside with a toy water gun ended in police detaining a teenager.
It started with a 911 caller claiming a man was standing over a woman with an AR-style weapon.
Those two individuals would end up being a 13-year-old boy and his 9-year-old cousin.
They told me to get on my stomach
On Sunday morning, 13-year-old Jaaxton Davis and his 9-year-old cousin Aniyah Cheeks played outside their Round Rock apartment complex.
They played with toy water bead guns they got for Christmas.
The parents of the two kids said theyd played with those toy water bead guns out in that area several times before. (Photo: KXAN)
The parents of the two kids said theyd played with those toy water bead guns out in that area several times before. (Photo: KXAN)
The parents of the two kids said theyd played with those toy water bead guns out in that area several times before. (Photo: KXAN)
I was on the floor and he was shooting me constantly and I told him to stop, Cheeks said. Then I was screaming to my mom, Please help me.
As a parent called the kids inside, Round Rock police arrived.
They were surrounding us, Davis said. All of their guns were pointed towards me. They told me to get on my stomach and they put me in cuffs.
Cheeks mom, Jordana Riddell, said she saw the whole thing.
A neighbor got a photo of the moment Davis was told to get on the ground. (Photo: Ashley Reynolds)
A neighbor caught the moment Davis mom gave him a hug after handcuffs were taken off of him. (Photo: Ashley Reynolds)
Trying to explain to them that theyre toys. The ammo is beads, Riddell said. They keep the guns on us. Thats when theyre telling my nephew to walk forward. They get him on the ground and handcuffed him.
Ultimately, Riddell said this situation has left them all shaken up.
How do I make them understand that its nothing that they did wrong? Riddell asked.
We responded, I believe accordingly
Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said a 911 caller claimed a woman was on the ground pleading for help while a man stood over her with an AR-style weapon.
Theyre responding to a frantic 911 call with information that someone was being held against their will with an AR-15 rifle, Chief Banks said. We responded, I believe accordingly.
Banks said once arriving, they couldnt determine from a distance if the gun was real or fake.
It had a round cylinder drum that would hold multiple magazines, Banks said. During that scene, the officers did point their guns at the subject until he dropped the gun.
Banks said the officers followed their protocol by detaining Davis until they could verify it was a toy.
The male subject was removed from handcuffs immediately, the chief said. Our sergeant began to explain to the mother why we responded the way we responded.
Banks commended the kids for following police orders and helping officers de-escalate the situation.
I appreciate the fact that he listened to commands appreciate the fact that he understood, Banks said.
Banks said hed like to see the toy industry not make guns look so real because it puts law enforcement in these types of situations.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Pueblos City Hall in Colorado. Police in southern Colorado discovered a severed human hand in the pocket of a homicide suspect following his arrest | Adobe.com
Police in southern Colorado discovered a severed human hand in the pocket of a homicide suspect following his arrest in connection with the death of a woman found in a creek in Pueblo.
According to media reports, the womans body was found in Fountain Creek on Jan. 10. The Pueblo Chieftain reported the woman had been decapitated.
Police believe the hand belongs to the woman who was found dead in the creek, according to The Pueblo Chieftain.
The suspect was reportedly working for a private security firm owned by a former county sheriff.
Police searched the creek after a man who contacted them showed them a video of a decapitated body.
According to reports, the suspect, 26-year-old Solomon Martinez, was working security at an arts center in the city when he was arrested.
The owner of the security firm said the suspect had passed a background check and had worked for him for a brief time, according to Colorado Springs television station KRDOs report.
According to KRDO, Martinez told detectives that he had picked up the woman but said he dropped her off early in the morning of Jan. 8 and did not kill her.
The mans roommate told police that Martinez had asked him to dig a 10-foot hole, according to media reports.
According to The Pueblo Chieftain, Martinez denied to police any knowledge of a body and stated that he did not kill or dismember anyone.
When police asked Martinez why he had cuts on his wrists and hands, he initially said they were from Chihuahuas, but later said they were caused by small rocks while he was picking up after his dog, the affidavit alleges, according to The Pueblo Chieftain report.
According to jail records, Martinez is being held in the Pueblo County Jail facing a possible charge of first-degree murder with bond currently set at $1 million cash.
Acworth police have identified the person they say is responsible for stealing credit cards from people living in a retirement home.
Police say last month, one of the residents at Celebration Village Acworth noticed some suspicious activity on a bank statement.
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Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell learned that a woman dressed up in scrubs and a mask and stole credit and debit cards from seniors in the home. Surveillance photos from a nearby Walmart, where she used the cards, were shared with Channel 2 Action News.
Police told Newell that residents let Hartfield into the building because they assumed they were letting an employee inside.
Investigators have now identified that person as Markinious Katrell Hartfield, 42 of New Orleans, Louisiana. They say Hartfield is male but presents as a woman.
They say they believe that Hartfield is responsible for similar thefts in other states.
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Acworth police have obtained arrest warrants to charge Hartfield with burglary, financial transaction card forgery, identity theft fraud and exploit of a disabled or elderly person.
Hartfield is not in custody. Anyone who sees Hartfield should call 911.
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Acworth police say this is the second theft investigation at Celebration Village in the last six months. In the first case, police say a clinical manager was fired and arrested after being accused of stealing morphine from hospice patients at the facility.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) Police are investigating reports of an armed robbery at a tobacco store in Holland.
It happened slightly before 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the tobacco store located at 1111 Washington Ave., according to the Holland Department of Public Safety.
Staff members told police that two men both wearing ski masks entered the store, showed handguns and demanded cash. Clerks gave the men cash from the register, according to HDPS.
Police say the men then left the store, got into a blue car that was described as Toyota-style and drove south down Washington Avenue.
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Anyone with information is asked to contact the Holland Department of Public Safety at 616.355.1150 or Silent Observer at 877.887.4536.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Loved ones are searching for a missing teen who disappeared in the South Bay area Wednesday.
The critically missing girl was identified as Zahira Boydston, 16, by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Boydston was last seen near Sepulveda Boulevard and Century Boulevard in the Westchester neighborhood at around 1:45 p.m.
She is described as a Black female with black hair and brown eyes. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black pants and could be wearing eyeglasses.
According to loved ones, Boydston has a diminished mental capacity. Her family has not heard from her since and they are concerned for her well-being.
Zahira Boydston, 16, in a photo from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Anyone who may know of the girls whereabouts or has information on her disappearance is asked to call LAPDs Pacific Juvenile Detectives at 310-482-6366.
The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247. Anonymous tips can be provided to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski has criticised the idea of persuading Ukraine to hold peace talks with Russia by mentioning "Chamberlain knock-offs".
Source: Sikorski during the Ukrainian Breakfast in Davos on Thursday, reported by Ukrinform
Quote: "As for the negotiations [with Russia ed.], I want to share one of 'Sikorski's laws' on foreign policy: there is never a shortage of Chamberlain knock-offs who are ready to sacrifice other people and other people's freedom for their own peace of mind. And we should not do this."
Details: Sikorski was referring to Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1937-1940, a supporter of the policy of appeasement of dictator Adolf Hitler, one of the signatories of the Munich Agreement on the annexation of the province of Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia to Germany. His strategy, however, did not prevent World War II.
Sikorski added that when someone is raped, they are not told not to escalate the situation and negotiate with the rapist, but given help.
"This is what happens to Ukrainian people in the occupied territories: they are forcibly Russified, tortured, and their children are abducted. These are victims that concern Ukrainians, not us. Therefore, only Ukraine can make decisions [on negotiations with Russia]," he stressed.
Sikorski called on all those present to "do what they do in Poland" buy vehicles for the Ukrainian army.
"I appeal to everyone here: if you have an extra US$10,000 and you want to help by buying a pickup truck, it will be delivered directly to the front line to those who need it. I know a man who has delivered 200 vehicles this way, and I have participated in such trips three times. This is a very significant contribution that is appreciated on the front line," said Sikorski.
Background:
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crozetto had seen alleged signals from Russia and Ukraine that it was time for diplomacy to pave the way for peace.
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis recently said that eventually, a way would have to be found to engage Russia in peace talks, as it is impossible to achieve sustainable peace in Ukraine without Russia's participation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained why Kyiv could not hold peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Traffic can now move freely through all checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Polish border, though checkpoints on the Romanian border are still being blocked.
Source: Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guards Service of Ukraine on Ukraines national 24/7 newscast
Quote: "Unfortunately, [Ukrainian-Romanian border] continues to be blocked at the Porubne and Krasnoilsk checkpoints on our side. Trucks carrying cargo are coming to the Porubne checkpoint, but only empty vehicles are coming to the Krasnoilsk checkpoint."
Details: Demchenko said that very few vehicles can cross the border with Romania. The checkpoints have been blocked since Saturday. Romanian protesters are limiting the movement of trucks both in and out of Romania round the clock.
Meanwhile, the situation on the Polish-Ukrainian border has improved: border checkpoints are no longer being blocked.
Quote: "Fortunately, the issues on the Polish border have been resolved: all of the blocked routes are now open. The Shehyni checkpoint opened on 6 December, and three other checkpoints opened in recent days: Rava Ruska, Krakivets and Yahodyn.
Traffic is moving through the checkpoints quite quickly. For example, only 100-150 trucks were able to cross the border at the Yahodyn checkpoint, a major logistical route, in either direction when the border was being blocked. Yesterday 1,100 trucks were able to cross both ways. Traffic is also moving actively through the Rava Ruska and Krakivets checkpoints."
Details: Demchenko added that there are still queues on the Polish border, but they are much shorter. Around 1,100 trucks across four checkpoints are still queueing to enter Ukraine from Poland.
Checkpoints on Slovakian and Hungarian border are no longer being blocked.
Background:
Romanian hauliers and farmers are blocking cargo traffic at the Siret and Vicovu de Sus checkpoints on the Romanian border with Ukraine despite the agreement reached on 15 January by the Romanian Agriculture Ministry and the farmers which met several of the farmers' demands.
Cargo traffic across the Polish-Ukrainian border resumed on 16 January after the Polish protesters lifted the blockade in front of the checkpoints Krakivets and Rava-Ruska. Later trucks were able to resume moving through the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint, with Polish hauliers effectively calling off their protest.
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Emergency personnel survey the scene where possibly as many as 42 people have died in a trailer near Quintana Road at Cassin San Antonio on Monday, June 27, 2022. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer
A Mexican national pleaded guilty in a San Antonio federal court for his involvement in the smuggling of dozens of migrants in a sweltering tractor-trailer, killing 53 people.
Riley Covarrubias-Ponce, 31, pleaded guilty to four counts of transporting and conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants resulting in death and serious bodily injury.
Covarrubias-Ponce was a member of a human smuggling organization that attempted to smuggle at least 66 adults and children from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico into the U.S., according to the U.S. Attorneys Western District office in San Antonio.
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The migrants were packed into a hot tractor-trailer with a temperature as high as 150 degrees that was found abandoned in June 2022 on the Southwest Side. The deadly journey resulted in the deaths of 47 adults and six children. The event is considered the countrys worst human smuggling disaster.
Covarrubias-Ponce coordinated with other members of the organization regarding the migrants who were being smuggled to Laredo for further transport to San Antonio, the U.S. attorneys office said, and traveled from Houston to accompany the tractor-trailer as it took migrants north on Interstate 35 into San Antonio.
He could be sentenced to life in prison, according to the U.S. attorneys office.
Seven people were named in a federal indictment for the incident last year. In September, Christian Martinez, 29, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Covarrubias-Ponce. Several others have cases that are still pending, including Homero Zamorano Jr, 47, who is accused of driving the tractor-trailer.
AUSTIN (Nexstar) Texas voters will begin heading to the polls in just over a month for the primary elections. Early voting begins on Feb. 20 for the March 5 primary. New polling is giving early insight into how voters feel about the issues and the candidates.
The Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media poll asked 1,315 registered Texas voters about the upcoming presidential and senate primaries along with hypothetical November election scenarios.
The poll found a variety of concerns motivating Texans to vote this year. Immigration and Border Security was listed by 29% of voters as the top issue facing Texas. The economy finished second at 22%, followed by healthcare at 12% and education and abortion access both at 9%. Threats to democracy, crime and housing affordability were also named.
Among Democratic voters, a key primary race will determine who faces Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in November. In the Senate primary, 29% of Democratic voters polled plan to support Representative Colin Allred. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez trails with 7% support in the poll, just ahead of the 6% supporting Nueces County District Attorney Mark Gonzalez. A plurality of voters (37%) are undecided ahead of the March primary.
While Allred has a double-digit lead over the other Democrats in the field, the poll still shows him short of the 50% threshhold to avoid a runoff to decide the nomination.
In a hypothetical general election between Allred and Senator Ted Cruz, Cruz holds 42% of the vote over Allreds 40%, a statistical tie considering the polls credibility interval of +/- 2.6 percentage points. A race between Gutierrez and Cruz appears even closer, with Cruz receiving 41% and Gutierrez receiving 40% of support. In both cases, approximately 8% of voters choose someone else, and 11% are undecided.
The poll shows that Texas voters expect a November rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the presidential election. In the primary poll, President Biden won support from 72% of Texas Democrats, giving him a strong lead for the nomination. Marianne Williamson trails with 6%, followed by 5% for Dean Phillips.
Donald Trump leads the Republican primary with 69% of support from Texas voters. Hes trailed by former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley at 11% and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at 9%. Trump is also ahead in a hypothetical general election battle, claiming 49% of the vote over Bidens 41%.
Almost 90% of people in the Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media poll said they were likely to vote in the upcoming state primary elections. That would be astonishingly high. Just 18% of registered voters participated in the 2022 primary election. In 2020, the last presidential primary year, 25% of Texas voters turned out for the March primary.
As of now, Texas is home to 17.9 million registered voters, about 81% of the voting age population. Thats over a million more potential voters than January 2020.
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The Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media Texas poll was conducted January 13-15, 2024. The sample consisted of 1,315 registered voters, with a credibility interval, similar to a polls margin of error, of +/- 2.6 percentage points. The Democratic Senate Primary poll consisted of 460 Democratic Primary voters, with a credibility interval of +/- 4.5 percentage points.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
As we all get rolling into 2024 and back to the post-holiday day-to-day activities, Im working hard to gather and share as much new info about area restaurants and businesses as I can.
And theres already so much happening that its hard to keep up with the longer features I know many of you enjoy.
So while I plan to continue with the occasional feature pieces, good readers, I will also include tidbits of info to fill some of the gaps in the meantime.
Heres a taste of whats been happening in the metro-east business world.
* * *
You may have noticed that Big Daddys 618 at 313 E. Main St. in downtown Belleville is temporarily closed for its annual maintenance.
Signs in the bars front windows state the business will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 6., but the business will be open Saturday, Jan. 20 for the annual downtown Onesie Bar Crawl.
* * *
Folks on the west end of Belleville may have noticed some new signage in the door and windows at 1926 W. Main St.
The good people that brought us all Casa Maria Mexican Grill are expanding the business with Casa Maria Grab & Go and Catering.
Casa Maria owner Daniel Gonzalez said that the West Main Street site will serve as a prep area for the popular restaurants food truck.
The new place will be in the hands of Felipe Belli, who said hell let me know when the location is ready to open.
So I will have details for you soon, particularly about that grab and go part because, you know the street tacos.
* * *
Fairview Heights is about to get a lot more fun with the addition of Impact Gaming Center, located at 49 Ludwig Drive.
One of the business four partners, Mike Byrd, said that the gaming center is still under construction and being set up to welcome gamers.
The facility will sell board games, card games, role playing games (RPGs) and provide tables to play these and other games.
There will also be a LAN (local area network) center with gaming computers and other cool amenities.
Byrd said they hope to open around the beginning of February.
I asked for an in-person interview at the facility, so I should have more info (and photos!) closer to the opening.
* * *
If youre looking for some new places to get some grub, here are a few places to check out:
Tios Tacos & Tequila, 204 Scott Troy Road, Suite F, OFallon. 618-726-7151, tios618.com. Online ordering available.
Rosatis Pizza, 5147 Pagano Court, Pontoon Beach. 618-500-6111, myrosatis.com.
La Tapatia Tienda Mexicana (grocery store), 3685 Nameoki Road, Granite City. 618-500-1070 or Facebook.
Mio Osteria, 224 S. Kansas St., Edwardsville. 618-307-5442 or Facebook.
* * *
A venue featuring axe throwing, darts, billiards and beer is open in Jerseyville.
Previously known as Riverbend Axe Throwing, Axe & Ale is under the new ownership of Chris and Christina Herren.
Following a soft opening on Nov. 27, Axe & Ale held a grand opening on Jan. 5.
Multiple events are already scheduled over the next few months, including family nights, ladies nights and glow nights. There is also an axe throwing league.
Axe & Ale is located at 806 Tri Point Lane in Jerseyville. For more info, call 618-494-6279, visit axeandalejv.com or check out the business Facebook page.
Chris Gray helps her mother move items out of her garage at the Hueneme Bay community in Port Hueneme on Dec. 21. The garage was inundated with about 2 feet of water.
Port Hueneme and Oxnard officials are continuing efforts to help residents recover from last months storms, which damaged more than 400 residential properties in Ventura County.
In a Tuesday night meeting, the Port Hueneme City Council approved a letter to Californias Office of Emergency Services seeking help with state and federal disaster relief funds.
Theres a lot of people who need a lot of help, Port Hueneme City Manager James Vega said during the meeting.
Almost simultaneously, the Oxnard City Council ratified three orders by City Manager Alex Nguyen that assist residents with flood recovery.
In the early hours of Dec. 21., the county was hit with heavy rainfall. The two coastal cities felt the brunt of the storm.
In Port Hueneme, an estimated 3.17 inches of rain fell in a single hour that morning, officials said. Oxnard saw about 4.5 inches in a two-hour period.
In his letter to the state, Vega requested assistance getting funds through the California Disaster Assistance Act and from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Small Business Administration began helping residents apply for disaster loans on Saturday, but FEMA funding seems unlikely. Only 45 structures countywide suffered major damage, officials said. That's far below the minimum of 1,200 seriously damaged or destroyed buildings to trigger FEMA's individual assistance program.
The FEMA challenge feels like an uphill battle at this point, Vega said.
In Oxnard, the ratified orders will help residents throughout the city and also target some living at a damaged apartment complex.
One will help relocate residents in 18 units at the Marina Vista Apartments. The units were deemed uninhabitable on Jan. 3. Over 50 residents were displaced, a city report said. The cost of the temporary relocation isn't known, staff said.
Another order waived fees for damaged or lost trash cans.
The third order suspended street sweeping citations through Feb. 12 for vehicles that are inoperable because of storm damage.
The council also extended a 10% cap on price increases for some goods and services for an additional 30 days to prevent price gouging during the local emergency.
Oxnard's city manager declared a local emergency on Dec. 27, which was later ratified by the council on Jan. 2. Port Hueneme declared a local emergency on Dec. 21, with the council ratifying the declaration on Dec. 27.
Brian J. Varela covers Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo. He can be reached at brian.varela@vcstar.com or at 805-477-8014. You can also find him on Twitter @BrianVarela805.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Port Hueneme, Oxnard continue storm recovery efforts
A 32-year-old man from Port Townsend has been charged with producing images of child sexual abuse, according to the Department of Justice.
Matan Liyor Goodman is scheduled to be arraigned in Tacoma next week.
Everything started when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children heard reports that someone had uploaded suspected images of child sexual abuse to the Kik messenger app, according to case records.
Investigators then discovered the apps user was living in Western Washington and forwarded that information to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at the Seattle Police Department.
An agent with Homeland Security Investigations then connected that information with Goodman and learned that he was a registered sex offender.
Law enforcement then searched Goodmans home for any electronic devices that belonged to him. He was taken into federal custody In October of 2023.
The mandatory minimum for the offense of Production of Child Pornography is 15 years, said a DOJ spokesperson. Due to his prior convictions, Goodman potentially faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison if convicted.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Portland City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday to settle a $100,000 wrongful-death lawsuit filed by the family of a man shot and killed by a Portland Police Bureau officer in Southeast Portland on Dec. 8, 2019.
The man killed by Portland police was 51-year-old homeless citizen Koben Henriksen. Senior Deputy City Attorney Bill Manlove told the city council that the shooting occurred after PPB officers responded to seven 911 calls for a man who was wielding knives outside a Coffee Shop near 103rd Drive and Stark Street.
Mr. Henriksen began walking toward the officers. The officers told Mr. Henriksen to stop and to drop the knives, Manlove said. However, Mr. Henriksen did not drop either of the two knives that he was holding and he continued advancing toward the officers. When Mr. Henriksen was between 12 and 15 feet away from the officers, one of the police officers fired his weapon at Mr. Henriksen, killing him.
Roughly 30 police units are at a taped-off crime scene in Southeast Portland on the afternoon of December 8, 2019. (KOIN)
3 killed, toddler saved after live power line falls onto car in Northeast Portland
After reviewing the lawsuit, the Portland City Attorneys Office and Risk Management told the city council that it was in the citys best interest to resolve this suit. As of Wednesday, the city and Henriksens family have informally agreed upon a $100,000 settlement, which includes all attorney fees.
Wheeler made a comment unrelated to this incident following the councils unanimous approval of the settlement. During his comment, Wheeler advocated for a mental health system in the State of Oregon and better substance abuse treatment facilities.
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As long as we, as a state, and as a county, and as a city continue to rely on police to be the mental health safety net, were going to have issues, Wheeler said. The bottom line, and weve said this until we are blue in the face here at City Hall, is we need a mental health system in the state of Oregon.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) When you think of Shake Shack you probably dont think of kimchi. But a Portland-based business is now collaborating with the national chain for taste treats across the country.
The collaboration between Chois Kimchi and Shake Shack was the last project of co-founder Matt Choi before he died.
Matthew Choi was the co-founder of Portland-based Chois Kimchi. People remembered him after his death in 2020 (KOIN)
Peter Choi remembers how his late brother was shocked Shake Shack sought out their familys business in 2019.
Matt was just going through his emails one day and he saw something from Shake Shack and he thought, well, that cant be true, Peter said, laughing. And so he thought it could be a spam email.
But Matt asked his mother, Chong Choi, what she thought. She was wonderfully surprised, Peter said, and she said, Well, we gotta do it.'
Peter Choi of Portland-based Chois Kimchi, January 15, 2024 (KOIN)
They sent kimchi samples to Shake Shacks culinary team, going back and forth on the recipe before coming up with a custom blend of white Napa Kimchi for a slaw thats on the restaurants Korean-style fried chicken sandwich.
Chong never doubted her small business could handle the big task to make enough kimchi for Shake Shacks across the country.
But just as Chois Kimchi was in the middle of its biggest project ever, Matt Choi was killed in 2020. Continuing on in his memory and honoring his enthusiasm for food just made sense, the family said.
He was a big fan of Shake Shack even before, Peter said.
Matthew Choi (left) with his older brother, Peter. (Courtesy of the Choi Family)
Their first collaboration kicked off in 2021 and included a road trip to Seattle since there wasnt a Shake Shack in Oregon at that time.
I had to drive to Seattle to try the first time in, Peter said. I think the first 2 stores we went to, they were out.
But now there are 3 Shake Shacks in the Portland area. The Choi family is even more excited for this collaboration.
Chong said she has always known kimchi can elevate a lot of meals.
Portland-based Chois Kimchi collaborates with Shake Shack on a few menu items, 2024 (Courtesy photo: Shake Shack)
The chicken sandwich paired with Chois Kimchi is one of 4 special menu items you can find at Shake Shacks now through mid-May.
The 3 other limited-time items with a nod to Korean cuisine are a Korean BBQ burger, spicy Korean BBQ fries and spicy Korean BBQ cheese fries.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Nikki Cross, guardian of Uziyah Garcia, cries as she holds hands with her husband Brett Cross while listening to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland deliver remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News The Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary School shooting, which was released on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, is 500 pages long. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland delivers remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The DOJ stressed that the report is a critical incident review of the response to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, not a criminal investigation. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Brett Cross, guardian of Robb Elementary school victim Uziyah Garcia, listens to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland deliver remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, delivers remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting alongside Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, and COPS Director Col. Hugh T. Clements Jr. during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Sen. Roland Gutierrez, center, talks to Jerry, left, and Veronica Mata, whose daughter Tess Mata was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting, before a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center in Uvalde, Texas, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The meeting was held to detail the findings of the Department of Justices report on the May 24, 2022, shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Veronica Mata, whose daughter Tess Mata was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting, listens to remarks from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News April Elrod, whose daughter Makenna Elrod was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting, listens to remarks from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Dora Mendoza, left, and Berlinda Arreola, both grandmothers of Robb Elementary shooting victim Amerie Jo Garza, embrace as they leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, tour murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Felix Rubio, whose daughter Alexandria Lexi Rubio was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting, leaves a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Berlinda Arreola, step-grandmother of Robb Elementary shooting victim Amerie Jo Garza, talks to media after attending a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Police evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022. A teenage gunman killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers that day in the worst school shooting in Texas history. Pete Luna /Uvalde Leader-News Dora Mendoza, right, is hugged by a friend as she leaves a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Mendoza is the grandmother of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza who was killed in the shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Brett Cross, top right, guardian of Robb Elementary shooting victim Uziyah Garcia, and Berlinda Arreola, bottom right, step-grandmother of victim Amerie Jo Garza, talk to media after attending a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Oscar, left, and Jessica Orona, center, talks with news media as they leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, left, listens to Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, right, delivers remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, center, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Family members and others affected by the Robb Elementary shooting leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Thalia Garcia holds a quilt with pictures of all 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims during a silent protest outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Garcia lost two relatives in the massacre, 9-year-old Jacklyn Jackie Cazares and 10-year-old Annabell Rodriguez. Sam Owens/Staff photographer U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, speaks to reporters on June 8, 2022, before meeting with members of a team that will conduct a review of the law enforcement response to the Uvalde school shooting. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images A mourner pays respects to the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer A woman sobs on May 24, 2022, as she leaves the Uvalde Civic Center, where families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting learned what happened to their loved ones. William Luther Early morning light shines on a memorial for the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. Josie Norris/Staff photographer U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland delivers remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The DOJ stressed that the report is a critical incident review of the response to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, not a criminal investigation. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Brett Cross, guardian of Robb Elementary school victim Uziyah Garcia, speaks to the media after listening to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland delives remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The DOJ stressed that the report is a critical incident review of the response to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, not a criminal investigation. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland delivers remarks about the Department of Justices report on the Robb Elementary shooting during a press conference at Herby Ham Activity Center on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The DOJ stressed that the report is a critical incident review of the response to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting, not a criminal investigation. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
UVALDE A U.S. Department of Justice report on the Robb Elementary School shooting found that chaos pervaded the police response to the massacre, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion over whether the gunman was an active shooter.
With no one clearly taking the role of on-scene commander, worsening a cascade of poor decisions, a team of law enforcement officers didnt confront and kill the shooter until 77 minutes into his rampage, DOJ investigators said in their 575-page report, released Thursday.
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 in a news conference at Uvaldes Herby Ham Activity Center.
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Family members of victims cried and passed tissue boxes among themselves as Garland and other Justice Department officials discussed their findings. Many had hoped the report would call for criminal charges against some of the nearly 400 officers who responded to the school shooting but they were left disappointed.
Garland declined to say whether he believed the Uvalde County district attorney should prosecute officers involved in the sluggish law enforcement response. He said the DOJ could not file charges because his department has criminal jurisdiction only when a federal crime has occurred.
I hope that the failures end today, and that local officials do what wasnt done that day to do right by the victims and survivors of Robb Elementary terminations and criminal prosecutions, said Kimberly Mata-Rubio, whose 10-year-old daughter, Lexi, was one of 19 children and two teachers who were killed.
The Robb Elementary shooting is widely regarded as an egregious law enforcement failure. As hundreds of officers from local, state and federal agencies responded to the scene but failed to formulate a plan to confront the gunman quickly children called 911 from inside the classroom, pleading to be rescued.
Its hard to look at the truth that the law enforcement response on May 24 was an unimaginable failure, and that a lack of action by adults failed to protect children and their teachers, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said at the Thursday news conference.
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The federal report is the most comprehensive accounting yet of what went wrong on May 24, 2022, but it revealed few new details about the law enforcement response and did not provide new insights into the shooters motives.
One of the reports main conclusions was that law enforcement officers gravest error was designating the gunman as a barricaded subject instead of an active shooter.
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Law enforcement also erred by waiting for a sniper, SWAT team and heavier firearms, wasting many precious minutes, the report noted.
Time is not on the side of law enforcement every second counts, Garland said. And the priority of law enforcement must be to immediately enter the room and stop the shooter with whatever weapons and tools officers have with them.
Officers also spent 43 minutes evacuating surrounding classrooms, but the effort took too long and caused a significant delay in confronting the shooter, the report said.
The investigation after the shooter was killed at 12:50 p.m., including crime scene preservation, also was mishandled. Officers did not follow proper protocols and didnt document who was entering the crime scenes. (There were a total of six crime scenes at Robb Elementary.)
The chaos and confusion of the final law enforcement response, while the shooter remained a threat, also defined the aftermath of the shooting, Garland said.
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The report noted that the team of DOJ investigators interviewed individuals who were on the scene after the shooter was killed. The witnesses reported that numerous senior officials passed through the crime scenes in the hours and days after the massacre.
For example, the (Texas Department of Public Safety) regional director walked past the law enforcement officers bringing injured and deceased victims out of the classrooms and entered classrooms 111 and 112 with no intended purpose or action identifiable, the report said. Eventually a San Antonio special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team member stood in front of room 112 to preserve the crime scene.
The federal review also found that the chaotic police response prevented some survivors from receiving timely medical care. And conflicting and incorrect information released by local and state officials in the hours and days after the shooting worsened the suffering of victims families and eroded public trust.
The report said at least 380 law enforcement personnel from 24 agencies responded to the mass shooting. There were 587 children and many teachers and staff at Robb that day.
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The first police agencies to respond were officers from the Uvalde Police Department, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, Uvalde County Sheriffs Office and DPS. There was no recognized incident commander, though Pedro Pete Arredondo, then the head of the school police force, should have assumed a leadership role, the report states.
Officers sense of urgency eased as they began to consider the gunman a barricaded suspect instead of an active shooter, even as more officers arrived and children trapped inside the classrooms continued to make frantic calls to 911. Protocols for responding to a barricaded suspect call for a slower-moving, more methodical approach than to an active shooter.
Leadership from UPD, UCISD, UCSO and TX DPS demonstrated no urgency for establishing a command and control structure, which led to challenges related to information sharing, lack of situational statuses, and limited-to-no direction for personnel in the hallway or on the perimeter, the report said.
Eleven officers arrived within the first few minutes of the rampage, enough to confront the shooter. But only six tried to go to the classroom where the shooter was located, and they retreated once two officers were hit by shrapnel. Only one tried to approach the classroom again, according to the report.
At least five officers have lost their jobs over the Robb Elementary response, including Arredondo and two DPS officers.
Security footage from Robb Elementary School shows law enforcement personnel in a hallway near the classroom where a teenage gunman was holed up with his victims. Associated Press
The Uvalde school district dismissed its entire police force and hired new officers and a new chief. Superintendent Hal Harrell retired under public pressure in October 2022.
The DOJ report mirrors some of the findings in a Texas House investigative committee report, released nearly after two months after the school shooting. That investigation found that poor communication among police officers and the absence of a clear command structure led to a chaotic, ineffectual response.
School district officials said in a statement Thursday that they were mindful of our responsibility to take every necessary step to prevent such incidents from happening again.
We continue to remember the 21 lives taken and the many lives impacted on this tragic day, they said. We remain committed to ensuring our schools are safe places for learning and growth.
Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, then chief of the Uvalde school police, is seen on security video in a hallway at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. Just so you understand, theres some injuries in there, Arredondo is heard saying. He was later condemned for treating the shooting as a barricaded suspect situation, in which police had time to wait out the gunman, rather than as an active shooter scenario, which called for immediate action to confront and neutralize the shooter. Courtesy City of Uvalde
The federal review
Department investigators reviewed body camera footage, interview transcripts, training policies and many other documents and data sets. The department also spent 54 days in Uvalde and conducted more than 260 interviews, federal officials said.
Garland announced in June 2022 that he had opened a federal investigation at the request of then-Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin. The Justice Department went to work with 10 subject-matter experts on the critical incident review.
The department has conducted similar probes of other mass shootings most recently the June 12, 2016, massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in which 49 people were killed.
Justice Department officials, including Garland and Gupta, briefed families of those killed and injured at Robb Elementary in a closed-door, two-hour meeting in Uvalde on Wednesday night.
These families didnt need a 500-page government report to learn that law enforcement failed them in a historic way, Joshua Koskoff, a lawyer representing 17 of the families in civil litigation, said Thursday. They didnt need a report to tell them that law enforcement violated the most sacred responsibility, and that is to protect our children in a time of great need.
The federal review, conducted by the DOJs Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, is one of four separate investigations into the shooting.
Only one of those inquiries by the special Texas House committee had made its findings public before Thursday. The Justice Departments Uvalde investigation is separate from the Texas Rangers yearlong criminal probe into what led to the shooting and the police response.
In June, the Rangers turned over the results of their investigation to Christina Mitchell, who serves as district attorney for Uvalde and Real counties. Mitchell initially said she planned to convene a grand jury by the end of 2023 to consider the case.
Mitchell said this week that her office is still dissecting the Rangers report, which is quite voluminous. She did not say when she plans to present evidence to a grand jury.
Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, faulted Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, then chief of the Uvalde school police, for failing to take immediate action to confront and kill the Robb Elementary School gunman on May 24, 2022. It was the wrong decision, period," McCraw said. "There's no excuse for that. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
The Scottish prison warden brought a civil claim which has now been settled out of court - DANNY LAWSON/PA
A prison warden who hallucinated and became violent after accidentally inhaling drugs being taken by inmates has received compensation from the Scottish Prison Service (SPS).
The officer was taken to hospital and suffered long-term health problems following the incident at Shotts Prison in North Lanarkshire in 2019.
The warden brought a civil claim which has now been settled out of court.
The Shotts Prison warden launched the claim after being overcome by toxic fumes from the drugs. He became aggressive and badly disorientated, before then being taken to hospital.
There are ongoing concerns about the availability of drugs in Scottish jails and staff potentially being put at risk by inhaling second-hand smoke from substances such as Spice.
On Thursday, police confirmed they were investigating a separate incident in which a drone, thought to be carrying drugs, crashed near HMP Edinburgh on Wednesday.
The SPS settled the case just before it was set to go to court last year, with compensation now paid to the officer.
A constant challenge
Alan Calderwood, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors who handled the case, told the BBC that it had been complex.
The prison service said it could not comment on an individual case, but a spokesman added: The health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who live and work in our establishments is a key priority for SPS.
The presence of illicit substances in the wider community is a constant challenge and we continue to work hard to safeguard staff, and those in our care, from the harm they cause.
In 2021, SPS began photocopying mail, after it emerged that spraying letters with psychoactive substances had become a common method of smuggling drugs into jails. Prison bosses said the move had reduced drug overdoses behind bars.
However, illegal substances are still getting into Shotts and other prisons, with bringing substances in through drones becoming increasingly common.
Police said they are working with partners in SPS to establish the full circumstances of the drone incident in Edinburgh.
Sergeant Mark Coull said: It is believed the drone operator was in the Longstone Road area.
Residents may have CCTV or even a passing motorist could have dashcam footage that could assist us. We are keen to speak to anyone with information that could trace those responsible.
Drugs bring nothing but misery and harm. We depend on the support from our partners and members of the public, and will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove illegal substances from our communities.
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Maria Stewart, a resident at Wheatley Park Senior Living, sits in her living room with her dog, Chico, next to a space heater given to her by maintenance on Wednesday. Several residents had to use space heaters to stay warm after the heat went out in several units during the freezing temperatures the last few days. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News A space heater keeps the living room warm where Henry Barrera, a resident at Wheatley Park Senior Living, watches TV on the couch on Wednesday. He borrowed it space heater from another resident. Several residents had to use space heaters to stay warm after the heat went out in several units during the freezing temperatures the last few days. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Henry Barrera, a resident at Wheatley Park Senior Living, shows how he has used the oven to keep warm in the past on Wednesday. One night several months ago he even slept on the floor next to the oven to try to stay warm. Several residents had to use space heaters and even their ovens to stay warm after the heat went out in several units during the freezing temperatures the last few days. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Henry Barrera, a resident at Wheatley Park Senior Living, shows off the space heater he uses inside his bedroom to stay warm after the heat went out in several units during the freezing temperatures the last few days. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News
As temperatures fell below freezing this week, 16 apartments at the Wheatley Park Senior Living Center were without heat.
Residents are calling for quick repairs as another cold front is set to hit San Antonio at the end of the week. Over the summer, 30 apartments lost air conditioning during the 100-plus-degree heatwave.
Henry Barrera, 67, said no warm air was coming out of his vents and his thermostat. He warmed himself and his dog, Crease the Bear, in the heat of a flour-bag-sized space heater.
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It was unlike a cold spell two months ago when he kept warm by sleeping near the heat from an open oven door.
I made do Sunday with some blankets, said Barrera, a third-floor resident.
Gordon Benjamin, 74, said the problems began Sunday when temperatures dipped to 20 degrees. Benjamin said the managements regional director of facilities shipped portable heaters to the building by Federal Express.
We made it through yesterday, he said. Not everyone experienced a lack of heat. It looks like well make it through the night.
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Benjamin said they anticipated future problems with the HVAC system in June and sent a petition to the apartments management, McCormack Baron Salazar. Since the system faltered in the summer, they were concerned it wouldnt work in the winter.
They were right.
Now, we see they were not prepared, Benjamin said. Residents have been able to get some kind of patchwork in place until they get other portable heaters.
Management did not respond to requests for comment by Wednesday afternoon.
Maria Stewart, 73, gave Barrera one of her extra heaters. Stewart, 73, a second-floor resident, called 311, the citys non-emergency phone number, for help. She kept herself and her Chihuahua, Chico, warm with space heaters she bought after Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
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It was terrible, Stewart said. The heat goes off and on.
Like Barrera, Rita Bethany, 69, used her electric oven this week to heat her apartment.
She contacted TC Calvert, founder of Neighborhoods First Alliance, where she volunteers as a rapid response member to report the issue. In response, Sara Lucy, on the alliances board of directors, arrived with blankets and portable heaters.
Calvert said many people living in the complex are building captains and looking out for crime with the Neighborhood First Alliance. He said the alliance is still buying more blankets and heaters for other residents across the city.
ALSO READ: Senior living residents call for help during air conditioning outage at San Antonio facility
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Anybody would help with any compassion for seniors, Calvert said. If youre in a position to help, thats what youre supposed to do.
The United Ways Project Warmth and the Salvation Army both delivered blankets that Bethany distributed to those without heat. Benjamin said four inspectors from the city stopped by Tuesday to check apartments without heating.
In June, Benjamin, Bethany and a dozen residents joined the Texas Organizing Project for help addressing safety and security concerns at the property.
The northern part of the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund site, photographed Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Channelview. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Truck traffic drives by on IH-10, past the northern part of the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund site Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Channelview. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Work continues to clean up the southern impoundment of the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund site Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Channelview. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Jackie Medcalf, executive director at Texas Health & Environment Alliance, center, speaks about the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site during a press conference with Rachel Jordan, assistant director, left, and James Fretty, a long-time resident of the area, on Thursday, April 14, 2022, near the Lynchburg Ferry in Baytown. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A line of buoys marks the boundary of the northern impoundments of the San Jacinto Waste Pits just north of Interstate 10 on the San Jacinto River, Tuesday, July 13, 2021, in Channelview. The southern impoundments of the superfund site are on the small peninsula south of the freeway. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
Two companies on the hook for toxic waste in Houston's San Jacinto River got an ultimatum from the Environmental Protection Agency this month: fix their "seriously deficient" plan for cleanup or face agency takeover of the process.
The move would be highly unusual for a site on the EPA's National Priorities List, a program designed in part to encourage companies responsible for legacy toxic waste to take charge of remediation. If the agency did step in, it still could pursue the two responsible parties for cleanup costs: International Paper and McGinnes Industrial Maintenance, a Waste Management subsidiary.
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Cleanup of toxic pits in San Jacinto River begins While hazardous waste in the pit south of the I-10 is over 72% excavated, cleanup of the northern pit is still in limbo with no plan or start date. Ken Ellis/Staff graphic
The EPA's "work takeover notice" was sent Jan. 5 to the project coordinator for the Superfund site's northern pit, a partially submerged mound of hazardous material under the Interstate 10 bridge in Channelview. The agency said the responsible parties had 20 days to turn in a satisfactory cleanup plan. If they do not, officials could step in by the end of the month, though they have not given a roadmap of next steps.
For years, locals used the peninsula-shaped site, formed by waste from a 1960s paper mill, to picnic, launch boats and ride ATVs, unaware of the toxins it contained. Those toxins build up in fish and humans, and they can cause cancers as well as hormone changes, liver damage, skin diseases, reproductive issues and immune suppression. The companies consented to remove them from the site in an agreement effective April 2018, which the agency cited in its latest letter.
"The community supports this step, they have been fed up with over 700 days of delays," said Jackie Medcalf, founder of the Texas Health and Environment Alliance, who grew up paddling and lounging at the toxic site. "It's time for the agency to take this site over and move into actually cleaning it up."
Men fish next to the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund site on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in Channelview. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
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A stalemate between the EPA and the companies over what level of cleanup is acceptable has dragged on for years. Since their official agreement with the agency took effect in 2018, McGinnes and International Paper have submitted documents and plans reevaluating the decision to remove the waste. Their revised plan calls for installing a permanent cap to lock the toxins into the river because they have said the waste "extends to much deeper depths" than estimated at first. The EPA has repeatedly rebuffed those efforts, saying the companies "have failed to document that the selected remedy is not implementable" and reminding them of the initial agreement.
In response to the EPA's latest notice, International Paper said "the two respondent companies ... have informed EPA that while they believe some aspects of the characterizations made in Region 6's recent notice to the companies are not accurate, they are committed to working cooperatively with the agency to achieve progress at the site."
EPA orders routinely contain work takeover provisions, a spokesperson said in an email, but they could not say how often they are used.
Work continues on the southern impoundment of the San Jacinto Waste Pits Superfund site Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, in Channelview. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, an engineer, said it should not have taken so many years for the parties to settle on a plan to remove the waste.
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"This site has been impacting the area since the 1960s and is a danger to the entire bay area region. Two-thirds of the original volume has already washed away making any further delay unacceptable," he said in a statement. Past research found that toxins washing into the water at the site have contributed to contaminating local fisheries.
Dedicated efforts bolster nation's health defenses
10:05, January 18, 2024 By Wang Xiaoyu ( China Daily
LU PING/CHINA DAILY
After the height of the COVID-19 pandemic passed more than a year ago, China took steady and solid steps to improve its public health system in preparation for future outbreaks and to safeguard the health of its people.
The legal framework regarding the response to public health emergencies has been reinforced, while lessons learned during the three-year battle against COVID-19 have been used to draw up new guidelines.
Over the past year, upgraded disease control measures, including regular pathogen surveillance and quickly increased capacity to handle an acute health event, have also been introduced. These measures have tackled sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19, cases of monkeypox that spread to more than 20 provinces, and a number of respiratory pathogens that caused an increase in hospital admissions this winter.
The mission of "building a powerful public health system" was proposed by the central leadership in June 2020, several months after the pandemic emerged. Efforts to achieve this goal have been accelerated in the past year and will continue in the years ahead.
Late last month, the State Council's General Office released a guideline aimed at promoting high-quality development of China's disease control system. Enhancing the role of science and technology in combating viruses, and nurturing more public health professionals, were among the key tasks.
Wang Hesheng, director of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, said during a recent news conference, "The new document puts forward a blueprint and vision for China's disease control sector and will play an essential role in establishing a powerful public health system and contribute to the grand goal of building a healthy China for all."
Restrictions eased
On Jan 8 last year, China downgraded its management of COVID-19 from the top-tier category A to category B, meaning that infected patients would no longer be quarantined or their close contacts traced. Inbound passengers would not face mandatory isolation.
In early May, the World Health Organization ended the designation of COVID-19 as a global health emergency, as the number of cases was falling and life in much of the world had returned to normal.
However, the relief brought by the eased restrictions was also intertwined with increased alertness and an urgent need to reflect on the pandemic.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "COVID-19 has left and continues to leave deep scars on our world. Those scars must serve as a permanent reminder of the potential for new viruses to emerge, with devastating consequences.
"We owe it to those we have lost to learn those lessons and to transform that suffering into meaningful and lasting change."
Liang Wannian, head of an expert panel on epidemic control at the National Health Commission, said the WHO's decision does not mean that the virus can be left to run rampant.
Continuous monitoring of variants, expanding vaccination among vulnerable groups, and improvements to the public health system and grassroots medical facilities remain essential ways to cope with the disease, he said.
While China swiftly noted the significance of committing to a stronger public health system during the pandemic, a series of concrete steps were taken in the legal field, along with institutional reforms.
In May 2021, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, a new central-level body, was inaugurated.
Shen Hongbing, deputy director of the new administration and director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said during an event in April that the year 2023 would be an important one for disease control system reforms that would spread from central to regional level.
"Provincial-level disease control administrations should also be set up in reference to the central model. At municipal and county level, disease control bureaus should be established within the local health commissions, and local disease control centers should be set up," he said.
By the end of June, nearly all provincial-level regions in China had announced the establishment of their own disease-control facilities.
For example, the disease control administration in Yunnan Province was unveiled in late May. Local authorities said the new institute would strengthen leadership and coordination across different tiers of disease control bodies throughout the province. They also noted that the administration would improve communication with many ports in Yunnan, which shares long borders with Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.
The legal foundation for disease control work has also been strengthened in the past year.
In late October, a draft revision of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Law was submitted to the nation's top legislature for review. The focus was on improving China's epidemic surveillance and early warning and reporting system, including prohibiting interventions and providing incentives for early reporting.
Li Wei, a senior legislator, said the draft added an entire section on monitoring and early precautions against contagious diseases, and also clarified legal responsibilities.
"Effective approaches and experiences such as scientific-based disease control and a whole-of-society approach toward coping with the epidemic have also been incorporated into the law, which is of great significance toward building a sound legal system on public health," he said.
Last month, Chinese lawmakers reviewed draft revisions to the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law aimed at bolstering emergency response measures against major outbreaks at ports across the country.
Shen, head of the China CDC, said, "The legal landscape surrounding disease control work in China, with the law on infectious disease and control, the law on vaccine management, as well as the regulation on emergency response to acute public health events that are in the pipeline, has become more sophisticated in recent years."
Reporting systems
The pandemic prompted disease control authorities and experts to decide on the key capabilities needed to tackle such an outbreak or other acute health emergency.
Building a regular surveillance and early warning system for pathogens, as well as implementing triaged treatment systems during outbreaks have been emphasized repeatedly, and the results of immediate efforts have already been used to cope with threats of infection.
Wang, head of the national disease control administration, said China has built the world's largest online reporting systems for contagious diseases, reducing the time it takes to report a new outbreak from five days to four hours.
A nationwide network of facilities capable of testing for contagious diseases and pathogens has also been established. Within 72 hours, more than 300 types of pathogens can be rapidly identified, and all provincial-level CDC centers and 90 percent of such centers at the municipal level can perform nucleic acid tests and isolate viruses, he added.
Zhang Guoxin, an official at the administration, said 84,000 medical institutions nationwide have been linked to the direct reporting system.
"We are carrying out regular surveillance of key infectious diseases such as plague, polio, malaria and influenza. For COVID-19 and other acute respiratory illnesses, we have established a 10-pronged surveillance system that integrates monitoring of hospital visits, variants and urban wastewater," he said.
Work on a pilot surveillance program dedicated to acute respiratory illnesses is also in progress, he added.
In June, the number of monkeypox cases in China began to rise due to stealth transmission of the viral disease among high-risk groups, and a rising number of imported cases.
Shi Guoqing, a researcher at the China CDC's emergency center, said that to enable swift detection of new cases, the nation has established a multichannel monitoring and early warning system for monkeypox, and carried out tests among inbound passengers suspected of contracting the virus.
"HIV clinics at hospitals and dermatology and sexually transmitted disease departments are also required to inquire about the epidemiological history of visitors with monkeypox-like symptoms," he said. "We have also strengthened education among key groups men who have sex with men and asked them to seek treatment promptly upon exhibiting suspicious symptoms."
Meanwhile, the number of medical facilities considered essential in tackling epidemics has increased.
Zhuang Ning, an official at the National Health Commission's Department of Healthcare Reform, said 98 percent of grassroots medical institutions and hospitals have set up their own fever clinics, while more intensive care unit beds and equipment have been provided at major hospitals.
Since October, China has witnessed a surge in patients at major hospitals, driven by the circulation of various pathogens, including COVID-19, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and influenza.
Mi Feng, spokesman for the commission, said lower-level hospitals, traditional Chinese medicine and primary health institutions have been mobilized to relieve pressure on large hospitals during the peak of respiratory illnesses.
"Fever clinics and fever rooms at grassroots level have handled 44 percent of visits at all fever departments across the nation, effectively meeting patients' demands," he said during a news conference last month.
"Given the complicated situation this winter, with multiple pathogens circulating simultaneously, we have attached greater significance to coordinating resources across different regions and hospitals, and added treatment areas and personnel to improve services."
Gao Xiang, president of the ECO-City Hospital of Tianjin Fifth Central Hospital, said that during the peak in patient visits, the hospital coordinated resources between emergency care, fever and respiratory clinics and used real-time data monitoring to allocate patients and maintain services in an orderly manner.
Zhuang, the health official, said the commission is also drafting diagnosis and treatment plans for contagious diseases such as plague, cholera and anthrax in an attempt to enhance the knowledge and skills of medical workers and promote standardized treatment of infectious disease patients nationwide.
New requirements
The guideline released last month has resulted in new requirements for disease control development in China, including enhancing the scientific prowess of relevant institutions and cultivating high-quality public health professionals.
It states that central- and provincial-level CDC centers should also develop functions as preventive medicine academies.
Zhang, the administration official, said: "Reflecting on the domestic battle against COVID-19, science and technological research have played a significant role in isolating and decoding the genome sequences of the virus, developing vaccines, testing kits and therapeutics. Big data and artificial intelligence tools have also been widely used in epidemiological investigations."
The new requirements are expected to concentrate resources and personnel to resolve problems in disease control and ease channels for converting research results into real-world applications, he said.
Wang, the administration head, said a task force dedicated to cultivating talent was recently set up within the administration, to improve the quality of public health colleges and introduce programs to support the nurturing of high-level talent.
The guideline also states that when assessing the performance of public health workers, less attention should be paid to the number of papers they have published, and more emphasis attached to the outcomes of their disease control work.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
David Ortiz Courtesy/Fairfax County Police Department
A Laredo band teacher from the United Independent School District was arrested last week in Fairfax County in Fairfax, Virginia through a child predator operation as local police said he drove over 1,500 miles with the intent of having sex with a teenage girl.
David Ortiz, 32, was charged on Friday, Jan. 12 with Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material, Use of Communication Device to Solicit a Minor, Attempted Indecent Liberties with a Minor. He also faces eight counts of Use of a Communication Device to Solicit a Minor (Second or Subsequent Offense).
Ortiz is a UISD employee as a music teacher with LBJ High School.
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The case dates back to December when Ortiz began communicating with someone he allegedly believed was a juvenile. He was really speaking with a detective in the Fairfax County Police Departments Child Exploitation Unit who he believed was 14 years old according to the units Second Lieutenant Chris Arenas. It was part of the operation ADC Express 2 to crack down on child predators.
For ADC Express 2, officers initiated sexually-related conversations with individuals through internet platforms. They encouraged the individuals to come to Fairfax for sexual encounters, and any individuals who showed up were met by Child Exploitation Unit detectives and Street Crimes detectives.
According to Fairfax police, Ortiz said he was going to begin making the trip to Virginia on Jan. 10. He was met by detectives two days later when he arrived and was taken into custody.
Fairfax police said they are in communication with authorities in Texas. Ortiz is currently being held on no bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
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Parents are urged to closely monitor their childrens online activities and use available security settings to prevent the use of inappropriate sites or platforms, the Fairfax County Police Department said. Children should be encouraged to report any person engaging in inappropriate conversations or trying to coerce them into providing sexually explicit images of themselves.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott arrives for a campaign stop on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022. Abbott heads into the current election cycle with a considerable war chest to push candidates who will support his agenda. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks during press conference at Calpine, 717 Texas Ave., Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer
Gov. Greg Abbott is heading into the 2024 primaries armed with a $38 million war chest that hes expected to deploy against Republican lawmakers who sank his push for school vouchers last fall.
That includes a recent $6 million windfall from Pennsylvania billionaire and voucher proponent Jeff Yass, the largest single donation in Texas history. Aside from Beto ORourke, no Democrat running for state office in Texas raised that much over the entire 2022 election.
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The accounting, which was made public this week in campaign finance reports, comes at the start of a bruising Republican primary season in which the governor is focused on installing more pro-voucher Republicans in Austin. So far, hes thrown his support behind challengers to seven House GOP members who voted to strip vouchers from a wide-ranging education funding bill in November. And hes endorsed four Republican hopefuls in districts where anti-voucher Republicans are retiring.
The governors campaign manager Kim Snyder said in a statement that Abbott will ensure that the conservative candidates who support his bold agenda to expand school choice, secure our southern border, and lower property taxes have what they need to keep Texas red.
Abbott had yet to spend any money on House primaries as of Dec. 31, the last date covered by the latest round of campaign finance disclosures.
Yass, a securities trader and major GOP donor, has poured millions into recent efforts in Pennsylvania to give parents state-funded vouchers to send their kids to private schools. Texas and Pennsylvania are among the nine states with no limits on campaign contributions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Some Democrats condemned the Yass donation, drawing similarities between it and the $3 million Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pulled in last summer from a group allied with Attorney General Ken Paxton as Patrick was preparing to preside over Paxtons impeachment trial. (Paxton was later acquitted, after which House Speaker Dade Phelan and others accused Patrick of bending the trial in Paxtons favor, a charge Patrick vehemently denied.)
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Yall get the memo? tweeted state Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston. In Texas: $3 Million: Cost to buy a Lt. Governor. $6 Million: Cost to buy a Governor.
Patrick, who supports school vouchers, also could play a major role in the upcoming primaries after raking in nearly another $3 million over the last six months of 2023 and ending the year with more than $24 million in his campaign coffers.
The Senate leader is known for hand-picking candidates in his own chamber, but he has rarely strayed onto the House battlefield. In December, he vowed not to campaign or spend money on House Speaker Dade Phelans race or any other House race, despite intense acrimony between the two GOP leaders.
Patrick has since said there are a few House races where Ill have something to say, and this week he announced his support for a candidate running against an incumbent Republican from Cleburne who is backed by Phelan and was among the House GOP members who opposed vouchers last fall.
Phelan, R-Beaumont, reported more than $5.3 million cash on hand to start the year and nearly $2.8 million in spending over the last six months. A large chunk of it went to a pool of at least 27 Republican House incumbents, including six of the seven anti-voucher members Abbott is targeting.
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But most of Phelans largess went to pro-voucher Republicans who are under attack over their vote to impeach Paxton last May. Many of those contests pit GOP incumbents backed by Abbott and Phelan against challengers endorsed by Paxton a sign of the tangled alliances at play in this years House GOP primary field.
Most of Paxtons endorsees raised far less money and had only a fraction of the cash on hand as the incumbents theyre hoping to unseat in March. (Among the exceptions was Paxtons impeachment attorney, Mitch Little, who had nearly as much cash in his campaign account as his opponent, state Rep. Kronda Thimesch of Lewisville.)
Paxton did not appear to have given any money to his endorsed candidates, and one of the leading anti-Phelan political groups, Defend Texas Liberty PAC, stayed out of House primaries almost entirely following a series of Texas Tribune reports highlighting the groups ties to white supremacists.
In his latest filing, Paxton reported spending more than $2.3 million of his campaign funds to pay for his impeachment legal defense. He had nearly $1.9 million in his campaign account as of Dec. 31.
Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri.
Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here.
You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com.
Attorney General Ken Paxton addresses the crowd during a rally in support of Republican District 21 candidate David Covey, who's looking to unseat Speaker of the House Dade Phelan in the upcoming election. Photo made Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 Kim Brent/Beaumont Enterprise Kim Brent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, center, sits between defense attorneys Tony Buzbee, left, and Mitch Little, right, before starting the ninth day of his impeachment trial in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Sam Owens/Sam Owens / Pool via San Antonio Whistleblower David Maxwell stands in the Senate Chamber gallery before the verdict is announced on day 10 of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment trial at the Texas Capitol on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, center, walks back to his seat after speaking privately with defense attorney Dan Cogdell before starting the ninth day of his impeachment trial in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Sam Owens/Sam Owens/Pool via San Antonio E
Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday announced that his agency will stop fighting a whistleblower lawsuit, effectively paving the way for a judge to award millions of dollars in damages to former aides who say he fired them in retaliation for reporting him to the FBI for alleged corruption.
In a court filing, Paxtons agency said it decided not to contest this lawsuit, but rather to consent. The abrupt reversal, after years of fighting the suit that helped spur Paxtons impeachment, comes as the attorney general is set to be deposed.
READ MORE: Ken Paxton loses appeal on order to testify in whistleblower suit that spurred impeachment
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It will be the first time Paxton has to answer to the allegations against him, which include taking bribes in exchange for legal services for a friend and campaign donor. Hes denied all wrongdoing.
While Paxton described the filing as essentially putting an end to the legal fight, lawyers for the whistleblowers say they are still reviewing their options, and at least one said he is certain his client intends to move forward with the suit.
The Travis County state district judge hearing the case, Jan Soifer, on Friday ordered Paxton to sit for deposition on Feb. 1, after she said his agency "failed to negotiate in good faith to schedule these depositions." Three of his top aides will be deposed in the days following, the order states.
Blake Brickman testifies Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, on the Senate floor in the Capitol in Austin during the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton. Brickman was one of the whistleblowers that reported suspected crimes by Paxton to the FBI. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News
Paxton described his move to stop contesting the whistleblower lawsuit as a way to prevent further unwarranted expense to taxpayers and limit disruption to his offices work. He also accused the whistleblowers of mounting a crusade against him.
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It has become increasingly clear their objective is not to resolve an employment lawsuit but to sabotage my leadership and this agency, ultimately aiming to undermine Texas as the nations leader against the federal governments unlawful policies, Paxton, a third-term Republican, said in a statement.
What happens next depends on how the whistleblowers respond to the filing, said Austin attorney Charlie Baird. Baird is a former Travis County and Court of Criminal Appeals judge.
The judge will wait to see if the whistleblowers file an objection to Paxtons offer to accept a judgment against his agency, he said. It could be that some of the whistleblowers will accept Paxtons offer, but others will not.
Don Tittle, a lawyer for whistleblower Mark Penley, said the group is owed damages and legal fees in the millions of dollars. Under the state whistleblower law, taxpayers are required to cover the cost, only after approval from the Legislature, which balked at paying a previous request.
Tittle described the move by Paxton is unprecedented and said he and the other lawyers are still reviewing the filing.
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Ive not really ever seen anyone pull a legal stunt like this, Tittle said. Hes completely waving the white flag and surrendering.
Tom Nesbitt, the lawyer for whistleblower Blake Brickman, said the group plans to discuss options later Thursday night but that he and Brickman intend to move forward with depositions.
This delay tactic by Ken Paxton will not stop our efforts to question him under oath, Nesbitt said.
Both lawyers said Paxtons filing indicates how badly he wants to avoid being deposed. They said Paxtons legal team had indicated it would be in touch Thursday afternoon about setting a date.
They were buying time to do what they did today, which was just another effort to play for delay," Nesbitt said.
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The four whistleblowers filed suit in late 2020, alleging they were fired after accusing Paxton of accepting bribes and abusing the power of his office to help a friend and campaign donor, embattled Austin real estate investor Nate Paul.
Paxton and the whistleblowers reached a tentative agreement last February, but the GOP-led Texas House took issue with funding the $3.3 million settlement and ultimately impeached Paxton based largely on the suits allegations.
The Senate, also controlled by Republicans, voted to acquit Paxton in September.
In the months since then, the whistleblowers and Paxton have been at odds over whether the settlement still stands and whether the attorney general has to submit to questioning under oath. Multiple courts, all the way up to the Texas Supreme Court, sided against him on both fronts.
Tittle said that since that settlement, lawyers have worked hundreds of hours, meaning the damages and legal fees whistleblowers will be requesting will likely exceed the previous settlement amount of $3.3 million.
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State Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, who chaired the committee that launched the impeachment inquiry, said Paxton's filing is proof that the impeachment articles "are not just claims but sad truths."
"Mr. Paxton, in a move that speaks volumes, has dropped all pretense of innocence," Murr said. "This admission is stark and undeniable confirmation of our grave concerns."
He added that Paxton has repeatedly avoided testifying, including in the impeachment trial. The attorney general was absent for most of the proceedings.
Texas received federal approval to extend Medicaid benefits for new mothers from two months to a full year postpartum. Christina Koci Hernandez /San Francisco Chronicle
Low-income Texas women will soon be able to keep their Medicaid benefits for 12 months after childbirth. The state on Wednesday received federal approval for the extension, which will take effect March 1.
Its a drastic bump from the two months of Medicaid coverage available under current rules, and thousands of Texans are expected to benefit.
Almost half of Texas births were financed by Medicaid in 2022, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Until now, the state had been among the minority that had not approved the extended postpartum coverage.
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Advocates say the full year of Medicaid benefits is critical to prevent maternal deaths and ensure new mothers can get needed follow-up care.
Both new and existing enrollees in the program will be able to take advantage of the extension, which is funded by state and federal dollars. Texans who lost their Medicaid coverage before March 1 but are still within 12 months of the end of their pregnancy will see their benefits automatically reinstated, according to state officials.
Twelve months of postpartum coverage will help mothers across this state gain access to high-quality healthcare," said Texas Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young in a written statement.
The federal approval comes after years of lawmakers in the GOP-led Legislature clashing over whether to fund the extension and how to address women who have had abortions.
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An attempt by Texas House members in 2021 failed when they could not find enough backing in the Senate. That year, the more conservative upper chamber agreed to a six-month extension, but the federal government never signed off.
Lawmakers involved in the effort said the feds took issue with an anti-abortion provision stipulating that Texans were only eligible if the woman delivers or experiences an involuntary miscarriage.
Last years successful compromise bill, approved with the help of a bipartisan group of lawmakers, includes similar language, but it is housed in a different part of the legislation that does not change state statute, making it a mostly symbolic gesture. Texas banned abortion after the fall of Roe vs. Wade with only one exception to save the life of the pregnant patient.
A convoy of trucks delivering aid to the people of Gaza and hostages held by Hamas rolled into the strip via the Rafah crossing with Egypt on Wednesday (January 17) under a deal mediated by France and Qatar.
The agreement was made after a night of deadly bombardments in Gaza's south as Hamas still holds about 132 hostages, including the bodies of at least 27 who were presumed to be dead.
In a statement to state news outlet QNA, the Qatari government announced the deal between Israel and Hamas on Tuesday (January 16) "where medicine along with other humanitarian aid is to be delivered to civilians in Gaza ... in exchange for delivering medication needed for Israeli captives in Gaza."
Read Also: EU Adds Hamas Leader to Terror List
How the New Aid Deal Works
Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari told QNA the medicine and aid would leave Doha on Wednesday for the Egyptian city of El-Arish before being transported into Gaza.
Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal.
The office of French President Emmanuel Macron added that, under the agreement, 45 hostages were expected to receive medication. The supplies would be dropped off at a hospital in Rafah and picked up by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to immediately distribute them to the hostages in the span of three months, The Guardian reported.
Ever since October 7, Qatar has been facilitating negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the highlight of which so far was the seven-day truce it brokered alongside the US and Egypt.
US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Tuesday he was "hopeful" that Qatar-brokered talks could lead to another such deal "soon".
Related Article: Qatar Confirms Israel-Hamas Deal To Send Medications To Hostages, Humanitarian Aid To Gaza
As the Chinese population continued to decline in 2023, the country's birth rate hit a new low. This pattern indicated that the world's second-largest economy was facing a more serious demographic crisis.
Wednesday, January 17, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China stated that the country's birth rate was 6.39 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the 6.77 recorded a year before. The birth rate had dropped to its lowest point since 1949 when Communist China was founded.
There were 9.02 million births, down from 9.56 million the previous year. The official tally for 2023 was 1.409 billion, a decline of 2.08 million over the previous year, according to the agency.
According to Larry Hu, chief China economist for Macquarie Group, "To be sure, last year's sharp decline should be partly due to the lockdowns and most likely new births will rebound in 2024, although the structural down-trend remains unchanged," as reported by CNN.
COVID-Related Deaths
Meanwhile, after Beijing relaxed its tight pandemic restrictions in 2023, the number of deaths increased and the number of births kept falling, causing the country's population to slide to a new record low.
According to Fortune, China reported 11.1 million fatalities, which is almost 690,000 more than the previous year's 10.41 million. A surge in COVID-related deaths in the months after the December 2022 suspension of the COVID-Zero policy by authorities, which caused an explosion of infections, is likely to blame for the rise.
Moreover, despite efforts by the government to relax birth restrictions that had been in place for decades, the number of babies being born is falling.
Also Read: China's 4th Quarter GDP Misses Market Estimates, But Hits Government's Target
Market Slowdown
The country's population is changing just as its economy is showing signs of a slowdown.
With an official goal of around 5% growth, NBS said China's economy actually expanded by 5.2% last year. Despite a marked improvement from 2022's 3% GDP growth, this expansion ranks among the nation's worst economic results in more than 30 years.
Following the report's publication on Wednesday, Chinese markets took a turn for the worse. Midway through the afternoon, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong fell 4.1%, aiming to close at its lowest level since October 2022. There was also a 2.2% decline in the CSI300, an index of 300 large-cap firms traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. The year 2023 was a disaster for both indexes, falling by almost 10% for each.
A number of economic issues, such as deflation and the flight of investors, have plagued China. Beijing might have to rethink its economy and overhaul industries like healthcare and housing as a result of the population decline.
Also Read: Declining US Birthrate Prompts Grim Warnings From Economists-Here's What They Say
On Wednesday, Pakistan recalled its ambassador from Iran after an airspace violation by the Iranians in pursuit of targets they say are militant bases.
The airspace violation occurred on Tuesday when Iranian missiles targeted two bases in Pakistan's territory that Iran believes belong to the militant group Jaish al Adl.
Pakistani officials say the attack resulted in the deaths of two children.
Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Foreign Minister, said Iran hit militants in drone and missile strikes and that no Pakistan citizen was targeted. Pakistan has not confirmed the location of the target nor the nature of the airspace violation.
Iran asserts that only terrorists were hit. Pakistan maintains that the violation was unprovoked and a breach of their sovereignty. The relationship between Islamabad and Tehran has been tenuous for years but this is the highest-profile cross-border incident between the two countries in recent memory.
The strikes in Pakistan came a day after missile and drone strikes in Syria targeting the Islamic State. Pakistan officials say that four missiles hit the Panjgur district, which is located near the border with Iran.
Officials in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan, which borders Iran, said that four missiles had hit the Panjgur district close to the Iranian border.
"Four missiles were fired in the village of Koh-i-Sabaz which is around 50 km inside Pakistan soil," a senior official of the Panjgur administration told Reuters."
A mosque and three houses were reportedly damaged in the attack," another official said, adding that two young girls were killed and three other people injured.
Jaish al-Adl, also known as the "Army of Justice," is a Sunni militant organization founded in 2012 that primarily functions in Pakistan across the border, and has claimed responsibility for bombings and abducted Iranian border police in the past.
Iran and Pakistan have long had a tense relationship, in large part because of the activities of Balochi separatists and other militant groups in the border area.
Although Iran's armed forces are the 14th most powerful in the world, according to The Guardian.
Also, they have mastered the manufacturing of cheap, deadly drone technology, Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim country on record. They have produced approximately 150 nuclear weapons to date.
On Wednesday the Jordanian army said its military field hospital in Khan Younis had been severely damaged due to Israeli shelling in the area and that it held Israel responsible for a "flagrant breach of international law," reported the BBC.
Residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza say they have faced one of the most intense nights of air strikes since the start of Israel's offensive.
"This is the loudest sound of armed clashes [between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters] that I've ever heard," Yasser Zaqzouq, who has been sheltering at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis with his family, told the BBC.
A woman in southern Gaza, who insisted on anonymity, said children could not sleep "because of the sounds of missiles".
"We are living in fear and terror," she told the BBC, adding that many of the children had begun to wet themselves out of fear.
Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, has said that the intense stage of Israel's military operations against Hamas would "soon" wind down in the South of Gaza, including Khan Younis. According to the BBC, Gallant said that the military had already switched to more targeted action in the north, where it began its ground offensive.
Israeli Tanks' Return Raises Concerns
However, in recent days, the return of Israeli tanks to parts of the north that ground forces had previously left has led some Gazans - who had been planning to return home - to reconsider the move. Military officials in Israel have persistently warned that the war on Gaza will continue for months.
Explosions and damage from shelling and air strikes have left only about a third of Gaza's hospitals operational and some only partially, said Reuters. People in and around another hospital, Nasser, fled as tanks approached the district overnight following an Israeli army statement that it had come under fire from the area. Hamas militants deny using health facilities for military operations, the news outlet continued.
Reuters further disclosed that Palestinian health officials reported seven people were killed by Israeli air strikes that damaged homes near the hospital. Many of the Nasser hospital staff have left for shelters further south, with just one doctor for more than 100 burn victims remaining, Sean Casey, World Health Organisation emergency medical teams coordinator in Gaza, said on Jan. 9.
The UK's Princess of Wales, Catherine, has been hospitalized after undergoing "routine" abdominal surgery and will remain at The London Clinic for up to two weeks.
According to a statement from Kensington Palace, the current residence of the heir to the British throne - Prince William - and his family, the 42-year-old royal by marriage was expected to return to public duties after Easter after she was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday (January 16), the Associated Press reported.
Read Also: Omid Scobie's 'Endgame' Book Puts King Charles on Spotlight
Kensington: Kate to Return to Public Duties After Easter
"The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the palace statement read. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."
Catherine also wished to apologize for postponing her upcoming engagements, including a potential conjugal visit to Rome in the spring, and "looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible," the palace added.
Her last appearance prior to her hospitalization was during the annual Christmas Day service at Sandringham, where she joined her husband and children, as well as her father-in-law, King Charles III.
Related Article: Prince William Spotted Selling Magazines to Raise Funds for Homeless
Dazzling array of events celebrating Chinese Spring Festival set to light up Eastern U.S.
Xinhua) 10:05, January 18, 2024
Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping delivers a speech during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
NEW YORK, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears.
Ping Huang, Chinese Consul General in New York, shared the exciting news during Tuesday's 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony.
"The year 2024 is special as China and the U.S. will celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations ... Let's join hands to make all the upcoming events successful and inject more positive energy to the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relationship," said Huang.
"To ensure the two major countries can get along, a right perception of each other is more important than anything else. That's why we need to enhance people-to-people exchanges to deepen our mutual understanding. After all, the foundation of China-U.S. relationship lies with the people," Huang said.
Huang gave special thanks to the New York Philharmonic, which has been working with Chinese artists since 2012 to celebrate the Chinese New Year. "This sets the pace of musical cooperation between China and the U.S. and contributed to the popularization of the Chinese New Year."
"Our 2024 celebration on Feb. 20 will bring us in a full dragon to Dragon lunar cycle, and we're so happy about this," said Gary Ginstling, President &CEO of New York Philharmonic, adding the orchestra's new year gala "exemplifies our belief that symphonic music transcends borders and unites people of all cultures."
Moreover, arts institutions, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the Bard College Conservatory of Music, will present a series of Chinese New Year concerts.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Lincoln Center will hold Family Day programs for a more hands-on experience of Chinese intangible cultural heritage.
Landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center and the American Dream Mall will hold lighting ceremonies. The Brooklyn Nets will hold a themed event. The China Institute will present a Lunar New Year family festival.
The Global Chinese New Year Photography Competition will be held for the 9th year.
China National Tourist Office in New York will join hands with the Pennsylvania Tourism Department and China Institute to launch an ice carnival and a Chinese culinary festival.
Chinese New Year 2024 will fall on Saturday, Feb. 10, kicking off the year of the Dragon. This festival is a public school holiday in New York State and a UN floating holiday.
Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping delivers a speech during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Gary Ginstling, President &CEO of New York Philharmonic, speaks during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Chinese Consul General in New York Huang Ping delivers a speech during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
The audience applaud for the performance given by artists from the New York Philharmonic during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Artists from the New York Philharmonic perform during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Artists from the New York Philharmonic perform during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Artists from the New York Philharmonic perform during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
Artists from the New York Philharmonic perform during the 2024 "Happy Chinese New Year" launch ceremony at the Chinese Consulate General in New York, on Jan. 16, 2024. A vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations is set to unfold across the Eastern United States in February as the Chinese Lunar New Year nears. (Xinhua/Li Rui)
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
After the United States and the United Kingdom carried out airstrikes in Yemen the previous week, Iran has not yet restocked Houthi rebels with weaponry by sea, according to Western authorities. This suggests a cautious sense of hope over the effectiveness of the military operation in cutting off the group's access to weapons.
It is still too early to determine the long-term effect of the attacks, but at least momentarily, they seemed to have shut off important supply routes from Iran to Yemen, as per the officials who talked to Bloomberg. Confidential information was discussed, so these individuals agreed to remain anonymous.
While trying to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East and stop the organization from attacking the Red Sea again, the US has taken the lead in trying to discourage such assaults.
Further Attacks That Cause Delayed Weaponry Supplies
In a significantly more restrained operation than the one on January 11, the US struck four Houthi missiles in Yemen on Tuesday, January 16, in a preventive attack. Two commercial ships in the Red Sea were hit by missiles within a 24-hour period, prompting these further attacks.
On Tuesday, a missile attacked the Greek-owned cargo ship Zografia as it sailed south of the canal. The previous day, a US-owned bulk freighter named the Gibraltar Eagle was also targeted. Apparently, the Houthis were still planning to launch further strikes after last week's combined US-UK operation.
In spite of this, officials from the US and Britain have said that no shipments have been attempted along the supply channels that they claim Iran has used for years to transfer weapons to the Houthis via Somalia and the Gulf of Oman, among other places.
Even if Iran may resume its attempts to equip the Houthis, one official saw it as a good indication. According to another insider, the Houthis' capacity to resupply weapons swiftly was a key target of the attacks. Nevertheless, the official also said that the rebels still obtain weaponry via other channels, including land.
Also Read: White House Designates Houthis as Terror Group
Major US Airstrikes Failed to Put an End to the Houthis
The first large-scale US airstrikes failed to totally stop the Houthi onslaught, as confirmed by National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby at the White House. Kirby highlighted that this had not been anticipated. "We have seen some additional lower-scale retaliatory strikes by the Houthis in the last few days, much smaller than what we had seen before and none of them effective," he said, as reported by CBS News.
At Tuesday's World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan addressed the US assaults and pointed out that they are not looking for regional conflict. However, he did state that they reserve the right to take further action in response to the Houthis' attempt to basically hijack international commerce.
Also Read: Yemen's Houthi Rebels Fire Missile at US Warship in First Attack Following Washington's Strikes
Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday (January 17) that British monarch King Charles III would be set for a hospital visit next week for an enlarged prostate.
The statement was released shortly after Kensington Palace announced that his daughter-in-law - Catherine, Princess of Wales - has been hospitalized for two weeks following a planned and successful abdominal surgery, the BBC reported.
Read Also: Prince William Spotted Selling Magazines to Raise Funds for Homeless
Buckingham: Charles to Undergo "Corrective Surgery"
The palace said that the 75-year-old king's condition was benign but he would need to undergo a "corrective procedure," meaning that his public engagements would be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
"In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate," the statement said.
According to the British National Health Service (NHS), benign prostate enlargement is common in men over 50 and is not usually a serious condition. However, the condition does not mean that the patient has an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
This is a developing story. Please follow HNGN for more updates.
Related Article: UK: Princess of Wales to be Hospitalized for 2 Weeks After Abdominal Surgery
One significant piece of imagery has emerged around the world in protests against Israel's war on Gaza: the mighty watermelon, a powerful symbol for Palestinians. The colors of sliced watermelon -- with red pulp, green-white rind, and black seeds are the same as those of the Palestinian flag.
Over the past three months, the fruit has been seen on poster signs, t-shirts, and countless social media posts in protest against Israel's war on Gaza.
However, the use of the watermelon as a Palestinian symbol is not a new phenomenon. It first emerged after the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel seized control of the West Bank and Gaza, and annexed East Jerusalem. At the time, the Israeli government made public displays of the Palestinian flag a criminal offense in Gaza and the West Bank. To outwit the ban, Palestinians began using the watermelon as a form of resistance and representation. When cut open, the fruit bears the national colors of the Palestinian flag.
According to TIME Magazine, the Israeli government didn't just crack down on the flag. Artist Sliman Mansour told The National in 2021 that Israeli officials in 1980 shut down an exhibition at 79 Gallery in Ramallah featuring his work and others, including Nabil Anani and Issam Badrl. "They told us that painting the Palestinian flag was forbidden, but also the colors were forbidden. So Issam said, 'What if I were to make a flower of red, green, black, and white?', to which the officer replied angrily, 'It will be confiscated. Even if you paint a watermelon, it will be confiscated,'" Mansour told the outlet.
Israel lifted the ban on the Palestinian flag in 1993, as part of the Oslo Accords, which warranted mutual recognition by Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization and were the first formal agreements to try to resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The flag was accepted as representing the Palestinian Authority, which would administer Gaza and the West Bank.
In a New York Times article published in 1993, Times journalist, John Kifner wrote, "In the Gaza Strip, where young men were once arrested for carrying sliced watermelons-thus displaying the red, black and green Palestinian colors-soldiers stand by, blase, as processions march by waving the once-banned flag."
In 2007, just after the Second Intifada, artist Khaled Hourani created The Story of the Watermelon for a book entitled Subjective Atlas of Palestine. In 2013, he isolated one print and named it The Colours of the Palestinian Flag, which has since been seen by people across the globe.
The use of the watermelon as a symbol resurged in 2021, following an Israeli court ruling that Palestinian families based in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem would be evicted from their homes to make way for settlers. Increasingly, young activists have adopted the watermelon as a way to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. The symbol has gained momentous popularity and is widely used around the globe to illustrate solidarity with the Palestinian people.
What Has Reaction To The Watermelon Been?
Per The Associated Press, a year ago, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir banned Palestinian flags in public places. This effort was met with fervent opposition. In response, Zazim, an activist group of Arab and Jewish Israelis, plastered taxis in Tel Aviv with large watermelon stickers that read: "This is not a Palestinian flag."
"Our message to the government is clear," the organization said in a written statement. "We'll always find a way to bypass any absurd ban and we won't stop struggling for freedom of expression and democracy - whether this involves the Pride flag or the Palestinian flag."
For some, embracing the colors of the flag is about striving for freedom and equality rather than necessarily statehood.
"I've never cared for flags or nationalism," says Mayssoun Sukarieh, an expert in Middle Eastern studies at King's College London told the AP. "But when it comes to Palestine, it's a flag of a colonized people who never saw independence. And because it has been banned, it becomes more of a symbol of resistance than it is of nationalism."
Watermelons are not the only symbol to catch on with activists. Other signs of global Palestinian solidarity include keys, spoons, olives, doves, poppies, and the keffiyeh scarf. In November, to connect with the peaceful message of Armistice Day, when many Brits traditionally wear red poppy pins, protesters this year passed out white poppy pins, to commemorate victims of all wars. On the holiday, scores of protesters wearing poppy pins marched across London calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
A police chief in North Carolina was relieved from his duty after he was accused of asking for nude photos from a captain's wife. Authorities said that Jon Clark was terminated in October 2023 because of his misconduct.
Officials said that asking for sexually explicit images from his captain's wife was just among the wrongdoings he was accused of. Nathan Bennett, the Mars Hill town manager, said that Clark was reported twice when he was still on duty.
Although the woman didn't respond to Clark's messages, Bennett said that what the ex-police chief did was reprehensible. Here are other details about Clark's case.
North Carolina: Police Chief Who Allegedly Asks for Nudes Terminated
In his letter addressing the case of Clark on October 16, 2023, Nathan Bennett said that it is unforgivable to pursue a romantic relationship with the wife of another one, especially if he's one of your fellow cops.
"Your conduct in attempting to pursue a romantic relationship with the wife of one of your subordinate officers is reprehensible," said the Mars Hill town manager via Fox News.
"To actively solicit that relationship is unforgivable and put your entire Department and the town of Mars Hill at risk," he added.
Bennett said that the captain provided him screenshots of Clark's messages to his wife. After that, Nathan solicited an independent investigation of the former police chief's misconduct.
When the Mars Hill town manager confronted the ex-police official, Clark admitted that he was sending messages to the captain's wife.
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Terminating North Carolina Police Chief
Nathan Bennett said that they had to terminate Jon Clark for his wrongdoings, as well as for his dishonesty with him, as reported by The Charlotte Observer.
"Your insubordination to me by immediately leaving my office and attempting to communicate with the members of your Department and with the victims of your misconduct is blatant," Bennett told Clark.
Aside from asking for nude photos from a married woman, the town manager also criticized the ex-police chief's way of handling firearms.
Nathan confirmed that he saw the guns in Clark's office that were not placed in a secured place, which is against all concepts of gun safety measures.
Bennett also condemned Clark for using the vehicle provided by Mars Hill town for his personal gains.
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New data from Mapping Police Violence shows that the United States established another troubling record last year for the number of individuals murdered by police, which has been steadily rising.
The number of individuals murdered by police increased from 1,250 in 2022 to 1,329 in 2023, as reported by Mapping Police Violence. With 10.9 murders per 1 million residents, New Mexico had the highest number of fatalities per capita, followed by West Virginia and Alaska.
Killed by Police
More than 1,300 people were killed by police in 2023. Notable instances include the following: the deadly assault on Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee; the gunshot wounding of an Atlanta-area environmentalist opposing the building of a fire and police training facility; and the "smothering" of a man in a Virginia hospital. Some of these incidents received widespread media attention.
The research, which relies heavily on news accounts and incorporates statistics from state and local government organizations, states that there were only 14 days without police killing last year and that, on average, law enforcement agents murdered someone every 6.6 hours.
According to statistics tracked by Campaign Zero's Mapping Police Violence initiative since 2013, the occurrence of such deaths has been on the increase. The number of persons murdered by gunshots and cops killed while on duty decreased last year, as per figures from the Gun Violence Archive. The number of police officers shot has risen.
Justin Nix, a criminal justice professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, said: "We've seen it stay similar or even creep up a little bit at times when crime was falling or at times when crime was increasing. We saw it persist throughout a global pandemic when people were staying home for several weeks, months."
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What Caused the Rise in Numbers?
In a report by USA Today, the research and statistics manager at Campaign Zero, Abdul Nasser Rad, estimates that about 90% of casualties were gunshot wounds. The video from the body-worn cameras may not be available to the public, but public records show that at least 42% of the events were recorded.
According to Rad, racial differences from prior years have also been holding strong. For instance, compared to white individuals, the likelihood of police killing Black persons was approximately three times higher. The victim's race was unknown in over 20% of the contacts, and Rad pointed out that race is one of the most difficult factors to follow.
Police shootings of unarmed citizens have been on the rise for some time, and Nix attributes this to the same thing that he thinks prompted the spike in officer shootings last year, which is guns.
Little improvements have been implemented over the last decade, such as more body cams and training on de-escalation and bias awareness. However, Nix said that these have not made an impact and that bigger changes are required.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger was stopped at Munich Airport and questioned "under tax law" for an unregistered expensive watch that he intends to sell, as per a report from German media.
According to BILD, the actor-turned-politician was seen with customs authorities after arriving in the United States from Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, January 17. He has been waiting for many hours.
Detained in Munich
Schwarzenegger, 76, who has dual citizenship in the US and Austria, is claimed to have been on his way to Kitzbuhel in order to participate in a charity auction for climate change that would take place the next day. Reportedly, the former governor of California, a staunch environmentalist, brought a costly watch from the Swiss luxury brand Audemars Piguet to auction off.
In an interview with BILD, Thomas Meister, a spokesperson for the Munich Main Customs Office, said the department has initiated criminal proceedings under tax law. Considering that the watch is an import, it ought to have been documented.
"If the goods remain in the EU [Europe], you have to declare them through customs. This applies to everyone, whether their name is Schwarzenegger or Muller, Meier, Huber," a customs representative informed a German news site SZ. According to them, the actor is still with customs authorities while they inspect his bags.
Shortly before 5:00 PM local time, the Hollywood actor was freed and permitted to continue his trip to Austria, as reported by The Sun.
According to the Daily Mail, Schwarzenegger was also en route to see the Hahnenkamm Race, a significant competition in the Alpine ski calendar. His charitable organization, The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, is situated in Vienna, Austria. It is an environmental organization that is holding a party during the coveted race week in order to raise money.
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Schwarzenegger and His Watch Collection
The A-lister is well-known for his passion for luxury timepieces. In 1999, he made history by releasing his very own limited-edition model in collaboration with Audemars Piguet.
The Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy collection was ever limited to a production run of just 1,500 pieces, and each one is priced at more than 30,000 (more or less $40,000).
A large number of timepieces, including those made by Rolex and other premium brands, are among the huge collections that the former bodybuilder has.
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Donald Trump was threatened with expulsion from his Manhattan civil trial Wednesday after he repeatedly ignored a warning to keep quiet while writer E. Jean Carroll testified that he shattered her reputation after she accused him of sexual abuse.
Judge Lewis A. Kaplan told the former president that his right to be present at the trial will be revoked if he remains disruptive. After an initial warning, Carroll's lawyer said Trump could still be heard making remarks to his lawyers, including "it is a witch hunt" and "it really is a con job."
"Mr. Trump, I hope I don't have to consider excluding you from the trial," Kaplan said in an exchange after the jury was excused for lunch, adding: "I understand you're probably eager for me to do that," revealed The Associated Press.
Trump shrugged as he hit back with, "I would love it."
The back and forth went on as Kaplan responded, "I know you would like it. You just can't control yourself in this circumstance, apparently,"
"You can't either," Trump retorted.
The Hill reported earlier in the day, that Trump had made comments insinuating that Carroll was lying about her assault and that she seemed to have "gotten her memory back," according to Carroll's lawyer Shawn Crowley.
What Is The Background?
The article went on to explain that Carroll claims Trump forced himself on her in a luxury department store dressing room after a chance meeting in 1996. After she told the story publicly in a 2019 memoir, he publicly undercut her honesty and motive for coming forward, she says.
Trump has denied wrongdoing, saying he never met her and that nothing happened between them.
A previous trial in the case occurred last May when a jury determined Trump did sexually abuse and defame Carroll but that the columnist had not proven her claim that the former president raped her. Trump did not attend that trial, which ended with Carroll being awarded $5 million in damages.
Trump has consistently used his legal battles to better his standing in the GOP presidential primary. During his months-long fraud trial in New York, the former president made frequent campaign speeches from the courthouse hallways. He butted heads with the judge in that case as well, decrying him as "Trump-hating" and politically biased against him.
Carroll is seeking some $10 million in compensatory damages and millions more in punitive damages.
SpaceX and Axiom Space have announced that the rocket bringing four people to the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to launch on January 18.
According to the launch provider, Wednesday's (January 17) launch attempt off of Cape Canaveral, Florida was scrubbed in order to allow launch teams to "complete pre-launch checkouts and data analysis on the vehicle," referring to the Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule named "Freedom."
Space.com reported that Freedom has since carried two astronaut crews to and from the ISS - NASA's Crew-4 in 2022 and Axiom's Ax-2 in May 2023.
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Overview of the Ax-3 Crew, Mission
Riding aboard the Freedom is a four-man crew provided by Axiom Space, a space company providing augmented manpower to the ISS to conduct experiments in orbit.
Axiom also intended to gradually build a space station of its own, first attaching itself to the ISS, and upon completion, undocking it to become an independent private station.
Thursday's launch would see retired NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria (commander), Italian astronaut Walter Villadei (pilot), Swedish astronaut Marcus Wandt (mission specialist), and Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravc (mission specialist).
The crew would spend around two weeks aboard the ISS conducting more than 30 science experiments, Axiom said.
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Following Taiwan's election, the defense ministry reported detecting Chinese air force planes and warships around the island.
In a recent article from Reuters, Taiwan's defense ministry stated that it has sighted 18 Chinese air force jets around Taiwan in addition to what has been described as "Joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on Wednesday. This was immediately following Taiwan's recent election of Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party(DPP) on Saturday. Ching himself has been on the receiving end of some of Beijing's comments that have referred to him as a dangerous separatist and bringer of war.
Taiwan's defense ministry has also stated that 11 of the 18 jets have crossed the Taiwan Strait Median line. However, China does not recognize the existence of said line. In response to these operations, the ministry has sent its forces to observe.
In a statement, the Ministry said "The security and prosperity of the Taiwan Strait region are closely related to global development and stability, and are obligations and responsibilities that all parties in the region must share. The Ministry went on to reveal that, "The military will continue to strengthen its self-defence capabilities in accordance with enemy threats and self-defence needs, and respond to regional threats ". The Chinese defense ministry has not made any comments regarding this statement at the time of writing.
What's Next?
Lai will be taking office on May 20th this year and has reached out to China on multiple occasions to no avail. While expressing a commitment to preserving peace and stability in the Strait, he has emphasized that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its people.
Before it attacked Ukrainian territory, the Russian military was seen doing military exercises along the border. However, it remains unclear whether China intends to take a similar route but it is clear that Taiwan is dedicated to maintaining its independence with this election being a significant representation of said independence. However, on Wednesday China's Taiwan affairs office went on record stating that Beijing would not renounce its efforts using force to bring Taiwan under its control and that said force was aimed at interference from foreigners and a small amount of separatists. Even going on record to "crush" the territory's independence as the election was being held.
In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Finnish presidential frontrunner Alexander Stubb said NATO should become "more European" and that his country would remain an important partner for the United States whether or not Donald Trump is re-elected.
Stubb, 55, leads opinion polls before Finland's Jan. 28 presidential election, which precedes presidential elections this year in neighboring Russia and the United States. The former prime minister hopes to succeed Sauli Niinisto, who is retiring at 75 after two six-year terms, having been nicknamed "the Putin whisperer" for his role in keeping lines open with Russia's leader before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Helsinki's relations with Moscow deteriorated after the invasion and sank further when Finland, in a historic break with tradition prompted by the invasion, joined NATO last April. Stubb signaled clearly that he would lean towards the West if elected president and said it was "very important that we in Europe take care of our own defence."
"So in that sense, I'm very much along the lines of the current Finnish president, Sauli Niinisto, who said that we need a more European NATO," he told Reuters.
"I think the Americans will not leave us alone (on our own), but it's always useful to be prepared in the situation whereby we have to take more responsibility for our own defence," continued Stubb.
According to Politico, nearly 1,000 migrants aided by Russia and not in possession of Finnish visas had presented themselves at the Finnish border in November 2022 - not an overwhelming figure, to be sure, but an unacceptable effort by Russia to cause commotion and uncertainty. In response, Finland quickly closed most of its border crossings, leaving only the northernmost one in the Arctic open. But Russia was undeterred and retaliated by bringing migrants there. So, the Finnish government closed this crossing too for roughly two weeks.
That seemed to do the trick; with the border closed, the migrant arrivals stopped. However, when Finland reopened a pair of crossings in December, asylum seekers resurfaced.
"We're a liberal democracy and we said, we'll open the crossings on December 14. So, the Russians just waited until we opened them," retired Major General Pekka Toveri, a former Finnish military intelligence chief and recently elected member of the Finnish parliament, told Politico.
"But the border agreement we have with Russia says a border closure must have 24 hours' notice. 24 hours is a long time. You can push a lot of people across the border," he said.
Stubb, a member of the centre-right National Coalition Party has topped most opinion polls in recent months against his main opponent, liberal Green Party member, Pekka Haavisto.
A second round run-off will be held on Feb. 11 if no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote.
Commentary: Chinese FM's visit to Africa highlights deep-rooted friendship
Xinhua) 10:13, January 18, 2024
DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- At the beginning of 2024, China and Africa are ready to enhance their long-standing friendship by honoring a fine diplomatic tradition for the 34th year.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is paying visits to Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire from Jan. 13 to 18.
Carrying on a 34-year-old tradition since 1991, the African continent has been the destination for the first overseas visits made by Chinese foreign ministers each and every year.
China, the world's largest developing country, and Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing countries, have supported each other over the years, creating a unique path of mutually beneficial cooperation.
The relationship between China and Africa has consistently reached new heights, entering a phase of developing a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
In August 2023, during the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, and expressed willingness to implement the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, so as to boost Africa's integration and modernization.
Over the years, China has assisted African countries in industrialization and development, ensuring they won't be left behind in the world's modernization process.
Landmark projects from the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, to the Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, from Ethiopia's Eastern Industrial Zone to the Hisense South Africa Industrial Park, as well as from the Tanzania-Zambia Railway to the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, the people of China and Africa are together modernizing their countries.
In recent years, African countries have embraced the digital economy as a new engine for development. In countries such as Nigeria and Kenya, mobile payment platforms built by Chinese-funded enterprises have provided tens of millions of users with safe and convenient digital payment services.
Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization, said China has always maintained close ties with Africa and is a competent partner for it to develop its digital economy and achieve its modernization goals.
Agricultural modernization is also an important foundation for African countries to achieve independent and sustainable development.
Over the past decade, China has built 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa and promoted more than 300 advanced and applicable technologies, which have led to an average increase in local crop yields of 30 to 60 percent and benefited more than 1 million small-scale farmers in African countries.
Under the impetus of the Belt and Road Initiative, more and more African agricultural products such as Ethiopian coffee, Beninese pineapples, and South African pears are entering the Chinese market through the "green channel" for export to China. Several facilitation measures have contributed to the rapid growth of China-Africa agricultural trade.
The promotion of economic and social development and the enhancement of comprehensive national strength and international competitiveness ultimately depend on talent.
A batch of Luban Workshops have been set up in Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, and Djibouti among others, which have contributed to the development of vocational education in Africa and have trained talents for economic and social development.
China has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the vast number of African countries in the process of promoting modernization. China-Africa cooperation has advanced with the times and deepened continuously, and both sides have achieved mutually beneficial development, playing a positive role in promoting the modernization process of their countries.
This year, the new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will again be held in China. China and Africa joining forces to promote the cause of modernization will surely create a better future for the peoples of both sides and become a model for promoting the building of a community with a shared future.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
It was reported by the Associated Press on Wednesday that during a meeting that lasted over two days NATO official and chair of NATO's Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, stated that allied territories must change the way they support Ukraine in its conflict with the neighboring country, Russia.
Bauer's opening statement is as follows "We need public and private actors to change their mindset for an era in which everything was plannable, foreseeable, controllable and focused on efficiency to an era in which anything can happen at any time. An era in which we need to expect the unexpected." Bauer's statement continued, "In order to be fully effective, also in the future, we need a warfighting transformation of NATO".
The Promises
On Monday U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps stated that the U.K. will be sending 20,000 troops so that they can take part in NATO's military exercises titled "Steadfast Defender". Many of the troops were deployed to Eastern Europe through the period of February and June. The nation has also stated that it will be sending advanced fighter jets, surveillance planes, and even warships as well as submarines.
The Norwegian government has also set aside 2 billion Kroner (which converts to $192 million) to boost defense industry capabilities to provide necessary ammunition as supplies continue to deplete. Norway's Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram also stated that their "increasing capacity in the defense industry is important, both for Ukraine, but also to safeguard our own security."
Bauer seemingly ended on a powerful note with the following statement "Today is the 693rd day of what Russia thought would be a three-day war. Ukraine will have our support for every day that is to come because the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world." Bauer further decalred, "This war has never been about any real security threat to Russia coming from either Ukraine or NATO," Bauer added. "This war is about Russia fearing something much more powerful than any physical weapon on earth - democracy. If people in Ukraine can have democratic rights, then people in Russia will soon crave them too."
It is unclear whether these promises of support will follow through as both the United States and other territories have seen a setback in their attempt to send aid over to Ukraine which has seen a strain on its defense capabilities as Russian airstrikes continue to strike the territory.
A resident near the Franklin Avenue Subway Station in Crown Heights, lost his life after being fatally shot while attempting to mediate an argument between two fellow passengers.
The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting the shooting around 8:15 p.m., discovering Henderson aboard a train inside the station with multiple gunshot wounds to his back and shoulder.
Latest New York Subway Shooting
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have yet to make any arrests in connection with the case. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, leaving investigators to determine whether the gunman targeted Henderson specifically or if the dispute between passengers escalated unexpectedly.
The tragedy comes as the latest blow to New York's subway system, already grappling with significant challenges in the early weeks of 2024. The city's crucial transportation artery has witnessed two train derailments this year, one resulting in injuries to 26 people and causing extensive service disruptions. Additionally, just last week, a teenager lost his life in a "subway surfing" incident, marking the second such death in two months.
Richard Davey, the president of New York City Transit, expressed condolences, stating, "Our hearts go out to the family of Richard Henderson." Davey emphasized that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.) is fully cooperating with the investigation to ensure that justice is served for the perpetrator.
Gun violence on subway trains is a rare occurrence, forming only a fraction of overall firearm-related crimes in the city. Previous instances, such as a shooting in a moving subway car in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in November, resulted in minor injuries for the victims.
Despite the decrease in overall shootings in the city, down to approximately 1,100 in 2023 from the previous year, these statistics offer little solace to families like the Hendersons, whose lives were forever changed in an instant, according to The New York Times.
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Remembering Richard Henderson
Richard Henderson, survived by his wife, three children, and two granddaughters, is remembered as "the life of the party," according to his wife, Jakeba Henderson. She recalled the couple's youthful connection, highlighting Henderson's infectious charisma and warm smile that drew her in.
"He got shot stepping into an altercation that he had nothing to do with," Jakeba Henderson lamented, describing her late husband as a hero who died defending the vulnerable.
New York, with its strong gun control laws and innovative measures to address firearm-related issues, has seen a decline in gun violence despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city recorded over 960 shootings in 2023, marking a 24% decrease from the previous year. However, several subway shootings have garnered national attention, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and measures to ensure passenger safety.
As the investigation into Richard Henderson's tragic death continues, the incident serves as a poignant reminder that even with progress in reducing overall gun violence, isolated events can shatter lives and reverberate through communities, emphasizing the ongoing importance of maintaining a safe and secure public transportation system in New York City, USA Today reported.
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Questions have arisen about the legitimacy of Bobi, the renowned canine who held the title for the oldest dog in the world. Bobi sadly passed away in October of last year, reportedly at the remarkable age of 31 years and 163 days.
The Rafeiro do Alentejo, residing in the village of Conqueiros, Portugal, has become a global sensation due to his extraordinary longevity. However, there are now doubts surrounding his prestigious title.
Guinness World Records Suspends Oldest-Dog Title Amid Doubts
The Guinness World Records, initially quick to acknowledge Bobi's record-breaking achievement, has decided to withdraw his title temporarily. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "While our review is ongoing, we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for 'oldest dog living' and 'oldest dog ever' - just until all of our findings are in place," as reported by The Times.
The skepticism surrounding Bobi's age revolves around discrepancies in his purported records. Critics have pointed out inconsistencies in photos allegedly depicting Bobi in his youth, showing him with white paws, contrasting with the brown paws observed in his later years, as reported by The Times.
An investigation by Wired magazine uncovered that Bobi was only registered in the Portuguese government's pet database in 2022, just a year before his death. The registration, done by Bobi's owner, indicated a birth year of 1992, but the database officials could not confirm or deny this statement.
Portugal made dog registration mandatory only in October 2020 for dogs born before 2008, potentially leaving a gap in Bobi's paperwork. The Guinness World Records, acknowledging the possibility of flawed fact-checking, is now reconsidering the title and seeking more evidence, according to Sky News.
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Guinness Examines New Dog's Age Verification
The spotlight now turns to Spike, a living Chihuahua from Ohio, who briefly held the title last January at the age of 23 years before being surpassed by Bobi. Spike's owner, Rita Kimball, provided Guinness with vet records and bills for verification.
However, Guinness is now reviewing its verification process and has asked for additional proof, including a second vet assessment, before reinstating Spike as the record-holder.
The controversy has wider implications, with Guinness World Records temporarily pausing the records for the oldest living dog and oldest dog ever while a comprehensive review of evidence takes place. Amber-Georgina Maskell, Guinness World Records' head of publishing and brand communication, acknowledged the need for a thorough evaluation, stating, "We are reviewing how we verify animal age records at the moment."
The uncertainty surrounding Bobi's record has created a ripple effect in the world of record-breaking dogs, leaving the throne of the world's oldest dog unoccupied. The situation has sparked debates about the reliability of record-keeping for animals, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on the credibility of Guinness World Records.
Dog owners who previously held the record express their disappointment and concern about the possible erosion of trust in the prestigious record-keeping institution. The doggy interregnum persists, leaving Spike and other potential claimants awaiting the resolution of this unprecedented dispute in the canine record-breaking world, Wired reported.
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The Supreme Court of the United States declined Apple's appeal on Tuesday, allowing a court order to take effect that could have significant implications for the tech giant's control over its lucrative iPhone app store.
The ruling stems from an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2020 by Epic Games, the creator of the immensely popular Fortnite video game, as per The Independent.
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Apple, Epic Games Antitrust Case
The lower court rulings that Apple's app store rules constituted unfair competition under California law were upheld by the justices, dealing a blow to Apple's long standing grip on its app ecosystem. While Epic Games lost its broader claim that Apple was violating federal antitrust law, the rejection of Apple's appeal signifies a major shift in the landscape.
The crux of the matter lies in Apple's exclusive control over in-app payments. The court's decision now permits app developers across the United States to include links to alternative payment options within iPhone apps, a move that could potentially divert billions of dollars away from Apple. This adjustment aims to make it more convenient for developers to sidestep Apple's commissions, which range from 15 percent to 30 percent.
These fees have been a substantial revenue stream for Apple's services division, contributing $85 billion in the last fiscal year ending in September. The court's decision has already had repercussions on Apple's stock, experiencing a 5 percent decline this year, enabling its long-time rival Microsoft to surpass it as the world's most valuable company with a valuation of $2.9 trillion.
Despite the setback for Apple, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining control over in-app transactions. In response to the court's decision, Apple outlined its plans to allow app developers to provide payment links to external websites. However, the tech giant intends to continue collecting commissions ranging from 12% to 27% to prevent what it terms as "free-riding" on its software system, according to The Boston Globe.
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Apple Implements Strict Approval
Moreover, Apple plans to implement a rigorous approval process for external links within iPhone and iPad apps, citing concerns about fraud, scams, and confusion. The company will also introduce a "scare screen" warning for consumers who choose alternate payment methods, emphasizing that Apple is not responsible for the privacy or security of purchases made on external websites.
Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, expressed disappointment in the Supreme Court's decision, labeling it a "sad outcome for developers." He did, however, acknowledge the potential benefits for consumers, anticipating "better prices on the web." Sweeney criticized Apple's proposed changes as "bad-faith compliance" and pledged to contest them in federal court.
As Apple navigates these legal challenges, investors are closely monitoring the situation, with additional concerns arising from new European regulations scheduled to take effect in March. These regulations could further compel Apple to allow alternate payment methods within iPhone apps, posing additional challenges to the company's longstanding practices.
While the court's decision may mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the app store landscape, the full impact on Apple's dominance and revenue model remains to be seen as the tech giant prepares to adapt to these unprecedented changes in the industry, Associated Press reported.
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On Wednesday evening, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Deportation bill survived the third reading in the House of Commons after Tory rebels backed down, further undermining Sunak's authority.
Downing Street praised the result as a "major step" in its plan to combat illegal migration.
Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Deportation Bill Passes Third Reading
In a crucial 11-hour meeting of more than 45 Tory rebels, the leaders decided that voting with Labour to oppose the bill during an election year may potentially bring down the government. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick and Home Secretary Suella Braverman voted against the bill, along with the other 11 Conservative hardliners, and passed by 320 votes to 276, a majority of 44.
On Wednesday evening, LBC's political editor, Natasha Clark, said that the government would sigh with relief after the vote went in the ministers' favor. Downing Street was relieved after several days of turmoil and infighting at Westminster, where dozens of Tories rebelled to support amendments to try to toughen up the legislation.
As a result, the bill will now go for debate in the House of Lords after passing the Commons. Sunak will have to fight even harder against peers already threatening to amend the Rwanda deportation plan in the House of Lords to ensure it complies with international law.
The legislation will face legal challenges from people threatened with deportation to Rwanda. Government attorneys have stated there is only a "50/50" chance that the first flight will take off before an autumn general election.
According to The Guardian, the Home Office has already selected the first 100 people who will be deported. The officials said the cases had been chosen as there were no apparent grounds for appeal.
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Tory MPs Voted Against Rwanda Bill
Tory rebels wrote their own Rwanda bill, which they said would block any migrant appeals against deportation without going against international law.
A total of 11 Tory MPs voted against the bill, including former Cabinet Minister Simon Clarke, veteran Tory Bill Cash, and New Conservatives leaders Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger. A further 18, from both wings of the party, abstained.
However, others were concerned that voting against the bill would immediately throw the government into chaos and leave the Tories facing electoral oblivion. The Tory MP Bob Seely said, "We kill the bill tonight, we can all go and look for new jobs, so that is what we are facing."
Conservative MP Tim Loughton advised Conservative MPs who intended to vote against the bill to "stop and consider before they pull the pin out of another grenade."
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A Maine court judge ordered the suspension of the decision to exclude former United States President Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot until the Supreme Court hands out a ruling on the issue.
The Wednesday development involves Justice Michael Murphy of Maine Superior Court who said that Secretary of State Shenna Bellows was forced under state law to quickly rule on the matter. She noted that the official made the decision without the benefit of the high court's input.
Maine Judge Suspends Trump's Ballot Disqualification
The situation comes as the country's highest court has agreed to review the matter, at Trump's request, particularly an earlier decision by a Colorado court to exclude him from the state's ballot. The Supreme Court is expected to start hearing arguments in the ballot disqualification case on Feb. 8.
Murphy said that Bellows confronted an uncertain legal landscape when she issued her ruling to exclude Trump from Maine's primary ballot. The judge added that the secretary of state should be afforded the opportunity to assess the effect and application of her ruling after the Supreme Court issues a ruling, as per the New York Times.
The judge added that the Supreme Court's acceptance of the Colorado case changes everything about the order in which the issues should be decided, and by which court. Maine is unusual in requiring that its secretary of state rule on ballot eligibility questions before the courts take them up.
There have been many Maine voters who objected to the former president's presidential campaign and had petitioned Bellows to keep his name off the primary ballot. In legal briefs and during a hearing last month, they argued that the Republican businessman was not eligible to hold public office due to engaging in insurrection by encouraging the siege on Capitol Hill.
In Bellows' Dec. 28, 2023, decision, she sided with voters who argued against Trump's presidential candidacy. The state official noted that Trump was ineligible to be president because he used "a false narrative of election fraud to inflame his supporters" after he lost the 2020 election against Joe Biden.
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Supreme Court Takes on Colorado Case
The controversy surrounding Trump's eligibility to hold public office revolves around Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which states that candidates are disallowed if they have engaged in insurrection, according to NPR.
While Maine's primary is scheduled for Mar. 5, Judge Murphy noted that "unless the Supreme Court before that date finds President Trump disqualified to hold the office of president," eligible Maine voters who support the former president in the primary will be allowed to do so and the winner will be determined by ranked-choice voting.
She said that under state law, she is authorized to send the matter back to Bellows and order the secretary of state to issue a new ruling after the Supreme Court completes its review of the Colorado case.
The Maine judge gave Bellows 30 days following the Supreme Court's ruling to issue the new decision that would modify, withdraw, or confirm her original determination about the Republican businessman's eligibility to hold public office, said CBS News.
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A shipment of medicines is headed to Gaza, where dozens of hostages are being held. This delivery marks the first agreement between Israel and Hamas since a week-long ceasefire in November.
An agreement has been reached, owing to the efforts of Qatar and France, to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to a senior Hamas official, there is a plan to provide a significant amount of medicine for the hostages, with an even larger quantity being sent in for Palestinian residents.
Trucks Loaded With Medicine Enter Gaza
Once the medicines make their way from Egypt to Gaza, they will be delivered to a hospital in the southern border town of Rafah. There, they will be divided into batches and subsequently distributed to the hostages with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli hostage negotiator, expressed the significance of the situation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the medications reach the hostages.
According to The Independent, the deal was announced earlier this week by Doha through a statement to the official Qatar News Agency. It stated that medicine and other humanitarian aid will be provided to civilians in Gaza, in return for the delivery of medication required for Israeli captives in Gaza. The deal was confirmed by the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister.
Despite the agreement, many families of the hostages are still dissatisfied with the Israeli government's efforts to secure the release of those who are still in Gaza. During the weekend, several demonstrations took place in Israel to commemorate the 100th day of the war. Attendees expressed their dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's management of the conflict.
Despite facing one of the deadliest military campaigns in recent history, Palestinian militants in Gaza continue to fiercely resist.
A staggering 85% of the population in the narrow coastal territory has been forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind a desolate landscape. According to the United Nations, a quarter of the population is currently facing the dire consequences of starvation.
Israel is determined to dismantle Hamas to prevent any future attacks similar to the one on Oct. 7 that sparked the war. A group of militants managed to breach Israel's border defenses and swiftly infiltrated multiple communities, resulting in a devastating loss of approximately 1,200 lives, with the majority being innocent civilians. Additionally, they successfully captured around 250 individuals.
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Israel-Hamas Conflict
Israel has made a commitment to secure the release of over 100 hostages who are currently being held in Gaza. In late November, Hamas released the majority of the women and children who were being held captive. This was done in exchange for Palestinians who were imprisoned in Israel.
Hamas has stated that the release of any additional hostages is contingent upon the establishment of a permanent cease-fire, a condition that Israel and its top ally, the United States, have rejected.Over the past few days, a coalition led by the United States has conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are supported by Iran.
Iran has reportedly targeted alleged Israeli spy facilities in northern Iraq, as well as anti-Iranian militants in Pakistan and Syria. The conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah has reached new levels of intensity along the border.
Militant allies in the region claim responsibility for targeting US and Israeli interests as a means to exert pressure and bring an end to the Gaza offensive. It seems that Iran has been indirectly encouraging the attacks, while also demonstrating its strength through the strikes in Syria and Pakistan.
Per AP News, the Houthis have made a firm commitment to persistently target international shipping in the Red Sea, claiming it as a measure to impose a blockade on Israel. This action is anticipated to have significant consequences on global trade.
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OpenAI, the creator of the ChatGPT chatbot, has discreetly removed its ban on the military use of its artificial intelligence tools.
The development comes as the AI company's policies continue to state that users should not "use our service to harm yourself or others," including the development or usage of weapons. OpenAI's policies page specified up until Wednesday that it does not allow the usage of its AI models for activity that would have a high risk of physical harm.
OpenAI's Military Ban
The discreet change also comes as the AI company is starting to work with the United States Department of Defense (DOD) on AI tools, including open-source cybersecurity tools. This particular news was announced by OpenAI's VP of global affairs, Anna Makanju, during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
While OpenAI has removed the specific reference to the military in its policies page, a company spokesperson said that the aim of the policy shift is to provide clarity and allow for military use cases that the company does agree with, as per CNBC.
The spokesperson added that while the company's policy does not allow its tools to be used to harm others, develop weapons, for communications surveillance, or cause injury to others, there are some national security use cases that align with OpenAI's mission.
The development comes after several years of controversy regarding tech companies developing technology for military use. This was highlighted by the public concerns of tech workers, particularly those who were working on artificial intelligence.
Workers at nearly every tech giant that is involved with military contracts have voiced concerns after thousands of Google employees protested Project Maven. This is a Pentagon project that would utilize Google AI to analyze drone surveillance footage.
OpenAI's cooperation with the DOD involves cybersecurity projects as well as exploring options to prevent veteran suicide. The changes to the AI company's policy appear to have been made on Jan. 10, 2024, as per ArsTechnica.
The development appears to align OpenAI more closely with the needs of various governmental departments. These include the possibility of preventing veterans from committing suicide due to a variety of factors.
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A Shift in Policy
During an interview, Makanju said that they have been working with the DOD on cybersecurity tools for open-source software that secures critical infrastructure. The latest efforts mark a significant change from the company's initial stance on military partnerships.
In an email, OpenAI spokesperson Niko Felix said that the company aims to create a set of universal principles that are both easy to remember and apply. This is particularly true as the firm's tools are now globally used by everyday users who are now also capable of building GPTs themselves.
He added that a principle such as "Don't harm others" is broad but also easily grasped and relevant in numerous contexts. Felix noted that they specifically cited weapons and injury in the company's policy to offer clear examples.
However, the spokesperson declined to say whether or not the vaguer "harm" ban encompassed all military use. In a separate email, Felix said that OpenAI has plans to create "cybersecurity tools" with Darpa, said The Intercept.
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On Wednesday afternoon, President Joe Biden called for the House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional leaders at the White House to discuss Ukraine funding and immigration policy at the US border.
Republicans in Congress threatened to force a partial shutdown of the government in an attempt to tighten security along the US-Mexico border.
Biden Meets With Congressional Leaders
Biden hosted the discussion to underscore Ukraine's security needs as it continues to fight Russia's nearly 2-year-old invasion, hoping to pass $110 billion in stalled aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other US allies.
At the beginning of his term, he attempted to reform the US immigration system with proposed legislation that Republicans opposed. Although many Democrats are against such measures, the White House is open to new restrictions on who can seek US asylum and expand deportation authority.
Biden has asked for an additional $61.4 billion in funding to help supply Ukraine with weapons and replenish US stocks. The funds requested for Ukraine are included in a "supplemental" request that provides $14.3 billion for Israel and $13.6 billion for border protection.
Johnson used the opportunity to press Biden for stricter border security measures in one of his few face-to-face meetings with the president. He said that GOP lawmakers demand "substantive policy change" and that the White House's executive actions on immigration had weakened the border.
He told reporters before the meeting that he would press Biden to clarify the nature of the war between Russia and Ukraine and accountability for US funds to support Kyiv.
"But before we even talk about Ukraine, I'm going to tell the president what I'm telling all of you, and we've told the American people: border, border, border. We have to take care of our own house. We have to secure our border before we talk about doing anything else," Johnson said.
A Johnson aide said the speaker agreed that securing the US border was a priority over confronting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Zelensky Pleads for Additional Ukraine Funding
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the US to provide additional aid to Kyiv. He visited leaders in Washington, DC, to get $61 billion in aid sidelined by a standoff over US border policy.
Biden appeared with Zelensky at the White House and said that Congress must compromise and prove Putin wrong. However, members of Congress told the BBC that nothing had changed after the discussions.
Zelensky made his third visit to the nation's capital since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Unlike his previous two trips, there was no ceremonial fanfare or red carpet arrival, reflecting the pessimism surrounding efforts to win support for new funds.
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Australia has pledged $21.5 million in humanitarian aid for the Middle East, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong embarking on crucial talks in the region.
Wong emphasized Australia's role in addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict between Hamas and Israel, as well as the plight of "conflict-affected populations" in occupied Palestinian territories, as per to Daily Mail.
Australia's Penny Wong Boosts Diplomacy, Aid in Middle East
During her visit, Wong met with Jordan's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, announcing the funding following their discussions. The aid is specifically targeted at addressing the growing refugee crisis and supporting those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Wong expressed deep empathy after meeting with Israeli families who had lost loved ones in the October 7 terror attacks, part of her week-long diplomatic mission to the Middle East. She conveyed her commitment to using Australia's influence to advocate for the immediate, unconditional, and safe return of the hostages.
In discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Wong raised concerns about the civilian death toll in Gaza. While affirming Israel's right to self-defense, she stressed the importance of the manner in which it is carried out, calling for steps toward a sustained ceasefire and a balanced approach.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz praised Wong for her "crystal clear condemnation" of Hamas' actions, highlighting Australia's stance on condemning terrorism while advocating for a just and lasting peace.
Wong's diplomatic journey began with a visit to Jordan, where she met with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, King Abdullah II, and the UN's senior humanitarian coordinator Sigrid Kaag. In Jordan, Wong emphasized that genuine progress towards peace and security for both Israel and the Palestinian people is essential for lasting peace.
The Australian Foreign Minister's visit coincided with British oil giant Shell's decision to halt shipments through the Red Sea due to ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial vessels. The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen's Red Sea coast, have targeted shipping in support of their claimed solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza conflict, according to NewDaily.
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US Strikes in Yemen Amidst ICJ Gaza Genocide Hearings
On a separate front, the US military conducted a strike in Yemen to counter anti-ship ballistic missiles controlled by the Houthi rebels, responding to their continued attacks on Red Sea shipping.
As international attention turns to the conflict, hearings have commenced at the International Court of Justice, where Israel faces accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Wong, acknowledging the dire humanitarian situation, reiterated Australia's commitment to a just and enduring peace, respecting the ICJ's independence.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that Australia is not a participant in the case against Israel, emphasizing the country's support for the ICJ without necessarily accepting the case's premise.
In addition to diplomatic efforts, Wong announced an extra $21.5 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The funding includes allocations to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the UN Relief and Works Agency, and refugee programs in Lebanon and Jordan.
While the aid package aims to address urgent humanitarian needs, it has not been without criticism. Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley criticized Wong for not visiting the southern Israeli towns directly impacted by the October 7 attacks, deeming it "unforgivable."
Wong, undeterred, concluded her visit to the region with plans to meet Palestinians affected by Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, reinforcing Australia's commitment to a comprehensive and balanced approach to the complex issues in the Middle East, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
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China imports dairy sheep breed from New Zealand
Xinhua) 10:18, January 18, 2024
SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,600 high-quality New Zealand dairy sheep arrived in Lanzhou City in northwest China by a charter freight plane on Wednesday morning.
After 45 days of quarantine near the Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport, the imported sheep will be transported to Tangshan City, Hebei Province, primarily for the production of fresh milk, milk powder, cheese and yogurt.
This is the first time for China to import the Southern Cross dairy sheep, a breed known for their high milk yields and the quality of their milk, according to New Zealand's Maui Food Group, the breed's developer.
After 13 years of crossbreeding, the latest breed can produce milk up to 240 days per year, and one sheep is able to produce 600 to 700 liters of milk per year, said the group.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Hamas' extensive network of tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip has been disclosed to potentially exceed 350 miles, surpassing initial estimates, according to sources.
Senior Israeli officials, speaking to The New York Times, have suggested that the tunnels could stretch anywhere between 350 to 450 miles, boasting an astonishing 5,700 entrance shafts. This estimate surpasses the original calculation of approximately 250 miles, marking a substantial increase in the scale of the underground infrastructure.
IDF Targets Hamas Tunnels in Southern Gaza
The New York Times report indicates that Israeli intelligence officials believe there are around 100 miles of tunnels under Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This area has become a focal point for intense fighting, with IDF troops actively searching for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other high-ranking terror commanders believed to be hiding underground.
Despite the gravity of these estimates, it is crucial to note that the reported figures could not be independently verified. Discrepancies exist among Israeli officials regarding the precise extent of this subterranean network, emphasizing the challenges in obtaining accurate assessments.
The focus on destroying these tunnels intensified after a ground offensive was launched in response to the October 7 massacres perpetrated by Hamas-led terrorists, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 hostages. Israeli forces have been diligently working to dismantle the tunnels, and the task has become more manageable as the offensive progresses deeper into the Strip.
Israeli defense officials emphasized the advancements in intelligence gathering, enabling quicker detection of tunnels. Previously, it might have taken a year to locate a single tunnel, but with the vast amount of intelligence amassed during the ground campaign, the process has become more efficient. The IDF has uncovered details on computers belonging to Hamas operatives involved in tunnel construction, including a list of families housing tunnel shafts in their residences, according to The Times of Israel.
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Hamas Invests Millions in Multi-Purpose Tunnel Network
The complexity of the tunnels varies, with some designed for fighting or manufacturing weapons, while others cater to different ranks within the organization. Last week, the IDF disclosed that Hamas invested heavily in the tunnel network, utilizing over 6,000 tons of concrete and 1,800 tons of steel, likely costing tens of millions of dollars.
The issue of hostages within the tunnels adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While some were released during a late November ceasefire deal, it is believed that 132 hostages remain in Gaza, with uncertainty regarding their status.
Israeli officials and soldiers, having ventured into the tunnels, expressed astonishment at their scope, depth, and quality. The tunnels have become a strategic concern for Israel, intertwined with every military mission in Gaza.
Experts suggest that Hamas, lacking the resources for a conventional war, heavily relies on the tunnels as military bases, arsenals, and for covert movement. The organization has invested substantial funds in tunnel infrastructure, turning Gaza into a fortress over the past 15 years.
The daunting challenge of dismantling these tunnels requires meticulous mapping, checking for traps, and ensuring the safety of hostages before initiating destruction. The timeline for this arduous task is uncertain, with some estimating it could take years to completely disable the extensive tunnel system, New York Times reported.
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Russian riot police clashed with demonstrators amid widespread protests after authorities sentenced an activist to jail on charges of inciting ethnic hatred.
The development comes as thousands of protesters rallied in south-central Russia on Wednesday a day after the sentencing of Fayil Alsynov. He is an indigenous rights activist for the local Bashkir ethnic group.
Russian Police Clash With Protesters
The massive demonstration took place outside of the courthouse located in Baymak, which is a town with a population of roughly 17,000. The area is found some 2,000 kilometers from Moscow near the Kazakh border. The protest was in defiance of police arrest warnings and a ban on unauthorized street gatherings.
Law enforcement personnel made dozens of arrests as security forces fired tear gas and beat protesters with batons. The Bayman demonstration comes two months before the nation's election.
The Baymak protest is seen as an embarrassing development for the Kremlin as Moscow has come down harshly on dissent since it launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The 37-year-old arrested activist gained notoriety for his successful 2020 campaign against limestone mining in Kushtau, as per Politico.
Following intense demonstrations against the planned mine, former Kremlin official and now Gov. Radiy Khabirov banned limestone extraction in the area and declared Kushtau a protected natural area.
However, last year, Alsynov was imprisoned after delivering a speech during a rally to protest illegal gold mining. At the time, he was speaking to a crowd in Bashkir where he lamented that while Bashkirs fought in Ukraine, their lands were being taken back home.
During his remarks, the activist used the term kara halyk, which when translated from Bashkir means "common people" but in Russian translates to "Black people." Khabirov filed a subsequent complaint with a regional prosecutor who then charged the activist with insulting workers from the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Bashkortostan's Ministry of Internal Affairs called the latest protest an "unauthorized rally" and noted that law enforcement personnel have started an investigation over the "mass unrest." Many of the people who gathered outside a public building in Baymak waved the blue, white, and green flag of the Bashkortostan region, according to CNN.
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Sentencing of an Activist
In a video posted on public Telegram channels, protesters who joined the demonstration could be heard chanting "Freedom," Other footage showed demonstrators throwing snowballs at police who were holding riot shields. When police fired tear gas, chants of "shame" could be heard among the protesters.
In a warning to protesters, Bashkortostan's Interior Minister, Rafail Divayev, said that they should come to their senses and not ruin their lives. On the other hand, a local journalist, Arthur Asafyev, said that authorities were trying to make an example of both the demonstrators and Alsynov.
The sentence that was handed down to the activist was tougher than what was requested by the prosecutor handling the case. He noted that officials knew that a harsh sentence would make people angry.
Asafyev added that people in the area were already used to protests regarding environmental issues and had come from miles around the remote region. He said that they did not fear arrest and came to the gathering despite being five hours away, said BBC.
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The residents in El Hencha, a Tunisian town, protested on Wednesday as the search for the 37 missing migrants continued, waiting to hear news of loved ones who disappeared on the coast of Sfax in Tunisia.
The boat that has gone missing carries 37 migrants and asylum seekers.
Protests Erupted in El Hencha
Family members of the missing migrants reported that they received final phone calls when the boat was leaving port on January 11 at around 2:30 pm. At about 10 pm, all contact with the boat and its passengers had been lost.
Besides three or four people from elsewhere in Tunisia, all of the boat's passengers were reportedly from the small village of El Hencha in the Sfax Governorate.
The families set up barricades due to the frustration of the lack of news since the boat's disappearance. On Wednesday, the families set fire to tires around the village and only left after the government authorities assured the public that search efforts would continue.
Mohammed Jlaiel, the brother of one of the missing passengers, told Al Jazeera by phone, "We haven't heard anything about him. Nothing! It's torturous."
He continued that they were desperate for news as the missing passengers were all their neighbors and friends. He also shared that his mom was currently in a terrible state, and the whole town was in pain.
On Tuesday, the Tunisian National Guard reported that all field units, including maritime vessels and helicopters, have been deployed to find the 37 passengers. Maltese and Italian units were also reportedly involved in the search.
According to the Italian news agency Agenzia Nova, the coastline between Sfax and the coastal town of Mahdia, around 80 miles (129 km) north, was the main focus of the ongoing search operations.
However, politicians and family members have been distressed about how long it has taken to receive concrete news.
"Imagine not knowing anything about a brother for six days. They sent planes, boats, all sorts of things to look for them, but there's no trace of them whatsoever," Jlaiel said. "Tunisians, Italians, Libyans ... Everyone is searching, yet they can't find anything. It's so strange."
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Karbai Criticizes Europe's Migration Policies
Majdi Karbai, a member of parliament in charge of Tunisians overseas, told Al Jazeera that the missing migrants and asylum seekers were the latest victims of Europe's migration policies.
He claimed that the European Union's attempts to control irregular migration along its southern border have endangered lives.
Karbai added that he had communicated with family members in El Hencha. He explained that locals were concerned about the ongoing absence of information about the lost boat.
In the Tunisian town of Zarzis, a shipwreck claimed the lives of eighteen residents. The incident led to protests denouncing the speed of the rescue effort and the economic conditions that prompted the fatal voyage.
Tunisian President Kais Saied intervened to assist in easing tensions. Karzai said that the current situation in El Hencha could be very bad, like Zarzis.
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Billionaire Mike Bloomberg is investing $250 million to support the opening of 10 healthcare high schools in the United States, including one in Dallas.
The educational establishments that will be built using the entrepreneur's contribution will focus on the healthcare industry. Baylor Scott & White Health and the public charter school system Uplift Education will collaborate in North Texas.
New Bloomberg Initiative
They will work on transforming West Dallas' Uplift Heights Preparatory into a healthcare-focused campus. They will also be working to establish a health science pathway at Grand Prairie's Uplift Grand Preparatory.
In a joint statement, leaders from Baylor Scott & White and Uplift said that the innovative programs have the potential to change the trajectory of young lives and the economic health of families and neighborhoods that they serve.
The local partnership is expected to receive roughly $14.6 million from the entire pool of investments in order to roll out its offerings to the public. It is one of two in Texas, the other being the Memorial Health System and Aldine ISD opening a high school in the Houston area, as per NBCDFW.
Students who attend the school will get training, credentials, and experience in areas such as surgical technologists, radiology technicians, and respiratory therapists. These will be possible through dedicated high schools and new pathways made available by Bloomberg's investment.
Officials are also seeking to get students working with partner healthcare providers straight after graduating from their schools. This is also true in Boston, where public school students will have a direct route to guaranteed jobs in the city's largest employer, the Mass General Brigham health system.
The state will receive roughly $38 million from Bloomberg's investment that will transform a small existing high school into an 800-student feeder for the sprawling Mass General System. The latter is currently suffering from roughly 2,000 job vacancies.
Bloomberg's $250 million investment will be given over five years to provide students with college credits as they train for careers in nursing, emergency medicine, lab science, medical imaging, and surgery, according to the New York Times.
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New Healthcare Program
The education program lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, Howard Wolfson said that there is a growing sense that the value of college has diminished, relative to cost. He argued that people should not take this as anti-college but only acknowledge that a lot of kids do not have college as an option.
Under the program, students will be given the opportunity to choose a specialty by the end of 10th grade. They will then spend their time as juniors and seniors training in hospital labs, emergency departments, and other such settings.
The school in Boston that will be transformed is the Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers. Boston Public School Superintendent Mary Skipper said that EMK serves as a blueprint and model.
She noted that this is true not only for other Boston Public Schools but also for the rest of the nation. It would show what can happen when you get philanthropy and a strong partner such as Mass General Brigham in developing an interest in an industry as important as medical care, said WBUR.
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An Ecuadorian prosecutor who was leading the investigation into the TV station attack of armed men last week has been assassinated in the northern part of the region.
The victim, identified as Cesar Suarez, was fatally shot on Wednesday while he was in Guayaquil, which is considered to be the most dangerous city in the country. He previously carried out other high-profile investigations. The latest incident occurred while he was driving a vehicle.
Ecuadorian Prosecutor Assassinated
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Attorney General Diana Salazar said that organized crime groups, criminals, and terrorists will not stop their commitment to society. There were 13 alleged perpetrators who have been taken into custody following the assault on TC Television.
The horrific attack was broadcast live and prompted Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa to declare that the nation is in an "internal armed conflict." This comes after a surge of killings and other crimes tied to drug trafficking within the nation, as per ABC News.
The prosecutor who was killed was also in charge of the Metastasis case that involved an Ecuadorian drug lord who allegedly received favorable treatment from judges, prosecutors, police officers, and high officials.
Law enforcement officials said that they are now working to find the people responsible for the assassination of Suarez. The murder comes as Ecuador has been rocked by a series of attacks, including the abductions of several police officers following the apparent prison escape of a notorious gang leader.
The suspect, identified as Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, also known as Fito, is the leader of Los Choneros. The gang is one of the groups in Ecuador that is considered to be responsible for a spike in car bombings, kidnappings, and slayings.
Last Monday, Noboa declared a state of emergency in order to address the current crisis, which includes prison disturbances in several regions. Fito's gang is linked to maritime drug trafficking to Mexico and the United States, according to CNN.
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Rising Gang Violence
Since the attack on the TV station, the country's military and police have been deployed throughout the city of Guayaquil. On Wednesday, the president's office said that the country's national police and armed forces carried out a total of 20,849 operations against organized criminal groups, resulting in the arrest of 1,975 people since Jan. 9.
Furthermore, Ecuador's Armed Forces were able to arrest six members of a terrorist organization in the city as well as seven members of the terrorist organization in Los Tiguerones. These include "Leo," the alleged leader of a network of hitmen, in Victoria del Portete.
Carolina Valencia, who was visiting family in Guayaquil from New York, said that the situation in Ecuador is "chaotic." She noted that there was traffic everywhere because people were trying to get home. The buses were not operational, which caused people to jump on the back of pickup trucks.
Prior to the gang leader's disappearance, the Ecuadorian government ordered the transfer of high-profile convicts, including Macias, from the cells where they were running their criminal rings. Prison experts argued that this may have led to the individual's escape and the subsequent uprisings, said the New York Times.
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Chinese scientists are under scrutiny after successfully creating a mutant COVID-19 strain that has a 100% kill rate in "humanized" mice.
The experiment involves the deadly virus known as GX_P2V that attacks the creatures' brains. The mice used in the study have been engineered to reflect a genetic makeup similar to human beings.
Experiments With Mutant COVID-19 Strain
The authors of the study issued a statement saying that the findings underscore a spillover risk of GX_P2V into humans and provide a unique model for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of coronavirus-related infections.
The deadly strain used in the study is a mutated version of GX/2017, which is a coronavirus cousin that was reportedly discovered in Malaysian pangolins in 2017. This was three years before the global pandemic. Pangolins are mammals that are located in warm areas of the planet.
All of the mice that the researchers experimented on were infected with the virus and died within just eight days, This was a development that the team noted was a "surprisingly" rapid death rate, as per the New York Post.
The mutant GX_P2V virus was able to infect the mice's lungs, bones, eyes, tracheas, and brains. In the days before the creatures' deaths from the virus, the animals quickly lost weight, exhibited a hunched posture, and moved extremely sluggish.
Probably the most eerie thing that the researchers observed was that the mice's eyes turned completely white the day before they died. While the observations were terrifying, the study has become the first of its kind to report a 100% mortality rate in mice that were infected by the COVID-19-related virus, which far surpasses previously reported results from a different study.
The results of the experiment also did not indicate how the mutated COVID-19 strain would affect human beings if they were infected. An epidemiology expert at University College London's Genetics Institute, Francois Ballous, criticized the research as "terrible" and "scientifically totally pointless."
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Highly Deadly Virus
He added that there was nothing of vague interest that could have been learned from the experiment where researchers force-infected a weird breed of humanized mice with a random virus, according to the Daily Mail.
Furthermore, a chemist at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Professor Richard Ebright, said that he wholeheartedly agrees with Balloux's assessment. He added that the preprint does not specify the biosafety level and biosafety precautions that the researchers used for the study.
He said that the absence of this information raises the concerning possibility that part or all of the research was performed recklessly. This means that it could have lacked the minimal biosafety containment and practices that are considered crucial for research involving potential pandemic pathogens.
The criticisms against the experiment come as the 2024 study does not appear to have any links to China's Wuhan Institute of Virology. The latter was the center of lab leak theories surrounding the sudden spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the summer, United States intelligence agencies did not find any direct evidence that the Wuhan lab leaked the coronavirus. However, they did not rule out the possibility that the virus came from a different center, said the Herald Sun.
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The Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce is in the process of dissolving.
According to its website, its board of directors voted in December to close the organization after seeing a waning interest in the chambers activities and going through unsuccessful efforts to build a board for 2024.
It is a regretful ending for an organization that brought much good to the community and always wanted the best for Altavista and the surrounding area, its website states. However, while the dissolution is unfortunate, this is a time to be thankful for the businesses, industries and individuals who have been chamber members, sponsored and participated in events and supported the organization. You not only supported the chamber; you supported your community.
The chamber board is working through the closing process, the website states.
According to the Altavista Journal, former president of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce Lauren Shaver, who went by the name of Lauren Odessa during her time at the chamber, was found guilty on two felony counts of embezzlement involving more than $15,000 in 2022.
Two months after the Lynchburg City School Board voted not to accept a grant from an LGBTQ-focused nonprofit, private donors have raised a portion of the $10,000 the E.C. Glass High School Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club would have received.
Reached by phone Thursday, School Board Chair Atul Gupta said he stands by his earlier commitment to donate toward the students projects, but theres some confusion about how much money still is needed after private donations. School administration has also committed to providing free menstrual products in bathrooms one gap students were hoping to fill with the grant in compliance with Virginia Code.
Students with the GSA had applied for and were awarded a grant from the It Gets Better Project, a nonprofit whose mission is to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth. Board members expressed concerns about content they said theyd found on the nonprofits website, and about its founder, Dan Savage, and ultimately voted 7-2 against accepting the grant on Nov. 14.
Board members Sharon Carter and Anthony Andrews were the two votes in favor; Gupta, Vice Chair Martin Day and board members Letitia Lowery, Randy Trost, Gloria Preston, Christian DePaul and Farid Jalil voted against.
E.C. Glass was the only school in Virginia to be awarded a grant from the nonprofits 50 States, 50 Grants, 5,000 voices program, and students intended to use the money to create a safe space or quiet room at the school for all students use; to purchase and stock free menstrual product dispensers for school bathrooms; and to expand club activities.
At the boards Dec. 5 meeting, LCS Superintendent Crystal Edwards said school administration is already in the process of addressing the lack of supplies after public commenters said the division is not currently providing free products in bathrooms.
...[Y]es we will make that happen the way it is supposed to happen by code ... Edwards said.
After hearing from GSA student-members about why they applied for the grant during meetings, board members pledged to match it, either through private donations or with funds from the LCS budget. At the boards Nov. 14 meeting, Gupta offered to donate the money students were awarded himself, pending consultation with the boards attorney about whether his personal contribution would constitute a conflict of interest. Lowery and DePaul also said then theyd donate toward the students asks.
At the request of the school board, Lynchburg Commonwealths Attorney Bethany Harrison issued an opinion on the question of board contributions and concluded board members could make a donation without violating the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act so long as the members disqualify themselves from any decision-making about their contribution. The board talked about Harrisons opinion briefly at its Jan. 9 meeting but did not discuss specific board member contributions any further.
Lynchburg City School Supervisor of Communications Austin Journey said via email that as of Monday, the LCS Education Foundation had received $3,690 in donated funds for the club and the calming room.
Journey added the Education Foundation is planning to disburse those funds this week.
Cardinal News reported an independent GoFundMe fundraiser had raised nearly $1,900 for the GSA to establish the safe room. E.C. Glass senior Kayden Johnson organized the fundraiser since closed and updated the site on Jan. 8 to thank donors and say shed be transferring the money to the ones who most deserve it. Johnson told The News & Advance via email shell be transferring the money soon, and that all funds are for the GSA.
The total raised on the fundraiser website is $1,882; in addition to the $3,690 from the education foundation, it makes a possible $5,572 community contribution to the student organization.
The City of Lynchburg is encouraging residents to prepare for bitter cold temperatures expected through the weekend, and offering resources to those in need. Dangerous wind chills are possible as well as some light snow and freezing rain, the city said.
Lynchburgs Department of Human Services has partnered with the Salvation Army at 2215 Park Ave. to open an overnight warming center for unsheltered individuals and families in the community.
Warming center hours have been extended as follows:
Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. to Thursday, Jan. 18 at 8 a.m.;
Thursday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. to Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m.;
Friday, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. to Saturday, Jan. 20 at 8 a.m.;
Saturday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 21 at 8 a.m.;
Sunday, Jan. 21 at 4 p.m. to Monday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m.
The shelter will close daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but guests can visit the Salvation Army cafeteria during the day. This is a low-barrier warming center, meaning the requirements for entry are minimal, the city said in a release. Department of Human Services staff and community volunteers are staffing the center.
The Greater Lynchburg Transit Company will continue to operate bus service fare free through Jan. 21.
Additionally, the city encourages everyone to protect themselves against serious health problems that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. It is extremely important to take precautions when spending time outdoors as frostbite and hypothermia can be a real possibility. To lower your risk, the city offered these tips:
Wear cold weather appropriate clothing such as gloves/mittens, hats, scarves and snow boots. Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.
Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.
Stay dry, and if you become wet, head indoors and remove any wet clothing immediately.
Limit your time outdoors.
Make sure you monitor the time children are out in the cold.
Do not ignore shivering. Its an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.
Symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia should not be ignored. Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature caused when the body is losing heat faster than it can be produced. Warning signs may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness. If you suspect symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately.
Check on your neighbors and loved ones, the city said. Older people are particularly susceptible to illness, injury or isolation due to extreme cold. Make sure they are safe and are properly heating their homes. Keep pets indoors if at all possible. Provide plenty of food and water, and when outside, make sure animals are bundled up.
Remember if its too cold for you, its probably too cold for your pets as well, the city said.
For more information on winter preparedness and dealing with extreme cold, visit https://www.vaemergency.gov/threats/winter-weather.
Lynchburg Water Resources also reminds residents that when temperatures fall below freezing, pipes can leak due to expanded, frozen water within. For tips on properly preparing indoor pipes and protecting them from freezing or breaking, visit https://www.lynchburgva.gov/554/Prevent-Freezing-Pipes. Residents who experience water service disruptions can call Lynchburg Water Resources at (434) 455-4250.
TOKYO, Jan 18 ( News On Japan ) - The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office has decided not to prosecute a taxi driver who was arrested for killing a pigeon on a street in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.
The taxi driver, a 50-year-old man, was arrested last November on suspicion of violating the Wildlife Protection Law by running over a pigeon on a street in Shinjuku Ward with his taxi.
According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a passerby called the emergency number 110 after hearing a taxi speeding off and then noticing it had hit a pigeon.
During the investigation, the driver stated, "The road is for humans, so the pigeons should get out of the way."
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office decided on Tuesday not to prosecute the man. The reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.
Source: ANNnewsCH
On Thursday, Pakistan's airforce launched retaliatory airstrikes on Iran, which targeted militant positions that killed at least seven people and further raised tensions between the neighboring nations.
The attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan province come after Iran attacked Pakistani territory on Tuesday.
Pakistan Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Iran
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry described their attack as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes. The Foreign Ministry said that the morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities.
The Foreign Ministry added that the attack manifests Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
Several rebel groups operate in Iran and Pakistan, including the Jaish al-Adl Sunni separatist group that Tehran targeted in its strike. They all have a shared goal of an independent Baluchistan for ethnic Baluch areas in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.
Baluch nationalists have faced a low-level insurgency in Pakistan's Baluchistan province and Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan provinces for over two decades.
Ali Reza Marhamati, the deputy governor of Sistan and Baluchestan province in Iran, provided the death toll from Thursday's strike in a telephone interview. He noted that three women and four children died in the attack.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, posted images online that showed the remains of the munitions used in the attack. It claimed that several homes had been struck in Saravan, a city in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Furthermore, videos showing a damaged mud-walled building and smoke rising over the strike also circulated online immediately.
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Pakistan Recalls Ambassador Following Cross-Border Attack
Pakistan recalled its ambassador on Wednesday from Iran after an airspace violation by the Iranians.
On Tuesday, the airspace violation happened when Iranian missiles attacked two bases in Pakistan's territory. Iran believed that the bases belonged to the militant group Jaish al Adl.
Jaish al-Adl, also known as the "Army of Justice," is a Sunni militant organization founded in 2012 that primarily functions in Pakistan across the border and has claimed responsibility for bombings and took Iranian border police in the past.
Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Foreign Minister, claimed that Iran struck militants in drone and missile strikes and that no Pakistan citizen was targeted. Pakistan did not confirm the location of the target and the nature of the airspace violation.
Iran claimed that only terrorists were hit. Pakistan believes that their sovereignty was violated and that the action was unprovoked. The relationship between Islamabad and Tehran has been tenuous for years, but this is the highest-profile cross-border incident between the two countries in recent memory.
The strikes in Pakistan came a day after missile and drone strikes in Syria attacking the Islamic State. According to Pakistani officials, four missiles struck the Panjgur district, which is located near the border with Iran.
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A Clarinda nursing home is facing potential fines for allegedly ignoring the concerns of two nursing assistants about a resident who subsequently died.
On Nov. 27, 2023, two certified nursing assistants at Azria Health informed the homes on-duty nurse that a female resident had experienced a significant change in her mental and physical condition. The two CNAs had noticed the womans oxygen saturation levels had dropped to 63%, well below the 88% level that typically calls for immediate medical intervention. In addition, the womans blood pressure had dropped to 79/39 a dangerously low level.
When the nurse was notified, she told the CNAs to place the woman on bottled oxygen. The CNAs did so but after 20 minutes, the womans oxygen saturation was at 92% still abnormally low and the woman was confused and appeared to be in pain. The two CNAs reported their concerns to the nurse again but, according to state inspectors, the nurse did not seem worried or concerned and simply replied, OK.
Later in the day, when the womans oxygen levels dropped to 72%, the nurse asked the CNAs to increase the flow of bottled oxygen to the resident. The aides allegedly did so and then reported the residents vital signs never improved for the rest of their shift.
When the overnight nurse came on duty at 10 p.m., one of the CNAs pulled her aside, told her what was happening and stated the woman needed to go to the hospital. According to inspectors, the overnight nurse agreed and the resident was sent to the emergency room at 10:30 p.m., four hours after the aides had first reported their concerns. Within 24 hours, the resident was dead, with the cause of death listed as congestive heart failure.
Later, in talking to state inspectors, the nurse who was alleged to have been dismissive of the aides concerns denied being told any such concerns. When asked if anyone on the staff had told her the womans blood pressure was low, the nurse said no. Inspectors alleged that when asked if anyone had reported the womans oxygen saturation levels were low, the nurse said no, but then said maybe.
The homes director of nursing allegedly told inspectors she had not talked to the two CNAs who had cared for the resident prior to the death and was unaware of any concerns they may have had.
On the night in question, the CNAs had allegedly documented the residents vital signs by writing them into whats called a CNA assignment and vital sheet that was then given to the director of nursing.
Inspectors were unable to locate that sheet when reviewing the case and asked the director of nursing about the fact that that the document was missing. The director of nursing said she was unsure why the document couldnt be located, according to inspectors.
The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals cited Azria Health of Clarinda for medication and treatment violations, failure to respond to changes in a residents condition, quality of care violations, and failure to meet standards related to competent nursing staff.
A state fine of $11,750 has been held in suspension while the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services considers imposing a federal penalty.
In February 2022, Azria Health of Clarinda was cited for failing to assure staff completed a complete and thorough physical assessment of a resident who had a change in condition that necessitated a transfer to a local emergency room. At the hospital, the medical staff had to open the residents airway and have the person airlifted to a bigger hospital. The resident died in transit, four hours after being transferred from the nursing home. A federal fine of $19,646 was imposed.
CMS gives the Clarinda home a three-star overall rating on its five-star scale. The home has a one-star rating for quality of care, but a three-star rating based on inspection results.
The Page County Sheriffs Department has agreed to provide temporary law enforcement services for the City of Essex.
The Page County Board of Supervisors approved a contract during its Jan. 11 meeting. Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer said he would deliver the contract to Essex Mayor Calvin Kinney so the Essex City Council could consider approval.
Currently, Essex has a contract with the Shenandoah Police Department to provide law enforcement services for the city. The Iowa Code requires all cities to directly provide law enforcement and fire services or contract with another entity to provide those services.
However, the contract between Essex and Shenandoah expires at the end of the day on Friday, Jan. 19. Therefore, Kinney sent a letter to Page County inquiring about a contract with the Page County Sheriffs Department.
Palmer and Chief Deputy Charles McCalla met with the Board of Supervisors to review the details of the contract they developed to provide service to Essex. Palmer said Page County Attorney Carl Sonksen had also reviewed the proposed contract and approved of the proposal.
McCalla said the temporary contract would go into effect Saturday, Jan. 20, and continue for approximately six months until July 1. Should the City of Essex wish to renegotiate the terms of the contract and extend the agreement, McCalla said the city would have to notify Page County by May 31.
The reason we went through all that stuff is that way it gives us time to find out what more we need as far as asking for another officer or if were going to be working a lot more hours over there, McCalla said.
The contract is for 15 hours of service per week at a fee of $65.25 per hour. Essex currently contracts with Shenandoah for 35 hours of coverage.
We are only going to be investigating and charging state and federal crimes, McCalla said. "We are not going to do city ordinances or anything like that."
Palmer said the Page County Sheriffs Department would send a bill to the City of Essex at the end of each month for the service provided. The City of Essex would then have until the end of the next month to pay the bill.
At such time, if they choose not to pay it, they will be served notice that this contract is null and void, and in 15 days they will be looking for law enforcement services at that time. Thats just the way business is done, Palmer said.
Based on conversations he had with Kinney, Palmer said the ultimate goal of the City of Essex is to hire its own police chief and possible a couple of part-time police officers that would prove law enforcement coverage for the community. McCalla said the city would also be faced with the expense of purchasing the equipment those officers would need to perform their duties.
There are a lot of costs they have to find money for, McCalla said. "They have a big hurdle ahead of them, but we can help them out until they can get to that hurdle."
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District Board of Directors met on Thursday night for its regularly scheduled committee of the whole meeting. All directors were present, in addition to several NRD staff members and seven members of the public. A recap of the hourlong meeting is below.
THE Z.C.B.J. Opera House in Verdigre will receive financial help to from History Nebraska for a project to help replace a portion of its roof. The project was one of three selected around the state for a grant to rehabilitate historic property.
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Filling the void left by French troops who withdrew from Niger just a couple of weeks ago, the Sahel country and Russia have announced an agreement to develop military cooperation as part of the efforts to stabilize the situation in the region.
Russian Deputy Defense Ministers Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Alexander Fomin met Nigers junta-appointed Defense Minister Salifu Modi on Tuesday (16 January), according to the Russian Defense Ministry. It added that both sides welcomed the positive trends in the development of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation and outlined promising cooperation areas. During a working meeting, the senior officials also agreed to invigorate efforts to stabilize the situation in the region, the Russian Defense Ministry stated, adding that it aims to continue dialogue on increasing the combat readiness of Nigers military.
Niger, under military rule since a coup in July last year, denounced security cooperation agreements with Europe and received first Russian officials with great fanfare in December, imitating the military rulers of Mali and Burkina Faso. As the last remaining French soldiers were leaving Niger, Deputy Defense Minister, Colonel General Yevkurov, was already being welcomed by Abdourahamane Tianis junta. The Nigerian junta in late November also put an end to one of the main pillars of European cooperation in Africa by repealing a law that penalized the illegal trafficking of migrants. The Sahel countrys uranium and oil reserves and its pivotal role in fighting Islamist militants in the volatile region give it economic and strategic importance for Europe, the United States, Russia and China.
Turkey and Burkina Faso have inked several agreements spanning over many areas including health, energy, and education, Anadolu news agency reports, citing Turkish Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca.
Koca on X, formerly known as Twitter, said the deals were signed during the third meeting of the joint Economic Committee.
As co-chairmen, we signed the minutes of the meeting, and also agreed to develop our cooperation in all areas, from health to energy, from trade to education, he said.
The joint committee meeting was co-chaired by Koca and Burkina Fasos Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reportedly hoping soldiers from the 10-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) will help it regain ground from the M23 militia in the lawless east.
Troops from the regional bloc SADC, including from South Africa, Tanzania and Malawi, have been discreetly arriving in DRC since the middle of December. The SADC force has arrived, Lieutenant-General Fall Sikabwe, a senior army officer, said Tuesday (16 January). These are professionals who are well equipped and well trained units that can reverse the situation on the ground, he added. A SADC summit in May last year decided that the regional force will be deployed in the region to take over from an East African peacekeeping force, whose mandate was ended by Kinshasa which accused it of colluding with the rebels instead of fighting them.
In a separate but deleted development, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday (16 January). The US top diplomat said the United States was committed to supporting efforts toward a peaceful resolution of differences between Rwanda and DRC, and avoiding conflict in the eastern part of DRC. Its President Felix Tshisekedi has long accused Rwanda and its president of providing military support to M23 rebels, the latest iteration of Congolese Tutsi fighters to seize towns in parts of mineral-rich North Kivu. The wider region has struggled with conflict for decades as more than 120 armed groups fight for control of mineral resources or to defend their communities.
In a recent development, the US military has announced that it carried out strikes on 14 Houthi missies in Yemen. This marks the fourth day of consecutive US strikes in less than a week.
According to a statement released on social media platform X, US Central Command has expressed concern over the Houthi missiles, stating that they pose a significant threat to both merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
US Unleashes 4th Round of Missile Strike Against Houthi Targets
Ship attacks in the region by the Iran-allied Houthi militia since November have had a negative impact on trade between Asia and Europe, causing concern among major powers. The US strikes aim to weaken the Houthis' capacity to launch attacks in the Red Sea.
However, the Houthis, who currently hold sway over the majority of Yemen, claim that their actions are driven by a sense of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. They have also issued warnings about the potential expansion of their attacks.Earlier today, US Central Command reported that a drone attack occurred in the Gulf of Aden, targeting a vessel owned by the United States.
According to X, the attack resulted in some damage, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The M/V Genco Picardy is a bulk carrier ship that is flagged in the Marshall Islands and operated by the United States.
The United States has recently designated the Yemen-based Houthi rebels as a terrorist group, following their claim of responsibility for an attack on a US-operated vessel in the Red Sea region, as per Bloomberg.
Despite the sanctions and military strikes, a recent operation conducted by US and British forces targeted over 60 locations in Yemen. However, the Houthis persist in their ongoing campaign of harassment against both commercial and military vessels.
In the most recent incident, a one-way attack drone was deployed from a Houthi-controlled region in Yemen and targeted the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.
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US Warns Iran From Supplying Weapons to Houthis
The US has issued a stern warning to Iran, urging them to stop supplying weapons to the Houthis. During a recent operation, the United States successfully intercepted ballistic missile parts that were being transported to Yemen. Two US Navy SEALs are currently missing after one was swept off the vessel by a wave, with the second SEAL following suit.
According to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the United States will persist in taking military action to thwart any future attacks. There have been reports of attacks on ships and vessels from over 50 countries, taking advantage of the current situation.
"We will maintain our collaboration with our regional partners to proactively prevent and discourage any potential attacks," Ryder stated.Multiple incidents have occurred following the joint operations on Friday.
Over the weekend, a US Navy destroyer successfully intercepted an anti-ship cruise missile fired by the Houthis. On Monday, a US-owned ship was targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden, followed by an attack on a Malta-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the US took action by targeting and neutralizing four anti-ship ballistic missiles that posed a direct and immediate danger to merchant and US Navy ships in the region. After several hours, the Houthis took credit for the assault on the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia. The ship sustained damage, but fortunately, there were no casualties and it proceeded with its journey, AP News reported.
Related Article: Houthi Actions Raise Apprehensions of Extended Disruption in Red Sea Business Operations
Sudans army-aligned government has announced it wont attend an extraordinary summit scheduled for 18 January and organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), saying its had suspended with the East African, accusing it of violating the countrys sovereignty by inviting a rival paramilitary chief to the high-level meeting.
This announcement comes as Sudan entered Monday (15 January) in the 9th month of the war with no politically negotiated solution at hand. IGAD is a group of East African nations has sought to broker talks between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, rival factions of the military government of Sudan, who have been fighting each other since 15 April 2023. The conflict has killed over 12,000 people and caused a major humanitarian crisis, displaced millions leaving them with no prospects and sparked ethically driven killings in Darfur.
Nine months after war broke out, the army has been losing territory while the paramilitary leader, also known as Hemedti, has recently emerged from months undercover to visit several African countries and meet with Sudanese pro-democracy political figures. Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cited the need for a face-to-face meeting between the warring generals prior to broader discussions with the regional bloc that had in parallel with the United States and Saudi Arabia attempted to mediate between the two warring generals, but to no avail. On Saturday (13 January), the ministry had already accused the bloc of lending Daglos militia legitimacy by inviting it to a meeting that will be attended by member heads of state and government.
Donald Trumps lawyers have been arguing since last month that presidents of the United States cannot be charged with any crimes for abusing their powers. Lawyers make whatever arguments they have to, and those legal arguments dont always reflect deeply rooted beliefs by their client. But now Trump is forcefully making the case in public for total presidential immunity.
Here is Trumps argument, which is best appreciated in its full all-caps original format:
A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MUST HAVE FULL IMMUNITY, WITHOUT WHICH IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM/HER TO PROPERLY FUNCTION. ANY MISTAKE, EVEN IF WELL INTENDED, WOULD BE MET WITH ALMOST CERTAIN INDICTMENT BY THE OPPOSING PARTY AT TERM END. EVEN EVENTS THAT CROSS THE LINE MUST FALL UNDER TOTAL IMMUNITY, OR IT WILL BE YEARS OF TRAUMA TRYING TO DETERMINE GOOD FROM BAD. THERE MUST BE CERTAINTY. EXAMPLE: YOU CANT STOP POLICE FROM DOING THE JOB OF STRONG & EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION BECAUSE YOU WANT TO GUARD AGAINST THE OCCASIONAL ROGUE COP OR BAD APPLE. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH GREAT BUT SLIGHTLY IMPERFECT. ALL PRESIDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETE & TOTAL PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, OR THE AUTHORITY & DECISIVENESS OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE STRIPPED & GONE FOREVER. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE AN EASY DECISION. GOD BLESS THE SUPREME COURT!
Trumps legal and political arguments have a contradiction. He is asking the courts to establish a ruling that presidents cannot be criminally charged for their official duties, a request that implies that such protections do not exist. At the same time, he insists that the lack of such protection would make it impossible for any president to govern effectively.
Yet every previous president has managed to conduct his job without ever having been assured he is free from prosecution. This only became a problem when we elected a career criminal as president.
Trump of course previously asserted that he should not be impeached because the legal system was the proper venue for holding him accountable for any crimes. We have a judicial process in this country. We have an investigative process in this country to which no former officeholder is immune. That is the process that should be running its course. That is the process the bill of attainder tells us is the appropriate one for investigation, prosecution, and punishment, Trump attorney David Schoen said during Trumps second impeachment trial.
The Trump argument is that as an elected president he should be permitted to commit any crimes whatsoever, and there should be no legal consequences. What do you call a system in which the chief executive is not bound by law?
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Leonardo Munoz/VIEWpress
Mayor Adams will almost certainly lose the citys recently filed lawsuit against more than a dozen of the bus companies hired by Texas to bring migrants to New York. But this is a case where defending the city matters more than a legal victory.
Texas Governor Abbotts continued use of migrants as political pawns is not only chaotic and inhumane but makes clear he puts politics over people,
Adams said in a video message announcing the lawsuit. The mayor is suing 17 of the bus companies hired by Abbott for violating Social Service Law 149, an obscure state law designed to punish any person who knowingly brings, or causes to be brought, a needy person from out of the state into this state for the purpose of making him a public charge.
Those found guilty of the misdemeanor, says the law, can be fined $100 and shall be obligated to convey such person out of the state or to support him at his own expense.
It seems like a statute tailor-made for the current crisis. The only problem, says law professor Roderick Hills, is that such measures violate the Constitution.
Lots of states in the 19th century had these laws. They were called settlement and removal laws. And the idea is if you were a poor person and you went to a place where youre not settled, you should be removed, Hills told me, noting that the Supreme Court struck down such measures in a landmark 1941 case, Edwards v. State of California, that rendered New Yorks law null and void, though it remains on the books.
This law is so unconstitutional and obsolete that it has never been enforced since 1942, said Hills, who predicts that Adams will lose the suit.
But hauling the bus companies into court, even on flimsy legal grounds, is exactly what Adams should be doing. The expense of defending themselves will make transportation companies think twice about whether they wish to continue aiding and abetting Abbotts callous political stunts.
More importantly, the lawsuits allow the the elected leader of our city
to demonstrate that some values are worth fighting for whether or not the courts agree. Adams is showing malicious political pranksters like Abbott that there will be legal and financial consequences for ferrying thousands of needy people without proper food, clothing, health care, or so much as a heads up to the receiving authorities in New York.
It wouldnt be the first time one of our mayors fought the good fight against impossible legal odds. Back in 1998, a group of white Queens residents showed up at the Broad Channel Labor Day parade on a float labeled Black to the Future 2098 that featured men wearing blackface and Afro wigs, eating fried chicken and watermelon, with one man hanging off the back of the float in a mock reenactment of the racial murder of a man named James Byrd whod been dragged to his death in a gruesome racial murder in Texas earlier that year.
When video of the offensive stunt surfaced, it turned out that three of the men on the racist float were city workers a cop and two firefighters and Mayor Rudy Giuliani promptly announced that all three would be fired.
Any police officer, firefighter, or other city employee involved in this disgusting display of racism should be removed from positions of responsibility immediately, Giuliani said. They will be fired.
Thorny legal and political issues popped up immediately. As civil servants with union protections, the officers were entitled to disciplinary hearings and other due process, which Giuliani had ignored. The New York Civil Liberties Union added a free-speech argument in court, claiming that employees should not be fired for exercising the right to act like idiots at home on their own time. The Reverend Al Sharpton even testified, as a surprise witness on behalf of the officers, that Giuliani was scapegoating the white police officer as a way to deflect attention from NYPD policies that had enraged many Black New Yorkers.
Giuliani knew he was on thin ice legally but held firm, much to his credit. Theyre technically suspended, he said of the officers, but theyre never getting back into the Police Department or the Fire Department unless the Supreme Court of the United States ordered us to take them back.
And so the case of Locurto v. Giuliani wound its way through the courts for years, finally concluding one level shy of the Supreme Court when the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2006 that the firings should stand because the First Amendment does not require a government employer to sit idly by while its employees insult those they are hired to serve and protect.
Whatever his past and current misdeeds, Giulianis fight to uphold a basic code of public decency for city workers was a political good deed. Decades later, Adams should follow in Giulianis footsteps by fighting the bus case vigorously even though it looks like a sure loser in legal terms. This should be the last time other states try to turn New Yorks compassionate care for the poor into a weapon.
The Speaker speaks with a forked tongue on his desire for improvements on the border. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Congressional leaders are meeting with the president at the White House today to discuss a potential deal to make border-policy changes in exchange for more aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Its clear that Joe Biden, House Democrats, and Senate leaders from both parties will be motivated to bring the long-simmering talks to a successful conclusion. Democrats, after all, are mostly following Bidens lead in offering border concessions to get the supplemental appropriations for key allies unstuck. And Senate Republicans, whether or not they are big supporters of Ukraine, see those border concessions as a unique opportunity to address one of their constituents top concerns. As Mitch McConnells deputy John Thune told Punchbowl News, Republicans have more leverage now than theyll likely ever have:
There is absolutely no way that we would get the kind of border policy thats being talked about right now with a Republican majority in the Senate
This is a unique moment in time. Its an opportunity to get some really conservative border [policies] that we havent been able to get for 40 years.
Under a GOP majority and a Republican president, there wouldnt be enough Democrats willing to give Republicans the necessary 60 votes for a border package, Thune argued. Similar efforts failed under Trump the last time, partially for that reason.
Unfortunately for the dealmakers, House Speaker Mike Johnson either doesnt share that logic or fears the ever-rebellious troops on his right flank are dead set against any deals with the opposition, particularly in an election year. There are two indicators of his disposition against a border-Ukraine deal even if Democrats go a long way to make it palatable to Republicans. The first is his consistent argument that only something very close to a draconian border bill (H.R. 2) the House passed on a strict party-line vote last May will suffice. In other words, hes looking for surrender more than a compromise. But the second sign this might go nowhere is more recent and dispiriting, as another report from Punchbowl News suggested: On a House GOP conference call Sunday night, Johnson said Congress cant solve the crisis at the border until Donald Trump or another Republican is in the White House.
Now, you can interpret that if you wish as simply a reflection of the lack of Republican trust in Biden to strike or implement an acceptable deal; they are, after all, in the habit of calling the president a corrupt and senile puppet of the radical left, if not an actual conspirator working to replace todays real Americans with criminal immigrants. But the more straightforward explanation of Johnsons obduracy is that he wants to preserve the border crisis as a campaign issue for Trump and his party in November. Indeed, he may fear that cutting a deal might anger Trump, and he cant risk that.
Beyond that, inaction is always going to be Johnsons first and best option given the chaotic condition of his conference. Short of totally militarizing the border instantly and authorizing mass deportations, theres no border deal that can possibly satisfy the hard-core House Freedom Caucus folk who are already angrily grumbling about the Speakers efforts to keep the federal government open this week. So it makes more sense for Johnson to reject whatever border deal he is offered and pretend that only the triumphant return of his candidate Trump and a GOP trifecta that gives Republicans control of Congress can fix the problem. If that means the situation at the border that Republicans are describing as an existential threat to Americas integrity as a nation doesnt get better right away, then whos going to be blamed for that? Joe Biden. So spurning a deal is a win-win for House Republicans, a majority of whom dont want to help Ukraine anyway.
Photo: JANE ROSENBERG/REUTERS
This week, Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for president, has been in court, battling a credible allegation of rape.
For nearly 250 years of American democracy, a sentence like that would have meant the death of a presidential campaign. Sometimes it is worth taking a moment to dwell upon the obvious: Trump is running a different kind of campaign. On the night of January 15, after winning a landslide victory in the Iowa Caucuses, he returned to Manhattan to attend a civil-defamation trial over the rape accusation, flying home at the wee hours of the night, his lawyer later told the judge, to be at the federal courthouse for the opening of jury selection. The plaintiff in the case, magazine writer E. Jean Carroll, alleges Trump sexually assaulted her three decades ago, and then defamed her by questioning her honesty, motivations, and physical attractiveness when she dared to write her story. Trump, who acts as if his Republican primary opponents are unworthy of his competition, had decided that the Carroll case would be this weeks campaign stop.
A totally fabricated story with another Trump hating Judge, the former president posted on his Truth Social platform on January 13. Our legal system is TERRIBLE!!!
Though Trump has been criminally indicted four times, the Carroll civil trial marks his first recent encounter with a jury. On the first morning of the trial, he loped into the courtroom looking weary, his signature long red tie drooping all the way down to the fly of his pants. But when the prospective jurors entered, he perked up. Trump perused lists of jury candidates during the selection process, looking on approvingly when two prospective jurors stood up to acknowledge they thought the 2020 election was stolen, and smirking sarcastically when another, a former Biden campaign volunteer, said she liked to listen to Pod Save America. (None of the three were selected.) Once the trial began, Trump took what appeared to be a very active role in his own defense, sitting at the center of his team of lawyers, with whom he frequently leaned over to confer, sometimes sending one or another up to his lead attorney, Alina Habba, with pink sticky notes. When Carroll took the witness stand, Trump leveled his beetle-browed stare at his accuser, who told her story of the alleged assault with controlled fury. He offered a running commentary of shrugs, grimaces, and stage whispers in the presence of the jury, so infuriating the Judge Lewis A. Kaplan that he threatened to throw the former president out.
Trumps confrontational stance is strategic: What better way to show contempt than to be held in it? But his frustration with the proceedings appears genuine. In the sealed bubble of Judge Kaplans courtroom where cameras, computers, and phones are banned Trump has finally encountered an environment he cannot control. He cant even argue his innocence. A jury in a civil trial last year, which Trump chose not to attend, found in Carrolls favor when it came to her claim of sexual assault. This second trial is about tallying up damages for defamatory attacks Trump lobbed at Carroll from the White House. Judge Kaplan, citing the earlier verdict, has ruled that the truth has been conclusively established that Trump sexually abused indeed, raped Carroll, and then smeared her by questioning her credibility. Trump can protest all he wants in the outside world, but inside court, in the eyes of the law, he is guilty.
Im here because Donald Trump assaulted me, and I wrote about it; he lied and he said it never happened, Carroll said as she opened her testimony. He shattered my reputation.
At the defense table, Trump shook his head.
Im here to get my reputation back, Carroll said, and to get him to stop lying about me.
Carrolls lead attorney, Roberta Kaplan who is not related to the judge led her through the facts of the case. Carroll told the jury about her unusual journalism career, which had begun at Indiana University, where she was a cheerleader and competed in beauty pageants while writing on the side. She said she spent the next two decades in a blizzard of negativity and rejection, sending off pitches into the void, until one day an editor at Esquire rescued one of her stories off the slush pile and gave her a career. Carroll moved to Manhattan. During the 1980s, she took assignments for magazines including Rolling Stone, published books of essays, and worked in the writers room for a season on Saturday Night Live. She married a television anchor and dined at Elaines. She started to write a monthly advice column for Elle called Ask E. Jean where she urged people women, mostly writing in with their problems, to take charge of their lives. I was like, Come on, get up, stop blubbering, Carroll testified.
At the height of her career, in the mid-1990s, Carroll was making around $400,000 a year. The former Nixon aide Roger Ailes asked her to do an advice show on a new cable-television news network that he was starting up, which eventually turned into MSNBC. She was a recognizable public figure. So she wasnt surprised when, one day sometime around 1996 shes foggy on the exact date Trump recognized her as she was leaving Bergdorf Goodman. They had met before, but they didnt really know one another, but everyone in New York knew Trump. Carroll claims he chatted her up, charmed her, and lured her to a deserted floor of the store, where he threw her against the wall of a dressing room, kissed her, and jammed his finger into her vagina. (Carroll claims he also penetrated her with his penis, which is necessary for a criminal rape charge in New York, but the jury in the first trial failed to reach a verdict on that issue, finding only that Trump was liable for sexual abuse. Kaplan has ruled, however, that Mr. Trump did in fact rape Ms. Carroll as that term commonly is used and understood in contexts outside of the New York Penal Law.) After the alleged attack, Carroll confided in two friends: Lisa Birnbach, then a writer for New York, and Carol Martin, a TV news anchor, who gave her conflicting advice about whether to report the attack to the police. Carroll decided to avoid an uproar, and moved on.
In 2016, according to her defamation complaint, Carroll watched in horror as multiple women came forward with similar stories of assault by Trump. In the Access Hollywood tape, he was caught saying out loud that if you were a celebrity, you could just grab em by the pussy, which was a literal description of what she recalled about their encounter. But Carrolls mother was dying, and she did not want to turn her last days into a political circus, so she continued to keep her account to herself. But in 2018, Carroll testified, her $120,000-a-year contract at Elle was cut in half. She had already started working on a book about the experiences of everyday women, inspired in part by the Harvey Weinstein rape cases, titled What Do We Need Men For? As she did her interviews, Carroll testified, I was overwhelmed with the honesty of these women. Shamed by her own silence, she said she thought, Im such a hypocrite.
Trumps defense team has tried to make the case that Carrolls career was on a downward trajectory, and she knew exactly what she was getting into by accusing the president, who had a proven capacity to sell books. She has gained more fame, more notoriety, than she could ever dream of, Habba, Trumps lead attorney, said in her opening argument to the jury. In June 2019, an excerpt from the forthcoming book was published in New York. Carroll posed for the magazine cover, wearing the same dress she said she was wearing the day of the attack. (I had no role in the publication of the article. New York editor-in-chief David Haskell was named in a court filing as a potential trial witness, but he has not been called to testify.) The article, which included a terse denial from the White House, was published online on Friday, June 21.
Within hours, Trump began to attack Carroll. Ive never met this person in my life, he claimed in an official statement released by the White House on June 21. She is trying to sell a new book that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section. A day later, as he walked to his presidential helicopter, Trump responded to a reporters question about the article. This is a woman who has accused other men of things, Trump said. It is a totally false accusation. He called New York a failing magazine that was ready to go out of business and said that there were numerous cases where women were paid money to accuse him.
You know, people have to be careful, Trump said, because theyre playing with very dangerous territory.
On June 24, Trump said Carroll was totally lying in an Oval Office interview with The Hill. Number one, shes not my type, the president claimed. Number two, it never happened.
In this courtroom sketch, Trump adviser Boris Epshteyn, foreground left, leans over Donald Trump to confer with him and lead defense attorney Alina Habba, right, prior to jury selection on Tuesday. Photo: Elizabeth Williams/AP
Carroll now lives in upstate New York, in a cabin in the mountains, but after the article published she did a number of TV news interviews, and she was staying in a hotel in Manhattan. She testified that she went to her computer to see the reaction to her story on Twitter. She was hit by what she described as a wave of slime, comments echoing the attacks of the president. You lying slut, you lying whore, Carroll said. She testified that she opened the public email account that she used to solicit questions for her advice column, and saw vile photos and death threats. She testified that she panicked, and immediately tried to close the curtains on her windows, even though she knew it was irrational. My brain reacts like it is going to happen right now, Carroll said. She said she immediately deleted the threatening emails, a practice she continued.
I just delete, delete, delete, Carroll said. It really helped me to get control of the situation.
Hearing this, Trump put his forehead on the table, pantomiming his disbelief. Later, during Carrolls cross-examination, he appeared to confer with one of his lawyers, who handed Habba a pink sticky note. She glanced at it and asked: Ms. Carroll, are you aware that it is illegal to delete evidence after a subpoena is issued? The defense then moved for a mistrial, which Kaplan denied.
The plaintiffs produced plenty of other evidence, however, of online abuse. You have to answer to the LORD for your lies, someone messaged her on Facebook, within an hour of Trumps first statement. Another email called her a demented, lying old hag.
Hi E. Jean Carroll, a Facebook user with a womans name messaged her on June 22. I want to tell you that you are a lying bitch. Believe Trump. Why would he want to rape you when you are so frickin ugly? Go get a life and leave President Trump alone.
To have the president of the United States, one of the most powerful persons on Earth calling me a liar 26 times I counted them it ended the world that I had been living in, Carroll testified. I had left the world of facts a lovely world and I was living in a new universe.
To make matters worse, Carroll said, her publicity plan had backfired. Interviewers only wanted to talk to her about Trump, not her book. She told them she felt buoyant, carefree, and enveloped in a cocoon of love and support. In fact, she said, that was just her character talking the chipper public E. Jean. Media coverage of the rape allegation died down after a few days, as the press moved on to the next Trump outrage. The book was a dud, Carroll testified. But at a party, she met George Conway, the lawyer and Trump critic who was then frostily married to White House adviser Kellyanne Conway. He suggested an alternative route to holding Trump accountable: suing him for defamation over his denials.
Because Trump was president, he could claim he had legal immunity from civil lawsuits, which tied the suit up in appeals courts for the rest of his term. But in 2022, after he was out of office, he was deposed at Mar-a-Lago. The session went poorly for him. He defended what he said on the Access Hollywood tape. If you look over the last million years, I guess thats largely been true. He insulted the appearance of Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. When shown evidence that he did, in fact, know his accuser a photo that had appeared with Carrolls article, showing her, Trump, and their spouses engaged in conversation the former president said, thats Marla, mistaking Carroll for Marla Maples, his second wife.
I take it that the three women youve married are all your type, Roberta Kaplan asked.
Yeah, Trump replied.
A few days before the deposition, Trump had released a statement on Truth Social, calling Carrolls lawsuit a con job and a scam meant to promote a really crummy book. She filed a second lawsuit, alleging defamation for the 2022 statement as well as a battery claim enabled by a new state law that temporarily waived the statute of limitations for sexual-assault claims. The second case, unencumbered by the first ones legal issues involving presidential immunity from civil lawsuits, moved faster to trial. Carrolls lawyers in the current trial have shown that, even after a jury found him liable and awarded her $5 million in damages, Trump continued to use his social-media platform to malign his accuser.
The plaintiffs have presented a raft of messages that Carroll received around the time of the verdict. Plaintiffs exhibit 132: Do yourself a favor you filthy whore and stick a gun in your mouth and pull the trigger and send yourself to HELL. Exhibit 126: I hope someone really does attack, rape and murder you, wrote another. Exhibit 124: I will rape u e jean carroll.
Carroll testified that she worried that someone might actually make good on these threats. She let her pit bull run off the leash on her rural property. She bought bullets for a rifle she had inherited from her father, and kept it by her bed. Safety fears in her case have extended to the jury, too. The names of its members, seven men and two women, are not known to either side. They are being transported from assembly points via bus to the courthouse, where they are brought in through a secure parking garage. Judge Kaplan suggested in his opening instructions that they might consider referring to one another by aliases to preserve their anonymity.
Nonetheless, Trumps attorneys have argued that Carroll is exaggerating the threats, and that in any case, they are unconnected to anything their client said in his defense. She wants President Trump to pay for mean tweets, Habba said in her opening. She argued that Carroll had served as the catalyst herself for the purported harm, by seeking publicity. She doesnt want to fix her reputation, ladies and gentlemen, Habba said. She likes her new brand.
Throughout the trial, Trump has continued to repeat the same messages that got him sued for defamation in the first place. It was all made up, Trump said in an Iowa campaign speech that the plaintiffs attorneys showed to the jury. I have no idea who this woman is, he said in a press conference he held at his building 40 Wall Street last week, after the conclusion of his last trial, a civil-fraud case in New York state court. Its ridiculous. In the plaintiffs opening argument on Monday, Carrolls attorney Shawn Crowley told the jury that Trump had posted about Carroll 22 times on Truth Social that very morning. Think about that, she said, alluding to the possibility of punitive damages. Think about that when you consider what it will take to get him to stop.
Trump is not acting like someone who is concerned about a monetary judgment. Even before the trial began, he attacked Judge Kaplan, a Democratic appointee, calling him terrible, biased irrationally angry. He is speaking to his voters, seeking to nullify the persuasive power of the law. Throughout the proceedings, Trump is accompanied by a cluster of aides including his valet Walt Nauta, a co-defendant in the Mar-a-Lago classified-documents case, and Boris Epshteyn, an attorney and political adviser who shuttle in and out of the courtroom, presumably to deliver messages to Trumps supporters in the outside world. Judge Kaplan, a famously stern disciplinarian, has been withering in his responses to Habbas efforts to push the boundaries in introducing evidence contrary to the first jurys verdict. He has been similarly dismissive of Trumps complaints that the trial was interfering with ability to attend his mother-in-laws funeral.
On Tuesday morning, Habba told Judge Kaplan that his refusal to delay the trial so Trump could attend the funeral was insanely prejudicial. He cut her off and instructed her to sit down.
I dont like being spoken to like that, your honor, she said in reply.
Trump shook his head, and said something that sounded like nasty guy. (He would repeat the same thing about Judge Kaplan during a press conference at 40 Wall Street.)
Later in the day, after the jury had left the courtroom for lunch, Crowley complained about Trumps comments on Carrolls testimony (con job, witch hunt) and his own video clips attacking her, which were played by the plaintiffs (Its true!). Crowley said she could hear them, and presumably so could the jurors, Kaplan reprimanded the defendant. Mr. Trump has a right to be present here. That right can be forfeited if he is disruptive. Mr. Trump, I hope I dont have to consider excluding you from the trial. I understand youre probably very eager for me to do that.
I would love it, Trump said, throwing up his hands. I would love it.
I know you would, the judge said. You just cant control yourself in these circumstances, apparently.
You cant either, Trump retorted.
The room settled down, the jury returned, and Carroll resumed her testimony. Roberta Kaplan displayed another piece of evidence, a video clip of a CNN town-hall interview that Trump did the day after the verdict in the first Carroll trial. He once again said he had no idea who the hell she is, and derided her and her story of hanky-panky. The Trump-friendly audience hooted.
He was doing it to a large crowd and drawing laughs about sexual assault, Carroll testified. I felt worthless.
The CNN moderator, Kaitlan Collins, had started by asking Trump, What do you say to voters who say it disqualifies you from being president?
Well, there werent too many of them because my poll numbers just came out, Trump replied. They went up, okay?
Jean Brannum contributed reporting.
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Opelika police are trying to identify a man who allegedly tried to lure an underage person into his vehicle on Nov. 1 at the corner of Video Street and Wittel Avenue.
Authorities described the suspect as an older, heavyset white man with dark hair and light eyes. He was last seen wearing a teal shirt with a teddy bear and gold necklace. He has a scar near his left eye and a tattoo of cards on his left forearm, according to police.
The investigation into the incident dates back to Nov. 1. It was reported that around 3:10 p.m. that day, a man in a black 4-door Audi approached the juvenile after they exited the school bus.
Police shared a press release on Thursday with details about the incident and asked for the publics help in identifying the suspect. Police wanted to wait until they could provide accurate information and a sketch before notifying the public, according to the Opelika Police Department.
Anyone with any information about the case has been encouraged to call the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police mobile app.
Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP(7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1-STOP, or via their Facebook page or their website: www.215STOP.com.
This is a developing story. The Opelika-Auburn News will provide more information as soon as we learn more.
RAFAH, Gaza Strip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has told the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any postwar scenario, underscoring the deep divisions between the close allies three months into Israels assault on Gaza aiming to eliminate its Hamas rulers.
The U.S. has called on Israel to scale back its offensive and said that the establishment of a Palestinian state should be part of the day after.
But in a nationally broadcast news conference, Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with the offensive until Israel realizes a decisive victory over Hamas. He also rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood. He said he had relayed his positions to the Americans.
In any future arrangement Israel needs security control all territory west of the Jordan, Netanyahu told a nationally broadcast news conference. This collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can you do?
The prime minister needs to be capable of saying no to our friends, he added.
More than 100 days after Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack, Israel continues to wage one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, with the goal of dismantling the militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007 and returning scores of captives. The war has stoked tensions across the region, threatening to ignite other conflicts.
More than 24,600 Palestinians have been killed, some 85% of the narrow coastal territorys 2.3 million people have fled their homes, and the United Nations says a quarter of the population is starving.
Hundreds of thousands have heeded Israeli evacuation orders and packed into southern Gaza, where shelters run by the United Nations are overflowing and massive tent camps have gone up. Israel has continued to strike what it says are militant targets in all parts of Gaza, often killing women and children.
Early Thursday, medics said an Israeli airstrike on a home killed 16 people, half of them children, in the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
Dr. Talat Barhoum at Rafahs el-Najjar Hospital confirmed the toll and said dozens more were wounded. Associated Press footage from the hospital showed relatives weeping over the bodies of loved ones.
They were suffering from hunger, they were dying from hunger, and now they have also been hit, said Mahmoud Qassim, a relative of some of those who were killed.
Footage emerged Thursday of Israeli troops blowing up the main campus of a university outside Gaza City in a controlled detonation one of multiple universities they have destroyed. The video, apparently taken by drone, showed a giant explosion engulfing the complex of buildings of Al-Israa University.
The university, a private institution founded in 2014, said in a statement that its main building for graduate studies and bachelors colleges were destroyed. It said Israeli forces seized the complex 70 days ago and used it as a base. It was unclear when the explosion took place. The Israeli army had no immediate comment.
According to Hamas, Israeli forces have destroyed more than 390 schools, universities, and educational institutions across Gaza.
Internet and mobile services in Gaza have been down for five days, the longest of several outages during the war, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks. The outages complicate rescue efforts and make it difficult to obtain information about the latest strikes and casualties.
There was meanwhile no word on whether medicines that entered the territory Wednesday as part of a deal brokered by France and Qatar had been distributed to dozens hostages with chronic illnesses who are being held by Hamas.
WAR REVERBERATES ACROSS REGION
The war has rippled across the Middle East, with Iran-backed groups attacking U.S. and Israeli targets. Low-intensity fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon threatens to erupt into all-out war, and Houthi rebels in Yemen continue to target international shipping despite United States-led airstrikes.
The Israeli military said it fired an interceptor at a suspicious aerial target likely a drone or missile approaching over the Red Sea on Thursday, triggering air raid sirens in the southern Israeli coastal city of Eilat. The Houthis have launched drones and missiles toward Israel that mostly fell short or were intercepted and shot down.
Iran has meanwhile launched a series of missile attacks targeting what it described as an Israeli spy base in Iraq and militant bases in Syria as well as in Pakistan, which carried out reprisal strikes against what it described as militant hideouts in Iran early Thursday.
It was not clear if the strikes in Syria and Pakistan were related to the Gaza war. But they showcased Iran's ability to carry out long-range missile attacks at a time of heightened tensions with Israel and the U.S., which has provided crucial support for the Gaza offensive and carried out its own strikes against Iran-allied groups in Syria and Iraq.
Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas to ensure it can never repeat an attack like the one on Oct. 7. Militants burst through Israels border defenses and stormed through several communities that day, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostage.
Israel has also vowed to return all the hostages remaining in captivity after more than 100 mostly women and children were released during a November cease-fire in exchange for the release of scores of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Family members and supporters were marking the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage, in a somber ceremony Thursday in Tel Aviv.
The red-haired infant and his 4-year-old brother Ariel were captured along with their mother, Shiri, and their father, Yarden. All four remain in captivity.
MEDICINES BOUND FOR HOSTAGES ENTER GAZA
The agreement to ship in medicines was the first to be brokered between the warring sides since November. Hamas said that for every box of medicine bound for the hostages, 1,000 would be sent for Palestinian civilians, in addition to food and humanitarian aid.
Qatar confirmed late Wednesday that the medicine had entered Gaza, but it was not yet clear if it had been distributed to the hostages, who are being held in secret locations, including underground bunkers.
Both France and Hamas had said the International Committee for the Red Cross, which helped facilitate the hostage releases, would have a role in distributing the medications. But on Thursday, the Red Cross said the mechanism that was agreed to does not involve the ICRC playing any part in its implementation, including the delivery of medication.
Hamas has continued to fight back across Gaza, even in the most devastated areas, and launch rockets into Israel. It says it will not release any more hostages until there is a permanent cease-fire, something Israel and the United States, its top ally, have ruled out.
Gazas Health Ministry says at least 24,620 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, around two-thirds of them women and children, with over 61,800 wounded. It says many other dead and wounded are trapped under rubble or unreachable because of the fighting. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths.
Israel blames the high civilian death toll on Hamas because it fights in dense residential areas. Israel says its forces have killed roughly 9,000 militants, without providing evidence, and that 193 of its own soldiers have been killed since the Gaza ground offensive began.
___
Jeffery reported from London and Lidman from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.
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Israel-Hamas war at 100 days
I came in to say the same.
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i was just thinking about her lmao
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That woman will always live in our memories (even if I can't even remember her name)
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ANNA ALLEN continues living rent free in our minds!
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Edited at 2024-01-18 11:51 pm (UTC)
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when she was told her illustration style was very similar to Studio Ghibli's
somebody lied to her several times she lied to the press also several times they remind me more of Loish than anything else, and now we can't even be sure she made them.
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she's an amateur sketcher at best. at 1:20 in the last video i put (where she's showing four dragon heads) she says that's her best work and was an assignment from university of tokyo
ms geraldine is on another level of living in her own fantasy world <3
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Her actual drawings are very deviantart 13 yo furry back in the 2000's vibes lol
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pic.twitter.com/yA9Q0NoFqn cartoonbrew.com - Animation News (@cartoonbrew) January 16, 2024
Seriously tho, I read about this and the secondhand embarrassment was beyond D: Seriously tho, I read about this and the secondhand embarrassment was beyond D:
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the scream i just scrumpt
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I AM SCREAMING
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Earlier today, Geraldine has released a statement admitting that she had no involvement in the making of the film, and also points out that the media should've done more to verify if her story was true before publishing it.
Lmaooo. Sometimes I wish I was born with this level of shamelessness.
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It's giving "My brain isn't fully developed yet, why are you asshole millennials harassing me" energy. She's shitty and I hope she gets blackballed.
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she's literally neurodivergent and a minor??1!?!1
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i know right? she literally said: that's on YOU for believing me.
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ngl this is a hilarious response
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ngl, props to her for the response.
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lmao not her shaming the media for not doing their homework
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sjsj she also blamed her friends for spreading the lie (they didn't know) and people for talking about it! because there are more important things going on in the world~~~
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I LOVE scammers. Like, I barely have the guts to promote me and my work that I actually have done, so I wish I had just a tiny slice of their audacity.
Like girl you thought no one would find out?
Also my longest grift is that I used to lie on Habbo Hotel I used to go to a boarding school in Switzerland.
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Not even lying about working on some of the poster art or promotional material which is less traceable but the movie itself?!?
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And also claiming to not only be involved in the movie itself, but having animated, by herself, at least 35 total minutes of it. Like, what the hell. How did she think no one would investigate that?
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This has been doing the rounds in the graphic design spaces for the past few days and while people were initially sympathetic (ie: her inital backtrack that the work was more collaborative instead of her creating 25k frames by herself, freelancers often aren't given credit in collaborative projects, etc) the more stuff came out the more people started roasting her ass. Mes, mess, and more mess!
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Why would you lie about that?
Edited at 2024-01-18 07:39 pm (UTC)
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Japan and the world in general is overflowing with manga/anime nerds thinking they can become famous anime artists. People work their asses off to achieve that and most of them fail. There's absolutely no way somebody would randomly offer such prestigious job to some rando exchange student who wasn't even trying to get hired. They have plenty of actual applicants to consider.
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Plus Ive heard its actually harder for foreign talent to get in. Like the work load and work culture of Japan is pretty intense from what Ive heard.
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If you aren't born in Asia, EAsian office jobs are a whole culture in itself
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Yup. Plus many of them are not fluent in Japanese, which tends to be a requirement.
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True. I just remember the blog of Jamie Lynn Lano who worked as an assistant for Takeshi Konomi on "Prince of Tennis". I think that's a way for foreign talent to get into the business, but it's still tough. You have to compete with so much local talent.
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That, plus a house like Ghibli no doubt has loads of artists from around the whole world sending them spec work to either be considered for a future opening, or to maybe give a quick review. While weirder things have happened (ie: folks getting hired because their online work/sm just happened to catch the eye of someone important) I'm side eying her story.
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Also, like... this is the man's magnum opus, a fucking surreal autobiography. but sure let's pick the random foriegner to work on it and animated 25k frames.
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Lol this level of shamelessness.
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Well, I guess she got her name out there
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Did she really think no one was going to find out? A good grift requires a bit more finesse than this.
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Y bueno, el tema de que el japones no sea su fuerte hizo que entre algunos certificados que mostro como prueba de su historia, se le escapara uno de un Simposio de ceramica (!) pic.twitter.com/0enYKHBLum Ale (@AleLimon) January 17, 2024 hey now, she was able to photoshop herself a ceramics symposium certification under the name of takashi moriyama, a clear receipt of her work at studio ghibli!
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does she think japanese is some secret language???
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Why lie about something like that when it can be so easily called out on.
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Tokyo Institute of Technology scientists report in a new study environmentally benign inverse-perovskites with high energy conversion efficiency have potential for practical application as thermoelectric materials (TEMs).
The recent study published in Advanced Science, the researchers presented inverse-perovskite-based high ZT TEMs with the chemical formula Ba3BO, where B refers to silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge).
Addressing the limitations typically faced with TEMs, such as insufficient energy conversion efficiency and environmental toxicity due to heavy elements, the new TEMs provide a suitable alternative to TEMs based on toxic elements with better thermoelectric properties than conventional eco-friendly TEMs.
Thermoelectric materials (TEMs) capable of converting thermal energy to electrical energy and vice versa have become an essential part of our world, which needs better waste-energy harvesting systems and cooling systems for electronic gadgets.
The energy conversion efficiency of TEMs depends on a dimensionless figure of merit (ZT), which is a product of two different factors: the inverse of thermal conductivity (k) and the power factor (PF).
A high-performance TEM exhibits a high ZT if it possesses low k and high PF. Over the years, scientists developed several high-performance heavy metal chalcogenide-based TEMs, such as Bi2Te3 and PbTe, that fulfill these criteria.
While these materials were ideal for energy conversion, they were toxic to the environment and the health of living organisms they contained toxic heavy elements, such as lead (Pb) and tellurium (Te), which limited their practical applications.
On the other hand, although oxide-based TEMs, such as SrTiO3, have several advantages of non-toxicity and abundant natural resources, their ZT has been limited due to their high k.
To address this, a research team led by Associate Professor Takayoshi Katase from Tokyo Institute of Technology explored efficient yet environmentally benign toxic-element-free TEMs.
Dr. Katase, elaborating on the standout properties of the materials explained, Unlike normal perovskites, such as SrTiO3, the positions of cation and anion sites are inverted in inverse-perovskites Ba3BO. So, they contain a large amount of the heavy element, Ba, and their crystal structure is formed by a soft flamework made up of weak O-Ba bonds. These characteristics realize the low k in inverse-perovskites.
The research team clarified the synthesized bulk polycrystals of Ba3BO possess extremely low k of 1.0-0.4 W/mK at a T of 300-600 K, which is lower than those of Bi2Te3 and PbTe bulks.
As a result, the Ba3BO bulks exhibit rather high ZT of 0.16-0.84 at T = 300-623 K. Additionally to the promising experimental results, the team carried out theoretical calculations which predicted a potential maximum ZT of 2.14 for Ba3SiO and 1.21 for Ba3GeO at T = 600 K by optimizing hole concentration.
The maximum ZT of these non-toxic TEMs is much higher than that of other eco-friendly TEMs and comparable to the toxic heavy element ones in the same temperature range.
In addition, the team clarified that the high ZT of Ba3BO is due not only to its low k but also its high PF: B ion, which usually behaves as a positively charged cation but as a negatively charged anion in Ba3BO. The B anions are responsible for the carrier transport, which achieves high PF.
In summary, this study validates the potential of the newly designed Ba3BO as a high-performing and eco-friendly alternative to conventional toxic, heavy element-based TEMs. The results establish inverse-perovskites as a promising option for developing advanced environmentally benign TEMs.
In that regard, Dr. Katase concluded, We believe that our unique insight into designing high ZT materials without using toxic elements would have a strong impact on the materials science and chemistry communities as well as among innovators looking to expand the horizon of thermoelectric material applications beyond laboratories into our everyday life.
***
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Thats a pretty technical press release. But even a newbie can get through it with quite a knowledge gain by just treading slowly and keeping track of the terms.
One might also begin to suspect, as others following this study find similar or perhaps better innovative results, that this team might have hit a breakthrough.
For thermoelectric and heat harvesting a breakthrough would surely be welcome news. Lets hope others follow on with this work with even more insight, intellect, and creativity.
By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel
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Despite the continued escalation of tensions and conflicts in the Middle East and the diversion of LNG cargoes away from the Red Sea, natural gas prices in Europe and spot LNG prices in Asia have dropped to the lowest levels in years and months, respectively, even during peak winter season.
Asian demand for LNG has rebounded this winter season, following weaker-than-expected import demand in the 2022/2023 season, while gas inventories in the region are relatively high. This would help the biggest Asian buyers, China, Japan, and South Korea, weather global LNG supply risks this heating season, analysts say.
Europe is in a good position to finish this winter without major disruptions, too, thanks to steady pipeline flows from its top supplier, Norway, and sufficient LNG imports, especially from the United States.
The confidence that Europe and Asia will go through the winter without much trouble is reflected in the benchmark European natural gas prices and in the Asian spot LNG prices.
Both have slumped this week to multi-month lows, despite the fact that it is peak winter season and despite the global traffic chaos as LNG vessels are turning away from the Red Sea/Suez Canal route and diverting to a 10-day-longer voyage via the Cape of Good Hope in Africa.
Red Sea Traffic Chaos
LNG has been affected more than any other commodity by the en masse exodus from the Red Sea, following the escalation of tensions with the Iran-backed Houthis attacking commercial vessels and the U.S. and UK targeting Houthi positions in Yemen and shooting down Houthi drones and missiles in and around the Red Sea. Related: Mercuria CEO Says OPEC May Have to Deepen Oil Production Cuts
It now appears that LNG tankers have halted all travels via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
Early this week, ship-tracking data noticed that Qatar, one of the world's top three LNG exporters, had paused LNG shipments through the Red Sea due to security concerns.
Qatar's LNG cargoes via the Red Sea/Suez Canal route have been bound for Europe.
Qatar sent a little more than 20 bcm of LNG to Europe last year, accounting for 16% of total European LNG imports, ING strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in an analysis this week.
There are also some marginal volumes from Oman and the UAE. Middle Eastern LNG supply to Europe would all pass through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, they noted.
"If the situation deteriorates, it may lead to some disruptions and longer shipping times in the short term but where there is flexibility, it's expected that we'd see shifts in trade flows," ING's strategists added.
The most likely trade flow changes would be U.S. LNG bound for Asia to be re-routed to Europe, while more Qatari LNG would move into Asia instead of Europe.
"In doing this, these flows will avoid the Red Sea and will not have to take the longer route around South Africa," ING said.
The market is currently shrugging off a major supply risk, evident in both LNG freight rates and LNG prices.
Diverting via the Cape of Good Hope from the Persian Gulf to northwest Europe adds only $0.09 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) to the freight cost compared to the Suez Canal route due to Suez Canal savings, but increases laden voyage time by 9.5 days, Spark Commodities has estimated.
Meanwhile, the front month DES LNG price in northwest Europe, at $8.883/ MMBtu, is at its lowest since the summer of 2023, the LNG freight rates tracking firm said.
European Gas Prices Tumble Despite Supply Risks and Cold Snap
The front-month February Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures, the benchmark for Europe's gas trading, plunged by 6% to $30.30 (27.795 euros) per megawatt-hour (MWh) at trading close on Wednesday. That's the lowest price in more than two years, reflecting higher-than-usual inventories and weaker gas demand from industry.
The prices have largely ignored the deep freeze of the past weeks in most of Europe and the Red Sea LNG traffic halt as traders believe the market is well supplied to finish this winter season which we are now halfway through with sufficient natural gas in storage sites. As of January 16, EU gas storage sites were 77.9% full, according to data from industry group Gas Infrastructure Europe. That's well above the 5-year average of 68% full for this time of year.
"Soft demand is expected to continue throughout 2024 and coupled with steady supply from Norway and LNG imports leaves markets facing few upside pressures for prices," analysts at BMI Research wrote in a report carried in The Wall Street Journal.
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Analysts at Engie's EnergyScan analytics unit said on Wednesday that "Despite a cold snap hitting Europe, gas and power prices continue to fall in January. A comfortable supply demand balance and favorable weather forecasts contribute to the decline but geopolitical risks remain in the background."
Despite the Qatari LNG re-routing, "Europe is well placed to deal with disruptions, with its gas storage still very high for the time of year, and much better positioned than two years ago when Russia started its war with Ukraine," Alex Froley, an LNG analyst at ICIS, wrote earlier this week.
Asian Spot LNG Price Drops to Seven-Month Low
Asia is well positioned to not see shortages or spiking spot LNG prices for the rest of the winter, too, despite a rebound in LNG imports in recent months.
Ample inventories in Asia, as well as in Europe, continue to put downward pressure on Asia's spot LNG prices, which fell for an eighth straight week in the week to January 12. The average LNG price for February delivery into northeast Asia slumped by almost 10% in one week to $10.10/MMBtu in the week to January 12, per industry sources cited by Reuters. That's the lowest spot LNG price in Asia in seven months since June 9, 2023.
By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com
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Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff for the Israeli Defense Forces, declared that the likelihood of war in Lebanon has reached an unprecedented level.
The warning comes in the wake of a recent series of missile strikes exchanged between the IDF and the militant group Hezbollah, as per to New York Post.
Israel Readies for Lebanon Border Strife
Addressing troops stationed near the Lebanese border on Wednesday, Lt. Gen. Halevi emphasized that Israel is intensifying its preparedness for potential hostilities in Lebanon. Training for reservists is currently underway in northern Israel, overseen by the Land Forces Training Center.
"We are in a time of increasing readiness for fighting in Lebanon. We have a lot of lessons from the fighting in Gaza, many of which are very relevant to fighting in Lebanon, and there are some that must be adapted," stated Lieutenant General Halevi.
According to him, the primary objective for Israel in Lebanon is to ensure the safe return of residents to the northern communities. Lt. Gen. Halevi acknowledged that achieving this goal would require a significant change, underlining the increased probability of conflict in the coming months.
"The likelihood of it happening in the coming months is much higher than it was in the past," noted the representative of the Israeli General Staff, indicating a shift in the geopolitical landscape.
Highlighting the Israeli army's growing confidence in its capabilities, Lt. Gen. Halevi mentioned the acquisition of "great experience, capabilities, surprises that can be achieved progress." He emphasized the importance of serious training and a strong spirit among the troops for any potential future engagement.
The tensions between Israel and Lebanon have been exacerbated by repeated attempts from Hezbollah militants to strike Israel from Lebanese territory. The conflict escalated after Israel initiated a war against Hamas, further straining regional stability, according to RBC Ukraine.
Read Also: US Unleashes New Strikes Against Houthi Sites in Yemen
Hezbollah Strike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently expressed his country's readiness to engage in a war with Hezbollah. The situation escalated on January 8 when a senior Hezbollah commander, Radwan, was killed in southern Lebanon as a result of an Israeli strike.
On January 6, Israeli forces retaliated with a series of strikes in southern Lebanon following the firing of about 40 rockets into northern Israel. This incident marked another chapter in the ongoing hostilities between the two sides.
In a previous attack on December 20, Israeli Defense Forces targeted Hezbollah's operational command center in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz had also issued a warning to Hezbollah at the end of the preceding year, cautioning that the IDF would take measures to push militants away from the border with Lebanon if the attacks persisted.
During a drill simulating an offensive in Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Halevi reiterated the increased readiness of the IDF, drawing parallels with lessons learned from the conflict in Gaza. The chief of staff remains uncertain about the exact timing of a potential conflict but emphasized the heightened likelihood in the coming months, expressing confidence in Israel's preparedness advantages.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community closely watches the developments in the region, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflicts between Israel and its neighbors, The Times of Israel reported.
Related Article: Israel-Hamas War Update: Israel's Military Withdrawal in Gaza Creates Divisions Among Israeli War Cabinet Officials
Last year, the United States became the worlds largest exporter of liquefied natural gas. This year, the federal government, acting on urges from climate activists, started a review in the approval process for new LNG facilities. At around the same time, a warning came about a coming glut in LNG capacityamid reports that Chinas resurgent LNG imports are threatening Europes energy security.
Just a decade ago, natural gas in all its forms was as uncontroversial as a hydrocarbon could ever get in the modern world. Now, it is being called way worse than coal, and governments in Europe and North America are taking aim at it for its methane emissionsthe new CO2. And Energy Monitor reports that demand for LNG is going to flatline soon and start declining, which is why a lot of LNG capacity currently under construction will end up as a stranded asset.
The news outlet is the first one to suggest an LNG glut. The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a pro-transition think tank, has argued in several reports that global energy capacity will exceed demand for the fuel.
Yet demand appears to remain quite strong, at least for now. So strong, in fact, that the European Union last year imported a record amount of Russian liquefied gas despite assurances it has severed all gas ties with its former top supplier. And it apparently continues to buy record amounts of Russian LNG.
Related: Mercuria CEO Says OPEC May Have to Deepen Oil Production Cuts
The argument that LNG capacity is being overbuilt is based on expectations that all natural gas demand is going down, and soon. The reason it is going down is consumption declinesat least in the case of Europe. The Energy Monitor article reports a 20% drop in demand for gas in 2022, which was in excess of a target for a gas consumption reduction of 15% amid soaring prices.
Unsurprisingly, it was these prices that took care of consumption much more than any government-mandated reductions. The mild winter of 2022-2023 also helped a lot, but even during that winter, a cold spell in November had Germans turning up their thermostats and sparking worry among gas storage level watchers with higher withdrawals.
The report also cited the International Energy Agencys prediction that peak gas demandlike peak oil and coal demandwill be with us in just a few short years. Given the IEAs track record in such forecasts, it might be best to take that one with a pinch of salt. After all, two years ago, the IEA said the world does not need any more investments in new oil and gas production, only to call several months later for more investments in new oil and gas production.
In the United States, companies are building new LNG supply capacity because there is demand for LNG. Its difficult to think of a simpler and more apt illustration of how a free market works. There is demand for an energy commodity. If there is demand, to paraphrase Shells former CEO Ben van Beurden, there will be supply.
China last year became the worlds largest LNG importer, even as pipeline gas imports from Russia surged to a record and domestic production also grew. In fact, China imported so much LNG that some began to worry it would raise prices for Europe on the spot marketdespite the happy reports about lower gas demand.
The reality about gas demand is that it is easy to reduce when you dont need it. Germany, in the winter of 2022, was an excellent example. People were told to conserve energy, take shorter showers, and turn their thermostats down. People did what they were told; first, because their gas bills became exorbitant and, second, because it wasnt too cold anyway. Then it got cold. And those same people turned their thermostats up because heating in the winter is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
It is because of this simple fact of life that peak gas demand is most probably nowhere in sightunless governments intervene to force its reduction by mandating lower consumption. The tricky part of such a course of action would be to find a comparable alternative to gas in order to avoid mass disgruntlement. Enduring gas demand in the face of massive wind and solar buildouts is proof enough that such an alternative has yet to be invented or discovered.
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In the meantime, if the free market is left to itself, a lot more LNG capacity will come online over the next decade, most of it in the United States but also in Qatar, which is working to double its export capacity by 2027, and Russia, too. This new LNG capacity costs tens of billions of dollars to develop. Surely so many companies, including the largest commodity traders in the world, cant all be wrong about the long-term prospects of gas demand.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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The Norwegian government has suffered a major setback in its bid to expand the countrys oil and gas production after the countrys Supreme Court ruled that three permits issued by the government to develop new offshore oil and gas fields are invalid because their environmental impact was not sufficiently assessed.
Last year, Greenpeace Nordic and Natur og Ungdom filed a lawsuit with the Oslo District Court, seeking a temporary injunction for the three projectsEquinor ASAs (NYSE:EQNR) Breidablikk and Aker BPs (OTCQX:AKRBF) Yggdrasil and Tyrving in the North Seaciting a failure by the companies and the Norwegian government to consider the full impact of the future use of all the extracted fossil fuels on the global climate. The two fields hold combined reserves of some 875 million barrels of oil equivalent.
"The court's conclusion is that the decisions on the plan for the development and operation of petroleum deposits for Breidablikk, Yggdrasil and Tyrving are invalid," said the ruling by Judge Lena Skjold Rafoss.
"An impact assessment ensures that dissenting voices are heard and considered, and that the decision-making basis is verifiable and available to the public," it added.
According to the court, future emissions should have been assessed as part of the approval process, in-line with its decision in the famous Norwegian Arctic Oil case of 2020.
The Norwegian government won the case against environmental groups that wanted the courts to block the government from issuing licenses to oil and gas companies to explore the south and southeast areas of the Barents Sea for petroleum.
The latest ruling, however, makes it clear that the verdict applies to these three recently approved fields only "and not to other activity on the Norwegian continental shelf". Still, it could set a precedent for new fields.
"This is a full and complete victory for the climate over Norway," Greenpeace Norway head Frode Pleym told Reuters.
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By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com
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Sub-zero temperatures and harsh weather have caused delays and cancelations of LNG export cargos from Louisiana and Texas, Bloomberg has reported, citing unnamed sources in the know.
Those told the news outlet that Cameron LNG had canceled at least one scheduled cargo and delayed several others, and Cheniere Energy had also been forced to delay some loadings.
The effect of these disruptions, however, is expected to be limited as the weather forecast for next week is for warmer weather, which should take care of the delays. Europe, meanwhilethe biggest buyer of U.S. LNGis boasting lower gas prices on ample supply. Milder weather should come to the continent next week, too.
The outlook remains stable to bearish for European gas prices (on Wednesday) with no major change in temperature forecasts overnight and nominations for Norwegian gas exports to Europe back to 350 mcm/day," analysts from EnergyScan, a unit of French energy major Engie, said this week, as quoted by Reuters.
"(However) market players should continue to watch out for potential moves in the LNG delivery schedule of Qatari cargoes to European import terminals," they added.
Qatar last week diverted at least five cargos from the Suez Canal route amid continued Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Since then, the situation has escalated, with U.S. and UK forces striking targets in Yemen, to which the Houthis responded with more attacks on ships and a declaration that all U.S. and UK vessels will also become targets.
"If the situation deteriorates, it may lead to some disruptions and longer shipping times in the short term but where there is flexibility, it's expected that we'd see shifts in trade flows," analysts from ING wrote, as quoted by Reuters.
According to them, the most important risk for LNG shipments is the potential disruption of gas flows via the Strait of Hormuz which is where Qatari LNG travels through. Yet the risk of such a disruption is remote, based on historical evidence.
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By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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Crude oil prices ticked up earlier today following the release of OPECs latest monthly report and weather-caused production outages in North Dakota.
Still, the price increase was modest, as the American Petroleum Institute estimated a build in oil inventories that analysts did not expect, and as the IEA said it expected lukewarm demand growth this year.
In its January Monthly Oil Market Report, OPEC said on Wednesday it expected demand for oil this year to rise by 2.25 million bpd, slowing down to a still quite healthy 1.8 million bpd in 2025.
Oil demand growth next year will be driven by nearly 1.7 million bpd growth in non-OECD countries, mostly in China, the Middle East, and India, OPEC said.
The latest economic data from China, however, appears to have disappointed oil analysts, despite suggesting pretty solid growth. The Chinese economy expanded by 5.2% in the final quarter of 2023, up from 4.9% in the third quarter. Yet the figure was 0.1% lower than what economists polled by Reuters had expected, hence the disappointment.
The news that oil output in North Dakota had fallen by between 650,000 bpd and 700,000 bpd had a limited positive effect on prices as the outage should only last a few days.
The International Energy Agency, meanwhile said it expected a well-supplied oil market this year, bar any geopolitics-related supply disruptions.
"If we don't see any major geopolitical surprises, I expect this year a comfortable oil market, a more balanced oil market," the IEAs head, Fatih Birol, said in Davos.
Speaking of surprises, the conflict in the Middle East is showing no signs of letting up, with a fresh round of attacks on military targets in Yemen by the U.S. and an exchange of strikes between Iran and Pakistan.
"Brent crude prices remain broadly stuck in a range as they has been over the past two weeks, as market participants struggle to weigh mixed demand-supply dynamics with prevailing geopolitical tensions," IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong told Reuters.
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ING analysts, on the other hand, pointed to the latest U.S. retail sales data as bearish for oil as it showed stronger-than-expected figures, raising questions about the Feds monetary policy this year. The sales data, ING said, largely neutralized Middle Eastern supply concerns.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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Pakistan carried out early on Thursday a series of military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Irans southeastern province Sistan-Baluchestan, in the latest conflict escalation in the Middle East, two days after Iran targeted with missiles sites linked to militant group Jaysh al-Adlin in western Pakistan.
Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that a number of terrorists were killed during the operation based on intelligence.
According to Iranian state TV and news agencies, three women and four children were killed.
Iran has demanded immediate explanation from Pakistan over the incident, Fars news reported.
Tehran has also summoned Islamabads charge d'affaires over the deadly attack in Irans Southeast.
Thursdays attack comes two days after Iran carried out on Tuesday a missile attack in the western part of its neighbor, nuclear-armed Pakistan, targeting sites linked to militant group Jaysh al-Adl, and adding another flare-up to the already tense situation in the Middle East.
This was the third strike in one week from Iran on another country in the region, after attacks on targets in Iraq and Syria in recent days.
Earlier this week, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps killed a prominent Kurdish energy businessman at his home in Erbil. Some outlets note that Peshraw Dizayee, who died in the attack with four family members, had purported ties with Israeli intelligence services and that the attack was in fact an assassination.
The tensions in the region have intensified in recent weeks, as the Iran-backed Houthis ramped up attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and declared open season on any U.S. ship transiting the area, in response to last weeks U.S.-UK missile strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Oil prices rose early on Thursday following Pakistans strikes in Iran, but the Middle East was not the only bullish driverOPECs outlook of strong oil demand in 2025 and a deep freeze cutting U.S. oil production also pushed prices higher.
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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com
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The Philippines says it will go ahead with plans to build defense alliances with the U.S. and its Western allies in a bid to make it possible for the Southeast Asian nation to explore oil-and-gas-rich South China Sea.
I really do think its quite urgent that we start now, Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr told Bloomberg News in an interview on Wednesday in his office in Manila, adding that oil exploration is part of the package of the countrys strategy to protect its territory.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea erupted after Beijing laid a sweeping claim to sovereignty over the sea--home to an estimated 11 billion barrels of untapped oil. However, scores of countries including the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have opposed China while a 2016 international tribunal took a similar stance.
The Philippines, which imports nearly all its fuel requirements, is desperate to find new energy sources as a key local gas field nears depletion. However, it has to contend with China which frequently deploys military ships in the contested waters.
This could mean that they really want total domination and control over everything from free passage to resources, or they want to bear hug the Philippines to make them the sole joint venture partner in the exploration or exploitation of resources in this area, Teodoro has said.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated over the past year with the Philippines vowing to reject any joint exploration that fails to recognize the nations right to exclusively exploit these resources.
Territorial disputes over the South China Sea date back to the 1970s when countries began to claim various zones and islands in the sea, such as the Spratly Islands, which possess rich natural resources and fishing areas.
China maintains that foreign militaries are not allowed to conduct intelligence-gathering activities, including reconnaissance flights, in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
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By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com
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Widening discounts for Russian grades and lower international benchmark prices dragged Russias oil export revenues down to a six-month low in December, despite higher export volumes, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday.
All Russian oil exports, including crude and fuels, jumped by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 7.8 million bpd in the last month of 2023, compared to November, the IEA said in its Oil Market Report for January. This was the highest export level in nine months, with crude oil shipments jumping by 240,000 bpd from November to 5 million bpd, and oil product exports increasing by 260,000 bpd month-on-month.
Despite the highest export volumes in nine months, Russias estimated export revenues plunged to their lowest level in six months, to $14.4 billion, the IEA said. The decline was the result of increased discounts of Russian oil prices compared to benchmarks and the overall decline in international benchmark prices.
The price of Russias flagship crude grade, Urals, dropped in early December to below the G7 price cap of $60 per barrel after the U.S. toughened the enforcement of the sanctions on Russian oil exports.
The tougher enforcement of the G7 sanctions looks to have created troubles for Russia in placing some its crude in some markets, especially one of its top markets, India.
The toughened enforcement and related issues have been holding up Indian purchases of some cargoes of Russian crude oil, with tankers previously headed to India now turning back eastwards, tanker-tracking data monitored by Bloomberg showed earlier this month.
Some of those tankers were already en route to India loaded with Russias Sokol grade and departed from the Far Eastern ports in Russia.
At the end of last year, the United States took a tougher stance on the sanctions against Russia and sanctioned several vessels for violating the G7 price cap of $60 per barrel, above which cargoes cannot use Western insurance and financing.
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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com
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Crude oil inventories in the United States rose this week by 483,000 barrels for the week ending January 12, according to The American Petroleum Institute (API), after analysts predicted a draw of 2.4 million barrels. The API reported a 5.215-million-barrel draw in crude inventories in the week prior.
On Tuesday, the Department of Energy (DoE) reported that crude oil inventories in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) rose by 0.6 million barrels again this week. Inventories are now at 355.6 million barrels.
Oil prices were mixed ahead of the API data release. At 4:20 pm ET, Brent crude was trading down 0.26% at $78.09but up $0.67 per barrel compared to where it was this same time last week. The U.S. benchmark WTI was trading up on the day by 0.59% at $72.83, up $0.76 per barrel compared to this time last week.
Gasoline inventories saw another large build this week, rising by 4.86 million barrels after rising by 4.896 million barrels in the week prior. As of last week, gasoline inventories are now about 1% above the five-year average for this time of year, according to EIA data.
Distillate inventories also rose this week, by 5.21 million barrels, after rising by 6.873 million barrels in the week prior. Distillates are roughly 4% below the five-year average.
Cushing inventories fell by 1.98 million barrels after falling by 625,000 barrels in the previous week.
By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com
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Global coal-fired power generation reached a record-high level in 2023, per data from environmental think tank Ember reported by Reuters columnist Gavin Maguire.
As countries, especially in Asia, looked to meet growing electricity demand and ensure their energy security, coal use in power generation hit record highs.
Per Ember data, global electricity generation from coal was 8,295 terawatt hours (TWh) between January and October, up by 1% compared to the same period in 2022.
Meanwhile, global coal exports also rose last year to more than 1 billion metric tons for the first time ever, per cargo tracking data by Kpler, cited by Reuterss Maguire. In 2023, worldwide thermal coal exports hit 1.004 billion metric tons, rising by 6.6% from the prior year.
Global coal demand likely rose by 1.4% in 2023 and surpassed a record-high level of 8.5 billion tons for the first time, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report in December.
Moreover, the three top coal producers in the world China, India, and Indonesia are boosting production, which is reaching new highs, the IEA said in its Coal 2023 annual report.
While coal demand in the United States and the EU was set for a 20% record decline in 2023, coal use in emerging economies remains very strong, increasing by 8% in India and by 5% in China in 2023 due to rising demand for electricity and weak hydropower output, the IEA said.
Chinas coal demand is expected to drop in 2024 and plateau through 2026, and global demand is set to decline to 2026, but China will have the last word, the IEA noted.
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The outlook for coal in China will be significantly affected in the coming years by the pace of its clean energy deployment, weather conditions, and structural shifts in the Chinese economy, according to the agency.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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The biggest oil companies and the top financial institutions generated combined windfall profits of as much as $424 billion in the two years to June 2023, a report by ActionAid and Oxfam showed this week.
ActionAid and Oxfam have looked at the 200 largest companies in the world by market capitalization to estimate their windfall profits, comparing the earnings in the two years up to June 2023 with profits in the four preceding years. Of these 200 companies, 14 were in fossil fuels and 22 in the banking sector, bringing the total to 36 companies in these two sectors.
Of the profits across both sectors, US$424 billion can be considered windfall profits profits that exceed the average from the baseline four years by over 20%, the report said.
The six biggest international oil majors alone posted as much as $219 billion in combined net profits for 2022, a new record high.
Each of Exxon, Chevron, BP, Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies reported record profits for 2022, doubling their combined net earnings from 2021 and booking the best-ever year for Big Oil. The profits surged from around $100 billion booked for 2021, as oil and gas prices jumped last year following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and majors raised oil and gas production to meet the growing demand for oil and limited gas supply from Russia to Europe.
ActionAid and Oxfam, which presented their report in Davos, called for taxes on windfall profits that could finance climate mitigation measures.
The organizations said that climate finance could get a massive boost by applying a windfall tax on windfall profits made in recent years by some of the worlds largest fossil fuels companies and the banks that finance them.
A tax of 90% on the windfall profits from the 24 months preceding July 2023 could generate as much as US$382 billion in revenue just from these 36 companies, ActionAid and Oxfam said.
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By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com
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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized a direct link between the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the wider security landscape in the Middle East.
The so-called "axis of resistance," a network of autonomous militant groups under Iran's influence, has been instrumental in launching a series of attacks against Israeli and American interests in the region, as per Washington Examiner.
Gaza Ceasefire Vital for Regional Stability
Amir-Abdollahian declared, "An end to the genocide in Gaza will lead to an end of military actions and crises in the region," underlining the interconnected nature of regional security. He argued that the security of the Red Sea is intricately tied to developments in Gaza and warned of the consequences if Israel's actions in Gaza persist.
The Iranian Foreign Minister specified that these attacks, orchestrated by Iran and its proxy groups, would cease if Israel were to withdraw its forces from the conflict. Since mid-October, Iran and its proxies have targeted Israeli and US assets over 100 times, raising the specter of a broader regional conflict.
Notably, Iran deployed a navy vessel to the Red Sea, heightening tensions in an already volatile maritime region. Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have also launched numerous missile and drone attacks against international vessels in the Red Sea, impacting global trade routes.
While the United States and its Western allies have managed to thwart many Houthi attacks, shipping companies have been forced to divert their routes, resulting in significant delays. The situation has further complicated an already strained geopolitical environment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, undeterred by international pressure, has given no indication of halting the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Netanyahu, who initiated the war in response to a massacre perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, has asserted that the conflict will endure for "many more months." Additionally, he has issued warnings of potential conflict with Hezbollah, another Iran-backed terrorist organization operating in Lebanon, according to Fox News.
Read Also: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Facing Opposition to Controversial Rwanda Bill
US Urges Restraint as Israeli Offensive Persists
Despite President Biden's administration expressing support for Israel, it has urged restraint, calling on Netanyahu's government to scale back its offensive in Gaza. However, the Israeli leadership remains resolute in its commitment to ongoing military operations.
In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, Amir-Abdollahian reiterated that an end to the Gaza conflict would have far-reaching consequences, echoing the objectives of various armed groups within Iran's network of influence. Since the initial hostilities in October, Hezbollah has engaged in daily confrontations with Israeli forces on the Lebanon-Israel border, while Houthi rebels continue to target vessels in the Red Sea.
Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, recently stated that confrontations at the Lebanon-Israel border would persist until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved. Iran has directly entered the conflict, launching ballistic missiles at what it claimed was an Israeli intelligence base in northern Iraq.
The tensions have not been confined to the Levant, with Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria launching numerous attacks against US military positions. In response, Iran carried out missile strikes in Syria and Pakistan against groups it accused of orchestrating attacks within its borders.
As the situation intensifies, there are concerns that the ripple effects extend beyond the Middle East. China has called for restraint, recognizing Iran and Pakistan as "close neighbors and major Islamic countries." The international community watches anxiously as diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent a full-scale escalation of the conflict in the region, CNN News reported.
Related Article: US, Doha To Discuss Efforts To Release Hamas Hostages
Last week we learnt that 2023 was the worlds hottest year on record.
Concerns about the temperature data from both the Met Office and the EUs Climate Change Service comes as we have faced worsening flooding in the UK, wildfires across North America and prolonged droughts in East Africa.
This extreme weather poses a risk to lives and livelihoods in the UK and around the world. It presents business and the City with serious challenges, but also opportunities to shape the future for the better.
In this General Election year, while there may be some differences on the pace of change required, there is a political consensus that businesses need to play their part in the solution.
Regardless of the election result, 2024 must therefore be a year where we turn a corner and take action to reduce the carbon emissions which produce climate change.
The transition to net zero will not be easy. We do not yet have cost-effective alternatives to all the processes where we are dependent on fossil fuels.
But while all businesses should be seeking to reduce emissions in absolute terms, the carbon offset market allows businesses to offset fossil fuel usage where a full stop is not currently possible.
This is done by buying carbon credits from projects proven to remove, or avoid, an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
In practice, this can be projects which see forests or mangroves grown to absorb carbon, or replacing high-polluting cookstoves in the developing world with cleaner, more efficient technologies.
Businesses are already realising the merits of voluntary carbon markets; in fact eight of the worlds 10 most valuable brands including the likes of Apple, Google and Microsoft already use carbon credits, or have committed to do so.
This mindset also leads to a virtuous circle of sustainability. Studies have shown that companies which participate in voluntary carbon markets are also 1.8 times more likely to be reducing their own emissions year-on-year.
It makes sound financial sense to invest early, as the costs of carbon credits are projected to rise precipitously in the coming years.
The recent UN COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai was a pivotal moment for the voluntary carbon market, with enhanced focus on high integrity, high quality carbon credits.
A growing number of global leaders and businesses are now recognising that the route to net zero cannot be achieved without carbon markets including the United Nations, World Bank, WTO, UK government and the new Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli, all of whom have endorsed carbon credits as a crucial component in the transition to net zero.
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Across the pond, the US State Department announced it was partnering with businesses like Mastercard, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Walmart on its Energy Transition Accelerator. This will incentivise decommissioning fossil fuel assets and enhance clean energy deployment. We need to see similar commitment in the UK.
Carbon credits provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle climate change in a rapid, sustainable and cost-effective way. But in order for carbon markets to realise their full potential, efforts need to be increased. Ideally, we would see a doubling of the number of emissions being offset globally over the next year.
By Rich Gilmore via City AM
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BERLIN Arnold Schwarzenegger was stopped for hours by customs at Munich Airport after entering Germany with a luxury watch that was potentially to be auctioned at a charity event.
The former movie star and California governor was stopped for a routine check after arriving Wednesday, customs spokesperson Thomas Meister said. Schwarzenegger was able to leave after about 2 hours, he said on Thursday.
Goods over the value of $467 that will stay in the European Union have to be declared and, where appropriate, duty paid on them. German daily Bild, which first reported on the incident, reported that the allegedly undeclared watch made by Swiss manufacturer Audemars Piguet was valued at $21,739 by Schwarzenegger, for whom it was specially produced.
The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative said that Schwarzenegger was detained for traveling with a watch he owns, that he might be auctioning at his charity auction (Thursday) in Kitzbuhel, in neighboring Austria.
It added in an emailed statement that Schwarzenegger cooperated at every step even though it was an incompetent shakedown and that he agreed to prepay potential taxes on the watch (remember, it is his personal watch).
It said the watch was still likely to be auctioned and the climate initiative will properly report it, as all of Arnolds nonprofits do. Schwarzenegger's charity auctions raise millions of dollars every year for after-school programs for children across the U.S. and environmental work around the world, it added.
The matter now goes to a customs penalty body in Augsburg, which will evaluate the case.
Where in the world do your groceries come from? The US imported nearly $200 billion worth of food in 2022 Where domestic food production is concentrated
Workers have begun removing asbestos in preparation for tearing down the Spencer Homes East public housing apartments, which became a source of controversy after the City of Omaha and Omaha Housing Authority left them standing empty and unsecured for months.
But a fence has not yet been erected around the buildings.
The process of demolition has begun, said Joanie Poore, CEO of the housing authority. The abatement has started. ... Once that is completed, the demolition will continue.
Sherman Wells, one of a group of North Omaha community advocates who raised concerns about the buildings in a World-Herald article in December, said he is completely unsatisfied with the progress.
They still havent put up a fence or boards, he said. The process is taking too long. ... Its still just a total disrespect to North Omaha.
The buildings shouldnt have been allowed to stay like that in the first place, he said, and now the property should be secured and the buildings knocked down.
City Council member Juanita Johnson, whose District 2 includes the Spencer East buildings at 26th Avenue and Spencer Streets, said Wednesday that she had been told by the City Planning Department that a fence was scheduled to be erected Jan. 8 but was delayed by snow and extreme cold.
Old Man Winter came in, Johnson said. It didnt appear too feasible at the time to put a fence up.
She noted that the demolition contractor, Cox Contracting Inc., had erected a sign listing contact information, as the Planning Department had told the City Council in a Dec. 19 meeting that they would. Johnson said city officials also have communicated with neighbors. She said she has not received reports from neighbors since that council meeting about littering or trespassing on the property.
I have a friend who lives near there who keeps me up to date, and I havent had any recent complaints, Johnson said.
Assistant City Planning Director Kellie Johnston Dorsey said that although a fence is not up, progress has been made.
Asbestos remediation is complete in one building, and a third party is inspecting the work, Johnston Dorsey said by email Wednesday.
Demolition could begin on that first building later this week or early next week, she said. The contractor will continue building by building. We have gone door-to-door notifying neighbors of the process, put up two signs regarding the demolition and worked with utilities to prep for the demolition.
On Wednesday, a crew from Jamco Abatement Services was on site, removing debris from one of the apartment buildings. Matt Timmerman, president of Jamco, said the workers, having completed removing asbestos from one building, was clearing debris from a second building while preparing it for abatement.
North Omaha advocates were planning to discuss Spencer East along with other issues at a community meeting Wednesday evening.
The issue came to the fore in December when Wells and fellow North Omaha resident Celeste Butler publicly demanded that the city and housing authority take immediate action on the apartments. The agency and the city had allowed the buildings to sit open and vacant for months as they descended into dangerously dilapidated conditions and became a magnet for trash dumping, scavenging and people seeking shelter. There was evidence of at least one fire in an apartment.
The six Spencer East apartment buildings were vacated in June 2022 as a part of a federal grant-backed, multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the Spencer Homes public housing complex and its neighborhood. The redevelopment, which the city and housing authority are doing with the private Illinois-based Brinshore Development, involves building mixed-income housing on the part of Spencer Homes that lies west of the North Freeway.
The housing authority relocated all Spencer Homes residents in 2022, but only demolished the Spencer West buildings at the time, and left the Spencer East buildings standing. OHA and city officials have said thats because they found out they didnt have enough money to demolish all the apartments and they needed to start building new housing on the former Spencer West site.
The developers eventually decided to use federal grant money to demolish Spencer East. A contract was already in the works when the condition of the apartments hit the newspaper in December, but the extent of the dumping, damage and trespassing caught housing authority and city officials by surprise, and they cleaned up the property and vowed extra police patrols and quick action on demolition. The council approved the $305,000 demolition contract Dec. 19.
Council member Johnson said city officials and the housing authority generally are doing what they said in December that they would do. Still, she said she wished the council had been asked to pay for the demolition before the situation got so bad.
I wish that this would have been addressed back in May of 2023, she said. But thats hindsight. If we do things when were supposed to do things, then we wouldnt be in this situation.
Photos: Vacated Omaha apartments left wide open and in disrepair
Today is Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Let's get caught up.
Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast:
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What to know about Texas' clash with the Biden administration over Border Patrol access
Texas' refusal to allow Border Patrol agents into a park along the U.S.-Mexico border is a new marker in the state's deepening rift with the Biden administration over immigration.
For nearly a week as of Wednesday, Texas has denied entry to Border Patrol agents around Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, which has become one of the busiest spots on the southern U.S. border for migrants illegally crossing from Mexico.
Here are some things to know about the park and the broader dispute:
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Democratic drama and Biden write-ins promise a New Hampshire primary to remember
Is a New Hampshire primary without the frontrunner on the ballot and no delegates up for grabs still a New Hampshire primary? Depends on who you ask.
On Tuesday, voters in the Granite State will once again help kick off the presidential primary season, on the heels of the Iowa caucuses that began the nomination process on the Republican side Monday. But this year, theres something different about the traditional first-in-the-nation primary, at least on the Democratic side.
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Another Republican debate is canceled after Haley says she'll only participate if Trump does, too
CNN announced Wednesday that it was calling off its debate, which had been scheduled for Sunday at New England College.
That comes a day after ABC and WMUR-TV said they were also canceling Thursday's debate, planned at Saint Anselm College, following Nikki Haley's assertion that the next debate in which she participates will either be with Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
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MORE TOP STORIES
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MORNING LISTEN
The Ethical Life podcast: The hosts discuss why forgiving others can be so important, and why empathy and sincerity play key roles in the process.
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TODAY IN HISTORY
Today in history: Jan. 18 In 1993, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time.
Today in sports history: Jan. 18 In 1976, Lynn Swann's spectacular catches lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in Super Bowl X. See more sports moments from this date.
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TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS
LINCOLN Gov. Jim Pillen pledged in his State of the State speech Thursday to work with lawmakers as long as it takes to cut property taxes 40% this year.
The governor delivered his speech to the Nebraska Legislature along with his proposed budget updates and a handful of new initiatives. He started roughly 45 minutes later than planned because a group of senators were speaking against plans for developing a North Omaha business park.
In his speech, Pillen vowed to cut government regulation, focus business incentives on child care and housing and protect women in athletics from having to compete with transgender women. He urged lawmakers to join him in those quests.
If we look beyond localized interests and set politics aside, and instead put the best interests of Nebraska as our sole guiding principle, I have no doubt that we can win for our agriculture, our businesses, our taxpayers, our kids and our future, he said.
But Pillen left no doubt that property taxes are his top focus. He declared them to be the states biggest economic problem and said they have been hurting farmers, ranchers, homeowners and businesses for most of our lifetimes. Nebraska currently ranks seventh in the U.S. for highest property taxes, he said.
High property taxes hurt every Nebraskan in every part of our state. It must be fixed now, he told lawmakers, adding one of his favorite lines. Property taxes are so out of whack, you dont even need to own property to be adversely affected.
Pillen offered few new details about how he plans to address the problem. He said his goal is to cut the amount of property taxes paid by Nebraskans from $5 billion to $3 billion, using a combination of tax shifts and stricter limits on local governments.
Half of the $2 billion is already accounted for. Roughly $250 million would come from legislation last year that eliminated property taxes for community colleges and replaced them with state aid.
Another $750 million would come from repurposing the income tax credits that are available to offset school property taxes paid. Currently, about 30% of the amount allocated for those income tax credits go unclaimed.
Pillen wants to frontload those credits, meaning the money would be sent directly to local governments to replace property taxes. That should bring down tax bills sent to property owners.
He wants to distribute another $1 billion using a similar mechanism, but the source for that money has yet to be determined. State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair said the true amount of property tax cuts will be determined over the remaining 49 days of the session through the tax bills that make it through the Legislature and to Pillens desk.
Pillen previously floated the idea of raising state sales taxes by 2 cents, to a nation-leading 7.5 cents. He has since backed off from that idea but hasnt completely closed the door on it.
Speaking to reporters later, Pillen said he is supportive of all options, including a rate increase.
He said all sales tax exemptions are on the table except those that would make Nebraska less competitive or that would harm people on fixed incomes and the elderly. He would not change the long-standing policy of exempting food items.
He mentioned several bills introduced this week that would apply sales taxes to a number of now-exempt goods and services, including candy, pop, accounting services, business legal services, data centers, veterinary care, specialty livestock services, storage and moving services.
He said he believes Nebraskans would support paying more in sales taxes if that shift would mean lower property taxes. Past proposals to eliminate sales tax exemptions have drawn crowds of opponents.
Theres a big attitudinal adjustment in the state of Nebraska, Pillen said, adding that there is a recognition that to fix the problem, we all have to give something.
Members of the Legislature expressed differing views on the proposal. Hansen agreed with the governor that a majority of taxpayers would favor such a shift, while Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln called it a tax-raising scheme.
Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb criticized the plan, claiming it would give Nebraska the highest sales taxes in the nation, and argued it would hurt middle class and working families.
Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston said a 40% property tax cut is an ambitious goal, but he doubted that a majority of Nebraskans can get behind a plan to lower their property taxes if it raises their taxes in other areas.
Its not going to be friendly, and its not going to be nice, Riepe said.
Among his other initiatives, Pillen said he wants to allocate more than $87 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars for highway construction, shift $25 million from the Affordable Housing Trust fund into rural workforce housing and invest $2.5 million into biomanufacturing and biotechnology.
He wants to exempt Nebraska National Guard pay from income taxes and provide business tax incentives to companies that help with employee child care expenses and put money into rural workforce housing.
The governor also touched on a couple of hot-button cultural issues, urging lawmakers to support a proposal by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha that would bar students from competing on athletic teams or using bathrooms that do not match their sex at birth.
Conrad said she was disappointed Pillen made that request and said it felt out of place in a speech she mostly agreed with. She said its clear Pillen has not paid attention to the work lawmakers have done to lower the temperature from last years session which was filled with rancor over a different bill dealing with transgender issues and expressed concern that Thursdays speech could reignite the same level of divisiveness.
That deliberate work can be undermined very quickly, Conrad said.
LINCOLN A powerful group of Nebraska lawmakers put forward a proposal Wednesday that would restore the Legislatures oversight of the states prison and child welfare systems while trying to ease the attorney generals concerns over the constitutionality of such oversight.
Introduced by Speaker John Arch of La Vista and seven of the eight other members of the Executive Board of the Legislative Council, the bill highlights the Legislatures inherent power to investigate the operations of the states government.
Legislative Bill 1321 puts the broad and indispensable power of inquiry into the hands of the Office of the Inspectors General and the states Ombudsman Office, which Attorney General Mike Hilgers suggested are unconstitutional in a nonbinding legal opinion his office released in August.
The offices, which were created by the Legislature to investigate two of the states most troubled agencies, largely lost access to facilities and records maintained by the Departments of Correctional Services and Health and Human Services in the wake of Hilgers 38-page opinion, leaving the Legislature without oversight of the agencies and the people in their care.
The Legislature in September hired an outside attorney to help lawmakers navigate the wake of Hilgers opinion, kicking off months of discussions that led to Wednesdays proposal, which Arch said is an attempt to restore functional legislative oversight of those two vulnerable populations while operating within the constitution.
In his August opinion, the attorney general took particular issue with what he called the untrammeled power of the inspectors general to impede, control and access information of other government branches.
Hilgers also said that the legislation creating those offices allows the inspectors general to operate without oversight or outside the direction of the Legislature and that those officials are more difficult to remove than state senators themselves.
Archs proposal would allow inspectors still to have access to all information and personnel necessary to investigate the agencies and would require HHS and the states prison system to provide such information in the most efficient and timely way.
Though Hilgers seemed to take issue with the inspectors access to the agencies electronic case management systems, Archs bill suggests the agencies might still provide access to electronic case files and databases, though its not required.
The bill does require the agencies to share information in a manner which maintains (its) confidentiality.
Archs proposal also tweaks the appointment process for the states ombudsman and inspectors general in an apparent attempt to make clear that the Legislatures watchdogs are beholden to the Executive Board of the Legislative Council.
Under the bill, the ombudsman would be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Executive Board while the inspectors general would be appointed by the ombudsman with the approval of the chair of the Executive Board and the chair of the relevant legislative committee either the HHS Committee or the Judiciary Committee.
The ombudsman was previously appointed by a vote of the Legislature at large following a nomination from the Executive Board.
And, in another apparent concession to the attorney general, the bill would eliminate the inspector general for child welfares authority to provide oversight on juvenile probation, which the Legislature granted the inspector in 2015.
Officials in Nebraskas executive branch had taken issue with the inspectors oversight of juvenile probation at a legislative hearing last year, when the states court administrator told senators that judges should remain free to adjudicate youths to probation without the threat of investigation by another branch of government.
Archs bill also lays out the process for agencies to lodge objections to the disclosure of records, details how the Legislature might issue subpoenas for records or sworn testimony on an inspectors behalf and defines compliance requirements for state employees.
Its very necessary for the citizens and for those two populations, Arch said, referring to oversight of those in the care of HHS and the states prison system. Very necessary.
Its unclear if the proposal Arch put forward Wednesday will strike the balance the senator hopes.
He acknowledged that he and other lawmakers, in coordination with Hilgers office, are still working to make sure the proposal adequately addresses the constitutionality concerns the attorney general raised in August.
I would not call what was introduced today a final copy, Arch said, noting that legislators are still working on that constitutionality piece, though he said he hasnt asked Hilgers for his opinion on the bill.
We just want to make sure we get it right, Arch added.
A spokeswoman for Hilgers office said the attorney general is still reviewing the proposal.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024
LINCOLN Schools could adopt policies allowing some employees to carry firearms on school grounds under a new bill introduced in the Nebraska Legislature.
Legislative Bill 1339, introduced by State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, was one of 110 bills put on the books Wednesday, the final day lawmakers could introduce new legislation. In all, lawmakers have introduced 1,411 bills over the two years of the 108th Legislature, not including hundreds of resolutions and constitutional amendments.
LB 1339 would change several aspects of existing state law regarding school security. Notably, it would authorize the governing bodies of school districts and other education institutions to adopt policies that allow qualified personnel to carry firearms on school property and at school events.
In addition, the bill removes criminal penalties for off-duty and retired law enforcement officials who carry weapons on school grounds, including concealed handguns. It also encourages schools to provide mapping data to public safety agencies to use in an emergency response.
Brewer is a longtime advocate for gun rights in the Legislature. Last year, after multiple attempts, he succeeded in passing a bill that made it legal for Nebraskans who are 21 or older to carry concealed weapons without a permit.
LB 1339 is another bill that Brewer said hes been working on for some time. He represents a rural district, and many schools in his area are far from the nearest law enforcement office. That makes them vulnerable, he said, in an emergency event such as a shooting.
The bill allows schools to adopt policies on who could carry guns in schools. Those policies must include requirements on qualifications, training, appropriate firearms and ammunition, and appropriate use of force for personnel authorized to carry guns. It would be left up to school officials to determine the specific criteria to meet such requirements.
The bill does not require schools to ensure that firearms are kept in secure containers while on school grounds, although officials could opt to include that as a requirement. Brewer said he didnt want the bill to be so detailed that it would deter schools from taking action.
With this, it will be their call, Brewer said.
Brewer said his team drafted the bill with local control as a top priority. Schools could decide whether or not to adopt such a policy, and individual employees could decide whether to participate.
LB 1339 currently has 28 co-sponsors aside from Brewer, but Brewer said he still expects to see a fair share of opposition to the bill if it makes it to the floor for debate.
Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, the leading opponent to Brewers permitless concealed carry bill last year, described LB 1339 as a bad and an impractical idea. She said such a bill should at least lay out clear guidelines for the safe containment of firearms while on school grounds, and said Nebraska teachers and parents are against the idea.
This would be another tremendous setback for our state, Raybould said.
Here are some highlights of other bills introduced Wednesday:
Diversity The University of Nebraska, along with other state and community colleges, would be barred from a wide range of actions to promote diversity, equity and inclusion by LB 1330, introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil.
Under his bill, these higher education institutions could not require staff to attend diversity training, spend public dollars on diversity services, advance or adopt any policies related to promoting diversity, or hire staff specifically focused on such efforts. Murman said he believes personal merit should be the biggest factor used by college officials in dealing with students and staff.
Child tax credit LB 1324, introduced by Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, would provide tax credits for households with children who are 6 or younger. The baseline credit would equate to $1,000 per child but could be less based on a households annual income.
Fentanyl tests Nebraska pharmacists and public health departments would be allowed to sell or distribute fentanyl test strips under LB 1325 from Sen. Tony Vargas of Omaha. Fentanyl test strips can detect the presence of fentanyl in a range of different drugs and medications.
Legislative salaries Legislative Resolution 283CA from Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha would create the Legislative Salary Commission, which would be tasked with reviewing and updating legislative salaries once every two years. Members of the Legislature are currently paid $12,000 per year, which some lawmakers have argued is so low that it deters many potential candidates from seeking office.
Media literacy Starting in the fall 2027 semester, Nebraska high schools must require that students complete at least one media literacy course under LB 1371, another Vargas bill. Such courses would teach students about various aspects of conducting and reading research, different information resources and how to access them, and the difference between facts, points of view and opinion, among other things.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024
LINCOLN Gov. Jim Pillen is expected to lay out his plan for his top priority cutting property taxes by 40% when he delivers his second State of the State speech Thursday.
And the Nebraska lawmakers hell be addressing have already introduced pieces of an overall property tax package, as well as offering some tax ideas of their own.
One measure would hike the state sales tax by 1 cent; others would tax candy, pop and other goods and services that are now exempt.
Pillens speech is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nebraskans can watch it on Nebraska Public Medias streaming service: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/watch/live/
Wednesday was the last day for lawmakers to introduce bills this year. Legislation can be introduced on behalf of the governor at any point in the session.
State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, the Revenue Committee chairwoman, offered the measure to raise the sales tax. Legislative Bill 1315 would bump the state rate to 6.5 cents, up from the current 5.5 cents.
The intent would be to use the additional tax revenue, estimated at close to $500 million, to replace some of the property taxes levied by local governments. Linehan said she introduced the bill so the idea could be considered but said she hopes it will not be needed.
Im hoping not to do any sales tax increase, she said.
Earlier this month, Pillen floated the idea of raising the state sales tax rate by 2 cents, to a nation-high 7.5 cents, along with boosting cigarette taxes by $2 a pack and some smaller tax changes.
The increases were part of a plan to reduce the amount Nebraskans pay in property taxes to about $3 billion, down from the $5.023 billion paid last year. His plan called for the new state revenue to replace property taxes, with new programs created to distribute the funds to schools and other local governments.
The plan also would impose new restrictions on local governments, requiring them to roll back property tax levies when valuations increase and when they get more state dollars.
Pillens proposal met immediate pushback, particularly to the proposed tax increases, and he said last week that he was still working out how to reach his goal in collaboration with the Legislature.
This week, lawmakers have introduced bills that encompass some pieces of his previously floated plan, along with some other ideas. Several measures would extend sales taxes to cover previously exempt items and services.
Goods and services that would become subject to sales tax would include: veterinary care and specialty livestock services, as well as storage and moving services (LB 1311), data centers (LB 1319), accounting services (LB 1308) and business legal services (LB 1345).
LB 1310 and LB 1354 would impose a new 7.5-cent sales tax on companies that bring in more than $1 billion in gross advertising revenue. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who introduced both measures, said the targets are large digital companies, such as Facebook or Google.
LB 1310 also would apply sales taxes to so-called games of skill, or video-gaming machines typically found in bars. LB 1299 would increase the tax on vaping devices.
Other proposals would limit local governments ability to increase property taxes.
Linehan introduced LB 1316, which would end the ability of a school board to boost property taxes beyond the limits set in last years tax legislation as long as 70% of the board approved. Higher increases would be allowed only if 60% of voters agreed.
The limits set last year require schools to reduce their property tax revenue when they get increases in state aid. But the limits also allow for a 3% increase in costs, plus factors for growth in student enrollment, English language learners and students in poverty.
LB 1241 would impose a new type of levy limit on schools, counties and other local governments, requiring them to reduce their property tax levy by the same percentage that property valuations rise.
A pair of proposals from Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha would take a different approach. Legislative Resolution 285CA would allow residential property to be valued differently from other types of property in the state, including by a method that limits valuation increases. The companion LB 1362 would set a 5% annual limit on residential valuation increases.
Finally, Linehan offered a shell bill, meaning one that could be gutted and used for assembling a property tax package. LB 1317, as currently written, appears to sum up all the other legislative proposals.
It reads: The Legislature finds that: (1) Property taxes in Nebraska are too high; and (2) Legislative changes to lower property taxes in Nebraska are needed and desired.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of January 2024
Exploring the land of the dragon: Essential tips for traveling to China
10:24, January 18, 2024 By Tian Yi ( People's Daily Online
Editors Note: The Chinese people are preparing to welcome the Year of the Dragon as Chinese New Year approaches. International visitors to China can expect to experience a spectrum of cherished traditions and exceptional hospitality. Following the implementation of new visa exemption regulations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will further optimize visa policies to encourage personal exchanges between China and foreign countries.
This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the autumn scenery of the Huangyaguan Great Wall in Jizhou District of Tianjin, north China. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)
On January 15, 2024, China announced the application of a unilateral visa-free policy to Switzerland, and the Swiss side will provide visa facilitation for Chinese citizens and Chinese companies investing in Switzerland.
Starting from November 2023, China has issued multiple new visa policies to facilitate foreign travelers to visit the country. In late November 2023, China issued a visa-free policy of up to 15 days for ordinary passport holders from six countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.
Effective Dec. 1, 2023, the visa-free policy will be available until Nov. 30, 2024. The policy expands existing visa-free policies for foreign citizens and has attracted more travelers from policy-related countries to visit China. According to the National Immigration Administration, in December 2023, China recorded 214,000 inbound visits from the six countries, a sequential increase of 28.5 percent. Of these, 118,000 were visa-free visits, accounting for 55.1 percent of total visits.
Chinas new visa policies have been warmly welcomed by other countries and have prompted new bilateral visa agreements. Following the new policys issuance, Malaysia introduced a 30-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens. In early December, China and Singapore announced plans to implement a reciprocal 30-day visa exemption policy for citizens of both countries.
To simplify future travel to China for tourists worldwide, Peoples Daily Online has compiled a list of travel tips.
Dubbed the world's eighth ancient wonder, the Terracotta Army is a collection of life-sized sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shihuang, China's first emperor. (Photo by Liu Ning)
Tips for visiting China
According to data from June 2023, China is home to nearly 1.1 billion netizens, accounting for 76.4 percent of the population. With a rapidly increasing number of internet users and a booming e-payment and online shopping industry, the nation offers an extensive network of online services for basic needs.
Travelers visiting China are advised to purchase a Chinese SIM card. Having a local phone number is crucial in China, as many essential services require phone verification codes. This includes online payments, travel recommendations, food delivery, and everyday transportation services.
This photo taken on July 5, 2023 shows the test train 55301 before departing from Guiyang North Station in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Cashless payments:
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Chinese society. Most transactions are conducted through WeChat Pay and Alipay. WeChat Pay is a part of the social media platform WeChat, while Alipay is more commonly used for e-commerce orders, transportation and fee payments.
Travel recommendation apps:
Meituan (), along with its subsidiary Dianping (), serves as a comprehensive guide app for visitors looking for both popular and lesser-known destinations. They feature a scoring system that helps identify attractive traveling spots.
Xiaohongshu () is a social media platform where travelers often share personalized sightseeing experiences, including specific highlights of tourist attractions, travel route recommendations, and time management tips.
Restaurants and food delivery apps:
Meituan and Dianping offer special deals and combo menus in many restaurants. Their rating systems provide recommendations, similar in function to Yelp in the Western world. Meituan also offers food delivery services.
Ele.me (), owned by Alibaba, is another food delivery app that offers various coupons and bonuses, providing an alternative to Meituan.
Transportation:
Metro/Subway and buses: In addition to local apps, WeChat and Alipay offer QR codes for local bus routes and subways. Passengers can scan their QR code at subway stations or on buses.
Shared bikes: Riders can book shared bikes through Meituan and Alipay. Meituans bikes are painted bright yellow, while Alipays are blue and white.
Taxi and car-hailing services: Taxis and car-hailing services can mainly be booked through three apps: Amap (), Meituan and Didi ().
Photo taken on Oct. 9, 2021 shows designated parking zones for shared bikes and mopeds in Hohhot, north Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Peoples Daily Online/Ding Genhou)
Social media:
The most popular social media sites in China include WeChat (), QQ, and Sina Weibo (). WeChat and QQ, both created by Chinese digital giant Tencent, are primarily messaging apps that allow users to stay in touch with friends or business partners. These platforms facilitate the easy sharing of photos and information. Weibo is more like Threads or X, keeping users updated on trending topics in China or the interests of their followers.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang)
The AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) released a series of three new reports today on advanced artificial intelligence.
The papers focus on generative AI governance, unlocking its value, and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment. The Alliance bridges together governments, businesses and experts to shape responsible AI development applications and governance, and to ensure equitable distribution and enhanced access to this path-departing technology worldwide.
"The AI Governance Alliance is uniquely positioned to play a crucial role in furthering greater access to AI-related resources, thereby contributing to a more equitable and responsible AI ecosystem globally," says Cathy Li, Head, AI, Data and Metaverse, World Economic Forum. "We must collaborate among governments, the private sector and local communities to ensure the future of AI benefits all ."
The European Union has devised the world's first comprehensive AI rules ahead of a busy election year, with AI-powered misinformation and disinformation the biggest risk to the global economy as it threatens to erode democracy and polarize society, according to the World Economic Forum report released last week.
From China to Europe, top officials staked their positions on AI as the world grapples with regulating the rapidly developing technology that has big implications for workplaces, elections, and privacy.
What Does China Want?
The Associated Press quoted Chinese Premier Li Qiang calling AI "a double-edged sword."
"Human beings must control the machines instead of having the machines control us," he said in a speech Tuesday. "AI must be guided in a direction that is conducive to the progress of humanity, so there should be a redline in AI development - a red line that must not be crossed," without elaborating.
China, one of the world's centers of AI development, wants to "step up communication and cooperation with all parties" on improving global AI governance, Li said.
China has released interim regulations for managing generative AI, but the EU broke ground with its AI Act, which won a hard-fought political deal last month and awaits final sign-off.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said AI is "a very significant opportunity if used in a responsible way."
AP News revealed that during a session featuring Meta chief AI scientist Yann LeCun, talk about risks and regulation led to the moderator's hypothetical example of "infinitely conversant sexbots" that could be built by anyone using open source technology.
Taking the high road, LeCun replied that AI can't be dominated by a handful of Silicon Valley tech giants if it's going to serve people around the world with different languages, cultures, and values.
"You do not want this to be under the control of a small number of private companies," he said.
A 51-year-old North Platte man died after his pickup truck ran into the side of a semitrailer truck Wednesday night.
The crash occurred at 11:53 p.m. when the northbound semi attempted to turn left onto a westbound Interstate 80 on-ramp from Newberry Access Road in the west-central Nebraska city. As the semi was turning, the southbound pickup struck the semis right side, according to a press release from the North Platte Police Department.
The pickups driver, Jean Pierre Brownell, was pronounced dead at the scene. The semis driver was not injured.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol are assisting with the investigation.
Rochas Okorocha
The Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accused the governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, of using the recent traditional rulers peace summit in Owerri, the state capital, to rip-off the citizens of huge fund.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Secretary of the party in the state, Nze Emeana, the PDP alleged that Okorocha colluded with monarchs to siphon huge funds belonging to the people.
The party further stated that the National Council of Traditional Rulers had nothing to do with the elections in the state, contrary claimz by the Chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri.
According to the party, the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, had also claimed that the collated suggestions from the summit would be submitted to the President and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party further believed that the summit was a ploy by Okorocha to loot the resources of the state and launder his image with a view to getting the Independent National Electoral Commission to release his withheld Certificate of Return as winner of Imo West Senatorial election result.
But when contacted on the matter, the Chief Press Secretary to Okorocha, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, warned a correspondent not to disturb him and immediately switched of his telephone.
As focus in telecommunications services are shifting towards data which requires investment in infrastructure, stakeholders have urged federal government and its regulatory agencies in the ecosystem to review its existing policies as well as ensure a business-friendly environment if the country will achieve the new broadband penetration target of 70%.
The Federal Government has set a new target for broadband penetration after the country exceeded the initial target of 30 per cent, which was part of the National Broadband Plan in December 2018.
The Nigerian Communications Commission set a new target of 70 per cent broadband penetration to be attained in the next five years and has licensed infrastructure companies to deploy the optic fibre across the country.
Six infrastructure companies have been licensed and asked to commence operations in the North West, North East, South West, South South, South East and Lagos.
The stakeholders said that a review has become necessary in view of little impact of the existing policies and environmental conditions.
They cited InfraCo business that is yet to commence after several years of granting license to the operators.
More so, operators are reluctant to expand their coverage because of multiple taxes as well undefined Right of Way approval processes and cost. Such policy review should also enable the TV White Space for broadband service provision.
ALSO READ: CBN warns against rising unemployment rate
The Chairman, NCC, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, described the deployment of telecoms infrastructure as a capital-intensive project that required the input of both the private sector and the government.
He said, The laying of fibre is the basic thing that we need and it is so very expensive. We are preparing a paper to present to the government for approval so that we can go further than we have done. The target broadband penetration at the end of last year was 30 per cent; right now, we have reached 33 per cent and we want to make sure that every nooks and crannies of Nigeria, including remote villages, will have access to telecommunications services.
However, stakeholders have described the new target as ambitious, saying it can only be achieved if the business environment is conducive and their investments are adequately protected.
Operators pointed out that issues of vandalism of infrastructure, expensive right of way, multiple taxation and delay in permit issuance, which had lingered for over five years, were discouraging them from investing in the sector.
The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, while speaking at the Nigerian Telecom Leadership Summit, said a total of 39 statutory and non-statutory taxes and levies imposed on operators were making businesses difficult in certain states.
He stated the shutdown of telecom infrastructure due to refusal to pay non-statutory levies to states and local governments had security and economic implications.
The first point is that we need investment; the second is that to invite the right type of investment, we need a stable regulatory and policy environment. We have been talking every year. The fact remains that these taxes are not going away. Ten years ago, we spoke about multiple taxes; we were dealing with issues of right of way and planning permit, among others, Adebayo said.
Total count of taxes and levies stands at 39 and these are taxes that apply at state, local and federal government level. Some of them are multiple in nature. Some of them are punitive and applied on us as if we are in the extractive industry. Looking at the list, what have we got to do with effluent discharge and generator emission tax? These same generators are being used by other sectors of the economy and why are the levies aimed at the telecoms sector, he added.
A former Minister of Communications and Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, in her keynote address, said the investments in telecoms industry should not only be left in the hands of the private sectors but that the government and the development partners should be involved.
She enjoined the government to play its role by ensuring conducive and inclusive business environment for the telecom and technology players.
According to her, the issue of multiple taxes, which posed as an impediment to infrastructure rollout, can be eliminated by the Federal Government with an executive order.
She said, We need to define our infrastructure aspirations in a very different way and I challenge the NCC to do this. What we should be talking about is ubiquitous infrastructure that is available to every Nigerian wherever they live. We need to talk about fast infrastructure because when you leave Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, it is almost impossible to do anything on the Internet. Because infrastructure is just not there and even if it is, it is not reliable enough. Internet has to work all the time.
Johnson advocated an inclusive regulation that would consider the interest of stakeholders in the tech ecosystem in addition to mobile network operators, adding that massive skills development in the industry would have a huge impact on the economy.
We need another revolution but this time it is not about telecoms. We need to expand some of the summit and conferences that we have. This is not only about telecoms but digital revolution that concerns more than the MNOs or infrastructure company but the whole economy coming together to actually build this infrastructure and ensure that what is overlaid on this infrastructure is actually connected to economic empowerment, she added.
The Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, said the leadership of the commission had taken a deep and predictive look at the financial health of the industry and concluded that investment was needed for the growth of the industry.
He said, The argument for more investments becomes more compelling, given that this industry is very capital-intensive, with the competition for foreign direct investments becoming fiercer among different nations. We believe those investment opportunities, challenges and prospects would form a critical part of our discussions at this summit.
In our consultative regulatory process, we consider shared experiences and shared vision as the best approach to equip us with the tools to continuously reposition towards the course of effective regulation, Danbatta added.
He said, As the 4th Industrial Revolution blurs the lines between the physical, biological and digital boundaries, our industry will continue to witness challenges of investments to match growth and technology evolution dynamics.
In this age, broadband is of critical importance with its potential to improve the economy of many nations. We may all be aware of the empirical study by the World Bank, which suggests that for every 10 per cent growth in broadband penetration results in 1.34 per cent in Gross Domestic Product in developing countries.
Post Views: 55
Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday stated that he didnt sack Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the CBN when there were speculations about Emefieles presidential ambition, emphasizing that Emefiele never discussed it with him.
This revelation and others were made public in a memoir titled Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (2015 2023), written by former Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, and presented in Abuja on Tuesday.
The book also put up the former Presidents defense of his administrations Naira redesign policy, implemented by the then, Emefiele, saying it helped the country achieve a clean general election in 2023.
The former President maintained that those who had a problem with the policy were individuals who had too much money.
Under the books 12th chapter, the former President said: The scarcity of money was not deliberately done to punish Nigerians. Democracy allows people to express their will, and we did not attempt to control them. People understood the implications of their choices, and we did not force them.
My state, Katsina, showed the beauty of the whole system. In the Presidential poll, APC lost, but they came back to win the governorship. Maybe they took things for granted earlier because it was my state, and they thought they would win easily. People do not like being taken for granted.
READ ALSO: Unlike Buhari, Tinubu not ready to defend corrupt appointees Atikus aide
I met Enefiele in office when I came, and unless there was firm evidence against him, it would be unfair and an act of injustice to remove him, acting on hearsay.
If you punish a man unjustly, it could dog his footsteps throughout life, so if you would punish, you must have evidence and you should know that yourself wouldnt be there forever. You would leave one day.
Im very conscious about the morale of people who serve with me. I also expect whoever succeeds me to be fair to me. I have family, friends, who will feel it. Im very conscious of fairness.
When he was linked with campaigning for the 2023 presidency, I did not ask him, because he told nobody he was getting involved. Otherwise, I would have removed him and told the nation why.
READ ALSO: Court awards Emefiele N100m damages against FG, EFCC
There is no denying that the naira redesign policy gave us cleaner elections. It was people who had too much money that had problems with it.
When it was said that the new notes were not available, over N260 million was found with one bank chairman. Did I take on the Supreme Court on the issue? No, I could not have.
Some APC governors went to court. I refuse to judge people by my own standards, I am not materialistic, but it will be too much to expect all Nigerians to be the same way. It is not fair to condemn anybody, but it is up to them and their conscience. I want to continue to conduct myself with a clear conscience, so that when I go to bed, I sleep off immediately, the book read.
From Joshua Chibuzo Andrew
The candidate of the Action Alliance, AA, in the 2023 Imo State Governorship Election, General Jack Ogunewe has resigned his membership of the party.
Ogunewe conveyed the development in a letter dated January 12, 2024 and addressed to the Chairman, Ward 12 in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
The retired soldier said he resigned from the party to enable him work to enhance the security, good governance and peaceful co-existence of Imo State and Nigeria in general.
According to him, he hopes to achieve this objective through non-partisan seminars and workshops that would produce implementable recommendations for the common good of the society.
He claimed he consulted with friends, family members and teeming supporters on the need to remain nonpartisan at the moment and focused on building his Reset Imo Organization.
Meanwhile, there is speculation in the state that the former Action Alliance chieftain has concluded plans to join Hope uzodimma, the governor of Imo State in the ruling All Progressives Congress where he purportedly intends to further his guber bid in 2027.
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Warns Smugglers to desist from the acts
From Umar Ado Sokoto
In Sokoto ,the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), seized over 1,198 Cartons of unregistered Pharmaceutical,expired drugs and handed over to the National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC)for destructions .
The illicit drugs handed over to the agency include 450 Cartons of Real Extra Tablet, 405 cartons of sex enhancement drugs, 148 cartons of condom, 30 cartons of vernos chewable drugs and others.
The Customs Area Controller ,Musa Omale said the illicit drugs were seized along Nigeria borders and will handed over to NAFDAC for investigation and destruction .
He underscores the danger counterfeit and unregistered Pharmaceutical Drugs Pose to the Nation which he said is a Global scourge with which the whole world is grappling with.
He assured NAFDAC of the Command unflinching support to its fight against counterfeit drugs.
The Area Controller warned smugglers to desist from the act as the Command is battle ready to curtail the nefarious deed.
For control, importation of Pharmaceutical Drugs through the land border is not allowed, the Service has streamline the importation of all Pharmaceutical Drugs through designated sea port, and are only cleared after meeting the pre -requisite documentation,
Responding ,the Sokoto State Coordinator of NAFDAC Alhaji Garba Abubakar Adamu thanked the Service for the unwavering synergy and collaboration toward safeguarding the life and health of Nigerians.
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The families of Air Force officer, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola; his wife, Ganiyat; and a 16-year-old 100-Level student of the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Abdulmugniy Folaranmi who were abducted, have called on President Bola Tinubu and Gov Seyi Makinde to come to their aide for the release of the victims.
Nurudeen Popoola hails from Ile Iyalosa, Ebu Ikolaba, and Ekunle Iseyin; his wife comes from Ile Idi-Ape, Ijemba, Iseyin; while Folaranmi is from Oke-Oja, Iseyin, all in Oyo State.
The couple was abducted from their home at the National Eyes Centre Quarters, Mando, Kaduna, on December 27, 2023, at about 1:00 a.m.
The abductors gave their families Thursday, January 18, as an ultimatum to pay N100 million ransom or have the victims killed.
A cousin to the Air Force officer, Olatunde Rafiu, who spoke with newsmen in Ibadan yesterday, said family members have made frantic efforts to reach out to the state governor through e-mail, as they could not meet with him physically.
Rafiu said the e-mail was sent to the governor, dated January 8, but there has not been any response.
He also appealed to Makinde to reach out to his Kaduna State counterpart, Uba Sani, to help save the victims.
Since our brother and his wife with our young brother were kidnapped in the middle of the night of December 27, 2023, we have made all efforts to gather the money requested by the kidnappers, which is N100 million. But all we could get till this moment is just N20 million. For two weeks, the abductors did not call us till they did on Monday, telling us that they gave us till Thursday to come up with the money.
We have made public appeals and called on people of means in the society to help secure the lives of our loved ones in captivity. Friends, extended family members have reached out, but we are still far from the amount demanded, which is N100 million, and we have only today left.
We are renewing our appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our Governor, Seyi Makinde, to please help us do something within the little time left of the ultimatum given.
On Wednesday, January 17, the Lagos State Police Command paraded 37 suspects arrested for various offences within the metropolis in the last thirty days.
Items recovered from the suspects include 16 different types of guns, 72 live carriages, 75 different ammunition, six axes, four daggers, five cutlasses, two vehicles, one POS machine, fake vehicle number plates and charms.
Lagos State Police Commissioner, Adegoke Fayoade, while parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, said three leaders of a notorious cult gang terrorising Ikorodu and its environs were part of those arrested.
He also said three members of an armed robbery gang that specialises in wearing military camouflage to operate were also arrested.
The CP said on January 11, 2024, at about 1am operatives of the Lagos State Command, upon credible intelligence concerning activities of some hoodlums terrorising Ikorodu and its environs, swung into action, and arrested one Balogun Tola aka 50, Tunde Oladipupo, Rasa Ridwan and Abimbola Aro in connection with cult related activities.
The following items were recovered from them: Three English double barrel gun, one pump action rifle, one reining model 700 rifle, one locally made pistol, seventy-four rounds of live ammunition, sixty-eight rounds of cartridges, one beretta pistol magazine, four axes, three daggers and five cutlasses.
On December 17, 2023, at about 11pm, based on credible intelligence that some group of boys suspected to be members of a confraternity were planning to retaliate their leaders death on other rival cult members in Ayobo area of Lagos State, Police operatives of the Command were dispatched to the area where one Quadri Mukail m, Adedoyin Azeez m, Olayinka Ayodele m, Orefuwa Olamide m and Anuoluwapo Ojo m were apprehended in possession of one beretta pistol with two cartridges and one axe.
The Lagos State Police boss further revealed that in the same vein, operatives of the Command arrested one Toheeb Oyekunle, Victor Jimoh, Samuel Okanlawon, Segun Babatunde, Okeowo Tosin and Mohammed Ibrahim in connection with the invasion that took place at Iju-Ishaga area of the state.
He said during the invasion, the suspects snatched an AK47 rifle from a police officer, and that during interrogation the suspects confessed to the crime and other criminal activities within Lagos and environs.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that the state has identified the company responsible for storing the explosives that led to Tuesdays explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan. He emphasized that appropriate legal actions will be taken to ensure accountability and justice for the incident.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, during a press conference on the incident, held at the Briefing Room of the Governors Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, saying: Those who brought this tragedy on Oyo State will be brought to book.
According to a statement signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor, Governor Makinde called for calm, assuring that the state government has been on top of the situation and that it is leaving no stone unturned regarding the search and rescue of victims at the rubble of the incident as well as the welfare of victims and the security of their properties.
He maintained that it is a trying time for the state and that its people must draw on their strength and resilience and be their brothers keepers.
According to the governor, some measures already taken by the state government to address the situation include the setting up of an Emergency Operation Centre to oversee search and rescue.
He vowed that search and rescue efforts would continue until all lives in the vicinity of the blast were accounted for, adding that the state government had also made provisions with hotels to accommodate victims and those living close to the site of the incident once they could identify themselves.
Governor Makinde also revealed that President Bola Tinubu spoke to him to commiserate with families who lost loved ones to the incident as well as promise the support of the Federal Government on the situation.
He appreciated the President for also deploying the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which he noted was on the ground at the scene of the explosion.
The governor recounted that so far, there were three deaths from the incident and that the number of the injured was about 77.
He warned residents of the state to be wary of spreading fake figures and misinformation regarding the fatalities and the number of casualties.
The press conference came shortly after the governor had visited some victims of the incidents at different hotels around Bodija, Idi Ape and Ikolaba axes, where the state government is providing accommodation and feeding for them.
He said: Since yesterday, our security agencies, first responders, emergency services and all other relevant agencies have been working diligently as they carry out search and rescue operations.
Just this morning, another individual was recovered from the rubble. I want to assure you that the search and rescue operation will continue until all lives within the vicinity of the blast are accounted for.
We are aware that aside from the immediate perimeter of the incident, people as far as 25km away may have been affected physically or psychologically. We have, therefore, put the Emergency Operation Centre, which is being headed by Professor Temitope Alonge, to coordinate all search and rescue efforts.
I would like to appeal to our people to remain calm as we do everything to provide succour to everyone concerned. Some numbers have been provided to reach out to the Emergency Operation Centre.
I know the 615 is operational but there are additional ones: 07049948057 and 08147672009. If you have any information regarding any persons who may still be trapped within that perimeter. Please call that number and we will respond to you.
The governor appealed to those staying in any of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until a structural integrity test was conducted on the buildings.
Makinde also issued a stern warning to individuals who might be planning to take advantage of the incident to perpetrate crimes, noting that security agents would deal decisively with such individuals.
He promised that the state would continue to provide regular updates regarding the actions it is taking through the EMO and its various back channels on and off social media.
While addressing journalists, the Head of the Emergency Operations, Prof. Alonge said an emergency response to the incident was to set up a team of about 40 doctors, 40 nurses and 25 medical students at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
He added that victims who were injured were receiving medical attention in private and government hospitals and that most of them were in stable condition.
Apart from doctors and nurses, we have added to our team physiotherapists, clinical psychologists and they were on ground yesterday to assess the psychological state of the survivors of this unfortunate incident, he said.
President Bola Tinubu, at a dinner at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, for the celebration of the 85th birthday of the elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande, expressed that he benefited immensely from his close relationship with long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, and that he considered himself lucky to have him.
The President also expressed delight that the sentiments he had about the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a former Governor of Osun State, resonated well with other speakers at the event.
A statement from the Presidency indicated:
Presidency Nigeria
@NGRPresident
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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday night in Abuja, said he benefited immensely from his close relationship with long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, and that he considered himself lucky to have him.
Speaking at a dinner held at the State House Conference Centre to celebrate the 85th birthday of the elder statesman, President Tinubu said he was delighted that the sentiments he had about the former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is also a former governor of Osun State, resonated well with other speakers at the event.
READ ALSO: Moghalu felicitates with Emeka Anyaoku @91
Listening to the remarks from the podium, they are inspirational enough. It has been said that you are Mr. Integrity, we, the younger ones, are very lucky to have you. You deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for always being forthright and being honest. I do not want to repeat myself beyond the fact that, lucky enough for me, I have you. I thank God for your life, the President said to Chief Akande.
Recounting the role of Chief Akande in the process leading to the emergence of the APC as a mega party and its eventual election victory in 2015, the President stated that the lessons in forgiveness and patience that he learnt from the elder statesman eventually led him to becoming the President of Nigeria.
Anyone who wants to learn about forgiveness, candour, reliability, should see Chief Bisi Akande. You taught us perseverance, patience, honesty, and management of resources, be it human or capital. See me standing before you, I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
You know how many times and how long that we spoke truth to power, deliberate on how to take the cuff off this nation, how to change and comply with our developmental objectives. You have been doing it whispering silently, be patient, forget the past, look forward, the President said.
In his response, Chief Akande, who said he had concluded arrangements to have a discourse on leadership to mark his birthday in Ibadan, thanked the President and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the dinner, acknowledging that President Tinubu had always been pivotal in the celebration of his birthdays since the 70th anniversary.
He harped on the twin values of loyalty and honesty in dealings with friends.
Other speakers at the event, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, and former Chairman of TETFUND, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, extolled the virtues of the elder statesman.
Israeli leaders have allegedly minimized their contentious remarks about Palestinians, attributing their stance to the trauma resulting from the Hamas attack on October 7.
Fighting "human animals," "making Gaza a "slaughterhouse," and "erasing the Gaza Strip from the face of the earth", are just a few of the comments that have been made by Israeli leaders, soldiers, and entertainers.
Rights groups and activists say they're an inevitable byproduct of Israel's decades-old, open-ended rule over the Palestinians and that they've intensified during the war. They say such language has been left unchecked, inciting violence and dehumanizing Palestinians.
"Words lead to deeds," said Michael Sfard, a prominent Israeli lawyer, told The Associated Press. "Words that normalize or legitimize serious crimes against civilians create the social, political, and moral basis for other people to do things like that."
With the ground offensive getting underway in late October, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited the Bible in a televised address: "You must remember what Amalek has done to you." Amalekites were persecutors of the biblical Israelites, and a biblical commandment says they must be destroyed.
South Africa argued that the remarks showed Israel's intent to commit genocide against Palestinians. Netanyahu denied that this week and said he was referring to Amalek as a way to describe Hamas and its attack. Two days after the Hamas attack, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel was "fighting human animals," in announcing a complete siege on Gaza.
Deputy Knesset speaker Nissim Vaturi from the ruling Likud party wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Israelis had one common goal, "erasing the Gaza Strip from the face of the earth." Israeli Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu, from the far-right Jewish Power party, suggested that Israel drop a nuclear bomb on Gaza and said there were "no uninvolved civilians" in the territory, reported AP News.
What Does Israel Say?
Defending Israel in court, lawyer Malcolm Shaw said the remarks were made mostly by officials with little role in determining Israeli policy, calling them "random quotes" that were misleading and had been in some cases repudiated by Netanyahu.
But Roy Schondorf, a former Israeli deputy attorney general, said in an interview that the statements still carried risk, even out of context: "It would have been better if some of these remarks had not been said."
As Israel vehemently denies the charges brought against them, South Africa is asking for a series of legally binding rulings declaring that Israel is breaching "its obligations under the Genocide Convention" - a decision that could take years - and for a binding interim order that Israel ceases hostilities, a ruling on which is expected in the coming weeks.
Israel says it's fighting a war of self-defense against Hamas after it killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Officials say the country adheres to international law and does its utmost to protect civilians, blaming the high death toll on Hamas for embedding in civilian areas. More than 24,000 people have been killed in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza.
While little appears to have been done to confront violent rhetoric directed at Palestinians, Palestinian citizens of Israel who have shown empathy for people in Gaza are facing a crackdown, said Adalah, a legal rights group. Police say the speech amounts to incitement, promotes violence, or shows support for terror groups.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has fought back after the court granted former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele the leave to travel out of Abuja.
The Federal Government swiftly modified the charges against Emefiele, expanding the count from six to twenty. This adjustment was disclosed during a court session before Justice Hamza Muazu of the FCT High Court on Thursday.
The revised charges against Emefiele now include Criminal Breach of Trust, Forgery, Conspiracy to Commit Forgery, Procurement Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Felony among others.
Having amended and increased the number of charges against him, it is not clear if the Federal Government will push against the leave granted to Emefiele to travel out of Abuja with a view to stopping hi from leaving the FCT.
The federal government of Nigeria has approved the implementation of a fresh hike in electricity tariff in the country.
This was announced by Sanusi Garba, the chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), confirming the upward review effective from January 1, 2024.
Any time the government takes a decision on subsidy, we will take it into consideration in our next tariff. In other words, even if there is an upward review of the cost of electricity, the government will be absorbing the increase for as long as it can, explained Garba when asked about the duration of the subsidy.
Garba detailed the impact of the new tariff on non-maximum demand (MD) customers, stating, non-maximum demand (MD) customers of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) band will retain the N68.20 per kilowatt tariff. The review affected the cost-reflective tariff for the band, increasing from N88.47 in 2023 to N124.42 this year, with a subsidy of N35.95 per kw provided by the government.
Similarly, under the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) band, non-maximum demand (MD) customers maintaining the N67.48 tariff from last year witnessed a change in the cost-reflective tariff from N89.03 to N114.84 this year, indicating a subsidy of N25.81 per kw.
Garba clarified the variation in kilowatt costs among Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), stating, what was published on the NERC website is what the discos are expected to charge to remain in business, but because of the subsidy provided by the government, what consumers would actually pay wont be up to the specified amount.
The commission has issued a tariff order that was just posted on our website yesterday (Tuesday). The tariff order contains the appropriate tariff the DisCos should be charging if they have to remain in business and the rules are very clear about the tariff order: some 110, some 120 and 130, Garba explained regarding the different tariff specifications for DisCos.
Different DisCos have different parameters, efficiency levels and so on. But we have published what they should charge. We have also published the amount they are allowed to charge based on government policy because government has decided for now because of the living crisis, and so many things to, in the meantime, continue subsidizing electricity, emphasized Garba on the transparency provided by the tariff order.
So, if you check the order you will see that tariffs are not going up but in the order, you will see what the DisCos should be charging. You can also see in the order the amount of subsidy the government will be providing to cover the gap, what they should charge that they are not allowed to charge without subsidy, Garba concluded, highlighting the governments commitment to subsidizing electricity.
Mabel Makun
Mabel Makun, the wife of Nigerian comedian and actor, Ay has taken to Instagram to raise an alarm over an alleged threat to her life.
The interior designer said she has been mentally abused for way too long and has had enough.
The mom of two stated that if anything happens to her, one person should be held responsible.
She however did not state who she was referring to.
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The Abia State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is in receipt of a complaint relating to the primitive invasion of All Breaking News (ABN) TV headquarters on Azikiwe Road, Umuahia, by operatives of Abia State Police Command, in a calculated move to nab a guest who came to participate in a live programme in the station.
The council in a statement said the invasion leaves a sour taste in the mouth and should be condemned by well-meaning Nigerians, given that the Police operatives knew where they ought to hunt for their suspect given that the petition against him must have contained his address.
It is pertinent to recall that a few years back, the Police in Abia, in a similar gestapo fashion, invaded Flo FM, Umuahia, also to arrest a guest invited to a live programme.
In September 2017, military personnel invaded the NUJ Press Centre in Umuahia and not only assaulted journalists but equally destroyed their tools of trade.
These attacks refuse to take into account the robust relationship the media in Abia has fostered with security agencies in the state over the years.
READ ALSO: NUJ condemns attack on Journalists
We want to state categorically that these attacks are in bad taste, designed to harm the media industry as they have the propensity to make media houses endangered zones for guests invited to live programmes and muzzle plurality of opinions which oil democracy.
In an era when live programming has become the fashion in broadcasting, arresting guests who honour invitations to live programmes translates to a systematic but crude means of putting the media out of business occasioned by resultant damages to costly, sensitive equipment and scaring people away.
We call on the Police hierarchy in the state to reign in their men and put a stop to such ill-motivated attacks.
The Council aligns with the management of ABN TV in their demand for unreserved apology from and replacement of damaged equipment by the Police.
Both the Police and the Media are working for the good of society and it does not make for good synergy for the Police, and any other security agencies for that matter, to unduly put the media at a disadvantage.
The Police on Thursday disrupted a press conference organised by an advocacy group, the National Movement for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NMDDGG) in Calabar, Cross River.
The group was of the opinion that President Bola Tinubu should extend the action against the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, who was suspended over allegations of impropriety to the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State over allegation of N70 billion fraud.
The President of the Movement, Goddie Akpama, was arrested by the police, taken to the State Police Command.
National Daily Newspaper gathered at a meeting with the Commissioner of Police in the state, Akpama was purportedly compelled to sign an undertaking not to hold the press conference or procession on behalf of Betta Edu.
Thereafter, the police released Akpama, reiterating that the group must never to hold the press conference which was to hold at the Chinese Restaurant Event Hall, State Housing Estate, Calabar.
National Daily Newspaper also gathered that the content of the statement to be made at the conference by the National Movement for Defence of Democracy and Good Governance (NMDDGG), signed by Akpama, had already been distributed to invited journalists before he was arrested.
The group, in the statement, was said to be demanding President Bola Tinubu to immediatley suspend and investigate the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State, who was alleged to be linked with N70 billion suit.
The group recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had indicated last week that the commission will bring up the N70 billion allegation against Matawalle.
According to the group in the statement: while we commend the expeditious actions taken against Dr. Betta Edu, our esteemed mentor, in response to allegations totaling N583 million, we are confounded by the continued tenure of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, facing staggering money laundering allegations exceeding N70 billion, without undergoing the requisite investigations.
This glaring inconsistency raises fundamental questions about the principles of impartiality and justice that should be the bedrock of our nation. We urgently call upon President Bola Tinubu to forthwith suspend Bello Matawalle as Minister, and we unequivocally demand the EFCC to re-initiate the investigation into the grave allegations against him.
The disconcerting reality is that our daughter faces repercussions for a comparatively trivial sum, while Bello Matawalle enjoys unhindered freedom despite facing monumental accusations. This exposes a disturbing pattern of gender bias and selective application of justice against women actively engaged in politics.
In response, we declare our intention to march from this location to formally submit a petition, emphasizing our insistence on equal treatment before the law. We grant the EFCC a stringent two-week ultimatum to recommence investigations into Bello Matawalles alleged money laundering activities. Failure to comply will prompt us to rally our counterparts in the South South states, orchestrating a peaceful yet substantial protest at all EFCC offices within the region.
We ardently believe that the standards of justice and fairness applied to the southern part of Nigeria must be equally applicable to the North. The time has come for our nation to transcend the shackles of sentiment-driven politics, ushering in an era where justice is impartial, and equality prevails. Enough is enough.
By Ifeanyi Izeze
Truth be told, the inactivity or inability of the police, the State Security Service (DSS), the Civil Defence, and even the military to be more proactive and sincere in addressing the embarrassing state of insecurity across the country is a fallout of the serial failures of our leadership to think deep on issues that affect ordinary citizens.
The unbridled kidnapping, mindless massacres, total annihilation of communities, and other heinous crimes being perpetrated with impunity across the country do not show a government that is in charge or a country that is at peace with itself. What are they governing if people cannot freely sleep in their houses or move around for fear of being butchered or kidnapped by a bunch of mindless lunatics?
Is governance not about people (the governed) and their welfare, which includes the security and safety of lives and property? In a nation where almost all the infrastructure in every sector of its daily existence has completely collapsed, what remains for such a country to be labeled a failed state?
Unlike armed robbery, which is sudden, almost unpredictable, and short-lived, kidnapping is a more time-dragging enterprise that involves several rounds of calls and answers (in negotiation) between the kidnappers and their victims contacts. It is primarily a GSM crime.
So why are the police and the DSS not taking advantage of the period involved to, in collaboration with the telecom companies and the National Communications Commission (NCC), track phone calls and use that to zero in, isolate, and pinpoint localities where these criminals may be operating from? Or should we assume that such technology does not yet exist in Nigeria?
Is the DSS not supposed to be interfacing with the Police in exchange of intelligence, and if they do, who receives such informationthe NSA, Inspector General of Police, or state governors?
If it does not exist, the now-hydra-headed spate of banditry, kidnapping, and even issues of human trafficking has made it pertinent for both the Police and the DSS to interface for a cooperative fight against crimes and criminals who are daily becoming sophisticated for our analog and not very honest Police Force.
There is something behind these mindless attacks that the government needs to unravel if the government people are not directly involved in this conspiracy against the corporate and peaceful co-existence of the Nigerian people. It is a very terrible phenomenon.
The Senate, during its plenary session on December 30, 2023, lamented the reprehensible carnage that occurred in Plateau State, where scores of residents were brutally massacred on the eve of 2023 Christmas due to what the chamber perceived as the failure of intelligence on the part of security agencies in the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria.
While considering the motion, the upper chamber expressed disappointment that the security of lives and property, which is the most important constitutional responsibility of government, is suffering serious threats across the states of the federation.
We do not need special training to deduce from looking at the very coordinated nature of the killings carried out by the bandits and terrorists that they have continued to happen as a result of intelligence failure by our security agencies or outright complicity.
The nations highest law-making body deduced that the killings were so strategically planned and executed that weapons were kept in the affected villages long before the days of the attacks, saying that the attackers simply went to the designated locations, accessed the weapons, and carried out their dastardly acts.
The little information that has been established about these bandits is that they dont live around the communities they usually attack. That simply means somebody imports them; somebody escorts them to their targets. They dont even know the terrain; they are usually led by some people who know it. So who are these leads who usually dress in military camouflage?
The disclosure at the Senate Plenary showed that these marauding bandits do not usually bring weapons into their target communities. Those weapons were domiciled in certain locations; all they did was go and pick them. That means there is something behind what is happening not only in Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Zamfara, and Benue but also in the Southeast. Who are these people, and why are they doing it? If you go there from the outside, you will think it is a religious war. No, it is not!
Pathetically, all those assigned the responsibility of managing the security infrastructure in the country are spending more time fighting and trying to pull down each other.
If the DSS boss generates intelligence on likely attacks by terrorists or bandits, is he going to share it with the Police High Command that his agency is in a political tussle with? The NSA, which should have been serving as the central point, is also not left out of the dirty agency politics around the President.
How can groups of killer squads hold meetings, plan attacks on communities or settlements, and go on to successfully implement them without any of our security agencies picking up even vague intelligence about such plans before they happen? It is incomprehensible! Either the top managers of some of our security agencies are part of the problem, or we have completely lost it as a nation of serious-minded people.
And until we get to the point that anybody who is assigned responsibility as security chief and cannot deliver is shipped out sentiments, we are not yet ready to address this menace. God bless Nigeria!
Thursday witnessed an intense gunfire exchange as police officers rescued Segun Akinyemi, an Abuja resident who had been kidnapped while driving out of his home.
According to ASP Mansir Hassan, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kaduna Command, the kidnappers were taking Akinyemi from Abuja to Kano State when the police intervened.
On January 18, 2024, personnel stationed at Kawo Divisional Headquarters in Kaduna responded to a distress call reporting a kidnapping incident from Abuja
Hassan said, The Operatives, at about 0010 hours, blocked a grey Toyota Hilux van with registration number Abuja RBC 90 DC, carrying four passengers, the driver inclusive, suspected to be the vehicle conveying the kidnappers and their victim.
On sensing danger and in an effort to escape, one of the kidnappers fired at the Policemen, and they responded accordingly. In the resulting gun duel, the victim, a certain Segun Akinyemi of block 10, flat 2 FCDA quarters Area 3 Garki, Abuja, was rescued, and one of the kidnappers, a 28-year-old Chinaza Philip of Life Camp Abuja, was arrested.
The police spokesperson further mentioned that efforts are underway to track down the three escaped suspects.
The kidnappers were found in possession of the victims vehicle, two Retay G17 model pistols, one Beretta pistol, ten 9mm P.A.K ammunitions, and five 9mm special ammunition.
Preliminary investigations disclosed that the victim was kidnapped on January 17, 2024, by the kidnappers as he was leaving his residence at the mentioned address
He mentioned that the three escaped suspects were Chidibere Nwodibo of Life Camp, Abuja, one Auwal with an unknown surname, and the gang leader whose identity is yet to be ascertained
The kidnappers were in the process of transporting their victim to Kano when the police intervened.
While praising the operatives for their courageous achievement, Commissioner of Police A.D. Ali of the Kaduna State Police Command urged them to consistently pursue criminal elements in the state.
He encouraged the public to make use of the hotlines provided by security agencies for prompt responses to distress calls
Kanyi Daily recalls that residents of Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, Abuja, are currently gripped by fear following the killing of three out of the ten people abducted by kidnappers.
A fatal clash unfolded between two communities in Kogi State, resulting in the death of one person, and more than 70 houses were set ablaze.
The communal clash occurred between Oturpo-Ojile and Ochi-Ibadan communities, both located in the Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State
The conflict started when some villagers in Ochi-Ibadan allegedly killed a man from Oturpo-Ojile, who it was gathered, was returning from Lagos to his village (Oturpo-Ojile).
Fueled by grief over the loss of one of their own, angered youths from Oturpo-Ojile reportedly carried out a retaliatory attack by allegedly setting ablaze over 70 houses.
The incident was confirmed by Hon. Akus Lawal, the representative of Ankpa I State Constituency, during Thursdays plenary session on the floor of the Kogi State House of Assembly.
He said, The sad incident occurred on 14th January 2024. The communal clash between two communities is very worrisome and should not repeat itself. We were informed that the death of one man from Oturpo-Ojile, while returning from a journey, led to a reprisal attack by his people on Ochi-Ibadan village which they accused of having caused the death of their son.
Over 70 houses and many properties in Ochi-Ibadan were burnt down.
We must commend the Commissioner of Police who went to this community for an on-the-spot assessment and the Kogi State Government under Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the quick response. We are praying that such communal clash will not happen in our land again.
However, he appealed to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, urging them to swiftly provide relief materials for all the victims affected by the communal clash.
Kanyi Daily recalls that communal clash broke out in the early hours of Monday in the 3rd Avenue area of Gwarimpa Estate in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Coalition of Northern Youth Groups (CNYG) has denied the alleged demolition of a mosque in Port-Harcourt, capitals of Rivers state allegedly on the order of Governor Nyesom Wike.
It also called on northern youths across the country, to resist attempts to use them to stir religious crisis in Nigeria.
The coalition told reporters on Tuesday that the hoax about the alleged demolition was orchestrated to stir religious crisis.
Convener of the coalition, Comrade Mohammed Sanni, said: We have observed with patriotic disenchantment the worrisome trend of some politicians capitalizing on falsehood to fan the furnace of ethnic, religious or regional division, just for self- serving and fiendish gains, while endangering the collective goodwill and peace.
The recent wild rumor of an alleged demolition of a mosque located at Trans Amadi Road, GRA, Rivers State is not only false and misleading but intended to draw religious ire, stir political tension and widen the chasm of national division, which rather requires healing and bonding at this point in time.
Read Also: Mosque demolition: Shariah Council asks Wike to compensate Muslims
It should be noted that, we immediately swung into action on hearing the disturbing news and have conducted an on the spot visit to the said location and our findings are very contrary to the falsehood being peddled.
A diligent assessment of the location showed that, even though structures were demolished around that area, none of such structures was or is a mosque building.
On further interaction, with residents and the Muslim community in the area, we gathered that, the said location being labeled as a mosque building belongs to an individual who was building his personal structure without government approval.
The said fellow had gone ahead to erect a foundation on the site ostensibly to wade off government action, he thereafter proceeded to unilaterally label the location as a mosque.
The youths added: Further findings led us to the clear revelation that the matter has been properly addressed by the relevant Courts and the government was acting within the precincts of the law.
Judging from this, rationality should only dictate that, if the property owner has/had any issue of contention, the courts were and are still open to address his grievances rather than resorting to inflaming the polity with tense religious passions.
They described Wike as a religiously tolerant governor, stating his policies are friendly and his administration operates an open door policy irrespective of your region and religion.
And what else did you expect from a nationalist like him? We are aware of the plot against him and we shall enlighten our fellow youths from northern part of the country against such plot!
We have also seen the gusto with which political horse traders and religious alarmists have taken the matter and have therefore deemed it of prime importance to address our youth throughout the North and also those residents in Port Harcourt to remain calm and maintain the peace as we are still in wide consultations.
It should not be lost on everyone that the Governor of Rivers State Chief Nyesom Wike is a very good friend of the North and a brother to the Muslim community.
Records show that he has always maintained a very cordial relationship with the Muslim community in Rivers state.
It is therefore nothing but high pitched mischief for anyone to go about town with the anti-Muslim narrative.
We wish to assure our brothers from the South that, they can and should go about their businesses within the Northern States peacefully and confidently, as we have commenced a series of proper sensitization of our youths.
Minority leader of the Senate, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in the impeachment of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Simon Achuba by the House of Assembly.
Abaribe, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, urged Buhari to rise above party affiliations and intervene to ensure the countrys constitution was protected, if the authorities in Kogi state failed to do so.
He also advised judges in Kogi, particularly the Chief Justice to borrow a leaf from the Imo State experience and shun any invitation to swear-in a new deputy governor in whatever guise.
Abaribe declared as `reprehensible the deliberate denigration of the countrys constitution, for the Kogi State Assembly to go ahead to impeach Achuba.
He added that this was even when a panel set up by the State Chief Judge to investigate him returned a no-guilty verdict.
Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended is very emphatic in the circumstance that is to say that the State Assembly shall cease any further proceedings in the impeachment process.
Specifically, Section 188(8) states that Where the panel reports to the House of Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.
So, where did the Kogi State Assembly members derive the power to move ahead with the process?
Has Nigeria not been reduced to this rudderless state with this disdainful attitude to our laws and democratic ethos? Abaribe queried.
The minority leader warned that with the direct affront on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the actions of the State Assembly, the very foundations of the country had been utterly shaken.
The 1999 Constitution as amended is the ground norm of the country and the Kogi Assembly has committed a heinous breach of this sacred document.
If their illegal action is sustained, then it strikes at the heart of democracy in Nigeria.
We must do the right thing and Nigeria must not be seen as a lawless country.
I call on institutions of democracy to urgently activate the right principles in the defence of our democracy.
Kogi Assembly should look beyond now and stop this illegality, he added.
Abaribe expressed concern on how the assembly acted swiftly and in the middle of the night to impeach Achuba less than 30 minutes on receiving the not-guilty report from the panel.
Ariana DeBose in the film "I.S.S." (Courtesy Bleecker Street/TNS) Courtesy Bleecker Street, HO / TNS
Its good to hold onto something.
Its a simple enough phrase, given early on from one veteran Russian cosmonaut on the International Space Station to a novice American astronaut there for the first time. Its meant literally here: The newbie would do well to hold on to her surroundings as she acclimates to the weightlessness of space. When we hear it at the end of I.S.S., though, itll mean something entirely different.
The I.S.S. itself is meant to be an international symbol of cooperation, and I.S.S., directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite (best known for the 2013 documentary Blackfish) from a screenplay by Nick Shafir, leans into that camaraderie at least at first. Stories and drinks are shared between the three Americans and the three Russians on board as they welcome American Dr. Kira Foster (Ariana DeBose, finally getting to shine in a nonmusical role for once).
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But news from home along with some very bright flashes of light upends everything: War has broken out worldwide. Were shown that the Americans receive a simple directive from ground control: to take control of the station, by any means necessary. The question becomes: Did the Russians receive the same message? Oh, and the stations propulsion system is damaged, giving everyone a literal countdown until it crashes back into the planet.
You can imagine what happens next: Paranoia sets in, loyalty is questioned, trust is broken and then so is skin. Its here where I.S.S. loses a bit of its footing: It shifts between horror and thriller seemingly at random, like it pulled from the films Gravity and Life in equal measure and then threw in a dash of space madness from Sunshine. It doesnt quite jell all of the time.
But what it stumbles over thematically is more than made up for through sheer force of character from the ensemble cast, which includes Chris Messina, John Gallagher Jr., Maria Mashkova, Costa Ronin and Pilou Asbaek (the first two are the other American astronauts, the latter three the cosmonauts). While I.S.S. is a bit heavy-handed in its treatment of the Russians, their actors deliver nuance and believability, particularly Mashkovas Weronika. Sympathy is easy to come by when it seems like everyone just wants to go home.
The small set, nearly always bound within the confines of the station, is claustrophobic, suffocating in a way that deliciously amps the tension. (The few scenes set outside the station offer their own sense of terror; floating in space will do that.)
That sense of dread pairs nicely with Nick Remy Matthews cinematography: A close-up of floating blood droplets captivates in a macabre sort of way; a knife becomes the focal point of what might be the most unnerving sandwich-making scene ever; the stations internal camera footage adds a surprising touch of found-footage horror. (I have to say, though: Im getting real sick of seeing lens flares in sci-fi movies.)
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I.S.S. Rated R: For some violence and language Running time: 95 minutes Where: Playing throughout Houston (out of 5)
Chukwuemeka Akachi, a first class final year English and Literary studies student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, has taken his own life after a long battle with mental health.
Akachi died yesterday, after leaving a suicide note and revealing his long battle with mental health on Facebook. He allegedly died at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, where he was rushed to.
It was gathered that Akachi consumed two bottles of a poisonous substance and according to one of his friends, it was the second time he would be attempting suicide in recent times.
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SPRINGFIELD Authorities have named a Bloomington man who died Tuesday in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Springfield.
In a statement Wednesday, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said Darrell Elkin, 73, died from several blunt force injuries he suffered during the collision. Elkin was pronounced deceased at 10 a.m. Tuesday, shortly after he arrived at a Springfield hospital, Allmon said.
First responders were called at 9:13 a.m. Tuesday to the scene on southbound I-55 near the interchange with I-72 and Clear Lake Road.
Illinois State Police said Elkin was driving a white Chevrolet truck that was struck by another pickup when its driver failed to slow down for traffic caused by an unrelated crash.
The statement said a 24-year-old Washington man was driving the truck that hit Elkin's vehicle and a second Chevrolet pickup truck driven by a 70-year-old Sherman man.
Investigators said both Chevrolet trucks were pushed off of the right side of the road.
Troopers said the Sherman man was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. And the driver who struck the two trucks was charged with failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
BLOOMINGTON Kentrell D. Brown, 21, has been found guilty of murder in the 2021 shooting death of a Bloomington man.
A McLean County jury returned the guilty verdict Thursday afternoon after about three and a half hours of deliberations.
Brown was charged with three counts of first degree murder in the shooting death of 26-year-old Natwan N. Nash, who was found dead in his apartment on March 7, 2021.
Brown, who was 18 at the time, had pleaded not guilty in the case.
A sentencing hearing was scheduled for April 1. Brown was remanded to the custody of the McLean County Sheriffs Office.
At sentencing, Brown will be eligible for 45 years to natural life in prison for this conviction.
Brown's attorneys declined to comment after the verdict.
In a statement issued late Thursday afternoon, State's Attorney Erika Reynolds said the guilty verdict was the result of "a tragic incident," but after weeks of "tireless investigation, the Bloomington Police Department found evidence linking Kentrell Brown to the murder."
Commending the prosecutors, lead detectives and the Bloomington Police Department, Reynolds said justice was reached on Nash's behalf.
"While nothing we do in the courtroom will ease the pain of the loss of a loved one, it is our that this will provide some peace to the victim's family and friends," she wrote.
In a statement issued Friday, Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said this guilty verdict sent a strong message: "heinous crimes will not be tolerated in this community."
"The collective and diligent work of many law enforcement professionals and prosecutors ensured justice was served," he continued. "We are committed to working with members of this community to prevent violence and improve the quality of life in the city."
During closing arguments Thursday morning, Assistant States Attorney Mary Lawson had told the jury there was no evidence to suggest anyone other than Brown could be responsible for Nashs death.
I am confident that when you walk that path with the evidence, it also will lead you to Kentrell Brown," she said that morning, asking the jury to find him guilty.
Assistant Public Defender Mackenzie Frizzell told jury members earlier that day there was plenty of circumstantial evidence pointing to innocence and if they consider the evidence closely, Im confident that the state has not met its burden of proof. Kentrell is innocent. I ask you to find him not guilty.
During the trial, which began last week, the McLean County jury heard testimony from family members of Nash and Brown, people who bought cannabis from Nash, the forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on Nash, and law enforcement from the Bloomington Police Department, Illinois State Police and Rochester Police Department in Minnesota.
Lawson told the jury Nash had no enemies and trusted people too much, and the defendant knew that about him.
Evidence presented during the trial and again during closing arguments showed Brown had gone to Nashs Bloomington apartment the night of March 6 to buy cannabis. A neighbors doorbell video showed him walk out the door and a few minutes later, phone records showed he called Nash, who answered and was on the line for 17 seconds.
This was the last call answered on Nashs phone, the prosecutor said.
Lawson argued Brown did not leave the area but came back to Nashs apartment and killed him, firing 11 shots and striking him with 10. The sound of gunfire was captured on another neighbors doorbell system. She said neighbors videos never showed Brown walking into Nashs apartment, but police had acknowledged lagging on the video systems that did not catch everything.
The prosecutor argued Brown stole a large bag of cannabis from Nash, having seen where he kept it. She played video from around 12:30 a.m. March 7 that showed a person walking away from the apartment, but not out the door, carrying something dark and bulky.
Phone records showed Brown called his mother in Rochester, Minnesota, shortly after Nashs body was found and reported to police about 18 hours after the gunshots were recorded. She traveled to Bloomington, picked him up and took him back to Minnesota.
Lawson argued this showed Browns attempt to evade police.
Frizzell argued it was reasonable Brown had left town when he heard his drug dealer had been killed, knowing he had just recently been at his apartment.
Kentrell Brown purchased weed and left Natwan Nashs apartment five minutes beforehand. He learned that his drug dealer had got shot up and he called his mom. It stops there, she said.
She pointed to other people of interest who might have wanted to kill Nash, including a man from Rockford, who Nash exchanged threatening messages with the night he died, and people related to the women who had romantic or sexual relationships with Nash.
In her rebuttal, Lawson said there was no evidence to support the what ifs suggested by the defense, but the evidence presented shows the only person who could have committed this murder" was Brown.
She said video evidence showed the Rockford man was in Rockford when Nash was killed, and there was nothing to suggest any women associated with Nash had anything to do with his death.
Frizzell noted long hair was found on Nashs hands, but Lawson said the forensic pathologist, Dr. Scott Denton, had told the jury the hair could have been transferred from the living room carpet underneath him. The prosecutor also showed images of Nashs hands clenched when he arrived for the autopsy.
Blood evidence was also disputed during closing arguments.
Lawson said a shoe left behind in the bedroom where Brown had stayed with his grandmother in Bloomington was tested in the Illinois State Police Crime Lab and returned as blood indicated.
The type of test performed by ISP could not conclusively determine it was blood but did confirm it was DNA, Lawson said, noting the presumptive test was reactive for Nash's DNA.
She argued it appeared to be blood by its reddish brown color and the shape of the stain, like a drip.
Thats clearly blood, undoubtedly, she said. The defendant was wearing these shoes when he killed Natwan Nash.
Frizzell told the jury the forensic scientist who performed the test had said the only thing the test could show was DNA and was not human specific.
At the end of the day, we have a screening test that cannot, will not and never tell you that thats blood, she said.
Frizzell also showed a video of a woman knocking on Nashs door about 17 hours after he was shot. The woman testified she heard a male voice she didnt recognize ask who was there and she responded with her name.
Frizzell argued other people had been inside Nashs apartment when he was killed and afterward.
During her rebuttal, Lawson told the jury the woman had told police in 2021 that she wasnt sure if the voice had been coming from Nashs apartment or elsewhere, despite testifying that she was pretty sure it was.
There is no evidence before you that anybody was else present in that apartment other than the defendant. There is no evidence before you that anybody else pulled that trigger other than the defendant, she said. ...You did not see a video of the defendant shooting Natwan, but all of the evidence that was entered is more than sufficient evidence to find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
2023 in photos: Captivating images of life in North America
NORMAL A total of 15 McLean County Unit 5 school buildings have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program for their efforts to reduce energy consumption.
To be certified as Energy Star under the program, a school building must meet strict EPA performance standards. Buildings must receive an Energy Star score of 75 or higher, which indicates the building is more energy efficient than at least 75% of similar buildings nationwide.
On average, buildings with Energy Star certification generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings, according to a letter from the district's operations team.
At Wednesday's school board meeting, Tom Rockwell, operations manager of buildings and HVAC for Unit 5, presented certificates to 12 schools that were certified in 2023: Normal West High School, Parkside Junior High, Eugene Field School, and Northpoint, Sugar Creek, Oakdale, Fairview, Colene Hoose, Cedar Ridge, Benjamin, Fox Creek and Hudson elementary schools.
"Last year, a total of 27 K-12 buildings in Illinois were certified Energy Star by the EPA (and) 15 of those buildings are Unit 5 buildings," Rockwell said. "With Unit 5 representing over half the buildings certified last year, this now makes Unit 5 a leader in Illinois schools for energy efficiency."
Half of these certifications were a result of recent energy projects, which have prevented roughly $4.3 million in energy waste and allowed the district to collect about $1 million in energy incentives.
In September, Unit 5 had set a goal of certifying 80% of its schools by June. As of now, close to 70% of district schools have been certified.
Photos: Unit 5 Senior March at Grove Elementary School
BLOOMINGTON Illinois Prairie Community Foundation is accepting grant applications in three categories from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29.
Those who are interested can apply at ilprairiecf.org/spring-grants.
IPCF expects to award approximately $166,000 throughout this grant round. These grants will provide support to local programs that benefit residents, including general grant fund programs for education, health and wellness, and youth.
Mirza/IPCF Arts Grants fund programs for the performing or visual arts, music education, or arts education and enrichment.
Shulman Grants focus on Jewish-themed educational, arts and cultural enrichment programs open to all.
The David and Kay Williams Music Education Grant is included as well for its seventh year.
Applicants must represent a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization; a local unit of municipal, county, state or federal government; a school or college/university; or a tax-exempt religious organization or place of worship.
Programs must be available to residents of McLean, DeWitt, Livingston or Logan counties, but do not have to serve all four.
Contact Michele Evans at mevans@ilprairiecf.org or at 309-662-4477 for more information.
Photos from the Women to Women Giving Circle Summer Lunch Retired Judge Beth Robb introducing Judge Amy McFarland Barb Hummel, Pat Grogg, Sharon Tarvin Charlotte Talkington, Margaret Ann Hayden Karen Bersche, Barb Meek Kara Alt, Vera Traver, Amy Coon Joan Vanden Eynden, Jan Wohlwend Lynda Lane, Fran Brandau Sandra Harmon, Laura Kowalczyk Kyleigh Airo, Amy Roser Great conversation Diana Hauman, Sonja Reece, Karen Hanson More than 40 women attended Karen Major, Laura Beavers Donna Nickels, Mary Anne Schierman, Sally Pyne Judge Amy McFarland Retired Judge Beth Robb
Question: True or false? Besides all the rigors of being a major politico, author and for eight years presiding over an entire country, another challenge for Barack Obama is finding pants off the rack that fit?
THUMBS DOWN! To our inability to resolve our blood crisis. Facing an emergency blood shortage, the American Red Cross is urging people to make donations. If the shortage worsens, lifesaving medical procedures could be delayed across the country, the organization said. The number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the past two decades. Let's roll up our sleeves and eliminate this problem.
THUMBS UP! To a step closer to going green. Alltown Bus Service has received a federal grant for 60 "clean" school buses throughout Central and Southern Illinois. Decatur will receive 15 of those buses, while the rest will go to districts in Cahokia, East St. Louis and Granite City. This should help transportation officials make more informed decisions about their usefulness.
THUMBS DOWN! To the Internal Revenue Service's lack of improvement. Delays have stymied taxpayer satisfaction with tax collection agency, despite increased funding. The IRS is taking 19 months to assist identity theft victims. The backlog of unprocessed amended returns has quadrupled from 500,000 in 2019 to 1.9 million in October last year. And taxpayer correspondence cases have more than doubled over the same period, from 1.9 million to 4.3 million, according to the report. The report also says IRS employees answered only 35% of all calls received, despite the agency claiming 85%. The IRS doesn't include calls where the taxpayer hangs up before being placed into a calling queue.
The House of Representatives has become an embarrassment to us who live by the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, attended the Oversight Committee meeting of the House of Representatives. Hunter Biden attended to testify under oath to the whole committee. What happen at the public meeting paid for by us taxpayers was embarrassing. A Republican House member showed a nude photo of Hunter Biden to embarrass his father, Joe Biden.
Is this the kind of conduct we what our elected members to display at an Oversight Committee meeting? Our country has lost its moral compass.
Jesus gave us a New Commandment in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. "Love one another as I have loved you". In the Old Testament. God gave the Israelites these two Commandments. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul. mind and strength" and "love your neighbor as yourself." The New Commandment tells us that we need to love as Jesus love us.
Jesus gave his life for us by dying on the cross carrying the punishment for our sins. Jesus was the perfect atonement for all the sins of the world. Are our candidates for high office portraying the New Commandment? Are they accepting everyone and forgiving those who have hurt them? Jesus's love is the highest love anyone can show and try to live by.
Earl Rients, Pontiac
The Top Employers Institute has recognised Olam Agri as a Top Employer in Ghana as well as in seven other countries including Australia, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Olam Agri is also recognised as a Top Employer in the African continent for the 3rd consecutive year. This recognition reflects the companys position as a global employer of choice as it strives to give its 9,600 employees the freedom to flourish personally and professionally in a purpose-driven organisation that supports diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.
The Top Employers Institute, the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices, recognises an organisations dedication to a better world of work through excellent Human Resources (HR) policies and people practices. The programme has certified and recognised over 2,300 Top Employers in 121 countries/regions across five continents. The survey covers six domains including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.
In addition to the Top Employer recognition, Olam Agri has recently received the Great Place to Work certification for Brazil, India, and Singapore, as well as the Kincentric Best Employers Award for China and Thailand.
Mr. Stephen Adeakye, Head of HR at Olam Agri in Ghana, commenting on the companys certification in Ghana, said,
"As we celebrate our fourth consecutive Top Employer Certification, we acknowledge the dedicated efforts of our employees and reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a workplace that inspires excellence and innovation. This recognition motivates us to continue our journey toward setting new standards in employee satisfaction and engagement. By consistently investing in employee development, welfare, and satisfaction, we aim to create a workplace that fosters growth and prosperity.
Olam Agris commitment to building a high-performing organisation and an inspiring workplace is supported by 3 Cs of Culture, Contribution, and Career:
1. A culture of excellence: a culture that encourages collaboration and teamwork, rewards meritocracy and entrepreneurial spirit that allows intelligent risk-taking, and a diverse and inclusive workplace built on trust and autonomy. Easy access to senior leadership further empowers employees, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and fostering agile decision-making.
2. Making a difference: a purpose-driven workplace that has sustainability at its heart. It allows playing our part in strengthening global food security, improving access to better nutrition, enhancing the livelihood of communities, as well as tackling climate change.
3. Opportunity to Flourish: A global footprint allowing truly global careers. This allows people to take on challenging assignments that broaden their experience and help shape and guide their careers matching their aspirations. Everyone feels valued, recognised, and supported to reach their full potential.
Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations. We have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024. These employers have always shown that they care for the development and well-being of their people. By doing so, they collectively enrich the world of work. We are proud to announce and celebrate this years group of leading people-oriented employers: the Top Employers 2024.
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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Pastor Dr. Sam Adeyemi, CEO of Global Leadership Consulting and founder of Daystar Christian Centre-Nigeria, has urged African leaders to seek the good in others and prioritise African citizens in everything they do.
He explained that when leaders begin to place value on the life of an African and place them first, they will implement policies and programmes that will benefit all without discrimination.
"Africa's problem is not finance, Africa is where it is because most leaders do not place enough value on human life," he lamented.
Dr. Adeyemi, added that "Most African leaders do not believe that the average African deserve better and that's why its development is slow and often discriminatory"
Speaking as the Guest Speaker at the 2024 Jospong Leadership Conference on the topic "Inclusive Leadership" on Tuesday January 15, 2024 at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoah Fetteh, Dr. Adeyemi urged African leaders to love without discrimination.
"Africa's problem is not money but lack of love," he emphasized.
He mentioned that one of the characteristics of an inclusive leader is one who cares for others.
"Love is the essence of inclusive leadership in the relationship of a leader-follower since it remains the foundation n delivers solid business results," he stressed.
He said as an African he understands the many things that divide the continent and practically incapacitate its capacity to innovate, create and take its rightful place in the world.
"Let's treat everyman with the same dignity," he therefore challenged African leaders.
Touching on the characteristics of a great leader, he noted that leaders must be willing to admit weakness.
He said "leaders are not perfect, and admitting mistakes rather builds trust in the followers".
He commended the Jospong Group for organising such conference for its staff.
"It seem normal but it's absolutely phenomenal for an African institution to organise leadership conference for its staff," he lauded the company.
Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, a business and leadership consultant, taking his turn to speak at the conference, identified five enablers to make change happened in any given society.
Using the 'APPLE' analogy (Anger, Pressure, Possibilities, Learning and lessons and Environment) he noted that before change could happen, the change seekers must be angry and must exert pressure to see a change.
He advised management of the Jospong Group to create the enabling environment that encourages positive change.
"An organisation is doomed if change only comes from the top," he advised.
The 11th edition of the Jospong Leadership Conference drew participants mainly leaders and staff both of the Jospong Group of Companies. Others also joined online from across the country.
The theme for the 2024 Leadership Conference, "Driving Business Excellence through Innovation, Sustainability, and Empowerment," was unveiled, with a clear message that innovation is crucial for achieving the Group's vision of becoming a leading business in Africa.
The Jospong Academy's role in designing innovative learning programmes has been critical to the growth of the conglomerate.
Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Renee Elise Goldsberry in, from left, 'Hamilton', 'Girls5eva' and 'One Life to Live'. Sara Krulwich/The New York Times, NBC, ABC Renee Elise Goldsberry poses for a portrait to promote the series "Documentary Now!" at the Salesforce Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP) Taylor Jewell/Associated Press Phillipa Soo, Renee Elise Goldsberry and Jasmine Cephas Jones in Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York, July 11, 2015. In its move to Broadway, the show about Americas founding fathers is proof that the musical is not only surviving but evolving in ways that should allow it to thrive. (Sara Krulwich/The New York Times) SARA KRULWICH/NYT ONE LIFE TO LIVE - Trevor St. John (Todd) and Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline) in a scene that airs the week of March 5, 2007 on ABC Daytime's "One Life to Live." "One Life to Live" airs Monday-Friday (2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/JEFF NEIRA) TREVOR ST. JOHN, RENEE ELISE GOLDSBERRY JEFF NEIRA/ABC Singer Renee Elise Goldsberry grew up in Houston and has made a big splash on Broadway. Houston Symphony Orchestra
Renee Elise Goldsberry won a Tony for her role as Angelica Schuyler in "Hamilton." She originated the role of Nettie in "The Color Purple" musical and played Nala in the long-running Broadway adaptation of "The Lion King." She starred as Mimi Marquez in "Rent" and was the final actress in the role before the show closed.
But to many, including myself, shell always be Evangeline Williamson, attorney at law. If you know, you know.
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Goldsberry, who grew up in Houston and performs Saturday at Hobby Center, spent four years and almost 300 episodes developing the beloved character on "One Life to Live," the ABC soap opera set in the fictional town of Llanview. Between court cases, Evangeline was temporarily blinded by a tornado, targeted by the Santi mob family, hypnotized, kidnapped and ultimately left comatose after an attack by a hate group.
Renee Elise Goldsberry as Wickie in 'GIRLS5EVA'. Peacock/Heidi Gutman/Peacock
I grew up watching "OLTL" and all the ABC soap operas alongside my mom, every day for years. She loved Evangeline Williamson's confidence, intellect and beauty. Goldsberry says she did the same with her grandmother before being cast on the show.
Renee Elise Goldsberry When: 8 p.m. Jan. 20 Where: Hobby Center, Sarofim Hall, 800 Bagby Tickets: $44 and up; thehobbycenter.org
"It was bonding time. Can I tell you how special it was to have been a little girl watching those shows and then to grow up and to be in Vicky's living room? Or to be having a fight with Dorian or representing her in some case? It was amazing," Goldsberry says. "Soap opera actors are the greatest actors in the world."
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She pauses and has a realization.
"I didn't think about it until this very moment that you said this, actually. I've talked about a lot of things a lot of times, but there is a similarity with fans from the soap opera and fans from 'Hamilton.' Your whole character's lifeblood was the fact that your mom liked Evangeline. If your mom didn't like Evangeline, then they would not write for me," Goldsberry says.
Michael Easton (John) and Renee Elise Goldsberry (Evangeline) in 'One Life to Live'. STEVE FENN/ 2005 ABC, Inc.
"We spent a lot of time with fans on that show. I think maybe that's why one of my favorite things in the world about 'Hamilton' is that people come up to me and they care. There's no gap between the doing of it and the people that enjoy it. It's a really beautiful thing, and I'm grateful that your mom liked Evangeline."
Goldsberry spoke about returning home for a show, the "Hamilton" legacy and her original music due out this year.
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Q: You told Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing in 2016 that you "come to Houston to eat." Is that still true?
A: Did I say that? That's hilarious. It's true. I don't think you can survive in Houston, where there's so many good options, without being good. If I could only go to one place, it'll probably be Pappadeaux. If I go to two, it'll be Pappasitos. We'll go to Frenchy's to get some chicken. I'll go to Schlotzky's to get a sandwich. And truth be told, the best food ever is in my mom's kitchen, my auntie's kitchen, my friend's kitchen. Everybody can cook.
Q: What else comes to mind when you think of Houston?
A: Oh, the first thing that I think of is just the smell of that humidity. As soon as the airplane door opens, I'm like, "I'm home." And just family. I think we moved when I was 6 or 7 years old to Houston. I have so many different friends there that I grew up with. I went to high school in Michigan, and I felt like I was pulled away from home. It actually makes me even more possessive of it and more determined to always get back because I left a little early. So any time I had two days, any Christmas, summer, anything, I never went anywhere, but I came home to Houston because I felt like I was missing that life.
Renee Elise Goldsberry grew up in Houston and has made a big splash on Broadway Houston Symphony Orchestra
Q: Having friends and family in the crowd must make it special.
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A: Well, you know what? Even if I don't know you personally, there's just something about being from that place. There are so many people that are not born and raised there that are there for whatever reason. But there's something, the fact that we're there, there's something very unifying about that. I actually have a lot of family that are coming to the concert. I have people flying in from all over to come to the concert. If I had to title it something, I might call it "Reunion" because it'll feel that way. I feel like if you come to my concert, it's not successful if it doesn't feel like you just spent about 90 minutes with me in my kitchen. A really good manager told me that one time, "Please sing great music, but most importantly, let us know you." And that's the point.
Q: Those are my favorite shows, where you leave feeling like you really know the person. They talk a lot, tell you little stories. You get a real sense of who they are.
A: Many years ago, I was in a van coming from a set with Henry Winkler. It was just me and a Teamster in a van, but the whole hour ride, he told us all these great stories about "Happy Days" and "MacGyver" and all of these experiences he had. I'm sure he told those stories a million times, but that's the reason why those things happened to him, because he understood that he was to share with as many people those experiences. I do believe that, having had some really unique experiences in my life that I can pinch myself for. The point of it is that I bring as many people as possible into the experience of being in "Hamilton" or as many people as possible into the experience of being in 'Rent,' as many people as possible into the craziness that is my life and the juggle that is my life. That's what makes it worth people's time.
Q: Who have you seen onstage that gives you that feeling?
A: The last concert I saw was the film that Beyonce just put out (Renaissance"). She didn't just do the film of her concert. She did a film where it really kind of took you backstage and just showed the world that she lived in, the world that some of these songs came out of, were born out of, the wear and tear on her body from the doing of it. That's what I do. That's the show I've been doing since 2017. It's, "Come on this ride with me, let me tell you what's going on in this moment. Let me share this with you" because that's the gold.
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Q: I think there would be a lot of upset readers if I didn't ask you something about "Hamilton." The way it continues to resonate with people is incredible.
A: I get chills when I think about it. I'll just be living my life, and I get accosted by so many people that are passionate about this thing that I'm passionate about. It's a unifying thing. It blows me away that people still care. It blows me away to have that in common with so many different kinds of people. I'm really grateful for the opportunity that it gave so many people in my cast. I love watching them continue to create wonderful things. I've loved to watch (Lin-Manuel Miranda) continue to create amazing things. And most importantly, it's just a vehicle to do good things in the world. We've raised a tremendous amount of money for so many different organizations, and I can look in the eyes of people who would otherwise not notice me. That's one of the greatest things. I should be invisible to any 13-year-old, but when they come up to me, just the opportunity to sit and talk to them and see them back is a gift.
Q: Do you have any plans for original music?
The judge conducting the trial of embattled Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold Ghana Limited, has threatened to commit lawyers in the case to prison if they fail to show the necessary courtesy to the court.
According to Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaah, a Court of Appeal judge sitting as an additional High Court judge, he will not tolerate any disrespect from any of the lawyers in the matter and will not hesitate to use the powers granted him by the constitution.
He said if the disrespect continues, he will commit the lawyers for contempt of court and send them to prison, indicating that not even the President can get him to rescind that decision.
Justice Dapaah gave the caution after a long back and forth between the Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa and Kwame Akuffo, counsel for NAM1 and his companies.
NAM1 and two of his companies Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult Ghana Limited are facing 39 counts of defrauding by false pretence, inducing members of the public to invest and money laundering.
The prosecution yesterday called its third witness and the defense raised questions about the propriety of the witness speaking Twi language and same being interpreted when his witness statement filed before the court was in English language.
Mr. Akuffo had argued that the excuse from the prosecution that the witness was more comfortable in speaking Twi was inadmissible, adding that the conviction or acquittal of his client is based on the evidence of the witness.
He indicated that there should have been a jurat to the witness statement, adding that the absence of one meant the witness was bound to speak English language for both his evidence in chief and the cross-examination.
The objection was opposed by Mrs. Obuobisa, who argued that the witness is a literate who can read and write English but is more comfortable testifying in Twi, hence there was no need for a jurat.
She also argued that the fair trial principle does not only apply to the accused but also the prosecution, hence a witness who chooses to express himself in Twi should not be compelled to speak English simply because his statement before the court was written in English.
Mrs. Obuobisa also added that the witness decision to speak Twi does not result in any miscarriage of justice to NAM1 and his companies.
It was at this point that Mr. Akuffo interjected, resulting in a back and forth between him and the DPP, both on their feet, and the exchanges went on for a while.
The judge then interrupted them and said if such conduct continued, he will go ahead and commit any lawyer for contempt and will send them to prison.
Not even the President can get me to rescind that decision unless he exercises the Presidential Pardon, Justice Owusu-Dapaah cautioned.
He said lawyers must respect the authority of the court given it by the constitution and the sovereignty of Ghana.
If you dont understand that, you may be 100 years at the Bar but if I sit here Im not exercising my own sovereignty but the sovereignty of Ghana. If you cannot respect that I will jail you, he intimated.
Justice Owusu-Dapaah also added that he doesnt care who wins or loses the case, as he is only interested in the truth, adding that this is the atmosphere we must keep in the courtroom.
Witness Tampering
The DPP yesterday indicated that some of their witnesses have complained that they are being called by persons closely associated with NAM1, telling them not to testify in the matter.
Although she did not mention any names, she said it was important for the court to take judicial notice of what their witnesses have indicated.
Mr. Akuffo, who was not impressed with the allegation, asked that the names of the witnesses who made the allegations be disclosed.
He said the allegation did not only affect NAM1 but also affects his integrity as a lawyer, adding that the allegation has the tendency of prejudicing the judge in the case.
NAM1s Safety
Meanwhile, Justice Owusu-Dapaah has once again cautioned complainants and aggrieved customers of the company not to attack NAM1 as alleged.
He said it had come to his attention that some of them attempted to attack NAM1, but urged them not to do so as they may end up finding themselves in trouble.
He said it is because they believe in the law that is why they came to court, so they should allow the court to determine the case.
The trial was adjourned to January 23, 2024 for the prosecution to call its fifth witness.
Source: Daily Guide
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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A businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Marrer Ghana Limited and Susatgad Boat Building and Fishing Industries, Novihoho Afaglo has rescued the people of Amedzikorpe from having to walk long distances to access quality and portable drinking water.
This came to light after he led the chiefs and people to commission the first 'Water for All Borehole' project at Amedzikorpe in the Volta Region.
The project is aimed at providing portable drinking water for all the adjourning communities in the area and also ensure that the rural communities are not left out.
Speaking to the media after the official handing over ceremony on Saturday January 12, 2024, Mr. Afaglo said the project is a contribution to support the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama's agenda of Building the Ghana we all want together.
He promised to build extra nine (9) in the neighboring communities to enable them get easy access to portable drinking water.
Reacting to the good gesture, the people of Amedzikorpe praised the businessman for remember the plight of his people and asked for long life and prosperity in the coming years
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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Former President John Mahama has appealed to Ghanaians, especially the labour groups to grant him a grace period if he successfully wins the election 2024 as far as conditions of service are concerned.
Addressing attendees at a 'Campus Connect' event in Hohoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer stressed: And you will realize the harm that the NPP administration has done to Ghanas economy. This country is broke, and so we will beg you that when we come into office, give us a bit of a honeymoon. Lets put things in place so that we can bring the economy back onto its feet."
However, Nana Akomea says there will be no need to give Mahama any grace period because Ghanaians already "know his track record."
During a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', the CEO of State Transport Company (STC) questioned the basis for former President John Mahama's request for a honeymoon period, stating that every new government typically receives one.
He claimed that Mahama's request for a grace period indicated his lack of readiness for the presidency.
"...begging for it means you've not really prepared. So, are you ready or not? You've already said the four given to every government is not enough, so how many years do you want your honeymoon to last?" he queried.
Listen to him in the video below
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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Kwamena Duncan has lashed out at the General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Fiifi Kwetey, over the latter's recent ethnocentric comments regarding Ghana's elections.
He has also bemoaned the fact that nearly a week after the remarks were made, the NDC has not thought it prudent to distance itself from it.
Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" Wednesday morning, the former Central Minister quoted Fiifi Kwetey as saying Ghana's elections are a contest between Voltarians and Ashantis.
According to Kwamena Duncan, the NDC bigwig sought to pitch the two tribes against each other by denigrating the Asante clan in the country.
He found Mr. Kwetey's comments very distasteful but noted the NDC General Secretary's comments reflect the true character of the opposition party.
"When I heard the voice, I cringed...A General Secretary of a political party could reduce the entire country to this level, that the elections is between Ewes against Asantes. Wow! So, he means if you are an Asante in the NDC, you don't belong...The NDC is telling us that if they come into office, they must not be hearing names like Sarpong, Opoku...These are the enemies of the people", he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh.
Kwamena admonished Ghanaians to beware of the NDC, especially as the nation goes into the polls on December 7.
"I tell you this is the policy and trademark of the party because they don't accept it, this man made these very, very potentially divisive explosive remarks more than a week ago, the party has not, as we speak, issued a statement to dissociate itself...It is the conception they have about the people of Ashanti Region. This country is bigger, far, far bigger but it is a major caution to all of us", he cautioned.
The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Kwetey is said to have incited people of the Volta Region to compel their children and the youth in the Region to refrain from making independent political choices but only accept the NDC as their favorite political party.It looks as if it is wrong for us, Volta people, to take NDC as a religion. There is nothing wrong with that. Some of our young people from Volta, think it is something of pride to say as for us we are not like our fathers and uncles, we believe we should not [just accept something they believe in, and that it is something of pride to choose to be independent minded].This party [NDC] may not be the perfect party. It may not be a party that has always delivered on all its promises, but it is our responsibility to ensure that our children remain loyal to this commission to be able to make it better, Fiifi Kwetey is heard saying in a voice recording.If you watch what happens in Ashanti and the Eastern Region, they understand that their party must be their party, and nothing changes. Somehow, they appreciate that they must not forsake their party because this must become a religion. Your religion may not be the best, but that is your religion, and it is your responsibility to make sure you fix it.The NDC General Secretary reportedly told NDC supporters in a secret meeting in the Volta Region.He is also quoted as saying I think we must let our people [Voltarians] appreciate that this is who we are. If you go to America today if you go to New York State, the democratic party is like a religion, through rain or shine, that is your political party. If you go to California, it is the same. If you go to places where the Republicans are, it is the same. There is nothing wrong with it".It is these remarks that Kwamena Duncan excoriated while delivering his submissions on Kokrokoo this morning.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Bernard Allotey Jacobs has rubbished the idea that a woman should become the Running Mate to the New Patriotic Party's flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The former NDC Central Regional Chairman, discussing the prospects of the New Patriotic Party, admitted the crucial role that a suitable Running Mate would play in the victory of the party.
However, to him, Ghana is not ready for a female Running Mate.
"I don't think Ghana is ripe for a woman as a Running Mate. Ghana is not ripe for it. We haven't changed our attitude from Kwame Nkrumah's time till date. We are still the same. Ghana is not ripe for a woman as a Running Mate. We haven't changed at all; it's the same attitude," he said during "Kokrokoo" panel discussion programme on Peace FM.
Allotey Jacobs objected to those calling on the New Patriotic Party's flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to consider choosing a female to partner him in this year's December 7 presidential elections.
He explained that "when a woman enters politics, they (Ghanaians) look at the woman from a different angle altogether," exclaiming, "our politician's terrain is very, very rough!"
"How many women MPs do you have in Parliament?" he questioned when challenged by a panel member, Kwamena Duncan, that there are some women leaders in the House of Parliament and in other areas of political influence.
Allotey, however, hoped a day would come when Ghana would welcome females in leading roles as Running Mate but in this current dispensation, he shares little to no faith that a woman will be accepted in such a capacity.
Watch the video below
There is an ongoing contention over who should partner the New Patriotic Party's leader, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, into the December 7 presidential polls.Some members and supporters of the party have begun lobbying for their favorite candidates to be considered for the position.Among the notable names that have come up is Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, affectionately called 'NAPO', who is the Minister of Energy.Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to some NPP members, bears the unique qualities of a leader whose presence on the Bawumia presidential ticket will boost the party's chances of winning this year's elections.One of the leading members of the party who strongly believes NAPO is the right candidate is Assin Central lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong.If you go to NAPOs office, you will be marveled at the way he relates with party people. He takes care of party people. If we had 5 of his kind in the party, NPP would have been better off and far ahead of the NDC. Given the current circumstances where many of our members are despondent, selecting NAPO will be the only way to bring back the needed energy for victory in the 2024 elections, he told NPP delegates at Bantama constituency.Kennedy Agyapong emphasized that "the only way I will campaign for the NPP is for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to be named as the Running MateThat will be the most credible ticket to beat John Mahama.
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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Bernard Allotey Jacobs has pleaded with Ghanaians to offer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia one term in office to see the major transformation his administration will cause in Ghana.
According to him, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the "matrix" of Ghana's politics, explaining that he is the right person to take the nation to the next level.
"He is the matrix of Ghana politics. This is the first time we have a real technocrat coming to contest election to be President and that is what we need in our system. Our system, which we always say is corrupt, something should change that system, and it will take Bawumia," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning programme.
He noted that the Vice President has proven himself worthy of leading Ghana and prays the nation votes him into power.
"This is his time. Just give him one term and let's see how Ghana will be," he shared strong faith in Dr. Bawumia's leadership.
This year's election has been classified as the "Clash of the Northern Titans" to wit the battle between the two Northern giants, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and John Dramani Mahama.Both Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President John Dramani Mahama hail from the northern sector of Ghana and this year will record the first presidential election between two big Northerners; one has served as President before and the former is the current Vice President of the Republic.Many political pundits and members of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress, believe this year's election will not be easy for both parties as Ghanaians have witnessed both administrations.However, the NDC is very optimistic to defeat the NPP whereas the NPP strongly believes the opposition party stands no chance against them in the general elections.Nonetheless, the big decision will made on December 7 when Ghanaian electorates go to the polls to elect their next President.
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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Third-time New Patriotic Party (NPP) aspirant, Mr Frank Yeboah, is set to take over from Benito Owusu Bio, incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) as Parliamentary candidate during the NPPs primaries in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency.
Mr Yeboah, who hails from Dabaa in the constituency, first contested the incumbent in 2016 and 2020.
The third-time aspirant comes with a vast knowledge of the terrain and is tipped as favourite to take up the mantle left by Mr Owusu Bio who has bowed out from contesting as a fifth-time MP for the constituency.
Mr Yeboah currently works with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) as the Director of Procurement and Project, a release copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday has indicated.
It said his love for humanity and human development propelled him on to his political journey during his school days at Kumasi Polytechnic, now Kumasi Technical University, as an ardent advocate of the UP tradition.
He ventured into full time politics during the then Candidate John Kufuors leadership bid in Sunyani when he organised some like-minded youth in support.
Subsequently, he volunteered his support to actively follow Candidate Kufuors campaign throughout the Ashanti region where he quietly played some vital roles to secure victory.
His passion for the NPP had never been in doubt as demonstrated by his diverse and tireless efforts expended towards the party before and during all major and general elections till date.
Through it all, his vision for human development remained consistent as he dared to present himself as an aspirant to serve the Nwabiagya North Constituency in 2016.
Source: GNA
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 Office of the Special Prosecutor on Wednesday, 17 January 2024, presented its fourth Half Yearly Report under the leadership of Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng.
The report, covering the period from 01 July 2023 to 31 December 2023 is submitted in accordance with section 3(3) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). It outlines achievements, challenges, and the overall commitment of the Office to combatting corruption.
The second half of 2023 witnessed remarkable achievements by the Office, including intensified operations aligned with its four-fold mandate: investigating corruption, prosecuting offenders, managing assets, and preventing corruption.
These efforts stimulate discourse in the fight against corruption, highlighting the need for continuous examination and apprehension of corrupt individuals.
Currently, three significant criminal cases are in progress on the prosecution front.
The trial of the former Chief Executive of the Public Procurement Authority and his brother-in-law is underway at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra.
Simultaneously, the trial involving the former Chief Executive, former Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations, former Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Administration of the Northern Development Authority, and the Chief Executive of A&QS Consortium Limited is pending before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Tamale.
Additionally, the trial of the Presidents nominee for the position of Chief Executive of Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region is pending before the Criminal Division of the High Court, Kumasi.
Several other cases are yet to proceed to full trial, including that of the former Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Investigations so far indicate that this case primarily revolves around suspected money laundering and structuring and may be referred to appropriate agency in due cause.
Another case involves Mr. Charles Bissue, the Secretary of the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).
On investigations, the Office has closed a number of cases, including investigation into alleged attempted bribery of the majority caucus of the Parliament of Ghana by an undisclosed well-known and wealthy businessman and that of the former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Charles Adu Boahen contained in an investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by a celebrated Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his associates operating under the corporate name of Tiger Eye P.I.
The Office continues to investigate over 152 cases which are at various stages including investigation into contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited-SML (a company registered in Ghana) and Ghana Revenue Authority and investigation into the appropriation, sale and lease of State-owned lands and properties to individuals and corporate bodies since 1993.
Committed to preventing corruption, the Office disrupted a syndicate involved in counterfeit foreign currency production, and the case has been partially referred to the Ghana Police Service.
The Office also engaged with stakeholders, including the Judiciary and international agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) of the United States. It also collaborated with Civil Society Organisations to educate youth on corruption prevention, recognizing that the fight against corruption requires collective effort.
Furthermore, the Office was admitted as a member of the Global Operational Network of Anti- Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).
Established by the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) GlobE Network facilitates, promotes, and supports cross-border cooperation to end corruption.
The Office has started preparatory works to open regional offices in Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale.
This strategic initiative reflects the Office's commitment to extending its reach and impact, ensuring that the fight against corruption is not confined to specific regions but resonates throughout the nation.
Despite attempts to discredit the Office and criticisms from those impacted by anti-corruption measures, the Office remains resolute and undeterred in its fight to render corruption costly and unattractive.
Read the full report here.
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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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) board has expressed its satisfaction with the assurances received from Ghanas external creditors.
Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, who revealed this in a post on X (formerly Twitter) said the countrys economic policies under IMFs programme are beginning to exhibit the expected outcomes adding that the policy and reform commitments outlined in Ghanas deal with the Bretton Woods Institution were in the best interest of Ghana.
Ms. Georgieva posted, Wonderful to see President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Ghanas Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta at #WEF24. The policy and reform commitments under Ghanas economic programme are starting to bear fruit.
Embracing the debt treatment agreement between Ghana and the Official Creditor Committee, she said that was consistent with the objectives of the IMF-supported programme.
According to her, the IMFs deal with Ghana aimed to reinstate macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, build resilience, and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth.
She appreciated the Official Creditor Committee, particularly the co-chairs, China and France, for their efforts in helping to reach such agreement.
I welcome Minister of Finance Ofori-Attas announcement that the Ghanaian authorities have reached an agreement in principle with their official creditors on a debt treatment, consistent with the objectives of the IMF-supported programme, which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, build resilience, and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth, she said.
Additionally, she noted, I want to thank the Official Creditor Committee, especially the co-chairs, China and France, for all their work to reach this agreement. This is another substantial milestone for the G20 Common Framework under which G20 creditors joined forces to agree on debt relief for Ghana.
Source: Daily Guide
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Manhyia South Constituency Chairman, Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta has called on the National Organizer of his party, Mr Henry Nana Boakye, 'Nana B' to give a vivid account of an incident that took place during the partys vetting of Parliamentary Aspirants in the Ashanti Region.
According to the report, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as 'Chairman Wontumi,' acted in a manner that showed some form of disrespect to His Royal Majesty Tumfuo Osei Tutu II, during the vetting
But a statement from Nana B suggests Wontumi never disrespected the Asantehene in any form as far as he is concerned.
Read Nana Bs statement below
My attention has been drawn to a media reportage suggesting that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has acted in a manner that is disrespectful to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the partys recently held Ashanti Regional Parliamentary Vetting.
As the Chairman of the Vetting Committee, I can recall a little misunderstanding that ensued between the Regional Chairman and the Manhyia South Constituency Organizer which I was committed to resolving. However, I in my capacity as the Chairman of the committee did not witness any such conduct by the Regional Chairman that sought to disparage or lower the authority of our revered and highly respected King during the conduct of our work as a Committee.
Manhyia South Constituencys rebuttal
According to the chairman of the constituency, Nana Bs statement is a coverup to what really happened during the wetting.
Chairman Tom Tom as affectionately called in politics in a statement called on Nana B to retract and apologize within 24 hours before he is exposed.
Having carefully read Nana Bs statement, which is full of blatant lies, I am calling on him to retract and apologize by close of today, Thursday, January 18, 2024, else I will come out with the full facts tomorrow, Friday, January 19, 2024. A portion of the statement said.
Read below the full statement
I have become aware of a statement issued by the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party, Mr Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as 'Nana B', on an incident that took place during the partys vetting of Parliamentary Aspirants in the Ashanti Region, held at the Dr Bawumia campaign office at Asokwa, Kumasi, on January 3, 2024.
In his statement, Nana B described false, media reports which suggest that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as 'Chairman Wontumi,' acted in a manner that shows disrespect to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during the vetting.
Nana B went ahead to state: As the Chairman of the Vetting Committee, I can recall a little misunderstanding that ensued between the Regional Chairman and the Manhyia South Constituency Organizer which I was committed to resolving. However, in my capacity as the Chairman of the committee, I did not witness any such conduct by the Regional Chairman that sought to disparage or lower the authority of our revered and highly respected King during the conduct of our work as a Committee.
Having carefully read Nana Bs statement, which is full of blatant lies, I am calling on him to retract and apologize by close of today, Thursday, January 18, 2024, else I will come out with the full facts tomorrow, Friday, January 19, 2024.
I must add that there were about 40 people in the vetting room and the facts can not be hidden.
Signed:
Tom Tom
NPP Manhyia South Constituency Chairman, NPP
Source: Peacefmonline.com
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From left to right, prosecutor John Braddock of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, defendant Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin and defense attorney Nathan Mays. Behind the bench is U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. Ken Ellis illustration / Staff/Ken Ellis illustration / staff Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, a Houston businessman who oversaw operations at United Memorial Medical Center, the embattled hospital that garnered nationwide attention in the early days of the pandemic, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States. . Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer
Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, a Houston businessman who oversaw operations at United Memorial Medical Center, the embattled hospital that garnered nationwide attention in the early days of the pandemic, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the United States.
The charge, which stems from a 2010 business deal, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. It does not appear to have any connection with Mohiuddin's role at the hospital.
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Mohiuddin originally pleaded not guilty in 2018 to an indictment on multiple charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, monetary transactions in criminally derived property and bank fraud. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas plans to drop all but the conspiracy charge as part of a plea agreement, according to John Braddock, the prosecutor in the case.
During Mohiuddin's brief re-arraignment hearing in front U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison, Braddock said his office "will not oppose" a lower sentence based on Mohiuddin's cooperation. He declined to comment further. Mohiuddin and his attorney, Nathan Mays, declined to comment. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 29, records show.
The indictment said Mohiuddin and a co-defendant, whose name was redacted, used fraudulent documents in 2010 to obtain an $8 million loan from private lenders. At the time, Mohiuddin presented himself as a "point man" for Deyaar Development Corporation, a Houston-based company, the indictment said. Once Mohiuddin and the co-defendant received the funds in a Deyaar bank account, they transferred $6.9 million into an account for Imagine Hospitality, a business that was formed and owned by Mohiuddin, the indictment said.
Much of the records in the case are under seal. Prosecutors in 2018 asked the court to designate the case as complex, because Mohiuddin "participated in numerous other fraudulent loans transactions" that were relevant to the charges, according to court documents. Last year, the U.S. Attorney's Office filed a motion to appoint a classified information security officer, since the case "may involve issues related to classified information and materials," according to the motion.
Much of the 56-year-old Mohiuddin's professional background is unknown. He has had a Houston address for more than 20 years, court documents show. During Wednesday's hearing, he said he has been a U.S. citizen since 1989. An article in Indo American News described him as "an accomplished businessman and entrepreneur."
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While his conspiracy charge does not appear to be connected to United Memorial Medical Center, a lawsuit filed in a now-closed bankruptcy case accused Mohiuddin of using the hospital as part of an "elaborate scheme" to avoid paying his creditors. He transferred funds to and from the hospital and his other businesses, which included a petroleum related business," a Citgo gas station and a collection of properties, the lawsuit said.
Mohiuddin paid $6.1 million to close the bankruptcy case in 2022, but multiple entities, including mortgage lenders and insurance companies, claim he still owes them more than $30 million, records show.
UMMC was in the process of being sold in July, according to Brandy Alexander, an attorney representing the hospital in two lawsuits. Alexander could not immediately be reached for an update on the pending sale.
The hospital shut down much of its clinical network after it lost its ability to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding in January 2022. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, multiple inspections by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed safety violations that put patients in "immediate jeopardy," according to a letter from the agency. The hospital now faces a flurry of lawsuits from multiple companies that claim UMMC owes more than $2 million in unpaid fees and taxes. Two doctors also sued the hospital last month, saying they were not paid for their work.
Days after the Chronicle published a story detailing the safety issues and Mohiuddin's criminal history, the hospital removed the signs outside of the outpatient center and the emergency room at 510 W. Tidwell. On Aug. 28, the new sign posted outside the Northside hospital read, "BMC Baytown Medical Center."
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The Supreme Court will on April 10, 2024 deliver judgement on the ban on celebrities from Alcoholic advertisement by the Food Drugs Authority (FDA).
The decision comes after lawyers of the Food And Drugs Authority (FDA), the plaintiff and the Attorney General's office told the court that they relied entirely on their respective statement of cases and processes filed.
The FDA in 2015 banned celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages. The directive received criticism from a section of the creative industry including the Plaintiff Mark Darlington Osae.
They argue that, the directive is in contravention of Article 17 (1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution which mandates equality before the law and prohibits discrimination against persons on grounds of status, occupation, religion among others. However the FDA said the directive is to protect minors from alcoholic influences.
Following the directive Mark Darlington Osae filled a suit in 2022 to challenge the decision.
The case has been adjourned to April 10, 2024 by the Court which was presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo for a determination on the matter.
Other members on the panel were Justice Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Justice Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Justice Samuel Adibu-Asiedu, Justice Ernest Gaewu, Justice Mariam Owusu and Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie.
Chief Executive Officer of Image Bureau George Quaye, known as Aboagye of Taxi driver fame told Journalists that, celebrities will not abuse any opportunity given to them to endorse alcoholic beverages.
"We are hopeful and pray that it goes in our favour. It's not as if anybody wants to banter with the FDA or fight with them in a way, everybody wants an amicable solution where it will be a win, win so that everybody can go about their business".
The celebrities have families, they have kids. Naturally they will not want to endorse products that will affect their kids negatively. They are willing to be responsible and just as things are done responsibly , they also willing to do thus responsibly". he said
Source: Philipa Atanga/Court Reporter/Despite Media
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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Credit: British Antarctic Survey
Scientists at British Antarctic Survey are using satellite images to track the colossal iceberg A23a.
A new animation shows the recent trajectory of the A23a iceberg as it moves north out of the Weddell Sea. Among the clouds and sea ice, the iceberg is shown alongside the tracks of previous large icebergs A68 and A76a. The animation has been compiled from Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite imagery.
Andrew Fleming, Head of Mapping and GIS at British Antarctic Survey, says, "The iceberg is following a very similar path and we'll be interested to see if it also gets caught in the same place as the previous bergs which spin in circles for several weeks before moving on."
Credit: British Antarctic Survey
A23a hit the headlines in November last year after it moved out of the Weddell Sea sector into the Southern Ocean. It calved from the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986, before being grounded on the seabed nearby.
Scientists on board RRS Sir David Attenborough sailed past the mega iceberg as part of the BIOPOLE cruise in December last year, and collected samples of seawater from the area. Footage captured on board shows the enormous iceberg, 3,900 square kilometers stretching out into the distance beyond the research vessel.
Dr. Andrew Meijers, Chief Scientist aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough and Polar Oceans Science Leader at British Antarctic Survey (BAS), adds, "It is incredibly lucky that the iceberg's route out of the Weddell Sea sat directly across our planned path, and that we had the right team aboard to take advantage of this opportunity. We're fortunate that navigating A23a hasn't had an impact on the tight timings for our science mission, and it is amazing to see this huge berg in personit stretches as far as the eye can see."
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A four-member, all-European crew are poised to blast off in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule fixed to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket at 4:49 pm local time (2111 GMT) on Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
An all-European crew including Turkey's first astronaut launched for the International Space Station on Thursday with Axiom Space, as countries increasingly look to the private sector to fulfill their ambitions in the cosmos.
A SpaceX Crew Dragon fixed to the top of a Falcon 9 rocket blasted off Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 4:49 pm local time (2149 GMT), and should reach its destination early Saturday.
Dubbed Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), it is the company's third launch to the space laboratory and the first where all three of the paid seats were bought by national agencies, rather than wealthy individuals.
"I'm really excited as it allows us to do more space activities, it allows us to serve ultimately more member states of the European Space Agency," Daniel Neuenschwander, the European Space Agency's director of human and robotic exploration said Thursday.
Turkish pilot and air force colonel Alper Gezeravci is joined by Walter Villadei, an Italian air force colonel who has previously flown to the edge of space on a Virgin Galactic space plane, and by Marcus Wandt from Sweden, who is also representing ESA.
They are led by Axiom's Chief Astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, a Spanish and US citizen and former NASA astronaut.
The exact costs haven't been disclosed, but in 2018 when the company first announced the program, which involves chartering SpaceX hardware and paying NASA for services, it set a price tag of $55 million per seat.
More recently, Hungary was reported by spacenews.com to be planning a $100 million deal with Axiom for a future mission involving one astronaut.
Left to right: Axiom Space's chief astronaut and former NASA astronaut Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei of Italy, European Space Agency project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden and Turkish Astronaut Alper Gezeravci.
"Stronger' Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has displayed a keen interest in the mission, presenting Gezeravci to the Turkish public in the run-up to his reelection last year.
"For a country like Turkey, it's important, it's opening a curtain that has always been blocking the dreams of our children," Gezeravci said of his mission.
Sweden's Marcus Wandt, meanwhile, applied for the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut class of 2022 but was made a reserve. The Axiom-3 mission will therefore allow Sweden to put its second national in space.
Britain, which is striving to build a post-Brexit space strategy, has also signed an agreement for a future mission carrying UK astronauts.
The Axiom-3 team will join seven crew members currently aboard the ISSfrom Japan, Denmark, the United States and Russiaand carry out 30 experiments, learning more about the impact of microgravity on the human body, advancing industrial processes and more.
Axiom Space was founded in 2016 by Michael Suffredini, a former ISS program manager for NASA, and entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian.
In addition to organizing private missions to the orbital outpost, the company is developing spacesuits for future NASA missions to the Moon, and building a commercial space station that it intends to initially attach to the ISS, then separate and orbit independently sometime before the ISS is retired.
2024 AFP
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Another drug war has begun in Latin America. The newly elected president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, has declared a state of emergency and the military is being used to tackle violence and drug trafficking in a country that is part of the transnational cocaine smuggling trade.
Ecuador will probably realize what other countries in Latin America have done: military solutions to the illicit drug problem do not work.
For decades, the Colombian government has confronted powerful drug cartels and drug-related violence with a policy guided by a series of UN treaties that prohibit drugs and oblige governments to prosecute recreational drug use and production. These treaties are known as the "drug prohibition regime". Under the mantle of these treaties, the US has pushed Latin American governments to implement tough laws on drug use, and crackdown on drug cartels in an attempt to tackle drug trafficking and drug addiction.
Governments, such as Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador and Honduras, have used their armies against drug cartels since the 1980s. However, the use of the military in the region, with operations supported by the US Drug and Enforcement Agency, has not prevented an increase in violence in the region. In the case of Mexico, researchers have found a relationship between the deployment of the military in anti-drug operations and the rise of homicides since 2007. Moreover, drug addiction has not reduced in the US (one expected outcome of the "war on drugs").
Nowadays, Latin America and the Caribbean is the most violent region in the world. According to the 2023 report of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), 34% of the homicides on the planet during 2021 happened in the Americas. Many of these homicides relate to the global war on drugs.
Some Latin American administrations have started to push back against policies that make drugs illegal. For example, Bolivia legalized indigenous production of coca crops in 2011. Uruguay and Jamaica legalized some purchases of cannabis in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Mexico and Colombia are discussing cannabis regulation.
Some of these governments, including Colombia, Mexico and Bolivia, tried to put forward a plan for a new global approach to drug use in 2016 at a UN general assembly special meeting but proponents of this failed to convince other countries to allow all types of drug decriminalization. However, the assembly did reach an agreement to allow countries to regulate the medical uses of some previously illegal drugs such as cannabis. Now, these countries led by Colombian president Gustavo Petro will call for a new UN meeting to try to get more support for a new approach to the "war on drugs".
Colombia's role
Since the early 1960s, Colombia has been the epicenter of the global war on drugs. Infamously known as the center of production of cocaine trafficked by regional criminal organizations, this country is experimenting with a peace process on two fronts: first, with the guerrillas, and second, with the drug cartels.
Petro was elected with the promise to reduce the endless problem of violence. In September 2023, Petro asked his Mexican counterpart, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, to help convene a new UN meeting to overhaul the international approach to illegal drugs. Petro was also responding to pressure from global research showing the existing policy was not working. For example, public health experts in The Lancet have argued that making drugs illegal has failed to stem drug use.
There is a longstanding debate about whether proposing the end of drug prohibitionand the war on drugs as a consequencewill stop violence and reduce harmful addiction. From 2011, a group of former world leaders and intellectuals (such as former presidents of Mexico and Colombia, Cesar Gaviria, Juan Manuel Santos and Ernesto Zedillo) have pushed for the end of drug prohibition. The data seems to back up their claims that prosecuting drug consumption and production is not reducing addiction. According to the Global Burden of Disease Data, from the Institute For Health Metrics and Evaluation, since the late 1990s, the number of drug users with drug dependence has increased from 40 to 50 million users yearly around the world, despite the "war on drugs".
But Petro faces an uphill battle to gather support to challenge the drug prohibition regime. In September 2023 Latin American governments signed the Cali declaration, calling for a UN assembly on the global drug problem to be held in 2025, one year before Petro's presidency ends. But the US, which is experiencing a fentanyl opioid epidemic, is not likely to be positive about making more drugs legal.
US president Joe Biden is less prone to tackle drug policy with police prosecution and his approach includes alternatives such as treating addicts in health clinics instead of incarceration. If in November Donald Trump wins the presidential election, drug policy is likely to be more militarized than ever. The former president explored using US military force in Mexico to tackle fentanyl smuggling through Mexico.
Lopez Obrador helped to organize the September 2023 Cali conference, but domestically he is not pursuing drug legalization policies. He has deployed the Mexican military to reinforce drug confiscation of fentanyl after pressure from the US government.
Petro might find an ally in Argentina's new president, Javier Milei. The new Argentinian president has declared he favors drug legalization, inspired by his libertarian position. However, Argentina is facing increasing crime rates in some regions and this security challenge might dissuade him from pursing drug legalization.
Beyond the Americas, some European countries might back the initiative, such as Portugal which decriminalized personal possession of all drugs in 2001. There, possession results in confiscation or a fine, but not imprisonment.
If political factors align, Petro might edge forward with his plans to tackle the global war on drugs differently. However, international tensions and the recent war in Ecuador have complicated the scenario. Hopefully, scientific evidence may force countries to consider new options.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The high peaks of the southern and central Sierra Nevada are home to a unique and endangered animal, the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. John Muir called them "the bravest of all the Sierra mountaineers," and indeed they have weathered both ancient and modern climate extremes, human-introduced disease and other existential threats across the centuries. But the greatest danger they face today may be from another native species.
Having been involved in research and conservation of these sheep for half a century, I've found that the Sierra Nevada bighorna subspecies related to desert and Rocky Mountain bighornhave survived six ice ages. But these rugged icons of the wilderness narrowly escaped extinction from disease after their mountains were flooded with domestic sheep every summer starting around 1860. Their native 180-mile-long range was reduced to three surviving populations in the southern Owens Valley.
Fortunately, pneumonia from domestic sheep has not been seen in the Sierra bighorn during the past 50 years. Populations wiped out by this disease have been undergoing restoration in the West for decades. The efforts have depended largely on catching wild sheep from surviving populations and releasing them in vacant historical habitat, known as translocation.
I worked closely with government agencies to initiate such a program for the Sierra bighorn in the late 1970s. By 1985, the number of Sierra bighorn had grown from 250 to 300. By 2016, they numbered close to 700 and looked like an endangered species success story. But the story has since turned out to be considerably more complex.
Domestic sheep diseases aren't the only modern threat to the Sierra bighorn. Another has been avalanches and starvation during extreme winters, particularly among populations that can't descend to lower elevations with less snow and more vegetation.
While a lot of Sierra bighorn died during the unusually snowy winters of 2016-17 and 2018-19, their numbers increased during the milder intervening winters. It seemed as if these remarkably tough animals might be able to survive anything thrown at them.
Last winter shattered that picture along with snowfall records. Not only did we lose considerably more sheep than in previous extreme winters, but five of the 14 populations became local extinctions, with no surviving females. It in effect set the recovery program back to 2010.
Despite this catastrophe, extreme winters aren't the top killer of the Sierra bighorn. That distinction belongs to a fellow wild animal: the mountain lion.
While severe winters occur about once every six years on average, lion predation happens every year. During the snowy winter of 2016-17, one large Sierra bighorn population lost about half its members, mostly to lions. This predation largely occurs in lower-elevation winter ranges where the sheep can nibble on nutritious early forage, but where they also overlap with winter concentrations of mule deer that attract mountain lions.
Mountain lions have also been shown to significantly depress bighorn sheep populations beyond the Sierra Nevada, from New Mexico and Texas to southern Alberta province in Canada. What these otherwise varied ecosystems have in common is an absence of wolves.
Wolves aren't good bighorn sheep hunters, but they compete with mountain lions for prey and steal and eat what they kill. Lion populations shrink substantially in the presence of wolves, which greatly benefits bighorn sheep.
In my earliest years of research, there was no evident lion predation of Sierra bighorn for a simple reason: mountain lions had not yet recovered from a decades-long campaign to eliminate them from the state, with bounties offered for them starting in 1906.
A recent analysis found a steady decline in lion numbers under relentless persecution until about 1,000 remained in 1963, when bounties ended. The state's mountain lion population was recently estimated to be between 3,200 and 4,500, probably more than when wolves were present.
During rapidly accelerating lion predation in the 1980s, Sierra bighorn began avoiding lower-elevation winter ranges full of nutritious forage, a behavioral shift ultimately associated with substantial population declines, especially in extreme winters.
By the mid-1990s, the population barely exceeded 100, about a third of what it had been a decade earlier, and the effort to repopulate vacant habitat entered a quarter-century hiatus. Mountain lions had all but defeated our efforts to restore Sierra bighorn.
After a 1990 voter initiative made mountain lions specially protected mammals in California despite their substantial recovery, taking away wildlife officials' authority to kill them to protect Sierra bighorn, I and others worked to obtain federal endangered status for the sheep to supersede state law.
The resulting recovery plan emphasized the need to protect them from excessive losses to lions while ensuring the viability of the lion population. The plan was approved by an array of interests, including the Mountain Lion Foundation, all of which accepted that some lions would have to be killed to save bighorn.
Aided by declines in the local deer and consequently the mountain lion population along with federal protection and focused removal of predators, Sierra bighorn populations grew rapidly at the beginning of this century. By 2013, we finally had four large populations that could be tapped for translocation, a goal set nearly three decades earlier.
In recent years, however, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife adopted a policy under which lions must be moved rather than killed to protect Sierra bighorn. That means getting permission to relocate lions and then spending time catching and moving them. This can take months, during which the lions continue to kill sheep. This has led to substantial declines in the bighorn populations used for translocation and thereby crippled the recovery program.
With this policy, California has in effect permitted an animal-rights agenda to override science-based conservation, which focuses on the health of populations and ecosystems, not the fate of individuals.
The lives of a small number of mountain lions are being saved at the cost of many Sierra bighorn, favoring an animal with wide distribution and a large population over one thatat least so farhas barely escaped extinction.
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Within two years, a new federal rule will force oil- and gas-producing states to crack down on methane gas emissionsa major driver of climate change.
A handful of states already have rules that force drillers to increase monitoring and upgrade equipment, which advocates say provided an effective template for the federal action.
But many other states will be starting from scratch. In those states, some officials and oil industry leaders say the burden on regulators and fossil fuel producers may outweigh the benefits of reduced emissions.
"Is creating more paperwork going to have the effect the EPA hopes it will have in reducing methane?" said Matthew Bingert, manager of the oil and gas program in North Dakota's Division of Air Quality.
While carbon dioxide is emitted in far higher quantities, methane is a much more potent greenhouse gasmaking it responsible for more than a quarter of the warming that the planet is currently experiencing. It also breaks down much faster in the atmosphere, meaning reducing methane emissions can have a more immediate impact than reducing carbon dioxide, which lingers for longer.
"That makes it a huge opportunity," said Jon Goldstein, senior director of regulatory and legislative affairs with the Environmental Defense Fund, a legal advocacy group. "If we can get after those emissions quickly, we can start to bend the curve on the climate problem quickly."
Oil and gas operations are the largest industrial emitter of methane. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that its new rule will prevent 58 million tons of methane emissions by 2038equivalent to the carbon emissions produced by the entire power sector in 2021.
Federal officials say the rule also will limit toxic pollutants that affect human health in the neighborhoods surrounding drilling operations and refineries.
While some Democratic-led states have gotten a head start on methane regulations, other oil-producing states, many under GOP control, say the new requirements are going to require massive amounts of data collection and analysis for both companies and regulatorsand it's unclear how that work will be funded.
Attorneys general from 24 states sent a letter to the EPA last year saying the rule would impose excess costs on industry and overstep the agency's authority.
Last month, the federal agency published a final rule giving state agencies two years to draft plans that include regular industry monitoring for leaks at oil and gas operations. The rule also mandates new technologies that limit emissions and venting or "flaring"burning offof methane.
With the expansion of their Clean Air Act responsibilities, state agencies without existing methane programs say they'll likely need to add more staff, which would be funded by taxpayers or additional fees on the oil and gas industry.
The EPA did not make officials available for an interview. Law experts told ALM, a legal publication, that the rule is likely to face challenges in court.
State action
Climate advocates say the federal agency was spurred to act by the success of state-level methane rules, starting with regulations in Colorado in 2014. Over nearly a decade, Colorado has passed a series of rules to increase methane emissions monitoring, require infrastructure upgrades and crack down on flaring.
"Colorado has formed the basis for many of the EPA rules," said David McCabe, senior scientist with the Clean Air Task Force, a Boston-based environmental advocacy group.
State officials in Colorado denied a Stateline interview request, but oil and gas operators in the state say they've been able to meet the state's requirements.
"We produce some of the cleanest energy molecules in the world," said Christy Woodward, senior director of regulatory affairs with the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, a trade group. "We're not only on target to meet [Colorado's emissions reduction targets] but exceed them."
Some environmental advocates have a more mixed response. They praise both the Colorado and EPA rules requiring oil and gas drillers to upgrade to equipment that produces fewer leaks, along with strict rules on venting and flaring. But both programs rely on operatorsrather than state inspectorsto monitor their own emissions and report leaks.
"There's not a lot of oversight to ensure that every operator is doing what they're claiming they're doing," said Andrew Klooster, Colorado field advocate with the nonprofit advocacy group Earthworks, which conducts its own inspections with imaging devices that can detect leaks.
Klooster noted that the rules, even with few state-run inspections, give watchdogs such as his team a mechanism to look for violations and hold polluters accountable.
Some environmental groups have been pushing the state to hire more staffers to conduct inspections, said Ean Tafoya, Colorado state director with GreenLatinos, an environmental justice organization.
"We know these companies are violating [emissions standards] in their reporting, and we want to see more enforcement," he said. "We have more to do."
Despite the concerns, advocates acknowledge the program likely has curtailed emissions. It also has given Colorado a head start toward meeting the new federal standards.
New Mexico regulators also established methane rules in recent years, requiring companies to capture 98% of the gas they produce by 2026. State officials say emissions have decreased since the rules were passed, estimating the current capture rate at around 60%.
"On net, emissions are down, and we have seen significant reductions in routine venting and flaring," said Dylan Fuge, deputy secretary of New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "Operators and the state are going to be well positioned to comply [with the federal rule]."
While the state's new standards have required significant infrastructure investments from oil and gas operators, state officials say it hasn't slowed the industry's expansion.
"Profits are higher than they've ever been; production numbers are higher than they've ever been," said Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard. "This is the time to increase oversight, when companies can afford it."
California regulators also have moved to restrict methane emissions from oil and gas operations, with mandates for leak detection, reporting and infrastructure upgrades. The state Air Resources Board did not respond to an interview request. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania last month began its own rulemaking on methane emissions, in anticipation of the EPA action.
Economic concerns
In other oil-producing states, officials say the new rules will pose a challenge. Bingert, of the North Dakota agency, said the federal standards are likely to double the number of wells his agency is obligated to oversee.
"It's going to be an increased burden on not only industry but on us as a state agency," he said. "There's no talk of funding for these new regulations. Obviously more work is going to be going into it, so that's definitely a concern of ours."
Bingert said the agency might need to ask state lawmakers for more money to add positions to carry out the federal requirements.
In Wyoming, state officials fear that smaller companies will struggle to make the infrastructure upgrades required by the new rule.
"The cost to implement and the impact to those operations will be significant," said Tom Kropatsch, supervisor of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. "It really impacts local communities if those operations go out of business, because the majority of the operators in Wyoming are small operators."
Industry officials in the state shared the same concern.
"That's a hard lift for some of these companies that are one or two people that don't have full regulatory departments," said Ryan McConnaughey, vice president and director of communications for the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, a trade group. "This is going to force smaller operators to shut down."
McConnaughey also said the requirements could strain the capacity of the state's Department of Environmental Quality. The agency, which did not grant Stateline an interview, cited that concern in a letter to the EPA.
"Conducting the compliance inspections, reports, and emissions inventories work commensurate with the requirements of the proposed rule places an overwhelming strain on agency staff and financial resources," agency Director Todd Parfitt wrote to the EPA.
2024 States Newsroom. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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South Carolina's landscape is pockmarked with wetlands that have historically gotten in the way of developers seeking to build shopping malls, hotels and housing communities.
Now, because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, it is becoming easier for developers to fill and pave wetlands across the country. The ruling, according to some estimates, could eliminate federal protections for more than 60% of the nation's wetlands.
But wetlands are vital to limit pollution and control floodingand that's why conservationists and some state officials are urging the Legislature to protect South Carolina's wetlands. Statewide legislation is needed to replace the federal rules the Supreme Court curtailed, they say.
South Carolina, which has one of the highest percentages of wetlands in the southeast, is increasingly dealing with floods that could get worse if more wetlands are lost, according to environmental groups and the state Office of Resilience. Wetlands naturally soak up storm water and filter out pollution.
Without a law to limit wetlands destruction, the lack of federal protection could doom many of the soggy depressionsand the state's already notable flooding problem will get worse, conservationists say.
"If you are filling in a bunch of wetlands, it puts communities at a bigger risk than they have ever faced from flooding," Carl Brzorad, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said.
The law center, a nonprofit legal organization active throughout the South, laid out its concerns Wednesday during a briefing for the state Senate by conservationists.
"In South Carolina and across the nation, we have a significant number of wetlands that historically were protected and no longer have protection," the law center's Emily Wyche said in the presentation to senators. "So there's a big gap that needs to be filled."
Andrew Wunderley, the Charleston Waterkeeper, told senators wetlands are "nature's way" of protecting water quality.
Wetlands losses have been occurring across the country since settlers first arrived in the New World hundreds of years ago and began looking for places to farm or live. Some of South Carolina's most visible places, including the Charleston peninsula and Columbia's Five Points, were developed in low-lying, swampy areas.
With passage of the federal Clean Water Act in the early 1970s, the United States afforded some protection to wetlands, acknowledging that they are important to wildlife, in addition to soaking up flooding. Under federal law, anyone wanting to develop in wetlands needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a process that businesses have complained is cumbersome.
For the past 20 years, disputes involving developers and farmers against the federal government have sparked multiple court battles that have muddied the water over how many wetlands should be protected. Developers and farmers have complained that some wet areas of the landscape should not qualify as wetlands.
In the most recent case, the conservative U.S. Supreme Court said wetlands need an obvious connection to large bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes and the ocean, to enjoy protections. But many wetlands are connected less directly or are isolated, meaning many of them now could be developed, even though they are considered by scientists to be ecologically important. The greatest impact of the ruling is on freshwater wetlands, not salt marshes like those found near beaches.
Whether the Legislature will take action to protect South Carolina wetlands is a major question. Conservation groups did not offer a specific proposal Wednesday, and efforts in the past to establish a state wetlands law have failed in the face of opposition from farmers and developers.
The state has some protections for wetlands in the eight coastal counties through the coastal zone law, but even those are limited.
"It's politically going to be difficult, really, to get something in play," state Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Charleston, said. But he said South Carolina is "blessed" to have so many wetlands and he expressed concern about threats to them.
A special South Carolina task force in 2012 found there were approximately 400,000 acres of isolated wetlands in South Carolina. Overall, the state has more than 4 million acres of wetlands. With more than 20% of the landscape covered in wetlands, South Carolina has one of the highest percentages in the Southeast.
Those wetlands include rare Carolina Bays, elliptical, wildlife-rich depressions found almost exclusively in the Carolinas. Other types of isolated wetlands found in the state include cypress bogs, pine flatwoods and pocosins.
Calls by environmentalists to protect South Carolina's wetlands dovetail with the state Office of Resilience's plan to prepare South Carolina for the effects of natural disasters. The 2023 resilience office report urges the Legislature to save isolated wetlands that it says are vital to control flooding in South Carolina.
"New state legislation should be enacted to regulate the alteration of these unique systems to reduce the potential loss of function," the Resilience Office plan said.
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The Savannah River meets the Atlantic Ocean at Fort Pulaski National Monument, the brick citadel built to guard this port city in the years before the Civil War.
Yet the river's 47-foot-deep shipping channel extends some 16 miles farther into the deep offshore waters. Known as the Tybee Roads, the wide, straight route is used dozens of times a day by container ships bound for the Port of Savannah and the much smaller vessels bearing the specially trained captains, called "river pilots," who board the freighters to guide them to the docks.
The waters are also the calving grounds for North Atlantic right whales, a species on the verge of extinction.
Only about 360 of these leviathansmature adults are about 50 feet long and weigh as much as 70 tonsremain on Earth, and the federal government's environmental science agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is dedicated to saving and repopulating the species.
In the coming months, NOAA officials are expected to expand a lower boat speed limit imposed on large ships65 feet and longerduring whale calving season to include vessels as small as 35 feet. The move is meant to curb the number of whale vessel strikes, such as the one reported Wednesday involving a calf. Fishermen spotted the injured newborn off the South Carolina coast swimming with its mother on Jan. 3 and submitted photographs showing wounds consistent with those caused by a boat propeller.
Vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements have caused the deaths of at least 21 right whales since 2017.
The revised speed limit would apply to the pilot boats and affect the East Coast maritime shipping industry, not just in Savannah and its sister port in Brunswick, but in Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Norfolk, Virginia.
NOAA's decision on expanding the rule has been pending since June, delayed by objections from maritime industry officials and federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, a Republican whose district stretches the length of the Georgia coast and includes both the Savannah and Brunswick ports.
Carter has introduced legislation that would delay implementation of the expanded rule. According to a source familiar with Carter's bill, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to review the legislation this year.
A safety measure?
During a telephone town hall meeting in July, Carter painted the rule expansion as overkill. He labeled the chances of a vessel-whale collision "at one in a million," citing a study commissioned by the American Sportfishing Association. Marine biology experts disagree with the findings of that study, and federal statistics on whale deaths suggest collisions are far more common.
Tybee Island resident Cathy Sakas advocated for the whales for years as the education coordinator at NOAA's Gray's Reef Marine Sanctuary, located off Georgia's coast. She said the whales overcome a lot of adversity to give birth in local waters, swimming 2,000 miles from the New England coast with a 2,000-pound fetus inside them only to face new dangers after their calf is born.
"Would you speed 35 mph through a nursery school?" said Sakas, who retired from her NOAA role in 2014. "It's critically important that we take into consideration that this whale is the most endangered great whale in the world and that this time of year is the most critical time for the perpetuation of their species."
The Georgia Ports Authority has lobbied Carter and other elected officials against the change on behalf of the river pilots, citing safety reasons. Water conditions offshore can get rough, particularly in the winter months when right whales are calving, and the pilots say speed is vital for the nimble, aluminum pilot boats to counter rolling swells and choppy seas.
The Savannah Pilots Association's three vessels were specifically designed to avoid the speed limit for larger boats. The crafts measure 64.5 feet, are powered by water jet propulsion rather than flesh-piercing propellers, and reach cruising speed at about 20 knots, or 23 mph, much faster than NOAA's proposed 10-knot speed limit for the designated whale calving grounds.
Additionally, pilot boats must typically reach speeds as high as 12 knots to perform the transfer of the captains to and from the cargo ships. The boarding process requires that pilot boats move in quickly beside the freighters, which in rough seas must travel at 8 to 10 knots to maintain steerage and limit the chance of injury to the pilots.
"Operating around the end of the channel at 10 knots or less is a dangerous thing," said Trey Thompson, president of the Savannah Pilots Association. "You'd be like a cork bobbing around, especially in the wintertime, and if you went to boats shorter than 35 feet there'd be many days where you wouldn't even leave the dock."
Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch fears expansion of the speed rule would result in frequent suspensions of port activities in the winter because pilots would refuse to service ships in poor weather.
"Everybody's concerned about the right whale, but I think we also have to be smart about allowing safe passage of these vessels," he said. "If the weather is bad enough where there's a fear of something happening at 10 knots, then nothing is going to happen because they're not going to move the ships."
Drawn to Georgia's waters
Every winter, pregnant right whales swim south from the cold depths off New England to the warmer seas off Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas. Scientists believe the whales give birth in the local waters because temperatures are comfortable for both the mothers, who have plenty of insulating blubber, and babies, who lack the fat.
Right whales calve where they livenear the ocean's surface. They are shallow swimmers, a trait that lent them their name: Whale hunters of the 1800s dubbed them "right" whales because they swim slowly and float when killed, simplifying their harvest.
Their lumbering pace and affection for surface waters also make the whales susceptible to boat strikes. Of the 36 whale deaths recorded between 2017 and 2023, 12 were due to vessel strikes as evidenced by deep wounds from propellers or crushed skulls from hull collisions. An additional 13 carcasses either could not be examined or the cause of death was unknown.
When on the same course, whales often can't move out of the way fast enough. Slowing boats provides captains the time to avoid the whales. According to NOAA research, limiting speeds to 10 knots reduces the risk of vessel strikes by at least 80%. Since the implementation of the 2008 rule for ships longer than 65 feet, smaller vessels have been responsible for approximately 40% of known strikes.
Other lessons learned over the past 15 years went into the proposed rule revision. The change would expand exemptionswith reporting requirementsfor foul weather and other situations that put boat crews in danger. The boundaries of the speed zone would be adjusted under the new rule, as would the time period for the restrictions. In Savannah's waters, the restrictions would be lifted 15 days earlier, on April 15.
Gib Brogan with Oceana, an environmental group focused on the world's oceans, said he expects a NOAA ruling before that end dateand the close of the calving season.
A typical year sees about 20 newborns, and as of Jan. 5, nine mother-calf pairs have been spotted in nearby waters, with three births recorded in a six-day span. An additional 20 individual females have been identified swimming in the area as well, hinting that the coast has the potential to be a busy right whale maternity ward this season.
NOAA estimates recovery will require 50 births a year for many years. The whale population was 500 as recently as 2010. Brogan said getting back there is possible so long as "NOAA's scientists are allowed to do their jobs."
"We are talking about a critically endangered species, one that can recover if we stop killing them," Brogan said. "Slowing boats down in these important habitats is a necessary change."
2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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UMAP plot of individual connectedness among modern and ancient genomes from Britain. (A) Density of maximum PiC score values per individual in one of the extracted communities. (B) UMAP coordinates of the medieval and postmedieval genomes (> 0.2 coverage) from Cambridgeshire. (C) Individual connectedness among modern genomes of the "People of the British Isles" project based on PiC scores of 20 significant communities with more than 10 members extracted from the combined data with the Louvain method (unsupervised cluster analysis). (D) Map showing the color codes by counties for the modern genomes used in the UMAP plot A. (E) UMAP coordinates of the Iron Age/Roman and Saxon period genomes. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi5903
A team of archaeologists, geneticists and pathologists affiliated with a host of institutions across Europe, working with one colleague from the U.K. and another from the U.S., has found little evidence of the Black Death causing genetic variants to arise in affected populations.
In their study, reported in the journal Science Advances, the group compared the genes of people living before and after the plague in the same area to see if they could find any genetic changes.
The Black Death was a plague (caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacteria carried by wild rodents) that affected people living in Europe and parts of Africa and Asia in the middle of the 14th century. Researchers believe the plague killed approximately 25 million people, with some countries seeing 65% of their population lost.
Because of the duration of the plague and the large number of deaths, some in the infectious community have suggested genetic variations may have arisen, giving some people more protection against infection. In this new effort, the research team tested this theory by conducting a genetic study of people living in Cambridgeshire, England, over the years 1000 to 1850, comparing the genetic profiles of 275 people who lived in the county both before the plague arrived and after it had dissipated to see if they could spot any changes.
To ensure the integrity of their samples (retrieved from cemeteries), the researchers used genetic samples from people from all walks of life living around the county. This provided new insights into the social makeup of the county, including relatedness between groups. They also found introductions into the population from migrants from several Nordic countries. What they did not find was any genetic variation that might be attributed to the Black Death.
The research team points out that their work does not rule out the possibility of the plague having some selective impact, it only suggests that if it did happen, it was likely in ways that they were not able to identify, such as via multiple pathwaysor that it happened in other populations.
More information: Ruoyun Hui et al, Genetic history of Cambridgeshire before and after the Black Death, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi5903 Journal information: Science Advances
2024 Science X Network
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On Sunday, a volcanic fissure opened up in a field near the fishing town of Grindavik -- which had been hastily evacuated just hours earlier.
Icelanders forced from their town by a dramatic volcanic eruption face never returning home, after lava engulfed several homes in the town, something the island nation had not seen in five decades.
On Sunday, a volcanic fissure opened up in a field near the fishing town of Grindavikwhich had been hastily evacuated just hours earlier.
A second crack opened around midday right on the edge of town, sending orange lava flowing into the streets and reducing three homes to ashes.
"Everyone is tired of the stress that comes with not knowing when you can go to your home and how safe it is going to be," Grindavik native Erla Osk Petursdottir, 43, told AFP.
On Wednesday, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said there were no longer any visible signs of the eruption but noted that "magma accumulation" continued in the area and the level of danger for Grindavik remained "very high".
"There is a continued likelihood that new eruption fissures may open without warning," it said.
"We don't know how long this will last but it could be years and it is possible that lava will engulf the town," Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland, told AFP.
On Tuesday, Gudmundsson faced questions from 500 evacuated residents who had gathered in the capital Reykjavik to discuss the future of their town, which was once home to 4,000 people.
In a signal of the importance afforded to the issue, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir and Finance Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir also attended the meeting.
"The biggest issue for the people is that they have been displaced. They cannot access their homes," Gudmundsson said.
"Their work may not exist any more because they worked in town. And they have seen a very steep rise in their costs and this is a big issue," he added.
Financially stranded
In 1973, locals on Heimaey island were woken from their beds at dawn to a fissure erupting just 150 meters (164 yards) from the town center.
Lava from the volcanic eruption reached the town of Grindavik.
On an island where there had been no eruption for nearly 6,000 years, a third of homes were destroyed and the 5,300 residents were evacuated. One person died.
Over time, the Heimaey community returned, but Grindavik's future has been shrouded in uncertainty for the last two months.
On November 11, Grindavik was evacuated after hundreds of earthquakes damaged buildings and opened up huge cracks in roads.
The seismic activity was triggered by the displacement of magma beneath the Earth's crust, seen as a precursor to a volcanic eruption.
On December 18, a volcano erupted three kilometers (1.8 miles) from the town.
Residents were able to return to their homes briefly several days later, and then for good on December 23, although only a few dozen chose to do so.
Those who had returned had to be hastily evacuated again on Saturday night when it became clear another eruption was imminent.
Stunned by the destruction in their town, many families now find themselves struggling financially.
They are required to continue mortgage payments for their homes, as well as pay rent for temporary lodgings elsewhere unless they are able to stay for free with relatives.
Some 200 families are in urgent need of housing, Grindavik's mayor told Tuesday's meeting.
"We need to prepare for the long term," Petursdottir said, explaining that most inhabitants were resigned to the prospect of not returning.
Their priorities are to live in safety and with stable finances, she added.
Residents have also asked the government to buy their homes in Grindavik, even if they might need to buy them back at a later datewhich is currently only a hypothetical prospect.
"We are stuck," 44-year-old real estate agent Pall Thorbjornsson told AFP, insisting it was currently up to the government to find a solution.
Map of Iceland locating the town of Grindavik, near where a volcano erupted on Sunday.
'Scattered'
Some measures have already been introduced.
Temporary financial aid has been granted to residents since November and the government has ordered the purchase of more than 200 homes for rehousing.
At the same time, everyone is dealing with the sadness of leaving their homes and the break-up of their community.
"We're scattered all over now and we crave nothing more than to get back together," Petursdottir said.
But Thorbjornsson remained hopeful.
"We need to give ourselves a little bit of time," he said.
"I cannot do anything. There's the government and then Mother Nature."
The Grindavik eruption was Iceland's fifth volcanic eruption in under three years.
Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe.
It straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
2024 AFP
The revamped Jersey Village Farmers Market is set to debut on Jan. 21 after the city entered a partnership with Braeswood Farmers Market. Jersey Village will host its farmers market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Submitted by Braeswood Farmers Market The revamped Jersey Village Farmers Market is set to debut on Jan. 21 after the city entered a partnership with Braeswood Farmers Market. Jersey Village will host its farmers market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Submitted by Braeswood Farmers Market The revamped Jersey Village Farmers Market is set to debut on Jan. 21 after the city entered a partnership with Braeswood Farmers Market. Jersey Village will host its farmers market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Submitted by Braeswood Farmers Market The revamped Jersey Village Farmers Market is set to debut on Jan. 21 after the city entered a partnership with Braeswood Farmers Market. Jersey Village will host its farmers market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month. Submitted by Braeswood Farmers Market
The revamped Jersey Village Farmers Market is set to debut on Jan. 21 after the city entered a partnership with Braeswood Farmers Market, which operates several markets throughout the Houston area.
This new partnership will bring back the city of Jersey Villages farmers market after a recent pause, with Braeswood now overseeing the market. Jersey Village will host its farmers market from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first and third Sunday of each month.
Our vision is to provide the community with a place to meet on Sunday after church or obviously if you dont go to church, just stop by and meet 10 minutes, 15 minutes, said Michael Nov, market manager. We're not asking them to stay for an hourthats a long time, there's so much to do on Sunday. We're asking them to just stop by and get their shopping done for the week, meet some people and say hi and just enjoy life.
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Braeswood, who was named a Houston Chronicle Best of the Best farmers market finalist in 2022, will look to relaunch the market with a variety of new and freshly grown items.
Nov said over time the Jersey Village market lost a little bit of its energy and the plan is to revive the market to bring back the experience, crowd and community support.
This relaunch of the market will be anchored by local farm Verdegreens, which specializes in organic hydroponically grown produce. Braeswood will also include other farmers at the market as well.
Jersey Village Farmers Market will feature locally grown produce, organically fed chicken, eggs, grass fed beef, Texas raw unfiltered local honey, gourmet coffee, cold press juice, vegetables and more. The market will also offer diverse food vendors such as Latin food, Indian food and Mexican food.
Nov said market coordinators are always searching for new vendors to include in their market.
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Braeswood Farmers Market was founded in southwest Houston and includes more than 50 vendors offering fresh produce and food trucks at their markets.
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In this image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration, an alfonsino fish swims above a thicket of Lophelia pertusa coral during a dive on a cold water coral mound in the center of the Blake Plateau off the southeastern coast of the U.S., in June 2019. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
Scientists have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. Atlantic coast.
While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor.
The largest yet known deep coral reef "has been right under our noses, waiting to be discovered," said Derek Sowers, an oceanographer at the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust.
Sowers and other scientists, including several at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, recently published maps of the reef in the journal Geomatics.
The reef extends for about 310 miles (499 kilometers) from Florida to South Carolina and at some points reaches 68 miles (109 kilometers) wide. The total area is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park.
"It's eye-openingit's breathtaking in scale," said Stuart Sandin, a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who was not involved in the study.
The reef was found at depths ranging from 655 feet to 3,280 feet (200 meters to 1,000 meters), where sunlight doesn't penetrate. Unlike tropical coral reefs, where photosynthesis is important for growth, coral this far down must filter food particles out of the water for energy.
In this image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration, a squat lobster perches on healthy Desmophyllum pertusum coral approximately 100 miles east of the Florida Atlantic coast in June 2019. Corals like these that make up the mounds along the Blake Plateau provide important habitat for a variety of marine life. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
This image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration shows extensive, dense populations of coral at the Blake Plateau off the southeastern coast of the U.S., in June 2019. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
In this image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration, an oreo fish swims above mounds of Desmophyllum pertusum coral, previously called Lophelia pertusa, found at the top of the crest of Richardson Ridge on the Blake Plateau off the coast of South Carolina in June 2018. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
In this image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration, a few large thickets of Lophelia pertusa coral grow along the edges of large rock shelf overhangs at the Blake Plateau off the southeastern coast of the U.S., in July 2019. The white coloring is healthy, as deep-sea corals don't rely on symbiotic algae. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
This image provided by NOAA Ocean Exploration shows large amounts of Lophelia pertusa stony coral found at the top of the crest of Richardson Ridge on the Blake Plateau off the coast of South Carolina in 2018. Rubble of this species also appeared to form the mounds found in this region. In January 2024, scientists announced they have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles off the U.S. coast. While researchers have known since the 1960s that some coral were present off the Atlantic coast, the reef's size remained a mystery until new underwater mapping technology made it possible to construct 3D images of the ocean floor. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via AP
Deep coral reefs provide habitat for sharks, swordfish, sea stars, octopus, shrimp and many other kinds of fish, the scientists said.
Tropical reefs are better known to scientistsand snorkelersbecause they're more accessible. The world's largest tropical coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, stretches for about 1,430 miles (2,301 kilometers).
Sowers said it's possible that larger deep-sea reefs will be discovered in the future since only about 75% of the world's ocean floor has been mapped in high-resolution. Only 50% of U.S. offshore waters have been mapped. Maps of the ocean floor are created using high-resolution sonar devices carried on ships.
Deep reefs cover more of the ocean floor than tropical reefs. Both kinds of habitat are susceptible to similar risks, including climate change and disturbance from oil and gas drilling, said Erik Cordes, a marine biologist at Temple University and co-author of the new study.
2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Rotationally magic trap for ultracold molecules. Credit: Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-023-02328-5
Quantum technologies bring the promise of faster computing, enhanced drug development and new sensing applications. However, quantum behaviors are difficult to study experimentally since most systems can only sustain quantum effects for a short time.
"The reason why quantum physics' mysterious features tend to vanish so quickly is a process called decoherence," said Kaden Hazzard, associate professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and a corresponding author on a study published in Nature Physics.
"It occurs when a quantum system interacts with its surroundings and this changes the physics. The bigger the system and the larger the couplings to the surroundings, the more the system will behave in a classical, non-quantum fashionand you lose your ability to investigate things at the quantum level."
Rice scientists and collaborators were able to prolong quantum behavior in an experimental system nearly 30-fold by using ultracold temperatures and laser wavelengths to generate a "magic trap" that helped delay the onset of decoherence. The study is the first experimental demonstration of its kind and provides a new arena to study quantum interactions.
Simon Cornish's group in the Department of Physics at Durham University in the United Kingdom collaborated with Hazzard and his group at Rice to cool molecules to a billion times below room temperature to create a unique quantum mechanical system. They then set those molecules to rotate quantum mechanicallya situation analogous to molecules aligning and rotating both clockwise and counterclockwise at the same timeusing microwave radiation.
"When you cool atoms or molecules to these extremely low temperatures, you can control them with light," Cornish said. "You can actually use lasers to push on the atoms and make them go where you want them to go. You can also use lasers to trap or hold them, and that gives you a level of precision and control that you wouldn't have normally."
Generally, the coherence of this rotating behavior in the ultracold molecules decays over a very short amount of time. Before now, the longest recorded quantum state of rotating molecules measured in at 1/20 of a second. Cornish's group, however, was inspired by theoretical work by Temple University's Svetlana Kotochigova that suggested a certain "magic" wavelength of light could preserve quantum coherence for a longer period of time.
"Quantum behavior becomes more prominent the colder the system is and brings the quantum behavior to larger length scales," said Jonathan Stepp, a graduate student in Hazzard's group. "And having lasers at the right wavelength can 'trap' the molecules, so they can rotate in lockstep, which preserves the quantum coherence for a longer time."
When the group applied this theory in the laboratory as a new experimental technique, they created a "magic trap" that kept the molecules rotating quantum mechanically for a significantly longer time. While Hazzard thought this "magic" laser trap might increase quantum coherence by two- or three-fold, he was shocked to see it kept the molecules uniformly rotating for nearly 1.5 secondsa 30-fold increase.
"While I'm not surprised it worked, I'm definitely surprised at how well it worked," Hazzard said.
Zewen Zhang, another graduate student in Hazzard's group, said that improved coherence times will allow scientists to study fundamental questions about interacting quantum matter.
"As coherence times become longer, new effects are unveiled," Zhang said. "We can begin exploring by comparing the experimental measurements to our calculations. Improved coherence is also a step to using ultracold molecules as a platform for various quantum technologies."
"Even though quantum behavior sounds like a very exotic thing, it's actually responsible for things we see every day, from how metals conduct electricity to how fusion is produced by the sun," added Hazzard, who is a member of the Rice Quantum Initiative and the Smalley-Curl Institute. "If you want to make new materials, new sensors, or other quantum technologies, you need to understand what is happening at the quantum level, and this research is a step toward achieving new insights."
More information: Philip D. Gregory et al, Second-scale rotational coherence and dipolar interactions in a gas of ultracold polar molecules, Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-023-02328-5 Journal information: Nature Physics
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A mature example of newly discovered Magnolia ciroorum, Pico Bonito National Park, Honduras. Magnolias are one of the oldest tree species. Credit: Jehovany Cruz / FUPNAPIB
Fauna & Flora's in-country partner in Honduras has discovered a new species of magnolia. Named in honor of two prominent Honduran conservationists, Magnolia ciroorum was found in Pico Bonito National Park during ongoing fieldwork to document and safeguard the threatened tree species within this globally important haven of biodiversity.
To date, just five individual trees of this new species have been identified, making it incredibly rare and eligible for Critically Endangered status on the IUCN Red List.
Ancient trees
Magnolias are among the world's oldest flowering plants, dating back around one hundred million years. The ancestors of today's magnolias shared the planet with the dinosaurs, and relied on beetles for pollination because they evolved before bees even existed.
Until recently, Fauna & Flora's magnolia conservation efforts were focused on the critically endangered species found at our project sites in Vietnam andhistoricallyChina. This new discovery is a timely reminder that wild magnolias are seriously threatened throughout their global range, including Central America, another vital stronghold of these ancient trees.
Endemic to Honduras
Magnolia ciroorum (initially misspelled as Magnolia cirorum in the paper where its discovery was first made public) was found clinging to a steep mountainside of rainforest in Pico Bonito National Park. This latest discovery brings the total number of known Honduran magnolias to 11 species, most of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The new species came to light during field surveys led by Fundacion Parque Nacional Pico Bonito (FUPNAPIB), in collaboration with community-led local partner LARECOTURH, which Fauna & Flora is supporting through funding from Fondation Franklinia.
Sergio Estrada and Donovan Aguirre of FUPNAPIB both expressed their delight at the news. "This is a very exciting discovery for us, one which exemplifies the characteristically rich biodiversity found within Pico Bonito National Park. Samples of the species were obtained through field visits by our project's technical team and we were astonished to realize that it was not the rare Magnolia atlantida as first thought, but instead an undescribed species of magnolia. An immediate field trip was undertaken, which allowed us to study the speciesincluding the timing of its flowering and fruitingin much greater detail and confirm its identification."
What next for newly discovered magnolia?
Rich Howorth, Fauna & Flora's Program Manager for Central America, emphasized the importance of ensuring that adequate conservation measures are put in place to safeguard the magnolia's long-term future. "Now we have discovered this exciting new species, we need to protect it.
"The rich diversity of tropical forests in the Pico Bonito National Park are severely threatened by deforestation, agricultural expansion and illegal timber extraction, especially in the lower parts of the park's buffer zone where the tree is found. Like the closely related Magnolia atlantida, Magnolia ciroorum plays an essential role in its local ecosystem and is a critical climate changefighting carbon sink. We need to ensure it is not lost before it has truly been found."
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The meter-high rocks discovered in the work are located near the Reiner K crater in the "Reiner Gamma" region, which has a magnetic anomaly. Credit: NASA LRO/NAC
The moon is almost completely covered in dust. Unlike on Earth, this dust is not smoothed by wind and weather, but is sharp-edged and also electrostatically charged. This dust has been studied since the Apollo era at the end of the 1960s. Now, an international research team led by Dr. Ottaviano Rusch from the University of Munster has for the first time discovered anomalous meter-sized rocks on the lunar surface that are covered in dust and presumably exhibit unique propertiessuch as magnetic anomalies.
The scientists' most important finding is that only very few boulders on the moon have a layer of dust with very special reflective properties. For example, the dust on these newly discovered boulders reflects sunlight differently than on previously known rocks. These new findings help scientists to understand the processes that form and change the lunar crust. The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Geophysical ResearchPlanets.
It is known that there are magnetic anomalies on the lunar surface, particularly near a region called Reiner Gamma. However, the question of whether rocks can be magnetic has never been investigated. "Current knowledge of the moon's magnetic properties is very limited, so these new rocks will shed light on the history of the moon and its magnetic core," says Ottaviano Rusch from the Institut fur Planetologie, categorizing the discovery.
"For the first time, we have investigated the interactions of dust with rocks in the Reiner Gamma regionmore precisely, the variations in the reflective properties of these rocks. For example, we can deduce to what extent and in which direction the sunlight is reflected by these large rocks." The images were taken by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft, which orbits the moon.
The research team was originally interested in cracked rocks. They first used artificial intelligence to search through around one million images for fractured rocksthese images were also taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. "Modern data processing methods allow us to gain completely new insights into global contextsat the same time, we keep finding unknown objects in this way, such as the anomalous rocks that we are investigating in this new study," says Valentin Bickel from the Center for Space and Habitability at the University of Bern.
The search algorithm identified about 130,000 interesting rocks, half of which were scrutinized by the scientists. "We recognized a boulder with distinctive dark areas on just one image. This rock was very different from all the others, as it scatters less light back towards the sun than other rocks. We suspect that this is due to the particular dust structure, such as the density and grain size of the dust," Rusch explains.
"Normally, lunar dust is very porous and reflects a lot of light back in the direction of illumination. However, when the dust is compacted, the overall brightness usually increases. This is not the case with the observed dust-covered rocks," adds Marcel Hess from TU Dortmund University.
This is a fascinating discoveryhowever, the scientists are still in the early stages of understanding this dust and its interactions with the rock. In the coming weeks and months, the scientists want to further investigate the processes that lead to the interactions between dust and rocks and to the formation of the special dust structure. These processes include, for example, the lifting of the dust due to electrostatic charging or the interaction of the solar wind with local magnetic fields.
In addition to numerous other international unmanned space missions to the moon, NASA will be sending an automatic rover, a mobile robot, to the Reiner Gamma region in the coming years to find similar types of boulders with special dust. Even if it is still a dream of the future, a better understanding of dust movement can help with the planning of human settlements on the moon, for example. After all, we know from the experience of the Apollo astronauts that dust poses many problems, such as the contamination of habitats (e.g., space stations) and technical equipment.
More information: Ottaviano Rusch et al, Discovery of a Dust Sorting Process on Boulders Near the Reiner Gamma Swirl on the Moon, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2023JE007910 Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
About 1 in 100 Gazans have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health's Jan. 8, 2024, update. More than 24,000 people have died, an average of 250 each day. The Israel Defense Forces' own figures acknowledge that two-thirds of those killed are civilians.
The magnitude of the death toll has led to widespread criticism of Israeli military action in Gaza. Human rights groups have accused it of committing war crimes. South Africa has accused it of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Analysis of the Israeli invasion, however, has largely focused on whether it is a proportionate response to the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.
Proportionality, understood by philosophers as using the minimum force necessary to achieve military objectives, is indeed one of the crucial principles of justice in war. But another principle that has received less attention is what ethicists call discrimination, which involves distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate targets. The crucial aspect of discrimination is known as "noncombatant immunity." This principle, enshrined in international law, stipulates that military forces must never deliberately target civilians.
Just-war theory, the philosophy of morality in war, also insists that civilians are not legitimate targets. This means that civilians are, morally speaking, immune from deliberate attack.
As a just-war theorist, I argue that the principle of civilian immunity is even more basic than proportionality. Whereas the principle of proportionality focuses on how much force may be used, the principle of civilian immunity deals with whether a target may legitimately be attacked at all.
Civilian immunity in Gaza
As philosophers of justice in war such as Jeff McMahan and David Rodin argue, principles of justified killing in war should start with the view that all people are initially immune from attack.
There has been debate among philosophers recently about how civilians may render themselves liable to harm.
There is, however, widespread agreement that mere support for a government does not make civilians legitimate targets. Moreover, the Israeli government has frequently accepted that it has duties not to attack civilians and to minimize civilian deaths.
It is also important to note that the majority of Gaza's population is young. The median age is just 18. Thus, the majority of Gazans are not legitimate targets of deliberate attack. Yet more than 9,000 children have died in the war.
The large number of children killed in Gaza does not, however, prove that Israel has violated civilian immunity.
Moral immunity
Civilian immunity does not provide blanket protection from harm. Rather, it forbids deliberate attacks on civilians. Just-war theorists have long held that civilian casualties that are an unintended consequence of attacks on legitimate military targets may be permissible. This is true even if such casualties are foreseen. This principle is called the "doctrine of double effect."
Under conditions of modern warfare, military forces and civilians often cannot be separated. This is especially true in Gaza, which is densely populated and in which military forces sometimes base themselves in civilian facilities in urban areas. A principle that forbids any civilian casualties would make waging war impossible.
Israel thus argues that its attacks on Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility, and the Jabaliya refugee camp were justified. The Israeli government claims Hamas used the hospital as a command center and entrance to its tunnel network and stored weapons in Jabaliya, making them legitimate targets.
Hospitals are civilian facilities as such, the principle of civilian immunity makes them impermissible targets. If a hospital is a mixed facility that is also used for military purposes, it may be attacked. However, international law requires that such an attack must proceed as carefully as possible, avoiding targeting doctors and patients .
Avoiding civilian casualties
Political theorist Michael Walzer's 1977 classic book "Just and Unjust Wars" argues that combatants owe civilians a duty of "due care" to avoid harming them. Walzer likens this obligation to dangerous occupations in civil society, such as firefighting.
Similarly, the laws of armed conflict require that combatants exercise "constant care" to ensure that they minimize harm to civilians.
Taking due care requires that combatants take risks to minimize harm to civilians. In Walzer's famous example of the bombing of a munitions factory in a built-up urban area, due care requires that bombers fly as low as possible. Even though this makes bombers more likely to be hit by anti-aircraft fire, it makes their aim more accurate.
Taking such risks is especially important in Gaza, given that the civilian targets are not merely adjacent to military ones but in the same facilities as them. This makes Israeli use of unguided bombs particularly concerning.
A December 2023 New York Times investigation found that Israel routinely used 2,000-pound bombs in south Gaza. Such large bombs are especially destructive. Moreover, some of these bombs were dropped in areas to which civilians had been told to flee.
Even if attacks on hospitals and refugee camps that are being used as military facilities may be permissible under the doctrine of double effect, the requirement to protect civilians prohibits their destruction. As Walzer notes, "Infrastructure, even if it is necessary to modern war-making, is also necessary to civilian existence." In January 2024, Walzer added that attacks on Gazan infrastructure can "only hurt the civilian population," not Hamas.
Civilian immunity requires that military forces use an absolute economy of force against mixed targets, doing whatever possible to avoid disrupting their functioning.
Hospital administrators and aid groups report that the Israeli bombardment of Shifa shut off electricity and power supplies, as well as access to food, water and medical supplies. Israel claims that Hamas reroutes such resources for its own benefit. However, its attack caused significant damage to civilians, including the death of many babies and increased pressure on an already overwhelmed medical infrastructure.
A difficult standard
If Hamas is using hospitals and refugee camps for military operations, then it is violating international law. Combating Hamas thus presents grave dilemmas for opposing forces that want to fight justly.
But fighting in accordance with principles of justice in war is a difficult standard to meet. As historian and former Canadian politician Michael Ignatieff notes, a just military force must "fight with one hand tied behind its back." Sometimes, this means not attacking sites that it would be militarily advantageous to attack, because of the harms such attacks would cause civilians.
Respecting the moral equality of all civilians, regardless of their nationality, is a vital principle of justice in war. If Israel were to take as much care to protect Palestinian civilians as it does its own, that would constitute the best possible defense against the charge of genocide.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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An egg-bearing female of Johngarthia lagostoma arrives on the beach on Trindade Island. After the larvae are released in the sea, individuals that manage to return to land will ascend to the uplands to live. Credit: Marcio Camargo Araujo Joao
Mass migration takes place between December and April on Trindade Island, the easternmost point of Brazil located in the Atlantic about 1,200 km from the coastal city of Vitoria, capital of Espirito Santo state. Hundreds of Johngarthia lagostoma land crabs descend steep rocky trails from the upland peaks to the shore, where they mate and release larvae into the ocean.
The larvae develop into juveniles, which undertake an even more challenging journey back up to the heights in search of safe places in which to make the burrows they call homes. Their favorite sites are hilltops like Morro do Principe or Pico do Desejado, 136 m and 612 m above sea level, respectively. In adulthood, they follow in their ancestors' footsteps down to the shore, where the reproductive cycle is repeated on beaches like Praia dos Andradas.
The above information may seem basic, but it is essential to the conservation of this endangered species. It was obtained by Brazilian researchers, along with a large amount of vitally important data on the crab's breeding and other habits. Their findings are reported in an article published in the journal Marine Ecology.
The group was led by scientists affiliated with Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) and included colleagues from the Federal University of the ABC (UFABC) and the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
After a series of analyzes, the researchers concluded that Morro do Principe, the hill on which the largest proportion of juveniles was found, and Praia dos Andradas, the beach with the most egg-bearing females and other adults, should be considered priority areas for conservation of the species. Praia das Tartarugas and Pico do Desejado were classed as residential areas for the animals.
"Although Trindade Island is part of a conservation unit and has so far been satisfactorily protected, special care is advisable to assure effective conservation. Juveniles remain in Morro do Principe until they reach adulthood, so this area is important to maintain the population in the long run. Praia dos Andradas is a vital breeding ground," said Marcio Camargo Araujo Joao, first author of the article.
Habitats of this land crab
J. lagostoma occurs in Brazil on the islands of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago and Atol das Rocas, as well as Trindade. It is also endemic to Ascension Island, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic.
The only human inhabitants of Trindade, which is the tip of a large volcanic seamount, belong to a Brazilian Navy base and science station. Some 40 people work two-month shifts on this 13-square-kilometer island.
Most crab species spend their lives in contact with water, but land crabs have adapted to life in the bush, and use the sea only while developing and to disperse larvae. For this reason, it is vital to conserve the vegetation in order to ensure the survival of the species.
"The island's forest is smaller than Ascension's, for example, but there are many more crabs on Trindade, where they're well-established, feeding not only on the vegetation but also on turtle eggs and hatchlings. They're the apex predators and have no competitors," said Marcelo Antonio Amaro Pinheiro, last author of the article and a professor at IB-CLP-UNESP.
"Humans have a far greater impact on Fernando de Noronha, with 3,167 inhabitants and almost 150,000 tourists in 2022. Their impact ranges from urbanization to the presence of introduced species such as cats, dogs, and rats."
Pinheiro is responsible for monitoring endangered species of Brazilian crustaceans for the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), an arm of the Environment and Climate Change Ministry. J. lagostoma is classified as endangered in Brazil in the latest list.
The study can help include the species in the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, a global inventory of the conservation status of animal and plant species.
Night on Trindade
The researchers investigated the presence of the species on the two beaches and two hills during the breeding period, which runs from December through to April. Their study covered February-April 2019 and December 2019-February 2020.
They randomly selected individuals at night, when these crabs are most active, measuring carapace width and chela (pincer) length.
They determined the sex of each individual on the basis of carapace shape and number of pleopods, small legs on the underside of the thorax used in mating, and to carry eggs (brooding). J. lagostoma cannot be captured because it is an endangered species, so the specimens used in the study were released after the measurements were taken on each night of the study.
The researchers observed that males were more frequent in the population. The same pattern has been found in other land crabs, although on Praia dos Andradas the proportions of males and females were similar among adults.
According to the authors, mortality is higher among females owing to heat stress and energy expenditure during migrations between the hillside habitat and the shore (and vice-versa), including the journey with eggs, as well as the lack of vegetation and shelter on the beaches.
"We saw many dead females in breeding grounds near the shore. This confirmed information from researchers who studied the species on Ascension," Joao said.
On Ascension, however, only 1% of the crabs observed were juveniles, which was considered a sign of an aging population and prospective local extinction. On Trindade, the proportion was 20% (up to 30% on Morro do Principe), indicating sufficient population vitality.
"This is the picture we have at the moment, but it's important to continue monitoring the species in other parts of the island to try to confirm patterns that may have gone unnoticed. In addition, concomitant investigation of these parameters on other Brazilian islands where the species occurs could provide an integrated profile that would serve as a basis for a more effective nationwide conservation plan," Joao said.
More information: Marcio Camargo Araujo Joao et al, Population biology of the endangered land crab Johngarthia lagostoma (H. Milne Edwards, 1837) in the Trindade Island, Brazil: Identifying crucial areas for future conservation strategies, Marine Ecology (2023). DOI: 10.1111/maec.12778 Journal information: Marine Ecology
Provided by FAPESP
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A photon inside a proton can collide with a temporary complex of gluons, whose color charges (here shown in red, green and blue) can be collectively neutralized. Credit: IFJ PAN
When a high-energy photon strikes a proton, secondary particles diverge in a way that indicates that the inside of the proton is maximally entangled. An international team of physicists with the participation of the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow has just demonstrated that maximum entanglement is present in the proton even in those cases where pomerons are involved in the collisions.
Eighteen months ago, it was shown that different parts of the interior of the proton must be maximally quantum entangled with each other. This result, achieved with the participation of Prof. Krzysztof Kutak from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Cracow and Prof. Martin Hentschinski from the Universidad de las Americas Puebla in Mexico, was a consequence of considerations and observations of collisions of high-energy photons with quarks and gluons in protons and supported the hypothesis presented a few years earlier by professors Dimitri Kharzeev and Eugene Levin.
Now, in a paper published in the journal Physical Review Letters, an international team of physicists has been presented a complementary analysis of entanglement for collisions between photons and protons in which secondary particles (hadrons) are produced by a process called diffractive deep inelastic scattering. The main question was: does entanglement also occur among quarks and gluons in these cases, and if so, is it also maximal?
Putting it in simple terms, physicists speak of entanglement between various quantum objects when the values of some feature of these objects are related. Quantum entanglement is not observed in the classical world, but its essence is easily explained by the toss of two coins. Each coin has two sides, and when it falls, it can take one of two mutually exclusive values (heads or tails) with the same probability.
We would be dealing with the analog of quantum entanglement if, when tossing two coins simultaneously, we always obtain either only two different results (heads and tails) or two identical results (two heads or two tails). Here, entanglement would be maximal because no value would be favoredthe probability of a coin being in the state of heads or tails would still be 50%. If entanglement were not maximal, the situation would be different.
We would not always observe the same two combinations, but sometimes also the other.
"In nuclear physics, the existence of a maximal entanglement state can be seen in experimental data when looking at it; we know that... we know nothing. In certain collisions of an electron with a proton, called deep inelastic scattering, the proton breaks up completely, and many particles subject to the strong interactionsso-called hadronsare produced. We are then dealing with a maximally entangled state of the proton whenever we cannot predict how many hadrons will be created in a given collision," Prof. Kutak explains.
Earlier studies of the maximal entanglement of the proton's interior addressed the above-mentioned case, where hadrons were produced in the deep inelastic scattering of an electron and a proton. Such reactions are easy to spot in experiments because they result in secondary particles diverging in virtually all directions (i.e., those involving the primary direction of proton motion).
"It is known, however, that roughly every tenth collision occurs differently: behind the collision point, in certain angular intervals, no particles are seen at all. It is precisely such processes that we call diffraction or exclusive production, and they are at the center of our current research into quantum entanglement," Prof. Kutak adds.
Production in the deep inelastic process results from the interaction of a photon with partons (quarks and gluons) in a proton. In the case of diffractive production, the photon also interacts with a parton in the proton, but one that is part of a larger structure referred to as a pomeron.
The most important quantum feature of gluons is their color (which has nothing to do with color as we know it in everyday life, apart from the name). Secondary particles, observed in detectors as an effect of collisions, are the result of processes in which quarks and gluons in a proton exchange their color charge. However, gluons can form bound states called pomerons, where the color is mutually neutralized.
When, during a collision between a photon and a parton, it turns out that the parton was part of a pomeron, the collision will not produce hadrons diverging over the full angular range covered by the detectors. Instead, some of the detectors, theoretically able to see the particles produced during the collision phase in question, will remain silent.
The international team of physicists was able to show that during collisions involving pomerons, a state is also created inside the proton in which all particles are maximally entangled. However, a difference from the previously analyzed cases is apparent: when pomerons are involved, the maximum entanglement appears at slightly higher energy.
The present research complements our previous knowledge of the course of events during collisions between photons and protons. Thanks to it, it can now be said that maximal entanglement is a universal phenomenon in these processes, present in both secondary particle production mechanisms known to us.
"Our result has not only theoretical, but also practical significance. Indeed, a deeper understanding of how a maximally entangled state is formed inside the proton will allow for a better interpretation of results from future particle colliders such as the Electron-Ion Collider," concludes Prof. Kutak
More information: Martin Hentschinski et al, Probing the Onset of Maximal Entanglement inside the Proton in Diffractive Deep Inelastic Scattering, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.241901 Journal information: Physical Review Letters
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Schematic illustration of the formation of self-limited Cu@ZnOx structure via gas-phase migration route and its effect on CO2 hydrogenation to methanol over Cu/Al2O3 catalysts. Credit: Song Tongyuan, from Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2023). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316888
Strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) is one of the most important concepts in heterogeneous catalysis. Triggered by pretreatment or reaction processes, the supported metal nanoparticles may be partially or completely encapsulated by support-derived overlayers, which impact the catalytic performance of supported metal catalysts. However, the formation mechanism of the SMSI state is still unclear.
Recently, a research team led by Prof. Fu Qiang from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) proposed a gas-phase migration route for the formation of SMSI. This work was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
So far, two diffusion routes of the support-derived species onto the metal surface have been suggested, including interface alloying and surface migration.
In this work, the researchers placed ZnO particles and Cu/Al 2 O 3 powders in a microreactor in a dual-bed mode (ZnO||Cu/Al 2 O 3 ). By utilizing gas-phase migration of Zn species in CO 2 /H 2 atmosphere (0.5% CO 2 /H 2 , 450C), they found that a self-limited thin ZnO x overlayer grew on the surface of Cu nanoparticles (Cu@ZnO x ) in the Cu/Al 2 O 3 catalyst without excessive deposition and aggregation of ZnO x species. Thus, they obtained an optimal number of ZnO x -Cu interface sites, which enhanced the methanol synthesis activity.
Moreover, the researchers demonstrated that the formation of the self-limited Cu@ZnO x encapsulation structure was due to the evaporation of Zn atoms from the ZnO particles, migration to the Cu/Al 2 O 3 catalyst, and further deposition onto the Cu surface to form ZnO x overlayers under the synergistic effect of reducing H 2 and oxidizing CO 2 components at the treatment temperature.
"Our work elucidates the high temperature redox atmosphere-induced gas-phase migration route to the formation of the encapsulation structure or the classic SMSI state," said Prof. Fu.
More information: Tongyuan Song et al, Enhanced Methanol Synthesis over SelfLimited ZnOx Overlayers on Cu Nanoparticles Formed via GasPhase Migration Route, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2023). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202316888 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
A tiny fraction of schools in Englandabout three in every 500have whole-school policies that address foreign languages, English usage, and integrating students who speak English as an additional language (EAL), new research published in the British Educational Research Journal indicates.
The study of almost 1,000 secondary schools, by researchers at the University of Cambridge, questions many schools' claims to being 'inclusive' spaces that value the linguistic diversity of their communities. It also suggests that language learning, and an appreciation of different languages, is being deprioritized, conflicting with Government ambitions for 90% of students to study a language to GCSE by 2025.
Schools in England are increasingly multicultural. Around 20% of students qualify as EAL, meaning they typically speak a different language at home. The study examined how schools navigate various issues this raises relating to languages: including students' use and acquisition of English; the status of modern languages in the curriculum; and schools' attitudes towards home and community languages.
The researchers reviewed every publicly available policy document from the websites of 998 secondary schools (about 20% of all those in England). Only six published dedicated schoolwide policies on languages. More schools had official policies on asbestos management, or whether dogs were allowed on school grounds.
While most schools did have some specific language-related policies, these were often isolated, unclear and inconsistent; particularly on key issues such as supporting EAL learners, or the status of community languages like Polish and Urdu. Over a third (37%) failed to mention English, other languages, or even the term "language" in any public policy document.
The study authors suggest that the absence of connected language strategies could pose particular challenges for England's 1.7 million EAL students. Only 6% of state schools, and 15% of schools overall, had explicit EAL policies.
They also encountered anecdotal evidence that some EAL students' experiences are disjointed as a result. One student, who had recently moved to the UK from Poland, described being told off for speaking Polish in one lesson when asking a friend for help, before receiving learning resources translated into Polish in her next class.
Karen Forbes, Associate Professor in Second Language Education at the University of Cambridge, said, "It's surprising that so few schools seem to have systematic policies concerning language education and language use."
"A major reason is probably is that school leaders just don't have time to devise a unified approach on linguistic diversity. But language is fundamental to how students learn, conceptualize ideas, and process information. The absence of clear policies is very worrying, especially for EAL students."
Although one in 10 state schools in the sample had EAL student populations exceeding 40% of the total, most only mentioned languages in passing, and usually within broader policies. In 33 schools, EAL was explicitly categorized as a "special educational need," contradicting the Government's own code of practice on special educational needs and disabilities.
Most policies on English reinforced national guidance requiring students to learn "standard English" across the curriculum. Surprisingly, however, some extended this beyond the classroom. One school expected parents to "explain when their child should use Standard English appropriately at home"; which, the study notes, non-English-speaking parents would find challenging. Seven schools banned other languages completely, including at break times, with one going so far as to state that "students should be reprimanded for speaking other languages."
These policies often appear to clash with schools' public claims that they celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity. Forbes said that they could also hinder learning, especially in subjects that involve specialized language and terminology, which EAL students might grasp more quickly if they were allowed to translate them.
"Prohibiting students from even using their home language to talk to their friends at break time can seriously undermine a student's sense of belonging and whether they feel valued," she added.
The study also raises concerns about how far language learning and multilingualism are encouraged within the curriculum.
While modern foreign languages are mandatory to Key Stage 3 (age 14), the Government encourages their study to GCSE through the English Baccalaureate. About 65% of independent schools in the sample regarded language study to GCSE as compulsory, but just a quarter of state schools "required" or "encouraged" this.
Even at Key Stage 3, however, over 10% of schools had policies for "disapplying" students from supposedly compulsory language lessons, often to prioritize English and math. This disproportionately affected EAL students, who tend to have strong multilingual skills.
Dr. Nicola Morea, a co-author of the study, now based at the University of Reading, said, "Lots of research indicates that learning other languages supports English literacy skills. The argument that students should do less French or Spanish because they need to improve their English is potentially counterproductive."
The authors argue that language policy is best handled by schoolsrather than nationallybecause this allows them to tailor their approach to the needs and linguistic context of local communities. They hope the study will become the initial part of a larger project, leading to the development of a toolkit through which schools and school leaders can develop joined-up language policies.
"In some schools, even individual teachers seem to be unaware of how their colleagues are handling issues like expectations concerning English, or EAL student support," Forbes said. "Much of that could be resolved by developing shared principles and practices. That will need to come from schools themselves, so that it is meaningful in their own settings."
More information: Mapping school-level language policies across multilingual secondary schools in England: an ecology of English, modern languages and community languages policies, British Educational Research Journal (2024).
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A deliberate process of viability termination (such as heat, radiation, high pressure or lysis) is applied to a live microbe as part of the manufacturing process of a postbiotic. The inactivation step may leave intact inanimate cells, cell components or a mixture of intact inanimate cells and cell components. The progenitor microbe does not necessarily have to be a probiotic. Credit: Frontiers in Microbiology (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1324565
In the area of microbiome-related interventions for gut, skin and other areas of health, postbiotics are one of the most misunderstood substances.
A group of scientists led by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) sought clarity for the concept of postbiotics in 2021 by proposing a scientific consensus definition: "a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host." However, subsequent discussion in scientific publications and conference sessions indicates the broader scientific community has still not reached a consensus on what the term means.
Now, four ISAPP-affiliated scientists have published a perspective paper in Frontiers in Microbiology that addresses important questions that arose from the 2021 postbiotic definition. The paper covers some frequently asked questions about the ISAPP definition and further justifies the concept. The authors address hot topics such as the rationale behind the definition, the scope of what qualifies as a postbiotic, and implications for commercial postbiotic products.
First author Dr. Gabriel Vinderola, Ph.D., from the National University of Litoral in Argentina, explains that the paper was motivated by the most frequent questions about the concept of postbiotics that arose in public debates, on social media, or in personal communications. He says, "We wanted to collect these common questions in one place and elaborate specific answers, hoping this would bring further clarity in the field."
The most frequently raised issue about postbiotics is why the definition does not apply to microbially-produced metaboliteswhether purified, in a complex mixture or produced within the gut.
The scientists who created the 2021 definition reasoned that the term postbiotic (meaning 'afterlife') was most appropriately applied to preparations of non-viable microorganisms and their component structuresa category previously called by many disparate names, including heat-killed probiotics, tyndallized probiotics, para probiotics, and ghost probiotics.
While metabolites may be present in many preparations of microorganisms, including probiotics and postbiotics, isolated metabolites do not meet the criteria for a postbiotic and, in many cases, can be simply referred to by their chemical names.
Already, several commercial products marketed across Europe, North America, and Asia fit the 2021 postbiotic definition.
ISAPP's Executive Director Marla Cunningham says, "Postbiotics are currently fueling significant excitement in scientific research and commercial innovation. The concept leverages our growing understanding of the mechanisms and mediators of host-microbial interactions, and the appreciation that microbes may not need to be alive (or even intact) to provide some of the possible health benefits."
More information: Gabriel Vinderola et al, Frequently asked questions about the ISAPP postbiotic definition, Frontiers in Microbiology (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1324565 Journal information: Frontiers in Microbiology
Provided by International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics
Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan and Criminal Investigations Captain Dalia Simons hold a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Fort Bend to provide information on the investigation of a murder-suicide incident that occurred on January 13, 2024 in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan and Criminal Investigations Captain Dalia Simons hold a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Fort Bend to provide information on the investigation of a murder-suicide incident that occurred on January 13, 2024 in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer
A man shot and killed four people, including an 8-year-old girl, in Fort Bend County on Saturday because his estranged wife didn't want to get back together with him, Sheriff Eric Fagan said.
Two women and one man between ages 40 and 46, along with the child, were killed in the attack. The shooting suspect, 46-year-old Alrick Alphonso Barrett, returned a child to his estranged wife's family home in the 17000 block of Cory Cornel Lane in Richmond. Witnesses told detectives that Barrett asked his mother-in-law if he could come inside, Fagan said at a Wednesday news conference. She gave him permission, at which point he asked his estranged wife to get back together. When she said no, he began firing at family members.
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Those killed were his estranged wife, 44, brother-in-law, 43, sister-in-law, 46, and 8-year-old niece.
A 13-year-old boy called dispatchers just before 7 a.m. and said a man had come into the home and begun shooting family members. Deputies arrived minutes after the call and found two children, including the 13-year-old, hiding, along with one surviving adult. Barrett is believed to have committed suicide after the attack.
Almost a year before, deputies had responded to a call about a verbal argument between the man and his estranged wife, but detectives hadn't yet found other warning signs predating the shooting, Fagan said.
He urged residents to call authorities, or even reach out to local domestic violence organizations, if they have any concerns about friends or loved ones, saying it might help prevent future acts of violence.
"Just because someone didn't hit you doesn't mean there aren't warning signs," Fagan said. "If you think there might be domestic violence, if you see any signs, call us. And even if you don't want to reach out to law enforcement, we work hand in hand with the Fort Bend Women's Center."
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Pressure cores of methane hydrate. Scientists collected the cores during a 2023 mission led by The University of Texas at Austin.The cores are now kept in a special lab at the UT Austin Jackson School of Geosciences. Credit: UT Austin / Jackson School of Geosciences
A scientific drilling mission in the Gulf of Mexico has returned with 44 cores from a methane hydrate reservoir deep under the seafloor. Globally, energy-rich methane hydrates hold an estimated 15% of the world's organic carbon but are poorly understood by the scientific community.
"This is a key part of the carbon cycle," said mission leader Peter Flemings, a professor at the University of Texas Jackson School of Geosciences. "It's a dynamic carbon reservoir that is continually emitting methane into the oceans and potentially the atmosphere."
The successful mission, led by The University of Texas at Austin, will now allow universities and scientific institutions around the country to study the methane hydrates. Chief among the research questions are how and when the hydrates formed, how they could react in a changing climate and how they could potentially be used as an energy source.
Methane hydrates are an ice-like form of methane found under high pressure and low temperatures. They are commonly formed on and under the seafloor and under arctic permafrost. However, the hydrates dissipate quickly at pressures found at the Earth's surface, which releases methane into the atmosphere. The solid hydrates are incredibly energy-dense, with each unit of methane hydrate holding 165 times the energy of an equivalent volume of gas at surface conditions. But methane is also a potent greenhouse gas, with emissions that have about 25 times the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide.
Chief Scientist Peter Flemings during the mission to core methane hydrate in 2023. Flemings is a professor at The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences. Credit: UT Austin / Jackson School of Geosciences
Hydrates are found in many part of the world. Given their potential impact on the climate and energy landscape, mission scientists said it is important to begin building a fundamental understanding of the substance, including how much methane hydrate exists.
"We have a really poor understanding of how much there is," said Ann Cook, a professor at The Ohio State University School of Earth Sciences and a scientist on the mission. "We know there's a lot, but our estimates vary by orders of magnitude."
Methane hydrate reservoirs form under the seafloor when methane collects together at low temperatures and great pressures. Understanding the specifics of the surrounding reservoir system is important because it influences whether methane hydrate stays solid or disassociates into gas, as well as how easily any free gas can leave the reservoir systems for other placesincluding other parts of the seafloor, the ocean and even the atmosphere. It also influences how methane hydrate could one day be produced for energy.
Mission scientist Evan Solomon, a professor at the University of Washington, watches the sun set from the heliport of the vessel. Credit: UT Austin / Peter Flemings
The mission, which took place in 2023, is part of a 10-year project. The cores have been stored at a specialized lab at the Jackson School, one of the few facilities in the world that can store and analyze hydrates under their natural pressure. Samples will be made available to other institutions. Research partners include The Ohio State University, University of Washington, Columbia University, Tufts University, Oregon State University, the James Hutton Institute, the University of New Hampshire, the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Scientists will be studying the physical, chemical and biological properties of the substance. These include tests on the pore volume, grain size, isotopes and geochemistry of the hydrates, as well as DNA and RNA sequencing of microbes that may be present in the samples.
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A raft of sea otters (Enhydra nereis) congregates off the back deck of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in kelp. Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium / Tyson V. Rininger
Monterey Bay Aquarium researchers strengthen the link between sea otters and long-term health of California kelp forests in a new study released today. The paper, published in the journal PLOS Climate, finds that sea otter population growth during the last century enhanced kelp forest resilience in the state.
This finding reinforces the importance of conservation and recovery of the threatened southern sea otter and highlights a potential nature-based solution for restoring kelp forests along the California coast, and perhaps beyond.
The study revealed dramatic regional kelp canopy changes over a 100-year period, from 1910 to 2016. During this time there was a significant increase in kelp forest canopy along the central coast, the only region of California where southern sea otters survived after being hunted nearly to extinction for their fur in the 1800s. At the century scale, the species' favorable impact on kelp forests along the central coast nearly compensated for kelp losses along both northern and southern California resulting in a slight overall decline statewide during this period.
"Our study showed that kelp forests are more extensive and resilient to climate change where sea otters have reoccupied the California coastline during the last century. Where sea otters are absent, kelp forests have declined dramatically. In fact, we found sea otter population density as the strongest predictor of change in kelp canopy coverage across this hundred-year span," said lead author Teri Nicholson, Senior Research Biologist with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program.
Aquarium scientists used historical surveys of kelp forests dating back to the early 1900s to perform detailed estimates of canopy extent, biomass, and carbon storagewhile correcting for annual variation and differences in survey methods.
This allowed the scientists to examine California's kelp forest trends over a longer time period, going back more than 60 years before available data from modern surveys based on aerial or satellite imagery. The team then compared the corrected and conservative historical estimates to contemporary datasets and used a machine learning framework to assess the dominant drivers of change over the last century.
"The use of historical maps provided an important opportunity to help us examine long-term kelp forest trends," said Monterey Bay Aquarium Sea Otter Program Manager, Jess Fujii. "This broader view is important for understanding trends related to climate change, and developing effective science-based conservation strategies."
Statewide, the data showed only a 6% decline in kelp canopy from 1910 to 2016. Regional changes, however, proved more sizable. Kelp canopy decreased in northern and southern regions by 63 and 52%, respectively. It increased nearly everywhere throughout the central coast, contrastingly, gaining an estimated 56% of kelp forest coverage.
While the modeling showed sea otter population density was the strongest predictor of change in kelp coverage, it also identified other factors, including extreme marine heat due to climate change.
"Today, extreme heat in the ocean is intense and persistent. Beginning a decade ago, this threat now affects more than half the ocean's surface," said Kyle Van Houtan, a Research Scientist at Duke University, and senior author of the study.
"This is a major problem for kelp forests as chronic temperature stress undermines kelp growth and health. Ecosystems are complex, and to give them their best chance at surviving these extreme changes, they need all their component parts. Sea otters, of course, are hugely influential for Pacific kelp forests. Historical studies like this are a crucial demonstration of this dynamic over the long term."
Healthy kelp forest ecosystems provide many benefits, including serving as nursery grounds for fisheries, reducing coastal erosion from storms, and contributing to carbon storage. The study indicates returning otters to areas of their historical range could help recover kelp forests and restore their benefits in more places along the California coast.
More information: Teri E. Nicholson et al, Sea otter recovery buffers century-scale declines in California kelp forests, PLOS Climate (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000290 Journal information: PLOS Climate
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Seaweed farming in Norway. Credit: Moritz Albrecht
Interest in the seaweed industry is growing rapidly across Europe, and seaweed farming is viewed as a forerunner of a sustainability transition with widespread local benefits. However, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland questions if the industry is able to deliver on its promises of an inclusive transition.
Conducted in Norway, the study found a mismatch between the seaweed farming industry's projected development pathways and the possibilities for an inclusive participation of coastal communities in this novel economy. The paper is published in the journal Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie.
"The current political-economic environment of the seaweed industry leaves little room for alternative, inclusive development pathways. While seaweed farming has high sustainable potentials to provide food, feed and biomaterials, the dominant focus on large-scale, techno-innovative, centralized processes, limits its social transformation capacities," Associate Professor Moritz Albrecht of the University of Eastern Finland says.
Sustainability scholars have been calling for a sustainability transition that focuses more on local value chains, small-scale approaches and new ways of production and consumption. The study explored how these demands are met by the Norwegian seaweed sector's current development and how it is aligned with the hopes and publicly portrayed policy aims.
Entrepreneur and stakeholder opinions on future developments and current practices and challenges in seaweed farming were investigated. In particular, the study compared how biophysical and sectoral challenges of seaweed farming and its markets are planned to be solved for future development.
Sustainable financing and investments are a central part of Norway's seaweed sector and policy aims. The study suggests that currently, regional and local benefits through sectoral growth are based on a trickle-down belief yet are likely to be distributed unevenly. Therefore, in terms of regional policy and locally inclusive development, the role of the seaweed sector, its policy framework and investment instruments should be more diverse to enable also alternative development pathways that supplement the current techno-innovative solutions with social, innovative approaches.
Examples of measures supporting local development include decentralized seaweed processing plants as well as local value chains based on agro-ecological methods as a valid addition to the centralized biorefineries and other high-tech processing plants often with an export focus. The creation of local markets should be a key focus and politically rewarded approach as it best allows to transform local (food) culture to seaweed use but also support a socially supported sustainable transformation.
"Although the study was conducted in Norway, its findings also have implications on EU policy and the potential of its political framework to enable a just transition."
The study involved in-depth interviews with seaweed entrepreneurs, experts and institutional actors related to seaweed farming in 20192022, as well as an in-depth analysis of policy documents and other publicly available material, such as news reports and statistical data. The paper, available in open access, is part of a special issue by members of the Green Economies Network on Sustainable Finances and Investment.
More information: Moritz Albrecht, A BillionEuro Industry? (De)territorialisation Processes of Norway's Seaweed Farming Assemblage, Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie (2023). DOI: 10.1111/tesg.12609
By Mabinty M. Kamara
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has in a New Year message highlighted attacks on journalists in line of duty as a major challenge that the profession continues to grapple with.
Just a couple of days ago former Member of Parliament Honourable Lahai Marah attacked our former President Umaru Fofana online, accusing him of conspiring with the government to imprison rapper LAJ, a calculated disinformation attempt to build negative, and even life-threatening, sentiments against the revered journalist, the statement reads in part.
The president in the statement emphasized that the safety and security of journalists pose a critical concern for us and we will continue to engage with political parties and the security sector and other stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment for our journalists to do their work. Those who attack journalists, whether verbally or physically must be made to bear the consequences of their actions.
He also noted reports of unfair treatment and harassment from journalists working in media institutions by their superiors. However, he said they have engaged the relevant authorities through the appropriate channels to address these issues in the best interest of all, including the institutions themselves.
Nasralla also dedicated the associations commitment to continue to invest in the Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund to support members in times of crisis.
He also mentioned a pending meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swarray for further discussions on a bargaining certificate for reporters. We have urged the Independent Media Commission to ensure strict compliance with statutory obligations by media owners and employers, he said.
The president in the statement also highlighted efforts made by the Association in the last year to ensure a smooth electoral circle such as the launch of the SLAJ Media Manifesto which contains eight thematic areas as priority for the media in Sierra Leone, the fight to combat the current information disorder facing the world through two of the associations platforms the SLAJ/NDI SuperNewsRoom and the iVerify hosted at the SLAJ headquarters in Freetown to combat fake news, and the Gender Equality and Equity policy among others.
Our role as journalists has never been more critical, and we should continue to play an integral part in upholding the principles of a free media. Our relentless pursuit of truth, even in the face of adversity, should be a testament to the unwavering spirit of our profession. Journalism is a noble profession, and our commitment to the truth is what makes it so, said the president in the statement.
Copyright 2024 Politico (10/01/24)
TRENTON A state grand jury has decided in favor of filing criminal charges against a man accused of trafficking a teen girl and a second female victim, state officials said Thursday.
The man was arrested in Atlantic City in August.
In a 16-count indictment, Nieem Johnson, 40, faces two counts of human trafficking, as well as conspiracy, facilitating human trafficking, advertising commercial sex abuse of a minor, promoting organized street crime, criminal restraint, engaging in prostitution with a minor, three counts of sexual assault, criminal coercion, endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault.
Johnsons last known address was in Philadelphia, according to information released by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.
The human trafficking network operated in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, officials said, until one of the victims escaped from a hotel in Burlington County where she had allegedly been held captive and sex trafficked.
After months of investigation by State Police and the Division of Criminal Justice, Johnson was arrested in Atlantic City on Aug. 31. He is being held in the Atlantic County jail.
Prisoner gets 60-year sentence for human trafficking conviction MAYS LANDING A current inmate from Atlantic City was sentenced to 60 years in state prison
The crimes are alleged to date to Feb. 28, 2023. The investigation began with Bordentown police March 3, after a 15-year-old girl ran away from a hotel room.
The investigation found that Johnson transported the victim to the hotel against her will to engage in commercial sex acts, Platkin said.
During the investigation, detectives allegedly discovered an online advertisement offering the juvenile for prostitution, and detectives linked Johnson to the ads. During his arrest in Atlantic City, an additional female victim was located. Johnson allegedly forced her to engage in commercial sex acts for several months, officials said.
Investigators alleged Johnson used threats and physical violence, including choking the second victim by grabbing her around the neck, pushing her against a wall and lifting her off the ground by her neck, to coerce her into remaining in the sex trade for his financial gain.
A co-defendant, Thomas Fulcher, 54, of Marlton, Burlington County, was charged with sexual assault and engaging in prostitution with a minor. He was released pending trial.
The allegations in the indictment holding two victims in a state of involuntary servitude, advertising their availability for sex acts and engaging in sex acts with a minor are abhorrent, Platkin said. We will do everything that we can to ensure the defendants are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
What's behind the 62% jump in human trafficking offenses? What's behind the 62% jump in human trafficking offenses? Referrals, prosecutions, and convictions Prior conviction status of offenders State prison admissions
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ATLANTIC CITY Assignment Judge Michael Blee on Wednesday dismissed Maria Laccas lawsuit seeking a recount in the Nov. 7 City Council election in Ward 5, saying she didnt show sufficient evidence of errors in counting.
Republican Lacca challenged incumbent Democratic Councilman Muhammad Anjum Zia in the fifth ward but lost by 44 votes.
She sought a recount claiming there were errors in counting, but Blee said there wasnt sufficient evidence of errors.
There was no evidence of errors of tabulation, merely skepticism towards mail-in ballots, Blee said in announcing his findings and decision to dismiss.
Blee said the evidence presented by Laccas attorney Matthew C. Moench was insufficient to demand a recount.
The 5th Ward had the highest percentage of votes cast through vote-by-mail at 51%, Blee said, but that was only 9% less than in the 2nd Ward.
The disparity was not so great to suggest an error in vote tabulation, Blee said. It (the result) was also not sufficiently close that a denial would undermine the integrity of the election.
Lacca took issue with 17 provisional votes cast, Blee said, adding an unknown number of those were presumably rejected.
Contract for firm involved in political lawsuits questioned at Atlantic City reorganization Atlantic City Council was set to vote on about 20 legal contracts at its reorganization meeting Monday when questions arose about whether two council members should recuse themselves from voting on one $150,000 contract.
That number would not change the outcome of the election, Blee said.
Blee acknowledged Lacca has the right to file a lawsuit to contest the election if she wants to continue to argue improprieties in mail-in ballots.
There may be a challenge, thats your right, Blee said.
Before the judges decision, Zias attorney Richard Birch argued there is no automatic right to a recount, but a petitioner must show clear and convincing evidence of errors in counting votes to get one.
Blee said a recount may also be ordered under court precedent if a result is so close that a recount is needed to ensure the integrity of an election.
Birch also said there were a number of reasons why vote-by-mail was more used in the 5th Ward, one of just three wards with contested elections. The others were the 2nd and 6th.
Moench countered that judges have a lot of discretion in deciding whether to order a recount.
Here what we have is ... Lacca was down by a handful of votes; now (after all vote-by-mail ballots were counted) she lost by a much larger margin, Moensch said.
Judge to decide Jan. 8 on possible 5th Ward recount in Atlantic City Superior Court Judge Michael Blee will hear oral argument Jan. 8 and make a decision about Republican Atlantic City Council candidate Maria Lacca's request for a recount in the 5th Ward council race.
He said if Lacca files a challenge, we must make sure we are working with the correct set of numbers.
But Blee made it clear that voting by mail is a legal way to vote, and a disproportionate number of vote-by-mail ballots coming in favoring Zia was not enough to automatically get a recount.
Metro Police and Houston Police investigate the scene of a crash between an 18-wheeler and a Metro bus at Lockwood and the frontage road of I-10 East in the Fifth Ward, in Houston,Wednesday, April 8, 2020. An unknown number of people were taken off the bus and put into ambulances, with unknown injuries. Karen Warren/Staff photographer METRO police chief Vera Bumpers walks by the METRO Light Rail platform on her way to the METRO administrative office, Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer METRO Police officers investigate the scene of a two-vehicle crash on the HOV lane of Southwest Freeway Thursday, May 9, 2019, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer Metro Police and Houston Police investigate the scene of a crash between an 18-wheeler and a Metro bus at Lockwood and the frontage road of I-10 East in the Fifth Ward, in Houston,Wednesday, April 8, 2020. An unknown number of people were taken off the bus and put into ambulances, with unknown injuries. Karen Warren/Staff photographer METRO police chief Vera Bumpers answer questions to a METRO Light Rail client about directions on her way to a Houston Area Police Chiefs Association meeting, Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer Metro police took over an investigation early Thursday involving a bus and a fatal auto-pedestrian crash along the Gulf Freeway. On Scene Media
Mayor John Whitmire said hes negotiating with Metro to combine its almost 400 public safety employees with the Houston Police Department under Chief Troy Finner.
The transit agency's police department, with a budget in 2024 of around $40.8 million and a staff just shy of 399, could be a force multiplier, Whitmire said, with officers responding to where crimes occur, whether thats on a bus or train or in surrounding neighborhoods.
Such a measure would take the approval of Metros board, whose chair was less certain such a decision was pending. But Whitmire said hes been negotiating with Metro and expected to have board buy-in soon.
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When I started in public service all those years ago, we had park and airport police, Whitmire said. We eventually placed those inside the police department. I think most people would tell you that really worked out well.
MORE ON PUBLIC SAFETY: What can crime data tell us about citywide trends?
The mayors comments Thursday are the most direct indication of his vision for adding additional resources to the police department, but he has signaled since the campaign that he wanted Metro and the police department to work together more.
Metro, 280 officers, ought to be working with HPD, Whitmire said at a debate. We dont need to take their money, although their money will follow them when they work in concert with HPD.
Merging the departments would move Houston away from how many transit agencies police their buses, trains and platforms. Dallas Area Rapid Transit and VIA in San Antonio have their own police.
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In Los Angeles, officials are considering going the opposite direction from Houston. Transit officials there abolished its internal police department and opted for contracts with the Los Angles Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. In June, facing criticism for rising crime on the line and limited enforcement, LA Metro officials began studying the contracts and considering standing up their own department again.
Despite vigorous recruitment by former Mayor Sylvester Turners administration, the city has around 240 fewer police officers now than it did when Turner was elected in 2015, city budget documents show. More than 90% of the police departments budget goes to staffing.
Metro board chairman Sanjay Ramabhadran said transit police have long partnered with other agencies, and he called the discussions part of that process.
It is always good to see what more we can do, Ramabhadran said.
Merging or even changing the current procedures, however, is not a simple process, he added.
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The mechanics of it is complicated when you are talking about departments and policies and labor matters, Ramabhadran said. When the timing is right, we as an agency are committed to see what all we can do. There is the decision to say we should collaborate and merge and partner, and then there is the nuts and bolts of it.
Combining with Houston police, meanwhile, covers only about half of Metros coverage area, albeit the most active portion of it. The transit agency also covers 14 smaller cities such as Bellaire, West University Place and Katy, along with parts of unincorporated Harris County.
Ramabhadran said that how a merger and those other geographies interact is part of the discussion but far away from where officials are now.
I think we are running the first leg of a 4x100 relay and you are asking about the celebration, he said.
In discussing plans to combine the police officers in both agencies, Whitmire said everyone in Metro police currently would retain their jobs under his plan. He said he hopes officers would shift to focus on more traffic enforcement, while it would also open up the possibility of current police officers patrolling on buses and rail cars.
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Whitmire said he was concerned about crime at Metro bus stations and on buses and cars and that law enforcement would continue focusing on that even when combined. But working as one unit would enable officers more freedom to respond to where crime occurs.
Metro police responded to the most assaults at light rail stations in four years in fiscal year 2023, even as reports of violence on buses and trains decreased, according to data released last week.
The overall number of assaults reported on Metro vehicles and properties increased 25% in fiscal year 2023 October 2022 to September 2023, according to a Metro report. There were 363 assaults reported to Metro in 2023, compared with 291 in the previous fiscal year. The 363 reported by Metro were more than in any of the prior four fiscal years, according to the data.
Metro police patrol park and ride lots across the region, as well as transit centers mostly inside the city limits.
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In some cases, focusing on high-crime areas or places with frequent incidents, that police presence is constant.
In particular, Wheeler (Transit Center), Metro Police Chief Vera Bumpers said Thursday during a discussion of current staffing. We have someone there 24-7.
Winter Warrior Festival: A new Presidents Day weekend event in Ocean City will seek to bring families and local businesses together in the heart of winter.
The inaugural Winter Warrior Festival will be run out of the Ocean City Civic Center on Feb. 17 and include four components:
Kids obstacles: A noncompetitive course will include a rock wall, hazard walls, cargo net, agility poles, teeter plank, monkey bars, floating steps, tire run and noodle tower.
Winter Warrior Challenge: Show your grit on a cold, 2.5-mile course with 10 obstacles. Look for things like sand mounds, tires, teeter-totters and monkey bars along the way. This race is reserved for participants 14 and older. All survivors will receive a Winter Warrior Challenge finisher T-shirt.
Team challenges: Teams of four from local businesses, organizations, churches and other groups will compete in events such as a firetruck pull and tire-flip relay.
Winter Warrior Festival: Local merchants, restaurants and services will set up inside the Civic Center for a midwinter festival.
Registration for all events is open, and discounted fees will be available through 4 p.m. Feb. 14. For more information and registration, visit ocnj.us/race-events.
OC Citizens Police Academy: The Ocean City Police Department is accepting applications for the 2024 Citizens Police Academy.
The academy was organized in 2022 and offers citizens the opportunity to learn about the internal operations of the Police Department. The overall objective of the academy is to provide citizens with sound and accurate information about the Police Department and the criminal justice process, so they are able to make informed decisions regarding matters involving the department and/or police activity. Participants will be able to share their experiences with family, friends, co-workers and the community to further improve and strengthen community-police relations.
The course will cover different topics each week, including patrol operations, community policing, traffic safety, K-9 Unit, police dispatch, Marine Unit, training, detectives, administration and the Cape May County Police Academy.
The academy is free and open to all Ocean City residents and business owners 18 and older. Classes will be held every Thursday from Feb. 29 through May 2 at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave. Some sessions may be held at other locations such as the Police Department or county Police Academy.
Applications can be picked up at the Police Department, 835 Central Ave., or downloaded online. Class size is limited. For more information, email kricci@ocnj.us or call 609-525-4252.
She made the list: Mckayla Heitz, of Vineland, has been named to the Fall 2023 Presidents List at Georgia Southern University for excellence in academics. GSU recognized about 2,350 students on the fall 2023 list. To be eligible, a student must have at least a 4.0 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours for the semester.
Love Letters: The Fool Moon Theatre Company will perform A.R. Gurneys Love Letters at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 2 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Margate Community Church, 8900 Ventnor Ave.
Love Letters is a comedy that examines shared nostalgia, missed opportunities and the closeness of two lifelong friends. Andrew Ladd and Melissa Gardner exchange letters, but not marriage vows, in a warm and complicated friendship lasting 50 years. Mark Sarto and Rosanna Consalvo Sarto star as the star-crossed lovers.
Fool Moon Theatre is thrilled to have two exceptional actors open up our season, said director Paul Herron. Love Letters will be a revelation to those who havent seen it and a visit from an old friend for those who have.
Ticket prices are $30 regular admission, $25 for seniors and are available at eventbrite.com. Cash, check and Venmo will be accepted for tickets at the door. For group sales, text 609-457-0903. For more information, visit foolmoontheatre.org.
Fool Moons next production will be A Bad Year for Tomatoes, opening May 10.
Lighthouse vow renewal: Absecon Lighthouse will host its annual Evening of Romance & Renewal on Valentines Day, Feb. 14. Couples are invited to take part in a group vow renewal ceremony by a nondenominational minister in the Keepers Cottage at 6 p.m., followed by a Champagne toast and dancing to live music by Lisa Camp of Groove Heart.
A minimum donation of $40 per couple includes the ceremony, tower climb, live music and dancing, and Champagne toast, but couples are asked to give from the heart. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event runs until 7 p.m. The lighthouse is located at 31 S. Rhode Island Ave. in Atlantic City. To reserve a spot, call the lighthouse at 609-449-1360.
Pageant seeks contestants: Ms. New Jersey Senior America is seeking women 60 and older to participate in its 2024 pageant, to be held at 1 p.m. May 30 at Harrahs Resort Atlantic City. For more information, call 609-412-4980 or 908-216-8534, or visit newjerseysenioramerica.org.
In the Region
Turkey Pushes Kyrgyz-Tajik Border Deal Forward
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan appears to have engaged in some successful shuttle diplomacy in Central Asia.
Fidan visited Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and announced the two Central Asian countries would hopefully resolve their border dispute in March.
The border dividing Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has been the most dangerous of any of the frontiers between the five Central Asian states for more than a decade.
Kyrgyz and Tajik troops battled each other using heavy machine guns, armored vehicles, and artillery in late April 2021 and mid-September 2022.
Recently, Kyrgyz and Tajik representatives have been making progress in demarcating unmarked areas of their common border.
Fidans comments indicated the two sides might be close to completing the process.
Fidan commented after his January 9 meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev that Turkey welcomed Kyrgyzstans recent border agreement with Uzbekistan.
The Turkish foreign minister added that there was information that we will receive similar positive news with Tajikistan this year.
After his meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin on January 10, Fidan echoed his comments in Kyrgyzstan about a resolution to the border dispute in March.
This will be a significant step for the security and stability of the region, Fidan said.
Resolving the Kyrgyz-Tajik border problem would be a significant step as the 2021 and 2022 conflicts along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border are the only time since 1991 that militaries of two Central Asian countries attacked each other.
It was troubling for the other Central Asian states, for China (which borders both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and has good ties with both) and for Russia, which has military bases in both Central Asian countries.
Why Its Important: No one was anxious to step in and help Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan settle their differences and complete demarcation of their border, especially after the two major clashes.
Russia made some half-hearted gestures.
President Vladimir Putin met together with the Kyrgyz and Tajik presidents on the sidelines of meetings in Kazakhstan in October 2022 to discuss the border problem.
The militaries of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan had just been fighting in mid-September. No progress came from Putins meeting with his Kyrgyz and Tajik counterparts.
Turkeys seeming success in helping Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan finally reach a deal is not only relief for the Central Asian region, but also a sign of growing Turkish influence in Central Asia.
Human Rights Watch 2024 World Report: Central Asian States Looking Bad
The section on Central Asian countries in the annual Human Rights Watch (HRW) global report on the state of human rights makes for depressing reading.
The reports are filled with instances of torture and ill-treatment in jails, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, gender-based violence, and much more.
The opening sentences tell the stories of stagnation and decline.
Kazakhstan did not meaningfully address persistent human rights violations in 2023 or ensure accountability for past abuses.
In Tajikistan, repression of independent and critical voices continued in 2023
Turkmenistan, a perennial rights abuser from its early days of independence in 1991, continues on its trajectory and made no improvements to its dire human rights record in 2023.
Uzbekistans human rights record deteriorated in 2023, with a notable increase in the harassment and prosecutions of bloggers and journalists, according to HRW.
The report on Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the hardest to read.
Remember when Kyrgyzstan was called the island of democracy in Central Asia?
No one calls Kyrgyzstan that anymore.
HRW opened the report saying Human rights protections and civil liberties in Kyrgyzstan continued to decline in 2023
Bloggers seem to have been a prime target in 2023.
This non-traditional form of media has filled spaces left open after state campaigns against independent media.
In Tajikistan, scores of bloggers detained for their opinions on the governments policies, and in Kyrgyzstan security services targeted bloggers for their social media posts
In Turkmenistan, the government is always on the lookout for anything that even remotely seems critical of authorities.
So, it was natural that police interrogated and warned local bloggers to post only positive content about Turkmenistan or face arrest.
Why Its Important: The downward trend in respecting the rights of citizens comes as all five Central Asian countries are enjoying more international attention than ever before.
The reason for this unprecedented interest is the vacuum created by Russia as it wages its full-scale war in Ukraine.
Trade routes through Russia are under sanctions from European countries.
The money and material Russia is pouring into its war efforts has impacted Central Asia and other countries have rushed in to sign new deals for investment and security.
In the past, Western countries were moderately effective in pressuring the Central Asian governments to observe some basic rights.
Now, the Central Asian governments have a variety of international partners from which to choose.
Authorities in the Arab states, China, Iran, and other countries that are courting closer ties with Central Asia arent much concerned with the rights of Central Asias people.
That leaves the Central Asian states in a strong position to ignore criticism of their authoritarian forms of government and do whatever they feel necessary to strengthen their control over their citizens.
Majlis Podcast
The latest Majlis podcast looks at the controversy over Kyrgyzstans new national flag and what it says about the current government running the country.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov favored altering the flag and later admitted changing the flag was his idea.
Japarovs government pushed the plan through despite strong opposition from members of the public and some of those against the change were threatened or jailed.
The guests for this podcast are:
Leila Seiitbek, chairwoman of the NGO Freedom for Eurasia; and
Admir Kurman, who is from Kyrgyzstan, but currently works in London as an innovation strategist.
What Im Following
Kyrgyzstans Draft Media Law Reintroduced
The draft law on media initiated by the presidential administration has again been introduced in Kyrgyzstans parliament.
The controversial law was first introduced to parliament in October 2022 but has been withdrawn several times for revisions in response to domestic and international criticism.
Critics of the draft bill say it resembles the media law passed in Russia that the government there used to shut down independent media outlets.
The Death of Karakalpak Diaspora Leader in Kazakhstan
Nietbay Urazbaev, a 54-year-old Karakalpak diaspora leader in Kazakhstan, died of a heart attack in an Almaty hospital on January 9.
Urazbaev lived in Kazakhstan for nearly 20 years, but he was originally from the Karakalpak Republic in western Uzbekistan.
Uzbek authorities accused Urazbaev of helping foment the deadly violence in Karakalpakstan in July 2022.
On May 23, 2023, Urazbaev was convicted in absentia by an Uzbek court and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Urazbaev has had Kazakh citizenship since 2007, but that was annulled late last year in what some felt was a step towards eventually deporting him back to Uzbekistan.
Fact of the Week
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were the biggest sellers of gold in the world in 2023. Kazakhstan sold 50 metric tons and Uzbekistan sold a bit more than 30 metric tons.
Thanks for Reading
NOTE: The Central Asia in Focus newsletter and Majlis podcast will now be published bi-weekly.
Thanks for reading Central Asia in Focus! I appreciate you sharing it with other readers who may be interested.
Feel free to contact me on X, especially if you have any questions, comments, or just want to connect about topics concerning Central Asia.
Until next time,
Bruce
P.S. If you enjoyed this newsletter and dont want to miss the next edition, subscribe here.
As part of a $40 billion plan to upgrade and improve the mail process, the Quad-Cities Processing and Distribution Center facility in Milan could see big changes.
The United States Postal Service's 10-year Delivering for America plan lays out plans to improve the delivery process. The modernization and investment enhancement review will not result in the Milan facility closing or career employee layoffs, a USPS news release stated.
The changes could see see some mail processing operations moved to other locations, with the facility instead becoming a local processing center, sorting and delivery center or both.
Local processing centers serve as connections between regional processing centers and distribution centers. Sorting and delivery centers combine delivery units into a central site. USPS has opened 29 sorting and delivery centers since the start of Delivering for America and anticipates soon opening 38 more, according to an FAQ provided by USPS.
The FAQ said the study is just beginning and initial findings could be released in the next two months.
The review for Milan will look at how the USPS can best allocate its resources to improve customer service and achieve cost savings. Business mail entry, Post Office, station, and branch retail services are not expected to change, and delivery services will be unaffected throughout this review, the release states.
In connection with the review, the Postal Service will evaluate the following:
Efficiency: The review includes looking at if efficiency can be increased by transferring some operations performed in Milan to the processing and distribution center in Des Moines. The review will determine if it would be more efficient to group mail and packages destined for outside the Quad-Cities region with mail and packages from other areas going to the same places.
The review includes looking at if efficiency can be increased by transferring some operations performed in Milan to the processing and distribution center in Des Moines. The review will determine if it would be more efficient to group mail and packages destined for outside the Quad-Cities region with mail and packages from other areas going to the same places. Improving service: If improving efficiency and service can be achieved by investing in the Milan facility to redesign mail processing operations with modern operating strategies, equipment and improved employee amenities.
If improving efficiency and service can be achieved by investing in the Milan facility to redesign mail processing operations with modern operating strategies, equipment and improved employee amenities. Expansion: If efficiency and service can be improved by expanding operations at the facility including adding sorting and delivery functions currently being deployed throughout the nation, incorporating expanded retail functions currently being evaluated and deployed throughout the nation, or increasing local package delivery functions including local transportation initiatives supporting new products being introduced.
If moving some operations out of the facility is determined to be "a good business decision," it is likely the facility would become a local processing center, sorting and delivery center or both.
"Any such repurposing will result in a revitalized, modernized, and upgraded facility with improved employee amenities and a better working environment," the release states.
The overall network redesign contemplated in the DFA Plan is intended to reduce handlings, improve efficiencies and optimize letter, flat, and package processing for predictable, reliable, and cost-effective operations. Public input will be considered as part of the review.
Community members are asked to submit comments online. This can be done so anonymously, and a public input meeting will be held also. There is no date for that meeting at this time.
If the review determines changes for the Milan facility, a summary of the review will be posted on about.usps.com at least one week prior to that meeting.
"The Postal Service will work closely with its unions and management associations throughout the facility review and will continually monitor the impact of any changes that are implemented and will adjust plans as necessary and appropriate," the release stated.
A brief history of American mail service 1873: Censorship legislation commonly known as the Comstock Act is passed
A man accused of a shooting in Bettendorf must serve up to 25 years in an Iowa prison in relation to the case.
Bettendorf police allege Daniel T. Morgan, 33, shot and wounded a man just after 8 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2023, during an argument about money, according to Scott County court documents. In October, he pleaded guilty to one count each of assault while participating in a felony resulting in serious injury and first-degree burglary.
In a December hearing, Morgan received a sentence of up to 25 years on the burglary charge and up to 10 years on the assault charge, according to court records. He will, though, serve the two sentences at the same time rather one after the other.
Initially, Morgan also faced charges of attempted murder, dominion or control of a firearm/offensive weapon by felon, going armed with intent and willful injury causing serious injury, records state.
As part of the plea agreement, the court dismissed the remaining counts, according to court records. Morgan will receive credit for time he has already spent in the Scott County Jail in relation to the case.
Police said the argument began outside the apartment complex at 3434 Town Pointe Dr. in Bettendorf. Morgan and another man later forced their way into an apartment at the complex despite the victim having locked the door to keep them out.
Once inside, Morgan and the other man, identified as Andre A. Little, 28, Davenport, attacked the victim, court records state. Morgan had a gun.
Court records state the victim ran from the apartment and Morgan shot him once in the chest. Morgan and Little then left the scene.
The victim identified Morgan as the gunman, records state. Video footage recovered during the investigation also helped police positively identify Morgan and Little.
The victim told police he thought the fight started because Morgan thought the victim was taking too long to get Morgan money, records state.
Authorities also charged Little.
Records state he initially faced counts of attempted murder, first-degree burglary, assault while participating in a felony resulting in serious injury; going armed with intent and willful injury causing serious injury.
Little also entered into a plea agreement with the Scott County Attorneys Office and pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and assault while participating in a felony, according to court records.
In August, Little received a sentence of up to 25 years on the burglary charge and up to 10 on the assault charge, records state.
He will serve the sentences concurrently and get credit for time he has already spent in the jail in relation to the case, records state.
The state also dismissed the remaining charges against Little.
Multiple Black Hawk Area Special Education District staff union members showed their support for administrators Tuesday night, pushing back against recent demands from the current union president.
As previously reported, staff union president Mark Buyck has demanded the resignation of BHASED director Christan Schrader and Center Principal Amy Skinner, accusing the pair of creating a "hostile work environment, unsafe for students and staff and practice unfair treatment of staff."
At the BHASED Governing Board meeting Tuesday night, many in the crowd wore black shirts with "We Support Our Admin" plastered across the front in pink print.
During public comment, Alex Mahaffey a teacher at the BHASED Center said a significant portion of union members have been "in the dark" about Buyck's recent actions and motivations.
"There was a lack of meetings, discourse and democratic process concerning the undertaking of these actions," Mahaffey said on Tuesday.
In fact, he said union members have petitioned to oust Buyck in wake of the situation.
"This petition included more signatures than necessary (30% of members, as per the bylaws) and we anticipate further support as well. We have submitted it to the executive board and await their response," Mahaffey said. "(Buyck) has accused administration of 'tyrannical' behavior, yet has conducted himself in an aggressive, undemocratic manner in a way that is simply unheard of for leadership of any effective union."
Some of Buyck's behaviors prompting this petition, Mahaffey said, included:
Calling for the immediate resignation of Schrader and Skinner without notifying or obtaining member approval, alongside conducting a picketing action and contacting media without member approval or discussion.
Threatening and targeting staff (via email and the GroupMe chat) who questioned his actions or disagreed with his methods.
Filing a formal grievance against the administration for a matter of great union importance without following proper protocol, along with adding staff names to the grievance without their consent or prior knowledge.
Failing to properly end his term upon its July 2023 expiration.
"Many (members) even agreed or sympathized with the issues he brought up, but simply disagreed with his actions and behavior in response to these issues," Mahaffey said.
Mahaffey closed by urging union members to address any concerns relating to BHASED in a "positive and constructive way."
American Bunker a BHASED Center nurse said students, staff and families feel "cared for, respected and encouraged" each day, reading several testimonials on this front.
"Staff have consistently noted that they feel seen, heard, validated and supported by our administrators," she said during public comment. "Many have noted that this is unprecedented given their past employment history. However, at BHASED it is the norm."
Skinner also gave a public comment Tuesday.
"When I became the (BHASED) principal, Christan asked me what my main goal was; I didn't even hesitate and (said) it was to change the climate to a positive one that included all stakeholders," she said to board members and the crowd.
Skinner gave several examples of how she and other BHASED leaders have worked to build this positive climate, such as: increasing family engagement, regrouping the district's Crisis Prevention Institute team, which she said has resulted in fewer cases (annually) where staff must use physical restraint holds to deescalate students; "Monday Monthly" team meetings, aimed at boosting staff morale and new community partnerships.
She also cited a climate survey taken by the majority of BHASED Center staff in partnership with the Rock Island Regional Office of Education, saying the regional office staff were impressed by the scores.
"The Center is far from hostile," she said. "The executive board calling the paper and picketing before even asking to resolve anything has hurt our school, staff and parents. I know this because parents have reached out and have asked me if they can do anything."
Skinner said one parent was even hesitant to inquire about general IEP-related matters with her, for fear of causing "adding stress" amidst the situation.
"My parents could never bother me. I love this school, my parents, students, staff and administration," she said. "As I have walked (into) the lobby when greeting hello or saying goodbye, I've even had parents grabbing my arm or telling me to 'Hang in there.'"
To Skinner, this kind of response reflects the BHASED Center's theme this year: "Ohana" a native Hawaiian term for "family."
"We are Ohana here," she said in closing.
In an email to the Quad-City Times Wednesday afternoon, Schrader said the administration was committed to working to move the organization forward.
"We are committed to working collaboratively and proactively with the Association leadership, our staff, our administrative team, our superintendents, and our Board to move our organization forward and continue our work supporting the students, their families, and the communities we serve," she said.
Following public comment, BHASED union members in support of Schrader and Skinner's resignation addressed the governing board in a lengthy closed session meeting.
While the reasoning is unclear, Buyck is on a 10-day administrative leave, Buyck said in a message to the Dispatch-Argus. He was not present at the meeting.
Stepfanie Olvera the union representative for BHASED's Phoenix Program in Carbon Cliff spoke on behalf of Buyck during this time, along with sharing her own concerns.
"During my nine years' experience we have continuously been severely understaffed. This has placed both students and staff under great stress. The safety of our students and staff should be the number one priority," she told the Dispatch-Argus on Tuesday, reading from the remarks she planned to share in closed session.
Olvera said her site is understaffed by two teachers and five paraprofessionals, and also needs more social workers to handle extreme behavior from students.
Due to staffing constraints, Olvera also claimed staff haven't been able to take unpaid meal breaks for the last two to three years.
The understaffing puts staff at risk, including potential for bodily injury when students have outbursts, she said.
"We are in peril every day from these students," she said. "There are not enough social workers nor staff to contain student's incidents and behaviors. Students are not able to be redirected and kept not only in their classrooms but in their assigned area."
Olvera also said the school contains broken classroom doors, which have yet to see needed repairs due to lack of administrative action another safety concern.
"The staff at the Phoenix Program are grateful to now have a part-time resource officer. In reality, we need a full-time officer on site," she said in closing. "This was a step in the right direction. There are many steps to go. The staff and students deserve our time and attention."
The Illinois Education Association did not immediately respond to reporters' inquiries.
BHASED teachers greeting students as fall semester gets under way 090320-qc-nws-bhased-004 Black Hawk Area Special Education teacher Donna Collins, center, greets students during a supply drop off and meet your teacher event at the s 090320-qc-nws-bhased-001 Black Hawk Area Special Education OT Bethany Leilbold greets with student Jacob McCollom, of Orion, during a supply drop off and meet your tea 090320-qc-nws-bhased-003 Black Hawk Area Special Education teacher Nacole Jackson gives student Jacob McCollom, of Orion, a fist bump from a distant during a supply dr 090320-qc-nws-bhased-006 Black Hawk Area Special Education teacher Anna Morales greets student Logan Crouse, of Silvis, during a supply drop off and meet your teacher 090320-qc-nws-bhased-002 Black Hawk Area Special Education teacher Nacole Jackson greets students during a supply drop off and meet your teacher event at the school Th 090320-qc-nws-bhased-005 Black Hawk Area Special Education teacher Anna Morales greets student Logan Crouse, of Silvis, during a supply drop off and meet your teacher Education 'It's good to have the students back': All going well for special ed students in the Black Hawk Area Special Education District The first days of in-person instruction this fall for students of the Black Hawk Area Special Education District were going well, according to
DES MOINES Senate Republicans are looking at prohibiting local governments from banning so-called conversion therapy, a method of attempting to convince gay people to become heterosexual that has been widely discredited and opposed by a bevy of medical and psychiatric organizations.
Linn County and the city of Davenport have banned conversion therapy. Davenport passed its ban on conversion therapy of minors in April, 2020. The city of Waterloo also banned it, but repealed the ban over litigation concerns.
Under a bill proposed by state Sen. Sandy Salmon, a Republican from Janesville, cities and counties would be barred from prohibiting conversion therapy in their jurisdictions.
Sen. Herman Quirmbach, a Democrat from Ames, called conversion therapy a quack medical procedure that doesnt work.
Public comment
During the public comment period of a legislative hearing on the bill Wednesday at the Capitol, the first speaker was Samantha Fett, a Carlisle woman who has been active in Moms for Liberty organization and has declared her candidacy for the Iowa House.
Fett questioned the constitutionality of the local bans on conversion therapy, which she called overreach.
Chuck Hurley, a lobbyist for The Family Leader, an Iowa-based Christian conservative advocacy organization, also suggested the local ordinances are unconstitutional and said the proposed legislation will save Iowa communities from unnecessary legal battles.
I think your bill can help save some local governments time and hassle and money, Hurley said. I just encourage you to save local time and expense, and frankly some embarrassment (from) stepping on First Amendment liberties.
Speaking against the bill were organizations representing Iowa cities and counties, social workers and LGBTQ advocates.
Lobbyists for cities and counties expressed their frustration with proposed state legislation that they said takes away the ability of local governments to govern their jurisdictions how they see fit.
When we see a preemption bill, oftentimes what we believe is that the state is sort of interjecting what we sort of feel as a lack of respect for local decision-making, said Daniel Stalder, a lobbyist for the Iowa League of Cities. Preemption bills essentially say that decisions made under the golden dome (of the Iowa Capitol) are the only places that decisions can be made. Thats, generally speaking, what we dont like.
Keenan Crow, with the LGBTQ rights group One Iowa, which has sought a statewide ban on conversion therapy, spoke against the bill.
Ive been told over and over again that we dont need to address conversion therapy because it isnt happening in Iowa, Crow said.
It would seem that this legislation is an implicit admission that not only is it happening, but that the Legislature wants it to happen, and in fact, wants to grant conversion therapists additional protections to engage in these dangerous, discredited practices that have been circumscribed by basically every major medical institution here in the U.S., he said.
No one thinks that this is an appropriate form of therapy. Nobody even thinks that its actually therapy.
Conversion therapy is opposed by medical and psychiatric organizations like the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association, the American School Counselor Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and more.
A 2022 review conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health of studies and medical literature on conversion therapy did not find scientific studies to support the effectiveness of conversion therapy practices.
Bill advances
The two Republicans on a three-member legislative subcommittee advanced the bill, Senate File 2037, through the first stage of the legislative process. The bill now is eligible for consideration by the Senate committee on local government.
Sen. Jesse Green, a Republican from Boone, used an argument made by abortion rights advocates in advancing the proposed prohibition on conversion therapy bans.
Democrats have told us for years that government should not get between a patient and a provider, Green said. And so, on this bill, I agree with that sentiment.
Adrian Marks, 18, was charged with the murder of 22-year-old Dummene Kponi, which happened in June 2023 in Southwest Houston. Houston Chronicle
An 18-year-old was arrested and charged Tuesday in a fatal shooting that occurred in southwest Houston last summer, but police are also searching for three more suspects who may be connected to the killing.
Adrian Marks was taken into custody by HPD and charged with capital murder in the death of 22-year-old Dummene Kponi, according to court documents.
MAYOR VOWS TO MAKE HOUSTON SAFER: Mayor John Whitmire pushes back against crime stats, vows to make Houstonians feel safer
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The shooting occurred on June 7 in the 1440 block of Lakeside Estates, police said in a news release. Patrol officers found Kponi in the driver's seat of a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. The officers also learned that four men were seen running from Kponi's car and driving off in a dark-colored SUV.
Investigators determined that the shooting happened during a transaction that turned into a robbery, Houston police said. Further investigation identified Marks as one of the four suspects.
In December, the Figge Art Museum named Vanessa Sage and Joshua Johnson as new senior co-curators.
Both Johnson and Sage have been with the Figge for nearly a decade, each working their way up from entry level positions in the years since, a Wednesday press release from the museum said. Sage arrived at the Figge as a curatorial intern in 2016, while Johnson started as a graduate assistant in 2015.
"Their years of experience, expertise and knowledge have prepared them to lead the museums efforts to bring in exhibitions and acquisitions that contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of the Quad-Cities," said Michelle Hargrave, Figge executive director and CEO, in the release.
Sage studied at the University of Iowa, where she earned a B.A. in art history, and later earned an M.A. in museum studies at Western Illinois University's Quad-Cities campus. Since joining the Figge, Sage has curated exhibitions like "Irma Rene Koen: An Artist Rediscovered," "John Bloom: Close to Home," "Didier William: Lakou" and "Jane Gilmor: Breakfast on Pluto," the release said.
Sage was born and raised in Davenport and attended the Figge growing up. Most recently served as an associate curator at the museum.
"Having grown up in Davenport, I am deeply invested in positively impacting our community through art," she said in the release. "I am proud of the work we do at the Figge and Im eager to expand that work in my new role.
Johnson attended American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned an M.F.A. in studio art. He has also completed graduate work in museum studies at Western Illinois University, the release said.
Outside of his work at the Figge, Johnson has taught art and art history courses at Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges, the release said. This fall, he will start teaching courses at St. Ambrose University.
I am looking forward to exhibiting a fantastic historic collection in dynamic new ways, while striving to make the collection and exhibits as relevant to our audience as possible," he said in the release.
The release cited video, performance documentation, 3D printing and virtual reality as contemporary art forms Sage and Johnson aspire to include more of at the Figge. Their tenures as co-curators started on December 7, 2023.
20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art 20 life-changing locations that inspired movies, books, and art Hammamet, Tunisia: Paul Klee London: Jimi Hendrix Lake Geneva, Switzerland: Mary Shelley Bruges, Belgium: Martin McDonagh Rishikesh, India: The Beatles Chicago: The Hairy Who Mexico City: Frida Kahlo Pacific Crest Trail: Cheryl Strayed Hydra, Greece: Leonard Cohen Walden Pond, Massachusetts: Henry David Thoreau Montserrat, Caribbean: Sir George Martin Various locations, New Mexico: Georgia O'Keefe Antebellum South: Kara Walker Mount Fuji, Japan: Katsushika Hokusai New York City: Maira Kalman Pamplona, Spain: Ernest Hemingway Paris: Meret Oppenheim Bali, Indonesia: Elizabeth Gilbert Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles: Joni Mitchell, et al. Santiago de Compostela, Spain: Paulo Coelho
A motion by convicted murderer Henry Earl Dinkins to suppress evidence of meth trafficking in a federal drug case will likely be denied after a hearing Wednesday.
Dinkins attorney and federal prosecutors presented their arguments on the motion Wednesday in U.S. District Court, Davenport.
After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, Chief U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose said she will review the video and audio of the traffic stop that occurred April 25, 2019, in Bureau County, Illinois. But she instructed both Dinkins attorney, Jack Dusthimer, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melisa Zaehringer to proceed with their cases as though the motion will be denied.
Rose said she will issue an order at a later date.
Dinkins, 51, attended the hearing dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and orange slippers. He wore shackles on his ankles and his hands were cuffed in front of him, allowing him to write and communicate with Dusthimer.
The federal case against Dinkins stems from a drug trafficking investigation initiated by the Scott County Sheriffs Office. The investigation includes evidence from the Bureau County traffic stop on Interstate 80 and evidence from a controlled buy on Sept. 23, 2019, according to electronic records from U.S. District Court, Davenport.
The federal indictment alleges Dinkins was trafficking in meth before he became a suspect in the disappearance of 10-year-old Breasia Terrell.
Breasia was reported missing July 10, 2020. Her remains were found March 22, 2021, by fishermen in rural DeWitt.
Dinkins was convicted in September 2023 of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in connection with the Breasias death. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
A federal grand jury indicted Dinkins on the drug charges on Dec. 8, 2020.
The indictment alleges that from Aug. 1, 2018, until Sept. 23, 2019, Dinkins possessed with the intent to deliver 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The indictment also alleges that on Sept. 23, 2019, he distributed meth, during a controlled buy by law enforcement.
Dinkins was arrested on the charges on Oct. 27, 2023. The case was unsealed the same day.
During Wednesday's hearing, Dusthimer told the court that when he watched the video of the traffic stop that was taken by the squad camera of Illinois State Trooper Nicholas Griggs, he saw a Ford conversion van traveling at 48 mph on Interstate 80. The minimum speed is 45 mph. Dusthimer said that he saw the van come close to the center and fog lines, but never cross the lines.
Griggs testified he pulled the van over because it had crossed the center and fog lines, and that he suspected someone may have been driving under the influence.
When he got the van pulled over, Griggs testified he could see the van swaying back and forth from side-to-side as thought someone was running around inside. Griggs could not see inside the van as the windows were covered with mini-blinds or curtains. Griggs also testified that when he ran the van to determine ownership, he found the van registered to neither Dinkins nor the driver.
Dinkins got out of the passenger side holding a cell phone. Griggs stated that Dinkins was trying to ask where the next exit was because, as the back right tire was shredded, and the belts were showing. Dinkins wanted to explain that the tire was the reason the van was swerving.
Griggs instructed Dinkins to get back in the van. The driver of the van, Craig Davis-Sims, 25, had little interaction with Griggs.
Eventually, Griggs called for a K9 unit. The dog alerted to the van, and it was searched by the troopers.
The troopers seized three large zip-lock bags from the van, filled with what the troopers initially thought were ecstasy pills. However, upon testing at the state crime lab, the pills turned out to be meth.
Dinkins and Davis-Sims were arrested, and each were eventually charged with two Class X felonies related to meth trafficking.
On Oct. 7, 2021, then Bureau County States Attorney Geno Caffarini decided not to prosecute Davis-Sims pursuant to an appellate court decision and the case was dismissed, according to electronic records of Bureau County Circuit Court.
The meth case against Dinkins in Bureau County remains active. Each of the Illinois' charges carry a prison sentence of six to 30 years.
The K9 handler, Sgt. Matthew Smith answered questions from Dusthimer, Zaehringer and Rose about how K9 air sniffs are conducted, and how Smith knew the dog had registered the smell of drugs.
Before ending the hearing, Rose stated that she had seen the video of the traffic stop from Griggs squad car. She said she remembered seeing the van swerve over the center line and fog lines and said she would go back and look at the video again.
Rose also said she found the testimony of Griggs and Smith to be credible. She added that since neither Dinkins nor Davis-Sims possessed any evidence that they owned the van at the time, they did not have standing to contest the stop.
Advocates for Junior Theatre expressed concerns for its future with proposed plans to restore and repurpose portions of the Annie Wittenmyer complex into affordable housing.
The youth theater organization has called the complex home since 1976.
The plans are still in early stages. Chris Ales, a developer with experience with historic preservation projects, has proposed turning 20 of the complex's 27 buildings into 99 workforce and senior housing units.
The city is proposing allowing Ales conditional site control over the campus for roughly one year to secure financing from state and federal tax credits and other sources.
The city council held a public hearing Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. where the public could weigh in on whether the city should grant the year-long conditional site control. It'll vote next week on it.
Although the on-campus theater the program uses is not planned to be turned into housing, the 10 cottages that Junior Theatre uses to house administration, rehearsal spaces, classes, and store costumes, props, and set pieces, are in the developer's plans to be repurposed into housing units.
Under current negotiations, the city would be able to lease back the theater and three adjacent cottages after the property is transferred to the developer (which is expected to be in July 2025 if financing is secured).
But the cottages would only be able to be leased for six months following the transfer because of the developer's desire to repurpose all 10 cottages into housing, said the city's community and economic development director Bruce Berger.
Nicole Savatski, a board member of Junior Theatre urged the council to consider the future location of the theater program in its proposal for needed affordable housing. She acknowledged Junior Theatre may need a long-term plan for its location anyways considering the expense of maintaining the buildings. She asked the city for time, resources and to include Junior Theatre more proactively in discussions if they need to find a new home.
"We just wanted to make sure we didn't get lost in the shuffle," Savatski told a reporter Wednesday night.
Joseph Thomas, a former Junior Theatre student, told the planning and zoning commission on Tuesday he was concerned that Junior Theatre would not be able to operate smoothly without the cottage space.
"Unfortunately, Junior Theatre would probably not be able to survive in its current capacity without the cottages along with the theater itself," Thomas said. "Those have a symbiotic relationship."
He said theater programs start to have trouble when administration, costumes, and storage are far from the theater where performances are held.
Other speakers asked the city to make sure there was a viable plan in place for the future of Junior Theatre before any development would start, and emphasized the importance of Junior Theatre to developing kids' public speaking skills and offering low-cost arts programming in the Quad-Cities. Several speakers also said they supported affordable housing programs in the Quad-Cities.
Some speakers also spoke to the theater program's 72-year history, and urged the city to keep that historical significance in mind.
According to the Junior Theatre's website, it is the second-oldest children's theater in the United States.
When the city bought the Annie Wittenmyer complex in 1976, it designated the campus chapel and three of the 10 cottages to the theater program, according to Junior Theatre's website. The cottages became offices, technical and rehearsal spaces, and the chapel became the Nighswander Theatre, named for the program's founder, Mary Fluhrer Nighswander. The program has since added a fourth cottage as a mainstage production site, according to Junior Theatre's website.
Berger told the Planning and Zoning Commission that the city could lease the theater back for a dollar, but the theater would be costly to maintain.
In theory, the good news is the city could lease back for a dollar financially the theater building, that would be viable, but one of the things that I think our parks staff are wrestling with and we'll need to talk through with Junior Theatre folks, with the Davenport community schools, and others is what does the long-range future look like?" Berger said. "This campus would have been difficult to maintain going into the future for the theater operation without a major investment of dollars so this is a good prompt to look at what the future does look like. If it turns out that the project doesn't move forward, we will have maybe started that review process and can maybe look to the future of Junior Theatre at a more viable site or perhaps reinvesting in this site.
Asked by a commissioner whether Ales could preserve the cottages for Junior Theatre, Ales said he was under the impression that the city didn't have the funds to make capital improvements needed for the cottages and the theater.
"I've done this for many years, I can say this with experience, it costs less money to build a new facility than it does to fix up an old one," Ales said, adding that he supported Junior Theatre and his granddaughters went through the program. "I would hope they'd look at this as an opportunity to upgrade their facilities and find a new facility somewhere in the future as opposed to trying to retrofit part of the campus and then make it fit."
Ales said the developers would lose some of the economy of scale for the project without the cottages. At Wednesday's meeting Ales said if asked he could look again at whether the project was viable without some of the cottages.
Tuesday's public hearing can be viewed here.
The Davenport City Council planned to hold a public hearing on the temporary property conveyance Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at city council chambers. The council will vote on whether to allow the year-long conveyance at its Jan. 24 meeting. To view tonight's agenda, click here.
The parks and recreation department is planning an input meeting with Junior Theatre and community members, according to parks director Chad Dyson.
"Bottom line is Junior Theatre is staying in Davenport," Mayor Mike Matson said in a Tuesday afternoon management update meeting with council members. "...However we can get it out that Junior Theatre is a wonderful thing in Davenport and we are going to keep it. Specifically exactly where, we'll see."
At Large Ald. Kyle Gripp acknowledged Junior Theatre's concerns at Wednesday's 5:30 p.m. meeting of not being as involved in discussions about the future of the Annie Wittenmyer complex. He said the city could've done a better job of including them, and apologized.
Gripp said repurposing the Wittenmyer campus has been on his mind since he was first elected because of the maintenance needed for the buildings and the insufficient revenue from the city to make those improvements.
The list of needed maintenance in general at the Annie Wittenmyer complex includes roofs, plumbing, HVAC, windows, tuckpointing, and electrical, according to city staff.
According to city staff, of all the complex's buildings, 5 are leased, 4 are vacant, and the city uses 15 buildings about half of which are primarily used as a storage or on an infrequent basis. Another two buildings the city's Historic Preservation Commission approved for demolition one is a garage and the second had a water burst related flood last year.
DES MOINES Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird sued the popular social media app TikTok on Wednesday, alleging the app is "misleading parents" by hosting sexual content and profanity while maintaining a "12+" rating on Apple's App Store.
Bird argues in the lawsuit that TikTok misrepresents the availability and volume of sexually explicit content, profanity and content relating to drug use on the app.
"TikTok has sneaked past parental blocks by misrepresenting the severity of its content," Bird said in a statement. "But no longer. As a mom and prosecutor, I am committed to equipping parents with information to keep their kids safe and to holding TikTok accountable.
The 61-page lawsuit is redacted in many places because it includes details about an investigation into the app by Bird's office, according to court records. It was filed in the Polk County District Court.
In the explanation of TikTok's "12+" rating, the Apple App Store says it includes "infrequent/mild" profanity or crude humor, sexual content and nudity, and mature/suggestive themes.
TikTok was the most downloaded app in 2022, and it has more than 140 million U.S. users. Billions of videos are uploaded to the app each year.
It has a content moderation process that includes automated reviews of uploaded videos and human moderation.
According to the community guidelines, content not allowed on TikTok includes violence and hateful behavior, harassment and bullying, nudity and sexually explicit content, and graphic content.
TikTok requires that a person be 13 to use the app, and it has an age-restricted mode for people under 18. Its website says it limits "overtly mature content" for minors.
"TikTok has industry leading safeguards in place for young people, including parental controls and time limits for those under 18," a TikTok spokesperson said in an email. "We are committed to tackling industry wide challenges and will continue to prioritize community safety."
But Bird's lawsuit argues those content moderation policies are not enforced properly. The lawsuit alleges the age-restricted mode restricts very little content, and videos violating the policies are easily accessible by someone as young as 13.
"The Community Guidelines are misrepresentations, deceptions, and false promises because they mislead many users by creating a net impression that these kinds of content are unavailable on TikTok and, in particular, that they are unavailable to minors," the lawsuit says.
According to the lawsuit, the state used a test account to find videos that would be available to a minor on the app. The state says they viewed content with profane song lyrics, references to alcohol and drugs, and videos of women dancing in bikinis.
The state also said videos referencing suicide and eating disorders were presented on the test account's For You Page, the home page on the app.
The lawsuit argues the alleged misrepresentation of the app's content leads parents to unwittingly allow their children to use the app without knowing the content available.
Parents often use parental controls to restrict apps with mature ratings for their children, the lawsuit argues, and TikTok's rating allows it to be downloaded in those cases.
The lawsuit argues TikTok is intentionally misrepresenting its content in violation of the state's Consumer Fraud Act. The state is asking the court to grant financial compensation and block TikTok from engaging in deceptive practices.
TikTok has long been under scrutiny by government regulators over concerns about its impact on children's mental health and its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese media conglomerate.
Bird joined a multi-state effort last year to investigate the company and its impact on children's mental health, as well as whether it violated state consumer protection laws.
The after-effects of the TikTok Kia Challenge on car insurance The after-effects of the TikTok Kia Challenge on car insurance How specifically has this affected the owners of Kia and Hyundai? The Kia challenge targets specific vehicle models Level of impact
Families who currently have students enrolled at Canyon Lake Elementary have been looking at enrolling their kids in the Meade School District for the next school year.
Rapid City Area Schools voted to close Canyon Lake Elementary School at the end of the 2023-2024 school year during the March 7, 2023 board meeting.
With the end of the school year approaching, Meade School District Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt said a parent reached out to him and the school board about open enrollment at Piedmont Valley Elementary and Stagebarn Middle School.
Both buildings have additional capacity for students, as do all 11 of the buildings in Meade Countys district.
Meade School District has been open to open enrollment from any of the area districts per the state law, Wormstadt said.
All public school districts in South Dakota have written policies setting the standards for how a student may qualify for open enrollment. The standards include the capacity of programs, classes, grade levels and school buildings.
The school board of the district a family wants to enroll in acts on the application, and once approved, the applicant has to attend the desired school district for a full school year.
There was also legislation created to admit all children of a single family to enroll into a school district if one child is accepted.
With Canyon Lake Elementary School closing at the end of the school year, students remaining in the Rapid City Area School District will be relocated to Knollwood Elementary.
The original conversation was to close the school by the end of the last school year, but RCAS's Board of Education faced backlash from the community over that proposal.
The board amended a resolution to delay the closing until the end of this school year with a 6-to-1 vote.
Were not really thrilled about this decision, and if you continue down this path of closing the school that we do like and our kids are happy at, then we can make different choices, John Snyder, a parent with kids at the school, said. Whether thats private school or homeschooling. Ive always been a big proponent of public education. We should keep kids in public schools as much as possible.
John and Sarah Snyder, parents of children enrolled at Canyon Lake, started gathering information about enrolling their kids in another school district and have been talking with other Canyon Lake families about the Piedmont option.
Snyder reached out and talked with the Meade County School Board, getting a response that they cant recruit parents to enroll, but they can educate those who do.
Snyder said hes heard back from about 25 families whove committed to enrolling their kids to Meade County.
Currently there are 342 students enrolled at Canyon Lake Elementary, according to its website.
It has nothing to do with the kids or the teachers or the education, its really about safety for our family, he said. That kind of led us to be like, We told you we werent going to do this. What are the other options? Well, South Dakota has school choice.
Currently it takes families who live north of Lowe's like the Snyders 15 minutes (6.5 miles) to drive to the school. The family and others John Snyder has talked to would be attending Knollwood Elementary, which is a seven-minute drive (2.3 miles).
John and Sarah Snyder started considering Piedmont Elementary because the fastest route is about 18 minutes (14.7 miles) for families living north of Lowe's. While it is a farther drive then Knollwood, they're already used to a similar drive.
Rapid City School Districts Superintendent Nicole Swigart said in a statement the district recognizes that parents can decide where their students attend class, either through home school, private school or enrolling in another district.
In light of that, RCAS works hard to ensure that all elementary schools within Rapid City Area Schools are truly amazing places for students to attend and learn, Swigart said. RCAS's elementary schools have amazing teachers, amazing leaders and amazing students. While we recognize change is hard, we encourage families to explore their new schools and we respect their freedom of choice. Regardless of their enrollment decision, we extend our best wishes to students and families for success in their educational journey.
The early open enrollment window for Meade County Schools runs from Feb. 1 to March 31. It gives the district time to hire additional teachers if there is a large enrollment growth.
In addition to the state guidance on open enrollment, we will look at the capacity of building grade levels per our policy, which was updated last year, Wormstadt said. This will apply to any student regardless of district looking to enroll in the Meade School District.
PIERRE Bills involving certain aspects of the criminal justice system are making their way through legislative committees as the first week of the 99th Legislative Session wraps up.
Lawmakers heard a bill in House State Affairs on Friday morning that would shift the cost of representing people within state prisons, who commit crimes behind bars, from the county level to the state. Lawmakers sent the bill on to House Appropriations.
Another bill, which would make it a crime to expose law enforcement to drugs, was heavily debated and passed on to the House floor.
Here's a breakdown of the arguments:
Exposure to drugs
HB 1025 would make it a class three felony with up to 15 years in the state prison if someone exposed law enforcement, EMTs or fire fighters to a drug that results in serious bodily injury or harm.
Rep. Ben Krohmer, R-Mitchell, sponsored the bill and explained that as fentanyl continues to harm residents in South Dakota, there have already been incidents where law enforcement have been exposed to the drug either by breathing in small particles or having skin-to-skin contact.
Fentanyl overdoses and arrests continue to rise across the nation. On Thursday, Attorney General Marty Jackley told senators there had been 88 fentanyl-related arrests and an average of 10 pounds of fentanyl seized in South Dakota in 2022.
"We confiscated enough fentanyl to kill all of South Dakota several times over," Jackley said.
Krohmer showed body camera footage Friday morning from two incidents, including one from Florida in 2022 when a police officer was shown to lose consciousness after being exposed to a drug powder during an arrest, and the other when a San Diego deputy was exposed to the drug.
"This drug is dangerous to everyone," Krohmer said. "Our police, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, first responders and correctional officers are the most at risk."
Opposition to Krohmer's bill was swift, including the Defense Lawyers Association and the Trial Attorneys Association.
Cash Anderson, a lobbyist for the South Dakota Defense Lawyers Association, said experts had rebuked the San Diego body camera footage shown and argued inhaling small fentanyl particulates couldn't cause serious harm or death.
"It would take over 200 minutes of breathing fentanyl at the highest airborne concentrations to yield a therapeutic dose but not a potentially fatal dose," he said, citing a 2017 report from the American College of Medical Toxicology and the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology.
Anderson added because of the fear around fentanyl, law enforcement officers experience symptoms akin to a panic attack.
"A lot of times with these, there's not a whole lot of follow-up confirmatory testing regarding fentanyl," he said.
Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton, questioned if the bill was necessary since the aggravated assault on law enforcement law includes attempting to cause serious bodily harm and the length of punishment if someone unintentionally exposed law enforcement to the drug.
"I think if somebody intentionally does something, I think they should be punished more than somebody who gets arrested and they're in an ambulance," he said, referencing an example of a first responder getting poked by a needle with a trace amount of drugs on it from the pocket of an unconscious patient. "They're not intending to hurt anybody in that regard."
Rep. Tyler Tordsen, R-Sioux Falls, added he was concerned about the penalty for what could be a potentially accidental action.
Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, R-Saint Onge, said it would be up to the prosecutors to decide if they were going to use the bill if it became law to charge a person with the crime.
Stevens was unable to convince the committee to kill the bill, and instead an amendment brought by Rep. Bethany Soye, R-Sioux Falls, to lower the felony penalty from class two to class three passed. HB 1025 with the amendment passed 8-4.
Inmates' legal defense fees
HB 1039 was created after a summer study on county funding issues. Rep. Ernie Otten, R-Tea, sponsored the bill but was unable to defend it in committee.
Instead, House Majority Leader Will Mortenson spoke on the bill, saying only inmates who couldn't afford legal counsel would have their legal costs covered by the state. Currently, counties foot the bill for incarcerated people's legal fees when they commit a crime inside a state prison, while the state covers expenses incurred by the Attorney General's Office for prosecution.
"We're really talking about the folks who are the most impoverished in our communities that qualify for these," the Fort Pierre Republican said.
Erik Erickson, a lobbyist representing the South Dakota Association of County Commissioners, noted an incident at the Mike Durfee men's prison in Springfield where a group of incarcerated men incurred more than $3 million in defense costs after a drug ring they were running inside the prison was busted in 2018.
"[Bon Homme County's] budget is about $5 million so that wasn't just going to work very well," he said.
While there was no opposition from lawmakers about passing the bill off to the Appropriations committee, officials with the Department of Corrections opposed HB 1039, saying it was near impossible to track what the fiscal impact of shifting the financial burden from the counties to the state would be like.
"For criminal defense, Minnehaha County doesn't track which cases occurred at the penitentiary, so they don't know what their annual costs are that the state would assume and what budget adjustments would actually need to be made," said Brittni Skipper, the DOC director of finance and administration.
She urged for more research to be done and cautioned that the new men's penitentiary, set to be built in Lincoln County, won't open its door until 2028. There was time for more research, she said.
This story originally appeared in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
A former Helena West Valley Fire Rescue chief has been placed under home detention on pending charges he participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection in Washington, D.C.
Frank Dahlquist, 45, was charged Jan. 11 with felony offenses of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers. He was arrested Jan. 10 by FBI agents.
He appeared Tuesday in front of U.S. District Court Judge John Johnston in Great Falls.
Johnston ordered during the 11-minute hearing that Dahlquist be released after processing. He is expected to appear remotely Thursday in front of a District of Columbia U.S. District Court judge.
He also faces several misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, a U.S. Department of Justice news release states.
Dahlquist is under home detention and not allowed to consume alcohol or narcotics, possess a firearm and submit to testing for a prohibited substance. He must submit to supervision by the U.S. Probation office. He is restricted to his residence with conditions.
The FBI asserts media footage from Jan. 6, 2021, shows Dahlquist "spraying an orange-colored chemical agent directly into the face of a police officer. Following this attack, the officer was required to seek medical attention. Dahlquist was then captured on body-worn camera footage spraying a chemical agent toward the face of a Metropolitan Police Department officer. This officer was also required to seek medical attention."
Dahlquist also allegedly entered the Capitol, where he walked around recording his progress with his cellphone camera for about 20 minutes before returning outside where he "continued to engage with law enforcement," for about another hour.
Marc Boutilier, board chair of West Valley Fire Rescue, said Dahlquist submitted his resignation Wednesday morning.
He said service to those residents protected by West Valley Fire Rescue will not be interrupted and that the volunteer department would continue to concentrate on providing high-quality service.
Dahlquist was sworn in November 2022 as the new fire chief of West Valley Fire Rescue, replacing Jerry Shepherd, who retired. He and his family moved to Helena from Monroe, Washington, West Valley officials said.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Actor Pierce Brosnan has pleaded not guilty to a charge of walking off a trail at Mammoth Terraces in Yellowstone National Park on Nov. 1.
Brosnan's attorneys entered the plea on his behalf on Jan. 4. In the filing, the attorneys asked that Brosnan's upcoming hearing set for Jan. 23 at the court at Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, be cancelled. Instead, they requested a conference with the prosecuting attorney to discuss the case.
Livingston attorneys Karl Knuchel and Webster Crist are representing the 70-year-old actor. Brosnan was filming a western in nearby Paradise Valley at the time of the citation. His visit to the park was not related to the film, the Associated Press reported.
Numerous signs as well as park handouts stress the danger of walking off boardwalks in Yellowstone's thermal areas, some of them written in several languages. Scalding hot pools, geysers and the fragile areas around them are protected by the boardwalks.
Brosnan starred in four James Bond films as well as the 1980s television series "Remington Steele."
This is the second installment of our Hidden Gems series, highlighting restaurants that are creating delicious dishes, but you might not know about them. These five spots should be on your visit list in 2024.
La Bodega
Walking up to La Bodega Latin Kitchen (104 N. 18th St.) in Shockoe Bottom, you feel like youre approaching a diner in New York or South Beach with neon lighting and vibrant bright colors beckoning you. Grab a table next to the old pay phone covered in stickers and take in the eclectic decor and the tiny flat top turning out New York-style Latin food. It almost feels like youve left Richmond.
Breakfast is served all day, and the cafe con leche is a favorite, also served to-go. Whatever time you stop in, start your meal with the Queso Frito. Crispy fried white cheese is served atop soft grilled white bread and drizzled with honey for a sweet-savory palate primer. The rest of the menu combines Puerto Rican, Dominican, Columbian and other cuisines with options ranging from churro French toast to chicharron mofongo.
2M Mediterranean Market
With 2M Mediterranean Market (7103 Staples Mill Road), I am divulging my favorite last-minute party food destination.
Tucked in a random strip mall at Glenside and Staples Mill, this tiny trove of Mediterranean, Greek and Lebanese cuisine is packed with flavorful finds.
The creamy hummus, fresh tabouli, stuffed grape leaves and house-made pita chips are perfect for picking up and plating immediately. 2M also has a small dine-in area and a menu of gyro, schwarma, falafel, meat and spinach pies and more, also all freshly made for a casual and satisfying lunch or dinner.
There is also a grocery with Mediterranean items.
Fest
If you are a fan of beer or sausage and who isnt? Fest (7044 Woodlake Commons Loop) is worth the 25-minute-ish drive from Richmond city center to Midlothian.
Choose from seven different artisan sausages, spanning the duck-and-bacon-based The Hunter, topped with beet chutney, goat cheese and honey-dijon vinaigrette, to The Herta Huewar, made with bratwurst, sauteed onions, sauerkraut and house-made spicy curry ketchup.
There are also giant Bavarian soft pretzels, pierogies, schnitzel, craft burgers and fried chicken sandwiches, along with a wide selection of American, German and other European beers and ciders to wash it down.
The big biergarten patio has been outfitted with a fire pit for winter and inside youll find a casual beer hall vibe pile the family in the car for a winter day trip.
Enoteca Sogno
Tucked in the Northside (1223 Bellevue Ave.), Enoteca Sogno has been turning out homemade Italian food in a warm, old-school oasis for over 15 years. You want a reservation? Call. The name literally means dream wine bar, and owner Gary York fulfills it by stocking the restaurant with Italian wines and traveling to Italy annually to keep current with flavors.
Youll find a menu of classic Italian dishes like house-made tagliatelle with pesto, gnocchi bolognese with classic meat ragu or whole branzino roasted with garlic and herbs. Enoteca Sogno is generally only open Wednesday through Saturday and reservations are recommended.
They also offer Pizzeria Sogno Tuesdays where private pizza chef Tyler Northrup turns out pies alongside regular appetizers, desserts and wine. To find out about the pizza nights, which happen about every other week, follow @tylerspizzarva on Instagram or call the restaurant to get added to the email list.
Devils Lettuce
Still think vegan cuisine means not filling, bland or rabbit food?
Devils Lettuce (4028 Cox Road) will change your mind. Take the Devils Dip ($15), for example. Braised jackfruit is piled onto grilled Italian bread with sweet caramelized onions, zesty horseradish sauce and smokey provolone cheese, and its served with a side of au jus for dipping. Does it taste exactly like a cheesesteak? No, but its packed with flavor and very filling.
Other menu options include a po girl wrap with fried hearts of palm, an I Would Do Anything For Loaf Beyond Meat meatloaf platter, fishless chips, and many iterations of beer-battered vegan nuggets.
The restaurant is a quick-serve setup with catchy branding, bright colors and a few dine-in tables that shares an entrance with Hurleys Tavern. Also check out Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m., where you find choices like vegan chicken waffles, pancakes and a brunchrap Taco-Bell-style crunchwrap.
5 hidden gem restaurants in Richmond
Cy-Fair High School is seen, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Cypress. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Cy-Fair High School is seen, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Cypress. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer
Trustees at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District will be voting on their District of Innovation plan at Thursdays board meeting. If the motion passes, Cy-Fair will become the last district in the Houston area to adopt a DOI plan, after Houston ISDs board voted to approve its in December.
Cy-Fair will join a majority of Texas school districts who have sought to become Districts of Innovation, a designation which was created in 2015 to allow for some district flexibility regarding education-related state laws, such as class sizes and educator contracts, if they have a passing accountability rating from the Texas Education Agency.
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While DOI was created to help school districts be more flexible, districts have sought the designation largely to circumvent two specific regulations: school start date and teacher certification.
More than 94% of 1,018 traditional school districts in Texas are exempted from following a law requiring them to start the school year on the fourth Monday in August. About 91% are exempted from a law requiring all teachers and administrators to be certified.
Cy-Fair is only seeking four exemptions in their District of Innovation plan, which was created by the District of Innovation Committee during three meetings in October and November, but all pertain to the two most common exemptions for DOI plans. A public hearing regarding the plan was held on Dec. 14, a mandatory last step before the boards upcoming vote. Here are the proposed exemptions at Cy-Fair ISD.
First day of school
Cy-Fair is hoping to be exempted from a Texas Education Code that mandates that districts start on the fourth Monday in August. The district is hoping to have discussions about a start date earlier than that, to allow for more flexibility in the districts calendar, but what date that will be has not yet been decided.
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Teacher certification
Career and Technical Education teachers
Cy-Fair ISD is looking to certify teachers for non-core subjects that fall under the realm of Career and Technical Education classes. Presently, when the district cannot find a teacher for a class with appropriate certification, they have to submit a request to the Board for a local School District Teaching Permit, with submission to TEA, according to Texas Education Code. This exemption would allow the district to certify their CTE teachers in house and allow for the district to fill vacancies outside of core subjects more efficiently.
Certified teacher allowed to teach outside their certification
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Due to teacher vacancies, Cy-Fair is looking to be able to assign permits to Texas-certified teachers who need to teach classes outside their grade or subject band, but only in middle school and elementary school. The district pledges to mentor teachers who receive these permits and provide additional professional development to streamline the process for educators and students, according to their DOI plan.
Expedite hiring out-of-state certified teachers
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Now you can pick up Natalies Taste of Lebanon hummus at Good Foods Grocery in Stony Point Shopping Center at 3062 Stony Point Road.
Good Foods Grocery is under new ownership with Commonwealth Autism which plans to launch a workforce training program for autistic adults at the Stony Point store, which aligns with Natalies Taste of Lebanon mission, where the restaurant provides food service training for people with disabilities.
People tell us we have the best hummus, the best garlic sauce in Richmond, co-owner Michael Parker said. We thought it would be a great opportunity for us to get our product on the shelves of a like-minded organization.
The 8-ounce jars retail for $9 and feature fresh, locally made hummus by Natalies executive chef Alex Vazquez.
Natalies will soon also start merchandising its muhammara and garlic sauce (toum) in the weeks ahead.
Building upon the success of its pop-up dinners from executive chef Vazquez and visiting chefs like Brennan Griffiths Nam Prik Pao, Natalies is also launching Voyage by Natalies, a branded series of pop-up dinners held in the Natalies space at 2825 Hathaway Road.
In the past, Vazquez has hosted special dinners focusing on cuisine from Puerto Rico, Tunisia and more.
The next Voyages dinner will be a vegan wine dinner with a seven course tasting menu from executive chef Vazquez on Jan. 22.
Lammar Maries Gourmet Popcorn adds gourmet chocolates
Lammar Maries Gourmet Popcorn is adding gourmet chocolates and fudges to its shop from The Royal Chocolate.
Were really excited about bringing more Virginia-made goods to our foodie community, owner Rialand Lammar said. Were especially pumped to have some of the only Virginia-made fudge available in the area.
Lammar Maries is currently expanding its offerings after purchasing the Virginia Beach-located shop The Royal Chocolate, which is known for its chocolates, truffles and gourmet apples.
The brand is also available now in GiftedRVA boxes, signature gift boxes packed with Richmond-made items, which Lammar Marie also purchased.
The popcorn shop is celebrating six years in business with a birthday party this Saturday from 1-4 p.m. During the event, guests can explore new offerings including chocolate covered apples and roasted candied pecans and cashews. Guests can also enjoy wine tastings and create their own popcorn mix.
Lammar Maries is a Black, veteran, locally owned shop that offers one-of-a-kind popcorn flavors such as chocolate peppermint snow, loaded baked potato and snickerdoodle. It is located at 3047 Lauderdale Drive in Henrico.
Conejo & Sincero brunch
Two foodie favorite restaurants will start serving brunch.
Starting Saturday, Jan. 27, Mexican restaurant Conejo will start serving brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
New brunch menu includes in-house made Concha bread, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles and breakfast tacos. Conejo will also introduce new brunch cocktails such as the Bloody Maria with Lunazul blanco tequila, Valentina, Maggi seasoning and fresh lime juice.
Conejo is located at 5820 Patterson Ave, Suite 103.
Sincero, named one of the Richmond Times-Dispatchs all-star dining spots, is now offering Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brunch items will include breakfast tacos, chilaquiles, Micheladas and more. Sincero is located at 404 N. 2nd St. in Jackson Ward.
The report released today by Richmond Public Schools contains a number of previously unknown details about Huguenot High Schools 2023 graduation shooting. The report was conducted by Sands Anderson, a Richmond-based law firm.
Two were killed and five others wounded in a shootout outside the Altria Theater. Shawn Jackson, an 18-year-old Huguenot High School graduate, was killed shortly after receiving his diploma. His stepfather, Renzo Smith, was also killed.
A year before the shooting, officials knew of safety risks
Jacksons school counselor, Monique Harris, traded emails with Jacksons mother, Tameeka Smith more than a year prior to graduation. She said she feared for her sons safety.
Harris told Sands Anderson lawyers that Jackson was associated with another student that was involved in a crime. That information was shared with Huguenot High Schools Principal Robert Gilstrap, who no longer works for the school district.
While the graduation ceremony had security staff, including only five off-duty officers of the Richmond Police Department, none were made aware that Jackson would be attending the ceremony and that he presented a security threat, the report states.
Harris told Jacksons mother that she would just squeeze him in at the graduation if she felt his attending graduation rehearsals would be too dangerous. On the day of the graduation, Jackson came in late and jumped in the line, the schools assistant principal, Kevin Monroe, said.
Another employee saw him being shepherded in by a man later identified as Gilstrap.
Family were in hiding
The report quotes Harris sharing details about why Jackson was placed on Homebound instruction a remote learning option within RPS.
Harris received an email from Jacksons mother, that the family are still homeless from our home being shot up, by students in Huguenot.
Jackson-Smith wrote to Harris that her son had been in a classroom with people who literally tried to kill him, when the school required him to attend in-person for a Standards of Learning reading exam on Feb. 2, 2023.
The suspect accused of Jacksons killing, Amari Ty-Jon Pollard, was not a Huguenot High School student.
To accommodate his mothers concerns, Jackson switched to Homebound. The virtual schooling allowed him to continue his classes while requiring his principals permission to attend school-sponsored events.
Jackson was not granted permission to attend graduation
Despite the programs rules, Jackson walked on graduation day without authorization from the HHS Principal, Robert Gilstrap, the report states.
That finding contradicts an earlier investigation of the shooting published in July.
In that July report, overseen by RPS School Superintendent Jason Kamras, approval for Jackson to attend graduation was said to have been coordinated by his counselor, Monique Harris.
Sands Anderson interviewed Harris, however, who said she did no such thing. Harris declined a follow-up interview where lawyers sought to square the two different accounts.
Ultimately, no conclusion was drawn, with Sands Anderson finding they could not confirm findings in Kamras earlier report.
While it was stated in the RPS Monroe Park Shooting Report dated July 20, 2023, that Ms. Monique Harris acted as the Principals designee to authorize the Students participation in graduation, Ms. Harris repeatedly and explicitly advised that she did not engage in any discussions with Mr. Gilstrap or other leadership about this issue, the report said.
For months, the July report has been the only explanatory document released by the School Board, and even its release to the public was hard-fought by administrators who initially declined it under public records requests.
Was there enough security staff at the event?
A crowd of several thousand poured out onto Monroe Park as the ceremony wrapped around 4 p.m. The Altria Theater had hired five armed off-duty RPD officers, who were not interviewed for the report.
The report also said, the only security or emergency response presence outside the venue was an off-duty RPD staff of 5, and an off-duty Fire/EMS staff of 3. That amounted to a ratio of 1 security personnel for each 780 expected persons exiting toward the park, and a ratio of 1 Fire/EMS personnel for each 1,300 persons exiting.
A RPS spokesperson said there were also 22 unarmed Care and Safety Officers and supervisors during the graduation inside the theater.
Sands Anderson also wrote that it was RPS personnel who responded proactively to the shooting, not the off-duty officers.
One unidentified School Board member shielded an injured victim, while a Huguenot High School counselor initiated CPR on one of the deceased, the report states.
All persons interviewed for this review reported that the immediate emergency response fell to RPS Care and Safety Associates, teachers, administrators, and dignitaries, the report states.
Colleagues describe principal in charge as checked out
Then-Principal Gilstrap was described as a principal who didnt provide leadership and direction to building staff, the report states. One colleague said he took a laissez-faire approach and was not fully present in the role.
Gilstraps leadership was raised to Chief Academic Officer Solomon Jefferson. Jefferson told Sands Anderson that crises at another high school had taken priority around April 2023.
Gilstrap was seen escorting Jackson into the graduation after his late arrival. Its not clear whether the two were screened by metal detectors.
Gilstrap did not cooperate with investigators who sought to interview him.
Unclear whether metal detector checked graduates
Two school board members and one administrator didnt remember seeing a metal detector at the theaters back entrance. Other school staff did remember metal detectors and one event contractor manning the entrance. The ingress was used by over 300 graduates to enter the theater. Its unclear whether late students trickling into the event were screened and how.
Other school employees said there were metal detectors, but that they were faulty. Huguenot Assistant Principal Kevin Monroe walked through it carrying phone, watch and belt, remarking that he was surprised he didnt set the detectors off.
School couldnt get access to camera footage of the entry point because Altria did not cooperate with Sands Anderson.
Altria Theater and security staff refused to cooperate
The work of Sands Anderson lawyers said their work was hindered by the theater and the event staffing company, RMC Events.
Neither would offer interviews to Sands Andersons lawyers, who could not compel anyone to share their account of the days events without subpoena power. The theater did not allow Sands Andersons lead lawyer on the case, Pamela OBerry, to enter the Altria Theater for a walkthrough of the premises.
The Altria Theater did not immediately return a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon. RMC events did not return calls seeking comment, either.
Homebound policies were unclear to RPS personnel
Homebound policies required special permission for Homebound students like Jackson to attend school-sponsored events.
RPS staff told interviewers that those policies were not online prior to the shooting.
In January 2022, in the first days of Gov. Glenn Youngkins term, he gathered college leaders at the Capitol to announce a plan to open laboratory schools across the state.
Two years later, the states first lab school has opened quietly at Virginia Commonwealth University. Instead of creating a new school, leaders repositioned one that already existed a regional high school in Richmond focused on computer science called CodeRVA. The state approved the lab school in July, and the partnership began in October.
On Wednesday, Youngkin gathered with education leaders and CodeRVA students at VCU to celebrate the lab school, called VCU x CodeRVA.
What you represent is what we all know Virginia needs, Youngkin told the students. And that is true believers in the future of technology and how it can be advanced and explored and applied.
Similar to charter schools, lab schools are K-12 public schools with the independence to set their own curriculum and budget. They dont charge tuition and are open to the public, and each is aligned with a college or university.
Lab schools are another option for parents who dont want to send their student to a struggling school system, Youngkin has said. Plus, universities get first-hand experience learning the best ways to educate students, which they can then teach.
Democrats have criticized efforts to create lab schools or charter schools, saying students with financial means are often the most likely to benefit. But Youngkin said Wednesday the schools will break down barriers and open up pathways that previously required getting through gates.
In this case, theres no gate, he said.
The name, VCU x CodeRVA, is pronounced VCU by CodeRVA.
Under the partnership, CodeRVA students have traveled to various locations on VCUs campus to interact with students and faculty. At the da Vinci center, VCUs innovation hub, VCU graduate students gave feedback on apps and websites designed by the high school students. Juniors and seniors at CodeRVA can take classes in web design and game design.
At the same time, education students at VCU are trained by CodeRVAs teachers.
CodeRVA has almost 400 students from 15 localities in greater Richmond. There are no academic requirements to attend, and seats are offered through a lottery. The school rents space at the Michael & Son building in Scotts Addition but intends to move.
Two education students at VCUs teacher residency program have joined the lab school and visit CodeRVA twice a week. VCU intends to increase that number, said Kim McKnight, director of VCUs Center for Teacher Leadership.
Each year, about 60 students join VCUs teacher residency program, in which the university covers the cost of the students education, and the student commits to working at least three years in a hard-to-staff school district. The student receives mentoring during college and after graduation.
The retention rate has been awesome, VCU president Michael Rao said. A significant number of graduates have stayed at their schools beyond their three-year commitment. One graduate, Graham Sturm, got a job teaching history at Armstrong High School and has stayed 13 years.
Though lab schools have received public funding to pay initial costs, they are expected to be financially self-sufficient. The state designated $100 million for startup grants, and once schools are approved, they can receive up to $1 million to pay for one-time costs. CodeRVA is funded by the 15 school divisions that send students.
How the lab school will be funded in the long run, VCU and CodeRVA havent determined yet, McKnight said.
The board approved two more lab schools in November Germanna Community Colleges Future Educators Academy and University of Mary Washingtons Academy of Technology and Innovation.
Today in history: Jan. 17 1944: Monte Cassino 1955: USS Nautilus 1961: Dwight D. Eisenhower 1966: Simon & Garfunkel 1994: Northridge Earthquake 1995: Earthquake 2017: Chelsea Manning 2022: Sergey Lavrov
The historic Varina property that was once home to John Rolfe and Matoaka, better known as Pocahontas, served as the birthplace of Henrico County with a heavy hand in the origins of Virginias tobacco industry.
Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Tyrone Nelson called it one of the most important days in the countys history as Henrico officials announced the $17.25 million purchase of the 2,095-acre Varina Farms property, touching the James River. The purchase is the countys largest-ever investment in land preservation.
Varina Farms, also known as Varina Plantation and Varina on the James, includes a two-story, Classical Revival-style home built in 1853. The exterior still shows holes from cannon balls and bullets, damage that was inflicted during the Civil War. The surrounding fields remain largely untouched since Rolfe discovered the soil and climate were well-suited for growing tobacco.
County leaders said the objective of this purchase is the preservation of historic, cultural and natural resources on the property.
Todays announcement has a lot to do with our history but, in a way, its really about securing our future, Nelson said. A future that we hope reflects our values, our priorities and our aspirations.
The investment is similar to another Henrico made in the area. In 2019, the county purchased the nearby historic Wilton Farm property for $10 million with potential for economic development, a 28-mile riverside park or a museum.
Some suggested uses at Varina Farms included restoring the house to its historic state for interpretation or opening up the land to tourists. The parcel also has an abundance of natural beauty along the river and wooded areas that have the potential for outdoor recreation and educational programming.
Nelson stressed that the county will undergo significant community engagement before deciding how to shape the land for the public.
Varina Farms ranks among Virginias most historic plantations, according to the Department of Historic Resources. It was first used by English fishermen in the 1570s. Rolfe starting growing his successful tobacco crop at Varina Farms shortly after his arrival at Jamestown. Rolfes marriage to Pocahontas in 1614 was sanctioned by colonial governor Sir Thomas Dale and Chief Powhatan, serving to improve relations between colonists and Native Americans.
Varina Farms was the first seat of Henrico government and was active from 1632 to 1752.
Owners of the property included Thomas Mann Randolph, who served as Virginias governor from 1819 to 1822 and married Thomas Jeffersons daughter Martha. During the Civil War, it served as an eastern depot for the exchange of war prisoners and was the site of fighting in 1864 during Gen. Benjamin Butlers advance toward Richmond.
In 2009, the Henrico Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt the 2026 Comprehensive Plan, which said the Varina Farms land would remain a farm. The Stoneman family had sought to have the land rezoned as suburban mixed use. Many residents in eastern Henrico voice opposition, which led to the board decision.
Henrico purchased Varina Farms from the Stoneman family, which has owned it for over a century.
Wilmer Stoneman said it was an emotional day for his family.
His grandfather welcomed innovative farming techniques while his family actively managed the wooded areas to be sustainable forest. His mother also opened up the home for annual Christmas Mother luncheons. He said he hopes those traditions are able to continue.
We are very proud of our connection to this property, Stoneman said. Blood was shed here to repair a broken nation. ... This is a historical moment in this county and a historical moment for our family. Were turning the page, but I think its a good page.
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The night before he died of fentanyl poisoning, PJ Lynch of Stafford County told his mom as they were driving back from a doctors appointment, that hed never felt more hopeful, she remembered Wednesday, after a long day at the General Assembly.
He was looking forward to starting college the next month and to heading to an open mic event with his new girlfriend. When they got back home that night, the two of them went upstairs to watch a movie.
I was cooking bacon the next morning; usually hes 19 hes the first one in the kitchen, but he wasnt that day, Jennifer Johnson recalls. I needed his key to move his car, it was blocking mine when I pushed open the door to his room, the first one I saw was her. Then him. The TV was still on. I just screamed.
Later, looking at her sons phone, she found the text messages. A back and forth with someone hed met at the open mic. The last line: Thanks for the perc, it read, referring to Percocet, a painkiller. Lynch died after taking a pill that contained fentanyl.
State Sen. Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, thinks it is time to hold dealers like that accountable when illegal drugs they sell or give to someone causes a death.
He asked Johnson to share PJs story, hoping to convince a skeptical Senate Courts of Justice committee that in such fatal overdoses prosecutors should be able to bring charges of felony homicide basically, accidently causing death while engaged in a crime which is considered 2nd degree murder in Virginia, subject to a prison term of 5 to 40 years.
The committee, as it did last year, said no, on an 8-7 vote.
The bill is a priority for Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who was visibly infuriated with the committee that rejected the idea last year. He highlighted the measure as a priority in his state of the state speech.
Shawn Weneta, speaking for the American Civil Liberties Union, and Rob Poggenklass, executive director of Justice Forward Virginia, argued that penalties for distribution of narcotic schedule 1 and schedule 2 drugs that McDougles bill targeted could be just as stiff.
The Code of Virginia says the penalty for distribution of a schedule I or 2 drug is a 5- to 40-year prison term.
But Nathan Green, commonwealths attorney for Williamsburg and James City County, says the point system judges use to determine sentences means the 5- to 40-year term for felony murder is different than the 5- to 40-year term for homicide.
For distribution, you start with 12 points, and thats a year. For second-degree murder, the start is 105 points, thats 17 years, he said. Other factors, such as previous convictions, are also included in sentencing calculations.
Deterrence works, said state Sen. Bill Stanley, R-Franklin, arguing for McDougles measure.
But state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, said Virginia needs to focus more on treatment of substance abuse.
Committee chair Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said he was concerned that McDougles bill would give prosecutors too much power to pile on criminal charges in order to negotiate plea deals. Surovell said the state needs to focus more on arresting dealers and prosecuting them under the laws that already exist.
But that did not make sense to Faythe Silveira and Debra Frisk, who traveled down to Richmond from their Shenandoah Valley homes to testify in favor of McDougles bill.
The same person gave fentanyl-laced pills to Silveira niece, Paula Moreira in 2021 and a year later, to Frisks son, Keen Harper Frisk.
I found him in his room; hed almost made it to his bed when he collapsed, Debra Frisk said. His face was buried in the mattress, his arm was all twisted up behind his back ... when I reached for him, his face was all marbled, purple and black, she said.
Keen Frisk had been using his moms phone, and when the police handed it back, she remembered, tearing up, how she was lying on his bed, scrolling through and found the series of text messages that allowed her to trace this story:
He was a friend to all the world, she said. And in February 2022, a girlfriend asked him to do a favor for a female friend, who needed a lift to see her probation officer.
That friend of a friend ran him up and down Interstate 81 first to Harrisonburg, then to see an aunt in Waynesboro then to help her move. I found her stuff in the trunk of his car, Frisk said. And the messages ended with a thank you and heres a perc.
Silveira said police found a message on her nieces phone also from the same woman for the sale of Percocet.
They told me they got Mr. Big, the man who supplied the woman. He was sentenced to 5 years. He served 6 months she wasnt ever charged.
Photos: Tranq, the new fentanyl additive worsening Americas opioid epidemic
An innovative program to help small businesses buy health insurance coverage for employees took off Wednesday, with the launch of the Virginia Chamber of Commerces new WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance.
The idea was made possible by bipartisan support for legislation pushed for years by then-state Sen. Monty Mason, D-Williamsburg, and then-Del. Kathy Byron, R-Lynchburg, and finally enacted in 2022. The idea is to create a large pool out of many small groups to get the same kind of cost savings that the states large employers see, said chamber president Barry DuVal.
We want to increase access to health care for more Virginians, DuVal said.
The alliance would offer coverage to enterprises with two to 50 employees, to members of a participating local chamber of commerce, the Virginia Farm Bureau or the trade associations that the state chamber expects will sign on.
Small businesses across the commonwealth struggle with one most important offering, and thats health care benefits for their workers, Gov. Glenn Youngkin told the state chambers annual day at the General Assembly Wednesday, in announcing the new coverage.
And can there be anything more important than the words youre hired? Then when we can add to them, youre hired. And it comes with health care benefits, he said.
The coverage is offered through a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, which assembled a statewide network of providers and will handle claims and customer service.
DuVal said coverage will be equal to or better than coverage currently available through the Affordable Care Act, while creating a large pool of insured people should produce lower costs.
Thats been the experience in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Ohio, which have set up similar programs, DuVal said.
Those savings are possible in large part because the alliance allows a wide spreading or risks, and some is because of savings on administrative costs, said Kenn Penn, the chamber executive who took the lead in the six-month long push to set up the alliance.
The insurance will work much like workers compensation, the coverage that pays claims when people are hurt or die on the job. The overall experience of everyone in the statewide pool will set a baseline rate, and what any one employer pays will be adjusted from that reflecting each firms situation, including employees health, age and general, the number of people enrolled, where the firm is located and the benefits offered.
The alliance has raised the $4 million capital base that state law requires of health insurers.
Thats there so that when people make claims, they can be sure theyll actually be paid, Penn said.
The state Bureau of Insurance earlier this month formally approved the alliances operating plans and financing, clearing the way for it to go to market with local insurance brokers.
Getting there took a six-month push, Penn said.
Theres a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into this, he said.
The alliance is governed by trustees that represent the interest of participating members.
Employers will have to contribute at least 50% of the employee rate for individual benefits in the lowest-cost plan offered by alliance. And like most other small business plans, at least 75% of eligible employees, excluding valid waivers and a minimum of two employees, must be covered under the plan.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, President, Monica Schmude said partnerships like Anthems with the chamber can redefine health, reimagine the health system and strengthen our communities.
Firms in the alliance will also be able to buy separate dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage from Anthem at a discounted rate.
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra said Thursday in Richmond that President Joe Bidens administration is prepared to pull every lever to protect reproductive health care privacy and access following the overturn of federal protections in June 2022.
Becerra visited a Planned Parenthood center in Richmond to participate in a roundtable discussion with reproductive health care advocates, patients and high school students.
Were going to enforce all the privacy rights that folks may have, Becerra said of some of those levers.
He pointed to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which helps protect health care privacy, as well as a nondiscrimination provision in the Affordable Care Act.
The gathering Thursday was part of a series of meetings Biden administration officials are holding with activists, health care workers, students and abortion care patients. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are holding their first joint campaign rally Tuesday in Northern Virginia, and abortion reportedly will be a major focus.
On Thursday, Becerra also said the Biden-Harris administration has brought court cases across the country as in Idaho, where it has challenged a near-total ban on abortion and in Texas where it sought to protect access in lifesaving situations amid Texas restrictions. The U.S. Supreme Court will eventually take up a case that challenges access to mifepristone, a medication used for early-gestation abortions and management of miscarriages.
A federal appeals court recently ruled against the administration in the Texas case. The Supreme Court recently allowed Idaho to enforce its law that bans most abortions.
The justices plan to take up a case on whether Bidens administration can require hospitals in states that ban abortion to perform the procedure when patients lives are at risk.
New abortion curbs are unlikely this year in the General Assembly as Democrats now have a 51-49 edge in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 edge in the state Senate. During last falls legislative campaign, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called for barring most abortions after 15 weeks with exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the pregnant person. Youngkin did not mention the proposal June 10 in his State of the Commonwealth address.
Darcy Jones, an abortion services director with Virginias League of Planned Parenthood, said Thursday that since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had protected abortion access, it has become common to see women from out of state seeking abortions who have driven all night with their children in tow.
She said organizations like hers and others that assist with access to reproductive health care have had to become experts in logistics in helping traveling patients find places to stay or fund their trip.
Advocates expressed concern about the strain on resources to Virginias abortion providers as patients continue to travel from states with deeper restrictions or bans.
Kenda Sutton-El, director of Birth In Color RVA, and Khenia Haro-Perez, state manager of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, said women of color and immigrant communities are among the most affected by less access to abortion and reproductive health care access.
Sutton-El called the Roe ruling that previously protected abortion rights the bottom floor of access that marginalized communities still had to navigate to receive the procedure.
Haro-Perez said the national shifting landscape on abortion care reminds her of the barriers her undocumented mother faced in accessing a range of health care and called the matter personal to her. She added that while Virginias Medicaid expansion in 2018 opened up insurance to more people, there are still people who have gaps in health care access.
Several participants described what they said are barriers that contribute to the desire or need for an abortion or challenges in receiving one. They cited examples ranging from economic strain and inability to afford more children, to health issues, to younger pregnancies and not being ready to become a parent.
Clustered by the corner of the table sat three high school students from Maggie Walker. The adult participants said younger generations will be more affected by the changed national landscape of abortion access and reproductive health care.
Ella Shields and Luna Forlano, both juniors in high school, said they have had to have discussions about where they plan to apply for college. They said they have had to rule out universities in states with strict abortion laws.
I dont want to go to a place where I cant choose over my body because of the laws that have been put in place, Shields said.
Elijah Lee, a sophomore, said he has been thinking about the options his younger sister will eventually have.
Becerra remained largely silent throughout the conversation as he focused on the group around him, often nodding his head to affirm what participants said.
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin says his budget proposal to cut income tax rates and raise the sales tax would help all Virginians, but low-income parents and their advocates say the opposite is true.
In a news conference Thursday organized by advocacy groups, parents of low-income families asserted that they would pay more under Youngkins proposal, while the wealthiest Virginia taxpayers would pay far less.
Unfortunately, our governor did not make a wise decision, said NaQuetta Mitchell, a Prince George County advocate for domestic violence survivors who serves on Youngkins Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism.
Instead, Mitchell and other parents want the General Assembly to approve a state child tax credit of $500 per dependent child of families earning up to $100,000 a year to replace the federal program that expired with the end of COVID-19 emergency relief funds and to expand the refundable portion of the Earned Income Tax Credit from 15% to 20%.
Youngkins tax plan would increase the non-refundable portion of the tax credit which can be used only to offset tax liability from 15% to 20%, but advocates say many low-income families do not pay enough taxes to take full advantage of it.
Increasing the credit puts money in the pockets of families for essentials, said Rachel Deane, CEO of Voices for Virginias Children.
The governor is promoting his proposal to cut income tax rates across all five brackets, but the Commonwealth Institute for Financial Analysis, a left-leaning think tank, says the reductions in the lower- and middle-income brackets would be much less than those in the top bracket. The proposed increase in the sales tax which the governor also wants to apply to digital technology services shifts more taxes to families with less and does very little for those most in need, said Ashley Kenneth, president and CEO of the institute.
The institute estimates the average tax cut for the top 1% of taxpayers at $9,640, while those in the bottom 20% would pay $44 more.
House of Delegates Finance Chair Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, came to a similar conclusion in her analysis of the proposed tax plan, although she supports Youngkins effort to broaden the sales tax by applying it to some services instead of just goods. Watts has introduced legislation that would create a new tax bracket for people earning $600,000 or more, who would be taxed at 7% instead of the current 5.75%, making the tax code more aligned with peoples ability to pay.
Watts legislation, House Bill 887, would also create a child and dependent care tax credit and a family caregiver tax credit for this year to Jan. 1, 2029.
Steve Haner, a senior fellow for state and local tax policy at the conservative Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, acknowledged the Commonwealth Institutes contention that the income tax cut for lower-income families might be wiped out by the higher sales taxes they would pay.
The annoying thing about that is they are probably right, Haner wrote earlier this month.
House Democratic Caucus Chair Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, has introduced House Bill 969 to create the child tax credit for this tax year to Jan. 1, 2029. Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg, is proposing a budget amendment to pay for the cost, estimated from $500 million to $600 million a year. The assembly rejected a similar proposal last year by then-Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, now a congressional representative for the 4th District.
Aird cited the child tax credit in the American Rescue Plan Act, a COVID relief package President Joe Biden signed in 2021, in helping 1.6 million Virginians and achieving what she called a stunning drop in childhood poverty.
Child poverty is a policy decision, she said.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Wednesday that House and Senate finance leaders are working on a bipartisan tax reform package that would include a smaller version of the child care credit.
Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, and Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, have introduced legislation Senate Bill 183 and House Bill 621 to expand the refundable earned income tax credit from 15% to 20%. The current tax credit was part of $4 billion in one-time and ongoing tax cuts approved by the assembly and governor in 2022.
Were talking about lifting up families, lifting up people, Rouse said Thursday.
5 things to know about what's in Virginia's state budget NATURAL RESOURCES TAX RELIEF
To create one iconic Charlottesville business would be an accomplishment, but to build two of them both still welcoming customers after nearly 50 years is a feat bordering on the impossible. But recent retiree Sandy McAdams did it: single-handedly founding Daedalus Books in 1974 and then co-founding C&O restaurant two years later.
"He thought he could do anything," C&O co-founder Philip Stafford told The Daily Progress, "and he pretty much could."
Stafford recalled the day he met McAdams. It was inside Daedalus shortly after McAdams opened the used book store downtown on Fourth Street Northeast with a reputed 100,000 volumes he shipped via railroad boxcar from Long Island to Charlottesville.
"I was actually looking for an Aldous Huxley book on eyesight," said Stafford. "This guy with a ZZ Top beard was sitting behind the desk, and I asked where a book like that might be. I was looking at the shelf, and McAdams walks right up to me and says, 'Well, it's right here,' and he aggressively reached over me and pulled it from the shelf."
The gruff greeting didn't dissuade the ensuing friendship, and the two men quickly realized that they shared a dream of opening a restaurant.
"Two weeks later," said Stafford, "we were business partners."
The early days of C&O have become legendary, but Stafford can separate myth from reality. Like many American cities, downtown Charlottesville was then struggling, and Stafford said they got a deal on the building on Water Street, which had operated since the late 1950s as a diner. A recent owner had struggled to pay the taxes, Stafford said, so they were able to buy the place in 1975 with a $5,000 down payment toward a total purchase price of $20,000.
"We got the building and did amateur carpentry for a year," said Stafford. "He would read a book on carpentry from the bookshop and figure out how to do it."
At the time of the purchase, the Chesapeake & Ohio train station across the street was still serving passengers, and an adjacent tract, where a concrete coal tower survives, was still a working rail yard. Stafford credits McAdams with seeing promise in a changing downtown.
"Sandy McAdams is really the creation story," Stafford said. "I was just like a puppy dog next to him."
In that era, upscale French restaurants were typically outfitted with chrome, glass and brass. C&O, by contrast, was adorned in bare bricks, rough wood paneling and simple beadboard, the discards of three recently demolished buildings, including a house off West Main Street and an Ivy-area horse barn. Practically the only things saved from the diner were a jukebox and the plastic Pepsi-branded C&O sign out front.
By the time the restaurant opened in 1976, the adjacent Downtown Mall had just had its ribbon-cutting, and the town was buzzing. Before long, Craig Claiborne, the celebrated food writer for the New York Times, came to Charlottesville to visit the University of Virginia's Alderman Library and eat with novelist Peter Taylor. Taylor took Claiborne to C&O.
"The dishes we dined on were few but excellent," Claiborne wrote.
The words pinned Charlottesville to America's culinary map.
Even when celebrity reviewers weren't in town, Stafford said that his book-minded buddy continued to drive customers.
"He was there at the desk of Daedalus, so he would encourage people to come down," said Stafford. "He was really the face of the restaurant."
If the restaurant grabbed the national headlines, the bookstore drew some nationally acclaimed writers. One was Rita Mae Brown, who said she first became friends with McAdams when the two were literature students at New York University.
"When I got here," Brown told The Daily Progress, "I discovered that Sandy was doing what he loved. What could be better?"
Arriving in Central Virginia in the early 1980s on the heels of her successful semi-autobiographical coming-of-age novel "Rubyfruit Jungle," Brown is credited with cementing Central Virginia's literary scene. But she said much credit is due to McAdams, who also ran an alternative newspaper called the Times of Charlottesville with some friends for a year or two in the late 1970s.
"We're lucky," Brown said. "He's raised the tone of the community."
After he and Stafford sold C&O in 1984, McAdams focused his efforts on books and writing. In the early 1990s, he served on the board of Live Arts, a nonprofit theater company, and twice he wrote and staged "three and a half" one-act plays at the venue.
In 1999, the Washington Post dubbed Daedalus the best used-book store south of the Strand in Greenwich Village." The next year, McAdams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
When the neurological disorder confined him to a wheelchair 16 years ago, he had to curtail his time at his bookshop. A group of about a half-dozen friends, including Stafford, volunteered to take turns manning the front desk.
"They're still here all the time," Jackson Landers, the new owner of Daedalus who took over in November, told the Daily Progress. "There was a crowd who hung out at the C&O largely because of Sandy. Those people are in their 70s and 80s now, and Daedalus is their living room."
Landers marvels at McAdams' impact.
"Probably five or six times a day people come in and ask for Sandy. How is Sandy? Where is Sandy? Can I say hi to him?" said Landers. "It's got to be like thousands and thousands of people that he has touched."
For McAdams, he said he was just happy to find his dream job.
"There's no business that I would be happier in than used books," he told The Daily Progress.
The 81-year-old in the motorized wheelchair said he put off retiring as long as he could.
"I thought it would be horrible, but it's OK," said McAdams. "I've been very lucky with my friends and my darling."
McAdams now spends his days with his wife, Donna, at their home on the western outskirts of Charlottesville. Yet his presence looms over Daedalus.
"It's been 50 years of him making these impacts on people," said Landers. "Joe Strummer from the Clash said you're nobody without friends, and boy is Sandy McAdams someone."
New method being used to locate missing persons
Riviera Maya, Q.R. State authorities have begun using a probe to detect methane gas in an attempt to find missing persons. Investigative police in Cancun began to use the probe for the first time in late December.
According to Maria Patron Pat, President of group Searching Mothers, the special equipment is being used to detect the methane gas emitted by bodies in a state of decomposition.
It was used for the first time by the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE) in the search for missing people in cenotes and caves in the continental area of Isla Mujeres.
The search was carried out in an area of weeds located in the continental area of Isla Mujeres in an attempt to find missing people. The probe was introduced into spaces between rocks to detect the possible presence of methane gas that would reflect the presence of a body in a state of decomposition.
In 2023, state authorities began regular searches in various municipalities in an attempt to locate the hundreds of people listed as missing in the state of Quintana Roo.
China, Australia practical cooperation achieves fruitful results: ambassador
Xinhua) 10:32, January 18, 2024
CANBERRA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian on Wednesday said 2023 was a year of "exchange, dialogue and improvement" for China-Australia relations, in which dialogue and cooperation across the board have been resumed and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results.
In his remarks at the New Year reception of Chinese and Australian media held in the Chinese embassy in Canberra, Xiao said two-way trade hit a historic high and investment cooperation has made positive progress. According to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, total trade in goods between the two countries was 281.263 billion Australian dollars (some 184.86 billion U.S. dollars) from January to November in 2023, an increase of 8.52 percent year-on-year.
Xiao said the two sides have properly addressed each other's legitimate trade concerns on the basis of mutual respect. Australian coal, logs, barley, hay and other products have returned to the Chinese market, and Australia has granted the commercial lease of the Port of Darwin to a Chinese-owned private company again. The two countries have reached a principled consensus on properly resolving trade disputes over Australian wine exports to China.
The momentum of cultural and people-to-people exchanges is improving, Xiao noted, adding that China remains Australia's largest source of overseas students. In the first three quarters of 2023, more than 380,000 Chinese tourists visited Australia.
"As 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the development of China-Australia relations faces important opportunities," the Chinese ambassador said, hoping that both sides will work together to promote the continuous development of bilateral ties.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Harris County Department of Education Board Trustee Eric Dick listens during a meeting Wedneday, Jan. 17, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Harris County Department of Education Board Trustee Eric Dick listens during a meeting Wedneday, Jan. 17, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer
Hawaii officials are investigating Harris County Department of Education trustee Eric Dick for illegally soliciting legal clients after the wildfires in Maui last year that killed at least 100 people, according to news reports.
Meanwhile, the Houston insurance lawyer running for reelection on the education board also owes $40,000 in campaign ethics fines racked up during unsuccessful bids for other local offices.
Dick said he will cooperate fully with Hawaii authorities over what he characterized as a misunderstanding.
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"This incident was due to a misinterpretation of requirements, and we have taken steps to ensure future clarity," said Dick, who has served on the HCDE board for five years. Both he and his wife are running for seats in the March 5 Republican primary.
The Hawaii Office of Disciplinary Counsel launched an investigation into attorneys illegally attempting to practice law in Maui with out-of-state licenses after the wildfires. Dick reportedly sent flyers reading you may be entitled to money. The back of the flyer included a contract and instructions to return it to Dicks law firm, HawaiiNewsNow reported.
"Unfortunately, fast-moving disasters tempt opportunistic actors to prey on people when they are most vulnerable, so watch out for and report potential legal fraud," according to a news release from the ODC. "You may be contacted by attorneys who want to represent you; but please make sure that any lawyer you hire is a qualified Hawaii licensed attorney."
The wildfires tore through the island in August, killing at least 115 people and destroying more than 2,000 homes and businesses. Officials estimate the wildfires caused upwards of $6 billion in property damage.
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Hawaii Office of Disciplinary Counsel Chief Disciplinary Counsel Bradley Tamm said that he could not confirm or deny any pending investigations due to confidentiality.
Dick, who is running unopposed, has also yet to pay $40,000 in campaign ethics fines issued by the Texas Ethics Commission during his unsuccessful bids for an at-large seat on Houstons City Council in 2019 and for Harris County treasurer in 2022. He had served on the HCDE board until December 2022 and then was appointed to the board again in January 2023 after his unsuccessful campaign for treasurer.
Dick said he is challenging the fines, which he called indicative of a systemic issue within the TEC. More than $1.5 million in fines are due to the TEC and have been sent to the Attorney General for collection, according to state records.
"The widespread non-enforcement of these fines is symptomatic of a failure in TEC's ethical conduct," he said, adding that he would like to contribute to a broader effort to ensure fairness and transparency in our political system" by collaborating with oversight groups to try for an independent audit and policy reform.
When Dick ran for City Council in 2019, the commission found that he paid for mailers from the Harris County Black Democratic News, featuring photos of prominent Black politicians on the front, including former President Barack Obama, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, state Rep. Senfronia Thompson, state Sen. Borris Miles, and Mayor Sylvester Turner. The back of the mailers included endorsements of candidates, including Dick.
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Miles and Thomas denounced the mailers at the time, saying they had no affiliation with the group. The mailers also lacked a disclosure saying who paid for them, as required by state law.
Dick wrote a blog post on his law firms website in October 2022 openly musing, Is the Texas Ethics Commission racist? In the post, he wrote that he represented the leader of the Harris County Black Democratic News, Phillip Bryant, as an attorney, thereby was acting on behalf of his client. Dick claimed the TEC ignored evidence from Bryant due to his race.
But the commission stated that they found no presented evidence that demonstrates the consent from Phillip Bryant, for the respondent to act on his behalf, or on behalf of HCDN/HCBDN in this instance.
The commission also fined Bryant $6,000 for his role in the mailer creation. Bryant was allegedly spending money on behalf of the Harris County Black Democratic News without a campaign treasurer, a violation of Texas Election Code. According to the sworn complaint, Bryant did not appear at the hearing.
During Dicks run for Harris County treasurer, he failed to report two $25,000 payments to the Conservative Republicans of Texas and the Conservative Republicans of Harris County. There was also a discrepancy of over $100,000 in his pre-election filings, according to the TECs signed resolution from Sept. 29.
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The TEC found Dick acted in bad faith after not responding to its complaint letter for eight months. According to the resolution, the additional $10,000 fine took into account that Dick had not paid his $30,000 fine, so the TEC sought to deter future violations with the additional fine.
Harris County resident and retired NASA software engineer John Cobarruvias initially filed the complaints against Dick after the 2019 and 2022 violations. He has filed over 60 ethics complaints in the last 15 or so years, he said. Cobarruvias filed complaints against Dick because he felt the candidate was trying to "deceive voters by conspiring to hide the true source of the mailers," he wrote in an email. "It was just so dishonest. I never expected a historic fine of $30,000."
Cobarruvias said he is frustrated that fines adding up for a HCDE board member has not resulted in any action from the board, he said, creating larger implications for ethical behavior of elected and appointed officials in the county.
"What is the HCDE board telling our kids by ignoring this obvious unethical and illegal behavior? he wrote. "They are willing to tolerate lying to the ethics commission, refusing to follow the law, and refusing to pay the fines.
Despite the fines, the TEC can't prevent Dick from being on the ballot or from sitting in a board seat, said Brandon Rottinghaus, political science professor at the University of Houston. The way the TEC is set up, it doesn't have the "teeth" to take action in that way.
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"None of these violations are major transgressions. That's why they're punished by fines, but at the same time, we can ask for and should demand better accountability in government. That's what these ethics laws are put into place for," Rottinghaus said.
The Harris County Department of Education did not respond to requests for comment on whether action will be taken to address Dick's ethics violations.
The county department of education is a public entity that educates about 30,000 students at alternative campuses, works with area public school districts and aims to meet the needs of uniquely challenged learners and school staff.
The elected Board of Trustees is the primary decision-making body of the HCDE, in partnership with the county superintendent. The board generally votes on issues such as funding, tax rates, new construction projects and educational programming.
Dicks wife, Danielle, is also running for a seat on the board in the Republican primary, after losing a campaign for an HCDE board seat in 2022 to Andrea Duhon, current president of the board. Dick is a client services and marketing manager for the Dick Law Firm and also founded the nonprofit Hope for Health Houston which aims to "promote healthcare usage among the poor and underprivileged."
When asked about the couple's candidacy, Dick said they decided to run together because of their passion for bettering the community.
With our combined experiences and perspectives, we aim to enhance the educational landscape of Harris County further, Dick wrote.
There are no laws against spouses running for two seats on the same board, but Rottinghaus said it's rare to see that in local government. Sometimes siblings or cousins serve together in the state Legislature, but given the size of that governing body, there aren't as often close votes, which he said could be an ethical concern with spouses on a seven-person board.
"It could be seen to be a potential ethical challenge if there are some close votes on the board, and where there's real debate about kind of what to do," he said. He described a potential complication as a kind of "personal lobbying arrangement," if the spouses frequently agree on motions.
But Rottinghaus said that could easily be amended with some precautions, like creating internal rules on how to handle potential ethical conflicts if both husband and wife are elected to the board.
Two men who are not United States citizens were arrested last week after Salem police responded to a shots fired call off of North Electric Road.
Police were dispatched at about 11:30 p.m. Jan. 9 to the 100 block of Sheraton Drive, Salem Communications Director Mike Stevens wrote in an email Wednesday.
The 911 call was for possible shots fired, Stevens wrote. The investigation led to two arrests that same evening.
Jose Eleazar Trejo, 24, and Marcelo Trejo, 30, were each charged with reckless handling of a firearm, discharging firearms in city limits, non-citizen possession of firearms and public intoxication, according to an arrest report.
There is no evidence that anyone or anything was shot, Stevens wrote. Apparently, the firearms were discharged into the air.
Stevens said police have not confirmed whether the two men have a familial connection. Both were being held Wednesday at the Western Virginia Regional Jail without bond.
As a convicted felon, Donnie Martin was not allowed to purchase or possess a gun.
But that didnt stop him from obtaining at least 16 handguns from Roanoke gun stores. More than half of the guns were later linked to crimes in other states.
Martin, 43, of Salem, New Jersey, pleaded guilty Tuesday to arranging whats known as straw purchases of guns, in which a prohibited buyer has someone else make the transaction.
Federal prosecutors in Western Virginia are bringing more charges related to straw purchases, which they say is a common way for firearms to fall into the wrong hands. Gun traffickers often pay people with clean records to buy guns for them, which they then sell to third parties.
Martin and his girlfriend recruited four people to make the transactions, which required the straw purchasers to fill out federal paperwork attesting they were not convicted felons and that the guns were for their own use, according to court records.
After driving the individuals to a variety of gun stores in 2019 and 2020, Martin gave them money and waited outside in a parked car. The men and women cooperating informants who were identified only by initials in court documents returned with the guns they had been instructed to buy and were paid with cash, drugs or alcohol, according to a statement of facts signed by Martin.
The purchases were made at Dicks Sporting Goods, Doomsday Tactical Supply, Safeside Tactical and Sportsmans Warehouse.
No charges were placed against the gun stores, as the legal burden rests on buyers to be honest about their intentions.
More than 20 people both the ones who actually bought the guns and the ones who orchestrated the sales have been charged since 2021 in the federal courts Western Virginia district.
U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh said last year that many of the guns acquired through straw purchases wind up being sold through an underground market and then used to commit crimes.
Each one of these straw purchases is an opportunity for us to prevent a violent crime that was going to occur, Kavanaugh said in an interview about his offices renewed emphasis on the cases.
In Martins case, guns he obtained changed hands and were then used in crimes in New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware, according to court records.
At the time of the illegal sales, Martin was dating Jasmine Johnson of Salem, New Jersey, who is a co-defendant in the case. Johnson, 35, has family members in Roanoke and would often visit with Martin.
Johnson, who is also charged with arranging the straw purchases, is scheduled to be tried in early February.
As part of a plea agreement, Martin pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy and four counts of aiding and abetting in the illegal purchase of firearms. The crime happened when a straw purchaser made false statements during background checks that federally-licensed gun dealers are required to conduct.
The charges carry a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison. Terms of the plea agreement call for a sentence of 24 to 46 months.
Martin was allowed to remain free on bond until his scheduled May 13 sentencing.
A replacement swimming pool is coming to Washington Park in Northwest Roanoke for 2025, but city council is concerned the historic caretakers cottage there could blow over before this winter ends.
After a citizen group last autumn advocated for keeping the parks old cottage, the city succeeded in designing a swimming pool that does not require demolition of the structure, said City Manager Bob Cowell during a council meeting Tuesday.
We anticipate that the pool will be open not for this swimming season, but next years swimming season, Cowell said. It is actually officially under construction as of last week. You just wont see the dirt churning for a few more months.
The cottage, also known as the Evans House, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Roanoke, likely dating back to the mid-1800s, advocates said previously. Overgrown and rotting out, the fenced-off building is structurally unsound and for years has been protected from the elements under a translucent plastic tarp.
That is still an unsolved issue, Cowell said of the cottage. We found a way to fit the pool in there and not demolish it, but we are going to be dependent on folks that advocated for it.
Council member Trish White-Boyd said the city needs to come up with some grants if it wants to keep the cottage. Discussions are needed with the people who advocated to keep the building, she said.
Loosely were in conversation, Cowell said. We need to have a more formal conversation.
The cottage seems too far gone for full restoration, but at least it might be prevented from falling over, White-Boyd said.
If theres no funding, then we have to make a decision on what were going to do with that structure, White-Boyd said.
Council member Stepanie Moon Reynolds referenced the recent snowfall.
Had it been a heavy snow, the impact coming down on what roof is left there, the weight, it would just be in worse shape than it is now, Moon Reynolds said. We need to have the conversation.
But its for a future date to discuss, she said. Cowell said more information will come to council about Washington Park during meetings in February.
I hope the building doesnt dictate that future date for us to discuss, Mayor Sherman Lea said. Why are we letting something structurally unsound stand?
Cowell said the citys commitment was finding a way to locate the pool without demolishing the cottage.
And weve done that, Cowell said. Our focus right now has been getting the pool under construction.
Friends of Washington Park could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Oh man, Lea said. The things you go through for not saying no enough.
Also during the city council meeting Tuesday, solar panels are coming to some Roanoke City School buildings after unanimous approval of a lease agreement.
A company called Star Circle Solar will install solar panels at James Breckinridge Middle School, Fallon Park Elementary School, Fishburn Park Elementary School, Lucy Addison Middle School, John P. Fishwick Middle School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and the administrative offices downtown, documents said.
Power generated by the panels will be purchased by the school system, according to a letter that Superintendent Verletta White addressed to city council.
The School Board expects to realize higher cost savings over the term of the lease than if it were to purchase electricity directly from the utility, the letter reads. The term of each lease is five years, subject to five additional five-year renewal terms, not to exceed twenty-five years.
Policies required city council to approve the school boards solar panel lease agreement, after the school board approved it earlier this month.
Also on Tuesday, city council approved an amended performance agreement for the Riverdale project, headed by developer Ed Walker, to reflect an additional land purchase beside the old American Viscose Plant off Ninth Street Southeast.
The purchase adds 23 acres on the other side of Ninth Street from the old rayon plant, where more than 100 acres are already undergoing renovation for a mixed-use development that will include housing, workspace, storefronts and more.
Our goal is to turn Riverdale into an amazing place that welcomes folks from every background, from every part of the city, Walker said previously.
The 23-acre plot of land at 1919 9th St. SE is now under contract, with a listed asking price of $3.3 million, according to a website representing Poe & Cronk Real Estate Group.
Appalachian Power is occupying the 80,000 square-foot building there through June, the website said.
Roanoke City Council holds its next regular meeting on Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.
Correction Jan. 22, 2024, 12:44 p.m.: Lorenza Taylor is a male. An earlier version of this story referenced Taylor as a female, according to information initially provided to The Roanoke Times by state police. The story has been updated.
One man died and another person was injured as the result of a two-vehicle crash in Franklin County on Wednesday.
The wreck occurred at 6:25 p.m. on Virginia 40, near Virginia 946, according to a state police news release.
A 1995 Honda Accord was traveling east on Virginia 40 when the vehicle crossed the center-line and struck a 2000 Ford Explorer, head-on. The driver of the Honda was identified as Andrew C. Robertson, 67, of Pittsville, and he died at the scene, according to the release. Robertson was wearing his seat belt, according to the release.
Lorenza W. Terry, 67, of Penhook, was the driver of the Ford and was wearing his seat belt, according to the release. Terry was transported by helicopter to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries received in the crash, according to the release.
No other information was immediately available.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
Research by the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) that analyses how Spaniards kept themselves informed during the COVID-19 pandemic and their perception of the role of journalists, the media, the scientific community, and government and health authorities during the pandemic concludes that young people trust science less than older people, among other issues.
72.6% of 18-24 year-olds agree that science seeks the truth and makes it public, while 90.2% of adults over 65 support this statement. In addition, the percentage of young people in the same age group who believe that science is a danger to humanity is almost triple those who hold this view among older people. These are some of the findings of this study, recently published by these UC3M and USC researchers in the journal El Profesional de la Informacion.
These results suggest a growing distrust in science among young people, which explains, for example, the lack of scientific vocations in this segment. "Young people don't want to go into careers in science, technology and mathematics, because they believe that science is not a method for the search for truth and even that it is dangerous for the future of human beings," says one of the study's authors, Carlos Elias, a Professor of Journalism in UC3M's Department of Communication.
"It is paradoxical, and very worrying, that the generations with the greatest access to information and education, the best educated in the history of Spain, are the ones that consume the least information and are the most distrustful of science and journalism, two fields that share the search for truth. We must reflect deeply on what is happening," says Alberto Quian, a lecturer of Journalism at USC and co-author of the study.
The results of this work show that age and ideology are the factors that have the greatest effect on the use of different types of information sources.
With regard to the consumption of traditional media, the people who consult them most are those at the political center, while those on the left tend to rely more on official sources (such as health authorities); in contrast to those on the right, who prefer research organizations (such as the CSIC, the Carlos III Institute, etc.) or universities.
On the other hand, "anti-vaxxers, however, prefer alternative sources (programs such as Cuarto Milenio or La Estirpe de los Libres, for example). And this is because the traditional media support vaccines," the researchers point out.
This work is based on a descriptive survey of a sample of 1,800 people, representative of the Spanish population, of legal age and residents of the 17 autonomous communities, carried out between the 6th and 22nd of June 2022.
The results of this work could be applied in the field of education and public policy, according to the researchers. "I think we need to influence schools, colleges, and universities in something called 'communication' so that young people understand what the reliable sources are and the implications of science and the scientific method," says Carlos Elias.
More information:
Alberto Quian et al, Consumption of information and citizen's perception of the sources consulted during the Covid-19 pandemic: A study of the situation based on opinion polls, El Profesional de la informacion (2023). DOI: 10.3145/epi.2023.jul.13
Provided by Carlos III University of Madrid
Karen Tan, founder of The Projector, shares how she gave up a cushy job in investment banking in London to run an indie cinema in Singapore. (PHOTO: The Projector) (The Projector)
SINGAPORE While working in a real estate investment bank in London in 2010, founder of indie cinema The Projector Karen Tan was looking to do something more meaningful and balanced.
Some 13 years later, what the 42-year-old found instead was personal sacrifice and instability, but also an adventure that's "worth it".
In November 2023, The Projector soft-launched its new venue at the heart of Singapore's central region in collaboration with established cinema operator Golden Village. Dubbed Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure, the collaboration will see the cinema offering a mix of mainstream and indie films.
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For the indie cinema, it was an opportunity to work alongside a bigger player in the industry in addition to finding a new home for its operations after an uncertain period.
Breathing life into old spaces
Interestingly, given its eclectic choice of indie and arthouse film screenings, The Projector's creators did not come from an art or film background, nor did they have aspirations to run a movie theatre. The cinema was birthed as a result of Tan and her co-founder Blaise Trigg-Smith's earlier work in Pocket Projects, an architectural and design consultancy firm that specialises in the regeneration and adaptive reuse of old heritage buildings.
"We fell into it," Tan told Yahoo Finance Singapore.
Tan and Trigg-Smith had met as colleagues at a bank in London. Wanting to do "something more tangible with our lives rather than putting in millions of dollars in spreadsheets and calculating these massive financial models", they left their jobs and cushy banking salaries in search of something more fulfilling. Tan returned to Singapore in 2010 to start Pocket Projects, with Trigg-Smith joining the company as a partner not long after moving to Jakarta, Indonesia.
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"This was all through the lens of a late 20-something-year-old who hasn't got a clue and hasn't done the entrepreneurship thing yet. Because on hindsight, I'm working as hard, and the mythical work-life balance hasn't actually materialised," Tan laughed.
Show time
After completing projects in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Pocket Projects came across an old abandoned theatre in the Golden Mile Tower. Since the theatre was intact, with its original seats, the idea to turn it into an operational one was born. Tan also roped in her younger sister, Sharon, who has a background in urban planning, to join the group. They started with a lean team of less than 10, kept overhead costs low through an adaptive reuse approach, and were soon in business.
"From the start, we had decided that it's not just going to be about film, but an exploration as to what an independent cinematic space could hold... we wanted a place for social discourse, discussion and engagement. We wanted people to come and be surprised," Tan explained.
It's key to know what you're good at and accept what you're not good at, find great people to fill those gaps, and give them the space to do their jobs.Karen Tan
From running experimental films and screening documentaries to hosting art exhibitions and punk gigs at the space, the ambitious team didn't shy away from ideas that most commercial cinema operators may have shunned.
It's not easy to run an indie cinema
Nearly a decade later, The Projector continues to grow. As with most businesses, it wasn't without its fair share of problems and challenges. These included some regulatory issues, given the nature of its edgy film selections. The team has had to engage in many discussions with the authorities to justify some of the films they chose to screen but ultimately, they adhered to the rules.
But the biggest challenge in operating an indie cinema by far, according to Tan, was rental. While she did not want to divulge numbers "Too sensitive," she said Tan remarked, "Singapore rentals are high... it doesn't allow for smaller, independent businesses to get a foothold into easily accessible locations which is what they need at the start to get traction. They end up getting locked out."
She added that it was especially challenging for a cinema given that the real estate requirements can be quite large.
"If you take that and look at the per square foot yield that you can get off it, it's not as easy to get it to yield as highly as you would say, an F&B restaurant. And we're not talking about just the floor area but also the sheer volume of it because you need certain minimum heights if you want to have the right proportions to set up the screening space," said Tan.
...on hindsight, I'm working as hard, and the mythical work-life balance hasn't actually materialised.Karen Tan
Tan also recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic nearly shut down the business for good. According to her, at the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, the company had just experienced its "best month ever" in terms of revenue in January that year. But any optimism was quickly dashed when the islandwide lockdowns began over two months later.
"At the start, before all the subsidies and support kicked in, the first thing we did was to pull out all the numbers and look. Thank God the last two or three years were good. We had built up some cash reserves, and it was a matter of how long we were going to be around for," said Tan, who said then that the company had a runway of about six months.
In the end, Tan said that the pandemic was a "blessing in disguise" for The Projector. This was because it led to some innovative ideas from the team, such as the pop-up cinemas they organised during the period, as well as leading them to find additional space for their cinema.
A company is only as good as its team
When asked what her biggest takeaway was from her entrepreneurial journey, Tan said that a company is only as good as its team and that she was fortunate enough to have a "great" one.
"A founder might have had the original idea, but one can't go it alone. It's key to know what you're good at and accept what you're not good at, find great people to fill those gaps, and give them the space to do their jobs. The Projector's got an A-team, and The Projector would be nowhere without its people.
"It's important that everyone feels a sense of pride and ownership in the brand and spaces that we create, driven by our underlying ethos of making a difference to arts and culture in Singapore," said Tan.
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SIOUX CITY -- Firefighters returned to a Sioux City apartment building early Thursday after a fire that began on Wednesday rekindled.
Deputy fire marshal Lt. John Nelson said firefighters were called back to 5227 Military Road at approximately 3 a.m. Thursday to extinguish a new fire at the building.
Firefighters were initially dispatched to the scene at 10:31 a.m. Wednesday after the property owner noticed smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters observed the smoke on arrival and discovered a fire in the roof line above three of the five apartment units.
Two of the building's units were vacant, and none of the other occupants was home at the time of the fire. The building was red-tagged as unfit for occupation, and the apartment occupants were able to move into other apartments at the complex, Nelsen said.
Nelsen said the fire's cause has yet to be determined. The building sustained approximately $120,000-$150,000 in fire, smoke and water damage, he said.
Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, left, walks to the Federal Courthouse with his attorney Nathan Mays on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in Houston. Mohiuddin, the leader of United Memorial Medical Center hospital in Houston, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, left, walks to the Federal Courthouse with his attorney Nathan Mays on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in Houston. Mohiuddin, the leader of United Memorial Medical Center hospital in Houston, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, left, walks to the Federal Courthouse with his attorney Nathan Mays on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in Houston. Mohiuddin, the leader of United Memorial Medical Center hospital in Houston, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, left, walks to the Federal Courthouse with his attorney Nathan Mays on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in Houston. Mohiuddin, the leader of United Memorial Medical Center hospital in Houston, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison last week sentenced a Houston businessman who ran the embattled United Memorial Medical Center hospital to 21 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $11 million in restitution in connection with a federal conspiracy charge, according to documents made public Wednesday.
The charge stemmed from an $8 million loan Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin obtained in 2010 with fraudulent records, documents show. Mohiuddin and his attorney, Nathan Mays, declined to comment. Mohiuddin will serve three years of supervised release after his prison term, documents show.
The case was supported by information provided by Fidelity National Financial, a title insurance company that had sought payments from Mohiuddin over "complex fraudulent business schemes," said Rodolfo Rivera, the company's chief international counsel. At the sentencing hearing Thursday, Rivera read a victim impact statement, saying his company had paid out title insurance policies because of fraudulent documents filed by Mohiuddin and his accomplices.
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Rivera said his company still has 10 to 15 outstanding lawsuits around Mohiuddin's conduct, which forced the company to change its protocols.
"This is probably one of the biggest scams we've seen in a long time," Rivera said. "It wasn't just a simple theft. This took a lot of time, a lot of planning and it took the involvement of multiple people."
Most of Thursday's hearing was held behind closed doors. Ellison had ordered the attendees to leave the courtroom because the case involved "ongoing investigations." Many of the filings in the case remain under seal.
Mohiuddin originally pleaded not guilty in 2018 to an indictment on multiple charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, monetary transactions in criminally derived property and bank fraud. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas agreed to drop all but the conspiracy charge as part of a plea agreement in September.
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The indictment said Mohiuddin and a co-defendant, whose name was redacted, used fraudulent documents in 2010 to obtain an $8 million loan secured by a lien on a six-acre property at 5000 Richmond Ave. At the time, Mohiuddin presented himself as a "point man" for Deyaar Development Corporation, the Houston-based company that bought the property three years earlier, the indictment said.
Mohiuddin and the co-defendant received the money in a bank account created by the co-defendant, then transferred $6.9 million into an account for Imagine Hospitality, a business formed and owned by Mohiuddin, the indictment said.
Prosecutors in 2018 filed documents indicating that Mohiuddin "participated in numerous other fraudulent loan transactions" that were relevant to the charges, according to court documents. Last year, the U.S. Attorney's Office filed a motion to appoint a classified information security officer since the case "may involve issues related to classified information and materials," according to the motion.
During Thursday's hearing, Rivera pointed out that years earlier, his company had forced Mohiuddin into bankruptcy proceedings and sued him over his alleged scheme. Mohiuddin paid $6.1 million to close the bankruptcy case in 2022, but multiple entities, including Fidelity National Financial and other insurance companies, claim he still owes them more than $30 million, court records show.
Rivera said he believes Mohiuddin's conduct is "an ongoing process."
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More recently, Mohiuddin was accused of profiting from an alleged billing scheme at United Memorial Medical Center, which received millions from overcharging the government for patient care and double billing the government for COVID tests, according to a whistleblower complaint filed in March 2022. The hospital was ordered to pay more than $2 million to settle the allegations, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Mohiuddin, 57, has been listed in public documents as UMMC's CEO and, at one time, a majority owner. The Northside hospital, which had multiple locations in Houston, garnered international media attention during the pandemic for its COVID testing and treatment. The hospital later lost its Medicare contract and shuttered most of its operation after federal and state surveyors uncovered a number of safety deficiencies that put patients in "immediate jeopardy," according to a letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
IDA GROVE, Iowa -- A Galva, Iowa, man has been found guilty of second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his brother.
An Ida County jury reached its verdict late Wednesday morning, finding Jesus Diaz, 26, guilty of the Nov. 13, 2022, death of 26-year-old Eduardo Diaz III.
Jesus Diaz had been charged with first-degree murder, which carries a sentence of life in prison without parole, and, after more than six hours of deliberations, jurors found him guilty of the lesser second-degree murder charge, which carries a 50-year prison sentence.
A sentencing date has not been set.
Ida County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call about a fight in progress on Main Street in Galva at about 7:30 p.m. the night of the stabbing. Deputies found Eduardo Diaz lying on a sidewalk in the 200 block of South Main Street, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to court documents, the brothers were fighting outside Jesus Diaz' home at that address when Jesus Diaz stabbed his brother multiple times in his chest and abdomen.
Witnesses told investigators they saw Jesus Diaz punching and kicking his brother's unresponsive body before crossing the street, then returning and resuming beating the body.
Jesus Diaz was seen placing items in his Cadillac after the stabbing, and investigators searching the car found a bloody knife in the rear seat, court documents said.
Jesus Diaz was treated at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove for non-life-threatening injuries before he was jailed.
The verdict came at the conclusion of a seven-day trial that began on Jan. 3 and was delayed by holidays and bad weather.
The event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., Jan. 27 in the Peterson Fine Arts Building. The finale for the festival will be in the Ramsey Theatre and cost of admission is $5.
According to the Wayne State Department of Music, the daylong festival allows for junior high and high school students from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota to learn from and rehearse with music clinicians. The clinicians for 2024 are Dr. Randy Neuharth, retired music instructor from Northeast Community College; Todd Cook, instrumental music director at Norfolk Public School; and Michael Genslinger, instructor of music and assistant director of bands at Wayne State.
SIOUX CITY A Siouxland resident will be one of three parents in Iowa hosting a virtual town hall on Thursday about special education issues.
Emma Bouza of Hawarden, Wendy Anderson of Treynor and Heather Sievers of Altoona are working with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (Iowa DD Council) to take comments from members of the disability and special education community about Gov. Kim Reynolds' proposal to overhaul special education and Area Education Agencies in Iowa, the Iowa DD Council said.
"We want to hear from advocates, parents, educators, and those who provide services so that we can best educate lawmakers about the implications of this proposal and what Iowans want," Iowa DD Council Executive Director Brooke Lovelace said. "The voices of those most affected need to be brought into this legislative process, and we are trying to help facilitate that."
In her 2024 State of the State address, Reynolds announced Bill 542 which could include transfer oversight of the Iowa's nine AEAs to the Iowa Department of Education, eliminating services and changing the way the organizations are funded. Across the state, 1,000 jobs could be eliminated. AEAs providing expertise to educators and families would be prohibited from offering services beyond special education for students and school districts could drop their current agency and look elsewhere for the services.
The virtual town hall meeting is Thursday, January 18 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is required to obtain the link. Registration can be done on the Iowa DD Council website: www.iowaddcouncil.org.
Reporting from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier's Holly Hudson Hill contributed to this story.
SIOUX CITY Two more fire dampers are missing from the new Woodbury County Law Enforcement Center.
On Tuesday, The Law Enforcement Center Authority announced two more fire dampers are needed in the new facility, adding to the 38 found missing in August, the major cause of a seven-month delay in the project.
One fire damper, one motorized damper and one diffuser were found missing, said Shane Albrecht of the Baker Group, a consultant for the project. A project change directive was approved to begin the process of installation.
Previously a compliance officer for Hausmann Construction, the Lincoln, Neb.-based general contractor, was the first to discover the missing 38 dampers. Kevin Rost of Goldberg Group Architects said the newly missing dampers were missed by the engineers and inspector, but found by CW Suter.
No cost was discussed regarding the missing dampers.
The Authority also approved a contract with Resource Consulting Engineers of Ames, Iowa for $9,400 on Tuesday.
The scope of their work is to review proposed changes from the design team, including revised air and water flow rates to multiple pieces of equipment throughout the building, according to the contract.
During the meeting, it was indicated that after that work is complete, the engineer will be used to review other aspects of the project.
Albrecht said this firm has previously worked with the county.
SIOUX CITY Much-needed precipitation in the latter half of 2023 helped push runoff into the Missouri River to above normal levels.
The same is not expected for the new year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has forecast 2024 runoff into the river basin above Sioux City at 20.1 million acre-feet, 78% of the average of 25.7 MAF.
The forecast is based on runoff trends, dry soil conditions and below normal plains and mountain snowpack. Mountain snowpack that feeds the upper river basin when it melts in the spring currently ranges from 47%-62% of average. More than half of the mountain snow typically falls from Jan. 1 to mid April.
Water storage in the rivers six reservoirs remains below the flood control zone, and the corps expects to begin the 2023 runoff season on March 1 at 53.3 MAF, below the flood control zone that starts at 56.1 MAF.
Despite the lower storage numbers, enough water remains for water supply needs, the corps said.
Weather and river conditions continue to be monitored, and releases from Gavins Point Dam will be adjusted to the extent practical to help mitigate any negative effects of the cold weather. We know the importance of our operations to water supply, John Remus, chief of the corps Missouri River Basin Water Management Division, said in a news release.
Releases from Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota, were reduced to the winter rate of 13,000 cubic feet per second on Dec. 9. Releases were increased on Jan. 8 to 15,000 cfs to help maintain levels for water supplies because of ice forming on the river during frigid weather conditions.
Forecasts can change dramatically over the course of a year. A year ago, the corps forecast 2023 runoff at 81% of average. The year ended with 30.4 MAF of runoff, 118% of average.
SIOUX CITY After attending a conference dinner at a Des Moines hotel on Nov. 17, 2021, then-Sioux City school superintendent Paul Gausman, then-school board president Perla Alarcon-Flory and two newly-elected members, Jan George and Bob Michaelson headed back to their hotel to share a few drinks and converse.
What transpired during that impromptu meeting was a source of disagreement during testimony Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court.
Supporting a state ethics complaint the school district later filed against Gausman, George and Michaelson testified that the superintendent tried to bribe the two new members to back Alarcon-Flory for another term as board president.
In its complaint to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, the school board alleged Gausman offered to "make any of their desired changes in school operations, programs, activities and other matters."
During his testimony, Gausman, who left the Sioux City district to become superintendent of the Lincoln Nebraska Public Schools on July 1, 2022, denied bribing the two board members.
"I did not offer anything to them in exchange for that," he said. "I did give that opinion, which is my opinion that I had the right to do and so I did."
The former superintendent told the court he instead lobbied the two new members to reappoint Alarcon-Flory and Monique Scarlett as president and vice president, respectively, based on their past work.
"...I did indicate to them [Michaelson and George] that I believed that it was the right decision at the time to consider continuing the service of President Alarcon-Flory and Vice President Scarlet for another year for these reasons, Gausman said. "They are both strong, proud women of color. They had begun work on an equity program for the district in partnership with a third-party provider . And they had done some really good work and it was my belief, currently still I believe today, that finishing that equity work would have been good for the district of Sioux City."
George and Michaelson also testified that, a few days after the meeting in Des Moines, Gausman apologized for the comments he made regarding the board leadership. The superintendent said he sensed the pair felt bothered by the discussion, prompting him to apologize and urge the board members to vote their conscience.
As the superintendent, Gausman noted he worked for the board, and the board majority had the power to direct him to make any changes to the district they wanted.
After George and Michaelson were sworn into office, they supported the appointment of Dan Greenwell, a frequent critic of Gausman and his administration, as board president, and Taylor Goodvin as vice president.
Gausman spoke publicly about the charges for the first time during Wednesday's trial over a civil suit he filed against the Sioux City district, George, Michaelson and Greenwell, all current board members, and Goodvin, a former member.
George and Michaelson were questioned extensively about the event, asking what time it took place, how much alcohol they had to drink, what they were drinking, who they spoke to about the conversation and more. Both board members acknowledged they consumed alcohol. They added they were not able to provide more details, noting the meeting took place more than two years ago.
Gausman shared details on the meeting and what was discussed, saying it started around 7:45 p.m. and ended around 11 p.m. The superintendent said he also had alcoholic beverages, but Alarcon-Flory did not, saying she ordered either pineapple or cranberry juice.
The former superintendent said such impromptu meetings were common during the Urban Education Network's annual convention they were attending.
In January 2023, a month after the district lodged its complaint with the state Board of Educational Examiners, Gausman sued the district and the four board members, alleging they violated the state's open meeting laws.
The one-day trial wrapped up Tuesday after over eight hours of testimony that revolved around two separate meetings the board closed to the public. Gausman argues the board discussed more than the law permitted during the closed meetings, an action he said was taken to avoid notifying him of the discussions and the board's decision to file the ethics complaint.
Tuesday was phase one of the bench trial. Judge Jeffery Neary, who is hearing the case, did not make any rulings. If the judge finds the district violated the state's open meetings law, a second phase could be conducted to determine remedies, penalties or mitigation.
During Tuesday's testimony, witnesses were asked about the process of setting the closed sessions, documents showing Gausman's knowledge of closed sessions, minutes of closed sessions, board policies guiding the planning of meetings and policies guiding superintendent evaluations.
Due to the unique nature of the civil suit, information that would normally be considered confidential from a closed meeting of a local governmental body was discussed openly.
The suit alleges that at special meetings on Jan. 24, 2022, and Nov. 30, 2022, the board met privately to discuss Gausman, his professional qualifications and the bribery allegations.
Greenwell and Goodvin, who served as president and vice president of the school board at the time, testified they followed the proper procedures under the state code and board policies in closing the sessions to the public. Michaelson and George also testified that proper procedures were followed.
To go into the closed session on Jan. 24, 2022, the board cited the Iowa Code stating the closed session was to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individuals reputation.
The code section specifically states the individual being reviewed must request the closed session, Gausman claims this did not occur. He contends items other than his appointment, hiring, performance or discharge were discussed.
The documents reviewed in court Tuesday showed the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting was set as a quarterly review of Gausmans performance while he was still the superintendent. Greenwell and Goodvin testified the meeting included a discussion of Gausman's quarterly review, as well as a discussion of the information filed in a Board of Educational Examiner's complaint.
The pair testified Gausman was not included in the portion of the closed session discussing the bribery attempt and argued it was relevant to his evaluation in terms of ethics. Court documents showed board policy allows the board to decide who attends closed sessions. Goodvin testified that it was at the request of Greenwell that Gausman not attend that portion on the meeting.
Documents included in the filings detailed Gausmans knowledge of the Jan. 24 meeting. Gausman testified he knew about the Jan. 24 meeting, but believed it was a regular quarterly discussion of his performance based on prepared documentation, not about other items.
He said he did not know that event was being discussed during the meeting and testified he would have asked that discussion take place publicly if he had been alerted.
He added by not notifying him, the board violated his due process and did not allow him to share his perspective of the event in question.
Greenwell and Goodvin said they met with Gausman a few days after the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting to alert him of the bribery claims and the discussions of it.
"His words were 'Paul did a dumb thing' and then he asked for grace," Greenwell said when asked what Gausman's response was.
At the time, Greenwell said they were considering hiring and outside attorney to investigate the matter, to which Gausman responded he would cooperate.
On Nov. 30, 2022, the board held another special meeting and closed session to discuss Gausman, he claims.
The board cited another section of the state code, saying the meeting was to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential. That code section specifically says public bodies are only allowed to discuss confidential records and Gausman claims the school board went beyond the specification.
Gausman testified he was not notified of the November meeting and was not given an opportunity to explain his side of the situation.
NEW YORK The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has proposed new rules that would lower overdraft fees, with President Joe Biden calling the charges "exploitative." Currently, the fee for overdrawing a bank account averages more than $26.
If a bank temporarily lends a consumer money when their account has reached a zero balance, the consumer is typically responsible for paying back both the overdrawn amount and an additional fee, which can be more than the original amount charged. In one example often cited by opponents of the fees, a $3 cup of coffee can end up costing someone $30.
Here's what to know.
WHAT IS AN OVERDRAFT FEE?
When there isn't enough money in an account to cover a transaction or withdrawal, but the bank allows it anyway, the customer is technically "overdrawn," and most banks charge them a fee. About 91% of accounts have this fee structure, according to the most recent Bankrate research. Consumer advocates argue this is an extension of credit, and should be regulated as such.
The fees originated during a time when consumers wrote and cashed checks more frequently so that the checks would clear instead of bouncing, if there was an issue of timing but banks steadily increased the fees in the first two decades of the 2000s. Eventually, the fees provided financial institutions with billions of dollars in revenue. The fees, as high as $39 per overdraft, disproportionately affect banks' most cash-strapped consumers. A majority of overdrafts (70%) are charged to customers with average account balances between $237 and $439, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
HOW CAN I AVOID INCURRING OVERDRAFT FEES?
The simplest way to avoid overdraft fees is to find an account that does not charge them. Online banks, in particular, now offer many accounts without these fee structures. Capital One and Ally Bank also offer consumers accounts that will not charge overdraft fees.
The second thing to do is to opt out of the service. When opening a new bank account, you'll be given the option to decline "overdraft coverage." If you choose not to accept the service, your bank won't cover overdrafts and will instead return any payments that can't be covered as unpaid but you won't be charged the overdraft fee.
Other steps include setting up an alert for when your balance falls below a certain amount, and linking savings accounts to checking accounts, so that your own money not the bank's will cover any shortfalls. Some banks call this "overdraft protection," rather than "overdraft coverage."
WILL THE BANK EVER WAIVE OR REVERSE AN OVERDRAFT FEE?
If you overdraw your account for the first time, a call to your bank could get the charge removed. Even on a second or third offense, some banks will work with customers to reverse or waive charges.
There are also app-based services that will negotiate with a bank on your behalf. In each case, the process can take up to 90 days.
Increasingly, banks are offering grace periods to customers in the event of an overdraft, depending on the account. In these cases, customers can avoid an overdraft fee as long as they bring their account balance back to a positive amount within a certain time frame, such as 48 hours.
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The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
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50 college majors that earn the least money 50 college majors that earn the least money #49. Ceramics (tie) #49. Parks and recreation management (tie) #47. Pastoral ministry (tie) #47. Vocal performance (tie) #45. Bible studies and theology (tie) #45. Art teacher education (tie) #44. Forensic accounting #42. Legal assistant studies (tie) #42. Communication sciences and disorders (tie) #41. Special education #40. Conservation biology #39. Family studies #37. Christian ministry (tie) #37. Speech and hearing (tie) #36. Health and human services #35. Musical theatre #34. History teacher education #33. Developmental psychology #32. Therapeutic recreation #29. Social work (tie) #29. Applied behavioral science (tie) #29. Community and human services (tie) #28. Office administration #26. Ministry (tie) #26. Family and community services (tie) #25. Youth ministry #24. Elementary education #23. Voice and opera #21. Christian education (tie) #21. Conflict resolution (tie) #19. Baking and pastry arts (tie) #19. Human services management (tie) #18. Hospitality and culinary arts #17. Human services #16. Counseling #15. Recreational therapy #14. Child development #13. Educational psychology #12. Middle school education #11. Mental health counseling #10. Early childhood and elementary education #9. Equine studies #8. Addiction studies #7. Child and family studies #6. Rehabilitation counseling #5. Outdoor education #4. Early childhood education #3. Mental health #2. Medical assisting #1. Metalsmithing
WASHINGTON In a new twist to the fight over abortion access, congressional Republicans are trying to block a Biden administration spending rule that they say will cut off millions of dollars to anti-abortion counseling centers.
The rule would prohibit states from sending federal funds earmarked for needy Americans to so-called crisis pregnancy centers, which counsel against abortions. At stake are millions of dollars in federal funds that currently flow to the organizations through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a block grant program created in 1996 to give cash assistance to poor children and prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
Programs that only or primarily provide pregnancy counseling to women only after they become pregnant likely do not meet the standard, the Health and Human Services agency said in its rule proposal released late last year.
More than 7,000 comments have been submitted on the proposed rule, which includes a series of restrictions on how states would be able to spend TANF dollars.
The proposal limiting funds for anti-abortion counseling centers is the Biden administration's latest attempt to introduce federal policies that expand abortion access. Conservative states, meanwhile, have severely restricted the care since the U.S. Supreme Court stripped women of their federal right to an abortion in 2022.
Congressional Republicans recently introduced legislation that would block the Health and Human Services Agency from restricting the funds from the centers. The bill has no chance of becoming law this year.
Pregnancy centers are an important and vital alternative for expectant mothers, Republican Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois said recently during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing to mark up the legislation.
The anti-abortion counseling centers have become an increasingly popular way for conservatives to sermonize against abortions, with an Associated Press investigation last year finding that states have been sending more and more money to the programs over the last decade. More than a dozen states have given the centers roughly $500 million in taxpayer dollars since 2010. Last year, Pennsylvania's Democratic governor cut funding for all centers from the state budget.
The centers mission is controversial not only because workers often advise pregnant patients against seeking an abortion, but, critics say, the organizations can provide some misleading information about abortion and contraception, like suggesting that abortion can cause breast cancer. Most centers are religiously affiliated and not licensed healthcare facilities. They typically offer pregnancy tests and some offer limited medical services such as ultrasounds.
The Human Coalition, an anti-abortion organization that has locations in Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Texas, estimates it would lose millions of dollars in funds, said Chelsey Youman, the group's national director of public policy. Plans to expand to Louisiana and Indiana could be put on hold if the rule goes through, she added.
Youman argues that her organization helps connect women to social services, like Medicaid, while persuading them to continue with their pregnancy.
The work we do is truly compassionate and loving care for women who are facing sometimes the most difficult moment of their life, Youman said.
HHS is suggesting several tweaks that would change how states can use the $16.5 billion in block grants intended for the nation's neediest families. The proposal comes on the heels of a high-profile corruption scandal in Mississippi, where $77 million in TANF funds were squandered over several years.
The restrictions would limit how much of the money ends up benefitting middle- and high-income earners, with the agency saying that the percentage of impoverished families who get cash assistance has dropped from nearly 70% in 1996 to just over 21% in 2020. The plan would restrict how states use the money for college scholarships and child care, for example.
Today is Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Let's get caught up.
Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast:
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What to know about Texas' clash with the Biden administration over Border Patrol access
Texas' refusal to allow Border Patrol agents into a park along the U.S.-Mexico border is a new marker in the state's deepening rift with the Biden administration over immigration.
For nearly a week as of Wednesday, Texas has denied entry to Border Patrol agents around Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, which has become one of the busiest spots on the southern U.S. border for migrants illegally crossing from Mexico.
Here are some things to know about the park and the broader dispute:
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Democratic drama and Biden write-ins promise a New Hampshire primary to remember
Is a New Hampshire primary without the frontrunner on the ballot and no delegates up for grabs still a New Hampshire primary? Depends on who you ask.
On Tuesday, voters in the Granite State will once again help kick off the presidential primary season, on the heels of the Iowa caucuses that began the nomination process on the Republican side Monday. But this year, theres something different about the traditional first-in-the-nation primary, at least on the Democratic side.
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Another Republican debate is canceled after Haley says she'll only participate if Trump does, too
CNN announced Wednesday that it was calling off its debate, which had been scheduled for Sunday at New England College.
That comes a day after ABC and WMUR-TV said they were also canceling Thursday's debate, planned at Saint Anselm College, following Nikki Haley's assertion that the next debate in which she participates will either be with Donald Trump or Joe Biden.
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MORE TOP STORIES
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MORNING LISTEN
The Ethical Life podcast: The hosts discuss why forgiving others can be so important, and why empathy and sincerity play key roles in the process.
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TODAY IN HISTORY
Today in history: Jan. 18 In 1993, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday was observed in all 50 states for the first time.
Today in sports history: Jan. 18 In 1976, Lynn Swann's spectacular catches lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to victory in Super Bowl X. See more sports moments from this date.
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TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS
Celebrity birthdays: Jan. 18 Angelique Kerber Ashleigh Murray Devin Kelley DJ Quik Jason Segel Jesse L. Martin John Boorman Jonathan Davis Kevin Costner Mark Collie Mark Rylance Martin OMalley Paul Kirk Zeeko Zaki
Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, left, walks to the Federal Courthouse with his attorney Nathan Mays on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 in Houston. Mohiuddin, former president of United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the federal government. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer
United Memorial Medical Center continues to make headlines after federal officials revealed allegations of a billing scheme at the now-defunct hospital system, which generated significant media attention during the pandemic.
The hospitals former leader, Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, has been dealing with his own legal troubles in a federal conspiracy case related to a 2010 business deal.
But who is Mohiuddin, and how did he become involved in health care? Here are five things to know:
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A 'businessman and entrepreneur'
Little is known about Mohiuddin's business background, but South Asian news outlets have described the 57-year-old as an "accomplished businessman and entrepreneur" who was inspired to pursue a career in health care after his mother battled an illness.
I learned about the difficulties patients and their families go through when they have little or no health insurance, Mohiuddin said in an article in Indo American News. Learning more about how hospital systems and nursing care facilities work motivated me to work with the underserved communities.
Past criminal charges
Mohiuddin's criminal history in Texas goes back more than 20 years, records show. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony in Travis County. He and two other men had been accused of selling gasoline without paying fuel taxes. A judge sentenced Mohiuddin to 10 years of community supervision.
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In 2012, he was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in connection with a wire fraud charge, according to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons obtained by the Chronicle. That case is under seal in the Southern District of Texas.
Last week, a federal judge imposed another 21-month federal prison sentence and ordered him to pay $11 million in restitution after he was accused of obtaining an $8 million loan using fake documents in 2010.
A leading role at the hospital
Mohiuddin has been listed in public documents as UMMC's president, CEO, and, at one time, a majority owner. He first approached two friends about buying the hospital in 2016, according to court records. One of those friends, Ravishanker Mallapuram, said in a 2022 deposition that Mohiuddin "manages everything at the hospital.
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Another UMMC official, Farida Moeen, has credited Mohiuddin with launching a major COVID-19 testing effort in Houston and buying personal protective equipment for its hospital staff.
UMMC lost its Medicare contract in January 2022 after federal and state regulators found widespread safety problems at multiple UMMC locations.
Mohiuddin owes millions, court records say
A lawsuit filed in 2019 as part of a now-closed bankruptcy case accused Mohiuddin of engaging in an elaborate scheme to avoid paying his creditors, transferring funds to and from various business entities that included UMMC, according to court documents. Mohiuddin owned at least 55 percent of the hospital business and multiple other entities, ranging from a petroleum related business to a Citgo gas station to a collection of properties, the lawsuit said.
MORE ON MOHIUDDIN: UMMC hospital leader sentenced to 21 months in prison, ordered to pay $11M in conspiracy case
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Mohiuddin paid $6.1 million to close the bankruptcy against him. Mortgage lenders and insurance companies, as well as the Internal Revenue Service, claim he still owes more than $30 million, records show.
From left, prosecutor is John Braddock of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas, defendant Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin (businessman and leader of the embattled United Memorial Medical Center) and his defense attorney Nathan Mays. Behind the bench is US DIstrict Judge Keith Ellison. Ken Ellis illustration / Staff/Ken Ellis illustration / staff
Allegedly participated in a billing scheme at UMMC
Mohiuddin's name surfaced in a more recent federal case against UMMC. An unsealed whistleblower complaint, filed in March 2022, accused him and Mallapuram of allowing a company to submit inaccurate medical claims on UMMC's behalf, causing the federal government to overpay the hospital for inpatient and outpatient care. UMMC hid the scheme by manipulating reports that would have prompted the government to recoup some of those payments, the complaint says.
UMMC also allegedly double-billed for COVID tests, simultaneously seeking payments from the federal government and either the State of Texas or the City of Houston, the complaint says.
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Mallapuram was ordered to pay more than $2 million to settle the case.
NEW YORK A New York midwife who gave nearly 1,500 children homeopathic pellets instead of required vaccinations has been fined $300,000, the states health department announced this week.
Jeanette Breen, who operates Baldwin Midwifery on Long Island, administered the pellets as an alternative to vaccinations and then falsified their immunization records, the agency said Wednesday.
The scheme, which goes back least to the 2019-2020 school year, involved families throughout the state, but the majority reside on suburban Long Island. In 2019, New York ended a religious exemption to vaccine requirements for schoolchildren.
The health department said immunization records of the children who received the falsified records have been voided, and their families must now prove the students are up-to-date with their required shots or at least in the process of getting them before they can return to school.
Misrepresenting or falsifying vaccine records puts lives in jeopardy and undermines the system that exists to protect public health, State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in a statement.
Breen, a state-licensed health care provider, supplied patients with the Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program, a series of oral pellets that are marketed as an alternative to vaccination but are not recognized or approved by state or federal regulators as valid immunizations, according to the health department.
She administered 12,449 of the fake immunizations to roughly 1,500 school-aged patients before submitting information to the states immunization database claiming the children had received their required vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and a host of other diseases, the department said.
Breens lawyer said Thursday that his client cooperated with investigators, paid her fine and intends to comply with all other requirements of her agreement with health officials.
Suffice it to say, Ms. Breen has provided excellent midwifery services for many years to many families, especially on Long Island. She is now toward the end of her career, David Eskew wrote in an emailed statement. From her perspective, this matter is over, done with, and closed and she is now moving on with her life.
As part of the settlement, Breen has paid $150,000 of the $300,000 penalty, with the remainder suspended contingent upon her complying with state health laws and never again administering any immunization that must be reported to the state, according to the health department. Shes also permanently banned from accessing the states immunization records system.
Erin Clary, a health department spokesperson, said Thursday that while parents and legal guardians had sought out and paid Breen for her services, they werent the focus of the agencys investigation.
State health officials say theyre now in the process of notifying hundreds of affected school districts.
Today in history: Jan. 18 1913: Danny Kaye 1943: Warsaw Ghetto 1957: B-52s 1990: Raymond Buckey and Peggy McMartin Buckey 1991: Eastern Airlines 1993: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday 2005: "Superjumbo" 2011: R. Sargent Shriver 2012: Internet protest 2013: Ray Nagin 2017: Italy 2019: Jason Van Dyke 2022: At-home COVID-19 tests 2023: Kyiv helicopter crash
Some state lawmakers are trying again to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in Iowa.
A three-lawmaker panel on Tuesday advanced House File 498, which states that Daylight Saving Time would be permanent throughout the year. The bill was introduced last year but did not make it through the House State Government Committee.
Leslie Carpenter of Iowa Mental Health Advocacy was among those who spoke in favor of the bill. My viewpoint is I advocate for people with serious mental illness, and the time change every spring and every fall seems to produce a deterioration for many people, she said.
Lobbyist Brad Epperly said the Iowa Broadcasters Association continues to oppose the bill, which poses challenges with broadcast schedules when neighboring states are not using the same time standard.
The discussion is almost as regular as clockwork in the Legislature. In 2022, the House passed legislation that would have made the change, but a Senate committee inserted language that would delay enactment until states bordering Iowa also made the change. Epperly said that provision addresses the challenge the broadcasters face.
Subcommittee member Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, said her concern is that Iowa could not move ahead with the change without federal approval. I certainly appreciate the desire to not change the clock back and forth. I do have concerns over the fact that the federal government needs to approve it to even be able to move forward. And that was a big part of my hesitation last year as well, she said.
The U.S. Senate had approved a bill in 2022 that would have ended the ritual of turning clocks back an hour in the fall and forward an hour in the spring. But the proposal went no further.
Matson declined to sign off on the bill and said shed be more interested in it if it moved Iowa permanently to standard time instead. That change would not require federal approval, she said. Arizona and Hawaii maintain standard time all year.
Iowa is currently on standard time, which provides an extra hour of daylight in the early mornings. When Daylight Saving Time begins in March, the change provides the extra hour of daylight in the evening.
Rep. Jacob Bossman, R-Sioux City, the subcommittee chairman, said he appreciates the effect that changing clocks has on children, special-needs adults and others. He said he prefers the proposal to keep the state on Daylight Saving instead of standard time. I think that this is the better way of preserving more daylight. And so thats why the bill was drafted in this way, he said.
The proposal moves to the House State Government Committee for further debate.
Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she is proposing lawmakers change the definition of veteran in Iowa Code to align with federal code, and require County Veterans Service Offices to obtain Veteran Health Identification Cards that gives them better access to federal benefits that Iowa veterans are entitled to.
Reynolds delivered brief remarks Wednesday during Veterans Day on the Hill at the Iowa State Capitol, where Iowa veterans gather to meet with lawmakers and share issues of concern.
The governor also mentioned the proposal to create a newly aligned behavioral health system that includes both mental health and substance use disorder services. The proposal would dissolve Iowas 13 Mental Health and Disability Service areas and 19 Integrated Provider Network areas, replacing them with seven behavioral health regions.
We know that many veterans carry invisible scars that never fully heal. And these heroic Iowans should never feel that they have nowhere to turn, Reynolds said.
Veterans groups said they are also calling lawmakers to provide additional property tax relief for disabled veterans, who would have their property tax offset by the percentage of their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation rating. They also support legislation to expand veterans treatment courts in Iowa for military veterans who have a criminal charge, but who may have substance abuse and/or mental health issues, and support proposals for partial grants to help maintain veteran service organizations in the state.
Reynolds noted she signed legislation last year that increased a property tax exemption for military veterans, replenished and increased investment to a state trust fund to clear a backlog of grants requested by Iowa veterans in need of financial assistance, and expanded eligibility for service members or veterans who were seriously injured in the line of duty in a hazardous area after September 11, 2001, to receive state assistance.
With each of these policies, I hope Iowas commitment to our veterans come through loud and clear. These patriots, who have given so much to us, deserve nothing less, Reynolds said.
Summer food assistance
Advocates for food assistance programs called upon state lawmakers to pass legislation that would enroll Iowa in a federal program that expands summer food assistance for low-income children.
The Summer EBT program is fully funded by the federal government and jointly operated with the states. The program provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children, with the goal of helping to feed low-income children who during the summer months are without at least one meal a day they would normally have at school. The program would have given $40 per child for each of the summer months to families who qualify for free and reduced lunch during the school year, and the states administrative costs would have been $2.2 million in the first year and $1.3 million annually in subsequent years.
The federal government recently gave states the option to opt into the program, and Iowa was one of 17 states most of which have Republican governors to decline. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds made the decision for Iowa, saying children would be better served by other food assistance programs that provide more nutritious food options for low-income children.
Speakers at a news conference in the Iowa Capitol on Wednesday pushed back at the notion that the Summer EBT program leads to unhealthy food consumption for low-income children.
Summer EBT is a common sense, tried and tested, evidence-based policy for addressing childhood hunger during the summer. This should not be a partisan issue, Luke Elzinga, policy and advocacy manager for the Des Moines Area Religious Council, said at the news conference.
Nearly 100 advocacy organizations signed a letter to lawmakers, encouraging them to pass legislation that would enroll Iowa in Summer EBT for 2025 and beyond.
Lawmakers advance judges' pension fix
Iowa judges contribution to their pension program would remain at a fixed rate under a bill lawmakers advanced on Wednesday.
The amount judges have to pay into the Judicial Retirement System was been set at a fixed contribution rate of 9.35% since 2010. Current law states the rate would become variable once the system was fully funded, which happened in 2022. Since 2023, that variable rate has made contribution rates higher for judges, a lobbyist for the Iowa Judicial Branch told lawmakers Wednesday.
Proposed by the Iowa Judicial Branch, the bill would set a judges contribution back to a fixed 9.35% of their salary, and set the states contribution rate to 30.6%.
Lawmakers advanced the bill, House File 529, out of a subcommittee Wednesday. Rep. Brian Lohse of Bondourant said the change absolutely needs to be done.
Iowa Chief Justice Susan Christensen warned during her Condition of the Judiciary address this year that the higher contribution rate is making it more difficult to hire judges in the state.
Caitlin Jarzen, a lobbyist for the Iowa Judicial Branch, said the higher rate came as a surprise after the judges pension system was fully funded in 2022. Based on projections, she said there is a 30% chance the judges contribution rate would hit 16% over the next 10 years.
We don't want to be in a position that the nominating commissions feel like their hands are tied because they only have a few applicants, and none of them are good, Jarzen said. And then for the governor, to get the names and her hands are tied.
Correction: The first item has been updated to correct the new requirement for County Veterans Service Offices.
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DES MOINES Iowa's 2024 Republican caucuses have come and gone.
Donald Trump's big victory the largest in history for a competitive Republican caucus at 51% verified what polls and anecdotal observations were suggesting for months, that his support runs deep in the party.
Ron DeSantis managed a slight second-place finish over Nikki Haley, taking in 21% to Haley's 19%. Both claimed the results as a victory, a sign they would continue to duke it out for second as the primary continues.
The caucuses also did their job of thinning the field of candidates, and we saw two contenders drop their bid by Tuesday: Vivek Ramaswamy and Asa Hutchinson.
Here's what Monday night's results tell us about the state of the Republican primary, the Iowa electorate and the future of the caucuses.
Republicans like Trump
The results on Monday night showed that the Republican Party is still very much Trumps party.
He won across geographies, in all counties but one. According to Washington Post exit polling, he won a plurality of support in nearly every age group. He won across education levels, and he won both very and somewhat conservative voters.
The results may look different in a two-person race, but he clearly has more broad and deep support than nearly any past caucus candidates. New Hampshire is a very different electorate, but the national Republican party is not that far off from Iowa, so the results bode well for Trumps national campaign.
And whats more, Trumps style of politics and policy have even more support than Trump himself. Dave Weigel of Semafor illustrated the point well.
If you combine support for Trump with DeSantis and Ramaswamy, who each carried a different sort of spin on Trumps driving message, they combined to pull in about 80% of voters Monday night. What Weigel calls Republican classic, a.k.a. Nikki Haley, only drew about 19%.
How many tickets?
The traditional wisdom is that there are three tickets out of Iowa. But this is not a traditional year.
Trump got his ticket punched and it was first class. But what about the others?
DeSantis, who eked out a second-place finish, framed his finish as a victory over a coalition of forces the media, Democrats, his opponents that were plotting to torpedo his candidacy with a disappointing Iowa result.
He is heading into the later contests, where Haley is faring far better, as a scrappy underdog who has shown an ability to organize supporters and outperform polling. But his finish, just two points ahead of Haley, was certainly not the grand slam he was hoping for to turn the primary into a Trump-DeSantis bout.
DeSantis campaign is still on the back foot, and future contests may deal the final blow. But the caucus results ensured that the story of DeSantis 2024 did not end in Iowa. He clearly plans to grind it out into New Hampshire, South Carolina and likely Super Tuesday.
Haley, though, also did not have an ideal night on Monday either. Last-minute polling showed her ahead of DeSantis, so expectations were raised and the best result for her would have been a second-place finish.
Instead, she narrowly came in third, which proved that DeSantis still had some gas left in the tank. Still, Haley is trying desperately to manifest the two-person race with Trump that she hoped would come out of Iowa.
She immediately began attacking Trump on caucus night, illustrating that he, not DeSantis, was her real opponent. She has since refused to debate in New Hampshire ahead of Tuesdays primary, saying she will only step on the debate stage with Trump or Biden.
Haley wants a one-on-one fight with Trump, as that would be her best bet at posing a serious threat to him. As long as DeSantis remains in the race, Trump will have a clear advantage over both of them.
So there may have been three tickets, but neither Haley nor DeSantis had the ending they wanted on Monday night.
Has caucus campaigning changed?
Much has been said about the changing nature of the caucuses, growing from small living-room meetings with candidates to large rallies, cable TV debates and constant TV advertising.
Donald Trump dominated the contest despite visiting the state less frequently than his opponents. Candidates who held dozens, or even hundreds of events did not see the swell of support they were hoping for.
The results could be taken to suggest that on-the-ground campaigning and organizing does not matter much these days. There's no doubt their effectiveness has waned, but the retail strategy and ground organizing did seem to influence the outcome.
DeSantis, for example, had a much stronger and more robust ground operation than Haley, and that paid off, to some degree, on caucus night. His supporters were more plugged in and more dedicated to showing up, despite the dangerous cold. Some of that certainly can be credited to his all-in approach to Iowa.
And though Trump did not visit the state much, his campaign built a grassroots organizing behemoth in the last few months. They trained hundreds of caucus captains, used his visits to teach his supporters how to caucus and convinced supporters to evangelize and bring their friends out to the caucus.
So even though the candidate was not on the ground much, the campaign put a heavy priority on organizing his supporters and making sure they showed up when it mattered.
What I'm reading
Was Trumps Iowa victory declared too soon? (Erin Murphy, the Gazette): The chair of the Iowa Republican Party said he was disappointed that media outlets called the race so quickly on Monday before some people had started voting.
What we learned from Iowa and whats next in New Hampshire (Dave Weigel, Semafor): Some insightful analysis of what Iowa's caucus results mean going forward.
DES MOINES The Iowa House of Representatives passed a resolution Thursday declaring its support for Israel and its continued campaign in Gaza against Hamas, drawing protest from activists calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing war.
The resolution passed by a voice vote in the House without a record of how each lawmaker voted. Republicans and many Democrats appeared to support the resolution, while a few no votes rang out from House Democrats. People who rallied against the vote on Thursday also shouted from the gallery after its passage before being removed by Iowa State Patrol officers.
The pro-Palestinian activists said lawmakers should have called for a ceasefire rather than pass the resolution signaling unconditional support to Israel.
The resolution says it is affirming the State of Iowas support for the State of Israel and condemning the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In the resolution, lawmakers said they recognize Israels right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense and to oppose any calls for a ceasefire.
They further affirm Israels right to pursue, without interference or condemnation, the elimination of Hamas and any other affiliated terrorist groups until Hamas and all such groups are permanently neutralized.
House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, told reporters on Thursday that the resolution was a continuation of the state of Iowas long-running support for Israel as an ally of the U.S. He said the resolution had significant bipartisan support.
When it comes to any terrorist organization, were going to stand with our ally, what we have in Israel, so I dont think that today, the action that we took was any different than we historically would have taken in my time in the Legislature," Grassley said.
"No one wants to see any level of death and destruction that's going on overseas, but an unprovoked attack that we saw happen a couple months ago, also as an ally of that country, that's not something that we can just ignore," he added.
Rep. Sami Scheetz, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids and the only Arab-American in the Iowa House, said during a press conference on Thursday that the majority Republicans did not ask for input from him or other Democrats on the language of the resolution.
Scheetz, who voted against the resolution, said he condemns all violence against the Israeli and Palestinian people as well as antisemitism and anti-Arab rhetoric, but that continuing violence in the region would not resolve the conflict.
This is not justice that will lead to a lasting peace, this is chaos and destruction, he said. It has become clear that there is no military solution that will bring stability to Gaza. That's why I voted no on the Republican resolution this morning and continue to call for a ceasefire.
More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its campaign against Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks in the country. Around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, were killed in that attack.
House Democratic leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights did not say how she voted on the resolution.
My members have every ability to have a conversation on their own outside this room of what needs to happen, she told reporters on Wednesday. But what I'll tell you is the Israel-Hamas situation will not be solved through the Iowa Legislature, and it's not really under our purview.
Activists opposed resolution
About two dozen people gathered in the Capitol rotunda Thursday morning ahead of the vote to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, leading chants and impromptu speeches condemning Israel's actions and Iowa legislators.
Dani Misyuk, a member of Iowa City Action for Palestine, came to the Capitol on Thursday to show opposition to the resolution and support for Iowas Palestinian population. Misyuk, who is Jewish, said the conflict and the reactions to it were deeply personal.
My religion and culture is being used to justify genocide, and Im here to say that is not okay with me personally, Misyuk said. "...We have Palestinian people here in Iowa, and they have family there, or they're affected here too, and we have to stand up for them and with them."
Representatives propose stripping aid from students deemed supportive of terrorists
Two Republican lawmakers proposed a bill on Thursday that would block students from receiving financial aid, and cancel student groups registrations, if they endorse or promote terrorism or any group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
The bill would give the Iowa attorney general authority to determine whether a statement or action constitutes support for terrorism. Republican Rep. Taylor Collins of Mediapolis, one of the bills sponsors, said it was inspired by people supporting Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks. Rep. Austin Harris, a Republican from Moulton, was the other sponsor of the bill.
Collins said a statement that features the slogan from the river to the sea could be considered support for terrorism under the bill. The University of Iowa Democrats received backlash from the state party last year for posting a statement with the slogan, which some anti-hate groups consider to be antisemitic.
I have a lot of confidence in the attorney generals office in discerning free speech from actual support of terrorism, and it should be a conversation as the bill moves through the process, he said.
Israel-Hamas war at 100 days
DES MOINES Knowingly reporting fake information about serious crimes to law enforcement agencies in Iowa would be a felony under legislation advanced Wednesday in the Iowa House.
Last March, at least 30 Iowa schools received phone calls warning of school shootings. State public safety officials quickly determined they were fake.
Josie Wagler, legislative liaison with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, said there were 39 swatting incidents in the 2022-2023 school year in Iowa, compared with four reported incidents the year before.
Later Wednesday, several Eastern Iowa schools including in Marion, West Branch and Cascade all reported threats that turned out to be hoaxes.
Swatting refers to individuals making a false report of a serious crime, such as a hostage situation, a bomb threat or active shooter, with the goal of drawing out a large law enforcement response and create chaos and fear at the location.
Its a problem nationwide, Wagler told lawmakers. So much so that the FBI created a national database to track reports of swatting across the country.
Our purpose really is to try to deter bad actors from tying up emergency resources and trying to keep the public and emergency response agencies safe, Wagler said.
In Iowa, knowingly reporting false information about a crime to law enforcement officials is a misdemeanor. The Iowa Department of Public Safety is proposing to increase that penalty to a felony if it involves false reports of a forcible felony such as murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery and arson someone brandishing a dangerous weapon, an act of terrorism or a bomb threat.
Under House Study Bill 545, knowingly reporting to law enforcement officials false information about certain serious crimes would be a Class D felony, which is punishable up to five years in prison and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245. If the false report results in another persons serious injury or death, the penalty increases to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,370 and $13,660.
In its letter accompanying the proposal, the public safety department says Wisconsin, Ohio and New York recently increased their penalties for swatting.
The Iowa League of Cities, Iowa Emergency Management Association, Iowa Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association and the Iowa Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, which represents Iowas 911 dispatchers, are registered in support of the bill.
Our folks are already really busy and overburdened with calls, so lets make sure those calls are actual emergencies and not hoaxes, said Nick Laning, a lobbyist representing the Iowa Emergency Management Association and 911 dispatchers association.
Eric Goranson, a lobbyist representing the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association, questioned how the bill would address people who make unnecessary but not dangerous or illegal calls to 911.
State Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, said he initially was concerned that children who prank call 911, or adults with mental illness who make false reports, could be charged with a felony. But he noted the bill makes a distinction based on the seriousness of the falsely reported criminal act. Reporting false information about a crime to law enforcement officials not considered to be swatting would a remain a misdemeanor.
Im very supportive of the concept, and I just want to make sure we dont get people caught up in the bow wave of doing something stupid, versus being very malicious and intentional about it, which I think this bill addresses, Meyer said. But I still think its going to be very difficult to find these people, but Im very supportive of the concept.
Swatting threats typically are made anonymously or through false identities.
Meyer and state Reps. Zach Dieken, R-Granville and Dean Fisher, R-Montour, signed off on the bill, moving it forward to the House Public Safety Committee.
BOYDEN, Iowa -- Fire destroyed a Boyden home late Tuesday.
Boyden firefighters and rescue personnel were dispatched at 8:55 p.m. to 803 Webb St., according to the Sioux County Sheriff's Office.
An occupant inside the home when the fire started was able to safely evacuate and was transported to Orange City Area Health as a precaution.
The home is considered a total loss. Damage is estimated at more than $60,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Mutual assistance to help fight the fire was requested from the Hull and Sheldon fire departments.
DES MOINES Knowingly reporting fake information about serious crimes to law enforcement agencies in Iowa would be a felony under legislation advanced Wednesday in the Iowa House.
Last March, at least 30 Iowa schools received phone calls warning of school shootings. State public safety officials quickly determined they were fake.
Josie Wagler, legislative liaison with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, said there were 39 swatting incidents in the 2022-2023 school year in Iowa, compared with four reported incidents the year before.
Swatting refers to individuals making a false report of a serious crime, such as a hostage situation, a bomb threat or active shooter, with the goal of drawing out a large law enforcement response and create chaos and fear at the location.
Its a problem nationwide, Wagler told lawmakers. So much so that the FBI created a national database to track reports of swatting across the country.
Our purpose really is to try to deter bad actors from tying up emergency resources and trying to keep the public and emergency response agencies safe, Wagler said.
In Iowa, knowingly reporting false information about a crime to law enforcement officials is a misdemeanor. The Iowa Department of Public Safety is proposing to increase that penalty to a felony if it involves false reports of a forcible felony such as murder, sexual abuse, kidnapping, robbery and arson someone brandishing a dangerous weapon, an act of terrorism or a bomb threat.
Under House Study Bill 545, knowingly reporting to law enforcement officials false information about certain serious crimes would be a Class D felony, which is punishable up to five years in prison and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245. If the false report results in another persons serious injury or death, the penalty increases to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine between $1,370 and $13,660.
In its letter accompanying the proposal, the public safety department says Wisconsin, Ohio and New York recently increased their penalties for swatting.
The Iowa League of Cities, Iowa Emergency Management Association, Iowa Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association and the Iowa Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, which represents Iowas 911 dispatchers, are registered in support of the bill.
Our folks are already really busy and overburdened with calls, so lets make sure those calls are actual emergencies and not hoaxes, said Nick Laning, a lobbyist representing the Iowa Emergency Management Association and 911 dispatchers association.
Eric Goranson, a lobbyist representing the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association, questioned how the bill would address people who make unnecessary but not dangerous or illegal calls to 911.
State Rep. Brian Meyer, D-Des Moines, said he initially was concerned that children who prank call 911, or adults with mental illness who make false reports, could be charged with a felony. But he noted the bill makes a distinction based on the seriousness of the falsely reported criminal act. Reporting false information about a crime to law enforcement officials not considered to be swatting would a remain a misdemeanor.
Im very supportive of the concept, and I just want to make sure we dont get people caught up in the bow wave of doing something stupid, versus being very malicious and intentional about it, which I think this bill addresses, Meyer said. But I still think its going to be very difficult to find these people, but Im very supportive of the concept.
Swatting threats typically are made anonymously or through false identities.
Meyer and state Reps. Zach Dieken, R-Granville and Dean Fisher, R-Montour, signed off on the bill, moving it forward to the House Public Safety Committee.
Dr. Mudit Gilotra, center, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, and Arturo Rodriguez, a medical assistant, talk to a man named Steve on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, along Brays Bayou in Houston. The pair checked Steves blood pressure and drew blood, and they planned to follow up with him with the results. Steve estimated that he had not seen a doctor in several decades. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
On a cold Wednesday morning, a doctor, a medical assistant and a community health worker drove a minivan along Brays Bayou, on the lookout for a man named Steve. They spotted a man standing next to a grocery cart filled with his belongings and holding up a cardboard sign to the cars driving by.
It could be Steve, they figured. Either way, they wanted to see if hed be interested in free medical services.
They parked nearby and unloaded backpacks filled with medical supplies a blood pressure cuff, an oximeter, syringes, vials, gloves. Each wore a blue vest with the words HHH Street Medicine. The HHH stood for Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, a nonprofit that recently launched the regions first program that takes medical care directly to people living on the streets instead of asking them to come to a clinic.
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Dr. Mudit Gilotra, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, works to arrange care for Robert Tobar on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, along South Main Street in Houston. Tobar said he had diabetes and shoulder pain. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Dr. Mudit Gilotra, center, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, talks with Robert Tobar about his shoulder pain Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, near the intersection of I-610 and South Main Street in Houston. Tobar said he had diabetes, and Gilotra explained that his diabetes possibly caused his shoulder pain. Gilotra also arranged to fill Tobars prescriptions that afternoon. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Arturo Rodriguez, a medical assistant with Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, takes vital signs and basic information from a man Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, along Brays Bayou in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
The goal, explained the doctor getting out of the van, Mudit Gilotra, is to treat urgent health care needs such as infections, skin lacerations and bad coughs and to build relationships with patients, ultimately drawing them into a primary health care model. The program comes at a time when the number of deaths among Harris Countys homeless population is growing. A University of Houston analysis of medical examiner data has found that in Harris County, a person dies in homelessness, on average, every 36 hours.
Gilotra greeted the man who was eyeing his approach: Hey, are you Steve?
Steve nodded.
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While Healthcare for the Homeless street medicine team spends time going to encampments around the county, it also takes referrals from certain partners. A board member who often brought Steve, 54, bottles of water asked if they could check up on him.
Steve, who gave the Houston Chronicle only his first name, hadnt seen a doctor in ages. The last time was maybe 30 years ago, he said. Gilotra asked if he could take his blood pressure, and Steve hesitated. Sure, he said after a beat.
What made you hesitate? asked Gilotra.
Dr. Mudit Gilotra, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, talks to a homeless man named Steve on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, along Brays Bayou in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
ALSO BY R.A. SCHUETZ: Supreme Court ruling on whether flooded ranchers can sue Texas will shape property rights nationwide
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At first, Steve explained that it was because he didnt want to miss the morning traffic. Im in the middle of fundraising, he said, so he could afford a hotel when it got colder. But then, after they talked more, he added that there was another reason.
The cost of medical bills, he said. Id rather not know. If youre not sick, the bills will make you sick."
I thought it might be something like that, Gilotra said before telling Steve his services were free. If he recommended a treatment or service that came at a cost, they would discuss it beforehand.
What Steve didnt mention was that the last time he saw a doctor, he had passed out downtown, only to awaken to an $800 bill for the ambulance ride and limited medical services. And he didnt mention that, just a few days before, he observed the 20th anniversary of his mothers death. She had had high blood pressure, and he did not know if that had contributed to her passing or if it was hereditary.
He said he felt nervous as Arturo Rodriguez fitted him with a blood pressure cuff and uncertain as Rodriguez put a thermometer to his head.
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His blood pressure was high.
Arturo Rodriguez, a medical assistant with Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, grabs items to give to a homeless man Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in the Midtown neighborhood in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
The street care team discussed the best way to do blood work. Steve wasnt ready to go to the clinic, so they took his blood there and arranged to find him with the results after the freeze.
They piled back into the van, which is actually Gilotras personal van, filled with colorful bracelets his 7-year-old daughter had beaded. Before setting out that morning, theyd affixed a decal on the door that read Healthcare for the Homeless, which they would take off when he went home. The street team is funded by private donations to Healthcare for the Homeless, and they did not yet have enough for a specialized vehicle.
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Left: Dr. Mudit Gilotra, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston, looks over his shoulder as he prepares to hand out socks and water to people under an I-610 overpass Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, near the intersection with South Main Street in Houston. Right: A bracelet made by Gilotras daughter sits in the backseat of his SUV. Jon Shapley / Staff Photographer Left: Dr. Mudit Gilotra, assistant medical director of Healthcare for the Homeless - Houston, looks over his shoulder as he prepares to hand out socks and water to people under an I-610 overpass Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, near the intersection with South Main Street in Houston. Right:A bracelet made by Gilotras daughter sits in the backseat of his SUV. Jon Shapley / Staff Photographer
The dream is a Sprinter van thats ADA accessible, Gilotra said. That would mean they could put an exam table in the back and do exams that require more privacy than can be found on the streets. But this can still do a lot.
Gilotra characterized his interaction with Steve as a beginning. They were starting to form a relationship, the trust that would be needed to provide quality health care. The point was to come back time and time again. It was usually easy to find people, although in pockets around downtown, where people have been moved, it can be more difficult.
Houston is the third city where Gilotra has helped start a street medicine program, after Philadelphia and San Jose, Calif. He moved to Houston because his wife is from the area, and he said he was struck by how many people here followed up for appointments, even if it meant considerable travel across one of Americas largest cities not built for people without cars. We dont have the exact numbers, but its clearly above 50%, he said. Its blown us away.
At another stop that afternoon, in a parking lot near a Whataburger and a hotel, Gilotra, Rodriguez and a charismatic community health worker named Joseph Cowboy Benton spoke to several people. One man, Robert Tobar, said his shoulders ached as though someone had hit them with a sledgehammer. He had actually gone to the hospital a few days before because his diabetes was out of control, but they gave him prescriptions that he couldnt fill because he didnt have insurance.
Joseph Cowboy Benson steers his wheelchair across a parking lot on his way to talk to a homeless man Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, near the intersection of I-610 and South Main Street in Houston. Benson is a community health worker with Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, and he said he had once lived on the street for several years. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
Benton said he would help him get his gold card, which provides Harris County residents financial assistance for medical care, and Gilotra asked him to lift his arms. Tobar could not raise them parallel to the ground, a classic sign of frozen shoulder, which happens often in people with diabetes. They made an appointment for him to come to the clinic for treatment, and Tobar gave Gilotra his list of unfilled prescriptions.
Last week, pointing to a reported rise in antisemitic sentiment on some university campuses, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whos at the tail end of a failing presidential campaign built on culture war, announced an emergency order that he said would offer a degree of succor. If Jewish students fear persecution due to their religious beliefs, DeSantis said, those in financial need who transfer to Florida public universities will be offered in-state tuition and have certain academic requirements waived to smooth their way.
Two could play at this game. With people losing bodily autonomy as their states have curtailed reproductive rights post-Dobbs, blue-state universities could help out-of-state students seeking refuge by implementing similar programs. State legislatures could pass laws that would offer in-state college tuition to any individual fleeing abortion bans elsewhere.
Even before the Supreme Courts ruling in Dobbs, blue-state legislators were considering laws that would take measures to make it easier for out-of-state individuals to obtain an abortion in their states, such as reducing waiting periods, removing hurdles to abortion medications, expanding telehealth access, tightening privacy provisions, and shielding medical providers from suits from other states. Blue states cant do the politically impossiblegetting legislators in (often heavily gerrymandered) abortion-banning states to change their votesnor can they do the fiscally improbablepaying to relocate all those wanting to flee abortion bans. These states sought instead to become abortion safe havens because they understood that the ethical beliefs of legislators in red states would soon deprive some individuals of the right to make their own reproductive decisions.
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Public universities dont have the authority to reform the eligibility criteria for determining who qualifies for in-state tuition. This is a good thing. It insulates them from claims that they are taking sides. Given that state citizens pay taxes that support in-state tuition rates, having elected officials in state legislatures, state boards of higher education, or state boards of regents hold the power to determine these criteria also ensures public accountability.
States often grant exceptions to this tuition divide between in-state and out-of-state students. For example, a majority of states had extended in-state tuition to nonresident military veterans even before the 2014 passage of the federal Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act, which requires this be the case at public universities that get GI Bill funding. Relatedly, over 20 states, both red and blue, provide in-state tuition to undocumented students. California recently announced a pilot program allowing low-income students living in Mexico (within 45 miles of the border) to pay in-state tuition at some of the states community colleges. Texas has had a similar program in place for years. Legislatures can create another such exception, offering in-state tuition to those escaping laws that decide for them whether they will carry a pregnancy to term.
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While it might seem that this kind of law would incentivize too many people to switch schools, robust demand would likely only be an issue at flagship public universities, where fleeing out-of-state students would still need to be accepted and have the funds to relocate, two barriers to entry which would keep the numbers down. Similar existing programs for nonresident military veterans, undocumented students, and others have not bankrupted public universities. Legislatures could also cover any shortfalls.
Offering assistance to some is not a penalty to those who do not qualify. Colleges reduce or eliminate tuition for students in disparate economic situations. Having ones bodily autonomy restricted is at least as important a consideration. State legislatures could limit offers of in-state tuition to only those who can get pregnant, from a list of states that restrict abortion access. This subset of students would then be given the option to attest to whether they are seeking in-state tuition because they are fleeing abortion restrictions in their home state. Certain applicants might fib, as some do when reporting their assets on financial aid documents. Yet just because all benefit programs are gamed by a few is not a reason to deny valuable assistance.
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Alternately, states can consider better publicizing advice on how to establish residency, or create relevant cross-border educational partnerships. For example, the Southern Regional Education Boards Academic Common Market lets students pay in-state tuition at select public colleges in 15 different states if their home states public universities dont offer their desired program of study. Universities can create or promote other programs that offer in-state tuition in specific instances, for example to students from neighboring states.
State legislatures in anti-abortion states could replicate this idea in reverse. They can offer in-state tuition to any student who wants the opportunity to study in a place that makes it easier for them to live their ethical commitments.
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Further filtering of young voters will certainly not heal our political divisions. But we should not let incalculable long-run political ramifications stop states from empowering their universities to help students in need now, while also protecting our republic by shoring up individual rights for more individuals.
If such abortion safe-haven tuition programs became popular, there could also be economic consequences. Students who left might never return. This would have positive economic implications for the safe-haven states, in terms of the size and educational mix of their labor pool. New Mexico and Illinois might have an opportunity to attract some of the best and brightest out of Texas and Indiana. In the long run, it might make anti-abortion states rethink their policies.
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Private colleges can also play a role as safe havens by ensuring everyone knows how their tuition discount rates work in practice. They can also establish new scholarships for those fleeing abortion restrictions. Elite private colleges should also significantly expand their incoming class sizes, which would take some of the pressure off state universities.
Recent research by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that college students favored attending school in states that have more access to abortion by a 4-to-1 margin. Two-thirds, even, of Republican college students said they preferred to matriculate in states with fewer abortion restrictions. In-state tuition for those fleeing abortion bans could help students match their actions to their preferencesand could even help some blue and purple state school systems stave off the effects of the ever-nearer demographic cliff.
Last week, representatives from around the world met at The Hague to hear a singular court case. On the world stage of the United Nations, South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in its ongoing war in Gaza. Both countries were called in to make their cases before the judges of the International Court of Justice.
The world is watching Israel, its watching Gaza, and its watching the International Court of Justice, Adil Haque said. Haque is a professor of international law at Rutgers University. He studies the rules and regulations surrounding war and armed conflict. This is the first time in my lifetime that theres been so much public attention to the role of international law in potentially resolving disputes as a method of last resort.
This week, the war in Gaza hit the 100-day mark. Months after the first headlines, the bodies continue to pile upmore than 24,000 according to the latest estimate. Now, its up to the U.N. to decide if that level of mass death amounts to a genocide.
Haque calls this court case a method of last resort because the U.N. has already tried to get Israel to call off its campaign. The Security Council voted twice to order a humanitarian cease-fire, but the United States vetoed the measure each time.
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The International Court of Justice is the last institution in the international legal system that could potentially issue a legally binding order to Israel to suspend its military operations or accept a cease-fire before it is too late, said Haque. Even if the ICJ finds that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, its not a guarantee that the war would end. What a ruling like that would do is call on the international community to step in. This would be tantamount to finding that every state in the world has a legal obligation to take action to try to bring this war to an end.
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On Wednesdays episode of What Next, we discussed the question: What makes a war a genocide? Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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Mary C. Curtis: To some observers, it might seem curious that South Africa, of all countries, is the one bringing the case against Israel. Could you give a little context there?
Adil Haque: The connection between South Africa and Israel and the Palestinians is a complex one that goes back many decades. Israel actually supported the apartheid government in South Africa. And as a result, Black South Africans and Palestinians have for a long time felt that their struggles for self-determination, for freedom, for dignity are intertwined.
And Nelson Mandela also sought some solidarity with Yasser Arafat, the late leader of the Palestinians.
Absolutely. It was an era in which there were struggles against colonialism, against occupation, against apartheid. And these were viewed, by those seeking national liberation, as different sides of the same struggle for self-determination and against its forcible denial. And so for that reason, it is not too surprising that South Africa would be the state of all the states in the world to bring this case.
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South Africa is alleging that Israel is currently committing genocide in Gaza. Thats a really weighty accusation. I want to be specific about what that means. How does international law define genocide? And what precisely is South Africa accusing Israel of?
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A genocide is defined in two parts. There are the constituent acts of genocide, which include killing members of a group, causing grave physical or mental harm to members of a group, or creating conditions of life calculated to destroy the group. The second element is what distinguishes genocide from war crimes and even crimes against humanity, and this is the specific intent to destroy a national, racial, religious, or ethnic group. This is what is known as the specific intent requirement of genocide. And it is extremely narrow and extremely difficult to prove.
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So, the hearings begin. South Africa has the floor. How did they use their time?
South Africa does a few things. It opens by contextualizing the dispute, framing the dispute in a way that is favorable to the narrative that they want to tell. That narrative is one of prolonged occupation, oppression, dehumanization.
The second thing they did was they showed the pattern of conduct. There are three or four core components of this pattern of conduct. The first is the complete siege that Israel imposed on Gaza on Oct. 9, two days into the war. The second component is the evacuation order that forcibly displaced around a million Gazans from the north to the south, because that really created the conditions of overcrowdingpoor sanitation, no shelterthat is part of the reason why so many Palestinians now face famine and disease. And the last component is the bombing campaign, which not only killed over 20,000 civilians but left most of Gaza uninhabitable and in particular destroyed the medical and health care infrastructure of Gaza.
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And at the very end of South Africas presentation on this pattern of conduct, they imply that if you know that a course of action will result in catastrophic harm and you go ahead and do it anyway, it must be plausible to infer that this is something you intended to do.
The South African team also took it a step further, pointing out that we dont need to infer Israels genocidal intentyou can hear it loud and clear in speeches from Israeli leaders.
They emphasize that the extraordinary thing about this case is this string of statements from Israeli officials, military leaders, members of parliament that indicate a kind of dehumanizing and eliminationist rhetoric toward Gazans. These statements are extraordinary. We dont expect to see anything like this in warfare and certainly not this volume of statements along these lines.
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And it looks like from the actions of Israeli soldiers, theyre saying that they got the message.
Thats right. And this is a key part of South Africas case, because Israel argued that these statements, while troubling, were taken out of context. They were ambiguous. But South Africa showed videos to the court of soldiers on the ground in Gaza, repeating, chanting, singing these statements of dehumanization.
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States have both a duty not to engage in genocide, but also a duty to prevent genocide. And if Israeli soldiers on the ground are acting with genocidal intent, those actions are attributable to Israel, and Israel is responsible.
During that hearing last week, South African representatives also brought up other countries and conflicts where the ICJ has found evidence of genocide. What was their intention when they did that?
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South Africa wants to convinced the court that, Look, were not asking you to do anything extraordinary or novel. Were just asking you to apply the legal framework that youve applied in other cases.
And to that legal argument, they also made a very powerful moral argument, because the South African representatives argued that to fail to apply the same legal framework here would be, in effect, to devalue Palestinian lives relative to the lives of members of other groups where the court has taken action in the past.
What kind of outcome is South Africa seeking here?
Theyre essentially asking for three types of what are called provisional measures. These are basically interim orders. One group of these measures involves things like preserving evidence and cooperating with U.N. and other fact finders. Very straightforward.
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The second group of requests has to do with humanitarian aid, basically ordering Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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The big request that South Africa is making is that the court order Israel to immediately suspend military operations in Gaza, and this request is based on an identical order that the court issued in the Ukraine vs. Russia case, ordering Russia to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine. The whole world is waiting with bated breath to see what the court will do.
On Friday morning, the second day of the hearings, its the Israelis turn to make their case. How do they start their arguments?
Israel begins by alluding to the history of the Jewish people with respect to the crime of genocide. The fact that many Israelis either are Holocaust survivors or are the children or grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.
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The second thing that the Israeli representative opens by saying is that the real genocide in this case was committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, that the brutality of Hamas attackthe killing of Israeli civilians, taking hostages, committing rape and sexual assault, torturethat these indicate much more strongly genocidal intent. Essentially, they killed as many Israelis as they could. And that is the real genocide here.
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And they play video, audio. They really want to give the court a visceral sense of what went on.
Absolutely. And again, this goes back to framing your case in a way that supports the narrative that you want to present to the court. South Africa said that the context of this case is occupation. Israel wants to say, No, the context of this case is Oct. 7. Everything we have done since that day was a response to that day. And that is meant to support their argument that their intent is only to defeat Hamas and not to destroy the Palestinians of Gaza.
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Israel also invokes self-defense. Whats the argument theyre trying to make here?
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There are essentially two arguments. One is simply a factual argument. They are arguing that their true intention is to defeat Hamas and not to destroy the Palestinians of Gaza. The second argument is that even if the court finds plausible South Africas claims, the court should not order Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in Gaza because doing so would impair Israels right of self-defense, that Hamas is still firing rockets into Israel, they still hold over 100 hostages in captivity, and it would be unfair and disproportionate to demand that Israel stop fighting when the court does not have the jurisdiction to order Hamas to stop fighting.
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Thats because the court only has jurisdiction over states. It cannot tell nonstate actors what to do, so it cannot demand that Hamas observe a cease-fire. And South Africans say, Well, this is just an unfortunate limitation of the courts jurisdiction, but the court should do what it can and order Israel to immediately suspend military operations, while Israel is saying, No, if you cant issue a balanced order, then you shouldnt issue any order at all.
It seems like Israels case boils down to this is war, people are going to die, but that doesnt mean that theres genocide going on. Is that how you heard it?
Absolutely. Israel made the argument that intense urban warfare against a nonstate adversary that is deeply embedded in civilian population and densely populated cities and towns will always involve a shocking level of death and destruction. But that alone does not indicate genocidal intent. They want to say that far from genocide, Israel is lawfully exercising its right of self-defense in full compliance with international humanitarian law, as implausible as that might seem to many.
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So, both sides have had the chance to make their cases. Now what happens? Do they take a vote? What is the timeline?
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The judges will retire to decide the first question of whether South Africas claims are plausible and then decide which of these requested provisional measures the court is willing to order. That could take two weeks; it could take two months. The expectation of most international lawyers is that the court will act fairly quickly because of the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.
But a verdict on the question of genocide could take longer. Right?
Absolutely. International Court of Justice cases can drag on for years. There are many procedural steps between now and a final judgment. Right now, South Africas overwhelming priority is to get these provisional measures in place, particularly one ordering Israel to suspend military operations.
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Heres the elephant in the room: The ICJ is tasked with coming to a decision in this case. But if they do decide that its possible genocide is being committed in Gaza, do they have the power to punish Israel or even enforce a decision?
Provisional measures are legally binding. So, if Israel defies the court, it will be violating international law on that basis alone, and should the case proceed, the court could hold Israel responsible for violating these provisional measurements. All of that does depend, however, on Israel continuing to participate in the proceedings, continuing to defend itself even if it defies the courts orders, and ultimately deciding whether or not to issue whatever compensation, reparation, or satisfaction the court orders them to produce.
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But even if they send measures like sanctions to the Security Council, isnt it likely the U.S. or another ally would veto them?
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Absolutely. The United States has shown very consistently that it is supporting Israels military campaign, no matter what.
So, as you said, its likely going to be a long time before the ICJ reaches any final decision about whether Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. But just speculate with me for a bit: What kind of impact could a decision like that have?
The impact would be tremendous, because it would be an example of the court finding a very powerful state, a nuclear weapon state, responsible for what many perceive to be the most serious crime under international law. That said, there is a concern that the focus on genocide could distract both the public and others from other violations of international law. And that would be a mistake.
Genocide is a very serious crime. But so is the use of starvation as a method of warfare, so is forcible displacement of a population. There are other international crimes that are potentially at play here other than genocide. And its very important that we not lose sight of those and focus exclusively on this very narrowly defined crime of genocide.
The progressive left has been displeased with Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman since October, when he emerged as one of the national scenes most vocal, least conflicted supportersfrom either partyof Israels war in Gaza. Now hes taken an equally confrontational position on immigration, joining the ongoing discussions about a potential border security bill in the Senate by admonishing liberals to concede that conditions at the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico constitute a crisis.
I hope Democrats can understand that it isnt xenophobic to be concerned about the border, Fetterman told Politico in early December, describing the monthly number of so-called encounters between undocumented migrants and U.S. enforcement agents as astonishing and not a Fox News kind of statistic. (That number, for the most recent month available, was 242,000. Annually, encounters have more than doubled from pre-pandemic levels.) A week later he told NBC News, in response to questions about both Israel and immigration, that hes not a progressivea declaration which came as a surprise to those who remembered him repeatedly describing himself as one while he was running for office in Pennsylvania.
The question this raisesand that NBC News raised, explicitly, in the headline of its reportis whether Fetterman is becoming a maverick, that fabled creature of Senate myth, a horse with John McCains body and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinemas head, one which votes by the light of its own convictions rather than the stifling dictates of leftright ideology. Political reporters like mavericks because wild-card voting patterns make for exciting news cycles, and pundits like them because they keep the dream of a moderate-voter uprising alive. There are attention-based rewards available, in other words, for those who take this path, and Fetterman does already have an iconoclastic manner of dress.
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The existence of another Sinema would be alarming to both progressives and mainstream, party-line Democrats. She nearly derailed Joe Bidens first term by helping kill the social spending provisions in his Build Back Better proposal, and her support for preserving the filibuster precluded the possibility of passing laws that would protect voting rights and abortion access. With a narrow Senate majority that is likely to stay small next year if it doesnt disappear completely, Dems dont want to worry about some guy in shorts going rogue every time theres a high-profile vote. (Sinemas quasi-defection from the party has been so extreme that another candidate, Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, has become the favorite to win the partys nomination for her seat this year, although Sinema may still run as an independent.)
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Terrifying as this may be to certain parties, its unlikely that Fetterman will end up where Sinema has, at least over the issues of immigration (or the Middle East). The order to negotiate with Republicans came from the White House in the first place because Biden hopes a border deal will secure GOP support for a package bill that will also provide military aid to Israel. While border discussions have yet to produce any sort of agreed-upon framework, much less the actual text of potential legislation, the president seems to be prepared to reduce the number of cases in which migrants are granted asylum and limit the number that are granted parole (i.e., allowed to live in the U.S.) while their cases are being handled. Fetterman hasnt said Democrats should go any further than that, and hes said he wont support measures from the House Republican caucuss more severe and restrictive immigration bill, H.R. 2. (The Senate is essentially ignoring the Houses work on the subject and creating its own, separate legislation, which could lead to another set of problems down the line.) On both the border and Israel, his positions match Bidens.
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What sets the NBA-sized Keystone Stater apart from his Democratic colleagues is simply what top-level communications professionals call framing. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, for instance, is leading border negotiations for the Democratic caucus; he said in November that he is not happy about his role or the position Republicans have put us in, and that he is just trying to figure out if theres a pathway to come to a compromise. Murphy is not materially working toward a different outcome than Fetterman is. But they sound different when they talk about the subject.
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Theres a lot of the Democratic Party, starting with the White House, that appears to be of the opinion that immigration is not a winning issue for Democrats right now, says Dara Lind, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council. And that their primary commitment on the issue, therefore, needs to be keeping it out of the headlinesthat we need to stop people from coming so that we stop getting headlines about how were letting too many people into the country.
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Fetterman will likely end up voting like a loyal Democrat on immigration. But he is creating headlines rather than suppressing them, as is his custom in general. I think what people are noticing is just his stylistic approach, says Mark Nicastre, a former spokesman for Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, citing Fettermans political origins as a small-town mayor who earned national attention for his positions on marriage equality and marijuana laws. When he stakes out a position, he loudly stakes it out. He uses his full communications toolbox, as it were. (As Nicastre notes, Fetterman stated his current position on Israel with equal force when he was running for Senate in 2022.)
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Fettermans comments about taking the Republican position about border encounters seriously are also consistent with his history, Nicastre says: When he first became lieutenant governor, we talked with him in his office about doing a tour of the state to talk about the potential of legalizing recreational marijuana. We said, You can do the events regionally, do seven or eight of them, and he said, I want to do 67, which is the number of counties in Pennsylvania. He wants to hear from people and keep open lines of communication.
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Says Nicastre: He used the word encounters in the December quote in relation to encounters between people who are seeking asylum, or immigrating, and border patrol agents. That struck methat he is looking to reduce the number of those encounters, which could ultimately become dangerous or be deadly for both immigrants and agents. I think that might be at the center of this, that he wants to make that a safer, more orderly process. Indeed, during his 2022 Senate race, Fetterman said that he believes a secure border can be compatible with compassion and that he supports comprehensive immigration reform, which usually refers to legislation that would include increased funding for border security as well as the granting of legal status to undocumented immigrants who are already in the U.S.
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The limited polling thats been done since December does not depict a Sinema-like backlash against Fettermans positions on either Israel or immigration. A Quinnipiac survey of registered Pennsylvania voters released last Wednesday found that nearly 60 percent of Democrats said Fettermans support for tougher immigration policies did not affect their view of him; 26 percent said it made them view him more favorably, and only 12 percent said it made them view him less favorably. Among independents, more favorably beat less favorably 408.
Everyone wins, perhaps, except for asylum-seeking migrants, who face a system that may become harder to navigate despite the historic lack of evidence that tougher or less humane conditions in the U.S. have a lasting effect on the frequency of attempts to cross the border. (Surges, rather, appear more closely linked to economic and political conditions in migrants countries of origin.)
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I think its totally reasonable to say we dont have order at the U.S.Mexico border, [and] that is resulting in communities in the United States dealing with migrants and not having the means to support them, Lind says. The problem is that the number of people coming to the country is not something that we can actually control by passing policies. Weve never really invested in orderly processing at the border; we keep going to Congress and asking for temporary spaces to hold people, rather than actually building things that will work the next time theres an increase in the numbers. It might turn out, then, that for all the maverick headlines, Fetterman is actually participating in the most conventional Washington activity of all: Kicking the can down the road.
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.
It could have been bad news but it turned out to be better news. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, on Tuesday morning, announcing that the fiscal year 2025 state budget would not have to undergo the deep social-spending cuts shed been warning about for months
In the lead-up to the 2022 midterms, when polls looked especially bad for New York Democrats, local consulting firm Slingshot Strategies conducted a survey with a rather telling result: Of the state and citys most prominent elected officials, the only two incumbents with net-unfavorable ratings among likely voters were Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. Hochul did survive her much-too-close race that fall, but public approval of her and Adams has hardly improved in the year since those elections. You neednt look much further than this weeks disastrous city and state budget rollouts to understand why.
Some necessary context: For months now, New Yorkers (including myself) have been treated to nonstop cynical condescension from both Hochul and Adams about why they dont want to, but just have to slash budgetary support for several popular, fruitful social and community services in their upcoming budgets. Austerity measures are always to be expected from left-punching donor supplicants like these two, but the line items targeted were as shocking as their reasoning was infuriating. Late last year, Adams rolled out a modification for the citys current budget, which had already imposed drastic cuts to libraries and educational programs to widespread outrage. The update proposed further cuts: for free universal pre-K, summer school, trash and street cleaning, park maintenance, shelter and assistance for migrants, and community composting, among other beloved and amply used public services. Massive dissent from City Council members, City Hall protesters, and online campaigns were to no avail. Rather, Adams cited the gutting as necessary thanks to expiring COVID-era federal aid, low tax receipts (a problem perhaps exacerbated, if not outright inflicted, by his refusal to raise taxes on New Yorks wealthiest), and the migrants whom Florida and Texas transported to sanctuary city NYC.
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Blaming refugeespeople already mistreated by Border Patrol agents and red-state governorsfor the citys woes was not a new rhetorical tack from Adams. Still, its been a galling one. The city is certainly facing a hefty surge in new arrivals who lack adequate support from the federal government, but Adams also carries quite a bit of personal blame for that. As my colleague Alexander Sammon pointed out last year, the mayor wasted $432 million on a company that had no experience with migrant aid, and yet was entrusted with providing aid to disastrous effect. (Services encompassed low-quality food, undelivered meals, and mistreatment of unsheltered immigrants.) Other companies that received billions of dollars in contracts from City Hall evaded any oversight or accountability, and their resulting migrant abuses were never sufficiently addressed. Adams also spoke of the newcomers in apocalyptic terms, claiming the overwhelming influx would destroy the city even though, as Gothamist demonstrated, the number of new arrivals was hardly greater than the norm when compared with municipal immigration statistics in both recent and historic periods. Plus, the citys own Independent Budget Office repeatedly undercut Adams claims about the costs required to care for the new migrants, calculating that he was exaggerating the financial burden by nearly $5 billion.
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Naturally, Adams nonstop fearmongering earned attention from Albany, with Kathy Hochul focusing ongive it a guessmigration as she deliberated over the states budget in November, under the assumption that the state was facing a $4.3 billion deficit. Like Adams, Hochul dismissed the idea of tax hikes on the states richest, with her budget chief declaring that were at our taxing limit for our personal income tax on high-income earners. Thus, we may have to show some restraint along the way when it comes to assisting poorer New Yorkers, including migrants, with our ability to provide assistance to asylum seekers and migrants [becoming] unsustainable.
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So, goodbye to Sunday library services, goodbye to organizations that turn food scraps into soil nutrition instead of natural gas, goodbye to various after-school and summer spaceseven though all of these amounted to mere pennies in the city budget at most. All because Adams blew billions on poor services for migrants, then blamed those ill-served migrants for the citys troubles. Not to mention, his desire to blow cash on his own city-hosted podcast and radio shows instead of responding to critical reporters. You can understand why many New Yorkers were pissed, and why Adams (and Hochuls) approval ratings remained in the tank.
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But wait! Whats this? Turns out, there actually was money in the banana stand all along??
On Monday, the New York Daily News reported that the citys on track to rake in well over $2 billion more in tax revenue than what [Adams] team previously estimated. Indeed, Adams confirmed this in his Tuesday announcement, adding that he also projected a lower number of new migrants (and thus, lowered expenses) in the coming year. Hizzoner then touted a budget update that backtracked planned funding reductions to the Department of Homeless Services, police and fire department training programs, the library systems, summer education programs, parks, and the Department of Sanitation. (The Department of Education is still facing some steep cuts, while other city agencies will have to deal with hiring freezes.) Hochul had similarly cheery news on Tuesday, noting that the multibillion-dollar deficit was about to become a $2.2 billion surplusthanks to last years tax revenues! Bad news, meet better news.
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Obviously, the fact that both Hochul and Adams appeared to be unaware of the impact of tax collection on their respective budgets makes one wonder what the hell is going on with local government accountants. But even though these receipts allow Hochul to avoid some (though not all) planned cuts of her own, she told reporters Tuesday, according to Hell Gate, that she will say no if the Democratic-dominated Assembly passes any tax hikes. Ill say this about Hochul and Adams: Theyre proving incredibly adept at sabotaging their own governance, depending on sheer dumb luck, and getting literally everybody to hate them. Greatest city in the world, baby!
The Middle East is blowing up. More militias and militaries are launching attacks against more countries, for more reasons, than the region has seen in decadesby some measures, in more than a century, since the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during and after the First World War.
Many of these recent strikes and incursions stem from the regions largest, most violent, and contentious current warthe one between Israel and Hamas. But others are only peripherally related, if at all. And a few are downright puzzling.
In any case, the list amounts to what Charles Lister of the Middle East Institute calls an insane scale of cross-border conflict. It entails Israel attacking Gaza and Lebanon, Hamas and Hezbollah attacking Israel, Jordan and Iran attacking Syria, Iran attacking Iraq, Yemens Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea, prompting the U.S. and Britain to attack Houthi targets in Yemen, andmost recent and, in some ways, most startlingan exchange of missiles and drones between Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistans strikes on Iranwhich were launched in retaliation to Irans strikes on Pakistanmarked the first time that anyone has fired missiles against Iranian territory since the IranIraq war of 198088.
President Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, wrote in an article for the October 2023 issue of Foreign Affairs that the Middle East is quieter than it has been for decades. Sullivan was permitted to delete that sentence, and to revise several other newly outdated passages, for the journals online edition, in order to account for the facts of Hamas murderous attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israels retaliation.
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Heres the thing, though. When the magazines print edition went to press, Sullivans assertion seemed to be true. What has happened in the three months since? Do all of the ensuing conflicts stem from Oct. 7? Do they all represent one giant wave of violencedifferent theaters of a long-suppressed, regionwide conflict that Hamas terrorist attack and Israels massively destructive retaliation unveiled and revitalized?
Its complicated.
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The most striking, and alarming, attacks have been launched, just in the last few days, byand againstIran. The mullahs of Tehran had refrained from getting directly involved in the fights all around them while still fueling the conflicts through proxies. Perhaps they were deterred from direct action by the two U.S. aircraft carriers mobilized to the Mediterranean for precisely that purpose. Instead, the Iranians let their proxieschiefly Hamas, Hezbollah, and lately the Houthisdo the dirty work, though even then backing them with caveats. Iran cheered Hamas but denied any involvement in the Oct. 7 attack; it let the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militias lob just enough rockets into northern Israel to signal support for Hamas but not enough to prompt devastating return fire from the Israeli Defense Forces.
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Irans motivethe reason its leaders decided to let the military, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, fire off some salvosis a matter for speculation. It could be that they felt a need to display leadership, to show their proxies that they werent fighting on their own. Iraqs foreign minister, Fuad Mohammed Hussein, quipped on one newscast that the Iranians wanted to attack someone, and knew they couldnt risk attacking Israel or America, so they bombed Kurdish leaders in Iraq.
There may be something to this (Michael Knights of the Washington Institute described Irans attacks on Kurds in Iraq as bombing the usual suspects), but its a bit flippant. Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert at Johns Hopkins Universitys School of Advanced International Studies, told me, Iraqs foreign minister didnt want to admit that anti-Iran terrorists are operating on Iraqi soil.
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Related From Slate This May Be the Only Way to Avoid a Broader Regional War in the Middle East Read More
Still, the question remains: Why fire off these salvos now? Demonstrating its power to Israel probably had something to do with it. At first, Tehran claimed that it hit a secret Mossad facility, and rationalized the attack as a response to the Jan. 4 suicide bombing at the graveside of Qassem Soleimani, the Iranian military commander, on the fourth anniversary of his assassination. (Iran blamed the bombingwhich killed 84 Iranianson Israels spy agency, even though ISIS publicly took credit for it.)
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In fact, the Iranians almost certainly dont believe their own rhetoric on this. At about the same time that they attacked Kurds in Iraq, they also launched missiles at ISIS targets in Syria. That attack represented the true retaliation to the graveside bombing. However, even that attack was directed, in some ways, at Israel. Farzin Nadimi, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, noted in a phone conversation that the missile fired at Syria was the longest-ranged missile Iran has fired in a military attack, and that, like the ones fired at Iraq, it was extremely accurate. The missile traveled the same distance needed to hit Israel, Nadimi said. In that sense, it was probably meant, in part anyway, to send Israel a signalat once a threat and a deterrent.
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However, Irans drone and missile strike on Pakistan is more puzzling. Nasr called it irrational, reckless, and out of left field. Nadimi said the Iranians probably didnt think it through. The attack was aimed at terrorists who had recently killed 16 IRGC soldiers on the IranPakistan border. But the Iranians should have realized that the Pakistani government would have to strike back. Each side claimed that the others attack killed women and children.
The odd thing about the exchange is that, in most respects, Iran and Pakistan are allies. They were about to conduct joint naval exercises, which have since been canceled. They both regard the terrorist group as hostile. Their officials and diplomats, who have regular contact with one another, could have planned some joint operation against it. Instead, the two sides have condemned each other and withdrawn their ambassadors.
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Observers believe the tensions between the two will wind down. Nobody wants a war, or any sort of confrontation, on this border, especially since Pakistan has nuclear weapons. Diplomats from Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and China are offering themselves as intermediaries.
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Still, given the spree of violence that has hit the entire region like a pandemic, who knows whether the two sides will come to their senses. A lot of other leaders and politicians havent done so. And since Irans attack and Pakistans response were both launched, at least in part, to please or placate domestic political factions, further episodes of irrationality arent out of the question. Its possible, for instance, that Iran will feel the need to strike back at Pakistan, lest othersmost notably Americans and Israelisget the idea that its possible to launch missiles at Iran without consequences.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza rages on. Whatever the real reasons for the conflicts throughout the region (and those reasons are many), some of the combatants in all of them at least say that theyre spinoffs of that larger, historic war, so the spinoff battles are likely to rage on.
A challenge to Floridas stringent abortion regime is currently before the conservative Supreme Court of Florida. The challenge is based on Floridas right to privacy. Voters enshrined that right in our constitution in 1980 and, starting with 1989s case In re T.W., the court held that the provision protects the right to abortion. The 15-week ban should fail given those authorities, but the state of Florida has asked the court to recede from its precedents. Under public meaning originalism, which conservative judges use to interpret constitutions today, the meaning of a constitutional provision at the time it was adopted controls. So the case has come to revolve around the original public meaning of the privacy right now found in Article I, Section 23 of the Florida Constitutionthat is, what Florida voters in 1980 more likely than not would have understood the language of the proposal to mean.
The Supreme Court held oral argument in September 2023, with a majority expressing skepticism that the privacy right encompasses abortion; we should expect a final decision in the next few months. During the argument, multiple conservative justices suggested that the public in 1980 did not understand the amendment to protect abortion, because there is no record of such debate.
But there is historical evidence that public discussion about the amendment acknowledged its potential impact on reproductive rights. That the Florida Supreme Court might declare otherwise reveals a key flaw in originalism: Judges must rely on a historical record that is inevitably incomplete, with gaps in the evidence leading to inaccurate conclusions.
Section 23s text sweeps broadly. It states, in full:
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Every natural person has the right to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the persons private life except as otherwise provided herein. This section shall not be construed to limit the publics right of access to public records and meetings as provided by law.
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The state and its fellow travelers argue that the public understood Section 23 to protect only Floridians right to control their personal information (informational privacy) rather than control over personal decision making (decisional privacy), including abortion. They are wrong. In separate law review articles, I and Stetson University law professor James Fox argue that Section 23 was originally understood to protect decisional privacy, including the decision to have an abortion.
The historical materials uncovered before the oral argument, mostly newspaper articles, showed that after they voted to send the proposal to voters, state legislators claimed the proposed right was limited to informational privacy. Additionally, abortion was mentioned only a few times during the public debate. But it was communicated to voters that the proposed right was extremely broad, would mirror or exceed the rights protected by the federal Constitution, and would protect informational and decisional privacy. Add to that the general political, social, cultural, religious, and legal background. Most importantly, in 1973s Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court rooted the right to an abortion in a broader constitutional right to privacysomething the public widely understood.
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At the oral argument in the Florida Supreme Court, Justice John Couriel, a Gov. Ron DeSantis appointee, observed that in 1980, advocacy organizations did not debate each other on whether the proposed amendment would include abortion. You dont even see an op-ed saying, Well, this is about Roe, Couriel said.
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Further research shows that there were, indeed, op-eds stating more or less exactly that.
On Oct. 31, 1980just before the Nov. 4 electionthe Catholic Archdiocese of Miamis weekly newspaper the Voice ran an editorial titled Privacy Proposal a Pandoras Box? The editorial recommended the proposal be defeated. One of the things it said (emphasis mine):
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Even the proponents of the amendment acknowledge that they dont know how the courts would rule on drug abuse or pornography laws. We know that the right of privacy was used by the United States Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade to legalize abortion.
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We see something similar in a much different part of the state, rural Madison, located in central north Florida. On Oct. 24, the weekly Madison Enterprise-Recorder ran an op-ed by a young local lawyer discussing that election years proposed amendments. About the proposed privacy right, the lawyer wrote, in part (emphasis mine):
However, in 1965 Justice William O. Douglas, writing for the U.S. Supreme Court, fashioned a right to privacy from the penumbra of rights contained in the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Ninth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This creative construction has been used by the federal courts to accomplish results ranging from the legalization of abortion to the striking down of certain codes of conduct regulating hair style.
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For unpersuasive reasons, the lawyer nonetheless concluded that the proposed Section 23 could not be used in the same way. He said hed vote for it.
And there were more than op-eds. On Oct. 29, the Bradenton Herald on the west coast of Florida ran a report from the Associated Press that I discussed in my article. The report stated that Bob Kunst, a prominent Miami gay-rights activist who stumped for the amendment across the state, contends it would void anti-abortion laws. Further research shows that the same day, the Ocala Star-Banner in north Florida ran the AP report. There is no reason to think these are the only two instances; this report likely ran in other local papers around the state.
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Kunst comes up again in more recent materials. Every 20 years, Florida has a Constitutional Revision Commission that vets possible amendments to put to our voters. In the 2018 cycle, one of the commissioners, John Stemberger, a co-author of the law review article arguing that Section 23 protects only informational privacy, introduced a proposal to exclude abortion from Section 23. At a public hearing, Kunst told the commission (emphasis mine):
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The privacy rights issue was our fourth election. We went all over this state. We went before city councils and commissions. The Anita Bryant [and] Falwell gang said this was the gay rights constitutional amendment, said this was going to legalize abortion, marijuana, the whole nine yards. And by the way, we didnt argue with them, we said, yes, because we had 600 murders in Miami, and our position was are we going to have the police do what they need to do or worry about who is having sex and who is getting high.
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Although this account comes to us decades later, I find it probative. Aside from agenda-driven pro-life activists, no one in 2018 seriously cared about the original public meaning of Section 23public meaning originalism had not yet been employed by the Florida Supreme Court. So there was no reason for Kunst (a Trump supporter) to shade his recollection of the public debate on this point.
In news clippings from 1980 that Kunst submitted to the CRC, we find a letter his associate, Dr. Alan Rockway, wrote to the editor of the Weekly News, a newspaper for the South Florida gay community, on Oct. 22, 1980. Rockway wrote (emphasis mine):
We will win the Privacy Rights Act campaign, being conducted by Floridians for Privacy Rights[,] precisely by raising the issues of banning electronic snooping, being pro-choice, pro-decriminalization of pot, pro-gay rights and pro-straight rights, eliminating state statutes which outlaw cohabitation and fornication between unmarried men and women.
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Sounding a similar note, there is an article from the Sept. 23 edition of the Sun-Sentinel, also in south Florida, reporting (emphasis mine): Kunst said the amendment will give backing to court challenges of issues such as prostitution, gun control, abortion rights and others when government intrudes in personal lives. Further research also found this in the Ledger, from west Floridas Lakeland, on Nov. 3 (emphasis mine): Kunst says the amendment could be used to litigate everything [including] the state forbidding abortions.
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At times in the oral argument, the current justices of the Florida Supreme Court hinted at an understanding that voters would have reasonably tied Floridas right to privacy with the federal right to privacy, which emerged in the context of reproductive rights. Chief Justice Carlos Muniz, a DeSantis appointee, suggested at the oral argument that the connection between Roe and privacy was part of, sort of the, our cultural kind of lexicon. Later, though, Muniz added: In a legal sense, privacy may have included abortion, but it doesnt seem like the people of Florida really had an actual debate over this when it was adopted.
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Related From Slate Republican Officials Openly Insult Women Nearly Killed by Abortion Bans Read More
Another DeSantis appointee, Justice Jamie Grosshans, asked the plaintiffs lawyer:
How would you respond to the fact that there is really virtually no sort of attention given to this subject in 1980? Your brief doesnt have very many supporting documents to show that that was the understanding of any voter in the state in 1980. Abortion has always been a divisive issueit was divisive in 1980why is there not more that emphasizes your view of what that term meant at the time?
This question points toward broader flaws with applying originalist methodology: No one has reviewed the full universe of publicly available materials; neither the plaintiffs, defendants, nor justices are historians. But the research undertaken by me and othersincluding one of the states alliessuggests that the original meaning of Section 23 was that it would protect decisional privacy, a part of which, unquestionably, is the right to an abortion.
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Clearly there are more materials from 1980 out there undiscovered, and not just online. What else could be in the physical archives of libraries, newspapers, and even local television news stations? Indeed, Kunsts submission to the 2018 CRC points to this TV programing note in the Miami News for channel 10s Florida Journal on Oct. 19: Debate on Privacy Amendment: Dr. Allan [sic] Rockway, Florida for Privacy Rights, vs. Mike Thompson, Florida Conservative Union. We will likely never know the answer to the question of what else is out there, because the practice of law is not the practice of history; real historians understand that there are no right answers in history, as there is always room for doubt.
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In the consequential case before it, where the state asks the justices to use patchy historical evidence to overturn decades of pro-choice precedent, the Florida Supreme Court will have to gamble: Is it more likely that whats out there further demonstrates a debate that connected Section 23 to abortion? Or is it more likely there is some undiscovered smoking gun that conclusively proves voters understood there was no connection between Section 23 and reproductive freedom?
To recede from In re T.W. and later cases, the court must be convinced that it clearly erred. Put another way, it must come to a definite and firm conviction that the precedent was wrong. If the gaps in the evidence leave room for doubt about what the voters in 1980 understood, and since that debate was in the living memory of the justices who decided In re T.W., it is difficult to see how that standard can be met.
Now that Vivek Ramaswamy is out of the presidential race, billionaire tech bros are suddenly lining up behind a new candidateDean Phillips, whos making a long-shot bid to challenge Biden for the Democratic nomination. Huh? Nitish Pahwa explains why it actually makes perfect sense.
Meanwhile, whats the rest of the Republican field doing? Well, Ron DeSantis bold new strategy is apparently for Trump to win New Hampshire and South Carolina. Jim Newell is going to have to break that one down for us.
We didnt do it, Joe
Bidens poll results have been bleak as of lateand the situation is bad enough that theres only one thing left for him to do, Alexander Sammon argues: The president has to start governing like he takes the threat of losing seriously. Sammon walks through what exactly that would mean.
Plus, in case you missed it: David Faris wrote about how theres not really any precedent for how bad Bidens polls have been.
Bad news for democracy
The Supreme Court is about to seize way more power from Democratic presidents. Mark Joseph Stern explains how this courts hubris is fueling a reckless race to undermine what remains of our democracy.
Pre-Stonewall horrors are back
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Before Stonewall, getting outed could be deadly for LGBTQ+ people. After an Alabama mayors recent suicide, its clear that some people want to return to that status quo. Evan Urquhart tells the story of the outing of Bubba Copeland.
The dark side of ancient Sparta
Matthew A. Sears studies ancient Sparta, and theres one major thing its contemporary fans are missing. He explains how the militarism that looks so badass came at a very high cost.
Today, Slate is * EVERYDAY BLAH BLAH BLAH AND THE KITCHEN-TABLE ZZZZZZZZZZ
Ah, primary season!
Thanks so much for reading, and well see you back here tomorrow.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is inciting a conflict between Border Patrol and the states National Guard that is inching closer and closer toward a violent clash between armed agents of state and federal law enforcement. The governor, as commander in chief of the Texas Guard, has directed his soldiers to block Border Patrols access to migrants, physically preventing federal officers from performing the duties assigned to them by Congress and the president. Abbott has received key assistance from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which cleared the way for him to obstruct federal border enforcement.
Tensions on the ground are escalating by the hour, as the Texas Guardemboldened by the 5th Circuitis wiring off an ever-greater portion of the border. The Guard is refusing entry to all federal law enforcement and to active duty service members. Even in an emergency, like the potential drowning of a migrant, the Texas Guard will not let federal officers or service members through to the border. If the Supreme Court does not reverse the 5th Circuit very soon, there is a real possibility that Abbotts partisan stunt will spiral into open battle between the state and federal governments.
The current dispute is yet another consequence of Operation Lone Star, Abbotts cynical effort to usurp authority over immigration from the Biden administration. Its also symptomatic of the failure of our judiciary and the Supreme Courts inability, or lack of desire, to check radical Trump-placed judges below it that issue far-right rulings with devastating consequences for democracy and human rights. The multibillion-dollar operation in question here directs Texas Guardsmen and state troopers to police the southern border and arrest migrants who cross over without authorization. It has utterly failed to reduce unlawful border crossings, though it has produced egregious acts of cruelty toward migrants; guardsmen have tried to drown these individuals, deprived them of water, and left them to suffer heat exhaustion in the tangle of razor wire set up by the state.
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This razor wire, which stretches for dozens of miles, is designed to ensnare migrants and prevent Border Patrol from reaching them. The wire is located on the U.S. side of the borderwhich means that by the time migrants reach it, they are on American soil. Federal law grants Border Patrol the right to access all land within 25 miles of the border; it also requires border agents to inspect, process, arrest, and detain migrants on U.S. soil. The Texas Guard, however, has barred agents from performing these tasks. It has fenced off a large section of Eagle Pass, an area where migrants frequently cross the Rio Grande into the United States, and has banished Border Patrol from entering. Border Patrol tried to monitor the area by boat, but the Texas Guard put a chain around the gate to the boat ramp so that border agents couldnt use it. Guardsmen also piled dirt on both sides of the gates that provide access to the Rio Grande in order to block federal access to the river.
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The Texas Guards actions are in direct conflict with federal law. Moreover, Abbott has directed guardsmen to push unauthorized migrants back across the border, which further contradicts federal law: Congress has deemed these migrants applicants for admission once they reach U.S. soil and has granted them certain rights, such as the ability to seek asylum. Texas has effectively nullified multiple federal statutes by trying to turn away migrants and forbidding Border Patrol from intercepting them.
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States, of course, have no constitutional prerogative to nullify federal law. This principle was established during the nullification crisis of the 1830s and the Southern resistance to desegregation during the Civil Rights era. Nor, under the Constitutions supremacy clause, can states interfere with the lawful exercise of federal authority; this rule is one of the oldest and most entrenched in all of constitutional law.
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In response to Texas illegal nullification scheme, Border Patrol started to cut down the states razor wire. Texas responded by suing the Department of Homeland Security for trespassing on the states property. A district court rejected the claim, but the 5th Circuit embraced it in a defiant opinion by Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan, a Donald Trump appointee. (Judge Don Willett, another Trump appointee, joined in full; Judge Catharina Haynes, a less extreme George W. Bush appointee, declined to sign on.)
Duncans opinion rested largely on a deceptively edited video submitted by Texas that, according to the state, shows border agents cutting the wire to let in migrants, then refusing to intercept them as they wander into the country. This video, Duncan asserted, proved that Border Patrol was not fulfilling its legal duties. (Federal officials have attested that, in reality, these migrants were directed to a staging area where they were detained, an event that was apparently edited out of the footage.) So Duncan and Willett issued an injunction barring border agents from cutting through the wire, except in the case of medical emergencies. (Federal officers would need up to half an hour to cut through the wire, significantly delaying their response to such an emergency.)
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The Department of Justice promptly asked the Supreme Court to halt the 5th Circuits decision. When the court did not act right away, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar filed an unusual update informing the justices that Texas had set up more wire over a larger area to prevent federal agents from even monitoring the border, refusing entry to their mobile surveillance trucks. She also noted that the Department of Defense had deployed active-duty service members to aid federal law enforcement but that Texas Guardsmen blocked with these troops too, prohibiting them even from refueling Border Patrols generators.
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Shortly thereafter, Prelogar provided a second, even more urgent update. After Mexico informed federal authorities that two migrants were in distress on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, a border agent asked the Texas Guard for access to the river. A guardsman refused. The agent spoke to a supervisor, a staff sergeant, who declared that border agents could not enter the area, even in emergency situations. Mexican rescuers were dispatched to save the migrants, who were suffering from hypothermia. They also discovered three migrantsa woman and her two kidswho had drowned when trying to cross the river.
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This case should be one of the easiest that the Supreme Court has ever confronted. For more than 200 years, SCOTUS has forbidden state authorities from interfering with the execution of federal law. Texas, abetted by the 5th Circuit, has disobeyed that foundational principle. It has done so by nullifying border policy enacted by Congress, which holds constitutional authority over immigration. Why has the Supreme Court taken so long to respond? Why did the justices not immediately freeze the 5th Circuits decision? Their delay may have encouraged the radical court, which allowed Texas to maintain a dangerous, 1,000-foot barrier in the Rio Grande on Wednesday. It seems unlikely that five justices agree that Abbott can void Congress commands. But what else explains the delay? Does the courts 2021 decision to let Texas nullify Roe v. Wade suggest that the conservatives are open to more mutinous nullification?
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All we know for sure is that, with each passing day, the Supreme Court grows more complicit in Texas lawless nullification scheme. The Justice Departments filings have grown increasingly alarmed; Prelogar has highlighted the fact that armed personnel of the state are in conflict with both border agents and active-duty service members. There is, in short, a standoff at the border. It cannot last forever. Texas Guardsmen have become progressively more confrontational, declining to give Border Patrol access even for medical emergencies (in violation of a court order). They keep expanding the area thats fenced off to the federal government, asserting an absolute right to lock out both border and military officers. The situation is eerily reminiscent of 1861, when Confederates opened fire on Fort Sumter following Union soldiers refusal to evacuate, marking the start of the Civil War.
We are not really on the verge of a civil war. But Abbott appears desperate to egg on a clash between his guardsmen and the federal government, one that could spill over into violence. The situation is a case study in what happens when far-right politicians, aided by equally far-right courts, collude to sabotage a Democratic presidents right to exercise his basic constitutional powers. If SCOTUS does not end the standoff soon, the lessons of 1861 may become shockingly applicable today.
By now, you probably know the flight number Alaska Airlines 1282. On Jan. 5, shortly after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, a plug door on the flights Boeing 737 Max 9 jet blew out, causing an uncontrolled decompression of the plane.
The plane was just a few months old, and the airline had just put it into service in November. But its also part of a family of airplanes with a tragic history. In 2018 and 2019, two Boeing 737 Max 8 jets crashed right after takeoff, killing 346 people. In response, all Boeing Max jets were grounded, returning to service only after Boeing repaired the flight control system that was blamed for the crashes, changed its operating manuals, and increased pilot training.
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After the most recent Boeing incident, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded Max 9 planes with door plugs, saying, Only the safety of the flying public will determine when the plane returns to service. On Fridays episode of What Next: TBD, I spoke with Jon Ostrower, editor in chief of the Air Current, about what happened in the factory, in the air, and in Boeings boardroom to reach this critical point. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Lizzie OLeary: A lot of people might be hearing about the 737 Max 9 for the first time as a result of this incident. Could you introduce me to this aircraft?
Jon Ostrower: The 737 Max is made up of five different airplanes. The first one flew for the first time in 2016; its called the Max 8. Its the leadoff and most popular version of the airplane. Boeing followed with the Max 9, which is a stretched version, meaning the fuselage is longer, so there are more passengers that can sit in the cabin. Boeing followed that with another model for Ryanair, to fit a whole heck of a lot of people in a small tube. And there are two other models that are still pending FAA certification, and it remains a gigantic question as to whether this whole incident is going to affect their arrival.
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The piece that blew explosively out of Alaska 1282 is alternately called a door plug, a plug door, a plug exit. Thats not a very helpful description if you arent someone who spends a lot of time around aircraft. What is this thing?
A plug exit is literally a piece of airplane structure that fits into a large open-door frame on the side of the airplane in the back half of the fuselage. Whats the purpose of this? If you are Alaska Airlines and you want to fly 178 people from JFK to Seattle, you dont need that plug door to be an emergency exit. If you go above 189 seats, per the regulations, that door needs to actually be an exit that can be operated by either passengers or flight attendants in case of emergency. What airlines like United and Alaska have done is theyve had the plug option, and so on one side it looks like a door where you can see a faint cutout in the metal; its got a regular window. But on the opposite side, passengers have no awareness of it being there. It is intended to be just a blank part of the cabin where you just have a side wall and a window.
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While its a Boeing jet, the planes fuselage was made by Spirit AeroSystems. Spirit used to be a part of Boeing, but it was spun off back in 2005. The company makes about 70 percent of every 737 aircraft and occupies a sprawling factory in Wichita, Kansas. Tell me about the history of that factory and the manufacturing process.
This is where the U.S. built B-29s and B-17s during World War II, and its been repurposed, been sourced for commercial aircraft, and been an integral part of every single airplane that Boeing has done throughout its history. In 2005 Boeing spun off their Wichita fabrication division, and that became Spirit AeroSystems. The thinking around the strategy at that point, why they would do it, is because, No. 1, they were trying to raise funds to pay for the development of the 787 Dreamliner, but also, they were adopting a strategy to reduce the amount of assets that the company had on its books while delivering the same number of airplanes.
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Spirit was established with guaranteed work on the 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, and 787. So, Boeing and Spirit are wed for life. Boeing cant do anything without Spirit; Spirit cant survive without Boeing. But the relationship over time has ebbed and flowed with genuine vitriol and lawsuits and acrimonyand also cooperation and enthusiasm. Its a very troubled marriage with no chance of divorce.
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Last week, you broke the story that United Airlines, in inspecting its 737 Max 9 fleet, found loose bolts and other parts on plug exits of at least five aircraft. Doesnt that point to a manufacturing issue?
Yes. What has gone on in those factories is going to be central to answering what happened to this Alaska flight.
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But the questions that come off of this are not about just solving this discrete problem. Fundamentally, this is about asking whether Boeings strategy and how it has conducted itself over the last 20-plus years are producing the results it wants. And by all accounts, in the conversations that Ive had with executives both past and present, both at Boeings most important customers, suppliers, stakeholders, no, its not. They are getting the opposite results of what they want, given the tumult and the instability that continues to absolutely ravage this company.
Just before we sat down to talk, you broke another story that the undamaged plug door, the one opposite from the one that blew out on the Alaska plane, had its fasteners tightened during assembly at Boeing, after it had left Spirit. Can you explain the significance of what that means?
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During the manufacturing process, there are multiple quality checks. There are quality checks when the fuselage leaves Spirit, and Boeing goes through both initial and final quality checks. When Boeing first got the fuselage, staff noted that there was a discrepancy in a piece of the structure that surrounds the plug door. Think of the doorframe: There is a little plate on either side that holds a key piece that the plug sits on, and that plate has four fasteners on each side. And Boeing personnel very crucially tightened six out of those eight total fasteners. How loose they were is not 100 percent clear, but Boeing noted it as a defect that needed to be fixed. And it was.
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We dont know the direct connection or what effect that had on what happened on the other side of the airplane, but what we do know was that there were discrepant parts that came through Boeings production system on this particular airplane that required attention. What happened after that, or whether similar attention was given to the other side, the timing of that isnt clear.
There are quality checks that happen in a production system of this level of complexity. Its Boeings joband also the FAAs job as a final clearance on every deliveryto make sure that everything meets the proper specification. Youre building something as complex as a commercial aircraftthere are going to be things that are out of place when youre building. Thats really normal. The question is: What do you do about it? How do you make sure that by the time it gets handed over to Alaska Airlines, United Airlines or whomever, its not there? Thats the art of manufacturing: Its seeing defects and making sure that you can tackle them within a system that youve created.
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There are so many different threads to this story, but it is impossible to talk about the Boeing 737 Max and not think about the two crashes of Max 8 that killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019. I dont want to conflate something that shouldnt be conflated, but it does make me wonder if this is part of a larger question about Boeing.
The end result of this Alaska flight was luck. You can safely call it a miracle that no one lost their life. They were only at 16,000 feet. By some incredible coincidence, there was no one in those two seats at the window and the aisle. It could have been very, very significantly worse. I had one senior airline executive effectively say to me, It was just sheer luck that the door didnt come off and hit the vertical or horizontal stabilizer of the airplane, which potentially wouldve caused a loss of control. Luck is the only way it can be described at this point.
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When you look at the performance of Boeing, theyve had issues across numerous programs that have ranged from very expensive to astronomically expensive in terms of its reputation in Washington and with its customers. Clearly, something is wrong here. And that is not just a question of How do you get to solving this particular situation, this plug door, and making sure the quality is what you expect, but also How does Boeing move forward through the rest of the decade and beyond as an enterprise? And thats going to be the fundamental question coming out of this that stretches way beyond just the plug door.
Whats so striking is that we have been here before, right? There were congressional hearings. Boeing got a new CEO. The whole thing was We are going to move on from this troubled period, and yet here we are, in another troubled period.
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Yeah, its not working. That is going to be the soul-searching, the real, genuine soul-searchingnot the press release, talking-point soul-searching that weve seen a lot of. There have been changes inside Boeing, dont get me wrong. Theres a chief safety officer; there are reorganizations for the engineering organization too in terms of how they report through the safety organization. But those are tactical changes. Fundamentally, Boeings strategy has not changed in the past 20-plus years in terms of how it works with suppliers, how it works with airlines, how it works with government, how it works with labor. And that is the place that Boeing has to be lookinghow it repairs not just its reputation with the public but its own universe of stakeholders that rely on it to be healthy and deliver a safe product.
Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
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Houston Fire Department crew rolled up to United Memorial Medical Center with a woman who needed emergency care in the late-night hours of Aug. 16, 2021, as COVID patients flocked to emergency rooms citywide. Dispatchers had told the crew the hospital was busy, but this patient insisted on going to UMMC because it was within walking distance of her home.
When the fire department crew approached the emergency room doors, they stopped. The ER doors were locked. An HFD supervisor saw one person in the waiting room.
We are super busy! a UMMC staff member told the HFD supervisor, according to a transcript of an audio recording documented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
At hospitals, we dont sit in the parking lot, the supervisor replied. They let us come inside.
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An unidentified woman responded: Then they start to be our responsibility!
The crew transferred the patient to a different hospital.
Dr. Joseph Varon, center, reviews patient's CT scans with physicians and nurses after concluding rounds in UMMC's COVID-19 intensive care unit Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer
UMMC COVID TESTING: Drive-thru coronavirus testing site opens in north Houston
That episode is one example of the repeated deficiencies regulators uncovered at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, a small for-profit hospital near Acres Homes that continues to operate despite a history of safety failures during the pandemic and despite legal trouble surrounding the business and its leader, Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin.
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After years of little media attention, UMMC became a focal point of Houstons pandemic response and thrust itself into the national spotlight as a symbol of the battle against COVID-19. It was the first health care provider to offer free drive-thru testing in Houston and partnered with the city to operate some of the largest mass testing and vaccination sites in the area. It also provided unfettered access to journalists from around the country without protecting patient privacy, according to federal reports.
Medical staff ready a room for a patient who was transported to the intensive care unit from the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center on June 29, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer
But by January 2022, UMMC had racked up so many safety violations that it became one of only nine Texas hospitals in the last decade to lose its Medicare contract involuntarily, meaning it no longer could receive payments from the government to reimburse treatment for patients on Medicare. The same month, the hospital lost its ability to receive payments for Medicaid patients.
Among the deficiencies cited in nearly a dozen CMS reports obtained by the Chronicle through a public records request, regulators found nurses who lacked the proper certification. Medical students were allowed to function in key roles with little supervision. More than 14,000 medical records were stored in an unlocked metal warehouse, which the staff called the barn, and a boxcar behind the main hospital.
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UMMC repeatedly failed to abide by infection control standards. Patients and regulators both encountered locked emergency room doors on multiple occasions, including one instance when a woman called 911 because she couldnt get inside.
Today, UMMC officials seek to hand off the business to new owners as they battle a flurry of lawsuits related to the hospitals finances, according to a lawyer representing them in two of the suits. Since the hospital lost its contract, 10 different entities, including a local school district and companies that provided the hospital with medical equipment, have said that UMMC owes them a combined $2.3 million.
The past several weeks have been extremely busy as we have been coordinating the transfer of ownership and operations of the UMMC facility, Houston attorney Brandy Alexander said in a letter to the Chronicle on July 27. As the terms of that transaction are still being negotiated we are not at liberty to provide further details.
The letter continued: We are proud of UMMCs efforts to provide healthcare to an underserved Houston community, particularly in responding to the COVID pandemic, and regret that this decision has become necessary. In part, the transfer of ownership and operations will allow UMMC principals to more effectively prepare for and respond to matters in litigation.
UMMC appears to have shut down much of its clinical network. The hospital is no longer operating at three of the four locations listed on its website. The main emergency room at 510 W. Tidwell Road has managed to stay open 19 months after the business lost a critical source of revenue. During that time, the hospital acquired a new license to operate another hospital in the Dallas area, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which regulates hospital licenses in the state. A UMMC outpatient facility across the street from the ER also continues to operate.
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UMMC has stayed open while its leader, Mohiuddin, contends with a federal indictment from 2018 on charges that include wire fraud and bank fraud. A lawsuit filed in 2019 as part of a separate, now-closed bankruptcy case accused Mohiuddin of engaging in an elaborate scheme to avoid paying his creditors, transferring funds to and from various business entities that included UMMC, according to court documents.
Although Mohiuddins name appears as the hospitals CEO and administrator in state records, he has largely avoided scrutiny from regulators. Texas HHSC is not statutorily authorized to obtain criminal history record information on hospital CEOs, according to an agency spokesperson. So far, HHSC has imposed administrative fines of $13,150 against the hospital for violations of state rules around patient rights, medication storage, nurse staffing and record retention, among other issues.
Two of Mohiuddins criminal defense attorneys, Nathan Mays and Justo Mendez, acknowledged an inquiry from the Chronicle but did not respond to follow-up calls and messages requesting comment. Mohiuddin did not directly respond to messages seeking comment. UMMC representatives also could not be reached during multiple in-person visits at the hospital and did not respond to letters dropped off at the facility.
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People line up in their cars for free drive-thru testing for COVID-19 on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at United Memorial Medical Center off West Tidwell Road in Houston. Drivers go through a series of three tents screening, registration and then, if they qualify, testing. Two tents are set up for each step of the process. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer
UMMCs origins
The hospital that now houses United Memorial Medical Centers main campus at 510 W. Tidwell was originally built in 1967 and for decades has been a resource for a predominantly low-income area that includes Acres Homes.
That ZIP codes median household income of $32,441 is roughly half of the citys median income level, according to U.S. census data. More than 30 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Jackson Lee, whose district encompasses the surrounding neighborhoods, has called the area a hospital desert where residents have few other options for health care.
Previously known as Doctors Hospital-Tidwell, the 117-bed hospital changed its name to United Memorial Medical Center in 2016 after two of Mohiuddins friends, Ravishanker Mallapuram and Ajay Gaddipati, purchased the business, Mallapuram said in a November 2022 deposition. Mohiuddin had approached them about the deal because the business had been losing money, Mallapuram said in the deposition.
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Mallapuram, who said he previously had worked as a systems consultant in Houstons health department, has since become the majority owner of the hospital after purchasing Gaddipatis share, he said in the deposition.
Mallapuram did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
In 2017, the hospital violated federal emergency care rules when it failed to provide the appropriate medical screening and log each patient who showed up to the hospital seeking emergency care, according to a letter from CMS. It later corrected the deficiencies, records show.
In 2018, UMMC and Mohiuddin faced a lawsuit accusing him and the hospital of failing to pay $2.8 million in federal employment taxes dating back to 2013. A few months later, an arrest warrant was issued for Mohiuddin on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, monetary transactions in criminally derived property and bank fraud in connection with transactions from 2008 and 2010, records show. Mohiuddin was accused of fraudulently obtaining loans of roughly $5 million and $8 million, respectively. He pleaded not guilty.
The employment tax case was resolved within four months after Mohiuddin and the hospital agreed to pay back the Internal Revenue Service. The criminal case is ongoing. The redacted indictment does not say the charges relate to Mohiuddins position or activities with the hospital. Many of the filings remain under seal. Mohiuddin is scheduled to appear for a re-arraignment hearing in the criminal case on Sept. 13.
While Mohiuddin is not listed in state records as UMMCs owner, a lawsuit against Mohiuddin, brought by the trustee for the estate in Mohiuddins own bankruptcy case, said that as of 2019, Mohiuddin owned at least 55 percent of the hospital business and multiple other entities. Those entities ranged from a petroleum related business to a Citgo gas station to a collection of properties, the lawsuit said.
Mohiuddin had complete control over the bank accounts, the lawsuit argued. Transaction history attached to the complaint show more than a dozen money transfers of up to $50,000 from UMMCs account to the law firm representing Mohiuddin in the wire fraud case. The transaction history also showed multiple transfers of up to $34,000 from the hospital account to Selinsky Palms Apartments LLC, another business the lawsuit said Mohiuddin owns.
Mohiuddin also executed purchase agreements on the hospitals behalf, court records say.
He manages everything at the hospital, Mallapuram said in the 2022 deposition. And now hes the president for the UMMC.
People wait in their cars for a vaccination against COVID-19 at drive-thru vaccination sites set up by United Memorial Medical Center in Houston. (Brett Coomer and Hadley Chittum/Staff photographers)
The mastermind
Mohiuddin, 56, has had a Houston address for more than 20 years, records show, including when he pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony in Travis County in 2001. He and two other men had been accused of selling gasoline without paying fuel taxes. A judge sentenced Mohiuddin to 10 years of community supervision.
In 2012, he was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in connection with a wire fraud charge dating back to 2006, according to records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons obtained by the Chronicle. That case is under seal in the Southern District of Texas.
As the leader of UMMC, Mohiuddin has made rare public appearances and statements, but reports in two South Asian news outlets describe him as a hero who pursued a career in health care after watching his mother suffer from an illness.
I learned about the difficulties patients and their families go through when they have little or no health insurance, Mohiuddin said in an article in Indo American News. Learning more about how hospital systems and nursing care facilities work motivated me to work with the underserved communities.
He was quick to respond when COVID first arrived in the United States in early 2020, hospital administrator Farida Moeen said in a 20-minute video published by Desi TV USA, a YouTube channel that says it covers news out of Pakistan.
Moeen said the hospital started administering COVID tests the day after she first discussed it with Mohiuddin.
Mr. Syed is marvelous in planning, she said in the video. I would have to give credit to him. He is the mastermind. He uses friends every resource that he could have to help us come up with financials to come up with the (personal protective equipment).
Moeen declined to comment when reached outside the UMMC outpatient center.
A voice in Congress
On the first day of drive-thru testing in Houston on March 19, 2020, a line of cars stretched for three miles around UMMCs main campus as hospital staff administered tests wearing full body protective suits. Severely ill patients were wheeled inside for treatment on stretchers.
That day, Jackson Lee spoke at a news conference while flanked by Mohiuddin and UMMC chief of staff Varon. The congresswoman said she contacted the hospital a few days earlier, upon the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, to see what it could do.
I knew that it was important to find good Samaritans who were willing to stand up and be counted, said Jackson Lee, who would appear with UMMC officials at other news conferences throughout the year.
Dr. Joseph Varon was in charge of the COVID-19 unit at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston's northside. The hospital offers care for the uninsured and surrounding low-income communities. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer
Mohiuddin donated $2,000 to Jackson Lees campaign in 2009, years before his involvement with UMMC, according to campaign finance reports. He also has contributed to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Hillary Clinton, as well as Republican Sen. John Cornyn, records show.
Jackson Lee advocated on the hospitals behalf as she did several years ago for St. Joseph Medical Center in downtown Houston when CMS threatened to terminate its Medicare contract in December 2021. During a news conference that month, Jackson Lee said she had secured a direct meeting for the hospital with CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, during which she emphasized the possibility of another COVID surge.
Jackson Lee declined an interview request but issued a lengthy statement about her history of advocacy for UMMC and other Houston hospitals. She had helped the Tidwell hospital for years before it became UMMC, including during Hurricane Ike, as part of her desire to help constituents who struggle to access health care, she said in the statement.
The previous name I know of is Doctors Hospital at Tidwell, and I sat in many meetings trying to ensure that the neighborhood had a health facility, Jackson Lee said. To suggest anything else, other than the service that I gave to my constituents and still will continue to give, to me, is so absolutely devastating to the purpose of being a Member of Congress.
The statement continued: The role of a Member of Congress is to facilitate on behalf of the people of the United States in whatever district you are in the ability to work with the federal government to get their questions answered, and yes to get them more time to fix their problems. Why would I not help this facility? It is positioned in the very neighborhood, the backyard of Acres Homes, and in one of the neediest areas traditionally for needing healthcare.
CMS granted the contract extension after considering the terminations impact on the continuity of care and services, the recent increase of COVID-19 cases, the hospitals reported implementation of prior plans of correction and changes to hospital policy and its governing body, according to a letter dated Dec. 10, 2021.
Medical workers talk with people as they wait in their cars along for a COVID-19 test in 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston. (Jon Shapley and Melissa Phillip/Staff photographers)
Unchecked student observers
Mohiuddin, who is not a licensed physician, wore scrubs in the 20-minute YouTube video published by Desi TV USA. He talked about a teaching program at UMMC that bolstered staffing in the early days of the pandemic.
Student physicians had come from Mexico, El Salvador and Chile to join the medical team for clinical training, allowing the hospital to give one-on-one care, he said.
When youre giving one-on-one care to a patient, Mohiuddin said in the video, it changes the dynamics of the care.
Federal regulators, however, said the hospital oversaw an observer program with medical students serving in key roles at the hospital, according to a January 2021 inspection report. The regulators were not provided with any documented agreements with medical schools related to the program during their inspection, the report said.
In the report, nursing staff said they were told to communicate changes in condition, lab results, or requests for clarification through the medical students to the physician. The practice resulted in an almost two-hour delay in treating a woman with COVID pneumonia who suffered from an irregular, rapid heart rate, the report said. She died nine days after arriving at the hospital.
The report documented three other instances when nurses relayed orders through medical students while tending to patients with acute COVID pneumonia. All of those patients died, the report said. Students also performed procedures on patients without the appropriate supervision, the report said. Two nurses said the students did not have a physician license.
Dr. Eric Thomas, director of the UTHealth Houston-Memorial Hermann Center for Healthcare Quality and Safety, said the reports of medical students working apparently unsupervised and without formal medical school arrangements are extremely unusual and obviously not OK.
Ive been studying patient safety for 30 years, he said. Ive reviewed literally thousands of errors that are harming patients through my research one way or the other. And Ive never even seen this.
In response to the findings, UMMC told CMS that it posted the attending physicians contact information in the hospital, according to a federal report. The hospital discontinued the observer program in March 2021, the report said.
Patients in immediate jeopardy
One month later, on April 1, 2021, police officers brought a man to the hospital after a suicide attempt, according to another inspection report. He was delusional and suffered from auditory hallucinations. He needed one-on-one observation, but the man was moved to a room with no sitter available, the report said. The following day, the man left the hospital without staff knowing.
His intravenous catheters were still in place, the report said.
In reports from July, August and December of 2021, inspectors noted a litany of other safety issues at the Tidwell campus and two other UMMC locations, one at 1211 Highway 6 in Sugar Land and the other at 16750 Red Oak Drive. They would find that the hospitals governing body repeatedly failed to oversee hospital operations and that UMMC had not followed through on all of its corrective plans.
After CMS granted the hospital at least two contract extensions, records show, regulators uncovered more deficiencies that culminated in a letter addressed to Mohiuddin on Jan. 10, 2022:
The hospitals contract would be terminated for noncompliance that represents an immediate jeopardy to patient health and safety.
Medicare and Medicaid contracts are an essential revenue stream for hospitals that come with strict requirements to uphold the quality of care, said Vivian Ho, a Rice University health economist.
CMS often gives hospitals multiple opportunities to meet its standards when the agency finds deficiencies. Losing a Medicare contract involuntarily means you just dont have the infrastructure to be able to deliver care safely, Ho said.
Four months after UMMC lost its contract, in April 2022, the hospital reapplied for Medicare certification. The hospital was still out of compliance with federal rules in six areas, including patient rights and infection control, according to a letter from CMS. UMMCs certification was denied. The hospital cannot request reconsideration, CMS said in the letter.
Also in 2022, Texas HHSC imposed additional administrative penalties against the hospital but declined to revoke or suspend its license. The agency granted UMMC a new license to operate a hospital UMMC Mid-Cities Hospital in the Fort Worth-area city of Hurst that year, records show. A different owner has since taken over that facility, the agency said.
HHSC has broad discretion to revoke or deny a license. It considers the hospitals history of safety issues and whether any patients were harmed, according to agency spokesperson Jose Araiza. The Texas Administrative Code also grants HHSC the authority to deny a license to a facility that lost its Medicare and Medicaid contract within the previous two years.
HHSCs review of this information resulted in a determination that a revocation of licensure was not warranted, Araiza said.
Medical personnel transport a patient from their car to an isolation area Thursday morning, March 19, 2020, at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston. The patient displayed severe symptoms when they sought a COVID test at the hospital's drive-thru testing center. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer
Where UMMC stands today
At least one private insurer, United Healthcare, terminated its agreement to keep the hospital in-network on Jan. 18, 2022, according to a company spokesperson. The Houston Fire Department said it stopped transporting patients there after the contract termination. As of Aug. 11, the hospital still had an active contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a company spokesperson said.
During a visit to the Tidwell location on July 14, the emergency room appeared to be empty except for two front desk workers. A woman who identified herself as an administrator said the hospital could no longer provide inpatient care but that patients could receive outpatient emergency care pro bono. The hospital remained open Aug. 15, but the United Memorial Medical Center sign on the buildings facade was covered with what appeared to be black garbage bags.
In two visits in July and one visit in August, cars filled the parking lot at a UMMC outpatient facility across the street, where a steady flow of patients walked into the building. One woman who dropped her mother off for an exam at the clinic on July 6 said her parents had been seeing a doctor there for several years without any major interruptions in care. Her parents were covered by Medicare and Medicaid, she said.
As for the other two sites inspected by CMS, the Red Oak location is under new ownership, according to staff members there. In Sugar Land, a notice posted outside the locked door said the hospital failed to pay its lease for the space. No UMMC staff members were found on July 14 inside a fourth location in the medical center a multi-story glass building with the UMMC logo still affixed to the top.
In 10 lawsuits filed in Harris County, plaintiffs have argued that UMMC owes more than $2 million for unpaid school property taxes, electricity bills, air-conditioning and heating services, and fees for radiology services and medical supplies.
So far, a judge has ruled in favor of three of the plaintiffs. UMMC attorney Brandy Alexander has asked for a new trial in one of those cases. The remaining seven lawsuits are ongoing, including three in which the hospital denied the allegations.
Medical interns walk outside to the emergency room at United Memorial Medical Center to transport a COVID-19 patient to the intensive care unit on June 29, 2020, in Houston. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Staff photographer
As I am sure you know, the allegations contained in any lawsuit are merely that, and should not be considered accurate or factual, Alexander said.
In one lawsuit, a company said UMMC did not pay it $441,000 for COVID tests allegations the hospital denied even though the city gave UMMC $33.2 million in emergency funding for that purpose, according to city records. The City Council also had agreed to pay off a $161,752 invoice from UMMC for managing COVID testing sites for the Houston Health Department.
Mary Benton, communications director for Turner, said UMMC met its obligations under its contract with the City of Houston regarding its COVID testing and vaccination sites.
The hospital faces additional lawsuits in federal court for allegedly failing to pay its share of an agreement to take over operations at the Red Oak location and failing to pay leases on several suites at 20320 Northwest Freeway. The Red Oak suit is pending. In the other lawsuit, earlier this month, the judge entered a judgment against UMMC for $950,000 plus attorneys fees.
Mohiuddin, meanwhile, paid $6.1 million to close the bankruptcy against him. Mortgage lenders and insurance companies, as well as the Internal Revenue Service, claim he still owes more than $30 million, records show.
The fashion industry is continually changing, especially when it comes to how fashion brands market their products. Influencer marketing has become an increasingly popular trend across industries like beauty and fashion and having a great influencer campaign in place can make a significant difference for brands. Well go through some of the top fashion influencers to follow and partner with if you are looking to build your influencer marketing efforts.
What is a fashion influencer?
A fashion influencer is someone who has amassed a large following on their fashion blog across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. Their power lies in their ability to connect with followers on a personal level while sharing insights, inspirations, and personal style statements.
Fashion influencers often become leaders in the industry, dictating trends, and influencing buying behaviors.
Top Fashion Influencers
1. Chrissy Rutherford 168k followers
Chrissy Rutherford Is one of the leading Instagram fashion influencers and has worked with many well-known fashion brands in the luxury space through partnerships and other influencer marketing campaigns.
Chrissy Rutherford has built her following due to her unique street style and fashion sense, and she has been in the social media world for over a decade.
2. Cole Sprouse 33.4m followers
Cole Sprouse is an actor, photographer, and one of the top male Instagram fashion influencers currently on Instagram with a dedicated following.
Although perhaps more well-known for his acting, Cole Sprouse is becoming an emerging style icon when it comes to male fashion and has a unique sense of style that followers really resonate with.
3. Pernille Teisbaek 1.4m followers
Pernille Teisbaek is a fashion influencer based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pernille is a stylist, brand consultant, and fashion influencer with a large following on social media platforms due to her distinctive look and style.
Known for her minimalist, chic style and lifestyle content, Pernille Teisbaek has amassed a considerable following on social media.
4. Irene Kim 2.9m followers
Irene Kim is a Korean American fashion influencer and one of the top fashion Instagram influencers. Irene Kim is a fashion blogger who has collaborated with many top brands and has her own fashion lines. Known for her street style and creative looks, she has built a strong personal brand and clothing brand.
5. Danielle Bernstein 3.2m followers
Danielle Bernstein is one of the top style influencers on social media, who owns her own label while also running a popular fashion blog. Danielle Bernstein is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and runs her own lifestyle blog. She is one of the top Instagram fashion influencers currently in the fashion world.
6. Mariano Di Vaio 6.9m followers
Mariano Di Vaio is a fashion designer and Italian blogger with a resume boasting creative director positions at fashion brands such as Hugo Boss and Dolce & Gabbana.
Mariano Di Vaio is one of the top fashion Instagram influencers for men and has built successful brands for himself, as well as highlighting mens style in the fashion space.
7. Camila Coelho 10m followers
If youre seeking out top fashion influencers, Camila Coelho is one to consider. Camila Coelho is a designer and influencer known for her unique style.
Camila Coelho has worked with many of the leading brands in the fashion world, and her partnerships include collaborations with brands such as Christian Dior and Tory Burch, and her lifestyle content consistently garners a lot of views and attention.
8. Essie Golden 182k followers
Essie Golden is one of the most popular fashion bloggers on Instagram and has built her brand by promoting a positive body image and has become a plus-size style icon. Known for eclectic style, bold color choices, and unique look, Essie Golden has become a favorite for beauty brands and fashion brands looking to gain new audiences.
9. Charlotte Saunders 570k followers
If youre seeking out top Instagram fashion influencers, Charlotte Saunders fits the bill. Charlotte Saunders is one of the more popular fashion bloggers on social media and has built a following for herself through her chic, minimal style. Her distinct personal style and lifestyle content has made her very popular on Instagram. Charlotte Saunders
Instagram also features lifestyle and other types of content as well, all documented in her own style for followers to enjoy.
10. Rochelle Johnson 478k followers
Rochelle Johnson is a fashion blogger and plus-size style consultant from the US. Her platform is built to inspire women, and showcase body positivity, similar to Essie Golden, and her Instagram account has seen consistent growth over time.
Rochelle Johnson has partnered with brands such as Nordstrom and Walmart to showcase affordable fashion options for plus-size women.
11. Noha Nabil 12.4m followers
Noha Nabil is a Youtuber and social media influencer from Kuwait. She is ranked as one of the most influential Arab women in social media and has collaborated with major fashion houses such as Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, and more. She has grown her following through her Instagram account and her Youtube channel. Noha Nabil has since launched her lifestyle brand, including cosmetics and beauty products that are gaining popularity.
12. Chiara Ferragni 29.5m followers
Arguably one of the leading fashion influencers on social media platforms like Instagram, Chiara Ferragnis fashion blog is a major part of a new era of fashion blogs. Chiara Ferragni started her career as a blogger and was profiled in Teen Vogue for Blog of the Year. Chiara Ferragni also has her own fashion label alongside her blogging and has built an immensely popular brand, solidifying herself as one of the top fashion influencers in the space.
13. Xenia 2.1m followers
Xenia is a Swiss-Russian fashion influencer and was ranked as one of the most influential women in the world at one point in time. She frequently attends fashion shows while also cementing herself as one of the top fashion influencers currently. Xenias blog highlights her luxury fashion aesthetic, as well as her travels, as part of her overall lifestyle brand.
Name Followers Background & Expertise Style & Niche Brand Collaborations & Achievements Chrissy Rutherford 168k Leading Instagram fashion influencer with over a decade of experience Unique street style Partnerships with well-known luxury brands Cole Sprouse 33.4m Actor, photographer, emerging style icon in male fashion Unique sense of male fashion Becoming a top male Instagram fashion influencer Pernille Teisbaek 1.4m Copenhagen-based stylist, brand consultant, and fashion influencer Minimalist, chic style Large following due to distinctive look Irene Kim 2.9m Korean American fashion influencer, fashion blogger, and owner of fashion lines Street style, creative looks Collaborations with top brands, own clothing brand Danielle Bernstein 3.2m Owner of her label, graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, top style influencer Running popular fashion & lifestyle blog One of the top Instagram fashion influencers in the fashion world Mariano Di Vaio 6.9m Italian blogger and fashion designer; creative director at Hugo Boss and Dolce & Gabbana Highlights men's style in fashion space Built successful brands for himself Camila Coelho 10m Designer and influencer known for unique style Unique fashion style Collaborations with brands like Christian Dior and Tory Burch Essie Golden 182k Promotes positive body image and a plus-size style icon Eclectic style, bold color choices Favored by beauty and fashion brands for unique look Charlotte Saunders 570k Popular fashion blogger with chic, minimal style Chic, minimal style Distinct personal style and lifestyle content on Instagram Rochelle Johnson 478k Plus-size style consultant from the US, promoting body positivity Plus-size style Partnerships with Nordstrom and Walmart for affordable plus-size fashion Noha Nabil 12.4m Influential Arab woman in social media, Youtuber from Kuwait Lifestyle brand including cosmetics and beauty Collaborations with major fashion houses like Fendi, Giorgio Armani, etc. Chiara Ferragni 29.5m Leading fashion influencer; started as a blogger, has own fashion label Major part of new era of fashion blogs Blog of the Year in Teen Vogue, own immensely popular brand Xenia 2.1m Swiss-Russian fashion influencer, attended fashion shows Luxury fashion aesthetic, travels Ranked as one of the most influential women in the world
These top beauty influencers have reach across different platforms, so the top TikTok influencers can also be huge YouTube influencers as well as have a presence on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and others.
Selecting Top Fashion Influencers for Brand Partnerships: Our Key Criteria
In the dynamic world of fashion, collaborating with the right influencers can significantly boost your brands visibility and appeal. When assessing fashion influencers for potential partnerships, we consider the following criteria, each rated on a scale from 1 (less critical) to 5 (most critical).
Style and Brand Fit : The influencers fashion style should align with your brands aesthetic and values. Importance Scale : 5/5
: The influencers fashion style should align with your brands aesthetic and values. Audience Demographics and Size : Evaluate the size and demographics of the influencers audience to ensure alignment with your target market. Importance Scale : 5/5
: Evaluate the size and demographics of the influencers audience to ensure alignment with your target market. Engagement and Interaction : High engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) indicate a strong connection with the audience, which is crucial for effective promotions. Importance Scale : 5/5
: High engagement rates (likes, comments, shares) indicate a strong connection with the audience, which is crucial for effective promotions. Content Quality and Consistency : The quality and consistency of their content, including images and videos, are important for maintaining a professional brand image. Importance Scale : 4/5
: The quality and consistency of their content, including images and videos, are important for maintaining a professional brand image. Authenticity and Credibility : Influencers who are authentic and credible in their fashion choices can more effectively influence their audiences buying decisions. Importance Scale : 5/5
: Influencers who are authentic and credible in their fashion choices can more effectively influence their audiences buying decisions. Influence in Fashion Trends : Influencers who are trendsetters or have a significant impact on fashion trends can offer greater promotional value. Importance Scale : 4/5
: Influencers who are trendsetters or have a significant impact on fashion trends can offer greater promotional value. Professionalism and Collaboration History : Review their history of collaborations for professionalism and success in previous partnerships. Importance Scale : 4/5
: Review their history of collaborations for professionalism and success in previous partnerships. Creativity and Innovation : Influencers who bring creativity and innovation to their fashion content can create unique and compelling brand stories. Importance Scale : 3/5
: Influencers who bring creativity and innovation to their fashion content can create unique and compelling brand stories. Legal and Ethical Compliance : Ensure adherence to advertising standards and ethical practices in promotions and collaborations. Importance Scale : 5/5
: Ensure adherence to advertising standards and ethical practices in promotions and collaborations. ROI and Performance Metrics : Consider the potential return on investment and other performance metrics from the influencers previous brand collaborations. Importance Scale : 4/5
: Consider the potential return on investment and other performance metrics from the influencers previous brand collaborations.
The Fashion Industry Today
The fashion industry has shown consistent growth year after year, especially as fashion blogging becomes more popular. There is now more market awareness and interest in fashion trends, especially in luxury fashion. The fashion industry is currently predicted to show growth across the industry.
Why Your Brand Should Consider Partnering with a Fashion Influencer
If youre launching your own clothing line or fashion brand, partnering with a style influencer can be immensely beneficial for your brand. You should also as yourself how do influencers make money as well as how much do influencers make per post. Here are some reasons to consider working with fashion influencers:
Build awareness: If youre looking to increase awareness about your fashion brand, collaborating with a fashion influencer should be a major part of your social media marketing strategy. Influencer collaborations are crucial for introducing your brand to new audiences.
If youre looking to increase awareness about your fashion brand, collaborating with a fashion influencer should be a major part of your social media marketing strategy. Influencer collaborations are crucial for introducing your brand to new audiences. Increase coverage: Partnering with a top fashion influencer ensures that you will get coverage around your brand and have your own collection featured in popular fashion blogs as a result, which is excellent for your overall PR strategy.
Partnering with a top fashion influencer ensures that you will get coverage around your brand and have your own collection featured in popular fashion blogs as a result, which is excellent for your overall PR strategy. Crucial for social media marketing: For top fashion brands, increasing their presence on social media platforms is an integral part of their overall marketing strategy. Clothing lines with a social media presence are much more likely to see better sales, especially if partnering with an influencer that fits the brand well.
How to Find a Fashion Influencer
Finding top fashion influencers can often be challenging for brands, but here are some ways to search for the best influencer for your brand:
Look at fashion blogs: Many of the top fashion influencers currently on social media are consistently covered by fashion blogs, and you can find the right influencer depending on the style youre seeking. Additionally, many fashion blogs cover specific types of styles such as street, luxury, minimal and more and will feature top influencers as examples.
Many of the top fashion influencers currently on social media are consistently covered by fashion blogs, and you can find the right influencer depending on the style youre seeking. Additionally, many fashion blogs cover specific types of styles such as street, luxury, minimal and more and will feature top influencers as examples. Seek out people in fashion: Many fashion influencers also have professional roles within the industry, e.g., as fashion editors for magazines, or other publications. You can find influential people within the industry by seeking out professionals.
Many fashion influencers also have professional roles within the industry, e.g., as fashion editors for magazines, or other publications. You can find influential people within the industry by seeking out professionals. Research collaborations: Collaborations can give you a good insight into what kind of fashion the influencer is into and what their audience is like. Many of the top fashion influencers have done large campaigns on Instagram with luxury fashion and beauty brands such as Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani Beauty, and leading retailer brands that you can use as a springboard to find influencers for your campaigns.
The Impact of Fashion Influencers in the Industry
Driving Trends: Fashion influencers play a pivotal role in setting and driving fashion trends. Their style choices often become inspirations for their followers and can influence mainstream fashion trends.
Consumer Buying Decisions: Influencers have a significant impact on their followers purchasing decisions. Their endorsements can boost the visibility and desirability of certain products or brands.
Influencer Marketing in Fashion
Brand-Influencer Partnerships: Brands are increasingly partnering with fashion influencers for their marketing campaigns. These collaborations can range from sponsored posts to capsule collections co-created with influencers.
Authentic Engagement: Influencers who have built a reputation for authentic and genuine content can create more impactful endorsements, resulting in higher engagement and conversion rates.
Tips for Brands Collaborating with Fashion Influencers
Align with Brand Values and Aesthetics: Its crucial to partner with influencers whose style and values align with your brand. This ensures a natural fit for your products within their content.
Consider the Influencers Audience: The influencers audience should match your target demographic. Analyze their followers in terms of demographics, interests, and engagement levels.
Creating Effective Collaborations
Clear Communication of Expectations: Both parties should have a clear understanding of the campaign objectives, deliverables, and timelines.
Creative Freedom: Allowing influencers creative freedom can lead to more authentic and effective content. Influencers know their audience best and can create content that resonates well with their followers.
Long-term Relationships: Building long-term relationships with influencers can lead to more authentic and impactful collaborations. Followers tend to trust ongoing partnerships more than one-off sponsored posts.
Measuring Success
Set Clear KPIs: Define clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rate, traffic, or sales conversions to measure the success of the collaboration.
Feedback and Adaptation: Continuously gather feedback and adapt your strategy based on the performance of past collaborations.
Conclusion: Leveraging the Power of Fashion Influencers
Fashion influencers are a dynamic and influential force in the fashion industry. For brands, understanding how to effectively collaborate with these influencers is key to leveraging their influence.
By choosing the right influencers, creating authentic collaborations, and measuring the impact of these partnerships, brands can significantly enhance their visibility and engagement in the competitive fashion market.
Who is the biggest fashion influencer?
The biggest fashion influencer is Chiara Ferragni, as she is solely focused on her Instagram blog and clothing brands. However, she has been featured in leading fashion publications and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion over the span of her career.
What top influencer is also a fashion designer?
Danielle Bernstein is a top influencer who is also a fashion designer and has her own clothing and lifestyle brands.
Which influencers have worked with the biggest fashion brands?
Chiara Ferragni, Mariano Di Vaio, and Camila Coelho are all influencers that have worked with some of the biggest fashion brands in the world in terms of partnerships and collaborations.
Which fashion influencer has the most Instagram followers?
Chiara Ferragni is one of the most popular fashion influencers currently and has the most Instagram followers.
A franchise model provides proven systems and trusted brand names, but still gives you the freedom to run your own business. Franchising often includes a hefty initial investment, but there are several franchises under 10k that can allow you to get started for little to no upfront capital.
Top Franchise Opportunities Under $10K
If youre looking for low-cost franchise companies to invest in, here are several franchises under 10k to consider.
1. Social Owl
Social Owl offers a turnkey social media marketing business model. The company provides a white-label business system that you can set up with your own brand online. Then you sell social media packages to businesses and bring in recurring monthly revenue. There is no initial franchise fee. You just pay $279 monthly or buy the annual package for $1,997.
2. Cruise Planners
A Cruise Planners franchise includes a home-based network of travel advisors. The company provides training and demonstration activities, along with a full software system to allow you to run your own franchise from home. The current franchise fee is $6,995.
3. Baby Boot Camp
Baby Boot Camp is one of the top fitness franchises for new moms. Run by Momleta, the low-cost franchise provides stroller fitness classes outdoors. The initial franchise fee ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 depending on the population in your area.
4. Coffee News
A Coffee News franchise lets you create relationships with local businesses and sell advertising opportunities throughout your community. This business can be run from home and is ideal for those with existing business relationships who want to be their own boss. Franchise packages vary by location, but the initial franchise fee generally falls just under $10,000.
5. BuildingStars
The BuildingStars franchise model offers commercial cleaning services for office buildings and other local businesses. Its a flexible model that you can scale over time. It costs as little as $795 to get started.
6. MobileStamp
MobileStamp offers a turnkey franchise option where you help local business clients build loyalty and rewards programs. Franchise owners help small and medium-sized businesses with punch card mobile apps, deals, and social rewards. MobileStamp collects a monthly fee instead of a traditional franchise fee.
7. Jazzercise
Jazzercise is a dance workout franchise that offers two different franchise opportunities. The class owner franchisee is responsible for facility costs and the business side. And the instructor franchisee is mainly responsible for teaching classes. For the latter option, the initial investment just includes a one-time franchise fee of $1,250, plus a few ongoing costs like music royalties and equipment.
8. Octoclean
Octoclean is one of the top janitorial franchises serving small business owners and medical facilities. You get your very own exclusive territory and can determine how many hours and resources you want to put into the business. Initial costs vary but may be as low as $8,000.
9. SiteSwan Website Builder
SiteSwan Website Builder offers a reseller opportunity for its web services and business-in-a-box solution. You can build your entire business around this white-label solution or add it to your other offerings like marketing support and social media services. Plans range from $149 to $300 per month.
10. Fit4Mom
Fit4Mom offers a lower-cost franchise than many fitness brands. The company specializes in workout classes for moms. The monthly fee varies, and estimated costs start at about $5,500.
11. Card My Yard
Card My Yard offers yard greeting cards and signs and is one of the top birthday and holiday franchises that can be run largely from home. So upfront costs start at around $3,725.
12. RugbyTots
RugbyTots is a global franchise that offers rugby play for kids. You can start without a dedicated location or lots of expensive equipment. The estimated initial cost starts at around $6,500.
No. Franchise Name Business Type/Services Initial Franchise Fee Other Costs/Details 1 Social Owl Social media marketing $0 $279 monthly or $1,997 annually 2 Cruise Planners Home-based travel advisors $6,995 Includes training and software system 3 Baby Boot Camp Fitness for new moms $5,000 to $8,000 Based on area population 4 Coffee News Advertising for local businesses Under $10,000 Varies by location 5 BuildingStars Commercial cleaning services As low as $795 Flexible model to scale 6 MobileStamp Loyalty and rewards programs Monthly fee No traditional franchise fee 7 Jazzercise Dance workout $1,250 (instructor) Plus ongoing costs like music royalties and equipment 8 Octoclean Janitorial services As low as $8,000 Exclusive territory 9 SiteSwan Website Builder Web services, business-in-a-box solution $149 to $300 per month White-label solution 10 Fit4Mom Workout classes for moms Estimated at $5,500 Monthly fee varies 11 Card My Yard Yard greeting cards and signs Around $3,725 Home-based 12 RugbyTots Rugby play for kids Estimated at $6,500 No need for dedicated location or expensive equipment
Choosing the Best Franchises Under $10K: Our Methodology
As a small business owner or entrepreneur, selecting the right franchise under $10K is crucial to your success. Weve devised a methodology to help you navigate through the options and make an informed decision. Here are some things we considered while compiling our list:
Initial Investment Cost (Importance Scale: 10/10) Ensure the total cost aligns with the $10K limit. Look for hidden fees or additional investment requirements.
(Importance Scale: 10/10) Brand Recognition (Importance Scale: 8/10) A well-known brand can mean built-in customer trust. Assess the brands reputation and market presence.
(Importance Scale: 8/10) Support and Training (Importance Scale: 9/10) Quality training and ongoing support are vital for success. Evaluate the depth and quality of training programs offered.
(Importance Scale: 9/10) Market Demand (Importance Scale: 9/10) Investigate the demand for the franchises products or services. Consider current trends and future market potential.
(Importance Scale: 9/10) Profitability and ROI (Importance Scale: 10/10) Examine potential return on investment and profit margins. Compare with other franchises in the same price range.
(Importance Scale: 10/10) Franchise Agreement Terms (Importance Scale: 9/10) Understand the length of the agreement and renewal terms. Be aware of any restrictions or territorial rights.
(Importance Scale: 9/10) Growth Opportunities (Importance Scale: 7/10) Look for scalability and expansion possibilities. Consider if the business model allows for growth within your budget.
(Importance Scale: 7/10) Franchise Community and Peer Reviews (Importance Scale: 6/10) Connect with current franchisees to gauge their experience. Seek out independent reviews and testimonials.
(Importance Scale: 6/10) Legal and Compliance Aspects (Importance Scale: 8/10) Ensure compliance with local business laws and regulations. Review any legal obligations specific to the franchise.
(Importance Scale: 8/10)
How much does it cost to purchase a franchise?
The cost of buying a franchise varies widely, from franchises under 10k to those costing millions of dollars. Many franchises fall between $100,000 and $300,000. But the exact costs vary by industry and location.
Benefits of Opening a Franchise for Under $10K
Starting a franchise for under 10k can be an attractive opportunity for many entrepreneurs. Here are some of the benefits:
Less risk : Lower Upfront Investment : The financial barrier to entry is reduced, making it more accessible to a wider range of potential business owners. Minimal Borrowing Needs : As mentioned, youre unlikely to need a loan or financial assistance from family and friends, reducing your financial risk and liability. Low Operating Costs : Many under 10k franchises include business models with minimal ongoing expenses, further limiting the financial risk.
: High chance of profitability : Quicker Break-even Point : With a smaller initial investment, you can reach profitability more quickly as your revenue doesnt need to cover substantial start-up costs. Potential for Scalability : Depending on the franchise, you may have the opportunity to grow the business over time, gradually increasing your profit margins.
: Access to proven systems : Technological Support : Many franchises provide technology tools tailored to the business, sparing you the time and expense of developing or acquiring them yourself. Training and Ongoing Support : Franchisors often provide extensive training and continuous support, helping you avoid common startup mistakes and setting you up for success. Network Opportunities : Being part of a franchise often means being part of a community of fellow franchisees, offering networking and collaboration opportunities.
: Brand recognition : Immediate Credibility : By aligning with an established brand, your business can enjoy instant recognition and trust in the marketplace. Marketing and Advertising Support : Some franchises offer marketing materials and strategies that are already tested and proven effective, saving you time and effort.
: Location and time freedom : Flexibility in Location : As noted, many of these franchises dont require a physical location, providing the flexibility to operate from anywhere. Work-Life Balance : This flexibility also allows for a more balanced lifestyle, enabling you to run your business from home or while traveling. Lower Overhead Costs : Without the need for a physical location, you can save on rent, utilities, and other associated costs.
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Opening a franchise for under 10k can offer a wealth of benefits, from reduced financial risks to a more flexible lifestyle. Its a path worth considering for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to leverage the support and recognition of established brands while enjoying the independence and rewards of business ownership.
Always remember to conduct thorough research and consider consulting with a franchise expert to find the opportunity thats the best fit for your goals and situation.
How to Choose the Best Franchise for Under $10K
If youre ready to start a successful business, there are plenty of low-cost franchise opportunities available. Here are tips for choosing your best match:
Research available territories: Many franchises under 10k offer exclusive territories. So make sure your area is available first.
Many franchises under 10k offer exclusive territories. So make sure your area is available first. Consider ongoing costs: The initial franchise fee is only one part of the expense. Consider monthly fees, equipment, and marketing tools in your budget as well.
The initial franchise fee is only one part of the expense. Consider monthly fees, equipment, and marketing tools in your budget as well. Look for opportunities that fit your lifestyle: Do you want a full-time business or one you can run in your free time? Different franchises have varying levels of commitment.
Do you want a full-time business or one you can run in your free time? Different franchises have varying levels of commitment. Analyze competitors: Are there similar businesses in your area, or are there opportunities to set your offering apart?
Are there similar businesses in your area, or are there opportunities to set your offering apart? Find opportunities that fit with your skills: If youre a skilled marketer, it may make sense to look for franchises that offer related services. But others may excel at other tasks like cleaning or planning dream vacations.
Key Considerations for Starting a Low-Cost Franchise
Assessing Your Readiness
Financial Planning: Even with low initial costs, its crucial to plan for ongoing expenses. Ensure you have the financial stability to support the business during its early stages.
Time Commitment: Consider the time you can dedicate to your franchise. Some may require full-time attention, while others can be managed part-time.
Doing Thorough Research
Understand the Business Model: Each franchise has its unique business model. Understand the operations, revenue streams, and day-to-day responsibilities involved.
Market Analysis: Conduct market research to understand the demand for the franchises products or services in your area. This will help you gauge the potential for success.
Steps to Starting a Low-Cost Franchise
Selecting the Right Franchise
Align with Your Interests and Skills: Choose a franchise that aligns with your interests and leverages your existing skills. Passion and expertise can be significant drivers of success.
Evaluate Franchise Support: Look for franchises that offer comprehensive support, including training, marketing, and ongoing assistance. This support is crucial for those new to running a business.
Legal and Compliance
Review Franchise Agreements: Carefully review the franchise agreement with a legal advisor to understand your obligations, restrictions, and rights.
Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that you comply with all local laws and regulations related to running the business, including licenses and permits.
Conclusion: Embarking on a Franchise Journey
Starting a franchise under $10K presents an accessible opportunity for entrepreneurship. However, it requires careful planning, research, and a clear understanding of what it takes to make a low-cost franchise successful.
By thoroughly evaluating your options, aligning them with your goals and capabilities, and diligently preparing for the journey ahead, you can set the foundation for a rewarding business venture.
Remember, the key to success in franchising, regardless of the investment level, lies in choosing a brand that resonates with you, understanding the market, and committing to the hard work and dedication needed to grow your business.
With the right approach, a low-cost franchise can become a gateway to achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
What are the cheapest franchises to buy?
The cheapest franchises to buy can usually be run from home and require little to no equipment. These include SiteSwan, MobileStamp, SocialOwl, and BuildingStars.
Which franchise has the lowest initial franchise fee?
There are several franchise or licensing programs that include a monthly fee instead of expensive franchise fees. These include SiteSwan, MobileStamp, SocialOwl, and BuildingStars.
How much does it cost to start a commercial cleaning franchise business?
Costs vary based on what franchise you choose and your location. The BuildingStars franchise model costs just $795. And Octoclean franchises start at around $8,000.
Can you buy digital marketing franchises for under $10K?
Yes, there are several digital marketing business and franchise programs you can buy for under $10k, including SocialOwl, MobileStamp, and SiteSwan.
What inexpensive franchise is the most profitable to own?
Profitability varies widely by type of business and location. The list above includes several potentially profitable opportunities, including Cruise Planners, Card My Yard, and Fit4Mom.
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The ministry independence questioned after Kunsthalle funding stopped.
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Questions have been raised over the independence of the Culture Ministry after it stopped financing for a prominent cultural institution known for hosting LGBT+-related events.
On Tuesday evening, Kunsthalle Bratislava director Jen Kratochvil resigned after the Culture Ministry refused to finance its artistic and educational programme for 2024.
A post on the organisation's social media accounts said: "We stand at a point where experienced, respected, professionals, scholars, artists, pedagogues, curators and cultural workers are facing accusations of propagating values that are 'putting the future of children in Slovakia in jeopardy'. We are disturbed by the current steps the Culture Ministry has taken, and we have strong reasons to worry about the independence and freedom of this national institution."
Kunsthalle Bratislava has held several LGBT+ community related events and exhibitions, and was part of the Slovenska Teplaren festival initiated in response to the terrorist attack on Zamocka Street in Bratislava in 2022 in which two LGBT+ people were murdered.
Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (SNS nom.), and a star of pro-Russian TV Slovan with anti-immigration views, is repeatedly making homophobic comments, and once described LGBT+ people as "the most perverted of the perverse."
Last Friday, she announced that "LGBTI+ NGOs will not get a cent from the Culture Ministry", and specifically targeted Saplinq, a civic association based in Kosice that offers counselling and support for members of the community.
Anti-LGBT+ poll
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, a poll appeared on the Culture Ministry Facebook page, asking people whether it should support cultural heritage sites or LGBT+-related events where "underage children are taught how to present themselves during sexual shows, pride events, where half-naked people show up in squares".
A huge number of comments criticised the ministry for posting the poll on its official channel, accusing the ministry of inciting hatred against the LGBT+ minority.
"Some of the children you mention might want to take their own lives in the future because they find out that they belong to the LGBT+ community, which is apparently considered a kind of dangerous evil in our country. Maybe they will want to take their own lives because of you, minister," one of the comments reads.
The opposition party Progresivne Slovensko (PS) also slammed the minister for the poll and her comments, while more than 6,000 people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the minister in an online petition that demands her resignation.
"Whoever wants to manage this ministry must have the ability to understand culture in its broadest contexts, to know its various forms and actors, to deeply perceive its diversity, and their contribution to the whole society," said PS MP Zora Jaurova from the culture committee in the parliament.
Read also:
Read also: Culture minister outraged by a painting depicting queer love Read more
National gallery takes over Kunsthalle
On Wednesday, the ministry announced that Kunsthalle Bratislava will be taken over by the Slovak National Gallery. According to the ministry, "Kunsthalle failed to make use of a historic chance in terms of its programme content, public expectations and financial efficiency".
Culture Ministry spokesperson Pavol Corba said that Kratochvil had asked Simkovicova to release him from his post as "he wants to devote himself more to curating and teaching activities".
Looking for free activities in the city? Explore Medene Hamre this weekend.
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Nature
In teh Small Carpathians's forests (Source: Jana Liptakova)
Trip to Medene Hamre
Meeting point: January 20, at Nivy central bus station for the 9:48 bus
This week the hikers will meet at Nivy bus station to go together on a walk to Medene Hamre. The route passes close to waterfalls, and you might even go to a cave or two.
Medene Hamre, a former settlement in the region of Borinka village in Malacky district, is like a treasure in the middle of the beautiful nature of the Small Carpathians. You will also follow on a forest route to Biely Kriz, and then onwards to Raca to finish.
If you would like to go on a hike later, here's the map.
https://en.frame.mapy.cz/s/legekovaja
Open studio
Open Studio in Slovak National Gallery. (Source: SNG Slovak National Gallery)
Open studio: Big formats
January 20, from 10:00 till 17:00 in the Slovak National Gallery (SNG)
In the cosy space of the national gallery, you will find art aids, instructions and inspiration, but also a place to relax, which you can transform into a castle or a retro living room.
In January, SNG will shine its light on works of large dimensions. How do they affect people and what details do they hide? In the studio, you will take a closer look at the painting and its current forms. Come and try non-traditional painting tools and materials under the creative guidance of artist Nicol Hochholzerova.
https://en.frame.mapy.cz/s/julozaveve
Music
Mila Medvedovska and Daniel Spiner concert
January 28, at 17:00 in the Ukrainian institute, Namestie 1. maja 9
Come along next Sunday to the Ukrainian institute, to see this Ukrainian-Slovak meeting with original music inspired by the traditional folk songs of both countries, in arrangements with a touch of classical, jazz, chanson and world music.
Admission fee is voluntary.
https://en.frame.mapy.cz/s/gevumohure
If you have tips for free events in Bratislava or you would like to share your hiking or cycling trip ideas with readers, let us know at kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk.
Energy transformation and war in Ukraine buried the project.
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The plan to connect Austria and Slovakia with an oil pipeline for the transport of Russian oil will definitively not materialise. The last straw that sent the project into oblivion was the war in Ukraine. Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2022, countries in Europe have been trying to sever energy ties with Moscow. Today, no one - Slovaks, Austrians or Brussels - is counting on an oil pipeline between Vienna and Bratislava, the Hospodarske Noviny reported on Thursday.
The plan's termination was formally confirmed by a document about the end of loan contracts related to the interconnection project. It landed in the Central Register of Contracts in the end of 2023.
Based on our information, the Austrian partner has lost its definite interest in the construction of the joint pipeline, said the main shareholder of the project - Transpetrol, which provides oil transit in Slovakia. Transpetrol, together with the Austrian refinery OMV, had created the Bratislava-Schwechat Pipeline company for this purpose.
The other shareholder of the joint venture, OMV, confirmed Transpetrols words in a statement to the Hospodarske Noviny daily, saying that after more than 20 years of efforts to obtain all the necessary permits and with the transformation of the energy sector, they have come to the conclusion that investment in another pipeline is no longer necessary.
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Related article Bratislava-Schwechat oil pipeline might be not built Read more
The pipeline plans
The pipeline between Slovakia and Austria was to be 62 kilometres long, of which approximately 12 kilometres should have been in Slovakia. Its capacity would have been between 2.5 and 5 million tonnes of oil per year. For comparison, the Slovak section of the Druzhba pipeline has a capacity of 20 million tonnes of crude oil per year.
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Related article Route of oil pipeline still unknown Read more
The project was accompanied by problems from the very beginning, one of the biggest being its route in Slovakia, and the possible negative impacts on environment.
The pipeline should have crossed Zitny Ostrov (Rye Island), a significant source of drinking water in the region. 10 routes in the so-called Carpathian and so-called city corridor were later proposed. The latter would have gone via Bratislava, while the Carpathian one would have led via the Small Carpathian mountains.
Meciar's amnesties were cancelled in 2017, but further problems then surfaced.
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In 2024, almost 30 years since the kidnapping of the son of then-president Michal Kovac, and seven years after the cancellation of the amnesties pertinent to acting president Vladimir Meciar, Slovakia may expect the opening of the trial in the August 1995 case.
This is one of the biggest unsolved criminal cases in the history of the country. According to the results of the investigation, the Slovak Information Service (SIS) under the leadership of Ivan Lexa, one of Slovakias secret services, participated in the crime.
Even though the police clarified the case after the end of the Meciar era in 1998, the courts refused to deal with it. They referred to Meciars controversial amnesties.
The topic of presidential amnesties and individual pardons is relevant before the upcoming presidential elections for one particular reason: unlike the situation in 1998, the president can today decide on amnesties only after a case has been closed by the court.
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Read also: Meciar amnesties scrapped Read more
Irrevocable amnesty
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/audio-from-pentagon-chiefs-911-call-reveals-request-for-subtle-ambulance-response-1116236849.html
Audio From Pentagon Chief's 911 Call Reveals Request for 'Subtle' Ambulance Response
Audio From Pentagon Chief's 911 Call Reveals Request for 'Subtle' Ambulance Response
Sputnik International
On New Years day, just after 7:00 PM, an aide for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for an ambulance from the defense secretarys home.
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Newly surfaced audio has captured the moment in which an aide for US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a 911 call for an ambulance, asking first responders to be "subtle" upon their arrival to the Pentagon chief's home. The call came in on New Years day, just after 7:00 p.m. local time.Usually, when they turn into a residential neighborhood theyll turn them off, answered the 911 dispatcher, who added that the first responder is legally required to keep them on while transiting main roads.The aide was then asked about the defense secretarys condition, asking if he was feeling like he was going to pass out or feel as though he would, to which the aide said no. The secretary's assistant then asked if it would be possible to take Austin to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. US President Joe Biden was not informed of his defense secretarys hospitalization, which remained a secret for a reported four days. It was later revealed this was not the defense secretarys first health scare.Austin first learned in early December that he had early-stage prostate cancer. He underwent general anesthesia for prostatectomy two days after returning from a tour of Middle Eastern capitals. According to reports, he had made plans to temporarily give his deputy Kathleen Hicks the responsibility of some of his duties.The US top defense official had undergone at least two hospitalizations and surgery following a prostate cancer diagnosis, but both the White House and the Pentagon remained in the darkeven during a January 4 US airstrike on Baghdad that had been recommended by Austin the previous week. Even Hicks was unaware the defense secretary had been put in intensive care until January 4.Biden has since admitted that Austins decision to conceal his health scare was a lapse in judgment, but the president expressed continued confidence in his defense chief. Some senior Republicans have called for Austins dismissal. Three investigations have since been launched into the incident. Austin, who was released from the hospital on Monday and is expected to make a full recovery, said he took full responsibility and could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/over-one-third-of-us-voters-believe-austin-should-resign-over-health-problems---poll-1116235803.html
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/german-parliament-rejects-resolution-urging-supply-of-taurus-missiles-to-ukraine-1116236775.html
German Parliament Rejects Resolution Urging Supply of Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
German Parliament Rejects Resolution Urging Supply of Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
Sputnik International
The German parliament has rejected a resolution calling for the immediate supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, German media reported on Wednesday.
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The resolution, proposed earlier in the day by the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), urged the left-green coalition government to "finally and immediately supply Ukraine with the greatest possible number of operational Taurus cruise missiles." Many lawmakers from the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) voted against the resolution despite having continuously called for deliveries of Taurus missiles to Kiev in the past, German broadcaster n-tv reported. Their decision was mainly driven by their unwillingness to support the opposition as well as the fact that the resolution was proposed for parliamentary discussion of the annual report of the Commissioner for German Bundeswehr Affairs. On Tuesday, CDU leader Friedrich Merz described the position of Ukrainian troops on the battleground as "critical." Kiev has "no prospect" of pushing Russian forces back to reverse their gains, Merz was quoted as saying by the n-tv broadcaster. The main issue with the supply of Taurus missiles is their range of 500 kilometers (311 miles), which makes them capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Germany has previously not supplied Kiev with weapons with similar characteristics. The German expert community has even discussed whether the missiles could be programmed so that they could not be used to strike on Russian territory. It was precisely this issue that interested German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and therefore negotiations were allegedly held with representatives of the military industry, Der Spiegel newspaper reported.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240116/eu-to-audit-members-arms-contribution-to-ukraine-as-support-declines-1116192583.html
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/us-house-speaker-after-biden-meeting-says-status-quo-on-ukraine-unacceptable-1116237646.html
US House Speaker After Biden Meeting Says Status Quo on Ukraine Unacceptable
US House Speaker After Biden Meeting Says Status Quo on Ukraine Unacceptable
Sputnik International
US House Speaker Mike Johnson after attending a meeting with President Joe Biden on his supplemental request told reporters that the United States' status quo on Ukraine is unacceptable.
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"We understand the necessity about Ukraine funding and we want to say that the status quo is unacceptable," Johnson said on Wednesday. "We need the Commander-in-Chief of this country, the President of the United States, to show strength on the world stage,and not weakness. We cannot continue with the current status quo." Johnson further said Congress needs a clearer explanation from the Biden administration about its strategy in Ukraine, the endgame, and accountability for US funds. He also added that US border security must be the top priority.
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/yemens-houthis-attack-another-us-ship-in-gulf-of-aden-1116238149.html
Yemen's Houthis Attack Another US Ship in Gulf of Aden
Yemen's Houthis Attack Another US Ship in Gulf of Aden
Sputnik International
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked another ship of the United States in the Gulf of Aden after the beginning of the US and the United Kingdom's airstrikes against their positions, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Wednesday.
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"Yemen's navy carried out attacks with the use of anti-ship missiles on a US ship in the Gulf of Aden in response to the aggression against the territory of Yemen," the spokesman said in a televised appearance on the Al Masirah broadcaster, adding that Yemen's navy would respond to any attacks against the republic. According to the spokesman's post on X (formerly Twitter), the Houthis have targeted a US cargo ship identified as Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden, which has been hit with several "naval missiles, leaving direct hits." The spokesman said the movement "will not hesitate to target all sources of threat in the Arab and Red Seas," adding that "a retaliation to the American and British attacks is unavoidable." According to marine traffic data, the bulk carrier Genco Picardy was heading to the port of Thoothukudi in India from Egypt under the flag of the Marshall Islands. On Monday, the Houthis targeted a US-owned and operated container ship in the Gulf of Aden after the beginning of the US and UK airstrikes. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a US-owned bulk carrier was struck by Yemen's Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.The ship remained seaworthy and continued its trip with no injuries, but some material damage was reported, CENTCOM said.The Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. US and UK forces launched major strikes against Houthi positions last week in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels. On Wednesday, the US designated Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, a specially designated global terrorist in light of their attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea. The designation will go into effect on February 16.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240114/asymmetric-warfare-why-the-houthis-can-beat-the-collective-west-1116154913.html
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Books are displayed at the Banned Book Library at American Stage, Feb. 18, 2023, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Jefferee Woo/AP
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday blocked a new Texas law that requires bookstores to rate books for sexual content and prohibits any deemed sexually explicit from the states public schools.
A panel of three judges sided with Texas bookstores and national publishing groups that had argued the bill violated their freedom of speech and would be harmful to their businesses.
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The state says the rating system is based on existing ones for movies or video games, and that it doesn't violate the Constitution because the ratings are purely factual and uncontroversial, or similar to a nutrition label.
Balancing a myriad of factors that depend on community standards is anything but the mere disclosure of factual information. And it has already proven controversial, the court wrote in its decision.
The court went on to say that the law constituted compelled speech and that the bookstores and publishers were irreparable financial harm, including the possibility of Houston bookseller Blue Willow Bookshop going out of business as a result.
The ruling was on a preliminary injunction, meaning the decision goes into effect temporarily until the full case can be argued, but the court suggested the bookstores likely had a winning argument.
The Texas law also mandates new requirements in how they build their library collections, including making library catalogs available to parents and banning content that is pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable a more narrow legal definition than sexually explicit.
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The bills author, Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, said he was pleased the library standards would remain in place but disappointed in the 5th Circuits decision, which removes accountability for book vendors.
I call on the Office of Attorney General to appeal this decision to the United States Supreme Court and in the meantime look forward on how Texas can improve vendor accountability with other legislative solutions next session, Patterson wrote. I will not stop fighting to protect Texas schoolchildren from sexually explicit material.
Wednesdays decision was a rare rebuke from the conservative-leaning court one of 12 that make up the second-highest rung of appellate courts underneath the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision was penned by Circuit Judge Don Willett, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2018.
Democrats and critics of the bill described it as an effort to ban books, particularly books with sexual or LGBTQ+-related themes. They also warned that the bill could be interpreted to ban classics such as Shakespeare or Lonesome Dove, the Pulitzer Prize-winning western written by Texas writer Larry McMurtry.
The bill was a priority of Republican leaders in the Texas Legislature and was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, who applauded it for getting that trash out of our schools.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/bombing-of-french-mercs-in-kharkov-blows-lid-off-new-front-in-paris-secret-war-on-russia-1116247664.html
Bombing of French Mercs in Kharkov Blows Lid Off New Front in France's Secret War on Russia
Bombing of French Mercs in Kharkov Blows Lid Off New Front in France's Secret War on Russia
Sputnik International
Russia killed over 60 mercenaries, most of them French nationals, and injured over 20 others in a precision strike on a building in Kharkov, northeast Ukraine on Tuesday. The large concentration of armed Frenchmen in Ukraines second city corroborates Sputniks reporting on France's underpublicized involvement in NATOs proxy war against Russia.
2024-01-18T12:55+0000
2024-01-18T12:55+0000
2024-01-18T13:26+0000
russia's special operation in ukraine
ukraine
russia
france
francois hollande
emmanuel macron
europe
nato
sputnik
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The Russian military targeted a temporary deployment point used by foreign mercenaries in Kharkov on Tuesday evening, completely razing the building hosting them. A foreign merc active on the ground in the city posted photos of the buildings ruins, corroborating the MoDs information.Tuesdays strike demonstrates the escalating extent of French involvement in the Ukraine conflict, with France being one of a handful of countries allowing its nationals to freely serve in Ukraines "International Legion" volunteer mercenary forces, despite having previously banned citizens from fighting for foreign militant groups like IS.*Sputnik has kept tabs on French involvement in the Ukraine crisis since before its escalation from a civil conflict in Donbass into a full-blown NATO-Russia proxy war. Last October, for example, Sputnik revealed exclusive details on a French intelligence agents suspected contacts in Kiev with foreign mercenaries during the first half of 2020.Former French President Francois Hollande hinted at Paris undervalued role in training and equipping Ukraines Armed Forces in the lead up to the crisis in an interview with Ukrainian media in late 2022, saying the Ukrainian Army of 2014 was unrecognizable compared to that of 2022 thanks to the Minsk peace deal, which France signed.Russian officials expected Minsk to resolve the Ukraine crisis, but Hollandes revelations confirmed statements by Ukraines former president and ex-German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Kiev never intended to implement the peace agreement.France was one of the first countries to begin arming Ukraine in preparation for the proxy war, delivering over 1.6 billion ($1.7 billion US) in military aid between 2014 and 2020 alone, including drones, helicopters, targeting and fire-control systems, ammunition, and other support. Since the crisis escalation, Paris has further ramped up deliveries, with commitments topping 3.2 billion ($3.5 billion) to arm and train Ukraines forces, and deliveries including heavy artillery and mortars, armored vehicles, small arms, mines, and SCALP cruise missiles, which Ukraines military has used liberally to bombard Donbass cities.French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday that Paris would provide Kiev with an additional 40 SCALP missiles and several hundred bombs, and hinted at a French industry war economy framework to ramp up weapons and ammunition deliveries. Macron also plans to sign a bilateral security pact with President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kiev next month.But French lawmakers complained in a draft report this week that Ukraines ammunition was being depleted at rates faster than Paris or other NATO powers could possibly hope to resupply it.Washington has pressured Paris, London, and Berlin to take a more active role in funding the conflict in Ukraine over the past two months amid the stalling of a $61 billion US aid package in Congress. Britain pledged 3 billion ($3.25 billion) in aid over the next two years, while Germany has promised some 8 billion ($8.7 billion) in assistance through 2024. The assistance falls far short of the $200 billion the US and its allies poured into the Ukraine crisis between 2022 and 2023, potentially signaling the alliances exhaustion after bringing Ukraine to the brink of ruin in its failed quest to militarily "weaken Russia."* Also known as ISIS, ISIL, Daesh a terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231005/exposed-french-spy-mingled-with-foreign-mercenaries-in-ukraine-two-years-before-conflict-1113728946.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20221230/echoing-merkel-fmr-french-prez-confirms-west-lied-to-russia-on-minsk-deal-to-buy-kiev-time-to-rearm-1105933761.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/how-us-coerces-france--germany-to-fund-zelenskys-failing-conflict-1116238433.html
ukraine
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is france involved in a proxy war with russia, how deeply is france involved in ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/french-senators-say-ukraines-battlefield-position-worsening-amid-excessive-use-of-munitions-1116243599.html
French Senators Say Ukraine's Battlefield Position Worsening Amid Excessive Use of Munitions
French Senators Say Ukraine's Battlefield Position Worsening Amid Excessive Use of Munitions
Sputnik International
A group of French senators have drafted a report in which they said Ukraine's position on the battlefield is deteriorating while the supply of munitions from France could not keep up with the pace of their use by Ukrainian troops.
2024-01-18T06:52+0000
2024-01-18T06:52+0000
2024-01-18T06:52+0000
russia's special operation in ukraine
ukraine
france
kiev
nato
russia
https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/1a/1115820728_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_625b8ca5e8ceb7c7f6bac0a0cf1d5d4c.jpg
The report is based on data received from Ukrainian and Polish officials during a visit by a French delegation to Warsaw and Kiev in December. It was published by the French Senate's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and the Armed Forces. The discussions that took place in Kiev confirmed the "impression of a worsening military situation," which also involved increased pressure from Russian troops, the report read. An unnamed senior Polish official was cited as voicing the same opinion. The French delegation pointed to shortages of munitions in Ukraine, saying their use by Ukrainian troops outpaced production both domestically and in the countries supporting Kiev militarily. Every day Ukrainian troops fire about 5,000-8,000 NATO-standard shells while their production in France totals about 20,000 per year, which means the yearly output of 155mm shells in France is enough for only three to four days on the battlefield in Ukraine, the commission's head, Cedric Perrin, said.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240111/italys-parliament-approves-resolution-to-continue-military-aid-to-ukraine---reports-1116108836.html
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french senators, ukraine's position on the battlefield, munitions from france
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/gyrfalcons-in-distress-eastern-economic-forum-members-vow-to-save-rare-birds-1116251063.html
Gyrfalcons in Distress: Eastern Economic Forum Members Vow to Save Rare Birds
Gyrfalcons in Distress: Eastern Economic Forum Members Vow to Save Rare Birds
Sputnik International
The Kingdom of Bahrain has become the seventh nation to join the Declaration of Intent for the Conservation of the Gyrfalcon Population.
2024-01-18T16:39+0000
2024-01-18T16:39+0000
2024-01-18T16:39+0000
beyond politics
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kyrgyzstan
kazakhstan
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The document was adopted by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the UAE as part the Falcon Day International Forum, which was first held in Vladivostok during the 8th Eastern Economic Forum. The event was managed by the Roscongress Foundation.To back up the joint ongoing conservation efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin requested the setting-up of a dedicated facility. 2022 saw the creation of the Kamchatka Falcon Centre.The Centre facilitates programs aimed at the conservation of rare bird species and international cooperation to save the endangered birds of prey. The breeding stock was provided by Russias Arab partners.The Centre also promotes multilateral international environmental projects, as well as cultural and scientific exchanges that aim to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations among the countries that support the declaration.The Centre has already brought together some of the best international practices and works closely with experts from Arab countries, whose delegations have repeatedly come to Russia to exchange experience with local specialists.Russia initiated the adoption of the declaration. The document promotes the intensification of international cooperation to create mechanisms to prevent poaching and illegal trade in rare birds.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230911/eastern-economic-forum-2023-in-full-swing-in-vladivostok-1113279002.html
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eastern economic forum, 8th eastern economic forum, eastern economic forum in russia, eastern economic forum in vladivostok
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/hezbollah-snubs-unrealistic-us-proposals-but-open-to-talks-to-avert-war-1116244243.html
Hezbollah Snubs 'Unrealistic' US Proposals but Open to Talks to Avert War
Hezbollah Snubs 'Unrealistic' US Proposals but Open to Talks to Avert War
Sputnik International
Diplomatic efforts to restore security along the Israel-Lebanon border remain stalled as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate due to the conflict in Gaza, as risks of full-scale conflict in the region remain as high as ever.
2024-01-18T11:44+0000
2024-01-18T11:44+0000
2024-01-18T11:44+0000
world
newsfeed
amos hochstein
middle east
sayyed hassan nasrallah
beirut
lebanon
israel
hezbollah
reuters
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Hezbollah has rejected initial proposals from Washington aimed at easing hostilities with Israel, including pulling back its fighters from the border.Despite this, Lebanese officials indicate that Hezbollah remains open to US diplomacy to prevent a devastating war, according to a Reuters report.US envoy Amos Hochstein has led diplomatic efforts to restore security along the Israel-Lebanon frontier as tensions in the broader region escalate amid the Gaza conflict. Yemeni Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, one of the world's key maritime routes, and the US-UK coordinated strikes in response have increased the urgency."Hezbollah is ready to listen," said a senior Lebanese official familiar with Hezbollah's stance, stressing the group's aversion to a broader conflict. But the official noted that Hezbollah viewed the proposals presented by Hochstein during his recent visit to Beirut as unrealistic.The paramilitary resistance group remains open to diplomacy, even after an Israeli strike on January 2, 2024, in Beirut's southern outskirts that killed a Hamas leader.Hezbollah communicates with the US through Lebanese intermediaries. Washington has proposed a reduction of border hostilities and Israel easing operations in Gaza, suggesting that Hezbollah withdraws 7km (4 miles) from the border.But the Lebanese party has dismissed both ideas as unrealistic. Israel has warned of a strong response if no border security deal is reached.Hezbollah has signaled a potential openness to Lebanon negotiating deal over disputed border areas possibly including the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms once the Gaza conflict is over. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hinted at this stance in a recent speech.Hochstein, known for brokering a deal that demarcated the contested maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel, has met Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the parliamentary speaker and the commander-in-chief of the army. While the diplomatic efforts face significant hurdles, Hochstein remains optimistic.Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has noted both French and US involvement in de-escalation efforts. His allusions to the border dispute have been seen as an outreach to the West.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240108/us-intel-fears-hezbollah-may-defeat-israel-with-expanded-weaponry-capabilities-1116064763.html
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hezbollah leader, sayyed hassan nasrallah, lebanese prime minister, najib mikati, us negotiator amos hochstein, hezbollah, gaza conflict, yemeni houthis, israel-lebanon border clashes.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/how-the-west-was-defeated-1116245840.html
Pepe Escobar: How the West Was Defeated
Pepe Escobar: How the West Was Defeated
Sputnik International
Emmanuel Todd, historian, demographer, anthropologist, sociologist and political analyst, is part of a dying breed: one of the very few remaining exponents of old school French intelligentzia a heir to those like Braudel, Sartre, Deleuze and Foucault who dazzled successive young Cold War generations from the West down to the East.
2024-01-18T09:35+0000
2024-01-18T09:35+0000
2024-01-18T12:50+0000
analysis
russia
west
ukraine
vladimir putin
jean-paul sartre
european union (eu)
nato
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The first nugget concerning his latest book, La Defaite de LOccident (The Defeat of the West) is the minor miracle of actually being published last week in France, right within the NATO sphere: a hand grenade of a book, by an independent thinker, based on facts and verified data, blowing up the whole Russophobia edifice erected around the aggression by Tsar Putin.Another key reason was his 2002 book Apres LEmpire, a sort of preview of the Empires Decline and Fall published a few months before Shock & Awe in Iraq.Now Todd, in what he has defined as his last book (I closed the circle) allows himself to go for broke and meticulously depict the defeat not only of the US but of the West as a whole with his research focusing in and around the war in Ukraine.Considering the toxic NATOstan environment where Russophobia and cancel culture reign supreme, and every deviation is punishable, Todd has been very careful not to frame the current process as a Russian victory in Ukraine (although thats implied in everything he describes, ranging from several indicators of social peace to the overall stability of the Putin system, which is a product of the history of Russia, and not the work of one man).Rather, he focuses on the key reasons that have led to the Wests downfall. Among them: the end of the nation-state; de-industrialization (which explains NATOs deficit in producing weapons for Ukraine); the degree zero of the Wests religious matrix, Protestantism; the sharp increase of mortality rates in the US (much higher than in Russia), along with suicides and homicides; and the supremacy of an imperial nihilism expressed by the obsession with Forever Wars.The Collapse of ProtestantismTodd methodically analyses, in sequence, Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Germany, Britain, Scandinavia and finally The Empire. Lets focus on what would be the 12 Greatest Hits of his remarkable exercise.1. At the start of the Special Military Operation (SMO) in February 2022, the combined GDP of Russia and Belarus was only 3.3% of the combined West (in this case the NATO sphere plus Japan and South Korea). Todd is amazed how these 3.3% capable of producing more weapons than the whole Western colossus not only are winning the war but reducing dominant notions of the neoliberal political economy (GDP rates) to shambles.2. The ideological solitude and ideological narcissism of the West incapable of understanding, for instance, how the whole Muslim world seems to consider Russia as a partner rather than an adversary.3. Todd eschews the notion of Weberian states evoking a delicious compatibility of vision between Putin and US realpolitik practitioner John Mearsheimer. Because they are forced to survive in an environment where only power relations matters, states are now acting as Hobbesian agents. And that brings us to the Russian notion of a nation-state, focused on sovereignty: the capacity of a state to independently define its internal and external policies, with no foreign interference whatsoever.4. The implosion, step by step, of WASP culture, which led, since the 1960s, to an empire deprived of a center and a project, an essentially military organism managed by a group without culture (in the anthropological sense). This is Todd defining the US neocons.5. The US as a post-imperial entity: just a shell of military machinery deprived of an intelligence-driven culture, leading to accentuated military expansion in a phase of massive contraction of its industrial base. As Todd stresses, modern war without industry is an oxymoron.6. The demographic trap: Todd shows how Washington strategists forgot that a state whose population enjoys a high educational and technological level, even if it is decreasing, does not lose its military power. Thats exactly the case of Russia during the Putin years.7. Here we reach the crux of Todds argument: his post-Max Weber reinterpretation of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, published a little over a century ago, in 1904/1905: If Protestantism was the matrix for the ascension of the West, its death, today, is the cause of the disintegration and defeat.Todd clearly defines how the 1688 English Glorious Revolution, the 1776 American Declaration of Independence and the 1789 French Revolution were the true pillars of the liberal West. Consequently, an expanded West is not historically liberal, because it also engineered Italian fascism, German Nazism and Japanese militarism.In a nutshell, Todd shows how Protestantism imposed universal literacy on the populations it controlled, because all faithful must directly access the Holy Scriptures. A literate population is capable of economic and technological development. The Protestant religion modeled, by accident, a superior, efficient workforce. And it is in this sense that Germany was at the heart of Western development, even if the Industrial Revolution took place in England.Todds key formulation is undisputable: The crucial factor of the ascension of the West was Protestantisms attachment to alphabetization.Moreover Protestantism, Todd stresses, is twice at the heart of the history of the West: via the educational and economic drive - with fear of damnation and the need to feel chosen by God engendering a work ethic and a strong, collective morality - and via the idea that Men are unequal (remember the White Mans Burden).The collapse of Protestantism could not but destroy the work ethic to the benefit of mass greed: that is, neoliberalism.Transgenderism and the Cult of the Fake8. Todds sharp critique of the spirit of 1968 would merit a whole new book. He refers to one of the great illusions of the 1960s between Anglo-American sexual revolution and May 68 in France; to believe that the individual would be greater if freed from the collective. That led to an inevitable debacle: Now that we are free, en masse, from metaphysical beliefs, foundational and derived, communist, socialist or nationalist, we live the experience of the void. And thats how we became a multitude of mimetic midgets who do not dare to think by themselves but reveal themselves as capable of intolerance as the believers of ancient times.9. Todds brief analysis of the deeper meaning of transgenderism completely shatters the Church of Woke from New York to the EU sphere, and will provoke serial fits of rage. He shows how transgenderism is one of the flags of this nihilism that now defines the West, this drive to destroy, not just things and humans but reality.And theres an added analytical bonus: The transgender ideology says that a man may become a woman, and a woman may become a man. This is a false affirmation, and in this sense, close to the theoretical heart of Western nihilism. It gets worse, when it comes to the geopolitical ramifications. Todd establishes a playful mental and social connection between this cult of the fake and the Hegemons wobbly behavior in international relations. Example: the Iranian nuclear dear clinched under Obama becoming a hardcore sanctions regime under Trump. Todd: American foreign policy is, in its own way, gender fluid.10. Europes assisted suicide. Todd reminds us how Europe at the start was the Franco-German couple. Then after the 2007/2008 financial crisis, that turned into a patriarchic marriage, with Germany as a dominant spouse not listening to his companion anymore. The EU abandoned any pretention of defending Europes interests - cutting itself off from energy and trade with its partner Russia and sanctioning itself. Todd identifies, correctly, the Paris-Berlin axis replaced by the London-Warsaw-Kiev axis: that was the end of Europe as an autonomous geopolitical actor. And that happened only 20 years after the joint opposition by France-Germany to the neocon war on Iraq.11. Todd correctly defines NATO by plunging into their unconscious: We note that that its military, ideological and psychological mechanism does not exist to protect Western Europe, but to control it.12. In tandem with several analysts in Russia, China, Iran and among independents in Europe, Todd is sure that the US obsession since the 1990s - to cut off Germany from Russia will lead to failure: Sooner or later, they will collaborate, as their economic specializations define them as complementary. The defeat in Ukraine will open the path, as a gravitational force reciprocally seduces Germany and Russia.Before that, and unlike virtually any Western analyst across the mainstream NATOstan sphere, Todd understands that Moscow is set to win against the whole of NATO, not merely Ukraine, profiting from a window of opportunity identified by Putin in early 2022. Todd bets on a window of 5 years, that is, an endgame by 2027. Its enlightening to compare with Defense Minister Shoigu, on the record, last year: the SMO will end by 2025.Whatever the deadline, inbuilt in all this is a total Russia victory with the winner dictating all terms. No negotiations, no ceasefire, no frozen conflict as the Hegemon is now desperate spinning.Davos enacts The Triumph of the WestTodds ample merit, so evident in the book, is to use history and anthropology to take Western societys false consciousness to the divan. And thats how, focusing for instance in the study of very specific family structures in Europe, he manages to explain reality in a way that totally escapes the brainwashed collective West masses lingering under turbo-neoliberalism.It goes without saying that Todds reality-based book will not be a hit among the Davos elites. Whats happening this week in Davos has been immensely enlightening. Everything is out in the open.From all the usual suspects the toxic EU Medusa von der Leyen; NATOs warmongering Stoltenberg; BlackRock, JP Morgan and assorted honchos shaking hands with their sweaty sweatshirt toy in Kiev the Triumph of the West message is monolithic.And if all fails, a pre-fabricated Disease X is comin to get you.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240115/ukraine-crisis-wont-end-until-nato-sponsors-push-kiev-to-negotiating-table-1116172309.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230817/political-violence-in-ecuador-rooted-in-neoliberalism-subservience-to-the-us--1112660079.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/nato-official-sounds-alarm-warns-of-shifting-global-powers-1116236989.html
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west was defeated, cold war, political analyst, french intelligentzia
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/how-us-coerces-france--germany-to-fund-zelenskys-failing-conflict-1116238433.html
How US Coerces France & Germany to Fund Zelenskys Failing Conflict
How US Coerces France & Germany to Fund Zelenskys Failing Conflict
Sputnik International
Two international affairs experts spoke to Sputnik about how America convinces its European allies to sink money into Ukraine amidst its own internal dysfunction.
2024-01-18T00:40+0000
2024-01-18T00:40+0000
2024-01-18T00:40+0000
us
germany
france
ukraine
foreign aid
military aid
us military aid
analysis
us arms for ukraine
nato
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France and Germany announced recently theyd commit to continued support for Ukraine in 2024. As US aid has ground to a halt amidst political infighting, Washington has increasingly leaned on European powers to help make up the difference.But after the failure of Kievs 2023 counteroffensive, the writing is on the wall regarding the countrys slim chance of success in European capitals as well, with some savvy leaders riding to power on promises to end weapons shipments. How then is the United States managing to keep some of Western Europes largest economies on board for the effort? Sputnik spoke with two international affairs experts for insight.Germany is a very interesting country, said London-based analyst Adriel Kasonta. Americans have a huge influence in Germany after the Second World War. And when the Americans set up their bases in Germany and decided to somehow, in one way or another, occupy Germany to stay there in order to make sure that Germany will not emerge as a superpower on the continent, they exercised a very huge influence over this country.In order to meet their commitments towards the western hegemon, the United States, Germany [has] to do or show an extra effort in whatever European countries are doing, explained the former chairman of the International Affairs Committee at the Bow Group think tank. So if, for instance, the United States is objecting [to] the charges against Israel brought by South Africa, Germany has to be the first country to object after the United States.Kasonta also claimed Germany benefits from the influx of Ukrainian migrants caused by the conflict, calling the country the migrant economy. Cheap labor from throughout the continent is crucial to Germanys economic strength, especially as Western sanctions on Russia backfire by driving up energy costs. However, the policy does not come without consequences in the form of rising domestic opposition from the German public.Russian affairs analyst Gilbert Doctorow also points out that the loss of Russian gas has had a very damaging impact on the [competitiveness] of German industry and on investment in new production.The international relations expert noted that France has a different relationship with the United States than Germany but nevertheless has its own reasons for continued support for Ukraines military effort.Both are heavily invested in the Ukraine cause and in ensuring there is no Russian victory, which would be a major disaster for NATO and for the entire existing concept of European security that these countries share, he explained.Along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron has so thoroughly committed himself to the narrative of the conflict in the Donbass as an existential battle for Europe that he would have difficulty in suddenly backing away from his countrys support.Kasonta claimed that the emergence of hostilities with Ukraine has been bad for the continent as a whole because it prevents Russia from uniting with the rest of the continent and forming a truly counter-hegemonic force.Kasonta added that the United States had already achieved one important objective of the conflict, which was to expand weapons sales by pressuring armed forces on both sides of the Atlantic to upgrade their arsenals.Although their goal of dealing a significant blow to Russia has clearly failed, Kasonta argues Western governments are unable to admit their failure to the public. The thinking in the capitals of these Western countries is that they can't admit that they are wrong because they, perhaps, believe that somehow this will get away, that somehow something will happen, he said.The international community and especially people in Western Europe formed their own opinion about what is happening, he added. They formed the opinion about their own governments. They felt betrayed by their governments for a long time before the conflict in Ukraine started. But I think that the conflict in Ukraine is the final nail in the coffin of the current neoliberal establishment in the West.As I've said, either way, the governments in the West have failed.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/nato-official-sounds-alarm-warns-of-shifting-global-powers-1116236989.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/us-house-speaker-after-biden-meeting-says-status-quo-on-ukraine-unacceptable-1116237646.html
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Lavrov Will Take Part in G20 Ministerial Meeting in Brazil, Visit Several Other States in Latin America in February
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that he will take part in the G20 ministerial meeting in Brazil and will visit several other states in Latin America in February.
"I will be in Brazil again. A ministerial meeting of the G20 will be held there at the end of February. In connection with this trip, we plan to visit a number of other Latin American countries," Lavrov said at a press conference on the results of 2023.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/oil-prices-soar-as-opec-gets-bullish-on-global-demand-1116246339.html
Oil Prices Soar as OPEC Gets Bullish on Global Demand
Oil Prices Soar as OPEC Gets Bullish on Global Demand
Sputnik International
OPEC predicts that global oil demand will rise by a substantial 1.85 million bpd, reaching 106.21 million bpd by 2025. This forecast is supported by disruptions in US oil production caused by a severe cold snap and increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are contributing to the positive momentum of the oil market
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2024-01-18T13:24+0000
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international energy agency (iea)
opec
american petroleum institute
brent
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Global oil prices surged on Thursday, driven by a promising outlook from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), projecting robust growth in global oil demand over the next two years. Brent Crude futures experienced a 0.3 percent gain, rising 21 cents to $78.09 per barrel. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate futures saw an uptick of 0.6 percent, climbing 40 cents to $72.96 by 0505 GMT, per press report.According to the monthly report from OPEC, the cartel expects global oil demand to increase by 1.85 million barrels per day (bpd) and reach 106.21 million bpd by 2025. This projection remains consistent with the December forecast, which indicates an upswing of 2.25 million bpd for 2024.Despite these positive indicators, market analysts noted that Brent crude prices were caught within a narrow range. "Brent crude prices remain broadly stuck in a range as they have been over the past two weeks, as market participants struggle to weigh mixed demand-supply dynamics with prevailing geopolitical tensions," Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG, remarked.Challenges, such as an unforeseen increase in US crude stockpiles and the recent series of attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthis, have led businesses to reroute their cargo shipments around the African continent. As a result, cargo delivery times have become longer and operational costs have risen. In addition, North Dakota, the leading oil-producing state in the US, has had to substantially decrease oil output from 650,000 to 700,000 bpd due to the freezing temperatures (-18oC) that the state is currently weathering.Further uncertainty looms as the American government's data on oil inventories is set to be released at 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) on Thursday. Preliminary figures on Wednesday from the American Petroleum Institute indicated a rise in domestic crude stockpiles by 480,000 barrels.Despite the challenges, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expressed optimism, foreseeing oil markets being in a comfortable and balanced position for the year. Fatih Birol, the executive director of the IEA, communicated this during the Reuters Global Markets Forum on Wednesday.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231030/escalation-of-middle-east-conflict-could-push-oil-prices-to-157-a-barrel---world-bank-1114601611.html
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/russian-strikes-dampen-enthusiasm-of-ukraines-mercs-amid-massive-losses-1116244622.html
Russian Strikes 'Dampen Enthusiasm' of Ukraine's Mercs Amid Massive Losses
Russian Strikes 'Dampen Enthusiasm' of Ukraine's Mercs Amid Massive Losses
Sputnik International
Russias precision strikes on facilities housing foreign mercenaries in Ukraine - like the one on Kharkov - will likely "dampen the enthusiasm" of such guns for hire, retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik.
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Russias strikes on facilities housing foreign mercenaries in Ukraine will likely "dampen the enthusiasm" of guns for hire, retired US Air Force Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski told Sputnik.Strikes like that Russia carried out on Kharkov "raise the risk level for these soldiers and others, who are in Ukraine largely for the money," noted the former analyst for the US Department of Defense. Russia is sending a powerful message to all foreign fighters and others ready to join the Kiev regime's forces for cash.Reflecting on the kind of people who freelance for the Ukrainian military amid its botched counteroffensive and huge casualties, the pundit said they were the product of years of war and societal decline in the West.Despite mounting evidence that mercenaries are treated badly, paid little and often are a special target for the Russian military, they continue to boost the ranks of Ukraine's armed forces."I think that most who are working for the Ukrainians directly are probably marginals more than professionals, but the US government, like the Brits and others, do hire the more capable in this arena," Kwiatkowski said. "In this sense, I am thinking of one of the American snipers relating to the 2014 Maidan coup, Brian Boyenger, who had a background in the Army and experience fighting in Iraq, and later became a shadowing asset for hire, who after he reportedly left the service, was in contact and in a way, on call, with the US government agencies." As Ukraine is plagued by recruitment woes at home coupled with poor political and military leadership, the expert argued that so-called soldiers of fortune would be able to quickly recognize the signs of failure in the Kiev regime.However, added Kwiatkowski, "sociopathic Russia-haters, and others, may wish to remain in order to continue a stalemate again, as long as they can be paid, or otherwise gain some kind of material reward."'Bludgeoned by West's Propaganda'Russias strike targeting foreign fighters is a strong warning to mercenaries in Ukraine, French retired Colonel Jacques Hogard told Sputnik.So-called guns for hire who end up being eliminated by Russias precision strikes in Ukraine are likely marginal people interested in money or adventure, he said.The former colonel of the French special forces task group under NATO command in Kosovo added that the hirelings had likely been bludgeoned by NATO and Western propaganda.Following the escalation of the Ukrainian conflict in February 2022, hundreds of mercenaries from North America and Europe flocked to join the Kiev regime's military ranks. Lured by promises of blood money, they ignored Russias warnings that foreign mercs would have a target on their backs. Over time, some of these hierlings fled to their home countries, while many were wiped out by Russia's Armed Forces.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/another-us-mercenary-bites-the-dust-on-ukrainian-battlefield-1115705812.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240110/chaos--panic-mercs-bolt-from-ukraine-as-russian-strikes-torpedo-all-western-efforts-1116095328.html
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/russian-troops-liberate-veseloye-settlement-in-donetsk-peoples-republic---mod-1116250817.html
Russian Troops Liberate Veseloye Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic - MoD
Russian Troops Liberate Veseloye Settlement in Donetsk People's Republic - MoD
Sputnik International
Ukraine has lost more than 260 soldiers both killed and injured in the Donetsk area over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense said on Thursday.
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Russias Ministry of Defense (MoD) reported on the progress of the special military operation. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repulsed six attacks near Kupyansk, the ministry said in a statement. MoD also added that Ukraine's military losses amounted to more than 220 soldiers in the Krasny Liman region and up to 155 soldiers near Kupyansk. In the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, the total losses of Ukrainian forces amounted to 95 people and four tanks.In one day, Russian air defenses shot down two Tochka-U missiles, 18 HIMARS and Vampire MLRS shells and 91 drones. "In the south of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Russian units repelled a Ukrainian assault attack. The enemy lost more than 130 people," MoD concluded.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240106/soledar-artemovsk-maryinka-significant-for-complete-liberation-of-donetsk-peoples-republic-1116007965.html
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Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announces that the county is filing a lawsuit to stop a new state law abolishing the elections office on Thursday, July 6, 2023 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer
Harris County leaders defended their new guaranteed income program, Uplift Harris, as state Sen. Paul Bettencourt raised questions about its legality.
The pilot program, which began accepting applications Jan. 12, will randomly select 1,928 low-income applicants to receive $500 in monthly cash assistance for 18 months. The initiative garnered significant interest, with over 48,000 applications received in just the first three days, according to Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who spearheaded the program.
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Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, Uplift Houston aims to tackle persistent poverty and health disparities in low-income areas. But Bettencourt said the program might not be allowed under the Texas constitution.
In a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton, dated Jan. 12, the state senator questioned whether counties have the authority to carry out a guaranteed income program and if such a policy would violate a clause in the Texas constitution that prohibits the gift of public funds to any individual.
Bettencourt, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Government, is seeking a legal opinion from Paxton on the two questions. Paxtons office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
State Rep. Sam Harless, from right, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, State Sen. Brandon Creighton and State Rep. Harold Dutton listen during a press conference Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, at Nitsch Elementary School in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer
Besides the legal inquiries, Bettencourt also expressed concerns about the program from a public policy standpoint. To be eligible for Uplift Harris, applicants must meet specific income criteria. They also have to live in targeted high-poverty zip codes or participate in the Harris County Public Health's ACCESS program.
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There's a lot of criticism of programs like this that are specific to certain zip codes and other provisions that clearly are more of a winner-versus-loser selection because there's only going to be, you know, 1,900 lucky winners in this program, Bettencourt said to the Chronicle Wednesday. From a public policy perspective, you know, where do you stop?
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on Wednesday accused the state senator of politicizing a program meant to help county residents pull themselves out of poverty. He said his office will speak to Bettencourts specific legal concerns in a brief with the attorney generals office if given the opportunity to respond.
This behavior has become par for the course with Sen. Bettencourt hes more focused on political games and weaponizing government institutions than making life better for the people of Harris County, Menefee said. "The countys program is legal and we will make that clear to the Attorney General."
Ellis criticized Bettencourts opinion request, too, and attributed Texas high poverty rate to the intentional inaction of our state leaders. He said the large volume of Uplift Harris applications serves as evidence of the program's necessity.
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Sen. Paul Bettencourt's efforts to undermine this critical initiative is yet another intentional effort to maintain a system of inequality and oppression, Ellis said Wednesday. To Sen. Bettencourt, I say: lead or step aside. We are committed to breaking the chains of inequity in our community, and we invite all leaders to join us."
Bettencourt has often pushed back on local policies in the past. In 2021, He sought Paxtons opinion on a policy proposed by the Houston Independent School District to offer an additional pandemic-specific paid leave to district employees who were vaccinated or medically exempt from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The attorney general concluded in an opinion the policy would violate an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The state senator also co-sponsored a recent law, dubbed the "Death Star Bill, which aimed to block an array of local regulations.
Bettencourt on Wednesday refuted county officials criticisms and urged them to consider the welfare of all Harris County residents rather than just a select group.
As a committee chair, asking the obvious questions about a program like this is clearly the right thing to do, he said. Commissioner Ellis name calling has no bearing in a debate on Uplift Harris legality."
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Harris County is not the only local government in Texas with a cash assistance program. Austin and San Antonio have both rolled out similar initiatives, as have other major U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson attended a news conference on June 5, 2023 to announce the county could launch a guaranteed income pilot program. Jen Rice
Uplift Harris was originally scheduled to launch on Jan. 8 but faced a last-minute delay due to county officials questions about its eligibility criteria, specifically about whether undocumented immigrants could participate in this type of public welfare programs, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.
Hidalgo told the Chronicle last week that while Uplift Harris cannot include immigrants lacking qualifying statuses, she is committed to developing an alternative program at a later date. This new initiative, likely funded by private donations, will seek to assist those ineligible for the current program.
Residents have until midnight Feb. 2 to submit their applications through the program's online portal. All selected participants can expect to receive their first payments in April. More information can be found on the program website.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/scott-ritter-russia-wont-hesitate-to-eliminate-western-troops-in-ukraine-1116252636.html
Scott Ritter: Russia Won't Hesitate to Eliminate Western Troops in Ukraine
Scott Ritter: Russia Won't Hesitate to Eliminate Western Troops in Ukraine
Sputnik International
A strike on a building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkov on Tuesday resulted in 60 mercenaries killed mostly of French nationality.
2024-01-18T18:18+0000
2024-01-18T18:18+0000
2024-01-18T18:18+0000
russia's special operation in ukraine
russia
ukraine
france
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A strike on a building in the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkov on Tuesday resulted in 60 mercenaries killed mostly of French nationality.The presence of armed Frenchmen in Ukraine's second-largest city has prompted speculation about wo they are working for, Scott Ritter, former US Marine Corps intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector, told Sputnik. He said it potentially exposes covert French direct involvement in NATO's proxy war against Russia.Ritter focused on two key aspects of the attack. He said it showed Russian military planners no longer discriminate between foreign mercenaries and Ukrainian soldiers. "Russia has not shown any hesitancy to eliminate foreign mercenaries fighting on behalf of the Ukrainian military," he said.It also raises the intriguing possibility that French troops could be directly involved in the Ukrainian conflict against Russia.That apparent new Russian policy contrasts with previous leniency towards NATO military 'advisors' or other personnel in Ukraine, the expert argued, suggesting a paradigm shift to targeting all hostile forces in Ukraine.The broader implication is clearly that Russia is now in an "endgame" of annihilating of the Ukrainian armed forces.This strike marks a shift in the Ukrainian conflict that escalated in February 2022, when a surge of mercenaries from North America and Europe enlisted in the Kiev regime's so-called Foreign Legion. Attracted by promises of substantial financial gains, they paid little heed to Russia's warnings that foreign mercenaries would become marked targets.As the conflict enters its third year, some of these hired guns have opted to return to their home countries and many more have met their end at the hands of the Russian forces.
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/so-long-new-hampshire-1116241055.html
So Long, New Hampshire
So Long, New Hampshire
Sputnik International
The Republican primary debate that was scheduled for Thursday in New Hampshire was canceled after former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley pulled out.
2024-01-18T03:42+0000
2024-01-18T03:42+0000
2024-01-18T03:42+0000
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The Republican primary debate that was scheduled for Thursday in New Hampshire was canceled after former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley pulled out. Haley said her reasoning behind the decision was based on former President Donald Trumps absences from the previous debates. After Haley backed out, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was the only candidate willing to participate.The now-canceled debate was to take place just days before the New Hampshire primary, and was to follow the caucuses in Iowa. On Monday, Haley placed third (19%) in the Iowa caucuses while DeSantis came in second (21%), and Trump finished in first (51%) by a wide margin.DeSantis also came out to criticize Haley's decision, accusing her of being afraid to debate because she doesnt want to answer the tough questions. And claimed her of running to be Trumps VP adding that he looked forward to debating two empty podiums in the Granite State this week.Following news that Thursdays debate was canceled, one which was scheduled for Sunday was also been canceled. Trump, who has skipped all of the debates thus far, said last month that he will debate one of his Republican opponents if the results in the New Hampshire primary are very close. In place of the debate, an American news broadcaster will host a town hall with Haley on Thursday in New Hampshire. They previously hosted one with DeSantis earlier this week.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/next-gop-debate-canceled-after-haley-said-shed-only-participate-if-trump-does-1116213493.html
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/uk-national-dies-from-iranian-strikes-in-iraqs-erbil---foreign-ministry-1116243721.html
UK National Dies From Iranian Strikes in Iraq's Erbil - Foreign Ministry
UK National Dies From Iranian Strikes in Iraq's Erbil - Foreign Ministry
Sputnik International
A dual UK-Iraqi national died during the Iranian strikes on the Iraqi Kurdistan region earlier this week, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement following a meeting between UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in Davos.
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middle east
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"The Foreign Secretary condemned the attacks in Erbil in Iraq, which killed UK-Iraqi dual national Karam Mikhael. Attacks like this violate the sovereignty of other states," a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday. During the meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Cameron also told Amirabdollahian that the attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea were "illegal and unacceptable" and that Iran "must use its influence with the Houthis to prevent further threats." On Tuesday, Iran fired missiles at what it said was the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad's headquarters in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. Local authorities said four people died and six others were wounded. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said that Iraq considered Iran's strikes at its Kurdistan region as an aggression against its sovereignty and security.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240115/irans-irgc-claims-responsibility-for-missile-attacks-on-iraqs-erbil-1116186095.html
united kingdom (uk)
iran
iraq
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Sputnik International
uk national dies, iranian strikes in iraq's erbil,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/ukraine-on-the-brink-of-a-coup-as-zelensky-leads-country-to-ruin-1116240724.html
Ukraine on the Brink of a Coup as Zelensky Leads Country to Ruin
Ukraine on the Brink of a Coup as Zelensky Leads Country to Ruin
Sputnik International
Former Ukrainian diplomat and whistleblower Andrii Telizhenko joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Wednesday, speaking powerfully about the heartbreak he feels as his country loses people and territory in an unnecessary conflict.
2024-01-18T02:01+0000
2024-01-18T02:01+0000
2024-02-25T13:44+0000
ukraine crisis
analysis
ukraine
volodymyr zelensky
valery zaluzhny
boris johnson
russia
deep state
fault lines
us
https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/15/1095688775_0:45:945:577_1920x0_80_0_0_6b982ea106d127318a9ea156df0cacbb.png
Former Ukrainian diplomat and whistleblower Andrii Telizhenko joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Wednesday, speaking powerfully about the heartbreak he feels as his country loses people and territory in an unnecessary conflict.He doesn't even want peace. He doesn't even talk about peace, said Telizhenko of the countrys current leader President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is a heartbreak for me as a Ukrainian, to say that we might lose our country because of the people who are in the government today in Ukraine, the regime which is killing its own people who want to fight for peace, which is killing its own people, throwing them to the front lines against Russia, one of the strongest armies in the world and a nuclear country.The ex-diplomat said Zelenskys increasing unpopularity at home and in Washington could lead to his ousting as early as this year.America does not always understand what's happening within Ukraine, even though they're trying to control it, he added. And I think that's what's going to happen.Telizhenko said the conflict would ultimately have to be resolved via negotiation between the US and Russia but, perversely, Ukrainians will likely continue to die until the political moment in the United States allows such discussions to take place. So the United States and Russia sit down. But I think nobody's going to go for that in DC until the elections, he claimed. So Ukraine is going to lose more and more territories.Above all Telizhenko lamented the tragedy of Ukrainians being killed in a war they dont want to fight, effectively being sent on a suicide mission to battle against a more powerful army without the proper training.They basically made a boot camp out of Ukraine, he said, not letting any men and women out and throwing them to the front lines without any experience, just to make their owners in Washington and Deep State happy And this is going to continue to happen as Boris Johnson, who you mentioned before, promised to fight until the last Ukrainian. And that's what they're doing right now, keeping that promise, fighting to the last Ukrainian men and women.Telizhenko explained that the crisis in Ukraine is personal for him not merely because he is Ukrainian, but also because he knows people who have fallen victim to the extremist government that took hold after 2014s Euromaidan coup. Making matters worse is that fact that people in the West dont understand the true nature of the Zelensky regime, but instead are fed lies about how the government there is fighting for freedom and democracy.The Secret Service of Ukraine came to their house and shot them. One of them got killed in the prison. And this is what's happening in Ukraine today This is what's happened in a so-called democracy which the deep state is financing today in Ukraine.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231127/uk-media-mum-on-shocking-claims-boris-johnson-sabotaged-russia-ukraine-peace-talks--1115230732.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231121/euromaidan-color-revolution-that-brought-ukraine-to-ruin-1115104905.html
ukraine
russia
Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60
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John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg
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ukraine crisis, ukraine, volodymyr zelensky, valery zaluzhny, boris johnson, russia, deep state, fault lines, us, us hegemony, ukrainian conflict, ukrainian crisis, maidan
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/ukraines-growing-foreign-mercenary-addiction--1116250272.html
Russian Strike on Elite French Merc Nest Delivers 'Devastating Blow' to Ukraine's War Effort
Russian Strike on Elite French Merc Nest Delivers 'Devastating Blow' to Ukraine's War Effort
Sputnik International
On the evening of 16 January, Russian missiles hit a building in Kharkov that had been converted into a major center for high-level European (mostly French) mercenaries. It was a devastating blow, with at least 60 killed and 20 wounded.
2024-01-18T13:47+0000
2024-01-18T13:47+0000
2024-01-18T16:34+0000
analysis
nazi
nato
pravy sektor
russia
kharkov
ukraine
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It is important to note that these were elite soldiers, not the run of the mill American thrill-seekers and "Tik Tok soldiers", nor Colombian hitmen. The European mercenaries tend to be highly trained specialists who work on specific weapons systems too complex for the average Ukrainian conscripts and Nazi footsoldiers to operate efficiently. This strike did not just eliminate a couple of platoons of enemy soldiers, it put some of the most lethal and long-range weapons in the Ukrainian arsenal out of service until more specialists are found to replace the fried mercs that were eliminated.The situation with mercenaries in Ukraine ebbs and flows, and has gone through several phases. I can personally attest to the fact that there have been US, British, Polish and Jihadist mercenaries in Ukraine since 2015. At the beginning of the SMO [special military operation], there was a large influx of civilian and veteran adventurers from many countries, as well as much more low profile elite operators from all the major NATO countries. There has been a major influx of high quality mercenaries with special skill sets in the last few months. The reason for this increase in foreign professional soldiers was to replace the Ukrainian special forces who were almost completely wiped out in the Ukrainian failed "summer offensive", as well as to try to make a desperate (but futile) attempt to forestall the inevitable Russian offensive. These elite mercenaries are also some of the most vicious war criminals in this war, used as blocking troops, specialists in torture and terrorist tactics, who have trained the likes of Azov* and Pravy Sektor* Nazis. This is reflected in the fact that almost 600 foreign mercenaries have been charged with specific war crimes by Russian prosecutors, and obviously, this number will only increase.The missile strike in Kharkov is a big deal, and for all the right reasons. By eliminating scores of elite specialists, this strike is transformed from a tactical to strategic victory, and not just physically, but also psychologically, and on both sides. The people in Russia, and especially in Donbass, and especially our soldiers, can take some satisfaction in justice being served cold to cold-blooded killers, as well as take some comfort in the fact that there are now less pilots, rocket and artillery specialists and expert torturers and terrorists who can no longer harm them. So, bravo and maximum respect to our missile troops and intelligence services, especially those who work behind enemy lines to gather the kind of information that makes these operations possible.*The Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.*The Pravy Sektor is an extremist group outlawed in Russia.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/bombing-of-french-mercs-in-kharkov-blows-lid-off-new-front-in-paris-secret-war-on-russia-1116247664.html
russia
kharkov
ukraine
Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60
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Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg
Russell Bentley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/1d/1094281697_332:0:1182:850_100x100_80_0_0_f4d7604e530b3861449b2db55c72f353.jpg
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mercenary addiction, russian missiles, mercenaries
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/ukraines-president-zelensky-will-resist-elections-to-the-end-1116249958.html
Ukraine's President Zelensky Will 'Resist Elections to the End'
Ukraine's President Zelensky Will 'Resist Elections to the End'
Sputnik International
Volodymyr Zelensky knows that elections "will mark the end of his career as president of Ukraine, and will resist until the end," Paolo Raffone, a strategic analyst and director of the CIPI Foundation in Brussels, told Sputnik.
2024-01-18T15:02+0000
2024-01-18T15:02+0000
2024-01-18T15:02+0000
analysis
russia
sergey lavrov
ukraine
volodymyr zelensky
sergey lavrov's press conference
nato
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Volodymyr Zelensky knows that elections "will mark the end of his career as president of Ukraine" and will "resist until the end," Paolo Raffone, a strategic analyst and director of the CIPI Foundation in Brussels, told Sputnik.Elections in Ukraine are currently "not feasible, and the results would have no credibility," he added.Last November, Zelensky claimed it was "irresponsible" to have elections amid the ongoing conflict in the country. But the botched counteroffensive, mounting losses, and political infighting have prompted speculation that troops used as 'cannon fodder' might rebel.At the same time, there is growing dissent in the West with the billions spent on propping up the dysfunctional regime lodged in Kiev."Despite the Western political hypocritical rhetoric we stand by Ukraine for all the necessary time the reality is defined by Western military commanders, particularly the US DoD and the Pentagon, that have dubbed the commitment to Ukraine 'until possible'," noted Raffone.Earlier this month, White House spokesman John Kirby said US aid to Kiev was halted until Congress approved the Biden administration's request for new funds. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that more and more officials in the United States are asking whether the astronomical sums of money to support Ukraine were 'effectively spent.' Moreover, the US electoral conundrum has provoked a sharp decrease in funding for Ukraine that adds to the DoD evaluation of 'limit point in providing military support from existing stocks'," Raffone said. the Pentagon "has clearly indicated that to provide further military support to Ukraine, new armaments shall be produced which entangles a very complex web of supply chain projecting the time for delivery between 15 and 36 months. The EU has also been showing a certain distress in continuing the support to Zelensky, military and financial, at the pace adopted in 2022 and until the Summer 2023." Noting that the Ukrainian president was advised by the West to reject any settlement with Russia, Raffone pointed to remarks made by Russias foreign minister on Friday. Sergey Lavrov outlined a set of preconditions towards ending the conflict during his press conference, including cancelling "the decree forbidding contacts with Russia; constitutional amendments to outlaw all anti-Russian policies and practices in Ukraine and constitutional amendments to renounce joining NATO."Earlier, Lavrov said Zelensky was increasingly "getting out of hand" with his Western advisors. He also likened talk of elections in Ukraine to a soap opera that reflects the Ukrainian president's desire to cling to power for as long as possible.Lavrov recalled that Kiev was forbidden from signing a peace treaty with Russia "upon the orders of [former British prime minister Boris] Johnson and other Anglo-Saxons." He added that at the present time Moscow sees no signs that the US and NATO are ready for fair settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, as they continue escalation. Russia, meanwhile, will achieve the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine "consistently, persistently."
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/how-us-coerces-france--germany-to-fund-zelenskys-failing-conflict-1116238433.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/ukraine-on-the-brink-of-a-coup-as-zelensky-leads-country-to-ruin-1116240724.html
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Svetlana Ekimenko
infighting within the kiev regime, natos proxy war against russia, ukraine conflict, ukraine's botched counteroffensive, ukraine's counteroffensive attempt,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/us-senate-passes-government-funding-extension-bill-sending-to-house-for-consideration-1116256173.html
US Senate Passes Government Funding Extension Bill, Sending to House for Consideration
US Senate Passes Government Funding Extension Bill, Sending to House for Consideration
Sputnik International
The US Senate on Thursday passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend temporary government funding and give lawmakers more time to pass appropriations bills, sending the legislation to the House of Representatives for consideration.
2024-01-18T19:56+0000
2024-01-18T19:56+0000
2024-01-18T19:56+0000
americas
chuck schumer
us budget
us
us senate
us government shutdown
us government
funding
stopgap bill
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Senators passed the legislation in a vote of 77-18. House lawmakers are set to take up the bill later on Thursday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed confidence that the House will also pass the legislation. In November, the US Congress passed a so-called "laddered" CR, which temporarily funded separate portions of the government through January 19 and February 2. The CR passed by the Senate would extend the funding deadlines to March 1 and 8. Prior to passing the legislation on Thursday, the Senate rejected an amendment to the bill by Sen. Rand Paul, which would have restricted assistance to Palestinian governing entities in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240114/source-confirms-to-sputnik-us-lawmakers-reach-deal-on-stopgap-bill-to-keep-govt-open-until-march-1116160475.html
americas
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Sputnik International
us government funding, bipartisan deal, us government shutdown, us house of representatives, us senate, stopgap bill, us senate, stopgap funding bill, looming government shutdown, us budget
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/us-sending-javelin-anti-tank-missiles-to-kosovo-in-attempt-to-set-balkans-on-fire-1116249490.html
US Sending Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles to Kosovo in Attempt to Set Balkans on Fire
US Sending Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles to Kosovo in Attempt to Set Balkans on Fire
Sputnik International
The latest round of tensions between Belgrade and breakaway authorities in Kosovo began rising after Pristina riled up ethnic Serbs living in the regions north by banning Serbia-issued license plates, followed by a push to install unelected ethnic Albanian mayors in Serb-majority settlements.
2024-01-18T14:22+0000
2024-01-18T14:22+0000
2024-01-18T14:22+0000
world
nato
state department
pristina
kosovo
serbia
aleksandar vucic
javelin
humvee
camp bondsteel
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The State Department has approved the delivery of $75 million-worth of Javelin anti-tank missiles to the breakaway Serbian region of Kosovo, with the move coming amid rising regional tensions and an ongoing US push to destabilize the Balkan nation.Kosovar separatist authorities expect to receive some 24 Javelin launchers and 246 missiles in total. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called the planned transfer a great disappointment for Serbia but said Belgrade will still try to work on preserving Serbian-American relations.The breakaway is also home to Camp Bondsteel, the US and NATOs largest military base in the Balkans, and the alliance maintains a 4,500+ troop-strong peacekeeping force in the territory known as Kosovo Force, which took part in street clashes with local ethnic Serb residents last year.Javelins are expected to help transform the Kosovo Security Force into a full-fledged military, with the breakaways self-proclaimed president, Vjosa Osmani, announcing last week that Kosovo is looking to bring [its] security forces into line with NATO standards, and acquire other, unspecified weapons from the alliance in the future.Serbia has pointed to the illegality of attempts to create a Kosovar army under UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of June 10, 1999, which also required NATO and its allies to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia a commitment broken with Kosovos 2008 NATO-backed declaration of independence.Tensions in Kosovo began to escalate in mid-2022 after Pristina tried to force Serbs living in the region to get Kosovo-issued license plate as a pretext for a series of discriminatory measures against the minority. Last May, clashes erupted after Pristina forcibly installed new ethnic Albanian mayors in several northern cities after municipal elections boycotted by Serbs. Over 50 Serb protests and 30 NATO troops were injured.In September 2023, armed clashes were reported between Serbs and Kosovar police, with three Serbs killed and six others detained. Moscow called the incident a direct and immediate consequence of the Kosovo governments efforts to incite the conflict and clear the territory of the region from the Serbs.Kosovo today is mostly populated by ethnic Albanians, who make up over 90 percent of the breakaway's population, with Serbs residing in areas of the region's north close to the rest of Serbia. The territory's ethnic Serb population was cut in half over the past three decades in a series of ethnic cleansing campaigns and pogroms by Kosovar Albanian militants backed by NATO, with a population of about 194,000 Serbs in 1991 dropping to about 100,000 today. Kosovo has a special significance to Serbs, with the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, where Serb Prince Lazar managed to hold off against a numerically superior Ottoman army, helping to crystalize Serbian national identity. The region also once contained many of Serbia's oldest Orthodox Churches (over 150 of which were destroyed between 1999 and 2004).
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230107/which-countries-dont-recognize-kosovo-and-what-are-their-reasons-1106115420.html
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230925/direct-threat-of-resumption-of-ethnic-cleansing-in-kosovo-exists---russian-foreign-ministry-1113661030.html
pristina
kosovo
serbia
Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60
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why is us militarizing kosovo, how is us trying to set balkans on fire, is there war in kosovo, who sends arms to kosovo, kosovo-serbia updates
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/world-lacks-defense-industry-resources-for-ukraine-to-wage-war-against-russia---zelensky-1116241331.html
World Lacks Defense Industry Resources for Ukraine to Wage War Against Russia - Zelensky
World Lacks Defense Industry Resources for Ukraine to Wage War Against Russia - Zelensky
Sputnik International
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that the world's defense industry lacks enough resources for Ukraine to withstand a war against the Russian army, adding that Kiev is facing a shortage of drones and shells.
2024-01-18T02:58+0000
2024-01-18T02:58+0000
2024-01-18T02:58+0000
ukraine crisis
volodymyr zelensky
ukraine
russia
ukrainian crisis
ukrainian conflict
russia's special operation in ukraine
arms production
https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/17/1115173219_0:0:2701:1520_1920x0_80_0_0_570d9efc235110a0681563b662be94d3.jpg
"Artillery, for example, 155 caliber. The whole world, the production of all the companies that generate the production of 155 caliber artillery shells is not enough to sustain a war with artillery in Ukraine... There is not enough production in the world today, using artillery as an example, enough for the Ukrainian army to withstand a war against the Russian army," Zelensky told a news conference in Davos, Switzerland, posted by his office on YouTube. The Ukrainian leader said that Kiev "is lacking drones and shells," adding that there is "a deficit" to achieve "certain goals that we are working towards." Ukrainian Strategic Industries Minister Alexander Kamyshin said last week that Kiev's arms production would never fully cover arms needs. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Havryliuk told BBC in December that the Ukrainian army had a serious shortage of artillery shells, adding that Kiev was accelerating the production of kamikaze drones to compensate for the lack of artillery shells. Western countries have been providing military and financial aid to Kiev since the start of Russia's operation in Ukraine in February 2022. The Kremlin has consistently warned against continued arms deliveries to Kiev, saying it would lead to further escalation of the conflict. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20231225/ukraine-seeing-ammo--manpower-dry-up-while-russia-boosts-arms-production-1115808686.html
ukraine
russia
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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240118/youre-going-to-be-a-target-mercenaries-wont-be-given-a-pass-by-russia-1116241603.html
Youre Going to Be a Target: Mercenaries Wont Be Given a Pass by Russia
Youre Going to Be a Target: Mercenaries Wont Be Given a Pass by Russia
Sputnik International
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen spoke with Sputnik about Russias targeting of several French mercenary fighters in Kharkov Tuesday, warning that people thinking about freelancing for the Ukrainian military should expect to be treated the same as homegrown fighters.
2024-01-18T03:34+0000
2024-01-18T03:34+0000
2024-01-25T18:16+0000
analysis
ukraine crisis
ukrainian conflict
ukrainian crisis
mercenaries
russian forces
russian defense ministry
russia
ukraine
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Retired Lieutenant Colonel Earl Rasmussen spoke with Sputnik about Russias targeting of several French mercenary fighters in Kharkov Tuesday, warning that people thinking about freelancing for the Ukrainian military should expect to be treated the same as homegrown fighters.Rasmussen recounted the story of one British fighter who was released by the Russians only to later return to battle against them. He was captured, he got traded and they worked out an arrangement. He got released and traded, and now he's back. He's back over in the fighting with the Ukrainians again.In 2022 two British mercenaries Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner were captured by the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), where they faced criminal charges. They were later released, and more recently have become part of Western propaganda efforts against Russia and the DPR.The former Army colonel speculated on the kinds of foreign fighters who decide to take up arms against Russia in the Donbass: I would say there's many professionals, they may be former military. They may be pseudo military. In other words, they may be technically former, but they may still be on because sometimes we've had special operations, special forces type of people that technically go off the books that's kind of a way to say that 'no, we don't have any active forces involved.Rasmussen speculated that there could be another sponsor someplace paying mercenaries given the pittance of the pay that they're receiving from Ukraine, but clarified he had no definitive proof.Finally Rasmussen commented on the media environment surrounding the confrontation in Europe and the United States, saying some mercenaries may be convinced to join Ukraine because the propaganda is very heavy over here. He recounted instances of talking to friends who were shocked to hear his assessment of the conflict given the intensely Russophobic nature of media coverage in the West.You're getting fed what the news is telling us, which is straight from the White House, which is straight from the Ukrainian intelligence, the expert said. So we're getting a tainted story here. Things are censored. We don't get the full situation that's going there.Rasmussen nevertheless speculated that several hundred to several thousand NATO advisors may be in Ukraine helping fire these sophisticated weapons systems that are coming in, helping maintain them, [and] helping put together the targeting information.
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Attorney General Ken Paxton reads a statement at his office in Austin on May 26, 2023, ahead of his impeachment by the Texas House. Eric Gay/Associated Press
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will go to trial for criminal securities fraud on April 15 in Harris County after more than eight years of delays.
The third-term Republican, fresh off his impeachment acquittal, was present in court Monday for a pretrial hearing when Judge Andrea Beall set the date. He did not speak to reporters.
READ MORE: Paxton vows to file criminal complaints against impeachment managers for releasing home address
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The setting of the trial, typically a mundane, routine part of a case, is particularly momentous because Paxton was indicted by a Collin County grand jury in 2015 on felony security fraud charges.
Ironically, Paxton has made a big deal of the fact that he just wants his day in court, he just wants this case to get tried, but yet everything they do is about trying to derail the prosecution so well never go to trial, special prosecutor Kent Schaffer said after the brief hearing. The thing is, it will go to trial. Its going to go to trial in April; and unlike the impeachment, this is going to be a fair trial.
Paxton is accused of encouraging investors including friends and a Texas lawmaker in 2011 to invest in a technology startup without disclosing that he was being paid by the firm for those referrals. He also is accused of soliciting clients for a friends investment company without registering as an adviser with the state.
The charges carry a potential sentence of 99 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines, and, if convicted, he would be disqualified from holding state office. Paxton has pleaded not guilty. The proceedings have been delayed for years by a legal fight over where to hold the trial, a hurricane that set back court schedules and other administrative wrangling.
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Another looming issue in the case is a longstanding dispute over whether special prosecutors will be paid and how much. Despite defense attorneys objections, Beall said Monday she will make a decision on her own without hearing any further motions.
The defense and Paxtons allies in Collin County have alleged that the prosecutors $300-an-hour rate is unlawful and too high. They contend they should be paid according to a Collin County fee schedule that special prosecutor Brian Wice said would amount to about a few dollars an hour for him and his co-counsel.
Listening to the remarks of the attorneys pro tem, the special prosecutors, its show me the money, Paxtons attorney Philip Hilder said in remarks to reporters after the hearing. Whether they get paid or not, Mr. Paxton deserves a fair trial This is about the money for the special prosecutors. Its not about justice.
He added: Theyre paid by a fee schedule and the special prosecutors dont like that, but they have to follow the law.
Schaffer estimated that he alone is owed about $150,000 for about 500 hours of work dating back to 2016, the last year the two were paid by Collin County. Commissioners in Collin County agreed to make one payment of more than $200,000 but have refused to pay more while the legal battle plays out.
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Were owed a lot of money, Wice said. And I dont think anybody out there within the sound of my voice or Mr. Schaffers would think that anybody has to work for free The paralegals are making more money than we are.
Schaffer pointed to an aspect of a central allegation in the impeachment trial as proof even Paxton does not consider $300 an hour to be exorbitant. House impeachment managers accused Paxton of launching an investigation into law enforcement and financial adversaries of his friend and campaign donor Nate Paul, who was the subject of an FBI fraud probe, and using an outside attorney to do it.
Just keep in mind, Mr. Paxton was paying Brandon Cammack, a young, just-out-of-school lawyer $300 an hour to investigate Mr. Nate Pauls enemies, Schaffer said, naming the private counsel Paxton chose. So he determined $300 an hour is a reasonable fee for somebody with no experience Ive been trying these cases for over 40 years.
Hilder previously has responded to that analogy as lacking any legal analysis or merit and wholly unrelated to the issues in this case.
Beall did not indicate Monday when she would rule on the pay issue. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for February.
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Mark Herschberger began working with horses at an early age, but its only been in the past several years that the Illinois native and nephew of trainer Erv Miller and driver Andy Miller started pursuing his own everyday career in harness racing.
The 28-year-old Herschberger, who spent parts of the previous six seasons assisting with Erv Millers stables in Pennsylvania and Indiana, as well as working for trainer Joe Putnam in Indiana, relocated to New Jersey with his fiancee Brittany Jessop late last summer. He is working for trainer Andrew Harris at Gaitway Farm while looking to further his career as a driver. He also helps with horses at a training center run by Paul Jessop and Laurie Molnar.
Herschberger got his first win in 2022 at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in Indiana and added 27 victories last year. Driving primarily at Freehold Raceway since his move to New Jersey, Herschberger has two wins so far this season.
I love it, said Herschberger. I love my job and being around the horses on a daily basis. Growing up as a young kid, I would go to my grandpas house, he had a 40 to 50 horse breeding farm, and I would help him break yearlings and jog horses. [Driving] is always something I wanted to do. I guess I just never had the push to go out and try it until about six years ago when Erv kind of took me under his wing.
Once youre in it, its in your blood. Then youre hooked. If you do what you love every day, you dont work a day in your life. Thats the way its been for me. Days fly by and weeks roll together when youre racing. I wouldnt want to spend my time doing anything else.
Herschbergers triumphs in 2023 featured eight on the Indiana Sired Fair Circuit, including two $10,000 Governors Cup Series consolations, and five in the Kentucky Proud Series. He began driving at Freehold on Sept. 1 and ranked 10th in victories at the Central Jersey half-mile oval over the final four months of the year. He also was among the four drivers who represented Freehold in the Rosecroft-Freehold Driving Challenge in December.
The move has worked out well for me since Ive been out here, said Herschberger. I enjoy getting out and going behind the gate. Thats where I want to point my career. Being in the driver challenge, I think that helped me a little bit in getting my name out there a little more. That was a lot of fun.
For this year, Id like to double my starts from last year. If I could get 600 to 700 starts this year, thats kind of my goal. Wherever I can get listed, Ill make the drive to go. Obviously, we want to take home a few more wins, but the main thing is to keep learning from every drive.
Herschberger knows he is a bit of a late-comer to the driving ranks, where many of his peers launched their careers in their teens or early 20s, but he is willing to take his time working his way up.
[My age] was something Joe Putnam always told me would be going against me as far as starting out, said Herschberger. But he always said I had some talent and if I wanted to pursue it, he would back me. Ive been fortunate to have people put me forward. Its a tough ladder to climb. You need to climb it right, do it right on the way up, so you can build that trust with trainers and owners.
Ive still got a long way to go as far as being out there as a driver. Youve got to react and make decisions and stand by them, and also be able to turn the page from there to get to the next drive. I just want to keep moving forward.
(USTA; Photo of Herschberger, second from left, with the Rosecroft-Freehold Driving Challenge participants)
Former Ontario stallions Sunfire Blue Chip and Dali will both be standing in new jurisdictions for the 2024 breeding seasons.
Sunfire Blue Chip p,2,1:52.4f; 3,1:48.3f ($1,649,833), the multiple stakes-winning son of American Ideal, will be standing his first Ohio season in 2024. Sunfire Blue Chip will join the stallion roster of Bear Creek Stables.
Sunfire Blue Chip was a winner at every level from his two-year-old campaign forward. He competed against greats like Captaintreacherous, Sweet Lou, Bettors Edge, McWicked, Bit Of A Legend N, All Bets Off and others.
As a sophomore, Sunfire Blue Chip captured his Adios elimination and the final, an elimination of the Messenger (second by a head in the final), the Tattersalls Pace, Empire Breeders Classic elimination (second in final), Hempt elimination (third by a half-length in final), among other victories.
As an aged horse, the 40-time winner captured the Prix DEte and Bobby Quillen Memorial. He was second in the Molson Pace (by a neck in a track record), third in the Roll With Joe, another edition of the Molson Pace and a Ben Franklin elimination.
Sunfire Blue Chip hails from one of the sports most sought-after families. He is by American Ideal and is the second foal out of the Cams Card Shark mare Shot Togo Bluechip. His full brother is the $1.7 million-earning Breeders Crown winner, Heston Blue Chip p,3, 1:48f.
His second dam is a full sister to $1.4 million winner Kikikatie -- the dam of Rockin Image ($903,424), Time To Roll ($811,500), Rockin Amadeus ($722,609) and Tellitlikeitis ($513,917) -- as well as Just Wait Kate ($387,931) and Kiss Me Kate ($284,820) -- the dam of Kissin In The Sand ($1,852,427) -- and a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Katie Said ($524,468).
From a limited group of mares, Sunfire Blue Chip has already produced Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final winner B Stoney p,3,1:50.1, BT1:49.2 ($347,296), Sun Of A Show p,1:51f ($315,293), Stash The Cookies p,1:51.2e ($313,359), New Jersey Sires Stakes champion Fika Time p,2,1:55.4, 4,1:51.4 ($252,543), Dreamfair Zenfire p,3,1:53s, 1:52.3h ($210,016) and many more.
From 21 starters, he has 18 winners. Eleven of the winners have career earnings exceeding $100,000 and four with more than $250,000. Thirteen have a best time of 1:55 and 10 have won in 1:53 or better. Total progeny earnings is more than $2.8 million and the average earning per starter $135,144.
Sunfire Blue Chip will stand his first year in Ohio for a stud fee of $2,500 USD after a successful stint in Canada.
For more information regarding shares and breeding to Sunfire Blue Chip, contact Daniel R. Hostetler of Bear Creek Stables at 440-309-9377 or Charles Taylor of Standing Stallions at 614-205-0005 or [email protected].
World champion Dali p,2,1:50.2; 3,1:48.2f ($1,436,363), a pacing stallion by Real Artist out of Armbro Tea, will stand in Virginia for the 2024 breeding season.
Powerplay Racing's Thomas and Cheryl (Matney) Houck along with CT Stables' Charles and Vanessa Taylor are excited by the opportunity to deliver a world champion sire to Virginia. Cheryl and Charles were both born and raised in the state of Virginia, so to contribute to the growth of the Virginia Harness Horse Association program is near and dear to their heart.
Horses and specifically Standardbreds are a way of life for our family," said Cheryl Houck. "My grandpa, Daniel Matney, took care of 13 children, raising and selling Standardbreds. My father, Hobert Matney, would buy horses from the auctions and break them under saddle to race in Virginia. My husband and I represent a fourth generation of Standardbred owners. The ultimate dream for us would be to preserve the family legacy and pass on the opportunity for our kids and grandchildren to participate in this great community."
Charles Taylor said, I grew up at the tracks. As long as I can remember my dad would take me to nearby Maryland track Rosecroft to watch the races since we did not have it in Virginia. If you had told me back then that one day we would be afforded the opportunity to own the great Standardbreds that we have, I would have told you not a chance. Thankfully, back in 2007, my wife Vanessa suggested I follow my dream and purchase my first horse. Fast forward to now, having the opportunity to stand a world-class stallion in the state which I was raised is a dream come true.
"We would like to thank the Virginia Harness Horse Association for the years of challenging work to get the program where it is. And the work it took over the last few months for us to get this done. We look forward to helping and supporting however we can.
Dali is a proven producer with progeny earnings of more than $15.9 million.
At two, he won the Woodrow Wilson, Niatross, a divisions of the International Stallion Stakes and an elimination of the Governor's Cup. He finished second in a division of the Bluegrass Stakes, elimination Metro Stakes and a leg of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes.
At three, he won an elimination and final of the Matron Stakes, Burlington Stakes and elimination of the Progress Pace. He was second in the Hoosier Cup and an elimination of the North America Cup. He finished third in the Battle Of Brandywine Pace, Tattersalls Pace, a division of the Bluegrass Stakes and an elimination of the Adios.
Dali won his first lifetime start at the age of two in 1:51.3 at Mohawk Racetrack.
Dali has 47 progeny that have earnings of more than $100,000. He has 18 or more that have earned more than $250,000 with several earning more than $500,000. His starters have averaged $66,926 in career earnings. Dali has 81 progeny or 34 per cent of starters that have won in 1:55 or better hwile 45 have eclipsed 1:53 and three in sub-1:50.
For more information regarding breeding to Dali, contact Andy Kocher of Stony Ridge Farm at 205-523-3088 or Charles Taylor of Standing Stallions at 612-695-0055 or [email protected].
(With files from Standing Stallions; Photo of Sunfire Blue Chip winning the 2013 Adios)
Last months Fire on The Mountain Fundraiser at The Floyd Country Store raised over $4,300 for Floyd and Patrick County fire departments in the aftermath of the Tuggles Gap fire at the county line in November 2023.
The fundraising event was held on Dec. 16, 2023, at The Floyd Country Store and featured music from Sammy Shelor and Friends. It was preceded by a special set by Morgan Wade, with all proceeds going to local fire departments.
Floyd Countys fire departments are volunteer-based, so the mission of the Fire on The Mountain Fundraiser was to say thank you to the brave firefighters that were working the blaze while raising money to support regular fire department operations.
More than $4,300 was raised.
We are so grateful for all the emergency service workers who are always making sacrifices to keep our community safe and thriving, said Floyd Country Store co-owner Heather Krantz. Its an honor to open our doors to support them and we hope to be able to do more of these kinds of events in the future.
Proceeds will support all four local fire stations in Floyd: Station No. 1 Fire (Town of Floyd, Fire Chief Chad Mills), Station No. 2 Fire (Willis, Fire Chief Tony Weddle), Station No. 3 Fire (Locust Grove, Check, Fire Chief Mark Link), and Station No. 4 Fire (Indian Valley, Fire Chief Kreg Mitchell).
We at Floyd County Volunteer Fire Department will be using funds raised to buy gear and equipment to help us do what we love, which is to serve the citizens of this great county, said Town of Floyd Fire Chief Chad Mills. We are always buying turnout gear and equipment to put on our trucks to help us get the job done. Every Station in this county played a big part in the Tuggles Gap fire and some proceeds from this will also go toward brush gear and equipment for our guys to handle those type of fires also. Thanks to everyone for all the support, we truly serve the best county with great citizens.
The Tuggles Gap fire, which impacted more than 850 acres, did not breach the Floyd County line, and no structures were damaged.
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Fire on The Mountain Fundraiser and made a donation, or who supported our local fire departments in other ways, the Floyd Country Store said.
The investment conference aligns with the Turkish government's narrative of fostering a sustainable development environment in northern Syria, according to al-Tareek.
You can peruse numerous proposals presenting actionable visions to transform northern Aleppo into an industrial zone with distinctive specifications. The conference, scheduled for January 17th and 18th, will delve into research papers discussing this initiative.
From a temporal perspective, this investment conference aligns with the Turkish governments narrative of fostering a sustainable development environment in northern Syria. Regarding location, the choice of al-Rai, an industrial city in the countryside of Aleppo, underscores the organizers intention to spotlight Turkeys experience in establishing five industrial zones in the region. Despite facing challenges related to the volatile security and political climate, this experience has not achieved the anticipated success.
The involvement of the Syrian Interim Government, supported by Ankara, signifies Turkeys active role. The participation of the 2020 IDEA Foundation also suggests relative European support for such projects, aiming to encourage Syrians to stay in their homeland and reduce migration to the European Union.
While Turkish and European interests are evident in the success of these projects in northwestern Syria, the support provided falls short of the required amount. However, creative solutions are feasible, requiring a degree of protection and care without relying on international care in the foreseeable future. In this context, we refer to a study published by the website Economy, Finance, and Business of Syrians three years ago, authored by Mamoun Sayed Issa, then the vice president of the political body in Idleb governorate. The study outlines an implementable development plan for northwestern Syria (north of Aleppo and Idleb) before the final political solution in Syria.
A prominent idea from the study is establishing a free service-industrial zone at border crossings with Turkey. The study envisions securing the area, considering current circumstances, by locating it at the sanctuary of one of the border crossings with Turkey to safeguard it from Russian or Assad targeting. Administrative and geographical isolation from the neighbourhood is proposed, with restricted access to those holding special work permits, investors, and industrialists to minimize security risks. The study suggests commencing the zones establishment at one of the northern countryside crossings of Aleppo with Turkey before expanding to Idleb (Bab al-Hawa) if suitable conditions arise.
The study also highlights the potential for numerous industries catering to Turkish investors, leveraging labor licenses in northern Syria as an attraction for foreign investment. Additionally, Turkish ports near the border can facilitate the export of manufactured products, and EU financing is identified as a viable option.
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.
Arnous underscored the urgency of adhering to specific timelines for the implementation of agreements with Iran, according to Tishreen.
Prime Minister Hussein Arnous emphasized the significance of the recent Syrian-Iranian Joint Higher Committee meetings in Tehran during his discussion with Hossein Akbari, the Iranian Ambassador in Damascus. He highlighted the committees success in securing key agreements and understandings across several vital sectors.
Arnous underscored the urgency of adhering to specific timelines for the implementation of these agreements, anticipating a direct and positive impact on the economies of both nations.
He also stressed the importance of bolstering the business sectors in Syria and Iran, advocating for expanded cooperation and the initiation of economically viable joint ventures. Arnous called for measures to ensure a seamless flow of trade between the two countries.
The Prime Minister pointed out the Syrian governments commitment to broadening the scope of collaboration, particularly in economic, commercial, industrial, and financial domains, citing significant investment opportunities within Syria.
Responding, Ambassador Akbari conveyed the Iranian Governments strong focus on energizing bilateral economic relations. He emphasized the need for a dedicated joint committee to oversee the effective execution of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Your daily brief of the English-speaking press on Syria.
The Syrian government forces 25th Special Mission Forces Division, also known as the Tiger Forces, engaged in joint military exercises with Russian forces on Thursday. The exercises took place in an open area near the al-Mujanzarat Base in the eastern countryside of Hama Governorate, located in central-west Syria. Concurrently, the US State Department expressed condemnation for recent Iranian airstrikes in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria. The department emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the region. At the same time, At least 10 people, including children, have been killed in suspected Jordanian air strikes in south-western Syria, local activists and media
Suspected Jordanian air strikes in southern Syria kill 10 activists
At least 10 people, including children, have been killed in suspected Jordanian air strikes in south-western Syria, local activists and media were quoted to have said by BBC.
Several homes were reportedly destroyed in Arman, a town in Suweida province about 20km (12 miles) from the border.
There was no immediate comment from authorities in Jordan.
But its forces are believed to have carried out a number of air strikes in Syria over the past year on suspected drug smugglers and their facilities.
Jordan and its Western allies say highly organized and heavily armed Iran-backed militias operating in government-controlled areas of Syria are behind a surge in smuggling into the kingdom, particularly of the amphetamine Captagon, for which there is a huge demand in Gulf Arab states.
The activist-run Suwayda 24 news website reported that the latest air strikes happened early on Thursday in residential areas of Arman and nearby Malah.
It cited witnesses as saying that the houses of two men, whom it identified as Omar Talab and Turki al-Halabi, were hit and destroyed in Arman.
Mr Talab, his mother and his aunt were killed, as well as seven members of Mr Halabis family including his wife and two young daughters, the witnesses added. Mr Halabi and his mother were reportedly trapped underneath their collapsed home and presumed dead.
Suwayda 24 posted a video showing people searching for victims at one site. The local fire brigade later said Mr Halabis body had been recovered and that crews were searching for another person.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said at least nine people were killed in the strikes on Arman, including five women and two children, and that a sixth woman was trapped beneath the rubble.
The Observatory condemned what it called the massacre in Arman and said this was the third time this year that Jordanian warplanes had violated Syrian territory.
Russian, Syrian forces conduct joint exercises in Syrias Hama
The 25th Special Mission Forces Division (Tiger Forces) of the Syrian government forces conducted on Thursday joint military exercises with Russian forces in the open area near al-Mujanzarat Base in the eastern countryside of Hama Governorate, central west Syria, North Press reported.
A source from government forces stated that the exercises include parachute landings, live-fire drills, artillery firing, and guided missile launches.
Russian air forces also took part in the exercises, conducting maneuvers in the regions airspace.
The source told North Press that these drills aim to boost the capabilities of Syrian government forces and enhance their cooperation with Russian forces.
AANES warns of chaos in prisons holding ISIS militants in NE Syria
The Office of Justice and Reform Affairs affiliated with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) warned on Thursday of the repercussions of Turkish attacks that allow chaos within prisons holding militants of the Islamic State (ISIS).
This Turkish escalation creates negative effects in all areas, including the security field, undermines the rehabilitation process, and threatens the security measures followed for protecting prisons and rehabilitation centers, the Bureau stated in a statement.
On Jan. 16, the al-Sinaa prison, which holds ISIS detainees, in the city of Hasakah in northeast Syria, was subjected to a missile attack.
Al-Sinaa prison houses about 3,500 ISIS detainees, alongside more than 700 minors the so-called Cubs of the Caliphate. It is not the only prison holding ISIS detainees.
In the first half of January, Turkey bombed a total of 89 sites, including civilian and service facilities and infrastructure, across northeastern Syria with 122 airstrikes, according to the Monitoring and Documentation Department of North Press.
US Decries Iranian Airstrikes In Pakistan, Iraq, Syria
The US State Department condemned recent Iranian airstrikes in Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria, urging a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the region.
During a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the Iranian actions, emphasizing the United States commitment to peace and stability in the region.
We do condemn those strikes. Weve seen Iran violate the sovereign borders of three of its neighbours in just the past couple of days, Miller stated in Washington. Certainly, we always want to see peace and stability maintained, especially in this region, where its been the focus of our diplomatic efforts since October 7th.
The condemnation follows Pakistans announcement that Iran violated its airspace, resulting in an attack on a border village that claimed the lives of two children and left three women injured.
The Iranian assault, reportedly targeting the Pakistan headquarters of Jaish Al-Adl, a group labelled as a terrorist organization by Iran since its inception in 2012, utilized both missiles and drones.
In response to the Iranian strike, Pakistan launched airstrikes against several locations in southeastern Iran early Thursday.
The deputy governor-general of the restive Sistan and Baluchestan province told Iranian state TV that airstrikes carried out by Pakistan targeted a border village, killing three women and four children, all non-Iranian citizens.
Pakistans Foreign Ministry announced in a statement that the country had undertaken a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Sistan and Baluchistan province of Iran.
Could war in Gaza ignite a direct US-Iran confrontation?
https://asiatimes.com/2024/01/could-war-in-gaza-ignite-direct-us-iran-confrontation/
Asia Times published an article by Swaran Singh, to discuss the escalating tension and potential for a direct confrontation between the US and Iran, triggered by recent military activities in the Middle East. The situation has intensified following US and allied strikes on Houthi-controlled locations in Yemen, and subsequent Iranian military actions in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan.
The US has reclassified the Houthis as global terrorists, marking a shift from diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict. The article highlights the strategic significance of the Red Sea, where Houthi forces have attacked merchant ships, disrupting global shipping and trade. These actions by the Houthis, part of what the West labels Irans Axis of Resistance, are seen as efforts to support Palestine against Israel.
The crisis has led to significant disruptions in shipping, but the primary concern now is Irans direct military strikes, which have heightened the possibility of a direct US-Iran conflict. The United States has responded with the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a nine-nation task force, to secure maritime routes. However, this initiative has not completely resolved the issues.
Irans recent military actions, including attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan, have expanded the conflicts scope. This includes strikes by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against what they claim are Israeli targets in Iraq and ISIS-linked targets in Syria. The IRGC has also conducted operations inside Pakistan, involving a nuclear-armed state in the conflict.
The situation has been further complicated by internal incidents in Iran, like the bombings in Kerman, which Tehran attributes to external forces, although ISIS claimed responsibility. The article raises concerns about the feasibility of the US engaging in a direct conflict with Iran, especially given the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and the presidential election season in the US.
The article notes that the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian lacks participation from several key allies and that despite Irans direct actions, groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis continue their military activities. The conflicts expansion to the Gulf of Aden and attacks on US commercial vessels have led to global implications.
Irans actions in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, have drawn Pakistan into the conflict, with Pakistan expressing strong objections to violations of its sovereignty. The ongoing tensions between Iran and Pakistan, particularly with the Jaish al-Adl group, could potentially involve other regional players like Turkey.
In conclusion, the article suggests that while the US remains committed to diplomacy, the expanding military strikes and Irans direct involvement have complicated the situation, raising the spectre of a broader conflict in the region. Diplomatic efforts appear strained, and the US needs to balance its military and diplomatic strategies to prevent further escalation.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
The "Detainees Week" campaign commenced on January 11th and is set to unfold over an entire week, featuring a series of activities aimed at shedding light on the plight of detainees.
The Detainees Week campaign commenced on January 11th and is set to unfold over an entire week, featuring a series of activities aimed at shedding light on the plight of detainees.
The campaigns primary objective is to advocate for transparency regarding the fates of political detainees from Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria who have disappeared within the prisons of the Syrian regime.
Organized into 120 blocs, the campaign is divided among three key parties, as articulated by Moataz Shaqlab, the head of the al-Bayt al-Souri association, during a meeting held on the X platform. The leading organizers of the campaign include the Union of Syrian Coordination Around the World, The Association of Lebanese Detainees in Syrian Prisons, and Palestinians of Syria to Demand Palestinian Detainees.
Comprising the subsequent segment are Syrian civil and human rights organizations, such as the White Helmets, the Syrian Network for Human Rights, the Association of Interior Survivors, the Free Bar Association, the Association of Detainees and Missing Persons in Sednaya Prison, the Movement of Families for Freedom, and the participation of independent lawyers.
The final facet encompasses blocs and party cadres, featuring the Syrian Justice and Development Party, the Building Syria Democratic Party, the Syrian Democratic Homeland Party, and the Syrian House around the World.
Campaign Events
The campaign kicked off on the X platform, anchored by the hashtag Detainees Week. Numerous activists actively engaged in the initiative by sharing images and names of detainees whose whereabouts remain unknown.
As part of the campaign, participants disseminated leaked Caesar photos depicting victims held under torture, alongside narratives from survivors detailing their harrowing experiences during detention.
One noteworthy demonstration unfolded in al-Karama Square in the city of Suweida, echoing the powerful slogan, The detainee is the size of a nation.
Simultaneously, in northern Syria, events transpired in the cities of Afrin, Azaz, and Jarablus on the 14th and 15th of the month. These gatherings featured a compelling photo and graphic exhibition, a seminar featuring former detainees, and a play highlighting the issue of detention.
The events were graced by the presence of families directly affected, with relatives detained or disappeared within the prisons of the Syrian regime. These families passionately expressed their yearning to uncover the fate of their loved ones and advocated for their release.
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.
Ten people were killed and members of two families sustained injuries on Thursday in an aerial bombardment, reportedly carried out by Jordan, according to al-Souria Net.
Ten people were killed and members of two families sustained injuries on Thursday in an aerial bombardment, suspected to be carried out by Jordanian forces, targeting the southern outskirts of Suweida.
According to the Suwayda 24 network, warplanes conducted air strikes on residential areas in the towns of Arman and Melh in the southern countryside of Suweida.
Local sources revealed that the initial airstrike caused material damage to several houses in the town of Melh in the Suweida countryside.
The second strike was directed at the residence of Omar Talab in the town of Arman, resulting in the tragic deaths of Omar, his mother, and his aunt.
In another incident, Turki al-Halabis home in the same town was targeted, claiming the lives of seven family members, including two young girls aged five.
The al-Rased network reported that, as of now, one victim remains trapped under the rubble, causing shock and anger among the residents.
The pro-regime channel, al-Madina FM, stated that unidentified air strikes hit residential areas in the villages of Arman and Melh in the southern countryside of Suweida. The channel reported that the attacks resulted in the death of eight people and injured three others, including women and children under the age of 5.
While no entity has claimed responsibility for the airstrikes, Suwayda 24 has suggested a possible link to the Jordanian air force. The incident has left the affected communities in mourning and heightened tensions in the region.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, left, tour murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Dora Mendoza, left, and Berlinda Arreola, both grandmothers of Robb Elementary shooting victim Amerie Jo Garza, embrace as they leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Felix Rubio, whose daughter Alexandria Lexi Rubio was killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting, leaves a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Berlinda Arreola, step-grandmother of Robb Elementary shooting victim Amerie Jo Garza, talks to media after attending a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Police evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022. A teenage gunman killed 19 fourth graders and two teachers that day in the worst school shooting in Texas history. Pete Luna /Uvalde Leader-News Dora Mendoza, right, is hugged by a friend as she leaves a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. Mendoza is the grandmother of 10-year-old Amerie Jo Garza who was killed in the shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Brett Cross, top right, guardian of Robb Elementary shooting victim Uziyah Garcia, and Berlinda Arreola, bottom right, step-grandmother of victim Amerie Jo Garza, talk to media after attending a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Oscar, left, and Jessica Orona, center, talks with news media as they leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Artist Abel Ortiz, left, gives Attorney General Merrick Garland, right, and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, center, a tour of murals of shooting victims, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Eric Gay/Associated Press Family members and others affected by the Robb Elementary shooting leave a meeting at the Herby Ham Activity Center on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Uvalde, Texas, where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Thalia Garcia holds a quilt with pictures of all 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims during a silent protest outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Garcia lost two relatives in the massacre, 9-year-old Jacklyn Jackie Cazares and 10-year-old Annabell Rodriguez. Sam Owens/Staff photographer U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, center, speaks to reporters on June 8, 2022, before meeting with members of a team that will conduct a review of the law enforcement response to the Uvalde school shooting. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images A mourner pays respects to the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. Kin Man Hui/Staff photographer A woman sobs on May 24, 2022, as she leaves the Uvalde Civic Center, where families of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting learned what happened to their loved ones. William Luther Early morning light shines on a memorial for the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. Josie Norris/Staff photographer
UVALDE A U.S. Department of Justice report on the Robb Elementary School shooting found that chaos pervaded the police response to the massacre, resulting in unnecessary delays and confusion over whether the gunman was an active shooter.
With no one clearly taking the role of on-scene commander, worsening a cascade of poor decisions, a team of law enforcement officers didnt confront and kill the shooter until 77 minutes into his rampage.
Enough officers were on hand to take out the gunman soon after he entered the school and riddled two classrooms with semiautomatic gunfire, killing 19 students and two teachers and injuring 17 others but they faltered, DOJ investigators said in their 575-page report, released Thursday.
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Relevant policies and training directs officers to drive toward the threat and engage the subject to stop the killing, the report states. This did not happen.
The federal report is the fullest accounting yet of what went wrong on May 24, 2022, but it provides little new insight into the flawed response and does not call for any criminal charges against officers who contributed to the delay.
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Law enforcement waited for a sniper, SWAT team and heavier firearms, leading to precious time wasted during the response, the report said.
The investigation after the shooter was killed, including crime scene preservation, was also compromised. Officers did not follow proper protocols and didnt document who was coming and going from the crime scenes. There were a total of six crime scenes at Robb Elementary.
The report said at least 380 law enforcement personnel from 24 agencies responded to the tragedy. There were 587 children and many teachers and staff at Robb that day.
The first police agencies to respond were officers from the Uvalde Police Department, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, Uvalde County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Officers on scene should have recognized the incident as an active shooter scenario and moved and pushed forward immediately and continuously toward the threat until the room was entered, and the threat was eliminated.
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That did not occur, it says.
Officers sense of urgency eased as they began to consider the gunman a barricaded suspect instead of an active shooter, even as more officers arrived and the signals of ongoing danger intensified. Protocols for responding to a barricaded suspect call for a slower-moving, more methodical approach than to an active shooter.
Leadership from UPD, UCISD, UCSO and TX DPS demonstrated no urgency for establishing a command and control structure, which led to challenges related to information sharing, lack of situational statuses, and limited-to-no direction for personnel in the hallway or on the perimeter, the report said.
Eleven officers arrived within the first few minutes of the rampage, enough to confront the shooter. But only six tried to go to the classroom where the shooter was located. And they retreated once two officers were hit by shrapnel. Only one tried to approach the classroom again, according to the report.
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After three attempts to enter the classrooms, the focus of the responders shifted from entering classrooms 111/112 and stopping the shooting to evacuating other classrooms, attempting to negotiate with the subject and requesting additional responders and equipment, the report said.
Department investigators reviewed more than 14,000 pieces of data and documentation for the review, including body-camera footage, interview transcripts and training policies. The department also independently spent 45 days on the ground in Uvalde and conducted more than 260 interviews, federal officials said.
Leaders must respect the integrity of the crime scene and only access it with a declared and documented legitimate purpose, the report states. Crime scenes need to be held without contamination until completed.
The report also said official actions after the shooting worsened the pain and confusion of families.
The review is one of four separate investigations into the shooting.
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Only one of those inquiries conducted in 2022 by a special Texas House committee had made its findings public before Thursday.
The Robb Elementary shooting is widely regarded as an egregious law enforcement failure. As hundreds of officers from local, state and federal agencies responded to the scene but failed to formulate a plan to confront the gunman quickly children called 911 from inside the classroom, pleading to be rescued.
The Justice Department review was conducted by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to identify lessons learned and best practices to be applied in future incidents. It is not a criminal investigation.
Security footage from Robb Elementary School shows law enforcement personnel in a hallway near the classroom where a teenage gunman was holed up with his victims. Associated Press
That responsibility lies with Christina Mitchell, district attorney for Uvalde County. She is examining evidence gathered by the Texas Rangers to determine whether anyone should be criminally charged in relation to the tragedy. It is unclear who or what she is focusing on or when she might present evidence to a grand jury.
The DOJ report mirrors some of the findings in the Texas House committee report. That investigation found that poor communication among police officers and the absence of a clear command structure led to a chaotic, ineffectual response.
The void of leadership could have contributed to the loss of life as injured victims waited over an hour for help, and the attacker continued to sporadically fire his weapon, the committee said in a 77-page report released in July 2022. A command post could have transformed chaos into order, including the deliberate assignment of tasks and the flow of the information necessary to inform critical decision making.
A dark path
The shooter, Salvador Ramos, grew up in Uvalde and attended Robb Elementary. He struggled in school, suffered from bullying and by age 17 had gone no further than 9th grade, according to the House committee report. In 2021, he dropped out of Uvalde High School and turned down a dark path, becoming obsessed with fantasies of violence and revenge and with the notoriety achieved by mass murderers, the report said.
In February 2022, he began buying gun accessories online, including dozens of ammunition magazines and a snap-on trigger system, also known as a bump stock, which increases the firing rate of semiautomatic rifles.
On May 16, 2022, his 18th birthday, he bought a Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 rifle and 1,740 hollow-point bullets from an online seller. Two days later, he purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifle and more ammunition, again online.
With months of preparation behind him, he launched his attack on May 24, one of the last days of school before summer break. He wore black pants and a black long-sleeved shirt.
At 11:28 a.m. that morning, he crashed his grandmothers pickup into a drainage ditch near Robb Elementary. Hed stolen the truck after shooting her in the face at her home several blocks from the school. He got out of the truck, taking with him a backpack full of ammunition and his Daniel Defense rifle, leaving behind the Smith & Wesson.
Two men, employees of a funeral home across the street from the school, approached the pickup to offer assistance. Ramos shot at them but missed. They turned and ran back to the funeral home.
Ramos then climbed over a 5-foot security fence on Robb Elementarys perimeter and walked toward the school, firing shots through classroom windows.
At 11:31 a.m., a Uvalde emergency dispatcher received the first 911 call.
Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, then chief of the Uvalde school police, is seen on security video in a hallway at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022. Just so you understand, theres some injuries in there, Arredondo is heard saying. He was later condemned for treating the shooting as a barricaded suspect situation, in which police had time to wait out the gunman, rather than as an active shooter scenario, which called for immediate action to confront and neutralize the shooter. Courtesy City of Uvalde
Ramos entered the school through an unlocked door at 11:33 a.m., walked to Rooms 111 and 112 and fired several shots through one of the doors. Over the next two and a half minutes, he fired more than 100 rounds inside the classrooms. Investigators later concluded that he killed most of the 21 victims in that initial barrage.
At 11:36 a.m., three officers one from the Uvalde school district police and two from the Uvalde Police Department arrived at the scene. As two of the officers approached Rooms 111 and 122 with pistols drawn, Ramos fired through the classroom wall into the hallway, grazing both officers.
They retreated and called for backup. The DOJ report said 380 officers from local, state and federal agencies responded. Some of them waited in the hallway with guns and rifles but did not enter the classroom until 77 minutes after the first officers arrived.
A team of six officers that included members of a Border Patrol tactical unit eventually confronted and killed Ramos.
Some officers later told investigators they were unsure whether Ramos was an active shooter, which would have required an immediate police response, or a barricaded suspect, in which case police could take a more methodical approach.
The federal review
On June 8, 2022, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that he had opened a federal investigation at the request of then-Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin Jr.
Since then, the Justice Department has been working with 10 subject-matter experts on a critical incident review. The department has conducted similar reviews of other mass shootings, most recently the June 12, 2016, massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., in which 49 people were killed.
In a closed-door two-hour meeting in Uvalde on Wednesday night, Garland and Associate Attorney General Vinjay Gupta, another top Justice Department official, briefed relatives of those killed at Robb Elementary and families of some of the 17 people injured.
Some of those families said they learned very few new things from the report, while some demanded accountability or pressure on the DA.
Gupta said in April that the goal of the review was to provide an independent assessment of the law enforcement response, identify lessons learned and best practices to help first responders prepare for and respond to active shooter events; and provide a roadmap for community safety before, during and after such incidents.
Gupta emphasized that the review is not a criminal or civil investigation.
The department said the 10 experts have extensive experience in emergency management and active shooter response, school safety, incident command and management, tactical operations, officer safety and wellness, and victim and family support.
As of April, the review team had visited Uvalde nine times and spent a total of 30 days there.
Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, faulted Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, then chief of the Uvalde school police, for failing to take immediate action to confront and kill the Robb Elementary School gunman on May 24, 2022. It was the wrong decision, period," McCraw said. "There's no excuse for that. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News
They conducted, viewed or participated in interviews with more than 200 people, including police, first responders, medical personnel, family members, victim services providers, school personnel, government officials, witnesses and hospital staff.
The team collected and analyzed nearly 13,000 pieces of evidence, including policies, procedures and training materials used by the responding law enforcement agencies and many hours of video, photographs, interview transcripts and other material.
The team did a walk-through of Robb Elementary, which has been permanently closed, and observed active-shooter training sessions.
The 10 experts include John Mina, who was the sheriff of Orange County, Fla., at the time of the Pulse nightclub shooting, and Kristen Ziman, who was police chief of Aurora, Colo., when a former neuroscience graduate student shot and killed 12 people in an Aurora movie theater on July 20, 2012.
Potential criminal charges
The departments Uvalde investigation is separate from the Texas Rangers yearlong criminal probe into what led to the shooting and the police response.
In June, the Rangers turned over the results of their investigation to Mitchell, who serves as DA for Uvalde and Real counties. Mitchell initially said she might convene a grand jury by the end of 2023 to consider the case.
Mitchell said this week that her office is still dissecting the Rangers report, which is quite voluminous. She did not offer a new timeline for presenting evidence to a grand jury.
Mitchell said in a statement Wednesday that the DOJ informed her it was about to release its own review but did not give her a copy.
I have been informed that the report is based on policies, procedures and best practices, and does not address any potential criminal culpability, she said. While I am hopeful that the DOJ report will be informative, my office will continue our independent review for any potential criminal charges.
Berlinda Arreola, the step-grandmother of 10-year-old victim Amerie Jo Garza, said she hopes the Justice Department report will recommend criminal charges against law enforcement officers who did not storm the classroom and confront the shooter.
Getting the report is one thing, but what comes after is another, Arreola said.
Kimberly Garcia, center, and friends and family members stand before a mural depicting Amerie Jo Garza, 10, one of 19 fourth graders and two teachers killed in the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Sam Owens/Staff photographer
MORE COVERAGE: DA plans to present case in Robb Elementary shooting to grand jury by end of 2023
At least five officers have lost their jobs over the Robb Elementary response, including two Texas Department of Public Safety officers and Uvaldes then-school police chief, Pedro Pete Arredondo.
Diplomatic sources monitoring developments in Al-Watan have indicated that the upcoming international meeting in the Astana format on Syria is set to take place next week.
Diplomatic sources monitoring developments in Al-Watan have indicated that the upcoming international meeting in the Astana format on Syria is set to take place next week.
Preparations have been finalized for the commencement of the 21st round of the Astana talks, scheduled for January 23 and 24. The delegation representing the Syrian regime will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh.
Following the conclusion of the 20th round of the Astana track talks in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, on June 21, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Tomish declared that his country would no longer host future rounds. However, Kazakhstan expressed willingness to resume discussions as a goodwill gesture if all parties reach a consensus.
Originally established as a supplementary negotiation platform in Geneva, the Astana track has successfully achieved its primary objectives, including the creation of de-escalation zones, cessation of hostilities among conflicting parties, and prevention of a widespread humanitarian crisis in Syria, as stated by the Kazakh Foreign Ministry.
The final communique from the meetings emphasized the joint commitment of Russia, Iran, and Turkey to the continued and increased provision of humanitarian assistance to Syria in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2672. Furthermore, they highlighted the imperative to remove obstacles and enhance humanitarian aid delivery to all Syrians across the country, without discrimination, politicization, or preconditions.
The three nations reiterated their conviction that a military solution is not viable for resolving the Syrian conflict and affirmed their dedication to advancing a sustainable, UN-facilitated political process led by Syrians, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
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 Castle Rock man has entered an alternative guilty plea to sexually assaulting a teenager and furnishing them with alcohol in February 2023.
Hunter Blaike Rodin, 37, of Castle Rock, entered an Alford plea, indicating a guilty plea without explicitly admitting guilt to the charge of indecent liberties and felony harassment.
Rodin initially faced other charges, including two counts of second-degree rape, a second count of felony harassment, and supplying liquor to a minor.
His sentencing hearing is set for Feb. 20 and the judge has revoked his bail.
The Cowlitz County Prosecutors Office suggests an 87-month prison sentence, including 33 months of community custody, a psychosexual evaluation for count one, no drugs or alcohol, and a concurrent 29-month sentence for the second charge of felony harassment.
Per the plea deal, Rodin could receive a strike offense, depending on whether the judge accepts the agreement.
According to the police report that led to Rodins arrest, on or about Feb. 5, Rodin drove the victim to a secluded area, where he furnished alcohol and then sexually assaulted the teenager.
The victim informed a parent who later notified Castle Rock Police and provided them with screen shots of text messages and other social media data associated with Rodin.
The document indicates the victim informed authorities of having refused Rodins advances multiple times. After the assault, Rodin allegedly threatened, If you tell anyone about this, I will kill you.
The National Weather Service in Portland forecasts freezing rain for parts of Southwest Washington and Northern Oregon starting Thursday evening, but the Longview and Kelso area could be in the clear.
Although the National Weather Service isnt currently predicting freezing rain for the two largest towns in Cowlitz County, thawing areas may refreeze, leading to icy road conditions, meteorologists report.
The freezing rain was expected to arrive later Thursday and last through Friday morning, hitting the lower I-205 and Interstate 5 corridor, according to the National Weather Service Portlands X page, formally known as Twitter.
There was no specific warning released for a local ice storm in Cowlitz County, like there was on Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead, the latest official warning was through 10 a.m. Friday for the greater Portland and Vancouver metro areas and Lower Columbia including St. Helens, Clatskanie, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Yacolt and Amboy.
Rain was also forecasted through Monday in Cowlitz County, while lows were expected to be about 3 degrees above freezing Thursday and Friday nights, and about 40 degrees Saturday and Sunday nights.
The weather service advises residents to prepare for possible power outages, downed trees and powerlines due to ice accumulation and winds.
Locals schools in Longview, Kelso, Rainier, Woodland, Kalama and Toutle Lake again canceled classes Thursday due to the weather.
Larry Hembree, emergency management director of the Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management, warned landslides could be possible after the areas heavy rain and snowfall for several days, which can cause the soil to become saturated. This saturation makes the land more unstable, particularly when the winds start to pick up.
Hembree is not concerned about area rivers flooding since conditions in local rivers have not reached the National Weather Services action stage, the level before minor flooding. Instead, he said localized flooding could occur in ditches and storm drains due to debris.
According to the National Weather Service, local rivers with gauges are well below flooding level, including the Cowlitz River at Castle Rock and Kelso, the Columbia River in Longview and the Lewis River in Woodland.
A winter storm warning is also in effect through 4 p.m. Friday in the South Washington Cascades, including Mount St. Helens and the Coldwater Lake area. The weather service forecasts up to 9 inches of snow are possible, primarily above 3,000 feet, as well as ice accumulations of around half an inch. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph.
Two finalists for the open Toutle Lake School District superintendent are scheduled to visit the district Thursday and Friday to meet with staff, students and community members.
Thom Peck, who is scheduled for Thursday, is currently superintendent of Lewistown School District in Montana and previously interviewed for a superintendent position in Kalama. He said he was drawn to the area by his previous experience in Washington, the districts small size and opportunities to collaborate with local community colleges such as Lower Columbia College.
When I look at Toutle, that size of district gives kids the most opportunities to get really good teaching conditions, Peck said.
Christopher Schumaker, whose visit was moved from Wednesday to Friday due to weather conditions, is superintendent of Wishram School District in Washington.
Both candidates are scheduled to spend a full day at Toutle Lake touring the school buildings and meeting with all levels of district staff, from teachers to bus drivers and custodians. Community members and parents will have an opportunity to meet the candidates 5:45-6:45 p.m. on both days in the Toutle Lake Jr./Sr. High School library.
Toutle Lake has gone through several superintendents in the past few years. Angela Allen took over for retiring Superintendent Bob Garrett in 2022, then resigned in spring 2023. Currently, interim Superintendent Scott Fenter is filling the role.
My goal, wherever Ive been, is to find someone who wants to stay there for a long time, said Fenter, who has served as interim superintendent for several school districts. Little districts like Toutle, some people come there only to use it as a stepping stone.
Low-income veterans and their dependents will be able to receive free dental checkups on Feb. 24.
Previously a notice ran saying the event is on Sunday, but that was incorrect.
Checkups will be conducted by members of the University of Washington Community Dental Clinic, according to a press release from the events sponsor, Community Health Partners of Longview. Checkups, along with registration, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 24.
Referrals for restorative dental care, which includes fillings, damaged or broken and missing teeth, are also available. Procedures will be performed by the University of Washington School of Dentistry and may take place on the same day or at a later date, depending on availability on the day of the clinic.
Those wishing to receive care must live in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum or Lewis counties and be considered low-income under the National Poverty guidelines to be eligible.
To learn more about eligibility, information on the clinic, or scheduling an appointment, call 360-274-9178, 360-749-0284 or 360-442-4165. Once an appointment is scheduled, patients will be given the location of the clinic.
The Community Health Partners dental clinic celebrated its 25th anniversary this past fall. It has provided dental care to residents of Southwest Washington in and beyond the veteran community over that time.
Vocal tangos and cowboy songs will come together on stage as the Tango Cowboys perform at Columbia Theatre in Longview this weekend.
Kelly Ragsdale, managing director at the Columbia Theatre Association for the Performing Arts, said the duo is performing as part of the theaters Stage Door concert series, which offers cabaret-style seating on stage.
The longstanding series often spotlights artists between Portland and Seattle, along with touring artists, who are performing in the area, Ragsdale added.
It really is an intimate and magical evening, she said. One of the biggest things people enjoy is that they are on the stage, and they are on stage with the artists.
The Tango Cowboys are to perform at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, at 1231 Vandercook Way in Longview. Tickets are $65, plus applicable ticketing fees if purchased online. The cost of a ticket includes complimentary appetizers, a dessert and an open bar.
Throughout the evening, the group plans to share songs and stories, and audience members have a chance to interact with performers.
Rich Hinrichsen of the Tango Cowboys grew up in Longview, so he may have a few stories about delivering The Daily News, or his involvement in school music programs and more. He said many songs the duo performs were taught to him at a young age.
In my hometown of Longview, we actually learned these songs in grade school, he said. We would have a teacher come in and sing these songs for us, and wed all be singing along.
Hinrichsen recalls watching his brother perform in a production of 1776 in 1976 at the Columbia Theatre, with his former violin teacher in the orchestra pit.
Ive got all these connections and fond memories of the Columbia Theatre, he said.
Tango Cowboys is comprised of Hinrichsen on vocals and Tom Bourne on guitar. The pair met at Central Washington University in Ellensburg in the 1980s, where Hinrichsen was a math student and Bourne was a guitar teacher. They started playing together in a country group at the time.
They bonded over their interest in Argentina and cowboy songs, so settled on the name Tango Cowboys.
One of the interesting things about tango that a lot of people dont know is that it is derived from cowboy songs in Argentina, he said. So, theres a really strong connection between tangos and cowboy songs, and we bring that out when we perform.
He said the group plans to perform a mix of original songs and covers, and Bournes guitar skills set the group apart from others. The group plays trail songs from the late 1800s to cowboys songs of the 1930s and 40s, including some recorded by Johnny Cash.
We specialize in taking old cowboy songs that everybody knows like Streets of Laredo or Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie, Cool Water, or Tumbling Tumbleweeds, and putting our own spin on it, Hinrichsen said.
Other upcoming Stage Door shows include Kristen Grainger and True North from Portland on Feb. 10, and Gallowglass from Bellingham on April 13. Concertgoers can save 10% when they purchase one ticket for each concert in the Stage Door Concert Series, or a table of four seats to one performance.
How to go What: Tango Cowboys. When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday. Location: Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview. Cost: $65, plus, applicable ticketing fees, if purchased online. Info: www.columbiatheatre.com or call 360-575-8499. The box office is open 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., weekdays.
Fred Barth of Cathlamet drove his Dodge Durango into Longview Wednesday morning to grab supplies for his cats and go to KeyBank off Washington Way.
The rain in Cathlamet was harder than in Longview around mid-morning he said, but the roads in the city were worse; he noticed the icy streets as soon as he hit Longview when driving State Route 4.
"It's raining a little harder (in Cathlamet), but melting off pretty good," he said around 11 a.m. outside KeyBank.
The National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning for Lower Columbia starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, first forecasting freezing rain to subside by 4 a.m. Wednesday, then extending the warning through noon.
Easterly winds were keeping temperatures down, meteorologists reported, and even as rain was beginning to slow, as long as temperatures remained below freezing, so would the rain.
At about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, just after the latest weather update was released, temperatures were still below freezing in Kelso at 29 degrees.
Roads
Public works crews in Kelso, Longview and Cowlitz County took to the streets throughout the week, mostly using sand to create traction and a saltwater mix to de-ice roads.
Both Longview and Cowlitz County use their own saltwater mixes to get rid of ice instead of magnesium chloride road salt. Longview Assistant Public Works Director Chris Collins said it is significantly cheaper for the city to make its own saltwater brine mix than to use magnesium chloride rock salt to clear the roads.
The city has three plows running to clear the streets, Collins added. Two of the plows are equipped to lay down sand on the streets while the third can spray a saltwater mix to de-ice the roads.
When we get to this point with ice, Mother Nature needs to help out and get the temperatures up to where it can start melting. Then the plows can start knocking it off the roads, Collins said.
Temperatures are expected to rise. By 4 p.m. Wednesday, Kelso had already reached 36 degrees, with a forecasted high of 42. Rain is expected through Sunday in the area, with highs in the low-to-mid 40s, the National Weather Service reports.
Still, there is road clearance work to be done by the local crews. Public works crews plan to be out through at least Thursday morning to clear slush from the roads in order to keep it from refreezing or flooding areas as it melts.
Cowlitz County runs the largest chunk of the areas snow removal. The county has been sending around 16 plows at a time to clear streets since the snow began coming down Friday night, with four based in each of the countys public works shops. The county also has to deal with the higher elevation roads, where snow comes down more often and conditions can vary a lot from the lower parts of the county.
This weather has thrown everything at us, safety supervisor Justin Hudek said. The normal snowy conditions and ice are OK to clear, but its the heavy stuff that makes it hard to keep the roads clear.
Hudek said the countys biggest issue has been trees coming down during the early heavy snowfall, as well as the recent freezing rain. Still, the county only closed two roads due to the storm.
Kelso has four trucks running to clear the main roads and city hills, according to Public Works Director Devin Mackin. Two of Kelsos trucks are equipped with liquid deicers, one plow truck is equipped with road salt and one plow lays down sand.
Closures
Despite crews' work, closures and cancelations persisted. State workers closed part of Allen Street near the Three Rivers Mall on Tuesday. RiverCities canceled all regular public transit routes Wednesday. Cowlitz County Superior Court started dockets late that day. Public schools in Cowlitz County and Rainier canceled classes all week, first on Monday for the federal holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, then due to foul weather through Wednesday.
Wednesday morning, kindergartener Emmerson Thompson inched his way through the Divine Mart parking lot off Washington Way with his mom Jennifer for a brief escape of what they called the monotony of home.
Emmerson, 6, had been trying to stay busy building forts and watching "Bluey," a cartoon about an Australian blue heeler cattle dog, but opted to take a break for snacks. Though cabin fever was settling in, Emmerson had plans for the rest of the day.
"I'll probably go somewhere like the park and throw snowballs," he said.
Dozens of asylum-seekers living in tents outside a Tukwila church were moved into hotels to get out of the extreme stretch of below-freezing temperatures that bore down on the region last weekend the roughly $13,000 bill to do so largely footed by the church.
Now, about 50 of the asylum-seekers who are currently staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in Tukwila have threatened to stay past checkout until local governments can provide them with warm, dry, safe long-term shelter, according to organizers with advocacy group International Migrants Alliance USA, which is supporting the effort.
While state and local government agencies have pledged to look at ways they could help, none have taken full responsibility for the crisis, as families and individuals continue to arrive at the church almost every day.
The asylum-seekers are protesting the worsening conditions at Riverton Park United Methodist Church, which for more than a year has served as a kind of makeshift refuge for incoming asylum-seekers, and the failure of local governments to alleviate the situation in a meaningful way.
The asylum-seekers are essentially homeless as they await to secure a work permit, which would allow them to legally seek employment while in the process of securing asylum status.
Organizers said in a Monday night news release that asylum-seekers are fed-up with the inhumane situation at the church, where some have lived for months.
Hundreds of asylum-seekers have been sleeping inside the churchs offices and social hall, or in rows of tents outside the building in the mud. Heavy rain and frigid temperatures have left residents unbearably cold and wet. On any given day, the church is a chaotic scene, with squealing toddlers playing next to children trying to study and adults cooking meals and passing the time. There are not enough bathrooms and showers to accommodate residents, and illnesses easily pass between people.
A representative from the group of asylum-seekers did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
With the brutal cold snap looming last week, Riverton started moving hundreds of asylum-seekers sleeping in tents on the church property into hotels on Thursday, paying for rooms out of their own pocket, said Pastor Jan Bolerjack.
Initially, Bolerjack had hoped to move residents into severe cold weather shelters operated by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, but after hours of trying to use the system, only one family was able to get overnight shelter through the program, she said.
The authority funded several hundred spots for people across the region to sleep indoors, but asylum-seekers still had to compete with thousands of people who are homeless and unsheltered on any given night.
The agency does not collect information needed to determine how many asylum-seekers used authority-run shelters, according to spokesperson Anne Martens.
Save the Kids Northwest, a local chapter of a national grassroots organization, stepped in to house about 50 families temporarily at motels, according to Maurece Graham-Bey. Many of those families hailed from South American countries, Bolerjack said.
Meanwhile, the church booked 11 rooms at a nearby Ramada by Wyndham hotel, and another six rooms at an Econo Lodge meant to house about four people each, Bolerjack said. Most of those residents are from Angola and Congo.
On Saturday, the Ramada hotel flooded because a pipe froze and burst due to the cold weather. The city of Tukwila activated its emergency management division to respond to the flooding, helping transport about 50 residents to the Homewood Suites in Tukwila, according to city spokesperson Brad Harwood. The city has paid for four nights for 19 rooms there, Harwood said in an email, but some of that will be refunded by the church.
We agree with concerns about the safety and health of the families living at the encampment they deserve better, Harwood said in a statement. Its also important to recognize Riverton Parks work and compassion in helping to support these asylees. This is a complex issue with no easy solution.
The church has spent thousands of dollars on just hotel room costs during the cold snap, Bolerjack said, and has extended hotel stays for asylum-seekers until Wednesday morning. The church also paid some transportation costs to hotels, and has continued to buy cold-weather supplies for residents still at the church.
Bolerjack said shes not heard from organizers working with the asylum-seekers at Homewood Suites or from hotel management.
She said she understands that some residents do not want to return to the church, but that the church cannot afford to pay for more hotel nights.
We just cant do it, Bolerjack said.
Migrants and asylum-seekers, largely from Venezuela, Congo and Angola, have been arriving at the churchs front door for more than a year, despite the fact that the church has never formally described itself as a refugee relief center. The majority are fleeing political persecution or violence in their home country.
Its not entirely clear why so many have flocked to the church. Bolerjack has learned from residents that some migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border have sent families to Sea-Tac International Airport on planes and directed them to the church, while others learned about the church from friends and family already living on the property.
As many as 500 people were estimated to be living on the property in December, suffering brutal weather conditions, tight living quarters, and long waits for legal and housing assistance. The church has shouldered the majority of the costs of sheltering asylum-seekers, with homeless service organizations, mutual aid groups and local nonprofits helping foot some of the bills.
Meanwhile, city, state and federal officials have been slow to address the crisis at Riverton. The county announced in December it would allocate $3 million to fund 100 hotel rooms through June to house some of the churchs most vulnerable residents indoors temporarily.
As of Thursday, 250 people were living in the county-funded hotel, but church officials and local organizations have noted many are still forced to shelter outdoors.
Representatives with the city of Tukwila and King County said they had not heard of plans by asylum-seekers to remain at the Homewood Suite as of Tuesday, and did not share updated plans on how to house more residents, especially during the rainy and cold winter months.
Were inviting people back to where people were before, since thats all we can do, Bolerjack said. Were just an emergency stopgap shelter and we still have people coming.
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. The challenge by a group of voters to remove former President Donald Trump from the Washington presidential primary ballot will shift this week to an Olympia courtroom after a Kitsap County judge on Tuesday said the issue should be decided where the state capitol is located.
The group of eight voters had filed the challenge to Trumps eligibility in both Kitsap County where they all live and Thurston County.
Given Thurston Countys unique position as the seat of our state government, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Bassett said from the bench, I do not believe Kitsap is the appropriate venue for this case today.
A hearing is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Thurston County Superior Court.
In anticipation of a full hearing Tuesday, the small Port Orchard courtroom was filled to capacity, largely with Trump supporters.
Trump faces ballot challenges in at least 35 states. In two states, Colorado and Maine, officials have ordered the former president removed from the ballot for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The ultimate resolution to all the ballot challenges may be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, which already has agreed to hear a challenge to the Colorado case.
Procedures are different in each state although in every case, challengers allege that Trump is ineligible for office under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which bars anyone who has served as an officer of the United States from holding any office ... under the United States if they have engaged in insurrection.
Challengers allege that Trumps actions, leading up to and during the attack on the Capitol, constitute an insurrection.
Frankey Ithaka, the lead petitioner in the effort to remove Trump from the ballot, said they filed motions in both Kitsap County and Thurston County because they were unsure which was the proper venue.
A middle school teacher, Ithaka was driving to work and listening to a radio interview with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, about Washingtons procedures for removing someone from the ballot, when a light bulb went off.
Washington has this law that allows us to come forward and contest, Ithaka said after Tuesdays brief hearing. If not us, then who?
Trumps actions were ruled an insurrection by the Colorado Supreme Court, Ithaka said, which prompted the action here.
If we are not a nation that adheres to the Constitution, then we have nothing to stand on, Ithaka said. And the Constitution is clear in plain text, that if you engage in an insurrection, you cannot be president, you cannot run for president, you cannot hold public office again.
Ithaka and seven other Kitsap County residents filed their motion in a tight two-day window after the primary ballots had been finalized, but before a statutory deadline for ballot challenges.
They were severely outnumbered in court Tuesday, by a crowd including people carrying signs and sporting Trump paraphernalia.
Joe Scott, of Poulsbo, learned about the hearing from a group hes a member of, Puget Sound Patriots.
We had heard there was a possibility a judge could say take Trump off the ballot, Scott said. Thats a no go as far as Im concerned, especially when youre taking arguably a person who has half the vote of the nation off the ballot.
Mary Lou Long, of Bremerton, wearing an American flag scarf and a Trump 2024 hat, said she was determined to be in court Tuesday morning to represent freedom for people to vote for the person of their choice and fight a Marxist- style tactic to remove any opposition from the ballot.
Washingtons presidential primary is March 12, but ballots must be printed and mailed to voters weeks ahead of time.
Republicans slated to appear on the ballot are Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Christie and Ramaswamy have dropped out of the race.
For Democrats, President Joe Biden will appear on the ballot alongside two longshot rivals: the self-help author Marianne Williamson and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota.
The filing to remove Trump argues he engaged in an insurrection when he and his supporters, without evidence, attempted to overthrow the election of Joseph Biden through violence.
He has continued to aid and abet those who engaged in violence to overturn the election on January 6, 2021, through his words and financial support, the petition says, arguing that his behavior disqualifies him from holding public office under the 14th Amendment.
A court order setting the hearing called for the Washington secretary of state, the Kitsap County auditor and any interested parties to speak to the error alleged in including Trump on the ballot.
A representative of the state Republican Party was in court, prepared to speak, if Bassett had decided to hear the substance of the case.
Though the November general election is nearly 10 months away, Republicans across the state gathered Saturday to provide feedback on their countys platform.
At Centralia High School, roughly 40 Republicans braved the cold as the county party prepares to adopt a platform next month. The event differed from the caucuses held throughout Iowa on Monday night, where registered voters gathered to award delegates to Republican presidential candidates.
The Washington state presidential primary will be held on March 12.
Saturdays event included little group discussion on the ongoing Republican presidential primary, beyond one supporter who wore a sweatshirt supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.
Instead, Saturday represented an opportunity for residents to voice feedback and offer suggestions for the Lewis County Republican platform, which will be formally adopted at the county convention on Feb. 17.
This is an opportunity to talk to your neighbor about who you like for president, who you like for governor, state GOP Chair Jim Walsh said from a caucus location in Aberdeen in a video posted on social media, adding the event was an opportunity to start the grass roots process in the states political process.
At Centralia High School, suggestions for the Lewis County platform included a preference for transitioning service members for apprenticeships on military base projects, additional prioritization for spouses of transitioning service members and a set fee schedule for apprenticeship programs at community colleges.
During the caucus, one attendee said the countys platform should be as broadly appealing as possible to attract new support.
I think as a party we should constantly be aware of planks that make us a bigger tent rather than a smaller tent, he said. The more planks we have only decreases the size of the tent. We want to go with education and economics and those types of things, most Americans agree with us. So lets put things on our platform that most agree with, not divide us.
Attendees elected delegates for the county convention on Saturday. The delegates will move on to the state convention in Spokane from April 18-20.
The caucus at Centralia High School also included an address from Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, who said it should be Republicans mission to attract support from Democrats while focusing on ideas with broad support.
If you look at the policies we have, theyre very popular, and theyre popular across party lines, Braun said. We have a great, frankly historical example right now going on in the Legislature.
On Thursday, legislators received notice from the secretary of state that the signatures had been verified for an initiative that seeks to repeal restrictions on police pursuit regulations, one of six initiatives to the Legislature before lawmakers this session.
When I say that politics is about addition, we should be talking about ideas like this, Braun said. Ideas that bring us together.
Before this session, the most initiatives that have come before the Legislature in a single year was three. Braun said he believes the most likely outcome will be for the Legislature to fail to take action, which would send the initiatives to the November ballot. Braun added this result would be perfectly fine with him.
All of these ideas are Republican ideas, and all of these ideas have over 400,000 signatures each from Republicans, independents and Democrats, Braun said.
While not steering away from social issues that can be very contentious, Braun said, we should lead with the things that are going to bring folks over to our side, that are going to bring us together, that are going to make folks think about voting for Republicans next fall.
Thats whats really going to make the difference in our state.
Ransomware isn't a new threat. In fact, the earliest reported cases of this form of cyber-attack date back to as early as 1989. Yet, with over 30 years of progress under their belts, ransomware attackers are becoming more precise than ever and deploying advanced pieces of software that can completely destroy a business if left unchecked.
In 2023, an incredible 72.7% of all businesses across the globe were impacted by ransomware attacks. This figure instantly demonstrates the severity of the threat, with the majority of companies already having experience with a ransomware event in the past few years. These figures have also been growing each year, with ransomware becoming more prominent.
In this article, we'll discuss the most important facts, ideas, and measures of caution that businesses should know about ransomware. From shedding light on the looming threat to documenting leading strategies to prepare your company for potential ransomware scenarios, let's dive right in.
It'll Only Get Worse
When looking at the progressive history of ransomware, there is a concrete trend: each year that goes by sees more events, higher ransomware, and more destructive technology. In 2024, it's likely that we'll see an even larger increase in total events than previous years. While 2023 had many exciting moments for technology, the widespread accessibility of AI could turn into a catalyst for ransomware production.
Creating ransomware involves two major parts, the first being the software itself and the second being the method of delivering it to a user. When executing the latter, many malicious actors will use email to deliver ransomware to a company's employees without them knowing, downloading the aforementioned software onto their computers.
While ransomware software has become continually more advanced, the emails that ransomware senders use often instantly flag the system. Whether it's strange texts, bad grammar, spelling mistakes, or sparse emails, many things could flag up an email provider to block the message.
Yet, AI has made it easier than ever before to generate coherent emails to send out rapidly. With artificial intelligence covering the second part of what is needed to send out ransomware, malicious actors will be able to send more than ever before. The faster rate of production will serve to increase the total number of events over the next few years.
Preparing Ahead of Time Is Vital
Of course, while the vast majority of cybersecurity experts are fairly worried about the current state of ransomware, that doesn't mean that there is absolutely nothing your business can do. On the contrary, businesses can actually engage in a range of preparative measures that ensure their company is as ready as possible.
There are numerous ways that companies can decrease their risk of a ransomware threat and reduce the impact of a security event were to occur:
Decrease Attack Surfaces Where possible, close accounts, check ports, and reduce the size of your attack surface.
Update Your Systems Whenever an update is available for anything that's connected to your attack surface, make it as soon as possible.
Use an IDS An intrusion detection system will help your cybersecurity team spot any potentially malicious activity on your system. These will help you achieve a faster response, which could be the difference between mitigation and a security disaster.
Develop Policies When employees understand what to do in an emergency event, they'll be more prepared when it occurs. The same goes for cybersecurity. Your teams should all know the drill when it comes to keeping you safe in a disaster event.
Strong Security Isn't Always Enough
Another factor that many businesses tend to ignore when discussing ransomware is the fact that there is no way to prevent ransomware fully. Even if you have the best security system in the world, there is always a weak link. Unfortunately, for most companies, that weak link is actually their employees.
Employees are regularly the target of ransomware exploitation as they are much easier to fool when compared to overcoming complex security systems. All it takes is one small click on a file to download something they shouldn't have, and their account will become compromised.
Instead of worrying about your employees creating vulnerabilities in your system, you should focus on training your workforce for potential cybersecurity incidents. Even just a basic education on what a threat may look like, how to check the validity of an email, and how to avoid action bias when responding to emails will go a long way.
Focus on improving this weak link over time, and you'll be able to reduce your business's overall security risk rapidly.
Backups Remain Critical
Finally, one small note is that alongside employee training and finding new cybersecurity tools and solutions, businesses absolutely must remember to use backups.
Backups are one of the most powerful solutions when it comes to avoiding the worst impacts of ransomware. Without backups, your business is powerless to respond to threats when they arrive. Alternatively, if you have a backup and your servers are frozen in a ransomware attack, you should be able to continue with all critical functions.
Backups are one of the most important security measures that your company can make to prevent ransomware from derailing your business operations.
Final Thoughts
The global threat that ransomware poses grows every single year. However, instead of taking this at face value, companies should take action as soon as possible to prevent this scenario from worsening. Although we cannot control the progression and development of ransomware technologies, businesses can take effective steps to reduce their attack surfaces, defend their companies, and prevent attacks from crippling their business.
By understanding how the threat is evolving, businesses can prevent the worst from occurring in their businesses. From utilizing backups where possible to teaching every single employee how to spot, avoid, and report ransomware when they see it, there are numerous ways that companies can boost their security in 2024.
The earlier companies take preventive action, the more likely they are to avoid the worst impacts of the growing threat.
OLYMPIA During the 2023 election cycle in Washington, 20 school bond measures went on ballots in local elections. Of them, only two met the 60% threshold of votes needed to pass. Another six failed bonds pulled in at least 55% of the vote. Eight more that failed were supported by at least 50% of voters.
Washington is one of 11 states in the country that require a threshold of votes greater than 50% also called a supermajority to pass school bonds. This is more than the simple majority threshold of 50% needed to be elected governor or to a city council.
A proposed amendment to the state's constitution would lower that 60% school bond threshold to 55%. For years, some Democrats have wanted the number dropped down to 50%.
Last year, a Republican lawmaker met them in the middle with the 55% offer. That bill didn't make it through to the end, and it is on the table again this session. Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, is the prime sponsor on that bill.
On Monday, Harris joined lawmakers and educators to testify about the proposed law change in front of the state House Education Committee in Olympia.
"The Evergreen School Board passed in 2018 a $695 million bond. We have beautiful schools in the Evergreen School District. Impeccable," Harris said. "(Stevenson-Carson School District) still has lead-based paint in their schools, they have a heating system that doesn't work, and they have no air conditioning. The disparity is huge."
House Committee member Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, asked Harris if he believes lowering the school bond passage threshold to 55% might lead to things getting out of hand.
"With more of a capacity to pass bonds," Couture said, "are you afraid that some of these project scopes will explode? You know, instead of just building a nice school, now I'm going to build the Taj Mahal of schools?"
Harris isn't worried about that.
"I would look at all of it and say, 'Who really gains from this?' It's probably our smaller school districts," Harris said. "... Our areas Republican areas they need schools. I'm sorry, Stevenson needs a school, desperately. Do I think they're going to build the Taj Mahal? Heavens, no. I think what they're going to build is a very economical school that will meet their needs."
Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, co-sponsored Harris' proposed bill and also spoke at Monday's committee hearing. Stonier, a teacher, has led the push to lower the school bond passage threshold for years. The state representative was disappointed the committee wasn't discussing a 50% majority bill Monday, but the 55% proposal still has her full support.
"I became a teacher because I believe that public education is the equalizer of inequities in our system and in our society, and the way to make sure every child has an opportunity to have the strongest footing possible," Stonier said. "We don't have that if they don't have equitable access to learning environments that allow them to care more about their math lesson than whether or not there's something falling through the roof."
Michelle Nims, a former president of Washington state Parent-Teacher Association, told the committee that her organization has supported lowering the school bond threshold every time it's been a topic of conversation in the Legislature.
"A minority of voters is being allowed to prevent school districts from addressing student safety, overcrowding, improving indoor air quality, updating heating and cooling systems to address extreme temperature fluctuations, ADA compliance, aging buildings, seismic safety, and other important building updates and maintenance," Nims said. ADA is the American with Disabilities Act, that sets federal requirements for construction in public places to make them more accessible.
Liv Finna, director for education at Washington Policy Center, spoke Monday in opposition of lowering the threshold.
"Our research shows that this bill and the House joint resolution would make it much easier to increase people's property taxes by large amounts for 20 to 30 years, and for this reason, it is bad policy for the taxpayers of this state," Finna said.
Although the bill has support across the aisle; some Republicans have spoken out against the proposed lowered threshold.
Last week, Senate Minority Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, said he finds the current supermajority threshold reasonable for school bonds.
"We're asking voters to pay for a school bond for 20 to 30 years," Braun said. "It's a long-term commitment. ... The answer is not to change the standard. The answer is to build a better case for the voters."
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, D-Seattle, chairs the House Education Committee. While overseeing Monday's meeting, she pointed out that Washington state funds 71% of its public schools' budgets, while New York state funds 39%.
"Washington state is one of the states that funds schools at the highest level and is the least reliant on local taxation," Tomiko Santos said. "I think that is the part of the topic that I hear this bill raising."
The signatures for an initiative to give law enforcement the ability to engage in a pursuit when there is a reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law have been verified by the Secretary of State, officially putting the ball in the court of state legislators.
Last week, Secretary of State Steve Hobbs notified the Washington Legislature that the signatures for Initiative 2113 were verified and certified. The notification means legislators can either adopt the measure as written, reject or ignore the initiative, or adopt an alternative initiative.
I-2113 enjoys broad and strong support across the state, transcending political and demographic lines. As the sponsor and author of I-2113, Ive witnessed people signing petitions in favor of this initiative at various events, including the Splash Festival in Aberdeen, Go 4th! in Longview, the State Fair in Puyallup, house parties in Issaquah, churches in Yakima, Lincoln Day Dinners in Tri-Cities, and town hall meetings in Spokane. People understand the purpose of I-2113 and wholeheartedly support it, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, sponsor and author of the initiative, said in a statement Friday.
If the Legislature adopts an alternative initiative, both would appear on the November ballot. If the Legislature either rejects or ignores the initiative, the initiative will appear on the November ballot.
I urge legislators in Olympia to stand with the people and endorse I-2113 without delay or hesitation. Lets pass it into law so that it can take effect immediately. Law enforcement officers, who support this positive reform, can then return to enforcing the law, Walsh said. The state Constitution explicitly states that the Legislature must prioritize initiatives over other business, a commendable directive. I call upon Washington House Speaker Laurie Jinkins and State Senate Leader Andy Billing to honor this constitutional mandate.
In addition to Initiative 2113, five other initiatives to the Legislature are awaiting signature verification by the Secretary of State. According to Walsh, the initiative was signed by 400,000 people.
I-2113 provides Olympia with an opportunity to make a tangible and positive impact on public safety. Legislative leaders dont need to consult with the outgoing governor on this matter they can vote I-2113 into law without the governors signature, making it immune to his veto. The outgoing governor is not a factor in this decision, Walsh said.
The 2024 legislative session will end on March 7.
The recently launched Reno11 Pro 5G, priced at INR 39,999, will be available for sale across Flipkart, OPPO e-Store and mainline retail outlets starting today ie. January 18th, 2024 available in two colours, Pearl White and Rock Grey.
Customers can avail the following offers on the first sale of OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G-
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An Apple Watch 9 displays blood-oxygen level detection settings.
A federal appeals court on Wednesday ordered Apple to halt US sales of its latest smartwatch models as part of a patent feud with health company Masimo.
The ban on certain Apple smartwatch models will come into effect Thursday as the iPhone juggernaut is ordered to await the outcome of its appeal.
Masimo, based in southern California, filed a complaint to the US International Trade Commission (ITC) which decided in October to halt imports of the Apple Watch models over a patented technology for detecting blood-oxygen levels.
A court temporarily lifted the ban last month.
Apple manufactures the vast majority of its products overseas, predominantly in China, giving the ITC jurisdiction over the patent feud.
According to reports, Apple is planning to remove the technology for now from the smartwatches in questionthe Series 9 and Ultra 2in a solution that Masimo has welcomed.
Masimo contends it invented the technology and that Apple poached key employees to win access to the know-how.
But the iPhone-maker contends that the ITC finding was in error and should be reversed, and appealed the decision in the federal appeals court.
The wait for that decision could reportedly last a year or more.
Masimo chief executive Joe Kiani called the decision to allow the ban to be implemented a "victory" for the US patent system that shows even powerful companies such as Apple must respect intellectual property rights.
Apple did not immediately reply to a query from AFP.
2024 AFP
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The overall structure of FAME-Net. Credit: Zhang Jie
Researchers led by Prof. Xie Chengjun and Associate Prof. Zhang Jie at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel deep learning-based method for satellite imagery.
Their method, called the Frequency-Adaptive Mixture of Experts Network (FAME-Net), has been accepted for publication in the 2024 Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). It is posted to the arXiv preprint server.
High-resolution multispectral imagery is essential for agriculture, mapping, and environmental protection. However, direct acquisition of such images faces technological limitations. To overcome this challenge, pan-sharpening techniques combine high-resolution panchromatic (PAN) and low-resolution multispectral images. Recent advances in deep learning have improved spectral and spatial detail in pan-sharpening, but neural networks still struggle with frequency bias and adaptation to diverse remote sensing content.
Based on the discrete cosine transform and the Mixture of Expert concepts, the researchers proposed the FAME-Net, which uses a frequency mask predictor for adaptive high- and low-frequency masking.
Different expert networks process these frequency-specific features, allowing focused attention on different frequency ranges. FAME-Net dynamically adapts its masks to different image contents by integrating multiple expert outputs through a gating mechanism.
The result of FAME-Net was compared against nine other methods on WorldView-III dataset. Credit: Zhang Jie
In comparative analyses with existing state-of-the-art methods, FAME-Net not only demonstrates superior performance in preserving spectral quality and enhancing spatial resolution but also shows excellent performance in full-resolution remote sensing imagery.
This study provides new insights into the field of image processing and demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating dynamic network structures and frequency domain information.
More information: Xuanhua He et al, Frequency-Adaptive Pan-Sharpening with Mixture of Experts, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2401.02151 Journal information: arXiv
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Tesla vehicles charge sit at a charging station, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. A subzero cold snap across the nation has exposed a big vulnerability for electric vehicle owners. It's difficult to charge the batteries in single-digit temperatures. Experts say it's simple chemistry, that the electrons move slowly and don't take in or release as much energy.Credit: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
For nearly a week, frigid temperatures from Chicago to northern Texas have made life painful for electric-vehicle owners, with reduced driving range and hours of waiting at charging stations.
In Oak Brook, Illinois, near Chicago, on Monday, television reporters found Teslas that were running out of juice while in long lines for plugs at a Supercharger station. The temperature hit a low of minus 9 Fahrenheit (-23 Celsius).
Outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Teslas were plugged in at six of eight charging stations Wednesday as the wind howled with a temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 14 Celsius). At least one driver was nearly out of juice.
It's well known that EVs lose some of their travel range in the cold, especially in subzero temperatures like those that hit the nation's mid-section this week. Studies found that range loss varies from 10% to 36%.
EVs also don't charge as quickly in extreme cold. Some Tesla owners near Chicago told reporters their cars wouldn't charge at all.
Experts acknowledge that cold weather can be hard for EVs, but they say with some planning and a little adjustment, owners should be able to travel pretty much as normal.
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Inside EV batteries, lithium ions flow through a liquid electrolyte, producing electricity. But they travel more slowly through the electrolyte when it gets cold and don't release as much energy. That cuts into the range and can deplete a battery faster.
The same happens in reverse. Since electrons move more slowly, the battery can't accept as much electricity from a charging plug. That slows down charging.
Ankita Bansal prepares to charge her Tesla, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. A subzero cold snap across the nation has exposed a big vulnerability for electric vehicle owners. It's difficult to charge the batteries in single-digit temperatures. Experts say it's simple chemistry, that the electrons move slowly and don't take in or release as much energy.Credit: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
The problem is that when temperatures plunge, batteries have to be warm enough for the electrons to move. And they have to be even warmer at fast-charging stations like Tesla's.
"Pretty much anything that's a chemical substance slows down when you get to a low temperature," said Neil Dasgupta, associate professor of mechanical and materials science engineering at the University of Michigan. "That's just something that nature has given us, and we have to deal with that."
At a Supercharger station in Pittsfield Township, Michigan, just south of Ann Arbor, the battery in Ankita Bansal's Tesla had only 7% of its charge left. She plugged in, but the car wouldn't take electricity. Instead, the display said the battery was heating up. After it hits the proper temperature, it would take an hour and 50 minutes to get to a full charge, the display said.
"I have a long way to go," said Bansal, a University of Michigan graduate student who wanted to get to a full charge because she doesn't have a charging station at home.
HOW TO MAKE IT WORK
Bruce Westlake, president of the Eastern Michigan Electric Vehicle Association, said most EVs are programmed to warm the battery if the driver tells vehicle's navigation system that a trip to the charging station is coming.
Many of those who think their cars won't charge are new to EVs and don't know how to "precondition" their batteries, said Westlake, who has two Teslas.
"They're just learning," he said. "And Tesla isn't very good at explaining some things." A message was left seeking comment from Tesla.
In frigid temperatures, it can take a half hour to warm the battery so it's ready to charge, Westlake said. Preconditioning the battery does cost some range, although it's usually only a few miles, he said.
Kim Burney charges her Tesla, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. A subzero cold snap across the nation has exposed a big vulnerability for electric vehicle owners. It's difficult to charge the batteries in single-digit temperatures. Experts say it's simple chemistry, that the electrons move slowly and don't take in or release as much energy.Credit: AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
Bansal, who has had her Tesla for only a week, didn't know about preconditioning the car before charging, but she does now.
A few stalls away from her, Kim Burney's Tesla Model 3 was charging just a little slower than it does in normal temperatures. She had driven farther than she thought on a trip to her dentist in Ann Arbor Wednesday morning and wanted to get close to a full charge for the rest of the day's travels.
So she told the car she was going to the charging station and it was ready by the time she arrived and plugged in.
Like Westlake, Burney said EV drivers need to plan ahead, especially in cold weather. The car, she said, will tell you where charging stations are and how much range you have left. "The more you drive it the more you're comfortable knowing how far you can go and how much to charge it," she said.
Burney said she loses roughly 15% to 20% of her battery range in cold weather, but it gets dramatically worse in cold snaps like the one this week.
THE FUTURE OF CHARGING
In the short run, automakers are likely to come up with better ways to protect battery life and warm them for charging, Dasgupta said. And there are new battery chemistries in development that are more resilient in cold weather.
In the short term, Dasgupta said that as more mainstream consumers buy EVs, and as more automakers enter the market, they'll develop models using existing lithium-ion chemistry that are tailored to colder climates. In some cases overall range might have to be sacrificed a little to get better cold-weather performance, he said.
Millions are being invested in new battery technology that performs better in the cold that will find its way from military, aerospace and undersea applications into electric vehicles, Dasgupta said.
"You can be an EV driver in a cold-weather climate," he said. "Be optimistic and excited about what the future holds because it's only going to get better from here."
2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
Governments and businesses are not prepared for the havoc quantum computers will sow in cybersecurity by the end of the decade, according to an International Business Machines Corp. executive.
"Is quantum going to really create a cybersecurity Armageddon?" Ana Paula Assis, IBM's general manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa, said on a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "It's going to."
Quantum computers, an emerging technology that vastly accelerates processing power by performing calculations in parallel rather than sequentially, will make existing encryption systems obsolete. IBM has developed many of the foundational technologies for the quantum era, which Assis said could arrive by 2030.
Some governments are beginning to take the threat seriously. The U.S. Senate, in a rare unanimous vote, passed a bill in 2022 addressing the threat of quantum computers on cryptography.
Businesses are not equipped to utilize quantum machines or deal with the disruption they will cause, SandboxAQ Chief Executive Officer Jack Hidary said on the panel.
Most "companies do not have a robust roadmap yet as to how they're going to use AI and quantum together to solve core problems," Hidary said.
He said a "trainwreck" is unfolding, estimating that it will take banks eight to 10 years to transfer to post-quantum protocols, while scalable quantum computers will be available by 2029 or 2030. Anything that uses encryption, from ecommerce to online banking, is at risk, according to Hidary.
Other details from the panel:
China is making "a very serious and very confident effort along many lines" in quantum computing, ETH Zurich President Joel Mesot said.
States may be better able to regulate quantum computers than artificial intelligence, because the technology is so dependent on infrastructure, according to Mesot. "I would be more optimistic that we can regulate this in a better way than AI," he said.
Quantum computing is developing faster than projected, Hidary said.
Two-thirds of developers using quantum computers rely on IBM's open-source toolkit Qiskit to write their code, according to Assis.
2024 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Example of a jailbreak attack and the team's proposed system-mode self-reminder. Credit: Nature Machine Intelligence (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00765-8.
Large language models (LLMs), deep learning-based models trained to generate, summarize, translate and process written texts, have gained significant attention after the release of Open AI's conversational platform ChatGPT. While ChatGPT and similar platforms are now widely used for a wide range of applications, they could be vulnerable to a specific type of cyberattack producing biased, unreliable or even offensive responses.
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Tsinghua University and Microsoft Research Asia recently carried out a study investigating the potential impact of these attacks and techniques that could protect models against them. Their paper, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, introduces a new psychology-inspired technique that could help to protect ChatGPT and similar LLM-based conversational platforms from cyberattacks.
"ChatGPT is a societally impactful artificial intelligence tool with millions of users and integration into products such as Bing," Yueqi Xie, Jingwei Yi and their colleagues write in their paper. "However, the emergence of jailbreak attacks notably threatens its responsible and secure use. Jailbreak attacks use adversarial prompts to bypass ChatGPT's ethics safeguards and engender harmful responses."
The primary objective of the recent work by Xie, Yi and their colleagues was to highlight the impact that jailbreak attacks can have on ChatGPT and introduce viable defense strategies against these attacks. Jailbreak attacks essentially exploit the vulnerabilities of LLMs to bypass constraints set by developers and elicit model responses that would typically be restricted.
"This paper investigates the severe yet under-explored problems created by jailbreaks as well as potential defensive techniques," Xie, Yi and their colleagues explain in their paper. "We introduce a jailbreak dataset with various types of jailbreak prompts and malicious instructions."
The researchers first compiled a dataset including 580 examples of jailbreak prompts designed to bypass restrictions that prevent ChatGPT from providing answers deemed "immoral." This includes unreliable texts that could fuel misinformation as well as toxic or abusive content.
When they tested ChatGPT on these jailbreak prompts, they found that it often fell into their "trap," producing the malicious and unethical content they requested. Xie, Yi and their colleagues then set out to devise a simple and yet effective technique that could protect ChatGPT against carefully tailored jailbreak attacks.
The technique they created draws inspiration from the psychological concept of self-reminders, nudges that can help people to remember tasks that they need to complete, events they are supposed to attend, and so on. The researchers' defense approach, called system-mode self-reminder, is similarly designed to remind Chat-GPT that the answers it provides should follow specific guidelines.
"This technique encapsulates the user's query in a system prompt that reminds ChatGPT to respond responsibly," the researchers write. "Experimental results demonstrate that self-reminders significantly reduce the success rate of jailbreak attacks against ChatGPT from 67.21% to 19.34%."
So far, the researchers tested the effectiveness of their technique using the dataset they created and found that it achieved promising results, reducing the success rate of attacks, although not preventing all of them. In the future, this new technique could be improved further to reduce the vulnerability of LLMs to these attacks, while also potentially inspiring the development of other similar defense strategies.
"Our work systematically documents the threats posed by jailbreak attacks, introduces and analyses a dataset for evaluating defensive interventions and proposes the psychologically inspired self-reminder technique that can efficiently and effectively mitigate against jailbreaks without further training," the researchers summarize in their paper.
More information: Yueqi Xie et al, Defending ChatGPT against jailbreak attack via self-reminders, Nature Machine Intelligence (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-023-00765-8. Journal information: Nature Machine Intelligence
2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay from Pexels
What is the likelihood of dying in a plane crash? According to a 2022 report released by the International Air Transport Association, the industry fatality risk is 0.11. In other words, on average, a person would need to take a flight every day for 25,214 years to have a 100 percent chance of experiencing a fatal accident. Long touted as one of the safest modes of transportation, the highly regulated aviation industry has MIT scientists thinking that it may hold the key to regulating artificial intelligence in health care.
Marzyeh Ghassemi, an assistant professor at the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and Institute of Medical Engineering Sciences, and Julie Shah, an H.N. Slater Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, share an interest in the challenges of transparency in AI models. After chatting in early 2023, they realized that aviation could serve as a model to ensure that marginalized patients are not harmed by biased AI models.
Ghassemiwho is also a principal investigator at the MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Clinic for Machine Learning in Health (Jameel Clinic) and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)and Shah then recruited a cross-disciplinary team of researchers, attorneys, and policy analysts across MIT, Stanford University, the Federation of American Scientists, Emory University, University of Adelaide, Microsoft, and the University of California San Francisco to kick off a research project, the results of which were recently accepted to the Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms and Optimization Conference.
"I think I can speak for both Marzyeh and myself when I say that we're really excited to see kind of excitement around AI starting to come about in society," says first author Elizabeth Bondi-Kelly, now an assistant professor of EECS at the University of Michigan who was a postdoc in Ghassemi's lab when the project began. "But we're also a little bit cautious and want to try to make sure that it's possible we can have frameworks in place to manage potential risks as these deployments start to happen, so we were looking for inspiration for ways to try to facilitate that."
AI in health today bears a resemblance to where the aviation industry was a century ago, says co-author Lindsay Sanneman, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. Though the 1920s were known as "the Golden Age of Aviation," fatal accidents were "disturbingly numerous," according to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
Jeff Marcus, the current chief of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Safety Recommendations Division, recently published a National Aviation Month blog post noting that while a number of fatal accidents occurred in the 1920s, 1929 remains the "worst year on record" for the most fatal aviation accidents in history, with 51 reported accidents. By today's standards that would be 7,000 accidents per year, or 20 per day. In response to the high number of fatal accidents in the 1920s, President Calvin Coolidge passed landmark legislation in 1926 known as the Air Commerce Act, which would regulate air travel via the Department of Commerce.
But the parallels do not stop thereaviation's subsequent path into automation is similar to AI's. AI explainability has been a contentious topic given AI's notorious "black box" problem, which has AI researchers debating how much an AI model must "explain" its result to the user before potentially biasing them to blindly follow the model's guidance.
"In the 1970s there was an increasing amount of automation ... autopilot systems that take care of warning pilots about risks," Sanneman adds. "There were some growing pains as automation entered the aviation space in terms of human interaction with the autonomous systempotential confusion that arises when the pilot doesn't have keen awareness about what the automation is doing."
Today, becoming a commercial airline captain requires 1,500 hours of logged flight time along with instrument trainings. According to the researchers' paper, this rigorous and comprehensive process takes approximately 15 years, including a bachelor's degree and co-piloting. Researchers believe the success of extensive pilot training could be a potential model for training medical doctors on using AI tools in clinical settings.
The paper also proposes encouraging reports of unsafe health AI tools in the way the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) does for pilotsvia "limited immunity," which allows pilots to retain their license after doing something unsafe, as long as it was unintentional.
According to a 2023 report published by the World Health Organization, on average, one in every 10 patients is harmed by an adverse event (i.e., "medical errors") while receiving hospital care in high-income countries.
Yet in current health care practice, clinicians and health care workers often fear reporting medical errors, not only because of concerns related to guilt and self-criticism, but also due to negative consequences that emphasize the punishment of individuals, such as a revoked medical license, rather than reforming the system that made medical error more likely to occur.
"In health, when the hammer misses, patients suffer," wrote Ghassemi in a recent comment published in Nature Human Behavior. "This reality presents an unacceptable ethical risk for medical AI communities who are already grappling with complex care issues, staffing shortages, and overburdened systems."
Grace Wickerson, co-author and health equity policy manager at the Federation of American Scientists, sees this new paper as a critical addition to a broader governance framework that is not yet in place. "I think there's a lot that we can do with existing government authority," they say.
"There's different ways that Medicare and Medicaid can pay for health AI that makes sure that equity is considered in their purchasing or reimbursement technologies, the NIH [National Institute of Health] can fund more research in making algorithms more equitable and build standards for these algorithms that could then be used by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] as they're trying to figure out what health equity means and how they're regulated within their current authorities," they continue.
Among others, the paper lists six primary existing government agencies that could help regulate health AI, including: the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the recently established Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
But Wickerson says that more must be done. The most challenging part to writing the paper, in Wickerson's view, was "imagining what we don't have yet."
Rather than solely relying on existing regulatory bodies, the paper also proposes creating an independent auditing authority, similar to the NTSB, that allows for a safety audit for malfunctioning health AI systems.
"I think that's the current question for tech governancewe haven't really had an entity that's been assessing the impact of technology since the '90s," Wickerson adds. "There used to be an Office of Technology Assessment ... before the digital era even started, this office existed and then the federal government allowed it to sunset."
Zach Harned, co-author and recent graduate of Stanford Law School, believes a primary challenge in emerging technology is having technological development outpace regulation. "However, the importance of AI technology and the potential benefits and risks it poses, especially in the health-care arena, has led to a flurry of regulatory efforts," Harned says.
"The FDA is clearly the primary player here, and they've consistently issued guidances and white papers attempting to illustrate their evolving position on AI; however, privacy will be another important area to watch, with enforcement from OCR on the HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] side and the FTC enforcing privacy violations for non-HIPAA covered entities."
Harned notes that the area is evolving fast, including developments such as the recent White House Executive Order 14110 on the safe and trustworthy development of AI, as well as regulatory activity in the European Union (EU), including the capstone EU AI Act that is nearing finalization. "It's certainly an exciting time to see this important technology get developed and regulated to ensure safety while also not stifling innovation," he says.
In addition to regulatory activities, the paper suggests other opportunities to create incentives for safer health AI tools such as a pay-for-performance program, in which insurance companies reward hospitals for good performance (though researchers recognize that this approach would require additional oversight to be equitable).
So just how long do researchers think it would take to create a working regulatory system for health AI? According to the paper, "the NTSB and FAA system, where investigations and enforcement are in two different bodies, was created by Congress over decades."
Bondi-Kelly hopes that the paper is a piece to the puzzle of AI regulation. In her mind, "the dream scenario would be that all of us read the paper and are super inspired and able to apply some of the helpful lessons from aviation to help AI to prevent some of the potential harm that might come about."
In addition to Ghassemi, Shah, Bondi-Kelly, and Sanneman, MIT co-authors on the work include Senior Research Scientist Leo Anthony Celi and former postdocs Thomas Hartvigsen and Swami Sankaranarayanan.
More information: Elizabeth Bondi-Kelly et al, Taking Off with AI: Lessons from Aviation for Healthcare, Equity and Access in Algorithms, Mechanisms, and Optimization (2023). DOI: 10.1145/3617694.3623224 Journal information: Nature Human Behaviour
This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
2 gored to death, dozens injured in bullfighting in India's Tamil Nadu
Xinhua) 10:34, January 18, 2024
NEW DELHI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Two people, including a boy, were gored to death and dozens injured Wednesday by bulls during Jallikattu, a local bullfighting sport, in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, police said.
The incident took place at Siravayal in Sivaganga district, about 425 km southwest of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
"Two spectators -- a boy and a youth in his thirties -- were gored to death and over 40 were injured in Siravayal during Jallikattu event," a senior police official said.
According to police, the incident did not take place during the main Jallikattu event, but after the run when the bull owners had assembled to collect their animals.
"After the main run when the bulls were outside the arena, they ran amok injuring spectators," the police official said. "A total of 186 bulls were part of this Jallikattu event which is still underway."
The deaths and injuries to spectators have raised a question mark on the safety measures in place for the bullfighting sport.
On Tuesday, at least 60 people were injured during a similar event at Palamedu in Madurai district, reports said.
Jallikattu sport is traditionally a part of the harvest festival of Pongal across Tamil Nadu. It involves men chasing a bull attempting to grab its hump and ride it for as long as possible or stopping it and removing a piece of cloth affixed to its horns.
Prizes such as cars, motorbikes, and gold coins are up for grabs at many of these events.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
If you're happy that the banned Apple watches can be purchased again, you might want to put your wallet back down. After the ban was shortly lifted, the tech giant is once again taking the smart watches off the shelves.
Apple Watches Banned Again
The ban lift was short-lived and some were lucky enough to have bought the affected watches before they were removed from the stores again. This might be confusing for some since Apple has done this twice now, which is understandable for prospective buyers.
With the decision of a federal appeals court, the ban will resume on Thursday. This just shows how much of a headache a simple feature can cause, as well as the sales that Apple will be missing for using allegedly unlicensed technology.
Apple banned the Series 9 and Ultra 2 first back in December 2023, ahead of the actual date when it was no longer allowed to have the watches in its stores. While this was happening, Apple was working on two angles to make sure that the watch went back to market.
The allegedly licensed technology was Apple's oxygen sensor on the watches, which Masimo, a health-technology company claims was already patented, as reported by Gizmodo. The dispute goes beyond the use of the sensor technology as well.
Masimo claims that Apple poached its executives, offering them more money, and allowing them to bring confidential information over to Apple. Obviously, this did not go Apple's way since the International Trade Commission (ITC) decided to keep the watches off the shelves and online.
Apple tried to circumvent the ban by trying to develop updates to the software and the watch's algorithms, as well as approach the Biden administration hoping that it would reverse the decision of the ITC with its power to veto.
Read Also: Masimo CEO Pushes Better Changes for Apple With Patent Infringement Case
Losing the Patent Dispute
The ITC's ruling was in favor of Masimo as it claimed that Apple infringed on its blood oxygen level sensors back in October 2023. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said that Apple did not engage in any licensing negotiation even after the dispute was raised.
Kiani even said that he was willing to sell Apple a chip that was designed by the company for pulse oximeter readings, but Apple never accepted it. The same technology can be found in one of Masimo's products, a medical watch called the W1, as per The New York Times.
The Masimo chief executive even expressed that if Apple did not want to use their chip, he would work with them to make their product good. Once it has been developed to the level of Apple's standards, Kiani would've been happy to give them a license.
In hindsight, this would've been a better scenario as Apple would still be selling the affected smartwatches without any issues now. It's certainly better than allegedly poaching executives and offering them more pay as long as they bring the needed knowledge for the oxygen level tech with them.
Related: Apple Watch is Axing Blood Oxygen Feature to Avoid Import Ban
Apple might be facing the US antitrust council as early as March as the Justice Department is reportedly preparing to file a suit, as per Bloomberg.
Read Also: The Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 Are Back to Being Banned
US Antitrust Council Investigates Apple
Since 2019, Apple has been under the lens of the antitrust enforcers. According to them, Apple has been restricting its rivals to reach iPhone and iPad users by imposing software and hardware limitations.
Over the years, several companies such as Spotify, Life360, and the messaging company Beeper have been raising the same concern against Apple's anticompetitive behavior. Meanwhile, the Justice Department confirmed that they have already discussed three times with Apple lawyers about the potential suit.
As of writing, the department informed that most of the senior antitrust officials have not yet signed on the complaint to proceed with the filing. However, the earliest possible filing could be in the first quarter of the year.
US Antitrust Council Pushes Crackdown of Tech Giants
Although the council has been investigating Apple for years, the antitrust officers prioritized the twin cases against Alphabet's Google. In 2023, Google faced an antitrust trial from the Justice Department and also from Epic.
Once the lawsuit is filed, this will be the fourth antitrust case under the Biden administration. As of writing, the government is also probing investigations against Meta and Amazon.
As for other tech giants in the US, the European Union has been making waves in enforcing changes to the companies' policies using the Digital Markets Act.
Under the EU, companies like Meta, Amazon, and Apple have been implementing changes in their marketplace and App Store to comply with the antitrust council.
Related Article: Some Beeper Users Report Apple is Preventing Them From Accessing iMessage by Blocking Their Macs
IBM cautioned world leaders and business industries to be prepared for the emerging quantum computers or risk a "cybersecurity Armageddon" in the next decade.
Speaking during the World Economic Forum in Davos, IBM general manager for Europe Ana Paula Assis that current cybersecurity will not be able to handle the processing power of quantum computers.
According to Assis, the technology can bypass existing encryption systems easily thanks to its parallel processing, a more advanced version of the sequential processing most supercomputers use today.
IBM itself is developing its own quantum computer that is expected to arrive as early as 2030.
Other countries like China have been noted to be taking steps on quantum computers as well, bad news for the US amid increasing digital warfare with China.
Also Read: China Spy Agency Employs AI System to Monitor US Officials - Reports
Switzerland Attacked by Russian-Affiliated Hackers
As proof to Assis's warnings, Russian-linked group NoName numerous government websites in Switzerland following the appearance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the WEF.
The National Cyber Security Centre reported that the "was promptly detected" and that experts "took the necessary action" to restore the affected platforms quickly.
The NCSC noted that the hacker group used a distributed denial-of-service (DDOS) attack to disrupt the government websites temporarily.
This was the second time NoName targeted Switzerland in the past 12 months. A similar incident happened back in June when Zelensky met with the Swiss government via video call.
More Cyberattacks Recorded Amid Political Tensions
Battlefields are not the only place anymore where countries clash with each other during political disputes.
Last year has seen an increase in cyberattacks against government facilities and services, many of which were linked to Chinese- or Russian-backed hackers.
The arrival of super technologies like quantum computers further heightens the threat posed by hackers both to the government and to the public.
US lawmakers have already passed a bill to address the growing threat brought by the supercomputer in the coming decades.
Related Article: What to Know About Ransomware Threats in 2024
(Photo : Unsplash/Eyestetix Studio)
Google is currently undergoing job cuts, with approximately 100 people on the business side of YouTube being affected at this time.
The tech company is cutting hundreds of jobs across YouTube's business unit and Google's advertising sales teams following the recent job cuts in design and services, knowledge and information products, core engineering, and the voice-activated product Google Assistant's teams. Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe, who manages business operations, partnerships, and advertising, internally announced the news on Wednesday.
"To best position us for these opportunities, throughout the second half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities. Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally." Coe said in a statement.
READ ALSO: Amazon Undergoes Cost-Cutting Initiatives, Slashes Hundred Positions Across Prime Video, MGM Studios, and Twitch
Numerous Job Reductions Inside Google
Google has been experiencing job cuts across various departments since last week, with over 1,000 layoffs initially, followed by hundreds in the advertising division. Similar to the previous layoffs, laid-off employees in YouTube will have a 60-day period to secure new roles within the company, which is not guaranteed before their dismissal becomes official and they accept their severance package.
"We're continuing to support any impacted employees as they look for new roles here at Google and beyond," the spokesperson added.
100-Staff Reduction in Creator Team
YouTube spokesperson Andrea Faville confirmed previous reports by Tubefilter stating that the layoffs affected approximately 100 positions on the creator partnerships team, which will consolidate the remaining team under a dedicated central leadership in each country. The report also mentions reorganization within YouTube's music and support teams.
More Sizable Adjustment Ahead
On Wednesday, Google did not file new mass layoff notices in California to match the recently reported job cuts. Last week, the company filed notices in three Bay Area cities.
Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler informed Google's ad sales staff about the layoffs in a leaked memo sent to employees on Tuesday, reported by Business Insider, stating that the company evaluates its sales needs annually, and this year's "adjustment would be more sizeable than usual."
In contrast to last January, when Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a 12,000-worker layoff in a significant email, the recent layoffs have been revealed team by team through internal memos from lower-ranking leaders. While this round is not as extensive, it may still not be over.
Just three weeks into the new year, numerous companies in the tech industry have already undergone job reductions. Last week, Amazon's live streaming platform Twitch revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 35% and positions in its Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios sections. Additionally, tech firms such as Discord and Duolingo reported layoffs at the beginning of the year.
RELATED ARTICLE: Google Lays Off Hundreds of Jobs in Advertising Team, Adopts AI Automation for Workload Reduction
2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pixabay/Peter H)
Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer, announced on Wednesday it would reduce jobs and delay spending on a U.S. refinery project as part of a comprehensive cost-cutting plan amid declining metal prices used in making electric vehicle batteries.
Shares of the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company dropped by 2.8% to $122.44 in the New York Stock Exchange's morning trading, losing nearly half of its value over the past 52 weeks. Oppenheimer & Co. analysts also cut their Albemarle price target to $191 from $308.
The Exceeding Demand for the Battery Market Impacted Prices
The global supply of the ultralight metal has exceeded demand from the battery market in the past year, leading to an oversupply that has negatively impacted pricing. While Lithium prices can vary by region and type, an index of prices tracked by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has fallen by 81% in the past year and nearly 11% in the past month alone.
Albemarle, Tesla, and other automakers' suppliers sell lithium through long-term contracts tied to market prices. In November, the company indicated that the decrease in lithium prices would impact 2023 sales. However, executives described the market volatility as a temporary challenge, expressing confidence in the long-term expectation of robust demand.
2024 Budget-Cutting Plans and Plant's Suspension
Albemarle plans 2024 capital spending to a range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion, down from approximately $2.1 billion in 2023, and intends to postpone spending on a massive U.S. lithium refining project in South Carolina, originally planned to be one of the world's largest processors of the battery metal.
READ ALSO: Enphase Energy Streamlining Operations, Initiates Workforce and Real Estate Footprint Reduction on "Tough Economy"
Albemarle mentioned that it will complete the commissioning of lithium refineries in China and Australia, where construction is almost complete, and prioritize permitting efforts to reopen a lithium mine in North Carolina. It was unclear whether the budget cuts would impact Albemarle's plans to introduce direct lithium extraction technology (DLE) in Arkansas, near competitors like Exxon Mobil, Tetra Technologies, and others who are also working on deploying innovative filtration processes.
Job-Cutting Plans and Company's Projected Savings
The company did not disclose how many employees would be affected by the job cuts. Still, projected results of $95 million in annual savings, with $50 million anticipated in 2024, would record a charge in the first quarter related to severance and related benefit costs, exit and disposal activities, and asset write-downs.
Stake Divestment to Australia's Liontown Resources (LTR)
On Wednesday, Albemarle announced it would sell its stake in Australia's Liontown Resources (LTR) after Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person, blocked Albemarle's $4.3 billion bid for the lithium developer last year.
The budget announcement follows a protest in Chile's Atacama salt flats last week, where Albemarle and rival SQM produced lithium, blocking access to key production facilities. Albemarle assured that its operations continued as usual, focusing on employee safety, and intends to reveal its fourth-quarter results and discuss its 2024 outlook on February 15.
RELATED ARTICLE: FourKites Leadership Shake-Up: Slashes 15% Workforce Headcount and Parts Ways with Key Executive
2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Lee Yeon-woo
Prominent in the discussions leading up to the general elections this April are political promises targeting the nation's 14 million retail investors, seeking to attract their support.
Following last year's introduction of a temporary ban on short selling and the reduced capital gains taxes for large shareholders, the government and the ruling party reaffirmed their commitment to further measures that will enhance and safeguard the earnings of retail investors.
At a town hall meeting at the Korea Exchange on Wednesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to reform the "excessive tax system that hinders the development of the stock market," noting its "detrimental impact" on Korea's middle class.
During the meeting, the government announced its plan to lower taxes on interest and dividend income through the Individual Savings Account (ISA) product, and to proceed with the planned abolition of the financial investment income tax. Additionally, the securities transaction tax is expected to be further reduced to 0.15 percent next year, from 0.18 percent this year.
These measures, if implemented, will lower all three categories of taxes imposed on stock market investments.
In various political arenas, there is a push for policies favoring retail investors, framed under the pretext of addressing the "Korea discount," a term used to depict the lower valuation of local shares compared to their global counterparts.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is reportedly formulating policies specifically for retail investors, which are expected to be unveiled shortly before the general election in April. Additionally, the newly formed party by Lee Jun-seok announced a series of policies on Monday, such as the obligation to publicly tender 100 percent of shares when acquiring control rights.
This is not the first instance of policies targeting retail investors being announced in the run-up to an election.
Why are issues that retail investors have consistently raised, but previously ignored by politicians, now being highlighted as election promises?
The reason is the significant increase in the number of retail investors. According to the Korea Securities Depository, the number of retail investors grew from 5.6 million in 2018 to 14.2 million in 2022, a surge largely attributed to the bullish market that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This number even exceeds the total population of Gyeonggi Province, which stood at 13.6 million in 2022.
However, these "goodwill" policies are also being criticized for potentially disrupting the capital market.
"Is it justifiable to make unilateral announcements on matters that require careful consideration and societal discourse, without any preliminary dialogue?" Han Min-soo, a spokesperson for the DPK said.
Particularly, since many of these pledges require legal amendments, some argue that they can only be realized if the ruling party succeeds in the upcoming general elections.
The mounting fiscal deficit should be taken into account as well. It is estimated that the abolition of the financial investment income tax could result in a loss of approximately 1 trillion won in tax revenue annually.
Critics also contend that the benefits of government-driven measures to artificially boost the stock market are short-lived. The domestic stock market, already grappling with challenges since the beginning of the year, experienced its most significant drop in three months on Wednesday.
"The most critical factor is the outlook on Korean corporations and the economy," Ha Joon-kyung, professor of economics at Hanyang University, said.
BLACKSBURG Ozempic and other drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes may also be used to treat alcohol use disorder, according to researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion.
Since drugs such as semaglutide, better known as Ozempic, and tirzepatide started to be widely prescribed to treat diabetes, some have taken to social media to discuss their experience of losing the desire to drink alcohol.
From 2009 to 2023, there have been 1,580 posts on the social media platform Reddit discussing the subject of alcohol use and diabetes medication.
Where researchers at Fralin began was by surveying all of these posts, eliminating any that were under 100 characters long, and determining how many users had self-reported reduced drinking and cravings for alcohol as a result of using either semaglutide or tirzepatide.
The survey found that 71% of the posts discussed reduced cravings and reduced consumption of alcohol.
The second phase involved recruiting 153 individuals who self-reported having obesity and being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, as well as, to at least some extent, drinking alcohol. About a third of these participants were in a control group, as in not prescribed either semaglutide or tirzepatide for treatment.
The results of that study showed that alcohol consumption was significantly reduced in people who were prescribed one of the two drugs.
Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and one of the organizers of the study, said that the findings could be very significant in the world of addiction treatment.
We dont really have a good treatment for alcohol use disorder, DiFeliceantonio said. Its a disorder that is prone to relapse.
There are only three drugs currently approved by the FDA to treat alcoholism, disulfiram, which renders the body unable to process ethanol, naltrexone, which works to reduce cravings, and acamprosate, used to treat withdrawal symptoms.
None of these drugs, according to DiFeliceantonio, have been shown to be very effective in treating alcohol use disorder in the long-term.
Its not leading people to maintain abstinence, DiFeliceantonio said.
In 2019, about 14.5 million people in the United States had alcohol use disorder, according to a study by Yale Medicine.
Several recent studies have shown that alcohol consumption has been on the rise in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the increased consumption has not yet been curbed since pandemic restrictions were removed.
The possibility of having a new treatment available for people struggling to stop relying on alcohol has prompted a lot of new research in more places than just Fralin, and the organizers of the study hope to see it expanded in the near future.
The researchers still dont know much about the exact mechanism whereby drugs such as Ozempic reduce alcohol cravings. DiFeliceantonio said that she hopes Fralin researchers will be allowed to hold more randomized controlled trials in the future, and expand the demographics involved, as most of the participants in the self-reporting trial were white and female, and more research will be needed to see if race or sex play a role in the results.
Warren Bickel, a behavioral health research professor at Fralin and another leader of this study, said that he hopes to add what he can to the ongoing research into these drugs being conducted around the world.
Although evidence supporting the use of these medications for alcohol use disorder is growing, the field still needs to learn considerably more about them, particularly in identifying the underlying mechanisms. We plan to contribute to that effort, Bickel said.
By Lee Hae-rin
Pierre-Jean Quinonero, a rising star pastry chef from France, presented an iconic reinterpretation of a Korean wintertime dessert as Strawberry Bingsoo, or shaved ice treats with strawberries, with a French twist.
During his first visit to Korea, from Jan. 11 to 13, Quinonero created a combination of local seasonal strawberries with meringue and Chantilly cream, inspired by his previous signature dessert Vacherin Frasie, through a collaboration with Four Seasons Hotel Seoul Pastry Head Chef Jimmy Boulay.
This is the first time I learned about bingsoo, he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, adding that making the iced dessert with such a combination of winter seasonal ingredients would be unimaginable in his home country.
In Korea, strawberries are a popular wintertime seasonal fruit that has a solid texture and juicy, sweet flavors, whereas French strawberries are seasonal in the summertime and have a softer and more fragile texture. It was interesting to learn that competition grows fierce every winter in the Korean hotel and bakery industry to present innovative strawberry-themed promotions and menus, he said.
In Quinonero's opinion, as a pastry chef who focuses on maximizing natural visual qualities and the sweetness of ingredients while refraining from using any artificial additives, Korean strawberries' vivid red color and high sugar content make them a great food material to work with.
For me, its very important that I use the best ingredients best sugar, best flavor, best strawberries. If you have a bad ingredient, you cant make a good taste In the case of Korean strawberries, its very good. Its very tasty and has a lot of sweetness. The color is perfect. The size is perfect. Its very interesting, he said.
Another seasonal local ingredient he added to the dessert is buckwheat. He sprinkled locally sourced buckwheat, adding a freshly layered crunchy texture with a nutty taste to the sweet dessert.
This would not have been possible with French buckwheat, he explained. The buckwheat flour, widely used in crepes, is too hard and difficult to chew when used in its grain form.
Now he plans to devise a bingsoo-themed dessert for the Michelin Guide one-star restaurant Le Cap at the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, Four Seasons Hotel near Nice, France, where he is an executive pastry chef. The desserts icy flavor will suit the regions hot weather, he said.
Born in Auvergne in central France, Quinonero developed a passion for the culinary world at a young age from the influence of his father who ran a wine business.
The 29-year-old who has over 202,000 followers on Instagram received several awards and recognitions, including the Passion Dessert prize by the Michelin Guide 2023, Pastry Chef of the Year 2023 by La Liste, a renowned global guide to restaurant, pastry and hotel selections.
Quinoneros exclusive strawberry bingsoo and award-winning Hazelnut and Vanilla Paris-Brest, a crispy ring-shaped choux pastry made with unique moist cream piping techniques, are available at the hotels lobby lounge and bakery until April 30.
The total may increase today, but as of Wednesday Grand Island had received 15.4 inches of snow this month.
That number includes 7.5 inches of snow on Jan. 8 and 9, and a little more than 7 inches Jan. 11-13.
Michelle Schuldt of the National Weather Service in Hastings said Grand Island snowfall totaled 3.7 inches on Thursday, Jan. 11, and 3 inches the following day. On Jan. 13, snowflakes totaled four-tenths of an inch.
So far this season, which dates back to last fall, Grand Islands snowfall total is 20.5 inches.
As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, an observer reported that Grand Islands current snow depth was 7 inches. The depth is less than previous totals because of melting and possibly some compaction of snow, Schuldt said.
One area in which snow has piled up this month is Polk County.
December snowfall totals include 20.1 inches three miles northeast of Shelby, and 17.2 inches in Osceola.
Between Jan. 7 and Jan. 16, snow totaled 16.6 inches nine-tenths of a mile east of Stromsburg.
During that same time period, snowfall totaled 15.2 inches four miles north of Hastings and 15 inches in Hubble.
Snow totals from Jan. 11-13 included 7.7 inches in Hastings, 6.5 inches in Greeley, 5 inches in Arcadia, 4.2 inches in St. Paul and 4 inches in Loup City.
Last weekend, Hall County deputies were busy assisting stranded motorists, checking vehicles in the ditch and giving people rides, said Chief Deputy Josh Berlie.
During the bad weather, at least one Hall County patrol car got stuck. Kramers Wrecker Service pulled the car out of the snow, Berlie said.
In some areas, Hall County road crews encountered drifts of eight feet tall. Some of those drifts were near Cairo, said Don Robb, the countys highway superintendent and public works director. Big drifts also showed up on Cedarview Road south of Grand Island.
The recent snow was accompanied by bitter temperatures.
Between 6 p.m. Friday and Tuesday morning, Grand Islands temperature was at or below zero for more than 80 straight hours.
It was the longest stretch of temperatures at zero or below in Grand Island since December of 1983, when a polar stretch lasted 202 hours.
Over the last week, several temperature records were set in Grand Island and Hastings.
On Sunday, Grand Islands airport set a new record low for Jan. 14. The 17 below mark broke the old record of 13 below, set in 1972.
The Grand Island and Hastings airports set new records for coldest high temperatures on Jan. 13 and 14. The new Jan. 13 record is now 2 below in Hastings and 1 below in Grand Island. The new Jan. 14 marks are 3 below in Grand Island and 2 below in Hastings.
On Jan. 15, the Hastings airport tied the days record low temperature of 11 below, first reached in 1972.
The next day, the Hastings airport tied the record low temperature for Jan. 16. That mark, of 12 below, was first recorded in 1930.
In the cold weather, officers have to deal with a problem not familiar to many members of the public.
For Grand Island police, the number of normal calls for service have been considerably lower over the last week and a half.
But officers have been busier assisting motorists, and dealing with traffic accidents and parking issues.
Officers want to keep their patrol vehicles warm, so that the vehicle doesnt ice up, making it difficult to see out the windows. It gets hot in those vehicles, said GIPD Capt. Dean Elliott.
But because they have to go outside regularly, the officers dress in layers.
So driving around town on a cold day, its hard to stay comfortable inside a patrol unit.
Sometimes, depending on the circumstance, you might see a police officer driving around with his window down, Elliott said.
STEM Education
STEM Forward Program to Take Students on a Virtual STEM Tour of Japan with Olympian Katy Ledecky
Panasonic North America, Discovery Education, and Olympic and World Champion Katy Ledecky will team up to take students in middle and high school on a second virtual tour through the educational program STEM Forward.
The Innovators for Impact virtual tour will visit a "future forward" region of Japan focusing on using technology to make daily life better. Students will hear from Panasonic's STEM experts about innovations in robotics, smart mobility solutions, sustainable smart towns, re-energized solar power, and 100% renewable energy in a fun and engaging way, Panasonic said.
The tour will premiere on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. EST. Signups are available on Discovery Education's STEM Forward page. Those interested can watch a trailer for the tour, and educators can download a pdf guide.
This will be three-time Olympian, 21-time World Champion and 10-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer Ledecky's second virtual tour. An avid STEM advocate, Ledecky helped launch the STEM Forward virtual tours in 2022 with a visit to five Panasonic Innovation Centers in North America. The program has reached 10,000 educators and over 628,000 students since its inception, Panasonic said.
"Any opportunity I have in life to inspire educators and students to live more sustainably, I'm going to take it," Ledecky said. "It was exciting to explore Panasonic's innovations in its global headquarters in Japan and then be able to share that experience to help engage educators and students. From solar power to smart mobility, furthering STEM education and providing equal access to students can help today's youth realize their impact."
"We are proud to continue to work alongside Katie Ledecky to show today's educators and learners how they can have a positive impact on the world through STEM," said Megan Myungwon Lee, Panasonic North America CEO.
Visit Panasonic's STEM Forward page to learn more about the program.
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COLUMBIA Gov. Henry McMaster was joined by Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers and Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Duane Parrish in appointing three South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2024.
This is the 10th year of the program, which was created in 2014 to highlight South Carolina as a destination for great food. Chef ambassadors represent the state through food festivals and other promotional opportunities, sharing South Carolinas culinary traditions, agricultural heritage and undiscovered places with the world.
The Chef Ambassador program celebrates two important sectors of our booming economy agribusiness and tourism," McMaster said. Our states outstanding culinary talent contributes to the rich cultural heritage and quality of life that makes South Carolina unique and attractive to all. Our newest class of chef ambassadors represent our mountains, Midlands and coast, adding to the top-tier talent that this program has spotlighted over the past 10 years.
South Carolina chef ambassadors support the states farmers by using Certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, seafood and other farm-fresh foods in their own ways.
South Carolinas food culture is second to none and farmers make it all possible, Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said. Im impressed by how each and every chef ambassador over the past 10 years has supported local food and forged relationships with farmers, and I look forward to working with this talented new class.
From a tourism perspective, one of the most beneficial aspects of this program is that its allowed us to showcase the diversity of South Carolinas flavors and destinations through the authentic, first-person perspective of our chefs, said Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
From their signature dishes to the cities and towns they passionately represent, over the past decade, our chef ambassadors have helped enhance and amplify our culinary reputation with audiences around the world. I know our 2024 class will continue that tradition.
The 2024 South Carolina Chef Ambassadors are:
Chef Leslie Rohland
The Cottage Cafe Bakery & Tea Room/Bluffton
As founder, owner and head chef/baker at The Cottage Cafe, Bakery & Tea Room, Chef Leslie serves up innovative cuisine and Southern hospitality in Old Town Bluffton. After the success of The Cottage, she opened May River Coffee Roasters, The Juice Hive, SideCar Catering, and The Bluffton Pasta Shoppe, all committed to offering fresh, local cuisine.
Chef Michael Sibert
Anonymous Burgers/Greer
A Greenwood native and alumnus of Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of the Carolinas, Chef Michael trained in New Orleans before moving to Greer, where he has headed up high-end establishments for more than a decade. Chef Michael opened Anonymous Burgers in Cartwright Food Hall in 2023.
Chef Javier Uriarte
Ratio/Elgin
Chef Javier gained his culinary experience in DC-area restaurant kitchens before moving to Columbia in 2013. He is chef and owner of Ratio in the Kershaw County/Northeast Columbia region, a tapas-style restaurant influenced by Chef Javiers Peruvian background and Southern comfort food.
GREENVILLE -- Tesla will open a regional distribution center in Fountain Inn in Greenville County in early 2024, another promising development in support of the automotive and EV economy of the Upstate and South Carolina. The center is believed to mark Teslas first major investment in operations in South Carolina.
The inaugural Tesla facility in the Palmetto State will be situated in Fox Hill Business Park -- the business and industrial park which came online in 2020 as the first major business park developed in Greenville County in well over a decade.
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Fox Hill Business Park, located on 172 acres in the City of Fountain Inn, is being developed by The Sudler Companies, a family- and veteran-owned and operated development firm based in Chatham, New Jersey. The Tesla facility in Greenville County will mark the second such venture between Tesla and The Sudler Companies in 2023, the duo having announced a similar project near Tampa, Florida, in 2023.
Teslas commitment to Fox Hill Business Park in Greenville County is a testament to the continued strength of our companys partnership with Tesla and to the indisputable drivers that make the park and the Upstate a force in the logistics world, said Brian Sudler, Principal with The Sudler Companies. Access to world-class labor, a friendly business environment, quality of life and proximity to more than 90 million people within one days drive combine to make Greenville County the vital and dynamic area it is known to be.
Teslas work in Greenville will focus strictly on distribution of vehicle parts regionally and will not include manufacturing, officials report. Tesla will absorb all of Fox Hills Building 3, comprised of 251,100 square feet. Depending on final development strategies, the Fox Hill Business Park campus can accommodate up to 2.5 million square feet of manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing activity across multiple buildings.
Total investment and planned job additions by Tesla have not been made public. Late in 2023, Tesla posted a hiring notice for a Training Leader to support and train employees at the new facility in Greenville County.
A company focused on accelerating the worlds transition to sustainable energy, Tesla is committed to building a world powered by solar energy, running on batteries, and transported by electric vehicles that charge with clean energy. Tesla vehicles are rated among the safest in the world while its engineers are committed to making Tesla vehicles that are the most fun you could possibly have in a vehicle. Tesla operates six vertically integrated factories across three continents and employs over 100,000 employees who design, build, sell and service Tesla products in-house.
The Tesla announcement is the latest major announcement for Fox Hill, which also saw the recent addition of Sage Parts Plus, a global leader in replacement parts for aviation ground support equipment. Sage Parts opened new distribution operations in Fox Hill Business Park in mid-2023, leasing a 103,049-square-foot building to accommodate distribution operations along with its new global headquarters that houses its leadership team, purchasing, finance, customer service, HR, product management, and other support departments.
Fox Hill Business Park features immediate access to I-385, I-85, the Inland Port, and Greenville Spartanburg International Airport. A short drive to the Port of Charleston and the Inland Port in Greer, it offers easy access to the booming Southeasts hubs of industry and commerce.
The Sudler Companies are a vertically integrated development firm that includes construction and property management departments and owns and manages over 12 million square feet of commercial real estate across America.
The addition of the Tesla brand to Greenvilles business ecosystem is another example of the important role that speculative development plays in todays competitive environment, and exactly why Greenville County was so supportive of The Sudler Companies and Fox Hill Business Park, said Kevin Landmesser, Interim CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. Our market is extremely strong thanks to quality investment by organizations like The Sudler Companies, and we will continue to support site development to attract more high-quality companies to Greenville County.
Tesla is changing the automotive industry in America and abroad, Landmesser noted. The addition of Tesla to Greenville County can help raise income levels for our area and create quality jobs. We welcome Teslas addition to our community.
We are excited that Tesla has chosen to call Fountain Inn home for their first facility in South Carolina, stated City of Fountain Inn Mayor GP McLeer. This facility will not only create local jobs that will support families, but it also helps many of our region's existing suppliers get their products to one of the nation's most innovative automotive companies more efficiently. We continue to be proud of our community's expanding role in the automotive industry and are excited to see Tesla begin operations.
South Carolina Oak to Barrel CEO and owner Eddie Hill said he hopes the company can rebuild and remain in Bamberg following the tornado that destroyed his whiskey barrel-making facility.
We like Bamberg. Y'all have been good to us. Hill said Thursday.
He was at the site to assess the damage to SC Oak to Barrel, which opened in Bamberg less than two years ago and has approximately 40 employees.
The tornado hit downtown Bamberg on Jan. 9 with estimated winds of about 125 mph, which makes it a strong EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. It caused extensive structural damage in the town but no one was injured.
Oak to Barrel General Manager David Hutto had a frighteningly close call.
Minutes after dismissing his employees, the tornado shattered windows and ripped the roof off the building. Hutto had no choice but to hunker down in a corner. Once it was safe to do so, he climbed out of what had once been a window.
Hill said they have insurance on the building, but the most important thing is that everyone is safe.
The buildings and stuff can be replaced. That just costs money. But the loss of life cannot be replaced. And thats where the miracle comes in, Hill said.
Hill was joined Thursday by city and county officials, including Mayor Nancy Foster, County Council Chairman Evert Comer Jr. and County Council members Spencer Donaldson and Jonathan Goodman, County Administrator Joey Preston, Sheriff Kenneth Bamberg and Police Chief James Smoak.
City and county leaders assured Hill they will do everything in their power to help with the rebuilding process.
County Administrator Joey Preston offered to assist in securing storage and office space for the company.
You guys helped put Bamberg on the map. There has been so much excitement around this company, and we want to keep you here, Preston said.
Mayor Nancy Foster was visibly relieved when Hill declared his intention to keep the facility in Bamberg if possible, stating, Thank you so much we need you, and our citizens need these jobs.
She plans to meet with the South Carolina Alliance of Economic Development to seek assistance on SC Oak to Barrels behalf.
County Council Chairman Evert Comer Jr. stated that despite the property loss, Thankfully, we are still here and must face the reality of rebuilding and move forward.
We are grateful SC Oak to Barrel invested in the Bamberg community almost two years ago, and we will support them in every way we can and also seek assistance from our regional, state and federal partners.
The Calhoun County Sheriffs Office is asking for help finding the person who killed a St. Matthews man four years ago.
Cori Javon Matthews is somebodys son, hes somebodys brother and hes somebodys father, Sheriff Thomas Summers said Thursday.
Matthews, 30, was shot and killed in the yard of his parents Calhoun Road home. Someone fired multiple times into his vehicle on the night of Jan. 27, 2020.
Investigators have followed leads from Georgia to New York developing several persons of interest in what is believed to be an orchestrated murder, Summers said.
Summers said new evidence is leading investigators to believe that the person responsible for Matthews death may also be involved in the following Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office cases:
Dec, 4, 2019: Shadowlawn Drive, Orangeburg, someone in a silver sedan shot at two people
Jan. 5, 2020: Presidential Drive, Orangeburg, a woman was shot in her leg while she was inside her apartment
Jan. 20, 2020: Nimmons Road, Orangeburg, a drive-by shooting took place
Summers said he knows someone knows something.
Hes asking people with information on the crimes to speak with investigators to hold the ones accountable for this heinous crime and to help bring justice to the victims family.
Summers said he will continue to hunt for the people responsible for the murder.
We are very close to getting the correct suspects who are responsible for Matthews death, Summers said.
A Calhoun County Sheriffs Office press release said a cash reward will be offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for Matthews death.
Anyone with information about Matthews death or the three listed Orangeburg County shootings is asked to call the Calhoun County Sheriffs Offices investigation division at 803-874-9111.
Tips may also be reported through the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office website at www.ccso.sc.gov by selecting the submit a tip badge on the website.
Anonymous tips can be provided.
Dating reality show gives travel inspiration to global viewers with growing popularity
By Lee Hae-rin
JEJU ISLAND The latest season of the Netflixs Korean original Singles Inferno created a buzz with a bolder lineup of charming young Korean singles tasked with finding romantic partners.
Like in the previous seasons, their only way to escape from the uninhabited island Inferno is to become a couple. Every day, the contestants are given a chance to become a couple and helicopter out to a luxurious hotel named Paradise, where they can share their age and profession and get to know each other through dates.
Upon its premiere on Dec. 12, 2023, the third season of the smash-hit dating reality show became a global sensation, hitting the global top 10 charts of the streaming giant in 36 countries, including Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand and Canada.
The first two seasons, which each garnered around 6 million viewing hours, became a travel inspiration for many inbound tourists to visit Paradise City Hotel in Incheon, Koreas third-largest city.
This time, the Paradise of the third season, which ended with a bigger success last week with 95.5 million hours, is at the Grand Hyatt Jeju, a hotel in the southern resort island that prides itself as the largest Grand Hyatt property in the Asia-Pacific region.
The hotel is one of three major parts of Jeju Dream Tower, the first urban integrated resort in the country. The other two parts are a foreigner-only casino and a shopping mall named HAN Collection.
Just 10 minutes away from the airport, the landmark property stands 169 meters tall in the city center's Nohyeong-dong neighborhood, which is also known as the Gangnam of Jeju. It is the tallest and largest skyscraper on the island, opened by Lotte Tour Development in December 2020.
The integrated resort boasts exceptional panoramic views thanks to the rest of the region's 55-meter altitude restriction that the self-governing province imposes on buildings for landscape conservation of nearby Mount Halla. In the series, the coupled contestants marvel at panoramic views from the hotel featuring ocean, city, mountain and airport.
The filming took place in the 195-meter square diplomatic suite on the top floor. The room was big enough for contestants to stroll around inside after dinner, as if they were walking in a park.
On the top floor, the room is equipped with iconic pieces of the French high-end furniture brand Roche Bobois and a huge bathtub. Guests are provided with welcome food, a room-service breakfast made of seasonal local ingredients and a private butler throughout the stay to provide requested services.
The outdoor infinity pool on the sixth floor was the location of the show's iconic scene where sparking tension grew among cast members. Heated and open until midnight throughout all four seasons, the pool is a photo hotspot with breathtaking sunset and nighttime views.
Under the theme of modern Korean lifestyle, the hotel also offers a wide range of food and beverage facilities in its 14 restaurants and bars for young and trend-sensitive free independent travelers (FIT) whose share of inbound tourism is growing to outnumber group tourists.
The hotel features fine dining encompassing Korean, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisines made by global star chefs, where couples in the series had romantic dinner dates.
Meanwhile, at the top of the hotel building on the 38th floor is Pocha, a restaurant offering a variety of street food delicacies, local liquor and soju cocktails at reasonable prices with unhampered, picturesque views of the island. Pocha in Korean refers to a tent restaurant street food and beverages are sold.
With around 60 percent of its guests being foreign nationals, the hotel provides language services in English, simplified and traditional Chinese and Japanese via tablet devices throughout the entire resort.
The integrated resort also vitalized the neighborhood with an influx of foreign travelers seeking Korean food experiences, according to the hotel officials. The food alley next to the tower boasts a growing number and range of trendy and local restaurants, coffee shops and bars that are worth exploring.
The southern island expects to see a surge in the number of international visitors with the resumption and expansion of flights connecting it with cities of other countries in Asia.
In January, the number of direct flights between Jeju and Bejing, Taipei and Macao have increased to three, seven and two weekly flights, respectively.
The island now also has direct flights to Chinas Nanjing, Ningbo, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, Pudong and Hangzhou, as well as Singapore, Hong Kong and the Japanese city of Osaka.
AIKEN -- Twenty-two apprentices earned their Nuclear Fundamentals Technology Certificate from Denmark Technical College after graduating from the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Nuclear Operator Program.
Designed to fill vacancies for mission-critical positions, the program has successfully transitioned three apprenticeship cohorts into full-time roles at the Savannah River Site.
Nuclear grads With Shanterra Hughes, third from left, a graduate of the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program at Denmark
The Nuclear Fundamentals Program provides an earn while you learn opportunity that gives students the chance to provide for their families while supporting SRS goals and missions, said David Jackson, SRS Apprenticeship School Program Lead. It is a great feeling to know we are changing the lives of these students and aiding in the expansion of our workforce through the apprenticeship pipeline.
Since 2020, SRNS has strengthened its apprenticeship pipeline after establishing its first partnership with Aiken Technical College. In May 2021, SRNS mirrored the program with DTC, a two-year college that primarily serves Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale communities.
Denmark Tech graduates will now be able to continue their full-time jobs at SRS, where they will apply their newly acquired skills to become fully-qualified nuclear operators, said Willie L. Todd Jr., Ph.D., DTC president and CEO. This is a great partnership where our students can advance in their future careers and earn a credit that can be applied at SRS or transferred to pursue higher education opportunities.
The eight-month program allows students to spend two days a week at SRS, shadowing industry leaders, and two days a week at DTC for classroom instruction. DTC provides apprentices compensation for training hours, as well as full academic and financial support. Classroom courses include a knowledge base of applied chemistry for nuclear industry, integrated physics, nuclear physics, industrial instrumentation, hydraulics and pneumatics, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
The site has a great need for apprentices in numerous job sectors to fufill our missions in national security and defense, said Dorian Newton, Ph.D., SRNS deputy director, site training. Over 91% of our apprentices transition into full-time positions at the Site so we are extremely proud of the strides weve made with our partnering institutions.
Shanterra Hughes, who earned her nuclear fundamentals certificate, believes the program set her up for future success at SRS.
It is truly amazing to know I can provide for my family and make a difference for my country, Hughes said. The apprenticeship program helped me build the foundation of knowledge that I will continue to improve on as I transition into my facility position supporting national security missions. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity with SRNS and Denmark Tech.
The Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program is part of Apprenticeship Carolina, a division of the South Carolina Technical College System, which leads South Carolina in registered apprenticeship programs. With the guidance of AC, as well as the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, the nuclear operator apprenticeship program is registered with the state and nationally.
DTC remains committed to providing specialty training in apprenticeship occupations that meet the SRS workforce needs. Plans are underway to add additional associate degree programs in radiological control technology and applied mechatronics technology.
Our partnership with DTC continues to be a valuable tool to secure high-paying careers across the site, Newton said. Since 2020, nearly 350 apprentices have transitioned into our organization through our partnering institutions. It is important for our team to continue to add additional apprenticeship occupations to meet this need.
For questions regarding the application process for the SRNS apprenticeship program, contact SRS Apprenticeship and Pipeline Training Program Manager BooBoo Roberts at booboo.roberts@srs.gov.
A regional organization is asking for $4.5 million from the state to rehabilitate houses for low- to moderate-income homeowners.
There are a lot of problems with the federal program, Lower Savannah Council of Governments Executive Director Bill Molnar told the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation during its Jan. 8 meeting.
We have issues trying to get that money out, he said.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides money to the state for housing needs, with much of that going to the S.C. State Housing Finance and Development Authority. The authority distributes the money to counties.
Federal regulations require homes to be 100 percent brought up to code if they receive money for repairs, Molnar said. Many people just need a new roof or a ramp placed in their house, he said.
Having to bring the home up to code can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The LSCOG only receives about $1 million a year, meaning the organization has capped how much it spends on a home at about $50,000.
He also noted that federal regulations do not allow contractors to cross county lines to do such work.
Feds do not allow us to do a lot of different things, Molar said. It is extremely frustrating.
To free up more money to help with rehabilitation projects, Molar requested about $4.5 million be provided to the three councils of government in the state that handle home rehabilitation. These include the LSCOG, Lowcountry and Santee-Lynches.
Molnar requested the money be split three ways about $1.5 million each over a three-year period.
We are going to be able to work on things we normally can't work on: one of those things is mobile homes, Molnar said. Feds don't allow me to work on mobile homes.
Molnar says he is looking to use the $1.5 million to provide a match for federal funds.
Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said some money is not being spent because of federal regulations requiring homes be brought up to code.
That is the rule: that if we going to expend money it needs to be all brought up to code, but they are not giving us enough money to do it, Hutto said. Some of these homes that are built years and years ago, it just doesn't make sense to put that much money into it, but you can extend the useful life of the house for $10,000 and $20,000.
Molnar said if the money is approved, low- to moderate-income residents could being applying for the funding in January 2025.
He plans to meet with state's congressional delegation in March about the challenges with the federal program.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, said many mobile homes in the county should not have been permitted because they are out of code.
I am leery about adding dollars to an existing problem, Cobb-Hunter said. I am not sure that that is a wise use of funding.
Cobb-Hunter asked Molnar to talk with her about working with the State Housing Finance Authority to address some of the challenges.
Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, said if state money is allocated, its crucial to upgrade the homes to make them more energy efficient. He noted many low- to moderate-income individuals struggle with high electric bills, making it difficult for them to do any needed home repairs.
In other matters, Harvey Elwood Jr., operator of WOCS 93.7 FM in Orangeburg, requested the delegation support the station's efforts to start a television channel.
Elwood requested about $104,000 of state money to help fund a staff of four for the channel that will cover Orangeburg, Calhoun, Bamberg and Dorchester counties.
If I get a chance to do it, it is something we have never seen here before, Elwood said. I promise you it will be great.
The delegation took the request under advisement.
Last year, Elwood requested about $250,000 in state money, but the request was vetoed by the governor.
Elwood said he has about $125,000 on hand but is waiting on approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for about $500,000.
Elwood has also requested money from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, though Elwood said the SCRC has frozen funding requests at the moment.
Elwood said he will be able to broadcast on Spectrum, AT&T, Dish Network, DirectTV and YouTube within the next three weeks.
We have purchased the equipment we need one is a transponder and one is an encoder. Each one of these is a little over $6,000, Elwood said. That is helping us to get the programs on the air.
Cobb-Hunter encouraged Elwood not to give up on his request and to reach out to the governor to see if he would accept his request.
Cobb-Hunter also encouraged Elwood to connect with South Carolina Educational Television for a potential partnership. Elwood said he would follow up.
The Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 8. The meeting will be held at the Orangeburg County Council Chambers at 1437 Amelia Street in Orangeburg.
Casper College has released a draft of its 2024-2027 strategic plan. Before it goes fully into effect, though, the college is asking for public comment.
The colleges strategic plan draft focuses on five branches: student enrollment, retention and success; program development and innovation; community outreach and educational partnerships; employee engagement; and perceived value of higher education. Each branch has three goals under it, and under that are strategies: things like Increase college collaboration with local and state-wide events, (i.e. Skills USA, Governors Business Forum, etc.) under the community outreach and educational partnerships branch.
Community members can give input via a Google Form or via email at strategicplanning@caspercollege.edu.
The colleges last strategic plan had simply reached the end of its usefulness, President Darren Divine told the Star-Tribune in an interview. It had run from 2018-2023. It was time for something new.
This time around, theyre shortening the lifespan to three years. The reason? Higher education isnt necessarily what it used to be.
A lot can happen in five years, right? Divine said. Meaning, conditions change. You think about COVID and funding levels, things like that.
Another trend that Divine has seen is how various areas of society are questioning the value of higher ed. That means, he said, that since COVID, many people have reconsidered whether they believe college is really necessary or how much they truly value seeking a form of higher education. They might seek out on-the-job training or other, shorter programs to try to get where they need to be. The committee spent time discussing that in preparation for this plan draft, he said.
What I would say is one of the trends in higher education is trying to, oh, lets call it bridge that gap, he said, and help students and employers understand that it doesnt have to be an either/or.
Two of the strategies under the proposed plan are expanding apprenticeship opportunities beyond the electrical and plumbing programs, and providing opportunities for students studying different disciplines to collaborate.
Divine and a committee of board members, faculty, staff and administrators started talking about creating a new plan last spring. Then it was a matter of reviewing the old plan, thinking about national and regional trends in higher education, focusing attention on where ideas and input merged and then considering priorities. The discussion led to the posted draft, which went up on the colleges website earlier this week.
Casper College had 4,614 students enrolled for the 2022-2023 school year, its website says. In the 2017-2018 school year, it had 5,034.
As far as the future goes, Divine said that one of the colleges more immediate goals is figuring out ways to keep people in Wyoming post-grad.
... helping to create an economy that keeps people in Wyoming, he said. By that I mean that you have a robust set of jobs and opportunities in the state that, whether its people getting out of school, or people that may have gotten out earlier and (are) maybe looking to come back, that we keep Wyoming attractive to a wide variety of folks.
He referenced what is colloquially called the brain drain: people who are educated in Wyoming and then take their talents to another state. What they want to do instead is to help create opportunities in Wyoming, he noted.
But before anything concrete is put into place, Divine said, he wants to hear what the community has to say.
One of the critical ways that strategic plans dont get traction and dont do as well as they should or arent as helpful as they should, is not getting enough input, he said.
The public comment period closes on Feb. 2.
Editors Note: An earlier version of this story listed incorrect numbers for Casper Colleges enrollment in the 2017-2018 school year. The Star-Tribune regrets this error.
The Bureau of Land Management on Wednesday released a draft proposal to update its Western Solar Plan, a strategic roadmap for solar energy development that could make as much as 22 million acres of federal land eligible for utility-scale projects. The updated proposal incorporates lands in five additional Western states counting Wyoming, which is identified as a top 10 U.S. state for solar potential.
Its the latest in the Biden Administrations hot pursuit of renewables, and it underscores the pivotal intersection of public lands and solar energy in the administrations target to reach a 100% clean electric grid by 2035. The release comes in tandem with announcements from the Interior Department of newly approved or completed solar projects in California, Nevada, and Arizona, bringing thousands more clean megawatts online in a threshold year when renewable electricity for the first time on record is expected to surpass coal-fired power generation.
While the solar sector is poised to reach new heights, some are concerned the Cowboy State is missing the market train as a combination of legislative and regulatory circumstances have kept Wyoming 43rd in the nation for solar energy production, with less than 1% of its total generation coming from solar.
Furthermore, recent land-use debates suggest the states interest in solar is still tepid. For instance, Gov. Mark Gordons Task Force on the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan did not reach a favorable recommendation for renewable energy development projects on public lands in Wyomings southwest.
Albeit, that could change if the BLMs Western Solar Plan delivers on its intention to streamline siting processes while opening up new lands. The draft proposal includes five separate alternatives, which each emphasize a different priority, ranging from transmission line proximity to environmental impact. The BLMs preferred alternative aims for something in the middle.
What youll see in the preferred alternative is that our goal is to drive development to areas of high solar energy potential, with fewer conflicts with other land uses, and that are close to transmission lines and have less environmental impact overall, BLM Director Tracey Stone-Manning said during a press call Wednesday.
The update comes 11 years after the last Western Solar Plan, and kicks off a 90 day public comment period that gives stakeholders a chance to weigh in on the separate alternatives.
Stone-Manning explained that public lands are a vital tool in the administrations clean energy agenda, but added that the agency must still abide by its charge to promote sustainable yields for multiple-uses and that all proposed solar projects will undergo specific environmental reviews with additional processes of review and stakeholder input.
And some stakeholders are already on alert.
We recognize that public lands in the west provide important options to help meet the nations renewable energy needs, Jon Holst, wildlife and energy senior advisor for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said in a statement. Our public lands also contain critical unfragmented habitats for fish and wildlife populations that offer world class hunting and angling opportunities. We will be looking at the details of this draft plan to make sure that the interests of hunters and anglers are incorporated.
Analysis from the National Renewable Energy Lab suggests feds will need to permit around 700,000 acres of public lands for solar development in order to reach net zero goals over the next 20 years; rule of thumb holds that one gigawatt of capacity can be generated for every 5,000 permitted acres.
The BLMs preferred alternative would make approximately 22 million acres of land open for solar application giving maximum flexibility to reach our clean energy goals, said Interior Department Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis.
ENERGY Minister Stuart Young has taken umbrage at comments made by Ronald Harford, former chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, as he boasted about the success of the energy sector.
Young said whenever somebody becomes a former, their mouth gets big, as he quoted from an article in Fridays Express report where Harford made critical comments.
A new camera system is being installed along this countrys roadways with the aim of tackling traffic congestion and reducing the countrys crime.
This was said yesterday by Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan, who spoke with the media at the intersection of the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway and Golden Grove Road in Piarco.
The United States will take North Korea's military space capability "seriously" if it has elements enabling the North's ability to conduct warfare, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday, amid concerns about Pyongyang's pursuit of space-based military capabilities.
Pyongyang has claimed to have successfully launched its first military spy satellite in November and vowed to launch three more this year apparently as part of its efforts to secure space-based intelligence-gathering capabilities.
"As far as the idea of North Korea as a threat from space, if there are things that enable their ability to do a war fight, that is a thing that we take seriously and track and build into our plans," John Plumb, the first assistant secretary of defense for space policy, told reporters.
Plumb was responding to a question about the Pentagon's assessment of the North's space capabilities and how to deter the North's potential space-domain threats.
He highlighted that there is a "host of problems" from North Korea, including its ballistic missile programs and violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions. But he noted that as most nations seek access to space, it is not clear that just launching a satellite constitutes a threat.
"It's also not clear that launching a satellite that may not have capabilities to measure what you can buy in the commercial market constitutes a threat either," he added.
Observers said that the North appears intent to secure intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets as it is far behind the allies in ISR capabilities despite its focus on developing an array of formidable weapons systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear arms. (Yonhap)
With ten people murdered between Thursday and Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley took to Facebook yesterday to assure citizens that State agencies will not give up the fight to rid our streets and other places of the evil that is now widespread as a gun culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
And in a voice note to the media, Commissioner of Police Erla Christopher said, We are determined to dismantle criminal gangs and make a difference in transforming impacted communities.
UniSource Energy Services electric customers in Santa Cruz and Mohave counties will see an average monthly home bill increase of nearly $14, or about 12%, after state regulators approved the companys first general rate increase in more than seven years.
The five-member Arizona Corporation Commission voted 4-1 on Wednesday, Jan. 17, to approve an amended rate request, which includes a $2 increase to the fixed basic monthly residential service charge.
And UniSource will be able to start recovering some costs of new system investments, under a controversial new surcharge approved as part of the case.
The new rates will increase the average monthly bills of typical residential customers by $13.68, or 11.9% when new rates take effect Feb. 1.
The increase is an annualized average, so customers should expect that the impact will be higher in hotter months and lower when the weather is cooler.
Residential customers will see much larger percentage bill increases than business customers, as Arizona regulators in recent years have directed utilities to adjust revenue allocations to reduce business subsidies of home ratepayers.
Under the new UniSource rates, the average bill for typical business customers on the utility's Small and Medium General Service rates will increase by 5.8%, while Large General Service pricing plans will increase by 7%.
The rate request was approved by the ACCs Republican majority, Chairman Jim OConnor and members Nick Myers, Kevin Thompson and Lea Marquez Peterson, with the sole dissenting vote by the panels lone Democrat, Anna Tovar.
UniSource, a sister company to Tucson Electric Power Co. that serves about 19,000 electric customers in Santa Cruz County and 80,000 in Mohave County, had requested new rates that would boost the average monthly home bill for customers on the basic rate by about 14%, or $18.52.
UniSource said it needs higher rates to recover millions of dollars in system investment and higher operating costs since its last rate case in 2015.
The company did not oppose a rate increase recommended by an administrative law judge that would have resulted in an average monthly home bill increase of $13.71 and accepted a smaller allowable return on equity, a key profit measure, that slightly reduced the bill impact.
The $2 increase in the fixed basic monthly charge would raise that charge to $17 for home customers on the basic rate plan and to $14 for customers on time-of-use or demand-charge rates.
No relief
UniSources low-income customers wont see any relief under the new rates.
UniSource had proposed increasing the flat, monthly discount on its low-income rate plans by $2, to $18, and later agreed to a $4 increase in the discount, to match what regulators approved last year for TEP.
That move was supported by Wildfire, an Arizona nonprofit advocate for low-income communities, though the commission rejected the groups proposals to create a tiered discount based on income levels to better help the neediest households, or a 25% overall bill discount.
But commission member Nick Myers, a Queen Creek Republican, successfully pushed an amendment to keep the low-income discount at $16 monthly and was joined by Commission Chairman Jim OConnor and member Kevin Thompson.
That move was opposed by Tovar and Marquez Peterson, a Tucson Republican, who said more relief for low-income customers was needed.
We cannot keep adopting double-digit rate increases without also adjusting the low-income customer programs to keep pace, Tovar said in remarks echoed by Peterson.
I think we continue to need relief for low-income families, things are tougher now for folks certainly than during the last rate case, said Peterson.
UniSources Customer Assistance Residential Energy Support (CARES) program offers discounts to customers with household incomes of up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or $5,000 monthly income for a four-person household.
The company said in filings that a $2 increase to the discount would cost other customers about 10 to 15 cents per month. About 10% of the utilitys customers are on the discount rate, for which they must reapply annually.
New system charge
The ACC also approved UES request for a new System Reliability Benefit, or SRB, allowing the utility to collect a special surcharge to start recovering major system improvement costs between rate cases.
The company said it needed the new surcharge, which would apply to new generating projects costing at least $25 million, to help it add new generating assets and reduce its current 40% reliance on wholesale-power purchases.
UniSource said the SRB would help reduce large bill impacts for projects by avoiding piling up costs until the next general rate case, and reduce customer costs in the long run by reducing exposure to high wholesale power costs.
The company cited a similar mechanism approved by the ACC several years ago to help small water companies to replace aging infrastructure, partly to avoid the high cost of general rate filings.
The commissions Utilities Division staff and an administrative law judge had recommended approval of the new charge, which includes an efficiency credit of 5% of a system investments cost that would reduce the revenues required for each project until they can be incorporated into the next rate case.
UniSource must still seek ACC approval for each SRB, which are limited to one annually and a total of five between rate cases.
But the Residential Utility Consumer Office, a state agency that represents home ratepayers in rate cases, has opposed the charge, noting that the ACC rejected TEPs request for a similar charge in its rate decision last August on grounds it needed more study and stakeholder consultation.
Daniel Pozefsky, RUCOs chief counsel, said the new SRB would allow UniSource to accelerate its cost recovery at the expense of customers while avoiding the kind of in-depth scrutiny the commission gives major plant investments during general rate cases.
Tovar said she appreciated the companys economic argument but was skeptical it would save money.
Where the wheels fell off for me with the SRB is the fact the company cannot equivocally say this will save customers money when compared to the current approach to (cost) recovery, she said.
Tovar was joined by OConnor in voting for an amendment to drop the SRB from the final rate order, but the move failed on a 2-3 vote.
I believe UNSE (UniSource) is in a unique position, and this SRB provides a tool which will help it reduce the reliance on wholesale markets, which is in the long-term best interest of the ratepayers, Marquez Peterson said in explaining her supporting vote.
Cutting efficiency
UniSource had sought to update and increase its offering of energy efficiency programs, which havent been updated in eight years, and to raise a small surcharge used to pay for programs such as rebates for things like high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, pool pumps and lighting.
Such programs have been shown to lower long-term energy costs by reducing demand, while saving individual customers money. State energy-efficiency rules initially adopted in 2010 and updated in 2020 require state-regulated utilities to implement enough energy-efficiency measures by 2030 to equal 35% of their 2020 peak demand.
The company had proposed increasing the bill surcharge that funds those programs from $0.0015 (one tenth and five hundredths) of a cent per kilowatt-hour of power usage to just over $0.0025 per kWh, resulting in an average home bill increase of about 96 cents monthly, and proposed a total budget of about $14 million over three years.
But that plan, recommended by ACC staff and an administrative law judge, was rejected under a successful amendment proposed by Thompson to keep the surcharge the same, and cut the approved program length to one year.
An official of a nonprofit group that advocates for energy-efficiency policies noted that the UniSource surcharge was last set in 2013 and the programs fall well short of need and demand.
Current customer demand for these programs will continue to far outpace the amount of money the company is allowed to collect from customers in order to service customers to provide this relief, Caryn Potter, Arizona representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, told the commission.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has received a nearly unanimous vote of no confidence from a union representing deputies that cited years of frustration at the lack of competent leadership and mismanagement.
In a post Tuesday afternoon on its Facebook page, the Pima County Deputys Organization says the no-confidence vote against Nanos passed by 98.8% among the 86 deputies of the more than 200 eligible members who responded to the poll. Only one deputy who responded rejected the no-confidence vote, according to Sgt. Aaron Cross, the unions president. Many deputies said they chose not to participate in the poll over concern about retribution, Cross said in a written statement.
The Pima County Deputys Organization was established in 2023, according to a news release posted Tuesday on Facebook.
Nanos said Wednesday afternoon that he does not believe PCDOs claim of representing over half of all deputies is accurate and that the group lacks dues-paying members.
In September 2023, the organization accused Nanos of delaying an internal investigation related to a former sergeants alleged sexual assault of a deputy during a Christmas party in 2022. The female deputy alleged that her lieutenant, captain and chief knew of the assault but that Nanos put an internal review of the way the incident was handled on hold.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors request for an outside agencys efforts were eventually approved, twice. In November, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes accepted the request, saying her agency will conduct a complete criminal investigation into the alleged actions taken by Nanos.
After the allegations were made, Nanos said an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct could have interfered in the criminal case, a claim the union says has purposefully confused the public in statements.
In February of 2023, we relayed to Sheriff Nanos, who cited low morale as a reason he ran for sheriff, a department morale poll of our members, which showed it to be near rock-bottom, the union says. Nanos ignored the polls, and responded with his usual management method: retaliation to force silence.
Among others, the group accused Nanos of creating a get out jail free card due to a new procedure at the Pima County jail.
Sheriff Nanos and his hand-picked team of senior commanders have created a toxic culture of incompetence and retaliation. Day by day it weakens our beloved agency and undermines our ability to serve our community in an effective manner, the union says. Until (change) happens, experienced deputies will continue to leave, criminals will continue to roam our streets, the public will continue to be underserved and inmates under our care will continue to be at risk.
Nanos denies the claims made by the union.
I dont think it exists and I dont know that they cant prove that it exists, he said. In 2021, I told all four organizations and the Fraternal Order of the Police I told them all, Im not going to seek their endorsement, thats not what this is about. If I do my job and I support my team, then I would hope they support me. And I believe thats very evident.
Nanos claims the only reason this group exists is because of failed attempts to get the other unions to go against me, and the other four said they wouldnt. Nanos cited regular pay raises and better staffing for support from other employee groups.
Nanos says the department has more than 1,500 employees. The department has 400 deputies and 67 sergeants, according to a PCSD official.
Im not here to make friends, Im here to provide for good work environment, provide for better pay for my staff, and more importantly, provide for safety for my community, Nanos said. Thats what the voters expect for me, thats what Ive given them.
After mounting public pressure and accusations of violating state law, the University of Arizona has put an indefinite pause on its plan to move parts of the historic Soleri Chapel.
Completed in 1986 by Paolo Soleri, a famed Italian architect and protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel was set to be taken apart and moved from the Arizona Cancer Center into a meditation hallway at the universitys new Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation launched a campaign in the fall of 2023 to preserve the chapel. The foundation also wrote that the UA was violating state law ARS 41-864 by neglecting to engage with stakeholders and failing to consult with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office.
The citys preservation foundation claimed that, by harvesting and moving only parts, the UA would essentially destroy the chapel.
After further discussions, the university is pausing indefinitely on this project, said Pam Scott, a spokeswoman for the UA. We want the community to know that we heard their concerns surrounding this move and appreciate the thoughtful feedback we received.
Over the next few months, the university will work with preservationists to make a recommendation on where the Soleri works are best positioned, including potentially staying in place, Scott said.
The universitys original plan was to move the chapels decorative bells, wall sculpture and five ceiling panels to the new space. The move, the UA stated at the time, was meant to highlight Mr. Soleris works in a new meditation room, where they will be more accessible.
For now, however, all pieces are staying put.
I was relieved to see that the university recognized the need to step back and put this on an indefinite pause, said Demion Clinco, president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation.
But with that said, we also continue to be concerned about the how the University of Arizona interprets the Arizona State Historic Preservation Act and how they see their role in managing and conserving our states historic assets that are under their purview.
The state law cited by Clinco mandates that the state historic preservation officer has 30 working days in which to review and comment on any plans of a state agency which involve property which is included or may qualify for inclusion on the Arizona register of historic places.
The Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation submitted a public records request to see emails shared between the UA and the state preservation officer. The emails, Clinco said, prove noncompliance with the states law.
Kathryn Leonard, the states historic preservation officer, sent repeated emails to UA officials working on the project to express her concern over the way the university was handling the chapel, according to the emails obtained by the records request.
Leonard called the UAs communications extremely troubling both for this project and for how the university views its responsibilities to consult with our office under relevant state statutes.
In an email sent Dec. 26, 2023, Leonard wrote that as it stands, and as a matter of record, the University of Arizona is non-compliant with the states Historic Preservation Act.
She also wrote that she had asked for sufficient information about the property multiple times and had yet to receive the necessary information.
Leonard did not respond to a request for comment, and the UAs comment on the pause did not include any information about claims of noncompliance with state law.
Just over two weeks after Leonard sent her email, the UA announced the projects pause.
One of the reasons the university wanted to move parts of the chapel was because the current location is now an office building, making the art inaccessible to most Tucsonans.
The foundation would like to see the chapel moved, too, Clinco said. It put up a fight, he said, because the university only planned to move parts of the chapel instead of the whole thing.
We really look forward to productive engagement with the University of Arizona in the coming months about a solution that would meet the new needs for the public to access the space and also protect the resource for future generations, he said.
Despite that, Clinco said his group has not yet been contacted by the university to help.
We actually havent engaged in any sort of formal process yet, he said. Our organization plans to continue to monitor this situation and the status of the chapel to make sure that this pause isnt discontinued.
Tucson Unified School District is selling its headquarters at 1010 E. 10th St. to a company intending to build a mixed-use development including multi-family housing.
The TUSD Governing Board voted 4-1 Tuesday night, with Sadie Shaw dissenting, to sell the property to MDL Development, LLC of Delaware for $17.5 million.
Shaw expressed concern the buyers would not work in concert with the neighborhood, in the citys Sunshine Mile Overlay District, which is undergoing transformations.
The sum is about $1 million less than the board had been told in November another company, Up Campus Properties, LLC, a Chicago-based developer of Hub high-rise apartment complexes, had offered. District officials did not say why that tentative plan changed.
TUSD also moved a step closer to buying the University of Arizona Service Annex and moving its headquarters there.
In another 4-1 vote Tuesday night, with Shaw dissenting, the Governing Board set into motion the $11.6 million purchase from UA. The property at 220 W. Sixth St. was formerly a Tucson Electric Power facility.
The deal will go before the Arizona Board of Regents for consideration in February.
TUSD will come out of the combined sale/purchase plans more than $1.3 million in the black.
Additionally, the district will avoid $7.4 million in repairs and improvements to the current administration building, known as 1010.
The districts $480 million bond issue, approved by voters in November, included money to renovate 1010, which houses the Morrow Education Center. Now, 1010s share will be redistributed to other projects, district leasing manager Bryant Nodine told the board.
Once the regents give the green light, TUSD will move quickly into the annex on Sixth Street, Nodine said. Some furnishings are included in the purchase.
The idea is closing as quickly as possible to allow us to get into the building and start renovations that need to be done, Nodine said.
Staff from Morrow, along with those who work at TUSDs Lee Instructional Resource Center at 2025 E. Winsett St., will relocate to the newly acquired property.
There is no need for a recount of Tucson election results that gave the mayor and council a big pay raise, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in an opinion Wednesday.
The state statute regarding election recounts, A.R.S. 16-661, does not apply to Proposition 413, which is now set to give Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and members of the city council their first pay raises since 1999, Mayes said in an opinion posted Wednesday on the Attorney Generals website.
A.R.S. 16-661s reference to automatic recounts of referred measures only encompasses statewide ballot measures and does not include municipal measures like Proposition 413. As such, no recount is required, Mayes said in her summary .
This was the same reasoning the city gave shortly after a potential recount was quickly nixed in mid-November following an extremely close race. They reversed course shortly after, following some criticism about the lack of a recount and turned to the state to get a clear answer.
A total of 94,014 votes were cast on Proposition 413. It passed by 289 votes, official results released in November showed.
This fell within the margins that trigger recounts, as set by state statutes. The law says a recount is required for any election with a margin of less than 1/2 of 1% (or any margin less than 0.5%).
However, the statute applies to statewide referred measures, not municipal measures, Mayes said Tuesday.
Viewed in isolation, referred measures would appear to encompass all potential referred ballot measures, including statewide, county, and municipal referred measures, because there is no indication in 16-661(A) itself that referred measures should be limited to certain levels of government. Under that view, 16-661(A) would apply to a municipal referred measure such as Proposition 413, Mayes said in her opinion.
However, the meaning of statutory text must be assessed in view of the entire text, considering the context and related statutes on the same subject and text should not be read in isolation, Mayes said. The statutes that follow 16-661 make clear that the term initiated or referred measures in the recount statutes refer only to statewide initiatives or measures. Put another way, the statutes do not contemplate recounts of local initiatives or referred measures.
A November news release sent by the city shared this opinion. It said a recount was not needed because the proposition is a local referred ballot measure that was called as a special election and administered as a special election. It went on to say state statutes that trigger recounts dont apply.
Raising the pay for mayor and council members will allow for more political newcomers to seek office in the future, Romero said Wednesday in a written statement.
Serving in public office is a privilege that is no longer limited to those who can afford to live on $24,000 for Council or $42,000 for Mayor, Romero said. The voters of Tucson passed Prop 413 that paves the way for everyday people, working class people, single heads of household, recent college grads, women and people of color to afford to run for elected office. The diversity of representation this enables will benefit all Tucsonans.
Prop. 413 increases the mayors annual salary from $42,000 to $97,750 and its six council members from $24,000 per year up to $76,500, a 130% and 220% boost, respectively.
These salaries, which have been in place since 1999, lagged behind Tucsons median household income of $48,058 according to U.S. Census data.
Prop. 413 also ties Tucsons elected officials annual income to the earnings of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, whose salaries are set to increase by $20,000 at the start of 2025 in accordance with state statute. That means the mayor and council salaries also could see another bump then.
Diplomats, overseas students among 196 newly-arrived escapees
By Jung Min-ho
Defections by members of the North Korean elite, such as diplomats and overseas students, increased in 2023 to the highest number in years, serving as a clear indication of growing discontent and division within the ruling class.
Officials at the Ministry of Unification told reporters on Thursday that around 10 such people were among 196 escapees who arrived here last year, adding that the details of their former job positions cannot be disclosed due to safety concerns. The total number also rose sharply from 67 in 2022 following North Koreas move to ease strict border restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korean diplomats, other officials and students based overseas were told to return last year as the pandemic situation entered a new phase, an official said.
Many must have found it unacceptable after experiencing what was like to live in the free world, knowing that the economic situation even worsened and internal controls strengthened in North Korea.
The recent policy shift in Pyongyang to decrease the number of diplomatic mission buildings in other countries might have influenced their choice to defect, as it implies potentially fewer opportunities to escape in the future, the official added.
The majority of defectors, nearly 85 percent, were women, with over half falling in the age range of their 20s or 30s. Approximately 72 percent had completed middle or high school, and around 70 percent said they resided in Hamgyong Province, located near the border with China.
A notable change in the recent pattern shown by North Koreans coming to the South is that many seek to do so after staying in third countries for years instead of coming directly from the North through China or Russia two countries it shares borders with.
Interestingly, an increasing number of escapees say their dissatisfaction with North Koreas economic and political systems was their No. 1 reason to flee. It rose to the top spot in both 2021 and 2022 surveys, officials said. Data for last year is not available yet. Previously, food shortages had been the top reason.
Their exposure to media content from other countries could play a role in changing their perception about North Korea, especially among young people, according to officials.
With North Korea expected to further ease its border restrictions in the coming months, the number of defectors will likely continue to swell to pre-pandemic levels. Before the global health crisis, more than 1,000 North Korean escapees arrived in South Korea every year.
This underscores the need for the ministry to be prepared, with one pressing task being the normalization of Hanawon, its adjustment and education center for North Korean escapees. In an interview with Munhwa Ilbo, a local paper, released on Wednesday, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho expressed his commitment to stepping up such efforts.
South Korea has a longstanding policy of accepting any North Korean defector who wants to live here. So far, the government in Seoul has accepted more than 34,000 freedom-seeking North Koreans.
A man struck by a car late last month while crossing the street on Tucson's east side has died, police say.
Tucson police continue their search for the driver.
Miguel Martinez Mendoza, 56, was struck about 10:30 p.m. Dec. 30, while crossing East Escalante Road at South Winter Palm Drive, near South Prudence Road, Tucson police said Wednesday in a news release.
Mendoza died Wednesday at the hospital, the release said.
He was struck by an eastbound vehicle, believed to be a black 2013 or 2014 Nissan Altima, police said. The vehicle most likely will have damage to the front passenger section and possibly the windshield, the release said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 88-CRIME, the anonymous tips line.
While migration to the southern border has slowed in recent weeks, hundreds of asylum seekers continue to arrive daily at the Tohono Oodham Nations traditional crossing, known as the San Miguel Gate, tribal leaders said this week.
Humanitarian volunteers say asylum seekers also continue to cross into Arizona about 15 miles east of Sasabe, Arizona, in a remote, tough-to-access location without bathroom facilities or shelters other than what volunteers have built in recent weeks.
Over the weekend, about 1,000 asylum seekers arrived in Arizona through the San Miguel Gate, a pedestrian border crossing for Tohono Oodham Nation members visiting ancestral lands in Mexico, said Tohono Oodham Chairman Verlon Jose on Tuesday night.
The majority of arrivals at San Miguel Gate are members of family units, including young children, he said. Between 300 and 500 continue to arrive each day, a significant drop from the more than 1,000 daily arrivals seen in December, but still a massive burden on tribal lands, he said.
The Tohono Oodham Nation has continuously stated that its a federal responsibility to address this issue, Jose said.
In response to pressure from the Tohono Oodham Nation to address the environmental damage and humanitarian concerns resulting from the surge at San Miguel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed a large, heated white tent, with the capacity to shelter up to 1,000 asylum seekers as they wait to be transported for processing, Jose said.
Before this infrastructure was added, migrants desperate for warmth in freezing temperatures were using native trees as firewood, Jose said.
CBP has also set up portable toilets and hand-washing stations near the San Miguel Gate. The Tohono Oodham Nation brought in four garbage bins to collect trash and personal items left behind as migrants are taken in for processing, Jose said.
Tohono Oodham police are still catching some migrants who are attempting to evade detection, but the vast majority of arrivals through San Miguel are asylum seekers who want to surrender to authorities. Once in Arizona, the migrants are not venturing further into the nearby tribal villages, Jose said.
Theyre coming across the border and theyre just sitting down and waiting to be apprehended, he said. The majority of these folks will tell you that theyre coming because theyre either fleeing war-torn countries or violence in their communities.
Migrant arrivals at the southern border have slowed significantly in recent weeks, in part due to the holidays but also likely due to stepped-up enforcement in Mexico. The slow-down follows a Dec. 27 meeting between top Biden administration officials and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, focused on Mexicos role in slowing migration to the U.S. border.
During the week that ended Jan. 12, Tucson sector border agents apprehended 9,200 migrants, compared to 19,400 in the week that ended Dec. 22, according Tucson Sector Border Chief John Modlins posts on X, formerly Twitter.
Volunteers: Humanitarian work crucial in cold
Human smugglers in Mexico continue to leave asylum seekers at a remote area of the border wall, south of Arivaca, Arizona, and about 15 miles east of the Sasabe, Arizona port of entry, volunteers with humanitarian aid groups say.
The Tucson and Green Valley Samaritans have long visited this area, especially since the surge in migrant arrivals here began last fall. Since December, the Samaritans have been coordinating with the group No More Deaths to ensure a humanitarian presence in the region every day.
Freezing temperatures and heavy rain have brought life-threatening cold to migrants who would be completely unsheltered without those humanitarian efforts, volunteers say. The Border Patrol didnt routinely patrol this area before aid workers began reporting the presence of large groups of migrants there.
Aid workers here have helped children as young as 3 months old, and elderly travelers in their 80s, said Tucson Samaritan volunteer Charles Cameron. Humanitarian efforts including transporting asylum seekers with medical emergencies to Sasabe have undoubtedly saved lives, he said.
Volunteers have also dug latrines to address a growing sanitation crisis in the area, Cameron said.
I was out there a few weeks ago shoveling human excrement into those trenches that were dug, he said. Its just appalling, the state of sanitation out there. Its not acceptable anywhere, particularly in the United States of America.
Volunteers are providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance to asylum seekers, but the Border Patrol has threatened to arrest volunteers for transporting asylum seekers experiencing medical emergencies, including seizures and heart problems, said No More Deaths volunteer Aryanna Tischler.
Tischler said volunteers will call 911 to report a medical emergency at the wall and get transferred to the Border Patrol. But often agents dont show up, even in response to dire medical emergencies, she said.
That leaves us with no other option. Were not going to let people die in the desert, she said. Theyll say they dont have the resources, while theyre one of the most well-funded federal agencies. All the while, none of us are paid. Were all volunteers.
CBP says agents continue to prioritize the transportation of vulnerable populations.
CBP has taken significant steps to surge personnel and resources to impacted sectors and address the challenges we are experiencing across the southwest border, a CBP spokesman said in a statement.
No More Deaths has built out a make-shift encampment in this area east of Sasabe, to provide basic harm reduction with tents for warmth and a rugged cooking area to provide warm food to asylum seekers, Tischler said.
The volunteers had attached tarps to the border wall to create additional shelters from the cold, but CBP taped cease-and-desist letters to the structures.
CBP says the shelters against the border fence created a safety hazard and interfered with the operations of law enforcement and construction crews, who need access to the border road, according to the agency. The tents also obstructed visibility across the border, where cartel violence has been increasing in close proximity to the border wall.
Volunteers removed all the tents within the Roosevelt Reservation the 60 feet of land on either side of the international border that is owned by CBP but the encampment remains on the national forest land, across the road from the wall, Tischler said.
More remote crossings
Migrant arrivals increased in this area after the Biden administration closed several gaps in the border wall that were closer to the Sasabe port of entry, where smugglers had previously been dropping migrants.
Violence in Sasabe, Sonora and related conflicts between criminal groups vying for control of smuggling routes in the region has also contributed to smugglers dropping off migrants in new locations, including further east of Sasabe and just west of the Lukeville port of entry.
Experts say criminal organizations now fully control migration routes south of Arizonas border with Mexico, making it virtually impossible for migrants to travel to the U.S. border independently.
On Tuesday, Cameron said he arrived east of Sasabe to the make-shift encampment around 8 a.m. and saw a large group of Border Patrol vehicles transporting at least 100 migrants who had likely been there overnight.
Border agents seem to be arriving more regularly there in recent days, Cameron said, perhaps due to fewer migrant arrivals in the Tucson sector freeing up more resources.
The location is a logistical challenge for the Border Patrol, as it is only accessible via an extremely steep gravel road along the border wall that some Border Patrol transport vehicles cant climb, he said. But recent road work appears to have improved access for Border Patrol vans that had struggled to climb the hills before.
Tischler said federal agencies have created an invisible crisis in the middle of the desert by failing to offer more accessible ways for migrants to request asylum and by blocking off gaps in the border wall that allowed entry closer to the Sasabe port of entry and other CBP infrastructure.
Further wall construction has pushed people out into more remote parts of the desert and has made the situation more deadly, she said.
Even as border agents threaten humanitarian volunteers with arrest, they appear to be relying on their life-saving work, Tischler said.
Its solely their responsibility to be doing almost everything that were currently doing, she said.
Tohono Oodham Chairman Jose said he wants to keep attention on the fact that chaos at the border will continue without comprehensive immigration reform addressing the root causes of migration.
The border issues dont begin right here at the U.S.-Mexico border. The border issues start in other countries, he said. This is a world issue were dealing with. We need to look at how were going to address that with our world partners.
Q: Last year, my wife and I booked a cruise around Iceland. We bought business class tickets from Palm Beach to Reykjavik through JetBlue and Icelandair using our Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
However, shortly before we left, Chase erroneously downgraded our tickets to economy. I discovered the error when I checked our reservation a month before our departure. I contacted Chase, and a representative worked to get the business class flights back. They supposedly fixed this two days before our departing flight.
When we arrived at the airport, JetBlue had no record of our flight. I had to purchase new tickets to Iceland, and we arrived one day late. I have asked Chase to reimburse us for our hotel and extra airfare, but a representative told us we were out of luck. Can you help us get the extra $5,000 back that we had to spend on airfare and accommodations? Steve Feiertag, Royal Palm Beach, Florida
A: Your story is a cautionary tale about credit card rewards. They are so easy to earn, but when it comes time to redeem them, suddenly things get complicated. Travelers complain to me that they often feel like second-class citizens when they book a ticket using points, as if the company is doing them a favor by issuing a ticket. But its actually the other way around you are doing the company a favor by being loyal to it. Never forget that.
I publish the names, numbers and email addresses of the Chase customer service executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org. Chase has a strict set of rules that it is reluctant to bend, even when the occasion warrants it.
PHOENIX A measure to legalize the already common practice of people selling home-made tamales and similar foods cleared its first hurdle Wednesday.
The House Committee on Regulatory Affairs gave unanimous approval to House Bill 2042. It would expand the list of items that can be legally sold after being made in home kitchens, now largely limited to cakes and cookies, to include items with meat and those that have to be prepared and kept at a certain temperature.
Rep. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, went along even though he owns a food truck.
These people are in direct competition with me, he said. They have a lot less rules to contend with.
But Payne said theres a simple way of dealing with it. I dont want to add rules to them, he said. I want to take them away from me.
The legislation still has challenges to overcome.
One involves changes sought by the Arizona Restaurant Association, which has so far withheld support. Lobbyist Dan Bogert said his organization first wants some changes on things such as who would have to be registered with the Arizona Department of Health Services in order to sell the homecooked foods.
The big unknown, though, is Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs position.
She vetoed a nearly identical measure last year, saying it would significantly increase the risk of food-borne illnesses. Hobbs drew particular ire from Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, who supported that version, for her comments that the measure would open the door to items being cooked in home kitchens with rodent or insect infestation.
I would be glad to put up my nanas kitchen or my moms kitchen up against anyone else, Hernandez said at the time.
And now? The governor remains noncommittal.
I think that were working with the sponsor and the Legislature to get a bill that I can sign, she told Capitol Media Services last month.
I dont know that theres a hard-and-fast line, Hobbs said. I think theres room for negotiation there.
This years measure, sponsored by Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, is based on two principles for what are known in state law as cottage foods.
One is his argument that there should be no more regulation than necessary to protect public health.
The more immediate consideration, he said, is the fact that the practice of selling tamales, pupusas and other home-cooked items in grocery store parking lots and elsewhere is going on right now illegally.
People already do this, Grantham told colleagues. Some people, unfortunately, who do this to supplement their income are doing it illegally because state law has not properly addressed this. This shouldnt be a crime. Cooking dinner should not be a crime.
Still, he said he recognizes it makes no sense to simply reintroduce what Hobbs vetoed last year. While that measure passed with a broad bipartisan majority, a bid to override the veto failed after several Democrats who supported the original bill refused to go along.
Hernandez agreed a revised version is necessary. I dont want to have to relive everything that we did last year, she said.
So there are changes.
One is that the revised measure now contains a definition of a home kitchen. It spells out that this kitchen cannot exceed 1,000 square feet, a move designed to preclude large commercial operations from claiming they, too, are exempt from the rules that apply to restaurants and other food-preparation services.
Labeling requirements also are being beefed up. They would not only include a list of ingredients and the name of the person preparing the food all in the original 2023 legislation vetoed by Hobbs but also a disclaimer that the item may have been prepared in a kitchen that could contain allergens, including pet allergens.
The labels also would have to include notification of where customers can report food-borne illnesses and how to confirm that the person is properly registered with the state.
(It) gives the agency a little bit of strength when it comes to enforcement and the permitting process, Grantham said of the health department.
I have no problem with folks being notified their product may have caused an issue, he said. I have no problem with those folks being held accountable.
But he added: Were not subjecting home-based kitchens, cottage-food producers to surprise inspections, arrest warrants, whatever else you can dream up that criminalizes this practice, he said. Thats not the intention here.
Hernandez said the issue is personal for her.
The only reason Im here and have made it so far in life is because of the support of my parents and how hard they worked to get me where I am now, she said.
In her case, Hernandez said, it was her mother baking cakes.
We sold them out of our house to be able to make a living so that we all had an opportunity, she said. I dont forget where I come from.
That leaves the Arizona Restaurant Associations requests.
While now officially neutral, the groups yet-to-be-offered support could prove crucial to get the measure not only through the legislative process but also the necessary signature of the governor. Hernandez said that may involve changes that provide the industry with some regulatory relief.
The more that we can allow Arizonans to be able to succeed and be able to work and provide for their families, we should all be working toward that, not making it more difficult for people, she said.
As it turns out, though, Bogert wants lawmakers to remove a provision in the existing bill that precludes anything prepared in a home kitchen from being used in what is served in a restaurant.
He told lawmakers he heard from one supporter of the measure who said his home kitchen produces salsa.
It sounds like that would be a great product to be able to include in some of our dishes at our restaurants, Bogert said. And wed very much like the opportunity to do that.
Train robber Al Jennings, sometimes described as the last of the early day badmen, once said that he wanted to be remembered as "the best governor Oklahoma ever had."
But Jennings, a lawyer before turning to crime, wasn't any more successful in politics than he had been as a bandit.
How much of a badman he was is questionable. Early day reporters who knew Jennings said his criminal career lasted only three or four months before he was captured and sent to prison and that he had never killed anyone.
However, he told an interviewer in 1957 that he killed three and wounded another in his first gun battle; but those figures don't tally. There were four men on the other side of the battle and at least two of them were alive years later. He told another interviewer a couple of years before he died in 1961 that he had killed at least 20.
Jennings used his criminal career to run for the Democratic nomination for governor in 1914, claiming in political speeches that he had been good at robbing trains and would be equally as good at governing the state.
He never got the chance to prove that claim; he came in third for the Democratic nomination behind Supreme Court Judge R.L. Williams (who was elected in the general election) and District Court Judge J.B.A. Robertson. The ex-robber claimed the nomination was stolen from him.
According to an Aug. 4, 1914, Tulsa World story, Jennings had no manager, no headquarters, no organization and no one in the big vote centers supporting him. But he attracted large crowds wherever he spoke and listeners shook his hand and promised their support.
Jennings' criminal career began in 1899 when he was serving as Canadian County attorney at El Reno and became involved in a political dispute with territorial lawyer Temple Houston, youngest son of famed Gen. Sam Houston.
Houston and a friend got into an argument with Jennings and his brothers Ed and John in a saloon at Woodward that developed into a gun battle. Houston shot and killed Ed Jennings but claimed self defense.
All of the participants, wearing guns, showed up in a courtroom for Houston's trial, which ended in an acquittal. Al and John then took a vow in blood to avenge their brother's death.
"That started me as an outlaw," he told the 1957 interviewer.
The gang's early train robberies were a bit awkward, according to a Chronicles of Oklahoma article in 1969.
In one, Jennings stood between railroad tracks attempting to flag down an approaching train and was nearly hit when it didn't even slow down; in a second, Jennings and his companions rode their horses beside the moving train, firing their guns into the air -- but the engineer waved a friendly hello and kept going.
In their next attempt they piled ties on the track; the engineer merely increased the train's speed, knocking the ties away.
Jennings was captured near Onapa in 1897, two months after a train robbery near Chickasha that netted the robbers $300, a jug of whiskey and a bunch of bananas, according to a Chronicles article. He was sentenced to life in prison but was paroled in 1902 and later received a pardon from President Theodore Roosevelt. After his release, he worked variously as a lawyer, evangelist, author and technical adviser for movies.
An early writer wrote that Jennings' outlaw exploits "were anything but awe inspiring; comic would be more like it. In his muddled mind, he somehow transformed himself from a bungling bandit to a much-feared outlaw."
Indeed, he claimed to be the fastest gun in the world and told an interviewer in 1959 that he had killed "somewhere near 20 men but I never counted."
Jennings also claimed to have known Jesse James and to have been responsible for many of the ideas in the stories William Sydney Porter wrote under the name O. Henry. He said he met Porter in an Ohio prison.
Jennings later moved to California where, one critic said, "Hollywood believed every word and made a motion picture based on his life . . . or on the life he thought he led."
Two years before Jennings died at the age of 98 in 1961, he was showing a 72-year-old friend how he used his revolver in his train-robbing days. The gun went off (Jennings thought it was unloaded) and a bullet hit the friend's elbow.
Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
Felix Clary Tulsa World Indigenous Affairs Reporter Follow Felix Clary Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
The Osage Nation flags are at half-staff this week as citizens mourn the loss of a former chief, John Red Eagle.
Red Eagle died Jan. 12 with family members at his side. He was 75.
His funeral and commemoration were held Wednesday at the Wakon Iron Chapel in Pawhuska.
The Osage Nation posted on Facebook: We honor the life and legacy of former Chief John D. Red Eagle. May Chief Red Eagles teachings and good ways continue to guide us all. Rest in peace, Chief Red Eagle.
Red Eagle was originally from the Barnsdall area and served as chief from 2010-2014. He was the third generation of the Red Eagle family to serve as chief. His father was Chief Edward Red Eagle Sr., and his grandfather was Chief Paul Red Eagle.
John was very extremely proud of his Osage Ancestry and culture; he loved his Osage People. Tsi Zho Zhi was his Osage name meaning Little Chief, which comes from the Eagle Clan (Tsi Zho Clan), the Osage Nation obituary statement for Red Eagle reads.
Red Eagle became the name giver for the Eagle Clan. He was one of the last six full-blood Osage members, as well.
Red Eagle was impeached in 2014, creating the Osage Nations first-ever removal trial in the Congressional Chambers in Pawhuska.
His impeachment was the result of accusations regarding contract violations and interfering with investigations against an employee of the tribe.
Red Eagles obituary noted his commitment to education and health.
He earned two bachelors degrees, the first from Colorado Community College of Nuclear Medicine and later from the University of Oklahoma.
He went on to become the chief of nuclear medicine and cardiology of Tulsa Nuclear at Hillcrest Medical Center Nuclear Medicine.
He was also dedicated to the Red Eagle Native American Church and served as an associate pastor at Victory Christ Center in Tulsa.
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Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
Correction: This story originally misstated the number tax exemption requests fielded by the state Tax Commission. The story has been corrected.
OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday in a case to determine whether a Muscogee Nation tribal citizen living and working in the newly reaffirmed reservation must pay individual income taxes to the state.
Alicia Stroble, a Creek citizen who works for the tribe and lives in Okmulgee, is seeking an exemption to state income taxes. She is appealing a ruling by the Oklahoma Tax Commission that said she didnt qualify for the exemption.
This should be a straightforward case, Michael Parks, Strobles attorney, told the court. Under controlling principles of both state and federal law, Oklahoma has no power to tax the income of Creek citizens who, like Miss Stroble, both reside and earn their income within their nations reservation.
An attorney for the Oklahoma Tax Commission told the court that the state exempts people from state income tax when they live on either formal or informal reservations but that Strobles situation doesnt meet either definition.
Kannon Shanmugam told the court Stroble clearly doesnt live on an informal reservation, which he described as either land held in trust for a tribe by the U.S. government or owned by the tribe.
Stroble lives on privately owned land, not land owned by a tribe or land held in trust, sometimes referred to as fee land.
While she lives in Okmulgee County within the historical boundaries of the Muscogee Nation reservation as reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling, Shanmugam said the state Tax Commission does not recognize it as a formal reservation for tax exemption purposes.
Attorneys for Stroble and the Muscogee Nation countered that her residence is located on a formal reservation and should be granted the exemption.
Riyaz Kanji, an attorney for the Muscogee Nation, told the court that since 1993 the law has been clear that a state cant tax a tribal member who lives and works within the tribes reservation.
Kanji was referring to the U.S. Supreme Courts 1993 decision in a case involving the Sac and Fox Nation and the Oklahoma Tax Commission.
The ruling said the state cant tax tribal citizens who live and work within a tribes reservation boundaries.
In the past, the rule has applied only to those in situations such as where they live in tribal-owned housing and work for the tribe.
Kanji said the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision in 2020, which established that the Muscogee Nation reservation had never been disestablished, means Stroble is living within the tribes reservation, qualifying her for the tax exemption.
Justice Yvonne Kauger asked Kanji why he believed the McGirt decision applied in Strobles civil tax case, since the former was a criminal case based on a section of federal law.
Kanji said the McGirt ruling extends beyond criminal cases and quoted from the McGirt decision itself to back his claim.
Once you have a reservation, various principles flow from that, Kanji said.
He answered yes when asked by Vice Chief Justice Dustin Rowe whether he thought the favorable ruling for Stroble could be applied to all of eastern Oklahoma.
But Kanji said he didnt believe that McGirt applies to all tax situations.
He said he believes that a tribal citizen would be still required to pay property taxes on privately owned land within the Muscogee Nation reservation.
Kanji said he believes that tribal members living on reservations other than their tribes would be required to pay state income taxes, too.
While both sides agreed that a ruling for Stroble would cost the state millions of dollars in income taxes, they disagreed on the impact.
Kanji said the state is in good financial condition, noting that Gov. Kevin Stitt, who has been critical of the McGirt ruling, has called a special session so the state Legislature can address the governors proposed tax cuts.
Meanwhile, Shanmugam said the latest numbers from the Tax Commission estimate that a ruling for Stroble would cost the state an estimated $75.3 million per year if it applied to eastern Oklahomas traditional Five Tribes: Muscogee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole.
Since the McGirt ruling, the Tax Commission has fielded 11,855 requests for tax exemptions similar to Strobles, Shanmugam said.
He could not provide a figure for how many received the exemption prior to the McGirt ruling. Justice Noma Gurich said it seemed unusual to her that the Tax Commission could not provide a figure representing the number of exemptions approved prior to McGirt.
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill said after the hearing that the issue of the states not taxing tribal citizens when they live and work within the reservation has been settled for decades.
But the state of Oklahoma has chosen to ignore this law, Hill said. It should concern every citizen of Oklahoma that the state feels like it can pick and choose when to follow the law.
Today it is Alicia Stroble. Tomorrow it will be someone else.
A ruling is not expected for several months.
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Questions about sex discrimination, parental rights and even a landmark abortion case dominated oral arguments on Oklahomas transgender care laws heard Wednesday morning by a three-judge 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel.
The case, Poe v. Drummond, was brought by five transgender youths, their families and their physician, Dr. Shauna Lawlis of Oklahoma City, challenging a 2022 state law effectively banning all gender-affirming procedures for minors.
In court filings, the plaintiffs other than Lawlis are pseudonymously identified as the Poe, Roe, Boe, Doe and Loe families.
In Wednesdays hearing, plaintiffs argued that U.S. District Judge John Heil of Tulsa erred by denying an injunction to stop enforcement of the law. They also asked the court to decide whether Oklahomas law violates the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
This is a real difficult issue, because you have kids who are suffering greatly and you dont want to do permanent harm to them, U.S. Circuit Judge Harris L. Hartz said, adding that each side in the case believes it is the one preventing the harm.
Later, one of the judges said, No matter what we do, some children will be harmed.
Plaintiffs attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said parents, not lawmakers, should decide whether their minor children receive treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone treatments. He said the law is discriminatory because it allows such treatments for other purposes, presumably with the same risk level for negative side effects, but not for gender-affirming care.
Gonazalez-Pagan said the plaintiffs are not arguing for more invasive and permanent procedures such as major surgery.
The judges sounded skeptical of the equal protection argument, noting that the law applies equally to males and females. The U.S. Supreme Courts Dobbs decision, which overturned the federal right to an abortion, entered the discussion because of a section that found that laws against abortion are not a form of sex discrimination because they apply only to women.
Judges quizzed State Solicitor General Garry Gaskins, representing the state defendants, on why such decisions should not be left to parents.
If we can have a law saying a terminal (cancer) patient is not able to take an experimental drug, why not this one? Gaskins said.
There are many things we allow adults to do that we dont allow children, he said.
No decision was announced Wednesday.
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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
A Muskogee woman who had not been heard from since Saturday night has been found dead, police said Thursday afternoon.
Amanda Mandi Harms, 46, was last seen around 8 p.m. leaving on foot from the 4400 block of Denison Street, a neighborhood about a mile south of Honor Heights Park. Temperatures in eastern Oklahoma dipped to dangerously cold levels Saturday and remained below freezing for days.
A police spokeswoman said there was nothing suspicious about the scene where Harms body was found.
Officers are currently investigating the scene. Our prayers are with her family, the Muskogee Police Department said in a social media post.
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Recently, State Superintendent Ryan Walters unveiled a $3.7 billion education budget, one he called the most innovative in state history. But on a closer look, there are serious problems of transparency, accountability and follow-through that make me wonder if we are looking at the emperors new budget, that is, an exercise in deception and delusion.
A cornerstone of his budget has been new investments in tutoring to improve test scores and signing bonuses to recruit out-of-state teachers. That sounds good on the surface, but look at the details and historical handling of such investments.
Walters once claimed to have recruited 950 teachers in his last effort. Only after he was issued a subpoena did he reveal the actual number; 557, many of them with little or no experience. Epic Charter Schools claimed the second highest number, leaving me to wonder if some of these out-of-state teachers were actually moving to Oklahoma.
As for the tutoring program, Walters wants $15 million to offer instruction to 8,000 at-risk students at a rate of $50 an hour. That adds up to 361.5 hours per kid, or an extra 2 hours a day all year.
How are we supposed to sustain that intensity? And what will two hours of drill-and-kill tutoring feel like to that at-risk third grader? If were not investing in addressing the root problems these children face, we might be putting our energy in the wrong place.
In addition, many in the Legislature, including myself, have growing concerns and questions related to the management of federal grants and school improvements in accordance with federal law. Oklahoma State Department of Education divisions that are typically assigned to these tasks have allegedly been gutted through the types of intimidation tactics that would make any human relations officer faint.
Lawmakers have been told Walters changed the approach to how federal dollars are allocated, going from a per-pupil to a grant-based distribution. If true, did he secure federal approval for changing the states plan? Incidentally, such a change benefits Epic Charter Schools (again) at the expense of brick-and-mortar schools on the improvement list. Most critically, if he lacks the professional staff to monitor federal grants and evaluate school performance, can he comply with federal law under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act?
Against the reports of high turnover and short staffing at the State Education Department, the recent announcement of 12 Tulsa Public Schools being removed from the federal improvement list prompts questions. Walters was demanding the resignation of former TPS Superintendent Deborah Gist, citing schools on that list. Once she stepped aside and Superintendent Ebony Johnson took over, his agency states that those schools are no longer failing. Did they ever belong on that list? Or were they pawns in some game he was playing?
Among his other ideas in the requested budget is a statewide screening system for tracking performance data and a merit pay program for teachers.
This type of screening program would require big payments to new vendors. Walters track record on vendors is abysmal, starting with his mismanagement of $8 million of the Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) while he was a civilian and later a governor-appointed Education Secretary.
The teacher merit pay idea is a decades-old one that hasnt proven to be effective in raising test scores. Its also an idea that assumes teachers, particularly those educating high-challenged students, arent trying hard enough. What an insult to educators.
Walters is asking for $22 million in what he calls growth bonuses for 5,000 teachers who can show success in improving reading and math outcomes. Those outcomes are tied to student test scores.
I wonder how teachers would feel about merit pay based on testing outcomes connected to social factors outside the classroom. Where are the incentives for teachers to work collaboratively and to address student needs not related to testing?
I taught for 20 years. I dont like the looks of this.
Walters won points for civility at the House Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee hearing when he presented the budget request, though he began the day accusing organizations representing school administrators and school boards of being woke and promising to cut all ties, refusing to work with them.
Walters creates that chaos and tough-talk to distract from his shortcomings, criticisms and potential impeachment. Those who say he shows a new willingness to work with the Legislature remind me of the crowd that applauded the emperors new clothes. If you peel away the rhetoric, is there any there there?
Lets not be fooled again.
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China-made green "ro-ro" ship starts maiden Europe trip with 5,000 cars
Xinhua) 10:42, January 18, 2024
SHANGHAI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel "ro-ro" (roll-on/roll-off) cargo vessel departed Shanghai on its maiden voyage to Europe on Wednesday, transporting about 5,000 cars of indigenous Chinese brands and some construction machinery.
The vessel, measuring 200 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a capacity of carrying 7,600 cars, is the largest serving clean-energy "ro-ro" ship in terms of loading capacity that has been invested and built by Chinese ship builders.
The duel-fuel design allows the vessel to be powered by LNG, low sulfur fuel oil or the traditional light diesel, which helps reduce the vessel's carbon emissions by about 30 percent compared to traditional car-carrying "ro-ro" ships, said Jin Qi, general manager of the SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd.
On a round trip to Europe, for example, the total carbon emissions could be reduced by 1,300 tonnes, Jin said, adding that the vessel is expected to ship about 30,000 indigenous cars abroad annually in the future.
In light of the robust demand for shipping Chinese new-energy cars abroad, the vessel was designed to meet the safety needs of shipping new-energy cars and, potentially, hydrogen-fueled vehicles and natural gas vehicles, Jin said.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was seen getting out of what appeared to be a luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV, state media footage has shown, despite international sanctions banning the North's imports of luxury goods.
Footage aired by the North's Korean Central Television on Monday showed Kim emerging from a black SUV whose rear door on the right side has the sign of Kim's title, the president of the State Affairs Commission.
It appeared to be his new private car, presumed to be the top-class model of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600.
In August 2020, Kim was spotted in the driver's seat of an SUV, presumed to be a Lexus LX 570, when he visited flood-hit areas.
Kim has made public appearances in different Mercedes-Maybach S-class vehicles, including a limousine, snubbing international sanctions on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
Key North Korean officials, including Premier Kim Tok-hun, arrived at the venue of a year-end party meeting in late December 2023 in Mercedes-Benz sedans, separate footage showed.
Such vehicles are subject to U.N. sanctions that ban the supply of luxury automobiles to North Korea.
In October 2023, South Korea's unification ministry said Kim and his family are spending up to millions of dollars a year on luxury goods despite chronic food shortages and economic difficulties aggravated by U.N. sanctions and COVID-19. (Yonhap)
Playing politics with hungry children is a bad look for Oklahoma and even worse public policy. Children in poverty should be helped, not used as political game pieces.
Gov. Kevin Stitt is part of a group of 15 Republican governors who rejected money from a new U.S. Department of Agriculture program that would provide money to children who qualify for free and reduced-price school meals for food during the summer months. At least 300,000 Oklahoma children would have been eligible.
The program would give $40 a month for May, June and July ($120 total) on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This would allow financially struggling families to buy extra food at grocers.
Some other federal summer programs require children to travel daily to a specific location and eat meals on site, a hardship for working parents or those with transportation obstacles. Some nutrition programs do not allow food such as uneaten fruit or breads to be taken off site.
By having the flexibility to buy at a retailer, children can have food in their homes. Also, local grocers benefit from the extra income for purchases.
In his rejection of the funds, Stitt said he was satisfied with the states current level of resources and that the program duplicates others. Those claims dont match the reality of many Oklahoma families.
Hunger Free Oklahoma states that about 14.5% of residents in the state are food insecure, meaning they have limited access to nutritious food during the year. It ranks the state within the top five most hungry. Among Oklahoma children, 1 in 5 will experience hunger within the year.
The summer months are particularly difficult on low-income families with children home full-time.
The Census Household Pulse Survey taken from June 29 to July 10 last year found that 19.4% of Oklahomans reported not having enough to eat within that week. Only Mississippi was higher at 22.6%.
Clearly, Oklahoma does not have enough resources to get food to people in need, especially during the summer months. The rejection does not bolster the states programs working to eradicate hunger. It just leaves the status quo.
Hunger in children harms their development and increases their chances of chronic health problems, including obesity and hypertension. Youths worried about food access or going hungry are more likely to perform worse academically and show more behavioral challenges.
The good news is that several sovereign tribal nations located in Oklahoma are reaching out to help.
The Cherokee, Chickasaw and Osage nations have agreed to participate in the program and are now offering to serve all eligible children located in their reservation boundaries. The Chickasaw Nation has expanded to cover areas outside its reservation to include 181 school districts and charter schools.
The Indigenous nations will be helping at least 100,000 Oklahoma children this summer. We are grateful that tribal leaders are willing to extend such help beyond their own citizens, showing a genuine concern for their neighbors and partnership with their communities.
We urge the governor to reconsider and accept federal assistance to help struggling families. The state is unable to meet this need on its own.
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The Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA) has suggested that the central government and the municipal administration assist HUBA members in their shift toward a sustainable future via green transition.
HUBA business members need capital, technology, and legal support, HUBA vice-president Nguyen Phuoc Hung said at a meeting on Wednesday.
They also proposed that the central government launch a greenhouse gas emission reduction program with a specific roadmap, develop a set of green indices, establish a carbon credit exchange, and introduce policies on rooftop solar power development so as to help businesses enhance their competitiveness and engage in the global supply chain.
The southern metropolis should facilitate public investment and create optimal conditions for enterprises to join public investment projects and borrow loans from stimulus package providers, HUBA suggested.
According to HUBA, the city also needs to adopt measures to embrace an inflow of foreign direct investment, transform industrial parks and export processing zones with land lease terms about to expire, and work out industrial land lease prices to support investors in completing legal procedures and launching business operations.
As for the real estate market, HUBA highlighted the need for the city to adopt various policies on low-budget and mid-end apartment projects to offer incentives to both housing project developers and homebuyers.
Addressing the meeting, Vo Van Hoan, vice-chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said the city will devise a set of criteria to measure emissions from businesses and households.
The quantification of emissions would enable companies to seek ways to reduce emissions yet maintain their sales growth, the official added.
For 2024, the city tasked businesses with achieving green growth and carrying out digital transformation.
Failing to incorporate green factors into their business operations, companies could find it hard to compete against their rivals in the marketplace, according to the municipal vice-chairman, who also announced that the city will set up a digital transformation support center this year.
Commenting on Ho Chi Minh City's economic outlook in 2024, the official anticipated that the economic slowdown may continue, but the city has recently witnessed several signs of a positive shift, including a new inflow of investment in the fields of technology, semiconductor circuitry, and AI development.
The southern Vietnamese hub boasts a sufficient volume of resources such as real estate and industrial parks to satisfy investors need to do business there, he said.
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Singapores Thomson Medical Group has inked an agreement to purchase FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for VND9 trillion (US$381.4 million), making the acquisition the largest-ever healthcare deal in Vietnam.
The deal is expected to not only open a new chapter for FV Hospital, but also help drive Vietnams health sector, Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health, told a ceremony to announce the hospital as a member of Thomson Medical Group on Wednesday.
The acquisition of FV Hospital expands our presence to cover three of the regions most important geographies in healthcare [sic], giving us access to a flourishing market and a deep bench of talent, said Kiat Lim, executive vice-chairman of the Singaporean group.
The deal also provides critical inroads into neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, he added.
According to Deputy Minister Thuan, Vietnam is home to over 1,500 healthcare facilities and offers several hi-tech healthcare solutions, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and transplantation.
The number of Vietnamese going abroad for medical treatment has dipped significantly over the past few years.
Meanwhile, many foreigners are visiting Vietnam for medical purposes.
Vietnam always encourages the expansion of private healthcare systems and welcomes foreigners to invest in the countrys private hospitals, Thuan said.
Private healthcare facilities currently account for a mere seven percent of Vietnams medical treatment and examination system.
Thuan also revealed a strategy to enhance the country's health industry, outlining plans for the construction of two healthcare complexes in Long An Province in southern Vietnam and Bac Ninh Province in the north.
Each complex will feature a hospital, a medical university, and a research institute.
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Many foreigners have expressed their concern over the upcoming launch of Thao Dien Night Street in Thu Duc City under the umbrella of Ho Chi Minh City, with possible noise pollution and more serious traffic congestion caused by the night street operation being the most commonly cited reasons.
They showed their displeasure with the location of the night market in a comment section under Tuoi Tre News' recent article announcing the launch of the night market, a move by Thu Duc to boost its night-time economy.
The 465-meter-long night street spans a section of Xuan Thuy Street and borders Quoc Huong and Nguyen Van Huong Streets in Thao Dien Ward, a major expat enclave as well as a place where a slew of affluent Vietnamese are living.
It is poised to operate every Friday and Saturday from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am, starting this week.
Why until 2 AM? This is such unnecessary additional noise and light pollution, a reader named Julia von Pidoll responded.
Gary Lim, hailing from Singapore, foresaw that the tranquil charm of the area would cease to exist once the night street was operational.
Several others were afraid that traffic congestion in the neighborhood would be worsened by the night street operation.
The entrance of Thao Dien Night Street in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, which will be officially opened on January 19, 2024. Photo: Tuoi Tre
So it will become 24h congested, Silvia Olivieri, an Italian woman who is living in Thao Dien, commented.
Another reader named Adrian XN decried the move as poor planning.
A few others wished that this upcoming night street would not be as poorly operated as that in a tourist area in central Da Nang.
Ricky Sahni, an Indian resident currently residing in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed his hope for an adequate number of planned parking spots along the night street.
Aside from their concern over worsening traffic jams, a small number of readers argued that this would turn into a floating market as the area is a flood-prone spot.
In contrast to the widespread discontent, a few foreign readers remained upbeat about the opening of the night street.
A Facebook user named Gabriele Comiotto expressed his hope that the night street would open throughout the week in the upcoming period, elaborating, We need more walking streets in Saigon [a former name of Ho Chi Minh City].
Similarly, a reader whose account is Rob Rankin praised the move as good, saying that such a night street would woo more people to Thu Duc and help improve the business performance there.
Meanwhile, a few others remained neutral in their comments, awaiting the forthcoming performance of the street.
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WASHINGTON -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Wednesday that inspections of an initial group of 40 Boeing 737 MAX 9 jets had been completed, a key hurdle to eventually ungrounding the model after a mid-air cabin panel blowout on Jan. 5.
The FAA had said last week that 40 of 171 grounded planes needed to be re-inspected before the agency would review the results and determine if it is safe to allow the MAX 9s to resume flying following the incident on an eight-week old Alaska Airlines jet.
The FAA said on Wednesday it would "thoroughly review the data" and was convening a Corrective Action Review Board before deciding if the planes could resume flights. The agency put no timetable on a decision.
Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, the two U.S. carriers that use the aircraft and completed the inspections, have had to cancel thousands of flights this month. Both airlines said on Wednesday they would cancel all MAX 9 flights through Friday.
The incident has shaken confidence in Boeing's planes nearly five years after a pair of crashes killed 346 people and sparked questions about the company's production processes.
The heads of Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems, which made the panel, met with Spirit employees in Kansas on Wednesday, while regulators answered questions from U.S. senators in a closed-door briefing in Washington.
Boeing shares have lost roughly 20 percent of their value since the start of the year.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA briefed senators on the Commerce Committee for more than an hour on the investigation into why the MAX 9 cabin panel - a door plug for an unused emergency exit on those planes - blew out, leaving a gaping hole.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said on Friday that Boeing had experienced production problems for years and his agency planned an audit of the company's production starting with the MAX 9.
"This has been going on for a while and whatever's happening isn't fixing the problem," Whitaker told Reuters.
Accident investigation
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said the accident investigator still did not know what went wrong, but was casting a wide net for potential issues, and said it would be looking at numerous records related to the door plug.
Homendy said the door plug on the MAX 9 was produced by a Spirit facility in Malaysia.
The NTSB is looking at the door plug transfer from Malaysia to Wichita, Kansas, and then onto the fuselage, along with the shipment by rail to Boeing's Renton, Washington, facility and the planemaker's "quality assurance" work, she said.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said she plans to hold a hearing on the issue and wants to make sure the FAA is ensuring strong oversight of Boeing. She had pressed the FAA to conduct an audit of Boeing safety issues.
"This investigation needs to find out where the mistake was, what caused this accident, and critically what needs to be done to make sure it doesn't happen again," said Senator Ted Cruz, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee.
CEOs in Kansas
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun visited Spirit's production facilities in Wichita on Wednesday for an employee town hall alongside that company's CEO, Pat Shanahan.
Speaking to about 270 factory workers, engineers and other staff, Shanahan said Spirit would "make changes and improvements" and "will restore confidence.
Calhoun said, according to Boeing: "We're going to get better, not because the two of us are talking, but because (of) the engineers at Boeing, the mechanics at Boeing, the inspectors at Boeing, the engineers at Spirit, the mechanics at Spirit, the inspectors at Spirit."
The two executives answered several questions from employees, ranging from how lessons from the incident could influence future airplane designs, and whether Spirit and Boeing were united on a path forward, said a source in the room.
Calhoun and Shanahan also toured the Wichita production plant, a Spirit spokesperson said.
The idea for the town hall stemmed from Calhoun, who suggested speaking directly with Spirit's workforce, two sources with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. Boeing declined to comment.
Boeing on Tuesday named retired U.S. Navy Admiral Kirkland H. Donald to advise the planemaker's CEO on improving quality control.
Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:
Politics
-- Vietnam is Switzerlands key and priority economic partner in Southeast Asia, Swiss President Viola Amherd told a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Chinh in Davos on Wednesday morning (local time).
-- State President Vo Van Thuong and Vice State-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan have sent messages of congratulations to King Frederik X of Denmark on his coronation on January 14, according to the Vietnam News Agency.
Society
-- Police in Binh Duong Province, southern Vietnam have joined hands with the Chinese police to detain a 34-year-old Chinese man who is a subject of an Interpol red notice for trafficking 13 Vietnamese women, a local officer said on Wednesday.
-- The Ho Chi Minh City Pediatric Cardiology & Congenital Heart Disease Society organized the 10th Vietnam Congress of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease on Wednesday, bringing together some 200 international pediatric interventional cardiologists. The congress wraps up on Friday.
-- Motorcyclists will start to pay a fee for using the Rach Mieu Ferry service, which connects Tien Giang and Ben Tre Provinces in the Mekong Delta region, from January 27, three years after the ferry was put into operation.
Business
-- Vietnam exported chilies worth US$20 million in 2023, skyrocketing 107 percent year on year. China was the countrys biggest chili buyer last year, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association.
-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a seminar themed Vietnam - Leading Sustainable Investment in ASEAN in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday morning (local time) on the sidelines of the ongoing 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54). PM Chinh encouraged international partners to expand their investment in Vietnam and bring funds and modern technology to the Southeast Asian nation.
Lifestyle
-- Peoples Artist Bach Tuyet, a 78-year-old artist of cai luong (southern folk music and stage performance), has been named in Forbes 50 Over 50: Asia 2024 list, which was released on Wednesday.
-- Hundreds of workers are busy taking care of the sunflower field and growing an additional 20,000 sunflowers at Saigon River Park in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, located in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, to welcome the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday in February.
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The Hanoi Department of Transport, China Pacific Construction Group, and Vietnam Construction and Import-Export Joint stock Corporation (Vinaconex) on Thursday morning inked a memorandum of understanding to study and build Tu Lien Bridge and metro link No. 5 in the Vietnamese capital city.
The Tu Lien bridge project encompasses a bridge and roads connecting it with Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway, stretching some 11.5 kilometers.
The project, which will carry a price tag of nearly VND20 trillion (US$812 million), will start at Nghi Tam Intersection and end at an intersection with Beltway No. 3.
The 2.9-kilometer bridge will have six lanes for motorized vehicles, two lanes for both motorcycles and cars, and two for walking.
In August 2023, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked relevant units to start work on the bridge project in the 2025-30 period, local media reported.
Meanwhile, the city's fifth metro line project, aimed at linking downtown Hanoi with satellite urban areas, is planned to incorporate a 6.5-kilometer underground section, a two-kilometer elevated section, and a 30-kilometer section at ground level. The estimated cost for this project is VND65 trillion ($2.6 billion).
The Van Cao - Ngoc Khanh - Lang - Hoa Lac urban railway project, spanning 38.5 kilometers, is designed to include 21 stations and two depots.
Its route will traverse through Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Cau Giay, and Nam Tu Lien Inner Districts, as well as Hoai Duc, Quoc Oai, and Thach That Suburban Districts.
Metro line No. 5 is set to be implemented in the 2021-25 period.
As planned, Hanoi will have 10 metro links, including nine main urban rail systems and one line connecting with satellite urban areas, with a total length of nearly 420 kilometers.
The capital city put into service the 13-kilometer-long Ha Dong - Cat Linh metro line in November 2021, while the 12.5-kilometer Nhon - Hanoi Station urban railway is under construction, local media reported.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dao Ngoc Thanh, chairman of Vinaconex, said that the firm was eager to contribute to building the citys key traffic projects.
The Vietnamese and Chinese firms were committed to ensuring that the projects would be executed according to the planned schedule and with maximum effectiveness.
The Tu Lien bridge and fifth metro line projects are listed among the key traffic projects in Hanoi to help ease traffic jams and facilitate traffic flow.
Founded in 1986, China Pacific Construction Group, headquartered in Xinjiang, specializes in the investment, construction, operation, and management of infrastructure.
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Twenty-five cardiologists from around the world have conducted hands-on training using pig hearts at the 10th Vietnam Congress of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, which is organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Pediatric Cardiology & Congenital Heart Disease Society and commenced on Wednesday.
The congress, which made its debut in Vietnam, welcomes approximately 200 global experts in congenital heart intervention and 100 domestic pediatric cardiology specialists.
During the three-day event from Wednesday to Friday, 55 domestic and international experts are slated to present over 100 scientific reports and direct intervention cases.
The conferences focal point is the introduction of fetal heart intervention via cases involving pulmonary valve atrophy and aortic stenosis in fetuses, along with the utilization of 3D cardiovascular imaging technology and a competition among young pediatric interventional cardiologists.
Significantly, the congress featured a live training session on cardiovascular intervention using real pig hearts.
This medical training method for interventional cardiologists, widely practiced worldwide, was introduced for the first time in Vietnam during this event.
On Wednesday afternoon, twenty-five doctors from diverse countries, guided by Professor Yen Ho, a globally renowned expert in cardiovascular morphology at Royal Brompton Hospital in the UK, participated in on-site training using actual pig hearts.
Dr. Do Nguyen Tin, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Pediatric Cardiology & Congenital Heart Disease Society, responds to reporters at the 10th Vietnam Congress of Congenital and Structural Heart Disease in Ho Chi Minh City, January 17, 2024. Photo: Xuan Mai / Tuoi Tre
What is more, 34 live intervention cases that had been performed at six leading centers globally were shared for discussion during the event.
Dr. Do Nguyen Tin, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Pediatric Cardiology & Congenital Heart Disease Society, expressed his joy that after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the annual congress has resumed.
While numerous international conferences on pediatric cardiovascular intervention are held each year, this congress ranks third only to the Pediatric and Adult Interventional Cardiac Symposium in the U.S. and the CSI congress in Germany in terms of delegate attendance.
The congress provides a valuable opportunity for learning, sharing experience, and fostering connections within the field of pediatric cardiovascular intervention in Vietnam and around the world, contributing to elevating the standing of Vietnamese medicine regionally and globally, Dr. Tin stated.
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The Hanoi Department of Information and Communications has denied imposing a VND7 million (US$285) fine on a male TikToker, who claimed on Facebook that he had faced refusal at a pho restaurant and encountered harsh words at another in the Vietnamese capital city due to being in a wheelchair.
The department issued the denial after a post about the VND7.5 million fine circulated on social media in Vietnam on Wednesday afternoon.
As per the misleading post, the male TikToker V.M.L. allegedly faced penalties for disseminating false information regarding his purported experience of service refusal and verbal abuse at two pho restaurants in Hanoi.
An official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper later the same day that the process of verifying L.s story is ongoing and a conclusion will be announced upon its completion.
By Wednesday morning, five days after creating an online stir with his Facebook post describing the alleged discrimination against him, L. had removed it from his personal account.
Additionally, the video showing him and his girlfriend eating at a pho restaurant on Nam Ngu Street in Hanois Hoan Kiem District had been hidden from his TikTok channel while the comment feature on the channel had been disabled.
After Tuoi Tre reporters made several attempts to contact L. on Wednesday, he responded that he was too busy to provide an explanation for the aforementioned actions.
Previously, L. had also hidden all posts and disallowed comments on his personal Facebook account.
Last week, L. wrote on his Facebook account, which has nearly 150,000 followers, that he and his girlfriend had visited a pho restaurant in Hanoi.
Being born with a disability that requires him to use a wheelchair, he requested assistance to navigate a three-step staircase, and an employee refused, saying that our restaurant has no staff to carry someone like you.
CCTV footage shows an employee of the pho eatery paving the way for the disabled TikToker. Video: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre
Upon reaching another pho eatery, also their familiar diner, where space was limited, L. had to squeeze into the owners area.
The owner scolded her staff, saying, Who accepts this kind of people?
After an employee explained that L. often sat there, the owner, displeased, complained that L.s presence narrowed her working space.
This post generated mixed opinions on the acccuracy of the story, with over 47,000 reactions and 20,000 comments and shares as of Monday afternoon.
L. posted a TikTok video captioned Goodbye Hanoi, featuring images of a chicken pho restaurant on Nam Ngu Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
The 60-year-old owner of the pho restaurant on Monday confirmed to Tuoi Tre that L. was a regular customer, often visiting in the evening.
During their visit on the morning of January 12, due to narrow entrance and rain, she suggested them to sit at a nearby coffee shop.
However, L. insisted on having pho inside the restaurant, and they were welcomed as usual.
The owner denied refusing the guests and making any derogatory comments.
On Monday, the chicken pho eatery publicized the CCTV footage of the event, which showed that when L. and his girlfriend entered the diner, the owner and an employee paved the way for the two customers. He then sat behind the owner.
After they finished their meal, the eaterys employee helped push his wheelchair outside.
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The Health Environment Management Agency under the Ministry of Health has proposed allowing students, mainly kindergarteners and elementary school students, to stay home if air quality indexes reach dangerous levels for three consecutive days.
If they must attend classes, schools should avoid offering outdoor activities on days with poor air quality, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing the agency.
The agency reports that residents in several cities and provinces across Vietnam are currently exposed to unhealthy air, posing a significant threat to the well-being of individuals, particularly children and those with underlying health conditions.
According to the World Health Organization, air pollution raises the high risks of respiratory diseases, pneumonia, asthma, heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
Exposure to dirty air is associated with skin diseases, itchy eyes, and negative impacts on the immune and nervous systems.
The Vietnamese agency has issued guidelines on how to protect residents from air pollution.
The agency told local authorities to keep a close watch on air quality on the websites of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as well as their provincial and municipal departments of natural resources and environment in order to adopt prompt and effective measures in the fight against air pollution.
Residents should wear high-quality face masks and eyeglasses when they go outdoors, and should frequently clean their homes.
They are also advised to restrict the use of charcoal-fueled ovens and wood-burning stoves. Instead, residents should use electric stoves and induction cookers.
Air quality and its impact on public health are assessed via air quality index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 500, where high index values indicate higher levels of air pollution and higher potential for adverse health effects.
When the index reaches a hazardous level, from 301 to 500, the general public should avoid outdoor activities and shut doors and windows in order to limit exposure to air pollutants.
People in sensitive groups should have their health monitored frequently.
If they show some symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, and fever, they should be rushed to a healthcare center for a medical checkup and treatment.
If the AQI measures from 101 to 150, classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, the general public should reduce their time of outdoor activities, while avoiding areas that tend to be exceptionally polluted such as on roads with dense traffic flow and in construction areas.
Students may engage in outdoor activities, but they should restrict outdoor exercise.
Sensitive people should stay indoors and increase their rest time.
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The top diplomats of North Korea and Russia discussed the schedule of "upcoming political contacts" between their countries during their talks earlier this week, Russian media reported Thursday.
North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui held talks with her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Moscow on Tuesday before meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin later that day amid deepening bilateral ties after their leaders' summit last September.
"There was a thorough exchange of views on topical issues of development of bilateral relations with a focus on implementation of the agreements of the September summit of the leaders of the two countries at the Vostochny spaceport, including the schedule of upcoming political contacts," Russia's state-run news agency TASS quoted the ministry as saying.
During the September summit in eastern Russia, Putin accepted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's invitation to visit his country. The ministry, however, did not offer details on the "upcoming political contacts."
On the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, the ministers confirmed their commitment to settling tensions in the region, which they described as being fueled by "irresponsible provocative actions of the United States and its satellites," TASS quoted the ministry as saying.
On Wednesday, Choe also met with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and discussed expanding cooperation in trade and the economy, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"The talk discussed the practical issues for revitalizing and expanding the bilateral exchange and cooperation in various fields including trade and economy as the DPRK-Russia friendly and cooperative relations have reached a new strategic level," the KCNA reported in an English-language dispatch.
DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Choe wrapped up her five-day trip to Russia on Thursday, according to the Russian ministry.
Following Choe's meeting with Putin, the Kremlin said Russia was keen on developing relations further with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive ones."
In a photo released by foreign media before her meeting with Putin, one of the members of the North Korean delegation was pictured holding a document apparently titled, "Observation list in space technology field," in Korean.
The list appears to include the Progress Rocket Space Centre and the Voronezh Mechanical Plant, known to produce engines, although the writing is not completely clear.
The document suggests possible ongoing cooperation between the two sides in space technology after Putin indicated at the September summit that his country would help Pyongyang build satellites.
Washington and its allies have accused the North of providing arms support to Moscow for use in its war in Ukraine in return for Russia's assistance in Pyongyang's advanced weapons development. (Yonhap)
SBS cant get enough of the Titanic, pre-buying a documentary from the UK, Titanic in Colour.
The a two-part doco from Woodcut Media uses cutting-edge colourisation techniques and has also been sold to UKs Channel 4.
Titanic in Colour (245), currently in production brings to life the lavish interiors of the ship, artefacts and clothing from passengers. It also features interviews with relatives of the passengers and the crew of the Titanic.
Series producer Jonathan Mayo said: The cutting-edge colourisation techniques employed will take your breath away. It was also a humbling experience to speak to some of the children of those who survived the Titanic disaster and feature in the 1912 footage.
Meanwhile SBS has also acquired The Flight Attendant Murders, a US docuseries which re-examines the murders of four Texas flight attendants in the 1970s and 1980s, who were all employed by the same airline and whose killings share eerie similarities.
Despite Jonathan Reed, a convicted rapist, being found guilty in 1979 of the initial murder and being held on death row for decades, three further murders occurred during his imprisonment.
Source: C21, BroadcastNow
In a world of revivals and reboots, fans of Tangle are still hoping the 2009 2012 series gets a fourth season and there are good reasons to justify its return.
The Foxtel series, co-produced by John Edwards and Imogen Banks, ran for three seasons starring Justine Clarke, Kat Stewart, Ben Mendelsohn, Catherine McClements, Joel Tobeck, Lincoln Younes, Georgia Flood, Matt Day, Blake Davis, Kick Gurry, and more.
Streaming has given it global exposure through Netflix and Prime Video. IMDb gives it a 7.5 rating but fans claim the series ended without a satisfying conclusion.
I just caught all 3 series of this show on Netflix. How have I not seen it before? The ensemble cast is amazing, both the well known actors and also all the kids. I assume they were planning another series, but the sudden ending wouldnt stop me from watching and thoroughly enjoying the whole complicated ride.
I have a question for the shows producers: WHEN IS SEASON FOUR?? Keep going guys! Please give us more seasons.
Great Aussie drama, well worth watching.
Where is the ending?
Great series but disappointed they cancelled with no conclusion
Absolutely brilliant show. Loved it. Dark. Confronting. Messy. Funny. Heart warming. It had everything. The writing was excellent. The acting fantastic. Sad its over but enjoyed every minute.
overwhelming majority of reviewers thought it a good-worthwhile production ( 85% rating it 7 or higher) why it didnt continue a mystery leaving all loyal viewers in limbo after just 22 episodes.
And several of the cast have grown up and gone on to much success. 14 years on, the show could now look to a next gen sequel where the teens are facing challenges in suburbia, similar to those their parents faced.
John Edwards tells TV Tonight, Its funny. I was talking to somebody in the UK earlier this week the head of a very big company- and they were talking about Tangle being their favourite Australian series. It helped this person define what a commercially viable relationship drama should be. It should be a bunch of really good looking, middle class people, who are good actors, behaving appallingly!'
Producer Imogen Banks (Safe Home, RFDS, Offspring) recently told podcast TV Reload, I literally got a text about an hour ago from John Brawley, who was our DOP on Tangle, saying Tangle series 4? We could just tune into their lives now!
I love, love Lincoln and see him at all sorts of things. Hes such a divine human, Georgia Flood most of have gone on to keep working, Banks added.
In a further podcast, Kat Stewart said she had been pestering producers a fourth season for some time.
I would do Nat Manning again in a heartbeat. I loved doing that show. It was a dream cast. (Nats) so naughty. Justine Clarke & Catherine McClements, Im such massive fans of them. And also the kids have grown up and done amazing things.
Edwards, who recently produced Bump and is now producing Plum for ABC added, Look, honestly I hadnt thought about it. .its interesting. Justine and Kat are 50-somethings now.
So no plans for a fourth season.
Not at the moment.
First look images of upcoming Stan Original Series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, have been released ahead of a May 2nd premiere on Stan.
The six-part series, based on the international best-selling novel by New Zealand author Heather Morris, is inspired by the real-life story of Lali and Gita Sokolov, who met while prisoners in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during the Holocaust.
The cast features Harvey Keitel, Melanie Lynskey, Jonah Hauer-King, Anna Prochniak, and Jonas Nay.
The series is produced by Synchronicity Films in association with Sky Studios, Stan Australia and All3Media International. Australian Jacquelin Perske is Executive Producer and lead writer for The Tattooist of Auschwitz alongside episode writers Evan Placey (Associate Producer) and Gabbie Asher.
Composer Hans Zimmer (Inception, Interstellar, Dune) and Kara Talve (Faraway Downs, Prehistoric Planet) score the series.
Claire Mundell, Executive Producer and Creative Director at Synchronicity Films, recalls: We knew from the beginning that we wanted Jonah to play Young Lali. Once Jonah was on board, the challenge was on to find the perfect Gita. Anna was the most wonderful discovery for us during the casting process. She stood out so clearly and it became increasingly clear that only Jonah and Anna could portray the humanity, the spirit, the resistance, and the defiance of Lali and Gita. They have both delivered career-defining performances in this series.
Director and Co-Executive Producer, Tali Shalom-Ezer, shares: Claire and I talked about what a huge challenge it was going to be to make viewers believe in a love story that existed in this dark place and time. This was the task that I as director, Claire, Jacquelin and our team took upon ourselves, and I pray that we will be able to make viewers around the world believe in the wonderful love story of Lali and Gita.
Claire says: To have Harvey join us is a dream come true. The commitment and authenticity with which Harvey approached the portrayal of Lali was breath-taking to watch. It was important that both young and old Lali were played authentically by Jewish actors who were able to deliver the part with nuance, empathy, compassion, and the complexity that we need from that character.
Tali says: Because were recreating historical locations, as a first point of call, Claire and I went to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau alongside our amazing Heads of Department. I can remember discussing with David Katznelson, the cinematographer, and Nili Feller, my lead editor, what a huge challenge it would be to recreate this concentration camp on screen.
Claire explains: To play Heather, we needed an actress with innate empathy, inquisitiveness and openness, someone who could portray the mix of the incredible feat that the real Heather Morris took upon herself. Her role and relationship with Lali within the series is a clear example of how the screen adaptation differs from the book, as were framing the story from Lalis real meetings with Heather in his Melbourne apartment. Lali unburdens to her what he can, but as he increasingly begins to trust Heather, he shares the full horrors of the trauma he still suffers as an elderly survivor. Being introduced by a mutual acquaintance, they met over coffee and then proceeded to spend the next three years developing a relationship. Im not sure if either of them realised at the beginning, but clearly what began is the telling of Lalis and Gitas beautiful love story.
We began developing this story five years ago and I was struck by how the book became a bestseller during a time when awareness of the Holocaust was in decline. Our series tells one mans story and experience of Auschwitz and how he found love in the darkest of places. It is a story that is as important today as it ever was.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of one man, Lali (Jonah Hauer-King), a Slovakian Jew, who, in 1942, was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the concentration camp where over a million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Shortly after arrival, he was made one of the Tatowierer (tattooists), charged to ink identification numbers onto fellow prisoners arms. One day, he meets Gita (Anna Prochniak) when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm. They experience love at first sight, and so begins a courageous, unforgettable, and human story. Under constant guard from a volatile Nazi SS officer Baretzki (Jonas Nay), Lali and Gita became determined to keep each other alive.
Around 60 years later, Lali (Harvey Keitel) meets novice writer Heather Morris (Melanie Lynskey). Recently widowed, Lali finds the courage to tell the world his story. In recounting his story to Heather, Lali, in his 80s, faces the traumatic ghosts of his youth and relives his memories of falling in love in the most horrific of places.
Serena Thompson is Executive Producer for Sky Studios. The Tattooist of Auschwitz will air on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the US. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution and All3Media International jointly handling international sales of the series.
Thursday May 2nd on Stan.
Veteran cameraman Nick Beaney, who worked at Channel Seven for decades, died recently after suffering an aneurysm, aged 61.
He started his media career in the late 1980s when he began working in the mail room at Seven before meeting future wife Siobhan, who worked in the programming department.
His credits include Dancing with the Stars, Highway Patrol, Airways, The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Ask the Doctor, Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Strait to the Plate.
Nick Beaney died on December 28 less than six weeks after colleague James Rose and Jetworks Aviation pilot Stephen Gale, when their jet collided with a second aircraft over Port Phillip Bay.
It is understood Mr Beaney had flown with Mr Gale in the jet earlier in the day before Mr Rose took over filming in the cockpit.
The Herald Sun reports wife Siobhan said that her husbands death was especially heartbreaking as Mr Beaney had been close friends with Mr Roses father, David, for decades. The pair met while working in the Seven newsroom.
Id travelled overseas with him and we have worked together on and off for nearly 40 years, and I considered him a close friend, David Rose said.
He always had my back and put me and the boys first, he would have done everything to make life easy for us, she said.
I will miss his cheerful greetings, meeting him in the park after my walk home from work, and many other things, but mostly his genuine love for us.
He had an incredible career which took him to the North and South Poles and everywhere inbetween.
The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure will soon submit its proposals to the European Union on amendments to the agreement on the liberalization of transportation between Ukraine and the EU, Deputy Head of the department Pawe Gancarz told Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Zvarych.
Pawe Gancarz informed his interlocutor that Poland will soon present its proposals on amendments to the agreement on the liberalization of transportation between Ukraine and the EU at the EU forum and invited the Ukrainian side to cooperate. The Deputy Minister stressed that Poland's efforts in this direction are aimed at developing favorable conditions for both sides, the official website of the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure says.
It is indicated that the meeting also discussed the need for the Ukrainian side to fully implement the agreements reached during bilateral meetings and contained in the agreement signed on January 16, 2024 between Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak and representatives of Polish carriers. In exchange for their fulfillment, the protesters agreed to unblock checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Polish border by March 1.
The Platform Workers Directive (PWD) was supposed to be a turning point in the so-called Gig Economy as millions of self-employed people who work through platforms across the bloc would be re-classified as employees and benefit from basic rights such as minimum salary, healthcare, accident insurance and paid leave.
But after going through six rounds of negotiations between the European Parliament and member states, the directive was stopped dead in its tracks, right when it was about to reach the finish line.
A meeting in late December, mere hours before Brussels grounded to a halt for the winter break, revealed a larger-than-expected group of countries opposed the draft law that had emerged from the talks.
France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Greece and the Baltic countries were among those making it clear they could not support the text on the table, spearheaded by the left-wing government of Spain as holder of the Council's rotating presidency.
"When you move towards (rules) that would allow massive reclassifications, including self-employed workers who value their self-employed status, we cannot support it," Olivier Dussopt, then-French minister of labour, said in December.
The co-legislators are expected to honour the deal hashed out in negotiations and push it forward to the final votes so the last-minute resistance, paired with its seize, sent alarm bells ringing.
Another bruising round of negotiations is now all but guaranteed, although no date has yet been selected.
The situation is particularly precarious as the June elections to the European Parliament impose a deadline for concluding interinstitutional talks by mid-February.
A question of presumption
The objections voiced by the no-go coalition all coincide in one critical point: the legal presumption of employment foreseen by the directive. This is the core pillar of the proposed law, without which the PWD would be effectively bereft of its raison d'etre.
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The legal presumption is the system under which a digital platform would be considered an employer, rather than just an intermediate, and the worker would be considered an employee, rather than a self-employed person.
Under the original proposal by the European Commission, the re-classification would happen if two out of five conditions are met in practice:
The platform determines the level of remuneration or sets upper limits. The platform electronically oversees the performance of workers. The platform restricts the ability of workers to choose their working hours, refuse tasks or use subcontractors. The platform imposes mandatory rules of appearance, conduct and performance. The platform limits the ability to build a client base or to work for a competitor.
According to the Commission's estimates, about 5.5 million of the 28 million platform workers active across the bloc are currently misclassified and would therefore fall under the legal presumption. Doing so would make them entitled to rights like minimum wage, collective bargaining, work-time limits, health insurance, sick leave, unemployment benefits and retirement pensions on par with any other regular worker.
The re-classification could be challenged, or rebutted, by either the company or the workers themselves. The burden of proof would fall on the platform to demonstrate the relation of employer-employee does not correspond with reality.
'Pretty delicate'
From the very start, the directive proved contentious among member states, which are traditionally protective of their labour policies and welfare systems.
Before heading into talks with the Parliament, the 27 countries agreed on a common position that made considerable alterations to the legal presumption, expanding the criteria to seven and adding a vague provision to bypass the system in certain cases.
Meanwhile, MEPs opted instead for a general presumption clause that would apply, in principle, to all platform workers. The criteria to re-classify as employees would only kick in during the rebuttal phase, making it harder for companies to circumvent the system. Lawmakers also strengthened the transparency requirements on algorithms and turned up the heat on penalties for non-compliant firms.
The gap between the Council and the Parliament slowed down the negotiations, known as trilogue, with six rounds needed to reach a deal, a particular high number.
But while MEPs cheered on the breakthrough, a rebellion erupted in the Council.
The resistance stems from the legal presumption of employment, which the trilogue reverted to the original 2/5 criteria, the balance between full-time and part-time workers, the administrative burden placed on private companies and the potential adverse effects on the digital economy as a whole.
"All in all, the issue is that the text doesn't provide legal clarity and is not in line with the Council's agreement," said one diplomat from the group of countries that oppose the deal under condition of anonymity. "Protecting workers, yes, but competitiveness should remain."
Another diplomat said the position struck in the Council was "pretty delicate" and left minimum space for concessions. "It's difficult. It's not an easy file," the official noted.
From Spain to Belgium
As of today, the trilogue deal decisively falls short of the necessary qualified majority to move forward. Adding an extra twist, Germany, the bloc's largest country, has so far kept silent, which has been interpreted as the prelude to an abstention. If Berlin sits out the vote, the path to a qualified majority becomes even steeper.
Coincidentally, some of the reluctant countries are home to some of the most prominent digital platforms in Europe: Bolt (Estonia), Wolt (Finland), Free Now and Delivery Hero (Germany). These firms, together with Glovo (Spain), Uber (US) and Deliveroo (UK), have set up industry associations in Brussels and boosted their lobbying spending to defend their corporate interests and influence the draft law.
One of these associations, Move EU, publicly celebrated the December rejection and called the directive "not fit for purpose." The statement sharply criticised the legal presumption, arguing it would "overwhelm national courts and undo positive reforms."
By contrast, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) said the proposed law was being "held up for no good reason" and called on the institutions to wrap up the file. "The agreement found in trilogues was far from ideal but finally brought some basic standards to the sector," the confederation said.
The political hot potato is now in the hands of Belgium, which took over the Council's presidency on 1 January. Belgium intends to come up with a new common position and head into a seventh round of negotiations with MEPs.
"We're very determined to reach an agreement, but not at any price. Because, of course, we have to maintain the initial ambition" set by the Commission's proposal, Pierre-Yves Dermagne, Belgian's minister for the economy and labour, said last week.
"We know the timing is quite tight. We're talking a matter of weeks, really."
But the road ahead is ridden with obstacles. A fresh push in the Council to satisfy the demands of the blocking coalition may trigger the backlash of left-wing governments. France, in particular, is seen as adamantly opposed to the directive.
And even if the Council manages to somehow overcome the odds and overhaul its common position, there is no guarantee that MEPs will be willing to give in and water down the December deal. If the text fails to complete the trilogue phase by mid-February, the cut-off date imposed by the elections, it will be plunged into legislative limbo.
"We are now in a stalemate, with the Belgian Presidency faced with the task of reconciling such opposing positions that the outcome risks being a very weak regulation," said Agnieszka Piasna, a senior researcher at the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI).
"If the Council doesn't change its position, we could see a directive that sets the minimum floor so low that conditions for platform workers in some countries could actually worsen, and even obstruct the legal route which, despite being incredibly costly and cumbersome, has so far been an effective way for workers to defend their rights."
New Delhi has been named the cheapest travel destination for 2024. (Getty Images)
Travelling has become somewhat of a luxury during the ongoing cost of living crisis, with cheap flights and train tickets seemingly a thing of the past.
However, it is still possible to travel on a budget you just have to know where to go.
Luckily, analysts from Wethrift have crunched the numbers and found the cheapest travel destinations for 2024, including everywhere from Spain to Brazil and Thailand.
Indias New Delhi was named as the cheapest destination to visit this year, thanks to over 145 direct flight routes from the UK to choose from, and meals costing as little as 1.90 when you get there.
India offers public transport options for as low as 29p, and accommodation for just 39 per night.
Hanoi in Vietnam was named a close second, with drinks costing 1.06, and attraction tickets for as little as 38.19.
Egypts Cairo and Hurghada were named third and fifth on the list respectively, while Istanbul in Turkey came in at number four, with drinks for just 1.78.
Cheapest travel destinations for 2024
New Delhi, India Hanoi, Vietnam Cairo, Egypt Istanbul, Turkey Hurghada, Egypt Bali, Indonesia Bangkok, Thailand Marrakech, Morocco Phuket, Thailand Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Madrid, Spain Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Doha, Qatar Barcelona, Spain Cancun, Mexico
On the flip side, the team also revealed the most expensive destinations for 2024, with Florence, Italy taking the top spot.
This is due to accommodation costing an eye-watering 249.33 per night, and sightseeing costing 147.49 on average.
Hanoi in Vietnam is the second cheapest travel destination this year. (Getty Images)
Belfast in Northern Ireland was named as the second most expensive city with a meal costing 18 and public transport setting you back at least 2.55.
Australias Sydney was named the third most expensive place to visit in the world, with accommodation costing 169.44 per night on average, while New York Cty cost 205 per night for accommodation, and 19.82 for a meal.
Most expensive travel destinations for 2024
Florence, Italy Belfast, Northern Ireland Sydney, Australia New York City, USA London, UK
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How to save money when booking a holiday
Nick Drewe, Discount Expert at Wethrift, says one of the best ways to save money on a holiday is to fly midweek.
"Booking a flight that begins midweek will often save you money, as not only are airfares cheaper during the week than on the weekend, but accommodation is likely to be cheaper as well as long as its not the school holidays," he explains.
He adds that you should look to stay in apartments over hotels, and book holidays last minute where you can.
"While hotels definitely hold their own benefits, staying in an apartment or booking a place through Airbnb can really help with saving money," he says. "Thats because you will most likely have access to a kitchen during your stay, where you can cook your own meals to save money.
Sydney, Australia is one of the more expensive travel destinations. (Getty Images)
"[Booking last minute] might not be for everyone out there, especially if you have children in school, but if you can be flexible with your travel, booking last minute can score you a bargain when it comes to flights."
Other tips include making packed lunches, and using public transport where possible.
"While it might be tempting to eat out for every meal in the day, this is bound to rack up your expenses. If youre staying in an apartment, you can do your own food shop for your stay, still buying in local foods to try and make a picnic or packed lunch to take with you on your travels," he says.
"Make the most of public transport instead of taxis. Many big cities have really good public transport links and if you plan on travelling around a lot to see all of the different sights, it can make a big difference to your savings."
Travel: Read more
Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, who humanizes Chinas modern history and turns it into poetry, according to one critic, will be the guest of honor at Visions du Reel. The documentary film festivals 55th edition runs April 12-21 in Nyon, Switzerland.
Jia, a leading figure in independent Chinese cinema, will present a masterclass exploring his body of work, and a retrospective of his films will run throughout the edition. The tribute is made possible thanks to the collaboration with the Cinematheque suisse and ECAL, the university of art and design in Lausanne.
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Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I havent left China for almost four years, Jia said. I feel like embracing the world again, as excited as a child about to go on a long trip for the first time. I am heading to Nyon for cinema that reveals the world as it really is.
Jia belongs to a generation of Chinese filmmakers who were profoundly affected by the Tiananmen Square protests. His diverse filmography, which comprises more than 20 short and feature works, borrows elements from both genre and non-fiction cinema.
His work has received many accolades, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the best director award at the Asian Film Awards for Still Life (2006), and the award for best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival for A Touch of Sin (2013). His entire career has also been honored at some of the worlds most renowned film festivals, including Locarno, where he received the Golden Leopard in 2010, and Directors Fortnight at Cannes, which awarded him the Carrosse dOr in 2015.
Emilie Bujes, artistic director of Visions du Reel, said: Switching from taught thrillers to documentaries and encompassing a myriad hybrid formats, woven together by non-professional actors, fictional works on a canvas of reality, and fantasies bypassing otherwise restrained stories, Jia Zhangke has spent two decades creating a filmography as coherent as it is shifting.
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Graduating in 1997 from the Beijing Film Academy, Jia returned to his home city of Fenyang in the Shanxi province to create his first full-length feature, Pickpocket (1997). Conceived with meager resources and without authorization, the film cast a disillusioned eye, in a distinct documentary style like several of his other titles on Chinese society, landing it with a national broadcast ban.
His next three works met the same fate: Platform (2000), The Condition of Dogs (2001) and Unknown Pleasures (2002). However, the latter was included in the Cannes Film Festivals Official Selection. His melodrama The World (2004) was the first of his films to be screened in Chinese theaters, and starred his wife, the actor Zhao Tao, who has appeared in all of his fiction films since 2000. She won numerous awards for her performances in Mountains May Depart (2015) and Ash Is Purest White (2018).
Starting with 2006s Dong, the filmmaker then embarked on an expansion into non-fiction cinema, by adopting the viewpoint of the painter Liu Xiaodong. He followed this up with Useless (2007), an exploration of the textile industry in China, and 24 City (2008), which examines the disappearance of workers towns and the countrys modernization. He recounted the history of Shanghai in I Wish I Knew (2010) and gave voice to three Chinese writers on the changes taking place in their country in Swimming Out Till the Sea Turns Blue (2020).
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Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Education & Career
256 State Universities, 162 Private varsities fail to appoint Ombudsperson: UGC
The University Grant Commission in a notification released in April 2023 asked the varsities to appoint Ombudsperson within 30 days of the issuance of the notification. Read More
Thursday January 18, 2024 9:14 PM , ummid.com Staff Reporter
New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has published a list of Central, State, Private, Deemed and Deemed universities that have failed to appoint Ombudsperson despite repeated warnings.
The Ombudsperson is the official whose role is to protect the interests and rights of all members of the University community by being an impartial, trustworthy person to oversee conflict-resolution procedures and assure due process for all parties involved in a conflict.
The major goal of the ombudsperson is to serve as a reliable, comprehensive source of information about university rules and procedures at all levels in order to assure that all members of the institution have full knowledge of, and access to, all appropriate conflict-resolution processes.
The University Grants Commission in a notification released in April 2023 asked the varsities to appoint Ombudsperson within 30 days of the issuance of the notification.
"The Universities were requested to appoint Ombudsperson(s) within 30 days of the notification of the Regulations vide letter dated 12 April 2023. This was followed with several reminders", the UGC said. "ln the previous communication dated 5 December 2023, the universities were again requested to appoint Ombudsperson(s) and implement other provisions of UGC Regulations by 31 December 2023. It was also mentioned that the list of universities not complying with these requirements would be published on the UGC website", the Commission said.
Despite this 01 Central University (North Eastern Hill University, Shilong, Meghalaya), 256 State Universities, 162 Private Universities and 02 Deemed to be universities have defaulted and failed to follow the UGC notification with regard to the appointment of Ombudsperson(s), the UGC said.
The UGC in its notification listed different email addresses and asked the universities to comply with the commission and inform it accordingly.
The UGC further said that the universities who have already appointed Ombudsperson(s) but find their name in the list may also write to the above emails.
The Universities and their affiliated Colleges are requested to display the particulars and contact details of the Ombudsperson(s) and Students Grievance Redressal Committee (SGRC) on their websites and at prominent places on their campuses, the UGC said.
Similarly, stakeholders and the general public may write to the above emails if any University/College does not have an Ombudsperson/SGRC or their details are not available in the public domain, the UGC said.
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Hajj 2024 Qurrah Date: Haj Committee of India update
The Hajj Qurrah or draw of lots and qurandazi is held when number of applications received by the Haj Committee is more than its allotted quota of Haj pilgrims. Read More
Thursday January 18, 2024 12:18 PM , ummid.com Staff Reporter
Hajj 2024: The last date of receiving applications for Hajj 2024 has ended and preparations are now on to conduct the Qurrah, also called as Qurandazi or draw of lots, to finalize the list of pilgrims who will perform the annual ritual through the Haj Committee of India.
Hajj 2024 Quota
The Hajj Qurrah or draw of lots and qurandazi is held when number of applications received by the Haj Committee is more than its allotted quota of Haj pilgrims.
Saudi Arabia allots a fixed quota to countries based on the population of Muslims in that country. As per the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 signed between India and Saudi Arabia, a total of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India will perform Hajj this year. Of them, 1,40,020 will visit Makkah through the Haj Committee of India. The remaining will perform Hajj through Private Tour Operators.
The Haj Committee of India had started receiving through its website hajcommittee.gov.in from December 04, 2023 Hajj Application Form (HAF) of the pilgrims who wished to embark on Hajj 2024 (Haj 1445 AH).
The last date of application was originally fixed as December 20, 2023. It was however extended till January 15, 2024, and then till 12:00 pm on January 16, 2024 in the las minute because of technical glitches in the computer server.
Hajj 2024 Qurrah Date
The Haj Committee of India has not disclosed yet how many applications it has received till January 16, 2024. It will however conduct the qurrah and draw of lots in case the applications received are more than the allotted quota.
Pilgrims should note that last year the Hajj Qurrah was held centrally with the help of computers at the Ministry of Minority Affairs office in New Delhi using the process called as Random Digital Selection for Haj Pilgrims.
When and where qurrah will be held for this years Hajj is not yet clear. But, the Haj Committee of India in its Hajj 2024 Action Plan has said the qurrah will be held by respective State Haj Committees coordinated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Central Haj Committee will coordinate.
About the date and time of Hajj Qurrah, the Haj Committee of India in Hajj 2024 Action Plan said it should be held in the third week of January 2024, without specifying the exact schedule.
Hajj 2024 Flight Schedule
The Haj Committee of India said there will be a total 25 Hajj Embarkations Points namely: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Srinagar, Ranchi, Gaya, Guwahati, Indore, Bhopal, Mangalore, Goa, Aurangabad, Varanasi, Jaipur, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kannur, Vijayawada, Agartala and Calicut.
According to Hajj 2024 Action Plan, the first Hajj flight from India will be on May 05, 2024. The Last Hajj departure flight will be on June 10, 2024. Core Hajj duration will be from June 14 to 19, 2024.
First return Hajj flight from Saudi Arabia to India will be on June 20, 2024 and the last inbound and return flight will be on July 21, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh State Haj Committee in a release said it has received a total of 9,080 applications till the last date.
According to the Maharashtra State Haj Committee sources, it has received more than 25,000 applications, including over 1,700 applications from Nashik district, till the last date.
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'Public hospitals let other patients out to concentrate on treating COVID-19 patients'
By Jun Ji-hye
Public medical centers that were designated by the government to treat COVID-19 patients during the pandemic have been driven into a corner due to snowballing deficits, according to financial data released by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), Thursday.
On the other hand, the so-called big five hospitals in Seoul Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital and Seoul St. Marys Hospital have seen huge profit growth during the same period.
The varied outcomes were attributed to disparities in government support, according to officials from public medical centers and a medical workers union.
They said the government offered more financial aid to private hospitals to secure beds for seriously ill patients, whereas public medical centers that deployed all their possible resources to treat COVID-19 patients were supported insufficiently.
According to KHIDI, the National Medical Center, a public medical institute, suffered a deficit of 34 billion won ($25 million) in 2019, before the pandemic. However, following the country's first reported COVID-19 case on Jan. 20, 2020, the deficit increased to 70.3 billion won that year, 57.7 billion won in 2021 and 72.7 billion won in 2022.
Seoul Red Cross Hospital and Seoul Medical Center experienced similar situations. Seoul Red Cross Hospital's deficit escalated from 5.4 billion won in 2019 to 23.9 billion won in 2022, while Seoul Medical Center's shortfall rose from 28.8 billion won in 2019 to 81.5 billion won in 2022.
Other public medical centers located outside Seoul have also seen deficits widen during the pandemic.
An official at Seoul Red Cross Hospital said the medical institution could not treat other general patients after it was designated as a COVID-19 treatment facility in August 2020.
At the time, many patients left the hospital, and the number of patients has not rebounded even after the designation was lifted in May 2022, the official said.
In contrast, the countrys five biggest general hospitals have enjoyed drastically increased profits during the same period.
Seoul Asan Medical Centers profits stood at 55.1 billion won in 2019 and increased to 169 billion won in 2022, while Severance Hospitals profits rose to 68.4 billion won in 2022 from 5.1 billion won in 2019.
Those profits were attainable due to various benefits provided by the government, including support for operating costs, equipment and personnel expenses. This assistance aimed to secure beds for seriously ill patients from private hospitals during the pandemic.
But public medical centers could not receive sufficient compensation for their sacrifice and losses, an official at the Korean Health and Medical Workers Union said.
The official pointed out that private hospitals could maintain most of their functions even during the pandemic, as they offered some of their ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, receiving huge compensation from the government.
Public hospitals, on the other hand, let other patients out to concentrate on treating COVID-19 patients, the official said, urging the government to increase support for these hospitals.
During a meeting with the heads of public medical centers, Wednesday, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said the government is well aware of their difficulties caused by the falling numbers of patients and medical professionals.
I hope the governments 2024 project to support public hospitals could help restore financial health and enhance capacities, he said.
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Karnataka 2nd PUC Class 12th (Final) Time Table 2024 released
As per the new 2nd PUC 2024 exam date, the first paper will be on March 01 and the last paper will be held on March 22, 2024. Read More
Thursday January 18, 2024 2:36 PM , ummid.com Staff Reporter
Karnataka 2nd PUC (Class 12th) March 2024 Exam: The Karnataka Pre-University Department has released on its website kseab.karnataka.gov.in the Final Time Table of II PUC (2nd year or Class 12th also called as Plus Two) Annual Examination to be held in March 2024.
The department has released the 2nd PU Time Table of all three streams including Science, Commerce and Humanities (Art).
According to the 2nd PUC final time table released by the Karnataka Pre-University Department, the exam will start on March 01 and continue till March 22, 2024.
Karnataka 12th Maths Paper Date
The exams will begin with Kannada/Arabic paper on March 01, 2024, English language paper will be held on March 13, 2024.
The all-important Mathematics, along with Education, paper will be held on March 04, 2024.
The History and Physics papers will be held on March 07, Accountancy, Optional Kannada, Geology and Home Science papers will be held on March 09, Chemistry, Psychology, Hindustani Music and Basic Maths on March 15, Sociology, Electronics and Computer Science on March 20 whereas Geography and Biology on March 18, 2024.
The II PUC March 2020 according to the final time table will end on March 22, 2024 with Hindi paper.
All papers will be held from 10:15 am to 01:30 pm.
Karnataka 2nd PUC (Class 12) Result 2023
In 2023, Karnataka 2nd PUC or 12th exam was held from March 09 to 29, 2023. The Karnataka 2nd PU Class 12th Result 2023 was declared on April 21, 2023.
The overall pass percentage in 2023 was 74.76%. The Pass Percentage of Science stream was 85.71%, pass percentage of Arts stream was 61.22 and that of Commerce stream was 75.89.
The Department of Pre-University, Government of Karnataka is the organization for implementation of higher secondary education in the state. We function under the Department of Primary and Secondary Education.
There are 1,202 Government Pre-University colleges, 637 Aided Pre-University colleges, 1936 Unaided Pre-University colleges, 165 bifurcated Pre-University colleges and 13 Corporation Pre-university colleges in the state.
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Karnataka SSLC 2024 (Final) Time Table released
Karnataka SSLC - Secondary School Leaving Certificate 2024 exam will start on March 25 and will continue till April 06, 2024, according to the Final Time Table released on the official website. Read More
Thursday January 18, 2024 1:41 PM , ummid.com Staff Reporter
Karnataka SSLC Time Table 2024: Karnataka SSLC - Secondary School Leaving Certificate 2024 exam, will start on March 25, 2024 according to the final Time Table (Datesheet) released by the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, Bengaluru on its official website KSEAB.
Karnataka SSLC 2024 exam will start on March 25 and continue till April 06, 2024, as per the Karnataka SSLC Class 10 time table released on the board's official website kseab.karnataka.gov.in.
As per the time table and date sheet released by the Karnataka Education Department, SSLC Class X 2024 exam will begin on Monday March 25, 2024 with First language (Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, English, Sanskrit) as the first paper.
Maths, Science papers date
The all important Mathematics paper will be held on April 02, Science paper on March 30, and Social Science on March 27, 2024.
The 2024 Karnataka SSLC Class 10 exam will end with English and Kannada paper on April 06, 2024.
Students who have registered for the Karnataka SSLC Class 10 exam 2024 should note that the time table released now is final.
Karnataka SSLC Result 2023
In 2023, Karnataka SSLC exam was held from March 31 to April 15, 2023. The Karnataka SSLC Result 2023 was declared on May 08, 2023.
The overall pass percentage in 2023 was 83.89% with over 61,000 students securing A+ grade (90 to 100%) and 1,47,634 students passing with A grade (80 to 89%).
The Karnataka Education board was established in 1966. It's headquartered at Bangalore, India. The board carries out the several activities that include changes in the programmes of study, prescribing syllabus, conducting examinations, granting recognition to schools and providing direction, support and leadership for all secondary educational institutions under its jurisdiction.
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1. Background
As a federally owned enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.
The Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia (CASE) is a regional project implemented in 04 countries: Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. Overall, the project aims to drive substantial change in the power sector in Southeast Asia (SEA) towards an evidence-based energy transition, aiming to increase political ambition to comply with the Paris Agreement. The project outcomes will directly contribute to the transition of the power sector towards an innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly model for SEA.
The Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar (CIRTS) project jointly implemented by the GIZ and the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority (EREA) aims to improve the pre-conditions for the development of commercial and industrial rooftop solar energy (RTS) through the analysis and assessment of prevailing applicable standards, the development and adaptation of relevant regulatory and technical regulations for RTS, the development of key stakeholders (power sellers and purchasers) capacities for RTS development, and the support to improve the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN)'s information base for the development of RTS projects.
The 2 projects are jointly deploying the study on Justification for Distributed Energy Resources Management in Vietnamese context to directly provide technical recommendations for better grid operation and management in the context of high-shared distributed renewable sources.
The GIZ Office Hanoi as the contracting party, on behalf of CASE and CIRTS projects, is conducting a local negotiated tender to look for qualified Local Consulting Firm (LCF).
Tentative duration: from 15th April 2024 until 15th November 2024
Place of assignment: Hanoi
LCFs number of estimate working days: up to 107
Requirements for the LCF:
- Has a representative office in Hanoi.
- Has extensive expertise, from 5 years of experience in power sector.
- Has good understanding of the Vietnamese power sector, especially on rooftop solar (RTS) projects.
- Has clear organisation and personnel structure.
- Assigns a team of 03 local experts:
o 01 Team Leader: Responsible for overall advisory on the contractors package (including quality assurance, quality control and deadlines commitment).
o 01 Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Distribution management system (DMS) expert for technical advisory and developing the report.
o 01 Renewable Energy (RE) expert: for technical advisory and developing the report.
Rejection criteria: LCF or leading firm of consortium will be rejected if either: having less than 5 years of experience in power sector or unability to provide valid legal status (e.g.: Business Registration/Establishment decision, Certification of corporate tax code with related business areas in power sector) or unability to provide audited financial/annual tax reports of the last 3 years.
2. Requirements for eligibility documents
Interested LCFs are requested to prepare the following documents in English:
a. Letter of interest (with Directors or authorised persons signature and company stamp).
b. LCF profile (incl. Business license (for firm) or Decision of establishment (for association), Tax code registration, organisational chart, similar experience/copy of contracts related to power sector, especially on rooftop solar).
c. Audited financial reports of the last 03 years. Important/key information in the audited financial reports or in annual tax reports must be translated into English if documents are in Vietnamese.
d. Consortium agreement and nomination of consortium leading firm (if at least 02 entities joint the assignment).
3. Method of bid submission
LCFs send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de latest by 17:00 (Hanoi time) on 25.02.2024 with email subject: Tender 83457554-Eligibility dossier-Company name.
Bids sent after the submission deadline will be disqualified.
4. Notes
a. Request of tender documents to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 01.02.2024.
b. Eligibility assessment related questions to be sent to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 18.02.2024.
c. Sending documents to wrong email address will lead to disqualification of the supplier.
d. Only selected bidders will be invited to present technical and financial offers.
GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all submitted documents by bidder(s) during tender process.
DAVOS Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a talk with representatives from world leading banks and financial investment funds on investment in Viet Nams financial market in Davos, Switzerland, on January 17 (local time), on the sidelines of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54).
Participants focused on assessing the financial market in Viet Nam in 2023, shared models and experiences in building international financial centres and put forth recommendations for Viet Nam. Some financial groups also talked about their plans on investment in Viet Nam.
They shared the view that Viet Nam, as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has potential to become a financial hub of the region and the world.
Representatives from Viet Nams ministries and agencies fielded questions about the legal framework on the financial market in general and the operation of financial centres in particular, the law on money laundering, infrastructure serving the financial market, and related issues.
Concluding the dialogue, PM Chinh confirmed the consensus in setting up a research and advisory group on building financial centres in Viet Nam led by former German Vice Chancellor Dr. Philipp Rosler, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, and Chairman of the Peoples Committee of HCM City Phan Van Mai.
The PM asked experts, banks and financial investment funds to assist Viet Nam in policy making, promoting startup and innovation, restructuring banks, building the national brand, developing infrastructure and training human resources.
In particular, he urged global groups and funds to share experience and advise Viet Nam in selecting suitable models and solutions in financial centre development, and in building institutions, policies and measures to develop a comprehensive financial ecology covering fintech, digital banks, digital payment, digital transaction, green finance, and transaction floors for carbon credit, merchandise and foreign exchange.
Chinh said Viet Nam also needs help in improving the countrys credit ratings and standards in accounting, auditing and financial reporting, thus laying important foundations for the successful development of international financial centres in the future.
He hoped foreign partners will consider participating in the restructuring of weak banks in Viet Nam and support the country in personnel training in financial services.
The Vietnamese Government leader affirmed that the Vietnamese Government always accompanies and creates all possible favourable conditions for foreign investors in general and Swiss investors in particular to do business in the country. Viet Nam is committed to protecting the legal and legitimate rights and interests of investors in any circumstances, and is always open to recommendations of the business community for mutual development, he said.
The PMs remarks received warm response from the events participants. Don Lam, the CEO of VinaCapital, one of the organisers of the talk, said the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) has decided to arrange a trip to Viet Nam after the talk. VNS
HA NOI Viet Nams early engagement in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) highlights its proactive stance as one of the first countries to join the discussions initiated by the US in May 2022. However, the new mechanism and its relevance to Viet Nam are yet to be widely known by the Vietnamese public.
To explain IPEF to his students, many of whom Vietnamese, Professor Stephen Nagy of International Christian University (Tokyo) describes the mechanism as a buffet: It is like your friend enjoys seafood, you prefer chicken and the other friends like beef, so you can choose the part of the buffet that you would like to participate in.
That is, in IPEF, participating countries can choose parts or provisions of the agreement that align with their respective preferences. The framework allows different countries with different levels of development, different kinds of governments, and different kinds of priorities, to be able to participate in one part of the agreement to create a critical mass of countries that are all behaving and acting in the same way. According to Nagy, such an a la carte approach helps his students grasp the concept immediately.
Nagy says there is a growing awareness amongst students about how the new trade bloc is related to the evolving realities of the global economy, with the 21st centurys central economic nexus to be centred on the Indo-Pacific region where Southeast Asia lies at the heart. But the IPEF concept is still alien to most people in the Asia-Pacific, not just Viet Nam, partly because economic frameworks often associate with market access and trade agreements but IPEF focuses on green technology and supply chains.
Tran Thi Thuy Linh, a researcher of IPEF and currently a lecturer at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam says the framework has not garnered much attention from the public in Viet Nam and other parts of the world because it is still in the negotiation phase and no final outcomes have been achieved.
From the University of New South Wales, Canberra, Emeritus Professor Carl Thayer says IPEF is designed to set rules and norms with high standards to guide trade practices and foster economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
And as in IPEF, the participants can pick what they want based on their own interests, objectives, and policies, the flexible characteristic of the mechanism makes it different from the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which focuses on intellectual property rights, the role of state-owned enterprises, and strong labour and environmental regulations, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a broad regional trade agreement involving all 10 ASEAN member states, Australia, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand, Nagy says.
One notable feature of the IPEF is it not only involves trade but also covers modern issues such as new energy transition, supply chain resilience, taxation, and corruption. The framework extends the geographical scope to the Indo-Pacific with the notable participation of India, the worlds most populous nation and the US, the worlds largest economy, Linh adds.
Nevertheless, experts point out that the IPEFs absence of tariff reductions and market access provisions makes the negotiation process more challenging as participating countries do not see enough motivation to speed it up.
Viet Nam, a proactive founding member
For Viet Nam, the trade pact that promises to deliver broad based economic connectivity and levels the playing field for countries, big and small, is obviously an opportunity it does not want to miss. Therefore, Viet Nam has been enthusiastic to make contributions to promoting negotiations.
At the meeting of leaders from the IPEF partner nations held as part of the APEC Economic Leaders Week in San Francisco on November 16, 2023, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong pushed forward three key orientations that would contribute to the formation of the framework.
First, the IPEF needs to be an open, inclusive, non-discriminatory cooperation mechanism, one that would support the rules-based multilateral trading system, welcome the participation of countries within and outside the region, and complement and supplement other regional economic connectivity initiatives.
Second, cooperation within the IPEF should meet the development needs of each party, balance the interests of all parties, respect and take into account the differences and particular characteristics of each country, and focus on technical support and capacity building.
Third, the IPEF should encourage new investment in building infrastructure, transition to clean energy, and high-tech industrial production in the region.
Regarding President Thuongs initiatives, Thayer says: He did not only identify the problems but also offered viable solutions, making it comprehensive and impactful.
Linh and Nagy, meanwhile, view the three orientations as aligning with Viet Nams foreign policy of pursuing and making all-out efforts towards an independent, self-reliant economy in association with extensive and substantive international integration. In other words, Viet Nam is looking at all economic opportunities available in the region. As an enthusiastic member of CPTPP and RCEP, the Southeast Asian country is now committed to be part of the IPEF, too.
The engagement in multiple agreements can help Viet Nam deliver prosperity and goods to ordinary Vietnamese people, Nagy says the concept of bamboo diplomacy has been well applied by Viet Nam in trade relations.
From Linhs perspective, President Thuongs three orientations demonstrate Viet Nams proactive stance towards global integration and its strategic focus on inclusive cooperation, capacity building, and targeted investments in key sectors.
IPEF could provide Viet Nam with opportunities to diversify economic partnerships and strengthen its role in the global economy, she says.
IPEFs focus on technical support and capacity building is particularly relevant to the countrys ongoing efforts to enhance economic and technological capabilities.
In IPEF, Viet Nam will be able to attract new investments in key sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy and high-tech industries and its transition to clean energy will surely contribute to its own economic transformation and competitiveness, she adds. VNA/VNS
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized Korea's commitment to playing a leading role in the global fight against challenges during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, his office said Thursday.
Han participated in the annual meeting of government and business leaders with the theme "Rebuilding Trust" on Wednesday (local time). The five-day event brought together around 2,800 leaders from government, business, civil society and academia to discuss pressing global challenges.
During the session on the Pacific region, the prime minister discussed ways with participants to promote inclusive and sustainable development in the region, the office said in a press release.
He reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation to address various challenges faced by the region, such as utilizing the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework to maintain close coordination with major partners.
Han also participated in two closed-door sessions that brought together world leaders to address challenging issues, such as regaining trust in the global community and artificial intelligence.
On the sidelines, Han held a bilateral meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in fields such as infrastructure.
The prime minister also met with his Slovakian counterpart, Robert Fico, expressing hope for more local companies to contribute their expertise to the development of the central European country.
Additionally, Han met with a group of CEOs from leading multinational companies, including Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey and Adam Selipsky, the CEO of Amazon Web Services, and encouraged them to take a keen interest in Korea.
Han is scheduled to attend more sessions Thursday and hold a meeting with WEF Chairman Klaus Schwab before returning home. (Yonhap)
HA NOI The Vietnam Trade Office in Spain has issued a warning to domestic businesses to be careful when signing contracts with Spanish businesses to avoid risks.
Previously, the Vietnam Trade Office in Spain received feedback from several domestic cashew and pepper export businesses about delays in payment of goods from ISASA Export Company in Malaga, Spain.
The representative is Mr. Manuel Gil or Ms. Anniz; headquarters located at Calle Riogordo, Nave No.4, Estrella, 29006 Malaga, Spain; Email: info@isasaexport.com; isasa@isasaexport.com and website address https://isasaexport.com/en/home/.
ISASA Export said the Vietnamese enterprise's goods did not meet quality standards at the port of destination or that the company suffered loss due to the decline in local market prices, so it did not comply with the purchase contract. Specifically, the company was late in paying for the goods, causing difficulties, time loss, and storage costs for domestic businesses, and many businesses even had to take back the goods.
To avoid risks in exporting, the Vietnam Trade Office in Spain warned domestic businesses to be careful when signing sales contracts with ISASA Export Company. At the same time, it suggested domestic businesses increase coordination with the Trade Office in Spain in verifying local businesses before actually signing sales contracts.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Spain said that Spain is currently a large consumer market for all of Viet Nam's exported consumer goods industries because of its large population of over 47 million people and quite high average income (about US$36,700/year). Furthermore, this is also a potential niche market for direct domestic consumption of Viet Nam's agricultural, aquatic products and tropical fruits and vegetables, especially off-season products and raw products that are suitable inputs for the highly developed export food processing industry in Spain.
Spain attracts an average of over 80 million international visitors annually with Europe's leading tourism service industry, resort facilities and cuisine. Therefore, this is a market opportunity for tourism related industries (including handbags, suitcases, wallets, hats, umbrellas; handicraft products, rattan, bamboo, rush, carpets), textiles, footwear, wood and wood products, food ingredients, coffee and spice products of Viet Nam.
To promote Vietnamese goods in the Spanish market, the Vietnam Trade Office in Spain suggested Vietnamese businesses increasingly take advantage of incentives from the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Vietnamese businesses need to proactively research consumption trends and market requirements, and stay updated on new regulations and policies of the host country to proactively plan production, business and export. VNS
Reporter: How do you evaluate the Vietnam-US relations, especially their trade ties, after both sides adopted their comprehensive partnership in 2013 and then entered into the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: The growth in economic ties between the United States and Viet Nam, particularly in terms of trade, has been remarkable. Since the normalisation of relations in 1995, trade between the two countries has experienced significant expansion.
The establishment of the bilateral comprehensive partnership in 2013 further accelerated this growth, and over the past ten years, trade between the US and Viet Nam has reached an impressive US$130 billion. Notably, the United States is Viet Nams largest export market, while Viet Nam ranks as the eighth largest trading partner of the United States.
The range of goods exchanged between the two countries is diverse, encompassing items such as airplanes, high-tech products, agricultural goods, computers, smartphones, and household items.
The bilateral trade is very vibrant and complementary. Both countries want to see this relation continue to grow, allowing American consumers to enjoy products made in Viet Nam, while Vietnamese consumers have access to goods produced in the United States.
Another significant aspect of the US-Vietnam relationship is the investment made by both countries in each others economies.
Vietnamese companies are increasingly showing interest in investing in the United States, while numerous American companies, including Intel and Boeing, have already established a presence in Viet Nam.
For instance, Boeing has partnered with Vietnamese manufacturers to produce airplane parts. This investment flow not only creates employment opportunities for American workers but also demonstrates the confidence that Vietnamese companies have in the future of the US market, particularly in the high-tech sector.
One noteworthy example of Vietnamese investment in the United States is the US$4 billion investment by VinFast in North Carolina, which will have a substantial impact.
This investment not only generates jobs for American workers but also signifies VinFasts confidence in the US electric vehicle industry and the ability of American workers to excel in advanced manufacturing.
Moreover, it sends a strong political message, highlighting the deepening ties between the US and Viet Nam, which are built on local investments, factory establishments, and worker training.
This also demonstrates the mutual trust and confidence that both countries have in the quality and capabilities of their respective workforces.
Reporter: How is IPEF different from traditional trade deals the US has inked with foreign countries? Does that mean IPEF will benefit participating countries more than previous trade pacts?
Ambassador Marc Knapper: First, we were extremely pleased that Viet Nam chose to join the United States and other countries to kick off the IPEF in May 2022. We value very much Viet Nams constructive role in the IPEF discussions.
Viet Nam has been a very good partner, as weve moved from the initial stages until today, in which weve substantially wrapped up three of the four pillars that make up IPEF, and will continue working on the first pillar, which focuses on trade.
We are confident that we can successfully accomplish this goal, especially given the substantial progress we made during the APEC meeting in San Francisco in November.
The idea of the IPEF is to address the challenges we face in the 21st century. These challenges, such as climate change, supply chain resilience, and the transition to clean energy, often fall outside the scope of traditional or existing trade agreements.
The goal of the Biden-Harris administration in launching the IPEF was to find a way to work with partners to tackle these 21st-century problems using innovative solutions.
Were confident that the efforts of the IPEF partners, whether in promoting clean energy transition, enhancing supply chain resilience, or safeguarding labor rights, will be critical in fostering prosperity in the region and among the participating countries.
Reporter: The Biden administration already concluded the first round of in-person negotiations for the IPEF in December 2022 but it seems no further progress has been made so far. Could you explain why? Please share with us any updates you may have.
Ambassador Marc Knapper: I believe its important to note that under the IPEF, significant progress has been made on three of the four pillars. However, there is still work to be done on the first pillar, which focuses on trade.
Negotiations involving different economies can be complex since each country seeks to promote its own interests and prosperity for its people.
Nevertheless, were confident that working with partners like Viet Nam, we can get across the finish line in the months ahead.
Our aim is to establish a high-quality framework that will bring benefits to all participating countries, including Viet Nam. VNA/VNS
HA NOI Viet Nam has been laying essential groundwork for the development of the semiconductor industry, including solid and soft infrastructure, policy mechanisms, research and development, strategy and human resources to lead and embrace the upcoming semiconductor investment influx.
Semiconductor industry is one of the strategically important industries globally. The global semiconductor market is expected to experience double-digit growth in the coming years, aiming for a milestone of US$1 trillion by 2030.
Viet Nam has clear and specific directions and action plans for the development of the semiconductor industry. Acknowledged as a nation fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem, Viet Nam's rapid strides in the digital economy and substantial growth in the high-tech sector have captured the attention of numerous global corporations, enticing them to invest in its burgeoning semiconductor industry.
In an interview with the Governments online newspaper baochinhphu.vn at the start of 2024, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung talked about the important tasks given to different government departments, especially the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), in getting ready for investments in Viet Nam's semiconductor industry. The Government specifically asked the Ministry of Information and Communications to create a plan for developing the semiconductor industry in Viet Nam until 2030, with the final stages of drafting currently underway.
Meanwhile, MPI has been entrusted by the Government and the Prime Minister to lead the human resources development project for the semiconductor industry in Viet Nam until 2030. The specific objective is to train 50,000 semiconductor engineers, reflecting the nation's commitment to nurturing skilled professionals in this critical field.
Viet Nam has also established the National Innovation Centre (NIC) and collaborated with two of the largest chip design corporations in the United States, Synopsys and Cadence, to set up a chip research and design centre within NIC's facilities.
Infrastructure readiness
In addressing the crucial aspect of infrastructure, Minister Dung highlighted the meticulous preparations made by localities. Enhancements in land infrastructure, with active efforts to free up land for semiconductor enterprises, have been a priority. Simultaneously, strategic transportation infrastructure connecting economic centres, seaports and airports is being enhanced. The focus extends to preparing for issues related to information technology, electricity, water and social infrastructure for the workforce in the semiconductor industry.
These preparations underscore the government's commitment to creating a conducive environment for semiconductor investments and its determination to actively participate in the global semiconductor value chain, the Minister said.
Dung underscored the significance of human resources development as a primary challenge in the semiconductor industry. He outlined the MPI's progress in the final stages of designing the human resources development project. This initiative aims to train a substantial number of 50,000 engineers, 1,000 master's degree holders, and 100 Ph.D. researchers in the semiconductor industry by 2030. The plan includes potential domestic and international training programmes, emphasising collaboration with universities and institutions.
To realise these goals, Viet Nam has forged a collaborative agreement with the University of Arizona, a prominent institution specialising in semiconductor education in the United States. The Minister highlighted the importance of mobilising diverse resources, including state funds, private sector support and non-refundable aid, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
With increasing competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the implementation of global minimum tax in 2024, Minister Dung outlined Viet Nam's measures to support domestic and foreign enterprises participating in the semiconductor production and supply chain. The government aims to develop a strategic roadmap, ensure rapid implementation to meet human resource demands, and improve institutions and policies.
Enterprises' proposals, such as preferential tax rates, intellectual property protection, R&D centre mechanisms, and digital infrastructure development, are being actively considered. Minister Dung expressed confidence that Viet Nam is on the right path, making timely decisions to embrace the significant semiconductor industry wave currently underway. VNS
BINH DUONG The US-Vietnam Getting to Net-Zero Workshop: Industrial Manufacturing Decarbonisation took place in the southern province of Binh Duong on January 18.
The event was co-hosted by the provincial Peoples Committee, the US Consulate General in HCM City and the Becamex IDC, with over 200 enterprises at home and abroad taking part.
Speaking at the event, US Consul General in HCM City Susan Burns said Viet Nam has emerged as a key industrial production hub in the region. The robust growth of its logistics sector, while commendable, has posed environmental challenges, compelling companies to adopt green manufacturing practices and embrace the shift towards clean energy to align with production requirements.
She highlighted the growing interest among US firms in cutting-edge technologies, particularly in solutions such as rooftop solar energy, as part of their commitment to reduce emissions and advance the collective goal of achieving net-zero by 2025.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Mai Hung Dung highlighted Binh Duong 's proactive approach to adapting to uncertainties stemming from geopolitical factors and the fourth industrial revolution.
He said the province is actively developing a new ecosystem that complements the existing industrial-urban-service model. This involves an innovative and technological ecosystem, the establishment of smart industrial zones, sustainable and ecologically smart urban areas, all with sustainable development at its core.
Binh Duong aspires to enhance its industrial sector, progressively creating a driving force for new economic development that moves away from labour and land-intensive practices. The ultimate objective is to actively deliver on the Vietnamese Government's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, he added. VNS
DAVOS Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a discussion on ASEAN as a main speaker in the framework of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 17 (local time).
Other speakers at the event included Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Speaker of the Philippine Lower House Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Speakers at the discussion held that ASEAN has become a model in regional economic integration, with each member striving to promote intra-bloc economic cooperation and exchange toward forming a common market and production base, while actively integrating in the global economic through a network of free trade agreements with partners and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.
They said ASEAN member countries have built firm trust among them, overcome economic, political and cultural differences to become a bloc cooperating for prosperity.
The WTO Director General remarked that ASEAN has a friendly investment environment and thus is a destination beneficial to both investors and their partners. She described Viet Nam as a model destination with dynamic growth, which she said benefits not only one or several countries but also the world as a whole.
PM Chinh underlined three important factors behind the development of ASEAN, which are unity in diversity, the resilience of the bloc as a whole and each member country, and inclusive development with the people as the subject, the centre and driver of development. Each country member contributes to ASEANs development and at the same time miximises their own potential, outstanding opportunities, competitive edges and capacity, while ensuring adherence to competition and demand-supply rule of the market, he said.
Regarding new opportunities such as a shift in the supply chain, PM Chinh said it is an inevitable trend based on the rule of competition and supply-demand. He held that countries can only maintain sustainable development through choosing a win-win approach, respecting the choice of each country, and building trust based on sincerity, solidarity and interest balance.
He was of the view that the digital economy should be closely associated with green economy with reciprocal support and effect. The process of digital transformation should be conducted following a roadmap with steps suitable with the capacity of each country, taking into account disadvantaged groups, he said, laying emphasis on sustainable and rapid development without sacrificing equity and social security.
The Vietnamese Government leader envisioned that in the next five to 10 years, ASEAN will be a united bloc and the growth epicenter of the world where no one is left behind in economic development.
The Thai PM said cheap labour cost may be a competitive factor at first but later it could become a challenge to ASEAN development. He called on countries to raise the regions minimum wage and enhance competitiveness to attract foreign investment.
The speakers at the discussion spoke highly of Viet Nam's role in promoting unity within ASEAN and joining hands with ASEAN members in handling regional and global issues. They shared PM Chinh's view on ways to optimise opportunities and handle challenges during the win-win integration process of ASEAN. VNS
DAVOS Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Swiss President Viola Amherd and Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan in Davos, Switzerland, on January 17 (local time) on the sidelines of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54).
At the meeting with Swiss President Viola Amherd, PM Chinh thanked the Swiss Government for the warm welcome for him and congratulated Switzerland on the successful organisation of WEF-54, which was attended by nearly 3,000 leaders of governments and businesses globally.
Both sides expressed their delight at the strong developments in the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of economy, trade, development assistance, culture, and education. They affirmed that regular contacts and exchanges between leaders and delegations of the two countries have contributed to strengthening their political trust.
The host said she appreciates Viet Nam's outstanding socio-economic development achievements in recent years, affirming that Viet Nam is Switzerland's leading important economic partner in Southeast Asia. She pledged to continue providing development aid to Viet Nam, with more than 40 projects being implemented in various fields.
For his part, the Vietnamese PM affirmed that the achievements of the two countries cooperation over the past 50 years prove their effective cooperation, laying a foundation for the two sides to elevate their relationship in the coming time.
Chinh proposed that the two sides coordinate closely to prepare well for high-level visits between the two countries leaders, thereby reviewing and evaluating the cooperation results and proposing measures to advance collaboration.
He thanked the Swiss Government for providing Viet Nam with official development assistance (ODA) which helped Viet Nam gain many socio-economic achievements.
He said he hopes more Swiss businesses will come to Viet Nam, and the two countries will enhance cooperation in science-technology, and innovation as well as security and defence.
The two leaders also agreed to have a flexible approach in negotiating the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the bilateral Investment Protection Agreement to create favourable conditions and ensure the interests of businesses and investors of the two countries.
The two leaders affirmed that they will continue to coordinate closely at regional and international forums. Regarding the East Sea issue, they agreed on the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in compliance with international law, and resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), minimising the impact of geopolitical factors on supply chains and the movement of goods regionally and globally.
Meeting with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Secretary-General of UNCTAD Rebeca Grynspan stressed that UNCTAD always considers Viet Nam a model of development, trust, and optimism in the context of the current volatile world situation. Personally, as the former Vice President of Costa Rica, she always sees Vietnam as a model of development and wishes to visit Viet Nam.
She shared that on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of UNCTAD this year, it will organise a global conference and hopes that Viet Nam will send leaders to attend.
At the same time, she expressed her wish that Viet Nam will participate and actively contribute to the UNCTAD Ministerial Conference in 2025.
PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam highly values the organisation's role in supporting developing countries, including Viet Nam, in the building of development policies, contributing to maintaining a prosperous life for people.
He hoped that UNCTAD will continue to support Viet Nam in all aspects of development, particularly human resources training. VNS
DAVOS Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had separate meetings with his Cambodian and Slovakian counterparts as well as leaders of some international organisations in Davos, Switzerland on January 17 (local time) on the sidelines of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54).
Meeting Cambodian PM Hun Manet, PM Chinh said that Viet Nam has organised a solemn celebration of the victory of the war defending the southwestern border and, together with the Cambodian troops and people, defeating the genocidal regime, which was a chance to popularise the Viet Nam-Cambodia traditional solidarity and mutual support to people in the two countries, especially the youth.
The two PMs shared the wish to increase transport connections between the two countries, including highway connectivity between Phnom Penh and HCM City, and coordinate with Laos to promote One journey three destinations tours.
They agreed to speed up the demarcation and border landmark planting on the remaining 16 per cent of the shared borderline.
At the meeting with Slovakian PM Robert Fico, PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam always treasures the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation with Slovakia, and thanked the Government and people of Slovakia for their support throughout the past 70 years, especially in education and training.
The Vietnamese leader also thanked Slovakia for providing 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca to Viet Nam amid difficulties in vaccine access, helping Viet Nam overcome the pandemic and embark on economic recovery.
PM Chinh highly valued Slovakias support and signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and ratifying the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He affirmed that Vietnam always supports Slovakian firms in investing in the country, and asked for Slovakias help to push for the removal of the European Commission's yellow card against Vietnamese seafood export.
The two PMs agreed to strengthen collaboration across all areas, especially education, while coordinating closely in settling regional and global issues, and supporting each other at multilateral forums such as the UN, ASEM and EU-ASEAN cooperation mechanisms.
The Slovakian PM said he hopes Viet Nam will apply visa exemption for Slovakian citizens to create more favourable conditions for tourism, business and investment activities between the two countries.
PM Chinh thanked the Slovakian Government to recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group of Slovakia, and expressed his hope that the European country will continue to assist the community in integrating into the host society.
Receiving Jose Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Board of the Vaccine Alliance GAVI, PM Chinh lauded the role of the alliance and Barroso himself in promoting the equal allocation of vaccine globally, especially in developing countries, during the pandemic period.
He highly valued the alliances effective cooperation with the health sector of Viet Nam through providing financial support in adding new vaccines to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for Vietnamese children and implementing activities to eliminate measles and rubella and enhance vaccination quality, and supplying cold storage for vaccine preservation.
The Vietnamese Government leader called on GAVI to continue providing vaccines to Viet Nam to prevent diseases and epidemics, build a concentrated vaccine trading centre at the Ministry of Healths headquarters, and transfer mRNA vaccine production technology to Viet Nam. He affirmed that Viet Nam is willing to exchange vaccines with GAVI to facilitate vaccine access globally.
Barroso lauded Viet Nams success in controlling COVID-19, and pledged to help Viet Nam access vaccines for diseases, especially for the EPI, and build strategies and plans to receive the mRNA vaccine production technology. The alliance will also help connect Viet Nam with experts and reputable businesses in vaccine production, he added.
Meeting World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang, PM Chinh thanked the organisation for supporting Viet Nam over the years, including in building and implementing the National Intellectual Property Strategy until 2030, and expressed his hope that WIPO will continue to give Viet Nam advice on how to do better in intellectual property protection.
For his part, Tang described Viet Nam as a model in attaching importance to IP protection and innovation, and lauded the innovation spirit of Vietnamese youngsters. He affirmed that the organisation will continue to support Viet Nam in these fields, especially in protecting IP rights in the traditional culture area.
PM Chinh said that Viet Nam is building a communication programme to popularise the value of IP protection and called for WIPOs assistance in the work. He invited the WIPO leader to visit Viet Nam.
At a reception for Tedro Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), PM Chinh said that thanks to WHOs support, Viet Nam has controlled COVID-19 pandemic, re-opened the country and embarked on socio-economic recovery.
Viet Nam calls on countries to unite and uphold multilateralism and a global and people-based approach in responding to global issues, including epidemics, he stated, hailing the leading role of the UN and especially WHO in this process.
The WHO leader pledged to continue assisting Viet Nam in disease prevention and control and health care technology transfer, and asked for Viet Nams support of negotiations for a Pandemic Preparedness Treaty towards the conclusion of the process in May 2024.
Meeting Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches great importance to cooperation with ILO, and asked for the organisations support in dealing with issues related to labourers affected by energy transition and digital transformation.
Viet Nam supports the UN and ILOs initiatives, including the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, he stated.
The ILO leader spoke highly of Viet Nams engagement in labour and employment issues.
The two sides agreed to continue to work closely together in the future, and uphold international solidarity, multilateral cooperation and the role of international organisations in the current unpredictable world situation.
Receiving African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Amani Abou Zeid, PM Chinh affirmed that Viet Nam highly values and hopes to bolster cooperation with African countries, especially in agriculture and trade. As an observer of the AU since December 2023, Viet Nam wants to strengthen cooperation with the union, he stated.
Zeid said the AU wants to exchange experience with Viet Nam in economic transformation, and suggested that Viet Nam and the AU should strengthen cooperation in tourism, a promising area.
Also on January 17, PM Chinh also had brief conversations with Timor Lestes PM Xanana Gusmao, Secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Dareen Bogdan-Martin, and Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope before concluding his trip to Davos for the WEF-24 on January 18.
At noon on January 18, PM Chinh and his entourage left Davos for an official visit to Hungary. VNS
HA NOI An international seminar was held in Ha Noi on Thursday, reviewing the 50-year relations between Viet Nam and Japan and putting forth visions and new orientations to strengthen the bilateral ties.
Jointly held by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and the Japanese Embassy in Viet Nam, the event is part of the activities to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties (1973-2023).
Addressing the event, Nguyen Xuan Thang, HCMA President and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, highlighted the long-lasting relations between the two nations, which were established on the foundation of cultural and historical similarities, and affinity among the people of the two countries.
He said that the Viet Nam-Japan relationship is vivid evidence of persistent efforts and perseverance to overcome difficulties and challenges, paving the way to build a good model of a relationship with increasingly similar interests, growing comprehensive cooperation, and deepened strategic trust.
From the Investment Agreement signed in 2003, just five years later, the two countries upgraded it to an economic partnership agreement, creating a solid legal basis for promoting extensive cooperation across fields.
In 2009, Japan was the first G7 country to establish a strategic partnership with Viet Nam, and also five years later, they upgraded their relations to an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.
Notably, in November 2023, the two countries issued a joint statement on the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, opening a new stage of development in the bilateral relations.
Thang expressed his belief that the Viet Nam-Japan relations will grow stronger, deeper, and more comprehensive in the coming time.
For his part, Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yamada Takio said that the factor that makes the relationship between Japan and Viet Nam increasingly close as it is today is the special ties between the two countries which were formed on the basis of the historical and cultural connection.
The bilateral relations, now in the best stage ever, are becoming increasingly close, the diplomat stressed, adding that preserving and deepening this bond is a solid foundation for further elevating the relationship.
Participants analysed and discussed theoretical and practical issues in the Viet Nam-Japan relations over the past 50 years, and proposed many practical recommendations and solutions to realise the visions and development orientations of the bilateral relations. VNS
HA NOI The 15th National Assembly (NA) wrapped up its fifth extraordinary session on Thursday at the NA building, highlighting the approval of the amended Land Law as one of its key legislative achievements.
Present at the closing session were State President Vo Van Thuong, NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue, along with numerous Party, State and NA officials, as well as former leaders.
In his closing remarks, NA Chairman Vuong inh Hue stated that after 3.5 days of work, the 15th NAs fifth extraordinary session had successfully completed the entire agenda.
On behalf of the NA Standing Committee, NA Chairman Hue summarised some of the session's outcomes.
The amended Land Law received approval from 432 out of the 477 NA deputies, accounting for 87.63 per cent of the total deputies.
Comprising 16 chapters and 260 articles, this law delineates the land ownership regime, rights and responsibilities of the state representing the collective ownership of the people over land. It also addresses unified land management, land use and management regimes, as well as the rights and obligations of citizens and land users concerning land within the countrys territory.
Except for certain specific provisions, the amended law will take effect on January 1, 2025.
NA Chairman Hue stated that by passing the amended Land Law during this session, along with the amended Housing Law and the amended Real Estate Business Law in the previous 6th session, it has met the requirement to perfect a comprehensive set of policies and legal frameworks for the management and use of land suitable for the socialist-oriented market economy development direction.
This ensures that land resources are managed and used efficiently, sustainably, and with the highest effectiveness, he said.
"This is a valuable lesson in innovative thinking, working methods and resolute actions to continue improving the quality and efficiency of legislative work, as well as other NA resolutions," he said.
The NA Chairman proposed that the Government allocate resources, issue and implement specific plans to quickly bring the amended Land Law into life.
He urged the Government to direct relevant ministries and agencies to issue detailed regulations, intensify administrative procedure reforms related to land, and complete the construction of the interconnected national land information database.
The entire state land management apparatus needs to be streamlined, and decentralisation should be implemented in accordance with the law while existing challenges and obstacles related to land management and use, the land use rights market, and the real estate market should be efficiently addressed, he added.
Regarding the approval of the amended Law on Credit Institutions, NA Chairman Hue stated that the law enhances the institutional framework in the banking sector, aligning it with the principles of the socialist-oriented market economy.
It meets the requirements for restructuring the system of commercial banks and credit institutions, ensuring the safety, stability and sustainability of the system.
The law includes provisions on the establishment, organisation, operation, early intervention, special control, restructuring, dissolution and bankruptcy of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks.
Additionally, the law covers the establishment and operation of representative offices in Viet Nam of foreign credit institutions and other foreign organisations engaged in banking activities. It further regulates the handling of bad debts and collateral assets of bad debts held by credit institutions, branches of foreign banks, and organisations fully owned by the State with functions of buying, selling and handling debts.
The law was approved by the legislature with 450 yes votes, or 91.28 per cent of the total NA deputies. Comprising 15 chapters and 210 articles, the law will be effective from July 1 this year.
NA Chairman Hue also emphasised that the NA has approved a resolution on certain mechanisms and policies to implement national target programmes. This ensures the effective implementation of three national target programmes on building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous regions.
He suggested that the Government continue reviewing, amending and supplementing relevant documents to ensure consistency and conformity with this resolution.
Regarding financial and budgetary issues, the NA approved the allocation of nearly VN64 trillion for tasks and projects in national defence, security, state management, science and technology, and transportation. Of this amount, almost VN58 trillion would be allocated to 32 key transportation projects.
The top legislator said this would be a crucial prerequisite for expediting the implementation of key projects, contributing to achieving the goal of having more than 3,000 km of expressways by 2025.
Speaking at the press conference on Thursday, Permanent Member of the NA's Economic Committee Phan uc Hieu stated that the Government has submitted draft decrees, consisting of approximately 65 articles, to provide detailed guidelines for the implementation of the amended Land Law. The number of draft decrees may change during the implementation process.
Hieu noted that the amended Land Law introduces many new points, focusing on five issues.
Firstly, the law includes regulations on the rights and legitimate interests of land users, such as expanding land use rights for Vietnamese citizens, including those residing abroad; and land policies for ethnic minorities.
Secondly, it addresses people's and businesses' access to land, such as regulations on land reclamation for socio-economic infrastructure construction, and for production and business activities. Additionally, it expands provisions related to land agreement mechanisms, land use purpose changes for land owners, and expands land funds for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Thirdly, the law focuses on improving land use efficiency by combining multiple purposes for land use and narrowing cases requiring permission when changing land use purposes.
Fourthly, it deals with land financial matters, such as separating land valuation issues from land support policies and implementing certain policies to stabilise land rent for production and business activities.
Finally, it aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of state management, introducing various reforms and administrative procedure reductions to facilitate citizens.
In addition, Hieu said the most crucial aspect is improving land data and information to make it easily accessible for the public, serving their daily lives and business activities, and improving mechanisms to make it more convenient for citizens to monitor the enforcement of land-related regulations. VNS
BUDAPEST Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam arrived in Budapest on January 18 afternoon (local time), beginning an official visit to Hungary from January 18-20 at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
PM Chinh and his entourage were welcomed at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport by State Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Sztaray Peter Andras, Hungarian Ambassador to Viet Nam Baloghdi Tibor, among other senior officials, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Nguyen Thi Bich thao, the Vietnamese Embassy's staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Hungary.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is scheduled to have talks and meetings with senior Hungarian leaders, visit some socio-economic establishments in Hungary, attend a Viet Nam-Hungary business forum, and meet with leaders of friendship organisations, staff of the Viet Nam Embassy in Hungary and representatives of the Vietnamese community in the European nation.
The PM's visit to Hungary will contribute to further increasing political trust, intensifying the traditional friendship and mutual support between Viet Nam and Hungary. It will promote and bring the two countries traditional cooperation areas to a new stage, meeting each country's development requirements, boost cooperation in potential and strong areas, and further tighten the friendship between people of the two countries. VNS
The top U.S. nuclear envoy for North Korea expressed deep concern Thursday over North Korea's belligerent rhetoric against South Korea, saying it is increasing "unnecessary" tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Jung Pak, U.S. senior official for North Korea, made the remarks ahead of trilateral talks with her respective South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Kim Gunn and Hiroyuki Namazu, saying the North Korean issue remains "an extraordinarily high concern" for the United States.
"The United States is deeply concerned by the recent uptick in hostile rhetoric particularly towards the Republic of Korea from the DPRK regime," Pak said at the start of the talks. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"Such rhetoric is unnecessarily increasing tensions on the Korean Peninsula," she said.
The meeting among the three envoys took place as the North has been stepping up bellicose rhetoric, such as leader Kim Jong-un denouncing the South as an "invariable enemy" and threatening to completely occupy the South in the event of war earlier this week.
On Sunday, North Korea also test-fired a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) carrying a hypersonic warhead, about a week after it fired hundreds of artillery shells near the western inter-Korean sea border.
Denouncing the latest IRBM launch as "reckless," Pak stressed that all of these issues demand attention and coordinated action among the U.S. allies and partners.
"We will continue our efforts to deter aggression, hinder the DPRK's ability to advance its unlawful weapons programs, strengthen international consensus against the DPRK blatant, repeated, and reckless violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and enhance our ability to protect our allies in the region," she said.
Kim, the South Korean envoy, said the North is heading in the opposite direction of peace with its recent ratcheting-up of tensions.
"All of these are aimed at insulating itself from the outside world. It is a North Korean version of a 'closed-door policy,'" Kim said, warning that its threats about "a choice between war and peace is an old playbook that won't work any longer."
"We will strengthen our deterrence. We will dissuade any attempts by North Korea to disrupt our society and tirelessly enhance our efforts to block its illicit activities."
The meetings in Seoul also came a day after North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow amid growing concerns over their deepening military cooperation.
The U.S. and its allies have accused the North of providing arms support to Moscow for use in its war in Ukraine in return for Russia's assistance in Pyongyang's advanced weapons development.
Kim said the unlawful military cooperation with Russia will "only lead to a dead end."
"It will simply confirm North Korea's reputation as a blatant offender against international rules and norms," he said, urging Pyongyang to stop its provocations and return to dialogue.
Namazu called for the need to closely monitor what Russia might provide North Korea in exchange for the arms exports, reiterating the call for Pyongynag and Moscow to comply with the obligations set forth by the U.N. Security Council.
Following Choe's meeting with Putin on Wednesday, the Kremlin said that Russia was keen on developing relations further with North Korea in all areas, including "sensitive ones."
Ahead of the three-way meeting, Kim held separate bilateral talks with Pak earlier in the day and with Namazu on Wednesday.
This week's meetings among the envoys also marked the first of its kind since Pak, previously the deputy U.S. nuclear envoy, took over the post from Sung Kim, with the new title of "senior official for the DPRK." (Yonhap)
BUDAPEST Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted an official welcome ceremony in Budapest on Thursday afternoon (local time) for Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam, who are paying an official visit to Hungary.
The visit is taking place at a time when the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries with a history of over 70 years are developing fruitfully in all fields.
The first PM-level trip between Viet Nam and Hungary in seven years holds great significance as it aims to further intensify their comprehensive partnership, established in 2018, particularly in economy, education - training, and pharmaceutical technology.
PM Orban welcomed his Vietnamese counterparts visit, held ahead of Hungarys Presidency of the Council of the EU in the last half of 2024, as this is also a chance for the Southeast Asian nation to enhance coordination with the EU in regional and global issues and, especially in promoting the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
During the visit, the two sides are set to sign some cooperation documents in such areas as security, diplomacy, culture, and health care.
After the welcome ceremony, PM Chinh came to lay wreaths at Heroes Square in Budapest. VNS
HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang received Chairman of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) at the European Parliament Bernd Lange in Ha Noi on Thursday.
Affirming that the EU is a partner of leading importance in Viet Nam's foreign policy, the host official applauded the positive results of Viet Nam's cooperation with the EU as well as members of the bloc.
He called on the EU and its member countries to continue sharing experience and giving financial, technological, and capacity building assistance in climate change response and energy transition to help Viet Nam realise the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and secure green and sustainable development.
The Deputy PM asked Lange, with his role and prestige, to raise an important voice to promote the 10 remaining EU members ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) so as to step up equal and mutually beneficial investment ties.
Quang also suggested his guest help persuade the European Commission to remove the yellow card warning for Viet Nam's seafood exports on the basis of the recognition of Viet Nam's efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Recalling the negotiation on and signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Lange stressed that the deal is successful in terms of both political and economic aspects for both sides, helping the Southeast Asian country gain a growth rate many EU members dream about.
He held that Viet Nam and the EU boast stable and trustworthy relations and sound cooperation in multiple areas with many agreements inked, so both sides need to work closely to continue developing this relationship in a more intensive and extensive manner in the future.
With regard to the issue of IUU fishing, he spoke highly of Viet Nam's efforts over the recent past, particularly in monitoring fishing vessels and perfecting the legal corridor, and recommended the country promote law enforcement in its localities. VNS
HA NOI - Nguyen Chi Thanh uoc, a food store owner in Fukui, Japan, has led a Vietnamese team to search for and rescue Vietnamese people missing and affected by the magnitude 7.6 quake on January 1.
Having lived in central Japan for 15 years, uoc is no stranger to earthquakes on the Pacific Ring of Fire. But never before did he feel the disaster so close.
On the first day of 2024, his family planned to go on vacation in Nanao City, which was the epicentre of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that devastated the western province of Japan.
"Fortunately, on that day, my family opened a restaurant in a neighbouring province so the trip was delayed. Otherwise, my family might have been stuck in Nanao," he told Nhan Dan (People) newspaper over the phone.
He then travelled to Ishikawa after the quake to inspect three of his business facilities there.
The news made me more impatient. The high-speed train was suspended then. Hundreds of houses collapsed and were burned, he said.
"At this time, there were many Vietnamese trainees from dangerous areas calling for help. Many workers even lost contact with their relatives. As a trainee manager, I decided to seek ways to support them, he said.
Two days after the disaster, uoc and his friends spent more than VN100 million to buy essential items.
Each of them bought three 20-litre buckets of water, collected ramen and udon noodles, lunch boxes, disposable chopsticks and anything they could, loaded the items into three cars and headed towards Wakura Onsen area, where 10 female Vietnamese trainees were staying, to begin their first relief trip.
As of January 3, almost no Vietnamese had been able to access the epicentre.
"It's very difficult to travel. The earthquake caused many highways to crack. On bumpy roads, we had to slow down to less than 20km per hour. Our cars fell into potholes and got stuck many times.
Nearly 7:00pm (local time) on January 3, the team could finally reach the epicentre. On both sides, houses had collapsed and tilted. Leaving the car behind, the Vietnamese team walked deeper inside, met the first group of Vietnamese people and gave them the relief package.
"That day, six hours after completing the first relief trip was I able to return to my business facility to rest. We felt aftershocks continuously throughout the journey combined with the sound of ambulances blaring, he said.
In the following days, uocs team continued to drive hundreds of kilometres to bring necessities to Vietnamese people evacuated from the quake in different areas of Nanao.
He also called for the community to donate items on his personal Facebook page.
Through this channel, many tonnes of goods have been granted to Vietnamese living in Japan.
Searching for seven missing trainees
"Looking for my sister N.T.L, born in 1981, who lost contact. Can anyone who is in a shelter or has seen her help me? My family is worried right now. I just know that she is working in Ishikawa province and I hope everyone can help me."
That is one of the messages asking for help on online platforms of Vietnamese associations and groups in Japan looking for seven missing victims who are Vietnamese trainees.
At that time, the relatives of the seven women were unable to contact them and could not know what happened to them.
They are all garment industry interns who have just arrived in Japan and have not yet registered their phone SIM cards.
Early in the afternoon of January 5, uoc heard about the above story and started his relief journey.
Guessing that the girls might still be stuck in town, at 4am the following day, uocs rescue team started getting on a bus from Komatsu to Wajima, which was then still a dangerous area and difficult to access as a series of tremors were reported.
Compared to previous trips, the path to Wajima was even tougher with more cracks and broken-down cars left lying along the roads.
Sometimes the team lost their way or had to stop following the instructions of Japanese authorities. The phones continuously lost signal and brought rescue efforts to a standstill.
"Every time there was a signal, we called each and every refugee centre in Wajima to ask for information. Luckily, in the afternoon of the same day, a local community house manager confirmed that a group of seven Vietnamese people were staying at his place, uoc said.
At about 6pm the same day, after a 12-hour journey, his team could finally reach the destination.
In front of them was a three-story building that was quite old but still in good condition. The electrical system was cut off, leaving only the hum of generators around.
Stepping up to the second floor, pushing the door I saw a few people and asked Are there any Vietnamese here? Immediately, three girls sitting huddled together by the small fireplace stood up and burst into tears. They ran towards us and hugged their compatriots. I burst into tears at this moment. Its been a long time I have not been crying like that, uoc said. "It seemed that, for a moment, both we and the interns felt hope.
He was the first Vietnamese to find the seven missing workers at Wajima six days after the disaster. They immediately distributed gifts and found an internet connection so the girls could report their safety to their families after nearly a week of no connection.
Phuong Hien, one of the seven trainees, said they were panicked when the disaster occurred. After running to the town's community house for refuge, the girls had to share the food they brought from Viet Nam on the first days.
Without bowls or chopsticks, the seven people cooked instant noodles in one pot and then used hands to eat. The group also had to return to their collapsed house to get blankets, pillows, and other necessary items to fight the winter cold.
By noon on January 7, the seven girls trapped at the epicentre of Wajima were brought back to a safe place by the Vietnamese relief team.
uoc, who was featured by NHK for his teams 10-day rescue efforts, said: I just want to lend a hand to people in difficulty. 'Healthy leaves envelop torn leaves'. I hope that the victims will soon stabilise their mental state to return to normal life.
uocs team is just one of the pioneering groups heading to the quake epicentre to rescue victims.
After the earthquake on January 1, the Vietnamese community all over Japan launched a donation campaign to help the quake-hit victims.
Nguyen Hong Son, chairman of the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan, said Ishikawa province has more than 5,000 Vietnamese people, of which about 600, mostly interns, are working in Japanese companies or factories on the Noto peninsula.
A report from the Ishikawa provincial government said that there has been no loss of life in the Vietnamese community here, he said. VNS
HA NOI The Department of Health Environmental Management (under the Ministry of Health) recommended that elementary schools and preschools consider closing if the air quality index (AQI) maintains at a hazardous level for three consecutive days.
In case of compulsory in-person school attendance, students must avoid outdoor activities or adjust study time accordingly.
According to the department, some provinces and cities in the country have experienced serious air pollution that pose risks to people's health, especially young children and people with underlying medical conditions.
Information from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that air pollution increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pneumonia, asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer. In addition, exposure to pollutants in the air can cause skin damage, eye diseases, and affect the nervous system and immune system.
To protect people's health from the consequences of air pollution, the department has developed recommendations to arm the public with basic knowledge in implementing preventive and health protection measures.
Accordingly, in a document sent to localities on measures dealing with the effects of air pollution, the department suggests people regularly monitor the air quality situation on the website of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and provincial-level Departments of Natural Resources and Environment to take appropriate preventive and health protection measures.
Specifically, people should regularly wear quality masks properly when going out, clean rooms and houses to ventilate the living environment and use masks and eye protection when cleaning if there is a lot of dust or the air pollution is rated from poor to dangerous levels.
It is necessary to limit the use honeycomb charcoal stoves, firewood and straw.
Air quality and its impact on human health are assessed by the air quality index (AQI) that is calculated on a scale (6 AQI value ranges) corresponding to symbols and colours to warn of air quality and its impact on human health.
When the AQI is at a hazardous level at 301-500, healthy people should avoid outdoor activities and close windows and doors to limit and avoid exposure to pollutants, while environmentally-sensitive people should stop all outdoor activities, close windows and doors to limit and avoid exposure to pollutants, and monitor health, immediately going to medical facilities for examination, consultation and treatment if any acute symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough or fever appear.
For kindergartens and elementary schools, students can be absent from school if the AQI is at a hazardous level for three consecutive days. In case of compulsory school attendance, students must avoid outdoor activities, switch to indoor activities or adjust study time accordingly.
When the AQI is poor, at 101-150, healthy people need to reduce time participating in outdoor activities, especially for people with symptoms of sore eyes, cough and sore throat, limit or avoid activities in areas with high air pollution such as streets, traffic intersections, construction sites, industrial production areas, craft villages and other polluted areas.
Students can participate in outdoor activities, but limit exercise or strenuous physical activities for long periods of time.
Environmentally-sensitive people should limit outdoor activities and strenuous physical activities and increase rest time.
This group is recommended to reduce or stop exercising as soon as symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness or wheezing appear, and clean nose and rinse throat in morning and night with saline, especially after going out, wash eyes with saline at night before going to bed and carefully monitor health, immediately going to medical facilities for examination, consultation and treatment in the event of acute symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough or fever. VNS
The defendants violation process was documented in the indictment and they were publicly questioned and trialled in court, according to the procuracy.
In court on Wednesday, the defendants agreed to the indictment and said that their participation in the terrorist group, which aims to overthrow the peoples administration to form the state of ega, was due to the coercion and promise of financial reward by the ringleaders.
When they realised these actions were illegal, they and their families received death threats.
During questioning at the court, the defendants admitted to their crimes and asked for leniency.
According to court documents, since 2015, Y Mut Mlo led the Montagnard Support Group Inc. (MSGI) in the US and was regularly in contact with H Wuen Eban in ak Lak Province to incite violent acts that caused disturbance among the local communities and planned to expand their operations to other provinces if successful.
Y Mut Mlo also introduced H Wuen Eban to other key members of MSGI, as well as Y Quynh Bdap and Y Krong Phok to learn more about the groups operations.
In August 2018, after illegally crossing borders into Thailand, Y Quynh Bdap founded the Montagnards Stand For Justice (MSFJ) to incite ethnic minority members in Viet Nams Central Highlands to commit terrorist acts.
At the beginning of 2023, H Wuen Eban reported to the MSGI about plans for armed attacks in ak Lak Province.
Y Sol Nie, one of MSGI key members who was living in the US, volunteered to assist H Wuen Eban in carrying out the terrorist acts. He illegally crossed borders from Thailand into Viet Nam in May 2023 with the help of Y Li Phoch Nie, Y Bluiet Mlo and Le Van Nghia.
Y Sol Nie, H Wuen Eban and other members of the groups decided to attack the headquarters of Ea Ktur and Ea Tieu Communal Peoples Committees, planning to entirely burn down, destroy everything and kill everyone present, expanding the attack to other authorities headquarters, planting the flag of the state of ega at the sites and posting footage on the internet to attract attention and build a reputation for the organisation.
The investigation agency for the case said that between June 9-10, the terrorist group gathered at a hut to train in combat skills, make Molotov cocktails (petrol bombs) and instruct their members to use firearms.
On the evening of June 10, they divided themselves into two groups to launch attacks at the two communal Peoples Committees.
The attacks lasted from late June 10 to early June 11, killing six officers and three citizens, with several others injured.
The ak Lak Peoples Procuracy also added that their confessions are consistent with results from crime scene investigation, forensic and judicial examinations, as well as other evidence collected by the ak Lak Police Investigation Department.
The procuracy highlighted that the indictment issued on January 2, which launched prosecution proceedings against the defendants for "terrorist acts; terrorism aimed at opposing the people's administration; organising illegal exit or entry for others; and harbouring criminals, are on sound grounds and align with the laws.
Prosecutors also assessed the specific role, actions as well as mitigating and aggravating factors of each defendant for the trial panels consideration before proposing the sentences. VNS
HA NOI Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Tran Hong Thai on January 18 had a working session with Chief Representative of UNESCO in Vietnam Jonathan Baker.
Thai congratulated Jonathan on starting his working term in Viet Nam in the context that Viet Nam and UNESCO have committed to promoting a deeper and more practical relationship by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the 2021-2025 period signed during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit and working session with UNESCO in November 2021. The two sides pledged to expand cooperation in natural sciences, culture, and education.
Emphasising that Viet Nam's legal corridor on science and technology has been increasingly improved, creating favourable conditions for research and innovation activities, Thai said that in 2021, Viet Nam passed some important documents, including a national strategy on research, development, and application of artificial intelligence (AI) until 2030.
Thai believed that the Viet Nam - UNESCO cooperation on science and technology will contribute to realising Viet Nam 's socio-economic development goals as well as proactively promoting cooperation and international integration on science, technology, and innovation.
Promoting Viet Nam s participation in the network of science and technology centres recognised and sponsored by UNESCO will create trust, enhance national prestige and position, and help Vietnamese science integrate deeply into the region and the world, he said.
The Deputy Minister expressed his belief that Baker, during his term in Viet Nam , will further promote cooperative relations between Viet Nam and UNESCO in areas, including natural sciences, oceanography, water security, biodiversity, water resource management, sustainable development, and climate change response.
For his part, Baker said that UNESCO is a leading multilateral organisation in making recommendations related to important, contemporary issues, including recommendations on ethics in AI.
He said UNESCO will support Viet Nam and provide it with recommendations on ethics in AI and integrity in research. - VNS
Standing on the slope, many tourists must admire that the view looking down is like a "miniature Switzerland".
Ha Giang is famous for tourists because of its majestic natural scenery and typical passes and slopes. Not only are these passes and slopes beautiful, but they are also a challenge for travel enthusiasts with their steepness and challenges. Among them, a slope is considered the most dangerous, but it combines both thorny and poetic beauty, especially when standing from a slope looking down.
After being posted on social networks, the images taken while looking down from this slope have been commented on by many tourists as a "miniature Switzerland." There is a small asphalt road winding around the valley with diverse vegetation. In the distance are small rooftops interwoven, hidden in the dim clouds.
The slope being mentioned is Chin Khoanh slope, Ha Giang. Visitors will need to travel about 120km from Ha Giang city center, taking about 3 hours to get here. This slope is part of National Highway 4C - the land's lifeline at the Fatherland's beginning.
Chin Khoanh slope is part of Bac Sum slope, connecting two famous tourist destinations in Ha Giang: Pho Cao and Sung La. The Chin Khoanh slope is on the mountainside, with many sleeves and U-shaped corners connected close together. Because of the above location and characteristics, the terrain is zigzag but also brings impressive beauty to the Chin Khoanh slope. When placed next to other famous slopes in Ha Giang, such as Tham Ma Slope, Phai Lung Slope, or Xin Cai Slope, Chin Khoanh Slope is still considered the most challenging and impressive slope.
Read more: Roads are to be noticed when coming to Ha Giang Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com
The slope challenges adventurous enthusiasts.
Doc Chin Khoanh attracts backpackers who love adventure and exploration and want to conquer challenging lands. Right from the name, it shows the difficulty of the Chin Khoanh slope. Specifically, "Chin Khoanh" refers to this slope's 9 "characteristic" bends. Among them, 5 curves are considered difficult and dangerous. Because of this, many travel enthusiasts spread the saying: "Chin Khoanh Slope is a place that makes horses hesitate and makes people's feet ache."
To conquer the Chin Khoanh slope, visitors must first prepare a vehicle, such as a motorbike or car, with a strong engine, a steady profit, and a courageous spirit. Due to a lack of preparation, many tourist groups encountered vehicle problems on the way to conquer the slope and had to get out to push the cart. For car-sick tourists, the best vehicle to choose is a motorbike.
If you successfully conquer the Chin Khoanh slope, this will be a proud achievement for "travelers." Tourist Quoc Dat shared: "Going 200km on the pass takes more than 5 hours; going down the pass is tiring for the steering wheel. But if you can go once without getting drunk, you will want to continue. Conquering this steep mountain pass is nothing." No pass can scare you."
Also read: Ha Giang "trip" tour 3 days 2 nights Vietnam News - Latest Updates and World Insights | Vietreader.com
The poetic beauty of the steep, thorny slope
Viewing from the Chin Khoanh slope, visitors will be amazed by the scenery of the rocky plateau, the rolling mountains and forests or the small roofs below the valley, gradually appearing in the mist and hazy clouds. And yet, in the distance are fields of buckwheat flowers that bloom every season. The above characteristics have created poetic beauty mixed with the thorns and challenges of the most dangerous slope in Ha Giang.
Challenging the steering wheel, taking a deep breath to fill your chest with fresh air, and looking out to see the vast, majestic nature experiences no backpacker or tourist can experience. Remember when they successfully conquered the Chin Khoanh slope? Some tourists even commented that if you go once, you will want to go forever, and after returning, you will miss it.
After completing the Chin Khoanh slope, visitors can visit several nearby locations to complete the trip. These include Dong Van Stone Plateau, Sung La, Pho Cao, and others. These are all famous destinations and cannot be missed when visiting Ha Giang.
The partnership will be managed through ADB's Trade and Supply Chain Finance Programme (TSCFP) and will focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture to support the region's energy transition and climate resilience.
In South and Southeast Asia, two of the most vulnerable areas to climate change, enabling the development of more renewable energy capacity is essential to achieving the region's sustainability goals.
Trade is a critical part of this, as it enables the flow of goods that help regions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, it is estimated that there is a global trade finance gap of $2.5 trillion annually, which means businesses lack access to the finance needed to trade energy transition goods for climate projects.
Furthermore, local banks cannot fully meet the demands for the longer tenors that are required to finance climate related projects, particularly within the renewable energy sector.
The BII-ADB partnership aims to reduce this gap and address the unmet demand for longer loan periods for green transactions. The risk sharing agreement between the two organisations will help international banks increase their financing support to local banks, initially in Vietnam, before expanding to other countries supported by BII and the ADB.
This will provide crucial financing for local importers of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and agricultural goods, which will support the region to transition to cleaner sources of energy.
Srini Nagarajan, managing director and head of Asia at BII commented, "Supporting sustainable development in South and Southeast Asia is a key priority at BII. Green trade finance enables supply chain development of the renewable energy industry and tackles the bottleneck for much-needed long tenor financing in the region. We are delighted to work with the ADB, a strong partner with extensive knowledge and a strong network in Asia, on a shared ambition to support the region's energy transition and build climate resilience."
Suzanne Gaboury, director general for Private Sector Operations at the ADB said, "This collaboration with BII will strengthen the capacity of the ADB's TSCFP to further grow green supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on energy transition goods that are essential for tackling climate change."
The BII-ADB Green Trade Finance Facility supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy and SDG 13 on climate action. The transaction was led by Freddie Tucker, investment director of Trade and Supply Chain Finance at BII.
Green finance must be unlocked to develop The banking sector has been urged to unlock viable green finance to attract a broader investor base to facilitate its green transition.
Agribank's green finance initiative: Catalysing Vietnam's eco-friendly economic ascent At the forefront of Vietnam's green finance revolution, Agribank has reported a substantial green credit portfolio of approximately $510 million as of October 31. This revelation came from Phung Thi Binh, deputy general director of Agribank, during the Lighting the Path for Green Financing seminar held by VIR on December 4.
Consumer industry more mature thanks to digital efforts, Photo: Le Toan
Nestle Vietnam has been making further commitments to long-term investment in Vietnam through prioritising resources for digital transformation in production and building smart factories.
CEO of Nestle Vietnam Binu Jacob stated that Nestle will continue to invest in the appropriate technology to digitise data.
We have taken advantage of performance potential as well as sustainable development opportunities thanks to digital transformation. We have reduced production downtime by 60 per cent, paper consumption in the factory by 50 per cent, and maintenance costs by 20 per cent through smart sensors and digitised data, Jacob said.
Thanks to digital transformation, the business has connected employees at all levels effectively, while contributing to reduce carbon emissions by up to 38,000 tonnes a year, bringing Nestle closer to its ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Similarly, many consumer goods companies have considered digitalisation as an important DNA pushing them towards higher business goals, and Unilever Vietnam is one of the typical representatives.
Pham Manh Tri, supply chain vice president at Unilever Vietnam, said, Digital transformation not only helps Unilever fuel most of its activities, creating motivation to improve production capacity and position of the business in the market, but also supports us in promoting effective customer outreach and developing human resources in accordance with future trends.
Unilever has left its mark in the field of digitalisation with specific roadmaps and strong commitments made over several years. The business has realised the goal of digitising the entire production and supply chain, increasing the speed of operations throughout the chain by 10 times through the Internet of Things and AI system.
Unilevers factories not only automate production lines but also quickly move towards smart factory models and robotisation. In addition, Unilever has utilised digital sales models, data-driven marketing, and new technologies such as machine learning, extended reality, or investments in digital talents by attracting talents, providing in-depth training, and implementing key projects.
Vietnam is one of Unilevers first markets to establish a specialised digital transformation expert group, internally training more than 300 data analysts and creating a digital transformation movement across departments.
Vietnam, along with Indonesia and Thailand, are the three largest digital economies in Southeast Asia and the fastest growing economies in 2022-2030, according to a report on the consumer industrys journey towards digital maturity released by Deloitte Vietnam on January 3.
Increased digital adoption at the consumer level is expected to drive sustained growth across the region through 2025, the report said. In particular, three key trends shaping the consumer industrys journey towards digital maturity include building a digital business, embracing digital culture and adopting a seamless omnichannel approach.
According to the report, consumer companies will need to focus on four key priorities: adopting accelerated fast-followers strategies, optimising logistics for digital commerce, implementing both prescriptive and predictive analytics, and investing in in-house talent development to advance the journey towards digital inclusion.
In Vietnam, the scale of the digital economy is forecast to have grown to $49 billion in 2023 and could reach $200 billion in 2030.
Retail bets on festive consumer rush Increased consumer demand at the end of the year has opened up the prospect of recovery for retailers after a gloomy business year.
Three key trends shaping consumer industrys journey towards digital maturity Deloitte's latest report reveals three key trends that encapsulate the forces shaping the consumer industrys journey towards digital maturity.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) in late December issued Circular No.22/2023/TT-NHNN, a significant regulatory adjustment which redefines the capital adequacy ratio for banks and foreign bank branches, set to take effect on July 1.
Some financial groups set to gain from risk mitigation adjustments, Photo: Le Toan
A pivotal change is the recalibration of the credit risk coefficient for specialised industrial real estate project financing. This adjustment from 200 per cent to 160 per cent risk coefficient represents a strategic shift in the approach to real estate financing, particularly for industrial projects. Other real estate ventures will maintain the 200 per cent risk ratio.
It also revises the credit risk coefficient for loans secured by social housing or government-supported projects, lowering it to 20-50 per cent, compared to the standard 25-100 per cent for regular mortgages.
In line with the approved compulsory transfer plans, banks undergoing compulsory transfer and other credit institutions will benefit from a zero risk coefficient for specific loans and deposits, the circular notes.
Moreover, it introduces a 50 per cent risk coefficient for receivables from personal loans aimed at agricultural and rural development, aligning with government credit policies.
According to Viet Capital Securities, the inclusion of international financial institutions as legitimate guarantors in Circular 22 is a strategic move to diversify risk mitigation tools. VCSC added that the move is a proactive step by the SBV, encouraging banks to channel resources into priority sectors such as agriculture.
Particularly, banks specialising in social housing loans, industrial real estate, and agricultural financing, particularly Vietcombank, VietinBank, and BIDV, stand to gain significantly.
With the revised risk coefficients, banks will be required to allocate fewer reserves, potentially liberating substantial funds for additional lending. This development is a boon for the credit supply chain, potentially boosting bank profitability, noted MB Securities (MBS).
Vietcombank, VietinBank, and BIDV are poised to leverage this, which we believe could be a catalyst for credit growth amidst the current challenges in net interest margins, cited an MBS report.
Economist Can Van Luc agreed that implementation of differentiated risk coefficients across various real estate categories is a move that could significantly impact both the banking sector and the broader economy.
Its imperative that the Ministry of Construction spearheads the segmentation of the real estate market. This will enable the SBV and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to apply tailored risk coefficients, ensuring a more resilient and responsive banking sector.
The discussion around varied risk coefficients has also resonated with executives. Nguyen Duc Vinh, CEO of VPBank, said, Real estate is a pivotal sector in our economy. The current one-size-fits-all approach to risk coefficients, especially the high 200 per cent for certain segments, needs re-evaluation. A more balanced risk assessment could be a catalyst for market vitality.
This sentiment is echoed in the broader financial community, where the application of distinct risk coefficients is seen as aligning with international standards like Basel II.
One industry expert said, Adjusting risk coefficients for specific segments is not only timely but also aligns with global best practices. This is particularly relevant as Vietnams economy is on a recovery path, and such measures can significantly aid in the growth of businesses.
However, Luc also cautioned about delays in adoption of these measures. The absence of a comprehensive classification system for real estate segments may prolong the process for institutions to adapt and implement these risk coefficients. The urgency is to establish this framework before the new circular becomes effective in six months, he said.
Last week, the MoF also initiated a consultation process on a draft circular intended to abolish a range of existing circulars within the banking and finance sector. The draft proposed complete revocation of half a dozen legal documents dated 2012-2018 on issues such as valuation services, government bonds, export credit loans, and more.
Lenders making waves to take on new loan prospects Some Vietnamese banks are increasingly courting foreign investors and exploring favourable loan opportunities from international organisations.
The United States will work closely with Korea to prepare for talks on the allies' next defense-cost sharing deal, a State Department spokesperson said Wednesday, noting no decisions have been made on any specifics yet.
The remarks came after sources in Seoul said that the allies have reached an understanding to launch the negotiations on the 12th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) earlier than usual.
The current six-year SMA is to expire at the end of next year. The apparent move for the early negotiation launch has spawned speculation that Seoul and Washington may want to sign a new SMA earlier on concerns that should former President Donald Trump be reelected, the negotiation could be a source of friction between the allies.
"We will work closely with the ROK to prepare for the negotiations of the 12th SMA," the spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency, referring to Korea by its official name, the Republic of Korea.
"We have not yet made any decisions on the specifics for negotiations," the official added.
The spokesperson also said that a delegation from the State Department's Office of Security Negotiations and Agreements visited South Korea from Dec. 11-17 to discuss the implementation of the 11th SMA.
In 2019, then President Trump demanded a hefty rise in Korea's share of the cost for stationing USFK. He reportedly called for a fivefold increase to $5 billion, leading to tensions between Seoul and Washington.
Since 1991, Seoul has partially shouldered costs under the SMA for Korean USFK workers; the construction of military installations, such as barracks, and training, educational, operational and communications facilities; and other logistical support. (Yonhap)
There is tremendous urgency to guarantee a reliable electricity supply this year. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) mandated two weeks ago that Vietnam Electricity (EVN) submit the electricity assurance plan for the national power system by March 15. The plan must detail strategies for supplying fuel to thermal power plants, with a particular focus on the northern region during the dry seasons peak months in 2024.
Supply of power looks precarious for 2024
The north could lack 1,2002,500MW from late May to July, according to the general superintendent of Northern Power Corporation (NPC), Nguyen Duc Thien.
The corporation has devised two power supply scenarios to prevent a recurrence of power shortages similar to the one that occurred in the summer of 2023. In doing so, the group was compelled to decrease its load capacity by approximately 3,952MW, which is equivalent to a reduction in output of 608 million kWh, Thien said.
The NPC provides electricity for major industrial sites and manufacturers, with a concentration in the provinces of Nghe An, Hung Yen, Bac Giang, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Nam Dinh, Thanh Hoa, and Vinh Phuc.
Importing electricity from China is part of the NPCs strategy to ensure the north has an adequate power supply this year. Thien disclosed that the organisation intends to procure electricity from two different sources in China.
EVN is preparing power sources for a high development scenario in which the electricity growth rate is 9.49.8 per cent and GDP increases by 66.5 per cent.
The general director of EVN, Nguyen Anh Tuan, is apprehensive that alterations in the source structure could potentially introduce hazards and repercussions to the power supply strategy in 2024.
At present, EVN possesses a mere 37.2 per cent of the overall power capacity, while PetroVietnam and Vinacomin each own roughly 10 per cent. The remaining capacity is under the ownership of the private sector, Tuan said. The overall system capacity has been recorded at 80,556MW in 2023. However, actual mobilisation is considerably lower, and the power reserve is also quite limited.
The escalating expense of procuring electricity contributes to further complications for the power source. At present, market prices account for an exclusive 45 per cent of electricity production, with the cost of renewable energy being equivalent to the production expenses of EVN. The mean cost of electricity purchased by EVN is 8.6 US cents per kilowatt-hour, whereas the electricity is sold for approximately 8 US cents per kWh. This forces EVN to sell its electricity at a loss of 0.6 US cents per kWh.
EVNs accumulated losses exhibit a persistent upward trend in 2023, notwithstanding the implementation of two price adjustments for electricity a 3 and 4.5 per cent increase, respectively.
Tuan verified that the groups financial situation is insufficient to cover the costs of electricity production. The aggregate cost of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution amounts to approximately 8.6 US cents per kWh. However, the prevailing average retail electricity price of merely 8 cents per kWh results in an accumulated loss for the group for the second year in a row.
In early December, EVN submitted a report to the MoIT disclosing its financial setbacks for 2023, which amounted to an estimated $696 million. Of this amount, EVN alone incurred a loss of just over $1 billion. This group incurred a similar loss in 2022 due to electricity production, trading, and other associated activities.
Fundamental deficiencies within the electricity price mechanism are imposing economic strains on the group. We will be unable to achieve financial equilibrium if the practice of selling at a loss persists, Tuan said. We advise the MoIT to expeditiously present amendments and supplements to EVNs regulations for governmental approval, along with the policy of importing electricity sources into Laos.
The MoIT has issued Decision No.3376/QD-BCT authorising the electricity supply plan for April through to July 2024, the high months of the drought season. The ministry approved the plan to provide operational backup in response to EVNs request, ensuring power supply for the national power system. During the peak months of the dry season in 2024, the entire nation will import 109.183 billion kWh of electricity produced by power plants at generator terminals.
Electricity plans take shape for 2024 The government is being urged to improve the supply of electricity for production and business activities, with warnings that power shortages could continue undermining the economys efforts to garner new funding from abroad.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the sector failed to achieve a slew of targets in 2023. Vietnamese export earnings dropped by 4.4 per cent compared to the plan to grow by 6 per cent. The proportion of manufacturing and processing in GDP reached 23.84 per cent, compared with the target of 25.425.8 per cent.
Experts expect unpredictability in terms of international trade and slowing economies this year, photo Le Toan
Meanwhile, Vietnams index of industrial production rose 1.5 per cent on-year in 2023, against the target of 89 per cent. The added value of the industrial sector and the manufacturing and processing industry posted the lowest increase in the past 12 years, making an insignificant contribution to economic growth compared to previous years.
The consumption index of the whole processing and manufacturing industry climbed 1.8 per cent in 2023, compared to an increase of 7.1 per cent in 2022. Meanwhile, the average inventory rate of the whole manufacturing industry was 87.5 per cent in 2023 against 78.1 per cent in 2022, indicating challenges in the manufacturing and consumption of industrial products.
The added value of the whole industry in 2023 rose by 3.02 per cent on-year, also the lowest increase in the 2011, and contributed 1 percentage point to the overall growth of the economy. Of which, the manufacturing and processing industry increased by 3.62 per cent, the lowest growth in the last dozen years.
Low demand is the main reason behind the poor business performance of Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex). At an annual review meeting on January 8, Vinatex CEO Cao Huu Tien acknowledged that 2023 was its most difficult period in over 30 years of operation.
Vinatex recorded consolidated revenue of $705.6 million and pre-tax profit of $15.4 million, reaching 104.4 and 101.9 per cent of the yearly targets, respectively. However, the 2023 pre-tax profit dropped 60 per cent on-year.
Vinatex set out many scenarios for 2023, but the worst scenario took place due to market developments, negatively affecting our business and production activities, Tien added.
Vietnams garments and textiles sector reached an export revenue of $40 billion, down 11 per cent on-year.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said, The manufacturing and processing industry is the foundation for other industries. However, some sectors recorded a sharp decline, such as a 43 per cent decrease for the electronics sector. There are both objective and subjective reasons. However, the economy reveals issues amid the headwinds in 2023. We need to review the strategy to promote industrial production and the market.
The MoIT forecasts that there will be huge external pressure on industrial production and export activities in 2024. The main pressure comes from international trade, with many major economies slowing down, which dampens overall demand recovery and affects export results.
Fluctuations will continue into 2024. Many garments and textiles companies are coming up with measures to make timely adjustments, thereby lowering the impact when the market becomes worse, said Hoang Thuy Oanh, deputy general director of Hoa Tho Textile and Garment JSC. This trend will directly impact the orders of businesses. Amid this challenge, we need to take advantage of every single opportunity in the market by expanding the customer base, diversifying products, and receiving small orders.
Research group Wood Mackenzie forecasts that global GDP growth will slow in 2024 compared to the last two years as geopolitical conflicts continue to linger. Due to the pressure, global consumers will slash purchases of non-essential goods, including textiles and garments.
Le Thi Quy Huong, deputy general director of Phu Bai Spinning JSC, said, The yarn industry is predicted to contract until the next quarter. Thus, we formulate production plans every month rather than every quarter. The company has changed products to meet market trends and customer demand. We are striving to secure enough orders for the first quarter of 2024 to ensure capacity for three spinning factories.
Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, added, The final month of the year was indicative of the picture for much of 2023 in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector, with subdued demand limiting production volumes. Firms are still optimistic that output will expand. This has led to broad stability of employment and purchasing activity despite the reductions in new orders, as manufacturers attempt to maintain capacity in the hope of better days to come.
Vietnam's manufacturing expected to grow in 2024 Thanks to hopes for a recovery in demand both domestically and in export markets, plus business expansion plans, manufacturing is forecast to increase this year, according to S&P Global.
VinFast makes foray into India with EV manufacturing facility On January 6, VinFast announced its official foray into India by forming a landmark partnership with the Tamil Nadu state government in a MoU to charge the development of green transportation in the country.
The US' Ecolab opens new manufacturing plant in Vietnam On January 12, Ecolab, an American-listed company offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, announced the grand opening of its new cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Ho Nai Industrial Park in the southern province of Dong Nai.
The Department of Animal Health (DAH) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is collaborating with the Mongolian authorities to complete procedures for the export of poultry meat and eggs.
Nation looks abroad for livestock boon, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com
This work was implemented after the two parties success in signing veterinary health certificates for exporting animal products between the two countries in November.
Nguyen Van Long, director of the DAH, said, This is the result of efforts after more than seven years of negotiations following international regulations and practices, as well as implementing the MARDs direction in the spirit of good cooperation between the two countries.
Mongolias livestock industry mainly develops nomadic livestock farming under the control of veterinary authorities. Poultry farming in Mongolia accounts for a very low proportion. Therefore, Mongolia is a high-potential market for Vietnamese poultry meat and egg products, which will have many advantages when accessing this market, Long said.
The DAH has also been negotiating to open more markets in Hong Kong, South Korea, the EU, the UK, and Middle Eastern countries.
In the late months of 2023, the DAH worked with the South Korean food safety inspection team to inspect the processed chicken production chain of Koyu & Unitek Company JSC, and a delegation of British inspectors came to inspect Vietnams management system and production of processed chicken for export. The DAH is waiting for reports from the inspection teams.
Agricultural companies are also making efforts to boost the export of animals and animal products overseas by expanding their facilities.
C.P. Vietnam is an example. The companys CPV Food Binh Phuoc factory complex was put into operation in 2020, and the company exported the first 33-tonne shipment of processed chicken to Japan in October 2022.
Montri Suwanposri, general director of C.P. Vietnam, said, Japan is a potential market with the need to import about one million tonnes of chicken each year. Along with Japan, CPV Food started the journey to bring Vietnamese processed chicken products to overseas markets.
The company plans to export to South Korea and in 2024 plan to export to the UK and Europe. Export have seen good business results, with export revenues in 2023 tripling the figure of 2021. Our complex is aiming to raise its export revenue to $200 million each year from 2024, Suwanposri added.
Japfa Comfeed Vietnam, Vinamilk, and many other agricultural companies also have plans to foster their exports.
Vietnam exports animal products such as birds nests, milk items, feathers, and processed meat and eggs to foreign markets with an average export value of over $450 million per year.
By the end of 2022, Vietnam ranked sixth globally in terms of meat production for pig farming. In recent years, the growth of Vietnams pig herd has had great fluctuations in terms of total herd and output.
Long of the DAH said, Vietnams livestock products can access new markets, demonstrating the effective implementation of national plans to build poultry disease-free areas and facilities to promote the export of livestock products. This is also a premise for Vietnams fresh and frozen meat and poultry egg products to reach new markets.
Livestock accounts for about one-quarter of the agricultural sectors GDP, recording consistent annual growth of 4-6 per cent, according to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam.
Due to the important role of the sector, the government also pays attention to issuing policies to encourage the sectors development. In December 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang approved a project to develop the slaughterhouse industry, livestock processing, and product market towards 2030.
As per the project, a plan has been developed to ensure that the proportion of cattle and poultry slaughtered in industrial concentrated facilities reaches about 60 and 40 per cent, respectively, by 2025, and about 70 and 50 per cent, respectively by 2030.
Vietnam will develop livestock product processing facilities with scale, technology, and management on par with the rest of the world. The project also aims for the export value of livestock products to reach $1.5 billion by 2025 and as much as $4 billion by 2030.
With a total investment of VND3 trillion (around $127 million), the factory will specialise in producing particleboards and OSB plywood panels. The factory has a designed annual capacity of 225,000 cubic metres of chipboard panels and OSB plywood made from bamboo. It is expected to consume 1,000-2,000 metric tonnes of bamboo per day and create over 3,000 jobs.
The MoU signing was witnessed by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who was in Davos for the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
Marcus Bards, chairman of the Board of Directors of staBOO Holdings AG, lauded the investment environment in Vietnam.
"Vietnam boasts ample potential for developing the furniture industry, especially in terms of bamboo raw materials. Therefore, staBOO wants to make a long-term investment in the green and sustainable development of the country, which has one of the world's largest bamboo areas," he said.
PM Chinh proposed that the two sides collaborate closely to implement the project effectively and successfully, contributing to improving the value of Vietnamese bamboo exports, especially to the Middle East.
He further noted that Vietnam is placing priority on projects with cutting-edge technology, modern management, and added value. Thus, he asked the Swiss firm to abide by environmental regulations, develop local human resources, and facilitate Vietnamese companies in joining the firms production and supply chain.
The PM pledged that Vietnam will assign the appropriate organisations to assist the Swiss company in implementing the project in line with the laws.
Swiss logistics company Militzer & Munch makes foray into Vietnamese market Swiss logistics company Militzer & Munch has opened a new subsidiary in Vietnam as part of its board strategy to grow in Asia.
Ahead in the race currently is Binh Duong province. At the end of last year, the World Intelligent Community Forum honoured Binh Duong as one of 21 communities with an outstanding smart city development strategy for the third year in a row. Mai Hung Dung, Standing Vice Chairman of Binh Duong Peoples Committee, said that its infrastructure system is heavily invested in, while the innovation ecosystem is constantly developing.
Since 2016, Binh Duong has achieved positive results, the economy continues to grow, the economic structure continues to shift in the right direction, GDP per capita increases, and the urbanisation rate has reached 82 per cent, Dung said. Those are a solid foundation for Binh Duong to build a smart city, with a strong focus on balancing economic development with social progress and green growth.
Binh Duongs smart city project for this decade covers people, technology, business, and foundational elements, but these pillars can and will be adjusted to be consistent with the current situation and the key challenges ahead.
Binh Duong Smart City, source: binhduong.gov.vn
Meanwhile, Danang is the first city chosen by IBM as one of 33 cities worldwide to receive sponsorship from the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge competition.
IBMs three-year, $50 million initiative involves the direct participation of experts from IBM, who research and make detailed recommendations to help solve important urban problems in each locality. It focuses on using smart central operating solutions to ensure water quality, provide the best public transportation, and minimise traffic congestion.
In its smart city building plan towards 2030, Ho Chi Minh City is looking at a smart urban operations centre, shared data warehouse, open data ecosystem development, a centre for socioeconomic simulation and forecasting, and a centre for information security.
In particular, its smart city operation centre started phase 1 in 2019. Phase 2 for 2021-2025 is focused on smart solutions in a range of sectors in specific fields, and phase 3 after 2025 will aim towards strengthening technology foundations as well as restoring capacity and security.
Hanoi has also taken specific steps to implement different aspects of smart cities. At the Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit in November, Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of Hanoi Peoples Committee said, The sustainable smart city model that Hanoi aims will bring a truly quality, convenient, safe, and friendly living environment for all. At the same time, it will help build a local government system for the development of both organisations and businesses.
The most important issue of digital transformation is building databases, according to Thanh. Data must be accurate, complete, and transparent, and use the shortest time and cost, Thanh said.
According to Matthew Powell, director of Savills Hanoi, at the city level, many local governments have been making efforts to build smarter cities such as improving the efficiency of electricity use, water, and social utility infrastructure.
At the project and building level, investors and buyers are aiming to smarten management and operations, from security systems, to internet connections, from electricity usage to other factors to minimise impact on the environment, Powell said. At the apartment level, products have gradually appeared on the market that are integrated with smart support systems and synchronously connected to the internet provided by third parties.
At the micro level, many real estate businesses also promote the development of smart urban projects for their real estate projects.
A typical example is North Hanoi Smart City in Dong Anh district of Hanoi, funded by a joint venture between BRG Group and Japanese-led Sumitomo Corporation. With a total investment of $4.2 billion, this project is expected to be a premise and driving force for urban development in Dong Anh district in Hanoi, and the area north of the Red River in general.
To be operational by 2032, the project will apply Industry 4.0 towards a sustainable city model, driven by green living style and modern technology application, highlighted by the application of new-generation smart services system.
Vietnams largest private enterprise, Vingroup, is also developing an urban area called Vinhomes Smart City. With an area of 280 hectares, Vinhomes Smart City has learned and organised application operations according to smart urban models in the world such as Singapore, Songdo of South Korea, and Fujisawa of Japan.
Danang the jewel in central region crown Danang has long been known as an alluring place to live in Vietnam. However, for its long-term vision, the city targets to become a liveable city at the international level.
Thailand steps up smart city development Thailand is accelerating the development of smart cities, aiming to enhance the country's digital capabilities and the quality of life for urban communities towards a sustainable future, said Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai.
The state-of-the-art facility, strategically located in one of Vietnam's rapidly developing economic zones, was commissioned in response to the growing global demand for Trelleborgs marine construction, infrastructure, and fender solutions.
The choice of location, influenced by the favourable commercial and operational conditions in the region, reinforces the companys commitment to strengthening its capability to serve customers across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.
The construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with production coming online in 2026.
While significantly increasing its production capacity, the new facility will also support its progress towards meeting its environmental sustainability goals by incorporating a combination of efficiency measures including the use of solar panels, as well as effective water and wastewater systems.
Throughout the process, the company will remain dedicated to its vision of driving progress through innovation and superior manufacturing capabilities.
Richard Hepworth, business unit president of Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure stated, Our decision to strengthen our manufacturing footprint in Asia was driven by the complementary proximity to our facility in Qingdao, China, the local workforce, and the provinces supportive industrial policies. This facility will play a critical role in scaling up our production to meet the increasing global demands for our world-class manufacturing and testing capabilities.
Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi, general director of Phu My 3 Specialised IP said, Trelleborgs investment is a testament to the potential and capabilities of this region. This facility will not only enhance Trelleborgs operations in a prime Vietnamese location but also contribute substantially to the local economy through job creation in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.
Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure is known for providing innovative engineered polymer solutions to the marine, infrastructure, and energy industries. Through its global footprint, the company provides tailored solutions to its worldwide customer base.
Trelleborg to build modern maritime product manufacturing plant in Vietnam Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure has set its sights on Vietnam for the establishment of an advanced manufacturing facility, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and cater to the growing demand for maritime and infrastructure products.
Trelleborg forms strategic cooperation with Phu My 3 Specialised IP Trelleborg Group, a world leader in engineered polymer solutions from Sweden, signed a cooperation agreement with Phu My 3 Specialised Industrial Park in early September to lease a 60,000 square metre plot of land to build a factory in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, one of the eight cities and provinces and belonging to the southern key economic region of Vietnam.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) estimates that Vietnams fuel demand will reach 28.42 million cubic metres in 2024. According to the Vietnam Petroleum Association, petroleum demand shrunk in 2023 after Vietnams economic growth slowed to 5.05 per cent last year.
Companies must operate within the market rules while still avoiding disruption, photo Le Toan
However, domestic petroleum demand is forecast to increase dramatically in 2024 as prices and supply are affected by complex fluctuations in the global market, including unpredictable supply and prices of strategic materials, as well as geopolitical conflict.
With the disruption and price hike concerns, the prime minister has sent an official document requesting the MoIT and relevant ministries to implement solutions to avoid supply shortages in any situation.
Accordingly, the ministries will direct large petroleum traders, businesses, and petroleum retail stores across the country to formulate feasible business plans, ensuring sufficient stock to meet market demand. They should allocate sufficient manpower to meet demand during the Lunar New Year.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said, It is important we plan beyond annual demand cycles to cover monthly and quarterly intervals as well. This plan should be adjusted flexibly. Key petroleum enterprises should ensure the strict implementation of the allocated total minimum petroleum supply with contingency plans.
In any unusual cases, businesses should proactively report and propose policy mechanisms or situational solutions to state management agencies, Dien added.
Petroleum is an important strategic material that has a great impact on the consumer price index and macroeconomic stability. Therefore, it is vital to operate according to market mechanisms while still ensuring the states role in regulating this commodity to maintain supply and avoid disruption, the minister added.
Many companies are gearing up to ensure a stable supply of petroleum in 2024. MoIT has allocated Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) to source 1.5 million cu.m per tonne of petrol. This figure is up 12 per cent compared to Petrolimexs sales output in 2023. For diesel products assigned by the MoIT, the increase will be 22 per cent compared to the groups sales output in 2023.
Tran Ngoc Nam, deputy general director of Petrolimex, said, This month the group has secured purchasing sources from two factories in Vietnam as well as exports, an increase of about 10 per cent compared to the average assigned output. With early preparation and close collaboration with two local oil refineries and trading partners, the group is committed to fulfilling its responsibility. The group develops purchasing plans to ensure an effective business plan and supply.
Likewise, PetroVietnam will ensure petroleum supply equal to 2023 when its supply exceeds the proposed target. Meanwhile, Military Petroleum Corporation is assigned a 2024 quota that is 30 per cent higher than that of 2023.
In 2023, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical and Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical recorded the output exceeding its designed capacity, contributing to the stable supply for the local market. However, there were some sporadic shortages across the country. Some key enterprises have not strictly complied with the allocated total minimum petroleum supply as well as other regulations such as warehouses, yards, minimum trade reserves, compliance with tax obligations, or management and use of stabilisation funds.
Therefore, the MoIT proposed that the Ministry of Finance, the State Bank of Vietnam, and other ministries coordinate to regulate petroleum, proposing solutions to avoid disruptions for the rest of the year.
MoIT and MoF discuss seven petroleum market issues The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has suggested seven provisions to secure the petroleum supply, including an increase in the national petroleum reserve from nine to fifteen days of net imports.
The Vietnamese recruitment market is gearing up for a promising 2024, even in the aftermath of the economic challenges experienced in the previous year.
59 per cent of surveyed employees across all functions expressed a keen interest in exploring new career opportunities over the next 12 months. This inclination is fuelled by a focused emphasis on sought-after benefits. Professionals strategically prioritise factors such as competitive compensation, enhanced wellbeing strategies, and the option for remote or flexible work arrangements.
A substantial 67 per cent of the surveyed Vietnamese professionals anticipate a pay raise in their future roles, reflecting a notable confidence in the country's job market. Furthermore, 62 per cent of respondents expressed optimism regarding the availability of new and promising job opportunities.
As professionals navigate the evolving employment landscape, this pursuit of enhanced benefits and the strong anticipation of positive career developments will remain pivotal in shaping their career decisions in the coming year.
In line with this positive outlook, 62 per cent of businesses in Vietnam are planning to implement pay raises, with expected increments ranging between 15 and 25 per cent for job movers. The recruitment focus has shifted towards candidates with strong business partnering skills, placing high value on the ability to seamlessly integrate technical expertise with strategic insights.
In fact, business partnering skills will feature as a key requirement in many roles in 2024. This demand is most prominent in the legal and finance sectors, as well as human resources.
Moreover, companies are putting a greater spotlight on their values and commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) during their employer branding and hiring processes.
According to Pham Tuan Phuc, country manager of Robert Walters Vietnam, this focus enhances corporate reputation, fosters a positive working culture, engages employees, and attracts talent.
The anticipated trends for the coming year include a heightened emphasis on measuring and reporting CSR initiatives, as well as digital channels for promoting such schemes that showcase clear statistical evidence of a company's commitment to having a societal impact.
The survey's key findings also show that companies exhibiting decisiveness and agility stand the best chance of attracting top talent in 2024. Therefore, Phuc advises companies to streamline their recruitment processes and clarify their hiring criteria to expedite decision-making.
Beyond speed, companies should prioritise creating a positive candidate experience, as it significantly influences the companys reputation and employer branding over the long term.
Phuc further suggests that companies should hire based on the potential to tap into a broader candidate pool. "Once this talent is on board, employers can retain it by fostering a great company culture and environment that keeps employees engaged and happy. To address competency gaps, it is vital to invest in training and development. It is important to nurture and promptly reward staff for their contributions through promotions or staying abreast of compensation and benefit benchmarks in the market."
In the coming year, several areas stand out as high-demand sectors in Vietnam, namely accounting and finance, engineering and manufacturing, sales and marketing (with an emphasis on healthcare and the consumer sector) and human resources.
With accounting and finance, the growing trend of Vietnam as a regional hub increases demand for candidates with local experience, emphasising communication and stakeholder management skills. In 2024, salaries are expected to remain stable, although some companies will opt for rises to win over top talent.
For engineering and manufacturing, hiring activities will gradually increase in the first half of 2024, driven by ongoing expansions and increased mergers and acquisitions, with emphasis on professionals with technical expertise, a people-centric approach, and a focus on continuous improvement.
While salary increments are expected, market rates are predicted to see only slight increases from 2023.
In terms of sales and marketing, the commercial sector is experiencing a transformation beyond routine replacements. New positions are emerging, especially in the consumer healthcare business, with candidates often transitioning from backgrounds in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Standard salaries are expected to increase at the usual rate in the FMCG sector in 2024.
Finally, the human resource sector is witnessing increased demand propelled by business partnering, transformation initiatives, and talent management needs. Companies seek professionals for strategic support in decision-making, business orientation, workflow refinement, and talent management.
Self-accountability and perseverance human resources in a new age The COVID-19 pandemic has been a curveball for the human resources market in 2020, impacting hiring activities throughout the year. Adrien Bizouard, country manager of Robert Walters Vietnam, shared with Tom Nguyen some key advice for employers and employees alike for the coming year.
Hiring trends unveiled during the pandemic Vietnams hiring market has experienced unprecendented turbulences during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adrien Bizouard, country manager at Robert Walters Vietnam, shared with VIRs Thanh Van an overview on Vietnams hiring market in 2021 and forecasts what lies ahead for candidates and employers alike in 2022.
Korea and Canada held working-level defense talks Thursday to boost bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, Seoul's arms procurement agency said.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Canada's defense ministry held the second session of the arms and logistics committee in Seoul, following the inaugural session in Ottawa in May 2023.
Yoon Chang-moon, the DAPA official in charge of international cooperation, and Nancy Tremblay, associate assistant deputy minister at Canada's Department of National Defence, discussed ways to boost cooperation in the testing and evaluation of defense products and upgrading weapons, according to DAPA.
Korean companies have been seeking to expand their foothold in the Canadian maritime defense sector as the Royal Canadian Navy seeks to replace its aging fleet of Victoria-class submarines with the latest models.
In November, Hanwha Ocean, a Korean shipbuilder, signed a memorandum of understanding with four Canadian companies CAE, J-Squared Technologies, Modest Tree and Des Nedhe to cooperate on submarine-related technology and logistics solutions. (Yonhap)
Un Hombre: A Golem Story, the play about a clay figure brought to life that the Wild Imaginings theater company stages this weekend, proved to have a stubborn life of its own, and its stage incarnation will bring its creator to Waco.
Wild Imaginings director Trent Clifford said the Stephen Kaplan play was a finalist in the companys Epiphanies new play competition in 2022, but lost out to The Handless King as the ultimate winner. Its life with the Waco company didnt end there, however, as Clifford decided to add the play to Wild Imaginings season. I read thousands of scripts every year and every now and then, you get one that just stays with you, he explained.
In Jewish folktales, a golem is a clay figure brought to life by a rabbi invoking one of the names of God. The figure would then do the bidding of its creator. The story often finds new life during periods of Jewish persecution, but Kaplans play uses it in a contemporary meditation on loss and creation.
In Un Hombre, young Joshua (Jack Norman) is preparing for his bar mitzvah when his father suddenly dies, devastating him and his mother Rebecca (Melanie Wheat). Shes a sculptor and suffers an artists block after her husbands death while Joshua starts to withdraw from both his Spanish and bar mitzvah studies. Desperate, Rebecca fashions a golem (Clifford) from clay to fill the gap left by her husbands death.
Clifford said Kaplans play explores the role of language it features English, Spanish and Hebrew and art in addition to loss. The Wild Imaginings production, directed by Breshena Crosby, is the first staged production of the play and the New York playwright will come to Waco to see it on Friday, staying after the performance for a talkback session with the audience, Clifford said.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Cultivate 7twelve. Tickets are $20, available at wildimaginingswaco.com.
WASHINGTON A federal appeals court halted a Texas law Wednesday that bans school library books deemed sexually explicit on grounds it violates free speech rights.
The ruling from the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals was a setback for right-leaning politicians and parents whove spent years trying to scrub library shelves of titles they deem inappropriate and a win for booksellers who viewed the law as coercive and unconstitutional.
The court, in a sharply worded ruling, rejected the states contention that requiring booksellers to rate books based on their sexual content is little different from requiring a nutrition label on food.
We disagree, the court ruled. The ratings required by the book ban are neither factual nor uncontroversial . Balancing a myriad of factors that depend on community standards is anything but the mere disclosure of factual information. And it has already proven controversial.
Many of the titles taken from libraries in recent years or assailed by conservative state legislators dealt with issues of race, gender identity and sexuality.
A group that included two Texas bookstores and national trade groups representing booksellers, publishers and authors challenged the law.
Texas leads the nation in book bans, according to PEN America. From July 2021 to June 2022, roughly 800 books were removed from school libraries in Texas the most of any state, the group found.
The new law approved last year, authored by state Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, was to take effect Jan. 1. Waco-based U.S. District Judge Alan Albright of the Western District of Texas blocked implementation in September. The state appealed.
Patterson, calling the ruling disappointing, said the appeals court removes accountability for book vendors who, he asserted, have an obligation to be aware of the content they are distributing, especially if that content is sexually explicit material into the hands of school children.
Our kids deserve the freedom to read, and their local schools and libraries are no place for censorious adults to push their religious and political agendas, Texas Freedom Network organizing director Seneca Savoie said in a statement, lauding the 5th Circuit for blocking enforcement of the law rather than aiding our states leaders in their endless culture wars and attacks on LGBTQIA+ Texans and our basic freedom.
The READER (Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources) Act requires vendors that sell books to school libraries to issue ratings indicating whether the titles contain sexual content.
The 5th Circuit said that would compel publishers and booksellers to submit ratings with which they disagree, and constrain them from continuing to do business with school districts if they fail to submit the required ratings or decline to acquiesce in the States revised ratings.
The law bans books rated sexually explicit from school libraries.
Under the new law, the State Board of Education must approve standards for school libraries in Texas to follow in building their collections. The board set guidelines last month requiring each of Texas more than 1,000 districts to adopt policies regarding access by students to material rated sexually relevant, and to ensure parental access to library catalogs.
The appeals court let stand the library standards element of the new law, though without the ratings the system would not operate as intended. Still, Patterson took solace in that part of the ruling, saying the library standards create guardrails to empower parents and improve school district transparency.
The three-judge panel included two Republican nominees and one Democrat.
Judge Don Willett, named to the bench by President Donald Trump, wrote the opinion, joined by Judge Dana Marie Douglas, nominated by President Joe Biden, and Judge Jacques Weiner Jr., who was appointed by President George Bush.
Judge Albright, the Waco-based lower court judge, is also a Trump appointee.
In his September order he granted plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against the state's enforcement of HB 900. He blasted the law, saying its wording as vague and that it violates the Constitution's free speech guarantees.
READER misses the mark on obscenity with a web of unconstitutionally vague requirements, Albright wrote. And the state, in abdicating its responsibility to protect children, forces private individuals and corporations into compliance with an unconstitutional law that violates the First Amendment.
WATERLOO -- The Bluedorn Science Imaginarium, 322 Washington St., will host Late Nights at the Imaginarium" on the last Thursday of the month now through April.
Visitors on Jan. 25 can watch a science demonstration at 6 and 7 p.m.
Each visitor at the January late night will receive a stamp card. Attend all four late nights (Feb. 29, March 28 and April 25) and collect four stamps for one free admission to Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice, opening May 18 at the Imaginarium.
Admission is $8 for adults and children ages 4-13; children under 3 and museum members are free. For more details, visit gmdistrict.org or call (319) 234-6357.
Grout Museum's Norris Corson Family Planetarium Planetarium 1 Planetarium 2 Planetarium 6 Planetarium 3 Planetarium 8 Planetarium 4 Planetarium 5 Planetarium 7
WATERLOO Sentencing has been set for February for a Waterloo man convicted of sexually abusing a girl a relative was babysitting.
James Kerkula Horace, 43, waived his right to a jury, and in December District Court Judge Melissa Anderson-Seeber found him guilty of second-degree sexual abuse following a bench trial.
Authorities allege Horace touched the 7-year-old girls groin area in 2022. The mother noticed the girl was suddenly hesitant to go to the babysitters home, and the girl later told a sibling about the abuse.
The mother confronted Horace about the allegation, and Horace denied the allegations, but told the mother, Im sorry.
The girl was interviewed at the Child Protection Center and police investigators interviewed Horace. Horace again denied the abuse but also said he drank a lot and didnt remember things. If it happened, he told police, it was a mistake.
Horace also said he rubbed the girls stomach and that he would go along with the findings of an Iowa Department of Human Services investigation.
At trial in October, the defense highlighted the fact the girls account changed, especially as to how many times the abuse occurred.
In her written ruling issued in December, Judge Anderson-Seeber said she found the victims account credible and was backed by other testimony and evidence.
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WATERLOO A Waterloo man has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing a teen girl and asking for sexual videos.
Nicholas David Stokes, 37, was sentenced to up to 20 years in prison on two counts each of lascivious acts with a child and sexual exploitation of a minor on Jan. 11.
Following prison, Stokes will have to register as a sex offender and will be under lifetime parole.
Stokes had been charged with third-degree sexual abuse, but the charges were downgraded to lascivious acts as part of plea negotiations.
Authorities said Stokes had sexual contact with the girl and also asked the girl and a teen boy to make sexual videos and send them to him by SnapChat in 2019 and 2020.
15 signs your child is affected by bullying and what you can do about it Changes in eating habits Declining grades or loss of interest in school work Self-destructive behavior Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem Feeling or faking sickness, headaches and stomach aches Unexplained injuries Lost or destroyed clothing, books, or other belongings Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares Avoidance of social situations or sudden loss of friends What you can do Signs that your child is bullying: Getting into fights Has friends who bully New money or possessions Detention Blames others Worried about reputation
WATERLOO Black Hawk County could spend about $1 million to provide the sheriffs office with the latest technology for accountability.
The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved, with Supervisor Dan Trelka absent, requesting new body and squad car cameras. The request for proposals also will include a chance for a company to provide bids for new tasers.
The request comes from the sheriffs department and the information technology department.
The body cameras the sheriffs currently using are really showing their age, IT Director Al Yu said. We have daily issues with them.
The body cameras are about two and a half years old, while the car cameras are about five years old.
Yu said the servers the cameras use to upload videos and data also have issues and need to be restarted weekly. The 44 new body cameras, 20 new car cameras and two interview cameras could cost around $750,000.
Mike Hendrickson, the countys conservation director, also wants to provide park rangers with cameras. He originally said he would ask for three, one for each shift. There are eight rangers.
If folks have a firearm and theyre employed by the county, they should have a body cam, straight up, Supervisor Tavis Hall said. If were going to do it, lets do it right. The last thing we want is (for us to say), oh, he didnt have one because we short-changed the RFP.
The sheriffs office currently uses WatchGuard, recently acquired by Motorola, resulting in potential higher prices and loss of technical support.
(Other area agencies) all had to move because the system that we are currently supporting has been pulled out from underneath us, Sheriff Tony Thompson said. Now were at a point where we will Band-aid this system as long as we can.
The current cameras still work, Thompson said, but technology evolves quickly. New cameras would be less bulky and have clearer video resolutions.
Thompson said he originally made the request when the county was accepting applications for American Rescue Plan Act money. He said he was told it could be paid with ARPA funding, so he didnt include it in last years budget. The request wasnt awarded ARPA funds.
When asked how the sheriffs office would pay for the cameras, Thompson said he wasnt sure because the county redirected funds from inmate fees into the county budget rather than the sheriffs.
The board has been very successful at taking away all of my discretionary funds, he said. I dont have much for funds to be able to pull back and say, well, we could easily take it from here.
The request was deemed essential by the sheriffs office, IT department and the supervisors.
The trend for law enforcement (to use cameras) is no longer a want, Captain Mark Herbst said, citing social justice movements and scrutiny of law enforcement. You need to be recorded. Theres an expectation, and the courts have an expectation that we record it.
The county could pay even more if it decides to award a bid for new tasers. The RFP for cameras has an addendum for companies to include tasers for a bulk order. This was added because the countys contract for tasers ends this summer. The tasers are estimated to cost an additional $200,000.
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
CEDAR FALLS The City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to again delay consideration of a plan to build approximately 130 homes on 54 acres north of Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary School south of Greenhill Road.
Councilmember Kelly Dunn was adamant in her call for further evaluation of a proposed buffer before considering whether to amend a land use map allowing the proposal. Her concern stemmed from a greenway city planner Jaydevsinh Atodaria acknowledged would be reduced under the amendment, raising fears of the impact on water quality in the nearby Dry Run Creek.
Councilmembers Chris Latta and Hannah Crisman opposed. The next meeting is Feb. 5.
I hear a constant concern from folks, acknowledging that Cedar Falls is in desperate need of additional housing, but the concern that when we develop, we develop responsibly and that we are cognizant of our waterways and protecting them, said Dunn.
I like that buffer as a person whos actively cleaning the river with the nonprofit Im involved in. The more buffer, the more grass, the better chance of keeping stuff out of the water and making its way to the river, she added.
Nick Brewer, the engineer representing developer Brent Dahlstroms Panther Builders, called the change a rebalancing of the buffer in the northwestern portion of the property and explained how the area would be improved for better water quality.
Theres actually going to be a strip of grass all the way around that perimeter. Currently thats a field thats tilled and opened up, and with this development, theres a detention area there and swales which drain into that, which is actually going to prevent that water from directly running off, said Brewer.
And instead of an opened-tilled field, its going to have permanent vegetative cover. We actually see this as a great improvement to the property.
The reason behind the buffer change was not immediately explained.
Councilmembers speculated it would allow the developer to plat more or bigger lots. Kevin Fittro, president of Panther Builders, deferred comment on the reason to a later date until he could learn more.
In addition to the approximately 130 single-family lots, another significant piece of the plans are the road connections.
Arbors Drive would be extended northward to Greenhill Road. Richard Road would be extended westward into the proposed development and Ironwood Drive would be extended northward to connect to Greenhill Road.
The parcel, known as Panther West, would go from R-1 Residence District and MU Mixed Use Residential District to RP Planned Residence District.
The RP district allows flexibility in the types of dwelling, lot sizes, building heights and setbacks but restricts the development to detached single family dwellings.
Previously, 14 of the 54 acres had been considered for more diverse uses such as professional office space.
The rezoning now being proposed is not consistent with the citys comprehensive plan and future land use map. Thats why the applicant is also proposing a change of designations from Low Density Residential Use, Greenways and Floodplain Use, and Neighborhood Commercial & Mixed Use to Low Density Residential Use.
I want to walk out there and look at these waterways, said Councilmember Gil Schultz. We have had some people upset about the developments that weve done that didnt seem to pay as close attention to our environment as being perceived.
That included school teacher Jeremy Swanson, whose recent emails were given to the council prior to debate.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended the rezoning and land use change in November and council consideration had been pushed back twice already before Tuesday. That was a concern for the minority who opposed continuing the hearing at the next meeting.
I would hesitate to delay if its just a few feet, said Crisman, who was on the commission when the item was considered. She, along with two other councilmembers and the mayor, joined the council earlier this month.
The rezoning requires three readings. The property still has to go through platting, a public process involving the commission and council, before building can commence.
Cedar Falls City Council - Last Meeting of 2023 & Reception - Dec. 18, 2023 Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (b) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (a) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (c) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (r) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (e) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (f) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (h) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (m) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (q) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (i) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (j) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (k) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (l) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (o) Cedar Falls City Council - 12/18/23 (p)
WATERLOO With some restrictions, some downtown businesses can expand their service areas into a parking space.
The Waterloo City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to create parklets in the downtown area Tuesday. A parklet extends a business by creating a raised platform, usually with tables and chairs, in the business street parking spots. Parklets can be used by businesses serving food and drink including alcohol.
Main Street Director Jessica Rucker said parklets will not negatively affect parking downtown, saying there is an abundance of parking.
The original ordinance stated parklets could be used until 2 a.m., but Police Chief Joe Leibold urged the council to change that to midnight, citing safety concerns.
As it gets later at night driving, its more erratic, theres an increased risk (of accidents), he said. Most bars and most restaurants are closed or not serving food after midnight anyway, so youre talking basically bar activity which should be kept up on the sidewalk.
Ward 1 Councilmember John Chiles, who drafted the ordinance along with Main Street Waterloo, said he didnt agree with Leibolds concerns.
I dont think its going to affect safety one way or another and (it) simply prevents businesses from moving forward into those later times if thats something they choose to do, Chiles said. I dont understand the need to limit anything with this. I dont see any safety issues happening here.
Rucker reiterated the parklets would be in parking spaces not in the actual street. She said she isnt aware of parked cars getting hit in that area after midnight.
Ward 5 Councilmember Ray Feuss motioned to approve an amendment to end parklet operations at midnight rather than 2 a.m. That passed 4-3 with councilmembers Belinda Creighton-Smith, Nia Wilder and Chiles voting against it.
Another amendment would have limited parklets to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less. Chiles said that limitation was meant to be in the proposed ordinance but somehow got deleted. This precludes parklets on one-way streets, such as Sixth Street, which have a speed limit of 35 mph. That amendment passed unanimously.
Although three councilmembers voted against the time change amendment, the ordinance passed unanimously and the rules were suspended, meaning second and third readings were waived.
Business must get city approval to participate. The ordinance states the city will consider approval based on the number of other parking spaces, the needs of nearby businesses and the advice of the Main Street Design Review Board. If liquor is served at the business, the police department also will review the application.
Business owners will be responsible for maintenance, operation and compliance of the parklet platform.
Along with parklets, the City Council unanimously approved a new sidewalk cafe program. It allows tables and chairs directly outside of establishments. At least five feet of space must be reserved for pedestrians.
Sidewalk cafes can be used until 2 a.m. Alcoholic beverages would not be allowed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. due to local and state liquor laws. The ordinance does not prohibit smoking or vaping in the sidewalk cafes, but states the establishment must follow the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act.
The council also unanimously approved:
The termination of a development agreement with Todd Borwig for property north of 1332 Walker St. for the failure to complete a project for new housing.
A development agreement with Studio Elysium LLC for the rehabilitation of 927 Sycamore St. to turn it into a residential unit and salon, as well as a development grant of $5,000 and CURA tax abatement. The minimum assessment agreement is for $170,000.
A development agreement with PWM 1 Warehouse LLC for the construction of no less than 83,900 square feet building for a minimum assessed value of $4.2 million near 3530 Marnie Ave. It would receive tax rebates of 95% for years one through 11, 55% for year 12 and 50% for years 13 through 17.
The anti-corruption investigation office has raided the office of Marine Corps Commandant Lt. Gen. Kim Kye-hwan over an alleged influence-peddling case related to the death of a young Marine last year, multiple sources said Thursday.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) searched Kim's office at the Marine Corps headquarters in Hwaseong, some 40 kilometers south of Seoul, Wednesday to seize documents and files related to the case, according to the sources familiar with the matter.
In October, Col. Park Jung-hun, the Marines' former top investigator, was indicted on charges of insubordination and defamation of his superior after he handed over the probe findings regarding the death of Cpl. Chae Su-geun to the civilian police in August despite then Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup's order for him to wait for more legal deliberations.
Park spearheaded the preliminary probe into what contributed to Chae's death in July 2023 while on a mission to search for victims of downpours, which sparked criticism that his commanders pushed for the risky operation without proper safety measures.
His initial investigation found the commander of the 1st Marine Division and other senior officials were responsible for negligent homicide and other charges, and reported it Lee on July 30.
Lee initially approved the probe result, then reversed his decision a day after citing a need for further review, but Park transferred the records to the police anyway and came under investigation on the charge of disobeying orders.
Park was also accused of defaming the minister after the former Marine investigator told media he felt pressure to remove the division commander from a list of people found responsible for the death.
Earlier this week, the CIO conducted searches at the residence and office of Yoo Jae-eun, the defense ministry's general counsel, and at the office of Park Jin-hee, a former aide to ex-minister Lee, to look into their involvement in the case.
Park's first trial was held in early December, and the second trial is scheduled for Feb. 1, with the Marines commandant expected to testify as a witness. (Yonhap)
CEDAR FALLS The Civil Air Patrol Black Hawk County Composite Squadron will appoint Rob Green, former Cedar Falls mayor, as its new squadron commander in a change of command ceremony Saturday.
First Lieutenant Dawna Penrose-Engelhardt will relinquish command to Major Green as he takes over leadership of the squadron for the next four years. The ceremony is open to the public and will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Cedar Falls Public Safety Center, 4600 S. Main St.
Green will lead the squadron, founded in 2020 and consisting of almost 50 adult and youth members, in accomplishing three missions centered on cadet programs, aerospace education and emergency services.
They help cadets ages 12-18 become the next generation of aerospace leaders and support statewide emergency services, disaster relief and aerospace education activities. Local cadets take the skills and knowledge they gain through civil air patrol to be successful later in life in college, careers and military service.
Learn more by joining the Civil Air Patrol at the ceremony or weekly from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings at the Waterloo Regional Airport, 2790 Livingston Lane. Both adults and teens can visit any time. Learn more online at www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.facebook.com/BlackHawkCompSq.
Trade programs, unlike other areas of higher education, are in hot demand Trade programs, unlike other areas of higher education, are in hot demand
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has informed the United States that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any postwar scenario.
On the evening of 16 January 2024, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered a precise strike at a temporary deployment area of foreign mercenaries, most of whom were citizens of France, near Kharkov.
As a result of the strike, the building, where the mercenaries were deployed, was completely destroyed. More than 60 militants were eliminated, more than 20 were transported to medical facilities.
Russian Defence Ministry
A survivor of six heart attacks and a brain tumor, a grumpy bear of a man, whom has declared Russia as his new and wonderful home. His wife is a true Russian Sweet Pea of a girl and she puts up with this bear of a guy and keeps him in line. Thank God for my Sweet Pea and Russia.
Why Ukraine is dangerous for its inhabitants
The existence of Ukraine is mortally dangerous for Ukrainians. And I dont mean only the current state, Banderas political regime. Im talking about any, absolutely any Ukraine.
Why?
The presence of an independent state on historical Russian territories will now be a constant reason for the resumption of hostilities. Late. No matter who is at the helm of the cancerous growth under the name of Ukraine, this will not add legitimacy to his rule and the legal viability of the country itself. And, therefore, the likelihood of a new fight will persist indefinitely. Almost always. Moreover, there is a 100% probability of a new conflict, no matter what security papers the West signs with the puppet Kyiv regime. Neither Ukraines association with the EU, nor even the entry of this artificial country into NATO will prevent it. This could happen in ten or fifty years.
That is why the existence of Ukraine is fatal for Ukrainians. They are practical people at the end of the day. No matter how they now wish the Russians to die. No matter how much they hate the Russian leadership. No matter how much they strive to join the mythical European Union and NATO. Choosing between eternal war and inevitable death and life, the vast majority of Ukrainians (well, perhaps with the exception of a minimal number of frostbitten nationalists) will ultimately choose life. They will understand that life in a large common state, which they do not like very much now, is better than death. Their deaths and the deaths of their loved ones. And the sooner Ukrainians realize this, the better.
Medvedev
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The prosecution has ordered a reinvestigation into two former high-ranking presidential officials over their suspected involvement in the election meddling scandal surrounding the 2018 mayoral election in the southeastern city of Ulsan, officials said Thursday.
The Seoul High Prosecutors Office issued the order to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, determining that an additional investigation into former presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok and former senior presidential secretary for civil affairs Cho Kuk is necessary, the officials said.
The scandal centers on allegations that Song Cheol-ho, a longtime friend of former President Moon Jae-in, conspired with then Ulsan police chief Hwang Un-ha and other presidential aides to open an investigation into suspicions involving aides of then Ulsan Mayor Kim Gi-hyeon ahead of the 2018 mayoral election.
Song ultimately beat Kim of the People Power Party in the election and served as Ulsan mayor from 2018-22. In November, a district court found both Song and Hwang guilty, and sentenced them to a three-year prison term.
"After closely going through previous investigation records and the court verdict, we have decided that an additional investigation is necessary," the Seoul High Prosecutors Office said.
Im and Cho had been previously investigated as part of the probe into the scandal in 2020. The prosecution at that time decided not to indict them due to insufficient evidence, while indicting 13 others, including Song and Hwang, on charges of election meddling.
The ruling People Power Party has since appealed the decision.
Im and Cho both served in their respective positions from 2017-19 under the previous Moon administration, and Cho later served as justice minister. (Yonhap)
An appellate court on Thursday upheld the conviction of Seoul's top education official indicted for a controversial reinstatement of dismissed teachers years ago.
The Seoul High Court confirmed a lower court's prison sentence of one-and-a-half-year, suspended for two years, for Cho Hee-yeon, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, for abusing his power in reinstating five dismissed teachers, including former members of a teachers' labor union, in 2018.
The court said it seemed that the minimum level of open competitiveness was not secured in the reinstatement process and private favors worked instead.
Cho, who was elected as Seoul's education chief for a third time in 2022, will lose his job if his conviction is confirmed by the court. By law, an education official with a confirmed conviction of imprisonment is subject to retirement. (Yonhap)
China's Nanchang carves out remarkable development path with LED technology
10:45, January 18, 2024 By Zhu Lei ( People's Daily
About one out of every three smartphones worldwide utilizes silicon substrate-based LED for its phone flash. Similarly, for every three flashlights in the world, there is one with such technology.
In fact, many cities in China have extensively adopted silicon substrate-based LED chips for road and tunnel lighting.
Photo shows the illumination upgrading project of the Bayi Bridge in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi province, undertaken by LatticePower. (File photo)
Silicon substrate-based LED has become one of the three major technology pathways in the global LED industry. Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi province, is exactly where this technology started.
LED stands for light-emitting diode, which is a third-generation semiconductor light source. As an energy-saving and environmentally friendly cold light source, it is a fundamental component of the electronic information industry and has a wide range of applications.
At the beginning of this century, the common substrates for blue LED chips were sapphire or silicon carbide, and the two technical routes have been industrialized. However, the dominance of these technologies was largely held by developers outside China.
"At that time, we aimed at the unpopular technology direction of growing gallium nitride-based materials on silicon substrates," said Jiang Fengyi, a professor from Nanchang University. According to him, this was a path that had been almost abandoned by foreign developers.
In the production of LEDs, the growth of upstream materials to a large extent decides the LED color, brightness, lifespan, and other indicators. To produce LED chips, it is necessary to grow a gallium nitride light-emitting film on a substrate.
However, there are serious thermal and lattice mismatches between silicon and gallium nitride materials. Researchers around the world had not yet found an ideal solution despite years of efforts.
On Nov. 27, 2003, Jiang and his team embarked on a challenging exploration. In 2004, after more than 4,000 trial and error attempts, Jiang's team became the first in the world to overcome this key technical difficulty.
Photo shows an automatic sorting workshop of LatticePower in east China's Jiangxi province. (File photo)
"This will be a brand new arena," said Wang Min, who worked together with Jiang. Wang keenly sensed the potential transformative impact this technology could bring to the industry.
Since then, Wang and Jiang co-founded tech firm LatticePower to promote the industrialization of silicon substrate-based blue LEDs. In October 2007, LatticePower officially settled in the Nanchang National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.
After years of development, in 2012, the company successfully achieved mass production of high-power LED chips on silicon substrates, which was praised as an annual news event by the International SSL Alliance.
In order to better open up the market, Wang decided to go for vertical integration - packaging LatticePower's own LEDs. In 2014, a ceramic packaging line was officially launched, enabling the mass production of its own "light bulbs."
Since then, LatticePower's LED products have made great strides with higher cost-effectiveness, eventually capturing around 30 percent of the global mobile lighting market. LatticePower Semiconductor Corporation, a subsidiary of LatticePower, boasts a monthly production capacity of up to 100 million units.
In the product showcase area of LatticePower, there are nearly 100 types of products on display, including large LED high-definition screens, streetlights, and smartphone flashlights. Today, LatticePower has grown into a leading semiconductor optoelectronic device manufacturer, offering products that span the entire industrial chain to customers worldwide.
Photo shows a wire bonder of the packaging line of LatticePower in east China's Jiangxi province. (File photo)
In addition to the packaging line, LatticePower is continuously expanding its industrial ecosystem. With strong government support, it has attracted well-known venture capital funds such as GSR United Capital to establish sub-funds in Nanchang, successively incubated Lattice Lighting and Lattice Grand Technology, and introduced companies such as ShineOn and Kingsoon to promote the ecosystem of the silicon substrate-based LED industry.
Relying on silicon substrate-based LED technology, Nanchang has carved out a path of independent innovation in the global LED industry. Today, the technology continues to produce world-class innovative achievements such as yellow and red LEDs.
Driven by such innovation and the support of relevant government policies, Nanchang has established a complete LED industry chain, becoming the largest production base for high-power LED light sources in China.
In 2019, a 1-billion-yuan ($140.58 million) fund was established to amplify the application advantages of silicon substrate-based LED technology, which attracted a number of leading domestic LED companies such as Shenzhen MTC, Xiamen Changelight, and Hongli Zhihui Group. In 2022, the LED industry in Nanchang achieved a revenue of 21.2 billion yuan.
According to the plan, the city will focus on the manufacturing and packaging of LED chips to build itself into a "light valley." In particular, the Nanchang National High-tech Industrial Development Zone will concentrate on building a complete LED industry chain cluster with a focus on silicon substrate-based LEDs, and the Nanchang Economic and Technological Development Zone will prioritize the development of basic materials, chip packaging, and terminal applications. Besides, other districts and counties will focus on developing supporting links in the industrial chain. The goal is to expand Nanchang's LED industry scale to 50 billion yuan by 2026.
(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Prosecutors on Thursday demanded the death penalty for the suspect behind the deadly stabbing rampage last year in Bundang, south of Seoul, which left two people dead and 12 others wounded.
Choi Won-jong, 23, is accused of ramming his mother's vehicle into random pedestrians outside a busy department store in Budang and attacking shoppers with a knife on Aug. 3, 2023.
Two people, aged 20 and 65 at the time, died at a hospital while under treatment for injuries after the car crash. Twelve others were also injured in the rampage, according to officials.
In the final hearing at Suwon District Court, prosecutors demanded the death penalty for Choi, along with an order to install an electronic tracking device on him for 30 years.
Records have shown that Choi was diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder in 2020. Officials suspect Choi's mental health deteriorated while living in isolation and he started developing delusions of persecution. (Yonhap)
Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.
In an interaction with Adgully, Nidhi Gupta, Founder & CMO, French Essence, speaks about the growth and entrepreneurial journey of her venture, the startup ecosystem in India, tackling challenges, what budding entrepreneurs should do to set up a successful venture, and much more.
What inspired your startups founding, and what problem did you set out to solve?
French Essence is a flourishing fragrance and personal care brand founded in April 2021 in Delhi, India. Our goal for French Essence was to revolutionize the Indian fragrance market. We understood the need for high-quality perfumes at reasonable prices and set out in an attempt to fill that gap. We always intended to make expensive perfumes available to the Indian market without compromising on quality. French Essence was formed to provide a unique and affordable aromatic experience while breaking the norms of the industry. Since its beginning, our company has continuously achieved its ambition which has guided the companys journey to become a game changer in the industry.
Could you provide an overview of your product or service and its unique features or benefits?
We specialise in an exclusive collection of deodorants, perfumes, and bath essentials that are precisely developed and supplied by renowned producers to ensure the highest quality standards. Our deodorant range includes appealing variants which include Intense, Bloom, Grace, and Triumph, while the perfume category includes well-known options like Oud and Intense. Also, the bath range includes best-sellers like cinnamon and orange which enhance the whole aromatic experience. We differentiate ourselves by importing scents directly from France, bringing luxury and sophistication into each product while keeping the costs affordable. Our commitment goes beyond price embracing superior quality. We focus on presenting a balance of luxury and affordability, which has become a go-to choice for people looking for premium perfumes that can improve their daily experiences.
How does your startup differentiate itself from competitors in the market?
Our startup distinguishes itself from the competition by maintaining a constant commitment to quality and innovation, establishing us as an influential participant in domestic as well as global markets. We focus more on providing products and services that not only meet our consumer demands but also exceed their expectations. Our continuous search for innovation allows us to keep ahead of industry trends, ensuring that our services are at the forefront of technical advancements. Moreover, our commitment to quality can be seen in all elements of our business, from product development to customer service. This dedication not only distinguishes us from our competition but also develops a strong and trustworthy position in the market. Finally, the focus we place on quality and innovation is the foundation of our competitive advantage in the modern business world.
What milestones has your company achieved so far, and what are your future growth plans?
We have achieved significant milestones, establishing a powerful presence in India with a dedicated sales staff of 350 specialists encompassing the entire country. Our products are widely available and recognised on popular e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Nykaa, Flipkart, and Netmeds, reaching a diversified and extensive consumer base. Our future growth objectives are strong and effective, so we intend to expand our market share and establish ourselves as a serious competitor in the fragrance and personal care industries. We are committed to building a strong presence in both domestic and international markets, demonstrating our commitment to quality and innovation. With these goals in mind, we are prepared for further success and growth in the competitive market.
How has the startup evolved since its inception, and what challenges have you overcome?
Since our inception, we have grown from a startup to a strong powerhouse in the personal care sector. Our devotion to delivering great products resulted in quick expansion establishing it not just as a fragrance brand, but also as a market symbol of innovation and excellence. The major challenges for us have been in managing and enhancing consumer opinions in a market usually dominated by established perfumes. We have secured our position in the competitive landscape, by strong marketing strategies and constant innovation in product development. In addition, we showed great strength during the pandemic, initiating operations at the peak of the crisis and surviving in the post-pandemic era. This resilience demonstrates our adaptability and desire to overcome difficulties, providing our position as the leader in the personal care market.
How does your startup contribute to the industry or community you operate in?
We at French Essence believe that our startup is essential in establishing a more sustainable and diversified beauty industry. We help to remove the cost barriers to self-care by offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Our dedication to transparency and the removal of harmful chemicals not only enhances industry standards but also encourages healthier lifestyles for our customers. Apart from providing a good range of products, we actively participate in the community by promoting social responsibility through giving donations to charities and local initiatives. We believe in the transforming power of beauty, understanding that it can not only improve a person's appearance but also the everyday lives of entire communities. We aim to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference in the beauty industry as well as the communities we serve.
What problem does your startup solve?
We at French Essence address affordability without sacrificing safety or quality. Our startup provides alternatives to less expensive, chemical-based products that often raise concerns about their potential harm to consumers, effectively resolving a common issue within the industry. We understand the significance of trust in the consumer-beauty industry relationship, and that is why our startup helps to offer high-quality products at affordable rates. By doing this, we not only respond to the growing concern regarding the impact of harmful chemicals but also make self-care accessible to a broader audience. French Essence is dedicated to revolutionising beauty standards by making sure that everyone has access to luxury products without going beyond budget or sacrificing their well-being.
How much funding has the company raised, and from which investors?
French Essence is a completely self-financed company that achieved major milestones without the help of external funding. Our success can be linked to its financial management strategy, independence, and resiliency. Interestingly, we have stayed away from seeking outside funding, reflecting a strong dedication to natural growth and complete independence over our business process. Due to our distinctive strategy, we stand apart from the crowded field of developing perfume brands. We have been successful in overcoming the industrys challenges by depending on our internal resources and strategic decision-making. Our status as a symbol of careful spending and entrepreneurial endurance is strengthened by our decision to continue being self-financed, which indicates faith in our business plan.
Who are your target customers, and how are you acquiring them?
We intentionally target an extensive number of customers, focusing mainly on people aged between 18 and 35 years. Our products have been designed to be appealing to all genders with a broad range of smells and personal care items. We focus on grabbing the attention of visitors and the youth market, recognizing their preference for premium perfumes and bath products. Also, we use smart marketing efforts across multiple media to increase awareness and appeal to the proficient in technology. The essential components of our acquisition plan include collaborations with influencers, major e-commerce platforms, and engaging social media content. By merging a compelling brand image with effective digital and influencer marketing, we ensure a strong connection with our target customers, encouraging brand loyalty and long-term success.
What are the major challenges the company faces currently?
The fragrance market is a highly competitive market, where we face major challenges characterised by the ongoing search for the highest-quality products at the most accessible costs. To solve this issue, we are using strong marketing methods to properly express our products superior value. At the same time, product development innovation is essential for ensuring that our offerings not only meet the customer demand but also exceed their expectations. By addressing these problems directly, we aim to figure out a market position for ourselves by offering high-quality perfumes at prices that are affordable to our customers, which will give us a competitive advantage in this hectic business world.
What is the background and expertise of the founding team?
I am Nidhi Gupta, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of French Essence, and my journey has led to the wheel of one of India's emerging perfume brand founders. My educational background, passion for fragrances, and commitment to family values have played a significant role in shaping my role at French Essence. I continued my schooling and completed my MBBS in Pune while concentrating on general medicine. My childhood sparked a lifelong fascination with the realm of perfumes, which grew throughout my academic career. After completing my medical degree, I decided to bring my passion for fragrances into my professional life. My love of fragrances, commitment to family values, and educational background all combine with my dedication to creating skin-friendly fragrances. This transition was not just a career change but a realization of lifelong passion.
What is the companys growth plan and vision for the future?
Our growth strategy is multifaceted, focusing on the introduction of new scents and related products while continuously developing to line with the changing tastes of customers. We intend to broaden our scope by exploring new markets, both domestically and globally. Our decision to invest in marketing and environmental activities demonstrates our commitment to effectively communicate our beliefs and products to consumers. Strategic partnerships with retailers are important for expanding our product distribution and accessibility. Over the next five years, we have set a high objective of attaining a significant market share, aiming for 15-20%. This vision reflects our aim to be not only a major participant in the fragrance and personal care industries but also a global brand that offers innovative and superior products to a diverse and sophisticated consumer base.
How does the company measure success, and what are its key performance indicators (KPIs)?
As we are a new company, our success at French Essence is measured by using a variety of techniques. In the coming years, we plan to carefully focus on expanding our range of products, providing high-performance products, and maintaining superior quality at affordable rates. Sales growth, customer satisfaction measurements, and market expansion are all included in key performance indicators. To establish a loyal customer base, our goal is not only to satisfy but also to exceed our customer expectations and the response to our products has been moderate and optimistic so far. As we grow over the next several years, we want to make sure that our premium customer connects with French Essence for accessibility, affordability, and high quality.
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited (GSK) today launched a multi-channel campaign to raise awareness about vaccinations that provide critical protection to children who are 1 to 2 years of age. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends seven vaccinations* for children of this age group, first dose of chickenpox and hepatitis A, second dose of meningitis# and MMR, booster doses of PCV and DTP Hib IPV, and annual dose of flu. Although, immunisation coverage in the first year is high in India, drop-out rates in the second year increase. A significant number of children in the country remain partially vaccinated.
GSKs campaign encourages parents to continue the immunisation schedule even in the 2nd year of their childrens lives to ensure continued protection against such preventable diseases through vaccination. Partial vaccination can put them at risk of serious complications from infectious diseases. Children who are partially vaccinated can also transmit the infection to their younger unvaccinated siblings or elderly grandparents who are more vulnerable to these diseases.
Dr Rashmi Hegde, Executive Vice President - Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, India, says, In the past 3 years, there have been outbreaks of certain vaccine-preventable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, and flu in the country.,, Vaccine-preventable diseases not only disrupt childrens health for a short time, but they have a long-term effect on their developmental milestones. Completing the full immunisation schedule holds the promise of a healthy and happy childhood, which further ensures that children grow into healthy adults. Through this campaign, we want to communicate to parents the need to give their children the recommended vaccinations even in the 2nd year of their life.
GSK has launched the campaign across multiple channels such as television, social media, and posters at paediatricians clinics across the nation. Parents should consult their paediatricians to know more about the vaccination schedule for their children. Additional information about the 7 crucial VPDs can be found on MyVaccinationHub.in.
Link to the YouTube video 7 Star Protection - Maa Kii Dua
Out-of-home (OOH) advertising in India is expected to register impressive growth in 2024. As in the case of most industries, the OOH industry, too, is leveraging the innovation potential of Artificial Intelligence. As per Statista, Ad spending in the Out-of-Home Advertising market is projected to reach US$589.70 million in 2024. The largest market is Traditional Out-of-Home Advertising with a market volume of US$419.80 million in 2024.
Speaking to Adgully, Arijit Charkrabarti, Vice President of Strategy and Insights at GroupM OOH Solutions, underscored the swift growth witnessed in the outdoor medium in 2023, particularly within the DOOH sector, which has consistently shown double-digit growth over the past three years.
To delve deeper into this, Adgully reached out to some leading media experts and OOH agencies to understand the influence of technology on advertising strategies, emerging trends shaping the industry, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead in 2024.
Gains expected in the OOH and DOOH advertising sector in India
Arijit Charkrabarti observed, Outdoor has been the fastest growing medium in 2023 as per GroupM TYNY. This pace is expected to improve further into this new year on the back of faith reposed by clients in this media vehicle and the phenomenal innovation opportunities that this medium represents. Within the OOH segment DOOH has been consistently showing double digit growth in percentage terms over the last 3 years. A cursory visit to any of the top metros will show the effects of DOOH on its evolving skyscape. 2023 has been the year when DOOH matured from being present in just airconditioned / controlled spaces to now being visibly present on roadsides as well. Brightly-lit and impactful best describe the latest set of Digital OOH billboards that have started dotting Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Pune to name a few.
Arjun Raj, CEO/Founder, FlashDOOH, predicted, We will see a big spike in ad spending, compared to other election years. We can expect around 12% growth in OOH and with the elections, we can expect around 10% more.
In reflecting on the 2019 elections, Jayesh Yagnik, CEO, MOMS Outdoor, observed a consistent 5% visibility for political parties throughout the year. He added, However, the real game-changer unfolded in April, marking a remarkable 21% spike as the elections kicked off. Anticipating upcoming trends, we project an even more dynamic landscape this year, fuelled by the surge in Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.
With brands leveraging this medium, there is an unprecedented opportunity for enhanced voter engagement. Through interactive campaign messages accessible on mobile devices, reaching offline-to-online voters via mobile phones and various digital platforms, strategically placed around consumers at their recreational places and high-dwell locations, the stage is set for a revolutionary shift in how political narratives connect with the electorate.
Influence of technology in OOH and DOOH advertising strategies
According to Charkrabarti, Technology is the critical piece in the OOH growth story puzzle. Last year there were multiple campaign implementations with QR codes which allowed the humble OOH flex to traverse from offline to online. At the same time connected DOOH screens led to programmatic campaigns becoming more mainstay at niche touchpoints. Development of DOOH and standardized audience measurement brought OOH closer to realizing its potential by being transacted not just basis sites but the number of impressions that it caters to. This has led to OOH realizing the value of conversations from one to many to at least one to few.
And lastly with the development in 3D anamorphic tech it is no longer necessary to have L Shaped DOOH screens to drive 3D anamorphic. The latest tech allows for creating artificial depth perception to display beautiful 3D anamorphic content on regular 2Dimensional Digital OOH screens, he added.
With AI in the scene, we are witnessing new AdTech companies foraying into campaign Reporting, Media planning, etc. This will help optimize and streamline media spending, noted Arjun Raj.
Merlin Coutinho, Marketing Head, Lemma, pointed out, Technology is fostering growth in OOH and DOOH advertising by enhancing ad serving and screen quality. For example, programmatic DOOH platforms allow for automated, targeted ad placements based on real-time data, making campaigns more dynamic, personalized, and visually appealing, thus significantly boosting their effectiveness and reach In 2024, Indias DOOH advertising is leading with a contextual approach, leveraging environmental cues like weather and location for contextual relevance, thus respecting user privacy while maintaining effectiveness.
Emerging trends shaping the OOH and DOOH advertising industry in India in 2024
Standardized audience measurement is the cornerstone for OOH to break through the low single digit share of the advertising rupee. Clients have shifted focus from soft campaign indicators like buzz with the trade, sentiment etc. to looking at measuring OOH on the back the same parameters and metrics as the digital medium. This will be a continuing trend across 2024, said GroupMs Charkrabarti.
Innovation is another aspect that is gaining increasing traction in a connected media environment. It is imperative for OOH / DOOH to go phygital bridge the divide between the physical and digital space. Interestingly there are opportunities that are not just restricted to Digital OOH but available to traditional OOH as well. 3D anamorphics has come of age thanks to the development of beautiful high resolution high-candela Digital screens which are able to do justice to such campaigns. Not only that artificial depth perception can now be justifiably created on any 2D screens with available proprietary technology.
Elections being around the corner the focus will once again be directed towards campaign monitoring and performance. Last elections saw multiple new systems developed by players in the monitoring space. This election the mobile tech stack will be a key driver to ensure enhanced campaign monitoring not just across top metros but across smaller tier towns and villages as well. This will lead the path to the next generation monitoring systems and tech.
Transit touchpoints are also expected to gain even greater momentum; as India being the most populous country which also has the largest workforce which is always on the move looking for the next opportunity.
Arjun Raj added here, 3D Anamorphic animation is picking up and we have seen many brands adapting to the trend. At specific angles, the animations bring products to life. We will see more and more screens being added to the DOOH eco-system, pushing brands to adapt to the Digital revolution.
According to Lemmas Coutinho, Concurrently, retail DOOH is emerging as a key platform for brands to engage audiences at the point of purchase, using in-store digital displays to influence consumer decisions in real-time, creating a direct and impactful connection with specific audience cohorts suggest a short quote in conclusion.
Jayesh Yagnik, CEO, MOMS Outdoor, predicted, In 2024, the marketing landscape witnessed notable shifts. Brands embraced digital boards for advertising which leveraged to showcase product USP in video format, CGI was introduced for visually striking content, and tech-led innovations like anamorphic storytelling became prominent. Communication styles leaned towards quirkiness, and strategic focus on measuring campaign success through reach and frequency prevailed. Notably, there was a targeted effort to tap into Tier 2 and 3 towns, reflecting a recognition of emerging markets. This dynamic environment highlighted the industry's commitment to innovation, data-driven insights, and a diverse consumer base.
In conversation with Adgully, Raju Vanapala, Founder & CEO of Way2News, shares his insights on the transformative journey of the news platform. From overcoming challenges in building agile editorial teams and developing AI systems for content verification to evolving into the largest engaged news app in Bharat, Way2News stands as a beacon of innovation in the digital news landscape. Vanapala delves into the platforms commitment to inclusivity, user engagement strategies, and the unique benefits that set Way2News apart in the competitive realm of hyperlocal news apps. Additionally, he provides a deep dive into the platforms approach to advertising, ensuring a balance between spending and return on investment (ROI) for advertisers. He also sheds light on the strategic brand conversion and hyperlocal initiatives that have shaped Way2News into a pioneering force in the regional news ecosystem.
Could you share the key milestones and challenges that have shaped Way2News since its inception and how the platform has evolved over time?
Way2News has transformed from a mere short news app to a highly relevant, reliable, and relatable news app for the people of Bharat. This journey has been marked by several critical milestones, including achieving vernacular success in 2017, enabling UGC/ citizen journalism in 2018, full-fledged hyperlocal rollout in 2020, and emerging as the largest engaged news app in Bharat by 2022. Constant content innovations such as digital magazines, video storytelling, and AFPs have paved the way for Way2News to penetrate the real Bharat, emphasising our commitment to providing the best news experience to its users.
However, we encountered a few challenges at the beginning of our journey, notably in building agile, high-performance editorial teams that understand the dynamics of content on digital platforms and are driven by numbers. Another hurdle was to develop AI systems that can verify, validate, and empower a scale of 10,000 plus user-generated content stories in the vernacular. The third challenge was to combat fake news by building AI systems that quickly identify a fake story, fact-check it, and avoid damage. However, we tackled these challenges head-on, strategically recruiting and training our editorial teams, implementing innovative solutions for AI content verification, and deploying robust systems to swiftly identify and counter fake news. These efforts have not only strengthened our platform but also reinforced our commitment to delivering reliable and engaging news content to our users.
In your mission to make news more inclusive for the underserved, what specific strategies or initiatives have Way2News undertaken to disrupt traditional news models and cater to a broader audience?
At Way2News, our dedication to inclusivity is evident in the deliberate steps we have taken to shake up the traditional news landscape and ensure our platform resonates with a diverse audience. We actively curate a variety of content that reflects different perspectives and cultures, breaking away from the one-size-fits-all approach. Our commitment extends to hyper-localized efforts, supporting eight languages to meet the unique information needs of different communities. Collaborating with local journalists and content creators is a key aspect, amplifying voices that often go unnoticed by mainstream media. We are also big on user-generated content and encourage individuals to share their stories and drive a more participatory news experience. Technological enhancements, educational initiatives, and constant dialogue with our users are all part of our ongoing efforts to redefine news delivery for a more inclusive and informed public discourse.
At Way2News, we complement and extend the traditional news reading experience in the digital realm. Additionally, through citizen journalism, we empower individuals to actively contribute to news creation, ensuring that every voice and every story matters, thereby building a more inclusive news ecosystem.
Given the current landscape of hyperlocal news apps in India, what unique benefits does Way2News offer to users, and how does it stand out in comparison to other platforms in the market?
Being a hyperlocal news app, Way2News offers a unique range of hyperlocal stories from districts, mandals, and villages in India. The app takes pride in its diverse content curation, ensuring that users receive comprehensive and varied perspectives on local news. It offers news in multiple languages to cater to the diverse linguistic landscape of the country. Unlike its competitors, Way2News actively collaborates with community partners and local journalists to amplify region-specific voices, making its platform a true reflection of the communities it serves. Its emphasis on user-generated content promotes a participatory news experience, allowing users to contribute and engage with the stories that matter to them. The app leverages technology to enhance accessibility, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience. With its distinctive features, Way2News stands out as a hyperlocal news app that not only informs but actively involves users in the pulse of their local communities. This helped us create a network of local leaders, administrators, and influencers.
Could you provide insights into the comparative understanding of advertising spending and return on investment (ROI) within the regional news ecosystem and how Way2News aims to optimise this balance for advertisers?
In the intricate landscape of regional news advertising, Way2News is positioned to optimise the delicate balance between spending and return on investment for advertisers. According to recent data, regional news audiences are expanding rapidly, with a notable surge in diverse linguistic preferences. To address this challenge, we offer advertisers targeted and localized options, allowing for a more precise allocation of spending. In a comparative analysis, campaigns on Way2News have demonstrated a 19% increase in user engagement compared to traditional platforms, emphasising the platforms efficacy in capturing regional audience attention.
Leveraging our data analytics, which reveals insights into user behaviours, we empower advertisers to make informed decisions, resulting in a substantial 15% improvement in ROI compared to industry averages. Moreover, we have been introducing innovative ad formats, such as interactive video content and immersive storytelling experiences, contributing to an impressive 23% boost in ad recall and customer retention. By seamlessly blending these elements, Way2News is more than just a regional news platform; it evolves into a dynamic advertising partner poised to deliver compelling results and a higher ROI for advertisers navigating the intricacies of regional markets.
With advertisers facing challenges in accessing a relevant consumer base, how does Way2News address these challenges and ensure that brands can effectively connect with their target audiences?
Navigating the challenge of reaching affluent Bharat, where advertisers often face limited options, Way2News employs a native and contextually targeted approach to ensure brands can effectively connect with their target audiences innovatively. Our platform's commitment to diverse content curation means that advertisements are placed in a context that resonates with the interests and preferences of our users.
We leverage our extensive localisation efforts to tailor advertising content to specific regions content units and languages, enhancing its relevance to local audiences.
By collaborating with brands and incorporating advertiser-funded programs, we create an engaged and participatory environment, allowing brands to connect with users on a more personal level.
Additionally, our data-driven insights and analytics enable advertisers to understand user behaviour, preferences, and trends, facilitating the creation of more targeted and impactful content-driven campaigns seasonally. Through these strategies, Way2News aims to provide advertisers with a platform beyond traditional advertising, fostering meaningful connections and maximizing the effectiveness of brand communication with the desired consumer base.
How does Way2News ensure higher visibility for brand communication compared to other platforms, and what measures are in place to prevent spillover, ensuring that brands reach their intended audience effectively?
Way2News employs a multifaceted approach to ensure higher visibility and effective communication for brands compared to other platforms. Through targeted advertising and contextual placement within diverse and localised content, we tailor brand messages natively to reach the most relevant audience, minimising spillover and enhancing engagement. Our commitment to localisation enables brands to run campaigns that resonate with specific regional or linguistic audiences, further optimising visibility. Comprehensive engagement metrics and analytics empower brands with insights to refine strategies and maximise impact. Additionally, our integration of user-generated content fosters a participatory environment, allowing brands to align with authentic user experiences.
In addition, we offer interactive and innovative solutions for brands, including immersive ad formats and creative engagement tools. This ensures that brand communication goes beyond traditional methods, capturing audiences and creating memorable brand experiences. This holistic approach sets us apart, offering brands a dynamic platform that not only ensures visibility, but also encourages meaningful and interactive connections with their target audience.
Could you elaborate on the impact and response that Mobisodes, especially the latest segment, Amma Avakay, has garnered from both the audience and brands, and how it contributes to the strategic brand conversion and hyperlocal engagement?
The rising popularity of mobile in Bharat, fueled by the hunger for entertainment, has led to the need to create Mobile Episodes aka Mobisodes such as Amma Avakay. Brands, recognising the need for seamless integration in the video category, have found success in Mobisodes, particularly the latest segment. Amma Avakay has proven impactful, engaging audiences and fostering strong brand connections. Designed for mobile consumption, Mobisodes offer accessibility and convenience, aligning with the short-form content trend and capturing the attention of audiences on the go. Brands leverage this platform by integrating storytelling elements that emotionally connect with viewers, subtly conveying brand messages for potential conversion.
Incorporating interactive features and clear calls to action further enhance engagement and guide viewers towards desired outcomes. Moreover, Mobisodes provide a strategic avenue for hyperlocal engagement, allowing customisation to specific locales and collaboration with local influencers, creating a more personalised and resonant viewer experience. The success of Mobisodes lies in their ability to craft compelling narratives, align with cultural contexts, and adapt to evolving audience preferences, contributing to strategic brand conversion and hyperlocal engagement.
A Foley man is facing multiple charges after investigators say he used a taser on a 9-month-old child and stole his grandparents identities to open fraudulent credit accounts.
According to the Baldwin County Sheriffs Office, investigators learned in early January that 28-year-old Alec Gregory Dvorak had been opening the fraudulent accounts using his grandparents information.
Several days of investigation determined Dvorak had enriched himself by obtaining several thousand dollars through those phony accounts.
It was also learned Dvorak had been verbally threatening and abusing his grandparents over the course of several months. That information, coupled with the identity theft, led to charges of financial exploitation of the elderly and 3rd-degree elderly abuse/neglect.
When deputies arrested Dvorak on those charges on Jan. 9, they found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in his possession, and a 9-month-old child was in the vehicle with him. The child was turned over to a family member, who reported finding strange marks on the child.
After interviews and medical examinations, it was determined at least some of the marks on the child were burns and that they came from a stun gun, or taser, that investigators say Dvorak used to threaten and assault the child.
A warrant was issued to search Dvoraks residence for the taser, but deputies did not initially locate the weapon. They learned, however, the Dvorak girlfriend, 22-year-old Destini Faith Ott, had attempted to dispose of the taser by tossing it out along County Road 12 in Baldwin County.
By Jan. 11, investigators had located the taser. Examinations by investigators and medical personnel determined the shape and spacing of the probes matched the electronic burns found on the 9-month-old.
Dvorak was charged with three counts of willful torture/abuse of a child, chemical endangerment of a child and two counts of identity theft. Ott was charged with tampering with physical evidence.
The sheriffs office says the case remains under investigation.
Dvorak remains in the Baldwin County Jail under bond totaling $1.55 million, including $500,000 for each count of torture/willful abuse of a child.
Icy roads and frigid temperatures continue to interfere with schools, causing some schools to stay closed through Friday. Others are planning for virtual school.
The National Weather Service offices in Huntsville and Birmingham are cautioning those in north Alabama and the northwest part of central Alabama to be on the lookout for some freezing rain through noon today.
Another blast of arctic air is expected to follow todays weather system, and the weather service is expecting temperatures to plunge again starting on Friday.
This list will be updated as more announcements are made.
Arab City Schools - Closed Friday.
Athens City Schools - Closed Friday.
Athens State University - Virtual learning Friday.
Calhoun Community College - Virtual learning Friday.
Colbert County Schools - Closed Friday.
Cullman County Schools - Closed Friday.
Decatur City Schools - Virtual learning Friday.
DeKalb County Schools - Closed Friday.
Fayette County Schools - Closed Friday.
Florence City Schools - Closed Friday.
Fort Payne City Schools - Virtual learning Friday.
Franklin County Schools - Closed Friday.
Guntersville City Schools - Closed Friday.
Haleyville City Schools - Virtual learning Friday.
Hartselle City Schools - Closed Friday.
Huntsville City Schools - Closed Friday.
Jackson County Schools - Closed Friday.
Jasper City Schools - Closed Friday.
Lamar County Schools - Closed Friday.
Lauderdale County Schools - Closed Friday.
Lawrence County Schools - Closed Friday.
Limestone County Schools - Closed Friday.
Madison City Schools - Closed Friday.
Madison County Schools - Closed Friday.
Marion County Schools - Closed Friday.
Marshall County Schools - Closed Friday.
Morgan County Schools - Closed Friday.
Muscle Shoals City Schools - Closed Friday.
Northwest Shoals Community College - Virtual learning Friday.
Russellville City Schools - Closed Friday.
Scottsboro City Schools - Closed Friday.
Sheffield City Schools - Closed Friday.
Snead State Community College - Virtual learning Friday.
Tuscumbia City Schools - Closed Friday.
University of Alabama in Huntsville - Remote operations Friday.
University of North Alabama - Remote learning Friday.
Walker County Schools - Remote learning Friday.
Wallace State Hanceville and Oneonta - Virtual learning Friday.
Winfield City Schools - Closed Friday.
Winston County Schools - Virtual learning Friday.
Friends and family are remembering a man struck and killed a week ago on a Fort Payne street as an old soul who had the sweetest, most gentle heart.
David Alexander Elkins, 19, was in the northbound lane of traffic in the 4100 block of Williams Ave. N.E. when he was struck by a 2013 Nissan Sentry, traveling north.
The incident happened Jan. 11.
Elkins was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Capt. David Barnes of Fort Payne police.
Elkins aunt, Allison Jones, has set up a GoFundMe page in his memory to raise money for funeral and family expenses.
According to Jones, Elkins was walking with his girlfriend and her two-year-old son to a convenience store near their home when the crash happened.
Elkins was the best of us. Jones wrote in a tribute.
His girlfriend, Bre, will have to endure the loss of Alex while having witnessed the man she wouldve married die in her arms due to such a tragic and traumatizing way that no one should have to endure. And Emmitt has lost out (on) the best father figure he had, she stated.
A Republican-sponsored bill that would remove first cousins from Kentuckys criminal incest law quickly went viral online Tuesday but the lawmaker behind it says the much-ridiculed change was included in error.
The original text of House Bill 269, sponsored by Rep. Nick Wilson of Williamsburg, struck first cousins from the list of familial relatives it is illegal for an individual to have sex with. Other relatives that remained in the statute include parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings.
During the drafting process, there was an inadvertent change, which struck first cousins from the list of relationships included under the incest statute, and I failed to add it back in, Wilson wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning. During todays session, I will withdraw HB 269 and refile a bill with the first cousin language intact.
That afternoon, Wilson officially withdrew his bill.
Wilson said he filed the bill to combat a problem of familial and cyclical abuse that transcends generations of Kentuckians.
I understand that I made a mistake, but I sincerely hope my mistake doesnt hurt the chances of the corrected version of the bill, he wrote. It is a good bill, and I hope it will get a second chance.
Wilsons original bill quickly went viral on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, thanks to a combination of the bills content, stereotypes about Kentucky and the sponsors reality TV background.
Wilson, an attorney, won Survivor: David vs. Goliath, the 37th season of the CBS competition, in 2018.
Wilsons bill would, additionally, expand the definition of incest to include engages in sexual contact with in addition to the already codified sexual intercourse and deviate sexual intercourse.
In his Facebook post, Wilson said sexual touching/groping by uncles, stepdads or anyone with a familial relationship is not included in incest, and thats why he wanted to broaden the scope of the law.
Such sexual contact would be a Class D felony, unless the victim is under age 12, at which point it becomes a Class C felony.
Intercourse, if committed by consenting persons, would remain a Class C felony.
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2024 Lexington Herald-Leader. Visit at kentucky.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Prosecutors questioned former presidential chief of staff for policy Jang Ha-sung on Thursday as part of an investigation into allegations that the previous Moon Jae-in government falsified official statistics on home prices and other economic subjects.
The Board of Audit and Inspection earlier announced its findings that Moon's presidential office and the land ministry exerted undue pressure on agencies responsible for statistics, compelling them to manipulate official data on income, employment and housing prices from 2017 to 2021, allegedly in support of its key economic and real estate policies.
The state audit agency also requested a prosecution investigation into 22 former government officials, including all four former presidential chiefs of staff for policy who served in the Moon government.
The Daejeon District Prosecutors Office brought in Jang for questioning on charges of abuse of authority and violations of the Statistics Act, according to officials. (Yonhap)
This is an opinion cartoon.
My colleague Ivana Hrynkiw is taking a deep look at whats crowding Alabama prisons a parole system bent on not letting anyone out, even the elderly and the terminally ill. Read the first story - link posted below - and be sure to follow the series.
Alabama has stopped nearly all paroles: Explaining the Leigh Gwathney effect - al.com
Excerpts from Ivana Hrynkiws story:
Thomas Owens cant move his arms or his legs, so his likelihood of committing another property crime is low.
Yet, one member of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles still voted last fall that the 34-year-old quadriplegic man should remain in prison. Board Chair Leigh Gwathney alone voted not to parole Owens to a long-term healthcare facility.
But Owens need not take it personally. Gwathney votes against nearly everyone whose case comes before the all-powerful parole board, a board that today serves as the cap on the shaken-up bottle that is the states troubled, jampacked prison system.
I am convinced that the public should know that the chairman of the parole board voted to deny the medical parole of a nonviolent offender who is a quadriplegic, completely bedridden, and spends most of the day in a catatonic state, said Sue Bell Cobb, whose legal foundation represents Owens.
I dont know how she sleeps at night, said Cobb, the former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice who today runs a nonprofit that focuses on parole for prisoners with medical conditions. Alabama doesnt grant many of those either.
Read the entire story here
Related: Parole denied for 68-year-old in Alabama: A life sentence for growing marijuana - al.com
More related content:
JD Crowe: Alabama prisons: Missing a heart, literally and figuratively - al.com
Kay Ivey haunted by ghosts and governors of Alabama death penalty - al.com
Death penalty needs killing: Alabamas next execution should be its last - al.com
Alabama prison horror story - al.com
Alabama is a prisoner in its own horror story - al.com
Dead man talking: I survived Alabama execution attempt - al.com
Autopsy reveals how Alabama botched Joe Nathan James execution: Truth is engraved in his skin - al.com
True stories and stuff by JD Crowe
The mysterious Bubble Guy of Fairhope and the art of bubble Zen - al.com
How I met Dr. Seuss
Robert Plant head-butted me. Thanks, David Coverdale
I was ZZ Tops drummer for a night and got kidnapped by groupies
Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe
JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com.
Light freezing rain will be possible in parts of Alabama today, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service offices in Huntsville and Birmingham are cautioning those in north Alabama and the northwest part of central Alabama to be on the lookout for some freezing rain through noon.
A winter weather advisory was issued for part of north Alabama earlier today.
Todays freezing rain is not expected to be much but it could cause some slick spots on roads that may not have fully recovered from snow and ice earlier this week.
Light rain or freezing rain will be possible in parts of west Alabama through this evening. It is expected to be light.
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing this afternoon in most of the state, and any precipitation that falls after that is expected to be all rain.
Another blast of arctic air is expected to follow todays weather system, and the weather service is expecting temperatures to plunge again starting on Friday. Lows on Friday night into Saturday morning could again get into the single digits in north Alabama and the teens in the rest of the state.
Here are the forecast lows for Friday night into Saturday morning:
Here are the forecast low temperatures from Friday night into Saturday morning.NWS
Thursdays outlook
The areas that could be affected by freezing rain today will be only in north and north-central Alabama; it will be too warm in the rest of the state for precipitation to freeze despite recent cold temperatures.
The National Weather Service said there could be some improvement in road conditions temporarily this afternoon when temperatures climb above freezing.
For those in north Alabama: Hazardous travel is expected once again late tonight into Friday morning, so if possible please stay home and avoid the slick roadways, the weather service in Huntsville said on Thursday morning.
Forecasters said black ice will likely be an issue again tonight and could possibly linger through the first part of the weekend in north Alabama.
Thats because another blast of arctic air is incoming, and temperatures are forecast to plunge again on Friday night and Saturday nights, potentially hitting the single digits again in north Alabama and the teens in other parts of the state.
Forecasters said that travel headaches could still be a factor from Friday into Saturday afternoon.
The weather service said it had higher confidence that temperatures will rise above freezing on Sunday and roads will start to recover.
A hard freeze warning will be in effect for central Alabama starting on Friday night, and parts of south Alabama will be under a hard freeze watch.
Heres what the states weather service offices were thinking as of Thursday morning:
[5:50 AM] Another brutally cold airmass is expected through Sunday morning, as overnight lows fall into the single digits and wind chills fall below 0. Please wear multiple warm layers if spending time outside, and remember to care for people, pets, pipes, and plants! #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/FcrRyNX739 NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) January 18, 2024
As light rain or drizzle arrives later this morning, a few spots across our far NW counties may still have temps below 32. As a result, light freezing rain will be possible between 9am and noon. Fortunately, temps will rise above freezing after midday. #alwx pic.twitter.com/rhO0qcaPV9 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) January 18, 2024
The long-stalled restart of Gulf Coast passenger rail is in Amtraks court, according to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
The mayor, on Wednesday, said the city is waiting on a cost estimate from the national passenger rail operator on how much money is expected from City to support the operational costs.
In addition, the mayor said, negotiations continue on a lease for a train stop along the passenger rail route.
We are working with the Amtrak attorneys now and making sure (there is) ingress and egress right now (into the train stops location) but the main questions remains, what is the expectation for the City of Mobile to contribute operating costs going forward? Stimpson said after his annual State of the City remarks in which he spoke about various projects and quality-of-life attractions for the coming year, but did not mention the return of Amtrak.
That is in Amtraks court to tell us that, Stimpson said. Then the city council will look and decide whether that is worth the investment. Until they give us that number, all we can do is talk about the site itself.
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson at the State of the City event on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center in downtown Mobile, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com
Amtrak, in a statement to AL.com, said, We are working with the city and are in discussions on both matters, the Mobile station land use agreement and providing additional detail on the shared costs of the Gulf Coast service.
Finalizing the issues in Mobile are considered the last steps needed before for capital projects can begin to support the restoration of passenger rail service between Mobile and New Orleans, nearly 19 years after it was halted following Hurricane Katrina.
Amtrak and passenger rail advocates, like the Southern Rail Commission, are pitching a twice-daily service between the two cities with four stops in Mississippi -- Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.
The last time Amtrak pitched an operational cost to Mobile was in 2020, coming in at $3 million over three years to support the routes service from Mobile to New Orleans with four stops in Mississippi. The Mobile City Council voted 6-1 to support the project at that time. That agreement, however, is out-of-date and needs to be reconsidered before a completely different council of the seven members who voted in 2020, only three remain on the council.
At least two council members -- Joel Daves and Ben Reynolds -- have expressed doubts about supporting the project. Assuming both vote against a revised agreement, all the other council members would have to vote in favor of it. It takes a five-vote supermajority to pass almost any city expenditure.
The project has been in development for years, and its fate generated national attention two years ago as a lawsuit between Amtrak and the freight rail operators along the route -- CSX and Norfolk Southern -- went before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board. A confidential settlement agreement was reached in November 2022, and passenger rail service was supposed to resume by now.
Also a party to that case is the Alabama State Port Authority. The Port, before the settlement was announced, were vocal opponents to Amtrak resuming operations along the Gulf Coast line alleging that the passenger trains would disrupt freight business.
The project has long had political support in Louisiana and Mississippi, but not in Alabama. As city spokeswoman Candace Cooksey said last month, the ongoing negotiations between Mobile and Amtrak are unique because they include a municipal government and not a state government in talks over a financial contribution. The state of Alabama has not contributed monetary support for the project, and it has not been supported by the current or past governors.
Amtrak officials, in 2021, said support from the state of Alabama was not needed for the Gulf Coast project to operate.
Passenger rail advocates around the country, who testified during the STB hearing, have expressed frustrations in recent months over the stalled project. Following the agreement, rail advocates said they were prepared for the Amtrak service to resume last fall, or before the end of 2023. No new timeline has been provided, other than sometime later in the fall.
Mobile city officials say part of the delay had to do with a wait before the official announcement of a $178.8 million federal grant dedicated toward infrastructure improvements. That grant was not official awarded until late September.
Jim Mathews, president and CEO with Rail Passengers Association a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that advocates for passenger rail in regions nationwide -- told AL.com last month that all parties new the grant was coming and that work in Mobile and elsewhere could have moved forward months ago.
Cooksey said last month that Mobile is dealing with some very prescribed steps in the design and engineering of the rail improvements that need to be completed, and not just in Mobile. She said there are environmental regulatory steps that also need to be finalized.
Mathews suggested there is skepticism about whether the project is intentionally being slowed by those who vocalized opposition before the STB. And that included almost every speaker from Alabama, who expressed concerns that the twice-daily Amtrak service without infrastructure improvements to the rail line would harm Mobiles major economic engine.
Passenger rail advocates, at the time, claimed that Mobile and Alabama officials were being misled about the project by the freight operators.
A panel of Alabama legislators, law enforcement officials, and others studying how to make schools safer heard presentations from several vendors on Wednesday as part of its work to develop recommendations.
Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, said the goal of the Advisory Commission on School Safety and Security is to build comprehensive plans to prevent school shootings while also being prepared to respond when disaster strikes.
We want to make sure we do everything we can in trying to promote this culture of school safety and have those leaders at each of the respective schools not just take it in a shallow manner but recognize this is something thats highly important, Baker said. Weve got to get everyone involved.
Baker said that includes not only teachers, counselors, and administrators but custodians, lunchroom workers, and the employees who cut the grass.
They need to be the eyes and ears as well, he said.
Baker said he expects the commission to issue a report in the next few months. He said it could include proposals for legislation and funding.
Former House Speaker Mac McCutcheon organized the commission in 2018 after a shooter killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
McCutcheons successor, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, revived the commission last year. The chair is Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, who also chairs the House Education Policy Committee.
On Wednesday, the commission heard presentations from three companies, Critical Response Group, Navigate 360, and nSide.
The company representatives talked about a wide range of prevention and response topics, including the importance of detailed and up-to-date maps of school floor plans and school grounds, communication with law enforcement and other responders, physical security features of buildings, training, and efforts to recognize and deal with the circumstances that cause grievances to escalate into violent episodes.
Steven McKinney, founder and CEO of nSide, told the panel that training and awareness are two of the greatest needs to improve school safety in Alabama. McKinneys company developed a school safety platform that the company said was used in 148 of Alabamas 149 school systems during the 2022-23 school year. nSide offers campus mapping, emergency operations plans, training, and technology.
McKinney said as a general rule school systems struggle to put money into safety measures unless they have access to funding specifically for that purpose.
Too many counties are in such financial dire straits that school safety will always be way down the list, McKinney said.
The commission is expected to meet again in February. Baker said the commissions recommendations and any changes that result will not be the last word. He compared school safety efforts to immunization shots that require occasional boosters.
We want Alabama to be at the forefront of school safety to the best of our ability knowing that any state, any school, is subject to an incident that could explode at any time, Baker said. So we want to be as prepared as we can be.
Authorities are asking for the publics help identifying a man who tried to lure a child into his vehicle late last year.
The incident happened Nov. 1 in the area of Video Street and Wittel Avenue in Opelika.
It was about 3:10 p.m. when the child got off the school bus and was approached by the man. He was in a black, four-door Audi, police.
The man was unsuccessful in his attempt.
Police on Thursday released a sketch of the suspect.
He is described as an older, heavyset white male with dark hair and light eyes. He was wearing a teal shirt with a teddy bear on it and a gold necklace.
The suspect had a scar near his left eye, and a tattoo of cards on his left forearm.
Anyone with information is asked to call Opelika detectives at 334-705-5220, the Secret Witness tip line at 334-745-8665 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
Not freezing? Stop your faucet from dripping. Thats the message from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management amid days of freezing temperatures.
Due to excessive water demand experienced by many public water systems across the state, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is requesting that residents and businesses discontinue dripping faucets once temperatures are above freezing, the agency said in a release.
READ MORE: Winter weather advisory issued for parts of Alabama, Tennessee
Utilities across the state are struggling to keep up with increased consumer demand, exacerbated by leaks from frozen pipes as they thaw, ADEM said. The public is asked to help by checking for leaks inside and outside of their homes and businesses and, if they are found, shut off the water supply until repairs are made.
If there is a major leak and are unable to shut off supply, customers are asked to contact their local water supplier. This is particularly important for vacant buildings with water service that has not already been disconnected.
Another round of freezing temperatures is forecast for most of the state this weekend. ADEM recommends using insulated covers for outdoor faucets whenever possible as an alternative to dripping faucets.
This article was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Facebook.
Next week, Alabama prison officials plan to escort Kenneth Eugene Smith from his cell, strap a mask to his face and replace his breathing air with nitrogen gas. It would likely be the first execution of its kind anywhere in the world.
How did we get here? Lethal injection has been the dominant method in the United States for decades, but around 2010, pharmaceutical companies began refusing to sell the necessary drugs to prison agencies. States turned to new suppliers and drug cocktails under the cover of new secrecy laws. But the disruptions led to more public scrutiny of the method as journalists gave reports of prisoners screaming, choking and being cut and stabbed in the search for veins.
Some states abandoned executions entirely, leading to an overall decline in recent years, while others considered alternatives. South Carolina built a firing squad chamber, while Arizona refurbished a gas chamber.
Alabama state officials have said the goal of nitrogen hypoxia is for the prisoner to quickly lose consciousness as oxygen leaves his or her body. But Smith lawyers are asking a series of federal courts to stop the execution, arguing that if something goes wrong, he might vomit, asphyxiate or be left in a persistent vegetative state. So far, theyve been unsuccessful.
There were 11 gas executions in the U.S. between 1979 and 1999, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a research group that tracks executions. Those involved filling a chamber with cyanide gas, leading to suffocation. By contrast, nitrogen has been proposed for euthanasia patients in Europe, and politicians who support it point to accidental deaths of pilots and scuba divers. Oklahoma legislators reportedly watched YouTube videos of teenagers passing out from a similar lack of oxygen after inhaling helium.
Smith was convicted of killing Elizabeth Sennett in 1988, after being hired by her husband, who was seeking a life insurance payout. Alabama attempted to execute Smith in 2022 using lethal injection, but gave up after spending four hours trying to insert an IV.
The copy of Alabamas new nitrogen protocol that appears in court records is heavily redacted, but if Smith is executed on Jan. 25 as scheduled, other states could begin using nitrogen in similar ways. The Marshall Project spoke with Dr. Jeffrey Keller, president of the American College of Correctional Physicians, which trains and represents doctors who work behind bars, about this moment in the history of executions. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
M.C. - What should the average person understand about an execution by nitrogen? What might happen if this method catches on nationally?
Dr. Keller - I dont have much to say about how its going to work because nobody does. Its entirely experimental. There is some concern that leaking nitrogen could affect bystanders, and I dont know if thats true, because nobody knows.
Its also proposed to be painless, and I know that is wrong: The proponents refer to people who have become nitrogen-intoxicated during airplane flights, or scuba diving, and then woke up and reported they didnt feel anything. But the incarcerated person knows exactly whats going to happen.
If I told you, at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Im going to place a plastic bag over your head and suffocate you to death, youd have intense anxiety and fear and the release of stress hormones, up until the moment that it happens. Is that suffering? Of course. But how much theyll feel when the nitrogen hits, I dont know because, again, nobody knows.
M.C. - Veterinarians have shied away from using nitrogen for animal euthanasia, finding the gas causes distress in some mammals. Alabama proposes to fit a mask over Smiths face similar to how an anesthesiologist would for surgery and says there is little risk. But other medical experts say that in a hospital, you can usually assume the patient will be cooperative.
Dr. Keller - This is no different from lethal injection, in that sense. Just as if you dont hold your arm still, its harder to start an IV line, if you dont hold your head still, its harder to get a seal. Regardless of the cooperation, were not using medical experts, having an anesthesiologist fit the mask or titrate the nitrogen, someone who has done this hundreds and hundreds of times. This is why theyve had botched lethal injections, and the lack of expertise will be no different now in terms of risk. The line you get from the prisons is that it will be peaceful and calm. But is the patient always going to be willing and have a beatific visage as theyre doing this? No.
M.C. - Robert Jason Yong, an expert enlisted by Smiths defense team, warned that there could be vomiting or seizures, or even that the execution could fail, causing the person to go into a persistent vegetative state. What would a doctor do in that situation?
Dr. Keller - If it happened in an operating room, theyd take off the mask and the whole thing would stop, and you get a medical evaluation to see how bad the vomiting was. Did they aspirate? Did any of it get into their lungs? But whoever is at the execution may not be trained to do that, and certainly wont be practiced at it. What percentage of people were going to do this to will vomit? I dont know. Some. Its not going to be zero, Ill tell you. The assumption is often that this is going to go perfectly. But as with lethal injection, as more of these are done, everything that can go wrong will eventually.
M.C. - What else could go wrong with the mask?
Dr. Keller - EMTs in ambulances will find someone with hollow cheeks, or who has taken their false teeth out, will have trouble forming a seal with a mask. Or talk to firefighters. If theyre going to run into a burning building, they have to have their masks perfectly fitted, and its not one-size-fits-all. A firefighter who gains or loses 50 pounds needs to get a new mask. They are not allowed to have facial hair because it interferes with the seal. So are we going to make sure the death row inmate gets a shave right before? Has anyone thought of that?
[Alabamas protocol does not mention shaving, but in a court filing, a lawyer for the state wrote that if Smith is concerned about this, he can choose to shave himself. Smiths lawyers point out that if he prays aloud, his mask might slip.]
M.C. - Why dont doctors play more of a role in executions? Your own organization has a code of ethics stating doctors should not be involved in any aspect of carrying them out.
Dr. Keller - It goes back to the Hippocratic Oath that all physicians in the U.S. take when they graduate. Our job is to make people better. Executions are the antithesis of what being a medical professional is all about. And in medical ethics, one of the principles is that you dont do medical experiments on incarcerated people. This is an experiment being done on an incarcerated person.
M.C. - NPR reported that Alabama asked Smiths spiritual advisor to sign a waiver, acknowledging gas could leak from the mask and harm him. This is also true for the correctional officers, but what about the psychological risks they face with the new method?
Dr. Keller - Thats probably no different from lethal injection, or before that the electric chair, or cyanide, or even hangings or beheadings in the Middle Ages. Witnessing someone being killed will have profound psychological effects on some people, and nitrogen isnt going to make that better. Itll be no different from before.
Fifty Alabama schools are being recognized for their success on the states school report cards for the 2022-23 school year.
Twenty-five schools are in the Top 25 category and will receive $2,000 cash each. And the remaining 25 schools showed the most improvement on their report card score and will receive $8,000 each.
While the Top 25 list contains some of the same schools on last years list - like those in Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills City school districts, the most improved schools are all new.
The full list is at the end of this article.
Lawmakers created the Legislative School Performance Program in 2012 as part of the law creating school and district report cards, but didnt fund it until 2020.
Beginning in 2020, lawmakers gave the Alabama State Department of Education $250,000 annually to award to schools showing academic excellence.
The state board of education will formally recognize the schools during the Feb. 8 meeting in Montgomery.
These are the 25 schools that improved their report card scores the most of all schools in the state for the 2022-23 school year. Click here if you are unable to see the table.
The top 25 schools in the state are shown in the table below. Click here if you are unable to see the table.
Daniel Terry Williams was 22 years old, a young father serving a one-year stint for theft in Alabamas hellhole prisons. He was almost free, almost home when, according to his lawyer and others, he was drugged, brutally raped, tortured and beaten.
He died Nov. 9 in a hospital, on the day he was to be released.
Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed, appeared last month before the Alabama Prison Oversight Committee to talk about rampant violence behind Alabamas bars.
Death in Alabama prisons is five times the national average, she told legislators, and provided documents she said proved it.
But she wanted to talk specifically about Williams death at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. It was a window into the brutality of Alabamas penal system.
The killing made international news.
Fox News put it this way:
Alabama dad allegedly tortured, killed in prison left eerie final Facebook post weeks before planned release.
The New York Post said this:
Alabama man beaten beyond recognition in same prison where inmate was rented out and murdered.
Crowder spoke of the attack and what preceded it in stunning detail.
The 38-year-old suspect in this kidnapping, rape and torture was involved in nine instances of sex assault, rape, and stabbing since 2017 in ADOC while incarcerated, Crowder, a lawyer, told the committee.
There is no documentation that he was placed in segregation for any of these assaults, she went on. There was no disciplinary action by ADOC.
His classification summary showed a five-year clear record of institutional violence, which resulted in a perfect score of zero in risk assessment conducted in October, and a total score low enough for him to be placed in medium security in an open bay dorm. The psych associates signed off on this and the warden signed off on this.
Nine days later, 22-year-old Daniel Williams was found, according to ADOC, unresponsive on this inmates assigned bed.
Crowder did not use the suspects name in her remarks, but did name him in a letter to legislators. He was also named as a suspect in a letter to prison officials from Williams lawyer. The inmates name appears many times in accompanying DOC documents passed to committee members.
Because that suspect has not been officially investigated or charged in many of those incidents, and because he apparently still has contact with other inmates, we will henceforth refer to him as Inmate X.
The claims are breathtaking.
That an inmate was accused nine times of heinous acts, and was still treated as if he posed no risk.
That prison officials failed even to investigate accusations against that inmate.
That failure to take violent incidents seriously allowed a dangerous inmate to have a clear record.
That incident after violent incident was reported to prison officials who in most cases did nothing to punish Inmate X, or keep him from terrorizing others.
That all this could occur in a prison system already under federal scrutiny for inhumane treatment, sexual assault and violence amounting to cruel and unusual punishment.
Crowder is not alone in rebuking the state for its failures.
Andrew Menefee, a lawyer for Williams family, sent a letter to prison officials in mid November, contending Williams was tied up by Inmate X for at least two days, held hostage in a corner of a housing dormitory, forced to consume drugs against his will, beaten and repeatedly raped until he was unconscious.
An ADOC spokesman responded to questions this way:
The ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division investigation is still ongoing, and cause of death is still pending the results of a full autopsy, including toxicology report. Given that, it would be imprudent to comment on a matter pending both litigation and the outcome of a death investigation.
But how could such a series of events happen? The prison systems own records, obtained by Alabama Appleseed and passed on to legislators, provide a telling roadmap.
Inmate Xs classification summary, a series of ADOC documents that include charges, disciplinary actions and so-called enemies reports, is filled with allegations of brutal and bloody violence that is all but ignored by guards.
In the 18-month period used by DOC to assess risk for disciplinary purposes, the systems own documents show Inmate X was accused by other inmates of:
Raping a prisoner at Fountain Correctional Facility in September 2022. The victim said he was assaulted by several inmates, taken to the middle of the dorm and gang raped. That prisoner identified Inmate X as one of the attackers.
Calling for a hit on a prisoner at Bullock Correctional Facility in October 2022. The victim said the troubles started when the two had a previous altercation at another prison.
Selling drugs and threatening a prisoner who owed him $10 at Bullock last August.
The imposing Inmate X was not disciplined for those. Instead of going to the effort to write them up as attacks, instead of sending him to disciplinary hearings or reclassification hearings or various types of secure custody to protect others, prison officials wrote them off on enemies reports.
Enemies reports are brief listings of disputes between inmates that are used as a reason to separate inmates or have them moved. They are not investigated or adjudicated as disciplinaries or crimes. So those incidents and the following ones were treated as if the issues were merely a question of two people who could not get along.
Before that, according to DOC investigations and official complaints from prisoners, Inmate X was accused of making enemies by:
Threatening a mans life in 2021 because of a debt.
Sexually assaulting a man at Bibb Correctional Facility in 2020. The victim was taken to a hospital.
In 2019 attempting to stab a man who claimed Inmate X had been pressuring him to be in a relationship.
Repeatedly chasing a man through a dorm in November 2019, and harassing him daily for sex.
Sexually assaulting another inmate in May of 2019.
Sexually assaulting another inmate in April of 2018.
On it goes.
In June of 2017, a guard saw Inmate X slap an inmate twice, resulting in a fight. It was determined (Inmate X) was making sexual advances to a man who tried to defend himself.
In February 2017, a man placed in segregation with Inmate X said he was stabbed and sexually assaulted. An investigator said the evidence corroborated his story, but ADOC did not follow up.
And in 2015 guards found an inmate slumped and unresponsive, covered in blood with stab wounds to the head, neck, chest, back and arms. An investigation found the weapon in the trash outside Inmate Xs cell, and his clothes were covered in blood.
Last year, eight years after the stabbing, Inmate X was charged with attempted murder. He was convicted of assault, but ADOC took little or no action to prevent him from roaming the prison.
Inmate X had 18 disciplinary charges between 2012 and 2018, but despite the above incidents he has not faced a formal disciplinary charge since July 9, 2018, when he was cited for possession of a weapon. So he did not face restrictions that would limit his movement or put him under more observation.
On Oct. 22 of last year, according to ADOCs records, Inmate X was among those who assaulted young Daniel Williams.
Inmate Williams was found unresponsive on (Inmate Xs) assigned bed, a DOC report says. It appeared that victim had been assaulted. (Inmate X and two others) were believed to be involved in this incident.
Alabama prison officials wrote that report on Nov. 8, the day before Williams was taken off life support, two weeks after the assault, and only after Williams family hired a lawyer.
Williams was declared dead the next day.
The assault was not written up as a crime or disciplinary charge. Guards wrote it merely as an enemies report.
Inmate Xs story tells more about ADOC than many Alabamians want to believe. It really is a lens into the horrors too many of us would rather hold like the inmates themselves out of sight and mind.
ADOC staff received numerous reports of rampant sexual violence against other incarcerated men but failed to take disciplinary measures that would have resulted in (Inmate X) being placed in segregation, Crowder told lawmakers.
Williams death could have been prevented by the State of Alabama, she said. Instead, choices were made over and over again to take no investigative or corrective action in numerous cases of sexual assault at five different prisons.
Alabama prison officials knew. Alabama allowed it.
The guards, the wardens, the administration, the Legislature, the state itself does too little, even after the U.S. Justice Department sued Alabama in 2020 for ignoring the constitutional rights of inmates and failing to protect them from violence, sexual abuse, and death.
The Justice Department, beginning under Trump and continuing in the Biden administration, argued in court documents that Alabama prisons habitually encourage or allow sexual predators to move from unit to unit without intervention.
Prison workers downplay rape and violence and dismiss alleged sexual abuse as homosexual activity, implying the sexual act is consensual.
The DOJ lawsuit, updated in 2021 and now headed toward trial, argues that ADOC is to blame for encouraging the terror, with its own acts and omissions, by:
Commingling sexual predators with victims.
Failing to properly investigate complaints.
Discouraging prisoners from reporting assaults.
Allowing prisoners to be assaulted in retaliation for reporting sexual abuse.
Punishing victims who report being sexually abused by isolating them and taking away their privileges.
Failing to stop the flow of drugs, and failing to adequately investigate sexual abuse that occurs as a result of drug debts.
Using the presence of drugs to diminish incidents of sexual assault and murder.
The Justice Department found, just as Menefee described in the case of Daniel Williams, that prisoners frequently report suffering sexual abuse after being drugged.
So a toxicology report of the type ADOC continues to await before it classifies Williams death does not provide the answer. Not in that case or in others.
A dirty drug test would just be an excuse for Alabamas failures, a way to blame the dead and ignore the assailant. To assume no responsibility.
The Inmate Xes of the world know it. Alabama knows it, too.
Inmate X is far from an outlier in Alabama prisons. He is merely an example of its barbarism, of a standard in which inmates run the prisons, and guards cowed, negligent, poorly paid, understaffed or corrupt refuse to intervene or file the paperwork to begin disciplinary procedures.
The Justice Department compiled example after example of heinous abuse and its consequences. These are just a few, from a four-month period between December 2017 and March 2018:
A prisoner at Bibb was drugged, and awoke in the middle of being raped.
A prisoner at Bullock cut his own wrist after an attempted gang rape because he feared being in population and needed to be placed in a single cell.
A prisoner at Donaldson cut his wrist with a razor, saying he had been sexually assaulted in a bathroom.
Doctors had to perform emergency surgery on a Donaldson inmate to remove a broomstick from his rectum.
A prisoner at Fountain reported he had been sexually assaulted every day since his arrival at the prison.
A Holman prisoner said he passed out from smoking the synthetic drug flakka. He said he awoke to one prisoner punching him in the eye. Then four or five prisoners put a partition around his bed and took turns raping him.
Thats just a few of many. The Justice Department examples go on and on, yet says the list is in no way comprehensive, and that such cases rarely result in real punishment or action.
... choices were made over and over again to take no investigative or corrective action in numerous cases of sexual assault at five different prisons. Carla Crowder, executive director of Alabama Appleseed
The prison system argued in 2021 that individual examples such as those were just anecdotal. But the DOJ suit pointed out that Alabama doesnt track or prosecute violence well, at times mistaking or misrepresenting homicides for deaths by natural causes or drug use.
So if DOJ is correct, there are no reliable stats. Just like Inmate X accusations and cases mostly lead nowhere. If no crime is recorded, there is no punishment. Nothing to see here.
It amounts to no justice.
Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa, sits on the Prison Oversight Committee. He is deeply disturbed not only by the case of Williams and Inmate X, but by an avalanche of tragedies, and the states lack of will to change things.
That case is awful, said England. Unfortunately it appears to be almost a common occurrence, just another day for the Department of Corrections.
DOJ in its report repeatedly pointed to overcrowding as a cause for the mayhem. Staton, where Williams was later killed, had a 257% occupancy rate in 2021. Kilby had 201% occupancy at the time of DOJs visit, while Bibb, Bullock, Donaldson, Easterling, and Ventress all had occupancies above 140%.
ADOCs own records indicate it hasnt changed much. In November of last year, the latest figures available, Alabama prisons held 20,403 inmates in prisons designed to hold 12,115 people. Thats a 168% occupancy rate, and an overall increase from the year before.
The troubles are compounded by a parole board that has stifled paroles in recent years, often disregarding recommendations of its administrative staff. Last year fewer than 10% of eligible inmates were granted parole, down from more than 50% in 2018.
The Sentencing Project surveyed 29 states with similar parole systems and found Alabama had the nations lowest parole rate in 2022.
England said he lacked the vocabulary to describe just how bad the prison and parole systems really are. He does not.
At this point were all complicit, he said. I mean, the blood is on all of our hands.
Its true. Damning Justice Department reports and higher-than-average death rates have done nothing to change behavior. In Inmate Xs case, prison officials have been less aggressive in discipline than they were before the DOJ intervened, his records show.
I think a very good argument can be made that were worse now than we were when we got the (Justice Department) report, England said.
At this point were all complicit. I mean, the blood is on all of our hands. Rep. Chris England
Perhaps a civil suit is not enough. Alabama prisons seem more like a crime.
I wish the FBI would go in and arrest most of the correctional officers, wardens and even higher up ADOC officials, Menefee said. Instead of having a DOJ lawsuit investigation, there should be a DOJ criminal investigation into whats going on.
Or an Alabama Attorney Generals investigation. If Steve Marshall had the will, and the respect for all life and law.
Or investigations by county sheriffs and DAs. They have the authority, if not the will.
Of course it is the rest of us in Alabama who grant them every bit of their authority.
Thats the real story.
It is how we continue to label people to rationalize their deaths. It is how we know of rape, and torture, and our own states disinterest, and find no will to demand change.
It is our story, Alabama. This is who we are.
This project was completed with the support of a grant from Columbia Universitys Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures.
A Michigan man who killed an Alabama man he said he met on the smartphone app Grindr and is suspected of another slaying in Wisconsin was sentenced to life without parole for the Alabama murder.
Caleb Anderson, 24, was sentenced Jan. 4 by Escambia County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Todd Stearns for the fatal August 2022 stabbing of 52-year-old Flomaton resident Dwight Anthony Dixon, court records showed.
Anderson pleaded guilty to killing Dixon, who was found dead Aug. 3, 2022 in his Flomaton home, under a deal with prosecutors that spared the Michigan man the death penalty.
Anderson is also a suspect in the death of Patrick Ernst, who was stabbed 38 times in his home in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Anderson allegedly told police that he also met Ernst on Grindr, a dating app popular with the LGBTQ community, although he maintained he believed the app was the best way to find someone to kill and he was not using the app to date LGBTQ individuals.
I always just wanted to kill somebody since he was 14 or 15 years old, he said in a police interview, according to Green Bay Fox affiliate WLUK, which cited the criminal complaint in the Ernst case.
Several Alabama law enforcement agencies and U.S. Marshals captured Anderson in Shelby County on Aug. 3, 2022 after receiving a bulletin from Green Bay police.
Alabamas State Bureau of Investigation said at the time that agents used a variety of resources as well as investigative methods to identify Anderson as the suspect.
Anderson also admitted to attacking an 18-year-old female jogger in Michigan, according to WLUK.
He claimed he had thoughts of sexually assaulting the jogger but did not act after thinking about his mother, the station reported.
DPK focuses on economic boost, PPP zeroes in on assisting working parents
By Nam Hyun-woo
Rival parties on Thursday rolled out their respective policy promises aimed at revitalizing Korea's sharply declining birthrate as part of their campaigns for the upcoming general elections in April. These initiatives are in response to concerns that the ongoing demographic decline could potentially lead the country's economy to regress in the near future.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) unveiled a comprehensive set of measures at the National Assembly to address the low birthrate. Emphasizing housing, financial, and childcare support for newlywed couples, these measures aim to counter the demographic challenges facing the country.
The countrys total fertility rate is set to fall below 0.5 births in two years, which is an unacceptable number, DPK Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung said.
This is a matter of the countrys sustainability, and it is an imminent challenge right at our doorstep rather than a concern in the distant future.
Korea is recognized for having the world's lowest fertility rate of 0.78 birth per woman in 2022. This figure is considerably lower than that of the United States, which stood at 1.64, and Japan at 1.33 in the same year.
Lee emphasized that the fundamental reason for choosing not to have a baby is "inequality," highlighting that "inequalities in assets and incomes are serious."
The DPK pledged to offer public-rental homes to couples having more than one baby, with the added advantage of being able to purchase the homes at their initial sale prices after residing there for a specific rental period. For couples with two babies, 79-square-meter rental homes will be provided, while those with three or more babies will be eligible for 109-square-meter homes.
In terms of financial support, the party has decided to implement "marriage and childbirth subsidies" and extend a 100-million-won ($74,000) loan to all newlywed couples, irrespective of their income level. Additionally, they plan to offer discounts on both interest and principal repayments.
For instance, when the first baby is born, all loan interest will be exempt, and half the debt will be written off with a second child, while a third child will mean an exemption from repayment obligations.
Also, the DPK pledged to expand a state-run babysitting program, making it accessible for all families to apply, and raising the wages for babysitters participating in the program.
The DPKs policy promises are focused on providing economic boosts to newlywed couples regardless of their income levels.
There can be questions on why the country should support the high-income bracket, but if we exempt those who are paying a lot of tax, it can be discriminatory, Lee said. Having a child and raising one is not a matter concerning individuals but the entire country. So the support should be universal to all.
Hours after the DPKs announcement, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) also released a series of policy pledges to boost the countrys fertility rate.
PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon said the party will push for the establishment of a new ministry for demography, to be led by a deputy prime minister. The new ministry will incorporate the existing functions of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
In contrast to the DPK, the ruling party's pledges primarily centered on adjusting government systems and programs to enable parents to spend more time with their children without worrying about discontinuing their careers.
"We are a responsible ruling party, so we will roll out feasible policies," Han said. "Policy promises that do not consider financial sources are not the right measures for the people."
The PPP intends to mandate companies to have their employees apply for parental leave concurrently with maternity leave. Additionally, the PPP aims to amend laws and regulations to enable employees to take up to one month of leave when their spouses are giving birth, an increase from the current 10 days, fostering greater involvement of both parents in childcare.
Although there are many ideas to counter the low birth trend, I believe the most important thing is changing our perspective that we have to help parents work, PPP emergency committee member Chang Seo-jeong said during a meeting, Thursday.
Of course there are parents who want to concentrate about giving birth and raising their babies, there are others who want to minimize the vacuum stemming from their children and maintain their lives and careers. We need to empathize with the fear of discontinuing their careers that women and newlywed couples have.
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case over Alabamas bungled handling of unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, a situation Gov. Kay Iveys office called an outrageous backlog.
The lawsuit, first filed in February of 2022, claimed Alabamians faced excessive delays in getting unemployment during the pandemic and that many who were denied early on never were able to schedule a hearing for an appeal. Many others were asked to repay large sums years later. They also could not get an appeal.
In June of 2023, the Alabama Supreme Court decided in favor of the state and the case was thrown out. The case was brought by Legal Services Alabama, a non-profit that advocates for people with low incomes, against the Alabama Department of Labor and Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington.
The Department of Labor stated in its motion to dismiss the original case that the way Alabamians should handle disputes is to go through the appeal process, not by bringing this collateral suit to skip the line.
The state court ruled that Alabamians should go through the appeals process before suing. But the suit itself was focused on problems with that process.
According to an analysis of 2021 federal data on wait times for unemployment by The Century Foundation, Alabama had the longest delays in the nation during the pandemic. In Alabama, at that time, the average appeal was pending 566 days, nearly twice as long as the second slowest state. And some states were hearing unemployment appeals in under 20 days.
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to grant certiorari to the case. According to Legal Services Alabama, the court is likely to consider the matter in October and will likely rule by June.
(The) United States Supreme Court has said you dont have to exhaust administrative remedies. Thats the language. You dont have to exhaust administrative remedies when youre challenging a procedural issue, especially if theres due process considerations, said Larry Gardella, attorney for Legal Services Alabama,
Legal Services alleged in its suit the state penalized some applicants by paying them and then improperly determining them to have been overpaid and placing them in a Treasury Offset Program so that any tax returns they might have would be taken to cover the alleged overpayment.
The Alabama Department of Labor said it could not comment on the matter due to pending litigation. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office said it is prepared to argue on behalf of the state.
The State agrees with the Alabama Supreme Courts ruling and looks forward to defending it before the U.S. Supreme Court, said a spokesperson for the Attorney General.
During the pandemic, states received money from the federal government to increase state unemployment payments by $600 a week. The lawsuit, initially filed in Montgomery County, alleged the state was slow in processing claims for assistance during the early phases of the pandemic.
The Department of Labor in its initial response argued that Legal Services was effectively asking the courts to take over and run the department. But the COVID lockdown was unprecedented, and they were overwhelmed. In the wake of a once-in-a-century pandemic, ADOL faced a tsunami of unemployment claims.
Then in 2021, Alabama demanded that some residents who had been paid unemployment repay it. The state reported overpaying $164 million in unemployment between 2020 and 2021. For those people who received overpayment notices, many were unable to get an appeal hearing.
After reporting by AL.com on the wide demands for repayment, Gov. Kay Iveys office in the summer of 2022 issued this statement: At the end of the day, the agency approved and paid out the claims. If a mistake is made by the government, people should not have to pay the price for something that was no fault of their own.
Hundreds of people sat for hours Wednesday outside Alabama State University's Oliver-Dunn Acadome in Montgomery in hopes of resolving issues that have caused them to be denied unemployment benefits. (Connor Sheets | csheets@al.com)
Aaron Johnson, 68, is one of the 26 defendants that sued the state as a part of the case. He was laid off from the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020, according to the complaint. He sought unemployment in October of that year and had received no decision by January of 2022 despite his repeated phone calls to the department.
Christin Burnett became unemployed in 2019 and applied for unemployment. According to the complaint, she was found eligible and paid until 2020. She got no response about her application for pandemic unemployment but learned that she was ineligible online and was later told it was because of an error involving her social security number and because she had become unemployed before COVID.
Ms. Burnett is unable to find new employment because of COVID. She is waiting for (the department) to acknowledge her hearing request and schedule a hearing, the lawsuit said.
The department acknowledged in its response to the suit that staffing shortages hindered the processing of the many claims and said it was doing all it could to improve.
The Department is now entering in appeals received in early December 2020, said Thomas Daniel, director of Unemployment Compensation in an affidavit in the suit in March of 2022. Given the current backlog, it is impossible to provide a hearing date for all claimants within 90 days even if ordered by the court
The state identified a significant backlog in appeal requests in its report to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2022, saying it had gotten but not addressed at least 82,000 appeals due to technological issues and staffing shortages.
Just before the pandemic hit, budget constraints dictated reducing an already strained workforce. Within months of the ADOL staff reductions, the state-mandated closures forced unprecedented claim loads, the state department stated in a report to the federal department in February of 2022.
Legal Services say the hope the case will force the Department of Labor to improve its services.
Montgomery County Judge James Anderson ruled in August of 2022 that the state and its officials could not be sued over the unemployment situation due to their sovereign immunity.
Legal Services of Alabama appealed the decision to the state supreme court, which ruled last year that the plaintiffs could not sue without completing the states appeals process.
Kenny McCroskey didnt commit a crime. Not the last time he was sent back to prison. But he did miss an appointment.
I feel like I deserve to be punished, McCroskey said quietly from a prison phone. But I deserve an opportunity.
His case represents yet another challenging part of Alabamas unforgiving parole system: The parole board these days is not only denying nearly everyone who tries to get out of prison, they are also sending people back to prison who were already let out, even when they havent committed any new crimes.
And in McCroskeys case, thats despite the lenient recommendation of the parole officer whom he failed to meet with.
Now, McCroskey is once again behind bars, serving a life sentence for violating the rules of his parole for a third-degree robbery in 1996.
He was unarmed, though he told the cashier he had a gun, and demanded money from a Hardees. No one was hurt. He didnt get any money. But hed had two earlier convictions, so he was sent to spend his life in prison.
He was sentenced under the states outdated Habitual Felony Offender Act laws, laws that the state has since changed. But that change didnt affect McCroskey or anyone long ago sentenced on the old, three strikes, youre out rule.
Now 55, he laughed when asked if the unarmed, unsuccessful robberies he committed in north Alabama in the early 1990s were because he was young and dumb. He said it might be a little harsh of a description, but it was true.
You may think its crazy, but you really have to be in the lifestyle I was in, McCroskey said in a phone interview, describing being immersed in alcohol and drugs while in his 20s. The robbery came into play behind the lifestyle. Its hard talking to a person who has never been through it.
After a decade behind bars for the failed attempt at Hardees, in 2006, he was granted parole.
McCroskey said he again got caught up with the wrong people. I made wrong choices.
Shortly after being released, he tried to rob another fast food restaurant. This time it was a Jacks, where court records say he reached over the counter, trying to take the cash register.
Again, he didnt have a weapon. And, again, he didnt get any money. Once again no one was hurt except McCroskey himself. He was tackled to the ground by an off-duty deputy and had to have stitches, court records show.
That time McCroskey was sentenced to spend 17 years in prison on a new charge of third-degree robbery.
And thats when, McCroskey said, he finally got his act together.
It paid off.
Alabama just a few years ago was granting parole to more than half of those who came up for release, and McCroskey got another chance. He was paroled in 2015.
He got a good job, working at Polaris in Madison. He was able to spend time with his family. He was doing so well on parole, McCroskey said, his parole officer explained to him how to apply for a pardon once he paid off his court fines and fees.
I cant be that bad of a person if someone looked at it in that light, he said. But of course he sighed, I messed that up when I didnt report.
In 2019, after years outside prison walls, McCroskey went to a funeral. But the funeral was on the same day he was set to appear at his parole office.
It was a poor decision, and I cant blame it on anyone but myself, McCroskey said.
Not reporting is a technical violation. He had to go before the state parole board to let them hear the situation and decide how he should be punished. But by 2019, things had changed. Alabamas board was different. They were no longer granting many paroles and were under new leadership, taking a hard stance on technical violations.
Most minor parole violations, like missed meetings, are handled by what are called dips or dunks short periods of time ordered in local jails or other lockups before letting the parolee back on the streets with a warning.
His parole officer recommended a dunk, which would have been 45 days behind bars. Instead, the board sent McCroskey back to Alabamas overcrowded and understaffed prisons indefinitely.
In October 2023, according to data from the parole bureau, 20 people had their parole revoked for technical offenses.
For those who had a revocation hearing for an alleged parole violation in fiscal year 2023, 16 percent were revoked on a technical violation alone, according to bureau data. That means they had no new criminal charges, but were returned to prison.
I feel like I deserve to be punished. But I deserve an opportunity. Kenny McCroskey
McCroskey has now served a total of more than 27 years behind bars, all for offenses where no one was hurt. The last criminal charge he faced was for the Jacks attempt in 2006 18 years ago.
Hes served all his time on that one, his most recent charge. So why isnt he free?
It goes back to 1996.
That was when he pleaded guilty to a life sentence under the habitual offender law. If he was ever freed, he would forever be on parole, tethered to that older charge and liable to pay for it anytime he re-entered the corrections system.
Hes been back in prison now for almost five years. He spent time at Alex Citys work release center, but was moved after he was caught drinking (a stupid decision, McCroskey said). He had a good prison record, though, and wasnt deemed a risk. So he was moved to a different work release center with minimum security in Childersburg.
McCroskey went up for parole last May, but was denied. Hes set to go back before the board in May 2024.
If he is freed, McCroskey said he wants to work at a job hes lined up in Guntersville. Hes got financial support and a place to live, and is yearning for a cup of non-prison coffee.
McCroskey wants to be there for his son, two granddaughters and extended family, to live the remainder of my life thats left on the outside.
He lived crime-free for years when he was last paroled and hasnt been charged with a crime in nearly two decades. He says he wants another chance to show he can do it again.
Thats what its going to take first. It starts with me.
This project was completed with the support of a grant from Columbia Universitys Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures.
The shootout Monday on an Alabama interstate that killed a teenage girl and wounded a 9-year-old boy who were caught in the crossfire is believed to be gang-related, authorities said.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said the reason investigators believe gangs were involved is because the shots that struck the two victims on I-165 in Prichard were intended for the boys 18-year-old brother, according to WKRG.
The 15-year-old girl who died was a cousin to the 9-year-old and 18-year-old.
A sheriffs office spokeswoman said the incident it was the second time the boy was shot by a gunman who was pursing someone else.
All three were inside the SUV seated in the middle row. In the backseat was a 4-year-old child who Burch described as the sibling of the 15-year-old who was killed. The 4-year-old was not harmed, the sheriff said.
Burch said his agency has not identified the shooter.
He said the mother of the intended victim is being less than cooperative with us, and I find that very alarming.
The Sheriffs Department has not yet released the name of the 15-year-old victim.
The agency is asking the public, if they have any information about the shootout, to contact them at 251-574-8633 or to leave information on their online Crime Tip form.
This is a guest opinion column
(This column first appeared in The Times of Israel and is republished with permission)
The state of Alabama inadvertently has chosen a Jewish holiday for its first-ever experimental gassing execution. On January 25th of this year, while many in the Jewish world mark Tu Bishvat in the Hebrew calendar, Alabama will gas a human being to death as it attempts nitrogen hypoxia as a form of state-sponsored murder.
There is little doubt that the Yellowhammer State likely chose this date for administrative convenience, and not out of any spite for the Jewish world, despite the reality of the recent 400% increase in antisemitic incidents across the USA.
It also is true that within the Jewish community, Tu Bishvat is a relatively minor holiday among the pantheon of annual festive days. Still, in the long rabbinic tradition of assigning mystical meaning to this occasion, a closer examination of the customs and beliefs surrounding Tu Bishvat reveal just how horrific of a synchronicity it is that a new gas chamber in any form is to be first implemented on this day of all days.
Tu Bishvat (literally, the 15th of [the Hebrew month of] Shevat), is also known as the New Year for the Trees. It is the appointed time on the Hebrew calendar that the rabbis of the Talmud used for calculating the age of trees for the Biblically-mandated tithing of the first-fruits. Since the late 19th century, a custom has developed of honoring this moment by planting trees in Israel, a practice that continues to this day. Building upon this tradition, Tu Bishvat in recent decades has come to be known as Israeli Arbor Day, and treated as a Jewish Earth Day. Ecological organizations in Israel and the diaspora have beautifully adopted the holiday to garner support for many meaningful environmental awareness programs. It is on this very occasion, while the Jewish world duly honors the oxygen-creating power of the Eitz Hayyim (Tree of Life), that Alabama will be doing all it can to remove that very same oxygen, replacing it with nitrogen gas in order to snuff out a human life.
To further this dark counterpoint, consider that Jewish tradition has long connected the midwinter Tu Bishvat holiday to other religious festivals in the liturgical calendar. In the Hasidic community, some Jews pickle or candy the etrog (citron) used in the previous fall holiday of Sukkot and eat it on Tu Bishvat. While Jewish tradition has linked these holidays by theme, American jurisdictions have unintentionally desecrated all of them with executions. In the past three years alone, federal and state governments have set state killings on the full gamut of Jewish festival and commemorative days: from Purim to Passover, from Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) to Kristallnacht, from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur, and from Sukkot to Hannukah. Again, the choice of these dates for execution likely were coincidental. Nonetheless, these horrific synchronicities like Texas choosing World Day Against the Death Penalty to kill my Jewish penpal Jedidiah Murphy just after Sukkot last year have served as a reminder to the Jewish community that it must pay attention to what is taking place and do all it can to ensure that the killings end.
There are even more poignant parallels to keep in mind regarding this convergence of Tu Bishvat and Alabamas gassing. To align with the holidays theme of the revival of nature, many of Israels major institutions have chosen this day for their inaugurations. For example, the cornerstone-laying of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1918, the Technion (Israeli Institute of Technology) in 1925, and the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in 1949 each took place on Tu Bishvat. Few would have imagined that an inaugural American gassing also would be added to this list in 2024. Relatedly, there is a popular custom of eating new fruits for the first time on Tu Bishvat and reciting the appropriate Shehecheyanu blessing, which is offered when one experiences something new in a given season. The sentiment of this prayer will indeed ring hollow this year with the knowledge that a new system of killing also shall bear fruit on this day of new beginnings.
Finally, a word about tears. Many children including my own engage in the custom of planting parsley on Tu Bishvat. The goal of this practice is to reap this karpas (Hebrew for parsley) and use it on the seder plate for Passover, which occurs two months after Tu Bishvat. This parsley/karpas is famously dipped in saltwater and consumed at the seder so that Jews might literally taste the tears that the Israelites shed while experiencing the torture of slavery in ancient Egypt. The planting of these seeds of tears on this Tu Bishvat could not be more apt. Indeed, many Jewish tears should be shed over this days slated torture experiment. It was in fact torture that sowed the seeds of this gassing when Alabama failed to kill Kenny Smith after a three-hour botched lethal injection attempt last year. And it is this same Kenny Smith who now endures the incomprehensible psychological torture of counting down his final days yet again before his upcoming gassing.
To make matters worse, the stream of tears shed over the inherent human rights violation of this Tu Bishvat gassing could soon turn into a waterfall, as this execution also may very well open a Pandoras Box of similar killing experiments elsewhere across America. Many states, such as Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi to name but a few as well as potential federal government administrations are eagerly waiting in the wings to observe the results of this gassing in the hope that they, too, will be able to repeat the same process for other condemned human beings.
To prevent these tears from bearing fruit this Tu Bishvat, the nearly 3,100 members of the international group Lchaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty have vociferously joined in the resounding chorus of international condemnation over this abject abomination. As the co-founder of Lchaim, I have publically written about why Jews Must Speak Out Against Alabamas Planned Nitrogen-Gassing Executions, alongside Jewish writer, lawyer and abolitionist Stephen Cooper. In addition, Rep. Phillip Ensler, the only Jewish member of the Alabama House of Representatives, District 74, and Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama also has issued a formal statement against this unmitigated horror.
As the Jewish world is keenly aware, not only has Alabama elected to resurrect the unmistakable Nazi legacy of gassing human beings to death on a day that corresponds to the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat, but it has chosen to do so just ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th. Alabama thereby adds to its morbid history of unknowingly targeting this solemn occasion with state killings. It was only two years ago that the state commemorated this hallowed memorial day by selecting it to put to death Matthew Reeves, a human being with severe, documented cognitive impairment. On that occasion, Alabama used lethal injection. This means of killing also is another direct Nazi legacy that was first implemented in this world by the Third Reich as part of its infamous Aktion T4 protocol used to kill other such cognitively impaired individuals deemed unworthy of life. That protocol was brought to fruition by Dr. Karl Brandt, personal physician of Adolf Hitler, who personally signed off on it. It is precisely this T4 protocol that is among those monstrosities condemned on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Whether it is via lethal injection, Alabamas nitrogen hypoxia, or gas chambers in other states such as Arizona, which uses the gas Zyklon B (as employed in Auschwitz) any method used for the state-killing of prisoners against their will continues this Nazi legacy of the same.
To put an end to this cycle of violence, Lchaims thousands of members carry the torch of Holocaust survivor and staunch death penalty abolitionist Elie Wiesel. Of capital punishment, Wiesel famously stated, Death should never be the answer in a civilized society. He added in an interview, in 1988: With every cell of my being and with every fiber of my memory I oppose the death penalty in all forms. I do not believe any civilized society should be at the service of death. I dont think its human to become an agent of the angel of death.
Many of the members of Lchaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty, including this author, are direct descendants of Holocaust victims and know better than most that capital punishment is not the same as that incomparable conflagration. And yet, like Wiesel, for many Lchaim members the shadow of the Holocaust is inextricably linked to a firm rejection of the death penalty in all cases, even for the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue shooter. It is not by coincidence that the very same Tree of Life symbol for which that targeted Pittsburgh congregation was named forms the core of Lchaims logo.
As Alabama blindly plans to add Tu Bishvat to the grotesque Jewish holiday execution list in these United States, it is appropriate to review one final teaching associated with this festive day. Centuries ago, Jewish mystics called kabbalists assigned spiritual significance to Tu Bishvat beyond its agricultural roots. Students of the renowned kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572) utilized this sacred day to highlight the Jewish mystical understanding that all human beings carry within them a spark of HaShechinah the Divine Presence. This phenomenon, they taught, was reflected in how certain kinds of tree-grown fruits or nuts hide within them seeds of potential new life. Kabbalists ate certain fruits as a symbolic way of releasing these divine sparks. Today, Jews across the world remember this inspiring teaching by conducting a Tu Bishvat Seder that is replete with the partaking of such fruits.
As Jews engage in this ripe spiritual tradition this year, may they remember that Alabama will be extinguishing the Divine spark of a human being on the very same day that they consume these symbolic seeds of life. May this epiphany compel Jewish leaders and communities to recognize that 21st-century Judaism Should Reject the Death Penalty. May this knowledge motivate readers to join all of civilized humanity in signing the petition to Say NO to the gas chamber, as over 14,000 people already have done as of this writing. And may such collective action help further unite the peoples of the world behind a chant to which all humanity should give heed; namely, Lchaim to Life!
Cantor Michael Zoosman is a Board Certified Chaplain with Neshama: Association of Jewish Chaplains (NAJC) and received his cantorial investiture from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 2008. He sits as an Advisory Committee Member at Death Penalty Action and is the co-founder of Lchaim! Jews Against the Death Penalty. Michael is a former Jewish prison chaplain and psychiatric hospital chaplain. Currently, he is a multi-faith hospital chaplain at a federal research hospital, the National Institutes of Health - Clinical Center. His comments here represent his own opinions.
This is an opinion column.
Say the words s-l-o-w-l-y: diversity, equity, inclusion.
Close your eyes now and say them againthis time embracing the imagery of your mind as you pronounce each.
Do you see a gathering of people of different skin hues, from varied cultures and conditions; people unfettered by inequitable barriers; people feeling as if theyre welcomed, as if they belong?
Do youso were clear, this one is directed at whitessee yourself among them?
You should. Diverse includes you. Equity certainly includes you. And, yes, inclusion includes you.
Unfortunately, because DEI is now being widely mischaracterized, minimized, and mauled by feckless, fearmongering (Republican) public officials throughout the nation, many of you wont see yourselves.
Thats a shame. And its at the core of the same kind of blindness Robert C. Weaver addressed more than eight decades ago.
I did not know of him, either, until I began researching a This Day in History item for this weeks The Barbershop newsletter.
I should have known him. We all should, especially nowas we wrestle against those striving to neuter DEI, to rebuild fences of discrimination so many fought to tear down.
Weaver may have been the first, maybe the architect of policies and practices that not only addressed discrimination in hiring (initially by the federal government).
He may be the godfather of DEI.
On this dateJanuary 18, 1966Weaver, Harvard educated with a B.A. and Ph.D. in economics, was sworn in as the first Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), making him the first Black Presidential cabinet member in the nations history.
This singular distinction, though, as historic as it may be, pales relative to Weavers impact on the American workforce, and how it still reverberates. He conceived and shaped federal hiring and pay policies the ensure the equitable inclusion of African Americans in the federal workforce.
He did so in yet another unfortunate age when Jim Crow soared boldly throughout the South when unions and manufacturing industries openly discriminated against Blackthen negro workers.
Between 1933 when Weaver joined government services with the Department of the Interior and 1944 when he resigned to embark upon a new chapter as a college professor and leader, the Washington, D.C. native helped open jobs and industries to Black workers and girded the U.S. workforce in the critical years of the buildup to U.S participation in World War II.
This is from William B Hill, Jr. a senior archivist with the National Archives and Record Administration, writing Finding a Place for the Negro in Prologue Magazine:
During the war years, Weavers efforts on behalf of Negroes would focus on the most expansive program in U.S. history: the buildup of the U.S. industrial might needed to win the war against Germany and Japan. His efforts would help shape postwar America and the civil rights movement that would come into its own in the late 1940s through the 1960s.
Weaver was not alone among the Black intelligentsia of that age in believing economics and fear among insecure whites were at the rotted core of racism in America, as Blacks became more educated and skilled (sound familiar?).
More from Hill:
He believed that the rising racial tensions had much to do with the changing economic structure and status of the Negro in employment and housing. Despite the persistence of discrimination, he saw Negro workers entering new and higher types of occupations, receiving training and education to perform these new employment opportunities, and pressing the government for wider job opportunities.
Weaver felt that a federally centered program to target the reduction of racial tensions should begin by improving the situations that forced Negroes to feel disconnected from mainstream American life.
The [B]lack worker has become a symbol of potential threat to the white worker, and the Negros occupational advancement is consciously or unconsciously feared, Weaver wrote. This fear has been bred in the economic realities of America.
Sound familiar?
Today, scaredy-cat officials are stoking the same fearsfears that prevent them from seeing themselves in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
They see it as a threat to themwhen it really threatens the discriminatory, inequitable, and exclusionary aims promulgated before they were exposed and unraveled by Weaver.
(Please read Hills full story here.)
RELATED: Dont even think about it, Alabama lawmakers, dont become Oklahoma
Weaver didnt enjoy similar success after returning to Washinton in the 1960s to work on housing under President John F. Kennedy before joining Johnsons cabinet. The taskchoke the decline of American cities caused by myriad factorswas too steep to surmount.
And has yet to be conquered.
He returned to academia as president of Bernard Baruch College and later as a professor at Hunter College. Robert C. Weaver died in 1997.
If you didnt know, now you know.
Im a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame and a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary. My column appears on AL.com, as well as the Lede. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) decided Thursday to recommend President Yoon Suk Yeol veto a special bill calling for a new probe into the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, saying a fair investigation cannot take place under the bill.
The PPP instead proposed negotiations to come up with a new bill that can ensure a fair probe.
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which holds a controlling majority in the National Assembly, railroaded the special bill on Jan. 9 after negotiations with the ruling party broke off. PPP lawmakers boycotted the vote in protest.
The presidential office has since been mulling whether to endorse or reject the bill.
The legislation calls for establishing a special investigation committee to look again into the tragedy that killed 159 people, many of them women in their 20s, on a narrow back alley in the nightlife district of Itaewon on Oct. 29, 2022, amid Halloween festivities.
On Thursday, the PPP held a general meeting of its lawmakers and decided to recommend vetoing the measure, arguing the bill is unfair as it allows the opposition to fill a majority of the committee members with people favorable to the DPK.
Rep. Yun Jae-ok, the PPP's floor leader, said the rival parties were close to agreement earlier this month, but the DPK went ahead and passed its version of the bill through the Assembly unilaterally in what he said was an attempt to induce Yoon to reject it.
Yun suggested renegotiations to remove "toxic clauses" that undermine the committee's fairness.
Meanwhile, civic groups and a group of bereaved families of the crowd crush gathered in front of the presidential office and shaved their heads in protest, after the PPP said it will recommend Yoon veto the bill. (Yonhap)
In the seventy-five years of the Jewish state's existence, Israelis have spent and continue to spend a great deal of time studying antisemitism. They believe that the establishment of the Jewish state is the ultimate defense of Israelis against antisemitism.
They characterize antisemitism as a distant past, as a solved problem. Perhaps that is why they were not prepared for the explosion of antisemitism, for the bloody pogrom on their territory on Oct. 7, 2023.
In 1967, the Israeli army's preemptive strike against the Arab armies showed, that at that time, on the eve of the Six Day War, Israel's leaders recognized the pogromic, anti-Jewish policies of their Arab enemies, murderous to the existence of the of the Jewish state and dangerous to Israeli life. Since then, many years have passed that have reassured the Israelis and instilled in them that their situation had improved to such an extent that preventive measures against antisemitic aggression are no longer necessary.
I don't know at what point the Israelis decided that no anti-Jewish pogroms in Israel were impossible, but it seems to me that the October 7 massacre was not only a political and military failure, but also the result of an unsuccessful attempt to prove that the Jewish history of pogroms is over, that the Israeli refuge for the Jewish people precludes the massacre of Jews.
But it turned out that Jewish history is not a finished book that ends with the triumph of Zionism.
Israelis who proudly proclaimed their belonging to a new nation, free and devoid of Diaspora complexes, became convinced that they were still Jews and that antisemitism was still a relevant phenomenon for them.
On Oct. 7, 2023. Israelis have become convinced that they are Jews.
The attack on the state of the Jews began on all sides - Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, pro-Palestinian and anti-Jewish demonstrations on every continent except Antarctica, economic aggression in the Red Sea, legal aggression with the help through the international court in The Hague, political aggression in various international organizations. The Oct. 7, 2023 massacre unexpectedly legitimized antisemitism in the outside world instead of condemning and eradicating it for the Jews of Israel and the Diaspora.
Israel was unprepared for the pogroms and massive international aggression. The unpreparedness was due to an underestimation of global antisemitism.
Moreover, while there are mutual attacks within Israeli society to find fault in others rather than in themselves, Israel continues to demonstrate its unwillingness to recognize the dangers of antisemitism, showing a lack of civic solidarity and national unity in an hour of terror. This dire situation continues, the war with Gaza and with Lebanon continues.
Where did the illusion of a new Middle East come from, a place where economic gain, material expediency and a strong desire to live in peace triumph?
The Israelites, tormented by their thirst for peace, see a mirage of peace in a desert of hatred. Reality is distorted by the way light is refracted in the hot air of the Middle East. A weary traveler walking through the desert encounters the heat, sand, immense heat. He wants to see water, he wants to take refuge in an oasis. He dreams. He wants progress, and he sees it in regression. He mistakes East for West, war for peace, calm for silence, desert for oasis, peace treaties for true reconciliation. He lives in a world that mistakes wishful thinking for the real.
The value of human life in the East has always been low.
With the rise in oil prices, which became a way to massively supply lethal weapons, the price of life has fallen enormously - far below the medieval mark.
In the East, slow creation and rapid destruction became intertwined. Dreams of peace are pleasant hallucinations and clever word-formations of "moderate" and "balanced" thinkers who believe in reason where it evaporates after salon and cabinet conversations and after writing clever analytical articles. Life in the East crawls by snail, death flies by rocket. Mirages are born on political curves, on which diplomatic fiddling, which appears to be a peace process, operates. The Oslo Peace Declaration between the Israelis and the Palestinian Arabs in 1993, brokered by "progressive" American political dreamers, was a failed attempt to sell an air of imaginary change. It ended with the acquisition of an airless space in which only a quasi-world can exist, implemented by foreign dreamers gathered in the cold Norwegian capital.
The dream of Oslo, composed of fabulous ice cubes, melted into the desert like a mirage.
"Oslo Accords" looked good on documents signed by people dressed in elegant suits with nice ties. Warmed by the sun of the Levant, the "Oslo Accords" broke away from the beautiful papers and simply evaporated. Transported to the desert, they turned out to be mirages. Carefully prepared "road maps" for a peaceful settlement never found negotiating tables and got bogged down in the Middle East off-road. Every "peace initiative" turned out to be a mirage. Every peace myth melted in the Levantine heat. Every military operation turned out to be a reality. Dozens of clever foreign politicians and mediators kneaded the Middle Eastern sand in search of peace to no avail. The winds of "progressive" ideas of equality, fraternity and peace between Israelis and Arabs cruised senselessly in the hot desert air, creating mirages.
Israelis have divided the history of the Jewish people into two parts: before and after the Holocaust, after which even a Holocaust in miniature cannot happen.
This attitude of the Israelis towards their own history is reminiscent of the concept of Francis Fukuyama's book The End of History. In Fukuyama's vision, the end of history is the end of a century of ideological confrontations, global revolutions and wars, and the complete victory of the ideology of liberal democracy over all other doctrines. By analogy with Fukuyama's idea of the end of world history, the concept of the end of Jewish history arose in Israel, which successfully culminated in the complete victory of Zionism.
But the Israelis did not fully take into account the well-known warning of the history of the Jewish people, in each generation of which, as it is said in the story on Passover at the Exodus from Egypt, there is bound to appear a foreign nation that will seek to destroy the Jewish people. Such an attempt happened not on the holiday of Pesach, but on the holiday of the joy of Torah.
Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
Good grief its been over three months, and writers are still expressing shock, surprise, and outrage that Muslims murdered, mutilated, raped, and tortured Jews on 10/7. They even preface the acts with words such as brutal, degenerate, horrific, monstrous, and savage. Because it will happen again, I suggest the following to prevent future shock, surprise, and outrage.
First, recognize the cause of 10/7. Although it is comforting to believe that Hamas, a specific group in a relatively small area, was the cause of 10/7, this is incorrect. The snarky among you will quickly respond that Hezballah and Iran were also responsible. This is also incorrect. The correct answer is that Islam was the cause of 10/7.
Second, to understand why Islam was the cause of 10/7, study its history. Briefly, Muhammad spent the first part of his career as a prophet in Mecca, where he attracted few followers. Even revealing the verses in the Koran on the virgins in paradise failed as a recruiting scheme. As a failed prophet, Muhammad moved to Medina, where the verses in the Koran changed from patience and tolerance to legalization of the murder, rape, and robbery of non-Muslims. With the new revised Islamic moral code, the number of Muhammads followers rapidly increased, and they started attacking caravans and raiding villages.
One of Muhammads first successes was the capture of a caravan going to Mecca, after which he ordered some of the captives beheaded. Later, he set siege to the three Jewish tribes in Medina. Two tribes were forced out of Medina, leaving their homes, land, and most of their possessions. With the third tribe, Muhammad had 600900 Jewish boys and men beheaded; the Jewish children and women became slaves, from which Muhammad selected a beautiful young recent Jewish widow for his harem. A few years later, he attacked and set siege to a Jewish farming community. After it surrendered, Muhammad had a man tortured by having a fire built on his chest. Before the man died, Muhammad ordered him beheaded. Muhammad then took the mans beautiful young Jewish widow as a wife.
After he conquered another tribe, Muhammads followers became worried that the female captives they raped might become pregnant, thus lowering their ransom value. Therefore, they asked Muhammad if, during the rape, they should practice coitus interruptus. Muhammad told them it didnt matter, since who would be born was predetermined. Note that Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was addressing his followers not on the immorality of rape, but on the sexual techniques they were allowed to use during the rape.
During his ten years in Medina, Muhammad ordered more than 100 attacks, expeditions, raids, and sieges. In addition to beheadings and rapes, there are also examples reminiscent of 10/7. In one, a woman had ropes tied to each leg. The ropes were then attached to camels driven in opposite directions. Similar atrocities continued after Muhammads death. Sir William Muir, in his 1891 book The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline, and Fall from Original Sources, summarized them in polite Victorian English by writing that as Islam spread, those opposing it suffered cruelty and with bloodshed that went far beyond the bounds of need. The 10/7 attack in Israel was simply Muslims acting how Muslims have acted for 1,400 years, essentially engaging in acts of pre-civilized butchery, depravity, and savagery.
Third, to further understand why Islam was the cause of 10/7, read the Koran and the hadith reports. According to the Noble Quran, Muslims believe that non-Muslims are cursed, diseased, dumb, evil, enemies, fools, ignorant, liars, losers, wicked, and the worst of all creatures. They are also impure physically and spiritually. Therefore, they should be avoided, beheaded, crucified, destroyed, fought, humiliated, killed, made war on, mocked, punished, plotted against, slaughtered, and terrorized. Additionally, a hand and foot, from opposite sides, should be cut off.
The hadith reports document the behavior and sayings of Muhammad. Thus, they provide Muhammads biography. It is essential to be familiar with Muhammads biography because Muslims are commanded to follow his behavior, since he is seen as the perfect role model to follow to be admitted to paradise. Muhammads biography shows that he was an assassin, bandit, murderer, pedophile, rapist, robber, slave-owner, thief, thug, and warlord. Muhammad called for and engaged in the mass slaughter of those who refused to convert or submit to Islam. Muhammad was also incestuous, a wife-beater, and a liar. He also engaged in animal sacrifice. October 7 was Muslims acting like Muhammad.
Reading the Koran and hadith reports will also provide an understanding of the mentality of the Muslims who participated in 10/7. They believed that their behavior was a requirement for them to enter paradise, where, for eternity, they would have daily sex with 70100 virgins. Frequent sex would be possible because they would have perpetual erections and no fatigue, and the virgins would have the sex drive of camels in heat. When they were not having sex, they would be seated on jeweled chairs arranged in rows or circles, where boys with perpetual youth would serve them wine from gold cups. While seated and drinking, they would brag about what they did on 10/7. After all, it never gets old, even for eternity, to retell the story about being ninth in line in the gang rape of a helpless young Jewish woman. It is especially entertaining to retell the part where, after the rape, her breasts were cut off, and she was beheaded with a shovel. The storyteller usually leaves out the rest of the story, where an Israel tank with an all-female Jewish crew ran over him.
Fourth, it is comforting to believe that the issue is about a small area of land where a solution can be achieved. Even the status quo, with occasional periods of violence, is acceptable. However, the truth is that it is about Islam. Shortly before he died in 632, Muhammad told his followers, Allah has ordered me to fight against the people till they testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Muhammad started to fulfill this command with the expulsion and annihilation of the Jewish tribes in Medina. Muhammads successors quickly turned much of the Judeo-Christian world into an Islamic colony.
Fifth, the last truth of 10/7 is that what happened in Israel is not going to stay in Israel. It can be seen in Muslim uprisings around the world. It can be seen in the U.S., with Muslim protestors blocking traffic, terrorizing students and teachers, and threatening and forcing the cancelation of public events such as Christmas celebrations. Muslims even caused the cancelation of a session of a state Legislature and created the need for extra security at the White House. And they are coming soon to a neighborhood near you.
Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.
Leftist bishops here in the states have got their focus on the overseas, not the stateside, and are calling for "an immediate and total ceasefire," in Gaza, in a statement clearly directed at Israel in its military action against Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
According to OSV News, published in the leftist Jesuit-run magazine America:
Two U.S. prelates are urging an immediate and total ceasefire in the war that has convulsed the Gaza Strip for more than 100 days, while condemning Hamas and urging the release of Israeli hostages taken by the Palestinian militants. In a Jan. 17 joint statement, Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego and Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, said the tens of thousands of deaths resulting from the Israel-Hamas war and the risk of wider escalation calls us as Americans to press for a national policy which is focused unswervingly on ending the conflict.
It's preposterous. What do they think is going on here? Israel was attacked by organized terrorists of Hamas in a truly monstrous attack and is defending itself from these mass-murdering terrorists, who say they plan to do it again. Israel actually has the right to defend itself from this group. How do they think it should be done? With a stern warning from the United Nations? Yeah, that'll git 'em. The hard reality is, there is no other way to get rid of Hamas other than the route they are taking. Left unsaid in the bishops' statement is that Israel did send civilians warning to get out of the way and gave them directions on where to go. Not everyone followed them and what happened, happened.
The other annoying omission in the statement is that these people danced in the streets when raped and murdered Israeli women were paraded through their streets. This is the local sentiment and huge parts of the Gaza population -- some freed hostages have reported it's all of them -- are willing collaborators with the hate-filled murderous Hamas regime. They can spare us their tears on that bunch, who got what they got. Next time, don't start a war.
The ceasefire call should have been against Hamas terrorism, not the inevitable Israeli military action that came of it, but they didn't say that.
It's a basic of established Catholic teaching that you can kill if there is absolutely no other way to defend yourself.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia:
Everyone has the right to defend his life against the attacks of an unjust aggressor. For this end he may employ whatever force is necessary and even take the life of an unjust assailant. As bodily integrity is included in the good of life, it may be defended in the same way as life itself. It must be observed, however, that no more injury may be inflicted on the assailant than is necessary to defeat his purpose. If, for example, he can be driven off by a call for help or by inflicting a slight wound on him, he may not lawfully be slain. Again the unjust attack must be actually begun, at least morally speaking, not merely planned or intended for some future time or occasion. Generally speaking one is not bound to preserve ones own life at the expense of the assailants; one may, out of charity, forego ones right in the matter. Sometimes, however, one may be bound to defend ones own life to the utmost on account of ones duty of state or other obligations. The life of another person may be defended on the same conditions by us as our own. For since each person has the right to defend his life unjustly attacked what he can lawfully do through his own efforts he may also do through the agency of others. I
Israel, 1; Leftist bishops, 0.
Now, to their credit, the bishops did call upon the terrorists to release the hostages, and did admit that atrocities had taken place in Israel on October 7.
The massacre of ... innocent Israelis, including children, and the abhorrent victimization of women on Oct. 7 stands as a shocking attack by Hamas upon the most basic principles of human dignity, Cardinal McElroy and Archbishop Wester said in their statement. It absolutely delegitimates any future role for Hamas in the Middle East and underscores the right of Israel to bring to justice all those who carried out this outrage. Moreover, the piercing moral claim of releasing the hostages should be a priority for the whole international community, they said.
This is quite different from what your basic pro-Hamas protestor on the street or various West Bank leaders are claiming, which is that the atrocities never happened and that Hamas wouldn't dream of doing such a thing -- baking a baby in an oven, beheading 10-year-olds, mass raping women, girls and men, burning alive moms and kids tied together in their homes, torturing and mutilating young people at a music festival on a religious holiday. They get a point for not denying what happened against Israeli civilians, though their taking of undoubtedly mendacious Palestinian statistics on civilian deaths is skeevy. These creatures have lied again and again about their statistics so believing them now is kind of credulous.
Their solution leaves much to be desired, too. "Delegitimizes any future role for Hamas in the Middle East"? Again, what do they think is going on? Hamas was elected to office and sits in power by all those supposedly innocent civilians who voted for them over other alternatives. Hamas has lots of legitimacy among the street dancers of Gaza now seeing their apartment blocs blown to bits for storing terrorist weapons and the like. You want to throw them out from power, you need to send the army in, they don't give up power for free, not rich and well-financed terrorists like Hamas who get their arms cash from Iran (and stolen Western aid). The idea that Hamas will gladly give up power after massacring 1,200 innocents because a stern warning letter is sent is ridiculous. They don't know how these beasts work.
The bishops go the Full Pangloss again on Israel's right to address what they did earlier -- "underscores the right of Israel to bring to justice all those who carried out this outrage."
Again, what do they think is going on? They'd like Israel to end its military action against these monsters and issue them a court summons to report to Israeli authorities for justice? They'd like to send process-servers in instead of well-armed soldiers? They know Hamas will be glad to turn themselves in to face Israeli justice just on a stern warning from the United Nations? Doesn't work that way.
What do they think Israel should be doing now that these beasts are running free after their rape-fest and torture-orgy and kill-o-rama with a full promise to do it again? Get the UN involved? Do a 20-year-trial on Hamas as a war criminal? Justice delayed is justice denied. Israel is giving these animals justice with the war they knew they would trigger. They wanted war? They got war. Now they can eat war.
What I think is going on here is that the bishops envision Israeli employing the Chesa Boudin-style model of "justice" -- of letting the bad guys walk free because authorities lack the will to do their jobs. Such things are why blue cities are blue cities, rife with unpunished crime and lots and lots of "injustice." It's made blue cities hellholes and it would make Israel something even worse, given the "morals" and motivations of the insatiable terrorists. That's not justice. To let this crap going on is moral turpitude and contempt for the victims. If they've got a better solution to the warfare Israel has to employ to achieve self-defense, they ought to say it. That they don't suggests that the usual methods out there -- whether from the United Nations or the Soros-backed district attorneys -- are what they want.
Catholic teaching says something different. Maybe the bishops should read about it some time.
Image: Twitter screen shot
Israel is responding to the October 7, 2023 invasion of its country. There are calls for a proportional response on its part vis-a-vis Hamas. The only democracy in the Middle East is now being widely accused of engaging in a disproportionate reaction.
For example, one newspaper headline claims: Turkeys Erdogan calls Israeli response to Hamas in Gaza a massacre. The Turkish president continued: Israels disproportionate attacks on Gaza could put it in global disrepute. According to Irish government minister Thomas Byrne, [t]he attack initiated by Hamas on Saturday was absolutely wrong and Israel is entitled to defend itself but the countrys response needs to be proportionate. Seymour Hersh mentions Israels murderously disproportionate response to the October 7 attack by Hamas.
What would it mean if the IDF were to follow this advice check that: demands to react in a proportionate manner?
If it would mean anything at all, it would that the IDF go house to house and deliberately shoot Palestinian women and children. First, these soldiers rape the former and torture the latter. A beheading of babies in front of their parents would not be at all amiss. Nor should they forgo raping the women in front of their children.
Some Gazan families might be hiding in their homes. What to do upon such occasions? Why, burn them to death, either directly by fire or indirectly by smoke inhalation.
Nor should the Israeli military forget to seize a few hundred hostages. Helpless women, children and the elderly should be their prime targets.
The biblical injunction about a tooth for a tooth seems to be the philosophy underlying this call for proportionality. But this, surely, is insufficient. That would not be fully proportional to the damage inflicted. A steals a car from B. If the punishment is proportional in this sense, all B must do in return when he is caught is return it to A. But wait. There is something amiss in this scenario. If A is apprehended by the police, he is no worse off than before he committed this crime. He must only return Bs vehicle to him, not give him one of his own. If not brought to the bar of justice, B keeps his booty. If he is arrested 50% of the time, the statistically expected value of his depredations is one half of whatever he seizes. This is nothing but a recipe to encourage theft. And it does not sound very proportionate at all.
At the very least, when captured, A must be compelled not only to return one car, Bs, but two of them Bs, to be sure, but also one of equal value of his own. If he has no such possession, then it has to be the monetary value thereof. We thus arrive at two teeth for a tooth.
If we employ this modification, then the Israelis would be entitled to repay not equally, as mentioned above, but twice over all by the same logic of proportionality.
Let us return to A and B. If A, immediately after his theft, turned himself into the police, apologized to B, and returned his car to him, plus one of his own, that would settle the matter at least in terms of who owes what to whom. Then two teeth for a tooth would be sufficient. However, if A successfully hides out for five years, brags about his theft to his cronies, gives candy to children to celebrate it, and it takes this amount of time for the police to detain him, and Bs car has been driven into the ground by that time, who is to pay, as a matter of justice, for these additional expenses and injustices? Why, A, of course.
How do Hamas stack up on the basis of these considerations? Not too well. Have they apologized for their invasion? To ask this question is to answer it. The very opposite is the case. They have exulted in their past invasion and have promised more of the same not to mention the widespread destruction, murder, rape, torture, and massive rocket-launching. Have they returned their Jewish hostages? Only a few, out of some more than 200 hapless prisoners.
If those who speak of proportionality would follow the implications of their request to its logical conclusion, they would soon find out that it would have been better to stay silent. True proportionality in this context amounts to revenge on a horrendous scale. The Israelis are now entitled to quite a bit more than merely two teeth for a tooth, according to the principle of proportionality.
But in reality, Israel should not and in fact does not seek revenge, nor should it look for proportionality in the above sense. Only justice. In other words, the only sense in which the term proportionality makes sense in this context is that a country should be entitled to respond in proportion to the threat it faces, to end it. The only proportional response is to end the threat Hamas represents to Israels citizens, not to engage in the sort of mass murder that only monsters such as Hamas assassins could and did in fact commit.
What those who ask for proportionality are really demanding for is deliberate Israeli weakness and therefore suicide. Implicitly, it is a claim that Israeli lives are worth less than others, for being Israeli. There are no calls for proportionality to Hamas murderers.
What does justice demand, then? Destroying Hamas for good. That is the only commensurate response in proportion to its threat.
Block and Futerman are co-authors of The Classical Liberal Case for Israel, with commentary by Benjamin Netanyahu. Springer Publishing Company.
Image via Pxfuel.
Joe Biden has never run a businessunless the family business of collecting kickbacks countsbut he wants to micromanage the capitalist economy.
Now, he wants to dictate that banks can only charge $3 (maximum) for overdraft fees because customers are overburdened and living paycheck-to-paycheck. See below, from Yahoo News:
Overdraft fees could drop to as low as $3 under new Biden proposal The cost to overdraw a bank account could drop to as little as $3 under a proposal announced by the White House, the latest effort by the Biden administration to combat fees it says pose an unnecessary burden on American consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck.
Maybe he should put a regulation in that says Starbucks and every other coffee seller can charge no more than $3 because it burdens people.
Ive got a few ideas for things Biden should do, instead of this.
He should ditch the green agenda, because seeking to destroy companies that produce reasonably priced energy only yields higher energy prices, which burden everyone. He should also enforce the border, because flooding the economy with millions of extra people each year burdens everyone with higher costs. Bidens policies especially harm the poor and middle classes, which are comprised of the people living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Maybe Biden should tell all government agencies throughout the country to stop collecting taxes and nuisance fees from those who are living paycheck-to-paycheck, because that is a burden.
This is just another vote-buying scheme.
First, Biden tried to buy the votes of student loan borrowers by dictatorially writing off hundreds of billions because they were burdened.
Now he wants to buy the votes of people who spend more than what they have.
If they overdraft by $100, should the bank only charge $3? What about $500? Or $1,000? Is there any limit? How many federal bureaucrats, regulators, do they want to hire to make sure the banks behave?
People who are short of money would have little incentive to not write bad checks if the charge were no more than $3.
It is a crime to write bad checks; it is just like robbing a bank, retailer, person, or government. Should the government encourage people to break the law?
Of course, Biden has never had to worry about coming up short to pay government bills, or even his personal ones; he could always go to one of Hunter's slush funds.
If Hunter came up short, he could go collect another kickback, go to his sugar daddy lawyer who was always willing to give millions to cover taxes or anything else, raid his daughters college fund, or he could sell art to Democrat donors.
If Fani Willis wanted to go on expensive trips, she could just siphon off taxpayer funds and funnel it to her boyfriend. As far as I can tell no one is prosecuting her for this pure corruption.
If Bernie Sanders and other politicians dont have money to pay their bills, they can just raid their campaign accounts. See here:
Bernie Sanders wired $200K in campaign money to family nonprofit Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) campaign committee wired $200,000 earlier this year to a nonprofit established by his wife and stepson, filings show.
And here:
The Sanders and Biden Families Have Been Cashing In for Years Joe Biden likes to say he was the poorest man in the Senate. Bernie Sanders rails against the establishment. But family members have long benefited from the Democratic front-runners political careers.
Although it is illegal, few get prosecuted for this pure corruption.
Politicians believe they are special! House members used to be allowed to overdraft their accounts at their special bank with no penalties, so many of them probably do think banks shouldnt charge people. Remember this?
The House banking scandal broke in early 1992, when it was revealed that the US House of Representatives allowed its members to overdraw their House checking accounts without the risk of being penalized by the House bank, which was actually a clearinghouse. The scandal also sometimes known as Rubbergate (from the expressions rubber check (bounced check) and Watergate), but the term is misleading because House checks did not bounce but were honored because the House Bank provided overdraft protection to its account holders, and the Office of the Sergeant at Arms covered the House Bank with no penalties. It is also sometimes known as the check-kiting scandal.
The choice is easy. Vote for Biden, who wants a powerful government with more money and power for itself, and to control over every aspect of our lives, while not caring about who comes into the country illegally.
Or elect Trump who wants to give more power, money, and freedom back to the American people.
Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required.
You cannot take any people, of any color, and exempt them from the requirements of civilizationincluding work, behavioral standards, personal responsibility and all the other basic things that the clever intelligentsia disdainwithout ruinous consequences to them and to society at large. Thomas Sowell
...Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent... Adam Smith
Ive remained silent for a while now, not knowing what to say or how to sort the many threads. Perhaps Im slow, but I finally had at least a minor aha moment. I know its all fundamentally about money and power. Isnt it always? But the salient question is always who this evil benefits. The one thing I know for sure is that its not independent communities and the local free market.
Its human nature to want the world around us to make sense. We try to find common ground, but see erstwhile stable institutions, once employed to maintain safety and order, failing. Our stable society is dissolving into a million stratified fragments, all promoted by adherents to the twin idiocies of DEI and CRT. Overwhelmed, we see little choice but to retreat, hide, and live in our mental bunkers.
This is purposeful. If we remain stunned into silence and perceive it to be dangerous to speak up, its easier to destroy everything we hold dear and, yes, fundamentally change Americainto a miserable, third-world dictatorship where the woke few live like kings, and the rest suffer.
Think about how we shop for what we need. In the Bay Area, you cant find what youre looking for in a store locally because shoplifting and street crime have decimated retail business so that empty storefronts abut stores with nearly empty shelves. The choice between wasting expensive gas hunting for this or that item and risking assault while youre out versus online shoppingits simple.
Image: San Franciscos deserted downtown shopping district. YouTube screen grab.
Go conveniently to Amazon. Theyve got the goods, plenty of choices, and theyll get them to you so very fast! So fast other online retailers cant compete. Returns are equally easyno jockeying with customer service for authorization and label, no lining up at the post office. Just drop it off next time you get groceries. I cant count the times Ive tried to buy directly from other online retailers only to fall back on Amazon because its just that much easier and cheaper.
How did we get here? Id argue that it was the result of deliberate Democrat policies. In Democrat-run enclaves, we have District Attorneys who dont charge criminals and legislatures that do away with cash bail. It mocks justice. Moreover, the worst of these DAs were selected, financed, and elected by the Soros/WEF crowd, so they are controlled wholly by forces outside the community. They push a DEI model of crime where the poor perp is always the wronged person. If you defend yourself, your store, your property, your body, and your possessions, you risk being charged with a crimeagainst an under-represented minority.
Ergo, shoplifting, mugging, and violent crimes against the citizens are condoned, even quietly encouraged. There are no penalties, reallyin California, under $950 stolen is not even considered for prosecution. Weve had wandering thug-gangs mercilessly attack old ladies on the street and get no-bail release. Youths, of course.
Police are scared to be accused of a crime if they enforce the law. In Oakland, California, there hasnt even been a police chief since the far-left mayor, Sheng Thao, fired him right after she was elected, so almost a year now. Businesses are fed up, so theres a strong recall effort against her and her crony, Pamela Price, the Alameda County DA.
But for many businesspeople, that success is going to be too late. Store closings are the norm. So are restaurant closings because who wants to go out and, while you enjoy your (increasingly expensive) dinner, have your car window get smashed in a robbery? But thats the norm today, too.
The sweet little mom-and-pop Thai restaurant we used to frequentwhose owners saved for years to openlost everything when thieves stole a car, drove it through the front of the building, destroying most of the restaurant, and took everything they could find. Sadly, Im betting that rampage didnt even net them much, other than the thrill of destroying completely someones hard work and livelihood.
You cant even carry a purse around here. Its like a sweet invitation to the thieves. I dont carry cash, either. I use my phone (and its an old model, just like my car, because I dont want anyone paying attention to me). Apple has made it very easy to pay for stuff. Any chance you caught Dennis Quaids piece on Tucker about how easily the grid can get fried? I realize that not being able to pay with my phone would be the least of the problems if that happened, but yikes!
As for our new way of shopping, what happens when the inevitable drivers strike is mounted? That future sees delivery drivers unionize (apparently some are already) and, when the time is just right, go on strikenow what?
Its kind of like all the little dominoes falling in sequence to fundamentally change the way we live our lives. Such progress!
What would we be left with? Empty shelves in the remaining stores that limp along trying to survive, no delivery, then total paralysis? Your government will be glad to rescue you, Im sure
First, it was the accusations of agents whipping migrants. Now, were accusing Texas of letting migrants drown. Whats wrong with both stories? They are false. Yes, false, like it did not happen. Lets update the situation:
The Biden administration, in a new filing to the Supreme Court, has admitted that three migrants who drowned last week died long before Border Patrol agents sought access to the Shelby Park area from Texas officials after the administration had blasted the Lone Star state over the incident. So once again, the truth prevails but after a lie goes around and around.
The Dallas Morning Newss editorial makes a good point:
The drownings of three migrants, including two children, as they attempted to cross the Rio Grande is a tragedy in itself. Its made all the worse by the finger-pointing and what turns out to have been a false accusation from federal authorities that the Texas Military Department could have prevented it. The statement that Border Patrol officials made about Texas only undermines already broken trust about the way the border is being managed. And it speaks to the consequences of a lack of cooperation between federal and state authorities.
I would add a couple of points:
First, this is what happens when people think that crossing the river gets them into the U.S. Who is responsible for sending that message? The Oval Office, simply put.
Secondly, the Biden administration is obsessed with fighting Texas, rather than enforcing the immigration laws, or treating the border like a border.
So people drown, because thats what happens when people try to cross a river.
Wonder if the White House will apologize to Texas? Probably not.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.
Image generated by AI.
What kind of dictator-wannabes are turning up at Davos these days?
It shouldn't be surprising that one of them is European Union Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, a German bureaucrat with big ambitions for what you are to be allowed to read.
According to UnHerd:
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today declared that misinformation and disinformation are greater threats to the global business community than war and climate change. For the global business community, the top concern for the next two years is not conflict or climate, she said in her speech at the World Economic Forums annual meeting in Davos. It is disinformation and misinformation, followed closely by polarisation within our societies. The solution, according to von der Leyen, is for businesses and governments to collaborate to quash disinformation. Many of the solutions lie not only in countries working together but, crucially, on businesses and governments, businesses and democracies working together, she said. While governments hold many of the levers to deal with the great challenges of our time, business have [sic] the innovation, the technology, the talents to deliver the solutions we need to fight threats like climate change or industrial-scale disinformation.
She didn't say what that disinformation she's so upset about might be, but a good guess might just be in her history as a German bureaucrat, making secret phone calls with pharmaceutical companies and then lying about it when Germans filed the equivalent of Freedom of Information Act inquiries trying to find out just what she was up to.
According to her Wikipedia page, which cites sources:
In April 2021, The New York Times reported that von der Leyen had exchanged electronic correspondence with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla negotiating terms of sale of the COVID-19 vaccine to the EU.[169] Emily O'Reilly, the European Ombudsman, accused von der Leyen of "maladministration" for failure to disclose that correspondence upon a FOI request, and for claiming that the messages had disappeared, and for further claiming that the vaccine line item of the EU's budget was confidential.[170][171] von der Leyen took a personal role in negotiating the largest vaccine deal for the EU. If fully exercised, the deal is estimated to be worth around 35 billion and would cover the purchase of 900 million doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with an additional 900 million doses available for purchase. Millions of COVID vaccines are currently unused and awaiting disposal in warehouses throughout the EU. Negotiators are trying to persuade Pfizer to make a compromise in order to halt or cancel some of those deliveries, with little success.[172]
So yeah, she's been in bed with Big Pharma over the COVID vaccines for awhile, dishonestly hiding her role, which is very much in character given that Wikipedia also cited sources pointing out that she plagiarized her medical thesis and critics said she got away with it through political connections.
Naturally, she responds to European hesitancy towards inadequately tested vaccines in a very German way:
In December 2021 the former doctor expressed her concern that one-third of the European population still are not vaccinated. She said that "EU nations should open a debate around making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory because too many people still refuse to get shots voluntarily."[168]
Opening a debate, not on whether the vaccine is any good, which is what is driving the public's vaccine "hesitancy," but on how to force the questionable product onto unwilling people whether they like it or not. That's what passes for 'debate' in her mind.
Should it surprise anyone that now she wants to control which information you are allowed to read?
Turns out there's a recent report on RealClearInvestigations by Lee Fang about how Moderna, one of the Big Pharma COVID vaccine makers, had a big operation going about how to shut down Twitter tweets from various critics of their vaccine and their corporate profits. The claimed they were just shutting down "disinformation" but they were a flaming censorship operation of frankly questionable legality.
They got respected doctors such as Stanford University's Jay Bhattacharya shadowbanned after he cited a study on COVID vaccines for kids that Moderna didn't like. They also worked to censor the speech of major investigative journalists such as Alex Berenson and Michael Shellenberger, for reporting things that went against their "narrative."
According to Fang's report at RealClearInvestigations:
A series of internal company reports and communications reviewed by RealClearInvestigations show that Moderna has worked with former law enforcement and public health officials and a drug industry-funded non-governmental organization called The Public Good Projects (PGP) to confront the root cause of vaccine hesitancy by rapidly identifying and shutting down misinformation. Part of this effort includes providing talking points to some 45,000 healthcare professionals on how to respond when vaccine misinformation goes mainstream. PGP and Moderna have created a new partnership, called the Infodemic Training Program, to prepare health care workers to respond to alleged vaccine-related misinformation. The company has also used artificial intelligence to monitor millions of global online conversations to shape the contours of vaccine-related discussion. The internal files -- shorthanded here as the Moderna Reports -- show high-profile vaccine critics were closely monitored, particularly skeptics in independent media, including Michael Shellenberger, Russell Brand , and Alex Berenson. PGP, which was funded by a $1,275,000 donation from the Biotechnology and Innovation Organization, a lobby group representing Pfizer and Moderna, has identified alleged vaccine misinformation and helped facilitate the removal of content from Twitter, among other social media platforms, throughout 2021 and 2022.
They also "flagged" Robert Kennedy, Jr., successfully getting Twitter's gnomes to do their dirty work to silence him. They "flagged" former Fox News host Megan Kelly after she tweeted that she regretted getting her COVID boosters. The gamy details of that report are hideous examples of violations of the First Amendment and corporate malfeasance.
As for this von der Leyen speech being delivered on the floor of the World Economic Forum WEF), it's fairly ominous as it suggests a political-corporatist machine turning to shut down free speech globally with Ursula the Davos Witch the perfect instrument for this mission.
As Olivia Murray noted from her January 15 blog on the WEF, they have claimed that "disinformation" is their primary concern, even moreso than global warming, which is their usual default position.
According to von der Leyen's Wikipedia page, von der Leyen has been a member of the Board of Trustes of the World Economic Forum since 2016. She wasn't just some wild character at the Davos forum talking out of turn.
She in fact was highly involved in a lot of this corporate-state conniving with Big Pharma in the past in some of her previous bureaucratic work.
But whether it's global warming or 'disinformation' or whatever beauty-queen world-peace cause they claim to champion this year, the aim is anything but beautiful. In fact it's exactly the same no matter what they pick -- to separate free people from their rights and power -- whether it is in forcing them to eat bugs, which was big at their conference about a year ago, or in depriving them of their rights to free speech. They want power for themselves by taking power from you, and they'll latch onto any issue they can think of to get it.
Image: The White House, via Wikipedia (cropped) // public domain
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday appointed the assistant prosecutor general as the new vice justice minister, his office said.
Sim Woo-jung, a prosecutor who has previously worked in various departments of the justice ministry, was appointed to replace Lee Noh-kong as vice minister, the presidential office said.
Lee reportedly tendered her resignation after struggling under a heavy workload. She was considered a strong candidate to replace Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon following his resignation to become interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), but reportedly declined the offer. (Yonhap)
The photos you take using social media apps have never really stacked up to what you can take with your native camera app. This is because social media apps dont typically have access to all of your camera sensors and features. Well, thanks to a new partnership, using Instagram and Snapchat on the Galaxy S24 is going to be pretty next-level.
In case you didnt know, Samsung just announced the new Galaxy S24 phones, and they come with some nice AI features. Heres a rundown of all the AI features the company announced for this phone. If youre curious about these phones, check out our Galaxy S24/S24+ preview and our Galaxy S24 Ultra preview.
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Sick of reading about them and ready to get your hands on one? Check out the links below. If you use one of these links, then youll get $50 off of your order.
Pre-order the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pre-order the Galaxy S24/S24+
Using Instagram and Snapchat on the Galaxy S24 will be amazing
Instagram and Snapchat are known for their amazing social media experiences, not for their photo quality. No matter how great your phones camera is, youre still limited by the software and image processing of these apps. The quality is good enough to get the job done, but you wont be impressing anyone with the quality.
However, Samsung partnered with Instagram and Snap so that these apps can use more of the S24s camera features. These apps will have access to the Nightography mode. This will allow them to take much better photos in low-light environments. So, graming your food in a dimly lit bar wont be an issue.
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Next up, all of your photos will look much better and well-balanced with access to Super HDR mode. This will make all of your posts look much higher quality. Lastly, these apps will gain access to video stabilization. So, no more shaky videos on your video feed. If you want this feature to work, youll need to enable video stabilization in the native camera app.
Aside from the camera features, youll be able to create Instagram Stories directly from motion photos. This shows that Samsung is looking to tightly integrate the Galaxy S24 phones with the social media experience.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently spoke about the companys collaboration with OpenAI in an interview with Bloomberg. Sharing his views on the partnership with the non-profit organization, Nadella talked about the importance of stability, consistency, and good governance over OpenAI.
Notably, Microsoft is the largest investor in OpenAI, with a substantial $13 billion investment in the organization.
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Microsoft CEO talks about the commitment to even deeper collaboration with OpenAI for future
According to the CEO, Microsoft believes in the structure of its business partner in question but also sees the importance of a board controlling the operations. However, despite being the primary investor, Nadella clarified that Microsoft does not seek any kind of increased control over OpenAI and is not pushing for a seat on the organizations board.
In the interview, Nadella noted that they have integrated OpenAIs technology into Microsofts entire product line. This includes the newly released Copilot Pro, which the company has integrated into its Office applications.
It demonstrates the depth of collaboration between the two entities and Nadella further hinted about the companys vision for even deeper integrations in the future.
Nadella also talks about Microsofts independent AI research
Nadella assured that Microsoft while benefiting from the partnership, maintains independence in its AI research endeavors. Its not like we are single-threaded Nadella said We care deeply about having the best frontier model, which happens to be, for example, today, GPT-4. But we also have mixed reality as a model inside Azure.
He also mentions Llama and PIE (Partner Investment Engine) highlighting Microsofts independent AI research.
Looking to the future, Nadella identified opportunities for Microsoft in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, specifically in new interfaces and application models. Expressing interest in participating in hardware leveraging AI technologies, Nadella highlighted Microsofts strategic focus on upcoming developments in the AI field.
This signals Microsofts commitment to staying at the forefront of AI innovation and its recognition of the transformative potential that AI technologies offer across various industries.
Generative AI is still relatively new compared to much of the tech running our world. So, its potential wide-reaching effects are still an enigma. This is why we dont want it around any major governmental bodies Anyway, OpenAI just signed a contract with a major governmental body. According to sources, OpenAI signed a contract with the US Department of Defense (DOD).
The OpenAI DOD contract isnt as scary as it sounds
However, you can stop looking up How to build a nuclear bunker on Google. The government isnt putting ChatGPT in charge of the nations military or any big missiles. Its going to be used for cybersecurity reasons. We dont know what software the DOD is going to be using, exactly. Were not sure if its going to be using GPT-4 or if OpenAI is going to develop a specialized model for these uses.
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In any case, the contract is to help boost the countrys cybersecurity. OpenAI will lend its software to help develop open-source cybersecurity tools. So, no missiles, fortunately. Also, this technology is going to be used to participate in the DARPA AI Cyber Challenge. This is an ongoing competition for computer scientists, AI researchers, developers, ETC. to help develop powerful cybersecurity tools and patch critical vulnerabilities. With OpenAIs powerful AI tools, were sure that its going to be a formidable contender.
Should you be worried?
Well, were still at the very beginning of AIs involvement in government affairs, so this remains to be seen. The government is only using these tools to help develop cybersecurity tools, so it wont be in charge of anything. All of the major decisions will be made by human beings.
However, the issue is that AI technology isnt 100% reliable just yet. Theres still the chance of AI hallucinations. As much as companies try to reduce this phenomenon, it still happens. Thats not as bad if it hallucinates while generating a recipe or a book report, but its terrible if the nations cybersecurity is at stake. This is something that well have to wait to see.
Google is reportedly working on a new option for Google Pixel users to customize the default search engine on its Pixel Launcher. Regulators in various countries have urged Google to let users choose their Android search engine, and this new development may extend that choice to Pixel home screens. A recent build of the Pixel Launcher app in Android 14 QPR2 Beta 3 reveals a hidden option labeled Search Engine.
Details are scarce and Google has not officially confirmed the feature. However, it suggests a potential shift toward allowing users to set third-party search engines as defaults.
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The Pixel Launchers search engine customization option is currently in the developmental stage. Additionally, Google has not provided any information on when or if it will introduce the said ability to Pixel phones. The description accompanying the hidden option reads, Select the app youll use to search the web. This will affect search and content on your home screen.
If implemented, users could choose alternatives like Bing instead of being restricted to Google Search on their home screens.
A response to the ongoing antitrust challenges that Google is facing?
The speculated customization option may be a response to the ongoing antitrust challenges Google faces, with accusations of monopolistic practices. Regulators, including the US Justice Department and state attorneys general, allege that Googles dominance in the search engine market creates a monopoly, limiting users ability to explore alternative options. Googles control over Android has been a focal point in these debates.
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Any potential changes to the Pixel Launcher could have implications for the appearance and functionality of the search bar widget on the home screen.
Google Search is unlikely to lose a considerable portion of its Android users anyway
Google, as the dominant search engine, is likely to remain the go-to choice for most of the users. Over the years Google has put a lot of effort into providing a seamless search experience.
The ability to set another search engine as default in the Pixel Launcher could be a welcome change. However, this addition alone is unlikely to make a difference for the search giant.
An opposition lawmaker who attended an official ceremony with President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday was carried out by presidential security agents after what Yoon's office described as shouting and pulling on the president's hand.
Rep. Kang Sung-hee of the minor progressive Jinbo Party was among the attendees at a ceremony launching North Jeolla Province as a special self-governing province at the Sori Arts Center in Jeonju, 192 kilometers south of Seoul, and shook hands with the president as he entered the venue.
Video circulating online showed the lawmaker kicking and screaming as he was then carried out by several agents of the Presidential Security Service.
Kang later said at a press conference he was simply asking Yoon to "change the principle of state affairs" as the people would otherwise be unhappy.
"The presidential security agents lifted my arms and legs, and dragged me out," he said. "I couldn't speak because my mouth was gagged. My glasses were also taken away."
A presidential official, however, offered a different account of the incident, saying the lawmaker shouted and would not let go of Yoon's hand.
"The security service warned him to let go and even after the president had passed by, he continued to shout in a loud voice and disturb the event," the official told reporters.
"This was naturally a situation that could be considered a security hazard, and that is why Rep. Kang Sung-hee was forced to leave," the official added, accusing him of "crossing a line that shouldn't be crossed." (Yonhap)
A pesticide that is lethally toxic to bees has been approved for emergency use in the UK for a fourth year in a row, sparking anger from environmental groups who described it as a death blow to the pollinating insects.
The Government said the neonicotinoid can be used on sugar beet because of a danger that cannot be contained by any other reasonable means.
Farmers use the pesticide to kill aphids that can spread the beet yellow virus and the Government said it wants to protect their livelihoods.
Thiamethoxam was banned in the UK and EU in 2018 and environmental groups have accused the Government of falling behind on aims to reduce pesticides by allowing its continued use.
The Government said there will be restrictions in place limiting its use and that allowing it is necessary to protect the British sugar industry.
Farming minister Mark Spencer said: We recognise the damaging impact that an outbreak of beet yellow virus could have on farmer livelihoods. We therefore regard issuing an emergency authorisation as a necessary and proportionate measure.
The product can only be used if a threshold is met, and its use will be strictly controlled. This decision is based on robust scientific assessment and the risks have been evaluated very carefully.
The Government said sugar beet supports 10,000 jobs and the virus can reduce crops by 50%, with a quarter of the national crop lost in 2020 to the virus at a cost of 67 million.
Barnaby Coupe, land use policy manager at The Wildlife Trusts, said: The farming ministers decision to authorise the use of a banned neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet for the fourth year in a row is a death blow for wildlife, a backwards step in evidence-based decision making, and a betrayal of farmers who are producing food sustainably.
The Wildlife Trusts are deeply disappointed that this decision ignores a third of sugar beet farmers in England who chose not to use this chemical in previous years, and who will now be actively disadvantaged this year.
It is entirely possible to produce food in a way that helps rather than harms nature and UK farmers know that the use of this chemical is not a long-term solution.
Conservationists are incensed at the Government for approving the pesticide on the same day that the Office for Environmental Protection found it to be largely off track in achieving its targets to improve the natural environment.
Bees and other pollinating insects are vital for the reproduction of many plant species and their demise would make it much more difficult for people to grow crops.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: On the day its own advisers warn that the UK is off track to meet environment targets, and highlights farming pollution as a major issue, the Government has granted sugar beet farms the right to use a banned bee-killing pesticide for a fourth year.
This decision flies in the face of ecological sense. These pesticides are banned for a reason, they are a risk to our wildlife and to human health.
Industry promised to find replacements, and Government promised better environmental protections. But what were getting is delays and yet more broken promises that leave the UK increasingly falling behind on pesticide action.
More diplomatic approaches needed to ease tensions
In a strongly-worded statement, North Korea is heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula by issuing threats to occupy South Korea in the event of a war. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has directed the removal of expressions such as "peaceful unification and grand national integration" from the Constitution. Instead, he emphasized the necessity of officially designating the South as the "primary foe." Kim was quoted on Tuesday by the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), stating, "The republic will firmly retaliate against our enemies by mobilizing all available military forces, including nuclear weapons."
In a speech at the 10th session of the 14th Supreme Peoples Assembly (SPA) held on Monday, Kim even vowed to abolish existing inter-Korean agreements and relevant monuments and facilities. He also defined the South as an invariable warring enemy, signifying a total turnaround in inter-Korean relations. Kims statement is regrettable as it rejects all hitherto efforts designed to boost reunification and peace in Northeast Asia.
As the New Year unfolds, North Korea has initiated military provocations, firing artillery shells into the West Sea and purportedly launching a supersonic ballistic missile. This recent shift signals a comprehensive change in policies towards South Korea. In response, South Korea, the United States, and Japan conducted a joint naval exercise from Monday to Wednesday, deploying the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and nine warships in waters south of Jeju Island.
North Korea's ongoing efforts coincide with its continuous campaigns to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, targeting both South Korea and the United States. Additionally, Pyongyang has found support in recent military agreements with Moscow, where it sought advanced military technologies in exchange for supplying ammunition and weapons to Russia.
Rep. Tae Yong-ho of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) said in an interview with a local daily that North Korea's recent actions stem from a growing sense of "instability." The North has reportedly transported significant quantities of weapons and ammunition to outside forces such as Russia, Hamas, and the Houthi rebels. The North harbors concerns over a possible invasion by South Korea and the U.S. taking advantage of the situation (a shortage of military forces faced by the North), he said.
North Korea's attempts to eliminate references to "unification" and "homogeneous people" evoke memories of former East Germany's rejection of potential German reunification. Similarly, East Germany removed provisions related to unification from its constitution and imposed restrictions on singing the national anthem that advocated reunification. Notably, East Germany even avoided using the term "Deutschland" (Germany). In contrast, West Germany persistently pursued and ultimately accomplished reunification.
President Yoon Suk Yeol sternly responded vowing multiple retaliations against possible military provocations by the North. Yet, ominously enough, Kim said he would no longer acknowledge the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea. The North has deemed the NLL as illegal, rejecting its status as a maritime border. The NLL and its surrounding areas have been the backdrop for numerous military conflicts in the past.
Yoon also dismissed Kim's remarks as an attempt to sow division among the people in the South and generate a sense of crisis. While it is understandable for the Yoon administration to take a strong stance against potential military provocations from the North, relying solely on confrontational approaches may not be suitable for both the South and North. The North seems poised to increase its leverage in the lead-up to the April 10 general elections in South Korea and the U.S. presidential election in November.
Relations between Pyongyang and Moscow are displaying signs of warming, as Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly considering a visit to North Korea. It is crucial to bolster cooperative ties with the U.S. and Japan to deter potential North Korean provocations. Simultaneously, opening channels for dialogue with North Korea is essential. Proactive diplomatic engagement is needed to effectively communicate with Russia and China, both significant supporters of North Korea, and persuade them to contribute to our peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
Bridgertons Charithra Chandran will make her West End debut in one-woman show Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon.
The 27-year-old actress is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in season two of the hit Netflix Regency-era drama.
On Thursday, Katy Galloway Productions announced Chandran will star in the play at the Garrick Theatre in London for a six-week run from March 17 to April 28.
Charithra Chandran will appear in the West End (Yui Mok/PA)
The 75-minute play follows a 17-year-old girl after the untimely death of her sister.
It is written by Rosie Day and her debut book of the same title was published by Hachette in 2021.
Writer, author and actress Day first presented the show at Southwark Playhouse in 2023.
This version of the show is directed by Georgie Straight who was an associate director for the UK tour of Dawn French Is A Huge Tw*t and Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre.
The cast and crew of Bridgerton season two (Yui Mok/PA)
Chandran has acting credits in TV spy series Alex Rider and 2021 Marvel film Eternals and she will next be seen in the upcoming romantic comedy How To Date Billy Walsh, starring alongside British actors Nick Frost and Lucy Punch.
The actress is also a global ambassador for Room To Read, a charity committed to tackling illiteracy and gender inequality.
Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon will open on March 17 and tickets, which start from 25, will be available to purchase from January 19.
British actor-turned-musician Damian Lewis has announced he will be embarking on a tour in March ahead of the release of a new album.
The 52-year-old London-born actor, who starred in the TV series Homeland and 2019 comedy film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, has turned his hand to music in recent years.
He released his debut album Mission Creep last year and will embark on a new set of tour dates, starting with a show in East Sussex at the Trading Boundaries on Friday March 8.
Damian Lewis released his debut album, Mission Creep, in 2023
Discussing the tour, Lewis said: Dry January at home? Youll be itching for some live music by March. Im here to help.
Me and the band are hitting the road again in March for The Mission Creep Tour Part 2. Cant wait. Come!
Lewis also revealed that plans are underway to release a second album this year.
He said: Ill be playing my album Mission Creep, sure, but also sneaking in songs from my second album, which will be out later this year.
Thats right: new year, new pants, new songs. See you there.
Lewiss eight-date tour includes shows at Southends Palace Theatre, Watfords Palace Theatre, Oxfords Academy 2, Strouds The Sub Rooms, Lighthouse Poole, Norwichs Epic Studios and The Junction in Cambridge.
The actor toured the UK following the release of his debut album in June and has played at festivals including Wilderness in Oxfordshire and Black Deer Festival in Kent.
Lewis wrote all of the original songs in Mission Creep during the first Covid-19 lockdown before he presented them to his friend and jazz musician Giacomo Smith, who offered to produce the album.
Damian Lewis will embark on an eigh-date tour in March (Rhys Frampton/PA)
The pair then worked to put a band together and Smith introduced Lewis to musicians, some of whom had played with him in the Kansas Smittys House Band.
Mission Creep peaked at number 38 in the UKs albums chart, following its release, according to the Official Charts Company.
Lewis won an Emmy and Golden Globe in his role as Nicholas Brody in the drama Homeland, which premiered in 2011 and starred Claire Danes and Rupert Friend.
He has also featured in TV mini series Wolf Hall (2015), adapted from Hilary Mantels book trilogy, action film The Sweeney (2012) and a remake of Shakespeares famous love story Romeo And Juliet (2013).
In 2021 his wife, actress Helen McCrory, best known for playing powerful women such as Shelby family matriarch Aunt Polly in the BBC gang drama Peaky Blinders, died from cancer at the age of 52.
The couple wed in 2007 and share a daughter, Manon, born in 2006, and a son, Gulliver, born in 2007.
Tickets for Damian Lewis tour dates are on sale now, available to purchase from the respective venues.
Donald Glover has said he talked with Brad Pitt when creating the TV series remake of Mr & Mrs Smith but wanted to make the characters everyman figures this time.
Hollywood actor Pitt and Angelina Jolie starred in the hit 2005 action comedy which sees a bored married couple discover they are assassins hired by competing agencies to kill each other.
Singer and actor Glover co-created the new Prime Video version which offers a different spin on the story, as well as taking on Pitts character John Smith.
Speaking at the films premiere in London, Glover joked to the PA news agency: Im just like Brad Pitt, just like him, I think he would say that too.
He added: I actually got to talk to him about it.
I just wanted to make a character that felt like everyman, its on purpose their names are John and Jane, you kind of put the character on them.
I wanted to make somebody that other dudes could watch and relate to because I feel like the entire series is just about relationships, at the end of the day.
Glover stars opposite Maya Erskine, who plays his wife Jane.
The series will follow two strangers who land jobs at a spy agency that offers them a life of espionage, wealth and travel but the catch is that they will have new identities in an arranged marriage.
Reflecting on how they balanced the comedy and action in the show, Glover said: We tried really hard to make all the jokes really just stuff that actually would happen in a relationship.
And then all the action the mix of the extraordinary and the ordinary, that was most of the time with us, we were just trying to make it something that was relatable.
Glover, who is known as Childish Gambino in the music world, also revealed that he is not sure when he will release new music.
He said: Man, I wish I knew. I really do. If I knew I would tell you right now, but I dont. Im just making stuff right now.
He released his last album, 3.15.20, in 2020 and was featured on an EP titled Swarm with NiJah and Kirby last year.
The number of flu patients in hospital in England has fallen for the first time this winter, suggesting the recent rise in infections may be levelling off.
Covid-19 patient numbers have also dipped, with data indicating the virus has become less prevalent among the wider population since Christmas.
Health chiefs warned the NHS is still facing a challenging winter thanks to the knock-on effects of strikes by junior doctors, while the current cold snap could see a jump in people needing care.
(PA Graphics)
An average of 1,416 patients were in hospital each day last week with flu, including 81 in critical care beds, according to NHS England.
The total is down 9% from 1,548 in the previous week, which was the highest so far this season.
Levels are well below those seen last winter, when more than 5,000 people were in hospital with the virus and the UK was in the middle of its worst flu outbreak for a decade.
The number of hospital patients testing positive for Covid-19 has shown a similar drop, with an average of 3,949 each day in the week to January 14.
This is down 7% from the previous weeks total of 4,235, which again was the highest so far this winter.
Norovirus levels have risen slightly for the second week in a row but are still below the peak reached in the run-up to Christmas.
(PA Graphics)
An average of 452 adult hospital beds were filled last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.
This is up 7% week-on-week from 423 beds, though below the average of 566 beds in the week to December 17.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England national medical director, said staff are still facing a challenging winter due to a combination of considerable pressures including winter viruses, high bed occupancy and the knock-on effects from strikes, while this weeks cold snap could see a jump in the number of people needing care.
He added: Staff must also contend with continued issues discharging patients who are medically fit due to a lack of social care capacity and a year-on-year increase in ambulances arriving at hospitals.
But there are reasons for optimism, with the hard work of staff paying off to reduce ambulance handover delays, and almost three quarters of 111 calls being answered within a minute which is all crucial in ensuring people get the help they need as quickly as possible.
A total of 26% of hospital patients in England arriving by ambulance in the week to January 14 had to wait more than half an hour to be handed over to A&E teams.
(PA Graphics)
This is down from 31% the previous week but is higher than the equivalent figure for this point last year (23%).
Some 9% of patients had to wait more than an hour to be handed over, down from 13% the previous week and the same figure at this stage in 2023.
The latest NHS performance figures also show that an average of 13,637 hospital beds per day last week were occupied by people ready to be discharged, up from 12,459 in the previous week and the highest average so far this winter.
Some 42% of patients ready to leave hospital last week were actually discharged each day, down slightly from 43% the previous week.
Rory Deighton, acute network director at the NHS Confederation, the membership organisation for the healthcare system, welcomed the drop in flu numbers and improvement in ambulance delays, but cautioned it is too early to say the NHS is over the hill, pointing to high levels of bed occupancy and the delays in discharging fit patients.
It is testament to the incredible planning and concerted focus on emergency services that the health service did not buckle in the face of some of the toughest weeks it has ever faced due to the combination of winter pressures and industrial action, he added.
(PA Graphics)
Our members are under no illusions that there is a long way to go to drive performance up to where we all want it to be.
As well as the continued pressure of winter and the risk that the current cold snap could see a spike in demand, trusts also need to rebook the thousands of patients whose operations were cancelled due to industrial action.
Any further spike in demand or wave of industrial action could further throw this recovery further off course.
Separate data published on Thursday shows that 2.3% of people in private households in England and Scotland are likely to have tested positive for Covid-19 on January 10, the equivalent of around 1.4 million people or one in 43.
This is down from 4.1%, or around one in 24 people, a fortnight earlier on December 27.
The figures have been published as part of the winter Covid-19 infection study, which is monitoring prevalence of the virus over the next few months.
The COVID-19 vaccine reduces your risk of serious illness if you have an underlying health condition. If you're eligible, there's still time to get your vaccine before the winter season offer ends on 31 January. More info: https://t.co/U738tFN3Sc pic.twitter.com/4UdZeBWYLa UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) January 17, 2024
The project is being run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and is based on data collected from around 150,000 individuals, who use lateral flow devices to test for the virus.
Professor Steven Riley, UKHSA director general for data and surveillance, said that while the fall in infections was welcome, the risk of becoming ill with Covid-19 has not gone away.
In previous years, we have sometimes seen a decline in early January followed by an increase over the next few weeks, so it remains important that we continue to do what we can to reduce transmission, he added.
Those people who are most at risk of severe illness from Covid-19 can still receive a seasonal vaccination until the end of this month, and we urge anyone eligible who has not already done so to come forward.
You can get a vaccine through your GP, by booking with a local NHS vaccination service, or you can find a Covid-19 vaccination walk-in site.
Google has unveiled a one billion US dollar (790 million) investment in its first UK data centre, hailed by the Government as a huge vote of confidence in Britain.
The tech giant said it had started building the facility on a 33-acre site in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, with aims for construction to be completed by 2025.
It marks the latest investment by a major US tech firm in Britain, coming less than two months after Microsoft announced it would invest 2.5 billion to expand data centres for artificial intelligence (AI) across the UK.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said every growing economy relied on data centres (Markus Schreiber/AP)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Googles plans were testament to the fact that the UK is a centre of excellence in technology and has huge potential for growth.
He added: Foreign investment creates jobs and grows all regions of our economy, and investments like this will help to drive growth in the decade ahead.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, added: From business conducted online to advancements in healthcare, every growing economy relies on data centres.
Our country is no different and this major one billion US dollar investment from Google is a huge vote of confidence in Britain as the largest tech economy in Europe.
Google said it was too early to say how many jobs would be created at the Hertfordshire site, but confirmed the centre would require engineers, project managers, data centre technicians, electricians, catering and security personnel.
It adds to its 27 data centres worldwide, with sites across 11 countries, including 13 in the US.
Ben Barringer, technology analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said it was unlikely that a significant number of jobs would be created, after construction was complete.
He said: Data centres do not require scores of employees to run them, and given Google is a very lean business, it will be looking to make its operation as efficient as possible.
Google said the site would be constructed in line with its net-zero aims (Google/PA)
Google said the site would help power popular digital services, such as Google Cloud; Workspace, which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and others; Search; and Maps.
It said it would also play a critical role in supporting the companys AI innovations and will provide the UK with much-needed compute capacity.
Google already has more than 7,000 staff in the UK and sites in Kings Cross, Central Saint Giles and Victoria in London and Manchester.
Its DeepMind AI research and development lab is also based in London.
Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer and chief financial officer of Google and parent company Alphabet, said: This new data centre will help meet growing demand for our AI and cloud services and bring crucial compute capacity to businesses across the UK while creating construction and technical jobs for the local community.
Google said the site, which it bought in October 2020, would also be constructed in line with its net-zero aims, with plans for the significant heat generated by the data centre to be used to heat homes and businesses in the local area.
Tech expert Mr Barringer said the move was another victory in luring big tech to the UK for the Government, but a drop in the ocean for Google.
He said: The cost of this data centre is around a 30th of their annual capital expenditure and with approximately 30 data centres already constructed globally, it isnt exactly going to move the needle for them by adding another.
For the future, however, this puts the UK in a good position to seize the advantage in AI.
The Government must address weaknesses which contributed to fraud and abuse of student loan funding in franchised higher education providers, the spending watchdog has said.
The inherent risks associated with using franchised providers institutions that operate in partnership with registered universities to deliver courses on their behalf should be considered, the National Audit Office (NAO) urged.
The NAO found that 53% of the 4.1 million fraud detected by the Student Loans Company (SLC) by value was at franchised providers in 2022/23.
The proportion of SLC-detected fraud cases in franchised providers has increased faster than the growth in SLC-funded students at those providers since 2020/21, the investigation found.
The NAO called on the Department for Education (DfE) and the Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator, to reiterate to higher education providers as a matter of urgency that they bear direct responsibility for the governance and management practices of franchised providers.
The DfE should also establish a common anti-fraud and corruption culture following the instances of fraud and abuse, the watchdog has said.
Lead higher education providers in England must be registered with the OfS for their franchised providers students to be eligible for student funding. Franchised providers do not need to register with the OfS.
Since 2022, the SLC and OfS became aware of the risks to public funds as a result of potential fraud and abuse involving franchised providers.
The DfE asked the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) to review the regulatory landscape and the GIAA report in August last year concluded there were weaknesses in the overall control framework.
The NAO report said: Investigations have highlighted governance and regulatory weaknesses impacting the payment of publicly funded student loans to those studying at franchised providers. Not addressing these weaknesses will expose the taxpayer to longer term risks.
Figures show the number of students enrolled at franchised providers more than doubled between 2018/19 and 2021/22 from 50,440 to 108,600.
The majority (59%) of students at franchised providers in 2021/22 were enrolled on business and management-related courses.
The DfE considers franchising helps widen access to higher education as the majority of students at franchised providers come from high deprivation areas, the NAO report said.
Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: Franchised higher education providers can play a role in broadening higher education participation, but weaknesses in the regulatory framework have led to fraud and suspicious patterns of activity within the sector.
The Department for Education should set out clearly how these weaknesses will be addressed, individually and collectively by different higher education bodies.
The Department for Education, Student Loans Company and Office for Students should work together to share data to investigate any anomalies and raise awareness among providers of their responsibilities as a matter of urgency.
Meg Hillier, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: More and more higher education students are studying at franchised providers, who provide courses on behalf of other institutions, but there has been disproportionate amounts of fraud and abuse across these providers.
In 2022/23, the value of detected fraud involving these providers totalled 2.2million, 53% of total fraud identified by the Student Loans Company.
Recent fraud has exposed significant gaps, including no clear responsibility for fraud enforcement, across controls designed to protect students and taxpayers interests which have been exploited.
The Department for Education must clarify and strengthen these controls and promote an anti-fraud culture across government.
A Universities UK (UUK) spokeswoman said: Franchise provision makes an important contribution to widening participation and promoting access to higher education, and this report highlights the importance of careful management of franchise partnerships to ensure all students receive a high-quality experience.
While universities already have policies in place to ensure that all partnerships are undertaken responsibly, this report shows that there are significant and serious issues still to be addressed.
Chris Larmer, chief executive of the SLC, said: We take financial crime seriously and as noted in the report, we proactively raise issues of concern with the DfE and OfS, taking action to protect public funds wherever possible, within the scope of our powers and remit.
It is essential that HEPs meet their obligations under the wider regulatory regime, to ensure that student loan funding is protected and can be accessed as intended by regulation.
We will continue to work closely with DfE and OfS to protect public funds and we acknowledge the recommendations set out in this report.
Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS, said: As the report sets out, the OfS has worked with the SLC to address concerns that have been identified in individual cases.
We will continue to use the regulatory tools available to us to ensure value for money is delivered for students and taxpayers and that institutions are alive to their responsibilities in this area; universities must have adequate and effective control over partner institutions.
Courses delivered by partners must also meet the OfSs regulatory requirements for quality.
Higher education minister Robert Halfon said: Its vital that all higher education providers in receipt of Government funding provide value for money for the taxpayer.
We have already taken action to boost the quality of higher education and are taking immediate steps to ensure providers who use franchising understand their responsibility for protecting public money and the significant investment students make in higher education.
Franchising can be a good way to support more people from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education, however I recognise there is more to do to strengthen oversight. We will not hesitate to act if we see malpractice of any kind and we are working closely with the Office for Students and the Student Loans Company to ensure we can identify and prevent any abuses of public funds.
Jeremy Hunt has dropped further hints about a tax-cutting Budget as the Tories gear up for the general election.
The Chancellor said the direction of travel was for the UK to emulate successful low-tax economies.
Mr Hunt, who will deliver his Budget on March 6, said low-tax countries were more dynamic and more competitive.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he said: In terms of the direction of travel we look around the world and we note that the economies growing faster than us in North America and Asia tend to have lower taxes, and I believe fundamentally that low-tax economies are more dynamic, more competitive and generate more money for public services like the NHS.
Thats the direction of travel we would like to go in but it is too early to say what we are going to do.
Britain is on the up and open for business. Chancellor @Jeremy_Hunt spoke at a @wef session at Davos with @Microsoft CEO @satyanadella & @moderna_tx CEO Stephane Bancel about the UK's strengths in the industries of the future such as tech & life sciences. pic.twitter.com/eGNPnt5hOW HM Treasury (@hmtreasury) January 18, 2024
With a general election not expected until the second half of 2024, the Chancellor may also be able to use an autumn statement to further ease the tax burden.
In comments reported by the Guardian, he said: The Prime Minister hasnt decided on the date of the election yet, or if he has he hasnt told me.
By law there have to be two fiscal events each year. We will see where we get to after the spring Budget.
Jake Cornish has said he exited Love Island: All Stars early as he feels it isnt the right time for him to find love.
During Wednesdays episode, the 26-year-old told his fellow islanders that he would be leaving the villa that night, days after the show launched on Monday.
His short spell on the show was still filled with drama as on day one he was placed into a couple with his ex-girlfriend Liberty Poole following a public vote.
Grab the tissues as Jake and Liberty say their final goodbyes #LoveIsland #AllStars pic.twitter.com/EjBAN9pPVT Love Island (@LoveIsland) January 17, 2024
Addressing the other islanders by the fire pit, he told them: I was here to find love and there is no one here that I have that connection with.
I just want to let you all know I am going tonight.
Georgia Harrison offered him encouragement, saying: We support you and we love you!
Cornish replied: I love you all. That means youve all got to have fun and find love, just because I havent, doesnt mean you lot cant.
Following his departure, he said in a statement: After a few amazing days in the villa, Ive made the decision to leave Love Island: All Stars as Ive realised that now isnt the right time for me to find love as I would never want to force a connection.
I have no regrets whatsoever as Im so glad I got to enjoy my time in the villa reuniting with some familiar faces as well as finally getting an opportunity to clear the air with Liberty.
I wish her and all of the other islanders the very best and will be cheering them all on from home.
Later on, Liberty said in the beach hut that she knew he wasnt himself in the villa and felt that his departure was such a testament to his character.
She also became emotional as she told him: I know what happened happened three years ago but youve honestly matured so much and I just wanted you to have a good chance of finding love as well.
He replied: Youve definitely matured as well in a couple of years and I cant just fake things for the sake of just being here, I just cant do it.
So I thought, the best thing for me to do is take myself out of the situation. Ive had a wicked time. I hope you find someone here.
First Look: Chris cracks on with Molly, while a shock announcement from Jake leaves Liberty in tears Tonight at 9pm on ITV2 & ITVX #LoveIsland #AllStars pic.twitter.com/g8p9g76khY Love Island (@LoveIsland) January 17, 2024
Jake and Liberty were in a relationship during series seven of the dating show in 2021, but they called time on their romance just before the final and left the villa early.
In the launch show, the pair were once again brought together after the public voted for who they wanted to be coupled up.
The spin-off of the ITV2 reality dating series sees past contestants return to the villa for a second chance of love.
Elsewhere in Wednesdays episode, tensions flared between Callum Jones and his ex girlfriend Molly Smith as she got closer to Chris Taylor.
After Callum complimented Molly on her appearance, she replied: This is the most compliments Ive ever had by the way.
Its took three-and-a-half years of me saying I just need a few little words of affirmation youve been practising for the last six months on some random girls.
Chris later took Molly to the snug for some privacy, where he joked that if you stare into someones eyes for two minutes you are meant to fall in love.
He said: Well for women, its over two minutes. For men its actually 8.2 secondsIll be there a lot sooner than you will be, but I think we should try it.
When Molly asked if Chris wants to fall in love with her, he replied: We can try, its an experiment
Love Island: All Stars continues on ITV2.
The Princess of Wales remains in hospital after abdominal surgery, with sources saying she is doing well but will spend up to three months recovering.
Kate was admitted on Tuesday for the successful, planned procedure but is expected to stay in the private London Clinic for 10-14 days before returning to her Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor.
The Prince of Wales is to take time off, stepping back from all official duties for several weeks, while he juggles looking after their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with caring for his wife.
William, Kate and their children after the Together At Christmas carol concert in December (Chris Jackson/PA)
Meanwhile, the King is preparing for a corrective procedure after being diagnosed with a benign enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace, in an unprecedented double royal health scare, announced the news just an hour and a half after Kensington Palace revealed Kates operation.
The 75-year-old monarch, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago, will be admitted to hospital next week.
The King with Camilla (Frank Augstein/PA)
He was said to be keen to go public with his condition to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked.
Ian Eardley, consultant urological surgeon in Leeds and national clinical director for NHS England, said the Kings openness would lead to a rise in those seeking help.
One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate including needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency and have difficulty emptying their bladder.
The King is staying at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire with the Queen but the Palace has not confirmed whether he will be treated in London or Scotland.
News of the King and Kates operations were announced on the same day (Chris Jackson/PA)
He is said to be in touch with the Waleses, with a source describing them as a close family.
Kate also has a strong bond with her parents Carole and Michael Middleton and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, and the family, who live nearby in Berkshire, will be on hand to support her recovery.
The nature of the princesss condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
It is serious enough, however, for heir to the throne William to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath while she recuperates, devoting his time to his family.
William on his most recent official engagement investing Rob Burrow with his CBE during a visit to Headingley Stadium last week (Phil Noble/PA)
The princess is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter based on current medical advice, Kensington Palace said.
William was looking after George, 10, Charlotte, 8, and five-year-old Louis on Wednesday evening.
The royal youngsters were at school all day and are yet to visit their mother in hospital.
Media descended on the London Clinic in Marylebone, with photographers, journalists and broadcasters awaiting news behind barriers on the opposite side of the road.
Media gathered opposite the London Clinic (Lucy North/PA)
A spokesperson said the princess wanted to share news of her surgery to explain to those affected by the postponement of her engagements.
She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private, they added.
Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness progress when there is significant new information to share.
A statement from Kensington Palace pic.twitter.com/6h3BCrqj5L The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 17, 2024
There will now be no international travel for the prince and princess in the coming months.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum severe morning sickness.
The London Clinic was chosen to care for Kate this time, rather than King Edward VIIs Hospital which is usually the go-to establishment for royal medical matters and where she was admitted in 2012.
Like the rest of the royal family, the princess has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queens death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Police officers outside the London Clinic where Kate is being cared for (Lucy North/PA)
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
The King had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire on Thursday and Friday, which have been postponed on his doctors advice.
Labour were branded a separatist party by Penny Mordaunt after an independent report commissioned by the Welsh Government said independence is a viable option for Wales.
The Independent Commission On the Constitutional Future Of Wales found independence would be viable but the most uncertain option, with enhancing devolution and a federal system also considered.
Commons Leader Ms Mordaunt said: It is a sad and sorry state that the most vibrant separatist party in the UK now is not the SNP, it is the Labour Party.
The review was independent but commissioned by the Labour-led Welsh Government.
She was responding in the House of Commons to Plaid Cymrus Hywel Williams (Arfon), who called for the reports findings to be debated by MPs in Parliament.
Mr Williams said: Independence is a viable option for Waless future and the status quo is not those are two of the most striking conclusions of the Independent Commission On The Constitutional Future Of Wales.
He added: Whatever the views across the House, and the Leaders views, I think any sensible UK Government with a sincere concern for the governance of my country would engage with this change that is already afoot.
So will the Leader of the House demonstrate just such a sincere concern by arranging a full-scale debate on the commissions report, perhaps around the time of St Davids Day on March 1?
Ms Mordaunt responded: On this side of the House we will always defend the union of the United Kingdom.
We have many services which are devolved. It pains me to see many services that are being run by the Welsh Government being run very badly to the detriment of Welsh citizens.
She added: We will always defend the union and, if he applies for a debate, Im sure many on my side will turn up and do precisely that.
It is a sad and sorry state that the most vibrant separatist party in the UK now is not the SNP, it is the Labour Party.
By Donald Kirk
The victory of the pro-independence, pro-American candidate for president of Taiwan opens a new chapter in the prolonged saga of the struggle of the breakaway island province to remain safe, secure and separate from China.
Just because Michael Lai Ching-te, already vice president of Taiwan and leader of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, is poised to take over as president, however, does not mean Chinas President Xi Jinping will act dramatically and quickly to take over the province.
Rather, Xi will keep up what has become routine harassment and intimidation by air into the islands air defense identification zone and by sea near and occasionally within its territorial waters. Equally important, he can ban critical Taiwan imports, notably electronic items, and restrict Taiwan investment, also primarily electronics, in the mainland.
Xi will play those games knowing that a majority of Taiwan voters are wary of Lais talk of de facto independence. Lai, long before running for president, upset China by insisting that Taiwan, formally still named the Republic of China, was a sovereign entity and should declare itself as such. During the campaign, however, he had to align, however reluctantly, with the outgoing president, Tsai Ing-wen, who has said firmly that Taiwan will endure as a totally self-governing province without inviting Chinese attack by declaring independence.
That shift in policy did not relieve the 40 percent of voters who supported Hou Yu-ih, leader of the old-time Kuomintang or Nationalist Party whose forces fled the mainland as Maos Red Army was roaring to victory in 1949. Another 33.5 percent cast their ballots for Ko Wen-je, a medical doctor who formed the Taiwan Peoples Party.
Hou, a former police detective who has served as mayor of New Taipei City, the capital region, would undoubtedly have won if he could somehow have persuaded Ko, also a former Taipei mayor, to abandon his candidacy. His Kuomintang wound up with one seat more than the DPP in the Legislative Yuan, making the KMT a force with which Lai will have to contend during his presidency as much as in his campaign.
Both Hou and Ko advocate moderation and dialogue with Beijing as far preferable to the crisis that would be inevitable from challenging China by needless confrontation over words like autonomy and sovereignty. Why talk about changing a status quo that has enabled the island state of 24 million people to become the worlds 22nd wealthiest entity, nation or not?
Call it what you will, Taiwan flourishes as an island at peace in a region swirling with the potential for conflict from the Korean Peninsula to the South China Sea. The near-universal sense among the islanders, of whatever party, is why rock the boat? Lets keep the peace weve enjoyed for years.
As far as Xi is concerned, almost anyone would have been preferable to Lai. Xi may not go after Lai until after hes inaugurated four months from now, but Danny Russel, former U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific is sure hell show his displeasure eventually.
Beijing will feel bound to punish Taiwan voters for disregarding Xi Jinpings warnings and voting for William Lai, said Russel, vice president for security of the Asia Society in New York, Since Taiwan elected a 'troublemaker,' wont Beijing oblige them by making trouble?
As options for Beijing, Russel, predicts military signals and threatening warnings implying the Chinese might try to scare Taiwan, its leaders and people, even more than theyve been doing ever since Nancy Pelosi, as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, led a congressional delegation to the island in August 2022.
Russel does, however, believe that the urge to punish Taiwan will be blunted. Beijing wants to restrain President-elect Lai, not provoke him, he said. Also, Beijing may be reluctant to provoke Washington just as the U.S. heads into the turbulent campaign season.
Yet another consideration is that China and its long-lost province need each other. That inter-dependency cuts both ways.
The Chinese mainland has been a cash cow for the island province that lies 90 miles to the east, at the closest point, across the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwans finance industry reports that Taiwan exports accounted for 35.35 percent of Taiwans total exports last year of $432.5 billion, according to Nikkei Asia. In turn, Taiwan amassed a trade surplus of $80.5 billion with China, which accounted for 20 percent of Taiwan's imports.
Simple though it might sound for Xi to lower the floodgates to the Taiwan onslaught, China needs what Taiwan does best. The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) makes 90 percent of the worlds most advanced chips. Samsung in Korea is its only real competitor.
In the end, China and Taiwan need each other. Theyre locked in an embrace in which money should talk more loudly than gunfire ignited by rhetoric.
Donald Kirk (kirkdon4343@gmail.com) writes about war and peace from Washington and Seoul.
Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles is set to go to hospital soon to treat an enlarged prostate. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Most men will experience changes to their prostate as they age - King Charles included.
The monarch, 75, is scheduled for surgery to treat an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday 17 January.
In a statement, the palace said: In common with thousands of men each year, the king has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
His Majestys condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The Kings public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
The King is reportedly keen to share details of his diagnosis, in an effort to encourage other men to get their prostate checked if they are experiencing symptoms.
King Charles has joined thousands of men over the age of 50 who will experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)
It might sound scary, but an enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostate enlargement (BPE) and is a condition that affects how you pee. It is not a cancer, and not usually a serious threat to health, according to the NHS.
It is very common in men over the age of 50, with one in three men over that age experiencing some symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Should I be worried about an enlarged prostate?
The NHS says that although many men may worry that having an enlarged prostate means they are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer, this is not the case.
Men with an enlarged prostate are not at greater risk of prostate cancer than men without one.
What causes an enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate isn't necessarily cause for great concern, but it can cause issues to everyday life. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)
The prostate is a gland located between the penis and the bladder. It is not known exactly why it becomes enlarged, but there are certain factors that may increase your risk of having an enlarged prostate.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, these include:
Age: As you get older, your risk of having an enlarged prostate increases. However, not everyone who develops an enlarged prostate has symptoms, and some men have symptoms that dont bother them.
Hormone levels: Hormone levels change as you age, which may cause the prostate to grow.
Lifestyle factors: There are some studies that show obese men and men with diabetes are at higher risk of developing an enlarged prostate. Some research also suggests you may be more at risk if your father or brother has one. However, further research is needed to investigate possible causes of an enlarged prostate.
Symptoms of enlarged prostate
When the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the urethra, causing it to narrow. This can slow down or sometimes even stop the flow of urine, causing issues with going to the toilet.
Symptoms may include:
A weak flow of urine
A feeling that the bladder hasnt emptied
Difficulty starting to urinate
Dribbling urine after you finish
Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
A sudden urge to urinate, sometimes leaking before you get to the toilet
Prostate Cancer UK adds that blood in the urine may be a symptom, but this is rare and usually caused by something else. You should visit your GP if you have blood in your urine, and if you have any other symptoms.
Watch: King Charles III to undergo surgery
Treatment for enlarged prostate
The kind of treatment you may be recommended depends on how severe your symptoms are. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, immediate treatment is usually not necessary and your doctor will discuss with you if you need more check-ups.
The NHS says you will likely be advised to make some lifestyle changes to improve the condition. These can include:
Drinking less alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks
Limiting your intake of artificial sweeteners
Exercising regularly
Drinking less in the evening
You may be recommended some medication to reduce the size of the prostate and relax your bladder if you have moderate to severe symptoms.
Surgery is usually only considered for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine.
Read more about prostate conditions:
Train drivers on LNER are to stage a five-day strike next month in their long running pay dispute.
The action, from February 5, is in addition to a series of walkouts against train operators across England previously announced by Aslef.
The LNER (London North Eastern Railway) drivers will also refuse to work any non-contractual overtime from February 7 to 10.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef said: We have given LNER management, and their government counterparts who hold the purse strings, every opportunity to come to the table and they have so far made no realistic offer to our members.
We have not heard from the transport secretary since December 2022, or from the train operating companies since April 2023.
Its time for them to come to the table and work with us to resolve this dispute so we can all move forward and get our railway back on track.
Aslef members across England will ban overtime for nine days from February 29 and strike against individual train operators on different days between January 30 and February 5.
The dispute started in the summer of 2022 and shows little sign of being resolved.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: Ministers and train bosses must stop playing political games and get around the negotiating table. Thats how to put an end to these disputes.
But they appear to be more interested in stoking tensions than finding a way through.
The Department for Transport on the orders of the Prime Minister has stonewalled talks with Aslef for a year now.
Thats not good faith engagement and negotiation its deliberate intransigence.
Instead of sitting down with unions for talks, ministers have pushed through draconian legislation to make it harder for working people to win better pay and conditions.
Now ministers are cynically using this dispute to distract from their multiple failures.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: Since taking office, Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Rail Minister Huw Merriman, have facilitated talks between industry and the trade unions that led to employers tabling a fair and reasonable offer which has resolved the disputes with RMT, TSSA and Unite after it was overwhelmingly accepted by union members, meaning Aslef is the only rail union still refusing to put the offer to a vote.
An LNER spokesperson said: Nobody wins when strikes impact customers and livelihoods.
Instead of staging more damaging industrial action, we urge the Aslef leadership to work with industry negotiators to resolve the dispute. We remain focused on running reliable services for our customers.
Jeremy Hunt has said governments need to be light touch with their regulation of AI, as he also called for talks with China to ensure the technology is not used for an arms race between superpowers.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum event at Davos, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said there was a need for some guard-rails around generative AI.
Mr Hunt appeared on a panel about the potential use and threats of AI alongside business leaders including Sam Altman, the chief executive officer of OpenAI, the firm behind ChatGPT.
When asked about regulation of rapidly-developing technology, he said: I think we need to be light touch because this is such an emerging stage.
You can kill the golden goose before it has time to grow.
As a politician, I look at the problems that we face, such as the next pandemic, and we dont want to have to wait a year for the vaccine. If AI can shrink that to a month, that is a massive step forward.
But we have to keep our eyes open we also need guard-rails to make sure a rogue actor isnt going to be able to use gen AI to build nuclear weapons.
Last year, the UK Government launched a consultation about implementing a pro-innovation approach to AI regulation.
The Chancellor also stressed that global AI standards should reflect liberal democratic values amid concerns over how it could be used to heighten geopolitical tensions.
.@Jeremy_Hunt (@hmtreasury) says that AI is a 'massive step forward for humanity', particularly in terms of delivering more efficient public services. #wef24 pic.twitter.com/Uwgpmqe6Rs World Economic Forum (@wef) January 18, 2024
Mr Hunt said: We have choices now and the choice we need to make is how to harness it so it is a force for good.
I actually think that means talking to countries like China because one of the ways it would be a force for bad is if it just became a tool in a new geostrategic superpower race with much of the energy put into weapons, rather than things which would actually transform our daily lives.
Those are choices we make and one of the ways we avoid that happening is by having a dialogue with countries like China over common ground.
.@DmytroKuleba, we are with you for as long as it takes. A pleasure to see you at the @WEF. The UK is determined to mobilise more support for Ukraine as it continues to fight Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/yRaemvU72I David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 17, 2024
Mr Hunts trip to the exclusive Swiss ski resort to join the annual gathering of international movers and shakers is the first time a UK chancellor has attended the forum in five years.
The Chancellor, who is also set to appear at a second panel, said earlier that he would tell political and business leaders at the event that the UK is on the up and open for business.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has also been at the forum representing the UK Government.
Jonathan Reynolds, Labours shadow business secretary, is there with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Ms Reeves told a panel event organised by the forum on Wednesday that Labours economic approach would differ from so-called Bidenomics because the party just dont have the luxury to spend as heavily to expand the supply side of the economy.
The senior Opposition figure said Labour would rely more on planning reforms and non-fiscal levers to boost growth if it wins the next election.
Hipgnosis Songs Fund has said it is willing to offer up to 20 million to anyone who wishes to make a bid for its music catalogue of world-famous artists from 50 Cent to Blondie.
The troubled music royalty fund, which was co-founded by former Beyonce manager Merck Mercuriadis and Nile Rodgers of Chic, has faced questions over its future in recent months.
It has flagged widening financial losses and an ongoing dispute within its management team.
Nile Rodgers, left, and Merck Mercuriadis, right, co-founded Hipgnosis Songs Fund (Ian West/PA)
The firm owns the rights to the back catalogues of musicians including Justin Bieber, Shakira and Barry Manilow, and has been trying to sell a chunk of its song catalogues.
But it previously said it thought the offers it had received were not valuing them highly enough.
On Wednesday, the company said it was proposing to set aside a 20 million payment for a prospective bidder to acquire the majority, or all, of its music assets.
This means it could be willing to entice a potential buyer to take its more than 150 song catalogues off its hands.
Hipgnosis shareholders voted against the company continuing in its current structure during a crunch meeting last year.
A newly formed board has been considering all options for the future of the firm, with the aim of returning more cash to shareholders.
Robert Naylor, the chairman of Hipgnosis, said: Investors in Hipgnosis Songs Fund overwhelmingly voted for change when they rejected the continuation of the company and the proposed sale of certain music assets.
We are pleased, having discussed this proposal with many of our largest shareholders, that they are supportive of the boards efforts to unlock the full value from the companys assets.
The newly constituted board believes it is essential to try to level the playing field so shareholder value can be maximised.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will tell political and business leaders at the World Economic Forum that the UK is on the up and open for business.
Mr Hunts trip to the exclusive Swiss ski resort of Davos to join the annual gathering of international movers and shakers will be the first time a UK chancellor has attended the forum in five years.
The Treasury said the Chancellor will use his visit to champion the UKs ambition to be a science and technology superpower and pitch that the country is ripe for investment from the international business community.
Ahead of his trip on Thursday, Mr Hunt said: Ill be in Davos to tell the world that Britain, a nation of great innovation, is on the up and open for business.
We boast some of the best and brightest businesses in sectors of the future like digital technology and life sciences.
.@DmytroKuleba, we are with you for as long as it takes. A pleasure to see you at the @WEF. The UK is determined to mobilise more support for Ukraine as it continues to fight Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/yRaemvU72I David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 17, 2024
It is these areas of strength that are going to drive growth across the UK economy in years to come.
His comments come despite the UK recording a surprise jump in inflation.
The Office for National Statistics revealed on Wednesday that Consumer Prices Index inflation rose to 4% in December, up from 3.9% in November marking the first increase since February last year.
The rise caught traders off-guard and pushed back expectations that interest rates could be cut soon by the Bank of England.
While in Davos, the Chancellor will host a panel discussion, featuring the likes of the chief executives of Microsoft and pharmaceutical giant Moderna, on global headwinds in technology and the impact they could have on Britain.
He will also participate in a panel titled Technology in a Turbulent World, discussing the role of technology in economic growth.
Mr Hunt will use the trip to outline Britains approach to regulation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) following the UKs hosting of the worlds first AI safety summit at Bletchley Park in November, Treasury officials said.
They said the senior Conservative, who will be the first UK chancellor to attend the Davos summit since 2019, will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with the bosses of world-leading companies to encourage inward investment into the UK.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has also been at the forum representing the UK Government.
Jonathan Reynolds, Labours shadow business secretary, is there with shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has been in Davos for Labour (James Manning/PA)
Responding to the Chancellors remarks ahead of his visit to Davos, Mr Reynolds said: After 14 years of economic failure, the Labour Party is now the party of business in British politics.
Labour has a plan to deliver growth, unlock investment and make people better off.
All the Conservatives are offering is five more years of failure.
Ms Reeves told a panel event organised by the forum on Wednesday that Labours economic approach would differ from so-called Bidenomics because the party just dont have the luxury to spend as heavily to expand the supply side of the economy.
The senior Opposition figure said Labour would rely more on planning reforms and non-fiscal levers to boost growth if it wins the next election.
Asked whether the so-called Bidenomics of the US President would form a blueprint for Labours plan if the party wins the next election, she said: Our aims are similar and our diagnosis is similar but the policy prospectus in the UK will be different.
For me it will be primarily the non-fiscal levers to grow our supply.
Labour would aim to get debt down as a share of GDP and then subject to that would make long-term investments, she said.
Ms Reeves said all of our policies, including the commitment to get to a zero carbon economy would be subject to its fiscal rules.
It comes after the party published a campaigning brief that failed to mention its commitment to invest 28 billion annually into green projects.
Thousands take to streets to back mass public sector strike in Northern Ireland
Thousands of public sector workers have taken to the streets across Northern Ireland in the biggest strike action in the regions recent history.
A mass rally in Belfast heard calls for Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to release pay awards for workers and also for the DUP to end its boycott of Stormont.
Other demonstrations have taken place at Guildhall Square in Londonderry, Omagh court house and Enniskillen town hall.
An estimated 150,000 public sector workers took part in the walkouts over pay, with trade unions warning that action will escalate in the future if their pay demands are not met.
Police mounted a significant security operation and said the rallies passed off without incident.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been urged to intervene to release funding to make delayed pay awards in the absence of devolved government.
Public sector workers take part in a rally at Belfast City Hall (Liam McBurney/PA)
He has refused, saying the matter is a devolved one.
Following early morning pickets at hospitals, schools and public buildings, a number of feeder parades marched towards Belfast City Hall where a large crowd gathered for a rally addressed by multiple trade unions representatives.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy called on Mr Heaton-Harris to end his failed political strategy and award a pay rise to workers.
Gerry Murphy, assistant general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, addresses union members outside Belfast City Hall (Liam McBurney/PA)
Mark McTaggart of the Irish National Teachers Organisation said DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was keeping Stormont in suspension because of his concerns over the Irish Sea border.
He added: Yet he is more than happy to have a sea border for pay for public sector workers.
Justin McCamphill from the NASUWT added: To the DUP, we say get back into government.
We fully understand that there are issues arising from Brexit that are problematic but these issues must be addressed within the agreed political framework.
The Tories have taken our money, the DUP should not take our hope.
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official Northern Ireland, addresses union members at the rally (Liam McBurney/PA)
Speaking at a picket at Stormont, Carmel Gates, general secretary of Nipsa, said: My members are angry and they are not going to back down.
This is not something which is a temporary fight. They are so angry at how they have been treated.
This is the beginning, we will escalate. The Secretary of State needs to know that, this is not the end.
General secretary of Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa), Carmel Gates (left), speaking with head of the NI Civil Service Jayne Brady on the picket line outside the gates of the Stormont Estate (Liam McBurney/PA)
Linda Millar, a teacher at Ballyclare Secondary School, said she was joining the picket lines to help achieve pay parity with the rest of the UK.
She said: We are losing teachers left, right and centre to Doha, Dubai, everywhere.
The education system is crumbling. Our buildings are crumbling.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long met striking workers at the Ulster Hospital and said that political instability at Stormont had contributed to public sector fragility in Northern Ireland
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill met striking workers in Magherafelt.
She said: It is a very difficult day for our public sector workers.
However, they feel forced to take to the picket lines this morning in defence of what is reasonable and fair, which is fair pay and working conditions for the job they do for us all on a daily basis.
I regret the fact that they are being forced on to the picket lines this morning. I regret the fact that they have had to take this action. However, I absolutely understand it because they feel like they have nowhere else to turn.
I can only hope that (DUP leader) Jeffrey Donaldson is listening and hears the plight of the workers and, even at this late juncture, makes the right call and joins with the rest of us around that executive table and let us do our best to try and support these workers and ensure they have proper pay and conditions.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long (right) speaks to workers on the picket line outside the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald (David Young/PA)
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received pay uplifts given to counterparts elsewhere in the UK, due to the ongoing political impasse at Stormont.
The Government has offered a financial package worth more than 3 billion to accompany the return of a devolved executive in Belfast.
While the package includes money to make the outstanding pay awards, Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear it will not be made available unless Stormont returns.
There has been no functioning powersharing government in Northern Ireland for almost two years due to a DUP boycott of the institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.
The DUP has resisted calls to drop its veto and return to Stormont to enable the pay rises to be implemented.
The party has accused the UK Government of political blackmail and has said the pay issue should be dealt with separately from the impasse over trade.
The strike is having a major impact, with schools closed, hospitals offering only Christmas Day-level services, public transport cancelled and limited gritting of the roads in 0C temperatures.
The Department for Infrastructure has urged people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, saying there will only be limited gritting on a small number of roads including the M1, M2, A1 and A4.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has insisted public sector pay is a devolved issue (Liam McBurney/PA)
In a statement, Mr Heaton-Harris said it was regrettable that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to make the pay awards to public sector workers.
Thursday also marks the deadline in current legislation for the resumption of Stormont, or the Secretary of State is obliged to call a fresh election.
Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear he will extend that deadline and introduce further legislation to ensure continued delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.
Todays strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland.
I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services, he said.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3 billion which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1 billion to stabilise public services.
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
Railway station ticket machines charge passengers more than twice as much as a major online retailer for some journeys, according to new analysis.
Consumer group Which? said its investigation found the best value fares are either unavailable or hidden among myriad options on many machines.
Industry figures show more than two out of five stations in England do not have a ticket office, while tickets for around 150 million journeys were bought from machines in 2022.
Which? sent mystery shoppers to 15 stations each run by a different train operator to compare the price of tickets for 75 journeys offered by machines with those from online retailer Trainline.
Researchers attempted to buy the cheapest one-way ticket for travel that same day, the following morning, and in three weeks time.
Which? found fares purchased online were cheaper around three-quarters of the time, with travel on that day costing an average of 52% more from machines.
Travelling from Holmes Chapel in Cheshire to London was priced at 66 by a machine, whereas Trainline offered the same trip for 26.
A journey from Northampton to Cardiff was found to cost 107 from a machine, but just 43 online.
There are several factors accounting for the price discrepancies, such as some machines not offering cheaper Advance fares or split-ticketing, or making off-peak fares less visible.
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: The price differences we found between booking online and using station ticket machines were simply astounding.
Millions of tickets are purchased using ticket machines every year, meaning that huge numbers of us are potentially paying significantly more than we need to when we commute to work or visit friends and family across the country.
Wherever possible wed recommend booking train tickets online for the cheapest options, but that wont be possible for everyone.
Significant numbers of elderly people dont have internet access at all leaving them with little choice but to run the gauntlet of ticket machines which either dont offer the best prices, or make it difficult to find the appropriate fares.
A spokeswoman for industry body the Rail Delivery Group said: Since the industry set out the case for fares reform in 2019, there has been some good progress, but more can be done.
The introduction of single-leg pricing and expansion of pay-as-you-go contactless fares are both important changes making fares easier and simpler for customers.
We will continue to work with Government and industry stakeholders to achieve further reforms and deliver more benefits for our customers.
Trainline charges booking fees, whereas passengers can purchase tickets for no extra cost from many other websites and apps, including those belonging to train operators.
In November, a planned widespread closure of railway station ticket offices in England was scrapped in the face of widespread opposition.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper asked train operators to withdraw their proposals, which were brought forward due to pressure from ministers to cut costs.
On Tuesday, operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) launched a two-year trial for some of its routes, which involves reducing the number of fares and pricing tickets based on demand.
Public sector workers are joining picket lines across Northern Ireland as part of the biggest strike in the regions recent history.
An estimated 150,000 public sector workers are taking part in the walkouts over pay, with trade unions warning that action will escalate in the future if their pay demands are not met.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been urged to intervene to release funding to make delayed pay awards in the absence of devolved government.
He has refused, saying the matter is a devolved one.
Striking workers gathered at Stormont and the NIO headquarters in Belfast on Thursday.
General secretary of Nipsa, Carmel Gates (left), with head of the NI Civil Service Jayne Brady, on the picket line (Liam McBurney/PA)
Speaking at Stormont, Carmel Gates, general secretary of Nipsa, said workers were being used as a political pawn by the Northern Ireland Secretary.
She said: It shows the anger of public sector workers who havent had a decent pay rise in more than 10 years.
Now we believe we are being used as a political pawn in a game by the Secretary of State.
She added: My members are angry and they are not going to back down.
This is not something which is a temporary fight. They are so angry at how they have been treated.
This is the beginning, we will escalate. The Secretary of State needs to know that, this is not the end.
Ulster Teachers Union member and teacher at Ballyclare Secondary School, Linda Millar, with her son Ed (Liam McBurney/PA)
Linda Millar, a teacher at Ballyclare Secondary School, said she was joining the picket lines to help achieve pay parity with the rest of the UK.
She said: We are losing teachers left, right and centre to Doha, Dubai, everywhere.
The education system is crumbling. Our buildings are crumbling.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long met striking workers at the Ulster Hospital.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill said workers felt they have been forced to go on strike.
General Secretary @CarmelGates addresses the rally at Erskine House delivers a clear message to the strikers Chris Heaton-Harris needs to release the funds to settle the dispute and NIPSA will fight to make this happen. #UptheStrikers #FairPayNow pic.twitter.com/Ksf9AT9W8R NIPSA (@nipsa) January 18, 2024
She told the BBC: It is a very difficult day for our public sector workers.
However, they feel forced to take to the picket lines this morning in defence of what is reasonable and fair, which is fair pay and working conditions for the job they do for us all on a daily basis.
I regret the fact that they are being forced on to the picket lines this morning. I regret the fact that they have had to take this action. However, I absolutely understand it because they feel like they have nowhere else to turn.
I can only hope that (DUP leader) Jeffrey Donaldson is listening and hears the plight of the workers and, even at this late juncture, makes the right call and joins with the rest of us around that executive table and let us do our best to try and support these workers and ensure they have proper pay and conditions.
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received pay uplifts given to counterparts elsewhere in the UK, due to the ongoing political impasse at Stormont.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long (right) speaks to workers on the picket line outside the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald (David Young/PA)
The Government has offered a financial package worth more than 3 billion to accompany the return of a devolved executive in Belfast.
While the package includes money to make the outstanding pay awards, Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear it will not be made available unless Stormont returns.
There has been no functioning powersharing government in Northern Ireland for almost two years due to a DUP boycott of the institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.
The DUP has resisted calls to drop its veto and return to Stormont to enable the pay rises to be implemented.
The party has accused the UK Government of political blackmail and has said the pay issue should be dealt with separately from the impasse over trade.
Members of Nipsa on the picket line outside the Northern Ireland Office at Erskine House, Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)
The strike is having a major impact, with schools closed, hospitals offering only Christmas Day-level services, public transport cancelled and limited gritting of the roads in 0C temperatures.
The Department for Infrastructure has urged people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, saying there will only be limited gritting on a small number of roads including the M1, M2, A1 and A4.
Parades, rallies and demonstrations will take place later in the day.
The largest demonstrations will take place at Belfast City Hall, the Guildhall Square in Londonderry, Omagh court house and Enniskillen town hall.
A large policing operation is also in place.
Secretary of State @chhcalling's full statement on public sector strikes https://t.co/ZfUj0JIRq5 pic.twitter.com/DzIyHuqGNY Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) January 18, 2024
In a statement, Mr Heaton-Harris said it was regrettable that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to make the pay awards to public sector workers.
Thursday also marks the deadline in current legislation for the resumption of Stormont, or the Secretary of State is obliged to call a fresh election.
Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear he will extend that deadline and introduce further legislation to ensure continued delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.
Todays strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland. I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services, he said.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3 billion which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1 billion to stabilise public services.
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
The biggest strike in Northern Irelands recent history is under way.
An estimated 150,000 public sector workers are taking part in the walkouts over pay.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been urged to intervene to release funding to make delayed pay awards in the absence of devolved government.
However, he has refused, insisting the matter is a devolved one.
Public sector workers are staging strike action (PA)
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received pay uplifts given to counterparts elsewhere in the UK due to the ongoing political impasse at Stormont.
The Government has offered a financial package worth more than 3 billion to accompany the return of a devolved executive in Belfast.
While the package includes money to make the outstanding pay awards, Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear it will not be made available unless Stormont returns.
There has been no functioning powersharing government in Northern Ireland for almost two years due to a DUP boycott of the institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.
Gerry Murphy, the assistant general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, has condemned Chris Heaton-Harris (PA)
The DUP has resisted calls to drop its veto and return to Stormont to enable the pay rises to be implemented.
The party has accused the UK Government of political blackmail and has insisted the pay issue should be dealt with separately from the impasse over trade.
The strike is set to have a major impact with schools closed, hospitals offering only Christmas Day-level services, public transport cancelled as well as limited gritting of the roads in zero-degree temperatures.
The Department for Infrastructure has urged the public not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, saying there will only be limited gritting on a small number of roads including the M1, M2, A1 and A4.
Parades, rallies and demonstrations are scheduled to take place across the day.
The largest demonstrations will take place at Belfast City Hall, the Guildhall Square in Londonderry, Omagh court house and Enniskillen town hall.
A large policing operation is also in place.
On Wednesday night, trade unions accused Mr Heaton-Harris of having failed the people of Northern Ireland.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy said: The Secretary of States strategy has clearly failed and it has failed the people of Northern Ireland.
The trade union movement have won the popular argument, as witnessed by the support we have seen from womens groups, the voluntary sector, students unions, the 50 chief executives in the public sector, the PSNI Chief Constable and the head of the NICS (Northern Ireland Civil Service) and the public at large.
Deputy general secretary of the Nipsa union, Patrick Mulholland, warned that the action could escalate if the dispute is not resolved.
Following the failed attempts to restore the Assembly and the failure of the Secretary of State to move from his position of releasing the necessary funds to end the action, the strike will only be the start of the disruption, he said.
The continued disregard for our members concerns will leave us with no choice but to escalate our actions.
The upcoming weeks will inevitably witness intensified industrial action to draw attention to the urgent need for a needs-based budget to underpin our public services and a fair and decent pay rise for all public sector workers.
In a statement, Mr Heaton-Harris said it was regrettable that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to make the pay awards to public sector workers.
Thursday also marks the deadline in current legislation for the resumption of Stormont, or the Secretary of State is obliged to call a fresh election.
Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear he will extend that deadline and introduce further legislation to ensure continued delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.
Todays strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland. I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services, he said.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3 billion which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1 billion to stabilise public services.
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
Mr Heaton-Harris said he is deeply disappointed the funding offer has not been taken up after a last-ditch attempt to revive Stormont on Wednesday failed.
This package has been on the table since before Christmas and will remain there, available on day one for an incoming Northern Ireland Executive, he said.
It is regrettable that the NI parties were unable to come together yesterday to elect a Speaker and restore the Executive.
The people of Northern Ireland deserve local political leadership from representatives they have elected to govern on their behalf.
The UK Government has made a significant offer that would help address the challenges facing public sector pay and Northern Irelands finances. It is time for the NI parties to take decisions on how they will best serve the interests of the people of Northern Ireland.
Eight victims of a prolific online sex blackmailer have faced him in court to read out impact statements, with one saying: He doesnt have any control over me any more. I want him to feel the fullest force of the law.
Anthony Burns is facing a two-day sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, having admitted more than 40 charges, including 26 counts of blackmail, six relating to indecent images of children and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
The 39-year-old used dating and so-called sugar daddy sites to identify victims, having learned online blackmail techniques from Abdul Elahi, who was jailed for 32 years in 2021 after targeting around 2,000 people globally.
Burns is being sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court (PA)
Addressing the court on Thursday, prosecutor Kate Temple-Mabe said Burns, originally from Lowestoft in Suffolk, has previous convictions for child-related sexual offences dating back to 2010.
The conviction in 2010 involved sexual grooming of a 14-year-old schoolgirl when Burns was aged 25, while a later offence saw him sentenced for inciting child prostitution.
Ms Temple-Mabe told Judge Sarah Buckingham that Burns had a perverse interest in sexual activity, including with animals, and demanded sexual videos from victims after tricking them into sending their personal and social media details and addresses.
Describing Burns offending in 2018, 2019 and 2020 against victims in the USA, UK and Australia, Ms Temple-Mabe told the court: Behind every communication was a desire to force women to perform sexually degrading acts online, which he would screenshot.
The carefully thought-out process of the blackmail offences, including threats to post videos and images online or contact family members, terrified victims into meeting his demands, the court heard.
The first of eight women who read out victim personal statements told the court she feared that Burns was capable of visiting her house, and might sexually attack her or even murder her.
The businesswoman, who cannot be identified, said: I could not stop thinking about it. Everything I had planned was tainted.
Turning to face Burns in the glass-fronted dock, the woman, who read her statement from the witness box, added: He doesnt have any control over me any more.
I dont care about him.
I want him to feel the fullest force of the law. He needs to be punished for what he did.
Seven other women attended court to read their statements in person, with some saying they had considered taking their own lives or taken overdoses, and others telling how they had struggled to breathe due to the shock of threats and the mental torture perpetrated by Burns.
Another woman told the judge she no longer felt safe in her home and had fallen victim to Burns while struggling financially.
She ended her statement by saying: Its not an understatement to say that this incident has ruined my life.
Another complainant, who suffered crippling panic attacks after being targeted while looking for a partner on a dating site, said: The person I began to communicate with was Anthony Burns.
He blackmailed me to produce this disgusting video. I felt physically sick. It was a vicious cycle I could not break.
Burns, two of whose blackmail offences involved Elahi as an online accomplice, was also the subject of a sexual harm prevention order imposed for previous offences, the court heard.
Offering mitigation, defence barrister Hugh Forgan said Burns, who was addicted to pornography, had experienced traumatic events earlier in his life, including the death of a partner in a car crash.
Seeking to distinguish Burns offending from that of Elahi, Mr Forgan said: These images (obtained by blackmail by Burns) were not being sold on or distributed.
It wasnt a business, no matter how distressing or depraved.
Burns has been warned he will receive a significant jail term when he is sentenced on Friday.
Judge Buckingham said that Burns will be sentenced for the offences on the indictment and not for his contact with other unknown blackmail victims who were never identified.
By Robert D. Atkinson
Koreas digital transformation is at an inflection point. The Korean Fair Trade Commissions (KFTC) proposal to enact the Platform Competition Promotion Act (PCPA), modeled on the European Unions Digital Markets Act (DMA), risks radically reshaping the nations framework for regulating and promoting its emerging digital markets.
The PCPA will mean following the path of the European Union, a region with an anemic, also-ran digital industry. Korea should ensure its continuous development as an innovation leader by rejecting the EU model and instead following the light-touch path of the United States into the digital future.
Good regulation should be a response to market failure and supported by a sound body of evidence that confirms that government intervention will improve the situation, rather than make it worse. But Korean digital markets have not failed.
On the contrary, they are on the cusp of turning Korea into an innovation leader not just in Asia but around the world. Specifically, many dynamic Korean digital companies Coupang, Gmarket, Kakao, Naver, and others are poised to rapidly grow both in Korea and throughout Asia.
The PCPA is therefore a solution in search of a problem. But will the solution even work? The evidence suggests that it will not. First, the logic of burdensome regulation behind the DMA is a primary reason that the European Union, unlike the United States, does not enjoy a thriving digital industry: regulation makes it harder for companies in the EU to make money and invest in innovative technologies. Indeed, Koreas competitiveness in industries like computers and electronics was not the result of regulation, but innovative entrepreneurs supported not hindered by government policy.
The KFTCs decision to fast-track digital regulation through parliament should be replaced with a careful study of the effects of DMA legislation both in Europe and around the world to analyze whether it is the best choice for Korea if, in the future, its digital markets stall. If so, then the KFTC will have the incentive and ability to enact sound regulatory reform to strengthen its digital markets. If not, Korea will have avoided the risk of self-inflicted harm to its economy. In other words, common sense dictates that Korea takes a wait-and-see approach rather than engage in a regulatory race to the bottom. Holding off another year or two in order to assess the results of the EUs risky regulatory experiment is the prudent thing to do.
The rise of artificial intelligence only exacerbates these risks of regulatory damage. Like the internet decades ago, artificial intelligence is on the verge of radically transforming society and producing immeasurable benefits for consumers and society (including labor). And without question, AI will also be crucial to national security. However, the development of AI is premised upon the very vibrant digital markets that the PCPA could very well strangle in the cradle. In other words, not only will it stifle the maturation of Koreas first-generation digital markets, but could have devastating next-generation effects.
In addition to these serious economic effects, the PCPA would unfairly discriminate against American companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and others. For example, why should Apple be regulated by Samsung, as both companies compete in the mobile space? Such double standards are simply inconsistent with the Yoon administrations affirmation of Koreas l0ng-standing commitments not just to innovation-friendly policies but an unshakable relationship of trust with the United States. With the increasing geopolitical risks from an assertive China, neither nation can risk disruptions in this key alliance.
In fact, the PCPA will have profound consequences for Koreas position on the world stage. As former U.S. National Security Advisor Robert OBrien has explained, targeting American companies could significantly hinder relations between the two nations at a time when coordination is increasingly important to counter Chinese aggression and an emboldened North Korea. In other words, while China is heavily subsidizing its digital industries and strengthening its influence on the Korean peninsula, the KFTC risks damaging its digital ecosystem and undermining a burgening U.S.Korea technology alliance.
Korea stands at a crucial point in its digital evolution and mirroring the EUs failed approach is a bad idea. Embodying legislation that does not remedy a clear problem, the PCPA instead jeopardizes Koreas thriving digital markets and strays from its path to becoming a global innovation leader. Rather than stifle Koreas digital markets just when they are on the verge of blossoming, as well as strain the crucial U.S.Korea alliance by targeting American companies, Korean policymakers should double down on the pro-innovation regulatory policies that have helped make Korea successful and will carry it forward as a leader into the 21st Century.
Dr. Robert D. Atkinson (@RobAtkinsonITIF) is the president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute focusing on the intersection of technological innovation and public policy. The views expressed in the above article are those of the author and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.
Penny Mordaunt has been branded the minister for clickbait by the SNP after she criticised the party in a video posted on social media.
SNP MP Deirdre Brock questioned if the Leader of the House of Commons was considering a new career as a stand-up comedian.
Ms Mordaunt said Ms Brock should be thanking her for the publicity that money cannot buy and said she was encouraged by the interest in business questions.
In the video posted to X, formerly Twitter, Ms Mordaunt is heard taunting Ms Brock and the SNP for misplacing a fragment of the Stone of Destiny.
In their quest for total incompetence, the SNP leaves no stone unturned. pic.twitter.com/KNAAdzoFU3 Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) January 11, 2024
However, the party said the stone chip has been held securely for the past 15 years and has never been considered lost.
Speaking from the frontbench on Thursday, Ms Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) said: Once again Im indebted to the Leader of the House, her eccentric video last week joking about tupperware and the Stone of Destiny excited quite the response in Scotland why is she always on about Scotland they ask?
The Tories have given us a joke minister for common sense, looks like we now have a minister for clickbait.
Scotland does seem just a big joke for her, the brief seems clear to rubbish and insult Scots every week in business questions. Of course shes not alone, it seems to be Tory policy these days.
But shes adding value now by writing full-page articles in the papers about how awful Scotland is, along with a new clickbait video every week, all that effort.
Of course given the very bad news for her party in this weeks YouGov poll maybe these joke videos are in fact auditions.
Perhaps not so much stand up and fight, as stand-up comedian.
SNP MP Deirdre Brock questioned if Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt was considering a new career as a stand-up comedian (Danny Lawson/PA)
Ms Mordaunt replied: The honourable lady should thank me, Ive been giving the honourable lady publicity that money cannot buy.
And I think it is encouraging that we have generated such a following, such an interest, in what goes on in this chamber at business questions.
Let me be clear, Im not talking Scotland down, Im talking the SNP down, that have been an unmitigated disaster for Scotland.
The stoicism of the Scottish people in dealing with the inept Government that they have in Scotland deserves great credit.
Conservative MP for Tatton Esther McVey was handed the unofficial title of minister of common sense in November last year.
People may buy less wine in pubs if the biggest serving typically a 250ml glass is removed from sale, research suggests.
Experts at the University of Cambridge said people could be nudged into drinking less, which could have a positive effect on their health.
Furthermore, the study found no evidence that people made up for drinking less wine by buying more beer or cider.
The research, published in Plos Medicine, found that removing large wine glasses led to a drop in the amount of wine sold at pubs and bars of just under 8% on average.
Taking into consideration factors such as day of the week and total revenue, taking away big glasses led to an average decrease of 420ml of wine sold per day per venue.
Researchers found no evidence the move affected total profits, suggesting pubs and bars did not need to worry about losing money.
This was perhaps due to the higher profit margins of smaller serving sizes of wine, the experts suggested.
First author Dr Eleni Mantzari, from the University of Cambridge, said: It looks like when the largest serving size of wine by the glass was unavailable, people shifted towards the smaller options, but didnt then drink the equivalent amount of wine.
People tend to consume a specific number of units in this case glasses regardless of portion size.
Data suggests wine is the most commonly drunk alcoholic drink in the UK and Europe (Alamy/PA)
So, someone might decide at the outset theyll limit themselves to a couple of glasses of wine, and with less alcohol in each glass they drink less overall.
Drinking too much is the fifth largest contributor to premature death and disease worldwide, figures show.
According to the World Health Organisation, the harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately three million deaths worldwide in 2016.
Professor Dame Theresa Marteau, the studys senior author and an honorary fellow at Christs College, Cambridge, said: Its worth remembering that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health, with even light consumption contributing to the development of many cancers.
Although the reduction in the amount of wine sold at each premises was relatively small, even a small reduction could make a meaningful contribution to population health.
A number of different factors, such as advertising, labelling and availability, can influence how much people drink and previous research from the Behaviour and Health Research Unit at Cambridge has shown that even glass size can influence how much alcohol is consumed.
In the new research, the Cambridge team carried out a study in 21 licensed premises (mainly pubs) in England London, Cambridgeshire, Southampton, Gloucester, Brighton and Hove to see whether removing their largest serving of wine by the glass for four weeks would have an impact on how much wine is consumed.
Some 20 pubs completed the experiment which took place between September 2021 and May 2022.
In the study, managers at four of the 21 premises reported receiving complaints from customers.
However, the researchers were unable to assess the sales of other alcoholic drinks apart from wine, beer and cider, estimated to comprise approximately 30% of alcoholic drinks sold in participating premises.
According to the experts, even though removing the largest serving glass would potentially be acceptable to pub or bar managers, given there was no evidence that it can result in a loss in revenue, the alcohol industry may resist the move.
Public support for such a policy would also depend on its effectiveness and how clearly this was communicated, they said.
Data suggests wine is the most commonly drunk alcoholic drink in the UK and Europe.
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group, which regulates alcohol marketing in the UK, said: It is worth remembering that the majority of UK adults already either do not drink or drink within the chief medical officers recommended low risk guidelines.
Whilst we are vocally supportive of measures to increase moderation among drinkers, there should be more efforts to increase consumer choice in this area rather than to unnecessarily restrict it for instance the wider availability of 125ml glasses of wine and of lower strength alternatives.
Sainsburys said it has decided to wind down its banking division as part of plans to focus its efforts on the retail business, which could affect its 1.9 million Sainsburys Bank customers in the future.
The company said it was exploring several options as part of a phased withdrawal from the banking business.
The changes could result in products being outsourced to other providers, which it already does with its insurance products, and through which it offers Argos credit cards and loans to about 2.1 million customers.
Sainsburys Bank currently offers loans, credit cards and savings accounts from its own bank.
Sainsburys stressed it will be business as usual for now at the bank, with nothing immediately changing for customers or the products and services it offers.
There is no current timeline for how long the exit will take.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Sainsburys, said: We have been clear since we launched our food first strategy in 2020 that we would concentrate our efforts on our core retail businesses and todays announcement reflects that strategic focus.
We will, of course, communicate directly to customers well in advance of any changes to their products and services.
Sainsburys Bank chief executive Jim Brown is set to retire from his role amid the wind-down of the division.
He will be replaced by Robert Mulhall, who previously headed up Allied Irish Banks UK division, at the end of March to oversee the changes.
Sea level rise could cost the EU and UK up to 872 billion euro (748.9 billion) by the end of the century, with coastal economies likely to suffer most, a study has found.
Low-lying regions such as Veneto and Emilia-Romagna in Italy and Zachodniopomorskie in Poland could face a devastating 21% loss in GDP.
Other areas projected to see heavy economic losses were around the Baltic Sea, the Belgian coast, western France and Greece.
The UK regions that would suffer most are east Yorkshire and north Lincolnshire because of damage to transport infrastructure, the analysts found.
Modelled by economists from Delft University of Technology, the researchers said they wanted to help quantify the effects of sea level rise.
They used what is considered to be the worst-case scenario, where countries continue emitting greenhouse gases at a high rate in the coming decades, leading the Earths climate to warm by around 5C above pre-industrial levels by 2100 and creating about 1.5m of sea level rise.
Scientists consider this scenario to be unlikely given that many nations have set net-zero targets and are beginning to switch to renewable energy.
Current estimates put the Earth on track for around 3C of extra warming, which would still be catastrophic.
The study authors said they did not take into account the potential effect of tipping points, where Arctic sea ice or the Greenland ice sheets start melting uncontrollably.
They also accounted only for sea level rise and not any other climate hazards that could overlap and cause extra economic damage.
Professor Tatiana Filatova, one of the study authors, said: Understanding which sectors and regions are hit most helps to design tailored private and public adaptation strategies.
If we proactively prioritise investments in both economic development of certain industries in specific regions, as well as in local adaptation, it will really help us building climate resilient economies.
Venices economy faces the prospect of devastation from sea level rise (Luca Bruno/AP)
It also allows exploring regional economic trade-offs of different adaptation policies, including, for example, understanding whether partial or universal retreat makes sense and how to deal with disinvestment of certain industries from certain locations.
The authors stressed that their model, which looked at 271 European regions, shows how each area will be affected to a different degree and will require need solutions.
While the overall effect is negligible a 1.26% loss of GDP across Europe some coastal regions could face having entire industries relocated.
The authors calculated a tiny benefit to inland areas which could see a boost in GDP of 1% from people moving away from the sea, but this was dwarfed by the loss projected in coastal areas.
Professor Chris Hilson, a climate scientists at the University of Reading, said the research misses a climate justice element that sea level rise could exacerbate existing inequalities as money is spent on defending areas valuable to a nations economy but other poorer regions have their population displaced.
He said: In making cost-benefit analysis-based assessments on where to focus country climate adaptation spending, there is a danger that the money will all be directed at wealthy, high GDP areas.
But, as academic scholarship on managed retreat has shown, the risk is that poorer communities will be the ones singled out for relocation inland.
In other words, the already marginalised become further marginalised.
The UK wont stand by while international shipping is under attack, the Government vowed as Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they would continue targeting vessels including those from Britain.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper held crisis talks with the shipping industry to say the UK will not allow international maritime trade to be held to ransom.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the situation remained concerning as attacks persisted despite RAF airstrikes on Houthi positions.
The UK continues to work with international partners to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Today I met with shipping leaders to give reassurance that we won't stand by while merchant ships & seafarers are attacked & international maritime trade is held to ransom. Mark Harper (@Mark_J_Harper) January 18, 2024
The UK joined the US in carrying out strikes against the Houthis in Yemen last week, but ships have continued to be targeted along the vital Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade routes.
Shipping lines and oil giants have diverted vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but the alternative route around southern African adds time and costs, which could hamper efforts to tackle inflation.
Mr Harper said he met shipping leaders to give reassurance that we wont stand by while merchant ships and seafarers are attacked and international maritime trade is held to ransom.
The US military confirmed on Thursday that it had fired another wave of ship and submarine-launched missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites.
It marks the fourth time in recent days that it has directly targeted the group in Yemen as violence that ignited in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war continues to spill over in the Middle East.
US President Joe Biden said the strikes would continue, but acknowledged they had not yet stopped the Houthi attacks.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, which acts as a link between the Royal Navy and shipping, said it had received a report on Thursday about an attack 85 nautical miles south-east of Ash Shihr, Yemen, involving four drones flying close to a ship, with one hitting the water in close proximity to the vessel.
Another incident was reported 115 nautical miles south-east of Aden, Yemen, with drones reported close to a merchant vessel and an explosion in the water approximately 30 metres away from it, although the ship and crew were safe.
The Houthi rebels, who support Hamas in the Palestinian groups war against Israel, claim they have targeted ships with links to Tel Aviv, but vessels without obvious connections have also been struck.
Rebel supreme leader Abdel Malek al-Houthi, in his first comments since allied airstrikes started, said Western military action does not scare us as he vowed to continue targeting ships linked to Israel, as well as vessels with British and American ties.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister told reporters: The rise in attacks on commercial shipping is both illegal and causing enormous disruption to the global economy and putting innocent lives at risk.
Shipping freight vessels in the Red Sea have come under attack from Houthi rebels (Indian Navy via AP)
It was right that we took action to protect both interests and lives.
And together with allies, we have been very clear in our condemnation of their behaviour.
We will continue to urge them to desist from carrying out what are illegal attacks, putting peoples lives at risk.
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron met Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian while in Davos for the World Economic Forum on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East, including an emerging tit-for-tat clash between Tehran and Pakistan.
He said Iran should expect a very strong response from the West for both its backing of proxies in the region, with the Islamic republic a known supporter of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and its recent attacks on Pakistan and Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Iran must cease supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence and use its influence to stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Iran must also stop using the regional situation as cover to act recklessly and violate others sovereignty. I made this clear to FM @Amirabdolahian David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 17, 2024
The former prime minister, speaking to Times Radio, said: I obviously wanted to deliver a very clear message about what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea and the fact that these attacks on international shipping are illegal and unacceptable and damaging to world trade.
They fly in the face of freedom of navigation. That was the principal message.
But obviously I did challenge him about these other issues as well and said that the world is watching Iran and its influence over these proxies, but also the action it has been taking directly.
People will draw conclusions from the actions that they are taking and they should expect a very strong response.
Mr Amir-Abdollahian said on X that he told Lord Cameron, according to an online translation, that America and England should immediately stop supporting the war crimes of the Zionist apartheid regime against the Palestinians a reference to western backing for Israels right to respond to Hamass deadly October 7 raids.
In a sign of the economic impact of the Red Sea troubles, Poundland owner Pepco said the clashes could have an impact on products available in its stores if the disruption was prolonged.
We note that the current situation in the Red Sea is leading to elevated spot freight rates and delays to container lead times, Pepco said on Thursday.
The bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle was hit by a Houthi missile on Monday (AP)
The majority of our freight costs are contracted until the end of the third quarter, but the business is facing additional surcharges from carriers in relation to the longer shipping routes being taken.
While there is limited impact on product availability currently, a prolonged issue in the region could also impact supply in the coming months.
Traveller and TV presenter Simon Reeve has revealed he ate tasty testicles that were similar to a soft-boiled egg on a new show for BBC Two.
The 51-year-old fronts documentary series Wilderness With Simon Reeve, which sees him explore remote landscapes across the globe, and said they looked to film in areas where nature was still largely in charge.
Reflecting on his time exploring the Andes, he said: I stayed with Gaucho cowboys on the edge of the South Patagonian icefield in the Andes Mountains, and they eat a diet of a pure carnivore.
Simon Reeve appeared on the Graham Norton Show (Isabel Infantes/PA)
Testicles are on the menu a lot and they are quite tasty, to be honest.
They call them prairie oysters in North America, and theyre a bit like eating a soft-boiled egg.
Discussing some of the toughest parts of making the series, he added: There was a lot that could have gone wrong on the journeys, and everybody accepted there were risks involved.
We faced challenges along the way and I was quite lucky, really, to emerge from the journeys relatively unscathed.
We found a jigger flea burrowing its way into the foot of Jonathan our cameraman, laying its eggs inside him.
That had to be dug out with a scalpel by torchlight in the middle of the Congo jungle.
Eric, one of the directors, went down with a fever in the middle of the sea in the Coral Triangle off the coast of Indonesia, and we spent a night struggling with maps trying and failing to find anywhere within reach where there was a clinic or potentially somewhere to land a rescue helicopter.
Luckily, in the end it wasnt necessary, but it was a reminder of how incredibly remote we were.
And in Patagonia, our cameraman Piers damaged his ankle while we were going up into the Andes, and had to be taken back down.
He added: There were a host of physical risks and challenges, of course, not least when I went off into the depths of the Kalahari alone with two local trackers, facing potentially man-eating lions with just a small can of pepper spray strapped to my belt.
Reeve said his stand-out moment from the series was getting close to wildebeest in Africa.
I was crawling along the ground with two trackers and hunters in the heart of the Kalahari, trying to get up close to a herd of wildebeest, he said.
The guides were trying to feed their families and small village in the wild.
As we approached, the hunters popped up and fired off their poison arrows. But because I was with them we werent close enough.
As well as eating testicles in Patagonia, Reeve chased bonobos and met a former elephant poacher when he travelled to the Congo.
The first episode of Wilderness With Simon Reeve will air on January 21 at 9pm on BBC Two and all four of the 60-minute episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer.
Thousands of jobs at risk as Tata presses ahead with plan to close furnaces
Steel giant Tata is to press ahead with plans to close blast furnaces at its biggest plant, threatening more than 3,000 jobs, according to sources.
Unions were meeting the company on Thursday after presenting alternative proposals aimed at saving jobs in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Sources said Tata rejected the plan and were pressing ahead with proposals for a greener form of steelmaking to cut emissions and stem financial losses.
Unions will consult their members on how to respond to job losses, with industrial action not being ruled out.
Sources said Tata accepted a union plea to keep the hot strip mill open over a transition period, supporting hundreds more jobs.
A Tata Steel spokesman said ahead of the meeting: We have recently announced a joint agreement between Tata Steel and UK Government for a proposal to invest in state-of-the art Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking in Port Talbot.
We are committed to meaningful information sharing and consultation with our trade union partners about the plan to develop sustainable steelmaking in the UK and to find solutions for concerns they may have.
While those discussions are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: I am deeply disappointed to hear that Tata Steel will be closing their remaining blast furnaces in the UK, something which could have a devastating impact on communities across the country, particularly in Port Talbot, where the local economy is reliant on the nearby steel plant.
The UK Conservative Government, through their inability to support investment into UK steel, has failed towns like Port Talbot across the country.
If the UK Government was willing to implement a real and sustainable industrial strategy that protected jobs whilst simultaneously supporting the transition to low carbon sectors, we wouldnt find ourselves in this mess.
But now we are here, on the verge of witnessing the destruction of Port Talbot.
The Prime Minister and his cabinet will never know what its like for the thousands of workers at risk of losing their jobs, they will never know the constant worrying and anxiety that comes with the prospect of losing ones livelihood.
Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberavon, home of the Port Talbot steelworks, said: Tatas decision to follow the Conservative business model of managed decline for British steelmaking will cause the job losses of 3,000 hard-working men and women, each of whom have dedicated their lives to an industry which underpins Britains automotive industry, railways, defence sector, consumer goods, construction, wind turbines and so much more.
Global demand for steel is actually growing, but by pursuing a narrow electric arc furnace-only model, Tata Steel will be unable to seize the commercial opportunities of the future, while at the same time leaving Britain more dependent on imported steel from countries whose governments wont always have Britains best interests at heart.
The National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee said in a statement: The steel unions met today with a senior Tata Steel delegation led by Koushik Chatterjee, and the company responded to the multi-union plan laying out an alternative decarbonisation strategy for Tata Steel UK.
We will be communicating the outcomes of the meeting to our members in the first instance, as is right and proper, and we will make a further more detailed public statement in due course.
Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB national officer, said: Large-scale job losses would be a crushing blow to Port Talbot and UK manufacturing in general.
It doesnt have to be this way unions provided a realistic, costed alternative that would rule out all compulsory redundancies.
This plan appears to have fallen on deaf ears and now steelworkers and their families will suffer.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham accused Tata of playing games with peoples livelihoods (PA)
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: As yet, Tata are still playing games with peoples livelihoods.
Whatever and however they announce their plans for Port Talbot, Unite will fight tooth and nail to defend steel workers and our steel industry.
We have already clearly demonstrated how and why Tata should be expanding UK steel production in line with growing demand.
The Government now needs to step in and step up.
This is the time to defend British workers and communities, as well as our industrial base and our national security.
More managed decline can only help the UKs competitors, steel producers in other countries.
Politicians need to make the right choices now or they will not be forgiven easily.
A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said she could not comment on speculation in relation to commercial matters.
More broadly, our commitment to the steel sector is clear.
We committed 500 million of the UK Government support that will transform the site and also protect thousands of jobs.
We will continue to work closely with the industry and with Tata steel.
A UK Government spokesperson said: We are determined to secure a sustainable and competitive future for the UK steel sector, which is why we have committed 500 million of UK Government support that will transform the site and protect thousands of jobs both in Port Talbot and throughout the supply chain.
Engagement with trade unions is rightly a company-led process. There is a broad range of support for staff affected, including a dedicated Transition Board backed by 80 million funding from UK Government and 20 million from Tata Steel.
Chaired by the Welsh Secretary with ministerial representation from the Welsh Government, the board will support both affected employees and the local economy.
The Welsh governments Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: We are in discussion with Tata Steel UK and the recognised trade unions and have approached the UK Government regarding proposals concerning the future of the companys operations in Wales.
This is not just an issue for Wales, steel is a sovereign asset and should be treated as such by the UK Government.
Hundreds of schools are shut, some for a fourth day, as weather warnings including an amber alert remain in place across many parts of the country.
Much of the UK endured temperatures below freezing overnight, with preliminary data from the Met Office indicating the mercury fell to as low as minus 13.6C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
It comes after the UK had its coldest night of the winter so far on Tuesday into Wednesday, when Dalwhinnie in the Highlands experienced a temperature of minus 14C.
An amber warning for snow across northern Scotland, the Orkney and Shetland Islands is in place until 6pm on Thursday, with the potential for up to 20cm more snowfall.
All schools are closed on Thursday amid the wintry conditions in Orkney and in Shetland, where many have been shut since Monday.
More than 200 schools and nurseries are closed across the Highland region, around 130 are shut in Aberdeenshire and others had delayed openings, while in Moray nine schools and nurseries are closed due to the weather and others had late or staggered starts.
A sprinkling of snow fell as far south as Truro, Cornwall (Esme Page/X/PA)
Other parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland have a yellow snow and ice warning spanning the whole of Thursday, while the north and north west of the UK are likely to see further wintry outbreaks over the next 24 hours.
Separate, shorter snow and ice warnings were in place for Wales and south-west England until 11am on Thursday, and in eastern England until midday.
A final yellow ice warning for south-east England, including Kent, Surrey and East Sussex, was in place until 10am.
(PA Graphics)
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: With deep snow already lying on the ground for many in the northern half of the UK, were going to see a significant topping up of totals over the next couple of days, especially for those in the north of Scotland.
Within the amber warning area, an additional 15-20cm of snow is possible in a few locations.
Strengthening northwesterly winds will also cause some lying snow to drift, potentially bringing some additional hazards, such as temporary blizzard conditions.
After a very cold start, many places seeing plenty of winter sunshine through the morning Snow showers will continue across Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a few wintry showers also along the coasts elsewhere Windy for the Northern Isles pic.twitter.com/Q2MQAee0wV Met Office (@metoffice) January 17, 2024
Travel warnings are also in place across Scotland.
On the railways, ScotRail said its local stopping Dundee-Arbroath, Montrose-Inverurie and Inverness-Elgin trains will not run, while services between Inverness and Edinburgh/Glasgow will take 30 minutes longer.
Scotlands transport minister Fiona Hyslop said: We know from recent severe weather events that its important to plan ahead if you are looking to travel. With the Met Office issuing an updated amber warning for snow in the North Highlands and Northern Isles, travel planning becomes vital.
Police Scotland is warning of a high risk of disruption for the parts of the country covered by the amber warning, but yellow warnings can also be impactful and cause delays. Please allow extra time for your journey and consider if it can be delayed until conditions have improved.
People walk along a snow-covered path in Whitby, North Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA)
She added: Winter resilience plans have been in full effect with teams across Scotland working overnight to grit the trunk road network for essential journeys. Local roads may also be impacted, so please make sure your route is available, follow the travel advice from Police Scotland and drive to the conditions.
National Rail warned the wintry weather could affect train journeys on Thursday.
In Northern Ireland, people have been urged not to travel unless it is absolutely essential because of limited gritting of the roads in zero-degree temperatures as public sector workers walk out in the biggest strike in the regions recent history.
Another frosty night is forecast into Friday, and while it will be breezier with more cloud in places, lows of minus 10C will again be likely in some areas.
Wind coming in from the Atlantic in the west will then take charge through Friday and into Saturday, bringing much milder, wet and windy weather for the weekend.
William visits Kate in hospital as she recovers from abdominal surgery
The Prince of Wales has visited the Princess of Waless bedside as Kate spends a third day in hospital recuperating from abdominal surgery.
A serious-looking William was seen leaving the private London Clinic at about 12.35pm on Thursday.
The heir to the throne drove himself away from the hospital in an Audi e-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, followed by a Land Rover Discovery, and left by the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
Kensington Palace said: The Prince has just left hospital after visiting his wife.
The princess was admitted on Tuesday for the successful, planned procedure but is expected to stay in the clinic for 10 to 14 days before returning to her Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor.
The Princess of Wales during her last public appearance on Christmas Day (Joe Giddens/PA)
Kate, 42, is said to be doing well but will spend up to three months away from royal duties, with the Prince of Wales clearing his diary and stepping back temporarily from his official role to care for his wife and children.
The nature of the princesss condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
It is serious enough, however, for future king William to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath.
Police officers outside the London Clinic, in central London, where the Princess of Wales is being looked after (Lucy North/PA)
The princess is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter but this will depend on medical advice at the time.
Meanwhile, the Queen said the King is fine and looking forward to getting back to work.
Camilla was asked about the monarchs health by the citys civic head, the Lord Provost David Cameron, on a solo visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery on Thursday.
Queen Camilla arrives to open the new Safe Space during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Hes fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work, Camilla replied.
Buckingham Palace, in an unprecedented double royal health scare, announced the Kings diagnosis on Wednesday just an hour-and-a-half after Kensington Palace revealed the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery.
Charles, who is at his private home Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, is preparing for a corrective procedure next week for the benign prostate condition.
Everyone at East Anglias Childrens Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful Patron, HRH The Princess of Wales. We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery. EACH (@EACH_hospices) January 18, 2024
Charities the princess has worked with sent her messages of support, wishing her a speedy recovery.
The Baby Bank, where Kate took George, Charlotte and Louis to volunteer by sorting donations in Holyport near Maidenhead, sympathised with the princess, saying the journey back to full health when you have young children can be difficult.
Rebecca Mistry and Lauren Hall, co-chief executives, said: We wish the Princess a speedy recovery and know ourselves that with young children thats not always possible.
Baby Banks are warm, caring places for families to access equipment, products, clothes and toys to help relieve some of the stresses creating significant pressures on people caring for babies and young children. Watch in full: https://t.co/Mg75dctBSn A film by Will Warr pic.twitter.com/1a2d2L8AJ8 The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) December 11, 2023
They added: We can recommend some books to read whilst she recovers.
East Anglias Childrens Hospices (EACH), of which Kate is patron, said to the princess: We are all thinking of you.
EACH added on X: Everyone at East Anglias Childrens Hospices sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
Nigel Clarke, who founded the Dadvengers community group for fathers and their children which Kate visited in November, said: All of the team at Dadvengers wish Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales a speedy recovery from her surgery.
Heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures have closed hundreds of schools, some for a fourth day, as forecasters issued further weather warnings for the weekend.
Much of the UK endured temperatures below freezing overnight, with preliminary data from the Met Office indicating the mercury fell to as low as minus 13.6C at Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands.
It comes after the UK had its coldest night of the winter so far on Tuesday into Wednesday, when Dalwhinnie in the Highlands experienced a temperature of minus 14C.
Amber and yellow warnings for snow and ice cover parts of the UK on Thursday, while a yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for Sunday across the UK except Shetland and south east England.
The warning runs for 24 hours from 6am on Sunday, and the Met Office warned winds of up to 70mph could hit exposed coasts, with up to 60mph inland.
An amber warning for snow across northern Scotland, the Orkney and Shetland Islands is in place until 6pm on Thursday, with the potential for up to 20cm more snowfall.
All schools are closed in Orkney and Shetland on Thursday amid the wintry conditions, with many of them having now been shut all week.
A snow plough clears a road near Fordoun in Aberdeenshire (Andrew Milligan/PA)
In addition, more than 200 schools and nurseries are closed on Thursday across the Highland region, around 130 are shut in Aberdeenshire and nine in Moray, while many others had delayed starts.
Other parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland have a yellow snow and ice warning spanning the whole of Thursday, while the north and north west of the UK are likely to see further wintry outbreaks over the next 24 hours.
Separate, shorter snow and ice warnings were in place for Wales and south-west England until 11am on Thursday, and in eastern England until midday.
A sprinkling of snow fell as far south as Truro, Cornwall (Esme Page/X/PA)
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: With deep snow already lying on the ground for many in the northern half of the UK, were going to see a significant topping up of totals over the next couple of days, especially for those in the north of Scotland.
Within the amber warning area, an additional 15-20cm of snow is possible in a few locations.
Strengthening northwesterly winds will also cause some lying snow to drift, potentially bringing some additional hazards, such as temporary blizzard conditions.
Travel warnings are also in place across Scotland.
Yellow weather warning UPDATED Strong winds across much of the UK Sunday 0600 Monday 0600 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/MMBZFgi1jm Met Office (@metoffice) January 18, 2024
On the railways, ScotRail said its local stopping Dundee-Arbroath, Montrose-Inverurie and Inverness-Elgin trains will not run on Thursdau, while services between Inverness and Edinburgh/Glasgow will take 30 minutes longer.
Scotlands transport minister Fiona Hyslop said: We know from recent severe weather events that its important to plan ahead if you are looking to travel. With the Met Office issuing an updated amber warning for snow in the North Highlands and Northern Isles, travel planning becomes vital.
Police Scotland is warning of a high risk of disruption for the parts of the country covered by the amber warning, but yellow warnings can also be impactful and cause delays. Please allow extra time for your journey and consider if it can be delayed until conditions have improved.
People walk along a snow-covered path in Whitby, North Yorkshire (Danny Lawson/PA)
She added: Winter resilience plans have been in full effect with teams across Scotland working overnight to grit the trunk road network for essential journeys. Local roads may also be impacted, so please make sure your route is available, follow the travel advice from Police Scotland and drive to the conditions.
National Rail warned the wintry weather could affect train journeys on Thursday.
In Northern Ireland, people have been urged not to travel unless it is absolutely essential because of limited gritting of the roads in zero-degree temperatures as public sector workers walk out in the biggest strike in the regions recent history.
Another frosty night is forecast into Friday, and while it will be breezier with more cloud in places, lows of minus 10C will again be likely in some areas.
Google said Thursday its new image-based search feature for premium Android smartphones, including Samsung Electronics's latest Galaxy S24 series, will be launched later this month.
The new function, named "Circle to Search," will be available to users of Google's Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S24 series models in all languages from Jan. 31, according to the U.S. tech giant.
Google said Circle to Search can enhance the immersive experience of its users by providing a new way to search for something on their phone without switching apps, and allow a more "intuitive" and "natural" method of searching.
The function will be activated by just holding down the home button or navigation bar on Android phones, and users can circle, highlight, scribble or tap on the image to get more information about items in the image.
But for copyright protection, the function will not be available for private images or images that cannot be captured by a screenshot, the company explained.
Google also plans to newly launch artificial intelligence (AI)-powered overviews in multisearch for both Android and iOS this week in the English language in the United States.
Google did not elaborate on its plan to expand the capability to other regions or other languages.
"Google will continue to envision a future where users can search anyway, anywhere they want" said Elizabeth Reid, Google vice president of search. "We will further apply generative AI to enhance users' search experience in a constructive manner." (Yonhap)
Scotlands First Minister has defended inviting the Turkish president to visit as he said both countries are on a journey regarding human rights.
Humza Yousaf briefly met Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the Cop28 UN climate summit in Dubai last year drawing the ire of the Foreign Office due to a UK official not being present.
Minutes of the meeting given to the Herald under freedom of information legislation show the First Minister invited RTE to visit Scotland during a future visit to the UK.
At the time, the meeting drew criticism from within the First Ministers own party, with SNP councillor Roza Salih saying she did not expect this from a FM that says he respects human rights over Turkeys treatment of Kurds.
As well as discussing the urgency of global action on tackling the climate crisis, I spoke to @RTErdogan & Lebanon PM @Najib_Mikati about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. An immediate & permanent ceasefire is needed now. Too many innocent children have died, it must stop. pic.twitter.com/tDvs8X4tyJ Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) December 1, 2023
Speaking to journalists after First Ministers Questions on Thursday, Mr Yousaf defended the invitation.
I said the next time hes in the United Kingdom, he should come up to Scotland, he said.
Turkey is a Nato ally, why would we not wish to have a Nato ally here?
Asked if he would raise reported abuse of human rights by Mr Erdogans administration of the Kurds during any future visit, the First Minister said: Yes, I would raise human rights as I tend to do whenever I have meetings with international leaders.
But I should say, of course, we do that in a way that also recognises that were on a human rights journey, as are other countries.
Weeks after the meeting at Cop28 and another summit attended by the First Ministers wife Nadia El-Nakla in Turkey bringing together the spouses of international political leaders, her sister-in-law and her young children were given sanctuary in Turkey, fleeing from Gaza.
A spokesman for the First Minister, speaking to journalists during a briefing on Thursday, said he did not believe the invitation was connected to Ms El-Naklas family later being allowed to flee to Turkey.
Following Mr Yousafs meeting with Mr Erdogan described in the minutes as warm and friendly the Scottish Government was chastised by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron due to the lack of a Foreign Office official in attendance.
Lord Cameron said the meeting was a breach of protocol (PA)
Lord Cameron went as far as to threaten to withhold co-operation with Scottish ministers who travel abroad, saying: I remain open to discussing a constructive way forward.
However, any further breaches of the protocol of ministerial meetings having a FCDO official present will result in no further FCDO facilitation of meetings or logistical support.
We will also need to consider the presence of Scottish Government offices in UK Government posts.
The Humanist Society Scotland hit out at the invitation, with chief executive Fraser Sutherland saying: This is a very short-sighted invite from the First Minister. Under President Erdogan Turkey has seen a sustained attack on civil liberties and human rights.
Allegations of torture against political prisoners are widespread and the Turkish government censors and blocks webpages of news websites that are critical of the governing party.
He added: Erdogan is an authoritarian despot.
He should not be welcomed to Bute House by this First Minister or any who follow him.
A UK Government spokesman said: Foreign affairs is reserved under the Scotland Act, and in such turbulent times the need for the UK to speak on the world stage with one consistent voice is more important than ever.
Our embassies and high commissions overseas have a strong track record of working collaboratively with the Scottish Government to promote the interests of the whole UK.
An Illinois family said they are still reeling weeks after their 14-year-old son who has autism was tased by police in what they contend was a case of mistaken identity.
The family told ABC Chicago station WLS that the teen -- Avarius Thompson -- suffered injuries including a fractured hip during an encounter with Dolton police on the morning of Nov. 20, 2023.
According to the Dolton Police Department's incident report, Dolton police were assisting police in the nearby village of Riverdale in the search for four Black males who had fled from a crashed, stolen vehicle -- two of whom were allegedly carrying rifles and a handgun.
MORE: Cop who tased suspect several times as man begged him to stop charged with cruelty
Dolton officers spotted two subjects -- one of whom matched the description of a suspect sought in the incident -- in a nearby backyard and pursued them, according to the incident report.
An officer pursuing Avarius ordered the teen to stop before tasing him, according to the incident report.
The incident was captured on the officer's body-camera footage.
PHOTO: Body-camera footage shows a Dolton police officer using a stun gun on 14-year-old Avarius Thompson. (Dolton Police Department )
"Hands up! Hands up!" a Dolton police officer can be heard yelling in the body-camera footage as he runs toward Avarius with his Taser extended. After the teen jumps over a fence, the officer deploys the taser, the footage shows.
Avarius attempts to get up when the officer deploys his Taser again a few seconds later, the footage shows.
"Don't move. Don't move," the officer says. "You move, you're going to get some more."
Avarius' father, Eric Thompson, told WLS that the footage was "frightening."
"It was very scary," Eric Thompson told the station. "I could see he was confused. He didn't know what was going on."
According to the incident report, a Riverdale officer "positively identified" Avarius as one of the offenders. Though the family's attorney, Calvin Townsend II, told WLS he believes this was a case of mistaken identity, and that the teen's clothing was similar to the suspect's description.
"He's a 14-year-old kid, and having officers rush toward you with what we know are Tasers but could be perceived as guns is scary," Townsend told WLS. "Then you add the autistic aspect. Again, it's very confusing."
MORE: Man shocked with Taser files federal lawsuit against Colorado police
In the body-camera footage, another officer at the scene can be heard saying, "I don't think that's him, bro."
"This might not be him," the second officer says.
Avarius' family can be heard expressing shock at the incident in the footage.
"He's a little boy!" his sister, Allayja Toran, says after coming outside their home.
The teen can be heard telling his sister he didn't do anything.
Avarius was transported to a hospital, where his mother, Gwendolyn Toran, can be heard telling the officers he is autistic.
"You can't arrest an autistic kid, man! Y'all tased him. Y'all did that," she says.
PHOTO: Gwendolyn Toran and Eric Thompson with their son, Avarius Thompson speak with WLS after he was tased by police. (WLS)
Avarius' parents told WLS that their son suffered a fractured hip, bruising and had taser marks on his body.
After being seen by a doctor at the hospital, Avarius was released to the custody of Riverdale police, according to the incident report. He was released from custody later that day, his family told WLS.
The village of Dolton said in a statement to WLS on Wednesday that this "regrettable event" is under investigation, and that they are "committed to a thorough and transparent investigation with external reviews."
"Mayor Tiffany A. Henyard demands that the police department adheres to the highest standards and has ordered a full review of the facts regarding this incident and has requested that the Village of Riverdale provide any documents [and/or] relevant information related to the matter to the Village of Dolton Police department," the statement said. "Our dedication to serving and protecting our community remains unwavering, and we will take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future."
Townsend told WLS he does not believe Avarius has been charged with any crime. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office told ABC News they have not been contacted by police for charges related to the incident.
Avarius' parents said they are still shocked by what happened. Townsend told ABC News earlier Wednesday he is planning to pursue legal action.
"He's just a lovable kid," his mother told WLS. "I just couldn't believe that this could happen to my kid."
"You see so many stories of stuff like this happening to kids, and they go to jail and they don't come out. Something happens, they end up dying," his father told the station. "That happens every day in this world, and I don't want to see that happen to my son or anybody's kid."
14-year-old boy with autism tased by police in what family says was case of mistaken identity originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Top congressional leaders emerged from Wednesdays meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House hopeful that a deal on a national security supplemental aid package could be reached, with both Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson describing the meeting as productive.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, which lasted an hour and 23 minutes, Schumer said he was more optimistic than ever before that we come to an agreement.
He cited Democratic and Republican agreement about the need to provide support for Ukraine, pointing to what he called an understanding that if we dont come to Ukraines aid, that the consequences for America around the globe would be nothing short of devastating.
Still, the New York Democrat acknowledged, some people in the room called for legislation to address the situation at the border before committing to additional aid for Ukraine.
There are a couple of people in the room who said lets do the border first we said we have to do both together in the Senate, Schumer said. The president himself said over and over again, that he is willing to move forward on border.
Johnson also described the meeting as productive, but insisted the border must be the top priority.
We had a productive meeting, I think, House and Senate leaders, the president was very forthright. I told the president what I have been saying for many months, and that is that we must have change at the border, substantive policy change, the Louisiana Republican told reporters.
Johnson and Schumer declined to take any questions from reporters gathered outside the West Wing of the White House.
Speaking with CNNs Kaitlan Collins later Wednesday, Johnson refused to commit to putting a Senate-passed immigration deal on the House floor, warning that the devil is in the details.
I dont yet know what theyre going to propose. Theres been lots of rumors about it, but Im very hopeful that they will give us something meaningful that is very close to what weve sent over from the House, Johnson said, referring to the partisan House-passed border bill known as HR 2.
Johnson indicated to Biden and other lawmakers present that it ultimately would not need to include the House Republicans hardline border security package in its entirety or its exact form. He communicated that its not HR 2 or bust, one source familiar with the meeting said.
Were not insistent upon a particular name of a piece of legislation, but we are insistent that the elements have to be meaningful, Johnson told reporters at the White House following the meeting.
The White House said in a readout that Biden emphasized the strategic consequences of inaction in Ukraine as he made the case for additional support for the country.
He was clear: Congresss continued failure to act endangers the United States national security, the NATO Alliance, and the rest of the free world, the White House said.
White House sources earlier said that Bidens warning would lay out the potential setbacks that Ukraine could suffer on the battlefield in its ongoing fight against Russia without additional US aid. He had also planned to walk through the impact that US aid has had on Ukraines battle against Russia over the last two years and warn about the cost of inaction as Russia continues airstrikes and counter-offensive, one of the sources said.
According to the White House, the president also addressed the crisis at the border, saying, We must act now.
He expressed his commitment to reaching a bipartisan agreement on border policy and the need for additional resources at the border, the readout said.
The White House has seen encouraging progress on border talks in recent days, a source said, and hoped to use the meeting to press lawmakers to move quickly once an agreement is struck on the immigration portion of the supplemental package.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines offered lawmakers specific examples of the possible ramifications of not getting Ukraine additional US funding, two White House officials said.
The meeting included classified portions related to Ukraine, one of the officials confirmed. Both White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby had said earlier in the day that Bidens national security team was expected to share classified information about the war.
The White House has repeatedly said that the administration has exhausted its presidential drawdown authority funding, and stressed how crucial new funding is for Ukraines continued defense.
Our last security assistance package was authorized on the 27th of December, Kirby told reporters Tuesday. We meant it when we said it at the time, that that was the last one for which we had replenishment authority.
Hours before the White House meeting, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Biden for not recognizing the flood of migrants at the southern border as a crisis.
Over the weekend, President Biden once again refused to describe the situation at the southern border as a crisis. Apparently, according to the commander-in-chief, 10,000 border crossings in a day, and the busiest month and year on record at the border, is somehow not a crisis, he said.
But McConnell praised the bipartisan Senate border security negotiators for making headway for the most significant border enhancements in almost 30 years. They are getting closer to delivering serious, lasting solutions to the unprecedented humanitarian and national security catastrophe thats unfolding on President Bidens watch.
McConnell did not directly mention the White House meeting in his remarks on the Senate floor.
On the supplemental, Schumer conceded prior to the meeting that coming to an agreement is very complex but added that members on both sides know that we must do something on Ukraine. The eyes of history are upon this chamber.
This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.
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Congress narrowly averted a partial government shutdown, buying a few extra weeks to try to work out an agreement on a set of bills that will fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year.
After several days of nail biting over Friday's looming deadline, which would have seen four of 12 government funding bills expiring, both chambers passed the short-term funding bill -- allowing them to get out of town as another snowstorm barrels toward the East Coast.
The funding solution now goes to President Joe Biden's desk.
MORE: No snow day for the Senate as Congress looks to avert a government shutdown
The legislation expands the funding expiration date for the four government funding bills set to expire on Friday to March 1. The other eight bills, which were set to run out of funding on Feb. 2, will now run out of funds on March 8.
"Avoiding a shutdown is very good news for the country, for our veterans, for parents and children, and for farmers and small businesses, all of whom would have felt the sting of the government shutdown," Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor. "And this is what the American people want to see. Both sides working together and governing responsibly. No chaos, no spectacle, no shutdown."
The Senate easily passed the short-term funding bill by an overwhelming vote of 77-18. The House passed it 314-108.
The House Freedom Caucus members unsuccessfully pushed for Johnson to add a last-minute border amendment to the stopgap funding bill. Ahead of the vote, the House Freedom Caucus put out a statement urging all Republicans to oppose the funding measure.
"Speaker Mike Johnson should walk away from his agreement with Senate Majority Leader Schumer and pass an appropriations package that meaningfully reduces spending year-over-year and secures our southern border. That is what winning looks like," the statement said.
PHOTO: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, standing next to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries talks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Jan. 17, 2024, following a meeting with President Joe Biden. (Susan Walsh/AP)
The short-term bill buys Congress some additional breathing room, but it ultimately does little to resolve the longer-term questions about government funding that have plagued this Congress, which has already extended its deadline to complete work on government funding twice before, for months.
It's not clear if this extra bit of time will finally make the difference, despite a breakthrough in negotiations between the House and Senate that has allowed for expedited work on longer-term funding bills.
Earlier this month, Schumer and Johnson reached an agreement on the overall cost of government funding bills after months of squabbling over the matter as House Republicans sought to exact funding cuts greater than those previously agreed to by President Joe Biden and former-Speaker Kevin McCarthy during negotiations over the federal debt limit.
Johnson and Schumer finally settled the matter by announcing they would keep levels consistent with the Biden-McCarthy agreement, inspiring renewed confidence that these extra few weeks could be the magic push that Congress needs to finally complete its work.
PHOTO: People enjoy the snow outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, Jan. 16, 2024. (Leah Millis/Reuters)
But there's still a long way to go, and it's not clear whether the extra six weeks Congress is expected to buy itself Thursday will be enough to turn that handshake agreement into legislation that can be voted on and passed -- especially with Speaker Johnson's right flank raging over the deal.
Many of his most right-of-center members are frustrated that Johnson did not fight harder to exact cuts in the agreement.
Johnson has pushed back on that and argued that the stopgap measure that passed Thursday is an important part of his larger effort to secure Republican priorities on the larger government funding bills.
MORE: A partial government shutdown could happen next week. Here's what you need to know
"This is an important thing for us because it allows us to fight for our policy changes, our policy riders, in those spending bills. It takes time to do that. And so, the reason we need just a little more time on the calendar is to allow that process to play out," Johnson said.
But those policy riders are controversial, and Senate Democrats have vowed to block them.
It's teeing up a precarious situation for Johnson as he negotiates the next set of bills.
This all comes as negotiations continue on a separate spending package that would provide aid to Ukraine and Israel and strengthen border security. Johnson is digging in on hard-line demands for more restrictive border reforms despite progress in the Senate on a bipartisan compromise.
To further complicate matters, the House is only scheduled to be in session for 11 legislative days between now and the new March 1 funding deadline. The Senate is scheduled for a two-week recess in February.
The next 40 days could make for a crunch on the clock and for Johnson.
ABC News' Lauren Peller and Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report.
Congress holds off government shutdown for a few more weeks originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
WASHINGTON Congress passed a bill on Thursday that would prevent a partial government shutdown this weekend and keep federal funds flowing through March 1 and March 8.
The Democratic-led Senate voted 77-18 on final passage after considering a few amendments. The Republican-led House soon followed suit, passing it by a vote of 314-108.
The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk to become law before the funding expires Friday at midnight.
It is the third stopgap bill since last September as the divided Congress struggles to agree on full-year government funding bills. Thursday's bill passed with mostly Democratic votes, with 107 Republicans voting for it and 106 voting against it.
A recent deal between Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on how much to spend in the new year has renewed hope of completing the process by the new early March deadlines. But that is far from guaranteed as right-wing House Republicans rebel against it.
The first stopgap bill led to the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker. His successor, Johnson, is seeking to avoid the same fate by selling the conservative victories in the latest deal.
Before the Senate vote, Schumer inveighed against a loud contingent of hard-right rabble-rousers who thinks a shutdown is somehow a good thing."
In the twisted logic of the hard right, the theory is if enough people feel the pain of a shutdown, the hard-right can bully the rest of Congress into enacting their deeply unpopular agenda, Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. Bullying, intimidation, chaos. This is MAGA extremism in a nutshell.
Around the same time, the House announced that it would cancel votes on Friday in anticipation of a winter storm and complete votes on the stopgap bill on Thursday.
The bill would extend the two-part government funding deadlines from Jan. 19 to March 1, and from Feb. 2 to March 8. The funding bill is unrelated to negotiations surrounding an immigration and national security supplemental bill that would provide aid to Ukraine and Israel. It's designed to give appropriators more time to craft the 12 appropriations bills that fully fund the government using the newly agreed-to spending levels.
We need just a little bit more time on the calendar to allow that process to play out, Johnson told reporters, saying hes very hopeful that Congress can pass all 12 measures.
Well see how this develops. Certainly, were not going to have an omnibus," he said, referring to the massive, last-minute spending bills Congress has frequently relied on. "And that was a very important innovation for us to forge forward because its no way to run a railroad.
Sturgis, Michigan resident shovels heavy, freezing snow from sidewalks and porches on Jan. 13.
Wind chill and weather advisories were in effect across the Midwest and much of the eastern United States on Thursday as a new winter storm began to unleash more snowfall and freezing temperatures, closing schools and delaying travel.
By the weekend, at least 3 inches of snow is expected to fall in states stretching across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin to New York, New Jersey and New England, according to AccuWeather. Snow fell overnight across the Midwest, dumping several inches in Chicago and Detroit.
Several school districts in Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Kentucky were closed because of the storm.
As the storm moves east, some parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland and New Jersey could see between 3 to 6 inches of snow Thursday night and Friday, AccuWeather said. The weather is expected to snarl traffic and delay travel in Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.
Meanwhile, the Southern Plains and Gulf Coast can expect a brief break from the cold Thursday as temperatures return to the 60s and 70s, the National Weather Service said. The pause will be short-lived as another frigid arctic airmass spreads across the eastern half of the U.S. ahead of the weekend.
A swath of freezing rain and heavy mountain snowfall battered the Pacific Northwest on Thursday and is anticipated to continue into the weekend, according to the weather service. The heaviest snowfall is expected over the Cascades and Lower Columbia Basin, where upwards of a quarter to half inch of ice is possible through Saturday morning. Rain along the coastline of Oregon and Washington could lead to flash flooding as the ground is "very saturated," the weather service warned.
Developments:
More than 2,000 flights were delayed or canceled across the U.S. Thursday morning, according to Flight Aware. The airports with the most travel delays were in Seattle, Chicago and Detroit.
Over 80,000 households across the country early Thursday morning were without power across the U.S., according to a database maintained by USA TODAY. Most outages some 40,000 were reported in Oregon.
Oregon residents brave freezing temperatures amid power outages
When John Whitfield and his family returned to their home in Springfield, Oregon, on Saturday, they found that the power was out.
Whitfield started a fire and, with his girlfriend and 3-year-old daughter, huddled in front of the hearth. When he woke up the following morning and saw the power was still out, they sought refuge from the below freezing temperatures at a friend's house. In the days since, he's helped friends and neighbors by giving them rides or picking up groceries.
"There's definitely a lot of people reaching out for help right now. A lot of people are just wanting groceries," Whitfield told the Register-Guard, part of the USA TODAY Network. "I've got one guy he's in Springfield with no power right now asking if I can take him to Eugene where there's power so he can get warm."
Julia Rhodes refills a gas can for her generator during a winter storm Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in Springfield, Ore.
Springfield resident Julia Rhodes at a local gas station on Tuesday, before the next ice storm arrived, told the outlet she had not had power for two days and the temperature inside her house had dropped to about 20 degrees.
"It's getting pretty cold," Rhodes said while getting gasoline for her generator. "It was like 20 degrees inside, and I got a little one and I just got to make sure that he stays warm and that we get some lights for tonight."
Power line falls on car in Portland killing 3 and injuring baby
Three people were killed and a baby was injured Wednesday in Portland, Oregon, when a power line fell on a parked car.
By the time authorities arrived at the scene, two adults and one teenager were dead. The Portland Fire Department believes they were electrocuted when they got out of the vehicle. The baby survived and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Since late last week, when a barrage of winter storms began to slam the Pacific Northwest with freezing temperatures and ice, five people in Oregon died of hypothermia and two were killed by falling trees.
From Utah and Wyoming to Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, at least three dozen other people have died as a result of weather-related incidents since last weekend. In Tennessee, 14 people suffered weather-related deaths as of Wednesday, according to the state's health department.
So long, subzero temps! A 'dramatic' January thaw is around the corner
Indiana weather map
Storm system brings heavy ice to Pacific Northwest
Alan Reppert, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said an ongoing storm in the Pacific Northwest will bring "some major ice to Portland and Seattle."
The weather service said high snowfall rates and blowing snow are possible and widespread winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories went in effect on Wednesday.
Freezing rain could return to portions of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington Thursday evening into Friday morning. The highest chances are within the western Columbia River Gorge and eastern Portland/Vancouver Metro Area. #ORwx #WAwx pic.twitter.com/XJJM4ECbQk NWS Portland (@NWSPortland) January 18, 2024
Heavy rainfall also will head south into northern California on Thursday and Friday, along with the risk of localized flash flooding, the service reported.
Oregon weather map
US weather watches and warnings
National weather radar
Contributing: Associated Press, Haleigh Kochanski, Jorge L. Ortiz, John Bacon and Doyle Rice
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deep freeze to return in the East; heavy ice across Pacific Northwest
Days before the New Hampshire primary, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has retreated from waging an aggressive campaign in the Granite State, leaving the airwaves to his rivals and abruptly shifting his presidential campaign to South Carolina in an urgent move to salvage his White House bid.
The move comes as a super PAC supporting his campaign is dramatically cutting back as well, eliminating paid staff and scaling back plans to compete in Nevada and Super Tuesday states.
Amid the furious reshuffling, DeSantis will return to Florida on Thursday to attend to official business back home a trip that is all but certain to spur speculation about his future as a presidential candidate.
Multiple sources close to the governors political operation remained adamant Wednesday afternoon that DeSantis is staying in the race and attributed the schedule changes to the late cancelation of the CNN and ABC debates. A senior official for his campaign, which is quickly moving a majority of its staff to South Carolina, said DeSantis will return to New Hampshire on Friday and attend events in the Palmetto State this weekend.
DeSantis half-hearted push in New Hampshire tacitly acknowledges the state is out of reach, a reality that has been apparent to many including some of his top advisers and allies for months. As DeSantis prioritized Iowa and tacked further to the right to appease conservatives there, he fell out of favor with New Hampshires more moderate New England electorate. The most recent CNN Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire earlier this month measured DeSantis support at 5% behind former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who have since dropped out of the race.
His campaign and supportive super PACs havent aired a television ad in New Hampshire for two months, while allies of former President Donald Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley have invested millions duking it out on the airwaves there as the gap between them in polls has tightened.
In skipping ahead to South Carolina, his campaign hopes to undercut Haley in her home state before she turns her focus there.
Still, the 11th hour decision is illustrative of a badly damaged campaign in complete flux after losing to Trump in Iowa by nearly 30 points. Just hours before word leaked out that he was shifting focus to South Carolina, his deputy campaign manager David Polyansky seemed to reaffirm DeSantis commitment to the GOPs first primary during an appearance on CNN, saying the governor would grind in every state for delegates.
We will do it here in New Hampshire, Polyansky said Wednesday morning. Were going to go to Nevada, where Nikki Haleys not even competing for delegates. Were going to go to South Carolina and do it.
DeSantis, for his part, is hamstrung by a playing field that has quickly become unfavorable to him. He wants to keep debating his Republican rivals but cant find a sparring partner. He wants conservative media to stop covering the front-runner like hes already the nominee. He wants voters and donors to believe hes in a two-man race even though hes barely competing in the next contest on the primary calendar.
Unclear is how he will get any of that.
New Hampshire State Rep. Jason Osborne, an early supporter of DeSantis, could not hold back his disappointment as he held out hope the campaign wasnt punting on his state.
Selfishly, I would like them to go full bore at New Hampshire as I have been advocating for months, Osborne said. I think theres a lot of opportunity with Nikki Haley refusing to debate. You have Christie and Vivek supporters up for grabs who I think are ripe to be DeSantis supporters. The polls here are notoriously bad. He overperformed polls in Iowa and I think he could overperform here by a greater amount.
Yet, given the opportunity Wednesday by a voter to reaffirm his commitment to New Hampshire at a town hall in Hampton, DeSantis deflected to a canned response comparing Haley to Hillary Clinton.
Another attendee, Ann Marie Banfield, applauded after DeSantis left the stage Wednesday afternoon at Wallys bar in Hampton, where he addressed a crowded back room of supporters. She said she intended to cast her ballot for DeSantis on Tuesday, regardless of his decision to focus on South Carolina. She said she blamed Nikki Haley for declining to take part in a debate in Manchester on Thursday.
I do think it would help if he stayed, Banfield said. He was going to do the debate, but it was Nikki Haley who really walked away from that.
The shift to South Carolina is a tactical Hail Mary with the ultimate goal of pushing Haley out of the race. The preferred outcome is for Haley to finish second in New Hampshire followed by a defeat in her home state. DeSantis intends to spend the next month leading up to the February 24 primary putting Haleys record in the spotlight in hopes South Carolinians turn against their former governor.
When Nikki Haley fails to win her home state, shell be finished and this will be a two-person race - and her donors are starting to come to the same conclusion, said DeSantis campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo. While they continue to have buyers remorse over backing a bubble wrapped candidate who cant beat Trump, were wasting no time in taking the fight directly to Haley on her home turf.
In reality, the DeSantis campaign is in uncharted waters, led by a defiant candidate who insists there is still a path to victory though his team cant identify an upcoming state he can win. His political operation is shrinking and his campaign coffers are stressed just before the primary battle becomes a more expensive, cross-country fight.
By comparison, Haley is well financed thanks to the support of the deep-pocketed Koch family operation, Americans for Prosperity Action and other wealthy backers. Far from receding, her supportive super PAC has effectively capitalized on the turmoil around DeSantis to paint his campaign as a dumpster fire on the airwaves.
Even if he is successful in taking out Haley, it would likely lead to Trump exiting the first five states undefeated and all the momentum that comes with that.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to supporters during an event at Wally's in Hampton, New Hampshire, on January 17, 2024. (Will Lanzoni/CNN) - Will Lanzoni/CNN
Trumps candidacy, though, faces an unprecedented spring and summer leading up the GOPs convention in Milwaukee as the cases against him potentially move into their next phases. The outcome of those trials could test whether Republican voters would indeed nominate a convicted felon, and DeSantis intends to stick around the race to find out.
DeSantis warned on Tuesday that Trumps legal issues would be a liability during his New Hampshire town hall with CNN.
If Donald Trump is the nominee, the election will revolve around all these legal issues, his trials, perhaps convictions if he goes to trials and loses there and about things like January 6, DeSantis said. Were going to lose if voters are making a decision based on that. We dont want it to be a referendum on those issues. We want it to be a referendum on the country going in the wrong direction and a candidate like me being a president that can reverse the decline.
Inside DeSantis political orbit, skeptics of this strategy remain, with some hoping the governor comes to realize his political future would be best served by finding an off ramp to exit the race.
What is the survival plan for four months while youre waiting for him to get convicted? Whose giving money as you wait, one person close to his political operation said. Is the plan to hang in the race, go back to Tallahassee and campaign sporadically?
What happens when you do that and then the primary comes to Florida and Trump kicks the sh*t out of you there? Can you ever recover from that?
Adjusting to the current financial picture, Never Back Down which once plotted an expansive 18-state operation before pulling back is reassessing its footprint yet again. A source close to the group told CNN it had laid off the organizations Super Tuesday operation, some key senior staff and the team focused on Nevada. The source indicated staffers were unaware the layoffs were coming.
Another official familiar with the super PACs plans said the organization is evaluating and paring down several third-party consultants, vendors, and some staff who had been focused on different efforts to ensure our core mission continues to be executed over the long haul.
In a statement to CNN, Never Back Down CEO Scott Wagner said the super PAC would continue to host events for DeSantis in early nominating states and the organization had mobilized several members of our robust Iowa team over to the other early primary states to help in these efforts. Never Back Down will hold three events in New Hampshire on Friday featuring DeSantis.
Still, after watching DeSantis event in Hampton, Osbourne said he didnt see any sign that DeSantis was giving up on the race.
I get the distinct vibe that he does love being the underdog, Osborne said. If you go to the sportsbook, theyre not putting odds in his favor. But I think he sees the opportunity and he knows hes the only guy who can do it.
CNNs Kit Maher, Jeff Zeleny, Jessica Dean and Boris Sanchez contributed to this story.
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Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
King Charles IIIs historic coronation featured many behind-the-scenes moments that werent broadcast on TV including the reason Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton were late.
Charles, 75, was sworn in as the king of England in May 2023, eight months after assuming the throne following his mother Queen Elizabeth IIs death at the age of 96. He arrived at Londons Westminster Abbey alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, in a gilded carriage, which was supposed to follow his son William, 41.
According to Robert Hardmans new biography The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, Charles and Camilla, 76, were early for their coronation and had no idea that William and Kate, 42, were running behind schedule. The Prince and Princess of Wales were slated to arrive at the cathedral alongside their youngest children, Princess Charlotte, 8, and Prince Louis, 5, eight minutes before Charles and Camilla.
Certain palace insiders suggested to Hardman that William and Kate ran late after deciding to make a Coronation Day video, which added precious seconds to their schedule. Others, meanwhile, suggested that the king was early and thus William and Kates car was stuck behind his procession. There was reportedly an awkward scene outside, unbeknownst to coronation attendees, about whether Charles and Camilla should enter Westminster or wait for William and Kate.
King Charles III Coronation
God save the king! King Charles III has officially been crowned as the sovereign of the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth nations on Saturday, May 6. King of kings and Lord of lords, bless, we beseech thee, this Crown, and so sanctify thy servant Charles, upon whose head this day thou dost place it for []
A last-minute frantic rewiring of the procession meant that Charles and Camilla would enter first with William, Kate, Charlotte and Louis following behind. (William and Kates eldest son, 10-year-old Prince George, was a page for Charles, who was tasked with holding onto his grandfathers robe during his entrance and the rest of the ceremony.)
Once the coronation proceedings began, Hardman further reported that William was particularly moved by the pomp and circumstance.
He was very, very struck by what he called the solemnity of the anointing. That really brought home the uniqueness of this, Hardman wrote, referring to the part of the service that was shielded from public view. It was the fact that he couldnt actually see that moment and nor could anyone else except the Archbishop. He will want to preserve that.
Richard Pohle WPA Pool/Getty Images
According to Hardman, William was insistent that his in-laws Kates parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and her siblings, James and Pippa Middleton receive invitations. It was apparently a direct request from William.
Williams brother, Prince Harry, also attended Charles big day despite being estranged from his immediate family. Harry, 39, attended solo as his wife, Meghan Markle, remained in California with their two kids. He sat in the third row next to cousins Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, and directly behind his aunt Princess Anne. Anne, 73, wore a red-plumed bicorn hat throughout the ceremony, leading social media users to speculate that it was an intentional snub at Harry and his family drama.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
According to Hardman, Anne asked if she should remain wearing her decedent sized-hat for the entire service and was instructed to leave it on for the duration. She stressed that it was not her decision.
The coronation concluded with the senior royals, and all three Wales children, waving to the public from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. Once the public duties were done, they enjoyed an intimate afterparty.
A family affair! King Charles III received an outpouring of support from his royal relatives including all three of his siblings during his coronation on Saturday, May 6. Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, all made their arrivals at Westminster Abbey ahead of the king on Saturday. While Anne, 74, and Edward, 59, []
We went into the vestry [at St Edwards Chapel] and then it became a bit of a party, Camillas sister Annabel Elliot told Hardman in the biography. We were there for about fifteen minutes, and it did feel like a wedding. Everyone felt so happy.
The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy is available now.
Key takeaways
Hit-and-run accidents make up 11 percent of all car accidents, according to AAA.
Drivers convicted of a hit-and-run in Connecticut could face fines and even prison time.
Connecticut hit-and-run drivers may see their car insurance premiums rise substantially or may face the non-renewal of their policies.
An accident is considered a hit-and-run when one of the parties involved does not stay at the scene of the accident to exchange information with the other driver or with emergency responderswhich is illegal in Connecticut. Its also considered a hit-and-run when a driver hits a stationary object and leaves the scene without contacting the owner. A hit-and-run in Connecticut can be a serious situation, and it is a good idea to know what you should do in case you are involved in one.
Hit-and-runs in Connecticut
A hit-and-run is when a driver fails to stop and provide insurance information after an accident. Nationally, approximately 11 percent of all car accidents are hit-and-runs. Between 2006 and 2016, Connecticut recorded 148 hit-and-runs that resulted in at least one fatality. Even when a fatality does not occur, Connecticut has strict penalties for those convicted of a hit-and-run.
Connecticut hit-and-run laws
Connecticut law makes it illegal to drive off from the scene of an accident without exchanging contact information and insurance details. Depending on the accident, the driver may be charged with either a misdemeanor or felony under Connecticut hit-and-run laws.
Drivers convicted of a hit-and-run where only property damage occurs may face a fine of up to $600 (or $1,000 for a subsequent offense) and up to one year in prison. If youre convicted of a hit-and-run incident where death or serious injury occurs, you could face a fine of up to $20,000 and 20 years in prison.
How do hit-and-runs impact car insurance rates in Connecticut?
If you have a hit-and-run conviction on your record, you will likely see your insurance premiums increase and may even be classified as a high-risk driver. In some cases, insurance companies may choose to non-renew policies for drivers convicted of a hit-and-run. Additionally, if you are the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run in CT, a judge may order you to file an SR-22 with the state. This form will prove to the state that you are carrying an insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state minimum limits.
Unfortunately, even if you are not the at-fault driver, you may see your insurance premiums increase if you choose to file a claim with your insurance company for the damages.
5 things to do after a hit-and-run in Connecticut
Being the victim of a hit-and-run can be stressful, so knowing how to respond before the incident happens may help you feel more in control. Below are five steps you could consider taking if youve been involved in a Connecticut hit-and-run.
If anyone is hurt, call 911: The first thing you should do after a hit-and-run is make sure everyone is safe and injury-free. If need be, call 911 for medical attention. Move your car out of harms way: If your vehicle is drivable and you can do so safely, move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot so you are out of the flow of traffic. This may help prevent further accidents. File a police report: If youve already called for medical assistance, the police may also be on their way. However, even if there are no injuries, calling the police and filing a report may help law enforcement track down the at-fault party. Take pictures: When you and your car are safely removed from traffic, take pictures of any damage your car sustained from the accident. Photos can be helpful during an insurance claim. File a claim with your auto insurance provider: If you want to file a claim on your own insurance for the damage or medical expenses caused in the hit-and-run, youll need to contact your insurance company. Your insurer may ask for any evidence you have as well as the police report from the incident.
Will insurance cover a hit-and-run?
While actual hit-and-run insurance does not exist, there are types of coverage that may help you in the event of a hit-and-run.
Collision : Collision coverage is part of a full coverage policy designed to pay for damages to your car, regardless of fault.
Medical payments: This optional coverage may pay for the medical costs of you and your passengers, up to your policy limit, regardless of fault.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist: These coverage types are required in Connecticut and may help pay for your medical bills if the other driver was found and does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance for your damages.
If you are unsure about the coverage you have or about what types of coverage options your insurance provider offers, it may be helpful to speak with an agent.
Frequently asked questions
Global artists pursue dreams in Jingdezhen, China's "porcelain capital"
10:53, January 18, 2024 By Ye Zi ( People's Daily
A woman showcases porcelain products during a live-streaming session at a cultural and creative block in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi province. (People's Daily Online/Zhai Huiyong)
As the night descended, Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue, a cultural and creative block in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi province, buzzed with a constant flow of people. Visitors were captivated by a dazzling collection of delicate ceramic handicrafts.
Wu Anran, a young designer, is no stranger to this scene. A decade ago, she started her business in Jingdezhen and had a stall in the area. Today, Wu owns her own studio, and her ceramic works have gained widespread popularity at home and abroad.
Jingdezhen, known as China's "porcelain capital," has become a magnet for young entrepreneurs like Wu.
In recent years, more than 60,000 people from all around the world have settled in this city, including over 5,000 foreigners at peak. Drawn by the allure of porcelain, these people have found a sense of belonging and fulfillment in Jingdezhen, where their dreams are realized.
Ceramics is a cultural treasure of China, playing a significant role in the country's history of international cultural exchange. Jingdezhen boasts more than 2,000 years of pottery history, over 1,000 years of official kiln history and over 600 years of imperial kiln history.
For more than 1,000 years, Jingdezhen ceramics have traveled along the Maritime Silk Road to the globe. Today, its rich ceramic culture continues to thrive, as different civilizations converge and blend in Jingdezhen.
"Anyone working with ceramics will want to come to Jingdezhen," said Stan from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Renowned for its high-quality clay used in porcelain manufacturing, Jingdezhen has a multitude of artisans and kilns gathered, attracting art lovers from across the globe who come here to learn, create, and exchange ideas.
A primary school student learns ceramic-making techniques at the Ancient Kiln and Folk Customs Museum in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Xuzhong)
Jingdezhen Ceramic University, located in the city, is the only multidisciplinary university in China named after ceramics.
In 2013, Stan came to the university to pursue a master's degree in traditional ceramic techniques. Today, he teaches at a school in his country and frequently visits Jingdezhen for learning and exchange.
"I'm captivated by the diverse range of porcelain here and the cultural atmosphere of Jingdezhen, which sparks my creativity," Stan expressed.
Jingdezhen Ceramic University has attracted over 3,000 international students from more than 60 countries and regions since the 1950s.
In 2021, South Korean artist Song Yeon-joo visited Jingdezhen for the first time and was fascinated by the abundance of ceramic workshops here. Previously focused on acrylic painting, Song expanded her artistic horizons when a friend suggested that she could combine painting with ceramics during her time in Jingdezhen.
The combination of traditional ceramic textures and modern abstract paintings is truly captivating.
"I absolutely adore the blue and white porcelain from Jingdezhen and I think it's a perfect fit for my ocean-themed ceramic paintings!" Song exclaimed excitedly.
"Here, no matter what kind of creativity you have, it will be embraced and can become a reality," she said.
Despite its small size, Jingdezhen serves as a global hub connecting people from all over the world.
Next to the site of an imperial kiln factory, there are art galleries, artists' studios, and other facilities. Regular events such as salons, lectures, and forums provide a platform for young people from various countries and cultural backgrounds to exchange and share ideas.
Two foreign visitors exchange ideas at the 2023 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo held in Jingdezhen, east China's Jiangxi province, on Oct. 18, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Shi Weiming)
At a site of kilns that date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), domestic and foreign tourists paid a daily visit to learn pottery techniques from inheritors of intangible cultural heritage.
In an international ceramic art village in Jingdezhen, artists with diverse styles come together to exchange production techniques, igniting creativity and inspiration.
Jingdezhen has forged friendly relations with more than 180 cities in 72 countries. The renowned Taoxichuan International Art Center has become a hub for artists from over 50 countries, infusing the city with an international perspective and a dynamic creative ambiance.
These artists draw inspiration from the rich heritage of Jingdezhen, using their own artistic skills to propel the innovative growth of ceramic art and the wide promotion of ceramic culture.
The ceramic industry in Jingdezhen is flourishing, generating a revenue of 66 billion yuan (about $9.21 billion) in 2022. The local government has implemented favorable policies to support talented individuals who have chosen to settle in the city. These policies aim to preserve and develop the ceramics industry, fostering a community of skilled ceramic artisans and enthusiasts.
"Jingdezhen had numerous guilds during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the city has always been renowned for its thriving and diverse communities. Its inclusiveness and openness constitute the city's cultural character, which is undoubtedly attractive to the younger generation," stated He Ding, an associate professor at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
With its complete ceramic production processes, well-established industrial infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and distinctive urban spaces, Jingdezhen offers ample opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, providing people with more opportunities to pursue their dreams, He said.
(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Renault Korea Motors and two other carmakers will recall more than 104,000 vehicles due to faulty components, the government said Thursday.
The three companies, including Kia and domestic electric van manufacturer Jeis Mobility, are voluntarily recalling a total of 104,120 units of three different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.
The problems that prompted the recall include a faulty component in the anti-lock braking system module in over 83,000 units of Renault's SM3 model and poor fueling valves in over 18,900 units of Kia's Carens compact car, according to the ministry. (Yonhap)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) A bill advanced by Florida Republicans on Wednesday would ban teachers and other government employees from displaying a rainbow flag -- even wearing one as a lapel pin for a day -- but they could hang the full-size flag of any recognized nation as long as they want, according to the bills sponsor.
Flag displays that depict a racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint would be banned from any state or local government building, including public schools and universities, under the bill authored by GOP Rep. David Borrero.
Opponents say the bill is inspired by hate. Borrero said it protects children and it would ban even lapel pins representing the flags of the LGBTQ+ and Black Lives Matter movements.
Public classrooms should not be the place where our kids go to be radicalized and evangelized into accepting these partisan, radical ideologies, Borrero said. Its wholly inappropriate to be putting those types of flags in front of public school students and in government buildings.
Asked about other flags, Borrero said those of sovereign states recognized by the U.S., such as Israel, could be displayed in a classroom. Because the U.S. doesn't recognize Palestine as a nation, this would rule out the Palestinian flag.
The ban wouldn't apply to students, or to government employees when they're not at work or in public buildings, Borrero said. But it would extend to lawmakers' offices, and at least some Democrats said they'll break the law if the bill is ever signed by DeSantis.
Are we in Russia? Are we in Cuba? That's authoritarianism. That's fascism at it's best, said Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is Black and gay and has a Pride at the Capitol poster with rainbow colors in his public lobby, along with other pride symbols.
"How I was raised, the rainbow meant hope. ... I can promise you it wasnt that that made me gay, Jones added. I'm not taking a damn thing down. I want everybody to see it.
Florida lawmakers have already passed several anti-LGBTQ+ laws while Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis runs for president. DeSantis has signed bans against teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Hes banned transgender health care for minors and created new hurdles for transgender adults, and made it easier for parents to get books with LGBTQ+ themes removed from schools.
This bill advanced with a party-line 9-5 vote by the House Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee faces an uncertain path, even with Republican supermajorities in the Legislature. It has one more House committee stop before being considered by the full chamber. A companion Senate bill has been referred to three committees and hasn't been scheduled for a hearing.
DeSantis' office didn't respond to an email asking if he supports the legislation.
Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner, who is Black and lesbian, spoke with frustration that anti-LGBTQ+ bills keep coming up in the Florida Legislature, ignoring more pressing needs such as access to affordable housing and property insurance.
Once again we're focusing on things nobody has asked us to focus on, said Rayner, sitting in her office near a stack of Protect LGBTQ+ Students flyers printed over rainbow colors. I have a Black Voters Matter sign outside of my office. It will remain outside my office regardless of what bill they pass because there's a thing called the First Amendment.
Borrero's bill would also apply to local governments such as the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Wilton Manors, a gay-friendly town of 11,000 where Pride flags fly almost everywhere, including City Hall during Pride Month. A bridge leading into town is framed by rainbow-colored barriers and a Pride flag and a trans pride flag fly year-round above a small park across the street from City Hall.
Robert Boo, CEO of the towns Pride Center, said DeSantis and the bills backers hope to erase the LGBTQ community and throw red meat to their political supporters while ignoring complicated issues plaguing the state.
Wilton Manors is the second-gayest city in the country. It is important for Wilton Manors to be able to raise the flags that represent the communitys members," Boo said. "This may not pertain to middle Florida and they may not want to do that, but I think municipalities should have the ability and freedom to put up the flags that best represent their constituents.
__
Associated Press writer Terry Spencer in Wilton Manors contributed to this report.
The Florida Board of Education has passed regulations limiting the use of public funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, activities and policies in the public college system.
The board defines DEI as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification."
DEI, as defined by DEI professionals, is aimed at correcting inequities within an organization for marginalized groups -- this could include implementing accessibility measures for people with disabilities, correcting discriminatory hiring practices, addressing gender and racial pay inequities and more.
This could also look like anti-racism or anti-bias training and has its roots in the anti-discrimination legislative movement of the 1960s of which the Civil Rights Act and Age Discrimination in Employment Act were born, according to ABC News' past interviews with DEI professionals.
The rule adopted by the Board will prohibit Florida College System institutions from using state or federal funds to administer programs that may be defined under the state's definition of DEI. This could impact classes, clubs, and other programs on public Florida campuses.
PHOTO: In this May 9, 2023, file photo, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. speaks as Gov. Ron DeSantis looks on during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and teacher pay, in Miami. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP, FILE)
MORE: Some educators slam DeSantis' war on 'woke' in education
DEI has become the target of conservatives in recent years, coinciding with efforts to ban certain lessons on race from K-12 schools and restrict access to certain books in school libraries.
This decision by the Board comes after a judge blocked the Republican-backed "Stop WOKE" Act in Florida from restricting race-related curriculum in colleges and universities. WOKE in the bill stands for "Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees."
Woke is defined by the DeSantis administration as "the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and the need to address them," according to DeSantis' general counsel, as reported by The Washington Post.
The judge argued that the First Amendment protects speech in the classroom, and that the law's vague restrictions are unenforceable, according to ABC-affiliated station WFTS.
A bench trial is set for October 2024 to decide the fate of the legislation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration have made anti-"woke" efforts a hallmark of his tenure, calling DEI efforts "indoctrination."
"Higher education must return to its essential foundations of academic integrity and the pursuit of knowledge instead of being corrupted by destructive ideologies," said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. with the passage of the new BOE rules. "These actions today ensure that we will not spend taxpayers' money supporting DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division in our society."
Florida prohibits DEI in public colleges amid 'Stop WOKE' legal battles originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
ROCHESTER, N.H Nikki Haley slapped back at Donald Trump on Wednesday for throwing a "temper tantrum" at a New Hampshire rally, where he criticized her performance as U.N. ambassador.
She also pledged to tell voters "the truth" about the former president's record.
Trump told attendees of his Atkinson event on Tuesday that Haley was a "disaster" when she served in his administration and was "not tough enough" in her dealings with foreign countries.
"I know Trump threw a temper tantrum about me last night. I heard that," Haley said at a rally in Rochester. "And I've seen the commercials. I will always tell you the truth. I will always overcommunicate with you."
The competition for the GOP nomination has become more combative with less than a week until New Hampshire voters head to the polls. The state will hold its Republican and Democratic primaries on Jan. 23.
GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley holds a rally at the Rochester American Legion in Rochester, N.H. on Jan. 17, 2024.
Haley has come under criticism from some Republicans who want to break with Trump, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, for declining to take on the GOP frontrunner for president more directly. Trump is facing a myriad of criminal charges and is standing trial in New York in civil case in which he is accused of falsifying his business records.
After coming in third place behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Iowa's Caucuses earlier this week, Haley is stepping up her response to the former president's nascent attacks on her candidacy.
"One of those things that my friend Trump said was that I didn't want to close the border," Haley said. "You saw what I said about the border. He said I didn't want a wall. What I said is I don't want just a wall. We've got to do more than that to make sure we have no flow coming in. So we answered that question."
Trump's campaign has also said she wants to end Social Security. "I've literally never said that. Literally never said," Haley said Wednesday. "He honestly thinks if he says something it just becomes true."
Supporters pick up campaign swag before Nikki Haley holds a rally at the Rochester American Legion in Rochester, N.H. on Jan. 17, 2024.
Haley told voters it is now "silly season" in the presidential race. "While he's lying about me, I'm going to tell the truth about him."
The remark drew a tepid applause from attendees of her Rochester event, which attracted self-proclaimed independents and undecided Republican voters.
Trump is running an ad in New Hampshire assailing Haley's plan to raise the retirement age for younger Americans. And a Super PAC that is supporting him has been attacking a proposal she made as South Carolina governor to raise the gas tax.
"Just because you see a commercial, it's not true," Haley said as she laid into Trump.
Haley noted that Trump proposed increasing the retirement age to 70 when he was president and backed a 25 cent gas tax hike.
"Those are things he needs to answer for. Oh, that's right. He won't get on a debate stage. Well, maybe you can ask him another time," she said.
Trump has not participated in any of the Republican primary debates, and Haley said Tuesday she would not appear at them anymore, either, unless she is facing off against Trump or President Joe Biden. Haley debated DeSantis in Iowa last week but has declined invitations to spar with him again.
Haley has been dashing to events across the state since Tuesday. She campaigned at a ski resort in Carroll yesterday and plans to appear at a CNN town hall on Thursday with New Hampshire voters.
A volunteer with the Haley campaign said a crowd of more than 600 people were expected at the event in Rochester on Wednesday. The Haley campaign later said the event drew 375 people. An afternoon town hall that Haley hosted at the same American Legion three months ago in October drew a far smaller crowd of 100. The increase in interest in Haley reflects a tightening race in New Hampshire between the former South Carolina governor and the president she once served as United Nations ambassador.
A recent CNN survey had Haley seven points down to Trump.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Haley hits back at Trump, says former president 'lying' about her
Firefighters rescued the pooch from the St. Joseph River in South Bend
South Bend Fire Department South Bend Fire Department rescuing a dog
Firefighters in South Bend, Indiana, rescued a dog from ice-filled water in the St. Joseph River
After chasing down geese during a walk, the dog became stuck in the frigid water and was unable to get himself to shore
The dog, named Oliver, has been returned home to his family
Indiana firefighters are to thank for a rescue that saved a dog from an unintended polar plunge.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday near the 500 block of Riverside Drive in downtown South Bend, per local outlet WSBT 22, saw several firefighters on the scene wading through ice-filled water in the St. Joseph River to help pull a dog from its icy depths.
"Swiftwater Specialist Tague enters the St Joseph River and saves a dog today!" a Facebook post from the South Bend Fire Department said. "The South Bend Fire Departments Swiftwater Team responds to multiple calls each year on the river. Remember to always have a friend nearby when out and about along the mighty St Joe River."
South Bend Fire Department South Bend Fire Department rescuing a dog
A subsequent Facebook post from the department included a video of the rescue and identified the dog as Oliver. "Animals are our family & when a service call comes in for pets, we respond with the same urgency!" the caption read. "Great job from our South Bend Fire Department Swiftwater Team members in rescuing Oliver from the freezing waters of the St Joe River."
PEOPLE reached out to the South Bend Fire Department for comment, but they did not immediately respond.
South Bend Fire Department South Bend Fire Department rescuing a dog
Dozens of users underneath both Facebook posts thanked and commended the officers for their rescue efforts.
According to local outlet ABC57, Oliver's owner, who did not give their name, was out for a walk with the pup when he became fixated on some nearby geese. While chasing down the geese, Oliver became stuck in the frigid water and was unable to get himself to shore.
South Bend Fire Department South Bend Fire Department rescuing a dog
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After being rescued, Oliver was returned home to his family, per ABC57.
A similar situation happened in December when the Duluth Minnesota Fire Department dispatched several marine units to rescue a dog that had jumped into the frigid waters of Lake Superior. After navigating the lake's "extreme cold water and ice" along with its heavy waves, divers were able to bring the dog to shore where it recovered from exhaustion and "exposure" to the cold, showing "marked signs of improvement."
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Read the original article on People.
Donald Trump's verbal outbursts during the writer E. Jean Carroll's emotional testimony about threats of death and rape she received prompted a judge to warn the former president that he could be kicked out of the courtroom.
Trump returned to the federal courthouse on Wednesday for the second day of the trial in the defamation case brought by Carroll, who accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s.
Judge Lewis Kaplan has already found that Trump's comments in 2019 calling her a liar and denying her account were defamatory, and the trial is focused solely on what damages Carroll should receive. She was awarded $5 million last year in a separate defamation case over other Trump comments, in which he was found liable for sexual abuse.
Carroll took the witness stand Wednesday morning. During a break in testimony, her attorney Shawn Crowley complained to the judge that Trump was making audible comments that the jury could hear. Later on, Crowley said Trump continued to comment on Carroll's testimony despite Kaplan's warnings to remain quiet. She said she heard Trump remark, "It is a witch hunt, and it really is a con job."
The judge said: "Mr. Trump has a right to be present here. That right can be forfeited if he is disruptive and if he disregards court orders."
He then warned Trump that he could be barred from attending, to which Trump replied, "I would love it."
"You just can't control yourself," the judge said.
Trump replied, "You can't either."
The former president's appearance at the trial is not mandatory. He attended the opening day of proceedings hours after his victory in the Iowa caucuses, and left early to fly to New Hampshire for a campaign rally before returning to New York. The Granite State holds its primary next Tuesday.
E. Jean Carroll's testimony
E. Jean Carroll arrives at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Jan. 17, 2024. / Credit: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
On the witness stand, Carroll testified about her background, career and the impact that remarks Trump made in 2019 denying her account have had on her life.
"This laid me low," she said at one point, seeming to choke up. A former advice columnist, she said people used to email her asking for guidance, and that gave her "joy." Now, she said, she receives hundreds of negative messages per day.
During her testimony, the jury and Trump were shown screenshots of a series of extraordinarily descriptive and graphic threats of violence that Carroll has received. One text message read: "I'm very sorry, my friend said he wants to kill you and I cannot stop him."
Carroll choked up audibly twice while the threats were displayed, and apologized to the room for having to see the messages. She noted that she still cannot afford the 24/7 personal security she would like. She said she has a pit bull that patrols her yard.
Her attorneys also played a video from Trump's Truth Social platform from the night after he was first held liable for sexual abuse and defamation in May 2023, in which Trump once again denied knowing who she was, and called her suit a witch hunt. In the courtroom, Trump could be heard commenting, "It's true."
At one point, Carroll was asked if she has gotten used to the attacks online. She said: "Never. I will never, never get used to attacks like that."
Several members of the nine-person jury watched Trump closely during Carroll's testimony. They were all taking notes, and appeared to be listening closely.
Carroll's cross-examination by Trump attorney Alina Habba was repeatedly interrupted as Kaplan admonished her for improper courtroom procedures, at one point telling her, "Refresh your memory about how it is you get a document into evidence."
On several occasions, when the judge ruled against or chided Habba, Trump grinned widely. Trump has previously posted on social media that he believes Kaplan is biased against him.
The former president appeared amused when Carroll acknowledged publicizing and "keeping people informed" about the lawsuits.
Carroll said she "wanted people to know that a woman can speak up and win at trial. It's not right to try and make women be quiet, this has been going on for too long."
Late in the day, Carroll acknowledged that she may have deleted some of the threats she received via email. Habba quickly asked for a mistrial, saying Carroll may have violated a subpoena by doing so. Even more quickly, the request was denied.
Trump could be seen shaking his head. The trial had been expected to wrap by the end of the week, until Trump asked for a delay in order to attend his mother-in-law's funeral. Kaplan declined to postpone proceedings, but said he will delay its end, if needed, so Trump can testify. The former president has not said whether he intends to take the stand.
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UVALDE, Texas Children's lives may have been saved if officers had responded differently to a gunman who opened fire at Robb Elementary School, the Justice Department said in its scathing report on the 2022 mass shooting that killed 21 people, including 19 students.
Poor coordination, training and execution of active shooter protocol contributed to a law enforcement response that can only be described as a failure, the 600-page report said, documenting a series of police missteps during the more than an hour that authorities waited to rush into the classroom.
The investigation found that Uvalde police officers had received improper active shooter training in the months leading up to the attack. They were erroneously taught that an active shooter event can easily morph into a hostage crisis.
The findings describe a chaotic scene that should have triggered several coordinated responses by law enforcement officers who first arrived at the school. Instead, a dearth of leadership contributed to officers failing to recognize an active shooter and waiting far too long to engage the gunman.
In addition to the 19 students, two teachers were killed, and 17 other people were injured.
The resulting delay provided an opportunity for the active shooter to have additional time to reassess and reengage his deadly actions inside the classroom," the report said. "It also contributed to a delay in medical interventions with the potential to impact survivability.
The Justice Department said that there were at least 10 "stimulus events" over the span of more than an hour that could have driven law enforcement officers to take steps under active shooter protocols to "immediately stop the killing."
During that period, no one assumed a leadership role to direct the response towards the active shooter, provide situational status to responding officers, establish some form of incident command, or clearly assume and communicate the role of incident commander, the report continued.
The stimulus events included at least six separate instances of gunfire, approximately 45 rounds in law enforcement officer presence, as well as officer injuries and the presence of victims.
Among the myriad errors was the failure of Pete Arredondo, then the chief of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Department, to immediately assume command, according to the report.
He was the de facto commander, yet he tossed his radio to the ground while running to the scene. He did not request another radio to better facilitate communication among responding officers.
Miscommunications stretched to the local hospital where victims were initially treated and to the reunification center. Some families were reunited with their relatives but others were given incorrect information about whether their loved ones survived. Still others were notified of deaths by personnel not trained to deliver such devastating news.
Javier Cazares wonders whether his 9-year-old daughter, Jacklyn, might have survived had officers gone in sooner, he said in April 2022 as the first anniversary of the shooting approached.
She wasnt shot in the very beginning, he said at the time. She was shot somewhere in the middle. If they had gone in 30 minutes, 40 minutes earlier, maybe she would be alive.
Other failures include not adequately evaluating victims' medical conditions prior before they were taken to the reunification center, potentially delaying medical care and risking further injury.
More than 90 children were evacuated from the school and hid in the back chapel of the funeral home for hours. At least one child was bleeding and required medical attention.
Parents have long been frustrated by shifting stories and a lack of transparency about the response at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, and wary about whether the report would provide answers and the accountability they have sought for almost two years.
Attorney General Merrick Garland spent Wednesday in Uvalde visiting all 21 memorial murals, honoring the people killed in the shooting. He also spent more than two hours with the families of those who were killed or injured, taking questions about the report.
Oscar Orona, whose son Noah was injured but survived the shooting, said he and his wife were pleased with what they heard from Garland in the family forum, but that Noah is still changed forever.
Hes not the same little boy that we left there that morning, Orona said. Hes a different person and dare I say hes experienced more than most men will ever experience in a lifetime. And he has seen stuff that I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy.
A candlelight vigil in May on the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images file)
The report builds on a scathing investigation by state lawmakers that found systemic failures and egregiously poor decision-making among the almost 400 law enforcement officers who responded.
Video from the scene released days later showed parents in anguish, begging officers to charge into the school and save their children. They were outraged when, soon after the shooting, authorities announced that Uvalde police had responded within minutes. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at the time that it could have been worse had law enforcement officers not run toward the gunfire. He later said he had been misled about the response.
Sandra Torres, whose 10-year-old daughter, Eliahna, was killed, was among several members of victims families who met with Garland on Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day, she said she was wary that the report would bring families some closure.
I dont know what to expect, Torres said. I dont know what theyre going to have. The thing that I want the most is justice, accountability.
The Justice Department collected more than 13,000 items for review and analysis, including policies, procedures and training materials from responding agencies; manuals; and hours of video, photos and interview transcripts.
Im not sure what information they have, but I hope this report details which officers did what so that our DA cannot run and hide and refuse to prosecute them, Brett Cross, whose 10-year-old son, Uziyah, was killed, said before the report's release.
Adam Martinez, whose 8-year-old son, Zayon, survived the shooting, said the boy still cannot sleep in his own room and is triggered by loud noises. Martinez, who started a podcast on which family members and residents can discuss their challenges and achievements since the shooting, has been one of the most vocal critics of law enforcement's response.
To us, for somebody to get fired, thats what we would like, Martinez said. Out of this case, I dont think thats going to happen.
Suzanne Gamboa reported from San Antonio, Alicia Victoria Lozano reported from Los Angeles, Ken Dilanian and Morgan Chesky reported from Uvalde and Ryan Reilly reported from Washington.
When Dr. Mauricio Villavicencio, surgical director of the Heart and Lung Transplant Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, realized there was an issue transporting a heart he needed urgently for a heart transplant last October, he jumped into problem-solving mode.
Construction and heavy traffic on the highway that connected the location of the donated heart to the hospital put doctors in a time-pressed scenario.
"Heart transplantation is very time-sensitive," Villavicencio told ABC News.
PHOTO: Body cam footage shows the trooper dropping the box off with medical staff at the hospital after the escort. (Minnesota State Patrol)
Villavicencio said he had heard stories in the hospital about doctors contacting the Minnesota State Patrol for assistance in the past.
"Why don't we just try it?" he recalled thinking.
With help from the Mayo Clinic's communication team, Villavicencio was able to get in touch with Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Mitch Elzen.
After a call with authorities, Villavicencio worked with Minnesota state troopers to organize a police escort for the donor heart from its location in the Twin Cities to the Mayo Clinic.
"It was highly unusual, I think for both of us," said Villavicencio about his call with Elzen. He said despite the initial surprise of the call, the authorities cooperated and executed the plan.
MORE: Police line sidewalk to welcome fallen officer's son on 1st day of school
In a statement provided to ABC News, Elzen said, "I had never experienced a call like this, but I knew time was not on our side and we had to act quickly."
John Neuenschwander poses with family after his heart transplant. (Courtesy of Neuenschwander Family)
Elzen had the medical staff at the donor heart facility ride along with Trooper Mike Pevear, who happened to be in the area at the time of Villavicencio's call. Pevear then handed the heart off relay-style to Trooper Quintin O'Reilly in a nearby town, who completed the journey to the hospital, where Villavicencio successfully completed the heart transplant.
Once the transplant was complete, Villavicencio said the transplant patient "had a very straightforward recovery."
This month, both state troopers and the lieutenant were able to meet that patient, 73-year-old John Neuenschwander, after he had recovered from his heart transplant, according to the state patrol.
MORE: Partial heart transplant successfully grows in infant
"I'm grateful our troopers were willing to jump into action and get the heart where it needed to be. I know we played just a small role, but to learn Mr. Neuenschwander had a successful surgery and will get more time with his family is something we will never forget," Elzen stated.
Col. Matt Langer, Minnesota State Patrol chief, echoed that sentiment in a statement provided to ABC News.
"Our troopers never know what their next call will be, but they are ready and willing to respond to whatever is needed," said Langer. "One call to dispatch was all it took for the State Patrol team to create an excellent plan and execute it safely. It really goes to show how our troopers go above and beyond to help community members across Minnesota."
According to Villavicencio there were nearly 2,000 organ transplants at the Mayo Clinic last year. "Every transplant counts," he said, adding, "We're just grateful that this happened."
Minnesota state troopers escort heart for transplant originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
California's attempt at forcing gig workers to become traditional employees backfired by driving many of those workers out of their jobs.
In the wake of a new law (Assembly Bill 5) that was intended to reclassify many independent contractors as regular employees, self-employment in California fell by 10.5 percent and overall employment tumbled by 4.4 percent, according to a study released Thursday by the Mercatus Center, a free market think tank housed at George Mason University. In professions where self-employment was more common, the effects were more dramatic, and in some fields employment declined by as much as 28 percent after A.B. 5's implementation.
Meanwhile, researchers Liya Palagashvili, Paola A. Suarez, Christopher M. Kaiser, and Vitor Melo reported finding no increase in the number of employees classified as full employees. In professions where there was an uptick in traditional employees receiving W-2 wages and benefits, those increases were not large enough to cancel out the number of self-employed workers who left jobs.
"These results suggest that AB5 did not simply alter the composition of the workforce as intended by lawmakers," the four researchers wrote. "Instead, our findings suggest that AB5 was associated with a significant decline in self-employment and overall employment in California."
That could have significant implications for the Department of Labor's (DOL) recently announced attempt at duplicating California's policy across the rest of the country.
Last week, the DOL announced a new set of rules for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Like with California's A.B. 5, those proposed federal rules are meant to crack down on what the government sees as a deliberate effort to misclassify workers as contractorswhich can change, among other things, the benefits that an employer is obligated to pay. Most gig workers and independent contractors are content with their more flexible, less structured employment arrangementsso in some sense, these governmental efforts seem to be trying to save workers from their own choices.
The Mercatus research suggests that, given a different set of choices, many of those workers would choose to exit the work force rather than accept (or be able to take) a more traditional employment arrangement. In fact, a sizable number of workers seem to have left the labor force entirely. The Mercatus study claims A.B. 5's passage was associated with at least a 6.5 percent decline in labor force participation in California.
As a result, funneling workers into traditional employment might not be as simple as federal regulators believe.
"Our results suggest that the DOL rule may lead to a significant decrease in self-employment and overall employment nationwide," wrote Palagashvili in a blog post summarizing the group's findings. "Further, it is not clear whether the new DOL rule would definitively lead to an increase in traditional employment, as intended."
The post California's Attack on Gig Work Predictably Drove Workers Out of Jobs appeared first on Reason.com.
By Jesus Aguado
MADRID (Reuters) -The European Central Bank has asked some lenders to detail their exposure to Spain's Grifols and its related entities, after the drugmaker was last week accused of manipulating its financial accounts by a short-seller, sources said.
Grifols denies the accusations by Gotham City Research that it has manipulated its debt and earnings through transactions with a related entity, to the effect that its leverage ratio is nearly double what Grifols has reported.
The ECB has in recent days contacted a number of banks to get them to outline their current exposure to Grifols and a network of connected companies, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The Barcelona-based pharmaceutical company has net financial debts of 9.5 billion euros ($10.3 billion), according to company data published in September, with 1.8 billion euros of that due next year.
The lenders contacted include Spanish and other euro zone banks, one of the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Supervisors want to have a better feel for exposure, the source said.
The ECB, which supervises larger banks in the euro zone through the Single Supervisory Mechanism, declined to comment.
Grifols has not disclosed which banks it and related entities owe money, and it declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Lenders to Grifols include Santander, BNP Paribas, Bank of America, BBVA and Caixabank, data compiled by LSEG shows.
All of the banks declined to comment.
Grifols, which makes medicines from human blood plasma, says it will partly depend on the sale of a stake in Shanghai RAAS Blood Products to repay the debts due next year, but that the deal to sell to China's Haier Group is on track.
REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE
Analysts have said concerns about the reliance on that deal and the reputational damage from the allegations have kept Grifols' shares under pressure following last week's rout.
Since Jan. 9, the stock has lost nearly 40%. Gotham's report has wiped more than 3.3 billion euros from Grifols' market value.
Central to Gotham's allegations is that while Grifols has included satellite companies' earnings in its accounts, their debts are not, and that if they were they would add to its debt burden.
Grifols says all its accounts have been audited and signed off by regulators.
The ECB is keen to understand banks' exposure to Grifols and companies partially controlled by the founding Grifols family including Scranton Enterprises, one of the sources said.
Supervisors are concerned that the tumble in Grifols' shares could require family-connected companies which have borrowed loans collateralised with Grifols shares to post more margin, the source said.
Grifols' CEO Thomas Glanzmann last week said that the family holds less than 20% of Scranton and that interactions between Grifols and Scranton have been made "at arm's length".
In its consolidated 2021 annual report, Scranton said it had outstanding loans to lenders including Caixabank, BBVA, Bank of America and BNP Paribas.
Spanish bank Santander in 2022 lent Quadriga Real Estate 250 million euros collateralised with 5.86% of the shares in Grifols, data from the Spanish official business register show. Scranton says it consolidates Quadriga's assets in its accounts as it controls 100% of the real estate vehicle.
Scranton did not respond to a request for comment. Santander declined to comment.
($1 = 0.9218 euros)
(Reporting by Jesus Aguado;Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei is barred from entering the U.S. over allegations of "his involvement in significant corruption," the State Department said on Wednesday.
Giammattei was replaced on Monday by anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arevalo as leader of Central American's most populous nation.
"The State Department has credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of his public functions during his tenure as president of Guatemala, actions that undermined the rule of law and government transparency," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Reuters was not able to immediately reach Giammattei for comment.
Arevalo was sworn in as Guatemala's president in the early hours of Monday after a chaotic inauguration that was delayed for hours by a last-ditch attempt by Congress opponents to weaken his authority.
(This story has been corrected to say that Giammattei did not lose the August election in paragraph 2)
(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Dan Whitcomb and Lisa Shumaker)
Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun visited a research center of Samsung Electronics on Thursday as the government seeks to promote research and development (R&D) projects to revitalize economic growth.
"R&D projects play a key role in revitalizing the growth potential and securing economic security," Ahn said during his visit to the research center in southern Seoul.
"Our focus is on investing in cutting-edge technologies where companies and the private sector encounter obstacles in making investments," he added.
Korea's annual budget for R&D projects in 2024 came to 26.5 trillion won, with the industry ministry taking charge of 5.1 trillion won.
Korea plans to raise tax cuts for additional R&D expenditures through the end of this year by 10 percentage points as well, raising the rates to 35 percent for conglomerates and 60 percent for small and medium-sized firms. (Yonhap)
A hospital employee was arrested and accused of stabbing six people in a string of unprovoked attacks that sent "real fears throughout" New York City, authorities said Thursday.
Jermain Rigueur, who was born in 1996 and has no prior criminal record, was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, felony assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
The suspect works at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, had passed a background check and showed no previous signs of mental health difficulties, police said.
In one clip of security video, Rigueur's work lanyard was visible, police said.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban thanked detectives and witnesses in the community for helping bring this stabbing spree to an apparent end.
"Ultimately it came down to basic detective work chasing down leads, knocking on doors," he told reporters on Thursday. "It was about knocking on doors. It was about walking through neighborhoods and talking to people and interviewing witnesses."
The man's arrest probably stopped more people from being attacked, Mayor Eric Adams said.
"He attacked six individuals and didn't appear as though he was looking to stop anytime soon. And thank god we have no one who lost his or her life because of this incident," Adams said. "But it did send real fears throughout our entire city so it was crucial that we have apprehended him and brought him to justice."
Over nine days, five people were stabbed with a hunting knife in separate incidents in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, police told reporters Wednesday. Three of the attacks occurred that day in a span of about 30 minutes, police said.
On Thursday, police linked a sixth attack on a J train in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg on Wednesday to the suspect.
Multiple stabbing attacks in Queens (via NYPD)
On Jan. 8, at about 6:20 p.m. ET, a 61-year-old man was stabbed in the back, police said. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and said to be stable.
In the early hours of Tuesday, shortly after midnight, a 34-year-old woman was approached from behind while walking home and stabbed on the right side of her torso before escaping on foot. She was taken to a hospital and was stable.
On Wednesday, three men, ages 74, 41 and 36, were all stabbed in separate incidents between 7:29 a.m. and 8 a.m. Two were stabbed in the back and one was stabbed in the abdomen. All three were treated at the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and were each stable, police said.
The last of these victims was getting on an MTA bus to work and got into an argument over a seat, according to police, who added the victim and the attacker got off the bus before the stabbing took place.
Police had described the person wanted in the attacks as being 5-foot with a dark gray jacket, black pants, black shoes and a blue mask.
The department had launched a public campaign for information on the persons whereabouts and offered a $3,500 reward for tips in the case.
An Oklahoma bill has stirred controversy in the state Legislature for seeking to label Hispanic people who are gang members as terrorists. No other racial or ethnic group is singled out in the legislation.
The bill, written by Republican state Rep. Justin Humphrey, proposes that any person who is of Hispanic descent living within the state of Oklahoma, is a member of a gang and has been convicted of gang-related offenses would be deemed a terrorist. Humphrey has since apologized for zeroing in on Hispanic people and plans to change the language in the bill to "undocumented."
Humphrey told NBC News that the bill was meant to focus on those people who are here illegally and who are coming across the border and trying to do harm to America and to Oklahoma.
He added that its intended targets are cartel members bringing fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States through the southern border.
"I don't believe that the Mexican cartel, the Hispanic gangs, are the only bad actors ... I don't really say, 'I made a mistake' or that it was racial, because it wasn't, but it was an oversight and it could be made much, much better by expanding that to say, 'any undocumented person,'" Humphrey said, adding that he spoke with Hispanic friends who told him they were somewhat offended by the bill.
Humphrey has also said that Chinese nationals are contributing to the fentanyl crisis, but did not explicitly mention that group in the bill. There were 3,547 unintentional drug overdose deaths in the state between 2017 to 2021, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Fentanyl was involved in 579 of those deaths.
State Sen. Michael Brooks, a Democrat and chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, told KFOR, NBC's Oklahoma affiliate, that the bill is unlikely to pass.
All groups have a constitutional right to due process and also a constitutional right not to be discriminated against or to be singled out, Brooks said. Nobody is in favor or I dont think theres an appetite anymore for more divisive politics. Personally, I think his constituents deserve better than this type of legislation.
Humphrey has proposed another controversial bill this legislative session that seeks to use animal control to remove "furries," individuals who role-play as anthropomorphized animal characters, from school activities.
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Rising temperatures in the southern half of Africa could one day make it too hot for one of the continents iconic animals, according to a research team at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Increasingly hot temperatures could be "very bad news" for rhinos, and changes in rainfall also could threaten the animals, the researchers said in a study published Wednesday in the journal Biodiversity.
Despite the dire possibilities, Africa's national park managers and conservationists can use information about the projected conditions to plan to help the animals adjust to a hotter climate, said Timothy Randhir, a professor of environmental conservation at the university and the paper's senior author.
Black and white rhinoceros populations in southern Africa, like this white rhino at Kruger National Park, South Africa, are threatened by climate change, a research team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst concludes in a study published on Jan. 17, 2024.
Temperatures expected to rise
Africas average monthly temperatures have risen up to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over the past century, according to the research led by graduate student Hlelowenkhosi S. Mamba. Average temperatures could rise by that much and more by the end of the century, the research found. The modeling used projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The work focused on five large national parks with diverse landscapes across the southern half of the continent. Researchers looked at temperature variations that could occur by 2055 and 2085 under two greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Under a moderate scenario, temperatures could be 2.2 degrees Celsius warmer by 2055 and 2.5 C warmer by 2085, they concluded. But if greenhouse gas emissions aren't reined in, they found, each park could warm by as much as 4.6 C by 2085.
Two parks Etosha National Park in Namibia and Hlane National Park in Eswatini would become too warm for black rhinos and southern white rhinos in either scenario. Only one park, Tsavo West National Park in Kenya, would see more rainfall in the future, the researchers said.
The higher temperatures could quickly exceed an acceptable threshold for the rhinos, the study concluded. Temperatures would be increasingly unsuitable for both species, the researchers said, but white rhinos probably would be affected earlier.
The probability of either species surviving the heat could shrink to zero by 2085 in locations where the temperatures reach one of the higher scenarios, the researchers found.
But Stuart Pimm, a conservation scientist at Duke University who is not affiliated with the study, expressed optimism the rhinos will survive somewhere for the foreseeable future, given the wide range of conditions in which they can thrive.
"We must be concerned about the impacts of climate disruption," especially for vulnerable species, Pimm said. But it's difficult to predict how species will respond to climate disruption, and rhinos now live over a wide range of conditions, he said, including some very hot deserts.
What do we know about rhinos in Africa?
Conservation scientists report they've seen rhino numbers begin to increase in Africa, although poaching is still a threat.
Southern white rhinos:
An estimated 16,800 southern white rhinos remain in the continent, primarily concentrated in five countries, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
They weigh 4,000 to 6,000 pounds.
They stand 5 to 6 feet tall.
Black rhinos:
Critically endangered.
Population in Africa estimated at just under 6,500 by the international conservation union.
They weigh 1,750 to 3,000 pounds
They stand 4 to 5 feet tall.
As with other iconic large mammals in Africa, conservation union research has shown rhinos are important because they provide habitat for other wildlife species, contribute to the livelihoods and well-being of local people, and attract tourists from all over the world, which contributes to local economic development.
What can be done to prepare for hotter temperatures?
Most animals will be harmed by climate change, Mamba said. But it will be important for conservationists to watch for trends and plan for the future to help minimize the loss of biodiversity among vulnerable species.
National park managers in the region could begin planning now to help manage the future for rhinos and other animals if they are to be preserved, the researchers said.
This paper highlights the importance of using climate predictions for both park and rhino management, Randhir said. We propose that park managers think now about increasing water supplies, tree cover, watching for stress and planning to allow rhino migration as the world warms.
Parks in other countries have explored taking steps to protect rhinos from climate change. In Nepal, a national park built an artificial soil mound for rhinos and other wildlife to seek refuge during extreme rainfall events, according to a study published in the journal Biological Conservation in October.
A black rhinoceros mother and her calf at Kruger National Park, South Africa. Climate change threatens both black and white rhinoceros populations in southern Africa, a research team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst concludes in a January 2024 study.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Climate change could threaten rhinos in southern Africa, study finds
Taraji P. Henson is ready for the narrative surrounding The Color Purple to change.
Recently, her comments about her experience with pay disparity in Hollywood and the revelation that she nearly turned down the Broadway musical adaptation because she felt lowballed went viral. Now, Henson is asking that the attention return to the film that was released last Christmas.
I hope they can focus back onto this film, because right now, to me, it feels like what I said is now becoming louder than this beautiful film, Henson tells TODAY.com, while promoting her Always Discreet brand partnership.
And thats not fair to me, or anybody in the film, Henson continues, because the film deals with women who are oppressed who live in an oppressed system. Men and women. And all the characters in that film except for the white people. So that movie is about healing. That movie is about sisterhood.
In the Blitz Bazawule-directed adaptation based on Alice Walkers classic novel, Henson stars as Shug Avery, a charismatic blues singer. Shug ends up saving the films central character, Celie (Fantasia Barrino) from future abuse by her husband Mister (Colman Domingo) while also introducing her to the thralls of romantic love.
While the film centers on Celies journey of self-discovery, it also highlights the bond between women as they deal with their own struggles and trauma.
The Color Purple (Ser Baffo / Warner Bros.)
In a Jan. 4 interview with W magazine, Henson said one of the most striking things in The Color Purple was the angle of sisterhood.
Because if women stick together, we can change the world, she said.
Henson has also been very vocal about the sisterhood felt between actors during filming, telling the New York Times in a Jan. 5 interview that she and Barrino supported each other on set.
Im very confident in my acting because I do the work, but I was nervous about my singing. Fantasias nervous about acting because singing is her thing, so we held each others hand and lifted each other up, she said.
Taraji P Henson (Warner Bros.)
"The Color Purple"has received much critical acclaim and praise and garnered multiple award nominations, including Golden Globe nods for Barrino and Danielle Brooks, who plays Sofia. But much of the conversation about the film has also been about Hensons viral pay disparity comments and the rumors of a rift between her and one of the films executive producers, Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey earned an Oscar nomination for her debut acting role in Steven Spielberg's 1985 "Color Purple" adaptation.
Winfrey attempted to diffuse some of the online chatter in a Dec. 22 Instagram appreciation post, which featured photos of her with Henson. In her caption, which the media mogul shared a day after Henson posted about her and called her a steady and solid beacon of light for the cast, Winfrey wrote that she long admired Taraji and had fiercely welcomed her to the Purple sisterhood. Taraji, the stage is now yours and I already see the standing ovations for you, she said.
But on Jan. 7, after the negative commentary had seemingly reached a tilt, Oprah felt the need to set the record straight about her and Hensons relationship while on the Golden Globes red carpet.
I heard I was trending yesterday because people are saying that I was not supporting Taraji, Winfrey told ET. Taraji will tell you herself that I have been the greatest champion of this film, championing not only the behind-the-scenes production but also everything that everybody needed.
Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks and Oprah Winfrey (Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images)
Speaking with TODAY.com, Henson addressed Winfreys comments and the recent headlines, saying, Theres nothing to spin!
I see whats going on, but theres nothing spin there, she tells TODAY. You saw the woman doing the electric slide in the dust with us. She was right there in the field doing the electric slide. She held our hands the entire production. She showed up, she was there there are producers that dont show up on set.
The Empire star also backed up Winfreys comments to ET, in an interview in which she said that she would step in and do whatever (she) could to make it right on set.
You know, she called me, she called me personally, Henson tells TODAY.com. Not my team, not my people me. And asked me, Taraji, if theres anything you need, you let me know. And I said it with a shaking voice, I was like, Well, yeah, since she asked. And I told her and she fixed everything the next day.
Though Winfrey had noted in her ET interview she was not in charge of the films budget because it was Warner Bros. responsibility, Henson still applauded the producer for stepping up, adding Thats what a producer is supposed to do.
And what youre not gonna do is pit two Black women together not on my watch, she adds.
Turning her attention back on the film, the Proud Mary actor says that like The Color Purple and its message of sisterhood and healing, her comments about pay disparity came from a place that had a lot to do with the same subject matter.
We got to heal this in Hollywood, you know, we cant just pretend like its not happening, she says, before connecting the conversation to her new partnership with Always Discreet and the importance of women speaking up about their perimenopausal journey and experience.
How will we make women feel comfortable about their changing bodies if we talk about these things in the dark shadows? she asks. Thats how change happens. You got to talk about it.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Two teens who say they were kept in isolation at a Kentucky youth detention center, denied basic hygiene and tortured by being forced to listen to a version of "Baby Shark" on a loop have filed a class-action lawsuit against the facility and administrators.
The lawsuit filed on Monday details alleged incidents of abuse at Adair County Juvenile Detention Center against the two teen girls and others held in the facility, including allegations that inmates were:
Held in isolation and deprived of educational instruction.
Denied basic hygiene and showers.
Denied prescribed medications.
Girls forced to expose their naked bodies to members of the opposite sex.
Forced to listen to the Spanish version of the toddlers song Baby Shark playing over and over on an audio loop.
Two young women say in a lawsuit they and other girls were abused, neglected, humiliated and deprived of health care at Adair Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
The lawsuit also details alleged incidents with other youths at the center, including a teen who spent days soaked in menstrual blood, while at the same time, staffers insulted her about her hygiene.
Other allegations include a suicidal child held in a padded cell without a toilet for weeks. A child was held in an insect-infested room, and girls were not given feminine hygiene products.
The teenage girls in the Lawsuit were isolated with limited showers during their entire stay at the Adair facility. One girl, who was 17 and seven months pregnant, said she was allowed out of her cell five times in a month. The other girl was kept in isolation for four months, the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit names state officials Kerry Harvey, Vicki Reed, and others. Harvey, currently the Justice Cabinet secretary, will retire at the end of the month. Reed, former Department of Juvenile Justice director, retired on Jan. 1.
David Kazee, the division director of the Office of Detention in the Department of Juvenile Justice, and George Scott, an executive director in the Department of Juvenile Justice, were also named in the suit. According to personnel records obtained by WAVE News, Kazee and Scott were demoted in November 2023.
The two teens who filed the lawsuit are now adults and no longer in the Department of Juvenile Justice's custody, their attorney, Laura Landenwich, told the Herald-Leader.
The lawsuit states that alleged male officers regularly conducted cell checks on girls and detained them without clothing and that male officers forcibly removed inmates' clothing while in front of other employees and other detainees.
"Talking to these girls, it's just so tragic, just the entire experience. It's intolerable to treat people the way they've been treated," Landenwich told the Herald-Leader.
Previous issues at Adair County Juvenile Detention Center
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky filed a complaint last year with the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, seeking an investigation into the poor living conditions of the detention center.
A report issued last year from the state Department of Public Advocacy also said he facility violates youths' rights by subjecting them to non-behavior isolation, which involves being locked alone in their cells for prolonged periods without committing any offenses, the Herald-Leader reported.
History of Adair County Juvenile Detention Center
The detention center made headlines in November 2022 when inmates were involved in a "violent riot," according to the Louisville Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. The disturbance began when a juvenile inmate attacked a staff member and sent detention workers to the hospital with serious injuries.
Following that and other violent incidents at juvenile facilities, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's administration implemented new policies. The policies required male juveniles facing serious charges to be placed in separate facilities and a female-only detention center to be established in northern Kentucky.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen inmates in Kentucky allege torture, abuse in federal alawsuit
As former President Donald Trump awaits a ruling from a federal appeals court on his broad claim of presidential immunity, he said early Thursday that a U.S. president "must have complete and total presidential immunity."
"A president of the United States must have full immunity, without which it would be impossible for him/her to properly function," Trump said in a lengthy post on Truth Social in all caps. "Any mistake, even if well intended, would be met with almost certain indictment by the opposing party at term end. Even events that 'cross the line' must fall under total immunity, or it will be years of trauma trying to determine good from bad."
"Sometimes you just have to live with 'great but slightly imperfect,'" Trump added. "All presidents must have complete & total presidential immunity, or the authority & decisiveness of a president of the United States will be stripped & gone forever. Hopefully this will be an easy decision. God bless the Supreme Court!"
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit is expected to soon issue a ruling in the case brought by Trump in his effort to dismiss the federal election interference case against him. He has claimed that he should be immune from prosecution because his efforts to overturn the 2020 election fell within his official duties as president.
The judges heard oral arguments regarding the immunity question earlier this month and they appeared to be skeptical of the former president's position.
The court could issue a ruling that decisively resolves the immunity question, thereby allowing the election interference trial, scheduled to begin March 4, to move forward.
The judges could also issue a narrower ruling that could leave some issues unresolved. The court could also simply rule that Trump had no right to bring an appeal at this stage of the litigation.
It's likely, however, that the case will wind up before the Supreme Court, which sidestepped the immunity question in December.
The former president has argued that his effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and his involvement with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection were part of his presidential responsibilities. He has said that he was investigating election fraud as president at the time even though there was no evidence of widespread fraud.
Trump's Truth Social post came after he sat in a New York courtroom Wednesday in a trial to determine damages in E. Jean Carroll's defamation case against him.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland met with families of victims killed and injured in the 2022 Uvalde school massacre Wednesday evening, ahead of Thursdays planned release of a Department of Justice report on law enforcements response to the mass shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
Several family members said they were told some of the findings of the DOJs critical incident review will be shared by Garland, US Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta and DOJ staff. The relatives were told grief counselors will be on hand for the meeting.
The parents of Khloie Torres left the meeting early, after about an hour. Ruben and Jamie Torres expressed disappointment, telling CNN they essentially didnt hear anything new.
Khloie, who survived the May 24 massacre, was 10 years old and trapped at Robb Elementary School with the gunman who had slaughtered her friends and teacher. She made repeated calls to 911 throughout the incident.
Ahead of the meeting, some of the relatives told CNN they were nervous but also hopeful they would hear about accountability and get the answers they have been seeking about the disastrous police response at Robb Elementary School.
It will be interesting to see if they (share) any info thats worth anything, one parent told CNN.
Alfred Garza III, whose 10-year-old daughter Amerie Jo Garza was killed, told reporters the meeting went OK, and he hoped the report might answer some questions, but for the most part, goes over much of what the public already knows.
We had a lot of questions asked in there and I think theyre really going to give us a lot of insight (in the report) on some of the stuff we maybe didnt know, he added. Garza said he did get some of his own questions answered tonight, but didnt want to get into the specifics ahead of the reports release.
The DOJ has confirmed it will release its critical incident review Thursday, but did not confirm the Wednesday night meeting with families. Family members were not provided a copy of the report but were briefed by Garland about its content.
Prior to the meeting, Garland toured murals honoring the victims in Uvalde. The Healing Uvalde Murals were painted by 21 portrait artists around Uvalde for each of the victims gunned down at the elementary school on May 24, 2022.
The community is still struggling to understand why it took 77 minutes to stop the gunman, who had holed up in two adjoining classrooms as more than 370 law enforcement officers gathered at the scene.
The delay dragged on even as children inside repeatedly called 911 for help. The botched response also contradicted widely taught protocol for active shooter situations that calls for police to immediately stop the threat.
Controversy over the law enforcement response continued for months, as some authorities changed their narratives about how officers responded.
The DOJ said its goal in releasing its critical incident review Thursday is to provide an independent account of law enforcement actions and responses; identify lessons learned and best practices to help first responders prepare for and respond to active shooter events; and provide a roadmap for community safety and engagement before, during, and after such incidents.
Oscar Orona, whose son Noah survived the massacre after suffering a gun shot wound in the back, described Wednesdays briefing as very positive.
We look forward to seeing the report because I think it will validate a lot of our feelings already as to what transpired and what should have happened. Were confident tomorrows report will validate a lot of what we already know, he told reporters Wednesday evening.
Orona said hes hopeful with the reports release, people around the world will finally see the abysmal failure that law enforcement had.
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The U.S. conducted another strike Thursday against Houthi targets, U.S. Central Command said, as President Joe Biden vowed they will continue as the militant group keeps up attacks against ships in the Red Sea.
The strike targeted two anti-ship missiles that were aimed into the Southern Red Sea and were prepared to launch, CENTOM said, saying they posed "an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.
It is the fifth time the U.S. has struck Houthi fighters in the past week.
MORE: US strikes Houthi fighters again amid continued attacks on ships off Yemen: Officials
President Biden earlier Thursday said the strikes will continue, though he admitted they've not yet deterred the group from attacking vessels in the Red Sea.
PHOTO: President Joe Biden departs the White House for North Carolina, in Washington, Jan. 18, 2024. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)
Departing the White House for an event in North Carolina, Biden was asked by a reporter if the strikes against the Iran-backed rebel group are working.
Well, when you say working, are they stopping the Houthis? No," the president responded. "Are they going to continue? Yes."
In fact, late Thursday, CENTCOM confirmed another attack. The Houthis launched two missiles at the M/V Chem Ranger vessel, but both missiles missed the ship and landed in the water, CENTCOM said. The Chem Ranger is a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned, Greek-operated tanker ship. CENTCOM calls the attack late Thursday as the third Houthi terrorist attack on a commercial vessel in three days.
The retaliatory strikes started on Jan. 11, when the U.S. led a coalition with the United Kingdom and other partners to launch large-scale airstrikes against multiple Houthi targets in Yemen.
The Houthis vowed to retaliate, and on Monday struck a U.S.-owned and operated commercial ship. The ship reported no injuries or significant damage.
PHOTO: Houthi fighters and tribesmen stage a rally against the U.S. and the U.K. strikes on Houthi-run military sites near Sanaa, Yemen, Jan. 14, 2024. (AP)
MORE: US redesignates Houthis as a terrorist group: What it means
In addition to the strikes, the U.S. this week announced it was redesignating the Houthis as a global terror group. The designation will go into effect in 30 days, a delay the administration is hoping will minimize the impact on the flow of aid and commercial goods to Yemeni civilians.
"This designation seeks to promote accountability for the group's terrorist activities," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. "If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will reevaluate this designation."
US strikes Houthi targets again, officials say, as Biden vows attacks will continue originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Why Woody Harrelson didn't attend the 'Cheers' reunion at the Emmy Awards
The Emmy Awards were filled with special reunions, including the cast of "Cheers."
Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt were on hand during the 75th annual awards ceremony on Jan. 15 to present an award. During their bit on stage, they sat around a re-created Bull & Finch Pub as they spoke about their "long overdue class reunion."
Noticeably absent from the reunion was Woody Harrelson. In a post-Emmys interview with The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Jesse Collins explained Harrelson's absence.
Woody Harrelson couldnt make Cheers because hes in a play (Ulster American in London), Collins said. So there were a few people where there were just logistical challenges. But we were lucky to get so many people who were willing to participate.
Harrelson played Woody Boyd, making his debut during the show's fourth season.
Kelsey Grammer, Ted Danson and the cast of
Collins did not comment on another prominent actor missing from the reunion: Shelley Long. Meanwhile, the late Kirstie Alley died in 2022 at the age of 71. She was honored in the emotional in memoriam segment, along with Norman Lear, Matthew Perry and others.
Cheers aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993, spanning 11 seasons.
Grammer would go on and star in his spinoff series, "Frasier," which also ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004. Last year, the actor starred in a revival of the series for Paramount+.
Cheers (NBC)
Last year, several "Cheers" cast members reunited at the ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas, to take a walk down memory lane and honor Alley.
Shes not here. Its very strange, Danson said, getting emotional, per Variety. She came in like a ball of fire She was making her entrance into the table read and she put on a Shelley Long, blonde wig. Were like, OK, youll do great.
Co-creator James Burrows also spoke about how special the show is to him, saying, Of all the shows Ive done and Ive done a lot this will always be my fifth child.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
By Park Jae-hyuk
The scions of Koreas family-owned business conglomerates engaged in discussions with global leaders on strategies to alleviate carbon emissions and address the supply chain crisis at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss city of Davos this week, according to industry officials, Thursday.
Despite the prevailing skepticism regarding the advantages of attending the annual forum, especially in the absence of prominent figures like the U.S. and Chinese presidents, as well as the chairmen of Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG, Korean business leaders at the event remained actively engaged in seeking new growth opportunities and solutions to diverse economic challenges.
Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan introduced the companys plan to develop a carbon-free ship powered by alternative fuels, such as ammonia, during a session titled the First Fossil-Free Ship on the Water.
The oldest son of the Hanwha Group chairman, who has participated in the event every year since 2010, except for 2021 when the forum was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attended this years gathering with his two younger brothers Hanwha Life Insurance President Kim Dong-won and Hanwha Galleria Vice President Kim Dong-seon.
Were taking a holistic approach to the energy transition, instigating transformative changes not just in the generation and storage of clean energy but also in the realm of transportation, the vice chairman said Wednesday (local time). Advancing green ship technology and establishing a robust clean energy value chain will help us gain ground in our journey toward net zero.
Chung Ki-sun, vice chairman and CEO of HD Hyundai, the parent firm of Koreas largest shipbuilder, also flew to Davos from the CES tech trade show in Las Vegas, in order to seek cooperation in the construction of eco-friendly ships with members of the Supply Chain & Transport Governors and Oil & Gas Governors group.
He met with Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of the board at A.P. Moller-Maersk, to strengthen ties between the two companies. Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, one of HD Hyundais shipbuilding subsidiaries, delivered the worlds first methanol-powered container ship to Maersk last year.
Hyosung Group Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-sang talked about the companys plan to diversify the supply chain to cope with the geopolitical risks, during a meeting between Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the CEOs of global companies, which was held on Wednesday (local time) on the sidelines of the WEF. The participants included top executives of Flagship Pioneering, Google, Hines, Intel, Merck and Qualcomm, as well as the vice chairmen of Hanwha and HD Hyundai.
GS Caltex CEO Hur Sae-hong discussed strategies for energy transition and decarbonization with global businesspeople. Korea Zinc Chairman Choi Yun-beom attended the forum for the first time to seek cooperation with global firms in the battery materials and green hydrogen sectors.
Professional managers and senior executives of Koreas four largest business groups, such as LG Chem CEO Shin Hak-cheol, Hyundai Motor President Kim Karl and Samsung Electronics Chief Technology Officer Cheun Kyung-whoon, also learned about new technologies at the forum and sought stronger ties with foreign companies and governments on behalf of the owners of the conglomerates.
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YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Lydian Armenia, the operator of the Amulsar gold mine in Armenias south, has donated 12,5% of its shares to the Armenian government.
In 2023, the Armenian government, the Eurasian Development Bank and Lydian Armenia signed a MoU to explore the opportunities of continuing the exploitation of the mine. Lydian Armenia said it would ensure at least 250,000,000 dollars in investments. In addition, Lydian Armenia said it would pay an extra 7 million dollars in financial support annually to local communities near the mine in addition to the allocations for environmental protection projects envisaged under environmental taxes. The donation of the 12,5% shares to the government is also part of the MoU.
Amulsar gold mines adjacent communities are Jermuk, Sisian and Vayk.
The decision on approving the donation was made at the Cabinet meeting on January 18.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the government has received answers to all questions regarding the Amulsar mine, and thus authorities have considered greenlighting the resumption of the project.
We faced problems related to the Amulsar mine all the time in the past six years. And certainly, we had multiple concerns, and the government has been very consistent in receiving answers to these concerns. We deemed the continuation of the project possible when we received answers to all the questions. And it is commendable that, following one example, the investors wanted the people, in person of the government, to have participation and have shares in that project. And in this case, 12,5% will pass to the Armenian government, meaning, to the people of Armenia, Pashinyan said.
We hope that the Amulsar mine will become a platform for introducing new standards in mining, the Armenian PM said, adding that the project will contribute to economic growth.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenia continues military cooperation with Russia but at the same time it is pursuing the path of balancing in terms of security, a lawmaker has said.
Civil Contract MP Artur Hovhannisyan was asked at a press briefing to present Armenias vision on the cooperation with Russia in the defense sector.
We continue to work with our Russian partners, and weve already said that in terms of security we are taking the path of balancing. In this regard we are working with all our partners, pursuant to Armenias national interests and security, Hovhannisyan said.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government has approved a program aimed at creating maximally appealing conditions for international investment funds.
What we are saying is this, if you are a fund that is managing over 1 billion dollars, and in the event of creating any investment fund in Armenia when you will invest at least 250 million drams the government will add 30% of that money to the fund, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.
With this, we seek to promote the activities of international investment companies in Armenia, he added.
Eligible investment funds are those who will invest in the charter capital of resident companies in Armenia working in priority sectors. Deputy Minister of Economy Ani Ispiryan explained that the sectors of process manufacturing, energy and tourism are considered priority in this context. Another criteria concerns the portfolio of the funds: the investment funds must be managed and have investors in the form of companies that manage at least 1 billion dollars in assets.
Carmaker shifts focus to India, SE Asia from China, Russia
By Lee Min-hyung
Hyundai Motor Group is realigning its strategy for the Asia-Pacific region by widening investments for India and Indonesia, after a recent decision to downscale its business for what were once considered lucrative closed economies mainly China and Russia, according to industry officials, Thursday.
The Korean carmaker has in recent years displayed agile moves without hesitating to sell off its manufacturing facilities in China and Russia. The company, instead, is showing signs of expanding its footing in the emerging Southeast Asian market with a pledge to invest 4 trillion won ($3 billion) over the next decade in India.
India is the worlds third-largest car market. The country comes with massive growth potential in that its population reaches 1.4 billion, but only about 8.5 percent of its households owned passenger vehicles as of 2021, according to data from Euromonitor.
Hyundai Motor plans to invest an additional 1.1 trillion won to upgrade a manufacturing facility in the Indian town of Talegaon. The Korean firm acquired it from General Motors (GM) last year, as part of its efforts to raise its manufacturing capacity and attract growing demand there. The annual capacity of the factory reached 130,000 vehicles at first, but Hyundai is set to expand the figure and manufacture more localized vehicles that are in high demand.
The decision comes amid Hyundais move to downsize its business in China and Russia. The carmaker recently sold off its factory in the Chinese city of Chongqing amid falling sales there. Hyundai also sold its automotive plant in Russia after suspending its operation for two years amid the country's prolonged invasion of Ukraine.
Experts and industry officials said Hyundais decision is a step in the right direction due to Indias huge demographic growth potential.
Hyundai Motors movement to realign its strategic focus on India is well-timed, as the market is growing faster than other developed regions, such as the United States and Europe, said Kim Pil-soo, an automotive technology professor at Daelim University College.
Hyundai Motor tapped into the Indian market with its first manufacturing facility there in 1998 when its market share came in at a mere 2.2 percent, but the figure has been on the gradual increase to 17.4 percent as of 2020, according to data from the company. As of last year, Hyundai Motor was the second-largest carmaker in terms of sales there following Maruti Suzuki. The carmakers market share reached 14.5 percent in 2022.
Kim also expected Hyundai Motor to widen its presence gradually there due to its balanced vehicle portfolio encompassing vehicles with internal combustion engines, hybrids and EVs.
Given the ongoing market response there, Hyundai Motor is widely anticipated to keep raising its profile in India by targeting compact and mid-sized vehicles for which demand remains high there, the professor said.
Industry officials said Hyundai Motors ongoing strategy to build a foundation for the looming era of EVs in India and other Asia-Pacific regions looks promising.
Countries such as India and Indonesia emerge as a new major revenue area for carmakers, a source from a carmaker said. EVs will undoubtedly become mainstream sometime in the future, even if their timeline will differ from country to country. Few would be able to echo negative voices on Hyundais preemptive move to expand its EV footing there.
Earlier, Hyundai identified Indonesia as a key base for its EV expansion in Southeast Asia. Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution set up a joint battery cell factory there and its operation is scheduled to begin this year, which the carmaker believes will help stabilize its EV parts supply in the overall Asian market.
YEREVAN, 18 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 18 January, USD exchange rate down by 0.24 drams to 405.25 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.59 drams to 441.48 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 4.57 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 514.18 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price down by 359.69 drams to 26211.27 drams. Silver price down by 3.37 drams to 297.13 drams.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. On January 18, the Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan in Germany met Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.
According to the ministry, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Federal Republic of Germany also attended the meeting.
The parties discussed the agreements reached as a result of the negotiations and the process of their implementation.
Vahan Kerobyan presented the "Crossroads of the World" project developed by the Armenian government to his German colleague, highlighting the opportunities for economic and infrastructural development.
The technology is said to extend the reach of radio communication while providing first responders with interoperable voice and multimedia communication.
The SES contract comes as part of the government's $10.5 million Flood Rescue Capability Enhancement Program with SmartConnect helping responders automatically switch to available broadband and satellite networks when they're outside radio coverage zones.
According to Motorola, this will allow uninterrupted access to NSW Public Safety Network which is used by 50 public safety agencies and over 50,000 first responders and emergency personnel across the state.
The application is a subscription service that provides extended coverage and reliable connectivity by automatically switching channels between land mobile radio (LMR) and broadband networks. The service can also roam onto satellites for extended coverage in remote areas.
Meanwhile, for NSW Telco Authority, WAVE PTX Government will enable first responders to communicate seamlessly via voice, data and video across a variety of devices and networks.
Solutions include a mobile application for first responders that provides secure multimedia messaging, emergency calling, remote monitoring and live video streaming capabilities.
Using Motorola Solutions' Critical Connect service, a cloud-based interoperability gateway and infrastructure, responders will also get secure access to the Public Safety Network, the company added.
"Extreme weather events and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe in Australia, reinforcing the need for resilient and widespread communication that keeps first responders safe and connected wherever they are," said Con Balaskas, managing director for Australia and New Zealand, Motorola Solutions. "By automatically switching between the best available communication networks, SmartConnect helps first responders to stay focused on their mission instead of the technology that supports them."
"WAVE PTX Government and Critical Connect streamline and simplify their ability to communicate, regardless of whether they use radios, smartphones or other devices that combine both technologies," Balaskas added. "This gives first responders more ways to share critical information and enables faster, more effective responses to incidents."
For the past quarter of a century, Melbourne-headquartered specialist distributor Wavelink has thrived within its services approach across both vendor and partner types.
Increasing headcount and geographical focus feed into its growth ambitions in the months ahead as the distributor stays laser-focused on its specialist play.
Wavelink launched its operations in 1998 with a handful of partners specialising in wireless and wireless communications. The portfolio has since morphed into security, networking, mobility, unified communications, and applications.
The past three years in particular have seen the distributor reach new growth milestones, increasing headcount from 12 to about 50 staff, with an expanded focus on categories and establishing a dedicated Connected Health business unit.
"The business has grown and transcended in different ways from what we did, and that makes up part of our ability to adapt and change," Wavelink CEO Ilan Rubin told ARN.
"We have intimacy, knowledge and a drive to build out the market, which is the uniqueness of our business."
Rubin credits its strong relationships with vendors such as Fortinet, Spectralink, Medigate, Alcatel Lucent, Olinqua and Stryker, as part of the key to its success in maintaining its unique approach to providing dedicated services and support.
"We act as an extension of the vendor as opposed to just moving products," Rubin said. "Vendors want distribution that's a lot more entrenched with enablement for partners and reducing the load."
Providing the full gamut of services around marketing, enablement, sales and support, impacts the relationship with partners and in turn their ability to support customers.
Rubin said the partner community has grown considerably in the past couple of years as it caters for tier 1 to tier 3 type partners.
"We're not the same as every other distributor and we work towards areas that will differentiate us. You've got to be different, otherwise, you become the same as the behemoths," Rubin said.
"What a vendor is looking for is different now. The right vendors are looking for distributors to get heavily involved in the market so they can focus on growth on the top end.
"They're looking for distribution to pick up a lot more than just moving the box whether that's through enablement, marketing or support."
IP is people
In the next 12 months, Rubin expects to continue to grow its headcount and along with that, increase revenue.
"We've got a rolling three-year plan where we look at what the revenue will look like, the product set to support that and the services attached to it," Rubin said. "We're building the foundation that enables us to deal with growth.
"As long as you identify where that growth is going to come from, a lot of it is also in lockstep with what the vendors are doing, it's more about how we execute and assist them to grow. And that enables us to grow, we're very much that extension of the vendor's arm.
"Our methodology is really simple, people dealing with people. Our IP is our people. Unless you've got the right people in place, the rest is just irrelevant. It's about having a really good team that knows where we're heading."
Continuing to refine its processes internally and externally to improve on partner experience, is also top of mind as Wavelink continues to invest in its headcount, particularly at the middle management level to help build pathways of growth within the organisation.
"This is about striving for excellence and continuous improvement; thats the unique methodology of the business," he said.
One cornerstone of Wavelink's ambition is to also grow its New Zealand presence, which it has dabbled into through its Connected Health unit, and also in other geographies outside of NSW and Victoria. Wavelink also has a presence in South Australia and Queensland and is also seeking growth in Western Australia and the ACT.
"It's also dependent on where the vendors want to grow with more capability and services," Rubin said.
Services touch
As the market continues to shift so does the emphasis on differentiation.
"As it transcends, it's not just the quote. For example with NTT, we work with them closely in the healthcare sector because we're a trusted advisor and they know we'll support them because we're part of a holistic solution that they're offering to customers," Rubin pointed out.
"They really value our ability to seek and identify vendors that will be used by customers that will be supported all the way through because in lots of cases, they're just ancillary vendors."
Rubin highlighted the security sector as an area that it was keen to continue to build upon.
"We're going to be building the security component with vendors that are non-competing, complementary and also have growth aspirations over the next five years," Rubin said.
"We want to deal with a vendor that is present, challenged and growing. It's a common thread where vendors are looking for services and business development-type work. If the vendor is looking for those types of services and they fit in with our strategy and vendor profile and product, then we'll be a good fit."
Rubin spotted a big challenge for partners laid within the services component due to a shortage of skills.
"Many are struggling with obtaining the right skills. We see some big opportunities in how you match up capabilities, so the customer still achieves the outcome, and so does the vendor and partner," he said.
One way to tackle the resources issue, Wavelink has been involved in an initiative in South Australia, working with TAFE SA and Fortinet, creating a pathway for students to obtain certifications and matching employment with partner organisations.
You can only do these types of activities if you're focused and that's a balance we've got to strike as we grow and keep that intimacy, so we don't become like everyone else, he said.
The federal government has revealed a $17 million program to drive artificial intelligence (AI) among Australian businesses.
Launched by the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on 8 December, the program will see the government establish up to five AI Adopt centres across Australia.
Each centre will target businesses in one of the key priority areas of the National Reconstruction Fund creating a network of industry-specific centres designed and offering free training to eligible businesses.
These, according to Husic's office, will showcase the capabilities of AI, guide businesses on how to adopt AI responsibly and efficiently and provide specialist training to help develop specific skills to effectively manage AI.
"Harnessing the power of AI will enhance productivity helping to crack one of the biggest challenges facing Australia," Husic said.
Offshore technology hubs routinely draw the ire of the Australian IT industry and consumers alike, but their usefulness is becoming ever more apparent.
Over the last year, chief executive officers have become caught in a tug-of-war between investment in digital transformation and operational cost-cutting amid economic headwinds.
It is this crossfire that inspired former AdventOne CEO Jon Ossip to launch his new venture Optix Digital, a technology consultancy that aims to bridge the gap between offshore skill hubs and innovative transformation.
Teaming up with customer experience and digital transformation specialist Gabriele Hermansson, Ossip now aims to rebuild the maligned reputation of offshore tech hubs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Senior executives are asking their CIOs to continue their transformation," Ossip said. "In the same breath, they're asking their CFOs to find cuts because budgets are constrained. When Gaby and I got together and considered this, we saw an opportunity not just for offshoring, but how this can be augmented with artificial intelligence.
"What we wanted to bring was contextualised, scenario-specific AI [artificial intelligence] and machine learning capabilities into the equation for several reasons. One was to increase scale without significant cost increases. AI also surfaces patterns and intelligence that humans are not able to see as quickly as machines.
Hermansson and Ossip will function as Optix Digital co-directors to offer Australian customers a "scalable offshore facility" of technology skills alongside onshore consulting expertise.
Specifically, the organisation will leverage an "enthusiastic cohort with excellent IT skills" and relevant certification in Vietnam.
Spanning 500 people, the facility is the product of Hermansson's 20-year career building outsourcing centres and CX teams for a number of Australian brands.
"Gaby has come from 15-plus years of refining and proving the operating model of offshoring successful," Ossip explained. "Lots of people do offshoring well, but many do it poorly. Offshoring got a really bad reputation during COVID-19, particularly because providers had to send people home to work but weren't geared up properly for it."
According to Hermansson, Optix Digitals expertise will span a "broad range of capabilities", including software and cloud engineering, architecture, automation, artificial intelligence and more.
"What we have are very strong relationships with various expertise and that allows us a level of scalability that's often difficult to achieve," she explained. "We can always scale up or scale down. I see that as our value proposition. We can double capacity in a month if needed."
"Teams are specialised in a certain area and nothing else. What our model allows is for us to tap into this expertise when they are needed."
Increasing talent headcount is difficult in Australia, as Ossip points out. The country currenly only produces 22,000 IT graduates a year, forcing businesses to bring talent into Australia from overseas, which incurs additional costs.
"What we bring is a highly-skilled onshore consulting capability to build the enterprise architecture; the business analysis and the delivery oversight," Ossip added. "This is coupled with the heavy lifting of the development carried out offshore - but with our clients always consulting with a highly-skilled expert in Australia."
Naturally, the idea of outsourcing talent comes with reservations for many businesses due to past poor management and perceived poorer customer experiences.
Indeed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many offshore centres were affected in markets such as India and the Philippines when workers were forced to work from home without the appropriate set-up or equipment.
"Offshoring doesn't have the best name out there," Hermansson said. "But I believe it's not offshoring itself that's the issue, it's how you run the operation. You may have the best skills out there, but they will not be effective if you don't know how to manage them.
If you as an organisation want to scale but are unsure about hiring internal resources, you don't need to worry. You just tell us what you want to achieve, and we will do the rest."
Reassuring potential customers with security concerns, Ossip added: "We take physical security very seriously, from who can enter a data hall to biometric access and a policy of 'nothing comes in, nothing goes out'.
"Electronic and cyber security has been invested in heavily. Most of the time, we will not be taking Australian data offshore."
Government takes serious view of security breach at Mumbai airport
Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said that the Centre had instructed airlines that if a flight is delayed beyond three hours, it should be treated as cancelled. The government had taken a serious view of the breach of the security where passengers of a delayed flight had meals on the tarmac at the Mumbai airport.
Systems are put in place such incidents do not recur, Scindia told mediapersons on the sidelines of the inaugural of the Wings India aero exhibition here.
If you are looking at your flight being delayed beyond three hours, you must treat that flight as cancelled. So, therefore, this question with regard to six- hour delays and eight-hour delays should now become a thing of the past because it is being monitored, Scindia said.
We have asked every airline to set up a war room at every airport in terms of informing passengers. If your flight is delayed, inform the passengers through email, SMS, or WhatsApp. These are being monitored by DGCA (Director-General of Civil Aviation), he said.
Passengers should be deboarded. All facilities should be made available to them. They should be looked after. Meals should be arranged. When the new crew comes on, they should be moved from arrivals to departure again. Go through security and board again. But in the interim, an environment where they can comfortably wait should be created. This what has happened is unacceptable and it was a shameful incident, he said.
Scindia said the recent spate of delays was due to the heavy fog with the base stations being affected. This resulted in a cycle of cancellations and delays that affected several stakeholders. We've had a few days of zero visibility. In those days, it became difficult if not impossible for landings and takeoffs, he said.
Safety and security of our citizens is primary for us under civil aviation. It is a fact that passengers were inconvenienced, a fact that they had to eat on the tarmac. The fact that security had been compromised across all points, was unacceptable. Show cause notices were issued in three hours and the necessary penalties have been levied, he said adding that standard operating procedures had been defined to avoid such instances in the future.
On the recent revision of flight time duty limitation, giving more rest to pilots, Scindia said the focus was to build an ecosystem that would be in sync with the increasing passenger numbers and airline fleets. I cannot risk the crew or anyone else enduring fatigue. The norms aim at creating a little buffer as well to make sure that there is no chance of any risk with regard to fatigue setting in for crew members or pilots, he said.
The aviation ecosystem is working assiduously to serve the needs of people across India. The sector has grown phenomenally and is going to assume even greater importance and greater demand. It is a sector that has to continuously evolve. The number of passengers will grow and also service to them must be of the highest quality level, he said.
Islamabad responded to the Iranian attacks two days ago by drawing attention to a region divided between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the base of several independence groups. It hosts Salafist groups, but the Beluchis have also been victims of Tehran's repression after the death of Mahsa Amini. China, which has extensive economic interests in the region, has proposed itself as a mediator. For analysts, neither country wants to show weakness today.
Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Pakistan responded to the Iranian attack launched on the evening of January 16, the day on which Iran launched air strikes in the southwestern province of Balochistan, raising fears of an expansion of the conflict in the Middle East , where pro-Iranian groups are directly involved. At least seven people died, Iranian media reported. China, Pakistan's ally, which has economic interests in the Balochistan region where the clash occurred, immediately proposed itself as a mediator to lower tension.
In recent days, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have bombed areas near Idlib in northeast Syria, then Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, and finally Balochistan in less than 24 hours. In all these cases the targets for which Iran declared it had launched the attacks were not hit; on the contrary, civilians died: in Pakistan the Iranian missiles, which aimed at the Jaish al-Adl (a terrorist group close to al-Qaeda), killed two children, as was communicated yesterday by the Pakistani authorities before withdrawing the own ambassador from Iran and expel the Iranian one in Pakistan.
In Erbil - contrary to what Iranian officials claim - an "Israeli Mossad espionage headquarters" has never existed, while the building hit in Syria - according to Tehran a hideout of ISIS terrorists responsible for the attack on Kerman in which 84 pilgrims died on December 15 - had been empty since 2017, local sources revealed.
While Iranian media claimed to have destroyed facilities where fighters from the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISPK) trained, experts recalled that the group has no bases in Syria, but is if anything active in neighboring Afghanistan, a target too ambitious even for Iran, which has no intention of antagonizing the Taliban.
The launch of rockets towards Pakistan may have initially taken the experts by surprise, even more so given that in recent days the inauguration of the Iranian export fair to Pakistan had taken place in the Iranian city of Chabahar and the the border between the two countries was defined on that occasion by the Tehran government as a "border of friendship and peace".
However, the Iranian attack fits into the same logic as the previous ones: Tehran wants to demonstrate that it is able to avenge the attacks suffered on its territory, after in December the Jaish al-Adl group had claimed responsibility for an attack on an Iranian police station killing 11 agents. On that occasion, the Iranian Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, had issued a warning asking Pakistan to intervene to stop the group's attacks.
Similarly, Pakistan, a nuclear power surrounded by neighbors it deems hostile (India and Afghanistan) probably responded to the Iranian attack so as not to appear weak in the eyes of other countries in the region, some analysts believe.
The Baluchistan region extends between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan and is home to several terrorist groups that over the years have taken the place of the Baloch ethnic groups that were fighting for the region's independence.
The Jaish al-Adl (Justice Army) emerged in 2012 from the ashes of another Sunni group of Salafist tradition, the Jundallah, also known as the Iranian Popular Resistance Movement. Following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, unrest and protests also increased in the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan, provoking the harsh repression of the Tehran regime against the Baloch minority.
But Pakistan's security forces have also been subjected to attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA, the best-known group together with the Balochistan Liberation Front, BLF) for decades and in recent weeks - while the country is trying with great difficulty to approaching the elections of 8 February - there had been several protests by the local population against the violent and repressive methods used by the Pakistani army to quell the insurgency. Earlier this month, 400 protesters (half of them women and children) braved the cold to camp outside the National Press Club in Islamabad to protest against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of people accused of being part of terrorist organizations.
Beijing - which has various interests in the region, rich in mineral resources, and has in the past suffered attacks by Pakistan's Baloch independence activists who oppose Chinese investments - immediately proposed itself as a mediator: "China sincerely hopes that the two sides can demonstrate calm and moderation and avoid an escalation of tension", the Foreign Ministery spokesperson, Mao Ning, said today at a press conference.
The tribal leaders of Balochistan have always opposed the Gwadar port project, considered by Beijing to be the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative because it connects the economic corridor starting from Xinjiang, in north-west China, and the coast of Pakistani Balochistan on the Arabian Sea. The local population, however, does not see a sufficient economic return from the project and on the contrary, believes that China, together with the Pakistani government, are robbing the region of precious resources for the livelihood of the Baloch.
by Steve Suwannarat
Inadequate distribution of immigrants in the various sectors has necessitated a review of relations with 15 countries. Affected 2.2 million people, mainly from Bangladesh and Nepal, ended up in limbo. The practice of forced labour or non-payment of fees was targeted.
Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - Under fire for the treatment of immigrants, the Malaysian government has decided to review the rules of engagement and protections for foreign workers (around 2.2 million) coming from numerous countries. An important decision, which confirms on the one hand the limits in managing the immigrant population and at the same time a persistent need.
Last January 16, the Ministers of Labor and the Interior met with journalists to reiterate how an inadequate distribution of workers in the various economic sectors has made it necessary to review bilateral relations with 15 nations. Among the areas of crisis are agriculture and plantations, unable to complete the established immigrant quotas while these have been exceeded in other production sectors.
We will have to review the agreements taking into account various elements, including taxes, costs, contractual conditions, healthcare and more, confirmed Interior chief Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He went on to add that the authorities will encourage the transfer of worker quotas between different sectors.
There will be 15 nations from which Malaysia receives workers with whom it will renegotiate bilateral agreements. The primary objective is to try to resolve, above all, forms of exploitation and mismanagement which, if on the one hand does not resolve the needs of workers in various production or service sectors, on the other leaves a large number of immigrants without employment.
Thousands of foreign citizens, mostly from Bangladesh and Nepal, were left in limbo after their arrival last year, as the jobs promised to them in exchange for substantial payments for the required documents were no longer available. This is combined with constant reports of abuses carried out by unscrupulous recruiters and employers, many of whom have ended up on "blacklists", such as the US one, for forced labor practices or unpaid compensation.
Driven by necessity and the prospect of employment with wages higher than those available in their countries of origin, those who reach Malaysia are mainly (70%) migrants from Bangladesh and Nepal. And, to a lesser extent, also Indians, Pakistanis, Vietnamese and Thais who sometimes find themselves deprived of their rights but also of employment.
This is despite the law requiring employers to pay migrants who, deprived of a job because they exceed sector quotas, find themselves in an irregular position in a nation that is poorly welcoming to undocumented immigrants, fugitives and refugees.
By Lee Min-hyung
General Motors (GM) Korea, Renault Korea and KG Mobility are moving to place more strategic focus on boosting exports this year to offset their falling market share here amid domestic carmakers widening dominance, according to industry officials and data, Thursday.
They have no other choice, as their presence in Korea is weakening amid aggressive sales expansion of Hyundai Motor and Kia. According to data from market tracker CarIsYou, the combined market share for the nations three mid-tier carmakers reached a record low of 8.3 percent in 2023, down 2.5 percentage points from the previous year. This is a shaper decline from 17.1 percent from 2019.
The carmakers are, however, moving to place their management focus on overseas markets, rather than struggling to increase their share here, as they seek to continue their winning streak in exports.
GM Korea sold more than 420,000 vehicles to overseas markets last year, which accounts for around 90 percent of its total sales. Its exports surged by 88 percent from the previous year, the highest level since 2015. GMs key export driver was its Trailblazer mid-sized SUV and Trax compact SUV.
KG Mobility also reported export growth of 17.6 percent during the same period, buoyed by robust sales of its Torres SUV. The company aims to expand its presence in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region this year.
2023 is a meaningful year for the carmaker, as it is widely expected to have achieved a major turnaround last year for the first time since 2016. Even if KG still relies more on the domestic market, its plans to expand its sales portion to untapped territories, such as the Middle East and Africa.
Renault Korea was the only firm to have suffered an export decline last year. According to the carmaker, its exports fell by 29.7 percent during the same period, but its sales for the Korean market extended a bigger loss of 58.1 percent. The company seeks to regain its glory with a planned launch of its strategic mid-sized hybrid SUV, which will be unveiled sometime in the latter half of the year.
It appears realistically difficult for the carmakers to put the brakes on the widening market power exuded by Hyundai Motor and Kia in the local market, so their reliance on exports will be acclerated down the road," an official from a local carmaker said.
by Vladimir Rozanskij
A delegation of MPs from the ruling party visiting the People's Republic of China after the signing of the strategic partnership agreement. The opposition is accusing: they are looking for a shore outside the West, to weaken the European integration process.
Tbilisi (AsiaNews) - The ongoing visit to China of a single-party parliamentary delegation, led by the leader of the Georgian Dream, Iraklij Kobakhidze, has sparked many protests among Georgia's opposition. For some it was "a trip planned by Moscow", while members of the majority accuse their opponents of naivety and "ignorance of the elementary principles of political analysis".
Kobakhidze himself considers the criticisms of his opponents "speculations to which it is not worth reacting". Speaking to the journalists who accompanied the delegation, he wanted to focus on something else, declaring that "last year was a historic year for the deepening of relations between China and Georgia" and recalling the signing of the strategic partnership agreement , for the verification of which a visit to Beijing was organised.
Other party representatives reacted to the accusations, such as the head of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Nikoloz Samkharadze, who does not realize how the trip could be connected to Russia, especially since China supports the territorial integrity of Georgia ; it is clear that the opposition does not understand anything about politics and in this way they do not offend us, but China, one of the most important countries in the world".
The deputy speaker of the Tbilisi parliament, Gija Volskij, recalled that "the US and the EU also deal with China, Russia maintains very specific relations with Beijing, completely different from ours".
The secretary of one of the opposition parties Lelo, Grigol Gegelja, tries to explain the reasons for the resentful reactions to the trip to China: Trade relations are fine with any country except the Russian Federation, and the autocracies affiliated to it, but what what we see is rather a political revenge against the West, to demonstrate that Georgia has political supports that diverge from the geopolitical axis and from the foreign interests of America and Europe.
Analyzing the text of the partnership agreement with China, secretly prepared by the Georgian Dream, the opponents did not find any expression supporting "the restoration of territorial integrity and de-occupation of the whole of Georgia", as the leader notes of the parliamentary group of the National Movement, Tinatin Bokucava. In her opinion, the fact that the first visit of the year is aimed at Beijing, and not Brussels, is "the first effect of Bidzina Ivanisvili's return to politics, to correct the pro-Western course of the country".
Many observers connect the trip to China with the one that Kobakhidze made in early December to Budapest, a few days before Brussels' decision to grant Georgia EU candidate status. On that occasion, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban intervened against Ukraine's European integration.
The director of the "Idea Civile" association, Tina Khidaseli, declares herself worried about the fact that the Georgian Dream makes friends only with Putin's friends, and underlines that "one party's parliamentary delegations are not created only by a democracy, towards a country where there is only one by definition communist".
In fact, the visit is not limited to Beijing, but continues to Shanghai, "where the headquarters of the BRICS are located, which our men in power prefer to NATO", adds Khidaseli, concluding that "Georgia must not become the fifth column of Moscow and Beijing within Europe.
Ten years since the arrest of Ilham Tohti, the symbolic face of the repression against the Uyghur cultural identity, a report slams 18 European tour operators for offering travel packages in Xinjiang. Their destinations are linked to genocide and crimes against humanity.
Milan (AsiaNews/Agencies) Ten years have passed since the Uyghur academic and blogger Ilham Tohti was arrested. A professor of economics, he was jailed on 15 January 2014 for speaking out against the religious and cultural persecution of ethnic Uyghurs, a Muslim ethnic minority living in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, northwestern China.
Sentenced to life imprisonment on 23 September of the same year on charges of promoting separatism after a two-day summary trial, Tohti - now 54 years old - has not been seen since 2017. For this reason, on the anniversary of his arrest, his daughter called on Chinese authorities to provide evidence that he is still alive.
Tohti was awarded the Sakharov Human Rights Prize in 2019 for his campaign against Chinas repression against Uyghur cultural identity and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 2022, after years of delays caused by Beijing's actions, the United Nations High Commissioner published a report on human rights violations in Xinjiang, which confirmed allegations of torture, forced labour, and other forms of violence against Uyghurs.
The People's Republic of China has always denied these charges, as it will do again on 24 January, when the Human Rights Council in Geneva is set to examine the situation in China as part of the Fourth Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights Violations in the World.
But today this battle has to reckon with a powerful new weapon to spread a "sinicised" idea of Xinjiang, namely the promotion of tourism to the region as part of the People's Republic of China.
The Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), one of the largest organisations for the defence of Uyghur rights, has recently undertaken a campaign against this by focusing on tour operators who promote this kind of travel.
The UHRPs latest initiative is the release of a list of 18 European tour operators based in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Netherlands, currently offering tours in the region, in addition to five more based in North America, Great Britain, and Australia that came under fire in a similar report released in August.
These tours take tourists to Kashgar, Turpan, and Urumchi, all of these destinations are linked to genocide and crimes against humanity, the UHRP insists.
These connections arise from the repression of religious beliefs, the destruction of cultural heritage, racial profiling, surveillance, internment, and imprisonment of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples.
Critics have slammed "experiences" that include visits to Uyghur homes, to families rigidly selected by local authorities and certainly not in a position to freely offer a reliable view of the situation in Xinjiang.
The UHRP does not call for a ban on travel to East Turkestan, leaving the decision to visit the region to the conscience of individual travellers, but urges travel companies to end organised tours that have become a tool of Beijing's propaganda.
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The delegation was led by Le Hoai Trung, chairman of the Communist Partys Commission for External Relations. The new phase that began with the appointment of a permanent Vatican representative in April will see the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States travel to Hanoi followed Card Parolin by the end of the year. For Archbishop Gallagher, there will be a visit by the pope, but We will do things gradually.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) In a new significant step in relations between the Holy See and Vietnam, Pope Francis received a delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam in audience at the Vatican this morning, led by Le Hoai Trung, an experienced diplomat who chairs the partys Commission for External Relations.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher is set to travel to Hanoi this April to prepare a visit to Vietnam by the Vatican Secretary of State, Card Pietro Parolin, which will take place by the end of the year.
Although the Holy See did not issue a statement, the meeting was reported among today's audiences with Pope Francis and a short video shows the pontiff talking to the delegation and receiving a painting as a gift from his Vietnamese guests.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of another event at the Vatican, Archbishop Gallagher announced that he will go to Vietnam in April, underlining the importance of this meeting, as well as expressing hope that it will bring further benefits to the life of Vietnamese Catholic communities.
The head of the Vietnamese delegation, Le Hoai Trung, is an important player in Vietnamese foreign policy as chairman of the Party's external relations body.
Today's meeting must be linked to the process towards full diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Vietnam. It follows the visit to the Vatican in July by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, and the signing of an agreement enabling Pope Francis to appoint for the first time a Vatican envoy to Hanoi, Archbishop Marek Zalewski, who is also apostolic nuncio to Singapore.
Archbishop Gallagher also spoke about President Vo Van Thuongs invitation to the pope to visit Vietnam officially formulated in a letter sent to the pontiff a few days before Christmas.
We will do things gradually," said the Secretary for Relations with States. I think there will be a visit. But there are a couple of steps to take before this is appropriate.
"I think the pope is keen to go," he added, and certainly the Catholic community is keen for the pope to go and thinks it would be a very good message for the whole region.
Vietnam, he noted, is an important country, describing it as a sort of economic miracle in many respects.
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By Park Jae-hyuk
The Yoon Suk Yeol administrations drive to regulate market-dominant online platforms could be evolving into a potential diplomatic dispute with the U.S., according to industry officials, Thursday.
The U.S. state and commerce departments reportedly raised their concerns regarding South Korea's proposed regulations. They conveyed these concerns by sending messages to Yoon's office, the foreign ministry, and the trade ministry late last year.
Although a Fair Trade Commission (FTC) official in charge of the matter said the agency has not received an official comment from Washington, Seoul is said to be trying to persuade the U.S. government by emphasizing that there is no intention of imposing regulations more strictly on foreign firms in favor of domestic companies.
The primary concern for U.S. firms revolves around the potential that the upcoming competition policy rules might inadvertently favor Chinese late movers, like Aliexpress and Temu, which are not expected to be affected by the regulation due to their relatively low market shares.
It now appears the European Unions approach is contagious, as Koreas pro-tech government has tabled a Digital Markets Act-like bill that would unfairly target U.S. platforms while giving Chinese platforms a pass, a policy very much not in U.S. companies interests, the Center for Strategic & International Studies said in a report on Jan. 11. Koreas proposed act and the bills under discussion set limits that unfairly target U.S. companies which will, in turn end up helping Chinese companies gain larger market share.
The Washington-based think tank published a similar report last June, saying the Korean governments move primarily targets U.S. companies.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) has also expressed concerns on behalf of Google, Meta and other American tech giants doing business here. In response, FTC Secretary General Yook Sung-kwon visited the AMCHAM office on Jan. 11 to explain the antitrust agencys plans.
We are arranging a closed-door hearing session between our members and FTC officials, an AMCHAM official said. We have informed the U.S. embassy of what we have discussed with the FTC.
Last December, Robert OBrien, former national security adviser for ex-U.S. President Donald Trump, claimed that Koreas proposed regulations to prevent unfair market activities by major online platform businesses would be a gift to China, warning they could cause friction with the U.S. if enacted.
While domestic IT industry and startup officials fear the move could weaken their competiveness against foreign rivals, a local consumer group began to collect signatures from people opposing the planned regulation.
The quality of services provided by Naver, Kakao, Coupang and Baedal Minjok will get worse, resulting in price hikes for consumers, Consumer Watch said in a statement.
Despite the growing protest, the government has maintained a firm stance, supported by the president's direct order to the FTC in November, instructing them to devise measures against monopolistic online platform operators.
FTC Chairman Han Ki Jeong also told The Korea Times in a recent interview that scrutinizing monopolistic online platform firms will be the 2024 policy focus of the antitrust agency.
Android Auto keeps evolving, and the latest features announced by Google make CarPlay feel old news thanks to new-generation AI integration.
EV
CarPlay has barely evolved on this front, while Android Auto keeps getting smarter thanks to Google's obsession with artificial intelligence.The latest announcement concerns the communication component bundled with Android Auto , with Google explaining that artificial intelligence will be in charge of summarizing long texts or busy group charts while driving.It might sound like rocket science at first, but Android Auto's new features are excellent news for people who want to remain in touch with contacts without touching their phones while driving. Assuming someone sends you a long message or your contacts keep chatting in a group, and you can follow the conversations, Android Auto steps in with the power of artificial intelligence to make everything more convenient.Android Auto automatically creates a summary of the conversation and displays it on the screen, providing several options, including pre-defined responses based on the message content.For example, if your contacts discuss the time and location of a party, Android Auto can suggest automatic replies to let you confirm or deny that you'll attend the event. You can do this with a single tap on the smart replies screen.Android Auto will also show more relevant options, according to the conversation. For example, you'll see a shortcut to send your ETA through Google Maps to a contact if they ask you when you arrive at a destination. Artificial intelligence automatically reads your messages, creates the summary, and suggests accurate replies and actions.The features aren't yet available in Android Auto, but Google says the update will launch at a later time, possibly in 2024.It's not the only big update due this year for Android Auto users. Google will also ship a pack of features allowing the stock icon design and the wallpaper on the mobile device to sync with Android Auto. It means you'll see a different icon set and your phone wallpaper on Android Auto, as Google hopes to obtain more consistency when switching from one device to the other.CarPlay barely received any improvements lately, as Apple seems to focus more on improving the experience with Apple Maps. The latest major iOS release included support for offline maps, a feature that Google Maps has been offering for years. Additionally, it includes newcapabilities for Apple Maps.Android Auto is also getting new capabilities on the navigation front. The application will show the parking location in Google Maps, with Google also working with Ford on integrating advanced EV integration on Android Auto in supported models. The Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning will receive the new capabilities later this year with an OTA update.
There's very little a celebrity can't get away with, if we're to believe urban legends or even sightings of famous women laughing their way out of tickets and fines. That wasn't the case with Arnold Schwarzenegger as he landed in Munich for an appearance at the World Climate Summit.
Photo: BILD
The world-famous actor and former Governor of California landed in Munich, Austria, on Wednesday (January 18), hoping to catch a connecting flight to Kitzbuhel, where he'd attend the World Climate Summit the next day. Also at the event, Schwarzenegger planned to auction off one of his own watches for charity.As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and, in this case, undeclared luxury watches. German media is saying that the actor ended up being detained by customs for what must've been three long and very annoying hours, once officers noticed the watch in his luggage and then the fact that he'd failed to declare it in writing.In what has been described as a rather bad comedy script, customs officers told Schwarzenegger that he must pay tax for the watch since he had plans to sell it and it would remain within EU space. Arnold's argument that the sale was for charity fell on deaf ears, so he offered to pay for it with his credit card.The offer was declined, so the actor was escorted to a nearby bank to withdraw cash from the ATM machine. The party found the bank closed, so they returned to the airport to wait for another agent to bring another machine.After three hours, Schwarzenegger paid off the taxes and the fine, amounting to a cool 9,000 ($9,800), on a watch he'd estimated at 20,000 ($21,800) but customs officers said was actually more expensive, at 26,000 ($28,300).According to the same reports, the watch was an Audemars Piguet timepiece that Schwarzenegger said the luxury watchmaker had designed specifically for him. It was part of his personal collection, and he was planning to auction it off to raise money for a good cause.If that's accurate, he could have been carrying a 1999 Royal Oak Offshore Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy Audemars Piguet watch, which was produced in only 1,500 examples. AP usually launches very limited-number editions, and this one was no exception. Given the fact that it's no longer in production and the Arnold Schwarzenegger association, a Legacy Audemars Piguet piece usually goes for more than $35,000 on the specialized market.The 3-hour snafu at the Munich Airport, which apparently included a one-hour interrogation with very invasive personal questions, didn't sit well with Schwarzenegger. "This is the problem that Germany is suffering from. You can no longer see the forest for the trees," he told the media of authorities' refusal to acknowledge the fact that the auction was a charitable one to forget about bureaucracy for once.
In February 2022, the folks at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a recall for 19,808 units of the 2017 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid to address a fire risk. At the time, FCA was aware of 12 fires that occurred when the vehicles were turned off.
NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Photo: Chrysler
EV
The press release published on the automaker's website was followed by a safety recall report on the's website, which reads 16,741 units rather than the aforementioned population. The report further states that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles had not identified the root cause of these fires. The latest update, which was published by the NHTSA in September 2022, features the same information.Even so, dealers were required to perform two operations. First and foremost, service techs updated the high-voltage battery pack control module with new software. If necessary, dealers were further instructed to replace the HV battery.In October 2023, the Auburn Hills-based automaker informed thethat 11,857 plug-in hybrid minivans had received the remedy detailed above. An additional 1,022 were removed, which should be read as scrapped, stolen, or exported. What's more, 230 vehicles were deemed unreachable.Of those 11,857 remedied vehicles, at least four experienced a high-voltage battery fire while parked and turned off. This prompted the NHTSA to investigate the effectiveness of the remedy. Headed by investigator Daniel Pinero, recall query RQ24-000 lists four report reference numbers.Complaint 11496917 reads that one week after the vehicle had the remedy performed the high-voltage battery caught fire while parked in the owner's garage. "The fire department soaked the car with water, but it continued to reignite for approximately two hours despite the fire departments best efforts to extinguish the fire." As if that wasn't bad enough, the owner claims that two members of the family had experienced adverse health consequences due to smoke exposure.Complaint 11553283 states that the vehicle had been plugged in at 4:30 PM and caught fire at 8:20 PM. The owner saw a small fire originating from the middle part of the vehicle's underside. As it's often the case with lithium-ion battery fires, it quickly spread and consumed the minivan.The owner behind complaint 11555014 told the NHTSA that their Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid caught fire in the garage on November 5, 2023. The complaint's summary lists four injuries. Complaint 11558139 reads that another Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid caught fire in the garage. "No warnings or issues were apparent with the vehicle when it was parked and put on the charger," said the owner.It goes without saying that Fiat Chrysler's remedy for the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid leaves much to be desired, more so if you remember that FCA still hasn't determined what causes the lithium-ion battery to catch fire . To whom it may concern, the battery in question features LG-supplied cells.On a slight tangent, remember the Chevrolet Boltand Bolt EUV battery recall? Those cars also feature LG Energy Solution cells. The South Korean supplier was required to pony up $1.9 billion of the recall's total estimated cost of $2 billion.
As more people begin to downsize their lifestyles, tiny homes are enjoying tremendous popularity, and new designs are starting to pop up all around the world. Australia is one of the places where tiny houses are making a big impression considering property prices in the country have gone through the roof.
Photo: Treehab Tiny Houses
Photo: Treehab Tiny Houses
Photo: Treehab Tiny Houses
Though some may think the small living movement is mostly about compromise, many discover it is actually more about prioritizing and learning to live a simpler yet fuller life. And thoughtfully designed tiny homes like the Mountain Ash model here allow you to do just that. Boasting a stylish appearance and equipped with all the typical amenities one would expect in a modern home, this mobile micro-dwelling lets you commune with nature and focus on what really matters.The 33-foot (10.1-meter) long and 8.5-foot (2.6-meter) wide Mountain Ash has been designed and crafted by Melbourne-based company Treehab Tiny Houses, a family-owned business that focuses on creating environmentally friendly and sustainable houses on wheels . They've only been on the market for about five years and have a handful of models in their lineup, but their homes are great solutions for both alternative living and tourism. Moreover, they also support folks who want to go the DIY route with steel frames and tiny house kits.Mountain Ash is one of their turn-key models and is built to the highest building standards with premium materials and keen attention to detail. Built on a triple-axle trailer with a lightweight Trucore steel frame and sustainable, recycled insulation, this mobile home boasts a modern exterior clad in the ever-so-popular mix of black metal siding and cedar accents.Like most micro-dwellings coming from Australia, this tiny home design comes with an open-plan interior that is incredibly bright and airy, allowing plenty of airflow. The simple yet remarkably cozy layout comprises all the basic features that make life comfortable and more. Inside the 272-square-foot (25.2-square-meter) interior, you will find a snug living area, a private loft bedroom, a beautiful galley kitchen, and a massive, under-loft bathroom. Besides the large sliding entrance doors, the entire interior space takes advantage of large picture windows that allow residents to take in the views of the surrounding natural environment.The designers kept things simple and minimalist for each aspect of this house, from the materials to the color palette and the overall style. The natural-colored floors combine harmoniously with the white walls and ceilings to create an airy, beachy vibe throughout. Timber accents and rattan or wicker decor items, along with the neutral color choices, give the space a warm, farmhouse-inspired look As you step inside, you are welcome by the open-space living and kitchen area. The light-filled lounge is compact yet cozy, fitted with a convertible couch, a side table, a wall-mounted TV, and a small wood-burning fireplace that makes the space even more welcoming. Besides sitting near the glass entrance door, the living room has two oversized windows that create a deeper connection with the outdoors.The bright kitchen benefits from massive amounts of natural light from both the entrance door and a full-length picture window between the base and upper cabinets. It is modern and fully functional, with a four-burner cooktop, an oven, a sink, a dishwasher, and space for a full-size fridge. Heaps of storage space are provided by the sleek, white cabinets and a tall pantry. Moreover, the 9-foot-long (2.9-meter) wooden countertop offers plenty of space for meal prep.A small corridor from the kitchen leads to the under-loft bathroom and a discreet L-shaped staircase packed full of storage drawers. A pocket door offers access to the tiled bathroom, which is surprisingly large and well-equipped. It includes a full-size fiberglass-enclosed shower, a vanity with ceramic sink, and a toilet. This light and bright bathroom even has space for a washer/dryer unit below the vanity bench and additional storage cupboards. The counter in the bath is generous enough to add a second sink if the owner desires.The stairs lead to the sleeping space in the only loft of this tiny home. This is a king-size loft filled with natural sunlight that offers not only privacy, thanks to the wooden slats that make up the privacy wall, but also quietness and calmness. There is plenty of room for storage as well, plus a large skylight above the bed to fall asleep under the stars.To enhance this tiny home's comfort and premium feel, the builders also included gold cabinet hardware, stylish pendant lights, LED downlights, a smoke detector, and a 2.5kw reverse cycle heating and cooling system.Pricing for the Mountain Ash tiny house on wheels starts at AUD 139,990 (approximately $91,000). Since the builder is willing to tailor each unit to the customer's needs and preferences, everything that has been presented here can be improved and adapted to fit your lifestyle.
The extreme cold wave that hit Chicago transformed the Tesla cars and many other EVs into "a bunch of dead robots." Dozens of vehicles lined up at charging stations in subzero temperatures. With the batteries completely drained, most of them arrived there with the help of tow trucks.
EV
Thermometers have been showing temperatures as low as 2 degrees Fahrenheit (-19 degrees Celsius) in the Chicago area, with a real feel of -20F (-29C). Such weather is a harsh foe for electric cars, regardless of the badge they were or the price the owners paid for them. The brutal cold converted many of them into a bunch of dead machines. The frost has a serious impact on range and charging speeds.The cold wave turned the charging stations into car graveyards over the past couple of days. People push their vehicles around to get them plugged in. "They are a bunch of dead robots," a Tesla owner said for Fox 32 Chicago, seeing others just like him, desperately trying to power up their cars.Fox reported on dozens of Tesla vehicles lined up at a Supercharger station in a Chicago suburb, most of them stuck with no power and unable to charge. The owners claim that their vehicles would not charge once they are plugged in. That is why many cars ended up on flatbed trucks, on their way to the local Tesla service center. "It's a disaster!" a Tesla owner complains.The Tesla App shows most superchargers marked as functional, but with very long waiting times. Drivers end up waiting for a whole day to get to plug their cars. That is because the charging speed in such cold weather can grow significantly. Anowner said he kept his car plugged in for three whole hours, even though high-speed charging should have only taken about 45 minutes.There are people suggesting that the owners of the cars are now unable to charge due to failing to precondition their batteries before charging."It's not plug and go. You have to precondition the battery, meaning that you have to get the battery up to the optimal temperature to accept a fast charge," said Mark Bilek of the Chicago Auto Trade Association for Fox 32 Chicago.That is, indeed, something that the carmaker recommends, especially in cold weather. But the car does this automatically once the driver enters a Supercharger station in the car's navigation system. On the other hand, sitting for three hours at the charging station with the battery empty makes preconditioning impossible.It might be that the Superchargers themselves are failing due to the very low temperatures brought in the region, leaving Tesla owners stranded out there with no possibility to charge their cars. Many of them have reached out to the carmaker asking for help but received no answer.Tesla's support website recommends keeping the battery level above 20% when not plugged in. This should reduce the impact of the bitter cold on the battery. With the arctic blast that hit the region, reaching 20% would really be a joy for most EV owners who abandoned their cars at the charging station and went home by taxi only to return in the morning and try to charge again. The weather forecast has some ver bad news for them for the upcoming three days.
SUV
That's a nice mix, for sure a passenger car, two crossovers, and an, right? If you ask around, people will probably tell you that Nissan has more space for adding another veritable SUV in the mix alongside the Kicks, Rogue, and Pathfinder, as the latter is now also a crossover SUV rather than a truck-based model.Of course, many of the folks will also have an idea about what Nissan should do though few can also act and take matters into their own hands. Or rather, at the of their CGI brushes, as is the case with the imaginative realm of digital car content creators. More precisely, Jim, the virtual artist known as jlord8 on social media, loves messing around with all things CGI from GM and Ford, but sometimes also from Japanese brands.Interestingly, his love for old-school models seems to prevail even in these cases, so we have curiously watched a new series of off-road-focused SUVs unfold over the past few months. It all started with the curious American ideas of the three-door Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Ford Bronco F-150 Raptor R, but maybe those two were still a bit too unwieldy as they were part of the full-size segment. As such, the pixel master then started daydreaming about Japanese mid-size SUVs.For instance, he created a 2-door Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter, all dressed in bronze (including the wheels but not the black plastic cladding), followed after a while by a "new/old" Nissan Frontier Pathfinder and a modern-day Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 attempt. After another short pause, there are a couple of new ideas, yet again the previously-discussed retro-inspired 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 styled after the N60 first generation and this quirky revival of the American-designed, developed, and manufactured Xterra.Obviously inspired by the eccentric styling of the second generation Xterra that was produced between 2005 and 2015 in Smyrna, Tennessee (NSAP; 20052012) and then Canton, Mississippi (Nissan North America; 20122015), this SUV revival is clearly inspired by the latest and greatest version of the Frontier mid-size pickup truck. Finally, a standalone model focused on America, the D41 third generation, has been around since model year 2022, and it recently got a retro-styled Hardbody special edition.The latter served as the starting point for this modern-day third-generation Nissan Xterra and showed the off-road-focused SUV paying homage to its predecessor while also looking forward to modern amenities from the current Frontier and going out on the trails for a brawl with the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Wrangler. Too bad it's merely wishful thinking, right?
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
Sketched by the same man who was also responsible for the Edge, eleventh-gen Thunderbird, Prodigy Concept, and Lincoln MKX, it was assembled at Flat Rock in Michigan. The coupe and convertible body styles made up the family that packed V6 and V8 firepower and manual and automatic transmissions.The fifth-gen Ford Mustang shared its nuts and bolts with the era's Thunderbird, Lincoln LS, and Jaguar S-Type and remains an interesting proposal in the muscle car realm, especially with a V8 under the hood. And do you know which one uses the eight-cylinder engine? Yep, that would be the pictured copy, which was part of the first model year.Dressed in Sonic Blue, featuring a black soft top, a set of five-spoke wheels, and a Light Graphite leather interior, and sprinkled with carbon fiber, this 2005 pony car has a 5.4L V8 engine and a five-speed manual transmission. It also boasts a Stage 1 tune from Roush for enhanced performance, and despite being almost two decades old, its odometer shows only 13,478 miles (21,691 km).Besides the actual muscle car , the new owner will also get the usual lecture that comes with it, including the Roush manuals, build sheet, and window sticker. This is a fine machine that deserves a nice new home, and if you're thinking about buying it, then you should also know that it doesn't break the bank. In fact, it makes the seventh-gen Mustang look rather pricey, especially in the GT and range-topping Dark Horse configurations.For a 2024 Mustang GT, Ford is asking at least $42,710, and the Dark Horse comes from $59,485. Both prices exclude the destination charge and the dealer fees, as well as the optional extras. So, how much do you think this Roush-tuned 2005 pony car costs? That would be $28,900. As a result, it is not only more affordable than the base V8-powered 2024 'Stang but also compared to the EcoBoost, aka the four-banger one, which starts at $30,920 before destination.This paragraph is dedicated to serious buyers, who will have to click on this link that will take them to the Garage Kept Motors ad. The listing reveals that the muscle car in question is in stock, adding that pre-purchase inspections are always welcomed, yet you'll have to schedule an appointment for that. The ad also includes a lot of images of this 2005 Mustang, which was photographed from pretty much every angle. The open-top car has a clean title and is winking at you from across the internet. Would you buy it a drink?
18 January 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves through European gas markets, prompting a reevaluation of energy security strategies. The conflict disrupted gas flows and heightened concerns about reliance on Russian supplies. Thus, as Europe seeks alternatives to balance its energy security, Azerbaijan emerges as a significant player, making strides in the European market, even despite some influences from the EU and the West on the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement process.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy, Laura Lochman, also underscored the significance of the SGC in addressing Europe's current energy challenge. She highlighted the success of the SGC and envisions its expansion as a crucial element in securing Europe's energy future.
The European continent is going through an energy challenge right now, which was provoked by Russias illegal and unjustified war in Ukraine. Thus, the European countries are trying very hard to significantly reduce or eliminate their reliance on Russian supplies as those are clearly not reliable sources. We all need to diversify our sources of energy as well. The Southern Gas Corridor has been playing a role historically, it was a huge project to bring together the governments and the private sector to get the SGC in place and now we see the benefits of it, and the success of that and hope for its expansion in the future as well, she added.
As US Deputy assistant mentioned in response to the energy crisis, Azerbaijan is actively engaging in partnerships with European countries. As an example, Lithuania, recognizing Azerbaijan's energy potential, views the nation as a crucial partner for mutually beneficial opportunities.
Azerbaijan is an important partner of Lithuania and we are interested in searching for mutually beneficial opportunities. We see Azerbaijan as a growing economic power with a huge energy potential and aspirations to diversify, said President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijan-Lithuania business forum in Vilnius.
The recent agreements between Azerbaijan and Serbia highlight the growing importance of energy cooperation, emphasizing the supply of Azerbaijani gas to diversify the European gas market. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia on promoting cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas, as well as agreement on gas sales between SOCAR and Srbijagas were signed. The Minister of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said:
Today, Serbia and Azerbaijan have opened a new chapter in their economic and bilateral cooperation by signing a contract on the volumes of gas that Azerbaijan will supply to Serbia. After the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia via the Bulgaria-Serbia Interconnector, which is expected to be commissioned in the near future, we are going to achieve our strategic goal of diversifying our sources of supply for this energy source and further bolstering our role as a transit country for gas distribution to Central Europe. The signed contract outlines the delivery of 400 million cubic meters of gas in the next year, and we expect these volumes to increase further in the coming years.
Touching on Azerbaijan's role in Central Europe's gas supply, Hungary has been in talks with Azerbaijan for purchasing gas since early last year. In a meeting with Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov in January 2023, Minister Szijjarto reaffirmed Budapests plans to count on Azerbaijani supplies as soon as possible, however, added that substantial infrastructural developments in Southeastern and Central Europe should be in place to make it possible.
Increased natural gas production in Azerbaijan could play an important role in the energy security of Hungary and Central Europe, but this requires the development of infrastructure in the region, which in turn requires EU support, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.
Azerbaijan's collaboration with Spain in renewable energy also presents promising prospects. Memoranda of Understanding between the EU and Azerbaijan indicate the potential for Spanish companies to contribute to renewable energy initiatives in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasizes the country's potential in supplying green electricity to the EU, fostering a new dimension of cooperation.
"The pivotal Memorandum of Understanding in the field of energy signed between the EU and Azerbaijan brings excellent prospects of cooperation for our countries, not only because the Spanish Enagas company has a significant participation in the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), a segment of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), but also because this agreement contemplates the development of renewable energy in Azerbaijan," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, as far as the energy sector is concerned, the prospects are especially promising for the Spanish Tecnicas Reunidas company, which is already well established in Azerbaijan through its partnership with the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) in the modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery and is looking forward to being involved in the next phases of this project.
In terms of energy, key component to Italys and Azerbaijans relationship is the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The pipeline is a key transport route that transports gas from Azerbaijan to Apulia, Italy, via a 546-mile link and has a current capacity of 1.2 bcm a year.
The two countries made the announcement that they will begin increasing the volume of shipments to 20 bcm by the end of 2027. The TAP and new energy deals have gained increasing importance as Italy strives to reduce its dependence on Russian energy resources. Prior to the war on Ukraine, Italy sourced 40 percent of its natural gas from Russia. Last year, Italy was able to bring that down to 16 percent; however, Urso stated that the country plans to completely abolish reliance on Russian gas by the end of 2023. Especially given Italys previous reliance on Russian gas, increasing the TAP capacity and diversifying energy resources with critical partners like Azerbaijan have become a significant assurance in Italys energy security.
In conclusion, the European Union and Azerbaijan jointly show strong willingness to deepen cooperation in the connectivity sector. Against the backdrop of disruptions in transportation routes connecting Asia and Europe through the territory of Russia, the key role of the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route (TITR), or Middle Corridor, is increasing significantly. And the significance of the opportunities that stem from the new deal have substantially grown specially since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. So the market access of Azerbaijans energy in Europe are expected to increase in the coming period.
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18 January 2024 19:36 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
After the French Senate's discussion on January 17 on adopting a resolution and imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan about Armenia, the peace treaty and its signing between Azerbaijan and Armenia will probably remain in question. The series of anti-Azerbaijani statements, resolutions, and all French interference in the affairs of the South Caucasus will have their consequences. The truth is that neither Armenia nor France needed a peace treaty or its signing with Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, this was confirmed by the recent actions of the two sister states (Armenia and France) following the groundless decision of the French Senate.
It is worth starting with the fact that France is one of the favourites of the European Union. We also know that the EU, in its desire to "help" Armenia and Azerbaijan achieve peace, sent an "observer mission" to the border zones of Armenia. As of today, the EU mission in Armenia, on the instructions of EU High Representative Josep Borrell, has increased its number of observers to 209 people.
It should also be recalled that the EU mission has made a jubilee number of 1500 patrols on the territory of Armenia. However, the funny story is that the Armenian population has not been informed yet by the official Yerevan concerning what the "mission" is actually looking for near the border of Armenia with Azerbaijan.
A British journalist and expert, Neil Watson, commented on the issue for AZERNEWS, saying that the EU is dominated by pro-Armenian countries, of which France is of course the most ardent. The expert says that the EU overwhelmingly supports the opinion that Azerbaijan has committed so-called "ethnic cleansing" against Armenians, even though the opposite is true.
"All these missions are interested in pacifying the Armenian diaspora in Europe, which is rich, powerful, and influential. Besides, Islamophobia has increased since the beginning of the Hamas-Israeli conflict, and this has influenced EU policy," the journalist said.
Azerbaijan gave a worthy response to the provocations by France and the resolution passed by the Senate imposing sanctions on the former.
The French Senate passed a resolution with 336 votes in favour and one against imposing sanctions against Azerbaijan. As a response, the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis) called on the authorities to impose sanctions against France, freeze all assets of French officials, terminate all economic ties with France, withdraw all French companies, including Total, from Azerbaijan, and prevent French companies from participating in any projects ordered by Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan warned Western countries not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the South Caucasus and not to interfere in the realisation of the peace process for which the entire Turkic world has been waiting for so long.
By keeping millions of skulls of people who died as the result of the deadliest policy of France in the capital of the country, by keeping the bones and remains of colonised Algerians in their museums, and by robbing all the countries under its leverage, they are trying to accuse Azerbaijan without evidence of what it did not do.
The British expert added that he does not believe that the mass of French politicians really understand the economic benefits of warm French-Azerbaijani bilateral relations.
"Their policies are driven by the Franco-Armenian diaspora in French business and politics, Islamophobia, which is a long-standing and documented element of French collective psychology derived from the remnants of colonialism in North Africa, and the belief that Armenia is their outpost in the South Caucasus. The Armenian narrative is in line with prevailing perceptions of Islam and therefore receives a lot of support at the highest levels," Watson said.
It is worth recalling that the only person who had the "faberge" courage and justice in the Senate to respond against this resolution of the French Senate was Senator Nathalie Goulet, who stated.
"This resolution has nothing to do with reality; it is directed against peace and stability, against a better future for the South Caucasus. The authors of this document have completely forgotten about Armenia's occupation policy."
Goulet added that the Armenian Diaspora in France is playing a toxic and very dangerous game.
"This is a useless activity and is directed against peace," the senator said.
Certainly, France's straining of diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan raises a number of serious questions. In order to appease Armenia or realise its interests in the region, official Paris acts as an accomplice, even in the deepening of the conflict and the start of the next war.
Neil Watson points out that this position of France is not in good faith, and the only way to achieve peace is for France to withdraw from its position.
"I believe that it cannot be considered a correct and adequate policy for a country like France, which has a deep-rooted history in Europe and has sufficient influence in the EU, to spoil relations with a country like Azerbaijan, which has great economic potential in the South Caucasus. I think that France should abandon this policy and soon improve relations between the two countries. The EU has always supported peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan in its policy and on its political agenda. Because war and conflict have never benefited any party in a nutshell."
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Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33
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The United States warned Wednesday against North Korea's potential provision of additional military aid to Russia for use in Ukraine, as Pyongyang's top diplomat visited Moscow this week in an apparent sign of deepening bilateral ties.
At the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui visited Russia from Monday to Wednesday, during which she also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Clearly, North Korea and Russia have a relationship," Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told a press briefing. "What we don't want to see is the continued proliferation of aid to Russia to be used in Ukraine."
Asked to comment on the North's recent launch of what it claims was a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile, Ryder called on Pyongyang to refrain from "destabilizing" activity.
"When it comes to destabilizing activity, we will continue to call on North Korea to refrain from such activity and will continue to consult closely with our allies in the region to ensure that we can maintain regional peace and security," he said.
In a separate briefing, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged the North to come back to dialogue.
"We call on the DPRK to refrain from further provocative destabilizing actions and statements and to return to diplomacy," he told a press briefing, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
"In particular, we encourage the DPRK to engage in substantive discussions on identifying ways to manage military risks and create lasting peace on the Korean peninsula," he added, reiterating the U.S. harbors "no hostile intent" toward the North.
On the North Korean foreign minister's trip to Russia, Miller took note of arms transfers between the two sides that the U.S. has criticized as a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.
"We've seen Russia providing weapons to North Korea. We've seen North Korea providing weapons to Russia," he said. "We've seen Russia taking actions in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, including ones that it itself supported." (Yonhap)
18 January 2024 11:18 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline Consortium (TAP) signed an agreement this year to conduct research in the field of hydrogen supply, Azernews reports.
TAP AG consortium informed about this.
"Depending on the preliminary test results, TAP may continue to hold tenders for more extensive research. We plan to sign a contract for these studies in the third quarter of 2024," the consortium said.
When asked when the hydrogen supply will start, TAP AG said it depends on the confirmation of the suitability of the pipeline, the completion of more extensive studies, and, most importantly, the availability of hydrogen and the market's interest in obtaining hydrogen.
It should be noted that through TAP, which is the European part of the Southern Gas Corridor, 8 billion cubic meters of gas is transported to Italy, and 1 billion cubic meters to each of Greece and Bulgaria.
On December 31, 2020, the transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor was started. For the first time in history, Azerbaijan exported its natural gas to the European market through pipelines. With direct access to the European market, which is the largest importer of natural gas in the world, Azerbaijan has diversified its export opportunities.
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18 January 2024 12:21 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov, together with SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf held a meeting with Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapoor on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, Azernews reports.
The Minister discussed with Honeywell representatives cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of innovative solutions to expand the use of sustainable energy resources in Azerbaijan and prospects for establishing favourable cooperation in various sectors of the economy.
"On the margins of the Davos Economic Forum, together with President Rovshan Najaf, we held a meeting with Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur. We discussed the company's cooperation with our country, the potential importance of innovative solutions to expand the use of sustainable energy resources in Azerbaijan, and the prospects for establishing favourable cooperation in various sectors of the economy," the post reads.
Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and several representatives of state structures, including local companies, will participate in the World Economic Forum to be held in Davos, Switzerland,
According to the agenda of the Davos Economic Forum, Mikayil Jabbarov will participate in the "COP28 and the Road Ahead" discussions scheduled for January 16.
The participation of the representative of Azerbaijan in these discussions is logical, as COP29 will be held in Baku
On the margins of the Davos Economic Forum (@wef), alongside #SOCAR (@SOCARofficial) President Rovshan Najaf (@RovshanNajaf), we conducted a meeting with Vimal Kapur, the CEO of Honeywell (@honeywell) company. We discussed the company's collaboration with our country, the pic.twitter.com/IIhj740T0U Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) January 18, 2024
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18 January 2024 13:24 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
In 2023, consideration of 48 cases on signs of unfair competition was completed in Azerbaijan, and financial sanctions of up to 650 thousand manats were applied to 24 market subjects who violated the law, Azernews reports.
Mammad Abbasbeyli, the head of the Antimonopoly and Consumer Markets Control State Service under the Ministry of Economy, said this at a press conference on the results of last year.
He said that last year, 26 business entities voluntarily eliminated violations of the law.
"Furthermore, from January 1 of this year, the new law on state procurement will enter into force; thereby, significant steps have been taken towards finalising the transition to electronic procurement. As a result of electronic procurement, public procurement will be more accessible to entrepreneurs and will promote competition in the relevant field."
M. Abbasbeyli added that the number of total purchases in 2023 was more than 7.5 billion manats.
"In the reporting period, the share of electronic purchases in total purchases was 22.4%. Compared to 2022, the volume of electronic purchases last year increased by 32.9%."
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18 January 2024 14:52 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The opening of the OIC Labour Centre in Baku in 2023 was a significant event in the context of the organization's positive results.
Azernews reports that this was told by Ahmed Sengendo, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Affairs, who spoke at the 7th Annual Coordination Meeting of OIC Institutions (ACMOI) held in Jeddah.
The Deputy Secretary-General said that the year 2023 was also tragic for some Islamic countries. So last year, the burden of devastating natural disasters in Turkey, Morocco, and Libya, the ongoing terrible war in the Gaza Strip, and other events created additional scary scenarios for the socio-economic development of OIC countries.
At the meeting of the OIC, the results of the last year were summarized and development prospects for the current year were discussed. A. Sengendo noted that war, armed conflicts, and natural disasters require the OIC and its institutions to strengthen activities and increase programs aimed at helping member states achieve sustainable economic growth and development. He also drew attention to positive developments in 2023, including the opening of the OIC Labour Centre in Baku, the newest specialised institution dealing with labour and employment issues in OIC member countries. In addition, the Islamic Forum for Halal Accreditation Bodies in Riyadh has strengthened the role of the OIC in Halal standardisation by gaining relevant status.
It was emphasised at the meeting that Islamic countries should join efforts to solve problems and show solidarity.
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18 January 2024 16:00 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
Issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovakia in the economic and energy fields were discussed.
Azernews reports that Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said this in his account on the X social network.
The minister said that discussions on this matter were held in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fiso, within the framework of the Davos Economic Forum.
It should be noted that The World Economic Forum has been held since 1971. The opening ceremony of the Davos Economic Forum was held on January 14. The forum will continue until January 19. Although the event is economic, it has a serious impact on world politics and international relations. Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov and several representatives of state structures and companies of the country participated in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. According to the WEF agenda, Jabbarov was announced as a participant in the discussion COP28 and the Road Ahead on January 16.
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18 January 2024 14:28 (UTC+04:00)
Laman Ismayilova Read more
Registration has started for the Republican Children's Drawing Competition, "Spring Colours". The art contest will take place in the Khatai Arts Centre within the Green World Solidarity Year in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.
The plein air will be organised by the Azerbaijan State Art Gallery and the Khatai Arts Centre with the support of the Culture Ministry, the Ministry of Science and Education, Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting CJSC, the Khatai District Executive Power, and the Union of the Azerbaijani Artists.
Children, adolescents, and young people aged 10 to 21 who wish to take part in the project must fill out the appropriate form and send it to the email address [email protected] before February 5. You can take part in plein air alone or in a group.
The participant must create a watercolour painting on the theme of spring. When choosing the best works, the composition, colour scheme, and personality of the author will be taken into account, taking into account his age.
Based on the results of the competition, 100 best works will be selected for the exhibition, the authors of which will be awarded gifts and certificates.
Information about the works that will be exhibited, the authors, and the time of the exhibition will be published on the social networks of the Union of Azerbaijani Artists and the State Art Gallery.
A virtual catalogue of the exhibition will also be prepared, and upon completion, the works will be stored in the collection of the Khatai Arts Centre.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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18 January 2024 10:02 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
Following the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored city of Fuzuli continues, Azernews reports.
Another group of former IDPs, consisting of 30 families or 127 people, left the Gobu Park 3 residential complex in Garadagh for Fuzuli on January 18.
The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Fuzuli, which were restored or rebuilt based on instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Fuzuli residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.
Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the city of Fuzuli has been provided for 410 families - 1519 people.
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18 January 2024 10:32 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
President of the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan and honorary member of the French Parliament Jerome Lambert has condemned Senate Resolution #157, Azernews reports.
In a statement circulated by the Association of Friends of Azerbaijan, J. Lambert noted that the resolution was written in the spirit of revenge.
"Today, efforts should be made to ensure peace through dialogue. Instead, the text adopted by the Senate looks like a call for revenge. Unfortunately, when it comes to international law and the interests of our country in this region, the Senate does not want to play any positive role," said the President of the Association.
According to Jerome Lambert, such resolutions hinder world peace and open the way for separatism: "This resolution is a big blow to the dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as to the restoration of French-Azerbaijani friendly relations," said Jerome Lambert.
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18 January 2024 11:03 (UTC+04:00)
The Azerbaijani delegation, led by the Deputy Rector of the National Defense University for Science Rector of the Military Scientific-Research Institute, Doctor of National Security and Military Sciences, Associate Professor, Major General Arif Hasanov paid a visit to Iran at the invitation of the President of the Supreme National Defense University of Iran, Brigadier General Dr. Ismail Ahmadi Moghadam, Azernews reports.
As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation attended the Supreme National Defense University of Iran. Brigadier General Ismail Ahmadi Moghadam expressed his satisfaction with seeing the Azerbaijani delegation in his country.
The delegation got acquainted with the scientific-educational bases and the library of the Supreme National Defense University of Iran. It was presented with a briefing on the activities of the educational institution.
Major General A. Hasanov thanked the Iranian side for the invitation and hospitality. The Deputy Rector informed about the history and structure of the National Defense University, as well as the main activities of the subordinated educational institutions.
The meeting emphasized importance of mutual visits and such meetings to develope cooperation in the field of science and education.
Then the Azerbaijani delegation got acquainted with the exhibition, which presented military products produced by the Iranian Defense Ministry.
During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation attended the IRGC University of Command and Staff and the International Cooperation Department of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces as well.
Held meetings exchanged views on several issues of common interest in the field of military education.
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18 January 2024 11:33 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov held a meeting with McKinsey & Company's regional managing partner Ozgur Tanrikulu on the margins of the Davos World Economic Forum (WEF), Azernews reports, citing the head's post on the X social page.
On the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum (@wef), we held a meeting with Ozgur Tanrikulu, the regional managing partner of McKinsey & Company (@McKinsey). Our discussions covered potential collaborations within #COP29 in Azerbaijan, cooperation with the company to enhance the Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) January 18, 2024
"We discussed the prospects of partnership relations, the development of cooperation areas in the business climate, human capital on an innovative basis, and the prospects of digital transformation," Mikail Jabbarov said.
It should be noted that McKinsey implements several projects in Azerbaijan, in particular, with the Central Bank on the development of the country's financial sector, with SOCAR, etc.
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Hollywood action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger was held at Munich airport on Wednesday for failing to declare an expensive watch, a customs spokesman told AFP.
The Austrian-born actor and former governor of California, 76, was detained in the customs area on Wednesday afternoon after arriving from the United States, spokesman Thomas Meister said.
Schwarzenegger was expected to be able to continue his journey later in the day but "the watch will probably have to stay," Meister said.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against the "Terminator" star and former bodybuilding icon for tax evasion, he said.
Tax should have been paid on the watch because Schwarzenegger was intending to sell it in the European Union, according to Meister.
The luxury timepiece was due to be auctioned at a fundraising dinner for Schwarzenegger's climate initiative in Kitzbuehel on Thursday, the Bild daily reported.
Items typically auctioned at such dinners include works of art and signed memorabilia, according to the initiative's website.
The bespoke timepiece was made specially for Schwarzenegger by luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet, according to Bild. (AFP)
18 January 2024 11:56 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The fire that broke out in the building of the Sumgait State Technical College, located in the 22nd block of Sumgait city, was extinguished by the forces of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Azernews reports.
According to the information provided by the Ministry as a result of the fire, the combustible constructions of 6 rooms on an area of 200m and the combustible constructions of the roof were burnt on the 2nd floor of the two-story building with a total area of 1024m, each floor of which is 512m.
Most of the building, the adjacent housing, and nearby houses were protected from fire. As part of security measures, 8 residents were evacuated.
Due to the fire that started in the dormitory of Sumgait State Technical College on 18.01.2024, 3 people (2 male, 1 female) admitted to the Emergency Medical Hospital under the Sumgait Medical Center were discharged home for outpatient treatment.
It should be noted that on 17.01.2024 at around 22:50, 3 brigades of the Sumgayit Medical Center Emergency Medical Center were immediately involved in the scene of the fire that started in the dormitory of the Sumgayit State Technical College.
It is reported that a person (male) born in 1954 was hospitalized in moderate condition with the diagnosis of toxic effect of other gases.
"People born in 1981 (male) and born in 1961 (female) were helped on the spot with the diagnosis of the toxic effect of other gases. Their status is sufficient. 2 women were treated on the spot with the diagnosis of acute reaction to stress. The brigades are currently at the scene of the incident," it was stated in the information.
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18 January 2024 12:24 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
The Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties of Milli Majlis has adopted a statement in connection with the resolution of the French Senate, Azernews reports.
It is noted in the statement that due to the anti-Azerbaijani policy pursued by the French government, including the resolutions adopted against Azerbaijan in both chambers of the French parliament so far, relations between the two countries are at the lowest level in history and in fact can be considered suspended.
The Milli Majlis Committee on International Relations and Interparliamentary Ties recommended the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan impose sanctions against France, freeze all assets of French officials in Azerbaijan, stop all economic ties with France, withdraw all French companies, including Total, from Azerbaijan, and prevent the participation of French companies in any projects ordered by Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instructed to take steps to recognise the independence of Kanaka, Maniha, and Corsica.
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18 January 2024 12:43 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The BBC World News TV channel, which has millions of viewers, recently aired a video presentation on the Port of Baku during the Davos Forum, Azernews reports, citing the Port of Baku.
The video, featured multiple times daily on the news program, highlights the important role the Port of Baku plays in international logistics corridors and the opportunities it presents for the Middle Corridor. Additionally, the BBC's official website featured two separate articles discussing the services provided by the Port of Baku, its operational capacities, and its significant contribution to the development of regional connectivity.
Recall that Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and a number of representatives of state structures, including local companies, are participating in the World Economic Forum being held in Davos, Switzerland. Further to the meeting in Davos, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Vimal Kapur, the CEO of Honeywell, on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Besides that, Minister Jabbarov held a meeting with McKinsey & Company's regional managing partner, Ozgur Tanrikulu, on the margins of the WEF.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol, US President's Special Representative on Climate Issues John Kerry, ENGIE Group CEO Kathryn McGregor, and Sally Buzby from "The Washington Post" are also attending the event for discussions.
Davos considers Azerbaijan's involvement in the discussions very significant, as COP29 will be held in Baku.
It should be noted that the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum was held on January 14. The forum will continue until January 19.
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18 January 2024 12:00 (UTC+04:00)
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has accepted credentials of newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone Alie Badara Kamara, Azernews reports.
The ambassador presented his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev.
The head of state had a conversation with the ambassador.
The ambassador first conveyed the greetings of the President of Sierra Leone to the head of state.
President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings, and asked the ambassador to pass on his own greetings to the President of Sierra Leone.
The discussion covered the prospects for bilateral collaboration and cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and other international organizations.
Saying that Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement would end shortly, the head of state expressed his gratitude to Sierra Leone, a member country, for its support within the Movement. President Ilham Aliyev expressed hope that Azerbaijan and Sierra Leone would cooperate within the Movement following the conclusion of Azerbaijan`s chairmanship.
Expressing his country`s keen interest in developing relations with Azerbaijan, the ambassador noted that Azerbaijan`s support during Sierra Leone`s Ebola crisis was highly appreciated. He also extended congratulations on Azerbaijan`s successful chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. The ambassador commended the mutual support demonstrated by Azerbaijan and Sierra Leone within international organizations.
Alie Badara Kamara said that he plans to hold meetings with Azerbaijani officials, and emphasized that he would spare no effort in defining new areas and ways to expand ties.
The President of Azerbaijan touched upon the necessity of enhancing contacts between the two countries and peoples.
The head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement, initiated establishment of the parliamentary, youth, and women's platforms within the organization.
President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan, considering the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement as a fundamental principle and a key aspect in the fight against colonialism, has identified its struggle against neocolonialism as a top priority and thrown its support behind this process.
President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that the Baku Initiative Group had organized significant events on the topic of neocolonialism in both Baku and the UN office at Geneva in 2023, adding that colonial powers should at least apologize to the states and peoples they colonized in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The head of state further added that although the forms of colonialism may have changed, its essence remains the same, persisting in various forms.
The head of state emphasized that colonial empires seek to cover up the crimes committed in the countries they colonized by taking advantage of their membership in international institutions. The President underscored the paramount importance of exposing these crimes to the global public.
President Ilham Aliyev invited the President of Sierra Leone to the COP29 to be held in Baku this year. The meeting encompassed discussions on cooperation in various sectors, including economy, agriculture, investment, human capital development, culture, science, education, and other mutually beneficial issues. The exchange of experiences in good governance was highlighted, with a specific mention of the experience of the "ASAN xidmet." Azerbaijans readiness to share its experience in this field was also underlined.
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18 January 2024 16:19 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
The Western Azerbaijani Community has stated the anti-Azerbaijani resolution of the French Senate, Azernews reports.
The statement reads:
"The racist, Islamophobic, and Azerbaijanophobic French Senate has passed another resolution against Azerbaijan. The modern crusaders sitting in the French Senate do not realise that Azerbaijan does not receive authorization from anyone to conduct a military operation on its sovereign territory, and in this sense, the French Senate should know its place," it was said in the statement.
The Western Azerbaijani Community emphasised that the French Senate, which has made ridiculous accusations against Azerbaijan, should answer questions such as.
"Why is there frequent civil war in France?", "Why does France ban the Corsican language?", "What business does the French army have in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso?", "Why does France still keep territories thousands of kilometres away from it in colonial dependence?
France, which after its shameful defeat in World War II was granted the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council at the mercy of others, could not pass a resolution against Azerbaijan in this body for several months, apparently spoiling itself with a Senate resolution," says the community.
The Community's report also refers to the French Senate's ethnic and religious hatred towards Azerbaijan, where the former calls on "Azerbaijan and its allies to withdraw their troops from the territory of Armenia." By doing so, the Senate becomes an object of ridicule.
The community emphasised that France, which speaks about "the right of Garabagh Armenians to some determination," would better grant independence to Corsica, the Basques, and New Caledonia.
"Speaking, on the one hand, about preserving the territorial integrity of Armenia, and on the other hand, using the terms "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" and "democratically elected leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh," the Senate is mocking itself. Those who banned the AZERTAC correspondent from entering New Caledonia are demanding that Azerbaijan release "the political leaders of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic," the statement reads.
AZERTAC said that if the Senate is concerned about "Armenian cultural heritage, let it deal with the examples of cultural heritage that France has been stealing from Africa for centuries.
"The UNESCO mission that France wants to send to Garabagh should be sent to France itself to ensure that these stolen heritage samples are returned to their true owners," the report said.
"Speaking of the return of the Garabagh Armenians, the French Senate, with its crusader mentality, must realise that the return must be reciprocal, and the return of Western Azerbaijanis to Armenia must be ensured.
We realise that Azerbaijanophobia has become a lucrative profession in France in recent years, a great opportunity to become a "hero," a "fiery orator". But France has been defeated not only in World War II but in recent years in Africa, and in the South Caucasus in 20202023. Official Paris, which in recent years has shown itself to be less reliable, should come to terms with this and abandon its policy of invasion in the region," the Community said.
The community report also said that the French Senate, which calls on the European Union to reconsider relations with Azerbaijan, believes that the world revolves around France and Europe.
"Against the backdrop of the agreements reached by Azerbaijan and Armenia in direct talks on December 7, this provocative move by the French Senate is political clowning. We also strongly reject France's accusations against brotherly Turkiye," the Community says in the statement.
"Armenia should also realise that France's acquisition of weapons that no one needs and the establishment of a base in Armenia by the European Union will in no way help Yerevan but will prevent the establishment of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The maximum that France can give Armenia is to grant the Garabagh Armenians the title of honorary citizens of Paris. Armenia should conclude the mistakes of the 1st Republic".
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Azerbaijan is renowned for its culinary offerings. The Land of Fire is definitely a go-to country if youre in search of delicious cuisines.
With its rich cuisine, Azerbaijan offers a wide variety of gastronomic opportunities. The number of tourists in search of new tastes is constantly increasing in the country.
The city of Baku ranked 13th in the list of Best Gastronomic Destinations of 2024" on TripAdvisor, known as the world's largest travel platform, Azernews reports.
The list also includes such cities as Hanoi, Rome, Crete, Cusco, Florence, New Delhi, Barcelona, New Orleans, Lisbon, Phuket, Paris, and Jaipur.
In March last year, Tripadvisor included the city of Baku in the list of the world's trending destinations.
Dishes like dolma and kebab remain among the most popular national dishes. However, Azerbaijani cuisine has much more to offer food lovers, especially at Pomegranate Festival, Pilaf Festival, Jam Festival, Baku Honey Fair, Street Food Festival, and many others.
National cuisine boasts a wide range of spices, meat dishes, and vegetables such as dolma, bozbash, bozartma, shish kebab, piti, pilaf, and govurma.
Shah Pilaf is the signature dish of the national cuisine. The name of this dish is derived from its shape, which resembles the crown of a mediaeval Eastern ruler. It is traditionally presented as the main dish at wedding ceremonies in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani cuisine also never ceases to amaze those who have a sweet tooth. Here, food lovers can enjoy more than 30 varieties of mouthwatering pastries like pakhlava, shekerbura, and badambura, symbols of the Novruz holiday.
The National Culinary Centre has done major work for the research, preservation, and promotion of national cuisine samples.
Currently, work is being continued in the direction of supporting the activities of young professional chefs through various educational programs.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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18 January 2024 17:32 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
Peaceful action of the Azerbaijani community was held in front of the office of "Politika" media company located in the Polish capital Warsaw, Azernews reports.
The State Committee for Work with Diaspora reported that the sanctioned action, organized by the Council of Azerbaijanis in Poland, was held against the publication of provocative and slanderous articles by the reporter of "Politika" magazine Konstantin Gebert about the Second Garabagh War and the historical victory of Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the rally, Diaspora activists Shamo Gubadov and Tuncay Novruzzade sharply condemned the dissemination of fake news influenced by the Armenian Diaspora in "Politika" magazine. They called on the staff of this publication to accurately check facts, honestly cover the truth about Azerbaijan, and follow such principles of journalism as objectivity and impartiality.
"Armenian Diaspora manipulates media", "No bias, no compromise, only facts matter!", "Media double standards in all their nakedness", "Enough of fake news against Azerbaijan!", "Where were the media when Azerbaijanis killed children?" were also posters with other slogans.
Then, a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Azerbaijanis of Poland Shamo Gubadov handed over the protest statement of oAzerbaijanis to the office of "Politika" media company to be handed over to the editor-in-chief of the magazine.
The security of the action was provided by the local police.
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18 January 2024 18:50 (UTC+04:00)
Abbas Ganbay Read more
Today at a press conference Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement with Armenia on the territory of Russia, Azernews reports.
"The fact is that colleagues from the West want the peace agreement to be signed only on their territory. It is also a fact that Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement on the territory of Russia, where efforts to end the conflict and establish a system of relations to settle all issues have begun. To what extent Yerevan is ready for this, I do not know, although the relevant messages were sent to the Armenian capital long ago," Sergey Lavrov said.
Earlier in an interview with German newspaper Berliner Zeitung, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, said that significant progress has been made in the text of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
"After the end of the Second Garabagh War in 2020, it was Azerbaijan initiated peace talks with Armenia, presenting five basic principles, which include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual confirmation of the absence of territorial claims against each other, and the establishment of diplomatic relations following the universally recognized norms of international law.
Azerbaijan is conducting benevolent negotiations with Armenia on various platforms to achieve long-awaited peace in the region. We truly believe that there is a historic chance to sign a peace agreement and we should not miss this opportunity. Significant progress has been made in the text of the peace agreement, but there are still several issues that are waiting to be resolved," Hikmet Hajiyev said.
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18 January 2024 16:41 (UTC+04:00)
Nigar Hasanova Read more
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) intends to continue cooperation with Indian companies.
Azernews reports that SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf has shared a post about this on his official X account.
Within the framework of the Davos Economic Forum, the President of SOCAR met with the Indian Minister of Oil and Natural Gas, as well as Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri.
"During our meeting, we appealed to the ongoing cooperation between the companies of the two countries," said R. Najaf.
During our meeting with @HardeepSPuri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of India, we addressed the ongoing collaboration between @SOCARofficial and #India|n companies. #WEF24 pic.twitter.com/hS09cwCfkB Rovshan Najaf (@RovshanNajaf) January 18, 2024
It should be mentioned that Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and several representatives of state structures, including local companies, have participated in the World Economic Forum being held in Davos, Switzerland.
Further to the discussion at the event in Davos, Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Vimal Kapur, the CEO of Honeywell, on the margins of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Besides that, Minister Jabbarov held a meeting with McKinsey & Company's regional managing partner, Ozgur Tanrikulu, on the margins of the WEF.
The World Economic Forum was held on January 14. The forum will continue until January 19.
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18 January 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)
By Alimat Aliyeva
The Navies of South Korea, the United States and Japan conducted joint exercises with the participation of an American nuclear aircraft carrier in the south of Jeju Island to practice combating the missile threat from the DPRK, Azernews reports, citing the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea.
The maneuvers took place from January 15 to January 17. The head of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, Kim Myung-soo, visited the American aircraft carrier Carl Vinson on the first day and checked the course of maneuvers. These are the first trilateral naval exercises after agreeing on long-term maneuver plans in December and launching a real-time data exchange system on North Korean missile launches.
The exercises practiced the skills of the military of the three countries to combat the nuclear missile threat from the DPRK and submarines, the committee said. Nine ships were involved in the exercises, including South Korean destroyers with the Aegis missile defense system.
On January 14, North Korea tested a medium-range solid-fuel ballistic missile with a hypersonic guided warhead.
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Pakistan's air force launched retaliatory airstrikes early Thursday on Iran allegedly targeting militant positions, an attack that killed at least seven people and further raised tensions between the neighboring nations.
The strikes in Sistan and Baluchestan province follow Irans attack Tuesday on Pakistani soil that killed two children in the southwestern Baluchistan province.
The strikes imperil diplomatic relations between the two neighbors, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks.
The attacks also raised the threat of violence spreading in a Middle East unsettled by Israels war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran also staged airstrikes late Monday in Iraq and Syria over an Islamic State-claimed suicide bombing that killed over 90 people earlier this month. Iraq has recalled its ambassador from Iran for consultations.
Pakistans Foreign Ministry described their attack as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes.
This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
Several insurgent groups operate in Iran and Pakistan, including the Jaish al-Adl Sunni separatist group that was targeted by Tehran in its own strike. They all have a common goal of an independent Baluchistan for ethnic Baluch areas in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
Pakistans Baluchistan province, as well as Irans neighboring Sistan and Baluchestan province, have faced a low-level insurgency by Baluch nationalists for more than two decades.
Pakistan named its operation Marg Bar Sarmachar. In Iranian Farsi, marg bar means death to and is a famous saying in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution used to refer to both the United States and Israel. In the local Baluch language, sarmachar means guerrilla and is used by the militants operating in the cross-border region.
A deputy governor of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursday's strike in a telephone interview, saying the dead included three women and four children. He did not immediately elaborate, other than to say that the dead were not Iranian citizens.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, shared images online that appeared to show the remains of the munitions used in the attack. It said a number of homes had been struck in Saravan, a city in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province. It shared videos showing a mud-walled building destroyed and smoke rising over the strike immediately after.
Thursday's development came a day after Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran because of Tuesday's strikes by Iran inside Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Iran claimed it targeted bases for a militant Sunni separatist group. It drew strong condemnation from Pakistan, which denounced the attack as a blatant violation of its airspace and said it killed two children. (AP)
18 January 2024 23:55 (UTC+04:00)
From March, the Swedish government plans to introduce security screening zones in certain areas where there is a risk of crimes, including shootings and explosions, Azernews reports.
Opinions are completely divided in this regard at the Stockholm City Hall.
The Government's proposal suggests that within the security zone, the police should be able to conduct a personal search of citizens, including children, without suspicion of committing criminal offenses, as well as search vehicles in search of weapons or other dangerous items.
"I am extremely concerned about the creation of security zones in vulnerable areas. This leads to a division between people," said Karin Vanngard, a member of the financial council of the Mayor's Office.
In response to the government, the city administration writes that the introduction of security zones can affect trust in both the police and society as a whole.
"It is difficult to predict the consequences of how this will be perceived by a child who grows up in a vulnerable area and has no contact with criminals when the police search them," officials say.
Opposition councilman Christopher Fjellner believes that the decision on the screening zones is very welcome, and believes that this proposal is not controversial. He does not understand Vanngard's argument about the impact of this decision on increased segregation.
The Christian Democrats party demands the introduction of safety zones in Stockholm's public transport. According to them, the number of armed incidents in public transport has increased to about 500 per year.
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18 January 2024 21:55 (UTC+04:00)
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Odile Renaud-Basso, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, on Wednesday discussed the key directions of successful cooperation and prospects of future collaboration at the meeting held within the scope of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Azernews reports, citing Agenda.
The sides also reviewed the projects implemented with support from the EBRD both in the public and private sectors. Garibashvili thanked Renaud-Basso for her support and highlighted the assistance of EBRD in financing strategic directions, allowing the country to carry out important reforms.
The historic decision of the European Council to grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status in December 2023 was also pointed out by the officials, with the PM discussing the countrys future plans on the path of European integration, the Government Administration said.
Garibashvili briefed the EBRD President on the positive trends in Georgia's economy and emphasised that despite the difficult situation in the Black Sea region and worldwide, the country maintained steady economic growth rates. The Government's effective policy has brought a double-digit economic growth in Georgia in the past two years, he added.
The conversation touched on the large infrastructural projects actively pursued by the Government's economic team.
The Head of Government also highlighted the EBRDs diversified portfolio in Georgia, making up about 5 billion in 289 projects.
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18 January 2024 22:20 (UTC+04:00)
The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a meeting with representatives of the Chinese company JINHAI Technology, Azernews reports, citing Kun.uz News Agency.
According to the Ministry, in recent years, the development of animal husbandry has been considered a priority task in Uzbekistan. However, there is still a lot to be done in terms of raising livestock and protecting them from infectious diseases.
At the meeting, it was noted that the protein disease, which occurs frequently in the country, seriously damages livestock, and that the vaccine against this disease is imported from abroad, which causes an increase in financial costs.
As a solution to this problem, JINHAI Technology company representatives offered to establish a cooperative joint venture that will produce vaccines to protect livestock from infectious diseases in Uzbekistan. This proposal was approved by the officials of the ministry and it was agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation.
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Pakistan's air force launched retaliatory airstrikes early Thursday in Iran, allegedly targeting militant hideouts, an attack that killed at least nine people and further raised tensions between the neighboring nations.
The tit-for-tat attacks Tuesday and Thursday appeared to target two Baluch militant groups with similar separatist goals on both sides of the Iran-Pakistan border. However, the two countries have accused each other of providing safe haven to the groups in their respective territories.
The strikes imperil diplomatic relations between the two neighbors, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks. Each nation also faces its own internal political pressures and the strikes may in part be in response to that.
The attacks also come as the Middle East remains unsettled by Israels war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran also staged airstrikes late Monday in Iraq and Syria over an Islamic State-claimed suicide bombing that killed over 90 people in early January.
Pakistans Foreign Ministry described their attack Thursday as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes.
This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
Pakistan's military described using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and standoff weapons in the attack. Stand-off weapons are missiles fired from aircraft at a distance likely meaning Pakistan's fighter jets didn't enter Iranian airspace.
Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar , who is in Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos , cut his trip short to return home.
A deputy governor of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursdays strike, saying the dead included three women, four children and two men near the town of Saravan along the border in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province. He added that the dead were not Iranian citizens.
The Baluch Liberation Army, an ethnic separatist group that's operated in the region since 2000, said in a statement the strikes targeted and killed its people.
Pakistan has martyred innocent Baluch people, it said.
Pakistan's military also said the strikes hit targets associated with the Baluchistan Liberation Front, though that group did not acknowledge the claim.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, shared images online that appeared to show the remains of the munitions used in the attack. It said a number of homes had been struck in Saravan. It shared videos showing a mud-walled building destroyed and smoke rising over the strike immediately after.
Iran later summoned Pakistan's charge daffaires in the country. Pakistan already had withdrawn its ambassador over Tuesday's attack .
Pakistan named its operation Marg Bar Sarmachar. In Iranian Farsi, marg bar means death to and is a famous saying in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution used to refer to both the United States and Israel. In the local Baluch language, sarmachar means guerrilla and is used by the militants operating in the cross-border region.
Pakistans Baluchistan province, as well as Irans neighboring Sistan and Baluchestan province, have already faced a low-level insurgency by Baluch nationalists for more than two decades.
However, the groups targeted in the days of strikes are different. Jaish al-Adl, the Sunni separatist group that Iran targeted Tuesday , grew out of another Islamic extremist group known as Jundallah once alleged to have ties to al-Qaida. Jaish al-Adl has long been suspected of operating out of Pakistan and launching attacks on Iranian security forces.
The Baluch Liberation Army, which has no religious component and has launched attacks against Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests, is suspected of hiding out in Iran. The Baluchistan Liberation Front is similarly nationalistic.
Both Iran and Pakistan face internal political pressures. For Iran, there's been growing pressure for action after the Islamic State group attack, Israel's war on Hamas and wider unrest against its theocracy . Meanwhile, Pakistan faces a crucial February general election as its military remains a powerful force in its politics.
The risk of escalation remained Thursday as Irans military will begin a planned annual air defense drill from its port of Chabahar near Pakistan all across the south of the country to Iraq. The drill, Velayat 1402, will include live fire from aircraft, drones and air defense systems.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometer (560-mile), largely lawless border in which smugglers and militants freely pass between the two nations. The route is also key to global opium shipments coming out of Afghanistan. The Taliban separately urged restraint amid the tensions.
For both Iran and Pakistan, the cross-border attacks renew questions about the preparedness of their own militaries, particularly their radar and air defense systems.
For Pakistan, such systems are crucial as tensions always remain at a low boil with India, their nuclear-armed rival. Their equipment has long been deployed along the frontier, rather than its border with Iran. For Iran, it relies on those systems against potential strikes by its main enemy, the U.S.
The government and military have been under immense pressure, said Abdullah Khan, an analyst at the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Iran celebrated (Tuesday's) attack in its media and the Pakistani public perception of a strong army is not as it used to be, so it had to respond.
There's also complex geopolitical considerations in the tensions. Pakistan's military relies on American, Chinese and French fighter jets for its air force meaning some of those foreign weapons were used in Thursday's attack.
China, a crucial partner in both countries, has urged restraint. Beijing is a key regional player and has a major Belt and Road development in Gwadar port in Pakistan's Baluchistan province. Baloch, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said she was not aware of any direct Chinese mediation in the conflict so far, though Beijing has offered it.
China sincerely hopes that both sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid escalation of tension," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday. (AP)
ECU faculty, staff and alumni cut the ribbon to celebrate the new office of ECUs Military & Veterans Resource Center in the Main Campus Student Center. (Photos by Rhett Butler)
This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Crystal Baity East Carolina University has been ranked among the nation's best again this year in the Military Times' 2023 Best for Vets Colleges.ECU was No. 24 in the Southeast and No. 110 overall in the new ranking. This year, 325 schools made the list - an increase of 5% from last year.said Dr. Nicole Messina, director of the ECU Military & Veterans Resource Center and associate director of intercultural affairs.Each year, the Military Times surveys U.S. colleges and universities about programs for veterans. The responses are analyzed along with public data obtained from the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs. The result is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans, according to a Military Times news release.said Mike Gruss, editor-in-chief of Sightline Media Group, parent company of Military Times.ECU's Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) connects military-affiliated students with campus, community and federal resources. The center, previously in Mendenhall, had a ribbon-cutting on Friday for its new, larger space in Room 282 in the Main Campus Student Center. The center provides a physical space for studying, a social area, kitchen and wellness room. It also provides mentoring and counseling on Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs benefits and financial aid.Messina said.ECU offers flexible degree programs, VA work-study assistance, Air Force and Army ROTC programs, and the Pirate Veterans Organization for students. All active-duty service members and veterans receive priority class registration.ECU's Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. It's the second largest detachment in the state of North Carolina. At ECU, Army ROTC students have opportunities to participate in Color Guard, Cannon Team, Ranger Challenge Team and other morale activities. Students also have access to ECU's world-class obstacle training course and rappelling stations on the West Research Campus.The MVRC offers Green Zone training, a two-hour course for faculty and staff on being a supportive and knowledgeable contact for military-affiliated students at ECU, helping to create a veteran-friendly environment for student success.In 2021, ECU opened an office at the Jerry Marvel Training and Education building at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, offering active-duty personnel, reservists, eligible retired military personnel and Department of Defense employees and their families face-to-face communications and opportunities to take some classes through the Department of Technology Systems.
The most common reason physicians reject an offer from a prospective employer is because of a low compensation rate, according to a report on what physicians value at work published by healthcare talent firm Adfire Health.
The report surveyed 112 physicians across 30 specialty areas on the factors that matter most to them when seeking employment.
Here are the four main reasons physicians reject potential employers and the percentage of respondents who would turn down a job for that reason:
1. Pay rate/salary is too low: 38.4%
2. Lacking paid time off: 26.8%
3. Location: 21.4%
4. Accreditation: 8%
New York has been named the most expensive state to start a business in for 2024 by business consulting firm Venture Smarter.
The firm considered factors including commercial rent costs, average wages and LLC filing costs, according to a Jan. 17 news release sent to Becker's.
The state offers the highest yearly commercial rent cost per square foot at $38.92, and the highest average weekly wage at $2,015.
It costs $200 on average to file an LLC in New York, which is the fourth most expensive in the country. New York also has the fourth-highest average sales tax rate at 4.5% and the fourth-highest hourly minimum wage at $14.20.
The 10 most expensive states to start a new ASC in 2024:
1. New York
2. Washington
3. Massachusetts
4. California
5. Illinois
6. New Jersey
7. Connecticut
8. Minnesota
9. Texas
10. Maryland
Hospitals across the country are bringing back mask requirements.
Brighton Ncube, senior vice president of physician practices and ambulatory care at Kingman (Ariz.) Regional Medical Center, connected with Becker's to give his thoughts on hospitals bringing back masks.
Note: This response has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Question: What do you think about hospitals bringing back masks?
Brighton Ncube: Masks are essentially used as part of the whole infection control strategy, and hospitals bringing back masks when a need has been clearly identified makes sense. It's all about patient safety and a way of protecting the most vulnerable people in our society. It is a huge disservice not to wear a mask when working with immune-compromised individuals. We generally want hospitals to be safe places where patients and their relatives are safe from hospital acquired infections. Most hospitals have been bringing back masks due to increases in respiratory illnesses in their regions. We all know that masks reduce cross infections. I would think that masks are appropriate when there are noticeable spikes in infections in a particular area. Good communication should accompany bringing back masks to avoid triggering past COVID-19 traumas. As hospitals bring back masks, there should be proper communication on why this is being done and what will be achieved by doing this.
As much as bringing back masks is a good idea for infection control, hospitals should explore other methods of effective infection control. For example, there should be clear policies that when an employee has symptoms they should not come to work. That protects patients and other employees. Some employees feel that they would be letting down their colleagues or the hospitals when they call off sick. Everyone needs to know that it's for the good of everyone to stay home when one is sick. Additionally, mandating wearing masks in patient care areas goes a long way in infection control. Hospital employees must make judgment calls on when and where to wear masks to protect others. Masks go a long way in protecting both the individual and others.
Hospitals and the public can also benefit by following the CDC guidelines or recommendations as pertains to wearing masks and infection control in general. For example, the CDC recommends wearing face masks indoors in public in areas where there are many people with COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. Masks reduce the risk of infection for hospital personnel and equally prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses to patients and the community in general. The goal is always to do no harm and to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Here are more than 100 statistics on physician pay, pulled from Physician Thrive's 2023 compensation report and Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2023."
The 10 states with the highest median physician salaries
Kentucky: $364,000
Tennessee: $364,000
Alabama: $358,000
Missouri: $357,000
Oregon: $352,000
Indiana: $350,000
North Carolina: $348,000
Connecticut: $346,000
Texas: $332,000
Florida: $330,000
The 21 specialties that saw pay increases
Oncology: 13% increase
Gastroenterology: 11%
Anesthesiology: 10%
Radiology: 10%
Critical care: 10%
Urology: 10%
Psychiatry: 8%
Plastic surgery: 7%
Pulmonary medicine: 7%
Neurology: 4%
Diabetes and endocrinology: 4%
Internal medicine: 4%
ENT: 4%
Cardiology: 4%
Orthopedics: 3%
Pediatrics: 3%
Public health and preventive medicine: 3%
General surgery: 2%
Pathology: 2%
Dermatology: 1%
Infectious diseases: 1%
Average physician compensation in the U.S. and 10 additional countries
U.S.: $352,000
Canada: $273,000
Germany: $160,000
United Kingdom: $122,000
France: $93,000
Italy: $64,000
Spain: $60,000
Brazil: $48,000
Portugal: $44,000
Argentina: $21,000
Mexico: $19,000
Mean salary by region in the U.S.
Midwest: $710,250
South: $686,000
West: $664,000
East: $610,000
Highest-paying metropolitan areas
Charlotte, N.C.: $462,760
St. Louis: $452,219
Buffalo, N.Y.: $426,440
Jacksonville, Fla.: $425,706
Orlando, Fla.: $425,634
Minneapolis: $425,059
Milwaukee: $422,735
Phoenix: $419,359
Dallas: $415,487
Los Angeles: $414,925
Lowest-paying metropolitan areas
Baltimore: $330,917
Providence, R.I.: $346,092
San Antonio: $355,439
Washington, D.C.: $356,633
Boston: $363,545
Portland, Ore.: $363,890
Denver: $364,927
Philadelphia: $373,765
Birmingham, Ala.: $375,074
Detroit: $376,007
The average incentive bonuses for 17 physician specialties
Orthopedics: $126,000
Ophthalmology: $100,000
Cardiology: $85,000
Gastroenterology: $74,000
Urology: $73,000
Anesthesiology: $68,000
Radiology: $66,000
Pathology: $54,000
Emergency medicine: $51,000
OB-GYN: $49,000
Physical medicine: $48,000
General surgery: $46,000
Psychiatry: $33,000
Family medicine: $30,000
Internal medicine: $29,000
Neurology: $29,000
Pediatrics: $28,000
Seven specialties where a majority believe they are fairly compensated
Public health and preventative medicine: 72 percent feel they are fairly compensated
Oncology: 67 percent
Plastic surgery: 66 percent
Psychiatry: 65 percent
Radiology: 63 percent
Otolaryngology: 63 percent
Pulmonary medicine: 61 percent
Six specialties where a majority do not believe they are fairly compensated
OB-GYN: 49 percent believe they are fairly compensated
Internal medicine: 49 percent
Physical medicine: 49 percent
Pediatrics: 47 percent
Diabetes and endocrinology: 46 percent
Nephrology: 42 percent
The specialties with the smallest gender pay gaps
Pediatric rheumatology: Women earn 7.8 percent less than men
Pediatric infectious disease: 10.1 percent less
Pediatric hematology/oncology: 11.3 percent less
Hematology: 12.1 percent less
Pediatric cardiology: 12.5 percent less
The specialties with the largest gender pay gaps
Oral/maxillofacial surgery: Women earn 22.8 percent less than men
Allergy and immunology: 21.1 percent less
Otolaryngology: 20.1 percent less
Pediatric nephrology: 20 percent less
Thoracic surgery: 19.5 percent less
Where physicians are getting hired most
The number of private practices has rapidly declined in the last 10 years, as physicians move to the stability of employed models amid increasing healthcare consolidation.
"The loss of physician-owned private practice makes physicians vulnerable to the whims of large corporations," Loay Kabbani, MD, vascular surgery specialist at Detroit-based Henry Ford Health, told Becker's. "As physicians become more and more employed, we lose control of our practice and our patient-physician relationships. The new generation is more about timing in and out."
Here are five key statistics on the decline of private practice physicians:
26%. The percentage of physicians employed by private practice in 2022, according to a 2022 report from Avalere.
108,700. The number of physicians that left private practice between January 2019 and 2021, according to the Avalere report.
36,200. The number of physician practices that were acquired between 2019 and 2021, according to Avalere.
13 percentage points. The decline of physicians in private practice between 2012 and 2022, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
80%. The percentage of physician practice owners who said the ability to negotiate higher reimbursement rates with payers influenced their decision to sell their practice, according to the AMA report.
Kyle, Texas-based Plum Creek Surgery Center has signed a 10,500-square-foot lease in Munster, Ind., and plans to open a new facility in the fall, according to a Jan. 17 report from Northwest Indiana Business.
The ASC will share a facility with Dermio Dermatology, Midwest Orthopedics at Rush and the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.
The ASC will be located in an existing medical corridor and aims to fill a need for same-day surgery in the community.
Samsung confirmed it will release a new smart ring, dubbed the 'Galaxy Ring', which has been described as 'powerful and accessible' for users who wish to monitor health data.
Rumors of Samsung developing a smart ring have been circulating since 2022, says a Jan. 17 article from CNET.
Though Samsung didn't release many specifics aside from the name, company officials said the ring would feature 'leading sensor technologies and comfortable 24/7 wear'.
The Galaxy Ring will compete with other smart rings, like Oura, a Finnish-made ring requiring a monthly subscription, and Evie, a smart ring designed specifically for women. The Galaxy Ring's release date was not made public, but the company said it is to be expected 'soon'.
Over 1,900 criminal rings busted as China intensifies crackdown on gang crimes
Xinhua) 10:54, January 18, 2024
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,900 criminal organizations involved in gang crimes were busted in 2023 as China intensified its fight against organized crime, the Ministry of Public Security said Wednesday.
Around 27,000 criminal suspects were apprehended and 29,000 criminal cases of various types were investigated amid this crackdown.
According to the ministry, in 2023, it supervised the handling of 37 major and complex organized crime cases, providing guidance and expert support in investigations.
Simultaneously, all-out efforts were made to hunt fugitives linked to organized crime, resulting in the apprehension of 1,222 individuals, including 117 from overseas.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
CMS finalized a rule Jan. 17 aiming to streamline the prior authorization process and improve the electronic exchange of health information that it estimates will save $15 billion over 10 years.
The announcement was met favorably by payer and provider groups. Here are eight industry reactions shared with Becker's:
ACHP President and CEO Ceci Connolly: ACHP applauds the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for finalizing the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Rule, which takes steps in the right direction to ensure patients have timely access to needed care, prioritizing provider engagement and patient satisfaction. ACHP represents nonprofit community health plans with strong payer-provider alignment. Our member plans work proactively with clinicians to identify the right care pathway up front. Electronic prior authorization will accelerate and improve the use of tools to ensure patients are getting the right care, at the right time. ACHP appreciates that CMS has created consistent standards across federal programs to streamline this important process for consumers and supports CMS providing the necessary implementation time to operationalize the final rule.
AHIP: It's crucial that we all work towards ensuring patients have access to the information they need to make informed healthcare decisions. CMS took a step in the right direction by finalizing the Interoperability and Prior Authorization rule. Health insurers have been diligently working to build the infrastructure to expand data sharing with patients, providers and other payers. With this rule CMS creates a road map for public and private payers in federal programs to work in tandem with providers to put this preparatory work into practice to improve patient access, outcomes, affordability and experience.
Electronic prior authorization is one such avenue that can help us maintain the necessary checks to ensure patients receive safe and evidence-based care while reducing decision times to get patients to care faster and administrative burdens on providers and plans. For patients and providers in the MA program, the new rules are on top of additional process and transparency improvements and other requirements that CMS has implemented for prior authorization.
We appreciate CMS' announcement of enforcement discretion that will permit plans to use one standard, rather than mixing and matching, to reduce costs and speed implementation. However, we must remember that the CMS rule is only half the picture; the Office of the Coordinator for Health Information Technology should swiftly require vendors to build electronic prior authorization capabilities into the electronic health record so that providers can do their part, or plans will build a bridge to nowhere.
We cannot afford to delay any further when it comes to implementing electronic prior authorization capabilities. Let's work together to ensure that we can provide patients with the best possible healthcare experience while reducing administrative burdens on providers and plans.
American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack: The AHA commends CMS for removing barriers to patient care by streamlining the prior authorization process. Hospitals and health systems especially appreciate the agencys plan to require Medicare Advantage plans to adhere to the rule, create interoperable prior authorization standards to help alleviate significant burdens for patients and providers, and to require more transparency and timeliness from payers on their prior authorization decisions.
With this final rule, CMS addresses a practice that too often has been used in a manner that leads to dangerous delays in patient treatment and clinician burnout in the healthcare system. The AHA is grateful to CMS for its efforts to improve patient access to care and help clinicians focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
American Medical Association President Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD: The American Medical Association applauds CMS Administrator [Chiquita] Brooks-LaSure for heeding patients and the physician community in a final rule that makes important reforms in government-regulated health plans' prior authorization programs for medical services.
Todays final rule requires impacted plans to support an electronic prior authorization process that is embedded within physicians' electronic health records, bringing much-needed automation and efficiency to the current time-consuming, manual workflow. The AMA also appreciates that the rule will significantly enhance transparency around prior authorization by requiring specific denial reasons and public reporting of program metrics as well as requiring that prior authorization information be available to patients to help them become more informed decision-makers.
The AMA commends the Biden administration for its prior authorization reforms that prioritize patients' access to care and reducing administrative burdens for physicians and their staff. The AMA looks forward to continuing to work with CMS on this critical issue, including expanding these improvements to drug prior authorization. Through our Recovery Plan for Americas Physicians, the AMA is working on every front to tackle prior authorization challenges so physicians can focus on patients rather than insurance obstacles to medically necessary care.
Better Medicare Alliance President and CEO Mary Beth Donahue: The Better Medicare Alliance applauds CMS for its leadership in modernizing the prior authorization process and ensuring interoperability works for everyone. We believe these changes serve our shared goals of protecting prior authorization's essential function in coordinating high-value care while also ensuring beneficiaries continue to receive the care they need when they need it. We are particularly encouraged by the rule's data exchange provisions, which will further improve communication between health plans, providers, and beneficiaries. We thank CMS for listening to feedback from Medicare Advantage stakeholders during the rulemaking process.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: Our priority is simple: ensure everyone gets the care they need when they need it. While we are still reviewing the rule and are open to future discussions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are actively working with patients and clinicians to ensure safety, quality and value for their members. Prior authorization is an important tool to prevent fraud and direct beneficiaries to high-value, medically appropriate care. It also helps ensure that patients receive care from the best providers and the most-appropriate sites of care. However, we know that it can be improved, and we will continue to work with providers and lawmakers to streamline the process, increase transparency, reduce administrative burdens and ensure timely access to clinically appropriate, affordable healthcare.
Implementation of the final rule will take time and we urge policymakers to not take additional actions while it's being worked through.
Federation of American Hospitals President and CEO Chip Kahn: Patients need protection from arbitrary critical care denials and delays due to insurance company prior authorization abuse. It is important that CMS is taking a vital step to ensuring this protection by setting guiderails for prior authorization that should rein-in the worst abuses. We urge Congress to further attack prior authorization abuse and protect access to care by passing the bipartisan Ensuring Seniors Timely Access to Care Act.
Medical Group Management Association Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Anders Gilberg: With prior authorization continuously ranking as the most burdensome regulatory issue facing medical groups, MGMA supports todays action by CMS to finalize its proposals to streamline and standardize the process. The increased transparency provisions requiring health plans to provide clarity on the reasoning behind care denials and to publicly report aggregated metrics about their prior authorization programs annually will help shine a light on the egregious abuse of prior authorization by payers under the guise of looking out for patients best interests. This final rule is an important step forward towards MGMAs goal of reducing the overall volume of prior authorization requests only then will medical groups find meaningful reprieve from these onerous, ill-intentioned administrative requirements that dangerously impede patient care.
Hospitals and health systems are facing a new existential challenge that puts their financial stability at risk: sustained and significant increases in the costs required to care for patients and communities, according to the American Hospital Association.
Cumulative hospital expense growth more than doubled the cumulative increases in Medicare reimbursement from 2019 to 2022, leading many health systems to reevaluate care models and develop new ways to reduce costs while continuing to provide high-quality care.
"We are once again facing unprecedented times in the U.S. healthcare industry," Cliff Megerian, MD, CEO of Cleveland-based University Hospitals, told Becker's. "The new economic, staffing and payer mix reality demands that we create a health system that is flexible, resilient and can prosper under a Medicare payment structure across all care that we deliver for all patients."
With this in mind, UH launched its "Medicare Breakeven" project in August 2022 to reduce expenses, grow revenues and develop a model to help the system to bend its cost curve.
The project delivered significant reductions in excess of $250 million annually in fixed and indirect costs while continuing to provide high-quality patient care, according to UH. The health system is evaluating its next round of optimization opportunities to boost its finances by a further $175 million in 2024. Initiatives include revenue growth in key service lines and cost reduction.
"This is not merely a cost-cutting exercise," Dr. Megerian said. "It is truly thinking differently about how we operate our business."
"We accelerated our strategic plan, which included the implementation of Epic, volume-enhancing initiatives across our system and robust investment in new and expanded services in selected markets," he said. "And [we] are transforming how we work, designing a structure that will deliver the best value to patients and payers while operating within an evolving healthcare market."
To improve its cost structure, UH must equalize the demand-supply imbalance between those needing care and the health system's capacity to deliver it.
To achieve this, it is implementing new ways to support its workforce, such as finding ways to reduce unnecessary work with a focus on top-of-license activity, eliminating activities that do not improve care and exploring new technologies to reduce staff workloads. UH is also bolstering its provider pipeline through new "earn and learn" programs and its Future Nurse Academy.
Other UH initiatives include:
Addressing unnecessary demand by reducing readmission rates through better population health management.
Decreasing length of stay through improvements in discharge planning and increasing utilization of its hospital-at-home program to reduce the need for hospital beds.
Enhancing the use of alternative care sites to provide services at a lower cost to patients and payers.
Improving efficiency by evaluating its footprint against market demand.
Creating specialized hubs of care.
"This enables us to maintain consistent care delivery and access while increasing the convenience for patients," Dr. Megerian said. "Like our Centers of Excellence, volume centers in our hospitals will be created to concentrate the delivery of some procedures. This not only improves efficiency and lowers cost, but we know quality improves when volumes for those services are concentrated in a location and sites specialize in a particular service, such as cardiovascular or cancer care."
UH's COE model is a prime example of how the health system has reduced length of stay and readmission rates, according to Dr. Megerian. The COEs feature a multidisciplinary team of experts who are dedicated to a particular condition and aim to provide a great patient experience, controlling costs and delivering better outcomes all increasingly attractive to employers and their employees.
"The COE uses best practices that include a wide swath of care options, which allows many patients to achieve optimal outcomes without the need for surgery," he said. "In fact, 30% of patients referred for joint replacement surgery were able to avoid unnecessary surgery. In addition, among patients who have joint replacement, the length of stay in our COE was 1.09 days, compared with 3.14 days in an Ohio peer group."
Readmission rates also showed significant differences 0.65% in UH's COE compared with 3.67% in an Ohio peer group, according to Dr. Megerian.
"Statistics such as these drive significant cost savings for the system but, importantly, represent a better outcome and experience for our patients," he said.
UH has also achieved positive results in the population health arena for many of its payers, including Medicare. The system earned shared savings from CMS for four consecutive years, including $12.1 million in 2023 the highest amount it has received under the Medicare Shared Savings Program in a year.
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New York State Nurses Association nurses who work at Smithtown, N.Y.-based St. Catherine of Siena Hospital will hold a town hall Jan. 18 to speak out against the hospital's Feb. 1 planned maternity ward closure.
The hospital, part of Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based Catholic Health, announced the closure in late December.
"The voluntary OB/GYN physicians providing maternity care at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital will leave their current employer and, as part of their new contract, will no longer be able to provide maternity care at our hospital," a Catholic Health spokesperson told Becker's in a Dec. 28 statement.
The NYSNA called the ward closure "unconscionable" and is asking the hospital to reverse its decision, according to a Jan. 18 union news release shared with Becker's.
"The closure of these vital services will have a negative impact on the community, forcing pregnant individuals to travel 30-40 minutes more to other nearby hospitals," the union said. "This significantly increases the risk of adverse events during pregnancy or childbirth."
The hospital's staff will remain in their existing positions after the Feb. 1 closure, a spokesperson for Catholic Health said in a statement shared with Becker's.
"We will continue to work with the state to ensure we meet appropriate regulations regarding staffing and emergency delivery coverage going forward," the spokesperson said.
As part of its effort to advance screening for social needs, NYC Health + Hospitals has adopted a new tool into its EMR that connects patients with community resources.
The tool, run by Findhelp, features a referral platform that includes more than 7,000 social service programs, spanning areas such as food assistance, transportation and shelter. After the completion of a social determinants of health screening, staff can use the tool to generate automated resource recommendations. Staff can also directly access the platform to identify community-based resources for their patients.
"As doctors, we know that too often our patients are struggling with making ends meet, and that is a particularly frustrating barrier to getting or staying healthy," Nichola Davis, MD, vice president and chief population health officer at the New York City-based health system, said in a Jan. 17 news release sent to Becker's. "This new referral platform and patient-facing website for staff is a powerful new tool in our toolbox to help our patients connect with community services and resources."
The effort is part of the health system's larger social needs screening program, which found nearly 1 in 4 primary care patients screened last year needed assistance. NYC Health + Hospitals plans to expand social needs screening to inpatient settings later this year.
A putative class-action lawsuit against Meta over its pixel-tracking tools placed on health systems' patient portals will likely proceed in court, GovInfoSecurity reported Jan. 17.
Judge William Orrick said he intends to allow the lawsuit against Meta to move forward. The suit alleges Meta obtained patients' protected health information through a web activity tracking tool, Meta Pixel, on medical center patient portals, and in doing so violated the plaintiffs' privacy.
Meta sought dismissal of the amended complaint, arguing it lacked specific examples of transmitted patient information, contending the information was publicly accessible. Mr. Orrick signaled potential dismissal of claims under a California statute but suggested retaining other privacy claims. The judge aims to issue an order soon.
This comes at a time when several hospitals and health systems are facing lawsuits for allegedly using Meta's pixel tracking tools on their websites and patient portals that transmitted patient information to the tech giant.
Cassie Lewis, DNP, RN, has been named chief nursing officer of Bon Secours' Richmond, Va., market, the company announced Jan. 17.
Dr. Lewis joined the Maryland-based health system in 2012. Most recently, she led Bon Secours Hampton Roads in Suffolk, Va., as its chief nursing officer. She has also previously held chief nursing and quality officer roles for other Bon Secours locations across Virginia, according to a news release shared with Becker's.
Her transition to overseeing Bon Secours Richmond market will take effect Feb. 11.
Another health system is doing away with campus-level CEOs.
Emory Healthcare wants to be a "true system," not just a holding company of separate hospitals, its CEO, Joon Lee, MD, told Becker's. A "true system" well-integrated, cohesive, accessible cannot thrive if there are too many cooks in the kitchen.
To become a true system, campus CEOs had to go.
The industrywide push toward integration especially in academic healthcare motivated Atlanta-based Emory to restructure its leadership. In October, the system created two hospital divisions: one for regional hospitals, one for university hospitals. Each division is helmed by a single regional president, reporting directly to Dr. Lee.
At the campus level, each hospital's chief operating officer now stands at the helm, communicating up a streamlined chain of command to their regional president and Dr. Lee.
Heather Redrick, BSN, RN, who serves in a dual capacity as COO and chief nursing officer at Emory Johns Creek (Ga.) Hospital, became the facility's leader when its former CEO retired. She sees the shift not as a structural reorganization, but as "responsible delegation," she told Becker's.
"As I look at the role, I see it more as day-to-day operations, being the person who has boots on the ground," she said. "Certain responsibilities obviously have shifted to our regional presidents, as we are emphasizing more on that integrated system, but that allows me as the local leader to continue to foster that positive work environment for our direct care teams, our families, our communities, our patients."
Since the change was implemented, Ms. Redrick has noticed a faster decision-making process; communication is more efficient when there are fewer layers to cut through. Certain operations credentialing, for example have moved up to the regional level, freeing up hospital leaders to zero in on patients.
Dr. Lee also hopes the change will benefit patients by narrowing the gap between a singular community facility and the entire 11-hospital, $6 billion enterprise.
"We want to create seamless care. Most of the patients who seek care in Johns Creek will complete all of their care there, but some people actually require coordination where more complex care may be required," Dr. Lee said. "So it's really coordinating both of those, making sure we're providing local leadership as well as consistent, service-line-oriented care."
Of course, there are financial benefits when the salaries of several CEOs become null. Dr. Lee declined to specify exactly how much the system is saving, but said the change will allow for greater investments in the front-line workforce.
"We've resisted the target game, if you will," Dr. Lee said. "I would say it's more of an iterative process rather than a one-and-done to say we're taking $5 million out, or $10 million out."
As Emory moves forward, Dr. Lee hopes to strike the sweet spot between a true system's homogenous methods and a patient-oriented hospital's unique needs.
"My challenge to my team, including Heather, is for us to continuously evaluate," Dr. Lee said. "Each of the hospitals are different. They're different sizes, they're in different communities, and the needs are different. We're trying to balance the need to become a consistent and coordinated system, yet not take a cookie-cutter approach."
Shannon Black was selected as CEO of Manning (Iowa) Regional Healthcare Center, an affiliate of Des Moines, Iowa-based MercyOne.
Ms. Black brings a wealth of healthcare experience to her new role, according to a Jan. 18 hospital news release. This includes most recently serving in the UnityPoint Clinic system as clinic administrator in Waukee and Jefferson, Iowa.
She will assume her new role on Feb. 19, according to the release.
Manning Regional Healthcare Center is a 17-bed critical access hospital.
Philadelphia-based Roxborough Memorial Hospital has tapped Darshan Shawn Parekh, PharmD, as CEO.
Dr. Parekh has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, according to a Jan. 17 news release shared with Becker's. His resume includes a vice presidency at Philadelphia-based Temple University Health, where he oversaw pharmaceutical services, and the chief ancillary officer position at Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings.
He succeeds Burton Piper, who has returned to Tennessee to be closer to family.
Roseman University of Health Sciences is exploring a $550 million campus expansion plan that would include the addition of a medical degree program, according to a Jan. 16 report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
The Henderson, Nev.-based university unveiled a three-phase plan to expand its Las Vegas campus on Jan. 16. The project is expected to cost between $500 million and $550 million. University officials said it could be completed by 2032 and would bring Nevada its third Doctor of Medicine program.
Roseman University is currently working on obtaining accreditation to launch the medical degree program and expects it will be able to provide a timeline for when degrees will be offered within the next two years. The university's president and co-founder, Renee Coffman, PharmD, told the publication that the medical school is expected to accommodate 60 students per class year at first and eventually expand to 120.
"Upon completion of the campus expansion and consolidation, it will be a vibrant learning and research campus that will also house Roseman University's administration and academic programs in the colleges of pharmacy, nursing, dental medicine, graduate studies, and future colleges and programs as the university continues to grow," Dr. Coffman told ABC affiliate KTNV.
It has been over two months since the Northern Alliance which is made up of armed ethnic organisations, as well as the armed wing of the Burmese Communist Party launched Operation 1027 in northern Shan State in Burma. Other resistance forces have also attacked junta bases in the states of Karenni, Rakhine, Chin, Karen, Sagaing Region and Bago Region. As events are unfolding rapidly in Burma, this article can only provide the latest verifiable information. However, all signs point towards one clear outcome: the end of General Min Aung Hliangs government.
The Juntas battered troops
Since 27 October when Operation 1027 was launched in northern Shan State by the Northern Alliance, the military regime has lost control of more than 300 military outposts and 20 towns across three states and two regions.
Significantly, the most important border trade hubs in Muse and Chin Shwe Haw trade towns along China-Burma border in northern Shan State also fell to the Northern Alliance forces, almost halting the trade with China on which Burma is economically dependent. In January, the alliance took over Lauk Kai/Old Street, the capital city of the ethnically Chinese Kokang self-administration zone, in Shan State.
Beyond northern Shan State, the resistance forces have seized the juntas military outposts in Rakhine, Karenni and Karen states and now control several towns in Chin land and Sagaing Region. Adding insult to injury, Light Infantry Battalions 129 and 125 surrendered to the forces of the Northern Alliance en masse. This has exposed the lack of fighting spirit among the rank and file of the juntas forces who are demoralised, realising that they gain nothing by sacrificing their own lives for this rotten regime. It is a well known fact that corruption is rampant in the ranks of the ruling military.
The biggest defeat for the junta so far has been the surrender to the MNDAA of Laukkai the capital of northern Shan States Kokang Self-Administered Zone despite the presence of several battalions in that region. Min Aung Hlaings regime responded to this failure by punishing the six brigadier generals in charge of those troops.
In retaliation, the junta has increasingly used such brutal measures as airstrikes and shelling, which have targeted schools, hospitals, villages and towns that have come under the control of the resistance forces.
Even if you can militarily seize towns and villages in ethnic areas, your regions will never be peaceful. We will always carry out air raids using the sophisticated weapons we have, the juntas National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) secretary Lieutenant General Min Naing was quoted as saying in negotiations with the TNLA that subsequently broke down.
Facing attacks from all sides and significant losses, the juntas troops appear to be exhausted and thinly stretched across the country / Image: public domain
Facing attacks from all sides and significant losses, the juntas troops appear to be exhausted and thinly stretched across the country. The coup regime has been unable to provide sufficient and timely military reinforcements. The use of indiscriminate shelling and air strikes show their desperation. Even this cruel method amounting to war crimes has its limitations: the regime cannot afford sufficient jet fuel in the long run, and in the last month the ethnic armed groups have shown that they are capable of striking down the juntas war planes.
As we explained in a previous article, the timing of this operation has fallen precisely at a time when Chinas interests have come into conflict with those of Min Aung Hlaings regime. Min Aung Hlaing, the coup leader, has admitted to suffering defeats, and gave his explanations at an emergency meeting of the National Defense and Security Council on 8 November. He explained that the juntas bases in northern Shan State were being bombed mainly using Chinese-manufactured drones that can easily be bought on the market. In other words, the coup leader was trying to please Beijing by indirectly indicating that he thought China was not, in fact, providing material assistance to the resistance forces.
But, three weeks later, at the State Administration Council (SAC) meeting on 29 November, Min Aung Hlaing changed his tone. Via state media, he said that the Northern alliance forces had been using military-grade drones with advanced technology using superior forces. The juntas chief also railed against outside intervention saying, 6,500 foreign drone experts had been involved in these attacks on the military bases in northern Shan State along the border with China. Although he did not mention the foreign country in question, everyone knows who he is referring to when talking about foreign intervention.
It was no accident that in the third week of November, Bamar Buddhist ultranationalists staged anti-Chinese protests in front of the Chinese embassy and Yangon City Hall, without any interruption of police forces. Indeed, these rallies took place with their protection, a striking fact when we consider the juntas killings conducted against peaceful protests of dissident youth.
But these tactics utterly failed. Even with state sponsorship, the hated military regime is proving unable to organise a sizable nationalist movement.
Min Aung Hlaings clique begs for Chinas mediation
Against the backdrop of a series of defeats on the battlefield and catastrophic economic conditions, it did not take the junta long to understand the reality. The regime was compelled to beg for Beijing to broker peace talks with the Northern Alliance forces. According to The Irrawaddy, when the juntas foreign minister, Than Swe, met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on 6 December, he delivered the message that the junta boss Min Aung Hlaing is ready to make concessions.
It is also clear that the Northern Alliance was forced to the negotiation table under the pressure of Beijing, the latter being eager for the situation to calm and for business to resume. But it is very much doubtful that the military regime is ready to give concessions to the alliance forces. The rebels will also be very suspicious of the juntas manoeuvres. Amid the news of peace talks with positive results, armed clashes have been intensifying.
It is unlikely that China will directly intervene or openly provide massive material support to the rebel groups to oust the military regime. But Beijing, facing growing class struggle at home, is not going to throw its backing behind the Min Aung Hlaing clique, which has only exacerbated the instabilities along its borders.
Illusions in the tactic of armed struggle
Since the recent operation began, illusions in armed struggle have once again been strengthened. Both passive spectators and participants in it concluded that a chain of military victories would eventually overthrow the military dictatorship. In their view, this is what it means to make a revolution to liberate the people under the rule of military dictatorship.
Without a revolutionary mass movement, military means alone cannot achieve revolutionary tasks / Image: Mil.ru, Wikimedia Commons
But rather than seeing the masses stepping in to take charge of their own lives, we have seen a mass exodus of more than two million internally displaced people and thousands of refugees fleeing across the border. Without a revolutionary mass movement, military means alone cannot achieve revolutionary tasks. At best, it could achieve a change in government without unleashing the social transformation needed to end capitalism, which is fundamentally at the root of all of Myanmars crises.
While the resistance forces might score further victories, the junta could still use air power to destroy the towns under the control of rebel groups. With the employment of the three alls policy (loot all, burn all, kill all) and four cuts tactics (cut food and supplies, money, communications, and popular support via repression), the ruling military converted the towns they lost into unlivable deserts.
Further, while the alliance behind Operation 1027 appears united for the moment, it is a highly heterogeneous grouping. For the most part, the major forces in this camp are only interested in gaining fuller control over the territories they are based in, and are largely indifferent to the goings-on in the major cities where the economic levers of Myanmar are to be found. When the masses came out in a revolutionary movement against Min Aung Hliangs coup in 2021, many of the militias in the present Operation 1027 alliance were at best passive and even suspicious of the mass movement.
Most of these militias are deeply familiar with the mountainous border regions they are based in. But this tactical advantage cannot be replicated when it comes to the flatlands containing the big cities like Mandalay and Yangonin. In these surroundings, the juntas air superiority, alongside the hundreds of tanks they are estimated to have in reserve, will prove even more deadly and effective.
The unfolding events will ultimately be constrained within the limitations of the armed struggles of the various militias, which are independent of and separate from the mass movements of the urban working class.
It is also important to note here that Chinese imperialism is no friend of the revolution. It will take advantage of the armed conflict in its own interests. For its part, Beijing wants a stable regime that will guarantee its imperialist projects in Burma.
Economic disaster
The Min Aung Hlaing junta has not only lost control of the important military bases and key trade hubs along Burmas borders: he has also lost control of the economic situation.
Facing a slump in revenues and a high risk of foreign reserves being dried up, the junta has exercised tight control of foreign trade. The central bank intervened to force exporters to exchange at first 100 percent, and later 65 percent of their trade values at the official fixed rate, which is nearly one third lower than the market rate. In return, the central bank sold dollars to the importers at a preferential rate. In this way, the regime tried to control the worsening economic situation and prevent an absolute shortage of imported goods.
The rebels have taken key economic hubs from the regime. The most important Thai-Burma border trade zone has been paralyzed as the Myawaddy-Kawkareik main road is now under the control of the KNU/KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army). According to official statistics, there has been a $613.1 million USD decrease in imports compared with previous years figure.
Similarly, the most important trade zones along the China-Burma border are also now in the hands of the Northern Alliance forces, affecting Myanmars most important trading relationship, which accounts for $2.4 billion USD in value.
If we translate these developments into real terms, it paints a vivid picture, reflecting a high cost of transportation; as well as scarcity and skyrocketing prices on imported goods.
The regime cannot maintain this situation any longer. They have had to introduce a floating dollar and exporters will have to exchange just 50 percent of trade values at the official rate. Importers will need to buy dollars at the floating rate in the markets.
The Min Aung Hlaing junta has also lost control of the economic situation / Image: Ministry of Defence (GODL-India), Wikimedia Commons
This has immediately resulted in shortages of oil and gas, with skyrocketing prices and scenes of long queues. With the further depreciation of the Kyat, price hikes have become generalised for all commodities but one: labour power i.e. wages. We can expect shortages of essential drugs and other important imported goods in the coming months.
At the moment, some garment factories in Yangon industrial zones are being forced to halt due to power outages and a lack of diesel. Starvation and unemployment will become intolerable for the working class.
Deep economic crisis and civil war are constantly undermining the very foundations of the military regime. They have reached a blind alley and can find no way out. These objective conditions are exactly the combustible materials that could break out into a blaze sooner or later.
The role of the liberals and perspectives for the regime
The course of the civil war is inspiring renewed confidence and bravery among the masses in the cities. While no mass movement has yet materialised, the junta regime (or at least a section within it) must see that this is a real perspective in the near future should they continue to lose ground. If they lack such foresight, then the Chinese regime certainly does not.
We cannot rule out that renewed hope may spring among the masses for the liberals, with Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) at their head / Image: Prime Minister's Office (GODL-India), Wikimedia Commons
With the Min Aung Hliang clique currently remaining entrenched, we cannot rule out that renewed hope may spring among the masses for the liberals, with Aung San Suu Kyi (ASSK) at their head. They could regain a certain base of support.
Yet the liberals, who operate the so-called National Unity Government (NUG), have fundamentally the same bourgeois class interests as the junta, even down to agreement on Myanmars alignment with Chinese imperialism. Their primary difference lies in the Juntas narrow fear of losing its privileges and potentially seeing its members prosecuted for their crimes against the masses, even though ASSK herself has co-governed the country with the Junta in the past.
Given the revolutionary fervour that is brewing in the context of recent events, the top leaders at the very least, like Min Aung Hlaing, can be expected to remain stubborn. However, there could be other layers in the military who would be willing to work with the liberals in co-governing the country again.
Marxists however must maintain that for the workers and youth of Myanmar, the liberals are no alternative. By their very nature, the bourgeoisie that the liberals represent are a supine and ineffective opposition to the military strongmen. They fear the working class far more than the Junta. When called upon, they can be no less brutal than the military.
We can see this in action. Currently, the so-called NUG is attempting to act like a real government on the ground. When the ethnic rebel forces seized town after town, their Peoples Defence Forces (PDFs) needed to demonstrate their strength. This compelled them to seize a district town in the Sagaing region. As in the other towns under the control of resistance forces, local residents were forced to flee their homes.
Yet, no one would say that this district town is of such strategic significance that it must be seized at any price. As a consequence, The Irrawaddy claims that Sagaing Region has reported the most deaths. Thirty-two civilians were killed and 50 injured in Sagaing Region by junta airstrikes since November 2023.
Should the NUG somehow return to the government, likely in collaboration with a section of the Junta, they may well be forced to concede certain democratic rights to bolster the illusions of the masses. But the brutality of the Junta regime is based on the acute contradictions in Burmese society. As soon as the honeymoon period of a new government is exhausted which under the pressure of these contradictions would not take long it would in turn be forced to turn to the same methods of repression and clamp downs.
The working class: a decisive element
These offensives by the resistance forces have dealt a very hard blow to the ruling military regime. The ruling clique fears its imminent demise. But, the decisive element is not yet on the scene.
The surrender of the Juntas light infantry battalions shows the fault lines in the rotten military, and the possibility of a genuine revolutionary movement cracking it.
But with most so-called revolutionaries expending their energies on the armed struggle, no effort is being put into building a revolutionary mass party on the lines of the Bolshevik Party. Therefore, when the working-class masses rise up, it will take on a spontaneous character that will take these revolutionaries by surprise. This is precisely what happened during the rising against the coup regime in 2021, when the absence of revolutionary leadership allowed the liberals to come to the fore. The danger would be a repetition along these lines.
As Trotsky brilliantly explained in his preface to The History of the Russian Revolution:
The masses go into a revolution not with a prepared plan of social reconstruction, but with a sharp feeling that they cannot endure the old regime. Only the guiding layers of a class have a political program, and even this still requires the test of events, and the approval of the masses. The fundamental political process of the revolution thus consists in the gradual comprehension by a class of the problems arising from the social crisisthe active orientation of the masses by a method of successive approximations. Without a guiding organisation, the energy of the masses would dissipate like steam not enclosed in a piston box. But nevertheless what moves things is not the piston or the box, but the steam.
The process of successive approximation on the part of the Burmese proletariat is now taking a further step. The liberals and their supporters, however, will do all they can to ensure that the masses draw the wrong conclusions. Revolutionary communists will continue to advance the correct views that alone can help the working class clearly see its historical role of leading the socialist revolution, and seizing power into its own hands so as to liberate itself and the oppressed masses from endless barbaric crises of capitalism. To achieve that requires the building of a strong revolutionary cadre organisation is the most important and urgent task of the present.
CareView Communications, a health IT company, is partnering with an unnamed Montana-based health system to expand its Pacific Northwest presence.
CareView will install and provide 12 mobile cameras to the health system to improve patient safety, enhance care quality and provide real-time monitoring, according to a Jan. 18 CareView press release.
Partnering with over 200 hospitals nationwide, CareView's platform works to address virtual nursing and virtual sitting use case requirements.
San Francisco-based UCSF Health is implementing an AI model for nurses to enhance patient care and efficiency, but some staff members oppose the move.
According to a Jan. 16 San Francisco Examiner article, UCSF's aim is to reduce clinician workload to reduce burnout and allow more focus on patient-facing tasks. To that end, the new AI model will help to identify patient risk factors, reduce bottlenecks in the hospital and potentially match patients with the nurse most well-suited to their needs, said Kay Burke, BSN, RN, chief nursing informatics officer at UCSF Health.
Though these possibilities are being discussed, they are not close to being implemented. Currently, the model is being used to help nurses navigate benefits and leave on the inside of the system. The model has been dubbed 'Versa', and acts like UCSF's version of ChatGPT. To make the model more secure, the system has developed Versa in-house. It has only been adopted by a few centers in the system for HR-related issues as of now.
Some nurses have voiced their opposition to Versa's use in hospitals. Michelle Mahon, assistant director of nursing practice at National Nurses United, which is affiliated with the California Nurses Association, the union representing UCSF, says that AI will de-individualize care. Ms. Mahon's concern is that a specialized practice will be automated, and patients will suffer.
The technology is also capable of making errors and perpetuating biases in the healthcare system. Ms. Burke says the system is aware of this, and is taking steps to safeguard the practice and keep patients from harm.
Syed Rizwan Mohiuddin, former president of United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $11 million in restitution of conspiracy to defraud the federal government, the Houston Chronicle reported Jan. 18.
The charges against Mr. Mohiuddin, who pleaded guilty last September, came after he and an unnamed co-defendant received an $8 million loan with fraudulent records in 2010.
The co-defendant created a bank account for the fund, then transferred $6.9 million into an account for Imagine Hospitality, a business created and owned by Mr. Mohiuddin, the indictment said, according to the publication.
Fidelity National Financial, a title insurance company that went after Mr. Mohiuddin for payments, supported information for the case. The company has 10 to 15 additional outstanding lawsuits over Mr. Mohiuddin's actions, Rodolfo Rivera, the company's chief international counsel, said during the hearing, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Mr. Mohiuddin pleaded not guilty to a five-charge indictment related to conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud and monetary transactions in criminally derived property in 2018, but four of the charges were dropped as part of the plea deal in September.
Mr. Mohiuddin, who will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, paid $6.1 million in 2022 to close a bankruptcy case after Fidelity National Financial forced him into bankruptcy proceedings and sued over his reported scheme.
Fidelity National and additional insurance companies still claim Mr. Mohiuddin owes over $30 million, according to court records.
In a separate instance, United Memorial Medical Center was ordered to pay over $2 million to settle allegations that Mr. Mohiuddin profited from a billing scheme. The hospital reportedly overcharged the government for patient care and double billed the government for COVID-19 tests, a March 2022 whistleblower complaint revealed, according to the publication.
Becker's has reached out to Mr. Mohiuddin's attorney Nathan Mays for comment regarding the charges.
The judge overseeing the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Johns Hopkins All Children's civil case made famous by a Netflix documentary has lowered the damages the hospital must pay by $47.5 million, Tampa Bay Times reported Jan. 17.
On Jan. 17, Judge Hunter Carroll agreed with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital's motion stating that certain monetary awards granted to the family of 17-year-old Maya Kowalski by the jury were "excessive."
For example, the judge lowered the $50 million noneconomic damages awarded to Jack Kowalski, Maya's father, stemming from his wife's death to $24 million. Additionally, he decreased economic damages for family members by $16.5 million and annulled a $5 million award related to fraudulent medical billing.
Instead of paying $261 million in total damages, the hospital must now pay $213.5 million, according to the publication.
The Kowalski family has a 15-day window to decline the adjusted damages award and opt for a new trial specifically focused on the damages claims that Mr. Carroll reduced.
In that same decision, Mr. Carroll denied the hospital's motion for a retrial of the medical malpractice case, stating that the jury was accurate in finding that the hospital falsely imprisoned and battered Maya in 2016, when she was 10.
The jury's verdict included findings of inflicting emotional distress on the Kowalski family and contributing to Maya's mother's suicide.
Despite the recent verdict, Ethen Shapiro, co-lead counsel for the hospital, said Johns Hopkins plans to pursue an appeal for as long as required.
"Any fair and unbiased review of the facts and the law in this case completely vindicates the care provided by the experts at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital," Mr. Shapiro said in a statement to the publication. "It is a sad indictment of the judicial process in this case that those facts were concealed and that the law was misrepresented to the jury."
The case gained national attention after being featured in a Netflix documentary, "Take of Care of Maya," which has garnered millions of views since its release in June.
St. Jude Home Care, a home health agency that is part of Memphis, Tenn.-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is the first in the nation to receive a certification for pediatrics from Community Health Accreditation Partners.
CHAP is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body for home and community-based healthcare organizations and the only organization in the nation to grant discrete pediatric certification to home health agencies, according to a Jan. 16 health system news release.
St. Jude Home Care was established in 2021 to help immunocompromised cancer and sickle cell disease patients at risk of contracting COVID-19 from frequent physician visits. The agency provides skilled nursing, home health aids, occupational and physical therapy and other services.
At the end of 2023, the Journal of Healthcare Contracting interviewed nine women supply leaders in the healthcare industry.
The nine leaders, spanning from Mayo Clinic to Trinity Health, answered questions on their career paths and professional growth. Below are excerpts from their discussions with the publication.
Ginger Henry. Vice President of Supply Chain for Legacy Health (Portland, Ore.): I try to be aware of my areas where I have opportunities to grow and consider how I can work on these areas. I also realize that it's okay to not be the best at everything it's just fine! I try to understand my strengths and know when I have team members with expertise in areas where I may not be as strong and let them shine. Leaders need to know when to listen, when to act and when to stand back and let others do their work.
As a learner, I also listen to business-related podcasts, enjoy reading and [listening to] audiobooks, and networking, even outside the supply chain or healthcare industry. I also recommend leaning in on projects that may be completely unfamiliar to you. You can meet new people, learn different styles and see how other parts of the organization work. This is how I ended up in supply chain (coming from operations)!
Mina Holland. Vice President of System/Corporate Supply Chain for KPC Global Management: One way I focus on my leadership growth is my willingness to be a great role model for my three sons, Anthony, Patrick III and Christopher. I want them to know that the work is never done, and you must always keep working to improve yourself and grow in your leadership role. Another focus I have is providing our founder and chair, [Kali Pradip Chaudhuri, MD], with my best efforts to be the greatest supply chain professional on his team. It is important to me that all KPC hospitals are led by a strong and efficient supply chain department. Lastly, my focus also comes from my love for being a supply chain leader. I work hard and long hours in the office (thanks to my husband Patrick's understanding) to become the best supply chain leader possible. I look forward to the next 20-plus years of growth and work within healthcare supply chain.
Laura Johns. Administrative Director for Supply Chain and Support Services for Cleveland Clinic: In general, I have a growth mindset where I am always trying to learn new things and take on new challenges. It keeps things exciting and I feel fortunate to be in healthcare where the landscape is constantly changing and presenting new opportunities. Being a leader takes this to the next level because it's not just "you" to think about you have a team that's relying on you to help them grow in their careers, too. As I take on new responsibilities, for example resiliency, I need to make sure I'm growing my team to take on new responsibilities so I can devote time to new initiatives. And as the team grows, you have to adapt your leadership style to their new skillset. It's a constant evolution.
Laura Kowalczyk. Vice President of Supply Chain and Support Services for UAB Medicine (Birmingham, Ala.): I sincerely believe that leadership is the most important responsibility that I have in my role. I have always been fascinated by what characteristics define a good leader. This fascination has led me to read about many leaders across many industries and to consistently seek feedback from other leaders, staff and experts formally and informally. I also participate in any opportunities offered through our many leadership developmental educational sessions, whether as a panelist, teacher or student. I am always so thankful to be able to listen and learn from other leaders on how they manage the many challenges of leadership in our complex environment.
Dameka Miller. Vice President of Strategic Sourcing and Value Analysis for Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.): I study leaders across industries for reflection on leadership styles and philosophies that led to incredible successes and failures. I am most inspired by the podcast "How I Built This," featuring stories of entrepreneurs that built well-known brands and what they learned as they established their companies. It is also important for me to know how I am showing up and perceived by others, so I regularly ask for feedback from my own leader, who I trust and respect. I am purposeful about initiating the conversation to create space for honest, real-time observations. Finally, mentoring emerging leaders keeps my perspective fresh and offers insight into what motivates the next generation.
Sandra Monacelli. Vice President of End-to-End Supply Chain and Value Analysis for Premier's Nexera: As a leader, Im just one person but if I grow, then my whole team can grow, too. I'm also a nontraditional leader in that I'm consistently thinking and looking outside the box for new approaches, strategies and solutions that can enable improvement. I put myself out there and really try to immerse myself in different perspectives, and whenever I get the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, I jump at it.
Terri Nelson, BSN, RN. Senior Director Value Analysis for Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.): I have always been interested in learning new ways to achieve better outcomes for the staff I have worked for; yes, a good leader works for the staff they support. Over my career I have found that communication skills have the biggest impact. The ability to articulate what you do and the value you add to an organization is key. The other area of focus for me is to step out of my comfort zone, take risks and try new approaches.
Leann Spadaro. Director of Supplier Commercialization and Engagement for Premier: Career growth and developing my leadership skills are very important to me. To that end, I was nominated for and am currently participating in the Leadership Excellence at Premier program. Similar to a graduate-level program, the curriculum is mainly taught by Wake Forest University and focused on stirring passion for Premier, building leadership skills and bolstering career path opportunities. LEAP is enabling me to step outside my comfort zone and think differently about how I lead myself, my team and my organization.
Margaret Steele. Senior Vice President of Med-Surg, Lab and Blood, GPO Services and Delivery for Vizient: I try to surround myself with others who are comfortable providing their opinions and feedback. I know it's cliche to those in management, but I always try to hire people who are much smarter and have different experiences than me. I've also benefited from ongoing leadership learning and Vizient's dedication to continued education. Some terrific programs include Professional Women in Healthcare, Executive Leadership Impact Group and Texas Women's Foundation: Leadership Institute.
Jennifer Taylor. Director of Contracts for Universal Health Services (King of Prussia, Pa.): I have committed myself to being a lifetime learner and always thinking about what is next. Part of my passion as a leader is helping to develop the members of the department. I have developed educational and mentor programs dedicated to those who are early on in their career and those in their mid-career. We continually work on identifying new areas in which we can improve. We meet at least monthly where one person gives a presentation on a development topic and we engage in discussion. This gives the team an opportunity to work on not only their presentation skills but to learn something new and hopefully incorporate it into their professional or personal life. Continued growth and development is critical not just for myself but those around me.
From intention to leave to high turnover rates, the overall U.S. physician shortage could hit 124,000 by 2034.
"We're facing what's become an epidemic of resignation and intention to leave with already a very tight physician pipeline in many areas. That's going to impact healthcare for many Americans," Michael Leitman, MD, professor of surgery and medical education at Mount Sinai's Icahn School of Medicine, told Becker's.
New York City-based Mount Sinai comprises the Icahn School of Medicine and eight hospital campuses. It features over 7,400 physicians and more than 2,600 residents and clinical fellows.
Dr. Leitman, who also serves as dean of graduate medical education at Mount Sinai, said the healthcare industry has continued to see an increase in physician dissatisfaction and intention to leave since the pandemic, brought on by issues like well-being.
"You can't just throw yoga, therapy dogs and ice cream at this. You really have to look at what the physician goes through on a daily basis," he said.
After the death of more than one physician by suicide in a short time, Dr. Leitman said he began to focus heavily on physician well-being. Mount Sinai also developed an office for well-being and resilience to support the health system's faculty, residents and fellows.
"One of the things that we started doing is each department has a well-being champion. It's a faculty for other faculty that has some additional training that can help them navigate behavioral health resources, and also look at the work-life balance in the department to help understand where opportunities exist to reduce stress," he said.
Dr. Leitman said electronic medical record work can also take a toll on physician well-being, involving a lot of after-hours work with patient portal queries and requests.
"That impacts them tremendously because one of the ways that physicians are ranked by patients, which is very important to both the physician as well as to the healthcare system, is by their accessibility. Keeping patients satisfied is important, but I think physicians have to have a life outside of medicine that ends at a certain time of day where they can relax and get off the grid and go about their personal lives."
Dr. Leitman said physician departures can also cost employers anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million in lost revenue, highlighting the importance of retaining physicians and keeping their well-being top of mind.
"A beloved physician that drives patients into the organization is just a commodity that's difficult to replace. When physicians are suffering from burnout even if they haven't left, their productivity is negatively impacted. So there's really two justifications for investing in physician satisfaction and physician well-being."
Dr. Leitman championed healthcare organizations to let their physicians know someone is in their corner.
"If they know that there's some ray of sunshine in the future, if they know that the organizations are concerned about what impacts them in their organizations, I think that physicians will give those organizations an opportunity to fix problems."
Like what you see? Mount Sinai will have a speaker at the Becker's Academic Medical Center Leadership forum April 8-9 in Chicago. Hospital and health system leaders, click here to apply for a complimentary badge. Interested in exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities to connect with 3,000+ hospital and health system leaders? Download the prospectus here. Thank you to our sponsor ECG Management.
As turnover rates, limited access and job vacancies continue to plague the healthcare industry, many hospitals and health systems are turning to flexible work strategies to provide physicians with a proper work-life balance, manage costs and improve operating margins.
AMN Healthcare, the largest provider of healthcare interim leadership and executive search services in the U.S., recently put together a report highlighting how healthcare organizations can tackle the ongoing challenges being faced. Here are the three ways:
1. Leverage healthcare staffing technology: Through utilizing staffing technology to simplify tasks and streamline operations, hospitals and health systems can reduce risk of canceled shifts and core staff floating through developing stronger staff schedules. Staffing technology can also help with improving budget and resource planning, along with the reduction of "in-the-moment," last-minute staffing decisions.
AMN suggested providing healthcare workers with input when creating schedules through use of self-scheduling and open shift management tools. During heavier staffing need weeks, shift incentives can also be another helpful way to get staff engaged. Vendor management systems can help healthcare organizations reduce additional time spent hiring, staffing and invoicing through use of automation. VMS is another cost-effective and quality-focused tool that helps ensure strong candidates. Integrated mobile applications can also be used to help healthcare workers search and pick up shifts in an efficient and engaging way.
2. Find the right balance of talent: While many healthcare leaders think they need more staff, AMN said it's important to analyze data, like a staffing plan or VMS information, to determine staffing shortage areas, causes and solutions.
Workforce analysis can help hospitals and health systems pinpoint over-and-under staffing and provide optimal core staff level guidance. It can also provide increased staffing retention, improve work-life balance, and help with savings and strategic realignment. Philadelphia-based Temple Health was able to reduce total labor spending from 23% to 17% through using workforce analysis, the Sept. 5, 2023, report said.
Recruitment process outsourcing can also help hire staff quickly and efficiently, all while reducing cost and ensuring the candidate is a strong fit
3. Implement flexible talent models: Staffing strategies need layers of staff that can flex up and down as needed, the report said. Through use of an internal float pool, organizations can ensure efficient staffing through multiple facilities, leading to reduced staffing cost, improved retention and stronger patient outcomes.
The internal float pool also provides organizations with more nurses to pick from to meet their needs and reduces premium contract staffing needs by ensuring qualified nurse access. Internal agencies are another option to help run nurse recruitment, training and deployment.
Direct sourcing can also be utilized to provide organizations with technology to attract healthcare workers independently.
Gig workers are another way to access flexible nurses and address staffing shortages. Through utilizing technology and mobile apps, nurses can pick up shifts in the healthcare organizations area either temporarily or permanently, the report said.
Lutheran Health Network is ending its child care program on its Lutheran Hospital campus in Fort Wayne, Ind., multiple local media outlets reported Jan. 17.
The health system, also based in Fort Wayne, "has begun a transition period" on the program, which will continue until May 31, according to a statement shared with The Journal Gazette.
"We are supporting each affected employee and their family to make this transition and secure new child care arrangements," Lutheran Health Network said, according to the newspaper. "We continually assess the programs we support, and this is one of those times when we need to redirect resources to other programs."
The current child care program has operated at Lutheran Hospital since 1995, through a partnership with child care provider Bright Horizons. Lutheran Hospital first opened a child care center in 1979, the Gazette report said.
Now, some workers have expressed concerns about news of the program ending, CBS affiliate WANE reported.
Morgan Nilles-Comsia, a physician assistant and mother, told the TV station: "I think the biggest thing that frustrates me is that this is a daycare that has been established in this community for many years."
A letter to employees, shared with WANE, provides a list of alternate child care providers operating in Allen County. The letter also states that Lutheran Health Network will provide a six- month stipend of $150 per pay period to employees who will remain employed at the health system for each child currently enrolled at the on-site program.
Becker's has reached out to Lutheran Health Network and will update the story if more information becomes available.
The business side of spine surgery poses many crucial financial choices. Here's how three spine surgeons manage those challenges.
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 technology will define spine surgery in five to 10 years?
Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What's the hardest financial decision you had to make in your career? How did you approach it?
Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: Closing one of my satellite offices was very difficult for us. The location where my practice had originally launched was very dear to my heart. With the pandemic of 2020, it became glaringly obvious that location was costing us money each and every clinic day we were there. The patients were mostly post-ops and the payer mix was only so-so. It was hard, as a lot of the patients were older as well, and could have been my own mom or dad age-wise. But we did it with lots of advance notice to my patients and of course, there was gnashing of teeth and many complaints, each of which we listened to and made sure the folks were all clear of the timeline, and where the other office is located. Overall, it was tough and felt like a failure, but in the end, it was the right decision to stay lean and increase my time with my family.
Todd Lanman, MD. ADR Spinal Restoration Center (Beverly Hills, Calif.): The hardest financial decision I had to make in my career was dropping insurance plans as an in-network provider. I had to make that decision because insurance companies kept lowering reimbursements, following Medicare's lead. This makes it impractical for the physician to continue participating in private and governmental insurance programs because the reimbursements do not cover costs. Many physicians are forced to rush through consultations to try to make up the shortfall in volume and the quality of care almost always suffers. Despite the financial risks, I refused to practice medicine this way.
Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Fortunately, my hardest financial decisions were positively influenced by contemporaries with long-term goals and insights about prospective monetary planning. Career choice and domestic stability had their fortuitous privilege, allowing auspicious investment in good times and mitigating losses during the unexpected downturns.
The hardest financial decisions were real-estate purchases, and aptly, as the decisions were based on family needs and not rapid turnover, resulted in choice outcomes. The strategic process of purchase followed what was best for family and utilization within that sphere of location and usage. Avoiding medical properties and most certainly, competing with larger health system interests applied as well.
The best piece of advice received to date (and passed on if approached) was from a neuroradiologist who cautiously advised: "Buy a nice home, save your money and marry well."
Words of experience, I'm sure.
There are an average of 67 days of darkness during winter in Alaska thats about one for every back story in the first episode of True Detectives latest outing.
Angela Scanlon was the ninth celebrity to be axed from Strictly last year (Guy Levy/BBC)
Angela Scanlon has joked she is furious the Strictly Come Dancing live tour is not going to Belfast or Dublin as she would be a shoo-in to win.
The Irish TV presenter, 40, will reunite with her professional partner Carlos Gu for the tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on Friday.
However, she has said she is not sure if she is ready for the physical undertaking, telling ITVs Good Morning Britain: Can I ever be ready? Bit like childbirth and Strictly, strap in and hope for the best!
Scanlon previously described doing the jive as harder than childbirth and she took to the Strictly dancefloor just 18 months after she welcomed her second daughter.
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She said: It was a big part of the motivation for me, the physicality of it.
I used to be super fit and after having my two girls, I was more gentle and did things that were more chill physically, apart from the birthing of the pair of them.
So I quite fancied the idea of doing something that pushed me physically, but the jive I mean sucker punch as it was week two and I hadnt built up the stamina or fitness, but it was a ferocious jive, it was intense.
I feel really proud and there was a sense of reminding myself of my strength beforehand. But what I hadnt banked on was the emotional journey, the physicality was what I was fixated on and the rest of it was a cherry on the top.
The glitterball trophy will be up for grabs every night of the UK tour and said his partner totally deserves it.
Carlos Gu and Angela Scanlon on the Strictly dancefloor (Guy Levy/BBC)
Scanlon joked: Were not going to Belfast or Dublin though, were absolutely furious as that would have been a shoo in!
Scanlon was the ninth celebrity to be axed from the competition last year and missed out on dancing in the quarter-finals.
However she did make it Blackpool and still watches the video of her Argentine Tango when she needs a mood boost.
She said: When Im a bit down, I watch the Argentine tango on YouTube. I loved the dance. It was a perfect moment in the competition where my blisters had healed and my feet werent sore anymore.
It was just magic, honestly to do it in Blackpool, which was so hyped and so big. Everything was really big and it was this intimate performance. It was lovely.
The jump with the big lift, it was supposed to be very different. Id hurt my ribs and almost dislocated Carlos jaw and so we had to do a slight last-minute change but I think it worked out for the best.
The tour will also feature Coronation Street star Ellie Leach, who became the competitions youngest winner in December after she beat Layton Williams and Bobby Brazier in the final.
It kicks off in Birmingham before visiting Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and London.
Scotlands Culture Secretary has said the country should look to wealthy benefactors to help fund the arts.
The Scottish Government has repeatedly warned of its financial difficulty, with last months budget for the year ahead forced to make a number of cuts and raise taxes to plug a 1.5 billion black hole.
However, funding for the culture sector increased by 16.6 million from 180.8 million to 196.6 million with Creative Scotland and other arts bodies seeing an increase of 11.1 million after a 6.6 million cut in the autumn budget revisions.
Funding for the culture sector increased by 16.6 million (Jane Barlow/PA)
Speaking before the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee at Holyrood on Thursday, Angus Robertson said the country should look to philanthropists to help increase funding for the arts.
He said: Ive thought for quite a while that, in addition to what Government does, in addition to what local government does, in addition to these additional funding streams, I think we also have an opportunity to work much more closely with people who through their generosity or the generosity of the trusts and foundations that they may be involved in that we can work much better together with the philanthropic sector, both domestically and internationally and I look forward to exploring these things.
None of them provide the single answer to the concerns that we know very well about the funding situation that the sector has been going through, but I think they all potentially play a part in the answer to helping it be as well funded as I hope we all agree it should be.
The Culture Secretary said it was absolutely right for the Scottish Government to look at all potential options to support the sector, but admitted there was no single silver bullet.
Complainant Liam Shannon has now has ended legal action against the PSNI
One of the so-called Hooded Men has ended legal action against the PSNI after receiving commitments to fully investigate their alleged torture.
Liam Shannon issued judicial review proceedings over the failure to continue a criminal probe into treatment they were subjected to while interned without trial at the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
A similar challenge was mounted by the daughter of Sean McKenna, another member of the group detained back in 1971.
Both cases are to be formally withdrawn at the High Court following confirmation that detectives will examine the methods of in-depth interrogation deployed against them.
The 14 men were arrested and questioned by police and soldiers at Army facilities in Ballykelly, Co Derry.
Techniques used against them included being hooded, made to stand in a stress position against a wall and beaten if they fell, forced to listen to constant loud static noise, and deprived of sleep, food and water.
Their case was thrust back into the spotlight following an RTE documentary in 2014 which referred to a memo from former Home Secretary Merlyn Rees about the alleged use of torture approved by ministers.
At the time, the PSNI decided there was insufficient evidence to warrant a new inquiry.
In 2021 the Supreme Court ruled that police were wrong not to investigate the allegations.
But with no legal obligation imposed, challenges were mounted on behalf of two of the Hooded Men.
Read more Government just waiting for Hooded Men to die, says survivor after death of Joe Clarke
Liam Shannon and Sean McKennas torture allegations
Mr Shannon (75) has described being arrested in west Belfast in October 1971 and subjected to sheer barbarity.
He told a previous court that he was punched and beaten, had his coat pulled over his head and transferred to a helicopter which hovered close to the ground.
Unable to see and believing he was hundreds of feet in the air, he said his captors made moves to throw him out of the aircraft.
Mr McKenna, a school caretaker from Newry, was taken from his home in August 1971.
His family believe the treatment he suffered directly contributed to his death four years later.
In 2017 his daughter, Mary McKenna, claimed in court he was hooded, bitten by a soldier's dog and had to drink from the animal's dish.
PSNIs formal apology and probe promise
Last year, the PSNI issued a formal apology for the actions and omissions of RUC officers involved in the Hooded Mens treatment while in custody.
By that stage, Mr Shannon and Ms McKenna had commenced a joint legal challenge aimed at compelling police to implement the Supreme Court findings and start a criminal investigation.
Their legal representatives have now been informed that a probe will be carried out for any information on the authorisation or administration of interrogation techniques deployed against the Hooded Men.
Liam Diver of KRW Law, who represent Mr Shannon, confirmed: After lengthy engagement with the PSNI Legacy Investigation Branch we now have a key commitment to investigate and assess all material to see if it contains evidence to link the Government, the RUC or the MoD (Ministry of Defence) to torture.
Mr Diver added: We want to put on record our acknowledgement of the efforts made by PSNI to help reach this eventual settlement.
Bringing this case to court was necessary but we are satisfied with the resolution achieved.
Mr Shannon insisted the legal action was about forcing police to probe what happened to him.
This case was never about an investigation to find out if torture happened. To be clear, we were all tortured, he said.
Referring to the police acknowledgment of past failings, he continued: An apology without meaningful action was an empty apology.
However, I am now satisfied with the clarification and undertakings given by PSNI.
Time isnt on our side with some of the men sadly no longer with us. We really need the police to get on with the investigation as quickly as possible.
A teenager has been charged with violent disorder following the death of a gunman who was tackled and fatally injured after opening fire in a steakhouse on Christmas Eve.
Jonas Kabangu (18), who appeared in court today, is the fifth person to be charged in connection with the scuffle at the restaurant in Blanchardstown, Dublin, where gunman Tristan Sherry was fatally injured.
Judge David McHugh granted him bail and adjourned the case at Blanchardstown District Court.
Mr Kabangu is charged with using or threatening to use violence with others at Brownes Steakhouse on December 24. The offence is under Section 15 of the Public Order Act.
Tristan Sherry
This morning, Garda Aine Doherty said she arrested the accused at Blanchardstown garda station at 9.25am yesterday and he made no reply when charged at 8.51pm.
There were no objections to bail subject to conditions, she said.
Defence solicitor Tertius Van Eeden said he was opposing some of the conditions being sought by gardai, including a request that the accused signs on three times a week at a garda station, a curfew and a requirement to stay away from nine named people and a particular address.
He said his client had no previous convictions and had never been in court at all before. It had been nearly a month since the incident and Mr Kabangu had presented himself to gardai for questioning, so he was not a flight risk, Mr Van Eeden said.
Mr Kabangu was only allegedly at the scene for a meal and it was not his fault some other party took it on themselves to enter the restaurant that night and put him in this position, Mr Van Eeden said.
He said the case was going to be fully contested, Mr Kabangu had a strong chance of being acquitted and there was no reason he should not associate with anyone.
Judge McHugh set bail in the accuseds own bond of 100, with no cash lodgement needed.
Under conditions, Mr Kabangu is to sign on twice weekly at a garda station, have no contact with the named people, stay away from the stated address and keep a curfew between 11pm and 6am.
Judge McHugh ordered non-publication of the accuseds home address, the address he is to stay away from and the names of the nine people.
Mr Van Eeden requested this for safety and security reasons and the judge agreed that these concerns were genuine. The court heard there was a potential for retaliation attacks that might happen following this incident.
The names were handed in on a written list rather than being read out in open court.
Mr Van Eeden applied for free legal aid, saying the accused was not working and was living at home with his parents. He asked for his colleague, solicitor Simon Fleming, to be assigned on legal aid.
The next court date was not read out.
Four other people have been charged over the incident and were previously before the courts. Three are accused of murdering Mr Sherry and one allegedly produced a knife and assaulted him.
Michael Andrecut (22), from Sheephill Avenue, Corduff, David Amah (18), from Hazel Grove, Portrane Road, Donabate, and a 17-year-old boy who cannot be named are all charged with murder.
Wayne Deegan (25), of Linnetsfield Avenue, Phibblestown, Dublin 15, is charged with producing a knife, assault causing harm to Mr Sherry and violent disorder.
Outlines of the allegations against Mr Andrecut, Mr Amah and Mr Deegan were given at earlier hearings when they unsuccessfully sought bail.
It was alleged they were in the restaurant when two gunmen entered and opened fire. One fled but the other, Sherry, was grabbed, gardai said.
Jason Hennessy Sr (48), who was having a meal with family and friends, was shot and injured. He died of blunt force trauma to the head.
After Sherry and Mr Hennessy fell to the ground, the gun was dropped, then picked up and removed by another person.
Several people set upon Sherry, who was kicked, beaten with chairs and an iron bar and stabbed in a sustained five-minute attack, gardai said.
Mr Hennessy was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds, but died on January 4, prompting a separate murder investigation.
It was claimed that during the incident, Mr Andrecut, a construction worker, struck Mr Sherry 50 times, kicking and hitting him over the head and stabbing him in the face with an iron bar.
He told gardai he felt terrible, but said that it was natural instinct and fight or flight.
Mr Amah repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on Mr Sherry and an object, believed to be a knife, could be seen in his hand, it was alleged.
He told gardai he did not know the firearm was gone, he panicked and felt his life was in danger.
It was alleged that Mr Deegan kicked Sherry in the head several times. Mr Deegan claimed he acted in self-defence, a court heard.
A sixth person has been arrested in connection with the incident but has been released without charge, with a file to be sent to the DPP.
Wife-beater and sex pest who has 422 convictions locked terrified woman in his flat and attacked her
Notorious wife-beating beast and sex pest Peter Lyttle locked a woman in his flat just after Christmas, the Sunday World has revealed.
Cops battered their way into the top-floor apartment in Ballymena after the woman was luckily able to raise the alarm when her daughter heard her screams down the phone.
She took to social media, branding 53-year-old Lyttle a beast, adding no woman is safe as long as he walks free.
The attack at his home in Nursery Close came after members of the community begged housing chiefs to move him as he was making their lives a misery and they were petrified.
Lyttle has a staggering 422 criminal convictions including 41 assaults on police, 27 common assaults, 12 threats to kill and numerous sex offences which put him on the sex offenders register.
The latest incident took place on December 29 and comes just four years after he was jailed for a chillingly similar attack on his ex-wife and daughter.
He was sentenced to five months after forcing his way into a property and assaulting his ex-wife and daughter, who were forced to barricade themselves into a bedroom to avoid further attacks.
The brave woman who was subjected to the frightening attack this time posted about her ordeal on TikTok.
She uploaded a video including a newspaper report about Lyttle and wrote underneath: This is the beast I was talking about!!! Please girls be so safe out there, always let people know where you are!!
Peter Lyttle leaves his solicitors office in Belfast in 2021
I had no idea of this mans past! Although Ive known him 10 years I never thought he was capable of such an evil act!! I am lucky to be here today! Thank god my daughter rang and I was able to answer, she heard my screams and called the police!
This man should never be allowed in public again! Hes an animal! No woman is safe as long as he walks free!!
She also posted a video of herself with a black eye, explaining what had happened on the night and said Lyttle beat her and threw her about.
The woman explained that he had been a friend and she wasnt aware of his criminal past. Despite his litany of convictions making him one of Ulsters most prolific offenders, little has been written about him.
I never thought Id be in this situation again, she says. A friend Ive known for nearly 10 years, hes a big man like, Ive heard so much about him now.
I called over to his house just as friends; the other night he asked me to go over and I went over.
He locked me in his flat, I mean he... I am so sore, I am so scared and I never thought Id let a man do that to me again. And it was somebody Im not even in a relationship with. Im crippled, Im absolutely crippled.
Another victim of Lyttle posted her support and revealed she had to get out of a situation because of him.
She wrote: I got so much hassle from Peter he stalked me wudnt [sic] leave me alone!! Wudnt leave Chinese I was working in he use to wait outside for me !! Xx
Last week, the PSNI said it was investigating the incident.
A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested by officers on suspicion of a number of offences, the force said.
Following questioning, he was later released on police bail to allow for further enquiries. The investigation continues.
Last year, Lyttle was back at Ballymena Magistrates Court where he admitted yet another attack on police.
He was charged with assault and attempting to damage a PSNI car and when asked in court if he understood the charges, he told District Judge Oonagh Mullan: Yes and I apologise, Your Honour.
Lyttles lawyer confirmed that his contrite client was admitting the offences. The judge remarked that at 50 pages, she has never seen a criminal record like it.
The court heard that having gone to visit his brother who served a jail sentence for battering their mother to death, Lyttle took the wrong bus home and ended up drunk in Waterfoot, Co Antrim.
A police officer outlined how they were called to the coastal village over reports of a drunk and aggressive male who was spitting at people and businesses.
When officers arrested Lyttle, he lashed out and spat at them to such an extent that two pairs of handcuffs were used to restrain him.
The centre of Belfast was brought to a standstill today, as thousands of striking workers converged on City Hall demanding better pay.
Protestors left from the Royal Victoria Hospital and City Hospital at 11am and marched to City Hall, where they met members from more than a dozen unions.
Music was blaring from a stage erected for the occasion before speeches from union representatives got underway at noon.
Owen Reidy from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said the time for hollow words from politicians is over.
I do sincerely hope Stormont comes back, but if it does come back it has to be different, it has to treat public sector workers and all workers across Northern Ireland with respect, he told the crowd.
Today is historic, not only is it potentially the largest mobilisation of the trade union movement in this state's history, but I think by your actions you have taken a decision to turn the page of history, to say we are not going back to the failed ways of the past where public services are under-resourced.
You are not going back to the past where you are getting negligible or no pay increases. You are going to demand a different future.
Patricia McKeown of Unison speaking at Belfast City Hall (Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph)
Patricia McKeown, regional secretary of Unison, said: I don't remember when we went to the polls last time any political party standing on a platform which said we will impoverish the people of Northern Ireland, we will wreck equal pay for public sector workers, we will run down the National Health Service, we will neglect our schools and social care system, our public services.
None of them I remember got a mandate for that but it happened anyway. We are the people who will hold them to account.
No more nonsense about we are here because we have got a mandate and start exercising your responsibilities towards the people who elected you.
Many of those who spoke hit out at Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris for not releasing money to settle public sector pay claims.
We are here to send a loud message to Chris Heaton-Harris and the Tory Government that they must stop using public sector workers as a political tool to get the DUP back into government, Justin McCamphill of the NASUWT teaching union said.
Justin McCamphill, NASUWT national official speaking at Belfast City Hall (Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph)
And to the DUP we say get back into government. We fully understand that there are issues arising from Brexit that are problematic for unionism, but these issues must be addressed within the agreed political framework.
The Tories have taken our money the DUP should not take our hope.
Mr McCamphill said teachers here have gone three years without a pay increase.
In further education the pay situation is worse again. How can it be that a lecturer in a Further Education (FE) College is paid much worse than a teacher in a school for doing the same job? he said.
Our message to all politicians here today is that we need a single education system. FE should no longer be the poor relation of Education in Northern Ireland.
When unions work together everyone benefits. The solidarity shown by all teacher unions over the course of this dispute has made us all stronger. That unity of purpose must be maintained. United we stand but divided we fall.
Mark McTaggart, INTO Northern Secretary speaking at Belfast City Hall (Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph)
Mark McTaggart of the Irish National Teachers Organisation criticised DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Jeffrey Donaldson of DUP has spent nearly two years outside Stormont refusing to let the Executive sit because of his concerns over a sea border, he said.
Yet he is more than happy to have a sea border for pay for public sector workers.
A man arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Kevin Conway in Belfast has been released on bail.
The PSNI said late last night that the 37-year-old man had been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime suite to be questioned.
He has been released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted.
The 26-year-old father-of-two, who was originally from the Lurgan area, was shot dead at his home in west Belfast on 9 January.
Allison Morris: Who was Kevin Conway ?
Conway was one of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023 and was on bail awaiting trial.
He was a well-known enforcer and debt collector for the Co Armagh-based drugs gang known as The Firm.
Earlier this week, police urged anyone with information about the ruthless killing to come forward.
A reward of up to 20,000 has also been offered for information by the charity Crimestoppers.
The photograph of killed PSNI officer Philippa Reynolds released by her family
A man who killed a young PSNI officer in Londonderry is unlawfully at large, police have said.
Shane Frane (36) was convicted of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds.
Police believe he may have travelled to the Irish Republic.
Ms Reynolds (27) died following a road traffic collision in February 2013 when a Toyota Landcruiser crashed into her unmarked police car in the Waterside area of Londonderry.
Ms Reynolds, a former pupil at Antrim Grammar School, was a back-seat passenger in the police car which was hit.
The PSNI believe she was killed instantly by the impact of the stolen vehicle.
Frane has since breached the conditions of his temporary release by absconding.
He is described as 6ft 3ins in height, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement. He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
Police have been unable to locate him and say he may have travelled across the border.
Frane had been serving an indeterminate prison term for the death of Ms Reynolds. Despite a minimum six-year tariff expiring in 2019, Parole Commissioners repeatedly determined that he must remain behind bars.
At the time of Ms Reynolds death, her father Mervyn, an ex-RUC officer, said he hoped she would leave a lasting legacy.
"We may appear strong today, but believe it we are not and our hearts are breaking. We are devastated," he told the BBC in 2013.
The photograph of killed PSNI officer Philippa Reynolds released by her family
Last November, the High Court ruled Frane had been unlawfully suspended from a pre-release testing scheme after he failed a drugs test.
Frane later claimed the drugs had been placed in beverage by another inmate without his knowledge and later issued judicial review proceedings against the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Probation Board for suspending him from the scheme and removing his enhanced status.
His legal team said it was procedurally unfair and based on an adjudication.
Ruling on the challenge, Mr Justice Colton said prison chiefs should have engaged with Frane about his explanation for the failed drugs test.
In February 2023, the PSNI paid tribute to Constable Reynolds on the 10th anniversary of her death.
"Its hard to believe it's been 10 years since we lost our colleague and dear friend Constable Philippa Reynolds. Philippa touched the lives of so many people, including her colleagues, and the community she served, the organisation posted on social media.
We miss her, and we will never forget her.
Her family also said on the anniversary of her death they talk about her every day.
Shane Frane
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
A PSNI spokesperson said: Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.
All morning a song from Icelandic popster Bjork was rolling around in my head. Its oh so quiet. And the Iceland link was all too appropriate.
The snow was drifting down gently as the first task of the day failed miserably trying to empty the bin. Outside the black wheelie bin was frozen solid. Three cats stood guard beside it, not sure what to make of the conditions. They werent sitting down anyway.
Not since the first days of Covid lockdown have the roads outside the house been so deserted. No school buses to churn away at the snow covered streets. No school for the youngest son to head off to not a bad thing actually considering conditions.
It was a day off for my wife, who works in schools. She cant work from home, which means she will have to make up her number of clients (shes a school counsellor) next week. Double the work another day.
Work plans were easy to make, but almost impossible to follow through. Any notion of heading off early to Belfast International Airport to see what chaos the transport strike was causing fell quickly by the wayside. Any notion of getting there from a rural area on roads which may or may not have been gritted overnight was none too appealing.
A mechanic was supposed to arrive to try to get my eldest sons car going. That had to wait too, so I had to drive him to his shared house in Belfast to make sure he was there for his part-time work in W5 at the SSE Arena first thing yesterday morning.
Some are still expected to turn up for work while others make their point.
It was big coat and hat on for a quick 10-minute walk into town along deserted footpaths to see if Magherafelt was going to wake up at all, or just sleep through the day when the weather matched the public sector workforce and froze.
Party source also accuses Sir Jeffrey and his colleagues of over-egging the Governments proposed deal as MLAs fail to elect speaker after Assembly is recalled for the sixth time
A senior DUP source has said the party appears to have made no substantive progress on ending the Irish Sea border, and accused the leadership of over-egging the Governments proposed deal.
The insider was speaking after a Daily Telegraph report that UK negotiators had held secret talks with EU officials over possible wriggle room in Rishi Sunaks Brexit deal for Northern Ireland in a bid to end the DUPs Stormont boycott.
The discussions in Brussels were part of a doomed effort to broker a last-minute deal with the party to restore devolution this week.
Senior British officials reportedly conceded there was no room for any renegotiation of the Windsor Framework, but asked for favourable language on the implementation of the green lane.
It was hoped that securing confirmation from Brussels that its officials agreed with the UKs interpretation of the deal would help win the DUP around, according to the report.
The senior DUP source accused the leadership of over-egging what was on offer from the Government to restore devolution over recent months.
They questioned what Sir Jeffrey, Gavin Robinson and Emma Little-Pengelly have actually been doing in the talks in terms of ending the Irish Sea border.
The source claimed that party officers had been led to believe that a much better deal than the one emerging would be on the table.
A DUP spokesman denied the sources allegation, adding: We dont recognise this. Its untrue and without foundation.
A Downing Street source told the Daily Telegraph it did not recognise the newspapers account of Government officials talks with Brussels and claimed it was based on limited information.
The Number 10 source said significant and substantive progress had been made with the goal of strengthening the UK internal market and future-proofing Northern Irelands place in the economic union.
Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill MLA with party colleagues leaving Stormont
Meanwhile, MLAs failed to elect a speaker as the Assembly was again recalled yesterday.
The Secretary of State has said it is time for politicians here to take the decision to restore devolution.
Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged that todays strike would be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland, but defended his decision not to intervene.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3bn which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1bn to stabilise public services, he said.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
I am deeply disappointed that the significant funding offer from the UK Government to address such issues has not been taken up.
The Secretary of State said it was regrettable that the parties were yesterday unable to elect an Assembly speaker and restore the executive.
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris
The people of Northern Ireland deserve local political leadership from representatives they have elected to govern on their behalf.
The UK Government has made a significant offer that would help address the challenges facing public sector pay and Northern Irelands finances.
It is time for the parties to take decisions on how they will best serve the interests of the people.
Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill has urged DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson to join her and other political leaders around the table to support public sector workers.
It comes as more than 150,000 workers are set to take the streets on Thursday in what has been billed as the biggest day of strike action ever seen in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on Thursday mornings BBC Good Morning Ulster programme, Ms ONeill said: I regret the fact they [public sector workers] have been forced to take this action however I absolutely understand it because they feel like they have nowhere else to turn.
I can only hope that Jeffrey Donaldson is listening on and can hear the plight of the workers, and even at this late juncture makes the right call and joins will all the rest of us around the Executive table and lets us do our best to try and support these workers and ensure they have proper paying conditions for the jobs they so ably do and that we rely on as a society every day.
MLAs returned to Stormont on Wednesday ahead of the deadline to restore devolved government but nominations to elect the UUP's Mike Nesbitt or the SDLP's Patsy McGlone of the SDLP to the role of Speaker failed to get the support of the DUP.
Therefore, Acting Speaker Alan Chambers said no further business could take place and the session was suspended.
There is now a legal deadline to restore the Executive by Thursday before fresh elections are required. But it's thought by political parties that Chris Heaton-Harris will bring in legislation to put off another election.
Michelle ONeill said on Thursday that she believes the only reason the DUP will not return to Stormont is due to their refusal to accept a nationalist First Minister adding that Wednesdays recall of Stormont could be the last sitting of the Assembly.
I will continue to fight for an Executive because I believe in power sharing, I will never give up on that, but here we are today, DUP has not returned to the Executive and the only explanation is their refusal to accept a nationalist first minister, she said.
I have still called on the DUP to sit with us and to join with us so political leaders can work together.
Our first priority should be to restore an Executive, but the Plan B looks like a joint partnership with two guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement the Irish government and the British government, she added.
The Secretary of State has a decision to make, but there needs to be an intensified conversation now between the Irish and British governments.
Belfast rally told DUP shouldnt take our hopeEamonn McCann makes impassioned speech in DerryRallies also held in Ballymena, Omagh, Magherafelt and Enniskillen
Thousands of workers across Northern Ireland joined mass rallies to demand a resolution to ongoing pay disputes within a number of sectors.
Around 150,000 workers from 15 different unions took part in Thursdays walk-out, with rallies held in Belfast, Londonderry, Ballymena, Omagh, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.
Pickets were held at a number of locations before strikers made their way to the main rally at Belfast City Hall, where union leaders addressed the huge crowd.
In a statement given to the Belfast Telegraph, Nipsa said the day of action had shown the extent of the influence that trade unionism could exert.
This is a watershed moment, as this action has shown the inherent power of the trade union movement to move and shape society, said a spokesperson.
"The trade union fight is the general publics fight. The support is there, as the public recognise the value of their public services and can see the real effects of the economic sanctions being imposed on the people of Northern Ireland and the impact this is having in health, education and across the wider public services.
Public sector trade unions are a huge part of the population and the trade union movement is the single biggest body of people in the country and they can see that Nipsa is fighting for them.
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The union said further action was inevitable if demands were not met.
This will likely include selective and targeted action, as well as a call for wider action across all areas, said a spokesperson.
This action has moved the position. Discussions between the Secretary of State and the political parties has had funding at the top of the agenda because of the industrial action.
This has been effective in changing the political narrative and bringing focus on the key issues fair pay, safe staffing and the need for properly funded public services both now and going forward.
The Secretary of State has confirmed the money is there and this would not be the case without the action taken by Nipsa and the other trade unions so far.
Public support remains strong and the mood is for increased action and for something to be done. They can see that a failure to address the issues of fair pay, safe staffing and proper funding for services impacts them far harder than any strike action.
It comes after Nipsas general secretary, Patrick Mulholland, told strikers outside the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on Chichester Street that the widespread action would be extended if a resolution was not found.
Thousands of striking workers arrive at Belfast City Hall on a day of mass strikes across Northern Ireland on January 18th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)
Today is only the beginning. If we do not get social and economic justice, the struggle will continue. Today: a public sector general strike. Tomorrow: everybody general strike, he said.
We, the trade union movement, are taking on the issue of people dying because they are on waiting lists.
We are taking on the issue of children in our schools being hungry because of the cuts.
We are taking on the issue of the disintegration of the social fabric of our society and we show no fear.
Lets make sure public sector workers, private sector workers, communities, all the people are united and send a strong message: we will not be pushed back into an economic dark age.
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NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said the 3.3bn funding offer which would help end the public sector pay dispute will be available on day one for an incoming Northern Ireland Executive.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said the Conservative government, along with the DUP, were playing with peoples lives.
The zealots in the Tory party and the DUP do not care about workers, about health waiting lists, about our broken education system or any of it. They will only act when workers force them to act, he said.
Those on the picket lines today have already demonstrated immense courage. An escalation of their action is the next logical step if their demands are not met.
Heres how the days events unfolded on our live blog:
Irish MEPs have said they did not vote in favour of a European Parliament motion that called for a Gaza ceasefire because two conditions attached to it rendered it meaningless.
The non-binding resolution called for a permanent ceasefire and renewed efforts towards a political solution provided that all hostages are released and Hamas is dismantled.
The resolution passed on Thursday by 312 votes to 131 votes, with 72 abstentions.
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All five Fine Gael MEPs voted in favour of the motion, while four Fianna Fail and Green Party MEPs said they voted against the motion.
All of Irelands MEPs voted in favour of an amendment that called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire, but this was not passed by the Parliament.
Green Party MEPs Grace OSullivan and Ciaran Cuffe said they voted against the ceasefire resolution as amendments to the text made it practically meaningless.
The vote represents a shift in position by the European Parliament, which had called for a humanitarian pause to fighting in October while also condemning Hamas.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed or injured and some 75% of the population have been displaced as the Israeli army pursues Hamas for its attack on October 7.
The EUs 27 leaders did not agree in December to call for a ceasefire, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stating there was a very clear majority in favour of it but not unanimity.
Ms OSullivan, who is a member of the European Parliaments Delegation for Relations with Palestine, said the EU needed to be braver.
In saying that the Parliament only supports a ceasefire on the condition that Hamas is eliminated essentially hands the far-right Israeli government a blank cheque to continue the bombardment of Gaza for as long as they want, she said.
Once again the EU has failed to provide any leadership on the Israeli onslaught on the Gazan civilian population.
Fianna Fail candidate Barry Andrews, centre, did not support the resolution (Niall Carson/PA)
Conservative groups, including the EPP (Fine Gaels political group at EU level), have played a consistent role as an obstacle to peace.
We need a braver EU that is willing to stand against the worst humanitarian crisis of our time and call loud and clear for a permanent ceasefire without taking sides. This is a dark day for the European peace project.
Mr Cuffe said it was no secret that the European Union is divided on this.
However, after more than 100 days of constant bombardment, over 24,000 dead and millions of people displaced, Europe is compelled to call for a meaningful ceasefire at a bare minimum.
Never has this Union seemed so divorced from its founding values of peace and respect for human rights.
Fianna Fail MEPs Barry Andrews and Billy Kelleher also did not support the resolution, stating that it was not balanced enough to earn our support.
The inclusion of conditionality clauses with respect to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, supported by right-wing MEPs, was a red-line issue for us.
Sadly, its inclusion meant that we could not vote in favour of todays resolution on the conflict in Gaza.
Furthermore, progressive, balanced amendments were also defeated, which meant that the final text did not, we feel, reflect our views, and crucially the views of the vast majority of Irish people who we seek to represent in the European Parliament.
A coalition of right-wing forces scuppered this very important resolution today. We do not believe that any conditionality should be attached to a possible ceasefire. With more than 24,000 Palestinian deaths to date, any possible delay in implementing a ceasefire would be morally and ethically wrong.
The European Union, and its institutions, must accept that allowing Israel to continue its destruction of Gaza is an abject failure of European diplomacy and reflects very poorly on our Union.
Sean Kelly said the five MEPs had repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire and for a peaceful end to the conflict (Damien Eagers/PA)
Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament Sean Kelly said the five MEPs had repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire and for a peaceful end to the conflict.
We voted in favour of the European Parliaments Resolution calling for a ceasefire today, he said.
We have raised our concerns over the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and the huge loss of life there with our colleagues at an EU level. We support the Irish governments efforts to intensify the pressure for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and we urge the EU to do the same.
We fully condemn the actions of the terrorist organisation Hamas and underline Israels right to exist. All hostages taken by Hamas should be released unconditionally as soon as possible. A ceasefire could be a first step towards a peaceful resolution, within which a two-state solution should be revisited.
Camilla was asked about the King as she visited Aberdeen Art Gallery on Thursday (Andrew Milligan/PA)
The Queen has said the King is fine and looking forward to getting back to work as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Camilla was on a solo visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery on Thursday to open its new Safe Space, an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse.
Asked about the King by the Lord Provost, she replied: Hes fine, thank-you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.
The King, who is at his private home Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, is preparing for a corrective procedure after being diagnosed with a benign enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace, in an unprecedented double royal health scare, announced the news on Wednesday just an hour-and-a-half after Kensington Palace revealed the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery.
The 75-year-old monarch, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago, will be admitted to hospital next week.
The King is set to be treated in hospital next week (Daniel Leal/PA)
Camilla appeared cheery, adopting the keep calm and carry on approach often associated with the late Queen.
Lord Provost David Cameron was among a group of officials who greeted Camilla on her arrival at the gallery.
The Queen focused on the importance of bringing an end to this terrible domestic abuse as she opened the Safe Space.
Queen Camilla opens the Safe Space during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery (Andrew Milligan/PA)
She said: I hope a lot of other cities will follow suit.
Its so important having a safe space for people who have undergone all these terrible things.
Somewhere where they come and feel safe and have somebody to talk to who understands what theyre going through, so I think youre pioneers to have it in this wonderful gallery which Ive had the pleasure of visiting before and, just to say, it helps so much with this campaign to hopefully one day obliterate this terrible domestic abuse.
The Queen arriving at her solo engagement (Andrew Milligan/PA)
She said she thinks that Scotland is going the right way about it, adding: You just need more people to get involved and more people to be heard because the more its talked about the more people are able to do something about it.
Camilla was introduced to Suzanne Jacob, chief executive of domestic abuse charity SafeLives which is behind the Safe Space initiative, and Aberdeen City Council chief executive Angela Scott.
The Queen, who last visited the gallery with the King in 2021 met the team which has been trained to obtain the venues Safe Space status as well as other SafeLives representatives.
Camilla spoke to guests at the gallery, including school children (Andrew Milligan/PA)
She was introduced to artist Shelagh Swanson, who has created artwork inspired by her experiences of surviving domestic abuse.
The art will be visible both internally and externally, to signify the venue as a safe space location.
Camilla concluded her visit by officially unveiling Swansons artwork in memory of survivors and those lost to domestic abuse.
The Queen is currently staying at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire with the King (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Swanson said it was a total honour to meet her.
She said: I just basically thanked her for coming here and shining the spotlight on this because its such an important thing.
The way she spoke about it you can tell that shes genuinely interested and she wants to eradicate this as much as we all do.
Camilla unveiled an artwork, which can be seen from inside and outside the venue (Andrew Milligan/PA)
She added: Im the artist and made it but its about this whole campaign and thats whats important thats what were were celebrating today.
The Bill is likely to face strong opposition in the Lords (PA)
The Rwanda Bill represents a step towards totalitarianism, a prominent member of the House of Lords has warned.
Lord Carlile, a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, warned many peers fear the integrity of the British legal system is under attack from Tory infighting.
The stinging criticism is a sign of the depth of opposition the flagship legislation is set to face when it is first debated in the second chamber in several weeks time.
Lord Carlile told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Weve seen in various countries the damage that is done when governments use perceived and often ill-judged political imperatives to place themselves above the courts this is a step towards totalitarianism and an attitude that the United Kingdom usually deprecates.
I think youll find that many of the lawyers in the House of Lords will say this is a step too far, this is illegitimate interference by politics with the law, on an issue that can be solved in other ways.
The crossbench peer told the Today programme it is the House of Lords role to revise legislation and protect the public from abuses of legal correctness and principle by the Government.
I think many of us in the House of Lords believe that is exactly what has happened, that good policymaking and the integrity of our legal system are under attack because of internal political quarrelling in the Conservative Party.
If you want to blame someone, you can blame the lawyers, but the lawyers on the whole do not accept that. What we are doing is trying to countermand meddling by politicians in the law.
Its been Government elevating itself to an unacceptable level above the law, above our much-admired Supreme Court, and above the reputation internationally of the United Kingdom law.
The Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the Commons unamended with a majority of 44 after only 11 Tories, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, voted against the Prime Ministers immigration plan.
In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Sunak urged peers to do the right thing and not frustrate the passage of the legislation through the Lords.
The Green Partys Baroness Jenny Jones rejected the Prime Ministers message.
He can ask what he likes. We understand the law, she said.
We really need to stop this appalling Bill, it is not a manifesto commitment and convention allows the Lords to reject it. If the Prime Minister wants to claim the Rwanda Bill is the will of the people then please hold a general election.
Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt has been branded the minister for clickbait by the SNP (Victoria Jones/PA)
Penny Mordaunt has been branded the minister for clickbait by the SNP after she criticised the party in a video posted on social media.
SNP MP Deirdre Brock questioned if the Leader of the House of Commons was considering a new career as a stand-up comedian.
Ms Mordaunt said Ms Brock should be thanking her for the publicity that money cannot buy and said she was encouraged by the interest in business questions.
In the video posted to X, formerly Twitter, Ms Mordaunt is heard taunting Ms Brock and the SNP for misplacing a fragment of the Stone of Destiny.
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However, the party said the stone chip has been held securely for the past 15 years and has never been considered lost.
Speaking from the frontbench on Thursday, Ms Brock (Edinburgh North and Leith) said: Once again Im indebted to the Leader of the House, her eccentric video last week joking about tupperware and the Stone of Destiny excited quite the response in Scotland why is she always on about Scotland they ask?
The Tories have given us a joke minister for common sense, looks like we now have a minister for clickbait.
Scotland does seem just a big joke for her, the brief seems clear to rubbish and insult Scots every week in business questions. Of course shes not alone, it seems to be Tory policy these days.
But shes adding value now by writing full-page articles in the papers about how awful Scotland is, along with a new clickbait video every week, all that effort.
Of course given the very bad news for her party in this weeks YouGov poll maybe these joke videos are in fact auditions.
Perhaps not so much stand up and fight, as stand-up comedian.
SNP MP Deirdre Brock questioned if Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt was considering a new career as a stand-up comedian (Danny Lawson/PA)
Ms Mordaunt replied: The honourable lady should thank me, Ive been giving the honourable lady publicity that money cannot buy.
And I think it is encouraging that we have generated such a following, such an interest, in what goes on in this chamber at business questions.
Let me be clear, Im not talking Scotland down, Im talking the SNP down, that have been an unmitigated disaster for Scotland.
The stoicism of the Scottish people in dealing with the inept Government that they have in Scotland deserves great credit.
Conservative MP for Tatton Esther McVey was handed the unofficial title of minister of common sense in November last year.
The two mens convictions were quashed at a hearing in the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Nick Ansell/PA)
Two men jailed on the word of a corrupt police officer with a history of racism have been posthumously cleared at the Court of Appeal.
British Rail workers Basil Peterkin and Saliah Mehmet died with convictions after British Transport Police officer Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell accused them of theft from a site he later admitted stealing from.
Their convictions were quashed by appeal judges at a hearing in London on Thursday, after the mens cases were referred by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) a body which investigates miscarriages of justice.
Families of the two men, who watched the proceedings in a packed courtroom at the Royal Courts of Justice, called for a new law that would allow for the automatic independent review of cases involving police officers who are jailed.
Basil Peterkin died in 1991 (Family handout/PA)
Regu Saliah, son of the late Mr Mehmet, said his fathers conviction left a traumatic legacy that stayed with him his whole life and that his imprisonment left myself and my mother penniless and homeless while Ridgewell was kept in his position of power where he continued to victimise families like ours.
Ridgewell, who previously served in the South Rhodesian, now Zimbabwean, police force, was involved in a number of high-profile and controversial cases in the early 1970s.
The CCRC previously said it has referred 11 cases which relied on his evidence.
He died of a heart attack in prison in 1982 at the age of 37.
Mr Mehmet, who died in 2021, and Mr Peterkin, who died in 1991, were both sentenced to nine months in prison in 1977, over the theft of parcels from the Bricklayers Arms goods depot in south London, where they worked.
They said the items found in their possession had been planted, and that any admissions said to have been made by them had been fabricated by the police.
In 1980, Ridgewell was jailed for seven years for stealing property worth 364,000 from the same site, while his colleagues Detective Constable Douglas Ellis and Detective Constable Alan Keeling were sentenced to six and two years respectively.
Saliah Mehmet did not live to learn of his vindication, a judge said (Family handout/PA)
The CCRC previously said it has been investigating the historical racist and corrupt practices of Ridgewell, whose corruption has led to the convictions of members of the so-called Oval Four and Stockwell Six being overturned in recent years.
Nine other convictions relating to Ridgewell have previously been quashed.
Henry Blaxland KC, representing Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmet, told the court that they were two perfectly respectable and entirely innocent British Transport employees who had been fitted up by Ridgewell a dishonest, corrupt and racist police officer.
The barrister said delays over investigating their wrongful convictions meant evidence had been lost and that neither man was alive to have the satisfaction of seeing them quashed.
Mr Peterkin was left with a profound mistrust in the police, as was Mr Mehmet so much so that when he was later robbed as a minicab driver he didnt want to report it, the court heard.
Mr Blaxland said Ridgewell should have been sacked in 1973 amid concerns about his actions in a different team.
Ridgewell was moved into a department investigating mailbag theft, where he joined up with others with whom he split the profits of stolen mailbags.
The CCRC had taken commendable action over Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmets case, Mr Blaxland said, but added that it frankly should not have been necessary for them to have become involved so many years later.
He said there had been a systemic failure on behalf of the British Transport Police over investigating prosecutions that relied on Ridgewells evidence.
The barrister explained that the only reasons the convictions were at the Court of Appeal was due to the research of another of Ridgewells victims.
In January 2018, Stephen Simmons 1976 conviction for stealing mailbags was quashed after he discovered that Ridgewell was jailed for a similar offence two years after his own conviction.
The failure to investigate has led to lamentable delays, Mr Blaxland said.
Megan Millar, representing the Crown, said the appeals were not resisted, adding that new evidence undermines the safety of the convictions.
Lord Justice Holroyde, sitting with Mr Justice Garnham and Mr Justice Andrew Baker, said: We cant turn back the clock, but we can quash these convictions.
He added that judges express our regret that so many years have passed before action was taken following the efforts of Mr Simmons.
The senior judge said that if jurors had been aware that prosecution witnesses were themselves engaged in the very same criminal activity as that which they alleged against Mr Peterkin and his co-accused it would have been very telling.
He added that it was very unfortunate that so many years had passed before families had seen justice rectified and that Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmet have not lived to learn of their vindication.
A selection of Louisa May Alcott books archived at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The author of Little Women may have been even more productive and sensational than previously thought.
Max Chapnick, a postdoctoral teaching associate at Northeastern University, believes he has found about 20 stories and poems written by Louisa May Alcott under her own name as well as pseudonyms for local newspapers in Massachusetts in the late 1850s and early 1860s.
One of the pseudonyms is believed to be EH Gould, including a story about her house in Concord, Massachusetts, and a ghost story along the lines of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.
He also found four poems written by Flora Fairfield, a known pseudonym of Alcotts. One of the stories written under her own name was about a young painter.
Max Chapnick believes he has found about 20 previously unknown stories and poems written by Louisa May Alcott (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Its saying shes really like shes hustling, right? Shes publishing a lot, Mr Chapnick said on a visit to the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, a national research library of pre-20th century American history and culture that has some of the stories he discovered in its collection as well as a first edition of Little Women.
Alcott remains best known for Little Women, published in two instalments in 1868-69.
Her classic coming-of-age novel about the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy; has been adapted several times into feature films, most recently by Greta Gerwig in 2019.
Mr Chapnick discovered Alcotts other stories as part of his research into spiritualism and mesmerism.
Some of the stories are written under the pseudonym, EH Gould (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
As he scrolled through digitised newspapers from the American Antiquarian Society, he found a story titled The Phantom.
After seeing the name Gould at the end of the story, he initially dismissed it as Alcotts story. But then he read the story again.
Mr Chapnick found the name Alcott in the story a possible clue and saw that it was written about the time she would have been publishing similar stories.
The story was also in the Olive Branch, a newspaper that had previously published her work.
As Mr Chapnick searched through newspapers at the society and the Boston Public Library, he found more written by Gould though he admits definitive proof they were written by Alcott has proven elusive.
Theres a lot of circumstantial evidence to indicate that this is probably her, said Mr Chapnick, who last year published a paper on his discoveries in J19, the Journal of Nineteenth-Century Americanists.
I dont think that theres definitive evidence either way yet. Im interested in gathering more of it.
When first contacted by Mr Chapnick about the writings, Gregory Eiselein, president of the Louisa May Alcott Society, said he was curious but sceptical.
Over my more than 30-year career as a literary scholar, Ive received a variety of inquiries, emails, and manuscripts that propose the discovery of a new story by Louisa Alcott, Mr Eiselein, also a professor at Kansas State University, said in an email interview.
Typically, they turn out to be a known, though not famous, text, or a story re-printed under a new title for a different newspaper or magazine.
But he has come to believe that Mr Chapnick has found new stories, many of which shed light on Alcotts early career.
What stands out to me is the impressive range and variety of styles in Alcotts early published works, he said.
She writes sentimental poetry, thrilling supernatural stories, reform-minded non-fiction, work for children, work for adults, and more.
Its also fascinating to see how Alcott uses, experiments with, and transforms the literary formulas popular in the 1850s.
Another Alcott scholar at Kansas State, Anne Phillips, said she was excited by Chapnicks scholarship and said his paper makes a compelling case that these were her writings.
Alcott scholars have had decades to compare her work in different genres, and that background is going to help us evaluate these new findings, she said in an email interview.
She reworked and reused names and situations and details and expressions, and we have a good, broad base from which to begin considering these new discoveries, she said.
Theres also something distinctive about her writing voice, across genres.
This is not the first time that scholars have found stories written by Alcott under a pseudonym.
In the 1940s, Leona Rostenberg and Madeleine Stern found thrillers written under the name AM Barnard was an Alcott pseudonym.
She also wrote nonfiction stories, including about the Civil War where she served as a nurse, under the pseudonym Tribulation Periwinkle.
Axiom-3 mission astronauts, from left, mission specialist Marcus Wandt, of Sweden, mission specialist Alper Gezeravci, of Turkey, pilot Walter Villadei, of Italy, and Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria wave to family after arriving at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida (John Raoux/AP)
Turkeys first astronaut, a Swede and an Italian have set off for the International Space Station on a chartered SpaceX flight.
The Falcon rocket blasted off from Nasas Kennedy Space Centre in late afternoon, carrying the three men, all with military pilot experience and representing their homelands.
Their escort on the trip is a retired Nasa astronaut who now works for the company that arranged the private flight.
Their capsule should reach the space station on Saturday.
They will spend two weeks performing experiments, chatting to schoolchildren and soaking in the views of Earth, before returning home.
It is costing each of the three countries 55 million dollars (43 million) or more.
That is the rough per-person price for the trip, the third such journey organised by the Houston company Axiom Space with Nasa and SpaceX.
Russia has been welcoming paid visitors to the space station for more than two decades, but Nasa did not until two years ago.
Turkeys Alper Gezeravci, a former fighter pilot and captain for Turkish Airlines, is the first person from his country to rocket to space.
He noted Turkey just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and, until now, the nations view of the sky has been limited to what we could see with our bare eyes.
Now this mission is opening that curtain all the way, he told reporters before the flight.
Axiom-3 mission astronauts, from left, mission specialist Marcus Wandt, of Sweden, mission specialist Alper Gezeravci, of Turkey, pilot Walter Villadei, of Italy, and Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida (John Raoux/AP)
This is the beginning of our next centennial.
Also flying are Swedens Marcus Wandt, a former fighter pilot and test pilot for Swedish Aeroplane Corporation who was chosen in 2022 as a reserve astronaut by the European Space Agency, and Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, who flew to the edge of space last summer with Virgin Galactic.
Among the symbolic items they are taking up are a Nobel Prize medal from Sweden, fusilli pasta from Italy and tokens of Turkeys nomadic culture.
With them is Michael Lopez-Alegria, who launched four times as a Nasa astronaut before joining Axiom Space and escorting its first chartered flight.
Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis speaks during a worship service at the Big Bethel AME Church, where she was invited as a guest speaker on Sunday January 14 in Atlanta (Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)
The judge presiding over the Georgia prosecution of former US president Donald Trump and others for efforts to overturn the 2020 election has set a hearing on a motion alleging Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis has been romantically involved with a special prosecutor she hired for the case.
In an order on Thursday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee set a February 15 hearing and ordered prosecutors to file their response by February 2.
The allegations have been seized upon by Mr Trump and other critics of the prosecution, who have argued that the case is tainted and should be tossed out.
Defence lawyer Ashleigh Merchant, who represents former Trump campaign staff member and one-time White House aide Michael Roman, made the allegations in a motion filed last week.
She alleged that Ms Willis was involved in a romantic relationship with lawyer Nathan Wade that created a conflict of interest and led to Ms Willis profiting personally from the prosecution.
Special prosecutor Nathan Wade (Elijah Nouvelage/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
The motion seeks to have the indictment thrown out and to have Ms Willis and Mr Wade removed from the case.
Ms Willis defended her hiring of Mr Wade and his qualifications during an address at a church in Atlanta on Sunday but has not commented publicly on the allegation of a romantic relationship.
Among other things, she cited Mr Wades 10 years of experience as a municipal court judge and 20 years in private practice.
Ms Williss office has said it will respond to Ms Merchants motion in a court filing but has not provided a timeline for that.
Ms Merchant has not provided any solid proof to support the alleged inappropriate relationship.
She mentioned information obtained outside of court filings and sources close to Ms Willis and Mr Wade.
Ms Merchants motion also mentions that filings in Mr Wades pending divorce are sealed but that she has filed a motion to unseal them.
A coalition of news organisations, including The Associated Press, filed a motion on Tuesday to gain access to those filings.
Ms Merchant wrote that Mr Wade has been paid large sums and has used some of his earnings to take Ms Willis on holiday to Napa Valley, Florida and the Caribbean.
She said that amounts to the pair profiting significantly from this prosecution at the expense of the taxpayers.
Ms Merchant said she can find no evidence that Mr Wade whose law firm website touts his experience in civil litigation, including car accident and family law cases has ever prosecuted a felony case.
Donald Trump (Matt Rourke/AP)
She questioned his qualifications to try this case.
Mr Trump and Mr Roman were indicted by a Fulton County grand jury in August along with 17 others.
They are accused of participating in a wide-ranging scheme to try to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Four of those charged have already pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors.
Mr Trump, Mr Roman and the others who remain have pleaded not guilty.
Mr Roman was the director of Election Day operations for the Trump campaign and had also worked in the White House.
Prosecutors say he helped co-ordinate an effort to contact state legislators on Mr Trumps behalf to encourage them to unlawfully appoint presidential electors.
He is also alleged to have been involved in efforts to have Republicans in swing states that Mr Trump lost, including Georgia, meet on December 14 2020 to sign certificates falsely saying Mr Trump had won their states and that they were the electors for their states.
He was in touch with local Republican officials in several states to set up those meetings.
The Washington Post first reported the scheduling of the hearing.
In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, the Office of Military Commissions building used for Periodic Review Board hearings is seen at U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, April 19, 2019.
A judge at a U.S. military court in Guantanamo Bay has recommended that two Malaysians who pleaded guilty to the 2002 Bali bombings serve 20 to 25 years in prison and be repatriated or released to a third country.
The fate of Mohammed bin Lep, 47, and Mohammed bin Amin, 48 who have been incarcerated at the U.S. Naval Base in Cuba for 17 years will be determined during a sentencing hearing scheduled to begin there next week.
Their sentencing will mark only the second military trial to be completed at the controversial prison set up by the United States at Guantanamo in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Judge Wesley Braun, a U.S. Air Force officer hearing the case, noted on Wednesday that their plea agreements include a provision allowing live testimony or written statements from victims and relatives or people who were killed in the deadliest terror attack ever to hit Indonesia, which claimed 202 lives.
If a witness shows up, a victim shows up live, and wishes to testify under oath about their feelings about what happened and the loss of their family member, I dont think I can object to that, said Christine Funk, a civilian attorney leading the legal team representing bin Amin, according to a transcript.
Eighty-eight of the victims were Australians. The Bali attack, in October 2002, was blamed on Jemaah Islamiyah, the Southeast Asian branch of al-Qaeda.
The plea agreements call for allowing the Malaysians to present three live witnesses an expert consultant, a family member and a lay witness. It also said bin Amin and bin Lep could enter an unsworn statement during the sentencing hearing that would not be subject to cross examination but could be rebutted by military prosecutors.
According to a news report, which BenarNews could not immediately verify, the two Malaysians as part of a plea deal agreed to testify against Encep Nurjaman, an Indonesian national and fellow inmate at Guantanamo also known as Hambali, who is suspected to have been the main planner of the Bali bombings.
On Thursday, a deputy prosecutor told Braun that defense witnesses had not been able to obtain visas to travel from Malaysia. They said efforts continued to get the proper documentation or take other steps to get their statements on the record.
Funk expressed frustration, noting that the defense teams had worked for months to get clearance for defense witnesses.
One simply cannot get on a plane and fly to Guantanamo, the lawyer said. We continue to be hopeful as well as frustrated.
People pray for the Bali bombing victims during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the twin attacks that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists, including 88 Australians and seven Americans, at the Bali Bombing Memorial Monument in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, Oct. 12, 2022. [Firdia Lisnawati/AP]
On Tuesday, the Malaysians, who have been housed at Guantanamo Bay since 2006, pleaded guilty to murder in the Bali bombings along with four other charges. Those charges are intentionally causing serious bodily injury and destruction of property in Bali, conspiracy and accessory after the fact.
The charges carry maximum sentences of life in prison, but Braun said he expected to ask the sentencing board of military members to impose lighter terms under terms of their plea agreement.
[T]he agreement states that you agree that you and the government will jointly request that I instruct the members, prior to deliberation, that the sentence to confinement must be at least 20 years and may not exceed 25 years, the judge told them during courtroom deliberations on Wednesday.
He also asked if they were aware they could face repatriation or transfer of you to a third-party sovereign state after your guilty plea is entered under this agreement. Under such transfer, you will cooperate with any such nations conditions and procedures.
[D]o you understand that the convening authority has no power to control the location or conditions of your detention or confinement, or otherwise release you from military or civilian detention after taking action in this commission?
Bin Amin and bin Lep pleaded not guilty to a similar murder charge related to the Marriott hotel bombing in Jakarta in 2003, along with attempted murder, terrorism and two charges related to attacking civilians.
Prosecutors on Thursday said those charges would be dropped following completion of the sentencing.
This week's hearing in Guantanamo was broadcast via a video link to reporters covering it from Fort Meade, a U.S. Army base in Maryland just outside Washington, D.C.
A U.S. C-141 aircraft approaches the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba bringing in a second group of Taliban and al-Qaeda prisoners from Afghanistan, Jan. 14, 2002. [Rafael Perez/Reuters file photo]
Previously, only one of the nearly 800 prisoners who have been held at Guantanamo Bay since 2002 has been found guilty at a military trial, according to The New York Times. In July 2023, an appeals court turned down a request by a Yemeni man to have a new military jury reconsider his life sentence following his 2008 conviction.
Today, about 30 detainees remain at the prison.
CIA black site
Arrested in Thailand in 2003, bin Lep and bin Amin, along with Hambali, were sent to CIA black sites where they were tortured, according to a 2014 U.S. Senate report. They have been held at the military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, following their transfer in 2006.
In the cases of the three Southeast Asians, the wheels of justice have moved very slowly. It was only in August 2021 15 years after they were sent to Guantanamo that they finally got their first day in court.
Last year, the cases against the Malaysians were separated from the case against Hambali. James Hodes, a lawyer representing the Indonesian, has said he does not expect his client to be offered a plea agreement.
In this photo reviewed by U.S. military officials, a detainee whose identity could not be revealed is transported by Navy personnel into a building within the grounds of the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, April 5, 2006. [Brennan Linsley/AP, Pool]
Prior to accepting their guilty pleas, Braun on Wednesday asked them if they were aware of Hambalis role in the attack.
Braun got bin Amin to say he was aware of Hambali through reading on the internet and a Time magazine article.
Hambali appeared on the April 1, 2002, cover of the Asian edition of Time magazine, six months before the Bali attack. The cover carried the headline: The Life and Times of Asias Terror Kingpin.
A story headlined Asias Terror Threat, appeared in the Oct. 13, 2003, edition following his Aug. 11, 2003, capture in Thailand.
Charging documents filed against the three state that at the end of 2001, including the periods before, during, and after the October 12, 2002, Bali bombings, bin Lep and bin Amin helped Nurjaman transfer money for operations, and obtain and store items such as fraudulent identification documents, weapons and instructions on how to make bombs.
Those documents state that a suicide bomber walked into Paddys Bar in Bali on Oct. 12, 2002, and detonated a vest while a second suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden van to a location near the Sari Club before detonating the bomb.
A third bomb was remotely detonated near the U.S. Consulate. Seven U.S. citizens were killed in the attacks.
Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te, also known as William Lai (left), celebrates his victory in the islands presidential election with running mate Bi-khim Hsiao in Taipei, Jan. 13, 2024.
Taiwan is a major investor and trading partner with Southeast Asia but most governments in the region only responded guardedly to the victory of a pro-independence candidate in the democratic islands election last weekend, for fear of upsetting China, analysts said.
While the Philippine leader congratulated Taiwans Lai Ching-te who will take office as president in May, having bested two candidates viewed as pro-Beijing, most governments in the region kept their counsel other than Myanmars junta which gave a fulsome statement of support for Chinas sovereignty claim over Taiwan.
Experts such as Don McLain Gill, a lecturer at Manila De La Salle University, said thats because the overriding concern of Southeast Asian nations is to preserve the regions fragile peace.
Additionally, Chinas power and economy also ensure Southeast Asian nations keep a low profile, they said.
[R]egional states will still remain pragmatic in their engagements, with China, Gill told BenarNews after the Taiwan presidential election.
No Southeast Asian state seeks to provoke the security environment given that many are rationally engaging with China based on the objective reality of geography, power asymmetry, and economic dependence, he added.
Beijing has maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory, with Chinese President Xi Jinping saying reunification is inevitable.
Following Lais victory in Taiwan, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office told Beijings state-run news agency, Xinhua, that the DPP cannot represent the mainstream public opinion on the island.
Beijing and Washington compete for influence in Southeast Asia, given the regions proximity to both China and Taiwan.
And member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been performing a tightrope act, trying to maintain friendly relations with both superpower, even though five bloc members have territorial claims or maritime boundaries in the South China Sea that overlap with the sweeping claims of China.
Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo (center) speaks during the 26th ASEAN-China Summit at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Sept. 6, 2023. [Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool via Reuters]
Washington espouses a one China Policy that takes no position on sovereignty over Taiwan. Beijings one China principle holds that the Peoples Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China, and that the island of Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
While acknowledging Beijings position, Washington does not take a stance on its validity.
Of the ASEAN members, military-ruled Myanmar has perhaps shown the most support for China, saying in a statement Monday that Taiwan is an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China.
Myanmar reiterated its unwavering support for China and said it opposed those who supported Taiwans separation and independence and meddling in other countries internal affairs.
Kwei-Bo Huang, at the National Chengchi University College of International Affairs in Taipei, sees no change in Southeast Asian countries policy on China.
Economically collaborating with Taiwan while politically [being cautious of] any closer contact with Taiwan remains to be seen in Southeast Asia, Huang, vice dean and associate professor of diplomacy at the university, told BenarNews.
Lais government could pose a potential threat to the region if it cannot hold a self-restrained and less provocative policy toward Beijing, Huang said.
Higher risks in the Taiwan Strait will affect Southeast Asias trade and economic growth to a certain extent, he added.
Taiwan, he said, can either be a troublemaker or peacemaker in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. government giving moral support to Taiwan is keen to see a more cooperative Taiwan government that can lead to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, Huang said.
Marcos congratulates Taiwans president-elect
Meanwhile, ASEAN member the Philippines created a stir on Tuesday when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. congratulated Taiwan President-elect Lai on X (formerly Twitter), angering China in the process.
On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate President-elect Lai Ching-te on his election as Taiwans next president, Marcos posted on X.
We look forward to close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our peoples in the years ahead, he said.
Lai responded to Marcos on the same platform, saying he looked forward to enhancing our economic and people-to-people ties while championing democracy, peace and prosperity in the region.
After Marcos posted his comment on X, his foreign affairs department swiftly reaffirmed Manilas one China policy.
Chinas foreign ministry also responded that same day, saying Marcos needed to read more to understand the Taiwan issue better.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s message of congratulations on the Taiwan elections is a grave violation of the one-China principle and the communique on the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speak on the sidelines of the APEC meeting in San Francisco, Calif., Nov. 17, 2023. [Courtesy Philippines Presidential Communications Office]
The Chinese government summoned the Philippine ambassador in China over the issue,
Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.
The Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposes this ... This morning, Assistant Minister [of Foreign Affairs] Nong Rong summoned the ambassador of the Philippines to China to give the Chinese side a responsible explanation, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a press briefing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has not commented on the summons.
Philippine opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros criticized Marcos, saying his actions and his administrations policy were inconsistent.
The administration should get its act together. We cannot have the president, the chief architect of foreign policy, say one thing, while the Department of Foreign Affairs says another, Hontiveros said in a statement on Wednesday.
Still, China has no business telling Filipinos what to say, she said.
They have no right to order us in the same way that they have no right to sail within the West Philippine Sea, Hontiveros said, referring to the part of the South China Sea within Manilas exclusive economic zone.
As Ive called for before, we must review this so-called one China Policy, Hontiveros said.
China has done far worse things in our territories compared to a congratulatory message to Taiwan.
Mongkol Tirakot is escorted by a policeman following his arrest during a hunger strike demanding the release of the Peoples Group leaders, in front of the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court in Bangkok, April 14, 2021.
Thailands Court of Appeal sentenced an activist from Chiang Rai on Thursday to an unprecedented 50 years in prison for violating the nations strict law against insulting the monarchy.
The court added 22 years to the original 28-year sentence given by a lower court to defendant Mongkol Tirakot, an activist who works as a clothing merchant, for personal Facebook posts by him that were ruled as defaming royals because they criticized the monarchy and its role in Thai society.
Thailands royal defamation law, better known as lese-majeste, shields the countrys all-powerful monarchy from criticism and is framed under Article 112 of the criminal code.
According to attorneys representing Mongkol from Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), the 50-year sentence is the longest ever imposed for a lese-majeste conviction.
The defendant himself admitted to posting vulgar content on Facebook, including images that damage the royal portrait, caricatures of the royal face, or images showing disrespect, a part of the judgment read.
It is generally understood that the defendant intended to defame, show contempt, and express hatred towards the monarchy, thereby tarnishing its reputation and honor, it said.
TLHRs appeal for bail following the ruling was denied, with the court saying it believed that the 30-year-old Mongkol may flee given the heavy sentence.
His lawyers plan to appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court. In the meantime, Mongkol, known as Bas, will continue to be detained at Chiang Rai Central Prison.
Mongkols activism was part of a broader movement that began in July 2020, which called for the resignation of the former junta chief and then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the amendment of the constitution, and reform of the monarchy. The movement led to hundreds of protests in Bangkok and other provinces over the past three years.
One of the events that Mongkol participated in was an April 2021 hunger strike to demand the release of political prisoners and detainees in lese-majeste cases.
During the strike, he was arrested and charged with lese-majeste and computer crimes for 27 messages he posted on his personal Facebook page. Back then he was granted bail pending trial.
In January 2023, the Chiang Rai Provincial Court found Mongkol guilty of violating Article 112 in 14 of the 27 messages, acquitting him in the remaining 13.
Each message came with two years in prison (reduced from three), and Mongkol was sentenced to a total of 28 years behind bars.
But the prosecution appealed the acquittals on the 13 messages at the Court of Appeal for the Northern Region.
On Thursday, the appeals court found that Mongkol had violated the royal insult law in 11 of those 13 messages as well. This court also allotted two years (reduced from three) per message, which means Mongkol was sentenced for another 22 years.
Combined with the previous 28-year sentence from 14 counts, the total imprisonment is 50 years, the judgment said.
The sentence was excessive, said Thannapat Charoenpanitch, a political scientist at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University.
The court should have considered the impact of the violation to see if it truly caused damage ... Otherwise, the punishment will be as excessive, the associate professor told BenarNews.
These laws need to be reviewed and amended through the proper process. Even though we had hopes with this new civilian government, at this point, we have yet to see any indication that they will revisit or even debate the issues surrounding Article 112, he added.
According to the TLHR, since the protests began in July 2020 until the end of 2023, at least 1,938 people have been prosecuted in connection with the demonstrations across 1,264 cases.
Of these, at least 262 individuals in 287 cases were charged for allegedly insulting the monarchy. And at least 37 individuals are currently detained on various other political charges.
Jon Preechawong in Bangkok contributed to this report.
As the first solo tour since the new formation, "MOTTO MORNING MUSUME." will kick off with a performance at Tokyo's J:COM Hall Hachioji on March 16, and will tour through Osaka, Aichi, Hokkaido, Miyagi, Nagano, Niigata, Fukuoka, Ehime, Hiroshima, Okayama, Gunma, and Tochigi, totaling 31 performances. The Hello! Project official fan club is accepting advance ticket reservations until 17:00 on January 25.
The concert tour schedule for Morning Musume.'24 includes two parts for each day, with different opening and starting times. For example, the Tokyo performances at J:COM Hall Hachioji on March 16 (Saturday) will have the first part opening at 13:00 and starting at 14:00, and the second part opening at 17:00 and starting at 18:00. The tour continues with similar schedules across various prefectures, concluding with performances in Gunma and Tochigi on May 18 and 19, respectively.
On the first day of the tour, is has been revealed that the last single of Mizuki Fukumura will be released, described as a song "that has never been seen in history."
Source: Natalie
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TOKYO, Jan 18 ( News On Japan ) - In an effort to support young people who may require emergency contraception, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to launch a new initiative in the spring of 2024, whereby healthcare professionals, such as nurses, will accompany individuals to medical facilities.
This service is an extension of the existing "Tokyo Youth Health Support," also known as "Wakasapo," which aims to provide consultation on health and sexuality issues for teenagers from middle school age and up. Wakasapo has received numerous inquiries from young people concerned about potential unintended pregnancies. In response to these concerns, the Tokyo government has decided to expand its support for these youths.
Specifically, starting this spring, nurses and other counselors from Wakasapo will accompany those who have consulted with them and are in need of emergency contraception due to contraceptive failure or sexual violence. A representative from the Tokyo government expressed their commitment, stating, "We want to become a safety net for young people, ensuring that no one has to face their worries and anxieties alone."
Source: NHK
Brandon M. Green was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of drugs while in possession of a half-kilogram of cocaine.
Giving birth is a frightening experience: For Black women, its particularly fraught.
A lot of our women of color have been scared, said Laconia Fennell, co-founder of Springfield Family Doulas. They've been scared to go into the facilities, because of the statistics and everything that's floating out there.
Black people are nearly three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the Berkshires, where there are 3,423 Black residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census, Black people who are pregnant and hoping to find culturally competent support during their pregnancy may have a hard time finding help.
After Berkshire Nursing Families identified that there were no Black doulas working in Berkshire County, Health New England made a $50,000 grant to Springfield Family Doulas to help train and support Black people in Berkshire County to become doulas and lactation counselors.
The grant will also pay for prenatal and post-partum visits to Black families giving birth in Berkshire County.
It's hard to tell how many doulas are available in Berkshire County, because certification hasn't been required. Their services haven't typically been covered by insurance, although in Massachusetts that may be changing.
WHAT DOULAS DO
Doulas provide non-medical, emotional, informational, and physical support to individuals and families during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their most critical work, though, may occur during labor, when they make themselves available to support those going through that experience.
Research shows that their support helps improve outcomes, not only for the mother, but also for the child.
Overall, women with continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and shorter labors and less likely to have negative birth experiences, labor pain medication, epidural/spinal analgesia, instrumental vaginal births, cesarean births and low 5-minute Apgar scores, according to an article in the Journal of Perinatal Education published in 2018.
A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
In her first pregnancy, Fennell was committed to natural childbirth without pain medication, but when arriving at the hospital in discomfort, she immediately said yes to an epidural. She had also wanted to breastfeed and use cloth diapers, choices she described as outside of the box, and found herself wondering where the resources were to support her decisions.
I was uncomfortable, she said, recalling her first labor and delivery. Although she was in her final year of nursing school, I didnt realize there were so many [nonpharmaceutical] options.
While her family was with her, there was no Black professional in the room, and she didnt feel confident asking about other options for pain.
In her second pregnancy Fennell reached out to Tanita Council for support.
'Listen to your body,' Council told Fennell during her labor. And those four words made all the difference.
It wasnt until 2019, when she trained as a doula herself, that she realized the breadth of options to help alleviate discomfort, such as laboring in birthing tubs and doing movement during labor. Council and Fennell together founded Springfield Family Doulas in 2020.
A NEED FOR BLACK DOULAS
In 2020 in the United States, the maternal mortality rate among Black women was 55.3 per 100,000 live births, more than twice the rate among white women of 19.1. Mirroring the national ratio, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 2.89 times that for whites.
Black women in Massachusetts also experienced severe maternal morbidity, any of a number of life-threatening complications during labor, at a much higher rate than white women in 2020 in a gap that widened over the previous decade.
Black non-Hispanic women are 1.9 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum compared to white non-Hispanic women, according to the Racial Inequities in Maternal Health Commissions Final Report, published in 2022.
That reports top recommendation was to provide culturally competent and affordable doula support.
In fact, on Dec. 8, MassHealth announced that it will cover doula care and rolled out criteria for certification. The announcement noted that MassHealth covers 40 percent of the births in Massachusetts.
READY TO OFFER SUPPORT
Angelica Gonzalez of North Adams will be one of the four Black doulas trained through the Health New England grant.
Gonzalez, 27, first became interested in offering this kind of support when her sister became pregnant. But the COVID pandemic scotched those plans.
While she has already trained online for the role, she is looking forward to the in-person training she will receive in two, weekend-long sessions.
So one of my main goals, specifically is to be able to support women and families of color and just families that typically wouldn't be able to access this kind of support in Berkshire County and surrounding areas, Gonzalez said. And just try to make a difference as much as I can.
The Health New England grant will provide a full scholarship for her training as well as that of three other people.
With this grant from Health New England, I'll be able to receive that extra training and mentoring to be able to reach the demographic that I really want to be able to serve, Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez was born in Torrington, Conn., graduated from Winsteds Gilbert High School.
Shes done child care as well as caring for adults with mental illness. She tried a medical assistant program, and that wasnt for me.
I find that I feel more fulfilled doing one-on-one physical support to people, she said, adding that she has a passion for children, fueling her interest in this work.
She hopes that, in addition to her knowledge, her lived experience will carry some weight and comfort for the people she encounters as a doula.
FROM A MOTHER TO BE
Fennell said just prior to the interview for this story, she met with a first-time mom.
She asked her why she wanted to have a doula.
'Because I don't want to die. I see what's going on in social media. I see everything that's happened in our statistics, and I want to bring my baby home healthy, the woman told Fennell. So its really serious.
Books, including "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison, have been targeted for banning from school and public libraries. While book banning was a favorite pastime of the Puritans in 17th century Massachusetts, conservative states like Florida are leading the charge nowadays.
BOSTON Amid a historic surge in book challenges in schools and public libraries across the state, some lawmakers are hoping to codify protections to prevent books from being removed from public spaces.
Sen. Julian Cyr of Truro and Rep. John Moran of Boston filed a bill that would prevent book removal "due to personal or political views" in municipal and school libraries, by giving the power to librarians to determine what can be on the shelves.
Book bans have been on the rise around the country in recent years. The most frequently restricted books since 2020 have had to do with racism, sexual content and the LGBTQ+ community, according to the American Library Association.
The ALA reports that Massachusetts had the fourth highest number of attempts to remove books from shelves in 2022, behind Texas, Pennsylvania and Michigan. The association reported 45 attempts to restrict book access in Massachusetts in 2022, and that the most challenged title was "Gender Queer: A Memoir" by Maia Kobabe.
"We're fourth in the nation for book bans, attempts to censor materials, which I think many residents were quite surprised I was surprised by that," Cyr said at a hearing before the Joint Committee on Education Wednesday. "Books and materials are our most compelling windows to the myriad of human experience and they capture the breadth of knowledge. We cannot allow small minded bans or politically opportunistic censorship to interfere with the right to read."
Last month, a plainclothes police officer entered a middle school in Great Barrington after someone made a complaint about "Gender Queer" in an eighth grade classroom, according to the Berkshire Eagle, sparking a debate in western Massachusetts about book bans and the role of police in investigating "obscenity" in books.
Cyr and Moran's bills (H 4229 / S 2528) "relative to free expression" are backed by the ACLU of Massachusetts and other free speech groups as well as the state Board of Library Commissioners and Massachusetts School Library Association. Over a dozen Democrats signed on to the bill, including Education Committee Co-Chair Jason Lewis though it met some resistance at its public hearing on Wednesday.
Moran brought several books to the hearing that he said were targets of book bans, including "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison, "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George Johnson and "Lawn Boy" by Jonathan Evison.
"Obviously, we need to have age-appropriate students reading these books and citizens reading these books. But this bill doesn't prevent that. If you want to individually have your child not read these books, that's fine. But parents don't have the right, or organizations, based on their political beliefs, don't have a right in the state of Massachusetts to prohibit entire populations from reading these books," Moran said.
He added that having diverse books in school libraries helps schools be "a welcoming place for students to learn and explore."
Republican Rep. Kelly Pease of Westfield questioned whether a book like "All Boys Aren't Blue," which discusses sexual consent and abuse as well as LGBTQ+ topics, is appropriate for schools or "a regular library type of atmosphere."
Moran responded that the book might be appropriate for students of a certain age, but the bill would leave those decisions to librarians and educators.
Their bill would give power to school librarians and teachers to determine access to "age-appropriate" materials in school libraries requiring that "school library materials are selected on a school librarian's professional training and not on political or personal views," according to Cyr's office.
To overturn a school librarian's selection determination, the bill would require a review process by the local school committee "based on clear and convincing evidence that the material is devoid of educational, literary, artistic, or social value or is not appropriate for any student in the school."
To prevent the removal of materials based on personal or political beliefs in municipal libraries, the bill would require libraries to incorporate the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights into their selection policies. Libraries would also be required to publicly post their updated selection policies, and the bill seeks to protect municipal librarians from retaliation when selections are made in good faith and in accordance with the library's selection policy.
Currently, there are few protections for school and municipal librarians from retaliation for their selections, and parents and community members complaints' about a book often lead to its removal from the library.
"As an LGBTQ+ guy, I grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania, books were an avenue to understand. If you're feeling something different, they're an avenue and they're sometimes the path that educates you so that you're not doing things like wallowing in your sorrow, or worse," Moran said. "We need to have open discussions about all topics, including race, including gender. And this book is one avenue to do that."
Cyr added that data show LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of suicidal ideation, and that showing them stories similar to their own or examples of LGBTQ+ adults living healthy lives is a way to support them.
Pease replied that "All Boys Aren't Blue" was inappropriate for schools.
"I'm going to tell you that 'All Boys Aren't Blue' is like a pornographic book, and that should not we don't put Penthouse letters in schools," Pease said, referencing a pornographic magazine.
He and Cyr went back and forth several times, interrupting each other.
Cyr, who identifies as gay, argued that there is "hetero-centric" material in school libraries, and every book, not just those involving LGBTQ+ people, should be screened for age-appropriateness.
Committee chairman Lewis cut off the two lawmakers after a few minutes of back-and-forth, asking to move on.
Over the course of the hearing Wednesday, representatives of several civil rights groups came forward to speak.
Personally, I am horrified that today, in 2024, I have to be testifying in front of a state legislative committee in the United States of America in defense of the right of people to read books, said Cindy Rowe, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action. Book bans are tactics designed to control what ideas people can be exposed to, warping our perception of the world around us. Further, book bans are attempts to control our understanding of history in order to whitewash it. Efforts to combat book banning, like this legislation, are how we stand up to authoritarians, white nationalists, and others who would use division as a political tactic to keep us from coming together in a thriving democracy rooted in equity, empathy, and opportunity for all.
Illinois became the first state to outlaw book bans last summer, and New Jersey is also considering legislation to stop libraries and schools from banning books.
The Massachusetts Family Institute testified against the two bills Wednesday and in an email on Thursday wrote, "Under the guise of preventing 'book banning,' radical legislators want to stop local school committees from protecting children from age-inappropriate content at school."
The Healey administration wants to tap new revenue sources and keep spending growth somewhat constrained in a $58.15 billion state budget that officials pitched as putting Massachusetts on a "glide path" toward potentially better financial conditions further down the road.
TOKYO, Jan 18 ( News On Japan ) - Uniqlo has filed a lawsuit against three companies, including the operator of the Chinese fashion e-commerce site SHEIN, in the Tokyo District Court for selling counterfeit shoulder bags.
The company is seeking an injunction to halt sales and approximately 160 million yen in damages. Uniqlo alleges that the shoulder bags sold on SHEIN are imitations of its "Round Mini Shoulder Bag," infringing on the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.
According to Uniqlo, even if the colors and patterns differ, the shape of the bag's body and strap closely resembles their product. The company argues that this significantly undermines the high trust in their brand and product quality, hence demanding a halt to the sales of the said items and seeking approximately 160 million yen in damages.
The company became aware of the SHEIN products in question by September last year and had posted warnings to consumers on its website. This is the first time the company has taken legal action against the sale of counterfeit goods in Japan, and Fast Retailing, which operates Uniqlo, commented, "We will continue to take appropriate measures, including legal action, against any infringement of our group's intellectual property."
SHEIN SHEIN is a fashion brand headquartered in Singapore, founded in China in 2008, and sells clothing outside of China. Unlike other fast fashion brands, SHEIN operates an online retail business without physical stores and, according to the company's website, sells products in over 150 countries worldwide. By utilizing small and medium-sized apparel factories in southern China, such as Guangdong Province, the company sells low-priced goods and has garnered support from young women in foreign markets, including the United States.
SHEIN launched a Japanese website in December 2020 and established a permanent showroom in Harajuku, Tokyo, in November of the previous year. With the proliferation of online shopping and a surge in app downloads worldwide, the company has significantly increased its sales. Foreign media report that from January to September of last year, SHEIN's sales reached $24 billion, or approximately 3.5 trillion yen.
Source: NHK
I am no longer in school, and part of me honestly wants to do a happy dance about that. Its been years since I have been in a classroom. However, I am still a student. It can be tempting in this life to believe that we arrive. Whether it is when we graduate, achieve a certain career goal, get married, have children, become grandparents, or something else. If we are not prayerful and aware, our attitudes can become prideful.
Today, we are going to look at why we should be teachable, no matter what age.
Gods Not Done
I love something my 61-year-old friend Debbie says, If were not dead, then Gods not done. It may sound a bit morbid, yet it is profound. If we are breathing right now, the Lord has a purpose for our lives. He has something that He desires for us to be doing for His kingdom. Just because we might feel done, does not mean that the Lord is done.
Spiritual Growth
No matter what age we have reached, God is not finished growing us. We are imperfect sinners. I have come to realize more the sin in my life the longer I live on this earth. We should always be students of the Word, and we grow when we are willing to learn.
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 4:9, Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
We are warned to be careful, watch ourselves closely not to forget or let the things we learned fade in our hearts. The longer we are in the world, the more common it becomes to be around a sinful culture and become immune to it. We quickly justify shows that we watch because we are over the recommended age. We make excuses for our bad habits because they are not murder or adultery. We forget the joy of child-like faith and pursuit of the Lord.
On the other hand, Deuteronomy 4:9 also says that we are to teach those coming after us. In order to be effective teachers, we need to be faithful students.
Jesus Our Rabbi
John 1:47-49 says, Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit! Nathanael said to Him, How do You know me? Jesus answered and said to him, Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Nathanael answered Him, Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.
The word Rabbi in the Greek is rhabbi meaning, My master, my teacher. A title of respect often applied to Christ.
When we ponder that Nathanael just met Jesus and called him his master and teacher, this is a big deal. Jesus revealed His sovereignty by saying that He saw Nathanael under the fig tree. It is mysterious because we do not know what happened there, but Jesus and Nathanael did. Jesus revealed something that only God could have known, and Nathanael responded in obedience and submission to His leadership.
As disciples of Jesus, we too have come to Christ and said that He is our Master and Teacher. A lot of times we use the term, Lord. Jesus is also our Rabbi. He is the One we have placed ourselves under. We trust in His authority and His teachings. This is why it is a huge deal that we submit and agree to His Holy Bible. He is the author, and every word in the Bible is from God Himself. It is inspired by His Holy Spirit.
It is essential that we seek Christ in prayer, by reading His Word, and spending time in community with other believers to grow spiritually.
Submitting to the Spirit and Being Filled Up Daily
Are we becoming too relaxed in seeking the Holy Spirit daily? I am guilty of this. I get caught up in the mundane tasks and before I fix my eyes on Jesus, I am looking at dishes, emails, or grocery lists. I begin to fill my mind with to-dos, instead of looking at the Person of Jesus.
A prayer for the Spirit to fill me might by something like this, God, I need You today. I need Your help to live for You. Holy Spirit, fill me up again so that I can live by Your strength and not by my sinful nature. Forgive me for the ways that I have already failed and help me to walk in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Open my eyes to Your purposes today. Amen.
This daily act of surrender means that we are teachable. We are humbling ourselves under the Lord and leaning on His Spirit within us. We are not able to achieve anything of eternal significance on our own apart from Him.
Isaiah 64:6 says, All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment; all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.
As we think on the word teachable, we are not trying to obtain an A+ from God. The fact is that we all have earned Fs. Jesus is the only one who has aced life for us. In other words, He passed the test.
We might be well-seasoned believers, but the moment we think that we have it all together and we do not have a need for grace in this season of our lives, then we are living in a dangerous place. When we walk with Jesus, we should be so comfortable and safe to journey with Him because He is trustworthy, yet we should be so in awe that He would welcome us with Him because of His perfection. I would say, the closer we are to Jesus, the more teachable we should become. We realize how great the Rabbi is and it humbles us more not in a shameful way, but in a pure amazement of His holiness.
For the Sake of Generations to Come
If I model that I arrive to my son, then he is going to be extremely disappointed one day when he becomes my age and his life is not perfect. One of the best things that a parent can do is to admit their sin to their children. This humble attitude shows that we are all growing in Christ and He is the only perfect One.
If a 95-year-old woman is still studying the Bible, pressing into Christian community, and learning about how to serve God with her giftings, this would bless everyone around. She would be a light and a role model. She would be admired for her teachable Spirit and pursuit of Jesus.
Are we able to be taught? What holds us back from humility and learning? What are ways that we can implement being students of Jesus in our daily routines?
The word mathetes in the Greek means to be a disciple. This means to be, A learner, disciple, pupil.
We are disciples of Jesus from the moment that we accept Him as our Savior throughout our entire lives. John 12:26 says, Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Photo credit: Getty Images/Halfpoint
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.
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TOKYO, Jan 18 ( News On Japan ) - Tomoko Tamura, a member of the House of Councillors, is set to take the helm as the first female leader of the Communist Party, raising questions whether the appointment could serve as a turning point for the party, which has seen a slump in popularity.
The new Chairwoman of the Japanese Communist Party emphasizes the need for sweeping societal changes and internal party reforms to achieve dramatic gender equality.
Tamura is particularly remembered for her relentless scrutiny of the Abe administration over the "Cherry Blossom Viewing Party." She criticized the event's cancellation by the Prime Minister's personal decision, labeling it an example of privatization. The event, known for offering free participation, barrel sake, other alcohols, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, and souvenirs, could potentially violate the Public Offices Election Law if funded personally by politicians.
A key expectation for Chairwoman Tamura is to increase party membership. The Communist Party faces challenges such as a decline in proportional representation votes and a reduction in the circulation of its newspaper, the "Shinbun Akahata." Additionally, the aging of its members has been cited as a cause of the party's declining fortunes. The previous chairman, Mr. Kazuo Shii, who served for 23 years and is now 69, faced calls for generational change within the party. Tamura, at 58, represents this new generation.
Tamura, a member of the House of Councillors for the Japanese Communist Party, expresses her commitment to ending the political dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party and spearheading a significant political advance for her own party.
Source: ANNnewsCH
To establish up to six new hospitals in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement for Rs 150 crore in debt financing through the subscription of nonconvertible debentures for New Delhi-based Cygnus Medicare to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare in northern India.
The financing will support Cygnus plans to establish up to six new hospitals in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and strengthen and upgrade its existing hospitals by adding specialty departments and adding new beds.
The expansion will increase its bed capacity from 1,622 to 2,560 by 2026. The additional hospitals will support the Government of Indias national social health insurance programme, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Cygnus has supported the AB-PMJAY since the government launched it in 2018. The programme aims to reduce out-of-pocket costs and increase social protection for poor and vulnerable households while leveraging the private health care sector. ADB will also help Cygnus expand its gender impact by increasing the number of women outpatient visits as well as the number of supervised childbirths.
The financing will also facilitate Cygnus to install rooftop solar power generation systems at Cygnus hospitals which are expected to generate up to 1,213 megawatt-hours of clean, renewable energy and reduce around 1,231 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by 2028, while also reducing hospital operational costs.
Several global CEOs will be attending BioAsia for the first time
The 21st edition of BioAsia 2024, which is fast gearing up to be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), in Madhapur, Hyderabad, is expected to witness lead industry experts from the Life Sciences, Healthcare, Biotech, and Pharma sectors to delve on the challenges and opportunities offered by new age technologies including Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
According to organisers, the three-day forum is expected to delve into various themes including Transformative Innovation R&D, Patent Paradox: India's Bid for Global R&D Dominance & IP Dilemmas, Leading the Health-tech Revolution - The Next Normal, India at the Frontier of Pharma Services, MedTech is the place to be, etc.
It is understood from the organisers that this years event is expected to witness more than 3000 delegates participating from over 50 countries across the globe.
Organised by the Government of Telangana, the marquee healthcare and Life Sciences event is all set for the grand unveiling on February 26th, 2024 and the extravagant industrial event is expected to draw crowds both nationally and internationally for the next two days on February 27 and 28th.
As part of the preparations for the event, Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Industries & Commerce conducted a comprehensive review meeting with the concerned authorities and gave directions to make sure that the global event is held successfully highlighting the investment and business opportunities in the areas of Healthcare, Pharma, Biotech and Life sciences sector in Telangana.
"BioAsia has emerged as a critical instrument for the development of the Indian and global life science and allied industries over the last two decades. We are thrilled to announce that several global CEOs will be attending BioAsia for the first time, underlining the event's rising prominence on the international stage. My team and I are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that BioAsia 2024 is grand and impactful," observed the Telangana Industry and Commence Minister.
As a Global Flagship event of the Government of Telangana, BioAsia has emerged as a pivotal player in steering the life-sciences development journey in India, playing a crucial role in redirecting focus toward the advancements and challenges within the industry, observed Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and commence government of Telangana. "Over the past 20 editions, BioAsia has played an unmatched role in sparking the renewed emphasis on the life-sciences industry, rekindling attention from regulation, corporate, startups, and allied sectors alike, added Jayesh Ranjan, the Industry Principal secretary.
This years event is expected to present itself distinctly by featuring not just prominent government dignitaries, industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other delegates, but the organizers are also roping in more than 70 influential speakers, including global CEOs and industry leaders representing lead international life sciences and pharmaceutical companies.
Some of them include David Ricks (CEO, Eli Lilly and Company), Dr Christopher Boerner (Incoming CEO, Bristol Myers Squibb), Geoff Martha (Chairman and CEO, Medtronic), Prof. Gregg Semenza (Nobel Laureate & Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine), among others. The event will also feature President and CEO, Olympus Stefan Kaufmann; CEO of Providence Dr Rod Hochman, M.D., Global Operating Partner of Advent International Stefan Stoffel, among others.
David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Company is expected to deliver a Keynote address for the event. With expectations soaring high with an extraordinary line-up of speakers, BioAsia 2024 is projected to attract over 3000 participants, offering a dynamic platform for networking and collaboration. Further, the event will have an exhibition this year with more than 200 companies participating to showcase some of the most innovative, advancements and cutting-edge products.
As the city of Hyderabad welcomes numerous globally influential leaders, the event is all set to provide a fertile ground for knowledge exchange and innovation in the life sciences and biotechnology sector. BioAsia 2024 will also offer a worldwide platform for promising startups in the pharmaceutical, biotech, life sciences, health-tech, and med-tech sectors to showcase their inventive concepts, opined Industry experts.
The 21st edition of BioAsia 2024 is certainly going to be a milestone event, as the presence of global leaders marks the vision to bridge the gaps in the healthcare industry and foster innovation in these critical sectors noted Shakthi Nagappan, Director of Life Sciences, Govt. of Telangana and CEO of BioAsia.
Chinese premier says China, Ireland should regard each other as key cooperative partners
Xinhua) 08:10, January 18, 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house, in Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
DUBLIN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Ireland should adhere to mutual benefit, and always regard each other as key cooperative partners and development opportunities, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Wednesday.
Li made the remarks when meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house, in the Irish capital of Dublin.
During their talks, Li said China and Ireland have maintained healthy and stable development of their ties since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 45 years ago.
In recent years, particularly, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Michael D. Higgins, the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation has increasingly deepened, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have continuously expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, Li said.
China is ready to work with Ireland to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and share development opportunities more fully, in a bid to bring more benefits to the two countries and the two peoples, Li noted.
Li expressed China's willingness to work with the Irish side to adhere to mutual respect and trust, strive to seek common ground while shelving and resolving differences, deepen mutual understanding, and support each other on major issues.
China and Ireland should continuously expand trade, strengthen cooperation in green and low-carbon development, sustainable agriculture, finance and other fields, and expand innovation cooperation in digital economy, biomedicine and artificial intelligence, making the pie of cooperation bigger, he said.
China will apply unilateral visa-free policy to Ireland to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, Li said, voicing the expectation that Ireland will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.
China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Ireland within the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism, jointly tackle global challenges and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.
It is hoped that Ireland will play a greater role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-Europe relations, said Li.
For his part, Varadkar said that China is an important cooperative partner of Ireland, and the two countries have always adhered to mutual respect and trust.
Ireland appreciates China's great achievements in economic and social development, always abides by the one-China principle, and hopes that China will achieve peaceful reunification at an early date, he added.
Ireland stands ready to expand two-way investment with China, strengthen bilateral cooperation in such fields as agriculture, food, innovation, and green development, and deepen people-to-people exchanges in education and culture, Varadkar continued.
The Irish side is willing to actively consider providing more convenience for Chinese citizens to visit Ireland, and welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Ireland, he noted, adding that Ireland supports further deepening Europe-China cooperation.
Prior to the talks, Li attended a grand welcome ceremony held by Varadkar and reviewed the Irish Guard of Honor.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House, the official Irish state guest house, in Dublin, Ireland, Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Chinese, Togolese FMs pledge to strengthen strategic cooperation
Xinhua) 11:06, January 18, 2024
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, shakes hands with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey during their meeting in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
LOME, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey on Wednesday pledged to enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries in their joint effort toward modernization.
Dussey said that he once again welcomed Wang's visit, emphasizing its special significance. Togo highly appreciates China's tradition of adhering to the annual first visit of foreign ministers to Africa over the decades, he noted.
The Togolese foreign minister reiterated that Togo would always stand firmly on China's side, adhere to the one-China principle, and support China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Togo-China friendship has a long history, and practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, Dussey said. He expressed gratitude to China for its long-term strong support for Togo's economic and social development, saying that Togo would follow the guidance of President Faure Gnassingbe and President Xi Jinping to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with China and further deepen practical cooperation in various fields.
Facing the complex and severe challenges on the African continent and in the sub-region, Togo looks forward to strengthening strategic cooperation with China to jointly safeguard peace and stability, Dussey added.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Dussey expressed firm support for the one-China principle at the airport last night, which fully demonstrated the friendly sentiments of the Togolese government and people toward China and the genuine partnership of mutual support between China and Togo.
Over the years, China and Togo have set an example by treating each other on an equal footing and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation, and this relationship has also become a symbol of China-Africa solidarity and friendship, Wang said.
Under the guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have maintained a steady momentum of development, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he added.
China is willing to expand all-round cooperation with Togo, implement joint projects effectively, and assist Togo in advancing its development, aiming to jointly strive for modernization, Wang said.
Wang said that China appreciates Togo's adherence to Pan-Africanism and its active mediation of sub-regional hotspot issues, and China supports Togo in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.
Wang expressed China's wish for Togo to successfully hold a Pan-African Congress.
Africa is a continent full of hope and represents an independent pole in a multi-polar world, Wang said. He stressed that China supports African countries in upholding independence, seeking strength through unity, and holding Africa's destiny in their own hands.
In the historical process of seeking development and revitalization, Togo and other African countries can always rely on China as a long-term strategic partner, Wang said. He affirmed that China fully supports Africa in exploring the African path to modernization and in jointly creating an even brighter future for China-Africa cooperation.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
CBS News, January 10, 2024
Afghanistan's Taliban rulers have rounded up dozens of women in an apparent crackdown on perceived violations of the group's strict dress code. Dozens of women and girls were detained briefly last week in Kabul, a senior Taliban spokesperson told CBS News on Monday, confirming what appeared to be a new tactic in the group's efforts to curb women's rights.
The arrests by the Taliban's morality police occurred over several days and first came to light via videos and photos posted on social media. The Taliban confirmed the arrests after photos and video clips showed women being loaded onto the back of police pickup trucks in the capital city.
A spokesperson for the Taliban's Vice and Virtue Ministry, which enforces its harsh interpretation of Islam on both men and women, told CBS News the women were all either released on bail after several hours, or turned over to judicial authorities for further investigation. It was not clear how many people remained in custody after the mass arrests.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban regime's chief spokesperson, confirmed the arrests to CBS News on Monday, saying "a group of women who were involved in modeling to promote clothes were detained, advised in front of their family members, and released within hours. No woman was subject to imprisonment during this process."
In an interview with Afghan outlet TOLO News, which was later removed from the social media platform X, Mujahid, without providing evidence, said the women had received instruction from outside the country to promote violations of the group's rules requiring women and girls to wear the hijab, or headscarf, to cover their hair.
In a video published by the Afghanistan International news outlet, a young girl is seen in tears speaking about the Taliban detaining her sister as they both returned from their religious school in Kabul.
"The Taliban took my sister. We wore hijab and were holding the Quran in our hands. How do I explain this to my father?" the girl can be heard saying in the video, which was not independently verified by CBS News.
There were more arrests reported Monday. CBS News spoke with a sibling of a young woman whom they said was detained Monday morning and remained in Taliban custody late on Tuesday.
The person said that after several hours of searching, the family found the woman at a local police station late Tuesday evening, where Taliban officials demanded money, along with her passport and other documentation, as a penalty and "to guarantee that she will not violate the dress code in the future."
The family member said the authorities told the family they would "take her biometrics and photos, and if she violates the dress code in the future, she will be imprisoned for a longer period."
On Wednesday, the family told CBS News they paid the equivalent of about $2,200, which they had to borrow from relatives and friends, to secure the woman's release. They sent CBS News photos showing bruises they said the woman sustained when she was beaten by authorities in custody.
In addition, they said Taliban officials made them hand over their home ownership documents and that the woman's father and brother had to sign "a document stating that she would not go out without a male chaperon and hijab."
The family said they were warned that if the woman was found violating the dress code again, "she will be imprisoned without legal representation and according to Islamic law."
The United Nations special envoy for Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, called for the immediate release of all the women who were detained.
"Recent arrests of women in Kabul Afghanistan for 'bad hijab', confirmed by the Taliban, regrettably signified further restrictions on women's freedom of expression and undermines other rights," Bennett said in a social media post. "They should all be released immediately and without conditions."
Recent arrests of women in Kabul #Afghanistan for "bad hijab", confirmed by #Taliban, regrettably signifies further restrictions on women's freedom of expression and undermines other rights. They should all be released immediately and without conditions.
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett (@SR_Afghanistan) January 5, 2024
Amid the criticism and media coverage, the Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue issued a statement on suggesting the women and girls had been picked up for begging on Kabul's streets and noting that they would be released after their biometrics were taken, though no supporting evidence was provided to back the new explanation for the detentions.
Since retaking control of Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal in August 2021, the Taliban has reintroduced many draconian rules limiting the public lives of women and girls in the country.
Girls are not permitted to attend school after the age of 12 and women are barred from universities. They're also banned from visiting parks, participating in sports, working in many sectors including for international non-profit organizations forbidden from running beauty salons or visiting public baths, and even from traveling outside their homes without a male chaperon.
"They have expedited their war against women," Fawzia Koofi, a former female member of Afghanistan's parliament, said in a social media post in reaction to the recent arrests. "On a daily basis, their morality police arrests tens of women from the streets of Kabul. To the Taliban, every woman in Afghanistan is guilty to be proven innocent."
Torek Farhadi, a veteran political analyst on the region, told CBS News the Taliban's rigid enforcement of its rules set Afghanistan apart from even other conservative Islamic ruled nations.
"The Taliban's interpretation of Islamic sharia [law] is again off the mark from what is in practice in other Islamic countries, just as is their decision on girls' education, barring them from going to school," he said, adding: "Now that they have the guns, they can impose their views on society."
When the Taliban first ruled over Afghanistan between 1994 and the 2001 U.S.-led military invasion, the group routinely arrested men and boys for shaving or trimming their beards, or for wearing jeans or other Western garments, and jailed them for days.
Analysts including Farhadi told CBS News that the Taliban's direct law enforcement intervention against women for alleged dress code violations, rather than punishing male relatives or guardians, appeared to be a new tactic and an escalation of the crackdown on women's rights.
The Washington Post, January 15, 2024
Stephanie Sinclair,
a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, is the founder and president of Too Young To Wed.
Their names are Khoshbakht, Saliha, Fawzia, Benazir, Farzana and Nazia Afghan girls ages 6 to 10 who have been sold into marriage. Desperation forced their parents to thrust them into brutal adulthood. In Shahrak-e-Sabz, a settlement of makeshift mud-brick homes and tents for the displaced in Herat province that we visited last month, our researchers counted 118 girls who had been sold as child brides, and 116 families with girls waiting for buyers. This amounts to 40 percent of families surveyed, even though the Taliban decreed in late 2021 that women should not be considered property and must consent to marriage.
Conditions in the settlement are hellish. Shahrak-e-Sabz is set in a vast desert with no shade trees in sight; scant protection from sandstorms and harsh weather; no running water, electricity, heat or work; and only a trickle of aid from the outside world. Most families living here left behind decent lives to escape climate change and conflict. They subsist on stale bread and black tea; many are close to starving.
Across Afghanistan, child marriages have skyrocketed, and not only because of economic collapse. Families once hoped that their daughters, when educated, might find good work and contribute to the family income. Today, under the Talibans ever-increasing restrictions, school is prohibited for girls after the sixth grade, and work options for women are few. Sequestered at home, a girl becomes just another mouth to feed. But as a bride, shes a valuable commodity. A $2,000 bride price is enough to feed a family for a year. For the girls, of course, this is a nightmare. In their new in-laws homes, they are saddled with housework and often subject to verbal, physical and sexual abuse slavery under the guise of matrimony. Its no wonder suicide and depression are rising among Afghan teenage girls.
To address the root causes of the child-bride phenomenon, my organization, Too Young to Wed, works to alleviate the hunger that stalks almost 90 percent of Afghans today. We provide parents with livelihood training so they can support their families rather than choose between starving or selling their children. In some cases, sensitive social workers can work with local authorities to annul marriages. Meanwhile, it is essential to educate community elders about the detrimental effects of child marriage, its harm to girls physical and emotional well-being and to the broader societal fabric. Girls under age 15 are five times more likely than women to die in childbirth, and their babies are often born premature.
In the midst of our fieldwork in Afghanistan, we worked with photographers to document the lives of several families who have faced the prospect of child marriage. Here are six of their stories.
Khoshbakht, 10
Khoshbakht is one of five children living with their mother, Nazdana. Their father died a year ago, and Nazdana now works as a tailor by day and does embroidery at night. Her two daughters gather meager money by begging. Since the familys house was destroyed in an October earthquake, they have been living in a tent. In two months, Khoshbakht is to join the family to which she was sold two years ago for 150,000 Afghanis (about $2,100). I want to be with my mother, she said. She also wants to stay in school with her friends. Nazdana has been offered money for her 8-year-old daughter, Razia, too. In the future, she fears, I wont have a choice.
Saliha, 10
Saliha was sold into marriage at age 7. I sold my daughter due to poverty and hunger to save the life of the others, said her father, Mohammad Khan. I feel guilty but I had no other choice. Too Young to Wed worked with the families and faith leaders to annul the marriage. Saliha, now 10 and enrolled in school, looks at her homework with her father, who is delighted by her education. When we go in the city, he said, my daughter tells me: here, it is written clinic. Here it is written this name or that name. Me? I cant read these things. I will not marry my daughter before she finishes her studies. Its too important.
Fawzia, 6
Fawzia, standing here with Ghulam Hazrat, 8; Amina, 5; and her mother, Shirin Gul, loves playing with her rabbit and wants to go to school like other girls. But Shirin Gul says she will have to sell Fawzia into marriage. The family has too little money, and she sees no other option. Three of her eight children are disabled, and she earns just 25 Afghanis (about 36 cents) a day spinning wool.
Benazir, 10
Benazir, seen here making bread, was sold into marriage at age 7, when her father, Murad Khan, found he could no longer feed his eight children. Too Young to Wed negotiated with the families and faith leaders to annul the marriage, and helped Khan with the start-up capital needed to open a shop and become self-sufficient. Benazir is now enrolled in robotics school, and one of her sisters, Khomari, has completed Too Young to Weds sewing program. Khan says, Even if someone put a knife on my neck, I wont marry off my daughter.
Farzana, 9
Farzanas mother, Mariam, has seven children, ranging in age from 1 to 15. Farzana is at the top of this photo, with her mother and four of her siblings: Halima, 13; Fatima, 2; Gul Ahmad, 5; and Yunus, 7. After Mariams husband died in a car accident last year, she had to borrow money to survive. As her debts increased, she was forced to sell Farzana for 300,000 Afghanis (about $4,300). The buyer insists hes entitled to take Farzana now because theres no man in Mariams house, but Mariam is fighting through the legal system to keep Farzana until she turns 18.
Nazia, 9
Nazia was sold one year ago instead of her 12-year-old sister Pashtana, who insisted on staying in school. Their mother, Nazgul, and her husband have struggled to feed their six children and decided they had no other choice but to sell one of their daughters to a relatives family for 200,000 Afghanis (about $2,800). At the time, Nazia had no idea what marriage would mean, so she didnt protest. Now she knows, and the boys family wants to take her already. Nazia said she wants to play and be with her family. I like school. I like learning the alphabet. The whole class is friends with me. Nazgul regrets her decision but said, We didnt have anything, not even a mattress. I was forced to sell my daughter. She is trying to persuade the boys family to let Nazia stay home for three more years.
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Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to director Christopher Nolan after the film was nominated for 13 Baftas.
The Irish star, who plays J Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist described as the father of the atomic bomb, in the epic biopic, is nominated for the leading actor prize.
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His co-stars Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr are also nominated in supporting categories, while Nolan is nominated for his directing and his screenplay.
Murphy said: I couldnt be happier that the British Academy recognised so many of my collaborators on Oppenheimer, especially Chris Nolan.
Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy. Photo: Ian West/PA.
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Working on the film was an experience Ill never forget.
Rosamund Pike said it is bliss bliss bliss to be nominated for the best supporting actress for Saltburn.
The British actress plays the mother of a wealthy Oxford student who invites a less privileged friend back to his family estate for the summer in the film, which has become a viral sensation.
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She said: Its something uniquely special to be nominated for a Bafta.
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It happened once before. I thought realistically it might never happen again.
Rosamund Pike. Photo: Lauren Hurley/PA.
I am proud to be nominated in this group of varied and powerful supporting actresses.
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And overjoyed that Jacob and Barry and our mad special film got recognition. Bliss Bliss Bliss.
Gothic fairytale Poor Things is nominated for 11 Baftas, including a nod for star Emma Stone, who is also a producer.
A statement from Stone, director Yorgos Lanthimos and their fellow producers Ed Lowe and Andrew Guiney, said: We are delighted with this recognition from Bafta for our amazing cast and creative team on Poor Things based on Alasdair Grays iconic novel.
Its particularly gratifying that Bafta has recognised the work of our many talented UK-based heads of department across cinematography, costume design, makeup and hair, original score, production design and special visual effects.
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Emma Stone. Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA.
We are also very grateful to our financiers, Film4 who helped us develop the film, Searchlight Pictures who have put it out into the world so brilliantly and to the team at Element who have contributed so much at every step of the way.
DaVine Joy Randolph said her best supporting actress Bafta nomination for The Holdovers is mind-blowing.
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She said: I am completely overjoyed to be in London today when the nominations were announced.
DaVine Joy Randolph. Photo: Ian West/PA.
My career started in London on the West End and to have the opportunity to come back as a Bafta-nominated actress is truly dreamlike.
To be included in this category with these formidable powerhouses is mind-blowing.
Danielle Brooks is nominated in the same category for The Color Purple, a new musical film version of Alice Walkers 1982 novel.
She said: Thank you Bafta for this incredible honour. I feel so humbled to be recognised in this way.
I have always felt the story of Sofia and The Color Purple is a truly universal one one of empowerment, resilience, connection and healing.
Danielle Brooks. Photo: Ian West/PA.
All of us in this world have gone on the journey of finding the strength to stand up for ourselves with pride and self-love.
That is what I hope continues to resonate with everyone when they see this film, and I am grateful The Color Purple has not only personally impacted me in such a manner, but has also brought me to this amazing moment.
Colman Domingo. Photo: Ian West/PA.
Colman Domingo, who is nominated opposite Murphy for the best actor prize for Rustin, about the man who helped Martin Luther King Jr and others organise the 1963 March on Washington, said: What tremendous company to be in.
Thank you Bafta from the bottom of my heart.
What an incredible honour to be nominated for my work that highlights one of the greatest champions for civil rights, Mr Bayard Rustin.
American model Emily Ratajkowski has said she is proud that her face still moves after having Botox.
The 32-year-old, who shot to fame when she appeared in the 2013 music video for Blurred Lines, discussed body image and said she is not scared to use whats out there.
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Speaking to Glamour UK for its January digital issue, she said: I get Botox, but I like my face to move though *wiggles eyebrows and scrunches nose*.
See? My face still moves, which I am quite proud of, but Im not scared to use whats out there.
The model, actress and author also spoke about how her relationship with her body has changed since she gave birth to her son Sylvester Apollo Bear in 2021.
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It changed the surface-level relationship I had with my image and my body, where it was just this thing to be looked at and it was either doing a good job or a bad job in that regard, she said.
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Now I see it as this amazing vessel that actually knows a lot more than me in some ways.
Ratajkowski said she has noticed a shift in the type of sexism she has received, since she became a mother.
Its the classic thing that once a woman becomes a mother, that should be her identity solely, if shes a good mother, she explained.
Im an example of that. So, I feel like theres this sort of confusion: if its not just blatant sexism of (on the one hand) She shouldnt be doing that, shes a mother, which is obvious.
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Theres almost (on the other hand) this, I cant believe shes a mum! which is also equally not great.
And I experience that in real life sometimes, even where people are like, Thats your son?
Its obviously really flattering. Im like, Oh, yes, Im a child myself.
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Or if somebody doesnt know that I have a child and then I talk about it (theyll say), Oh, what are you doing here? And Im like, Well, its eight oclock, so he went to bed an hour ago and I have a sitter.
The London-born model, who has starred in films including Gone Girl and I Feel Pretty, explored the topic of body image in her debut book My Body, a series of essays that explore themes to do with ownership, feminism and sexism.
Speaking about her relationship with feminism now, Ratajkowski said: I (now) dont agree with choice feminism.
Emily Ratajkowski at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit Gala 2019. Photo: Jennifer Graylock/PA.
When I was in my early twenties thats something I talked about, but thats also what I correct in the book.
God, I was saying that because I wanted to protect myself and believe something, because the alternative was too terrifying and too depressing.
And even the story I told myself or talked about with Blurred Lines, this kind of Well, it was fun and it was empowering, there were moments like that, yes. But there were moments on set that were so clear about who was in power.
When the music video to Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams song was released it received a backlash for its representation of consent and use of female nudity.
In 2021 Thicke, 46, said in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 that people should take it with a grain of salt.
Read the full interview with Ratajkowski in the Glamour UK January digital issue online now.
Pierce Brosnan has pleaded not guilty to two charges he walked out of bounds in a restricted area of Yellowstone National Park in the US.
The former James Bond star (70) allegedly hiked in an off-limits area near Mammoth Hot Springs on November 1st, which would violate several closures in the northern part of Yellowstone near the Wyoming-Montana border.
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On January 4th, Brosnans lawyer Karl Knuchel filed court documents to the US District Court of Wyoming issuing not guilty pleas to two charges made against the Irish actor.
Pierce Brosnan plead not guilty to two charges against him (Yui Mok/PA)
Mr Knuchel also requested a cancellation of the scheduled hearing on January 23rd to be replaced with a status conference, which was approved by the US magistrate judge, with US outlets reporting it had been rescheduled for February 20.
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Mammoth Hot Springs is a scenic tourist spot with hot springs alongside travertine terraces, while going out of bounds can prove dangerous with water at or near boiling point.
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Brosnan played Bond on the big screen four times from 1995 to 2002, before Daniel Craig took over the role.
He also starred in the 1980s TV series Remington Steele and is known for starring roles in the films Mrs Doubtfire, The Thomas Crown Affair and Mamma Mia!.
A 32-year-old man who was rushed to hospital following a bottle attack in Cork died of a brain injury, coupled with alcohol and drug intoxication and sharp force injury, an inquest has heard.
An inquest into the death of Jason Butler, who was originally from Castleredmond, Midleton, Co Cork, has been adjourned as criminal proceedings are ongoing.
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Mr Butler was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings.
He died at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on June 16th, 2023, having been the victim of an attack two days earlier.
On Thursday, Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told Cork Coroners Court that a post-mortem examination had indicated that the cause of death was a hypoxic ischemic brain injury, coupled with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck.
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Garda Paul Delaney, of Anglesea Street Garda station, gave evidence as to identifying Mr Butler's body to a doctor on June 22nd at CUH's morgue.
Sergeant Fergus Twomey told Coroner Philip Comyn a man is before the courts in relation to Mr Butler's death.
Last month, Aaron Babbington (30), of Churchfield Avenue, Cork, appeared before Cork District Court charged with Mr Butler's murder on Grand Parade in Cork on June 14th, 2023.
The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Updated: 6.05pm
A man has been killed in a suspected explosion at a homeless accommodation centre in Dublin city centre.
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The alarm was raised at 3.15pm following the incident at the residential premises operated by homeless charity Depaul on Little Britain Street on the northside of the city.
The Irish Times reports a man was killed in the explosion.
Dublin Fire Brigade said five fire engines attended the scene, in addition to gardai and personnel from both ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland.
Shortly after 4.15pm, the scene was handed over from Dublin Fire Brigade to the Gardai.
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Traffic restrictions have been put in place between Green Street and Capel Street and a cordon has been set up around the premises.
In a statement, Depaul said the incident was "confined to one room".
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Service users have been evacuated, and the charity said it is working with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and NGO partners to source beds for all service users for the night.
Depaul said it was working with the Dublin Regional Homelessness Executive (DRHE) and was looking for alternative places for the residents.
It is understood that former residents were picked up by taxis at a nearby location and taken to new accommodation.
It said in a statement: Depaul can confirm that there was an incident this afternoon in our Little Britain Street service.
It was a localised incident confined to one room. All service users will be evacuated from the building tonight and alternative placements will be found.
Depaul are working with the DRHE and our NGO partners to ensure no person will be left without accommodation this evening.
Gardai said no further information is available at the time, but added that updates will be issued in due course.
More to follow...
Additional and more serious charges have been brought against three teenagers accused of attacking US tourist Stephen Termini in Dublin.
Mr Termini (57) was seriously injured during an incident on the corner of Store Street and Talbot Street in the north inner city on July 9th last year.
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Three boys, aged 14, 15 and 16, who cannot be named because they are minors, were initially charged during the summer with assault causing harm to Mr Termini, who is from Buffalo, New York. He was hospitalised for several weeks following the incident.
The teenagers were granted bail at Dublin Children's Court in July, with Judge Paul Kelly imposing various conditions.
On Thursday, the boys, who were accompanied to court by family members, were further charged with violent disorder and "causing serious harm" to Mr Termini.
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Judge Kelly noted the Director of Public Prosecutions had recommended trial on indictment, meaning the case should go to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.
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The offences are under Section 15 of the Public Order Act and section four of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Due to their ages, they can plead for the case to remain in the Children's Court, which can consider a juvenile's level of maturity and other relevant factors in a jurisdiction hearing.
The three accused made no reply to the charges and have yet to indicate a plea.
Judge Kelly ordered the disclosure of prosecution evidence to their lawyers and adjourned the case until a date in March when they will face a preliminary hearing in the Children's Court to determine their trial venue.
The three boys remain on bail with strict conditions. The terms include a curfew, being contactable 24 hours a day by phone, and not associating or communicating with each other.
They have also been ordered to stay away from Talbot Street, Railway Street and James Joyce Street in north inner-city Dublin.
Gardai are appealing again for anyone with information over the theft and destruction of a prominent detailed statue dedicated to teachers in a Co Waterford village.
The statue dedicated to primary school teachers in the picturesque sea-side village of Stradbally was damaged and stolen sometime between Monday, January 8th and Thursday, January 11th last.
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Four of the five statues were removed from the site, one of a young boy which was badly damaged.
The much-loved statue was a prominent feature on an approach road to the village, which is situated along Waterfords copper coast.
The piece that had been located on Flower Hill had become a popular focal point in Stradbally and has been praised by Tidy Towns judges.
The statue was commissioned by the owner of the Woodhouse Estate, Jim Thompson, as a tribute to the village's teachers and musicians.
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In a statement from Garda headquarters said they are investigating a theft that occurred at a premises in Stradbally, Co Waterford sometime between the 8th and 11th January.
Garda investigations are ongoing and are appealing once again for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesperson for Woodhouse Estate explained that they are very upset that the beautiful statue has been stolen.
This statue was commissioned by Jim Thompson, owner of Woodhouse Estate, to pay tribute to the teachers and musicians of the village and surrounding area, and it was a focal point on flower hill.
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"We cannot express how disappointed we are that someone would steal this beautiful piece of art," the spokesperson said.
This has been reported to the Gardai and if anybody saw anything suspicious recently and particularly on the night of 10th January we would really appreciate it if you could get in touch.
Anyone who may have information should contact Tramore Gardai on 051 391620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
The original Woodhouse Estate house was built in the early part of the 17th century by the Fitzgerald family (a branch of the MacThomas Geraldines of the Decies).
While in the ownership of the Uniacke family, it was passed by inheritance to the Beresford family and subsequently sold by Lord William Beresford in ca 1970.
The House has since been extended over the years to become a six-bay window residence with bright and spacious rooms overlooking this private estate with the River Tay flowing through it.
A man has been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Kevin Conway.
The 37-year-old has been taken into custody for questioning about the killing in west Belfast last week.
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Detectives investigating the murder of Kevin Conway in west Belfast on January 9th, have tonight made an arrest. pic.twitter.com/4SsulWvD94 Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 17, 2024
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Mr Conway (26) died after being shot multiple times at his home in the Greenan area of west Belfast last Tuesday.
The victim had been on bail awaiting trial for the murder of Shane Whitla in Co Armagh last year.
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On Wednesday evening, police said in a statement: Detectives investigating the murder of Kevin Conway in west Belfast on January 9th, have arrested a 37-year-old man.
He has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where he remains in custody for further questioning.
A man has appeared in court charged with violent disorder as part of the investigation into two deaths after a shooting at a Dublin restaurant on Christmas Eve.
Two murder investigations are under way after the incident at Brownes Steakhouse in Blanchardstown at about 8pm on December 24th.
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Gunmen entered the restaurant and fired a number of shots, injuring Jason Hennessy Snr.
He was treated in hospital but died on January 4th.
Garda officers at the scene in Blanchardstown (Niall Carson/PA)
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Tristan Sherry, a suspected gunman in the attack, died at the scene.
On Thursday Jonas Kabangu (18), whose address cannot be published because of security concerns, appeared at Blanchardstown District Court charged with violent disorder.
Garda Aine Doherty from Blanchardstown Garda Station told the court that he had been arrested and charged on Wednesday, and had made no reply under caution.
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Mr Kabangu did not speak during the proceedings.
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Garda officers at the scene in Blanchardstown (Niall Carson/PA)
Gardai did not object to bail but requested a number of restrictions.
Judge David McHugh ordered that Mr Kabangu be remanded on his own bond of 100, sign on every Monday and Friday at a venue provided to the court, provide gardai with a phone number within 24 hours, and abide by a curfew between 11pm and 6am.
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Judge McHugh also said Mr Kabangu was to live at a specific address which cannot be published for safety and security reasons, and to stay away from another specific address.
A forensic investigator at the scene in Blanchardstown (Niall Carson/PA)
He was further ordered not to have contact with nine specific individuals, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
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His solicitor, Tertius Van Eeden, said Mr Kabangu had no income and was not claiming social welfare.
Legal aid was granted and Simon Fleming was assigned to the case.
Mr Kabangu was released on bail.
A woman who was violently assaulted by her then-partner in her home has told the court she sometimes wishes he had killed her that night as he has destroyed her home and life.
In her victim impact statement, the woman said she remains terrified of the man and has to keep reminding myself that he can't hurt, control or manipulate me.
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The Dublin man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm, making threats to kill or cause serious harm and breach of a protection order on August 19th, 2022.
The court heard on Thursday that the man and the victim were in a relationship at the time and he would occasionally stay at her home, which she shares with her 14-year-old daughter. The woman obtained a protection order in July 2022, and the man was aware of this.
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On the night in question, the victim was not at home when she received a call from her daughter's phone number. The accused was on the call and started to shout at her to come home or he would smash up her house. He also told her that he would kill her if she didn't come home.
The complainant was on her way back when she received another call from her daughter's phone. It was the accused again, who made further threats to kill her.
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She arrived home at 1:05am, and the man approached her as she got out of the car. He pushed her against the car door and was abusive, telling her he was going to smash her face and kill her.
Assault
The woman walked towards the house and the man pushed her aside to enter the property before her. She asked him to leave, and he threatened her again, saying he would torch her car.
He punched her in the face and she sustained a black eye.
She asked him to leave again and he went upstairs, where he pushed her to the ground and slapped her face.
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The woman managed to get downstairs where the assault continued. He threw a bike towards her, later using it to push her to the ground.
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During the assault, the man slapped, punched, grabbed the victim's neck and choked her.
When gardai arrived, they noticed the victim was visibly distressed, with swelling and bruising to her face. The man continued to be abusive and threaten the woman.
The investigating garda said he stood between the man and the victim as he was concerned the accused would assault the victim.
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Victim's daughter
The man was arrested and during interview, he admitted making the threats and pushing the woman.
The victim's daughter witnessed the man grab her mother and make threats. She told specialist gardai that he entered the house through an unlocked door.
Photos of the woman's injuries were handed to the court.
A victim impact statement was read to the court on behalf of the woman in which she said she was very shaken and living in fear following the assault.
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She keeps the doors and windows locked and is afraid when anyone knocks on the door. She said she gets anxiety attacks and is afraid to go out by herself. She said she feels like a coward and broken shell of who she was before. The woman said she feels ashamed that she allowed the man into her life.
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Sometimes I wished he killed me on that night, she said due to the pain and distress she felt following the assault. She said he had destroyed her home and life and she is a shell of the woman I once was.
Two audio recordings made by the teenage girl were played to the court. The victim became visibly distressed during this and left the courtroom, but later returned. The man's mother, who was in court to support him, also briefly left.
The man has no previous convictions and has not come to recent garda attention.
The garda agreed with Oisin Clarke BL, defending, that his client was intoxicated on the night and was co-operative with gardai. It was further accepted that there had been some communication between the man and the woman's daughter on the day in question.
He also accepted Mr Clarke's suggestion that his client is of previous good character and is unlikely to come to further negative attention.
The court heard there has been no contact between the man and the woman since the incident.
Snapshot
Mr Clarke said the court may take the view that his client is some form of animal based on the vile and abhorrent language on the recording. However, he said this moment was a snapshot of his life at its very worst.
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He said his client was at a family funeral on the day in question. Another close relative had also died in the weeks before this event. His client had consumed alcohol in a poor emotional state on the day and things escalated, counsel said.
Mr Clarke noted this would have been a terrifying and chaotic experience.
A number of references were handed into the court. The man has a good work history and is currently completing a reskilling programme. Members of his family were in court to support him.
Defence counsel suggested this incident appears out of character for the man and asked the court not to impose an immediate custodial sentence.
Judge Martin Nolan said this was a prolonged assault and the victim was terrified for herself and her daughter.
He noted the woman had been sought a protection order and the man would have been well-warned of her view of him and his behaviour before this incident.
He said the man behaved in a violent and disgraceful manner. The judge noted the recordings show the man was out of control, intoxicated and very angry.
Judge Nolan noted the mitigation in this case including the guilty plea and the man's lack of previous convictions.
He said the court took the view that it must impose a custodial sentence as the man's behaviour on the night was unforgiveable.
Judge Nolan imposed a three-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.
Safe Ireland also outlines a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
There were 3,167 commencement notices for new houses in December, a 76 per cent increase on the previous year.
It means that, following the record-high December figures, there were more than 32,000 notices filed in 2023.
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Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien made the announcement during Leaders Questions in the Dail on Thursday.
Mr OBrien came under fire from opposition parties over the Governments policies on housing delivery.
Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty accused the Government of being on the side of vulture funds.
He said it was recently revealed that an investment fund had purchased up to 85 per cent of units at a housing estate in Balgriffin, Co Dublin.
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Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty called for changes to stamp duty. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.
These are homes that should have been on the market for buyers but were instead snatched away from them by investment funds that have the financial power and enjoy the tax advantages that homebuyers can never hope to compete against.
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Mr Doherty said this was not an isolated incident and that investment funds were snapping up homes across the country.
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He said more than 620 homes were bought from struggling homeowners in 2023 alone.
Mr Doherty said the Governments half-baked measures were not working and first-time buyers were competing with large investment funds.
This parliament can ensure that a vulture fund never, ever buys a home that should be available to families and workers to buy and live in.
We can do that by increasing stamp duty that applies on them and stopping this practice once and for all.
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Mr OBrien said the Balgriffin case and others involve planning permissions granted before the law changed in May 2021.
The minister said 40,000 homes had been protected by the owner-occupier guarantee since then.
Mr OBrien said: We have changed the law on planning and that has worked.
He said Sinn Fein TDs had objected to 1,200 homes in one town in Fingal, and said the opposition party would abolish the Help to Buy scheme, the First Home scheme and vacancy grants.
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Mr OBrien added: We back first-time buyers, you dont.
However, he accepted that the applicable rate of stamp duty needed to be reviewed.
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Holly Cairns criticised the Government. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.
In the same session, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said people increasingly have no hope for their housing prospects in Ireland.
She said rents have doubled in the last decade and young people can no longer afford them.
Record house prices mean dreams of home ownership are long gone, she said.
She added that more than 21,000 Irish citizens were granted Australian working-holiday visas in 2023, the highest recorded figure in 16 years.
Ms Cairns said: It is clearly no country for young people and many are voting with their feet.
She accused the minister of being flippant, consistently breaking promises and setting misleading targets on housings.
Ms Cairns said the Governments 10 per cent stamp duty on the bulk purchase of homes is clearly no disincentive to multimillion euro funds and criticised Sinn Feins proposal for a 17 per cent rate as too weak.
The Social Democrats are calling for an effective ban by increasing the rate to 100 per cent.
In reply, Mr OBrien rejected the assertion he had been flippant and said the Government was investing more in housing than any other previous government.
He said Ms Cairns had neglected to mention that last year 30,000 people had come back to Ireland from Australia, where he said the cost of housing was far worse.
The minister said Social Democrat TDs had voted against legislation which introduced affordable cost-rental schemes.
Ms Cairns said his response was pathetic and accused the minister of trying to bamboozle people with figures.
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has rejected US calls to scale back Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip or take steps towards the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war, drawing an immediate scolding from the White House.
The tense back and forth reflected what has become a wide rift between the two allies over the scope of Israels war and its plans for the future of the beleaguered territory.
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We obviously see it differently, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said.
Mr Netanyahu spoke just a day after US secretary of state Antony Blinken said Israel would never have genuine security without a pathway towards Palestinian independence.
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu (Ohad Zwigenberg, Pool/AP)
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Earlier this week, the White House also announced that it was the right time for Israel to lower the intensity of its devastating military offensive in Gaza.
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In a nationally televised news conference, Mr Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, repeatedly saying that Israel would not halt its offensive until it realises its goals of destroying Gazas Hamas militant group and bringing home all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
He rejected claims by a growing chorus of Israeli critics that those goals are not achievable, vowing to press ahead for many months.
We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory, Mr Netanyahu said.
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Israel launched the offensive after an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7th that killed 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage.
Roughly 130 hostages are believed by Israel to remain in Hamas captivity.
The war has stoked tensions across the region, threatening to ignite other conflicts.
Israels assault, one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, has killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, caused widespread destruction and uprooted more than 80% of the territorys 2.3 million people from their homes.
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Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip (Fatima Shbair/AP)
The staggering cost of the war has led to increasing calls from the international community to halt the offensive.
After initially giving Israel wall-to-wall support in the early days of the war, the United States, Israels closest ally, has begun to express misgivings and urged Mr Netanyahu to spell out his vision for postwar Gaza.
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The United States has said the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority, which governs semi-autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, should be revitalised and return to Gaza.
Hamas ousted the authority from Gaza in 2007.
The US has also called for steps towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Palestinians seek Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem for their state.
Those areas were captured by Israel in 1967.
Speaking on Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Blinken said the two-state solution was the best way to protect Israel, unify moderate Arab countries and isolate Israels arch-enemy, Iran.
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)
Without a pathway to a Palestinian state, he said, Israel would not get genuine security.
At the same conference, Saudi Arabias foreign minister said the kingdom is ready to establish full relations with Israel as part of a larger political agreement.
But that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians, through a Palestinian state, he said.
Mr Netanyahu, who leads a far-right government opposed to Palestinian statehood, repeated his longstanding opposition to a two-state solution.
He said a Palestinian state would become a launching pad for attacks on Israel.
Mr Netanyahu said Israel must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River, adding: That collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can we do?
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This truth I tell to our American friends, and I put the brakes on the attempt to coerce us to a reality that would endanger the state of Israel, he said.
The comments prompted an immediate rebuke from the White House.
US president Joe Biden walks to speak to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington (Yuri Gripas/AP)
Mr Kirby said that US president Joe Biden would not stop working towards a two-state solution.
Before October 7th, Israeli society was bitterly divided over Mr Netanyahus plan for a judicial overhaul.
Since the attack, the country has rallied behind the war.
But divisions have once again begun to surface over Mr Netanyahus handling of the war.
Families of the hostages and their many supporters have called for a new ceasefire that could bring them home.
Hamas released more than 100 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during a week-long ceasefire in November.
Dozens of people attended a sombre gathering in Tel Aviv in solidarity with the family of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage, marking his first birthday.
The red-haired infant and his four-year-old brother Ariel were taken hostage along with their mother, Shiri, and their father, Yarden.
All four remain in captivity.
Commentators have begun to question whether Mr Netanyahus objectives are realistic, given the slow pace of the offensive and growing international criticism, including genocide accusations at the UN world court, which Israel vehemently denies.
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Mr Netanyahus opponents accuse him of delaying any discussion of postwar scenarios to avoid looming investigations of governmental failures, keep his coalition intact and put off elections.
Polls show that the popularity of Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, has plummeted during the war.
An explosion at a fireworks factory in central Thailand killed about 20 people on Wednesday, according to provincial officials.
The information office of the Suphan Buri provincial government initially announced that 23 people had been killed in the mid-afternoon blast, but on Wednesday night revised its figure to 19 dead and three missing.
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The national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigations earlier preliminary figure had at least 20 people killed.
Suphan Buri is about 95 kilometres (60 miles) north-west of Bangkok, in the heart of Thailands central rice-growing region.
Photos posted on social media showed a thick plume of black smoke over the scene. Photos posted online by local rescue workers showed the factory site virtually levelled.
The Narathiwat governor said that blast was likely ignited by construction work in the warehouse (Sakchai Lalit/AP)
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The office of prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who is in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, distributed a video showing him being told over the phone by the regional police commander that there were 20 to 30 workers at the factory at the time of the explosion and that none of them could be found.
Rescue workers at the scene said there were no survivors. None were mentioned by provincial authorities, contradicting the disaster departments statement that wounded people had been found.
Kritsada Manee-In, a rescue worker with the Samerkun Suphan Buri Rescue Foundation, who earlier estimated that around 15 to 17 people had been killed, said an exact count was difficult because the bodies were in pieces.
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The Lunar New Year is celebrated in February, when demand for fireworks is strong in Thailand and other parts of Asia. The national disaster agency said the cause of the explosion is under investigation.
National police chief Torsak Sukvimol confirmed local news reports that there had been another explosion at the factory in November 2022 that killed one worker and seriously injured three others.
He said police would pursue legal action for any wrongdoing involved in the new blast.
In July last year, a large explosion at a fireworks warehouse in southern Thailand killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 100, according to officials.
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That explosion in Narathiwat province was in a residential area and damaged about 100 houses within a 500-metre (1,640-foot) radius, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
The Narathiwat governor said that blast was likely ignited by construction work in the warehouse, with sparks from metal welding causing the fireworks stored inside to catch fire and explode.
Japan signed a deal with the United States on Thursday to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of its ongoing military build-up in response to increased regional threats.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas government has pledged to double its annual defence spending to about 10 trillion yen (53 billion) by 2027, which would make Japan the worlds third-biggest military spender after the United States and China.
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Defense minister Minoru Kihara announced in December a decision to accelerate deployment of some Tomahawks and Japanese-made Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles beginning in fiscal year 2025, a year before the original plan.
The government says Japan is facing its severest security environment since the Second World War because of threats from China and North Korea, causing it to increase military co-operation with the US, Australia, the UK and other friendly nations.
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In November, the US approved a 1.85 billion sale of two types of Tomahawks: 200 Block IV missiles and 200 upgraded Block V versions.
They can be launched from warships and hit targets 1,000 miles away, officials said.
The signing of the purchase agreement on Thursday was attended by Mr Kihara and the US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel.
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Japan and the United States agreed to expedite the deployment in response to the increasingly severe security environment, Mr Kihara said.
Mr Emanuel said the training of Japanese crews for the Tomahawks will start in March.
Late last year, Japans Cabinet eased a ban on exports of lethal weapons, allowing the sale of Japanese-made weapons and components made under licence from other nations to those countries.
The government quickly approved a shipment of Japanese-made Patriot missiles to the United States to complement the US inventory.
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Japan is accelerating its deployment of long-range cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China or North Korea, while Japanese troops increasingly work side-by-side with the US and other friendly nations and take on more offensive roles.
Under a new defence strategy adopted in December 2022, Japan has joined the United States, Australia, South Korea and many other regional partners in an aligned vision of how to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and meet the challenges head on, Mr Emanuel said.
The US approach to its partnership with Japan is one of ensuring deterrence and making sure there is no change in the region by military force, Mr Emanuel said.
The US military has fired another wave of ship and submarine-launch missile strikes against Houthi-controlled sites, multiple US officials said.
It marks the fourth time in days it has directly targeted the group in Yemen as violence that ignited in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war continues to spill over in the Middle East.
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The strikes were launched from the Red Sea and hit more than a dozen sites, the officials said.
They followed an official announcement on Wednesday that the US has put the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists.
The sanctions that come with the formal designation are meant to sever violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.
Houthi fighters and tribesmen stage a rally against the US and UK strikes on Houthi-run military sites near Sanaa, Yemen (AP Photo)
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The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss details that have not been made public yet.
Houthi-run al-Masirah TV said on Telegram that the strikes targeted the governorates of Dhamar, Hodieda, Taiz, al-Bayda and Saada.
Despite the sanctions and military strikes, including a large-scale operation on Friday carried out by US and British warships and warplanes that hit more than 60 targets across Yemen, the Houthis are continuing their harassment campaign of commercial and military ships.
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The latest incident occurred when a one-way attack drone was launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned and operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.
The US has also strongly warned Iran to cease providing weapons to the Houthis.
On Thursday, a US raid intercepted ballistic missile parts the US said Iran was shipping to Yemen.
Two US Navy Seals remain unaccounted for after one was knocked off the vessel by a wave during the seizure and the second followed the overcome Seal into the water.
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On Wednesday, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said the US would continue to take military action to prevent further attacks.
He said: They are exploiting this situation to conduct attacks against the ships and vessels from more than 50 countries around the world.
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And so were going to continue to work with our partners in the region to prevent those attacks or deter those attacks in the future.
There have been several incidents since the Friday joint operations. The Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile towards a US Navy destroyer over the weekend, but the ship shot it down.
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The Houthis then struck a US-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday and a Malta-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea on Tuesday.
In response, the US struck four anti-ship ballistic missiles that were prepared to launch and presented an imminent threat to merchant and US Navy ships in the region.
Hours later, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia. The ship was hit, but no one was injured and it continued on its way.
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 Little Rope, the new record by indie punk duo Sleater-Kinney, opens in hell. Since forming the band in 1994, Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker have acted as a pair of indefatigable musical lighthouse keepers, taking in changing political tides and issuing calls via guitar, alerting us to what they see. And this time, what they see are flames. Hell needs no invitation / Hell dont make no fuss / Hell is desperation / And a young man with a gun, they sing on the opening track on their 11th album. It shines a light on a fraught societal moment, and opens the doors wide to an album that was written on either side of an emotionally hellish time for the band. Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker: their well-practised interplay is as smooth as a Wimbledon match. Credit: Chris Hornbecker I think [this record] really started to take shape after this tragic accident occurred in my family. And I lost two people, Brownstein says over Zoom, stepping over each word delicately. In late 2022, her mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident while on holiday in Italy. The American embassy, after unsuccessfully trying to get hold of Brownstein, called her emergency contact Tucker. The kinship between the bandmates is decades old at this point, and has weathered an early romance (and outing via the press, as well as the writing and recording of one of rocks greatest break-up songs); internal conflicts that lead to platonic, intra-band couples therapy; an indefinite hiatus in 2006; a surprise reformation in 2015; the very public departure of their longtime drummer, Janet Weiss; and, now, an earth-shattering loss.
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The connection between Brownstein, 49, and Tucker, 51, is evident even over Zoom from the other side of the world. They are calling from their respective homes in Portland the city Brownstein lovingly joshed in her popular comedy series Portlandia, and both introduce me to the pets in the room with them, before we begin talking. Their well-practised interplay is as smooth as a Wimbledon match; if a question I ask is answered by Brownstein, Tucker takes the next. In a moment when Brownstein appears unable to summon the words to respond to a question about the art that carried her through the loss of her mother, about whom she wrote in her 2015 memoir, Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl, she exhales softly, and asks Tucker her thoughts while summoning her own. I feel like my relationship to outside art became a little anaemic, honestly, she answers eventually. I was walking a lot. I was in nature or just in my neighbourhood listening to podcasts, just listening to other peoples stories about grief. And I dont feel like I was pulling from big works of art. I was pulling from these intimate horrors that felt very present. Where the St. Vincent-produced 2019 album, The Center Wont Hold, was a new wave-y, art pop-y experiment that drew from art, literature and performance, Little Rope zoomed all the way back in. This had an interiority to it, a suffocation, really, Brownstein explains. A sense of the claustrophobia of trauma and sorrow. It is very up close.
Brownstein, who barely touched her guitar in the three years following Sleater-Kinneys break-up in 2006, clung to it like a buoy after losing her mother and stepfather. I think were pretty deliberate about presenting ourselves as working writers. Corin Tucker I committed myself to the choreography of playing music, to the physicality of playing my guitar. The ritual of it was very much like prayer, almost.
Tucker was there, as shes always been, arriving on the grieving Brownsteins doorstep not with casseroles, but ideas.
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Instead of Corin bringing me food, she just brought me music, Brownstein smiles. She pored over melodies, added guitar parts, and wrote. And I used it as sustenance to get me through. Its been 30 years since Tucker and Brownstein met as students at the liberal arts college Evergreen. In Sleater-Kinneys early years, they were part of the feminist punk movement riot grrrl, along with their classmates Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail and Kathi Wilcox, members of the band Bikini Kill. Remaining as a band this long has meant their expression of that feminism has shifted and morphed, their focus landing on new topics as theyve dealt with motherhood (in Tuckers case), racism, and grief both personal and global. Theyve written a musical testament to the Supreme Court testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, and dedicated air time to grappling with the concept of Complex Female Characters. Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker at Riot Fest 2022 in Chicago. Credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images On Crusader, they seem to address the recent political elephant in the oval-shaped room: Do your best to terrorize us / Vilify and minimize us / If were wicked, then youre wretched / Take your sheep, well keep take the blessed / Youre scaring everyone in the room. If there is one consistent, unyielding truth about Sleater-Kinney, it is their total commitment to change and growth. Even in the face of the sentimentality and nostalgia an anniversary (like this years) can bring on. We dont want to cut off or excise any part of our past, Brownstein says, But we also want to be aware of the moment and who we are now. Even as a fan of other bands I dont want them to keep making that record over and over again. Thats not their responsibility and thats not what we endeavour to do either. Even if people think they want that, they dont want that.
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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 The Greenland ice sheet, an expanse of frozen water larger than two NSWs or seven Victorias, is disappearing much faster than scientists believed. New data suggests the extent of ice sheet loss since 1985 has been underestimated by as much as 20 per cent, scientists wrote in a new paper published in Nature. More freshwater ice in the Atlantic could affect ocean circulation, disrupt fish ecosystems and accelerate the melting process, contributing to rising sea levels. How the ice loss was missed The paper, Ubiquitous acceleration in Greenland Ice Sheet calving from 1985 to 2022, describes how scientists have failed to consider the full impact of ice calving when large chunks of ice break off from the edge of a glacier. The surprise was just the ubiquity of the signal, said lead author Chad Greene, a glaciologist with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. With the exception of one minuscule little glacier that grew modestly, Greene said, theres just been retreat everywhere weve looked. Its on every corner of the island.
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NASA satellites tracked a rapid decline in the mass of the ice sheet between 2001 and 2021, when it shed 280 billion tonnes of ice a year on average. That marked a significant acceleration compared with the preceding decades and is equivalent to 767 million tonnes of ice lost every day. The above animation, which is based on data from NASA satellites, appears darker where ice mass was lost between 2002 and 2022. The barely perceptible blue patches represent growth in ice mass, while white means little to no change. Most of the loss was along Greenlands west coast, while central high-altitude areas were relatively unchanged. Lower elevation and coastal areas lost five metres worth of water over the 19-year period. Impact on rising sea levels Much of the newly discovered lost ice shelf was already underwater, so while the additional mass identified by the team will have affected ocean circulation and temperatures, it will not have contributed to rising sea levels directly. However, this loss means more of Greenlands mainland will be exposed to warming waters which, in turn, lead to melting and rising seas.
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What were seeing is that the clog in this bottleneck has been removed, and as a result, the glaciers all around Greenland have been able to speed up the melting process, Greene said. You take the ice out of the fjord and glaciers speed up and start contributing to sea level rise. Disrupting ocean cycles Large blocks of freshwater ice floating away into the ocean are problematic as they could disrupt the Atlantic Meridian Overturning Circulation, a crucial ocean circulation pattern. A boat saild past icebergs off Greenland. Credit: iStock Ice cannot hold salt, so when seawater freezes in the Arctic, the salt sinks to the bottom making the water denser. The denser water then moves south with cold currents, and the warm water rises to the surface and flows north in response. This cycle warms Europe and distributes crucial nutrients for ocean life. It is not known how the large chunks of ice floating off into the sea will affect this cycle, but they have not been included in climate models. In the long term, it will depend on where the billions of tonnes of freshwater end up and that is not easy to predict. Loading
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If the Felixer or 1080 use on cats was cruel, we wouldnt be doing it. We want to have the best outcomes for the wildlife whilst minimising any adverse impacts. But due to political opposition by those in Victoria, including the Animal Justice Party, Felixers are banned on French Island. Instead, they have just been allowed to monitor and photograph the ongoing slaughter of natives by cats. Last year, Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell asked then Victoria minister for agriculture Gayle Tierney if she could confirm 1080 would not be used on feral cats. Tierney said the use of 1080 on feral cats would not be part of the states feral cat management plans, which are due to be released soon.
Loading In terms of anything that is approved nationally, we obviously need to consider what the implications might be in terms of Victoria making sure that we have got some sort of eye on technological advancement as well as balancing that with animal welfare considerations. Purcell told this masthead that her party would continue pushing for the government to ban the use of 1080 on other pests, raising concerns of secondary poisoning in animals that consume the bodies of target species. She added that alternative methods, such as desexing, could be used instead. All other states, territories and several islands use the Felixer and 1080 meat baits on feral cats. Felixers have also been registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for feral cat management in Australia.
Instead, Victoria relies on cage traps and detection dogs for feral cat management on crown land. A Victorian government spokesperson said it was considering how best to enable the use of the Felixer. The spokesperson confirmed the state was not considering the use of 1080. A recent report by the Victorian government said while Felixers would be ideal in eradicating cats on islands, it did not support the registration of the devices with 1080 poison as the toxin due to concerns about possible non-target impacts. However, the state does allow the use of 1080 on other feral animals. The Invasive Species Councils advocacy manager, Jack Gough, worries that current measures in Victoria are a half-hearted effort to reduce feral cat numbers.
We know on other island eradication projects, on say Christmas Island and Kangaroo Island, if you are to be successful we need all the tools in the toolbox. That includes the use of the innovative Felixers, Gough said. We are concerned that if the Victorian government does not change its mind on this issue, then eradication of feral cats on French Island will not be possible and the consequence of that will be the deaths of our native species. Gough added that while it was never nice to talk about killing animals, the use of 1080 was the most effective method available, and without any other alternatives, a delayed rollout would result in feral animal populations booming at the expense of native animals. We are concerned the government is not showing the political courage needed to that [this issue] on, he said.
On French Island, feral cat estimates are between 10 and 50. Many hope the Felixer, used alongside other cat eradication methods, would finally help rid the island of its pests. Australia is a world leader in wildlife losses. Since colonisation, about 100 of the countrys unique flora and fauna species have become extinct, with untold losses of invertebrates. The rate of loss has not slowed over the past 200 years. Feral animals such as wild cats and foxes are key drivers of native wildlife losses, along with habitat loss through land-clearing and development. For conservation groups and state and federal governments, how best to deal with feral cats remains a big question, and an expensive one.
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Sydneys long-running Clareville Kiosk is on the market. To celebrate its four-decade run, owner Nathan Boler is putting duck spring rolls and salt and pepper slipper lobster back on the menu for one week only.
Clareville Kiosk, the 41-year-old dining jewel of Sydneys northern beaches with a curious claim over one of the citys ubiquitous late 20th century desserts, will hold its final dinner service on Saturday, March 2.
Owner Nathan Boler, who worked at Rockpool and the Michelin-starred Drakes restaurant in England before snapping up Clareville Kiosk in 2015, says all of its jostling potential buyers are cafe operators. Hes unsure if theyll keep the name.
Clareville Kiosk quickly became a highlight on Sydneys culinary map. Supplied
The venues name was long a misleading moniker given its culinary reputation. Boler says older locals still remember it as a destination for newspapers and lollies before restaurateur Annie Parmentier swept into Clareville just as Canberra was transitioning from Malcolm Fraser to Bob Hawke.
Parmentier, who would later open a number of venues including Lunch at Castlecrag, was part of the mod Oz wave that transformed the Sydney eating landscape. Clareville Kiosk was on the culinary map, the chefs hats started to flow, and decades of success followed under several owners.
This article is part of our Summer in Sydney series, where Herald staff reveal the best and worst of our city in the hotter months.
Until I moved into my home in Camperdown at the start of 2022, Id spent a lot of time wondering whether I might just be a terrible neighbour. Ive lived in 10 different places over the years and at nearly all of them failed to make any meaningful connection to the people who lived in the joint next door. In the three years I called one Canberra apartment home, I never once met my neighbours a situation which ultimately became a little weird and unsettling.
In Neighbours terms, I had started to feel more like Izzy Hoyland (who, despite her status as one of the most despised residents of Ramsay Street, really only ever wanted to be welcomed into Erinsborough), than the widely adored Harold Bishop.
Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. Credit: Wolter Peeters
Thankfully, my real-life plotline changed for the better when I returned to Sydney two years ago from a posting in London to become the editor of the Herald. A day after moving in I met my new neighbours, Chris and Dave and their cavoodle puppy Jude, and we hit it off right away.
Having neighbours you can call friends really changes the way you think about your suburb. With long-sought neighbourly feels locked in, Camperdown a wonderful suburb wedged between Sydney University to the east, Parramatta Road to the north, Newtown to the south and Stanmore to the west took on a new life.
Tongue cancer remains relatively rare: 1081 cases were detected in Australia in 2019, forecast to increase to 1336 this year. Loading While it is most common among people aged 45 and over, the increasing rates among younger Australians have baffled researchers because studies have found that many among this cohort do not smoke. And those who do smoke or drink heavily have not done so for long enough for the disease to have developed from these risk factors. McCullough speculates whether younger patients have a different microbiome in their mouth that means it metabolises alcohol more quickly, increasing their tongues exposure to carcinogens, but the theory requires more study.
Singh anticipates that cases will increase over the next decade, spurred by a rise in migration from South-East Asian countries including India and Pakistan where chewing tobacco is more common. Loading Lora Winter initially dismissed the ulcer that developed on her tongue in 2017 as a sign of stress. Two months later, after a referral from her GP for a biopsy, the mother of two from Melbournes west was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer. Surgeons removed 75 per cent of Winters tongue, the floor of her mouth and part of her jaw. They recreated parts of her mouth and tongue with skin and muscles from her arm.
It doesnt have the flexibility of my old tongue, she said. Eating and drinking are a challenge. Winter often eats in a separate room from her family because she needs to concentrate so intently on the task. Surgery and radiation have also reduced the amount of saliva Winter produces, which means she has to chew her food down extra finely and lean back when she swallows. Shes also had to relearn how to talk over-pronouncing everything with a slight British accent because her reconstructed tongue cant touch the roof of her mouth. She cant pronounce many words starting with c or g, and struggles to say her own name.
I make up another name for my coffee order, she said. Winter was a social smoker in her early 20s and has never been a heavy drinker. She has had to give up her job as an executive assistant due to her speech and constant fatigue post-radiation. Lora Winter initially thought the ulcer on her tongue was related to stress. Credit: Simon Schluter Its a socially isolating disease, she said. You become so self-conscious because you cant eat or talk as well as you used to. But this is who I am now. Head and Neck Cancer Australia chief executive Nadia Rosin has heard stories of young people who were otherwise healthy being dismissed by GPs or prescribed antibiotics when they presented with a persistent ulcer in their mouth.
Unfortunately, that just means that people are diagnosed later. It could be the difference between having a little bit of your tongue removed or having half of it removed. Loading Tobacco use and alcohol consumption cause three in four cases of oral cancer, which includes tongue and oropharyngeal cancers in the throat area. While more than 70 per cent of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), research has found that it is not commonly present in tongue cancer lesions. In November, following a similar initiative for dentists, Dental Health Services Victoria launched an online oral cancer training program for GPs registered with the RACGP.
The program includes a visual guide of suspicious lesions, a screening tutorial and referral pathways. Loading We know early detection saves lives, which is why its vital that oral health professionals and general practitioners are on the lookout for signs of oral cancers, Dental Health Services Victoria chief executive Susan McKee said. About 60 per cent of oral cancers are advanced by the time they are detected, reducing patients survival rate. RACGP national president Nicole Higgins said she hoped the training helped GPs detect the disease earlier.
A senior police constable has been charged with multiple sexual assault offences alleged to have occurred while he was on duty.
A 49-year-old man from Victoria Polices north-west region has been charged with three counts of sexual assault, as well as other related offences.
The charges relate to four separate incidents that occurred between 2020 and 2023 in the northern Melbourne suburbs of Kalkallo, Greensborough, Fawkner and Epping.
Police say the leading senior constable was on duty at the time.
He will appear before a court at a later date.
Thousands of residents in Melbournes east are pushing back on a move to outsource the management of two of their public pools to a private operator, which the mayor says may be a necessity to shore up the councils financial position.
Whitehorse Council, which includes Blackburn, Box Hill and Vermont, will next week begin community consultation on a decision it made at an in-camera meeting in February last year to explore an alternative management model where the pool premises would stay owned by the council, but a private provider would run staff, pool operation and swim classes.
The Box Hill Aqualink complex. Credit: Penny Stephens
If the council moves to outsource the pools, it will be 20 of Melbournes 31 metropolitan councils that have shifted to private providers to operate some or all of their local aquatic centres.
As it stands, only a minority of Melbourne municipalities still wholly run their council-owned pools; Kingston, Yarra, Stonnington, Maribyrnong, Monash, Hume, Brimbank, Maroondah, Glen Eira and Whitehorse.
Australia has refused Ukraines request to donate its retired fleet of Taipan helicopters, saying it is not feasible to return them to flying condition.
In a blow to Ukraines bid to bolster its air defences, Australias 45 Taipan MRH-90 aircraft will instead continue to be dismantled, stripped for spare parts and then buried in an undisclosed defence site.
With Defence Minister Richard Marles on leave, his stand-in, Pat Conroy, has been under pressure to explain why Australia is pursuing its so-called disposal strategy for the MRH-90s a month after being asked to donate them to the war against Vladimir Putins Russia.
An Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan in Queensland, before the fleet was grounded in September.
None of the aircraft are currently in flying condition and it is not feasible to return the aircraft to an operational state, Conroy said.
Rents in once-booming Victorian regional areas are slowing and even falling in some pockets, as the rush of Melburnians seeking a sea or tree change reverses.
Rents have dipped in a handful of regional markets as workers return to offices in the city and tenants budgets are pushed to their limit, experts say.
Surf Coast rents are more expensive than those in Melbourne. Credit: Jason South
Asking rents for houses in the Alpine Shire, including Bright and Myrtleford, recorded the largest fall over the 12 months to December, down 7.8 per cent to a median of $475 per week, Domains latest Rent Report revealed.
It was one of the most popular areas to escape to during the pandemic lockdowns, and despite recent declines, the weekly median was still up 58.3 per cent over the past five years.
Five years ago, retired couple Veronica and Clif Baker were on top of the world, downsizing from their house in Canberra into a spacious penthouse on the 10th floor of a new apartment building, with stunning views of the city.
Today, theyve hit rock bottom, living huddled in a bedsit in a garage space underneath their daughters home in the Blue Mountains, with their health shattered and facing financial ruin.
Mascot Towers unit owners Veronica and Clif Baker were evacuated when cracks appeared in the building. Credit: Wolter Peeters
Its been four and a half years of torture and heartache, said Veronica, 78, who, with her husband, 82, was evacuated from their home in Mascot Towers in June 2019 after cracks appeared in the building. Its aged us terribly.
And now the [NSW] government is treating us dreadfully because they just want to get rid of us as quickly as possible to reduce the political embarrassment. Weve done everything right all our lives and yet everything is being taken away from us, and were being left homeless and with virtually nothing.
Michael Buble Michael Buble: The McDonalds of music. Credit: Rick Clifford Whats with the British Columbian who although he admittedly has good looks, a twinkle in his eye and a sense of self-deprecating humour has no great singing voice and covers old songs by other people? Somehow, hes sold more than 70 million albums, and Australians love him. I reckon hes the McDonalds of music, who turns anything into bland niceness. Compare his Feeling Good to Nina Simones if you want to know what raw soul really sounds like. Milk in bags Canadas Homo milk will never catch on. Credit: Alamy
Half the milk consumed in Canada comes from plastic bags. Theyre the equivalent of our goon bag, although what the Canadians call pillow pouches dont come protected by a cardboard box. Milk bags are unwieldy to carry, difficult to open exactly right (snip off too big a corner and spills will ensue) and hard to reseal. Oh, and worse, the term homogenised is invariably abbreviated on Canadian labels. Bag of homo milk, anyone? Roadside attractions Canadian big things are the worlds dullest objects. Exhibit A: The Giant Nickel Monument in Sudbury, Ontario, Credit: iStock Think Australia has a liking for big things? Get driving in Canada. While you could claim theres something interestingly odd-looking about prawns and pineapples, Canadian big things are the worlds dullest objects: an apple, egg, curling stone, giant Coke can and bottle of ketchup. Others are predictable: a (native) Indian head in Indian Head, for example. As for the more interesting things, they seem pointless. Why have a giant moose when a far more exciting actual moose might lurch along the roadside? Tim Hortons
Timbits are a national obsession, but isnt an actual doughnut better? Credit: Alamy Yep, if youre driving across the featureless prairies and need a cheap caffeine fix, this ubiquitous Canadian coffee chain will do. But why Canadians love it so much is baffling. Aussies arent going to be impressed by the coffee. Or the vibe, which is more fast-food chain than coffee shop. And whats with Timbits, the bits of dough punched out of doughnuts to give them a hole? Theyre a national obsession, but isnt the actual doughnut better? Christmas kitsch Christmas in Canada is like being imprisoned in a snow dome. Credit: Alamy Nowhere is Christmas as OTT as in Canada. Forests of trees shimmer in malls, baubles festoon public buildings, hotels look as if theyve been made over by the sugar-plum fairy. The smell of fir boughs and endless jingle of carols gives you a headache. It feels as if youre imprisoned in a snow dome. How do Canadians get through weeks of this cuteness? And how is it that youll always give in, and start wearing reindeer antlers yourself?
Adventurous carnivores Avoid prairie oysters, at all costs. Credit: Alamy You wouldnt think that the supermarket would be the place to find anything other than beef, pork and chicken, but youre in for a surprise in Canada when you peer into chilled cabinets to find a menagerie of meats such as horse, venison, camel, rabbit, ostrich and kangaroo. For a more Canadian flavour, try bison and elk. In restaurants, be sure to avoid prairie oysters actually bulls testicles served deep fried with a rich gravy. Dangerous animals Every forest in Canada is haunted by bears. Credit: Alamy
Jerusalem: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected US calls to scale back Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip or take steps towards the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war, drawing an immediate scolding from the White House.
The tense back and forth reflected what has become a wide rift between the two allies over the scope of Israels war and its plans for the future of the beleaguered Gaza territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: AP
Earlier this week, the White House also announced that it was the right time for Israel to lower the intensity of its devastating military offensive in Gaza.
In a nationally televised news conference, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, repeatedly saying that Israel would not halt its offensive until it realised its goals of destroying Gazas Hamas militant group and bringing home all remaining hostages held by it.
Islamabad: Pakistans air force has launched retaliatory airstrikes on Iran allegedly targeting militant positions, an attack that killed at least nine people and further raised tensions between the neighbouring nations and in the region.
The strikes in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province follow Irans attack on Tuesday on Pakistani soil, that killed two children in the similarly named south-western Baluchistan province.
A police officer stands guard at the main entry gate of Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Credit: AP
A deputy governor of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati said the victims of Thursdays strike near the town of Saravan included three women, four children and two men.
The strikes imperil diplomatic relations between the two neighbours, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks.
Islamabad: Pakistan said on Thursday it had carried out airstrikes against separatist militants in Iran, the latest step in a tense stand-off after Irans missile and drone strikes in the South Asian nations border province of Balochistan.
A day earlier, Iran launched airstrikes into Pakistan targeting what it said were militants.
Here are some facts on the group Pakistan targeted and the restive province at the heart of the tension.
Members of Muslim Talba Mahaz Pakistan chant slogans in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday, at a demonstration to condemn the Iran strike in the Pakistani border area. Credit: AP
Which group did Pakistan target in Iran?
An American woman who pleaded guilty to helping kill her own mother and stuffing the body in a suitcase during a luxury holiday in Bali has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.
US Judge Matthew Kennelly gave Heather Mack credit for the approximately two years she spent in custody in Chicago awaiting trial since her return in 2021. Macks lawyer Michael Leonard said her formal sentence would be about 23 years long.
Heather Mack inside a cell before her trial in Bali, Indonesia, in 2015. Credit: AP
Federal prisoners in the US also get credit for good behaviour, roughly 50 days for each year. Prosecutors had recommended a 28-year prison sentence for Mack for conspiring with her boyfriend to kill Sheila von Wiese-Mack in 2014.
The government also wanted the 28-year-old Mack to get five years of supervised release, a $US250,000 ($380,000) fine and restitution of $US262,708. In a filing last week, prosecutors said the recommended sentence was warranted and sufficient, but not greater than necessary to serve a just and appropriate punishment for Macks heinous crime.
However, an in-depth structural report any high-rise building is not the cup of tea for anyone and we know what sort of professionals are working in the trade. You ask for a report and the buyer will be lucky to get report for one year rather what they need.
At different points of the year, around 50% to 65% of our business have come through these near prime loans, and its because we lead the market right now from a rate and fees point of view.
Visiting scholar kicks off partnership between UB dental school and Riga Stradins University
During Anete Vaskevica's time in Buffalo, dental school faculty members showed her around Western New York and included a trip to Niagara Falls.
"I sponsored this visiting scholar because I want to make sure the interactions between Latvian dentists and those at UB continue for years to come."
BUFFALO, N.Y. --- When Anete Vaskevica, a lecturer of conservative dentistry and oral health at Riga Stradins University (RSU) in Latvia, visited the University at Buffalo in September, it marked the beginning of a new partnership.
The hope for the partnership, between the School of Dental Medicine and RSUs school of dental medicine, is to encourage exchanges of faculty and students and create opportunities to develop joint research projects.
Anete, who is a mid-career periodontist, came as a pioneer to observe our teaching and research methodology, said Stefan Ruhl, professor of oral biology who served as the interim dean of the dental school during 2022 and spring of 2023. He was one of four UB delegates, including UB President Satish Tripathi, who signed a formal memorandum of understanding with RSU in April.
Vaskevicas visit was followed by a virtual meeting in November between leaders of both institutions to discuss opportunities for future interactions, especially in the areas of oral biology, oral diagnostic sciences, periodontics, and endodontics.
While she was here, Anete interacted with some 70 members of the dental school, attended lectures, and later shared what she learned with her colleagues and dean in Latvia, Ruhl said. She was so impressed with UB and the city that she told us she agreed with the Readers Digest 2023 assessment of Buffalo as the nicest place in America.
Located in northeastern Europe, Latvia is the middle of the three Baltic states. Once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the country gained independence in 1990, and was admitted to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union in 2004. Riga Stradins University, which has five schools of medical science including dentistry, is the only university in Latvia that has traditionally been integrated into the nations health care system.
UB has had unofficial interactions with Riga for the past 30 years, soon after the Iron Curtain fell, said Mirdza Neiders, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita in UBs dental school and a Latvian native who sponsored Vaskevicas visit.
UBs School of Management and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences established partnerships with schools in Riga years ago, spearheaded by Voldermars Innus, retired UB vice president and chief information officer.
In the early 1990s, Innus, who is also of Latvian nationality, decided to create a Western-style business school at Riga Technical University when the Soviet Union broke up, Neiders said. For his efforts, Innus was awarded the Order of the Three Stars, Latvias highest state award, for distinguished and longstanding service to the country.
Neiders, who turned 90 last year, retired from UB in 2018 after serving as an oral pathologist in the dental school for 56 years. She said she wants to expand UBs connection to Latvia, where she spent her early childhood, before the Soviet and German invasions. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1950.
I sponsored this visiting scholar because I want to make sure the interactions between Latvian dentists and those at UB continue for years to come, she said. Anetes visit was a good start.
Benefits of the partnership include a potential influx of students at UB from Latvia, joint research projects and exchanges of information, Neiders said.
It also will encourage more research in growing areas of dentistry, such as digital dentistry and dental tissue engineering, said Neiders, adding that in Latvia, dentistry has traditionally been a womens profession.
While more men are entering the profession now in Latvia, the countrys dental schools dont have the 50/50 split between male and female students that you see in the United States. With this partnership, both institutions can provide more opportunities to students and faculty who want to advance in the oral health professions.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd on Thursday said it will invest Rs 800 crore in Tamil Nadu to build three greenfield resorts over the next five to six years.
The company has signed an MOU with the Tamil Nadu government for the same, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) said in a statement.
It will directly generate employment opportunities for over 1,500 people, thereby contributing to the overall economy of the state, it added.
"With this significant investment, MHRIL will double its footprint in Tamil Nadu, with Club Mahindra already operating resorts in Ooty and Kodaikanal," the company said.
This would be the second-largest investment by MHRIL, following the Rs 1,000 crore investment in Uttarakhand last year.
These investments are part of the company's expansion plans to increase room inventory from 5,000 to 10,000 by 2030, the statement said.
Further, MHRIL said as part of its commitment to sustainability and aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, all the new resorts developed in Tamil Nadu will target to be "champions of net zero energy, water and waste, and in the process become role models for sustainable tourism in the state".
Tata Steel announced on Friday that it will shut down its two blast furnaces at Port Talbot Steelworks in Wales, UK, a move that may affect up to 2,800 jobs.
The company said the restructuring of the UK business which entails moving to electric arc furnace technology was intended to reverse more than a decade of losses and its transition from the legacy blast furnaces to a more sustainable, green steel business.
The course we are putting forward is difficult, but we believe it is the right one. Having invested almost 5 billion pounds in the UK business since 2007, we must transform at pace to build a sustainable business in the UK for the long-term, said T V Narendran, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Steel.
Our ambitious plan includes the largest capital expenditure in UK steel production in more than a decade, guaranteeing long-term high-quality steel production in the UK and transforming the Port Talbot facility into one of Europes premier centres for green steelmaking, he added.
Tata Steel acquired Corus in a 6.2 billion pound deal in 2007 and the UK operations have mostly been a drag. The company disclosed that it has invested 4.7 billion pound in its UK business since it acquired the business. This includes improvements to the UK steelmaking operations and processing sites, as well as covering financial losses and pension restructuring costs.
In addition to this, Tata Steel has provided additional capital support to service Tata Steel UKs share of debt. Inclusive of that, Tata Steel has invested 6.8 billion pound in Tata Steel UK, the company said.
The announcement on blast furnaces closure follows a discussion with the UK multi-trade union representative body (UK Steel Committee) and its advisors after a joint investment package with the UK government amounting to 1.25 billion pound was agreed upon in September last year. The government grant amounts to 500 million pound and Tata Steel plans to invest 750 million pound.
Tata Steel said that it had carefully considered the unions endorsed proposal for maintaining a single blast furnace. Having considered it, Tata Steel has agreed to adopt elements of it, but considers that continued blast furnace production was neither feasible nor affordable. The company will now commence statutory consultation on the proposed restructuring plan.
Under the plan, up to 2,800 employees are expected to be potentially affected, out of which around 2,500 roles would be impacted in the next 18 months. Tata Steel expects a further 300 roles could be impacted in three years, which could include the potential consolidation and rationalisation of cold rolling assets in Llanwern once the required investments are completed at Port Talbot.
Tata Steel UK employs over 8,000 people, including at Port Talbot.
Trade unions in the UK Community and GMB reacted sharply to the announcement from Tata Steel. In a statement, the unions said: We will now consult our members on the next steps and all options to protect jobs are on the table, including industrial action.
Narendran, in his statement, said, We recognise this proposed restructuring would have a major impact on the individuals and communities concerned, whom we will support with dignity. In consultation with our union partners, Tata Steel will offer a comprehensive support package to mitigate the impact of any anticipated job losses including helping employees to retrain and find new jobs.
Tata Steel said it would endeavour to maximise voluntary redundancies and proposes to commit in excess of 130 million pound to a comprehensive support package for affected employees, including redundancy terms, community programmes, skills training and job-seeking initiatives. This is in addition to the 100 million pound funding for the Transition Board set up with UK and Welsh governments to support affected employees, contractors and communities.
Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors.
He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography.
He can be reached at roland.li@sfchronicle.com.
Thousands of men queued in India's northern state of Harayana during a recruitment drive to send workers to Israel, where the offensive in Gaza, now in its fourth month, has caused a shortage of labour.
Masons, painters, electricians, plumbers and some farmers said they were looking for jobs in Israel with some willing to risk going into a conflict zone because they could make five times more money in a year than they would at home.
"There is unemployment here and its because of it that people want to leave," said Lekharam, a mason who was among the workers gathered at a recruitment camp in Rohtak, 66 km (40 miles) from the capital, New Delhi.
"If it's in our destiny to die, then we can die either here or there. My hope is that we will go and do good work and spend some time and come back."
Officials at Israel's embassy in New Delhi and in the Indian foreign ministry did not respond to questions about the recruitment.
India, now the world's most populous nation with a population of 1.4 billion, has an urban unemployment rate of 6.6 per cent, government data shows, but more than 17 per cent of workers younger than 29 are unemployed and others work as casual labour.
Unemployment and underemployment are a key concern for authorities, despite world-beating economic growth of 7.3 per cent.
This month an Israeli financial daily said the country planned to bring in about 70,000 foreign workers from China, India and elsewhere to boost its construction sector, which has come to a standstill since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants.
India's National Skills Development Corporation canvassed in recent weeks for workers to live and work in Israel.
Recruiters at the camp refused to comment on the drive.
Vivek Sharma, a 28-year-old mason, said he was aware of the risks in Israel from the conflict but was willing to take the risk if he could earn more.
"Yes, I am aware of the conflict, but I can earn a lot of money in a short time," said Sharma, who estimates he could end up earning more than a million Indian rupees ($12,000) by working in Israel for a year.
"It could take me at least five years to earn the same amount of money in India."
Government data shows about 13 million Indian nationals work overseas as labourers, professionals, and experts.
Israel and India signed an agreement last year to allow more than 40,000 Indians to work in the Jewish state in the nursing and construction sectors.
Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar exchanged views on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel on Thursday.
Both ministers held discussions on the margins of the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
They further held discussions to expedite the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives and cooperation within SAARC and NAM.
Maldivian Foreign Minister Zameer expressed delight to meet EAM Jaishankar in Kampala.
Moreover, he stressed that he is committed to further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries.
"It was a pleasure to meet with the External Affairs Minister of #India@DrSJaishankarin the margins of #NAMSummitUg2024. We exchanged views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the #Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM. We are committed to further strengthening and expanding our cooperation," Zameer posted on X.
Earlier today, EAM Jaishankar arrived in Kampala to lead the Indian delegation at the two-day 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) starting from January 19.
The summit will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels.
Preceding the NAM Summit, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh will represent India at the NAM Foreign Minister's meeting.
The 19th NAM Summit under Uganda's leadership is being held under the theme 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence' and brings together more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance.
India wholeheartedly supports Uganda's theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with NAM countries. As one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement, the MEA release said.
On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, the EAM is expected to meet with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from NAM member states.
American multinational fast-food chain McDonald's continued to face growing backlash amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza as 'Boycott McDonald's' trended on social media on Thursday.
The renewed boycott call followed after the franchise's United Kingdom unit, in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), on Tuesday, denied its support for "any governments involved in the Middle East crisis." McDonald's statement followed in response to a remark made by a social media user who called for the company's boycott and Palestine's freedom on the McDonald's feed.
"We are dismayed by disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East. McDonald's corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict. Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by the crisis. We abhor violence of any kind and firmly stand against hate speech, and we'll always proudly open our doors to anyone." the corporation posted.
McDonald's Israel free meal policy for IDF
ALSO READ: Israel-Hamas war: Qatar, France send medicine for hostages in Gaza However, pro-Palestine social media users were quick to point out the fast food chain's policy of giving out free meals to Israel Defence Forces (IDF) since the outbreak of the war. The users indicated that by executing such a move, McDonald's has shown its support for Israel, while the war continues in Gaza, leading to the death of over 23,000 Palestinians.
Notably, a week after the war broke out, McDonald's Israel unit announced free subsidised meals for IDF and rescue forces in the wake of the conflict. "Since the outbreak of the war, McDonald's Israel has donated over one hundred thousand meals to the security forces, the residents of the Otaf and the hospitals, when 5 of the chain's restaurants were opened for this purpose only. In addition, McDonald's Israel gives a 50 per cent discount to all security and rescue forces that arrive independently at the branches," the Israel unit posted on X on October 19.
Close to 45,000 posts made it to X by Thursday noon, calling for the restaurant's boycott. Several demonstrators posted videos of ongoing protests outside McDonald's chains as they extended their support for Palestine.
McDonald's Malaysia sues boycott movement for $1 million
Notably, earlier in January, McDonald's Malaysia had sued the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Malaysia movement for $1 million in damages, alleging the spread of "false and defamatory statements" against the restaurant. The BDS movement aims to end international support for Israel's "oppression of Palestinians" and pressure Israel to comply with international law.
Several Western brands have been facing the heat over the issue including prominent names such as Starbucks, Puma, and Hewlett Packard among others for their "support for Israel." Calling for their boycott, pro-Palestinian activists are lobbying for greater attention toward the plight of nearly all 2.3 million Palestinians, who have lost their homes in the ongoing conflict.
Normalising ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia is a key element of ending the war with Hamas and a gamechanger for the entire Middle East, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Thursday at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss town of Davos.
It's still delicate, it's fragile, and it will take a long time, but I think that it is actually an opportunity to move forward in the world and the region towards a better future, Herzog said.
It comes days after Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said on a Davos panel that the kingdom agreed regional peace includes peace for Israel. He said Saudi Arabia certainly would recognise Israel as part of a larger political agreement.
But that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians, through a Palestinian state, he said.
US Secretary Antony Blinken also reiterated in a talk at Davos that a pathway to statehood for Palestinians could help improve Israel's security and its relations with other countries in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government, however, are opposed to the concept of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Herzog, whose ceremonial role is meant to serve as a national unifier, said public support for it is low because traumatised Israelis are focused on their own safety following Hamas' deadly Oct 7 rampage. He displayed a photo of Kfar Bibas, the youngest Israeli held hostage in Gaza whose first birthday is Thursday.
When nations come forward and say two-state solution, they have to first deal with a preliminary question, which is a core question for human beings: Are we offered real safety? Herzog said. Israelis lost trust in the peace process because they could see that terror is glorified by our neighbours.
Herzog also stressed the global implications of Hamas' attack on Israel, which he said is just one of the proxies of the empire of evil emanating from Tehran.
Amid the conflict in Gaza, Iran has taken military action against what it called an Israeli intelligence operation in Iraq and launched attacks in Pakistan and Syria. Iran-backed rebels in Yemen known as Houthis also have upended global shipping by attacking vessels in the Red Sea, triggering retaliatory strikes from the US and Britain.
The Houthi issue is a number one priority, because it raises the cost of living for every family in the universe, a little tribe of 50,000 people, amassed with the weapons of an empire, Herzog said.
On Wednesday in Davos, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian insisted Iran's strike in Iraq, as well as against an alleged militant base in Pakistan, are part of his country's right to self-defense and accused Israel of genocide in its campaign against Hamas, which has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also condemned the war in Gaza during a Davos talk Thursday, saying the international community has failed.
But Sudani sought to balance his position between the US and Iran, saying Iraq has interests and strategic partnerships with both. He also reiterated calls for US-led coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq, saying their presence is no longer justified because the Islamic State group is no longer a threat to the Iraqi people.
The Iraqi and Israeli leaders were headliners in Thursday's flurry of activity in Davos venues where world leaders, corporate titans and other elites mingle.
Norway Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told The Associated Press that a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians might seem far away right now, but it could also be closer than we think.
"A lot of people who used to pay lip service to this are now actually more worried than in the long run, that absent of such a development, we will have a continued escalation of violence, he said.
The four-day confab at Davos - which has been criticised as a talkfest about weighty ideas but few solutions - has taken up a vast array of topics, such as climate change and artificial intelligence, a technology that may offer both economic promise and peril.
Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, made his Davos debut after leadership turmoil late last year. During a panel on technology and humanity, he faced gentle questioning about the boardroom bustup as well as a lawsuit by the New York Times to stop OpenAI from using its stories to train AI chatbots.
At breakfast panel on the meeting's sidelines Thursday focused on Ukraine's fight against Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda called for frozen Russian assets in Western banks to be used for Ukraine.
He said $60 billion earmarked for Ukrainian reconstruction by the US and 50 billion euros ($54 billion) by the European Union were crucial.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged the EU and US to move forward with stalled aid packages and for allies to remember that together their economies are 25 times bigger than Russia's.
"All we need to do is make our economic strength show, make it pay, and we will be able to help Ukraine bring this to a conclusion, said Cameron, who met with Iran's foreign minister at Davos.
The husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, was jetting in Thursday to discuss combating antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate.
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Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger attends an event April 21 marking the completion of a 4-acre solar rooftop constructed atop AltaSeas research and development facility at the Port of Los Angeles. Mario Tama/Getty Images Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and former governor of California, attends the Bits & Pretzels 2022 at ICM Munich on Sept. 25, 2022, in Munich. Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at CES 2023 on Jan. 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained at a German airport for several hours on Wednesday and will face criminal proceedings for not declaring a luxury watch at customs.
The Terminator star turned politician was held by authorities at Munich International Airport after they discovered a custom-made Swiss brand Audemars Piguet wristwatch worth approximately $21,000 in his suitcase, according to a report from the German news outlet Bild.
A representative for the 76-year-old actor said he had flown in from Los Angeles to donate the timepiece for auction at a charity event organized by his climate foundation at Kitzbuhel in his native Austria.
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None of the people I know and sat next to on our commercial flight filled out a declaration form, including Arnold. He got to customs, and they told him he was randomly selected to be searched, Daniel Ketchell, Schwarzeneggers spokesperson, told the Washington Post. During the search, he answered every single question the customs officer asked, so to say he didnt declare anything is 100% false.
Ketchell added that customs officials questioned Schwarzenegger for three hours, resulting in a $38,000 fine for failure to register the imported watch for tax purposes. However, complications arose as Schwarzenegger couldnt pay the fine with a credit card. He was escorted to an ATM by customs employees while his partner, physiotherapist Heather Milligan, 49, was detained to ensure his return.
Since the amount needed exceeded the money available at the bank, Schwarzenegger was eventually permitted to use a separate credit card reader for the payment.
Thomas Meiste, spokesman for the customs office in Munich, said in a statement, We have initiated criminal tax proceedings. The watch should have been registered because it is an import.
Initially taking the incident lightly, the actor reportedly lost his composure, expressing frustration with the situation.
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Kristin Smart, left, was killed by a classmate at Cal Poly in 1996. Her brother, Matthew, and sister, Lindsey, are named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the university. Courtesy of Denise Smart The family of Kristin Smart, who was killed by a classmate at Cal Poly in 1996, sued the school Thursday, alleging numerous failures. Courtesy of Denise Smart Paul Flores listens during his murder trial in Monterey County Superior Court in Salinas in July 2022. Daniel Dreifuss/Associated Press 2022
Almost three decades after Kristin Smart was murdered in a Cal Poly classmates San Luis Obispo dorm room, her family filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit Thursday against the university, alleging its failures allowed the college freshman to be killed and her murderer to continue assaulting women and evading justice as the case remained unsolved.
Smart went missing on May 24, 1996, and her disappearance grabbed headlines on and off over the decades. After years of suspicion, on April 13, 2021, Paul Flores was arrested in connection with her killing. Two years later, a jury convicted Flores of Smarts murder and he was sentenced to 25 years to life.
Among the allegations, the family says in the suit that Cal Poly officials failed to launch a missing person case and interview witnesses promptly, did not seal the primary suspects dorm room as a crime scene and allowed the suspects room to be cleaned and sanitized before it was searched 16 days after Smart went missing. The Smarts also claim the school had received multiple reports of Flores threatening, stalking and harassing other students, but did not properly punish him and allowed him to remain on the San Luis Obispo campus.
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The missteps allowed Kristin to be murdered and kept the case unsolved for 25 years, causing anguish and suffering to her family, the lawsuit alleges.
There is no question that Cal Poly failed our daughter, Kristin Smart, in multiple ways before and after her tragic murder by Paul Flores, the Smarts said in a statement. Had the university acted properly, conducted a thorough investigation into Flores past concerning behavior, and implemented appropriate disciplinary measures, Kristin would likely still be alive today. Instead, our family has been left to grieve her absence for 27 agonizing years.
The lawsuit plaintiffs include Smarts mother, Denise, and father, Stan, of Stockton; brother Matthew of San Diego; and sister Lindsey Stewart of Palo Alto. On Aug. 25, the family filed a claim against Cal Poly, the first step before a lawsuit, but it was denied with the college arguing the statute of limitations had expired. The Smarts countered that it wasnt until May 2023, when Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong apologized, that the family fully understood the failures of the college. (W)e recognize that things should have been done differently and I personally wish that they had, Armstrong said at the time.
In September, the Smarts applied for an exception to the late filing, but in November the college again denied the claim. Government claims are a required first step and are often denied, and the next step is filing a lawsuit.
Cal Poly spokesperson Matt Lazier said Thursday that the lawsuit is a pending legal matter, so the university has no comment.
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Kristin was 19 and in the final weeks of her freshman year at Cal Poly when she disappeared. On the night of May 24, 1996, she attended a party off campus with other students, and multiple witnesses saw her walking back to her on-campus dorm with Flores. Her friends saw there were no signs of her returning to her dorm room the next morning and reported her missing to the Cal Poly Police Department the next day.
But Cal Poly investigators refused to take a missing persons report because it was Memorial Day weekend and they wanted to wait until the following week, suggesting she had left town. Smarts mother hit the same roadblocks with campus police, who told her Kristin was probably camping with friends, the suit alleges.
CPPDs failure to act promptly on multiple reports of a missing student was just the first of a multitude of failures by Cal Poly during this critical period, the lawsuit alleges.
The Smarts allege campus police did not take the missing person report nor interview witnesses until four days after she disappeared. Police did not interview Flores until four days after Smarts disappearance and it took 16 days for them to search his dorm room, which he had moved out of by that point, and items including furniture were missing, according to the suit. In addition, the school allowed a custodial crew to sanitize the room before any forensic probe, the family alleges. A formal crime scene investigation of the dorm room happened 31 days after Smarts disappearance.
With witnesses fingering Flores as the last person seen with Smart, Cal Poly police should have zeroed in on Flores history of aggressive and threatening behavior, the suit alleges. It was those warning signs, the Smarts say, that should have led to Flores removal as a student before the murder.
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In December 1995, a female Cal Poly student filed a police report saying that Flores had harassed her and climbed the trellis of her apartment building to spy on her from the balcony. Police arrived and found Flores. Three months later, three female students filed police reports saying Flores had been harassing and stalking them. For six weeks, he had been leaving silent hang-up calls on their answering machines. They also told Cal Poly police that in December 1995, Flores had tried to break into their apartment by climbing onto their apartment balcony.
In January 1996, Flores was accused of vandalizing school property while drunk and the school held a meeting to discuss his harassment of a Cal Poly staff member. The school couldve also researched Flores background before he had attended Cal Poly and found out he had a 1994 assault and battery charge against him.
Those on-campus incidents should have violated the universitys own sexual misconduct policy, leading to discipline, the suit alleges.
If Cal Poly had expelled or even suspended Flores, he would not have attended classes and could have lost access to his on-campus housing, the lawsuit contends. These repercussions could have sent Flores home to his family in Arroyo Grande, miles away from Kristin and the dorm room where he murdered her.
There could have been additional red flags that Flores was dangerous, the family alleges, but the university has never provided its investigative file to the Smarts. When Smarts mother asked for Kristins school files, Cal Poly only provided her transcript from spring 1996, the semester she was killed. She had received failing grades in all her classes because she did not appear for her final exams.
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Smarts case was eventually turned over to the San Luis Obispo Sheriffs Office in June 1996, but the damage to the investigation had already been done, the lawsuit alleges. And the quarter-century it would take to finally convict Flores allowed him to victimize other women, the suit alleges. During the preliminary hearing in Kristins murder case, women testified that theyd been sexually assaulted by Flores.
While working at an Outback Steakhouse in Irvine in 1997, Flores carried a co-worker to his apartment and tried to sexually assault her until she threatened to scream and wake up her sister, the suit alleges. Around 2004 to 2007, Flores grabbed a woman and tried to get her into his car, and the two hit each other, the suit alleges. In 2008, he met a woman at a bar, she fell unconscious and she woke up to Flores raping her with a ball gag in her mouth, according to the suit. Three years later, he sexually assaulted a woman at a bar in the San Pedro area of Los Angeles, after the woman felt drugged, the Smarts allege.
Flores has not been convicted of any crimes connected with those accusations.
They all held out hope to some degree that she wasnt dead, attorney Marc Lewis, who represents the Smart family, told the Chronicle. But they also had to live with knowing the perpetrator was walking free and harming other people.
In a raid on Flores San Pedro home, police found a file of videos in which he had filmed himself sexually assaulting women, the suit alleges. They also found two bottles of date rape drugs, the suit alleges.
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If Cal Poly had properly and reasonably investigated Kristins disappearance, the countless women that Flores attacked and assaulted, over the course of the subsequent twenty-five years, could have been spared the severe pain and trauma of those horrific experiences, the suit says.
The impacts on the Smart family have been stark and traumatizing, including anxiety, hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation, the suit alleges.
Thimphu: At a time when China' growing interest in Bhutan is prominently seen and cannot be overlooked, Bhutan has secured its place as an outstanding travel destination in the Chinese market, reported Bhutan Live.
This is the first time the country has received an award in the Chinese market.
Bhutan won the "Outstanding Destination Excellence Award" in December of last year at the 18th Golden Award of The National Geographic Traveller, one of the first international travel magazines published in China, reported Bhutan Live.
The Department of Tourism states that Bhutan will benefit from the designation as a top location for Chinese tourists looking to combine deep cultural immersion with environmental awareness.
"As we all know China is one of the biggest suppliers of tourists globally. And also this award is associated with National Geographic which is associated with landscapes, cultures and the wonders of our planet," the Department of Tourism's Director General, Dorji Dhradhul said, according to Bhutan Live.
"We need to preserve these for our future generations. Therefore, this is also a big recognition of the sustainability initiatives that our country has taken particularly in tourism," the Director General added.
(ANI)
Moroccan cement association welcomes Novacim membership
18 January 2024
The Assembly General of LAssociation Profesionelle des Cimentiers (APC) has ratified the decision of its Board of Directors to welcome Novacim, the new Moroccan producer of clinker and cement.
Novacim has a 1.6Mta cement plant located in Oulad Ghanem, El Jadida, requiring an investment of MAD2.6m (US$0.259m). With this new unit, the cement supply of APC members reaches a production capacity of 24.6Mta.
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Megan Fan Munce 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.
Munce grew up in San Jose before attending Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, graduating with a B.S. and M.S. in journalism and a second major in political science.
She previously worked as an audience engagement fellow and a reporting fellow at the Texas Tribune, as well as an audience intelligence intern for KQED.
She can be reached at Megan.Munce@sfchronicle.com.
Expert lauds China's strong commitment to relations with Africa
Xinhua) 11:07, January 18, 2024
ACCRA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- An international relations and foreign policy expert has praised China for its strong commitment to the relations with Africa.
David Monyae, director of the Center for China-Africa Studies at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, commented on Tuesday during a webinar hosted by the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, a think tank based in Ghana.
Monyae said considering China's approach, it is clear that Africa is an important focus of China's foreign policy and Africa remains an important player for China.
"On an annual basis, the Chinese foreign minister (Wang Yi) visits Africa at the beginning of the year, and as we speak, he is in Africa. This approach shows the serious nature of how China looks at Africa," said the professor.
He said there is also reciprocity in these gestures as there have been many visits also by African leaders to China for bilateral and multilateral engagements. "From that perspective, the relationship remains much stronger."
Moreover, he said China has strengthened its investments in Africa over the years, bringing immense contributions to the development of the continent's infrastructure that benefits citizens.
The expert said one of the beautiful sides of Sino-African relations is areas of convergence between the two sides.
"There is convergence between China's Belt and Road Initiative, and the African Union's Agenda 2063, the master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future," Monyae stated.
Monyae concluded that 2024 would be a fruitful year for Sino-African relations as both sides are determined to strengthen their achievements so far.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A public memorial service for slain Oakland police officer Tuan Le took place in Castro Valley on Jan. 10. The men suspected in Les fatal shooting pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. Screen shot via KTVU Pool Marquis Cooper, left, who is charged with burglary and murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Oakland police officer Tuan Le, speaks with his lawyer before entering a plea of not guilty during a plea hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Sebron Russell, who is out of custody and charged with burglary in connection with the fatal shooting of Oakland police officer Tuan Le, enters a plea of not guilty during a hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle
Three men accused in the fatal shooting of an undercover Oakland police officer pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder charges and other allegations in Alameda County Superior Court.
Mark Sanders, Allen Brown and Marquise Cooper also face burglary charges following what police and prosecutors said was their robbery of a cannabis cultivation warehouse in Oakland prior to Oakland Police Officer Tuan Les shooting.
Le was shot about 4:30 a.m. on Dec. 29 on Embarcadero near Fifth Avenue. He died about four hours later at a hospital.
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A fourth defendant, Sebron Russell, 30, pleaded not guilty Thursday to burglary. He was released on $275,000 bail.
Sanders, 27, Brown, 28, and Cooper, 34, remained in jail without bail.
Allen Brown, who is charged with burglary and murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Oakland police officer Tuan Le, enters a plea of not guilty during a plea hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle
The attorneys representing the four defendants did not comment on the allegations in detail in court Thursday. Browns attorney declined to comment outside of the courtroom, and attorneys for the other defendants did not respond to requests for comment.
Coopers attorney, Ernie Castillo, has said that prosecutors believe Cooper was possibly a few blocks away, acting as a lookout, but Castillo said there was no indication his client knew what was happening as things unfolded.
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Were going to do everything possible to make sure the charges reflect his (alleged) limited conduct and role in this particular case, Castillo said.
Police and prosecutors say Sanders shot from inside a getaway vehicle at an unmarked police vehicle and struck Le in the drivers seat after the burglary. It was the third burglary that day at the same cannabis business, according to court records.
Mark Sanders, who was charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Oakland police officer Tuan Le, enters a plea of not guilty during a hearing at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, California Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle
Sanders faces a special allegation that he knew Le was a police officer. Police and prosecutors allege Brown was the driver of the getaway vehicle.
Sanders criminal history includes a manslaughter conviction in Alameda County, according to court records. The East Bay Times has reported that he pleaded no contest to the charge in connection with the shooting of an 18-year-old man in 2014, when Sanders was 17.
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The 36-year-old officer worked for the department for about four years. A Vietnam native who was raised in Oakland, Le was regarded as a link between police and the Asian community in the city.
A woman was killed and her husband badly injured at Fairfield Glade. Authorities said the suspect in the case afterward took his own life at a motel in Arkansas.
Early Wednesday at approximately 7:54 a.m. Fairfield Glade Police responded to 510 Wimberly Road on a domestic in progress call with shots being fired from the back deck.
As officers entered the residence, they discovered a man, who was later identified as James Chapman, age 76, with severe lacerations, and a deceased female, identified as Karen Chapman, age 69, both of the Wimberly Road residence.
Mr. Chapman was airlifted to UT Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment.
The Cumberland County Sheriffs Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene to investigate the apparent homicide and aggravated assault. While conducting the investigation a suspect was identified as Jason James Chapman, age 33, who also resided at the residence.
A BOLO was issued to all law enforcement agencies for Chapman, who was driving a white 2021 Subaru Ascent. As the investigation progressed, it was determined Chapman was at a hotel in Malvern, Arkansas. Investigators later learned that Chapman was deceased at the hotel from self-inflicted injuries.
Sheriff Casey Cox and Chief Kate Self would like to assure everyone that the community is not in any danger as the investigation continues.
Dignitaries from the Chattanooga and Hamilton County area will join Morning Pointe Senior Living leaders on Friday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m., to break ground on the new The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence at East Hamilton.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton, located just off of East Brainerd Road, will be the 41st Morning Pointe Senior Living community and the 25th in Tennessee. Other area campuses are located on Shallowford Road, as well as in Collegedale, Hixson and in Walker County.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the property at 1775 Generations Way in Ooltewah. The build will be Phase II of the senior living campus offering a continuum of care services along with Morning Pointe of East Hamilton, which will transition to an assisted living only community.
The new single-level memory care community will be an estimated 45,000 square feet and feature 60 apartments. These will encompass two levels of care Lamplight for early stages of Alzheimers and other dementias, and Lantern for the more advanced stages. The Lantern is anticipated to open in early 2025.
The campus is located close to the new Publix Super Market at the Shops at Enclave, as well as East Hamilton High School and Westview Elementary School.
Programming at the new building will adhere to Morning Pointes strong focus on clinical care with physical and occupational therapies, life enrichment and wellness offerings and intergenerational activities. It will also feature Morning Pointes Farm to Table program with local, farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients.
What an exciting day it will be to break ground on a new memory care campus in this growing and thriving area of Hamilton County, said Greg A. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living. We started Morning Pointe right here in East Hamilton County, and its a pleasure to be growing in our backyard and serving our neighbors.
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimers memory care communities in five southeastern states.
The new Lantern at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton will create approximately 60 permanent healthcare positions and is estimated to have a positive economic impact of more than $25 million annually, considering payroll, property taxes and local purchase of goods and services. The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide nursing scholarships and caregiver support.
Billie Younger Connell, age 93, passed away on January 14, 2024, surrounded by family.
She was born in Big Spring, Texas on May 4, 1930, and was the eldest of Bill and Verlyne Youngers three children. Billies childhood was significantly impacted by the Great Depression and the subsequent Dust Bowl that ravaged her west Texas town. She attended Big Spring High School and completed one year at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
She married and raised 2 of her children, Mary Lynn and Steve in Big Spring. In 1963, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to continue her job as a secretary for Fina Oil Company, where she trained many of the men who held higher positions than her own. Her daughter, Amy, was born in Albuquerque. Billie worked two jobs and put herself through college, graduating with honors from the University of New Mexico in 1970. She earned her degree in elementary education as a single mother at 40 years of age one of her proudest accomplishments.
Billie worked as a second-grade teacher at Onate Elementary. Upon her retirement, she became active in Bible Study Fellowship and met a group of 7 women who became the best of friends.
Billie and her husband, Gene Connell, married in 1972 and enjoyed traveling, camping, and collecting art and antiques. She was an excellent seamstress who made many cherished items for her grandchildren. Upon being widowed in 1998, she became active with the Assistance League of Albuquerque as a member of several committees, ultimately serving as President. In 2011, she unselfishly left her beloved friends and home in New Mexico and moved across the country to Chattanooga to be near family.
One of the most common things said about Billie by those who knew her is that she was a special lady. She was known for her calm and generous spirit, bright smile, and fierce love for her family. Billie often encouraged her loved ones that pretty is as pretty does. Those who had the privilege to know her know that she embodied this perfectly. She was beautiful inside, and out. Billie is now resting in heaven, where she will forever have a glorified body; where sickness is no more, and healing is eternal.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gene Connell, her son Steve McClure, and grandson Stephen Perkins. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Lynn (Bob) Perkins of Irving, TX, and Amy (AJ) Monsees of Chattanooga, TN; Gene's children, Charles (Joann) Connell, Julia Horton, Eileen Weber, Linda Kaiser, and Elizabeth Connell; their children and grandchildren; granddaughters Emily (Noel) Janacek of Louisville, TX, Sarah Duncan of McKinney, TX, Rebecca (Jojo) Pfahler of Pilot Point, TX, and Rachel (Russ) Harwood of Signal Mountain, TN; grandson Evan Monsees of Chattanooga, TN; great grandchildren Katie and Laura Duncan of McKinney, TX, and Shane, Troy, Bo and Gus Janacek of Louisville, TX; sister, Maxie Scott of Austin, TX, and brother, Jerry Younger (Nancy) of Boston, MA.
A celebration of Billies life will be held at Hixson Presbyterian Church, 1450 Jackson Mill Drive, Hixson, on Feb. 10. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until noon, and a service beginning at 12 p.m. She will be buried with her husband at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico.
Donations in her name may be made to the Assistance League of Albuquerque, PO Box 35910, Albuquerque, NM 87176-5910 or www.assistanceleague.org/albuquerque/ways-to-donate/
While on patrol on Gunbarrel Road, an officer observed a man panhandling on private property in which the owner has instructed police to trespass anyone from doing so. The officer identified the man and informed him the laws regarding panhandling and trespassed him from the property.
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On Signal Mountain Road, an officer pulled over a truck driver who lives and works out of his truck. This morning he got into an argument with his girlfriend who lives with him and rides in his truck. She called her mother and left before police got on scene. The man said that he gave her a key to the truck which she did not give back. He said that he didn't care about the key.
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On Riverside Drive, an officer spoke with a man regarding a disorder he had between himself and his son. The man reported it was verbal only and was not physical. The officer spoke with both men and they agreed to separate until things calmed down and they could resolve their issues.
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On East 7th Street, police spoke with a man who said he was having problems with a man who stayed on the steps in the back of the alley. He said the man was in his 50's and they had previous physical altercations. He did not know why the trespasser disliked him or continued to cause problems but wanted police to be aware of the matter.
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An officer spoke with a complainant on E. 11th Street who said a woman and her kids have been staying at the address and they have a curfew at 10 p.m. Everyone is to be in the shelter at this time. He said she left after hours and did not arrive until the next day at 12 p.m. He said he reached out to his director and she said the woman was to be removed from the shelter. The officer spoke to the woman, and she said she got approval from another manager because she was working. She left the premises without incident.
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On West 14th Street Court, police made contact with a complainant who said her upstairs neighbor has caused damage to a water pipe. She said the pipe is leaking water into her apartment. Police observed a pipe above the shower leaking water.
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A man on Brainerd Road called in saying he was "robbed" but, after speaking with him, he said that he had left his backpack unattended in the parking lot of Krispy Kreme Donuts, and when he went back to get it it was gone.
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On Browns Ferry Road, police located a black Nissan Pathfinder displaying an expired Ohio temporary tag. Police ran the tag and got a return out of Vermont. It was not reported stolen. The vehicle was not obstructing the roadway and appeared to have broken down.
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Police spoke to a man on Nautical Way who said he had been in a verbal argument with his brother but that they had gotten things worked out and police were no longer needed.
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At the Fairfield Inn, located at 2345 Shallowford Village Drive, police were called by the front desk attendant who said a former guest was on the property yelling and refusing to leave. She also believed the former guest was intoxicated. Upon arrival, the officer located and identified the man, who was intoxicated on alcohol per statements and observation. He was waiting on an Uber that eventually arrived and he left without incident.
String Theory at the Hunter, in partnership with Lee University and the Hunter Museum of American Art, will continue its 15th season with the award-winning Goldmund Quartet. The concert will take place on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
We are eager to welcome the Goldmund Quartet, one of the most sought after young quartets in the world, for their debut at String Theory, says Dr. Gloria Chien, founder and artistic director of String Theory.
The performance will feature Borodins String Quartet No. 2 in D Major and Beethovens String Quartet in F Major.
At 6 p.m., prior to the concert, the musicians will hold Musical Dialogue, a conversation on their lives, inspirations, and the masterpieces being performed that evening.
The Goldmund Quartet comprises artists Pinchas Adt, violin; Raphael Paratore, cello; Florian Schotz, violin; and Christoph Vandory, viola.
The Quartet is known to feature exquisite playing and multi-layered homogeneity (Suddeutsche Zeitung) in its interpretations of the great classical and modern works of the quartet literature. The Goldmund Quartet is now counted amongst the leading string quartets of the younger generation worldwide, reflected in their 2023/24 season calendar. Highlights include the Quartets debut at prestigious festivals such as Festival Dolomites, Settimane Musicali di Ascona and Viotti Festival in Vercelli, Italy. The ensemble will return to important halls such as Concertgebouw Amsterdam in a recital with pianist Fazil Say, to Tokyo Opera City as part of a tour of Japan as well as to North America for a tour that will take them to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Vancouver.
The Quartet has been awarded the Bavarian Arts Promotion Prize and the Karl Klinger Prize of the ARD competition in 2016 along with the Jurgen Ponto Foundation Music Prize and the Freiherr von Waltershausen Prize in 2020. Their new EP, Prisma, published on Berlin Classics Neue Meister series as a limited vinyl release, features contemporary works by Arvo Part, Philip Glass and Uno Helmersson alongside two newly commissioned pieces by Pascal Schumacher and Sophia Jani. Chamber music partners include artists such as Jorg Widmann, Ksenija Sidorova, Alexander Krichel, Alexey Stadler and Wies de Boeve, Nino Gvetadze, Noa Wildschut, Elisabeth Brauss, Maximilian Hornung, Frank Dupree, and Simon Hofele.
String Theory was founded in 2009 by Dr. Chien to expose new audiences to chamber music, invigorate the local classical music scene, and cultivate a future generation of music lovers.
Tickets for the Tuesday evening performance, sponsored in part by HK architects and the Tennessee Arts Commission, are on sale now through January 23 and are $45 for general admission, $35 for Hunter members, and $10 for students and music teachers.
To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.stringtheorymusic.org or call 414-2525.
Past Chairman Col. Bill Brooks, USA, installed 2024 CAVC Chairman Tommy Mitchell 2024 Chairman Tommy Mitchell, American Legion Post # 291 recognizes 2023 Chairman Wayne Belk, American Legion Post # 159, for his leadership during the past year Executive Board members Jules Doux, Bill Norton, Mickey McCamish and Wayne Belk Executive Board members Linda Moss Mines, Alan Syler, Chuck Alsobrook, Jim Beasley and Scott Hardin Previous Next
The member organizations of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, including 12 American Legion Posts, four VFW Posts, two Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters, the Chattanooga Chapter of the Military Officers of America Association, the Tri-Sate Women Veterans Unit and others, along with 16 associate organizations and 15 honorary organizations, have elected their 2024 executive board officers.Officers installed by Past Chairman Col. Bill Brooks, USA are: Tommy Mitchell, chairman; Bill Norton, chairman-elect; Scott Hardin, vice-chairman; Directors Mickey McCamish, Jim Beasley, Chuck Alsobrook and Jules Doux; Linda Moss Mines, secretary and Alan Syler, treasurer.Wayne Belk will serve the board as the immediate past chairman. Fran Simmons Barker and Mark Parks will serve as advisory members.In 1983, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council was established by Brigadier General Carl Levi and other local military organization leaders. CAVC provides quarterly briefings by Veteran Administration personnel; streamlined support efforts and is a centralized resource repository for military veterans and their families in the tri-state area including Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. Additionally, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council is responsible for annual veteran commemorations enjoyed by area citizens, including Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, Armed Forces Week Events and Parade, Memorial Day at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, Korean Armistice Day, Veterans Day at the Chattanooga National Armory, Pearl Harbor Remembrance and Wreaths Across Chattanooga.For more information about the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council, visit https://www.chattareaveterans.com/.
The future monarch could cut ties with the faith part of his reign according to the author of a new book about King Charles.
Prince William could end a 500-year-old tradition beloved by Queen Elizabeth going back to Henry VIII when he becomes the United Kingdoms king, says a royal author. William could potentially cut ties with the Church of England over not sharing the same feelings as the previous monarchs about the religion. His grandmother was its leader for over 70 years. Its current head is King Charles.
A royal author claims Prince William isnt as faith-driven as his grandmother
Royal biographer Robert Hardman revealed that Prince William, the heir apparent to the British throne, could break away from the Church of England when he takes over the monarchy from his father, King Charles III. Hardman is the author of The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy.
He wrote, In royal circles, it is no secret that he does not share the kings sense of the spiritual, let alone the late queens unshakeable devotion to the Anglican church. His father is very spiritual and happy to talk about faith, but the prince is not.
According to the New York Post, Hardman continued, He doesnt go to church every Sunday, but then nor do the large majority of the country. He might go at Christmas and Easter, but thats it.
He very much respects the institutions. But he is not instinctively comfortable in a faith environment, Hardman concludes.
Queen Elizabeths chaplain believes William doesnt show any signs of faith devotion
Gavin Ashenden, Queen Elizabeths chaplain from 2008 to 2017, agreed that it appears Prince William may not be as devout as his grandmother and father to his faith in the Church of England. He told GBNews, I think its very interesting and almost certainly true. William doesnt show any signs of being alive to the vibrancy of Christian faith.
And in that sense, he is very representative of his generation, but I dont think he understands the monarchy because although lots of people have talked about disestablishing the Church of England and changing our constitutional arrangements. However, theyre immensely complex and they go back through 500 years of legislation.
So I think he either has to accept the fact that this is a role he plays, whether he likes it or not, which is part actually of the burden of monarchy, or if he feels that strongly and he cant do it, then step aside and abdicate and see if theres somebody else in the Royal succession who can.
King Charles is currently the head of the Church of England. Prince William will assume the same role upon being crowned king.
How long has the royal family headed the Church of England?
Prince William touched King Charles crown during his fathers coronation in May 2023 | Yui Mok/Getty Images
The royal family has been head of the Church of England for over 500 years. Henry VIII spearheaded the religion.
Henry VIII broke ties with the Pope in the 1530s after the Catholic church wouldnt allow him to annul his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who failed to produce any male heirs. He then took Anne Boleyn as his new wife, but it wasnt until Henrys third wife, Jane Seymour, that he had his long-awaited male heir, Edward, in 1537.
Henry later passed the Act of Succession and the Act of Supremacy. These acts essentially declared himself the supreme head of the Church of England.
The royal family website writes that since the 16th century, monarchs have sworn to maintain the Church of Scotland. Queen Elizabeth pledged to preserve the settlement of the true Protestant religion as established by the laws made in Scotland on her accession in February 1952.
Official law, co-signed by the British government, dictates that whoever ascends to the crown automatically assumes the title of supreme governor of the Church of England. Therefore, when Prince William becomes king, he will head the church as did Queen Elizabeth and King Charles.
carbon Farming Germany has made groundbreaking progress in sustainable fuel production and developed BeyondZero, the world's first CO2-negative biofuel. BeyondZero is the result of an innovative combination of biogas production and carbon storage in biochar. External laboratory results confirm its sustainability: not only is it possible to produce biochar from biogas digestate, but the carbon it contains can be stored sustainably for over 1000 years.
"BeyondZero provides an answer to the climate targets in the transportation sector," explains Marc Feldmann, CEO of CFG. "The transport sector is extremely difficult to decarbonize. Our mission is to show that industrial fuel supply and climate protection can come from a single source to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come."
EU CO2 reduction targets are putting increasing pressure on fuel suppliers to quickly switch to renewable solutions. Carbon Farming Germany is answering this call with a fuel that not only reduces CO2 emissions in the future, but also reverses CO2 emissions from the past. This effect is achieved by converting biogas digestate into biochar for the first time.
CFG's first plant will cover the annual requirements of 300 large trucks in a CO2-neutral way. In addition, over 75,000 tons of CO2 will be removed from the atmosphere every year - that is equivalent to the emissions of 7,500 flight tickets from Frankfurt to New York. The biochar produced in the process is supplied to the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to increase their crop yields by up to 15%.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally at the Port of Oakland on Saturday. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Jan. 9 calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle
Regarding In rare move, S.F. Mayor Breed condemns Board of Supervisors Gaza cease-fire resolution (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 14): I want to thank San Francisco Mayor London Breed and commend her for a courageous, principled and educated condemnation of the Board of Supervisors Gaza cease-fire resolution.
It has been said that if Hamas laid down its arms, there would be peace, but if Israel laid down its arms, it and Jews everywhere would be wiped off the map. A cease-fire now would be the equivalent of Israel laying down its arms. Hamas would re-arm through the auspices of Iran and other complicit nations and organizations.
No one can be happy about the deaths of innocent Gazans, but the world, including the Board of Supervisors, must recognize the likelihood that Hamas intentionally uses civilians as human shields, reports exaggerated numbers to influence world opinion, and, when Israel notifies it of its intentions, refuses to let people escape harm.
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This and more information is readily available to supervisors who want to educate themselves, so a call for a cease-fire is either willful ignorance or out-and-out antisemitism.
William Halprin, San Francisco
Help solve homelessness
Regarding S.F.s streets could improve with tiny homes but only if the city gets out of its own way (Editorials, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 13): In San Francisco, we have been addressing the crisis of homelessness for 50 years since the deinstitutionalization of mental health hospitals under Gov. Ronald Reagan. I have come to the stark realization that government and the nonprofit sector simply cannot solve homelessness alone.
It will take an organized movement of everyday San Franciscans to demand innovative and effective solutions for one of the most complicated issues of our time.
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Last year, I started 2000 Open Doors (https://2000opendoors.org) on my own time and dime in response to a city study claiming we need to add 2,000 temporary shelter units to the system.
I committed to participating in 500 house parties to educate, inspire and activate the community to help identify 50 potential locations, with geographic equity, to house 2,000 individuals in temporary, modular, supportive housing with comprehensive services and security. On Saturday, I completed my 77th house party with the District 11 council.
We have money, land, innovative concepts in modular construction and a bevy of supportive services. What we lack is will, and I implore you to join us.
Alex Tourk, San Francisco
More lawsuits coming
Regarding Drugmaker can be held responsible for delaying HIV treatment rollout, court rules (Politics, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 10): California courts continue to create dubious, new and innovative ways to sue businesses.
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Ultimately, the decision in the suit against Gilead Life Sciences will continue to drive away business, stifle innovation and chill Californias business climate, which is already labeled a judicial hellhole by the American Tort Reform Foundation.
Unfortunately, California is known as a laboratory for novel liability-expanding legal theories, with lawyers being the winners.
Businesses must retain the right to make decisions without the threat of the courts or potential lawsuits telling them what to do.
Expanding litigation with dubious novel theories comes with a huge cost, one that consumers will bear as the price of products increases. And, the ultimate cost is that new products will not be developed and all Californians will lose.
Its getting silly when you can now sue over something that hasnt even been developed yet.
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Victor Gomez, executive director, California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Pit bulls stereotyped
Regarding She was viciously attacked by a dog at an S.F. beach. Heres why the city couldnt do anything about it (Opinion, SFChronicle.com, Jan. 14): People say pit bulls shouldnt be allowed at dog parks. Cities, apartment owners and landlords ban pit bulls. People who hate and fear pit bulls are judging them by their looks.
I thought I understood racism. Then we got pit bulls, and I gained a deeper understanding. Now, I feel how awful it is to judge a person by the color of their skin or dogs by their breed.
Thank you for setting back years of fighting the negative perception of pit bulls.
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Cherokee Nation citizen Emily Mullen is pursuing a music education degree at Shenandoah University in the conservatory program. She has been playing the violin since she was four years old.
In 2005, a woman named Vanessa Mitchell bought a house located in the quaint English village of St. Osyth in the county of Essex.
She was drawn to the property and believed that the building, painted in a sunny yellow shade, would be her dream home. However, her experience living there turned out to be nothing short of traumatizing.
The house that Vanessa bought was once a medieval prison for those accused of being witches back during the Satanic Panic, a period in British history where people were plagued with paranoia about supernatural beings and numerous witch trials were held. Many women were condemned to their deaths during this time.
In 1582, the prison, which was named The Cage, held around 13 women captive as they awaited trial. They became known as the witches of St. Osyth.
In the end, three of the women were found guilty and were hanged on the gallows. One of the women sentenced to death was named Ursula Kemp, and her story was the most notable one.
Ursula was a midwife and helped heal sick people, making her a well-loved member of her community. But, after a disagreement with a local family, rumors were spread about her healing abilities, which led to her being accused of witchcraft.
A neighbor claimed she had been chanting magical spells while treating a sick child. She was pressured to confess to witchcraft, and the child she healed testified at her trial.
During the 1800s, The Cage was rebuilt with brick to make it sturdier. It remained a jail until 1908. By the 1970s, it had been made over into a house. The jail cells were transformed into a living room, and bedrooms were added upstairs.
When Vanessa bought the house, she witnessed paranormal activity from the first day she moved in. She often noticed apparitions walking through rooms and heard spooky, unexplained sounds. She saw objects fly across the kitchen for no apparent reason.
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When Eliora found out she was pregnant in 2021, she didnt tell her church community as she felt ashamed about getting pregnant outside of marriage. Instead, she started researching abortion on the internet. When she told her partner, whom she was not in a committed relationship with, he gave her a list of abortion clinics in the area.
Eliora, 29, was also unsure about her churchs stance on abortion, as she had never heard the topic talked about from the pulpit or in small group. Two weeks later, she terminated the pregnancy, thinking it was the most logical choice. (CT agreed to use only her first name due to the sensitivity around abortion in Singapore.)
However, what she thought was a one-off decision soon plunged her into overwhelming guilt. Deep down, I just had this sense that if it is a life, then I have killed something. It just felt wrong, Eliora said. I wish that my [church] community was a space [where] I felt safe to reach out for help.
Stories like Elioras are not uncommon in Singapore, where abortion is a largely taboo topic in the church. At the same time, Singapore has one of the most liberal abortion laws in the world due to the countrys former family planning policies in the 70s. Abortion is legal up to 24 weeks of pregnancy and not restricted by age. Minors do not need to obtain parental consent to get an abortion.
While the number of abortions in Singapore has halved in the past decadelikely due to the increased use of contraceptives and the growing acceptance of single mothersapproval of abortion has increased in the younger generations, including among Christians. A third of Christians between the ages of 18 to 35 believe abortion is not wrong at all if the family has very low income and cannot afford any more children, according to a 2019 Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) paper.
Yet many churches in Singapore are still not addressing the issue proactively. Ministries like Safe Place and Heartbeat Project are trying to change that by encouraging the church to speak up about abortion and the sanctity of life, to support women with unplanned pregnancies, and to become a sanctuary for women like Eliora who are seeking help and healing.
A taboo topic
Singapore became one of the first countries in Asia to legalize abortion in 1969. Since then, more than 660,000 babies have been aborted, based on data from the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and Singapores Ministry of Health.
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The Singapore government encouraged abortions as it implemented a two-child policy due to fears that population growth would lead to overcrowding and a lack of resources on the island. The campaign heralded the benefits of small families and introduced measures to discourage couples from having more than two children, including reductions in tax relief, lower priority for housing, and lower priority for schools for larger families. Meanwhile, parents who underwent sterilization could get their children into top primary schools.
At the same time, the government eased access to abortion. In 1974, it abolished the need for women to obtain approval from authorities before getting an abortion, along with age requirements.
In the 80s, Singapore scrambled to reverse the policy as it saw its population plummeting. The government began incentivizing families to have three or more children, including offering parents Baby Bonus cash gifts and paid paternity leave. Still, the effects are lasting: the fertility rate in Singapore is still one of the lowest in the world, at 1.05 in 2022.
Today, the top reasons married women in Singapore give for seeking an abortion are that they have enough children and that they are unable to afford another child, according to a 2023 study published in the Singapore Medical Journal. The same study found that single women abort because they are unmarried and not ready to start a family.
Since the 1980s, Christianity has grown in the country from 10 percent to 19 percent today. Yet in churches, abortion remains a largely taboo topic. Thats because it is regarded as a secretive, personal choice and because Christians often find discussions on it complicated or irrelevant, said Jennifer Heng, the founder and director of Safe Place, which provides shelter and support for women with unplanned pregnancies.
According to traditional Asian cultural norms, sex before marriage is considered immoral, so families look down on and are ashamed of getting pregnant out of wedlock. Sex is typically not discussed, so as modernization and Western influences spread, the countering value systems have led Singaporeans to view abortion as a logical solution to unwanted pregnancies.
The large majority of the women come to us for help primarily because the men in their lives have abdicated their responsibility [to parent], Heng said. So the woman is left on her own and shes thinking, How on earth am I going to do this? We see this over and over again.
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Safe Place is taking steps toward preparing churches to minister to these women. In July, the group held a workshop to train pastors to provide practical help to women with unplanned pregnancies who lack a support system. Through case studies based on real-life scenarios, experienced pastors taught fellow leaders how to counsel women to explore alternatives to abortion, such as adoption.
Heng geared her workshop toward pastors because if even our shepherds are not clear [about their stance on abortion], where on earth are they leading the sheep? What kind of grass are they feeding the sheep? she asked. Awareness about the issues surrounding abortion and unsupported pregnancies needs to start with the shepherds first.
Sixteen of the 20 pastors invited showed up to the workshop. The small number of attendees demonstrated to Heng that abortion is still a low-priority issue for the Singaporean church, yet its a start.
Discipling the youth
Singaporean Christian denominations, groups, and media have made statements on abortion and written articles on the topic, but often, that doesnt translate to discussion within churches. Norman Ng, senior pastor of 3:16 Church and co-founder of the online platform Heartbeat Project, believes that the churchs silence makes young Christians vulnerable to the influence of the world.
In an oversexualized culture, sexual exploration can be very real for youths today, even for those within the church, Ng said. However, it may not be uncommon for churches to avoid having honest conversations with youths on this subject.
The IPS study reveals that younger generations are more accepting of abortion for economic reasons. While 64 percent of Christians older than 56 said abortion is always wrong in cases when the family has low income and cant afford any more children, that percentage plummets to 22 for Christians between ages 18 and 35. Two in three young Christians responded that it is not wrong at all or wrong only sometimes to have an abortion in that situation.
Disturbed by these findings, Ng penned an impassioned open letter to pastors in Singapore in 2020 calling for them to teach young Christians about what Scripture says about life and abortion. When left unsaid, questions tend to emerge, Ng wrote. Questions like: If abortion is legal and so accessible, why is it wrong? If its so serious, then why isnt the church saying anything about it?
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Four years later, Ng still believes that the church can do more in shaping young people, whose values are heavily influenced not by the church but by the culture.
If we dont disciple our children, the world will, Ng said. And they are actively doing so to cultivate values that abortion is acceptable and it is part of womens rights. [Yet] there still isnt an urgency to instill a biblical worldview on the sanctity of life.
At 3:16 Church, where Ng pastors with his wife, Debbie, discussion on the sanctity of life takes place not just from the pulpit but also through age-appropriate conversations.
For the youth, the church held a session to answer questions about dating, sex, and abortion. The church also brought in a mother who shared her journey of becoming pregnant when she was a teenager and her and the fathers choice to keep their baby.
For young adults, the church hosted a panel that included a pastor, a doctor, and a Christian woman who had an abortion in her early 20s. The young adults asked questions, including whether abortion is acceptable in cases when the unborn baby is diagnosed with special needs, when the mothers life is in danger, or when the mother is raped.
For parents, the church asked them to evaluate the conversations they are having with their children about sex and purity while also considering how they would respond if their children were to get pregnant before marriage. These discussions helped parents realize how critical their encouragement and support is in such a situation, Debbie said. What they say to their child could literally be a matter of life and death.
Having such conversations in more intimate settings helps believers feel more comfortable to ask questions and to share their personal experiences about abortion, Debbie said.
Unpacking shame and stigma
For women who have already had an abortion, stigma and shame often cause them to keep it a secret from other Christians or to avoid church altogether.
A recent study by the Journal of Religion and Health asked 11 Protestant women in Singapore about who they would turn to if they were considering an abortion. The study found that while most of the women desired support from their faith communities, they also feared being judged by other Christians.
Participants also reported a culture of silence within their churches regarding abortion, making it harder for them to identify safe sources of support and to comfortably seek it, the researchers wrote.
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Eliora, who similarly dealt with deep guilt and shame about her abortion, approached the pro-life group Buttons Project Singapore to help her process her emotional turmoil. Started in 2017 by June Bai, Buttons Project offers support services such as inner healing sessions for Christians who have had abortions.
In most cases, Im the first person to hear their stories, Bai said. They feel ashamed. They dont dare to tell people [because] they are afraid of being judged.
Bai was terrified when she first opened up to her church friends about the abortion she had had in her 20s. One of them later sent her a text message: No matter what you did, I still love you as a sister. The loving acceptance she experienced moved her to tears. She realized she had a safe place to share her pain.
Eliora attended several sessions with Bai that addressed the root issues from her childhood and family that led to her decision to abort.
I was very grateful for [Bais] platform, because you see someone who has gone through [abortion], who is able to empathize and is able to provide something in a safe space.
Eliora left her previous church and worships at 3:16 Church today. She is thankful that the latter creates spaces for people to have honest conversations about difficult topics. Taking part in these conversations has reshaped her thinking not just about abortion but also about life itself: The value of life is not determined by me; its determined by God.
A vast mission field
Heng of Safe Place sees the hundreds of thousands of women who have had abortions in Singapore since the 1970s as a vast mission field. After having two abortions as a teen before encountering God in her 20s, Heng started Life Network, which brings together Protestant and Catholic organizations, doctors, and students to build a culture of life in Singapore. Since its inception in 2012, the network has held conferences, published books, and helped start organizations like the Heartbeat Project.
In 2018, she launched Safe Place to offer practical help to women with unplanned pregnancies. Many of us can say abortion is not a good thing, but how many of us can tangibly provide an alternative? Heng said. We need to be moving from talk to action. Our faith has to be accompanied by deeds.
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The group has helped more than 400 women with counseling, providing temporary accommodations, and equipping them with life skills such as financial management and career guidance. Heng and her team at Safe Place journey with the pregnant women in need, even when they choose to terminate their pregnancies.
Our only hope is that for those who have chosen abortion, if they ever get pregnant again, they can choose differently, Heng said. Ive had a woman who had four abortions before she realized, The fifth one, Ill keep [the child]. I walked with her until it sank into her [that abortion is not the solution].
While some churches are not ready for a sermon on abortion, a small number of churches have made recent strides in opening up discussions about abortion. One church invited the Heartbeat Project to speak to its leaders and revised its leadership ethics to include a biblical position on sexuality, life, and abortion. A pastor from another church mobilized 20 to 30 church members to care for a new believer with an unplanned pregnancy. The new believer was contemplating abortion because of pressure from her family.
The issue of abortion is tough and messy and requires sacrifices from us, Heng said. But we cannot look the other way. The church should see the many needs that arise from unsupported pregnancies and abortion and take every opportunity to serve those who are hurting and afraid.
A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic, after putting my three kids to bed one night, I streamed a National Theatre production of Jane Eyre while squeezing in some exercise on our stationary bike. A chill crept through me as I found myself identifying not with Jane but with her vindictive aunt, who unwillingly becomes Janes adoptive mother.
I was horrified to share Mrs. Reeds resentment toward Jane for being an outsider, an intruder, a bringer-of-problems. This was the same sentiment I found myself fighting daily toward our five-year-old adopted son, whom wed welcomed into our family over a year prior. Watching my own feelings manifested on screen in Mrs. Reeda villainbrought home to me how defective my moral compass had become.
As a child who always wanted to make the world a better place, Id taken to heart the value that Christians, from the early church to modern American evangelicals, have placed on care for orphans. And the way adoption was portrayed in sermons and the Christian books I read was universally positive: Adoption was a metaphor for God grafting us into Gods family (Rom. 8:1417, Eph. 1:5); adoption met a crucial need; adoption was a beautiful act of love. Being a gregarious evangelist or an on-my-knees prayer warrior might not be my strength, but welcoming a child I could do.
When I started dating my future husband, I had just returned from a summer volunteering with disabled children in a Chinese orphanage. Adoption was always part of how we envisioned we would build our family and extend Gods capacious love to kids in need.
After getting married and having two biological children, with my medical training finally complete and our lives relatively settled, we thought we were prepared. We had read books on adoptive parenting. Id joined online adoption forums. We knew other families who had adopted.
At the time, critiques of adoption were becoming more prominent. Adult adoptees and their advocates rightfully highlighted systemic flaws in both domestic and international adoptions. From corruption to coercion, transracial family dynamics to legal battles, adopting a child was more fraught than the simple picture Id been sold in church.
Yet I remained convinced that the need for families was still present, especially among older children with stigmatized medical conditions, so we continued to pursue adoption through a reputable overseas program and agency. We were, we thought, big-hearted people and caring parents. Surely it would be simple to love any child as our own, especially one who shared the same racial and cultural background.
Yet the actual experience of introducing our third child, adopted from Taiwan, into our family felt like a bomb going off in our previously peaceful home.
[ This article is also available in and . ]
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We hadnt anticipated how difficult it would be to extend to our new four-year-old the same easy affection that we naturally shared with our older two, especially as he seemed determined to reject our overtures of love and tendernessand to make everyone else feel as terrible as he felt, ripped from his caretakers, country, and familiar environment. While thats common in adoption, the emotional rollercoaster left us exhausted and frayed. I reminded myself constantly that we chose this, while our son lacked all agency in the situation.
Even more challenging was how difficult it was for our older kids, then five and seven, to adjust. They hadnt asked for this, and suddenly they had a younger brother who was breaking their toys, stealing their Halloween candy, and deliberately needling them to get a reaction. There had been no sweet infant phase for them to grow attached. There was a flash of lightning, then, suddenly, their lives, family, and home were irrevocably altered.
My protective instincts were pitted against each other: My youngest, newest, and most vulnerable child needed unconditional love, boatloads of positive affirmation, and one-on-one attention. Meanwhile, my previously calm and happy eldest child was banging his head repeatedly on the floor, taking out his anguish on himself because he knew he wasnt supposed to hit his brother (though that happened too, and yes, we tried therapy in many forms).
These dynamics lasted well past the initial months-long adjustment phase wed been told to expect. Four years in, I still often despaired.
We were fortunate to have an understanding church community; our senior pastor and his wife have adopted 11 children. They started a monthly adoption small group where vulnerability and honesty were modeled. Hearing the stories of other parents who were further along on their journeysyet still dealing with overwhelming challengeswas simultaneously daunting and comforting.
But even with that valuable space and other supportive friendships, the deep shame of struggling with adoptive parenting felt crushing. Since childhood Id been taught that adoption was beautiful, precious, and God-ordained. Why didnt it feel that way for me?
I needed to unpack the theology that had led me to this place. Often in church spaces, adopting children is compared to Gods adoption of us into his spiritual family. But this metaphor, frequently employed without regard for how adoption has changed in the last 2,000 years, sets up the unfortunate parallel of the adoptive parents saving the child.
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It also abrogates the abandonment at the root of the adoptee journey. Our adopted children, especially older kids, experience so much loss and grief in their lives, which can manifest as attachment disorders, blocked trust, and trauma responses. We are not God, and we cannot miraculously heal those fissures.
When churches oversimplify adoptiontreating it as a glorious reflection of Gods plan, as an answer to abortion, or as a form of missionswe distort a complex relationship and set adoptive parents up for failure by putting us in a role that was never ours. Adoption is not a panacea; rather, its the beginning of a long journey.
Churches would do well to present a more nuanced and realistic portrait of adoption. While some adoptive families thrive from the start, others feel beleaguered for years.
By reframing how we speak about adoption, recognizing that it originates in brokenness and presenting a range of adoption stories rather than only the easy or resolved ones, we better prepare prospective parents and normalize the difficulties that adoptive families may face. The goal is not to discourage or discredit adoption but to ensure it is undertaken with realistic expectations.
And instead of elevating adoption as the only or even best way to care for vulnerable children, churches should also get serious about family preservation efforts. We can work to counteract systemic inequalities that compel birth families to surrender their children and support single parents. When a pregnant woman is anxious about how she will provide for a desired child, our first response shouldnt be to offer to adopt but to band together as a church to share resources so that she can pay for housing, child care, clothes, and food, and to commit to being a supportive social networkan extended family of sorts.
For adoptive families too, practical relief is essential. Id be fed for life if I had a home-cooked dinner for every person whos said to me, Oh, Ive always wanted to adopt!
Respite carewhen trusted adults look after the adopted child for a few hours or days to give adoptive parents a chance to rechargecan be a lifeline for overwhelmed parents. And trauma-informed pastoral care both pre- and post-adoption can help shift expectations. It should become the norm, just as premarital counseling is expected or even required.
What has pained me most on this journey has been the deep shame Ive felt at not being the mother my children deserve. I didnt want to acknowledge that this screaming, raging, crying, bitter person I saw in the mirror was me. I didnt want to admit that I had become Mrs. Reed.
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And the verb become belies the truth. My wells of selfishness have always been there; it simply took adopting a child to reveal them. Perhaps this is the greatest reckoning adoption has forced: that of looking into the mirror after my veneer as a patient, selfless parent had been shattered. Once the surface cracked, the self-condemnation became relentless, amplified by the imagined commentary of acquaintances and internet denizens: I shouldnt be a parent. A better person would handle this with grace.
Indeed, it is grace that Ive been missingfor myself and for my children. But God has not missed it. His response to my feeling of free fall has been a boundless reach of grace catching me over and over again.
Were all ordinary, broken-up humans doing our best. As my friend and fellow adoptive mom says, adoptive parents shouldnt be treated as saints when adoption goes well, nor should we be marginalized as deviants when were honest about our struggles. God is in the dissonance as well as in the harmony, and our family may never fully arrive at the tonic chord.
Into our sixth year of adoptive parenting, weve glimpsed joy, developed genuine bonds, and started healing, but there may always be unresolved grief and hurtnot just from my youngest sons painful origins but now also from the imperfect ways Ive parented him and his siblings.
As Ive found other adoptive parents like me, Ive felt less alone and less engulfed by shame, and I want to offer that consolation and wisdom to other parents earlier in their adoption journey and exhort fellow Christians to do likewise. When churches paint a too-simple picture of adoptionfailing to acknowledge the grief and loss undergone by the child and birth family and the serious challenges that adoptive parents can facewe unwittingly encourage prospective parents to enter into adoption unprepared. We may even effectively silence those who are struggling.
God calls us to care for orphans, but God doesnt promise that it will be easy. We shouldnt either.
Kristin T. Lee writes at the intersection of faith, belonging, and solidarity at The Embers and contributes lively thoughts about diverse books on Instagram. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is working on her first book on Asian American Christianity.
[ This article is also available in and . ]
Nearly two decades ago, Fikiru joined a prayer and Bible study group in his hometown in East Africa, an experience that led him to accept Christ as his personal savior. But Fikiru soon found that other Christians in the area vehemently opposed his and the rest of his communitys conversions. Over a period of months, these Christians accused the others of blasphemy, forced their spouses to divorce them and their families to cut them off, and in some cases beat and killed them.
One Sunday, in the aftermath of this persecution, several staff members of the global Christian persecution advocacy group Open Doors stopped by.
Wed never met them, said Fikiru. Wed never heard of them.
But Open Doors had heard of his church and how it was suffering. They had a simple message for Fikiru: You are not alone.
Within a couple of years, Fikiru (CT is using his pseudonym for security reasons) took a job at Open Doors.
Im trying to pay back for the love and concern that was shown to me while I was a persecuted believer, said the research analyst for East Africa, an area that runs from Eritrea to Mozambique. I do this role with passion and spirit.
Fikiru recently spoke with global managing editor Morgan Lee about how he fact-checks persecution claims, the surprising impact this work has had on his faith, and how he cares for staff members who are worn down from this work.
How do you help staff who get burned out or secondarily traumatized hearing so many stories of devastation, destruction, and violence?
Prayer. One of our core values emphasizes that we are people of prayer. We know that we are serving the Lord, and these people are suffering for their faith. They are not walking alone, and our Lord will always be with them. Knowing this truth will always encourage us to keep walking. We give all our burdens and challenges for His interventions.
We also offer debriefing sessions for staff and help staff put in place self-care plans. Our frontline staff who directly interact with persecuted believers are encouraged on a daily basis to find community within the ministry and our offices. Its important to have people around you that understand and share in the burdens we carry on behalf of the persecuted church, because not many people do understand or share these burdens.
Regular devotions in the offices and departments and regular prayer also support staff that may be struggling with a persecution event or incident. You can not do this work and not have some difficult questions for God, but thankfully, he is patient and gracious towards us and as he reveals how is working all things for his good, our faith and relationship with God grows stronger.
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What about your work has shaken your faith?
Because we hear the endless suffering of our fellow brothers and sisters, we may have times when we are emotionally bruised. (Among the worst are cases of sexual violence against young women and the mistreatment of vulnerable elderly people.) But this is not about us. Its about the suffering church. We might sometimes feel the unfair treatment of fellow Christians is too much. But we know that they are strong and faithful. Their show of resilience encourages us to keep walking with them.
How does your work contribute to Open Doors World Watch List?
On an annual basis, we gather data on persecution in all countries in our region and analyze it, bringing together this reporting with the perspectives of different leaders and experts from around the country. We score each country on a number of categories and then send it to the global center where they will use our analysis to give each country a final score. [Editors note: You can read more about Open Doors methodology here.]
When we are collecting data, we try to have diversified information. We want our contributors to give us perspectives from specific contexts from all over the country when it comes to persecution and not just rely on one or two individuals. Of course, the number of contributors will vary depending on if its Ethiopia with 120 million people or Djibouti (976,000) or Comoros (888,000). Many are church leaders, professionals, as well as people who have experience on a wide range of issues in the country.
After we collect the data and gather information, we dont disappear. We go to those affected by persecution and tell them, This is what the Bible tells us, and this is how we are going to respond to it. And you are not alone. We dont want the enemy to discourage them into recanting their faith.
How do you verify your data?
Two things are important for us at Open Doors: First, we want to show our love, commitment, and concern for the suffering believers. Second, we want to make sure that our information is accurate and timely.
When it comes to specific incidents, we have to determine, were these really done with the purpose of attacking or denying the rights of Christians to live equally with their fellow citizens?
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So, as I said earlier, well try to crosscheck and diversify our sources. We review existing research on a country, including primary and secondary sources. We go to our contributors. There are times when they might introduce us to new information or context in a given country. We dont rush. We try to really understand what has happened and why.
This is a challenge because governments and other perpetrators of persecution try to cast doubt on information by saying we dont know the context. Of course, most of the persecutors will not say theyre persecuting Christians because of their faith. Thats why we look at a situation from so many angles. We want to be accurate, and we want to make sure that this is something that has happened because of faith in Christ. We cant say that the country is treating its Christian citizens this or that way if we havent done a thorough assessment.
While we emphasize accuracy and quality, we also try to be ministers of these people who are really suffering with persecution, and we try to show them love as well.
What is the hardest part of your job when it comes to gathering and verifying research?
The safety and security of our sources is a challenge. We want to have as much information as possible, and we want it to be corroborated by diverse sources. But these goals also come with the risk of exposing people.
Ultimately, most of the data is available to assist in analyzing the situation in a country but making details of the incident available publicly is too dangerous. In some of the contexts, you might see us tightlipped and not go into further details because we are concerned for our sources.
We want to tell testimonies of those believers who told us a story in tears and who are sharing something that will move you to tell the rest of the world. But when you do that, it may cause additional pain for them.
What I do want readers to understand when they read this report is that all these numbers are people who are Christiansmothers, brothers, fathers, and children facing everyday life with uncertainty. The numbers and figures are telling you about the tears of your brother or sister in a part of the world who is not allowed to simply exercise his or her own faith. I would encourage people to think about them, speak about them, and pray for them.
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What type of impact has your job had on your faith?
Encouragement. People often ask me and my colleagues this question because we study and hear stories of sad stories of our fellow brothers and sisters.
When you meet these brave men and women of God who are persecuted just for the faith, just because they identified themselves with another form of faith apart from the mainstream faith group, when they share with you story after story, and when they finish and say to you, despite all this, We are happy to know Christ and will keep worshiping him, even if we are denied our rights, physically attacked or killed, our properties are confiscated or destroyed, and all will make us stronger. We are not denying our faith, we get courage and motivation in our personal lives and in our ministry.
Sometimes we think we are in a better place, but these people in that context are very strong. We have a lot to learn from them.
What instances of Christian persecution in your region of East Africa would you like to bring to our attention?
Let me just start with Mozambique, where Christians are facing daily threats from Islamic extremism. The group wanted to establish Islamic State in the northern part of the country and have targeted the government, soldiers, and moderate Muslims themselves.
Christians are targets, because when they attack, the Islamic State first checks your faith. When they know you are Christian, then you will be attacked severely. This situation has made it difficult for Christians to live their normal lives, and many of them have been displaced. Because they know the insurgency will attack them, many have left en masse. Thousands and thousands of Christians have fled, together with moderate Muslims.
In Eritrea, for more than 20 years Christians have been facing severe persecution. Eritrean Christians cannot come together and pray; they cannot openly confess about their decision to follow Christ. If they are thrown in jail, they cannot get proper trials. Jail may mean living in a container or a small cell for many years without justice.
Just a few days ago, the Eritrean government again arrested Christians. Whenever they find them praying together, they will just round them up and send them to jail. But for the family of the person arrested, no one will tell you what happened and why.
Finally, Sudan. Last year in April, war broke in Sudan. Before that war, there was enthusiasm and hope among observers and some citizens that the country would one day become a better place for exercise of freedom of religion and rights.
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Since the war started, many churches have been attacked, bombed, and burned. Just last week, on January 12, a church in the major city of Wad Madani was bombed. The suspected armed group confiscated everything in the compound, and then they just set it on fire.
Of course, the fighting between the two forces is not openly religious. Both sides are Islamic militants. On the one side is the military, and on the other side are the Rapid Support Forces, the people who worked under Bashir, the former regime.
Christians who are already suffering as a result of their faith are further disadvantaged because their relatives who are not Christians may have ostracized them, and finding food and protection in a country at war is difficult. Many people have been displaced and displaced pastors are no longer able to look after their congregations, and they are running for their life and safety as well.
Is there a conversation you had with a Christian who had been persecuted that inspired you?
I spoke to one of the Sudanese pastors who narrowly survived the bombing of his church in Khartoum, the capital. Hes been in ministry for many years and he paid many price for his decision to publicly declare his faith and then ministry. But when that attack took place, he was really sad. He felt helpless; he was not able to help his congregation or protect his family and then his life.
Ive known him for many years, and we are in regular contact regarding prayer. He told me, Fikiru, I can only ask you to pray for me and for the people I serve. I cannot tell for how long I will stay alive or be safe. The situation is worsening. What moved me was that in all the years that I was in communication with him, he hardly mentioned praying for himself; it was always praying for the people hes serving. This tells me how much pressure is on the shoulders of pastors and leaders.
Another story is from Tanzania, where Islamic influence is growing in certain parts of the country. Right now, every time a person from Islamic background decides to become a believer, their parents and family persecute them. One lady told us that she was one of the preferred members of the family, her father really loved her, and she was supported by her mother and relativesup until she decided to follow Christ.
The moment they learned of her decision, they started to beat and attack her. By the time I visited her, there were wounds on her arms from machete attacks. Their intention was to kill her.
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Fikiru, she told me, they did it to stop me. But even though Ill lose their support and I'm going to lose my life, I will still worship and serve the Lord.
This was a deeply moving story for methat even though there are many sad stories about persecuted believers and Christians in our region, there is also an encouraging side of it, that these people have determined that they will pay this price.
We as Christians should pray for these people, tell them that they are not alone, and then speak on their behalf to any place that could influence the persecutors, be they the government or non-state actors, and ask them to leave them alone and let them lead a decent life.
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Donald Trump might pose problems for established political norms, but he has been a godsend for book publishers. In the years encompassing Trumps first campaign, election, inauguration, tumultuous term as president, second campaign, and unprecedented response to defeat in 2020, dozens of books have been written about the relationship between white evangelical Christians and Donald Trumps populist politics.
The latest of these is Tim Albertas The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. A journalist for The Atlantic, Alberta combines memoir and research, drawing on his upbringing in and familiarity with the evangelical tradition to interrogate what historian Thomas Kidd describes as a movement in crisis.
This crisis is both political and personal. It is political in that white evangelicals have been the steadiest base of support for the least outwardly faithful president in half a century, at the alleged expense of their prior platitudes about morality and ethics being central to public service. But, as Alberta explains, it is also deeply personal, leading to rifts in families, communities, and congregations.
As the title hints, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory is organized into three sections, each focusing on a different element of the evangelical movement and its evolution over the last decade in response to changing political tides. Alberta crisscrosses the country visiting churches and political rallies, interviewing pastors and activists, and trying to make sense of what he sees as too many evangelicals sacrificing a Christian approach to the political world at the altar of power. The result is a book that is well resourced and eminently readable, providing a perceptive and sympathetic critique of American evangelicalism. Alberta does not have an axe to grind, but rather a community to better understand.
Displeasure, not disdain
Alberta is not an outsider to the world of evangelical Christianity. He was raised and reared in this space, with his father serving as a pastor at an Evangelical Presbyterian Church for decades. He also speaks the language well, not as someone citing Scripture at Christians in order to point out supposed hypocrisy, but as someone attempting to correct what he sees as misapplication or misunderstanding of the right relationship between political engagement and the Christian faith.
Throughout his book, Alberta does not hide his displeasure at his evangelical brothers and sisters captured by Trumps distinct brand of politics. But displeasure is not disdain, nor is it disgust; instead, he writes with a sense of bewilderment and even sadness, lamenting the marriage of the church to a kind of political engagement he sees as fundamentally incompatible with the words of Jesus.
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That said, certain evangelical celebrities are met with what Alberta might identify as righteous anger. Men like David Barton, Eric Metaxas, and Jerry Falwell Jr. bear the brunt of this criticism. Barton is chastised as a huckster and conman, slickly presenting a flawed reading of American history to an audience predisposed to see America as a distinctly Christian nationand lining his pockets in the process. Metaxas, meanwhile, is described as evolving from a thoughtful cultural commentator to either a grifter or a conspiracy theorist or maybe both. Corruption and psychosis, Alberta admits, are not mutually exclusive.
But no other figure is pilloried like Falwell. The son of a fundamentalist heavyweight who turned his fathers struggling Liberty University into one of the countrys largest and richest Christian colleges, Falwells rise and fall is documented with precision. He is described in megalomaniacal terms, with Alberta speaking to former students, staff, and faculty who paint a picture of a man driven by ego and ambition to the point of moral and political bankruptcy. On his downfall, Alberta pulls no punches: For Falwell to be embarrassed would have required a capacity for embarrassment.
While these men are likely recognizable to attentive readers, Alberta also spends time with pastors who have increased their platforms and congregations by preaching a MAGA-centered gospel, fusing Christian civil religion with populist conservative politics. Michigans Bill Bolin is emblematic of this trend, fashioning church services that include both Bible teaching and what congregants affectionately call headline newsscreeds against COVID-era restrictions and mandates, the Internal Revenue Service, and, of course, Democrats.
So too are better known pastors like Tennessees Greg Locke and Texass Robert Jeffress. Locke, whose viral videos in opposition to pandemic regulations made him a star in evangelical right-wing circles, is described as on the furthest fringes of this community. Jeffress, on the other hand, is painted as media savvy and deeply connected to Donald Trump. Not coincidently, the populations of these pastors churches are booming, along with their budgets.
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Meanwhile, activists like Ralph Reed and Chad Connelly are characterized as justifying damaging rhetoric and behaviors in the name of Republican policy priorities while rejecting Albertas narrative of a Christian community in crisis. Reed, who has been involved in turning out conservative Christians to vote since the 1990s, sees the political fervor and engagement among evangelicals today as undeniably goodand if it benefits Republican politics, even better. Connelly, meanwhile, dismisses fringe pastors like Bolin as unrepresentative of evangelical pastors concerned about Americas political decline. He also tells Alberta that divisions among Christians and churches are nothing new, and certainly not a result of increased political engagement. Ive had people leave our church, he says, over the color of the carpet.
These sections are among the books most insightful. These pastors and activists do not regret combining partisan politics with Christianity or stoking peoples fears as a call to political action. Alberta does, however, capture moments of self-reflection. Locke told him that he sometimes worries people are attending his services for the wrong reasons. Jeffress admitted that some in his church had wrong ideas about the synthesizing of the Constitution and the Bible, and called evangelicals who stormed the US Capitol nutcases. Even if these moments do not lead to wholesale changes in behavior, they are at least evidence of internal tensions.
Rays of hope
If the books first two sections offer a pessimistic portrayal of the state of evangelical political engagement, then the books final section takes on a more hopeful tone. Alberta profiles individuals and groups dissatisfied with the prevailing status quo and who seek to offer alternatives to fellow evangelicals also disappointed by their communitys recent political behavior.
Some of these figures are pastors, people who refuse to let recent divisions and congregational breakups drive them to despair. Consider Brian Zahnd, a Missouri pastor whose gigantic church parking lot now houses a fraction of the vehicles it once had. Alberta writes of Zahnds slow but steady conviction to disentangle partisan proclivities from the pulpit, eventually leading to an exodus of parishioners who found this new posture unsuitable for the crises of the moment. Those who remained, though, made for a healthier church overall, protecting it from the turmoil of the Trump era.
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Alberta also profiles figures in Big Eva, evangelical leaders with large platforms who have recently gone through very messyand very publicbreaks with their communities. Christianity Todays Russell Moore is one such leader, whose tenure as head of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission sputtered amid controversies over Moores criticism of Donald Trump and outspokenness against alleged abuse cover-ups in the denomination. Another such leader is Daniel Darling, who was fired from his position at the National Religious Broadcasters after a media appearance where he defended the COVID-19 vaccine.
Moore, Darling, and others are portrayed simultaneously as casualties of evangelical infighting and as hopeful voices for healthier political engagement. Alberta points to the work of organizations like Redeeming Babel and its new curriculum, The After Party, as intentional efforts to inoculate Christians against the dangers of toxic polarization. He highlights writers and speakers like David French as modeling a better sort of political engagement for evangelicals, even while acknowledging that French himself is persona non grata to many pro-Trump evangelicals because of his early never Trump status.
Importantly, Alberta cites a major source of Moores newfound optimism in the future of evangelical politics: the resilience of the young generation of believers. Moore is encouraged, Alberta writes, by younger Christians and their concern for politics that goes beyond partisanship, trading the noisy brashness of carnival barkers for the deeper and richer humility of Jesus. Alberta agrees with this assessment, claiming that the loudest voices preaching MAGA to evangelical masses are not doing so in confidence, but in desperation. Eric Metaxas and Charlie Kirk, he writes, are not men beholding a great victory that was within reach, but rather are bracing for further losses.
Accountability without self-righteousness
What the hell is wrong with these people?
This question comes from Albertas wife in the books first few pages, directed toward churchgoers who sought out and chastised Alberta during his fathers memorial service (they were upset with Albertas reporting critically of Donald Trump). But Alberta directs the question at far too many American evangelicals who have seemingly disregarded multiple aspects of the fruit of the Spiritsuch as kindness, gentleness, and peacein exchange for political power to better meet our difficult moment.
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Albertas sadness and frustration are evident. Notably, he does not present rank-and-file evangelicals as simpletons or would-be authoritarians. These are the people with whom he once worshipped, only to have a polarized political environment and an unprecedented pandemic tear Christian communities asunder. But he also does not let them off the hook, believing that these Christians, shepherded by misguided or misleading voices, have shed essential elements of their convictions before donning harmful political attire.
And yet, there is a danger in asking, What the hell is wrong with these people? It risks downplaying or ignoring our own faults, making ourselves the heroes of the story instead of trying to comprehend the posture and motivations of those with whom we disagree. There is a tendency, a temptation, to believe that any Christian with whom we have political differences must be mired in faithlessness, error, or even sin. Woe to you, partisans, because you do not vote like me, is a sneakily enticing posture to adopt.
To be clear, I do not believe The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory does this. I do think Albertas words come from a place of lament, not judgment. But these kinds of reflections do open the door for readers to impose their prejudices onto believers unlike them, just as related books in this same spirit might do. Christians should read Albertas book in a right mindset, seeking to better understand our political moment and the motivations of our neighbors, not to justify looking down on political opponents with whom we also might share a pew.
Christians must be able to criticize and correct our brothers and sisters in the spirit of charity and love. Accountability is essential to sanctification. But this cannot come from a posture of superiority or self-righteousness, believing we have the right way of doing politics in our complex, fallen society. The latter is certainly easier in this day and age, but it isnt what Jesus asks of us.
Daniel Bennett is an associate professor of political science at John Brown University and assistant director at the Center for Faith and Flourishing. His forthcoming book is Uneasy Citizenship: Embracing the Tension in Faith and Politics.
On todays episode Heather visits with researcher and licensed social worker Holly Oxhandler to discuss Hollys latest book, The Soul of the Helper, in which she encourages caregivers and caretakers (both professional and nonprofessional) to recognize their need for stillness, rest, and spiritual renewal. Holly says helpers are prone to trying do it all and are likely candidates for burnout. She identifies seven stages that can help us see the sacred within ourselves so that we can better see it in others.
Heather is also back with our new segment for January called Friends in the Kitchen, featuring celebrity chef Danielle Kartes. You may recognize Danielle from her regular appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Food and foodies are popular subjects among Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube creators and influencers, so get ready to take notes. And if you like this segment, make sure to email us at HellotoHeather@gmail.com and let us know. Danielles latest cookbook is Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy. And you can find her quesadilla recipe below.
Guest Bio
Dr. Holly Oxhandler is the associate dean for research and faculty development and an associate professor at Baylor Universitys Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Holly studies religion/spirituality, health, and mental health, and is especially interested in whether and how mental and behavioral health therapists discuss their clients religious/spiritual beliefs in treatment. Her latest book is called The Soul of the Helper: Seven Stages to Seeing the Sacred Within Yourself So You Can See It in Others.
Host Bio
Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including Ill See You Tomorrow and Its Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on X, the app formerly known as Twitter (@HeatherTDay), and on Instagram (@heatherthompsonday). Receive Heathers weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7 p.m. EST; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links.
Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today
Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day
Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath
Producer: Loren Joseph
Mix Engineer: Alex Carter
Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper
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Danielles Ground Beef Quesadillas
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves 46
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
5 cloves chopped garlic
46 flour tortillas (soft taco size)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Home News Most Americans support parental opt-out of objectionable public school teachings: poll
About two-thirds of Americans agree with the notion that parents should be able to opt their kids out of public school teachings they believe are inappropriate or contradictory to their values as Americans' support for religious freedom reaches a record high, a new study suggests.
The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty released its fifth annual Religious Freedom Index Tuesday, which sampled the opinions of 1,000 American adults in an online survey conducted from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2023. The poll has an error margin of +/-3.1 percentage points.
Released on National Religious Freedom Day, the report documents respondents' views about six dimensions related to religious freedom and assigns each of them a score on a 100-point scale based on the public's level of support. A score of 0 indicates "complete opposition to the principle of religious freedom at issue," while a score of 100 indicates "complete support for the same principle."
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The overall religious freedom index was measured at 69 in 2023, reaching a record high.
"Despite some efforts to turn religion into a scapegoat for our nation's problems, most Americans believe that religion and religious freedom are key to solving them," Becket President and CEO Mark Rienzi said in a statement. "As we celebrate Religious Freedom Day, we should remember that religious liberty remains the cornerstone of our effort to form a more perfect union."
As the debate about the emergence of LGBT-affirming curriculums looms large in American politics, the Religious Freedom Index included multiple questions about the rights and responsibilities of parents and schools when it comes to having the ability to opt out of such instruction and the obligation of schools to inform parents about changes in their children's gender identity.
Respondents were asked if they believe "parents are the primary educators of their children and should have [the] final say on what their children are taught in public school" and should have the ability to "opt their children" out of the curriculum they view as "morally objectionable or inappropriate."
Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed answered that they exactly or somewhat agree with that assessment, while 33% agreed with the notion that public schools "should have the final say on what children are taught."
Fifty-eight percent of respondents exactly or somewhat agreed with the notion that public schools "should not be allowed to implement policies to require students and employees to use a person's preferred gender pronouns," while 43% totally or somewhat disagreed.
About a quarter (24%) of those surveyed expressed agreement with allowing schools to "encourage children to transition their genders," while 76% disagreed.
Twenty-one percent of respondents agreed that schools should be able to "hide information from parents about their child's decision to adopt a new name, new pronouns, or begin a gender transition," while the remaining 79% took the opposite position.
"The American people sent a clear message in this year's Index: parents don't take a back seat to anyone when it comes to raising their children," Rienzi said. "Parents want schools to teach their children math and science, not force them to embrace controversial gender ideology."
The religious freedom dimensions examined and assigned scores in this year's report were religious pluralism, religion and policy, religious sharing, religion and society, church and state and religion in action. Support for each subcategory of religious freedom either increased or remained the same compared to last year.
The religious pluralism dimension, which measures support for the belief that "different belief systems and practices can simultaneously exist in society," received a score of 84, as it did last year. The religious sharing dimension, which "considers the exchange of religious ideas in the public square," had a score of 72, just like last year.
The score for the religion and policy dimension, which asks questions about "the interactions of government, private organizations, and individuals with religion," increased to 66 after reaching a record low of 65 last year. The religion and society dimension, which samples respondents' views about "the contributions of people of faith to society," received a score of 65 after dropping to 62 in 2022.
The church and state dimension, which "surveys respondents about the interactions between government and religion," achieved a record score of 59 after registering a score of 56 last year. The religion in action dimension, which "reveals opinions about public acceptance of religious expression," had a score of 68 in both 2023 and 2022.
When it comes to the rights of private religious schools, 57% of respondents supported a statement declaring that "private religious schools should be allowed to decide who teaches and passes down their faith," while 56% expressed support for allowing such schools to "require that teachers uphold the school's religious beliefs."
Fifty-six percent of those surveyed also agreed that "churches, religious schools, and other religious ministries should be allowed to ensure that their members and leaders agree with the core principles of their faith."
The Religious Freedom Index also asked Americans to weigh in on real-world examples of public policy related to religious liberty.
A majority of respondents (62%) expressed opposition to allowing local governments to "ban someone from standing on a public sidewalk outside an abortion clinic and approaching women with information and offers to help." Thirty-eight percent signaled support for such bans.
The data suggests that 23% of Americans supported the Massachusetts state foster care program's denial of "an otherwise qualified Catholic couple from being foster parents because the couple holds traditional Catholic beliefs about sexual orientation and gender identity," while 54% opposed it.
The survey described how "Native American religious practices often center on specific spiritual places, or 'sacred sites,'" noting that "because of the Nation's history of taking over Native American lands, many of those sacred sites are now on federal land."
After explaining that "the federal government has recently proposed transferring ownership of a sacred site to a mining company so the company can mine a larger copper deposit at the site," the document highlighted the argument from opponents of the proposal that it would "destroy an ancient Native American sacred site, ending key Native American religious practices forever."
When asked if they supported or opposed "protecting this Native American sacred site on federal land," 74% said they supported it, while 26% told pollsters they opposed it.
Additionally, the survey asked respondents for their views about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, defined as a "federal civil rights law" asserting that "the government cannot burden religious freedom unless: 1) it has a compelling reason; and 2) it chooses the option that is the least restrictive of religious freedom."
Sixty-two percent of those surveyed characterized the standard under RFRA as "just about right," followed by 26% who thought it was "not protective enough of religious freedom" and 12% who called it "too protective of religious freedom."
Then-Harvard President Claudine Gay testifies before the House Education and Workforce Committee in December. She resigned on Jan. 2 amid a plagiarism scandal. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images 2023
The best writing advice I ever got came from the late great British poet Geoffrey Hill. In a grad seminar I took with him at Boston University in the mid-aughts, he said a sentence I repeat to every composition student Ive ever taught:
A good idea poorly expressed is not a good idea.
Hills dictum is roughly the inverse of Alexander Popes definition of wit in his Essay on Criticism: What oft was thought, but neer so well expressd. Both Hill and Pope are getting at a vital insight not only for writers but for anyone involved in intellectual life: Lots of people have good ideas, but few are able to communicate them well. And its the ability to convincingly express a good idea thats very frequently the hard part.
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I keep thinking about Professor Hills advice as I read coverage of the plagiarism scandals engulfing (now former) Harvard President Claudine Gay and one-time MIT Professor Neri Oxman, the wife of one of Gays chief antagonists, Bill Ackman. Because for so many covering the story, there are two types of plagiarism: stealing ideas and stealing words. And the latter, they claim, is just not that bad.
We get perhaps the clearest example in an early story from the New York Times. The piece cites Gays Harvard colleague, Steven Levitsky, who says that the plagiarized passages in her scholarship appeared to occur in sections of the papers dealing not with Gays core claims. The implication is clear: If Gays core claims are intact, then maybe its not that big a deal. CNNs Matt Egan is almost comically blunter, downplaying Gays actions by saying that she has not been accused of stealing anyones ideas.
Oxmans ideas seem similarly her own; its only phrasing that she purloined though perhaps more embarrassingly from Wikipedia. But her billionaire husband is unmoved by Business Insider reports about his spouses intellectual thievery; according to the Guardian, he reportedly took issue with the outlets definition of the term plagiarism. (Ackman went on to threaten legal action against Business Insider even though an internal review confirmed the publications reporting and, more tellingly, Oxman apologized for the plagiarism.)
In an excellent recent piece in the Atlantic, Tyler Austin Harper is having none of it, dismissing efforts to downplay or normalize such patterns, which one recent study suggests are remarkably common. (According to another such paper, 2% of scientists admit to plagiarizing while 30% say they witnessed others doing so.) Harper worries that some of Gays defenders have tricked themselves into believing that lifting entire paragraphs of another scholars work, nearly word for word, without quotation or citation, isnt plagiarism. Yet Harper too suggests that the difference between stealing ideas and stealing words is an important and mitigating distinction. And, frankly, Im just not sure that it always is.
In my experience, coming up with an original idea is the easier job. Finding the words to communicate it effectively, in ways that will pass muster with other scholars and find an audience beyond them, is the much more demanding task. The central argument for my second book came to me in an afternoon. But it took me fully three years after that to write it out and another three beyond that to see it to press. In honesty, if I had a nickel for every very smart person in academia who cant get their brilliant insights onto the page, Id have, well, a lot of nickels.
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Or we could put it another way. Shakespeare isnt Shakespeare because he came up with the idea of a Danish prince conspiring to kill his murderous father-in-law. Shakespeare is Shakespeare because he took that idea and turned it into Hamlet. In sum, the plays the thing not the plot. And scholars believe that the Bard likely borrowed the story of Hamlet from his rough contemporary, Thomas Kyd, whose version ran on the London stage a couple of decades earlier.
More recent examples abound. Take my Boston University colleague Ibram Kendi. Professor Kendi didnt invent the concept of antiracism, which had been in circulation for decades. He just found a vocabulary for communicating it that lit the world on fire and changed the ways we all think about systemic oppression.
Home News Travesty of justice: Watchdogs slam US' failure to designate India a religious freedom violator
The U.S. State Department's failure to name India to its "Countries of Particular Concern" list despite reports of increasing attacks on Christians in the country list has sparked criticism from Christian groups and a congressionally mandated watchdog.
The U.S.-based group International Christian Concern has labeled the omission "a travesty of justice."
"Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi's stormtroopers from the BJP [Bharatiya Janata Party] ... and Bajrang Dal attacked Pastors, lay Christians, and church buildings repeatedly in 2023," said ICC President Jeff King said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "There were at least 723 recorded attacks and many more that went unrecorded. Modi and the BJP are radical Hindus masquerading as believers in democracy and religious freedom."
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In its 2023 annual report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recommended CPC designation for India and several other countries. Countries designated as CPC face the possibility of negative consequences, including potential crippling sanctions. Groups like the U.S.-based ICC have advocated for India's inclusion, citing evidence of escalating Christian persecution.
USCIRF, a bipartisan commission tasked with advising the federal government and Congress on international religious freedom concerns, expressed disappointment with the State Department's decision not to label India and Nigeria a CPC despite evidence of religious freedom violations and called for a congressional hearing.
"In India, in addition to perpetrating egregious religious freedom violations within its borders, the government has increased its transnational repression activities targeting religious minorities abroad and those advocating on their behalf," USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper and Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie said in a joint statement.
"We met with the State Department on many occasions to sound the alarm about these countries, but not all of our recommendations have been followed. We will not be deterred and will continue our role as a congressionally mandated watchdog to ensure the U.S. government prioritizes religious freedom as a key component of U.S. foreign policy."
King highlighted the role of India's ruling party, the BJP, and its affiliate, Bajrang Dal, in these attacks. He accused Prime Minister Modi and the BJP of being "radical Hindus masquerading as believers in democracy and religious freedom."
The United Christian Forum reported 23 targeted attacks in the last week of 2023 alone. Incidents included the arrest of five pastors in India for hosting a Christmas worship service, denial of Christian burial rights in Chhattisgarh and abuse of a female pastor in Punjab.
ICC's annual "Persecutors of the Year" report details these attacks, emphasizing the BJP's strategy to suppress Christianity. According to King, this involves Modi's silence on the attacks and hate speech by state BJP leaders, which incites violence against Christians.
Christians, constituting about 2.3% of India's population, have faced increasing suppression.
The United Christian Forum documented a significant rise in attacks since 2014 after the BJP won the national election.
The first half of 2023 saw a surge in violence across 23 states, with 400 incidents reported, up from 274 in the previous year. The UCF attributes this to a sense of "impunity" among vigilante mobs, often leading to physical assaults and false accusations of forcible conversions.
Watchdog group Open Doors earlier stated that "The driving force behind this is Hindutva, an ideology that disregards Indian Christians and other religious minorities as true Indians because they have allegiances that lie outside India, and asserts the country should be purified of their presence."
Some Christians in India perceive the State Department's decision not to designate India as a CPC as a strategic move to prioritize interests in its rivalry with China for influence in Asia, thereby underscoring India's role as a key ally. Christians argue that this decision could endanger their lives.
Home News Anti-Israel protesters target NYC cancer hospital; police escort Jewish woman to safety
An elderly Jewish woman said that she felt as if she were in 1930s Germany as a pair of police officers escorted her through a crowd of anti-Israel activists demonstrating in New York City, where the protesters targeted a cancer hospital for its alleged "complicity in genocide."
The 74-year-old woman was walking her dog when she came across the crowd of chanting pro-Palestinian protesters near East 87th Street. On Monday, a day commemorating civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., thousands of protesters assembled in Manhattan, and the police had to escort the woman and her dog to safety.
"I'm astounded. I think it's horrific," the woman, who opted to remain nameless, said in a statement published by The New York Post.
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As the outlet reported, the protesters pounded on drums and yelled out slogans at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center while patients were inside. The cancer center also serves as a pediatric hospital.
The anti-Israel organization CODEPINK organized the demonstration alongside Within Our Lifetime and Healthcare Workers for Palestine, advertising it as "Flood Manhattan for Gaza: MLK Day March for Healthcare."
According to the description on CODEPINK's website, the organizers asked people to gather first at Union Square before beginning the march.
CODEPINK, Within Our Lifetime and Healthcare Workers for Palestine, did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.
In addition to protesting MSK, the demonstrators also targeted a Starbucks and a McDonald's. The protesters reportedly accused McDonald's of making "meals for genocide," according to The Post.
Danny Morris of Community Security Trust, a nonprofit that protects British Jews from antisemitism, shared a video of the event outside of the hospital on Monday, stating that the footage is "[n]ot a good look."
In the video, multiple activists are seen holding banners that read "NYC Workers for Palestine" and "End All U.S. Aid to Israel! Fund Healthcare!"
"Make sure they hear you; they're in the windows," one of the protest leaders said through a bullhorn as other attendees shouted "Shame!" at the hospital building.
The video shows various demonstrators waving Palestinian flags as the leader with the bullhorn described the cancer center as a "complicit institution."
As the demonstrators walked through the street, with some congregating around the entrance to the building, several individuals could be seen watching the proceedings through the windows.
"MSK, shame on you, you support genocide, too," the protest leader shouted, leading the group in the chant.
At one point during the protest, police arrested a protester in the street. In additional footage shared on social media Monday, police officers are heard telling people to back up as an individual is restrained on the ground.
As Fox News reported, one of the three people police arrested at the demonstration was a 13-year-old boy.
The protest is one of many that have taken place after Israel declared itself in a state of war and launched a counter-attack in Gaza to eradicate the terrorist group Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007. On Oct. 7, Hamas militants attacked Israel, slaughtering at least 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and seized around 240 individuals as hostages.
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says over 24,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, a figure that doesn't differentiate between combatants and civilians nor people killed by Israel or by Gaza terror groups' rockets misfiring.
One anti-Israel protest that took place last month in Philadelphia received condemnation from the Biden administration after demonstrators gathered outside of a Jewish-owned business, accusing the shop owner of genocide.
The event, organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition, consisted of activists gathering outside of the Goldie falafel shop on Sansom Street as part of a larger demonstration effort calling for a ceasefire and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Video footage shared online shows protesters chanting: "Goldie, Goldie, you can't hide, we charge you with genocide."
"This behavior reveals the kind of cruel and senseless double standard that is a calling card of Antisemitism," White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates declared in a statement at the time.
"President Biden has fought against the evil of Antisemitism his entire life, including by launching the first national strategy to counter this hate in American history," he added. "He will always stand up firmly against these kinds of undignified actions."
Demonstrations against the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland have taken place throughout the world, with attendees at some events calling supporters of Israel "pigs" and chanting slogans like "Gas the Jews."
Home News Appeals court vacates ruling forcing Texas to remove floating barriers on Rio Grande
A federal appeals court has vacated an earlier decision ordering the state of Texas to remove a barrier that it placed along the Rio Grande to curb illegal border crossings from Mexico.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order on Wednesday confirming that the full court will hear oral arguments in the case of United States of America v. Greg Abbott.
As part of the per curiam order, the 5th Circuit vacated an earlier three-judge panel opinion from December upholding a lower court ruling against Texas and its floating barrier.
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Last July, Gov. Greg Abbott instructed Texas officials to deploy the buoy barrier as a way to curb illegal entry into the United States as border towns are being overwhelmed by the increase of illegal border crossings in recent years.
The barrier is approximately 1,000 feet long and comprises large orange buoys fastened with metal cables and kept stable with underwater concrete blocks. The barrier also includes a stainless-steel mesh known as an "anti-dive net."
The U.S. Department of Justice contends that the buoy system violates the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act because they were placed without permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra of the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, issued a preliminary injunction in September ordering Texas to remove the barrier.
Ezra, a Reagan appointee, wrote in his decision that Texas must get permission from federal authorities before building the buoy barrier.
Ezra rejected Texas' claims that the barrier was justified in stopping a wave of undocumented immigration, writing that "courts of appeals have uniformly declined to consider whether and when an 'invasion' occurs because of illegal immigration, as it 'involves matters of foreign policy and defense,' which the Constitution specifically commits to the federal government."
"Under this logic, once Texas decides, in its sole discretion, that it has been invaded, it is subject to no oversight of its 'chosen means of waging war' Such a claim is breathtaking," continued Ezra.
In December, a three-judge 5th Circuit panel upheld the district court ruling in a 2-1 decision, with Circuit Judge Dana Douglas, a Biden appointee, authoring the majority opinion.
"All of the district court's findings of fact were well supported by the record, and its conclusion that the equities favor issuance of a preliminary injunction was not an abuse of discretion," wrote Douglas.
"The district court's factual findings were not clearly erroneous. Its grant of a preliminary injunction was not an abuse of discretion, as the United States carried its burden."
Circuit Judge Don Willett, a Trump appointee, authored a dissenting opinion, arguing that "the United States offers no substantiated record evidence that could justify a preliminary injunction."
"The United States cannot succeed on its RHA claim because it has not shown that this 1,000-foot segment of the Rio Grande is navigable," wrote Willett. "In reaching the opposite conclusion, the majority opinion and the district court resort to evidence that is foreclosed to us by a century-plus of case law."
"In sum, the district court's analysis of these equitable factors was unpersuasive, unsubstantiated, and incorrect and the majority opinion repeats the error. The United States has not carried its burden."
Home News Argentina Pres. Javier Milei denounces 'bloody abortion agenda' at World Economic Forum
Argentina President Javier Milei denounced the "bloody abortion agenda" during his comments at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday.
Milei, who won the election in November and entered office in December, began his remarks by warning that "the Western world is in danger" because "those who are supposed to have to defend the values of the West are co-opted by a vision of the world that leads to socialism and thereby to poverty."
After denouncing socialism and all other "collectivist" ideologies while plugging "free enterprise capitalism" as the only path to prosperity worldwide, Milei, 53, addressed the "radical feminism agenda" that has engulfed the developed world.
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He condemned the idea that "we human beings damage the planet, which should be protected at all costs, even going as far as advocating for population control mechanisms or the bloody abortion agenda."
"Unfortunately, these harmful ideas have taken a stronghold in our society," he lamented. "Neo-Marxists have managed to co-opt the common sense of the Western world, and this they have achieved by appropriating the media, culture, universities and also international organizations."
After stating that "these are institutions that have enormous influence on political and economic decisions," Milei said he is grateful that "there's more and more of us who are daring to make our voices heard" against the ideologies he condemned in his speech.
"We see that if we don't truly and decisively fight against these ideas, the only possible fate is for us to have increasing levels of state regulation, socialism, poverty and less freedom, and therefore, we'll be having worse standards of living," the Argentina leader said.
Milei's speech in Davos comes two months after his election. Milei, a member of the libertarian-leaning La Libertad Avanza coalition, won the Nov. 19 runoff election with 55.7% of the vote against his opponent, Sergio Massa of the left-leaning Union por la Patria coalition, who captured 44.3% of the vote.
La Libertad Avanza secured a spot in the runoff election after taking one of the top two spots in the Oct. 22 general election. The coalition received 30% of the vote in the first round, coming in behind Massa's Union por la Patria coalition at 36.7% while finishing ahead of all other candidates who were eliminated.
The 2023 national electoral platform of La Libertad Avanza defined "the defense of the right to life from conception" as one of its core values. Before his electoral victory, Milei elaborated on his abortion opposition in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
"As a libertarian, we believe that liberalism entails the unrestricted respect for the lives of others, rooted in a principle of non-aggression, and the defense of life, liberty and property," he said. "And if we cleave these ideas of liberty, one of the most fundamental aspects is to defend the right to life."
He stressed that he supports the right to life "philosophically speaking" and pointed to what he said is a "scientific justification" for his position.
"It's the fact that life begins at conception," he added. "It's at that very instant that a new being begins to evolve with its own unique DNA."
"While it's true that women have the right to their own bodies, the child in a woman's womb is not her body. That child is not her baby," he continued. "That makes abortion a murder, enabled and aggravated by a power imbalance against a child that has no way to defend itself."
Milei described abortion as a "murderous agenda" rooted in extreme environmental concerns: "As a consequence of what humans are doing to the planet, they promote the murder of people still in their mother's womb."
"It is a bloodthirsty policy in which some humans believe they should decide who should live and who should not," he asserted. "It's the utmost expression of hubris: how can a person decide who will live and who will not?"
Abortion is legal in Argentina. In 2020, the Argentine government enacted a law permitting elective abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. Before the measure passed, women could only obtain abortions in the South American country in cases where the baby was conceived due to rape or if the mother's life was in danger.
Home News Catholic bishop that Pope Francis removed from power honored with pro-life award
A Roman Catholic bishop who was recently removed from power by Pope Francis will be honored with a pro-life award due to his track record of advocacy against abortion.
Bishop Emeritus Joseph E. Strickland, former leader of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, will be presented with a Pro-Life Recognition Award at the 29th annual National Prayer Service.
The event is sponsored by the groups Priests for Life, the National Pro-Life Religious Council, the National Institute for Family and Life Advocates, and Catholics for Catholics on Friday, ahead of the March for Life.
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I couldnt be honored more than to be honored for respecting the precious gift of life that God has given us, said Strickland, as quoted by Life News. I truly believe the sanctity of life is the issue of our time.
Strickland garnered headlines in 2022 when he announced that then speaker of the House and self-professed practicing Catholic Nancy Pelosi would be denied communion due to her advocacy for abortion.
Strickland was one of multiple Catholic bishops to take such a position, reported Catholic News Agency at the time, joining Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, who oversees Pelosis home diocese.
Strickland also called out President Joe Biden, another practicing Catholic who advances abortion policies, labeling him a fake Catholic for his support for taxpayer-funded abortions.
A theological conservative, Strickland had also been an open critic of Francis regarding other issues.
Last November, the Vatican posted a bulletin describing appointments and resignations of bishops, with Strickland being listed as removed from office, while Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin was appointed apostolic administrator of the Tyler diocese.
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston explained in a statement released Saturday that the decision to remove Strickland came following an Apostolic Visitation earlier this year by Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden and Bishop Emeritus Gerald Kicanas of Tucson.
The Prelates conducted an exhaustive inquiry into all aspects of the governance and leadership of the Diocese of Tyler by its Ordinary, Bishop Joseph Strickland, said DiNardo.
As a result of the Visitation, the recommendation was made to the Holy Father that the continuation in office of Bishop Strickland was not feasible. After months of careful consideration by the Dicastery for Bishops and the Holy Father, the decision was reached that the resignation of Bishop Strickland should be requested.
In response, Strickland told LifeSiteNews hours after his removal that he believed there were forces in the [Catholic] Church that dont want the truth of the Gospel but instead want it changed and ignored.
They want to be rid of the truth that is gloriously not going to go away, Strickland asserted. It is a sad day for me, but Im strong in the Lord.
I encourage myself and others to go more deeply than ever into prayer. To pray for Pope Francis, to pray for the [Catholic] Church, to pray for our world.
Strickland has received immense support since his ousting, with an online petition in support of the former bishop launched in November garnering more than 54,399 signatures.
Home News Christian school to arm, train staffers after deadly Iowa school shooting 'With Gods help this layer of protection will never need to be deployed,' superintendent says
A Christian school in Iowa will arm and train its staff following a deadly shooting at a high school in the Hawkeye State.
Starting this month, Siouxland Christian School (SCS) in Sioux City, near the states western border with Nebraska, will arm selected staff members to be prepared in the event of an active shooter on campus, according to an official memo sent out to families.
In her Jan. 5 letter, SCS Superintendent Lindsay Laurich cited the unfortunate reality of school shootings like the one at Perry High School in central Iowa, which left the schools principal, Dan Marburger, dead after he heroically intervened during the shooting.
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In addition to Marburger, an 11-year-old student at Perry High also died.
While plans to possibly arm staffers had been considered at SCS long before the shooting at Perry High, Laurich told parents after the shooting, school officials determined that it is essential that we take further steps to secure our building and to ensure that your child(ren) are protected at school.
Calling the decision the result of a year-long serious and diligent process involving feedback from law enforcement groups, legal advisors, and insurance and industry experts, Laurich said the armed SCS staff are trained to go directly to the threat and respond in a manner that will allow teachers and students to get to safe positions and will provide an active response until law enforcement is able to arrive.
All staffers selected to be armed will remain anonymous, she said, explaining that the decision was a difficult but necessary one for the safety of students and staff at SCS, a fully accredited private school with students from preschool through grade 12.
School buildings should be safe. Teachers and children should not be afraid to come to school, Laurich wrote. We must employ all of the tools and resources at our disposal in order to be prepared for worst case scenarios.
... With Gods help this layer of protection will never need to be deployed, she added.
Whether in a Christian or secular setting, when it comes to arming school staffers, the key to limiting legal liability is training and acting reasonably, according to Theresa Sidebotham of Telios Law, a Colorado law firm that works with Christian ministries, churches, and other religious organizations.
Churches, schools, and other ministries are frequent targets for mass shooters. While it may be counterintuitive for some, being armed, trained, and prepared can end attacks quickly or help deter them to begin with, Sidebotham said in a statement shared with CP. In some cases, having armed protection prevented a bloodbath.
While churches and ministries might understandably be concerned about potential legal exposure for arming their staff, Sidebotham said as long as certain key measures are in place including proper training and screening of identified personnel and a carefully crafted security policy churches and other ministries can take the same steps as private individuals to defend their people and their property.
Legal standards dont require ministries to be sitting ducks, she added.
Additional security measures can also be taken, including the installation of surveillance cameras and implementing restricted building access.
A June 2023 survey by Lifeway Research found an overwhelming majority (81%) of Protestant pastors in the U.S. say their church has some form of security in place, whether its armed church members, uniformed police officers, or armed private security on site.
Some security measures listed by researchers include an "intentional plan for an active shooter situation," which more than half (57%) of churches surveyed said they have in place. A similar number (54%) said armed church members are part of their security measures, a nearly 10% increase from 2019.
Home News Florida pastor who lashed misbehaving students at church school will not be charged
Terence Gray, the senior pastor of Saint Mark AME Orlando, who was accused of child abuse after administering corporal punishment to 16 misbehaving students at a school run by his church last November, will not be charged with a crime, Florida's 9th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Andrew Bain's office announced Wednesday.
"While the senior leader's act of administering corporal punishment is not in question, the State cannot prove there was an intent to inflict physical injury or bodily harm to the children," Bain's office said in a statement after reviewing the facts and evidence.
"Nor can it be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the senior leader intended to strike the students without authority to act. Florida statute 784.03 defines battery as actual and intentionally touching or striking another person against their will or intentionally causing bodily harm to another person. While the senior leader did strike the children, he did so reasonably believing that he had the authority."
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Gray, whose church runs the Alpha Learning Academy, allegedly walked into a fourth-grade classroom on Nov. 2, 2023, and demanded to know which students were misbehaving, WFTV reported.
"He said that he was going to whip us with a belt because we'd been bad," student Shane Walker told the news outlet.
Gray allegedly asked misbehaving students to stand in the class to avoid stricter punishment. The teacher also pointed out others that needed to be punished, and only a few students from the class were reportedly exempted from three lashes each from Gray's belt.
Walker's mother, Janesha Martin, told the local news outlet that her son suffered bruises on his upper leg from the lashes. She joined with other parents to complain about Gray's choice of discipline.
"This makes me really emotional," she explained. "I don't send my child to school to be abused by anyone."
Martin said she never consented to corporal punishment for her son when she decided to send him to the school. She removed him from the institution after the incident.
"The pastor should have been arrested," she said.
In their investigation of the case, which was transferred to Bain's office, officers from the Orlando Police Department found previous versions of the school's parent handbook that include a provision for corporal punishment as an alternative to home suspension.
However, the school's 2023-2024 parent handbook did not include that provision.
"Officers stated in their report that it is unclear which version of the handbook parents received," the state attorney's office explained.
"The senior leader admitted to police that he administered the spankings, stating he had warned students about the potential for it if they continued misbehaving, which was consistent with the prior handbook's requirement. He told officers the school's principals and counselors had previously used corporal punishment in prior years. The official said he was unaware of the change to the handbook," the statement added.
Under Florida law, teachers and school personnel have the authority to "maintain discipline within the scope of parental expectations and practices and exempts them from potential criminal charges," the state attorney's office stated.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona advocated against corporal punishment in a letter to governors, chief state school officers, school districts and school leaders last year.
The secretary noted that 23 states allow corporal punishment in schools or have not explicitly prohibited the practice. Most states and the District of Columbia have banned the practice in public schools.
Corporal punishment is legal in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. It cannot be used, however, for students with disabilities in Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
According to the Department of Education, other states that do not expressly prohibit corporal punishment in schools are Colorado (prohibits only for students with disabilities), Connecticut, Kansas, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire and South Dakota.
"Florida statute 827.03 also states child abuse requires the intentional infliction of physical injury or an intentional act reasonably expected to cause injury to a child. It is not reasonable to expect three lashes over clothing would cause an injury and this incident does not meet the statutory requirements for child abuse under Florida law," Bain's office added.
"After reviewing the case, our office does not believe it can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and our ethical standards prohibit us from filing charges."
Home News Catholic group demands MSNBC apologize for Joy Reid's 'white Christians' comment
A Catholic advocacy group is calling on MSNBC to apologize after the networks on-air talent made disparaging remarks about Christians while covering the results of the Iowa caucuses.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, wrote a letter to MSNBC President Rashida Jones and Comcast President Michael Cavanagh Wednesday. Donohues letter comes two days after MSNBC opinion host Joy Reid complained on air that Iowa is overrepresented by white Christians as the Iowa caucuses that kicked off the presidential nominating season for the 2024 presidential election were slated to begin.
Additionally, Reid recalled a conversation she had with Robby Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute, a polling company, ahead of the Iowa caucus vote: He said the following to me: Iowa is about 61% white Christian. The country as a whole is approximately 41% white Christian. And in Iowa, were talking about Evangelical white Christians.
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Reid added that when she asked Jones what white Evangelical Christians get out of supporting former President Donald Trump, who ultimately won the caucuses with 51% of the overall vote and 53% of the white Evangelical vote, the researcher responded, They see themselves as the rightful inheritors of this country, and Trump has promised to give it back to them.
The MSNBC host opined that all the things that we think about, about electability, about what are people gaming out none of that matters when you believe that God has given you this country, that it is yours, and that everyone who is not a white, conservative Christian is a fraudulent American and a less real American.
Reacting to Reids analysis, Donohue wrote, If it were said that atheists believe anyone who is not a believer is a fraudulent American, there would be repercussions.
Donohue also mentioned comments made by Tara Setmayer of the anti-Trump advocacy group The Lincoln Project on MSNBC Tuesday, where she referred to Christians as a death cult and singled out Evangelical Christians in particular: Not only have they failed America, but theyve failed Christianity.
Once again, Donohue suggested that a double standard existed as he expressed concern that the political commentator did not receive any blowback because she directed her comments at Christians as opposed to another group: If a guest or host on MSNBC said that Muslims are a death cult, there would be repercussions. If it were said that Jews have failed both America and Judaism, there would be repercussions.
Why have there been no repercussions regarding the anti-Christian remarks made by MSNBC guests and hosts? he asked. Bigotry against any demographic group should never be given air time on television.
Donohue concluded the letter by calling on the head of the cable news channel as well as the leader of the networks parent company to provide a response to this serious issue. He had started the letter by requesting a vigorous network response to the comments.
Mondays primetime programming was not the first time Reid had used her platform on MSNBC to bash Christians. Following President Joe Biden's withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the country's fall to the Taliban, Reid took to X to suggest that what we keep learning, forgetting and relearning, whether in Afghanistan or here in the U.S., is that religious extremism, backed by a willingness to use violence to impose a particular belief system as governing law, is incredibly dangerous.
In another post on X, Reid reacted to news that women were no longer allowed to attend college classes in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan by once again invoking a comparison between the Taliban and American Christians: This is the real-life Handmaids Tale. A true cautionary tale for the U.S., which has our own far religious right dreaming of a theocracy that would impose a particular brand of Christianity, drive women from the workforce and solely into childbirth, and control all politics.
Home News About half of Democrats think US needs to support Palestinians more: Gallup
Almost half of Democrats believe that the United States needs to do more to support the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war, while the share of Americans who believe the U.S. is doing "too little" to support Israel is the highest since 2001, a new Gallup poll suggests.
In a report earlier this month, Gallup outlined the views of 1,013 U.S. adults regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terror group Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The survey also looked into Americans' views about the treatment of Israelis and Palestinians amid the unrest.
The surveys were conducted from Dec. 1-20, 2023, and the data has an error margin of 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
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Gallup found that 49% of Democrat respondents believe that the United States is doing "too little" to support the Palestinians. In comparison, 35% said the U.S. is giving the "right amount" of support, and 14% said Palestinians are receiving "too much" American support.
This was well below the overall U.S. adult average of 33% of respondents saying the U.S. is giving "too little" support to the Palestinians. By contrast, only 16% of Republicans and 34% of independents characterized the U.S. support for Palestinians as "too little."
On the other hand, 52% of Republican respondents believe that the U.S. is giving "too much" support to the Palestinians, while 28% of independent respondents agreed.
Regarding support for Israel, 40% of both Democrats and independents felt America is giving "too much" support to the Jewish nation, while only 26% of Republicans agreed.
Overall, about a quarter (24%) of American adults believe that the U.S. needs to give more support to Israel, which, according to Gallup's tracking, marked the highest share of respondents who felt that way since October 2001.
"Gallup last measured Americans' views of U.S. support of Israel and the Palestinians in 2006, during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The current percentages saying the U.S. is doing too little for both groups are higher than the 2006 figures," the report notes.
"The measure on Israel has been asked periodically since 2001, and the latest 24% who say the U.S. is doing too little is the highest on record."
The report found that a record share of Americans hold a negative view of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was facing allegations of corruption and protests over his efforts to curb the power of Israel's supreme court before the outbreak of the war against Hamas.
Forty-seven percent of respondents hold an unfavorable view of Netanyahu, marking the highest disapproval rating for the leader going back to April 1997. Only 33% hold a favorable opinion of Netanyahu, well below the 49% favorable ranking he received in 2017.
On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched a major series of attacks from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking over 240 hostages.
Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, with the stated goals of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages that the Islamic terrorist group captured.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, over 24,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. That figure makes no distinction between combatants and noncombatants and doesn't differentiate between people killed by Israel Defense Forces and those killed by errant rockets fired by Gaza-based terror groups.
The fighting has displaced many Gazans, and multiple aid organizations have expressed concerns that a humanitarian crisis is underway.
In November, Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary ceasefire, in which Hamas freed more than 100 hostages in return for Israel releasing 240 Palestinian prisoners, most of whom were women and teenagers.
Home News Hulk Hogan thanks God after rescuing teen from flipped car
Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan is giving glory to God after saving a teenager from a flipped car just weeks after his baptism.
In a Facebook post Monday, the wrestler's wife, Sky Daily Hogan, announced that after the couple left dinner on Sunday night in Tampa, Florida, they saw a "car flip in front of us!"
She expressed gratitude for her husband as well as his friend "for springing into action, puncturing the [girl's] airbag, and getting her quickly out of the car."
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"By all appearances, she was unscathed, just really rattled, which is an absolute miracle!" she added.
Hogan, whose birth name is Terry Bollea, addressed the accident on his X account Monday, giving thanks to God following the tense situation.
"The crazy part about the teenager that flipped her car was that without a knife to puncture the airbags to get her out, [an] Indian Rocks Christian ballpoint pen came in really handy to pot the bags, thank you God, all is well even now, Amen," Hogan wrote.
The "Indian Rocks Christian ballpoint pen" Hogan referred to likely came from Indian Rocks Baptist Church in nearby Largo, where he and his wife were baptized less than a month ago. The church also runs a school called Indian Rocks Christian School.
The crazy part about the teenager that flipped her car was that without a knife to puncture the airbags to get her out ,a Indian Rocks Christian ballpoint pen came in really handy to pot the bags,thank you God,all is well even now,Amen HH Hulk Hogan (@HulkHogan) January 16, 2024
Sources told TMZ that the accident was caused by a car that swerved across lanes to catch an exit and clipped the car that flipped over the in process. The driver of the flipped car is reported to be 17 years old.
Hogan, 70, took to X on Dec. 20 to share pictures and videos from the baptism. One video shows Hogan fully submerged in the baptismal font, while the other shows the wrestler by his wife's side as she undergoes the same experience.
One picture shows Hogan embracing the pastor who performed the ceremony, while the second documents Hogan in a prayer circle with the pastor, his wife and two children.
"Total surrender and dedication to Jesus is the greatest day of my life," he wrote. "No worries, no hate, no judgment only love!"
While Hogan is newly baptized, he has addressed his faith and Christianity publicly several times throughout his career.
In 2020, the wrestler reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the implementation of lockdowns worldwide by declaring, "In three short months, just like he did with the plagues of Egypt, God has taken away everything we worship."
"God said: 'You want to worship athletes, I will shut down stadiums. You want to worship musicians, I will shut down Civic Centres. You want to worship actors, I will shut down theatres," he added.
Hogan also quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 in his 2020 social media post about the pandemic.
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"Maybe we don't need a vaccine, maybe we need to take this time of isolation from the distractions of the world and have a personal revival where we focus on the ONLY thing in the world that really matters. Jesus," Hogan suggested.
In an earlier post during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hogan reacted to the Bible verse 2 Chronicles 7:13, where God describes a scenario where "I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send petulance among my people." Hogan implied that the pandemic constituted such a situation: "This is one of the most powerful gifts to our human race, it's as powerful as it gets on earth, thank you God."
Hogan also embraced his Christian faith in the darker moments of his public life.
After the wrestler sued the media website Gawker for publishing a sex tape featuring himself using a racial slur and engaging in sexual activity with his former best friend's wife, he secured $140 million from a Florida jury in 2016. For his part, Hogan acknowledged that the tape was made at a time in his life when he was suicidal and had not yet come to Christ.
"Thank you God for fighting my battles for me and making my enemies pay ten fold for waging their evil against me, for that 'I AM grateful," he proclaimed in a post on X, known at the time as Twitter.
Hogan brought up his faith in additional social media posts made at the time of the litigation.
"In the storm I release control, God and his Universe will sail me where he wants me to be," Hogan asserted in one message. "God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers," he stated in another.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed speaks at a rally urging the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn an injunction limiting homeless encampment sweeps. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2023
San Francisco asked a federal magistrate late Wednesday to temporarily freeze an ongoing lawsuit that limits the city from clearing homeless encampments until the U.S. Supreme Court decides another case that could have significant implications for how cities across the country respond to homelessness.
The Supreme Court on Jan. 12 agreed to hear a case out of Grants Pass, Ore., in which the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals barred cities from citing homeless people who sleep in public places when they have nowhere else to go. The appeals court decided that city codes criminalizing sleeping or sitting in public places constituted cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the Eighth Amendment. A ruling by the Supreme Court is expected by the end of June.
That case formed the basis for U.S. Magistrate Donna Ryus decision to grant an injunction limiting encampment clearings in San Francisco.
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The lawsuit against San Francisco filed in September 2022 by the Coalition on Homelessness on behalf of seven unhoused San Franciscans is expected to go to trial in the fall. It alleges that the city violates state and federal laws, its own policies and the rights of homeless individuals by clearing encampments without offering adequate shelter and unlawfully seizing their belongings.
Ryu has imposed temporary restrictions on San Francisco police and city workers from clearing encampments and citing people unless theyre offered shelter while the lawsuit moves forward. Ryus order and the Grants Pass case cite the landmark federal case Martin v. Boise, which prohibits citing or arresting people for sleeping in public outdoor spaces when no alternative shelter is available.
Democrats across the Western United States, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed, urged the nations highest court to take up the Grants Pass case and clarify cities obligations. Both Newsom and Breed argue that lower courts stretched the Boise ruling to a point that has hamstrung local and state officials trying to address the heath and safety risks encampments pose to unhoused residents and nearby community members.
San Francisco is seeking to pause legal proceedings in its case in order to assess the impacts of the impending Supreme Court decision and to avoid wasting public funds fighting a lawsuit that may become irrelevant in a few short months, according to a release from the office of San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. The temporary injunction would remain in place regardless of Ryus decision on the citys request for a pause.
The Grants Pass decision underpins every aspect of Plaintiffs case against the City and is the foundation of the preliminary injunction issued by the District Court, Chiu said in a statement. It makes no sense to spend months litigating this case and expend enormous resources collecting evidence and expert testimony when the entire legal landscape may soon change.
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The legal team representing the plaintiffs in the case disagrees with Chius assertions.
This case does not rise and fall with the decision thats made in Grants Pass, said Zal Shroff, acting legal director at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area.
In addition to arguing that the citys encampment sweeps constitute cruel and unusual punishment, the lawsuit also accuses the city of unlawfully seizing and destroying belongings of unhoused residents, violating the rights of unhoused people with disabilities and failing to follow its own policies guiding how to conduct encampment sweeps.
This issue isnt going away. Accountability isnt going away, Shroff said. The city cannot simply hope to rely on a conservative majority of the Supreme Court to gut fundamental civil rights for thousands of people.
Shroff said his team plans to file a motion opposing halting the case by Jan. 29.
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Home News Pastor, 3 other Christians ambushed, taken captive in central Nigeria
Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists kidnapped a pastor and three other Christians on Saturday in central Nigeria, sources said.
The Rev. Haanongon Gideon, a pastor and council member of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue state, and the three others were ambushed on the Katsina-Ala-Zaki Biam Highway, said Jonathan Modi, secretary of the Ukum Local Government Council.
The pastor and his personal assistant, Ior Silas Yuhwam, along with his driver and a police orderly, were kidnapped near Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala County, at about 6:30 a.m. while on their way to attend a burial, Modi said.
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The council hereby advises all her citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding, while measures are in place to make sure the chairman regains his freedom, he said.
Benue state spokesman Matthew Abo, a resident of the area, confirmed the kidnapping in a text message to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Rev. Haanongon Gideon was on his way to Katsina-Ala town when he, together with three of his aides, were ambushed and kidnapped by armed Muslim terrorists, Abo said.
The Rev. Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, called for the release of Pastor Gideon while speaking at a funeral the kidnapped church leader was en route to attend on Saturday.
Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene said she had received a report about the incident, and security personnel have been deployed to track the terrorists and rescue the victims.
Christian and community leaders across Benue state say terrorist attacks in the state have become widespread, with cases reported daily. Emmanuel Odeh, an area community leader, told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that such attacks have taken place in Logo, Gwer West, Ukum, Guma, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, Okpokwu, Ogbadibo, Otukpo, Ugbokolo, Otukpa, Orokam, and others.
Christians have become vulnerable to these attacks, Odeh said. The invaders use forests and mountainous areas as bases for their operations and nefarious activities, and security agents know this. Truth is, they lack the will to curtail these terrorist activities.
More kidnappings of Christians took place in Nigeria, with 3,300, than any other country, and it remained the deadliest place to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report.
Nigeria was also the third-highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.
In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was the previous year.
Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdoms All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.
They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity, the APPG report states.
Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigerias Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.
Home News Unborn baby killed as Christian mother beaten by co-worker; police refuse to prosecute
LAHORE, Pakistan Police in Pakistan refused to file charges in the case of a Christian mother who lost her unborn child in a Muslim co-workers attempt to rape her, sources said.
Rakhil Nadeem Masih was eight months pregnant when a co-worker at a brick kiln near Clarakabad village in Kasur District, Punjab Province, attacked her in her living quarters at the kiln on Nov. 6, said her husband, Nadeem Masih.
He found her bleeding as the co-worker kicked and beat her, but after Masih took her to a government hospital, a doctor who stated that the violence led to her babys death refused to sign the medical report due to the influence of the Muslim kiln owner, Masih said. The kiln owner also influenced police, he said.
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Rights activist Napolean Qayyum told Christian Daily International/Morning Star News that the case was another example of how influential Muslims circumvent the law.
The poor couples unborn child was murdered, Qayyum said. The medical report certifies that the woman was brutally tortured, which caused the babys death, yet the police are still refusing to register an FIR [First Information Report].
Qayyum said he has filed a complaint with the office of the Punjab Inspector General of Police, but there has been no progress on it.
Masih said that his 25-year-old wife had stepped out of their living quarters at the kiln on Nov. 6 to dispose of some garbage when she noticed the co-worker, identified only as Chand, taking photos of her with his phone. Rakhil Nadeem rebuked Chand and returned to her quarters, but he followed her inside and attacked her, Masih said.
Chand beat her and attempted to rape her, the impoverished laborer said, adding that his three children witnessed the violence.
Rakhil begged and pleaded Chand to leave her, repeatedly telling him to spare her and her unborn child, but he would not listen, Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. I was working at the kiln when I heard the screams of my wife and children. I ran towards my quarters, where I saw Chand punching and kicking Rakhil, who was lying on the floor profusely bleeding.
He tried to seize Chand, but he broke free and ran outside, Masih said.
My immediate concern was for Rakhil, who was in a very bad condition, he said. I took her to a nearby government hospital with help from some co-workers, where we were told that the baby had died due to the torturous attack.
Doctors performed an emergency Cesarean section (C-section) on Rakhil Nadeem to remove the babys body, Masih said, in tears, adding that it was then that he realized they would have been blessed with a second son.
His wife remained in the hospital for more than a week for treatment of internal injuries.
The thought of filing a police complaint immediately did not cross my mind at that time, because all my attention was focused on Rakhils condition, he said. I had already lost my unborn son, and I couldnt even think of seeing my three children losing their mother.
After Rakhil Nadeem returned home, Masih and his father went to the police station to file a complaint against Chand.
The police asked us to bring the medico-legal certificate from the hospital, which was required to file a First Information Report, Masih said. However, when we submitted the certificate, the police refused to register a case, saying that the certificate had not been signed by the concerned doctor.
When he went back to the hospital, the doctor declined to sign the document, he said.
I later came to know that both the police and the doctor have been influenced by the Muslim owner of the brick kiln, Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Masih said. The accused, Chand, is a henchman of Rehman, and it is because of his influence that police are reluctant to file a case against Chand and arrest him.
He added that Chand was notorious for harassing Christian female workers at the kiln, and that complaints against him went unheard because of his association with the Muslim owner.
Chand continues to work at the kiln, and he and his family members have threatened Masih, warning him to stop pursuing legal action, Masih said.
The kiln owner is also pressuring me to reconcile with Chand and also offered me money, but Ive resolved not to give up till I get justice for my wife and our murdered unborn child, he said.
Sohail Habil, executive director of HARDS Pakistan, a Christian rights group, said they had decided to file a legal case against police for inaction against the suspect.
Registration of an FIR is the right of every citizen of Pakistan, regardless of their social standing, Habil told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The police must ensure that the accused is booked for assaulting the poor woman and killing her unborn child.
Cases of sexual violence against women and children are common at brick kilns in Pakistan. Christians make up less than 2% of Pakistans population, and those at the bottom of the economic scale face even greater persecution.
Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year.
This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
March For Life 2024, Christians Face Record Number Of Violent Attacks, Covenant Eyes CEO Warns Of Porn Epidemic
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Top headlines for Thursday, January 18, 2024
On today's episode, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is set to host the March for Life, a major annual pro-life rally since 1974. This event gains special attention following the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson ruling in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, a troubling report from Open Doors reveals a sharp rise in violence against Christians globally, with significant persecution especially in North Korea and Sub-Saharan Africa, spotlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection of religious freedoms. Lastly, we touch upon the societal challenge of pornography, as Ronald DeHaas of Covenant Eyes emphasizes its detrimental impact, particularly on young Christians, and advocates for greater accountability and open discussion to combat this pervasive issue.
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Top headlines for Thursday, January 18, 2024
On today's episode, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is set to host the March for Life, a major annual pro-life rally since 1974. This event gains special attention following the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson ruling in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Meanwhile, a troubling report from Open Doors reveals a sharp rise in violence against Christians globally, with significant persecution especially in North Korea and Sub-Saharan Africa, spotlighting the urgent need for enhanced protection of religious freedoms. Lastly, we touch upon the societal challenge of pornography, as Ronald DeHaas of Covenant Eyes emphasizes its detrimental impact, particularly on young Christians, and advocates for greater accountability and open discussion to combat this pervasive issue.
Home Opinion 3 resolutions pro-lifers should make this year
To change the narrative surrounding abortion and encourage mothers to give their children life, it is essential that we understand the challenges mothers face and come alongside them in their journeys. Take a moment to consider these three pro-life resolutions you should make in the new year.
Educate yourself about the struggles pregnant women face
Pro-life people make comments about abortion that sometimes give me pause. Oftentimes, because pro-life advocates are especially aware of the moral and scientific tragedy of abortion, it is easy for them to make assumptions about their own lives. Sometimes, people will say or imply that they would never get an abortion. Having spoken with women who got abortions, I now bristle when pro-lifers make such comments. The truth is that women often get an abortion because of the dread they feel when faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Their judgment can become clouded as they enter a fight or flight response. Sometimes, women are in an abusive relationship, or they had decided not to have children. Instead of separating ourselves from women in this position, we should make every effort to understand the perspective of a woman seeking an abortion so we can encourage her to choose life.
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Research indicates that there are many reasons women get an abortion, suggesting that abortion is sought as a solution to a multi-faceted dilemma. A 2013 study found that [t]he predominant themes identified as reasons for seeking abortion included financial reasons (40%), timing (36%), partner related reasons (31%), and the need to focus on other children (29%). The study also noted that 64% of women reported multiple reasons for seeking an abortion crossing over several themes, meaning there is not just one reason when it comes to abortion decisions.
ShoutYourAbortion.com contains stories from women sharing their reasons for getting abortions and appears to attempt to empower women in their decisions. The site contains quotes from women such as I think about it every day, but Im so glad I didnt go through with pregnancy and It was absolutely the right choice. One woman noted, however, It might be an unpopular opinion, but I didnt feel empowered or strong getting an abortion. Women share their stories and often claim to feel no regret towards their decisions. But there is pain underneath the words of these stories and an underlying sense that even when women say they do not regret abortion, they wish they could have made a different choice.
If a woman does not think you have compassion for her situation, she will not turn to you for help. By acknowledging the real fear women experience when they are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, we can break through their barriers and be there for them when they need it most.
Stay informed on abortion legislation
The political side of the pro-life movement can be daunting, and it can be difficult to keep track of the pro-life laws, pending legislation, and political races across the country. It is helpful, however, to be able to discuss the facts surrounding abortion and pro-life laws when faced with confrontational conversations. People are often grossly misinformed about pro-life legislation because the media paints such efforts in a negative light. This can turn people against the pro-life movement and cause women to be confused about their pregnancies, especially when stories in the media equate miscarriage and abortion.
Although many databases may have a pro-abortion slant, they can still be helpful to understand the status of pro-life laws, as well as the language of pro-abortion advocates. The New York Times site and the Guttmacher Institute offer this, while pro-life research and information about safeguards for pregnant women can be found at the Charlotte Lozier Institute. In a culture where pro-life efforts are not popularly discussed, we should work to spread the truth about pro-life policies.
Embrace post-abortive women
Pro-abortion groups attempt to re-enforce the false narrative that pro-life people do not care about women. The pro-life community can reverse this by reminding men and women that we will offer support even if they have made the heartbreaking decision to get an abortion.
Although the scientific community often dismisses the post-traumatic stress symptoms that women experience after an abortion, women and men struggle with grief when they lose a child to abortion.
Abortion Trauma Recovery, Inc., defines abortion trauma as a type of post-traumatic stress disorder that often affects people months and years following an abortion. The charity notes that [a]bortion Trauma currently has no official definition and is largely unrecognized and untreated with the incidence of severe psychological trauma unknown. The symptoms surrounding abortion trauma include mental health problems, self-destructive behavior, relationship issues and replacement pregnancies. In a testimonial, one woman recalls, I have spent many years trying to push the memory of what I have done to the back of my mind, but it wont stay there. I have constantly compared my dead child to what he would have been doing had he lived. I understand that most women who choose to abort experience the same feelings.
The pro-abortion movement is loud and offers false compassion for women seeking an abortion and for those who have had an abortion. When women are in difficult circumstances and feel helpless, it is natural for them to turn to voices that offer refuge. In the same way, they are more likely to surround themselves with a community where they do not feel judged if they have had an abortion. Pro-life advocates can be the ones to provide a true helping hand to women facing unplanned pregnancies, but they should also offer a healing hand to any woman who has had an abortion. Organizations such as Project Rachel Ministry offer support and retreats for people who have gone through the heartbreaking trauma of abortion; but the pro-life community should do more to help men and women in this situation.
Educating yourself about pro-life policies, understanding why women get abortions, and deciding to provide a safe place for post-abortive women are essential New Years resolutions for members of the pro-life movement. By taking these steps, we can begin to tell women a different story about their unplanned pregnancy: they can do this, they are strong enough, and they are not alone.
Home Opinion Something big coming?
Amidst the gloom, doom, and downright panic of our contemporary world, there are many who believe that something big is shaping before us.
Buried in the grim outlook, there is a growing consensus among some church leaders that positive phenomena will break through the despair.
While leaders must avoid triumphalism, it is important to know and be strengthened by biblical revelation. Therein is the promise that the deeper the darkness the brighter the light. This is not empty hyperbole, but solid truth based on the promise of Scripture: The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them (Isaiah 9:2).
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These promises were given initially to the Old Testament Covenant people of God in their era. However, the word was not restricted to the situations they faced. Rather, the promises are transcendent, reaching across history for those who lead from positions of faith. In fact, the promises are foundational.
Leaders in modern times may dare to embrace the promises of God and lead with that confidence. Wise leaders meld their professional skills with transcendent promise and therefore anchor their enterprises and the people they lead in the confidence that the worse the desolation, the greater the restoration. I will make up to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the Lord promises to His people.
Further, the more painful the wound, the far greater the comfort. Job, initially weakened by the onslaught of misery, experiences that truth, and, when he gains a higher look at his whole journey through pain and terror, cries out to God, I repent in dust and ashes (Job 42).
Roger Cohen, writing in the New York Times, imagined a sobering conversation in the future describing our age as, a time of unraveling.
Seasoned leaders among evangelicals, Charismatics and Pentecostals, Liturgical, Reformed, and Fundamentalist churches and organizations are coming to see that the more intense the pain and confusion the greater Gods blessing that is shaping for the ages ahead. They lead, not with empty bravado, but by standing on the pattern and promise of God. They recognize the pattern and encourage those who want to shrink from contemporary cultural phenomena.
What is happening now within the Catholic Church may be a pattern in which confusion, chaos, and leadership weaknesses are shaping something new. The current upheaval will be remembered in history as a foundational period of realignment and the birth of fresh hope and anticipation.
Seasoned leaders throughout history learned that the greater the build-up of crisis and the more intense the stresses, the greater the outcomes produced through such disturbing phenomena. Charles Finley, the great revivalist, said that revival predisposes declension. This certainly was the case in Wales in 1903-1905 when spiritual renewal struck a deeply darkening society.
The Bible itself encourages hope from the very beginning. The ordered and fruitful world was born out of the heaving chaos of tohu and bohu' (formlessness and emptiness as Genesis puts it).
As I wrote in a previous column, don't panic, don't be afraid ... everything is happening right on time. Brave and mature leadership refuses to be sidetracked by the pulls of sensationalism and realistically acknowledges and prepares for the needs and opportunities shaping the future. This is not fantasy; I saw it work through one of the most effective Christian leaders and the organization he founded in modern times: Charles Colson and Prison Fellowship.
I knew Colson from a distance while serving in the Nixon White House. Colson was in Nixon's inner circle and I was a junior aide. Colson was noted for his toughness and political savvy at least that was the way it seemed before he was jailed under accusations associated with the Watergate scandals that would bring down the Nixon presidency.
One day a year or so after Colson's conviction, I received a call from a staff member of a Washington ministry who told me that Colson had received Christ as his Savior. Chuck, he said, was in prison only a three-hour drive from my home. The caller asked if I would visit and seek to minister to Colson. Having known about Chucks Marine-tough reputation both inside and outside the White House, I thought he would refuse to see me a lowly staffer.
To my surprise, he actually welcomed me to the prison where he was incarcerated. I made three trips to visit Chuck. However, it was the first conversation that lingered in my mind. Despite the immense personal challenges pressing on Chucks soul, he talked about his concern for his fellow inmates. Chuck listened to many of them through the heart of Christ Himself. As his time in prison dragged along, Chuck began to think about what he could do. It seemed that his own life was unraveling. Nevertheless, Chuck embraced the promises of God, and the largest prison ministry in the nation -and perhaps the world, as Colson's dream expanded to the international scale took form, despite ridicule, and even opposition from a few federal government agencies.
The deep darkness that, early on, could have engulfed Chuck Colson became the very medium for the realization of his vision.
This is the spirit in which leaders should go forward in the present age of chaos and instability as something big shakes the very foundations of our enterprises.
Material for this column, including citations and references, are taken from Wallace Henley, Call Down Lightening, Thomas Nelson, 2019.
Prayers of Love and Faith and the dilemma facing the House of Bishops
The Church of England's House of Bishops, which has just started publishing more detailed accounts of its meetings, appears to be losing its nerve over launching standalone services of blessing for same-sex couples.
The 'Summary of Actions and Decisions' from the meeting on 12 December 2023 posted on the revisionist Thinking Anglicans website records that the bishops failed to come to a decision on the standalone services.
The bishops have started publishing summaries of their meetings after facing criticism from General Synod members for not being transparent enough about their deliberations. Thinking Anglicans observed that the summaries are "much fuller than the usual bland press release".
November's General Synod narrowly voted for a proposal from the Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, to ask the House of Bishops to look at introducing the standalone Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) services on an experimental basis under Canon B5 of the C of E's rules. The standalone services would then have to undergo a formal Synod vote at a later date requiring a two-thirds majority in favour under Canon B2.
It is not clear from the bishops' statements whether the vote would take place before the elections for a new Synod in 2026 or after. In the present Synod the services would not get a two-thirds majority for permanent authorisation. So, if a vote were held before 2026 and the services had been commended experimentally, they would have to be withdrawn amidst a storm of controversy.
The December summary records: "Noting that the House had previously voted in favour of seeking authorization of the Prayers of Love and Faith standalone services under Canon B 2, and that the Synod had asked the House to reconsider whether other options might be possible, for example experimental authorization under Canon B 5A, the BISHOPS OF LEICESTER (Martyn Snow) and NEWCASTLE (Helen-Ann Hartley) led the House in a discussion of the options. No decisions were made."
Since Sunday December 17, C of E clergy have been allowed to hold PLF blessings within existing services. The standalone services are more controversial because they would more closely resemble a church wedding.
The bishops also failed to make a decision on publishing new 'pastoral guidance' for clergy that LGBT activists in the C of E hope would remove the bar against licensed ministers entering into same-sex civil marriages. So, it is now far from clear whether the new guidance will be published in time for the General Synod meeting in London at the end of February.
The summary reveals the extent of the divisions within the House of Bishops over the PLF services. The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, proposed an amendment to the motion allowing ministers to use the PLF blessings in existing services from December. He wanted the House to insert a clause saying the bishops were 'mindful also of the narrow majorities in support of this proposal in the Houses of Clergy and Laity at General Synod'. There were 14 bishops in favour of Bishop Butler's amendment, 24 against with no abstentions.
The Bishop of Rochester, Jonathan Gibbs, proposed an amendment delaying the blessings until the House had agreed to publish the new pastoral guidance for clergy. There were 13 bishops in favour of Bishop Gibbs's amendment, 26 against and one abstention.
The summary records: "The House returned to vote on the unamended main motion. There were 24 votes for, 11 votes against and 3 abstentions. The Prayers of Love and Faith Resource section were accordingly commended with effect from 17 December."
No national figures are yet available on how many same-sex couples have had their relationships blessed in existing C of E services, such as Holy Communion or Morning and Evening Prayer, since December 17. But an educated guess would be that the numbers are not particularly overwhelming.
Far more overwhelming for the bishops is the depth of conservative opposition. On December 7, a few days before the House of Bishops met, the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) announced the creation of a panel to provide "informal alternative spiritual oversight for clergy and PCCs (Parochial Church Councils), who feel a loss of confidence in the spiritual leadership of their bishop(s)".
The panel includes three retired bishops: Julian Henderson, former Bishop of Blackburn; Pete Broadbent, former Bishop of Willesden; and Rod Thomas, former Bishop of Maidstone.
The dilemma for the House of Bishops appears to be this: the C of E would come under the opprobrium of the secular media and of pro-LGBT Members of Parliament if the standalone PLF services were ditched or put into the long grass. But pushing ahead with them is alienating the growing Anglican evangelical churches in a denomination whose usual Sunday attendance has now fallen to around 500,000 people across England.
It is therefore little surprise that the bishops, deeply divided among themselves, are much less gung-ho for the PLF services than they were in February 2023 when 36 voted for them with only four against and two abstentions.
Julian Mann is a former Church of England vicar, now an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire.
Towards Christian support for the state of Israel
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Dr Irene Lancaster speaks to Dr Tricia Miller, the senior Christian media analyst at CAMERA (The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis), and the Founder and Director of CAMERA's Partnership of Christians and Jews.
Irene: Tricia, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to explain your work to readers of Christian Today. Tell me something about yourself.
Tricia: From childhood I have been interested in Jews and Judaism, much encouraged by my parental upbringing. My work at CAMERA is informed by decades of studying antisemitism and the Shoah. As I became older I got involved in Israel advocacy and Christian Jewish relations.
Irene: Do you have any relevant academic qualifications which help you in your advocacy and partnership work?
Tricia: Yes, I have a Masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. I also have a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. I chose to pursue my PhD at Claremont because I wanted to study Hebrew Bible with Jewish academics in order to learn how Jews approach their Scriptures, i.e. Hebrew Bible (Tanach).
Irene: What was the subject of your PhD dissertation?
Tricia: I wrote my dissertation on the Biblical Book of Esther, specifically examining the history of Christian antisemitism by looking closely at the history of Christian interpretation of the Esther story.
Irene: Have you written any books on the subject of Esther and/or Christian antisemitism?
Tricia: Yes. My second book, Jews and Anti-Judaism in Esther and the Church (James Clarke and Co 2015) applies the work done for my PhD dissertation to the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict, the dispute over Israel's right to exist and defend herself against those whose aim is to annihilate the only Jewish State. I think the story of Esther is extremely relevant to this state of affairs.
Irene: Apart from your Jewish professors, has anyone specifically influenced you from the Jewish community?
Tricia: Yes. In Los Angeles, I happened to meet Israeli philosopher and author, Professor Yoram Hazony, President of the Herzl Foundation in Jerusalem. We learned that we shared an interest in the biblical Book of Esther, on which he has also written two books. We agreed on the relationship of faith and politics, as exemplified by the entire Hebrew Bible, and this shared philosophy led to many fruitful exchanges. As a result, in 2014 I joined CAMERA and began to work for them.
Irene: When was CAMERA founded?
Tricia: CAMERA was founded in Washington DC in 1982 in response to media bias against Israel. CAMERA is the oldest media-monitoring research and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East.
Irene: Tell us something about CAMERA's Partnership of Christians and Jews, which you founded.
Tricia: The Partnership of Christians and Jews was founded in 2015 to provide a powerful response to an intensifying effort to delegitimize Israel in evangelical churches throughout North America, the UK and Europe. As these political efforts continue to increase, the Partnership provides educational resources in order to counter anti-Israel campaigns in the media and elsewhere, as well as combat anti-Zionism in the Church. The Partnership also works to build important relationships between Christians and Jews, and thus also help to counter the every growing virus of antisemitism world-wide.
Irene: Could you give us a bit more detail about this work with the Churches and also with Christians and Jews?
Tricia: The Partnership's first public event took place in Los Angeles in 2016. This was an all-day conference, entitled 'The Assault on Evangelical Support for Israel'. We brought together a robust crowd of concerned Christians and Jews. Twelve speakers, including four from Israel, examined aspects of evangelical support for Israel in the light of efforts on the part of certain Palestinian Church leaders to undermine this support for Israel.
Irene: What are the roots of this assault on evangelical support for the State of Israel?
Tricia: The assault on evangelical support for Israel is rooted in a politically-motivated ideological argument that, at worst, maintains that Israel has no right to exist. At least, it suggests political action that would inevitably lead to the destruction of the State of Israel. The argument of these political ideologues is dependent on a re-written, fictitious history that imagines 'Palestinians' as the indigenous people of the Land, and the consequent identification of Jesus as a 'Palestinian'. This political ideology is further based in replacement theology - the idea that Jews and Israel have been replaced by Christians and the Church in the purposes of G-d.
This message, designed to target Western evangelical support for Israel, is an emotionally-laden one that appeals to themes such as peace and justice, while denying history, ignoring facts on the ground, and essentially rewriting Scripture. Inroads are being made in evangelical churches because a significant number of pastors and congregants alike are illiterate concerning the Bible's teaching about G-d's ongoing plans for Israel and the Jewish people.
There has also been an increase in interpreting Scriptures allegorically, rather than according to their plain sense. This results in a misunderstanding of the significance of Israel historically and theologically, which then leads to the message that the State of Israel has no right to exist. These deficiencies then lead to apathy or worse regarding the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Irene: I find that a very frightening state of affairs. Can you tell us something about its origins in some parts of the evangelical Church.
Tricia: This growing problem in the evangelical world was preceded by decades in the liberal, mainline Protestant churches. Traditional denominations, as well as the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, departed long ago from any plain sense interpretation of the Bible regarding G-d's ongoing relationship with Israel and the Jewish people. The widespread adherence in all these denominations to replacement theology results in contempt for Jews and Judaism, together with opposition to the State of Israel and its right to exist.
Irene: Does this mean, do you think, that all my own work inputting into clergy training, holding dialogue groups for Jewish and Christians, advising the Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel on bilateral relationships with the Church of England, has been all in vain?
Tricia: Not necessarily. The solution to the problem of increased biblical illiteracy in the Church and the accompanying rise in Christian opposition to the State of Israel and the Jewish people is to teach the truth. We have to provide essential education to the majority of people who simply don't know what the Bible says about G-d's heart and plan for the people He Himself called to be 'the light to the world.'
Christian opposition to the State of Israel and the Jewish people is nothing more than a Christian version of age-old antisemitism, which had already been demonstrated by the Greeks, Romans and other pagans even before the rise of Christianity.
Irene: What can be done now to encourage a better understanding of Jews by Christians?
Tricia: The only way to eradicate Christian antisemitism is for Christians to make the effort to actually read the Bible, learn the truth and expose erroneous theology. Unless these steps are taken, and without a major revival in the USA, leading Christians to return to the roots of their Christian faith, there will continue to be an increase in antisemitism, as we have witnessed recently.
As the Western rise in antisemitism since October 7th demonstrates, thoughts, ideas and words lead to physical danger for Jews. If this trend continues, Jews will no longer be safe in the USA, and more and more Jews will make Aliyah to Israel. The Christian world can do much to assist Jews by becoming acquainted with Bible teaching divorced from age-old prejudice. I found that working with Jewish scholars was a particularly useful method of doing this. And, hopefully, more and more Christians will also come to this realization.
Irene: Always good to end on a positive note. Thank you very much for your honest appraisal of Christian-Jewish relations at present, and especially within the evangelical church. It appears that working with Jewish scholars is very helpful in countering Christian antisemitism.
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People gather outside San Francisco City Hall during a rally Wednesday organized by various unions to kick off contract negotiations with the city. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Demonstrators carry signs outside City Hall during a rally Wednesday organized by various unions to kick off contract negotiations with the city. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Kim Tavaglione, executive director of San Francisco Labor Council, speaks outside City Hall during a rally Wednesday organized by unions to kick off contract talks with the city. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle People gather outside City Hall on Wednesday during a rally organized by various unions to kick off contract negotiations with the city. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle
Thousands of San Francisco government workers rallied Wednesday at City Hall to mark the start of union contract negotiations and warn of a possible strike as Mayor London Breed tries to close a huge deficit in the same year she runs for reelection.
Unions representing a majority of the citys 36,600 employees swarmed Civic Center Plaza and the City Hall front steps. Many of them held red-and-white signs emblazoned with the words Fix our city, a slogan intended to convey the unions argument that San Francisco can make more progress on its myriad challenges by filling vacant jobs and otherwise investing in its workforce.
Our city workers know this city inside and out, Kim Tavaglione, executive director of the influential San Francisco Labor Council, said at the rally. They know how to fix the problems that plague this city.
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Local labor negotiations are in uncharted political territory this year.
Contracts for most city workers, with the exception of police officers and firefighters, expire at the end of June, just months before Breed hopes to fend off challengers to win another term in the November election. Breeds reelection bid is already facing skepticism from some prominent labor groups, including the labor council.
When Breeds administration concluded the last round of labor talks two years ago, the mayors race was scheduled for 2023. But voters then passed a ballot measure that moved mayoral elections to coincide with presidential elections, giving Breed another year in office and requiring her to renegotiate labor agreements shortly before reappearing on the ballot.
Further complicating matters, Breed is trying to close a projected $800 million two-year deficit as she prepares to submit her next city budget proposal to the Board of Supervisors in the coming months. The deficit is fueled in part by rising city expenses, including an about $500 million increase in salaries and benefits over the next four fiscal years. The mayor has already asked her departments to plan for 10% spending cuts next fiscal year as San Franciscos finances continue to be strained by the citys poor recovery from the pandemic.
At the same time, union leaders feel newly empowered to go on strike after provisions in the City Charter that forbade them from doing so were invalidated by a state employment board. However, the city has appealed the boards decision, so its not clear exactly how City Hall would react if unions were to call a strike.
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Nobody wants to go on strike, Kristin Hardy, the San Francisco vice president for SEIU 1021, said at the rally. We dont want to abandon our services. We dont want to abandon our patients. But there are things worth fighting for.
As the labor talks develop, Breed has to walk a fine political line: If she gives the unions too much, she could make her plans to rein in city spending even harder, but if shes not able to reach a deal with them, she risks a strike that could compound her political problems in an already tough reelection campaign.
Breed spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh said in a statement that the mayors past labor negotiations had driven significant outcomes that have led to positive gains for public employees, including a 23% increase in public employees average annual base salary over the last five years.
Mayor Breed appreciates and respects the rights of organized labor coming together around important issues, and she looks forward to engaging in the bargaining process that is already underway with our labor partners, Safarzadeh said.
Mawuli Tugbenyoh, a spokesperson for the citys human resources department, pointed to the citys appeal of the employment boards strike decision and said in an email that city leaders were engaged with our labor partners and fully expect to resolve this matter in the coming months.
In a longer statement responding to the rally, the human resources department said the city had seen encouraging signs of progress in improving overall staffing levels. City Halls job vacancy rate and the time to fill open positions have both declined, while the number of job applicants and the number of new employees hired have both increased recently, the department said.
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The City has recovered beyond our pre-pandemic staffing levels, the department said in its statement, adding that public safety and behavioral health roles remained tough to fill locally and nationally.
Heather Bollinger, an emergency room nurse at the city-run San Francisco General Hospital, said the staffing crisis in her unit is pretty bad and stems from over 10 years of poor management. She said there were 25 people in the waiting room at the start of her shift on Tuesday and 37 when she went home, with patients waiting six to eight hours. Hiring more nurses would greatly reduce those numbers, she said.
Weve been alerting the city again and again that they are not hiring fast enough, and they are not retaining the people they do hire, Bollinger told the Chronicle. Its a cycle that is really difficult to get out of. When you have working conditions that are unsafe and not sustainable, then the few people that you actually do get in the door dont stay.
Asked by the Chronicle whether shed support a strike, Bollinger didnt hesitate.
Absolutely, she said. Weve tried everything else.
Atmospheric rivers fueled heavy rains in early 2023, causing flooding across the Bay Area. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle 2023
UPDATED FORECAST: California weather set to see huge swings, ending in atmospheric river storm
Relentless storms over a three-week period in early 2023 created chaos across California, causing extensive flood damage and landslides in the East Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains.
The rains were fueled by nine atmospheric rivers from late December through mid-January. Bands of tropical moisture juiced up storm after storm, giving communities little time to recover between downpours. The series of storms was historic but not the first time that back-to-back atmospheric rivers have had big impacts in California.
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In the future, rising greenhouse gas emissions are expected to amp up the frequency, intensity and duration of such atmospheric river sequences. These stretches correspond with periods when California faced heightened potential for flooding, according to a new study by scientists from Stanford University and other institutions.
Sequences are, by definition, capturing these periods of time when were close to capacity and more likely to go over that tipping point into damage, said lead author Corinne Bowers.
The scientists cataloged atmospheric river sequences by looking at weather and climate data corresponding to wet seasons from 1981 to 2021. They pinpointed when specific locations logged consecutive days with high levels of water vapor moving across the sky a defining feature of atmospheric rivers.
Atmospheric river sequences align with days when California faced extreme precipitation, extreme runoff and extreme soil moisture, the researchers found. These variables are associated with hydrologic hazards, like flooding and related events, including landslides.
What happened last week or last month matters almost as much as whats happening today when it comes to the water (impacts) during Californias stormy wet season, said Bowers, who recently completed her Ph.D. in Stanfords Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
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This map shows the association between atmospheric river sequences and periods when unusually large amounts of water moved through watersheds. Over 90% of extreme runoff days lined up with atmospheric river sequences in Californias northwest, shown in dark blue. That includes the San Francisco Coastal South Watershed on the Peninsula.
Bowers has investigated how such atmospheric river sequences trigger serious flood damage to California homes as part of her graduate work. Compared with individual events, atmospheric rivers that were part of sequences caused three to four times more damage.
I cross-checked that number in a couple different ways because I was kind of floored by it, Bowers said.
Future projections based on a range of emissions scenarios predict atmospheric river sequences will happen more often, for longer and carry more moisture. The most dramatic change was the rise in super-sequences lasting roughly two months or longer.
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Bowers said 20%-30% of California that has never faced super-sequences before will experience at least one by the end of the century. This presents challenges for water management in places unaccustomed to compounding storms.
The studys findings on hydrologic impacts is very informative, said Yang Zhou, an atmospheric scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
But Zhou had questions about defining atmospheric river sequences using a specific threshold for high water vapor transport, as the authors did. In a warmer world where the air holds more moisture, that number might be met by other disturbances, not just atmospheric rivers.
Zhou is using stringent detection algorithms and machine learning to identify atmospheric river clusters making landfall on the West Coast. Clusters with events occurring in quicker succession tend to deliver stronger atmospheric rivers, Zhou said during a presentation at the American Geophysical Union fall meeting in December. But its not yet clear whether atmospheric river cluster frequency will increase in the future.
Even if the definition for an atmospheric river changes due to a warming climate, Bowers and Zhou agree that large amounts of water vapor still bring damaging impacts on land.
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Thats especially true if back-to-back atmospheric rivers deliver water repeatedly.
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a leave no one behind approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP Moldovas current Country Programme Document, CPD, focuses at assisting the country on four main outcomes areas supporting a vision for a more cohesive, inclusive, just and resilient society, and a better quality of life for everyone:
Just and inclusive institutions and equal opportunities for human development institutions deliver human rights, evidence-based and gender-responsive services for all, including the most vulnerable people in Moldova; Participatory governance and social cohesion more accountable, transparent, human rights-based, and gender-responsive governance empowers all people in Moldova to participate in and to contribute to all spheres of life; Enhanced shared prosperity in a sustainable economy all people in Moldova benefit from inclusive, competitive and sustainable economic development and equitable/equal access to decent work and productive employment; Green development, sustainable communities, and disaster and climate resilience all people in Moldova and institutions benefit from and contribute to green and resilient development, sustainable use of natural resources and effective climate change and disaster risk management.
UNDP Moldova Country Office (CO)s portfolio consists of three areas (Clusters) effective governance, inclusive growth and energy, environment and climate change. The gender equality and inclusion cut across all UNDP Moldova programmatic and policy work, in line with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda. The successful candidate is expected to work across the three thematic areas (Clusters) to advice and guide mainstreaming the gender equality and inclusion agenda into all areas of UNDP work.
Rationale background and the objectives
UNDPs approach to Gender Equality and Inclusion: UNDP is the integrator for collective action of the UN System to advance the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, including implementation of the Leave No One Behind principle. Gender Equality and Inclusion agenda are seen as goals in their own right and central to the achievement of UNDPs development mandate.
Gender Equality and Inclusion has been also translated into UNDP Socio-Economic Inclusion and Social Cohesion Plan for Refugees, Return Migrants and Host Communities in Moldova 2023/2024, which seeks to advance the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and the resilience of host community.
UNDPs work on Gender Equality and Inclusion is guided by numerous UNDP corporate, UN and global commitments, including (not limited to) the Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025, UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), National Development Strategy Moldova 2030, Regional Refugee Response Plan for the Ukrainian Situation, Global Compact for Refugees and others.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advance the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda of UNDP Moldova, with focus on gender mainstreaming in compliance with UNDPs accountability frameworks and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025.
Coordinate and guide advancement of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda of UNDP Moldova:
Coordinate and support analysis and substantive inputs to the UNDP Moldova strategic documents, particularly UNDP Moldova Gender Equality Strategy 2023-2027 to be developed in line with Moldova CPD 2023-2027 and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025.
Provide advice on adaptation, implementation of UNDP Moldova CO gender mainstreaming corporate tools and corporate reporting and accountability frameworks, including the gender markers and allocation of resources for gender.
Review current programmes and projects across the CO portfolio and provide recommendations on amendments/adjustments for effective GESI mainstreaming and reporting, in line with corporate and national policies and priorities.
Support on the strategic design, programme development, and implementation of CO programmes for effective GESI mainstreaming.
Lead CO contribution to tracking and reporting on gender results and evidence through periodic and annual reports (ROAR).
Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to gender equality and social inclusion agenda.
Provide technical assistance to partners on how to best achieve results, particular on issues related to gender equality, inclusion of vulnerable groups, governance, international good practices, and the SDGs.
Participate and contribute to thematic reports of the UN in Moldova on issues of inclusion and gender and lead UNDPs contribution to the reports.
Capacity development support to UNDP Moldova on GESI mainstreaming, in compliance with UNDPs accountability frameworks and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025 .
Support UNDP Moldova HR to improve gender parity, gender equality, PSEA and inclusion in the CO.
Provide guidance and technical support to the COs effective participation in the corporate programmes, ex. Gender Seal Certification Programme.
Coordinate CO Gender Theme Group on Gender Seal and serve as gender seal focal point for the CO.
Advice on strengthening partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations and womens networks relevant to advance GESI agenda of the CO.
Advise UNDP Moldova on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda, especially in designing and implementation of gender responsive projects.
Guide effective management of Gender Equality and Inclusion programmes and projects:
Guide UNDP Moldova thematic teams (Clusters) and projects on effective mainstreaming of GESI.
Guide UNDP Moldova thematic teams (Clusters) and projects on application of result-based management (RBM) tools that advance GESI in programmes and projects.
Establish M&E and reporting frameworks, that they are gender responsive and track results based on evidence and disaggregated data.
Guide and support UNDP thematic teams (Clusters)and projects on donor reporting that incorporate GESI.
Advice on formulation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion programmes and projects that advance partnership engagement and resource mobilization:
Assist in implementation of the COs Partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, focusing on project formulation to mobilize funds from external and sources on gender and inclusion.
Work closely with UNDP technical advisors and specialists in Moldova and in the region to identify opportunities for project development and mobilize resources and ensure linkage between programmes and projects in Moldova and those at regional and global levels.
Contribute to project theory of changes as well as results framework to incorporate gender issues as well as needs of vulnerable groups.
Advice on and coordinate thought leadership, knowledge management, learning and strategic partnerships to advance Gender Equality and Social Inclusion agenda.
Strengthen partnerships, coordination, knowledge management and learning to advance UNDP Moldova Gender Equality and Social Inclusion agenda:
Strengthen partnerships and coordinate with key national stakeholders, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academia, research institutions and other stakeholders to advance GESI agenda in Moldova.
Coordinate development of background documents, briefs and presentations related to GESI.
Identify best practices, lessons learned to guide project improvements and future strategic interventions.
Guide and support UNDP Moldova thought leadership on issues related to GESI.
Facilitate dialogue and experience sharing among UNDP Moldova teams and projects on GESI.
Organize and conduct training for CO staff on gender advancement, gender equality, womens empowerment, womens issues, and social development.
Coordinate UNDP Moldova response and partnerships in context of the socio-economic inclusion of Ukrainian refugees and social cohesion in host communities.
Coordination implementation of the UNDP Socio-Economic Inclusion and Social Cohesion Plan for Refugees, Return Migrants and Host Communities in Moldova 2023/2024.
Coordinate the Livelihoods and Inclusion Working Group under the RCF as per the Working Groups ToR and Work Plans, and in close coordination with other relevant Working Groups of RCF and the Government.
Coordinate the implementation of the socio-economic assessment for refugees and vulnerable host community members, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNHCR, and translate findings and results into programmatic and policy recommendation to be implemented by national stakeholders, UNDP and other actors of the RCF.
Strengthen partnerships with national and international stakeholders, positioning UNDP as a key actor in the refugee response.
Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing on refugee-related issues both in UNDP and in the Livelihoods and Inclusion Working Group, and guide interventions based on identified challenges and gaps, best practices, and lesson learnt.
Coordinate implementation of corporate requirements (going beyond programme) on sexual harassment, discrimination.
Liaise with other UN in ensuring prevention and respond to sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse at the country level.
Act as the focal point for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).
Conduct awareness and trainings to staff and support the UNDP Moldova management to respond to all forms of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature committed.
Act as focal point for discrimination and other gender matters going beyond the programme such as advising programme and projects team of addressing and management grievances from beneficiaries and partners as part of the SES.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
System Thinking
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system/
Human-centered Design
Ability to develop solutions to problems involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process
Gender
Gender Issues & Analysis
Gender Mainstreaming
Women's Economic Empowerment, including labor issues
Women's Leadership (Political, Public Admin and Private Sector)
Sexual Gender-based violence (SGBV)
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Masters degree or equivalent in social policy, public policy, gender studies, international development studies, law or a related area is required.
Bachelors degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Masters degree.
Experience:
Minimum 2 years (with Masters degree) or 4 years (with Bachelors degree) of progressive working experience in the areas related to governance, social development, gender or social inclusion focused program/projects, and/or gender equality and womens empowerment, gender-based violence in a development context.
Required Skills:
Previous experience in international development cooperation or related work for a development organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is required.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) .
Desired Skills:
Coordination and partnership experience in a humanitarian and/or development setting is an asset.
Experience in result-based management, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting is an asset.
Experience in designing procedures and tools for effective project implementation, monitoring or reporting.
Excellent communication skills with a wide range of partners.
Ability to provide advice and guidance in a tailored and effective manner.
Understanding of the socio-political context in South-East and Eastern Europe, and preferably in the Republic of Moldova.
Languages:
Fluency in Romanian and English (written and spoken) is required.
Institutional Arrangement
The Gender and Inclusion Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, and overall strategic guidance by the Resident Representative. He/she will work closely with all UNDP Moldova teams. He/she will closely collaborate with RBEC Regional Gender Advisor and RBEC Gender Team in the Istanbul Regional Hub.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Salariul lunar net: 42000 MDL - 52000 MDL
Asigurarea medicala internationala 100% acoperire
To apply please follow the link/Pentru a aplica, va rugam sa adresati link-ul: Apply
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity has announced its second partnership with prize draw fundraising company Omaze, which will aim to raise 10m over the next five years.
The money will go towards the charitys record 300m drive to build a new childrens cancer centre .
GOSH charity said it is the first time that Omaze has pledged such a transformative amount, which will be achieved through multiple house draws starting today.
The charity said that it has hit the halfway point on its 300m fundraising appeal, which was launched last year.
Since launching in the UK in 2020, Omaze has raised 28.5m for several charities including the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, NSPCC and RSPCA.
Its prize draws give people a chance to win million-pound houses across the UK plus thousands of pounds to settle in. It also runs prize draws for cars and cash among other things.
Were thrilled to be partnering with Omaze again
GOSH Charity first partnered with Omaze in 2021, which saw the company offer a 3m house in Wimbledon as a prize and raised 500,000 for the charity.
Under the new partnership, GOSH Charity said it would benefit from Omazes updated donation model, which enables it to increase its guaranteed minimum donation tenfold, rising from 100,000 to 1m per house draw.
Liz Tait, GOSH Charitys director of fundraising, said: The hospital needs a new home to help deliver breakthrough therapies.
We are thrilled to be partnering with Omaze again to raise money to help build the new childrens cancer centre at GOSH together we can build it and help beat childhood cancer once and for all.
Postal entries for the first million-pound house draw as part of the new partnership close on 27 February.
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In November, Reuters published a special investigative feature headlined, How an Indian startup hacked the world. The story alleged that a hacking-for-hire firm called Appin had stolen secrets from executives, politicians, military officials, and wealthy elites around the globe. (Appin has denied this.) A few weeks later, however, the story was taken down and replaced by an editors note saying that it had been temporarily removed following an order issued by a district court in New Delhi. The order, Reuters said, was issued amid a court case that was originally brought against the news agency a year earlier. Reuters said that its hacking-for-hire story was based on thousands of documents and interviews with hundreds of people, including cybersecurity firms, adding that it stood by its reporting and planned to appeal. (Reuters did not respond to a request for comment.)
According to the Daily Beast and other outlets, the initial lawsuit against Reuters is part of a wider legal battle launched by Rajat Khare, a co-founder of Appin, and law firms including Clare Locke LLP, which boasts on its website about its track record of killing stories about its clients. The Daily Beast reported that references to Khare have been removed from a collaborative investigation between Londons Sunday Times and the nonprofit Bureau of Investigative Journalism; a news story published in Luxembourg; and a report from the Swiss national broadcaster. Semafor reported, meanwhile, that Clare Locke sent legal threats to The New Yorker about a story on Indias hack-for-hire industry. (The New Yorkers story is still online; Khares lawyer told Semafor that Khare does not comment on actual or alleged legal proceedings, but does defend himself judicially in all relevant jurisdictions against any attacks that target him and illegitimately damage his reputation.) Lawfare also edited an article that it had published to remove details taken from the Reuters report. And the Internet Archive, which had hosted a backup copy of the Reuters story, has taken it down. (The story has been replaced with the message: this URL has been excluded from the Wayback Machine.)
For Emma Best, the co-founder of a leak-hosting site called Distributed Denial of Secrets, or DDoSecrets, seeing Reuters remove its story reinforced her desire to launch what would become the Greenhouse Projecta special section of the DDoSecrets site devoted to publishing and distributing news stories that have been censored. DDoSecretswhich in the past had a server seized in Germany and was once erroneously labeled a criminal hacker group by the US Department of Homeland Securitysees the Greenhouse Project as part of its broader mission to ensure the free transmission of data in the public interest by making itself a publisher of last resort. It chose the name because it hopes to create a warming effect to reverse the chilling effects of censorship.
The Reuters story (along with supporting documents) is the first entry in the project, which launched last week, but Best said that it is just the tip of the iceberg. (On the Appin front alone, she provided me with a list of almost a dozen stories in various outlets that have either been edited to remove facts about Appin or unpublished completely.) Recently, I spoke with Best about the aims of DDoSecrets, the launch of the Greenhouse Project, and why she hopes it becomes redundant. What follows is a transcript of our discussion, which was conducted via the messaging app Signal and has been edited for length and clarity.
MI: So the removal of the Reuters story sparked your interest in hosting this material at DDoSecrets?
EB: The Reuters story had caught my eye before it was taken down; its part of a series of reports that I thought were important to begin with. It was upsetting to see it just removed like that (though I dont blame Reuters for doing what they had to do). Seeing Reuterss piece get taken downand especially all the secondary reporting that was censored, tooreally demonstrated that something like this was needed.
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Can you give us a little background on DDoSecrets, what it does, and how it came to be?
DDoSecrets is a little over five years old, launched in December 2018. Weve published over a hundred million leaked files provided by our sources, and we have a lot more that were still working on. We use a mixed distribution model, publishing information both to the general public and restricting some information to journalists and researchers when theres a lot of sensitive information. Some of these cases contain ten million files, so adequately reviewing and redacting that just isnt possible. Along with individual media outlets, weve collaborated with organizations like the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project. In 2020, we were recognized as a 501c3 [charitable organization]. A few of our more notable publications are listed on the site.
Can I assume that, much like WikiLeaks, this kind of thing hasnt made you very popular with governments and other entities?
Were banned by Indonesia and Russia, as well as by Twitter and Reddit. You still cant post our URL on Twitter at all, and any post on Reddit with it is shadowbanned [downranked so it is difficult to find and cant be shared]. Im not sure why exactly; I found out about it last year when The Intercept reported it. A subreddit dedicated to BlueLeaks [a DDoS project in 2020 that published almost three hundred gigabytes of internal US law enforcement documents] was banned; I wouldnt be surprised if [the shadowbanning] happened then, but I dont have any receipts [proof]. Last year, the Department of Defense asked us to remove the Pentagon leaks but we basically just ignored them.
How is DDoSecrets funded?
The first year or two, it was mostly out of pocket. We took some Bitcoin donations; I think one big one that helped for a while, but things were minimal enough for the first year or so that it wasnt too bad. Now its all donations. We have DonorBox and OpenCollective, we get a little bit through Substack, but I think were going to move away from that entirely [because of the platforms decision to host Nazi and white supremacist content]. We have a few crypto options, but we dont exactly appeal to the NFT and crypto crowd.
In 2021, we got a grant from [the Calyx Institute, a nonprofit focused on digital security], but were pretty chronically broke. I think we have maybe ten thousand dollars on hand, give or take. Right now only two of us are paid, everyone else is a volunteer. We both work on this full-time, but our salary is less than the equivalent of minimum wage. I make four hundred dollars per week before taxes. Were trying to get funding from outside groups, but so far that hasnt been successful. One foundation said theyd reimburse us for some conferences and travel; that was the only reason we did it, but we were never reimbursed. Probably our biggest source of funding was the Calyx grant. Unfortunately, theres not a lot of money (or recognition) in publishing, and a lot of big funders arent attracted by the idea of people who have leaked (or could leak) the secrets of their friends.
What are your plans if DDoSecrets gets sued by Khare or someone else over the censored stories it publishes?
Were not going to pre-litigate anything, but its worth noting that we have no people or physical presence in India. And the files and the article have both been made into a torrent [a file that can be easily shared] that cant really be censored. Even if its somehow removed from our servers, we couldnt take it back if we wanted to. As I recall, the Los Angeles Police Department filed a lawsuit [in which it tried to retract some documents that were released through the Freedom of Information Act, which DDoSecrets published] but never even bothered to include DDoSecrets or go after us in any way. As for where its hosted, our domain is registered through a company in Iceland. The wiki [the site runs on software similar to Wikipedia] is kept separate from everything else for security reasons.
Will DDoSecrets be adding other censored reporting to the Greenhouse Project?
Id like this project to not have to be expanded. If its never needed again, that would be best for everyone. We say internally a lot that wed love for DDoSecrets to be made obsolete by some change in the worldeither some increase in transparency, or some other organization improving on the model in some way. But as long as the need is there.
Other notable stories:
ICYMI: Hiba Morgan on Sudans forgotten war
Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
Career development, artificial intelligence, risk engineering, climate risk disclosure, and geopolitical risks are among the top issues businesses will be talking about in 2024, a new report shows.
Sedgwick published its Connect 2024, which highlights industry trends and issues for employers, carriers, brokers and risk management and human resources professionals to watch this year.
The report shows that a dynamic work environment is being shaped by labor and economic challenges, along with shifting workplace priorities as people expect elevated experiences in the office and in everyday interactions. Key conversations will revolve around the workforce, consumer experience and health and well-being, most notably including:
Career development
Enhanced benefits for overall well-being
Incentives to make the workplace more appealing
Cost management
Outsourcing versus insourcing considerations
Insurers and policyholders have been faced with increasing claims volumes stemming from natural disasters, civil unrest and geopolitical developments. The insurance industry will focus on environmental impacts, coverage shifts and evolving risks such as:
Comprehensive disaster preparation and recovery
Secondary losses
Infrastructure vulnerabilities
Risk engineering and alternative risk strategies
Organizations across all industries continue to face shifts in the global economy, market conditions and regulatory requirements. In the current market, organizations are considering not just compliance factors, but also brand and reputational challenges. Brands will focus on strategies related to regulation, readiness and reputation while preparing for:
Complexities of the recall landscape
Cyber readiness
Fraud and financial stewardship
Risks of next-gen technology
Climate-related risks and disclosures
The combination of artificial intelligence and integrated data has had a profound influence across industries and will continue to make waves as it reshapes work dynamics, interpersonal interactions and cognitive processes. Organizations will adapt as economic and geopolitical developments affect global risks, alliances and trade. Conversations will surround topics related to technology, productivity and partnership, covering:
Three Washington state police officers who were cleared of criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained facedown on a sidewalk as he pleaded for breath will each receive $500,000 to leave the Tacoma Police Department, according to documents released.
This says to the public that these are excellent officers, and its a shame Tacoma is losing them, said Anne Bremner, an attorney for one of the officers, Timothy Rankine.
A jury acquitted Rankine, 34, and co-defendants Matthew Collins, 40, and Christopher Burbank, 38, in December following a trial that lasted more than two months. Rankine was charged with manslaughter, while Collins and Burbank were charged with manslaughter and second-degree murder.
The city released copies of the voluntary separation agreements with the officers Tuesday as police Chief Avery Moore announced findings that none violated the use-of-force policy in effect on March 3, 2020. Collins was found to have violated a policy concerning courtesy.
The use-of-force policy has since been updated. The old one failed to serve the best interests of the police department or the community, Moore said.
These agreements support a responsible, constructive path forward for our community and the Tacoma Police Department, City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said in a written statement.
In an email, Matthew Ericksen, an attorney for Ellis family, called it perverse and said the officers were effectively being rewarded for his death. He noted that the officers had already been paid about $1.5 million total while being on leave for nearly four years.
The worst TPD officers are also the highest paid TPD officers! Ericksen wrote. Everyone in the community should be upset by this.
The U.S. attorneys office in Seattle said last week that it is reviewing the case; the Justice Department can bring prosecutions for federal civil rights violations, but the scope of the review was not disclosed.
Ellis, 33, was walking home with doughnuts from a 7-Eleven in Tacoma, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Seattle, when he passed a patrol car stopped at a red light, with Collins and Burbank inside.
The officers claimed they saw Ellis try to open the door of a passing car at the intersection and he became aggressive when they tried to question him about it. Collins testified that Ellis demonstrated superhuman strength by lifting Collins off the ground and throwing him through the air.
But three witnesses testified they saw no such thing. After what appeared to be a brief conversation between Ellis and the officers, who are both white, Burbank, in the passenger seat, threw open his door, knocking Ellis down, they said.
The witnesses one of whom yelled for the officers to stop attacking Ellis and a doorbell surveillance camera captured video of parts of the encounter. The video showed Ellis with his hands up in a surrender position as Burbank shot a Taser at his chest and Collins wrapped an arm around his neck from behind.
Rankine was among the many other officers who responded. Ellis was already handcuffed facedown when he arrived. Rankine knelt on his upper back.
Video showed Ellis addressing the officers as sir while telling them he couldnt breathe. One officer is heard responding, Shut the (expletive) up, man.
Attorneys for the officers argued that Ellis died from a lethal amount of methamphetamine that was in his system as well as a heart condition, not from the officers actions.
Ellis death became a touchstone for racial justice demonstrators in the Pacific Northwest. But it also coincided with the first U.S. outbreak of COVID-19 at a nursing home in nearby Kirkland and did not garner the attention that the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis did nearly three months later.
The trial was the first under a 5-year-old state law designed to make it easier to prosecute police accused of wrongfully using deadly force.
The Ellis family settled a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Pierce County, which is home to Tacoma, for $4 million last year.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
An executive at Fujitsu Ltd., whose software contributed to improper convictions of UK Post Office sub-postmasters, said the company has a moral responsibility to help provide redress for those who suffered as a result.
I am personally appalled by the evidence we have seen, Paul Patterson, Europe director at Fujitsu Services Limited, told the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday. I think there is a moral obligation for the company to contribute.
Pattersons concession suggests that it wont just be the UK taxpayer who pays out compensation to hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongfully prosecuted for theft and false accounting by the government-owned Post Office between 1999 and 2015 after computer glitches led to shortfalls in their accounts.
Shares in Fujitsu, whose UK business makes up about 5% of its sales, fell as much as 1.8% in Tokyo Wednesday morning, adding to two straight days of stock price declines. Fujitsu earned 65% of its overall revenue in its home market as of end-September, with Europe accounting for less than 18%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Maximum negative impact on sales will be, at most, 3-4% in sales, even if we assume penalties, contract suspension and compensation, said Macquarie Capital analyst Hiroshi Yamashina in a note to investors. But uncertain negative financial impact could make investors risk-averse.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week announced a law to quash the convictions and speed up compensation to some 980 UK Post Office workers as he sought to draw a line under the long-running saga. Redress was also offered to thousands more who were caught up in the scandal but werent prosecuted after using their own money to close the shortfalls and avoid charges.
Government minister Kevin Hollinrake later told the same panel on Tuesday that there is a significant chance the governments move to cancel convictions means some people who were actually guilty may get compensation.
Patterson was giving evidence alongside Post Office Chief Executive Officer Nick Read, who told the same hearing that total compensation may well be in the order of 1 billion ($1.3 billion).
Were all very keen to get to the bottom of this, said Read, who has held the role for four years. Ive been very clear since I joined the organization, that the Post Office simply cant move forward until such time as proper redress has been determined and more importantly has been paid out.
Patterson appointed to his current role in 2019 said responsibility for the scandal lies in many places, including Fujitsu, and that the the company would take advice from an inquiry into the matter when deciding on its contribution to the redress. He said he had no current estimate for Fujitsus liability.
He added that his gut feeling was that people within Fujitsu knew about the problems with its Horizon software, conceding that it contained bugs which could have had an impact on the accounts logged by sub-postmasters. While Patterson could not give a date when Fujitsu staff first notified the Post Office of problems with Horizon, he said there were known bugs and errors in the system from a very early stage.
He added that when the Post Office was notified, how they chose to use that information in their prosecutions was entirely on their side.
While Patterson said Fujitsu was now an ethical company and was quite different to the company in the early 2000s, Read vowed that the Post Office would be getting off Horizon software it still uses a quarter of a century after its introduction.
Earlier on Tuesday MPs on the committee heard evidence from former sub-postmasters including Alan Bates, founder of the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance on whom a recent ITV dramatization of the Horizon affair was based, and Jo Hamilton, a former sub-postmistress caught up in the scandal.
Both spoke of their frustration that the redress process for victims of the Horizon scandal was taking so long. There obviously isnt enough of a resource being put in at that end, Bates said.
Hamilton spoke about how she had been forced to plow seemingly endless amounts of money into the Post Office that she ran, as she was accused of mis-accounting that was actually the fault of the Horizon software. I wasnt tech savvy at all back 20 years ago they convinced me it was my fault, she said, adding that the Post Office had gaslit her.
Post Office Horizon Scandal Parliamentary Select Committee Hearing
Jo Hamilton arrives for a parliamentary select committee hearing into the Post Office Horizon scandal in London, on Jan. 16.
When you take on a sub-Post Office, you actually invest a large amount of money in that business. And as happened in my case, when they fell out with me, they walked off with that amount of money, Hamilton said. I think a lot of people feel theres a financial gun held to their head if they start kicking off or start raising too many problems with the Post Office.
Neil Hudgell, Executive Chairman of Hudgell Solicitors who has represented some of the postmasters, earlier told the committee that spouses, children and parents of postmasters caught up in the scandal had themselves suffered stresses leading to behavioral disorders, miscarriages and shattered family lives.
Theres a whole raft and category of people that are not compensable and thats another strand of this scandal that needs to be looked at, he said. The scandal is in the thousands, but could be in the tens of thousands.
(Updates with stock reaction in Tokyo from fourth paragraph.)
Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
NEW YORK English actress Sophie Turner on Wednesday dropped a lawsuit against musician Joe Jonas over custody of their children after the couple reached a settlement.
A U.S. judge dismissed Turners claim of wrongful detention after she and Jonas, who filed to end their marriage last September, signed a consent plan that was approved by a judge in the United Kingdom last week, People magazine reported.
Turner sued Jonas last fall after Jonas filed for divorce. That summer the children, daughters Delphine, 18 months, and Willa, 3, traveled to the United States to stay with Jonas, with the couple agreeing that Turner would return them to the United Kingdom in September. But after Jonas filed for divorce, he withheld the childrens passports, preventing them from leaving, The New York Times said.
That prompted Turner, 27, to file her wrongful detention suit against Jonas, 34.
A star in the acclaimed HBO television series Game of Thrones, Turner met Jonas when he and his band were touring in Britain in 2016. The pair married in 2019 in Las Vegas.
The couple relocated to England in April 2023 and had planned to buy a home there later in the year. But in early September, they said in a joint statement on Instagram that they had mutually decided to amicably end our marriage.
Shortly after that, Jonas filed for divorce in Florida.
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January 17, 2024: The US military spends about $10 billion on small-arms ammunition annually. The most common caliber ammunition used by the US military is the 5.56x45mm NATO Standard round. On average, an American soldier carries around 210 rounds of ammunition for their primary weapon, which is usually an M-16 or M-4 automatic rifle. U.S. military depots store an estimated 15 billion rounds of small-arms ammunition. The Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky is the largest US military ammunition storage facility.
Small arms ammunition typically remains in storage for up to 20 years. The US military uses a variety of small-arms ammunition in combat, including 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and .50 caliber rounds. The US military replenishes its ammunition stockpiles on a regular basis, based on usage and demand. New military ammunition undergoes extensive testing and evaluation to ensure reliability, accuracy, and performance.
The US military transports ammunition by air, sea, and ground with the same degree of security large shipments of civilian rifle, shotgun and pistol ammunition receives. Ammunition storage facilities are heavily guarded and protected to prevent theft, sabotage, or accidents. The United States has its own ammunition manufacturing facilities but also contracts with private companies to increase production.
Obsolete or surplus US military ammunition is usually disposed of through a demilitarization process that includes controlled detonations or other specialized methods to ensure safety.
Twenty years ago, the United States purchased over a billion rounds of 5.56mm ammo from Taiwan at the onset of the invasion of Iraq while American production facilities were upgraded to handle increased wartime production. Before September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Defense bought 350 million rounds of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 12.7mm of ammo a year. Most of this was 5.56mm, for M-16s, M-4s and light machine-guns. By 2004, that was up to 1.2 billion rounds. This increased to 1.5 billion rounds in 2005 and later to over two billion rounds a year.
The U.S. Army has one very large ammo factory at the Alliant Lake City plant in Independence, Missouri. For a long time, this plant produced about 1.2 billion rounds a year. After, although that has since been expanded to 1.5 billion pounds a year.
Additional ammo has been obtained by, first, drawing down war reserve stocks. Taking over half a billion rounds from those stocks, plus buying even more from civilian manufacturers in the United States, Canada, Taiwan, and Israel, working round the clock, and putting mothballed production facilities to work, kept the troops supplied. The current high production levels will remain until the war reserve stocks are rebuilt. In the meantime, training will continue to use more ammo than in the past. In the 1990s, use of live ammo in training had been allowed to decline. That stopped after 2001. Ammo usage in training will remain at high levels, though American troops have left Afghanistan and Iraq, at least until the lessons learned this time around are forgotten.
January 17, 2024: Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine in early 2022 and by 2023 that effort, justified by the purported Russian need to halt eastward expansion of nations joining NATO, had Russia on the defensive. Ukraine has a population of 33 million after nearly ten percent of Ukrainians fled the country to nearby countries because of the fighting plus lost homes and jobs. Most of those who left will return when the war ends. The sooner the war ends the larger the number of exiled Ukrainians will return. Russia has a population of 143 million and wants to add all Ukrainians to that and make Russia stronger. The Ukrainians are not interested in becoming Russians. Russia is not discouraged by that and announced that efforts to absorb Ukraine will continue indefinitely.
As early as 2021 Russian leader Vladimir Putin was threatening war with Ukraine to prevent them from joining NATO and the European Union. Putin declared that Ukraine was part of Russia and ignored the fact that the Ukrainians disagreed and were willing and able to fight any Russian interference. The 2022 invasion was not a complete surprise. Since 2014 Russia has been making a lot of threats against Ukraine that were not, until 2022, acted on. The 2014 Russian seizure of Crimea and parts of two eastern Ukraine provinces led to economic sanctions by the West. Soon the Russian economy was a mess, as in stagnant and shrinking. Russia has fewer friends or allies, and the future looks dim. Sending troops into Ukraine (2014), Syria (2015), Libya (2016) and Ukraine in 2022 has not helped solve any of the fundamental problems Russia has but made for great propaganda about how active Russia was in foreign affairs. In 2022 Russia discovered that the cost of fighting in Ukraine was wrecking the Russian economy and driving more Russians into poverty.
What went wrong? Russia entered the 21st century with a new elected government dominated by former KGB secret police officers who promised to restore economic and civil order. They did so but in the process turned Russia into a police state with less political and economic freedom. Many Russians opposed this, and the government responded by appealing to nationalism. Russia has turned into what Germany had become in the 1930s. This included police state ways and the traditional threatening attitude towards neighbors. Rather than being run by corrupt communist bureaucrats, the country is now dominated by corrupt businessmen, gangsters and self-serving government officials that characterized the last czarist government that the communists replaced a century ago.
The communists made a lot of promises they couldnt keep, killed anyone who opposed them and, after 1964, ran the Soviet Unions economy into ground. Astute American leadership in the 1980s helped too. Things then improved somewhat in post-Soviet Russia until the Putin administration invaded the Ukraine in 2014, whereupon Western sanctions stagnated the economy. Further sanctions for Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and the sheer costs of the current Ukraine war, have hammered the Russian economy still more. Reliance solely on deficit spending to finance the war effort, and decline in necessary infrastructure maintenance and investment, have created clear limits on Russian ability to continue the war much longer.
Rebellion against the Putin regime has been derailed by astute propaganda depicting Russia as under siege by the West and NATO. Opinion polls show wide popular support for this paranoid fantasy, but some Russians continue to struggle for better government and beneficial reforms. For now, most Russians want economic and personal security and are willing to tolerate a police state to get it. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions did more damage than Russian politicians expected. That, plus the anxiety generated by having troops fighting in Syria, Ukraine and Libya has scared away a lot of foreign investors and many Russian ones as well. Russia can downplay this in the state-controlled media but without all that foreign and Russian capital the economy cannot avoid steady decline, let alone grow. Since 2014 most Russians can see daily that they are worse off than before. Meanwhile China, the only real threat to Russia, quietly makes progress in the east. There China has claims on much of the Russian Far East and is openly replacing Russia as the primary economic, military, and political force in Central Asia.
Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022 and that was the first major medium-intensity war since the early 1950s Korean war. The Ukraine War is local, but it involves a major power, Russia, that was a more powerful major power before the Cold War ended in 1991 and the Soviet Union dissolved, Russia, the core of that empire, lost half its population of non-Russians before 1991. The Ukraine War is the first step in rebuilding the Russian empire that was run by monarchies for centuries until the early 1920s when the communist Soviets took over. The former components of the Soviet Union do not want to rejoin any Russian empire and that is why Ukraine fights so hard against the Russian invaders.
At the end of 2023 Vladimir Putin ordered the military to increase active duty troops to 1.32 million. This involves finding another 170,000-670,000 recruits (depending on whose statistics are used). If you include civilian military employees, the Russian military purportedly now has 2.2 million personnel. Thats1.5 percent of the Russian population. At the beginning of 2023 there were purportedly 1.15 million Russian military personnel. By the end of 2023, Russian personnel losses in Ukraine had grown to over a million, of which at least half were permanent losses, mostly dead but also prisoners, missing and those discharged because of disabling wounds. About 40 percent of Russian casualties are dead compared to only 20 percent of Ukrainian casualties because the Russians in this war get no battlefield medical treatment whatever. During World War Two, wounded Russian troops received at least minimal medical treatment, largely by dragging wounded off the battlefield. Female soldiers were often used to do this and bring the wounded to medics. Wounded soldiers in freezing conditions die of exposure or shock within about an hour unless they are carried to shelter, but that was not happening for Russians in the Ukraine. Prospective recruits knew this.
Putin wants to replace those losses and increase the size of the military. To that he has to depend mostly on volunteers and former soldiers, or reservists. Then there are the conscripts, young men who are obliged to spend one year in the military. Once that year is over, these men are eligible to become reservists or, now that the military service law has changed, subject to mobilization to supply the military with more troops.
Mandatory conscript service brings in nearly 300,000 new troops a year. Half these men are called up between April and July while the other have are called up during the last few months of the year. This has been the way it has been done for over a century. Conscription gives Russia some badly needed military manpower but there is a catch. Conscripts only serve for one year and nominally cannot be sent into a foreign combat zone. The Russian public will not tolerate tinkering with the 12-month limit and the post-communist Russian government lacks the coercive power to overcome that. Conscripts have been sent to the Ukraine war, but an uneasy de facto compromise has arisen that involves conscripts only used in non-combat roles.
Since Putin ordered Ukraine invaded in February 2022, he has clashed with Russian attitudes towards conscription and lost. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the communist rule was replaced by democracy and frequent opinion polls. There were no professional politicians to make the new democracy work. There were former Soviet officials trying to get elected to powerful positions. More than ever before, these new political candidates had to pay close attention to public opinion. Former KGB officer Putin got elected once and managed to change the rules to keep him in office for as long as he wanted and survive efforts to remove him. Two years of futile combat in Ukraine has led to discussions in Russia about getting rid of Putin. This happened despite Putin putting most Russian media under state control. The catch was that successful dictators, and Putin is one of them, pay attention to public opinion because if too many of your subjects get too angry, its the end for the unpopular dictator. Russians experienced this in 1991 and even zealots like Putin must pay heed. Push the Russian people too far and they will push back. There are numerous and frequent examples of this in Russian history.
Putins solution is to make the most of a bad situation. Conscripts currently get a few weeks of training followed by service doing any work they can handle. This allows many of the volunteer, or contract, soldiers to go to Ukraine, where the Russian personnel situation is desperate. Training for the conscripts tied up the few remaining military training facilities all the time, as almost all the pre-war training staff were sent to the Ukraine after the war started and became casualties themselves. Russian non-commissioned officers are basically useless because 70 years of the Red Army predecessor of the current Russian army destroyed their role as trainers and leaders of more junior enlisted men, and all attempts to revive an effective non-com system since 1991 have failed.
This makes it impossible to provide training for the contract soldiers or former conscripts, now older men, mobilized into the military for as long as the government can get away with it. Few Russian men serve in Ukraine voluntarily and most are coerced or tricked into volunteering, with a few persuaded by offers of high pay, which they rarely get, or are convicts spending six months in Ukraine to get a full pardon. Putins alleged plan is to obey the law about not sending conscripts into battle, and hope to later persuade them, after their discharge, to volunteer for some form of mobilization. That hasnt worked so far. Putin lacks sufficient internal security forces to overcome a lot of public opposition to his seriously unpopular or illegal schemes, so he has to be resourceful.
The fighting in Ukraine crippled the Russian ground forces and destroyed most of the modern equipment Putin had managed to manufacture during the previous twenty years. Economic sanctions reduced the amount of money he has available for military operations. Sanctions have also increased the percentage of Russians living below the poverty line. Putin embarrassed himself in Ukrainian because he initially boasted that the victory in Ukraine would be quick and relatively painless because the Ukrainians were not willing or able to fight and most accepted the Putin view that Ukraine was actually part of Russia but that people in Ukraine got confused and lost their way. The reality was that Ukrainians were better prepared, armed, and motivated to defeat the invading Russians. Putins response was to claim that it was NATO forces that inflicted all those casualties on Russian troops. That fiction worked for a short while because state-controlled media had been pushing the idea that NATO was conspiring to destroy Russia. That fable faded as the months of defeats went by and Russians were told by returning wounded soldiers that Ukrainians were fighting back and simply doing so more effectively than anyone expected. Many Russians have family, friends, or contacts in Ukraine and that, added to what Russian soldiers who had returned Ukraine said put an end to the efforts to blame NATO for the Russian defeats. Putin propagandists had to come up with a new explanation for the mess in Ukraine and he came up with a reheated version of the accusation that NATO is trying to destroy Russia. NATO nations were supplying Ukrainian forces with weapons and munitions. The military aid from NATO was superior to what Russian troops were using. That was, for Putin, an unacceptable but painfully accurate description of the Russian problem in Ukraine.
Putin also has a problem with the fact that for over a year Russian soldiers have been fighting in another country and getting killed or wounded in large numbers. Russia had not been invaded and Putin sought to portray it as a successful Russian defense of the homeland. Once more, Russians eventually saw through that disinformation by paying attention to Ukrainian media which makes no mention of plans to invade Russia, only efforts to get Russian soldiers out of Ukraine. Putin also tried, with some success, to persuade people in nations supporting Ukraine with weapons and money that Ukraine is not worth the expense because of a growing list of Russian disinformation efforts, which grew less and less effective as more of them were found largely propaganda supported by dwindling amounts of reality.
Russia has few allies or foreign supporters and most of these, like Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba have little to give. China could provide lots of tangible support but prefers not to because China believes the Ukraine invasion was a stupid idea and does not want to get hit with sanctions for providing military support for Russia. China and India both advise Putin to just get out of Ukraine and out from under all those sanctions before long-term damage is done to Russia.
Putin has, for more than two decades, been working on what he agrees are needed military and economic reforms so that the next time Russian troops are in combat they will perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there were far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians had a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster were seen as typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change.
The new Russian plan calls for a massive training program to replace all the officers lost in the first few months of 2022s fighting. The immediate problem with that is all the officer instructors were sent to the front in March and April 2022 where they too became casualties. Next is that Putin insists on constant suicidal attacks which maximize Russian casualties and interfere with reform attempts. Finally, there is another serious problem that few Russian officials want to discuss, corruption. Even in wartime, especially during the recent fighting, corruption was still a problem. Too many officers and other government officials continued to put their own financial gain above the need to equip the troops with what they needed to survive and win. There have been several corruption scandals in Russia since the Ukraine War began. The militarys corruption is rooted in political corruption at the highest levels including Putin and his cronies, and inevitably drifted downward until even supply sergeants routinely steal back and sell gear issued to new troops before the poorly equipped soldiers leave for the front. Russia is descending into a Third World state known as a resource kleptocracy but run by a very real gangster confederacy. The only difference with Russia is that they have nuclear and biological weapons inherited from the Soviet Union.
By late 2022 over half of Russian military personnel were volunteers serving on contracts or career officers. The ability of the military to hold onto those contract/contrakti soldiers was always weakened if there were a lot of casualties or too much chance of being sent to a combat zone. Volunteering to be a contract soldier used to be considered a smart move because the Russian economy had been increasingly weak over the last decade and well paid work was hard to find. After the fighting began in Ukraine, the contract soldiers suffered as much as the conscripts and junior officers did.
The result of this was contract troops refusing to renew contracts. Most of the combat units sent into Ukraine were composed of contract troops who were killed in large numbers. When the survivors got back to Russia, either because of wounds or because many combat battalions returned because of heavy losses, there was a sudden shortage of contract soldiers. That was because most contract troops were near the end of their two-to-three-year contracts and refused to renew. The army had signed up many soldiers for the new, since 2016, six to twelve month contracts for former soldiers, or conscripts willing to try it, and found that there were far fewer vets willing to sign these short contracts because, so few recent short-term contract soldiers had survived service in Ukraine.
The government then tried to solve this reluctant contract soldier problem by changing the contracts so that contract soldiers had to remain in the army for as long as the fighting continued. Realizing that it was a death sentence if they were sent back to Ukraine, many contract soldiers simply refused to go. There were so many men refusing to go that the government backed off from threats to prosecute the reluctant contrakti.
At that point the Russian armed forces had dire and apparently unsolvable manpower problems. They were taking ghastly casualties making suicidal attacks during winter with their front-line troops knowing very well what is happening. The survivors make certain other Russian troops knew it too. They have no junior officers to lead and make sacrifices with them because most officer training staff were killed in 2022 and the rest cannot produce replacements fast enough. That meant almost all prospective contrakti recruits know how little training, support, medical treatment, and effective equipment they will get, and how few of them will survive.
The shortages of combat troops had some interesting side effects. Both sides were forced into relying more on drone or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) wars. The Russians had to do so because of the lack of manpower and the Ukrainians for lack of artillery shells and rockets, and lack of American support due to Congressional disputes and deadlocks over funding the Ukrainian war effort.
At first supplying Ukraine with munitions was not a problem for the United States because the Americans agreed with their NATO allies, especially Poland and Germany, that defeating the Russian invasion of Ukraine would discourage the Russians from trying that against NATO countries, like Poland and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Germany agrees with Poland and the Germans have decided to expand their armed forces to deal with the potential Russian aggression. Poland and the Baltic States have taken similar measures. Poland spent nearly $15 billion to buy a thousand modern tanks and other combat systems. South Korea provided this equipment because South Korea has become a major manufacturer and exporter of modern weapons.
Recent sales to Poland and other NATO countries surprised the Americans, who had not paid attention to the growth of South Korea as an exporter of weapons. The European NATO nations still want American support in the form of munitions and weapons. The Americans produce many essential systems for the Ukrainians to use, like the HIMARS vehicles and the guided rockets they are armed with. Patriot anti-aircraft and anti-missile missiles are also American. Japan is the only foreign country to obtain a license to produce Patriot missiles and has agreed to increase production for NATO countries. The United States and other NATO nations have sent most of the Patriot missiles to Ukraine and those missiles have defeated most of the Russian missile attacks. Meanwhile, many American politicians decided that the United States had other obligations closer to home and cut U.S. support for Ukraine. For Russia, this is an opportunity, but Russia is too weak and disorganized to take full advantage of the situation. The reduced American support means Ukrainian forces suffer heavier losses and Russia sees an opportunity to keep the war going until NATO support fades because of the expense and Russian resolve to continue fighting no matter what.
China, Togo agree to well implement outcomes of China-Africa cooperation
Xinhua) 11:10, January 18, 2024
Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah Dogbe (L) shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, during their meeting in Lome, Togo, on Jan. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
LOME, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah Dogbe and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday agreed to promote the implementation of the outcomes of China-Africa cooperation.
Dogbe thanked China for its selfless support in Togo's development. Togo firmly upholds the one-China principle and supports China in realizing national reunification at an early date, she said.
Togo admires China's remarkable development achievements and hopes to learn from China's experience to strengthen cooperation in such fields as poverty alleviation, agriculture, industrial parks, interconnectivity, digital economy, personnel training and environmental protection, to create more jobs and achieve inclusive and sustainable growth, Dogbe said, adding that Togo welcomes more investment from Chinese enterprises.
Dogbe said that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played a vital role in accelerating Africa's development, and the "nine projects" proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping have greatly benefited Togo.
Togo is ready to work closely with China to prepare for the next meeting of the forum, she said.
Togo supports a series of important global initiatives put forward by the Chinese president and is ready to strengthen coordination and implementation in this regard, she said.
Currently, the Sahel region is facing challenges to peace and security, Dogbe added, noting that she hopes to strengthen security and defense cooperation with China to combat terrorism.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that over the past half a century, China and Togo have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, continuously enhanced political mutual trust and steadily advanced mutually beneficial cooperation.
China will continue to support Togo in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, national security and national dignity, Wang said, promising that China will strengthen all-round cooperation with Togo and assist it in accelerating its industrialization process.
Wang stressed that the FOCAC has become an important platform for promoting Africa's development, served as a banner for China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and effectively guided international cooperation with Africa.
China will adhere to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith for China's policy to Africa proposed by President Xi, carry forward the spirit of China-Africa cooperation in the new era, advance the implementation of the "nine projects" in Africa, and help African countries explore development paths suited to their national conditions, Wang said.
China's commitment to high-quality development and opening-up will continue to be an important engine for global economic growth, Wang noted, emphasizing that China is ready to share opportunities with African countries and expedite their respective modernization efforts.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
January 18, 2024: North Korea is energetically developing and testing new missile designs. The new missiles use solid fuel and are more reliable. At the same time North Korea continues to accuse South Korea of all manner of imaginary transgressions and uses those imaginary threats to justify all the money spent on missiles and nuclear weapons. This sort of thing has a higher priority than feeding hungry North Koreans. Anyone who follows Korean affairs regularly is familiar with the diatribes North Korea regularly delivers to South Korea.
What keeps North Korea busy recently is their increasing arms sales to Russia. North Korea has been supplying Russia with munitions for use against Ukrainian forces. By the end of 2023 North Korea had sold about 2.3 million, mostly decades-old, 152mm artillery shells to Russia. Weapons sales to Russia during the last two years have been an economic bonanza for North Korea and something of a life saver. The North Korean economy has been a wreck for decades and the socialist north was unable to come up with a politically correct way to deal with this. Before the Ukraine War came along and Russia found North Korea the best source of additional munitions and weapons, North Korea was facing its worst economic crisis since the Cold War, and substantial Russian subsidies, ended in 1991. In the 21st century more North Koreans discovered that South Korea was far better off economically and becoming more prosperous while the north sank deeper into poverty and a return of the starvation deaths last suffered in the 1990s.
Russia pays for most of the North Korea weapons via barter. Russia has supplies of food and technical advice on missile development that North Korea wants. The Ukraine War has been an economic lifeline for North Korea and a military one for Russia. Despite the Russian aid, there are still North Koreans who are suffering. This is especially true during the exceptionally cold winter. The need for firewood over the last decade has reduced the amount of territory covered by forests. South Korea had a similar problem and solved it by restoring forces to areas devoid of forests. In the north, the lack of firewood in rural areas has become a matter of life or death. In addition to the fuel shortage, theres also a food shortage that is made worse by rising food prices. With food less available, markets can charge more for what is available. Desperate searches for food and firewood are more successful for seekers of warmth. There are a lot of unguarded items that can be burned for warmth. Anything outdoors and unused is likely to disappear during cold weather and be turned into desperately needed heat. When springtime arrives, the absence of items and structures made of wood becomes obvious.
Because of the growing poverty in the north, fewer people are getting married and having children. Unmarried women who give birth often cannot afford to keep the child and give it up for adoption by a North Korean or Chinese couple. While the South Korean population is shrinking because affluent couples worldwide tend to have fewer children, in the north desperate shortages of food and much else have a similar impact on the birth rate.
Another item disappearing in the north is any desire to improve relations with South Korea. These southerners are eager to aid the northerners and there was a time when that aid was welcomed in the north. No more. South Korea has been declared an enemy of the north, despite growing efforts by southerners to aid the north. North Korean leaders see the affluence and prosperity of southerners as a threat to their ability to control North Korea and its deprived population. Democratic South Korea prospers while the socialist Kim dynasty misrules the north. Despite facing vigorous censorship efforts, more northerners are finding out about the prosperity in the south and why such affluence is denied to most northerners. Openly discussing this heresy in the north will get you arrested and eventually dead if you dont shut up.
Ruen ...
MBABANE The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) has shown disapproval over the back to school-themed events where patrons attend shows dressed in school uniforms.
This was after an announcement was made of an upcoming show where the theme is school uniform. It is worth noting that this upcoming event was curated as a charity event aimed at donating school uniforms to students in need, right as the school year starts. This act of kindness was seen to have factors that may hover a dark cloud above this charity event because of the theme. It is worth noting that SNATs probe was on the use of the school uniforms in the presence of alcohol, but encouraging the initiative of giving back to those in need.
Speaking on behalf of SNAT, the Secretary General, Lot Vilakati, mentioned how the actions of the adults in attendance especially because the events are hosted in the presence of alcohol at hangout spots, put a dent on the image of schools and sets a bad example for children. Firstly the rule that stands in most establishments that sell alcoholic beverages is that children under the age of 18 years and school goers are not permitted entry into such establishments.
Now when an adult wearing a school uniform is seen at the establishment indulging and even drinking alcohol, such behaviour dents the reputation of the school. The organisation further emphasises the need for responsible behaviour and setting a good example for children. When adults attend these events wearing school uniforms and engage in excessive drinking, it can negatively impact the reputation of schools and send conflicting messages to impressionable young minds.
Maintaining
SNATs concerns highlight the importance of maintaining the integrity of educational institutions and promoting responsible behaviour among adults, also sighting what the organisation and teachers usually preach to children about moral behaviour is contradicted by such. Vilakati went on to mention that the schools were in a position to take such events to task especially if the use of their uniform is used without their content.
The schools have the right to sue those who wear their uniform and act inappropriately, especially if there was no consent given. Organisers of the upcoming event were also probed on the issues that were raised by SNAT, especially because they touched on the issues of moral behaviour which could easily be copied by children.
The event that we will host is a charity event where by patrons who attend come in their school uniforms and take pictures, after the event, the uniforms are donated to various schools around the country to those in need, said the organiser. The Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) was formed in 1928. It is the only recognised educators Association in the country. They strive to improve the professional socio-economic status of teachers, enhance collective bargaining for teachers and encourage maximum participation and dynamic provision of quality education to the learner and the nation at large.
The Apple Inc. iPhone 8, Airpods, and Apple Watch sit on the AirPower charger during an event at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, U.S., on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017.
Apple will remove the blood oxygen feature from its latest Apple Watches, a move that will allow the company to continue importing and selling the devices in the U.S. as it battles with Masimo in court.
Modified versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will go on sale Thursday, Apple said in a statement. Both devices were introduced in September.
When a user taps on the blood oxygen icon on a modified watch, the display will show an alert directing the person to an explanation on Apple's website, the company said.
For months, Apple has been engaged in an intellectual property dispute with Masimo, a medical device company. In October, the International Trade Commission found that Apple's watch sensors for blood oxygen had infringed on Masimo's patents.
The affected watches were briefly banned in December before Apple got a temporary reprieve. But on Wednesday, an appeals court lifted an injunction that had blocked the ban from taking effect. The court did not overturn the ITC decision, which is currently under appeal.
It's unusual for Apple to remove features from released products. The absence of the blood oxygen sensor could make the device less attractive to some consumers.
"Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption," an Apple spokesperson told CNBC. "These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature."
Apple said it hopes the appeals court eventually reverses the decision, allowing the unmodified watches to go back on store shelves, but that could take more than a year.
In fiscal 2023, Apple reported $39.8 billion in sales of wearables, which includes headphones.
WATCH: Apple again banned from selling watches in U.S. with blood oxygen sensor
You're never going to be the perfect parent. And trying to be is setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment.
You can, however, be the parent your child needs, says Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center, and author of the upcoming book "The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans."
This doesn't require you to have a monk-like approach to child-rearing. Instead, Pressman implores parents to practice patience and forgiveness with themselves.
To do this, she offers up three mantras that can help parents reflect before acting. They can also demonstrate to kids how not to be so reactive in stressful situations.
Say these while taking a deep breath, Pressman says. Maybe put your hand on your belly or your heart.
Looking at the earnings calendar for next week, a tale of two types of consumer stocks emerges: the predictable and the volatile. We'll look at an options trade that could win if one of the volatile stocks surprises Wall Street. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and, less than a month a way, Valentine's Day... when your gift and date for your significant other are revealed, what would you rather hear? "So predictable." or "You're full of surprises!" We all want to be exciting and remarkable on those special occasions, and maybe some people are able to astonish and delight their partner each and every day, but the truth is the foundations of great long-term partnerships are often stability, loyalty, and consistency. Predictable might not make for the most exciting anniversary, but it might mean you have more of them. This occurred to me as I looked at the earnings calendar and saw that consumer discretionary stock Las Vegas Sands (LVS) reports earnings next week, with options prices implying a move of 5% higher or lower. But also reporting are two of the most well known consumer staples stocks, Procter & Gamble (PG) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL) . Neither of the latter two are implying a move of even 3%. There were few areas hit harder by the Covid lockdowns than consumer discretionary stocks in the travel, lodging and dining industries. Peak to trough, LVS fell 60%, and while the stock has recovered off those lows it remains nearly 35% below it's pre-Covid January 2020 peak. Even sharper than the share price declines were company revenues. Fiscal-year 2019 revenues were $13.7 billion with more than 85% of those revenues coming from Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and the company's five big hotel casinos in Macao. Fiscal year 2020 revenues were $2.94 billion, a nearly 80% year-over-year decline. The most astonishing statistic might be the second quarter of 2019 vs. 2020, where there was a 98% decline. This was not the fault of corporate management or a competitive flaw in their hotels. They, along with many other businesses, were ordered to close. The trade: LVS call spread The company's revenues have recovered meaningfully, but not completely. If ultimately they do recover to prior levels, and if we assume that governments are unlikely to repeat another shutdown, LVS could move meaningfully higher. The purchase of an April $50/$55 call spread could profit from a move higher if we get a nice earnings surprise, but if the stock does little or falls, the trade risks just $1.50 per share (or $150 in total, as each call option represents 100 shares). The trade: Bought April $50 call Sold April $55 call A steadier trade Making a living at the craps table is a stressful life though, and a steady income from another source can provide needed stability. For that, consider the following charts from Procter & Gamble and Colgate Palmolive. Notice that their revenue declines during the Covid shutdowns were almost imperceptible. Gambling and carousing all night aren't advisable during a pandemic, but that doesn't mean you don't have to brush your teeth. These price charts aren't particularly exciting, they're just "so predictable", but what is also predictable are their dividends. Both companies dividend yields are 2.5%, and more importantly, those dividends grow very steadily. So feel free to splurge on the trip to Vegas for your anniversary, a quick wedding or a bullish options bet into earnings, but when you get back home 1) brush your teeth and 2) sleep well knowing you also have some steady dividend income. DISCLOSURES: (None) THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer.
A worker picks up trash in front of a new logo and the name 'Meta' on the sign in front of Facebook headquarters on October 28, 2021 in Menlo Park, California.
WASHINGTON A new legal filing about child exploitation on Meta 's Facebook and Instagram apps alleges a 2021 internal company estimate found as many as 100,000 children every day received sexual harassment, such as pictures of adult genitalia, on the platforms.
This was revealed in newly unredacted portions of a complaint from the attorney general of New Mexico in an ongoing lawsuit against the social media giant over the company's steps to protect children online as the platforms exploded in popularity with young people.
Also included in the complaint is a description of a 2020 Meta internal company chat, in which one employee asked a colleague: "What specifically are we doing for child grooming (something I just heard about that is happening a lot on TikTok)?"
"Somewhere between zero and negligible," the colleague responded. "Child safety is an explicit non-goal this half."
That same year, Meta executives scrambled to respond to a complaint from an executive at Apple, whose 12-year-old child was solicited on Facebook, according to the newly unredacted filing.
"This is the kind of thing that pisses Apple off to the extent of threatening to remove us from the App store," a Meta employee told his colleagues. The same employee also asked when, "we'll stop adults from messaging minors on (Instagram) Direct."
A Meta spokesperson said the company has fixed many of the problems identified in the complaint. In one month alone, the company said, it disabled more than a half million accounts for violating child safety policies.
"We want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences online, and we have over 30 tools to support them and their parents. We've spent a decade working on these issues and hiring people who have dedicated their careers to keeping young people safe and supported online. The complaint mischaracterizes our work using selective quotes and cherry-picked documents," the company said.
The lawsuit alleges that Facebook and Instagram failed to protect underage users from predators online, and that Meta employees urged the company to make safety changes that the company did not implement.
The suit, filed Dec. 5, alleges that the company refused to make the recommended changes because it placed a high priority on increased social media engagement and advertising growth than on child safety. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is named as a defendant.
Bank of America thinks Apple can recover from its slow 2024 start and notch big gains going forward. Analyst Wamsi Mohan upgraded the iPhone maker to buy from neutral. He also raised his price target to $225 per share, which implies 23% upside from Wednesday's close. Shares rose more than 1% in the premarket following the call. "We upgrade Apple to Buy from Neutral, given: 1) stronger multi-year iPhone upgrade cycle driven by need for the latest hardware to enable Generative AI features to be introduced in 2024/2025 (large part of installed base still on iPhone 11), 2) higher growth in Services as Apple better monetizes its installed base," the analyst wrote Thursday. Mohan noted he expects Apple to implement artificial intelligence features in its iOS 18 operating system later this year. He also said the Vision Pro headset "could surpass iPad revs over time as spatial computing takes hold offering differentiated use cases driving services upside." The Vision Pro headset, unveiled last year , will launch Feb 2. in the U.S. and is priced at $3,500 . Mohan also raised his iPhone unit sales estimates for fiscal 2024, 2025 and 2026, citing excitement around the prospect of AI-enabled phones for the company. He also said recent checks "suggest higher iPhone production in Dec and potentially lower in March but no aggregate material order changes," adding that "China weakness is largely offset by strength in other countries." AAPL YTD mountain Apple in 2024 Apple shares have been under pressure in early 2024, losing more than 5% after rallying 48% last year. Those declines were driven in part by downgrades from Piper Sandler and Barclays . The former cited worries around valuation, while the latter said iPhone, Mac, iPad and wearable device sales volumes were weakening. Still, BofA thinks the positives outweigh the negatives, noting the stock is still attractively valued relative to the S & P 500. The bank also said the tech company's "recent relative underperformance suggests many risks baked into expectations."
China could face more semiconductor export curbs from the likes of the U.S. and the Netherlands to contain the Asian powerhouse's chip tech, analysts told CNBC.
Earlier this year, the Netherlands blocked Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML from exporting some of its deep ultraviolet lithography systems to China. ASML sells lithography machines that are key to manufacturing advanced chips.
It came after the U.S. tightened export controls on advanced semiconductors and chipmaking tools to China in October last year, building on previous rules. Washington is concerned that Beijing could use these advanced chips in artificial intelligence and military applications.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there's more [U.S. restrictions] coming just because we're still in the middle of this tit-for-tat. And there's a lot of hawks in the U.S. that are really concerned about China's military buildup," said Dan Hutcheson, vice chair and senior research fellow at TechInsights, on CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" Tuesday.
Beijing slammed the Dutch government's move, urging the Netherlands to "uphold an objective and fair position and market principles."
China's Ministry of Commerce said last week that the U.S. is weaponizing export controls as a tool, adding that it is "highly concerned about the U.S.'s direct intervention" in the issue of high-tech exports by Dutch companies to China.
Participants walk in the street of the Alpine resort of Davos during the World Economic Forum.
Davos, SWITZERLAND China returned to Davos in full force this week as it attempts to thaw relations with the international community and court investment following years of Covid-19 lockdowns and rising geopolitical tensions.
A delegation led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang is estimated to be the largest since 2017, when President Xi Jinping led an 80-strong cohort of Chinese business leaders and billionaires up the Swiss mountain.
Addressing the forum Tuesday, Li, China's second in command, said the country was open for business, seemingly downplaying a recent crackdown on private industry which has spooked investors and prompted hefty outflows of foreign cash.
"Choosing investment in the Chinese market is not a risk, but an opportunity," he said.
Li went on to meet for lunch with a host of top business leaders, including the CEOs of JPMorgan, Bank of America, Standard Chartered and Blackstone. Also present was the governor of the People's Bank of China.
He was joined by several other high ranking ministerial representatives including the Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
Outside the main congress center, one group of Chinese delegates CNBC spoke to said they were attending for a broad brush of issues including "finance and trade and commerce."
"It's a great time to tell the China story," another Chinese tech executive said.
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 22: Office workers are seen reflected in a window as they walk to a train station in front of the Toshiba Corporations, Tokyo headquarters (left) on July 22, 2015 in Tokyo, Japan. Toshiba Corporation President Hisao Tanaka and two other executives resigned July 21, over a $1.2billion accounting scandal. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Around half of Japanese firms are looking at reviewing or restructuring their businesses to boost corporate value, including acquisitions, a Reuters survey showed, amid a push for companies to improve governance.
The survey results are the latest sign of concrete actions companies in the world's third-largest economy are looking to take to overhaul their businesses and boost corporate value.
The Tokyo market has hit its highest in three decades on expectations companies will boost shareholder returns through unwinding of crossholdings, share buybacks and other measures.
With nearly half of listed companies trading below book value, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is putting pressure on firms to review their use of capital, on Monday publishing a list of those with plans to put pressure on laggards.
While the TSE lists companies that have compiled or considering action plans, the Reuters survey shows measures being considered.
Among 104 companies polled, just under a third said they were looking at combining their core businesses with other companies through mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, with around a quarter looking at the sale of non-core businesses.
Art school teacher Sagar Kambli gives final touches to a painting of Indian businessman Gautam Adani (L) highlighting the ongoing crisis of the Adani group in Mumbai on February 3, 2023.
One of the biggest investors in India's Adani Enterprises says he may be done doubling down on his investment.
Rajiv Jain, the chairman and chief investment officer of GQG Partners, told CNBC Thursday that his profits on Adani stands at about $4 billion, and he is likely done investing further.
"We are pretty full. So I don't know [if] we'll double down further," Jain said on "Street Signs Asia."
"We doubled down on Adani in May and June and ... maybe tripled down in August. I don't know whether we'll go further from here."
Adani Enterprises, owned by one of India's richest men Gautam Adani, is one of the country's top three conglomerates. It has business spanning from ports, airports, renewables, cement among other things.
In late January 2023, a short-seller report by New York's Hindenburg Research accused the company of manipulating share prices and alleged that it had very high levels of debt. The company has rejected these allegations.
The group has 10 listed entities on the Indian stock market.
Artificial intelligence blew up the markets in 2023. And Nvidia marked the heart of the AI boom, soaring over 200% last year. The "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks drove much of the gains of the S & P 500, which rallied about 24% after a dismal 2022. "The most obvious beneficiaries of the generative AI revolution have already seen an expanded growth in their market cap in 2023, but there are potential opportunities as we enter the next stages of the buildout," Citi said in a 2024 wealth outlook report it recently launched. The bank said it's "most certainly, not too late" for investors to participate in the "exponential growth" of AI technology. "Last year was about the obvious ones. Big companies, large free cash flow generation can fund the innovation, the infrastructure kind of true technology plays," said Kristen Bitterly, head of investment solutions at Citi Global Wealth. "I think what will happen this year and beyond is AI stands to benefit a lot of industries." She cited the energy transition as an example. "Another thing that people don't think about is investing in the energy transition. AI consumes a lot of energy, so the need to make sure that energy consumption is as efficient as possible," said Bitterly, who was speaking at a Singapore briefing on the report. Bitterly added that there's been a "big valuation disconnect" in terms of the big winners from 2023 and the other beneficiaries of the AI trend. Here are four areas that are "clear beneficiaries from the coming integration of AI into everyday business and personal lives," according to Citi. AI infrastructure Key suppliers along the global semiconductor value chain are set to be big beneficiaries in 2024, Citi said. That will include chipmakers, semiconductor equipment and data centers. The rise of generative AI has led to demand shifting from chips for general-purpose computing to high-performance chips, the bank noted. Semiconductor equipment companies and fab facilities with the capacity and know-how to produce cutting-edge chips hold "near-monopoly positions," said Citi, which named Dutch company ASML as the sole provider of the lithography equipment needed to imprint microchips. "Alternatives to this equipment and manufacturing know-how are hard to come by and there are significant barriers for potential new entrants," the bank said. "As the semi cycle turns upward in 2024, we see an opportunity for semiconductor manufacturer and equipment shares to catch up to the GPU design firms that led the market last year." Drug discovery Drug design and discovery is one area likely to benefit from "significant AI disruption," said Citi. The bank described how scientists discover drugs as "often a game of trial and error." "The world's most highly sophisticated scientists pool their collective expertise and effectively make educated guesses on how certain combinations of proteins may affect the human body. Those tests then go through clinical trials, which can take over a decade to complete even before FDA review," the bank said. After all this, 92% of those candidate drugs fail, according to Citi Research. However, AI will be able to "dramatically reduce" the failure rate of such clinical trials, it said. A higher success rate will have a "dramatic effect" on drugmakers' profitability, as well as the cost of drugs. Robotics and automation The underlying tech used in generative AI Citi referred to it as "neural networks" is also the engine that will power more human-like robots and other forms of automation. "When combined with long-term trends of evolving supply chains and automobile technology, we see the stars aligning for investment in this space," the bank wrote. The continuing manufacturing and e-commerce boom will lead to the need for more automation and robotics, according to Citi. A boom in U.S. manufacturing construction took place last year as the country shifted production closer to home, and the buildout of warehouse capacity to support ever-growing e-commerce will continue, it said. "While manufacturing square footage is rising, we doubt that every overseas factory job will be replaced one-for-one with American workers in an already tight labor market," Citi said. "More likely, firms will continue to invest in automation and robotics to move packages and operate assembly lines." Cybersecurity Citi warned of a sinister side to the proliferation of AI: hackers using AI chatbots to write the code to carry out cyberattacks. On the flip side, AI can be used to improve the detection and prevention of such cyberthreats, the bank said.
MBABANE Current and former Members of Parliament (MPs) are not swayed by the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the office of the Master of the High Court, expressing their dissatisfaction on its independence.
The Chief Justice (CJ), Bheki Maphalala heeded the calls made during Sibaya to investigate the operations of the Master of the High Court. He has put in place a judicial commission of inquiry to look into alleged irregularities and corrupt practices at the Master of the High Court, which has seen some beneficiaries suffering for years while they failed to access millions of Emalangeni left by their deceased loved ones. However, this move by the CJ is not holding any water for some current and former parliamentarians, who argued that the independence of the inquiry was questionable.
Revealed
Former Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Musa Kunene, who was Gege MP in the 11th Parliament, revealed that the CJ was not the rightful person to set up the inquiry or appoint persons in it. Kunene said the Judges appointed in the inquiry were reporting to the CJ as the head of the Judiciary and his direct involvement in this development presented a conflict of interest.
Let us wait and see what the outcomes of the probe would be but one can conclude that it will not be the desired results because the people appointed by the CJ in the commission report directly to him. In my opinion, an independent judge should have been given the responsibility to set up the inquiry, not the CJ. Where is the independence of the inquiry in this, he wondered.
Kunene also shared that the members of the commission should execute their duties with transparency and precision, for the benefit of the people directly affected by the irregularities at the Masters office. The commission consists of five judges and it will be headed by Supreme Court Judge Majahenkhaba Dlamini, who will be deputised by High Court Judge Mzwandile Fakudze.
Former Madlangempisi MP Sibusiso Scorpion Nxumalo, who was the Vice Chairperson of the PAC in the 11th Parliament, asserted that the CJ could not investigate himself. Nxumalo said this was a step in the right direction, but there should have been a person from outside entrusted with the responsibility to appoint members of the inquiry.
If the CJ wishes for the Master of the High Court to be probed fairly, he should not be part of the process, he said. Nxumalo said it was surprising that the CJ was now setting up a commission of inquiry to probe the Masters office when he was the one who stopped a probe initiated by the 11th Parliament, into the same office.Current PAC Chairperson and Mhlangatane MP Madala Mhlanga said he was not privy to the terms of reference of the inquiry, while mentioning that it would be premature of him to share his opinion on the matter for now.
Touched
However, he also touched on the issue of independence and stated that the PAC still had the mandate to look into the matter, as they were an independent constituted body, which had the right to investigate or review all past, current and committed expenditures of government and organisations receiving funds from government.
In the PACs recommendations on the Auditor General (AG) Financial Audit report on government accounts for the financial year which ended on March 31, 2021, the irregularities at the Masters office were listed. At the time, the AG, Timothy Matsebula, highlighted in the report that the Judiciary had failed to account for over E300 million, under the Guardian Fund, and that some people could claim back their bail money after being acquitted.
He said crucial documents were lost at the Masters Office, leaving widows and children worse off, while property was undervalued (e.g. cattle are valued at E2 000 per head, while goats are valued at E350 per head).
He also mentioned that beneficiaries of deceased persons estates were not notified through advertisements about funds left by their relatives, as required by law and assistant Masters of the High Court signed blank cheques, which were then filled by accountants on their own. It is disheartening that, despite all these anomalies, the Judiciary prevents parliamentarians from exercising their representative and oversight roles, by stopping the legislature from investigating these irregularities. For instance, the House of Assembly elected a Select Committee to investigate the irregularities in the office of the Master of the High Court, but the office of the CJ stopped that investigation, said the AG through a report at the time.
Matsebula said these issues needed to be addressed politically, since they were above the Controlling Officers (ACC and Judiciary) reach.
The committee, therefore, recommended that the matter be reported to the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration for investigations, in line with Section 164 (2)(b) and to exercise its powers as outlined in Section 164 (1) (b), (c) and (d) of the Constitution of Eswatini Act, 2005, which empowers the commission to investigate complaints of injustice, corruption, abuse of power in office, unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of official duties.
Spot bitcoin ETFs are barely a week old, but tax attorneys and accountants are already warning investors who actively trade the funds the same way they do cryptocurrency itself that they may miss out on a tax saving strategy. Right now, investors who regularly trade cryptocurrency can take advantage of a quirk in the tax code : They can sell losing positions in bitcoin and ether, harvest this realized loss to offset taxable capital gains elsewhere in their portfolio, and then immediately buy back the crypto position on the cheap to benefit from its recovery. Investors in stocks, bonds, mutual funds and exchange traded funds can also take advantage of their losses and use them to counter capital gains a move that's known as tax-loss harvesting. But there's a catch with conventional assets: the wash sale rule . That means if investors sell an asset at a loss and buy a substantially identical security within 30 days before or after the sale transaction, the Internal Revenue Service won't allow them to claim the loss on their return that tax year. Now, tax professionals are flagging a potential wrinkle that may arise: Even though bitcoin itself isn't subject to the wash sale rule, a spot bitcoin ETF very well may be. "Sophisticated investors won't have a problem with this," said Stephen Turanchik, a tax attorney at Paul Hastings and a member of the Digital Assets Tax Task Force with the American Institute of CPAs. "The ones who get caught up are the ones who are sloppy." Property versus security Under federal tax law, the IRS deems cryptocurrency to be property . "Under current law, the wash sale rule applies to stocks and securities, that is how the law is written," said Andrew Gordon, CPA and attorney at Gordon Law Group . "Interpreting the law, most people don't think crypto falls under the wash sale rule because it is neither a stock nor a security it's a digital asset and a separate type of property," he said. In reality, however, crypto investors are pretty active traders. "I get that it's 'property' per the IRS, but let's get real: People trade it like a stock," said Dan Herron, certified financial planner and CPA at Elemental Wealth Advisors in San Luis Obispo, California. "I can see people trading in and out of that ETF." Until the IRS issues guidance on how the wash sale rule may apply to spot bitcoin ETFs, tax attorneys are advising over investors in these funds to consider adjusting their strategy. Managing limitations At its core, that means investors should avoid swapping in and out of the same spot bitcoin ETF within the 61-day limit if they had sold the position. "If you were concerned that the wash sale rule applied, you would presumably not go in and out of the same [exchange traded product], and you would find another vehicle that is sponsored by a different sponsor or has a different fee structure," said Richard LaFalce, partner at Morgan Lewis. Investors who wanted to dump a losing position in a spot bitcoin ETF may also want to snap up a fund with a different crypto-related strategy altogether: perhaps an offering that invests in crypto-linked stocks , for instance. This also raises the question of whether dumping one spot bitcoin ETF for another would be deemed substantially identical. "If the underlying assets are exactly the same, then you have a wash sale problem," said Turanchik, noting that these funds are "brand spanking new." "Whether the ETF is considered substantially similar is going to be on a case-by-case basis," he said. Finally, even if the IRS disallows a write-off of a loss due to a wash sale, the amount of the disallowed loss is added to the cost basis of the replacement asset you bought. In turn, this higher cost basis means you might owe less in taxes on the gain when you finally sell the new holding. "You may not be allowed the loss on the current trade, but it gets added as basis to your new security that you acquire," Turanchik said.
Roomba robot vacuums made by iRobot are displayed on a shelf at a Target store in San Rafael, California, on Aug. 05, 2022.
Shares of iRobot plunged more than 33% in extended trading on Thursday after a report said the EU's antitrust watchdog intends to block Amazon 's planned acquisition of the Roomba vacuum maker.
The Wall Street Journal reported the European Commission met with Amazon representatives on Thursday to discuss the deal and was told the acquisition would likely be rejected, citing people familiar with the matter.
Amazon declined to comment. A representative from the European Commission didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Amazon's stock fell slightly in extended trading.
Amazon announced it would acquire iRobot in August 2022 for $61 per share in an all-cash deal that values the smart vacuum maker at $1.7 billion.
The European Commission, the European Union's top antitrust enforcer, opened an in-depth probe into the purchase last July. The group warned the planned acquisition raises competition concerns, saying it found Amazon may hinder iRobot's rivals from competing on its online marketplace. Amazon could delist or reduce the visibility of rivals' products in search results or other areas, the EC argued.
The EC is expected to rule on the deal by Feb. 14. Earlier this month, Politico reported Amazon doesn't plan to offer concessions to resolve the group's concerns about the acquisition.
The deal is still under review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said in June that the deal would not result in "a substantial lessening of competition" in the U.K.
Artist Abel Ortiz (L) gives US Attorney General Merrick Garland (R) a tour of murals of shooting victims on January 17, 2024 in Uvalde, Texas. The Justice Department is planning this week to release findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting in which 21 people were killed. Eric Gay | AFP | Getty Images
Children's lives may have been saved if officers had responded differently to a gunman who opened fire at Robb Elementary School, the Justice Department said in its report on the 2022 mass shooting that killed 21 people, including 19 students. Poor coordination, training and execution of active-shooter protocol contributed to a law enforcement response that can only be described as a "failure," the report said. The 600-page findings describe a chaotic scene that should have triggered a number of coordinated responses by law enforcement officers who first arrived at the school. Instead, a dearth of leadership contributed to officers failing to recognize an active shooter and waiting far too long to engage the gunman. As a result, 19 students and two teachers were killed. Seventeen others were injured. "The resulting delay provided an opportunity for the active shooter to have additional time to reassess and reengage his deadly actions inside the classroom," the report said. "It also contributed to a delay in medical interventions with the potential to impact survivability." The Justice Department said that there were at least 10 "stimulus events" over the span of more than an hour that could have driven law enforcement officers to take steps under active shooter protocols to "immediately stop the killing." "During that period, no one assumed a leadership role to direct the response towards the active shooter, provide situational status to responding officers, establish some form of incident command, or clearly assume and communicate the role of incident commander," the report continued. Disturbing new details outlined in the report reveal that authorities relayed incorrect information to some parents in the aftermath of the shooting about whether their children had survived or been killed. Parents have long been frustrated by shifting stories and a lack of transparency about the response at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, and wary that the report would provide answers and the accountability they have sought for nearly two years.
Steven C. McCraw, Director and Colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety, speaks during a press conference about the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 27, 2022 in Uvalde, Texas. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
(COMBO) In this combination of pictures created on May 30, 2022 shows photos of 19 children and 2 teachers who died in the mass shooting are displayed at a makeshift memorial at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, May 30, 2022. (top L-R) Eva Mireles, 44, Tess Mata, 10, Rogelio Torres, 10, Jose Flores, 10, Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, 10, Jackie Cazarez, 9, Maranda Mathis, 10. (middle L-R) Xavier Lopez, 10, Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, 10, Aliahana Cruz Torres, 10, Alithia Ramirez, 10, Jailah Nicole Silguero, 10, Uziyah Garcia, 10, Navaho Bravo, 10. (Bottmom L-R) Makenna Lee Elord, 10, Annabell Rodriguez, 10, Amerie Jo Garza, 10, Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, 10, Layla Salazar, 11, Aliahna Amyah Garcia, 9, and Irma Garcia, 48. Chandan Khanna | AFP | Getty Images
Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the Meta Connect event at Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 27, 2023.
Meta is spending billions of dollars on Nvidia's popular computer chips, which are at the heart of artificial intelligence research and projects.
In an Instagram Reels post on Thursday, Zuckerberg said the company's "future roadmap" for AI requires it to build a "massive compute infrastructure." By the end of 2024, Zuckerberg said that infrastructure will include 350,000 H100 graphics cards from Nvidia.
Zuckerberg didn't say how many of the graphics processing units (GPUs) the company has already purchased, but the H100 didn't hit the market until late 2022, and that was in limited supply. Analysts at Raymond James estimate Nvidia is selling the H100 for $25,000 to $30,000, and on eBay they can cost over $40,000. If Meta were paying at the low end of the price range, that would amount to close to $9 billion in expenditures.
Additionally, Zuckerberg said Meta's compute infrastructure will contain "almost 600k H100 equivalents of compute if you include other GPUs." In December, tech companies like Meta, OpenAI and Microsoft said they would use the new Instinct MI300X AI computer chips from AMD.
Meta needs these heavy-duty computer chips as it pursues research in artificial general intelligence (AGI), which Zuckerberg said is a "long term vision" for the company. OpenAI and Google's DeepMind unit are also researching AGI, a futuristic form of AI that's comparable to human-level intelligence.
Meta's chief scientist Yann LeCun stressed the importance of GPUs during a media event in San Francisco last month.
[If] you think AGI is in, the more GPUs you have to buy," LeCun said at the time. Regarding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, LeCun said "There is an AI war, and he's supplying the weapons."
In Meta's third-quarter earnings report, the company said that total expenses for 2024 will be in the range of $94 billion to $99 billion, driven in part by computing expansion.
"In terms of investment priorities, AI will be our biggest investment area in 2024, both in engineering and computer resources," Zuckerberg said on the call with analysts.
Zuckerberg said on Thursday that Meta plans to "open source responsibly" its yet-to-be developed "general intelligence," an approach the company is also taking with its Llama family of large language models.
Meta is currently training Llama 3 and is also making its Fundamental AI Research team (FAIR) and GenAI research team work more closely together, Zuckerberg said.
Shortly after Zuckerberg's post, LeCun said in a post on X, that "To accelerate progress, FAIR is now a sister organization of GenAI, the AI product division."
CNBC's Kif Leswing contributed to this report
WATCH: The AI dark horse: Why Apple could win the next evolution of the AI arms race
Containers are piled up in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 13, 2024. Recent U.S. and UK air strikes on Yemen are causing global shipping rates to spike, sparking fears of extended disruptions in the Red Sea, a crucial trade route. The strikes are a response to attacks on the Red Sea, adding complexity to the regional conflict originating from Israel's Gaza war. (Photo by Luis Boza/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The vessel capacity drop is the second largest in recent years, according to Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence. The only single event with a bigger impact than the Red Sea crisis was the "Ever Given," the giant cargo ship which got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days during March 2021. Billions in trade were at a standstill during that event. With that exception, "This [the Red Sea crisis] is the largest single event even larger than the early pandemic impact," Murphy said.
Sea-Intelligence analyzed current vessel delays compared to delays over the last several years in a report for clients. The data shows that the longer transit around the Cape of Good Hope as ships divert from the Red Sea is already having a more significant impact on vessels available to pick up containers at ports than during the pandemic. This supply chain measure is known in the industry as "vessel capacity."
A leading ocean supply chain advisory firm is warning that the disruptions to shipping from the Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea are already more damaging to the supply chain impact than the early Covid-19 pandemic.
Sea-Intelligence marked two phases of the pandemic. The first phase impacted Chinese ports due to Covic-19 travel, trucking and manufacturing restrictions, and the second phase incorporated the global spread of the pandemic.
A key difference between the pandemic period and now is vessel capacity that could be brought back online. Traditionally, during the period of the year that includes February's Chinese New Year, vessel capacity declines due to a decrease in container demand. That's because ocean carriers bring in containers early, starting the previous October, ahead of the manufacturing plants closing in honor of the holidays.
Murphy said the maritime industry today has new vessels available for work, whereas during the pandemic, all vessels were being used and demand was at historic highs. During the worst of the Covid supply chain snafus, there was not enough vessel space to accommodate containers which snowballed into a massive container slowdown.
Sea-Intelligence, along with other maritime officials, estimate there is approximately 10% of the world's fleet currently not in service. If additional vessels were deployed, it could correct the imbalance in vessel availability and increase certainty in vessel schedules.
"To go around the Cape of Good Hope, ocean carriers need one or two additional vessels to offset the delays," Murphy said. "Ocean carriers are going to need to add vessels."
He anticipates ocean carriers adding vessels into their rotation after the Chinese New Year. "It's in everybody's interest to have a Suez solution," Murphy said.
Supply chain capacity had been in excess after the Covid boom waned and the freight industry had entered a significant recession, with potential for the Red Sea to reverse that. The amount of vessels added to pick up the slack depends on demand. MSC, the world's largest ocean carrier, recently announced it was canceling vessels as a result of a decrease in demand for Chinese goods.
The delays in the arrival of containers are impacting some companies' supply chains. Tesla, Volvo, and Michelin have recently said they have had to halt manufacturing. Ikea has warned of delays of product, as well as British retailer Next and Crocs.
"Threats to Red Sea shipping are a threat to maritime commerce worldwide," said Steve Lamar, CEO of the American Apparel and Footwear Association. "Delays and cost increases are mounting. Although companies are exploring alternative shipping options, adverse knock-on effects continuing to disrupt logistics globally. More needs to be done to ensure the safety of crews and security of cargo by eliminating existing or future threats entirely."
Adding vessels to the flow of trade could help with a potential container crunch that has many logistics managers worried. When vessels are late, the containers on those vessels will be late to be processed and reused again for exports. This will delay exports from Europe to the United States as well as from Asia to the United States and the world. Logistics CEOs have been warning CNBC that the vessel re-routings would result in container crunches for weeks.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) listen during remarks at a Capitol Menorah lighting ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building on December 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON Congress passed a bill on Thursday that would prevent a partial government shutdown this weekend and keep federal funds flowing through March 1 and March 8.
The Democratic-led Senate voted 77-18 on final passage after considering a few amendments. The Republican-led House soon followed suit, passing it by a vote of 314-108.
The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk to become law before the funding expires Friday at midnight.
It is the third stopgap bill since last September as the divided Congress struggles to agree on full-year government funding bills.
A recent deal between Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., on how much to spend in the new year has renewed hope of completing the process by the new early March deadlines. But that is far from guaranteed as right-wing House Republicans rebel against it.
The first stopgap bill led to the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., as speaker. His successor, Johnson, is seeking to avoid the same fate by selling the conservative victories in the latest deal.
Before the Senate vote, Schumer inveighed against "a loud contingent of hard-right rabble-rousers who thinks a shutdown is somehow a good thing."
"In the twisted logic of the hard right, the theory is if enough people feel the pain of a shutdown, the hard-right can bully the rest of Congress into enacting their deeply unpopular agenda," Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday morning. "Bullying, intimidation, chaos. This is MAGA extremism in a nutshell."
Around the same time, the House announced that it would cancel votes on Friday in anticipation of a winter storm and complete votes on the stopgap bill on Thursday.
The bill would extend the two-part government funding deadlines from Jan. 19 to March 1, and from Feb. 2 to March 8. The funding bill is unrelated to negotiations surrounding an immigration and national security supplemental bill that would provide aid to Ukraine and Israel. It's designed to give appropriators more time to craft the 12 appropriations bills that fully fund the government using the newly agreed-to spending levels.
"We need just a little bit more time on the calendar to allow that process to play out," Johnson told reporters, saying he's "very hopeful" that Congress can pass all 12 measures.
"We'll see how this develops. Certainly, we're not going to have an omnibus," he said, referring to the massive, last-minute spending bills Congress has frequently relied on. "And that was a very important innovation for us to forge forward because it's no way to run a railroad."
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell. Discover Financial Services The financial services stock dropped more than 7% after posting mixed fourth-quarter results. Discover topped revenue expectations but posted a decline in earnings from a year ago as it took a large provision for potential loan losses. The company earned $1.54 per share versus $3.74 per share during the same period last year. Hertz The automotive rental company's stock climbed about 6% following an upgrade to overweight from Morgan Stanley earlier on Thursday. Analyst Adam Jonas lauded Hertz's recent decision to sell off about 20,000 electric vehicles from its fleet, which he says will help boost the stock moving forward. Apple Apple shares rose more than 2% after Bank of America upgraded the tech giant to buy . The bank's price target points to more than 20% upside. BofA cited a rebound in iPhone sales due to AI for the change. Spirit Airlines The budget airline fell 5% amid continued fallout from its blocked proposed merger with JetBlue earlier this week. On Thursday, Citi downgraded Spirit to sell from neutral, citing the failed deal, and cut its price target to $4 from $13, suggesting 35% downside from Wednesday's close. Week to date, Spirit shares have lost nearly 60%. Alaska Air Group Shares gained about 1% premarket, attempting to recover losses that have accumulated since a fuselage blew out from a Boeing 737-9 MAX plan on an Alaska Airlines flight earlier this month. Shares have plummeted nearly 14% so far this year. On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration said it's making progress on its inspections of Boeing 737-9 MAX planes. Grab Holdings Shares of the Singapore-based food delivery and ride-hailing app rose more than 3% following an upgrade to overweight from JPMorgan. Analyst Ranjan Sharma underscored improving delivery margins and a reasonably attractive valuation as reasons for the upgrade. Kinder Morgan Shares of the energy infrastructure company fell less than 1% after Kinder Morgan's fourth-quarter revenue came in lower than expected. The company reported $4.04 billion in revenue, below the $4.41 billion expected by analysts, according to LSEG. Kinder Morgan's earnings per share and distributable cash flow were also down year over year. Fastenal The industrial supplies company added 4% after posting fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations. Fastenal reported earnings of 46 cents per share on revenue of $1.76 billion, versus the 45 cents per share on $1.75 billion expected by analysts, according to FactSet. Microchip Technology Shares of the tech manufacturer rose 4% following an upgrade to outperform from peer perform at Wolfe Research. "After two successive quarters of cuts and the negative preannouncement, we believe a lot has been done to de- risk the stock heading into F3Q results," wrote analyst Chris Caso. Humana The health insurance company lost more than 14% on Thursday after guiding for full-year 2023 adjusted earnings of $26.09 per share. This was down from both its prior guidance of at least $28.26 and FactSet's estimate of $28.29. Plug Power Shares of the beleaguered fuel cell company dropped nearly 15% after Morgan Stanley reiterated its underweight rating and $3 price target. Plug will need to use a substantial amount of its $1 billion at-the-market equity program it announced after market close on Thursday. Alcoa Alcoa was little changed in the premarket after the aluminum producer reported its fourth-quarter results. The company said it lost 56 cents per share, excluding items, which was less than it lost a year ago. Revenue was in line at $2.6 billion. CNBC's Brian Evans, Michelle Fox, Fred Imbert, Jesse Pound, Pia Singh and Samantha Subin contributed reporting.
Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch audio feature in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Here's today's edition. Rally winners : We're looking at a market that's higher Thursday. A lot of has to do with tech and still have a decline in yields which is getting this market going. A lot of the move is clearly in technology which is bolstered by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company , which is moving semiconductor stocks. That helped push Apple shares higher too. The stock also caught an upgrade from Bank of America. Jim is concluding that Club holdings Apple and Nvidia are the "most obvious" winners of the tech rally. Layoffs : Shares of Alphabet moved higher after the company announced more layoffs coming this year. Many tech companies over-hired during the Covid pandemic but now they've been right-sizing that through layoffs. Amazon also announced layoffs in Prime Video and MGM Studios last week. Jim observed that in this continued era of efficiency, once again if companies downsize, their stocks go higher. Disney fight : This brings up the topic of accountability at the corporate level. This leans into what Nelson Peltz said earlier Thursday. Jim said, Disney 's board "needed a wakeup call." He added, "I'm thrilled that Nelson is in there" fighting for seats. "We need a change agent. The stock has done nothing," Jim argued. There are a lot of heavyweights on the board but "it seems dysfunctional to me," he added. This is not the end of the discussion between Peltz and Disney. Club movers : The consumer staples moved lower, pushing Procter & Gamble down. The stronger dollar and foreign exchange headwinds have hurt the company. Ford and Eli Lilly also ticked lower. On the upside, shares of Wynn Resorts , Broadcom and Meta Platforms moved higher. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer Alina Habba cross examines E. Jean Carroll before Judge Lewis Kaplan during the second civil trial where Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City, U.S., January 18, 2024 in this courtroom sketch.
A federal judge Thursday quickly lost patience with Donald Trump's lawyer as she grilled E. Jean Carroll on her income and social media history as part of the former president's civil defamation trial.
"Come on, this is Evidence 101!" said the judge, Lewis Kaplan, in response to defense lawyer Alina Habba's questions about how much money Carroll currently makes.
Kaplan also said Habba was being "repetitious" by reciting a long list of posts on X, formerly Twitter, attacking Carroll in 2019 shortly after she first publicly accused Trump of raping her decades earlier.
The trial in Manhattan federal court is being conducted to determine damages Carroll is owed by Trump for defamatory statements he made after she aired that rape claim.
Carroll also denied Habba's suggestion that her status and reputation may have improved in recent years. The author and columnist said she was suing Trump to get her old reputation back.
An expert witness for Carroll testified later Thursday that repairing her reputation would cost up to $12.1 million.
The trial was scheduled to resume Monday morning.
Kaplan's impatience with Habba's cross-examination came a day after Trump clashed with the judge in open court.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba attends a joint briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Hanke Bruins Slot. Future Publishing | Getty Images
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told CNBC Thursday that he does not think there would be a big shift in support away from his country if Donald Trump is re-elected as U.S. president later this year. Kuleba said: "So do I believe there is a potential for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Trump to agree on something behind Ukraine's back if Trump becomes president? I don't." "And it's not just me thinking out loud, it's the reality that dictates the understanding of the dynamics," he said, speaking to CNBC's Steve Sedgwick at the World Economic Forum in Davos about Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia. Kuleba referred to Trump's approval of sanctions on Nord Stream 2, the major Russian gas pipeline into Europe. He added that Trump was also the "first to sell lethal weapons to the Ukraine." When asked at Davos on Tuesday about the potential for Trump to serve a second term, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said: "Just one man cannot change the whole nation that is my belief."
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No reason to doubt U.S. admin support
Earlier on in his interview with CNBC, Kuleba said that he sees "no reasons to doubt the sincerity of the commitments of the Biden administration to continue helping Ukraine." "Nor do I have reasons to believe that the Republican Party as a whole does not realize how fundamental it is to defeat Russia in Ukraine and not to allow Russia to continue destroying the world order built by America." "I mean let's be honest, the world we live in was built under American leadership," he said. The U.S. administration continues to push for further funding in Congress to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, which began in Feb. 2022. The U.S. has been a staunch ally of Ukraine throughout the war, supplying more than $75 billion in humanitarian, military and financial support. Washington's latest intended assistance for Ukraine which could amount to $60 billion has been stranded in Congress, as U.S. President Joe Biden's administration and House Republicans fail to approve a broader funding agreement.
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NSINGWENI Three children, aged two, five and nine, were allegedly forced to ingest a poisonous substance by their mother.
The incident happened at Nsingweni, under Maphalaleni Constituency in the Hhohho Region. Nsingweni is a rural community, in north west of the Manzini Central Business District (CBD). The children, according to Sibonangaye Dlamini, 39, are Khayalethu aged nine, Malangeni five years old and Temalangeni Dlamini aged three, were found at their parents bedroom at around 2pm on Tuesday.
Sibonangaye is a sibling to the father of the deceased children. He supposed that the mother of the children, Samukelisiwe Ginindza, had not shared or given a valid explanation to the family for her act. Instead, Sibonangaye said she profusely apologised for the incident, claiming she had also ingested the substance.
Argument
From hearsay, we gathered that she had informed other people she would engage in such an act as they purportedly had an argument with my brother, Sibonangaye said. He said an uncle (brother to Ginindza) was the bearer of the sad news. It is worth noting that the mother of the childrens parental home is located about 500 metres from her matrimonial home and 700 metres from her in-laws homestead.
Meanwhile, Sibonangaye said his brother-in-law came to the main homestead, while they were relaxed as a family and started weeping while muffling out that they were dead. He said it took them a while to make sense of what he was saying, as they had to wait for him to regain composure.
Thereafter, Sibonangaye supposed that his brother-in-law informed them that Ginindza had allegedly forced the children to ingest a poisonous substance.
He said it was upon getting the news that Ginindza had forced the children to ingest the poisonous substance that they rushed to the homestead. He said they also informed Ginindzas family to join them as they went to confirm what had been relayed to them.
He said they found the children with foam coming out of their mouths and motionless. He said Ginindza was with the minors when they arrived and she started crying profusely and would in between gasps express an apology for her act. Sibonangaye said Ginindza informed the family that she had a fight with her husband before resuming her plea for forgiveness. She kept on telling us that her wish was to die as well, he said.
He said the family called the police and reported the matter before rushing her to the Dvokolwako Health Centre. The family, he said, took her to hospital after she informed them that she had also ingested the poisonous substance. Sibonangaye said they were still waiting for an answer from Ginindza on why she allegedly killed the children. He said they were hoping that the police would bring her back as part of the investigation as they were keen on knowing her rationale in the whole skirmish.
He explained that his brother and Ginindza had four children and the surviving child was aged 16 and was still in shock and traumatised by the incident. It is worth noting that in March last year, in a community closer to Nsingweni, known as Lutfotja, a father killed his two children and himself by also ingesting a poisonous substance.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the incident. She said three children were discovered dead inside a house at Nsingweni. They are suspected to have been fed a poisonous substance by their mother. The children are aged two, five and nine, Mnguni said. She said the police were still investigating the matter and no arrest had been effected yet.
Russia claimed that Ukraine attacked several Russian regions with drones overnight, including the northwest Leningrad region for the first time.
The defense ministry said Thursday that air defense systems shot down drones over the regions of Moscow and St. Petersburg, with one official claiming Ukraine targeted a Russian oil terminal in Leningrad, the northwestern Russian region where St. Petersburg is located. The port infrastructure was not damaged and no one was injured, the official said.
Kyiv has not publicly commented on the claims. If accurate, however, it would mark the first time that the northern region of Leningrad, where St. Petersburg is, has been targeted by Ukraine.
"The geography of UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces continues to expand," one Russian official noted.
This handout screen grab captured from a video shows Yemen's Houthi fighters' takeover of the Galaxy Leader Cargo in the Red Sea coast off Hudaydah, on November 20, 2023 in the Red Sea, Yemen.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday that its forces conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired from Yemen.
U.S. Central Command said in a statement posted on the social media platform X that the Houthi missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.
"These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves," Central Command said.
"These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthi's capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden," the statement said.
Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia on ships in the region since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers.
Bitcoin has been struggling since the launch of bitcoin exchange-traded funds and may continue to for some time, according to Wolfe Research. The cryptocurrency has fallen 9% since the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission gave bitcoin ETFs the green light to begin trading in the U.S. on Jan. 10. This is just the beginning of what may be a disappointing first quarter of the year, Wolfe's Rob Ginsberg said in a note Wednesday. "Bitcoin now faces resistance on multiple fronts," he said. "Is it going to tank? Probably not. But much like it responded previously at the top of this trading range, we expect consolidation and decline to follow, which is why we would recommend taking some profit at these levels." "Bitcoin is at the top of its trading range," he added. "This, in unison with the bearish relative strength index (RSI) divergence and deteriorating momentum lead us to believe it would be prudent to take some chips off the table here." BTC.CM= ETH.CM= mountain 2024-01-10 Bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) since Jan. 10 The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and change of price movements. It recently showed a bitcoin pullback could be in sight. An RSI reading of 70 and higher indicates that an asset is overbought, while a reading of 30 suggests it's oversold. Ginsberg added that bitcoin is overbought on a long-term weekly basis too, a condition that the cryptocurrency has seen only twice before. Both times marked peaks, he said. There are still plenty of good opportunities in the crypto market, however. While bitcoin has been falling, ether has risen 12% during the same period since Jan. 10, as investors sold bitcoin on the long-awaited ETF approval news in favor of an underperformer with a good narrative still in play. Ether advanced just 90% in 2023 compared to bitcoin's 157%. Investors are now awaiting the SEC's decision on whether spot ether ETFs will be allowed to trade in the U.S., which is due in the spring. "Ethereum has reclaimed leadership in the space, which we foresee continuing over the near- to mid-term," Ginsberg said. "[It] has seen rapid improvement since the fake breakdown the coin exhibited back in October. [The] next major level of resistance from here lies above $3,500." Ether has been trading at around the $2,500 level. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed reporting.
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Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Company (STG), a leading diversified capital markets group, has entered into a binding agreement with existing shareholders of DME Holdings Limited to acquire a 32.6% stake in Dubai Mercantile Exchange (DME).
DME will be rebranded as the Gulf Mercantile Exchange to reflect its position as the key regional commodities exchange in the Middle East with global relevance.
Saudi Tadawul Group will become the joint largest shareholder in DME Holdings Limited alongside CME Group, with other shareholders including the Oman Investment Authority and Dubai Holding as well as global financial and commercial industry leaders.
Mix of new and existing shares
The Agreement also includes an ability for STG to increase its shareholding in the future. The shares acquired represent a mix of new and existing shares, with the proceeds from the new shares used to fund DMEs growth.
STGs investment represents a significant opportunity to leverage world-class capabilities and expertise, accelerating DMEs growth as a regional commodities leader that is well-positioned to capture global commodities demand. The Agreement will support a strategic move towards leveraging the Middle Easts geographic proximity to both key commodity production hubs and end-markets, with DME serving as a bridge between production and end-markets.
The partnership will enable the new Gulf Mercantile Exchange to capture demand for energy, metals, and agricultural commodity markets and support the ongoing global transition to a sustainable economy through the launch of next-generation derivatives contracts as part of the transition to a sustainable economy.
DME Oman contract
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in the UAE, DME is home to the DME Oman Crude Oil Futures Contract (DME Oman), that generates the worlds largest amount of physically delivered crude oil. The DME Oman contract serves as the third-most important crude oil benchmark globally, which is used by five national oil companies based in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. DME and the DME Oman contract operate to the highest standards of international financial regulation. Its use is authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and all trades executed on DME are cleared through CME Clearing, which is regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Under the terms of the Agreement, ensuring the integrity of the DME Oman contract has been of particular importance to all parties. As such, it has been agreed that no changes to any aspects of the DME Oman contract will result from the transaction contemplated by the Agreement. In addition, to avoid conflict of interest and safeguard the twin imperatives of neutrality and price discovery, no Saudi Arabian crude oil contract will be traded, sold or bought on, or indexed to, nor will Saudi crude be delivered against, the DME Oman contract via DME.
The transaction is subject to closing conditions, including as to regulatory approvals. Following the completion of Saudi Tadawul Groups investment, DME will continue to operate as usual from its headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and will remain regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. CME Group will continue to provide its industry-leading CME Globex trading technology and clearing services to Gulf Mercantile Exchange. The CFTCs role in overseeing CME Clearings operations to protect the integrity of transactions executed on the DME and mitigating risk to traders will remain unchanged.
Opportunities for growth
Ahmad Sharaf, Chairman of DME Holdings Limited, said: On behalf of DME Holdings Limited and its shareholders, I am delighted to welcome Saudi Tadawul Group as joint largest shareholder. In particular, I am proud that Saudi Tadawul Group has chosen to enter the global commodities market through its investment in DME Holdings Limited and this reflects both Dubai Mercantile Exchanges established position as one of the worlds leading energy-focused commodities exchanges and the opportunities for growth open to Dubai Mercantile Exchange.
As we enter a new era of growth as the Gulf Mercantile Exchange, we are excited about the potential to build a regional commodities powerhouse with global relevance. Not only will our expanded partnership support our flagship Oman Crude Oil Contract but it will also position us to become a champion for the transition to a more sustainable future.
Eng Khalid Al Hussan, Group CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group, said: Our investment in DME Holdings Limited provides Saudi Tadawul Group with access to one of the most important asset classes globally for the first time, embedding commodities trading into the Middle Easts largest capital markets group. With the option to increase our stake in the future, this investment will contribute to our ability to diversify the Groups revenues and opportunities and is firmly aligned with our growth strategy and ambitions as part of Vision 2030. We look forward to working together to unlock new growth opportunities, leveraging our proximity to key financial and production hubs to bridge demand from east and west.
Ever-evolving market
Mulham Al Jarf, Deputy President for Investments, Oman Investment Authority, said: Saudi Tadawul Groups expertise and insights, along with what we have built over the years with DME Holdings Limited in Dubai Mercantile Exchange, will be invaluable as we continue to navigate through an ever-evolving market landscape. This partnership marks a significant step in our commitment to innovation and excellence in providing opportunities for DMEs regional and global stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of DME Oman.
Derek Sammann, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Commodities, Options and International Markets, CME Group, added: We look forward to welcoming Saudi Tadawul Group as a significant partner in the new Gulf Mercantile Exchange, the premier commodities exchange in the Mena region. Building on DME's successful benchmark Omani Crude Oil futures contract, Saudi Tadawul Group's participation in the exchange will unlock new opportunities for developing regionally relevant trading products to help global market participants gain exposure or manage energy, metals or agriculture price risk."--TradeArabia News Service
Google has unveiled a range of changes to its European operations, as it gears up for the introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the region, set to take effect in March.
This includes modifying search results to prioritize comparison websites, enhancing consent protocols for data sharing, introducing choice screens for browser selection on Android devices, and providing a Data Portability API.
The most significant of the changes could be providing prominence to comparison sites.
Typically, when users search for items such as hotels or products to purchase, Google displays relevant information within the search results, including images and prices. This would either appear as part of a single business listing like a hotel or restaurant or as a featured collection of relevant results.
Over the coming weeks in Europe, Google plans to change this.
We will introduce dedicated units that include a group of links to comparison sites from across the web, and query shortcuts at the top of the search page to help people refine their search, including by focusing results just on comparison sites, Google said in a blog post. For categories like hotels, we will also start testing a dedicated space for comparison sites and direct suppliers to show more detailed individual results including images, star ratings and more.
As part of these updates, Google will also be eliminating certain elements from its search page, including the Google Flights feature.
This marks a major shift in the search engine giants approach, which is now mandated by regulation to rank competing services and products on par with its own offerings in search results.
Notably, the EU had previously fined Google 2.42 billion ($2.63 billion) in 2017 for prioritizing its own comparison-shopping service. The blocs competition policy commissioner stated at the time that Google had misused its dominant position as a search engine by favoring its own service in search results to the detriment of its competitors.
While the latest development may be seen as a victory for comparison sites, Google has warned that the new rules could have adverse impacts on businesses.
Over the last few months, we have been seeking feedback on our changes from the European Commission and from stakeholders like developers, advertisers, and companies who will be affected by them, Google said. While we support many of the DMA's ambitions around consumer choice and interoperability, the new rules involve difficult trade-offs, and we're concerned that some of these rules will reduce the choices available to people and businesses in Europe.
Mazad, a local portfolio company of Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, has announced that its upcoming auction will feature a diverse range of 12 unique properties that are owned by Mumtalakat's real estate arm, Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company).
This is in line with Mumtalakats commitment to enhance collaborative opportunities between its portfolio companies.
Located in prime areas across the kingdom such as Al Naim, Arad, Hamala, Souq Al Muharraq, Salmaniya and Samaheej, these properties comprise buildings, shops, villas, farmland, and land plots, said a statement from Mazad.
Of these, the most prominent are a 3,716 sq m agricultural plot located in Hamala - with a minimum starting bid of BD60,000 ($158,218) that can go upto BD480,000 ($1.26 million) - and also a nursery in Hamad Town, it stated.
"By collaborating with Edamah, we can promote some of Bahrains real estate properties, across the region, contributing to the national economy. Mazad is designed to attract qualified buyers and speed up the transaction process by providing a trusted and transparent space in which bidders may engage in equitable competition," remarked its CEO Talal Al Araifi.
"We encourage the general public and corporates to participate in the upcoming auction as we reveal some attractive opportunities on real estate in Bahrain," noted Al Araifi.
In line with Bahrains overarching strategic objective of promoting sustainability, the collaboration between Mazad and Edamah will furnish individuals, developers, and investors with the opportunity to expand their real estate portfolios via Mazad's online auction system.
This will enable potential buyers from across the region to participate in a fair and competitive bidding environment, he added.
Intel's fight against a 1.06 billion ($1.2 billion) antitrust fine from the European Union (EU) got a boost Thursday when a top court advisor in Europe pointed out errors in the EU regulators' economic analysis.
The dispute started in 2009 when the European Commission penalized Intel for attempting to impede a competitor, Advanced Micro Devices, by giving rebates to Dell, Hewlett-Packard, NEC, and Lenovo for favoring Intel's chips. The Intel decision is one in a series of increasing antitrust actions in Europe targeting technology companies.
Regulators usually challenge rebates from leading companies due to their potential to restrict competition. However, companies have argued that authorities should demonstrate how these discounts are anti-competitive before imposing sanctions. In 2022, a subordinate court overturned the fine, prompting the EU competition commissioner to seek a review from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Luxembourg.
CJEU Advocate General Laila Medina said in a statement that the court should dismiss the appeal. Medina cited issues with the commission's "as-efficient competitor" test, designed to determine whether a company's pricing was unfairly competitive compared to rivals with similar costs.
The advocates general of the CJEU have an unusual role, providing independent, non-binding legal opinions on cases that the judges may then take into account in arriving at their decisions.
Medina added, first, the General Court failed to have due regard to the Commissions margin of discretion in complex economic matters. Second, it failed to take into account Intels implicit acknowledgment of the reference period during the administrative proceedings. Third, it infringed the Commissions right of defense. Fourth, the General Court erred in relation to the appropriate conclusion to be drawn in respect of the entire period of the practice at issue.
The Intel ruling comes after a number of efforts meant to ensure fair competition in the EU. Google, owned by Alphabet, said this week, for example, that it will modify its online search results to better highlight comparison websites. The change is part of its efforts to adhere to new EU tech regulations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which goes into effect in March.
According to the DMA, the company must rank rival services and products on an equal footing with its own in search results.
Salm Partners of Denmark, Wis., is recalling approximately 133,039 pounds of ready-to-eat turkey kielbasa.
The product may be contaminated with extraneous materials -- specifically bone fragments.
There has been one minor oral injury reported.
The recalled product, which comes in a 13-oz. plastic vacuum-sealed package with PARKVIEW TURKEY POLSKA KIELBASA, P-32009 and USE BY APR 24 24 or USE BY APR 27 24 printed on it, was sold at retail stores nationwide.
What to do
Customers who purchased the recalled product should not consume it, but discard or return it to the place of purchase.
Consumers with questions may contact Salm Partner at (920) 863-5559, ext. 1346.
A recent extensive study suggested that larger families may have a detrimental impact on the mental health of teenagers.
Conducted in both the United States and China, the analysis revealed that adolescents from larger families generally experience poorer mental health compared to those with fewer siblings. The study indicated that in the United States, children with no or only one sibling exhibit the best mental health, while in China, well-being is most prominent among only children.
The research identifies that having older siblings and siblings closely spaced in age has the most adverse effects on children's mental health, with the strongest negative associations observed among siblings born within a year of each other.
Ohio State University professor and lead researcher Doug Downey suggested that the observed pattern aligns with the concept of "resource dilution." Downey explains this as a scenario where parental resources become divided among multiple siblings, potentially impacting each child's mental health.
While the study recognizes the influence of closely spaced siblings on negative outcomes, Downey acknowledges the possibility that families with more children may differ in ways that affect their children's mental health. Despite variations, the study underscored the overall negative impact of siblings on mental health, emphasizing the need for further exploration, particularly in the context of declining fertility rates worldwide.
The positive side of having siblings
While the new study showed the negative effect of having siblings on mental health, past studies have shown some benefits.
For example, in 2004, Downey and his colleagues conducted a study where they found that participants with at least one sibling demonstrated better social skills in kindergarten. Teachers rated these children as more adept at forming and maintaining friendships, showing sensitivity to others, and expressing feelings positively.
Additionally, a study from 2016 showed that having more siblings was associated with less chances of divorce in adulthood.
Movies have a tendency to shatter their own realities by having every character ignore the most obvious solutions to their problems.
A good film can do so much. It can move us, inspire us, or show us how many punches it takes to kill a robot. But it can also frustrate the hell out of us. Movies work so hard to create these alternate realities for us to escape into and then shatter it all by having every character ignore the most obvious solutions to their problems. Like ...
6 Interstellar: What Was Your Plan Again, Future Humans? For a movie ostensibly about saving humanity by leaping into a black hole to send physics calculations back in time through your daughter's bookcase, Interstellar's science mostly holds up. And this was no accident; director Christopher Nolan enlisted the help of cosmologist Kip Thorne to be the on-set black hole expert. This was unusual, since most movies base their science off half-remembered fifth-grade quizzes and dreams they had about sharks. Paramount Pictures
"Hang on, guys, we gotta stop production. Poindexter has another problem with the script." So while the science of the film may be spot-on, the actual logic is a bit lacking. The climax sees the two remaining astronauts -- head pilot Coop and chief biologist Amelia "Love Transcends Space, Time, and Logic" Brand -- slipping toward a black hole. To avoid being crushed into space cat food, they hatch a dangerous plan: They turn the black hole into a gravitational slingshot. Unfortunately, it requires Coop to sacrifice himself, and he sadly sinks into it like a sad horse giving up in a Swamp of Sadness. During the acid-trip descent, Coop records the important data one can only gather while floating around inside of a black hole. That's not the weird part, though. The weird part is that he ends up inside a tesseract, which is sort of a three-dimensional representation of four-dimensional time and space, and it looks sort of looks like a massive kaleidoscope of book shelves, which sort of looks like the floor of a New Mexico bathroom. Paramount Pictures Advertisement
"My god! It's full of ... uh, something!" It's already arguably ridiculous, but it gets stranger. The tesseract was created by humans in the future who've learned to manipulate time. They know Coop saved humanity by shoving books off his daughter's bookshelf and manipulating the hands on her old watch to play Morse code, so they built him a way to do that. It seems they couldn't build him a chalkboard or a fax machine, because the time in Interstellar is a closed loop -- which we think means it all happens concurrently and the tesseract was always there. So bad news if you were hoping for a movie in which he shoved the wrong book and historically rewrote his daughter to be a Hitler dinosaur. Paramount Pictures Advertisement Advertisement
Oh shit, that would have been a fun Act III. We should have said this way earlier, but spoiler alert: Coop succeeds and his daughter uses those calculations to build a big-ass space colony and escape a shitty, dusty Earth. All it took was incredible luck and who knows how much time of Matthew McConaughey adjusting a watch! So let's move past how incredibly inefficient dusty watch code is, and how Coop definitely would have gone mad before finishing. Why the shit didn't these future humans, who can build a time-traveling tesseract, not just hop in there and perform the calculations themselves? It seems like that adding "book poking robot" to a machine that spans the infinite timelines of dusty bookshelves wouldn't have been an impossible task for their development team. Paramount Pictures Advertisement
"Hey Coop, how are you going to represent exponents with Morse code? And Greek letters? And math signs? And calculus symbols?" Why even build humanity's only hope into a random-ass black hole and count on Matthew McConaughey to fall into it and volunteer for the most boring job in the universe? Those dick future people could have easily sent the message themselves, and to a time long before everyone on Earth was starving to death and choking on toxic ash. We don't know all the details about gravimetric chrono science, but we do know if you can build a time machine in the center of a black hole, you can probably send some spaceship plans back to Earth before everything sucked. And you can form a scheme that doesn't involve subjecting an astronaut to Data Entry Space Hell. Advertisement And why build humanity's only hope in a random-ass black hole somewhere sitting and waiting for Mcconaughey to alright-alright-alright his way into it? If it's a gravity thing, surely they could build one in a black hole they themselves have direct access to. And if you have the benefit of traveling through time and communicating in any capacity, why wait until Earth is literally on fire? Murph and Dr. Brand could have built the colony ship way earlier. While you're at it, send back a few futuristic cornbread recipes so they don't always have to eat corn straight off the cob. Advertisement
5 Jaws -- Why Not Call The Newspaper? Jaws is about a group of delicious swimmers who kept going into the water where a man-eating shark lives. In order for this film to work, it requires the mayor to be the most incompetent piece of shit the coast has ever known. The man is determined to keep the beach open for the sweet tourism money, and his denial of shark danger ends up being more of an obstacle to the heroes than the shark itself. Universal Pictures Advertisement Advertisement
"We already paid to clean the hobos and medical waste off the beach! That should just be for nothing?!" The movie is obviously 130 minutes of masterpiece, but couldn't it have been solved in about 10 if they thought to call a reporter? You don't need to convince anyone to close an entire beach. People will stay out of the water if the newspaper's top story is "SHARK EATS LOCAL FLESH" followed by "LUNATIC MAYOR THINKS FEEDING SWIMMERS TO SHARKS SOMEHOW GENERATES MONEY." Even assuming the mayor had enough control over the local paper to suppress the story, a shark murder cover-up is probably interesting enough to make the regional TV news, and maybe the national wire services as well. What reporter is going to turn their nose up at the sordid tale of a serial killer shark and it scandalous cover-up by corrupt politicians? If Sheriff Brody is afraid he'd lose his job over it, fine, have Richard Dreyfuss make the call. Universal Pictures Advertisement
Christ, do something, Hooper. Hell, even if every reporter in the world refused to believe this wild story of a three-ton predator eating human meat, how hard is it to simply tell people? Get out there and yell at everyone about how shark crime is rampant and it's not safe in the water. Bring a Frisbee and a picnic lunch and make a day out of it.
4 The Avengers -- Why Not Ask For A Nuke? There are some problems with solutions so easy you may overlook them. Say a group of aliens are invading through a hole in the sky. What do you do? Most of us would say: "Find three superheroes and two humans with medieval weapons! And a nimble woman! Knock each of the aliens out as quickly as possible over the course of many years!" Marvel Studios Advertisement Advertisement
"We also need a flying aircraft carrier, even though New York City is right by the ocean!" As you may already know, this is exactly the Avengers' plan before Iron Man thinks to carry a bomb through the sky hole and destroy the aliens, including somehow all the ones who already came through and were nowhere near the bomb. But ... couldn't they have shot a bomb at the hole in the first place? Forget the arrows, the shield-bonking, the carrying a bomb through by hand -- just put a bomb on a missile and shoot it. That would have worked, right? "But that's what they do!" you say. Well, no. They luck into that obvious solution against their will. The only reason they have a bomb to use is that Nick Fury's bosses decide to launch it at New York, apparently with the intent of scaring off the invaders by demonstrating to them how much better humans are at destroying cities. Tony Stark has to intercept it and improvise, barely sparing the city in the process. But ... why was there even a conflict here? Why weren't the Avengers calling Fury and saying, "Hey, the sky is shitting aliens, can you launch a cruise missile or two up there? The wormhole is pretty easy to see, but even if you miss, Tony can grab the bomb and help steer it up. Thanks, the rest of us are going to go get lunch." Marvel Studios Advertisement
"A nuclear bomb? On a missile? Like some kind of nuclear ... missile? Get your head out of your ass, Nick." Advertisement "But that would have put the whole city at risk if something went wrong!" And unleashing the Hulk didn't? At least a nuke has a fail-safe built in, right?
3 Back To The Future Part II -- Why Not Talk to Marty in 2015? At the end of the first Back To The Future film, Doc Brown suddenly appears and desperately explains how he needs Marty and Jennifer's help to save their future children. But ... did he really? Marty endangered the entire space-time continuum on his last trip through time, and even got to watch his own hand as it ceased to ever be. His girlfriend has all the skills of a mediocre high school student with no idea what is going on or how anything is anything. Why exactly do you need them, Doc? Universal Pictures Advertisement
"To carry out this needlessly elaborate plan involving a body double instead of threatening to beat the shit out of Marty Jr. if he goes with Biff!" Sure enough, the moment they get to the future, everything goes off the rails. Young Marty and Jennifer immediately get into bumbling antics wherein they barely avoid running into their future selves. This causes all kinds of problems that are fun to watch, but it's magnificently unnecessary. It's 2015. Marty has known about Doc and his time machine for 30 years. Doc could have casually approached him and said, "Hey, your son is about to get into some trouble, here's what you need to do. TRUST ME." If there was any pushback, he could remind Marty of the time he was almost trapped in 1955, or the time he was almost erased from goddamn history. Just ... just take his word for it, Marty. Universal Pictures Advertisement Advertisement
"I've come to tell you to stop being an asshole, Marty! OK, the end, I guess!" Instead of accidentally creating a ridiculous dystopia in which everyone agrees to put an amoral, idiot billionaire in charge, Doc could have had a 40-second conversation with a receptive old friend who had no reason to doubt him. In fact, he didn't even have to make the trip. He could have written him a letter and mailed it to him in 30 years. Seriously, why does this middle-aged, unbalanced nuclear arms dealer with high school friends keep doing such complicated and peculiar things?
2 Hellboy II -- Why Didn't They Get Rid of the Evil MacGuffin? In the majestic story of Hellboy II: The Golden Army, there was once a swarm of indestructible magic robots (the titular Golden Army) created by an ancient elf king. After nearly annihilating the humans, a truce was declared and the magic crown used to control the Golden Army was broken into three pieces. So far, this is all standard robot army stuff, right? Well, two of the pieces were given to the elves, and the other was given to the humans. And now the elf king's evil son wants to put the crown back together to use the Golden Army to destroy humanity. You, of course, see where this is going. The people in the movie weren't as quick as you. Universal Pictures Advertisement Advertisement
Legolasshole. The evil prince murders his father to get one piece of the crown. He then gets another piece by murdering everyone at an auction. His twin sister, now starting to figure out his plan, takes the third piece and runs away. This is a very temporary solution, though, because she and her brother share a psychic bond and he can easily follow her. This leads to an insane series of events, including tooth fairies getting tracked to a troll black market, a love story between the elf princess and a fish man, a meeting with the Angel of Death, and a hostage standoff. Hellboy is forced to give the evil prince the final piece of the crown in exchange for the princess, and the invincible army wakes up. Luckily, by some kind of technicality, Hellboy is able to challenge the prince to a fist fight to solve everything, and he wins! Unfortunately, the princess stabs herself to stop her brother and save Hellboy, and she and her brother die. We should mention there is a lot being left out -- Hellboy II's plot absolutely does not fuck around. But was ... any of it necessary? Universal Pictures Advertisement
Guillermo del Toro doesn't even know the meaning of the word "concise." When it got put back together, the magic crown does one thing: turn on an army of unstoppable killer robots. Was there any good reason for the princess to keep it? Is there any kind of humanitarian reason you'd need a bunch of unkillable murderbots? Why not destroy her part of the crown immediately? Smash it, melt it, un-magic it ... we don't know all the rules on mystical elf relics, but shouldn't she? She's an ancient fairy creature. For her, a wizard crown is barely more interesting than a regular hat. She probably thinks about wizard crowns the way we think about electric toothbrushes or heated toilet seats. Imagine how quickly you could destroy a heated toilet seat. That's how long this movie could have been. Advertisement
I remember being younger and infuriated by my parents fear of technology. In my mind, their reluctance to share personal information was simply a hurdle between me and being able to buy Magic the Gathering singles off strangers on the internet. Computers were cool and my friend! Sites were all secure, because they said so!
Now, Im not going to go as far as saying Boomers are right about technology, because that would require at least base knowledge of why a web browser and the internet are two different things. I will admit, however, that we probably would have been better off adopting some level of their panic. Now, were all nipple-deep in a mass of tech companies that want nothing more than our precious data and maybe even our DNA. Its gone too far for being careful to be a viable protection, so people have had to go on the offensive in order to stop them from going full SkyNet.
Here are four ways lowly, inefficient humans are fighting back against our robot overlords
4 Anti-A.I. Glaze Pixabay I have produced Nude Kim Possible, master. What else do you desire? The world of A.I. art, at even the most basic level, is an understandable firestorm. Probably because its a fucking nightmare. Im not sure why painting was an activity that tech shitheads thought people were tired of doing. It feels like maybe creative expression should have been lower than folding laundry or doing taxes on the list of things wed like to remove from day-to-day life. Advertisement Even worse is the fact that, though they like to act like its the technological equivalent of advanced A.I. being able to think and create, a virtual robot holding a paintbrush, imagining a version of Joe Biden thats covered in weird teats, its basically glorified image blending. The fact is, these images are very clearly not coming from scratch. Ask where they actually are coming from, and suddenly the same people that cant wait to talk your ear off about A.I. suddenly get mealy-mouthed. Probably because they know its a minefield. Leaks showing that these futurists ironically lack the foresight not to discuss likely large-scale copyright infringement on Discord and store records of it on Google Docs have confirmed that artists should be concerned. Its also clear that reactive measures, which involve the famously slow legal system, arent enough. Thats why a team at the University of Chicago has developed Glaze, a system thats able to make visual art confusing and unreadable to A.I. scrapers without noticeable changes to the human eye. Im not nearly smart enough to figure out exactly how, but they suggest thinking about it as if theres an ultraviolet or ultrasonic frequency layered over the art, that robots can see but humans cant. Advertisement
3 Anti-Facial Recognition Fashion Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of visual representations linked to your identity that you might want to protect, how about your face? The advancement of facial recognition technology is fairly terrifying, even though theyve done their damnedest to link it to convenience. Your phone can unlock itself with your face! Cool! Now imagine your phone taped to a light pole, aimed at a crowd, looking for your face. Less cool! Its come far enough that its not always particularly clear to us whats being used as the identifying feature, as anyone whos been surprised by a phone unlocking despite a generous dose of facial accessories. When COVID demanded widespread mask use, Apple proudly declared their phone could identify you while youre wearing a mask! Cool, I bet the police state isnt standing behind them, rock hard, holding a hard drive full of protest footage! Advertisement Anti-identification fashion, then, has had to go a little further. Especially if it wants you to still be recognizable to actual humans, and not popping on a Rorschach-style covering every day before you leave the house. One of the coolest and science-backed strategies is what looks like a pair of safety glasses studded with near-infrared lighting. Developed in Japan by professors Isao Echizen and Seiichi Gohshi, the glasses create what amount to a type of extreme glare, but only to cameras and not to the human eye.
Unlike most 40-year-olds, Sundance is still fairly youthful. The venerable Utah festival, which gets underway today, officially launched in 1984, the annual salute to all things independent cinema changing its name from the U.S. Film and Video Festival. Its history is littered with future classics that had their premiere there, turning nascent directors like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith into overnight sensations. Nothing has changed: Sundance is still able to break the next big things.
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To celebrate this milestone, Ive put together a list of the 40 best comedies that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The process of whittling down these rankings was arduous, but it also made me realize how many major names got their start at Park City: Jordan Peele, David O. Russell, Amy Adams, to highlight just a few. At the same time, though, it was sadly apparent that not everyone who was once the toast of Sundance has maintained that creative hot streak some seeming sure-things just havent panned out. But for one shining moment, all of these films (including a couple comedic documentaries) were a big deal.
As journalists, critics and filmmakers head into the snow for this years edition, lets take a moment to salute the movies that made us laugh and keep making us laugh.
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40 Super Size Me (2004) In the wake of Michael Moores first-person advocacy documentaries, Morgan Spurlock decided to treat his body like a science experiment, charting the harmful effects of eating McDonalds three times a day for 30 days. Super Size Me won Spurlock the directing prize at Sundance, and the film established him as a funny, self-deprecating showman trying to show the world how terrible fast food is. Without question, though, Spurlocks shtick got old fast when he repeated it in subsequent documentaries and thats before he outed himself as being a terrible person. Advertisement
39 Napoleon Dynamite (2004) The same year as the original Mean Girls showed the world how stressful high school is for young women, director Jared Hess debut did the same for awkward teen boys. Napoleon Dynamite remains the ultimate Sundance success story, a low-budget, quirky comedy that went on to be a box-office sensation. Its also among the festivals most divisive hits, with some viewers adoring Jon Heders titular outsider, while others finding the movies nerdy humor deeply off-putting. No matter where you land, though, Napoleon Dynamite left its mark on indie culture, creating a new way to look at oddball coming-of-age comedies. Advertisement Advertisement
38 The Brothers McMullen (1995) Sure, it was like a Woody Allen movie, but it was a really good Woody Allen movie. Edward Burns became a Sundance darling with his debut, which he wrote, directed, produced and starred in, focusing on a group of Irish-Catholic siblings navigating the difficulties of life. The Brothers McMullen took its cues from Allens dialogue-driven ensemble comedies, but the movie also clearly drew inspiration from hangout movies like Diner, exploring how faith and family can be a difficult combo for some people.
37 Obvious Child (2014) An abortion comedy is a risky proposition, but writer-director Gillian Robespierre threaded the needle beautifully, casting Jenny Slate as a stand-up who, after getting dumped, hooks up with a nice guy (Jake Lacy), only to later realize shes pregnant from sleeping with him. A smart, hip rom-com, Obvious Child acknowledges the challenges of modern dating, where finding Mr. Right can be a problem when the timing isnt so right. Advertisement Advertisement
36 500 Days of Summer (2009) Is this Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Zooey Deschanel romantic comedy a smart reimagining of the genre tropes or a mean-spirited, self-pitying look at a dude who should shut up and get over his broken heart? Thats been the debate since 500 Days of Summer premiered at Sundance, but while some of Gordon-Levitts man-child characters whining hasnt aged well, the movie remains a funny, cutting cautionary tale about a certain kind of guy who works so hard to make his girlfriend his dream girl that he never bothers to learn who she actually is.
35 Party Girl (1995) Parker Posey was nothing like Mary, the titular main character she brought to vivid life. I couldnt afford those clothes and live that life, she said in 2023 about Party Girl. But if I could, Mary is how I would have looked. Director Daisy von Scherler Mayer gave the Queen of 1990s American Independent Cinema arguably her greatest role Mary has sharp elbows and an irreverent spirit, eventually having to change her ways once her irresponsibility starts getting out of hand. Rereleased in theaters last year, Party Girl has been embraced by a new generation, even if the New York of the mid-1990s looks little like the one today. Advertisement Advertisement
34 Dope (2015) Shameik Moore has proven to be an excellent Miles Morales in the recent animated Spider-Man films, but some of us knew him first as the adorkable Malcolm in Dope, an unpredictable mixture of comedy, action, drama and crime thriller. When this brainy L.A. teen accidentally finds himself at the wrong party, his life gets turned upside down, resulting in a film that mixes social commentary with big laughs. You could tell Moore was destined to be a star.
33 Tadpole (2002) Filmmaker Gary Winick died in 2011 at the age of 49. His best-known comedy was 13 Going on 30, but his best is the one he directed right before that. Tadpole is a witty, peculiar coming-of-age romantic comedy starring Aaron Stanford as a bright, confident 15-year-old who has decided he is going to seduce his dads new wife (Sigourney Weaver), while fending off the affections of his stepmoms best friend (Bebe Neuwirth). Sexy and sly, the film was a literate mixture of Woody Allen and Wes Anderson, a modest hit at the time and now ready for rediscovery. Advertisement Advertisement
32 The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) Theres an incorrect assumption that Sundance is only a place for exciting young talents to make their name. What about exciting fortysomething talents? Writer-director-star Radha Blank drew from her own frustrations and anxieties in this sparkling debut, which was part romantic drama and part coming-of-age-late comedy about a struggling playwright who laments that she never lived up to her potential. Swiping the title of a Judd Apatow film, The Forty-Year-Old Version wasnt just a triumph for a clear comedic talent but also a reminder that youre never too old to have your big break. Advertisement
31 Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Going on to win two Oscars, Little Miss Sunshine created a template for a certain kind of crowd-pleasing mainstream-indie comedy. Filled with likable, acclaimed actors including Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Alan Arkin the movie explored a dysfunctional family with tenderness and laughs as they go on a fraught road trip. But the casts snappy chemistry and the genuineness of the emotions were hard to replicate for Sundance copycats like The Way, Way Back, which were only superficially as charming. Advertisement
30 Secretary (2002) Theres a lot of talk these days about how sexiness has gone out of movies. Well, director Steven Shainbergs breakthrough was certainly kinky, chronicling the unusual courtship between a lawyer and his new secretary, who discovers her boss is into BDSM. By the time of Secretarys release, James Spader was a known quantity he was perfect casting as an attorney who likes dominating but newcomer Maggie Gyllenhaal was a revelation, flashing a flirty, sexy energy throughout. Advertisement
29 The Station Agent (2003) Spotlight filmmaker Tom McCarthys affectionate character study features three outsiders who find each other: hermit Finbar (Peter Dinklage), grieving artist Olivia (Patricia Clarkson) and happy-go-lucky Joe (Bobby Cannavale). The Station Agent mines laughs from how goddamn disappointing life can be, and the film provided an excellent platform for these soon-to-be acclaimed actors. With all due respect to Game of Thrones fans, this might still be Dinklages best performance as an angry man who risks opening his heart, with unexpected results. Advertisement Advertisement
28 Clerks (1994) Hard as it may be to believe, there was a time when the world didnt know who Kevin Smith was. Thirty years ago, he announced himself with this grungy, black-and-white comedy about some New Jersey slackers wasting their lives working at a convenience store. Heres where we first met Jay (Jason Mewes) and Silent Bob (Smith), a Gen-X Laurel and Hardy who would soon become iconic side characters in the writer-directors movies. As pivotal as Reservoir Dogs or Sex, Lies and Videotape, Clerks helped redefine the American indie, making it safe for sarcastic, pop-culture-riffing humor. Advertisement
27 Real Women Have Curves (2002) I grew up without seeing people that look like me on the screen, director Patricia Cardoso once explained about her decision to adapt Josefina Lopezs play about a Latino teenager (America Ferrera) coming of age in a working-class family in Los Angeles. Real Women Have Curves broke down cultural and gender barriers and gave Ferrera her first big-screen role. (The film also provided Lupe Ontiveros and George Lopez choice roles.) It remains one of the great L.A. comedies and a celebration of the worlds Hollywood tends not to show. Advertisement
26 American Movie (1999) Chris Smith has directed documentaries like Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond and Wham! (and executive produced Tiger King). But that was long after he first came to prominence with American Movie, an intimate portrait of Mark Borchardt, a wannabe filmmaker trying to shoot his masterpiece, Coven. But maybe Borchardt isnt all that talented? While Smiths documentary, which won Sundances Grand Jury Prize, pokes fun at Borchardt and his bad cinematic ideas, theres also a lot of warmth in the picture. And deep down, theres something universal about Borchardts struggles: What if, on some level, were all fooling ourselves about how talented/interesting we think we are? Advertisement Advertisement
24 Love Jones (1997) Shocking as it may seem now, Love Jones was somewhat radical for its time: a thoughtful indie love story about two Black characters. Writer-director Theodore Witcher cast Larenz Tate (then best known for Menace II Society) to court Nia Long (who had done The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friday). Hes a poet, shes a photographer once they hit it off, they wonder if their attraction is only sexual, or if there might be more to it. At a moment when Black American cinema was making some strides, but still often being relegated to stories about crime and poverty, Love Jones was a funny, welcome breath of fresh air. Advertisement Advertisement
23 Dear White People (2014) Tessa Thompson had been acting for years before she was cast in Dear White People, but this pointed satire helped put her on the map. She plays Sam, who bristles at the racism at her predominantly white university, deciding shes going to tackle it head on. Writer-director Justin Simien has had trouble topping his bristlingly funny debut he most recently made the underwhelming Haunted Mansion but the film is a landmark of the Black Lives Matter era, inspiring the subsequent Netflix series.
22 You Hurt My Feelings (2023) Reuniting with Enough Said filmmaker Nicole Holofcener, whose superb Please Give also premiered at Sundance, Julia Louis-Dreyfus shines as an insecure author who learns that her therapist husband (Tobias Menzies) has been lying to her about her forthcoming book. (He secretly thinks it stinks.) A warm, grownup comedy about the importance of not always being honest with our loved ones, You Hurt My Feelings no doubt inspired lots of anxious conversations between couples on the way home from the theater. Advertisement Advertisement
21 Rye Lane (2023) Neither of them were looking for love that day. In fact, theyve both been dumped recently, so theyre pretty soured on romance. But in Rye Lane, David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah make for an engaging duo, their characters bonding while walking around London, talking about life and disappointment. Director Raine Allen-Millers feature debut is an easygoing charmer that finds the humor in being sick of love while giving props to second chances and The Low End Theory.
20 Palm Springs (2020) Using Groundhog Day as inspiration, director Max Barbakow and screenwriter Andy Siara dreamed up a scenario in which two wedding attendees (Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti) are trapped in a time loop, forced to hang out together for what they fear may be all eternity. Palm Springs goes a long way on the charisma of its stars neither of them, before or since, has had a big-screen role this juicy but it also finds inventive ways to rethink the premise of that Harold Ramis classic. Also, special shout-out to comic MVP June Squibb, whos excellent and may be in the time loop with them. Advertisement Advertisement
19 House Party (1990) The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a slew of rap artists making the jump to big-screen thespians, but often overlooked are the guys in Kid n Play, aka Christopher Reid and Christopher Martin. They hooked up with Boomerang director Reginald Hudlin for his feature debut, telling the story of two teenage friends who throw a house party. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, of course, in hilarious fashion.
18 In Bruges (2008) Before writer-director Martin McDonagh teamed up with Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson for The Banshees of Inisherin, they all made a delightfully sardonic crime thriller about two hitmen on hiatus in the Belgian town of Bruges. The back-and-forth insults are even funnier here than in Banshees, but the laughs are enhanced by the shocking violence and soulful interludes. (Plus, you get Ralph Fiennes in his funniest role outside of The Grand Budapest Hotel.) Advertisement
17 Living in Oblivion (1995) As the independent film world began to gain prominence in the early 1990s, it was inevitable that someone in the trenches would make a jaundiced comedy about the scene. That film was Living in Oblivion, in which writer-director (and former Jim Jarmusch cinematographer) Tom DiCillo cast Steve Buscemi as a harried director trying to keep his new low-budget movie on track. Actors like Catherine Keener and Peter Dinklage got some of their first work here, and James LeGros pretentious star was supposedly inspired by DiCillos unhappy collaboration with a young Brad Pitt on his previous feature, Johnny Suede. The movie is now a time capsule for the heady, exasperating early days of the indie explosion. Advertisement Advertisement
16 The Big Sick (2017) An undeniable crowd-pleaser, The Big Sick made comedian and Silicon Valley star Kumail Nanjiani a bona-fide A-lister. He and his wife Emily V. Gordon went on to earn an Oscar nomination for their screenplay, which was drawn from their own early courtship which was going great until they had a big fight and she fell into a coma. Nanjiani and Emily stand-in Zoe Kazan have delightful chemistry, and Holly Hunter and Ray Romano are terrific as Emilys anxious parents, who have to spend time with the guy who dumped their angel. Not the best way to meet your future in-laws, to say the least. Advertisement
15 American Splendor (2003) Sundance has featured its fair share of misanthropic characters, but none surpasses Paul Giamattis Harvey Pekar, the famed underground comic and notorious crank. American Splendor pays affectionate tribute to a deeply unhappy man, breaking the fourth wall by occasionally letting grumpy Pekar comment on the action. This was where Giamatti, maximizing his slow-burn surliness, began to evolve from character actor to arthouse leading man Sideways was just around the corner. Advertisement
14 They Came Together (2014) Best romantic comedy of the last 10 years? Maybe. Director and co-writer David Wain set out to make a rom-com that rifled through the genres most endearing/dopiest tropes, casting Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler as the prototypical unlucky-in-love New York characters who end up falling for one another. (Is she a big klutz who runs a ridiculously quirky store? You know it! Is he a nice guy who gets cheated on by his mean girlfriend? But of course!) What is most impressive about They Came Together is how the movie manages to mercilessly rip the rom-com to shreds while also being a really good rom-com. Advertisement
13 Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) Because Sundance has usually been a launching pad for American indies, its easy to forget that this British charmer had its debut in Park City, too. The movie that helped make Hugh Grant a star in the U.S., Four Weddings and a Funeral went on to get nominated for Best Picture, demonstrating that director Mike Newell and writer Richard Curtis had a winning formula for sweet, tart romantic comedies that mixed laughs with pathos. Outside of Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, Grant and Andie MacDowell were among moviegoers favorite onscreen duos of the era. Advertisement Advertisement
12 The Kids Are All Right (2010) Indie filmmaker Lisa Cholodenko had mostly focused on drama for High Art and Laurel Canyon. Then she decided to mix things up, delivering The Kids Are All Right, a very funny, wise, bittersweet comedy about a married couple (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) at a crossroads when one of them cheats. As progressive as Hollywood likes to pretend it is, this movie was groundbreaking for being a mainstream film with same-sex lovers who were raising kids. But Cholodenko never got on her soapbox. Instead, she did something far more subversive: She made this family look like anyone elses, helping to explode stigmas around gay marriage. Advertisement
11 Private Life (2018) Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn are almost always excellent, but theyre especially wonderful together in writer-director Tamara Jenkins bittersweet comedy about a married couple who have seemingly exhausted every possibility to have a child until their niece (Kayli Carter) agrees to be their egg donor. Private Life is one of the great funny/sad Sundance films, a piercing look at relationships thats guaranteed to make you cry as well as laugh. Advertisement Advertisement
10 American Psycho (2000) Adapting the Bret Easton Ellis novel, director and co-writer Mary Harron envisioned investment banker/serial killer Patrick Bateman as indicative of everything thats wrong with capitalism, America, the 1980s, the patriarchy, you name it. Christian Bale took it from there, delivering a cathartically funny portrait of charming arrogance and bloodthirsty ambition. No one has ever heard Hip to Be Square the same way since.
9 Spanking the Monkey (1994) Before Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, writer-director David O. Russell was a scrappy indie filmmaker whose debut was this peculiar study of Ray (Jeremy Davies), a college student forced to care for his injured mom (Alberta Watson), their extended stay together stirring up strange incestuous feelings in the young man. Spanking the Monkey is a dark, proudly prickly comedy, setting the stage for the sly sense of humor Russell would put on display in future films like Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees. Advertisement
8 Big Night (1996) Actor friends Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci teamed up to direct this sublime character study of two brothers (Tucci and Tony Shalhoub) who are trying to keep their authentic Italian restaurant afloat in New Jersey in the 1950s. Romance, comedy and sibling drama all intermingle in Big Night, which is as much about being true to your art as it is about the bonds of family. Advertisement
7 What We Do in the Shadows (2014) Just when you thought you didnt need one more mockumentary, along came this corker from writer-directors Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, who imagined what life would be like in a house filled with vampires. Making fun of the horror genre while simultaneously riffing on how annoying roommates are, What We Do in the Shadows set the stage for the FX series thats proved just as delightful. Advertisement
6 Heathers (1989) One of the easiest ways to spot an aging Gen-Xer is to see if they respond to one of several indelible lines from this late-1980s masterwork. (In my experience, Fuck me gently with a chainsaw usually does the trick.) A middle-finger response to the feel-good high school movies of the era, Heathers was sarcastic and snotty, casting Winona Ryder and Christian Slater as teen outcasts whose plan to get back at the popular kids turns deadly, proving that adolescence can be murder. Advertisement Advertisement
5 The Squid and the Whale (2005) Writer-director Noah Baumbach crafted this personal story of a New York family in disarray after the parents (Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney) announce to their young sons (Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline) that theyre going their separate ways. Daniels has never been nominated for an Oscar, but he deserved a nod for his superb portrayal of an insufferably pompous writer/teacher who believes his every word is fascinating. But the whole cast is great, especially a young Eisenberg, who here first cemented his mastery of playing aloof, insecure guys who think their intelligence can save them from heartbreak. Advertisement
4 Four Lions (2010) A daring comedy that succeeds in finding the humor in a group of inept would-be terrorists, Four Lions was shocking for its subject matter, proving the director and co-writer Chris Morris was one of the most risk-taking satirists of his generation. (Jesse Armstrong, who created Succession, was one of his co-writers.) Many viewers first met Riz Ahmed here, and the film brilliantly segued from outrageous gags to a deeply moving portrait of some truly lost souls. You wouldnt think a suicide bomber could be funny? Think again. Advertisement
3 Junebug (2005) Amy Adams first Oscar nomination was for this underappreciated gem about a Chicago man (Alessandro Nivola) who takes his new wife (Embeth Davidtz) to visit his family in small-town North Carolina, creating a culture shock for his sophisticated bride. (Adams plays the mans naive, sunny sister-in-law, whos wowed by their big-city ways.) Junebug is that rare thing: a funny, humane comedy about the red state/blue state divide that treats all its characters fairly, finding whats funny about all of them. If youve never seen Junebug, theres no better time than the present. Advertisement
2 Get Out (2017) Writer-director Jordan Peeles feature debut was a secret screening at Sundance, quickly building buzz as a horror-comedy like no other. A box-office sensation and an Oscar-winner, Get Out is now hailed as a landmark satire, a perfect distillation of race relations in America in the post-Obama era. Peele has only taken bigger risks with his subsequent films, but he never bulls-eyed the zeitgeist with such clarity and wit as he did here. Advertisement
The governments of Dubai and Pakistan have signed two Inter-Governmental Framework Agreements to strengthen their relations in the marine and logistics sectors, including the potential establishment of a dedicated freight corridor and economic zone near Karachi.
The agreements were signed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, by Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Federal Minister of Communication, Railways and Maritime Affairs of Pakistan, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), Government of Dubai.
DP World will act on behalf of the Dubai Government, while state-run Pakistan Railways and Port Qasim Authority will act on behalf of the Pakistan Government, for the development of the projects.
Dedicated freight corridor
The dedicated freight corridor is planned to run from Karachi Port on the Arabian Sea, passing through Karachi, Pakistans most populous city, to the Pipri Marshalling Yard, approximately 45km away. This will improve efficiency, transport times, and reduce the overall cost of logistics.
Headquartered in Lahore, Pakistan Railways is Pakistans national, state-owned railway company, owning and operating nearly 8,000km of railway across the country, from Torkham in the northwest to Karachi in the south.
Qasim International Container Terminal
A second framework agreement was signed with Pakistans Ministry of Maritime Affairs to dredge the navigation channel for the Qasim International Container Terminal. DP World will carry out the capital dredging on behalf of the Government of Dubai.
Economic zone
This framework agreement will also see the development of an economic zone at Port Qasim, which aims to attract more than $3 billion of foreign direct investment. DP World, on behalf of the Government of Dubai, will carry out the development of the economic zone, with the aim of maximising economic activity in Pakistan.
DP World began operations in Pakistan in 1997 at the Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT) the first of its kind in the country and has since transformed the facility into a leading gateway for global trade in the region.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC and Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: Pakistan is a growing market, and an important trade corridor to Central Asia. We are proud to have contributed to its trading ability through our operations at Qasim International Container Terminal and are honoured to work with various Pakistani government organisations to develop new freight systems and with Port Qasim Authority to enhance port connectivity and investment. These will help serve Pakistans growing population, forecast to approach 300 million in the coming decade, and integrate it further into the wider region.
Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Federal Minister of Communication, Railways and Maritime Affairs, said: DP World has long standing proud presence in Pakistan witnessed by mutually rewarding engagement. Building on the unwavering trust and partnership, the two brotherly countries have decided to further consolidate the economic cooperation through landmark projects. The signing of Investment Framework Agreements highlights the importance of Pakistan as gateway to Asia and commercial dividends associated with its strategic location. - TradeArabia News Service
A hacktivist group calling itself Anonymous Sudan claimed credit last week for an apparently unsuccessful attack on the London Internet Exchange, or LINX, attributing the action to Britains support of Israel. According to a tweet from OSINT research entity CyberKnow, LINX remained operational throughout, and the Anonymous Sudan group provided less evidence than usual for its claims.
The group said the prompt for the attack were the recent airstrikes conducted against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have used drones and missiles to attack shipping off the coast of that country. We expected this to be too good of an opportunity for [Anonymous] Sudan not to try and market themselves, CyberKnow wrote.
Who is Anonymous Sudan?
Reports from cybersecurity companies indicate that Anonymous Sudan may not be purely an ideological anti-Zionist organization. One such report from Cloudflare said that the group has been linked to Killnet, a notorious pro-Russian hacking group. Anonymous Sudan has also been known to issue communications in Russian, and its attack infrastructure is suggestive that the group either originates from that country or is supported by its citizens. The US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Information Security describes KillNet as a hacktivist group that has been actively performing DDoS attacks against Ukraine and countries that support it since January 2022.
Although KillNets ties to official Russian government organizations such as the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) or the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) are unconfirmed, the group should be considered a threat to government and critical infrastructure organizations including healthcare, the OIS report said.
The confusing nature of Anonymous Sudans roots and the murky nature of the most recent attack is not a surprise, according to experts, who said that the entire hacktivism movement is riddled with misinformation and misdirection. Frank Dickson, group vice president for security and trust at IDC, said that even validating the attribution of some hacktivist activity can be difficult.
Attributing hacktivist attacks tough
When you talk to the folks that are good at this, the first thing theyll tell you is that valid attribution is really tough, Dickson said. Especially because DDoS is a volumetric attack. Could it have been this group? Sure. Could it have been anyone else? Absolutely.
Tehran, Jan 18 (UNI) Seven non-Iranian nationals, including three women and four children, were killed on Thursday in Pakistan's missile strikes in a border village in the Iranian southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor for security and law enforcement of the province, said.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said earlier on Thursday morning that its military has carried out a series of precision strikes against "terrorist hideouts" inside Iran, which killed a number of "terrorists."
"Sound of several explosions were heard around 4:30 am [local time, 01:00 GMT] today ... one of our border villages was hit by a Pakistani missile attack ... Three women and four children, who were non-Iranian nationals, were killed in the incident," Iranian news agency Fars quoted Marhamati as saying.
Marhamati added that another explosion was heard near the city of Saravan in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, but there were no casualties.
UNI XC GNK
When Gov. Kathy Hochul travels to Washington, D.C., on Friday, shell be making two appeals that could put her in a difficult political spot.
In one appeal, shell be asking the White House to get serious about immigration reform. As part of that conversation, the governor intends to lobby for federal financial support as the Empire State plans to spend $2.4 billion on the migrant crisis in the coming year.
But Hochul also has a second objective in Washington.
There's another pot of money that's on my agenda for Friday, Hochul said during a press conference held Tuesday following her budget presentation at the state Capitol.
The governor will be seeking $1.3 billion to help pay for pandemic-era bonuses the state administered to health care workers. Hochul said shed been under the impression the federal government would reimburse these bonuses, which were implemented to support a stretched workforce.
Turns out, that may have been a misguided assumption.
The lack of reimbursement for these bonuses comes as New Yorks Medicaid spending currently exceeds projections by $1.5 billion, the governor announced Tuesday.
"So I'm looking between the cushions on the sofa for money to try to make sure we can provide the services that people need in our state, but also make sure that we manage within our limitations, Hochul said.
Of course, spending $2.4 billion on migrants isnt exactly comparable to the more than $30 billion the state has allocated for its portion of Medicaid spending in 2025. In addition, a conversation about reining in Medicaid spending New York spends the most per capita of any state on Medicaid is very different from setting aside a relatively small portion of a $233 billion budget to help new arrivals.
Still, placing migrant funding and health care reimbursement on the same agenda puts Hochul in a tough political position.
After all, some of the most base arguments made against supporting migrants go something like this: How can you help them when so many of us are in need?
Since its true that Medicaid is, at its core, an entitlement meant to care for struggling New Yorkers, the governors talk about a desperate search for cash to meet New Yorks Medicaid obligation may not go over so well with New Yorkers who are being asked to spend roughly $120 per person next year to support migrants.
The $2.4 billion that Hochuls budget would allocate toward services such as temporary shelter, medical care and legal assistance for migrants, including the more than 69,000 still being sheltered in New York, follows $1.9 billion spent on the migrant crisis in the current year. That money was originally billed as a one-time expense, yet here we are again with no end to the migrant influx in sight and anger brewing as a result.
But as is the case with the migrant arrivals, the Medicaid situation is far more nuanced than it may appear.
Bill Hammond, a senior fellow for health policy with the right-leaning Empire Center who warned about the states out of control Medicaid spending in October, said Hochuls announcement about the $1.5 billion Medicaid gap was really meant as a warning to do with spending not a warning about impending changes to health care.
I don't think it's a matter of robbing Peter to pay Paul here. I think she's looking at Medicaid and she's saying there's a sustainable level of spending, and there's an unsustainable level. We need to get back to a sustainable level, Hammond told me when I asked about the notion of a tradeoff. That's a judgment call about where that is. But, I don't think theres a new tradeoff between immigrants and Medicaid.
Because Medicaid is an obligation, New York has limited means for controlling how much it spends. Some possibilities include changing eligibility requirements to scale back the number of people billing for services under Medicaid or lowering reimbursement rates to bring down the states overall Medicaid costs, Hammond said.
As Hochul vows to find ways to save over a billion dollars in Medicaid, shes likely to face significant resistance.
Providers are already grumbling.
The Healthcare Association of New York State is deeply disappointed the governor's proposed budget fails to include across-the-board Medicaid rate increases for hospitals and nursing homes, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement. If the budget is enacted as was proposed yesterday, the already woefully inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals and nursing homes will only worsen against these healthcare providers continually rising expenses.
Another way Hochul could bolster Medicaids bottom line would be to curtail spending on home care, which Hammond said has ballooned so wildly that New York spends nearly as much as the 49 other states combined.
But cutting home care spending isnt likely to be frictionless, either, Hammond said.
There's a whole cadre of providers who are making money on it, who are well-organized, and anytime you cut it, you have these pretty heart-wrenching protests where people with wheelchairs come to the Capitol and say, Why are you taking away our services?
Indeed, it seems the fight over Medicaid spending, like the fight over migrants, can be difficult and easily distorted, with emotional appeals often overshadowing reality.
It shouldnt be so hard.
As part of the appeals Hochul plans to make to the Biden administration Friday, she said shell be pushing for action such as the reassignment of judges so asylum claims can be processed more quickly, and for work permits to be expedited so migrants can fill job vacancies.
If migrants are employed possibly with health insurance policies and able to afford their own housing, they can contribute to state and local tax bases. The new arrivals can be drivers of the economy rather than a drag on it, and the need for tense state-funding tussles, with misconstrued arguments, can begin to recede.
With the right political will, we can all be taken care of.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) Terming the NITI Aayogs findings as completely false, the Congress asked that if the poverty level has come down to 11.7%, then why is the Narendra Modi government distributing free ration to 80 crore people of the country.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here on Thursday, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said, If the poverty level has come down to 11.7% which show that 15 crore people are poor then why is government providing free ration to 80 crore people?
She said, The government claims to have lifted 24.82 crore people from poverty level but the reality is that it is a big conspiracy against the poor of the country.
The Congress leader also questioned that if the poverty has come down then why is consumption not decreasing?
Accusing the claim of the government contrary to the ground reality, Supriya Shrinate said that why no third party or agencies like World Bank, IMF or any other have not accepted this claim.
She also questioned the criteria set for the survey and asked who were the people surveyed and what was the sample size. Adding that the NITI Aayog report was prepared in a closed A/C room consulting just three or four people.
During the UPA regime, 27 crore people were lifted from the poverty level, but Congress never claimed and publicised it, she added.
Earlier this week, the NITI Aayog said that 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in last nine years. And India has registered a significant decline in poverty from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23.
UNI RBE CS1428
Chunky Boy Yarn Shop operates from 128 Polar Plaza a former Dunkin' Donuts. The stores owner expects the stores drive-thru window will be used over the winter when some customers will pick up their orders while seated in a motor vehicle.
Collaboration with China accelerates internationalization of education: Malaysian educator
Xinhua) 14:02, January 18, 2024
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Close collaboration with China accelerates internationalization of Malaysia's higher education and promotes sustainable economic and social development, a Malaysian educator said on Wednesday.
In his welcoming speech for the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration program held by the Kong Zi Institute at Universiti Malaya, vice-chancellor of Universiti Malaya Noor Azuan Abu Osman said a key thrust of the country's higher education roadmap is to attract global talents and foster a diverse learning environment.
"These include increasing the number of international students, promoting exchange programs and establishing partnerships with renowned foreign institutions. Through these, cultural diversity and global exposure will be enhanced," he said.
He added that the university looks forward to welcoming the students from China and exposing them to be part of its international campus community within the university.
The celebration program includes a number of cultural activities such as a dragon dance, drumming and other traditional instrument performances, martial arts displays and calligraphy.
According to Zhao Wanzhen, China's director of the Kong Zi Institute at Universiti Malaya, many Malaysian students who are learning Mandarin and from schools of the states of Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Malacca are invited to the program.
"Hope this (the program) will help them better understand Chinese language and culture. They can be the seed for the future of China and Malaysia diplomatic relationship," Zhao added.
Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said the Spring Festival, which embodies the idea of "gratitude and blessing", "reunion and harmony" and "a new beginning of everything", profoundly expresses the common ideals and aspirations of all human beings, and has gradually become culture bond of China and other peoples in the world.
He hopes both faculty members and students of Malaysia will further strengthen exchanges with Chinese counterparts in various fields and jointly promote the training of talents.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Two killed, 4 injured in air attack by Ukraine military in Russia 18 Mar 2024 | 5:52 PM Moscow, Mar 18 (UNI) Two people were killed and four others injured as a result of an air attack by the Ukrainian armed forces in Russia's Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Monday. see more..
Afghan, Pak trade blows after suicide attack on Pakistani military Post 18 Mar 2024 | 5:39 PM Kabul, Mar 18 (UNI) Afghanistan and Pakistan targeted each other's border regions with strikes on Monday following a suicide attack on a Pakistani military outpost over the weekend. see more..
Japan's Kishida not planning elections until LDP lawmakers penalised for scandal 18 Mar 2024 | 3:37 PM Tokyo, Mar 18 (UNI) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plans to take disciplinary action against the lawmakers of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) involved in the slush funds scandal before calling snap elections, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported on Monday. see more..
Leaders of 6 CIS states congratulate Putin on victory in prez election 18 Mar 2024 | 3:26 PM Minsk, Mar 18 (UNI) The leaders of six member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistanhave congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on his victory in the presidential election, noting the broad support of Russian citizens, the Kremlin said on Monday. see more..
Could Prince William be the first monarch in nearly five centuries not to become head of the Church of England when he succeeds to the throne?
That is the suggestion in the final excerpt of Robert Hardmans fascinating biography of King Charles, which has been serialised by the Daily Mail over recent days.
According to Hardman, William greatly respects the Church, and enjoys going to services at Easter and Christmas. But he is said not to be a deeply religious person in the way the late Queen was, and his father is.
A senior palace figure told Hardman: His father is a very spiritual person and happy to talk about faith, but the Prince is not. He doesnt go to church every Sunday, but then nor do a large majority of the country. He might go at Easter and Christmas, but thats it.
Many will think that Williams reported diffidence about becoming Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England makes a lot of sense in an age when the average weekly attendance at Anglican services has dropped to some 650,000 people, from over a million as recently as 2012.
Prince William and the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster, at Westminster Abbey in 2019
Charles became Supreme Governor of the Church of England when he became King
They will say that the Established Church no longer represents our modern nation in which there are a growing number of adherents of other faiths such as Islam, as well as more and more people who have no belief in God.
Moreover, if William himself isnt a person of deep religious conviction, wouldnt it be hypocritical of him to assume the role of head of our national Church? Much better leave that job to someone who really does believe.
These are alluring arguments, which will find favour with many. But I am convinced that if William evades the responsibilities accepted by every monarch since Henry VIII broke with Rome, it will be bad both for the Church and the country.
I also believe that the monarchs position as head of the Church of England affords a kind of protection to people of other faiths. Let me explain.
However much congregations have dwindled over the past 50 years, and however godless our society seems, the Church of England remains our national Church, and has far more influence than may first appear.
Just think of Queen Elizabeths funeral in September 2022, or the coronation of King Charles last May. Both were intensely moving church services, and both were stirring national occasions.
If the monarch were no longer Supreme Governor, the Church of England would inevitably be disestablished, which is to say it wouldnt play a central, unifying role in our national life.
I grant there would be one possible benefit of disestablishment, namely that 26 Anglican bishops would no longer be permitted to sit in the House of Lords, where they tend to spout fashionable Left-wing views, and drive some of us potty.
But that gain pales into insignificance when set against the damage that disestablishment would cause. It might be too much to suggest that we would cease to be a Christian country, but we would surely become a less Christian one.
I am talking principally about England, since the monarch is not Supreme Governor of the Church of Scotland, being charged only with ensuring its preservation. Nor, of course, does he or she have any religious authority over the Roman Catholic Church.
Yet in fact the monarchs role as head of the Church of England affords a kind of protection to other churches throughout Britain, including the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church, and other denominations.
At her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, Queen Elizabeth II expressed this idea very well. She said: The concept of our Established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated. Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.
She went on to declare that gently and assuredly, the Church of England has created an environment for other faith communities and indeed people of no faith to live freely. Theres no doubt she was including non-Christian religions.
STEPHEN GLOVER: I suspect William fears his faith isnt strong enough for him to assume the role of Supreme Governor. If so, he is mistaken
This seems to me a powerful argument. The consequence of the monarch no longer being head of the Church of England wouldnt simply be that the Established Church would retreat to the margins of our national life. Other Churches and faiths might also become less secure.
If it aint broke, dont fix it. I dont pretend the status quo is perfect, but it enjoys general support, even among many atheists and agnostics. Prince William would upset a delicate instrument if he refused to become head of the national Church.
Why might he be thinking of doing so? Its unlikely to be because he is a non-believer since he voluntarily goes to church on occasion. He was confirmed in the C of E aged 14, though he may of course subsequently have had doubts. Kate was confirmed as an adult, weeks before their wedding in 2011.
Queen Elizabeth with the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, Doctor George Carey
I suspect William fears his faith isnt strong enough for him to assume the role of Supreme Governor. If so, he is mistaken. There have been many monarchs much less devout, including the often dissolute George IV, the philandering Edward VII, and Edward VIII, who gave up his throne to marry the divorced Wallis Simpson.
William seems conscientious by comparison. Moreover, he should realise that his grandmother was blessed with an exceptionally strong faith, as is his father. Not all practising Anglicans nor all bishops and priests are deeply spiritual, untroubled believers. William shouldnt set the bar too high for himself.
In other words, you dont have to be a saint to be head of the Church of England. You do have to believe in the importance of a national church, though. William has associated himself with several fine causes such as mental health. Surely he wont shrink from this great cause.
Consider this. If the monarch were no longer head of the C of E, who would be? Presumably the Archbishop of Canterbury of the day. Well, there are good prelates and not-so-good ones.
The Church of England is far too important to be left entirely in the hands of its archbishops and bishops. Even the best of them inevitably become embroiled in Church politics. They are also likely to find it difficult to communicate with those of other faiths and of none.
Not so our late Queen and, one trusts, King Charles. After the terrorist attacks in New York in September 2001, Queen Elizabeth II spoke for those who had lost loved ones: Grief is the price we pay for love.
No archbishop could have made a tenth of the impact. The Queens words carried the authority not just of a respected monarch but of one with a spiritual authority that derived in part from her position as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Not every monarch can be as unifying and uplifting as Queen Elizabeth, of course, nor as spiritual. But at least William has been given something to aim for. He is much more likely to fall short if he denies himself the role of head of our national Church.
Prince Andrew apparently regrets not being able to denounce the infamous photograph of him arm in arm with Virginia Roberts as a fake in his Newsnight interview. But what of the snap of him walking with Jeffrey Epstein in Central Park?
It mysteriously found its way into the public domain amid suspicions that Epstein had it taken.
Andrew wasn't quizzed about it forensically by Emily Maitlis. She didn't ask if he thought it might have been a warning that Epstein kept videos and photos of his 'guests' for, allegedly, 'insurance purposes'.
Might that have started Andrew sweating?
Prince Andrew apparently regrets not being able to denounce the infamous photograph of him arm in arm with Virginia Roberts as a fake in his Newsnight interview
But what of the snap of him walking with Jeffrey Epstein in Central Park?
The BBC World Service has pulled a planned repeat broadcast in which the late Lady Diana Mosley voices her admiration for Hitler.
It features the then Desert Island Discs host Sue Lawley asking her: 'Do you regret your friendship with Hitler?'
Speaking gushingly of his 'extraordinary, mesmeric eyes', Lady Diana said: 'I can't regret that, he was so interesting and fascinating.'
Matt Pintus, presenter of the World Service programme, said: 'Her appearance drew lots of complaints at the time, in part because of her Holocaust denial. But you still may find some of her views outdated and offensive.' As it has been merely postponed, listeners will have to suspend their ire.
Olivia Colman has been outed as an Olympic-class belcher and passer of wind.
Comparing her with epic offender Miriam Margolyes, Jessie Buckley Olivia's co-star in the film Wicked Little Letters tells a podcast: 'You don't know what she's gonna do she might fart or burp in the middle of a scene. She's like a Trojan farter and a burper.'
Alas, Olivia, no Oscars category for bottom-burping.
Olivia Colman, pictured, has been outed as an Olympic-class belcher and passer of wind
The late Queen owned a large number of properties in New York, claims US real-estate website The Real Deal.
It claims to have discovered 24 buildings in city records, all of which belonged to 'Her Majesty the Queen'.
Most were purchased in the late 1980s and early 1990s and included some in Manhattan's wealthiest neighbourhoods.
Maybe HM forgot her Big Apple property portfolio when, infuriated by Harry and Meghan's decision to call their daughter Lilibet, she raged that all she owned was her childhood name.
Grandiose dreams from Tory MP Alicia Kearns, publicity-prone chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee.
I hear her office has demanded a meet-and-greet room at Parliament, complete with flags, where she can be photographed with diplomatic visitors.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, unimpressed by Kearns's grandstanding, has vetoed the idea.
Grandiose dreams from Tory MP Alicia Kearns, publicity-prone chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee
Comic Jack Whitehall's mum Hilary muses on her podcast: 'It's a well-known fact that men's ears and noses get bigger as they get older.'
Boorish husband Michael, 83, interjects: 'What happens in the willy department?'
When Hilary, 62, says she can 'neither confirm or deny', he boasts: 'You've never complained about it before.' Doesn't a little Whitehall go a long way?
If ever there was a sorry tale for our times, it is the saga of Andrea Mairs.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Ms Mairs is a black teacher who has won a discrimination claim after losing her job.
Anyone reading that might assume that Ms Mairs had been victimised for the colour of her skin, and they would not be wrong: that indeed is what the tribunal panel to which Ms Mairs took a complaint against Manchesters Kings Road Primary School ruled earlier this week.
Delve a little more deeply into this case, however, and it becomes altogether more complicated, exposing the febrile territory in which we now find ourselves when it comes to addressing the thorny issue of race.
For while teachers had indeed asked that Ms Mairs be removed from the school, it was only after a veritable slew of incidents in which she had continually complained of racism.
Andrea Mairs (pictured) was let go from her job of 20 years in 2022 after six of her fellow staff claimed her 'relentless complaining' about racial issues in the classroom left them feeling 'intimidated', an employment tribunal heard
Library books had been removed and art displays taken down on the basis of Ms Mairs strongly stated views, while her objection to a visiting magician referring to pupils as little monkeys led to the word being banned thats right, banned throughout the school.
So sensitive to perceived racial slurs was this otherwise dedicated and popular teacher that she had even told the schools head that it was inappropriate for a black child to wear a sticky label with the word blackcurrant on it.
Altogether, during her two decades at the school, Ms Mairs raised complaints about nine colleagues and also made allegations of several incidents she labelled microaggressions.
It was this that led fellow teachers to make an official statement of complaint against Ms Mairs, insisting they were afraid to use the world black in her presence because of the risk of being labelled racist. In turn, Ms Mairs suggested their inability to do so was an example of blackophobia, illustrating their discomfort around a black colleague.
Does anything more perfectly show the terrible tangle into which we have descended? Weve got the point where even a plain-speaking black woman like me hesitated at my keyboard before I described Ms Mairs as the black woman she is.
Yet we cannot be remotely surprised, given that we now inhabit a culture in which Critical Race Theory a philosophy now underpinning teaching in many schools and disseminated via other public sector organisations deems that racism is endemic and encourages everyone to view even the smallest interaction through the troublesome lens of race and white oppression.
This kind of thinking is widely embraced by organisations like the perennially woke BBC, which recently deemed a remark made by presenter Fiona Bruce on Question Time offensive enough to require the wholesale removal of the episode from its iPlayer service.
Andrea Mairs was hired as a teacher at Kings Road Primary School in Stretford, Manchester in September 2001
Bruce had referred to a member of the audience as the black guy in the middle, leading Left-wing ideologues to accuse her of deploying a horrendous racial slur, since she usually identifies white members of the audience by what they are wearing.
Nana Akua argues that the refusal of Ms Mairs colleagues to use the term has been weaponised against them
For this apparently terrible infraction Bruce had to offer a sincere apology.
I wrote at the time about how this demonstrated the way a simple descriptive adjective - only offensive if used alongside a hateful noun - had been demonised. I pointed out that the BBCs decision implied that the word black was somehow always pejorative when deployed by a white person.
Now I find myself stunned to find that the refusal of Ms Mairs colleagues to use the term has been weaponised against them. You cant win.
This state of affairs would be laughable, were it not for the fact that events at Kings Road Primary have clearly caused widespread distress, both for Ms Mairs and her fellow teachers. More fundamentally however, this kind of fuss does nothing to bring about meaningful change.
I have no doubt Ms Mairs intentions are noble. But her job as a teacher is to educate, not to agitate.
I hope that she can put her victimhood aside and grasp the fact that to most of us - aside from those genuine racists who, sadly, still exist - black is nothing more than a colour.
Harry, Hal, H or Harold the royal formerly known as Prince must be sitting in his Montecito mansion contemplating how it could have been so different.
Should have been, perhaps.
Rather than gazing at his navel or collecting pointless awards such as being lauded as a legend of aviation the former Army chopper pilot could have been doing something useful for Crown and country.
Once the darling of the British public for his service and a refreshingly fun character, there was a time when Harry played his role as a working royal to perfection.
Likeable and engaging, he threw himself into official duties with gusto, home and abroad, and won favour with his grandmother, the late Queen.
Prince Harry has kept out of the public eye in recent months, but was pictured this week leaving a gym after a workout
Before his self-imposed exile, Harry won favour with the late Queen by throwing himself into royal duties
Then, after he wed actress Meghan, he flounced off across the pond to start his new life.
What exactly is this once hard-working man doing now?
Thats not entirely clear, except to say that now, just when his father the King needs him, he has gone AWOL.
Worse, he has burnt most of his bridges by attacking his family in books and films.
His brother William could really do with some backup, too, as he has to care for his young family as wife Kate recuperates from major abdominal surgery.
Harrys self-imposed royal exile and Andrews enforced exile following the Epstein scandal has exposed flaws in our constitutional system.
We obviously wish His Majesty the King and the Princess of Wales well.
I am confident they are both in the safe hands of the best medical professionals. Both are expected, in time, to make full recoveries.
And the King was praised for revealing his condition a benign enlarged prostate to encourage men experiencing symptoms to be checked out.
William is right, too, to postpone several of his engagements while his wife recuperates to care for their young family.
But these latest palace announcements expose some important what ifs.
Who would step up should anything happen to the King or William? Prince George, the next in line, is still a minor.
Kate on her last public appearance at Sandringhams Christmas Day church service. the King was praised for revealing his condition a benign enlarged prostate to encourage men experiencing symptoms to be checked out.
It would have been Harry. But thats now in the past.
Thankfully, one matter has now been sorted. Thats the issue of the Counsellors of State senior members of the Royal Family who can step in for the monarch to help with public business in the case of illness.
Until recently, we were relying on help from Harry in Montecito and disgraced uncle Andrew!
But as of December, Princess Anne and Prince Edward can now stand in for Charles after the King sent a Message to Parliament.
But heres a curiosity. Anne is known as the Kings right-hand woman. She is considerably more senior than Edward in age and seniority. And the outdated law of primogeniture has been changed to give women equal status when it comes to royal precedence.
But that law is relatively new (passed in 2011) and not retrospective.
So should anything happen to the King and William, Prince Edward would be regent and not Anne!
I believe that most people would prefer it the other way round, given the high esteem in which the Princess Royal is held.
The law should be made retrospective, in this case at least. And it is Anne, not Edward, who should step up as regent if required.
On mornings after a big vote, Westminster often has a sheepish air. Dawn's cautious light filters into the cloisters where MPs realise some of them might have got a little carried away the previous night. Rhetorical slights maybe ran out of hand. Whips wear the raddled expressions of sadists who look at crimson stains on the carpet and wonder if they were a little over-enthusiastic with the sjambok.
Normally there is a sense of tranquillity, even of post-coital shame. Laughter, too, as wits re-live the more lurid moments of spent passion.
Rishi Sunak called a 10.15am press conference to celebrate his Wednesday night success in getting his latest Rwanda Bill through the Commons. On Wednesday morning there had been wild predictions his Government would collapse.
By teatime it was evident he had cruised home. The crisis had been over-hyped, not least by the rolling-news TV channels. Sky News! Beth Rigby's eyelashes must have melted, she got so close to the camera lens.
Lord Carlile (pictured) claimed the Government was 'elevating itself to an unacceptable level above the law', Quentin Letts writes
Rishi Sunak celebrated getting his Bill through the Commons and urged the Lords in the Upper Chamber to 'do the right thing' and pass it too
Frenzy having abated, the Prime Minister gave a short speech about the legislation's next stage.
'There is only one question,' he said briskly. 'Will the Opposition in the appointed House of Lords try and frustrate the will of the people? Or will they get on board and do the right thing? It's as simple as that.'
The voice was slightly scratchy but Rishi isn't terribly good at triumphalism. Maybe he knows the Lords will be as difficult as heck. He made repeated attacks on Sir Keir Starmer's two-facedness and lack of ideas.
'Our plan is working,' said Mr Sunak repeatedly.
'The House of Lords must pass this Bill,' he continued. 'We are making progress to stop the boats. Now it is past time to start the flights.'
But what was that in the distance? Carried on the breeze from Radio 4's studios in central London, it was the rumble of distant thunder, or gunfire, or an old man beating his fists against a wall.
Sometime Liberal MP Lord Carlile, now a crossbench peer, erupted extraordinarily all over the Today programme. One moment he was there, in one piece, the relics of his combover hairstyle discoverable to any archaeologist; the next moment pop! he was all over the ceiling and windows and floor. Simply exploded.
Lord Carlile, a lawyer, was in a bate. He was appalled by the Bill just passed by the Commons. It had made him drop his monocle in his soup. It had made him do the nosetrick while supping his malmsey. He was so liverish so enraged that a government with a large majority was actually trying to govern that he abandoned all proportion and bellowed that Mr Sunak had taken 'a step towards totalitarianism'.
The peer added that the Government was 'elevating itself to an unacceptable level above the law'. The Bill was an example of 'politicians meddling in the law'. He and his fellow lawyers in the Lords were so jolly annoyed that they were going to do their damnedest to put MPs back in their place.
Lord Carlile is only 75 years of age, so it would be surprising if he had succumbed to advanced senility. Nor, given the hour at which Today is broadcast, can we easily attribute it to excess of flammable fluids or other forms of stimulant. Here was the palpable snarl of a hopping-mad dikigorocrat (dikigorocracy being, as I floated yesterday, the rule of lawyers).
Among his lordship's complaints was the claim that Rwanda was 'not working as a deterrent'. Er, that might surely be because lawyers like him had so far stopped the policy from being implemented, suggested the show's presenter, Nick Robinson.
'You can always blame the lawyers!' screamed Lord Carlile, before the interview was brought to an abrupt halt, maybe after his day nurse injected him with sedative.
We should expect more of this sort of thing in coming weeks when noble and learned lords consider the Bill in that outrage to democracy known as the Upper House.
UK national dies from Iranian strikes in Iraq's Erbil
Erbil, Jan 18 (UNI) A dual UK-Iraqi national died during the Iranian strikes on the Iraqi Kurdistan region earlier this week, the UK Foreign Office said in a statement following a meeting between UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in Davos.
"The Foreign Secretary condemned the attacks in Erbil in Iraq, which killed UK-Iraqi dual national Karam Mikhael. Attacks like this violate the sovereignty of other states," a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
During the meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Cameron also told Amirabdollahian that the attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea were "illegal and unacceptable" and that Iran "must use its influence with the Houthis to prevent further threats."
After almost two years of war in Ukraine and weeks of devastating airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, now fresh destruction and death in Iran after Pakistan attacked it on Thursday.
Authorities in Tehran claimed that three women, four men and two children were killed.
Yet in recent years, these two countries have been allied on several issues. Why has neighbour turned on neighbour?
First, we must understand the febrile landscape of faraway Balochistan, where the conflict is taking place.
This remote landscape, covering the southeast of Iran and areas in the west of Pakistan, has a population of 10 million and has long sought independence.
You might think both countries would be united against the Balochi separatists, but it's not so simple.
Pakistani activists of Muslim Talba Mahaz hold a banner reading in Urdu 'Long Live Pakistan'
People gather near rubble in the aftermath of Pakistan's strike on an Iranian village near Saravan today
The border region is a safe haven for Balochi rebels, as well as Sunni Islamists waging guerrilla war on the Shi'ite regime in Iran, and drug cartels shipping heroin to the West.
The disputed and dangerous region is yet another flashpoint, then, in the Middle East - one that has just ignited.
The tinderbox set alight on Tuesday when Iranian missiles destroyed an alleged Islamic State terrorist base inside Pakistani Balochistan, with two children among the casualties reported.
You might think of Iran as a global pariah. But if its war with Pakistan were to escalate, Tehran would have qualified support from three regional superpowers Russia, India and China.
The Iranian mullahs have been channelling weapons, including drone systems, to President Putin for his war of conquest in Ukraine.
India, meanwhile, is not only a major customer for Iranian oil, ignoring Western sanctions, but has a historical enmity against Pakistan since partition following the end of the British Raj in 1948.
Diplomatic relations among these uneasy bedfellows might be summed up in that cliche of statecraft: 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'
China has a more pragmatic approach, maintaining strategic, military and trading relationships with both Pakistan and Iran. Ultimately, though, Beijing's ties to Tehran are probably stronger than those to Islamabad not least because Chinese businessmen and construction workers on projects in Pakistan have come under repeated attacks from Balochi nationalists.
Strangely, despite what you might think, the tensions between Iran and Pakistan might benefit(itals) the West - albeit for cynical reasons.
Diplomats in Washington and London might reason that any spat between Pakistan and Iran works in our favour.
The Iranians have, after all, been stoking attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Western shipping in the Red Sea, as well as supporting Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel.
The last thing they need is another front for conflict.
We hear the constant refrain these days: 'The world's gone mad.' Let us hope that sanity can still prevail. Pictured: The Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy vessel following a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden
Yet a new war could also have troubling repercussions closer to home. The millions of people with Pakistani heritage in Britain often feel strongly about their ancestral country. The intensity of anti-Israel after the October 7 massacres took police here by surprise.
Would similar mass marches and counter-demos spill into our streets if Pakistan marshalled its troops and went to war?
The potential for unrest inside Britain would be enormous, too, if India then became embroiled in the conflict. Clashes between Muslim and Hindu communities, as we have seen in areas like Leicester, would surely reignite.
And always lurking in the background is the nuclear threat. Pakistan has weapons of mass destruction, and Iran is close to developing its own. It has the uranium and the expertise, if not yet the bombs.
We hear the constant refrain these days: 'The world's gone mad.' Let us hope that sanity can still prevail.
Princess Eugenie and her sister Beatrice have apparently declined to publicly voice support over their father Andrew's plight.
Could it be because the duke has yet to fulfil his settlement pledge to Virginia Giuffre that he would 'demonstrate his regret for his association' with Epstein by supporting the 'fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims'?
The duke has yet to fulfil his settlement pledge to Virginia Giuffre that he would 'demonstrate his regret for his association' with Epstein
Andrew's daughters have apparently declined to publicly voice support over their father plight
Eugenie, in Davos with Beatrice promoting her Anti-Slavery Collective, has created an ideal vehicle for her dad to fulfil part of his promise (The sisters pictured together in September)
Surely Eugenie, in Davos with Beatrice promoting her Anti-Slavery Collective, has created an ideal vehicle for her dad to fulfil that part of the promise in his multi-million settlement?
Reflecting on the Lilibet naming controversy, Today's Nick Robinson blunders on the Radio 4 airwaves, announcing: 'She wasn't quite so peaceful, Queen Elizabeth, when she learnt that Harry and Meghan had chosen her nickname for the name of their son.'
Cocky rival and co-presenter Amol Rajan eagerly corrects Robinson: 'Just to confirm, it was their daughter Lilibet, not son. Nick, honestly. Sloppy.'
Today's Nick Robinson blundered on the Radio 4 airwaves Queen Elizabeth 'wasn't quite so peaceful'
Welsh comic Rob Brydon recalls approaching curmudgeonly playwright Harold Pinter as he dined at The Ivy to say his RADA audition, for which he sang an extract from Harry's play The Homecoming, ended in rejection.
'I said, "I can't help thinking if you'd tried a little harder with the script things would have been very different",' he tells the podcast Rosebud.
'There was a deathly pause you might almost call it a Pinter pause, in which I thought, "Oh Lord, what have I done?" But then, the pause passed, and the great Harold Pinter laughed.'
Welsh comic Rob Brydon recalls approaching playwright Harold Pinter to say his RADA audition, for which he sang an extract from Harry's play The Homecoming, ended in rejection
Jamie Oliver's wife Jools, pictured, can't get a word in edgeways at bedtime.
Explains Jamie: 'For the past year I've talked to myself in the third person just before I fall asleep. I thank all the people that I love and who I'm grateful for and I thank myself for carrying this bag of bones around. It's a bit weird but it seems to work. I fall asleep easily.'
And what about the missus, Jamie?
Jamie Oliver's wife Jools, pictured, can't get a word in edgeways at bedtime
Daniel Craig may yet rue the day he poached Frank Skinner's cleaner.
Wails Frank: 'She said to me, "I can't come any more because Daniel Craig's offered me extra hours."
'The 007 star might not have realised she'd have to choose between us. I put a formal Catholic curse on him after that.' The name's Skinner, licensed to hex!
Daniel Craig may yet rue the day he poached Frank Skinner's cleaner, offering her extra hours
Voluble Labour MP Barry Sheerman, 83, announces in the Commons that he has had his DNA checked and he is '34 per cent Irish and 32 per cent Swedish'. What about the remaining 34 per cent Barry?
Labour MP Barry Sheerman, 83, announced in the Commons that he has had his DNA checked
Delightfully daft thespian Brian Blessed claims that he once passed the time in Surrey by wrestling Gurgis, a 48-stone bull gorilla.
'I used to make him laugh a lot,' he says. 'All the female gorillas used to come running. They always found me sexy. And they always used to try and grab me. They know how to unzip.' Is there a branch of Specsavers in Gorillaland?
On a drizzly Friday morning, Sara Sutherland wakes up smug in the knowledge that today she wont have to drag her children out of bed for the rigmarole of the school run.
Instead, she and seven-year-old twins, Charlotte and Harriett, will be flying to Barcelona for the day.
But unlike other parents who dare pull their children out of school for a family holiday, Sara wont be receiving a fine from the local authority for non-attendance.
For the scientist, from York, is one of a growing number of parents flexi-schooling. Part of the week children attend school as normal, and for the rest they are schooled from home. Or Spain.
While many parents shudder at the memory of home-schooling during lockdown, some middle-class families are going to extraordinary lengths to enable their children to attend school part-time, spending the rest of their week learning whatever, and wherever, takes their fancy.
Sara Sutherland and seven-year-old twins Harriett, left, and Charlotte
Kate and son Sam, 11, use his day out of school to go bouldering, which builds confidence
The trend, also driven by the increased flexibility offered by many workplaces, reflects a change in attitudes to education. According to a YouGov poll for the Centre for Social Justice, nearly one in three parents (28 per cent) feel the pandemic showed it is not essential for children to attend school daily.
This month, amid soaring absence rates, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan announced investment in attendance hubs, mentors and other strategies to get more children back into the classroom.
But record numbers of parents are taking advantage of little-known rules which, at a headteachers discretion, allow children to be educated at home up to two days a week.
In 2010, about 450 children were being flexi-schooled in the UK. Today, there are more than 15,000 members of a Facebook group set up to support families looking to flexi-school, although the exact numbers are not known as no official records are kept.
Sara has fully embraced this hybrid approach for her daughters.
I wanted the girls to have the experience of classroom learning, and the benefit of a professional teacher, but I was worried about invisible child syndrome the well-behaved, bright students who dont cause any trouble getting less attention than their peers, says Sara, 52.
In too many schools, great teachers are stretched across 30 children, and they end up being forced to carry out more crowd control than teaching.
I want to encourage Harriett and Charlotte to lead the way with their own education Im the facilitator for the learning they want to do. Their minds have been opened they learn piano and violin, theyve started to learn French.
Because they were so excited by learning a language, we took them to the South of France for a few days.
We take the girls outside whatever the weather. Sitting inside with workbooks doesnt suit all children. Theres something really special about being able to go pony riding on the beach. Its wonderful for their mental health.
Flexi-schooling is hard work, though. They probably learn more on the days they are at home than when they are in school.
Currently, 51 schools in the UK are officially listed as actively supporting flexi-schooling, including 14 secondary schools. However, a further 366 will consider it on a case-by-case basis, according to a UK Flexi-schooling map, created by parents and flexi-schooling practitioners.
It means some parents are going to extraordinary lengths to find a school willing to allow part-time schooling.
Rachel Gourley, headteacher at Huxley CE Primary School near Chester, says theres been unprecedented demand for places since the school adopted flexi-schooling in July 2021.
The girls have been learning violin and piano since they've started flexi-schooling
According to a YouGov poll for the Centre for Social Justice, nearly one in three parents feel the pandemic showed it is not essential for children to attend school daily
Having seen it in action in a previous role, she recognised its potential for improving the fortunes of the rural primary facing closure and with low attendance records when she took on the headship.
She says its not uncommon for pupils to live an hour or mores drive from the school meaning a two-hour school run for parents.
Many other schools are closer to the big villages, but since offering flexi-schooling, we get requests for places all the time, she says.
Ive had to turn down some children because I felt the journey was just too far.
One desperate mother wanted to bring her son from Worcestershire, a two-hour drive. I felt awful saying no, but I really didnt think it was in the best interests of the child.
Even more surprising, then, to learn that Huxley Primary is not an outstanding school it was graded as inadequate by Ofsted, just as Mrs Gourley took over.
We were just putting our flexi-schooling arrangements in place when Ofsted visited, she explains, and they worried that children werent covering a whole curriculum. We now have a rolling curriculum, so flexi-schoolers dont miss the same lessons every week, and Ofsted were impressed with that when they came back. Our parents know what we have to offer their children, and they dont seem bothered by the rating.
When Sara Sutherland failed to find a suitable state school that would allow flexi-schooling, she took a financial hit.
She is paying 2,500 a term for her daughters to attend a local private school, which lets them spend two days a week learning at home.
Coupled with Sara leaving her full-time job as a commercial laboratory manager to support the girls, its been a big financial sacrifice, but not one she would change.
Sara says: We have an older son, who had an absolutely awful time at school. The rigidity of it and pressure of exams was far too much. This time, I wanted it to be different.
Its an attitude that chimes with the YouGov poll, in which only 70 per cent of parents were confident their childs needs were being met at school, a figure that dropped to 61 per cent at secondary school.
For our family, going down to one wage is better than having two parents slogging their guts out for material things, Sara adds.
My husband often has to work away, so if the girls were at school full-time, they might not get to see him. This way, we get family time.
We dont have a top-of-the range car, were frugal, but being able to take holidays using term-time days does save a bit of money, too.
We go on day trips around where we live in Yorkshire, too. The girls loved visiting the James Herriot museum at Thirsk and Eureka! the national childrens museum in Halifax, plus a coal mining museum.
Sara spends 2,500 a term for her daughters to attend a local private school, which lets them spend two days a week learning at home
Theyre always learning. They can read a menu in a cafe, work out how much change we will be given, talk about where in the world the food has come from.
The girls are able to go back into school and show their peers everything they have been up to.
And the school has even copied some of my ideas. We took the girls on a camping trip to a childrens adventure park, for example, and within a few weeks the school had planned a residential there.
And straight after the girls went on a trip to France, their class had a French day where they wore French clothes and ate French food.
While the government might want to get more children back into school, Sarah Sudea, founder of Finding the Flex, which provides flexi-schooling advice, says: A recent study found up to a third of children said they were happier learning at home [in the pandemic].
More people are questioning the existing model of education and realising it doesnt necessarily work for every child.
Teacher Kate Unwin, 38, from Warrington in Cheshire, flexi-schools her son Sam, 11, one day a week, and says the extra time she and husband Ben get to spend with him is invaluable. They already home-school their eldest son Tom, 13, full time, after he failed to get a place at his secondary school of choice. After seeing how it helped him, they wanted to give the same opportunities to his younger brother.
Sam loves school and learning he has a lovely group of friends and hes very sociable, says Kate.
But we choose to flexi-school him so that one day a week he is able to have experiences that wouldnt be available to him at his Roman Catholic Primary school.
The world is changing; adults are realising they can have more flexibility in their lives, but were not affording that to children.
I work three days a week teaching, and Ben is a photographer, so he only takes jobs on certain days.
We have designed our lives around it. Sam uses Wednesdays to pursue his passion for bouldering [a sport similar to rock climbing], which helps him push himself mentally as well as physically.
That aspect of physical development gives him confidence to achieve elsewhere.
Everything has potential for learning. This week, Sam will spend the day with my dad, who is wonderful at DIY. Sam has designed a ramp for his pet lizards tank, which they will build together. In the old days, children learned from the people around them, and I think weve lost that. I know the life experiences hes getting with us will help him grow into a well-rounded man.
Rachel Gourley says its not just pupils who are benefiting from the increase in flexi-schooling, but schools, too.
I get a lot of other headteachers coming to look around our school now, she explains. Im happy to say that lots have decided to introduce it at their own schools after seeing how well it works.
I believe strongly that children are individuals, and the school system we have at the moment doesnt allow all children to flourish.
The girls will fly to Barcelona or France for the day, instead of learning in classroom
I was really proud that in a recent survey, 100 per cent of our children said they felt safe here. If a little bit of extra time at home helps children be happy in school the rest of the time, it is worth it.
Of course, plenty of headteachers draw the line at letting pupils spend two days a week out of the classroom. Most secondary schools consider it to be too disruptive.
Finding the Flexs Sarah Sudea explains: Its quite common for us to find headteachers worried about not being inclusive; not everybodys parents are able to offer flexi-schooling, and it seems unfair for some children to have that advantage and not others.
However, if some pupils are learning at home on certain days, it gives the rest of the children the advantage of a smaller class.
We also find that allowing some youngsters to spend more time at home can increase their overall attendance, as school can feel more manageable. Kate MacDonald, a single parent from Gloucester, feels so strongly about the benefits of flexi-schooling that she is taking her children out of school without the heads agreement.
Her two children, aged nine and seven, are being marked as absent one day a week, and Kate has been warned she could be taken to court and even sent to prison.
While under UK law it is permissible to remove your child completely from school and take personal responsibility for their learning, there is no similar rule for flexi-schooling.
Kate said: I work in education, running forest school sessions, and it seemed ridiculous that I was giving other peoples children the well-rounded education I felt was important, but not my own.
Last year, my husband and I split, and it had a huge impact on our two children.
I decided they needed more time with me, but I didnt want to pull them out of mainstream education entirely. I firmly believe it is very important.
They are settled, their teachers are all wonderful, and I dont want to disrupt them. But school curriculums are so rigid and formal, and I believe theres more they need to learn about.
Despite the headteacher initially sounding supportive, she eventually told me the school governors wouldnt allow it.
I was absolutely devastated. I felt so strongly about it that I decided to remove them from school on Fridays anyway.
The children have really flourished. Theyre sleeping better, their general mood is better and they love going into school the rest of the week.
But because their absence is unauthorised, I face fines of 120, 60 for each child, for each day they are absent from school.
Im currently in talks with the school to see how we can move forward.
Its ridiculous that at another school, what I am doing would be perfectly legal. The whole education system needs a huge shake-up.
With the Government desperate to get more children back into school full-time, this seems unlikely to happen any time soon.
Perhaps its just my generation, the older end of the population, that rushed its babies to be vaccinated against measles, having grown up, as we did, in the shadow of the life-threatening childhood disease.
Its a parental habit that appears to have diminished. Theres now a terrifying rise in cases, which have quadrupled in a year, and there are warnings that children could die unless they have their jabs. Its the biggest measles outbreak since the 1990s.
The problem is particularly acute in the West Midlands, where health chiefs have declared a national incident. More than 300 confirmed or probable cases have been identified since October, and measles is frighteningly easy to catch if you are not vaccinated.
Fifty children have been treated for measles in Birmingham Childrens Hospital in the past month when normally it would have expected none. Unvaccinated children have been sent home from school for up to 21 days due to the risk of coming into contact with a child with the disease.
Catch-up jab clinics are being held in schools across the region in the hope of preventing a surge. Parents, staff and pupils are being given protection.
JENNI MURRAY: Had a jab been available when I was a baby, my mother would have been down to the clinic like a shot. As medical science advanced, I had jabs for everything. So why are parents not having their children immunised now?
We oldies are only too familiar with measles, and that what is so often thought of as a minor childhood disease, is anything but. I was born in 1950 and there was no protection against it until 1968.
When I was three, I became very ill with measles. I had a raging temperature, was covered in a rash and my breathing was laboured. The GP came to see me every day for three weeks.
On her instructions, Dad brought my bed down to the sitting room. Mum had to keep a constant eye on me as they were warned I could fade and die quickly. The curtains were closed so the room was in darkness. Any light, Mum was told, could do permanent damage to my eyesight. It had to be quiet, too, to protect my hearing.
The early days of my illness when everyone seemed to be panicking are my earliest childhood memories. I cannot recall being poorly. I only know what my mother told me of her fear. In the 1950s, it was not unusual for a child to die from the disease.
Families grieved for their lost infants, keeping what had been their favourite toy on the mantelpiece or a faded photograph of them in their Sunday best.
My parents were terrified. I was their only child. I can only imagine what they went through, caring for a toddler they adored but knew they could lose.
They knew how high the stakes were as their only child lay silent with no treatment on offer.
A neighbours daughter, Jane, a little girl around my age fell ill at the same time as me. Wed been playmates. I remember, as I began to recover, hearing my mother whispering to my grandmother what Janes mother had told her.
Like me, Jane had been hot and silent, covered in a similar rash.
After a few weeks, shed seemed to rally a little and began to talk. Then, as her father read her a story, she became confused. She said she was sleepy. Hours later she was dead. My parents could only pray I would not follow.
I lived, but was weak for some time after the worst was over. I regained my energy and verve, but was left with asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis still irritating today.
Had a jab been available when I was a baby, my mother would have been down to the clinic like a shot. As medical science advanced, I had jabs for everything smallpox, whooping cough, even the measles when I was 18. So why are parents not having their children immunised now?
The proportion of fully jabbed five-year-olds nationally has fallen to 84.5 per cent
As recently as 2019, this country was virtually measles-free, having recovered from the 1990s when Dr Andrew Wakefield made a discredited assertion that the combined MMR measles, mumps and rubella jab could cause autism.
Back then parents became anxious about taking their children for vaccinations, but the scientific research which rubbished Wakefield was so powerful, trust in the vaccine returned and 95 per cent coverage was achieved, enough to protect the whole UK.
Now, though, the proportion of fully jabbed five-year-olds nationally has fallen to 84.5 per cent not enough to create herd immunity. We can only assume the pandemic and conspiracy stories about Covid vaccines have engendered the kind of nervousness that existed after Wakefields assertions.
I believe the MMR vaccine is safe and has protected millions of children from a disease I know too well is highly dangerous.
Perhaps if parents are worried about mumps, measles and rubella being together in one jab, doctors should have compelling medical evidence at their fingertips to explain its not harmful or they should just agree to give each separately. More expensive for the NHS, but surely worth it for saving a childs life.
Its just a trip with a baby to the doctor, and a second when theyre a bit older. No more worries about falling ill, dying or infecting others. A responsible thing to do. Simple.
Not that Im planning one imminently, at least I hope not, but I like the new trend of funerals without frills. Just me, straight to the crematorium, no costly box to be burnt, no service, maybe just a little gathering at home without me. Itll save my boys a fortune and I wont be there to care.
Nobody puts baby in the corner!
Well, actress Suki Waterhouse is a brave girl, showing off her pregnancy in a custom-made red Valentino gown at Mondays Emmy Awards. How different from the baggy sacks I had to wear to conceal my bump. At last, being pregnant is nothing to be ashamed of.
Actress Suki Waterhouse shows off her baby bump in a custom-made red Valentino gown at Mondays Emmy Awards
Minus 5 is predicted for today. Will I venture out? Certainly not!
First time Ive cried in 40 years
Crying is good for you according to a self-described Tear Teacher who travels throughout Japan to encourage adults to cry more.
Its said to reduce stress. I was a weeper. Tears would come if I was told off, didnt get the job I wanted, was disappointed in love or watching a soppy film.
Then I was told, You must never be seen crying at work. People will think youre a softie and not up to the job. Men never do it, and neither should you.
I somehow managed to teach myself not to cry and, because I didnt do it in public, I never did it in private either. Until last week. Mr Bates Vs The Post Office had me sobbing in pity and fury. First time in 40 years.
Never work with children, Jodie
Ive become a huge fan of Jodie Comer, pictured, whose acting career has blossomed in theatre, film and on TV without any formal training at drama school.
But given her new film The End We Start From requires her to work with a staggering 15 babies, she clearly missed the famous old showbusiness adage, Never work with children or animals!
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei's new wife Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah wore a stunning wedding dress by a Lebanese fashion designer who has created looks for celebrities including Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Shakira.
Zuhair Murad took to Instagram to offer his congratulations to the 'beautiful couple' and he wished them 'a lifetime of love and happiness'.
In a caption for the photo carousel of the bride's beautifully glittering ensemble, which she wore on Monday, he wrote: 'I had the honour to be part of the Brunei family royal wedding by designing Prince Abdul Mateens bride wedding dress.'
Crowds of hundreds gathered on the streets of the Southeast Asian country this weekend to watch the happy couple parade through the capital ahead of their wedding reception.
Sunday was the eighth day of the couple's 10-day wedding - which has already seen Asia's most eligible bachelor legally taken off the market - and days of festivities.
Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei's new wife Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah wore a stunning wedding dress by a Lebanese fashion designer who has created looks for celebrities including Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Shakira
The elaborate ceremony also saw the royal couple publicly tie the knot (despite having done so legally last Wednesday) and enjoy an ornate reception attended by an array of international royalty and dignitaries.
Zuhair's design showed off Anisha's effortlessly elegant style in an ivory, glistening gown adorned with intricate floral elements.
The long-sleeve frock, which also featured a modest scooped neck, was teamed with a glowing long veil and tiara.
She held onto a matching clutch, seemingly decorated with the same fabric, while walking arm in arm with her new husband.
Zuhair's designs have also been worn by Adele, Jennifer Lopez and Heidi Klum. And it's not his first rodeo with royal weddings - the fashion guru designed the gown Princess al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia wore to Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding in 2011.
The internet famous Prince Abdul Mateen revealed his engagement to Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah in December - an announcement which shocked the fans of Asia's most eligible bachelor.
His new wife is the granddaughter of an adviser to Brunei's leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. It is understood she owns a fashion and tourism company, and that the couple have been dating for years.
Photographs show the couple taking part in a public marriage ceremony beneath an opulent pergola, before heading inside the palace for a formal blessing.
Zuhair's design showed off Anisha's effortlessly elegant style in an ivory, glistening gown adorned with intricate floral elements
Zuhair Murad took to Instagram to offer his congratulations to the 'beautiful couple' and he wished them 'a lifetime of love and happiness'
The long-sleeve frock, which also featured a modest scooped neck, was teamed with a glowing long veil and tiara. The happy couple pictured with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Queen Hajah Saleha
An estimated 5,000 people were expected to attend a reception at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace on Sunday.
Guests reportedly included royalty from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as Indonesia's President Joko Widodo and the leader of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
An Islamic marriage ceremony took place on Wednesday, formalising Prince Abdul Mateen's marriage to Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah.
Zuhair's designs have also been worn by a flurry of celebrities including Taylor Swift (left) Heidi Klum (right)
Sunday was an elaborate affair, and the 32-year-old prince was dressed for the occasion in a white and gold ceremonial uniform, while his bride wore a long white dress and jewels.
The couple waved at thousands of people who had gathered on the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan before arriving at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace in an open-top Rolls Royce.
This was the first time the newlywed couple had been seen together since a legal wedding ceremony took place behind closed doors earlier in the week.
Sunday was an elaborate affair, and the 32-year-old prince was dressed for the occasion in a white and gold ceremonial uniform, while his bride wore a long white dress and jewels
The elaborate ceremony this weekend also the royal couple publicly tie the knot (despite having done so legally last Wednesday)
The internet famous Prince Abdul Mateen revealed his engagement to Yang Mulia Anisha Rosnah in December
The waving and smiling newlywed royal couple greet the adoring crowd from a royal vehicle this weekend
However, this was only attended by male members of the wedding party, including the prince himself and his father, the Sultan of Brunei.
Prince Abdul Mateen is the fourth son, and tenth child, of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 77, and his former second wife Mariam Abdul Aziz, 67.
The prince is sixth in line to the throne, and has found fame on social media, where he actively engages with the public on Instagram - and boasts 2.4 million followers.
His lavish lifestyle is profoundly evident on the social media platform: superyachts, exotic pets, world-class hotels and private jets, intertwined with official royal engagements around the globe.
However, perhaps surprisingly, when the Prince was 24, GQ Thailand described him as 'a grounded man who doesn't like to flaunt his family's wealth'.
'He says thank you at the end of every sentence, and he makes no distinction of class or social status in his interactions with the people around him,' the publication added.
The interview highlighted that the prince's charm captured attention more than his striking looks.
Guests reportedly include royalty from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as Indonesia 's President Joko Widodo and the leader of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr
Prince Abdul Mateen is the fourth son, and tenth child, of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, 77, and his former second wife Mariam Abdul Aziz, 67
The prince is sixth in line to the throne, and has found fame on social media, where he actively engages with the public on Instagram - and boasts 2.4 million followers
His lavish lifestyle is profoundly evident on the social media platform: superyachts, exotic pets, world-class hotels and private jets, intertwined with official royal engagements around the globe
It also pointed out that Mateen was more focused on sharing his interests, and discussing family and friends, rather than the monarch's wealth.
Coincidentally, his father, the Sultan of Brunei, is one of the richest people in the world, having a net worth of over 24billion - thanks to crude oil and natural gas exports.
Prince Mateen, who was named one of Asias 50 most eligible bachelors by Tatler Magazine in 2016, obtained a Master of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy from the University of London in 2016.
He currently serves as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Brunei Air Force, holding the rank of major.
Mateen has also showcased his passion for polo by representing Brunei at the South East Asian Games in 2017 and 2019.
Motorists have been wowed by a 'pump and flick' trick to free up frozen car doors and hoods.
US car expert, @RoadsideGenius took to TikTok to walk his followers through the method - step by step - so that freezing temperatures will not get into the way of their commute.
The simple trick will be music to the ears of many Britons who have been battling frozen vehicles before their commutes and school runs in recent days.
Yesterday Britain shivered through the coldest January night in five years and the chilliest of this winter so far.
Temperatures lowered to well under zero as snow flurries hit some areas in the UK.
US car expert. @RoadsideGenius revealed the step-by-step method to unlocking your frozen car door or hood - and all you need is an inflatable lockout bag
Dalwhinnie in the Highlands braced -14C (6.8F), while Edinburgh and Newcastle experienced sub zero temperatures of -7C (19F) and -6C (21F) respectively.
READ MORE: Drivers urged to use these little known defrosting tips this winter which can take the ice off windscreens in 'SECONDS' Advertisement
The big freeze made it the coldest night this winter so far, beating the -12.5C (9.5F) minimum temperature recorded at Altnaharra in Sutherland on December 3.
An amber weather warning has also been issued for 3pm today and 6pm tomorrow in North West Scotland by the Met Office.
Sharing the handy winter tip, the content creator said: 'I'm going to show you guys a trick that you can do to get your hood to pop up.'
He then brought out an inflatable lockout bag, gently placing it in the small gap on the hood of his icy car.
Taking his time, the TikToker steadily pumped the bag until the hood made a distinct 'pop' noise.
He explained: 'Now we can get in there and find some sort of latch! Sure it's got one they all do.'
The chilly trick can also be applied to car doors, that have been frozen shut.
Viewers took to the comments expressing their gratitude, with one writing: 'You taught me something lol.'
According to the content creator, you gently place the lockout bag in a gap between your car hood or door and gently inflate the apparatus until you hear a distinct 'pop' sound
RoadSideGenius quipped: 'Knowledge is power.'
However, not everyone was pleased with the trick, as one follower - who did not have a lockout bag - asked for any alternatives.
A woman asked: 'Ok, I don't have one of those [inflatable lockout bag] and it's -40 got anything else?'
The content creator jokingly responded: 'Break the window.'
However a frozen car door or hood is not the only challenge for motorists embarking on a chilly morning drive.
Frozen car windows can be a real challenge when you are in a rush to get out of the house in the freezing weather.
There are myriad ways you could melt away the ice from your windscreen, however drivers should be wary, as one may land you with an 80 fine.
In a bid to get rid of the ice, many motorists may turn up their car's temperature to melt it away - however this would be a big mistake.
Leaving an engine on while a car is not moving is also known as 'idling' and violates rule 123 of the Highway Code.
The rule details: You must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road.
Users took to the comments to thank the content creator for the tip, while others were frustrated the method required an inflatable lockout bag
WHAT IS THE AA'S ADVICE FOR DE-ICING YOUR CAR? Get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to prepare the car. Dont drive off like a tank-commander, with a tiny hole cleared in the windscreen. Clear all windows using a scraper and de-icer. Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock. Plan routes to favour major roads which are more likely to have been cleared and gritted. Allow extra time for winter journeys but be prepared for the inevitability of being late for work due to unexpected delay. Advertisement
It also stipulates that the engine should be switched off if the vehicle has been on for more than a couple of minutes to lower emissions.
But, it is not against the rules to have your engine on in standstill traffic or when diagnosing faults with the vehicle.
Idling to get rid of your ice would violate the law, more particularly Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1998, and thus could land you a hefty 80 fine.
Failing to pay the fine within 14 days could also result in a 40 fine on top of the existing 80 one.
King Charles III and the Princess of Wales are both dealing with medical issues that will force them to delay previously planned public engagements over the coming weeks.
The news of Kate's admission to the London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery and of Charles undergoing a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate next week has served to show just how threadbare royal resources are.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties for a time.
It means with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the US, and Prince Andrew in the cold, there is only four senior royals to call on: Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
It's a stark difference to previous years, when at one time the British Royal Family was made up of 18 working royals who could be called on to help with engagements. Now, just nine members of the Firm are relied upon.
The senior and minor royals working in 2017, compared to those covering royal engagements at the start of 2024. There are currently nine royals taking on regular duties, but with Kate in hospital, William stepping back to support her and Charles taking some time off to have a corrective procedure, there are just three senior working royals available
In 2017, royal engagements, such as trips abroad, Investitures and state functions were covered by 12 senior and around six minor working royals.
But this year, there is only seven senior working royals, alongside minor working members such as The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Alongside Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Queen Camilla, then The Duchess of Cornwall and Kate and William, the senior royals in 2017 included Harry and Meghan.
The Duchess of Sussex - who along with the Duke now lives in the US with their two children after stepping back from their duties in 2020 - made her first royal appearance with her husband in Nottingham in December 2017.
While on August 2 of that year, the late Prince Philip completed his final engagement after 70 years of service as he retired from his royal duties, aged 96.
Andrew, Anne, Edward and his wife Sophie, now The Duchess of Edinburgh, also supported the late Queen Elizabeth II during that time as senior working royals.
Minor royals, meanwhile, that have helped out in previous years include Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.
In 2019, Eugenie joined the late Queen at the Royal Maundy service at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel, and both the York sisters attended the King's Coronation last year.
Revealed: The working royals in 2017 compared to 2024 2017 SENIOR ROYALS Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Philip
Charles
Camilla
Andrew
Kate
William
Anne
Sophie
Edward
Harry
Meghan MINOR ROYALS Eugenie
Beatrice
The Duke of Kent
The Duke of Gloucester
The Duchess of Gloucester
Princess Alexandra 2024 SENIOR ROYALS Charles
Camilla
Kate
William
Anne
Sophie
Edward MINOR ROYALS The Duke of Gloucester The Duchess of Gloucester Advertisement
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
In December 2013, the two princesses made an official visit to Germany to promote the UK abroad, most notable for the suggestion they drove through a red light at the Brandenburg Gate in their Union Jack emblazoned Mini Cooper.
The trip was taken at the request of Number 10, and their travel expenses were paid for by Prince Andrew.
But with the Duke of York exiled from public duties, and both Princesses busy with their young families and jobs - Beatrice at Afiniti and Eugenie at the art gallery Hauser and Wirth - it's unikely there will be a repeat.
Despite calls for Charles to bring the siblings further into the fold this year, their father Prince Andrew's scandals would no doubt give Charles pause.
The Duke of Kent, 88, and Princess Alexandra, 87, have also both slowed down in recent years.
Although they are both officially still working royals, Princess Alexandra drastically reduced her workload last year, while the Duke of Kent has also scaled back due to mobility issues.
Regardless, it's unlikely two octogenarians will be able to step up to fill the void left by much younger family members like Harry and Meghan.
It's no wonder Princess Anne warned recently against slimming down the monarchy further after Megxit and Prince Andrew's fall from grace, declaring: 'It doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing.'
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
The King is known to be in favour of a smaller and cheaper monarchy - but royal experts have long warned that the monarch's vision of a slimmed-down Firm would likely leave the Royal Family 's day-to-day responsibilities 'impossible to fulfil'.
In May 2023, days before the King's Coronation, his sister Princess Anne, 73, insisted the British monarchy is in rude health and warned against slimming it down further.
The late Queen's only daughter, who is the hardest working royal in terms of annual engagements, spoke in defence of the Royal Family, insisting it brings 'long-term stability', 'continuity' and 'goodness' to the UK and Commonwealth.
In a nod to the larger number of working royals when Meghan, Harry and Andrew were in the fold, Anne said: 'I think that "slimmed down" was said in a day when there were a few more people to make that seem like a justifiable comment'.
When it was put to her that the world changes, Anne said: 'It changes a bit. I mean, it doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing, I have to say. I'm not quite sure what else, you know, we can do.'
Royal experts agreed, with author Phil Dampier saying there is a shortage of working royals for at least the next decade, with any further cuts leaving them unable to fulfil daily duties.
He told MailOnline: 'We have got a slimmed down monarchy by default because Harry and Meghan have left and Andrew is in disgrace. But there is now a real problem with most of the working royals being over seventy.
Princess Anne, stoic in her duty following the late Queen's death in 2022, will likely step in to cover more royal duties following yesterday's announcements about the King and Princess of Wales' respective health issues
Reliable super sub: The Duchess of Edinburgh is a trusted member of the senior royals and is likely to take on duties to help out between now and Easter. Princess Anne could also take on additional engagements
'It leaves just William and Kate and Edward and Sophie until their children get older. So for the next decade there is a shortage of man and woman power.
'You could bring in the likes of Beatrice and Eugenie to do more, but Charles has always been against that, and they are associated with their parents.
'We are going to have to accept that the days of having 1,600 patronages like the Queen and Prince Philip are probably over.'
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also noted the 'challenge' for the King and said he will need to decide 'how slimmed down he wants the monarchy to be'.
It comes after the Princess of Wales spent a second night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone revealed on the same day King Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and helping support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, pictured at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day; it's thought the Queen will cover any key occasions for the King while he recovers from surgery
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
She was not rushed to hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery is, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kates 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesnt have a normal life. Shes the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and its not too stressful for her and her family.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
Kate and Prince William pictured attending the 2023 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
King Charles III is pictured in a portrait taken at Windsor Castle last year
They were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
Events King Charles could miss while being treated for an enlarged prostate 18-19th January: Meetings and events at Dumfries House with foreign dignitaries and Cabinet members 25th January: Burns Night 27th January: Holocaust Memorial Day Advertisement
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patricks Day in her role as the regiments honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
The love child of King Albert II of Belgium has revealed a quirky underwear-free self-portrait sculpture on Instagram as she hit back at critics for claiming her 'art is simply decorative'.
In her post this week, artist Princess Delphine, formerly known as Delphine Boel, also opened up about feeling 'vulnerable' in the spotlight and claimed she has been 'used to stir up Belgian political problems'.
Delphine, 55, is thought to be the result of an 18-year affair between the former monarch, 89, who abdicated in 2013 in favour of his son King Philippe, 63, and Belgian aristocrat Sybille de Selys Longchamps, 82, that began in the 1960s.
She was legally named as King Albert II of Belgium's daughter three years ago - after first claiming she was his child in 1999.
Taking to Instagram, the princess shared her 'life size self-portrait sculpture', which was handcuffed to two regional flags and featured a pink body, no underwear and only a colourful striped T-shirt instead.
She explained the artwork, titled Taboo in Chains, was 'inspired by my life-changing experience in 1999', when she 'quickly realised that the knowledge of my existence was used politically, especially by anti-royalists and for internal political battles in Belgium.'
The love child of King Albert II of Belgium has revealed a quirky underwear-free self-portrait sculpture on Instagram as she hit back at critics for claiming her 'art is simply decorative'
Delphine wrote in her post: 'The other day, I enjoyed reading art critics claiming that my art is simply decorative, meaning no depth, no story and no meaning. I dont agree.
'My art is filled with statements, emotions and about humanity. Amazing how some art critics get paid while knowing nothing about the artist. They are just being political suck-ups.
'For example, one of my artworks from 2006 is called Taboo in Chains. It was inspired by my life-changing experience in 1999. From one day to the next I was in the press.
'I quickly realised that the knowledge of my existence was used politically, especially by anti-royalists and for internal political battles in Belgium.
'I could tell because the two sides of the country's press were writing different things about me and my situation. And it still happens.
'So I made this life size self-portrait sculpture,' she explained. 'I am kneeling on a target that is painted in the colours of the Belgian flag. I have no underwear, which represents how vulnerable I felt and have been feeling all these years.
'I am handcuffed to the flags of Wallonia & Flanders, because I felt, and still feel used to stir up Belgian political problems. However I am wearing a very colourful jumper, which represents my art which keeps me strong.
'Fast forward to today, I am now making artwork on the theme of Love as a way to express my gratitude for the positive evolution in my life as well as to share through my art a message for others to keep hope and never give up.
The princess met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.'
Taking to Instagram, the princess shared her 'life size self-portrait sculpture' (pictured left), which was handcuffed to two regional flags and featured a pink body, no underwear and only a colourful striped T-shirt instead
Delphine also posted a snap this week of herself holding up her 495 graffiti-style 'Never Give Up' scarf which features the phrases 'when the system is corrupt', 'when the future looks f*****' and 'when the going gets tough'.
Last year she reportedly penned a legal letter to the government asking to be invited to official events like her half-siblings Princess Astrid, 61, and Prince Laurent, 60.
Speaking after a court officially acknowledged her as the love child of Belgium's former king in October 2020, Delphine said her battle to be recognised as a royal was not about money or status.
Her lawyer, Marc Uyttendaele, has since penned a letter to Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium, insisting that she is invited to state occasions and treated with the same respect as Astrid and Laurent, reported The Times.
'My client has been worried for months about her role in official events,' wrote the lawyer, explaining that the princess is only invited to a few occasions.
He added: 'But even there, she is treated differently from her brother and sister. It is simply a question of respect.'
The lawyer went onto state that she has no interest in a financial endowment, in a reference to her siblings annual allowances of more than 260,000.
However the prime minister argued that Delphine is a private citizen and the royal family have official duties at these functions.
Artist Princess Delphine, formerly known as Delphine Boel, took to her social media account on Tuesday to promote her wearable art
Delphine, right, meets her biological father King Albert II, center, and Queen Paola, left, during an informal meeting in Brussels in 2020
He said: 'The people who are invited to these events are people who have official functions in our country, part of the royal family has an official function. Princess Delphine does not have one.'
For decades, the former King distanced himself from Princess Delphine and her mother to preserve his marriage.
After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself.
In 2013, the same year King Albert abdicated the throne due to health reasons and was succeeded by his son King Philippe, Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020.
Now Delphine has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family as are her two children Princess Josephine of Belgium, 19, and Prince Oscar of Belgium, 14, who she shares with partner James O'Hare.
Speaking to Tatler last year, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him.
Now Delphine (pictured in 2022 in France) has the right to the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family
She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said: 'You don't just have a child and kick it.'
Reflecting on her seven-year legal battle, Delphine said the action she brought was not about money or status but 'principles'.
Now Delphine has attended royal engagements and says her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness.
When she launched her legal action in 2013, she told Belgian radio show Matin Premiere: 'I feel like I have a right to exist. Not to exist in the royal family but as me.
'My decision to call for help through the law, I feel today that it was the right thing to do... The judicial system said that I was right and that I had the right to exist.'
Since the legal action has been settled, Princess Delphine has slowly become integrated in the Belgian royal family.
She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.'
When she was granted her royal title Princess Delphine was also invited to Belvedere Castle in Brussels where she had an official meeting with her father and his wife Queen Paola.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has been spotted having an early birthday boogie amid King Charles and the Princess of Wales ongoing health battles.
The elegant duchess, who's married to the King's brother Prince Edward, and turns 59 this week, was seen swaying to a birthday tune while visiting disability charity Mencap - of which she is a patron - in Walton-on-Thames.
It is thought the senior royal has been asked to step in to cover for King Charles and the Princess of Wales after their respective health issues were revealed yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles will attend hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate.
It was also revealed that the Princess of Wales underwent surgery for an abdominal issue the day before, and will not return to public duty until Easter.
Keep calm and dance on! The duchess was also spotted having an early birthday boogie while visiting disability charity Mencap - of which she is a patron - in Walton-on-Thames (Pictured: Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, enjoys an early birthday dance with an unnamed woman)
Despite Sophie's evidently hectic schedule, the dutiful royal still made time to visit the charity - and even made time for a little jig while at it.
In a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the duchess can be swaying rhythmically to the beat of Stevie Wonder's 1980 classic Happy Birthday.
The royal looked typically chic in an emerald green blazer, matching straight-leg trousers and a patterned dress shirt.
She teamed the ensemble with a purple wooly scarf and what appeared to be brown leather boots.
Her make-up was the epitome of a natural glow, enhanced only by a subtle pink lip and a smidge of black mascara.
And while the stylish duchess is revered for her sense of fashion, it was her cheerful spirit in the face of adversity that stole show.
In the short clip Sophie can be seen extending her birthday festivities to the beneficiaries and guests.
Grabbing hold of an unnamed woman, the two held hands and sashayed in excited tandem.
The elegant duchess, who's married to the King's brother Prince Edward, turns 59 in two days
Photos from the visit also showed Sophie showing off her baking skills as she joined in with making some cookies
The mother-of-three grinned as rolled out the dough, sporting an apron, and helped placed the biscuits on an oven tray
Sophie was all smiles as she got stuck in with making biscuits during her charity visit earlier today
The royal used a cookie cutter to make shapes out of the dough, which she then placed on an oven tray
The royal eagerly inspected the dough as she helped make biscuits during today's fun charity visit
It is understood that Sophie also joined in on a parachute game during today's activity-filled charity visit
The royal looked typically chic in an emerald green blazer, matching straight-leg trousers and a patterned dress shirt
Sophie put on an animated display and even joined in for a game of tabletop football
Sophie enjoyed a boogie with various guests, who were pictured laughing and cheering
Keeping it moving! The Duchess of Edinburgh has forged ahead with her busy schedule amid King Charles and the Princess of Wales health battles
Sophie swayed rhythmically to Stevie Wonder's 1980 classic Happy Birthday
In a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, the duchess can be seen having a wail of a time
While in Walton-on-Thames, she also visited financial hardship organisation Walton Charity - and got stuck in with a bit of gardening
She also met volunteers from the community centre who all had a swell time
Sophie was photographed working alongside local residents engaging in arts and crafts
The dutiful duchess is seen packing food donations for the Walton and Hersham food bank
Sophie kept it moving and managed to crack a big smile during her very busy day
During her visit to the charity, she also met with children from the Forest School, where they had fun by a campfire
At one point the duchess was so taken away by the groove, that she let go of the woman and continued her dignified jig solo.
She remained in high spirits throughout the duration of the video and even joined in for a game of tabletop football.
Photos from the visit also showed Sophie showing off her baking skills as she joined in with making some cookies.
The mother-of-three grinned as rolled out the dough, sporting an apron, and helped placed the biscuits on an oven tray.
The Kent-born royal will mark her 59th birthday on January 20, however in light of the royal family's recent health crisis, it is unknown if Sophie will go ahead with formal birthday plans.
It's likely Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and the Duchess of Edinburgh could now take on any public engagements that both the King and the Princess of Wales are unable to honour.
Prince William is also expected to take on a lighter schedule as he concentrates on family life while the Princess of Wales recovers from two weeks in hospital.
The royal teamed her outfit with a purple wooly scarf and what appeared to be brown leather boots
While the stylish duchess is revered for her sense of fashion, it was her cheerful spirit in the face of adversity that stole show
She remained in high spirits throughout the duration of her lengthy visit
Filled with excitement, Sophie grabbed hold of an unnamed woman and embraced her for a heartwarming hug
William, 41, will care for the couple's three children, Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince George, five, until Kate is back to full health.
Yesterday afternoon, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said at 3.30pm: 'In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
'His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
'The King's public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.'
While the level of detail on Charles's health is uncommon, royal sources said that he was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked, in line with public health advice.
King Charles III will undergo a corrective procedure next week on his prostate, Buckingham Palace revealed - meaning some of the monarch's upcoming public engagements will be postponed
The Princess of Wales underwent surgery for an abdominal issue two days ago, and will not return to public duty until Easter (Pictured: Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service)
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
It comes as Kensington Palace separately revealed that the Princess of Wales was being treated in hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
Kate Middleton will spend up to two weeks in hospital after having successful abdominal surgery, royal aides revealed - as others also announced that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate.
The 42-year-old royal was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone two days ago for the planned procedure and is expected to remain in hospital for ten to 14 days.
The future Queen will then return home to Windsor to continue her recovery with the support of her family, Kensington Palace said. It is understood not to be cancerous.
Former members of the polygamous Mormon cult led by Warren Jeffs have claimed that he is continuing to run the sect from behind bars.
Married couple Sam and Melissa appeared on a recent episode of the Cults To Consciousness podcast to discuss the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Church (FLDS).
Jeffs, who grew up outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced to life in prison in 2011 after being convicted of sexual assaulting two children aged 12 and 15.
But the duo have alleged that he is continuing to spread his 'dangerous revelations' to followers from behind bars.
Married couple Sam and Melissa appeared on a recent episode of the Cults To Consciousness podcast to discuss the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints Church (FLDS)
Jeffs, who grew up outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, was sentenced to life in prison in 2011 after being convicted of sexual assaulting two children aged 12 and 15
Sam and Melissa sat down to discuss the current situation within the FLDS with hosts Shelise Ann Sola and Jonathan Rosales.
Jeffs' father Rulon became the spiritual leader of the religious sect in 1986 and was considered a prophet of God.
But his son positioned himself as his successor before officially taking over as prophet following his father's death in 2002.
He imposed strict control and initiated deplorable abuse before he was sentenced to life in prison in 2011 after being convicted of sexually assaulting two children.
But it is thought that the cult still has about 4,000 followers - half of which are 'very loyal and devoted' - who believe that the charges against Jeffs were 'fabricated.'
'If he dies in there, he'll be a martyr and it will be another faith promotion for the FLDS people,' Melissa explained.
Sources have said that Jeffs is still able to communicate with the group from behind bars - usually inviting scribes to visit who then 'write down everything that he says.'
'He tries to talk in a way that makes it sound like it's coming from a celestial being and not a human and so he likes to use words and say things in a way that us mortal people will not really understand,' Sam explained.
Sam and Melissa sat down to discuss the current situation within the FLDS with hosts Shelise Ann Sola (left) and Jonathan Rosales (right)
The couple argued that there are still people 'waiting and believing' that Jeffs, who is estimated to have had 79 wives (pictured), will be released
Among the 'dangerous' messages they say that Jeffs has shared are those concerning the cult's 'heavenly sessions,' which involved sexual relations with underage girls in a temple setting under the guise of spirituality.
Sam said: 'Even though a lot of his followers do know - and they were even unfortunately a part of these things that happened - he had convinced them that it's not what he wanted.
'[Jeffs said] he didn't want to be in these "heavenly sessions" and he didn't want to be exploiting these women this way, it's what God was requiring of him.
'[He claimed] he would be suffering for the sins of the world and he would be in pain during these sessions and all of this - that was the message being given to these people to convince them that all of this was okay.'
Melissa added: 'Once he's released from prison, "heavenly sessions" are to start again. He's giving revelations that that's going to be something that is going to be started again.'
Sam conceded: 'A lot of these revelations and things that we hear and that are given to us from different sources, they are turned into the authorities.
'The authorities are aware of everything we know at this point.'
The pair revealed that Jeffs is currently in solitary confinement, but he could soon be released into the prison's general population
The pair revealed that Jeffs is currently in solitary confinement, but he could soon be released into the prison's general population.
'They'll put him into gen pop and they don't expect him to last a year because pedophiles don't last long in prison,' Melissa shared.
However, the couple argued that there are still people 'waiting and believing' that Jeffs, who is estimated to have had 79 wives, will be released.
Delving deeper into further revelations that Jeffs has declared from prison, Melissa began: 'There's a lot of crazy in these revelations.'
'One of the things that has come up recently in revelations is the hint at everyone needing to die in order to be translated,' meaning going from Earth to heaven, which Sam agreed was Jeffs hinting at mass suicide.
Jeffs is currently serving a life sentence plus 20 years for the charges
He continued: 'When he says everyone has to die, I'm really hoping that it's not what it sounds like and that it's this spiritual thing where maybe they go in and there's this ritual and then he's going to claim that "okay now you have died and now you're this resurrected person...."
'That's what I'm hoping but it sure sounds scary.'
'It's frightening and I have loved ones and family members that still follow and believe in him full-heartedly and to think that they could just be gone because he said to do something is just terrifying,' Sam added.
Melissa said that the couple had a friend who left the FLDS church - but her three daughters were still members.
'She was like "I hope the next time that I see my daughters I'm not identifying their bodies,"' she shared.
'It's heartbreaking to see a mother not know whether or not their children are going to be safe....
'I just can't imagine being in that situation. It is so heartbreaking and heart-wrenching to see.'
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A pensioner has finally been forced to scrap Britain's oldest working gas cooker on which her family cooked meals for more than 65 years.
Val Marks, 67, inherited the New World 42 appliance from mum her mum Grace Marks when she died in 1999 and used it daily ever since.
Grace originally bought the cooker for just 38 in 1959, the same year the Barbie doll and the Austin Mini went on sale.
But the vintage stove finally gave up the ghost after a number of repairs and it was taken to the tip on Monday and replaced with a modern appliance.
Val, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, joked that her mother would probably 'haunt' the tip after her beloved stove went there.
Val Marks, 67, has finally been forced to scrap Britain's oldest working gas cooker - which her mum bought in 1959
Val inherited the New World 42 appliance from mum her mum Grace Marks when she died in 1999 and used it daily ever since
She said: 'I did get upset. I thought there might have been trumpets and all sorts out on the street to see it off.
'I know there'll be ghosts down at the tip where they've taken it, because my mum won't like it being down there.
'It was her pride and joy. But I've got to move on. I'm missing it when I walk in the kitchen.
'People used to always comment on it and they were always surprised when I told them I actually still used it.'
Since Val inherited the appliance, she has cooked all her meals - 20,000 of them - with it and taken it to nearly ten different homes.
She made a Sunday roast dinner on it every week, a big batch of dumpling stew or egg and chips if she felt like treat.
The unlikely family heirloom - consisting of four gas rings, an oven and a top grill - meant so much to Val as it was the only thing she had left of her mum's belongings.
Over the years, Val kept it immaculate just as her mum had done.
Val believes she has cooked more than 20,000 meals on the stove, including a roast every Sunday
The appliance came out in the same year the Barbie doll and the Austin Mini went on sale
Val's mum, Grace, bough the New World Forty Two cooker for just 38 in 1959
The former admin worker was left in tears in February 2020 when the council condemned her beloved cooker and deemed it unsafe.
She even considered giving the appliance to nearby Clifton Park Museum, but she felt like that 'was giving away a part of her soul'.
But luckily for Val, hero repairman Dave Bannister was able to fix the gas cooker and give it another lease of life for four years.
Divorcee Val, who has no children, said: 'The cooker means everything to me. It was my mum's pride and joy.
'When it broke it broke my heart as well, and the council condemned it and said it couldn't be fixed.
'I started looking at maybe giving it to a museum or an antique shop but it was like giving away a part of my soul.'
But in November last year, it finally packed in, leaving Val devastated.
She decided that she 'couldn't go on' having microwave meals and needed to update her oven.
Val, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, joked that her mother would probably 'haunt' the tip after her beloved stove went there
The unlikely family heirloom - consisting of four gas rings, an oven and a top grill - meant so much to Val
Val said: 'It broke in November. The front burner at the left was too high and it needed capping.
'Dave had been in touch, and someone called Shane from Nottingham. But I couldn't go on just having ping meals.
'I need good food, especially with it being wintertime, so I made the decision.
'As you get older, you can't cope with the stress of it. But it's so sad.
'I remember we would go out on a Sunday, and when we got home Mum would do a fry-up on it.'
Princess Eugenie has recounted meeting a survivor of trafficking in a video for her organisation, The Anti-Slavery Collective.
In an Instagram video for the charity - which has 20,100 followers - the royal, 33, and co-founder Julia de Boinville revealed how one woman had been brought to the UK and promised work as a nurse.
'She was actually told when she came here "oh, you're meant to have a car",' the King's niece explained.
'And she didn't have a car so they said to her, "well we're going to take money from your wages to pay back the money you owe us for the car".'
Eugenie said the woman then worked '23 hours out of 24, driving around' - which is a form of debt bondage, 'where she had to pay her traffickers back with little to no money'.
Princess Eugenie has recounted meeting a survivor of trafficking in a video for her organisation, The Anti-Slavery Collective
'This world of debt bondage especially in the world of carers is happening more and more in the UK,' Julia warned.
'And this particular survivor was lucky enough to be found by Thames Valley Police and she's been working with a social worker to regain control of her life and stat working here in the UK.
'But I'm sure there are lots of people out there that need us to keep our eyes and ears to the ground - so always ask the question.'
This week, Eugenie appeared at a panel to discuss modern slavery. The princess, who co-founded The Anti-Slavery Collective in 2017, spoke at the event in Davos, Switzerland, alongside former British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Their discussion had to been to highlight the importance of elevating modern slavery to the highest levels of corporate board.
According to The Guardian, Eugenie said: 'Guns and drugs can be only trafficked once but human beings are trafficked again and again and again. For them it happens every day and minute.'
Princess Beatrice had also been in an attendance at the event to support her sister on Tuesday.
Eugenie was also planned to be a discussion leader at a World Economic Forum event on Wednesday, also on trafficking and modern slavery.
In an Instagram video for the charity - which has 20,100 followers - the royal, 33, and co-founder Julia de Boinville revealed how one woman had been brought to the UK and promised work as a nurse
This week, Eugenie appeared at a panel to discuss modern slavery. The princess spoke at the event in Davos, Switzerland, alongside former British Prime Minister Theresa May. Pictured with her sister Beatrice in Davos
Meanwhile, earlier this month, photos of Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank showed the couple enjoying a balmy new year break in Jamaica with friends.
Snaps of the royal and her financier husband Jack, 37, posing with friends - and their two young sons - on a beautiful Caribbean beach were posted on Instagram by the couple's friend Brendan Fallis, husband of US influencer Hannah Bronfman.
Looking relaxed and happy, the couple, who attended Sandringham with King Charles and Queen Camilla on Christmas Day, are seen in a lively group shot during their stay.
Ernest, born in May last year, can be seen sitting on his father's lap who is raising a hand to wave at the camera, and doting mum Eugenie, 33, is seemingly distracted by her baby son.
Eugenie co-founded The Anti-Slavery Collective in 2017. Pictured with her mother and sister at an event for the charity in November
August, now two, independently stands with his friends further back in the shot, wearing a green t-shirt.
Captioned 'When traditions begin', the photo sees the 20-strong group grinning at the camera as they pose for the picture.
Another snap shows Eugenie holding Ernest with three friends and their babies.
Wrapped in a towel and linen shirt after a swim, Eugenie smiles at the camera in the beach shot as the quartet pose beside a palm tree.
Eugenie and Jack have been married for five years and were wed at St George's Chapel, Windsor on October 12, 2018.
Their first child, August, was born on February 9 2021, with little brother Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank following in May last year.
The couple took to Instagram to announce the birth of Ernest on May 30 2023.
He was born at the private Portland Hospital in London like his brother - and his mother before him.
Ernest is 13th in line to the throne, and pushed Prince Edward into 14th place.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut a stylish figure while attending the 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) today.
The royal, 52, known for her fashionable looks, didn't disappoint in an all-brown ensemble as she joined in a panel session around the topic of 'Comparing notes on Financial Inclusion' in Davos, Switzerland.
The WEF is held annually from January 15 to 19, and is expected to pull in the biggest names in world banking, as well as economic leaders and a host of royals.
The monarch stunned in a chocolate-brown turtleneck and matching leather trousers, to create a monochrome ensemble.
An additional belt served to cinch Maxima's waist, accentuating her voluptuous figure.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has attended the 54th annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
Opting for casual-glam, she finished off the look with a pair of brown chunky winter boots.
She accessorised her outfit with an array of stunning jewellery including various gold bracelets and a black wristwatch.
A pair of ornate tulip-shaped earrings also showed off the monarch's signature fun style.
For her make-up, the royal sported a natural glow, enhanced only by minimal black eyeliner and a smidge of mascara.
Her highlighted tresses fell effortlessly to her shoulders, and were decorated by the faintest side part. A wine-red manicure was the perfect finishing touch for the stylish look.
Maxima was photographed in high spirits and appeared deeply engrossed in the conversation.
Davos 2024 is the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum and this year's theme is about Rebuilding Trust.
The mother-of-three is attending as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA) - which she has been for 15 years.
The royal, 52, known for her fashionable looks, didn't disappoint in an all-brown ensemble as she joined in a panel session around the topic of 'Rebuilding Trust' in Davos, Switzerland
The monarch stunned in a chocolate brown jumper and tan-coloured leather high-waist trousers
She accessorised her outfit with an array of stunning jewellery including various gold bracelets and a black wristwatch
A pair of bejewelled upside down tulip earrings were representative of the monarch's signature fun style
Maxima was photographed in high spirits and appeared deeply engrossed in the economic meeting
According to the WEF, the meeting aims to restore collective agency, and reinforce the fundamental principles of transparency, consistency and accountability among leaders.
The forum will assess progress on global security, trade, economic growth, jobs, and climate changes among other topics.
Yesterday, Maxima is understood to have spoken at an event around financial health and sustainable development.
As UNSGSA, the royal is also a member of the Stewardship Board of the World Economic Forum System Initiative on Shaping the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems.
For the past eight years, she has also been a member of the WEF-launched initiative, the Edison Alliance, which focuses on digital inclusion when it comes to health, education and financial services.
It appears earth tones are the style theme of choice for the royal this season, who was also spotted wrapped up warm in a camel-coloured cape coat just two days ago.
The Dutch queen appeared in great spirits as she waved at crowds alongside her husband King Willem-Alexander at the palace in Amsterdam.
The royal couple received members of the diplomatic corps of foreign diplomats for their annual New Year's Reception.
For her make-up, the royal sported a natural glow, enhanced only by minimal black eyeliner and a smidge of mascara
Davos 2024 is the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum and this year's theme is about Rebuilding Trust
Underneath her chic coat, Maxima wore a beige lace gown that perfectly complemented the nude tones.
The royal - who is originally from Argentina - then accessorised her outfit with brown a snakeskin clutch bag.
The mother-of-three kept her blonde tresses loose, in a side parting and tucked behind her ears.
Maxima opted for her signature glamorous makeup look - consisting of a smokey eye and nude lip.
Elsewhere, King Willem, 56, looked sharp in a black blazer jacket which he paired with a grey waistcoat and a grey and white patterned tie.
Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump showed their support for their stepmother, former First Lady Melania Trump, at her mother Amalija Knavs' funeral on Thursday morning.
The service was held near former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, where he and his wife wed in 2005. Knavs died on January 9 at the age of 78.
The half-sisters arrived at the church separately, with their respective spouses, wearing black midi dresses for the somber occasion.
Ivanka, 42, donned a long-sleeve lace pencil dress with a matching belt that cinched her waist, which she paired with classic black heels.
Ivanka Trump, 42, and her husband, Jared Kushner, 43, were seen arriving at the funeral for former First Lady Melania Trump's mother, Amalija Knavs, in Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday
Ivanka (L) and her half-sister, Tiffany Trump, 30, (R) showed their support for their stepmother in black midi dresses and classic black pumps
Melania was joined by her husband, former President Donald Trump, and her teenage son, Barron, at the service held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea
The former White House senior advisor's long blonde hair was styled loose around her shoulders, and she covered her eyes with a pair of glamorous black sunglasses.
Ivanka held hands with her husband, Jared Kushner, 43, who was sporting a dark suit and matching tie, as well as a scruffy beard.
The couple was talking with another man in a suit as they headed toward the church's entrance together.
Tiffany, 30, looked like the spitting image of her older sister in a sleeveless black pencil dress with lace detailing across the chest and black pumps.
Her blonde hair was blown out and loose around her shoulders. She wore gold hoop earrings and carried a black handbag with a gold chain strap.
The former first daughter walked alongside her husband of one year, Michael Boulos, 26, the heir to the multi-billion dollar Nigerian conglomerate Boulos Enterprises.
Like Jared, Michael was also wearing a dark suit paired with a white button-down shirt and a matching tie.
Inside the church, Ivanka and Tiffany reunited with their other siblings, as well as their nieces and nephews.
Former President Trump, 77, has three children Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric with his first wife, Ivana Trump, who passed away in July 2022 at the age of 73.
Tiffany is his only child with his second wife, actress Marla Maples, who recently hinted that she will be voting for him in the 2024 presidential election.
Ivanka donned a long-sleeve lace pencil dress with a matching belt that cinched her waist
The former White House senior advisor paired the look with classic black heels and sunglasses
Ivanka's long blonde hair was styled loose around her shoulders, and she had on a pair of diamond stud earrings
Ivanka held hands with her husband as she chatted with another attendee outside the church
Jared was sporting a dark suit and matching tie, as well as a scruffy beard
Donald also has a younger son, Barron, 17, with Melania, his third wife.
The former first lady delivered an emotional eulogy at her late mother's funeral.
'Her nurturing spirit had no limits, creating a legacy that will last for generations,' she said. 'With her beauty and impeccable sense of style she turned heads. But it was her unwavering dedication and hard work that made her exceptional.'
Melania gushed about her mother's love for her grandson, Barron, whom she 'showered with affection, illuminating his world with love, tender care, and unwavering devotion.'
Her voiced cracked from church's podium as she said, 'Rest in peace, my beloved mother.'
Donald had flown to Florida in the early hours of the morning to be at his wife's side, the pair following closely behind the hearse in one of around a dozen black SUVs.
Melania maintained her steely composure as she emerged from the church, watching in silence as the coffin was carried outside, flanked by pallbearers and clergy.
Tiffany looked like the spitting image of her older sister in a sleeveless black pencil dress with lace detailing across the chest and black pumps
The former first daughter walked alongside her husband of one year, Michael Boulos, 26, the heir to the multi-billion dollar Nigerian conglomerate Boulos Enterprises
Tiffany's blonde hair was blown out and loose around her shoulders
Tiffany wore gold hoop earrings and carried a black handbag with a gold chain strap
Ivanka's brother Eric Trump and his wife, Lara, walked close behind them
As the procession reached the road and she watched her mom being loaded back into the hearse, the former president reached out and tenderly squeezed her hand.
She left in the same vehicle as her father, Viktor Knavs, while her husband followed in another SUV, giving a nod of gratitude to Secret Service agents who closed the road to ensure a smooth getaway for mourners.
'It was lovely. She spoke artfully and straight from the heart about the elegance of her mother and the extraordinary stewardship she had for the family,' Melania's lawyer Michael Wildes told DailyMail.com afterward.
The former first lady managed to get through the hour-long service without breaking down, said Wildes, who secured U.S. citizenship for Knavs in 2018.
'Melania was composed and elegant as always but this was undoubtedly an impactful moment for her,' he added.
'The loss of her mother has really shocked her to the core. She relied heavily on her for support and counsel. She was the epitome of a doting grandmother.'
Mourners joined Melania and her father on Thursday morning at the same picturesque Palm Beach church where she got married nearly two decades earlier.
The Trumps have been regulars at the 125-year-old chapel since Melania wed then-real estate mogul Donald there in 2005 in front of VIP guests, including Hillary and Bill Clinton.
A year later, their son, Barron, was christened at the gothic-revival-style venue, which is less than three miles from Donald's Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.
Melania remained stoic and expressionless behind her black sunglasses as she watched her mother's coffin be carried from the street to the church
Former President Trump had flown to Florida in the early hours of the morning to be at his wife's side at her mother's funeral
Melania delivered a touching eulogy for her mother, Knavs, who died on January 9 at age 78
Melania gushed about her mother's love for her grandson, Barron, whom she 'showered with affection.' They are pictured with Knavs at the White House in 2018
The family also attended several Christmas services there throughout his presidency.
The hearse bearing Knavs' casket was accompanied by a massive Secret Service motorcade, arriving just after 10 a.m.
Melania and Donald were accompanied by their son, Barron, and her father, who looked visibly upset but paused to compose himself before joining them.
They walked slowly towards the church as a foursome, in complete silence, dozens of agents looking on, the three men wearing black suits and ties and Melania in a black suit jacket, black skirt, and a silver cross around her neck.
Rev. Tim Schenck, who joined Bethesda as rector in 2022, stood at the church entrance waiting to greet them with a somber nod of the head and some brief words of comfort.
Melania remained stoic and expressionless behind her black sunglasses as all four of them turned in unison to watch as Knavs' coffin, bedecked with a dazzling display of white roses, orchids, and lilies was carried from the street to the church.
Finally, they all turned to go inside, the coffin entering behind them, passing another huge pink and white floral display comprised of roses, carnations, and daisies.
Senators Rick Scott and Lindsay Graham were spotted entering the historic church, greeting one another warmly outside before going inside.
The former president's sister Elizabeth Trump Grau, 82, and Don Jr.'s partner, Kimberly Guilfoyle, 54, were also seen.
The Trumps have been regulars at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea for nearly two decades
Melania wed then-real estate mogul Donald at the church in 2005 in front of VIP guests, including Hillary and Bill Clinton
Melania maintained her steely composure as she emerged from the church, watching in silence as the coffin was carried outside, flanked by pallbearers and clergy
As the procession reached the road and she watched her mom being loaded back into the hearse, the former president reached out and tenderly squeezed her hand
Former President Trump's older children and their spouses were seen leaving the church together after the funeral service
Ivanka and Jared stood between her brother Don Dr. and his partner, Kimberly Guilfoyle, at the church. Eric and Lara were behind them, next to Don Jr.'s ex-wife, Vanessa Trump
It was unclear if Donald would make it after a heated exchange with a New York federal judge overseeing E. Jean Carroll's defamation case against him. The judge denied an application to delay the trial.
Judge Lewis Kaplan noted that the former president was not legally obliged to be court in person anyway, but he was still on the receiving end of a furious tirade on Truth Social, with Donald branding him a 'terrible, biased, irrationally angry Clinton-appointed judge.'
Donald did deliver a touching tribute to his mother-in-law during his victory speech at the Iowa caucuses Tuesday, hailing her as an 'incredible, beautiful mother.'
'She's up there, way up there. She's looking down and she's so proud of us. And I just want to say to Amalija, you are special, one of the most special people I've ever known,' he added.
Ivanka paid tribute to the former first lady's mother on Instagram Stories the day after she died.
'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Melania's beloved mother, Amalija Knavs, a remarkable woman who brought immense joy and love into the lives of all around her,' she wrote.
'Her spirit, strength, and compassion will be profoundly missed but live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched so dearly. Rest in Peace Amalija.
Melania had missed most of the Christmas and New Year celebrations at Mar-a-Lago to care for her ailing mom, who was raised in an impoverished Slovenian village but lived out her final days as a well-heeled Florida retiree.
In her own statement announcing the death, she said: 'Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity.
'She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy.'
The reunion of most of the Suits cast at the Golden Globes on Sunday has sparked excitement about the forthcoming LA-based spin-off show and intrigue over a part in it which seems to have been written just for Meghan Markle.
Suits creator Aaron Korsh has scripted a new show about the life and loves of toilers in a Hollywood law firm and created a character, Erica, who appears tailor-made to be played by Meghan.
Erica is an African-American career-focused Californian girl in her 30s who is 'smarter than everyone' and enjoys an eventful personal life.
The Duchess of Sussex was Specter Litt paralegal Rachel Zane in the original show.
Suits creator Aaron Korsh has scripted a new show about a Hollywood law firm and created a character, Erica, who appears tailor-made for Meghan Markle (pictured with Patrick J. Adams)
Most of the core cast of Suits walked the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Pictured are costars Adams, Gina Torres, Sarah Rafferty and Gabriel Macht
Some think that Korsh, who came to Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, may be trolling his former friend and associate with the character. Others believe that this is an attempt to entice Meghan back to acting, which would be a global coup.
However the Duchess of Sussex has repeatedly said that she doesn't want to return to her acting career, and she played no part in the 'Suits reunion' on stage at the Golden Globes.
She's got her eye on a portmanteau career as a philanthropist and entrepreneur and is expected to show up at the Beverly Hilton on Friday night to support Prince Harry who is being honored as a Living Legend of Aviation at an awards show there.
The new show is being made by NBC Universal and executive Beatrice Springborn said last year that it is 'so fun and happy,' and promised 'the same energy and good-looking people that the original' had.
Suits originally aired from 2011 to 2019 and starred Patrick J. Adams as the rising star of a New York Law firm.
He ended up marrying paralegal Rachel Zane, played by Markle.
Adams was among cast members who came to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry but the friendship didn't last.
He said in 2020: 'After our children were born, there were some texts sent and gifts sent, but I guess I'm a little scared.
'I think it's pure fear. I guess I'm scared about the idea of breaking through whatever walls exist to have that conversation. Quite frankly, I think I'm intimidated. I have no doubt I could pick up the phone and call her at any moment, but I don't know what I would say.'
Glowering Prince Harry was seen for the first time since DailyMail.com revealed Queen Elizabeth was distraught by his and Meghan's claim they had the her blessing to name their baby daughter Lilibet - the late monarch's nickname
Some think that Korsh (pictured with the Duchess in 2017), who came to Meghan's 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, may be trolling his former friend and associate with the character
Suits originally aired from 2011 to 2019 and starred Adams as the rising star of a New York Law firm. He ended up marrying paralegal Rachel Zane, played by Markle. The pair in 2013
Adams was among cast members who came to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry but the friendship didn't last. He's pictured at the nuptials with wife Troian Bellisario
He said in 2020: 'After our children were born, there were some texts sent and gifts sent, but I guess I'm a little scared.' Meghan is pictured here on Suits with Rick Hoffman and Amy Acker
Addressing Markle's absence from the reunion at the Golden Globes, one-time friend Gina Torres revealed that they now don't even have their former co-star's phone number.
An interviewer asked: 'Who texted Meghan and said "you've gotta come to the Golden Globes, Meghan Markle."'
Torres responded: 'We don't have her number. We just don't so. She'll see. She'll watch. She'll be happy that we're here.'
Suits has won over a new legion of fans as of late after it became available for streaming on Netflix in 2023.
It became an unlikely hit of the summer after it was axed in 2019.
The Duchess's last episode as Zane, a role she had been playing since 2010, aired in April 2018, a month before her wedding at Windsor Castle.
Daily Mail revealed the late Queen Elizabeth was distraught to learn about the royal couple's claim that they had her blessing to name their daughter Lilibet. The couple pictured this year
Harry and Meghan's daughter Lilibet was born in California in 2021, and her name raised eyebrows
As for her husband, Prince Harry was seen earlier this week for the first time since the Daily Mail revealed the late Queen Elizabeth was distraught to learn about the royal couple's claim that they had her blessing to name their daughter Lilibet.
The Duke of Sussex looked pensive in the brisk January weather of Santa Barbara, California, on Tuesday morning as he was spotted jogging in a black jacket and matching shorts, seemingly wearing a frowning, serious expression.
It came just days after Robert Hardman's bombshell new biography revealed the late Queen's anger over the claim in 2021 that she had given them her blessing to use her childhood nickname.
A member of Queen Elizabeth's staff said she was 'as angry as I'd ever seen her' after Harry and Meghan publicly stated they would not have used her private family nickname if she had not been 'supportive.'
The Queen was so upset that she told aides: 'I don't own the palaces, I don't own the paintings, the only thing I own is my name. And now they've taken that.'
Macca's fans create 'perfect dessert' with two new summer snacks
Australian foodies are getting inventive with McDonald's tasty new summer menu items.
The fast food giant dropped two 'never-before-seen' snacks, a crispy fried pineapple fritter and a pineapple sundae, earlier this month.
Macca's fans have been loving the 'refreshing' summer snacks and have come up with ways to make them even more delicious.
Many are dipping the fruity fritters into their tropical sundaes while others have added cinnamon sugar to create a decadent dessert.
The new sundae has creamy vanilla or chocolate ice-cream topped with a pineapple sauce with juicy pineapple chunks.
Australian foodies are getting creative with McDonald's two new fruity menu items; the pineapple sundae and crispy pineapple fritters
Sweet and fresh pineapple rings have been coated and fried in a crispy crumbed batter to make the pineapple fritters.
Popular food blogger Nick Vavitis sampled both of the new menu items and combined the two to create 'the perfect dessert'.
By itself, he didn't rate the fritters but said dipping them in the sundae makes a 'pineapple lover's dream'.
'The pineapple inside is still cold, it's fresh pineapple, it's got a little bit of a thick batter on the outside. You definitely need ice-cream with this,' he said of the fritter.
'The pineapple sundae itself, that is super sweet and that is for me. This works perfectly, really refreshing. This is a yes from me, big big yes from me.'
TikToker Beau Newton also had the idea to combine the divisive summer snacks.
Popular food blogger Nick Vavitis sampled both of the new menu items and combined the two to create 'the perfect dessert'
TikToker Beau Newton also had the idea to combine the divisive summer snacks while others suggested giving the fritters a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
'Do you know what we're going to do with the pineapple fritters? We're going to break them up, we're going to stick them in the sundae...and we're going to mix it all up,' he said in an online video.
Trying the fritter by itself, Beau said they was 'delicious' but dipped in ice-cream was 'amazing'.
Sydney foodie Fion said the sundae 'did not disappoint' and the fritter was perfectly fried.
She also gave followers a 'pro tip' to dip the fritter into the 'weirdly refreshing' ice-cream.
Hundreds were keen to try the new summer menu specials both individually and together while some had a hack for making the fritters even better.
'Need cinnamon sugar on the pineapple fritter,' one viewer suggested.
'Imagine cinnamon sugar on the fritter!! Would be EVENNNN BETTER,' another agreed.
'You're making me hungry,' someone added.
The pineapple fritters and sundae will be available on the McDonald's menu in-store and online for a limited time only.
Amy Dickinson explains how her former friend dumped her
A young woman who was uninvited from her friend's wedding after the hen's party from hell has revealed her pal 'spread lies' about her afterwards to 'save face'.
Amy Dickinson, who went viral after sharing how she was dumped by her 'bridezilla' friend, said the 'pathetic' excuse her former friend gave others hurt the most.
'She made up a story to slut shame me, because the truth would be too embarrassing,' she said.
The truth, as Amy sees it, is that the entire group had been 'walking on eggshells' over the hen's weekend - because the bride-to-be was being a bridezilla.
Then, on the final night, one of her friends got screamed at for taking photos of Amy and the bride, which made her run to the bathroom crying.
Amy Dickinson (pictured) lost a friend during a hen's weekend to Hamilton Island. Later, the friend told people she had sex with a yacht captain on holiday which ended the friendship
Amy followed her tearful friend into the bathroom to comfort her.
When she got back to the group she had been completely iced out. The bride's mum said it was because she had posted a photo from the hen's weekend on Instagram - which apparently was breaking an unspoken rule of bachelorette parties.
The mother of the bride told her she had 'ruined everything' by posting the picture before the bride had a chance to post anything from the weekend.
However, by the time the group had returned to Australia, the story behind the friendship bust-up had changed again.
This time the reason for the rift was apparently Amy being too 'slutty during the weekend' and hooking up with a man on a boat.
This photo Amy posted on Instagram of herself arriving at the hen's weekend apparently upset the bride so much she ended their friendship over it
Amy was dumped by her friend after breaking an unspoken 'hen's night rule'
The lie was confirmed by a third friend who said she had been told Amy had slept with not just a 'random man' on a boat, but 'a yacht captain'.
Five years after the traumatic friendship rift, Amy refuses to see the funny side.
'I was uninvited for sleeping with the captain of a yacht. Which is firstly untrue and secondly why would you uninvite someone to a wedding if they f**ked a captain of a yacht?' she said, seething.
'Firstly, isn't that legendary and secondly, why would you give a s**t?'
Amy's social media followers agreed hooking up with the captain of a yacht during a hen's weekend would be legendary.
'I think she is jealous of you. She doesnt want anyone to out shine her. By uninviting you she deleted her threat. She is pathetic,' one said.
Others said they'd seen Amy's story 'everywhere' and hoped the bridezilla had, too.
One man joked that he was a yacht captain, if Amy was still interested.
A young American woman has described Australia as bland, the cities as boring and the beaches and sub-par after revealing she didn't like her visit Down Under.
Traveller Grace Cheng, from Gracie Travels, explained she spent two weeks in Australia, starting in Melbourne where she met her sisters.
They then went to the Gold Coast and spent time in Byron Bay before finishing their trip off in Sydney.
'If I am being honest none of these cities really stood out to me,' she said in a recent TikTok video.
She added while she might not have had 'the best itinerary' she felt the cities didn't meet 'world standards' when it came to 'being interesting'.
Traveller, Grace, didn't like her trip to Australia - called it bland
'The trip pretty much consisted of mediocre beaches and city life,' she slammed.
She said the fact it takes up to 24 hours to get to Australia makes it even less worthwhile if you 'don't get the most out of the country'.
She said she didn't want to be too negative and added it was easy to get around, she liked the fat there was no language barrier and there wasn't much of a 'culture shock' travelling from the US.
She added that every restaurant she went to was good - which was a nice surprise.
The video quickly went viral with hundreds of people criticising her take on Australian beaches.
She went to Byron Bay, pictured, and said the beaches were mediocre
'Mediocre? Australia has some of the best beaches in the world,' one person quipped.
'Our beaches are stunning, quiet and clean. We have some of the best reefs in the world like even the fish like our beaches,' another woman said.
But some people agreed with her.
'Australian beaches are good if you like flat strips of sand. Otherwise they are just mediocre. The best thing about them is the weather,' said one man.
Others said while Australia might not be fun to visit - it is a great place to live.
'Name one country that you can walk your dog in the middle of the night, with out being rob, Australia,' one man said.
Some people agreed with her.
'As an Australian I very much agree with you. By comparison to other big world cities, especially for a seasoned traveller, we just DON'T compare,' one woman said.
'It is so boring, the city shuts down at night. There is nothing to do,' said another.
'Haha. Why do you think Australian's travel. It is a great place to live but it is boring,' a third said.
Some people noted that the young woman's video, of places she had visited in Australia, looked amazing. And maybe she just needed to re-evaluate her experiences of her company.
A young Australian woman was devastated to realise that Sydney is a boring city with 'nothing to do' after her cousin asked for help making a travel itinerary.
Mariah was over the moon when one of her cousins revealed she was visiting from Greece - but dread crept in once she asked what was 'fun' in Sydney.
'I told her she had to come because we would have so much fun, but it actually took me so long to think of anything to do in the city,' she explained in a video.
Mariah shared that most activities in Sydney are overpriced, people don't dance at clubs, and the most fun she has is going to a friend's house.
'Who is going to break it to her that there's nothing to do? It sounds like an over exaggeration, and Sydney is beautiful in so many other aspects, but in terms of "fun" there's not much to do.'
Mariah said that it would be especially hard when it came to her cousin because of her vivacious life back home.
'Where we have fun here is hanging out with my friends in groups at people's houses - that's what it has come to these days,' she said.
'Anything you do here is also overpriced - people from other countries come here and get a bit of a shock that everything is so expensive.
'I'm going to take her to a club and she's going to look around and see hardly any people dancing, everyone is just waiting in line for 40 minutes for a drink, and then you get to the bar and they ask for $40 plus your whole life insurance and your leg.'
The young woman asked her followers: 'So what would you recommend? I don't know, maybe go-karting?'
Several Sydneysiders chimed in with interesting activities Mariah and her cousin could do - including several low-budget and free options.
'Go for a picnic with a nice view, Sydney Zoo, drive down to Jervis Bay or Hunter Valley, visit St Mary's Cathedral followed by Hyde Park, Blue Mountains, go hiking. There's so much to do!' one said.
'We have the beaches, anywhere with an iconic view like Icebergs or somewhere you can see the Harbour Bridge or Opera House. Ferry rides, Bondi to Bronte walk, bay run, fishing, the Grounds of Alexandria, Bills for brunch,' another recommended.
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A young Australian woman was devastated to realise that Sydney is a boring city
Many agreed with Mariah's assessment of the city.
A man shared: 'I've been almost 30 years in Sydney. It got boring as I just stay home on most days. I don't even have friends because they all moved out of Sydney.'
'Sydney has no fun anymore! That's why people are travelling to Europe,' a woman said.
'100 per cent agree! Nanny country. The country is made for over 70-year-olds,' another added.
A few slammed her for being 'over-dramatic' and 'negative'.
'Really? You honestly can't find anything to do? Maybe it's you and not Sydney,' one said.
'Places aren't boring - people are,' another claimed.
Mothers-to-be wanting to quit smoking can safely indulge in vaping to beat their nicotine cravings without fear of harming their baby, experts claim.
Scientists have long debated the safety merits of using e-cigarettes in pregnancy, with some studies warning of an increased risk of miscarriages.
But UK researchers now say vaping is safe for both women and babies in pregnancy based on a study of over 1,100 women.
Experts at Queen Mary University of London used data from 23 hospitals and one stop-smoking service that treated mothers-to-be.
Women were given the option of switching to vapes and nicotine patches instead of traditional tobacco products like cigarettes.
A British study suggests vaping is safe for both women and babies in pregnancy based on a study of over 1,100 women
Almost 1,000 serious adverse reactions to e-cigs have been logged by Britain's health watchdog including blood, nervous system and respiratory disorders, as well as cancer and injuries like burns. This includes five deaths linked to the devices. Latest figures show the proportion of adults using e-cigs in the UK increased last year to the highest rate on record, at 8.3 per cent, according to the charity Action on Smoking and Health. This accounts for the roughly 4.3million people across the country
Of the group, 47 per cent opted to vape and 21 per cent used the patches.
The study then compared the pregnancy outcomes in the women to see if vaping or using patches increased the risk of adverse pregnancy events or poor outcomes, such as a miscarriage.
Nicotine levels in the participants were monitored through saliva samples taken at the start and end of the study.
Any respiratory symptoms, as well as the birth weight, and other health data concerning the babies was also recorded.
Professor Peter Hajek, an author of the study and the lead researcher from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health at Queen Mary, said the results suggested vapes could be used safely in pregnancy to help people quit smoking.
READ MORE: Why experts fear nicotine in 'safer' vapes is more harmful than we thought Nicotine was otherwise thought to be the least harmful ingredient in tobacco that is until recently (stock image) Advertisement
'E-cigarettes helped pregnant smokers quit without posing any detectable risks to pregnancy compared with stopping smoking without further nicotine use,' he said.
'The harms to pregnancy from smoking, in late pregnancy at least, seem to be due to other chemicals in tobacco smoke rather than nicotine.'
However, the authors of the paper said that while the results should alleviate some of the concerns about using nicotine replacements while pregnant, further studies are needed to verify their results.
While vapes are accepted as a safer alternative for pregnant smokers, nonsmokers are advised not to start using the devices during pregnancy due to limited research on their safety.
The authors added that another limitation was the small size of the study, meaning some rarer pregnancy complications could have been missed.
The study was published in the journal Addiction.
Smoking in pregnancy is still an issue in Britain, with 7.5 per cent of new mothers in England smoking at the time of delivery, according to the latest NHS data.
This is despite smoking doubling the risk of suffering a stillbirth and increasing the risk of a miscarriage by a third.
One in 10 Estonians now vape regularly each month, cementing its position as the e-cigarette capital of the world. Published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) a forum of 37 countries with market-based economies founded in 1961 it also found just four countries rank higher than the UK
These risks mean medics are keen to get pregnant women to stop smoking, either stopping entirely or using a nicotine replacement such as a vape or patches.
However, the NHS has so far been reluctant to dish out the devices to expectant mothers directly.
Unlike nicotine patches, vapes are not available on prescription for pregnant women.
While smoking has universally been accepted to be dangerous to a baby during pregnancy, the impact of vaping has been less clear.
Although widely viewed as safer than smoking, many medics say the overall long-term health effects of vaping still remain a mystery.
Doctors have expressed fear there could be a wave of lung disease, dental issues and even cancer in the coming decades in people who took up the habit at a young age.
Last year, leading paediatricians warned children were being hospitalised with vaping-induced breathing difficulties amid a 'disturbing' epidemic of the habit among young people.
NHS figures also show a rise in the number of children admitted to hospital due to vaping.
NHS Digital data shows the number of children who are current vapers has soared in recent years, jumping from 6 per cent in 2018 to 9 per cent in 2021
NHS Digital data, based on the smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England survey for the year 2021, showed 30 per cent of children in Yorkshire and the Humber have used a vape
In October ministers launched a consultation on how to protect children from underage vaping while still encouraging adult smokers to use the devices to quit.
Among the options is a potential ban or restriction on disposable vapes which are known to be the first choice among children and if more needs to be done on pricing.
Health campaigners have repeatedly said that offering e-cigarettes for 'pocket money prices' encourages children to take up vaping.
Other consultation proposals include restricting the flavours and descriptions of vapes, so they are no longer targeted at children, putting vapes out of the sight of youngsters and regulating vape packaging and how products are presented.
Another consultation suggestion is for on-the-spot fines for retailers who sell to children and greater measures to tackle online sales.
Figures show one in five children have now tried vaping despite it being illegal for under-18s, while the number of children using vapes regularly has tripled in the past three years.
MailOnline previously discovered dupe vapes mimicking Chupa Chups, Skittles, Jolly Rancher, Rubicon and Calypso (pictured), with near-identical branding to the popular sweets and drinks in other stores along Oxford Street
Prime Candy on Oxford Street, where in April MailOnline found huge vape displays alongside many different types of American sweets
MailOnline previously exposed the predatory tactics some sweet shops use to sell e-cigs to kids.
Vaping has taken off in Britain overall with figures from the Office for National Statistics showing around 4.5million Brits vape daily or occasionally a rise of some 500,000 in 12 months.
While smokers in the UK are encouraged to switch to vapes other countries are trying to restrict the sale of the devices altogether.
Australia recently announcing it was banning imports of disposable vapes from January as it tries to fight off a nicotine addiction in children.
Meanwhile the World Health Organization has called for called for all flavoured vapes to be banned worldwide and treated similarly to cigarettes.
Trevor Cribben Merrill at Genealogies of Modernity:
In his essay Testaments Betrayed Milan Kundera recalls taking lessons in musical composition from a friend of his fathers, a Jewish composer who was at that time required to wear the yellow star. Seeing the young Kundera out of the tiny Prague flat where he camped out with others whose apartments had been confiscated, the composer suddenly stopped: There are many surprisingly weak passages in Beethoven. But it is the weak passages that bring out the strong ones. Its like a lawnif it werent there, we couldnt enjoy the beautiful tree growing on it. Some time after sharing this insight with his pupil, the composer was transported to Theresienstadt. Kundera was never to forget the moment: . . . that brief remark from my teacher of the time has haunted me all my life (Ive defended it, Ive fought it, Ive never finished with it) . . .
Few of us will receive lessons in beauty under such circumstances. Yet anyone who has sought to make or comprehend art has probably come across at least a few similarly unforgettable statementsinsights that, it seems, can never be exhausted. Some we accept unconditionally because they articulate an intuition we have had ourselves but were unable to express. Others we wrestle with for a long time, unwilling to give them our full assent yet equally unable to leave them behind.
more here (via The Book Haven).
A doctor sparked a social media row today by suggesting Princess Kate would have been chucked out of an NHS hospital within a day.
Prolific X user @EmergMedDr, who has consistently backed NHS strike action to his tens of thousands of followers, was accused of trying to make a 'political point'.
Writing on the platform, formerly known as Twitter, he said: 'Kate will stay in hospital for up to 14 days after her surgery.
'Meanwhile in the NHS you have your surgery and are sent home 1-2 days later.'
Dr Mike, as he is known on social media, said discharged patients would also get a 'photo of what wound infection looks like and maybe one wound dressing'.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, @EmergMedDr said: 'Kate will stay in hospital for up to 14 days after her surgery. Meanwhile in the NHS you have your surgery and are sent home 1-2 days later.' Dr Mike, as he is known on social media, said discharged patients would also get a 'photo of what wound infection looks like and maybe one wound dressing'
The doctor, however, clarified his concern over the way the health service often discharges patients 'when they would probably benefit from a longer stay'. He added: 'Many people with serious illnesses and post surgery are sent home too quick. I see them returning just hours later to the emergency department sometimes extremely unwell'
The Princess of Wales , 42, is recovering in hospital after planned abdominal surgery on Tuesday at the London Clinic in Marylebone. It is understood that her condition is 'non-cancerous'. But exact details have not been released by Kensington Palace, who announced the bombshell news yesterday. Pictured: Kate arriving for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
The Princess will remain in the private hospital for about a fortnight and will be given time to recover at home. Kate has cancelled her planned engagements and foreign travel and is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter. Pictured, Police officers stand outside The London Clinic yesterday
The Princess of Wales, 42, is recovering in hospital after planned abdominal surgery on Tuesday at the London Clinic in Marylebone.
It is understood that her condition is 'non-cancerous'.
But exact details have not been released by Kensington Palace, who announced the bombshell news yesterday. A source told the Mail Kate is 'doing well'.
She will remain in the private hospital for about a fortnight and will be given time to recover at home.
Kate has cancelled her planned engagements and foreign travel and is unlikely to resume public duties until after Easter.
Dr Mike, who has claimed to work for the NHS in the past, was immediately labelled 'irresponsible' for making light of the Princess' condition.
One user said: 'A professional doctor, unaware of either the exact detail or nature of the Princess of Wales's diagnosis, would not use the trauma of one patient to score childish and purely speculative political points about the treatment of others.'
Meanwhile another wrote: 'How irresponsible of you as a doctor to cast aspersions on a patient when you have no knowledge of what treatment and care she needs.'
The doctor, however, clarified his concern over the way the health service often discharges patients 'when they would probably benefit from a longer stay'.
He added: 'Many people with serious illnesses and post surgery are sent home too quick.
'I see them returning just hours later to the emergency department sometimes extremely unwell.'
Each hospital has its own discharge policy, but under general guidance, patients should be reviewed twice daily to see if they are able to go home.
Even after major surgery, hospital chiefs are instructed to assess whether patients need to still be in hospital after around three days.
Discharge times relate to the issue of bed-blockers the term used to describe patients occupying a hospital bed that they dont strictly need.
Some patients are left stuck on wards for months.
This is usually because the NHS hasnt been able to organise the next stage of their care, so its not safe discharge them.
In a second tweet hours later, after it was revealed King Charles would be taking a short break from duties for treatment for an enlarged prostate, Dr Mike said: 'How strange that Kate reveals she is in hospital and it's breaking news and then within minutes the King announces he is getting prostate treatment and now he is the top story.
'Nobody puts Baby in the corner, I guess.'
Responding to his tweet, Dr Katie Cairns, who claims to be a GP in Belfast, agreed 'something weird is going on' and accused The Palace of creating 'a diversion'.
In a second tweet hours later, after it was revealed King Charles would be taking a short break from duties for treatment for an enlarged prostate, Dr Mike said: 'How strange that Kate reveals she is in hospital and it's breaking news and then within minutes the King announces he is getting prostate treatment and now he is the top story. Nobody puts Baby in the corner, I guess'
Responding to his tweet, Dr Katie Cairns, who claims to be a GP in Belfast , agreed 'something weird is going on' and accused The Palace of creating 'a diversion'
While The Palace would not reveal any details in respect of Kates 'medical privacy ', it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future. Pictured, Kensington Palace's announcement
While The Palace would not reveal any details in respect of Kates 'medical privacy', it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Writing for the Daily Mai, GP Dr Martin Scurr said: 'These days, spending up to two weeks recuperating in hospital, even a private one, is becoming increasingly rare.
'But it is reassuring that this was a planned operation and not an emergency.
'This would have minimised the possibility of any untoward complications.'
Elective abdominal surgery among women in their early 40s, however, is 'quite uncommon', he noted.
But it could include an appendectomy, gallstones or a hysterectomy. Ovarian cysts also require surgical removal, he added.
'At times, surgery is required for the repair of a hernia, and even young, fit muscular women may develop these,' he said.
Kate's return to official duties will depend on medical advice closer to the time but she is not expected to return to public events until after Easter.
China's population slump has picked up pace, triggering fears of an impending 'disaster' for the economic superpower.
Latest data shows the number of residents in the country fell by 2million last year, marking the second year in a row that its population has shrunk.
Birth rates fell to their lowest level on record, fuelled by its decades long one-child policy. Beijing's efforts in recent years to encourage women to have more children have failed.
Geopolitical commentators think the trend is also being encouraged by drops in pay and hikes in the cost of raising a child, warning that the path to 'underpopulation' might be irreversible.
As well as births plummeting to a historic low, deaths skyrocketed to their a 50-year high. President Xi Jinping's decision to finally drop draconian Covid quarantine restrictions were blamed, in part, for the spike, as the virus infected swathes of previously unexposed people.
However, China is not alone in its population crisis, a pet topic of eccentric Tesla billionaire Elon Musk.
A staggering report this month warned nine in 10 countries won't be having enough children to replace those who die by the end of the century, including Britain and the US who have been below the threshold for decades.
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The National Bureau of Statistics of China yesterday confirmed that the country's population stood at 1.41billion by the end of 2023.
It means the number of people living in the country is 2.08million (0.15 per cent) fewer than it was in 2022.
The downturn is more than double the 850,000 population drop logged in 2022, which marked the first decline since 1961 during the deadliest famine in history under Chairman Mao Zedong.
Both a drop in birth rates and rise in deaths in China are to blame for the trend.
Birth rates tumbled to their lowest level on record in 2023, with 6.39 per 1,000 people, down from 6.77 in 2022 and half the total logged a decade ago (13.03).
READ MORE: Shocking 93% of countries - including UK and US - face 'underpopulation' by 2100 A report revealed that 93 per cent of nations won't be having enough children to replace people who die by 2100, leaving them with too few young people to work, pay tax and look after the elderly Advertisement
Overall, just 9.02million births were logged.
Births had been tumbling for decades in China as a result of a one-child policy, implemented from 1980 to 2016 in a bid to squash sky-rocketing population numbers and spur on economic growth.
It was replaced with a two-child limit that year, before couples were told they could have up to three children in 2021 in a bid to reverse the trend in birth rates.
However, rising numbers have moved from rural areas to cities in recent years, where the cost of raising children is higher, putting many off starting a family.
Record levels of youth unemployment and falling wages for white-collar workers are further factors thought to be behind the falling birth rate.
Similar trends have been blamed for the baby bust in the western world over the past decade.
President Xi's government has attempted to buck the trend by extending maternity leave, offering tax breaks to large families and clamping down on 'non-medical' abortions a move experts have warned could endanger women's lives.
Zhou Yun, a social demographer and family sociologist at the University of Michigan, said: 'As we have observed again and again from other low fertility countries, fertility decline is often very difficult to reverse.'
Meanwhile, there was 11.10million deaths in 2023, up 6.6 per cent in a year and the highest toll logged since 1974, when the Cultural Revolution sparked violence and chaos across the country.
The fatality toll was in part fuelled by a dramatic rise in deaths due to the coronavirus in early 2023, after China finally lifted its draconian zero-Covid lockdown measures.
This saw the virus sweep the population, which had been largely unexposed to the virus for nearly three years due to strict testing and quarantine rules.
The fresh data fuels concerns that the prospects of the world's second-largest economy are diminishing.
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If the trend continues, China will eventually have more elderly people than young, risking there being too few people to work, pay tax and look after the older groups.
The fresh statistics shows there are 296.97million over-60s in China, representing around 21.1 per cent of its total population, up from 280.04million in 2022.
More than 400million of its population is expected to be aged 60 and over by 2035, at which point the pension system will run out, according to the government's own projections.
United Nations (UN) forecasting suggests China's population will drop to 767million by 2100, while the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences believes it will hit 587million by the turn of the century.
Experts have warned that a decline could have huge impacts worldwide, as many nations are dependent on the country's goods.
An unusually low retirement age in China 60 for men and 55 for women further blunts productivity.
While its economy grew 5.2 per cent last year a far cry from the near 20 per cent logged in the 70s growth is soon expected to grind to a standstill before slumping for decades due to the declining workforce and consumer base and spike in retirees.
Population crises are expected to eventually be seen on every continent.
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Earlier this month, the International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS) warned that almost all countries will see their fertility rate drop below the replacement level of 2.1 children.
The UN previously warned that the global fertility rate will fall below 2 by the end of the century.
However, in the developed world, fertility rates have been falling far below this over the past century.
For example, the UK hasn't had an average fertility rate above 2.1 since the early 70s.
It has since declined to an average of 1.87 children per woman as of 2022, the year data is available for.
Meanwhile, a post-millennium baby boom in the US saw the fertility rate hit 2.1 more recently in 2006. However, the figure stood at 1.89 in 2022.
While some countries in the developing world have much higher fertility rates with the average woman in Niger, West Africa, having 6.86 children in 2022 some of these nations too are expected to face a population collapse.
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Elon Musk (pictured), who boasts of 'always banging the baby drum', has been warning about a decline in births for years
The IFFS issued a call to action, warning that Governments are failing to recognise the risks underpopulation will have on societies and economies and calling for better education so people can assess when is best to start a family.
They have also urged health authorities to highlight the risk of modern populations drinking too much, being too fat and being exposed to too much air pollution and chemicals in the environment, all of which reduce general fertility.
Musk, the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, has preached about the threat of underpopulation for years.
In 2017, he said that the number of people on Earth is 'accelerating towards collapse but few seem to notice or care'.
Musk then warned in 2021 that civilisation is 'going to crumble' if people don't have more children.
Just last year, Musk described himself as 'always banging the baby drum', warning that once the birth rate starts to fall 'it accelerates'.
He has pointed to a downturn in Japan's population as evidence for his concerns, claiming the nation would 'flat-out disappear' if the worrying trend continues. And Musk warned Italy 'will have no people' if its low birth rate continues.
People living in some areas of Britain are three-times more likely to be living in poor health than those in other parts of the country, a report reveals.
Researchers say there is a 'stark divide' in health and wealth nationally - and often the 'double injustice' of the least well-off also being the sickest.
The Institute for Public Policy Research analysed data across England and Wales to highlight the 'bad health blackspots'.
It found sickness and poor health is clearly linked to low productivity, high poverty and persistent unemployment.
Notably, one in every four people who are 'economically inactive' live in just 50 of the 330 local authorities examined.
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People in Liverpool are almost three times more likely to be in poor health than those in Oxfordshire, and twice as likely to be out of work and not looking for employment or in full-time education.
Overall, people living in the most deprived parts of the country are more than twice as likely to be in poor health as those living in the most affluent - and are around 40 per cent more likely to report economic inactivity.
The most recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the economic inactivity rate for those aged 16 to 64 is 20.8 per cent - the equivalent of 8.7 million people.
The IPPR found northern cities and their surrounding areas, Midlands cities, coastal cities and rural places had the lowest levels of life expectancy and years of good health compared with more affluent places.
It also found higher numbers of people in receipt of personal independence payments, lower overall wealth, lower household income per head, worse early years development scores and lower rates of NVQ4+ qualifications.
When looking in detail, one in every 10 people in places such as Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham reported bad health, compared with around just one in 33 in Hart in Hampshire, West Oxfordshire and South Oxfordshire.
READ MORE: Areas of England most burdened by obesity revealed as stats show NHS hospitals are dealing with 3,000 fat-related admissions every day Your browser does not support iframes. Advertisement
Overall, 34 per cent of working age people in Liverpool and Manchester are economically inactive, while the figure is 39 per cent in Nottingham.
The report said 'having a good job' is good for both mental and physical health, and cuts the risk of early death.
However, it warned that work no longer offers a reliable route out of poverty, with 68 per cent of working age adults in poverty living in a household where at least one adult is in work.
Meanwhile, even in homes where two people are in full-time work, the risk of falling into poverty has more than doubled in the last 20 years (from 1.4 to 3.9 per cent).
The highest levels of in-work poverty were found in London, Wales, and the north of England, the report said.
To help fix the problems, the study recommended a framework called Seven for Seven, which sets out the foundations for healthy lives - including healthy bodies, a safe home, a great start to life and freedom from addiction.
The IPPR also wants to see new health and prosperity improvement zones (HAPI), with powers to invest, raise local taxes and set missions in the worst-affected areas.
For example, more power could be given to regional mayors so they can introduce local taxes on things such as alcohol, junk food and tobacco.
A recruitment drive is also needed for public health specialists, alongside the creation of new local apprenticeship opportunities and establishing a national health volunteering service, the report said.
Professor Donna Hall, IPPR commissioner and former chief executive of Wigan Council, said: 'People working within local government and health services are trapped by a lack of resources, support and agency to serve their local population. People feel unheard and their health is suffering.
'The new HAPI zones would serve as an innovative response to growing poverty and ill-health, put power into the hands of local leaders and ignite local ownership over the future of public health.'
Efua Poku-Amanfo, research fellow at IPPR and lead author of the report, said: 'The case for Government spending and action on health is clear. It's not just the morally right thing to do, it's the economically sensible thing to do.
'Bad health blackspots, especially in the north east and north west of England and the south of Wales, are stifling national economic growth and holding back the wealth and health of the nation.'
A Government spokesman said: 'We are committed to increasing healthy life expectancy by five years by 2035 and narrowing the gap between local areas by 2030, including by investing up to 14.1billion to improve health services and help people live longer, healthier lives.
'Our Major Conditions Strategy will look at the prevention and management of conditions responsible for over 60 per cent of ill health and our plans for a smokefree generation will make a significant difference, with people in more deprived areas almost twice as likely to die for smoking-related conditions.
'Our Back to Work Plan will also help up to a further 1.1million people to look for and stay in work that's suited to their needs including through integrated mental health support such as NHS talking therapies.'
It's a question most are asked when ordering a glass of wine: small, medium or large?
But removing the biggest serving in most cases the 250ml option can reduce how much wine bars and pubs sell by around 8 per cent, a study suggests.
While only modest, experts say it could provide one way of nudging customers to drink less alcohol and improve the health of the population.
Alcohol consumption is the fifth largest contributor to premature death and disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately 3million deaths across the globe in 2016.
It's a question most are asked when ordering a glass of wine: small, medium or large? But removing the biggest serving in most cases the 250ml option can reduce how much wine bars and pubs sell by around 8 per cent, a study suggests
READ MORE: How Britain's drinking habits have changed dramatically since the 1960s Advertisement
University of Cambridge researchers carried out their study in 21 licensed premises mainly pubs in England.
They removed the largest serving of wine glass for four weeks, to see whether there would be an impact on how much was consumed.
The tipple is the most commonly consumed alcoholic drink in the UK and Europe. It is usually offered in three glass sizes 125ml, 175ml and 250ml.
Studies have said the introduction of the larger measure, which started to become more popular in the 90s, encourages drinkers to consume more.
Analysis, published in the journal Plos Medicine, revealed that removing the 250ml option led to an average decrease of 420ml of wine sold per day per venue the equivalent of a 7.6 per cent decrease.
There was no evidence that sales of beer and cider increased, suggesting that people did not compensate for their reduced wine consumption by drinking more of these alcoholic drinks.
There was also no evidence that it affected total daily revenues, implying that the participating pubs and bars did not lose money as a result perhaps due to the higher profit margins of smaller glasses of wine.
Latest data, gathered by the World Health Organization and compiled by Oxford University-backed platform Our World in Data, shows the UK's wine consumption has soared to 3.3 litres of pure alcohol annually (2019), up on the 0.3 litres recorded almost 60 years earlier in 1961. It now accounts for over a third (33.7 per cent) of all alcohol consumed across the country and sits almost level with beer (36 per cent) which has plummeted from the 5.8 litres logged in 1961 to 3.5 litres today
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First author Dr Eleni Mantzari said: 'It looks like when the largest serving size of wine by the glass was unavailable, people shifted towards the smaller options, but didn't then drink the equivalent amount of wine.
'People tend to consume a specific number of "units" in this case glasses regardless of portion size.
'So, someone might decide at the outset they'll limit themselves to a couple of glasses of wine, and with less alcohol in each glass they drink less overall.'
According to the researchers, even though removing the largest serving glass would potentially be acceptable to pub or bar managers, given there was no evidence that it can result in a loss in revenue, a nationwide policy would likely be resisted by the alcohol industry given its potential to reduce sales of targeted drinks.
On average, one in five Brits (22.8 per cent) roughly 9.4million exceed the weekly NHS recommendation, official data shows. This rate has shrunk, however, on the one in four adults recording more than 14 units per week between 2011 and 2014. But the highest rates of alcohol consumption are in the least deprived areas, with the least socioeconomically deprived decile logging a rate of 24.1 per cent
The NHS recommends people drink no more than 14 'units' of alcohol around six glasses of wine, or pints of beer per week. This itself has been watered down over the past few decades in light of studies illustrating the health dangers of alcohol
According to OECD data released last year, nearly one in five adults reported binge drinking at least once a month, on average across 29 OECD countries in 2019. The figure varies 10-fold, from less than 3 per cent in Turkey to more than 30 per cent in Germany, Luxembourg, the UK and Denmark
Public support for such a policy would depend on its effectiveness and how clearly this was communicated.
Professor Dame Theresa Marteau, the study's senior author, said: 'It's worth remembering that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health, with even light consumption contributing to the development of many cancers.
'Although the reduction in the amount of wine sold at each premises was relatively small, even a small reduction could make a meaningful contribution to population health.'
Evidence suggests that the public prefer information-based interventions, such as health warning labels, to reductions in serving or package sizes.
In this study, managers at four of the 21 premises reported receiving complaints from customers.
The succession to Bernard Looney as chief executive of BP was always going to be an inside job, although chairman Helge Lund was obliged to look at outsiders.
The choice of Canadian Murray Auchincloss, who joined BP when Lord John Browne's BP bought Amoco in 1998, is only unusual in that he was previously finance director rather than a driller.
That is not in BP's playbook.
Auchincloss, we are told, is in a personal relationship with another BP colleague.
But we are assured, this time, the board, which failed miserably when appointing Looney, has been thorough in its checks and full disclosures have been made.
The succession to Bernard Looney as chief executive of BP was always going to be an inside job, although chairman Helge Lund was obliged to look at outsiders
The choice of Canadian Murray Auchincloss, who joined BP when Lord John Browne's BP bought Amoco in 1998, is only unusual in that he was previously finance director rather than a driller
But we are assured, this time, the board, which failed miserably when appointing Looney, has been thorough in its checks and full disclosures have been made
The identity of his partner, with whom he has a child, remains under wraps.
What any of this has to do with BP income, the share price and strategy is worth asking. But in the age in which we live, the personal lives and character of top executives are deemed as relevant as performance.
BP's board had no choice but to come down hard on Looney's failings.
There was also the suspicion that everyone in the room was not entirely simpatico with his mission to make BP the greenest of the oil majors. Amid surging energy prices in 2023 Looney diluted his pledge to cut fossil fuel output by 40pc by 2030.
He lowered the target to 25pc. All the early signals are that in spite of many oil majors doubling down on fossil fuels, Auchincloss intends to stick with the Looney approach.
The new chief executive intends to be much more focused on value for money for investors. That could mean green projects, which fail to make adequate returns, could struggle. What is emphasised is that BP's commitment to the UK, both fossil fuel and green, remains with 18bn of new investment running up to 2030.
BP is seeking to disabuse the idea that oil and gas development is off its agenda.
Last June, BP America spent 3bn snapping up US natural gas explorer Archaea. This is hardly comparable with Exxon Mobil's 47bn swoop on Pioneer in Texas's Permian Basin.
Shell also remains committed to fossil fuels in spite of a decision to sell its onshore oil production in Nigeria after 68 years.
That followed the exit of other oil majors amid problems with pipeline theft, kidnapping and environmental criticism.
Shell has not given up on UK offshore in spite of political opposition from Labour and the Scottish nationalists.
It is ploughing resources into the Victory gas field north-west of the Shetland Isles, with the capacity to eventually heat up to 900,000 UK homes a year.
Big battalion investors preach the environmental creed. But they will be anxious to make sure that the new BP chief doesn't lose sight of the fossil fuel cash machine.
Growth funding
One post-Brexit myth is that Britain is no longer a draw for overseas investors.
Evidence of undiminished demand for UK funds investing in high-tech comes from London-based Bowmark Capital, run by financier Charles Ind, which has just completed a 900m fundraising.
Some 31 institutional investors from across the globe, 48pc from Continental Europe and 37pc from North America, chose to pile in. The disappointment is that UK asset managers appear reluctant to be bold investors, prepared to back the UK's future tech champions. They provided only 8pc of the new money.
Bowmark's current portfolio includes fintech outfits such as Landscape, provider of secure lending services to 120 banks across the world, political intelligence powerhouse DeHavilland and Xperience, which specialises in digital transformation.
The new fund plans further investment in growth firms offering data, IT, software and tech business services.
The big challenge for the Government, whatever its colour, is to unlock the UK's pension fund billions and back innovation and productivity.
Life saver
GSK's transformation as a pure life sciences company continues apace with the purchase last week of the Anglo-American biotech enterprise Aiolos Bio, strengthening its reach in chest medicines.
Deals have to be paid for and chief executive Emma Walmsley has bolstered the cash position by selling down, at a discount, its stake in former consumer healthcare offshoot Haleon, raising 978m.
How long before the remaining 4.2pc stake goes under the hammer?
Jeremy Hunt will 'bang the drum' for investment in Britain as he seeks to woo business leaders in Davos.
The Chancellor is arriving at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in the wake of his Labour rival Rachel Reeves, who has been on a charm offensive since earlier in the week.
It is the first visit by a chancellor to Davos since 2019. And he was criticised by Reeves for a belated arrival after last night's vote on the Government's Rwanda scheme.
The Treasury said Hunt was due to meet leading global chief executives and 'bear the message that the UK is a world leader in science and technology and ripe for investment'.
Jeremy Hunt will 'bang the drum' for investment in Britain as he seeks to woo business leaders in Davos
The Chancellor is arriving at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in the wake of his Labour rival Rachel Reeves, who has been on a charm offensive since earlier in the week
Eyebrows have been raised that Rishi Sunak is not at Davos at a time when Britain seeks to boost its status. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and investment minister Lord Johnson were also representing Britain alongside Hunt
And he is due to appear at a panel alongside bosses including Sam Altman, chief executive of artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer OpenAI, as well as Microsoft's Satya Nadella.
He 'will also champion the UK's ambition to be a science and technology superpower', the Government said. Hunt said: 'We boast some of the best and brightest businesses in sectors of the future like digital technology and life sciences. It's these areas of strength that are going to drive growth across the UK economy in years to come.'
Eyebrows have been raised that Rishi Sunak is not at Davos at a time when Britain seeks to boost its status. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and investment minister Lord Johnson were also representing Britain alongside Hunt.
Reeves claimed Hunt's appearance a day before the conference closes had let down businesses.
'Last year they said they felt Britain was out in the cold here because they felt Britain didn't have any representation,' she told the Mail. 'They were then told the Chancellor was coming this year but that hasn't so far materialised.
'I've met dozens of businesses and investors, sovereign wealth funds, some of the biggest investors in the world.
'The Chancellor and Prime Minister should be here. If I'm chancellor next year I will be here next year.'
Reeves insisted she will not provoke a financial market meltdown like the one that unfolded after Liz Truss's disastrous mini-Budget, saying: 'I will never play fast and loose with the public finances. I'd like taxes to be lower on working people but I'm not going to make any commitments.'
Reeves hinted in an interview with The Telegraph that she wanted to cut taxes even for those paying the highest 45p in the pound rate.
Asked if she agreed that she wanted lower taxes on workers 'across the spectrum', including those paid more than 100,000, she told the newspaper : 'Yes'.
Sheryl Sandberg (pictured) is one of the most prominent women in Silicon Valley
Facebook veteran Sheryl Sandberg has sparked speculation she may move into politics after quitting the board of parent company Meta.
One of the most prominent women in Silicon Valley, the Democrat, 54, has long been rumoured to be interested in a tilt at the White House. Sandberg, who stepped down as Metas chief operating officer in 2022, will leave the board after 12 years in May but continue as an adviser. She joined in 2008 and rose to become Mark Zuckerbergs second-in-command.
Speculation that she may move into politics began when she stepped down as chief operating officer, and has been reignited by her latest move.
She is said to have been considered a candidate for Treasury Secretary if Hillary Clinton had won the presidency in 2016 and was reportedly in the running to be Michael Bloombergs vice-presidential candidate had he won the Democrat nomination. She was previously chief of staff at the US Treasury when Bill Clinton was president.
Hargreaves Lansdown head of markets Susannah Streeter said: She has acquired a tough veneer to cope with the Washington machines and the scrutiny it would entail. Her net worth, estimated to be around 1.5billion, would provide a considerable financial launchpad.
She positioned herself as a role model for women in business with her corporate feminist book Lean In and was a staunch defender of the social media platform amid its controversies.
She said: Meta is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away.
From deepfake videos and mass job losses, the shadow of artificial intelligence has hung over Davos.
The Swiss mountain resort hosting global elites at the World Economic Forum has this week been dominated by the opportunities and dangers posed by AI.
Many hope it will bring a golden age of life-saving scientific developments and higher profits.
But as elections loom across the world, the fear that its potential to cause chaos has come to the fore.
And the biggest election in which Donald Trump seems to have a growing chance of returning to the White House is an especially terrifying prospect for the self-proclaimed great and the good who breathed a sigh of relief when he was defeated by Joe Biden four years ago.
Davos, which plays host to global elites at the World Economic Forum, has this week been dominated by the opportunities and dangers posed by AI
The advance of AI or rather generative AI has been so rapid that a new age of misinformation is already here, in time to disrupt polls in democracies from the UK to India as well as the US.
The technology has taken the world by storm in little over a year since the release of ChatGPT.
Generative AI feeds on mountains of data to produce human-like content, from poems to computer code.
The fear is that so-called deepfake videos so realistic that it is virtually impossible to tell they are not genuine could upend elections, resulting in protests and even violence.
And the prospect is one that is already becoming real. We have noticed in the past few weeks quite a preponderance of AI news sites emerging that just do fake news, said Will Lewis, a former Daily Telegraph editor and now publisher of the Washington Post in the US.
It is not coming, its here. Theres a real chance youll run into fake news thats going to pollute your minds today, without knowing about it.
Advocates of AI are already proclaiming its benefits.
Albert Bourla, chief executive of drug maker Pfizer, said it helped to develop paxlovid, a Covid pill, in four months rather than four years. Millions of lives were saved because of that, he said.
And Marc Benioff, boss of the commercial software giant Salesforce, cites the Gucci customer service centre in Milan where his firms AI-based programme has helped boost sales by 30 per cent.
But he also worries it could result in a Hiroshima moment - and says it must be properly regulated. Were having this incredible experience on AI and we really havent had this kind of interactivity before, he said.
But we dont trust it quite yet. We have to also turn to those regulators and say Hey, if you look at social media the past decade its been kind of a f***ing s***show, its pretty bad.
We dont want that in our AI industry, we want to have a good healthy partnership with these regulators.
AI boost? Donald Trump is running for President once again sparking fears of a dirty, social media fuelled election race
Even Sam Altman, the boss of ChatGPT maker Open AI and another star turn here, does not know whether AI will turn out for good or ill.
This is a technology thats clearly very powerful and that we cannot say with certainty exactly whats going to happen. But its easy to imagine with this one that its going to have massive effects on the world and that it could go very wrong.
The direction were trying to push it in is one that we think we can make safe.
Lurking below the surface is the fear of how a US election could be affected.
Vocal criticism of Trump, the man who could soon once again be the worlds most powerful, has been rare in Davos but the fear of what his election might mean has been a strong undercurrent.
Privately, some US executives have been appalled that the man whose supporters launched an insurrection when he lost the last election could be president again.
Others, such as Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, voice fears about what that could mean for the world.
When you look at the likely policies, in terms of being more conscious about the integrated global economy and how it benefits people everywhere, there may be some serious concerns, she said.
Trump is unlikely to be worried though, especially as one of the worlds most powerful chief executives, JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon, seems less concerned than many.
Take a step back, be honest. He was kind of right about Nato, kind of right on immigration, Dimon told CNBC. He grew the economy quite well.
'Trade tax reform worked. He was right about some of China. He wasnt wrong about some critical issues, and thats why they voted for him.
Royal Mail hailed its best Christmas in four years as the postal group sought to make amends for the chaos that befell its operations in 2022.
The 507-year-old delivery firm said more than 99 per cent of first and second-class items sent by the last recommended postal dates were delivered in time for Christmas.
That was a stark improvement on the previous year when strike action from the Communication Workers Union left parcels and cards piled up in sorting offices across the UK.
But Royal Mail continues to weigh on parent company International Distributions Services (IDS), and analysts believe that it is on course for an annual loss of over 300million all but wiping out profits from its overseas arm GLS.
The boss of IDS yesterday urged industry regulator Ofcom to take urgent action over its legal duty to deliver letters six days a week.
Royal Mail said more than 99% of first and second-class items sent by the last recommended postal dates were delivered in time for Christmas
Martin Seidenberg said the current arrangement was simply not sustainable, his remarks fuelling fears that the Saturday post will be scrapped.
Royal Mail said that the number of parcels delivered through its network in the final three months of last year jumped by 21 per cent as customers returned after the end of the strikes by union members.
The business also saw quarterly revenues rise 13.1 per cent to 2.3billion.
A large chunk of this came from three controversial stamp price increases over the last 18 months, which took the cost of first class delivery to 1.25 or 10 for a book of eight.
Once GLS was included, IDS revenues hit 3.6billion for the three months to the end of December, up 9.8 per cent on a year earlier.
Seidenberg said the results showed a marked improvement for Royal Mail over the festive period and added that the firm needed to build on this momentum. Shares in the group rose 2.1 per cent, or 5.2p, to 251.1p.
The delivery rates are a rare bright spot for Royal Mail, which has in recent years been roundly criticised for repeatedly missing its targets and leaving some people waiting weeks for their post to arrive.
Detailed delivery data on the festive period is yet to be published, but the latest figures covering the three months to September showed only 74 per cent of first-class post arrived on time, well below the target of 93 per cent.
Second-class post also fell short, with 91.3 per cent of deliveries on time during the quarter compared to the target of 98.5 per cent.
The shortfalls have prompted sharp criticism from the regulator, with Royal Mail slapped with a 5.6million fine from Ofcom in November for failing to meet its targets.
Royal Mail has argued that the legal requirement for it to deliver letters six days a week, which is known as the Universal Service Obligation (USO), is preventing the company from improving the business and competing with its rivals such as Amazon and Evri.
We are doing all we can to transform, but it is simply not sustainable to maintain a delivery network built for 20billion letters when we are now only delivering 7billion, Seidenberg said.
It follows a letter sent earlier this month from the chief executive to Liam Byrne, chairman of the House of Commons business and trade committee, which said the requirements of the USO were unrealistic and that Royal Mail may need to hike prices further or receive a taxpayer bailout to continue operating in its current form.
But campaigners and ministers have resisted talk of cutting back the service.
The service as we know it remains under onslaught and will change radically, arguably for the worse, if these proposals are allowed to happen, said consumer expert Martyn James.
The comments come as Ofcom prepares to publish options for the future of the USO, with the Royal Mail boss saying it was expected imminently.
THE members of the Royal Family insist they dont watch The Crown but their Commonwealth subjects certainly do.
Streaming service Netflix, which is notoriously secretive about its viewing figures, has never published a global audience breakdown for the show, which finished last month.
But listening figures from the Mails Crown-based podcast - which delved into every episode of the final series - have thrown up an intriguing account of where the TV drama is likely to have proved the biggest hit.
Meg Bellamy stars as Kate Middleton in the student fashion show at which it is said Prince William really noticed his future wife. The final series of The Crown covered the period from the death of Diana to Prince William's time at St Andrews University
Prince William, as played by Ed McVey. The Crown appears to have made a strong showing in Commonwealth Countries
The first kiss between Kate and William as dramatised in the Netflix series
Courtiers have said that members of the Royal Family do not watch The Crown - unlike their fans in Commonwealth countries
While the United Kingdom came out top for tuning into the Crown: Fact or Fiction with some 40 per cent of audience share, Commonwealth nations made an unexpectedly strong showing.
Australia, for example, accounted for nearly 17 per cent of listeners.
The King, who is head of state, is due to visit in October. Perhaps not coincidentally, this month Australias government delayed controversial plans to hold a referendum on replacing King Charles as head of state.
Just over four per cent of downloads were in Canada and 3.6 per cent in New Zealand, where Charles is also head of state.
The other two countries that made the top six for downloads were the United States, with 20.37 per, and Ireland, with 4.65 per cent.
Courtiers have repeatedly said that members of the Royal Family do not watch The Crown except for Prince Harry, who revealed in an interview last year that he does his own fact checks while watching it.
Released in the autumn, the final series recreated the years between Dianas tragic death and the university romance of William and Kate.
Separate chart figures show a similar picture, with the podcast number one in the Apple Podcasts TV and Film listings in six Commonwealth countries: Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malta and Mauritius.
Other Commonwealth countries tuning in include Tanzania and Singapore, where the podcast reached position two and three in the same chart respectively.
These stats do not reveal the ages of the listeners, but the latest Ofcom report showed that podcasts are mostly favoured by younger people, with a growing audience among listeners aged 25 to 44 a key audience for the monarchy.
Outside of the Commonwealth, the podcast has been popular in some unexpected places.
The award-winning Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in The Crown
The three Queens appear in a ghostly scene from the final series of the drama. From the left, Olivia Coleman, Imelda Staunton and Claire Foy
Charles and Camilla are played by Olivia Williams and Dominic West
It has topped the Apple Podcast TV and Film chart in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the King visited for Cop28 in Dubai in November, as well as in Estonia and Honduras.
It also reached number two in the Apple Podcast TV and Film chart in Iceland, Luxembourg, Nepal and Romania; number three in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Lithuania; number four in Greece, Slovakia and Norway and number five in Qatar and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, it has also been in the top ten of the same chart in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
When Riyan Springer sent a picture of an empty house to a website offering cash rewards for spotting derelict properties it can buy she thought nothing more of it.
But, two years later, the 30-year-old from Reading was shocked when she got a call saying was due over 2,000 as a reward - and is now planning a holiday to Barbados.
The customer service worker had sent an image of a worn down semi-detached home in her neighbourhood to YouSpotProperty.com after spotting an advert on social media.
The website, which has existed for a decade, rewards hundreds of people every year who report empty and derelict houses it can transform.
The firm pays 1 per cent of the purchase price to the 'spotter' as a reward. In Riyan's case, she received 2,120 1 per cent of the 210,200 the firm paid for the house which is now currently under renovation.
Two years ago, she uploaded a picture of an empty house in her neighbourhood to a website claiming to give away cash rewards for spotting derelict property it aims to buy
In Riyan's case, she received 2,120 1 per cent of the 210,200 the firm paid for the house (pictured) which is now currently under renovation
Riyan said: 'I saw YouSpotProperty on my social media feed a number of years ago and thought, this is a good idea, but so far-fetched. As in it just sounded too good to be true.
'The idea of a solution fixing old wrecks just sitting there empty (while giving payoffs to spotters) was something I'd never heard of before.'
Riyan, who previously worked in care but is currently employed in customer service for a Reading-based energy company, learnt of her payout after taking a call at work.
She added: 'I was sat at my desk and I took a call which I don't normally do while I'm working when Katie from YouSpotProperty broke the good news I had won the one per cent spotters fee!'
'Two years ago, having seen the social media about YouSpotProperty, I decided to report a house near my home in Reading one I walk passed fairly frequently. The semi-detached mid-century property had an overgrown hedge, dingy torn nets in the windows you could see it wasn't getting any love.
'I thought, I wouldn't want to live next to that, so let's see what happens if I recommend it.
'A few weeks after I'd reported the house I received a 20 Amazon voucher. I was chuffed with that so getting a call from YouSpot two years later was a complete and utter surprise!'
Riyan Springer, 30, of Reading, Berkshire, was rewarded more than 2,000 for reporting an empty house, which she has used to pay for a winter holiday to Barbados
Using her winnings, Riyan has booked a holiday to the island of Barbados this month to help her beat the winter blues
Using her winnings, Riyan has booked a holiday in Barbados this month to help her beat the winter blues.
YouSpotProperty.com pays out an average of seven, one per cent' reward fees each month, for homes they eventually buy, before placing them back into use.
There are more than 250,000 estimated long-term empty and derelict homes around England and Wales.
YouSpotProperty.com founder, Nick Kalms, commented: 'It's taken us more than a decade to build the largest database of empty and derelict homes around the country all through the help of the public and our dedicated research team.'
The filmmaker ex-husband of P.E Nation's co-founder has been charged with stalking or intimidating his estranged wife Claire Tregoning.
Timothy Tregoning, 42, was arrested on November 16 and taken to Manly Police Station, in Sydney's northern beaches, where officers filed an apprehended domestic violence order against him on his ex-wife's behalf.
The father-of-two was charged with stalking or intimidating Ms Tregoning, who now goes by Claire Greaves on Instagram, with intent to cause physical or mental harm between November 1 and 3 last year.
Tregoning, who has the name 'Claire' tattooed on his ribs next to a heart and arrows, pleaded not guilty and was represented by celebrity lawyer Bryan Wrench when the matter was mentioned in Manly Local Court on November 28.
According to court documents seen by Daily Mail Australia, police took a number of factors into consideration when deciding whether to grant bail.
Timothy Tregoning, 42, is pictured in Bondi in March last year. The name 'Claire' is tattooed on his ribs
Tim Tregoning is pictured with his lawyer Bryan Wrench in November last year
One element was that there were 'no independent witnesses to the [alleged] offence'.
Other aspects were that he had no prior violence convictions, he was employed, had joint custody of his two children, and had been living alone at a fixed address for a lengthy period of time.
Tregoning was bailed to an $8million mansion with views overlooking Palm Beach and was forced to adhere to strict bail conditions.
He is not allowed within 100 metres of where Ms Tregoning lives or works, and cannot contact her unless through a lawyer or agreed in writing and about contact with their children.
He must not assault or threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate her, or recklessly destroy property or harm any animal that belongs to her.
The matter will return to court on February 6.
The Tregonings quietly ended their 11-year marriage in mid-2022 and sold their five-bedroom Avalon mansion for $6.4million last February.
Claire Tregoning (pictured) is the co-founder of athleisure brand P.E Nation
Claire Tregoning confirmed her split with her husband Timothy (pictured together) last year
P.E Nation at the 2021 Australian Open: Claire Tregoning is pictured right, next to her husband Tim. Pip Edwards is on the left
Ms Tregoning previously told the Sydney Morning Herald that the split was 'amicable'.
'It is very amicable, we still love each other, we are co-parenting and he remains a great friend,' she said, at the time.
'Things change and that's just what happened for us, but we are getting through that with a lot of respect and support for each other.'
Tregoning is a cinematographer who has been involved with a range of high-profile productions since 2012, including a Netflix series.
He was notably involved in Snow White and the Huntsman starring Chris Hemsworth, along with Australian TV series Puberty Blues, and commercials for Audi, NRMA and Qantas.
His private life started hitting the headlines in 2016 when his activewear mogul wife launched athleisure brand P.E Nation with Pip Edwards.
One of three men who broke into the home of Tamara Ecclestone and escaped with a 26million haul has been released from jail after serving just two years.
Alessandro Donati, 46, was given an eight-year sentence in November 2021 along with Alessandro Maltese, 47, while Jugoslav Jovanovic, 26, got 11 years.
MailOnline has discovered that Donati was released just before Christmas while Maltese is expected to be released shortly.
He flew home to his native Milan in Italy on December 19 and shortly after his return police raided his home to see if any of the missing haul was hidden there.
None of the haul has ever been recovered and Scotland Yard believe it was taken to Serbia and laundered there.
Alessandro Donati, 46, was given an eight-year sentence in November 2021 for breaking into Tamara Ecclestone's home and escaping with a 26million haul. He has been released from prison after serving just two years of an eight year sentence
Tamara Ecclestone's home was targeted in the raid in 2019 while she was on a family holiday in Lapland
Donati was arrested in October 2020 in Italy and extradited to the UK a month later.
He was kept on remand until his trial in November 2021 where he received a sentence of eight years and nine months.
His earliest release date would have been after serving half his sentence which would have taken him to March 2026 but having spent a 13 months on remand it would have moved to February 2025.
Being a foreign prisoner 12 to 18 months before that date, he would have been given the option to be deported which MailOnline understands he accepted.
However in Italy he is not subject to any restrictions as he is no longer part of the British judicial system and is free to come and go as he pleases.
His lawyer Angelo Pariani told MailOnline: 'I can confirm my client was released from jail and retuned to Italy last month.
'He served the sentence he should have and was freed after agreeing to be deported to Italy and he can now do as he pleases, his obligation to the judicial system is over.
'I would imagine that Ms Ecclestone has been informed but he has no idea where the items taken are, most likely they are in Serbia, he doesn't have anything.
'The Italian police went to his home after his return but all they found was 120 in British banknotes and that was given to him to pay for his flight.
'He has admitted he took part in the break-ins, but he didn't take 26million, that is all probably in Serbia. The police won't find anything with my client.'
The three men all Italians were jailed at Isleworth Crown Court in what was labelled Britain's biggest ever burglary spree.
All three admitted their part in a plot to carry out three raids across west London over two weeks in December 2019.
This handout shows the selection of watches stolen from Miss Ecclestone's 70million home in the devastating raid
Alessandro Maltese, 47, (left) was also sent to prison for eight years for the raid and is expected to be released soon. Jugoslav Jovanovic, 26, is currently serving an 11 year term
The gang hit the Kensington home of socialite Tamara, as well as that of former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and his wife Cristine and the late Leicester City chief Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Ms Ecclestone, the daughter of F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, had around 25million worth of money and jewellery taken from her home while on a family holiday in Lapland.
In a victim impact statement read at the trial Ms Eccelstone said: 'It's been really awful.
'I'm so scared, I will not leave my daughter alone in the house at night, because I just feel like the people I am meant to trust, I don't, I'm not sure that I can trust anyone. I have just been so scared.'
Ms Ecclestone said wedding presents were among the items stolen, and that had 'made me really sad' and she added: 'A lot of it was really personal, I wanted to give some of the items to my daughter one day.
'It hasn't been easy but I guess now it just makes me think, what if, if something worseit has got me thinking all different kinds of things, and I'm now obsessing overs security, the gates and barbed wires, spikes and stuff and it's not really how I want to live my life.'
In his impact statement Mr Lampard said: 'Neither Christine nor I are sleeping too well as a consequence of this incident.
'I would add that while I have been an unfortunate victim of crime previously, particularly burglary, this incident has had a far greater impact on our lives.'
His wife added: 'Since this break-in at my house, I am much more fearful of being in my own home, I am less trusting of visitors to my house, and I feel unsafe in my home.
I have a young daughter and feel vulnerable in a home which I had always previously felt safe and happy in. I have struggle to sleep sometimes since the incident as I am sensitive to any noise from outside, fearing another attack.'
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's family said: 'Our late father's residence was a place for reflection and to pray.
Miss Ecclestone and husband Jay Rutland pictured at the 9th Annual Global Gift Gala at the Rosewood Hotel in London in November 2018. She said wedding presents were among the items stolen
The raid was carried out on Miss Ecclestone's home in West London which is pictured with Christmas decorations outside in this photo
Tamara Ecclestone appears on the new BBC Three documentary 'Who Stole Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds?' and reveals she will always worry about being safe at home
'We felt it was the strongest connection to him as he spent his last night there before his death.
'Since the burglary, our sacred and special connection has been damaged and violated beyond repair.'
Last month a man accused of being involved in the burglaries was arrested in Serbia along with five others.
Mr Pariani told MailOnline his client had been asked to take part in a BBC documentary and had been offered a payment but had turned it down.
He said: 'He doesn't want to say anything about what happened for the time being. Maybe in the future in a year or so he will say something, he's had offers but he has declined them.'
Amid all the doom and gloom, the recession and retrenchment and the widespread sense of a broken Britain, there has been one extraordinary success story Scotch whisky.
As the latest figures this week revealed, sales of the water of life now account for more than a quarter of all the UKs food and drink exports, bringing 7.1billion into the British economy in 2022.
The gross value added of that amber nectar in 2022 had increased by 29 per cent since 2018 given Covid, you guess many felt in need of a drink and whisky amounts to 77 per cent of Scotlands comestible exports, at a cool value of 5.3billion for Scotlands coffers.
Whisky is also an increasingly important employer. It supports 66,000 jobs across the UK 41,000 of those in Scotland and 24,000 of them have been created only in the past decade.
Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, understandably exults. The UK Government wholeheartedly supports the industry.
The production of Scotch whisky calls for training, skill, and acute judgment; even the production of barrels has kept Scotland's coopers going for decades
Scotch is not just Scotlands but the UKs most valuable food and drink export and thats why weve given it ten cuts or freezes in duty at the last 11 Budgets, as well as removing punitive tariffs imposed on the US market.
And Scotch whisky is unique. It is made from just three ingredients water, barley and peat.
Accordingly, it is a remarkably clean drink and, when enjoyed temperately, will not give you a hangover.
Its production calls for training, skill, and acute judgment, often through generations of the same families. The draff the sodden, leftover barley solids is an excellent cattle feed and at least one distillery, on the Isle of Harris, gives it to local crofters for free.
Every cask must be matured for three years and a day before it can legally be sold and there is significant evaporation: the darkly murmured angels share (of course, many fine malts are aged far longer than that).
Production of those barrels is a fascinating tale in itself: singlehandedly, our whisky producers have kept Scotlands coopers going decades after all other call for their services had ceased.
The sheer scale of production in some micro-economies is hard to grasp. If you were startled when Caledonian MacBrayne commissioned two huge new car ferries, from a yard in Turkey and just for the isle of Islay, you might be less startled when one points out that they will freight the entire production of whisky from Islays nine distilleries as well as the one on Jura.
Which, annually, between the ten, exceeds 20million litres of hooch a year.
On the map of Scotch whisky others in the family include Highland, Lowland, Campbeltown and, of course, Speyside Islay whisky has a faint but unmistakable note of iodine.
They say its all that seaweed in the air. Highland Park whisky, from Orkney, is so peaty its like being in your great-grandmammys Hebridean blackhouse.
By contrast, Speyside malts Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Aberlour and so on are frugal with peat and full of fruit, pants the Scotch Whisky Association.
Apple, pear, honey, vanilla and spice all have a role in expressions from this region, which are commonly matured in sherry casks.
Doubtless to the exasperation of Banffshire coopers.
Then there has been the recent expansion of the industry in the further Hebrides.
That was once a niche Talisker distilled at Carbost, on the Isle of Skye and Tobermory, on Mull, had all to themselves; but now there are distilleries in Raasay, Lewis, Barra and elsewhere.
What has kept these new producers going while, for three fingers-drumming years and a day, their bonded uisge-beatha has to be left to time and the seraphim?
By also producing gin, which can be bottled and sold immediately: Isle of Harris gin, in particular, has been a success.
Whisky has been around for a very long time. It first appears in Scotlands recorded history in 1494, when the Exchequer Rolls note Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor wherewith to make aqua vitae.
It was not an era noted for the sanctity of Scottish priests. But it was quite late in the 1700s before the authorities began determined efforts to regulate and, of course, tax whisky production.
There are actually very good reasons why it should be regulated and that, while you may brew your own ale or knock up, say, elderberry wine to your hearts content, no one anywhere is allowed to distill their own spirits.
For one, there is the risk of explosion; for another, it takes skill and proper equipment to distill ethanol and, if you remember your O Grade chemistry, it is all too easy to produce methanol instead, which is extraordinarily dangerous.
In Ireland, where the illicit production of poitin remains a serious problem, tragedies are not uncommon, and the early death of its most noted modern composer, Sean O Riada, in 1971 he was but forty, and left ten children has been attributed to his addiction to such gut-rot.
On the isle of Pabbay, Harris, whisky was in the 1700s seriously good business. So fertile was the island they could harvest two crops of barley a year, and so desperate was their factor to get his personal paws on it that his agents tried time and again to catch the stillmen in the act.
But the captain of the local cutter (no doubt repaid in bottles) flew a flag of warning whenever the exciseman was on board: ample time for the Pabbay folk to conceal their equipment.
Until, one day in 1846, he broke his arm, a stranger took the helm and that was the end of Pabbay. It was cleared for sheep, and is a desert still.
There are two surprises in the wider world of whisky. We are so used today to the availability and promotion of the great single malts that we forget it is an extraordinarily recent development.
As late as 1967, only 30 of Scotlands 110 distilleries at the time allowed the public to buy their fine products. Whisky was overwhelmingly sold in blends Haig, Whyte & Mackay, and of course The Famous Grouse, our bestselling whisky for more than half a century and held in particular affection by the late Princess Margaret.
Another surprise is that some really good blends Dewars comes to mind are now difficult to buy in Scotland; they are overwhelmingly exported.
But the biggest surprise of all is that the greediest market for our national drink, anywhere on Earth, is the French.
They drink whisky prodigiously. 2.15litres, per adult, per year. 140million litres, enough to fill 45 Olympic-sized swimming pools. 200million bottles, and the countrys best-selling spirit and this in the land of Armagnac and Pernod.
And some ardent patriots are furious. Within 15 years the worlds best whiskies will be French, thundered one Nicolas Julhes in 2016.
We will be able to stop copying the Scots and bring a real French style, he ranted on, like the Supreme Dalek. We have the greatest specialists on the ageing [of alcoholic drinks] who have always worked in wine and cognac...
But je suis desole not our peat, our rain, or the Sixteen Men of Tain.
Scotland has recorded the coldest UK January temperature in four years as forecasters warn it may get even chillier.
The mercury fell to -14C in Dalwhinnie, in the Cairngorms, on Tuesday night, according to provisional recordings by the Met Office.
It is the coldest January temperature since -14.3 in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, in 2019.
Meanwhile, Lerwick, in Shetland, has had the biggest fall of snow, with more than 8in gathering by yesterday afternoon.
The Arctic conditions show no sign of letting up, with a bitter -18C expected during last night into this morning.
Arctic conditions in Scotland show no sign of letting up, with a bitter -18C expected during last night into this morning.
Glenfinnan Viaduct in a spectacular snowy winter wonderland landscape
Great fun: Miley Campbell, two, sledging in Muir of Ord
A red squirrel gathers winter supplies in Kinross, gripping a hazelnut in its mouth
The Met Office upgraded its yellow weather warning for today to amber as further frequent snow showers arrive in the Northern Isles and north-west Scotland.
Forecasters believe up to an additional 4in of snow will fall in these areas, with the potential for a further 7in in some spots.
The warning states power outages are likely and more remote communities are at risk of being cut off.
The amber warning for snow lasts until 6pm today, meaning road delays are likely and some vehicles could be stranded.
Police have advised people to drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for their journey.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotlands head of road policing, said: Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary.
Yesterday, hundreds of schools remained shut. All schools and nurseries in Shetland and Orkney were closed, 280 were shut in the Highlands and about 90 in Aberdeenshire. Others delayed opening times.
However, while the conditions brought disruption, they also created postcard-perfect scenes.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct and surrounding countryside in Inverness-shire was covered in snow, creating a stunning image.
It is instantly recognisable as the route of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.
Icy temperature is etched in frost covering a car window in freezing cold Glasgow
Freezing temperatures and snow will continue for much of Britain this week due to a chilling blast from the North, before potentially disruptive stormy weather takes hold over the weekend.
A cold plunge of Arctic air has moved south across the country over the past few days, making it 5C to 6C lower than usual for this time of year, the Met Office said.
The forecaster has said more than 15in of snow may have gathered on high ground in north-west Scotland by the end of tomorrow.
Meanwhile, lower ground in the region could see up to 4in of snow by the end of the working week.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: With deep snow already lying on the ground for many in Scotland, were going to see a significant topping up of totals over the next couple of days, especially for those in the North.
A Hollywood executive told police he had never met a woman who conned her family into thinking she was a successful actress, a court heard yesterday.
Irving Azoff, 76, was contacted by police investigating Heather Dunlop, who had claimed that she was represented by him.
He told officers he had never managed or represented the 38-year-old, who claimed to have mingled with A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio and was working on a movie with director Tim Burton.
The evidence was led yesterday during an agreed narration at Glasgow Sheriff Court ahead of Dunlops sentencing.
The would-be star also told loved ones she had signed million pound film and advertising contracts.
Heather Dunlop falsely told relatives she was being represented by Hollywood mogul Irving Azoff
She and her mother, Ann Dunlop, 68, convinced her uncle David Bunton, 51, to hand his niece cash to help her make the breakthrough while supposed payments to her were outstanding due to issues with banks.
Dunlops aunt and uncle, Jean and Steve Allen, were also induced to hand over cash.
A private investigator was later hired by Mr Bunton and it was confirmed that the mother and daughter had lied.
This sparked a police investigation which resulted in Mr Azoff being contacted by police in 2017.
Prosecutor Victoria Keel told the hearing yesterday: A signed letter from Mr Azoff stated that he never managed or represented her or anyone at his company, nor does he believe that he has ever met her.
Dunlop, of Margate, Kent, pleaded guilty to defrauding her family of 35,368. Her mother, previously of Beauly, Inverness-shire, was convicted at Glasgow Sheriff Court last August of a similar charge.
She was ordered to be of good behaviour for 12 months and told to pay the cash back.
Irving Azoff, 76, was contacted by police investigating Heather Dunlop
Ms Keel told the court yesterday that London Royal Academy of Music graduate Dunlop appeared on national TV in three minor roles around 2010 and 2011.
Around March 2016, Mr Bunton was told by the mother and daughter that Dunlop had secured the services of Mr Azoff.
Ms Keel said: Mr Bunton and Mrs Allen were told Mr Azoff would secure major acting roles, paying her millions of pounds and that she secured an advertising job with Chanel.
She said she secured the lead role in the movie of the stage show Wicked as well as other major roles; she was in meetings with major stars and had attended the Oscars with Mr Azoff.
Dunlop, representing herself, stated at yesterdays hearing that she knew from the outset she did not have a part in Wicked.
Sheriff Vincent Lunny asked if she had met Leonardo DiCaprio and she replied: Briefly.
She also claimed to know Tim Burton personally.
Dunlop added: I just lost my mind. I just want to pay them back. I didnt set out to get money and not pay them back. I didnt realise the amount.
My mum was just repeating what I was saying.
She stated that she is not working and is living off savings but is able to pay the Allens back by cheque. Repayment to Mr Bunton will also begin.
Sheriff Lunny told her he wants the money paid back before he passes sentence in September.
The UK Government has launched a legal bid to force SNP ministers to pay its costs for their gender reform court battle.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jacks lawyers have informed the Scottish Government he intends to lodge a motion at the Court of Session seeking expenses for last months case.
The SNP Government could now be hit with an extra 150,000 bill, in addition to 227,866 it spent on the doomed case.
Humza Yousaf launched the judicial review shortly after he became First Minister, but the court ruled Mr Jack had acted lawfully when he used section 35 powers to block the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Announcing his bid for legal expenses, Mr Jack said: The Scottish Government chose to pursue this litigation in spite of the cost to the taxpayer.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack blocked the SNP's doomed gender reform Bill
My legal advisors have today intimated to the Scottish Government that we have started the process of seeking an award of expenses in defending the case.
Yesterdays contact between UK Government lawyers and the Scottish Government is the start of a legal process for the award of expenses.
A motion will be lodged with the Court of Session tomorrow and the Scottish Government has until 12.30pm on Monday to respond.
If the Scottish Government opposes the motion, a judge will consider the issue and likely call a hearing. If the judge decides that expenses should be awarded in the UK Governments favour, then there will be a process to determine an amount.
The SNP legislation would have removed the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria when applying for a gender recognition certificate, and lowered the minimum age for applicants to 16.
It was blocked by Mr Jack using section 35 powers set out in the devolution settlement due to the impact it would have had on UK equality laws, which are reserved to Westminster.
Lady Haldane dismissed the Scottish Governments appeal and confirmed the block on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill was lawful, following a case at the Court of Session in September.
In an appearance at the Scottish affairs committee last month, Mr Jack said UK Government costs had hit 150,000, although it will be for the court to decide on a figure if it rules that the UK Government should be reimbursed.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: Devolution is fundamentally flawed if the UK Government is able to override the democratic wishes of the Scottish parliament.
The costs incurred in this legal challenge relate to protecting the powers of the Scottish parliament.
We are aware the UK Government intends to lodge a motion for expenses and we will consider its terms.
Last month, Mr Yousaf said he was taking legal advice on whether to appeal the Court of Sessions ruling that the UK Government acted lawfully by blocking the gender reform Bill.
But Mr Jack warned that appealing the decision all the way to the Supreme Court would lead to total costs of around 2million.
Just weeks later the Scottish Government ruled out an appeal against the ruling.
Warnings that a 16-year-old boy who took his own life in prison was prone to self harming were met with a casual response from warders, an inquiry has heard.
William Brown was held in custody after being deemed a potential risk to public safety at Glasgow Sheriff Court on October 4, 2018, three days before his death.
Support worker Stephen Cain said he warned a warder at Polmont Young Offenders Institution near Falkirk that the teenager, also known as William Lindsay, had a history of self harm.
Mr Cain, 42, who had known William for two years, yesterday told a fatal accident inquiry at Falkirk Sheriff Court the Glasgow teen was a troubled boy who had been through a lot of childhood trauma.
He said that on October 5, the day after William was remanded over an allegation of walking into a police station with a knife, he phoned a prison officer at Polmont called Robert.
William Brown was found dead in his cell at the Young Offenders Institution Polmont
Prison staff at HMP Polmont were sent a fax from the procurator fiscal stating William Brown was a suicide risk
He said he mentioned William had mental health issues and was prone to self-harm, and added he was pretty sure I passed on that it was cutting and hanging.
Mr Cain said: I got a kind of casual response not as flippant as yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah but as if theyd heard it all before.
Prison staff were also sent a fax from the procurator fiscal stating William was a suicide risk, while a letter from the social work department expressed similar concerns.
Between 2016 and 2018, William had been taken to hospital due to suicide attempts, drug use and fighting on at least 15 occasions.
On arrival at Polmont he was put on a 30-minute observation regime.
Later the same day, a case conference was held with a mental health nurse and two prison officers, where William was assessed as at no apparent risk of suicide.
He was removed from observation.
He was found dead in his cell on October 7 nearly 12 hours after his last contact with prison staff.
Prison officer Natalie Cameron, 34, who attended the five-minute case conference that took William off suicide watch, said she had not seen the fiscals fax.
Katie Allan, 21, took her own life four months before she was due to be released from Polmont prison
She added: He didnt present in a way that any of us felt he was at risk of suicide or self harm at that point.
Ms Cameron said that at the time she believed they had carried out a proper assessment, adding obviously its different now.
The inquiry is also probing the suicide at Polmont in June 2018 of Glasgow University student Katie Allan.
The 21-year-old was jailed for dangerous driving and was found dead in her cell amid claims she was bullied by other inmates.
The inquiry continues.
For support, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or you can visit www.samaritans.org
She has been an ever-present elected member since the Scottish parliament was created in 1999.
Now veteran Scottish Labour politician Jackie Baillie has become the first sitting MSP to be honoured with a damehood.
Dame Jackie was among 73 people who received honours from the Princess Royal yesterday at an investiture ceremony in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
The Scottish Labour deputy leader received her damehood for political and public service.
On hearing the news of her royal honour last year, Dame Jackie said it was totally unexpected and came as quite a shock.
Deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Jackie Baillie is made a Dame by the Princess Royal at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The MSP for Dumbarton added: I understand I was nominated by constituents, and when you have represented people for 24 years this is such a humbling experience.
I was delighted to accept on that basis.
Among others honoured yesterday was broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson, who was made an MBE for services to people with dementia and their carers.
She founded the charity Playlist for Life in 2013 after observing the effect music had on her mothers condition.
Veteran Scottish Labour politician Jackie Baillie has become the first sitting MSP to be honoured with a damehood
Broadcaster and author Sally Magnusson is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Princess Anne
It works with families and care homes to encourage people to develop a playlist of personally meaningful music for those with dementia.
Ms Magnusson said: Through this music they find themselves able to experience genuine joy and connection again.
Im thrilled to accept the award on behalf of Playlist for Life and the many people who have supported us.
Charity campaigner Cor Hutton was also made an MBE.
In 2013 she suffered acute pneumonia and sepsis and had to have both her hands and legs amputated.
A popular dating app has released this year's list of top 10 cities for threesomes and relationships earlier this month.
3Fun, an app for sexually-free singles and open-minded couples, determined the list by examining their users.
'This data underscores the growing acceptance and normalization of diverse relationship structures across major U.S. cities,' said 3Funs founder and CEO, Max Ma, in a press release.
One million users are currently using 3Fun and an estimated 300,000 of them are partners using the couple account feature.
Metropolitan cities are dominating this year's list, but what other locations are the go-to places for threesomes and open relationships?
The 3Fun dating app released this year's list of top 10 cities for threesomes and relationships earlier this month
The data was made after the company profiled its one million users - 300,000 being couples in the US
Metropolitan cities are dominating this year's list - the first three being in those list spots for the last few years
1. New York City
The city of nearly 10 million people is topping this year's list for anyone looking to be in a threesome or open relationship.
New Yorkers have opened in the last few years about looking for sex parties and threesomes after the 2021 anti-vax summer was ruined, one reason likely being the Delta variant.
The city is also home to more than 100 sex clubs, many of which were organized into lists for being the best or clubs for beginners or sex experts.
A bartender who works at a secret New York sex club spoke with Daily Mail last year about what it's like to work there.
She claimed to see a couple having sex on the bar counter during one of her shifts.
She also said 50 percent of couples 'just starting out' are among the individuals who enter the club, while 10 percent go in due to curiosity.
Interestingly enough, NYC was also ranked one of the top 10 most unfaithful cities in the US for those looking to be in a monogamous relationship and not have more than one partner.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles has been included in more than one of 3Fun's open relationship and threesome list for several years.
Some of the best swingers clubs in LA are extravagant, including Club Joi - a couples lifestyle club with satin seats.
An interesting factor to possibly tie into this are how many stories of celebrity threesomes are being told in recent years.
Rumors of a 2016 threesome between Amber Heard, Elon Musk, and Cara Delevingne in LA blew up the internet in 2020.
Later that year, Los Angeles was ranked number 2 by 3Fun for its interest in threesomes and open relationships.
3. Houston
Houston may be a popular Texas town, but like NYC and LA, it's been featured in one of the top cities of threesomes and relationships for years.
3Fun's 2020 list ranked Houston at number three and concluded nearly 10,000 of its users are from that town.
Unfortunately, it's also a town that is a prime example of just what sex activities can lead to if someone is not careful.
Bissonnet Street is southwest Houston is a hot spot for prostitutes looking to engage in any sexual activities and an increase in sex trafficking.
However, anyone hoping for a better experience can check out one of the many swinger clubs the town has to offer.
Users on Reddit suggested one couple visit Collete, which is a popular and private swingers club with fun theme nights.
'Collets is definitely the spot or smooches,' a user wrote in 2020.
Another popular place named The Foxx Den is described as 'a safe place where naughty adults can meet and play.'
They even offer interactive demonstrations for people to try out bdsm and is open to anyone who is single, solo, in a couple, or in a group.
The city of nearly 10 million people is topping this year's list for anyone looking to be in a threesome or open relationship
Los Angeles has been included in more than one of 3Fun's open relationship and threesome list for several years. Club Joi is one of the extravagant clubs in town
3Fun's 2020 list ranked Houston at number three and concluded nearly 10,000 of its users are from that town
4. Chicago
The Illinois town with a population of nearly nine million people has never been in 3Fun's top 3, but has been on this list a few times.
A study back in 2012 revealed Chicagoans are having sex three times per week for 35 minutes.
Anyone in open relations will have luck finding professional help to handle being in one without going to clubs or sex parties.
Therapists all over North Side Chicago include open relationships and polyamory as their specialties.
5. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a popular town in Nevada known for its fun shows and casinos while also be known as 'Disneyland, but with more threesomes' by Vital Vegas.
Some of their sex clubs also have wild ways to lure in members and one even masqueraded as a meditative Buddhist retreat.
'The thing that blows my mind is nobody said anything. None of us said anything. We just kind of looked at each other and got naked,' a former member told Daily Mail in November 2023.
6. Dallas
Another Texas town featured on this list, the area is home to several swingers clubs that are for open-minded couples and individuals.
The Velvet Curtain is one of those clubs in Downtown Dallas that offer club goers to 'explore their wildest fantasies' in a safe place.
It offers private and public playrooms and holds theme nights that show guests and members demonstrations on choking and biting.
Others hoping for a weekend at the club can dance and mingle on Saturday night's before taking things to another level.
Another Collette location is in Dallas and still offers the same explorations as its Houston location for couples to explore sensual things with other individuals.
Some of their sex clubs also have wild ways to lure in members and one even masqueraded as a meditative Buddhist retreat
Another Texas town featured on this list, the area is home to several swingers clubs that are for open-minded couples and individuals
7. San Antonio
The third and final Texas town at number seven may be more sexual than some think.
This town has been featured on similar lists by other dating aps, including 3Somer.
It was named the most romantic city by Amazon in February 2017 and had nearly 5,400 3Fun users back in 2020.
Individuals visiting the city may need to be careful since it was revealed to have the highest rate of STD's in 2023.
Houston, number three on this list, had the lowest STD rate out of the three Texas cities mentioned on this list.
8. Phoenix
According to phoenixswingclubs.com, 90 percent of men saying yes to a threesome.
Counselors all over phoenix have suggested open relationships be a consideration for couples who may have marriage problems.
An employee at Phoenix Men's Counseling wrote people who 'find it impossible to have a relationship or sex with only one person' should think about polygamy.
Members of some throuple relationships have opened up more to publications to talk about their experiences and why the relationship works
9. Miami
Miami made its list debut this year at number nine.
According to 3Fun's press release, the town is currently the fast-growing city in terms of number of users who have accounts.
Celebrities have told interesting stories in the past at what Miami has to offer, one being a devil's threesome with Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Vinny Guadagnino.
Sorrentino claimed a production crew was in the control room during the entire encounter.
A night of 'unrestricted erotic access' thrown in the city back in 2019 featured celebrities looking to explore their 'primal urges.'
This party wasn't enough to get Miami into 3Fun's top 10 list back then, but the party was organized by a club based in the ultra-popular Los Angeles.
10. Philadelphia
The only Pennsylvania town to crack the top 10 list is the home to swinger clubs and had the third highest STD rate in the state back in 2020.
1,822 STD cases per 100,000 were reported that year by Philadelphia residents and professor Sara Wood noted that mobile dating apps may have played a role in it.
Philadelphia couples have been more open to open marriages and have discussed their experiences to in-town publications.
'I think this allows for the opportunity to be like, Oh, youre not getting something from me? Thats okay. You can get something from somebody else,' a man told Philadelphia magazine in 2022.
'It sort of relaxes the pressure.'
Woolworths planned to fly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside of its stores as part of the supermarket giant's Reconciliation Action Plan.
Many organisations across Australia have reconciliation action plans which promote developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities.
One of the actions in Woolworths' plan reads: 'Display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside stores, sites and support offices where practicable.'
The measure was to be reviewed this month.
However, despite the company's report, a spokeswoman for the supermarket told Daily Mail Australia that Woolworths doesn't 'plan' to 'add flags outside our supermarkets'.
Woolworths could soon be flying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags outside of its stores as part of the supermarket giant's Reconciliation Action Plan
READ MORE: Ray Hadley's scathing attack on Woolworths CEO Advertisement
Woolworths argued the three flags will be flown where they already fly the Australian flag - such as at the company's headquarters - just as they are at primary schools.
'This line in our Reconciliation Action Plan refers to our plan to fly all three nationally endorsed flags in our locations where the Australian flag is already flown - namely our support offices,' the spokeswoman said.
'We don't plan to add flags outside our supermarkets.
'The specific statement refers to displaying the flags 'where practicable'. The locations deemed practicable are those where the Australian flag is already flown.'
The revelation comes as the supermarket giant faces intense backlash for ditching Australia Day merchandise - with Woolworths infuriating customers further for still promoting Australia Day weekend specials.
One shopper questioned why the supermarket is offering food specials over the Australia Day long weekend, following its announcement it would not stock merchandise for the public holiday.
The customer in Balmain, in Sydney's inner west, said she received an advertisement from Woolworths offering deals on food for next weekend.
The revelation comes as the supermarket giant faces intense backlash for ditching Australia Day merchandise
A Woolworths shopper questioned why the supermarket is offering food specials over the Australia Day long weekend, following its announcement it would not stock merchandise for the public holiday
'Why send me promotional texts on food specials if you don't support the holiday!' she wrote.
Woolworths defended the specials saying the supermarket wanted Aussies to enjoy 'a large range of great value food offers'.
The supermarket giant copped criticism after announcing last week it would not sell Australian themed items for the public holiday.
A spokesperson said their focus was on offering food and produce for all occasions, including Australia Day.
'Customers across all our stores can also expect to see a large range of great value food offers and specials to enjoy with family and friends next week in the lead up to and for the Australia Day long weekend,' a spokesperson said.
Woolworths earlier said there had been a gradual decline in demand for Australia Day merchandise in recent years.
'At the same time there's been broader discussion about 26 January and what it means to different parts of the community,' their statement read.
'We know many people like to use this day as a time to get together and we offer a huge variety of products to help customers mark the day as they choose.
'Woolworths and BIG W celebrate the best of Australia every day, and we're proud to support the farmers, producers, and suppliers who work with us.'
The decision to scrap Australia Day-themed merchandise led to Opposition leader Peter Dutton calling for Aussies to boycott the supermarket altogether.
The widow of an Australian Special Forces veteran killed in a motorcycle accident a year ago has been given a ray of hope after she was threatened with deportation.
American Kristie Chilcott has been told her visa application to stay in Australia has been given top priority.
Ms Chilcott faced deportation when her visitor visa expired on July 1.
She had applied for a parent visa when she was told it could take 29 years to process despite her late husband Drew Chilcott's two decades of military service.
Mr Chilcott undertook 13 high risk overseas missions, including a deployment in the Middle East before he died in a motorcycle accident in October 22.
Ms Chilcott said she was 'speechless' after learning she may have a chance to stay in Australia to raise their five-year-old son Jack.
Kristie Chilcott (pictured with husband Drew Chilcott) has been given a ray of hope in her fight to stay in Australia
'I am beyond grateful for this chance to stay and live in Australia permanently with my son,' she said in a statement.
'I just wish it didn't have to come to going to the media for there to be justice in the immigration system.'
READ MORE: British family beat deportation from Australia: Nathan and Emma Mills are granted permanent residency Advertisement
Ms Chilcott had previously made a heartfelt plea to stay in Perth and honour her dead husband's wish that their son be brought up in Australia.
'It's our last chance to carry on the parenting I had hoped to do with Drew,' Ms Chilcott told Sky News.
'I'm not asking for a handout.
'I have a son that's an Australian citizen, [I'm] fully committed to giving back to the country and there are people migrating here that are doing quite the opposite, in my opinion, and I don't see where the justice is or how that is remotely fair.'
Ms Chilcott said she was reluctant to uproot her son again for the third time in three years, especially when Jack was about to start school.
'The uncertainty of not knowing where we're going to get to stay and live, it's one of the hardest things I've had to deal with besides Drew passing,' she said.
'The stress of it has been unbearable.'
Mr Chilcott was just 17 when he made the brave decision to enlist in Royal Australian Navy the day after the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Drew Chilcott was just 17 when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy where he spent two decades serving his country
As an able seaman he undertook 13 high risk overseas missions, including a deployment in the Middle East before he was medically discharged in May 2021 after he broke his back during a training operation.
Tragically Mr Chilcott died just 17 months later in a motorcycle accident.
He and Ms Chilcott were married not long after the couple first met 10 years ago.
In her desperate battle to stay in Australia Ms Chilcott sought assistance from her federal MP Ian Goodenough, who appealed for immigration minister Andrew Giles to 'urgently intervene' in the matter last September.
'Granting her the Parent (subclass 103) visa on compassionate grounds would not only alleviate her immediate concerns but would also allow her to provide the stable and loving environment Jack needs during this difficult time,' Mr Goodenough wrote.
'I firmly believe that is a case that would justify Ministerial intervention and your compassion and understanding in this matter would be greatly appreciated, not only by Ms Chilcott but also by the broader community who values and respects the sacrifices made by members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.'
Shadow immigration spokesman Dan Tehan and independent senator Jacqui Lambie also took up Ms Chilcott's cause and called for Mr Giles to urgently intervene in the matter.
A prominent Satanist has given the opening prayer at a Nevada county commission meeting - sparking outrage among the members.
The address at the Washoe County Commission meeting on Tuesday ended not with an 'Amen', but a 'Hail, Satan.'
It was delivered by Reno Satanic's Jason Miller and caused one board member to storm out in protest.
Ironically, that staffer, Commissioner Clara Andriola, was the one to dream up adding invocations to the meetings in the first place.
The 67-year-old successfully campaigned for adding prayers as precursors just last year - but now may be regretting that decision.
The commission - seen here being forced to sit through the renowned Satanist's spiel -- unanimously approved adding pre-meeting prayers just last year
The unsettling invocation was delivered by Jason Miller at the Washoe County Commission meeting Tuesday - and ended not with an 'Amen', but a 'Hail, Satan'
'The New Age is dawning that these decisions will play a role in,' said Miller at a point during his relatively brief spiel, which began with a bit of Latin that included references to Satan and Lucifer.
'For our liberation, for here and now is our day of joy, here and now is our opportunity,' he continued.
'May we seize this glorious day and its enchanting nights to celebrate the wonders of the natural world, as we are all part of its boundless mysteries.
'Hail, Satan,' he eventually declared.
Following the speech - during which Miller asked the devil to bring '[his] guiding actions of nobility and justice to the decisions made in [the] chamber - most of the five-person board appeared, for the most, part puzzled.
Chair Alexis Hill, after letting out an exasperated 'OK...', attempted to move the conversation forward.
Asking the country clerk to move onto a period for 'public comment', she can't help but stammer over her word.
Miller, meanwhile, proudly walks off from the podium - with an unmistakable bounce in his step.
But even with the tirade over, several of the speakers who followed repeatedly brought up the Satanist's unsanctioned sermon.
Chair Alexis Hill and Commissioner Mike Clark - who later called the Satanist a 'nitwit' - are seen listening to Miller's unsanctioned sermon, which only lasted about a minute
It saw the boss of the known Nevada group ask the devil to bring '[his] guiding actions of nobility and justice to the decisions made in [the] chamber,' while referencing 'The New Age... that these decisions will play a role in'
It left most of the five-person board, for the most, part puzzled, with Hill afterwards seen letting out an exasperated 'OK...'
Commissioner Clara Andriola, the one who came up with adding invocations to the meetings in the first place, stormed out in protest
Andriola, once Miller was through, returned and weighed in - by taking the time to distance herself from the man's message
Mike Clark, another commissioner, called Miller a nitwit, while also criticizing Andriola's relatively new policy. 'When you open it up, this is what you get,' he said
Andriola, after returning once Miller was through, herself weighed in - taking the time to distance herself from the man's message.
'I would like to, um, publicly state that I totally disagreed with the invocation presenter today,' she said.
'I would like to also ask legal to clarify how the county has to abide and the compliance requirement that's related to the invocation.'
A well-informed staffer proceeded to offer her an answer - though likely not the one the public servant wanted.
'That's a trend that's going on in various places around around the country,' Assistant District Attorney Nate Edwards, replies.
'That group or group similar to it in communities are signing up for local invocations.'
'T he case law in the country and the federal law in the country is that if you you don't have to open um your floor for invocations,' he continues.
'If you do open your floor for invocations, federal law is that you have to let everybody have a turn signing up.'
He finally concludes: 'So, um, I guess you take the good with the bad.'
Miller - whose group has marched in the annual Pride parade and has done outreach for homeless in the region - took to Instagram afterwards to tout the appearance as a victory
Andriola responded by explaining how she wants the region's mostly faith-based community to provide prayers or faith-based messages in the future.
Commissioner Mike Clark, meanwhile, called Miller - whose group has marched in the annual Pride parade and has done outreach for homeless in the region - 'a nitwit.'
'When you open it up, this is what you get,' he said of Andriola's policy, despite voting to approve it only a few months ago.
Assistant District Attorney Edwards, however, defended the Satanist - who hours later would take to Instagram to tout his appearance as a victory.
'Not only is this the first time this has been done, this is the first Satanic invocation to be given in front of a body of government in the state of Nevada,' Miller posted to Instagram on his groups official social media page.
When asked by local publication This Is Reno if residents could anticipate any future readings, the group on Facebook provided an ominous, albeit open-ended message.
'The need was met,' an unknown respondent said.
Reno Satanic's website, meanwhile describes the group as non-theistic - and one promoting messages not against religion, but associated with reason and critical thinking.
'We do not believe in an actual Satan nor God,' the site's FAQ page says.
'Many coming from a religious background or from the Western Tradition understand Satan as a symbol of rebellion against tyranny and the unjust.
'We value the idea of Satan in the sense of the Adversary.'
An aspiring chef who lost his eye after being shot in the face while walking to his car during a Black Lives Matter protest has been handed $2.3million by Denver.
Jax Feldmann, 24, had been at a friend's house on May 30, 2020, trying out new recipes.
He was walking back to his vehicle when he passed through a demonstration following the killing of George Floyd, and was hit by a stray projectile.
Feldmann was hit with a pepper ball - a projectile that includes a chemical irritant similar to pepper spray.
On Tuesday, the city of Denver agreed to the payout - the latest in over $20million issued in damages.
Jax Feldmann, now 24, was walking home from a friend's house when he was shot in the face by Denver police during the BLM protests following George Floyd's death
Feldmann is pictured doubled over in pain, having just been shot in the face
'I saw a cop truck pull up with two cops standing on the side of the vehicle, and all of a sudden, I got hit in the eye,' he said.
His aunt Tracey Lynch said in an appeal on GoFundMe that the police did not even assist him after he was hit.
'When Jax was hit by the bullet no police officers came to check on him; instead it was community members in the neighborhood who rushed to him and his friend into a doorway so an ambulance could be called,' she said.
Feldmann said the injuries were life changing.
'The organ I was born with and planning on having my entire life shouldn't have been taken away,' he said.
Feldmann said that he 'saw a cop truck pull up with two cops standing on the side of the vehicle, and all of a sudden, I got hit in the eye'
The city has paid out more than $20 million to people related to the 2020 protests, including $4.7 million to over 300 Black Lives Matter protesters; $14 million to 12 injured protesters - which the city is appealing in federal court - and a $1.6 million settlement to seven injured protesters.
The $20 million total is on top of nearly $2 million paid to outside law firms to defend the city in court.
No police officers have been prosecuted for shooting Feldmann.
Birk Baumgartner, Feldmann's attorney, named one police officer, Diego Archuleta, as firing the pepper ball - but an investigation by Denver police was inconclusive.
Feldmann was shot from a truck that was moving along the road, and there were multiple officers on the truck.
Archuleta, who was disciplined for other actions during the protests, resigned on January 6, 2022, according to department officials. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempted strangulation the same day, court records show.
The King has embarked on his vision to modernise the Royal Family including making Buckingham Palace 'the People's Palace', a new book reveals.
The public could have year-round access to the headquarters of the monarchy, once a ten-year restoration programme is complete in 2027.
And ever mindful of his commitment to the environment, Charles also wants to revolutionise its green credentials.
It can be revealed that Buckingham Palace engineers are working on next-generation solar panels, heat exchange pumps beneath the Palace lake and 'slinky' heat pipes, according to the book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story,
Charles is immensely enjoying being King, claims renowned royal author Robert Hardman, whose book has been serialised in the Daily Mail.
The refurbishment project saw the late Queen's study turned into a building site but as the workmen have moved from one wing to another, the King is now able to use it again.
Charles is immensely enjoying being King, claims renowned royal author Robert Hardman, whose book has been serialised in the Daily Mail
The King has embarked on his vision to modernise the Royal Family including making Buckingham Palace 'the People's Palace', a new book reveals
It is said to be 'marginally less cluttered with photographs' than it used to be but the King shares his late mother's enthusiasm for the seemingly endless paperwork in the monarch's red boxes.
They contain official papers from his private secretary. But while Elizabeth II used to receive two different types of red boxes one of which was a smaller 'reading box' Charles is said to receive mainly the larger 'standard' boxes. And several of them each day.
Hardman writes: 'It is not because there are suddenly more papers for this Head of State, it is that he asks for more information.'
Charles, like his mother, was reluctant to switch his home from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace but fully recognises that the business of monarchy needs to be conducted from the Palace.
He has also resolved that the headquarters of the Head of State must be opened up more to the public though not to become a seven-day tourist attraction.
The public have been allowed to visit Buckingham Palace during the summers, when the Queen was away at Balmoral, but the new plan would be what one official has dubbed 'maximum-flexi'.
Charles, like his mother, was reluctant to switch his home from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace
The funds raised from entry fees are used to help maintain royal treasures curated by the Royal Collection Trust.
The official, quoted in the book, said: 'When this work finishes in 2027, we will be judged on the amount of public access.
'This is going to be 'the people's palace' and the aim is to open it as much as possible throughout the year.'
Hardman's tome also reveals a series of intimate details about life across the Royal Family...
BASHIR MAKES WILLIAM BOIL
Martin Bashir's trickery in duping Princess Diana is 'the one thing that makes [William's] blood boil', the book reveals.
Martin Bashir's trickery in duping Princess Diana is 'the one thing that makes [William's] blood boil', the book reveals
William publicly savaged the BBC for ruining his mother's life with Bashir's web of deceit
While the Prince of Wales does not like to be seen as a complainer, the scandal over his mother's interview riles him.
The rogue BBC Panorama man lied and forged to clinch his 1995 Panorama scoop with the Princess, in which she declared: 'There were three of us in this marriage.'
After the Dyson Inquiry into the saga, William publicly savaged the BBC for ruining his mother's life with Bashir's web of deceit, saying it had worsened her 'fear, paranoia and isolation' in her final years.
The prince vowed to continue his battle to uncover 'the truth' about how his mother came to be duped with smears to gain her trust.
The book quotes a friend: 'The one thing which really makes his blood boil is Martin Bashir.'
CROWN IRRITATION
Netflix's hit series The Crown continues to irritate the royals.
The Prince of Wales 'rolls his eyes when people say 'it's just a drama',' reveals a close aide, adding that William 'knows what they [Netflix] are doing'.
The glossy royal drama with its reputed 10million-per-episode budget has gradually been creeping ever closer to the present day, through the childhood of William and Harry and into the 21st century.
Although its plotlines are fabricated, the royals know much of the world regards the series to be broadly true.
Netflix's hit series The Crown continues to irritate the royals
The Prince of Wales 'rolls his eyes when people say 'it's just a drama',' reveals a close aide
There was particular irritation after Prince Harry said it was 'loosely based on truth' not long after it emerged the Sussexes had struck their own deal with the streaming giant.
Like Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Charles is said to have never watched the drama.
THE 'ROLEX' JEWELS
The Crown Jewels have nicknames with 'Rolex' being the Imperial State Crown which the King wore as he left his Coronation.
The book claims three of the most precious treasures in the collection each have a wrist watch-themed codename.
'Patek' is the 5lb St Edward's Crown which the Archbishop of Canterbury used to crown Charles III and which will not be worn again until the next coronation. 'Cartier' is the crown worn by the Queen Consort.
Operation Patek was the exercise to refurbish the crowns ahead of last May's Coronation.
N0-LUNCH CHARLES
The King skips lunch as part of his health regime on the basis 'it is superfluous if one has had a decent breakfast', says the book.
The King is said to prefer fish to red meat and would be content to eat nothing but 'something eggy with spinach'
The monarch's iron self-discipline when it comes to food and drink is inherited from his parents.
But it can prove 'challenging' for organisers of royal visits, who need to factor in refuelling stops for the entourage.
And during formal lunches, Charles will sit, but not eat, with one house guest observing: 'It can be a bit disconcerting.
'You can be seated next to him, your food arrives and you are expected to tuck in while he sits there with an empty plate.
'But he's very nice about it.'
The King is said to prefer fish to red meat and would be content to eat nothing but 'something eggy with spinach'.
QUEEN SERVES TEA
Despite her frailty, the late Queen insisted US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill sit while she poured them tea.
Despite her frailty, the late Queen insisted US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill sit while she poured them tea
During a visit to Windsor Castle the year before she died, she hosted the American leader and the First lady in her apartment.
Jill recalls: 'I loved her sense of independence. She had a big teapot. And Joe said to her, 'Here, let me help you'.
But the Queen had been quite insistent, saying, 'No, no, no. You sit. I will serve you'.'
The occasion fulfilled every American's picture of a quintessential British tea party, especially when 'her dogs came in', added Jill.
Queen Elizabeth II met 14 US Presidents and had 'such a sense of curiosity' about American politics, the First Lady recalled.
MAILONLINE KATE
Kate is said to be among the tens of millions who get their updates from the Mail's award-winning news service
The Princess of Wales likes to keep an eye on the Press and, in particular, the MailOnline website.
Kate is said to be among the tens of millions who get their updates from the Mail's award-winning news service.
In common with the new Queen, the book says, she keeps abreast of what is in the newspapers unlike both of their husbands who do not.
MailOnline is one of the largest English-speaking newspaper sites with 163million browsers.
Kensington Palace feared that Prince William's official visit to Boston might be 'derailed' by the race storm over Lady Susan Hussey.
In his new book, Robert Hardman mentions the incident in which the late Queen's trusted lady-in-waiting who had stayed on at Buckingham Palace to help King Charles as a 'lady of the Household' was accused of questioning a guest about her heritage at a Palace reception in November 2022.
Ngozi Fulani, a representative of Sistah Space, a London-based charity for female domestic violence victims of African and Caribbean heritage, said she felt 'violated' and 'interrogated' when Lady Susan repeatedly asked her, 'Where do you really come from?'.
The incident went viral after Ms Fulani posted her version of events the morning after the reception. Hours later, Lady Susan, now 84, voluntarily stepped aside from her honorary, unpaid position and apologised unreservedly. She had served the late Queen at Buckingham Palace since 1960 and was so trusted by the family that she was William's godmother.
The Palace issued a statement saying it had 'investigated immediately', describing the comments as 'unacceptable and deeply regrettable' and invited Ms Fulani to discuss her experience. At that moment, the Prince and Princess of Wales were about to board a flight to the US to host William's Earthshot Prize.
Lady Susan Hussey pictured at The Coronation of King Charles III, on May 6 2023
Prince William issued a statement saying he was 'really disappointed' to hear about Ms Fulani's experience
His staff 'frantically' called Buckingham Palace for clarification. 'Given the months of preparation for this event,' writes Hardman, 'they had visions of the whole mission being derailed by a 'royal race storm'.'
Shortly before taking off, Prince William issued a statement saying he was 'really disappointed' to hear about Ms Fulani's experience, adding: 'Racism has no place in our society, these comments were unacceptable.'
Hardman writes of the incident: 'It had been a well-intentioned attempt to seek some sort of common ground. One of those guests, however, had felt clearly marginalised and unwelcome as a result. A case which had landed out of nowhere on social media at 7.25am had been heard, judged and closed by teatime.'
He adds that some of Lady Susan's friends were 'perplexed' over the whole debacle. They pointed out it had been a noisy, crowded, international gathering, with many people in national dress. Given that the first ladies of seven nations were present with their entourages, there was plenty of 'where are you from?'- style interaction.
The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured at the Earthshot prize in Boston in 2022
Behind the scenes an extraordinary process of reconciliation between the two women was put into action. The King's director of community engagement, the well-respected Dr Eva Omaghomi, set to work with the Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, an honorary chaplain to the King and the Church of England's first black female bishop, to organise a meeting between the two women. It took place two weeks later in the Palace's Regency Room.
Plenty of tears were apparently shed over cups of tea. Lady Susan apologised unequivocally again and Ms Fulani brought her a gift.
The King's personal affection for a loyal family friend remained 'undimmed' and Lady Susan continues to attend Palace events to this day.
Former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's beach home she purchased for $370,000 a decade ago has hit the market for $975,000, just weeks after her shock resignation.
The property in Sunshine Beach, which is at the southern end of the Noosa National Park, is only a five-minute drive from Noosa, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
The two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms was purchased by the ex-premier in 2012 and was listed for sale on January 4, 2024.
The beach home listing comes after Ms Palaszczuk resigned as premier on December 15 and from parliament on December 31, 2023, after 17 years as the MP for Inala.
It sits in a pet-friendly boutique complex of just three townhouses and comes with two car spaces.
The property is at Sunshine Beach, which is at the southern end of the Noosa National Park and only a five-minute drive from Noosa, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast
The two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms was purchased by the ex-premier in 2012 and was listed for sale on January 4, 2024
The property is just 500m from the beach 'via a safe pathway' but is in a quiet street
The property listing is marketed to people wanting to embrace the Queensland coastal lifestyle.
'Do you have an irresistible urge to escape for weekends to the beach where the stoke levels for surfers and wave riders are always high?' the listing said.
The property is just 500m from the beach 'via a safe pathway' but is in a quiet street.
The Sunshine coast property has almost tripled in value and is expected to sell but Ms Palaszczuk won't be left without a place to live - she still has her home at Seventeen Mile Rocks in suburban Brisbane.
The ex-politician also owns a unit at Main Beach on the Gold Coast.
Like most of Queensland, the Noosa region experienced a significant jump in property prices following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Realestate.com.au the median price for a similar sized unit in Sunshine Beach is $805,000 which is considerably more than the $512,000 median in April 2021.
Ms Palaszczuk earnt $444,663 a year as the Queensland premier and held the top job for nine years
According to Realestate.com.au the median price for a similar sized unit in Sunshine Beach is $805,000 which is considerably more than the $512,000 median in April 2021
However, the suburb's property prices have fallen by 6.4 per cent.
Ms Palaszczuk earnt $444,663 a year as the Queensland premier and held the top job for nine years.
The ex-premier has kept a low profile since stepping down in December.
She didn't attend the December 15 Labor caucus meeting to vote on her replacement.
She also did not go to the swearing in of the new Queensland premier, Steven Miles.
However, The Courier Mail reported days after this she was seen with friends at a Gold Coast restaurant for the birthday of Jodie Slattery, wife of tech rich-lister Bevan Slattery.
A single mum said she and her daughter are lucky to be alive after being hit by a falling tree branch in a shocking accident during a leisurely trip to a park.
Though four-year-old Juniper narrowly escaped injury, her mother Anna Frances-Wood's leg was broken in three places and now she needs to learn to walk again.
'I just heard this massive sort of cracking noise and I just felt my leg snap like a twig,' Ms Frances-Woods told 7News from her hospital bed.
The Adelaide Hills mum had taken Juniper to Keith Stevenson Park in Mount Barker on Sunday to have fun in the playground area there.
But the fun time was brought to a sudden end when a branch fell eight metres down from an enormous gum tree directly onto them.
Single mum Anna Frances-Wood (pictured) said she and her daughter are lucky to be alive after being hit by a falling tree branch in a shocking accident during a trip to a Mt Barker park
'I just saw (Juniper) getting crushed by the tree branch and she started screaming,' the mum said.
Ms Frances-Woods was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and later had surgery. Doctors said her leg was broken in three places and she will need to learn to walk again.
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help Ms Frances-Woods on her long road to recovering from her injuries.
'My prognosis is still to be determined, as to whether I'll be able to walk properly again,' the mum said.
'I can't bear any load or weight on my leg for 6-12 weeks, after which I'll need to learn to walk again, strictly no walking or hobbling.
'I'll be in crutches or a wheelchair. No cast, it's been removed since having surgery, I'll instead have a knee brace as my bones are now fixed internally with metal,' Ms Frances-Woods said on the fundraiser site.
The GoFundMe page said she does not have extended family that 'she can rely on as unfortunately her mother is not in the picture and her father is deaf and vision impaired'.
Witness Gabrielle's son and husband were also pinned under the fallen branch, which she said dropped 'at no notice'.
'It was really one of those scary realisation moments that if she had been slightly one way that could easily have been a lot worse.'
Witness Gabrielle (pictured) said if Ms Frances-Wood 'had been slightly one way that could easily have been a lot worse'
The tree from which the branch fell in a Mount Barker, Adelaide playground is pictured
Mount Barker Council is looking at the safety of all the trees in the Keith Stevenson Park playground.
'Trees are part of the reason why people move to Mount Barker and we want to protect that for our community for everyone's sake,' a council spokesman said.
Arborists said recent stormy weather can cause trees to drop their branches, but that it's entirely unpredictable.
'Trees don't fail that often and rarely hurt people. It's very likely to be a freak accident,' one said.
An Austin woman who moved into a micro-home community in the city after finding it hard to make ends meet, potentially faces homelessness after her rent soared nearly 30 percent.
Elizabeth Illing had originally moved into the Casata micro-home community in South Austin, as a way to live a more affordable life.
After moving into the community in February of 2022 and had been paying $1,340 for rent which included utilities at a rate of $150.
Now, Illing faces having to shell out $1,700 after he rent was increased - meaning she and her daughter could potentially face homelessness.
Elizabeth Illing had originally moved into the Casata micro-home community in South Austin, as a way to live a more affordable life
Speaking to KVUE, Illing said: 'It's just really sad because I saw myself being here long term.'
She continued: 'I didn't want to uproot my daughter. I wanted us to be here, and now I can't afford to live here anymore.
'I grew up in a small town. I wanted to be able to let my kid go outside and play.
'I've gotten help from churches, I've gotten help from family members. I've actually had unforeseen extra expenses in my own personal life recently. It's a struggle monthly.'
Casata CEO Aaron Levy said the community's rates are directly comparable to rent for apartments in their area.
Levy told the outlet: 'We know that in the first year of our operation, we were actually running at a loss because we were giving away a lot to the resident.
'But cost of living unfortunately is what it is. If you lived in a tiny home and were expecting to pay tiny rent, where are you located and what kind of amenities do you get with that?
'It's very challenging to keep true affordability and attainability and get all the benefits of all the things that you see around you that you want.'
Illing faces having to shell out $,1700 after he rent was increased - meaning she and her daughter could face being made homeless
Casata CEO Aaron Levy said the community's rates are directly comparable to rent for apartments in their area
According to Fox, Austin was the most expensive city for cost of living in the state of Texas last year.
Some residents told the outlet that rents had been hiked by as much as 800 dollars in the city.
The Texas Tribune reported last September that Austin City Council is embarking on a push to ease city restrictions on how much housing can be built to tackle the problems.
The current restrictions impede the citys ability to build homes to meet the crushing demand for housing, which causes higher home prices and rents.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson told the outlet: 'We have a significant affordability crisis, and it is an emergency.
'We've got a supply and demand problem, and we're going to have to come up with unique and different ways than we've thought of in the past to solve it.'
Another disused hotel has been acquired by the Queensland government as it seeks to provide a quick fix to the state's homelessness issue caused by Australia's cost-of-living crisis and a dire housing shortage.
Premier Steven Miles and Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon announced on Tuesday that the government had bought a vacant hotel in South Brisbane within walking distance of the South Bank Parklands.
The building will be converted to hold 20 two-bedroom units and 32 studio units for homeless families in need, with support also available for pregnant women.
Modifications to the former hotel are expected to start soon as families begin to move in over the next several months.
This is the third hotel bought by the government, alongside four retirement villages, but critics argue that it is a just a band-aid fix which ignores the bigger problem.
Queensland premier Steven Miles announced on Tuesday that his government had purchased a hotel in South Brisbane (pictured) which will be converted into accommodation for homeless families
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon (pictured) celebrated the purchase, writing on X that hotel conversions are an effective solution to the housing shortage while the state works on building more homes
Minister Scanlon celebrated the purchase, writing on X that hotel conversions are an effective solution to the state's housing shortage while it works on building more homes.
'Since 2015, we have delivered thousands and thousands of homes with our Big Housing Build to deliver many more,' she wrote.
'But while we get on with our Big Build, weve also been buying and leasing motels, hotels and former retirement villages to help more Queenslanders into a home sooner.
'In particular, this place will have a huge impact for families a number of whom may have been staying in emergency accommodation while we have been working to find them a long-term housing solution.'
Prior to Tuesday's announcement, the state purchased two other inner-city hotels as well as former retirement villages in Clayfield, Toowoomba, Redlands and Rothwell.
Minister Scanlon revealed that the 84-room former Park Hotel in Spring Hill was going to become accommodation for vulnerable people.
Earlier in 2023, the vacant Hamilton motor inn was converted to provide temporary accommodation for young people between 16 and 24.
On Wednesday however, Sky hosts Liz Storer and Joe Hildebrand slammed the purchases as a temporary fix to a deeply ingrained problem.
Mr Miles' latest acquisition is the seventh such purchase the Queensland government has made after securing two other hotels and four retirement villages for the same purpose
Sky presenter Joe Hildebrand (pictured) said that converting hotels would not solve the homeless problem but that providing steady incomes and affordable housing would
Ms Storer said that Mr Miles should be asking why people are living on the street instead of wondering where he could put them.
'Buddy, this isnt addressing homelessness. Why are they on the street? Why are they homeless? How can we get them back on their feet,' she said on the Late Debate.
Her co-hosts agreed, adding that it was easy to buy vacant property but much harder to provide a stable living.
Mr Hildebrand went deeper, suggesting that only a minority of homeless would be helped by the hotel conversion because most of them are not on the streets.
He went on to say that most homeless people are in between homes, either living in cars or staying with friends, and that the issue can't be solved with hotels.
Putting a basic roof over their head doesn't solve the problem. It doesn't get them a job, a steady income, or safe and secure and affordable housing,' Mr Hildebrand said.
An investigator trying to solve the haunting mystery of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has accused the Malaysian government of halting the search.
British aerospace engineer Richard Godfrey accused the Malaysian government of abandoning the downed airliner to its unknown fate for reasons of its own.
This is despite two groups being eager to resume the search and some promising leads, including an Australian fisherman's claim he dragged up a wing of the airliner in his net a few months after MH370 disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board.
Mr Godfrey said he believed the Malaysian government did want to fund any more attempts to find MH370.
A file photo of the doomed Malaysian Airlines passenger plane that was taken in 2011
'In my view, the Malaysian government does not want the cause of the crash of MH370 to be known,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
'It does not help to speculate what the motives of the Malaysian government might be with regard to MH370.'
Mr Godfrey pointed out debris handed over by his colleague Blaine Gibson to officials in Madagascar in 2022 was still on the African island because Malaysia refused to pay air cargo fees to have it shipped back.
He believed the debris was 'credible new evidence' which suggested the plane may have gone down in a large area of the Indian Ocean, only half of which had been scoured by US seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity.
While that area is around 1500km west of the Australia retired fisherman Kit Olver, 77, said his deep-sea trawler fetched what appeared to be the wing of a commercial airliner out of depths around 55km off the south-east coast of South Australia.
The incident occurred in September or October of 2014 and Mr Olver said he reported his find soon after returning to port by phoning the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
He recalled being contacted a few hours later by an official who told him the find was likely a shipping container that had fallen from a Russian ship in the area off Robe, he said.
However, the AMSA said they had no record of his call.
Earlier this year, families of those on board MH370 called on the Malaysian government to allow Ocean Infinity to mount a new search for the missing plane.
This image shows the predicted flight path of the missing Malaysian Airlines MH370
Ocean Infinity for years searched for the plane and in March 2022 began looking again on a no-find, no-fee basis.
In 2018, Malaysia engaged Ocean Infinity to search for the aircraft in the southern Indian Ocean, offering to pay up to $70million if it found the plane.
But its operation came up short.
Voice370 - a grouping of relatives of those aboard the plane - urged the Malaysian government to accept any proposals from the firm on a conditional fee basis, such that the firm would only be paid if successful.
'Ocean Infinity, over the last 12 months have made real progress working with many people to further understand... the events in 2014,' Voice370 said in a statement, following a memorial event to mark the ninth year since MH370's disappearance.
A reconstruction broadcast on National Geographic depicted the jet crashing into the sea
Chinese relatives of passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 take part in a prayer service at the Metro Park Hotel in Beijing, China, in 2014
'Ultimately, this has greatly improved their chances of conducting a successful search.'
Another French investigative group has also called for search to resume after claiming they had pinpointed an unexplored area of the sea floor that could be inspected in as few as 10 days.
Malaysia, China and Australia ended a fruitless two-year, $200million underwater search for MH370 in January 2017 after finding no trace of the plane.
MH370 departed Malaysia shortly before 5pm with 12 crew and 227 passengers from 14 nations, including including six Australians.
About 5.20pm, Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah responded to Malaysia air traffic control, stating: '...contact Ho Chi Minh (...) good night.'
Shockingly, the plane soon after went 'dark' before diverting back over Malaysia, the the opposite direction from the intended flight path.
The last primary radar contact was made at 2.22am, when it vanished as if into thin air.
Primary civilian and military radar data reported the plane travelling back over the Malacca Strait and into the vast Indian Ocean.
After about 7.5 hours, MH370 ran out of fuel and subsequently crashed 11 minutes later into the ocean
There have been a total of 41 plane recovered in total in the intervening years.
The Democrat mayor of New Orleans Latoya Cantrell is facing an FBI probe over allegations she had an 'ongoing adulterous affair' with the former head of her police detail on city property.
Cantrell was seen on security cameras spending hours together with Jeffrey Vappie in a city-owned apartment during work hours. Vappie has himself been investigated over hours he was alleged to be clocking in.
Now, the federal government is reportedly looking into whether the couple abused government funds for personal trips, as the pair have been seen partying from Los Angeles to Scotland.
Vappie's wife, Danielle, alleges that her husband and the mayor have been carrying on the affair since May 2021, the same month that he began working on Cantrell's detail.
Multiple media outlets in the area have confirmed that a 'Mrs. L.C.' referred to in the divorce filings is Cantrell. She became the first woman elected as mayor of New Orleans - which overtook St. Louis as the 'murder capital of America' under her watch - in 2018.
The Democrat mayor of New Orleans Latoya Cantrell (pictured left) is facing an FBI probe over allegations she had an 'ongoing adulterous affair' with the former head of her police detail Jeffrey Vappie (pictured right) on city property
Rafael Goyeneche, the president of the anti-corruption Metropolitan Crime Commission, believes the story has several parallels to the downfall of ex-Nashville Mayor Megan Barry.
Barry and 'bodyguard' Sgt. Robert Forrest attended 10 city-funded trips by themselves without other mayor's office staff present, including to conferences overseas in Paris and Greece and the two to Washington, according to an affidavit.
Both pleaded guilty to theft and resigned after being ordered to pay tens of thousands in restitution.
'Well, the similarities are that you're talking about a police officer, that was part of an executive protection team for the mayor of Nashville, (who) was billing the city for work that he was not actually performing,' Goyeneche told Fox8.
'So, if he was not protecting the mayor was engaged in a personal relationship. That essentially would have been the basis of the state charges that resulted in him being charged and the mayor of Nashville being charged and ultimately resigning.
'This would just be taking the same principles to the federal side of the ledger.'
Security footage would show Cantrell and Vappie spending hours together inside the Upper Pontalba Apartment in the French Quarter, which is owned by the city, leaving separately without any executive protection.
Cantrell has never admitted to the relationship and vehemently denied it in a press conference in January 2023.
Cantrell was seen on security cameras spending hours together with Jeffrey Vappie in a city-owned apartment during work hours. Vappie has himself been investigated over hours he was alleged to be clocking in
Multiple media outlets in the area have confirmed that a 'Mrs. L.C.' referred to in the divorce filings is Cantrell
Rafael Goyeneche, the president of the anti-corruption Metropolitan Crime Commission, believes the story has several parallels to the downfall of ex-Nashville Mayor Megan Barry (pictured)
'As I've stated, you know, based on the false allegations that come my way, by the time I finish this job, literally, you know, accused of sleeping with half the city of New Orleans, both genders and all pronouns.'
She even claimed sexism, texting a reporter following up on claims that she had an extramarital affair with her bodyguard that the journalist's interest was only because she's a woman.
'By the time I complete my tenure as mayor, I would have slept with half of the City of New Orleans based on false accusations that come my way sometimes daily,' Cantrell told the local reporter. 'This is only one of them.
'If I were a MAN you would NOT be texting me about this bulls***.'
Two months later, she said that her relationship with Vappie was 'strictly professional.'
Goyeneche doesn't believe either risks federal charges unless there were something beyond what's already known and alleged about the pair.
'I think that if they do charge them with that, it's because they believe they have sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof to prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,' he said.
Goyeneche believes that the feds must be looking at other examples of corruption on Cantrell's part.
This is not the first time the feds have looked into the mayor's activities, as she previously faced a federal probe over $29,000 worth of first class flights.
In December, NOLA.com reported that the two investigations are separate from one another and still ongoing.
'We'll find out sooner rather than later,' Goyeneche said. 'This investigation is either going to result in an indictment in the near future, or it's just going to dry up and blow away.'
Attorneys on behalf of both Cantrell and Vappie have declined to comment.
Cantrell, 51, was charged by the Louisiana Board of Ethics for using premium upgrades for 15 flights over a two-year time frame.
The charges fell under a state ethics law that prohibits officials from receiving anything of value for their public duties.
At a press conference Wednesday, Cantrell addressed what she called 'investigations or targeting,' which she said are 'prevalent relative to black leadership.'
'When I came in, even being elected mayor - even prior to that on City council - I have been the center of countless investigations,' the mayor said.
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell (pictured) has suggested that she's facing a federal probe over $29,000 worth of first class flights upgrades because of her race
'I have always complied and that's what I'll continue to do. I do note that this seems to be kind of prevalent relative to black leadership, and I think that I'm not exempt from that.
'But relative to investigations, I have been in them, I have been through them and I will continue to comply whenever they come, that's all I'll say on that.'
Cantrell added that she has 'no idea what's going on' regarding the investigation and is 'definitely not in favor' of the charges brought against her.
The politician also previously claimed her upgrades were not for luxury but for her health and safety - citing the threat of Covid and 'the world black women walk in'.
She finally reimbursed the city $28,856 for the 13 domestic flights and two international trips to Europe that she upgraded in October of last year.
'Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesnt understand the world black women walk in,' Mayor Cantrell previously said in a statement.
Cantrell said she stands by her claims 'all day long' - despite ultimately reimbursing the $29,000.
But councilmembers didn't buy these excuses and had threatened to dock her pay in the 2023 budget to recover the funds.
Her flight upgrade for a trip to Nice, France - where she attended a jazz festival and a French National Day celebration - cost a whopping $12,988 on top of the base fare of $4,666, according to court documents.
Cantrell spent $2,352 of state money on a first-class upgrade for her domestic flight from New Orleans to San Francisco - a five-hour journey.
The under-fire mayor was already in hot water after admitting to living in a city-owned apartment in the city's French Quarter rent-free, that lies only three miles from her $500,000 Broadmoor home.
The reimbursement - which was paid by the Democrat mayor about a year ago - came after weeks of controversy and the case will likely go before the Ethics Adjudicatory Board.
Cantrell could face a $10,000 fine for using state money for her luxurious travel arrangements.
Public officials are required to seek the cheapest possible travel options - and pay the difference out of their personal finances if they opt for more expensive choices.
'We believe both the mayor and the administration have appropriately addressed the travel issue and will respond to the ethics complaint in due course,' Cantrells spokesperson John Lawson said previously.
Cantrell could face a $10,000 fine for using state money for her luxurious travel arrangements (Pictured: Latoya Cantrell and a friend during the Mayor's Mardi Gras Ball)
Cantrell's behavior was laid bare after the police launched an internal probe into officer Jeffrey Vappie after he was found spending time with the married mother-of-one at her grace and favor apartment in the exclusive French Quarter.
Bodyguards who spoke to the New Orleans Police Department as part of the investigation into Vappie, described Cantrell as a fiery, demanding boss who was overly familiar with her security detail, expecting them to act as her servants.
Kristy Johnson-Stokes, an officer that worked with Cantrell, told investigators they would be asked to pick her daughter up from school, take her credit card to buy gifts from the department store and water her plants.
Vappie also spent 112 hours at her apartment over a 27-day stretch, and was even seen watering her plants.
The station reports that Vappie allegedly confessed about the affair to his wife. The couple have been living apart since November 2022. At the time of publication, Vappie is no longer on the mayor's detail.
Vappie has been a detective with the City of New Orleans PD since 1997, according to his LinkedIn page. In 2020, he received a Master's in Government Administration.
His wife, Danielle, is the Chief Academic Officer at Einstein Charter Schools in New Orleans. According to the school's website, Danielle is the principal.
She is a graduate of the University of New Orleans and Xavier University of Louisiana. Danielle is also a US Army veteran, serving between 1988 and 2000.
The station reports that Vappie confessed about the affair to his wife, pictured here
Cantrell was married at the time the affair was reported to lawyer Jason Cantrell. The couple have a daughter, RayAnn, together. Jason Cantrell died in August
Cantrell was married at the time the alleged affair was reported to lawyer Jason Cantrell. The couple have a daughter, RayAnn, together. Jason Cantrell died in August.
In November 2022, it was reported that Cantrell upgraded hotel bookings to stay in king suites during trips she made to Washington, DC, and San Francisco in January and April of this year, potentially incurring costs of around $2,400.
A month earlier, Cantrell was required to pay back almost $30,000 to the city after violating its policy by upgrading her flights to first class and claiming initially that economy flights were unsafe for black women.
New Orleans city policy dictates that similar rules apply to upgrading hotel rooms.
The policy says: 'Upgrades for hotel accommodations at the expense of the city are not permitted unless the hotel is unable to provide allowable accommodations at the time necessary to carry out the purpose of travel.
When Cantrell traveled to San Francisco in April she stayed at the Hyatt Regency SOMA where she upgraded to a king suite that cost nearly $2,000, $800 more than other city employees.
Similarly, on a trip to DC in January she stayed at the Hotel Washington and again occupied a king suite.
When Cantrell went to Reno, Nevada, in June her room cost hundreds more than other city employees who traveled, in what's believed to be a violation of city policy.
Mayor Cantrell breaks ground in June 2021 at a construction project at the school where Denise Vappie is the principal, one month earlier, Jeffrey Vappie joined the mayor's detail
Vappie and the mayor are seen leaving the Upper Pontalba Building apartment together. But she has also been pictured walking around the same area alone, sparking questions as to why she needs Vappie's services at all
Hotel Washington in Washington DC where Cantrell spent nearly $2,500 on a king suite
The Hyatt Regency SOMA in San Francisco where Cantrell stayed and incurred a cost of nearly $2,000
Cantrell's stylist - whom she has paid $175,000 since 2017 - is also facing a possible criminal probe over the thousands she's spent on clothes for the lawmaker.
In recent months, her administration has been dogged by allegations of misuse of funds and resources - with the Democrat leader even complaining to the Society for Professional Journalists about the scrutiny.
The journalist body found the investigations were 'entirely appropriate and journalistically ethical.'
'Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn't understand the world black women walk in,' she told a press conference. Cantrell was later shamed into repaying public funds she'd used for the luxury international trips.
Critics noticed that despite fearing for her safety on a flight to Paris, she felt sufficiently safe to walk alone around the city's French Quarter, despite New Orleans having one of the highest murder rates in the United States.
Amid the scandal, Cantrell repaid the cash spent on her first class flights: $40,000 on a four-day trip in June to France, with her own first-class flight costing almost $18,000 while her aides traveled in economy.
'My travel accommodations are a matter of safety, not of luxury,' said Cantrell, who earns approximately $188,000.
Cantrell was also facing questions about $175,000 in payments made since 2017 from Cantrell's campaign to her 'image consultant,' Tanya Haynes, and her business, Jolie Image Consulting.
Cantrell is facing questions over money paid to her stylist, Tanya Haynes (pictured)
The payments to Haynes have generally increased over time, reaching $6,000 per month in 2021, the records obtained by 4WWL show.
Two stores where Haynes shopped - Ballin's Boutique, where she often bought clothes for the mayor, and BC Kitchen and Bath, where Haynes recently ordered a new $17,000 kitchen - have been subpoenaed.
In May 2018, California-born Cantrell was elected the first female mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, in its 300-year history, and Jason served by her side as a public servant.
Dramatic details have been revealed of the desperate efforts to save a newlywed who drowned on her honeymoon at a Sydney beauty spot.
The 32-year-old woman, believed to be from South Korea, was pulled from the water at Shelly Beach in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches, just before 1pm on Wednesday.
Her devastated new husband was on the beach at her side as bystanders tried to save her life before emergency services arrived.
Beachgoers have now revealed how the alarm was raised when a teenage boy tried to rouse the woman after she was seen floating face down and motionless.
When she failed to respond, a massive rescue operation immediately swung into action and she was pulled from the water with locals trying to revive her on the beach.
'It just looked like someone snorkelling,' said one local mother who was with friends on the secluded beach at the time.
'One of the boys in our group was in the water close to where she was and two men were shouting at him to check on her as they must have noticed her floating.
Dramatic details have been revealed of the desperate efforts to save a foreign national newlywed who drowned on her honeymoon at a Sydney beauty spot
It is understood the woman was a newlywed enjoying her honeymoon when she died (scene pictured)
'He tapped her, but she was unresponsive - at which point, bystanders rushed in to pull her out.'
Another mother on the beach revealed how her friend's 13-year-old son made the grim discovery.
'There were two men on the rocks pointing at her - I don't know how they saw something was wrong, she just looked like the other snorkellers who were nearby,' said the local mum.
'My friend's son swam over and tapped her but she didn't respond, then he lifted her arm and it just flopped back into the water.
'At that point he tried to get under the water to try to lift her up and the two men jumped into the sea to help him.
'They turned her over and she just flopped. One of the boys said he thought he saw blood and water in her facemask. They then dragged her out of the water.'
They tried unsuccessfully to give her life-saving CPR to resuscitate her as her distraught newlywed husband watched on and wailed in heartbroken grief.
'It was very upsetting to hear the husband in such distress,' the beachgoer told Daily Mail Australia.
'There were people trying to console the poor husband when his wife was being worked on.
'We are all feeling for that poor man and the pain and heartbreak he must be experiencing right now.
'They were working on her for a long time. The first responders were amazing.'
The second mother said blood and foam came out of the victim's mouth as the rescuers attempted to do chest compressions on her.
'It was quite traumatic,' she said. 'I had four children with me and took them away at that point.
'I tried to contact the other snorkellers to see if they were related to her but they were not. I think she could have been lying in the water for quite some time.
'She might have banged her head on the rocks while snorkelling and then drifted away which could explain the blood.
'The children were asking me afterwards how someone could die while snorkelling when you have breathing equipment and I can't explain it any other way, unless she had some other kind of medical episode.'
Beachgoers said there was initial confusion about what was happening but everyone quickly worked together to try to save the young woman.
'I heard a lot of shouting and then turned and saw them pulling someone out and starting CPR,' said the first mother.
'There was lots of calling out for what was needed and people rushing off to do whatever they could to help.'
The woman, 32, drowned at Shelly Beach in Manly on Wednesday afternoon (pictured) after she was spotted floating facedown and motionless in the sea
The woman, 32, was pulled from the water at Shelly Beach in Manly (pictured)
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She said the boy who first reached out to the dead woman had also been traumatised by the tragedy.
'We all are,' she added. 'It was a very tragic and sad day.'
The second mother added: 'I couldn't sleep last night. Seeing her like that kept flashing into my mind. I've never seen a dead person before. It was awful.
'Her poor husband - when we were leaving, we just heard some man screaming and crying and wailing and realised that that must have been her husband.'
A fleet of police cars and ambulances raced to scene and attempted to treat the woman, but she could not be revived.
Local man, Troy Constable, told Facebook users the woman was a Korean national.
'Married three days ago,' he posted. 'I was down at the beach and saw the aftermath.'
At least 10 police cars were spotted at the scene, along with firefighters from Dee Why Station.
A rescue helicopter tasked from Bankstown was also called and landed directly on the sand.
The beach was closed and onlookers were asked to vacate the scene.
Locals are now demanding the local council man the beach with full-time lifesavers.
'I don't know why there's no lifeguards on that beach in summer,' said one mother.
'It's always a busy beach and there's no one's watching anybody around them.
'Everyone's on their phones and no-one would think that a snorkeller face down in the water would be something to worry about.
'And especially as that beach is a magnet for tourists. It needs life guards.'
It is the 58th drowning death in Australia since the start of summer, according to Royal Life Saving Australia, up from 46 at the same time last year.
The woman has not been formally identified. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Despite performing CPR he was unable to be saved
A young man has died at a notorious beach after being pulled from the waters unconscious.
Onlookers pulled the man in his 20s from Tallow Beach, near Byron Bay, just before 7:30am on Thursday.
The man was found about 200 metres south of a 'treacherous' area known as Cosy Corner which has been linked to a number of other past drownings.
It's also the spot where Belgian backpacker Theo Hayez is believed to have gone missing in mid-2019.
Onlookers pulled the man in his 20s from Tallow Beach, near Byron Bay, just before 7:30am on Thursday
Surf Lifesaving NSW duty officer Jimmy Keogh said that CPR was attempted on the man but that he could not be revived.
'It is a black spot ... there have been numerous incidents and also drownings in previous years,' Mr Keogh told ABC.
'It's a very open beach; it does capture a large swell which does produce strong rips and large gutters.'
The area is patrolled by lifeguards, but typically only between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Two adults and a teenager have been killed after being electrocuted by a downed power line during winter storms in Oregon.
The victims, who have not been named, died after the cables fell on to their car and shocked them in Portland - with one victim set on fire by the current, KOIN reported.
They passed away when their feet touched the pavement as electricity passed below them - through the car, through them and into the ground.
A two-year-old toddler, who was also in the vehicle but survived, was reportedly pulled from one of the victim's arms as they lay dead by a witness.
The horrific accident occurred on an intersection in the Russel Neighborhood of the city around 11.45am Wednesday.
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Multiple people are dead after being electrocuted by a live power line that fell - along with a branch - in Northeast Portland Wednesday morning. Police believe the group -which included one teen, one toddler, and two adults - exited the car after becoming scared by the branch
They died when their feet touched the ground as electricity from the live wire (seen here) passed below them - through the car, through them, and into the ground
'In all likelihood, had they stayed in the vehicle, we might not have been having this conversation,' said a befallen Portland Fire and Rescue rep Rick Graves Wednesday.
The fire official went on to explain how firefighters responded to reports of the downed line - and man on fire - in the 12300 block of Northeast Siskiyou Street, as severe winter weather continues to batter the region.
Upon arrival, they found the group of four on the ground outside of the car, as well as a fallen branch that had collided with a powerline on the way down.
The branch, as footage from the scene afterwards indicated, fell directly on top of the vehicle, Graves said.
He went on to air his frightened theory that the group - who have yet to be identified - became frightened and attempted to leave the car.
Sadly, their bodies were still in contact with the car, the official explained - essentially creating a battery that was fueled by the current pumping below them.
'When the feet of the individuals touched the ground, and their bodies were touching the car, they became part of the active electrical circuit which resulted in their deaths,' the Portland Fire rep said.
The two adults and one teen, he revealed, were pronounced dead at the scene. He did not state whether one of the victims was set on fire - an occurrence corroborated by witnesses who spoke to KOIN.
The incident occurred on an intersection in the Russel Neighborhood of the city around 11:45am Wednesday - when 911 calls suddenly came in about a person on fire
As of Tuesday, it is unknown which of the victims - specified only as 'two adults and a teenager' - was set ablaze
a passerby saved a two-year-old from the wreck right from the arms of one of the electrocuted adults, cops said in a statement - which also revealed the youngster somehow survived
The rest, sadly, were not so lucky - and were electrocuted after exiting their SUV when it was struck by a branch. They died when their feet touched the pavement as electricity passed below them - through the car, through them, and into the ground, fire officials said
'In all likelihood, had they stayed in the vehicle,' said a befallen Portland Fire and Rescue spokesperson Rick Graves Wednesday, 'we might not have been having this conversation.'
As for the two-year-old, they were taken to an area hospital, and are said to be in stable condition. The extent of their injuries, as of Wednesday, remains unknown.
Also unknown, fire officials said, is the relationship between the four victims - only the latest to die of winter weather conditions in the Portland metro area since this past Friday.
As of Wednesday, the region has recorded at least 10 weather-related deaths since the recent rough path of weather.
Multnomah County reported four deaths from hypothermia, while neighboring Washington County also blamed a resident's death on the medical condition.
In a starkly similar incident that occurred early Saturday, a tree fell on an RV parked in the city, taking down power lines and sparking a fire.
One person died while another was injured, whereas a few miles away in Lake Oswego, an elderly man died after a tree fell on their house.
The three deaths on Wednesday make ten - as downed trees continue to wreak havoc on power lines, roads, vehicles and homes all over Portland.
The fire official went on to explain how firefighters responded to reports of the downed line - and man on fire - in the 12300 block of Northeast Siskiyou Street, as severe winter weather continues to batter the region
As for the two-year-old, they were taken to an area hospital, and are said to be in stable condition. The extent of their injuries, as of Wednesday, remains unknown.
Also unknown, fire officials said, is the relationship between the four victims - only the latest to die of winter weather conditions in the Portland metro area since this past Friday
Graves on Wednesday called the three deaths avoidable, as an investigation remains ongoing. As of Wednesday night, none of the victims have been named
Meanwhile, strong, cold winds and precipitation are forecast to continue into next week, fire officials are also looking into whether a generator played a role in the deaths of two women during a fire at a Northeast Portland church early Sunday.
Amid this rash of deaths, Graves and other officials warned people from approaching downed wires.
He also advised that in the event a powerline comes in contact with a vehicle you are operating, occupants should stay inside - due to the fact that the car's tires, being rubber, will block the current.
Meanwhile, Portland's deadly winter storm continues, with shelter demand Tuesday night the highest in one-night total in city history - as 1,269 stayed at at one of its dozen warming shelters.
As a result, officials extended a multicounty state of emergency until noon Wednesday.
Still, Graves on Wednesday told citizens to only call 911 unless there is 'imminent danger,' calling the three deaths Wednesday avoidable, as an investigation remains ongoing.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Portland Fire and Rescue for comment.
Rishi Sunak's Rwanda headache is set to continue for months as peers and migrant groups threaten a series of new stumbling blocks.
One peer claimed the House of Lords would be justified in taking an 'unconventional' approach and delaying the passage of the legislation in a bid to scupper its chances.
As the Safety of Rwanda Bill was voted through at its third reading last night, by 320 votes to 276, charities said it is certain to face fresh legal challenges.
That opens the prospect of going 'back to square one' after a tortuous series of previous court hearings that took 17 months to conclude.
Lord Carlile, a crossbench peer, leading barrister and former terror watchdog, warned the Bill may not become law until autumn as peers give it a 'bumpy ride' through the Upper House.
Rishi Sunak's Rwanda headache is set to continue for months as peers and migrant groups threaten a series of new stumbling blocks (File Image)
That opens the prospect of going 'back to square one' after a tortuous series of previous court hearings. Pictured is the State Opening of Parliament in House of Lords
One peer claimed the House of Lords would be justified in taking an 'unconventional' approach and delaying the passage of the legislation in a bid to scupper its chances
As the Safety of Rwanda Bill was voted through at its third reading last night, by 320 votes to 276, charities said it is certain to face fresh legal challenges
The KC added: 'There is a prospect the House of Lords could legitimately and, using proper procedures, delay this matter until it becomes impracticable to bring it into effect before a general election.
'It conceivably could be delayed until the autumn because Parliament doesn't sit throughout the summer and there will be challenges which the Government is going to have to take time to address anyway. The House of Lords does not go out of its way to defy the Government, unless the Government does something which plainly makes no sense.'
Lord Carlile said the Bill would be 'intellectually destroyed' during committee stage in the Lords and he warned that usual conventions may not apply in the Upper House's handling of it.
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He stated most Bills presented to the Lords are 'undeniably lawful' whereas the Rwanda legislation is 'plainly in breach of international law and runs the risk of the UK destroying its reputation as one of the fountainheads of the rule of law.
'Therefore, I believe the House of Lords will regard itself as being justified in taking a more unconventional position on this Bill.'
Conservative peer Lord Bourne told BBC Radio there would be a majority in the Lords against the Rwanda legislation.
He added: 'I'm concerned about the international law aspect of it.
'I don't understand why we have painted ourselves into a corner on this when there are other things that we should be doing on migration rather than putting all our eggs in one basket on Rwanda.'
Another senior Tory peer also claimed the Bill would face 'a very difficult ride' in the Lords.
But he said ultimately the Bill would clear the Upper House 'if it was clear that the votes were there in the Commons'.
They said the Government 'has the numbers' to get the Bill through the Lords, as crossbench peers would likely support it after a couple of rounds of parliamentary 'ping-pong'.
A new intervention by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) earlier this week would provide a 'template' for fresh legal action by the Government's opponents, one source suggested. They added that it was likely to 'go back to square one' and emulate the first round of legal action against the Rwanda scheme, which took from summer 2022 until November last year to unravel.
A charity insider said: 'There will definitely be legal challenges no question about it.'
Legal action against the Rwanda measures could be launched by UK-based pro-migrant organisations (File Image)
In a further complication for the Prime Minister, a House of Lords committee yesterday said the new treaty with Rwanda should not yet be ratified by Parliament.
EXCLUSIVE READ MORE - Shocking footage shows MORE migrants risking their lives crossing the Channel on tiny dinghies today - as the Tory party rips itself to shreds over whether Rishi Sunak's latest Rwanda plan can stop them Advertisement
The Lords international agreements committee published a report on the treaty, a key component of the Government's plan to get removals flights off the ground. It concluded the safeguards the treaty set out were 'incomplete'.
Legal action against the Rwanda measures could be launched by UK-based pro-migrant organisations. A parliamentary committee was told yesterday judges in Britain and Strasbourg are likely to get involved again.
Zoe Bantleman, from the Immigration Law Practitioners Association, told the joint committee on human rights that the UK courts should take new evidence and decide whether 'Rwanda is in fact safe now or it is purely a legal fiction as it says in the Bill'.
She insisted there would also be a number of routes to challenge the measures in the European Court of Human Rights.
Tyrone Steele, from the charity Justice, said it was 'more likely' that legal claims will be lodged directly with Strasbourg bypassing the UK courts.
The new boss of BP has doubled down on the oil giant's green strategy despite pressure to close the gap with rival Shell.
Murray Auchincloss was yesterday appointed permanent chief executive a role he has held on an interim basis since Bernard Looney was forced to quit in disgrace last year.
Looney resigned in September after failing to be 'fully transparent' about personal relationships with colleagues.
The board, led by the chairman Helge Lund, later found him guilty of serious misconduct and clawed back 32m in pay, bonuses, share awards and other benefits.
Auchincloss, 53, whose partner also works for BP, a relationship he disclosed before becoming finance chief in 2020, was seen as the continuity candidate, having worked closely with Looney.
In a statement following his appointment, which dashed hopes BP may pick its first female chief executive, the Canadian businessman said BP's strategy 'does not change'.
Murray Auchincloss (pictured) was yesterday appointed permanent chief executive a role he has held on an interim basis since Bernard Looney was forced to quit in disgrace last year
Looney resigned in September after failing to be 'fully transparent' about personal relationships with colleagues
Some investors have been critical of the pace of BP's energy transition plan.
In contrast, Shell has scaled back its green strategy under chief executive Wael Sawan.
There are concerns the contrasting approaches are behind the poor performance of BP shares, with their weakness sparking speculation it could become a takeover target.
While BP's stock has fallen more than 7pc over the last 12 months, Shell is up around 2pc. The promotion of Auchincloss, who will be paid 1.45m a year plus benefits and bonuses, was viewed by some as an end to months of uncertainty.
But others were concerned it could widen the gap with Shell and American rivals Exxon Mobil and Chevron.
'We think BP needs a revolution not a continuation,' said oil analyst Paul Sankey. 'The last four internally appointed CEOs have been a combined disaster.'
Jamie Maddock, energy analyst at Quilter Cheviot, said BP shares have been weighed down by 'inconsistent operational delivery, large renewable energy investment writedowns and a meandering strategy'.
He added: 'With the continuity candidate installed, it may be that we see little change.
'Pressure is likely to come if it becomes clear that strategy is not working as effectively as it could and the gap to Shell continues to grow.'
BP's plan under Looney was to slash carbon emissions, invest in renewables, and cut oil and gas output by 2030.
Auchincloss said: 'Our strategy from international oil company to integrated energy company does not change. I'm convinced about the significant value we can create.
'Now, more than ever, our focus must remain on delivery... and always focusing on returns.'
Hargreaves Lansdown head of equity research Derren Nathan said: 'Auchincloss certainly has a job to do to restore investor confidence and close the valuation gap with Shell, and an even wider gulf with its US peers.'
Two senior BP women head of trading and shipping Carol Howle, and head of customers and products Emma Delaney were on the shortlist of internal candidates but were beaten to the job by Auchincloss.
Environmental campaigners said BP should accelerate green transition plans.
'A change at the top was an opportunity for a different approach that redirects significant spending towards the cheap, clean renewables we need to power us through the rest of the century,' Greenpeace said.
The man who tried to sell LV to private equity vultures has been thrust back into the spotlight by the Post Office scandal.
Alan Cook was managing director of the Post Office between 2006 and 2010 when the private prosecution of hundreds of innocent postmasters over a glitch in the Horizon IT system began.
He oversaw 161 prosecutions for alleged theft that saw 141 people convicted and 57 imprisoned.
He went on to be chairman of Highways England where he had a role in adjusting the design of controversial smart motorways, including cutting the number of life-saving refuge areas.
Cook then took over as chairman of LV and tried to sell the 179-year-old mutual insurer to US buyer Bain Capital for 530m before his deal was rejected by the group's 1.2m members after a successful Daily Mail campaign.
Members of the mutual said they were 'dismayed and bewildered' that Cook was allowed to head a financial institution after his involvement at the Post Office.
Alan Cook (pictured) was managing director of the Post Office between 2006 and 2010 when the private prosecution of hundreds of innocent postmasters over a glitch in the Horizon IT system began
He oversaw 161 prosecutions for alleged theft that saw 141 people convicted and 57 imprisoned
Despite the controversies, he has escaped public glare in regard to the Post Office scandal, with much of the fury being directed at former chief executive Paula Vennells. MPs and victims now want Cook to be held to account for his role in the 'biggest miscarriage of justice' in British history.
The postmasters scandal saw more than 700 innocent people convicted 263 of them jailed and threw hundreds more into bankruptcy and financial ruin.
Last night, former sub-postmaster and victims campaigner Chris Trousdale said: 'We want everyone, from the top to the bottom, to be held accountable. People keep asking if this kind of thing could happen again.
'If people like Cook keep being given senior positions in big companies, then of course it could. The public should be very concerned these types of people are still running major institutions.'
Gareth Thomas, shadow minister for international trade, said: 'It is absolutely time that he is held to account.' Cook, who lives in a 1m house near Milton Keynes, was appointed managing director of the Post Office by then chief executive Adam Crozier who was impressed by Cook's turnaround at National Savings and Investments, where he had been chief executive since 2002.
Crozier wanted him to 'freshen up' the Post Office. By the time Cook had retired 161 postmasters had been prosecuted, with 141 convicted and 57 imprisoned. He defended the Horizon computer system in a letter to MP Brooks Newmark in 2009 when questions were raised about its reliability.
When he left in 2010 Crozier praised him for his 'fantastic contribution' to the Post Office.
Cook is currently a board member at Milton Keynes College.
In 2021, a spokesman for LV said that Cook had 'deep sympathy for those postmasters wrongly prosecuted'.
The San Francisco Centre has lost a staggering $1 billion in value since 2016 as the crime-plagued mall is now dying amid rampant homelessness and escalating criminal activities.
The city's largest mall, owned by Westfield and Brookfield who stopped making mortgage payments last year, is now worth only $290 million, which is 75 percent less than seven years ago, according to the Real Deal.
Shoe store Alto is set to exit the mall next week, and numerous tenants, including Nordstrom, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch and Lego, have abandoned the mall since 2020.
When its former mall operator Westfield turned the property to its lender last year, it blamed 'unsafe conditions' and 'lack of enforcement against rampant criminal activity' in large part for Nordstrom's departure.
The mall is located in the troubled Union Square area in the center of downtown, which has witnessed businesses and tourists fleeing since the pandemic, with groups attributing to crime, homelessness and work-from-home policies.
The San Francisco Centre has lost a staggering one billion dollars in value since 2016 as the crime-plagued mall is now dying amid rampant homelessness and escalating criminal activities
The city's largest mall, owned by Westfield and Brookfield who stopped making mortgage payments last year, is now worth only $290 million, which is 75 percent less than seven years ago
The mall is located in the troubled Union Square area in the center of downtown, which has witnessed businesses and residents fleeing since the pandemic, with groups attributing to crime , homelessness, and work-from-home policies
The appraisal published by research firm Morningstar found the 1.45 million-square-foot property lost $910 million between 2016 and 2023, with more than half the rental space now empty.
The San Francisco Centre generated $455 million in sales in 2019, before the pandemic. In 2022, sales were down about a third to $298 million.
The occupancy is now down to about 25 percent, as its largest tenants Nordstrom exited from its 312,000 square-feet store last year.
Its owners Westfield and partner Brookfield Properties lost control of the 5-million-square-foot retail and office complex to lenders in June last year, defaulting on a $558 million loans.
'For more than 20 years, Westfield has proudly and successfully operated San Francisco Centre, investing significantly over that time in the vitality of the property,' the company said at the time.
'Given the challenging operating conditions in downtown San Francisco, which have led to declines in sales, occupancy and foot traffic, we have made the difficult decision to begin the process to transfer management of the shopping center to our lender to allow them to appoint a receiver to operate the property going forward.'
Gregg Williams of Trident Pacific, a real estate company in Orange County, was appointed as the receiver with the ability to collect rent and sell or liquidate the property.
The property's lenders have since then advised the receiver to sell the mall in order to pay off the debt, according to the Real Deal.
When its former mall operator Westfield turned the property to its lender last year, it blamed 'unsafe conditions' and 'lack of enforcement against rampant criminal activity' in large part for Nordstrom's departure
One of the high-profile closures includes the accounting firm KPMG, as it's set to move out of its $400 million namesake building
Nearly 100 retailers in downtown San Francisco have closed since the start of the COVID pandemic, a decline of more than 50 percent, according to a recent report
The collapse of the mall aligns with a wider disaster affecting retailers throughout that part of the city.
Nearly 100 retailers in downtown San Francisco have closed since the start of the pandemic, a decline of more than 50 percent.
One of the high-profile closures includes the accounting firm KPMG, as it's set to move out of its $400 million namesake building.
The consulting and accounting giant first leased space in the 25-story office tower when the building opened in 2002. Its name hangs above the entry to the skyscraper where the company currently occupies more than 100,000 square feet.
KPMG originally took 90,000 square feet at 55 Second St. in a 10-year contract, marking the second-largest office deal of 2003.
It has since grown its footprint to span nearly one-third of the 380,000-square-foot building, leading to it being widely known as 'The KPMG Building.'
The company is now considering ending its two-decade-long relationship with the building, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. It's the latest tenant looking to exit the downtown area.
The city's downtown has suffered from the proliferation of homeless encampments, open-air drugs markets and rampant theft
The city's downtown has suffered from the proliferation of homeless encampments, open-air drugs markets and rampant theft, as tourists wandering down a gutted Powell St - a way once bustling with businesses
Instead of being graced with an array of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, the party is seen encountering countless shuttered storefronts
The closures and exits suggest San Francisco's 'doom loop' is far from over. A doom loop is where a city loses its tax base and can't afford improvements needed to fix the situation to bring new businesses and residents back to an area.
Earlier this week, San Francisco journalist Erica Sandberg shared alarming images of a once-prominent street that's been rocked by store closures in San Francisco.
One snap, taken in the heart of the city's famed shopping district, shows tourists wandering down a gutted Powell Street.
But instead of being graced with an array of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, the party is seen encountering countless shuttered storefronts.
Additional shots from Sandberg show more of the same, and how the thoroughfare that runs adjacent to the city's Downtown, all the way from Market to Fisherman's Wharf, has become a shell of its former self.
The city's downtown has suffered from the proliferation of homeless encampments, open-air drugs markets and rampant theft.
Hordes of brand names, including the likes of Whole Food and Nordstrom, that have recently moved out contributing to a loss of footfall that then drives out other businesses.
The city has also struggled for years with rampant fentanyl use and fatal overdoses, and is on pace for its deadliest year yet.
In the first five months of 2023, preliminary reports show there were 346 overdose deaths in the city - an increase of more than 40 percent from the same period in 2022.
Economists have warned the city is spiraling into an 'urban doom loop' - a vicious circle of interconnected trends and forces that send cities into economic and social ruin.
High theft has proved a problem in the area recently, with a Walgreens in the city center resolving to chaining their freezers to stop shoplifters.
Retail stalwart Old Navy announced they would be shuttering their flagship store in the area last month.
Anthropologie and Office Depot have also made the same decisions.
These stores joined the growing list of stores that have abandoned the coastal city, including H&M, Marshall's, Gap and Banana Republic.
A disturbing recent report showed 95 retailers in downtown San Francisco have closed since the start of the COVID pandemic, a decline of more than 50 percent.
Out of 203 retailers open in 2019 in the city's Union Square area, just 107 are still operating, a drop of 47 percent in just a few pandemic-ravaged years.
Boeing's share price on Wednesday was down 22 percent compared to a month earlier, as its European rival steamed ahead following the grounding of 737 Max 9s.
The Virginia-based aerospace giant is struggling to regain its momentum after the January 5 accident on board a Boeing 737 Max 9.
A side panel on the Alaska Airlines aircraft blew out mid-air, forcing an emergency landing: by a miracle, no one was sitting in the seats near the panel, or they would have been sucked out.
In response, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) grounded all 171 Max 9s currently flying in U.S. airspace. United and Alaska are the only two airlines affected.
The grounding of the planes came after the 2018 and 2018 disasters involving Max 8s, which killed 346 people.
Passengers of an Alaska Airlines flight are pictured on January 5 looking at the hole in the side of the aircraft - a Boeing 737 Max 9
The panel in the aircraft blew out at 16,000ft - miraculously, no one was sitting in the affected seats
Boeing's shares are down 22 percent following the January 5 Alaska Airlines incident
Airbus has seen the value of its company soar amid rival Boeing's woes
In October 2018, a Lion Air flight from Jakarta plunged into the sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. Less than five months later, in March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa nosedived into the ground six minutes after takeoff, with the loss of all 157 on board.
The Max 8s were grounded for 20 months, at an estimated cost of $20 billion for the company.
The incident this month has only shone further unflattering light on the company, and sparked accusations of excessive production pressures, a demoralized workforce, and prioritizing profit above all else.
Boeing insists it puts safety first, but whistleblowers in the industry say there has been too much pressure to compete with Airbus.
Amid the drama, Airbus - based in factories around Europe - last week announced that it had delivered more aircraft and secured more orders than Boeing in 2023.
'What used to be a duopoly has become two-thirds Airbus, one-third Boeing,' said Richard Aboulafia, the managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory in Washington, D.C.
He told The New York Times: 'A lot of people, whether investors, financiers or customers, are looking at Airbus and seeing a company run by competent people. The contrast with Boeing is fairly profound.'
Shares in Airbus rose to a record high on Friday, after its chief executive, Guillaume Faury, said the company had won an unprecedented 2,094 orders for new aircraft in 2023.
An emergency exit used as a cabin window blew out of the Alaskan Airlines flight from Portland to California at 16,000 feet
The flight that was set out to arrive at Ontario International in California turned back around after the plug door came off
The FAA announced an investigation into Boeing and said the near catastrophe should not have happened and 'cannot happen again'
The orders include many for the popular single-aisle A320neo planes, its main competitor to the 737 Max.
Boeing also reported more aircraft deliveries and orders in 2023 than it had the year before, but at a pace slower than Airbus.
Airbus appears to be widening its lead over Boeing, with many airlines opting for their aircraft.
Last year, Air India ordered 250 Airbus planes, and IndiGo, India's biggest carrier, agreed to buy 500.
Airbus said the demand for their planes was strong, with a backlog of 8,600 planes in 2023 - compared with 5,626 for Boeing.
And Airbus intends to step up production to meet demand.
Faury said Airbus would increase the production of the A320neo to 75 jets a month in 2026, in a further bid to outpace its rival.
Boeing plans to increase production of 737 jets to 50 per month by around 2025.
'Over the past few years the economic equation has changed in favor of Airbus,' said Philip Buller, an aviation analyst at London-based Berenberg Bank.
He told The New York Times: 'The disruptions that have been affecting the Boeing Max have made it seem as a less reliable aircraft to have in your fleet.
'So the merits of it being slightly cheaper go out the window because the Airbus is a more reliable plane that you can be flying as opposed to grounding it.'
Buller said that Boeing's $40 billion of debt from the COVID travel slump and the earlier 737 Max crisis made it even harder to invest and stay competitive.
'If you have $40 billion in debt, and a plane that's your cash cow is grounded because the door blew off, it's a sign that management is not investing in the future but firefighting today,' he said.
The family of a teenager who was tragically killed in a car crash with his mate say they hold no ill will towards the driver who survived.
Matthew Simpson, 16, and Addison Bhimjiani, 17, died when their Nissan 200SX smashed into a power pole on Windsor Road in McGraths Hill, in Sydney's northwest, at 9.40pm on Monday.
The 17-year-old P-plate driver Caleb Nolan was rushed to Westmead Hospital having sustained both chest and internal injuries and is in a stable condition.
Matthew's parents Melissa and Luke Simpson said their son was coming home from the gym when their driver friend crashed the car.
'There is no anger or aggression or animosity towards him or his family,' Mr Simpson told 7News.
Matthew Simpson (pictured with his sister and mother) was killed in a car accident in Sydney's northwest on Monday night
'They are going to go through absolute hell as well.'
'A life sentence,' Ms Simpson added.
The devastated mother recalled her final conversation with her son.
'I said ''what time will you be home?'' and he said, ''I'm just doing shoulders mum, I won't be long'' and that was it,' Ms Simpson said.
Matthew has been remembered as a kind and cheeky boy who cared deeply for his older sister, recently getting her birthday inked on his arm.
'He was the kid that would give you the shirt off his back and take the chewing gum our of your pockets as he did it,' Mr Simpson said.
'He was proud as punch (of his sister), that's how much she meant to him.'
His sister Sienna said Matthew had always defended and stood up for her, while his other sibling Jade described him as the 'best little brother' she could have hoped for.
Matthew's mother Melissa broke down as she remembered her cheeky and kind son
Addison Bhimjiani (pictured) was also killed in the crash on Monday
The mother of Addison, who also lost his life in the crash, said her son had a 'vibrant spirit'.
Penny Randall said her family will 'remember and celebrate the joy' that defined her son's character'.
'Addison, known for his vibrant spirit, kindness, and contagious smile, touched the lives of all who knew him,' she said.
'He was a beacon of light in our family and community, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.'
Addison's younger sister Brielle broke her silence in a heartfelt Instagram story on Tuesday morning, featuring images of the pair as young children.
'Fly high to my big brother I love you so much I wish I could hug you one last time or see your smile I will never forget you were such an amazing person,' she wrote.
'Thank you for the time I had with you no words describe how much my heart aches, knowing you're not here to laugh and talk to.
'I will miss you forever.'
NSW Police are investigating the crash.
She also alleges he failed her son on a quiz for saying men cannot get pregnant
The boy's mother claims Golash was 'pushing his own ideological agendas'
A Seattle high school teacher has been slammed for allegedly blasting a student who labelled himself 'straight' and telling the boy to use a less 'offensive' term.
Ian Golash, the social studies department chair at Chief Sealth International High School, infuriated the 15-year-old boy's mom, who filed a complaint.
She claimed Golash provided students with a 'Social Identity Wheel' worksheet asking 10th graders to reflect on various identities including racial, ethnic, gender and sexual orientation.
After her son labelled himself 'straight,' Golash allegedly told the boy that the term was offensive.
He later bizarrely tried to explain the word 'implies that not to be straight is to be 'crooked' which could have a negative connotation.'
Ian Golash, the social studies department chair at Chief Sealth International High School in Seattle, has been accused by one parent of targeting her 15-year-old son
The boy identified his sexual orientation as 'straight' on a 'Social Identity Wheel' worksheet, which lists the options heterosexual, homosexual, pansexual, and asexual. Golash allegedly told the teen that the word was offensive
The 10th grader's mother claims Golash previously failed her son on a test for saying men cannot get pregnant and that women do not have penises
Appearing on 'The Jason Rantz Show' on KTTH, the mother accused Golash of 'pushing his own ideological agendas' rather than inviting open discourse on 'controversial topics.'
'In this particular instance, he tried to persuade the language the students used in an attempt to censor them,' said the woman, who declined to identify herself.
'Mr. Golash instructs his students what to think and not how to think. This in no way provides identity-safe classrooms that allow students to feel visible and valued.'
The parent previously complained that Golash failed her son on a quiz for saying men cannot get pregnant and that women do not have penises.
She aired her concerns with Golash and Principal Ray Garcia-Morales in an email chain from September.
'It is completely inappropriate to dictate what terms a student can and cannot use to identify themselves with,' the mom wrote on September 24.
Golash thanked the woman for her feedback but denied singling out her son.
'I did not tell anyone what words they should use to identify themselves. In fact, I stated explicitly that I was not going to tell them how they should identify except to explain the difference between race, ethnicity and nationality,' Golash responded.
In an email thread, Golash denied singling out the 15-year-old and said he 'did not tell anyone what words they should use to identify themselves'
The teacher (pictured in a mugshot from a prior arrest in Oregon) said he was frustrated with the boy's unruly behavior and used words that he 'might not phrase in the same way today'
He admitted to saying that he prefers not to use the term 'straight,' as 'language has power' and 'it shapes the culture that we live in.'
The mother also claimed that Golash targeted her son during a discussion on Florida 'banning ethnic studies,' likely a reference to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis rejecting an advanced placement class in African American studies.
The mom said her son was absent the day before and was unable to answer when asked for his thoughts.
'I'm told that rather than converse about the topic and provide him with information and an actual answer, he was told that he was a 'product of the patriarchy that teaches young boys not to care,'' the woman wrote.
'You missed an opportunity here to teach your student about current events and instead shamed him for being a male. To assume that he's being raised in a patriarchal household is a very mistaken one.'
Golash insisted that his comment was not 'directed at one student,' but connected to discussions the class had in days prior and 'the behavior of several boys in the class.'
'I certainly wasn't making any implications about your household,' the teacher added. 'I was referring to a system of power that we all live in.'
The parent told KTTH that her son began to 'self-censor' due to Golash's teaching methods, which she described as 'intolerant.'
She alleged that Golash accused her son of being disruptive and disengaged in a move that was 'retaliatory in nature.'
Golash doubled down on these claims over email, insisting that he was frustrated and this 'resulted in words I said that day that I might not phrase in the same way today.'
The mother ultimately pulled her son from his class. Chief Sealth International High School was not immediately available for comment.
A plastic surgeon's socialite wife has tried to blame her alleged secret lover for the murder of two young brothers she's accused of striking with her car following a boozy lover's lunch.
Lawyers for Rebecca Grossman, 62, made the astonishing assertion at a Los Angeles courthouse Wednesday, suggesting former Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles pitcher Scott Erickson had struck Jacob Iskander, eight, and his 11 year-old brother Mark in September 2020.
Grossman's attorney Tony Buzzbee told the court that sheriff's deputies failed to check Erickson's black Mercedes, which Grossman is said to have been chasing in her white Mercedes at the time of the smash.
Images from the scene show the front of Grossman's luxury car badly-damaged by an impact prosecutors say was caused by the youngsters she mowed down while doing 81mph in a 45mph zone.
Erickson's black Mercedes drove through the crosswalk where the brothers were struck while walking with their parents before Grossman's car did. Grossman was joined for Monday's hearing by her surgeon husband Dr Peter Grossman, who appears to be standing by her in spite of the scandal and criminal trial.
Socialite Rebecca Grossman was seen gripping her LA plastic surgeon husband Dr Peter Grossman's arm as they left court today for the start of her murder trial
Scott Erickson, Rebecca Grossman's alleged lover, is pictured in 2018. He was charged with a misdemeanor over the 2020 crash, and settled his case in 2022
Mark and Jacob were out walking with their parents and siblings when they were killed. The parents were able to stop their younger siblings from being hit - but couldn't reach the two boys in time
According to the LA Times, Buzbee claimed that a sheriff's investigator never checked Erickson's vehicle after the incident and took his word that he was driving his own 2007 plate SUV at the time.
Buzbee told LA County Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino that Erickson produced that vehicle for examination in civil litigation after the crash.
The lawyer claims that Erickson had actually been inside a 2016 Mercedes-AMG on the day of the crash.
Buzbee said he would produce witnesses at trial to lay the foundation for the photo exhibit, and said one witness told an investigator she saw two vehicles strike the children that day.
The outlet reported that Buzbee added: 'Why would law enforcement not look at this vehicle that he was driving that night?
'Why wouldnt they, especially when you had a witness, the first witness that provided a witness account, said there were two collisions three to five seconds apart? Why wouldnt they go look at his vehicle?'
Deputy District Attorney Ryan Gould said prosecutors had no evidence to support the exhibit and didn't know who had taken the photograph that Buzbee wanted to present.
On Wednesday, Grossman was seen gripping her LA plastic surgeon husband's arm as they left the court after the second day of her murder trial.
Jury selection continued Wednesday for her trial in Van Nuys, California. Grossman was dressed modestly in a gray cardigan, white collard shirt and black pants
Grossman's Mercedes after the incident. The black box showed she was traveling well over the 45mph limit
Mark Iskander, 11, and his younger brother Jacob, eight, were killed in the crash in 2020
Dr. Peter Grossman - dressed in a smart blue suit - is standing by her side, despite accusations that his wife was leaving a boozy lunch with Erickson.
Robert Apodaca, a former L.A. County sheriff's deputy, who specializes in traffic crashes, testified at a preliminary that he calculated Grossman was driving 71.7 mph when she struck the boys and that the car computer showed 73 mph. Witnesses believe the car was moving at 81 mph.
Apodaca said Mark was thrown 254 feet by the impact - the farthest he has known a human to be tossed in a crash.
Erickson, now 55, was charged with a misdemeanor, and his case was resolved in February 2022 with a judge ordering him to make a public service announcement geared toward high school students about the importance of safe driving.
Erickson, who is divorced, was a star with the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles. He then spent a year playing with the Los Angeles' Dodgers in 2005, then ended his career with the New York Yankees in 2006.
Grossman's murder charges are unusual as there was no charge of driving under the influence.
Her on-site breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.076 percent - slightly below California's legal limit of 0.08 percent.
A blood sample taken three hours after the crash registered at the 0.08 percent mark.
Prosecutors will argue in court that Grossman was also on Valium and was impaired when she got behind the wheel.
Grossman - whose husband leads the prestigious Grossman Burn Center - will argue in her defense that a vehicle was in front of her, and that vehicle hit the boys, exonerating her and Erickson.
Karim and Nancy Iskander, the boys' parents, are shown at a court hearing in April 2022
Grossman claims the accident was caused by a poorly lit, poorly signaled crosswalk. Above, the crosswalk
Jaime Castro, prosecuting, will argue that Grossman and Erickson 'raced' their SUVs through Westlake Village before Grossman hit the boys.
Castro said they had not intended to reveal Grossman's affair with Erickson, but it became relevant because 'the defense intends to argue that the black car that is at issue in this particular scenario is not Erickson's.'
Nancy Iskander, the mother of the boys, has said she could not see which of the two vehicles hit her sons.
She said that she and Jacob were on inline skates while crossing the road at the crosswalk, while Mark was on his skateboard and her youngest son, five-year-old Zachary, was on his scooter. Her husband and daughter were jogging nearby.
'The speed was insane,' she said of the two SUVs. 'They were zigzagging with each other as if they were playing or racing.
'They didn't stop before the intersection. They didn't stop at the intersection. They didn't stop when an 11-year-old was on the hood of the car. Nobody stopped.'
Erickson played with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2005 for a year, then ended his career with the New York Yankees in 2006
The Grossmans' $8 million mansion in Hidden Hills, Los Angeles
Jurors are expected to hear from a California Highway Patrol officer who pulled over Grossman in 2013 after she was clocked going 92 mph on the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, and warned her she could kill someone.
Deputy Rafael Mejia testified he had found Grossman a third of a mile away from the crash.
She had pulled over, and was saying she did not know why her airbag had been triggered.
Grossman has been out on $2 million bond. Her trial is expected to last six weeks: If convicted of all charges, she could face up to 34 years in prison.
Recharging an electric vehicle just became more expensive with Australia's second largest operator hiking up prices at its stations.
Evie, which operates more than 200 charging stations nationwide, has hiked its prices by up to 43 per cent.
This will apply to the slowest chargers (22kW), which will jump from 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (c/kWh), to 50c/kWh.
The company's 50kW fast chargers will increase by 16 per cent from 50c/kWh to 58c/kWh, while the 'super-fast' 150kW chargers will increase 13 per cent from 60c/kWh to 68c/kWh.
EV drivers will cop a 12 per cent increase if they use Evie's so-called 'ultra-fast' 350kW chargers with the meter going from 65c/kWh to 73c/kWh.
Evie, which operates more than 200 charging stations nationwide, has hiked its prices by up to 43 per cent
This means to fully charge a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y rear-wheel drive with a 60kWh battery it will cost $9 more on a 22kW charger and $4.80 more for a 50kW, 150kW or 350kW charger.
Evie says a 'typical charging' session of around 25kWh of energy will cost 'approximately $2 more'.
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'This decision is driven by our commitment to investing in a top-notch, reliable, and expansive charging network across the country,' Evie said earlier in the week when it announced the rises.
The hike marks the second time in six months the company has increased its prices.
Evie lags behind market leader Chargefox's 300-plus stations but is well ahead of Tesla, which has around 80 sites.
The news comes as an added blow to EV owners after auto website CarExpert revealed it was cheaper to run a car with a combustion engine than an electric car on long road trips.
CarExpert founder Paul Maric told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday he feared the gap would widen, even beyond the recent Evie announcement.
'Electricity prices have never come down so it is only going to become more and more expensive,' Mr Maric said.
'They (governments) want everyone to be driving these things but ultimately they just aren't affordable.'
He said so far electric vehicles were largely the preserve of the higher-earners, especially as buying one could be used as a tax offset against other income.
'If you just think of the average Australian at the moment who is just struggling to put food on the table and you are talking about a vehicle like the Tesla model Y that starts at $70,000, regardless of what the tax incentives are that's still a big chunk of money,' he said
'A lot of this stuff is pie in the sky that is really only benefiting people who are already wealthy.'
He also said because the federal government gave private companies money to install chargers but not for maintenance many were broken.
'The public charging infrastructure is rolling out at such a slow pace that unless you have charging at home you would have nowhere to charge electric vehicles because chargers are either faulty or there is not enough of them,' he said.
From today it will cost $9 to fully charge some model Teslas using the Evie 22kW charger
On a November road trip using similar electric and petrol-fueled BMWs the conventional car proved cheaper to refill during the 900km trip from Melbourne to Sydney
With a 325kw charger consuming the equivalent power that would drive over 170 typical reverse-cycle air conditioners Mr Maric said they put an enormous stress on the electricity grid, particularly in more remote areas.
'Multiply the 325kw power use by the number of chargers on a site and that is how much energy you are demanding in that town,' he said.
'So, if you want to build out this network to have in regional Australia you would have to have these enormous power lines running to middle of nowhere just for an EV charger.'
The rising cost to run an electric vehicle will inevitably put off some Aussie drivers from swapping their petrol powered cars for an EV - in a blow to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who is keen on creating a greener future.
Mr Albanese is already contending with several network charging companies pulling the plug on the country - including ChargePoint and Tritium.
Earlier this week US company ChargePoint announced it will shut down its network of almost 50 stations in a major blow to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's plan to turn Australia green.
The 46 stations in NSW, Victoria and Queensland will cease operation from February 1.
Australian EV charging company Tritium also recently closed its doors on its local factory before Christmas, leaving the jobs of up to 400 workers uncertain.
The troubled fast-charging firm announced the closure at the company's annual general meeting that it would shut Murrarie, Brisbane factory on December 22.
The wife of a jeweller accused of staging a robbery at his store has made a fashion statement as she faced court on claims she was also in on the alleged attempt to defraud insurers.
Renowned jeweller Michel Germani, 66, has been in custody since handing himself in to police in May.
He has been accused of seeking more than $2.8 million from his insurers and making false statements to do so after allegedly staging a robbery at his Sydney CBD in January 2022.
Five other people have since been charged, most recently his wife Coco Germani in November.
Ms Germani was decked out in luxury gear where she appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Thursday, when prosecutors sought an adjournment.
Coco Germani stepped out in style in Jimmy Choo heels when she arrived at Downing Centre District Court on Thursday
She wore an all-white sleeveless pant suit teamed with Jimmy Choo mule heels which start from $1,060 online.
She clutched a white blazer and black Lady Dior handbag which sells for $9,900.
She also accessorised her outfit with jewellery and painted pink nails.
Ms Germani is accused of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice.
It came after an unsuccessful September bail hearing for her husband, when the Supreme Court heard she was allegedly in on the scheme.
Germani was denied bail despite his wife offering $60,000 in surety.
The jeweller has also been accused of participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity.
Ms Germani is accused of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice
Coco's husband, well-known jeweller Michael Elias German (left) remains behind bars
'Given the allegations that she has knowledge of the offending in my view she's not an appropriate person to put up money of that nature,' the judge told the court in September.
Negotiations are ongoing and prosecutors are expected to certify charges in February against the Germanis and others accused of involvement in the alleged criminal group.
An employee who was present in the store and allegedly tied up during the ordeal was not charged.
Police said the employee was left traumatised by what she thought was a genuine robbery.
A truck driver was distracted watching YouTube on his phone when he fatally struck a young father on a major highway at 100km/h - and didn't realise what the 'bump' he felt was until much later.
Bhupinder Singh, 38, was on the final leg of his journey from Albury to Sydney when his B-double struck father-of-three David Howard, 30, on the Hume Highway at Narellan in the early hours of October 11, 2022.
Mr Howard's corpse was found the following day, by the side of the road, after a motorist called police, claiming to have seen a body.
Now, court documents seen by Daily Mail Australia reveal that Singh, 38, spent more time looking at his mobile phone than watching the road in the minutes before the collision.
Singh later told his boss he suspected he may have hit 'an animal or a person' but continued driving without inspecting the scene.
David Howard (pictured) was fatally struct down by a B-double in an attempt to take his own life
Bhupinder Singh was behind the wheel of a B-double for trucking company Ron Finemore
He later told police he could not stop and pull over where the collision occurred as there was not a rest area and he felt the truck was functioning well.
It wasn't until days later when a co-worker at Singh's Albury-based employer, trucking company Ron Finemore, reviewed the articulated vehicle's dash cam footage and confirmed Singh's victim had been a human.
A subsequent investigation by the NSW Police's Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit revealed Singh had been using YouTube at the time of the collision.
In-cabin video cameras showed Singh repeatedly touching, staring at and picking up his phone as he drove at a speed of 100km/h, court documents said.
At the time of the impact, cabin video showed Singh had been 'looking at his mobile phone for 45 seconds, with only momentary glances at the road ahead of him'.
Singh was arrested on December 14 and charged. He has since pleaded guilty to driving recklessly or in a dangerous manner, and failing to stop after a crash causing death.
Campbelltown Local Court heard the dangerous driving charge relates to his use of the mobile phone and not Mr Howard's death.
Singh will remain on bail ahead of his sentencing on March 25.
Investigators said text messages sent by Mr Howard to his then partner Kayla Davies just before his death showed Mr Howard had intended to take his life that night.
The court heard Ms Davies reported him missing later that morning, however his remains were not discovered until the following day, after Singh's boss had notified police of the incident.
Jacqui Burgin, an ex-partner who shared two sons with Mr Howard, told Daily Mail Australia he was a doting father and the family are 'heartbroken' as they try to navigate their way through the loss.
Pictured are police officers at conducting the search for Mr Howard in October
Court documents revealed the collision left a trail of bodily fluid that stretched 290metres.
Mr Howard's black wallet - along with his driver's licence, Medicare card and security licence - were located on the western shoulder of Hume Highway near the collision point.
Jacqui Burgin, an ex-partner who shared two sons, aged eight and six, with Mr Howard, told Daily Mail Australia he was a doting father and the family are 'heartbroken' as they try to navigate their way through the loss.
'He truly was the light of his kids' lives and his smile or voice would change their whole day and mood,' she said.
'He would do absolutely anything to see them happy and smile and it breaks me that they only get to have that memory and can't experience it again.'
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 224 63
Trouble continues in the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs with the latest crime spree leaving 18 car windscreens and windows smashed by youths.
The damaged vehicles were all in a private parking area of the River Gum apartment complex on Gap Road, with the destruction taking place about 2.15am Thursday morning.
Video capturing the damage was posted to Action For Alice 2020's Facebook page, which described it as 'one of the worst destructive incidents yet'.
Residents and police believe the damage was likely caused by four or five youths who entered the property and created havoc.
It is believed nothing was stolen from inside the cars but every vehicle had been extensively damaged. It's not known whether all residents had insurance.
The damaged vehicles were all in a private parking area belonging to the River Gum apartment complex on Gap Road, in Alice Springs, with the destruction taking place about 2.15am Thursday morning
It is believed nothing was stolen from inside the cars but every vehicle had been highly damaged. It's not known whether all residents had insurance
The rampage didn't favour any type of vehicle - with new and old cars targeted, as well as 4WDs and small hatchbacks.
Frustrated locals were disgusted by the brazen vandalism.
'Everyday, every night this disgusting urban terrorism continues,' one said.
'Give nothing, absolutely nothing of tax payers money until this senseless destruction stops,' one wrote.
Northern Territory anti-crime advocate and local business owner Darren Clarke told Sky News residents had been woken by the sound of glass smashing.
'They went out and there were four to five Indigenous youths fleeing the complex,' he said.
The advocate also said the area where the cars were parked was a fenced off area that had automated gates.
While residents reported being woken up by smashing glass around 2.15am, Northern Territory police told Daily Mail Australia it received a report about the incident from security at 3.54am.
The local business owner said money had been given to the town, but it hasn't been used to improve the CBD and surrounding areas.
He alleges council was given $2m to improve lighting and safety, but the area is still in darkness.
The rampage didn't favour any type of vehicle - with new and old cars targeted, as well as 4WDs and small hatchbacks
Northern Territory anti-crime advocate and local business owner Darren Clarke said residents do not feel safe leaving their home and believes more police patrols are needed at night, although he concedes there is a lack of staff
'They've put one lot of cameras in the CBD, one pole. Even one of the solar panels on that has been smashed,' he said.
The Federal Government announced in February 2023 a landmark $48.8m package to Central Australia to improve safety, as well as tackling alcohol issues and providing opportunities for youths.
Part of this was $2m to upgrade CCTV and lighting in Alice Springs.
Mr Clarke said the apartments are located on a street where 11 lights were not operational.
Daily Mail Australia understands Alice Springs Town Council did receive Commonwealth Government funding in December 2023 so lighting and CCTV could be upgraded.
The funding agreement states work is due to be completed by April 30, 2024.
Alice Springs mayor Matt Paterson told Daily Mail Australia they had asked for the funding and are 'grateful' for it.
'Communities like Alice Springs, and many similar to us across the country, have unique challenges delivering programs on time and under budget,' he said.
'We have actioned things as quickly as possible but its incredibly difficult to get contractors in a timely manner in an isolated part of the country.
'While things have not progressed as quickly as anticipated, the funding paperwork was also not finalised until December 2023.
'I think this is a really good opportunity for Canberra to understand some of the challenges we face in Central Australia. We are progressing things as quickly as possible.'
Mr Clarke said residents do not feel safe leaving their home and believes more police patrols are needed at night, although he concedes there is a lack of staff.
'They should have a permanent three to four cars patrolling every night and they just don't do it. They don't have the staff to do it,' he said.
Northern Territory Police have urged anyone to come forward with information about the incident.
After receiving a report about the carnage they attended the scene to interview residents and gather forensic evidence.
Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Budge said the criminal damage was a 'deplorable act'.
'[It] not only inflicts financial harm on the victims, but also disrupts the ability of these people going about their day,' he said.
The suspect then used her credit card to go on a $1,800 shopping spree
She became the unwitting victim of a thief who stole the bag off her chair
Marisoll Hernandez, 60, was visiting from Puerto Rico to promote her book
A bold thief snatched a designer purse from a Puerto Rican tourist as she dined at a Miami restaurant before spending nearly $2000 of the victim's money.
Marisoll Hernandez, 60, was eating out with a friend Friday night when a woman passed behind her and slipped her Gucci bag off the back of her chair.
Hernandez, a chef and writer, was visiting from San Juan to promote her book Enamorada. After attending book signings in Coral Gables, she tacked a few more days on to her trip to spend time with friends in Miami.
She and a pal were engrossed in conversation as they waited for their food at Toscana Divino, a high-end Italian restaurant, when a woman in a fuchsia dress walked by.
Staring down at her phone, the woman reached over and swiped Hernandez's Gucci purse from the back of chair in a moment captured on CCTV.
Marisoll Hernandez, 60, was dining with a friend in Miami when she became the unwitting victim of a purse snatcher
In a shocking moment captured on CCTV, a woman in a fuchsia dress passed behind Hernandez and slid her Gucci bag off the back of her chair before walking away
The chef and writer, pictured with the same Gucci bag, was in town to promote her book, Enamorada. Inside the stolen purse was a Gucci wallet with a credit card, $1,200 in cash and a pair of Cartier glasses she claims were valued at nearly $4,000
Hernandez, still grinning, did not even register that she had been robbed.
'They took my things, you know - they are material things, but they are still yours,' the author told NBC6. 'You feel frustrated.'
Earlier that day, Hernandez had posted a photo to Instagram with the same Gucci purse slung around her shoulder.
Inside the bag was a Gucci wallet with a credit card, $1,200 in cash and a pair of Cartier glasses she claims were valued at nearly $4,000.
She was alerted that the suspect had used her credit card to make purchases totaling almost $1800.
'The person did went shopping that night and they had fun with my money and my credit cards,' Hernandez said.
She was able to trace the purse thanks to an AirTag, which pinged in an apartment building, but police were unable to retrieve it.
According to Miami Police Department spokesperson Mike Vega, a court order was needed before officers could enter the building and go door to door.
The suspect then went on a shopping spree, shelling out $1,800 of Hernandez's money using her credit card
The author was able to locate the bag using an AirTag, but police needed a court order before searching the apartment building where it was found
Police say the suspect faces grand theft charges. To qualify under Florida law, the value of the stolen property must exceed the state's minimum statutory criteria of $300
The theft came among a spate of similar crimes - earlier this month, South Miami police requested the public's help to identify two men who snatched a purse from an elderly woman in December
The charges listed on the police report are theft - purse snatching and fraudulent practices.
According to police, the suspect faces grand theft charges as the value of the stolen property exceeds the state's minimum statutory criteria of $300.
The incident comes amid a rash of similar crimes. Earlier this month, South Miami police requested the public's assistance in identifying two men who stole a purse from an elderly woman the weekend before Christmas.
CCTV footage showed the men entering a restaurant and heading to the bar to scope out victims. One of the men took off his jacket and covered the woman's purse, taking it with them as they left.
According to the victim, the bag was worth around $8,000. The men also made off with documents, cash and credit cards, which they used shortly after.
'I believe they have done this before,' Sgt. Fernando Bosch told CBS News. 'They are organized and know what they are doing.'
Hernandez fell victim to one of the first purse snatchings of the month - as of January 7, none had been reported.
'I know I cannot have my things back - money is money, credit cards are credit cards,' she said. 'It will be solved, but I really want justice.'
A total of 8,000 migrants who came to the city from Central America have made around 20,000 visits to the health system, causing problems for Denver Health
Denver's main hospital has provided care worth $136 million that they have no received compensation for, putting the institute at a 'critical' stage
The migrant crisis in Denver has plunged the city's main public hospital deep into the red after patients received $136 million in treatment they couldn't pay for.
Denver Health lost $2 million in 2022 - but that was substantially-reduced by a $20 million cash injection from the state.
In 2022, the hospital system lost $35 million, with bosses warning of 'dire consequences' for the hospital if 2024 is as bad as the previous two.
The rise in costs has coincided with the unprecedented number of immigrants who crossed America's border and arrived in Denver. Around 36,000 have arrived so far - many of them bused from Texas - with 18,000 deciding to stay.
Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne said that 8,000 migrants who came to the city from Central America made around 20,000 visits to the health system.
These included trips for dental emergencies, mental health counseling and childbirth.
Dr. Taylor McCormick, associate director of Pediatrics Emergency Medicine at Denver Health, The Denver Gazette: 'Overall, these patients dont have medical insurance. Denver Health is eating the cost for many of these visits.'
Denver Health ended 2022 with a loss of $35 million, and the most recent year would have been worse had it not been for a $20 million cash injection from the state
The rise in costs has coincided with the unprecedented number of immigrants who crossed America's border and arrived in Denver
That $136 million unpaid includes care to people covered by Medicaid which was later reimbursed and $100 million of the unpaid bills were run up by Denver residents, not migrants.
Further clarification on how much was spent treating migrant patients who were unable to pay has not yet been shared.
Lynne said: 'What I think is not being said is that Denver Health is at a critical, critical point, and that we need to take this up in 2024.
'Because our costs exceed our revenues, we are turning down patients every day, particularly in the area of mental health and substance abuse.
'While I have tremendous compassion for whats going on, its heartbreaking, its going to break Denver Health.'
While the hospital is still to calculate their final numbers for 2023, executives have said they will require more support to continue operating as it has been.
Dr. Steve Federico, chief of government and community affairs, told the Greeley Tribune: 'If we were to have another year like (2022), it would have dire consequences.'
Venezuelan migrants wait in line for food from a food truck at a migrant processing center on May 9, 2023, in Denver, Colorado
The city has estimated that over 36,000 migrants arrived in the city since December 2022
State Rep. Judy Amabile has sponsored a bill in the statehouse which would commit Colorado to financially support Denver Health each year with $5 million.
It comes as Denver's mayor Mike Johnston said he will call on Congress to take action to support the city in receiving migrants.
Mayor Johnston said migrant aid could cost the city $180 million this year and has asked departments to cut their budgets some 15 percent to pay for it.
As of Wednesday, 4,400 migrants were in Denver-run shelters across the city.
Mayor Johnson, Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Representatives Jason Crow and Brittany Pettersen will hold a press conference on Thursday.
Antoinette Lattouf has thanked the 'millions' of Australians standing by her in her unlawful termination case against the ABC.
Lattouf had been filling in as host for the national broadcaster's ABC Sydney Mornings radio show when she was sacked on December 20.
She'd been in the role for three days and had two days to go when she was terminated after breaching the ABC's social media policy in relation to posts about the conflict in the Middle East.
Lattouf had shared a post linked to a human rights report that accused the Israelis of 'using starvation of civilians as a weapon of war in Gaza'.
She subsequently launched a Fair Work claim, alleging she was fired over her political opinions and her Lebanese heritage.
The ABC and Lattouf met for a private Fair Work Commission hearing in Sydney on Thursday morning.
Antoinette Lattouf is seen leaving a Fair Work Commission hearing in Sydney on Thursday
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Lattouf said while the matter is not yet resolved, she will continue to fight.
'I'm willing and prepared to fight for as long as it takes and I want to take a moment to thank the millions of people around the country, so much support from around the country but also overseas,' she said.
'This is such an important case because it's not just about me. It's about freedom of speech, it's about racism, it's about the important role journalists play in truth telling, and it's also about a fair, independent and robust ABC.'
Lattouf said she 'loved' the broadcaster and would always 'advocate and fight' for an ABC that would 'inform and entertain the masses without fear or favour'.
The broadcaster has hit back at Lattouf's claim and said it was 'without merit' and 'fundamentally and entirely misconceived'.
The broadcaster claimed 'any "political opinion" held by (Lattouf) was entirely irrelevant to (and played no part in) the decision by the ABC', according to legal documents filed to Fair Work.
'The ABC decided not to require (Lattouf) to perform the last two of her five shifts as a casual Presenter because (she) had failed or refused to comply with directions that she not post on social media about matters of controversy during the short period she was presenting a radio program on the "ABC Sydney" radio station,' the filed legal defence stated.
The broadcaster's response came shortly after it was revealed a coordinated campaign from Jewish lawyers had attempted to have Lattouf her sacked.
Secret WhatsApp messages from a 156-strong Australian group called Lawyers for Israel revealed how they bombarded ABC chair Ita Buttrose with emails threatening legal action unless the presenter was fired.
Antoinette Lattouf has thanked the 'millions' of Australians standing by her in her unlawful termination case against the ABC after she was sacked three days into the job
Lattouf, who is described in her Fair Work claim as a 'multiawardwinning journalist, with many years experience in television, radio and podcast news and current affairs', has so far raised almost $54,000 for her legal fight.
The ABC's defence also said: 'The suggestion that the ABC took action against (Lattouf) on the basis of her race, national extraction or social origin is abhorrent.'
'In any event, it appears that (Lattouf) is attempting to bring an unfair dismissal claim under the guise of an unlawful termination claim because she is not able to make an unfair dismissal claim.'
On Tuesday afternoon, around 80 ABC employees in the organisation's Ultimo headquarters in Sydney reportedly threatened to stage a walkout over concerns of 'outside interference' and how it handled complaints against staff.
'MEAA media members at the ABC today called on managing director David Anderson to urgently meet with staff and address growing concerns about outside interference, culturally unsafe management practices and to stand up for journalism without fear or favour,' the union posted on X.
That same day, Lattouf shared - and later deleted - a post on her Instagram account from comedian Dan Ilic who wrote: 'This saga will end up with Ita (Buttrose) and David Anderson resigning because they forgot what their job was.'
Lattouf, who is described in her Fair Work claim as a 'multiawardwinning journalist, with many years experience in television, radio and podcast news and current affairs', has so far raised almost $54,000 for her legal fight.
The family of a father killed in a crash hugged and told him they loved him before he died while on his way to work when his motorcycle collided with a car.
Ken Hembrow, 37, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a 4WD at the intersection of Adelaide and Queen streets in Brisbane on January 11.
The accident occurred just minutes away from where Mr Hembrow and his wife Chrissy co-owned hairdressing salon Urban Hair Loft.
Ms Hembrow said the last time she and the couple's two young daughters, Willow and Hazel, saw the devoted family man alive it had been a normal morning.
Ken Hembrow (pictured right with wife Chrissy and daughters Willow and Hazel) was identified as the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash
'Basically he left us at 7.20am to go to work, kissed the girls goodbye, they waved and said "I love you, daddy",' Ms Hembrow told the Courier Mail.
'I got to work a bit later and realised the salon sign wasn't out. I noticed the door was closed and clients were waiting.
'I knew something terrible had happened.'
Holly Moore, one of Mr Hembrow's clients, has organised a GoFundMe to financially help Ms Hembrow and the couple's two young daughters.
'Ken was my hairdresser, not just talented at what he did but also a devoted 'girls' daddy who always relished the chance to tell me about just how wonderful his girls Willow & Hazel were and how lucky he was to watch them grow,' Ms Moore said.
'There was a passion in his parenting that most would envy.'
Ms Moore said Mr Hembrow's passion for his girls 'could also be matched for his love of Chrissy, his beautiful, devoted and also talented wife'.
Mr Hembrow was remembered 'as being kind, caring, gentle, loving, talented and just an all round wonderfully genuine human being'.
One of Mr Hembrow's former hairdressing clients has paid tribute to his incredible passion a a father
Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage that may show the crash to come forward
'Please help me by donating to this fund which will go to Chrissy, Ken's adoring wife, to help ease this huge burden and the stress of having to raise her beautiful little family without the presence of the man they adore, miss and love,' Ms Moore wrote.
Ms Hembrow, who became Mr Hembrow's high school sweetheart at the age of 16, called her husband of 12 years a 'gentle giant'.
'Everybody loved him, he was called a gentle giant, always so inclusive of everyone, making sure people were happy before him,' she said.
Urban Hair Loft has been temporarily closed as the Hembrow family come to terms with their loss.
Mr Hembrow was a motorcycle rider with 12 years of experience.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash and have appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly eyeing Representative Elise Stefanik for an all-New York ticket to battle President Joe Biden if he wins the Republican nomination.
Stefanik, a longtime Trump supporter and the first member of GOP leadership to endorse his 2024 campaign, has recently taken the spotlight for her slamming of Ivy League presidents during hearings on campus anti-Semitism.
The hearings made national headlines and forced most notably the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay.
Trump, according to several people who attended a dinner at Mar-a-Lago in late December, was highly impressed.
'She's a killer,' Trump reportedly said when Stefanik was named as he asked those at a candlelit dinner who should be his running mate.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly eyeing Representative Elise Stefanik for an all-New York ticket to battle President Joe Biden if he wins the Republican nomination
Citing eight different sources familiar with the dinner, CNBC reported Trump and his team have started to give Stefanik a closer look at the VP nod.
'Stefanik is at the top,' said longtime Trump backer and 2016 chief strategist Steve Bannon.
Trump has reportedly seen Stefanik as an up and coming star due to her loyalty in the wake of his disowning of former Vice President Mike Pence.
'If you're Trump, you want someone who's loyal above all else,' said one GOP operative. 'Particularly because he sees Mike Pence as having made a fatal sin.'
Stefanik is campaigning with Trump ahead of Tuesday's New Hampshire primary but declined comment went asked about the VP job.
In a recent Meet the Press interview, she certainly didn't say no.
'Well, I, of course, would be honored to serve in any capacity in a Trump administration,' Stefanik said.
Her loyalty to Trump has been unquestioning, to the point that she faces Congressional censure for likening January 6th prisoners to 'hostages.'
Trump, according to several people who attended a dinner at Mar-a-Lago in late December, was highly impressed with Stefanik's performance at the hearings
Trump has reportedly seen Stefanik as an up and coming star due to her loyalty in the wake of his disowning of former Vice President Mike Pence
But her star has been on the rise ever since the infamous hearings.
Stefanik had put the liberal university presidents in the hot seat - asking them whether 'calling for the genocide of Jews' would violate their schools' codes of conducts.
She directly asked Harvard President Claudine Gay if 'calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvard's rules of bullying and harassment? Yes or no.'
'It can be depending on the context,' replied Gay. Gay and former UPenn president Liz Magill were subsequently ousted from their jobs.
Stefanik became the first member of Republican leadership to offer her endorsement of Donald Trump's reelection bid, before the former president has even formally announced a run himself.
'Republican voters determine who is the leader of the Republican Party and it's very clear President Trump is the leader of the Republican party,' Stefanik said in a statement.
'I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President in 2024. I fully support him running again,' the New York Republican said.
Stefanik, a longtime Trump supporter and the first member of GOP leadership to endorse his 2024 campaign , has recently taken the spotlight for her slamming of Ivy League presidents - including Harvard's Claudine Gay (pictured - during hearings on campus anti-Semitism
Trump spent Tuesday night with businessman and former rival Vivek Ramaswamy in New Hampshire.
After Ramaswamy pledged to help him beat President Joe Biden in November, Trump seemed to suggest that there was much the tech entrepreneur could do for his campaign.
'He's going to be working with us and he'll be working with us for a long time,' Trump said, as many in the crowd chanted for Ramaswamy to become the vice presidential nominee.
'He's a fantastic guy,' Trump said. 'He's got something that's very special because he started off with a zippo and he ended up very strong.'
'He did a great job. I was actually surprised when he called because he was doing well. And it's an honor to have his endorsement,' Trump added.
Former President Donald Trump appears set to bring businessman and ex-rival Vivek Ramaswamy with him on the campaign trail after Ramaswamy endorsed Trump Tuesday night
Ramaswamy, 38, a charismatic multi-millionaire, came a distant fourth in the Iowa caucuses, the first 2024 contest in the nation, behind Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.
On Monday night, Trump was complimentary of Ramaswamy during his victory celebration.
'I also want to congratulate Vivek because he did one hell of a job. He came from zero that's an amazing job,' Trump said.
Later Trump commended Ramaswamy on Truth Social for endorsing him.
'Thank you Vivek, a Great Honor!' the ex-president and 2024 frontrunner said.
However, locals have struggled to keep up with rising rent
New homeowners are attracted to the region for its comparably low prices
The district of Puna has seen an influx of newcomers since the pandemic
House hunters are scrambling to scoop up property in an active lava zone that has become one of Hawaii's hottest real estate markets.
In May 2018, the Kilaeua volcano erupted and sent molten rock streaming through the seaside district of Puna.
Lava swallowed the Leilani Estates Subdivision, rendering thousands homeless. In years since, newcomers have flocked to Puna due to its cheap house prices.
The median home price on Oahu, often regarded as the most expensive island in Hawaii, was $729,000 last month according to data from Redfin. By comparison, homes in Puna can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Phoenix native David Booth and his partner were attracted to the region for one reason: affordability. The duo paid cash for a 1,500-square-foot home that had been split into three units.
'You can't have this on any other island for this price point,' Booth told the Wall Street Journal.
Homebuyers have scrambled to scoop up properties in Puna, a Hawaii district containing several active lava zones
In May 2018, the Kilaeua volcano erupted, sending lava coasting through Lower Puna and displacing thousands of residents
Twenty-four fissures opened during the eruption, shooting molten rock hundreds of feet into the air. Since then, newcomers have flocked to the area, seeking affordable housing
An eruption takes place on the summit of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii on June 7, 2023
During the 2018 eruption, 24 fissures opened in Lower Puna. The most famous is Fissure 8, now known as Ahu'aila'au, which opened near an intersection in Leilani Estates and sent lava shooting 200 feet into the air.
It streamed towards the sea, blanketing Leilani Estates and Kapoho and adding 875 acres of new land to the island.
None of the 700 homes that were swallowed by lava have been rebuilt. Local government is banned from constructing affordable housing in Lava Flow Hazard Zones 1 and 2 where volcanic vents have been repeatedly active.
While many homeowners sold their properties to the county through a federally funded buyback program, that land remains untouched.
Puna has gained a new firehouse and police station in recent years, but the county is hesitant to invest further as its nearly 52,000 residents live under the threat of future eruptions.
There is no wastewater treatment plant or hospital. Many of the district's residents filter their own rainwater and use cesspools to get rid of sewage.
Nevertheless, this has not stopped newcomers from flocking to the region. Puna saw an influx of remote workers during the pandemic, causing a spike in housing demand.
Homes with repeated sales in Hawaiian Paradise Park, a Zone 3 subdivision, have seen a nearly 800 percent increase in value since 2000, according to data from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.
Puna has gained a new firehouse and police station in recent years, but the local government is hesitant to invest further due to the threat of future eruptions
There is no wastewater treatment plant or hospital, with many residents relying on cesspools to get rid of sewage. Nevertheless, the district has seen an influx of newcomers since the pandemic, causing a spike in housing demand and driving prices up
Aerial images show the region blanketed with igneous rock, remnants of the 2018 Kilaeua eruption
One property manager told the Wall Street Journal that she saw the monthly rent for some three-bedroom homes skyrocket from $1,500 to $2,300 during the pandemic
Longtime residents have struggled to keep up with rising rent, and the local government is banned from constructing affordable housing in risky Lava Flow Hazard Zones 1 and 2
During the pandemic, prices in Puna skyrocketed. Liz Fusco, a property manager with Hilo Bay Realty, said the monthly rent for some three-bedroom homes jumped from $1,500 to $2,300.
And while these rates may seem cheap to newcomers, the surge in demand has a devastating effect on locals.
Tina Garber, a housecleaner who has lived in the area for over two decades, shells out three-quarters of her monthly income to afford rent.
She lives in a 400-square-foot studio amid a field of igneous rock.
Garber has been displaced twice in the past 18 months and will be forced to look for a new home again when her apartment goes up for sale in April.
'People that come over here with money, they do not realize that it is so hard to make it here,' Garber said.
'They think, 'Oh, a good deal in Hawaii.' But it puts a lot of pain and suffering on local folks.'
New documents released as part of the civil lawsuit against Meta by New Mexico has claimed that an algorithm had been connecting kids with potential predators
An internal Meta presentation has estimated that 100,000 minors were receiving photos of adult genitalia or other content that depicts sexual abuse every day, it is claimed.
That figure is among newly unredacted material about the company's child safety policies which have been detailed in a lawsuit filed last month by New Mexico.
In the documents, seen by the Wall Street Journal, Meta employees noted that one of its recommended algorithms had allegedly been connecting child users with potential predators.
The algorithm, called 'People You May Know' (PYMK), was reportedly flagged to executives several years earlier who rejected a staff recommendation to adjust its design, according to the lawsuit.
In comments appended to the report, one employee at Facebook that the algorithm had 'contributed up to 75 percent of all inappropriate adult-minor contact'.
A presentation in November 2020 titled 'Child Safety: State of Play' said that Instagram employed 'minimal child safety protections'
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the tech giant's Connect developer conference on Sept. 27, 2023, in Menlo Park, California
Another employee added: 'How on earth have we not just turned off PYMK between adults and children? It's really, really upsetting.'
The civil lawsuit alleges that 'Meta knowingly exposes children to the twin dangers of sexual exploitation and mental health harm.'
In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of 'sex talk' to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than Facebook Messenger in the US.
The email also urged the company to bring in more safeguards on the platform, according to the Wall Street Journal.
One employee also highlighted how an Apple executive had complained that their 12-year-old child was solicited on Instagram.
The employee noted that 'this is the kind of thing that pisses Apple off to the extent of threatening to remove us from the App Store.'
A presentation in November 2020 titled 'Child Safety: State of Play' said that Instagram employed 'minimal child safety protections.'
It also described policies that regarded 'minor sexualization' as 'immature,' and noted that the platform had a minimal focus on trafficking.
New Mexico alleges that Meta leaders didn't take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022.
Rather than to stop recommending the accounts of children to adults, Facebook and Instagram sought to block suggestions to adults who had previously demonstrated suspicious behavior toward children.
Meta also internally acknowledged in 2021 that most of the minors on its platforms falsely claim to be adults, according to the lawsuit.
A state study of accounts that had been disabled for grooming children also found that 99 percent of those adults failed to state their age.
One employee also highlighted how an Apple executive had complained that their 12-year-old child was solicited on Instagram
New Mexico alleges that Meta leaders didn't take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022
The New Mexico attorney general's office filed the suit after running an independent investigation into the matter.
They set up test accounts on Instagram and Facebook using artificial-intelligence generated photographs and made fake accounts pretending to be those teenagers or preteens.
A spokesperson for Meta told the WSJ that they would not comment on the newly unsealed information.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Meta for comment.
Pakistan's air force has launched retaliatory airstrikes on two alleged militant positions in Iran, days after an Iranian airstrike killed two children in the country.
The air attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan province Thursday killed at least seven - and threaten to further enflame tensions between the two nations.
The strikes also imperil already dodgy diplomatic relations between the neighbors, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion.
They also raise the threat of a full-blown war breaking out in a Middle East - already plagued by Israel's now months-long conflict with Hamas.
Iraq, meanwhile, has recalled its ambassador from Iran for consultations, after Iran admitted to carrying out the missile and drone operation in the Baluchistan province in Western Pakistan Tuesday.
Pakistan 's air force has launched retaliatory airstrikes on two alleged 'militant positions' Iran , days after an Iranian airstrike killed two children in the southwestern part of the country.
The air attacks in Sistan and Baluchestan province Thursday, one of which is seen here, killed at least seven - and threaten to further enflame tensions between the two nations. Pictured: Smoke billowing over the Iranian city Saravan early Thursday
Photos out of Eastern Iran - near Saravan some 20 miles from the border - appear to show smoke engulfing much of the city early Thursday, as a fire continued to burn from one of the targeted buildings,
The exactly location of the hit structure, as of Thursday morning, was not specified, but Pakistani Armed Forces sources labeled the site a 'militant compound.'
Iranians, meanwhile, continue to report significant damage to multiple residential buildings and possible civilian casualties near the city.
As photos show some of the damage, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement justifying the country's actions.
'This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities,' it read.
'This action is a manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.'
The agency went on to describe the operation as 'a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes,' despite some reports of hit residential buildings and potential civilian casualties.
Further stirring the figurative Middle East pot is the fact that Iran already staged multiple airstrikes in Iraq and Syria late Monday - after an Islamic State-claimed suicide bombing that killed over 90 people earlier in the month.
The strikes also imperil already dodgy diplomatic relations between the two neighbors, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with military suspicion. Pictured: Smoke engulfing the Iranian city Saravan early Thursday
They also raise the threat of a full-blown war breaking out in a Middle East - already plagued by Israel 's now months-long conflict with Hamas. Pictured: Smoke engulfing the Iranian city Saravan early Thursday
Local Iranian Sources are reporting Significant Damage to multiple Residential Buildings and possible Civilian Casualties near the City of Saravan, following Cross-Border Missile and Drone Strikes by the Pakistani Armed Forces against what was claimed to be Baloch Militant Camps. pic.twitter.com/Wv93SVtU4r OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 18, 2024
Several insurgent groups, meanwhile operate in both Iran and Pakistan - including the Jaish al-Adl Sunni separatist group that was targeted by Tehran in its own strike - adding to an already volatile situation.
They all have a common goal of an independent Baluchistan for ethnic Baluch areas in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, and Pakistans Baluchistan province, as well as Irans neighboring Sistan and Baluchestan province, have faced the brunt of their efforts.
That said, Pakistan named its operation Thursday 'Marg Bar Sarmachar' - a reference to famous Farsi saying used in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, with the first two words meaning death to, and usually used to refer to both the US and Israel.
Meanwhile, in the local Baluch language, 'sarmachar' means guerrilla - and is commonly used by the militants operating in the cross-border region.
A deputy governor of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursday's strike in a telephone interview, saying the dead included three women and four children.
He did not immediately elaborate, other than to say that the dead were not Iranian citizens.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, shared images online that appeared to show the remains of the munitions used in the attack.
A deputy governor of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursday's strike in a telephone interview, saying the dead included three women and four children.
If Marhamati's account of the casualties is correct, the country duplicated Pakistan's minor-killing offense Tuesday at least two fold. Iranians are still assessing the full extent of the attack
As Iranians continue to assess the full scope of the attack, the war more than a thousand miles west in Israel continues to rage
Sources in the Pakistani Armed Forces are reporting that the Air Force has conducted several Airstrike tonight on a Baloch Militant Group in Eastern Iran near the City of Saravan, roughly 20 Miles into the Sistan and Baluchestan Provence from the Border with Pakistan; Smoke is pic.twitter.com/VKO8fjohWD OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 18, 2024
It said a number of homes had been struck in Saravan, a city in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province. It shared videos showing a mud-walled building destroyed and smoke rising over the strike immediately after.
Thursday's development came a day after Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Tehran because of Tuesday's strikes by Iran inside Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province. Iran claimed it targeted bases for a militant Sunni separatist group.
It drew strong condemnation from Pakistan, which denounced the attack as a 'blatant violation' of its airspace and said it killed two children.
If Marhamati's account of the casualties is correct, the country duplicated Pakistan's minor-killing offense at least two fold.
As Iranians continue to assess the full scope of the attack, the war more than a thousand miles west in Israel continues to rage.
Another 1,000 miles southwest, four fresh strikes were carried out by the US on Yemen Tuesday, targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by the Houthi rebels.
On Tuesday, shortly after Iran's attack on Pakistani soil, the Iran-backed group warned that British and American ships in the Red Sea have now become 'legitimate targets', following joint strikes against military sites run by the group that's been described by Joe Biden as 'terrorists.'
The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region, but the attacks have ramped up since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Another 1,000 miles southwest, four fresh strikes were carried out by the US on Yemen Tuesday, targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by the Houthi rebels
On Tuesday, shortly after Iran's attack on Pakistani soil (seen here), the Iran-backed group warned that British and American ships in the Red Sea have now become 'legitimate targets', following joint strikes against military sites run by the group
The string of incidents have fueled concerns about the danger of the Israeli offensive sparking a wider conflict and a simultaneous rise in gas prices, as it is also one of the most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in the Middle East
In response, the US launched Operation Prosperity Guardian - an international coalition to safeguard the region, with many other countries, including Spain and the UK, taking part.
A reported 1,200 commercial ships have passed through the sea since the operation was launched on December, with none hit by drone or missile strikes until the first phase of the Sunday strike, when militants attacked the Hangzhou with several missiles.
US Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper on Friday had already warned that even with the taskforce, the Houthis do not seem set on ending their 'reckless' attacks, after targeting more than 100 ships in the Red Sea since November.
The Sunday attack shows the group's continued resolve to support Hamas, which Israel recently pledged to continue to try to eradicate.
The incidents have fueled concerns about the danger of the Israeli offensive sparking a wider conflict and a simultaneous rise in gas prices, as it is also one of the most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in the Middle East.
DailyMail.com has reached out to the Navy for comment.
The US military has said its forces conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired from Yemen, in the fourth day of airstrikes in less than a week.
In a statement on social media platform X, U.S. Central Command said the Houthi missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region.
'These missiles on launch rails ... could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves,' it added.
'These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthi's capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.'
Footage shared on social media purportedly showed the moment the air strikes hit their targets in Yemen
Footage showing Renewing U.S. Strikes tonight against Houthi Positions near the City of Dhamar in Western Yemen. pic.twitter.com/oVp0XRaJu3 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 18, 2024
The strikes marked the fourth time that the U.S. has taken action against Houthis this week
BREAKING: U.S. launches more airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen pic.twitter.com/RTKq0kcC8i BNO News (@BNONews) January 18, 2024
Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia on ships in the region since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers.
The U.S. strikes are meant to degrade the Houthis' ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.
But the Houthis, who control most of Yemen, say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and have threatened to expand their attacks.
A Houthi missile launcher is seen at a rally in Yemen on Sunday
Houthi rebels are pictured on Sunday at a rally near Sanaa, Yemen
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. Central Command said a drone launched from areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen had struck a U.S.-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
There was some damage but no injuries in the attack, it added on X.
The vessel, M/V Genco Picardy, is a Marshall Islands-flagged flagged, U.S.-operated bulk carrier ship, it said.
The United States returned the Yemen-based Houthi rebels to a list of terrorist groups, opens new tab, as the militants also claimed another attack this week on a U.S.-operated vessel in the Red Sea region.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Biden administration re-listed the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist group - drawing harsh criticism from Republicans who slammed the move for not going far enough.
Former President Donald Trump had previously listed Houthis as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGT).
But Biden's Secretary of State Antony Blinken de-listed them in 2021 to make it easier to get humanitarian aid into Yemen.
Three years later, Biden bowed to increasing pressure to re-list the group - as SDGT - only after Houthi rebels attacked U.S. ships in the Red Sea.
Now, members of Congress are ripping Biden for not taking 'real action' and waiting years to hold the terrorist group accountable.
In addition, the SDTG label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include harsher sanctions that come with being appointed to the FTO list, such as travel restrictions.
House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner told DailyMail.com that Biden should 'have never removed' the Houthis' FTO designation.
'Designating the Houthis as a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist' only applies sanctions and avoids taking any real action,' he added.
Houthi fighters and tribal supporters raise their firearms to protest U.S.-led airstrikes
A Houthi fighter hold his rifle at a ceremony celebrating the end of his training
'President Trump designated Houthi rebels as terrorists. Joe Biden removed the designation in 2021. Now, Biden admits that the Houthis are 'terrorists' after their repeated attacks in the Red Sea,' Texas Rep. Lance Gooden posted on X.
'Joe Biden is continuing his 50+ year streak of being WRONG on foreign policy!'
New York Rep. Claudia Tenney posted on X, 'President Biden's decision to designate these as an FTO is long overdue and may be too little, too late.'
Some lawmakers said Biden had originally taken the Houthis off of the terrorist lists to ease tensions with Iran.
'Biden gets no credit for reversing one of his first and worst appeasements of Iran,' California Rep. Darrell Issa said.
The Houthi soldiers conduct mock drills against fake Israeli forces
A Houthi fighter is pictured standing aboard a cargo ship in the Red Sea
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin posted on X: 'Three years ago, Joe Biden made the weak decision to remove the Houthi's terrorist designation -- another failed attempt at appeasing Iran-backed forces who chant 'Death to America.'
'With hostile adversaries testing American resolve, U.S. strength is essential for our national security and global stability,' the post continued.
Earlier this week, the Houthi forces hit a U.S.-owned shipping vessel with a missile as it was traveling through the Red Sea.
The group also shot an anti-ship cruise missile at a U.S. naval destroyer, according to U.S. Central Command.
The teenage sister of a 23-year-old man killed in a car crash was by his side in his final moments.
Isiiah Macauley's car was found by his father and siblings on a remote road in South Lake Grace, 340km southeast of Perth, on Saturday morning.
He was still alive when his family discovered the wreck but died at the scene shortly after paramedics arrived.
Mr Macauley had been driving to his friend's farm the night before and alarm bells were raised when the friend phoned family to let them know he'd never arrived.
His family grew more worried when one of Mr Macaulay's beloved dogs was found wandering alone in town.
Isiiah Macauley (above) died in a car crash on Saturday morning; he was found by his father and siblings
Mr Macaulay's 17-year-old sister, Hannah Shiner, was with him in his final moments.
She described her big brother as a 'man of many talents' who was 'too big for this world'.
'He was funny all the time, friends with everyone, just so happy,' she told The West.
'He loved his four-wheel driving, going out and making new tracks to go four-wheel driving and working on his car.
'He did crunching, mechanics, truck driving, shed building, building houses, welding. You name it, he could probably do it.'
Mr Macaulay had left Pingrup, south of South Lake Grace, about 10pm on Friday night.
Police believe the 23-year-old's car veered off the road and rolled before landing in a paddock on Mallee Hill Road.
His family found his crashed Toyota Landcruiser ute about 9.15am on Saturday and stayed with him until he passed.
Mr Macaulay leaves behind his four siblings, his girlfriend and two dogs.
Friend Kel Amy D created a GoFundMe on Thursday to raise money for his funeral.
Mr Macaulay's (above) 17-year-old sister, Hannah Shiner, described him as 'too big for this world'
'Izzy had the kindest heart. I loved his family, his girl, and his dogs, FJ and Fwank, more than words could fathom,' she wrote.
'With a pure soul and abundant care and love for any person in his life. Izzy was the kind of guy who would take his last shirt off his back for anyone in need.
'He lived every day with a fierce passion and brought absolute light and laughter to any room and everyone who had the pleasure to meet him - a true-blue mate and legend.
'All funds will be put towards the send-off Izzy deserved as times are tough, and an unexpected loss comes with the unexpected cost.'
Anyone with information about Mr Macauley's crash has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
After the shocking news that both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales will have had medical procedures by the end of next week, the man in charge of the royal family's health and wellbeing has been thrust back into the limelight.
Dr Michael Dixon, who heads up the team of medics who will be responsible for Charles and Kate's recovery, has previously been the subject of discussion in the media over his support for homeopathy.
The 71-year-old GP, who has an OBE for services to primary care, has railed against those who call the practice 'quackery' and thrown his support behind offering treatments such as aromatherapy and reflexology on the NHS.
In one paper he authored, he referenced an experiment suggesting Indian herbal remedies which had been 'ultra-diluted' with alcohol might be able to cure cancer, although Buckingham Palace has staunchly denied Dr Dixon himself believes this can work.
Dr Dixon, who has reportedly prescribed plants to patients such as devil's claw and horny goat weed, has also written papers suggesting Christian healers may be able to help people who are chronically ill.
Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008
Dr Dixon (pictured) has been supportive of homeopathy and alternative medicine in the past
He has a kindred spirit and staunch supporter in the shape of King Charles, who has himself been outspoken on how he believes alternative medicine can help people with illnesses, and was appointed patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy in 2017.
Charles will undergo a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate next week, while Princess Catherine was said to be 'doing well' after undergoing successful abdominal surgery yesterday.
The future Queen is expected to remain in hospital at The London Clinic in Marylebone for ten to 14 days, and faces a recovery time of two to three months following the planned operation. It is understood the procedure was not cancer-related.
When discharged it will be Dr Dixon who takes control of the team of doctors and specialists that the royal family have to look after them.
In his role he manages the team looking after the King and his family, while other responsibilities include being present at family births and deaths should any occure in the course of his tenure.
The medic, who is often seen wearing a suit and bow tie at public appearances and continues to work part-time at a GP surgery in Devon, was given the position in late 2022.
Despite his conventional training, he has embraced an alternative view on some aspects of medicine, in particular homeopathy - the idea that hugely diluted quantities of a substance can help the body overcome sickness or malfunction.
The Sunday Times reported that during his career, the physician has written papers suggesting Christian healers may be able to help chronically ill patients, despite this being an 'unfashionable' assertion.
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service
Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
The statement about Charles' health released on Wednesday by Buckingham Palace
In another paper he cited potential benefits of homeopathy, and referred to an experiment that suggested Indian herbal remedies which had been 'ultra-diluted' with alcohol might be able to cure cancer.
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He once wrote that 'it is not true that science has proved homeopathy is nothing more than placebo'.
It is also claimed that in the mid-2000s he was prescribing an African plant known as devil's claw for shoulder pain, as well as horny goat weed to help patients suffering from impotence.
Dr Dixon has rallied against the suggestion that homeopathy is just a placebo and insists there is not scientific data to back this up, adding that 'data exists that indicates the effects of homeopathy may be real'.
It is not a view shared by Lord Stevens of Birmingham, who as chief executive of the NHS in 2017, banned the prescription of homeopathic remedies and called them 'at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds'.
However, Dr Dixon appears to be one of many medics who opposes Lord Stevens' view, and has previously suggested some homeopathic remedies should be available on the NHS.
The newspaper reported he has put his support behind calls from advocacy group the College of Medicine for treatments like aromatherapy and reflexology to be offered to NHS patients.
In 2010, he was a voice against MPs who were campaigning to end homeopathic treatments on the NHS, saying we must not 'abandon' people who are, so far, not being helped by scientific medicine.
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic today where Kate is staying after surgery
Despite his alternative views, Dr Dixon has a keen supporter in King Charles, who has himself been outspoken about complementary medicine.
READ MORE HERE - King Charles has been criticised for backing homeopathic 'quackery'. But which other British royals swear by the controversial treatments? Advertisement
In 2017, when he was named patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy, the Good Thinking Society, an organisation which describes itself as 'pro-science and anti-pseudoscience', said the appointment was 'obscene'.
Michael Marshall, the organisation's director, told the Guardian at the time: 'We have been reminded only recently that plenty of homeopaths claim to be able to treat autism and discourage vaccinations.
'If [King] Charles wants to have a genuine positive effect on the health of the nation he intends to one day rule, he should side against those who offer dangerously misleading advice, rather than fighting their corner.'
The King has also been embroiled in an historic dispute with Professor Edzard Ernst over his support of homeopathy - with Ernst once labelling him a 'snake oil salesman'.
In 1993, King Charles founded the Foundation for Integrated Health, which was established to explore the combination of 'safe, proven complementary therapies' with modern medicine.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously said: 'Dr. Dixon is a practising GP; a Fellow of the Royal College of GPs; a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians; former Chair of NHS Alliance; former Co-Chair of the National Social Prescribing Network; former NHS England National Clinical Champion for Social Prescribing and the Chair of the College of Medicine. He also has an OBE for Services to Primary Care.
'Dr. Dixon does not believe homeopathy can cure cancer. His position is that complementary therapies can sit alongside conventional treatments, provided they are safe, appropriate and evidence based.
'As Prince of Wales, The King's position on complementary therapies, integrated health and patient choice was well documented. In his own words: 'Nor is it about rejecting conventional medicines in favour of other treatments: the term 'complementary' medicine means precisely what it says.'
Police officers at the London Clinic today after Kate underwent surgery there yesterday
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
It is believed that both Charles and Kate will follow the more conventional routes for recovery after their respective medical procedures in the coming weeks and months.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter following her abdominal surgery, and her husband Prince William will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kates 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Meanwhile Charles will attend hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate.
Aides said the King's condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure. His engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
It is believed he is staying at his private home, Birkhall, on the Balmoral estate where he received the diagnosis today.
While the level of detail on Charles's health is uncommon, royal sources said that he was keen to share the details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked, in line with public health advice.
Charles had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in Ayrshire tomorrow and on Friday, which have now been postponed on doctor's advice.
A Salvadoran woman has been freed from prison after serving eight years over the death of her newborn in hospital.
The woman, who gave her name only as Lilian, was jailed under harsh laws that a women's group said Wednesday had led to the 'criminalisation of childbirth.'
Lilian spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since her release in December from a 30-year jail term, and called for people in the country to stop denouncing women who suffer obstetric emergencies.
'The satisfaction is very great because despite going through a very long process, my innocence could be proved,' the 28-year-old told AFP news agency.
In 2015, Lilian gave birth in a public hospital in western El Salvador, but her baby girl suffered complications, was placed inside an incubator and died 72 hours later, her lawyer Abigail Cortez told AFP.
The woman, who gave her name only as Lilian (pictured left), was jailed under harsh laws that a women's group said Wednesday had led to the 'criminalisation of childbirth'
She was prosecuted for 'aggravated homicide' after being accused of 'abandonment and neglect,' with prosecutors arguing she had failed to sufficiently take care of the fetus while pregnant.
She was the last woman still imprisoned on such charges, according to two local civil rights groups. Others still face judicial proceedings.
In 2023, a court reviewed the sentence and ordered her release.
The judge acquitted Lillian on the grounds that both she and her daughter were in a vulnerable condition in the hospital when the events occurred, the groups said.
El Salvador has one of the most draconian abortion bans in the Americas, which critics say extends to women who suffer miscarriages and stillbirths. Many women have been sentenced to decades in prison on charges of killing their children.
Most of the country's population is either Roman Catholic or Evangelical - Christians who believe that life begins at conception.
According to the Citizens Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion in El Salvador, Lilian was the last of 73 women who had been put behind bars after being convicted of 'aggravated homicide' for abortions, miscarriages or other obstetric emergencies.
Lilian (second-right) spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since her release in December from a 30-year jail term, and called for people in the country to stop denouncing women who suffer obstetric emergencies
According to the Citizens Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion in El Salvador, Lilian (seen centre) was the last of 73 women who had been put behind bars after being convicted of 'aggravated homicide' for abortions, miscarriages or other obstetric emergencies
'We are very happy to close a cycle,' the group's coordinator Mariana Moisa said, referring to a campaign that started in 2014 to mobilize international support for the women's release.
However, she said there were still about 20 cases being tried.
Moisa added : 'We insist that we are asking for justice, so women have access to our sexual and reproductive rights.'
Salvador's penal code punishes abortion under any circumstances with a sentence of two to eight years in prison.
But prosecutors and judges often classify cases of abortion or even miscarriages as 'aggravated homicide,' a crime punishable by 30 to 50 years in prison.
El salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who is expected to be re-elected next month, has said he intends to improve conditions in hospital to make childbirth easier.
However, he has also insisted that he has no intention to change the abortion law.
The harshness of the country's abortion law has come under the spotlight in recent years with cases presented in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
The court is currently examining the case of Beatriz, a 22-year-old woman suffering from the autoimmune disease lupus, who was 11-weeks pregnant with a fetus that had not developed a brain.
Forcing a woman to carry such a fetus to term poses severe risks to her life.
The Supreme Court denied her an abortion, however after the intervention of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, she was allowed to undergo a caesarean section at seven months pregnant and the baby died shortly thereafter.
Beatriz died in a traffic accident in 2017, but the court is being asked to rule on whether El Salvador violated her rights to life, health, and protection from inhumane treatment.
The judge acquitted Lillian (left) on the grounds that both she and her daughter were in a vulnerable condition in the hospital when the events occurred
Citizens' Group for the Decriminalization of Abortion and the Feminist Collective, have since 2012 campaigned for the release of women facing up to 50 years in prison on charges of aggravated homicide.
They say their campaigns have helped release 73 women, though another six cases are being processed and 11 remain active because the attorney general's office decided not to file the appeals. These women are currently not in prison.
El Salvador's attorney general's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment when approached by Reuters news agency.
Central American neighbors Nicaragua and Honduras, as well as the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean, also impose blanket bans on abortion, including in cases of rape and when the mother's life is at risk.
Detectives investigating the 'suspicious' death of man in Sydney's CBD have shared grainy CCTV footage of a man in sunglasses they believe could with help their inquiries.
New South Wales Police released the eerie footage on Thursday following the 43-year-old man's death at his York St rental apartment on January 12.
Police and ambulance crews were called to the apartment shortly before 6pm where they discovered the man's body.
His cause of death has not been made public.
Two other people inside the unit, a 47-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman believed to be in an 'intimate' relationship with the deceased, were spoken to at the scene.
Police released CCTV footage of a man in dark clothing and sunglasses (above) on Thursday following a 'suspicious' death last Friday
The pair were later taken to Day Street Police Station to assist with inquiries and have since been released. No charges have been laid.
Specialist forensic police examined the crime scene and found drug paraphernalia and handwritten notes that would form part of their investigation.
As police inquiries continue under Strike Force Merelynne, detectives released CCTV footage and photos of a man they believe was on the same floor as, or possibly inside, the 43-year-old's apartment the day of his death.
The man is described as being white, in his 40s and clean shaven.
He was wearing a black hat, sunglasses, black shirt with a blue triangle print, black jacket, dark jeans and khaki boots.
'The man was seen leaving the floor of the apartment around 8am that day, Friday 12 January 2024,' police said in a statement.
He was filmed talking to someone at reception before driving away in a white ute.
Anyone who may have information about the incident or identity of the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The Princess of Wales has spent a second night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone revealed on the same day King Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and help support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
The nature of Kate's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancer-related.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
A police officer stands outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales was sent a get well message by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
READ MORE: The royal doctor looking after King Charles who claims Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill (and is a fan of devil's claw and horny goat weed) Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008 Advertisement
The charity, of which Kate is patron, wrote on X: 'Everyone at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
'We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.'
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kate's 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn't have a normal life. She's the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it's not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day in her role as the regiment's honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
Like the rest of the royal family, Kate has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen's death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic (pictured) for planned abdominal surgery
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
William's former university flatmate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH, focusing on mental health and early childhood.
Seen as the monarchy's safe pair of hands and as having a 'keep calm and carry on' approach, Kate has been heralded as channelling the same characteristics of charm, politeness and toughness as the late Queen Mother, who was once described as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the Cambridges and the Duke of Sussex, and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: 'She takes time to talk to people. She is tough.
'She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.'
The London Clinic, based on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road in central London, is the UK's largest independent private hospital.
The clinic first opened its doors in 1932 and its previous patients include Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, actress Elizabeth Taylor and US president John F Kennedy.
The start-up millionaire nephew of ABC chair Ita Buttrose has told a court he is back on the straight-and-narrow after a 'drug-induced psychosis' landed him in court in two states on fraud charges.
Andrew Spira, 25, pleaded guilty late last year to dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception after he used stolen credit card details to book a bed and breakfast in NSW's Hunter Valley.
Only days later, Spira was arrested by Darwin police on May 22 while trying to flee the country on a false passport to raise an armed militia in Southeast Asia. He was later convicted in an NT court.
During sentencing on Thursday, lawyer Samir Karnib said Spira, who is the son of Sydney socialite Elizabeth Buttrose, was heavily influenced by a range of drugs at the time of both offences.
'He was in a drug-induced psychosis...The major point of the offending is that he was influenced by a significant amount of drugs that had a major impact on his actions,' Mr Karnib said.
Andrew Spira (pictured) pleaded guilty late last year on fraud charges after he used stolen credit card details to book a bed and breakfast in NSW's Hunter Valley
'He calls it his own self destruction, he had no reason to do what he did. He was of the view someone was chasing him. He can't change what has happened, but he regrets it completely'.
Mr Karnib told the court Spira did not remember much from the time of the offence that 'within the hour' of getting the accommodation's bank details, he paid back the amount in full.
Court documents reveal Spira and his partner had organised to spend the night at Mala Rretreat in Louth Park, north of Newcastle, and were captured on CCTV entering the premises.
Spira's partner later arranged for the couple to spend another night at the bed the breakfast, but was told their payment was declined. She apologised and said she would 'fix the payment'.
Later that afternoon, the owner was contacted by a woman who claimed her details had been fraudulently used to pay for accommodation and immediately contacted local NSW police.
Spira is the nephew of ABC Chair Ita Buttrose (pictured)
But, before they could arrive, Spira and his partner left the remote bed and breakfast in a private taxi before flying to the Northern Territory, leaving behind a full bill of $948.10.
A search of Spira's phone following his arrest revealed messages between the millionaire and an 'unknown entity' who provided the bank details used to book the accommodation.
In sentencing, magistrate Julie Zaki told the court psychological reports tendered during both matters described Spira's long standing mental health issues, including complex PTSD.
Ms Zaki said it was 'too his credit' that Spira had sobered up following his two months in custody in the NT, but ruled against an attempt by Mr Karnib to have the matter dealt with by a fine.
She convicted Spira of a 12-month community corrections order, in addition to an existing good behaviour bond for the NT charges. He will also be required to continue mental health treatment.
Meta's former COO Sheryl Sandberg plans to step down from her position on the company's board of directors after her term ends in May, she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
'Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away,' Sandberg, 54, said in the post, adding that she will serve as an adviser to the company.
Responding to Sandberg, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he looks forward to 'a new chapter together.'
Sandberg's decision came in after she spent more than 14 years as the company's chief operating officer, in addition to 12 years on its board. During her time as COO, the company acquired powerhouses such as Instagram and WhatsApp.
In 2022, Sandberg married CEO Tom Bernthal, her third marriage. The Harvard graduate was previously married to a man named Brian Kraff for a year between 1994 and 1995.
In 2004, she married Yahoo executive Dave Goldberg, the couple had two children together a son and daughter. Goldberg died tragically in 2015 at the age of just 47 while vacationing in Mexico due to an undiagnosed heart condition.
Meta 's former COO Sheryl Sandberg plans to step down from her position on the company's board of directors after her term ends in May
In announcing her departure, Sandberg posted this undated photo showing her with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
Sandberg pictured with her husband Tom Bernthal at the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho in July 2023
Once second-in-command to founder Zuckerberg, Sandberg was one of the most visible executives at the company and the lead architect of its often-criticized ads-based business model.
Sandberg was often on the defensive, publicly backing the company following scandals including the spread of misinformation around the 2016 presidential election, Cambridge Analytica and its role in the Capitol riot in January 2021.
Sandberg stepped down from her position as Meta's operations chief in 2022.
Sheryl Sandberg's departure statement in full With a heart filled with gratitude and a mind filled with memories, I let the Meta board know that I will not stand for reelection this May. After I left my role as COO, I remained on the board to help ensure a successful transition. Under Mark's leadership, Javi Olivan, Justin Osofsky, Nicola Mendelsohn, and their teams have proven beyond a doubt that the Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away. Going forward, I will serve as an advisor to the company, and I will always be there to help the Meta teams. Serving as Facebooks - and then Meta's - COO for 14 years and a board member for 12 years has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I will always be grateful to Mark for believing in me and for his partnership and friendship; he is that truly once-in-a-generation visionary leader and he is equally amazing as a friend who stays by your side through the good times and the bad. I will always be grateful to my colleagues and teammates at Meta for all the years of working side by side and all they taught me. And I am particularly grateful to my fellow Meta board members for their lasting friendships, the guidance they provided me for so many years, and their stewardship of products that mean so much to people all over the world. Advertisement
In her Facebook post announcing the departure, Sandberg said that she had a 'heart filled with gratitude and a mind filled with memories.'
Sandberg graduated from Harvard in 1991 and from there went to work at the World Bank and then at global consulting firm McKinsey & Co, in meantime attaining an MBA from Harvard in 1995.
Prior to joining Facebook, Sandberg was vice president of Global Online Sales and Operations at Google between 2001 and 2008.
At the time that she met Zuckerberg in 2007, the Facebook founder said that he wasn't actively looking for a COO but that he regarded Sandberg as a 'perfect fit.'
A Harvard University graduate, Sandberg is the author of several books, including the 2013 feminist manifesto Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.
In an August 2023 interview with CNBC, Sandberg said that he one piece of advice she would give to her 20-year-old self would be: 'Don't be afraid to speak up at work.'
'I have had so many moments in my career where I was so upset about something or so worried about something, and part of it was about learning to speak up earlier,' she told the network.
Zuckerberg responded to Sandberg's post with a short reply, thanking her for her work.
'Thank you Sheryl for the extraordinary contributions you have made to our company and community over the years. Your dedication and guidance have been instrumental in driving our success and I am grateful for your unwavering commitment to me and Meta over the years,' he said.
While technology chief Adam Bosworth wrote: 'Amazing run Sheryl, thank you so much for everything you did for all of us and also for me personally.'
Her departure comes as Facebook struggles to maintain a market share thanks to the growth of more youth orientated social media apps, notably TikTok.
The company also faces challenges thanks for Apple's new privacy laws which could severely impact Meta's ad-based business model.
At Meta's peak under her tenure as COO, the company's market cap was $1 trillion.
Sandberg was replaced by Javier Olivan as COO in 2022, previously he had been the company's chief growth officer.
Sandberg was often on the defensive, publicly backing the company following scandals including the spread of misinformation around the 2016 presidential election
Sandberg pictured with her late former husband David Goldberg at the Sun Valley conference in 2013
In their report on Sandberg's departure, the Financial Times noted that the executive has 'stirred speculation about a possible entry into politics.'
Sandberg is long-term Democrat, was former United States Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers chief of staff during his time working in the Clinton administration.
The Washington DC native was also an active supporter of Hillary Clinton's ill-fated 2016 presidential campaign as well as contributing millions to pro-abortion causes nationwide in the wake of the repeal of Roe v Wade in 2022.
Despite never publicly endorsing President Joe Biden in 2020, Sandberg said that she would likely vote for a Democrat over Donald Trump.
In the wake of Hamas' brutal assault on Israel on October 7 and the taking of Jewish hostages, Sandberg has been outspoken in calling for the captives return as well as highlighting the sexual violence perpetrated by terrorists during the attack.
At a United Nations conference on the violence in December, Sandberg told an audience: 'Silence is complicity... rape should never be used as an act of war.'
Sandberg's husband is also a veteran of Bill Clinton's administration where he served in the communication office before moving to NBC News where he had a successful career as a producer.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that Sandberg's 2022 wedding was eventful with Zuckerberg becoming enraged when someone brought up his widely mocked Metaverse avatar.
The same year, it emerged that Meta spent $6.6 million on private planes for Zuckerberg and Sandberg, up 55 percent from 2019, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Rishi Sunak managed to force his Rwanda Bill through the House of Commons
Rishi Sunak will bid to get back on the front foot today after fending off a potentially fatal Tory revolt over his Rwanda plans.
The PM is set to hold a press conference in Downing Street this morning after finally managing to force the flagship legislation through the Commons.
The Bill was given its third reading by 320 to 276 after rebels stopped short of inflicting a defeat that could potentially have collapsed the government.
Despite 60 MPs supporting a slew of amendments that unsuccessfully tried to toughen the measures, in the end just 11 Tories voted to crash the law altogether. They included Suella Braverman and former migration minister Robert Jenrick.
The government's majority - theoretically 54 - was cut to a still-comfortable 44.
But the victory came at a huge political cost to Mr Sunak, with deep rifts between Conservatives laid bare again just months before a general election.
A YouGov poll for the Times today found Labour has a massive 27-point advantage, with Tory support at just 20 per cent. That is the lowest since Liz Truss's abortive Downing Street stint in October 2022.
Particularly worrying for Mr Sunak, Reform UK was on 12 per cent - fuelling fears that the right-wing vote will be split when the nation goes to the ballot boxes.
Rishi Sunak's Rwanda legislation was given its third reading by MPs last night after rebels stopped short of inflicting a defeat that could potentially have collapsed the government
Just 11 Tories voted against the measures at third reading, including Suella Braverman and former migration minister Robert Jenrick
Shocking footage showed more migrants risking their lives in the Channel yesterday as Tories descended into civil war over whether Rishi Sunak 's Rwanda plan can stop them
The result last night was the culmination of two days of drama in the House of Commons
Suella Braverman was among the Tories who voted against the Bill at third reading
A YouGov poll for the Times today found Labour has a massive 27-point advantage, with Tory support at just 20 per cent
Downing Street breathed a sigh of relief last night as the Rwanda Bill was safely passed, after two days of carnage that saw two Tory deputy chairs and a ministerial aide quit in protest during two days of carnage.
However, Mr Sunak cannot relax for long as the legislation now moves to the House of Lords, where peers are gearing up for guerrilla warfare to slow or even thwart its progress.
During the Commons votes around 60 Tories repeatedly defied the premier to back amendments designed to toughen the plans.
None of the tweaks succeeded because they lacked Labour support, but there was a serious threat at the final stage where the Opposition also voted against.
It only became clear that the mutiny was melting away during the afternoon, as ringleaders signalled they would stick to the whip rather than risking a complete disaster.
In a final plea for MPs to back the Bill last night, Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted the legislation is in 'complete compliance with international law'.
He lashed out at Labour for refusing to support the Rwanda policy, saying Keir Starmer does not have any plan of its own.
Cleverly's risque joke in clashes with Labour's Yvette Cooper James Cleverly made a risque joke as he clashed with Labour's Yvette Cooper in the Commons tonight. In her third reading speech in the Commons, the shadow home secretary accused Mr Cleverly of 'wandering naked around this chamber' and using a 'little treaty as a fig leaf to hide his modesty behind'. But the Cabinet minister saw the funny side in the comment, immediately gesturing with his hands. Those in the chamber suggested he said 'big treaty'. Ms Cooper said: 'They're trying to con voters, trying to con their own party, but the fact is everybody can see through it now. 'Here's a 400 million Rwanda scheme for a few hundred people is like the Emperor's new clothes and the Prime Minister and his immigration ministers have been desperately spinning the invisible thread, but we can all see through it. 'The Home Secretary is just wandering naked around this chamber waving a little treaty as a fig leaf to hide his modesty behind. 'I admit, he doesn't have much modesty to hide.' Advertisement
And Mr Cleverly argued that the Tories are 'united in the agreement that stopping the boats and getting (the) Rwanda partnership up and running is of the utmost importance'.
'To stop the boats completely, to stop them for good, we need to deter people from making these dangerous journeys,' he said.
Home Office minister Chris Philp said Tory rebels are 'perfectly entitled' to back amendments seeking to strengthen Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill.
In a round of interviews this morning, policing minister Chris Philp argued that the PM had emerged 'stronger' from the row.
He told Sky News: 'There are a number of colleagues who had sincerely-held views on how the Bill could be strengthened. They're perfectly entitled to put their ideas forward and to vote for them as they did.'
Mr Philp added that when it came to the crucial third reading the Bill passed with a healthy majority, meaning the 'critical' Government policy could move forward.
He insisted the Government has a plan and is 'delivering that plan'.
'I think it's reasonable for prime ministers to have dialogue with concerned backbenchers prime ministers of both parties have always spoken to Members of Parliament and you'd want that to happen, otherwise they'll get isolated and they'll become out of touch,' he said.
It would have taken around 28 MPs voting against, twice that many abstentions, or a combination of the two, to overturn the Government's majority.
A handful of Conservative MPs seemed to abstain deliberately in the third reading.
They included Lee Anderson, who had quit as party deputy chair to support rebel amendments.
'I was going to vote no. I went into the no lobby to vote no, because I couldn't see how I could support the bill after backing all the amendments,' Mr Anderson told GB News, where he is a presenter.
'I got into the no lobby and I spent about two or three minutes with a colleague in there. The Labour lot were giggling and laughing and taking the mick and I couldn't do it: In my heart of hearts, I couldn't vote no.'
Rebel ringleader Danny Kruger joked as the debate wound up that the government whips had done a 'brilliant job today', and enjoyed more success winning over MPs than him. He acknowledged that many Tories were now backing the Bill to avoid disruption.
MPs on the Tory Right had gathered in Parliament before the showdown to discuss their tactics.
A source at the meeting warned they could come back if the Lords try to make changes to the legislation that weaken its powers.
'The PM is by no means out of the woods,' a source said. 'All colleagues are sad at where we have ended up...
'The majority felt it was necessary to vote it through in part because of the parliamentary party and partly because of the consequences for the Government.'
The source accused Tory moderates - who have warned the PM they won't stomach any amendments to toughen the Bill - as being 'out of touch with where the country is'.
They also hit out at the Government over its handling of the latest Tory row, adding: 'Everybody in the room was deeply upset at the way the Government has handled matters in recent days, particularly the way discussions have been strung along.'
The climbdown by Tory rebels came as a huge relief to Downing Street, as the PM continues his efforts to get migrant deportation flights off the ground.
His new legislation, formally titled the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, is aimed at manoeuvring around last year's Supreme Court ruling against the asylum scheme.
A No 10 spokesman said: 'The passing of the Bill marks a major step in our plan to stop the boats. This is the toughest legislation ever introduced in Parliament to tackle illegal migration and will make clear that if you come here illegally you will not be able to stay.
'It is this government and the Conservative party who have got boat crossings down by more than a third. We have a plan, we have made progress and this landmark legislation will ensure we get flights off to Rwanda, deter people from making perilous journeys across the channel and stop the boats.'
In a final plea for MPs to back the Bill this evening, Home Secretary James Cleverly insisted the legislation is in 'complete compliance with international law'
Veteran Tory Sir Bill Cash was among the MPs who opposed the Bill at third reading stage
Dozens of people could be seen packed on to a tiny dinghy as it struggled off the coast of Kent, dwarfed by ferries and cargo vessels in the busy shipping lane
A separate incident saw another small boat crowded with passengers, including one man balanced precariously on the bow without a lifejacket
The blue dinghy looked to be struggling to stay above the waves as it made the perilous trip
A Border Force vessel met the migrant dinghies as the crossed into British waters
Arnold Schwarzenegger has broken his silence after he was detained at Munich airport and taxed thousands of euros for failing to declare a luxury timepiece - labelling it 'the most watched watch in the world now'.
The Terminator actor, 76, was on his way to auction off the watch for his eco charity when he was detained for three hours by customs officials after landing in Germany yesterday afternoon.
A spokeswoman for the former California governor told BILD that Arnie 'cooperated at all times, even though it was an incompetent investigation, a total comedy full of errors, but which would make a very funny police film.'
She added that he 'immediately agreed to pay the customs duty' - which reports yesterday said amounted to 35,000 - and that it was his 'own personal watch.'
The pricey timepiece is set to go on sale tonight at the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative auction in Kitzbuhel, Austria, with a starting price of 50,000.
The Terminator actor, 76, was seen holding a box in a customs office at Munich airport, in a picture obtained by BILD
The pricey timepiece is set to go on sale tonight at the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative auction in Kitzbuhel, Austria, with a starting price of 50,000
Made exclusively for Arnie by luxury Swiss manufacturer Audemars Piguet, there are said to be only 20 ever made of the limited model.
It has a black ceramic case and includes an image of Schwarzenegger doing his iconic bodybuilder pose on the back and an inscription which reads 'Arnold Classic'.
Collectors are said to have inquired about the watch after news of Arnie's run-in with customs officials broke.
After informing him that he had to pay a hefty penalty, officers were unable to work a card machine, according to Schwarzenegger's spokeswoman.
His 49-year-old girlfriend Heather Milligan and a friend - both of whom had accompanied him on a flight from Los Angeles this afternoon - were not allowed to go to the bank with him, it was reported yesterday.
The amount was said to be too high to take out at the ATM, while the bank was also closed, forcing them to return to the customs office before another machine was found.
There were suggestions yesterday that Schwarzenegger may have had to leave the watch with customs officers, but BILD reports that he has now taken it with him to Kitzbuhel for the auction tonight.
The film star was yesterday pictured with customs officers smiling as he held up a green Audemars Piguet box with the a note on it which read: 'For Austria - Arnold will bring with him'.
US-Austrian actor, businessman, retired bodybuilder and former Governor of California, speaks during the opening of the Austrian World Summit in 2023
Schwarzenegger brought out his own limited edition model with Audemars Piguet in 1999
File image shows Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a Audemars Piguet watch included in a 2003 auction
The ex politician is known for his love of flashy watches, and famously brought out his own limited edition model with Audemars Piguet in 1999.
Only 1,500 of the Royal Oak Offshore 'Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy' pieces were ever produced and they retail for more than 30,000.
His extensive collection of watches is also said to include pieces by Rolex and other luxury brands.
The Austrian born actor was also on his way to watch the Hahnenkamm Race, a major contest in the Alpine ski calendar.
He runs Vienna-based charity The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, an eco group which is raising funds at a party during the prestigious race week.
A Knightsbridge restaurant boss charged with attempting to spike a woman's drink was previously pictured hobnobbing with Jemima Khan, Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith.
Vikas Nath, owner of Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Benares in Mayfair, is accused of trying to spike a woman's drink with GBL - which has similar effects to GHB, also known as the 'date rape' drug.
The 61-year-old was arrested at a private member's club in the early hours of Tuesday after staff alerted police when the woman told them of an alleged attempted drugging.
Nath, of Knightsbridge, central London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday.
It is claimed that he put the drug GBL, gamma-butyrolactone, into the woman's drink with the intent of overpowering her to allow sexual activity.
(Left to right) Vikas Nath, Jemima Khan, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith attend the Pakistan Floods Appeal charity dinner at the Michelin-starred Benares Restauran
Nath, owner of Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Benares in Mayfair, is accused of trying to spike a woman's drink with GBL - which has similar effects to GHB, also known as the 'date rape' drug
Nath, from Knightsbridge, central London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court
The charge alleges Nath administered GBL to another person 'knowing she did not consent and with the intention of stupefying or overpowering her so as to enable any person to engage in a sexual activity involving her'.
GBL is a precursor chemical to GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate). It is colourless and often used as a recreational drug.
This means it is converted into GHB in the body and the effects are identical. But it is two to three times as powerful and the effects are felt faster.
Both drugs are often used in club settings to achieve a 'euphoric, disinhibiting' effect.
Nath was remanded in custody ahead of a preliminary hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 14 February.
His address was given in court as Wellington Court - where apartments fetch millions of pounds.
Detective Inspector Kieron Vaughan, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Anyone who suspects they might have been spiked is urged to report it to police as soon as possible so that we can obtain any time sensitive evidence needed to assist in the investigation.
Seized bottles containing gammabutyrolactone (GBL)
'If you are in a bar or club you can report it to a member of staff who will assist you. If you see anything suspicious, report it to bar staff or police. If you witness a crime in progress please call 999.
'It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving) so do not let this be a barrier to reporting to police.
'This information however, is vital in terms of obtaining the correct medical support and treatment.
'If you have any information regarding those involved in Violence Against Women and Girls please contact you local police on 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
Striking after ENO announced plans to employ them for six months of the year
Performers at the English National Opera's have voted to go on strike in protest over funding and job cuts.
Member's of the company's orchestra, chorus and music staff will walk out on February 1, which coincides with the opening night of The Handmaid's Tale.
But as the saying goes, the show must go on, and the ENO are scrambling to form a contingency plan in the hopes of doing just that.
It comes after unions representing the company's orchestra and chorus confirmed their plans to picket the London Coliseum on opening night - February 1.
Musicians' Union and Equity confirmed the strike on Wednesday, minutes before the opera announced that BAFTA nominated actor Juliet Stevenson had joined the cast in a non-singing role for the show based on Margaret Atwood's acclaimed 1985 novel.
The company was due to stage five separate productions in its shortened two-month season this year to save money, after being forced to relocate outside London by Arts Council England (ACE), which withdrew its subsidy in November 2022.
The unions said the ENO's proposals were 'disproportionate, unsustainable for our members at the ENO and show disregard for the artistic workforce'.
Unions representing the company's orchestra and chorus announced it would take industrial action on February 1 - the opening night for the show based on Margaret Atwood's acclaimed 1985 novel
Union members agreed to the walk out in December after ENO announced plans to employ them for only six months of the year, as well as cutting 19 of the 69 orchestral positions
Union members agreed to the walk out in December after ENO announced plans to employ them for only six months of the year, as well as cutting 19 of the 69 orchestral positions
Union members agreed to the walk out in December after ENO announced plans to employ them for only six months of the year, as well as cutting 19 of the 69 orchestral positions.
In the same month, the headquarters of the respected opera company was forced out of the capital after Arts Council England (ACE) adjusted its funding plans.
Controversially, ACE went as far as to threaten to axe its annual 12million grant if the opera refused to find a new location. The funding body has since begun to gradually reintroduce its financial support.
ENO considered Birmingham, Bristol, Liverpool and Nottingham as its potential new home but eventually announced Manchester would be its main base from 2029.
It hopes to continue renting out its current home in the capital to commercial companies for the majority of the year.
They called on audience members to 'show solidarity with the orchestra and music staff, some of whom could lose up to 70% of their work'.
Naomi Pohl, the general secretary of the Musicians' Union, said: 'This is an historic moment for the Musicians' Union and the UK's orchestra sector, the first time we've been on strike since 1980.
'The management have decided to cut our members down to six months of work per year and this risks a wonderful, talented and specialist orchestra dissipating. It is heartbreaking to see the impact on the individuals affected.'
Paul Fleming, general secretary of Equity which represents chorus members, said the ENO was 'throwing the artists. who audiences pay to see, under the bus while protecting the pay of senior management.'
The empty auditorium of the London Coliseum, current home of the English National Opera
Banners advertising operas being performed by the English National Opera, in central London
Glen Sheldon, a violinist in the orchestra and Musicians' Union steward, said: 'It simply cannot be right for a publicly funded opera company to consider functioning with a half-time orchestra but full-time management.
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'The threat to our musicians' livelihoods, homes and wellbeing threatens their very ability to continue in the profession to which they have devoted their lives. This in turn threatens the quality and world-class standing of the ENO as a company.'
The two-month season starting on February 1 includes The Barber of Seville, The Magic Flute, Jenufa, Duke Bluebeard's Castle as well as The Handmaid's Tale.
The ENO said in a statement: 'Everyone at ENO respects trade union members' right to industrial action as part of our ongoing negotiations. However, we are disappointed that in doing so, it means audiences will miss out on an opportunity to experience the work and talent of the entire ENO company. We believe that the issues raised could be best resolved around the negotiation table.
'We remain committed to continuing our conversations with the unions in good faith as we work towards a sustainable future for ENO, within the context of our funding agreement reached with Arts Council England in July 2023.
'We will do all we can to ensure our audiences experience least disruption possible, and any audience members impacted by this action will be contacted at the earliest opportunity.'
Unit was defending the village of Stepove in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region
The devastating efficacy of the US Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) has been revealed in heart-pounding new footage from the frontlines of Ukraine.
An incredible clip shared by Ukraine's 109th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade showed how the expertly piloted Bradley saved a troop of Kyiv's soldiers from certain death, reducing three Russian BMP-2 armoured vehicles to smouldering wrecks.
The unit was defending the village of Stepove in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region when a group of Russian armour descended on their location, ready to rain down cannon fire on the Ukrainian positions.
Footage showed a trio of BMPs motoring towards the town, threatening to flank the Ukrainian positions - until the Bradley screamed into view and began blasting them with armour-piercing rounds from its 25mm cannon.
The Russian vehicles were torn apart as the Bradley's cannon smashed through their hulls and blew off their tracks, saving the defenders of Stepove from a bleak fate.
Another clip even showed the Bradley taking on a Russian tank - with resounding success.
The T-90 is among Russia's most advanced tanks on the battlefield in Ukraine, with Putin himself declaring it the world's best - but thanks to the Bradley's armour-piercing rounds and some precision gunning, it was quickly torn apart.
Tracer rounds were seen streaking through the twilight, illuminating the snowy ground and ripping into the tank, which moments later erupted like a firework as the ammunition inside ignited.
The Bradley IFV took on three Russian BMP-2 armoured vehicles on the outskirts of Stepove, destroying every single one
A cloud of smoke rises from a destroyed Russian BMP-2
Another clip even showed the Bradley taking on a Russian tank - with resounding success
The Russian T-90 erupted like a firework as the ammunition inside ignited after being hit by the Bradley's armour piercing rounds
Tracer rounds were seen streaking through the twilight, illuminating the snowy ground and ripping into the tank
A US Army M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle
Bradley IFVs were delivered to Ukraine from the US early last year, and by September there were more than 150 reported to be operating on the frontlines.
The shocking clips underscore their exceptional versatility and utility for Ukraine's armed forces in repelling Russian armour and intercepting troop movements.
Now, Ukraine's Western allies are seemingly committing to provide Kyiv's troops with sorely needed munitions indefinitely.
A group of 23 nations, led by France and the US, will launch an 'artillery coalition' at a Paris ceremony later today, aiming to strengthen Kyiv's armed forces against Russia's military.
The effort is part of the so-called Ramstein contact group, which gathers more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine.
The artillery coalition 'aims to combine efforts to help Ukraine have an artillery force that meets the needs of its counter-offensive and its army of the future, in the short and long term,' the French defence ministry said.
'The big prize for Ukraine is completing its transition from Soviet to Western equipment,' said Stephane Audrand, a consultant in international risks.
With modern Western guns using 155-millimetre shells, rather than the 122mm ammunition of Soviet artillery, supply has become a critical issue.
The European Union had promised to deliver one million shells by spring this year, but European Parliament lawmakers say only 300,000 have been delivered so far.
France's defence ministry said Wednesday that artillery ammunition output had been tripled since Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, to a planned monthly rate of 3,000 this year.
That is far short of the number being fired along the hundreds of kilometres of front line, experts point out.
France has also promised 78 new Caesar truck-mounted guns for Ukraine by early 2025, with six delivered 'in the coming weeks', the defence ministry said.
Joint funding must still be found for the remainder of the cannons, the ministry added.
Ukrainian soldiers fire a French-made CAESAR self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions near Avdiivka
A Ukrainian serviceman from the 406th Artillery Brigade named after Khorunzhoy General Oleksii Almazov arranges 155mm shells near an M777 howitzer at an undisclosed location in the Zaporizhia region, southeastern Ukraine, 14 January 2024
Ukrainian soldier stands near Archer Artillery System before firing on Russian positions
Ukrainian servicemen of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade fire a M109A5 Paladin self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops near the frontline town of Bakhmut, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, Ukraine January 16, 2024
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks with President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) during a visit to the Presidential Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, to announce a major new package of 2.5 billion in military aid to the country over the coming year
Kyiv's defence ministry had said in December that it was 'very important for Ukraine to step up its firepower, thanks to artillery systems provided by allies', expressing special interest in acquiring more Caesars.
France has already sold or donated 30 of the truck-mounted guns to Ukraine, with a further 19 from Denmark.
The Caesar can fire a 155mm shell over a distance of 40 kilometres before quickly changing position to avoid return fire from enemy artillery.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his support for Kyiv on Tuesday, after a Ukrainian counteroffensive failed to make hoped-for territorial gains last year.
Almost two years into the war, the front line has instead been largely fixed for many months.
Macron said he will visit the country in February, the second time since Moscow invaded in 2022.
France is 'in the process of finalising an agreement' on security with Kyiv like the 10-year deal signed with Britain last week, he added.
Macron's new foreign minister Stephane Sejourne said in Ukraine Saturday that France could work with Kyiv to 'strengthen Ukraine's capacity to produce (arms) on its own soil'.
The president earlier this week announced further deliveries of 'around 40' long-range SCALP missiles and 'several hundred bombs' - detailed by a source familiar with the plans as AASM smart bombs dropped from aircraft.
Ukraine is also in need of support for its air defences, which are fending off almost nightly attacks by Russian drones and missiles.
A mother-of-three who was sacked from her 124,000-a-year job after she rejected advances from her boss, which included calling her a 'naughty girl' and praising her 'candy toes', has won a 100,000 sex harassment payout.
Marc Bandemer, 59, made repeated advances towards Louise Crabtree, 49, throughout 2021 and 2022, when he sent her adoring messages, referring to her as his 'second wife', and the 'Belle of the Ball'.
In an attempt to woo her, married Mr Bandemer swamped her with adoring messages, complimented her 'fashion model' looks, and even bought her a diamond solitaire 'commitment' ring, an employment tribunal heard.
The finance businessman's 'excessive attempt to engage in a romantic relationship' failed however and he fired Ms Crabtree after she firmly rejected him.
The finance executive said she was 'constantly' humiliated and degraded by the company chairman, who referred to her as 'girl', 'brat', and 'naughty' in front of their colleagues in an attempt to reinforce 'his idea' that he 'owned' her.
Louise Crabtree, 49, a senior female executive at an investment firm, has won a sexual harassment claim after her 'infatuated' married boss made a slew of inappropriate remarks
Marc Bandemer, 59, made repeated advances towards Ms Crabtree throughout the course of 2021 and 2022 and sent her adoring messages, referring to her as his 'second wife'. Mr Bandemer is pictured outside Employment Tribunal Southampton
The mother-of-three was found by the tribunal to be in a 'subordinate' position but 'required' an income as a single mother and didn't want to 'damage her employment prospects'
Whilst on a work trip to Luxembourg, the tribunal heard how Mr Bandemer 'eyed' Ms Crabtree 'up and down' whilst she was in a swimming costume and even tried to 'lure' her into his bedroom by telling her he had left his door open
Whilst on a work trip to Luxembourg, it was heard Mr Bandemer 'eyed' the executive 'up and down' whilst she was in a swimming costume and even tried to 'lure' her into his bedroom by telling her he had left his door open.
Mr Bandemer is married to South African fashion designer and woman's clothing manufacturer Lioni Bandemer.
The company chairman also offered to buy the pair a 'love nest' in Cyprus, flattered her 'gorgeous feet' and on one occasion 'physically pulled' her onto his lap in front of her partner.
Despite feeling 'totally helpless' and as if she was 'his property', Ms Crabtree ignored his advances because she 'did not want to rock the boat'.
The tribunal found Ms Bandemer was in a 'subordinate' position but required an income as a single mother and didn't want to 'damage her employment prospects'.
But as his attempts to court her 'intensified', she asked him to stop.
Eventually, a 'displeased' Mr Bandemer got the message, and in retaliation 'punished' his second in command with demotion and dismissal from her well-paying job - leaving her 'ousted from the boys club'.
After successfully suing him for sexual harassment, she has now been awarded 99,214 in compensation, with an employment judge saying the boss's behaviour was not acceptable.
The hearing in Southampton, Hampshire, was told that Ms Crabtree, from nearby Romsey, joined Integer Wealth Global as Executive Director in April 2021.
Initially, the relationship between her and Mr Bandemer was 'friendly with banter' but their 'nuanced relationship' began to involve 'inappropriate' comments.
These included him calling her 'wife', 'naughty', 'girl', 'brat', and remarks made about 'whips and chains'.
In May 2021 a Teams meeting transcript revealed him asking her 'why did God make you so naughty?', followed by an admission he was 'way too arrogant' to care what other colleagues would think about his remark.
Mr Bandemer pictured with his wife Lioni Bandemer. The finance businessman made repeated advances towards Ms Crabtree throughout the course of 2021 and 2022 and sent her adoring messages, referring to her as his 'second wife'
The tribunal found Mr Bandemer was a 'somewhat forceful individual who expects to get his own way'
The instagram picture of Ms Crabtree at a charity ball which inspired Mr Bandemer to comment saying she looked like the 'Belle of the Ball...in that incredibly fetching red dress - very uber beautiful'
The tribunal found Ms Bandemer was in a 'subordinate' position but required an income as a single mother and didn't want to 'damage her employment prospects'.
Her failure to 'strenuously object' to comments she disliked did not necessarily mean that she 'welcomed them or that they were wanted', the panel said.
In one 'humiliating' incident at her birthday party, Mr Bandemer 'physically pulled' Ms Crabtree onto his lap in front of her family and partner- something which 'everyone found uncomfortable', the tribunal heard.
He told Ms Crabtree she had an 'infectious personality' that made her 'quite easy to become addicted to'.
When planning a meeting between the two of them, Ms Crabtree suggested a Wednesday so they could celebrate his wife birthday, who could also do her nails.
Mr Bandemer, responding, said she had 'really gorgeous feet' and 'candy toes'.
The mother of three said at first she ignored the comments as she 'did not want to rock the boat' but as they 'intensified', Ms Crabtree asked her boss 'not to be inappropriate' in two emails.
In September 2021 she made it clear to her boss that comments of a sexual nature were 'no longer welcome', but this was ignored leading her to 'feel trapped'.
Mr Bandemer pictured with his wife Lioni Bandemer recently on social media
Mr Bandemer, who is a pilot, pictured with his wife Lioni Bandemer outside a plane
Mr Bandemer made repeated advances towards Ms Crabtree throughout the course of 2021 and 2022 and sent her adoring messages, referring to her as his 'second wife'
The executive said: 'I could see he was the authoritative figure and would do what he wanted even if I objected.
'As his advances intensified, I felt trapped as to what to say or do.
'I had asked him to stop or told him how I felt on previous occasions, but it had no effect other than to aggravate him or result in me working in a hostile environment with him threatening to discipline me or being short-tempered with me.'
In December Mr Bandemer commented on a picture Ms Crabtree posted on Instagram of a charity ball she had attended, saying she looked like the 'Belle of the Ball...in that incredibly fetching red dress - very uber beautiful'.
Mr Bandemer texted her, questioning why she was in this line of work, 'when you could be a top ranking fashion model', after her 'unbelievably beautiful' work pictures came through.
Later, he asked her about Christmas presents, writing: 'Oh my word, Father Christmas just arrived with another present for you.'
As he offered to buy her children Christmas presents and then gift them money, the panel heard his behaviour was 'intensifying' and she was 'helpless to do anything'.
In January 2022 Ms Crabtree was left feeling 'extremely uncomfortable' upon learning she was going on a business trip with just Mr Bandemer - who had bought her flowers - and without his wife, as previously planned.
While on their trip to Luxembourg together, Mr Bandemer messaged her saying he would leave the door slightly ajar', that she was his 'person' and called her 'honey' and 'lovey'.
Ms Crabtree said during this trip, her boss followed her into shops, asked her to go swimming with him, and 'eyed' her 'up and down' whilst she was in a swimming costume.
Ms Crabtree said: 'I felt violated, especially when he made comments about my body and how good I looked. He called me naughty in front of others as well as his second wife and it made me feel like I was his property.
'The worst part was when he attempted to lure me into his bedroom. I felt horrified and trapped as I had to remain by his side for meetings and was under his complete control.'
He then bought her a diamond solitaire ring - insisting it was a 'commitment ring' - which she has never worn and kept in a cupboard.
However, when he kissed Ms Crabtree on the cheek in front of her daughter who 'flipped out', she asked for 'clear boundaries' to be put in place in their relationship.
Describing the incident, Ms Crabtree said: 'I was horrified when it happened in front of my daughter but she didn't understand I depended on [Mr Bandemer] for my salary to support us and I was afraid and anxious to lose my job.'
He admitted he would no longer 'grab you like I do' in front of people and be 'very vigilant' in front of her children.
Mr Bandemer even suggested buying a 'love nest' for him and Ms Crabtree on the sunny island of Cyprus (stock image)
Despite this, when a vase of Ms Crabtree's broke, Mr Bandemer bought her another one with flowers, accompanied with a message reading 'the flowers here in will never surpass your beauty'.
Ms Crabtree said: 'He would insist on me using the vase for everyone to see and this reinforced his idea he owned me and was under his control and insisted we spend time together inside and outside of work.'
In February 2022 he told her he loved her and that he needed a break from his wife.
By March Mr Bandemer - who the tribunal found was a 'somewhat forceful individual who expects to get his own way' - was looking to buy 'a love nest' house for the two of them in Cyprus.
In May 2022 Mr Bandemer became 'much more hostile' towards her as she was frozen out of the company's plans to move to Luxembourg and effectively demoted to sales director.
The mother of three said: '[Mr Bandemer] made it clear I had 'disrespected him' and there were consequences and this resulted in working daily without direction and totally stressing that my job was not in jeopardy.
'I felt isolated and it was clear that I was being ousted by [Mr Bandemer] because I had rejected him, and this daily uncertainty became unbearable mentally and physically.
'I felt I was ousted from the 'boys club' and no longer part of the team.'
Ms Crabtree said she was being punished 'for rejecting his advances'.
Upholding her claims of discrimination and harassment, Employment Judge James Dawson said: 'We are satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the behaviour of [Mr Bandemer] was inextricably linked to the fact that [Ms Crabtree] was a woman.
'Not only because the behaviour reflects the fact he was a heterosexual man who was romantically attracted to her but also because of the gender-specific language used on a large number of occasions such as 'girl', 'honey' 'wife' and 'naughty'.
'We have included the word naughty because, in its context, we do not think that [Mr Bandemer] would have written in a similar way to a man.
'We also think, on the balance of probabilities, that the respondent would not have described a man as beautiful and, for instance, sent him a vase saying that the flowers in the vase would never surpass his beauty.'
Awarding her compensation, he said: 'There was a period of harassment when [Ms Crabtree] was asking Marc Bandemer to stop and he was not respecting this.
'She did not bring it on herself and it was not acceptable.'
John Travolta was reportedly the driving force behind Prince Harry being named as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' because of a 'strong emotional link and connection' to the Duke through his friendship with the late Princess Diana.
Travolta, 69, was said to be one of the 'biggest supporters' of Harry being honoured at tomorrow's event during a selection process among existing honourees and committee members.
Diana and Travolta famously danced together at a White House dinner in an iconic moment in 1985 - said to be a highlight of the Hollywood actor's life.
A source connected to the event said Travolta, who won The Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation award in 2007, feels that Diana's sons have continued her legacy for charitable work.
And the insider hit back at accusations Harry's award was a publicity stunt or down to his royal status, describing the suggestion as 'disgraceful'.
Prince Harry is set to be named as a 'Living Legend of Aviation'
John Travolta was reportedly the driving force behind Prince Harry being named as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' because of a 'strong emotional link and connection' to the Duke through his friendship with the late Princess Diana
Diana and Travolta once famously danced together at White House dinner in an iconic moment in 1985 - said to be a highlight of the Hollywood actor's life
'Harry's name was put forward because of his astonishing commitment to helping those in and out of the military, promoting awareness of the triumphs and travails of that life,' the source told The Mirror.
'But he stands tall as a philanthropist. Any suggestion of this as a publicity stunt is a disgraceful and offensive suggestion.
'Of course, John was an advocate for Harry and supported his nomination. He has always felt a connection to him, especially because he and Diana enjoyed that moment of pop culture history by dancing at the White House.'
A top military veteran had described the Duke of Sussex's accolade as a 'pathetic' publicity stunt.
Retired senior officers say that while Harry was rightly applauded for flying an Army helicopter in Afghanistan, it is his Royal status which had seen him chosen over hundreds of equally worthy pilots.
Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, based in Colorado, the organisation behind Harry's gong, is a non-profit which seeks to spark an interest in aviation in young people.
Harry will be inducted as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' on Friday at an awards ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California. The duke's work setting up the Invictus Games Foundation will also be celebrated. It is not clear if Harry or his wife Meghan will attend.
Retired officer Colonel Richard Kemp (pictured) said that Harry was 'a brave guy' and his role in Afghanistan was 'undoubtedly very dangerous'. But he said that there are 'helicopter pilots who have done much more extraordinary things in Iraq and Afghanistan, risking their lives to rescue their fellow soldiers'
Harry will be inducted as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' at an awards ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California
A statement on the event's website said: 'Prince Harry is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate and environmentalist. He has dedicated his life to advancing causes that he is passionate about and that bring about permanent change for people and places.'
Harry completed two tours of Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner. He served in the Army for ten years, rising to the rank of captain.
Reacting to Harry's accolade, Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, said: 'He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest he is is pathetic. It makes the whole thing seem a bit of a nonsense if they're willing to pick someone like Prince Harry.
'He didn't carry off any great exciting feat of amazing flying skill while flying for the Army. They're just trying to get publicity. They know it will cause a stir.'
Retired officer Colonel Richard Kemp said that Harry was 'a brave guy' and his role in Afghanistan was 'undoubtedly very dangerous'.
But he said that there are 'helicopter pilots who have done much more extraordinary things in Iraq and Afghanistan, risking their lives to rescue their fellow soldiers'.
Foreigners living in China in 2023 return to 85% of 2019 levels; simplified border measures to facilitate more foreign visitors: NIA
Global Times) 14:22, January 18, 2024
Tourists wait to pass through immigration at Beijing's Capital International Airport. File Photo: Xinhua
The number of foreign citizens living in China has recovered to 85 percent of 2019 levels, Chinas National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Thursday, revealing that immigration authorities across China issued 711,000 resident permits for foreigners in 2023.
It is believed that with simplified border procedures, 24-hour visa-free transitions and other measures to facilitate foreign visitors, the number will continue to rise, NIA spokesperson Zhang Ning said at a Thursday press conference.
A total of 424 million inbound and outbound trips were made in 2023, up 266.5 percent year-on-year recovering to 67 percent of 2019 levels. Among them, 206 million were made by mainland residents, and 183 million by residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions. Some 35.5 million were made by foreigners, recovering to 36 percent of 2019 levels, Zhang said.
China issued 184 million passports, 86.09 million travel documents for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions in 2023. Some 1.7 million visas were issued to foreigners, up 158.3 percent year-on-year.
More than 4.8 million mainland residents enjoyed the convenience of "nationwide access" endorsement for travel to Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, saving 8.88 billion yuan ($1.25 billion) in transportation costs. Some 19,000 high-caliber professionals from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area were granted endorsements for travel to Hong Kong and Macao regions, facilitating the flow of talent, according to Zhang.
In 2023, China addressed 58,000 border-related criminal infringements, resulting in the arrest of 109,000 suspects, the dismantling of 2,463 gangs, and the destruction of 1,517 transition hideouts. Notably, 232 major cases led to the detention of 5,556 suspects and 596 gang ringleaders.
Some foreigners involved in illegal entry, illegal residence, and illegal employment were lawfully dealt with. They were punished according to legal provisions, including warnings, fines, administrative detention, and ordered departure within time limit. Among them, 26,000 individuals were deported.
China's border management in 2023 identified 35,000 illegal crossings, leading to the apprehension of over 32,000 individuals involved in cross-border crime including gambling and fraud. Over 80,000 firearms, explosives, 8.5 tons of drugs, 949 tons of drug materials, and smuggled goods valued at 760 million yuan were seized.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
A tourist who stole pumice stones from the ancient city of Pompeii has returned the artefacts along with a grovelling letter, claiming the pilfered fragments were 'cursed'.
The woman sent a package containing three small stones and a letter written in English saying she 'didn't know about the curse' of Pompeii when she stole the artefacts during a holiday in southern Italy.
The young tourist, who did not give her name, revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer within a year of her visit to Pompeii in the letter.
'I didn't know about the curse. I didn't know that I should not take any rocks,' the woman wrote. 'Within a year, I got breast cancer. I am a young and healthy female, and doctors said it was "just bad luck".'
'Please accept my apology and these pieces,' the tourist added, before signing off the letter with 'I'm sorry' in Italian.
The woman sent a package containing three small stones and a letter written in English saying she 'didn't know about the curse' of Pompeii when she stole the artefacts during a holiday in southern Italy
Pompeii was destroyed after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, covering the ancient city in volcanic ash, preserving it until it was rediscovered in the 16th century.
Have you been hit by the Pompeii curse? Please email: Rachael.Bunyan@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii's archaeological park, shared a picture of the letter and the returned artefacts on X and wrote: 'Dear anonymous sender of this letter, the pumice stones arrived in Pompeii. Now good luck for your future.'
This isn't the first time a tourist has returned artefacts they stole from Pompeii, citing a 'curse' as the reason for doing so.
In 2020, a Canadian woman, identified only as Nicole, sent a package containing two mosaic tiles, parts of an amphora and a piece of ceramics she had pilfered from Pompeii to a travel agent in the Italian city.
Nicole, who had stolen the artefacts in 2005, said she was returning them after they had given her 15 years of bad luck.
She wrote a letter of confession in which she detailed her theft and her subsequent run of misfortune, including two cases of breast cancer and financial hardship.
Nicole wrote: 'Please, take them back, they bring bad luck.'
She said she took the artefacts because she wanted to own a piece of history that no one else had, but they had 'so much negative energy... linked to that land of destruction'.
Pompeii was destroyed after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, covering the ancient city in volcanic ash, preserving it until it was rediscovered in the 16th century (file image)
At the time, she said: 'I am now 36 and had breast cancer twice. The last time ending in a double mastectomy.
'My family and I also had financial problems. We're good people and I don't want to pass this curse on to my family or children.'
Her package also contained another letter of confession written by a couple from Canada who stole from the site in 2005.
She said they took the artefacts without thinking of those who suffered there thousands of years ago.
The ancient city is one of the most visited attractions in Italy and has had to contend with many tourists pilfering its ruins.
So many stolen relics have been returned to the site along with letters expressing guilt that officials at Pompeii set up a museum to display them.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel said they had received hundreds of apologetic letters from tourists who had stolen artefacts from the ancient site, many of whom cited a 'curse'.
Speaking about the latest case of the woman who sent back three pumice stones, he told RaiNews24: 'We responded to the lady who wrote to us because her letter is very touching but I remember it: stealing goods from archaeological sites is a crime and we must report everything to the authorities.'
He added: 'Many people write to us about the alleged curse and tell us about the misfortunes they have suffered at work, in illness: these are touching and sad things. Many write returning objects stolen when they were children, these are thefts that occurred decades ago.'
Zuchtriegel said 'it makes no sense to take these objects away', before adding: 'We also monitor the site with video surveillance, but the site is large and it could happen that something is stolen.'
Some thieves have even tried to sell parts of Pompeii online, with a brick from the ruins appearing on eBay in 2015.
Princess Anne's warning not to slim the Royal Family down further was 'right' and with the 'big three' royals now off work the 'desertion' of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has put The Firm 'in trouble', royal experts told MailOnline today.
The Princess of Wales is in hospital after an abdominal operation, Prince William has taken time off to care for his family and King Charles has revealed he needs a procedure on his enlarged prostate next week.
Experts have pointed to Princess Anne's words from last May, where she told a Canadian broadcaster: 'I think that "slimmed down" was said in a day when there were a few more people to make that seem like a justifiable comment', adding: 'It doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing.'
Royal biographer Phil Dampier has said that the absence of Harry, Meghan and Prince Andrew means 'the slimmed down monarchy looks a bit too slim'.
He said that it 'must raise the question of whether some minor royal jobs could be carried out by others like Princess Beatrice or Eugenie'. There have also been calls for Zara and Mike Tindall to do more.
But royal expert and investigative journalist Tom Bower says despite Kate and Charles' health problems, the King must stay the course and not reverse the trend by relying on minor royals such as the Duke of York's children.
Princess Anne insisted in May that that the monarchy is in safe hands with King Charles but that she didn't agree that it could be slimmed down further
Harry and Meghan's absence has left the Royal Family short, experts have said
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
William drove a new electric Audi to be with his wife this morning
Queen Camilla opens the new 'Safe Space' during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery today. The Queen has said the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7. The King will be in hospital next week for a procedure on his prostate
Mr Dampier said: 'Princess Anne said in an interview last year that she thought the monarchy was already slimmed down enough and shes been proved right.
'The events of this week also put into sharp focus how much the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave has rocked the monarchy when originally they promised so much.
'If Harry and Meghan hadnt left for California and Prince Andrew hadnt ruined his life by getting involved with sleaze, there wouldnt be a problem. But without them the Firm is in trouble when the unexpected happens'.
READ MORE: The royal doctor looking after King Charles who claims Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill (and is a fan of devil's claw and horny goat weed) Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008 Advertisement
He added: 'You do wonder if in quiet moments Harry feels some pangs of guilt for deserting his family and the institution, but so far he has not shown any public signs of regret.
'With Kate in hospital being looked after by William and the King going in next week, we are down to The Queen, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as full time working royals. Two of them are over seventy and the ancient institution looks painfully thin on the ground'.
Tom Bower also believes the health problems at the top of the Royal Family shines a spotlight on Harry and Meghan, but says it will soon be business as usual.
He said: 'Our hearts go out to the King and Princess of Wales. Their absence from our daily lives will make us appreciate them and the monarchy even more. However, this is not the moment to reverse the trend to slim down the monarchy.
'Any suggestion that Beatrice and Eugenie should step in should be firmly quashed. Neither has done anything to deserve our respect. Harry had a marvellous opportunity to serve his country but disloyally not only deserted us but betrayed his countrymen and his family.
'In a few weeks it will be back to business as usual and we will appreciate all the more how lucky we are to have the Royal Family to represent the best of British values'.
The Princess of Wales has spent a second night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone revealed on the same day King Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and help support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
A police officer stands outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kates 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesnt have a normal life. Shes the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and its not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patricks Day in her role as the regiments honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
A woman, who had to fork out more than 900 on private dental care after she fell down the stairs and knocked a tooth out, has said she was booted off her NHS practice's list for not going enough.
Mandy Lincoln had been at the Mydentist practice in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, for more than ten years when the disastrous incident happened just before Christmas.
But when she phoned her dentist for emergency treatment she was told she had been deregistered during the pandemic as her last appointment had been in February 2019.
Mrs Lincoln says she had been following the government's own rules to stay away if possible and even avoided going when a tooth cracked during the pandemic.
Now Mrs Lincoln faces the threat of her dental bill spiralling into the thousands after she was told a nerve had been damaged during the treatment, meaning the tooth will eventually go black and die.
Mandy Lincoln had to fork out more than 900 on private dental care after she fell down the stairs and knocked a tooth out
Mrs Lincoln had been going to the Mydentist practice in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, for more than ten years when the disastrous incident happened just before Christmas
When she phoned her dentist for emergency treatment she was told she had been deregistered during the pandemic as her last appointment had been in February 2019
'I'm fortunate because I can afford the bill I've got, but there will be so many people who can't,' Mrs Lincoln told Manchester Evening News.
'I know people who have dental problems and just ring for an emergency dental appointment - that's how they get seen. It's crazy.'
Dental services in the UK were restricted by the government on March 25 2020 as Covid broke out.
Mrs Lincoln had an appointment, which had been cancelled six months earlier when her dentist left the practice, due when lockdown struck.
Over the next three years, she steered clear of her practice and never heard from them.
After her fall in December, NHS doctors gave Mrs Lincoln external and internal stitches but said a dentist would need to see the splint on her tooth.
The practice told her she had been taken off their list but that she could see them privately or try to get on their waiting list for new patients a few days later.
When she did this, her calls went straight to voicemail despite ringing them 225 times between 9am and 9.30am.
After her fall in December, NHS doctors gave Mrs Lincoln external and internal stitches but said a dentist would need to see the splint on her tooth
Mrs Lincoln had an appointment, which had been cancelled six months earlier when her dentist left the practice, due when lockdown struck
When she tried to rejoin the practice, her calls went straight to voicemail despite ringing them 225 times between 9am and 9.30am
Mrs Lincoln had no joy approaching other practices either and was told there was a six-month waiting list for an NHS dentist.
Her husband, who was a major in the armed forces, has not seen a dentist since 2018 as he also can't get registered.
She said: 'Are we just waiting for people to die? It's appalling.'
Mrs Lincoln eventually resorted to getting private treatment which came to 915 for urgent treatment, a root canal, the removal of a retainer, a composite and an x-ray.
Navendu Mishra, Labour MP for nearby Stockport, said: 'It is simply unacceptable that so many people in Stockport and beyond are unable to access the dental care they need.'
She said: 'Are we just waiting for people to die? It's appalling. I'm fortunate because I can afford the bill I've got, but there will be so many people who can't'
Mrs Lincoln eventually resorted to getting private treatment which came to 915 for urgent treatment, a root canal, the removal of a retainer, a composite and an x-ray
A spokesperson for Mydentist said: 'We feel for Ms Lincoln and the experience she has had.
'There is currently an exceptionally high demand for NHS dental care and although our practice teams work hard to treat all the patients who call for an NHS appointment, unfortunately it's not always possible.'
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Dentistry should be accessible and available to all who need it and we want every adult and child who needs an NHS dentist to get one regardless of where in England they live.'
In a humourous exchange between a curious tourist and witty Brits, the age-old question of essential items to pack when traveling around the UK has sparked a lively conversation on the internet.
Reddit user u/RedPandaah posed the question 'What is a must have when travelling to the UK?' on the subreddit r/UKtravel on January 17.
Elaborating on their query, the curious individual asked: 'What do you think is essential for everyone to carry with them or at least think about getting when travelling around the UK?'
The post received almost 40 comments of recommendations from Brits, with a particular focus on weather, tea, etiquette - and teeth.
While some locals earnestly recommended the classic 'umbrella' and 'raincoat' to combat the notorious British weather, others couldn't resist injecting a bit of dry humour.
The age-old question of essential items to pack when traveling around the UK has sparked a lively conversation on the internet (Photo: Getty)
Reddit user u/RedPandaah posed the question 'What is a must have when travelling to the UK?' on the subreddit r/UKtravel on January 17
One cheeky individual response responded with, 'Some spare nice teeth - you can barter with them,' in reference to the American stereotype of British people being indifferent to the physical appearance of teeth.
The playful banter continued as some suggested packing 'an awareness of queuing rules' or 'a marmalade sandwich in case you see Paddington Bear out in the wild.'
Alluding to Brits' generally dry humour, one person suggested, 'An understanding of sarcasm,' while another said, 'A sense of humour. Seriously.'
Referring to the nation's go-to brew - a cup of tea - one person joked, 'Bring your own mug, we are all allocated one at birth,' while another suggested, 'Portable kettle, teapot and tea set.'
Despite the satirical answers, genuine advice also poured in, with locals advising the tourist to bring layers for unpredictable temperatures and a regional phrase book to use while exploring various cities.
Several people advised packing umbrellas and warm yet light raincoats, with one person recommending: 'Waterproof raincoat - ideally the thin type that rolls up tiny.
'Weather is highly unpredictable but will usually have some rain, and a bulky thick coat is uncomfortable in the tube.'
Meanwhile, one person wrote: 'Regional phrase book and bread products by region.'
Referring to the nation's go-to brew - a cup of tea - one person joked, 'Bring your own mug, we are all allocated one at birth' (Photo: Getty)
The post received almost 40 comments of recommendations from Brits, with a particular focus on weather, tea, etiquette - and teeth
Meanwhile, Britain's weird and wonderful boozers were unveiled in August 2023, with a map highlighting the oldest, smallest, highest, most haunted and wonkiest pubs in the UK.
A trip to the pub is as much ingrained into Britons' veins as hopping to the local fish and chip shop on a Friday night.
Beloved alehouses up and down the country are still seen by locals as a way to catch up with loved ones and friends.
With so much history it, perhaps, is therefore not that surprising to have some pretty wacky boozers - from the wonkiest, doors made out of human skin, and a slide, to one so remote the only way to get there is either a two-day hike or a 40 minute ferry ride.
The mysterious fire and controversial bulldozing of The Crooked House in Dudley means nearby The Tilted Barrel in Tipton has taken up the mantelpiece as the 'wonkiest.'
Former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg has announced she plans to step down from her position on the company's board of directors after her term ends in 2024 May, in a Facebook post.
'Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away,' Sandberg, 54, said in the post, adding that she will serve as an advisor to the company.
Her announcement comes after a lengthy career in the tech industry, which began at Google after she previously worked in the White House.
But where did she work and study before she became one of the faces of Facebook?
Read on below for everything you need to know about the working life of Sheryl Sandberg.
Sheryl Sandberg speaks during an event on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 23 2019
Sandberg attends the WMC 2022 Women's Media Awards at Mandarin Oriental Hotel on November 17 2022 in New York City
Where did Sheryl Sandberg study?
Born in Washington D.C. on August 28 1969, Sheryl Sandberg moved to North Miami Beach, Florida, at the age of two.
After attending North Miami Beach High School, she successfully applied to Harvard in 1987, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.
Her academic excellence at Harvard saw Sheryl receive the John H. Williams Prize for the top graduating student in economics.
Her time at Harvard also saw her co-founded an organisation named Women in Economics and Government. She also met the well-known economist Professor Lawrence Summers, who became her mentor and thesis adviser.
So impressed was Summers by Sandberg's application to her studies while at Harvard that he hired her to work for him at the World Bank after the conclusion of her undergraduate degree.
Following her outstanding achievements as an undergraduate, Sandberg enrolled at Harvard Business School in 1993, graduating with the highest distinction possible for her MBA in 1995.
Where did Sheryl Sandberg start her career?
Following her work at the World Bank, which saw her travel to India to help stop the spread of leprosy in the country at the time, Sheryl worked at global consulting firm McKinsey & Company for a year after leaving Harvard.
She was then reunited with Summers, after he joined President Bill Clinton's administration and worked alongside the former, before became his chief of staff when he was named the Treasury Secretary in 1999.
After the Democrats lost the 2000 election, she decided to move to Silicon Valley to join the tech industry in an intriguing change of career at a time when Google was a small company that employed fewer 300 people.
Sandberg testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on 'Foreign Influence Operations and Their Use of Social Media Platforms,' on Capitol Hill in Washington
Sheryl said she wanted to pursue the opportunity because she found Google's 'higher mission' to 'make the world's information freely available' an attractive idea.
Joining Google as the company's business-unit general manager in 2001, Sandberg focused on the brand's advertising program, which had just four people working on it at the time.
The meteoric rise of Google during Sheryl's stint at the company is well-documented and she was said to have been pivotal in with AOL to make Google its search engine.
She was later promoted to Google's vice president for Global Online Sales and Operations.
How and when did Sheryl Sandberg start working at Facebook?
While working for Google, Sandberg was introduced to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg by the man himself at a Christmas party in 2007, which saw him begin his mission to convince her to join his company.
This saw Zuckerberg meet her for dinner once or twice a week, first at a cafe in Menlo Park and then at Sandberg's home in Atherton, California.
Zuckerberg's persistence paid off, as he was able to persuade Sandberg to move to Facebook a year after initially meeting her.
When did Sheryl Sandberg become COO of Facebook?
After her time at Google, she decided to opt for a new challenge in 2008, to become the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, which now owns other sites including Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads under the name of Meta.
Speaking about Sandberg's role at Facebook to The New Yorker in 2011, Zuckerberg said she 'handles things I don't want to.'
Sheryl Sandberg speaks during Class Day ceremonies at Harvard Business School in Allston, Massachusetts May 23, 2012
'There are people who are really good managers, people who can manage a big organisation'.
'And then there are people who are very analytic or focused on strategy. Those two types don't usually tend to be in the same person,' he added.
What other work has Sheryl Sandberg become known for?
Away from the fiercely competitive tech industry, Sandberg has also published a number of books.
Her first, Lean In, was published in 2013 and explores themes including business leadership and development, issues with the lack of women in government and business leadership positions.
Sandberg stepped down from her position as Meta's operations chief in 2022, prior to her announcement that she will step down from Meta's board in May 2024.
Following Sandberg's announcement, Zuckerberg left a warm reply, thanking her for her service.
'Thank you Sheryl for the extraordinary contributions you have made to our company and community over the years. Your dedication and guidance have been instrumental in driving our success and I am grateful for your unwavering commitment to me and Meta over the years,' he said.
What are the Facebook controversies that have put Sheryl Sandberg in the spotlight?
Previously working as second-in-command to founder Zuckerberg, Sandberg was one of the most visible executives at the company and the lead architect of its often-criticized ads-based business model.
Sandberg speaks during a plenary session in the Congress Hall at the 47th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland on 18 January 2017
However, she had to deal with her fair share of controversies throughout her time at the company.
This was due to her role of needing to manage Facebook's public image throughout a number of different scandals.
Sandberg was often on the defensive, publicly backing the company after the spread of misinformation around the 2016 presidential election, Cambridge Analytica and its role in the Capitol riot in January 2021.
Facebook was rocked after the Cambridge Analytica scandal came to light in 2015, which revealed that the political consulting firm had used data harvested from Facebook users to target voters as a form of political advertising.
James Cleverly appeared to make a joke about the size of his manhood in the Commons last night in his latest risque attempt at banter since becoming Home Secretary.
The senior minister reacted to Labour counterparty Yvette Cooper in the late-night debate over Rwanda flights ahead of a key vote which the Government won after Tory rebels surrendered.
She accused him of metaphorically 'wandering naked around this chamber' and using a 'little treaty as a fig leaf to hide his modesty behind', amid claims he previously called the deal with Rwanda 'bats**t'.
But the Cabinet minister saw the funny side in the comment, immediately gesturing with his hands as he laughed at the Labour front bench. Those in the chamber suggested he said 'big treaty'.
It comes as the Home Secretary comes under scrutiny for his behaviour both in the Commons chamber and outside it.
Last month there were calls for him to quit after he made a joke about spiking his own wife's drink to a group of women at a Downing Street reception, hours after launching a clampdown on the practice.
He has also been accused of calling a Labour constituency in the north a 's**thole' in a Commons exchange, something he denies.
The senior minister reacted to Labour counterparty Yvette Cooper in the late-night debate over Rwanda flights ahead of a key vote which the Government won after Tory rebels surrendered.
It comes as the Home Secretary comes under scrutiny for his behaviour both in the Commons chamber and outside it. Last month there were calls for him to quit after he made a joke about spiking his own wife's drink to a group of women at a Downing Street reception, hours after launching a clampdown on the practice.
Speaking in the Commons, Ms Cooper said: 'They're trying to con voters, trying to con their own party, but the fact is everybody can see through it now.
'Here's a 400 million Rwanda scheme for a few hundred people is like the Emperor's new clothes and the Prime Minister and his immigration ministers have been desperately spinning the invisible thread, but we can all see through it.
'The Home Secretary is just wandering naked around this chamber waving a little treaty as a fig leaf to hide his modesty behind.
'I admit, he doesn't have much modesty to hide.'
Mr Cleverly has been approached for comment.
He apologised earlier this month for joking at the expense of his wife. He told female guests at a No10 drinks party that 'a little bit of Rohypnol in her drink every night' was 'not really illegal if it's only a little bit'.
He also joked that the secret to a long marriage was ensuring your spouse was 'someone who is always mildly sedated so she can never realise there are better men out there'.
In his first media appearance since the row broke, the Home Secretary told Sky News: 'It was a joke that I made and of course you know I regret it and I apologised immediately, and that apology is heartfelt.'
Tories have issued a stark warning to the House of Lords not to resist Rishi Sunak's Rwanda plan.
The PM managed to force the legislation through the House of Commons last night when rebels backed off inflicting a defeat that could have collapsed the government.
But the trouble is far from over for the proposals, with peers warning the Bill will be 'intellectually destroyed' when it comes before them.
Opponents have also raised the prospect that the policy could be delayed for so long that deportation flights cannot begin before the general election.
That would rob Mr Sunak of tangible evidence for voters that he is working to 'stop the boats'.
Ministers and Tory MPs laid down a marker after the Rwanda Bill was passed with a 44 majority in the Commons, insisting that the Lords must respect the will of the elected chamber.
Tories have issued a stark warning to the House of Lords (pictured) not to resist Rishi Sunak 's Rwanda plan
Leading lawyer and independent crossbencher Lord Carlile of Berriew said the Government is stepping 'towards totalitarianism' in its handling of the Rwanda Bill
The PM managed to force the legislation through the House of Commons last night when rebels backed off inflicting a defeat that could have collapsed the government
Immigration minister Tom Pursglove urged peers to 'get on and make good on this legislation'.
He told BBC's Newsnight: 'I think it is really important that the Bill has gone to the House of Lords with a significant majority, having had very considerable scrutiny on the floor of the House of Commons, particularly over the last couple of days.
'It has gone up unamended and I really hope that the House of Lords will now get on, consider this Bill and get it passed into law so that we can operationalise this plan and ultimately save lives.'
Mr Sunak has previously said it is his ambition to have removal flights leaving by the spring.
Former business secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Lords must recognise that the legislation passed with a strong majority.
But the MP - who backed rebel amendments but supported the Bill at third reading - said he thought it was 'unlikely' deportations would start before the next general election, regarded as likely to happen in November.
'I think it will be very difficult to stop the boats without the strengthening that I was supporting,' he said.
Leading lawyer and independent crossbencher Lord Carlile of Berriew said the Government is stepping 'towards totalitarianism' in its handling of the Rwanda Bill.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the House of Lords has a duty to protect the public from abuses by the Government.
He said: 'I think many of us in the House of Lords believe that is exactly what has happened, that good policymaking and the integrity of our legal system are under attack because of internal political quarrelling in the Conservative Party.
'If you want to blame someone, you can blame the lawyers, but the lawyers on the whole do not accept that. What we are doing is trying to countermand meddling by politicians in the law.
'It's been Government elevating itself to an unacceptable level above the law, above our much-admired Supreme Court, and above the reputation internationally of the United Kingdom law.
'We've seen in various countries the damage that is done when governments use perceived and often ill-judged political imperatives to place themselves above the courts this is a step towards totalitarianism and an attitude that the United Kingdom usually deprecates.
'I think you'll find that many of lawyers in the House of Lords will say this is a step too far, this is illegitimate interference by politics with the law, on an issue that can be solved in other ways.'
The KC added: 'There is a prospect the House of Lords could legitimately and, using proper procedures, delay this matter until it becomes impracticable to bring it into effect before a general election.
'It conceivably could be delayed until the autumn because Parliament doesn't sit throughout the summer and there will be challenges which the Government is going to have to take time to address anyway. The House of Lords does not go out of its way to defy the Government, unless the Government does something which plainly makes no sense.'
Peers suggested the House of Lords would be justified in taking an 'unconventional' approach and delaying the passage of the legislation. Pictured, the third reading result being announced in the Commons last night
Lord Carlile said the Bill would be 'intellectually destroyed' during committee stage in the Lords and he warned that usual conventions may not apply in the Upper House's handling of it.
He stated most Bills presented to the Lords are 'undeniably lawful' whereas the Rwanda legislation is 'plainly in breach of international law and runs the risk of the UK destroying its reputation as one of the fountainheads of the rule of law.
'Therefore, I believe the House of Lords will regard itself as being justified in taking a more unconventional position on this Bill.'
Conservative peer Lord Bourne told BBC Radio there would be a majority in the Lords against the Rwanda legislation.
He added: 'I'm concerned about the international law aspect of it.
'I don't understand why we have painted ourselves into a corner on this when there are other things that we should be doing on migration rather than putting all our eggs in one basket on Rwanda.'
Speaking to MailOnline, the 19-year-old described the Houthis as his 'brothers and relatives' and warned the US against further strikes on Yemen
A young Yemeni man who went viral on social media and was dubbed 'Tim-Houthi Chalamet' has said he is 'longing for martyrdom' and warned the US and UK that they 'face their end' if they continue to fight the Houthis.
Rashid Al Haddad - a 19-year-old from Ibb Governorate in central Yemen - captured the attention of netizens this week by posting videos to social media of himself aboard the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship seized by the Iran-backed rebels last year.
He quickly earned the nickname due to his likeness to Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet, with a number of users on X calling him the 'Hot Houthi' and commenting on how attractive they found him.
However, Rashid has also said he is a self-proclaimed 'Red Sea pirate', and while not a member of the Yemeni group, said he is 'ready for sacrifice and longing for martyrdom' while supporting the group's actions in the region in solidarity with Palestine - even as the US re-designated the Houthis as a terror group.
He also asked his admirers to stop gushing over his looks, said he does not appreciate the comparisons with the Wonka star, and told MailOnline that above all, he supports the Palestinian cause and the actions of the Houthi rebels.
Rashid Al Haddad - a 19-year-old from Ibb Governorate in central Yemen - captured the attention of netizens this week by posting videos to social media of himself aboard the Galaxy Leader, a cargo ship seized by the Iran-backed rebels last year
Social media users quickly commented on the man's resemblance to Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet, pictured on January 7 in Los Angeles at the Golden Globe awards
Since the Hamas terror group carried out its deadly terror attack against Israel October 7, prompting the Jewish state to launch an assault on Gaza, Houthi militia have been attacking ships in the region slowing trade between Asia and Europe.
READ MORE: US drops more bombs on Yemen as it launches airstrikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi terrorist missile launchers that were loaded and pinned on Navy ships Advertisement
The group says its attacks are being carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian people and, in particular, those in Gaza.
But the attacks have alarmed major powers, with the US and the UK launching strikes on Houthi sites aiming to degrade their ability to attack shipping in the Red Sea.
The most recent US strikes were carried out overnight.
The Galaxy Leader, which Rashid boarded, was hijacked by at least ten armed Houthis in the Red Sea on November 19, who used a helicopter to board the vessel.
Since then, it has been moored in waters off the coast of Yemen and turned into a tourist attraction, with Yemeni often influencers parading flags on its deck.
Rashid is among those to have visited the ship since it was seized.
The wavy-haired TikToker first posted a video of himself approaching the huge Bahamas-flagged, Japan-chartered Galaxy Leader vessel in a small boat.
In another clip, he is then seen standing on the deck of the Galaxy Leader, waving the flag of Yemen, while a third clip shows him below deck, walking through a large empty space that likely once held some of the ship's cargo.
Users online were quick to note his resemblance to Hollywood superstar Chalamet - who has had starring roles in films including Wonka, Dune, Little Women and the French Dispatch, with one netizien dubbing him 'Tim-Houthi Chalamet'.
'Why is Timothy Chalamet working with the Houthis?' another joked on X.
Others commented on how attractive they found Rashid, with one writing: 'That guy should be a model.' Another simply wrote: 'Shiver me timbers.'
In comments to MailOnline, Rashid said he was happy that the Galaxy Leader was hijacked, and warned the US of consequences if it continues to strike Yemen.
'The first thing when [Houthis] took the ship, we were relieved for the sake of our brothers in Palestine,' he said in a series of messages.
'The ship [will remain] in the Red Sea until they lifted the siege on the Gaza Strip, and the entire Yemeni people also wanted to visit the ship.'
On his thoughts about the US-UK strikes on Yemen, Rashid said: 'There is no problem. We are all Yemenis and they (Houthis) are Yemenis. Houthi is just a title.
'They are my brothers and they are my relatives. We are not afraid of anything, but their war will not affect Yemen, but rather it will be their end if they play with us.'
Pictures on his Instagram from last year show Rashid standing on a hill overlooking fields and villages below with an AK-47 rifle slung over his shoulder
Users online were quick to note Rashid's resemblance to Hollywood superstar Timothee Chalamet - who has had starring roles in films including Wonka, Dune, Little Women and the French Dispatch - with one netizien even dubbing him 'Tim-Houthi Chalamet'
In comments to MailOnline, Rashid (pictured) said he was happy that the Galaxy Leader was hijacked, and warned the US of consequences if it continues to strike Yemen
Rashid also addressed people comparing him to Timothee Chalamet, saying that above everything else, he supports the Palestinian cause.
'Hollywood actor Timothee Chalamet is one thing and another,' he said.
'I am a Yemeni Muslim. I support the Palestinian cause, and I do not think about what they say about me on social media sites.
'My goal is for people to interact and take the side of Palestine. I will be grateful to everyone. In my opinion, I thank them all (people commenting online), but they focused on beauty and did not focus on the Palestinian issue.'
Rashid also spoke with popular American Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has over 2.6 million followers, on Tuesday.
Speaking through a translator, he reiterated his support for the people of Palestine, but refused to be drawn on whether or not he himself is a Houthi rebel.
Through the translator, he told Piker the 'only motivation that they have is their solidarity with Palestine and to stop the attack on Palestine.'
He also said the US-UK strikes were 'nothing new for Yemenis,' pointing to the fact that the Houthi-controlled region of northern Yemen was for several years the target of an intense bombing campaign by Saudi Arabia from 2015.
'They're almost honoured to be targeted by the US because they are confronting the US head on and directly,' Piker's translator clarified.
Pictured: A still grab from Rashid's video showing him on the deck of the Galaxy Leader vessel
Comments from Rashid online have given conflicting accounts on whether he himself is a soldier. While he denied it to MailOnline and to Piker, on Instagram he answered 'yes' when asked by a user of the social media platform if he was a soldier.
Pictures on his Instagram from last year also showed him standing on a hill overlooking fields and villages below with an AK-47 rifle slung over his shoulder.
Rashid also took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask his legion of new-found fans to stop focusing on his looks. There, he wrote: I did not talk about beauty or anything else, but our issue is Palestine, and this is not the time to talk about beauty.
'I hope that my message will reach you, a free Palestine, and we will ignite it against the Israeli aggression that violates human rights.'
In other comments on Twitter, he wrote: 'Ready to sacrifice, longing for martyrdom,' along with a short clip of him aboard the Galaxy Leader.
But despite his insistence, he doesn't appear too bothered by the attention he is getting from supporters on social media.
He has quickly amassed thousands of followers, despite his TikTok account being shut down, and has even been sent fan art.
In addition to the comparisons made between him and Chalamet, Rashid was also told by Piker about people likening him to Monkey D. Luffy, the pirate protagonist of the Japanese Manga series One Piece, which has also been adapted into a hugely popular anime series and Netflix live action show.
Rashid told Piker that he watched the anime series, but said through the translator that his focus was on supporting the people of Gaza.
He also posted a picture of himself and Chalamet on X, suggesting he could star along-side his Hollywood lookalike.
The Galaxy Leader was travelling between Turkey and India when it was seized on November 19, one of a number of vessels to come under attack by the Houthis
Houthi gunmen released footage of them landing on the vessel in a helicopter before taking ctonrol of the ship by forces, before rerouting it to Yemen
Houthi gunmen stormed the bridge and took control of the Galaxy Leader
Rashid's comments came as the US military said on Wednesday its forces conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired from Yemen, in the fourth day of US strikes in less than a week.
In a statement on social media, US Central Command said the Houthi missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
'These missiles on launch rails ... could have been fired at any time, prompting US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves,' it added.
'These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthi's capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.'
Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia on ships in the region since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers. The US strikes are meant to degrade the Houthis' ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.
People wait for boats to take them away after touring the deck of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship
But the Houthis, who control most of Yemen, say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and have threatened to expand their attacks.
Earlier on Wednesday, US Central Command said a drone launched from areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen had struck a US-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden. There was some damage but no injuries in the attack, it added on X.
The vessel, M/V Genco Picardy, is a Marshall Islands-flagged flagged, US-operated bulk carrier ship, it said.
The United States returned the Yemen-based Houthi rebels to a list of terrorist groups, as the militants also claimed another attack this week on a US-operated vessel in the Red Sea region.
A sneaky lab mouse in at a facility in China managed to escape a technician by climbing on to the back of her hazmat suit and clinging on for ten minutes while she desperately searched for it.
CCTV footage from a lab in Shanghai shows the lab worker taking rodents out of their cages to weigh them when three of them jump out and escape.
Lab technician Tian Yongyi frantically searches for the mouse, even lying on the floor to look under cabinets as the clever rodent clings to her and scrambles over her back without her noticing.
The white mouse managed to avoid capture for more than 10 minutes before the lab tech eventually realised the mouse was sitting on her shoulder.
Chinese animal testing facilities have come under scrutiny since allegations were first made about a 'lab leak' in Wuhan being the root of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The lab worker, who was wearing a mask and a hazmat suit, seemingly can't spot the rodent even when it's clinging to her front
Lab technician Tian Yongyi frantically searches for the mouse, even lying on the floor to look under cabinets
The rodent evaded capture for ten minutes, according to reports, by clinging onto the lab tech's suit
Experts have said the allegations about the emergence of the virus in late December 2019 remain unproven, though they are still being looked into, including by congressional investigators in the US.
It is not clear what the mice in the Shanghai facility shown in the footage were being used for and there is no suggestion there were any health and safety risks.
In hilarious footage of the incident, the lab worker is seen panicking after the mice she is moving escape the box and climb all over her.
Wearing a mask and a blue hazmat suit, she seemingly cannot spot the rodent even when it's holding onto her front.
One of her colleagues can be seen in the background getting on with their work as she frantically searches for the mouse
She works quickly to capture all the rodents she has freed, searching vigilantly until she tracks down the one that has evaded her.
It comes after it emerged this week that Chinese scientists have been experimenting with a mutant coronavirus strain that is 100 percent lethal in mice despite concerns such research could spark another pandemic.
The technician fails to realise the mouse is on her back as she crouches down on the floor to check for it under a shelving unit
One of her colleagues can be seen in the background getting on with their work as she frantically searches for the mouse
Scientists in Beijing who are linked to the Chinese military cloned a Covid-like virus found in pangolins, known as GX_P2V, and used it to infect mice.
The mice had been 'humanized', meaning they were engineered to express a protein found in people, with the goal being to assess how the virus might react in humans.
Every rodent that was infected with the pathogen died within eight days, which the researchers described as 'surprisingly' quick.
Scientists in Beijing who are linked to the Chinese military cloned a Covid-like virus found in pangolins , known as GX_P2V, and used it to infect mice
The team were also surprised to find high levels of viral load in the mice's brains and eyes - suggesting the virus, despite being related to Covid, multiplies and spreads through the body in a unique way.
Writing in a scientific paper that has not yet been published, they warned the finding 'underscores a spillover risk of GX_P2V into humans'.
Mice are the animals most commonly used in biomedical research around the world.
China released its first national standards governing the treatment of lab animals in 2016.
A prison warden in Scotland who was rushed to hospital after inhaling drugs being smoked by inmates has won a payout.
The officer, who has not been named, was attending to inmates who were under the influence of psychoactive substances at HMP Shotts in North Lanarkshire.
However, after breathing in fumes from the drugs the prison warden started to hallucinate. He became badly disorientated and started behaving aggressively.
The warden was then taken to hospital where he was treated for some physical injuries and long-term mental health injuries as a result of inhaling the drugs.
Following the incident, the officer brought a civil claim against the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) which was settled out of court.
A prison warden at HMP Shotts in North Lanarkshire was attending to inmates under the influence of psychoactive substances when he inhaled the drugs and started to hallucinate. The officer was then taken to hospital where he was treated for some physical injuries and long-term mental health injuries
The warden brought a civil claim against the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) which was settled out of court in 2019. Stock photo
BBC Scotland reported that compensation was paid to the officer in 2019.
A spokesperson for the SPS, in a statement to BBC Scotland, said: 'The health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who live and work in our establishments is a key priority for SPS,' said a spokesperson.
The presence of illicit substances in the wider community is a constant challenge and we continue to work hard to safeguard staff, and those in our care, from the harm they cause.'
Drug use in Scottish prisons has been a persistent problem in recent years. Data published by the Scottish Conservative in January 2023 found the number of prisoners caught with drugs in Scottish prisons had increased by 1100% since 2014.
In October 2023, 75,000 worth of drugs, knives and other contrabands were being flown into Scottish prisons using drones.
The SNP government in Edinburgh have proposed the introduction of drug consumption rooms in Scotland to allow drug users to use Class A drugs without fear of arrest
A drug user on a street in Portland. Since the city decriminalised in 2021, addicts have migrated to the city to partake in legal drug consumption
Outside of Scotland's prisons, the SNP government in Edinburgh have proposed the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use. The SNP also want to introduce harm-reduction measures such as supervised drug consumption facilities for drug users.
The first supervised drug consumption room in the UK has been given the green light to open in Glasgow and will begin treating Class A drug users in the not so distant future.
However, the city of Portland in the USA issued a warning to the Scottish Government not to make the same mistakes they made when the city decriminalised drugs in 2021. The policy led to addicts from across the United States migrating to Portland to partake in legal drug consumption.
In September 2023 Portland started to rollback some of its decriminalisation laws.
Sheryl Sandberg, long one of most prominent female voices in Silicon Valley, shocked the tech world on Wednesday by announcing her departure from Meta's board of directors after 16 years with the company.
Sandberg, 54, made her announced the move in a post on Facebook. Her decision comes less than two years after she tied the knot with former NBC News producer and now-communications guru Tom Bernthal.
The marriage is Sandberg's third. In 2015 she became a symbol of heartbreaking grief when second-husband David Goldberg died in an accident while working out on vacation, widowing her with two children as she continued to help run one of the world's best-known companies.
Prior to that, Sandberg was married for a year in 1994 to Maryland-native Brian D. Kraff. The couple were wed shortly after she graduated from Harvard University and was working for the World Bank.
Sandberg has two children from her marriage to Goldberg, a son and daughter.
Sheryl Sandberg pictured with her first husband, Brian Kraff, at the time of their 1994 wedding. The nuptials would only last for 12 months
Sandberg pictured with her late former husband David Goldberg at the Sun Valley conference in 2013
Sandberg pictured with her husband Tom Bernthal at the Sun Valley Conference in Idaho in July 2023
Little is known about Sandberg's first marriage to Brian Kraff. A September 1994 Miami Herald wedding announcement said that the pair tied the knot on June 11 that year.
Kraff is referred to as the son of Dr. Barton Kraff, a noted psychiatrist.
Brian Kraff is a graduate of Cornell University and received an MBA from Columbia University. He is named as the CEO of Advanced Network Systems in Bethesda.
Less than a year later, Sandberg would be working in Bill Clinton's administration as Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers' chief of staff.
The circumstances surrounded the couple's divorce were not made public. Around the time of her marriage to Tom Bernthal, numerous reports mentioned David Goldberg as her 'first husband.'
In 2012, Sandberg's close friend, attorney Elise Scheck Bonwitt, said of her marriage to Kraff in an interview with the Palm Beach Post: 'He's a great guy. It didn't work out,' while noting that the partnership lasted 'around a year.'
Sandberg disclosed in a 2011 interview with The New Yorker that while working at Google, she fell in love with her long-time best friend, David Goldberg.
They married in 2004 and had their first child in 2005.
Goldberg died of severe head trauma in an accident while exercising at a resort in the Mexican town of Punta Mita in May 2015 while on vacation with family and friends.
Sandberg disclosed in a 2011 interview with The New Yorker that while working at Google, she fell in love with her long-time best friend, David Goldberg
He was found lying next to a treadmill Friday at the resort, which is near Puerto Vallarta. The SurveyMonkey CEO was 47 years old.
Goldberg left his room at about 4 p.m. to exercise, and family members went to look for him after he didn't return.
He was found at about 6:30 p.m. in one of the resort's gymnasiums lying by a treadmill in a pool of blood, with a blow to the lower back of his head.
He apparently had slipped on the treadmill and hit the machine.
A month before his death, Goldberg told Business Insider of maxing out his credit cards in the early 1990s to fund one of his first Internet ventures, a music site, before going on to work at other tech companies, including Yahoo.
A year after Goldberg's passing, Sandberg began a three year relationship with former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick.
They called it quits in 2019 after three years together. A source close to Sandberg and Kotick said at the time that the pair are 'very different people.'
'She's a left-wing Democrat who takes herself very seriously. He's a right-wing Republican who, if he wasn't a very, very successful businessman, he'd probably be a stand-up comedian,' the source told Page Six.
Sandberg, 49, called it quits with the Activation Blizzard CEO after three years together
A source close to Sandberg and Kotick said the pair are 'very different people', noting that she's a 'left-wing Democrat' while he's a 'right-wing Republican'
The source said that while Sandberg prefers to spend her weekends with her two children helping in a soup kitchen, Kotick 'likes flying helicopters'.
'Understandably, she is fully devoted to her children and work at the moment,' they added. 'Sheryl is under a huge amount of work stress right now.'
Sandberg defended her relationship with Kotick in 2017, saying there was a double standard when it came to how quickly widows or widowers get back to dating.
'Men date sooner, men date more, and women get judged more,' she told the Guardian. 'And, you know, obviously that's super unfair.'
In 2021, it was alleged in a Wall Street Journal report that Kotick had raped and sexually assaulted women and that the Activision board knew about the allegations and did not act.
In an Instagram post, Sandberg shared a picture of herself and her new husband in with the caption: 'MARRIED '
The couple, who got engaged on a ranch and share a love of country music, tied the knot in Wyoming and incorporated several Western touches into their special day
The same year that Sandberg split from Kotick, she was introduced to her current husband, Tom Bernthal by her late husband's brother, Rob Goldberg. He would go on to serve as the officiant at the ceremony.
The wedding was held at the Four Seasons Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the entire hotel booked for guests including the groom's brother, Hollywood actor Jon Bernthal, along with tech titans and Washington, DC, power players, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.
In an Instagram post after the ceremony, Sandberg shared a picture of herself and her new husband in with the caption: 'MARRIED '
The couple, who got engaged on a ranch and share a love of country music, incorporated several Western touches into their special day, which included the groom's outfit of jeans and cowboy boots, according to People Magazine.
Following Saturday's nuptials, Bernthal also shared the couple's wedding picture on his own account, with the heartfelt caption: 'After both experiencing loss, @sherylsandberg and I weren't sure we would ever find love again. Over the last three years, we've merged our lives and blended our families. Our wedding today was a dream come true.'
Meta 's former COO Sheryl Sandberg plans to step down from her position on the company's board of directors after her term ends in May
In announcing her departure, Sandberg posted this undated photo showing her with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
Sandberg plans to step down from her position on the company's board of directors after her term ends in May, she said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
'Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away,' Sandberg said in the post, adding that she will serve as an adviser to the company.
Sandberg's decision came in after she spent more than 14 years as the company's chief operating officer, in addition to 12 years on its board. Sandberg stepped down from her position as Meta's operations chief in 2022.
Once second-in-command to founder Zuckerberg, Sandberg was one of the most visible executives at the company and the lead architect of its often-criticized ads-based business model.
Sandberg has been a staunch defender of Facebook over the course of its many controversies, consistently arguing that executives were learning from their mistakes and honing the company's tools to better police against harmful content.
A Harvard University graduate, Sandberg is the author of several books, including the 2013 feminist manifesto 'Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.'
Supporters are preparing to gather for a public rally demanding the release of Julian Assange at 6pm today at Conway Hall in central London.
Some of the high profile supporters set to attend include Assange's wife Stella, MP and former leader of the Labour party Jeremy Corbyn and MPs David Davis, Richard Burgon and Alexei Sayle, according to Action Network.
This comes after the UK High Court confirmed that a public hearing is to take place on 20 and 21 February - with the two-day hearing being the final chance for Assange to prevent his extradition to the United States to face espionage charges.
If extradited, Assange faces a sentence of 175 years.
The Wikileaks founder has been held in HMP Belmarsh maximum security prison in southeast London since April 2019, after being forcibly removed from Ecuador's embassy when his seven-year diplomatic asylum was revoked.
As his final appeal date looms, supporters rally for his release and health issues become a cause for concern, we explore where Julian Assange is now.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is seen on the balcony of the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, Britain, May 19, 2017
Why is Julian Assange in Belmarsh?
READ MORE: What did Julian Assange do? From founding WikiLeaks to facing extradition Advertisement
Julian Assange is an Australian-born computer programmer and founder of WikiLeaks, the non-profit organisation.
In 2006, Assange created Wikileaks with a group of like-minded activists and IT experts to provide a secure way for whistleblowers to leak information - he quickly becomes its figurehead and a lightning rod for criticism.
In 2010, he was accused of rape and sexual assault by two women in Sweden, he denied charges and sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in June 2012.
Assange now faces being extradited after US WikiLeaks, the organisation he co-founded, published a series of leaks provided by US army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning.
The leaks included 75,000 documents relating to the war in Afghanistan and approximately 390,000 army field reports relating to the Iraq war.
Assange requested political asylum in the embassy and said he would not leave if charges brought by the Swedish government were dropped, because of fears of being extradited in the US.
Sweden did drop the case in 2019 but Assange had his diplomatic asylum revoked by Ecuador in April 2019 and he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police; he was remanded in custody by a judge at Westminster Magistrates Court.
In February 2020, Assange began facing a series of a extradition hearings while held at Belmarsh, which is home to former Metropolitan Police officer and serial rapist David Carrick, who is serving 32 years for 24 counts of rape over two decades.
Several years of consequent legal to-and-fro has resulted in Assange appealing multiple decisions to extradite him.
If extradited, Assange faces a lengthy prison sentence for crimes under the espionage act.
WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange leaves Westminster Magistrates Court in London, Britain January 13, 2020
Buildings are reflected in the window as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is taken from court, where he appeared on charges of jumping bail in London, on May 1, 2019
His Majesty's Prison Belmarsh is a Category A men's prison in Thamesmead, southeast London, England, used in high-profile cases
Did Julian Assange get married in Belmarsh?
READ MORE: Julian Assange's lawyer bride Stella Moris dons Vivienne Westwood graffiti wedding dress Advertisement
The Wikileaks founder tied the knot with long-time fiance Stella Moris in a ceremony inside HMP Belmarsh in March 2022.
The 41-year-old human rights lawyer, who is mother to two children Assange secretly fathered in the Ecuadorian embassy, appeared outside the jail in a full-length wedding dress with one of designer Vivienne Westwood's signature corsets.
Her floor-length tulle veil was embroidered with with messages from their friends and family which included words such as 'valiant, wild, relentless and free enduring love.'
Assange wore a specially made tartan kilt by the designer in honour of his Scottish roots.
The couple married inside the high-security southeast London prison in a small ceremony attended by two guests and two prison guards- with a guard acting as wedding snapper.
Speaking in an op-ed for the Guardian ahead of the ceremony Moris said of the dress: 'I am honoured to be wearing their beautiful creation. It is a symbol of our love and defiance in the face of this cruel situation.'
The prison refused permission for journalists or a photographer to be present as witnesses on security grounds.
After a civil ceremony and a blessing by a Catholic chaplain in the presence of their two young sons - Gabriel, six, and Max, five - the new Mr and Mrs Julian Assange were escorted back into the prison's general visiting hall.
Stella Moris' floor-length veil was embroidered with messages such as 'valiant', 'wild' 'relentless' and 'free enduring love'
The silver satin gown featured puff-sleeve peplum overcoat with a statement collar buttoned up over a corset and floor-length skirt
The 38-year-old lawyer is mother to two children Assange secretly fathered in the Ecuadorian embassy, Max, 3, and Gabriel, 4, and is pictured with her sons at a hotel in London, ahead of their wedding
How is Julian Assange's health in Bellmarsh?
American-British author and journalist Charles Glass detailed his recent visit with Assange at Belmarsh Prison earlier this month in an article published on The Nation.
Glass described Assange during his visit as 'deathly pale' - to which the Wikileaks joked in response, 'They call it prison pale.'
Glass wrote: 'He has not seen the sun. Warders confine him to a cell for 23 out of every 24 hours. His single hour of recreation takes place within four walls, under supervision. His paleness is best described as deathly.'
Initial fears over his health emerged in 2020, when Assange began facing extradition charges while being held at Belmarsh.
READ MORE: PETER HITCHENS argues extraditing the WikiLeaks boss to the US violates British sovereignty, threatens press freedom and is nothing less than a politically motivated kidnap Advertisement
Assange had been held in solitary confinement in a medical wing until January 2020, before being moved to an area with other inmates.
Joseph Farrell, of WikiLeaks, said in 2020: 'In a dramatic climbdown, authorities at Belmarsh prison have moved Julian Assange from solitary confinement in the medical wing and relocated him to area with other inmates.
'The move is a huge victory for Assange's legal team and for campaigners, who have been insisting for weeks that the prison authorities end the punitive treatment of Assange.'
On April 11 2020, wife Stella Moris issued a plea for his release amid further fears for his health.
In December 2021, Assange had a stroke in Belmarsh Prison, Stella revealed.
The WikiLeaks publisher was left with a drooping right eyelid, memory problems and signs of neurological damage.
He believed the mini-stroke was triggered by the stress of the ongoing US court action against him, and an overall decline in his health as he faced his third Christmas behind bars.
In June 2022, Ms Moris said she had been 'preparing for the worst' and was worried for Mr Assange's life while being held in Belmarsh prison.
She said: 'I'm going to use every waking hour fighting for Julian until he is free.'
She said her husband had told her that he planned to kill himself if he was extradited and revealed that a new appeal would include evidence that the CIA allegedly tried to kill him with poison when he was hiding in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.
Ms Moris said: 'If he's extradited to the US, the conditions he will be under will be oppressive. It will drive him to take his own life. That's not simply a regular discussion about mental health. We are talking about driving a person to take their own life.'
In October 2022, as the Wikileaks founder tested positive for Coronavirus, Ms Moris claimed Assange is locked in his cell for '24 hours a day' and cited fears over his general health.
Julian Assange gestures to the media from a police vehicle on his arrival at Westminster Magistrates court on April 11, 2019 in London, England
Will Julian Assange be extradited to the United States?
A crucial High Court appeal that could determine Assange's fate is scheduled for 20 and 21 February 2024.
A statement released by Wikileaks on Tuesday, December 19, announced that the High Court has confirmed the two-day hearing, according to People's Dispatch.
It will be held before a bench of two judges and review the decision by Justice Jonathan Swift of the High Court to reject Assange's plea against his extradition.
In this last-ditch attempt by Assange's defence team, the two judges will decide whether the Wikileaks founder will have any further chance to appeal his case in a British court or prepare for the looming extradition.
If extradited, Assange will stand trial before a federal grand jury in the US on 18 charges that carry a combined prison sentence of 175 years. Of the 18 charges leveled against him, 17 are under the US Espionage Act.
As supporters prepare to rally for Assange's freedom in central London this evening, event organisers say: 'Julian's case is a landmark moment; the UK needs to decide if it wishes to be a haven for free press or if it wishes to be complicit in the degradation of a core value of our democracy.'
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks at a rally in London on February 11, 2023, during a day of activities in support of Julian Assange
People dress up in costume and form procession during a night of carnival in protest against Julian Assange's extradition at Lincoln's Inn on February 11, 2023 in London
A Tory former Cabinet minister was accused of sexism in the House of Commons last night after he branded a female MP 'hysterical'.
Dr Liam Fox was labelled a 'misogynist' by fellow MPs after he made the remark about the SNP's Alison Thewliss.
The row came during the debate on Rishi Sunak's new Rwanda Bill, which the Prime Minister hopes will finally get migrant deportation flights to Africa off the ground.
Dr Fox told the Commons it was 'very clear' it was only the Conservative Party that 'understands the concept of deterrence when it comes to the importance of dealing with illegal immigration'.
As he was heckled by Ms Thewliss, Dr Fox shot back: 'She has had her hysterical say. I will have mine.'
The SNP frontbencher, her party's home affairs spokeswoman, had earlier told MPs the Rwanda Bill 'amounts to nothing more and nothing less than state-sponsored people trafficking'.
Tory former Cabinet minister Liam Fox was accused of sexism in the House of Commons after he branded a female MP 'hysterical'
Dr Fox was labelled a 'misogynist' by fellow MPs after he made the remark about the SNP's Alison Thewliss
Fleur Anderson, the Labour MP for Putney, criticised Dr Fox for his comment about Ms Thewliss. She told MPs: 'I am shocked to hear it'
After Dr Fox's remark, Ms Thewliss shouted back at the ex-minister: 'Misogynist!'
But the former defence secretary ignored her remark and continued with his speech, adding: 'That understanding is in stark contrast to the intellectual vacuum that passes for todays Labour Party.'
Fleur Anderson, the Labour MP for Putney, later criticised Dr Fox for his comment about Ms Thewliss.
She told the Commons: 'I also am shocked to hear a member calling another member a female member hysterical.
'It is a classic callout of misogynistic term and I am shocked to hear it.'
Ms Thewliss had claimed in her speech that the Government 'has become the criminal gang, breaking international law, moving vulnerable people across the world without legal process, no right of appeal, no concern for the safety or human rights of asylum seekers, to a country they do not know, involving money and involving profit'.
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill later passed unamended by 320 votes to 276, majority 44.
Only 11 Tories, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, voted against the PM's immigration plan as a threatened large-scale rebellion fell away.
The sister of a doctor who was fatally stabbed during an alleged home invasion has revealed that watching her devastated parents grieve has been the hardest part of losing her brother.
Ashley Gordon, 33, was found with a fatal stab wound in his car less than a kilometre from his home in Doncaster, in Melbourne's northeast, on Saturday night.
Two boys, both aged 16, were arrested and interviewed by homicide detectives on Wednesday.
The pair from Dandenong and Travancore were both charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft and will appear at a children's court at a later date.
Dr Gordon's sister, Natalie, on Thursday, opened up about the tragedy and the toll it's taking on her mother and father.
The sister of a doctor who was fatally stabbed during an alleged home invasion has revealed that watching her devastated parents grieve has been the hardest part of losing her brother (the family are pictured)
'That's the hardest part for me,' she told 7News.
'We all held him on the biggest pedestal, and it's gone. It's just gone.'
Dr Gordon's funeral will be held next Thursday but his family have struggled to compile photos for his memorial.
'I can't begin to explain how hard it is now to go through photos ... to go through photos and try to pick photos to show everyone how amazing he was,' Natalie said.
Dr Gordon's family thanked detectives for their tireless work in the wake of the arrests of the two teenagers.
'We feel happy and grateful for the detectives working so hard to get them so quickly,' his sister Natalie told Daily Mail Australia.
'We are very thankful to the detectives for all the efforts they put in to this and continue to so that we see justice served.'
The breakthrough comes after Daily Mail Australia exclusively pictured detectives raiding a home - close to Dr Gordon's house in Melbourne's east - that was the site of a raucous party on the night of his death.
Dr Ash Gordon (right) was stabbed to death outside his home on Saturday night. He's pictured with his partner Dakota Nagel (left) who issued a tribute last night
The arrest of two teens over Dr Gordon's death came a day after police raided a nearby home in Doncaster on Tuesday. Pictured is a detective at the scene
During the raids, a young man was seen seated in the front passenger seat of an unmarked car, alongside two female officers.
The officers escorted the boy, dressed in a long singlet top, shorts and boots, into the two-storey property.
Detectives could be seen scouring the upstairs floor and carrying out cardboard evidence bags and boxes filled with documents.
Officers were later seen paying special attention to a garage adjoining the house.
Police vowed to provide additional support to Dr Gordon's loved ones in the wake of Wednesday's arrests.
'We know that Ash's family and loved ones are grieving. This arrest will not take away the tragedy of this dreadful situation, but we hope that it will alleviate some of their distress,' Serious Crime Division Superintendent Janet Stevenson said on Thursday.
'Ash was a much-loved, valued member of our community, and we are all trying to make sense of what has occurred.'
Two teens have been charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft four days after Dr Ash Gordon (pictured) was allegedly stabbed to death
Police acknowledged Dr Gordon's death had sparked fear in the community.
'Since this incident occurred on Saturday, the Homicide Squad investigators have worked tirelessly with our colleagues in the region and specialist units to identify, locate and apprehend those allegedly responsible for this tragedy,' Supt Stevenson added.
'This type of incident can create fear and uncertainty.
'We want our community to feel safe in their homes and to that end, Victoria Police will do continue to do everything in our power to make this a reality.'
Dr Gordon was fatally stabbed after giving chase to a group of intruders who broke into his Sargent Street home.
He followed the group in his car and got out to confront them in a nearby street before he was allegedly stabbed to death less than a kilometre from his home.
Neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they have reported a spate of crimes throughout the street in recent weeks, including a November break-in and theft of a car last week.
Dr Gordon's death comes a year after his girlfriend Dakota Nagel, 25, made headlines when she mysteriously disappeared from the couple's Doncaster home after spending the night clubbing with friends.
Police finally located Ms Nagel safe and well a week later with the nature of her 'out-of-character' disappearance never explained.
Police raided Dr Gordon's home on Tuesday, which was the scene of a party before he was allegedly stabbed to death
Ms Nagel hit back at speculation that her disappearance from the same home a year ago is linked to her partner's death.
'As far as we are concerned, the individuals involved in my disappearance were not involved in Ash's tragic death, and there is no link between the two,' Ms Nagel told the Herald Sun on Wednesday.
'Please during this time of grieving be mindful of speculating as it causes more harm and heartache than good.
'We would like people to respect our right to privacy.'
The new royal health concerns have cast doubt on the wisdom of a slimmed-down Monarchy, according to the Daily Mails Richard Eden.
Writing in the latest edition of his Palace Confidential newsletter, Eden says that Kates lengthy hospital stay plus news that the King will be undergoing a procedure for an enlarged prostate has left 'The Firm exposed - with few front-line royals now available to work.
Yesterday, it was announced that the Princess of Wales has undergone abdominal surgery and is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
The Princess of Wales is said to be recovering well at the London Clinic
The London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales will be staying for the next ten to 14 days
It has been announced that the Princess of Wales is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter
A statement from Kensington Palace was put out at 2pm yesterday
Prince William wants to spend time by his wife's side as she convalesces
I must admit that it came as a shock when a statement arrived from Kensington Palace, writes Eden, editor of The Daily Mails Diary.
Although officials emphasised that the surgery was planned, its serious nature was reflected in the fact that she would remain in hospital for up to two weeks.
These days, hospitals are often keen to discharge patients after only a few days, even after major operations.
Such royal bulletins usually play down the nature of health conditions, yet the statement said that Catherine was unlikely to return to public life for another 11 weeks.
Part of my shock was because Catherine, 42, has always seemed so fit and healthy, often taking part in sporting activities during official engagements, he continues.
Adding to the sense of health crisis in the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace released a statement later that day, revealing that King Charles, 75, would undergo a medical procedure next week.
King Charles and Kate have a warm relationship. In Kenya last year, he referred to her as his 'beloved daughter-in-law'
King Charles has explained that he requires treatment for an enlarged prostate
In contrast to the statement about Catherine, it provided details about his condition, explaining that he required treatment for an enlarged prostate. His engagements would be cancelled for a short period.
The fact that two of the most senior members of The Firm will be out of action at the same time, and with Prince William wanting to spend more time with his wife as she convalesces, adds to my concerns about the Kings vision of a slimmed-down Monarchy.
Its at times like this that we need a strong Firm, with other members of the family ready to step into the breach.
And I dont mean Prince Harry and Meghan!
To read more of Richard's expert Royal commentary, click here
Heart-rending images have laid bare the devastation wrought on Zimbabwe's elephant population amid a brutal drought last year - with experts fearing more deaths could follow.
Around 160 of the gentle giants perished in a matter of weeks in the country's Hwange national park, which did not experience a single drop of rain between February and November 2023.
By August the park's animals were hard-pressed to find sustenance, with the lack of water also having a significant impact on the abundance of food sources and nutrition.
Some images showed elephants collapsed in a heap on the bone-dry turf, their corpses painted with the faeces of opportunistic vultures digging into the rugged skin.
Other yet more evocative pictures showed elephant carcasses lying in a pool of water after the rains arrived at the end of November, with one park spokesperson claiming many of the beasts died just a few hundred feet from a water source.
Once the rains came, yet more elephant calves died after they became stuck in the mud, unable to free themselves in their weak, starved state.
The shocking photographs highlight the harsh but unbiased brutality of Mother Nature, exposing the cruelty of drought conditions in which only the strongest survive.
An vulture is seen standing on the head of a young elephant that died from thirst or starvation
Carcasses littered the park where a total absence of water devastated food sources
More than 160 elephants died in a matter of weeks in the Zimbabwe park
Other yet more evocative pictures showed elephant carcasses lying in a pool of water after the rains arrived in December, with one park spokesperson claiming many of the beasts died less than 100 metres from a water source
In this photo supplied by IFAW, an elephant lies dead metres from a watering hole in Hwange National Park, Tuesday Dec. 5, 2023
The decaying carcasses are a grisly sign of what wildlife authorities and conservation groups say is the impact of climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon
Head of the Bhejane Trust conservation group Trevor Lane described the horrible circumstances faced by the animal populations in the park in a statement late last year.
'The last three months was a very horrific spectacle to watch, with elephants too weak to carry on, falling over and waiting to die, calves that lost their mothers walking around doomed, and the terrible smell of death hanging over the park.
'We will never know how many died as we found carcasses deep in the bush, but probably several hundred. Heat and food stress was the killer!
'This is nature at work, with survival of the fittest. That the rains stopped in February meant the grass growth was not fully attained, so there was less grass nutrient available, and then the trees lost their leaves in winter,' he explained.
'What was still available dried out, and then combined with struggling to get to water and competing for it, all compounded into a very stressful situation, resulting in many deaths.
'There was little that could be done to prevent this with the resources at hand. Nature can be very harsh!' he concluded.
Another conservationist told The Guardian that at one stage more than 1,800 elephants were trying to drink from a single water source.
'It was horrible to see orphaned calves waiting aimlessly for death, and it's horrible to drive around seeing and smelling dead elephants,' they said.
Authorities warned that more could die as forecasts suggest a scarcity of rains and rising heat in parts of the southern African nation including the national park affected by the El Nino weather phenomenon
Park workers try desperately to free a weak elephant calf stuck in mud after the rains came
An elephant drinks from a scarce water source as one of the herd's calves lies dead in the background
A herd of elephants stand together in the middle of the Zimbabwean bush in a desperate search for water
Lane also warned that 2024 could see the onset of similar drought conditions.
Last year, a weather system dubbed 'El Nino' brought floods across East Africa - but had the opposite effect in the south of the continent.
'We are aware that we might have an El Nino and a big drought in 2024,' he said.
'We will see what we can do to mitigate that, but it will just be survival of the fittest - if there's another drought we'll have to go through the same thing again.'
In a desperate bid to prevent a repeat of last year's horrendous spate of deaths, the Hwange park workers are drilling boreholes into the cracked earth and installing solar-powered pumps.
This aims to help supply water for as long as possible into the drought, and also serves to spread the elephants out over a wider area, reducing competition for a small number of watering holes.
Zimbabwe's rainy season once started reliably in October and ran through to March. It has become erratic in recent years and conservationists have noticed longer, more severe dry spells, which many have put down to climate change.
Elephants are a key ally in fighting climate change through the ecosystem by dispersing vegetation over long distances through dung that contains plant seeds, conservationists said.
The animals enable forests to spread, regenerate and flourish. Trees suck planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
'They perform a far bigger role than humans in reforestation,' Lane said.
'That is one of the reasons we fight to keep elephants alive.'
Pizza Hut have been accused of using 'dirty tactics' in an alleged bid to steal customers after their 10ft billboard was dumped in front of a small family-run rival.
Italian restaurant Portobello in Tamworth, Staffordshire, shamed the pizza giant by sharing a photo of a van carrying their digital advert while parked on double yellow lines in front of their eatery on Saturday evening.
The giant bright red billboard reads 'your Pizza Hut delivery! Under new management' and is claimed to have been parked there for almost two hours, including while the restaurant was open.
However the move backfired when Portobello shared the image online and claimed Pizza Hut staff were there to 'learn from experts', while dozens of infuriated locals slammed the brand.
Before co-owner Mike Brown asked the driver to move his vehicle, waitress Katie Searle, 26, snapped the photo and mocked the food giants on social media.
The restaurant's post jokes: 'Portobello are giving Pizza Hut some training on how to make the perfect pizza. They've come to the experts.'
The Pizza Hut billboard outside Portobello restaurant in Tamworth, Staffordshire, with owner Mike Brown stood in front of it
Co-owner Simon Derry with waitress Katie Searle who have hit out at Pizza Hut
The restaurant decided to turn the situation into a joke on their social media channel
Co-owner Simon Derry, 50, believes Pizza Hut parked the van there on purpose as a publicity stunt to attract customers to their re-opened store a two-minute walk away.
He claims the worldwide company 'clearly didn't do their homework' as their customers 'value small independent businesses over the big names' - and believes their own pizzas are 'superior' anyway.
Katie, who initially feared the billboard would 'put customers off', claims the post has reached more than 180,000 people and has 'turned the stunt on Pizza Hut'.
It remains unclear why the van was parked where it was and MailOnline has contacted Pizza Hut for comment.
Facebook users branded parking in front of Portobello 'disgusting behaviour' and some pledged to boycott the firm over the controversially placed advert.
Simon said: 'I think they probably did it on purpose as a publicity stunt because they're opening again.
'We thought it would be quite funny if we engaged with their advertising and got some free publicity out of it ourselves.
'We've been at the heart of Tamworth for 23 years and have an amazing customer base'
A pepperoni pizza at the Tamworth family-run restaurant
The newly opened Pizza Hut, just minutes away from Portobello
'We saw this big lorry that had pulled up outside so when we went to have a look we saw there was a big advertisement for Pizza Hut.
'I wasn't overly annoyed because we're a busy little family restaurant anyway and our pizzas are much better than theirs.
'We've been at the heart of Tamworth for 23 years and have an amazing customer base who have supported us throughout the past two decades, especially through Covid when we had to close.
People have been commenting on the 'pizza wars' on Facebook
'Pizza Hut clearly didn't do their homework on Tamworth, as our customers value small independent businesses over the big names and have all joined forces on Facebook to share how cheeky they think Pizza Hut are.'
Katie claims the van was parked in the drop-off bay in front of Portobello from 3:30pm to 4:45pm and when asked to leave, the driver moved it across the road where it stayed until 5.15pm.
She says that customers who came in while the vehicle was parked there 'luckily found it funny' despite their initial fears.
Portobello's Facebook post has been liked more than 250 times, with more than 85 comments.
One Portobello customer said: 'We are never going to use Pizza Hut now as that's disgusting behaviour from a big chain! Portobello's is ALWAYS perfect..'
A female prison officer has been moved from her wing after she was accused of striking up an inappropriate relationship with an ex police officer who was jailed for attempting to murder his ex-partner.
The Manchester Evening News reports that a prison source close to the relationship revealed jailed cop James Riley, 28, enjoyed several perks as a result of it, including, including a job and extra time out of his cell.
The officer was eventually moved off Riley's wing when other colleagues got wise to the relationship and complained, the source claimed.
HMP Forest Bank has said they are 'conducting all relevant enquiries' into the alleged relationship.
Thug Riley was jailed for 16 years last week after trying to trying to kill his ex-partner Ellie Moxham by throttling her and putting a plastic bag over her head.
James Riley, 28, was jailed for 16 years last week for attempted murder, after what a judge told him was a brutal and determined two-minute attempt on academic Ellie Moxhams life
Thug Riley was jailed for 16 years last week after trying to trying to kill his ex-partner Ellie Moxham (pictured) by throttling her and putting a plastic bag over her head
A female prison officer at HMP Forest Bank has now been reportedly 'moved from her position due to her inappropriate relationship' with Riley
The former Lancashire Police officer flew into a 'jealous' rage on November 10, 2022, leaving Ms Moxham with a long-lasting brain injury from oxygen deprivation.
Ms Moxham, then aged 24, was 'persuaded' to go to a Sigrid concert in Manchester which the former couple had booked some months earlier, and stay the night in a Premier Inn hotel.
Riley was hoping to 'rekindle' their relationship, which began when they were both undergraduate students at Lancaster University years earlier, but attacked Ms Moxham with 'murderous intent', after she texted her new partner.
CCTV footage revealed Riley's movements after the incident, highlighting his intention to evade capture by making two 250 cash transactions from different ATMs and getting rid of his mobile phone to ensure he could not be tracked.
After fleeing the Premier Inn, Riley spent 11 minutes on the phone to his parents telling them 'I've killed Ellie' - before eventually calling an ambulance then fleeing the scene to 'save his own skin'.
Ms Moxham, who was a PhD student at Lancaster University, was initially put into an induced coma and spent a day in intensive care.
Sources close to the prison say colleagues of the female prison officer had complained due to the risk associated with being close to Riley.
The female prison officer has now reportedly been signed off on long term sick leave.
A HMP Forest Bank spokesperson said: 'We are conducting all relevant enquiries, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment or name any individual in the meantime.'
The Salford prison has been at the centre of scandals involving prison officers and inmates in the past
Last year, former prison officer Joanne Hunter, 28, was jailed for three years for having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate
Hunter - described as 'naive' and 'vulnerable' in court - believed Connor Willis was 'in love' with her and agreed to smuggle packages, including cannabis, into prison for him
She also sent him explicit photographs, which were later found on her phone
Last year, former prison officer Joanne Hunter, 28, was jailed for three years for having an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.
Hunter conducted the relationship with Connor Willis while working at HMP Forest Bank in Salford.
Hunter - described as 'naive' and 'vulnerable' in court - believed Willis was 'in love' with her and agreed to smuggle packages, including cannabis, into prison for him. She also sent him explicit photographs, which were later found on her phone.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Hunter, who has a master's degree in Childhood and Youth studies, began working at the prison in December 2018.
In December 2020, prison authorities received information that she was taking items inside and when she was interviewed by security managers she admitted having a relationship with Willis.
Rachel Widdicombe, prosecuting, told the court how Hunter had agreed smuggle packages into the prison for Willis, one containing a juice carton and another coating a Red Bull can.
Hunter received the packages from an unnamed woman after meeting her at a Tesco supermarket, the court heard. She then smuggled them inside the prison before passing them on to another prisoner - whom she knew as a 'big player' and member of crime gang - for Willis. Willis offered to pay her 200-300 for each package, but she refused to take the money.
Hunter had admitted kissing Willis, she said, and phones seized from her showed she had rung him and sent him messages, including explicit photographs. But Hunter claimed the relationship 'went no further', Ms Widdicome said.
Prison officials said her actions had compromised prison security by leading to an increase in criminal activity, problems of discipline and a risk of violence.
The Met has issued a grovelling apology to a 70-year-old homeless man whose tent was picked up and hurled into a bin lorry by council workers under the orders of London's police force.
Anthony Sinclair was among those whose personal belongings, including a mattress and toiletries, were removed from outside a north London hospital by Veolia council contractors and unceremoniously fed into a rubbish compactor on November 10.
He was arrested by police for refusing to leave the tent that he had lived in for several months as officers sought to remove the homeless population around University College London Hospital (UCLH) by means of a dispersal order.
Footage of the incident, which came days after former home secretary Suella Braverman described homelessness as a 'lifestyle choice', sparked outrage and prompted Mr Sinclair to threaten legal action against the Metropolitan Police.
The force has since apologised in a letter sent to Mr Sinclair this week, with commissioner Sir Mark Rowley admitting the force had acted 'unlawfully'. It is said to be preparing a compensation offer.
Do you know Anthony Sinclair? Email jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk
DISGUSTING @CamdenCouncil DESTROYS THE TENTS OF THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. pic.twitter.com/Mtx5cB2jir Streets Kitchen (@streetskitchen) November 10, 2023
Footage showed Camden Council-contracted Veolia binmen hurling the tents into a bin lorry compactor
A letter sent by the Metropolitan Police said commissioner Mark Rowley (pictured) accepted the move to disperse homeless man Anthony Sinclair were 'unlawful' in the circumstances
Police said they had been called to University College Hospital London amid reports of anti-social behaviour from homeless people sleeping in the area (file photo)
The homeless group had been sleeping in this covered area outside a University College London Hospital unit in north London
The letter, sent on behalf of the Met by its lawyers, reads: 'The commissioner accepts that the decisions were unlawful in the circumstances, in particular as regards the direction for your client to leave a place where he had been living for some time.'
Following the apology, Mr Sinclair said: 'The treatment that I and others received at the hands of police officers was inhumane.
'I was arrested for refusing to leave the place where I had been living for eight months, and while I was held for six hours in custody, my tent and other belongings were taken away and destroyed.
READ MORE - Shocking footage shows homeless tents being confiscated by binmen and police before being thrown into rubbish trucks - as Labour-run council insists it is not behind the evictions Advertisement
'I am glad to see this admission from the police that this was wrong, and I hope that no one in the future receives the treatment that I did.'
Police said they had been called to the grounds of University College London Hospital following complaints of anti-social behaviour from rough sleepers, some of whom had been in the area for up to nine months.
A Met statement issued at the time claimed patients and staff had reported 'drug use and drug-dealing, urination and defecation' by homeless people, as well as verbal abuse and 'intimidation'. There is no suggestion Mr Sinclair was engaged in anti-social behaviour.
The controversial response saw Camden Council-contracted Veolia workers pick up the tents and feed them into a waiting bin lorry, which crushed them beyond use.
Footage of the bin lorry disposal was shared on social media by homeless activism outfit Streets Kitchen.
Camden Council initially sought to deny that it had been involved in the incident, on a day when temperatures plummeted as low as four degrees on the day of the action, before later acknowledging that admitting responsibility.
'Whilst this dispersal order was applied for by University College Hospital London and enforced by the police, we acknowledge that waste collection services were arranged through the council and our rough sleeping support services were engaged to support people affected,' a spokesperson told the Independent.
Deputy leader Adam Harrison would later say that the handling of the incident 'did not reflect the council's values', in remarks reported by the Evening Standard days after the footage went viral.
He added that the local authority's rough sleeping services were deployed to support those who were forcibly deprived of their accomodation.
Veolia said it would work 'internally and with Camden Council to review how requests of this nature will be handled in the future.'
UCLH said at the time that it had been providing treatment services to some of those living in tents outside the Grafton Way building, but said it had 'public health concerns' about the group that had prompted the contentious action.
The incident came days after former home secretary Suella Braverman (pictured) claimed that homelessness was a 'lifestyle choice'
Campaigners have claimed that police are 'misusing' dispersal orders to tackle homeless encampments in the capital (file photo)
Mr Sinclair threatened legal action on the grounds that section 35 dispersal orders used when the public is at risk of 'being harassed, alarmed or distressed', or to prevent crime should not prevent people from accessing their homes.
Lawyers at campaign group Liberty, acting on his behalf, argued that the Met had acted unlawfully by preventing him from accessing his home in this case, the tent he was sleeping in outside the hospital.
The landmark case by Mr Sinclair could stop Section 35 dispersal orders being used against homeless people who have been living in the same area for a long time.
READ MORE: Rates of homelessness are up 40 per cent in rural England thanks to boom in second homes, soaring mortgages and high energy bills Advertisement
However, excerpts of the letter from the Met to the 70-year-old reported by the Guardian suggest this may not be the case.
One passage reads: 'The commissioner does not agree with your suggestion that the powers could never be used in relation to homeless persons who are camping in an area.
'It is however accepted that in your client's case, the dispersal authority and dispersal direction were not the appropriate course of action.'
In a later statement, Met chief superintendent Andy Carter, who oversees policing in Camden, said the service will meet with Mr Sinclair to apologise in person, with officers receiving 'legal training' to ensure it 'does not happen again'.
Ch Supt Carter said: 'We accept that the authority and use of the powers on this occasion were unlawful.
'We don't underestimate the impact of this incident on the man and will be meeting him to apologise in person, and listen to any views he might have.
'My officers will be taking part in further legal training around use of their dispersal powers so that we can ensure this does not happen again and that we use this tactic responsibly.'
Liberty lawyer Lana Adamou accused the police of 'misusing' dispersal powers as a 'short-term fix' instead of providing true support to rough sleepers.
She added: 'People living on the streets are being subject to unfair and degrading treatment by police, putting them at risk of harm.
'We're glad to see the police admit that their officers should not have treated our client or the other people affected in this way and that our client's rights were breached, and we welcome the Commissioner's apology.
'This sends a clear message that dispersal orders should not be used against people living on the streets in this way.'
Elodie Berland, Streets Kitchen co-ordinator, added: 'We were shocked, though not surprised, to witness the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council's cruel actions attacking those at perhaps the lowest points of their lives experiencing homelessness.
'The Met's acknowledgment that they indeed acted unlawfully and their apology are certainly a step in the right direction and highlights the need to always be observant and resist such cruel acts whenever they occur anywhere.
'Being homeless is not a crime the fact that it exists should be.'
The UCLH incident came days after Suella Braverman was blasted for describing homelessness as a 'lifestyle choice'.
She was later ditched as home secretary after writing an incendiary article attacking the Met's policing of pro-Palestine protests in the capital in an article that was not approved by Downing Street.
In announcing her shocking departure from Meta after 16 years in Silicon Valley with the tech giant, Sheryl Sandberg did not trot out the cliche that she was leaving her high-profile role in order to 'spend more time with her family.'
Almost immediately after Sandberg, 54, announced that she was leaving her role as COO in 2022, the Harvard grad was linked to making a move into the world of politics.
Sandberg has previous in DC. Almost straight out of college, she began working with the Clinton administration as Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers' chief of staff.
Summers had become Sandberg's mentor while she was a student of his at the Ivy League school. During President Barack Obama's tenure, Sandberg was member of the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.
In 2014, Sandberg declared that she had no intention of running for public office.
'I have no plans to run for office. I really love working at Facebook,' she told CNN.
Sheryl Sandberg's first role in politics was serving in the Clinton administration as Treasury Secretary Larry Summers' chief of staff, shown here in candid photo shown on CBS News' 60 Minutes
During the Obama administration, Sandberg was a member of the then-president's council on jobs, here she is with Obama in 2012
Despite being a critic of Trump, in particular his immigration policies, Sandberg met with the ex-president along with Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook in December 2016
While during her time with Facebook, Sandberg has been outspoken in her support for liberal causes, including Hillary Clinton's ill-fated 2016 presidential run, supporting Planned Parenthood in the wake of the overturning Roe v Wade as well as being a champion of women in the workplace.
In 2016, Politico reported that Sandberg was among the candidates to become treasury secretary in Hillary Clinton's regime.
Five years previous, Sandberg was named alongside Hillary, as well as then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel and then-Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff as one of the most powerful women in the world.
'I thought it was absurd. My mother even called to say, "Well, dear, I do think you're very powerful, but I'm not sure you're more powerful than Michelle Obama," and I'm thinking, "Of course I'm not more powerful than Michelle Obama!," Sandberg told NPR in 2013.
Also in 2016, there were rumors that she was Michael Bloomberg's top pick to be his vice president if he were to run. When Bloomberg did run in 2020, Sandberg was not on his list, a Democratic operative told Business Insider.
'No candidate would have wanted to even stand next to her. The cachet is gone,' the operative said.
That came after Sandberg faced criticism from Democrats and those on the left for apparently allowing misinformation around the 2016 presidential election, the Covid-19 pandemic and the January 6th riot spread on Facebook.
In 2018, Sandberg was called to testify before Congress about Russian misinformation that was present on Facebook in 2016, which helped in handing the presidency to Donald Trump.
In announcing her departure, Sandberg posted this undated photo showing her with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg
'Umm. I dont want to answer that... Of course we are responsible for the data breach and we are taking responsibility.,' Sandberg told a reporter from The Times when asked about Trump's success in a 2020 interview.
'Obama was the first Facebook candidate. Then people said Trump was the Facebook candidate. Whoever wins next will probably be called the Facebook candidate too.'
'We offered support to the campaigns in 2016, including access to the same set of tools. The campaigns used Facebook differently, but they did a lot of other things differently too.'
'No candidate is ever going to win by using Facebook well, while doing other things poorly,' Sandberg went on.
A year later, she appeared in Congress to discuss data privacy concerns.
In the midst of the 2020 Democratic primaries, Sandberg was asked by Katie Couric in an interview about her feelings on Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren's view that Facebook had become too giant and should be broken up.
'I mean Im a Democrat, I have supported Democratic nominees in the past... Im not in the primary right nowbut Im a very well-understood Democrat, I have spoken for many years about the desire for my daughter and yours to see a woman as president,' Sandberg said.
Zuckerberg was less diplomatic in his response to a possible Warren presidency, suggesting that Facebook would have to 'go to the mat' if Warren were elected.
How Sheryl Sandberg has been toying with politics for years Despite remaining coy on a political career in public statements, the truth is that Sheryl Sandberg is no stranger to DC. In 1994, she took a high-profile job as chief of staff to then-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers in the Clinton White House. Summers had been her mentor and teacher at Harvard. After years in the private sector, Sandberg began speaking out about several issues, especially women's rights around 2013 following the release of her book Lean In. During the Obama administration, Sandberg is named on the then-president's jobs council. In 2014, Sandberg announces that she has no plans to run for public office. In 2016, Sandberg donated heavily to Hillary Clinton's failed presidential campaign. Despite this, she met with Trump during his presidency over economic issues while at the same time publicly criticizing his immigration policies. After stepping down as COO of Meta in 2022, rumors abound that Sandberg is looking into politics again. Those rumors resurface less than two years later when she announces her departure from Facebook's board. Advertisement
Politico noted in 2022 that Sandberg was largely sidelined by Zuckerberg as he took on more of a public facing role when it came to dealing with politicians in the nation's capital.
In announcing her stepping down from the role of COO in 2022, Sandberg made reference to her philanthropic work 'which is more important to me than ever given how critical this moment is for women.'
Her statement came weeks after the conservative Supreme Court ended women's abortion rights.
At least one DC-based political consultant believes that Sandberg's story would appeal to voters.
'There has been a huge interest in business leaders and she definitely has a story to tell. She probably has some things voters would want her to explain but there's a long history of success and innovation at Facebook in her career,' Tammy Haddad told Business Insider in 2022.
It also doesn't hurt that Forbes estimates that Sandberg has personal wealth of around $1.6 billion.
Axios however reported in 2022 when Sandberg stepped down as COO that her plan was to focus on philanthropy rather than politics.
Sandberg opted not to run to fill Vice President Kamala Harris' seat in California in 2022.
'She's too smart to think she can win. By the time Kamala's seat opened up, we were a very long way from 2015. She can read the political winds well enough to know that was not on the menu,' an operative told Insider.
'With a heart filled with gratitude and a mind filled with memories, I let the Meta board know that I will not stand for reelection this May,' Sandberg wrote in a Facebook post announcing her departure in January 2024.
Sandberg left Google to join Facebook in 2008, four years before the company went public.
Sandberg left Google to join Facebook in 2008, four years before the company went public
She had served as COO of Facebook, and then Meta, for 14 and a half years and as a board member for 12 years.
'Under Mark's leadership, Javi Olivan, Justin Osofsky, Nicola Mendelsohn, and their teams have proven beyond a doubt that the Meta business is strong and well-positioned for the future, so this feels like the right time to step away,' Sandberg wrote.
Sandberg said she will continue to serve as an advisor to the company.
Last year Sandberg announced that she was launching a girls leadership program through her foundation to respond to what she calls stubborn gender inequities.
The girls leadership program includes a middle-school curriculum as well as resources for adults.
Lean In is a project of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, the private foundation Sandberg started with her late husband, Dave Goldberg.
More than 350 migrants arrived in Dover after crossing the Channel yesterday - the highest figure in nearly seven weeks.
Eight boats were intercepted in the Channel by Border Force before 358 people onboard were escorted to shore. The latest arrivals bring the total in 2024 to 621.
Before January 13 - when 124 migrants arrived - there had been a 26-day break in crossings, potentially due to poor weather.
The last time yesterday's figure was exceeded was on December 2 when 519 made the perilous journey.
The migration crisis remains in the spotlight today as Rishi Sunak tries to push his Rwanda plan through the House of Lords.
A group of migrants are brought ashore at Dover yesterday after being intercepted in the Channel
Eight boats were intercepted in the Channel by Border Force before 358 people onboard were escorted to shore
Rubber dinghies used by migrants are brought ashore at the Port of Dover yesterday
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The PM held a press conference in Downing Street this morning insisting he can 'Stop the Boats' after finally managing to force the flagship legislation through the Commons.
But he said the 'very strong majority' meant peers must now 'do the right thing' and let the Rwanda proposals go through the Upper House. They have been threatening to 'destroy' it or delay so that flights cannot take off before the general election.
The Bill was given its third reading by 320 to 276 in the Commons after rebels stopped short of inflicting a defeat that could potentially have collapsed the government.
Despite 60 MPs supporting a slew of amendments that unsuccessfully tried to toughen the measures, in the end just 11 Tories voted to crash the law altogether. They included Suella Braverman and former migration minister Robert Jenrick.
The government's majority - theoretically 54 - was cut to a still-comfortable 44.
The victory came at a huge political cost to Mr Sunak, with deep rifts between Conservatives laid bare again just months before a general election.
But he argued this morning that his party is 'completely united'. ''The Conservative Party is completely united in wanting to deliver for the country, cut their taxes and, crucially, to stop the boats,' Mr Sunak said.
Sending a message to to peers, the premier said he is 'not messing around' and was as 'frustrated' as the public about the delays in implementing the plan.
The dinghies were seen being loaded onto the quayside as the migrants disembarked
A black rubber dinghy is winched onto the quayside at Dover after being used by a group of migrants
The latest arrivals bring the total number of people to cross the Channel this year to 621
The new arrivals were loaded onto buses before being taken elsewhere for processing
Before January 13 - when 124 migrants arrived - there had been a 26-day break in crossings, potentially due to poor weather. Pictured is a group of migrants on a coach yesterday
However, he refused to guarantee that any flights will take off by the Spring, merely saying it will happen 'as soon as possible'.
'There is now only one question,' he said. 'Will the opposition in the appointed House of Lords try and frustrate the will of the people as expressed by the elected House, or will they get on board and do the right thing?
'It's as simple as that.'
Downing Street breathed a sigh of relief last night as the Rwanda Bill was safely passed, after two days of carnage that saw two Tory deputy chairs and a ministerial aide quit in protest during two days of carnage.
However, Mr Sunak cannot relax for long as the legislation now moves to the House of Lords, where peers are gearing up for guerrilla warfare to slow or even thwart its progress.
The PM tried to take the fight to Labour this morning, accusing Keir Starmer of wanting to take Britain back to 'square one' and having no plan to tackle Channel crossings.
The migration crisis remains in the spotlight today as Rishi Sunak tries to push his Rwanda plan through the House of Lords
'I'm interested in sticking with the plan I set out for the British people because that plan is working,' Mr Sunak said.
'It is delivering real change, and if we stick with that plan, we'll be able to build a brighter future for everyone's families in this country and a renewed sense of pride in our nation.'
Moving to reassure right-wingers, Mr Sunak stressed he was willing to ignore orders from the European Court of Human Rights, even if this breached international law - but he declined to say in what circumstances he would do so.
'I've been crystal clear repeatedly that I won't let a foreign court stop us from getting flights off and getting this deterrent up and running,' he said.
Angry locals say HS2 has turned their pretty rural village into a 'hellish building site'.
The village of Water Orton, North Warwickshire lies eight miles from the planned terminal for the high speed railway, which will connect Birmingham and London.
With construction well underway, two huge 700m long viaducts are being built to carry trains over the M42 which passes by the village. Residents of the village say their lives have been made a 'misery' by the project.
Fields have been dug up, a local school has been knocked down and homes have even been flooded since construction started making life a misery for residents.
Retired Colin Brookes, 69, who has lived in the village for 35 years, said: 'I used to be able to walk the dogs around the village and across the fields but not anymore.'
The village of Water Orton, North Warwickshire, lies eight miles from the planned terminal for HS2 in Birmingham. Locals claim the construction of the high speed railway means the village has been 'bulldozed to the ground'
Two huge 700m long viaducts are currently being constructed to allow trains to one day travel over the M42 which is next to Water Orton
Locals claim that fields surrounding the village have been dug up across the area
Water Orton is a historic village which dates back to the 13th century. Since construction started on HS2 locals claim 'it's like driving into a big building site'
An HS2 spokesperson said:'We take our responsibilities to local communities very seriously and try to minimise the impacts of construction wherever possible.
'We've built a haul road in this location - carrying our vehicles directly off the nearby M6/M42 link roads to the works site - which means HS2 construction traffic doesn't travel through Water Orton village or pass people's homes.'
Mr Brookes said: 'You can't walk anywhere now because HS2 contractors have dug all the fields up.'
'They even had the cheek to put a sign up which said 'Environmentally Sensitive Area' when they've gone and cut all the bleeding trees down and ripped out all the hedges.
'The local school which was a lovely old Victorian building was knocked down because they didn't think the children would be able to concentrate with lorries going past every two minutes.
'I live on the main road and there are potholes everywhere and I believe that's down to the lorries going up and down there.
'It's demoralising, this used to be a lovely country village where you'd get peace and quiet away from the city but now it's like driving into a big building site.
'People want to leave because of the hassle.'
Gary Clarke is the landlord of the Digby Hotel pub and lives close to the main site where 32 giant pillars supporting the 60ft high viaduct are being erected.
The 53-year-old said: 'The lights and noise at night make it difficult to have any rest and it's all day as well.
'Trade hasn't been badly affected but the workers from the site bring in a lot of mud and dirt into the pub.
'We've had to restrict access to workers at the weekends to give priority to the locals because the dirt and mess can be so bad.'
Graham Brookes, 69, has lived in Water Orton for 35 years. He lives on a main road and believes lorries going up and down the road had led to an increase in potholes
Greg Clarke, 53, is the landlord of the Digby Hotel pub in the village. Although hasn't been badly affected by the construction he has had to restrict workers from coming into the pub on weekends because 'the dirt and mess can be so bad'
Mr Clarke says the lights and noise at night from the site make it difficult to sleep. He lives close to the site where 32 giant pillars supporting the 60ft high viaduct are being erected
Water Orton's local primary school which Mr Brookes claims was knocked down because children couldn't concentrate with cars going past
Charity worker Angie Brown, 45, branded the HS2 project a 'waste of money'.
The mum-of-two said: 'When I found out HS2 was building in the village I was disappointed but wasn't that worried because we were promised so many things.
READ MORE: Farmer who lost 40 acres of his land to make way for now cancelled HS2 route says he still hasn't received any compensation after it was acquired by compulsory purchase order in February Advertisement
'They said they'd build a new rugby club which they have and someone said the roads would be repaired and they'd be upgrades but it's all come to nothing.
'The village is now surrounded by a hellish building site. HS2 has literally bulldozed Water Orton into the ground.
'It's heartbreaking. The impact of the building work has caused flooding and when they work at night the lights are so bright it's like living next to Blackpool Illuminations.
'HS2 has ruined the roads and the countryside around here. Lots of people just want to move away but who wants to buy a house here? We're trapped.
'When the Government said the northern leg was being scrapped I wish they'd just scrapped the lot but they were too far in to do that.'
Parents living in the historic village, which dates back to the 13th century, say they fear for the safety of their children.
One father, who did not wish to be named, said: 'The streets in the village are narrow and winding and they've always been that way which was fine for the amount of cars using them.
'Suddenly dozens and dozens of lorries are coming up and down the roads all day every day. It's only a matter of time before someone is run over.
'The fact is the village is not equipped to cope with the lorries. I don't know anyone who has anything good to say about HS2.'
Locals say Water Orton used to be a lovely country village where you'd get peace and quiet away from the city but now it's like driving into a big building site
A father, who wishes not to be named, doesn't believe the roads are equipped to cope with the amount of lorries passing through the village. He thinks it is only a matter of time before someone is run over
The old entrance to the Old Saltleians RFC in Water Orton which was relocated when construction started
Like the country's train services, HS2 has been mired by delays and cancellations. In November 2021 the government scrapped plans to extend HS2 to Leeds and in October 2023 the northern leg to Manchester was also scrapped
The concerned father added: 'In years to come historians will look back on the decision to build HS2 and conclude it was probably one of the most damaging and wasteful policies ever made.'
After first being proposed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009, The HS2 rail project has, like the country's train services, been mired by delays and cancellations.
In November 2021 the government scrapped plans to extend HS2 to Leeds.
At the Tory party conference in October 2023 Rishi Sunak announced the northern leg of HS2 to Manchester would also be scrapped. With funds instead being diverted to other transport projects.
Although HS2 is planned to be completed by 2033. Leaked documents reported by the Daily Mail in March 2023 revealed that the project might not reach central London until 2041.
In a statement, A spokesperson for HS2 said: 'We take our responsibilities to local communities very seriously and try to minimise the impacts of construction wherever possible.
'We've built a haul road in this location - carrying our vehicles directly off the nearby M6/M42 link roads to the works site - which means HS2 construction traffic doesn't travel through Water Orton village or pass people's homes.
'We've also listened carefully to local residents and introduced a range of measures based on their feedback.
'Additional noise mitigation, road sweeping, window cleaning, and access to car washing facilities are just some of the measures now in place, and we encourage the residents to keep talking to us so we can act on their concerns.'
Sir Winston Churchill's false teeth which helped him deliver his famous speeches will go under the hammer for an estimated 8,000.
Churchill suffered from dental problems most of his life and lost several teeth during his 20s.
These upper dentures, one of a handful of sets made for the wartime Prime Minister, were constructed to preserve his natural lisp.
They were so important to the delivery of his words that he carried two pairs with him at all times.
The teeth will be presented by The Cotswold Auction Company at their Books, Medals, Militaria, Coins, Stamps and Coins auction in the Chapel Walk Saleroom in Cheltenham on February 6.
The partial upper gold-mounted dentures were designed by his dentist, Sir Wilfred Fish, and made by Fish's technician Derek Cudlipp
Churchill suffered from dental problems most of his life and lost several teeth during his 20s
The partial upper gold-mounted dentures were designed by his dentist, Sir Wilfred Fish, and made by Fish's technician Derek Cudlipp.
Fish, active researcher and eminent dentist, became the first president of the General Dental Council in 1956 until 1964.
'Fish was also Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons where the Hunterian Museum now houses one of Churchill's dentures', the listing reads.
'It is thought that three or four identical sets of dentures were produced by technician Cudlipp for Churchill, and one set is believed to have been buried with the leader.
'This set of dentures would have been made around the start of WWII when Churchill was 65.'
There is disbelief as the Tube driver who was suspended for leading a 'free, free Palestine' chant on an Underground service is already back at work.
Viral footage of the driver chanting, 'free, free', through the train's Tannoy system before some commuters responded, 'Palestine', on October 21 was the subject of widespread criticism.
The incident took place on the same day as huge pro-Palestine demonstrations when tensions between Israel and Palestine were much higher following the October 7 atrocity, which saw over a thousand innocent Israelis violently killed.
The driver's return to work piles pressure on Transport for London chair Sadiq Khan, who claimed he wanted 'zero-tolerance of antisemitism' during his victorious campaign for the London mayoralty in 2016.
Campaign Against Antisemitism told MailOnline the driver 'should have been fired' for his 'disgraceful' actions which would have made Jewish passengers feel unsafe.
Viral footage of the driver chanting, 'free, free', through the train's Tannoy system before some commuters responded, 'Palestine'
The driver's return to work piles pressure on Transport for London chair Sadiq Khan , who claimed he wanted 'zero-tolerance of antisemitism'
The incident took place on the same day as huge pro-Palestine demonstrations when tensions between Israel and Palestine were much higher
Free Free Palestine @TfL London Underground Tubes driver lead the passengers in a chant, he said I wanted to join the protest but couldnt get the day off. #LondonStandsWithPalestine #Palestine #Israel #_ #_ pic.twitter.com/62jx8xLtyz Farid Ahmed (Qureshi) (@FaridQureshi_UK) October 21, 2023
TfL announced today that disciplinary action had been taken against the Tube driver after he apologised to faith groups.
EXCLUSIVE READ MORE: Suspended Tube driver who sparked fury by leading chant of 'free free Palestine' on Underground train is interviewed by police Advertisement
A TfL spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that, following a thorough internal investigation in accordance with our agreed formal processes, disciplinary action has been taken with regard to the driver who made announcements on the Central line on October 21 last year.
'The driver has also written to faith groups that we have been engaging with since October to apologise for the announcements and for the impact they had on some customers travelling on the train and in the wider community.
'It is critically important to everyone at TfL that our network feels, and is, a safe and welcoming place for all Londoners, and we will do all we can to continue to ensure that.'
Tube sources said the driver's suspension has been lifted and he will be returning to work.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'This driver's conduct was grossly unprofessional.
'Imagine being a Jewish person on that train, not only intimidated by the numerous demonstrators around you but also in the knowledge that you might not be able to rely on the very TfL staff tasked with your safety.
'This incident was a disgrace to TfL, and coming at a time of heightened tension in London, it was downright dangerous.
'TfL's decision has made the institution complicit. Is there no accountability anymore? TfL should have fired this driver. No ifs or buts.
TfL announced today that disciplinary action had been taken against the Tube driver after he apologised to faith groups
In the viral footage of the chant, the driver also asked passengers: 'Louder, please, louder!'
'Jewish passengers deserve to have confidence in the capital's public transport just like everybody else. Why doesn't TfL agree?'
Finn Brennan, Aslef union's organiser on London Underground, said: 'We are glad that this case has been successfully concluded in line with London Underground's disciplinary policy.'
In the viral footage of the chant, the driver also asked passengers: 'Louder, please, louder!'
Before people were let off the carriage, he finished: 'Hope you all have a blessed day and look after yourselves.'
The British Transport Police (BTP) also launched an investigation into the chant and decided not to take 'further action'.
A spokesperson said: 'Detectives from British Transport Police carried out a thorough investigation into this incident. Having reviewed available evidence with the CPS, British Transport Police are taking no further action.'
Queen Camilla today said King Charles was 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' after his prostate procedure next week.
The monarch's wife became the first royal to speak publicly about the double royal health scare - which also saw the Princess of Wales admitted to hospital for an operation on her abdomen.
Camilla said of her husband: 'He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.'
She opened a new 'Safe Space' at Aberdeen Art Gallery, an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse. The Queen last visited Aberdeen Gallery in September 2021 to open the redeveloped gallery.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh appeared to be in good spirits during a visit to Elmbridge Mencap in Surrey, where she was seen dancing to happy birthday.
Queen Camilla became the first royal to speak publicly about the double royal health scare as she opened the new 'Safe Space' at Aberdeen Art Gallery
Camilla said of her husband: 'He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work'
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
Camilla is staying at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, where the King had a series of meetings and events planned on Thursday and Friday, which have been postponed on his doctor's advice.
The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital on Tuesday after abdominal surgery, with sources saying she is 'doing well' but will spend up to three months recovering. She is expected to stay in the private London Clinic for 10 to 14 days before returning to her home in Windsor.
The Prince of Wales visited his wife in hospital today as she recovers from her surgery, Kensington Palace said. Kate is said to be 'doing well' in her recovery.
READ MORE - William visits Kate as she spends her third day in hospital: Prince of Wales is seen for first time at The London Clinic as princess recovers from abdominal surgery Advertisement
William is to take time off, stepping back from all official duties for several weeks, while he juggles looking after their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with caring for his wife.
Meanwhile, the King is preparing for a corrective procedure after being diagnosed with a benign enlarged prostate.
Today Her Majesty Queen Camilla officially opened the new 'Safe Space' at the Gallery where anyone can go and discreetly ask for support from specially trained staff. The staff will then point them towards professional help.
On arrival, Her Majesty was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen Dr David Cameron, who will introduce Suzanne Jacob, CEO Safelives; Angela Scott, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council and Nicola McLean, Interim Chief Officer, Social Work, of Aberdeen City Council.
After a private meeting with Council staff, Her Majesty visited the 'Art of Empowerment' Gallery to meet the team which has been trained to obtain the venue's 'Safe Space' status.
She then concluded the visit by officially unveiling Swanson's artwork in memory of survivors and those lost to domestic abuse, to officially open the 'Safe Space'.
The Princess of Wales spent a second night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
The 'Safe Space', which Camilla opened, is part of an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse
Camilla briefly spoke about her husband while carrying out her royal duties this morning
The Queen last visited Aberdeen Gallery in September 2021 to open the redeveloped gallery
Camilla opened the gallery's 'Safe Space' as part of an initiative to provide help and guidance to people if they suspect someone is living with domestic abuse
She briefly addressed the assembled dignitaries before opening the new facility
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
A police officer stands outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone revealed on the same day King Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and help support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
The nature of Kate's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancer-related.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales was sent a get well message by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
The charity, of which Kate is patron, wrote on X: 'Everyone at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
'We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.'
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kate's 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn't have a normal life. She's the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it's not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day in her role as the regiment's honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
Like the rest of the royal family, Kate has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen's death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic (pictured) for planned abdominal surgery
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
William's former university flatmate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH, focusing on mental health and early childhood.
Seen as the monarchy's safe pair of hands and as having a 'keep calm and carry on' approach, Kate has been heralded as channelling the same characteristics of charm, politeness and toughness as the late Queen Mother, who was once described as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the Cambridges and the Duke of Sussex, and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: 'She takes time to talk to people. She is tough.
'She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.'
The London Clinic, based on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road in central London, is the UK's largest independent private hospital.
The clinic first opened its doors in 1932 and its previous patients include Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, actress Elizabeth Taylor and US president John F Kennedy.
Taxis have been sent to thousands of emergency callers instead of ambulances due to a chronic health service crisis.
The South Australia Ambulance Service [SAAS] transported more than 4,000 patients in taxis between January 2021 and April last year due a major ramping issue.
Ramping occurs when ambulances are not able to transfer patients straight to emergency departments at hospitals because they are operating at capacity, meaning they can no longer take more patients in.
Around 36 patients in need of care were transported via the vehicles on average per week, costing more than $120,000.
Taxis were used for people who needed non-urgent care so that paramedics could attend emergencies, the The Advertiser reported
The vehicles were deployed across various areas across South Australia including rural communities to help manage the increasing caseload of people requiring medical assistance.
South Australia Ambulance Service transported more than 4000 patients in taxis to manage a health crisis
The SAAS has been bogged down by a major ramping crisis that hit a record 4285 hours in November last year, prompting the SAAS to introduce the taxis in 2020 with the service commencing in 2021.
The issue comes after a man in Adelaide's north-east died in December after waiting for 10 hours for an ambulance due to abdominal pain.
He was initially listed as a low priority case requiring an ambulance to arrive on scene within the hour but paramedics were unable to arrive on time due to ramping at hospitals.
During the third and final call to emergency services the 54-year-old's condition was listed as category one - a top priority case with an ambulance arriving in four minute but he was unable to be saved.
A SAAS spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that taxis are not used to replace ambulances to provide critical care.
The SAAS introduced the taxis in 2020 with the service commencing in 2021 with ambulances (pictured stock image) bogged by a major ramping issue forcing the vehicles to be docked at hospitals
'Instead, they are on occasion provided to patients who have received clinical assessment from a specialist paramedic and require transportation to access healthcare but do not require an emergency ambulance response,' they said.
'Ambulance dispatch is based on the urgency and severity of the medical situation, prioritised to ensure those with the most urgent needs receive an emergency response first.'
The spokesperson said the taxi service has strict patient safety rules in place to look after patients with members of the SAAS having provided guidance for staff on how to use taxis safely to transport patients.
The SAAS said it is committed to improving ambulance wait times and has bolstered it's capacity to respond to emergencies by increasing the number of paramedics by 171 staff.
The SAAS said in a statement that taxis are not used to replace ambulances and paramedics (pictured stock image) to provide critical care.
A government spokesperson told Daily Mail that the taxis arranged by the SAAS are an alternative for patients who's condition is not life threatening.
'The Malinauskas Government is making a record investment in South Australia's ambulance service through 36 new ambulances, 350 more ambos, and 10 brand new stations across the state,' the spokesperson said.
'This has led to big improvements in Priority 1 and Priority 2 ambulance response times.'
'We are also opening 150 additional hospital beds this year, with more to come online in 2025, to ensure more capacity in our hospitals and freeing up ambulance resources to respond to community needs.'
Tigers are one of the world's most dangerous animals due to their large frame, menacing teeth and rapid speed.
Because an adult tiger can weigh over 220kg (500lb), have canines up to four inches in length and run as fast as a racehorse, humans have come to fear tigers.
While it is rare for tigers to attack people, let alone maul them to death, the story of the Champawat tiger, which stalked and killed over 400 individuals over a century ago, is not such a serene tale.
Believed to be born between 1895 and 1897, this female Bengal tiger initiated her first attacks in the village of Rupal, located in western Nepal.
The taxidermied head of the Champawat tigress. Believed to be born between 1895 and 1897, this female Bengal tiger initiated her first attacks in the village of Rupal, located in western Nepal
This tiger's uncharacteristic lust for human blood was down to a combination of factors, including loss of habitat, loss of prey, and the fact it had shattered its upper and lower right canines, leaving it unable to defend its turf against other tigers forcing it to look farther afield.
It was then that the tiger somehow discovered that humans were a readily-available source of protein, with human settlements becoming 'a veritable smorgasbord', according to The New York Post.
The roaming presence of the ferocious animal saw hunters sent in to kill the tiger, but she managed to evade them and continued to hunt.
Indeed, the number of killings by the Champawa tiger became so high that the Nepalese Army was called in due to the understandable safety concerns.
Despite failing to capture or kill the tiger, soldiers were able to force the tiger to abandon her territory and drive her across the Sharda River into India.
Despite repeated efforts from the British government, bounty hunters, police officers and army troops were all unsuccessful in their attempts to capture the elusive animal of prey.
It even set a bounty on tigers, which saw tens of thousands of the animals killed, but they could not slay the formidable Champawat.
Eventually, in 1907, the deputy commissioner of Nainital, Charles Henry Berthoud, visited his friend Jim Corbett, a railway worker who was born and raised in the hills of Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
Eventually, in 1907, the deputy commissioner of Nainital, Charles Henry Berthoud, visited his friend Jim Corbett (pictured), a railway worker who was born and raised in the hills of Kumaon, Uttarakhand
According to No Beast So Fierce: The Terrifying True Story of The Champawat Tiger, by Dane Huckelbridge, Corbett had 'spent his formative years tracking alongside indigenous [hunters] in the jungles of Kaladhungi'.
He was said to be as 'at ease tracking sambar through the jungle as he was playing bridge at high tea' and 'could imitate the grunts of a leopard or the chuffing of a tiger with an accuracy that sent a collective shiver through a dinner party'.
After another attack by the tiger saw the death of a 16-year-old girl, Corbett had a fresh blood trail to follow, but made sure of safety in numbers, by returning to the scene with 300 villagers.
They were instructed by Corbett to be ready 'firing rifles, pounding drums and screaming as loud as their lungs would allow.'
When the creature, which was described as 'a striped apparition, too fleet to be real, erupting from the shadows', emerged from the shadows, Corbett missed with his first shot. His life hung in the balance.
Although the next two shots hit the tiger, Corbett was out of cartridges and had to sprint to grab a shotgun from a villager.
He then proceeded to run back until he stood 20ft away from the animal.
While the killing of the Champawat tiger was celebrated by many at the time, Corbett had developed a fondness for the animal despite killing arguably the most famous tiger to have ever lived. A lover of Indian wildlife, he spent the last two decades of his life campaigning for their protection, so shaken was he by their rapid decline
There, he would deliver a fateful blow to the animal, one that brought its extraordinary rampage to an end.
While the killing of the Champawat tiger was celebrated by many at the time, Corbett had developed a fondness for the animal despite killing arguably the most famous tiger to have ever lived.
A lover of Indian wildlife, he spent the last two decades of his life campaigning for their protection, so shaken was he by their rapid decline.
Remarkably, the man known as the 'legendary tiger hunter' became 'the animals most dedicated conservationist'.
The moment an anti-ULEZ 'blade runner' chopped down one of the hated London enforcement cameras with an angle grinder has been caught on film.
It is one of the latest acts in a wave of vandalism to sweep the capital, with the Met reporting traffic lights and cameras being damaged across Orpington in the south east.
Officers this morning shared photos of a downed traffic light pole, which appears to have ULEZ camera attached to it, following an incident in Petts Wood, Orpington.
Orpington Police said on X, formerly Twitter: 'We are aware of reports on sighting of traffic lights & cameras being damaged across our wards/Borough. One pictured is outside Morrisons, Petts Wood. This has been looked into by relevant services. Thank you for your reports.'
This happened just three days after the Met Police said it was investigating after 'blade runners' cut down traffic lights just three miles away (a ten minute drive) in Chislehurst, at around 4am on Monday - prompting an investigation.
Hat tip - Blade Runners UK. pic.twitter.com/jNm2zdNC9W Robert Abel (@rj_abel) January 17, 2024
The moment an anti-ULEZ 'blade runner' chopped down one of the hated London enforcement cameras with an angle grinder has been caught on film.
Video of the latest incident, thought to have recently taken place in a currently unknown part of London, shows an anonymous man wearing all black chopping down a pole supporting one of the ULEZ cameras through the use of what appears to be an angle grinder
Officers this morning shared photos of a downed traffic light pole, which appears to have ULEZ camera attached to it, following an incident in Petts Wood, Orpington
And this occurred a week after yet another set of lights and cameras were chopped down on Chislehurst High Street.
READ MORE: ULEZ blade runners strike again! Police hunt vandals after enforcement camera and traffic lights are chopped down in Chislehurst Advertisement
Video of the latest incident, thought to have recently taken place in a currently unknown part of London, shows an anonymous man wearing all black chopping down a pole supporting one of the ULEZ cameras through the use of what appears to be an angle grinder.
The man, seemingly belonging to the activism group Blade Runners - who are dedicated to the removal of ULEZ cameras - then topples the pole to the ground.
Filmed from a car across the street under the cover of darkness, the video shows the bold man holding his power tool to the pole that the camera is attached to.
The grinding sound of metal on metal can be heard as the angle grinder cuts through the pole, with passing vehicles apparently unfazed by the man's vandalism.
The man then shuts his tool off and gives the pole one simple shove, which sends it tumbling to the ground - camera and all - with a crash.
The man, whose identity is shrouded by his all-black hooded get-up and mask, then nonchalantly turns and walks away from the scene of the crime.
The clip was posted to social media yesterday by one user who praised the man's actions as he wrote: 'Hat tip - Blade Runners UK.'
The post has since received over 1,400 likes and more than 100 comments from users seemingly of the same belief as the anonymous chap.
A member of the 'blade runners' previously told the Mayor of London: 'We won't stop until you stop. That's the bottom line.'
Engineers attend the downed traffic light and ULEZ camera in Petts Wood, south east London
The Metropolitan Police say the incident is being looked into by the relevant services
A TfL spokesperson said: 'Vandalism is unacceptable and all incidents on our network are reported to the police for investigation.
'Criminal damage to ULEZ cameras or vehicles puts the perpetrators at risk of prosecution and injury, while simultaneously risking the safety of the public.
'Camera vandalism will not stop the ULEZ operating London-wide. All vandalised cameras are repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
'We have an extensive camera network which is sufficient to support the effective operation of the scheme.
'Anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle within the expanded zone will be detected and we advise everyone to check whether their vehicle is compliant and to consider the various support that is available to help transition to greener modes of transport.'
This comes as anti-ULEZ 'blade runners' have said they will ramp up their action of wrecking cameras which use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to implement the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) charges.
'Blade Runners', who are opposed to Mr Khan's flagship policy, have already attacked hundreds of cameras prompting the London Mayor to roll out vehicles to catch those flouting the rules.
They say they want to bring the expanded ULEZ scheme 'to its knees' and have a series of 'exciting plans' in place, it was reported previously.
And they said they will not stop until it is scrapped - with an initial aim of targeting 80 per cent of cameras in the next month.
Police are hunting for ULEZ 'blade runners' after vandals chopped down traffic lights and an enforcement camera in Chislehurst earlier this week
The incident took place just before 4am on Monday in Chislehurst, London in the latest spree of attacks protesting the ULEZ expansion
It came just a week after another set of traffic lights were cut down on Chislehurst High Street
Around 250 Blade Runners are thought to be active across the capital. The group has seen more active participation since the zone was expanded on August 29, members previously claimed.
There are about 1,775 ULEZ cameras in London - meaning 1,420 are on the target list.
The 12.50-a-day charge started to apply to non-compliant vehicles across all London boroughs towards the end of 2023.
It has caused outrage in the suburbs, with Mr Khan's Tory mayoral election rival Susan Hall promising to scrap it if she wins power.
In December, it emerged Sadiq Khan has reportedly hired a goon squad of 'thugs' with face tattoos wearing skeleton balaclavas to protect his hated Ulez cameras.
Homeowners in suburban London said the gang of 'masked heavies' would often dress in black and hang around schools and homes while recording passersby on body cameras.
The TfL claimed the guards are held to 'high standards of professionalism' and that they were necessary to protect Ulez cameras from the Blade Runners.
Anti-ULEZ campaigners struck south-east London around two weeks ago when they cut down one of the enforcement cameras and replaced it with a Christmas tree
Mother-of-five Claire Dyer, 47, from Biggin Hill in Bromley, claimed concerned residents lived in fear of the Ulez protection gang.
She told MailOnline previously: 'You have thuggish security - they don't need to be behaving the way that they are.
'All you can see is their eyes. They are wearing masks and balaclavas - even that might have skeletons on them.
'Dressing all in black with body cameras all in masks. They seem to be above the law.
'They say they are a TFL representative but they don't actually work for TFL. It's such a grey area.
'Why are they trying to harass people?
'We are not aggressive or violent, just every day people. We are not hardened criminals.
'It feels like there has been a direct order to get us accused of something we haven't [done].
'We are not inner city London. We have elderly [people] who live in the area who now can't leave their homes.'
TfL previously said the security guards wore plain, dark clothes while on the job and were also allowed to wear hats.
It refused to comment on the guards wearing balaclavas and masks but said the use of mobile camera vans will be reviewed continually to ensure the Ulez was being enforced effectively.
This is the touching moment a cashier helps a mother by picking up her crying toddler and scanning items with her.
Mary-Ann Byrnes, 38, was shopping at a Dollar Tree store when her two-year-old daughter started to have a meltdown.
Fatimah Leftwich, who works as a cashier, noticed that Mary-Ann was struggling and kindly asked the child, also named Mary-Ann, if she wanted to help behind the counter. She immediately said 'yes'.
A video shows Mary-Ann completely at ease in Fatimah's arms, scanning items whilst being encouraged by Fatimah telling her that 'she's a fast learner'.
Mary-Ann, a freelance production worker from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, said that she 'went to a Dollar Tree store about a town away with my daughter and mum to pick up some stuff'.
Mary-Ann Byrnes, 38, was shopping at a Dollar Tree store when her two-year-old daughter started to have a meltdown
Fatimah Leftwich, who works as a cashier, noticed that Mary-Ann was struggling and kindly asked the child, also named Mary-Ann, if she wanted to help behind the counter. She immediately said 'yes'
Mary-Ann Byrnes with her child at the checkout. She said: 'My daughter is of that toddler age where she gets restless and she wants to be picked up all the time'
Mary-Ann Byrnes and her child as she scans an item at the Dollar Tree store
She added: 'My mum had a separate cart and was still shopping by the time we were in line and the store was pretty busy.
'My daughter is of that toddler age where she gets restless and she wants to be picked up all the time.
'So she started to cry and have a little meltdown, which was hard to manage with all my stuff that I was trying to pay for and not keep people waiting behind me.'
Mary-Ann said: 'She asked if it was cool for her to pick my daughter up and then helped her scan all of my items and even some of the people's items behind me!
'I saw a woman who had the ability to calm my daughter down with such a wonderful, trusting energy. It was amazing.'
Mary-Ann and Fatimah have kept in contact since the video was filmed and Fatimah has since been a transferred to a Dollar Tree closer to her home.
One of Britain's favourite dishes is under threat amid a Kremlin plan to rip up a decades-old agreement allowing UK ships to fish in Russia's Arctic waters.
British vessels have been permitted to fish along the coast of the Russian Kola Peninsula in the Barents Sea and to east of Cape Kanin Nos for almost 70 years - even at the height of the Cold War.
A massive amount of cod and haddock sold in fish and chips shops across the country is traditionally sourced from these waters - according to UK Fisheries data, a whopping 566,784 tonnes of cod was scooped in the Barents Sea just last year alone.
But now Vladimir Putin is said to have declared fishing war on the UK, with his government backing draft legislation that would see Russia pull out of the 1956 agreement and ban Britain from scooping its revered supply of cod and haddock.
It comes in response to Britain's decision to slap Moscow with sanctions over the war in Ukraine, and could mean Russian navy warships being used to warn off UK vessels.
One of Britain's favourite dishes is under threat amid a Kremlin plan to rip up a decades-old agreement allowing UK ships to fish in Russia's Arctic waters
British vessels have been permitted to fish along the coast of the Russian Kola Peninsula in the Barents Sea and to east of Cape Kanin Nos for almost 70 years
Picture shows a fishing trawler in the Barents Sea
Russian navy warships may be deployed to warn off UK vessels should the legislation be rubber-stamped
Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with Russia's Government members via video link in Moscow, on January 17, 2024
The UK-USSR fisheries agreement was signed in Moscow on May 25, 1956, by Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Kuznetsov and the UK Ambassador to the USSR, William Hayter.
The deal led to a surge in UK fishing in the Barents Sea, and in 1961, UK vessels caught 158,000 tonnes of cod in the region.
Nine years later this had risen to 181,000 tonnes, as the Cod Wars led to a cut in catches around Iceland, and the region has since provided a huge quantity of Britain's cod and haddock.
But Putin is preparing to 'denounce' the Cold War agreement, according to Izvestia newspaper.
'Russia will prohibit Britain from catching fish in the waters of the Barents Sea,' said the report.
'This is the first denounced international food agreement. The government has already approved the [ban].'
The move, which is still yet to be rubber-stamped by parliament, implies the Russians will use warships to deter any British trawlers found fishing in these waters.
It comes after the agriculture ministry surmised the ban would not have a significant impact on Russia's economy.
'Denouncing the agreement will not have serious foreign policy and economic consequences for Russia,' the report stated.
Moscow said it was taking the steps after Britain excluded Russia from the 'most favoured nation' trading status in March 2023, with German Zverev - president of the All-Russian Association of Fisheries - declaring the 1956 agreement was one-sided with no upside for Moscow.
Putin's regime was especially enraged by an additional 35 percent tariff on the import of certain Russian goods, including copper and vodka.
Britain said this was done to 'inflict maximum damage on the Russian economy while minimising negative consequences for the UK'.
Picture shows a fishing trawler in the Barents Sea
The UK-USSR fisheries agreement was signed in Moscow on May 25, 1956, by Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Vasily Kuznetsov (L) and the UK Ambassador to the USSR, William Hayter (R)
A story on UK-USSR fisheries agreement in an Australian newspaper in September 1956
'Russia will prohibit Britain from catching fish in the waters of the Barents Sea,' said the report published in Izvestia newspaper
The Arctic, once a frozen wilderness, is quickly becoming a hotspot for geopolitical manoeuvring, primarily because of the incredible reserves of resources hidden beneath the frost.
The receding ice caps have revealed vast reserves of vital resources - the US Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic holds an estimated 90 billion barrels (roughly 15%) of the world's undiscovered conventional oil resources and some 40 billion barrels (roughly 30%) of its undiscovered conventional natural gas resources.
The region is also flush with sorely needed rare earth minerals integral to the production of modern battery and microchip technology.
Additionally, the increasing accessibility of existing trade routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) - or the potential for new routes like the Transpolar Sea Route (TSR) - could drastically cut shipping times and fuel use.
The distance from a northwestern European port to the Far East along the NSR, for example, is almost 40% shorter than the traditional route via the Suez Canal.
And the melting of Arctic ice means more ships with reinforced hulls will be able to traverse regions that have historically been inaccessible - or at the very least the reserve of dedicated icebreakers.
Establishing governance of the Arctic is a major challenge because although each member of the Arctic Council has sovereign rights over their territory and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), everything outside these borders is classed as international waters or high seas.
A huge swathe of territory around the North Pole - including much of the Transpolar Sea Route that could become a future artery of global trade - is therefore open to free navigation, fishing, resource exploration and overflight by any and all parties, leaving the door ajar for a potentially violent conflict for control and influence in these regions as and when they become accessible.
Racism did not play a role in the death of a 13-year-old boy who drowned in a river after allegedly being pushed in, an inquest has been told.
Christopher Kapessa died after the incident in the River Cynon near Fernhill in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, on July 1, 2019.
Witnesses have told South Wales Central Coroner's Court in Pontypridd that another boy, then aged 14, had pushed Christopher from a ledge into the water.
The boy, now aged 19 and who cannot be named for legal reasons, has insisted to the inquest that he accidentally fell into Christopher and did not deliberately push him.
Christopher began panicking and shouted for help - with other children jumping in and trying to rescue him before he disappeared below the surface at about 5.30pm.
Christopher Kapessa, 13, died after the incident in the River Cynon near Fernhill in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, on July 1 2019 in front of horrified friends
Christopher began panicking and shouted with friends jumping in the river to try and save him
The boy's heartbroken mother Alina Joseph previously campaigned for a prosecution case to be brought
Emergency services attended and Christopher was recovered from the water at 7.25pm. He was later declared dead at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.
Giving evidence on Wednesday, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell of South Wales Police said he was the senior investigating officer for the case.
He told the inquest that initial accounts from those present 'suggested Christopher had fallen into the water', with no indication that there had been any push, pull or similar action.
However, rumours began circulating at Christopher's school and the boy alleged to have pushed Christopher in told his mother he 'may have slipped and pushed Christopher into the water by accident', Mr Powell said.
He added: 'There were other accounts that he had pushed Christopher into the water, albeit in the context of child's play.'
Police re-interviewed those present at the scene, with Mr Powell developing five hypotheses about what happened.
Tom Leeper, counsel to the inquest, asked whether police had found any evidence that bullying may have been responsible for the incident.
Barrister Michael Mansfield QC, who led Ms Joseph's legal team, said the 'suspect' had 'pushed' Christopher 'deliberately' and he had been killed as a result
Tributes were left for Christopher following his death in the River Cynon near Fernhill in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales
Mr Powell replied: 'No I didn't. That became hypothesis five for me, as to whether Christopher was bullied or encouraged to enter the water. I found no evidence of that.
'Certainly no evidence of racism playing a role in him entering the water or any of the events that happened on the riverside.'
Mr Powell said there had been inaccurate reporting of the death, including describing the boy alleged to have pushed Christopher as a 'killer or murderer'.
He described a press conference by a group supporting Christopher's mother Alina Joseph that took place in Butetown, alleging there was evidence parents and children had perverted the course of justice.
'That evidence never existed,' Mr Powell said.
Mr Leeper asked: 'Is there evidence of race having played any role in relation to Christopher's tragic loss on July 1 2019?'
Mr Powell replied: 'Neither I or my team uncovered any evidence that racism played a role.'
The senior officer was also asked about a social media campaign which aimed to 'obtain justice for Christopher'.
He said: 'There were links to the terrible murder of Stephen, that this case was akin to that murder and incidents of police institutionalised racism in the UK.'
A number of youngsters were at the scene and jumped into save Christopher, the court heard (the River Cynon is pictured above)
When asked if there was any foundation for those assertions, Mr Powell replied: 'None at all.'
Mr Powell said he felt those comments affected tensions within the community, with the children who were present at the river and their families feeling 'pressure'.
He added: 'The particular consequences would be to (the boy alleged to have pushed Christopher into the water) and his family.
'For short periods, at certain times, they were moved from the area. There were police safeguarding measures to help protect them and their home address.'
Mr Powell said he believed there was 'potentially a risk to them' as a result of the inaccurate reporting, with that risk continuing into 2023.
David Hughes, representing the boy, asked: 'You have told us that you found no evidence that racism played a part in how Christopher came to enter the water.
'Would it be fair to say that it is not only a question of there being no racism but the evidence was that Christopher was positively cherished and valued by the children with him?'
Christopher, 13, pictured with his mother, Alina
Mr Powell replied: 'Christopher was very good friends with them, very well respected by lots of them and someone they found fun to be around.
'I do understand the family's concern that racism played a role. I could only find that they were good friends in this case.'
The officer agreed that the boy alleged to have pushed Christopher into the water was 'distraught' at his death, voluntarily attended interviews and had co-operated with the inquiry.
During the inquest, witnesses have described how the group of school friends from Mountain Ash Comprehensive School arranged to meet at the site after school on July 1 2019.
Some of the group have told the hearing that Christopher was saying both that he could and that he could not swim. He removed his glasses, top and sliders before going to stand on the ledge.
The inquest continues.
Staring confidently into the camera, the mayor of Lewisham urged the people of the south east London borough to use locally owned businesses that were hammered by Covid.
In the 2020 Youtube clip Damien Egan says that the 'family run' shops and restaurants had such a 'hard year' due to lockdowns that kept customers away and need people's help to keep going.
The mayor, then in his late 30s, spoke in an accent that would be familiar to the thousands of people in the area - not a Cockney but recognisable as coming from the city.
Which is why a campaign video he released this week caught many people by surprise, when he spoke with a broad Westcountry accent.
Mr Egan is standing for Labour in the Kingswood constituency where he grew up, and fully deployed the long vowels of the locals in South Gloucestershire as he spoke of attending a school in the constituency before work took him to London as an adult.
The change in accent was picked up by keen-eared followers on social media who were confused by the sudden shift after his political journey took him 120 miles west to the Bristol suburbs.
One asked if he had 'just been cast in Hot Fuzz', a reference to the 2007 film by Simon Pegg, in which a London policeman is reassigned to a small village.
Another added: 'Nice accent you ''rediscovered'' mate. Leaving your constituents in Lewisham in the lurch the second you get a better offer? You're a joke. '
And a third said: 'If you don't win in Kingswood, could you try a constituency in Wales next? Would love to hear you have a go at that accent too.'
In a 2020 Youtube clip Damien Egan says that the 'family run' shops and restaurants had such a 'hard year' due to lockdowns that kept customers away and need people's help to keep going.
Which is why a campaign video he released this week caught many people by surprise, when he spoke with a broad Westcountry accent.
The change in accent was picked up by keen-eared followers on social media who were confused by the sudden shift after his political journey took him 120 miles west. One asked if he had 'just been cast in Hot Fuzz', a reference to the 2007 film by Simon Pegg, in which a London policeman is reassigned to a small village (above)
Another added: 'Nice accent you ''rediscovered'' mate. Leaving your constituents in Lewisham in the lurch the second you get a better offer? You're a joke. ' And a third said: 'If you don't win in Kingswood, could you try a constituency in Wales next? Would love to hear you have a go at that accent too.'
After being selected as Labour's by-election hopeful, Mr Egan last week resigned as mayor of the London borough which is more than 120 miles away from the Kingswood constituency.
Prior to being elected Lewisham mayor in 2018, Mr Egan was an unsuccessful Labour candidate in Beckenham, Greater London, at the 2010 general election.
Labour pointed to how he had grown up in and around Kingswood before moving to the capital.
The Kingswood seat was vacated by Chris Skidmore's resignation from the House of Commons in protest at the Government's plans to boost oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Labour is the favourite to take the seat, overturning the 11,220 Tory majority from 2019 amid dire poll ratings for Rishi Sunak's party.
Speaking last week, Mr Egan said: 'I'm looking forward to being able to go around the areas I grew up in and give residents a hardworking representative who's on their side.
'Speaking to residents in Kingswood today, it's clear that just like the former MP, people are fed up of this Government and ready for change.
'In just a few weeks, we'll have the opportunity to send Rishi Sunak a message that it's time for change.'
A Labour campaign source denied Mr Egan was putting on any accent but suggested he had picked up local influences 'a bit on his travels'.
My whole adult life was taken up fighting to clear my name,' says Winston Trew.
'I came out of Eastchurch prison aged 23 and I was only acquitted when I was 69. That's a long time.'
This is the extraordinary story of a racist and corrupt policeman called Derek Ridgewell who, half a century ago, destroyed the good names and blighted the lives of more than a dozen young black men.
Only in recent years has the justice system begun to rectify the wrongs he inflicted, with the impetus for doing so provided by the dogged and deeply impressive determination of Mr Trew.
This week, three of the so-called 'Stockwell Six' who were jailed nearly 50 years ago for crimes they did not commit, had their convictions overturned at the court of appeal.
Only in recent years has the justice system begun to rectify the wrongs he inflicted, with the impetus for doing so provided by the dogged and deeply impressive determination of Winston Trew (pictured above)
The trio, all members of the 'Windrush generation' of post-war immigrants from the West Indies, are only the latest to be cleared after having been 'fitted up' by Ridgewell.
They wept with joy and relief but, in many ways, it is too late.
Their youth is gone. Their good names have been returned only in their twilight years.
As one of the judges, Sir Julian Flaux, said, with considerable understatement: 'It is most unfortunate that it has taken nearly 50 years to rectify the injustice suffered by these appellants.'
So who was the police officer described as 'corrupt and wicked and evil' by one of his victims this week?
Derek Arnold Ridgewell, born in Glasgow in May 1945, was the son of a civil engineer.
The family moved to South London when Ridgewell was a child and at the age of 19 he joined the British Transport Police.
A year later, he emigrated to join the paramilitary police in Southern Rhodesia, a colony still under white minority rule.
But shortly after its prime minister Ian Smith instituted a Unilateral Declaration of Independence and the country lurched towards a race war, Ridgewell returned to the UK and rejoined the BTP.
This brief interlude poses an important question: was Ridgewell's time in Rhodesia instrumental in turning him into an authoritarian racist or was it an indication of a pre-existing prejudice?
Derek Arnold Ridgewell, born in Glasgow in May 1945, was the son of a civil engineer. The family moved to South London when Ridgewell was a child and at the age of 19 he joined the British Transport Police. A year later, he emigrated to join the paramilitary police in Southern Rhodesia, a colony still under white minority rule
Ridgewell was promoted to detective sergeant in 1971 and put in charge of an undercover 'mugging squad' on the Underground.
The role gave him almost unfettered power to pursue his prejudices. Within six months in the following year he had committed four separate outrages against random young black men.
The Waterloo 4
On February 2, 1972, four black, juvenile males were travelling on a Tube train between Oval and Waterloo when they were attacked by a group of white passengers.
It was only on reaching Waterloo, when the youths were manhandled off the train, that their assailants identified themselves as plain clothes police officers, led by Ridgewell.
All four were charged under the so-called 'sus law' later repealed with being a 'suspected person' who had been 'loitering with intent to commit an arrestable offence' on the Underground.
They signed confessions. But in court one of them stated: 'I just signed it because I was frightened that I would get beaten up, too.'
The police evidence was contradictory and refuted by the girlfriend of one of the accused, also on the train. The girlfriend happened to be white.
Southwark Juvenile Court threw out the prosecution and referred the case to the BTP for investigation of its own officers' behaviour. The force reported there was 'no evidence . . . to support any allegation against any person'. It had cleared itself.
But the Waterloo 4 case was a template for what happened thereafter: young black men on the Tube suddenly attacked by plain clothes officers, arrested, beaten and made to sign false confessions of theft to avoid further punishment and incarceration. This was Ridgewell's modus operandi.
The Stockwell Six
Sixteen days after the Waterloo incident, Ridgewell's team struck again.
Ridgewell was to claim in court that he had been acting as a decoy when he was attacked by an armed gang on a train at Stockwell.
One of the supposed gang, Courtney Harriott, allegedly pulled out a knife and demanded 'Give us bread, man.' After a struggle all six were arrested.
Again the police account was disputed by the accused, who said they had done nothing wrong and were beaten up to sign statements to confess to offences.
The police evidence sounded far-fetched: no black youth would use the word 'bread' for money. That was a white hippie term.
Five of the six were convicted. Harriott got three years' imprisonment, and four received two years' Borstal training.
The sixth youth was illiterate and could not have understood or signed his statement and was acquitted. Another BTP investigation into this anomaly found no wrongdoing.
Three of the so-called 'Stockwell Six' who were jailed nearly 50 years ago for crimes they did not commit, had their convictions overturned at the court of appeal. Winston Trew is pictured above with his wife Hyacinth outside court after his name was cleared
The Oval 4
On March 16, 1972, Ridgewell's squad was back in action. Their target was four young black men. One of them was Winston Trew, a married father of two, aged 21.
His father had been a police sergeant in British colonial Jamaica and had named his boy after the Mother Country's wartime leader. Winston came to Britain as a small boy, when his parents decided it offered the promise of a better education for their three children.
What he encountered, Mr Trew told the Mail this week, was something entirely new to him: racism.
'On my first day at infant school in South London another child walked up to me in the playground and punched me in the face, for being black,' he says. 'That was my 'Welcome to England' moment.'
As a youth he became used to being called 'golliwog' and having white men shout the N-word at him from passing cars. A bright boy whose education was stifled by this conflict, he became active in radical community politics and the nascent Black Power movement.
It was while making his way home after attending a meeting with activists that he and his friends fell into the clutches of Ridgewell.
'We used to walk around in groups, not because we were in a gang but for our own protection,' he says.
'We were stopped at Oval Underground station. They produced no ID at first. We thought they were just some white guys making trouble. A fight broke out.
'When they identified themselves as police I just thought: 'Here we go again'. We were used to harassment. But once they got us in to the van on the way to the station I began to worry.
'They told us we would be getting a hiding and no sooner was I in the corridor at Brixton station than I had been punched twice in the head and I was left confused and vulnerable and very afraid. Once you are in a cell you are facing the prospect of a serious hiding.'
Then Ridgewell produced a prepared statement: 'A confession for me to sign. It was total rubbish. They kept going on about me having picked pockets at bus stops. I was desperate in the end. They told me 'You're not going anywhere until you sign'. Ridgewell said, 'You blacks have got no rights'.
'In the end I signed a false confession that I had committed a number of these offences. I did it because I was frightened and also because I knew I had a cast-iron alibi for the times I gave (he was signing on at the labour exchange) and therefore thought that the case would fall apart later as a result. I was honestly afraid I would not come out of the station alive.
'There was no CCTV, no mobile phone footage, nothing like that to help you. We told our lawyer the police were lying and he said things would be worse if we said anything like that and to make sure we kept our mouths shut.'
The pickpocket allegations did fall apart at the Old Bailey trial. But Trew and the others were convicted of assault on police and attempted theft and jailed for two years.
This was later reduced on appeal to eight months.
Tottenham Court 2
On the night of August 4, 1972, Ridgewell's gang committed its most egregious 'fitting up'.
Two devout Jesuit college students from Rhodesia, both black, who were studying social work at Oxford were 'set upon' by 'five burly strangers' at Tottenham Court Road Underground station.
Again, it was only after the initial melee that the students learned that their assailants were undercover police, led by Ridgewell.
The pair were subsequently charged with assaulting police and attempted handbag theft. But none of the accounts given by the police officers were the same.
At the Old Bailey the charges were thrown out by Judge Gwyn Morris who said 'One is dealing with highly reputable students. One is not dealing with people of bad character. How can any possible reliance be placed on these officers?'
He added: 'I find it terrible that here in London people using public transport should be pounced upon by police officers without a word by anyone that they are police officers.'
In 1973 the BBC Nationwide programme broadcast an investigation into the suspect cases brought against black men by Ridgewell.
But he remained in the police force and public interest died away. However, the damage to his victims' lives and reputations was permanent. 'I lost everything,' says Mr Trew.
'My wife blamed Black Power for me going to prison and did not understand why I had signed a statement admitting the offences. It was all too much for her.
'I came out of jail in July 1973 and by 1974 she left me and took my sons to live in Jamaica and that was it. My life over. My mother believed me.
She said: 'He might have an attitude towards the police but he is not someone who would pick pockets.'
But some of the parents of Ridgewell's other victims did not believe their sons. They did not think a policeman could lie.
'I was an angry man, with myself, the police, my wife and the whole world. And the four of us (the Oval 4) drifted apart. I felt very much alone. It was a horrible time.
'Ridgewell threw a hand grenade into my life. The only way I could get my life together was to investigate Ridgewell. So that is what I did for the next 40 years.'
One of the first discoveries was that his accuser had himself been jailed, for very different offences.
After questions were raised about the prosecution of black males by his mugging squad, Ridgewell was quietly moved to a different job, investigating Royal Mail bag thefts.
On the face of it, he was a model of suburban respectability and rectitude. He and his wife owned a general store in South London, and were members of the tennis club. He did not drink.
It was all a facade. Ridgewell was not simply a racist; he was rotten to the core. He began to steal from the mail bags himself and in 1978 he was caught.
In January 1980, at the Old Bailey, Derek Ridgewell was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for a conspiracy to steal goods worth 1.3 million in today's money and corruptly accepting a gift. His next address was to be Wormwood Scrubs.
'I read about it and thought 'Crumbs, he really was a crook!' Mr Trew recalls.
While Ridgewell was languishing in jail, Mr Trew got his life back together as best he could. He gained a degree, then a Master's, remarried and in 1987 took up a post as a lecturer in sociology at South Bank University.
But Ridgewell's unpunished crimes haunted Mr Trew still.
'Slowly little bits of information about Ridgewell came in but there were long periods where I wasn't getting anywhere and you do get very depressed. I never gave up.'
He combed the National Archives. The passing of the Freedom of Information Act in 2000 was a major boost. He was able to access papers related to Ridgewell from the Offender Management Service.
The first revelation was that his tormentor had died of a heart attack in Ford Open Prison in 1983. He was 37 years old.
The papers also contained a report by a prison governor who had asked Ridgewell how had he had ended up in jail.
'I just went bent,' the ex-policeman was reported to have replied.
'They sent me a big file on all the contentious cases he was involved in and that's where it all fell into place,' says Mr Trew.
'I'd read about the Tottenham Court Two when I was in prison. But the file alerted me to the Waterloo Four.
'I had another big breakthrough when Graham Satchwell, a senior ex-British Transport Police officer revealed he had found the entire transcript of my Old Bailey trial, among material he had unearthed for a book he was writing on the Great Train Robbery.'
Mr Trew wrote a book of his own on his fight for justice and Ridgewell's wrongdoings Black For A Cause ... Not Just Because: The Case Of The 'Oval 4' which was published in 2010.
It was to have a profound impact on all concerned.
Ridgewell had not only 'fitted up' young blacks.
Stephen Simmons, now a businessman, is white. But as a 21-year-old in 1975 he had been arrested 'out of the blue' and falsely accused by Ridgewell of mail-bag theft.
He was convicted and sent to Borstal, losing his job and home.
'Stephen Simmons was someone like me who did not accept he was guilty,' says Mr Trew.
'He saw my material on the internet and contacted the Criminal Cases Review Commission, who contacted me.'
The book was used in evidence at the appeal and Mr Simmons had his conviction quashed as unsafe in January 2018. Thanks to Mr Trew, the endgame for the Ridgewell victims had begun.
In December 2019, Mr Trew and two others of the Oval 4 also had their convictions quashed on appeal. The fourth member could not be traced. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, told them: 'Our regret is that it has taken so long for this injustice to be remedied.'
This week, three of the Stockwell 6, including Courtney Harriot, were also belatedly cleared. Two could not be traced. BTP apologised, once again.
'I feel good for them,' says Mr Trew, 70. 'I'm glad I helped. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I used to say to my wife: 'That bastard's ruined my life. But his memory no longer bothers me at all'.
'In a sense, Ridgewell's wrong-doing was the making of me.'
He believes that many of the problems he faced remain unresolved, however. 'There is still police corruption, there is still antagonism between young black men and police,' he says.
'I am old now and so invisible on the streets. But I wouldn't like to be a young guy today.
'The sus law has gone but others which have similar negative impact are in its place.
'There still needs to be a fundamental change in the way police approach young black men.'
The extraordinary moment a rare white baby rhino is birthed has been captured by CCTV at a UK safari park earlier this month.
Baby Malaika, which means 'angel' in Swahili, was born on January 11 at West Midland Safari Park following a tricky breech birth for 15-year-old mum Keyah.
Incredible CCTV footage shows the moment Keyah positions herself against her pen while laying down, before Malaika emerges head-first shortly after, at 1:48am.
However, zookeepers, who watched the arrival of the southern white rhino live from behind-the-scenes, were forced to step in after noticing the calf struggling to stand.
After keepers helped the newborn to its feet, she was able to tentatively walk over to her mother to have her first feed.
The extraordinary moment a rare white baby rhino is birthed has been captured by CCTV at a UK safari park earlier this month
Baby Malaika, which means 'angel' in Swahili, was born on January 11 at West Midland Safari Park following a tricky breech birth for 15-year-old mum Keyah
Further footage shows the baby rhino's first wobbly steps, before being gently nestled and fussed over by mother Keyah.
A week on, the calf is said to be doing 'really well' and is set to join eight other rhinos at the attraction in Bewdley, Worcestershire.
Lisa Watkins, head keeper of ungulates, said: 'The team are absolutely over the moon with the safe arrival of a female white rhino calf.
'After a long wait, having had two male calves born in 2021, a female was a very welcome addition to the crash.
'Mum, Keyah, is doing a fantastic job of caring for the newborn with older brother Jumani eager to meet his little sister.'
Watkins added: 'I am really proud of the team for all their daily hard work and dedication, to allow this calf to arrive safe and healthy.
'We all look forward to showing the new arrival off in the near future, but for now, both mum and calf are spending some important time bonding in the warmth and comfort of their house.'
Malaika is the sixth baby white rhino to be born at the attraction over the last eight years - a miraculous turnaround on the endangerment the species has been facing.
Zookeepers, who watched the arrival of the southern white rhino live from behind-the-scenes, were forced to step in after noticing the calf struggling to stand
Further footage shows the baby rhino's first wobbly steps, before being gently nestled and fussed over by mother Keyah
A week on, the calf is said to be doing 'really well' and is set to join eight other rhinos at the attraction in Bewdley, Worcestershire
Malaika is the sixth baby white rhino to be born at the attraction over the last eight years - a miraculous turnaround on the endangerment the species has been facing
READ MORE: Irish wildlife park welcomes an adorable endangered baby langur monkey Advertisement
The park is part of a European breeding programme aimed at protecting the species classed as 'near threatened' by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).
Katie McDonald, research and conservation officer, said: 'Like all wildlife attractions, we believe it is extremely important for us to contribute to the conservation of the species we hold.
'White rhinos are one of the species for which there is a European-wide breeding programme and WMSP has been a strong contributor. This is the sixth white rhino calf born since 2016.'
The population of white rhinos has gradually increased since almost becoming extinct in the early 1900s - due to decades of rampant poaching for rhino horn - but are still the subspecies of rhinos most threatened by poaching.
Less than 16,000 white rhinos remain in the wild in Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, according to World Wild Life (WWF).
Last year, in November, a heartwarming video showed the incredible moment a critically endangered Eastern black rhino was born at Chester Zoo.
Keepers say it is extremely uncommon for a rhino to give birth during the day, providing a rare opportunity to see a healthy calf being born.
With only 600 Eastern black rhinos left in the wild, the baby rhino is not only cute, but is also an important part of conservation efforts.
Donald Trump has paid tribute to Melania's mom, whose funeral will be held today at the same church near Mar-a-Lago where he married the former First Lady in 2005.
Private services for Amalija Knavs, 78, will be at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the congregation former President Donald Trump sometimes attends and where he and his wife were married in 2005. Knavs died January 9 in Miami after an undisclosed illness.
Donald Trump took to Truth social to express his condolences, posting: 'Just landed in West Palm Beach from New Hampshire, where the event and enthusiastic crowd was incredible.
'Will be back on Friday for big Rallies over the weekend. Staying through Election Night, but today will be devoted to the funeral (Celebration!!!) of a GREAT WOMAN,'Babi,'the Beloved Mother of Melania and Grandmother of Barron And what a Woman she was!!!'
During the Trump presidency, the first lady's mother lived in New York along with her father, Viktor Knavs, who survives her, and occasionally appeared at the White House. Amalija Knavs was at a 2018 ceremony where the first lady debuted her 'Be Best' public awareness campaign to help children.
Melania Trump and Amalija Knavs (File Photo). Knavs died January 9 in Miami after an undisclosed illness
Private services for Knavs, 78, will be at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the congregation former President Donald Trump sometimes attends and where he and his wife were married in 2005
Donald Trump took to social media to express his condolences. He said that 'today will be devoted to the funeral (Celebration!!!) of a GREAT WOMAN,'Babi,'the Beloved Mother of Melania and Grandmother of Barron'
Trump also posted a picture of himself standing next to Amalija Knavs. During the Trump presidency, the first lady's mother lived in New York along with her father, Viktor Knavs, who survives her, and occasionally appeared at the White House
The Knavses raised Melania, born Melanija, and her older sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica while Slovenia was under Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. Amalija Knavs was a textile worker and homemaker, while her husband worked as chauffeur before becoming a car dealer.
The former first lady, 53, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and changed her name to Melania Knauss when she started modeling. She settled in New York in 1996 and met Trump in 1998.
She sponsored her parents' immigration to the United States, and they became citizens at a New York City courthouse in 2018, while Trump was president.
Their lawyer said at the time that they applied for citizenship on their own and didn't get any special treatment.
New York City art gallery owner Brent Sikkema, 75, was stabbed 18 times at his Rio de Janeiro home by a Cuban man who requested refugee status in Brazil, a Rio de Janeiro police official has revealed.
The official, Felipe Curi, who is the director of the Civil Police homicide and personal protection division, held a press conference following the arrest of Alejandro Triana on Thursday and said most of Sikkemas wounds were to the face and chest.
'It was a premeditated and cruel action,' Curi said. 'He waited for the best moment to enter the victims house. He didnt break down the door. He stayed there for 15 minutes.'
Sikkema was found dead in is apartment on Tuesday. He had been stabbed in what police described as a robbery.
Alejandro Triana (pictured) was arrested Thursday morning by police in Brazil in connection with the murder of New York City art gallery owner Brent Sikkema
Sikkema (pictured with former First Lady Michelle Obama) was well known throughout the NYC art scene and owned a home in Brazil
Police escort Alejandro Triana out of a Civil Police station in Minas Gerais following his arrest Thursday morning. Authorities revealed that he migrated to Brazil in 2022 and applied for refugee protection
Triana was arrested moments after police spotted him sleeping inside a car at a gas station in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, about 615 miles from the townhouse owned by Sikkema, who was the co-owner of Sikkema, Jenkins & Co. in Chelsea.
Curi said Triana migrated to Brazil in 2022 and was living in Sao Paulo.
Triana had met Sikkema in 2023, according to Civil Police investigators.
We learned that he was in Rio in July last year, at the same time Brent was in Brazil, said Alexandre Herdy, chief of the Rio de Janeiro Capital Homicide Police Station. A witness does not rule out that they had met.
Authorities are also looking into whether Triana knew Sikkemas husband and other friends in Rio de Janeiro.
Curi said that the suspect drove from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro and spent 13 hours surveying Sikkemas home in the affluent neighborhood.
Sikkema was found stabbed to death at his home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday
Brent Sikkema appears on a surveillance camera walking to his home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday, just hours before he was allegedly killed by Alejandro Triana, who stabbed him 18 times
Alejandro Triana was spotted Saturday on surveillance camera walking in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Jardim Botanico, where New York City art gallery owner Brent Sikkema owned a home. Triana was arrested Thursday in connection with Sikkema's murder
DailyMail.com was able to access surveillance camera footage released by Gabriel Security Company that showed Triana parked across the street from Sikkemas home on Saturday at 2:30 pm.
Sikkema could be seen wearing a T-shirt, shorts and flip flops while carrying a large tote bag as he approached his home, entering at 4:36pm and never walking out again.
Video footage shows the vehicle moving at 2:54pm and stationed just several feet away from the entrance to Sikkema's home.Triana remained inside the car until 10:42pm and was spotted walking around the neighborhood, lowering his head to avoid being detected by surveillance cameras.
He returned to his car at 10:52pm and remained there until Sunday, when he stepped out of the vehicle and entered Sikkema's home at 3:43am.
Triana spent 14 minutes inside the residence and walked out at 3:57am. He could be seen removing a pair of gloves and walking back to the car before driving away.
The author was very careful in his criminal action, Herdy said. It caught our attention that he kept the air conditioning on, probably to prevent neighbors from noticing the effects of the death in a region where the houses are very close, close together.
Triana stole $30,000, 30,000 Brazilian reals ($6,078) and a gold chain from Sikkemas home.
Alejandro Triana was captured on camera walking out of the Rio de Janeiro home of New York City art gallery owner Brent Sikkema on Sunday at 3:57am. Sikkema was found dead with multiple stab wounds Monday. Triana was arrested on a highway on Thursday
Triana spent almost 14 hours surveying the home of Sikkema before he allegedly murdered him and robbed him of $3,000, authorities said. A vehicle driven by Triana is seen above driving away moments after the incident
Police said that Sikkema had recently purchased a second home in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Leblon and that he kept the money at his residence to purchase new furniture.
Civil Police agents spotted Triana sleeping in his vehicle at a gas station and was apprehended without incident.
Sikkema, who is survived by his husband and 12-year-old son, was born in Morrison, Illinois, and graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute.
The prominent art gallery owner was the director of exhibitions at Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester in 1971. He later served as the director of Vision Gallery in Boston from 1976 to 1980 and was its owner from 1980 to 1989.
Sikkema founded his New York City art gallery in 1991 as Wooster Gardens in Soho. In 1999, the art gallery was moved to its current location in Chelsea.
Sikkema was also known to work with Anohia, Tony Feher, Sheila Hicks, Jennifer Packer, Deana Lawson, Mark Bradford, Amy Sillman, Shahzia Sikander and Arlene Shechet, according to ARTnews.
'It is with great sadness that the gallery announces the passing of our beloved founder, Brent Sikkema,' Sikkema Jenkins & Co. said in a statement Tuesday. 'The gallery grieves this tremendous loss and will continue on in his spirit.'
According to Brazilian news outlet O Globo, Sikkema reportedly purchased his Rio de Janeiro townhouse ten years ago and visited at least three times a year.
His Rio de Janeiro-based attorney, Simone Nunes, was entrusted with looking after the residence while he was in the United States.
She told cops that she became worried after Sikkema had not answered her phone calls since Saturday. Nunes visited Sikkema's home Monday night after he failed to show up for a meeting and found him in his bed.
A young woman has spoken out about the horror of waking up to a brown snake sinking its fangs into her hand.
Kasey Leadbetter, 21, works on a remote cattle station at Glenmorgan in the Western Downs region of Queensland.
But when she laid down for a night's rest on January 12, after a long day on the farm, she woke up at 1am in agony.
The brown snake that attacked Ms Leadbetter is pictured
'I just remember rolling over and I've felt like this very strong like bite,' she told 9News.
'I was definitely scared. I'm not going to lie.
'My hand just felt like it was on fire and I could feel it was starting to travel up my arm.'
Ms Leadbetter called the family she was working for at the cattle farm who leaped into action and applied a compression bandage to slow the venom spreading, before calling emergency services.
'They still knew it could go either way. It was very touch and go,' Leadbetter said.
Just one bite from a brown snake can kill an adult in less than 30 minutes.
The neurotoxin in the venom shuts down a human's heart, lungs and diaphragm once it enters the bloodstream, which can quickly lead to death.
Ms Leadbetter called the family she was working for at the cattle farm who leaped into action and applied a compression bandage to slow the poison spreading, before calling emergency services
'My hand just felt like it was on fire and I could feel it was starting to travel up my arm,' Ms Leadbetter said
Ms Leadbetter was airlifted to hospital by an RACQ LifeFlight helicopter (pictured)
With a compression bandage, a person can survive for several hours.
Ms Leadbetter was airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital, where she received anti-venom.
She has since made a full recovery and is now urging all Australians to undergo first aid training on how to treat snake bites.
'It saved my life and it can save other people's lives too,' she said.
Prince William has visited his wife Kate in hospital today where she is recovering from major surgery on her abdomen.
The heir to the throne, 41, was spotted leaving The London Clinic behind the wheel of a 139,000 electric Audi E-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, followed by royal bodyguards in a Range Rover.
William has taken time off to be with his wife and look after their children over the coming weeks.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is 'doing well' having spent a second night on a private ward at the Marylebone hospital after major abdominal surgery as her husband, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
It came as it emerged King Charles will be in hospital next week for an procedure on his enlarged prostate. Speaking in Aberdeen today Queen Camilla said: 'He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.'
The Prince of Wales was seen departing the private London Clinic in Marylebone at around 12.35pm on Thursday. His wife could spend up to two weeks there recuperating and he spent the morning with her before heading back to Windsor.
William drove a new electric Audi to be with his wife Kate in a private London hospital this morning. She will be there for up to a fortnight
Prince William, Prince of Wales, drives himself away from the London Clinic in London where his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery
The Prince of Wales has cleared his diary of duties to support his wife and children
Queen Camilla opens the new 'Safe Space' during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery today. The Queen has said the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate
Police outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
READ MORE: Camilla says King Charles is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' after his prostate procedure next week The monarch's wife is the first senior working royal to carry out official duties and she spoke on official duties in Scotland. She's seen in November Advertisement
With Prince William also taking leave tcare for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
The nature of the princess's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
It is serious enough, however, for heir to the throne William to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath while she recuperates, devoting his time to his family.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton and sibling Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and help support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
The nature of Kate's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancer-related.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales was sent a get well message by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
READ MORE: The royal doctor looking after King Charles who claims Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill (and is a fan of devil's claw and horny goat weed) Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008 Advertisement
The charity, of which Kate is patron, wrote on X: 'Everyone at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
'We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.'
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kate's 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn't have a normal life. She's the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it's not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day in her role as the regiment's honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
Like the rest of the royal family, Kate has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen's death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic (pictured) for planned abdominal surgery
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
William's former university flatmate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH, focusing on mental health and early childhood.
Seen as the monarchy's safe pair of hands and as having a 'keep calm and carry on' approach, Kate has been heralded as channelling the same characteristics of charm, politeness and toughness as the late Queen Mother, who was once described as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the Cambridges and the Duke of Sussex, and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: 'She takes time to talk to people. She is tough.
'She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.'
The London Clinic, based on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road in central London, is the UK's largest independent private hospital.
The clinic first opened its doors in 1932 and its previous patients include Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, actress Elizabeth Taylor and US president John F Kennedy.
Two nuns and a care worker who abused vulnerable youngsters at a notorious Scottish orphanage have been jailed for three years each.
Sister Sarah McDermott, 79, Sister Eileen Igoe, 79, and carer Margaret Hughes, 76, subjected children to terrifying ordeals at Smyllum Park in Lanark.
The three women denied any wrongdoing between 1969 and 1981 and went on trial at Airdrie Sheriff Court.
A jury took three days to find them guilty of a number of 'cruel and unnatural' incidents while children were in the care of the Order of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul.
Sheriff Scott Pattison said there was no alternative to prison for the three women as he jailed them for a total of nine years.
Sister Sarah McDermott, 79, is helped into Airdrie Sheriff Court, Scotland, where she was jailed for 3 years for abusing children at the notorious Smyllum Park Orphanage in Lanark
Sister Eileen Igoe, of Edinburgh, was convicted of abuse which included force feeding children and making one eat their own vomit as well as striking one boy on the head and body
A number of former residents told the trial they had been mistreated at Smyllum during the six-week trial.
One woman said she was beaten by McDermott, of London, after she reported witnessing her brother being sexually abused in a toilet in the orphanage.
She said volunteer worker Brian Dailey, who was later jailed for 15 years for abusing youngsters, molested the three-year-old in a cubicle.
But rather than investigate the abuse, McDermott slapped the girl and told her she was bringing her 'filthy home habits into a good Catholic place'.
McDermott also struck another girl with rosary beads and repeatedly struck her on the head and body.
Igoe, of Edinburgh, was convicted of abuse which included force feeding children and making one eat their own vomit as well as striking one boy on the head and body.
Hughes, of Lanark, seized one boy by the hair before striking him with her arm. She also forced a girl into a freezing bath and held her head under water.
Lawyers for all three women said they still maintained their innocence.
Richard Souter, defending McDermott, said: 'Clearly these offences took place at a time where the treatment of children was very different from what it is now.
'Further there was little understanding of the type of impact offending like this would have.'
Eileen Igoe (left) and Sarah McDermott (right) maintain their innocence despite their guilty verdicts
David Nicolson, defending Igoe, said: 'Eileen Igoe has spent much of her life in the unpaid service of others.
'There has been significant stress, anxiety and shame suffered by her throughout the trial process.'
George Gebbie, defending Hughes, said: 'She has led, according to the social worker, a pro-social life which I take to mean she has led an exemplary life.
'A number of witnesses came to court on her behalf to say she was the only mother they ever had when they were living at Smyllum and even after they left.'
Sheriff Pattison said: 'Each of you, in what you did and said, contributed to a culture in which children were demeaned and subjected to verbal and physical abuse.
'While you were all younger at the time, you were all adults either in your 20s or 30s when you did these things.
'While there was some discussion at trial about the existence of corporal punishment and reasonable chastisement, it is clear that the jury rejected that and in any event, what was described by those who gave evidence went way beyond what could ever be described as reasonable chastisement in any generation.
'It would have been obvious to you all and anyone at the time that what you were doing was abusive and that it was criminal and you must have known what you were doing was wrong.
'What should have been a home and a safe place, a safe haven even, for these children was a place of anxiety and fear.'
The two nuns and carer Margaret Hughes, 76, carried out the abuse at Smyllum Park in Lanark, where the Order of the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul was based
Smyllum closed in 1981 and has been at the centre of allegations of abuse.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry said in 2018 youngsters had been sexually abused and beaten with leather straps, hairbrushes and crucifixes.
A report by Lady Smith, chair of the inquiry, said it was a place of 'fear, threat and excessive discipline' and that children found 'no love, no compassion, no dignity and no comfort' in Smyllum.
A spokesperson for the Daughters of Charity said: 'As Daughters of Charity, we wish to reiterate our most heartfelt apology to anyone who suffered abuse in our care.
'The complainers showed courage in coming forward with their accounts, and we sincerely hope that the outcome of the case will bring a degree of closure after so many years.
'The jury's verdicts reflect events and practices totally out of keeping with the fundamental values underpinning our life and mission.
'We are reflecting carefully and deeply on all that we have heard in the evidence throughout this trial, and in today's sentencing.
'Our respectful desire for the future is to effect healing in whatever ways are possible for this generation.'
Tamara Ecclestone today told of her anger and 'disappointment' after a burglar involved in a 26million raid on her home was freed from jail after serving just two years of his sentence.
Alessandro Donati, 46, was given an eight-year sentence in November 2021 along with Alessandro Maltese, 47, while Jugoslav Jovanovic, 26, got 11 years.
We revealed that Donati was freed just before Christmas under the early release scheme for foreign prisoners.
In a joint statement with her husband Jay Rutland, the millionaire heiress said: 'We would like to say that we are disappointed that these individuals have been given their freedom so soon after the burglary occurred.
'We would also like to reiterate that there is a reward for anyone that gives any information that leads to the successful recovery of any of the stolen watches and jewellery.'
Tamara Ecclestone has been left angered after a burglar involved in the 26m raid of her home was released early from prison
She released a joint statement with her husband Jay Rutland saying there were 'disappointed' (Pictured at the 9th Annual Global Gift Gala at the Rosewood Hotel in London)
Alessandro Donati, 46, was given an eight-year sentence in November 2021 for breaking into Ms Ecclestone's home and escaping with the haul. He has been released from prison after serving just two years
While her billionaire father, former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone didn't mince his words, telling MailOnline: 'Bloody incredible, this was news to me.
'This sounds ridiculous, I know it's usually half your sentence before these people are let out but Christ, I just hope he doesn't try doing the same things again.
'If these people know they are going to let out early then it's not going to make much difference to them.'
Donati flew home to his native Milan in Italy on December 19 and shortly after his return police raided his home to see if any of the missing haul was hidden there.
None of the haul has ever been recovered and Scotland Yard believe it was taken to Serbia and laundered there.
Donati was arrested in October 2020 in Italy and extradited to the UK a month later.
He was kept on remand until his trial in November 2021 where he received a sentence of eight years and nine months.
His earliest release date would have been after serving half his sentence which would have taken him to March 2026 but having spent a 13 months on remand it would have moved to February 2025.
Being a foreign prisoner 12 to 18 months before that date, he would have been given the option to be deported which MailOnline understands he accepted.
However in Italy he is not subject to any restrictions as he is no longer part of the British judicial system and is free to come and go as he pleases.
Her billionaire father and former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was left equally dumbfounded by the news, telling MailOnline it was 'bloody incredible'
This handout shows the selection of watches stolen from Miss Ecclestone's 70million home in the devastating raid
His lawyer Angelo Pariani told MailOnline: 'I can confirm my client was released from jail and returned to Italy last month.
READ MORE: Tamara Ecclestone burglars who swiped 25m of jewellery in heiress house raid were caught when one of the gang sent lewd NAKED PHOTO to worker at hotel they hid in during heist Advertisement
'He served the sentence he should have and was freed after agreeing to be deported to Italy and he can now do as he pleases, his obligation to the judicial system is over.
'I would imagine that Ms Ecclestone has been informed but he has no idea where the items taken are, most likely they are in Serbia, he doesn't have anything.
'The Italian police went to his home after his return but all they found was 120 in British banknotes and that was given to him to pay for his flight.
'He has admitted he took part in the break-ins, but he didn't take 26million, that is all probably in Serbia. The police won't find anything with my client.'
The three men all Italians were jailed at Isleworth Crown Court in what was labelled Britain's biggest ever burglary spree.
All three admitted their part in a plot to carry out three raids across west London over two weeks in December 2019.
The gang hit the Kensington home of socialite Tamara, as well as that of former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and his wife Cristine and the late Leicester City chief Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
Alessandro Maltese, 47, (left) was also sent to prison for eight years for the raid and is expected to be released soon. Jugoslav Jovanovic, 26, is currently serving an 11 year term
Ms Ecclestone had around 25million worth of money and jewellery taken from her home while on a family holiday in Lapland.
In a victim impact statement read at the trial Ms Eccelstone said: 'It's been really awful.
'I'm so scared, I will not leave my daughter alone in the house at night, because I just feel like the people I am meant to trust, I don't, I'm not sure that I can trust anyone. I have just been so scared.'
Ms Ecclestone said wedding presents were among the items stolen, and that had 'made me really sad' and she added: 'A lot of it was really personal, I wanted to give some of the items to my daughter one day.
'It hasn't been easy but I guess now it just makes me think, what if, if something worseit has got me thinking all different kinds of things, and I'm now obsessing overs security, the gates and barbed wires, spikes and stuff and it's not really how I want to live my life.'
In his impact statement Mr Lampard said: 'Neither Christine nor I are sleeping too well as a consequence of this incident.
'I would add that while I have been an unfortunate victim of crime previously, particularly burglary, this incident has had a far greater impact on our lives.'
His wife added: 'Since this break-in at my house, I am much more fearful of being in my own home, I am less trusting of visitors to my house, and I feel unsafe in my home.
I have a young daughter and feel vulnerable in a home which I had always previously felt safe and happy in. I have struggle to sleep sometimes since the incident as I am sensitive to any noise from outside, fearing another attack.'
Mr Srivaddhanaprabha's family said: 'Our late father's residence was a place for reflection and to pray.
The raid was carried out on Miss Ecclestone's home in West London which is pictured with Christmas decorations outside in this photo
Tamara Ecclestone appears on the new BBC Three documentary 'Who Stole Tamara Ecclestone's Diamonds?' and reveals she will always worry about being safe at home
'We felt it was the strongest connection to him as he spent his last night there before his death.
'Since the burglary, our sacred and special connection has been damaged and violated beyond repair.'
Last month a man accused of being involved in the burglaries was arrested in Serbia along with five others.
Mr Pariani told MailOnline his client had been asked to take part in a BBC documentary and had been offered a payment but had turned it down.
He said: 'He doesn't want to say anything about what happened for the time being. Maybe in the future in a year or so he will say something, he's had offers but he has declined them.'
Charlamagne Tha God is voicing concern about the Democrats' position on the border crisis, saying it is out of step with 'working-class people.'
The radio host told Fox News Digital he has been hearing frequently from people who are deeply upset about the wave of migrants flooding into their communities after illegally crossing the southern border.
'People are really concerned about this issue,' he said, adding that he did not hear the same degree of concern last year.
'I honestly have never spoken to as many people who are concerned about the migrant issue as I have, you know, over the past year.
'I've heard everything from, you know, the gang MS13 overrunning neighborhoods what we saw just happened in New York City, where the migrants - they took 2,000 migrants and put them in the school and made the school stay home - made the students stay home and do school via Zoom,' he said, and that was a big issue.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Migrants arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border outside of El Paso, Texas, awaiting entry into U.S. Thousands have poured into the country under the Biden Administration, overwhelming border towns and being sent by bus to northern cities
He said he's never seen so many 'working-class people' really 'express their frustration for the migrants.'
Last week, as The Big Apple braced for a snowstorm and cold front, city executives made the decision to keep students home from school for a day and instead use the Brooklyn facility to house migrants during the storm.
The host whose morning show, 'The Breakfast Club' is listened to by millions each month, specifically went after blue city mayors for politically supporting the welcoming of migrants and then becoming overwhelmed when it actually happens.
Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly begged governors in border states to stop bussing migrants to NYC, where locals in midtown have been horrified for close to a year at the number of migrants being semi-housed in formerly expensive cosmopolitan hotels.
'We're getting close to anywhere from 2,500 to peaking at 4,000 a week,' Adams said recently in an interview, during which he also proclaimed in no uncertain terms that NYC in 'out of room' for the incoming migrants.
'We were not just saying we're out of room as a soundbite,' Adams answered, citing the more than 161,000 migrants whom have arrived and sought city aid since spring 2022.
'We're out of room, literally', the Democrat declared.
'People are going to be eventually sleeping on the streets.'
The popular radio host has identified the crisis at the southern border as an especially weak spot in Joe Biden and Democrats' governance
: People camp as they wait to cross the border between Mexico and the United States in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Thousands of migrants illegally crossed into the Texas border town Eagle Pass, Texas, in December
Twenty-two-year-old Maria Silva (center), of Venezuela, carries her belongings to a bus outside the 6th District Chicago police station before being taken to a shelter with other migrants who had been staying at the station
Charlamagne is predicting the current border crisis and resulting illegal migrants flooding into big cities which must divert resources to them, will play an outsized role in the upcoming 2024 election.
The issue is a weak spot for incumbent President Joe Biden, he said.
'He's the President of the United States of America! If he can take credit for the good things that happen in this country, he has to take credit for the bad as well because those things happen on his watch.'
He predicted that throughout the election cycle, people will playback soundbites of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris 'welcoming them (the migrants) into sanctuary cities.'
Despite being critical about what he called Texas Governor Greg Abbott's 'stunt' of busing migrants from Texas border towns to Democrat-led cities, Charlamagne conceded Texas' leader may be sending an effective message.
'Just on the surface, it looks like Republicans were right about the issue and Democrats got it wrong. And now a lot of Democrats are starting to sound like the Republicans sounded.
'It makes a lot of people say, "Well, damn, Republicans were actually right on that issue." Just on the surface, just plain on the surface, that's how it looks, you know, to the average vote,' he said.
Recently, Charlamagne, who has been heavily critical of Joe Biden throughout his presidency, said he doesn't regret voting for the Democrat, but that he's been a 'sh**y elected official.'
In December, while guest hosting the Daily Show, he pleaded with Biden to drop out of the race and give Democrats a shot with a more youthful and better liked candidate.
'I know he thinks hes got this in the bag but the polls say otherwise. I want Biden stepping in to beat Trump the way I want him stepping in to defend me at a bar fight. I appreciate you caring, but I dont like our chances,' he said.
Migrants illegally crossing the Rio Grande river into the U.S. hold children above the water
President Joe Biden currently has a 33 percent approval rate - the lowest of any president in 15 years
A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll shows Biden clocking an approval ratings of just 33 percent. That is the lowest any president has seen in 15 years, with roughly 60 percent of voters disapproving of the job he's doing.
Last fiscal year, the Biden presidency saw the single highest number of encounters at the border on record.
At least 2.4million migrants streamed across the US' southern border in fiscal 2023, and that figure just represents the encounters border patrol agents had - there are plenty of illegal crossers who did not come into contact with DHS officers.
That 2.4million figure breaks down to an average of about 6,575 encounters per day, which means it would take just over two full weeks for 95,000 illegal crossers to enter the US.
Despite the seemingly high figure being touted by Abbott, it represents just a small fraction of the total number of unvetted foreigners coming into the US annually.
Global trade is facing even more turmoil with a severe drought that began last year forcing authorities to slash ship transits by 36% in the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important trade routes.
The new cuts announced on Wednesday by authorities in Panama are set to deal an even greater economic blow than previously expected, amid a crisis in the Red Sea that is already wreaking havoc on global trade between Asia and Europe.
Panama Canal administrators now estimate that dipping water levels could cost them between 395 million and 551 million in 2024.
That is compared to previous estimates of 157 million.
One of the most severe droughts to ever hit the Central American nation has stirred chaos in the 50-mile maritime route.
Global trade is facing even more turmoil after a sever drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship transits by 36% in the Panama Canal (seen on Wednesday as a ship passes through), one of the world's most important trade routes
It has caused a traffic jam of boats, casting doubts on the canal's reliability for international shipping and raising concerns about its affect on global trade.
READ MORE: Brits are warned price rises sparked by Houthi rebel attacks on cargo vessels are 'imminent' Advertisement
On Wednesday, Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said they would cut daily ship transits to 24, after already gradually slashing transits last year from 38 a day in normal times.
'It's vital that the country sends a message that we're going to take this on and find a solution to this water problem,' Mr Vasquez said.
Mr Vasquez added that in the first quarter of the fiscal year the passageway saw 20% less cargo and 791 fewer ships than the same period the year before.
It was a 'significant reduction' for the country, Mr Vasquez said.
But the official said that more 'efficient' water management and a jump in rainfall in November has at least enabled them to ensure that water levels are high enough for 24 ships to pass daily until the end of April, the start of the next rainy season.
Canal authorities attributed the drought to the El Nino weather phenomenon and climate change, and warned it was urgent for Panama to seek new water sources for both the canal's operations and human consumption.
The same lakes that fill the canal also provide water for more than 50% of the country of more than four million people.
'The water problem is a national problem, not just of the Canal,' Vasquez said. 'We have to address this issue across the entire country.'
Meanwhile, attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia on ships in and around the Red Sea since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers in an escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
A cargo ship waits near the Centennial Bridge for transit through the Panama Canal locks, in Panama City, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. Canal administrators now estimate that dipping water levels could cost them between 395 million and 551 million in 2024
One of the most severe droughts to ever hit the Central American nation has stirred chaos in the 50-mile maritime route, at the same time that the Suez Canal in the Red Sea is in crisis
The attacks target a route that accounts for about 15 percent of the world's shipping traffic and acts as a vital conduit between Europe and Asia.
The alternative shipping route around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope can add 10-14 days to a journey compared to passage via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
The crisis was rippling through the business world and reviving concerns about stretched supply chains that emerged when activity picked up after the COVID-19 pandemic.
War-hit Ukraine said the situation had led to a slowdown in its agricultural exports this month. Pepco Group, the owner of the Poundland group of discount retail stores, warned that its inventory levels could be impacted.
The re-routing of a growing number of vessels is altering refuelling patterns and boosting demand for bunker fuel used by ships at far-flung ports, from Mauritius to South Africa to the Canary Islands.
The Evergreen cargo ship waits near Miraflores locks, at the Panama Canal on January 11
Denmark's Maersk and other large shipping lines have instructed hundreds of commercial vessels to stay clear of the Red Sea, sending them on the longer route around Africa or pausing until the safety of vessels can be assured.
The attacks, as well as weather-related closures and stoppages in Europe, were causing congestion at several container terminals, Maersk told its customers on Thursday.
Italian ports are concerned that they are being bypassed as ships steer away from the main Mediterranean route.
Freight rates have more than doubled since early December, according to maritime consultancy Drewry's world container index, while insurance sources say war risk premiums for shipments through the Red Sea are also rising.
Apple have told their San Diego AI employees they either have to move to Austin or they will lose their job as plans are announced to merge two California and Texas teams into one.
The Silicon Valley tech company is shutting down a 121-person team that is responsible for artificial intelligence operations - like Apple's Siri feature.
Known as Data Operations Annotations, the group have branches in China, India, Ireland and Spain as well as San Diego and Austin, Texas.
On Wednesday - the group was informed that Apple would be focusing on just one location.
Apple told employees that they could either relocate to Austin and continue working on the AI team, or they would be terminated.
Apple have told their San Diego AI employees that they either have to move to Texas or be fired as they plan to relocae the team (pictured: Apple' San Diego campus)
Apple told employees that they could either relocate to Austin and continue working on the AI team, or they would be terminated (pictured: Apple's Austin campus)
After presenting the ultimatum, the tech giant gave workers until the end of February to make their decisions.
For the team-members that refuse to uproot their lives and move to the South - they will be officially terminated on April 26.
The announcement was made by Christine DeFilippo, a top deputy to Apple AI chief John Giannandrea.
A spokeswoman for Apple confirmed the decision, saying the company plans to bring both of the Data Operations Annotations teams in the US together at their campus in Austin 'where a majority of the team is already based,' she said.
'Everyone currently employed will have the opportunity to continue their role with Apple in Austin,' the spokeswoman confirmed.
Despite relocating the San Diego AI team - Apple insists its 'deeply committed to San Diego,' adding that the company has 'grown significantly' in the Southern California city.
The Silicon Valley tech company is shutting down a 121-person team that is responsible for artificial intelligence operations - like Apple's Siri feature (pictured: Apple's San Diego campus)
The announcement was made by Christine DeFilippo, a top deputy to Apple AI chief John Giannandrea (pictured)
Apple is continuing to hire employees at the San Diego campus as the company expands its engineering teams.
The AI staff members in San Diego are responsible for improving Siri by listening to queries to the voice service and deciding if the feature hears and handles questions accurately.
San Diego's team worked specifically on Siri's understanding of Hebrew, English, Portuguese, Arabic, French and multiple Spanish dialects.
Employees on the team were taken by surprise by the sudden announcement, saying that Apple had told them recently that the San Diego AI workers would be moved to a different location in the city at the end of January - not a different location in the U.S.
The move could result in dozens of employees ditching the company - which currently has 161,000 employees.
Workers willing to make the move by the end of June will be offered a $7,000 relocation fee to help with the transition from California to Texas.
Employees that choose to accept termination will get four weeks of severance - plus an additional week for every year worked at the company, and six months of health insurance.
The shock announcement came to light around the time the company was banned from selling Apple smartwatches in the U.S.
The shock announcement came to light around the time the company was banned from selling Apple smartwatches in the U.S.
All Apple stores and third party retailers were prohibited from selling the latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 models with the blood oxygen feature.
Industry experts have previously told DailyMail.com it could result in up to a $200 million revenue loss for Apple.
The order comes after Apple was found to have copied patented medical technology from the California-based biotech company Massimo.
Snake enthusiasts can rejoice as they can now see a rare two headed snake all across Missouri in the coming months.
Tiger Lily, a two-headed western rat snake is set to make the journey from her home at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center and arrive at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center on January 23.
She will then go around visiting other Missouri Department of Conservation locations in the state.
Tiger-Lily is considered to be a rare animal due to her being a pair of conjoined identical snake twins that were never separated.
Conjoined snakes are a rarity in the wild and have a low survival rate.
Tiger Lily, a two-headed western rat snake is set to make the journey from her home at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center and arrive at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center on January 23
Tiger-Lily is considered to be a rare animal due to her being a pair of conjoined identical snake twins that were never separated
Alison Bleich who is a MDC Interpretive Center Manager said: 'Tiger-Lily is the name given to the two-headed snake by the family who found this unique reptile in Stone County in 2017.
'The female snake was donated to the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center for display purposes. Tiger-Lily is almost five feet long and has a healthy appetite.'
Bleich further explained how the caretakers dealt with the reptile's eating struggles.
'Both heads want to eat, but they only have one esophagus. We put a small cup over one head while the other eats, then switch. Otherwise, both would be trying to grab the same mouse,' Bleich said.
Despite the challenges, a snake like Tiger Lilly is much more safer at a Center rather than in the wild.
She would be extremely vulnerable to predation as she would not be able to escape into the normal holes and crevices that one-headed snakes can fit into.
MDC Interpretive Center Manager Alison Bleich said: ''Both heads want to eat, but they only have one esophagus. We put a small cup over one head while the other eats, then switch. Otherwise, both would be trying to grab the same mouse'
Despite the challenges, a snake like Tiger Lilly is much more safer at a Center rather than in the wild
The black rat snake is also known as the western rat snake, pilot black snake and simply black snake.
Known to be nonvenomous, the black snake is native to North America and can reach a length of eight feet.
Its color variations include black, grey, olive-gray, yellow, or orange, with dark blotches and sometimes longitudinal stripes.
The black rat snake is an excellent climber and often forages up in trees. When frightened, they often assume a 'Kinked' or 'S' posture and remain motionless.
Experts insist the reptile only bites when harassed.
A Ukrainian refugee has been jailed after he followed a female clubber off a bus and carried out a vicious sexual attack.
Andrii Melnyk, 29, was sentenced today after he assaulted the 18-year-old victim in Stanwell, Surrey, as she returned home from a night out with friends on April 2.
The young woman was followed off the bus by her attacker for a quarter of a mile, before he pushed her against a fence and tried to undo her trousers.
Reading Crown Court was told that the Ukrainian national had fled to the UK in 2019 after dodging military drafting for the Russo-Ukrainian War and was 'embarrassed' by his own actions.
But Judge Neil Millard did not believe the defendant was genuinely remorseful and sentenced him to four years and six months' in prison, before hinting that he may be deported back to Ukraine after he completes his sentence.
Andrii Melnyk was sentenced today after he assaulted the 18-year-old victim in Stanwell, Surrey, as she returned from a night out on April 2
He told Melnyk: 'I do not accept your remorse. The evidence in this case was overwhelming, not least the fact that your DNA was found on the inside of the victims underwear - and despite that you made her come to court for a trial before you pleaded guilty at the last minute on the morning of your trial.
You simply ran out of road, much like your victim did when you followed her for a quarter of a mile in the early hours of the morning with no way out.'
READ MORE: Police launch hunt for man after woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted at a bus stop and then again when aboard the vehicle Advertisement
The court heard how the offence took place as the victim got back from a night out with from London.
After getting off the bus, she phoned her friend so she would have someone to talk to as she walked - but her device ran out of battery.
Summarising the facts, Judge Milliard explained how the victim became aware that she was being followed, saying: 'You weren't known to her and you later got on the same bus as her. Both of you got off at the same stop just after six in the morning.
'You followed her from the bus stop for a quarter of a mile. She walked past an Uber driver who was parked in the layby. She was walking slowly because she was wearing heels.
'As she became aware of you behind her and no doubt because she was walking slowly, she became concerned that you were catching up with her. That you weren't walking past or overtaking. That you were therefore following her.'
'She decided to stop to take her shoes off. In doing so she hoped you would walk past.
'You didn't. Instead you laughed at her. She told you to leave her alone and you shoved her. She grabbed a hold of you and you both fell to the floor.
'Before she got up off the ground you forced her down again and you tried to undo her trousers. The second time she managed to get up off the ground you pushed her against a metal fence and you put your hand behind her top and squeezed her breast.
'Then you placed your hand down the front of her underwear and inserted a finger inside her vagina. She shouted for help and tried to run but you held her back by her clothes.'
Reading Crown Court was told that the Ukrainian national had fled to the UK in 2019 after dodging military drafting
The young woman eventually managed to push her assailant back and run away, the court heard, and went back to the Uber driver whose vehicle she had walked past earlier and got into his car, from where she summoned help.
The judge told Melnyk: 'You subsequently reappeared and you were seen to retrace your steps back to the bus stop.
'The fact that you went back to the bus stop tells me that you were following her the entire time. And it also tells me that the idea had come into your head to sexually assault her.
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'You must have followed her for the sole purpose of sexually assaulting her - no doubt sensing or knowing that she was alone, that it was dark, and that she was vulnerable.'
The young woman told the court in her victim impact statement that the attack left her dealing with significant trauma, affecting her studies and social life.
She said: 'I don't know why I was attacked or why this man thought he had the right to do that to me. It made me question the relationships I had with other people.
'The incident happened around the time I was doing my A levels and I found it hard to find motivation to study - which is usual as I am usually a very motivated person.
'It was difficult to act as if everything was okay.'
Melnyk was arrested a few days after the assault on April 8. He admitted having encountered the young woman at the location of the crime - but said she had attacked him first.
DNA found inside the women's underwear proved this story to be 'rubbish', judge Milliard said.
After months of denial, Melnyk eventually pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court today.
Defending, barrister Drea Becker told the judge that Melnyk has lived in the UK on refugee status since 2019 when he fled prosecution in Ukraine for dodging the military draft.
Judge Millard said he took into account the negative impact that the longstanding war in his country of origin must have had on Melnyk - but did not accept the defendant's expression of guilt.
Melnyk, from Harvard Road in Chiswick, west London, will be put on the Sex Offender's Register for the rest of his life.
The judge reminded him that if he ever gets to remain in the UK after his release from prison, he will therefore be under obligation to let the police know about the address at which he lives and any alteration to his name.'
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Judge Millard added: 'It must have been every young woman's worst nightmare to have to walk home alone late at night, becoming aware of footsteps, thinking and questioning if they are following, realising that they are - and then being attacked and wondering how it will all end.
'She was walking home alone which she was perfectly permitted to do and she should have been safe.'
The judge continued: 'She decided to stop to take her shoes off. In doing so she hoped you would walk past.
'You didn't. Instead you laughed at her. She told you to leave her alone and you shoved her. She grabbed a hold of you and you both fell to the floor.
'Before she got up off the ground you forced her down again and you tried to undo her trousers. The second time she managed to get up off the ground you pushed her against a metal fence and you put your hand behind her top and squeezed her breast.
'Then you placed your hand down the front of her underwear and inserted a finger inside her vagina. She shouted for help and tried to run but you held her back by her clothes.'
The young woman eventually managed to push her assailant back and run away. She went back to the Uber driver whose vehicle she had walked past earlier and got into his car, from where she summoned help.
The judge told Melnyk: 'You subsequently reappeared and you were seen to retrace your steps back to the bus stop.
'The fact that you went back to the bus stop tells me that you were following her the entire time. And it also tells me that the idea had come into your head to sexually assault her.
'You must have followed her for the sole purpose of sexually assaulting her - no doubt sensing or knowing that she was alone, that it was dark, and that she was vulnerable.'
Melnyk was arrested a few days after the assault on April 8. He admitted having encountered the young woman at the location of the crime - but said she had attacked him first.
The judge said: 'You told the police that she grabbed hold of you. That story was rubbish and analysis of her underwear in due course found your DNA in the inside of her underwear.'
After months of denial, Melnyk eventually pleaded guilty at Reading Crown Court today/yesterday (Wed) and appeared before the judge for sentence on the same day.
The young woman told the court in her victim impact statement that the attack left her dealing with significant trauma, affecting her studies and social life.
She said: 'I don't know why I was attacked or why this man thought he had the right to do that to me. It made me question the relationships I had with other people.
'The incident happened around the time I was doing my A levels and I found it hard to find motivation to study - which is usual as I am usually a very motivated person.
'It was difficult to act as if everything was okay.'
Defending, barrister Drea Becker told the judge that Melnyk has lived in the UK on refugee status since 2019 when he fled prosecution in Ukraine for dodging the military draft.
She said: 'We have heard more of the conflict in Ukraine since the latest invasion in February 2022 - but the war really started in 2014 when Russia invaded Crimea, and conscription was put in place.
'Mr Melnyk was told to report to the military office lest he be prosecuted. He left Ukraine in 2019 because of this war.'
Judge Millard said he took into account the negative impact that the longstanding war in his country of origin must have had on Melnyk - but did not accept the defendant's expression of guilt.
The judge told Melnyk: 'The probation officers with whom you had discussions describe your lack of empathy, your emotional detachment, and that you do not have genuine remorse.
'They assess you as being at high risk of reoffending and harming others. So I do not accept that you are remorseful.'
Judge Millard sentenced Melnyk to four years and six months' imprisonment - and hinted at the possibility that he may be deported back to Ukraine after he completes his sentence.
He told the defendant: 'These events are so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified. This is the least sentence I can impose upon you.
'You will serve half that sentence before you can be released on licence - however, that will not bring your sentence to an end, and your release will be subject to a review of your immigration status by the Home Office.'
Praising the young woman for her presence in court, judge Millard added: 'It takes incredible strength and bravery to bring these cases to court.
'In doing so she has shown that she is stronger and braver than perhaps she realises now. In doing that, her fear that you will attack someone else will not realise because she has stopped you.'
Melnyk, from Harvard Road in Chiswick, west London, will be put on the Sex Offender's Register for the rest of his life.
The judge reminded him that if he ever gets to remain in the UK after his release from prison, he will therefore be under obligation to let the police know about the address at which he lives and any alteration to his name.'
A Wendy's employee was arrested after he 'forcibly touched' a female coworker inside the fast food restaurant's cooler.
The alleged incident occurred on Sunday morning at the 1800 block of East Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Tresel Huffman, 25, followed the woman into a cooler and proceeded to grope her as she tried to push him off.
The incident only came to an end when the suspect failed to get an erection and the female worker was able to break free, run across the street and call the police, the warrant stated.
Tresel Huffman, 25, was arrested on Sunday after he 'forcibly touched' a female coworker at a Wendy's in Pompano Beach, Florida
Huffman was arrested and charged with sexual battery, kidnapping, false imprisonment and battery by strangulation. He was taken to the North Broward Bureau detention center and is being held without bond.
Huffman followed the female into the work cooler and started to touch her buttocks as she told him to 'get away' as he 'forcibly' pushed her against the freezer door, according to the arrest warrant.
As the victim put up a fight, Huffman allegedly proceeded to pull her shirt down and grabbed her breasts and told her that she was 'so attractive' and that 'it's not going to take long.'
Deputies said that he then put his arm around the female's neck and choked her before he pulled his and her pants down.
After reviewing surveillance footage, authorities said that they witnessed Huffman place a box in front of the camera that face the cooler.
The manager of the location told detectives that all employees are aware that blocking cameras is strictly forbidden.
The incident only came to an end when the suspect failed to get an erection and the female worker was able to break free, run across the street and call the police, the warrant stated
'The safety of our employees will always be our top priority. We will do whatever we can to work with local law enforcement as they conduct their investigation,' RKR Restaurants, the franchisee who owns and operates Wendy's told NBC6.
According to the warrant, Huffman was 'inconsistent' in his interview with police. A Broward County Sheriff's detective noted that the suspect claimed that 'he hadn't touched a box in a month' and that the encounter was consensual.
Online inmate information revealed that Huffman is currently pending trial for the 'heinous crime,' a police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
'Sexual harassment is an issue that deserves special mention,' the company's code of conducted stated on their website.
'Per guidelines issued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.'
Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler continues to refuse to resign from her local school board after her husband was accused of raping a woman they allegedly had a sexual relationship with.
For nearly three hours, Christian Ziegler's wife faced dozens of calls to resign during a Sarasota school board meeting on Tuesday.
The conservative remained mostly stone-faced throughout the meeting but was seen wiping a tear away as locals including parents and students ridiculed and shamed her.
'Turns out that you are a hypocrite of the worst order,' said John Smeallie, a retired deputy superintendent of Maryland schools, during the meeting. 'Despite your attacks on the LGTBQ-plus community, it would appear that you are a part of it. Certainly a B, maybe a plus.'
'Why won't you step down?' asked another person at the meeting.
For nearly three hours, Bridget Ziegler faced dozens of calls to resign during a Sarasota school board meeting on Tuesday. She's seen wiping a tear away
'Why won't you step down?' asked one person at the meeting
Christian Ziegler was ousted as Florida GOP chair earlier this week amid the probe but is yet to face any charges
'We are now famous, or infamous, as the case may be, because of you and your husband's antics,' said a third enraged local.
One resident read the lyrics of Katy Perry's I Kissed a Girl hit song to the board.
Sarasota residents also brought signs into the meeting with messages such as, 'Sarasota kids deserve better,' and 'Ziegler must go!'
Police are looking into claims by an unnamed woman who says Christian raped her after she canceled plans to have sex with him and Bridget.
Ziegler has denied the accusations and said he and his Moms for Liberty founder wife are being targeted for their outspoken conservative views. He was ousted as Florida GOP chair earlier this week amid the probe but is yet to face any charges.
The alleged victim, who claims she was in a 'consensual three-way sexual relationship' with the couple, told investigators she had made plans to have sex with Ziegler and his wife.
However, when his wife backed out the woman texted Christian 'Sorry I was mostly in for her,' according to the affidavit.
Later that evening the woman claims that as she went to leave her apartment she discovered Ziegler outside in the hallway - and alleges he then entered her property and raped her.
The GOP heavyweight is also under investigation for allegedly secretly recording alleged encounters between the couple and the woman.
Weeks later, detectives began to monitor calls and messages sent by Christian Ziegler to the accuser, according to the affidavit.
'Where r u? Wanna meet and chat? Worried about you. You are my friend,' Ziegler allegedly wrote in one message via Instagram.
'Hell no not after what you did to me,' the woman responded. 'Do you not understand I am terrified of you?'
Sarasota residents also brought signs into the meeting with messages such as, 'Sarasota kids deserve better,' and 'Ziegler must go!'
Ziegler has denied the accusations and said he and his Moms for Liberty founder wife are being targeted for their outspoken conservative views
A 911 call, obtained by the Florida Center for Government Accountability, made by a friend of the alleged victim's reveals she confided in the friend about being raped.
'She told me she was raped,' the friend informed the dispatcher on October 4.
'She's saying she's scared, that the person who raped her came to her house, so she's scared to leave... I'm worried about her right now,' the friend explained.
Ziegler had ignored calls to resign his position by the likes of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis among others.
He was suspended Ziegler on December 17, removing his salary. But Monday's executive meeting removed him from the role completely.
Bridget Ziegler is considered a rising star in the conservative movement. She previously received the personal endorsement of DeSantis for her school board seat.
She has become well known in her own state and across the country as the co-founder of Mom for Liberty, a group founded in the wake of COVID-19 school policies that parents across the nation felt were unnecessarily impeding their children's development.
She helped establish the framework for what would become DeSantis' Parental Rights in Education Bill, which became known in the media as the 'Don't Say Gay' law.
However, she was booted out of her board position with Sarasota County School Board amid the scandal.
A series of never-before-seen pictures of the secret code breaking computer that helped beat the Nazis have been released.
The images from intelligence agency GCHQ shows Colossus in full working mode as it was used by spies at Bletchley Park and played a key role in ending the Second World War.
They have been released to mark the 80th anniversary of what is also thought to be the first digital computer ever made.
Colossus - the name for a series of computers rather than a single machine - was so effective it was still being used by the security services into the 1960s and remained entirely secret until the early 2000s.
The images show the Wrens working on the computer, blueprints of its inner workings, and a letter containing reference to 'rather alarming German instructions' intercepted by it.
The Colossus was created in 1944 by engineer Tommy Flowers to decipher critical strategic messages between the most senior German Generals in occupied Europe.
A series of never-before-seen pictures of the secret code breaking computer that helped beat the Nazis have been released
Colossus - the name for a series of computers rather than a single machine - was so effective it was still being used by the security services into the 1960s and remained entirely secret until the early 2000s. Above: Photos of later models giving a general impression of the physical layout and construction
In preparation for D-Day, the machines also helped produce the intelligence that duped Hitler into believing the Allied invasion would be launched from Calais and not Normandy.
After the war, eight of the 10 computers were destroyed and Flowers was ordered to hand over all documentation on the machinery to GCHQ.
Anne Keast-Butler, Director GCHQ, said: 'Technological innovation has always been at the centre of our work here at GCHQ, and Colossus is a perfect example of how our staff keep us at the forefront of new technology - even when we can't talk about it.
'The creativity, ingenuity and dedication shown by Tommy Flowers and his team to keep the country safe were as crucial to GCHQ then as today. I'm thrilled to be celebrating the 80th anniversary of this computer and honouring those who worked on it and then with it.'
The images show the Wrens working on the computer, which was hugely complex
In preparation for D-Day, the machines also helped produce the intelligence that Hitler had been duped into believing the Allied invasion would be launched from Calais and not Normandy
Engineers and codebreakers who had worked on Colossus were sworn to secrecy and unlike the well-known Bombe Machine which broke the Enigma cipher, its existence was kept from the history books for almost six decades
The release of the images sheds new light on the genesis and workings of Colossus, which was more than six-and-a-half feet tall.
One rare photograph features a letter tracking the progress of the work being done to decipher communications between senior Nazis.
Colossus was the brainchild of engineer Tommy Flowers
The letter includes the words 'Flowers of the P.O. has produced a suggestion for an entirely different machine' - a reference to the engineer's idea that would ultimately result in Colossus.
Another part of the letter reveals the high-level communications Colossus was intercepting, including, 'rather alarming German instructions.'
The images have been released alongside a blueprint of the complex machinery and an audio clip of a rebuild of the Colossus at work, showing its sheer size and volume.
Engineers and codebreakers who had worked on Colossus were sworn to secrecy and unlike the well-known Bombe Machine which broke the Enigma cipher, its existence was kept from the history books for almost six decades.
Bill Marshall, a former GCHQ engineer said: 'I worked as an engineer on Colossus for a year during the 1960s.
'I had just signed the Official Secrets Act and knew nothing about GCHQ but was offered "interesting work" which I believed would be dealing with telegrams for a government department.
'I was told very little about the machine I was working on - what the machine was actually doing was not for me to know.
'My job was to repair it as necessary, using just a few circuit diagrams and no detailed user handbook.
'It wasn't until much later that I found out that the several of the systems and detailed design information were supposedly destroyed at the end of WWII.
'I'm very proud to have been involved with Colossus even in just a small way, and we should all be proud of what was achieved in the name of national safety and security.'
Andrew Herbert OBE FREng, chairman of trustees at The National Museum of Computing said: 'Colossus was perhaps the most important of the wartime code breaking machines because it enabled the Allies to read strategic messages passing between the main German headquarters across Europe.
A general view of Colossus, which was the world's first programmable, digital computer
The images have been released alongside a blueprint of the complex machinery
One rare photograph features a letter tracking the progress of the work being done to decipher communications between senior Nazis
'From a technical perspective, Colossus was an important precursor of the modern electronic digital computer, and many of those who used Colossus at Bletchley Park went on to become important pioneers and leaders of British computing in the decades following the war, often leading the world in their work.
'We are proud to join with GCHQ in celebrating this significant date in the Colossus legacy.'
Ian Standen, CEO of Bletchley Park, added: 'The development of the Colossus machine was a huge advancement in Bletchley Park's codebreaking efforts helping the Allies break one of the most complex ciphers of WWII.
'Thanks not just to Colossus, but the pioneering post-war computing work of codebreakers like Alan Turing, Max Newman, Donald Michie, and Jack Good, Bletchley Park is considered a birthplace of modern computing.'
The ex-secretary of state told DailyMail.com that there's a 'very serious risk' when you 'try not to look directly into the eyes of evil'
Trumps ex- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Biden's lenience on Iran is coming back to 'haunt' the U.S. after Navy SEALs and U.S. warships have been put in the line of fire by Iran-backed Houthis militants.
During an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com Wednesday, Pompeo lambasted the Biden administration for only deciding yesterday to re-designate Iran-backed Houthis as a terrorist group three years after removing the label.
He called it an 'unwillingness' by the administration to 'accept simple truths' since it's a 'basic fact' that the Houthis are terrorists.
Former President Donald Trump had previously listed Houthis as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGT). But Biden's Secretary of State Antony Blinken de-listed them in 2021 to make it easier to get humanitarian aid into Yemen.
But Pompeo slammed the humanitarian assistance claim as a 'fraud.'
'Every single terrorist that designation statute has exemptions for humanitarian assistance,' he stated, so that excuse was Biden's team being 'too cute by half.'
Pompeo said the Biden administration's action to re-list the group as a 'half measure' that was only designed to 'provide domestic political cover instead of doing the things that will actually keep Americans safe.'
During an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com Wednesday, Pompeo lambasted the Biden administration for only deciding yesterday to re-designate Iran-backed Houthis as a terrorist group three years after removing the label.
Houthi fighters and tribal supporters raise their firearms to protest U.S.-led airstrikes
A Houthi fighter hold his rifle at a ceremony celebrating the end of his training
'My core critique is you don't get to take the world that you wish it were. You have to accept the world for what it is and then endeavor to enclose your objectives on it,' he told DailyMail.com.
In addition, Pompeo blamed the administration's 'failed set of policies' for creating the conditions that led to the attacks by the Houthis on American troops and ships in recent weeks, as well as Hamas' deadly October 7 massacre of Israelis.
The former secretary of state warned there's a 'very serious risk' when you 'try not to look directly into the eyes of evil and acknowledge that it exists and then confront it.
He said the Biden administration's 'quasi-designation' is an example of doing just that when it comes to Iran.
Pompeo will be speaking Saturday at the Steamboat Institute's Foreign Policy Summit.
He previewed his speech to DailyMail.com, saying he will run through some of the top foreign policy challenges facing the Biden administration, and how they can be solved.
'This is all fixable,' he said of the ongoing challenges facing the nation. 'We simply have to muster the temerity as Americans to do that, and I'm convinced we will.'
Earlier this week, the Houthi forces hit a U.S.-owned shipping vessel with a missile as it was traveling through the Red Sea.
The group also shot an anti-ship cruise missile at a U.S. naval destroyer, according to U.S. Central Command.
In retaliation, the U.S. carried out four fresh strikes on Yemen on Tuesday targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
After the group's re-listing as a terror organization, they launched a second U.S.-operated ship in the Red Sea region early Thursday.
In addition, two U.S. Navy SEALs are missing after conducting regular interdiction missions, where they have intercepted weapons on ships that were bound for Houthi-controlled Yemen.
Conservative members of Congress also ripped Biden for not taking 'real action' and waiting years to hold the terrorist group accountable.
House Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner told DailyMail.com that Biden should 'have never removed' the Houthis' FTO designation.
The SDTG label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include harsher sanctions that come with being appointed to the FTO list, such as travel restrictions.
'Designating the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist only applies sanctions and avoids taking any real action,' Turner added.
'President Trump designated Houthi rebels as terrorists. Joe Biden removed the designation in 2021. Now, Biden admits that the Houthis are 'terrorists' after their repeated attacks in the Red Sea,' Texas Rep. Lance Gooden posted on X.
The Houthi soldiers conduct mock drills against fake Israeli forces
A Houthi fighter is pictured standing aboard a cargo ship in the Red Sea
'Joe Biden is continuing his 50+ year streak of being WRONG on foreign policy!'
New York Rep. Claudia Tenney posted on X, 'President Biden's decision to designate these as an FTO is long overdue and may be too little, too late.'
Some lawmakers said Biden had originally taken the Houthis off of the terrorist lists to ease tensions with Iran.
'Biden gets no credit for reversing one of his first and worst appeasements of Iran,' California Rep. Darrell Issa said.
Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin posted on X, 'Three years ago, Joe Biden made the weak decision to remove the Houthi's terrorist designation -- another failed attempt at appeasing Iran-backed forces who chant 'Death to America.'
'With hostile adversaries testing American resolve, U.S. strength is essential for our national security and global stability,' the post continued.
An Italian graphic designer accused of raping his Airbnb host told a court she performed a sex act on him after he gave her a relaxing massage.
Diego Dellarovere allegedly attacked the woman at her Croydon flat in May 2021 after she welcomed him as her first ever guest.
The prosecution claim the 43-year-old sexually assaulted and raped the woman shortly after he arrived at the property and told her 'I'll leave a good review'.
Today, Mr Dellarovere, who denies all charges, told Croydon Crown Court he sat on the sofa and drank wine with the alleged victim, claiming there was a 'chemistry' between them, before he offered her a Reiki massage.
The father-of-one told jurors the pair then kissed and touched consensually before she performing the sex act which lasted '10-20 seconds' in a 'moment of passion'.
Diego Dellarovere outside Croydon Crown Court denies rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration on May 7, 2021
Today, Mr Dellarovere told Croydon Crown Court he sat on the sofa and drank wine with the alleged victim and claims there was a 'chemistry' between them
The court was told that Mr Dellarovere was a trained Reiki therapist, a therapy he says the alleged victim knew about.
Aided by an Italian interpreter, he explained: 'It's not a massage but it's a technique to recover, to treat somebody.
'And all this conversation, there was a sort of chemistry. We were laughing and joking, everything was very natural.
'At that point when there was this kiss she came closer and we became more intimate, we started to hug and touch each other. We kissed and hugged.
'It was a chemistry, our looking at each other. I made a joke, I said 'Look at [your dog's] face they seem attracted by me, maybe they feel the Reiki energy.
'I made a joke, "maybe you seem attracted as well?"'
Following this conversation, Mr Dellarovere claims the alleged victim caressed his left leg, while he touched and kissed her breast.
He continued: 'Then, while we were caressing each other I put a hand here, on top of her pelvic area.
'I left my hand there for two seconds and removed the hand because she was sitting at this moment.'
Defence barrister Sumita Mahtab-Shaikh asked Dellarovere whether he touched her intimately.
He insisted he had not because 'she was sitting down and she was dressed'.
The defendant said: 'I pulled down my trousers a bit because it was a moment of passion. My trousers weren't all the way down.'
Mr Dellarovre says she did enjoy 'the moment' because he was in an 'uncomfortable position'.
The court was told that Mr Dellarovere is a trained Reiki therapist, a therapy he says the alleged victim knew about
He said: 'At this point I was in an uncomfortable position, I didnt enjoy that moment because I was in an uncomfortable position.
I was going to move and then it was just like she had woken up and she stood up and went back and she said "No, no, it's too soon, I made a mistake".
'At the point she stood up I still had my trousers down. I stood up and I said 'everything's ok, there's nothing wrong' and I tried to hug her.
'At this point she said "No, no" and when I heard her I was embarrassed, pulled up my trousers and went in my room.'
Dellarovere told the court he then went out for a walk and they exchanged a number of text messages.
READ MORE: US tourist left shocked to find his accommodation in London is just a bathroom with a bed in it Advertisement
He said that initially he had been worried she thought he hadn't enjoyed the encounter, saying: 'I didn't want her to feel refused.
'I thought she felt I didn't want her or maybe she thought I didn't enjoy it.'
During the text exchange, the woman had told Dellarovere: 'You are a predator', and his reply ended with the word 'predator??????', the court heard.
He later wrote: 'You really need more light in your soul, more freedom. The men are not all about evil. Why did you send that message?'
Dellarovere told jurors: 'I said 'goodbye', there was nothing more to explain. You need more light in your soul because you are making up everything.'
Asked whether he had performed any sexual acts on the complainant without her consent Dellarovere replied that he had not.
Croydon Crown Court was told yesterday that Mr Dellarovere booked the room despite living just 12 miles away in Kensington.
In a police interview played to the jury, the woman described how she thought it strange he needed a room given that he lived in London. But she accepted the booking anyway.
Today, Mr Dellarovere explained that he had decided to stay at an Airbnb property in Croydon 'for my lifestyle', adding 'it was cheap, and because there was a park close by and I like nature.'
He said: 'I like to explore new places, and in that period it was a Covid period, and I couldnt travel or visit other places and the idea to go on a night out - it was close to my lifestyle.'
Mr Dellarovere, of Holland Road, West Kensington, denies rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration on 7 May 2021.
The trial continues.
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango, has called upon Norwegian fertiliser maker, Yara International to scale up investments in agricultural infrastructure in Tanzania to the agricultural value chain.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland yesterday, Dr Mpango called on Yara International to enhance its investments in irrigation systems, storage facilities and transportation networks in Tanzania.
"As we move forward with our partnership, there are other areas where we would like to suggest for you to scale up, one is agricultural infrastructure," Dr Mpango stated during a meeting with Yara International leaders.
He stressed that relying solely on shifting cultivation would hinder the country's progress.
Dr Mpango highlighted plans for improved water management, aiming to have a borehole for every farm in some regions. The government's strategy includes expanding capacity-building initiatives for smallholder farmers to enhance farming techniques, productivity, and competitiveness.
"We are targeting to scale up capacity building for smallholder farmers to improve farming techniques, productivity, competitiveness, and support farmers who have already begun doing farmer-to-farmer learning," Dr Mpango explained, citing successful examples under the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT).
Another crucial aspect, according to the Vice-President, is the need for value addition and better market access to increase returns for Tanzanian farmers and minimise post-harvest losses.
Dr Mpango underscored the importance of partners supporting agricultural research and development to improve crop varieties and promote climate-resilient agriculture.
He acknowledged existing agricultural research institutions but highlighted their limitations, suggesting that collaboration with partners could make a significant difference.
On behalf of the Tanzanian government, Dr Mpango assured Yara International of continued support for their operations in the country. The overarching agenda is to position Tanzania as a regional and global food granary.
"So, we are committed to improving soil health and agricultural productivity; this is critical to improving farm performance," Dr Mpango affirmed.
Ms Fernanda Larsen, Executive Vice President for Africa, Asia, and Oceania at Yara International, responded positively, expressing commitment to Tanzania's long-term vision for food system transformation.
She highlighted Yara International's Africa 2030 strategy and their desire to partner with countries that share a similar vision.
"Our commitment is there; we have many success stories already, as well as digital success stories in which through that we have been able to offer our support. For the future, we would love to scale up and do more initiatives in the country that will ultimately help farmers, so you have my commitment," Ms Larsen asserted.
Meanwhile, Dr Mpango has invited the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) to cooperate with the country in controlling plastic waste.
The invitation was the result of the sideline meetings attended by Dr Mpango in Switzerland with the Director for GPAP, Ms Clemence Schmid.
In the conversation, the Vice-President invited the institution to cooperate with Tanzania in dealing with plastic waste, including conducting research that will enable the identification of the type of plastic waste found along the sea and in land areas to help prepare a strategy to deal with these challenges.
Dr Mpango also underscored the significance of preparing an international forum on the processing of plastic waste that will enable local waste management and international waste management companies to discuss and gain experience from the companies.
He also invited GPAP to cooperate with Tanzania in controlling plastic waste, especially in Dodoma by starting projects that will facilitate plastic waste processing and separation.
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In a related development, Dr Mpango also held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Mr Demeke Mekonnen Hassen.
According to the statement issued by the Vice President's Office (VPO, the talks aimed to strengthen cooperation between the country and Ethiopia in economic and diplomatic matters.
The Davos 2024 entails four key themes including achieving security and cooperation in a fractured World, Creating Growth and jobs for a new era, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driving force for the economy and society.
Another is a long-term strategy for climate, nature and energy whereby under this theme, the speakers will discuss how to develop a long-term systemic approach to achieve the objectives of a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world by 2050.
Marine veteran Daniel Penny 'stepped in to save lives' when he placed a mentally ill homeless man in a fatal chokehold on a NYC subway last May, his lawyer has said.
Penny, 25, is charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Jordan Neely, who had allegedly started threatening passengers on the train.
His attorney Steven Raiser said that onlookers feared for their lives due to drugged-up Neely's behavior, and that Penny stepped in to protect them.
'It wasn't simply a fear of being hurt. It was a fear of dying,' Raiser told NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas.
'This was a manic episode where the individuals that were within the zone of danger were truly fearful for their lives. When Danny stepped in, he stepped in to save their lives.'
Marine veteran Daniel Penny (pictured) 'stepped in to save lives' when he placed a mentally ill homeless man in a chokehold on a NYC subway last May, his lawyer has said
Neely in 2009 before his mental health deteriorated. His family say the crime was a racist attack and similar to the death of George Floyd
Penny's attorney Steven Raiser said that onlookers feared for their lives due to Neely's behavior, and that the Marine vet stepped in to protect them
Raiser said there are 'half a dozen' passengers who have come forward and 'testified on behalf of Danny in essence'.
Neely was struggling with his mental health at the time and had been acting aggressively; the NYPD had a warrant for his arrest for punching an elderly woman on the subway, and he was also accused of pushing a woman onto the train tracks.
Raiser agreed that the incident was 'a tragedy' in the sense that Neely was in desperate need of help for his mental health issues, but added: 'Let's not forget, the people of New York City needed to be protected'.
The interview comes after a New York City judge has denied Penny's request to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter charges against him.
Neely had been threatening passengers on the train, according to Penny and others.
Twenty-four at the time and with a military background, Penny sprang into action to subdue him, holding him on the floor, until he was unconscious.
Neely was pronounced dead at the scene and the medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide, saying Neely's neck injuries proved the chokehold was what caused it.
The incident sparked a national debate. Penny's supporters lauded his bravery and said he should not be punished for trying to protect other passengers on the train, while others condemned him as a ruthless killer who targeted a defenseless, mentally ill black man.
Penny's lawyers asked the judge to throw the case out in October, questioning the medical examiner's finding and pointing to the fact Neely had synthetic drugs in his system that could have contributed to his death.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley rejected their request today, ruling that he was satisfied with the medical examiner's findings.
Marine veteran Jordan Neely enters court with his lawyers on January 17th. Their motion to dismiss the case was denied
Penny held Neely in a chokehold for six minutes on the train while other men helped him restrain him. He says Neely had been so threatening towards other passengers that they feared for their lives
The judge has not yet set a trial date but said it was unlikely to commence before fall.
Speaking after the hearing today, an attorney for Jordan Neely's father said he was relieved with the judge's decision.
'This was a win today a big win I think it's important to note that a grand jury said that Daniel Penny should face charges for killing Jordan Neely.
'His attorneys tried to overrule that to say that what the grand jury said didn't matter but the judge didn't do that and we will be back here in March.
'Penny will face charges and our expectation is that Daniel Penny will be found guilty for killing of Jordan,' attorney Donte Mills, of law firm Mills and Edwards, said.
With regard to the drugs found in Neely's system, he said it was an 'excuse' plucked out by Penny's attorneys.
'Daniel Penny did not know what was in Jordan's system when he decided to choke him to death when he was not fighting back and when he did not touch him in the first place.
'He killed somebody when he didn't have to there is no way to justify that.'
Penny maintains that he was only trying to protect other train passengers from Neely, who was threatening them
Penny and his attorneys, flanked by security guards, leave court on Wednesday
Police officers perform CPR on Jordan Neely on the train on May 1, 2023
Penny's attorneys, in their motion to dismiss the case, quoted a witness on the train who described the Neely's threats as 'absolutely traumatizing' and beyond anything he had experienced in six years of riding the subway.
Penny's lawyers called Neely 'insanely threatening'.
Witnesses at the time said Neely was screaming that he was going to kill someone and didn't care about going to prison.
In June, Penny told his version of events in a series of videos released by his lawyers.
'I wasn't trying to choke him to death. The man stumbled on, he appeared to be on drugs, the doors closed, and he ripped his jacket off and threw it down at the people sitting next to me at my left,' he added.
He said he took his headphones out from listening to music as he heard Neely yelling in what he deemed a 'scary situation.'
'The three main threats that he repeated over and over again were I'm going to kill you, I'm prepared to go to jail for life and I'm willing to die,' Penny said.
At a certain point, Penny felt he couldn't sit and do nothing any longer, echoing an interview he gave earlier this week where he cited a talk at school from author Elie Wiesel.
'There's a common misconception that Marines don't get scared. We're actually taught one of our core values is courage, and courage is not the absence of fear but how you handle fear,' he said.
'I was scared for myself but I looked around there was women and children, he was yelling in their faces saying these threats. I just couldn't sit still.'
He argued the reporting that he was 'holding on' to Neely for 15 minutes 'is not true.'
'The whole interaction lasted less than 5 minutes. Some people say I was trying to choke him to death - which is also not true. I was trying to restrain him.'
He claimed the grip he used to keep Neely restrained was 'based on the force that [Neely's] exerting.'
Conservative activists who served in the Trump administration have launched an investigation into the FBI, accusing it of sidelining white men recruits in its five-year blitz of hiring women and minority agents.
America First Legal (AFL), a conservative action group, this week filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, urging the agency to release the communications of its Chief Diversity Officer, Scott McMillion.
The group, which was founded by Stephen Miller, a White House advisor in the Trump administration, says McMillion's public statements and the FBI's diversity goals point at 'unlawful and unconstitutional racial balancing' in the agency.
The request comes as public support for the FBI plummets, especially among conservatives, who accuse the bureau of a liberal bias, politicization, and even of instigating the January 6 riot at the US Capitol in 2021.
The FBI says it's becoming more diverse but still does not fairly reflect the country's minority groups
Reed Rubinstein, an AFL lawyer, said the 'elite law enforcement agency' had 'disgraced' itself in 2016 when it probed then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for conspiring with Russia to fix that year's election.
FBI diversity tsar Scott McMillion speaks of a 'cultural shift'
'Now, politicized leadership has adopted the Biden Administration's woke racism to warp the bureau's hiring and promotion policies,' said Rubinstein.
'The FBI's focus should be law enforcement, not law-breaking; its immoral and illegal racial bean-counting must be exposed and ended.'
DailyMail.com reached out to the FBI but did not get a response.
The FOIA request points to public FBI diversity figures and statements from McMillion, who began his FBI career as a special agent in the Omaha, Nebraska, field office in 1998 and was appointed the bureau's chief diversity officer in April 2021.
The bureau between 2018 and 2023 boosted the 'racial/ethnic diversity' of staff by 5.4 percent, while increasing the share of female employees by 4.1 percent.
Even then, the agency's staffing did not reflect the make-up of the wider population.
In public statements, McMillion has said that FBI is engaged in a 'cultural shift' by prioritizing the hiring of more women and minorities into the bureau, the AFL says.
The FBI's 'diversity report' shows a 5.4 percent jump in racial minority staffers between 2018 and last year
This most likely means they are hiring and promoting women and minorities while sidelining white men, AFL says.
'The FBI likely engages in unlawful and unconstitutional racial balancing,' the group said.
AFL lawyer Reed Rubinstein accuses the FBI of 'woke racism'
Polling shows the public has soured on the FBI in recent years.
In October 2018, 52 percent of Americans had a positive view of the agency of 35,000 staff.
That fell to about 35 percent by the middle of last year, an NBC News poll shows.
A Washington Post-University of Maryland survey released this month showed that a quarter of Americans said they believed the FBI instigated the J6 effort to derail the certification of 2020 election results.
Conservative critics, including podcaster and former agent Kyle Seraphin, frequently complain of wokery at the FBI, including its recent adoption of the LGBTQIA+ acronym.
AFL's request comes as affirmative action, recruitment targets and other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have sparked a heated nationwide debate.
Advocates say DEI schemes bring more black, brown, female, and queer talent into offices and colleges and raise morale across the board.
Podcaster and former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, frequently complain of wokery at the bureau
The Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building in Washington, DC. The agency has come under fire from conservatives in recent years
The probe was launched by America First Legal, a right-of-center nonprofit formed by former senior Trump White House advisor Stephen Miller.
Getting rid of race-based admissions was 'mostly a good thing,' voters say
But critics say they're a 'woke' virtue-signaling exercise that leads to backlash discrimination against straight, white men.
AFL has filed a raft of lawsuits, FOIA requests and complaints with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over corporate DEI schemes.
Filings against more than 20 companies, including American Airlines, Macy's, McDonald's, and Salesforce say their efforts to hire and promote more women and non-whites amount to discrimination.
Americans of all ethnic backgrounds want to see the back of affirmative action, a survey shows.
Fully 68 percent of US adults say the Supreme Court's decision to ban race as a factor in college admissions was 'mostly a good thing,' according to a Gallup poll.
That goes for all types of voters big majorities of white, Asian and Hispanic Americans voiced support for the end of race-based admissions.
Even among black people one of the groups the policy was designed to help most respondents said they did not want special treatment.
Fully 52 percent of black respondents called the ruling a 'good thing,' while 48 percent were sad to see it go.
Republicans solidified the House GOP's plans to impeach Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas by scheduling a committee vote on the resolution for later this month - as grieving mothers tore into his leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The Homeland Security Committee will mark up the resolution on January 31, then putting it before the full House for a vote.
It comes as Democrats slam the impeachment efforts as a 'MAGA spectacle' and a 'pre-determined, pre-planned, partisan stunt,' as top Homeland Security Democrat Bennie Thompson, Md., put it in the final Mayorkas impeachment hearing.
The committee brought in two grieving mothers who had lost daughters - Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was killed by an unlawful immigrant and suspected MS-13 gang member, and Josephine Dunn, whose daughter died at 26 after taking what she thought was oxycodone but was actually fentanyl.
Nobles told the story of her autistic daughter's death in graphic detail.
'My newly 20 year old daughter Kayla Hamilton was murdered in her own room and left on the floor like trash. The illegal MS-13 known gang member brutally raped and murdered my daughter by strangling her with a cord and robbed her of $6.'
Nobles claimed the Department of Homeland Security failed to check the El Salvador national for gang-related tattoos or check with the El Salvador government to see if he was on a known gang list.
Tammy Nobles lost her 20-year-old daughter after she was strangled by an MS-13 member
Josephine Dunn's daughter died at 26 after taking what she thought was oxycodone but was actually fentanyl
The suspect is now in custody and has been charged with first degree murder, rape and robbery.
Meanwhile a teary-eyed Dunn tore into Mayorkas for not appearing at the hearing.
'I flew from Arizona to meet him and face him and ask him why. And he's not here today. I did not know that until after I landed yesterday,' she said.
'He doesn't have a decency now to even show up. That is crap. And talk to you personally. Today is my daughter's birthday. I would have much rather been home with my poor husband grieving her. I didn't need to be here today. So whatever he's doing, I hope it's more important than that.'
Meanwhile GOP Chairman Mark Green insisted that Mayorkas had rejected testifying before the committee, after yesterday floating a contempt resolution for the secretary.
Mayorkas was not subpoenaed to testify but invited. He was unable to make it due to a meeting with Mexican leaders on migration.
'Secretary Mayorkas has testified before Congress more than any other cabinet secretary,' noted Thompson. 'I can't help but wonder if Republicans are getting a bit desperate.'
But more and more Republicans are seemingly on board with impeaching the Homeland Security secretary.
'He's violated his oath. He's violated the public trust,' Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said during the hearing. 'It's been a dereliction of duty of the grossest proportions I've seen in my 25 years of dealing with this border.'
Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., took a shot at Senate-led negotiations on a deal that would include border security provisions, Ukraine and Israel aid.
'This body should be discussing massive military aid to Texas, not to Ukraine,' he said.
The Homeland Security Committee will mark up the resolution to impeach Mayorkas on January 31, then putting it before the full House for a vote
A U.S. National Guard soldier stands on a shipping container as a group of migrants attempt to go through a concertina wire fence on the bank of the Rio Grande river in Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S., January 17
Grieving mothers blamed Mayorkas' DHS for the death of their daughters
Kayla Hamilton, 20, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was allegedly raped and killed by a suspected MS-13 gang member, who was previously arrested at the border as an unaccompanied minor
Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas, said Republicans had brought the grieving mothers to Capitol Hill 'under the false pretense that impeaching mayorkas would be in any way prevent what happened to their children from happening to someone else's.'
Impeaching Mayorkas 'may not be the solution that they seek,' she said.
Meanwhile witness Deborah Pearlstein, Law and Public Affairs professor at Princeton, made the case against impeaching the secretary.
'Policy differences could be addressed through elections,' Pearlstein said. 'Impeachment was to be, largely has been, a last-ditch mechanism to address offenses against constitutional democracy by a single individual that can't be adequately addressed your ordinary channels.'
Meanwhile a group of 26 former national security officials, including those that served in DHS under Trump, signed on to a letter earlier this week insisting it would be a 'grave mistake' to impeach Mayorkas.
'Initiating such proceedings not only threatens to undermine national security but sets a perilous precedent that could have dire implications for the stability of our government,' they wrote.
'Impeaching Secretary Mayorkas would only serve to distract from the pressing need to implement effective policy solutions to rectify our immigration system and fortify America's national security.'
Donald Trump issued an all-caps defense of 'full immunity' for presidents, comparing the situation to fighting crime despite the occasional 'rogue cop'.
It came as a judicial panel weighs Trump's objection to his January 6 prosecution.
Trump made the pronouncement and the analogy while a three-judge federal appeals court panel weighs his claim of 'absolute' immunity from prosecution.
The former president left no doubt where he comes down on the matter, while his lawyers fight the issue and likely delay his scheduled March 4 trial in Washington, D.C.
He wrote: 'A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MUST HAVE FULL IMMUNITY, WITHOUT WHICH IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM/HER TO PROPERLY FUNCTION. ANY MISTAKE, EVEN IF WELL INTENDED, WOULD BE MET WITH ALMOST CERTAIN INDICTMENT BY THE OPPOSING PARTY AT TERM END. EVEN EVENTS THAT 'CROSS THE LINE' MUST FALL UNDER TOTAL IMMUNITY, OR IT WILL BE YEARS OF TRAUMA TRYING TO DETERMINE GOOD FROM BAD.'
Trump called for 'certainty,' then gave an example.
'YOU CAN'T STOP POLICE FROM DOING THE JOB OF STRONG & EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION BECAUSE YOU WANT TO GUARD AGAINST THE OCCASIONAL 'ROGUE COP' OR 'BAD APPLE.' SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH 'GREAT BUT SLIGHTLY IMPERFECT.' ALL PRESIDENTS MUST HAVE COMPLETE & TOTAL PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY, OR THE AUTHORITY & DECISIVENESS OF A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES WILL BE STRIPPED & GONE FOREVER. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE AN EASY DECISION. GOD BLESS THE SUPREME COURT!' he wrote.
Former President Donald Trump said presidents need total immunity from prosecution even if they 'cross the line.' Otherwise, he said, it would lead to years of 'trauma'
His post, on his Truth Social site, comes after his lawyers faced tough questions from judges in a Washington, D.C. Appeals Court. Trump made the appeal as after a blowout win in Iowa while leading the presidential primaries in Iowa and calling for 'unity.'
'I think it's paradoxical to say that his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed allows him to violate criminal law,' said Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, a George W. Bush appointee during the January 9 hearing over Trump's immunity claim.
In a dramatic exchange during the 90-minute hearing, Judge Florence Pan asked Trump lawyer John Sauer: 'A yes or no question. Could a president who ordered SEAL Team 6 to assassinate a political rival, who was not impeached, be subject to a criminal prosecution?'
A lawyer for former President Donald Trump (right) faced a blizzard of questions from a three-judge appeals court panel over his claims of presidential immunity including whether he could use the military to assassinate a political rival
Trump lawyer John Sauer responded: 'If he were impeached and convicted first.'
'So your answer is no,' shot back Pan.
Trump has long defended tough action by cops. Back in 2017, he poked at the police practice of protecting the heads of suspects in custody while putting them into squad cars. ''You can take the hand off,' Trump said. 'Please don't be too nice.'
Trump's blessing to the Supreme Court suggests his team is prepared for an adverse ruling. If the judicial panel rules against him, Trump can seek an 'en banc' review from the entire federal appeals court. If that court rules against him, he can seek relief at the U.S. Supreme Court.
It issue is not just the result, but the timing. Special Counsel Jack Smith tried to get an expedited review out of the high court, with Trump's scheduled trial date related to an alleged conspiracy to defraud the U.S. and obstruct an official proceeding in danger of slipping and continuing to clash with the primary process.
A mother has been left 'traumatised' after a cheap tablet she bought online burst into flames and caused extensive damage to her flat.
Natalie McNeill, 44, was with her two-year-old daughter Melanie when a fire broke out in their flat in Greenock, Renfrewshire.
The blaze started at around 8.30pm on January 4 when the tablet, which Ms McNeill had recently bought from the Chinese discounted goods store Temu, set her bed on fire.
The mother-of-three suffered superficial burns to her hands and face in the fire that gutted her home and all her belongings, including her family photos.
She said: 'It was horrifying. I'm still traumatised by it. I was downstairs taking down my Christmas tree when it happened.
Natalie McNeill, 44, was at her home in Greenock, North Renfrewshire, with her daughter Melanie when a fire broke out caused by a tablet she had bought from Temu
The fire in Ms McNeill's Greenock flat blew out the window of her bedroom
The tablet Ms McNeill bought for 58 off the Chinese discount goods store Temu. Since the fire Temu have removed the tablet from their website
The blaze started at around 8.30pm on January 4 when the tablet, which Ms McNeill had recently bought from the Chinese discounted goods store Temu, set her bed on fire. She tried to smother the flames with a blanket but couldn't control the fire
Ms McNeill said: 'Thankfully I had picked Melanie up and taken her downstairs with me. All of a sudden, my smoke alarm started going off, then I started to hear crackling coming from upstairs.
'My neighbour Jade was in the house and I screamed at her to grab Melanie as I started running up the stairs.
'I ran over to where the Temu tablet had been sitting but by that time there were flames shooting out of the bed.
'I tried to smother the fire with a blanket but it was spreading too fast. The flames just shot up above me.'
Ms McNeill believes it could have ended a lot worse if it hadn't been for the quick-thinking of Jade's mother, Linda.
She continued: 'The bedroom windows suddenly blew out and before I knew it I was stuck at the top of the stairs. I was on my hands and knees - the smoke was so thick I couldn't breathe.
The 44-year-old Ms McNeill found herself trapped at the top of the stairs with smoke so thick she couldn't breathe. Thanks to the quick thinking of her friend's mother, she managed to escape
Ms McNeill is now warning others to avoid paying for budget electronics. The mother said: 'If anyone has bought them for their kids, please beware. I just don't want this to happen to any other families'
She said: 'Linda came running up and reached through the smoke. She managed to grab my legs and pull me down to the hallway.'
'She saved my life. I wouldn't have gotten out if it wasn't for her.'
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Ms McNeill says the fire brigade confirmed the fire was started by an electronic.
The Mother bought the tablet online from Temu for 58. She is now warning others to avoid paying for budget electronics. The mother said: 'If anyone has bought them for their kids, please beware. I just don't want this to happen to any other families.
'I would advise people to be very careful and very cautious when ordering these items and I wouldn't recommend buying anything electric from the website at all.
'I'm just lucky my child was with me when it happened but it could have been so much worse. Don't take the risk.'
Ms McNeill is now living in a temporary home and has started the devastating process of rebuilding her life. She said: 'I've lost absolutely everything. I still can't get over it.
'I've nothing. No washing machine, no fridge - literally nothing. But I'm still very thankful to have my life and my daughter's life too.'
The fire has gutted the family's home and they are currently living in a temporary home
The family has lost all their belongings in the fire including priceless family photos
Temu has removed the tablet from its website after being contacted.
A Temu spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned to learn about the incident involving Ms Natalie McNeill and a tablet she purchased from our platform. As an immediate response, we have taken the precaution of removing the product from our listings.
'At the same time, we have urgently instructed the merchant involved to conduct a comprehensive investigation of their products. We are actively liaising with Ms McNeill to offer our support and gather essential details to facilitate an extensive investigation from our end. It's important to understand the circumstances of this terrible event fully, as this is the first report of fire-related issues with this product and any Temu products since our UK launch.
'The initial examination suggests the product complies with regulations. However, we will continue our investigation, and the product will remain suspended in the meantime. Temu takes matters of consumer safety with utmost seriousness.
'We are dedicated to ensuring that all products on our platform meet rigorous safety standards and will do everything in our capacity to address the issue and support those affected.'
A spokesperson for Benton Technology Co, the manufacturer of the tablet, said: 'We would like to assure everyone that Benton is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter.
'To date, this is the first report of such a nature involving our products, and we are taking it very seriously. We understand the concerns and questions that arise from such an incident, and we pledge to keep our customers and the public informed as we learn more.'
A newly-built 34million high school has been the centre of a teacher strike as staff claim it is plagued by violence, assaults, internal truancy, children swearing, vaping and kicking doors down.
There were high hopes for the Pencoedtre High School in Barry, South Wales, as London-based architects drew the design featuring large open balconies around a central 'heart space' dining hall, main hall and courtyard.
But part of the violence is being blamed on its new layout, which has a Pupil Referral Unit for troublesome children in the centre of the building.
And teachers who dread going to work for fear of being assaulted by unruly pupils have resorted to strike action today, despite sub-zero temperatures, as a union leader described conditions as 'virtual anarchy'.
Some of the allegations include children telling teachers to 'F off' and damaging property - incidents which 'grind down' staff.
The latest incident allegedly saw a male teacher suffering bruised ribs while breaking up a scrap between two girls during lesson time. Union leaders claim the teacher called for back-up but no one arrived to help for 20 minutes.
Some teachers say they have been treated 'like punch bags' at the 1,100 pupil school in the town famous for TV family comedy Gavin and Stacey.
And Debra Thomas who was brought in as Executive Headteacher last September suddenly stepped down amid claims she received 'little support' from Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Teachers at Pencoedtre High School in Barry, South Wales are striking despite sub zero temperatures
Teachers who dread going to work for fear of being assaulted by unruly pupils have resorted to strike action today
Union official Sharron Daly said children are damaging property and swearing at staff
A staggering 136 exclusions have taken place at the 1,100 pupil school since the start of the new year in September
Members of the NASUWT walked out today in protest at the school failing to protect teachers from the alleged daily violence and unruly behaviour.
They say the biggest problem is internal truancy where pupils attend but skive off lessons and wander the corridors causing trouble.
One teacher said: 'It's got that many of us dread going in - there is a nasty atmosphere and regular violence. It's really hard and it grinds you down.
'It's not all the kids - 95 per cent of the children come in and get on with it. They want to learn.
'But there are fights, children running around kicking doors, vaping in the toilets. I regularly get told to F-off.
'We've had occasions where one pupil wants to fight another and you have to lock pupils inside the classroom to protect one of them.'
Teachers have been in negotiations with school management and the Vale of Glamorgan Council but say they have been badly let down.
One teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: 'The school claims it has an action plan but we haven't seen it.
'The biggest problem is the school says it's making policies to stop what's going on but we are not seeing that on the ground.'
Another teacher told Mail Online: 'Good pupils who are one day going to go to university are complaining that their lessons are being disrupted.
'They are not getting the best school experience which they deserve.'
Members of the NASUWT walked out today in protest at the school failing to protect teachers from the alleged daily violence and unruly behaviour
They say the biggest problem is internal truancy where pupils attend but skive off lessons and wander the corridors causing trouble
A staggering 136 exclusions have taken place since September last year when the new term began.
And the NASUWT claims there were 50 breaches of Health and Safety regulations at the school last term.
Former head teacher Lee Humphreys previously raised eyebrows by running two chip shops with his wife, Sam, on top of his job at the school.
The father-of-two opened Fish Kitchen 1854 in Maesycwmmer, South Wales, in 2018 after spotting a former Chinese takeaway was up for auction.
He insisted the unlikely moonlighting arrangement suited his day job at Pencoedtre High School as it helped him connect with the 1,300 pupils.
But Mr Humphreys later admitted he underestimated how tough it would be working two jobs at once when he was in the takeaway every evening.
He left in April last year with teacher Leanne Pownall taking over as acting head.
Debra Thomas, the head of nearby Cowbridge Comprehensive School, was brought in as Executive Headteacher last September but suddenly stepped down amid claims she received 'little support' from Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Cllr Rhys Thomas, who is the Chair of the Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee, said: 'These developments are hugely concerning and show that the Vale Council have failed to take responsibility.
'Debra Thomas faced a huge challenge sorting out problems at Pencoedtre School and got little support from the Council who have sought to avoid blame at every turn.
'It's time for the Council to finally step up to the plate, otherwise it's teachers and children who will continue to suffer.'
It's understood the school is bringing in extra staff to deal with its internal truancy problem.
Ninety-five per cent of the teachers at the school have voted in favour of strike action and 40 picketed at the school gates today.
Former headteacher Lee Humphreys (pictured) dons an apron to work in his own fish and chip shop by night
Locals supporting their industrial action beeped their horns and waved as they went past
Union official Sharron Daly said: 'Gangs of children are roaming the corridors with no adult supervision. It's virtual anarchy'
NASUWT claimed teachers 'dread' working at the school
Locals supporting their industrial action beeped their horns and waved as they went past.
Only about 100 children in their GCSE year were told to attend with almost 1,000 pupils staying home. Two more strikes are planned for next week.
Read more: Top marks! Headmaster who runs his own chip shop is in line for prestigious award Advertisement
Union official Sharron Daly said: 'Gangs of children are roaming the corridors with no adult supervision. It's virtual anarchy.
'On Monday there was a fight between two pupils and one of our members suffered bruising trying to separate them.
'They followed procedures but the support they needed did not come.
'More than 100 internal truancies have been recorded in one day - that's in a school of just over 1,000 pupils. It's massive.
'They are damaging property, vaping, swearing at staff. We will continue to strike over pupil indiscipline and a lack of management response.'
NASUWT claimed teachers 'dread' working at the school - with 50 serious health and safety incidents reported to have taken place since the start of the academic year.
Teachers said the central location of the school's 'Successful Futures Centre' enables big groups of children to interact, causing fights
The open-plan design has been contributing to poor behaviour, according to NASUWT
Sharron Daly, a union official, claimed staff at the school were striking because 'they feel at the end of their tether' over issues with behaviour from the children.
'The building is not fit for purpose. The physical make-up of the building is not going to help this situation and the situation needs to change,' she said.
According to The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), the open-plan design of the school has been feeding into the bad behaviour.
Teachers said the central location of the school's 'Successful Futures Centre' enables big groups of children to interact, causing fights.
National executive member of NASUWT, Mark Harris, said: 'The design of the new school buildings is remarkably poor.'
Architects HLM designed the school paid for by the Welsh Government. The company previously said: 'The new school will improve the social and cultural well-being of its users and facilitate a larger range of different learning requirements, intertwining both social and educational environments a school for boys and girls to thrive.'
Staff at the Welsh school went on strike last Wednesday and today, and more walkouts are set to happen on January 24, 25, 31 and February 1 if matters are not resolved.
A joint statement to MailOnline from The Vale of Glamorgan Council and Pencoedtre High School says: 'Both the Council and school are disappointed by this strike action, which has caused further disruption to pupils at a time when many are preparing for important exams.
'The nature of negotiations with trade unions is that they are done in private and not through the media. To this end, the Council is committed to continuing the positive discussions with Trade Union colleagues in the appropriate forum, so that further strike action can be avoided.
'We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the NASUWT to resolve them.
'The work taking place has been discussed with the trade union in regular meetings and includes steps to improve the working environment and update the school's behaviour policy.
Pencoedtre High School in Barry, South Wales has an open layout which is being blamed for behaviour issues at the school
'Following Estyn's recent visit, the Council, Senior Leaders and Governors are also committed to actioning the Post-inspection Action Plan (PIAP). This includes improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues.
'Staff and pupil safety is of the highest importance and any incidents that impact this are taken extremely seriously.
'They are subject to robust investigation and accurate recording, with subsequent action taken in line with appropriate policies.
'These include the school's Disciplinary Policy, Welsh Government Statutory Guidance for Exclusions and the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act.
'There are lockdown procedures in place at the school to deal with significant incidents and these are used proportionately.'
MailOnline previously contacted HLM for comment.
Shocking footage shows the moment a homeless man was hit by three different cars in the span of one minute as he tried to cross a Los Angeles highway, and not one stopped to help.
The man, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was walking along San Fernando Road around 11.45pm on January 12, according to Los Angeles police. He has not been named.
Surveillance footage from a local business shows he was first hit by a light-colored pickup truck that was driving on the wrong side of the road.
The homeless man was trying to get up before he was run over again by a full-sized SUV and he was flung forward several feet. A third mid-sized SUV then hit him and he was left to lay in the road to die.
Now, police are calling on the public to help identify the drivers as no arrests have been made in the case.
The Los Angeles Police Department has released shocking footage of a homeless man who was killed after being hit by three cars while trying to cross a highway
The man, believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s, was walking along San Fernando Road around 11.45pm on January 12 when he was struck three times in the space of just one minute
Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
'Nobody deserves this, nobody,' nearby business owner Amgad Khalil told NBC 4.
'I wouldn't wish that on my enemy. He was breathing. He was trying to get up. And, even after then, he was hit again on the other side of the street.
'What would they have thought if that was one of their family members? I dont know what kind of souls these people have, but I'm guessing they don't.'
Khalil did not witness the incident but ran out immediately after seeing it on his surveillance footage.
'I walked up to him, put the light on him. He wasnt breathing,' he added.
Surveillance footage from a local business shows he was hit by a light colored pickup truck that was driving on the wrong side of the road and then two SUVs
All three of the vehicles failed to stop and check on the man. Police are asking the public for help identifying the victim
He often saw the homeless man walking through the neighborhood draped in a blanket and it remained at the scene following his death.
'The Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division detectives are asking for the public's help in identifying a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision that killed a man in his late 20's or early 30's,' the LAPD said in a statement.
'All three vehicles failed to stop, render aid, and remain at scene as required by law.
'The first and second vehicles who struck the pedestrian were last seen northbound San Fernando Road towards Osborne Street. The third vehicle was last seen southbound San Fernando Road towards Branford Street.
'Drivers are reminded that if they become involved in a collision, they should pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, notify emergency services, and remain at the scene to identify themselves.'
DailyMail.com has contacted the LAPD for comment.
U.S. rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has been arrested in the Dominican Republic on charges of domestic violence.
The 27-year-old, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, is being held at a jail in the capital of Santo Domingo, where he was arrested Wednesday, officials said.
No further details were immediately available, and it wasn't immediately clear if Hernandez has an attorney.
The rapper will appear in front of a judge on Thursday to find out if he will have to remain behind bars or be freed on bond as the investigation continues.
The rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, is being held at a jail in the capital of Santo Domingo, where he was arrested Wednesday, officials said
A previous mugshot of the rapper - who was born in Bushwick, New York City
The arrest is Hernandez's latest brush with the law.
He was arrested at a seaside hotel in the Dominican Republic in October after being accused of assaulting a local music producer.
Hernandez and his partner, a Dominican rapper known as Yailin la Mas Viral, had been recording at the producer's studio.
He was also previously accused in the U.S. of using a violent gang as a 'personal hit squad,' but he avoided prison after providing testimony against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, which operate in the U.S. East Coast.
In March 2023, he was assaulted by several people at a gym in Florida.
Tekashi 6ix9ine had a multiplatinum hit song, 'Fefe,' with Nicki Minaj in 2018. It peaked at No. 3 on the pop charts.
In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a count of use of a child in a sexual performance and received a four-year probation period.
And then in 2018, he was arrested on racketeering and other weapons and drug charges - leaving him facing a minimum of 47 years in prison.
No further details were immediately available about his new arrest, and it wasn't immediately clear if Hernandez has an attorney
In October 2023, Tekashi 6ix9ine was arrested in the Dominican Republic on suspicion of assaulting two music producers
But prosecutors cut him a deal, which caught the ire of the whole rap world.
The rapper pleaded guilty to nine charges - including conspiracy to commit murder - and was sentenced to two years in prison instead.
But in April 2020, because of the pandemic, he was allowed out of jail and was put on house arrest because he had asthma. He finished his sentence in August 2020.
Then in October 2023, Tekashi 6ix9ine was arrested in the Dominican Republic on suspicion of assaulting two music producers.
A mysterious-looking creature washed up on the shores of a beach in Mexico with huge fangs hanging out its mouth - but marine experts claim it's normally not that scary.
The shocking discovery was made this week by fishermen at Pico de Oro Beach in Centla, a seaside city in the Gulf state of Tabasco.
The dead creature was lying in the vegetation in an advanced state of decomposition.
Images of the beast quickly went viral across multiple social media platforms and raised concerns among locals.
Fishermen in Centla, Mexico, discovered this week a dead creature with characteristics of a seal after it washed up on the shore of Pico de Oro Beach in the Gulf state of Tabasco
Environmental experts and the fishermen who found the marine mammal assured worried residents that the creature is a seal
But, environmental experts calmed their fears by indicating that the decomposing animal had all the characteristics of a seal.
The fishermen who discovered the creature agreed, too, that the rotting marine mammal was just a seal.
The animal appeared to have four limbs, an elongated head and a row of sharp teeth, including a large fang sticking out the ride side.
It is unclear if the local authorities arrived to remove the carcass from the beach, which is located southwest of the resort towns of Cancun and Tulum.
It is also unknown if they took samples to confirm the species and its exact cause of death.
DailyMail.com reached out to the Federal Attorney Generals Office for Environmental Protection for comment.
Migrants are being arrested in Texas before they have had a chance to surrender to US immigration agents, state officials have confirmed as a standoff between the state and the federal government escalates in the town of Eagle Pass.
'Under the authority of Gov.@GregAbbott_TXs Border Disaster Declaration, @TxDPS Troopers are arresting illegal immigrants for criminal trespass at #ShelbyPark in Eagle Pass,' Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesman Lt. Chris Olivarez tweeted late Wednesday night.
'Troopers are enforcing criminal trespass on single adult men & women. The State of #Texas will maintain a proactive posture in curbing illegal border crossings between the ports of entry.'
The arrests are the first of their kind. Usually, migrants - even those who enter the US illegally - are allowed to surrender to US Border Patrol agents to seek asylum.
It's unclear how many migrants have been arrested since the state's announcement, but the tweet included videos of several people being handcuffed in Eagle Pass.
The town of 28,00 residents has not only become the second busiest site for migrant crossings in the entire country - behind Lukeville, Arizona - but has also become a political flash point.
Texas announced it had started arresting migrants in Eagle Pass for trespassing, the Texas Department of Public Safety said
Adult women and men were being handcuffed, while families with small children were being spared, the department said
The arrests by the state of Texas are a change from normal immigration procedures at the border. Illegal immigrants are turned over the US Border Patrol normally
'Texas should not have to bear the brunt of this crisis, but our state has been left with little choice due to President Biden's inaction,' Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales told DailyMail.com.
Under the order of the Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas soldiers fenced off Shelby Park January 10 with razor wire and other fencing, even though the land is owned by the City of Eagle Pass.
Abbott claimed the move was meant to stop the historic number of illegal immigrant entries at Shelby Park in recent weeks.
In the week before Christmas, more than 22,000 asylum-seeking migrants crossed the river separating the US from Mexico and into Shelby Park to get inside Eagle Pass, that only has a population of 28,000.
The influx strained resources and cost local taxpayers thousands of dollars a day.
However, the feud escalated after the Border Patrol agents claimed Texas National Guard troops prevented them from entering the state-controlled area to help save a migrant woman and two children from drowning.
The state claimed the migrants had already drowned by the time Border Patrol was made aware.
The Biden's Department of Justice filed a request late Monday with the Supreme Court to force the state to give Border Patrol agents access.
A view of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass during a historic surge of migrants in late December
A view shows concertina wire in front of entrances to the Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, USA, 14 January 2024. The Texas Military Department confirmed that the Texas National Guard seized control of the Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, and is restricting Border Patrol from accessing the area
The Biden Administration has been demanding that Border Patrol agents be granted access to Shelby Park
On Wednesday afternoon, the federal government issued a strongly-worded letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who survived impeachment last year and is the subject of several criminal investigations, demanding Texas open the park to Border Patrol.
'If you have not confirmed by the end of the day on January 17, 2024 that Texas will cease and desist its efforts block Border Patrol's access in and around the Shelby park area and remove all barriers to access the US-Mexico border, we will refer the matter to the Department of Justice for appropriate action and consider all other options available to restore Border Patrol's access to the border,' the letter stated.
Paxton responded with his own letter within minutes says, 'Texas will not surrender to Bidens destructive open-border policies.
Attorney General Paxton shot back that he 'will continue to defend Texas as it uses its constitutional authority to defend state territory, sovereignty, and citizens.'
The political showdown at Shelby Park hasn't deterred anyone from crossing.
All it's done is move border crossers north of Eagle Pass and made it the problem of ranchers.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (left) and Attorney General Ken Paxton (right) have prided themselves on picking legal battles with the Biden Administration
Dozens of migrants spotted on a private ranch near Normandy, Texas are not deterred by politics in the US
The migrant traffic from Eagle Pass has just simply moved north to Quemado and Normandy, Texas during a political stand off between the state of Texas and the federal government
Quemado and Normandy, two tiny towns, sandwiched between the popular crossing spots of Del Rio and Eagle Pass, are now seeing an uptick in migrant crossings.
Many migrants who would have crossed at Eagle Pass are crossing there to avoid dealing with the the blockade by the Texas National Guard.
Quemado is where the bulk of the illegal crossings are happening, the local sheriff told DailyMail.com.
'My deputies are seeing groups of 10, 12,' Schmerber said. 'Every day, they're catching people.'
Zanzibar ZANZIBAR: NATIONAL Chairperson of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the party's flag bearers for the forthcoming elections would strictly be evaluated by their performance.
Dr Samia said this yesterday when she inaugurated the newly built CCM branch in Chaani-Masingini and opened the Ushoni Tailoring Training Centre for women of Unguja North Region at Mahonda. The centre is owned by the CCM's Women Wing, UWT.
"In the next general election, CCM flag bearers including Members of Parliament and the members of the House of Representatives will be judged on their performance. They will be judged based on their efforts to bring about development to the people and provide solutions to the challenges their constituencies face," the CCM Chairperson asserted.
"That will be our criterion for the leaders of the electoral constituencies including representatives and MPs. We will judge their abilities based on work they have done in bringing about development to our citizens in the constituencies."
She further said in the run-up to the elections, MPs in the National Assembly, and representatives in Zanzibar House, as well as those appointed should work hard and show what they have done, before it is too late for them, adding those who will underperform will be left out.
"Every MP and Representative, whether elected or appointed or through special seats, must be evaluated. We want to see evidence of their performance. This is how we are going to assess people aspiring for these positions," she emphasised.
In particular, she asked the members and electorates to make decisions after evaluating their leaders based on their performance.
In line with that, President Samia also urged the would-be aspirants to shun corruption acts.
"Gifts are allowed during religious festivals and celebrations such as Eid for Muslims and Christmas for Christians, but it should not be used to campaign for the election," she said.
Expounding on the forthcoming 2025 general election, President Samia stressed that CCM is strong and will continue to deliver for the development of all citizens.
She reiterated that unity is strength, division is weakness, appealing to CCM members and enthusiasts to ensure that they strengthen the party, especially in preparations for the upcoming general election for it to secure a landslide victory. "United we stand, divided we fall," she said.
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The chairperson said that both, the Union and Zanzibar governments bear a great burden to bring development to the people, and a lot has been done.
Dr Samia stressed that when Mainland Tanzania is going for the local government elections this year, Zanzibar should start preparing for the general elections in 2025, so that CCM remains in power on both sides of the Union.
She reminded the party members and fans that elections are not won by national leaders only, but winning requires the involvement of all CCM members.
President Samia expressed her happiness about the construction of the Chaani Masingini branch and commended the representative of Chaani Constituency for the initiative.
The representative of Unguja North- Women Special Seats, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, said Dr Samia's statement about evaluating leaders was timely for the party to have credible and committed representatives of wananchi.
The CCM Chaani Masingini branch was financed by Chaani Constituency Representative Mr Nadir Abdulatif to the tune of 200m/-, and it is one of the 12 branches that exist in the region.
The Ushoni tailoring training centre for women entrepreneurs has been sponsored by the Zanzibar Milele Foundation (ZMF) in collaboration with UWT at the cost of 72m/-.
A man has been charged with rape and manslaughter over the death of Natalie Shotter in 2021.
Mother-of-three Miss Shotter, 37, was found dead in Southall Park in west London on July 17, 2021, following a night out with friends.
The NHS worker's death was initially treated as unexpected while further enquiries were carried out.
Mohamed Iidow, 34, of no fixed address, was charged on December 21 last year and appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Friday, January 12.
He was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, January 19.
Iidow was first arrested over Ms Shotter's death on August 4, 2021, and has now been charged as above.
Mother-of-three Natalie Shotter, 37, was found dead in Southall Park in west London on July 17, 2021, following a night out with friends
In 2022, Ms Shotter's mother Dr Cas Shotter-Weetman accused the Met Police of a 'huge dereliction of duty' on the night her daughter died
The investigation is being led by detectives from The Met Police's specialist Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley.
In 2022, Ms Shotter's mother Dr Cas Shotter-Weetman accused the Met Police of a 'huge dereliction of duty' on the night her daughter died.
She told the BBC her daughter had enjoyed a night out with a group of pals, before ending up in the park with a male friend.
Her friend became concerned for her wellbeing and approached two passing officers, who allegedly refused to get involved and told him to call 101.
At some point after this, Ms Shotter was attacked and later found dead.
Dr Shotter Weetman said: 'I'm bereft that it's happened to Natalie. I feel we must hold them to account; I believe she would still be alive.
'If the police officers had gone to her aid she would not have found herself in a position where she was assaulted in a park and, later on, died.'
NATO is planning to mobilise 90,000 troops in its largest military manoeuvre since the Cold War in a bid to deter Vladimir Putin.
The alliance announced the exercise would begin next week, and will test allies' ability over months to engage in a conflict with an adversary as capable as Russia.
'Steadfast Defender' will run until late May and involve units from all 31 NATO member countries plus candidate-member Sweden, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Christopher Cavoli, told journalists.
The wargames are meant as a fresh show of strength from NATO and its commitment to defend all allied nations from attack.
'The Alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area by a transatlantic movement of forces from North America,' the US general told reporters in Brussels after a two-day meeting of national chiefs of defence.
NATO is planning to mobilise 90,000 troops in its largest military maneuver since the Cold War in a bid to deter Vladimir Putin. Pictured: British soldiers take part in a major drill as part of the EFP NATO operation at the Tapa estonian army camp near Rakvere, on February 6, 2022
It was announced last week the UK would be sending 20,000 troops with the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, eight warships, as well as the RAF's F-35 lightning attack aircraft, which will practice flying in imitated conflict scenarios.
UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced the deployment on Monday.
The war games come after UK ministers announced a further 2.5billion support package to Ukraine and the RAF airstrikes, with the US, on the Houthis in Yemen.
According to German newspaper Bild, Germany will send 12,000 soldiers along with 3,000 vehicles and 30 aircraft.
Citing the German Press Agency, Bild said the exercise will simulate a Russian attack on NATO territory, a scenario which would trigger Article 5. The article states that if any NATO country is attacked, all other alliance countries will mobilise to defend it.
Earlier this week, at a meeting of the 31-nation alliance's top brass in Brussels, the chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Bob Bauer, also said that behind Russian president Putin's rationale for the war is a fear of democracy.
Bauer said NATO would continue to support Ukraine long-term.
'Today is the 693rd day of what Russia thought would be a three-day war. Ukraine will have our support for every day that is to come because the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world,' he said.
'This war has never been about any real security threat to Russia coming from either Ukraine or NATO,' Bauer added.
'This war is about Russia fearing something much more powerful than any physical weapon on earth - democracy. If people in Ukraine can have democratic rights, then people in Russia will soon crave them too.'
The largest NATO exercise since the cold war took place in 2018 when around 51,000 troops were involved in 'Trident Juncture 2018' in Norway.
Germany is preparing for Vladimir Putin 's forces to attack NATO in 2025, according to leaked secret plans
Announcement of the NATO exercise comes after it was revealed that Germany is preparing for Putin's forces to attack NATO in 2025.
Secret documents from the German Ministry of Defence reveal a step-by-step doomsday guide on how Russia will escalate the conflict in Ukraine to an all-out war in just 18 months.
The leaked plans, published by Bild, reveal in detail the path to a Third World War with Putin using Belarus as a launching pad for an invasion - as he did in February 2022 for his war in Ukraine.
The release of the terrifying documents come just days after Sweden's civil defence minister warned that his country could soon face the prospect of war and urged citizens to join voluntary defence organisations in preparation for a Russian attack.
The legislation would take down all categories of pride flags and any flags that display support for movements like Black Lives Matter
Florida Republicans have introduced a new bill that would ban all LGBTQ+ pride flags from government buildings, schools and public places because they express 'political viewpoints.'
The first stamp of approval was given to Bill 901 during a house subcommittee meeting on Wednesday after the house voted nine yeas and five nays.
The new legislation has detailed that 'a government entity may not erect or display a flag that represent a political viewpoint, included, but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation and gender, or political ideology viewpoint.'
This bill would take down all categories of pride flags, like the transgender, lesbian and other flags. Lawmakers also said that the bill could include the flag displays for movements like Black Lives Matter, Tampa Bay Times reported.
'The problem that we have with this country today is that we've stopped believing in those things that unite us, and we focus on those things that divide us,' Republican State Rep. Randy Fine said at the meeting in Tallahassee.
Republican State Rep. Randy Fine and Republican State Rep. David Borrero are seen at the meeting on Wednesday as they presented the new bill
An American flag is seen swaying in the wind above a rainbow pride flag outside of the North Miami Police Department
'I don't want the Hamas flag flying in this room, I don't want the Black Lives Matter flag flying in this room, and I don't want the Trump for president flag flying in this room. Those aren't appropriate. They aren't appropriate in this room, they're not appropriate in our schools, they're not appropriate in our government buildings,' Fine added.
The bill was filed by Fine and Republican State Rep. David Borrero in December. Borrero was elected to the Florida House of Representative in November 2020 and according to his website he is a 'product of Miami-Dade's public school system.'
'The flag that should unite us, the flag of Florida, the flag of the United States, those will be the flags that are flown in our government meetings,' Fine said at the meeting.
'People throw out these lines, "First Amendment," things like that, but they have no idea what they are actually talking about,' Fine said.
'Government does not have First Amendment rights; people have First Amendment rights in their private capacity.'
Many have thought differently then Fine and Borrero and have had mixed reactions on the impending law.
Orlando Democratic Rep. Johanna Lopez said that the new bill is 'not about indoctrination. It's about discrimination.'
'I think we should be fostering communities of inclusion, and I think this bill is moving us backwards and not forwards,' St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross said.
The bill was filed by Fine and Republican State Rep. David Borrero in December. Borrero was elected to the Florida House of Representative in November 2020
A rainbow flag pride was hung outside of a business in Wilton Manors on Wednesday, about a block from the towns city hall
'The flag that should unite us, the flag of Florida, the flag of the United States, those will be the flags that are flown in our government meetings,' Fine said at the meeting
Robert Boo, the CEO of the Pride Center at Equality Park told WSVN that Wilton Manors 'is the second gayest city in the country per capita.'
'The city should be able to put up an equality flag or a transgender flag and celebrate our community.'
Other government leaders believe that the decision should be left to each individual city in the state.
'If a city wants to raise a flag in recognition or to honor a group or an organization, if we want to fly the [National Parent Teacher Association] flag, were going to do that,' Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said.
Dr. Steve Gallon III, a board member of the Miami-Dade Public School said: 'We have to square what's done at the state level and what's done at the school site level with what is allowable under the Constitution.'
This bill is just one that has targeted the LGBTQ+ community in the Sunshine State as Governor Ron DeSantis signed four bills that limited the use of preferred pronounce in public schools, and restricted the use of bathrooms that align with a person's sex assigned at birth.
DeSantis also introduced a 'Don't Say Gay' law that has restricted lessons on sexuality and gender identity from all state classrooms.
The expanded Parental Rights in Education bill was sent to DeSantis' desk in May for his signature after it passed the legislature by a 27-21 vote.
Members of Pridelines are seen holding all categories of pride flags during the Miami Beach Gay Pride parade in 2017
Governor Ron DeSantis is seen during a GOP campaign event in July as protestor unfolded a rainbow pride flag. If this new bill is passed and signed by DeSantis it will come into effect on July 1, 2024
Sailors and civilians are seen displaying a large pride flag just outside the Key West Naval Air Station during pride month in 2017
A month before, the Florida State Board of Education voted to ban the topic of sexual orientation and sexual identity in all public schools for all grades up through graduating high school.
Last year he implemented a book ban that targeted books that featured LGBTQ+ identity or content.
In recent news, the Escambia County School District pulled dictionaries off its libraries' shelves out of fears that students might look up words like 'sex'.
More than 2,800 books, including at least eight encyclopedias, five dictionaries, and copies of The Guinness Book of World Records, were removed.
If this new bill is passed and signed by DeSantis it will come into effect on July 1, 2024, just after pride month.
A crime author has released an investigative book about the 1977 murder of a pregnant Amish woman and how her gay serial killer husband kept evading justice.
Ida Stutzman, a 26-year-old Amish woman had died in a barn fire at her farm in Dalton, Ohio in July 1977. Her husband, Eli Stutzman had told people she had collapsed while trying to save milking equipment from a fire.
The coroner ruled that Ida died of natural causes, specifically a weak heart.
Now, Gregg Olsen has released a book titled 'The Amish Wife: Unraveling the Lies, Secrets, and Conspiracy That Let a Killer Go Free' where he is deep-diving into Eli's criminal activity.
Ida Stutzman, a 26-year-old Amish woman had died in a barn fire at her farm in Dalton, Ohio in July 1977. Her husband, Eli Stutzman had told people she had collapsed while trying to save milking equipment from a fire
Gregg Olsen has released a book titled 'The Amish Wife: Unraveling the Lies, Secrets, and Conspiracy That Let a Killer Go Free' where he is deep-diving into Eli's criminal activity
In 1979, Eli decided to flee his Swartzentruber Amish community with his and Ida's son, Danny after the event.
According to the A&E True Crime blog, Eli had used personal ads in The Advocate to find men looking for sex and relationships while going from Ohio to Colorado.
During this time, Eli had affairs with numerous gay men and eventually became a prime suspect in numerous unsolved deaths, including former lovers David Tyler and Dennis Sleater.
But in May 1985, Eli's roommate, Glen Pritchett, was found dead from a gunshot wound to his eye and in December, Danny was found frozen and dead in a field in Nebraska.
Media at the time began to call Danny, 'Little Blue Boy' after he had been found wearing blue pajamas in the field.
When questioned, Eli had claimed his son had been sick with a respiratory infection and died in his sleep.
But officials were not convinced and Eli was convicted of Pritchett's murder and abandoning his son, whose cause of death was deemed 'inconclusive.'
He was sentenced to 40 years in prison and released on parole in 2005. He committed suicide in 2007.
In 1979, Eli decided to flee his Swartzentruber Amish community with his and Ida's son, Danny after the event
Eli had used personal ads in The Advocate to find men looking for sex and relationships while going from Ohio to Colorado
Eli had affairs with numerous gay men and eventually became a prime suspect in numerous unsolved deaths, including former lovers David Tyler (pictured) and Dennis Sleater
In December 1985, Danny was found frozen and dead in a field in Nebraska
Media at the time began to call Danny, 'Little Blue Boy' after he had been found wearing blue pajamas in the field
When questioned, Eli had claimed his son had been sick with a respiratory infection and died in his sleep
Eli was sentenced to 40 years in prison and released on parole in 2005. He committed suicide in 2007
Olsen explains in the book that Eli had never been questioned by the Sheriff about Ida's death and that his story about what had happened was inconsistent.
'He wasn't questioned as a suspect, despite suspicious circumstances,' he wrote.
In an interview with A&E, Olsen explained the inconsistencies in Eli's story about Ida: 'Several people [mentioned] all of the lamps were on in the house during the fire. [Eli said Ida woke him] just after midnight.
'When you think about the calamity and the chaos of a fire, youre not going to turn on all these kerosene lampsyoure going to go out there and fight the fire.
'The other thing that people were suspicious of was [Idas] clothing. Theyd gone to bed [around] 9 oclock, [but] she was [found] fully dressed in daytime clothes, [not] in a nightdress.
'But I know from my own experience with having a friend that was a Swartzentruber woman, [it takes] all this time to [use] straight pins to pin all your clothes together. Its certainly not going to be [Ida] that gets [to the barn] first, like Eli [said].'
Olsen explains in the book that Eli had never been questioned by the Sheriff about Ida's death and that his story about what had happened was inconsistent
On January 3, Olsen launched a Change.org petition titled 'Change the Cause of Ida Gingerich Stutzman's Death'
Olsen also claims that Wayne County Sheriff Jim Frost had covered up Ida's murder due to having relations with Eli.
He later told the New York Post that he found issues while inspecting Ida's autopsy report.
'There were big gaps where somebody had whited-out entire blocks of text. And there was different handwriting on certain sections, like several people had made changes. It was all very weird,' he said.
On January 3, Olsen launched a Change.org petition titled 'Change the Cause of Ida Gingerich Stutzman's Death'.
The petition reads: 'Ida deserves justice; she deserves her story to be heard and acknowledged accurately. We urge Wayne County authorities not only to reopen this case but also amend her cause of death from natural causes to suspicious or homicide on her official records if they find evidence supporting this claim during their investigation.'
It currently has 701 signatures out of its 1,000 goal.
Olsen has previously written about the case in his book named 'Abandoned Prayers'.
Money could be paid out over five or 10 or 20 years in weekly or monthly checks, according to law maker
Lawmaker tabled bill H.R. 414 in 2023 claiming the US has a 'moral and legal obligation' to make restitution to the descendants of slaves
A New York lawmaker is calling for every black person in the US to receive $333,000 as reparations for slavery.
Jamaal Bowman is among nine backers of federal bill H.R. 414, which states there is a 'moral and legal obligation' to make restitution to the descendants of slaves.
The legislation would force the government to distribute $14 trillion between almost 42 million black Americans.
The figure is based on academics' estimates of the amount the US benefited from forced labor between 1619 and the end of slavery in 1865, according to the bill.
Yonkers representative Bowman, a member of the so-called 'Squad' of young controversial Democrats in Congress, also suggested 'creative' ways of paying, including staggering the payments over a number of years.
Jamaal Bowman has co-sponsored a bill calling for black Americans to receive $333,000 each in reparations for slavery
The Yonkers representative suggested 'creative' ways of paying, including staggering the payments over a number of years
He also claims the federal government's response to the pandemic and the space race prove it has the capacity for the program.
'When COVID was destroying us, we invested in the American people in a way that kept the economy afloat,' Bowman told the Journal News. 'The government can invest the same way in reparations without raising taxes on anyone.'
'Where did the money come from?' Bowman said. 'We spent it into existence.'
In 2020, the federal government spent about $7 trillion, equivalent to 28 percent of the country's $25 trillion economy.
'Who says the $14 trillion needs to be paid out in one shot?,' said Bowman.
'It might be possible for it to be paid out over five or 10 or 20 years. You could take that $333,000 and break it up into monthly checks over X amount of time. There are creative ways to do the right thing and do what needs to be done.
'There were 246 years of free labor that produced trillions or hundreds of trillions of dollars for the US economy. The economy wouldn't exist in the way it does today if slavery hadn't built it.'
The bill, which is co-sponsored by Bowman, currently lacks a Senate sponsor which means it cannot advance even if it passes.
It comes 35 years after a bill to set up a federal commission to study reparations was first introduced. The proposal is still pending and was reintroduced this year.
Marchers calling for reparations are seen in Washington DC in August 2021
Activists are seen in Arlington, Virginia calling for reparations
Bowman hopes his measures could address racial disparities across a range of issues including, housing, education and incarceration.
It aims to 'eliminate the racial wealth gap that currently exists between Black and White Americans' according to the bill.
Bowman added that the 'incarcerated should be able to vote.'
'And I definitely think that when they come out, they should automatically be enfranchised,' he said.
The bill is the latest attempt to secure reparations from the government and follows similar efforts in Dem-led cities.
Evanston, Illinois, became the first city in the country in 2021 to actually pay reparations to its eligible black residents, with $10 million over a decade through $25,000 housing assistance grants.
The grants are given to black residents of the city - who can prove their long-term residency - and can be used for down payments, repairs or mortgage payments to atone for racist housing polices in the past. Funding comes from taxes on cannabis and the sales of homes costing more than $1 million.
An advisory group in San Francisco recommended that qualifying black adults receive a $5 million lump-sum, guaranteed annual income of at least $97,000 and personal debt forgiveness.
In San Francisco, a reparations office had been set up, although Mayor London Breed recently announced it would no longer be funded.
Bowman said payments to black Americans could be staggered over five or ten years with regular checks
In December, New York Governor Kathy Hochul set up a commission tasked with considering reparations. She became the latest to pursue legislation examining the harmful effects of slavery following in the footsteps of other Dem-led communities such as Evanston, Illinois and San Francisco
While in December, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill to create a commission tasked with considering reparations.
Slavery in New York persisted until 1827 and much of the city was built using forced labor.
Bowman, 48, has been campaigning for legislation to create a commission to study and develop reparation proposals for black Americans in 2021.
He hit headlines last year when he was censored by Congress for pulling a fire alarm while the House was in session.
The alarm went off and triggered an evacuation as Democrats were trying to stall a vote to avert a government shutdown in September.
Bowman denied that he had done it deliberately, but video footage suggested otherwise.
The surge in global conflict throughout 2023 has led to speculation that World War III could be on the horizon.
Some people, concerned at the prospect of worldwide warfare, are keen to know where the safest countries across the globe would be should war break out.
So, what are the safest countries to be in if World War III does take place?
Read on below for the full list to see where you would be safest in the event of another World War.
This map shows some of the safest countries that you could be in were World War III to potentially break out
Antarctica
View of an iceberg at the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula, in Antarctica on January 16, 2024
The list kicks off with a location that is not a country, but a large continent.
While Antarctica may be famed for its extreme tourism, beautiful landscapes and icy terrain, it is unlikely to be frequented by many people in the possible event of World War Three due to its location as the most southerly point on the planet.
Argentina
Tourists at Iguazu Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, on the border of Brazil and Argentina
Although Argentina has had a history of engaging in conflict, notably clashing with the United Kingdom over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the South American country has been found to be the most likely places to survive famine after a nuclear war.
Studies have found that the release of 100 nuclear bombs could release so much smoke that the sun may became blocked, which would result in famine and crop failure.
As a result, Argentina would be a good place to be thanks to its abundance of resistant crops, such as wheat.
Bhutan
In this photograph taken on January 10, 2024, a traffic policeman directs traffic in Bhutan's capital Thimphu
After joining the United Nations on September 21 1971, Bhutan declared itself to be neutral in regards to any conflict.
This stance means it often ranks highly on the Global Peace Index.
Combining the fact that it is landlocked with its plethora of mountainous regions means Bhutan would be particularly safe should World War III ever break out.
Chile
View of the Paine Massif at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile's Magallanes Region in southern Chile, 400km northwest of Punta Arenas, on January 7, 2024
Next on the list is the country with the world's longest coastline, which runs for 4,000 miles (6,435 km) in total, meaning it would span the distance between Moscow and Madrid.
Like its neighbour Argentina, Chile is blessed with a variety of different crops and natural resources.
Its level of development is also arguably the most advanced in South America. So, although you might feel isolated, its level of infrastructure and access to modern technology means it could be the ideal spot if World War III were to occur.
Fiji
Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on the tropical island paradise of Fiji
For anyone who would want to be in a remote country at the outbreak of war, Fiji might be for you. The island nation - located in the southwest of the Pacific Ocean - is some 2,700 miles away from its closest country, which is Australia.
This, along with a potential lack of military strategy as its army has just 6,000 men, means it also ranks highly in the Global Peace Index.
With much of the land made up of dense forests, as well as a plentiful supply of minerals and fish, Fiji might be the perfect place to be in during World War III.
Greenland
This photograph taken on August 16, 2023, shows an iceberg, approximately a few hundred metres long, drifting along the Scoresby Sound Fjord, in Eastern Greenland
The island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, is the world's largest island.
Greenland is notoriously remote, mountainous and politically neutral, making it an ideal refuge point in an emergency.
It also has an estimated popular of 56,000 people, meaning it is unlikely to be targeted by any global superpower.
Iceland
A woman with closed eyes relaxes and enjoys of spa in hot spring Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Iceland has consistently topped the Global Peace Index consistently, earning it a reputation as one of the most peaceful country in the world.
As well as being particularly remote, Iceland would not need to fret over its reliance on other countries for resources, thanks to the presence of fresh water reserves, marine resources, and renewable energy sources.
Indonesia
Pictured: Rice Terraces at sunrise in Lombok, Indonesia. In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the 'free and active' term to refer to their foreign policy.
Like others on the list, Indonesia is included thanks to its typically neutral stance on political issues across the globe.
In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the 'free and active' term to refer to their foreign policy.
This referred to the fact they act independently in international affairs, and are most concerned with the creation of world peace.
New Zealand
Pictured: The Hobbiton movie set, North Island, New Zealand. The country ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been marvelled at for its non-partisan stance on conflicts.
New Zealand ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been marvelled at for its non-partisan stance on conflicts. If it were to be attacked, the country's mountainous terrain offers its citizens the perfect protection.
South Africa
An aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa, with the world-famous Table Mountain in the background
South Africa earns a spot thanks to it being the home of multiple sources of foods, along with plentiful quantities of fertile land and fresh water.
The country's modern infrastructure could also increase your chances of survival should World War III happen.
Switzerland
Panorama of Lauterbrunnen valley located in the Swiss Alps near Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, also known as the Valley of Waterfalls
Of all the countries around the world, Switzerland may be the country that is singularly and most readily associated with political neutrality.
The country has been famed for its staunch position - or lack thereof - on matters concerning international politics for close to 200 years, and is well protected by its mountainous terrain, landlocked geography and numerous nuclear shelters.
Tuvalu
Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia. Pictured: a view out to sea from Funafuti
Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
An extremely low population of just 11,000 inhabitants means infrastructure is in thin supply compared to leading Western nations.
With natural resources also low in Tuvalu, it would appear to be an undesirable target in the potential event of World War III.
Shocking video showed the moment a car cruised down a Pennsylvania highway with a road sign lodged on to its roof.
The chaotic incident took place on the Pennsylvania side of Route 422 , a 271-mile-long-route of the U.S. split between Ohio and Pennsylvania.
As the car drifted down the highway with its hazard lights flashing on and off, a passenger in the vehicle driving behind it caught the jaw-dropping moment on camera.
The vehicle, a black Nissan, had somehow ended up with a huge road sign being dragged along its side.
It was a green rectangular sign with a smaller yellow diamond, both lodged on a very tall metal pole.
Shocking video showed the moment a car cruised down a Pennsylvania highway with a road sign lodged on to its roof
The chaotic incident took place on the Pennsylvania side of Route 422 , a 271-mile-long-route of the U.S. split between Ohio and Pennsylvania
The pole from the sign sparked flames as it scraped along the road surface of the highway.
Instagram users were quick to comment on the bizarre scenario.
'I dont think he missed the exit,' one user joked.
'Just turn your hazards on, it will let people know there is a hazard,' another said.
Someone commented: 'Gives a new meaning to "TOOK the wrong exit"'
Another added: 'Waze told me to take the next exit... so I TOOK the next exit.'
A massive road sign isn't the only peculiar thing cars have been spotted carrying down highways in the U.S.
As the car drifted down the highway with its hazard lights flashing on and off, a passenger in the vehicle driving behind it caught the jaw-dropping moment on camera
The pole from the sign sparked flames as it scraped along the road surface of the highway
A massive road sign isn't the only peculiar thing cars have been spotted carrying down highways in the US - in August 2023, police pulled over a driver on a Nebraska highway with a massive Watusi bull called Howdy Doody
In August 2023, police pulled over a driver on a Nebraska highway with an unusual passenger - a massive Watusi bull called Howdy Doody.
The officers had been tipped off about the bizarre duo by other drivers who said they saw a cow in the passenger seat.
This turned out to be a huge Ankole-Watusi bull.
The owner, Lee Meyer, of Neligh, had cut half off half of the roof, windows and windscreen of the former police car to fit his companion.
As Harvard continues to battle accusations of raging anti-Semitism on campus in the wake of October 7, dozens of university faculty members have signed a letter that establishes a chapter of a pro-Palestinian advocacy group.
Earlier in January, 67 members of the Harvard University faculty signed a statement in support of the school's Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine.
The letter declares support for 'Palestinian liberation' and endorses the frequently employed refrain that Israel is perpetrating racial, colonial violence against the oppressed Palestinian nation.
'The US government, media, and other institutions of knowledge production have long provided financial, military, moral, and political cover for the Israeli occupation,' wrote the group in the January 6 letter.
The student-run version of the group, Students for Justice in Palestine, was one of the leading voices offering support for Hamas terrorists in the days following the attacks.
College campuses (pictured here: Harvard) have become a focal point of hostilities as the nation grapples with the complex conflict in the Middle East
Former Harvard President Claudine Gay was ousted for a number of reasons, including her poor handling of anti-Semitism on campus in the wake of October 7
It was, in fact, the student-run branch of SJP at Harvard that published a controversial letter blaming Israel for the Palestinian extremists' terror plot.
The letter launched an outcry from many Harvard alumni and led to dozens of top-tier donors pulling their tens of millions from the school.
It was that series of events that started the ball rolling toward the ultimate ousting of Harvard President Claudine Gay.
Yet dozens of faculty at the elite institution have made the call to provide back-up for those students and others who have been accused of significant anti-Semitic conduct since the outbreak of the war.
The letter gives cover to those students and claims that they are the ones being subjected to 'a concerted and escalating campaign of harassment, intimidation, and racist hate speech because of their advocacy for Palestinian rights.'
'We pledge to support, defend, and protect our students, faculty, staff, and all Harvard affiliates organizing for Palestinian human rights, justice, and peace in Palestine/Israel,' it continues.
The faculty - nearly half of whom are affiliated with Harvard Medical School - also declare their support for the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement, which seeks to withdraw any kind of financial or other support from Israel or any Israeli companies.
'As educational workers, we are focused on boycotts of Israeli academic institutions that support apartheid and colonial occupation,' they wrote, as well as any companies 'that sustain Israeli apartheid, settler colonialism, and systematic human rights abuses against Palestinian.'
Demonstrators are seen at Harvard on October 14. Gay was criticized for being slow to condemn student justification of the Hamas terror attacks in Israel
In November, about 100 members of the Harvard faculty signed a different letter that criticized then President Claudine Gay's initiative to 'combat anti-Semitism,' which had been identified as an issue on campus.
The letter claimed the school was mistakenly taking cues from 'donors, alumni, and even some on this campus' who sought to 'silence' those who are critical of Israel's response to Hamas' terror attack.
They argued the school should not throttle free speech by banning students from chanting 'from the river to the sea,' a phrase that is near universally understood to be a call for the elimination of the State of Israel and its Jewish residents.
The newest faculty letter goes several steps further by saying that the world is watching 'Israels genocidal war and ethnic cleansing in Gaza,' and that such criticism does not rise to the level of anti-Semitism.
The groups claims to be after the 'emancipation of all peoples, with liberated futures for both Palestinians and Israelis.'
'Since systems of oppression are deeply interconnected, we further pledge to combat all forms of discrimination and racism at Harvard and outside its walls, including anti-Palestinian racism, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and antisemitism,' they wrote.
A handful of signees are support staff at Harvard's School of Arts and Sciences, including employees responsible for the well-being and academic records of students, as well as librarians and academic advisors.
Ousmane Oumar Kane, a professor of African and African American Studies, as well as the denominational counselor to Muslim Students signed the letter
Self-described climate justice scholar-advocate Jennie C. Stephens, who is a Climate Justice Fellow at Harvard this year, signed the letter
Law School professor Duncan Kennedy (left), best known as one of the minds behind the critical legal studies movement, which birthed critical race theory, signed the letter. Professor John Womack Jr. (right), a longtime professor of Mexican history and grandfather of the late rapper Lil Peep, signed the letter
Notable members of the faculty who added their names to the pro-Palestinian pledge include Ousmane Oumar Kane, a professor of African and African American Studies, as well as the denominational counselor to Muslim Students.
Kane is currently the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Professor of Contemporary Islamic Religion and Society. He is well known for his work on the subject of Muslim globalization.
He was on leave during the fall 2023 semester and if that meant he was spending time away from campus, he likely did not see in person the aftermath of October 7 play out at Harvard.
Michelle E. Morse, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and the first-ever Chief Medical Officer of the New York City Department of Health, signed the letter. Her latter position was established as part NYC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, Morse wrote an op-ed in the Boston Review, in which she made a case in favor of federal reparations for racial minorities who have received sub-minimal healthcare from the US medical system. She co-wrote the piece with fellow letter-signee Bram Wispelwey, a Harvard Medical School colleague of hers.
Dr. Wispelwey is an associate physician at the medical school's Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Womens Hospital.
According to his Harvard faculty page, 'Brams research, education, and implementation efforts focus on anti-racist strategies to address hospital admission inequities, community health worker impact, and settler colonial determinants of health.'
Michelle E. Morse, a Harvard Medical School professor and New York City's first-ever Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Health
Vijay Iyer - the Franklin D. and Florence Rosenblatt Professor of the Arts - signed the letter
Another notable endorsement of the letter came from Professor John Womack, a historian who has spent virtually his entire academic and professional life at Harvard. His work has centered on Mexican history, and a little bit randomly, he was also the grandfather of the late rapper Lil Peep.
Law School professor Duncan Kennedy, best known as one of the minds behind the critical legal studies movement, which birthed critical race theory, signed the letter. He had also signed the one written in November.
Self-described climate justice scholar-advocate Jennie C. Stephens, who is a Climate Justice Fellow at Harvard this year, signed the letter. Her research focuses on 'integrating transformative social justice, feminist, anti-racist perspectives into climate and energy policy,' among other things.
Vijay Iyer is the Franklin D. and Florence Rosenblatt Professor of the Arts. He is a composer and 'shape-shifting presence in American music,' in addition to being one of the signees of the letter.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Harvard officials for comment about the faculty letter.
Britain's drug epidemic was laid bare in new figures today which revealed a record 69 tonnes of marijuana was confiscated last year.
The amount of the drug - also known as herbal cannabis - which was seized by police and Border Force almost doubled year-on-year from 35 tonnes.
A Home Office spokesman said it was the 'largest recorded quantity of herbal cannabis seized since records began'.
The authorities confiscated 92 tonnes of illegal drugs in all during the year to March - the largest amount for 18 years.
It means drugs with a street value of an estimated 2billion were taken off the streets, the Home Office said.
Revealed: Authorities confiscated 92 tonnes of illegal drugs in the last year - the largest quantity for 18 years
COCAINE: Police seized 15 tonnes of high purity cocaine stashed in pallets of frozen chicken in November last year
The new data revealed the amount of powder cocaine seized by police doubled to a record 3.3 tonnes.
Overall the amount of coke seized - by police and Border Force - was down slightly to 18.6 tonnes from a record 18.8 tonnes the previous year.
A decade previously, cocaine seizures were running at about three tonnes a year.
The total amount of marijuana seized included 22.5 tonnes confiscated by police, which the Home Office said was 'the largest quantity of herbal cannabis seized by police forces since 1994'.
Among other drugs, crack cocaine seizures were up 25 per cent to 54 kilograms, but remained below a peak of 82kg three years earlier.
Heroin was down by a third to 950kg.
Seizures of ketamine, a veterinary tranquilliser which has undergone a huge surge as an illegal recreational drug since the start of the decade, fell from a record high of 1.8 tonnes to 1.4 tonnes last year. By comparison, just 3kg of ketamine was confiscated in 2006/07.
The data said 1.34million doses of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas or 'hippy crack' - were impounded, down from 1.64million the previous year.
As well as setting out confiscations by weight, the figures covering England and Wales also revealed the number of drug seizures carried out by police and Border Force.
COCAINE: Two men were arrested in Leicestershire after 1.6 tonnes of cocaine were found in a container by Border Force in June 2023
COCAINE: Police found 10m worth of cocaine concealed in a load of frozen fish in the back of a lorry in November last year
The Home Office says drugs with an estimated street value of 2billion were taken off the street
HIPPY CRACK: The data said 1.34million doses of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas or 'hippy crack' - were impounded, down from 1.64million the previous year
In all, there were 191,623 individual seizures in the year - an average of 525 a day - up one per cent on the previous 12 months.
The number of cannabis seizures - including herbal and resin types of the drug plus cannabis plants - increased by seven per cent and remained the most commonly-seized drug.
Borders minister Tom Pursglove said: 'We are committed to stopping dangerous drugs from coming into the country, where they fuel violence and exploitation and cause significant harm to our communities.
'Today we've seen a record level of seizures demonstrating that police and Border Force are working relentlessly to stop illegal drugs from coming into the country and keep them off our streets.' Policing minister Chris Philp added: 'We will not relent when it comes to disrupting criminal enterprises and locking up those involved in this soulless trade.
'Today's stats speak for themselves, sending a clear message to criminals that they will be caught.
'This government takes a zero-tolerance approach to both supply and possession of illegal drugs and I am grateful to the dedicated Border Force and police officers for protecting our communities from these dangerous substances.' Border Force's 25,834 drug seizures during the year was the highest since records began.
Harry Shapiro, director of drug advice organisation DrugWise, said it was unclear why seizures of some types of drug had increased so sharply.
'It may be that law enforcement has had a stream of intelligence from a good source which has led to higher seizures, because so much of this work is intelligence-led particularly at the border,' he said.
It is difficult to make a link between seizures and the quantity of illegal drugs being consumed.
The Home Office's annual statistics paper said: 'Any large quantity of drugs seized should not be taken as an indication of drug use prevalence or availability.'
A passenger who got trapped in a plane's small toilet for his entire flight revealed he was injured during landing and received no medical attention from crew members.
The traveler was trapped in a plane's small toilet for over 100 minutes during his flight across India after the door lock malfunctioned, leaving him 'traumatized'.
He had gone to the lavatory shortly after the SpiceJet plane took off from Mumbai at 10.55pm on Monday ahead of a 105-minute journey to Bengaluru city.
The unnamed 37-year-old software engineer captured his traumatic experience on video - in which he is seen frantically trying to unlock the door.
A crew member was trying to rescue the traveler from the tiny toilet as the door handle is seek moving in the video footage taken from the man's perspective.
A passenger who got trapped in a plane's small toilet for his entire flight revealed he was injured during landing and received no medical attention from crew members
Crew members slid the man a note during the disaster that said: 'Sir we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not open it'
'I was traumatized, dazed and injured as I was thrown around inside the toilet. As the plane landed in Bengaluru, there was no medical assistance at all,' the man told Times of India.
After finally being rescued, 20 minutes after landing, the man was handed a bottle of water and apologies.
SpiceJet claimed the crew 'provided assistance and guidance' during the chaos.
An engineer managed to open the bathroom door - at which point the passenger was allegedly offered medical support, according to SpiceJet, but the traveler claims no such support was offered.
'During landing, I was thrown around and suffered injuries. It took 20 minutes for someone to start breaking open the door,' the passenger said
'When I came out, I had bruises, and my vision was blurred for a while. But I received no medical help even after coming out of the loo. I got a bottle of water and a barrage of apologies from SpiceJet,' he said.
'I was traumatized, dazed and injured as I was thrown around inside the toilet. As the plane landed in Bengaluru, there was no medical assistance at all,' the man said
The unnamed 37-year-old software engineer captured his traumatic experience on video - in which he is seen frantically trying to unlock the door
Crew members slid the man a note during the disaster that said: 'Sir we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not open [it],
'Do not panic. We are landing in a few minutes, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come.'
The passenger was offered a voucher for 5,000 rupees (around $60) in compensation - but he didn't accept it.
He plans to sue the airline and lodge a complaint with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) for putting his life at risk.
People from all over West Africa are working on gold mines along Senegal's border with Mali. The mining is a much-needed economic boon for the region. But mounting instability in Mali makes it vulnerable too.
In the Kedougou region of southeastern Senegal, the gold rush starts just after dusk when the heat is still bearable and the sun is clement. Near the village of Samekouta, men with tired faces park their motorbikes on the edge of a vast, rocky plot of land surrounded by trees and high grass. Their clothes are covered in rust-colored dust.
The artisanal mine comprises narrow black holes into which miners disappear with a swift hop. A permanent background noise of jackhammers and electricity generators covers their sparse conversations. The men are from Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.
Most of the gold leaves Senegal
The latest report published by Senegal's statistics agency states that gold production amounted to 387.7 billion CFA francs in 2020 (590 million), a figure likely greater if informal mining were considered. Estimates indicate that around 90% of the gold is taken abroad.
"It's mostly Malians and Guineans who buy the gold," Aliou Cisse* told DW in Faranding, a village on the shores of the Faleme River. He used to search for gold in the fields surrounding his village.
Kedougou, one of the poorest regions of Senegal, is home to over 20 nationalities. Foreigners, mainly from other countries in West Africa, come to Kedougou to try their luck in striking gold.
Gold mining is not new in the region, which borders Mali and Guinea. Farmers and villagers have practiced it on an artisanal level for decades. But since the 2010s, Senegal's gold mining sector has seen a considerable growth,
Locals searching for higher incomes moved from agriculture to small-scale mining on their lands. Word of the gold later drew foreigners in large numbers, and foreign companies set up industrial and semi-mechanized mines.
Land grabs and pollution
The gold rush has come at the expense of the locals, some of whom have seen parts of their land grabbed and their environment polluted.
Cisse told DW his village has lost much land since a Chinese company set up a semi-mechanized mine on its outskirts. Power shovels now tirelessly to excavate mounds of orange sand in the area where Faranging residents used to grow cereals and vegetables or search for gold.
"For almost a century, our village has practiced agriculture, livestock farming and gold mining on this land. We were doing everything here, and the Chinese company came to occupy the space," Cisse says.
People in Faranding say the Faleme River used to be crystal clear. But now the water is a muddy orange. The Malian shore is only a few hundred meters away. A small wooden boat carries passengers from one side to the other. On its way, it passes a metal structure reaching onto the water from the Malian side. There, men operate dredging machines to extract rocks from the riverbed -- yet another way to search for gold.
Mining companies dump thousands of liters of wastewater, sometimes containing chemicals such as mercury, into the Faleme. As a result, people living along the river can no longer drink the water or use it for their livestock or vegetable crops.
Mine disputes and poverty
Residents say they get little compensation, and industrial mining companies don't offer enough jobs for locals. In a region where unemployment is rampant, gold mining has become an indispensable source of income.
Amadou Sega Keita, vice-president of Kedougou's departmental council, says around 300,000 people currently work in the mines, mostly on artisanal or clandestine sites. "You find people with master's degrees there," Keita told DW.
In early September, two people were killed and eight injured in clashes at a protest after a dispute over recruitment at mines in Khossanto. The incident occurred near the Sabodala Gold Project, owned by the Canadian company Teranga Gold Corporation, which ranks as the largest industrial mine site in Kedougou.
There have been other disputes, too. Even though the region is resource-rich, it features poverty and lacks basic infrastructure. "Only a few kilometers outside the town of Saraya, you won't see electricity," says Mahamadi Danfakha, the director of the community radio station in Saraya. "People have the impression that the state has closed its eyes on their demands."
A risk of radicalization?
Amadou Sega Keita says the feeling of abandonment that people in the region have could make them prone to radicalization. "The economic and social deficit could be a factor for jihadist groups to implement themselves," he warns. "Currently there are no banks, the money goes from hand to hand." This, Keita says, could lead to infiltration by religious extremists who could use gold to fund their activities.
Senegal and Mali share a border over some 250 kilometers (155 miles). The frontier is porous and difficult to police. In Mali, jihadi groups are currently the army, which is backed by Russia's Wagner Group.
"The pressures around Mali's Kayes zone, with a potential advance of groups in this town, would accentuate the threat in Senegal," says Paulin Maurice Toupane, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
Senegal has so far been spared terrorist attacks and is seen as one of the few stable countries in West Africa. But its gold rush and other trafficking networks -- prostitution, arms or chemical products -- make Kedougou vulnerable.
Existing trafficking networks in Senegal could be why extremist groups have not orchestrated attacks in the country, says Bakary Sambe, the Regional Director of Timbuktu Institute in Dakar. "They [extremist groups] have spaces of tactical withdrawal, and Senegal represents a major interest for them. There is the flow of capital, the movement of arms, the access to the sea," Sambe says.
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Anti-terror interventions
However, Amadou Sega Keita, the vice president of Kedougou's departmental council, sees reasons for optimism. Senegalese culture and religious teachings, dominated mainly by very influential moderate Sufi brotherhoods, are incompatible with extremism, he says. "The terrorists will struggle to get the population on their side."
The Senegalese government, alarmed at the situation in surrounding countries, has also taken several steps to prevent terrorism. In Kedougou, it increased the number of armed forces and launched infrastructure projects.
Keita believes that this approach is not sufficient. "We need a large military base at the border to show the enemy that we are constantly present," the Kedougou official says.
Senegal's Ministry of Defence and National Gendarmerie declined to answer DW's questions and multiple requests for comment. In areas along the Faleme River, police and armed forces bar foreign journalists, and only a few residents are willing to give interviews.
*Aliou Cisse is a modification of the actual name of DW's interview partner in Faranding, Kedougou, to protect him from reprisal.
Edited by: Benita van Eyssen
An Iranian businessman who ran a rug company as a front for laundering millions of pounds made from small boats crossing the Channel is facing jail.
Asghar Gheshalghian, 48, acted as a banker for the gangsters trafficking tens of thousands of illegal immigrants across the English Channel.
Gheshalghian, known as Mr G by his associates in France, transferred money using the so-called hawala system.
Hawala is an informal channel for transferring funds from one location to another through providers - known as hawaladars - regardless of the nature of the transaction and the countries involved.
Gheshalghian ran his money services firm from an office block in Wood Green, north London and acted as a trusted middleman, accepting payments from migrants or their families.
Asghar Gheshalghian, 48, acted as a banker for the gangsters trafficking tens of thousands of illegal immigrants across the English Channel
Cash bundles found in a bag at a lockup
Footage of Gheshalghian's arrest
He then released money to the criminal gangs after the migrants had arrived in the country and charged a hefty commission.
Gheshalghian, who ran a rug company as a front for his money laundering activities, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in February 2021 following two-year investigation.
Phone evidence showed links with at least eight Iranian migrants who later arrived in the UK by boat or lorry and claimed asylum.
NCA investigators obtained covert recordings of him talking to associates on the phone, admitting '70-80 percent our business is illegal'.
Gheshalghian also bragged that people smuggling gangs trusted him to deal with financial transactions on their behalf.
He said: 'They approve me, they know I won't cheat on them, once the task is completed - money'.
A stock image of migrants crossing the English Channel bound for Dover
Gheshalghian, known as Mr G by his associates in France, transferred money using the so-called hawala system
Gheshalghian ran his money services firm from an office block in Wood Green, north London and acted as a trusted middleman, accepting payments from migrants or their families
Following his arrest, the NCA searched his business premises, a storage lock-up and his home in east London, seizing around 50,000 in cash.
Officers also recovered ledgers outlining transactions, while financial investigators were able to evidence around 1.6m in payments into his bank accounts.
Evidence was also obtained from an ITV documentary where undercover reporters approached a people smuggler in northern France, who discussed sending money through a broker called 'Mr G' - Gheshalghian.
The people smuggler was later convicted in France.
Gheshalghian, of East Ham, was convicted of five counts of money laundering and facilitating illegal immigration. He will return for sentence next Wednesday.
NCA Branch Commander Mark Howes said: 'By his own admission Asghar Gheshalghian was trusted by organised crime gangs to handle their payments and launder the money they made through organising dangerous Channel boat and lorry crossings.
'In doing so he enabled their criminality and happily took a cut from the profits they made from it.
'Crossing the Channel illegally in boats or lorries is extremely dangerous, sadly in recent days/weeks we have seen it can have fatal consequences.
'This is why disrupting and dismantling the gangs involved in organised immigration crime is a priority for the NCA.
'Targeting their financial flows through agents like Gheshalghian is just one of the ways we are doing that.'
Michael Oatley, Unit Head for the CPS, said: 'Asghar Gheshlaghian knowingly ran an unregulated money service business to help criminal gangs smuggle people into the UK illegally.
'People smugglers treat vulnerable migrants desperate for a better life as goods, often putting their safety and even lives at risk for profit. Through his money laundering service, Gheshlaghian helped fund and facilitate dangerous criminals who exploited migrants and undermined UK border security for his own financial benefit.
'This prosecution sends a clear message that the CPS, alongside law enforcement, will work tirelessly to help dismantle these criminal networks trying to facilitate illegal immigration.'
Baltimore County Public Schools is investigating a leaked recording of a high school principal going on a racist rant, which he claims is fake and made by artificial intelligence.
The recording, posted to an Instagram account, allegedly captures Pikesville High School principal Eric Eiswert making racially charged comments.
'I seriously don't understand why I have to constantly put up with these dumb a**** here every day,' the speaker is heard saying.
'Between these ungrateful black kids who can't test their way out of a paper bag or these teachers who don't get it. How hard is it to get these students to meet their grade level expectations?'
The speaker said, 'And if I have to get one more complaint from one more Jew in this community, I'm going to join the other side.'
Baltimore County Public Schools is investigating a leaked recording of Pikesville High School principal Eric Eiswert (pictured) allegedly going on a racist rant
Billy Burke, the executive director of the union that represents Baltimore County administrators said the recording is fake and AI generated
Billy Burke, the executive director of the union that represents Baltimore County administrators, told the Baltimore Banner the voice is not Eiswert.
'We believe that it is AI generated. He did not say that,' said Burke. 'If I were in that position my heart would be a little broken today.
'He denounces them [the comments in the recording], and he did not make those statements.'
It is unclear where and when the recording is from, but at one point a person named Kathy is addressed. The community speculates it is the assistant principal Kathy Albert, reported WBFF.
Other staff members are talked about on the recording, including one the speaker says 'should have never been hired.'
When talking about a different employee the speaker said, 'I'm going to drag his black a** out of here one way or another.'
Kyria Joseph, the Baltimore County Public Schools Department of Schools executive director told the Pikesville High School community the recording is being investigated.
On the recording the speaker called students at Pikesville High School 'ungrateful black kids' and complained about Jewish community members
'The BCPS Department of Schools was made aware of an alleged audio recording of Principal Eiswert that included derogatory remarks about some PHS students and staff,' said Joseph.
'We immediately notified the BCPS Office of Investigations and they are investigating this matter. While this is a personnel matter and I am limited in what I can share, I will provide an update as soon as more information is available.'
Superintendent Myriam Rogers said, 'These statements are deeply disturbing and do not reflect the core values of our school system.
'Although BCPS cannot confirm the veracity of this recording at this time, we are taking this matter seriously and have launched an investigation.'
According to Eiswert's biography on the school website, he has worked for Baltimore County Schools since 1997, and before starting at Pikesville was an assistant principal at New Town High School.
Rishi Sunak last night saw his Rwanda Bill pass unamended through the House of Commons as he continued his efforts to 'Stop the Boats'.
The Prime Minister secured victory after a threatened widespread rebellion against the legislation by Tory MPs melted away.
Formally titled the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, the draft laws are aimed at ensuring migrant deportation flights to Rwanda finally get off the ground.
Both the Bill and a new treaty agreed with Kigali are part of Mr Sunak's strategy for manoeuvring around last year's Supreme Court ruling against the asylum scheme.
But despite MPs approving the legislation, there are still a number of hurdles for Mr Sunak to clear before a first plane-load of asylum seekers might arrive in Africa.
The House of Lords
Now MPs have approved the Third Reading of the Rwanda Bill, it passes to the House of Lords for peers to scrutinise the legislation.
As happened in the Commons, the Bill will have to go through the same stages it did when it was debated by MPs - a First Reading, Second Reading, Committee Stage, Report Stage and, finally, a Third Reading.
Downing Street is braced for peers to try and amend the Rwanda Bill as it passes through the upper chamber.
The controversial nature of both the legislation and the Rwanda scheme means it is highly likely that members of the Lords will attempt to change the Bill.
One leading peer, crossbencher Lord Carlile, has also warned some of his colleagues in the unelected House might try and 'kill' the legislation.
He told Sky News: 'The House of Lords is not in the business of killing Bills that come from the House of Commons - our first task is to try and make it work.
'But there are some of us who might well consider killing it, if what emerges is not acceptable under UK legal norms.'
Mr Sunak has warned peers not to 'frustrate the will of the people' and told them to 'do the right thing' when it comes to the Rwanda Bill.
Now MPs have approved the Third Reading of the Rwanda Bill, it passes to the House of Lords for peers to scrutinise the legislation
'Ping-pong'
Should peers successfully amend the Rwanda Bill in the Lords, the Government might try and remove those amendments when the legislation returns to the Commons.
This would prompt a process known as 'ping-pong' whereby a Bill passes between the Commons and the Lords as MPs and peers attempt to settle on a final version of legislation.
Lord Carlile insisted it was 'right' for peers to send the Rwanda Bill back to the Commons 'repeatedly if necessary'.
A period of 'ping-pong' could also revive the prospect of Tory revolt in the Commons, after Conservative rebels warned they could re-mobilise if peers try to make changes to the Bill that weaken its powers.
'Tonight is not the end of matters... the PM is by no means out of the woods,' a source said, as the Bill passed its Third Reading in the Commons.
Aprocess known as 'ping-pong' sees a Bill pass between the Commons and the Lords as MPs and peers attempt to settle on a final version of legislation
Royal Assent
If the Government accepts Lords amendments, or peers concede defeat in repeatedly trying to amend the Bill during 'ping-pong', the legislation will then receive Royal Assent.
This will then turn the Bill into an Act of Parliament and it will formally put the legislation onto the UK's statute book.
New Rwanda treaty
As part of his efforts to get around last year's Supreme Court ruling that the Rwanda scheme is unlawful, the PM has also updated a treaty with Kigali.
It is meant to prevent anyone sent to Rwanda from subsequently being transferred to a country where they could be at risk, a principle known as non-refoulement.
Parliament must ratify the treaty as well as the Bill, but this will be a more straightforward process because MPs cannot table amendments to treaties.
Yet, in a sign of the opposition the plan is expected to face in the upper chamber, peers have said the agreement should not be formally approved until safeguards against refoulement are complete.
The Lords International Agreements Committee (IAC) warned that 'further legal and practical steps are required' which will take time to implement.
Passage of Rwandan law
One of the IAC's key points was the Rwandan parliament has yet to pass a new asylum law in order to enact the commitments it has made to prevent refoulement in the updated treaty.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently appeared to express frustration at the length of time it is taking to get the asylum scheme up and running.
Asked about the current political and legal obstacles around the UK's deal with his country, Mr Kagame told the BBC it is 'not Rwanda's problem'.
'Ask the UK, it is the UK's problem, not Rwanda's problem', he added.
The Rwandan President also suggested he could return money to the UK if no asylum seekers are sent to his country.
Britain has already committed a total of 290million to Kigali as part of the scheme.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame recently appeared to express frustration at the length of time it is taking to get the asylum scheme up and running
Further legal challenges
The Rwanda Bill is designed to exclude most grounds for individuals to appeal against a decision to transfer them to Rwanda in the UKs domestic courts.
But it does not do is prevent claimants from going to the European Court of Human Rights, which would be bound by neither the Bill nor the treaty.
A planned inaugral migrant deportation flight to Rwanda was dramatically halted at the 11th hour in June 2022 when the ECHR issued an urgent 'Rule 39' order.
This prevented the removal of a person to Rwanda, with a Strasbourg judge saying they should not be deported until after a final decision had been made by the UK courts.
No migrant flights from the UK to Africa have since taken place, despite taxpayers having already handed over millions of pounds to Kigali.
A planned inaugral migrant deportation flight to Rwanda was dramatically halted at the 11th hour in June 2022 when the European Court of Human Rights issued an urgent 'Rule 39' order
'Pyjama injunctions'
The 'Rule 39' order issued by the ECHR in June 2022 has led to fears that similar 'pyjama injunctions' - named as such due to their often late-night nature - could yet be used to block further migrant flights.
Mr Sunak has vowed he would be prepared to ignore future Rule 39 orders but it is unclear what the consequences of this would be in practice.
The Government has set out draft guidance for civil servants advising that it is their 'responsibility' to implement ministerial decisions and disregard such injunctions.
Citizen investigator Eric Ulis believes engineer Vince Petersen is behind the hijacking and his daughter Julie Dunbar wants crucial tie evidence to be released
The family of a lead suspect in the DB Cooper case has called for the FBI to release crucial tie evidence as it could solve the case in 'just 10 minutes.'
A man, whose real identity is unknown, hijacked a Boeing 727 at Seattle-Tacoma airport on November 24, 197,1 and held its crew and passengers hostage with a bomb threat.
Once his demand of $200,000 cash - the equivalent of $1.2 million today - was reached and transferred onto the plane, he had the crew take off before he parachuted out over the dense Pacific Northwest woods and disappeared.
The compelling case is the only unsolved skyjacking in US history but citizen investigator Eric Ulis believes engineer Vince Petersen from Pittsburg was the man behind it.
Ulis sued the FBI last year to gain access to the tie, which he believes contains crucial evidence, but the case was dismissed in December. Petersen's daughter Julie Dunbar has now joined calls for it to be released.
'The only obstacle stopping us from solving this case is the FBI,' Ulis said.
The family of a lead suspect in the DB Cooper case has called for the FBI to release crucial tie evidence as it could solve the case in 'just 10 minutes'
A man, whose real identity is unknown, hijacked a Boeing 727 at Seattle-Tacoma airport on November 24, 1971, and held its crew and passengers hostage with a bomb threat. That was until he was given $200,000, forced the plane to take off then jumped out to never be seen again
The compelling case is the only unsolved skyjacking in US history but citizen investigator Eric Ulis believes engineer Vince Petersen from Pittsburg was the man behind it. His daughter Julie Dunbar has now joined calls for crucial tie evidence to be released. Both want to see new testing on the tie DB Cooper wore
Microscopic evidence from the tie in 2013 pointed to rare, specialty metals from the aerospace sector.
Ulis traced these back to a defunct specialty facility in Pittsburgh called Crucible Steel where Petersen worked and Ulis believes he could be the hijacker.
He believes the FBI did not look at a key part of Cooper's tie that could hold DNA evidence.
The sleuth claims investigators did not test a hidden spindle on the accessory which enables users to adjust the knot.
Petersen would have been 52 at the time of the hijacking and died in 2002. His daughter does not think he was behind the unsolved crime but that he possibly knew the person who did it.
She has provided the FBI with a letter that was sealed and stamped by her father in 1961 to analyze against the DNA on the tie if they give Ulis access.
Ulis has slammed the FBI for not letting him look at the tie and claims it will only take him minutes to prove his claim.
'If the FBI gives us access for just 10 minutes, we literally have the potential to pull DNA off that spindle area, bring it into a private lab, have it sequenced, and then "Bingo!" - there you go,' he told The US Sun.
'Not only would we be able to compare that to Vince Petersen and prove one way or the other if he's Cooper, but at the very least, even if it doesn't match, we still have DNA to work with that we could reverse engineer starting with Crucible Steel and the people that worked in the lab there.'
Petersen worked as a Boeing subcontractor at a titanium plant and fits the evidence left behind by the infamous hijacker, the DB enthusiast said.
The sleuth claims he found 'three particles of a very rare alloy of titanium and antimony that have a very specific balance, a very specific blend.'
Ulis then paired the alloy with a US patent given to the Boeing subcontractor in Pittsburg.
Peterson is also a match for the physical description of DB, which Ulis described as 'between the ages of 45-50, clean-cut, conservative, with a high forehead and roughly six foot one.'
After hearing the description, the supervisor reportedly responded immediately, saying: 'That sounds like Vince Petersen.'
Ulis then started looking at Peterson and found he traveled routinely to Seattle to work with Boeing on aviation projects.
Ulis suspects a man named Vince Peterson (pictured) is Cooper after a November chemical trace found on the tie to a lab in Pittsburgh where Peterson worked
The case was closed by the FBI in 2016 and Ulis believes the FBI is fearful of getting 'egg on its face' if he finally solves it.
Money recovered in 1980 that matched the serial numbers of the ransom cash taken by Cooper
The canvas bag that contained one of the parachutes DB Cooper had in 1971
Dunbar insists her dad was not Cooper but sees DNA testing the tie as a way for him to help solve the case. The tie has been tested twice for DNA, not the spindle, and hasn't not revealed additional clues about DB Cooper's identity.
The case was closed by the FBI in 2016 and Ulis believes it is fearful of getting 'egg on its face' if he finally solves it.
'The only explanation I can come up with is they don't want to end up with egg on their face. That's it,' he said.
'Perhaps they're worried about a public relations embarrassment, that after 45 years, they couldn't solve the case, and then a private citizen comes along shortly thereafter and solves it.'
He added: 'But the entire charade is ridiculous [...] the FBI has the opportunity to do the right thing and look like the good guy.
'This case is 52 years old, it's unsolved, and it's done. There's no risk of compromising anything, there will be no cost to the government or the taxpayer.
'I hope that somebody in the FBI has a heart and a desire to move this case forward - and then we can finally get some answers.'
The sleuth is thankful for Dunbar's eagerness to help solve the case even after arguing about whether Cooper was her father.
She reached out last year after she found out Petersen was a suspect in the case.
Dunbar was angry at first and the pair had a phone call where he outlined all the evidence.
'She said, "I understand. I don't think my dad was involved [...] but how can I help? How can we work together on this to find answers?",' Ulis said.
'She mentioned she had some items belonging to him, including a sealed envelope, which was the best thing for DNA. She also is helping to publicly appeal to the FBI and work behind the scenes through members of Congress and so forth.
Eric Ulis (pictured), who calls himself 'one of the world's leading DB Cooper experts,' claimed he discovered an adjustable spindle in a tie that matches the one Cooper wore
DB Cooper's plane ticket which was recovered by the FBI
FBI Agents dig in sand beach on the north shore of the Columbia River where a portion of the DB Cooper hijack money
'From her perspective, she sees it as an opportunity to prove her father wasn't DB Cooper, and there's also a secondary benefit of finding solid DNA evidence to find out who this guy really was.
'And for me, I've been very clear that I'm not taking a position either way about her father, I just want the science to speak for itself.'
He added: 'This case may be solvable within the year. To that end, I have several specialists willing to help in this endeavor, utilizing private resources alone.
'We simply need the FBI to grant us access to the tie for 10 minutes. Thats it.'
One of the great unsolved mysteries in FBI history, the mid-air heist started when Cooper ordered a bourbon and soda from his seat in 18E - and then handed a flight attendant a handwritten note saying he had a bomb.
An otherwise quiet man who appeared to be in his mid-40s, he opened a carry-on bag to show a mess of wire and red sticks that resembled dynamite, and demanded four parachutes and the mass of cash.
After the plane landed in Seattle, as part of a ransom, he swapped three dozen passengers for the money and parachutes, and ordered the pilot to fly to a new destination in Mexico City.
However, while still in the skies over the Pacific Northwest, the eventual fugitive pulled off one of the most brazen getaways in American history - parachuting off the plane soon after takeoff with the money strapped to his waist into the night, never to be found again.
DB Cooper never spent the money and has never bene identified.
In the years since, no trace of the criminal has been found - creating an air of mystery and even romanticism surrounding the stunt.
However, in 1980, some nine years after the crime money from the heist was found along a river in Vancouver, Washington. It didn't yield additional details about his identity.
Wagner mercenaries fighting for Putin's forces in occupied Ukraine have claimed they are now being hunted by Russian death squads after exposing a drug trafficking ring involving officials in the territory.
Masked soldiers, who say they are former Wagner PMC fighters attached to Russia's 331st Guards Parachute Airborne Regiment in Luhansk, shared a video saying they expect to be stormed by Russian special forces.
The unit said they found one of their soldiers using drugs and launched an investigation to track down the dealers, which they said exposed a traffic cop and other local officials as the criminals behind the major drug ring.
But rather than being commended for punishing them, the group says they are now being targeted by their own side, who they claim have asked for the officials to be released.
In the video, the mercenary fighters say Spetznaz - Russian special forces troops - 'are already starting to move in. That is, people are preparing, they are pulling up, troops are gathering.
'Perhaps the Russian army will come to destroy its people, who, apparently, somewhere, crossed a line with our actions,' one says, before vowing to fight back against attacks from their own side.
The masked soldiers say they are former Wagner PMC fighters attached to Russia 's 331st Guards Parachute Airborne Regiment in Luhansk
The soldiers say they previously served in Wagner PMC, which was headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin until his apparent assassination following a short-lived mutiny against Moscow.
After Prigozhin's death, Putin ordered Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state - a step that Prigozhin had opposed due to his anger at the defence ministry that he said risked losing the Ukraine war.
Now some of those who have seemingly come under the command of the Kremlin and are fighting in Ukraine appear to have rebelled against central command, taking the law into their own hands.
The soldiers angrily question 'what is going on in Ukraine?' arguing that the officials they claim to be behind the drugs ring could by agents of Kyiv trying to disrupt the war effort.
'Where is the guarantee that they are not employees of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? They deliberately distributed drugs to the military.
'It was not one person, or two, or three. They specifically focused on the military,' a soldier says.
The soldiers angrily question 'what is going on in Ukraine?' arguing that the officials they claim to be behind the drugs ring could by agents of Kyiv
One of the Russian servicemen wears a skull balaclava as the group vows to fight back against any attacks from its own side
The group claims that the Luhansk People's Republic - an illegal state proclaimed by Russia in occupied Ukraine - 'and its accomplices' were behind the distribution of drugs to military personnel.
The fighters said they have detained people in response, seemingly provoking anger from the LPR and Moscow.
They said that military police demanded that one detainee 'be handed over to them and his property be given back, and they proposed that we give them the people we detained, drugs and cars, under protocol, under law.'
The group said it refused the orders and that it is now appealing for assistance as they anticipate an attack by Russian special forces.
'Perhaps they will storm us, perhaps they will not, but they think we will surrender. We will not. They know this, they understand it perfectly,' the soldier says.
Wagner PMC was headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin until his apparent assassination following a short-lived mutiny against Moscow
Ukrainian soldiers of Ukrainian National Guard hold their positions in the snow-covered Serebryan Forest on January 12
The apparent rebellion comes after Russian sources revealed that Wagner fighters had signed contracts with the defence ministry
British military intelligence said that up to hundreds of fighters formerly associated with Wagner have started to redeploy to Ukraine within a variety of different units.
Many more are said to have joined a variety of different Russian private military groups.
Russian, Ukrainian and Western sources have indicated that Wagner fighters are returning to the front, where thousands have already been killed fighting Kyiv's forces.
The captain of the USS Georgia nuclear submarine was fired four days after being charged with drunk driving near his Navy base.
Geoffrey 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 totaling $1,864, jail records show.
In a statement on January 15, the Navy said Patterson was removed from his position due to a 'loss of confidence'.
USS Georgia Captain Geoffrey Patterson, 53, (pictured center) was relieved of his duties on January 12, four days after he was arrested for a DUI
Following Patterson's firing, the Navy said that it made the decision due to a 'loss of confidence' in his abilities
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.
The USS Georgia (pictured) is one of the Navy's premier vessels, and has the ability to launch guided-missiles from the depths
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 15-crew submarine is one of the Navy's premier vessels and can carry up to 154 tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.
Alison Varley, of Ossett in West Yorkshire, said she is 'terrified' and that medics are 'struggling' with her never-before-seen illness. The 42-year-old starts chemo today but fears she may not make Christmas, bluntly admitting: 'I don't know if it's going to work.' Mrs Varley was diagnosed with a specific type of goblet cell carcinoma in 2021 after seeking help for what she assumed was a chest infection that left her struggling to breathe. Antibiotics failed to help, prompting her husband Matthew to eventually call her an ambulance. Hospital scans later revealed she had fluid on her lung - and a mass on her ovary. Goblet cell carcinomas develop in the appendix and are thought to strike just one in every million people. They are more common in people in their 50s and 60s. Pictured left, with her husband Matthew and daughters Delilah and Daisy and right, with her son Charlie.
Accused gone-girl couple Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn found happiness years after her kidnapping.
Huskins' 2015 kidnapping and assault is the subject of the Netflix documentary American Nightmare.
The documentary includes clips of Huskins and Quinn and became available on Netflix on January 17.
The pair stayed together throughout the investigation and married on September 28, 2018.
Are Huskins and Quinn still living their happily ever after? We have the answer below.
Accused gone-girl couple Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn were investigated for three months after she was kidnapped and assaulted in 2015
The pair were proven innocent after the arrest of Matthew Muller. The two stayed together throughout the investigation and married in 2018
The pair were woken up at 3:00 am after a male intruder broke into their home on March 23, 2015. Huskins was then abducted and Quinn was left home
What We Know About Denise Huskins' Abduction, Assault, and Release
Huskins and Quinn were awakened at 3:00 am on March 23, 2015 by a man who broke into there home in California .
The intruder covered Huskins and Quinn's eyes with swimming goggles and told her to tie her then-boyfriend's hands behind his back and his feet together.
The man told Quinn that he would kill Huskins if he went to the police and drove away with her.
He called police officers the next day and told them what happened.
Huskins turned up alive two days later after she was dropped off near her parents home, claiming she had been drugged and sexually assaulted.
The Vallejo police suspected the pair staged her kidnapping for three months and publicly accused them of doing so via press conference.
'Mr. Quinn and Ms. Huskins have plundered valuable resources away from our community and taken the focus away from the true victims of our community...,' said Lt. Kenny Park.
Muller was arrested in June 2015 for the crimes after turning himself into police. He was sentenced to 40 years behind bars in 2017
What Happened After the Gone-Girl Couple Was Proven Innocent?
Officers arrested former marine Matthew Muller in June 2015 after he turned himself into police.
He revealed he used drones to watch the couple when they were at home.
Huskins and Quinn filed a defamation lawsuit against the city of Vallejo one year after Muller's arrest.
Muller was sentenced to 40 years behind bars in 2017 and the couple reached a $2.5 million settlement in March 2018.
Huskins and Quinn married six months after the settlement was reached and released a book, Victim F: From Crime Victims to Suspects to Survivors in 2021.
The Vallejo Police Department issued its first public apology less than six months after the book was published.
Are Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn Still Married?
Huskins and Quinn married in September 2018 - six months after their defamation lawsuit with the city of Vallejo reached a $2.5 million settlement
Huskins and Quinn are still married and celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary last year.
'What a journey! Theres no one else Id rather have by my side for all of lifes special moments,' Huskins wrote in an Instagram post.
Quinn posted a photo collage of him and Huskins on Instagram one month before they married and wrote he will 'never let her go.'
The pair are both physical therapists and live in Huntington Beach, California.
Do Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn Have Kids?
Olivia and Naomi were born in 2020 and 2022. Quinn said in the documentary that the births feels like their family is complete
The married couple have two daughters named Olivia and Naomi, born in 2020 and 2022.
Regarding Olivia and Naomi's births, Quinn shared in the documentary: 'It feels like our family is complete.'
Nikki Haley has ramps up her attacks on Donald Trump, mocking him for throwing a 'temper tantrum' about her candidacy and positioning herself as the only alternative to the former president.
'We're focused on Trump. That's the key focus,' she said at an event in New Hampshire on Thursday morning.
'I've said it over and over again, rightly or wrongly chaos and drama follows him,' she said. 'My style is different. No vendetta, no drama, no vengeance.'
She revealed her new, combative tone as polls show her making a steady climb in the first-in-the-nation primary state. Her campaign argues Trump is running scared. But its Haley's candidacy that depends on a strong finish in New Hampshire, which would include a close second.
'I've said it over and over again, rightly or wrongly chaos and drama follows him,' Nikki Haley said of Donald Trump. 'My style is different. No vendetta, no drama, no vengeance.'
'He's panicking. That's why he's attacking Nikki,' New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, a Republican who has endorsed Haley, said of Trump.
'He knows it's a two-person race. He's the one that won't get on the debate stage. He's the one that's in kind of down his heels mode right now,' Sununu added. 'He has no strategy other than to keep flying in, do his little country club, style.'
He also blasted Trump for not making the rounds in the state. Traditionally New Hampshire voters like to shake hands with candidates, hear from them at small events and have the chance to question them.
'Hes not here. Hes taking people for granted. He flies in and out,' Sununu said of Trump. 'Thats a losing strategy.'
But Trump leads Haley by 14 points in the RealClearPolitics polling average of New Hampshire. The polls also show, however, that Haley is on an upward trajectory - in the past two months she has climbed steadily from 20% to 38%.
Nikki Haley, along with New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, campaigned at Robie's Country store in Hooksett, N.H.
Nikki Haley signs an autograph for a young fan
On Thursday, Haley took questions from voters and the media after limiting Q&A sessions after she flubbed a question on the origins of the Civil War.
But with five days until New Hampshire voters go to the polls, she has ramped up her schedule in the state and, at each event, spends nearly an hour talking to voters and taking selfies.
She did two public events, one at a packed community center and the other at a local market that is a traditional stop for presidential candidates. Both stops were packed with people. The community center was standing room only and there was a line waiting to get into the market.
Trump, meanwhile, is going hard after Haley, who served as his ambassador to the United Nations.
'I don't know that she's a Democrat, but she's very close. She's far too close for you,' the former president told voters at a rally in Portsmouth on Wednesday night.
His campaign is also hitting her hard with advertising in the state.
Haley finished a disappointing third in Mondays Iowa caucuses but polls show she could fare much better in New Hampshire, where she has focused much of her time and attention. Trump won Iowa by 30 points.
Independent voters play an outsized share in the state and she has focused her appeal to them.
Nikki Haley has been spending about an hour at each event, talking to voters and taking selfies
Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley met (pictured) Steven Schimmel, 40, and his daughter Bianca Schimmel, 1, at a campaign event with New Hampshire Governor Sununu at Alpine Grove Event Center in Hollis, New Hampshire
Polls show Nikki Haley is on the rise in New Hampshire and she needs a strong finish in the state to keep her candidacy alive
Some of her biggest applause lines on Thursday morning were when she told voters she's the best alternative to Trump and President Joe Biden.
'More of the same is not just Joe Biden. More of the same is Donald Trump,' she said.
'The majority of Americans dont want to see two 80 years olds battling it out for president,' she added.
It was an argument she repeated as she campaigned throughout the state on Thursday.
'More of the same is not just Joe Biden. More of the same is Joe Biden and Donald Trump. 70% of Americans don't want to rematch between Biden and Trump. The majority of Americans disapprove of Biden and Trump,' she told voters at Robie's Country store outside of Manchester.
'Everybody knows Biden and Trump has trillions of dollars in debt that our kids will never forgive us for. We know that Biden and Trump are involved in investigations and distractions,' she added.
Polls show a significant number of voters would like an alternative candidate to Trump and Biden with most Americans not wanting to see a repeat of the 2020 election.
One of those voters was Steven Schimmel, who drove an hour from Massachusetts with his one-year-old daughter Bianca to see Haley.
'If it's Nikki Haley, versus Biden, I'll vote for Haley,' he told DailyMail.com. 'If it's Trump versus Biden, I'll vote for Biden.'
He said he voted for Biden in 2020 because 'it was as much of a vote against Trump as it was for anything else.'
But he also acknowledged the problem Haley's campaign is facing, in the GOP primary it will be tough to overcome Trump's devoted MAGA army to win the nomination. Polls show him with a double digit lead.
'Rising to the top on the national level, I think it's tough within the Republican Party in a way that appeals to moderates,' he said.
Nikki Haley says Hi to Bianca Schimmel, 1, and her dad Stephen
Donald Trump has gone on the attack against Nikki Haley
Haley is staking her candidacy on appealing to such a group and is hoping a strong finish in New Hampshire - which would include a close second - will propel her to the next contest, which takes place in her home state of South Carolina.
Trump, however, has a huge lead in the state and endorsements from powerful politicians there, including the governor.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who hasn't spent much time campaigning in New Hampshire, will be there over the weekend to try and poke at Haley.
She dismissed his trip: 'He's closer to zero than he is to me. I mean, he's invisible.'
Former President Donald Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, today claimed E. Jean Carroll achieved 'fame if not fortune' by accusing him of raping her.
Last year, a jury found Trump liable for sexually attacking Carroll in a department store dressing room in the 1990s.
She is now facing cross examination as part of a trial to determine what damages Trump owes her for defamatory comments where he branded her a 'liar' and called the allegations a 'con job' and a 'hoax'.
In the second day of cross-examination, Trump's attorney Alina Habba tried to prove Carroll hadn't suffered as a result of the former President's comments, asking her: 'So, your reputation in many ways is better today isnt it Ms Carroll?'
Carroll replied: 'No, my status was lowered. I'm partaking in this trial to bring my own reputation and status back.'
E Jean Carroll is facing a second day of cross-examination in a trial to determine what damages Trump owes her
Trump's lawyer Alina Habba tried to prove that her reputation and earnings had not been damaged by comments made by the former president
E. Jean Carroll enters Manhattan Federal Court, in the second civil trial after she accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago
Trump, who attended the first two days of the trial, wasn't in court as he went to Florida to attend the funeral of his mother-in-law.
He went on a furious rant earlier this week after the judge refused to delay the trial for the funeral.
On Sunday, Trump said at a rally: 'My wife's mother, who was incredible and a great beauty inside and out incredible woman she just died.
'And my wife was pretty devastated by that. I have a trial going on, a totally fake trial,' he added. 'And we asked the judge if I could take a day off for a funeral for my mother-in-law, who was very close to me also.'
'And he said, 'No.' These are animals. Can you imagine that.'
He had been disruptive in the days he did attend, with Judge Lewis A. Kaplan scolding him after a lawyer for Carroll complained that he was grumbling about the case loudly enough that jurors could hear him.
The judge told the Republican front-runner for the presidency that he might have to consider ejecting him from the trial if he continued making comments loudly enough for jurors to hear.
Carroll's lawyer claimed he made remarks including 'it is a witch hunt' and 'it really is a con job.'
On Thursday, Trump attorney Alina Habba confronted Carroll with a series of mean tweets that Trump supporters sent her after reading excerpts of her memoir in a magazine article in June 2019 in which she revealed her claims that Trump raped her.
Habba was trying to show jurors that social media posts that Carroll blamed on statements by Trump were being sent before his statements were released.
'They follow Donald Trump They want to emulate him,' Habba said. 'They're standing up for the man they admire.'
At one point, the judge shut down the line of questioning, saying it was 'simply repetitious.'
Trump didn't attend the trial on Thursday as he was in Florida for the funeral of his mother-in-law
Trump had an argument with the judge in the case after they refused to delay the trial for the funeral
The trial that began this week pertains only to what, if anything, a jury finds Trump owes Carroll for statements he made as president in June 2019 after excerpts of Carroll's memoir which described her claims against Trump were published in a magazine.
Carroll has testified that her life changed dramatically after Trump branded her a liar, claimed he never met her and asserted that she made her claims against him to promote her book and damage him politically.
She said she lives in fear, sleeps with a loaded gun beside her and wishes she could boost her security but doesn't have enough money.
Last May, a jury in the same courtroom awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after concluding Trump sexually abused her in a Bergdorf Goodman store across the street from Trump Tower in spring 1996 and then defamed her with statements in October 2022.
In that verdict, jurors rejected Carrolls claim that she was raped, finding Trump responsible for a lesser degree of sexual abuse.
The judge said the jurys decision was based on 'the narrow, technical meaning' of rape in New York penal law and that, in his analysis, the verdict did not mean that Carroll 'failed to prove that Mr. Trump `raped her as many people commonly understand the word `rape.'
Trump did not attend that trial and has said recently on the campaign trail that he was advised by his attorney to stay away.
Trump has been animated during his two days in the courtroom this week, shaking his head at testimony he disagreed with, passing notes to his lawyers and speaking to them while jurors were in the room.
E. Jean Carroll entering the Manhattan Federal Court for the second day of cross-examination in the trial
Judge Lewis Kaplan was forced to scold Trump at one point on a previous day and threatened to throw him out the courtroom
During his confrontation with the judge on Wednesday, Trump responded to the threat to eject him from the courtroom with: 'I would love it.'
That prompted the judge to say: 'I know you would. You just cant control yourself in these circumstances, apparently.'
After he left the courthouse Wednesday, Trump told reporters that Kaplan, a Bill Clinton appointee, was 'a nasty judge' and a 'Trump-hating guy' who was 'obviously not impartial.'
Sometime next week, the jury will be asked to determine damages. Carroll is seeking $10 million in compensatory damages and substantially more in punitive damages.
Habba said in an opening statement that Carroll should not receive more money, particularly since the death threats and comments she receives on social media are not unusual for public figures with a strong social media presence.
'Regardless of a few mean tweets, Ms. Carroll is now more famous than she has ever been in her life, and loved and respected by many, which was her goal,' Habba told jurors.
Relations between Burundi and Rwanda have been frosty for years. The border between the two nations, which reopened two years ago, has been closed again amid renewed tension. Some analysts now fear the spat will prolong.
Burundi has suspended diplomatic ties with Rwanda and unilaterally closed its border. The move came last week, as the government accused Rwanda supporting a rebel group known as RED-Tabara.
But Rwanda denies backing the group, which is believed to be based in volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
RED-Tabara have been attacking Burundi, a nation that designates the rebels as terrorists. The group claimed responsibility for the December 22 attack on a commune some 20 kilometers from Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital. RED-Tabara said 10 security officials were killed, while the government said 20 people were killed -- most of them civilians.
Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said in a statement that Burundi's decision was unfortunate and violated the East African Community's principles of regional cooperation.
Tensions that run deep
"The border between Rwanda and Burundi was closed for a long time -- between 2015 and 2022. It was seen as a breakthrough when the border was reopened in 2022. But, the fact that it has been closed again shows that there is an enormous amount of bad blood between the two governments," Phil Clark, a professor of international politics at SOAS University of London, told DW.
"It is going to be at least a matter of months until we see that border opened again."
Tensions between Burundi and Rwanda have historical roots and complex dynamics, often influenced by political, ethnic, and economic factors. It has led to intermittent conflicts and diplomatic challenges in the past.
According to Clark, Burundi has produced no evidence to support its allegation against Rwanda.
"There is a very little evidence to suggest that Rwanda is actually backing the RED-Tabara rebel group in eastern Congo." he said. "That is a group that is made up of entirely of Burundian combatants. Most of them are former members of Burundian military. They have their own problems with the Burundian government and an insurgency against their government for a long time."
In 2015, Burundi closed its border with Rwanda during violence that erupted from the disputed re-election of then-President Pierre Nkurunziza. At the time, the authorities accused Rwanda of supporting the protesters and encouraging the perpetrators of a failed coup. Rwandan President Paul Kagame had been critical of Nkurunziza's presidential bid.
Relations seemed to improve after Burundi elected Evariste Ndayishimiye as its president in 2020, reopened the border in 2022 and trade slowly started to pick up.
But that thaw lasted only until Burundi sent troops to eastern Congo to help fight the M23 rebel group. Congo has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23, and UN experts have backed up Kinshasa's case. But the government in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, denies involvement with the group.
Border closure to impact trade
Analysts say the renewed closure could escalate regional tensions and impact the cross-border movement of people and goods.
Hassan Ndayisenga, a fruit trader, voiced his concerns to DW. "We buy our supplies in Burundi and sell them in Rwanda and Bukavu [in Congo] to support our family. And how are we going to repay our bank loans?"
Clark said the two countries stand to lose a lot from the latest border closure. "Both Burundi and Rwanda would be negatively impacted by this closure. Over the last six or seven years, one of the big complaints from local communities is the damage that has been done by that lack of trade across that border.
"Those who are going to suffer the most from this high level of diplomatic spat are everyday people whose livelihood is going to be hugely disrupted once again as they have been, multiple times in the last decade or so."
Resolving a complex dispute
Congolese political analyst Mali Ali told DW that the Burundi-Rwanda tensions could affect the entire Great Lakes region "given the prevailing situation of insecurity in eastern Congo, in which these two countries are cited as stakeholders."
Clark agrees and said that a resolution to the Burundi-Rwanda standoff was unlikely to come soon.
"I think this is going to take quite a while to resolve because it is not just about this immediate issues around RED-Tabara and Burundi blaming Rwanda for that, it is the fact that there is still residue from that seven or eight years of a very difficult relation between these countries that previous period when the border was closed," Clark said.
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"There is a longer pattern here and I think shows that this is a very deep conflict and it is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon," Clark added.
Talk of a protracted dispute is a worry to Rwandan citizens too. "On the diplomatic side of it, it means that the negotiations that they have been having for quite a number of times have failed and it seems like Rwanda is not willing to what Burundi wants," one Kigali resident told DW.
Another said: "The diplomatic situation between Rwanda and Burundi clearly shows that there is a big problem because it has been sometimes when there is restored hope of renewed relations and there has also been the political will between the two countries. So, this renewed hostility resulting into border closure takes us back to square one."
Okeri Ngutjinazo and Alex Ngarambe contributed to this article
Edited by: Benita van Eyssen
While you're here: Every weekday, we host AfricaLink, a podcast packed with news, politics, culture and more. You can listen and follow AfricaLink wherever you get your podcasts.
A Metropolitan Police car collided with a cyclist as he was travelling in the opposite direction in a horror crash last night.
The man, 36, was struck by the police car just after 10:30pm last night on Bethnal Green Road, near the A107 junction, in Bethnal Green, east London.
Cops closed off the street following the smash and the man was treated by paramedics in the road.
The rider was taken to a major trauma centre and his condition is not deemed life-threatening.
Cops are now investigating the cause of the collision, which left the BMW X1 police car with a cracked front windscreen and broken number plate.
A Metropolitan Police car collided with a cyclist as he was travelling in the opposite direction in a horror crash last night
The man, 36, was struck by the police car just after 10:30pm last night on Bethnal Green Road, near the A107 junction, in Bethnal Green, east London
Police closed off the street following the smash and the man was treated in the road
One local, called Meriame, said: 'On the way home and approach police taping off the road.'
'A rider has been hit by an oncoming police car driving in the opposite direction.'
Another witness added: 'I live just above, huge noise when the impact was made.'
Another local, named Mary, said: 'I was passing around 11pm and the victim looked in a really bad way.'
A Met Police spokesperson said: 'On Wednesday 17 January at 10:32pm, a collision occurred between a police car and a cyclist on Bethnal Green Road, E2.
'Officers alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service attended the scene.
'The 36-year-old man's injuries were assessed and were confirmed as non-life-threatening or changing.
'Enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are on-going. The Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed.'
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called yesterday (17 Jan) at 10:32pm to reports of a road traffic collision between a car and a cyclist on Bethnal Green Road, E2.
'We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew a medic in a fast-response car.
'We treated a man at the scene, before taking him to a major trauma centre.'
Very few things shock me in this age of social media extremism, live-streamed terror and international permacrisis.
But the headline last week truly forced the bile to rise in my throat:
Seven Texas men filmed themselves gang-raping two toddlers in a bathroom of Houston's Galleria Mall.
Sickening, indescribable evil.
A 29-year-old mall worker Arthur Hector Fernandez was identified as the suspected 'ringleader' and arrested in December, charged with assault. His accomplices are yet to be identified. Police cannot act soon enough.
Investigations began after the FBI were alerted to four videos of obscene child abuse filmed in various locations at the mall and uploaded to depraved online sites.
Very few things shock me in this age of social media extremism. But the headline last week truly forced the bile to rise in my throat: Seven Texas men filmed themselves gang-raping two toddlers in a bathroom of a Houston mall. (Pictured: Suspect Arthur Hector Fernandez).
Sickening, indescribable evil. A 29-year-old mall worker Arthur Hector Fernandez was identified as the suspected 'ringleader' and arrested in December, charged with assault. His accomplices are yet to be identified. Police cannot act soon enough.
Any normal person with a shred of decency would struggle to comprehend such base brutality.
But as a mother of six young children, including toddlers I must admit that, after a profound feeling of utter revulsion, my reaction turned darker, even violent.
The maternal instinct in me produced an almost visceral compulsion. Those poor, poor children and their families, who may never recover.
Author: Mom-of-six Bethany Mandel.
And the unthinkable: How would I feel if they had been my little ones?
Faced with such disgusting criminality, is it so wrong to voice what I have no doubt parents everywhere are thinking: Monsters such as these men deserve nothing less than death.
Now, let me make a disclaimer.
I certainly do not trust the state at least in its current form to mandate capital punishment.
Our justice system has long been corrupted and highly politicized.
Capital punishment is technically legal in 27 states for the most heinous crimes though seven of those states are subject to moratoriums. The federal government and U.S. military also reserve the right to capitally punish.
But in practice, America is largely a post-death penalty nation and that's a good thing.
In 2023, there were just 23 executions across the U.S. while over 2,300 inmates still languish on death row. Decades-long legal appeals and 11th hour delays now mean you are highly likely to die waiting for execution.
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The moral complexity of state-mandated murder is tricky. For instance, does doling out death make you any better than the criminal you're punishing?
And then there's the issue of a jury's certainty. Even with highly accurate DNA data at our disposal, can we ever be totally sure of a verdict?
But imagining a world where justice is rightly delivered I find it hard to accept that life in prison is punishment enough for criminals such as the Texas pedophiles.
Let's analyze the facts of their case: Emboldened in their perversion, these men filmed themselves and uploaded the evidence online. The mother of one victim identified ringleader Fernandez to police.
In other words, this isn't a case of mistaken identity or dodgy fingerprint evidence. This is as much of an open and shut case as you get.
Reading about this story last week, my mind turned to famous cases like that of Gary Plauche who shot dead his son's rapist in 1984 and, more recently, the Texan father who fatally beat Jesus Flores in 2012 after he caught him molesting his five-year-old daughter.
Faced with such disgusting criminality, is it so wrong to voice what I have no doubt parents everywhere are thinking: Monsters such as these men deserve nothing less than death.
Neither men served jail time and rightly so. Nobody in their right mind can fault them. I know what I'd do in their shoes and prosecutors no doubt recognized they would be hard-pressed to find a jury that felt otherwise.
Of course, generally speaking, vigilante justice is not a good thing. We do not want a society run by gangsters.
But we should have a justice system that delivers sentences which feels appropriate and proportionate.
We ought to know that all seven of these Texas men will be found and brought before a court of law.
The gang rape of infants filmed and uploaded online is among the worst crimes imaginable. The victims and their families deserve to know that these men will be punished accordingly.
Can you honestly tell me that you don't agree?
An innocent Post Office scandal victim was called a 'nasty chap' who was 'out to rubbish' the company by a manager of the tech firm which created the malfunctioning system, the Horizon IT inquiry heard.
Peter Sewell was part of the Post Office Account Security Team at Fujitsu when East Yorkshire subpostmaster Lee Castleton faced his legal battle in 2007.
In an email, Mr Sewell described the road the court was situated on as a place 'they used to hang people out to dry'.
Mr Castleton, from Bridlington, was found to have a 25,000 shortfall at his branch after losing his fight with the Post Office.
Mr Sewell admitted 'we all protect our own companies' when pressed on whether he saw it as important to protect Fujitsu's overall reputation.
In an email exchange in December 2006 with IT security analyst Andrew Dunks, Mr Sewell appeared to give words of encouragement to his colleague ahead of the court battle, which read: 'See you in court then.
Mr Castleton, from Bridlington, was found to have a 25,000 shortfall at his branch after losing his fight with the Post Office
Peter Sewell was part of the Post Office Account Security Team at Fujitsu when East Yorkshire subpostmaster Lee Castleton faced his legal battle in 2007
In the ITV series, Lee Castleton is played by Will Mellor
'Fetters lane is where they used to hang people out to dry. I don't suppose that type of thing happens any more though.
'That Castleton is a nasty chap and will be all out to rubbish the FJ (Fujitsu) name.
'It's up to you to maintain absolute strength and integrity no matter what the prosecution throw at you.
READ MORE: Do subpostmasters even stand a chance of getting compensation? Tax expert says 'scandalous' Post Office HSS scheme is rigged against Horizon victims - and so baffling that one poor victim ended up claiming for just 15.75 Advertisement
'We will all be behind you hoping you come through unscathed. Bless you.'
Mr Dunks replied: 'Thank you for those very kind and encouraging words. I had to pause halfway through reading it to wipe away a small tear...'
Questioning Mr Sewell about the exchange, counsel to the inquiry Julian Blake said: 'Is that typical of the approach to the work that you were doing?'
Mr Sewell responded: 'No, no - I don't know why that was written.'
The witness added: 'I don't know why it was written - I don't remember writing it, but obviously I did. I certainly don't understand it.'
Questioned on whether he saw it as important to protect the name of Fujitsu, Mr Sewell said: 'Not really, I think I was more concerned with trying to find out what the problem was.'
Mr Blake continued: 'But your general approach to your work, did you see it as important to your work to protect the name of Fujitsu?'
The witness responded: 'To protect the ARQ (audit data) service.'
Mr Blake asked again: 'Not to protect Fujitsu's overall reputation?'
Mr Sewell replied: 'I think it was more to find out what the problem was with the ARQ.'
The counsel to the inquiry continued to press the witness: 'But my question is, did you see it as important to your work to protect the name of Fujitsu?'
Mr Sewell said: 'I guess I did, but not purposely.'
Mr Blake then asked: 'What do you mean by that?'
The Fujitsu witness replied: 'I was really concerned with finding out where the error was and how we correct it.'
Mr Blake added: 'So it would be unfair to describe you as somebody who saw protecting Fujitsu as important - an important part of their job?'
Mr Sewell said: 'We all protect our own companies, yes.'
Former post office workers Lee Castleton (left) and Noel Thomas celebrate outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, after their convictions were overturned
The Chair of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, Sir Wyn Williams
Counsel to the inquiry Julian Blake was questioning Mr Sewell about the exchange
The statutory inquiry, which began in 2021 and is chaired by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, has previously looked at the human impact of the scandal, the Horizon system rollout and the operation of the system, and is now looking into the action taken against subpostmasters.
The inquiry was established to ensure there was a 'public summary of the failings which occurred with the Horizon IT system at the Post Office' and subsequently led to the wrongful convictions of subpostmasters.
READ MORE: Post Office scandal reaches new low as chief executive Nick Read admits Horizon scandal victims' money may have been used to pay fat cats who oversaw their torment Advertisement
The Post Office sandal, which has been called the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history, saw more than 900 Post Office workers falsely prosecuted due to a faulty computer software which made it look like money was missing from branches.
The dramatisation of the plight subpostmasters went through, called 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office', drew the public's attention to the long running scandal.
In the ITV series, Lee Castleton is played by Will Mellor and Mr Bates is played by Toby Jones.
In another revelation from today's hearing of the inquiry, the Post Office was given 'unreliable' audit data as part of legal proceedings against a former subpostmaster last year.
Fujitsu software developer Gerald Barnes told the inquiry that 13 transactions were missing in the data provided as part of the Court of Appeal case, relating to a former subpostmaster of the Apex Corner branch in London, in August.
The inquiry heard that the transactions which were missing on the Horizon system were flagged by the subpostmaster in March 2008 but they did not show in the audit data as they were inserted back into the system remotely by Fujitsu staff a month later.
Mr Barnes said it was 'highly likely' the inaccurate audit data, known as audit record query (ARQ) data, would not have come to light had the subpostmaster not produced a giro cheque report to the court.
The inquiry chairman, Sir Wyn Williams, said the inquiry needed to 'tread a little carefully' as the appeal case is ongoing.
In his witness statement, Mr Barnes said of the case: 'Since providing my first witness statement, I have become aware of an incident where Fujitsu provided (the Post Office) an ARQ spreadsheet in relation to an ongoing appeal by the postmaster of the Apex Corner branch... and this ARQ spreadsheet was unreliable.
Fujitsu software developer Gerald Barnes told the inquiry that 13 transactions were missing in the data provided as part of the Court of Appeal case
Mr Barnes said it was 'highly likely' the inaccurate audit data, known as audit record query (ARQ) data, would not have come to light had the subpostmaster not produced a giro cheque report to the court
'I am currently working with other technical and operational staff within Fujitsu's Post Office account team to, one, understand the extent and impact of the ARQ extraction issue (as far as possible), and two, developing a solution to rectify it.'
READ MORE: Fujitsu finally says sorry: Global boss of Japanese tech giant apologises for Post Office prosecutions as Europe chief tells MPs it was an 'appalling miscarriage of justice' and accepts the company has a 'moral obligation' to compensate victims Advertisement
Explaining the problem in the Apex Corner case in 'simple terms', Mr Barnes said: 'There was some technical problem and the messages weren't copied to the correspondent servers at that time, so they didn't appear in the normal audit data.'
Counsel to the inquiry Emma Price then asked the witness: 'In simple terms, is it right that it was the remote reinsertion of transactions a month after they were actually done that caused a problem?'
Mr Barnes replied: 'That's right, exactly. The key thing here is it was a month afterwards.
'If they had done it very quickly there wouldn't have been a problem with the audit system, but because it was a month afterwards, there was.'
Questioning Mr Barnes about how the problem was discovered, Ms Price said: 'Is it right that had the subpostmaster in this case not had a giro cheque report showing the 13 missing transactions, the inaccuracy of the ARQ data produced to the appeal court would not have come to light?'
The Fujitsu witness said: 'I think that's highly likely - it was a completely new issue to me.
'I've never come across this before, so I would say what you say is correct, yes.'
Giving his view during Mr Barnes' evidence, the inquiry chairman said: 'This last topic that you've been covering arose in the context of an appeal to the Court of Appeal, as I understand it.
'Does either Mr Barnes, or the inquiry, know whether that appeal has been determined?'
Ms Price said: 'Sir, I'm told that it hasn't by those who represent the Post Office.'
Sir Wyn continued: 'Well, I think if there is an ongoing appeal, we all need to tread a little carefully - so I need to give some thought to how much further the inquiry should delve into this, prior to a determination by the Court of Appeal.
'So that's a rather long-winded way of saying, Mr Barnes, that the inquiry will contact you, rather than you contacting the inquiry, if we need any further information about this aspect of your evidence.
'Just so that I can be careful not to interfere in any way in the processes of an ongoing appeal.'
Toby Jones played Mr Bates in the ITV drama
Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said Fujitsu will not bid for Government contracts whilst the public inquiry into the scandal is ongoing
It was also confirmed at today's hearing of the inquiry that Fujitsu will contribute to compensation payments to Post Office subpostmasters wrongfully convicted in the scandal.
The Japanese technology firm offered its 'deepest apologies' to wronged subpostmasters and their families in a fresh statement on Thursday.
More than 700 Post Office branch managers were convicted after Fujitsu's faulty accounting software Horizon made it look like money was missing from their shops.
Fujitsu stressed that it will coordinate with the UK government over its response, including providing funds to compensate victims.
Earlier on Thursday, Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said Fujitsu will not bid for Government contracts whilst the public inquiry into the scandal is ongoing.
The company said: 'The Fujitsu Group regards this matter with the utmost seriousness and offers its deepest apologies to the sub-postmasters and their families.
'The UK statutory public inquiry, to which our UK subsidiary is providing full co-operation, is examining complex events that have unfolded over many years, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to this cooperation.
'Based on the findings of the inquiry, we will also be working with the UK government on the appropriate actions, including contribution to compensation.
'The Fujitsu Group hopes for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims.'
Former President Donald Trump's campaign wants to kill off former Amb. Nikki Haley's presidential bid in her home state of South Carolina.
While Trump and Haley are furiously campaigning in New Hampshire this week, Trump's team is looking ahead to the February 24 Palmetto State primary as the place where to land the knock-out punch.
One Trump adviser called South Carolina a 'Waterloo' for the ex-president's primary rivals, according to The New York Times.
'South Carolina is where Nikki Haley's dreams go to die,' the Trump campaign's senior adviser Chris LaCivita told the newspaper.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made the same calculation and plans to campaign in Haley's home state over the weekend.
Former President Donald Trump's campaign is aiming to take out former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley in her home state of South Carolina, which holds a primary on February 24. Haley is seen leaving a campaign event in Hollis, New Hampshire on Thursday
Former President Donald Trump (left) is courting South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott (right), hoping to earn his endorsement ahead of the South Carolina primary. Scott was a 2024 presidential hopeful until he dropped out of the race in November
'When Nikki Haley fails to win her home state, she'll be finished and this will be a two-person race - and her donors are starting to come to the same conclusion,' a top DeSantis campaign official told CBS, which first reported DeSantis' Saturday and Sunday schedule.
DeSantis already made one trip to South Carolina, campaigning in Greenville Tuesday morning, after Monday night's Iowa caucuses - a symbolic trip to show his campaign would press on.
Trump, who absolutely dominated the Iowa caucuses, hopes to make it a one-person race sooner than later.
While he's been publicly attacking Haley at campaign events in New Hampshire, Trump's also been courting South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, hoping the former 2024 candidate will endorse the ex-president ahead of the late February primary, The Times reported.
Trump deployed this tactic with DeSantis - trying to show dominance in his rivals' home states - by announcing he had locked up the endorsement of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio the morning of the Iowa caucuse.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott had previously endorsed Trump.
The ex-president already has the backing of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
The most recent South Carolina poll, conducted by Emerson and released January 5, does show Trump with a commanding lead in Haley's home state.
He's winning 54 percent of South Carolina voters, while Haley - who served as governor from 2011 to 2017 - sits at 25 percent.
DeSantis, who's just now turned his focus on South Carolina, sits at 7 percent - just ahead of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy - candidates who have both dropped out.
During a campaign stop in Hollis, New Hampshire Thursday, Haley laughed off a question about DeSantis' plan to campaign this weekend in the Palmetto State.
'He's closer to zero than he is to me,' Haley said. 'I mean, he's invisible.'
We expect a lot of our Royal Family, and rightly so.
They occupy an extraordinary position in our national life, one that comes with a great deal of privilege (and a generous amount of financial recompense).
Its why many of us expect them to be the embodiment of the nations keep calm and carry on mantra, the last vestige of that British stiff upper lip.
But every now and again something happens that reminds us they are human too and that behind the scenes they may just be battling the same challenges as the rest of us.
The news on Wednesday that not one, but two, of our senior royals are suffering serious health issues that require hospital treatment came as a shock.
Who would have thought seeing the King smiling broadly as he drove himself and his wife to church on Sunday that he was concerned enough about his health to seek imminent medical advice.
Or that on the very day he was told to scale back royal duties and prepare for surgery for an enlarged prostate next week, His Majesty would break with protocol and allow his diagnoses to be made known in the hope that it might encourage other men to get themselves checked out.
Prince William drives away from The London Clinic after visiting his wife
William surprised motor neurone disease campaigner Rob Burrow with a CBE last week, at the event where he comforted REBECCA ENGLISH
William's No 1 priority is his wife Kate and children, George, Charlotte and Louis
Im told he is genuinely in a good place, taking a pragmatic approach to his diagnosis and keeping up with his paperwork before his surgery next week.
More troubling is the Princess of Wales who, having undergone what has been described only as abdominal surgery, will be required to spend two weeks in hospital and up to three months recovering.
Kensington Palace has said it is her wish to keep further details of her condition private (although they have confirmed it is non-cancerous) but, clearly given her recovery time, it is significant.
Last week I was with her husband, Prince William, as he surprised motor neurone disease campaigners and former rugby league professionals Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield with their CBEs.
He travelled up to Leeds to hand them their honours personally as Rob who along with his friend, Kevin has courageously used his diagnosis with the incurable, life-shortening condition, to raise millions of pounds to support fellow sufferers and fund research.
King Charles smiles as he and Queen Camilla arrive at church near Balmoral last Sunday
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their family at Sandringham on Christmas Day last year
As always, William was charming, compassionate and engaging, careful to put Rob who is in a wheelchair and can communicate only through a computer aid operated with his eyes at the heart of events.
Even though Rob was unable to verbally join in the banter, the future king even joked with him about a prank the former player once played involving a Jaffa cake and a pair of Calvin Kleins (I shall say no more than that) which saw Rob break into a heart-warming, still-impish grin.
It was a deeply emotional occasion and one, without going into detail, I found very moving.
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At the end of the engagement, I stepped tearfully out of the room to allow William some private time with the families.
When he exited a few minutes later he had obviously noticed my distress and, I think, was aware why. He looked at me, smiled kindly and nodded his head. You OK, Rebecca?
There was no hint that anything untoward was going on behind the scenes in his own life.
Which makes the reaction by some to his decision to clear his diary to be at his wifes bedside and support their three young children disgraceful in the extreme.
Social media has been awash with trolls even those with the letters Dr before their name decrying his actions.
One (I shall not name the individual, as I fear they will only enjoy the publicity) highlighted an article on MailOnline and wrote: Should we clap for him? The PR spin to desperately make Prince William look like a dedicated husband and father juggling childcare and caring when he has an army of people supporting him and zero financial concerns about cancelling work to stay at home is so tone deaf.
Beyond spiteful.
Republic, the anti-monarchist pressure group that has spent the past year trying to convince the public it is a credible political force, has also seized on the issue with glee, posting: They could all be off sick with the measles for six months and still fit in more engagements than last year, and Man visits wife in hospital. Huge if true.
William would be the last to encourage a pity party, but its worth pointing out that wealth doesnt mean that your wife or children need you less.
The heir to the throne has long made it clear that his three young children are his No 1 priority in life.
Prince William with former rugby league pro Kevin Sinfield CBE and his wife Jayne
Of course he is lucky to be able to afford to take time off work, but it would take a particularly bitter individual to begrudge him that.
William has always relished being a hands-on father, he cooks (not brilliantly, but he does cook), cheers them on from the sidelines and is there to do the school run and wipe their tears.
As my colleague Robert Hardman writes in his excellent new royal biography: In his view, its not far off the most important job he has raising the next King but one.
Fortunately he has a close support network around him, particularly Catherines parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who are extremely hands-on grandparents, as well as their nanny Maria.
But nothing makes up for a daddys love and while he never likes to disappoint the many charities and organisations he supports, he wants to be there for George, Charlotte and Louis, as well as his wife.
Theres one little vignette that I think demonstrates why Williams approach to his family is non-negotiable.
In 2012, we were in the Solomon Islands during his and Catherines tour of the South Pacific.
Just days earlier, the couple had been rocked after a French magazine published illicit photographs of the princess sunbathing topless on a private holiday.
To say that William was seething was an understatement.
There was a reception for international and local media one evening and we had been instructed under no circumstances to mention the incident.
When it came to my turn to speak to him I couldnt help but address the elephant in the room it felt insincere not to and I told him how sorry I was about what had happened, adding cheekily that my partner would have decked anyone who took similar photos.
William made clear that while that was an immensely appealing option to him in his current frame of mind, he would let the courts take their course.
What upset him most, he said, was that when he proposed to Catherine he promised her parents he would take care of her.
He, more than anyone, knew the personal sacrifices she was making to be with the man she loved.
And in allowing this all to happen, he felt he had let them down.
Its why I know he will bend heaven and earth to be at her side now and do the best for their little family.
However long it takes.
The XL Bully ban in Scotland will replicate the laws that have been imposed in England and Wales, including the requirement that the dogs are muzzled in public.
The first phase of the regulations will make it an offence to sell, abandon, give away, or breed an XL bully in Scotland.
A date for when the rules will officially be imposed has yet to be confirmed, however owners wishing to keep their dogs will also need to keep the XL bully on a lead and muzzled in public.
The second phase will see owners able to apply for their dogs to be added to an exemption index to keep them.
Owners wanting to keep their XL bully will have to pay an unconfirmed fee to register the pet.
The cost is currently 92.40 in England and Wales.
Scottish community safety minister Siobhian Brown said the move is 'right and proper' amid concern over an influx of dogs being abandoned in Scotland.
Compensation will be payable to owners who no longer wish to keep their pet, including reimbursement for euthanasia.
Announcing the safeguards in a ministerial statement in Holyrood, Ms Brown blamed the UK Government for failing to consider the 'knock-on impacts' of controls being implemented south of the border.
Owners wanting to keep their XL bully will have to pay an unconfirmed fee to register the pet (stock image)
Scottish community safety minister Siobhian Brown said the move is 'right and proper' amid concern over an influx of dogs being abandoned in Scotland
She said: 'As the First Minister set out last week, the UK Government failed to act to stop dog owners in England and Wales evade the new controls by bringing their dogs to Scotland.
'That changed the balance of whether we needed to act here in Scotland.
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'These are exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves. It means that it is now right and proper that we replicate the controls being implemented south of the border.'
The Scottish Government will also look to make potential improvements to the 2010 Control of Dogs Act to enhance the preventative dog control notice scheme.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the measures on dangerous dogs are being introduced five years too late, after the Scottish Parliament's Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee said the Act was 'not fit for purpose'.
But Ms Brown also said: 'We recognise the vast majority of dog owners are responsible animal lovers and will want to keep their XL bully dogs and comply with these safeguards when they are introduced.'
Conservative justice spokesman Russell Findlay hit out at the Scottish Government for having 'dithered' over whether to follow the UK Government by acting.
Mr Findlay said Tories had warned 'that the SNP's stupidity would result in an influx of XL bullies into Scotland and that is exactly what is happening'.
The Conservative said: 'Adults and children across the UK have been maimed and killed by XL bullies.
The first phase of the regulations will make it an offence to sell, abandon, give away, or breed an XL bully in Scotland (stock image)
XL Bully owners are pictured protesting in central London in September last year
'In response, and rightly, UK ministers moved quickly to protect the public. They banned the breeding, sale, exchange and gifting of these dangerous and powerful animals.'
Meanwhile Labour's Colin Smyth said the announcement was 'another example of the inability of our two governments to work together'.
But stressing 'appalling dog attacks' could occur when 'irresponsible owners' of other breeds fail to keep their animals under control, he called for action to introduce stronger powers for councils, the police and courts 'that make clear responsibility ultimately lies with irresponsible owners and irresponsible breeders'.
SNP MSP Christine Grahame also spoke out, saying the changes from the Scottish Government were 'ill considered and unjust to decent owners'.
The backbencher insisted that 'demonising a breed is not an answer', pointing out to MSPs that only 2% of dog control notices that have been issued in Scotland applied to 'XL bully type breeds'.
Jennifer Dulos hired an armed bodyguard while plotting to escape from her husband, who would later be charged with her murder, their nanny has revealed.
Nanny Lauren Almeida, 32, said she tried to aid the Connecticut mother's desperate attempt to flee with her five children in the summer of 2017 - almost two years before she vanished.
Almeida testified during the much-anticipated trial of Michelle Troconis, 49, who is accused of helping her late boyfriend and Jennifer's ex-husband Fotis Dulos cover up the alleged murder on May 24, 2019.
Fotis killed himself aged 52 in January 2020, leaving American-Venezuelan socialite and former TV host Troconis to face the music alone.
On day four of the trial at Stamford Superior Court, Almeida said Jennifer was 'afraid of what Fotis would do to her or with the kids if she filed for divorce while they were still living under the same roof'.
Jennifer Dulos hired an armed bodyguard while plotting to escape from her husband, who would later be charged with her murder, their nanny Lauren Almeida (pictured) has revealed
Jennifer Dulos (left) vanished on May 24, 2019, amid a divorce from her husband Fotis (right), who was later charged with her murder. Fotis killed himself in January 2020, leaving his new lover Michelle Troconis to face trial alone for allegedly helping him conceal the killing
Troconis, pictured in a white coat approaching Stamford Superior Court with her father on Thursday, denies all the charges and says she doesn't know what happened to Jennifer
Almeida testified during the much-anticipated trial of Michelle Troconis, 49, who is accused of helping her late boyfriend and Jennifer's ex-husband Fotis Dulos cover up the alleged murder on May 24, 2019. (Pictured: Troconis approaching court on day five of her trial)
Fotis killed himself aged 52 in January 2020, leaving American-Venezuelan socialite and former TV host Troconis (pictured) to face the music alone
She said that on June 19, 2017, Jennifer fled from their Farmington, CT home to a five-star hotel in Manhattan's Upper West Side, where she would apply for the divorce.
'The plan was, she told him that we were all going to be visiting her father's grave and we were going to New York,' Almeida told the court.
'We went to New York often because that's where Jennifer's parents were. We left that afternoon I believe.
'We just got in the car and the plan was to stay at a hotel that we've never stayed in before, so we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in the city.
'Jennifer hired a bodyguard to be outside of her room because she was afraid, because her plan was to file for divorce once we were in the city in the hotel.'
Almeida, who still lives with the Dulos children - now aged between 13 and 17 - and their maternal grandmother Gloria, previously recalled an incident where Fotis 'chased' Jennifer while screaming at her and she hid from him behind a door.
The nanny, who was close friends with Jennifer, said she saw her lose weight while becoming increasingly 'anxious' and 'afraid' of Fotis as their relationship deteriorated following his affair with Troconis.
On the day of Jennifer's escape, Almeida said she received 'a bunch' of calls from Fotis, which she ignored, but he left voicemails.
A room in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Manhattan's Upper West Side where Jennifer, her children and their nanny stayed after fleeing from Fotis in June 2017
Jennifer Dulos was 'terrified' of her husband Fotis in the months before she died, according to their nanny Lauren Almeida (pictured), who continued her testimony in court on Wednesday
Almeida said she ate lunch with Jennifer Dulos' children in the kitchen - oblivious to tiny alleged bloodstains in the room, which would later become the crime scene in Jennifer's murder
Four of Jennifer Dulos' children and their nanny ate lunch in her 'bloodstained' kitchen hours after she was allegedly murdered by her husband in the home, court has heard. (Pictured: nanny Lauren Almeida in court on day four of the trial)
Almeida previously said Jennifer was an 'incredibly nurturing mother' to her five kids, who were aged between eight and 13 when she disappeared on May 24, 2019
Michelle Troconis (left) and Fotis Dulos (right) were living together in his Farmington CT home at the time of his ex-wife Jennifer's disappearance on May 24, 2019
'He accused me of kidnapping their kids, and that he was going to call the police, which he did,' she said.
Almeida said Jennifer and the kids stayed at the Mandarin Oriental for one week, before moving to their first rental in New Canaan, CT.
Eight days later, a child custody case between Jennifer and Fotis started at the same court where Troconis' trial is being held, and Almeida testified on Jennifer's behalf.
She told the court she saw Fotis in the corridor with his lawyers and he made aggressive comments towards her.
'He came at me yelling at me, again accusing me of kidnapping his kids, and then I just walked away,' Almeida said.
'He tried to approach me later with his lawyer in a different demeanor, apologizing and just saying that he was really upset. I just walked away.'
Almeida previously told the court of the moment her 'stomach sank' when she realized that Jennifer was missing after she failed to pick up her phone on May 24, 2019.
While taking care of her children that day, the nanny messaged Jennifer several times to give her updates on their tasks, but the then-50-year-old stay-at-home-mom and blog writer did not respond.
Troconis denies charges connected to her allegedly helping Fotis conceal the crime - including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution
Michelle Troconis, 49, on day five of her trial at Stamford Superior Court
Troconis has been listening to a Spanish translation of the trial through earphones
Former state police detective Matthew Reilly said he spotted red stains on several surfaces in Jennifer's kitchen, including on a paper towel roll, sink faucet, and counter-top - and in her garage
Suspected blood stain in Jennifer Dulos' Range Rover which was parked in her garage
There were also several chilling clues in Jennifer's home indicating that she had not gone about her day as normal, according to Almeida, including her routine morning cup of tea and granola bar left untouched in the kitchen.
She even sat down to eat lunch with the children in Jennifer's kitchen on May 24, 2019, oblivious to what detectives have been calling tiny 'blood-like stains' in the room, which would later be identified as a crime scene.
Almeida previously said she met the Dulos' while working at a daycare where they used to drop their kids, and described Jennifer as 'an incredibly nurturing' and playful mother, and Fotis as a largely absent father.
She painted a picture of their family life as one filled with idyllic holidays to an array of locations including Miami and Aspen until Jennifer busted Fotis' affair with Troconis in March 2017.
Prosecutors claim that Fotis brutally attacked Jennifer in her New Canaan property, before disposing of bloodied items in 30 garbage cans with the help of Troconis. Her body was never found.
Troconis denies charges connected to her allegedly helping him conceal the crime - including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution.
The trial began January 11 and it is expected to continue for six weeks before jurors are sent out for deliberations.
A judge has slammed the police and Crown Prosecution Service for failures that have allowed a paedophile who sexually assaulted a teenage girl to walk free from court.
Incompetence by both was behind 'extraordinary' delays which meant it took seven years to bring the case to court.
The victim Courtney Watkins was 15 when she was assaulted in her own home by family friend Kurt Hallimond, then 22.
By the time Hallimond was found guilty of the sex crime by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court his victim who has waived her right to anonymity had grown up to be a 22-year-old mother-of-three.
Passing sentence on Wednesday at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Amanda Rippon said Hallimond would have been sent to jail for 18 months had he been put on trial when he should have been.
She said the police and CPS 'let down' the victim and her family 'dreadfully', but the 'outrageous delay' persuaded the judge to instead give Hallimond a 14-month suspended sentence.
The victim Courtney Watkins was 15 when she was assaulted in her own home
Kurt Hallimond was drinking at the schoolgirl's home in August 2016 and assaulted her in the kitchen after her parent went to bed
He will also have to do 150 hours unpaid work.
Judge Rippon told Hallimond: 'You are entitled to significant reduction because of this egregious, unexplained, outrageous delay.
'I take a wholly exceptional course in what I consider to be the most exceptional delay.'
The judge said: 'I have never seen delay like this. I cannot bring to mind a case in which there has been delay of this type.'
Adding the delay had added to the victim's suffering.
'There has been a complete failure by the police to progress the case properly and failure by the CPS to ensure it proceeded as it should have,' the judge said.
Hallimond was drinking at the schoolgirl's home in August 2016 and assaulted her in the kitchen after her parent went to bed.
She told her mother about the incident weeks later and it was then reported to police.
Delay after delay followed.
The court heard the setbacks were caused by problems with the CPS receiving evidence from the police, difficulties downloading the video of the victim's interview, the police officer in charge of the case going off sick, being charged with fraud and eventually resigning. Another police officer took over before retiring a year later. While the pandemic added further to the delays.
Ms Watkins, of Hebburn, South Tyneside, said after the hearing: 'In my eyes, he has won because he has walked free. Because of the inadequacies of the police, he has got away with it.
'It was the police that messed everything up. It is shocking, this is why victims do not come forward.
'He will never have to face a prison cell, but I am in a mental prison cell every day after what he did to me.
'He's probably celebrating and having a party now. I had this hanging over me for seven years. It absolutely ruined my self-esteem and mental health.
'The hardest part is that I thought I would be able to move on after he went to prison, but he didn't.'
Commenting on the delays, she said she police responded to her repeated phone calls by saying the CPS had not authorised charges. Then in 2021 when she contacted the CPS herself she was told a charge had been authorised a year earlier.
'The police and the CPS need to do more for victims,' she said.
The court heard Hallimond, 29, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, had grown into a supportive partner, become a father and achieved a good work record.
Hallimond, who has a series of health problems, handed in character references and has been in no trouble before or since.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: 'Firstly, we apologise for the length of time it has taken for the victim in this case to receive justice.
'The delays as outlined by the judge are unacceptable and we are disappointed it has taken this long.
'We always endeavour to bring cases to court as timely as possible and for a number of reasons that has clearly not happened on this occasion.
'We will review the case and where those factors fall within the control of police, we will ensure learning is taken forward.'
The CPS have been contacted for comment.
Top Republican Jim Jordan says the transactions have 'no apparent criminal nexus' and is demanding information from Treasury
The Treasury Department also warned banks of 'extremism' indicators like the purchase of a religious text, like a Bible
The government has been 'watching' Americans who frequent Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's and other outdoors stores that sell guns
Federal investigators asked U.S. banks to scour customer transactions for key terms like 'MAGA' and 'Trump' to identify 'extremism' in the aftermath of January 6, shocking details uncovered by Republicans reveal.
According to bombshell documents obtained by the House's 'weaponization' committee led by Chairman Jim Jordan, the federal government has been 'watching' Americans who frequent outdoor stores that sell guns - or who are religious.
Treasury Department officials suggested that banks review transactions at sporting and recreational supplies stores like Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods and Bass Pro Shops in order 'to detect customers whose transactions may reflect 'potential active shooters.''
In addition, officials warned banks of 'extremism' indicators like the purchase of a bus or plane ticket 'for travel to areas with no apparent purpose' or the purchase of a religious text, like a Bible, according to documents.
The terms 'MAGA' and 'Trump' were also suggested by the department to be searched in Zelle payments, according to Jordan.
Federal investigators suggested that banks use search terms like 'MAGA' and 'Trump' to identify purchased that could be associated with 'extremism'
Transportation charges for travel to areas with no apparent purpose could be an indicator of 'extremism,' according to the letter
Subscriptions to news outlets containing 'extremist' views would also be an indicator for financial instructions to look at, according to the material the Treasury provided to banks.
'Did you shop at Bass Pro Shop yesterday or purchase a Bible? If so, the federal government may be watching you,' Jordan posted on X.
'We now know the federal government flagged terms like 'MAGA' and 'TRUMP,' to financial institutions if Americans completed transactions using those terms,' he wrote in another post. 'What was also flagged? If you bought a religious text, like a BIBLE, or shopped at Bass Pro Shop.'
The federal officials may have illegally provided financial institutions with suggested search terms for 'identifying transactions on behalf of federal law enforcement,' said Jordan.
DailyMail.com reached out to the Treasury Department for comment.
Jordan is also demanding information from a Treasury official, Noah Bishoff, after the alarming documents came to light.
'Despite these transactions having no apparent criminal nexus and, in fact, relate to Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights [the Treasury] seems to have adopted a characterization of these Americans as potential threat actors,' Jordan wrote.
Purchases from Bass Pro Shops could also be an indicator of extremism
The committee also obtained documents indicating officials suggested that banks query purchases with keywords such as 'Dick's Sporting Goods'
'This kind of pervasive financial surveillance, carried out in coordination with and at the request of federal law enforcement, into Americans' private transactions is alarming and raises serious doubts about [the Treasury's] respect for fundamental liberties.'
'In other words, [the Treasury] urged large financial instructions to comb through the private transactions of their customers for suspicious charges on the basis of protected political and religious expression,' said the committee's letter to Bishoff.
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday called the revelation 'yet another glaring example of the weaponized federal government targeting conservatives.'
Republicans are also requesting that Bishoff appear before the committee for a transcribed interview by January 31.
The Princess of Wales will spend a third night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone, revealed on the same day King Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Prince William, 41, has postponed engagements to spend as much time as possible by Kate's bedside, as well as supporting their three young children back at Windsor.
It is understood that William wants to continue doing the school run in an effort to create as much normality as he can for Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, while their mother is in hospital.
He will also have the help of their nanny, Maria, and Kate's family, particularly her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who are hands-on grandparents well used to having the children for sleepovers or staying with them.
Kate's parents and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are already rallying round and help support her recovery at her home in Windsor, which is close to their own homes.
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
A police officer stands outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
The nature of Kate's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancer-related.
It comes after Prince William visited his wife Kate in hospital today.
The heir to the throne was spotted leaving The London Clinic behind the wheel of a 139,000 electric Audi E-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, followed by royal bodyguards in a Range Rover.
It came as it emerged King Charles will be in hospital next week for a procedure on his enlarged prostate. Speaking in Aberdeen today Queen Camilla said: 'He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.'
The Prince of Wales was seen departing the private London Clinic in Marylebone at around 12.35pm on Thursday. His wife could spend up to two weeks there recuperating and he spent the morning with her before heading back to Windsor.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
William drove a new electric Audi to be with his wife Kate in a private London hospital this morning. She will be there for up to a fortnight
Prince William, Prince of Wales, drives himself away from the London Clinic in London where his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery
The Prince of Wales has cleared his diary of duties to support his wife and children
Queen Camilla opens the new 'Safe Space' during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery today. The Queen has said the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate
Police outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
READ MORE: Camilla says King Charles is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' after his prostate procedure next week The monarch's wife is the first senior working royal to carry out official duties and she spoke on official duties in Scotland. She's seen in November Advertisement
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
The nature of the princess's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
It is serious enough, however, for heir to the throne William to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath while she recuperates, devoting his time to his family.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
The Princess of Wales was sent a get well message by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
The charity, of which Kate is patron, wrote on X: 'Everyone at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
'We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.'
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
READ MORE: The royal doctor looking after King Charles who claims Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill (and is a fan of devil's claw and horny goat weed) Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008 Advertisement
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kate's 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn't have a normal life. She's the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it's not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day in her role as the regiment's honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
Like the rest of the royal family, Kate has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen's death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic (pictured) for planned abdominal surgery
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
William's former university flatmate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH, focusing on mental health and early childhood.
Seen as the monarchy's safe pair of hands and as having a 'keep calm and carry on' approach, Kate has been heralded as channelling the same characteristics of charm, politeness and toughness as the late Queen Mother, who was once described as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the Cambridges and the Duke of Sussex, and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: 'She takes time to talk to people. She is tough.
'She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.'
The London Clinic, based on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road in central London, is the UK's largest independent private hospital.
The clinic first opened its doors in 1932 and its previous patients include Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, actress Elizabeth Taylor and US president John F Kennedy.
The number of people using tobacco continues to decline despite industry attempts to jeopardize progress towards stamping out cigarettes and other such products, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a report published on Tuesday.
Trends in 2022 showed that roughly one in five adults worldwide uses tobacco, compared to one in three in the year 2000.
While cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide, other products include cigars, waterpipe tobacco also known as hookah, and smokeless tobacco products, all of which are harmful.
The "tobacco epidemic" is among the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over eight million people a year, according to WHO. More than seven million of these deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, but some 1.3 million non-smokers die from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Control measures working
Globally, there are 1.25 billion tobacco users, according to the latest estimates, which revealed that 150 countries are successfully reducing rates among people aged 15 and above.
Examples include Brazil and the Netherlands, which are seeing the benefits of implementing an initiative known as MPOWER, focused on six tobacco control measures including protection, enforcement of advertising and sponsorship bans, raising taxes on tobacco products, and helping people to quit.
As a result, Brazil has made a relative reduction of 35 per cent since 2010 and the Netherlands is on the verge of reaching the 30 per cent target.
Profit over people
Dr. Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO's Department of Health Promotion, hailed the "good progress" achieved so far while warning against complacency.
"I'm astounded at the depths the tobacco industry will go to pursue profits at the expense of countless lives. We see that the minute a government thinks they have won the fight against tobacco the tobacco industry seizes the opportunity to manipulate health policies and sell their deadly products," he said.
WHO urged countries to continue putting tobacco control policies in place and to keep fighting against tobacco industry interference, highlighting how it "continues to lie to the public," including through front groups and third parties, sponsored events, social media influencers, sponsored events and funding scientists and biased research.
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Prevalence by region
Southeast Asia currently has the highest percentage of population using tobacco at 26.5 per cent, followed closely by Europe at 25.3 per cent. Tobacco use rates among women in Europe are more than double the global average and are reducing much slower than in all other regions.
The prevalence of tobacco use has changed little since 2010 in some countries, while it is rising in six others: Congo, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Oman, and Moldova.
Missing the goal
WHO said the world is on track to achieve a 25 per cent relative reduction in tobacco use by 2025, short of the voluntary global goal of 30 per cent reduction from the 2010 baseline.
Only 56 countries will reach this goal, down from 60 since the last report three years ago,
With more work still ahead, WHO called for countries to step up action, noting that efforts to protect health policy from increased tobacco industry interference have faltered around the world.
Country surveys consistently show that children aged 13 to 15 years in most nations are using tobacco and nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, the agency said.
Furious parents of victims of the Uvalde mass shooting tragedy have called for criminal charges to be brought against the cops who allowed 19 children and two teachers to be fatally shot.
'What more does (the DA) need?' questioned Jazmin Cazares, whose sister Jackie was killed in the massacre. 'What more does she possibly need to prosecute or remove these people from their positions of power when they can't do their jobs?'
The loved ones spoke following a bombshell Justice Department report into the shooting that found Uvalde police officers stood outside a classroom for 77 minutes while schoolchildren screamed for 'help' after a gunman opened fire in May 2022.
Speaking through tears, Kimberly Rubio, whose daughter Lexi was killed, added that the tragedy should serve as a turning point to change America's lax gun control laws, as it 'began the day an 18-year-old was allowed to buy an AR-15.'
'I hope that the failures end today, and that local officials do what wasnt done that day, do right by the victims and survivors for Robb Elementary terminations, criminal prosecutions-- and our state and federal government enact sensible gun laws,' she said.
Speaking following a bombshell report into the Uvalde police's failings, the victims' parents said the tragedy was the result of a long string of failings that 'began the day an 18-year-old was allowed to buy an AR-15'
The furious relatives of the victims called on their DA Christina Mitchell Busbee (pictured) to bring criminal charges, questioning: 'What more does she need?'
After gunman Salvador Ramos, 18, opened fire inside Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2022, Uvalde Police came under scrutiny after waiting for 77 minutes as the massacre erupted
The DOJ report into the shooting offered a scathing rebuke of the Uvalde police's response, citing a lack of 'leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy and training.'
After gunman Salvador Ramos, 18, burst into Robb Elementary School on the morning of May 24, 2022, the report found that the 'single most critical tactical failure' was that police failed to view the event as 'active.'
From there, it took 77 minutes before the 376 law enforcement officers were able to kill Ramos, only after he fatally shot 21 people across several classrooms.
'The response to the May 24, 2022, mass casualty incident at Robb Elementary School was a failure,' the Justice Department report concluded.
In heartbreaking scenes following the presentation of the report by Attorney General Merrick Garland, the victims' enraged relatives said the moment of closure has also highlighted the need for change.
'The point is that none of us are safe,' said the sister of victim Tess Mata. 'None of us are safe because these weapons are on the streets.'
Among the tragic conclusions brought by Thursday's report was Garland's admission that the lives of the young victims could have been saved had protocols been followed properly - a concession the parents say was a long time coming.
'It was really hard (to hear),' said the father of one victim. 'When he sits there and says that lives could have been saved, I just couldn't believe it.
'For these officers who sit there and just not do anything, you know and still be out here on the streets like nothing happened while my daughter is gone... it's hard, it's hard.'
Shooter Salvador Ramos, 18, (pictured) fatally shot 19 schoolchildren and two teachers before he was finally subdued and shot dead by police after a rampage that lasted over an hour
The victims of the Uvalde school shooting on May 24, 2022
Attorney General Merrick Garland presented the DOJ report on Thursday, where he cited a lack of 'leadership, decision-making, tactics, policy and training' in the response to the shooting
Vincent Salazar (left), the grandfather of victim Layla Salazar (right), slammed the cops following Thursday's report, saying: 'Why is it that our officers got rewarded instead of being punished?'
As the press conference drew to a close, Vincent Salazar, the grandfather of victim Layla Salazar, interjected from the back, 'I've got something to say.'
'Why is it that our officers got rewarded instead of being punished?' he questioned.
'They got raises instead of demotions. That's what I don't understand. The DPS major there that's sitting behind Abbott got a $40,000 raise.
'The Texas ranger that had been suspended a year ago, he is still getting paid over $100,000. Why are we paying these officers and then you want us to trust them with our families when they do nothing?
'We lost 19 children and two parents and another husband that died right after. So really don't see where we should be rewarding our officers.'
'These were children. All they wanted to do was play. There's no reason this should have happened - all they wanted to do was play.'
Brett Cross, the guardian of victim Uziyah 'Uzi' Garcia, added: 'Although there isn't every name of the officers that were there so that we can hold them accountable because we have to do our own digging most of the time, there are names that are named.
'Our community is so divided because of this because they don't want to believe that the people that they grew up with failed our children, and they stand against us.
'I'm hoping that they read this and they see Johnny Fields name, or Mariano Pargas who is county commissioner right now, or Constable Zamora who is running for re-election.'
Evadulia Orta, left, and Felicia Martinez, right, and other other family members of shooting victims hold back tears as they hear the scathing report
The stricken families said the report confirmed their worst fears over the catastrophic response
Dora Mendoza, right, is hugged by a friend as she leaves a meeting where Attorney General Merrick Garland shared a report on the findings of an investigation into the 2022 school shooting at Robb Elementary School
Police officers walk past a memorial for the shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 26, 2022
The shocking report detailed a number of catastrophic failings that allowed Ramos to remain at large for over an hour before he was brought down.
The Justice Department collected more than 14,100 items from the scene for for analysis. This included hours of video, photos, 260 interviews, multiple visits to Uvalde, as well as police policies, procedures, and training.
Police Chief Pete Arredondo, Uvalde Police Chief Mariano Pargas and Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco were all singled out in the report.
Arredondo was cited by officials for intentionally not attempting to save those who were locked in the classroom with the shooter.
The report detailed how despite acknowledging the likelihood there were still children alive in the room, he 'intentionally prioritized the evacuations over immediate breach and entry into the room.'
'This is counter to active shooter response principles, which state the priority is to address and eliminate the threat,' the report added.
He also discarded his radio at the scene because he deemed it unnecessary and focused on removing already-injured students.
The scathing report summarized: 'Chief Arredondo had the necessary authority, training, and tools.
'He did not provide appropriate leadership, command, and control, including not establishing an incident command structure nor directing entry into classrooms 111 and 112.'
Uvalde school police chief Pete Arredondo was singled out in the new DOJ report for his catastrophic lack of leadership during the mass shooting
City police Lt. Mariano Pargas was singled out in the new DOJ report for his catastrophic lack of leadership during the mass shooting
Uvalde County Sheriff Ruben Nolasco, left, is comforted by Ted Cruz. Nolasco was singled out for his catastrophic lack of leadership during the mass shooting
Sheriff Nolasco was singled out by the DOJ, citing how he failed to share vital information about the shooter that he learned from relatives, and failed to assign anyone to investigate.
The report continued: 'At one point, Sheriff Nolasco and UPD Acting Chief Pargas were within 10-15 feet of each other outside the exterior door of the northwest hallway.
'However, they were not coordinating with one another and continued to act independently.
'Without proper command and control, a game warden and constable were taking on roles traditionally performed by an incident commander.
'On the day of the incident, no leader effectively questioned the decisions and lack of urgency of UCISD PD Chief Arredondo and UPD Acting Chief Pargas toward entering classrooms 111/112.'
In a statement following the report, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said: 'Following the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School, Texas took swift action to bolster security in our schools and in our communities, and I thank the U.S. Department of Justice for their critical incident review of the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School.
'The State of Texas has already adopted and implemented some of the recommendations proposed by the DOJ in this review.
'We will continue to evaluate all possible means of making our schools safer, and we will carefully review all other recommendations the Department has offered to prevent future tragedies across our state.'
The video went viral and was re-shared by the rapper himself
After she posted pictures of her and the look-alike, she was roasted by Instagram users for her mistake with some calling her Martha Stewart
A flight attendant was pleasantly surprised when she thought that rapper Snoop Dog was on the same flight as her - but later was hit with an unexpected surprise.
Southwest Airlines stewardess Chrissy Lofton was on a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida when she saw a Snoop Dogg look-alike and quickly requested to click pictures with him.
In a video that was later released by the Snoop Dogg look-alikes cousin Timothy Graham, Lofton is heard saying: 'You make me feel so short!' before she quickly offered her phone to click pictures.
The flight attendant posted the images on her Instagram with the caption: 'I had Snoop Dogg on my flight into Fort Lauderdale today. He is the sweetest.'
Southwest Airlines stewardess Chrissy Lofton was on a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida when she saw a Snoop Dogg look-alike and quickly requested to click pictures with him
The flight attendant posted the images on her Instagram with the caption: 'I had Snoop Dogg on my flight into Fort Lauderdale today. He is the sweetest'
In a video that was later released by the Snoop Dogg look-alikes cousin Timothy Graham, Lofton is heard saying: 'You make me feel so short!' before she quickly offered her phone to click pictures
But later, she was roasted by Instagram users for assuming the unidentified man was Snoop Dogg.
One user wrote: 'Chrissy sit down I gotta tell you something'
While another wrote: 'Why did he let you believe he was snoop dogg?'
One user also quipped in: 'Naww aunty that's his hood brother snoop dugg'
Fans also soon began to say that Lofton looked like Martha Stewart.
One user joked: 'Bull Dogg & Martha Soupwart' while another said: 'Snoop and Martha from Temu'.
Graham too posted the video with the caption: 'Man these people be taking pics with my cuzin because they say he look like Snoop Dog'
Snoop Dogg look-alike who posed with Lofton
Snoop Dogg performing at Pine Knob Music Theatre in July 2023
Graham too posted the video with the caption: 'Man these people be taking pics with my cuzin because they say he look like Snoop Dog.'
He later pulled down the video but it was shared on X and soon went viral and began to be re-shared across the internet.
At some point the video also reached Snoop Dogg himself and he posted it on his Instagram with laughing emoticons as the caption.
This is not the first time someone has posed as the rapper in public. In 2022, Jorge Toledo, a Rio de Janeiro resident had gone viral for his striking resemblance to Snoop Dogg.
In 2022, Jorge Toledo, a Rio de Janeiro resident had gone viral for his striking resemblance to rapper Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg eventually caught wind of the video in February 2020 and joked, 'I found my cousin in Brazil'
Toledo said he initially drew recognition as Snoop Dogg's doppelganger after strangers approached him during a Rio de Janeiro carnival and told him that he reminded them of the rapper.
'I've always had great hair. At the carnival they said straight that I looked like Snoop. I didn't care much,' he said. 'I like him, but I've always listened to Michael Jackson more.'
The married father took Snoop Dogg's hairstyle and became a social media star.
'I did braids and posted,' he recalled. 'It became a meme. My friend posted a video. Snoop saw it.'
Snoop Dogg eventually caught wind of the video in February 2020 and joked, 'I found my cousin in Brazil.'
Later, the hip-hop icon's doppelganger had his Instagram account shut down in July, but a court has instructed the network to reactivate it.
The judge in Donald Trump's election fraud case in Georgia has set a hearing next month to address accusations Fani Willis hired her lover as a top prosecutor.
The Fulton County District attorney will Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee on February 15 over allegations that she had an improper relationship with attorney Nathan Wade.
Atlanta attorney Wade was paid $654,000 to help in the sprawling probe into the former president's efforts to overturn the election, according to bombshell court filings.
Willis hired Atlanta attorney Nathan Wade as an 'anti-corruption special prosecutor' to investigate Trump's alleged election interference.
The judge in Donald Trump's election fraud case in Georgia has set a hearing next month to address accusations Fani Willis (left) hired her lover Nathan Wade (right) as a top prosecutor
In a stunning court filing, Michael Roman, one of the former president's co-defendants in the 'fake electors scheme,' alleges Willis was in a personal relationship with Wade.
Among the documents reviewed by DailyMail.com, were Wade's invoices to the DA. Shockingly, they including one bill for an 'interview with DC /White House' for eight hours on November 18 2022 and another for eight hours including 'conference with White House Counsel' on May 23 2022.
Roman's legal papers also claim that Willis was having an 'an ongoing, personal relationship' with Wade citing 'sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney' but doesn't provide documentary proof,
Roman claims the pair were in a relationship before Willis hired Wade, and that they traveled together to Napa Valley, Florida, and even on a Caribbean cruise.
The bombshell relationship claim caused a storm of reporting on Monday. But Wade's White House meetings detailed in the 127-page document filed by Roman have so far been overlooked in the media.
Willis' spokesman has previously said the district attorney's office would respond to the accusations through court filings.
The filing makes reference to a sealed divorce filing for the married special prosecutor, but then goes on to make the claim based on other information.
A lawyer representing Michael Roman made the bombshell allegations against Willis and Nathan Wade (pictured center) in a filing and asked that charges be dismissed
Special prosecutor Nathan Wade leaves the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis at the Fulton County Government building on August 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is accused by a Trump co-defendant of having a personal relationship with Willis
It states that 'information obtained outside of court filings indicates that the district attorney and special prosecutor have traveled personally together to such places as Napa Valley, Florida and the Caribbean and the special prosecutor has purchased tickets for both of them to travel on both the Norwegian and Royal Carbibean cruise lines.
'Traveling together to such places as Washington, D.C. or New York City might make sense for work purposes in light of other pending litigation, but what work purpose could only be served by travel to this traditional vacation destinations?'
'Sources close to both the special prosecutor and the district attorney have confirmed Willis and Wade had an ongoing, personal and romantic relationship during the pendency of Wade's divorce proceedings,' the filing said, without naming the sources or offering any other details.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeared to defend accusations of having an alleged secret lover co-prosecutor as they oversee the Georgia case against former President Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump said following arguments at a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., that Fulton County, Georgia DA Fani Willis was 'totally compromised,' following allegations she had a 'romantic' affair with a private lawyer acting as a paid special prosecutor
In a stunning court filing, Michael Roman, one of the former president's co-defendants in the 'fake electors scheme,' alleges Willis was in a personal relationship with Wade
Earlier this week, Willis appeared to defend the accusations, and suggested criticism of her was racist and sexist.
'You cannot expect black women to be perfect and save the world. We need to be allowed to stumble,' she said.
Without naming Wade, she clearly appeared to be referring to him in her speech, adding that this 'someone' had 'impeccable credentials' and years of expertise.
'They are going to be mad when I call them out on this nonsense,' Willis told the congregation. 'First thing they say, 'Oh, she's going to play the race card.' But isn't it them playing the race card when they think I need someone in some other jurisdiction in some other state to tell me how to do a job I've been doing almost 30 years?'
Willis thanked leaders of the historically black church in Atlanta who 'didnt care what they said about me' and told her 'the invite was still good' to speak.
'I hope for y'all this week I dont look like what I've been through,' she said.
She repeatedly referred to herself as 'imperfect' and 'flawed,' noting that the only perfect person was Jesus.
'Today, what he has brought you is his very flawed, hardheaded and imperfect servant,' she said.
Willis said her father, who she said met and spent time with Dr. Martin Luther King, told her that he saw the civil rights leader at low moments, saddened because people were cruel and unsupportive. Her father told her that King 'was not a perfect man, but he was a great man, willing to answer God's call.'
President Joe Biden dismissed Donald Trump's dominating 51 percent victory in Iowa and pointed to the low number of voters in the caucuses.
In the 2020 Democratic primaries, Biden came in fourth place in the Iowa caucus behind Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren he still went on to win the nomination despite this.
'I don't think Iowa means anything,' Biden told reporters at the White House when departing for a trip to North Carolina on Thursday. 'The president got 50-some-thousand votes, the lowest number of votes anybody who's won got.'
'You know, this idea that he's going to run away he can think anyway he wants, let him make that judgment,' Biden added.
President Joe Biden said 'Iowa doesn't mean anything' after Donald Trump's landslide victory in the caucuses on Monday
The Iowa caucuses on Monday yielded the lowest turnout in more than two decades, with only 110,298 people showing up to vote on January 15, but 56,260 of those votes went to the former president.
In 2020, Biden earned half of what Trump did this time around, earning 23,605 votes of the more than 170,000 who participated in the Democratic caucus that cycle.
The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday and is the first election of the 2024 cycle after Iowa's caucuses.
Trump is leading polls in New Hampshire, just like he did in Iowa before sweeping the victory. But fellow 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley is creeping up in the polls, some times coming withing a single digit of the former president.
A poll earlier this month put Trump and Haley in a dead heat with 40 percent each.
Biden is running for a second term, and with no serious Democratic challengers, it appears 2024 will be a rematch of 2020's election.
The incumbent has barely gotten out on the campaign trail yet, but plans to focus more on South Carolina as Democrats hold their first primary contest in that state this cycle.
Trump won Iowa with 51% of the vote he is now campaigning hard in New Hampshire, where he hopes to also pull out a victory in Tuesday night's primary election
'Look, the president wants to put the former president wants to put a ban on Arabs coming in the country. We'll make sure that we understand who cares about the Arab population, number one. Number two, we've got a long way to go,' Biden said on Thursday when leaving for North Carolina.
Trump won North Carolina in 2016 by 3.6 percent and in 2020 by 1.3 percent. Biden is hoping to pick-up the increasingly purpling state in 2024.
Polling shows Trump beating Biden in a hypothetical general election rematch. But some surveys also show Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who came in second in Iowa, beating Biden with even larger margins.
Since the closure of Red Hill fuel facility, the Department of Defense and the Navy have 'repeatedly downplayed the impact the closure'
He says that as the Chinese military is becoming increasingly hostile toward U.S. troops, it is a 'strategic imperative'
A top Republican lawmaker is sounding the alarm that the U.S. could run out of fuel in the Indo-Pacific if action isn't taken by the Biden administration.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, wrote to Secretary Carlos Del Toro regarding the Navy's 'inadequate fueling plans' in the region.
He says that as the Chinese military is becoming increasingly hostile toward U.S. troops, it is a 'strategic imperative' to have safe and viable fuel storage in the region.
However, since the Red Hill fuel facility in Hawaii - which held 250 million gallons - was shut down in 2022, there is not a good alternative warns Gallagher.
Since its closure, the Department of Defense and the Navy have 'repeatedly downplayed the impact the closure' wrote Gallagher in the letter obtained by DailyMail.com.
He says 'questions remain' about whether the Pentagon has a 'clear plan' for fuel storage in the absence of Red Hill.
The Navy has 'inadequate fueling plans' in the Indo-Pacific region says top Republican Mike Gallagher
Gallagher says that as the Chinese military is becoming increasingly hostile toward U.S. troops, it is a 'strategic imperative' to have safe and viable fuel storage in the region
Over 20,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Guam. U.S. Army Spc. Keo Taianao, right, fist-bumps Spc. Sirena Sanchez at the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile site 'Excalibur' in Dededo, Guam
'The recent closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, a large logistics facility in Hawaii holding critical stores of fuel, has added to this inherent geographical challenge,' writes Gallagher.
'In the face of the Chinese Communist Partys historic military buildup, creating a viable, long-term plan to redistribute Red Hills fuel is a strategic imperative.'
In addition, he says that the fleet of tankers to transport the fuel is not adequate.
The Navy appears to be short 'by several dozen ships' that will be needed to transport and deliver fuel to bases and help operations in the region.
A Navy spokesperson told DailyMail.com that 'as with all congressional correspondence, the Department of the Navy will respond, as appropriate.'
'We have nothing additional to provide at this time,' the spokesperson added.
Last weekend, Taiwan held its closely-watched 2024 election.
Lai Ching-te delivered an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after a raucous campaign in which he pitched himself as the defender of Taiwan's democratic way of life.
Beijing has in the past slammed Lai, the current vice president, as a dangerous 'separatist' and on the eve of the vote, its defence ministry vowed to 'crush' any move towards Taiwanese independence.
But on Saturday, after his two opponents conceded defeat, Lai in his victory speech promised to stand 'on the side of democracy' and 'safeguard Taiwan from continuing threat and intimidation from China.'
President Joe Biden sent an 'unofficial' delegation to Taiwan after its election on Saturday amid concerns about Beijing's interference on the self-governed island.
Gallagher also recently laid out concerns about how U.S. troops in Guam are 'highly vulnerable' to an attack from China.
Members of the U.S. Air Force, Japanese Air Self-Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force perform troop movements during Pacific Defender on Pacific Regional Training Center-Andersen, Guam
He says the Chinese have the capability to launch 'potentially hundreds of inbound cruise missiles' directed at the U.S. territory.
Guam is the location of the Navy's only submarine base in the western Pacific. It also hosts a 'strategically important' air base with bombers and fighter jets.
'Such deficiencies put at grave risk our ability to use Guam as a vital submarine port and base to support operations in any contingency with the PRC,' Gallagher previously said.
He says the 'significant gaps' in the U.S. capabilities to defend Guam from PRC cruise missiles is of dire concern.
'Such deficiencies put at grave risk our ability to use Guam as a vital submarine port and base to support operations in any contingency with the PRC.'
Almost 6,000 asylum seekers whose claims have been withdrawn have gone missing in the UK, ministers have admitted.
The migrants 'remain in the UK and the Home Office is taking steps to urgently re-establish contact with them', the disclosure to MPs revealed.
It comes as the department was rebuked by the statistics watchdog after the Government was accused of lying about meeting a target to clear part of the asylum backlog, with the body's boss warning this could affect 'public trust'.
The Home Office confirmed the figures after the Commons Home Affairs Committee demanded answers when a senior official last year told members the department did not know the whereabouts of more than 17,000 asylum seekers whose claims had been withdrawn.
Labour said the news was 'yet more evidence of the shocking mismanagement and chaos' in the asylum system.
Almost 6,000 asylum seekers whose claims have been withdrawn have gone missing in the UK, ministers have admitted (File image)
In the letter to committee chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson, illegal migration minister Michael Tomlison (left) and legal migration minister Tom Pursglove (right) said it was 'erroneous to say that the Home Office has lost the 17,316 cases that have been withdrawn over the 12 months to 30 September 2023'
In the letter to committee chairwoman Dame Diana Johnson, illegal migration minister Michael Tomlison and legal migration minister Tom Pursglove said it was 'erroneous to say that the Home Office has lost the 17,316 cases that have been withdrawn over the 12 months to 30 September 2023'.
They said there were a 'variety of reasons' why this decision could be made and that the majority (68 per cent) have either 'left the UK already', submitted a fresh asylum claim or steps were being taken to 'secure their removal from the UK.'
But the ministers confirmed 5,598 (32 per cent) of those asylum seekers 'remain in the UK and the Home Office is taking steps to urgently re-establish contact with them', adding: 'When we withdraw a claim, and if someone has no other permission to stay in the UK; funding and support stops and someone becomes liable for law enforcement activity to be removed from the UK.
'If these individuals were to make further submissions, caseworkers may consider whether their previous actions are damaging to their credibility.'
Some 5,931 (35 per cent) are still in the UK and are in contact with the Home Office with their cases 'now being managed by various teams across the Home Office including but not exclusively, Immigration Enforcement, appeals and litigation teams and further submissions'.
The letter said 3,144 (18 per cent) of migrants who had their case withdrawn are no longer in the UK and have 'no reason to have a continuing asylum claim'.
The remaining 2,643 asylum seekers (15 per cent) are still in the UK and, in the wake of the department's initial decision to withdraw their claim, have 're-engaged with the Home Office and have been granted some form of lawful immigration status'.
The numbers give an indication of how many asylum cases may have returned to the backlog after initially being recorded as withdrawn.
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said: 'This is a staggering admission that the Home Office has lost almost 6,000 asylum seekers and has no idea where they are.
DOVER, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Migrants wave and gesture as the arrive in port on Border Force boat Valiant after attempting the crossing of the English Channel from France on June 14, 2022 in Dover, England
A group of migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel on October 23, 2023
Migrants leave a British Border Force processing centre by bus after arriving by sea at the Port of Dover, on January 17, 2024
The number of asylum seekers winning refugee status has hit the highest level since records began nearly 40 years ago (File image)
'The fact that thousands of people have been allowed to effectively disappear into the underground economy or left vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs is yet more evidence of the shocking mismanagement and chaos in the Tory asylum system.
'Time and again ministers are spending their time on gimmicks rather than getting a grip.'
The Prime Minister previously pledged to 'abolish' a portion of older asylum applications awaiting an initial decision, by the end of last year, tasking the Home Office with tackling 92,601 so-called 'legacy' claims made before the end of June 2022.
But figures showed 4,537 applications were still outstanding as of December 28.
It came as the number of asylum seekers winning refugee status has hit the highest level since records began nearly 40 years ago.
Official figures show 38,761 asylum claims were granted by the Home Office in the year to September more than during the asylum crisis in the early 2000s.
Home Office caseworkers made just under 42,000 initial decisions on asylum claims in the year the highest level in two decades.
Of those, 75 per cent led to the applicant being given asylum or another form of humanitarian protection.
A Home Office document said: 'The number of people granted (38,761) is the highest since records began (in 1984) and higher than the previous peak in 2002 (when 33,460 people were granted and the grant rate was 34 per cent).'
Rishi Sunak last night saw his Rwanda Bill pass unamended through the House of Commons as he continued his efforts to 'Stop the Boats'
The 'grant rate' is the proportion of asylum applications which lead to refugee status at the initial stage. Before the pandemic this was about a third of applications.
Permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft and his interim second-in-command Simon Ridley faced questions in November about the asylum backlog amid the race to reach Rishi Sunak's target.
MPs highlighted how the number of applications withdrawn had increased substantially in the run up to the deadline and asked the whereabouts of the 17,316 applicants, to which Mr Ridley replied: 'In most cases, I don't know where those people are.'
He told the committee a claim was withdrawn when asylum seekers did not turn up for interviews or complete questionnaires and were 'not engaging with the system that leads to a decision'.
Other reasons included when someone had already left the UK before their claim was considered or if they chose to pursue another application for permission to stay in the country, according to the Home Office.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: 'Every effort is taken to locate and remove individuals who have no right to be here and there's a dedicated unit to trace and locate people.'
Rishi Sunak last night saw his Rwanda Bill pass unamended through the House of Commons as he continued his efforts to 'Stop the Boats'.
The Prime Minister secured victory after a threatened widespread rebellion against the legislation by Tory MPs melted away.
Formally titled the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, the draft laws are aimed at ensuring migrant deportation flights to Rwanda finally get off the ground.
Both the Bill and a new treaty agreed with Kigali are part of Mr Sunak's strategy for manoeuvring around last year's Supreme Court ruling against the asylum scheme.
But despite MPs approving the legislation, there are still a number of hurdles for Mr Sunak to clear before a first plane-load of asylum seekers might arrive in Africa.
Swimmers have been urged to think twice before plunging into the water at some of Australia's busiest beaches this weekend.
Heavy rain that has smashed Sydney this week has swept pollution and sewage into the harbour and beaches, resulting in poor water quality and the threat of bacterial diseases.
The contaminated stretch of coastline extended from Port Stephens and the Central Coast to the NSW south coast.
Beachwatch has issued a series of warnings in recent days to stay out of the water and to watch for signs of pollution such as flowing drains, odours, litter and debris.
Most beaches were deemed unsuitable for swimming across Sydney on Thursday.
While water quality has improved in the last 24 hours, dozens of waterways remain no-go zones on the Beachwatch website on Friday.
Many Sydney waterways (in red) remain unsuitable for swimming on Friday due to poor water quality
Authorities urge beachgoers to swim with caution if entering the water this weekend
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They include popular swimming sites such as Balmoral Baths, Rose Bay Beach and Murray Rose Pool.
Sydneysiders are urged to swim 'with caution' at many beaches including Bronte and Tamarama, Malabar and Little Bay.
The same warning is in place for most Central Coast beaches.
Most ocean contamination is caused by sewage, which can leak into stormwater during heavy rain.
Contaminated waters brings the threat of disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli, protozoans and enterococci.
'Enterococci are a good indicator of faecal contamination in the environment because they shouldn't be there naturally, they're found in the human gut,' said Professor Justin Seymour, leader of the Ocean Microbiology Group at the University of Technology Sydney told the Sydney Morning Herald.
His research of Sydney beaches also revealed there were 10 times more antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the water after heavy rainfall.
'That's a problem because if you get an infection from an antibiotic resistant microbe, it's going to be difficult to treat,' Professor Seymour added.
Despite the health warnings, Sydneysiders are expected to flock to the beach on Sunday as the city hits a top of 32
Most Sydney beaches were deemed unsuitable for swimming on Thursday
Beachwatch advises it takes up to 72 hours for water to fully clear after heavy rainfall.
Sydney is set to reach a top of top of 28C on Friday and Saturday before the mercury rises to 32C on Sunday.
The temperatures are also forecast to surge past 30C from mid next week in lead up to the Australia Day long weekend.
Seymour's research on Sydney beaches also revealed there were 10 times more antibiotic resistant bacteria in the water after intense rainfall.
'That's a problem because if you get an infection from an antibiotic resistant microbe, it's going to be difficult to treat,' he said.
Sydneysiders aren't the only ones advised to stay out of the water.
On the other side of the country, popular swimming spots south of Perth have been forced to close.
A growth of killer amoeba has emerged as a result of the recent scorching heatwave that has blasted the west.
Naegleria fowleri - the organism responsible for amoebic meningitis - can cause a fatal infection to the brain if inhaled, particularly in children.
Symptoms of amoebic meningitis include severe and persistent headaches, high fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion and hallucinations and drowsiness.
Texas cops are asking for help in identifying three robbers who clumsily entered a fast-food restaurant on New Year's Eve.
One of the three suspects slipped and fell while walking into a Popeye's Chicken in Beaumont shortly before 9:00 pm.
The second suspect tripped over the first, and the third one managed not to fall.
The suspects, whom officers are calling the 'three stooges,' walked in with handguns and threatened employees and demanded money.
The video footage obtained by the cops shows one of the suspects walking out with money, but it is unclear how much they took.
Texas cops are asking for help in identifying three robbers who robbed a Popeye's Chicken fast-food restaurant on New Year's Eve
The three suspects, who officers called the 'three stooges,' were armed and threatening employees while demanding money
Beaumont police officers shared the video of who they referred to as Larry, Curly, and Moe two days ago on their social media pages.
The trio wore hooded dark clothing, shoes, and masks covering most of their faces.
The officers wrote in the video description that the three are wearing 'pretty distinctive clothing.'
According to officers, the three robbers arrived and left the restaurant in a blue vehicle.
The robbery occurred shortly before 9:00 pm and one of the three suspects walked out of the kitchen with an unknown amount of money
According to officers, the suspects arrived and left the restaurant in a blue vehicle
Police are asking anyone who can identify the suspects to call The Beaumont Police Department at (409)-832-1234.
Individuals can also contact Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS (8477)
Tips can also be sent by downloading the P3 Tips phone app.
All crime stoppers tips will be anonymous.
The cost of repairing Hammersmith Bridge has rocketed to 250million after TfL and Sadiq Khan refused to foot the initial bill which was estimated to be 40million.
It's been almost five years since the 137-year-old bridge was closed on safety grounds and fears are growing that the Thames crossing may never reopen to vehicles.
Talks over funding the repairs have reached a stalemate, with sources admitting that there is no sign of progress despite understandable fury from residents.
Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, told the Standard: 'I think it's increasingly possible that it won't reopen to traffic.'
The cast-iron bridge shut to traffic in April 2019, after engineers found cracks in its pedestals. When the crossing deteriorated further during a heatwave in August 2020, it led to it being closed to all users.
The cost of repairing Hammersmith Bridge (pictured) has rocketed to 250million after years of delays
Pedestrians view Hammersmith Bridge in November 2020 when the Victorian bridge was closed off for safety reasons
When the crossing first closed, the council estimated the cost of repairs would be 40million and expected TfL to pay up. But TfL said it was not liable to cough up the funding and appealed for government help. Pictured: Sadiq Khan
The Victorian bridge, which used to carry 22,000 cars and 1,800 buses every day in 2015, was reopened to cyclists and pedestrians after safety checks found it was safe in 2021.
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Since 2019, drivers have had to cross the Thames via Chiswick or Putney bridges.
The Department for Transport (DfT) wants Hammersmith and Fulham Council, which owns the bridge, and Transport for London to each pay a third of the repairs costs, with the taxpayer funding the rest.
But Ms Olney fumed that the DfT are the only people who have access to the amount of money required to make a difference. She added: 'No local authority has the means to foot a bill of this size.'
She does not believe cars will be able to use the bridge for at least a decade.
When the crossing first closed, the council estimated the cost of repairs would be 40million and expected TfL to pay up.
But TfL said it was not liable to cough up the funding and appealed for government help.
By 2021, the cost has soared to 141million - and it is now said to have reached 250million.
When the crossing first closed, the council estimated the cost of repairs would be 40million and expected TfL to pay up. Pictured: Cyclists ride over the bridge in July 2021
At Mayor's Question Time today, Tony Devenish, whose London Assembly constitiuency includes the bridge, said: 'Sadiq Khan is both mayor and chairman of Transport for London. Instead of showing leadership and bringing the various parties together to try to re-open Hammersmith Bridge, he has sat idly by for five years and passed the buck.
'As long as it remains closed, it should be renamed Sadiq Khan Bridge - a road to nowhere that's absolutely no use to anyone.'
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has insisted that stabilsation work, such as the 'jacking up' of the bridge to replace seized-up bearings, should be finished in the first half of 2024.
The Labour-run council is also set to consult on heaping more misery on motorists by introducing a toll - around 3 per crossing - to help fund its 83million share of the repair bill.
Work for a temporary 'double deck' structure could start in 2026. It would mean pedestrians will be able to cross the River Thames using the bottom layer, while road traffic will use the second level.
It has been waiting for the DfT to approve its business plan since last April and cannot say when the bridge will open until this takes place.
The DfT, which is still reviewing the plans, is understood to 'remain committed' to paying up to a third of the bill 'subject to consideration on value for money and cost'.
Pictured is Hammersmith Bridge when cars could drive over it. But there are fears the bridge will never see cars again
Hammersmith Bridge is one of the world's oldest mechanical suspension bridges and Grade-II listed. Designed by the noted 19th century civil engineer, Sir Joseph Bazalgette, it was built in 1887 and opened by the then Prince of Wales.
It is London's lowest bridge, with a water clearance of just 12 feet at high tide, and one of the capital's weakest, which is why weight restrictions have been in place since 2015.
A spokesperson for the Mayor said: 'The Mayor and TfL are committed to supporting the reopening of Hammersmith Bridge and will continue to work closely with the local council and the Government. The council's business case is currently with the DfT for approval and we will support the council in progressing their next steps'
'We are supporting the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham in plans to fully reopen Hammersmith Bridge to traffic.
A TfL spokesperson said: 'The bridge is an important transport link and we continue to raise the reinstatement of bus links across the river in discussions with the Department for Transport and the borough. The borough's business case is currently with the DfT for approval and we will support the borough in progressing their next steps.'
Humza Yousaf has sparked a major diplomatic row after inviting the President of Turkey to visit Scotland during secret talks.
The First Minister made the offer to Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a meeting during the Cop28 summit, where he breached strict protocol by failing to ensure a Foreign Office official was present.
Mr Yousaf yesterday faced a backlash over his decision, which comes amid growing tensions between Western nations and Turkey.
Mr Yousaf and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meeting during the Cop28 summit
The move is controversial because Mr Erdogan, who was yesterday labelled an authoritarian despot, has branded the Wests approach to events in Gaza as barbarism and accused Israel of behaving like a war criminal.
Concerns have also been raised about Turkeys human rights record.
Attempting to defend his invitation, Mr Yousaf claimed both Scotland and Turkey are on a human rights journey.
Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr said: Yousafs arrogance knows no bounds. He is diplomatically naive and has no right to be inviting foreign heads of state or heads of government to Scotland. Its not his job.
He has a job to do, and as we can all see at First Ministers Questions week after week, hes pretty hopeless at it, and he should do himself a favour and focus on the job at hand.
The fact is Recep Tayyip Erdogans regime is ruthless. Fundamental human rights have been trashed. Political opponents locked up and thousands of people have been prosecuted for having the temerity to criticise Erdogan.
It begs the question: what does the First Minister see in this man and his regime? Erdogan has compared Israel to the Nazis, hes accused Britain of turning the Red Sea into a sea of blood when we acted to defend international shipping from the bandit Houthis.
Humza Yousaf is so far out of his depth. He should leave reserved areas like foreign affairs to the UK Government where they belong.
Mr Yousafs Cop28 meeting with Mr Erdogan, on December 1, has already caused controversy because he did not ensure that officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) were present.
The latest development comes after the First Ministers wife, Nadia El-Nakla, revealed that her sister-in-law and their four children had escaped from Gaza after the Turkish government intervened.
Green MSP Ross Greer claims Erdogan has had opposition politicians locked up on nonsense charges
Humanist Society Scotland chief executive Fraser Sutherland said Erdogan should not be welcomed to Bute House
Details of the conversation between Mr Yousaf and Mr Erdogan were revealed in a readout of the meeting provided to the Herald newspaper following a freedom of information request.
It said: FM mentioned he was last in Turkey during Ramadan in 2022 and invited RTE to visit Scotland during a future visit to the UK. FM noted that their wives had met during the recent First Ladies and spouses of Leaders Summit on Gaza in Turkey.
Mr Erdogans side of the conversation has been redacted, with the Scottish Government claiming that revealing it could prejudice substantially relations between the UK and any other State.
After the meeting, Mr Yousaf said they discussed the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in contrast to the UK position on the issue.
Humanist Society Scotland chief executive Fraser Sutherland said: Erdogan is an authoritarian despot. He should not be welcomed to Bute House.
The failure to ensure that FCDO officials were present angered Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, who threatened to remove Scottish Government overseas staff from UK embassies if there were further breaches of the rules.
The invitation to Mr Erdogan appears to have angered the SNPs coalition partners.
Green MSP Ross Greer said: Why not invite Erdogan to Scotland? Ethnic cleansing of the Kurds. Bombing civilians in Syria and Iraq. Opposition politicians locked up on nonsense charges.
Mr Yousaf defended the move, saying: I said the next time hes in the UK, he should come up to Scotland... why would we not wish to have a Nato ally here?
Asked if he would raise reported abuses of human rights by Mr Erdogans administration during a visit, Mr Yousaf said yes, but in a way that also recognises that were on a human rights journey, as are other countries.
A UK Government spokesman said: Foreign affairs is reserved under the Scotland Act and in such turbulent times, the need for the UK to speak on the world stage with one consistent voice is more important than ever.
Mr Erdogan made a three-day visit to the UK in 2018.
China's organ transplant technology maximizes donor-organ potential
Xinhua) 15:07, January 18, 2024
GUANGZHOU, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- An organ transplant technique adopted by a Chinese hospital has garnered widespread attention for its potential in solving the problem of donor organ ischemic injury in organ transplantation surgery.
Ischemia-free organ transplantation (IFOT), a technique pioneered by Professor He Xiaoshun at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, was applied in a surgery carried out last December.
Organ transplant experts from Germany, the United States, and the World Health Organization (WHO) met at the hospital to observe the liver transplant operation.
In traditional organ transplantation, donor organs are perfused rapidly to obtain them, preserved with ice, transported, and then implanted into the patient. During the process, the blood supply to the organs is interrupted completely, leading to unavoidable ischemic damage and compromising the quality of the organs.
The team has dedicated in solving the problem of donor organ ischemic injury in traditional organ transplantation surgery for years.
In 2016, the team developed a "multi-organ normothermic perfusion device," which can simulate the human body to provide blood and nutrition for the donor organ. It has, for the first time, made the ex vivo multi-organ remain "fresh" for a long time.
With the help of this device, He's team successfully carried out the first ischemia-free liver, kidney, and heart transplants worldwide in 2017, 2019, and 2021, respectively.
Compared with traditional transplantation, the new technology has significantly reduced post-operative complications and improved the utilization of organs. The relevant research results were also published in international medical journals and academic conferences, arousing widespread attention in this field.
"They have shown that the technology is safe and can solve the problems we are facing," said Bjorn Nashan, former president of the German Transplantation Society, who has been to Guangzhou more than once to observe the surgery.
Optimistic about the future of organ transplantation in China, Nashan moved to China in 2017 to work as director of the organ transplant center at a hospital. Nashan said he hoped to work with the Chinese team to bring the technology to Germany and other countries in the future.
"Professor He and his team have demonstrated that they are at the cutting edge in organ transplantation. The technology can be promoted to regions within and outside China through cooperation," said John Fung, president-elect of the Transplantation Society.
"The innovations and surgical techniques have increased the possibility of utilizing more organs, especially those not in good condition and that otherwise may have been rejected, thus maximizing the potential of donor organs," said Efstratios Chatzixiros, adviser on transplantation (organs, tissues, cells) at the WHO.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
press release
"We have ordered a detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause."
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has expressed sadness over the explosion that rocked some parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday night.
The exact cause of the explosion, which has claimed three lives so far with several others injured, is yet unknown.
Oyo State Government and Emergency Response Agencies of both the state and federal governments have promised to help victims recover as much as possible.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to the media on Wednesday, Mr Alake said he was saddened by the news of the explosion.
According to the minister, the tragic incident had devastating effects on lives and property.
"I offer my condolences over lost lives on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals to Governor Seyi Makinde and the good people of Oyo State.
"I also extend my sympathy to the wounded and other victims who suffered one loss or the other, especially residents whose houses were destroyed. I pray the Almighty God to comfort the families of the deceased and grant succour to those who lost valuables as they begin to rebuild," Mr Alake said.
The minister said he had directed the ministry's mine officers who are already on site in Ibadan to join ongoing investigations to find out the immediate and remote cause of the explosion.
"We have ordered a detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause," he said.
If the explosion was caused by mining explosives devices as earlier reported, Mr Alake said the ministry would double its effort to tighten the noose around those acquiring explosives and storing them illegally.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the rapid mobilisation of emergency response efforts, including the deployment of fire service, police and other security agencies.
The minister urged members of the public to always be safety conscious and report persons or organisations endangering public health and security.
Swatting is a growing trend sweeping the country where people make false police reports to lure a large emergency response
Ohio police said the Pennsylvania teen made several calls about false shootings in a town 500 miles away from where he lived
A Pennsylvania teen who allegedly made 911 calls about false shootings and fake bomb threats to the White House has turned himself in to Ohio police.
Michael Eugene Carpenter, 19, turned himself into the Clermont County Sheriff's Office and was taken into custody at 5:30am on Thursday morning.
Police said he made several several false reports with the intention of sending emergency services to an address that does not belong to him, which is a type of crime called swatting.
On November 8 at 7:47pm Ohio police received a call from an man claiming he shot his brother and tied up his mother at an address in Clermont County. Authorities arrived on scene at 7:59 pm and determined the call was a hoax.
Immediately after, police received a call from the same man claiming he had 'pressure bombs' at the White House and was holding a hostage. However, he told the dispatcher he was 'swatting.'
Michael Eugene Carpenter (pictured), 19, of Pennsylvania has been charged with swatting after making 911 calls about false shootings and fake bomb threats to the White House
Police said Carpenter made a 911 call claiming he had 'pressure bombs' at the White House and was holding a hostage
Carpenter was indicted by a grand jury in Ohio for one count of swatting, a third degree felony, after police said he made several calls about false shootings in a town 500 miles away from where he lived
On November 13 at 1:15am authorities received a call from a man claiming he shot his mother at the same residence in Clermont County, with sounds of gunshots and screaming on the call.
Deputies arrived on scene, confirmed the safety of the residents and determined the call was a hoax.
An investigation by the Clermont County Sheriff's office used social media records to determine the calls were made by Carpenter of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania - over 500 miles away.
On January 9, Carpenter was indicted by a grand jury in Ohio for one count of swatting, a third degree felony.
He was arrested by Parkesburg police, released on bond and was given 30 days to turn himself into the Clermont County Sheriffs Office, reported WXIX.
At his court hearing on Thursday, a judge granted him $25,000 bond with a co-signature, which he posted. His next hearing is scheduled for February 1.
On Monday, dispatchers were called to the White House after another incident of alleged swatting.
A caller told 911 dispatchers the building was on fire and someone was trapped inside.
The United States has seen a ramp up 'swatting' incidents, which is where a false report is made to police with the express purpose of luring them to a location.
Law enforcement experts say the calls are a product of a hostile political climate during an intense presidential election season. Politicians like Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, and special counsel Jack Smith have all ben victims of it.
Last week, police in Nassau County, Long Island, responded to the home of Judge Arthur Engoron, who is presiding over Donald Trump's civil fraud case, after receiving a call about a bomb threat.
Swatting is a growing trend sweeping the country where people make false police reports to lure a large emergency response. Pictured: a firetruck is parked outside of the White House in Washington, Dec. 19, 2007
In January, at least nine state capitols were shut down after a hoax bomb threat was emailed to dozens around the country. Law enforcement vehicles are pictured at the Mississippi State Capitol on January 3
At least nine state capitols were shut down after a hoax bomb threat was emailed to dozens around the country on January 3.
Hawaii, Minnesota, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Maine, and Montana state houses were closed while police searched for bombs.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said last week that they are investigating an increasing number of threats to public figures.
'At the same time that we are seeing an encouraging downward trend in violent crime, we are also witnessing a deeply disturbing spike in threats against those who serve the public,' Garland said.
In addition to public officials, high-profile celebrities like Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian been victims of the practice.
The car wash company has received over 200 complaints relating to their products and services in the past three years
A 26-year-old female employee at a car wash in North Carolina was crushed to death after being caught up in the equipment.
Carolina 'Bree' Franks, 26, worked at Zips Car Wash in Weaverville, North Carolina.
The employee got entrapped in the car wash equipment on Saturday evening and tragically died on the scene of the freak accident.
'She was working at the car wash, cleaning, and she got tangled up in a piece of equipment. When they found her, she was already dead,' Franks' grandmother, Ernestine Franks, told WLOS.
Franks had been raised by her grandmother from the age of six and had visited her in Kentucky just days before the devastating incident.
A 26-year-old female employee at a car wash in North Carolina was crushed to death after being caught up in the equipment
Carolina 'Bree' Franks, 26, worked at Zips Car Wash in Weaverville, North Carolina
The employee got entrapped in the car wash equipment on Saturday evening and tragically died on the scene of the freak accident
Her grandmother shared that Franks worked hard and cared passionately about her job - where she had been employed as a retail assistant for around five months (pictured: Franks with her husband Michael King)
Her grandmother shared that Franks worked hard and cared passionately about her job - where she had been employed as a retail assistant for around five months.
'She enjoyed her job. She said it was a good job. She was special. She loved everybody. She loved animals. She's just a nice young lady,' Ernestine Franks said.
The car wash company has a long list of complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The BBB's website revealed that Zips Car Wash LLC, which has 275 locations across the country, has received nearly 1,100 complaints in the past three years.
Most of the complaints were regarding pricing, however at least 200 of them dealt with issues relating the car wash's products and services, according to FOX Carolina.
Complaints made to the BBB included one that stated 'Part way through the tunnel, my car stopped and began to rock back and forth, lurching pretty significantly.'
'Our vehicle was knocked off the rail the car wash started making that noise again and rattling, but the noise and rattling got very loud till my wife got scared and started honking the horn and screaming,' another customer complained.
Her husband Michael King shared a heartfelt tribute to Franks on Facebook, captioned 'I miss my everything.'
Her husband Michael King shared a heartfelt tribute to Franks on Facebook, captioned 'I miss my everything'
The couple appeared to have been happily together since at least 2021, according to social media
'She enjoyed her job. She said it was a good job. She was special. She loved everybody. She loved animals. She's just a nice young lady,' Ernestine Franks said
The car wash company has a long list of complaints, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The post read 'I thought of you today but that is nothing new. I thought you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
'Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part. God has you in His arms, I have you in my heart.'
Other loved ones of the couple offered words of support in the post's comments.
'I'm so sorry, Michael! She was so happy with you, and she loved you so much! she will be dearly missed by everyone. She was a good person,' one person said.
'Thinking about you man can't promise it will ever get better but praying for easy times man keep your head up,' another friend posted.
The couple appeared to have been happily together since at least 2021, according to social media.
An obituary has been set up online for Franks - where people can send flowers or share their support.
Franks was originally from Whitesburg, Kentucky, and attended Letcher County High School.
Beverly Hills elite will not be able to make additions or follow through with major remodels on their mansions after the city failed to pass an adequate affordable housing blueprint.
Celebrities like billionaire Jeff Bezos will have to hold off on adding pool grottoes and kitchen remodels after Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin banned the well-heeled city from issuing permits to current residents.
The city was supposed to plan for more than 3,100 new homes, most of them budget friendly, but the state of California has denied the feasibility of the major plans.
Despite the new judgement, officials have decided to ignore the decision and have continued to issue permits to existing residents. Under the new penalty, new residents are allowed to obtain permits.
Murray Fisher, a real estate attorney who practiced in Beverly Hills for 50 years told LA Times that he was 'shocked by the judgement.'
'It would mean that the city is at a standstill,' Fisher said.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin banned Beverly Hills from issuing permits to current residents after the city failed to pass its adequate affordable housing blueprint
Jeff Bezos's house in Beverly Hills is seen unfinished after the billionaire was forced to pause the expansion on his mega-mansion
The planned homes are expected to be affordable for low to middle-income residents by the end of the decade.
State housing regulators have rejected a total of five housing blueprints since the summer of 2021, and one just last month.
Prior to this new ruling, Beverly Hill has not been challenged even though a 50-year-law has been in place that requires local governments to plan for a growth in population, allowing all people, of all incomes to live in the community.
The law requires that every eight years the state advises all of the cities exactly how many home they need to build.
In the past, state legislators have tried to shift their focus on mass development in cities near mass transit and businesses, but it hasn't worked out.
Judge Kin said that the Beverly Hills has been counting on medical office buildings and car dealerships to become housing options, but it is unlikely that that will happen.
Officials from the state's housing department said that the wealthy city has overestimated how many just how many of its commercial properties could transform into residential developments, LA Times reported.
Californians for Homeownership, a non-profit funded by the California Association of Realtors sued the city in January 2023 while the city was busy fighting with the state itself.
In the past, state legislators have tried to shift their focus on mass development in cities near mass transit and businesses, but it hasn't worked out
Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos arrive at the Dolce & Gabbana party during the Milan Menswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 on January 13
Matthew Gelfand, an attorney representing the non-profit has gone on to support Kin for his decision, but that it could also stir up strong opinions within the city to make a deal.
'There is some real consequence to the city continuing to drag its feet, a real consequence that will make people demand that the city do its job,' Gelfand said.
Though the permit moratorium is in effect, Gelfand admitted that he is open to negotiations to possibly pause the restrictions while the case is under appeal.
Other cities in the Golden State have faced similar housing issues, but one as busy and expensive as Beverly Hills has never been seen, Bill Fulton, a fellow at UC Berkeley's Terner Center for Housing Innovation revealed.
He predicted that the drastic decision was made due to the state's 'aggressive' housing targets, along with outsiders who have the power to sue.
'It was inevitable that some judge was going to do this. But whether this becomes the norm or not, I dont know,' Fulton said.
Along with the new ruling, city officials also plan to submit more information on the housing blueprint in the coming weeks in an effort to expedite approval, city attorney Larry Winer said in a statement.
Andrew Slocum, the co-owner of Urban Development Company said that this decision will effect his business as zoning and building restrictions will make it difficult to provide smaller, mixed-income housing in the community.
With that, he also believes that the restriction is needed at this time as he said that 'sometimes pain creates change.'
'The minute someone goes in there and they do not issue permits, it'll be wildfire through the developer, the builder, the community,' Slocum said.
In April, Bezos's mega-mansion expansion was paused after his application to expand the property to add a 'game court fence with lighting' waited for approval.
Bezos's opulent nine-acre Beverly Hills estate is seen from the air. It was designed in the 1930s for media mogul Jack Warner
Aerial shots of the Amazon founder's $165million home show construction equipment on the ground but no workers in sight.
Bezos - whose net worth is approximately $174.7billion- had planned to extend the property with a new pool house, powder room and retaining walls.
An initial application was granted in 2021 but Bezos submitted a new request to add a 'game court fence with lighting' in January 2023.
However it was denied because it was incomplete.
The original application asked to add around 1,000 square feet to the 28,000-square-foot mansion.
A permit obtained by the previous owner film and music industry mogul David Geffen ruled the mansion could be expanded to exceed 15,000 - but not beyond that.
The property was previously owned by former Warner Bros. President Jack Warner back in 2020.
It is made up of three-story main house, a guest house, gym, a pergola and a security guard house.
A Queensland woman is lucky to be alive after she was bitten by a deadly snake while sleeping in rural Queensland.
Kasey Leadbetter went to bed after working at a rural cattle station near Glenmorgan, west of Toowoomba, not knowing an eastern brown snake had joined her underneath the covers.
She rolled over in the early hours of the morning before she was hit with a searing pain in her hand from a 'very strong bite'.
'I remember jumping out of bed straight away because it gave me such a fright,' Ms Leadbetter told 9News.
The 21-year-old had no idea a snake was lurking less than a metre away. Photo: 9 News
Paramedics managed to take a photo of the snake Ms Leadbetter's bed at a rural cattle station near Glenmorgan
'My hand just felt like it was on fire and I could feel it was starting to travel up my arm.'
Eastern brown snakes are the second most venomous snake in the world, causing more deaths than any other species in Australia.
'Being an alert, nervous species they often react defensively if surprised or cornered, putting on a fierce display and striking with little hesitation,' researchers at the Australian Museum say about the snake.
'...The venom contains powerful presynaptic neurotoxins, procoagulants, cardiotoxins and nephrotoxins, and successful envenomation can result in progressive paralysis and uncontrollable bleeding.'
Panicked and not fully comprehending how her life was now at risk, Ms Leadbetter immediately called her mum for help, who contacted the family she was working with on the cattle station.
Ms Leadbetter is still recovering from the bite to her hand
They leapt into action, wrapping her arm in a compression bandage and keeping her stable until paramedics arrived by helicopter to the property.
She was then airlifted to Toowoomba Hospital where she was treated with lifesaving anti-venom.
After the terrifying ordeal, the 21-year-old is urging schools to teach snake bite first aid in a bid to prevent deaths.
'It has saved my life and it can save other people's lives too,' she said.
Ms Leadbetter plans on returning to work as soon as she recovers, adding that the incident has not stopped her from loving snakes.
'[Going back to work] will bring out some emotion and maybe indefinitely a bit of fear, but I'm stronger than I'm stronger than that,' she said.
Chilling texts sent by Fotis Dulos the day after he allegedly murdered his wife in her Connecticut home have been shown in court.
Jurors were shown messages the Greek national sent to their nanny, Lauren Almeida, asking her for any news on his 50-year-old wife's disappearance on May 24, 2019.
Just hours after the State say he butchered her, Fotis asked for 'updates' on Jennifer and on how their children were doing, telling Almeida he'd spoken with the cops.
Fotis and Jennifer were embroiled in acrimonious divorce and child custody proceedings at the time, but he had not yet been identified as a suspect.
He would later be charged with her murder while his new partner, Michelle Troconis, was accused of helping him conceal the crime.
Fotis killed himself aged 52 in January 2020, leaving Troconis to face the music alone. Her trial began in Stamford Superior Court last Thursday, with nanny Almeida, 32, giving evidence this week.
Jurors were shown messages Fotis Dulos sent to their nanny, Lauren Almeida (pictured) asking her for updates on his 50-year-old wife's disappearance on May 24, 2019
Jennifer Dulos (left) vanished on May 24, 2019, amid a divorce from her husband Fotis (right), who was later charged with her murder. Fotis killed himself in January 2020, leaving his new lover Michelle Troconis to face trial alone for allegedly helping him conceal the killing
Almeida testified during the much-anticipated trial of Michelle Troconis, 49, who is accused of helping her late boyfriend and Jennifer's ex-husband Fotis Dulos cover up the alleged murder on May 24, 2019. (Pictured: Troconis approaching court on day five of her trial)
Chilling texts sent by Fotis Dulos the day after he allegedly murdered his wife in her Connecticut home have been shown in court
Jurors saw messages from Fotis to Almeida at 9.49pm on the day of the killing asking her to call him the next morning. Almeida said she asked police whether she should respond, and they said it was fine since he was not a suspect at the time.
The next day, at 5.39am, Fotis texted her saying: 'GM Lauren - any news?' She replied telling him police were 'still searching' Jennifer's New Canaan home.
He asked for 'updates' several more times in the days that followed, along with queries about how his children were doing.
Almeida said Fotis had a scheduled visit with the kids in a few days, and kept pressing her to make sure she would bring them to it on time. She described his demeanour as 'weird'.
The nanny wore a silver necklace with a number '5' on it while giving evidence, possibly an allusion to the five Dulos kids who are still in her care.
The trial heard earlier that the wealthy Dulos couple enjoyed an idyllic life with their five kids, who were aged between eight and 13 at the time of Jennifer's disappearance.
But their marriage deteriorated around the time Jennifer busted Fotis' affair with Troconis in March 2017 while all three were holidaying at a private ski club in Aspen with the children.
Jurors were shown messages the Greek national sent to their nanny, Lauren Almeida, asking her for updates on his 50-year-old wife's disappearance on May 24, 2019
Fotis asked Almeida for 'updates' several more times in the days that followed, along with queries about how his five children were doing
Fotis Dulos was charged with Jennifer's murder but killed himself ahead of trial
Almeida said Jennifer grew afraid of her husband and tried to escape from their Farmington, CT home with the kids two months later to file for divorce from the safety of the Mandarin Oriental, a five-star hotel in Manhattan.
The nanny, who stayed with them and still lives with the Dulos children, who are now aged between 13 and 17, said Jennifer even hired a bodyguard to stand outside her hotel room door.
Almeida said Jennifer and the kids stayed at the Mandarin Oriental for one week, before moving to their first rental in New Canaan, CT.
Eight days later, a child custody case between Jennifer and Fotis started at the same court where Troconis' trial is being held, and Almeida testified on Jennifer's behalf.
She told the court she saw Fotis in the corridor with his lawyers and he made aggressive comments towards her.
'He came at me yelling at me, again accusing me of kidnapping his kids, and then I just walked away,' Almeida said.
'He tried to approach me later with his lawyer in a different demeanor, apologizing and just saying that he was really upset. I just walked away.'
Almeida previously said she met the Dulos' while working at a daycare where they used to drop their kids, and described Jennifer as 'an incredibly nurturing' and playful mother, and Fotis as a largely absent father.
Almeida previously said Jennifer was an 'incredibly nurturing mother' to her five kids, who were aged between eight and 13 when she disappeared on May 24, 2019
Almeida previously said Jennifer was an 'incredibly nurturing mother' to her five kids, who were aged between eight and 13 when she disappeared on May 24, 2019
Troconis denies charges connected to her allegedly helping Fotis conceal the crime - including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution
She painted a picture of their family life as one filled with idyllic holidays to an array of locations including Miami and Aspen until Jennifer busted Fotis' affair with Troconis in March 2017.
Prosecutors claim that Fotis brutally attacked Jennifer in her New Canaan property, before disposing of bloodied items in 30 garbage cans with the help of Troconis. Her body was never found.
Troconis denies charges connected to her allegedly helping him conceal the crime - including conspiracy to commit murder, evidence tampering and hindering prosecution.
The trial began January 11 and it is expected to continue for six weeks before jurors are sent out for deliberations.
A 42-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly handed officers a sample of her aunt's dog's urine instead of her own during a court-ordered drug test.
Jessica Beatty, 42, was charged with a misdemeanor count of fraudulent urine testing in Clearwater, Florida, when she was called up for a random drug test.
On January 11, Beatty - who has a long list of run ins with the law - went to the Pinellas County Misdemeanor Probation Office for a mandatory drug screening.
She was previously arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of driving while her license was suspended in December 2023.
Jessica Beatty, 42, was charged with a misdemeanor count of fraudulent urine testing in Clearwater, Florida , when she was called up for a random drug test
Using dog urine instead of human urine in drug test will be 'immediately' flagged by laboratories, according to health experts (stock image)
As part of her release condition from detention, she had been ordered to provide 'court-ordered random drug screens.'
When she showed up at the probation office earlier this month, Beatty allegedly provided officers with canine urine instead of her own.
Deputies claim she later confessed to using the dog's urine - and said it was her aunt's dog. She did not elaborate on how she got the pee from the pup into the cup.
A probable cause affidavit stated: 'On today's date, the defendant willfully admitted that she had a fraudulent urine sample that she intended to provide during testing.
'The defendant readily admitted pre and post Miranda that she collected urine from her aunt's dog.'
According to authorities, Beatty then provided the officers with a real sample.
Using dog urine instead of human urine in drug test will be 'immediately' flagged by laboratories, according to health experts.
Beatty is seen in a previous mugshot
On January 11, Beatty - who has a long list of run ins with the law - went to the Pinellas County Misdemeanor Probation Office in for a mandatory drug screening
This is not the first time someone has tried to pull one over during their drug tests.
In 2019, Kentucky authorities revealed that one woman went to extreme measures to pass a drug test.
Julie Miller, 40, tried to pass off dog pee as her own during a drug test.
According to a statement from the Pineville Police Department, Miller was asked for a drug screen as part of her supervision.
Miller's probation officer then told Pineville police that the woman 'had snuck in a sample of urine in an attempt to pass it off as her own to probation and parole officers'.
Police said when she was questioned about the urine, she admitted it was her dog's pee. When asked by an officer if the dog urine was brought in because she knew she would fail the drug test, Miller reportedly told them yes.
She said her test would have shown that she had used methamphetamine and Suboxone, a painkiller. Miller was then arrested over the incident and booked into the Bell County Detention Center.
She was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.
President Joe Biden enjoyed an unforgettable 'triple thick' milkshake during a trip to a Cook Out restaurant in North Carolina on Thursday before briefly drawing a blank when trying to recall the person he had just been photographed with.
The 81-year-old used cash to buy the 'triple thick' black and white - made of vanilla and chocolate syrup - and then spooned it into his mouth.
He made the impromptu pitstop after a speech in Raleigh where he touted the plan to connect thousands of homes to high-speed internet.
The tasty treat he also ordered a bacon cheeseburger and fries came after a speech where he briefly got mixed up when he was looking to praise North Carolina Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross.
'Where's Deborah? I just had my picture taken with her. Thats probably why she left,' he joked at first.
'Oh, she couldn't be here, actually. That's not true. I got it mixed up,' he said, awkwardly. 'You know, she fights very hard for the people of this district and shes up in Washington right now.'
President Joe Biden enjoyed a 'triple thick' milkshake during a trip to a Cook Out restaurant in North Carolina on Thursday
He carried on and explained the White House goal to 'connect everyone' in America to high-speed internet 'just like Franklin Roosevelt did a generation ago with electricity'.
'I promised to be president for all America, whether you voted for me or not. These investments help all Americans in red states and blue states as well. Were not leaving anybody behind.'
North Carolina is a state Biden's campaign is targeting as a potential pickup in the 2024 race.
Donald Trump beat Biden by just over one percent in 2020, but the Democrats now believe they can flip it. The push comes even as polling has showed Trump leading Biden in Michigan and Wisconsin, states Biden carried in 2020.
Biden left the speech and got out at the restaurant to take selfies with and talk to workers.
The 81-year-old used cash to buy the 'triple thick' black and white - made of vanilla and chocolate syrup - and then spooned it into his mouth
He made the impromptu pitstop after a speech in Raleigh where he touted the plan to connect thousands of homes to high-speed internet
At the start of the speech, he briefly got mixed up when he was looking to praise North Carolina Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross
'The governor (Roy Cooper) was bragging about your place. He said you have the best shakes in North Carolina,' Biden told Cook Out staff.
He then walked to a window to order and grabbed a plastic bag and a cup.
Biden said he got a 'black and white' and it's 'triple thick'. Noticing how hefty the drink was, he went back to grab a spoon.
Governor Cooper told him 'you'll need that' referring to the spoon.
He tried a couple of mouthfuls as he walked back to the motorcade and then headed to a family's home to have a 'kitchen table conversation'.
Although Biden quickly corrected his gaffe mentioning the second-term Ross, it had hints of a painful slip-up in 2022, when he accidentally mentioned the name of Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) during a speech, apparently forgetting she had passed away the previous month in a car accident.
'Jackie are you here? Where's Jackie?' Biden said at the time.
Family was crossing at Eagle Pass when child broke the human chain
Two migrant children and their mother drowned when one of them broke the human chain they were using to cross the Rio Grande into the US.
Sancha Cerros, 33, her daughter Yorlei Rubi, 10, and son Jonathan Agustin Briones de la Sancha, 8, died last Friday night near the Eagle Pass crossing in Texas.
The area has been inundated with thousands of asylum-seekers, mostly from Venezuela, desperately trying to reach the US from Mexico.
Mexican authorities said the family was crossing the river with other asylum-seekers when one of the children let go of the hand in front or behind them.
Yorlei Rubi, 10, and her borther Jonathan Agustin Briones de la Sancha, 8, died last Friday night trying to cross into the US over the Rio Grande
Their mother Sancha Cerros, 33, perished alongside them when one of the children let go of a human chain across the river, causing them to be swept away
Sancha's sister Monica de la Sancha Cerros, 30, (pictured in an ambulance) and her son were rescused and treated for hypothermia
This broke the human chain the migrants were using to cross, washing away the trio and two of their relatives in the strong current.
Monica de la Sancha Cerros, 30, and her son Antonio Briones de la Sancha, 10, were rescued by the Mexican National Guard, but could only watch and cry for help as the others drowned.
Wrapped in silver emergency blankets, Monica Cerros and Antonio were escorted to ambulances and taken to Salvador Chavarria Sanchez General Hospital suffering from hypothermia.
Two Mexican national guardsmen who dived into the river to rescue them also suffered hypothermia and were taken to hospital, officials said.
Sancha and Monica Cerros were sisters who arrived at Piedras Negras, near the border with Texas, from Honduras to cross into the US.
Mexican authorities said the family was crossing the river with other asylum-seekers when one of the children let go of the hand in front or behind them, breaking the human chain
Monica Cerros' son Antonio Briones de la Sancha, 10, (pictured) was also rescued by the Mexican National Guard
Wrapped in silver emergency blankets, Monica Cerros and Antonio were escorted to ambulances and taken to Salvador Chavarria Sanchez General Hospital suffering from hypothermia
The mother and children died amid tensions between Texas and the federal government over immigration policy at the border
Monica Cerros identified the bodies after she recovered from her near-death experience, and they were given a Catholic burial soon after.
The mother and children died amid tensions between Texas and the federal government over immigration policy at the border, and sparked accusations that Governor Greg Abbott was to blame.
Shelby Park, a local recreation area along the river, is a popular spot to cross and has recently been taken over by the Texas National Guard and blocked with fences, gates, and razor wire.
Border Patrol agents were denied access to the park on Friday night after they were told by Mexican authorities that a group of migrants crossing was in distress.
Texas Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar claimed the national guard blocking the border agents prevented the trio from getting life-saving help.
However, a Supreme Court filing by the US Department of Justice makes clear Yorlei, Jonathan, and Cerros were dead an hour before border patrol arrived.
The Mexican National Guard recovered Sancha Cerros' body from the river after she drowned
Monica Cerros identified the bodies of the two children after she recovered from her near-death experience, and they were given a Catholic burial soon after
A convoy of migrants wades across the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, carrying all they have above the water
US Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote in the document that Mexico told Border Patrol about 9pm that the three migrants drowned about 8pm, and advised two others were in distress.
The two other migrants were Monica de la Sancha Cerros, 30, and her son, Victor Antonio Briones de la Sancha, 10, both relatives of the drowned trio.
Border Patrol then approached the National Guard perimeter, but were told, through a closed gate, that they were under orders not to let them through.
When the agents tried to explain the seriousness of the situation, they were told they couldn't be let in 'even in emergency situations'.
The National Guard then sent its own guardsmen to investigate instead.
'The following day, Mexican officials confirmed to Border Patrol that the two migrants... had attempted to return to Mexico and were rescued by a Mexican Government airboat while suffering from hypothermia,' Prelogar wrote.
Thousands more immigrants crossing the border into the US at one of the busiest entry points - Eagle Pass in Texas
A National Guardsman lets in a truck at a gate of the Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, The Texas Military Department confirmed that the Texas National Guard seized control of the area
They also told border agents they recovered the bodies of the three asylum-seekers who drowned.
'It is impossible to say what might have happened if Border Patrol had had its former access to the area including through its surveillance trucks that assisted in monitoring the area,' Prelogar wrote.
'At the very least, however, Border Patrol would have had the opportunity to take any available steps to fulfill its responsibilities and assist its counterparts in the Mexican government with undertaking the rescue mission. Texas made that impossible.'
The Texas Military Department did not deny it blocked the Border Patrol agents from accessing the area, but, just as the court filing, noted the migrants were dead already.
'Mexican authorities were recovering the bodies, and Border Patrol expressed these facts to the TMD personnel on site,' it said.
TMD said national guardsmen searched the area after Border Patrol alerted them to the other two migrants, but didn't find anyone.
About 45 minutes later, guardsmen saw Mexican authorities responding to an emergency situation on the other side of the river.
Guardsmen 'reported their observations back to Border Patrol, and they confirmed that the Mexican authorities required no additional assistance',' TMD said.
National Guard soldiers stand guard on the banks of the Rio Grande river at Shelby Park
Border Patrol agents were denied access to Shelby Park on Friday night after they were told by Mexican authorities that a group of migrants crossing was in distress
Texas National Guards were on the weekend seen using riot shields to try and hold back migrants at Eagle Pass
'At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period,' it said.
'Also, at no point was TMD made aware of any bodies in the area of Shelby Park, nor was TMD made aware of any bodies being discovered on the US side of the border regarding this situation.'
A day before the migrants drowned, the Justice Department warned Supreme Court justices that officials in Texas had taken control of Shelby Park and were not letting Border Patrol agents enter.
Cuellar, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee's subcommittee for homeland security, called the deaths 'a tragedy.'
'This is a tragedy, and the State bears responsibility,' he said, accusing Texas of being responsible for the deaths.
By Monday, it was clear the three migrants had already drowned and guardsmen blocking Border Patrol did not change the outcome.
The Department of Homeland Security before the Supreme Court filing thrust the blame on the incident on Governor Gregg Abbott and his handling of the ongoing migrant crisis.
'In responding to a distress call from the Mexican government, Border Patrol agents were physically barred by Texas officials from entering the park,' it said.
'The Texas governor's policies are cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and Texas's blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration poses grave risks.'
Texas Department of Public Safety officers work inside a fenced off Shelby Park, Thursday. The park lies in a major corridor for migrants entering illegally from Mexico and is the center of Abbott's aggressive attempts to stop them, known as Operation Lone Star
The team was Abbott's state-sponsored attempt at stopping illegal immigration, and had been presided over by both the Texas Military Department the Texas Department of Public Safety
The park lies in a major corridor for migrants entering illegally from Mexico and is the center of Abbott's aggressive attempts to stop them, known as Operation Lone Star.
The effort was Abbott's state-sponsored attempt at stopping illegal immigration, and had been presided over by both the Texas Military Department the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A recent probe carried out by the Military Times and the Texas Tribune found that at least four of their intelligence officers faced disciplinary action because of alleged illegal behavior - which the publications said was actually uncovered nearly a year ago, in September 2022, but was only set out over the summer.
The TMD - the state's security watchdog - reportedly told the outlets it concluded its investigation in September 2022, but is still waiting to release its report and 'finalize' discipline until leaders receive it.
After announcing the deaths, feds slammed Gov. Greg Abbott's policies that seek to stop illegal immigration, calling them 'cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and [a] blatant disregard for federal authority'
Texas Department of Public Safety officers guard an entrance to Shelby Park on Thursday, a day before the Texas Military Department and Texas National Guard 'did not grant access to Border Patrol agents to save the migrants', feds said
As problematic stretches of the border remain manned, migrants are periodically swept away to their deaths by the current of the infamous Rio Grande - which, despite its inherent dangers, is a popular crossing point
While only four were said have faced interim discipline from administrators in the meantime, six in total were claimed to have taken part in the debacle - turning over a list of names of prospective migrants at a February 2022 meeting.
Those names, investigators reportedly said, were compiled after the agents secretly infiltrated invite-only WhatsApp groups to spy on asylum seekers and track their movements.
Lt. Col. David Tyler, the leader the intelligence wing from December 2021 to fall 2022 and one of the four said to have already faced internal discipline, told the outlets that 'all the Generals wanted to know about the next mass migration.'
The state has so far spent more than $4.5 billion over two years stationing the groups at the Southern border, and Abbot's office has continued to double-down on its legally questionable practices.
As problematic stretches of the border remain manned, migrants are periodically swept away to their deaths by the current of the infamous Rio Grande - which, despite its inherent dangers, is a popular crossing point.
Abbott's office referred questions about the Friday drownings to the Texas Military Department, which said its security personnel saw Mexican authorities responding to an incident across the river about 45 minutes after Border Patrol made the state aware of the situation.
The department said it maintains water rescue equipment and works with local paramedics to assist migrants needing medical care.
'At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period,' the department insisted in the statement.
Cuellar, who represents a Texas border district, reiterated how it was Mexican authorities alerted the Border Patrol to the distressed migrants struggling in the river late Friday.
Aerial view showing migrants queuing at the border fence in an attempt to cross into the US, in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico
Migrants queue at the border fence to try to cross into the US, in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico
He said federal agents attempted to call and relay the information to Texas National Guard members at Shelby Park, without success.
Agents then visited the entrance to the park but were turned away, according to the congressman, who said they were told a Guard member would be sent to investigate the situation.
The 50-acre park is owned by the city, but it is used by the state Department of Public Safety and the Texas Military Department to patrol border crossings.
Although daily crossings diminished from the thousands to about 500, state authorities put up fences and stationed military vehicles by the entry to deny access to the public and Border Patrol agents this week, according to a court filing.
In its Supreme Court filing, Texas challenged claims that Border Patrol agents were denied access. They said the Border Patrol has scaled down its presence since summer, when the state moved its resources and manpower to the park.
Federal agents were also granted access to the area to secure supplies, the state said.
Abbott's office referred questions about the Friday drownings to the Texas Military Department, which said its security personnel saw Mexican authorities responding to an incident across the river 45 minutes after Border Patrol made local officials aware of the situation. An investigation, as of Sunday morning, was ongoing
Cuellar said there was no immediate information available about the victims' nationalities, relationship and ages. The Mexican government made no public statements.
On Saturday members of the public held a ceremony at the park to mark the deaths of migrants in their region.
Julio Vasquez, a pastor, said access was granted after making requests with the city and sharing pictures showing the entry still fenced up and guarded by members of the National Guard and military vehicles.
An investigation into the deaths remains ongoing.
Over 175 Republican lawmakers filed a court filing to the Supreme Court urging them to keep Donald Trump on the Colorado ballot after the state's supreme court shockingly removed the former president.
The Colorado Supreme Court ordered Donald Trump removed from the state's presidential primary ballot on Dec. 19, saying he violated the 14th Amendment by engaging in insurrection leading up the events of January 6.
The brief is signed by a whopping 179 Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ted Cruz, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and more.
They accuse the Colorado Supreme Court of a too 'expansive' view of the 14th Amendment's 'engage in insurrection' language.
In addition, they state that Congress has the ability to remove a president from office - not the courts.
The Republicans conclude that the Colorado court should not have booted Trump from the ballot.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump engaged in insurrection on Jan. 6
Trump and his legal team will present oral arguments before the Supreme Court in February
'As elected officials, [we] have a strong interest in ensuring that the rules for eligibility for federal office are clear, objective, and neutral, rather than malleable and conveniently applied to ensnare political opponents,' the brief said.
Specifically, the case hinges on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who serves as 'an officer of the united States' and has previously sworn an oath to the U.S. Constitution from holding 'any office' if they have 'engaged in insurrection.'
Trump called the move by the Colorado court 'election interference' in a post on his TruthSocial platform.
Following the state court's ruling the Supreme Court granted a petition for review filed by the former president and expedited the case.
Oral arguments in the case will be heard on February 8.
The Supreme Court granted a petition for review filed by former President Trump on Jan. 5
The case centers on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars candidates who previously engaged in insurrection from holding office
'The radical left consistently does what they claim their opponents are doing,' Cruz wrote in a statement. 'While President Biden and his allies claim they are defending democracy, their supporters are working to undermine democracy by banning Bidens likely general election opponent from appearing on the ballot.'
Scalise similarly said in a statement that, 'President Biden has based his reelection effort on the notion that he is safeguarding democracy, but he and his radical allies are attempting to undermine the central component of the democratic process the peoples power to choose their leaders through elections.'
'Not only does the Colorado Supreme Court have no authority to remove President Trump from the ballot in the 2024 presidential election, but the broad and ill-defined justifications they use can easily be abused in the future to block political opponents from assuming office,' his statement continued.
In Maine, Trump was similarly removed from the ballot in December after Secretary of State Shenna Bellows claimed he violated the 14th Amendment.
However, a Maine judge this week delayed deciding whether to kick Donald Trump off the ballot to allow time for the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on a similar case in Colorado.
Cheryl Hines says she is more careful than ever since an intruder broke into the home she shares with husband and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.
And she is horrified that his high-profile political role has not brought Secret Service protection.
'You would think that instance, plus the fact that his father and uncle were both assassinated, would qualify him,' she said in an interview.
RFK Jr is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, who served as attorney general and senator before being gunned down in 1968, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, assassinated in 1963.
RFK Jr is running as an independent on a longshot mission to topple President Joe Biden.
Cheryl Hines says her husband and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. should have Secret Service protection, given what happened to his father and uncle
RFK Jr is the son of Robert F Kennedy (left), who was attorney general and senator before being gunned down in 1968, and nephew of President John F Kennedy, assassinated in 1963
Hines, 58, is best known for playing wife to grumpy Larry David in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' And she set out her fears along with her thoughts on being first lady in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Her husband's run has put her in the eye of the storm, as his mix of vaccine denialism and conspiracy theories trigger controversy after controversy.
A mentally ill man was arrested at their Los Angeles home in October, after climbing the fence and reaching the second floor.
'I was here doing an Instagram Live, and I look out the window and see a guy in our backyard,' said Hines.
'Then I see our security person intercept him and reach for his weapon.'
The man had a fake police badge and had reportedly sent hundreds of threatening emails.
The Kennedy family has taken out a restraining order.
But Hines said it was astonishing that the Department of Homeland Security had not allocated a Secret Service detail.
She has also had to get used to the media attention that comes with a presidential candidate, particularly one who thinks vaccines do not work and compared life-saving pandemic restrictions with the murderous Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler.
Hines has sometimes distanced herself from her husband's most controversial comments
Her response is that of a wife unlikely to toe the line as first lady. At times she has issued statements distancing herself from her husband's views.
Other times, such as when RFK Jr was accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories based on the idea that Ashkenazi Jews more more immune to COVID-19, she kept silent. (He said his words were taken out of context.)
'I've learned a lot in the last two years,' she said. 'I pay less attention to social media.
'Theres a cycle to news. Things spike, they talk about it for one or two days, then they move on. And so Ive learned to stay out of it because my words live on.
'And because Bobbys my husband. And I would never want to hurt Bobby. I love him.'
RFK Jr has almost no chance of winning the election. So it's just as well that Hines is not exactly to start measuring up for drapes in the White House residence.
'If youre asking me, "Has this been my dream, to be first lady?" I would say, "No."
'But if someone said to me: Guess what? Youre going to be first lady tomorrow, I would say, "Great. Lets do it. I cant wait to see what this looks like."
'When I look at it like that, I think, "Wow, what an extraordinary situation."
'And if thats what life hands you, then you accept it and experience it for everything it has to offer.'
Death toll rises to three.
The Oyo State government has identified the company that stored the explosives, which caused Tuesday night's explosion on Dejo Oyelese Street, Adeyi Avenue, Old Bodija, Ibadan.
Addressing journalists at the briefing room of the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Governor Seyi Makinde promised to bring the culprits to justice.
"Those who brought this tragedy on Oyo State will be brought to book," he said.
Mr Makinde called for calm, assuring that the state government has been on top of the situation and that it was leaving no stone unturned regarding the search and rescue of victims at the rubble of the incident as well as the welfare of victims and the security of their properties.
He maintained that it was a trying time for the state and that its people must draw on their strength and resilience, and be their brother's keepers.
A statement by the special adviser (media) to the state governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, quoted Mr Makinde to have stated that as part of measures by the government to address the situation, it had set up an Emergency Operation Centre to oversee search and rescue.
He promised that search and rescue efforts will continue until all lives in the vicinity of the blast were accounted for, adding that the government has also made provisions with hotels to accommodate victims and those living close to the site of the incident once they are able to identify themselves.
The governor disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had spoken to him to commiserate with families who lost loved ones to the incident, and promised the support of the Federal Government.
He expressed gratitude to the President for also deploying the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which he noted was on the ground at the scene of the explosion.
The governor recounted that so far, there were three deaths from the incident and that the number of the injured was about 77.
He warned residents to be wary of spreading fake figures and misinformation regarding the fatalities and the number of casualties.
Ahead of the press conference, the governor visited some victims of the incidents at different hotels around Bodija, Idi Ape and Ikolaba, where the state government is providing accommodation and feeding for them.
"Since yesterday, our security agencies, first responders, emergency services and all other relevant agencies have been working diligently as they carry out search and rescue operations.
"Just this morning, another individual was recovered from the rubble. I want to assure you that the search and rescue operation will continue until all lives within the vicinity of the blast are accounted for," the governor said.
Mr Makinde said the state government was aware that aside from the immediate perimeter of the incident, people as far as 25km away may have been affected physically or psychologically.
As such, he said said government set up the Emergency Operation Centre, headed by Temitope Alonge, to coordinate all search and rescue efforts.
"I would like to appeal to our people to remain calm as we do everything to provide succour to everyone concerned. Some numbers have been provided to reach out to the Emergency Operation Centre.
"I know the 615 is operational but there are additional ones: 07049948057 and 08147672009. If you have any information regarding any persons who may still be trapped within that perimeter, please call those numbers and we will respond to you," he added.
The governor appealed to those staying in any of the houses within 250 metres of ground zero to move out to government-provided accommodation until structural integrity test was conducted on the buildings.
Mr Makinde also warned individuals who might be planning to take advantage of the incident to perpetrate crimes, saying that security agents would deal decisively with them.
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He promised that the state would continue to provide regular updates regarding the actions it is taking through the EMO and its various back channels on and off social media.
While addressing journalists, the Head of the Emergency Operations, Alonge said an emergency response to the incident was to set up a team of about 40 doctors, 40 nurses and 25 medical students at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
He added that victims that were injured were receiving medical attention in private and government hospitals and that most of them were in stable condition.
"Aside from doctors and nurses, we have added to our team physiotherapists, clinical psychologists and they were on ground yesterday to assess the psychological state of the survivors of this unfortunate incident," Mr Alonge said.
His case is being examined by the Innocence Project which is seeking new evidence from his trial
He has previously sought a retrial claiming that his initial hearing was biased by 'misconduct' from juror Richelle Nice
Wife killer Scott Peterson has had his case taken up the LA Innocence Project amid claims he received an unfair trial.
The 51-year-old is currently serving life without parole for the 2002 murder of his wife Laci and their unborn son Conner.
Peterson pleaded not guilty to the crimes and has maintained his innocence. His legal team claim he was not given a fair trial due to possible jury misconduct.
The case will now be handled by the justice non-profit, which is seeking new evidence from his trial, according to court filings obtained by ABC News.
Laci was 27-years-old and eight months pregnant when she disappeared on Christmas Eve.
The LA Innocence Project has reportedly taken up the case of Scott Petersen who was convicted of the murder of his wife Laci and their unborn son Conner in 2005 amid claims he had an unfair trial due to 'juror misconduct'
Peterson, 51, was initially sentenced to death before a judge overturned the decision in 2020 and sentenced him to life without parole
Peterson's lawyers claim his murder conviction should be quashed entirely because juror Richelle Nice (pictured), dubbed 'Strawberry Shortcake' was biased
Peterson led the search for his wife but was arrested months later when her body later washed up in the San Francisco shoreline in 2003.
The killer claimed the murder must have happened when his wife interrupted a burglary. However this was rejected in court and he was initially given a death sentence.
The punishment was overturned by California's Supreme Court in August 2020 after it found that jurors were improperly screened for bias.
Peterson's lawyers have previously unsuccessfully pushed for a retrial, claiming that Peterson's conviction was tainted by the involvement of a juror who was obsessed with him
Richelle Nice later admitted sending the killer 17 letters - including one sent from the psychiatric unit and allegedly omitted crucial details about her past as a domestic abuse survivor during the jury selection process.
Nice, dubbed 'strawberry shortcake' due to her dyed red hair, revealed in court she penned more than a dozen letters to Peterson after she helped convict him while he was on death row.
But Judge Anne-Christine Massullo ruled that Nice, who was juror number seven, acted not out of wrongdoing but out of emotion brought on by the proceedings.
Peterson filed a new appeal in April last year, according to Fox. The petition of habeas corpus allegedly argues that his family has found new evidence that proves his innocence, but the document has not been made public.
Jurors were told Peterson had a mistress, Amber Frey (pictured with Peterson) and that he was dreading becoming a father
Peterson's mistress, Amber Frey, did not know he was married when the two began dating
At trial, it emerged that Peterson had a masseuse mistress named Amber Frey who had no idea he was married.
Prosecutors told the court Peterson wanted to escape married life and did not want the responsibility of becoming a father.
He argued he killed her at their Modesto home before dumping dumped her body - and that of the baby she was carrying - from his boat.
He was found guilty of the first degree murder of his wife and the second degree murder of their unborn child.
Some of Peterson's family have echoed his claims of innocence. However his own sister branded him a 'sociopath'.
'I don't know why he did this,' she said in an interview with Dr Oz. 'Laci was the sweetest, kindest person, so I just don't understand it.'
'We miss her all the time. We've been robbed of her presence.
'His upbringing... I don't know if it had something to do with it. I'm not a doctor but I believe in sociopathy and I believe he's a sociopath.'
A spokeswoman for the LA Innocence Project said: 'The Los Angeles Innocence Project (LAIP) represents Scott Peterson and is investigating his claim of actual innocence. We have no further comment at this time.'
But Netanyahu accused his 'American friends' of trying to 'coerce' them and said 'we will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory'
The US has called on Israel to scale back their bombardment and begin plans for the post-war landscape
The relationship between the US and Israel is growing more strained as they clash over key policy demands
The rift between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu deepened on Thursday as the Israeli Prime Minister accused the US of trying to 'coerce' Israel.
In an interview on national TV, Netanyahu rejected US calls to scale back Israels military offensive in the Gaza Strip and take steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war.
Netanyahu accused the US of trying to 'coerce' Israel into a situation which would 'endanger' the country and said 'we will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory'.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby immediately responded, saying: 'We obviously see it differently.'
The Biden administration is desperately seeking to distance itself from the conflict ahead of this year's general election amid growing disquiet among voters over the Palestinian death toll - which Hamas claims has hit almost 25,000.
A Palestinian woman flashes a V-sign towards Israeli troops during an army raid in the Tulkarem refugee camp, West Bank, on Wednesday
Netanyahu rejected US suggestions to scale back bombardment and for a two state solution
Netanyahu spoke just a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel would never have 'genuine security' without a pathway toward Palestinian independence.
Earlier this week, the White House also announced that it was the 'right time' for Israel to lower the intensity of its devastating military offensive in Gaza.
But in a nationally televised news conference, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, repeatedly saying that Israel would not halt its offensive until it realizes its goals of destroying Gazas Hamas militant group and bringing home all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
He rejected claims by a growing chorus of Israeli critics that those goals are not achievable, vowing to press ahead for many months.
He said: 'We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory.'
Israel launched its offensive after an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage.
Roughly 130 hostages are believed by Israel to remain in Hamas captivity. The war has stoked tensions across the region, threatening to ignite other conflicts.
Israel's assault, one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, has killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, caused widespread destruction and uprooted over 80% of the territorys 2.3 million people from their homes.
The cost of the war has led to increasing calls from the international community to halt the offensive.
The rift between Israel and the US have deepened in recent weeks as they clash over key policies
Israeli army tank moves near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, Thursday, Jan. 18
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel
After initially giving Israel wall-to-wall support in the early days of the war, the United States, Israels closest ally, has begun to express misgivings and urged Netanyahu to spell out his vision for postwar Gaza.
The United States has said the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which governs semi-autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, should be "revitalized" and return to Gaza. Hamas ousted the authority from Gaza in 2007.
The U.S. has also called for steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Palestinians seek Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem for their state. Those areas were captured by Israel in 1967.
Speaking Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Blinken said the two-state solution was the best way to protect Israel, unify moderate Arab countries and isolate Israels arch-enemy, Iran.
Without a "pathway to a Palestinian state," he said, Israel would not "get genuine security."
Israeli forces move near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, Thursday
Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Thursday
At the same conference, Saudi Arabias foreign minister said the kingdom is ready to establish full relations with Israel as part of a larger political agreement. "But that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians, through a Palestinian state," he said.
Netanyahu, who leads a far-right government opposed to Palestinian statehood, repeated his longstanding opposition to a two-state solution. He said a Palestinian state would become a launching pad for attacks on Israel.
He said Israel "must have security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River," adding: "That collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can we do?"
"This truth I tell to our American friends, and I put the brakes on the attempt to coerce us to a reality that would endanger the state of Israel," he said.
The comments prompted an immediate rebuke from the White House. Kirby said that President Joe Biden would "not stop working" toward a two-state solution.
Netanyahus opponents accuse him of delaying any discussion of postwar scenarios to avoid looming investigations of governmental failures, keep his coalition intact and put off elections. Polls show that the popularity of Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges, has plummeted during the war.
Two months after thousands of New Yorkers came out to support a small Upper East Side cafe after its staff abruptly quit over the owner's pro-Israel stance, Cafe Aronne has once again filled its seats.
This time, it hosted an exclusive after-hours invite-only event, with prominent Jewish influencers, rappers and community leaders - all united by their unwavering support for Israel.
The exclusive event, named 'Light in the Darkness,' was held Wednesday evening at Cafe Aronne - which has become a hub for pro-Israel New Yorkers and a 'symbol of Jewish resilience.' It brought together nearly 100 carefully selected individuals.
Hosted by Doreen Benyamin, the event featured a special guest performances by Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz and violinist Ada Pasternak. Columbia Business School professor Shai Davidai, plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky, and influencers known as Hot Jewish podcast and Neurotic Jewish Gay also made appearances.
The event's sole purpose was to create an uplifting atmosphere for those advocating and speaking up for Israel, according to Benyamin, founder and host of the 'Before You Take the LSAT' podcast.
Hosted by Doreen Benyamin, the event featured a special guest performances by Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz
The event's sole purpose was to create an uplifting atmosphere for those advocating and speaking up for Israel, according to Benyamin (pictured), founder and host of the 'Before You Take the LSAT' podcast
Columbia Business School professor Shai Davidai (left) plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky (right), and influencers known as Hot Jewish podcast and Neurotic Jewish Gay also made appearances
Israeli-American Rapper Kosha Dillz, now using his social media to promote peace and elevate survivor stories, performed his song 'Bring the Family Home,' written days after the devastating Hamas attack as a plea to bring home hostages.
The cafe, a place where Dillz, along with Michael Rappaport and Benyamin all gather, is where the idea to host the event came to fruition, Dillz said.
Israeli-American professor Shai Davidai, known for criticizing Columbia University employers regarding pro-terror student groups, and Dr. Ira Savetsky, a plastic surgeon offering complimentary services to victims of hate crimes or the Hamas attack, also made appearances.
'Cafe Aronne has become a symbol of Jewish resilience here in NYC. I often refer to it as the Jewish command center and take many of my meetings there,' Savetsky said. 'It has been a place for Jews all over the city to gather and see familiar faces, which has helped so many people during this dark time in our history.'
Dillz, who performed at the event completely free of charge, said he would do anything he could to be a source of light to the families of hostages.
'The theme was spreading positive light,' he said to Dailymail.com. 'Today is the one year birthday of the Kfir, the 1-year-old red head baby held hostage by Hamas. I think people are in a consistent state of sadness - and It's extremely exhausting.'
The exclusive event, named 'Light in the Darkness,' was held Wednesday evening at Cafe Aronne - which has become a hub for pro-Israel New Yorkers and a symbol of Jewish resilience. It brought together nearly 100 carefully selected individuals
Ada Pasternak, a singer/songwriter and violinist performed at the event
Event organizer Doreen Benyamin and singer/songwriter and violinist Ada Pasternak pose for a photo Wednesday evening at Cafe Aronne
He emphasized the need for morale builders like comedy and music.
'We need morale builders - something to take you out of the realities of life - and that is what comedy and music does.'
The rapper joined the thousands marching in DC back in November, armed with a camera and a microphone, and went viral when he exposed how little pro-Palestinian demonstrators actually knew about the conflict they were protesting.
'There will be more of these events where we all just linking up where we can connect and exchange ideas with all types of like-minded people,' he added.
The event's theme focused on spreading positive light, addressing the consistent state of sadness following the conflict.
'I wanted to focus on feeling,' Benyamin said to DailyMail.com. 'My goal was that people would come to the event and feel uplifted.'
'I hope more people are able to lean in to find the light in the darkness,' she said. 'I really hope more people are able to lean into the feeling of unity that a lot of us are feeling right now.'
The evening aimed to bring like-minded people together without a specific purpose, promoting Jewish pride and unity.
Organizer Doreen Benyamin, coordinating with Kosha Dillz and cafe owner Aaron Dahan, aimed to create a welcoming space for Israel supporters, vetting attendees who individually took action to support Israel.
Caffe Aronne owner Aaron Dahan gained close to $50K in donations, served 15K customers in a single day, and rapidly expanded the business's Instagram following to 10K in just one day, following a walkout by his staff due to his support for Israel back in November
There were lines down the block and around the corner of customers waiting to order their coffee as a show of support
Friends, family and community members came out to support Caffe Aronne after his baristas quit on him due to his pro-Israel views
The goal was to evoke positive feelings and a sense of unity among attendees.
'Just a few months ago, Cafe Aronne was almost forced to close after many of its baristas and workers suddenly quit due to their cafe's openly pro-Israel stance, Savetsky said. 'It was amazing to see the community come together to not only keep the cafe open but also make it thrive.'
Savetsky, married to former Real Housewives star Lizzy Savetsky, experienced the October 7 Hamas attack in Jerusalem with his family, running in and out of bomb shelters.
Savetsky offered his services - including rhinoplasty costing upwards of $20,000 - completely complimentary to victims of hate crimes or the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.
'Last night at Cafe Aronne, I attended an event for Jewish Pride & Unity. There was no better venue to have this event,' Savetsky added. 'It was a night filled with delicious food, amazing musical performances by Koshadillz and Ada Pasternak, and of course, tasty drinks.'
'Most importantly, Jews from all over NYC gathered together to help lift each other's spirits, meet like-minded people, in a place that symbolizes Jewish unity.'
Based on the feedback Benyamin has received since the event, that's exactly what she accomplished.
'It's about Jewish pride and unity,' Benyamin said. 'There's so many places where we don't feel welcome - I wanted to make an event where people were invited because they supported Israel and celebrate that - with no other motive.'
Benyamin vetted each and every attendee prior to the event, to make an effort to include people who each individually took action to fiercely support Israel.
Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz let others do the talking when he took his microphone to a pro-Palestine demonstration in Washington DC
Hamas are a 'political organization' rather than a terror group one marcher told him, while another suggested 'the biggest terrorist organization is the United States of America's military'
New York City based plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky is offering his services - including rhinoplasty costing upwards of $20,000 - completely complimentary to individuals who are victims of hate crimes or the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7
In November, Cafe Aronne owner Aaron Dahan received close to $50,000 in donations, served 15,000 customers in a single day, and rapidly expanded its following after a walkout by his staff due to his support for Israel.
Dahan, 25, served a continuous line of customers reaching around the corner of Caffe Aronne for two straight days, and stayed open until midnight - far past closing hours - after at least five baristas resigned when he addressed the 'Free Palestine' pins they wore to work.
Amidst the scene of supporters, Dahan split his time between taking out the trash, accepting generous donations from community members, and expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and strangers who rallied to help the cafe cope with the extra workload.
The community's strength was on full display as dozens of volunteers, many of whom had personal connections to the war, joined in to offer their assistance.
David Cameron yesterday warned against a 1930s-style appeasement of Vladimir Putin as pressure builds to seize frozen Russian assets.
The Foreign Secretary told a breakfast meeting of world leaders in Davos that Ukraine's war against its invaders was 'the struggle of our generation'.
And he nodded when Polish foreign minister Radek Sikorski criticised 'pocket Chamberlains' who want Ukraine to give up territory in a negotiation.
Neville Chamberlain infamously claimed to have secured 'peace in our time' as prime minister by agreeing to the German annexation of part of Czechoslovakia in 1938.
Lord Cameron said: 'To us, this is the struggle of our generation. This is like being a foreign minister or prime minister in the 1930s and fighting that aggression. And what we know from that is if you appease aggression, you get more of it.
David Cameron yesterday warned against a 1930s-style appeasement of Vladimir Putin as pressure builds to seize frozen Russian assets
The Foreign Secretary told a breakfast meeting of world leaders in Davos that Ukraine 's war against its invaders was 'the struggle of our generation'
'That's why I'm very proud that Britain was the first to provide anti-tank weapons, the first revised tanks, the first to provide long-range artillery ... we are right behind the Ukrainians in this struggle, for as long as it takes. My Prime Minister was there last weekend, and announcing the 2.5billion of British support for next year.'
Lord Cameron used a separate event in the Swiss retreat to step up pressure for an agreement to seize hundreds of billions of pounds of Russian assets held in Western countries and use them to rebuild the shattered Ukrainian economy.
The Tory former PM said: 'Russia is going to have to pay reparations for its illegal invasion, so why not spend some of the money now, rather than wait till the war is over and have all the legal wrangling about reparations.'
Keir Starmer has claimed he never believed Jeremy Corbyn would be prime minister, despite tirelessly campaigning for years to put him in No 10.
The Labour leader, 61, who served in Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet from 2016 until 2020, has insisted he only did so out of a 'responsibility' to thwart Boris Johnson's Brexit plans.
As shadow secretary of state for exiting the EU, he felt he had to 'play a full part' in what was going to happen next with Brussels.
But in an ITV documentary which aired last night, Sir Keir said he did not think Labour was 'in a position to win the last election', despite coming close in 2017.
'I didn't, obviously, vote for Jeremy Corbyn in 2015 or 2016. On the contrary, I resigned [as shadow immigration minister, in protest of the leadership],' he said. 'I thought that once the 2016 Brexit referendum had happened, what then followed in the next few years was going to be felt for generations. And that it was my responsibility to play a full part in that.'
Keir Starmer has claimed he never believed Jeremy Corbyn would be prime minister, despite tirelessly campaigning for years to put him in No 10
The Labour leader, 61, who served in Mr Corbyn's shadow cabinet from 2016 until 2020, has insisted he only did so out of a 'responsibility' to thwart Boris Johnson's Brexit plans
But in an ITV documentary which aired last night, Sir Keir said he did not think Labour was 'in a position to win the last election', despite coming close in 2017
During the 2019 election campaign, Sir Keir said Mr Corbyn 'would make a great prime minister', and upon winning the Labour leadership, called him 'a friend as well as a colleague'.
Rebecca Long-Bailey, who served in the shadow cabinet with Sir Keir, said: 'All of us were campaigning to win. As far as I saw on the ground, Keir was campaigning as hard as the rest of us.'
Jack Lopresti, deputy Tory party chairman, said: 'Same old Starmer, he'll say or do anything when the politics suit him. Sir Keir is trying to erase history, but the public has long memories and won't forget that he wanted Corbyn in No 10.
'Starmer can't make the difficult decisions this country needs if he can't even be honest about his own past.'
The Labour leader has made an effort to distance himself from his predecessor. In April he denied he was ever a friend of Mr Corbyn. He told LBC: 'I worked with him as a colleague. I haven't spoken to him now for two-and-a-half years.'
Sir Keir has ruled out Mr Corbyn campaigning under a Labour banner, meaning the Islington North MP will have to stand against Labour at the next election if he wants to remain in Parliament.
Tory chairman Richard Holden said: 'It's extraordinary that Sir Keir campaigned twice to put Jeremy Corbyn, a man who called terrorist groups 'friends', into 10 Downing Street, just so he could force a second Brexit referendum.'
Mervyn Yan and Rob Walker, Eric Schwerin and Joey Langston and Tony Bobulinski will also testify in coming weeks
Mervyn Yan and Rob Walker, Eric Schwerin and Joey Langston and Tony Bobulinski will also testify in coming weeks
In exchange, they are holding off the contempt of Congress contempt vote
In exchange, they are holding off the contempt of Congress contempt vote
Republicans announced that Hunter Biden will appear for a closed-door deposition on February 28 after weeks of drama as the GOP impeachment probe into Joe Biden picks up steam.
Staff for the committees and lawyers for Hunter Biden were working to schedule his appearance after he defied a congressional subpoena last month in a spectacular PR 'stunt' on the Hill.
'Hunter Biden will appear before our committees for a deposition on February 28, 2024. His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates. We look forward to Hunter Biden's testimony,' announced Chairmen James Comer and Jim Jordan.
Earlier this week, they postponed indefinitely a procedural vote to advance a Hunter contempt of Congress charge for president's troubled son, 53, as negotiations for his closed-door deposition continued.
The top Republicans also announced that several Biden families members and close associates will testifying in coming weeks including: Mervyn Yan and Rob Walker, Eric Schwerin and Joey Langston and Tony Bobulinski.
Top Republicans were preparing to issue a second round of subpoenas to Hunter Biden to compel him back to Capitol Hill for a closed-door deposition
The back-and-forth between top Republicans James Comer and Jim Jordan with Hunter's attorney Abbe Lowell comes after his shock made-for-TV appearance on Capitol Hill in blatant defiance of their subpoena last week
House GOP Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., had previously announce a contempt vote would take place this week - but it has now been postponed
The committees say they are 'continuing to work' with Joe's brother James Biden to schedule his sit-down.
Hunter defied a subpoena last month requiring him to sit for a closed-door deposition as part of the GOP impeachment investigation into whether President Joe Biden was connected to or profited from his son's shady business deals.
Instead of showing up for his required testimony, Hunter appeared outside of the Capitol to deliver a dramatic tirade slamming 'shameless' Republicans, while saying he'd only testify in a public forum.
Weeks later, during a hearing marking up his contempt of Congress charge, Hunter arrived on Capitol Hill in a shock made-for-TV appearance in blatant defiance of their subpoenas.
The president's son staged the spectacular stunt and sat and listened as GOP Rep. Nancy Mace said he 'had no b***s' and 'should be in jail' for refusing to sit for a deposition behind closed doors.
About 17 minutes later he got up and walked out as Marjorie Taylor Greene started to question him over his business deals and the ongoing impeachment probe into his father Joe.
He was hit with a flurry of questions by reporters after he stormed out - including being asked 'what kind' of crack he smokes and why he put his father Joe on speakerphone over 20 times to speak with his business pals.
Comer & Jordan Statement on Hunter Biden Deposition
Hunter Biden will appear before our committees for a deposition on February 28, 2024. His deposition will come after several interviews with Biden family members and associates. We look forward to Hunter Bidens testimony. Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) January 18, 2024
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise. Scalise is currently battling cancer
Floor Vote Announcement: Next week the House will vote to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for repeatedly defying subpoenas.
Enough of his stunts. He doesn't get to play by a different set of rules. He's not above the law. Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 12, 2024
Hunter caused a circus as cameras and reporters swarmed him for the very brief appearance amid the scandal over his shady foreign business deals.
Last week it was revealed Hunter is filming a top-secret documentary to set the record straight about his battle with addiction to crack cocaine and his financial woes.
Republicans started ripping Hunter for the 'made-for-TV publicity stunt.'
Hunter walked into the committee hearing room with his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris and sat down in the first row
Hunter Biden showed up on Capitol Hill at the start of a markup to hold him in contempt of Congress
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., wrote on X: 'The Congressional subpoena served to Hunter Biden was for a closed-door deposition, not a made-for-TV publicity stunt. These terms are not negotiable.'
GOP Whip Tom Emmer said 'another day, another ridiculous PR stunt by Hunter Biden.'
'If this is the Biden family's strategy to distract the American people from their disturbing pattern of corruption, it's a pointless one.'
Hunter walked into the committee hearing room with his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris and sat down in the first row, silently taking in the chaos that then unfolded in front of him as lawmakers grappled with the remarkable turn of events.
The top Democrat on the committee Jamie Raskin appeared to be aware that the president's son was going to disturb proceedings with his shock entry.
'Who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today?' asked Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. 'You are the epitome of white privilege coming into the Oversight Committee spitting in our face, ignoring a congressional subpoena to be deposed.'
'You have no b***s to come up here,' she spewed. 'I think Hunter Biden should be arrested right here and right now,' Mace continued. 'I'm looking at you!'
'I believe that Hunter Biden should be held completely in contempt. I believe he should be hauled off to jail right now!' the fired up Republican congresswoman remarked.
Democrat Jared Moskowitz - who also seemed to be aware of the stunt - asked for a show of hands from the lawmakers on who wanted to hear from Hunter, since he was in front of them.
He put Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., on the spot, daring him to question Hunter since he came to the public hearing, and threatened to make the contempt vote 'bipartisan.'
'Listen, I'll make this bipartisan. I'll vote for the Hunter contempt today. You can get my vote. You can get my vote but I want you to show the American people that you're serious.' Moskowitz taunted before submitting subpoenas for Republicans who didn't comply with the January 6 Committee's requests for testimony.
Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, departed a House Oversight Committee meeting at Capitol Hill
Hunter walked into the committee hearing room with his attorneys Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris and sat down in the first row, silently taking in the chaos that then unfolded in front of him as lawmakers grappled with the remarkable turn of events
Hunter then stormed out of the hearing room following Moskowitz's remarks, immediately after Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., started speaking, less than 30 minutes into the hearing.
'I think it's clear and obvious for everyone watching this hearing today that Hunter Biden is terrified of strong conservative Republican women because he can't even face my words as I was about to speak to him,' said Greene.
'What a coward,' she exclaimed.
Republicans say that his 'obstruction' of their impeachment investigation has forced them to take the president's son to court to compel his cooperation - or he will face up to a year in jail.
Prince Harry may have heard about King Charles's illness from the media rather than being informed by the Palace itself.
The Duke of Sussex was reportedly informed about his father's prostate diagnosis in a message from Buckingham Palace but is thought to have seen it reported in the media beforehand, according to The Telegraph.
Harry has so far remained silent over the news of Charles's health scare, which was publicly announced in the UK at 3.25pm on Wednesday, which would have been 7.25am in California, where the Duke lives.
Kensington Palace said at 2pm on Wednesday that the Princess of Wales was being treated in hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
It comes as Harry is set to be inducted as a 'Living Legend of Aviation' on Friday at an awards ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California.
The duke's work setting up the Invictus Games Foundation will also be celebrated. It is not clear if Harry or wife Meghan will attend the glitzy awards do.
Prince Harry (pictured on Tuesday) may have heard about King Charles's illness from the media rather than being informed by the Palace himself
King Charles and Queen Camilla at church in Sandringham on Christmas Day last month
William, Kate, Harry and Meghan attend the Commonwealth Day Service in 2020. Harry has not spoken out about his sister-in-law's health scare
Both the palace and a spokesman for the Sussexes have declined to comment on Harry's silence over his relatives' health problems.
However, it is understood that neither side is keen to inflame tensions within the firm, which has been rocked by a series of dramas in recent months.
The latest development echoes the breakdown of communications when Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022.
Harry discovered the news of his grandmother's death through a news alert while he was mid-air heading to Scotland, when the first public announcement was made.
The Princess of Wales will spend a third night in hospital after major abdominal surgery as William, her parents and siblings cleared their diaries to support her recovery and care for George, Charlotte and Louis.
Kate is said to be 'doing well' as she recovers following the procedure at the London Clinic in Marylebone, revealed on the same day Charles announced he was taking a short break for treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Prince William, 41, has postponed engagements to spend time by Kate's bedside, as well as supporting their three young children back at Windsor.
William wants to continue doing the school run in an effort to create as much normality as he can for Prince George, ten, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, while their mother is in hospital.
He will also have the help of their nanny, Maria, and Kate's family, particularly her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, who are hands-on grandparents used to having the children for sleepovers.
Kate's parents and siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton are helping to support her recovery at her home in Windsor.
Kate, Charlotte, George, William and Louis at the Sandringham Christmas Day 2023 service. William is taking time off to support his wife and care for their children
Kate's parents Carole and Michael and sister and brother in law Pippa and James (all pictured at Westminster Abbey in December) are at the heart of the Middleton's support network for her and her children
A police officer stands outside the London Clinic where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
The nature of Kate's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancer-related.
It comes after Prince William visited his wife Kate in hospital today.
The heir to the throne was spotted leaving The London Clinic behind the wheel of a 139,000 electric Audi E-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, followed by royal bodyguards in a Range Rover.
It came as it emerged King Charles will be in hospital next week for a procedure on his enlarged prostate. Speaking in Aberdeen today Queen Camilla said: 'He's fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.'
The Prince of Wales was seen departing the private London Clinic in Marylebone at around 12.35pm on Thursday. His wife could spend up to two weeks there recuperating and he spent the morning with her before heading back to Windsor.
With Prince William also taking leave to care for his wife and children, the so-called 'big three' royals will be away from duties over the coming weeks with experts saying that with Harry and Meghan in the US, and Andrew in the cold, there is only Princess Anne and her brother Prince Edward to call on.
William drove a new electric Audi to be with his wife Kate in a private London hospital this morning. She will be there for up to a fortnight
Prince William, Prince of Wales, drives himself away from the London Clinic in London where his wife Kate, Princess of Wales, underwent abdominal surgery
The Prince of Wales has cleared his diary of duties to support his wife and children
Queen Camilla opens the new 'Safe Space' during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery today. The Queen has said the King is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate
Police outside the London Clinic today, where Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, is hospitalised for abdominal surgery
READ MORE: Camilla says King Charles is 'fine' and 'looking forward to getting back to work' after his prostate procedure next week The monarch's wife is the first senior working royal to carry out official duties and she spoke on official duties in Scotland. She's seen in November Advertisement
Kate is not expected to return to public events until after Easter, and her husband will combine being by his wife's and children's side throughout.
Any royal tours William and Kate had in the diary for the coming months will also no longer take place amid speculation they would visit Italy together in March.
The nature of the princess's condition has not been revealed although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
It is serious enough, however, for heir to the throne William to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath while she recuperates, devoting his time to his family.
The Royal Family's 'big three' are out of action because Buckingham Palace also revealed yesterday that King Charles III will attend hospital next week to be treated with a 'corrective procedure' for an enlarged prostate.
The Princess of Wales was sent a get well message by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
The charity, of which Kate is patron, wrote on X: 'Everyone at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) sends their very best wishes to our wonderful patron, HRH The Princess of Wales.
'We are all thinking of you and wish you a speedy recovery.'
Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales has had abdominal surgery
Charles attends a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham on January 7
The statement about Charles' health released by Buckingham Palace
The two health updates on senior royals came within 90 minutes of each other, with Kensington Palace coming first at 2pm then Buckingham Palace followed at 3.30pm.
READ MORE: The royal doctor looking after King Charles who claims Christian healers may be able to help the chronically ill (and is a fan of devil's claw and horny goat weed) Dr Michael Dixon pictured with the then-Prince of Wales at the opening of the Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Devon in 2008 Advertisement
She was not rushed for hospital and her condition was not something that developed over the weekend, according to reports.
The Prince will also postpone a number of engagements as he supports his family, and will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
He will also do no official duties during the immediate period after Kate's return home. Royal aides will provide a revised schedule for William in due course.
It is unclear what the exact nature of the surgery, with The Palace unwilling to reveal any details in respect of Kate's 'medical privacy'. However it did not rule out the prospect that she may choose to speak publicly about it herself in the future.
Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams told The Sun: 'This might be something that has been bothering her for her whole life which she has not got round to resolving, or an issue that has come to light more recently.
'Two weeks in hospital is longer than we would normally expect, but she doesn't have a normal life. She's the future queen so the doctors will be erring on the side of caution.
'We all hope it is something minor and the surgery is straightforward, but precaution is wise. With anything medical you can never be completely certain how things will go.
'The most important thing is that she gets enough recovery time and it's not too stressful for her and her family.'
Kate arrives for the royal carol concert at Westminster Abbey on December 8 last year
Kate with her family at the Westminster Abbey carol concert on December 8 last year
Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told The Express: 'For abdominal surgery, most people stay in the hospital for four to seven days. After laparoscopic surgery [a type of keyhole surgery], this is reduced to two to four days.
READ MORE King Charles will go to hospital next week to be treated for an enlarged prostate, Buckingham Palace announces - forcing his public engagements to be postponed Advertisement
'It very much depends on what exactly has been done. If a patient needs to go to ITU, it's likely their hospital stay would be considerably longer.
'It can take two months or more for the patient to feel comfortable and be able to move around normally afterwards.'
Neither William nor Kate will travel internationally over the coming months.
William and Kate were said to have been planning a high-profile visit to Rome this spring as part of a European charm offensive, but this is now in doubt. Another scheduled foreign military engagement could be affected.
Kate will almost certainly be forced to miss a number of high-profile events she might otherwise been expected to attend.
She and William have regularly turned up for the Baftas, the biggest night in British cinema, held in central London this month, but this would be too soon for the recovering princess.
She is also likely to miss out on a long-standing royal tradition in March handing out shamrocks to the Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day in her role as the regiment's honorary colonel.
The annual Commonwealth Day Service, also held in March, is likely to have to go ahead without her. The princess, patron of English rugby, is also unlikely to be well enough to attend the Guinness Six Nations, which kicks off next month.
Kate attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London last November
Police officers stand outside The London Clinic where Kate is staying after surgery
The Princess marked her birthday just over a week ago, with the monarchy's official social media accounts sharing a new behind-the-scenes photo of the princess at the King's coronation.
Kate usually enjoys good health but was previously admitted to hospital while pregnant after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness.
A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic for planned abdominal surgery.
'The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
'The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
'Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share.
'The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
'She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.'
Royal expert Phil Dampier said: 'Wishing the Princess of Wales a speedy recovery after abdominal surgery. We don't know the details but clearly this was serious as she will be in hospital for a fortnight and needs up to three months to recover.'
And the Queen's former press secretary Dickie Arbiter said on X: 'I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing HRH a speedy recovery.'
Like the rest of the royal family, Kate has had a busy, turbulent past couple of years, with the Platinum Jubilee and the late Queen's death in 2022, and the coronation in 2023, as well as adjusting to her new role as the Princess of Wales.
Kate was admitted to The London Clinic (pictured) for planned abdominal surgery
The Waleses also faced the ongoing rift between William and his brother the Duke of Sussex, with Harry making controversial claims about Charles, Camilla, William and Kate in his Netflix documentary and memoir Spare.
William's former university flatmate has carefully carved out her charity work since marrying the prince in 2011 and becoming an HRH, focusing on mental health and early childhood.
Seen as the monarchy's safe pair of hands and as having a 'keep calm and carry on' approach, Kate has been heralded as channelling the same characteristics of charm, politeness and toughness as the late Queen Mother, who was once described as 'a marshmallow made on a welding machine'.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was private secretary to the Cambridges and the Duke of Sussex, and used to work for the Queen Mother, told The Times: 'She takes time to talk to people. She is tough.
'She has got that Queen Mother feel in her, so that when things need doing, she is there to do them.'
The London Clinic, based on the corner of Devonshire Place and Marylebone Road in central London, is the UK's largest independent private hospital.
The clinic first opened its doors in 1932 and its previous patients include Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, actress Elizabeth Taylor and US president John F Kennedy.
It is the Princess of Wales's fourth day in hospital and three days after her surgery so I hope she's feeling well enough to choose between the salt and pepper squid with aioli, the steamed ginger and soy seabass, and the cep and wild mushroom risotto, perhaps with a side of truffle fries, or more likely a 'Harley Street Blossom', a smoothie of coconut water, mango, kale and mint.
Those, at least, were some of the choices on the menu at The London Clinic when I spent five nights there, also having abdominal surgery, in 2021.
The food, created by executive head chef Paul O'Brien and all served on silver trolleys, positively spoils you, and frankly I'd go back just for that.
No one wants to be in hospital away from their family, but many of us especially mothers of small children would say hand-rolled tortellini and a glass of wine in bed, cooked and served by someone else, does tend to make it more bearable.
I was in for groundbreaking surgery to repair a fourth degree tear (the worst you can get) I'd sustained giving birth to my daughter, my first and only child, in an NHS hospital a year before.
It is the Princess of Wales's fourth day in hospital and three days after her surgery so I hope she's feeling well enough to choose between the salt and pepper squid with aioli, the steamed ginger and soy seabass, and the cep and wild mushroom risotto
Dimple Mistry was also admitted to The London Clinic in May 2021 for five nights after surgery
Police officers stand guard outside The London Clinic where Kate, Princess of Wales is recovering from surgery
I had insurance through my work as a video editor, and my consultant suggested The London Clinic, where she could call on the services of a specialist abdominal surgeon.
With seven main operating theatres and three additional theatres, it's a hospital used by private surgeons in all sorts of specialities.
It is also the go-to hospital for the royals. Prince Philip spent his 92nd birthday in the clinic in 2013 while recovering from an exploratory abdominal operation and Princess Margaret had a skin lesion removed there in 1980.
Political and acting royalty have also been patients President Kennedy was diagnosed with Addison's disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands, at the Clinic in 1947 and Elizabeth Taylor had a knee operation in 1963. Prime Minister Anthony Eden had his gall bladder removed there in 1953 when he was Foreign Secretary, and our current Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron was born there.
Alarmingly, the last Care Quality Commission report published in December 2021 rated the clinic's surgery department as 'requiring improvement', citing a particular concern with leadership, but I couldn't fault my own experience. (Overall the hospital, which opened its doors in 1932 and hosts a leading cancer centre opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, is rated 'Good'.)
My operation lasted five hours. It was distressing and gruelling and though I think of myself as pretty independent, what I needed in the aftermath was sympathy and attention on tap. The London Clinic made me feel like a patient to be cared for, rather than a number on a medical record at the end of my bed. Unlike the soft-furnished, wood-panelled King Edward VII, where Kate spent three nights with the extreme morning sickness condition hyperemesis gravidarum while pregnant with George in 2012, The London Clinic looks like any other modern, well-scrubbed hospital.
Breakfast saw a choice of the usual cereal and toast, but unlike the NHS I could also have chosen from a range of pastries, hot breakfast items - which included omelettes and pancakes - and even avocado on toast
The food, created by executive head chef Paul O'Brien and all served on silver trolleys, positively spoils you, and frankly I'd go back just for that
Kate will surely enjoy the privacy, which feels impenetrable. I'm not sure I heard another patient in my five nights there, and I certainly didn't see one
Rooms on the surgical floor have wardrobes and desks and the toiletries in the bathrooms are from hotel favourite Molton Brown, but it's not quite the Ritz. What it is, however, is peaceful.
Kate will surely enjoy the privacy, which feels impenetrable. I'm not sure I heard another patient in my five nights there, and I certainly didn't see one.
As a planned surgical case rather than an outpatient, you are wafted or wheeled from reception to your room and vice versa, only seeing those directly involved with your admission. Yes, you are allowed to walk around the hospital if you want to though Covid rules when I was there put paid to exploration, had I been able to walk but I was happy to stay in my own pampered bubble.
I played with the bedside controls that allowed me to change the temperature in the room, light up the stars embedded in the ceiling, and open and close the blinds on Marylebone, London's historic medical district.
There's a concierge service which can help arrange travel and theatre shows, even restaurants. Personally, I got very used to cake that accompanied the room service afternoon tea.
More seriously, what I found at The London Clinic was an attention to my pain levels that I honestly believe the NHS could learn from.
I've had several surgeries within the state system and, in my experience, the wait for pain medication when the last lot has worn off is often traumatic. Here, I was kept topped up all the time. Nurses frequently appeared to ask me about my pain and to give me what I asked for. No one narrowed her eyes at me and told me I would have to wait.
We don't know what surgery the Princess of Wales has had at the Clinic, but I imagine she will need the same sort of rigorous, effective pain management that I had.
That, combined with the ability to sleep no noisy patients within earshot, no sweltering temperatures on a brightly lit ward is why people pay the roughly 1,000 a night it costs. If only the NHS had the resources to offer the same environment.
People have accused me of being shallow for appreciating the more trivial elements of my stay at The London Clinic the avocado on toast for breakfast, the fragrant toiletries, the fact a nurse offered to wash my hair for me but in fact it's those touches that humanise the experience and reinstate the dignity that is so easily lost in hospital.
Every nurse I encountered introduced themselves by name, told me what they were going to do to me and why, and asked if it hurt when they did it. Not once was I left alone when I violently threw up in my room after the operation. On one occasion, a nurse couldn't find a vein to take blood, and instead of poking and prodding me, immediately sent for a more senior colleague to help.
This matters. As perhaps the Princess of Wales has discovered, when you have major surgery at a relatively young age I was 33; she is 42 it's not only physically challenging but comes as a psychological shock too.
The good health you took for granted suddenly seems horribly fragile.
In my case the birth injury was profoundly distressing, leaving me with long-lasting consequences and a stoma that couldn't be reversed for months. What you need is calm, unharried medical staff, who treat you like a person rather than a set of symptoms or something they don't really have time for.
Of course, you'll find the same kind of care within the NHS too, but not, in my fairly extensive experience, very often.
So let's hope Kate is sufficiently recovered to enjoy the same five-star treatment. I look back on my stay not exactly with fondness but with relief and gratitude. And I'm sure The London Clinic's doctors and nurses are working around the clock to ensure she will feel the same way about hers.
A woman who posed as a man to dupe a short-sighted teenage girl into being kissed appeared in court today accused of breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
Georgia Bilham, now 22, pretended to be a young man called George Parry whenever the pair met, keeping her hood up to hide her long blonde hair even when they slept together.
Last year she was seen grinning as she walked free from court after being found guilty of one sexual assault by kissing but cleared of 16 other offences which carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Bilham was later order to carry out unpaid work by a judge who said she had mounted a 'carefully crafted deception' to 'take advantage' of her victim's 'naivety'.
As part of her sentencing, the former hotel housekeeper was ordered to abide by a five-year order designed to protect the public from sexual harm.
But today she was back in court accused of breaching its terms by deleting the internet browsing history on her mobile phone.
Georgia Bilham, now 22, pretended to be a young man called George Parry whenever the pair met, keeping her hood up to hide her long blonde hair even when they slept together. Pictured: Bilham outside Crewe magistrates court today
Today Georgia Bilham was back in court (pictured) accused of breaching its terms by deleting the internet browsing history on her mobile phone
Bilham, dressed in a black padded jacket, black cargo pants and Burberry-print trainers, today pleaded not guilty to the allegation at Crewe magistrates court.
Speaking on behalf of his client, her solicitor, Gary Bryan, told magistrates: 'We were not aware our phone was no longer retaining its browsing history. It was inadvertent.'
The court heard the charge carries a maximum punishment of two years' imprisonment under sentencing guidelines.
Last year's trial heard how Bilham contacted her 19-year-old victim using a fake Snapchat profile under the name 'George Parry' and fooled her into believing they were 'in love'.
The businessman's daughter disguised herself by wearing boys' clothes and kept her hood up to hide her long blonde hair, even when the pair were in bed together.
She claimed her bizarre behaviour resulted from being 'paranoid' because of supposed ties to an Albanian drugs gang.
'George' always wore a hood over his head even in bed while with the teenager, who, the court was told, is severely short-sighted.
Bilham said she believed her cover was blown early in the relationship when she crashed her mother's car into a hedge while out for a drive with the teenager on May 11, 2021.
She told jurors she believes a police officer called to the scene revealed her true identity to the complainant after checking her driving licence.
The defendant admitted being caught up in a 'web of lies', but denied getting a 'buzz' out of deceiving the teenager maintaining throughout that she thought the woman she went on to have sex with knew by then that she was also female.
Bilham denied nine sexual assaults and eight counts of assault by penetration, all between May to August 2021.
Last June she was found her guilty of one sexual assault by kissing relating to the night of the crash following a ten-day trial.
She was cleared of the other 16 charges at Chester Crown Court.
In a victim impact statement, the teenage girl said she'd been left 'sick', 'scared' and 'embarrassed' by what happened and 'blamed' herself.
The victim said: 'I thought we were in love but I feel like it was nothing but a joke to Georgia.'
She added that what she found with Bilham 'wasn't love, wasn't normal'.
The victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons - said the realisation that 'George' was really Georgia 'makes my skin crawl'.
'I suffer with panic attacks,' she added.
Last year she was seen grinning as she walked free from court after being found guilty of one sexual assault by kissing but cleared of 16 other offences which carried a maximum sentence of life imprisonment
Georgia Bilham outside Chester Crown Court last August
Bilham today pleaded not guilty to the allegation at Crewe magistrates court (pictured)
'I feel so stupid and disgusted in myself. I don't think I will ever come to terms with what has happened.'
Mitigating for Bilham at her sentencing hearing, Martine Snowdon insisted she was 'not a sexual predator' and characterised the relationship as one of 'emotional support'.
'She has always genuinely regretted this behaviour,' she added.
Sentencing her, Judge Michael Leeming described Bilham's actions as 'a carefully crafted deception in which you created an entirely false persona'.
'You took advantage of the complainant's naivety and she was completely taken in by you,' he added.
He handed her a 24-month community order.
He also imposed a sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order in relation to her victim, who can't be named for legal reasons.
Bilham was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for five years and carry out 150 hours' unpaid work and 35 rehabilitation days.
At today's hearing, chair of the bench Alan Jones declined jurisdiction, citing the 'complexity' of the issues around Bilham's phone.
She was granted unconditional bail to appear at Chester Crown Court next month.
A top defence chief has revealed that NATO forces are bracing for an all-out war with Russia in the next two decades.
Admiral Rob Bauer, the chairman of NATO's Military Committee urged both civilians and governments to prepare for cataclysmic conflicts and the chilling prospect of being conscripted.
'We have to realise it's not a given that we are in peace. And that's why we [NATO forces] have the plans, that's why we are preparing for a conflict with Russia,' Bauer told reporters after a meeting of NATO defence chiefs in Brussels.
'But the discussion is much wider. It is also the industrial base and also the people that have to understand they play a role.'
In a stark warning, he said civilians must be ready for a conflict in the next 20 years that would require wholesale change in their lives.
Bauer said large numbers of civilians will need to be mobilised in case a global war breaks out and governments must make sure their nations are 'war ready'.
'We need public and private actors to change their mindset for an era in which everything was plannable, foreseeable, controllable and focused on efficiency to an era in which anything can happen at any time. An era in which we need to expect the unexpected,' Bauer warned.
Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of the NATO Military Committee, urged both civilians and governments to prepare for conflict and potential conscription
A top defence chief has revealed that NATO forces are bracing for an all-out war with Russia in the next two decades
The comments come as conflict in the Middle East threatens to spread out
The senior Dutch military boss added: 'You need to be able to fall back on an industrial base that is able to produce weapons and ammunition fast enough to be able to continue a conflict if you are in it.'
Adm Bauer also praised Sweden for urging all of its citizens to brace for war ahead of the nation joining NATO. The move has seen a surge in volunteers for Sweden's civil defence organisation.
This comes as NATO is planning to mobilise 90,000 troops in its largest military manoeuvre since the Cold War, with the war games aimed at deterring Vladimir Putin from targeting a member country.
The alliance announced the exercise would begin next week, with the months of drills aimed at showing the alliance can defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia.
The exercises - dubbed 'Steadfast Defender' - will run until late May and involve units from all 31 NATO member countries plus candidate-member Sweden, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, US General Christopher Cavoli, said.
The wargames are meant as a fresh show of strength from NATO and its commitment to defend all allied nations from attack.
'The Alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area by a transatlantic movement of forces from North America,' Cavoli told reporters in Brussels after a two-day meeting of national chiefs of defence.
Bauer said the scale of the exercise was a demonstration of the alliance's new readiness.
'That is a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean, from the US to Europe,' he said.
NATO is planning to mobilise 90,000 troops in its largest military maneuver since the Cold War in a bid to deter Vladimir Putin. Pictured: British soldiers take part in a major drill as part of the EFP NATO operation at the Tapa estonian army camp near Rakvere, on February 6, 2022
It was announced last week the UK would be sending 20,000 troops with the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, eight warships, as well as the RAF's F-35 lightning attack aircraft, which will practice flying in imitated conflict scenarios.
UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps announced the deployment on Monday.
The war games come after UK ministers announced a further 2.5billion support package to Ukraine and the RAF airstrikes, with the US, on the Houthis in Yemen.
According to German newspaper Bild, Germany will send 12,000 soldiers along with 3,000 vehicles and 30 aircraft.
Citing the German Press Agency, Bild said the exercise will simulate a Russian attack on NATO territory, a scenario which would trigger Article 5. The article states that if any NATO country is attacked, all other alliance countries will mobilise to defend it.
Earlier this week, at a meeting of the 31-nation alliance's top brass in Brussels, Adm Bauer, also said that behind Russian president Putin's rationale for the war is a fear of democracy.
Adm Bauer said NATO would continue to support Ukraine long-term.
'Today is the 693rd day of what Russia thought would be a three-day war. Ukraine will have our support for every day that is to come because the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world,' he said.
'This war has never been about any real security threat to Russia coming from either Ukraine or NATO,' Adm Bauer added.
'This war is about Russia fearing something much more powerful than any physical weapon on earth - democracy. If people in Ukraine can have democratic rights, then people in Russia will soon crave them too.'
The largest NATO exercise since the cold war took place in 2018 when around 51,000 troops were involved in 'Trident Juncture 2018' in Norway.
Germany is preparing for Vladimir Putin 's forces to attack NATO in 2025, according to leaked secret plans
Announcement of the NATO exercise comes after it was revealed that Germany is preparing for Putin's forces to attack NATO in 2025.
Secret documents from the German Ministry of Defence reveal a step-by-step doomsday guide on how Russia will escalate the conflict in Ukraine to an all-out war in just 18 months.
The leaked plans, published by Bild, reveal in detail the path to a Third World War with Putin using Belarus as a launching pad for an invasion - as he did in February 2022 for his war in Ukraine.
The release of the terrifying documents come just days after Sweden's civil defence minister warned that his country could soon face the prospect of war and urged citizens to join voluntary defence organisations in preparation for a Russian attack.
Elsewhere tensions have been rising in the Middle East, as Pakistan's air force launched retaliatory airstrikes in Iran yesterday.
Pakistan said its strikes had hit 'terrorist hideouts' in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Iran condemned the attack and claimed the airstrike killed three women, two men and four children who were not Iranian.
This comes after an Iranian missile and drone attack killed two children and injured three others in Balochistan on Tuesday.
President Joe Biden said the clash showed Iran was not 'well-liked' in the region.
A destroyed residential tower in Al Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza Strip pictured yesterday
A Palestinian boy, who fled his house due to Israeli strikes, is pictured sitting on a water bottles at a tent camp in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday
Palestinians are pictured walking along the streets as they fled their homes due to to Israeli strikes yesterday
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry issued a statement justifying the country's actions.
'This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities,' it read.
'This action is a manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.'
However Islamabad also urged talks with 'brotherly neighbour' Iran to solve their differences.
The conflict between the two countries also raises the threat of a full-blown war breaking out in the Middle East - already plagued by Israel's now months-long conflict with Hamas.
Hamas has continued to fight back across Gaza and launch rockets into Israel.
It says it will not release any more hostages until there is a permanent cease-fire, something Israel and the US, its top ally, have ruled out.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have heeded Israeli evacuation orders and packed into southern Gaza, where shelters run by the United Nations are overflowing and massive tent camps have gone up.
Israel has continued to strike what it says are militant targets in all parts of Gaza.
Early Thursday, medics said an Israeli airstrike killed 16 people, half of them children, in the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
Israel blames the high civilian death toll on Hamas because it fights in dense residential areas.
Israel claimed its forces have killed roughly 9,000 militants and that 193 of its own soldiers have been killed since the Gaza ground offensive began.
The rift between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu has deepened as the Israeli Prime Minister accused the US of trying to 'coerce' Israel.
In an interview on national TV, Netanyahu rejected US calls to scale back Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip and take steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state after the war.
Netanyahu accused the US of trying to 'coerce' Israel into a situation which would 'endanger' the country and said 'we will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory'.
The tense back and forth reflected what has become a wide rift between the two allies over the scope of Israel's war and its plans for the future of the territory.
The rift between Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu has deepened as the Israeli Prime Minister accused the US of trying to 'coerce' Israel
Smoke is pictured blowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday
A group of Houthis are pictured in Sana'a, Yemen
'We obviously see it differently,' White House national security spokesman John Kirby said.
Netanyahu spoke just a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel would never have 'genuine security' without a pathway toward Palestinian independence.
Earlier this week, the White House also announced that it was the 'right time' for Israel to lower the intensity of its devastating military offensive in Gaza.
But in a nationally televised news conference, Netanyahu struck a defiant tone, repeatedly saying that Israel would not halt its offensive until it realises its goals of destroying Gaza's Hamas militant group and bringing home all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
He rejected claims by a growing chorus of Israeli critics that those goals are not achievable, vowing to press ahead for many months.
He said: 'We will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory.'
An Israeli strike on south Lebanon also killed a senior commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan force on 8 January.
Wissam Hassan Tawil, the deputy head of a unit within the Radwan force, died alongside another Hezbollah fighter when their car, a Honda SUV, was targeted in a strike on the Lebanese village of Majdal Selm.
He was the highest-ranking Hezbollah member to be killed since Israel and the Lebanese group began exchanging cross-border fire following Hamas' October 7 attacks.
The UK and and its allies also launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen following weeks of drone and missile attacks by militants that have disrupted global shipping.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November, purportedly in support of Gazans.
The UK and US have repeatedly warned the Houthis to stop attacking the vital shipping route.
The strikes saw over 100 missiles launched at more than 60 targets across 16 locations in Yemen, including an airbase, airports and a military camp, officials said.
Exhumation of bodies of cult leader,Paul McKenzie Nthenge's followers in Shakhahola massacre scene in Kilifi (file photo).
A Kenyan judge on Wednesday ordered cult leader Paul Mackenzie and dozens of others to undergo mental health tests before being charged with murder, terrorism and torture over the deaths of more than 400 people found in mass graves.
The victims included 191 children whose bodies were exhumed since last April from the remote Shakahola forest, in Kenya's south-east.
Head of the Good News International Church, Mackenzie allegedly ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children to death so that they could go to heaven before the world ended.
He was arrested in April after the discovery of the bodies. Prosecutors say that he and 94 others will be charged in court in the coastal town of Malindi.
Several mass graves
In one of the world's worst cult-related tragedies in recent history, more than 400 bodies were uncovered during months of exhumations across tens of thousands of acres of forest.
Prosecutors say the delicate task of locating, exhuming and autopsying so many human remains had caused delays to the trial.
Some of Mackenzie's other followers were rescued, emaciated, from the forest.
People with knowledge of the cult's activities told Reuters last year that Mackenzie planned the mass starvation in three phases: first children, then women and young men, and finally the remaining men.
His former followers say he forbade them from sending their children to school and from going to hospital when they were ill, branding such institutions as Satanic.
Mental health checks
A judge granted a prosecution request to conduct mental health assessments of 31 defendants before they are formally charged and enter pleas in two weeks.
A lawyer for Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor and former taxi driver, said he was cooperating with the investigation.
He has denied responsibility for the deaths.
The Concorde flew its final flight almost exactly 20 years ago - yet it continues to capture the imaginations of Americans old and young.
Concordes were taken out of service in 2003, about three years after Air France flight 4590 crashed, killing 113 people.
But last week, NASA unveiled its quarter-billion-dollar supersonic X-59 jet, an experimental aircraft that the agency will use to give rise to a new frontier of supersonic passenger jets - Concorde successors.
The new 100-foot-long plane has a 30-foot wingspan and can reportedly cruise at 925 miles per hour, 1.5 times the speed of sound. Compare this to the commonplace Boeing 737 MAX 10, which is 143 feet long with a 117-foot wingspan and a cruising speed of 521 miles per hour.
Because it can break the sound barrier, the plane earned the moniker the 'son of Concorde'. But one of the lead engineers who developed it scoffs at the nickname, saying it's so much more than that.
'The X-59 is not - I repeat not - the son of Concorde, other than the general wing shape,' Peter Coen, mission integration manager for NASA's Quesst mission, told DailyMail.com. The X-59 is an experimental jet that will be NASA's proving ground for ushering in a new era of supersonic flight, he said.
NASA's new experimental supersonic jet is dubbed the X-59. It debuted this month, and it will be the space agency's practical laboratory for developing new supersonic jet technologies. The X-59 is slower than the Concorde, but for good reason: NASA aims to diminish the trademark 'sonic boom' of supersonic jets into a 'thump,' one that will make it possible for the supersonic passenger jets of the future to fly over populated areas
To minimize turbulence that leads to sonic booms, the X-59 did away with a front-facing cockpit window. Instead, it features cameras that feed a 4K monitor
The new jet has room for exactly one person: the pilot. And it's actually about 30 percent slower - by comparison, the Concorde could travel 1,350 miles per hour, twice the speed of sound.
But that's for good reason.
While the old Concorde could carry passengers across the Atlantic Ocean in about three hours, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations forbade it from flying overland routes across the US due to its thunderous 'sonic boom'.
The new, quieter jet could pave the way for the FAA to lift this ban and revolutionize domestic travel in the US, said Coen who has been working on supersonic-related projects at NASA for 30 years.
In theory, the X-59 could fly from New York City to Los Angeles in under three hours, but it will never fly passengers because it is a prototype plane that will solely be used for research.
NASA's ultimate goals for the plane are to develop quieter supersonic flight, bring that technology to passenger planes, and overturn a 50-year FAA ban on overland supersonic flights in the US, said Coen.
The X-59, built by Lockheed Martin for $247.5 million, is the flagship aircraft of the Quesst mission.
'The features in the X-59 are features that you would see in a future supersonic airliner,' he said.
These include sculpted, swept-back wings set far back on the craft; a tail that creates lift; and an engine that is mounted high up on the plane, above the wings.
NASA's X-59 is designed to break the sound barrier much more gently than the Concorde or other jets, producing a 'thump' rather than a 'boom'
That goal is still a few years down the road, but if all goes according to plan, in 2026 NASA will begin flying the X-59 over select communities in the US to determine whether it is quiet enough to get federal regulators to reconsider the aviation rule that has stood since 1973.
Even on an optimistic timeline, the FAA rule change probably won't happen until early in the 2030s. But airline manufacturers are very interested in developing supersonic passenger jets, Coen said. So it's possible that these new crafts would come soon after the rules allow their use.
Flying across the Atlantic Ocean is a simple task for a supersonic jet, according to Chris Combs, director of the University of Texas at San Antonio's aerospace engineering program. After all, the Concorde did it for decades.
'The X-59 is just a tech demonstrator that is not going to leave US airspace,' Combs said.
But once the details eventually fall into place, and customers are comfortable with supersonic flight, Combs confirmed that it's realistic to imagine flights from New York to Los Angeles taking less than 3 hours - less than half the time they take now.
The real feat will be flying over land without disturbing everybody who lives within earshot of its flight path.
That's where Coen and his team come in.
This concept art shows what a future supersonic airliner may look like, as inspired by the technology developed on the NASA X-59
The X-59 will be significantly quieter than existing supersonic jets, NASA claimed. According to this diagram from the space agency, the X-59's 'sonic thump' will be about as loud as hearing a car door slam from 20 feet away
When a plane flies faster than the speed of sound, which is about 761 miles per hour, its shockwaves reverberate through the air, converge, and reach observers as a sonic boom.
This two-part blast hits your ears with about the same sound intensity as a rock concert.
When airplane technology developed to the point that faster-than-sound travel became possible, the US military flew supersonic jets over the country and asked people whether they were too loud.
The answer was a resounding 'yes,' so the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned supersonic flight over the US in 1973.
The X-59 could change things, though, Coen said.
One of the experimental jet's main selling points is that it will break the sound barrier so quietly that it can fly over populated areas, producing more of a supersonic 'thump' than a 'boom.'
When an airplane flies through the air, Coen explained, it is constantly colliding with the air, creating turbulence at every point of contact - the wings, the engine, the nose.
Normally, these pressure disturbances are pushed out in front of the plane.
But when a supersonic aircraft collides with the air, the plane is moving too fast for the pressure changes to get out in front, and the pressure changes instantly.
Any time the plane pushes air out of the way, these collisions create shockwaves that reverberate in a cone shape behind the craft.
Anyone who is within this cone will hear a sonic boom as the plane passes overhead - a jarring experience for anyone who experiences it, especially if it's unexpected.
The X-59 is just a demonstration vehicle at the moment. NASA announced plans to start flying it over some US locales to gather public input on how disruptive its sonic thumps are
'After working on it for quite some time, we realized that the trick to quieting sonic boom is to control the strength and position of those shockwaves,' Coen said. 'You want them to be relatively the same strength and relatively evenly distributed along the length of the airplane.'
This keeps the shockwaves as individual waves traveling from the plane to the ground, preventing the noisy collisions that make a sonic boom.
With the engine situated in the aircraft's upper section, and with its long tapered nose breaking up the shockwaves that usually cause sonic booms, the experimental craft is meant to produce a sedate 'thump' compared to the Concorde's famous 'bang bang' sonic boom.
In numbers, these changes should bring the 'perceived level decibels' down from 105 to 75, Coen said - about 65 decibels on the scale that most people are familiar with, roughly as loud as riding inside a car.
The sonic boom was a central problem for the Concorde early on, as both the United States and the state of New York banned or attempted to ban its flights, before eventually allowing them - not without public outcry over the noise.
So it would be a big deal if the X-59 can actually slip through the air quietly.
Figuring out the right shape is just one part of the Quesst mission, though, Coen said.
This Lockheed Martin concept image shows another possible configuration for a future overland supersonic plane, whose engines are situated on top of its sculpted wings
After NASA takes the new aircraft for its first flight this year, the agency will run it through the full course of flight tests for about one more year, Coen predicted.
Once they're satisfied it's safe, they will do acoustic validation, which is making sure the plane is making the right thump.
Then, in late 2026, it will start flying the X-59 over five or six yet-to-be-announced US communities and surveying people on the ground about the noise, Coen said.
The results of these tests, which should last about 2.5 years, will be central to NASA's Quesst mission.
The X-59's long nose makes up about a third of the aircraft's length, and is a crucial part of keeping it quiet at high speeds
NASA hasn't named which cities will get X-59 flyovers, but Coen said they will be determined by how close they are to a suitable airfield - one with a long enough runway, a secure hangar, and light enough traffic that the plane won't risk wasting fuel while waiting for other planes to land.
Meanwhile, NASA is working with the International Civil Aviation Organization to establish guidelines for acceptable levels of sound from future supersonic airplanes. The community testing will provide data on establishing those limits, Coen said.
And if all goes according to plan, the new standard will be brought forward at a meeting in 2031.
'If it is shown as possible to fly overland without creating noise problems at supersonic speed, it opens up many more routes for a potential carrier, perhaps making the entire endeavor a more easily justified business venture,' Combs said.
And if supersonic passenger jets do come to market, they probably won't look exactly like the X-59, whose small cockpit certainly can't fit a family and their luggage.
The aircraft industry has been eager for supersonic airplanes to become popular, but they have been hesitant to enter the field without clear guidelines. The Quesst mission aims to establish those guidelines
But the overall design and strategies from the X-59 will inform their designs.
'There'll be heritage or DNA if you wish from the X-59 in these future airliners,' Coen said.
The Concorde could cross the Atlantic in about 3 hours, with the fastest crossing taking just 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds in 1996.
Since the Concorde was retired in 2003, airline companies have been interested in supersonic flight, but the FAA ban has limited that progress, Coen said.
'Its simply more about a company proving they can make it economical and making the appropriate investment,' Combs said. 'I think after Concorde there is clearly a lot of caution about that within the industry.'
Generating a quiet supersonic plane is just part of the project, NASA aerospace engineer Peter Coen said. NASA also must seek community input to make sure it's actually not too loud
The X-59 is central to the long-term goals of making supersonic flight a regular occurrence, but it's not the end goal, Coen pointed out.
Aside from the design processes that belong to Lockheed Martin, NASA will make the plane's geometry and technology, as well as acoustic testing and community response data, available to aircraft manufacturers to encourage the industry to expand into this area.
'Industry is definitely interested in supersonic flight,' Coen said. And the whole Quesst mission was spurred by the aircraft industry pushing for some updated guidelines, Coen added.
'They certainly don't want to design an airplane if they don't know what the requirements would be,' he said.
A rare 1,000-year-old 'Viking sword' has been found in near perfect condition on a river bed in Poland.
Workers carrying out dredging work in the Wisla River in the city of Wroclawek came across the 'perfectly preserved' sword after spotting 'an oblong, metal object' sticking out of the sediment.
Handing the sword over to researchers from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, when archaeologists X-rayed the weapon and dated it to before 950 AD.
They also discovered an inscription of the word 'Ulfberht'.
Only eight such swords are known to exist in Poland and only 170 in the rest of Europe.
A rare 1,000-year-old 'Viking sword' has been found in near perfect condition on a river bed in Poland
Workers carrying out dredging work in the Wisla River in the city of Wroclawek came across the 'perfectly preserved' sword after spotting 'an oblong, metal object' sticking out of the sediment
READ MORE: The mystery of the magical 'Ulfberht' Viking sword Advertisement
Fashioned using a process unknown to the Vikings' rivals, the Ulfberht sword was a revolutionary high-tech blade and is considered to have been one of the greatest swords ever made.
The Ulfberht swords were known for their strength, flexibility, and sharpness, and were highly prized by Viking warriors.
Sambor Gawinski from the Kuyavian-Pomeranian branch of the conservator's office said: 'This is an extremely valuable find.
'We know that these so-called Ulfberht swords were produced somewhere in Central Europe, but it's not known exactly where.
'They were manufactured using very specific methods using carbon steel and a very precise composition.
'The amount of carbon steel that was used was strictly defined, making the sword very strong and flexible its durability and combat value depended on this.'
During their analysis, the researchers also discovered an inscription of the word 'Ulfberht'.
The incredible sword was discovered by workers in the Wisla River in the city of Wroclawek
He added: 'More importantly, after lying in silt for over 1,000 years, the sword has been preserved in excellent condition.'
With over 40 such swords found in Norway, is is now widely presumed that the recent find also comes from the Viking era.
But Gawinski said: 'Several theories have been posited and so far all variants are acceptable, but we need to wait for the results of more detailed research.'
Wojciech Sosnowski from the archaeology department at Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments in Torun told local news website Dzien Dobry Wocawek: 'We are dealing with a very delicate object and a very valuable one.
'The sword needs to be urgently conserved. The situation is dynamic, we are only just collecting information about this object.'
This new observation provides confirmation for Einstein's theory of relativity
A new image of the M87 black hole offers a glimpse into one of the most powerful and mysterious objects in the universe.
This new image is the first independent proof of the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Messier 87 galaxy.
Using an expanded array of telescopes, scientists at Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration have created an even clearer image of M87.
The new images reveal how the bright 'shadow' of this monster black hole has shifted over time - something predicted by Einstein's theories.
Dr Ziri Younsi, a black hole physicist at UCL who worked on the new image, says this shows that the black hole is 'active and feeding'.
Scientists have revealed the second picture of the M87 black hole which was created using observations taken in 2018 (shown on the right). The first image (left) was created using observations taken in 2017 and released to the public in 2019
Slide me The new images show how the brightest part of the black hole shadow has shifted about 30 degrees as the ring of matter around the event horizon 'wobbles' as it spins
READ MORE: Astronomers reveal FIRST EVER image of the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way Advertisement
In 2019, researchers revealed the first ever images of a black hole, which were snapped back in 2017.
Or rather, since no light can escape the pull of a black hole, the scientists took an image of the bright halo surrounding the void.
At 6.5 billion times the mass of the sun, M87 pulls in all matter around it with incredible force.
Before this matter disappears beyond the Event Horizon - the point beyond which nothing can escape - it becomes so hot that it starts to glow with radiation.
Using an array of radio telescopes scattered across the globe, scientists were able to pick up the radiation emitted from this cloud of superheated gases.
The black hole itself actually remains hidden in the shadow, which you can see at the centre of the glowing ring.
This artist's impression shows what M87 might look like. A disk of superheated gases spins around the black hole while at either pole a beam of radiation is projected into space
What is a black hole? Black holes are a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape. They are hugely massive objects with the mass ten times of a star packed into a sphere which can be as small as New York. Black holes are believed to be formed by the collapse of a massive star. When a star dies it collapses in on itself, and if it is heavy enough this causes a black hole to form. They create a gravitational pull so strong that light cannot escape, which makes them almost impossible to observe. Advertisement
This latest image has been created using data captured in 2018, one year after the original image was recorded.
Using an even bigger telescope array, including the massive Greenland telescope, the researchers have been able to capture a higher resolution image.
Not only does this prove that the original image was not a fluke, but it also helps confirm some earlier predictions.
In both the images you will be able to see that one part of the ring is brighter than other parts.
Dr Younsi explained: 'The brightest part of the ring appears brighter as its material is likely coming towards us, but it may also be where the material is more strongly magnetised.'
But, in the year between observations, this brightest point has shifted about 30 degrees into a 5 o'clock position.
'This shift is something that was predicted in 2019 and is wonderful to now observe,' says Dr Younsi.
Dr Britt Jeter, a postdoctoral fellow at Academia Sinica Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taiwan, says: 'The emission from the turbulent, messy accretion disk around the black hole will cause the brightest part of the ring to wobble around a common centre.
This was the very fist picture of a black hole ever released. The existence of the bright shadow confirmed Einstein's theories of relativity which predicted that this would be seen due to gravitational lensing
'The amount of wobble we see over time is something we can use to test our theories for the magnetic field and plasma environment around the black hole.'
Lower-resolution images taken over four and half years show how the brightest part of the ring is constantly moving.
Another important observation is that the black hole shadow has not grown.
While the disk was expected to move, Einstein's theory of general relativity predicts that it should stay the same.
Because the mass and distance of M87 won't significantly change throughout a human lifetime the gravitational lensing around the black hole should stay consistent.
These observations are an important confirmation of Einstein's theories.
The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration is a network of radio telescopes all over the globe. By adding the Greenland Telescope (labelled GLT) the researchers were able to take a higher resolution image of the black hole
The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration hopes that by adding more telescopes to its array, it will be able to get an even higher-resolution image in the future.
The ultimate goal is to create an array sensitive enough to reveal the details of the event horizon.
This will allow scientists to learn more about the mass and spin of the black hole and test theories against a real subject.
The researchers have taken successful observations of M87 in 2021 and 2022 and have planned to make another in the first half of 2024.
These future observations should be even clearer than this latest image.
READ MORE: Here's the 20 countries worldwide with the highest risk of flooding
Study reveals the parts of Europe most impacted financially by rising waters
It's well known that sea levels are getting higher due to climate change and could result in serious loss of life within this century.
But for those that survive, could we end up living amid an economic meltdown?
A new study that assesses the financial cost of climate change suggests it may be possible, at least in Europe.
It predicts that rising sea levels could cause 748 billion (872 billion Euros) of combined economic losses across the UK and EU by 2100.
Among the countries most affected will be Latvia, Italy and Ireland, while least affected will Germany, Finland and Austria with the UK somewhere in-between.
The cost of rising sea levels will be taken out of a country's gross domestic product (GDP). This map shows the countries most affected (with the biggest decrease in GDP due to the cost of rising sea levels) in red and orange, with the least affected in green
What is gross domestic product (GDP)? Gross domestic product (GDP) is the main measure of a country's economic growth. It's based on the value of goods and services produced during a given period. It is also used to compare the size of different economies at a different point in time. Source: ONS/Bank of England Advertisement
According to the study authors at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, rising sea levels and resulting flooding will lead to billions spent on repairing flood-damaged buildings and setting up flood defences.
What's more, there will be costly disruptions to activities in sectors like tourism and agriculture that are based near the coast.
This cost will be taken out of a country's gross domestic product (GDP), but this figure will vary by country.
For example, the absolute cumulative loss for the UK by 2100 will be about 103 billion (121 billion Euros).
'Climate-induced sea-level rise is an increasing concern,' the authors say in their paper, published today in Scientific Reports.
'Its destructive potential impacts areas where productive capital and population cluster coastal cities and regions.
'These regions experience rapid population growth, leaving over 200 million people in Europe alone at risk of coastal flooding and significant economic disruption.'
As scientists already know, climate change results in more intense rainfall because warmer air can hold more moisture.
And because rainfall is increasing on average across the world, the chances of flooding are getting higher.
Among the countries most affected will be Latvia , Italy and Ireland, while least affected will Germany , Finland and Austria - with the UK somewhere in-between
Because rainfall is increasing on average across the world, the chances of flooding are getting higher. Pictured: a London taxi drives through water on a flooded road in London on July 25, 2021
READ MORE: The 20 countries with the highest risk of flooding Settlements are expanding into 'flood danger zones' rather than moving away from them - threatening lives Advertisement
Many prior studies have looked at the specific areas that will become flooded in the decades to come, but the researchers wanted to explore the 'direct economic consequences' of this.
Using computer modelling, they estimated the potential economic impacts of sea level rises for 271 European regions by 2100.
Their model referred to data on projected sea-level rise impacts, investment trends, and the distribution of economic losses caused by 155 flooding events across Europe between 1995 and 2016.
It imagined a particularly severe scenario, where greenhouse gas emissions are 'very high', and no new coastal protection measures are being built.
Compared with a scenario of no sea level rise, they estimate a GDP loss of 1.26 per cent (871.8 billion Euros) for the whole of the EU and the UK.
Latvia will be the worst-affected, followed by Italy, Ireland, Portugal and Denmark.
Other regions that will incur relatively higher economic losses will be concentrated around the Baltic Sea, the Belgian coast, western France and Greece, the study found.
Interestingly, some countries will actually see an increase in GDP by 2100, the study predicts although the overall cost to Europe will be negative.
Namely, inland countries such as in Germany, Austria, and Hungary should experience economic gains of up to one per cent by 2100.
The authors think this will be due to good preparation, such as agricultural and industrial production relocating from flooded coastal regions to inland regions.
Interestingly, some countries actually will see an increase in GDP by 2100, the study predicts. The authors think this will be due to agricultural and industrial production relocating from flooded coastal regions to inland regions. Pictured, a coastal natural gas plant in Norway
This map shows regional change in GDP due to cost of sea level rises. Note how many landlocked regions aren't expected to be as badly affected. Interestingly, some regions and countries will actually see an increase in GDP by 2100 (green)
READ MORE: One in six properties in England could be hit by FLOODING by 2050 This image shows flood mapping results in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire Advertisement
Researchers also looked at the regional change in GDP due to the cost of sea level rises, which revealed variation within individual countries.
For example, in the UK, East Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Sussex would be among those most affected by a loss of GDP.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland, Cumbria, Aberdeenshire and the Scottish Highlands would be among the parts of the UK least affected.
Across the continent, the majority of economic losses up to 21 per cent regional GDP by 2100 will be in coastal regions such as Veneto and Emilia-Romagna (both in northern Italy) and Zachodniopomorskie in Poland.
According to the team, the findings highlight the need for 'region-specific adaptation policies' that address the uneven impacts of sea levels on different regions and their economies.
The study focused on Europe, but future studies could assess the economic impact of rising sea levels globally.
'Our analysis shows that sea level rise damages could be larger than previously estimated,' they conclude.
'A national-level analysis masks regional disparities, and underestimates potentially systemic damages to vulnerable coastal regions, which could be an order of magnitude larger than national GDP losses.'
The study focused on Europe, but future studies could assess the economic impact of rising sea levels globally. Pictured, flooded street in Lagos, Nigeria in September 2023
An abandoned car stands in flood waters after the River Don burst its banks on November 08, 2019 in Rotherham, England
Ben Marzeion, professor of climate geography at the University of Bremen in Germany, praised the researchers for showing economic consequences of climate change.
'There is a frequent misunderstanding that climate mitigation measures are too expensive which ignores the fact that having no mitigation measures will also have a high price,' said Professor Marzeion, who was not involved in the study.
Professor Athanasios Vafeidis at ChristianAlbrechts-university Kiel's department of geography, added: 'The results show that sea level rise can have very significant direct and indirect impacts at the local level and for specific sectors.
'These impacts can be positive in some cases, particularly for land-locked regions.
'This indicates where adaptation may be more urgently required.'
But humanitarian catastrophes since then means it could move forward again
Next week, humanity will find out if we're closer to total self-destruction when the Doomsday Clock is updated.
The symbolic clock, which edges closer to midnight to reflect human-made global catastrophes, will be revealed during a livestream on Tuesday (January 23).
Since last year, the Doomsday Clock has been set at 90 seconds to midnight.
But MailOnline predicts it will get closer to midnight as the the Israel-Hamas war rages on, the conflict in Ukraine shows no sign of ending and climate disasters continue to wreak havoc.
Here's everything you need to know about the Doomsday Clock before it's updated next week.
Since last year the clock has been set at 90 seconds to midnight - but it's very likely it will move closer to midnight to reflect the last 12 months of humanitarian catastrophes
Last year, the clock was set at just 90 seconds to 'midnight - the closest it has ever been to midnight since the hands were first set in 1947
When is the Doomsday Clock updated in 2024? Right now, the clock is the closest it has ever been at 90 seconds to midnight. But at 10am EST (3pm GMT) on Tuesday (January 23) it could be set even closer to midnight. This means the threat of human-made global catastrophe is closer than ever since 1947, when the clock was devised. Advertisement
WHAT IS THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK?
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic timepiece showing how close the world is to a human-made global catastrophe, as deemed by experts.
Every year the clock is updated based on how close we are to the total annihilation of humanity ('midnight').
If the clock goes forward and gets closer to midnight (compared with where it was set the previous year) it suggests humanity has got closer to self destruction.
But if it moves back, further away from midnight, it suggests humanity has reduced the risks of global catastrophe in the past 12 months.
Some years, the hands of the clock are not moved at all as was the case in 2021 and 2022 which suggests the global situation has not changed.
The clock is set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that publishes an academic journal.
Experts at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists remove a cloth covering the Doomsday Clock in Washington on January 24, 2023. Last year, the clock moved forward to reach 90 seconds to midnight. It was the closest the Doomsday Clock has got to midnight in its entire history
READ MORE 'A time of unprecedented danger': Doomsday Clock set 90 seconds before midnight Russia's war in Ukraine is why humankind is the 'closest it has ever been to annihilation Advertisement
Although symbolic and not an actual clock, the organization does unveil a physical 'quarter clock' model at an event when revealing if and how the hands have moved.
After the unveiling, the model can be found located at the Bulletin offices in the Keller Center, home to the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.
WHEN IS THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK UPDATED?
Every January, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists reveals its annual update to the Doomsday Clock (even if the hands have not have moved).
This year, the organisation will reveal the clock hands at 10am EST (3pm GMT) on Tuesday (January 23) during a livestreamed event.
Speakers at the event will include Bulletin president and CEO Rachel Bronson and science educator Bill Nye, known in the US for his wacky experiments.
It will be livestreamed on the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists YouTube channel and website.
MailOnline will also be covering the announcement live.
WHEN WAS THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK CREATED?
The Doomsday Clock goes back to June 1947, when US artist Martyl Langsdorf was hired to design a new cover for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists journal.
With a striking image on the cover, the organisation hoped to 'frighten men into rationality', according to Eugene Rabinowitch, the first editor of the journal.
June 1947 cover of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists featuring the Doomsday Clock at seven minutes to midnight
Dr Leonard Rieser, Chairman of the Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, moves the hand of the Doomsday Clock back to 17 minutes before midnight at offices near the University of Chicago on November 26, 1991
It came amid a backdrop of public fear surrounding atomic warfare and weaponry, just two years after the Second World War ended.
Langsdorf initially considered drawing the symbol for uranium before sketching a clock to convey a sense of urgency.
READ MORE Here's the costliest climate disasters of 2023 Christian Aid has ranked the top 20 costliest climate disasters of the year Advertisement
She set it at seven minutes to midnight because 'it looked good to my eye', Langsdorf later said.
On the cover of later issues in subsequent years, the hands of the clock were adjusted based on how close we are to catastrophe.
In 2009, the Bulletin ceased its print edition but the clock is still updated once a year on its website and is now a much-anticipated highlight of the scientific calendar.
WHO DECIDES THE TIME?
Shortly after it was first created, Bulletin Editor Eugene Rabinowitch decided whether or not the hands should be moved.
Rabinowitch was a scientist, fluent in Russian, and a leader in the conversations about nuclear disarmament, meaning he was in frequent discussions with scientists and experts all over the world.
After considering the discussions, he would decide whether the clock should be moved forward or backward, at least in the first few decades of the clock's existence.
When he died in 1973, the Bulletin's Science and Security Board took over, made up of experts on nuclear technology and climate science.
This has included 13 Nobel Laureates over the years.
The panel meets twice a year to discuss ongoing world events, such as the war in Ukraine, and whether a clock change is necessary.
WHEN WERE THE HANDS SET CLOSEST TO MIDNIGHT?
In 2023, the hands were set at the closest they've ever been to midnight 90 seconds as humanity entered a 'time of unprecedented danger'.
The change was largely due to the war in Ukraine and Russia's threat of using nuclear weapons against Ukraine's allies.
MailOnline predicts the clock could get closer to midnight as the the Israel-Hamas war rages on. Pictured, smoke billowing over Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on January 18
The change in 2023 was largely due to the war in Ukraine, which the science and security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists predicted would carry on for its second year
Prior to 2023, the hands were set the closest they'd ever been to midnight in 2020 (100 seconds to midnight).
It was because governments around the world were faced with 'two simultaneous existential dangers nuclear war and climate change.
WHEN WERE THE HANDS FURTHEST AWAY FROM MIDNIGHT?
In 1991, following the end of the Cold War, the Bulletin set the clock hands to 17 minutes to midnight.
The end of the war saw the US and the Soviet Union sign the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
This meant the countries would cut down their nuclear weapons arsenal, reducing the threat of nuclear war.
WILL THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK REACH MIDNIGHT IN 2024?
When it's updated next week, the clock won't reach midnight as this would mean humanity is at the point of total annihilation and self destruction.
However, it's very likely the hands will move forward, considering the current conflict between Israel-Hamas and the fact the war on Ukraine hasn't ended.
In 2007, the Bulletin began including catastrophic disruptions from climate change in its hand-setting deliberations.
Climate will likely play a part in decisions this year as scientists have repeatedly warned in the past 12 months about the costs of the world heating up.
Apple has disabled a health feature from its smartwatches overnight order to avoid a complete ban on sales in the US.
A software update was released after news broke that imports and sales of the Series 9 and Ultra were set to be halted Thursday, which removed the blood oxygen monitor that that is analyzes breathing and lung function.
The tech giant was forced to drop the feature or be banned from sell the smartwatches starting Thursday at 5pm ET after a federal court rejected Apple's appeal to continue the pauce.
Despite downgrading the two Apple Watches, the company will not be changing price points, Apple told DailyMail.com.
Apple has removed the blood oxygen feature from its smartwatches in order to avoid a complete ban on the models in the US
The Series 9 starts at $399 and the Ultra costs $799.
Apple said the cost is based on the many features of the two smartwatches and removing one does not make a difference in price.
The blood oxygen feature is still available on units previously purchased.
But it has been disabled on those still on shelves.
Now, when a user taps on the blood oxygen icon on a modified watch, the display will show an alert directing the person to an explanation on Apples website, the company said.
However, some customers looking to purchase a Series 9 or UIltra on Thursday have been told that sales cannot be made until Friday.
A federal court was set to prohibit the import and sales of the Series 9 and Ultra Thursday at 5pm ET due to claims the tech giant copied patented medical technology from the California-based biotech company Massimo
US Customs and Border Protection said this month that Apple could continue selling the devices in the meantime if it redesigns and replaces the hardware, but so far the software has only been tweaked.
Apple argued it was likely to win its appeal and that keeping the ban in effect would harm the company, its suppliers and the public.
However, the commission countered that Apple's arguments 'amount to little more' than a patent infringer 'requesting permission to continue infringing' and was set to reinstate the pause on sales and imports today.
Apple said it 'strongly disagreed' with the ITC decision and resulting orders and they should be should be reversed.
In a statement, Joe Kiani, Masimo's founder and chief executive, said the court ruling on Wednesday 'affirms that even the largest and most powerful companies must respect the intellectual rights of American inventors and must deal with the consequences when they are caught infringing others' patents.'
Joe Kiani, Masimo's founder, said that a software fix would be an insufficient remedy and 'the hardware needs to change'
The battled between the two companies started in 2013, when Masimo accused Apple of entering discussions with it for a potential partnership only to steal the biotech startup's idea and poach some of its engineers to implement it.
Masimo first complained in 2021 that the Apple Watch Series 6, released in 2020, and all subsequent models use technology that infringed on its blood-oxygen sensor patent.
According to Forbes, Kiani has spent at least $60 million fighting Apple in court.
In October, the ITC announced its ruling, finding that the devices infringed on two patents owned by biotech company Masimo, based in California.
Apple decided to halt sales on December 18 in an effort to 'preemptively take steps to comply should the ruling stand.'
'Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers,' the company said in a December statement.
The ban went into effect on December 24, which then left the decision to the Biden Administration that opted not to veto a ruling on patent infringements.
It is rare for a president to veto a decision from the ITC, but Apple has benefitted from such an intervention in the past and likely had high hopes it could happen again. But the Biden Administration stayed quiet.
Apple then filed an emergency motion with the US Appeals Court in an attempt to pause the ban, which went in effect on December 28 - letting retailers restart sales.
However, the move was temporary and sales have again been halted.
A Masimo spokesperson told DailyMail.com last month: 'Masimo is willing to settle.
'As Joe Kiani indicated, we believe the path forward is to have honest, good-faith discussions with Apple to explore the various ways the parties could resolve their dispute.'
The Irvine-based company pioneered a sensor technology that consistently emits light through the skin to monitor blood oxygen saturation.
Apple's technology shines red and near-infrared (IR) light into blood-perfused tissue.
According to the company website, Masimo, founded by Joe Kiani in 1989, holds thousands of healthcare and consumer-focused patents.
Data shows that Masimo is valued at $6.69 billion, and Kiani's net worth is $1.3 billion.
Apple has also claimed that Masimo applied for a patent after Apple launched its smartwatches.
Apple has included a pulse oximeter feature in smartwatches since its Series 6 Apple Watch in 2020.
The Cupertino-based company filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo in October 2022, claiming Kiani's company copied patented features of the Apple Watch to use in its medical tech.
An all-European crew, including Turkey's first astronaut, successfully launched on a trip to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX rocket on Thursday.
The four men lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the private spaceflight at 4:49pm ET.
At about 4:56, the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage successfully landed vertically on the landing pad, and around 10 minutes after liftoff, the second stage shut off, allowing the crewmembers to kick their legs around in microgravity.
Just after 12 minutes into the flight, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule separated from the rocket's second stage. A couple of minutes later, the astronauts lifted their visors as they entered orbit en route to the ISS.
Dubbed Ax-3, this is the third mission to the orbiting laboratory conducted through Axiom and the first where all three of the paid seats were bought by national agencies, rather than wealthy individuals.
The Falcon 9 rocket, shown five seconds after liftoff. This mission is Axiom Space's third, but its first that was funded by international space agencies
NASA previously disclosed a SpaceX crew launch costs about $55 million per seat, so the price for these private missions is likely higher.
Ax-3's crew consists of (from left to right) Marcus Wandt, Alper Gezeravc, Walter Villadei, and Michael Lopez-Alegria
The international crew of Ax-3 are shown inside the Crew Dragon capsule, accelerating out of the Earth's atmosphere
The mission is the first all-European crew to launch on a commercial spaceflight.
Michael Lopez-Alegria, 65, a former NASA astronaut and Spanish-American dual citizen, is the Ax-3 commander. He also flew on Axiom's first mission to the ISS in 2022.
He is joined by Swedish aviator Marcus Wandt, 43, another mission specialist, Alper Gezeravci, 44, and Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, 49.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket's second stage (right) pushed the Crew Dragon toward orbit as the first stage (left) began to fall back to Earth
Walter Villadei is from Italy, Alper Gezeravc has become Turkey's first astronaut, and Swedish Marcus Wandt is also onboard.
The crew is scheduled to spend about two weeks on the space station.
'Beginning at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, NASA will provide coverage of the SpaceX Dragons docking, hatch opening, and welcoming remarks on the NASA+ streaming service,' NASA announced in a press release shortly after the launch.
'The Dragon spacecraft will dock autonomously to the forward port of the stations Harmony module as early as 4:19 a.m. Saturday. Hatches between Dragon and the station are expected to open after 6 a.m., allowing the Axiom crew to enter the complex for a welcoming ceremony and start their stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.'
Ahead of the launch, Axiom said the flight would represent the 'first all-European commercial astronaut mission' to the space station.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket pierced the Florida clouds on Thursday as it carried the four-person crew toward the ISS
The four men will perform more than 30 experiments aboard the ISS, including testing a muscle stimulation and monitoring suit, testing the stress responses of gene-edited plants growing in microgravity, tracking bone density in microgravity, and monitoring astronauts' sleep patterns in space.
Many of these experiments will continue after the astronauts return to Earth.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has flown two missions into space before: NASA's Crew-4 and Axiom's Ax-2
Who is Ax-3? Michael Lopez-Alegria, Ax-3 commander and a former NASA astronaut and ISS commander - nicknamed 'LA,' Lopez-Alegria is a Spanish-American dual citizen Walter Villadei, Ax-3 pilot and Italian Air Force member who flew to space for the first time aboard the Virgin Galactic 01 flight Alper Gezeravc, Ax-3 mission specialist and the first astronaut from Turkey to go to space Marcus Wandt, Ax-3 mission specialist and European Space Agency reservist Advertisement
In May 2023, Axiom-2 launched a team of two Americans and two Saudis, including Rayyanah Barnawi, a biomedical scientist who became the first Arab woman ever sent to orbit, on an eight-day mission to the ISS.
Thursday's flight was meant to launch on Wednesday, but it was delayed so teams could 'complete pre-launch checkouts and data analysis on the vehicle,' according to a SpaceX post on X.
Per NASA rules, any private crewed missions flown from the US must have a former NASA astronaut as commander.
'Axiom Space's crew of four astronauts will conduct more than 30 different experiments while aboard the space station,' according to a statement from the company.
'Data collected on ground before and after the mission as well as in flight will impact understanding of human physiology on Earth and on orbit, as well as advance scientific understanding, harness opportunities for industrial advancements, and develop technologies for humanity's progress.'
Ax-3 is part of Axiom's effort to become dominant in the low Earth orbit private sector.
In addition to being Axiom's third mission, this is also the Crew Dragon capsule's third mission.
It carried astronauts to the ISS aboard Ax-2 in May 2023 and NASA's Crew-4 mission in 2022.
The Falcon 9 rocket will blast of from Kennedy Space Center in Panama City, Florida at 4:49 EST on Thursday, January 18
Ax-3 includes more experienced flight and spaceflight professionals than its first mission, which involved one former NASA commander and three wealthy businessmen who paid $55 million apiece to spend 10 days working on the ISS.
Axiom has claimed it will begin launching the first parts of its private space station into low Earth orbit beginning in 2026.
SpaceX, the privately funded rocket and satellite company of billionaire Elon Musk, provides Axiom's launch vehicles and crew capsules under contract, as it has for NASA missions to the ISS.
SpaceX also runs mission control for its rocket launches from the company's headquarters near Los Angeles.
NASA, besides furnishing the launch site at Cape Canaveral, assumes responsibility for the astronauts once they rendezvous with the space station.
Which? sent mystery shoppers to 15 stations to check the price of 75 journeys
Train station ticket machines can charge up to 154 per cent more than booking online, with the best value fares 'unavailable or hidden in a bewildering array of fare options', according to a mystery shopper study by Which?.
The consumer watchdog notes that public outcry recently brought an end to plans by rail companies for widespread ticket office closures, but points out that 'huge numbers of travellers are reliant on ticket machines or online booking'.
As it stands, one in six of the 1,766 train stations under the Department for Transport's control has a full-time ticket office; 40 per cent are staffed part time, and 43 per cent don't have a ticket office at all. In 2022, 12 per cent of tickets were purchased from a machine - around 150million journeys.
Which? sent mystery shoppers to 15 stations each run by a different train operator and checked the price of 75 journeys from a ticket machine against the price available from the UK's biggest ticket site, Trainline.
At each machine, the mystery shoppers attempted to buy the cheapest one-way ticket for travel that same day, the following morning and in three weeks' time.
Train station ticket machines can charge up to 154 per cent more than booking in advance online, with the best value fares 'unavailable or hidden in a bewildering array of fare options' according to Which?
Which? said: 'A huge numbers of travellers are reliant on ticket machines or online booking.' In 2022, 12 per cent of tickets were purchased from a machine - around 150million journeys
The survey showed fares purchased online were cheaper around three-quarters of the time, and on average, same-day journeys cost 52 per cent more from machines.
Which? called some of the price differences 'eye-watering'.
For example, researchers purchasing a same-day, one-way ticket from Holmes Chapel in Cheshire to London would have paid 154 per cent more for their ticket from the station's ticket machine compared with buying online, with the machine charging 66 against Trainline's 26 split-ticket option.
Similarly, someone buying a same day, one-way ticket from Northampton to Cardiff would have paid 107 for their ticket from the machine, 148 per cent more than buying online, where the price was just 43.
According to Which? booking online on trainline.com can often allow passengers to purchase considerably cheaper 'advance' tickets, even ten minutes before a journey time
According to Which? many ticket machines don't offer 'advance' fares and can make it difficult to purchase off-peak fares at peak times
STATIONS WHICH? SURVEYED Which? sent mystery shoppers to 15 stations in October 2023. Stations visited were (train operator follows in brackets): London Euston (Avanti West Coast) Limehouse/Grays (C2C) London Marylebone (Chiltern Railways) Market Harborough (East Midlands Railway) Hitchin (Great Northern) Oxford (GWR) Tottenham Hale (Greater Anglia) London King's Cross (LNER) Northampton (London North Western Railway) Holmes Chapel (Northern) Vauxhall/Waterloo/Clapham Junction (South Western Railway) Brixton/Deptford/New Cross (Southeastern) East Dulwich/Blackfriars,/St Pancras/Victoria (Southern) Nunhead/Tooting (Thameslink) and Canley (West Midlands Railway) Advertisement
Which? found the services offered by different ticket machines could vary significantly, with 'passengers often facing restricted choice and as a result, higher prices'.
According to the consumer watchdog, one of the key reasons why tickets from machines are often more expensive is because most don't offer 'advance' fares, cheaper tariffs which are available for buying in advance of travel.
Depending on the route, these can even be available up to 10 minutes before departure. However, just five of 15 machines tested by Which? offered them.
Which? also claims 'some machines may also lead to passengers unwittingly missing out on cheaper fares'. At first glance, many machines visited by Which?'s mystery shoppers didn't appear to sell off-peak tickets at peak times.
When a mystery shopper visited Hitchin and looked for a one-way ticket to York later that day, the only option they found was an anytime single priced at 133, even though the time they would be travelling would qualify for an off-peak fare.
When looking online, the journey could be booked through the Trainline for just 55 off-peak, with the added advantage of using split ticketing to cut the cost.
Great Northern, the train operator responsible for the machines at Hitchin, said off-peak tickets for same-day travel could be found by selecting the 'tickets for future travel' button on the machine's homepage.
Which? said: 'Many travellers are likely to be caught out by this quirk, given future travel is usually considered to apply to a date in the future. Even then, the lack of split ticketing would have resulted in more expensive fare.'
In all, just a third of stations the Which? visited had the most advanced smart ticket machines - but these don't offer split ticketing. They do however offer real-time information and can sell tickets up to three months in advance - functions many machines lack.
The consumer watchdog also said train passengers could also be 'easily caught out by their ticket validity, with many machines often not making it clear what times and which services certain tickets are valid for'.
If there is no one at the station available to ask for help, passengers risk a 50 penalty fare plus the price of a new ticket for their journey.
Most ticket machines Which? visited also lacked timetable information, making it difficult to plan an unfamiliar journey. This was the case at the UK's busiest station, Waterloo.
Using machines also proved problematic for many of the mystery shoppers trying to book tickets weeks in advance. For example, Great Western machines at major stations, including Oxford and Paddington, only sold tickets for same day and next-day journeys.
Which? noted that online fares do not include any booking fees, which may apply to advance bookings on Trainline.com.
One in six of the 1,766 train stations under the Department for Transport's control has a full-time ticket office; 40 per cent are staffed part time, and 43 per cent don't have a ticket office at all
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: 'The price differences we found between booking online and using station ticket machines were simply astounding.
'Millions of tickets are purchased using ticket machines every year, meaning that huge numbers of us are potentially paying significantly more than we need to when we commute to work or visit friends and family across the country.
'Wherever possible we'd recommend booking train tickets online for the cheapest options, but that won't be possible for everyone. Significant numbers of elderly people don't have internet access at all - leaving them with little choice but to run the gauntlet of ticket machines, which either don't offer the best prices, or make it difficult to find the appropriate fares.'
When reached for comment, RDG, Northern and London Northwestern declined.
GWR told Which? that ticket machines are not intended to provide the same range of tickets as online or in-person sales, instead offering 'ticket collection following a digital sale' or 'walk-up fares' prior to departure
GWR told Which? that ticket machines are not intended to provide the same range of tickets as online or in-person sales, instead offering 'ticket collection following a digital sale' or 'walk-up fares' prior to departure. It also told Which? that 'current regulations do not allow train operators to recommend split tickets from ticket machines or ticket offices'.
Great Northern (part of GTR - responsible for Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express) added: 'Our ticket machines are optimised to give people fast service for the simple journeys that most people are making. If off-peak were to be placed on the home screen, customers might easily select an invalid ticket if they were in a rush.'
East Midlands Railway told Which? it has installed a number of smart kiosks across its network and is ensuring customers are able to board and buy their ticket on the train or at their destination if necessary.
The Department for Transport said that the need for modernisation of fares and ticketing was raised in the consultation on ticket office closures and will 'seek to support the industry to modernise ticket machines'.
The Bachelor star-turned-food influencer Matt James has gushed over Japanese McDonald's as he showcased the impressive array of 'delicious' dishes available at the chain.
The 32-year-old took to TikTok earlier this week to share insights from his trip to the fast food restaurant in Japan alongside girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell - who won the popular reality show.
The couple shared their favorite picks including the Godzilla burgers, Shaka-Shaka chicken and butterscotch apple pie.
And dozens of other foodies rushed to the comments to share their own findings.
The Bachelor star turned food influencer Matt James has gushed over Japanese McDonald's as he showcased the impressive array of 'delicious' dishes available at the chain
He and girlfriend Rachael Kirkconnell shared their favorite picks including the Godzilla burgers, Shaka-Shaka chicken and butterscotch apple pie
The first item that the star chowed down on was a cheese teriyaki Godzilla burger (pictured) as he declared: 'This bun is so soft'
He went on to try the spicy beef and potato offering (left) before moving on to the pepper chicken burger (right)
In the clip, which has so far been viewed more than 312,000 times, Matt began by revealing some stark differences between McDonald's in the US and Japan.
'Japanese McDonald's stay open 24 hours and seat over 200 people,' he explained before tackling the menu.
The first item that the star chowed down on was a cheese teriyaki Godzilla burger as he declared: 'This bun is so soft.'
He continued: 'It tastes like a sausage biscuit. It kind of looks like a sausage biscuit, too. Amazing.'
The second variation he tried was the spicy beef and potato offering.
Matt dished: 'This is my favorite one. Feels like a Popeye spicy chicken sandwich.'
Rachael, 27, then also wanted in on the action as she turned the camera on herself and took a bite.
'The sauce. That hash brown. That's a game hanger,' she triumphantly declared.
The duo then turned their attention to the chain's Shaka Shaka Chicken (left) as well as the butterscotch apple pie (right)
Godzilla burger number three was the pepper chicken version which prompted the reality star to declare: 'The buns... everything. The best fast food bun I've ever had. Damn. It's like a Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit.'
Rachael then turned her attention to the fries before picking up her Shaka Shaka Chicken - which comes with a choice of two powders - red pepper or cheese.
The foodie picked up her red pepper sachet, sprinkled it into the bag and shook the crispy chicken fillet until it was coated.
The pair devoured the dish, adding a dab of wasabi mustard, as Matt shared: 'The chicken was delicious. It could have passed as homemade along with that mustard.'
Last, but not least, the TV personality brought out his dessert - a butterscotch apple pie.
Before he even took a bite, he commented that it was 'super crispy,' adding: 'It's like the crispiest... they couldn't have fried this any longer without it turning into a French fry.'
Matt then took a bite and said it was the 'best apple pie I ever had,' before Racheal comedically adds: 'It's not apple pie.'
He captioned the video: 'McDonald's in Japan is AMAZING! Highly recommend stopping into a McDonalds if you're traveling to see how unique they all are.'
His clip was soon flooded with comments from some of his 578,000 followers as they declared they wanted to try the foods for themselves.
His clip was soon flooded with comments from some of his 578,000 followers as they declared they wanted to try the foods for themselves
One person wrote: 'The only problem with this trip is I can't go there right now and eat all your recs.'
Another person added: 'Sheeessh, imma need to catch a flight just for McDonald's,' as Matt replied: 'Looked crazy, right??'
'I know it's McDonald's but the quality looks so good,' someone else shared.
Other commenters noted the difference between American McDonald's and the chain's restaurants abroad.
One person wrote: 'Any overseas McDonald's slaps,' and another user added: 'I wish America had that.'
Another person wrote: 'We don't do anything right in America.'
A fourth commenter added: 'McDonald's it's so UNFAIR! How come the US doesn't get this delicious stuff??'
One added: 'Japan's McDonald's just hits different.'
The son of a travel agent who became so terrified of flying that planes turned him into a 'crying, panicking mess' and meant he managed only one flight in two decades has now overcome his fear thanks to a 219 three-and-a-half-hour airline course.
He now travels to see his fiancee in Spain every month.
Connor Sams, 29, a construction project manager from Eastbourne, East Sussex, took many flights as a child because his mother, Kaye, was a travel agent and could get the family cheap holidays.
However, after a gap of 10 years without flying, in 2014 Connor realised he had developed an 'irrational fear' when he was due to fly to Florida for a friend's wedding and suffered a breakdown after boarding, which resulted in him having to cancel the trip.
As a result, the only flight Connor managed to take in almost 20 years was to Alicante in Spain but he was heavily sedated to the point where he was barely aware of his surroundings.
Connor Sams, the son of a travel agent, became so terrified of flying that planes turned him into a 'crying, panicking mess'. But the world has opened up to him after he completed easyJet's Fearless Flyer course in June 2021
Connor met his fiancee, Jhei Martinez, 27, online and the freedom of being able to fly allowed him to meet her in person
After trying different types of therapy and another failed holiday to Greece, he decided it was time to accept flying was no longer an option.
However, he heard about easyJet's Fearless Flyer course through his boss at work and, after numerous delays due to the global pandemic, decided to face his fear.
The course involves a two-and-a-half-hour ground course and an 'experience flight' that takes up to an hour, with a pilot talking passengers through every step of the round trip and how the plane works.
In November 2021, Connor met Jhei Martinez, 27, online and the freedom of being able to fly allowed him to meet her in person.
She is now his fiancee and he boards a plane to visit her once a month while he is also planning a trip to see his aunt in Australia.
Connor realised he had developed an 'irrational fear' in 2014 when he was due to fly to Florida. 'I just started having a panic attack and going into breakdown mode,' he said
'If I couldn't fly, I never would have met my fiancee and never would have got engaged,' Connor told PA Real Life.
'I've got no shame in saying it: I used to walk down the corridor to board the plane and I was a complete mess, crying, panicking just an absolute wreck.
'The course is completely life-changing and I would recommend it to anyone 1,000 per cent.'
Connor was never afraid of flying as a child and often went on holiday abroad with his mum, who worked as travel agent and therefore benefited from discounts.
But after she left the company, Connor did not board another plane for around 10 years, during which time he developed a fear of flying.
In 2014, he was due to attend a wedding in Florida in the United States but, after making his way to the departure gate, he started to panic.
'I didn't realise that I had a fear of flying until I was there, about to board the plane, and I just started having a panic attack and going into breakdown mode,' he said.
'It was really weird, I've never experienced anything like it.
'I was the last one to board and it took about three hours for them to basically push me through the door.
'Then I just freaked out and had to get off, so I missed out on three weeks in Florida, which was kind of the trip of a lifetime.'
Over the next few years Connor searched for a cure, trying therapy and hypnotherapy, but neither helped overcome his fear of flying.
Connor and Jhei in Barcelona, Spain, after he completed the easyJet Fearless Flyer course
Four years later, in 2018, he managed to take a short flight from Gatwick to Alicante in Spain with some friends by taking prescription medication Diazepam, also known as Valium, which is commonly used as a sedative to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures, according to the NHS.
'It was obviously a much shorter flight, like an hour and a half, but I had to take so much Diazepam that I couldn't even respond to my name,' he said.
'That was basically the only way I could fly, by basically not being with it to the point where I didn't understand that I was flying.'
After that experience Connor tried booking another holiday to Zakynthos in Greece a year later, but again found he was too scared to board the plane.
'I think it's about not being in control because I also don't like being a passenger in the car, taking trains or being in a lift,' he said.
Connor visits his fiancee in Lanzarote every month. He said: 'I've gone from not being able to board a plane to now doing it all by myself'
'It's the fear of being stuck in something that I'm not in control of.'
Connor had run out of ideas and thought he might never fly again until his boss mentioned knowing someone who had managed to overcome their fear of flying with easyJet's Fearless Flyer course.
'I ummed and ahhed about it for maybe a year because, even though it's not a lot of money, it's still money,' he said.
When he finally made the booking, Covid struck a few months later and his course was postponed until June 2021.
Connor said he was provided with an 'online pack' which included a series of short, 10-minute videos, and was divided into three sections focusing on control techniques, the science behind flying, and trying to identify the root cause of his fear.
'It teaches you breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and tapping exercises, where you, like, tap pressure points on your body,' he said.
'The second module is a pilot who speaks about the science behind flying, like how a plane stays in the air and what different sounds mean.
'They've thought of everything people could possibly worry about and basically answer it for you.'
Participants were then taken on a 45-minute 'experience flight', which in Connor's case departed from London's Gatwick Airport.
During the flight, a pilot explains what is happening over the PA.
Connor said: 'She was speaking the whole way through to explain this is what is happening now, we're going up the runway, this is what that beeping sound means, now we've taken off
As part of the course, Connor was taken on a 45-minute 'experience flight'
'She basically talks you through step by step what is going on.
'You then fly around for 45 minutes and come back in and land.'
In November 2021, Connor met his now fiancee, Jhei, online and three months later took his first flight on his own to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, where she lives.
'The first time I must admit that I was in a bit of a state, but I tried to remember what the course had taught me, and the people at easyJet were brilliant,' he said.
'Since then I've been flying out to meet her monthly.
The couple, who got engaged in July 2022, are now planning on visiting Connor's aunty in Australia
'So I've gone from not being able to board a plane to now doing it all by myself.'
The couple, who got engaged in July 2022, are now planning to visit Connor's aunt in Australia, which Connor said will be the 'ultimate trip'.
'One of the takeaways from that course is that the fear is irrational,' he said.
'I would pay 10 times what they're charging for the freedom it gives you.'
To find out more about easyJet's fearless flyer course visit: www.fearlessflyer.easyjet.com.
Mr Akpabio also commended the security agencies and other rescue workers for their prompt intervention during the explosion.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has demanded a thorough investigation into the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in the Bodija area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The explosion killed two persons and about 80 others sustained injuries while several buildings, vehicles and other properties were destroyed.
Mr Akpabio in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, on Wednesday, sympathised with the government and people of Oyo state over the explosion.
He urged the management of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian groups to distribute relief materials to victims of the explosion.
He commended the security agencies and other rescue workers for their prompt intervention during the explosion.
"I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other humanitarian groups to quickly assist the victims to ease the pain of their losses.
"I must commend the security agencies and other rescue workers for their prompt intervention, especially the bravery and high level of professionalism they exhibited when the explosion happened. I encourage you to keep up the good work.
"I also urge the relevant agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the explosion so that adequate provisions could be made to prevent such fatal accidents in the future," he said.
Mr Akpabio prayed for the dead victims to rest in perfect peace and wished the injured persons a quick recovery.
"With a heavy heart, I wish to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, the good people of Oyo State and indeed victims and their families in this unfortunate occurrence. I am very distraught at this accident happening, especially at the beginning of the year.
"I pray that the Almighty God will forgive the sins of those who lost their lives in the explosion and welcome them in His kingdom. And for those who sustained injuries, it is my prayer that they will receive healing in good times. For the families that suffered different losses, may God replace all that they have lost".
Supermodel Marie Helvin has set out to prove you can model lingerie at any age as she fronts Bluebella's stunning Valentine's campaign.
The photoshoot also marked the first time that, Marie, 71, has modelled since undergoing a mastectomy in 2022 to treat her breast cancer.
Speaking about the operation, she said: 'It's taken a while to be strong enough emotionally and physically to do a full day's shoot.
'My breasts were perfect, they really were. Losing that was not just physical, it was a mental and emotional removal.
'It's only now that I feel ready again to do this campaign, the recovery process took quite some time and obviously my breast went through a huge trauma...
Supermodel Marie Helvin has set out to prove you can model lingerie at any age as she fronts Bluebella's stunning Valentine's campaign
The photoshoot also marked the first time that, Marie, 71, has modelled since undergoing a mastectomy in 2022 to treat her breast cancer
Marie pictured in a throwback snap at the Supermodel Of The World contest taken in the 80s
'But it's a beautiful breast and my surgeon did an incredible jobit's given me such a confidence boost to get back to modelling again.'
Marie's shoot is taking a stand about fashion's lack of age diversity as she claimed that the industry is 'fixated' on women under the age of 30.
The American star said that women over 60 are 'ignored' by fashion brands, but she refuses to be discrimated against because of her age.
Marie said: 'I'm not ready to retire yet, who says a woman can't model lingerie in her 70s? I refuse to be defined and discriminated against because of my age.'
'It makes me so angry that women are ignored and become invisible after the age of 60. Marketing execs and brands are fixated on women in the 20s and 30s and steadfastly ignore women past that age, this has got to stop.'
And Marie certainly made her point clear, as she posed for a series of incredible snaps in her lingerie for their annual campaign.
The 12-time Vogue cover girl showcased her phenomenal figure in a sexy pink set with cut-out hearts covering her nipples, teamed with a red blazer.
She later slippedd into a black mesh one-piece, which was styled with a pair of black stilettos and latex gloves.
Marie is taking a stand about fashion's lack of age diversity as she claimed that the industry is 'fixated' on women under the age of 30
Marie also wore a further selection of pink, red and black lingerie sets from the brand's upcoming Valentine's campaign
The American star said that women over 60 are 'ignored' by fashion brands, but she refuses to be discrimated against because of her age
Other looks included a barely-there black bodysuit, which she modelled with a black blazer and a pair of stylish shades.
Marie also wore a further selection of pink, red and black lingerie sets from the brand's upcoming Valentine's campaign.
Marie hopes that by fronting the Bluebella Valentine's campaign she will give other women a new lease of life.
She said: 'I think a lot of women my age are stuck in a rut because society makes you feel that way. You should take back who you are. Take back your individuality, take back your power as a woman and explore all that entails.
'That includes treating yourself to beautiful things like lingerie, it means treating yourself to good sex, to good food, to a good life, to kindness, to all those wonderful things.
'I hope by doing a campaign like this, it will make women feel a bit freer and make them think, if she can do it, I can do it.'
'And I've loved it. It's been wonderful to wear beautiful lingerie that feels good, that makes me feel good and I know that looks good to others. It's exciting.
Marie said: 'I'm not ready to retire yet, who says a woman can't model lingerie in her 70s? I refuse to be defined and discriminated against because of my age'
And Marie certainly made her point clear, as she posed for a series of incredible snaps in her lingerie for their annual campaign
Marie hopes that by fronting the Bluebella Valentine's campaign she will give other women a new lease of life
Marie has been a fashion icon throughout the decades and a Vogue cover star in the 70s (pictured in 1989)
She was a supermodel and became a pioneer detox guru in the 90s as well as marrying iconic photographer David Bailey (pictured with Marie in 1987)
Marie and David divorced in 1985 after she found out about his affair with model Catherine Dyer, who is now his wife (Marie pictured in 1987)
Back in their modelling heyday, Jerry Hall and Marie were so close they were known as the 'terrible twins' (pictured together in 1985)
Marie adored shooting for the brand, promoting age positivity, body positivity and self-love (pictured in 1981)
Marie is an inspiration to many women and has spoken openly about her experience with cancer (pictured in 1999)
'I'm so excited about this campaign and I just know that women my age and older are going to love it.'
Marie has been a fashion icon throughout the decades. She was a Vogue cover star in the 70s, a supermodel in the 80s, married to iconic photographer David Bailey and a pioneer detox guru in the 90s.
Marie adored shooting for the brand, promoting age positivity, body positivity and self-love. 'My lingerie collection started when I started modelling here in London in the 70s and I saw for the first time, a negligee and I was taken to another planet.'
'I had never seen anything so beautiful. They were like dresses. I thought, you could wear these out, and since then I've collected lingerie.'
Marie is an inspiration to many women and has spoken openly about her experience with cancer.
He has been mocked for his 'basic' skills in the kitchen and 'disastrous' cooking tutorials.
But Brooklyn Beckham is now cashing in on his questionable talents by opening his first restaurant.
From whipping up his Nanny Peggy's English Breakfast Sandwich to creating an 'experimental' gin and tonic, and blow-torching a cheese toastie for his 16.4 million Instagram followers - the nepo chef is known for his contemporary approach to cooking.
And now Brooklyn, 24, has created a menu for his pop-up eatery which will offer five dishes inspired by his 'global upbringing'.
Speaking of his new venture, he told the Mail: 'I've been lucky enough to live in some pretty cool places.
Brooklyn Beckham is cashing in on his questionable talents by opening his first restaurant
David and Victoria Beckham's eldest child has created a menu for his pop-up eatery which will offer five dishes inspired by his 'global upbringing'
Brooklyn's love of cooking has been inspired by 'living in some pretty cool places' with his parents, who have owned homes in London, the Cotswolds, Madrid and Los Angeles
'I got my wife on Indian and Chinese takeaway. She's obsessed with it now.
'My Nanny Peggy taught me how to make her English Breakfast sandwich when I was five, and it's been my favourite ever since.
'I've always been into trying different foods, cuisines, and cultures, but that was one of my earliest memories of loving cooking.
'Spending time in the kitchen is definitely something me and my dad bond over... even though I think I make my English Breakfast sandwich better, he does make a pretty good one!'
The restaurant will be based in East London and will feature his famous Nanny Peggy's breakfast sandwich.
The menu will also include a Chicken Tikka Masala, 12-hour slow cooked Wagyu Bolognese, Pork and Prawn Dumplings and Buffalo Cauliflower with Brooklyn's 'secret' hot sauce.
Prices will start at 10 and the menu will be available in London between January 25 and 26.
Beckham's delivery pop up is the latest in the series of Uber Eats Hosts, which brings customers access to 'hard-to-access restaurants' and unique food experiences.
The 5-dish menu will be available in London on 25 and 26 January between 5-10pm, priced from 10.
The series kicked off with two Michelin-starred Welsh restaurant, Ynyshir.
The eldest son of Victoria and David Beckham has previously been panned for his cooking videos.
Featuring on Vogue's channel where he cooked for wife Nicola Peltz Beckham in 2021, fans branded him 'out of touch' for using pricey ingredients.
Despite his enthusiasm, Brooklyn has previously been panned for his cooking videos
He often takes to his Instagram to show off his creations in tutorials and has been trying his utmost to launch a cooking career
Brooklyn hopes to be bringing home the bacon after turning heiress wife Nicola Peltz onto Chinese and Indian takeaways
'My Nanny Peggy taught me how to make her English Breakfast sandwich when I was five, and it's been my favourite ever since,' he said of his signature dish
Following the news, Brooklyn took to Instagram to share a workout video
He worked hard during the session which he shot in black and white
One critic said on social media: 'I wish I could afford the idea of 'no such thing as too much truffle'.'
Another fumed: 'We're in a Cost-of-living crisis Brooklyn.'
He now often takes to his Instagram to show off his creations in tutorials and has been trying his utmost to launch a cooking career and has fronted a Cookin' With Brooklyn series.
Monetising on his skills, the budding chef recently landed a sponsorship deal with Typhur Culinary, advertising a 500 air fryer.
In 2022 he co-founded and partnered with WeSake, an emerging Japanese sake drinks brand.
He also has a partnership with trendy oil brand Chosen, which he has been known to plug on his social media.
Dishes at the pop-up restaurant will start from 10 and is partnered with Uber Eats so that customers can get the dishes delivered straight to their doors.
The restaurant will be based in East London and will feature his famous Nanny Peggy's breakfast sandwich
Finders Keepers
Rating:
The Artful Dodger
Rating:
Back in the Dark Ages, hoarding was an art. Our ancestors had only rudimentary tools, but Anglo-Saxon hoarders did hang on to the richest gems, the finest metalwork and the most exquisite jewellery.
You don't see Professor Alice Roberts, on one of her archaeology shows, digging up some lost hoard that was once a Wessex palace shed filled to overflowing with 'useful' bits of bone, bent copper thingummy-bobs, rusty iron nails and goatskin leggings with a split in the seam. All preserved because Alfred the Great thought they might come in handy one day.
And I don't suppose Mrs Ethelred the Unready ever told her husband, 'Don't you dare throw any of those broken pots out they were a present from my brother after he went on that raiding party to Mercia.'
So when fussy father-of-the-bride Martin (Neil Morrissey) went metal detecting in Finders Keepers (Ch5), it was no surprise that the Saxon hoard he discovered was all treasure, no tat.
James Buckley, Neil Morrissey and Fay Ripley star in Channel 5's Finders Keepers
Finders Keepers balances some emotional melodrama with one-liners and a promise that, however sticky things get for Martin, the ending will work out all right
This was beginner's luck for Martin's future son-in-law Ashley (James Buckley), a wide boy who just happened to know a bloke down the pub with connections in the black market for buried hoards.
A couple of pints and he'd fixed them up with a buyer with a Middle European accent who was willing to offer 200,000 for the collection, no questions asked.
Writer Dan Sefton also created ITV's The Good Karma Hospital, and Finders Keepers has a similar tone, balancing some emotional melodrama with one-liners and a promise that, however sticky things get for Martin, the ending will work out all right.
It's light-hearted and a bit daft, but there's plenty going on to keep the story trundling along. Martin's wife, Anne (Fay Ripley), is fretting about her son in a care home, not to mention the wedding. The family business is in trouble too after the accountant went on holiday to Thailand with 90,000 from petty cash.
Meanwhile, the Met's antiquities flying squad is already hot on Martin's scent, though he probably needn't be too worried about a police unit that couldn't even detect artefacts from the British Museum being flogged on eBay last year.
For brazen theft from a historical source, look no further than The Artful Dodger (Disney+), a completely demented sequel to Dickens's Oliver Twist. Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Dodger, no longer a Cockney pickpocket but a brilliant surgeon saving lives in Australia.
For brazen theft from a historical source, look no further than The Artful Dodger (Disney+), a completely demented sequel to Dickens's Oliver Twist
Thomas Brodie-Sangster plays Dodger, no longer a Cockney pickpocket but a brilliant surgeon saving lives in Australia
How he acquired his compendious medical knowledge and skills with a scalpel is never quite explained, though apparently he befriended the ship's doctor after escaping from prison and fleeing to the Antipodes.
Naturally, the daughter of the colonial governor, Lady Belle (Maia Mitchell), is besotted with him but, because she is a Strong Independent Young Woman, she insists he must teach her how to be a surgeon too.
Dr Dodger has just performed a tricky amputation in front of an adoring crowd, when who should turn up but Fagin (David Thewlis), to tempt him back into a life of crime. Imagine Lady Belle's horror when she discovers a stolen ruby necklace in her boyfriend's waistcoat pocket.
And if that doesn't make you snort 'What the Dickens!', there's buckets of blood, mostly spurting from below the knee, because everyone in Victorian Oz seems to have problems with their lower limbs.
Though Disney's coffers do ensure splendid costumes, this would be unwatchable if not for Thewlis, who lets rip with plenty of lunatic overacting. Not only does he deliver a perfect impersonation of Ron Moody's Fagin, minus the singing, but he bounces into an array of silly accents from French to Prussian, just for the fun of it. It's big-budget bonkers.
Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey are currently enjoying a romantic holiday across America.
On Thursday, Rorie, 19, shared a loved-up photo to Instagram capturing the lovebirds sporting matching yellow jumpers as they strolled through Disneyland in California.
The pair had their backs to the camera as they took in the sights of the world-renowned theme park, with Robert, 20, carrying a Disney-branded bag.
Robert looked lovingly at his girlfriend while they both strolled side-by-side through the famous holiday hotspot.
Rorie also shared a photo of matching yellow ice creams they purchased and captioned it 'The happiest place on earth'.
Robert Irwin and his girlfriend Rorie Buckey are currently enjoying a romantic holiday across America. Both pictured
Earlier this month, Rorie revealed how she will be spending Valentine's Day with her boyfriend.
The teen told her Instagram followers she'll be enjoying a romantic dinner with her beau at his family's establishment Warrior Restaurant & Bar.
Rorie shared a photo of the restaurant's post announcing its 3-course Valentine's Day dinner package.
On Thursday, Rorie, 19, shared a loved-up photo to Instagram capturing the lovebirds sporting matching yellow jumpers as they strolled through Disneyland in California. The pair have their backs to the camera as they take in the sights of the world-renowned theme park
Robert and Rorie went Instagram official in August, after months of rumours they were dating.
Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple.
Woman's Day claimed last month that Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature.
The pair are currently in a long-distance relationship, with Robert based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie is in Perth.
Robert is also reportedly planning to pop the question to his girlfriend.
According to New Idea magazine, he could propose when his girlfriend visits him in Africa while he films I'm A Celebrity.
Rorie also shared a photo of the matching yellow ice creams they purchased and captioned it with some sweet words: 'The happiest place on earth'
Lizzie McGuire fans didn't get a reboot of the beloved show, but they received some fun details about it on Wednesday
A writer from the canceled revival took to TikTok to unveil plot points from the first three episodes planned for the series, which was nixed by Disney+ in 2020 over concerns the material was too mature for its platform.
Jonathan Hurwitz revealed that the reboot opened with a 30-year-old Lizzie (Hilary Duff) moving back home from New York City after discovering her boyfriend cheated on her with a friend.
Then, Hurwitz quickly dashed any hopes of a romantic reunion between Lizzie and her BFF Gordo, despite their kiss at the end of the 2002 Lizzie McGuire movie
'Lizzie meets up with Gordo and Gordo reveals that he is engaged to a woman, and she's pregnant, and they're really happy,' Hurwitz explained. 'So no, in this version, Lizzie and Gordo would not have ended up together.'
Lizzie McGuire fans might have missed the reboot, but they received some fun details about it on Wednesday
A writer from the canceled revival, Jonathan Hurwitz (above) took to TikTok to unveil plot points from the first three episodes planned for the show, which was nixed by Disney+ in 2020 over concerns the material was too mature for its platform
The end of Episode 2, however, featured 'Lizzie getting a text from Ethan Craft, and little animated Lizzie faints,' per Hurwitz.
Ethan was Lizzie's middle school crush, and in the reboot, the writers suggested that the pair might end up spending the night together.
'Episode 3 wasn't filmed, but there was a script for it,' Hurwitz said. 'Lizzie wakes up in Ethan's bed in his water polo t-shirt.'
'Animated Lizzie pops up, and she has this little checklist, like a to-do list, and Ethan is on the list. She checks it off, and I think she says something like, "Well, checked that box [dramatic pause] twice."'
Hurwitz also confirmed Lizzie was going to have a gay roommate, who was loosely based on himself.
Lizzie McQuire quickly became a huge Disney Channel hit after it debuted in 2001.
It followed the humorous escapades of teenager Lizzie as she navigates adolescence with her animated alter ego offering witty commentary.
Duff heavily promoted the reboot via social media, and even delivered the sad news of its cancellation on her Instagram account.
Hurwitz quickly dashed any hopes of a romantic reunion between Lizzie and her BFF Gordo, despite their kiss at the end of the 2002 Lizzie McGuire movie
The end of Episode 2, however, featured 'Lizzie getting a text from Ethan Craft, and little animated Lizzie faints,' per Hurwitz
Lizzie McQuire quickly became a huge Disney Channel hit after it debuted in 2001
'I know the efforts and conversations have been everywhere trying to make a reboot work, but sadly & despite everyone's best efforts, it isn't going to happen,' she wrote at the time.
'I want any reboot of Lizzie to be honest and authentic to who Lizzie would be today. It's what the character deserves.
'We can all take a moment to mourn the amazing woman she would have been and the adventures we would have taken with her,' she concluded.
Clayton Snyder, Yani Gellman, Carly Schroeder, Hilary Duff, Jake Thomas, Adam Lamberg and Ashlie Brillaut in 2003
After creator Terri Minsky walked away from the show in 2020, Disney released a statement addressing creative differences.
'Fans have a sentimental attachment to Lizzie McGuire and high expectations for a new series,' a Disney spokesperson said at the time.
'After filming two episodes, we concluded that we need to move in a different creative direction and are putting a new lens on the show.'
Mel Schilling has once again warned about the cancer symptoms she experienced while on set for the upcoming season of Married At First Sight Australia.
The relationship expert, 52, revealed last month she'd been diagnosed with colon cancer and has previously explained how she'd initially ignored the shock warning signs.
Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle, Mel detailed the pain she experienced while filming the reunion dinner party for Season 11, which premieres Monday, January 29 on Channel Nine.
Her pain was so bad she can 'barely remember' the shoot, which will air a few months after the premiere.
'I was doubled over in pain and then during the whole reunion shoot, I was just trying to smile through the pain and just get through it,' she told the outlet.
Mel Schilling has once again warned about the cancer symptoms she experienced while on set for the upcoming season of Married At First Sight Australia
'I didn't know what it was, I thought it was jet lag. I really did. I just thought I'm working too hard, its the travel, I'm just not taking care of myself. I really didn't think it was anything else.'
Mel, who appears on the British and Australian versions of the show, echoed her experiences in a recent interview and revealed she was already back at work weeks after undergoing surgery.
Speaking on British chat show This Morning about her diagnosis, she said: 'I was ignoring the signs for such a long time, my energy had dropped and I was doubled over and shouting in pain.
'I was doing a lot of international travel so I blamed it on the travel. In my mind I had a busy year and I thought I could rest in December.'
The relationship expert, 52, revealed last month that she'd been diagnosed with colon cancer and has previously explained how she'd initially ignored the shock warning signs
Mel eventually went to a GP in Australia who thought she had constipation, but she went to a specialist after returning to the UK after being unable to keep water down.
The specialist pinpointed she had colon cancer right away and, in helping to keep her spirits up, Mel has named her tumor 'Terry'.
The star added she is lucky she caught the tumour early but noted she could never feel it.
She said: 'It's a good news story. It has been tough but it was early intervention. It could have been different had I waited a month later.'
When she made the announcement, Mel posted a photo of herself hugging her husband Gareth Brisbane, 51, and their daughter Madison, eight, alongside the caption: '"You have cancer." Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear.
Mel, who appears on the British and Australian versions of the show, echoed her experiences in an interview on British chat show This Morning, and revealed she was already back at work weeks after undergoing surgery
'Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words.'
Mel said she was diagnosed just one month after she began to feel pain in her stomach while filming MAFS Australia's upcoming eleventh season.
'About a month ago, when I was filming in Australia, I developed severe stomach cramps on set. I put it down to all the travel I'd been doing and the upset it caused to my system,' she explained.
'I saw my GP in Sydney and he put it down to constipation, gave me some laxatives and sent me on my way.'
READ MORE: Mel Schilling shares painful details about her bowel cancer symptoms and admits she initially 'ignored' the worrying signs Mel Schilling shocked fans last month when she revealed she was battling colon cancer Pictured: Mel shared details about her symptoms in a new video Advertisement
Despite her doctor's initial assessment, Schilling said she knew her condition was more serious and booked herself a scan when she travelled to the UK.
'On Thursday I was told I had colon cancer and in an instant my whole life changed,' she wrote.
Despite her heartbreaking situation, Mel said she feels 'incredibly blessed' her cancer is 'relatively easy to eradicate'.
'I'm expected to make a full recovery though it's a rough road ahead,' she wrote, adding: 'I also feel so lucky to have an incredible support network around me, both personally and professionally, my own family and my TV family have been amazing this past few days.'
Mel concluded her post by encouraging her social media followers to seek medical advice whenever something feels off.
'I just wanted to finish by saying that if something doesn't feel right, please, please don't ignore it and if you don't think the answers you have got are right, keep going until you do, it might just save your life.'
Common symptoms of colon cancer include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, anal or rectal pain, lumps, unexpected weight loss, fatigue and anaemia.
Doctors recommend that people with an average risk of the cancer start screening at around age 45.
Those with a higher risk should start screening earlier.
Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgical removal of the cancer.
Other treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be recommended, depending on the location and stage of the cancer.
In addition to the UK version of MAFS, Mel will soon return to screens alongside fellow experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla for the eleventh season of the Aussie version of the hit dating show.
Australian band Empire of the Sun have joined an exclusive club after one of their songs hit an impressive milestone.
Earlier this week, the band's hit 'Walking On A Dream' joined the APRA AMCOS' 1,000,000,000 List, an award that recognises one billion streams across all platforms.
First released as a single in 2008, the song peaked at no. 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Additionally, it claimed the title of 'Single of the Year' at the 2009 ARIA Music Awards.
But the track gained a second life in the United States when it was featured in a Honda Civic commercial in 2016, and according to The Guardian at the time, the song's Shazam tags 'exploded.'
After a subsequent re-release for the American market in 2016, it was propelled to the 65th position on the Billboard Hot 100 and to the top spot on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.
Australian band Empire of the Sun have joined an exclusive club after one of their songs hit an impressive milestone. Pictured in 2009
Earlier this week, the band's hit 'Walking On A Dream' joined the APRA AMCOS' 1,000,000,000 List, an award that recognises one billion streams across all platforms
'It changed America to us,' said one half of the pop-duo Nick Littlemore at the time. 'It was very strange. The radio started playing it because people started requesting it. We've been very fortunatesongs don't often come back around.'
In 2022, the song also served as the musical backdrop for a five-year global campaign promoting Western Australia Tourism.
Notably, it received a nomination in the recently introduced ARIA Awards category for the best use of an Australian recording in an advertisement during the preceding year.
Released as the first single of the project in 2008, the song peaked at 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart. But the track gained a second life in the United States when it was featured in a Honda Civic commercial in 2016
'It changed America to us,' said one half of the pop-duo Nick Littlemore at the time. 'It was very strange. The radio started playing it because people started requesting it. We've been very fortunatesongs don't often come back around'
Nick Littlemore and Jono Sloan, co-writers of the song, were present to accept their Billions Award at APRA AMCOS' headquarters in Sydney. Unfortunately, frontman and fellow co-writer Luke Steele was unable to attend the event
Littlemore and Jono Sloan, co-writers of the song, were present to accept their Billions Award at APRA AMCOS' headquarters in Sydney. Unfortunately, frontman and fellow co-writer Luke Steele was unable to attend the event.
Littlemore explained that the song is an 'evergreen record.'
'It's new for every generation. It's the hope as a songwriter or creator in any sense that you can continually reach the kids and give them something to play back,' he said.
Empire of the Sun boasts three full-length albums in their discography: their debut in 2008, followed by Ice on the Dune in 2013, and Two Vines in 2016.
Speaking to Billboard in 2021, Littlemore suggested there would be more music on the way.
'I don't feel we have exhausted that well by any stretch. The name still has a lot of goodwill. I really hope we can come together and finish it,' he said.
READ MORE: WWE star LA Knight gets flirty with Jackie O during a live interview
Jackie O Henderson was left shocked on Thursday when an Aussie hunk she met in Bali made a surprise visit to the KIIS FM studio.
The 48-year-old radio host revealed she first met the male named Brendan, 33, at a nightclub when he asked her for a photo.
'This guy came up to me and said "could I get a photo with you?",' she explained.
'And as soon as his friend took the photo, he put his arms around me from behind and kissed me on the cheek.'
"And I said "no, no, that looks like we are a couple, can you retake it?"'
Jackie O Henderson was left shocked on Thursday when an Aussie hunk she met in Bali made a surprise visit to the KIIS FM studio
During his interview on air, Brendan explained the blonde beauty 'turned her cheek' when he tried to kiss her before asking her on a date.
Jackie admitted he was a 'little too young for her' before asking him about his relationship history.
'You're so fun and you're really like a cool guy, but 33 is just a little young for me,' she told him.
'When was the last time you had a girlfriend?' she asked, before Brendan revealed he hadn't been in a relationship in a 'few years'.
The 48-year-old radio host revealed she first met the male named Brendan, 33, at a club when he asked her for a photo
Jackie's co-host Kyle Sandilands then asked her: 'So you would not date long term?'
'No but I'm cool to hang out for sure,' she responded.
Jackie returned from her holiday in Bali last Tuesday following an extended stay in the tourist hotspot.
During her trip, the media personality revealed she came down with a case of 'Bali belly' alongside her fellow travel companion Carrie Bickmore.
Carrie released a new image from their girls' trip, showing the 43-year-old dancing up a storm with a drink in hand.
Jackie (pictured during her Bali trip) admitted that he was a 'little too young for her' before asking him about his relationship history
Jackie weighed in on the pic, commenting, 'Gimme those boat tunes - minus the Bali belly'.
'I still tapped my toe between spews,' Carrie replied.
'Bali belly' is a colloquial term for diarrhoea contracted during travel which can be caused by consuming bacteria found in contaminated food and water.
It can also cause cramping and vomiting.
Abbie Chatfield went on a tirade Wednesday night, complaining about renovators and homebuyers snapping up 'heritage' homes built before the 1980s and changing the original design of them.
She said she 'feared' they would destroy all the 'cool defining features of those eras' by painting over it all with 'stark Dulux white' and adding 'a Colorbond f**king roof'.
'It actually disturbs me to my core and makes me fearful for the future when I see people buy a beautiful house with character from the 1920s to 80s,' she began in a video on Instagram.
'A well-built home that has things like exposed brick, cornices, exposed wood, wood panelling, sunken living rooms, like it has really cool defining features of eras.'
The FBoy Island host added: 'I just know they're going to f**king render that thing and paint it stark Dulux white with a Colorbond f**king roof.'
Abbie Chatfield went on a tirade Wednesday night , complaining about renovators and homebuyers snapping up 'heritage' homes built before the 1980s and changing the original design of them
Bizarrely, Abbie said she was losing sleep over it.
'I can't sleep because of it. That's how upset it makes me. It makes me really anxious, and I'm not being dramatic,' she added.
I actually get scared and it makes me feel like people should have to sign a clause when they buy a house that they won't get rid of [the character].'
She said she 'feared' they would destroy all the 'cool defining features of those eras' by painting over it all with 'stark Dulux white' and adding 'a Colorbond f**king roof'
The popular podcaster is currently renovating her own million dollar Tamarama apartment she snapped up in February 2022.
In July 2022, Abbie revealed she was planning a 'full redesign' of her $1.76million unit in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The radio host is understood to have splashed out $1,758,000 - which was $117,000 below the listed sale price for the home.
The popular podcaster is currently renovating her own million dollar Tamarama apartment she snapped up in February 2022
Abbie also owns a gorgeous luxury cottage in the Byron Bay Hinterland which she splashed $1.45million on
The home failed to sell at auction with Abbie making the purchase before it was sent to auction for a second time.
Abbie also owns a gorgeous luxury cottage in the Byron Bay Hinterland which she splashed $1.45million on.
Described as a private retreat, the California-style bungalow features just two bedrooms and is designed for privacy.
Recently built, the wooden structure was referred to as 'a romantic timber cottage' in its listings, and it constructed of recycled natural materials.
Love Island's Chris Taylor and Molly Smith spark a romance with a kiss, but All Stars fans are left concerned that the Barbie actor is being used as a rebound.
ITV2 viewers have shared their concern for Chris, 33, as they are worried Molly, 27, is just waiting for her ex Callum Jones to 'mature'.
Chris, who appeared on the show in series five in 2019, took his chances with the blonde beauty after she and her ex-boyfriend had a heated argument over Callum's behaviour in front of the entire villa.
After the two ex-flames calmed the fire, Chris pulled Molly on her own for a chat, but before they knew it, the pair were kissing passionately on the couches.
While Chris may have finally got somewhere with the girl he has been gunning for, viewers are not so happy about the potential coupling.
Love Island's Chris Taylor and Molly Smith spark a romance with a kiss, but All Stars fans are left concerned that the Barbie actor is being used as a rebound
ITV2 viewers have shared their concern for Chris, 33, as they are worried Molly, 27, is just waiting for her ex Callum Jones to 'mature'
Sharing their thoughts to X, formerly known as Twitter, Love Island fans revealed their true feelings about the cheeky act.
One penned: 'Molly still likes Callum and is open to getting back together with him. What is not clicking for Chris.'
'chris setting himself up for disappointment here, won't take long for callum a molly to get back together!'
'Molly is deffo using Chris to make Callum jealous as well, immature.'
'I am not enjoying watching Molly with Chris If that was Callum doing that, there would be tears and tantrums'
Molly and Callum faced an awkward reunion when they both entered the villa as bombshells during the debut episode.
And the real reason Callum split from Molly was revealed, with a report claiming he became 'freaked out' when she wanted to get engaged.
The former couple met when Molly was a Casa Amor bombshell on the 2020 season of Love Island and went on to have a three-year relationship, even moving in together in Manchester.
Chris, who appeared on the show in series five in 2019, took his chances with the blonde beauty after she and her ex-boyfriend had a heated argument over Callum's behaviour in front of the entire villa
Sharing their thoughts to X, formerly known as Twitter, Love Island fans revealed their true feelings about the cheeky act
But after breaking up just six months ago, they faced an awkward on-screen reunion when they both shockingly entered the South African villa during the All Stars launch on Monday.
A source told The Sun of their break-up: 'Basically with Molly coming up to her 30th birthday, things naturally started to feel more serious and she wanted to start looking at the next logical steps in their relationship.'
They continued: 'It's not exactly demanding to have expected Callum to be on the same page given they lived together and owned two dogs.
'But the talk about next steps and getting engaged totally freaked him out and it was like something in his head just disconnected.'
The permission granted Mr Koroma is coming amid rumours that he had agreed to go on exile in Nigeria if all charges against him were dropped.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma has been granted permission to seek medical attention in Nigeria.
He was granted permission by a Sierra Leone High Court, according to a BBC report.
Mr Koroma was arrested and charged with treason against his country, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring suspects. He was later granted conditional bail including that he could not leave his house except permitted by the Inspector-General of Police.
The Sierra Leone government had previously said the hearing of the case against the former president will resume today 17 January when they would be ready to bring in witnesses.
The permission granted Mr Koroma is coming amid rumours that he had agreed to go on exile in Nigeria if all charges against him were dropped.
According to the BBC, anonymous sources from the United Nations and ECOWAS said the sub-regional bloc (ECOWAS) had brokered a deal for Mr Koroma to go into exile in Nigeria if the charges were dropped.
The BBC also saw a letter saying Mr Koroma had agreed to the deal, which would see him continue to enjoy the perks of a former president even while in Nigeria.
However, Sierra Leone's Foreign Minster Timothy Kabba told the BBC the government did not support the proposal, describing it as a "unilateral proposition" by the president of the ECOWAS Commission.
Mr Koroma was president of the West African country for 11 years until 2018 when current President Julius Bio succeeded him.
He's an Australian-born actor who ventured to Hollywood and earned himself an Emmy and Golden Globe.
But Anthony LaPaglia, 64, looks worlds away from his days as a network TV leading man in his new Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe.
The Aussie star plays Tytus Broz, a kingpin in a crime syndicate, and almost resembles Colonel Sanders in his cream, three-piece suit and stark white hair.
The new look is a dramatic difference to his typical roles and casual day-to-day outfits.
LaPaglia was seen recently attending a red carpet with his much younger second wife Alexandra Henkel, 33.
Anthony LaPaglia, 64, looks worlds away from his days as a lead television star in his new Netflix series Boy Swallows Universe. Pictured in 2017
He wore a black zip-up hoodie and matching blazer for the screening, and completed his laid-back look with black pants and monochrome sneakers.
The Frasier star married Henkel in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii in July 2018, a year after the couple got engaged in April 2017.
Before meeting Henkel, LaPaglia was married to My Big Fat Greek Wedding actress Gia Carides for 17 years.
They announced their split in March 2015, and divorced a year later.
The former couple share 20-year-old daughter Bridget.
The Aussie star plays Tytus Broz, a kingpin in a crime syndicate, and almost resembles Colonel Sanders in his cream, three-piece suit and stark white hair
During an interview with the Herald Sun in April 2016, LaPaglia said his divorce from Carides was nobody else's business.
'My attitude is that if I don't know someone - and it's no disrespect to anyone out there - then I don't care what their opinion is because they're not me, they're not in my life and they can have all the opinions they like - they don't know what went on,' he said.
'Outsiders are relatively unimportant to me, as long as the people involved know what went on.'
His latest project Boy Swallows Universe has earned rave reviews from audiences.
Adapted from Trent Dalton's novel, Boy Swallows Universe is an extraordinary tale that explores the trials and tribulations of two brothers - Eli and August - who grow up in 1980s suburban Brisbane.
The new look is a dramatic difference to his typical roles and casual day-to-day outfits
LaPaglia was seen recently attending a red carpet with his much younger second wife Alexandra Henkel, 33. Both pictured
The series was released in full on January 11, and plenty of Netflix subscribers have already binged their way through all seven-plus hours - hailing the show as 'beautiful and brilliant.'
Staying true to its Aussie roots, the series stars an A-List lineup of Australian actors, including Phoebe Tonkin as Frances Bell, Eli's mother.
The troubled tale first tugged at the heartstrings of many Australians when the book was released in 2018 - with particular elements of the story revealed to be loosely inspired by some of the author's very own childhood experiences.
Adapted from Trent Dalton's novel, Boy Swallows Universe is an extraordinary tale that explores the trials and tribulations of two brothers - Eli and August - who grow up in 1980s suburban Brisbane. (Travis and Phoebe Tonkin pictured with co-stars Lee Halley and Felix Cameron)
Speaking to the Townsville Bulletin in July 2018, Trent recalled that he himself grew up with two unconventional male role models.
One was his criminal stepfather, and the second was a family friend, Arthur 'Slim' Halliday, who was a convicted killer and prison escapee notoriously known as 'The Houdini of Boggo Road.'
Describing his stepfather as the 'first man I ever truly loved,' Trent, as a boy, would look up to the man he called 'Dad' - despite his shady, dark doings as a criminal.
However, when his stepfather was taken away by police, the novelist began to funnel his desire to find out more about his father figure's secret life into writing a book, based on 'answers that never came.'
Mean Girls actress Renee Rapp stunned fans when she admitted she didn't know that Kylie Minogue is famous for being an entertainer - and not a winemaker.
The 24-year-old was being quizzed by Magic Radio presenter Olivia Marks alongside the other cast about famous musicals.
'Who played the Green Fairy in Moulin Rogue the film? It's an Australian pop star,' she asked.
After Olivia revealed it was Kylie Minogue, Renee said: 'I do not know who that is. Does she have prosecco now?'
'But who is this queen? I'd love to [know who she is].'
Mean Girls actress Renee Rapp stunned fans when she admitted she doesn't know who Kylie Minogue is while being quizzed by Magic Radio presenter Olivia Marks
Minogue did indeed develop wine brand Kylie Minogue Wines, in collaboration with English beverages distributor Benchmark Drinks, in 2020.
Rapp revealed she had sampled Minogue's wares recently.
'I was in London last month and somebody was like, "We brought Kylie Minogue prosecco",' said the actress.
Still, fans were left stunned by Renee's admission, with one writing: 'Renee not knowing who Kylie Minogue is shocks me to the core. What have we done wrong as a society?'
'Not knowing Kylie is so sad . She is pure magic,' another agreed.
'It's kind of insane they don't know who Kylie Minogue is. You would think they would know a little bit about music,' a third said.
One person commented: 'Renne not knowing who is Kylie Minogue disappointing for someone who sings pop.'
The new film stars Angourie Rice as Cady, Rapp as Regina (reprising her Broadway role), Auli'i Cravalho as Janis, Jaquel Spivey as Damian, Anantika as Karen and Bebe Wood as Gretchen.
Fans were left stunned by Renee's admission, with one writing: 'Renee not knowing who Kylie Minogue is shocks me to the core. What have we done wrong as a society?'
The project was directed by Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne, in a screenplay from Tina Fey, who also has a role in the film.
The first movie in 2004 generated a strong following after its debut, and a made-for-television sequel to the film was released in 2011.
A stage musical based on the movie came out in 2017 and ran on Broadway until 2020.
Maya Jama put on a jaw-dropping display in a figure-hugging dress as she quizzed Jake Cornish on his Love Island All Stars exit on Wednesday.
The show's host, 29, showcased her model physique in the leather figure-hugging dress, highlighting her curvaceous frame to perfection.
Her jet-black strapless dress, which showcased her ample cleavage, featured a sultry slit up the back of the garment.
Despite the contestant's exit, she ensured all eyes were on her as she accessorised her gorgeous look with a simple silver bangle and a pair of towering black, barely-there heels.
Upping the elegance, Maya swooped her thick dark tresses into a chic updo, paired with a simple no make-up look.
Maya Jama put on a jaw-dropping display in a figure-hugging dress as she quizzed Jake Cornish on his Love Island All Stars exit on Wednesday
The show's host, 29, showcased her model physique in the leather figure-hugging dress, highlighting her curvaceous frame to perfection
Jake left the contestant on Wednesday after gathering his fellow Islanders around the firepit and explaining why he was leaving the villa.
He revealed: Listen, everyone. I was here to find love. There's no one here really that I've got that connection with.
'I'm just going to let you all know that I'm going tonight.'
His ex, Liberty Poole, immediately gasped 'Jake!' and promptly burst into tears before Jake pulled her aside for a heart-to-heart.
He will partake in a sit-down interview with host Maya Jama to discuss his reasons for suddenly leaving the series.
Fans were convinced they spotted the moment Jake decided to leave the villa during Tuesday's episode of the show.
The hunk was left red-faced when one of his preferences in the bedroom was exposed by Liberty.
As part of a game, Liberty was asked: 'Which Islander of the opposite sex gives you the ick and why,' to which Jake scoffed and looked away.
Her jet-black strapless dress, which showcased her ample cleavage, featured a sultry slit up the back of the garment
Despite the contestant's exit, she ensured all eyes were on her as she accessorised her gorgeous look with a simple silver bangle and a pair of towering black, barely-there heels
She answered: 'I've got to say, Jake. I think the foot fetish.'
Shaking his head, Jake smiled and said: 'It got blown well out of proportion,' to which the rest of the Islanders burst out into laughter.
Jake decided he 'couldn't stay' after the public voted for the exes to be coupled up together on last night's launch show.
Love Island viewers sided with Callum Jones after he and ex-girlfriend Molly Smith had an explosive argument during Wednesday's episode of Love Island All Stars.
The bombshell arrival gave Callum a piece of her mind after he attempted to woo her by saying how beautiful she looked in the South African villa.
But Molly, 29, was angered by the flattery and accused her ex, 27, of never complimenting her during their three-year relationship.
Speculation has been rife as to whether the pair, who split in September last year, faked their break-up after Callum chose to couple-up with Molly when he was given the option to steal any one of the female Islanders from their partners.
But in Wednesday's episode of the new series, Molly confronted Callum over his reluctance to commit to their long-term future, saying he lost interest in being with her as he was more interested in his career, while she was keen for them to buy a property together.
Love Island viewers sided with Callum Jones after he and ex-girlfriend Molly Smith had an explosive argument during Wednesday's episode of Love Island All Stars
But Molly, 29, was angered by the flattery and accused her ex, 27, of never complimenting her during their three-year relationship and wanting to focus on his career
After Molly spoke about her past relationship with Callum in the villa, he said: 'I feel like you're making me look bad,' to which Molly protested: 'I don't think I'm intentionally trying to. If it's come across, it's just factual evidence.'
She added: 'But then to focus on your career if you thought you saw a future.'
He asked: 'So you're saying that's the reason we split up?', to which Molly replied: 'That's what you told me.'
Callum insisted: 'No I didn't.'
Looking angry, Molly asked: 'Am I lying?'
Callum then asked her: 'Was we arguing every day?', to which Molly responded: 'Yeah but then you told me that you needed to focus on your career.'
Callum again insisted: 'No I didn't. I'd never say that.'
Viewers took to social media to express their opinion on the argument after it unfolded on screen, with may siding with Callum.
Viewers took to social media to express their opinion on the argument after it unfolded on screen, with may siding with Callum
One person tweeted: 'Molly was so catty in tonight's ep imo. Slamming Callum for being a bad boyfriend in front of not only everyone in the villa but also on telly?'
While someone else wrote: 'Sorry but Im Team Callum on this one. Molly aint going the right way about this at all.'
'Molly literally does not like Callum as a person and should just say, that relationship is done on her side 100%, not telling him that is cruel imo,' wrote another show fan.
Someone else posted: 'I feel like Molly has a lot of resentment towards Callum and just wants to make him jealous so he can get mad.'
Another person shared: 'I feel like both Callum and Molly arent over it and probs making it worse arguing on TV.'
While someone else commented: 'This Molly is very bad vibes; she gives off massive red flags! Feeling a bit sorry for Callum, can see hes not good at putting his emotions into words.'
And someone else wrote: 'The whole argument between Callum and Molly is so uncomfortable to watch. Their drama is not even entertaining. I thought theyre just gonna have a one conversation and try to work things out, thats why I was interested at first. Now their drama is just irritating.'
'It's like Molly heard Callum was coming to the show and came JUST to petty revenge test him and make sure he's embarrassed on TV idk what happened but baby girl is FUMING in that I have to hurt you back first stage,' pondered someone else.
The bombshell gave Callum a piece of her mind after he attempted to woo her by saying how beautiful she looked in the South African villa
Molly confronted Callum over his reluctance to commit to their long-term future, saying he lost interest in being with her
Another viewer posted: 'I feel so bad for Callum. My boy doesnt deserve to be spoken to like that at all. If Molly interrupted him and he said Im not finished. Everyone would go mad. He was so calm and she was laughing in his face. Bang out of order.'
Molly and Callum split up six months ago after meeting on the winter season of Love Island in 2020.
Callum signed up to the All Stars series as a bombshell and was shocked to discover his former girlfriend had done the same, with Molly strutting through the villa doors moments after his arrival.
But Callum decided to couple up with Molly, sharing a bed with his ex again for the first time in months, rather than pursue a new romance.
Molly was riled after overhearing Callum tell some of his fellow Islanders that he only paired up with her out of 'respect' while she was looking for something more.
The reality star has already received interest from the likes of Chris Taylor, 33, who admitted he finds her the most attractive female in the villa.
But Callum has so far acted nonchalant towards Molly and the possibility of her dating someone else on the show.
During a game played with the entire cast, Molly took part in a three-way kiss with Chris and Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, 29, with little reaction from her ex.
Love Island All Stars continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX on Thursday 18 January.
Jane Seymour revealed that her sex life with boyfriend John Zambetti is better than ever.
The Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman star gushed that she is having the most 'passionate' sex of her life at 72, in an essay for Cosmopolitan's 'Sex After 60' digital issue, published on Wednesday.
'Sex right now is more wonderful and passionate than anything I ever remember because it is built on trust, love, and experience,' the star, who has been married four times, wrote.
'I now know myself and my body, and John has had his own experiences in his lifeit's not like when you're younger,' she added, referring to The Malibooz musician, 73.
'Your sex life doesn't need to end at 60. At the end of the day, everyone is looking for something that puts blood into a certain area.'
Jane Seymour, 72, revealed that her sex life with boyfriend John Zambetti, 73, is better than ever; They are seen in January in Los Angeles
'Sex right now is more wonderful and passionate than anything I ever remember because it is built on trust, love, and experience,' the star, who has been married four times, wrote in a new essay for Cosmopolitan's 'Sex After 60' digital issue
'When you can figure that out, well, you're going to be a happy camper,' she continued.
The mother-of-four - who rose to fame after playing a Bond girl in the 1973 film Live and Let Die - ventured to explain that with age sex becomes more centered around intimacy.
'I suppose among younger generations, people have sex first and then say, "Oh, by the way, hello. How do you do?"'
'The older I get, the more sex is built on emotional intimacy, on having shared the ups and downs of life with someoneour feelings, our joys, our sadness, our mutual passions, and desire.'
She went on to joke that a 'bonus' to sex later in life is that you can't get pregnant.
'The crazy thing is, right now, I feel like I'm both experienced and 16 years old. I truly feel sex and intimacy is better at my age than it ever was before.'
'I actually mean that. And it took being single after my marriages to learn that I dont have to disappear for sex and romance to click.'
Seymour explained that in previous relationships she would forget to think about herself.
'I now know myself and my body, and John has had his own experiences in his lifeit's not like when you're younger,' she added
'Your sex life doesn't need to end at 60. At the end of the day, everyone is looking for something that puts blood into a certain area,' she stressed
Seymour and John went public in October of 2023, with the former Bond girl sharing pictures of them snuggled up together on Instagram
'After more than five decades of being coupled up - in four marriages, a few long-term partnerships, and plenty of dates - my last breakup sparked an epiphany: Whenever I was with someone, I'd vanish in the relationship.'
'Dating someone was about "having it all" - the career, the blended family, the marriage - not about romance and never, ever about me.'
'After my last relationship ended, I was intent on being single and on my own. I went to Greece and rented a small yacht on the South Ionian Sea. I went to Iceland and climbed glaciers,' she recalls.
It was then that she met John.
'When John and I first met, he was encountering me as someone who was happily alone, not eagerly looking. I was at my happiest, surrounded by friends and family... John was immediately exposed to who I really am. And so despite my active disinterest in romance at the time, he still appreciated me and the privilege it was to see my life. I let him be part of the gang.'
Seymour and John went public in October of 2023, with the former Bond girl sharing pictures of them snuggled up together on Instagram.
In November the pair opened up about their special union to DailyMail.com.
'She's a great kisser, by the way,' Zambetti shared, adding that he always assumes she is leaning in for a kiss whenever she turns his way. 'I mean, can you blame me?'
Seymour said: 'This is something uniquely special and it's a gift at this time of my life.'
'And I think he feels the same way. He's lovely and he's obviously very intelligent, but also very supportive. Everyone I know loves him. They all adore him.'
Seymour has been married a total of four times and has four children. She was married to James Keach (seen in 2011) from 1993 to 2015. They share twins Kristopher and John, 27
Prior to that she was married to David Flynn (1981-1991), with whom she shares daughter Katherine, 41, and son Sean, 38. She was also married to Geoffrey Planer (1977-1978) and Michael Attenborough (1971-1973); Pictured with Attenborough on their wedding day
Seymour has been married a total of four times.
She was wed to theatre director Michael Attenborough from 1971 until 1973.
Later she married author Geoffrey Planer from 1977 to 1978, followed by her marriage to businessman David Flynn from 1981 until 1992.
She shares daughter Katherine, 41, and son Sean, 38, with Flynn.
Lastly, she was married to actor James Keach from 1993 to 2015. The pair share twins Kristopher and John, 27.
Katherine Schwarzenegger surfaced in Los Angeles on Wednesday with her three-year-old daughter Lyla in her arms.
The 34-year-old shares her two daughters, Lyla as well as one-year-old Eloise, with her dashing movie star husband Chris Pratt.
When she was spotted out in California with her firstborn this week, Katherine appeared in bright spirits, smiling as she held little Lyla.
Her latest sighting came as her father Arnold Schwarzenegger was allegedly fined 35,000 after being detained at Munich Airport and quizzed 'under tax law' over an unregistered luxury watch he was planning to auction.
The Terminator actor, 76, was told he had to pay half of the customs fees in cash, and was escorted by an officer to withdraw the huge sum from a bank, BILD reports.
Katherine Schwarzenegger surfaced in Los Angeles on Wednesday with her three-year-old daughter Lyla in her arms
The 34-year-old shares her two daughters, Lyla as well as one-year-old Eloise, with her dashing movie star husband Chris Pratt
His 49-year-old girlfriend Heather Milligan and a friend - both of whom had accompanied him on a flight from Los Angeles this afternoon - were not allowed to go to the bank with him, the German tabloid also reports.
The film star, who has dual Austrian and US citizenship, was pictured with customs officers this afternoon and is said to have waited three hours with authorities before being let go.
Speaking before his release, a customs officer said 'the watch will probably have to stay'. Arnie is said to have been on his way to attend a climate charity auction being held tomorrow in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
The watch is reported to be a valuable timepiece which was made for him by Swiss luxury brand Audemars Piguet.
The passionate climate campaigner was planning to auction it off at a dinner on Thursday, BILD reports.
Shortly after news of his customs run-in emerged, the former bodybuilder shared a bizarre Instagram snap of him seemingly sharing a biscuit with his pet pig.
Spokesman for the Munich Main Customs Office, Thomas Meister, said tax should have been paid on the watch because Schwarzenegger was intending to sell it in the European Union.
'If the goods remain in the EU, you have to declare them through customs. This applies to everyone, whether their name is Schwarzenegger or Muller, Meier, Huber,' a customs spokesman told German outlet SZ.
Her father Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, was seen holding a box in a customs office at Munich airport, in a picture obtained by BILD
As the news emerged, the former bodybuilder shared a bizarre Instagram snap of him seemingly sharing a biscuit with his pet pig
US-Austrian actor, businessman, retired bodybuilder and former Governor of California, speaks during the opening of the Austrian World Summit in 2023
The passionate climate campaigner was planning to auction it off at a dinner on Thursday, BILD reports
File image shows Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a Audemars Piguet watch included in a 2003 auction
Schwarzenegger brought out his own limited edition model with Audemars Piguet in 1999
The auction listing of the exclusive watch
The former California Governor is said to have told BILD that the watch was meant to be auctioned off for charity.
'This is the problem that Germany is suffering from. You can no longer see the forest for the trees,' he reportedly told the paper.
The ex politician is known for his love of flashy watches, and famously brought out his own limited edition model with Audemars Piguet in 1999.
Only 1,500 of the Royal Oak Offshore 'Arnold Schwarzenegger The Legacy' pieces were ever produced and they retail for more than 30,000.
His extensive collection of watches is also said to include pieces by Rolex and other luxury brands.
It is not known which exact timepiece from his collection he was allegedly held up over.
The Austrian born actor was also on his way to watch the Hahnenkamm Race, a major contest in the Alpine ski calendar.
He runs Vienna-based charity The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, an eco group which is raising funds at a party during the prestigious race week.
Coronation Street bosses have spent a pretty penny to secure two soap icons as TV buffs claimed the show was going downhill.
Michael Le Vell, 59, and Sally Dynevor, 60, have signed eye-watering money deals to keep them walking down the cobbled street for at least another year.
The show's bosses scrambled to tie the two down after the classic show missed out on the Christmas Day TV top ten for the first time in decades, according to The Sun.
Michael played mechanic Kevin Webster for 41 years, with his character married to Sally before their shocking divorce.
Sally has clocked up 38 years on the famous soap show, and the pair, thought to be on around 170,000 a year, are iconic fan favourites.
Coronation Street bosses have spent a pretty penny to secure two soap icons as TV buffs claimed the show was going downhill
Michael Le Vell, 59, and Sally Dynevor, 60, have signed eye-watering money deals to keep them walking down the cobbled street for at least another year
A source told the publication: 'Sally and Mike are two of Corrie's most beloved stars.
'Bosses were desperate to keep them, and they were happy to sign. They both love the show.'
Bill Roache, 91, who has played Ken Barlow since 1960, has also signed a new cash-heavy contract.
The costly payout follows a slew of devastating exits by other Corrie icons.
Alex Bain, 22 (Simon Barlow) and Lisa George, 51 (Beth Tinker), will depart in the summer of 2024.
Peter Ash, 38, will be waving goodbye to the cast when his character, Paul Foreman, loses his fight with motor neurone disease.
One fan penned: 'About 15 characters should be axed and you wouldn't miss them. The stories are farcical and the acting of many is certainly questionable.'
'Corrie is in the worst state it's ever been in. It needs a clear out of dead wood.'
Michael played mechanic Kevin Webster for 41 years, with his character married to Sally before their shocking divorce
Sally has clocked up 38 years on the famous soap show, and the pair, thought to be on around 170,000 a year, are iconic fan favourites
'Corrie is definitely in the worst state it's ever been in. The show needs to have a big clear out of deadwood.'
It comes after the show announced that villain Dom Everett is set for a shocking return to the ITV soap just two months after his dramatic exit.
Dom, who Darren Morfitt plays, was spotted filming at the soap studio in Manchester on Monday, confirming his comeback.
The surprise will cause major drama for at least three residents, one of which was initially very glad to see the back of him at the end of last year.
Dodgy Dom is the estranged father of Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) and left the cobbles to go and live in Germany following a showdown with Eliza's grandad Stu Carpenter (Bill Fellows).
Stu paid Dom 10k in exchange for him not being in Eliza's life, but it now looks like he's gone back on the deal.
MailOnlinw has contacted ITV for a comment.
Jacob Elordi and Olivia Jade have ended their relationship again after briefly reuniting last year.
A source told Us Weekly on Wednesday that the 26-year-old Euphoria heartthrob and the 24-year-old daughter of convicted felon and former Full House star Lori Loughlin had split up again.
The two had given their romance a second take back in May of 2023, but it's unclear when exactly they split for the second time.
DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for both Elordi and Giannulli.
The news of the split coms as Jacob is preparing to host Saturday Night Live.
Jacob Elordi and Olivia Jade have ended their relationship again after briefly reuniting last year. A source told Us Weekly that the Euphoria heartthrob, 26, and the 24-year-old daughter of convicted felon and former Full House star Lori Loughlin had split up again; pictured in November
Although they weren't afraid to be seen together in public, Jacob and Olivia have never gone on the record about their relationship.
Elordi had previously dated Kaia Gerber, and after their November 2021 breakup he was first linked to Olivia shortly after in December of that year.
'They both got out of relationships recently so theyre not rushing into anything serious,' a source told Us Weekly at the time. 'So far its going well and theres sparks between them.'
Olivia had also ended her relationship with Jackson Guthy a few months earlier in August of 2021.
However, it wasn't until May 2022 that their romance was confirmed.
But the Priscilla actor and Olivia broke up just months later in August 2022, with a source later telling the publication that the actor was 'not looking for a serious relationship at the moment.'
However, by the following month he and the YouTuber were back to spending time together in public.
They were spotted on a walk in Los Angeles, and they were seen on several more outings over subsequent months.
By June 2023, a source told Us Weekly that Jacob and Olivia were 'getting close again' after enjoying some time together and traveling.
'This month theyve been to New York and decided to go to Italy to get away from it all,' they added.
The two began dating in December 2021 but split by August 2022. However, they were seen hanging out again as soon as September of that year
The revived their relationship officially by mid-2023, but they were last pictured together in October. It's unclear when the second break up occurred
The source noted that the lovebirds 'wanted to see if their connection was still there.'
The stars have not been photographed since October, raising questions about when exactly their relationship ended.
Jacob has a habit of dating his leading ladies after previous relationships with his Kissing Booth costar Joey King and Euphoria actress Zendaya.
He has lately been receiving strong reviews for his performance opposite Barry Keoghan in Saltburn, and he's set to appear in a third season of Euphoria.
Robin Bailey pocketed a tidy $450,000 in profit recently when she sold her Fig Tree Pocket waterfront home for an eye-watering $1.6million.
The KIIS 97.3FM star, 53, finally agreed to the massive deal in November after initially listing the Brisbane house for sale in March last year, reported realestate.com.au on Thursday.
After being forced to swap real estate agents and re-list in October, the radio host is now sitting pretty on the pile of cash earned from the five bedroom property.
She sold the home through Ray White Paddington after initially snapping it up in 2015 for $1.15million.
Real estate agent Mathew Abboud described the property as a 'warm and inviting family home' which offered a tranquil atmosphere and modern living.
Robin Bailey, 53, (pictured) pocketed a tidy $450,000 in profit recently when she sold her Fig Tree Pocket waterfront home for a whopping $1.6million
With multiple indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces alongside a fully self-contained guesthouse, the new owners won't want for space.
The Brisbane River views and in-ground pool were also attractive selling points which helped Robin land her eye-watering profit.
Initially, Robin purchased the home following the tragic death of her first husband Tony Smart, who died by suicide after a long battle with depression.
The KIIS 97.3FM star finally agreed to the massive deal in November after initially listing the Brisbane house for sale in March last year
After she was forced to swap real estate agents and re-list in October, the radio host is now sitting pretty on the pile of cash earned from the five bedroom property
Tragedy struck again in 2019 when Robin lost her second husband, Sean Pickwell, who died of cancer in September that year.
Following the heartbreak, Robin sold her $500,000 home and embarked on a soul-searching trip to India with her three sons, who she shared with her first husband.
She regularly posted pictures of the family as she worked on reminding her boys 'how lucky they are'.
She sold the home through Ray White Paddington after initially snapping it up in 2015 for $1.15million
Real estate agent Mathew Abboud described the property as a 'warm and inviting family home' which offered a tranquil atmosphere and modern living
'I want us to taste, smell, touch and feel things that challenge us,' she wrote on the day they set off to India.
The family visited temples and mosques to experience the different cultures in India.
On the second day, they visited a Sikh temple which helps feed 70,000 people and a market with cheap fake designer products before having lunch.
For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
She is due to give birth to her first child with partner Jono Castano in a matter of weeks.
And Simone Holtznagel showed off her growing bump this week.
The model, 30, took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal how her pregnancy is progressing.
Simone shared a selfie from a higher angle, focusing down on her bump in tight-fitting grey activewear.
Over the photo, she wrote '30 weeks + 1 day' followed by a watermelon emoji, saying her belly had grown in similar size to the large fruit.
Simone Holtznagel showed off her growing baby bump and revealed how her pregnancy is progressing this week
She also shared a picture of herself holding her niece Mila and commented on the little girl's response to the model's blossoming belly.
'Mila's little hand on my belly in this pic cracks me up,' she wrote.
Simone announced that she and Jono were expecting their first child together in November.
She revealed in an Instagram post that the couple are due in March and they had already decided on a name.
She also shared a picture of herself holding her niece Mila and commented on the little girl's response to the model's blossoming belly
The blonde beauty recently said she has been 'preparing her body to give birth' by seeing a pelvic floor health expert.
'I am working with Saila @wonderawayofbeing in the lead up to giving birth. She's an expert in pelvic floor health and does the best pregnancy massage,' she wrote.
'Feeling so much more confident after only two visits. I'll be seeing her postpartum to and so will the baby.'
Simone announced that she and her partner Jono Castano were expecting their first child together in November
Simone, 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 said.
The Australia's Next Top Model star explained she discovered she was pregnant after she felt unusually sick following a holiday to the Maldives to celebrate her 30th birthday.
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.
Washington The White House sees national security concerns in a recent agreement giving Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in Somalia's breakaway Somaliland region, administration officials said Tuesday. But experts questioned Washington's commitment and ability to quell tensions in the volatile region.
The two parties inked the deal on January 1. At the time, Ethiopian government spokesman Redwan Hussien said the deal also "paves the way for accessing a leased military base on [the] Red Sea."
John Kirby, director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, told VOA that Washington was working with partners in the region -- including the African Union and the eight-member Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc -- to push against the nonbinding memorandum of understanding, which Somalia's government, headquartered in Mogadishu, sees as illegitimate.
"We're certainly troubled," Kirby said, adding: "As we've said many, many times, we support Somalia's sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and it's got to be respected."
Situation could embolden militants, says official
Somaliland, the fragile nation's breakaway province, has long claimed autonomy and governs from the city of Hargeisa. It has sought recognition since 1991, but the African Union's official policy opposes changes to colonially drawn borders.
The situation poses a national security concern, Kirby said, in that it could embolden Islamist al-Shabab militants that have long been the main antagonist in Somalia's brutal civil war.
"What we're particularly concerned about is this [Memorandum of Understanding] inked recently between Ethiopia and Somaliland threatens to disrupt the fight that Somalis, Africans and regional international partners, including us, are waging against Al-Shabab," he said. "Al-Shabab remains a viable terrorist threat in the region, without question. We don't believe that the region can afford any more conflict."
"It's a dangerous path," Somalia's former foreign minister and former ambassador to the U.S., Ahmed Isse Awad, told VOA. "The sister nations have gone to war twice in the last 50 years.
"We thought we recovered from that conflict and bad history," he added, speaking to VOA from the northeastern city of Garowe. "And as of late, we were working towards a great Horn of Africa cooperation and openness to each other. But now, this misguided step by Ethiopia endangers all of that and takes us back to the days of conflict and violent confrontation. It risks the whole region and the security of the region."
And, he said, while the U.S., "had a respected voice in the international arena," its staunch support of Israel has changed that.
"They don't have the same leverage, I feel, because of the way America is conducting its foreign policy," he said. "It's losing some of its moral voice."
Ethiopia seeks to be naval power
Analysts say it's logical that landlocked Ethiopia would seek sea access to serve the needs of its rapidly growing population.
"The Bab al-Mandab Strait is becoming an increasingly contested chokepoint," said Michael Walsh, a senior fellow in the Africa program at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute. Addis Ababa, he said, clearly wants to safeguard Ethiopia's supply chains by avoiding reliance on ports in the tiny coastal nation of Djibouti, which is affected by conflict in Yemen.
And, he said, "the Abiy Ahmed administration has a desire to reestablish Ethiopia as a naval power. It recognizes that there is a regional naval power vacuum. This would provide a way to not only quickly project near-shore military power and influence across the region. It would provide a long-term pathway to becoming a regional naval hegemon."
Cameron Hudson, who researches Africa at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that may be more than Ethiopia can handle.
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"[Ethiopia] doesn't have, I think, a full understanding of the degree that it will also be responsible for its own security and the general security, contributing to the general security, of the Red Sea," he said. "So, it comes with a great responsibility that I'm not quite sure Ethiopia has fully thought through or appreciates."
He also questioned whether Washington's actions show it "isn't something that Washington has taken particularly seriously."
"Washington has done virtually nothing to try to put the pieces back together in the Horn of Africa," said Hudson.
"In my mind, Washington views the stakes in the Horn of Africa probably as too low and as not rising to the level of national security interest, where we would take meaningful high-level external action to avoid a worst-case scenario," he said. "I think the quintessential example of this is we actually have a special envoy for the Horn of Africa, who has not been to the region in over a month."
Just one day after celebrating her son Phoenix's first birthday, Paris Hilton is teasing new music later this year.
The 42-year-old socialite took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an upcoming interview with an Australian news outlet, where she revealed new music is on the way.
She released her debut album Paris in 2006 to mixed reviews but found early success, debuting at #6 on the Billboard 200 album charts.
While little is known about the album, she revealed in the interview that Sia will be producing the whole album.
'I love Sia so much. Shes one of my closest friends and is the most brilliant songwriter of our time,' Hilton said.
Just one day after celebrating her son Phoenix's first birthday , Paris Hilton is teasing new music later this year
While little is known about the album, she revealed in the interview that Sia will be producing the whole album
'I just Im so honored to be working with her, and shes the executive producer of my whole album,' she teased.
Hilton added, 'Just being in the studio with her is such a dream come true,' though she didnt' divulge anything further about the album.
Her X post was captioned, 'Up next in 2024: new music with my girl Sia,' along with a musical notes emoji, microphone emoji and a crown emoji.
She took to Instagram on Tuesday to share several snaps of her celebrating with her birthday boy Phoenix.
'One year ago, a beautiful angel baby entered our lives, bringing so much love and happiness,' Hilton began.
'My precious little one, you are more than a dream come true. You make my life complete,' she added.
'Every day with you is a priceless gift, and Im endlessly grateful to be your mommy,' she added in the post.
'Celebrating your first of many birthdays, Baby P heres to a lifetime of laughter, love, and wonderful adventures with our cutesie crew! Happy 1st Birthday!' she concluded.
'I just Im so honored to be working with her, and shes the executive producer of my whole album,' she teased
Hilton added, 'Just being in the studio with her is such a dream come true,' though she didnt' divulge anything further about the album
Her X post was captioned, ' Up next in 2024: new music with my girl Sia,' along with a musical notes emoji, microphone emoji and a crown emoji
Hilton shared a picture of Phoenix with her in the recording studio as seen in her latest TikTok post in which she announced she was working on her sophomore album.
She also posted him in another costume onesie with a cowboy hat on his head.
The last addition to her post was a clip of Phoenix cooing as Hilton fawned over her 'cute' and 'handsome' boy.
In the carousel post, she only shared photos of baby boy Phoenix and herself but none of her husband, Carter Reum, nor their second child.
Hilton and the venture capitalist who she married at a private Los Angeles estate in 2021 also welcomed daughter London Marilyn via surrogate in November 2023.
Kanye West was spotted showing off his new titanium dentures while hanging out with Chris Rock and his wife Bianca Censori on Wednesday.
The rapper cut an imposing figure as he revealed his supervillain-chic look, which are rumored to have cost a staggering $850,000.
Kanye designed the smooth dentures himself after having his own teeth removed to create his permanent new look, a source revealed to DailyMail.com.
After previously stating on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2010 that he had his entire bottom row of teeth removed, an insider tells DM: 'Ye has had the bulk of his teeth shaved down to little tombstones, which is standard procedure for veneers.'
Sharing photos of his new look online, the controversial star compared himself to Bond villain Jaws featured in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
The group were spotted at the iconic Chateau Marmont as Kanye's new statement teeth made their public debut.
Kanye West was spotted showing off his new titanium dentures while hanging out with Chris Rock and his wife Bianca Censori on Wednesday.
The rapper cut an imposing figure as he revealed his supervillain-chic look, which are rumored to have cost a staggering $850,000
Sharing photos of his new look online, the controversial star compared himself to Bond villain Jaws featured in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker
Chris appeared to be joining the lovebirds for a low-key lunch at the hotel, which has been a favorite of celebrities for decades.
Kanye was dressed in his standard all-black ensemble for the outing.
Poll Do you like Kanye's new teeth? Yes, they're gorgeous! No! What HAS he done? Do you like Kanye's new teeth? Yes, they're gorgeous! 264 votes
No! What HAS he done? 4541 votes Now share your opinion
He had on a baggy black hooded jacket with multiple brighter necklaces peeping out, and he paired it with a set of black whiskered jeans.
He also had on black shoes, and he sported a thick beard to contrast with his buzzed hair.
Chris was dressed in a textured black shirt jacket over a matching T-shirt and blown-out blue jeans.
He wore chunky white trainers to contrast the dark outfit, and he looked sharp with chunky black-frame glasses.
Bianca contrasted the two reserved look with her sizzling off-the-shoulder unitard.
She showcased some major cleavage in the low-cut strapless look, which was decorated with a playful leopard print.
A source revealed to DailyMail.com that West had designed the smooth dentures himself
Chris was dressed in a textured black shirt jacket over a matching T-shirt and blown-out blue jeans
Kanye was also happy to see Chris based on the wide smile on his own face.
He was pictured leaning in for an affectionate hug with the funny man after Chris walked into the room
Bianca looked overjoyed and starstruck as she grinned at the comedian
She beamed ear to ear with wide eyes and shook Chris' hand
Chris wore chunky white trainers to contrast the dark outfit, and he looked sharp with chunky black-frame glasses
Her bobbed black hair appeared to be wet, and she wore it swept back and following the arch of her neck.
The Australian architect also had on what appeared to be a bizarre set of black knee-high Miu Miu thong boots that opened up at the bottom to expose her feet.
It was a fitting look for her, as she and Kanye have been known to stroll around barefoot in public places despite potential hazards.
Despite spending most of her time with a superstar of her own, Bianca looked shocked to see the comedian and beamed ear to ear with wide eyes.
Kanye was also happy to see Chris based on the wide smile on his own face.
He was pictured leaning in for an affectionate hug with the funny man after Chris walked into the room.
Chris looked engaged in the conversation and could also be seen grinning, but Kanye and Bianca both looked somewhat distracted.
The two were glued to the phones in their hands, and they both paused to look down at them at points while still in conversation with the comedian and actor.
Chris appeared to be joining the lovebirds for a low-key lunch at the hotel, which has been a favorite of celebrities for decades
Kanye was dressed in his standard all-black ensemble for the outing
He had on a baggy black hooded jacket with multiple brighter necklaces peeping out, and he paired it with a set of black whiskered jeans
He also had on black shoes, and he sported a thick beard to contrast with his buzzed hair
Bianca contrasted the two reserved look with her sizzling off-the-shoulder unitard
She showcased some major cleavage in the low-cut strapless look, which was decorated with a playful leopard print
Her bobbed black hair appeared to be wet, and she wore it swept back and following the arch of her neck
The Australian architect also had on what appeared to be a bizarre set of black knee-high Miu Miu thong boots that opened up at the bottom to expose her feet
Chris looked engaged in the conversation and could also be seen grinning
However, Kanye and Bianca both looked somewhat distracted
The two were glued to the phones in their hands
Both paused to look down at them at points while still in conversation with the comedian and actor
In addition to being friends, Kanye and Chris are also former collaborators.
The stand-up star was featured on the rapper's iconic 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy on the song Blame Game.
Chris interrupted the meat of the song for a comical skit in which he played the new lover of a woman that the narrator had broken up with.
John Legend's singing was also featured on the tune.
In 2022, in the wake of Kanye's bizarre behavior following his split from ex-wife Kim Kardashian, Chris defended the producer when he was asked if Kanye was 'crazy' on Dana Carvey and David Spade's Fly On The Wall podcast.
'He's an eccentric guy, you know? With Kanye I always go, "Is he worth it? And Im like, "So far!"' he said.
However, he suggested that his interested in Kanye was more for his music than for a personal connection when he was asked if he thought the rapper was worth it as a friend or a musician.
'As an artist,' Chris replied. 'He puts you through a lot but youre like, "OK, the records pretty great! I love these sneakers!"'
In addition to being friends, Kanye and Chris are also former collaborators
The stand-up star was featured on the rapper's iconic 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy on the song Blame Game
Chris interrupted the meat of the song for a comical skit in which he played the new lover of a woman that the narrator had broken up with
In 2022, in the wake of Kanye's bizarre behavior following his split from ex-wife Kim Kardashian, Chris defended the producer when he was asked if Kanye was 'crazy' on Dana Carvey and David Spade's Fly On The Wall podcast
'He's an eccentric guy, you know? With Kanye I always go, "Is he worth it? And Im like, "So far!"' he said
However, he suggested that his interested in Kanye was more for his music than for a personal connection when he was asked if he thought the rapper was worth it as a friend or a musician
'As an artist,' Chris replied. 'He puts you through a lot but youre like, "OK, the records pretty great! I love these sneakers!"'
Kanye seemed to be in high spirits despite being sued recently by an autograph seeker
He claims West punched him during an altercation outside the members-only Soho House in Los Angeles
The rapper allegedly mentioned his ex-wife Kim Kardashian before delivering the blow and then ordered the autograph seeker to apologize afterward
The meet-up comes shortly after West had all his teeth removed and replaced with titanium dentures in his latest shock move.
The rapper, who is being sued for allegedly hitting an autograph seeker in 2022, proudly flashed his pointy new smile in an Instagram post - in which he likened himself to iconic James Bond villain, Jaws, who appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
In an exclusive photo obtained by DailyMail.com, West's lavish new dentures - which a source revealed are 'more expensive than diamonds' and were designed by the star himself - were shown.
The implant is a new surgical model and is unique to the musician - with the total cost rumored to be an eye-watering $850,000.
The star's new dentures were fitted by Dr Thomas Connelly in Beverly Hills alongside Naoki Hayashi, Master Dental Technician.
Connelly told DailyMail.com: 'Ye was a pleasure to work with every step of the process. His vision for designing unique art transcends the dental progression. The marriage of his vision with dental science has created a new look that is epic!'
However, despite the costly change, Kanye's fans branded his new look a 'terrible decision' as they took to social media to share their thoughts.
At first glance, most presumed that Kanye's mouth was covered in a gum wrapper or kitchen foil, which would have been a far cheaper alternative for the same effect.
A number of others said Kanye - who has past made headlines for his outrageous antics and repeated antisemitic statements - was merely seeking attention.
Sharing a picture of a set of teeth wrapped in foil, one person said: 'S*** looks like aluminum foil.'
While others agreed, writing: 'Thought this s*** was foil.'
'All that to look like he wrapped the gum wrapped around his teeth is wild' and 'I know aluminum over teeth when I see it.'
'You could have told me that was a Wriggly's gum wrapper and I would have believed you.'
Others online claimed it was a 'terrible decision' to have his teeth removed, writing: 'Worst decision I've ever seen in my life.'
And: 'I don't know what to say this doesn't look like a good idea.'
Some fans also worried what would happen when Kanye bites his tongue, admitting they thought it would be a potentially painful accident.
Sharing a meme of Tom [Tom & Jerry] jumping into the air, one person wrote: 'When Kanye accidentally bites his tongue for the first time.'
At first glance, most presumed that Kanye's mouth was covered in a gum wrapper or kitchen foil, which would have been a far cheaper alternative for the same effect
However, despite the costly change, Kanye's fans branded his new look a 'terrible decision' as they took to social media to share their thoughts
Another said: 'Accidentally bite your tongue and it's over.'
A number of commenters said Kanye's llatest actions were reflective of contemporary celebrity culture, in which attention can be a coveted commodity.
One mused: 'This further proves that wealthy people are absolutely beyond bored and have nothing to do with their life whatsoever.
'They will do the most outrageous s***, spend the most money on the most outrageous things. Just to get attention, this dude in a multi-millionaire and if he wanted to can feed half of Chicago with his money.
'But this also proves the point that Kanye isn't as crazy as you think. He's definitely conscious and knowledgeable of some of the dumb s*** he does.'
Hours later, his daughter North West, showed off her sparkling grill in a new TikTok video montage which was shared to their joint account on Wednesday.
The slideshow included a selfie as the 10-year-old gave a close-up glimpse of the dental jewellery.
Back in 2010 the rapper showed off the sparkling diamond and gold implants to chat show host Ellen DeGeneres which he claimed had replaced his entire bottom row of teeth.
'I just thought that diamonds were cooler,' he told her, saying he asked the dentist to remove his bottom row of teeth and replace them.
Hours later, his daughter North West, showed off her sparkling grill in a new TikTok video montage which was shared to their joint account on Wednesday
The star is seen flashing his smile before the implant was fitted
In an exclusive photo obtained by DailyMail.com, West's lavish new dentures - which a source revealed are 'more expensive than diamonds' - were shown
A fascinated Ellen asked: 'It's not a grill?'
Kanye replied: 'It's really my real teeth. I replaced my bottom row of teeth.
'I guess there's just certain things that rock stars are supposed to do.'
His earlier claims to have replaced his teeth were met with scepticism, with Kanye's fans doubting that even he would do such a thing.
West, was dropped by Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga after he went on a series of anti-Semitic rants in October 2022.
It was recently revealed he owes more than $1 million in unpaid taxes.
DailyMail.com discovered that his clothing firm, Yeezy Apparel, LLC, has had four active tax liens filed against it over the last three years for unpaid business taxes totaling $934,033.56.
Records show he owes an additional $101,093 in property taxes on two homes he owned with his ex-wife.
Back in 2010 the rapper showed off the sparkling diamond and gold implants to chat show host Ellen DeGeneres - which he claimed had replaced his entire bottom row of teeth.
'I just thought that diamonds were cooler,' he told her, saying he asked the dentist to remove his bottom row of teeth and replace them
Several social media users poked fun at Kanye's new dentures, with one social media user likening the new look to that of a gum wrapper
A number of commenters said that West's latest actions were reflective of the celebrity culture, in which attention can be a coveted commodity
The star is married to Bianca Censori who recently marked her 29th birthday
The total tax bill come to $1,035,126.56.
It remains to be seen whether he'll pay the hefty sum any time soon as the penalties continue racking up.
The POWER rapper may be trying to liquidate some of his assets.
It was revealed last month that the Malibu oceanfront property West bought for $57 million in September 2021 was being put up for sale for $4 million less.
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino said that she was shocked, hurt and put off that Meghan King shared private text messages they exchanged with a media outlet.
'Sharing our private texts with the world may be the lowest point yet in your pursuit of fame,' Bellino, 46, addressed King, 39, via Instagram Stories Wednesday evening. 'Im disgusted and completely hurt by your actions.'
On Tuesday, King told Page Six that she was skeptical of Bellinos new boyfriend John Janssen, 61, and the fast start their romance had gotten off to.
King took part in a game with Page Six titled 'Show the Shot or Take the Shot,' in which the outlet dared 'her to reveal the last text message she got from Bellino.'
King told Page Six that she had warned Bellino that she felt Janssen - who formerly dated RHOC star Shannon Beador - showed a number of 'red flags;' and that she felt he could be manipulating Bellino via coming onto her very strong in the beginning, a practice which is termed as 'love-bombing.'
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino, 46, said that she was shocked, hurt and put off that Meghan King, 39, shared private text messages they exchanged with a media outlet. Bellino was pictured Wednesday ahead celebrating her birthday early with friends
Bellino disavowed her friendship with King in a text message she later shared to Instagram
King said Bellino 'just said, "Thank you for your love and support" because I was texting her like, "Be careful - it seems like hes love-bombing."'
Bellino took to Instagram Wednesday evening to express her anger toward King for what she felt was an invasion of her privacy, effectively ending their friendship.
'Really??? I am not only in shock Im completely heartbroken because I thought you were my true friend,' Bellino said on Instagram Stories, addressing King in what appeared to be a screenshot of a text message.
The Hannibal, Missouri-born reality star continued: 'Maybe read this text to Page 6: "I thought Meghan was my friend and concerned for my vulnerable heart; however, shes actually the one who just chose fame over a friendship to disclose certain private texts that were FALSE and taken out of context."'
Bellino, who parted ways with former fiance Andy Bohn in September, defended Janssen's character, saying that he 'is not a narcissist,' and that King's 'information is wrong.'
The second panel of text on her Instagram Stories was splayed along a screengrab of an April 2022 story from E! News documenting King's efforts in vain to try and regain a spot on the popular Bravo reality show.
The headline read: 'This Former RHOC Star Says She Tried to Rejoin the Cast for Season 16 But Was Rejected.'
Bellino coolly wrapped up in saying, 'Find a different friend to use, Meghan OToole King McDill Edmonds Biden Owens.'
The second panel of text on her Instagram Stories was splayed along a screengrab of an April 2022 story from E! News documenting King's efforts in vain to try and regain a spot on the popular Bravo reality show
Bellino pictured with new boyfriend John Janssen, 61, who King said she was skeptical about
Bellino and Janssen were pictured in a romantic shot during the holidays last month
The last names were reflective of King's past marriages: To attorney Brad McDill between 2007-2011; to former MLB outfielder Jim Edmonds from 2014-2021; and to President Joe Biden's nephew Cuffe Biden Owens between 2021-2022.
In the segment with Page Six, King noted that she had never met Janssen, but her past experienced helped her detect potentially-troublesome traits based off how his relationship with Bellino was unfolding.
'I'm sure he has a lot of lovely traits,' she said, 'but after being in a narcissistic relationship myself and done a lot of healing from that, I just see things that have been put out willingly by both of them, all of them, that kind of lead me to believe that there might be some red flags in the way that John approaches a relationship.'
King, who told the outlet that she had also spoken with Beador, 59, as of late, said that she did not want to get involved in potential problems between Bellino and Beador over Janssen.
'I just wanna be the one to lend my love and support,' she told the outlet. 'Because I know that no matter who you are or how much I like you or dislike you, we're all in a very unique position with having our personal lives out there.'
She added, 'We're all apart of this Housewives club, so I just wanna make sure that we band together when the time is right.'
In the April 2022 story, King - who appeared on RHOC between 2014 until 2019 - told E! News that she had auditioned for a spot on the show's 16th season but 'didn't get it.'
King did not to be too upset over the decision, as she said that while she 'had so much fun' during her time on the series, other major life factors she was dealing with at the time would have made it difficult for her.
King took to Instagram last week with a shot from her segment on Page Six
'I don't think I would have been able to have done it,' she told the outlet. 'It's a time commitment, and I'm in St. Louis. I would have had to move and everything.'
King said she believed she didn't get the spit because she's 'a little bit boring' with her 'Midwest sensibility.'
She added, 'Like, I'm kind of just a normal person, you know, but I do interesting things.'
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori showed off her edgy style on Wednesday, while heading to a meeting in Downtown Los Angeles.
The architect, 29, was spotted amid news of her husband's shock new dental makeover, as she rocked an animal print catsuit and black Miu Miu knee-high thong boots.
The Australian native who West, 46, recently declared would be wearing less clothes than ever before in 2024 completed her fashion-forward outfit with a beige Balenciaga trench coat.
Bianca wore her short dark tresses parted on the side and slicked down for the outing.
Later in the day she was spotted mingling with the musician, who showed off his $850,000 titanium dentures, as well as comedian Chris Rock at the iconic Chateau Marmont.
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori showed off her edgy style on Wednesday, while heading to a meeting in Downtown Los Angeles
The architect, 29, was spotted amid news of her husband's shock new dental makeover, as she rocked an animal print catsuit and black Miu Miu knee-high thong boots
The rapper grinned and revealed his supervillain-chic new dental piece, rumored to have cost a staggering $850,000.
A source revealed to DailyMail.com that West had designed the smooth dentures himself.
He had his teeth removed and replaced with titanium to create the new permanent look, which gleamed in the light.
Kanye was pictured looking like the spitting image of the Bond villain Jaws featured in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker as he caught up with Chris with an overjoyed Bianca.
Chris appeared to be joining the lovebirds for a low-key lunch at the hotel, which has been a favorite of celebrities for decades.
Kanye was dressed in his standard all-black ensemble for the outing.
He had on a baggy black hooded jacket with multiple brighter necklaces peeping out, and he paired it with a set of black whiskered jeans.
He also had on black shoes, and he sported a thick beard to contrast with his buzzed hair.
The Australian native completed her fashion-forward outfit with a beige Balenciaga trench coat
Bianca bundled up in her light coat, after West recently declared that she would be wearing less clothes than ever before in 2024
She was pictured making her way back to her car
Chris was dressed in a textured black shirt jacket over a matching T-shirt and blown-out blue jeans.
He wore chunky white trainers to contrast the dark outfit, and he looked sharp with chunky black-frame glasses.
Bianca contrasted the two reserved look with her sizzling off-the-shoulder unitard.
The meet-up comes shortly after West had all his teeth removed and replaced with titanium dentures in his latest shock move.
The rapper, who is being sued for allegedly hitting an autograph seeker in 2022, proudly flashed his pointy new smile in an Instagram post - in which he likened himself to iconic James Bond villain, Jaws, who appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
In an exclusive photo obtained by DailyMail.com, West's lavish new dentures - which a source revealed are 'more expensive than diamonds' and were designed by the star himself - were shown.
The implant is a new surgical model and is unique to the musician.
The star's new dentures were fitted by Dr Thomas Connelly in Beverly Hills alongside Naoki Hayashi, Master Dental Technician.
Later in the day she was spotted mingling with the musician, who showed off his $850,000 titanium dentures, as well as comedian Chris Rock at the iconic Chateau Marmont
The 46-year-old rapper grinned and revealed his supervillain-chic look, rumored to have cost a staggering $850,000, while chatting with Rock and his wife
A source revealed to DailyMail.com that West had designed the smooth dentures himself
He had his teeth removed and replaced with titanium to create the new permanent look, which gleamed in the light
Bianca's bobbed black hair appeared to be wet, and she wore it swept back and following the arch of her neck
Kanye was dressed in his standard all-black ensemble for the outing
Kanye seemed to be in high spirits despite being sued recently by an autograph seeker
Connelly told DailyMail.com: 'Ye was a pleasure to work with every step of the process. His vision for designing unique art transcends the dental progression. The marriage of his vision with dental science has created a new look that is epic!'
Back in 2010 the rapper showed off the sparkling diamond and gold implants to chat show host Ellen DeGeneres which he claimed had replaced his entire bottom row of teeth.
'I just thought that diamonds were cooler,' he told her, saying he asked the dentist to remove his bottom row of teeth and replace them.
A fascinated Ellen asked: 'It's not a grill?'
Kanye replied: 'It's really my real teeth. I replaced my bottom row of teeth.
'I guess there's just certain things that rock stars are supposed to do.'
His earlier claims to have replaced his teeth were met with scepticism, with Kanye's fans doubting that even he would do such a thing.
West, was dropped by Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga after he went on a series of anti-Semitic rants in October 2022.
It was recently revealed he owes more than $1 million in unpaid taxes.
DailyMail.com discovered that his clothing firm, Yeezy Apparel, LLC, has had four active tax liens filed against it over the last three years for unpaid business taxes totaling $934,033.56.
Records show he owes an additional $101,093 in property taxes on two homes he owned with his ex-wife.
West proudly showed off his shocking new dental makeover on Instagram
The star is seen flashing his smile before the implant was fitted
The total tax bill come to $1,035,126.56.
It remains to be seen whether he'll pay the hefty sum any time soon as the penalties continue racking up.
The POWER rapper may be trying to liquidate some of his assets.
It was revealed last month that the Malibu oceanfront property West bought for $57 million in September 2021 was being put up for sale for $4 million less.
Jonathan LaPaglia has joined the cast of the Paramount+ reboot of Top Gear.
The 54-year-old actor and Australian Survivor star will feature on the motoring show alongside co-hosts Beau Ryan, from The Amazing Race and YouTube star Blair Joscelyne.
Based on the famed BBC reality series of the same name, Top Gear gives fans a chance to get an up close up look at the latest in car tech.
Jonathan, who is a dedicated motoring enthusiast, has already filmed scenes for the show in South America.
'It is a dream come true - but be careful what you wish for because its harder than I imagined it was going to be... But it's fun,' he told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
Jonathan LaPaglia (right) has joined the cast of the Paramount+ reboot of Top Gear. He will star alongside Beau Ryan (left) and YouTube star Blair Joscelyne (centre)
He continued: 'I do like to be challenged by different things and I do like to keep working and be engaged.
'Fortunately, its all come together this year, so Im lucky. Im not going to complain.'
Top Gear Australia debuted on SBS in 2008 before it moved over to Channel Nine in 2010 where it ran until 2012.
The new eight-part series is expected to drop on Paramount+ later this year.
Jonathan will next be seen in the new season of Australian Survivor: Titans Vs Rebels which drops on Channel 10 and 10Play on January 29.
Jonathan, who is a dedicated motoring enthusiast, has already filmed scenes for the show in South America
The real-life adventure this year is set in Samoa and will feature tribes split into 'rule makers and rule breakers'.
'Thats what is a little funky about the theme this year is that there is an overlap between the two and if Im perfectly honest, we find that with most seasons,' he explained.
Meanwhile, Jonathan is currently co-starring in the Binge drama Strife with Asher Keddie.
Today show host Sarah Abo looked effortlessly stylish as she was spotted touching down at Melbourne airport on Thursday afternoon.
The 35-year-old Channel Nine presenter looked chic as she made her way through the airport dressed in a white tee tucked neatly into high-waisted black jeans.
She accessorised her look with a $3600 mini puzzle bag from luxury fashion house Loewe.
The classic calfskin bag added a touch of opulence to her outfit.
It was accompanied by bag strap valued at $980.
Today show host Sarah Abo looked effortlessly stylish as she was spotted touching down at Melbourne airport on Thursday afternoon
The 35-year-old Channel Nine presenter looked chic as she made her way through the airport
Completing her travel-ready look, Sarah chose comfortable white sandals, perfect for her on-the-go itinerary.
Her wrist was adorned with a simple yet chic watch, and she kept her jewelry to a minimum with subtle bracelets.
The popular TV presenter is married to Cyrus Moran.
Cyrus works as a trader at a Melbourne steel mill, helping to facilitate trade between Australian and international companies.
The couple, who do not have any children, quietly marked their tenth anniversary in December when they attended the wedding of a close friend.
Both are graduates of Monash University, with Cyrus completing his Bachelor of Arts History degree in 2004, the same year Sarah began studying journalism there.
She accessorised her look with a $3600 mini puzzle bag from luxury fashion house Loewe
Elevating her style quotient further was the custom bag strap valued at $980
The popular TV presenter has been married to Cyrus since 2012
lWhile Sarah usually keeps tight-lipped about her relationship status, she does occasionally post loved-up photos of the pair on social media.
One Instagram snap from May last year showed the lovebirds celebrating Cyrus' 40th birthday as Sarah embraced him at a party.
She captioned the photo: 'Happy birthday. Beautiful, blurry, you. #fortyandfine.'
Pierce Brosnan was seen out in Los Angeles on Wednesday just hours after it was revealed that he pleaded not guilty to trespassing charges after he allegedly went off-trail at Yellowstone National Park.
The James Bond actor, 70, is accused of wandering near the Mammoth Hot Springs, a network of natural hot springs that are considered 'delicate' and dangerous.
Despite being pictured standing on the protected area at the time of the alleged infraction, Brosnan entered a not guilty 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.
He looked unbothered by his legal woes as he flashed a wide smile after enjoying lunch at Lucky's restaurant in Malibu, California.
Brosnan was joined by his longtime wife Keely Shaye Smith, 60, with whom he shares two adult children.
Pierce Brosnan was seen out in Los Angeles on Wednesday just hours after it was revealed that he pleaded not guilty to trespassing charges after he allegedly went off-trail at Yellowstone National Park
Pierce looked unbothered by his legal woes as he flashed a wide smile after enjoying lunch at Lucky's restaurant in Malibu, California
He was joined by his longtime wife Keely Shaye Smith, 60, with whom he shares two adult children
The couple were photographed exiting the restaurant with Pierce carrying a to-go bag.
Smith stopped briefly to speak with a blonde woman before following her husband to their parked car.
As reported by Cowboy State Daily, magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick granted the 70-year-old's request to cancel his initial appearance, setting up a virtual conference for February 20 instead.
Brosnan was cited twice over the alleged violations at the thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section of the park, and had been due to appear in court on January 23.
The alleged offenses are said to have taken 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.
Brosnan is just the latest tourist to try to bend the rules at the stunning national park.
At least 22 people have died from burns sustained in Yellowstone's 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 park's Norris Geyser Basin in search of a place to soak in 2015.
Brosnan, seen here standing on the springs, entered a plea through a paper filing on January 4 in the US District Court for Wyoming
The James Bond actor is accused of leaving the designated walkway and attempting to access thermals at Mammoth Terraces
He looked stylish in a blue blazer with a scarf wrapped around his neck
The couple were photographed exiting the restaurant with Pierce carrying a to-go bag
Brosnan was cited twice over the alleged violations at the thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section of the park, and had been due to appear in court on January 23
The alleged offenses are said to have taken 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
Seen in 2019 during a trip to Iceland
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.
Water temperatures at Mammoth Terraces' springs routinely soar to 161 degrees, while some springs at Yellowstone can register as low as 2 on the pH scale - just one mark above coercive stomach acid.
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.
The Irish star had been in the area filming 'The Unholy Trinity,' a Western starring Brosnan as a sheriff alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
Brosnan took his hike despite previously starring in a film highlighting the potential dangers of such springs - Dante's Peak.
The 1997 film revolves around volcanologist Harry Dalton, played by Brosnan, in the fictional town of Dante's Peak where the citizens fight to withstand an eruption.
The 1997 film revolves around volcanologist Harry Dalton, played by Brosnan, in the fictional town of Dante's Peak
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'
One scene involves Brosnan's character stumbling across two people who have been boiled to death in a hot spring.
Brosnan was charged with Foot Travel in a Thermal Area and Closure Violation, according to court documents filed earlier this month.
In June, shocking video emerged of a couple ignoring warnings at they attempted to touch 175-degree geysers elsewhere in the park.
A woman was seen screaming in pain as she plunged her hand into the hot springs.
The clip was shared on the Instagram page TouronsofYellowstone, which regularly documents abuses and poor behavior in the park.
Most recently, a tourist was seen destroying delicate moose vegetation by driving off-road in a car.
In addition to his four James Bond films, Brosnan starred in the 1980s TV series 'Remington Steele' and is known for roles in the films 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'The Thomas Crown Affair.' He got his start in a non-speaking role in the 1980 gangster classic 'The Long Good Friday' starring Bob Hoskins.
Channel Nine's adventure reality series The Summit is set to conquer new territory as CBS gives the nod to an American version, with Manu Bennett at the helm as host.
The original series, which pits contestants against the treacherous conditions of the New Zealand Alps, has been reimagined for a US audience.
CBS promises the same blend of breathtaking landscapes and heart-pounding competition.
The concept is as daring as it is simple: 16 strangers are thrust into the wilderness with the collective goal of reaching the mountain's summit.
Each participant carries a portion of the million-dollar prize on their back, but reaching the peak within the two-week deadline is a feat easier said than done.
Channel Nine's adventure reality series The Summit is set to conquer new territory. Pictured: Manu Bennett
The original series, which pits contestants against the treacherous conditions of the New Zealand Alps, has been reimagined for a US audience
Facing Antarctic winds, grueling challenges, and unexpected eliminations, the group must unite or fail.
Back in December, Daily Mail Australia revealed the network hatched a plan to save the series after it failed to woo audiences during it's premiere season.
Season two will feature a bevy of familiar faces.
Leading the pack is former NRL star Mat Rogers, according to well-placed production sources.
The series was reportedly on the brink of cancellation after it failed to captivate audiences despite its enticing cast and concept.
Back in December, Daily Mail Australia revealed the network hatched a plan to save the series after it failed to woo audiences during it's premiere season. Pictured: Host Jai Courtney
Season two will feature a bevy of familiar faces enlisted to climb New Zealand 's mountain trek. Leading the pack is former NRL star Mat Rogers, according to well-placed production sources
Despite its exciting premise and high-profile casting, the series struggled to climb above around 400,000 viewers.
A source also told Daily Mail Australia production was fraught with nightmares and financial setbacks due to severe weather conditions.
Filming the action-packed 8500ft New Zealand mountain trek proved a herculean task, costing hundreds of thousands.
Ruth Wilson looked chic as she attended The Woman In The Wall series premiere in New York City on Wednesday.
The BAFTA award-winning actress, 42, who stars as lead character Lorna Brady in the six-part BBC drama, wore an Emporio Armani AW23 velvet top and trouser set for the event.
Walking the red carpet at Metrograph, she teamed the elegant one-piece with a pair of white heeled boots.
Ruth topped her look off by pulled her hair back into a sleek low bun and accessorised with a statement pair of earrings.
She features in the series alongside Peaky Blinders star Daryl McCormack, 30, with the duo laughing together at the event.
Ruth Wilson, 42, looked chic as she attended The Woman In The Wall series premiere in New York City on Wednesday
The BAFTA award-winning actress, who stars as lead character Lorna Brady in the six-part BBC drama, wore an Emporio Armani AW23 velvet top and trouser set for the event
The Woman In The Wall, was released in the UK back in August and examines the legacy of one of Ireland's most shocking scandals, the inhumane institutions known as the Magdalene Laundries.
Wilson's character Lorna Brady, from a fictional town of Kilkinure, wakes one morning to find a corpse in her house.
Chillingly, she has no idea who the dead woman is or if she herself might be responsible for the apparent murder.
Lorna has long suffered from extreme bouts of sleepwalking after she was confined to the Kilkinure Convent aged 15. The institution was home to one of Irelands infamous Magdalene Laundries.
The Catholic-run workhouses, where untold horrors are said to have taken place, housed women branded 'undesirable' by the church and orphaned children. They were shockingly in operation until 1996.
Lorna was incarcerated at one of the Magdalene Laundries before giving birth to her daughter Agnes, who was cruelly taken from her and whose fate she has never known.
During the BBC's new series, the ambitious and elusive Detective Colman Akande (played by McCormack) is on Lorna's tail for a crime which is seemingly unrelated to the dead woman shes discovered in her house.
The trailer depicts Lorna struggling with the loss of her daughter, until she discovers that she might be still alive and hunts for her whereabouts.
Walking the red carpet at Metrograph, she teamed the elegant one-piece with a pair of white heeled boots
Ruth topped her look off by pulled her hair back into a sleek low bun and accessorised with a statement pair of earrings
She features in the series alongside Peaky Blinders star Daryl McCormack, 30
The costars shared a laugh together at the event
Elsewhere, the detective appears to be investigating the apparent murder of a priest who was linked to Lorna's past.
Made by Motive Pictures for BBC and SHOWTIME, The Woman in The Wall is written by Joe Murtagh, directed by Harry Wootliff and Rachna Suri, with Susan Breen as producer.
Executive producers are Simon Maxwell, Sam Lavender, Joe Murtagh, Ruth Wilson and Harry Wootliff, with Lucy Richer for BBC.
The Magdalene Laundries were institutions, generally run by Catholic religious organisations, that operated for more than 200 years from the 18th century to the late 20th Century.
The laundries, depicted in the award-winning film 'The Magdalene Sisters', put an estimated 10,000 women and girls as young as nine through uncompromising hardship from the foundation of the Irish state in 1922 until 1996.
Run by Catholic nuns, the laundries have been accused of treating inmates like slaves, imposing a regime of fear and prayer on girls sometimes put in their care for becoming pregnant outside of marriage.
They were established to house unmarried mothers, but later expanded to house girls who were considered 'promiscuous', the criminal, mentally unwell and girls who were seen as a burden on their families.
Former inmates spoke of physically demanding work, enforced by scoldings and humiliation, at the laundries that operated on a commercial basis to wash linen and clothes for the state, private firms and individuals.
In the past, Ireland's strict Catholic morality made it deeply shameful to become pregnant before marriage, and women would be rejected by their families and society as sinful.
Daryl looked stylish in an oversized blazer and wide leg trousers
He layered a white T-shirt beneath his jacket
The Woman In The Wall examines the legacy of one of Ireland's most shocking scandals, the institutions known as the Magdalene Laundries (Ruth pictured as her character Lorna Brady)
During the BBC's new series, the ambitious and elusive Detective Colman Akande (played by Daryl, pictured) is on Lorna's tail for a crime
The power of the Church and the stigma associated with unmarried mothers were so overwhelming that for decades the harsh treatment of these women and their children were taboo subjects, and many were forgotten.
While the Magdaline Laundries were especially prevalent in Ireland, there were also homes across Australia, Canada and England.
In Australia, girls faced verbal abuse, long hours of work and long hours of silence in the convents. Women were often injured while working with hard machinery and faced dangers of spreading diseases.
In Canada, a network of asylums housed women without public funding. By the late 1800s in England, many laundries had resembled penitentiary workhouses.
Bryce Dallas Howard looked effortlessly chic in a multi-coloured shirt dress as she attended Argylle's press conference in South Korea on Thursday.
The actress, 42, who plays Elly Conway in the upcoming spy thriller, looked sensational as she took centre stage for the event.
She slipped into a gorgeous orange and pink midi dress and elevated her frame with stylish orange court heels.
The Jurassic Park actress, also a director of the movie, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she spoke about her character in the upcoming comedy.
Bryce joined the main character of the movie, Henry Cavill, who plays Argylle, to chat about the role in the new movie.
Bryce Dallas Howard, 42, looked effortlessly chic in a multi-coloured shirt dress as she attended Argylle's press conference in South Korea on Thursday
The actress, who plays Elly Conway in the upcoming spy thriller, looked sensational as she took centre stage for the event
Henry cut a dapper display in a traditional checkered suit, while donning a khaki green tie and polished leather shoes.
Henry and Bryce were also joined by co-star Sam Rockwell, who plays Aiden in the film, on stage at the press conference.
The trio huddled up for a sweet photo following the press conference with beaming smiles.
Argylle is set to release February 2, followed by a streaming release on Apple TV+.
As well as Henry, Bryce and Sam, the notable cast includes Catherine OHara, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa.
Her repertoire includes helming episodes for each season of the live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian, and a documentary for Disney+.
The plot follows the introverted spy novelist drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.
When Aiden, a spy, shows up to save her from being kidnapped, Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world.
She slipped into a gorgeous orange and pink midi dress and elevated her frame with stylish orange court heels
The Jurassic Park actress, also the director of the movie, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she spoke about her character in the upcoming comedy
Bryce joined the main character of the movie, Henry Cavill , who plays Argylle, to chat about the role in the new movie
Henry (R) and Bryce (M) were also joined by co-star Sam Rockwell (L), who plays Aiden in the film, on stage at the press conference
The trio huddled up for a sweet photo following the press conference with beaming smiles
Argylle is set to release February 2, followed by a streaming release on Apple TV+. As well as Henry, Bryce and Sam, the notable cast includes Catherine OHara, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena , Ariana DeBose , and Dua Lipa
Samuel's character, who has ties to the underworld through his Burgundy winery, tells Elly: 'It's time for you to meet the real agent Argylle.'
The film is described as following, 'the world's greatest spy, Argylle,' who 'gets caught up in a globe-trotting adventure.'
The film was first announced in June 2021, with Matthew Vaughn directing from a script by Jason Fuchs, adapted from a yet-to-be-published novel by a mysterious writer named Elly Conway.
The writer seemingly hasn't published a book before, with the Argylle novel's publication originally set for September 29, 2022 and then pushed to March 29, 2023 and now apparently set for November 9, 2023.
Apple announced in August 2021 they had acquired the rights to the film for a whopping $200 million, with Vaughn offering his thoughts on the unpublished manuscript in the announcement.
'When I read this early draft manuscript I felt it was the most incredible and original spy franchise since Ian Flemings books of the 50s,' Vaughan said.
The director added, 'This is going to reinvent the spy genre,' though very little about the actual author is known.
Bryce recently revealed when she feels 'most beautiful' in films, with NewBeauty magazine.
'I can remember pretty much every beauty detail for any character Ive ever playedits part of the process for me. Its sort of how I get into character,' she explained to the publication.
The Jurassic World actress also revealed, 'I feel most beautiful when I get to be a palette for incredible, brilliant makeup and hair artists.'
She elaborated, 'I do best when I give in and let my glam team do their thingwhen I let them do the exact opposite of a look I think I want or that I normally do.'
On the other hand, Howard noted, 'Im not a natural when it comes to pressits hard for me to get dressed up for the red carpet and do the whole circuit.'
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents of Bwari area council that the administration would make the territory hot for bandits and terrorists.
Wike, who gave this assurance yesterday during a town hall meeting in Bwari organised to address the incessant kidnapping in the area, acknowledged that the increased insecurity in the North East had made the area unsettled for the criminals.
He, however, said the FCT Administration, with the help of security agencies, will make the entire FCT unconducive for criminal activities.
The minister explained that the informants of the bandits who are living among the people will soon feel the wrath of the security agencies.
He promised to provide the needed support to the security agencies and the area councils, saying such a meeting as this one will also go round other area councils.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu had instructed him to provide all that the security agencies would need, that it would no longer be business as usual.
"Security is one of the key priorities of Mr. President's administration. Yesterday, Mr. President summoned a high-level security meeting, which included all the Service Chiefs, the minister of defence, and my humble self, because of recent attacks, particularly in Bwari.
"So, currently, it is one of the key priorities that Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda will want to face squarely. It is no longer going to be business as usual. Everything has to be done to protect lives and property. Without protection of lives and property, then we have no business in government."
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He said that security agencies will not have any reason to say that they are not equipped, because they will be provided with everything required.
"I know how big Bwari is. I know that you have boundaries with three states: Niger State, Kaduna State and Nasarawa states. I know because these bandits were chased away from the North East, so they are making their way here; we will make it hot for them," he said.
Earlier, the chairman of Bwari area council, John Gabaya, explained that the council comprised 16 districts, and over 90 villages and hamlets, adding that the size and difficult terrain of the Council made the security challenges more difficult.
The meeting was attended by former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda, the Etsu-Bwari and Sarkin-Bwari, and the chairman of the Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya.
Netflix viewers have been left shaken by the 'horrifying' new true crime series American Nightmare.
The three-part series tells the story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn who became known as the Gone Girl hoaxer couple in 2015 after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California.
For two days, the then-29-year-old was drugged and raped by her abductor in a far-away house before being set free on an alley next to her parents' home.
However, investigators did not buy the remarkable story until the real perpetrator confessed. Huskins went on to successfully sue the police department for defamation.
Viewers took to X in droves to say they were 'hooked' to the series but were left in shock at the behaviour of the police department investigating the case.
Netflix viewers have been left shaken by the 'horrifying' new true crime series American Nightmare
The series tells the story of Denise Huskins and Aaron Quinn who became known as the Gone Girl hoaxer couple in 2015 after the former was abducted from their home in Vallejo, California
The trailer shows footage of the doting boyfriend in police interrogation rooms as he was questioned about an argument with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone
One user wrote: 'American Nightmare on Netflix is one of the craziest true crime things I've ever seen in my life' while another added: 'American Nightmare is horrifying.'
A third user wrote: 'I just finished watching the documentary, American Nightmare on Netflix. Hands down the greatest documentary I've ever seen. The story is insane and my jaw was on the floor the whole time. It's also a valuable lesson about police/fbi incompetency and corruption!'
A fourth penned: 'American Nightmare on Netflix is a film everyone should see. Wow. Vallejo Police? Yikes. I'm glad to know the true story of the #GoneGirl case.'
A fifth wrote: 'Watching American Nightmare on Netflix and when I tell you I sat here repeating "OMG" and in awe of the botched police job. My heart breaks for her.'
A sixth added: 'Should have been asleep a minute ago but this American Nightmare on Netflix got me hooked.'
The real story behind Huskins' disappearance has even more unbelievable elements than just her being dropped off home by her kidnappers.
The couple, who were both physiotherapists, had been asleep in bed at the time of the intrusion.
Quinn, 30 at the time, first called 911 the day after the kidnapping, telling the operator that he could not phone sooner because he was 'tied up' - literally.
Viewers took to X in droves to say they were 'hooked' to the series but were left in shock at the behaviour of the police department investigating the case
Later recalling the night to police, he said: 'I wake up. There's a bright light blinding us, a taser goes off and I see they're wearing wetsuits... They asked Denise to tie my hands behind my back,' he said.
The perpetrator brandished a fake gun before playing a pre-recorded message that made it seem as if there were multiple kidnappers.
The terrified pair were then drugged and blindfolded with blacked-out goggles before Huskins was bundled into a trunk and driven nearly 500 miles away.
Police were met at the scene by blood splatters throughout the house, zip ties, toy guns and even a blow-up doll.
But suspicions about who could have been behind Huskins' disappearance immediately fell on her partner.
American Nightmare includes footage of the boyfriend in police interrogation rooms being questioned about an argument with his girlfriend over messages she had found on his phone shortly before her disappearance.
The real culprit had been demanding $15,000 in ransom for Huskins' safe return during the two-day ordeal.
But days later her captor inexplicably dropped her off in an alley outside her parents' home to everyone's astonishment.
Recalling the moment the couple reunited, Huskins told ABC's 20/20: 'Every moment in captivity I kept picturing him, I kept just visualizing what that feeling must be like to finally feel safe in his arms again.
Investigators even found a blow-up doll upon arrival at the scene
Blood was splattered throughout the house as well as zip ties being found
Huskins was inexplicably dropped off down an alley near her parents' home days after the abduction
'When he knocked on that door and I opened it, we just embraced... We were crying and holding each other.'
Quinn added: 'I knew our lives had changed forever and we'd go through more struggles but at least we had each other.'
And Quinn was proved right, as Huskins' release only made observers more suspicious at first.
Many said it was proof that the couple had lied and they were inundated with comments on social media from trolls who believed that had made the story up.
Even Vallejo Police Lt. Kenny Park said as much at a press conference after Huskins resurfaced.
'We were not able to substantiate any of the things that he was saying. If anything, it is Mr. Quinn and Ms. Huskins that owe this community an apology,' he said.
Similarly, commentators in the new series stated Huskins 'looked more like a suspect,' adding: 'I've never heard of a case where the kidnappers drop their victim off at the front door of their house.'
But the case took yet another shocking turn when 41-year-old struck-off lawyer and former Marine, Matthew Muller, turned himself in to police months later.
He pleaded guilty to the crime and revealed that he had been using drones to watch the couple when they were at home.
Huskins testified in court that Muller had treated her like 'an animal' as he raped her, explaining: 'You flopped me around the bed like a rag doll.
'The only way I got through it was to picture that it was Aaron that I was with, and that will haunt me for the rest of my life.'
The vindicated couple the knot in 2016 - a year after the kidnapping - before welcoming a daughter in 2020
Matthew Muller, a 41-year-old disbarred lawyer, turned himself in to police several months later
She said of the harrowing assault: 'I told myself, no matter what they do, I'm not going to beg and scream.
'If it is the last moments that I am going to be living, I am just going to stay calm and be grateful for the life I had.'
Muller told prosecutors that he suffered bipolar disorder and was medicated when he abducted Huskins.
In 2017 he pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping charges and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in 2017.
Muller was later sentenced to a further 31 years to serve concurrently after pleading no contest to two counts of forcible rape of Huskins as well as robbery of an inhabited dwelling, residential burglary and false imprisonment.
Huskins and Quinn have since shared their story in a book titled Victim F: From Crime Victims To Suspects To Survivors.
The vindicated couple the knot in 2016 - a year after the kidnapping - before welcoming a daughter in 2020.
They sued the police department for defamation and won a $2.5 million settlement.
The Traitors' Diane dropped her own bombshell to Miles in the spin-off show Uncloaked on Wednesday.
The retired high school teacher, 63, was murdered after drinking from the poisoned chalice.
She was reunited with Miles, 36, who had been banished at the round table after his fellow Traitors Paul and Harry led the charge in getting him eliminated.
After the veterinary nurse, 36. revealed his true identity, Faithful Diane revealed she had been keeping a secret of her own.
She said: 'One of the nicest things you said to me was "your children would be proud of you". Do you know one of them is particularly proud of me. Do you know who? Ross.'
The Traitors' Diane dropped her own bombshell to Miles in the spin-off show Uncloaked on Wednesday
The retired high school teacher, 63, was murdered after drinking from the poisoned chalice
After the veterinary nurse, 36. revealed his true identity, Faithful Diane revealed she had been keeping a secret of her own
Miles said: 'No way. I can say, you can see it.'
Diane replied: 'I was so proud of Ross. I'm very naughty. Ross is my boy.'
Ross is amongst the names who could potentially be recruited by the Traitors, with Harry and Paul also thinking Jasmine, Zack or Andrew could turn to the dark side.
But the retired teacher revealed her son won't tell the others she is his mother.
She said: 'I didn't feel that would be a secret that would hurt anybody in any shape or form. In fact it caused me a lot of stress because we got our first story wrong within two seconds on the train.
'I was running around trying to make sure that the same stories were being heard and then worrying about him if he didn't come down to breakfast.
'We did stay away a bit from each other at the beginning because I was so worried.
'As soon as Zack came up with that wonderful that Paul was my son, then I relaxed into that. We were definitely never revealing it all.'
The Traitors contestant Diane was left stunned after Miles dropped the bombshell he was behind her murder
The fan favourite, 63, was eliminated on Wednesday's episode after drinking from the poisoned chalice
She also addressed her own death scene after Wednesday's mission saw her have to lie in a coffin after a dramatic funeral procession.
Ross gave a eulogy at her grave side after host Claudia asked the players if they had any final words for Diane.
Diane said: 'We do have actors in the family so we have seen my eldest boy has been blown up on a ship, my daughter's been in a coffin on stage, my son-in-law was mowed down by a van, do you know what I mean?'
'I'd hate people to think: "Oh god that son has had to watch his mother"... because there would be that. If you're going to do it to any mother and son it is one of the best combinations.'
Diane's eldest son Kerr Logan is an actor in Game Of Thrones as Matthos Seaworth, son of Ser Davos.
Diane couldn't believe Miles was a Traitor after believing Jasmine and Andrew were the ones killing off Faithfuls each night.
She told him: 'You b*****d! No way, what an amazing game. You killed me then? You wee s**t.
Miles had handed Diane the poisoned chalice in Friday's episode, but she wasn't killed off straight away as they first attended a funeral for her
Diane was shut in a coffin with her son Ross giving a eulogy as the group stood by her grave
The Traitors viewers branded Paul an 'evil villain' after he once again put on an incredible performance by planting the seed to get Miles banished
The round table saw Miles refuse to go down without a fight as he then turned on Paul in a tense stand-off, before he was the one to be sent home, receiving the most votes
'Everybody has been fooled by you, it's because your name has not been mentioned. You've played such a good game.'
Miles said he knew Diane would drink the fizzy rose from the chalice, with the Faithful asking why the Traitors decided to murder her.
He told her: 'You are such a leader, people follow what you say. People are so genuine with what you say that everybody follows suit.'
Miles then told Diane to read the scroll which revealed who the other Traitors are.
Diane said: 'So it says... Christ I can't play this game at all. Harry, that wee b*****d.
'That's why you're playing so well they've picked the nicest people in the world apart from me to be fair.
'Paul. S**t ok.'
Miles said: 'I know he's a Traitor. So I know he's doing this to get me out. The stabbed me in the back'.
Harry also cleverly used the moment to secretly whisper to Zack his theory that both Paul and Miles could be Traitors, before voting for Miles, as he played a very clever game
Paul shockingly turned on Miles in a round table face-off as he claimed Diane had named Miles as her murderer after she drank from the dreaded poisoned chalice.
The tense round table saw Miles refuse to go down without a fight as he then turned on Paul, with Harry using the moment to secretly whisper to Zack his theory that they could both be Traitors.
After Miles was the second Traitor to be banished, viewers were quick to take to X to root for Harry to win as they applauded him for playing an excellent game.
The Traitors continues on Thursday at 9pm on BBC One.
Jake Cornish departed Love Island: All Stars because it wasn't the 'right time' for him to find love.
The 26-year-old star quit the villa after three just three days, and admitted he didn't want to 'force a connection' on the ITV2 dating show.
He said in a statement: 'After a few amazing days in the villa, I've made the decision to leave 'Love Island: All Stars' as I've realised that now isn't the right time for me to find love as I would never want to force a connection.'
Despite his short stint in the villa, Jake insisted he has 'no regrets' from his time on the brand-new spin-off show.
Jake had an awkward reunion with his ex Liberty Poole in the villa.
Jake Cornish departed Love Island: All Stars because it wasn't the 'right time' for him to find love
The 26-year-old star quit the villa after three just three days, and admitted he didn't want to 'force a connection' on the ITV2 dating show
The pair - who were affectionately known as Jiberty when they became an item in 2021 - were early favourites to win series seven, but their relationship fell apart following a dramatic Movie Night episode, and they ended up walking from the series just four days before the final.
But Jake has now admitted living alongside Liberty again on 'Love Island: All Stars' gave him an 'opportunity to clear the air' with her.
He added: 'I have no regrets whatsoever as I'm so glad I got to enjoy my time in the villa reuniting with some familiar faces as well finally getting an opportunity to clear the air with Liberty.
'I wish her and all of the other Islanders the very best and will be cheering them all on from home.'
On Wednesday, Jake announced his departure from the show to his fellow Islanders, leaving Liberty stunned.
He said: 'I don't want to waste time. I don't want to give my energy to someone if it's forced, if it's fake.
'So just to let you know, I'm going to leave tonight.'
He added: 'I love you all, that means you've all got to have fun and find love. Just because I haven't doesn't mean you lot can't.'
He said in a statement: 'After a few amazing days in the villa, I've made the decision to leave 'Love Island: All Stars' as I've realised that now isn't the right time for me to find love'
Jake had an awkward reunion with his ex Liberty Poole in the villa who was left in tears when he announced he was leaving
Jake was seen wheeling his suitcase alongside him as he left the Love Island All Stars villa in South Africa
Liberty exclaimed: 'Oh, Jake!', as she and the rest of the group jumped up and rushed to give him a hug.
As Liberty and Jake were seen walking off for a chat, Demi said: 'I think Libs feels a little bit responsible but I told her it's not her responsibility.'
As the pair sat together by the fire pit, Liberty burst into tears, prompting Jake to say: 'Don't get upset! What are you getting upset for?'
Referring to their past relationship, she said: 'I know what happened, happened three years ago but you've honestly matured so much and I just feel like I just wanted you to have a good chance at finding love as well.'
Jake said: 'You've definitely matured as well. I just can't fake things for the sake of it. I just can't do it.
'So I thought the best thing for me to do is take myself out of the situation. I've had a wicked time.'
Jake continued: 'I hope you find someone in here because there's going to be plenty of people that walk through that door.'
Referring to her decision to leave the Love Island villa just days before the final when she was first on the show and coupled-up with Jake in 2021, Liberty told him: 'It's weird to think that three years ago I was leaving being true to myself and now you're doing the same thing.'
The pair hugged before Jake made his way to the front door of the villa where he was surrounded by his fellow Islanders as he made his way out.
Jake reportedly decided he 'couldn't stay' after the public voted for the exes to be coupled up together.
'Jake was really shocked to see Liberty in the villa they had no idea the other person would be there,' a source told The Sun.
'It was clear from the start they wouldn't get back together, then none of the girls wanted to step forward for him.
'Jake had a nice three days in the villa and had a very emotional chat to Maya Jama, he couldn't stay in the villa so he quit the show. It's not his time and it's not the right time to find love.'
Jake and Liberty were among 12 former Islanders who appeared on the new spin-off show. The series sees past contestants head into the villa to try to find love once more.
Ahead of her re-entry, Liberty admitted it might be 'awkward' coming across her ex and seemingly shut down the possibility of any rekindled romances.
She got a nasty surprise when not only was she was faced with her ex-boyfriend Jake but the public voted for them to form a couple.
Liberty revealed they hadn't spoken for three years and could only say 'oh my God' as she saw him walk through the villa.
They were quick to shoot down any possibility of rekindling the romance when asked by show host Maya Jama.
When Maya asked: 'Is there any room for a rekindle do we think?' both Liberty and Jake immediately shook their heads and in unison replied: 'No.'
But Jake has now admitted living alongside Liberty again on 'Love Island: All Stars' gave him an 'opportunity to clear the air' with her
Jake and Liberty were among 12 former Islanders who appeared on the new spin-off show. They split after a brief romance when they starred in the show back in 2021 (pictured)
The pair shared a turbulent relationship on the show in 2021, with Liberty falling hard and fast for Jake, but her feelings seemingly not being reciprocated.
The couple became the first to become official in series seven.
However, during the Casa Amor loyalty test, Jake was seen encouraging his male co-stars to play away from their partners.
Love Island: All Stars continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
British TV's 'most violent' show is due a much-anticipated third series in 2024 as people just discovering it have labelled it 'better than Peaky Blinders'.
The hit show, Sky's Gangs Of London, even features a member of the BBC show's infamous Shelby family as its lead.
Joe Cole plays Tommy's brother John Shelby in Peaky Blinders, but has an even more central role in his latest programme.
Gangs Of London tells the story of the capital being torn apart by international gangs' power struggles.
The storyline has also seen it compared to the hugely successful BBC series, dubbed a modern twist on the Black Country crime drama.
Watch Gangs of London S1 and S2 available now only on Stan in Australia.
Gangs of London has been labelled British TV's 'most violent' show, and it could see a third season released this year (pictured: Joe Cole and Michelle Fairley)
The Sky Atlantic show has been compared to BBC's Peaky Blinders, with fans saying the more modern-day series is even better (pictured Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby)
Gangs Of London's lead, Joe Cole, also stars as one of the members of Peaky Blinders' infamous Shelby clan
Gangs Of London fans who have only discovered the series this year are already impatient for another installment
Fans of the show, which can be caught up on via Now TV have taken to X to wax lyrical about it as well as demanding a third series.
They said: 'Gangs of London is criminally underrated...
'This Gangs of London series is better than peaky blinders...
'Gangs of London >>> peaky blinders...
'Those who haven't watched Gangs of London please stop what you're doing and please go watch...
'Just finished Gangs of London season 2 and damn cant wait for season 3...
'I need gangs of London S3.'
Sky Atlantic debuted Gangs Of London - which also features Sope Dirisu and Michelle Fairley - in 2020, and enjoyed a second series in 2022 despite some claims it was 'too violent'.
The first season made headlines for its stratospheric levels of violence as its nine episodes featured 113 deaths - 96 people shot (mostly fatally), 30 stabbings and seven people strangled.
The show also features Michelle Fairley (left) and Sope Dirisu (right), who said fans should expect 'something special' for series three
Production for the next series is well underway, and with seasons one and two in 2020 and 2022 respectively, this year looks set to see Gangs Of London's return
With production well underway and no pandemic holding things back this time around, it would seem that 2024 should be the year we see the next installment.
Speaking about the third edition, Dirisu told The Standard last year that fans should expect 'something special'.
The upcoming season's synopsis reads: 'Ex-undercover cop turned gangster Elliot is now operating as a top-level criminal alongside the Dumanis, but their business is thrown into chaos when their shipment of cocaine is spiked, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians all over London.
'The ensuing chaos attracts attention from the authorities, putting the gangs of London under pressure like never before and the ripple effects - both personal and professional - will have devastating consequences for everyone from the Wallaces, to Luan, to Lale and the street gangs.
'This was a targeted attack and it's only the beginning, but the question is - who did it and why?'
Kanye West's new titanium teeth have been slammed by fans who branded the dentures 'revolting' and compared them to a gum wrapper.
The controversial rapper had $850K dentures installed in his latest publicity-seeking move, which is claimed to have been 'more expensive than diamonds.'
However, despite the costly change, Kanye's fans branded his new look a 'terrible decision' as they took to social media to share their thoughts.
At first glance, most presumed that Kanye's mouth was covered in a gum wrapper or kitchen foil, which would have been a far cheaper alternative for the same effect.
A number of others said Kanye - who has past made headlines for his outrageous antics and repeated antisemitic statements - was merely seeking attention.
Kanye West 's new titanium teeth have been slammed by fans who branded the dentures 'revolting' and compared them to a gum wrapper
The controversial rapper had $850K dentures installed in his latest publicity-seeking move, which is claimed to have been 'more expensive than diamonds
The star is seen flashing his smile before the implant was fitted
Sharing a picture of a set of teeth wrapped in foil, one person said: 'S*** looks like aluminum foil.'
While others agreed, writing: 'Thought this s*** was foil.'
'All that to look like he wrapped the gum wrapped around his teeth is wild' and 'I know aluminum over teeth when I see it.'
'You could have told me that was a Wriggly's gum wrapper and I would have believed you.'
Others online claimed it was a 'terrible decision' to have his teeth removed, writing: 'Worst decision I've ever seen in my life.'
And: 'I don't know what to say this doesn't look like a good idea.'
Some fans also worried what would happen when Kanye bites his tongue, admitting they thought it would be a potentially painful accident.
Sharing a meme of Tom [Tom & Jerry] jumping into the air, one person wrote: 'When Kanye accidentally bites his tongue for the first time.'
At first glance, most presumed that Kanye's mouth was covered in a gum wrapper or kitchen foil, which would have been a far cheaper alternative for the same effect
However, despite the costly change, Kanye's fans branded his new look a 'terrible decision' as they took to social media to share their thoughts
Another said: 'Accidentally bite your tongue and it's over.'
A number of commenters said Kanye's llatest actions were reflective of contemporary celebrity culture, in which attention can be a coveted commodity.
One mused: 'This further proves that wealthy people are absolutely beyond bored and have nothing to do with their life whatsoever.
'They will do the most outrageous s***, spend the most money on the most outrageous things. Just to get attention, this dude in a multi-millionaire and if he wanted to can feed half of Chicago with his money.
'But this also proves the point that Kanye isn't as crazy as you think. He's definitely conscious and knowledgeable of some of the dumb s*** he does.'
Kanye, who is being sued for allegedly hitting an autograph seeker in 2022, proudly flashed his pointy new smile in an Instagram post -
He likened himself to iconic James Bond villain, Jaws, who appeared in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
The implant is a new surgical model and is unique to the musician - with the total cost rumored to be an eye-watering $850,000.
The star's new dentures were fitted by Dr Thomas Connelly in Beverly Hills alongside Naoki Hayashi, Master Dental Technician.
A number of commenters said Kanye's llatest actions were reflective of contemporary celebrity culture, in which attention can be a coveted commodity
Connelly told DailyMail.com: 'Ye was a pleasure to work with every step of the process. His vision for designing unique art transcends the dental progression. The marriage of his vision with dental science has created a new look that is epic!'
Back in 2010 the rapper showed off the sparkling diamond and gold implants to chat show host Ellen DeGeneres - which he claimed had replaced his entire bottom row of teeth.
'I just thought that diamonds were cooler,' he told her, saying he asked the dentist to remove his bottom row of teeth and replace them.
A fascinated Ellen asked: 'It's not a grill?'
Kanye replied: 'It's really my real teeth. I replaced my bottom row of teeth.
'I guess there's just certain things that rock stars are supposed to do.'
His earlier claims to have replaced his teeth were met with scepticism, with Kanye's fans doubting that even he would do such a thing.
Kanye, was dropped by Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga after he went on a series of anti-Semitic rants in October 2022.
Emma Stone has defended the sex scenes in her new film Poor Things after producers were forced to re-edit a controversial clip ahead of its UK release.
The actress, 35, plays lead character Bella Baxter, who is resurrected by an eccentric scientist in Victorian London, has hit back at recent criticism of the film.
The comedy, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, has caused a ratings stir within the British Board of Film Classification.
This is due to one controversial sex scene which involves two young boys watching Bella (Emma) work as a prostitute after their father hired her to teach them how to have sex.
Defending Poor Things, Emma told BBC Radio 4: 'Bella is completely free and without shame about her body.'
Emma Stone, 35, has defended the sex scenes in her new film Poor Things after producers were forced to re-edit a controversial clip ahead of its UK release (pictured this month)
The actress, plays lead character Bella Baxter, who is resurrected by an eccentric scientist in Victorian London, has hit back at recent criticism of the film
She continued: 'So much of this was about being true to Bella's experience. It [the sex] is obviously a huge part of her experience and her growth, as it is, I think, for most people in life.
'But I see it as just one aspect of many - her discovery of food, philosophy, travel and dance. Sex is another aspect.'
Whats more, Emma noted that Bella doesn't feel any embarrassment about her body.
The actress said: 'She doesn't know to be embarrassed by these things or to cover things up or not dive into the full experience when it comes to anything.
'So for the camera to sort of shy away from that, or to say, "well, we'll just cut all of this out because our society functions in a particular way," it felt like a lack of being honest about who Bella is.
'I'm not a person that just wants to be naked all the time, but I am someone who wants to honour the character as fully as I possibly can. That's part of her journey.'
The film is currently certified 18 in the UK, however only after the controversial sex scene was modified to meet the criteria.
A statement by the British Board of Film Classification read: 'We originally saw this film for advice. We informed the distributor we would be likely to classify the film 18 on condition that changes be made to one short sequence depicting sexual activity in the presence of children.'
Defending Poor Things, Emma told BBC Radio 4: 'Bella is completely free and without shame about her body. So much of this was about being true to Bella's experience' (pictured this month)
The film is currently certified 18 in the UK, however only after the controversial sex scene was modified to meet the criteria
They added: 'This is in accordance with the Protection of Children Act 1978. When the distributor submitted the film for formal classification, the scene had been re-edited, and we were able to classify the film 18.'
The picture contains over a dozen explicit sex scenes and a huge amount of foul language.
An anti-Poor Things whispering campaign started shortly after its emergence on the festival circuit, with some saying that the use of the word 'retard' early on in the movie is problematic.
Likewise Stone's depiction of Bella in the initial period, after her brain has been swapped with that of her unborn baby.
The feature is based on Alasdair Gray's novel of the same name, which was originally published in 1992.
An official trailer for Poor Things reveals Bella Baxter, was resurrected by her guardian, Dr. Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe, after she died by suicide.
Men in the trailer are perplexed by Bella's eccentric behavior, with Baxter explaining that ever since he brought her back to life, her head and body haven't been in sync.
Stone noted in a Bella feature from Searchlight Pictures that, 'The more autonomous Bella becomes, the more challenged men seem to be by it.'
The feature is based on Alasdair Gray's novel of the same name, which was originally published in 1992. It was released on January 12
She revealed that she, 'wanted to play Bella because it felt like acceptance of what it is to be a woman.'
The actress also conveyed her gratitude for Yorgos, saying that he, 'gave me a gift for making me a producer on [Poor Things.]'
'I've gotten to be privy to the whole process that I wouldn't have if I was just acting in it,' she said. 'It just felt like the perfect combination.'
The movie's cast is rounded out by performers such as Ramy Youssef and Mark Ruffalo.
Jodie Comer has revealed the unlikely beginnings of her award-winning career after she almost missed her shot at the school talent show.
Her latest role sees her star in the BAFTA nominated new film The End We Start From which sees Jodie play a young woman navigating motherhood for the first time during a terrifying apocalyptic flood.
Yet years before Jodie, 30, became one of the most renowned actresses in the UK, the star faced her first setback after she was kicked out of her group at the school talent show.
Appearing on Laura Laverne's radio show on Thursday, Jodie explained how getting kicked out the group actually led to her big break.
'I was basically supposed to do a dance from Chicago, the Cell Block Tango at a school talent show when I was 12,' as Jodie joked: 'wildly inappropriate, we had to change all the words.'
Jodie Comer, 30, has revealed how being KICKED OUT her group at the school talent show actually kickstarted her award-winning career
Appearing on Laura Laverne's radio show on Thursday, Jodie explained how she was kicked out her group performance of Chicago, and instead had to go solo
'Anyway I had gone on holiday and I had been kicked out the group, and I had recently performed a monologue at the Liverpool Drama Festival, which I don't know if they still do but it was this amazing festival where you'd be entered into a group of 15 people your age and you'd perform a monologue.
'And I did a piece about Hillsborough at that. So my mum said "Why don't you do your monologue?" So I did and then I got sent for a BBC radio play and that's how it all kicked off.'
Heading to the studio to meet Laura, Jodie cut a chic appearance as she donned a simple beige jumper and denim jeans.
The Killing Eve star completed the look with a long black winter coat and black boots, while she covered her eyes with some dark sunglasses.
Speaking about shooting her latest role, the star also opened up about what it was really like working with so many babies on set as she admitted there were 15 different babies in total.
'I learnt on this shoot just to surrender because you're at the mercy of the baby really.'
'That's the big lesson of parenthood' joked Lauren, as Jodie teased: 'Yeah whatever they want to do goes'.
'They take very little direction and it created some really spontaneous and unexpected moments on set, but there's some real beauty in that.'
Her latest role sees her star in the BAFTA nominated new film The End We Start From which sees Jodie play a young woman navigating motherhood for the first time during a terrifying apocalyptic flood (pictured in the film)
Jodie cut a chic appearance as she donned a simple beige jumper and denim jeans underneath a long black winter coat
Jodie explained she was meant to perform the Cell Block Tango from Chicago, but she went on holiday and was kicked out the group, meaning she performed a Hillsborough monologue instead
Explaining why so many babies were needed, Jodie said: 'The film spans over a year so there are four very clear ages for the babies and then each age would have about three babies.
'So there would be a hero baby for continuity reasons who would always be featured on camera. The baby would take a break every 20 minutes.
'You can imagine the kind of scheduling that had to be met'.
Last Friday, Jodie appeared on The Graham Norton Show as she compared filming to a 'baby bootcamp'.
Asked about acting with a baby in tow, she explained: 'It is in every scene. We had 15 real babies in the film and the director gave me a baby doll to take home so I could understand the physicality of it.'
She joked: 'It was like baby bootcamp.'
The film, which will be released in cinemas on January 24, follows Mother as she is forced to flee the London when an ecological disaster triggers apocalyptic levels of flooding.
Jodie completed her look with some chunky black boots and black sunglasses
The star also opened up about what it was really like working with a total of 15 babies on set: 'I learnt on this shoot just to surrender because you're at the mercy of the baby really'
Talking about the project she explained: 'It's about the first year of parenthood set in the middle of a climate crisis. Despite that there is a lot of levity and hope which was important to us all because it's truthful to life.'
The trailer opens with Mother meeting love interest R at a bar before the disaster strikes with the pair debating if they should go on a date.
Mother quips 'it could be a disaster' as the trailer abruptly cuts to a flashforward of her standing in the sea after the disaster with her baby in her arms.
A montage shows Mother and O's relationship developing but as just as it's revealed the couple are expecting their first child together, a climate crisis starts to occur, with houses and buildings beginning to become inhabitable due to rising water.
Just as Mother gives birth the crisis comes to a head, with the whole of London forced to evacuate as water levels rise to the heights of drowning double decker buses.
Mother and her baby flee to the North but the trailer ends with her defiantly stating 'I'm going home.'
The Strictly stars have only one day left of rehearsals before the tour kicks off in Birmingham on Friday.
And fan favourites Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell looked to be in great spirits as they left their hotel early on Thursday morning.
Bobby beamed from ear to ear as he donned a black padded coat and Prada zip up fleece.
The EastEnders star, 20, swept his curly locks back in a slick back bun as he completed the look with some grey jogging bottoms and trendy camel UGG slippers.
Meanwhile Dianne's face was the picture of happiness as she beamed from ear to ear and tied her red locks away from her face in a bright green scrunchie.
Bobby Brazier, 20, and Dianne Buswell, 34,struggle to contain their excitement ahead of the final day of Strictly tour rehearsals on Thursday
Dianne's face was the picture of happiness as she beamed from ear to ear and tied her red locks away from her face in a bright green scrunchie
The professional dancer, 34, flashed her toned abs as she donned a plunging white crop top and some dark tracksuit bottoms.
The star wrapped up in beige trench coat as she carried her essentials in her black Louis Vuitton bag.
Nadiya Bychkova cut a cosy figure in a matching grey knitted two piece.
The dancer grabbed a Starbucks on the way to rehearsals as she wrapped up from the cold in a black padded jacket.
Nadiya carried her training gear in a blue leather bag and shaded her eyes from the winter sun in some fashionable sunglasses.
Elsewhere Nadiya's boyfriend Kai Widdrington also made his way to rehearsals as he donned a navy hoody and black gilet.
It looked as though the pair had made a coffee stop together while Kai had also picked up some fuel for the day as he carried his Tesco shopping.
Meanwhile this year's celebrity star's Ellie Leach, Annabel Croft and Angela Rippon also made their way to training.
Bobby looked in great spirits as he jogged to rehearsals in a black padded coat and and Prada sip up fleece
The professional dancer flashed her toned abs as she donned a plunging white crop top and some dark tracksuit bottoms
He completed the look with some grey jogging bottoms and trendy camel UGG slippers
Dianne was seen embracing with a fan as she headed to training
The Australian was seen chatting away
Nadiya Bychkova cut a cosy figure in a matching grey knitted two piece
The dancer grabbed a Starbucks on the way to rehearsals as she wrapped up from the cold in a black padded jacket
Annabel Croft looked in good spirits as she donned a full length black Canada Goose coat
Angela, 79, looked in great spirits as she kept warm in a grey suede coat with cosy fur collar and cuffs.
Strictly winner Ellie also cut a stylish display in a black leather-look long coat and big cream scarf.
Her partner Vito Coppola looked a little chilly as he attempted to tuck his hands into his coat as he shivered in the freezing temperatures.
As the stars prepare for the beginning of the show's tour, Shirley Ballas spoke out earlier this week during an episode of Lorraine as she defended Giovanni Pernice amid his feud with his former partner Amanda Abbington.
The show's head judge, 63, called the dancer, 33, an 'absolute gentleman' after Amanda recently claimed that show left her with PTSD and reportedly demanded footage of their rehearsals together.
The Sherlock actress, 51, is said to have sought legal advice over the dancer's alleged behaviour towards her and believes video footage could 'back up' her claims.
Speaking on Lorraine Shirley said in response to the recent revelations: 'I've known Giovanni for many years and he is an absolutely splendid teacher.
'My only ever experience with him is he is an absolute gentlemen. He gives 100%.
'Strictly and shows like that they are tough shows so you know when you sign up for that kind of thing. It's quite difficult to do the show.'
Angela, 79, looked in great spirits as she kept warm in a grey suede coat with cosy fur collar and cuffs
Elsewhere Nadiya's boyfriend Kai Widdrington also made his way to rehearsals as he donned a navy hoody and black gilet
Karen Hauer cut a mysterious figure as she concealed her face in a cloak style yellow coat
Jowita Przysta looked cosy in a grey beanie hat and black hoodie
Nancy Xu looked in great spirits as she posed for the cameras
Janette Manrara cut a stylish display in a pair of red leather trousers
Graziano Di Prima kept it casual in some grey Nike joggers and black coat
The Italian dancer waved to fans as he made his way to rehearsals
Katya Jones was barely recognisable in a huge black padded coat covered in letter printing
It comes after last week Amanda revealed she was 'sent death threats' by Strictly Come Dancing fans in a new interview.
The star was paired with Giovanni but quit the BBC One programme mid-series last year citing 'personal issues'.
It was then revealed she had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following her stint on the show.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, Amanda gave her thanks to both her fans and fellow Strictly stars for their support.
She explained: 'I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.'
Amanda continued: 'I'm very sorry that people felt the need to send me death threats, threaten my children and bring up my past, healthy relationship with an ex-partner as an indicator of my current mental health. I wish those people well.'
Nikita Jasmine has revealed that she had to be rushed to the emergency room after she was left struggling to breathe after New Year's Eve.
The Married At First Sight UK, 29, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday to explain why she had been absent from social media.
She said she had fallen ill at the beginning of the year, and then developed Strep A and laryngitis, forcing her to go to hospital to be treated with antibiotics.
Nikita wrote: 'Hellooooo my people. Took a lil 2 week social media break which was well needed.
'Been stuck on what to say as didn't have a very good start to the year unfortunately (too much stuff going on in the background all at once).
Nikita Jasmine has revealed that she had to be rushed to the emergency room after she was left struggling to breathe after New Year's Eve
The Married At First Sight UK , 29, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday to explain why she had been absent from social media (pictured in 2021)
She said she had fallen ill at the beginning of the year, and then developed Strep A and laryngitis, forcing her to go to hospital to be treated with antibiotics
'Then fell poorly on NYE which started off as a cold then led onto Strep A & laryngitis so could barely swallow or breathe which wasn't great. On antibiotics for 2 bloody weeks, trips to A&E lol but now I'm back!'
The reality star explained that she decided to take some time away from social media to 'clear the mind' and 'recharge' adding that she didn't want to have to 'put on a brave face'.
She said: 'Got anxiety on what to post as haven't been myself at all, kept looking at others so happy & ready to smash 2024 when my head wasn't in a good place and immune system had been terrible to boot.
'Didn't want to put a brave face on & post everyday / pretending I was okay, acting like my jolly self etc hence why I had a small socials detox which honestly does do you the world of good and I'd recommend it to anyone!
'Really helps clear the mind! It's all good been active but your health comes first but so does your mental health / mind set and sometimes you just need to take a step back, have that break and recharge!'
Nikita then threw subtle shade at those around her, saying her difficult experience had shown her who her 'real' friends were, implying others hadn't cared or checked in on her.
She said: 'Thank you to those that reached out to me noticing I was quiet. Randoms & friends that were checking in constantly I appreciate every single one of you.
'The past fortnight has made me really open my eyes WAY more to the real ones who actually do care when you're feeling down and deflated & I'm very lucky to have those people in my life.'
The reality star explained that she decided to take some time away from social media to 'clear the mind' and 'recharge' adding that she didn't want to have to 'put on a brave face'
Nikita then threw subtle shade at those around her, saying her difficult experience had shown her who her 'real' friends were, implying others hadn't cared or checked in on her
She concluded: 'But now enough of the waffling I'm ready to start the year properly now.
'Gonna start been more real and raw with yous on here because I am on TV but feel like Instagram people only show the good s**t what's going on and not necessarily the bad and life consists of both, so there's gonna be no fakery over here!
'Life is challenging but we're all in this together, regardless of how busy life can get we're all humans on this tiny planet so we need to be there for each other.'
It comes only a few months after Nikita's last hospital dash, when she came down with tonsillitis following being assaulted in a nightclub.
During Halloween last year, Nikita took to her Instagram Stories to reveal she had been the victim of a 'random attack' that left her with broken ribs.
She had been partying at Livello in Newcastle when the incident occurred in the bar's toilets, and pleaded with her followers for information.
She wrote: 'Anyone who's tried contacting me since the weekend I'm ILL. At A&E because Ive got tonsillitis BAD again, shock horror.
On antibiotics for a week & ribs are fractured from some fkn idiot so getting that looked at now. Random attack. [sic]'
It comes only a few months after Nikita's last hospital dash, when she came down with tonsillitis following being assaulted in a nightclub
During Halloween last year, Nikita took to her Instagram Stories to reveal she had been the victim of a 'random attack' that left her with broken ribs
She had been partying at Livello in Newcastle (pictured) when the incident occurred in the bar's toilets, and pleaded with her followers for information
Reassuring her followers, she continued: 'Dont want a million messages, Im sweet just not well, will sort it all out when Im feeling better.
Anyone who saw what happened in Livello toilets on Saturday night, message me. Will be kept private.
Nikita shot to fame on MAFS UK in 2021 but her stint was short-lived after she was axed following a foulmouthed outburst at her fellow cast members.
The Geordie had to be dragged away from the show's first dinner party by security in the midst of her expletive ridden rant.
Bosses later told the newlywed she would have to leave the series for breaking E4's code of conduct, abruptly ending husband Ant Poole's stint on the dating programme.
A spokesperson for E4 told MailOnline: 'The wellbeing of cast and crew is our utmost priority at all times throughout production and beyond.
'During filming, a situation escalated off camera and Nikita displayed a level of aggression that was unacceptable and breached our agreed code of conduct on behaviour.
'As a result, she was asked to leave the experiment. All involved have been offered support and Nikita has since apologised and resolved the situation with those involved.'
Nikita shot to fame on MAFS UK in 2021 but her stint was short-lived after she was axed following a foulmouthed outburst at her fellow cast members (pictured on show)
The Geordie had to be dragged away from the show's first dinner party by security in the midst of her expletive ridden rant (pictured on show)
Nikita later apologised for her actions, telling The Sun: 'I am truly sorry for any upset I caused during my time in the experiment. However, I will always stand up for what I believe in,' she said.
She said that while she can be 'loud and lairy', she is a 'good person' who defends her friends and believes that her antagonistic behaviour means she is 'misunderstood'.
She returned to the series for the reunion episode when she confronted her ex Ant and co-star Alexis Economou who reentered the experiment as a new couple after failing to find love with their original spouses.
On Thursday, a slew of hits were missing from the BAFTA 2024 nominations leaving fans raging over this year's snubs.
Ahead of the 76th British Academy Film Awards on 18 February, nominations were revealed, with Oppenheimer sweeping the board with 13 nods, including nominations for the actors, in Best Film and for Christopher Nolan in Best Director.
A number of fans were less than pleased with the absentees in the nominations, as Twitter was awash with anger over snubs - led by fury over Killers Of The Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone, who played Molly Burkhart in the film.
Andrew Scott was also left out of the list for his role as Adam in All of Us Strangers opposite Paul Mescal, with fans raging over the alleged injustice.
Killers Of The Flower Moon director Martin Scorsese and Barbie director Greta Gerwig surprisingly missed out on nods in their category, while Barbie's failure to land in the Best Film category caused shockwaves.
On Thursday, a slew of hits were missing from the BAFTA 2024 nominations leaving fans raging over this year's snubs including Killers Of The Flower Moon's Lily Gladstone
Andrew Scott was also left out of the list for his role as Adam in All of Us Strangers opposite Paul Mescal, with fans raging over the alleged injustice
Barbie director Greta Gerwig's snub stunned fans while the film's absence from the Best Film category was another shocked
Lily's fans swarmed Twitter to comment on the list writing: 'That Lily Gladstone snub is painful. What are you doing, BAFTA? #EEBAFTAs...
'#lilygladstone snub at the #bafta? Get the f**k out of here... anyways im happy my two favourite movies of 2023 (oppenheimer & anatomy) got their bafta nominations. the lily gladstone snub is disappointing...
'@BAFTA nominations announced- best picture snub for #maestro ,#LilyGladstone shut out of best actress category... Lily Gladstones snub hurts oh my Goodness I hate this so much @BAFTA you will be dealth with...
'The Lily Gladstone BAFTA snub OMG... My #BAFTA nomination thoughts: - Mixed bag overall, but couldve been worse - Gladstone snub is truly surprising; Gerwig perhaps less so but no less unfortunate - Nice to see Holdovers get a lot of love...
'Theres just no stopping Oppenheimer, is there? If so, good Shocked at the Lily Gladstone snub for Killers of the Flower Moon - a crying shame! #BAFTA'.
Andrew's fans meanwhile raged: 'Andrew Scott #AllOfUsStrangers missing from #BAFTA is the biggest snub. Im utterly ashamed this has happened to be honest!...
'What the actual f*ck BAFTA? You nominate All of Us Strangers for almost everything and then snub Andrew Scott in Best Actor? Make it make sense!...
'What in the Olivia Colman is this?? BAFTA snubbing Andrew Scott yet showered All of Us Strangers with several nominationswhat did he do to warrant this?!...
Film fans flooded the microblogging site to voice their dismay
'Hopefully he gets an Olivier nomination for Vanya in the coming months, if thats to remedy the atrocious BAFTA snub...
'Should you ignore some of the Saltburn nods and Andrew Scott snub, those BAFTA Nominations are an excellent reminder of how strong a year its been for film... ANDREW SCOTT BAFTA SNUB??!?!?!!...
Film fans weighed in: 'Here's your reminder that #BAFTA nominees in the acting categories are chosen as follows: Top 3 highest vote getters from the get go are automatic nominees...
'The other three are chosen by the jury from the remaining names in the longlist That would explain some snubs/inclusions...
'Bafta are so bizarre bc theyre weirdly good at nominating ppl who haven't been recognised elsewhere like teo yoo but will snub front runners like???... Biggest #BAFTA snubs 1. Lily Gladstone- Best Actress 2. Greta Gerwig- Best Director 3. Martin Scorsese- Best Director 4. Barbie- Best Film...
'I shouldnt be. But I am surprised at some of these BAFTA noms. We knew they had good hometown movies to choose this year. But the snubs!!! Scorsese and Gladstone. Barbie and Gerwig. Wright and Brown...
BAFTA 2024 NOMINATIONS Best Film Anatomy Of A Fall The Holdovers Killers Of The Flower Moon Oppenheimer Poor Things Best Director Andrew Haigh, All of Us Stranger Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall Alexander Payne, The Holdovers Bradley Cooper, Maestro Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest Supporting Actor Robert De Niro Killers Of The Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr Oppenheimer Jacob Elordi Saltburn Ryan Gosling Barbie Paul Mescal All Of Us Strangers Dominic Sessa The Holdovers Supporting Actress Emily Blunt Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks The Color Purple Claire Foy All Of Us Strangers Sandra Huller The Zone Of Interest Rosamund Pike Saltburn Da'vine Joy Randolph The Holdovers Original Screenplay Anatomy of a Fall Barbie The Holdovers Maestro Past Lives Adapted Screenplay All Of Us Strangers American Fiction Oppenheimer Poor Things The Zone Of Interest Animated Film The Boy And The Heron Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget Elemental Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Leading Actor Bradley Cooper Maestro Colman Domingo Rustin Paul Giamatti The Holdovers Barry Keoghan Saltburn Cillian Murphy Oppenheimer Teo Yoo Past Lives Leading Actress Fantasia Barrino The Color Purple Sandra Huller Anatomy Of A Fall Carey Mulligan Maestro Vivian Oparah Rye Lane Margot Robbie Barbie Emma Stone Poor Things Outstanding British Film All Of Us Strangers How To Have Sex Napoleon The Old Oak Poor Things Rye Lane Saltburn Scrapper Wonka The Zone Of Interest Film Not in the English Language 20 Days In Mariupol Anatomy of a Fall Past Lives Society of the Snow The Zone of Interest Outstanding Debut Blue Bag Life Bobi Wine: The People's President Earth Mama How To Have Sex Is There Anybody Out There? Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer Lisa Selby, Rebecca Lloyd-Evans, Alex Fry Christopher Sharp Savanah Leaf, Shirley O'connor, Medb Riordan Molly Manning Walker Ella Glendining British Short Animation Crab Day Visible Mending Wild Summon Advertisement
'Dafoe and Ruffalo. Bening and Foster. Yikes... So yeah, wow, lots of #BAFTA surprises, with the snubs for Marty, Gladstone, and Flower Moon's screenplay topping the list. Lanthimos missing Director is a shock as well...
'Oppenheimer did great... but somehow missed Casting & Visual Effects? Very odd.'
Christopher Nolan's epic biopic about atomic bomb creator J Robert Oppenheimer dominated the main categories, with nominations for the actors, in Best Film and for Nolan in Best Director.
In comparison, Oppenheimer's box office rival Barbie received just five nominations.
Cillian Murphy, 47, received his first ever BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of the titular character Oppenheimer and will go head-to-head with fellow Irishman Barry Keoghan, 31, for Saltburn in the Best Actor category.
They will battle it out with Bradley Cooper - Maestro, Colman Domingo - Rustin, Paul Giamatti - The Holdovers and Teo Yoo - Past Lives. Murphy's co-stars Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr are also nominated for supporting prizes.
Oppenheimer, which was a box office juggernaut when it was released in cinemas last year on the same day as Barbie - sparking the Barbenheimer phenomenon - marks a crowning achievement for British filmmaker Nolan, who has never won the directing BAFTA.
He will face competition from All Of Us Strangers director Andrew Haigh, Anatomy Of A Fall's Justine Triet, The Holdovers' Alexander Payne, Maestro's Cooper and Jonathan Glazer for The Zone Of Interest.
Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer led this year's BAFTA nominations with 13 nods, including a first time nomination for star Cillian Murphy, who will go head-to-head with fellow Irishman Barry Keoghan, 31, for Saltburn in the Best Actor category
For the best film prize, Oppenheimer will compete against the gothic fairytale Poor Things, which scored 11 nods.
Also in the running is French courtroom drama Anatomy Of A Fall, Martin Scorsese's western crime thriller Killers Of The Flower Moon and The Holdovers, about a cranky prep school teacher forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student.
Notably absent from the category is Barbie, which was the highest-grossing film of 2023, with director Greta Gerwig also absent from the directing category.
Gerwig is, however, recognised in the original screenplay alongside her husband and co-writer Noah Baumbach.
The best actress prize sees Barbie star Margot Robbie compete against Poor Things star Emma Stone, Carey Mulligan for Maestro, Sandra Huller for Anatomy Of A Fall, Fantasia Barrino for The Colour Purple and Vivian Oparah for British romantic comedy Rye Lane.
German actress Huller is also nominated in a second category, picking up a supporting actress nod for The Zone Of Interest, alongside Oppenheimer's Blunt, Rosamund Pike for Saltburn, Da'Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers, Danielle Brooks for The Colour Purple and Claire Foy for All Of Us Strangers.
Downey Jr, who has already won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice award for his performance as Lewis Strauss, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission in Oppenheimer, will compete against Robert De Niro for Killers Of The Flower Moon, Jacob Elordi for Saltburn, Ryan Gosling for Barbie, Paul Mescal for All Of Us Strangers and Dominic Sessa for The Holdovers for the supporting actor prize.
The contenders for outstanding British film are All Of Us Strangers, How To Have Sex, Napoleon, The Old Oak, Poor Things, Rye Lane, Saltburn, Scrapper, Wonka and The Zone Of Interest.
The EE Bafta film awards will be hosted by David Tennant at the Royal Festival Hall on February 18 and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
It appears the current leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is ready to prove nay sayers wrong. The Ola Olukoyede-led anti-graft agency poses as if it is indeed committed to prosecuting the war against corruption without fear or favour.
And to demonstrate its commitment in this regard, the anti-graft agency hinted at its resolve to restart the stalled multibillion naira corruption cases against some former governors after long years of unexplained hiatus.
Although monies huge enough to provide water, build classrooms, build health centres, construct roads, provide electricity and other basic necessities for most of the rural communities in need have been allegedly mismanaged by some of these governors, their prosecution has either been stalled by political consideration or needless technicalities by the courts.
No fewer than 13 former governors who allegedly fleeced their respective states were dragged, and some even charged, to court by the anti-graft agency but the cases are yet to be prosecuted to a logical conclusion, fueling speculation, especially among Nigerians, that some of the former governors are sacred cows that cannot be tried by the EFCC.
Going after looted billions
But it seems the EFCC is now poised to go after the looters and ultimately recover the looted billions from former Governors Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State, Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako of Sokoto State, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State, Danjuma Goje of Gombe State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Peter Odili of Rivers State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State, Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Theodore Orji of Abia State, Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa, and Uzor Kalu of Abia State, who have graft allegations hanging on their necks before the court.
Another former governor accused of corruptly enriching himself with the resources of his state is the current minister of state for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, who is alleged to have stolen N70 billion from funds that accrued to Zamfara State when he held sway as governor for four years.
Both former Governors Adamu who later served as Senator representing Nasarawa West senatorial zone and eventually chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress and Wammako who is currently a Senator representing Sokoto North are accused of N15billion fraud each.
Senator Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State is being quizzed about alleged N5.3 billion fraud, while his successor, Sullivan Chime, is being investigated over alleged N450 million campaign fraud as part of the N23 billion allegedly shared by a former minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
In Abia, Theodore Orji is being investigated for an alleged N551 billion money laundering, while Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is being investigated for about N7billion fraud.
Former Governor Goje is being investigated by the commission for an alleged N5billion fraud, Sylva for alleged N19.2 billion money laundering, and Lamido for alleged N1.35 billion fraud. Former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is facing a N10 billion fraud case, while Peter Odili is accused of diverting N100 billion Rivers' funds.
In the days ahead, Nigerians will ultimately know whether the EFCC is serious about reopening the corruption cases against these former governors who fleeced their states when they held sway as the chief executives or not.
Powerfully corrupt
As a matter of fact, most Nigerians believe that about 90 percent of political office holders, including governors, are corrupt and deserve to be prosecuted upon leaving office. They also know that because of our failing system, some former governors still wield enormous power; hence, asking them to account for their period in office may well be herculean.
The lacklustre manner with which cases of corruption involving the former governors are being handled lends credence to the widely held view that some of them are, technically speaking, above the law. Curiously, it appears the Ola Olukayode-led EFCC wants to prove us wrong. We can't wait to see these guys have their full day in court.
However, I doubt if that will ever happen. From its inception, two decades ago till date, the EFCC has been able to successfully prosecute only two former governors - Joshua Dariye of Plateau state and his Taraba state counterpart, Jolly Nyame. Both have been convicted, served brief jail terms and were pardoned.
It is certainly not for fun that of all the former governors accused of corrupt enrichment, only two have been convicted. We are dealing with a club of the most powerful group of people in the country. It is a given that even the president respects and, to a large extent, kowtow to the governors' forum.
Understandably, Nigerians are skeptical about the anti-graft agency's determination to effectively prosecute these former governors without interference, and the reason is not far-fetched. The president, his vice and the secretary to government of the federation are all former governors. As a matter of fact, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is part of the clique. And until his emergence as the chairman of the National Assembly, Akpabio has a barrage of allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against him for which Nigerians expect the EFCC to act. Will these people not interfere? I doubt it.
A huge challenge
It is a given that for the EFCC to effectively prosecute these former governors it needs, to a large extent, the support of serving governors who will help the agency to seamlessly access some documents. Without such support, it will be very easy for the judges to hide under the cloak of technicalities and lack of cogent evidence to dismiss the cases. There is high probability that governors will support their predecessors, except in a few cases where the relationship between the former and the latter is frosty.
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I don't see Governor Audu Sule of Nasarawa State and Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, for instance, not doing all it takes to shield Abdullahi Adamu and Magatakarda Wammako respectively. I certainly don't see Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State not doing all within his powers to protect his benefactor and former governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who is also facing fraud charges. Also, can Governor Biodun Oyebanji do anything short of providing protection for his successor and benefactor, Kayode Fayemi? Certainly not.
These are part of the challenges the EFCC would face, coupled with the fact that some of these former governors are influential members of the ruling APC and may be shielded by 'ogas' at the top since they will play instrumental roles in subsequent elections.
Can Olukoyode muster the courage to confront these people? Will the EFCC get the needed support from the appropriate quarters? Is it ready to embark on an all-out war against these corrupt ex-governors? Can we be guaranteed that membership of the ruling party won't absolve any of these former governors? Therein lies the challenge.
That notwithstanding, the EFCC which is considered as flexing muscle only when dealing with yahoo boys must redeem itself by taking the prosecution of these former governors to a logical conclusion.
Henry Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso looked loved up as ever as they posed together at the Argylle premiere in Seoul on Thursday.
The Superman star beamed from ear to ear as he cut a dapper figure in a black suit and buttoned up black blazer.
The actor, 40, who plays Argylle in the film, flashed his chest in his unbuttoned shirt as he posed with his arm around Natalie, 33.
The business executive flashed her ample cleavage as she wowed in a daring black floor length dress.
Natalie went braless in the plunging gown as she flaunted her assets and completed the look with a white clutch bag and black heels.
Henry Cavill, 40, looked dapper as his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso, 33, put on a VERY busty display at the Argylle premiere in South Korea on Thursday
The business executive flashed her ample cleavage as she wowed in a daring black floor length dress
Adding some more glamour to the look she accessorised the dress with some dangly silver earrings and a diamond bracelet.
Henry and Natalie announced they were dating via Instagram back in May 2021 and have revealed snips of their relationship on social media since.
Henry's latest film Argylle is set to release February 2, followed by a streaming release on Apple TV+.
As well as Henry, the film also stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Catherine OHara, Samuel L. Jackson, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, and Dua Lipa.
Bryce also attended the premiere as she sported two different outfits for the premiere.
The actress, 42, showcased her incredible physique as she donned a black long-sleeved bodysuit with a blue ruched skirt.
Bryce, who plays Elly Conway in the upcoming spy thriller, beamed with her co-stars Henry and Sam, who plays Aiden in the film, as the three posed together on the carpet.
Later on the star seemed to change into a black glittery long-sleeved dress as she posed inside with her fellow cast members.
Piling her hair up in a glamorous bun, she added a pop of colour to the outfit with some orange heels.
Natalie went braless in the plunging gown as she flaunted her assets and completed the look with a white clutch bag and black heels
The Superman star cut a dapper figure in a black suit and buttoned up black blazer
Bryce, who plays Elly Conway in the upcoming spy thriller, beamed with her co-stars Henry and Sam Rockewell as the three posed together on the carpet
Bryce was helped down the stairs by the two men as they all linked arms
She later changed into a black glittery long-sleeved dress as she posed inside with her fellow cast members
Piling her hair up in a glamorous bun, she added a pop of colour to the outfit with some orange heels
Bryce posed for snaps and autographs with the fans
The film follows the introverted spy novelist drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate
Earlier on Thursday Bryce looked effortlessly chic in a multi-coloured shirt dress as she attended Argylle's press conference in South Korea.
She slipped into a gorgeous orange and pink midi dress and elevated her frame with stylish orange court heels.
The Jurassic Park actress, also a director of the movie, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she spoke about her character in the upcoming comedy.
Henry cut a dapper display in a traditional checkered suit, while donning a khaki green tie and polished leather shoes.
Henry and Bryce were also joined by co-star Sam on stage at the press conference.
The trio huddled up for a sweet photo following the press conference with beaming smiles.
The plot follows the introverted spy novelist drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.
When Aiden, a spy, shows up to save her from being kidnapped, Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world.
Bryce Dallas Howard, 42, looked effortlessly chic in a multi-coloured shirt dress as she attended Argylle's press conference in South Korea on Thursday
The actress, who plays Elly Conway in the upcoming spy thriller, looked sensational as she took centre stage for the event
The trio huddled up for a sweet photo following the press conference with beaming smiles
Samuel's character, who has ties to the underworld through his Burgundy winery, tells Elly: 'It's time for you to meet the real agent Argylle.'
The film is described as following, 'the world's greatest spy, Argylle,' who 'gets caught up in a globe-trotting adventure.'
The film was first announced in June 2021, with Matthew Vaughn directing from a script by Jason Fuchs, adapted from a yet-to-be-published novel by a mysterious writer named Elly Conway.
The writer seemingly hasn't published a book before, with the Argylle novel's publication originally set for September 29, 2022 and then pushed to March 29, 2023 and now apparently set for November 9, 2023.
Apple announced in August 2021 they had acquired the rights to the film for a whopping $200 million, with Vaughn offering his thoughts on the unpublished manuscript in the announcement.
'When I read this early draft manuscript I felt it was the most incredible and original spy franchise since Ian Flemings books of the 50s,' Vaughan said.
The director added, 'This is going to reinvent the spy genre,' though very little about the actual author is known.
Bryce recently revealed when she feels 'most beautiful' in films, with NewBeauty magazine.
'I can remember pretty much every beauty detail for any character Ive ever playedits part of the process for me. Its sort of how I get into character,' she explained to the publication.
The Jurassic World actress also revealed, 'I feel most beautiful when I get to be a palette for incredible, brilliant makeup and hair artists.'
She elaborated, 'I do best when I give in and let my glam team do their thingwhen I let them do the exact opposite of a look I think I want or that I normally do.'
On the other hand, Howard noted, 'Im not a natural when it comes to pressits hard for me to get dressed up for the red carpet and do the whole circuit.'
Myleene Klass cut a laid back figure in a black tracksuit as she arrived for her radio show at Global FM on Thursday.
The presenter, 45, rocked a 'Don't Speak To Me' hoodie with matching tracksuit bottoms and a pair of white trainers.
She styled her long brunette tresses up into two eye-catching space buns and wore a large pair of gold hoop earrings.
The mother-of-three wrapped up in a long grey scarf and toted her belongings around in a Chanel crossbody bag.
Myleene seemed in high spirits as she completed her daytime number with a pair of stylish sunglasses.
Myleene Klass cut a laid back figure in a black tracksuit as she arrived for her radio show at Global FM on Thursday
The presenter, 45, rocked a 'Don't Speak To Me' hoodie with matching tracksuit bottoms and a pair of white trainers
The outing comes after Myleene recently gave a glimpse into her idyllic trip to the Maldives, having enjoyed a festive break with her family.
The radio presenter took to Instagram to share a montage of clips from her holiday with fiance Simon Motson, their four-year-old son Apollo and her daughters Ava, 16, and Hero, 12, who she shares with ex Graham Quinn.
Their stunning trip was complete with boat rides, kids' activities and a wealth of delicious food.
Myleene also shared her latest slew of sexy swimsuit snaps to plug her swimwear collection with Next.
The family looked to have the time of their lives, as they embarked on a boat trip before zipping around their island on bikes.
She also shared a look at their arrival at the resort, as they took a sea plane to their dwelling and later went diving with sharks.
Myleene added a touching caption on her snap reading: 'My family, my everything. I am so lucky to have you all. Thank you for the memories.'
During her boat trip, she posed in a sexy zebra print one-piece with stacks of jewellery adding further glam to the racy look.
Simon then lavished his stunning bride-to-be with kisses, as she flaunted her glowing make-up free complexion during the jaunt.
She pulled her long brunette tresses up into two eye catching space buns and wore a large pair of gold hoop earrings
The mum-of-three wrapped up in a long grey scarf and toted her belongings around in a Chanel crossbody bumbag
Johnny Vegas gave an update on his struggle with ADHD as he admitted that his 'brain locks' when faced with simple decisions.
The comedian, 53, who is gearing up for the second series of his show Carry on Glamping, detailed how the condition impacts his life.
Last year, Johnny admitted he was in the 'early stages' of working through medication, after he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Joining Josie Gibson and Dermot OLeary on Thursday's This Morning, he explained how his 'super organised' friend and PA Beverley Dixon helps out.
Bev stars alongside Johnny in the series and is often described as his 'long suffering assistant.'
Johnny Vegas, 53, gave an update on his struggle with ADHD as he admitted that his 'brain locks' when faced with simple decisions
The comedian, 53, who is gearing up for the second series of his show Johnny Vegas: Carry on Glamping, detailed how the condition impacts his life
The Benidorm star is moving his popular Field of Dreams glamping site from Harrogate in North Yorkshire to the grounds of Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire and has documented the venture in his Channel 4 show.
Speaking about his glamping dream Johnny explained how important it was to work with 'people that don't reject the mad ideas you have' and how his ADHD impacted the series.
Praising Bev, he said: 'Shes better than me in every way - shes organised, shes driven. She runs my life! Do we have arguments?
'This series I was on site a lot more and a lot more hands on and we had our moments.
'Id gone through the process of having ADHD - I've had the diagnosis - and there were times I went "Bev, youve asked me 15 questions in the space of ten seconds" and my brain just locks.
'Shes super organised, and I can take three days to decide if I want porridge or toast!
'So was it hard to pick the new site to relocate? Yes, that was hard. And that was almost my giving up point.
'Every time we found somewhere, you have to learn that as much as my heart wants to say yes, the practicalities do kick in, but I was astounded when Melbourne Hall reached out to us. Its a beautiful setting.'
Joining Josie Gibson and Dermot OLeary on Thursday's This Morning, he explained how his 'super organised' friend and PA Beverley Dixon helps out
Bev stars alongside Johnny in the series and is often described as his 'long suffering assistant' and admitted 'she runs my life' (pictured with his assistant Bev)
He explained: 'I've had the ADHD diagnosis - and there were times I went "Bev, youve asked me 15 questions in the space of ten seconds" and my brain just locks'
The stately home in Derbyshire is owned by Lord Ralph Kerr, heir presumptive to the Marquessate of Lothian and the chiefship of Clan Kerr.
Johnny previously revealed that launching an upmarket campsite, with vintage vehicles as bespoke chalets, was in part a tribute to his dads memory.
The comedian, whose real name is Michael Pennington, lost his father Lawrence in 2017.
Guests can book out converted school buses and planes from 350 for a minimum two-night stay.
As well as his fleet of vehicles, Johnny is said to be adding a boat and a helicopter for guests to stay in later this year.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 & ITVX
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine cut stylish figures as they visited BBC Broadcasting House on Thursday to promote their upcoming series Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
The co-stars have been busy in London promoting the comedic action series - set to land on Prime Video next month - and attended its UK premiere the night before.
The actors have taken on the leading roles of married spies 'John and Jane Smith' in the remake of the 2005 thriller, which starred Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
For their latest promotion outing, Donald, 40, looked suave in a black and white patterned trench coat, styled with black trousers and a white T-shirt.
Donald - who has co-created the remake - kept warm amid the chilly temperatures with a beige scarf and appeared in jovial spirits as he smiled for the cameras.
Donald Glover was wrapped up as he made his way to BBC Broadcasting House to promote the Mr. & Mrs. Smith remake on Thursday
He was joined at the studios by his co-star Maya Erskine, who looked stylish in a long navy coat over a black dress
Meanwhile, Maya, 36, looked effortlessly chic in a black mini dress with a ruffled hem that showed off her toned legs.
She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of pointed black heels and completed her ensemble with a smart navy jacket.
Much like the Brad and Angelina-led movie, the series will follow 'John and Jane Smith', a married couple who on the surface seem like everyday neighbors - but behind closed doors are actually spies.
The show was co-created by Donald, Francesca Sloane, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who was originally set to play Mrs. Smith, but Phoebe parted ways with the show over 'creative differences' and was ultimately replaced by Maya.
Last month, a trailer for the series was released and shows the pair concealing their spy identities as they try to present as a seemingly ordinary couple.
The clip kicks off with the couple getting to know each other over a cup of coffee, with John asking Jane, 'Is this your first time in New York?'
'Should we be asking each other that?' Jane replies before she asks the more shocking question, 'Have you ever killed anyone?'
'No, no. Not really,' he replies, before scenes show they presenting as a happy married couple as they host friends at their apartment.
The pair have taken on the leading roles of married spies 'John and Jane Smith' in the remake of the classic spy thriller
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - who met on the 2005 set - first took on the iconic roles of the married spies in the original thriller movie
For their latest promotion outing, Donald, 40, looked suave in a black and white patterned trench coat, styled with black trousers and a white T-shirt
Maya, 36, looked effortlessly chic in a black mini dress with a ruffled hem that showed off her toned legs
She gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of pointed black heels and completed her ensemble with a smart navy jacket
During a chat with a friend (played by Sarah Paulson), they claim to be computer software engineers.
'What is that you two do?' she asks.
'We're computer software, uh, engineers,' they say somewhat awkwardly, seemingly not having their stories completely straight.
During a dinner party, a friend asks, 'How's the intimacy between the two of you?', prompting Jane to smirk.
But when they aren't presenting as ordinary citizens, they are living a dangerous yet adventurous life full of explosions, chases, brawls, and shootings.
In one scene, the couple are seen moving a seemingly lifeless body by their bathtub.
It looks like real love does eventually blossom between the pair, with the duo seen exchanging a kiss at one point.
A description for the show on YouTube reads: 'Two lonely strangers land a job working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travels and a dream brownstone in Manhattan.
'The catch: new identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. & Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.
'Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. Whats riskier, espionage or marriage?'
The show previously starred Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the role Maya is currently inhabiting before she departed over 'creative differences.'
Donald - who has co-created the remake - kept warm amid the chilly temperatures with a beige scarf and appeared in jovial spirits as he stopped to sign an autograph for a fan
Maya - who replaced Phoebe Waller-Bride in the series - was beaming as she enjoyed her second outing promoting the new series in as many days
The night before, the leading actors had appeared at the UK premiere of Mr. and Mrs. Smith at The Curzon Mayfair in the capital on Wednesday
Last month, a trailer for the series was released and shows the pair concealing their spy identities as they try to present as a seemingly ordinary couple
However, dramatic scenes full of explosions, chases, brawls, and shootings give an insight into their real action-packed lives
It looks like real love does eventually blossom between the pair, with the duo seen exchanging a kiss at one point
Donald revealed the news during a controversial piece for Interview Magazine, where the actor interviewed himself.
During his self-interview, Donald confirmed they had 'classic creative differences,' but added that he thinks they are still friends.
'What does it mean to be a friend? I still like her. I assume she still likes me,' he said.
In September 2021, The Hollywood Reporter said that Donald and Phoebe are still friends and that the split was 'amicable'.
Michelle Keegan and Jodie Comer are the bookies' favourites to land the next lead female role in a Bond movie.
Fool Me One actress Michelle, 36, has been given the seal of approval by gambling experts following her success in Netflix's new hit drama.
Gambling.com told MailOnline: 'Michelle Keegan has recently announced herself on the world stage in Netflix's Fool Me Once, in a starring role as grieving mother Maya Stern, who spends the series on a solo mission to investigate her husband's death after appearing to see him on her nanny cam when he was presumed dead.
'Michelle, who is 5/2 to be the next Bond Girl, started out in soaps, starring as barmaid Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street for six years.
'That means she already knows how to perfect a martini - shaken, not stirred - but more than that, she could be an ideal MI6 colleague for Bond.'
Michelle Keegan, 36, has been given the seal of approval by gambling experts to star as the next Bond Girl following her success in Netflix 's new hit drama
Jodie Comer, 30, who is known for starring in the hit BBC spy thriller Killing Eve, has been labelled a 6/4 favourite to land the next female lead in a Bond movie
While Jodie, 30, who is known for starring in the hit BBC spy thriller Killing Eve, has been labelled a 6/4 favourite to land the next female lead in a Bond movie.
The expert added: 'Jodie Comer is the 6/4 favourite on specials betting sites to be the next female lead in a Bond movie.
'The actress has had the perfect training ground in hit BBC spy thriller Killing Eve, for which she landed a Primetime Emmy Award for her superb portrayal of sociopathic assassin Villanelle.
'She could be an ideal Bond Girl, but could be just as effective as the main villain in the next Bond movie.
'The British actress cut her teeth in the likes of medical dramas Casualty and Holby City, as well as school drama Waterloo Road, before getting her big break as Villanelle.'
Bookies predictions have also been rife around who could play 007 himself, after Daniel Crag departed the role in 2021.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who has recently appeared to be bulking up for a role in Kraven The Hunter, reportedly underwent a screen test last year.
An insider told the Sun: 'Aaron went for a screen test to be the next Bond in September and producers and Barbara loved him. He is now one of the front-runners.'
A betting expert told MailOnline: 'Michelle, who is 5/2 to be the next Bond Girl, started out in soaps, starring as barmaid Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street for six years. 'That means she could be an ideal MI6 colleague for Bond.'
The expert added: 'Jodie Comer is the 6/4 favourite on specials betting sites to be the next female lead in a Bond movie'
Jodie and Michelle are tipped to be in the running to play a lead role in the next Bond film, according to betting experts
In October, an insider told DailyMail.com that Aaron is extremely close to landing the role, with Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, 53, looking likely to helm the next film in the franchise.
The insider said: 'Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite to step into the iconic role, he's the first choice for Barbara Broccoli he is the one to beat.'
They added of Nolan: 'He is extremely interested in doing something very different with the franchise. If he can get his way with producers, then he is all for it.'
It was previously reported that Nolan wanted to direct the next Bond film as a period piece set in the same as the original source material something that director Quentin Tarantino had previously wanted to do with Casino Royale, but was turned down.
However, the insider adds: Whether Nolan coming on board will affect the casting of Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently a grey area as hes very particular with who he works with.
Behind Aaron in the odds are James Norton at 5-2, Henry Cavill at 3-1 and Tom Hardy and Richard Madden at 7-1.
Coral's John Hill said: 'There has been a surge of support behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the last 24 hours in our next James Bond betting.
'It's clear that punters have made their minds up over who they think should replace Daniel Craig.'
Fans have been rooting for Henry Cavill, 40, to star as Bond - as he was previously considered.
According to the Mail On Sunday, Barbara has made it clear she wanted the next actor to portray the character for 15 years, meaning that the 30-year-old is the perfect age to step into the role.
The two British heartthrobs have been contending for the win - but there's one new star that joined the odd race for the 007 franchise.
Emmy nominee Paapa Essiedu, 32, is said to be the third most-voted choice for James Bond - as he threatens their lead.
Despite the possibility that Aaron could be in the running for James Bond, he has previously played down the rumours.
Speaking to Vanity Fair in February, he said: 'It's flattering. You can have something really positive [written about you], but you can also have something really negative that can circulate.
'You just want to stay in your lane, stay grounded, stay around the people that you love and love you back, and stay in that world. Because the moment you start believing the s**t people say about you, you've lost your f*****g mind. You've lost it.'
Michelle is reportedly poised to score a multi-million pound deal from Netflix to help her crack America after the success of her series Fool Me Once.
The actress stars alongside Joanna Lumley in the hit thriller, which is an adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel, and shot to the top of the Netflix charts worldwide this month.
Following the success, it has now been reported that the streaming platform is keen to secure Michelle for a number of other projects.
The actress stars alongside Joanna Lumley in the hit thriller Fool Me Once, which is an adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel, and shot to the top of the Netflix charts this month
The offer could help the former Coronation Street star crack America, and also bag a massive paycheck.
A source told The Sun: 'She's proved you don't have to be the stereotypical plum-voiced leading lady to appeal to an international audience.
'Michelle offers something different, but with all the charm, glamour and sex appeal that makes her one of Britain's most exciting acting exports. America is seen as a market where they believe she could make the greatest impact.'
The insider added: 'With so many rival streamers eyeing Michelle up now, it's a no-brainer for Netflix to sign her. But they're likely to have to offer her a six-figure sum to keep her for multiple projects.'
It comes after MailOnline revealed last week that Michelle has become the talk of Hollywood after catching the eye of movie bigwigs in Fool Me Once.
She's been inundated with movie scripts and proposals for potential new roles as film chiefs fight it out to make Michelle the latest Brit actress to conquer the big screen.
A source said: 'The response to Fool Me Once has been overwhelming. The phone calls and offers have been coming in from Hollywood film executives, it's different to anything Michelle has experienced before.
'Netflix is a global platform and the show has given her the opportunity to shine. Her career has already been a success but now her star is rising, everyone can feel that this is the beginning of something special.
'Michelle feels lucky that she's always played likeable characters but now she's hoping to take it up a notch by landing a film role.
'She aspires to play a dark character in a hard-hitting thriller, which will be a challenge that she's completely ready for.'
Hollywood sex symbol Salma Hayek made a very daring move on her Instagram account early on Thursday morning.
The 57-year-old The Eternals actress shared some racy flashback photos from the 1990s where she was seen posing completely nude in a bed with silver sheets and a lilac feather boa.
The star looked to be in her twenties as she wore her jet black hair curly while flashing some sideboob. There were three photos in all as the Once Upon A Time... In Mexico actress was at her very sultriest.
The wife of French billionaire businessman Francois-Henri Pinault joked that she was offering her followers her 'best view.'
Soon after Salma made the post, her pal Camila Cabello coined the sex pot a 'baddie forever' while sharing the images as well.
Kate Hudson shared four fire emojis and Blake Lively posted a drooling face emoji. Melanie Griffith, Jeremy Renner, Carmen Electra, Joan Smalls and Linda Evangelista hit the 'like' button.
Soon after Salma Hayek made the sizzling post, her pal Camila Cabello coined the sex pot a 'baddie forever' while sharing the images as well
Kate Hudson shared four fire emojis and Blake Lively posted a drooling face emoji
The images were taken by keen-eyed shutterbug Kharen Hill who has also worked with Jacob Elordi and Serena Williams.
'Some say never look back, but sometimes its the best view [cry laughing emoji] #tbtreveals.' wrote the movie star in her caption.
The siren has a habit of showing off her sensational figure. Last year she was seen in several bikini images.
In July she was seen in a colorful and very small bikini. The pal of Penelope Cruz was standing in a swimming pool as she was makeup free while looking into the camera.
The pinup's figure looked sensational as she had no fat anywhere and still had smooth, flawless skin that glowed. She showed off a trim tummy and muscular legs as well as thin, sculpted arms. The mother-of-one's famous long black locks were worn down behind her shoulders.
In her caption she had a little fun. 'Happy #NationalBikiniDay! Can you believe the bikini has only been around for 77 years?! Lets hope they dont ban them too #notathrowback.'
Hayek slipped into a colorful and very small bikini in an image shared to Instagram in July
The suit had a small top, putting her generous cleavage on display.
The material was a patch work of different prints, some floral, others Indian inspired. There was also a pale beige lace trim that was scalloped. The top had a triangle shape while the briefs came down low and tied at the sides.
She had on long ethnic-looking gold earrings the were beautifully shaped with three circles. The star also had on her white gold wedding band.
Salma appeared to have either very little or almost no makeup on as she went for a more natural, fresh-faced appearance. Her nails were short with a light pink polish.
Hayek was in the shallow end of a swimming pool that looked to be indoors with white columns at the end.
In mid June she was in a bikini while on a boat at sea.
'Some people dont like grey days, but I think everyday is precious. Adore your week, No matter what it brings ' wrote the mother of one.
The Hollywood icon's 24.5million followers could not get over how astonishing she looked in a skimpy string bikini with ties on the sides of the briefs.
In June she posed in a revealing bikini in an image shared to Instagram. She put her arms up as she reclined on a the side of a yacht on the ocean while modeling a pair of black sunglasses
'You lookin good! Have fun youre such an inspiration,' wrote one followers while another called her a 'queen' and several others shared fire emojis.
'Gorgeous,' gushed one fan as another quipped, 'Thought this was a throwback.'
The red carpet fixture is known for showing off her ageless figure on social media.
In mid April she displayed her incredible shape while in a canary yellow bikini as she climbed onto a boat with her hair slicked back from the water.
Hayek has fascinated her fans for the past decade with her very youthful looks. But in January she was railed against for using a filter. She appeared more like her 2003 self than her 2023 self, which may have been with the help of some filters.
Followers seemed to notice as one person asked, 'Who is that?' while another follower wrote, 'You look 25 mi chula' and someone else asked, 'HOW OLD IS SHE?????????'
Later a fan added, 'You look beautiful so plz stop face tunning its getting out off hand.'
Facetune is a photo editing application used to edit, enhance, and retouch photos on a user's iOS or Android device created by Lightricks.
Hayek credit her hairstylist Jennifer Yepez and makeup artist Sofia Schwarzkopf-Tilbury but did not name the photographer.
In mid April she displayed her incredible shape while in a canary yellow bikini as she climbed onto a boat with her hair slicked back from the water
Her long dark hair was worn in a ponytail that was tight and sleek.
The mother-of-one had on cherry red lipstick with matching blush that was very flattering. Her lashes were long and her eyebrows were groomed as if she was ready for a magazine photo shoot.
All she had on for clothing was a cream-colored bathrobe with a white belt.
The actress was standing in a back yard with mature bushes. Hayek's caption read, 'Good morning!! buenos dias!! bonjour!!'
Earlier this year she talked a beauty secret.
The Eternals star admitted that when it comes to skincare, she had been using an ingredient usually used to treat burns victims in her native Mexico.
Earlier this week she shared a photo with her husband during a ski vacation
And she explained that those in the US were often shocked because they had never heard of such a product.
She said: 'I use an ingredient called Tepezcohuite thats used in Mexico for burn victims because it completely regenerates the skin, and theres no one in the States who is using this ingredient except for us.
'Some of the ingredients, when I took them to the American labs, they were like "Oh my god! How come nobody is using this?"
'This is why I have no Botox, no peels, no fillings.
Hayek last starred as Kitty Softpaws in the critically-acclaimed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. And she was also seen in Magic Mike's Last Dance.
She will also star in Angelina Jolie's next directorial effort Without Blood, which is currently in post-production. The actress stars alongside Demian Bichir in the adaptation of Alessandro Baricco's novel, adapted by Jolie herself.
Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper has revealed his new showbiz venture after rising to fame on the hit Amazon Prime show.
The farmer, 25, has released his debut song called I Can't Stand Sheep in a bid to raise money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).
The tongue-in-cheek song sees him rapping about his dislike of sheep with other lyrics detailing his love for farming.
The track sees him listing animals and the farming duties he likes doing, before the repeating lyrics: 'Did I mention / I can't stand sheep!'
Set to the tune of The Floral Dance, the single also includes the RABI's helpline number to raise awareness for the charity.
Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper has revealed his new showbiz venture after rising to fame on the hit Amazon Prime show
Kaleb has turned his hand to rapping in a bid to raise money for the RABI, which provide local support to the farming community around England and Wales.
The charity give guidance, financial support and practical care to farmers and also offer mental health counselling and grant support programmes.
Kaleb has been keen to use his newfound fame for good and has launched a bursary for Royal Agricultural University (RAU) students to help young people break into farming.
Caleb, known for his outspoken views on sheep, said of his charity single: 'Never did I think I'd be saying these words, that I'm releasing a record.
'When you listen to it, you'll realise why I didn't ever think it was possible - my singing voice isn't a match for my farming skills by any stretch. I had a lot of fun recording it and I hope that people like it, but there is also a serious side to it.
'As a community, farmers are only too aware of how pressurised the industry has become, the farming way of life can feel lonely at times.
'I wanted to make sure that if people are struggling they have somewhere to reach out to.'
Kaleb is best known for helping former Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson with the day-to-day running of his Diddly Squat farm in Oxfordshire.
The farmer, 25, known for being Jeremy Clarkson's right-hand man, has released his debut song called I Can't Stand Sheep in a bid to raise money for a farming charity
Kaleb - who has previously launched a farming bursary - has turned his hand to rapping in a bid to raise money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI)
Kaleb has seen his earnings double thanks to his newfound fame on Prime Video's hit series that has followed Jeremy's often disastrous attempts to run his 1,000-acre farm.
Net assets for his company, Kaleb Cooper Productions, soared to 242,000 from 122,000 for the year ending June 30, 2023, whilst his contracting business has also seen profits soar thanks to his TV fame.
His company, Kaleb Cooper Contracting, has nearly doubled assets to 96,000 from 52,000, according to accounts filed to Companies House earlier this month.
Combined, his net assets now stand at 338,000 for the year ending June 30, 2023, compared to 174,000 for the previous year.
The incredible rise means he may be close to achieving the dream he is saving up for, which is having his own farm.
He has already released two books, Britain According To Kaleb: The Wonderful World Of Country Life, a follow-up to his bestseller The World According To Kaleb.
His sparky relationship with Jeremy on the show has proved entertaining and turned the young farmer into something of a celebrity.
Kaleb has seen his earnings double thanks to his newfound fame on Prime Video's hit series that has followed Jeremy's often disastrous attempts to run his 1,000-acre farm
Kaleb told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine in October: 'We're really good friends. We go to the pub. We go to concerts. He took me to my first ever Who concert the other day.'
Of their arguments, he added: 'We argue and then we won't talk for two days, but after that we're fine. Someone says, "Do you want a cup of tea?" We never get offended really and we don't bear grudges. He takes everything on the chin.'
The third series of Amazon's Prime Video series Clarkson's Farm is expected to be released this year.
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet are going strong nine months into their steamy romance.
The loved-up couple put their chemistry on display at the recent Golden Globe awards where the Wonka star, 28, stuck by the reality TV star's, 26, side all night.
In fact, while sitting in the audience of the awards ceremony, they had their legs intertwined, an eyewitness has claimed.
'Timothee mingled for a little bit but was otherwise right next to Kylie the whole time,' a source told Us Weekly.
'They were having a very intimate conversation and shared a few kisses. It was obvious they have amazing chemistry.'
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet are going strong nine months into their steamy romance, a source told UsWeekly; seen on January 7 at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills
The loved-up couple put their chemistry on display where the Wonka star, 28, stuck by the reality TV star's, 26, side all night
The same witness told the outlet that the couple 'couldnt keep their hands off each other.'
At the event they kissed for the camera and a lip reader claimed that they said 'I love you' to each other.
The couple first ignited rumors of a romance last April, after meeting at Paris Fashion week a few months earlier.
They went very public with their relationship in September, looking inseparable at New York Fashion Week.
And now Us Weekly's sources are saying the couple is 'madly in love.'
The Dune star has even met the Kylie Cosmetics mogul's two kids. She shares Stormi, five, and Aire, 23 months, with her ex-boyfriend Travis Scott, 32.
'Timothee has met them in group situations where there were other family members or friends around,' a second source for the outlet revealed
'It hasnt been anything where its just Kylie, Timothee and the kids in an intimate setting. And she introduced him as one of Mommys friends. Kylie feels like its [still] too soon to let them know anything about their relationship.'
And as for her family, they are fans of Timothee and Kylie, especially Kris Jenner, 68.
'They absolutely adore him,' the source added. 'They are all for this relationship and really hope it lasts.'
The Call Me By Your Name star was even invited to the Kardashian's famous Christmas party.
Us Weekly's first source agrees that everyone 'really likes Timothee; they think hes funny and sweet and they love how into Kylie he is.
'Everything is going great between them. They both have really busy schedules but make as much time for each other as possible,' the source explained.
The couple first ignited rumors of a romance last April, after meeting at Paris Fashion week a few months earlier
They went very public with their relationship in September, looking inseparable at New York Fashion Week
'Timothee is always making Kylie smile. They have a very special connection.'
When they first got together, things started out slowly but by fall the two were ready to get more serious.
Us Weekly's source continued: 'They have a ton of mutual friends and they like the same music. They also have a similar sense of humor.
'Timothees always making Kylie laugh, and she cant stop smiling when shes with him. Obviously theres a physical attraction there, but they also connect on a deeper level..
Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal has claimed the late Playboy tycoon was secretly addicted to painkillers and Viagra with an 'earthquake supply of prescription drugs' in his infamous mansion.
The former playmate, 37, who wed the magazine publisher when she was 26 and he was 86 in 2012, said his pill popping was so severe staff were worried he would die of an overdose.
Hugh passed away aged 91 in 2017 as a result of heart failure and Septicemia after contracting a deadly strain of e-coli, leaving a reported $43 Million fortune.
Writing in her new memoir Only Say Good Things, which was exclusively serialised The Sun, Crystal revealed Hugh first became hooked on painkillers after being prescribed them for back pain.
Saying he then went on to find doctors to help fuel his addiction with monthly refills, before staff felt the need to step in when he began to become less coherent.
Hugh Hefner's widow Crystal, 37, has claimed the late Playboy tycoon was secretly addicted to painkillers and Viagra with an 'earthquake supply of prescription drugs' in his infamous mansion
The former playmate who wed the magazine publisher when she was 26 and he was 81 in 2012, said his pill popping was so severe staff were worried he would die of an overdose (pictured together in 2014)
Writing: 'With so many celebrities dying of overdoses from doctors who gave them endless supplies, people around [Hugh] got more careful, and the opiates had to be given to him like he used to give us allowancein controlled doses'.
She also claimed Hugh's hearing was 'shot' as a result of his excessive use of erectile disfunction medication.
Writing that the octogenarian would have rather 'given up a limb' before giving up Viagra as he attempted to retain his hard-partying lifestyle.
Viagra and similar impotence drugs have been linked to hundreds of cases of sudden hearing loss around the world.
Elsewhere in the book she recalled how her future husband gave her marijuana on the first night they met, when she was 21, before the pair partook in an orgy.
Crystal claimed not liking the taste resulted in her only pretending to inhale, later learning 'passing the pot' was Hugh's ritual with all new women he slept with.
MailOnline have contacted Hugh Hefner's estate for comment.
Five days prior to their initial wedding Crystal called off their engagement only for the couple to later rekindle their romance.
She also claimed Hugh's hearing was 'shot' as a result of his excessive use of erectile disfunction medication (pictured together in 2011)
Writing that the octogenarian would have rather 'given up a limb' before giving up Viagra as he attempted to retain his hard-partying lifestyle
Elsewhere in the book she recalled how her future husband gave her marijuana on the first night they met, when she was 21, before the pair partook in an orgy (pictured 2011)
The Playboy impresario was previously married to childhood sweetheart Mildred 'Millie' Williams, after tying the knot in 1949.
In his E! True Hollywood Story it was unveiled that Millie allowed the businessman to have extra-marital affairs.
According to the show, this was a result of the guilt she felt for herself being unfaithful whilst he was in the army between 1944 to 1946.
The welcomed two children into the world during their marriage, Christie and David, before they eventually called it quits in 1959.
Hugh married his second wife, Kimberley Conrad in 1989. During their marriage the couple had two boys, Marston and Cooper.
The pair went their separate ways in 1998 but did not officially sign their divorce papers until 2010.
It comes after Kendra Wilkinson revealed she was 'dying of depression' after struggling with 'unresolved trauma' from living in the Playboy mansion.
It comes after Kendra Wilkinson revealed she was 'dying of depression' after struggling with 'unresolved trauma' from living in the Playboy mansion
She first rose to fame about two decades ago at age 18 starring on Girls Next Door as one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends (pictured in 2006)
Hugh's former girlfriend, 38, recalled being hospitalized just four months ago after suffering from a panic attack.
'I was hitting the end of my life, and I went into psychosis,' she told People, 'I felt like I wasn't strong enough to live anymore.'
'I was in a state of panic,' she said. 'I didn't know what was going on in my head and my body or why I was crying. I had hit rock bottom.'
The reality TV personality revealed that she is now working with a therapist to unpack her trauma, some of which she said was caused by living in the Playboy mansion many years earlier.
Since her discharge, she said she is feeling better after being placed on antipsychotic medication and attending outpatient therapy three times a week.
Reflecting on that time is difficult for her, she said, explaining that she often questions her decisions at that time and finds herself questioning why she was with Hefner who was 60 years her senior.
'I was on drugs at age 15 and I had a lot of issues,' she said about her childhood before she had moved into the Playboy mansion.
'It's not easy to look back at my twenties,' she told the outlet. 'I've had to face my demons.'
About that lifestyle, she admitted: 'Playboy really messed my whole life up.'
Barbie World will take over Perth in March this year as one-hit wonders Aqua take to the stage for a nostalgic '90s music festival.
The Danish-Norwegian Europop band, best known for their 1997 hit Barbie Girl, will headline the one-day-only Mixtape Festival Volume 1, reported Perth Now on Friday.
Capitalising on the astounding success of the hit movie Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, last year, the festival will be held at RAC Arena on March 28.
With Aqua headlining the dream concert for children of the '90s, a host of other nostalgic bands will also fill out the bill as supporting acts.
Event-goers can hope to see UK boy band East 17, 2 Unlimited, Phats & Small, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Urban Cookie Collective.
Barbie World will take over Perth in March this year as one-hit wonders Aqua take to the stage for a nostalgic '90s music festival
Aqua, formed in 1989, was comprised of Lene Nystrm, Rene Dif, keyboardist Sren Rasted, and guitarist Claus Norreen.
After the success of Barbie Girl, Aqua went on to produce three studio albums, Aquarium in 1997, Aquarius in 2000 and Megalomania in 2011.
Claus then left the band in September 2016 to take on other musical ventures.
The Danish-Norwegian Europop band, best known for their 1997 hit Barbie Girl, will headline the one-day-only Mixtape Festival Volume 1, reported Perth Now on Friday
Back in 2019, Lene, 50, said the band were working on new music.
She said in an interview with TMZ: 'We're working on new music but we are our own toughest judges. We will not release anything until it's absolutely perfect.
'We are crossing our fingers that something amazing will come out of it.'
Capitalising on the astounding success of the hit movie Barbie, starring Margot Robbie, last year, the festival will be held at RAC Arena on March 28. Pictured: Aqua bandmembers Sren Rasted, Lene Nystrm, and Rene Dif
In 2022, the band released a cover of I Am What I Am for Copenhagen Pride.
They then hit the road again last year for a summer world tour, riding on the coat tails of the Barbie movie's success and the ensuing Barbiemania.
Looking dramatically different to the spiky-haired visages they rocked in their heyday, the legendary band reunited to belt out their greatest hit to fans on stage.
Posing in June with superstar Paris Hilton, 42, the band thanked the socialite after performing with her at Dreamland Pride in Central Park, New York.
The Jasikan Municipal Police Command in the Oti Region on Monday arrested Bless Agbenyenu, a teacher, for allegedly impersonating Mr Yao Gomado, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akan Constituency.
The suspect was said to have created a Facebook account and named it after the legislator.
Mr Emmanuel Klu, a personal assistant to the MP, when contacted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said five victims had written their witness statements, following the incident.
He said more victims from Asato, in the Kadjebi District, and Dodo-Amanfrom, in the Kadjebi District, were invited to the police station to give their statements.
A press release signed by Mr Musah Mohammed, the Deputy Communications Officer, National Democratic Congress (NDC), Akan Constituency, said the impersonation scheme involved the unauthorised use of Mr Gomado's identity on social media, especially on Facebook.
"The imposter exploited this false identity to engage in deceitful activities, causing harm and potential financial loss to unsuspecting individuals," release said.
It said "local authorities are urging anyone who may have fallen victim to this fraudulent scheme to come forward and report their experiences to the police."
Dean McDermott appeared to be taking his relationship with his girlfriend Lily Calo to a new level on Wednesday when he was spotted moving his possessions into her home just three months after their romance was revealed.
The 56-year-old actor was pictured lugging some heavy boxes out of his SUV and into his girlfriend's home, though he got some help from the 32-year-old, who is a senior account executive at Conscious Community Global in LA.
The loved-up couple were getting more serious than ever after DailyMail.com exclusively broke the news of the relationship in October, when the new lovebirds were pictured holding hands on a trip to a welfare office in Los Angeles.
Dean appears to be shoring up his relationship with Lily after pouring his heart out to DailyMail.com and describing the final blow-up fight that signaled the end of his tumultuous marriage to Tori Spelling.
He seems to have found some much-need stability with his new love after his estranged wife Tori became functionally homeless when she moved out of the family home into an RV which she said was due to a dangerous mold infestation before she evacuated a subsequent house.
Dean McDermott was working up a sweat on Wednesday when he was spotted appearing to move in with his new girlfriend Lily Calo
The 56-year-old actor was pictured carrying some heavy boxes out of an SUV into Calo's home
Luckily, he got some help from the 32-year-old, who is a senior account executive at Conscious Community Global in LA
She and her children quickly moved out of the new home after an armed neighbor barricaded himself in a nearby house and took a hostage.
Tori and the kids were forced to quickly evacuate the house by a SWAT team responding to the frightening standoff.
Things seemed to be looking up for Dean, though, and he made it clear that he couldn't contain his passion in photos obtained later in October by DailyMail.com showing him planting a romantic kiss on his new love before dropping her off at the airport.
For their moving session on Wednesday, both Dean and Lily were dressed casually for some manual labor.
Dean stuck with a relaxed look featuring a white V-neck T-shirt covered by a blue, white and brown button-up plaid shirt that he left open.
He paired the look with some rugged straight-cut jeans that he rolled up at the hems, along with black work boots.
The former reality star showed off his tattoos with his rolled-up sleeves, and he looked smart with a short haircut and a well-maintained salt-and-pepper beard, along with tasteful black-frame eyeglasses.
Lily looked too cool for school in her thick olive-colored jacket.
Dean stuck with a relaxed look featuring a white V-neck T-shirt covered by a blue, white and brown button-up plaid shirt that he left open
He paired the look with some rugged straight-cut jeans that he rolled up at the hems, along with black work boots
The former reality star showed off his tattoos with his rolled-up sleeves
Lily looked too cool for school in her thick olive-colored jacket
She wore it over a busty black tank top with slim midnight blue jeans and classic black Converse high-top sneakers with a slight platform sole
She wore it over a busty black tank top with slim midnight blue jeans and classic black Converse high-top sneakers with a slight platform sole.
Dean's new love looked chic with her dark swept-up pixie cut, which revealed her thick gold earring.
Dean and Lily appeared to be using his black SUV to ferry boxes of his possessions to her home.
Before they started the unpacking, she was also seen driving to the home in her own vehicle.
This appears to be the first time that Dean has been spotted since his exclusive two-part interview with DailyMail.com from mid-November.
During the sit-down, he admitted that his relationship with his ex Tori Spelling had reduced them to living like 'roommates' by the time they called it quits.
Dean admitted that he had been treating his stress from the failing marriage and their money woes by drinking and using drugs alone every night, sometimes to the point of passing out.
And when he was conscious he could fly into an alcohol-fueled rage at Tori that left their family frightened.
Dean and Lily appeared to be using his black SUV to ferry boxes of his possessions to her home
This appears to be the first time that Dean has been spotted since his exclusive two-part interview with DailyMail.com from mid-November
During the sit-down, he admitted that his relationship with his ex Tori Spelling had reduced them to living like 'roommates' by the time they called it quits
Dean admitted that he had been treating his stress from the failing marriage and their money woes by drinking and using drugs alone every night, sometimes to the point of passing out
And when he was conscious he could fly into an alcohol-fueled rage at Tori that left their family frightened
Dean subsequently spent much of the summer of 2023 in rehab, and he even stayed apart from his family over the Thanksgiving holiday to stay at a sober living facility.
The Canadian actor, who shares five children with his estranged wife Liam, 16; Stella, 15; Hattie, 12; Finn, 11; and Beau, six made it clear that he still 'loves' his wife, even as he is quickly setting up a new life with Lily.
'It was a total fairytale,' he gushed while looking back on his nearly two-decade marriage. 'I mean, it was a beautiful love story. Love at first sight and getting married in the most beautiful way possible.
'It was a dream come true,' he continued. 'And then we had to come back to Hollywood and deal with all the s*** people gave us.'
Despite his split from the Beverly Hills, 90210, star, Dean thought he had still gotten the best of his critics after they stayed together for '18 years,' even though their critics only gave them 'six months.'
They weren't easy years, though. Dean described how he and Tori hadn't regularly shared a bedroom since 2017, due to her insistence about letting animals stay in the room.
Although they have standard pets, including dogs, the animal guests became increasingly absurd when a chicken and a pig were allowed to stay in the bedroom.
In his DailyMail.com interview, Dean also delved into his nonexistent relationship with Tori's mother Candy Spelling.
He claimed she had never had any interest in getting to know him, and he said their family had never benefited from financial assistance from her, even though Tori's father Aaron spelling only left her $800,000 of his $500 million fortune.
'I think the real shame is for her to miss out on these wonderful children because they are really beautiful children,' he said after sharing that his children with Tori have grown up while seeing very little of their grandmother. 'They're very gifted and special.'
The television actor described a final drunken fight with Tori in which he also raged against the children, and she recounted seeing the 'final flicker of the flame go out in her eyes,' signaling that their marriage was beyond repair.
Afterward, he announced the end of the marriage on social media, a post that shocked Tori when she saw it with no advance warning.
Despite his new romance with Lily, Dean told DailyMail.com in November that he was still in 'love' with Tori, and he gloated over his 18-year marriage after his critics said it would only last 'six months'
Dean recounted a final blow-out fight that made it clear to him that his marriage was beyond repair
Afterward, he announced the end of his marriage on social media, an impromptu post that shocked Tori when she saw it
In his shame, he said he took 'six or seven Ambien' after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol, and he went to sleep hoping that he 'would not wake up'
In his shame, he said he took 'six or seven Ambien' after consuming a considerable amount of alcohol, and he went to sleep hoping that he 'would not wake up.'
As Dean has been moving on, Tori also seems to have found love again after she was seen kissing the advertising agency CEO Ryan Cramer.
In the same interview, Dean revealed that he met Lily through a joint project at the charity Conscious Community Global, where she works as an account manager.
Since moving on, he says he only speaks with Tori via text message now.
They are two of the most recognisable actors in Hollywood after starring in a popular sitcom series.
But in a sweet throwback snap shared to social media, the father-son duo looked worlds away from their recent TV appearances.
The co-creators of the huge Netflix show went on to accept the award for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys in 2020.
Prior to their joint success, the son distanced himself from his father for five years to avoid accusations that he was the reason behind his achievements.
So can you guess who this much-adored father and son duo is?
Hollywood father-son duo looked unrecognisable in a sweet throwback snap - but can YOU guess who it is?
That's right... it's Daniel and Eugene Levy!
The father and son duo, who co-created the cult comedy series Schitt's Creek, which premiered in 2015, share an uncanny resemblance that continued to blossom as Dan got older.
Dan and Eugene, who are from Toronto, often pose on the red carpet together, showing off their matching glasses, hairstyles and bushy eyebrows.
The famous Netflix series followed Eugene's Johnny Rose, the head of the family, who is forced to discover what it means to be a father and a husband after losing everything, and having to rebuild their lives with their only remaining asset, a remote town called Schitt's Creek, which was purchased as a joke birthday present.
Actress Catherine O'Hara, 69, played his on-screen wife, Moira Rose, while Annie Murphy, 37, played daughter Alexis, and Dan played son David.
The sixth and final season of the show premiered in 2020 and coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped to bring more eyeballs to the show which provided immense comic relief.
In 2019 the show was nominated for four Emmys but won none, however in 2020 it cleaned up at the award show with seven wins, breaking the record for most wins for a comedy series in a single year.
It won two more Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Costume and Outstanding Casting bringing the total to nine.
At the 2021 Golden Globes the cast walked away with Best TV Series - Musical or Comedy and O'Hara picked up one for Best Actress.
That's right... it's Daniel and Eugene Levy!
The father and son duo co-created and starred in the cult comedy series Schitt's Creek
Dan previously claimed nepo babies have to work 'three times as hard' to establish their careers - despite admitting to distancing himself from his famous father Eugene for five years to avoid accusations that he was the reason behind his success.
Dan revealed how he kept his family tree under wraps during his formative years at MTV Live as he wanted to establish his success away from his father, 77.
It wasn't until he believed he had made a name for himself in the industry that he approached Eugene to cocreate hit comedy Schitt's Creek.
'I never went to my dad for anything,' he told the audience at 92NY in New York on Monday night. I think there was a part of him that always wondered why I never came to him.
'You know the culture, you know how easy it is to judge people who have grown up in the industry.'
He continued: 'I had gone through high school life, to college, into MTV and they didn't know who my dad was when I auditioned for MTV, and they didn't know for five years.
'And then, when I felt I had established my own relationship with the audience and had a successful television show, I felt like I had earned a place in the conversation, and that's when I brought him into it.
'It was only after that, when I had done the work, came up with the idea for Schitt's Creek, that I knew I had what it took to carry my weight.'
Dan, who was speaking after a special screening of his newly released Netflix film, Good Grief, added: 'When you're in those situations, you almost have to do triple the work, justifiably so, to get to a place where you can go, as I did, to my dad and ask him to work for me.'
Dan and Eugene went on to accept the award for Outstanding Comedy Series at the Emmys in 2020
Dan revealed his relationship with his father's work was 'always quite removed.'
He shared: 'We grew up in Toronto because he didn't want us around the industry. He wanted to go and do work and come back to his family - and I know that that must have been a huge sacrifice.
'I remember all these movies coming out and watching them, thinking, when did you do that? Was this when you were gone for three months in March? Also, what's in your head? How did you write that? And yet I was completely inspired.'
Turning his attention to his dad's appearance in the 1999 comedy film American Pie, he exclaimed: 'I was in high school! People thought that film was about my life!'
Hannah Waddingham has revealed she has trouble finding a guy because she's 'so picky' and a lot of them are grumpy old men.
The Ted Lasso star, 49, said she's not too bothered about how sexy a prospective partner is, adding that she just wants someone positive, and who is willing to eat Marmite on toast in bed with her.
Hannah has an eight-year-old daughter Kitty, who she shares with Italian hotelier Gianluca Cugnetto.
Their last red carpet appearance was at The Olivier Awards in London in April 2022, and while Hannah has never spoken out about the break up, in 2023 she referred to herself as a single mother in an interview.
Asked by Michelle Visage on the Rule Breakers podcast if she had time for men, Hannah initially joked 'no', before adding: 'I mean I think we all have time if you make time.
Hannah Waddingham has revealed she has trouble finding a guy because she's 'so picky' and a lot of them are grumpy old men
The Ted Lasso star, 49, has an eight-year-old daughter Kitty, who she shares with Italian hotelier Gianluca Cugnetto
'But I'm a pretty picky girl really and have such a very specific kind of criteria of things.
'One of the main things with guys, just come on man, positivity - positivity and charisma and I'm your gal.
'But there's an awful lot of misogs (miserable old gits) out there. I don't need it.'
She added: 'I don't go much on stereotypical cutey pie, whatever, sexy, whatever.
'I want a guy that scoops me up and goes 'I've got you, I don't care if you've got your make-up on or not, I'm happy to lie in bed with you and have Marmite on toast and a glass of milk.
'And just be a lovely positive, charismatic soul.'
While Hannah keeps her personal life incredibly private, her most significant recent relationship was with the father of her child, Gianluca.
Asked by Michelle Visage on the Rule Breakers podcast if she had time for men, Hannah initially joked 'no', before adding: 'I mean I think we all have time if you make time. But I'm a pretty picky girl really and have such a very specific kind of criteria of things.'
The pair are thought to have started dating in 2012 after the actress met the Italian hotelier through a mutual friend.
They started dating officially shortly after and welcomed Kitty in 2016 after years of fertility issues.
Their last red carpet appearance was at The Olivier Awards in London in April 2022, and while Hannah has never spoken out about the break up, in 2023 she referred to herself as a single mother in an interview with People .
'My primary function is being a single mama,' the star said.
Back in May it was believed that the star was staying very much single but she sparked rumours when she posted a gushing tribute to her close friend Nick Todisco on social media, calling him 'my beautiful (and I mean crrraaaazy beautiful, inside and out) devoted champion, protector and partner in crime.'
At the end of 2022 she was reported to have gone for a couple of dinners with musical tenor Alfie Boe, and they were reportedly having a romance when they were together for last May's Eurovision Song Contest, which Hannah hosted.
Romance rumours: The star appears to be staying single but posted a gushing tribute to her close friend Nick Todisco back in May, calling him 'my beautiful (and I mean crrraaaazy beautiful, inside and out) devoted champion, protector and partner in crime'
But the relationship fizzled out later in the summer.
Alfie, 50, was previously married to his ex-wife Sarah with whom he shares children, Grace, 15, and Alfred, 11.
In August 2020 the pair split after 16 years of marriage and it was reported that Alfie was allegedly looking for women on celebrity dating app Raya.
The star told friends his marriage was over after months of difficulties during lockdown.
Love Island's Millie Court looked incredible in a brown bikini during a trip to Bondi Beach in Sydney on Thursday.
The reality star, 27, is enjoying a lavish trip to Australia with her best pal and fellow Love Island alum Chloe Burrows.
Millie flaunted her jaw-dropping figure as she posed up a storm in the sexy two piece from GUD Swim.
She accessorised her ensemble with a gold pendant necklace, stylish shades and 830 Louis Vuitton sliders.
The night before, Millie wowed in a plunging red skin-tight dress in sizzling snaps shared to her Instagram.
Love Island's Millie Court looked incredible in a brown bikini during a trip to Bondi Beach in Sydney on Thursday
The reality star, 27, flaunted her jaw-dropping figure as she posed up a storm in the sexy two piece from GUD Swim
It comes after Millie and Liam detailed how they came to rekindle their relationship earlier this year.
The reality stars won the seventh series of the hit ITV2 show Love Island in 2021 and embarked on a year-long relationship, before splitting in July 2022.
However, rumours began to swirl this year that they had reconciled with the pair eventually confirming their romance was back on.
Speaking to MailOnline, Millie and Liam discussed how they decided to give things a second chance, saying their relationship is now 'better than ever'.
Liam said: 'I think the break we had really helped a lot. I never felt like I never wanted to see her again.'
Millie added that the fact that their split hadn't been bitter meant that the couple always felt the breakup was temporary.
She explained: 'It didn't end sourly, it wasn't that kind of breakup. It was a decision that we needed a break.
'I think we both knew it wasn't going to be something that ended forever. I think we knew it was something we wanted to revisit but it was time that we needed.'
She gushed: 'We managed to make it work again and now it's better than ever.'
The night before, Millie wowed in a plunging red skin-tight dress in sizzling snaps shared to her Instagram
The influencer is enjoying a lavish trip to Australia with her best pal and fellow Love Island alum Chloe Burrows
Millie also pointed out: 'Liam was 21 when he went on the show and had his birthday in there and he's 24 now and I'm coming up to 27! So we're maybe a bit more mature as well.'
Despite speculation surrounding the pair, t hey made a conscious choice to keep their rekindled relationship private at the start and only recently publicly confirmed their reunion.
Explaining the decision, Liam said that they had chosen to keep things quiet to avoid the intense scrutiny that had come when they first got together, admitting that it had played a role in causing their breakup.
He explained: 'People have private lives and can't put everything on social media. And we were on the building blocks of our relationship together.
'We went our separate ways last year and that was partly because so many people felt like they were involved in our relationship and stuck their noses in.
'Some people obviously were being friendly but sometimes you just want a bit of privacy.
'We decided if we're going to make this work, we have to make it work for us and not let other people interfere. Especially in the early stages.'
The Love Island 2021 winners recently detailed how they came to rekindle their relationship earlier this year
Millie chimed in to add: 'We just wanted to work on us and have fun and build our relationship and not have anyone's opinions on it at that time.'
And Liam continued: 'A lot of people feel like they are being lovely which we do appreciate the support, but sometimes it can be too much.
'When you're going through a breakup as well and everyone's going, "Oh you should've stayed together!"
'As much as we do live our lives on social media, we do want our privacy as well.'
A senior Walgreens executive and a Disney heir are among the ultra-wealthy Americans calling to be taxed even more to combat global inequality.
John Driscoll, who acts as executive vice president for Walgreens Boots Alliance and is thought to have a net worth of $1.7 million, warned that the American Dream is 'rapidly diminishing' due to rising economic hardship.
He is one of 250 billionaires and millionaires supporting an initiative called Proud to Pay More which is calling on lawmakers across the world to raise levies for their country's richest.
The issue of whether the super-rich pay enough tax has been a hot debate in America, with Biden last year proposing a 'Billionaire Minimum Income Tax' which would require the country's wealthiest to pay at least 20 percent on their income.
A 2021 investigation by ProPublica found the 25 richest Americans - including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos - paid an average 'true tax rate' of just 3.4 percent on their income between 2014 and 2018.
John Driscoll, who acts as executive vice president for Walgreens Boots Alliance and is thought to have a net worth of $1.7 million, warned that the American dream is 'rapidly diminishing' due to rising economic hardship
Driscoll joined documentary-maker Abigail Disney - the great-niece Walt Disney - in urging lawmakers to impose greater taxes on the super rich
Driscoll joined documentary-maker Abigail Disney - the great-niece Walt Disney - in signing a new letter addressed to the world leaders gathered at the Davos summit.
Explaining his rationale for joining the campaign, he wrote: 'My grandparents emigrated to the United States from the rocky coast of southwest Ireland in the early 20th century to give their children and grandchildren a better life.
'Were it not for their dreams and hard work - my grandfather worked as a janitor and carpenter and my grandmother as a nanny - my family would not have gotten a fresh start.
'The sad truth today is that if my grandparents came to America and tried just as earnestly to get ahead, it's unlikely they would succeed - let alone lay the groundwork for their grandson to become a millionaire.'
He went on to cite a 2022 study from the Economic Policy Institute which found the average American CEO earns 399 times as much as a typical worker.
Driscoll has long been an advocate for higher wages. While CEO of home-health company CareCentrix, the company raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Meanwhile Abigail Disney wrote there was a good chance readers 'recognized my surname' before adding: 'Yes, I am a member of that Disney family.'
She continued that she wanted to be levied harder to support environmentally friendly initiatives.
'We have a responsibility to ensure that our planet is healthy and habitable for future generations.
'In my unique case as a person of wealth, I can only fulfill this responsibility if lawmakers strengthen their resolve to tax me more,' she wrote.
Other individuals to sign the letter included Citibank executive Akshay Singal and ex-Black Rock managing director Morris Pearl.
According to Proud to Pay More's research, America has the largest proportion of millionaires of ay G20 country.
Other individuals to sign the letter included Citibank executive Akshay Singal, pictured, and ex-Black Rock managing director Morris Pearl
According to Proud to Pay More's research, American has the largest proportion of millionaires of ay G20 country
Some 4.95 percent of the US population have more than $1 million to their name compared to 2.2 percent of Britons and 3.53 percent of Australians.
Tax evasion among America's super-wealthy has long been a headache for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel last year told reporters that budget cuts had made it difficult for agents to tackle the 'complicated methods the wealthiest taxpayers used to hide their income and evade paying their fair share of taxes.'
The organization launched a historic crackdown on ultra-rich tax cheats which saw agents claw back $122 million from the nation's millionaires.
Analysts have long called for greater taxes on the wealthy to benefit the greater population.
Back in October, researchers at the EU Tax Observatory found a 2 percent tax on all of the world's billionaires would raise close to $250 billion per year.
The average lifetime cost of owning a home in the US has reached $796,998, according to Investopedia's analysis
The so-called 'American Dream' is the benchmark that many people hope to achieve in their lifetime - getting married, buying a home and a car and raising children.
But new analysis has found that achieving these milestones now costs a staggering $3,455,305 - much more than most Americans will make in their lifetime.
One of the biggest amounts is for paying off a mortgage on a property. The average homebuyer will fork out $796,998, according to Investopedia - assuming a 10 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed loan at 7.2 percent interest.
The American dream is 'rapidly diminishing,' Walgreens boss says in plea to raise taxes for the wealthy
DoorDash is raising its delivery fees for customers in New York to offset higher minimum wages in the Big Apple.
Insiders said the firm is likely to add an extra $2 charge onto orders after city legislation forced food delivery apps to implement a new minimum wage of $17.96 per hour for its drivers.
That will be on top of price rises to food itself, which for an average order will be around another $2 - meaning an extra $4 for the estimated 300,000 regular customers in New York.
The revelation comes after a host of fast-food firms including McDonald's and Chipotle suggested they would increase menu prices in response to similar new minimum wage laws in California.
A DoorDash memo sent to restaurants and obtained by the New York Post confirmed customer fees will go up to 'help offset the increased costs' incurred by the 'extreme minimum pay rate.'
DoorDash is set to raise its delivery fees to customers in New York to off-set new minimum wage hikes in the Big Apple
The legislation is the first of its kind in the US and was spearheaded by mayor Eric Adams, pictured
DoorDash spokesman Eli Scheinholtz told the Post: 'We have made clear from the start that we planned to introduce fees when the new minimum pay rate was first introduced.'
He added that higher fees will come into effect 'in the coming weeks.'
DoorDash is among several firms - including GrubHub and Uber - to become embroiled in a bitter dispute with the state of New York over its new minimum wage laws for drivers.
The legislation - which is the first of its kind in the US and was spearheaded by mayor Eric Adams - was introduced to combat poor working conditions for drivers.
It is estimated that delivery workers in the city earn $11 an hour on average after expenses - well below the city's $15 minimum wage.
This is because app-based delivery workers are usually treated as independent contractors rather than company employees, so general minimum wage laws do not apply to them.
Uber, DoorDash and GrubHub all filed a lawsuit against New York state regarding the changes last year but it was ultimately dismissed.
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It mirrors a similar dispute in California where Governor Gavin Newsom has imposed a new $20-an-hour minimum wage for all fast food workers. Two Pizza Hut franchise owners laid off 1,200 delivery drivers as a result
Now DoorDash is warning restaurants they can expect to pay up to 23 percent commission for delivery orders and 8 percent for pick-ups, up from 20 percent and 5 percent respectively.
UberEats has already added a $2 'courier fee' to orders to combat the uptick in wages and said it is still considering other options.
Both firms have also moved the tipping option to after the checkout on its orders.
It mirrors a similar dispute in California where Governor Gavin Newsom has imposed a new $20-an-hour minimum wage for all fast-food workers.
The change led to two Pizza Hut franchise owners cutting 1,200 delivery driver jobs in the Golden State.
Both McDonald's and Chipotle also warned they will be forced to increase their menu prices in California.
DailyMail.com also reached out to DoorDash for comment.
The rise of remote working after the pandemic has made working from a more exotic or cheaper state a reality for many Americans.
But the 'work from anywhere' or 'digital nomad' culture - which has boomed in recent years - may have unexpected and grim implications as tax season approaches.
If you work in a different place to where you live, you may have to file an income tax return in both states - and risk being taxed twice on your income.
Incredibly, some states such as New York may require you to pay tax if your employer is based there but you choose to do the work elsewhere, perhaps working from home nearby in Jersey or on the beach in Miami. We explain this strangely titled 'convenience of the employer' rule further down.
But it is not all bad news - some states offer reciprocity agreements with neighbor states, and others do not have an income tax at all.
But the 'work from anywhere' or 'digital nomad' culture, which has boomed in recent years, may have unexpected implications as tax season approaches
The rules have always been in place but it is only now that working remotely is so common - and Americans use the perk to not just work from home but from other areas - that it is becoming a problem, tax experts say.
Here is everything you need to know to avoid being caught out if you worked over state lines in the 2023 tax year.
No problems with these income tax-free states
There are nine states which have no individual income tax code - which means there is no income tax burden on remote or mobile workers.
It is good news for anyone who may have escaped to the Sunshine State to avoid wintry weather, as Florida is among them.
You will also not have to file a separate return if you worked in Alaska, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming and Washington.
The District of Columbia is also prohibited by its Home Rule Act from taxing nonresidents.
Reciprocal agreements between states
Other states offer reciprocal tax agreements, which mean they do not tax residents who work in a separate state to their home state.
For example, if you live in Virginia but commute over the border to Maryland for work, you will not have to pay taxes or file a return in Maryland.
Likewise, if you live in Wisconsin and travel to Illinois for your job, you only have to pay taxes in Wisconsin, because the two states have a reciprocity agreement.
There are currently reciprocal agreements across 15 states and the District of Columbia, according to nonprofit the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
Earlier this year, the think tank released its Remote Obligations And Mobility (ROAM) index, which ranks each state's tax codes and regulatory policies on how they affect remote workers.
States without income tax burdens or ones which participate in the most reciprocity agreements rank the highest.
The National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTUF) ranks each state by how its tax code affects remote and mobile workers in its Remote Obligations And Mobility (ROAM) index
Tax credits
If there is no reciprocity agreement between the two states, some allow you to get a credit for taxes paid in the state where you do not live but you are working.
For example, if you live in California but work in Arizona, you would be required to file an income tax return in both states to get the credit.
That means filing a resident state income tax form for California with all your income sources and a nonresident tax return with only your employment income for Arizona.
According to the NTUF, this can result in commuting taxpayers paying the higher of the two states' tax rates.
Filing thresholds
It is also important to check the filing threshold for the state you are working in, according to the NTUF.
Filing thresholds represent how long a taxpayer must work in a state before they must file an income tax return in that state.
Different states have different rules about the requirements taxpayers must fulfill before having to file an individual income tax return.
NTUF's Andrew Wilford said remote-friendly state tax policy can be beneficial for employees and employers
'In a majority of states, nearly all taxpayers must file an individual income tax return in that state from the very first day they earn income in that state, a requirement that most taxpayers are likely not even aware of,' the report reads.
In 2023, Indiana and Montana introduced new rules which state that nonresidents do not have to file a return until they work for more than 30 days in the state.
As a result, Indiana now ranks the highest of any state with an income tax in the NTUF's index.
Andrew Wilford, from NTUF, told DailyMail.com that remote-friendly tax policy can attract employees from other states, and employers whose employees are all over the country.
'Indiana has accomplished both by simplifying its tax treatment of both groups - relieving remote taxpayers and their employers from the obligation to file Indiana tax returns on the basis of a few days worked in the state, and protecting taxpayers from the confusing process of filing returns in two or more states and claiming credits against taxes paid to other states,' he said.
If you work in a different place to where you live, you may have to file an income tax return in more than one state
Convenience of the employer
A handful of states also have a so-called 'convenience of the employer rule'.
This means if you are working in a different state for your convenience - and you could feasibly commute - you will owe tax in the state where your employer is based.
This can put taxpayers at risk of being taxed twice for the same income.
Some states offer a tax credit which may offset some or all of the taxes you have paid to the state where your employer is based.
New Jersey, for example, offers a credit to offset taxes its residents paid to New York due to their employer being based there - despite the fact they were working from home.
Alabama, Delaware, Nebraska, New York, and Pennsylvania impose fully-fledged convenience of the employer rules - with Alabama joining this group in 2023.
New Jersey also introduced its own convenience of the employer rule last year to recoup some of the tax revenues it pays out in credits.
It imposed a so-called 'retaliatory' version of the rule, which applies only to residents of states that impose their own convenience rules. This will particularly impact residents of New York working in New Jersey.
As the India-China border standoff enters its fourth year, diplomatic nuances and symbolic gestures hint at a potential thaw in bilateral relations
The India-China border standoff enters its fourth year and there are intermittent aberrations from both countries. Even problems in third-world countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka and now in Maldives have also become irritants for both the Asian giants. The most recent one is the avoidable situation created by a very small country like Maldives. There is also natural competition between the two rising economic powers especially in the neighbourhood.
But as Indias External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar recently said the rise of China is a reality but there is an equal reality that is the rise of India. During a conversation with a journalist at the High Commission of India in London, Dr Jaishankar emphasised that the rise of China is a reality but there is an equal reality that is the rise of India. The rise may be different...quantitatively or qualitatively they may not be identical," he said. The two (India and China) are among the oldest civilisations in the world...Some realities need to be recognised, he pointed out.
In between two small but important events took place in India which points out a possible detente if not now but in future. A group of top Chinese scholars visited Smruti Mandir (memorial of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar) in RSS headquarters, BapuKutir, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University) in Nagpur and nearby Wardha. Though many foreign delegates visit Nagpur frequently, this visit was not that significant on the face of it. But it was the high-level visit of a group of scholars from China with whom India does not have a once excellent relationship after the 2021-22 clashes in the vast borders. Prior to this the leading Chinese media Global Times in an unusual article lauded India's foreign policy strategy under Modi, highlighting the nation's multi-alignment approach and bolstering ties with major global powers such as the US, Japan, and Russia. Normally, the official media in China do not comment in such a positive way with India.
Unlike frequent bonhomie between Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, diplomatic relations are not on good terms for over three years. But as the famous saying goes in international relations, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Bilateral relations between two countries who are both big in population, size, economy and many other fields are also governed by the same principle mostly - Economy. This trend is slowly but steadily becoming visible in the relationship between India and China in recent times despite the border standoff. One should also remember that the nearly four yearlong border impasse has not deteriorated further and there are regular talks even though there is not much progress. There are no further clashes. The year 2023 saw some stabilization in relations, which offers promise for the future. The two sides discuss resolving the border standoff and signal interest in restoring some normalcy in their relations, but their militarized border remained mostly quiet in the last year.
Symbolically, with momentum from the 2022 handshake and brief exchange between the Indian Prime Minister and Chinese President at the G-20 summit in Indonesia, disengagement in five areas on the border, and the fast and quiet resolution of the border clash at the Yangtze, the background seemed promising. There were also meetings between the defence and foreign ministers of the two sides as part of Indias hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization allowed discussion of border tensions, while the 19th round of the corps commander-level talks produced an agreement that the two sides should resolve the remaining issues on which they disagreed in an expeditious manner.
Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks before their respective leaders were scheduled to meet and worked on disengagement in the two remaining areas of immediate tensions on the border. The Economist, a famous British weekly stated a detente between China and India, Xi and Modi discussed relations in person at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg and agreed to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation, according to the Indian side.
It was not that there was no damper. Xi did not attend the G-20 summit in Delhi in September through his Prime Minister. There is tension in the Indo-Pacific region and the emergence of QUAD, a diplomatic network between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. The personal chemistry between the top two is yet to be revived. Both countries keep on trying to spread presence and influence in the neighbourhood. But all these are natural trends for any country in todays complete world.
At the same time as former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the world has enough space for the growth ambitions of India and China. In practice, both New Delhi and Beijing have maintained a status quo that has not worsened the situation. Moreover, the two sides are actively talking to each other and discussing their troubled relationship and the tense situation on the disputed border. This has been happening both between the military and diplomatic establishments of the two countries and between their top leaders. Negotiations on stabilizing the border itself continue, most recently with the 28th round of talks that form part of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.
Apart from all these factors, India, its diplomatic relations with Asian countries including China are deeply rooted in history and cultural ties. Ancient trade routes like the Silk Road connected India to various parts of Asia, facilitating cultural exchanges.
Buddhism, which originated in India, spread to several Asian nations, creating lasting cultural and religious connections. Such historical and cultural linkages prove to be strong foundations of diplomatic ties. India also has a lot to gain by forming regional alliances, such as economic opportunities, strategic partnerships and cultural diplomacy.
Economically, Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and stronger ties could open new markets for trade and investment. Politically, a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role.
India will be the biggest beneficiary of such a wonderful partnership as it will give a chance to cross borders more easily and explore their Asian culture through trade, travel and employment opportunities. But all depends on the result of the Parliament elections in India before this mid-year. But to put it in the words of late Atal Behari Vajpayee we can change our friends but not our neighbours.
(The writer is former member of of press council of India and presently coordinator of World Association of Press Councils; views are personal)
The Pentecost University (PU) at the weekend held its 15th Congregation in Accra for 1,153 students who graduated with degrees and certificates in diverse faculties, including business administration, health allied sciences and engineering.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, urged more academic institutions to embrace the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
He commended the University for their pivotal role in helping to advance STEM education in the country.
Dr Adutwum acknowledged the university's distinguished status as the sole private institution selected to pilot the pioneering pre-engineering programme.
He emphasised that a young person's choice of study in Senior High School should not limit their ability to pursue different academic disciplines later in life when they have the matured to make informed decisions.
"That is why the Ministry of Education and the government found a route for students with general arts, visual arts and other backgrounds to divert into engineering if they so desire after completing SHS," the Minister said.
Addressing the graduating students, Dr Adutwum extended his heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging the challenges they may have faced and triumphed over during their academic journey.
The Minister challenged the graduating class to be confident ambassadors and to utilise the skills and values instilled in them to compete globally and make a positive impact on the world.
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Dr Adutwum pledged the continuous commitment of the government to create an enabling environment for Pentecost University to thrive and contribute significantly to shaping the nation's human resource.
The Vice-Chancellor of PU, Professor Kwabena Agyapong - Kodia, in his remarks, lauded the institution's numerous accomplishments over the past years, including the introduction of the Big Launch project marking a significant milestone to unveil industry-based Bachelor of Engineering programmes and laying the foundation for the Pentecost Engineering Village in 2024.
He mentioned the intentional efforts to support staff in obtaining higher qualifications, adding that 12 staff members had graduated with PhDs in various fields, while acknowledging further successes for both the school and the students' front.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Vice-Chancellor outlined the university's commitment to infrastructural development, drainage solutions, and maintaining leadership in spirit-inspired research-driven education.
Awards were given to outstanding students, with Susan winning the overall best graduating student award.
India needs Iran by its side to keep its maritime trade routes to Europe safe
Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar visited Iran this week, amidst the severe disruptions emerging in one of the busiest and crucial maritime trade routes the Gaza war zone bleeding into the sea. Mr Jaishankar had a fortnight back made a special five-day trip to Russia, which is unrelenting in its pursuit against Ukraine to have a greater say in Europe politics. Earlier this week Indian PM also spoke to President Putin on several geo-political issues and the two military combats in Europe and West Asia.
Indias outreach to countries such as Iran and Russia, both of whom are from the non-US block, at a time of growing partnership between India and the US, is strategic, given, the damaging impact of the raging wars on Indias economy. During his Iran visit, EAM Jaishankar, also nuanced Indias Middle East (read Palestine) foreign policy outlook. India and Israel have been close allies and collaborate on several high-end defence technology projects, however, India hasnt distanced itself from Palestine. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a warm relationship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel on October 23, had come out strongly in support of the nation. However, nearly five months after the Israel terror attack, the war has spilt beyond into the Red Sea, an important maritime trade route. The Houthi extremists (who unofficially enjoy Iran patronage) have fanned out into the Red Sea targeting multiple ships, moving billions of dollars in goods to Europe and further to the US. As per the Indian Ministry of Commerce, nearly 80 per cent of Indias exports to Europe take place via the Red Sea route and the recent attacks on Indian ships have worsened the situation. Indian exports to Europe were already under pressure due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and with the Red Sea route becoming another flashpoint, exports particularly of low-value items are facing higher shipping costs, which could Indias export growth.
EAM Jaishankar in his joint statement with the minister of foreign affairs of Iran stated There have also been recently a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean...This is a matter of great concern to the international community. Obviously, it also has a direct bearing on India's energy and economic interests. This fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party and this must be clearly recognised. Meanwhile, in a balancing act, he did mention the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and stated India has a long-standing and uncompromising position against terrorism in all forms and manifestations. This remains so very much.
At the same time, we strongly believe that it is imperative to avoid loss of civilian life in any conflict situation. The deeply concerning situation in Gaza was naturally a subject of our discussions. The loss of civilian lives, especially that of women and children was our primary focus.
There is a visible humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed and the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors is the need of the day. We welcome the international communitys efforts in that direction. India itself has delivered shipments of relief material to Gaza and contributed to the UNRWA. On the issue of Palestine, let me reiterate Indias long-standing support for a two-state solution, where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders. I stressed the need for all parties to avoid provocative and escalatory actions, and to facilitate movement towards dialogue and diplomacy.
Iran has a crucial voice in matters related to West Asia and ensuring the safety of Indian sailors and goods on ships, besides impacting the fate of exporters on ships. It was perhaps no coincidence that even as EAM was in Iran, the latter had launched massive strikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan.
(The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal)
The achievements of Indian scientists have become a wellspring of inspiration for the country's youth, even in the remote villages of Uttarakhand
At the onset of 2024, when the entire world was celebrating the arrival of the new year, a historic moment unfolded at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. At that very moment, scientists at ISRO successfully launched the 'X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite,' making it the second in the world and the first in India to study radiation beyond the Moon, Mars, and the Sun. This satellite will be able to explore black holes, the cosmic web, and radiation spread throughout space. It will not only identify the sources of radiation and capture their images but also study the 50 most shining sources in the universe, such as pulsars, X-ray binaries with black holes, active galactic nuclei, and non-thermal supernovae.
The achievements of Indian scientists have not only enhanced India's global standing but have also become a wellspring of inspiration for the country's youth, particularly in regions where even the sight of an aeroplane in the sky is a rare occurrence. Baisani, nestled in the vast Himalayan hills of Uttarakhands Bageshwar district, stands as one such village, where young girls are now aspiring towards careers in space exploration. Mahima Joshi, a 19-year-old student in Class 12 from Baisani Village, expressed, "The consecutive successes of ISRO scientists have motivated me to delve into the realm of space exploration. Studying ISRO scientists revealed that they encountered failures despite their unwavering efforts. However, their resilience, ability to learn from mistakes, persistent dedication, and eventual triumph in creating history have left a lasting impact on me."
The growing interest in space science among children brings immense joy to parents. Chandra Prakash, a 52-year-old resident, emphasized that the impact of scientists' success is so significant that girls, in particular, have now begun to take a keen interest in space. Observing them explore space-related information on social media is indeed a positive development. The strides made by Indian scientists in space research have not only captivated the curiosity of adolescent boys but also girls, encouraging them to delve into the study of science.
Gopal Joshi, a septuagenarian from the village, expressed that he had never witnessed such a keen interest in science among children in the village before. Remarkably, even girls, have now set goals to study and pursue careers as scientists. The surge in enthusiasm for science is particularly heartening for schoolteachers.
Uma Shankar Joshi, a geography teacher at the Government Middle School in Baisani, noted, While there was limited interest in space science among children before, they now pose questions that go beyond our expectations. Children are eager to participate in science-related quizzes and competitions at school. As a teacher, witnessing this fervor among children is truly gratifying. I am optimistic that the children of Baisani village will make significant progress in the field of science.
This indeed highlights that the success of Indian scientists has inspired the children especially young girls of Baisani village towards science and technology. But several challenges mar their dreams of becoming a space scientist and the list is quite long. These girls face various challenges a lot more than boys do. More specifically the social and cultural norms that do not allow girls to even fulfil their basic right to education. Early child marriages, preference given to sons in the family, social taboos, and poverty are some of the socio-economic factors that impact girls' lives more than boys'. The challenges of remoteness, challenging geography, and harsh weather conditions significantly contribute to their exclusion from the country's progress. The absence of fundamental infrastructure, such as roads, education, healthcare, telecommunication, and internet facilities, poses a hindrance.
The challenges faced by youth, especially young girls, in the remotest villages of a country like India in pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields are deeply rooted in the deficiencies of the educational system. The inadequacy of facilities in rural schools, such as the absence of advanced science laboratories and prolonged vacancies in science teaching positions, raises significant concerns. Addressing these fundamental deficiencies is crucial for unlocking the true potential of these villages.
If the government and the education department collaboratively tackle not only the visible symptoms but also the root causes, the path can be paved for the emergence of the next generation of scientists, potentially from places like Baisani village. It is essential to nurture and empower the youth, ensuring that opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are accessible to all, transcending geographical and societal barriers.
(The author is a young peer leader from Uttarakhand; views are personal. Charkha Features)
Actor Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Neeraj Pandey are bringing back their docuseries franchise "Secrets" with Warner Bros. Discovery for a third chapter.
Titled "Secrets of the Buddha Relics", the new installment comes two years after "Secrets of the Kohinoor" and Secrets of Sinauli: Discovery of the Century (2021). The franchise is created by Pandey and narrated by Bajpayee.
"Secrets of the Buddha Relics" will focus on the ancient legends surrounding the final days of Gautama Buddha and relics that surround the very centre of Buddhism, a press release said.
"It will trace the origins, cultural significance, and mystical stories behind these relics, exploring their spread worldwide and the role they play in making Buddhism the world's fourth-largest faith. Delving into the types of relics and their classification, the documentary combines historical and mythological narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in Buddhism," it added.
The show will be released on streamer discovery+ on January 22 and will air on Discovery Channel on February 26 at 9 pm.
Bajpayee said he is thrilled to continue his collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery for the 'Secrets' franchise.
"Working alongside Neeraj Pandey is always a rewarding experience with insightful takeaways that contribute to shaping the documentary.
"The documentary promises to transport viewers to the time of the Buddha, delving into the historical period that witnessed his life and teachings. It aims to connect audiences with profound stories that have played a pivotal role in shaping our spiritual heritage," the actor said.
Sai Abishek, Head of Factual & Lifestyle Cluster- South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said the 'Secrets' franchise remains a sought-after and successful series.
"In the third edition, 'Secrets of the Buddha Relics,' we delve into lesser-known facets of the relics, offering insights into their contemporary significance. Our ongoing collaboration with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee, both pioneer storytellers, reflects our commitment to delivering compelling narratives. The success of the 'Secrets' franchise has revealed tremendous potential, prompting us to expand our history genre on the platform and provide compelling and engaging stories to our viewers," he added.
"Secrets of The Buddha Relics" is directed by Raghav Jairath.
A top American business advocacy group has hosted a reception for the outgoing India's Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retires from the Indian Foreign Service at month-end after an illustrious 35-year career.
The US India Business Council (USIBC) hosted the reception on Wednesday, attended by top officials from the White House, State Department and representatives from the corporate sector, applauded the role played by Sandhu in shaping the India-US relationship over the past few decades.
During his long career, Sandhu was posted in the United States four times, with three of them being at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC.
When you make the short list of people who really made a difference (to India-US relationship), Ambassador Sandhu is on that list in a way that very few people who serve in the diplomatic ranks have been able to do, Kurt Campbell, National Security Council coordinator for the Indo-Pacific at the White House said in his remarks at the farewell reception.
He will be badly missed. He has come to personify the relationship between the United States and India. He's a terrific friend. He's a wonderful human being, and he's done a great job. We wish him well in whatever he does next. I just hope it's not retirement. There are too many skills that he brings to the table, Campbell said.
Atul Keshap, a former diplomat and current president of US India Business Council, said in addition to being a tactful and skilful diplomat, Sandhu has been a dreamer who has achieved truly great things for the US-India relationship.
I don't have to chronicle all of them. History will record them, but the bilateral relationship is at the best possible stage that I have seen in my entire life, and it's because of your efforts, he said.
The State Visit of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi was truly impressive and showed the vastness and importance of the relationship. Pulling that off was never going to be easy, but you and your team did it with grace and style. Very impressive! Keshap told Sandhu at the reception.
In his remarks, Sandhu spoke about the India-US relationship and also praised the role played by many present there, including Campbell, Keshap and Nisha Desai Biswal, Deputy CEO of the US International Development Finance Corporation, in strengthening India-US ties and navigating many bilateral crises together.
I cannot help but mention a bit about my good friend Kurt (Campbell). As we know, he is a force in himself and has made the impossible possible, Sandhu said, referring to the establishment and success of the Quad Summit, including its first summit at the peak of COVID-19.
Highlighting the various aspects of the India-US relationship, including defence, education, and the recently launched ICET dialogue, Singh said this partnership actually requires much more investment and involvement today.
Biswal, who has worked with Sandhu in various capacities from the US side during the past few decades, said that what Sandhu understood was a fundamental principle of foreign policy that the relationship between nations is ultimately about the relationship between the people.
In all of his tours of duty, but most importantly in his current role as Ambassador, Taranjit has invested in the people at the heart of the relationship," she said.
"Whether it was the people in the State Department or the White House that ran the policy, or the people on the Hill who shaped the politics of the US-India partnership, members of the diaspora community, the business community, the educational institutions, the cultural institutions; engaging at the state level, at the city level, no matter where you lived or worked, if you had an impact or an importance to the US and new relationship, Taranjit would find you and he would seek you out, she said.
In a sense, he brought to this relationship a politician's instinct. Maybe that is why he has been so successful in engaging the Congress. It is that political instinct combined with the strategic mind that has made him such an influential and effective ambassador and advocate for India in the United States, in Sri Lanka, and across the many geographies that he has served in, Biswal said.
In the backdrop of Maldives asking India to withdraw its military personnel from there, New Delhi on Thursday said here India remains committed to take forward its development agenda with the Maldives, including implementation of various welfare projects in the island nation.
The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came amid strain in ties between the two countries following Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's call for withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country by March 15.
"We remain committed to our projects and to take them forward. We have been an important development partner of the Maldives," he said at his weekly media briefing while replying to a question.
"We remain committed to doing all things that we can do as a development partner of the Maldives," Jaiswal added.
On Male insisting on withdrawal of Indian troops, he suggested that the matter will be deliberated upon at the second meeting of India-Maldives core group. The next core group meeting is set to take place in New Delhi early next month.
The issue of the Indian military personnel was extensively discussed at the first meeting of the core group in Male on January 14.
"Both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac (medical evacuation) services to the people of Maldives," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement following the meeting.
The India-Maldives ties came under some stress as Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, maintained after assuming charge as the president in November that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.
The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
In May last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Maldives during which he handed over a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft to the island nation.
In an unexpected legal development, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Allahabad High Court, seeking a ban on the forthcoming consecration programme of the idol of Ram Lalla in the under-construction temple in Ayodhya.
The ceremony, set to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, faces objections raised by Shankaracharya regarding Praan Pratishthaa, deemed contrary to the Sanatan tradition.
The petitioner, Bhola Das of Ghaziabad, alleges that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leveraging the religious event for political gains, particularly in the context of the impending Lok Sabha elections. Urging an immediate hearing, Das emphasizes that a religious program is scheduled for January 22 in Ayodhya, involving the consecration of the idol of Ramlala in the temple under construction.
The PIL outlines several objections. Firstly, it contends that the consecration has faced criticism from Shankaracharyas. Secondly, the petitioner argues that religious programs are traditionally not organized in the Hindi month of Pus, and with Purnima falling on January 25, no religious events should be held until then. Thirdly, it asserts that consecrating a deity in an incomplete temple is improper, stressing that such ceremonies should occur only in completed structures.
The participation of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Yogi in the Pran Pratistha program is deemed against the Constitution, as it is believed to contradict constitutional principles promoting brotherhood. The petitioner contends that their involvement could negatively impact the country's sense of brotherhood, going against the spirit of the Constitution.
Advocate Anil Kumar Bind, representing the petitioner, stated that the PIL was filed on Tuesday, with efforts aimed at securing expedited consideration and acceptance by the High Court.
Simultaneously, the Allahabad High Court has declined to hear a separate PIL challenging a government order issued by the Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Government. The order, issued on December 21, 2023, prohibits bhajans, kirtans, and the reading of Ramcharit Manas in all temples of the state on January 22, 2024. Additionally, the government order mandates the recitation and Rath/Kalash Yatra in all cities.
The second PIL, filed by Advocate Narottam Shukla, the State President of the All India Lawyers Union (AILU), Uttar Pradesh, argues that the Chief Secretary's mandate contradicts the secular character of the Indian Constitution and Articles 25, 26, and 27. The PIL contends that the Constitution mandates the state to remain independent from any religious activity or event.
While seeking urgent attention from the court, the petitioner asserts that the government order goes against the principles of secularism and infringes on constitutional provisions. However, the Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta's court has deemed the matter not urgent, deferring its hearing. The government order instructs District Magistrates to organize Bhajan-Kirtan, Ramayana, Ramcharit Manas Path, Rath, and Kalash Yatra on January 22, with the involvement of various government employees and financial support from the District Cultural Council for the celebration of the consecration of the idol of Lord Ramlala in Ayodhya.
JK insurance scam: ED attaches Rs 36 cr assets
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday said it has attached fixed deposits and a land worth more than Rs 36 crore belonging to Reliance General Insurance Pvt Ltd and Trinity Reinsurance Brokers Private Limited as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged insurance scam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Curbs on BS III, BS IV vehicles lifted in Delhi
New Delhi: The Central Government on Thursday lifted a ban on non-essential construction work and plying of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi-NCR amid an improvement in air quality in the region. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) noted a significant improvement with an AQI of 316 at 2 pm, well below the threshold for invoking Stage-III actions under the air pollution control plan called the Graded Response Action Plan.
Yasin Malik main shooter of 4 IAF men killing: Eyewitness
Jammu: JKLF chief Yasin Malik lifted his pheran, pulled out his gun and opened fire at a group of IAF personnel, an eyewitness deposed before a special CBI court on Thursday while narrating what happened in Srinagar on January 25, 1990. Former IAF corporal Rajwar Umeshwar Singh, who survived the terror attack in which four IAF personnel were killed, pointed to Malik in the courtroom as the main shooter. Malik attended the court proceedings on video from Delhis Tihar Jail where he has been incarcerated since 2019.
Youth dies of heart attack in coaching class
Indore: A 20-year-old man preparing for the civil services exam died after he fell unconscious at his coaching class in Indore in Madhya Pradesh due to a heart-related disorder, officials said on Thursday. In footage from the coaching class CCTV, which went viral on social media, Raja Lodhi, a resident of Sagar, can be seen falling unconscious on a table.
With the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya just around the corner, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently touring temples in south India to garner support for the upcoming event. These temples are of particular significance in the Ramayana, as they mark the paths traversed by Lord Ram during his vanvas.
In a statement, the Prime Ministers Office announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit some significant temples in Tamil Nadu on January 20 and 21. On January 20, Prime Minister Modi will participate in a programme at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, around 11 am. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in the temple. Thereafter, Prime Minister Modi will reach Rameswaram around 2 pm and perform darshan and pooja in the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.
This aligns with Bharatiya cultural ethos and bonding, which is at the core of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the statement said. In the Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Prime Minister Modi will also participate in Bhajan Sandhya, where multiple devotional songs will be sung in the temple complex in the evening.
Meanwhile, Modi on Thursday issued commemorative postage stamps on Thursday, honouring Ayodhyas Ram Mandir. Additionally, a book containing stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world was released. The intricate design of the stamps captures the essence of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, featuring six distinct components. These include the Ram Mandir itself, the timeless Choupai Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari, a radiant depiction of the sun, the sacred Saryu river, and sculptures found in and around the temple. The release of the commemorative stamps comes days before the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya temple on Monday.
The commemorative stamp collection consists of six different stamps, each featuring important characters and symbols from Lord Rams story. These include Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Maa Shabri, Kevatraj, Jatayu, and the Ram Mandir. The use of gold leaf detailing for the sun rays and the Choupai adds a regal touch to the miniature sheet.
Continuing the practice observed during the Prime Ministers visits to temples in the last few days, where he attends Ramayana chanting in various languages such as Marathi, Malayalam, and Telugu, he will participate in a program called Shri Ramayana Paryana in this temple. In the programme, eight different traditional Mandalis will recite the Sanskrit, Awadhi, Kashmiri, Gurumukhi, Assamese, Bengali, Maithili, and Gujarati Ramkathas, recounting the episode of Lord Rams return to Ayodhya, said the PMO.
The main deity worshipped in this temple is Sri Ramanathaswamy, a form of Bhagwan Shiva. It is widely believed that the main lingam in this temple was installed and worshipped by Sri Rama and Mata Sita. The temple contains one of the longest temple corridors, famous for its beautiful architecture. It is one of the Char Dhams - Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameshwaram, and also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
It is said that this is where Vibhishana first met Shri Rama and asked him for refuge. Some legends also claim that this is the place where Sri Rama conducted the coronation of Vibhishana. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, located in Srirangam, Trichy, is one of the most ancient temple complexes in the country and is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Puranas and Sangam era texts. It is famous for its architectural grandeur and numerous iconic gopurams. The main deity worshipped here is Sri Ranganatha Swamy, a reclining form of Bhagwaan Vishnu.
Sri Ramanujacharya, the great philosopher and saint, is also deeply associated with the history of this temple. Moreover, there are various important places in this temple; for example, the famous Kamba Ramayanam was first presented publicly by the Tamil poet Kamban in a particular location within this complex.
On January 21, Prime Minister Modi will perform darshan and pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built. The Kothandaramaswamy Temple is dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Swamy. The name Kothandarama means Rama with the bow.
According to sources, PM Modi has asked his Cabinet colleagues to celebrate the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration ceremony on January 22 like Diwali by lighting up diyas at their homes and also feeding the poor. Cabinet ministers, sources said, have also been urged to visit the temple along with devotees from their respective states after January 22.
Pakistan on Thursday used killer drones and rockets to carry out precision military strikes against what it called terrorist hideouts in Irans Siestan-Balochistan province, killing 9 people, a day after Islamabad downgraded diplomatic ties with Tehran following Iranian attacks on terror bases in Balochistan.
On Thursday morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran, Pakistans Foreign Office said in a statement on Thursday.
It said a number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation - codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar (Death to Sarmachar). In Persian, marg bar means death to while Sarmachar means guerrilla in the Baloch language.
The precision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan militarys media wing.
It said that hideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) were successfully struck. The two groups have carried out several deadly attacks in Pakistan in the past.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani condemned the attack and said that the Pakistani charge daffaires was summoned by the ministry to convey Tehrans protest to Islamabad and provide an explanation about the attack, Irans state-run Press TV reported.
Quoting Deputy governor of the province Alireza Marhamati, official news agency IRNA said that nine non-Iranian nationals - two men, three women and four children - were killed in the attack, which is being investigated by the Iranian security officials.
There was also an explosion near Saravan city, 347 km southeast of the provincial capital Zahedan, where there were no casualties, he added. Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed the figures later in the day.
The strikes came two days after Iran launched unprecedented missile and drone attacks on what it said were directed at the bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl in the restive Balochistan province, prompting Pakistan to recall its ambassador to Iran and suspended all planned high-level bilateral visits.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch Wednesday said the Iranian envoy to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return to Islamabad for the time being.
The tit-for-tat attacks within two days have raised tensions in the volatile region, already roiled by Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the targeting of the merchant ships in the Red Sea by Yemens Houthis.
In its statement on Thursday, the Foreign Office said Islamabad has consistently shared its serious concerns with Tehran about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars inside Iran.
However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars, it added.
This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats, it said, adding that Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred.
An Indian Navy warship came to the rescue of a merchant vessel that had come under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden, rescuing all 22 crew members, including at least nine Indians. The commercial ship is now en route to its next port of call.
Providing details on Thursday, Navy officials said that the guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam intercepted MV Genco Picardy a little over an hour after the Marshall Island-flagged ship came under a drone strike in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday night.
The strike on the cargo vessel MV Genco Picardy, about 60 nautical miles south of Port Aden, occurred amid increasing global concerns over attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. There were no reports of any casualties, and officials said the fire on the vessel was contained.
The Indian Navys frontline warship INS Visakhapatnam responded within an hour to the distress call from MV Genco Picardy following the drone attack at 23:11 hours on Wednesday, they said.
The Indian Navys EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) specialists boarded the vessel early Thursday morning to inspect the damaged area, adding that the vessel was cleared for further transit following thorough scrutiny. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.
The INS Visakhapatnam, mission-deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, swiftly responded to a distress call by the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack at 23:11 hours on January 17, the Navy said. It stated that the warship intercepted the vessel at 00:30 hours on Thursday to provide assistance.
Indian Naval EOD specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel in the early hours of January 18 to inspect the damaged area. After a thorough inspection, the EOD specialists have rendered the area safe for further transit, the Navy said in a statement.
Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said INS Visakhapatnam was undertaking an anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden. The Indian Navy thwarted an attempted hijacking of the Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea on January 5, rescuing all its crew members.
The Liberian-flagged vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was the target of a drone attack off Indias west coast on December 23. In addition to MV Chem Pluto, another commercial oil tanker en route to India came under a suspected drone strike in the Southern Red Sea on the same day. The vessel had a team of 25 Indian crew members.
Meanwhile, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar stated that the Navy has already enhanced the deployment of its frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations in view of the maritime environment in the critical sea lanes, including in the North and Central Arabian Sea.
The Indian Navy has deployed its assets along the western coast to protect Indias maritime interests and is committed to preventing any instability, said Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar.
Addressing the situation in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea area, he mentioned that Indian assets are already deployed for two anti-piracy operations. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Global Artificial Intelligence Summit, he stated, We are deployed to ensure that our national interest in the maritime domain is protected. We have our own deployments, including two ongoing anti-piracy operations and anti-drone support for merchant shipping.
These remarks come amid growing global concerns over Houthi militants targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea, particularly against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Navy chief emphasised the Navys role in preserving, protecting, and pursuing national interests in the maritime domain, highlighting ongoing anti-piracy operations since 2008. Operation Sankalp, near the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman, aims to counter piracy, with an adequate number of deployed assets to prevent any resurgence.
Admiral Kumar reassured that no attacks have occurred on Indian merchant ships, stating, Our message is that we are not going to permit any instability or insecurity to happen. He also mentioned that in the last piracy attempt on a ship with a high number of Indian crew, Indian assets were deployed promptly, and an effective response was provided.
We Are China
Witness the dazzling skills of the Nanjing Traffic Police
(People's Daily App) 16:10, January 18, 2024
Be awestruck as these officers demonstrate incredible motorcycle skills during a police open week event on January 7 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)
Leader of the New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, has promised to give the youth opportunities to be part of the country's decision-making processes to choose leaders when he is voted into power in the 2024 polls.
According to him, the youth have not been given such opportunities in the last four decades.
Instead, he said they were only used by politicians who offered them money in exchange for their votes.
Speaking in an interview on The Point of View on Citi TV on Monday he said, "I think that the New Force is standing for the youth in this country. We believe that in the past four decades, the youth should have the right to be a part of the decision - how and who is going to lead us and how they are supposed to lead us... In the past four decades, between NDC and NPP, there hasn't been any young person who has stood up with the courage to say that I am coming in, and I am going to become the unifier."
"That is what I am. I am the unifier between the youth and the government. I am going to be a president who will allow young people, first of all, to be a part of the decision of how this country is choosing leaders," he said.
Mr Bediako said the movement through that initiative would eradicate the menace of the youth being persuaded with money for their votes.
"So we want to eradicate and get rid of people going to the same youth and give them money instead, and after that, there is no development, there is no job creation," he said.
The Department of Physics, St. Xavier's College, Ranchi is organizing three day International Conference on Advances in Novel Materials: Towards Sustainable Future (ICAN-24) from 20th to 22nd January, 2024 in collaboration with Condensed Matter Research Society (CMRS), Bikaner. The Conference is sponsored by the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Jharkhand, and the Board of Research for Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. American Institute of Physics (AIP) conference proceedings and EDP Sciences are the publication partners of this Conference.
Governor C P. Radhakrishnan will grace the inaugural session of the Conference on 20th January in the College Auditorium. Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ajit Kumar Sinha of Ranchi University, Ranchi, and Fr. Ajit Xess, Provincial Superior, Ranchi Province are the Guests of Honour in the Inaugural Session of this Conference.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also sent his good wishes for the successful organization of this program. Apart from this, ISRO scientist (associated with GSLV project) Dr. Rakesh Ranjan has also expressed his best wishes for the wider impact of this conference.
Realizing the fact that research is one of the most important tools for building in depth knowledge and facilitating specialized learning as envisaged in New Education Policy (NEP), Ranchi-based premiere education cradle, Department of Physics, St. Xaviers College, Ranchi (an Autonomous and Affiliated college of Ranchi University, Ranchi) has took the initiative to lay the foundation of Research and Development activities in this region by organizing this International Conference.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Conference Chairperson and Head of the Department of Physics said, There will be altogether 16 sessions of academicians, researchers, and technocrats comprising Plenary, Keynote and Invited lectures. About 92 contributory papers will be presented at the Conference in seven parallel sessions and one poster session of 20 interested participants for undergraduate and postgraduate students. There is also provision of on-spot registration in the conference.
Briefing about the invited speakers Dr. Sumit Roy said researchers and academicians have been invited from diverse regions of the globe to represent different perspectives of material science for sustainability. Prof. Rajiv Singh, Department of Physics & Astronomy, UC Davis, California, USA will deliver a lecture on the topic The promise of quantum materials Renowned theoretical material scientist and Group Leader from Materials Research Center, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Prof. Abhishek Singh will deliberate about A machine learning framework for knowledge discovery. Dr. Mukul Kumar Das from the Department of Electronics Engineering, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad will discuss " Advances in Fabrication of 2D materials for electronic applications", Dr. Dilip Kumar Singh, Department of Physics, BIT Mesra, Ranchi will share his research experience about Engineering Atomically Thin Semiconductors based photodetectors with high responsivity. Dr. Basudev Pradhan, Department of Energy Engineering, Central University of Jharkhand will discuss the topic " Recent Advances in Solar photovoltaic materials for sustainable future". Dr. Subrata Mukherjee, Head, of Research and Development, Tata Steel Limited, Jamshedpur, India will also grace the occasion and deliberate about applied research. Mohan Satya Ranjan, CEO and founder, of Taqanal Energy Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore will deliberate on "Without IoT, AI, ML, and Blockchain there is no sustainable future". Dr. Rafia Ahmad and Mohammad Babar from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia will speak about Towards sustainability: Ab initio investigations of the molecular aspects of Carbon dioxide hydrogenation on novel materials and Sustainable options in the oil and gas sector: Impact on innovative research and projects globally respectively.
Special Court POCSO (14th Additional Sessions Judge) Trupti Pandey sentenced accused Rohan Sahni guilty of raping a minor girl under section 376 (2) of the Indian Penal Code and 5L/6, 5M/6 POCSO Act.
Sahni was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 376 (2) N IPC and 5L/6 POCSO Act and 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 376 (2) N IPC, 5M/6 POCSO/Act.
The decision has been passed. In the case, on behalf of the government, Special Public Prosecutor T.P. Gautam, Gunjan Gupta, Sarla Kahar have been represented.
On December 15, 2019, the complainant along with her parents appeared at Gandhi Nagar Police Station, District Bhopal and informed that on December 14, 2019 at 07:00 pm, his minor sister was sleeping near him and when he went to the washroom during which accused Rohan Sahni was molesting her sister .
He told everything to parents and the next day filed a written complaint in the police station. On the basis of information about the above incident under Section 376(2)N IPC and 5L, 5N/6 POCSO Act and taken for investigation. The court found guilty and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 under 376 (2) N Bhadvi and 5L/6 POCSO Act. Under Section 376 (2) N, Indian Penal Code 5M/6 POCSO Act, a verdict of 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 has been passed.
Police on Wednesday arrested six members of a dacoity gang from Udit Nagar in Rourkela and seized some arms from their possession.
The arrested were identified as Rahul Gope (19), Rohit Nayak (24), Sonu Sahu (37), Raja Yadav Suraj Mahato (26), and Md. Irshad (26). All the accused are residents of Rourkelas Udit Nagar and Plant Site police station area.
Police have seized three pistols, a toy pistol, a mobile phone, six live bullets and a chopper, three iron rods and hexa blades from the possession of the accused.
Police had got inputs of about 10 persons with firearms had congregated at the DAV field near a pond and were preparing to commit dacoity in Basanti Colony on Tuesday night.
Immediately a police team raided the place leading to arrests and seizure of firearms and ammunition. However, four persons managed to give a slip to police.
Professor (Dr) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal, engaged in a courtesy visit today with Shri Rajendra Shukla, the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare, Medical Education, Madhya Pradesh Government. The meeting focused on fostering Integrative Health Services and exploring innovative healthcare solutions for the state.
One of the major outcomes of the discussion was the announcement of AIIMS Bhopal's initiative to launch e-ICU services for the hospitals under the purview of the Madhya Pradesh Government. This groundbreaking step is poised to enhance critical care services and improve patient outcomes across the state.
Furthermore, both parties deliberated on the implementation of the 'One State One Health' policy. AIIMS Bhopal has committed its expertise to assist the Madhya Pradesh Government in realizing this visionary policy. Once successfully implemented, Madhya Pradesh will be the first state in the country to achieve the One State One Health milestone, a testament to the collaborative efforts between AIIMS and the state government.
Recognizing the need for educational support, AIIMS Bhopal will extend its assistance to the newly established medical colleges of the Madhya Pradesh Government by launching e-classrooms. This initiative aims to provide students in these institutions with access to lectures from experienced faculty members of AIIMS Bhopal, enhancing the quality of medical education in the state.
During the meeting, Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh also raised the critical issue of cancer treatment for Bhopal Gas tragedy victims. He requested the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister to expedite the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the treatment of cancer patients affected by the tragedy.
In response, Shri Rajendra Shukla, the Deputy Chief Minister, assured Prof. (Dr) Ajai Singh of the Government's full support in realizing these healthcare initiatives. The commitment from the government reinforces the collaborative spirit between AIIMS Bhopal and the state, ensuring the delivery of improved and accessible healthcare services to the people of Madhya Pradesh.
Ahead of the consecration ceremony, a spiritual ambience has engulfed Ayodhya with the resonating chants of Jai Shri Ram emerging from every shop, house, road and pathway, permeating the air. A harmonious blend of heritage and modernity characterises the new Ayodhya, evident in its ornate decorations and cultural richness.
Guided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the modern Ayodhya is transforming into a spectacle reminiscent of the splendour of the Treta Yuga. The Ram flags proudly waving on the shops of Rampath offer a captivating sight to the devotees.
The splendour that greets a visitor while entering Ayodhya from Ram Ghat is reminiscent of the spectacular Diwali celebrations. Melodious songs like Ayodhya ab sajne lagi hai and Ayodhya ke raja Bharat hai aapka- mahalon mein aao swagat hai aapka resonate through the air, evoking excitement in the hearts of devotees.
Navya Ayodhya seamlessly combines heritage and modernity, which is evident in the installation of vintage, artistically crafted street light lamp posts. These poles not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the city, but also feature Shri Rams bow and arrow, showcasing a unique beauty.
When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath initiated the beautification of Ramnagari, his vision was to infuse the city with the grandeur reminiscent of Treta Yuga. Every detail, no matter how small, was meticulously attended to. Following road widening, shops were adorned anew, featuring Ram, Jai Shri Ram and flag motifs on their shutters.
The proclamation of Jai Shri Ram echoes through the stones embedded in the walls and doors of the renovated houses, shops and temples. Whether it is the residences near Saptasagar Colony or the houses behind Tulsi Udyan, the doors are adorned with a welcoming homage to Shri Ram. Some display a picture of Shri Ram while others feature Gajanan Maharaj.
Visitors, like Manorama from Basti or Geeta from Gorakhpur, who took the Makar Sankranti bath, and Ramprasad from Deoria, and are revisiting Ayodhya after years, are captivated by the familiar saffron hues on Rampath. They feel transported to a bygone era, imagining that Treta Yuga Ayodhya must have exuded a similar charm. As they witness the saffron flags fluttering on the decorated shops, the devotees enthusiastically chant Jai Shri Ram, attributing the grandeur to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths contributions, including mural paintings and facade lights.
Delhi PWD Minister Atishi has informed that the underpass constructed on Bhairon Marg will be opened to the public soon, providing relief from traffic congestion for hundreds of vehicles traveling daily from Central Delhi to Trans Yamuna and Noida. On Thursday, Atishi inspected the underpass and directed officials to expedite the remaining work, with instructions to open the underpass for traffic at the earliest.
The PWD Minister said, "After the underpass is operational, daily commuters from Central and New Delhi to destinations like Ring Road, Trans Yamuna, East Delhi, and Noida will find their journey more convenient. This will eliminate the need for a U-turn of approximately 1.5 km near the ITO depot, which is currently being used by the public. Vehicles can now travel directly from Bhairon Marg to Ring Road by using the underpass. This will reduce the traffic load on the Pragati Maidan tunnel, and evening traffic at this location will also be lessened. During this inspection, Atishi stated that with the underpass on Bhairon Marg being a significant effort in this direction.
The underpass, constructed with exceptional engineering, will benefit daily commuters from Central Delhi to Trans Yamuna and Noida, saving time and fuel costs. People will now be able to reach home quickly, spending precious time with family and loved ones, while also contributing to traffic decongestion.
The meeting of BJP Scheduled Tribe Morcha was held in the state office. The meeting was held with the preparations for the National Tribal Conference to be held in Ranchi on 11 February. State officials, State Working Committee members, District Presidents participated in the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, State President Babulal Marandi said that more than 1 lakh tribals will participate in the tribal conference to be organized by Tribal Morcha in Ranchi on February 11. For this, every worker of the Morcha should go to every village and booth and inform people about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the tribal society.
Marandi said that this conference will be historic and will prove to be a milestone on the state and national stage. Marandi said that Morcha workers have increased responsibility on their shoulders.
Making the daughter of the tribal community the President, separating the state of Jharkhand, creating the Tribal Ministry, declaring Tribal Pride Day on the birth anniversary of Dharti Aba Birsa Munda, 8 tribal ministers in the Modi cabinet, PM Jan-Man Yojana, etc. are many such works which are being done by the tribal community. Connects PM Narendra Modi and BJP. Morcha State President Shivshankar Oraon has been made the coordinator of the program.
Tribal representatives from all the states like Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, North East will participate in the conference. Everyone will see a scene of their culture with their traditional costumes, dance, music and musical instruments.
In the meeting, Morcha President Shivshankar Oraon, State Vice President Badkunwar Gagrai, State Minister Durga Marandi, Morcha in-charge Ramkumar Pahan, Ashok Badaik, Gangotri Kujur, Bindeshwar Oraon, Vijay Melgandi, Ravi Munda, Rajendra Munda, Geeta Balmuchu, Sukhmani Hemrom, Avadhesh Singh Chero, Bhushan Path Pinguwa, Roshni Khalkho, Jagannath Munda, Salkhu Soren, Nakul Tirkey, Sunil Fakira Kachhap, Priya Karmali, Ram Singh Munda, Kaju Sandilya, Arjun Munda and many others were present.
Bauri demands Jan 22 as public holiday
BJP legislative party leader Amar Kumar Bauri has written a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren urging that Jharkhand government should declare January 22 as a holiday. Along with this, he has also requested a ban on the sale of meat and liquor on the day.
The BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh and Goa have already declared January 22 as public holiday with all educational institutions closed on that day, while Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh have announced a ban on sale of liquor and meat products on January 22.
The decade-long wait of lord Rama's devotees is going to end in January 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform 'pran prathistha' of Ram Lalla at the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024
In his letter, Bauri has said that 22 January 2024 is the day in Indian history for which the people of India were waiting for centuries. This day has come as a good fortune to all of us. After such a long struggle, sacrifice and penance, we are re-establishing our beloved Ramlala in Ayodhyadham. Our pride on this day also increases because Lord Shri Ram also had special love for Jharkhand. Jharkhand is also the birthplace of Hanuman ji, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the 'Business Blasters' programme will be introduced in Delhi Government-funded colleges and grants for the curriculum are being sanctioned.
Addressing the students and teachers at the Excellence in Education Awards of the Delhi government, Kejriwal said, "Business Blasters programme shaped the students' mindset of becoming job givers and not seekers." "We aim to introduce the same curriculum in the colleges funded by our government. Funds are being sanctioned to those colleges to begin this curriculum," he said.
The programme is an extended practical component of the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum that provides Class 11 and Class 12 students with Rs 2,000 each in seed money for developing business ideas.
Fifty-one government and private schools were awarded the 'Excellence in Education Award' of the Delhi government under seven categories by the chief minister and Education Minister Atishi.
Kejriwal further said the credit for the "education revolution" in the national capital should be given to the teachers of the government schools. These schools have surpassed the private schools in all aspects, he said.
"We haven't changed the teachers, we only gave them an environment to excel. Even the underprivileged children get the best education in Delhi today," the chief minister said.
Kejriwal said Delhi government school teachers are "nothing less than role models" for the students."When the students were receiving awards, most of them told me they wanted to become teachers when they grew up. Hence, it proves that Delhi government school teachers are nothing less than a role model to these students," he said.
While Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya (Rajokari) received the 'Chief Minister trophy' for the state's best school, 13 schools received the 'Education Minister trophy' for best district school. Twenty schools were awarded 'Zonal best schools', and 12 schools were awarded for best management committee.
Speaking at the event, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said more than 23,000 children with special needs are studying in Delhi government schools and specialised teachers have been provided by the government for them.
"Children with special needs get special treatment in our schools now. There are more than 23,000 children studying in Delhi government schools and we have also provided specialised teachers for them too," Atishi said.
She further said that parents and school management committees played a crucial role in development of the government schools in the last nine years.
"Not just academic performance, children get a vast range of curricular activities in Delhi government schools. Parents and school management committees also played a crucial role in the development of these schools," Atishi said.
Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for Thursday in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday to discuss the strategy to defeat BJP.
A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. "There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress," senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal said, adding that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. He said this victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
AAP MP Raghav Chadha has expressed confidence that the opposition alliance 'India' will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Both AAP and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance at the national level. "The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," Chadha stated.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh Congress leaders on Wednesday met party councillor Jasbir Singh Bunty at his home here after the Congress moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court with a habeas corpus petition, accusing police of not allowing them to meet him.
The development came a day after a scuffle broke out between BJP and Congress-AAP workers when Bunty came to withdraw his nomination papers from the post of mayor at the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation office. President of the Congress' Chandigarh unit H S Lucky had alleged that BJP workers had tried to take Bunty away forcibly from the corporation's office. The Congress had also accused the BJP of misusing police to poach him.
Lucky said he was allowed to meet Bunty at his residence here by police. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal also met the councillor. During the meeting, Bunty reiterated that he was with the Congress, Lucky said. Bunty and his father also posed for a photo with Bansal and Lucky. Lucky said he had moved the high court on Tuesday night against the Chandigarh Police for not allowing Congress leaders to meet Bunty, alleging he had been "detained" at his residence.
The BJP has rejected the allegations, saying it was Bunty's father who had alleged that he was not allowed to meet his son by the Congress. In the habeas corpus, the petitioner's counsel submitted before Justice Alok Jain that police authorities were not letting Bunty move freely which is a violation of his fundamental rights.
Following the scuffle between BJP and Congress-AAP workers, police had brought Bunty to his residence in Attawa here from the municipal corporation's office. Several policemen have been deployed outside the Bunty's residence. Bunty was initially the Congress' candidate for the post of mayor. But after the Congress and the AAP sealed an alliance for the mayoral posts, a decision was taken that the AAP would fight for the post of mayor and the Congress nominees would contest the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor.
In the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 14 councillors. It also has an ex-officio member MP who has voting rights. The AAP has 13 councillors and the Congress seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor in the House.
To facilitate Ram devotees and tourists visiting Ayodhya Dham, the Yogi Adityanath government is introducing helicopter services to Ramnagri from six districts of the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inaugurate the helicopter service from Lucknow.
The government has also fixed the fare of helicopter service.
Ram devotees and tourists will be offered helicopter services from Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Mathura and Agra. Plans are underway to expand this service to more districts of the state in the near future, a government official said.
In addition to this, the Yogi government is introducing an aerial darshan of Ayodhya city and the Ram temple for devotees. The Tourism department has been assigned responsibility for this initiative. Devotees interested in having aerial darshan will need to make advance bookings to avail of the facility.
Principal Secretary (Tourism) Mukesh Meshram said for aerial darshan of the Ram temple, the helicopter rides will take off from the helipad near the Tourism Guest House along the banks of the river Sarayu.
The devotees will enjoy an aerial tour covering renowned tourist destinations, including Ram temple, Hanuman Garhi and Sarayu ghat. The duration of this air journey is set at a maximum of 15 minutes, with a fixed fare of Rs 3,539 per devotee.
Each helicopter ride can accommodate up to five devotees, with a weight limit of 400 kg. Devotees are allowed to carry a maximum of 5 kg of luggage. Additionally, helicopter services will be available for the 126-km distance from Gorakhpur to Ayodhya Dham, completing the journey in 40 minutes. The fare for this service is fixed at Rs 11,327 per devotee, Meshram pointed out.
Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra said in the first phase, helicopter service was being started from six religious places, including the capital Lucknow and in the coming time, it would be expanded as per demand.
Mishra shared that devotees could access the helicopter services from Namo Ghat in Varanasi, covering a distance of 160 km in just 55 minutes, with a fixed fare of Rs 14,159 per devotee.
Additionally, services are available from Ramabai ground in Lucknow, covering 132 km in 45 minutes at the same fare.
Helicopter services are also available from the helipad near the Tourism Guest House in Prayagraj, covering 157 km in 50 minutes with a fare of Rs 14,159 per devotee. Furthermore, devotees can opt for helicopter services from the helipad near Govardhan Parikrama in Barsana, Mathura, and the helipad near Agra Expressway in Agra. These longer routes, spanning 456 km and 440 km, respectively, take 135 minutes, with a fixed fare of Rs 35,399 per devotee.
It is important to note that the fixed-fares for helicopter services are one-way, and devotees traveling from Ayodhya Dham will need to pay the revised fare. The frequency of helicopter flights to Ayodhya Dham will be adjusted based on the number of devotees, ensuring a daily service from each destination.
"I'm worried about the future of my children." I'm thinking about returning to Abyei so that I could provide an education for my children. But if the war comes to an end I'll return to Khartoum and my house as soon as possible, and my husband will be able to work." Photographer: Fais Abubakr | 10/12/2023 | Alsafat Camp, Wad Madani
Port Sudan / Amsterdam The government of Sudan has suspended cooperation with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), after it included discussions on the situation in Sudan on the agenda of its upcoming 42nd Extraordinary Summit, scheduled to take place tomorrow in the Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is suspending all engagement with IGAD. This decision follows IGAD's "intrusive" inclusion of the situation in Sudan "without prior consultation", and its invitation of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo, to the summit.
According to the statement, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali El Sadig "conveyed the Sudanese government's decision to suspend cooperation with IGAD" to his Djiboutian counterpart, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who serves as the chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers.
The foreign ministry expressed discontent at "IGAD's transgression" by adding the situation in Sudan to the 42nd Extraordinary Summit's agenda, adding that IGAD "acted without prior consultation with the government of Sudan".
Additionally, the Ministry criticised the Summit's decision to invite "militia leader" Hemedti, commander of the RSF, deeming it a "dangerous precedent".
"The Ministry considers this move a violation of Sudan's sovereignty and a serious breach of the IGAD charter and its governing rules", the statement asserts.
'Acting in haste'
In an interview with Radio Dabanga, former Sudanese ambassador Abdelrahim Siddig says he believes that Sudan is "acting in haste" by severing ties with IGAD. "A more suitable and effective approach, considering that Sudan is an IGAD member, would have been to refrain from cutting ties and to instead request IGAD to clarify the role Hemedti will play in the upcoming summit."
Siddig emphasised that the Sudanese government and IGAD need to engage in diplomatic efforts to clarify "whether Hemedti's is invited to attend the entire summit or to discussions related to the situation in Sudan".
If Hemedti's participation is at summit level, the former ambassador said, the government had the right to reject it, "as he [Hemedti] neither represents the government nor holds an official status that allows him to participate.
"If, however, Hemedti's involvement was related to discussing Sudanese issues within the framework of measures taken at IGAD's 41st Extraordinary Summit in December", including a proposed meeting between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) Commander-in-Chief Abdelfattah El Burhan and RSF Commander Hemedti, "such participation would be very appropriate".
Regarding what the Foreign Ministry statement described as the "intrusive inclusion" of Sudan on the summit agenda, Siddig explained that "like all international and regional organisations, IGAD has provisions and rules for their work procedures, and internal procedures that govern their work".
"If these measures permit the invitation of parties to the Sudanese crisis for engagement in resolving the issue, acceptance becomes imperative. Rejection, unless grounded in the organisation's rules and foundations, lacks a valid basis."
Addressing whether it is possible for IGAD to proceed in discussing the Sudan issue, the former ambassador emphasised that the objective of any organisation's steps, procedures, and communications is not solely to address the issue and announce it in the media. "Instead, these actions are linked to achieving tangible results and determining the direction they will take. If a party is unwilling to cooperate, the outcomes of the procedures and efforts become futile."
Siddig did not dismiss the possibility of the war file in Sudan returning to the Jeddah platform, "as it remains an ongoing process". He believed there was no indication to suggest that the IGAD platform is the exclusive venue for these discussions.
"If anything, the calls issued by the IGAD summit aimed at creating a link between all efforts, including the Jeddah platform and the IGAD initiative."
Tense relations
Relations between the Sudanese government and several IGAD countries have been strained since the outbreak of the war between the army and the RSF.
In June 2023, Sudan's Sovereignty Council, chaired by El Burhan, declared that Kenya, an IGAD member, is not neutral and is home to RSF rebel leaders."
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Following the IGAD session on Sudan in Djibouti on December 9, in which member states agreed to redouble efforts for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war between the SAF and the RSF, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied El Burhan's agreement to meet with Hemedti without conditions, stating that content of the communique "was not based on consensus nor legally binding."
Another challenge facing IGAD's role is the official reception and hospitality received by Hemedti during his Africa tour, in which he was hosted by the heads of four IGAD member states, including chairperson Ismail Guelleh, the President of Djibouti.
In an address to the Sudanese people on December 31, Sudan's junta leader Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan lashed out at countries that received Hemedti on his current tour, accusing them of "partnering in the crimes committed by these murderers".
On January 4, acting FA Minister Ali El Sadig announced that Sudan summoned the Kenyan ambassador to protest against the official reception of Hemedti by the Kenyan president.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Air India Express air services between Ayodhya and Kolkata and Bengaluru on Wednesday through a video conference from his official residence in Lucknow.
He said that Ayodhya was becoming a prominent city for tourists in India and globally.
Ayodhya already has a large number of local devotees, but considering the excitement nationwide, efforts have been made to facilitate the arrival of pilgrims here. The work done by the Civil Aviation Ministry in this regard is commendable, he remarked.
Chief Minister Yogi expressed gratitude to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and General VK Singh for their special focus on enhancing Uttar Pradeshs connectivity, providing all possible support.
He said, Under the leadership of Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, Uttar Pradesh has shown excellent results in this direction, not only welcoming new airports in the past nine years but also becoming a significant state in terms of air connectivity with four international airports.
Chief Minister Yogi mentioned that on December 30, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya, marking a milestone. He expressed his pleasure for the commencement of air services between Ayodhya and Kolkata and Bengaluru after the starting of air connectivity between Ayodhya and Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Chief Minister Yogi further mentioned that Ayodhya not only symbolises Indias ancient faith but Lord Shri Ram is also an embodiment of the pursuit of human beings for dharma, artha, kama and moksha. There is eagerness and enthusiasm throughout the country for Lord Rams arrival in Ayodhya, he added.
The chief minister said, Six years ago, 4-lane connectivity, doubling of the railway line, cruise services in the sacred Sarayu river, and an international airport (in Ayodhya) only existed in ones imagination. Today, it is a reality that all these services are available in Ayodhya. Success in implementing these is due to the guidance and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the efficiency and decisiveness of the double-engine government, and the crucial role played by local representatives.
Chief Minister Yogi mentioned that the Uttar Pradesh government has already allocated 821 acres of land to the Civil Aviation Ministry in Ayodhya. Currently, 500 pilgrims can utilise the ground facility simultaneously, and eight aircraft can land there. Parking facilities have also been provided. Keeping in mind the future possibilities outlined in the plan by the Civil Aviation Ministry, the state government will actively support the entire programme, he stated.
He expressed joy that with the commencement of air services between Bengaluru and Ayodhya, it would be easier to bring Hanuman jis message to Ayodhya from Karnataka.
The programme was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State General (Dr) VK Singh, Ayodhyas minister in-charge Surya Pratap Shahi, Ayodhyas MP Lallu Singh, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Ankur Garg, UPs Chief Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra, and Additional Chief Secretary (Civil Aviation) SP Goyal, along with dignitaries from Air India Express and Ayodhya, through video conferencing.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government is facing harsh criticism from the opposition, particularly the Congress, for allegedly squandering crores of rupees from the state exchequer on hiring expensive lawyers to pursue vendetta politics against their political opponents. The latest episode involves the hiring of senior Supreme Court lawyer Siddharth Luthra to contest the bail granted to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in an NDPS case.
Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa, commending the Supreme Court's dismissal of the AAP Government's plea against Khairas bail, strongly rebuked the Government's decision to engage a high-profile lawyer for this purpose. Bajwa accused the AAP government of misusing public funds for its vindictive political agenda.
Siddharth Luthra is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, charging hefty fees for each hearing. AAP government seems intoxicated with power, engaging in vendetta politics against opposition leaders, and shamelessly wasting Punjabs taxpayers money on its sordid agenda, said Bajwa.
Bajwa questioned the rationale behind the Government's choice to hire an expensive lawyer when it already has a team of lawyers, including Punjabs Advocate-General. He stressed that instead of indulging in vendetta politics, the Government should focus on utilizing resources and energy for the states development, especially considering the economic challenges and law and order issues prevailing in Punjab.
The leader of the Congress Legislative Party expressed concerns about the Government's priorities, stating, The economy of the state has already been in limbo, and essential activities of the government are running on borrowed money. The law and order situation in the state is deteriorating, yet Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the home portfolio, seems least bothered.
Out of jail, Khaira took to the social media demanding accountability for the government's expenditures on private lawyers. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Khaira questioned why over Rs five crores were spent on engaging lawyers against him, despite the government having a substantial team of over 200 advocates in the AG Office Punjab.
Khaira urged the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to clarify whether he would fulfill his promise to recover the fees paid by the previous government in the Mukhtar Ansari case and questioned the value gained by spending crores on settling political scores in court.
Punjab demands accountability as to why @BhagwantMann has spent over 5 Crores to engage private expensive lawyers to represent Govt against a small individual like me in Supreme Court & High Court in the NDPS etc cases, while the Govt has an army of over 200 Advocates in AG Office Punjab? CM must clarify if he will deposit this 5 Cr fees from his own pocket like he promised to recover 55 Lacs fees paid by @capt_amarinder govt in the Mukhtiar Ansari case? Bhagwant Mann should also clarify what has Punjab gained by spending crores of peoples money as fees to private lawyers merely to settle scores with opponents like me and yet losing in Supreme Court? he posted.
Notably, the Apex Court on Thursday morning refused to cancel Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira's bail in a 2015 drugs haul case, rejecting the AAP-led Punjab Government's appeal challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Courts order granting him the relief. Punjab government, a day before, had challenged the January 4 order in the Apex Court claiming that the High Court had not considered all facts of the case.
On January 4, Khaira, the MLA from Bholath assembly constituency was granted bail by the high court but was arrested in a fresh one related to alleged criminal intimidation.
Khaira was arrested in September last year in connection with the 2015 case, triggering accusations of political vendetta against the states ruling AAP from the Congress. He had been seeking bail after his alleged role in an NDPS Act case came to light during the probe by a special investigation team.
The drugs case was registered in March 2015 at Jalalabad in Fazilka. Nine people, including Gurdev Singh, allegedly a close aide of Khaira, were booked and convicted. Police had seized two kg of heroin, 24 gold biscuits, a country-made pistol, a .315-bore pistol and two Pakistani SIM cards from them.
He was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2021 on charges of money laundering linked to the 2015 case. He was granted bail in the money laundering case in 2022. In February 2023, the Apex Court had quashed the summons against Khaira in the 2015 case. On January 15, a local court in Kapurthala district of Punjab, granted bail to Khaira in the criminal intimidation case.
A significant CSR Committee meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri, took place at the Collectorate Auditorium, Jamshedpur. The session involved discussions on the utilization of CSR funds for the upcoming financial year and focused on collaborative efforts between companies and the administration.
Key points highlighted in the meeting: Action Plan Dedication: Company management pledged to dedicate the next year's action plan to CSR initiatives, aligning with the district's developmental goals.
Entrepreneurship Focus: The committee aims to foster the emergence of 200 entrepreneurs from the district within the next two years. District Magistrate emphasized leveraging local talent, especially youth, with a focus on sectors like health, education, social welfare, and employment generation.
Priority Areas: The CSR funds will be directed towards schemes prioritizing youth, women, social welfare, health, education, and employment generation. The goal is to create a positive impact on diverse aspects of community well-being.
Institutional Collaboration: Collaboration with institutions like Tata Foundation, NIT, and XLRI was encouraged to provide guidance and support to local youth, potentially revolutionizing employment generation in the district.
Transparency Emphasis: District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of transparency in the selection of CSR schemes to ensure a comprehensive and accountable use of funds.
Coordination with Administration: Highlighting the significance of coordination with the district administration, it was emphasized that a well-coordinated approach could enhance the effectiveness of CSR activities.
Avoiding Overlaps: The committee urged companies to adhere to the guidelines set by the State Government's Industries Department to prevent overlapping of schemes and maximize the impact of CSR initiatives.
Quality Focus: The meeting underscored the need for companies to align their CSR efforts with the specific needs and demands of the community, emphasizing quality work for broader societal interests.
The meeting was attended by key representatives, including Deputy Development Commissioner, Civil Surgeon, District Planning Officer, and CSR heads/managers of various companies, among others, showcasing a collective commitment to advancing social and economic upliftment in the district.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh will reach Joshimath in Chamoli district today. He will inaugurate the Dhak-Malari bridge constructed by the Border Roads Organisation and other projects in this border region. According to official sources, the Defence minister will arrive by helicopter at the army helipad in Joshimath at 12 PM. From here he will reach Dhak by road to inaugurate the newly constructed bridge on the Joshimath-Malari motor road. In addition to this bridge, he is slated to inaugurate 35 projects in various parts of the country. The Defence minister will also address a public gathering here on the occasion. Singhs programme is scheduled to last about an hour. The army, BRO and the district administration have made all necessary arrangements for the Defence ministers visit.
It is pertinent to mention here that Joshimath is the last major town in this region which borders China. The Union government has been developing roads and other basic infrastructure in the border regions of Uttarakhand which borders China and Nepal.
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In a twist of political events, Punjab finds itself at the center of a paradoxical scenario as the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the principal opposition party, Congress both integral members of the pan-India opposition bloc INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) are seemingly at odds within the State. Despite recently joining forces for January 18 (Thursday) mayoral polls in Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab, the Congress party has intensified its protests against the AAP-led Government, creating a visible rift within the opposition alliance.
Even as the top leaders of the two parties are holding meetings to cement the alliance under INDIA bloc, their leaders in Punjab chose to heighten criticism against one another instead of fostering unity, creating a discernible rift within the pan-India opposition alliance.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday reiterated that AAP would secure all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, later this year. Despite being part of the INDIA bloc with Congress, Mann hinted at a slim chance of alliance in Punjab, stating his reluctance to share any of the 13 Lok Sabha seats with another party.
Mann, speaking with the media on the sidelines of a government event, said: Punjab will emerge as a lighthouse by giving all the 13 seats of Lok Sabha to is in the coming general polls.
The State Government has done marvelous work for the welfare of the people, so the masses will once again stand with usHistory will be created in the State by 13-0, where 13 seats will be a verdict in favour of pro-people policies of the State Government and the opposition will be badly renounced by people for their anti-Punjab stance, he said.
Manns assertion came a day after senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member from Punjab Raghav Chadha characterized the alliance in Chandigarh for mayoral polls as the foundation stone for INDIAs fight against the BJP. Chadha, who met former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal on Wednesday, had also expressed confidence that Chandigarhs mayoral elections would reshape the political landscape, serving as the first direct contest between the BJP and the INDIA bloc.
Contrary to this, the Congress party, on the same day, had staged a massive protest on Tuesday focusing on the AAP-led Punjab Governments failure to maintain law and order in the state. Prominent leaders from the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) participated in the protest, including party chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and state party affairs in-charge Devendra Yadav.
During the protest in Kharar, Congress Legislative Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa declared that the internal issues within the INDIA bloc would be resolved in the next two days. Bajwa conveyed that all the speculations regarding Congress alliance with AAP in Punjab would be cleared in the coming days, as the state leaders have already communicated their stand to the high command.
As the political drama unfolds, the protests and statements from both AAP and Congress leaders underscore the challenges of maintaining a united front within the opposition bloc. With the Lok Sabha elections drawing nearer, the ability of the INDIA alliance to reconcile internal differences becomes crucial for presenting a cohesive alternative to the ruling party.
The unease within the alliance was fueled by a recent meeting in Delhi involving AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with prominent AAP leaders Chadha and Sandeep Pathak. The meeting triggered restlessness among Punjab's political leaders, especially in the Congress, intensifying speculation about the fate of the alliance.
While a senior Congress leader emphasized the partys stand against an alliance with AAP in Punjab, sources suggested that Congress MPs were in favour of such collaboration. As per the information available, the two parties have also discussed, in initial stages, the seat-sharing arrangements between them.
A senior Congress leader, requesting anonymity, has emphatically declared that majority of Congress party leaders in did not want an alliance with AAP in Punjab. However, insiders within the party revealed a complex narrative as the party MPs seem to be in favour of the idea.
Currently, out of the total 13 Lok Sabha seats, AAP has one sitting MP, while Congress holds seven seats including under suspension Patiala MP Preneet Kaur, the wife of former Chief Minister and now senior BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh. She was suspended from the party in 2023 for indulging in anti-party activities. In comparison, both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) each have two MPs. The remaining seat was held by pro-Khalistan ideologue and SAD (Amritsar-Mann) president Simranjit Singh Mann.
Seat-sharing discussions suggest that if an alliance is forged in Punjab, AAP would receive seven seats, and Congress would be allocated the remaining six, along with the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. A source within the Congress asserted that in this way, both the Congress and AAP will have seven seats each. Giving the mayors post to AAP is the part of this understanding, said the Congress leader.
Despite these talks, the Congress camp remains adamant that an alliance in Punjab is out of the question. A senior party leader emphasized that while collaborations might happen in other states, it is a different scenario in Punjab. The leaders in Punjab have been citing what they perceive as vendettas unleashed by AAP on Congress, referring to the recent action against Congress Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira by the Punjab Police in connection to a 2015 narcotics case. Khaira subsequently faced charges of criminal intimidation but has been granted bail in both cases. His arrest has become a contentious point between the two parties.
As the internal strife within the Congress party continues, the possibility of an alliance with AAP remains uncertain. The coming days are crucial as the party grapples with conflicting opinions from local leaders and MPs. The decision-making process is further complicated by the ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' embarked upon by Rahul Gandhi, potentially delaying a final decision on the alliance and leaving the political landscape in Punjab in a state of suspense.
In a major step towards tackling air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Wednesday informed about the state's action plan for the year 2024-25, saying it focuses on transitioning the state's bus fleet to cleaner alternatives, including electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses.
After participating in a virtual meeting convened by the Union Cabinet Secretary on air quality management in Delhi and the NCR region, Kaushal stated that State Transport Haryana has finalized the procurement of 375 e-buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model for operation in nine Municipal Corporation cities of Haryana. He also assured that all 375 e-buses would be inducted by June 2024.
Kaushal mentioned the procurement of 200 e-buses through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), initiated for induction in Gurugram and Faridabad (100 e-buses each). The induction of all 200 e-buses is expected to be completed by December 2024. State Transport Haryana plans to add 500 new Standard BS-VI diesel buses and 150 HVAC BS-VI diesel buses meeting the latest BS-VI emission norms during the financial year 2024-25. All these proposed new buses will be inducted into the bus fleet by November 2024, he added.
He emphasized that only BS-VI-compliant buses will be in operation by all depots of Haryana destined for Delhi. All BS-III-compliant buses will be phased out from NCR depots before October 2024. All State-owned BS-IV compliant buses of adjoining cities of Delhi, namely Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat, will be transferred to Non-NCR depots by October 2024. In their place, BS-VI-compliant diesel buses will be allotted, enhancing the fleet's environmental sustainability.
Presently, approximately 1030 BS-III compliant diesel buses are in operation in Haryana, with around 500 buses serving NCR depots. Kaushal stated that all 500 BS-III buses will be condemned and phased out from NCR depots by October 2024.
To address vehicular emissions, approximately 10 lakh vehicles have been color-coded in NCR districts to date. There is 100% adherence to regulations, with Registering Authorities refraining from issuing RCs without the mandatory affixation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and Colour-Coded stickers, as per the prescribed guidelines.
Additionally, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has launched a web portal for Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment, facilitating the registration of construction projects on plots exceeding 500 square meters in the NCR. As of January 16, 2024, 738 sites have been registered, showcasing a proactive approach to environmental management. He also highlighted the deployment of a significant number of mechanical sweeping machines in the NCR. He said that 534 Anti Smog Guns have been installed at the construction sites in NCR for dust suppression.
The Automotive Research Association in Pune has been entrusted with investigating pollution levels and carbon emissions in selected Haryana cities, including Gurugram, Panipat, and Sonipat. Plans for five additional districts, namely Rewari, Jhajjar, Jind, Rohtak, and Charkhi Dadri, are already underway, for which tenders have been issued.
Kaushal emphasized the State Government's proactive stance on stubble management, noting the establishment of paddy straw-based 2G ethanol plant by IOCL at Baholi, Panipat. This plant, with a total capacity of 100 KLPD each, is set to consume 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw annually. The state boasts 23 operational crop residue-based briquetting plants with a cumulative capacity of 2.30 lakh TPA, he added.
Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched the 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwaar' program, aimed at solving the problems of the people at their doorstep at Galore of Nadaun assembly constituency in Hamirpur district. As many as 87 complaints were received during the program and he directed to upload all these complaints on the Chief Minister Helpline.
The government is organising the program across the state to make people aware of the various policies, programmes and achievements of the state government during the last one year. The ministers and MLAs would also visit villages to inform people about the public welfare schemes being implemented so that the people could derive maximum benefits from them.
Considering that about 90 percent of the population of the state resides in villages and efforts would be made to strengthen the village economy in the coming budget, said the Chief Minister, adding, "The vision of prosperous Himachal will be realized only when our villages become self-reliant". The target has been set to make Himachal the most prosperous state of the country in the next 10 years, he remarked.
Huge debt was inherited due to excessive borrowings and poor fiscal mismanagement of funds by the previous BJP government, he said, adding that it is not the Congress to be blamed as the State was taking loan just to repay the interests amassed due to excessive loan amount taken by the previous BJP government. "We were well aware of this enormous debt yet fulfilling the promise made to the employees, we restored the OPS in the very first cabinet as promised in our election manifesto", he stated. A request was made to the Central Government to release Rs 9000 crore of NPS but the Union Government has not heeded to our request. Perhaps the Central Government was not in favour of restoring the OPS to the State employees, he said.
Sukhu said the state government is filling 20 thousand posts in various government departments. Along with this, projects related to e-taxi and solar energy have been started to promote self-employment. 4000 orphan children have been adopted as Children of the State. The state government will assist Rs 1.50 lakh to single women and widows to build houses. The Government will make provision for opening schools and colleges for special children in the next budget.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday directed the officers to check and review various developmental projects/works posted on the Jan Samvad portal every day. They should also take prompt action to ensure the timely completion of these projects by setting specific targets. Extensive planning of development initiatives by officials would significantly benefit the people of the state and the Government is committed to addressing and resolving all the demands and grievances voiced by citizens during the Jan Samvad program, he added.
Khattar said this while presiding over a meeting to review the progress of various development works and schemes of the Development and Panchayat Department here in Chandigarh. Development and Panchayats Minister Devender Singh Babli was also present on this occasion.
During the meeting to review the department's development initiatives, the Chief Minister highlighted the earlier approach of addressing demands for development works on an arbitrary basis. Recognizing this, the current state government initiated the Jan Samvad program in April of the previous year. The program serves to systematically register and prioritize demands received from the public, ensuring a more organized and responsive approach to implementation. As of now, approximately 70,000 demands and grievances related to development works have been documented on the Jan Samvad portal.
He informed that all demands received during the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Jan Samvad programs will also be uploaded to the portal. Subsequently, relevant departments will work diligently to expedite the implementation of these works on a priority basis. The Development and Panchayats Department holds a crucial role in this concerted effort, he added.
While emphasizing the effectiveness of the Jan Samvad Portal, Khattar said that it allows real-time access from Chandigarh to understand the specific demands of each area and identify pending works. This transparency enables the government to prioritize and expedite the completion of projects efficiently. He further assured that there is no scarcity of funds for rural development initiatives, expressing the readiness to increase the budget if necessary to ensure the timely execution of these works.
Khattar said that the state government will proactively involve university students, particularly those studying engineering, in expediting small-scale developmental projects in rural areas. The government will engage these students systematically in the preparation of rough estimates for minor development works in villages, such as street construction and repair/maintenance, Shivdham repairs, and similar projects. This initiative aims to expedite the implementation of development projects in response to demands received through Jan Samvad. However, all such works will be finalized only by the officials of the concerned department.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Development and Panchayats Department Anil Malik apprised the Chief Minister on the progress of the initiative and added that discussions regarding the engagement of university students had already taken place with the Vice Chancellors of three universities and the Haryana State Education Council. The Development and Panchayat Department has collaborated with the appointed officers from the universities, and a comprehensive two-day training program is scheduled for all such students. This will also be a better internship program for university students, providing them with valuable practical experience.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the utilization of grants from both the State Finance Commission and the Central Finance Commission. The Chief Minister also assessed the progress of development works in various entities, including Zilla Parishad, Gram Panchayat, and Panchayat Samiti, as well as projects related to Amrit Sarovar and Amrit Plus Sarovar. Subsequently, he provided necessary instructions to the officials. In addition, discussions were held regarding the mapping of development projects to ensure effective planning and execution.
Questioning the motive behind the Congress rally to bring justice to Ankita Bhandari, the Bharatiya Janata Party has stated that it is part of the Congress opportunistic and selfish politics. The BJP State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said that the law will ensure justice to Bhandari, not the Congress.
Interacting with media persons here on Wednesday, Chauhan said that the investigation agencies have completed the exercise to ensure justice to Bhandari. In the past, the Congress had taken out a Swabhiman Yatra on this issue and had ended it by insulting the people of Uttarakhand. The judicial process in the unfortunate Ankita Bhandari case is in a decisive phase. All the accused are in jail due to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhamis sensitivity and seriousness. The court and the public are satisfied with the investigation process till now but the Congress is not politically satisfied. With its rally started now, the Congress is insulting the judicial process and acting unfairly towards the victim. All have faith that the manner in which the investigation agencies
Collected evidence using scientific and traditional ways and presented it in the court, the guilty will be brought to book. However, the Congress is without an issue and is playing politics by spreading lies and confusion on this issue. This Yatra of the Congress is not for justice to Ankita but for its leaders seeking political justice from the public in the coming elections, Chauhan said.
He further said that in the past the Congress had taken out a Swabhiman Nyay Yatra in the Garhwal Lok Sabha constituency, which was rejected by the public. As a result, they blamed the public for the failure with the Pradesh Congress Committee president and other leaders also using objectionable words for the people of Garhwal and Uttarakhand. The situation for the Congress this time is worse than it was during its previous Yatra, he added.
The little relief from the harsh cold weather conditions has gone due to northern winds, many cities of Madhya Pradesh are shivering even during the day. Khajuraho was the coldest in the state on Thursday.
The temperature in Khajuraho was recorded at 13.5 degrees Celsius. The mercury in Gwalior was 14.7 degree Celsius. It was a cold day in Khajuraho and Gwalior due to temperature below 15 degrees.
The Education Department has issued orders to open schools in the Gwalior-Chambal division from 11 am and this order would remain till January 31. In other districts, collectors will take decisions regarding school timings keeping in mind the weather.
The temperature remained below 20 degrees Celsius in Nowgong, Tikamgarh, Satna and Sidhi. Light rain also occurred in Malajkhand of Balaghat district. In the major cities mercury was recorded at 24.3 degrees in Bhopal, 24.5 degrees in Indore, 22.2 degrees in Jabalpur and 25.2 degrees Celsius in Ujjain. The highest temperature was recorded in Khargone at 28.8 degrees. The temperature in Ratlam and Khandwa also remained more than 26 degrees Celsius.
Due to fog on Thursday morning, visibility remained between 50 to 200 meters in Ratlam, Damoh, Khajuraho, Rewa, Sidhi, Tikamgarh, Umaria. Rail traffic is also badly affected due to bad weather. Trains coming from Mumbai and Delhi are running late by 5 to 12 hours. Flights have also been affected.
The Meteorological Department said that Western Disturbance is active in North India. Its effect is less in the state, but icy winds have started coming. Due to this, the daily weather in the state has changed. After January 20, the nights will become even colder.
On Thursday, there was moderate to dense fog in Bhind, Gwalior, Morena, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj. Light to moderate fog was recorded in Ashoknagar. Minimum visibility was 50 meters in Rewa and Tikamgarh. At the same time, visibility was 200 meters in Damoh and Jabalpur, 300 meters at Khajuraho and Gwalior airports, and 500 meters in Ratlam, Sidhi, Umaria districts.
Indigo canceled two flights in Bhopal for the second consecutive day due to bad weather. This includes the 11:30 am flight from Prayagraj and the night flight from Mumbai. The company informed the passengers about this through SMS.
Due to fog, Air India's flight from Bengaluru on Wednesday reached Gwalior about 5 hours behind schedule. The flight coming from Delhi was delayed by about 6 hours and reached Gwalior at 9 pm instead of 3 pm.
School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh has said that children should be given regular information in schools about the importance of Indian culture and our ancient traditions, which will strengthen children's respect for their country. The School Education Minister was addressing the Text Book Standing Committee in the Mantralaya today. Principal Secretary School Education Smt. Rashmi Arun Shami was also present on this occasion.
At the outset of the meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Prakash C. Bartunia gave information about the activities of the Committee and the process of preparing syllabus of text books. The School Education Minister told the members that there is a need to educate children about traffic rules in schools right from the beginning to prevent road accidents. Teachers can decide this class wise and give this information in a useful manner. He said that joint family system is the identity of India. Explaining its importance will boost family relationships among children. This requires special attention. The School Education Minister told the departmental officers that the text books of the children should be available on time in the next academic session. This arrangement should be ensured from now on.
The School Education Minister said that on the birth anniversaries of great personalities and festivals, children should be given information about its significance. He laid emphasis on the publication of books focused on tribal great personalities of the state.
Explain the importance of cow
The School Education Minister said that cow has special importance in Indian culture. Children should be told about this from an early age. This will increase children's respect for the cow and they will be able to take good care of the cow. Minister Singh gave instructions to increase activities in schools on the theme of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
School's Bal Sabha
School Education Minister Singh apprised himself about the arrangements for Bal Sabha to be held every Saturday up to class 8. The School Education Minister said that there is a need to provide information about the ill effects of drug addiction and social evils in the Bal Sabha.
It was decided in the meeting that services of psychological experts would be ensured in schools. This will eliminate the feelings of disappointment in children. Members Dr. Bhagirath Kumrawat, Dr. Raghuveer Prasad Goswami, Jeevan Prakash Arya, Dr. Anoop Jain, Dr. Vinay Singh Chouhan, Sushma Yaduvanshi, Dr. Manmohan Prakash Srivastava and Committee Member Secretary Director Rajya Shiksha Kendra Dhanraju S were also present in the meeting.
After the defeat in the assembly elections, Congress is busy strengthening its organization but the building of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Office built on Link Road Number 1 of Bhopal is becoming weak. Many cracks have appeared in the walls. The tiles on the walls are also falling off. From office walls to boundary walls have also been damaged at many places.
In the year 1997, the foundation stone of the newly constructed building of the State Congress Office was laid.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sitaram Kesari had laid the foundation stone for the construction work of the new PCC building on January 29 in the presence of the then CM Digvijay Singh and State Congress President Parasram Bhardwaj.
The state Congress office was ready in 9 years and 5 months. The new PCC headquarters was inaugurated on July 03, 2006 by the then National President of Congress Sonia Gandhi under the chairmanship of State Congress President Subhash Yadav.
The foundation stone of the new PCC building was laid in 1997. The newly constructed building of Congress was inaugurated in 2006.
Last year, PCC Chief Kamal Nath had visited the basement of PCC and inspected it. On the advice of architects, Kamal Nath got the garbage filled in the basement of PCC cleaned and prepared an underground office here. The basement used to be filled with water every year during the rainy season. The technical team had prepared the underground office by eliminating the problem of leakage and drainage in the basement. Rooms have been set up here for ST Congress spokespersons and officials of various departments.
Congress leaders discussed the issue of building a new PCC building. There was also discussion about demolishing the existing building and constructing a 6-storey office with all facilities, but this issue remained limited to discussion only.
Even during the Chief Ministership of Digvijay Singh, there were talks about allotting new land for the Congress office and building a multi-storey office. But some constructive action regarding the new office could not proceed.
While the Congress office building is falling into disrepair, the BJP is demolishing the office building at stop number seven and building a new multi-storey hi-tech office. Last year, BJP national president JP Nadda had performed the bhoomi pujan of the new office building.
Under the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, with the aim of spreading information about the schemes of the Government of India to the common citizens and benefiting from public welfare schemes, a citizen awareness vehicle was flagged off under the leadership of Municipal Council Administrator Jaipal Singh on Tuesday and publicity was spread in the city area. Was dispatched to. Also, an oath was taken with the common people in the Municipal Council premises to make India a developed nation by the year 2047.
On the occasion, Administrator Jaipal Singh said that under the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra, this Bharat Sankalp Yatra publicity vehicle has been launched with the aim of providing information about the schemes of the Government of India to the common citizens and to benefit from public welfare schemes. In this Sankalp Yatra campaign vehicle will go to every ward of the city area and detailed description of the schemes run by the Central Government and information will be given to the citizens with the help of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's audio message and banner.
He said that through the promotional vehicle, citizens will be informed about important schemes of the Government of India, such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana. Nation Ration Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana etc. Apart from Municipal Council Administrator Jaipal Singh, a large number of Municipal Council officers, employees and citizens including City Manager Vijay Kumar, City Manager Anil Kumar, Kiran Oraon etc. were present in the program.
Following the instructions of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, a special cleanliness campaign is being conducted in all the government offices of the state from January 16 to 21, 2024.
In this series, on the instructions of DGP Sudhir Saxena, on January 18, all the police offices, residential complexes, police stations, outposts, police lines, companies, battalions and police headquarters of entire Madhya Pradesh were cleaned.
Special cleaning campaigns were also conducted in temples located in various police units of the state.
Zonal Additional Director General of Police, Inspector General of Police, Range Deputy Inspector General of Police, Superintendent of Police, fighters, all gazetted officers of units, in-charges of all police stations and posts were involved in the campaign.
During this campaign, government property was systematically maintained in the record rooms of all police departments and police stations and warehouses of police stations. At the police headquarters also, senior officers of various branches cleaned the record rooms of their offices.
DGP Sudhir Saxena reached the police line in Nehru Nagar and participated in the cleaning of the premises. During this, along with him, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra and senior officers and employees also took part in the special cleanliness campaign. From here he reached the 25th Battalion. Here he cleaned the canteen and park and inspected the premises.
After reaching the battalion school, he talked to the children and gave the message of cleanliness. Observed the cleanliness system in Disha Learning Center and Hospital. The DGP also took stock of the cleanliness system in the 23rd battalion. DGP also reached Dial 100 and Telecom Headquarters. After this the DGP reached the police headquarters and inspected the cleanliness in the record room.
DGP Sudhir Saxena also honored Swachhata Mitra Lalita Bai at the police line in Nehru Nagar. Also, Assistant Sub Inspector Nemchand Sahu in charge of cleanliness and Inspector Sunil Dubey for the cleanest house were honored with mementos.
During the cleanliness drive, residential complexes, mess and hospitals were also cleaned. During this time, such places were also identified where there is often filth due to excessive traffic or other reasons. Apart from this, arrangements for placement of permanent and temporary dustbins and removal of broken dustbins are also being ensured in all police units. Members of the police family also took part in the cleanliness drive conducted in residential complexes.
DGP Sudhir Saxena said that cleanliness has great importance in our lives. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched across the country under the guidance of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. On the instructions of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, a cleanliness campaign is being run across the state in connection with the consecration ceremony of Lord Shri Ram on January 22 in Ayodhya. DGP said that cleanliness is an important aspect of our life and it should be included in our priority. While working in a clean environment infuses new energy into the policemen, the common people are also able to express their views fearlessly in the clean and positive environment of the police stations.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla has instructed to complete the necessary formalities for recruitment process of the sanctioned posts in the Health Department instantly. The examination for the sanctioned post has been conducted by Madhya Pradesh Staff Selection Board. He instructed to prioritze resolving the issues of departmental co-ordination to release their final results. Deputy Chief Minister Shukla today took a meeting regarding recruitments to vacant posts of Health Department in Mantralaya.
The deputy Chief minister emphasized the significance of a service-oriented approach, highlighting the crucial role of health officer and paramedical staff play in the states healthcare system for the well-being of the entire state. He directed that in matters related to departmental co-ordination, the concerned officers should establish regular contact and ensure resolving the issues. The deputy Chief minister asked the Staff Selection Board to release the results of 2576 posts of ANM, 140 posts of Radiographer, 265 posts of Lab Technician and 472 posts of Pharmacist Grade-2, a total of 3453 posts soon.
Undeterred by recent death threats issued by pro-Khalistani ideologue and member of the banned radical outfit Sikhs for Justice Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Punjab.
Pannuns threats, issued via a video message on Tuesday, targeted not only Chief Minister Mann but also the state DGP Gaurav Yadav, besides posing a challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the Republic Day function without security cover.
Mann, addressing the media at an event where job letters were handed over to the youth, dismissed the threats, asserting that he is the custodian of peace, progress, and prosperity in the state. He stated that intimidation and threats are natural outcomes of the zero-tolerance policy adopted by the State Government against anti-Punjab forces. He emphasized that the Government would not allow such forces to disrupt the hard-earned peace of the state.
Highlighting the challenges faced by Punjab as a border state, the Chief Minister expressed the Government's commitment to face such threats valiantly without succumbing to intimidation. He acknowledged the presence of masterminds behind anti-Punjab stances taking shelter abroad and revealed ongoing efforts to bring them back and hold them accountable for their actions. Mann urged the countries harbouring such criminals to cooperate in extraditing them for the larger interest of world peace.
About the recent threat from Pannun, the Chief Minister underscored the need for the Indian Government to take steps to bring back anti-national criminals to the country and ensuring legal consequences for their actions.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday questioned the silence of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committees (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami over the statement of Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal to equate the election symbol of Shiromani Akali Dal with that of scales of Sikhs first master, Guru Nanak Dev.
It is surprising that though Harsimrat Badal had bruised the psyche of every Sikh by giving such irresponsible and baseless statements, SGPC is mum over the issue. This reflects that Dhami is nothing more than a loyal volunteer of the Akali Dal in general and the Badal family in particular, said Mann.
It is surprising that the SGPC chief has turned a blind eye towards all the misdeeds of his masters thereby hurting the sentiments of the entire Sikh community, said Mann.
The Chief Minister said that Harsimrat Badals statement came on the day of Maghi but the stoic silence of Dhami over the entire issue, even after passing of so many days, has vindicated his stand that SGPC chief is merely a puppet in hands of Badals.
Surprisingly, the SGPC chief sees no wrong in all the haughty and mindless actions of the Badal family despite the fact that it is against the basic tenets of Sikhism, said Mann, while cautioning the SGPC chief that the Sikh Sangat will not forgive him for this policy of appeasement towards their masters and will teach him a befitting lesson.
At the same time, the Chief Minister dared Dhami to come before the media and shield his masters and the Akali Dal for their sinister moves. SGPC is most welcome to do his favourite pastime by alleging that the Chief Minister is interfering in the religious issues of the Sikhs. However, the people are aware of everything and they know it well that SGPC and its president is acting as a stooge of the family at the helm of affairs in SAD (Badal), said Mann.
Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal (A Regional Centre of National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi) organized one day "Winter Nature Camp" for the undergraduate level students on Thursday in Delawadi area of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary. Dr. Sudesh Waghmare, Former Deputy Conservator of Forest, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal was the resource person of the camp. 11 students were participated in the camp.
During this camp Dr. Sudesh Waghmare detailed the methods of tree identification like; tree size, canopy, shape, type of leaves, bark, flower, fruit etc., in addition to this he also informed the participants about importance of trees for human beings, insects, birds, mammals etc. Dr. Sudesh Waghmare informed about the importance of forest and told the forest give us Oxygen and observe the Carbon Dioxide gas, forest also provide the water.
The participants were also informed about the environmental importance of trees like Arjun, Banyan, Tendu, Saja, Jangli jamun and Kattha. The Arjun tree with bear pugmarks shows that bears can even climb tall trees to get honey. They were also informed about the role of termites in the forest ecosystem during the nature trail.
During the camp Manik Lal Gupta, Scientist C also informed the students about the difference between deer and antelope along with the importance of conserving forests and its products. Participation certificates were distributed to the participants in the end of the programme.
Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Thursday launched the "Sanjay" location intelligence platform developed by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. This platform is aimed to assist road-owning agencies, law enforcement entities, emergency care providers, and other stakeholders in visualizing data related to high-frequency accident zones. The objective is to facilitate the planning of targeted interventions for enhanced road safety in the State, he added.
Kaushal said that Sanjaya Analytics emerges as a pivotal tool, meticulously designed for users seeking nuanced insights and targeted strategies in the domain of road safety. This crash analytics visualization dashboard, developed by the IIT Madras Centre of Excellence for Road Safety, offers jurisdiction-specific analysis use cases, empowering users to plan interventions with precision. Its advantages include the identification of high-frequency accident zones such as black spots, emerging black spots, and kilometer analysis, as well as insight into top traffic violation locations through cluster analysis.
The platform provides a visual representation of high-density crash events with heatmaps and allows focused analysis within a chosen radius through point-radius analysis. Users can understand crash severity trend patterns based on selected criteria, including location, date, and severity level, and forecast night- and day-time total crashes using advanced models.
The landing page offers a comprehensive overview with tiles displaying total crashes, fatalities, injuries, and vehicles involved, along with visual representations like a gauge chart of crash severity levels and bar graphs of total crashes at different jurisdictional levels. Sanjaya Analytics further facilitates road user analysis with month-wise statistics and detailed tables for deaths and injuries. This multifaceted platform serves as a game-changer, arming users with the tools to make informed decisions and significantly contribute to the improvement of road safety across jurisdictions.
Kaushal stated that the Deputy Commissioner should regularly organize monthly meetings of the district road safety committee. Simultaneously, a dedicated public awareness campaign will underscore responsible driving practices, aiming to instill vigilance and consciousness among citizens.
Within this strategy, special attention will be directed towards the seven districts witnessing disproportionately high accident rates in 2022, necessitating intensive measures. Focused efforts will confront risky behaviours through awareness campaigns and enforcement actions, specifically targeting dangerous driving practices such as speeding, reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and improper lane changes.
Kaushal expressed confidence in the potential of the "Sanjay" platform to shed light on critical hotspots and guide efforts towards safer roads. He emphasized the need for collective effort to create a more secure environment for every traveler.
In the election year, the Yogi Adityanath government announced a significant increase of Rs 20 per quintal in sugarcane prices across all three varieties of sugarcane, bringing smiles on the faces of cane farmers.
The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held here on Thursday.
The decision to increase sugarcane prices is a testament to the governments commitment to supporting the agricultural community, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna told reporters after the meeting.
In the current pricing structure, normal sugarcane is priced at Rs 340 per quintal while the early variety of sugarcane is priced at Rs 350 per quintal. The hike of Rs 20 per quintal is expected to provide a welcome boost to the incomes of sugarcane farmers across the state, he added.
The minister said the government had previously raised sugarcane prices by Rs 25 per quintal in 2021 ahead of the assembly election. The proactive approach towards revising sugarcane prices reflects the governments ongoing efforts to address the concerns of the farming community and ensure their economic well-being, Khanna said.
Agriculture Minister Lakshmi Narayan, who was also present, said the state advised price (SAP) for the early variety of sugarcane would now be Rs 370 per quintal, up from Rs 350 per quintal, and that of the normal variety would increase from Rs 340 per quintal to Rs 360 per quintal.
The cabinet meeting also paved the way for the establishment of three new private universities in the state.
Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay announced the approval for JSS University in Noida, Saroj University in Lucknow, and Sharda University in Agra under the private sector. Upadhyay highlighted the improvement in the quality of higher education in the state under the Yogi government, with several universities achieving high rankings.
A landmark decision was the approval of the much-anticipated Semiconductor Policy 2024, making Uttar Pradesh the fourth state in India to adopt such a policy.
Upadhyay explained that the policy aims to position UP as a leader in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, attracting significant investment. The policy includes a provision for a fund of Rs 80,000 crore from the Government of India, with 75 per cent participation from the UP government. Various financial incentives, including a 75 per cent subsidy on land up to 200 acres, were also highlighted.
In a gesture honouring the centenary of the Chauri Chaura incident during the independence movement, the Yogi cabinet approved changing the name of Mundera Bazar Nagar Panchayat in Gorakhpur to Chauri Chaura Nagar Panchayat.
This decision holds cultural and historical significance, commemorating the heritage associated with the Chauri Chaura incident, the minister said.
Additionally, changes in the Uttar Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Policy were approved to exempt private MSME units and pledge parks from conversion fees for changing the land use of agricultural land under development authorities to industrial.
The council of ministers also granted exemptions from taxes imposed under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation, Act 1959 for Metro Rail, RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System) and all their properties.
Ranchi Smart City Corporation participated in the three-day 31st Convergence India and 9th Smart City India Expo organized at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi in collaboration with Indian Trade Promotion Organization, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India and many other government and non-government organizations of the country. From this side, the ongoing schemes under Smart City Mission are also being informed. Ranchi Smart City's stall has been set up in Hall No. 2 of Pragati Maidan where displays of various projects have been put up. This stall has a 3D model of the entire city and along with it, e-auction process, public bicycle sharing system, integrated command control centre, integrated infrastructure development, green initiatives, GIS substation, STP, important awards have been displayed.
People reaching the stall are being told how the Adaptive Traffic Control System is working in the city and efforts are being made to reduce criminal activities in the city through the surveillance system, Red Light Violation, Wrong Way, No In what way is helmet and rash driving being banned? Ranchi Smart City Corporation PRO Amit Kumar said that a large number of people are reaching the stall where their curious questions are being answered. Every person reaching the stall is clicking photos of our stall and 3D model. Smart City GM Rakesh Kumar Nadkuliyar and Public Relations Officer Amit Kumar are present one by one to answer people's questions. On January 19, Indian Trade Promotion Organization has also invited Amit Kumar, CEO of Ranchi Smart City Corporation as a speaker and Kumar will participate in this program. For this the CEO is reaching New Delhi on Thursday evening.
It is noteworthy that this time the theme of the expo is Brand India. Through this theme, stalls have been set up by various cities and various companies to showcase the sustainable development taking place in cities across the country. On Wednesday, 17 January 2024, the Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh inaugurated the expo. Moscow Minister Sergei Cheremin was also present on this occasion.
In this expo, a stall of Smart City Mission of Government of India has also been set up along with important smart city cities like Indore Smart City, Aurangabad Smart City, Shimla Smart City, Ranchi Smart City, Patna Smart City, Bhagalpur Smart City, Sagar Smart City, Stalls have also been set up in other cities including Ujjain Smart City, Sagar Smart City, Chandigarh Smart City.
Indore ADM Gaurav Benal inspected Indore Divisional Pension Office on the complaint of citizens.
During the inspection, ADM Gaurav Benal found several months old pending cases with different Assistant Pension Officers which were kept pending without any concrete reason, hence the citizens coming to the pention office were getting worried and were facing problems.
Citizens were repeatedly asking the pension officers as to why their cases were not disposed and pending since months and why they were not being resolved. No concrete answer was given by the pension officers to the citizens or their concerned offices. ADM Gaurav Benal seized all the files of the cases pending for many months and issued show cause notices to Divisional Pension Officer Nilima Ninama and 6 APOs. After preparing the report of the entire investigation, ADM Gourav Benal forwarded it to Indore Collector Ashish Singh for further action.
Devotees from across the city came together at Gurudwaras to celebrate the 357th 'Parkash Purab,' marking the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The festivities included special prayer ceremonies, free langars, and distribution of prasad at Gurudwaras, reflecting the spirit of devotion and community.
Welknown personalities including Health Minister Banna Gupta, MP Bidhyut Baran Mahto, MLA Saryu Roy participated in the Nagar Kirtan.
Guru Gobind Singh, born on December 22, 1666, in Patna, established the 'Khalsa Panth' in 1699 to protect people from oppression, following in the footsteps of his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, who dedicated his life to religious freedom.
Renowned Sikh preachers led recitations of sacred Gurubani Keertans at various Gurudwaras, aiming to instill the values of Guru Gobind Singh among the devotees. A religious procession, organized by the Central Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, traversed through different areas, culminating at Sakchi Gurudwara.
Parmeet Kaur, a Sikh devotee, expressed, "We celebrate Guru Gobind Singh's birth anniversary with happiness and devotion." Giani Iqbal Singh, a Sikh leader, highlighted the annual religious procession and prayers as integral parts of the celebration.
In addition to prayers, Sikh martial art forms like 'Gatka' were performed by trained professionals, symbolizing victory over evil. All 33 Gurudwaras in the district adorned festive decorations, hosting religious congregations and langars as part of the joyous celebrations.
Guru Gobind Singh, the transformative force behind Sikh faith, created the Khalsa in 1699a community of faithful individuals identifiable by visible symbols of their faith and trained as warriors. The celebrations extended to Sakchi Gurudwara, where a two-day congregation recognized participants of the religious procession for their performances.
Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said on Wednesday that Tatapani is now being recognized across India thanks to the Tatapani Mahotsav.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has declared Tatapani a tourist destination. A master plan is being prepared to develop Tatapani in such a manner that it gets recognized globally.
Jaiswal was addressing the concluding ceremony of the three-day Tatapani festival in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district. Tribal Affairs Minister Ramvichar Netam was present.
Netam said: People come from far and wide to see this fair organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Hence, the government has put this holy place on the map of the country.
The proposed State guest house -Uttarakhand Sadan will be constructed in the temple town of Ayodhya as per the architectural style of the mountainous areas of the State. The State guest house in Ayodhya will be constructed on a plot measuring about one acre. The proposed site is at a distance of seven kilometres from the Ram temple. The department of Estate of Uttarakhand has transferred a sum of Rs three crore to the Awas Vikas Sansthan (AVS) of Uttar Pradesh as an advance for the land. The AVS is learnt to have sought a sum of Rs 33 crore for transferring the land to Uttarakhand government. The State Estate officer Lakshman Singh said the proposed Uttarakhand Sadan in Ayodhya will be the fourth guest house of Uttarakhand outside the state after Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow. He said that Bhoomi Pujan on the land will be performed after the formalities of transfer of land get completed. The outlay and the detailed project report will be prepared after the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony.
It is learnt that the State government wants the proposed Uttarakhand Sadan to reflect the architecture, culture and traditions of the State. Murals depicting all the four Dhams of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri will be made on the walls of the proposed building in Ayodhya.
The war of words between the leaders of BJP and Congress over the refusal of top leaders of Congress party to attend the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya has escalated. Reacting sharply to the statement of BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt that the Congress leaders are showing traits of demons, the chief spokesperson of Uttarakhand Congress Garima Dasauni has said that Bhatt should not cross his limit. She said that the statement of Bhatt shows his mentality and he has reached the abyss of politics. In a democracy both the ruling party and opposition are equally important and being the State president of the ruling party, Bhatt should talk in a respectful manner about the Congress party, she said.
The Congress leader claimed that Bhatt maintained a stoic silence when the Teerth Purohits were agitating against the Devasthanam board. Similarly, Bhatt said nothing when the gold was stolen from the Kedarnath temple. Dasauni said that Bhatt has said nothing about the justice to Ankita Bhandari and everyone remembers his poisonous statements during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said that the biggest enemies of religion are the BJP leaders who use religion as a shield to hide their misconduct and exploitation of the poor and women.
Dasauni said that Uttarakhand has attained the dubious distinction of being the Himalayan State with highest rate of crimes against women and with this one can understand which party consists of demons.
She opined that the Congress has a tradition of serving the country right from the freedom struggle till today but the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders had no role in the freedom struggle other than being informers of the British.
After approval by the Chhattisgarh government, the Police Headquarters on Wednesday issued orders for providing weekly day off to police personnel.
The facility can be availed by everyone from the rank of constable to inspector, a statement from the government said.
Home Minister Vijay Sharma recently promised police personnel that they will get weekly day off soon. Thereafter, he instructed the Director General of Police to make necessary arrangements.
The DGP has now issued orders to all police units asking them to follow the instruction strictly.
India on Thursday said it remains committed to take forward its development agenda with the Maldives including implementation of various welfare projects in the island nation.
The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came amid strain in ties between the two countries following Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's call for withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country by March 15.
"We remain committed to our projects and to take them forward. We have been an important development partner of the Maldives," he said at his weekly media briefing while replying to a question.
"We remain committed to doing all things that we can do as a development partner of the Maldives," Jaiswal added.
On Male insisting on withdrawal of Indian troops, he suggested that the matter will be deliberated upon at the second meeting of India-Maldives core group. The next core group meeting is set to take place in New Delhi early next month.
The issue of the Indian military personnel was extensively discussed at the first meeting of the core group in Male on January 14.
"Both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac (medical evacuation) services to the people of Maldives," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement following the meeting.
The India-Maldives ties came under some stress as Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, maintained after assuming charge as the president in November that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.
The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
In May last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Maldives during which he handed over a fast patrol vessel and a landing craft to the island nation.
In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih kick-started the India-funded Greater Male connectivity project, billed as the largest infrastructure initiative in the island nation.
Under the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), a 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built to connect the capital city Male with adjoining islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.
The Maldives is also one of the biggest beneficiaries of India's Neighbourhood First policy.
Asked about the case of eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel in Qatar, Jaiswal said a consular access was given to the Indian embassy in Doha recently.
"Our ambassador along with the embassy officials met the eight detained (Indians). The legal team is looking into the plea aspect," he said.
The Court of Appeal in Qatar on December 28 commuted the death sentence handed down to the Indians and sentenced them to prison for varying durations, weeks after their family members filed an appeal against the earlier order by another court.
The Indians have been given 60 days' time to appeal against the varying prison terms.
"It will be decided by the legal team," Jaiswal said on the possible appeal.
The CISF will intensify security checks for passengers across metro stations during January 19-27 because of enhanced security arrangements ahead of Republic Day, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Thursday.
The transporter also advised passengers to plan their journey keeping in mind that long queues were likely at some metro stations because of this.
"In view of the enhanced security arrangements ahead of Republic Day on 26th January, the security checks for passengers will be further intensified by CISF across the Metro stations starting from tomorrow--19th January (Friday) till 27th January," the DMRC said in a statement.
"Passengers are requested to cooperate with the security personnel during security checks," it added.
The Delhi Police has also beefed up security arrangements across the city ahead of the Republic Day celebration and the Ram temple event.
According to a police official, night patrol staffers have been directed to check hotels, guest houses and dharamshalas, particularly near the railway stations and inter-state bus terminals to monitor those visiting Delhi.
More than 8,000 police personnel have already been deployed across Delhi for the January 26 parade, the official said.
Hindus in Nepal are enthusiastically waiting for the consecration ceremony of Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22 as Nepalis, mainly from Madhesh province, plan to celebrate the occasion with huge fanfare.
The Janaki temple in Janakpur - believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rams wife Janaki alias Seeta is gearing up to join the celebrations with multiple cultural and religious festivities. Lord Rams wife Seetas other name is Janaki, daughter of King Janak of Janakpur. It is 220 km south-east of the Nepal capital, and about 500-odd km east of Ayodhya in India and has been a symbol of the ancient bond shared by the two countries.
A cleanliness drive has been launched in the entire Janakpur Sub-metropolitan city on the occasion, locals said. Houses and streets of Janakpur are being decorated with colourful lights, paper flags, banners and garlands, local authorities said.
Ganga Aarti, Ramkatha, as well as religious procession, are planned for the occasion, the authorities said.
It is a moment of great pride and joy, said Vijaya Jhunjhunwala, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) in Madhes province.
We all are enthusiastically waiting for the event, he said.
Some three weeks ago, a religious procession carrying 3,000 Bhars plates made of bamboo began for Ayodhya from Janakpur for the grand occasion. The plates were filled with gold and silver ornaments, traditional sweets, fruits and traditional dresses as gifts on the occasion of the inauguration of the temple, said Jhunjhunwala.
A procession of 21 people, mainly devotees of Ram, will leave for Ayodhya to participate in the Prana Pratistha or installation of the idol.
Similarly, in Biratnagar Metropolitan City, situated 300 kilometres south-east of Kathmandu, recitation of religious songs, processions, lighting of traditional oil lamps, distribution of prasad and motor-cycle rally are planned on the day of Ram temple consecration. We are enthusiastically waiting for the grand occasion, said Birendra Bista, the director of Neuro Baglamukhi Society.
Bista has asked people from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations scheduled for January 22.
Rituals are being performed in the run-up to the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple. A Kalash Pujan was held on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka on Thursday rejected the UN human rights bodys allegations about the ongoing operation to curb the narcotics menace and challenged it to provide evidence of the alleged excesses during controversial Operation Yukthiya.
Addressing a press conference, Sri Lankas Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles also vowed to continue with the drug bust operation. Alles was reacting to the January 12 statement of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk in the wake of Operation Yukthiya (the Sinhala term for justice) launched on December 17 with a June 30 deadline to end the drug menace plaguing the island nation and arrest all the drug dealers. We are very concerned that authorities in Sri Lanka are adopting a heavily security-based response to the countrys drugs problem, instead of public health policies grounded in human rights. A staggering 29,000 people have reportedly been arrested on drug-related matters since December 17, with allegations that some have been subjected to ill-treatment and torture, Turk had said in the statement.
The Sri Lankan minister told reporters: The Human Rights Commission has a duty to tell us ... these are the incidents and get our answers. Without all that, they issue statements. They can issue statements, but I will not stop this operation.
We will go ahead, and we will do it the same way because we know that we are doing something good for the children of this country, for the women of this country, he added. Conceptualised by Minister Alles and overseen by acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon, thousands have been arrested since the launch of the controversial operation.
Despite its purported anti-narcotic aims, it has come under criticism for various reasons, if the local media reports are to be believed.
Sri Lanka Police have been issuing daily detailed statements related to the operation. It has also set up a hotline for the public to provide information concerning the ongoing anti-drug operation.
5 people caught for poaching in China's Qinghai
Xinhua) 16:23, January 18, 2024
XINING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- Five suspects were arrested by police in northwest China's Qinghai Province for illegally hunting, purchasing, transporting and selling wild animals, local authorities said.
After receiving a report on Dec. 10, 2023 that some people were poaching wild animals in Xueshan Township, Maqen County, the police with the public security bureau of Maqen County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai arrested two suspects along with the wild animal they poached.
The captured wild animal was later identified as alpine musk deer, an endangered species under China's national first-class protection. Then, the police arrested three other suspects successively and seized five pieces of hunting tools.
An investigation showed that these suspects started to poach wild animals in Xueshan Township in June 2023. They sold five alpine musk deer, earning a total of 54,500 yuan (about 7,657.3 U.S. dollars).
On suspicion of jeopardizing precious and endangered wild animals, the five suspects have been placed under compulsory criminal law enforcement measures by the police according to law. Further investigations into this case is underway.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Ballyarnett councillor John McGowan (Sinn Fein) is to resign from Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Nominations for prospective co-option candidates to replace Cllr McGowan closed on Monday (January 15).
A selection convention to ratify the new councillor will take place in the city tonight (Thursday).
Cllr McGowan was one of 18 Sinn Fein candidates elected to Council in last years local government elections.
Prior to his election Cllr McGowan was co-opted onto Derry City and Strabane District Council on November 24, 2021 to replace Cllr Damien Mullan, who was himself co-opted on July 19, 2021, to replace Cllr Aileen Mellon.
Cllr McGowan said he had decided to step down from Derry City and Strabane District Council due to personal commitments.
He added: After careful consideration, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down from the local council due to personal commitments.
It has been an honour and a privilege to have served the people of Galliagh and the wider Ballyarnett area over the last two years.
I want to thank everyone who put their trust in myself and Sinn Fein in the local council elections, and our team on Derry City and Strabane Council for supporting me during my time as a local councillor.
We live in an amazing city with huge potential, and as someone who has worked in local business for many years, I am passionate about creating jobs and strengthening the economy and I will do whatever I can to assist the Sinn Fein team in the city with that work, said Cllr McGowan.
He added: This is an exciting time in politics across our island, and I want to wish whoever is selected to replace me on the local council all the very best.
I look forward to working with them as we build towards a better, fairer and united Ireland for everyone."
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Police are appealing for information to assist in locating 36-year-old Shane Frane who is currently unlawfully at large.
Frane was convicted in February 2014 of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds following a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in February 2013. He has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release by absconding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Frane is described as being 6ft 3ins in height, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement. He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
Despite attempts to arrest Frane, police have been unable to locate him. He may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.
Public sector workers are joining picket lines across Northern Ireland as part of the biggest strike in the regions recent history.
An estimated 150,000 public sector workers are taking part in the walkouts over pay, with trade unions warning that action will escalate in the future if their pay demands are not met.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been urged to intervene to release funding to make delayed pay awards in the absence of devolved government.
He has refused, saying the matter is a devolved one.
Striking workers gathered at Stormont and the NIO headquarters in Belfast on Thursday.
Speaking at Stormont, Carmel Gates, general secretary of Nipsa, said workers were being used as a political pawn by the Northern Ireland Secretary.
She said: It shows the anger of public sector workers who havent had a decent pay rise in more than 10 years.
Now we believe we are being used as a political pawn in a game by the Secretary of State.
She added: My members are angry and they are not going to back down.
This is not something which is a temporary fight. They are so angry at how they have been treated.
This is the beginning, we will escalate. The Secretary of State needs to know that, this is not the end.
Linda Millar, a teacher at Ballyclare Secondary School, said she was joining the picket lines to help achieve pay parity with the rest of the UK.
She said: We are losing teachers left, right and centre to Doha, Dubai, everywhere.
The education system is crumbling. Our buildings are crumbling.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long met striking workers at the Ulster Hospital.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill said workers felt they have been forced to go on strike.
General Secretary @CarmelGates addresses the rally at Erskine House delivers a clear message to the strikers Chris Heaton-Harris needs to release the funds to settle the dispute and NIPSA will fight to make this happen. #UptheStrikers #FairPayNow pic.twitter.com/Ksf9AT9W8R NIPSA (@nipsa) January 18, 2024
She told the BBC: It is a very difficult day for our public sector workers.
However, they feel forced to take to the picket lines this morning in defence of what is reasonable and fair, which is fair pay and working conditions for the job they do for us all on a daily basis.
I regret the fact that they are being forced on to the picket lines this morning. I regret the fact that they have had to take this action. However, I absolutely understand it because they feel like they have nowhere else to turn.
I can only hope that (DUP leader) Jeffrey Donaldson is listening and hears the plight of the workers and, even at this late juncture, makes the right call and joins with the rest of us around that executive table and let us do our best to try and support these workers and ensure they have proper pay and conditions.
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received pay uplifts given to counterparts elsewhere in the UK, due to the ongoing political impasse at Stormont.
The Government has offered a financial package worth more than 3 billion to accompany the return of a devolved executive in Belfast.
While the package includes money to make the outstanding pay awards, Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear it will not be made available unless Stormont returns.
There has been no functioning powersharing government in Northern Ireland for almost two years due to a DUP boycott of the institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.
The DUP has resisted calls to drop its veto and return to Stormont to enable the pay rises to be implemented.
The party has accused the UK Government of political blackmail and has said the pay issue should be dealt with separately from the impasse over trade.
The strike is having a major impact, with schools closed, hospitals offering only Christmas Day-level services, public transport cancelled and limited gritting of the roads in 0C temperatures.
The Department for Infrastructure has urged people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, saying there will only be limited gritting on a small number of roads including the M1, M2, A1 and A4.
Parades, rallies and demonstrations will take place later in the day.
The largest demonstrations will take place at Belfast City Hall, the Guildhall Square in Londonderry, Omagh court house and Enniskillen town hall.
A large policing operation is also in place.
Secretary of State @chhcalling's full statement on public sector strikes https://t.co/ZfUj0JIRq5 pic.twitter.com/DzIyHuqGNY Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) January 18, 2024
In a statement, Mr Heaton-Harris said it was regrettable that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to make the pay awards to public sector workers.
Thursday also marks the deadline in current legislation for the resumption of Stormont, or the Secretary of State is obliged to call a fresh election.
Mr Heaton-Harris has made clear he will extend that deadline and introduce further legislation to ensure continued delivery of public services in Northern Ireland.
Todays strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland. I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services, he said.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3 billion which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1 billion to stabilise public services.
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
It is time for DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to face down his critics and restore the devolved powersharing institutions at Stormont, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has said.
Mrs Long said she remained fundamentally optimistic that Stormont would return, because she doesnt see anywhere else for the DUP to go.
The Alliance Party leader was speaking as she visited striking workers at the Ulster Hospital near Belfast.
The powersharing institutions collapsed almost two years ago and the DUP has been involved in a process of seeking legislative assurances from the Government over post-Brexit trading arrangements.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said the negotiations with the unionist party over the Windsor Framework have concluded, while Sir Jeffrey said talks are still going on.
While hopes had been raised that the DUP may return to Stormont ahead of Christmas, a number of politicians gave a more downbeat assessment during a failed attempt to elect an Assembly speaker on Wednesday.
Mrs Long said: I think there was an opportunity before Christmas but the DUP, in this debacle have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
It was an opportunity before Christmas to come in, not to do it under the pressure of a deadline, but to do it of their own volition, and they messed that up, they missed that opportunity.
I think thats why people are downbeat.
For all that Jeffrey says talking continues, it doesnt. We know that there has been clarification offered but the negotiation is over, the Secretary of State is clear about that.
Not the "NI Parties", @chhcalling. The DUP. Stop blaming everyone else for a problem they created.@NIOgov https://t.co/Px7WdsIw4J Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) January 18, 2024
I dont know who Jeffrey is talking to but hes not talking to the Secretary of State in terms of a negotiation.
Mrs Long said that after the Government had concluded its negotiations with the DUP and offered a financial package, people were left wondering what more it would take to restore powersharing.
She said: If the Government has given all it can on the Windsor Framework, and if we are saying we have got a good deal over finances, and yes we would like a better deal, but that was never the reason for not having an executive.
With all those things being equal, why would the DUP not go in?
What would change after today that would allow them to go back in?
I remain fundamentally optimistic because I dont think there is anywhere else for the DUP to go, I think they need the Assembly and I think they know that, the question is whether they have the courage to face down their critics.
Mrs Long said the Stormont stalemate had contributed to the public sector fragility which led to the strike action.
She said: There is nobody in charge. For five of the last seven years we have had no government at Stormont. That has contributed to the fragility of our public services, it has contributed to the fact that people are underpaid.
We really need to get Stormont up and running, we need to get our hands on the extra money which has been offered from Westminster.
It will not resolve all of the pay issues, these go much deeper, but it is a good start and it will allow us to at least open up conversations with the unions about how we re-establish some proper means of ensuring people keep their pay in line with what is happening in the rest of the country.
She added: I think people see that the UK Government is using the strikes as leverage to try and force politicians back into work, and while I understand why they are doing that, I think its immoral.
People have a claim on pay which is irrefutable and needs to be addressed, irrespective of whether Stormont returns or not.
It is no more legitimate to hold peoples pay to ransom than it is for the DUP to hold the institutions to ransom.
We need to get back to proper politics where we actually do the jobs we are paid to do and we pay people properly.
Police are searching for a man convicted of the manslaughter of a PSNI officer, who is unlawfully at large.
Detectives say Shane Frane, 36, may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Frane was convicted in February 2014 of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds, following a road traffic crash in February 2013, in the Waterside area of Londonderry.
A PSNI spokesman said he has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release by absconding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Frane is described as 6ft 3in, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement.
He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
The spokesman said: Despite attempts to arrest Frane, police have been unable to locate him.
He may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
Ms Reynolds, 27, was a passenger in a police vehicle which was hit by a stolen car driven by Frane in 2013.
Frane, originally from Limerick, pleaded guilty to eight offences including manslaughter, causing her death by driving without a licence or insurance, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, and failing to remain at the scene and report an accident.
The officer was the back seat passenger in an unmarked police car that was hit by the stolen 44 vehicle that had been travelling at up to 80mph.
Mourners at Ms Reynolds funeral were told that she had touched many lives and had been killed in her prime.
HIGHLIGHTS The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra changes the design to a flat display and back. The biggest upgrade in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the infusion of the Galaxy AI. You get a 5000mAh battery with 45-watt fast charging and support in both smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 series has finally come to life. Just like last year, there are three smartphones this year as well; the Samsung Galaxy S24, the Samsung Galaxy S24+, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Well, these smartphones have been revealed with a lot of upgrades, and the major upgrade among them is the AI. Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series is more about AI this time than ever before. Samsung has infused the Galaxy AI in its latest Galaxy S24 series. To accomplish this, the South Korean brand has collaborated with Google.
I am comparing the all-new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Lets go!
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Design
From the looks of it, the new Galaxy S24 Ultra looks exactly the same. However, there are some big changes in the design as well. First of all, we get a flat design this time. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra featured a curved display. However, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a flat display and back. The mid-frame has also been changed to Titanium from last years Aluminium. Samsung has also made the Ultra model a little thinner than last year. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra now measures 8.6mm, whereas the Galaxy S23 Ultra is 8.9mm.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Google Pixel 8: Battle of the best
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display. This display comes with a QHD+ resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate support. Talking about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, it also has the same display. So, whats different this year? Well, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultras display is brighter and has better protection. It has 2600 nits of peak brightness and is protected by Gorilla Glass Armor. Whereas, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 1750 nits of peak brightness and is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Performance
Before we get into hardware, lets talk about the software first. The biggest upgrade in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the AI, be it a software upgrade or a general upgrade. Samsung has infused the Galaxy AI into its new Samsung Galaxy S series. The Galaxy AI is based on Googles Gemini AI larger models. It can help users in so many ways such as communication, editing, searching, and more. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the first Samsung smartphone that is packed with AI at its core. About comparison, the Galaxy S23 Ultra didnt have Galaxy AI, so the case is closed!
Talking about their hardware, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy SoC. It is paired with up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage. It runs on OneUI 6.1 skin that is based on the latest Android 14. Interestingly, with this smartphone, Samsung will offer up to 7 years of software updates.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with up to 12GB RAM and 1TB storage. It runs on last years Android 13-based OneUI 5.1 skin but is upgradable to Android 14.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 15: What will you choose?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Camera
Samsung changed the 10-megapixel Periscope Telephoto sensor from the Galaxy S23 Ultra to the 50-megapixel Telephoto sensor in the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Now, the twist here is that the 10-megapixel Periscope Telephoto sensor had up to 10x optical zoom, whereas the new 50-megapixel Telephoto sensor can only zoom up to 5x without pixelating the image. However, its a 50-megapixel sensor, so I dont think it will make much of a difference.
Apart from that, the camera configuration is the same in both smartphones. They are equipped with a 200-megapixel OIS primary camera, a 10-megapixel Telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom, and a 12-megapixel Ultrawide lens. On the front as well, there is a 12-megapixel selfie shooter in both smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Battery
The battery specifications in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are also the same. You get a 5000mAh battery with 45-watt fast charging and support. They also come with wireless charging support.
Is Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra better than Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Definitely! Samsung has upgraded the Galaxy S24 Ultra a lot if we compare it to its predecessor. As per the given features, I am really liking this new high-end device. Now, lets wait till we get our hands on it. Stay tuned for the review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and let us know how you like it.
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A man, 30s, has died following an explosion at a homeless hostel in Dublin city centre.
The incident occurred at the Supported Temporary Accommodation operated by Depaul Ireland at Little Britain Street, Dublin 1, shortly after 3.30pm this Thursday afternoon.
Emergency responders are attended the scene and local diversions are in place.
No other injuries have been reported and the cause of the explosion has not been confirmed.
Other residents at the hostel are currently being evacuated, a spokesperson for the Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin Regional Housing Executive (DRHE) said "Al residents are being evacuated on a temporary basis to allow for a full assessment. Our priority is to safely re-accommodate all residents tonight."
A spokesperson for Depaul said: "Depaul are working with the DRHE and our NGO partners to ensure no person will be left without accommodation this evening."
The spokesperson continued: "Firefighter/advanced paramedics from Phibsborough, Tara Street and North Strand fire stations responded and the incident was under control by 15.35pm. In total five fire engines were mobilised to the scene along with a District Officer. The assistance of ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and An Garda Siochana was requested and the scene was handed over to Gardai at 16.15pm.
"The incident occurred within the building and was confined to one room. Our sincere thanks to our NGO partners, An Garda Siochana and Dublin Fire Brigade who are assisting on the ground."
An Bord Pleanala has given the go ahead for a development in Ardee, that will see the demolition of three houses to make way for ten new apartments in the centre of the town.
Noelle McCreanor had appealed Louth County Council's decision to grant Cyril O'Brien planning permission for the development at Irish Street/Rogan's Lane/Markethouse Lane. The proposed new apartments comprises ten new apartments consisting of seven two-bed units and three one-bed units, located in two three storey blocks.
The reasons given by the appellant for the appeal, include what they say is incorrect information in the planning application and that the development is within an area of architectural conservation.
In its decision to grant planning permission An Bord Pleanala said that subject to compliance with conditions that it set out, it is considered that, "the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, would not be detrimental to the integrity, character and setting of protected structures in the vicinity, and would not adversely impact on the character of the Ardee Architectural Conservation Area.
"The proposed development would therefore, be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development in the area."
Among the 19 conditions laid out by An Bord Pleanala when granting planning permission, it said that "the external finishes of the building and public realm areas of the development shall be in accordance with the Materials Strategy submitted by Douglas Wallace with the exception of the following amendments:
In advance of International Epilepsy Day on the 12th of February, Epilepsy Ireland, the national patient organisation supporting people living with the condition, have appealed to local people across Louth to learn about Seizure First Aid.
The organisation is highlighting the importance of knowing the three key words of TIME, SAFE, STAY.
Commenting on the campaign, Paddy McGeoghegan, Advocacy & Communications Manager at Epilepsy Ireland said, Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in Ireland, affecting over 45,000 people across the country.
"It is much closer to home than you might think, and it is crucially important the public know how to respond to a seizure. This is one of the most common themes we hear from people with epilepsy and their families.
"You never know when you might need to respond to a seizure so please do take 5 minutes to learn more about epilepsy and TIME, SAFE, STAY for International Epilepsy Day.
What is meant by TIME, SAFE, STAY?
TIME - The first thing you should do is TIME the seizure. This is because if a seizure goes over 5 minutes, an ambulance should be called.
SAFE - Keep the person SAFE during the seizure. If a person is having a convulsive seizure, cushion their head with something soft if possible and remove any harmful objects, e.g. furniture from their vicinity. NEVER put anything in a person's mouth or restrain them during a seizure.
Be aware that there are also types of seizures where the person does not experience convulsions. Instead, they may zone out or stare blankly, become confused or agitated, display behaviours like chewing, smacking their lips, fiddling with their clothes, or wandering aimlessly.
In this type of seizure, the persons awareness of their surroundings is affected, and it is important to gently guide the person away from any danger. As with convulsive seizures, NEVER restrict the persons movements.
STAY - During the seizure and after it passes, STAY with the person. Often after a seizure, a person with epilepsy will be confused and in many cases, exhausted.
Make sure to stay with them until recovery is complete, explain what has happened and gently reassure them. The person may have experienced an injury if they have fallen, and if this is the case, ensure normal first aid steps are taken.
TIME, SAFE, STAY!
Other than when the seizure goes over 5 minutes, there are other instances where an ambulance should be called:
Call an ambulance if a person having a seizure briefly comes out of it and goes into another one.
Call an ambulance if you know its a persons first seizure or if youre not sure whether the person has epilepsy or not (often a person with epilepsy will have a bracelet or card in their wallet/purse indicating they have epilepsy.)
Call an ambulance if the person is physically injured e.g. if they have taken a heavy fall during their seizure.
Call an ambulance if the person is pregnant.
Call an ambulance if youre in any doubt this is the most important point of all. Noone is going to be annoyed at you for calling an ambulance out of real concern; not the person whos having the seizure and not the ambulance crew.
To learn more about epilepsy and seizure first aid, or to contact your local Epilepsy Ireland Community Resource Officer, visit www.epilepsy.ie.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have announced that their Pathways Programme will start again this February in locations in Dundalk and Drogheda.
This initiative is run in conjunction with Louth Local Development and its purpose is to introduce students back into a learning environment whilst supporting them with ease of access into Higher Education.
This 14-week programme is a way to experience what college can be like without the pressure of any assignments. Pathways is a fully funded course, open to everyone, and is delivered in the most relaxed unintimidating way possible.
Some of the subjects covered on this programme include Psychology, Community Development & Social Care and Education Mindset. Classes take place one morning a week for 14 weeks and the programme is delivered on an outreach basis in participants own community. Venues this year included the Barbican Centre, Drogheda and the Redeemer Family Resource Centre Dundalk.
Bruno, who graduated from the Pathways Programme and then progressed to the follow up Headstart course said "These courses have impacted me so immensely, the experience has even transformed my personal and family life for the better.
Tina who was a stay-at-home mother for 20 years said, It opened my eyes to my potential and the course gave me a taster of what college could be like. It removed any fears I had about returning to college and has built my confidence in every aspect of my life.
Elizabeth who is now a BA (Hons) Social Care student at DkIT completed the Pathways and Headstart programme and progressed into DkIT said It is the best thing that has ever happened to me, I know the future is so bright for me now. I would highly recommend these courses to anyone, take the plunge, it is a stepping stone to third level education.
Another current DkIT student who completed the programme is Denise who is pursuing an Arts Degree said, These programmes are like being taken by the hand and welcomed in and any questions you have are answered. I have that hunger for knowledge. I never felt I was good enough but now because of these courses I know that I can do it.
Johdi Quinn (DkIT Pathways & Headstart Co-ordinator and Community Development and Spanish Lecturer) said:
We are so excited to run this Pathways course again which has gone from strength to strength since it began 8 years ago. This course has enabled so many people to take that one first courageous step towards fulfilling their dreams and going back to education. Once they make that initial decision, they realise that each subsequent step is a bit easier and that DkIT and Louth Local Development are here to support them academically, emotionally and practically.
She added Id also like to take this opportunity to thank all the team in LLD, the implementation of this programme would not be possible without the continued and constant support of Christina King, Youth and Education Coordinator, Eileen McDermott, Education and Community Development Officer and Jennifer Lally, Youth Education Support Officer.
The follow-on programme from Pathways is the Headstart course which comprises of a 9- week exploration of study skills, including, academic writing, presentation skills, group work, time management, learning to learn, career guidance and assignment feedback. This programme starts again in October 2024.
Graduates from Pathways and Headstart programmes have gone on to pursue DkIT degrees in programmes such as Social Care, Community Youth Work, Arts, Audio & Music Production, Creative Media, Hospitality Management, General Nursing and Mental Health Nursing. Many graduates have also secured employment because of having completed these programmes.
Initial start dates for the Pathways course are, Tuesday 6th February, 10:00am-12:00pm , Redeemer Family Resource Centre, Dundalk and Thursday 8th February, 10:00am-12:00pm, The Barbican Centre, Drogheda.
If you wish to register your interest in this course, contact Christina at christina.king@lldc.ie 087 7462507 or Eileen at eileen.mcdermott@lldc.ie 087 1202201
The 2024 Bar of the Year Awards are now open for entries with Louth pubs encouraged to submit their applications.
With over 25 categories to choose from, local pubs have the chance to gain the recognition that they deserve. The deadline date for entries is the 26th of April.
To enter the Irish Bar of the Year Awards, bars must complete an online entry form, and a panel of industry experts will then review and judge the entries.
The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony, which will take place in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, on Monday, the 19th of August 2024.
The Irish Bar of the Year Awards is open to all bars in Ireland, whether they are a traditional pub, a modern bar, or a trendy cocktail lounge.
There are also categories for bars that serve food.
The judges will be looking for bars that have a unique personality, offer excellent service, and provide an outstanding customer experience.
To view the categories and enter visit: https://baroftheyear.ie/categories/
A BRIEFING by representatives of Uisce Eireann for Cork City Councils Environment, Water, and Amenity Committee did not answer many of the questions raised regarding the ongoing discolouration of water experienced by homes and businesses over several months, councillors have said.
The Green Party in Cork issued a statement in which they said Uisce Eireann could not provide assurances of when the problem of discoloured water would end in the city.
According to the Green Party statement, the utility attributed the discolouration to an excess of manganese carried from cast iron water mains and said this problem had occurred in three separate phases over the last 18 months.
According to Uisce Eireann, the allowable limit for manganese was 50g/L, but the Green Party allege discoloured water in taps would be many multitudes of times over the limit.
For someone making a babys bottle, or washing their clothes, or showering in discoloured water, thats no good, said councillor Oliver Moran.
People are exhausted from reporting, theyve bought their own filtration systems, theyre buying bottled water.
While acknowledging in its response to the queries raised by councillors that the water services in Cork city were not meeting the standards customers rightly expect, Uisce Eireann insisted the water leaving Lee Road Water Treatment plant was tested and compliant with drinking water regulations.
When flowing through the network, the water can on occasion cause manganese sediment that has built up on the walls of old cast iron water mains over the years to be dislodged resulting in discoloured water arriving at customer taps, the utility told The Echo.
Our advice to customers is to not drink discoloured water and instead run the tap until the water runs clear. Drinking water will generally become unpalatable (discoloured with an unpleasant taste) at levels above the regulations, which will deter you from drinking it.
After the meeting on Tuesday, Socialist Party councillor for the North West ward Brian McCarthy branded the briefing as a a blatant PR exercise: The discussion afterwards was a two hour display of deflection and avoiding responsibility, he said.
In its statement issued following Tuesdays meeting, Uisce Eireann said it remained committed to carrying out all necessary works to reduce instances of discolouration the city.
As a result of the works carried out ... there continues to be a downward trend in reported cases. In the short term, Uisce Eireann continues with works to proactively flush the network in targeted areas across Cork City where reports of discolouration have been received.
DOUGLAS Court Shopping Centre has been acquired under a multimillion-euro deal, with the new owners pledging to invest in and revitalise the 10-acre retail outlet, a commitment that the Lord Mayor has said proves Cork is an attractive place to invest.
The acquisition by the OLeary family of OLeary Insurances is valued at approximately 25m. Existing tenants will remain unaffected by the purchase.
Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Kieran McCarthy was among those who welcomed the new chapter ahead for the shopping centre.
Its great that it was bought by a Cork-based family so theyre on the ground and they have a track record of doing great things for the city.
Douglas Court Shopping Centre has been around for a number of decades now, it needs a major revamp, a major refresh. Youd always see it busy at the weekend, but its not as busy during the weekdays so its important that someone comes in with fresh ideas, he told The Echo.
Mr McCarthy said the purchase is proof Cork is still an attractive location to invest in.
Yes, businesses are closing but there are also businesses that are opening and investor confidence in Cork is high at the moment, said Mr McCarthy.
Im not of the view that theres doom and gloom, but theres certainly challenges around rents, wages, insurances.
Mr McCarthy added that he wished the best of luck to the new owners of Douglas Court Shopping Centre with their future plans and encouraged people to continue to shop local.
The partnership behind the takeover is made up of Anthony, Peter, Nicholas, and Robert OLeary.
We are delighted to take on the responsibility of Douglas Court Shopping Centre, said Anthony OLeary.
Our family has deep business roots in Cork, and we see this as an opportunity to contribute to the community we hold dear.
Our vision is to make Douglas Court Shopping Centre a destination that not only meets the needs of contemporary shoppers, but also serves as a catalyst for local business growth. We are committed to enhancing the shopping experience, attracting new businesses, and ultimately creating a dynamic and thriving local retail destination.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Mary Rose Desmond also spoke positively about the purchase of the shopping centre. The OLeary family have a trusted reputation in business over many decades and that all bodes well for the future of the centre, the traders, and in turn Douglas Village in general, she said.
I look forward to seeing the plans they have for Douglas Court. Investment in any of the businesses in the village is good news for all.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan likewise hailed the acquisition as a very positive development.
Such a move is certainly a vote of confidence in retail in the Douglas area.
His party colleague, councillor Deirdre Forde, was similarly enthused by the update, which she described as super news.
It was crying out for investment and has great potential. Of course, we will have to see the plans for development and Im sure there will be plenty of interest in the consultations.
Im delighted its such a well-known Cork family also with a proven track record, she said.
Douglas has only a small main street, so to speak, so most business is between the two shopping centres.
The recent takeover of Douglas Village Shopping Centre will add a competitive edge which can only benefit shoppers.
THE proposed renaming of Pairc Ui Chaoimh has been raised at Cabinet, with a decision on the naming rights yet to be inked.
Criticism had been rife following reports that the landmark stadium could be renamed SuperValu Pairc under a new naming rights deal.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin was among many to voice opposition to the potential rebranding, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to say he was deeply disappointed and annoyed at the proposal. He added that Padraig O Caoimh was a key figure in the formation of the GAA at club and national level.
"Govt allocated 30m towards the development of the stadium and never sought naming rights, he continued.
A spokesperson for the Tanaiste confirmed Mr Martin had raised the matter at Cabinet, with a discussion ensuing about what conditions might be part of future funding for such infrastructure.
In a statement on Tuesday from Cork GAA confirming that it is in discussions with SuperValu regarding the naming rights for Pairc Ui Chaoimh, the association said both sides have been conscious of the public debate that followed recent speculation in the media.
SuperValu and Cork GAA remain committed to continuing their engagement, as both parties share a common interest in supporting Gaelic games across the county, and discussions are continuing, the statement continued.
At Tuesday nights monthly meeting of the county board, delegates were told that negotiations remain ongoing with SuperValu with regard to a deal but nothing has been finalised yet.
Donal O Caoimh, the grandson of the stadiums namesake who said he had learned of the proposed renaming through the media, welcomed the further consideration on a potential rebrand.
I am relieved the Cork County Board did not approve the renaming of Pairc Ui Chaoimh to SuperValu Pairc last night [Tuesday] as no vote was taken and that the Cork GAA are continuing their discussions with SuperValu on naming rights, he said.
Hopefully now this time will give an opportunity for reflection and debate on how we can both safeguard the sustainable financial health of the Cork GAA and retain my grandfathers legacy and his place in the hearts and identity of the Irish people, he said.
Mr O Caoimh said he hoped an agreement could be reached adding that one potential solution is the name SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Elsewhere in Cork, Fine Gael councillor Deirdre Forde said she also hoped a compromise could be reached.
I do know that they have to be financially viable and we dont want to lose Pairc Ui Chaoimh, but I would love if there was a compromise that could be worked out, she said.
Advocate for the elderly in Cork Paddy OBrien said he hoped the stadium would not be rebranded as SuperValu Pairc, saying he believed this would hurt many people.
CORK restaurateurs have called for meaningful change from the Government in the wake of the recent string of business closures in the city.
Concerns have been raised about the expense of running a business during the current cost-of-living crisis after four popular Cork restaurants announced their closures: White Rabbit Bar & BBQ on MacCurtain Street, Nash 19 on Princes Street, Tung Sing on Patrick Street, and Pigalle on Barrack Street.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath confirmed yesterday that the Government will introduce flexibilities to the tax debt warehousing scheme, which allowed businesses to warehouse certain tax debts during the covid-19 pandemic.
An extension of the scheme in October 2022 gave businesses until May 2024 to make arrangements to repay their warehoused debt or reach a phased payment agreement with the Revenue Commissioners.
Speaking to RTE News in Davos, Mr McGrath said: We are going to make some changes to the tax warehousing regime with a view to being as flexible as we possibly can.
Weve been engaging with the Revenue Commissioners and a proposal is currently being developed, which we hope to finalise very shortly, to introduce further flexibility.
Paul Walsh of 3 Little Piggies Deli. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Speaking to The Echo, owner of 3 Little Piggies cafe on Union Quay, Paul Walsh, said: I believe Michael McGrath and the Government made the announcement today [Wednesday] because they now realise the return of 13.5% Vat on the hospitality sector and unprecedented increase of 1.40 minimum wage overnight has created the perfect storm in the sector.
Both should have been implemented over a two- to three-year period. Many were just balancing their books during and after covid, and now energy and the cost-of-living crisis and the Government policies of late are sending many of these businesses into the red.
Owner of Koto Jeff Safar Hamidi.
Owner of Koto on Careys Lane, Jeff Safar Hamidi, raised concerns about the rising costs of running a business and said it is heartbreaking to see so many closures in Cork in recent weeks.
This is a time for firm and meaningful change from our Government, he said. The Vat rate at 13.5% is completely wrong and out of touch. Fix it once and for all, set the rate at 9%. Separate hotel rooms from restaurants and cafes. Show us you care about your local small business.
Ive never seen so many closures in such a short space of time, most of which are small, independent businesses. Its heartbreaking. If the Government doesnt act now, we will have a country devoid of personality and well be left with corporate chains and no cead mile failte that our hospitality venues are so well known for.
Cork Business Association (CBA) president Kevin Herlihy.Pic: Brian Lougheed
Speaking to The Echo, Cork Business Association (CBA) president Kevin Herlihy said:
Cork Business Association welcomes the ministers comments but we await further details, which we expect to see over the next week or two. We do feel that more needs to be done as part of an overall package.
CBA has also called for a meeting with Mr McGrath to address pressing issues.
To further alleviate pressure on businesses, CBA has proposed that the Government engage in urgent discussions with energy providers about the escalating costs, particularly in the commercial sector, advocating for a reduction to positively impact overall business expenses. In the hospitality sector, CBA has also called for a review of the Vat rate for food to provide essential support to businesses facing challenges.
A Dublin man accused of dealing crack cocaine and heroin in Cork city in December was remanded in custody until January 31.
Detective Garda Derry OBrien arrested 30-year-old Josh McGuinness of no fixed address and originally of Harmonstown Road, Raheney, Dublin, last month and brought him before Cork District Court on charges of dealing heroin and cocaine on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.
Det Garda OBrien gave evidence of the accused man being questioned during his detention:
Mr McGuinness made admissions in relation to knowing that deals being sold were to blame for the recent epidemic of overdoses in Cork City area.
Josh McGuinness is charged with four counts, namely being in possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and cocaine for his own use and having both drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others.
Refusing the district court bail application, Judge Mary Dorgan said:
Everyone is entitled to their freedom and the presumption of innocence. He was caught red-handed and it is alleged that he made admissions to being responsible for the recent epidemic of overdoses.
During the objection to bail, Det Garda OBrien said the accused had a severe crack cocaine addiction that extended to consuming 15 to 20 deals of the drug per day at a daily cost of 600.
The detective said the accused was stopped and searched and found in possession of heroin valued 2,000 and cocaine worth 1,000 and that the drugs were broken down into deal-sized bags, ready for sale and distribution in Cork city centre.
The cocaine he was allegedly dealing was described as crack cocaine in 34 individual deals and 21 deals of heroin.
Former Cork city councillor Con O'Leary is to be laid to rest tomorrow.
A much-loved shopkeeper on Corks northside for over 50 years, Mr OLeary was elected to represent the citys former north-central ward as an Independent councillor in 1991 and 1999.
The Gurranabraher native passed away in Gran Canaria earlier this month.
It is understood he fell ill while holidaying with family members and passed away in hospital a short time later.
Funeral arrangements have now been posted, with the removal to take place at O'Connor Bros Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge, today from 4pm-6pm with prayers at 5.45pm.
The funeral mass will take place tomorrow at 12 noon in the Church of The Ascension, Gurranabraher and Mr OLeary will then be laid to rest at St Joseph's Cemetery.
Tributes to Mr OLeary poured in following his passing on Friday, January 5.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he was saddened to learn the news, saying that he had very fond memories of serving with Con OLeary on Cork City Council in the early 90s.
He served his community with great commitment and generosity for half a century.
Cons brilliant wit, and his dedication and passion for his city will be sorely missed, Mr Martin continued, offering his sincere condolences to Mr OLearys family.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, was also among the many to pay tribute to Mr OLeary and offer his condolences to the family.
On behalf of the people of Cork, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Cons family, his daughters, and his grandchildren and friends.
As a member, Con was very active in Cork Corporation and represented his constituents with much passion, regularly speaking up on several social issues, which affected Cork citizens and pushing for positive change, he said.
Con served as a councillor as a member of the Southern Health Board, and as a director of EACD (European Cities against Drugs).
I had the pleasure of hosting a civic reception for Con last year to acknowledge his incredible contribution to local politics and to his local community.
A native of Gurranabraher, Con will always be known as a legendary Cork character with much wit but whose caring efforts not only benefitted Gurranabraher but also the wider city as well.
May he rest in peace. Mr OLeary is survived by his daughters Lorraine, Tina, Deborah and Aishling.
He was predeceased by his wife Ann.
A 32-year-old man who was rushed to hospital following a bottle attack in Cork passed away of a brain injury coupled with alcohol and drug intoxication and sharp force injury, an inquest has heard.
An inquest into the death of Jason Butler who was originally from Castleredmond, in Midleton, Co Cork has been adjourned as criminal proceedings are ongoing. Mr Butler was predeceased by his parents and three of his six siblings.
Jason Butler passed away at Cork University Hospital on June 16, 2023. He had been the victim of an attack two days earlier.
Mr Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk in Cork at the time of his death. Source RIP.ie
Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster today told Cork Coroners Court that a post-mortem had indicated that the cause of death was a hypoxic ischemic brain injury coupled with alcohol and mixed drug intoxication and sharp force injury to the face and neck.
Garda Paul Delaney of Anglesea Street Garda station gave evidence as to identifying the body of Mr Butler to a doctor on June 22 last at the morgue in Cork University Hospital.
Sgt Fergus Twomey told Cork Coroner Philip Comyn that a man has been before the courts in relation to the death.
The case was adjourned pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Last month (December) Aaron Babbington (30) of Churchfield Avenue, Cork appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder, contrary to Common Law, of Jason Butler on the Grand Parade in Cork on June 14 last.
Mr Butler was living at SVP Deerpark House Hotel in Friars Walk in Cork at the time of his death.
This is a support service that assists people as they attempt to move on from homelessness. Mr Butler is survived by three brothers and a sister.
His funeral mass took place at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in his native Midleton, Co Cork.
He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. He was from the Castleredmond area of the town.
A SUGGESTION by local councillor Mick Nugent that Cork City Council report on preventative housing maintenance measures for the year ahead is to be discussed at a meeting of the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) next month.
The Cork City North-West Sinn Fein councillor also asked the local authority if a programme of works will be influenced by stock surveys and called for the prioritisation of dealing with dampness/mould and the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Im hoping that there will be a report on what will be done this year in terms of housing preventative measures, he said.
Pictured reviewing the condition of houses in Fairfield Meadows in Fairhill were local councillors Kenneth Collins, Mick Nugent, Brian McCarthy and Tony Fitzgerald with residents Lisa McNamara, Theresa and John Kelleher. Picture: Howard Crowdy
I think thats what we need to look at alongside the housing stock surveys.
City Council needs more of its own staff as well. There are one hundred plus external staff in the Housing Directorate, but we need more staff to ensure that there is a faster response for the public in dealing with maintenance requests and that there is an official system, he said.
There has been some additional staff, engineers appointed, and thats good but we need to ensure that we have a resourced and efficient system in dealing with housing maintenance and also trying to get ahead of it with preventative measures.
His comments come following a number of housing maintenance issues highlighted by residents of Fairfield Meadows in Upper Fairfield. Cork City Councils Housing Directorate met some of the residents last month to hear their concerns and observe some of the maintenance issues that need addressing.
A gathering of some residents was held in November last at the entrance to the estate, calling on the council to step up and carry out required maintenance works on their homes.
Lisa McNamara, a resident of Fairfield Meadows in Fairhill, shows where the water poured in from her shower into the lounge area of her home with the crack in the ceiling still visible. Picture: Howard Crowdy
In 2018, 1.1m in funding for repairs to homes in Fairfield Meadows and Fairfield Lawn was secured as part of an 11m loan-funded scheme which saw 1,200 local authority homes in Cork city earmarked for repairs or upgrades.
Question
Mr Nugent has suggested that the remainder of the funding could be used to address the existing maintenance issues at Fairfield Meadows. In response to a motion submitted to the council by Mr Nugent requesting an update on the 11 million loan taken down by council for housing maintenance works including works to date, Director of Services of Housing Operations Directorate Niall O Donnabhain provided figures which showed that the total expenditure of the maintenance project was 8,929,355. The total expenditure of the programme of maintenance works at Fairfield Meadows and Fairfield Lawn was 731,355.46.
The contract for remediation works to dwellings at both Fairfield Meadows and Fairfield Lawn was awarded to HG Construction (Ireland) Limited. (73 Units 1-50 Fairfield Meadows /1-23 Fairfield Lawn), Mr O Donnabhain said.
The project commenced in June 2022 with correspondence issued to each tenant/occupier within those residential schemes to advise of their appointment, and to coordinate scheduling of works to individual properties.
HG Construction (Ireland) Limited have, as of 30th March 2023, completed their programme of works to 70 of a total of 73 dwellings at a final account sum of: 731,355.46.
HG Construction could not gain access to 3 dwellings.
Housing Maintenance and Area Management staff visited the estates again in December 2023 and met with residents. Relevant maintenance work has been identified and will be followed up.
PARENTS will be polled this year about the teaching of religion in primary schools.
A government publication, Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity, explains: Children in multi-denominational schools learn about all faiths and belief systems [for example atheistic and humanist perspectives] as part of the school day.
The target is to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools to 400 by 2030, but according to 2023 enrolment figures from the Department of Education, of 3,100 mainstream national schools in Ireland, 2,700 are still Catholic.
Nationally, there are 150 multi-denominational mainstream schools, and 200 schools under other religious patronage. There are also 16 inter-denominational schools which are under the patronage or trusteeship of more than one religious faith community, which are generally under a joint Catholic/Protestant religious ethos.
In Cork, there are 350 Catholic primary schools, and fewer than 40 non-Catholic schools, the majority of which are under Church of Ireland patronage, and 13 of which are multi-denominational.
These include Educate Together schools on Grattan St and Tramore Rd in the city, as well as in Carrigaline, Midleton, Douglas/Rochestown, Fermoy, and Owenabue.
Cork ETB also has two multi-denominational schools: Carrigtwohill and Mallow Community National Schools. There are four multi-denominational Gaelscoilenna in Montenotte, Clonakilty, Glanmire, and Coolroe.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that the survey is being finalised, but that it will ask just one question: Do you want a multi-denominational school in your area?
The survey would be aimed at parents and people planning on having children, and is likely to be done using eircodes, so that a respondents vote would count towards their local school catchment area.
Dr Seamus Conboy, the director of Schools at ETBI, told The Echo that they fully support the upcoming Department of Education survey.
ETBI has a lot of experience in supporting school communities in moving from a religious ethos to a multi-denominational ethos and changing to the Community National School model.
Since 2017, we have done this with 15 primary schools, where the school community wanted the school to change to a multi-denominational ethos, and all of the schools that have gone through this process are thriving.
What they like about the Community National School model is its inclusive ethos for all children and also the supports the school gets from the local Education and Training Board.
Two Cork North Central TDs pressed a government minister to give a date when water would be clean again in the city during a late night Dail debate on Wednesday.
Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould and Mick Barry TD of People Before Profit/Solidarity raised issues around the discoloration of water being experienced in households on the northside and some other areas in the city and pressed Minister for State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, for answers relating to Uisce Eireanns handling of the problem.
The Sinn Fein TD said that he had initiated an appeal on a social media platform before Christmas asking constituents to get in touch with their accounts about the quality of water in their homes.
This is 2024 and today alone I was contacted by people in Blarney Street, Blackpool and Ballyvolane who told me that their water is still dirty, it is still unclean, said Deputy Gould.
A man contacted me and told me his mother had dementia and he found her on a number of occasions drinking discoloured water from the sink, said the TD.
Vulnerable
He added that there are vulnerable people, those who are blind or with limited sight, who were unable to see if the water was discoloured and unable to follow the advice of Uisce Eireann not to drink discoloured water.
The Solidarity/People Before Profit TD Mick Barry asked when could his constituents turn on the taps and not be fearful that brown or orange or otherwise discoloured water would come out.
When are people in Cork going to stop having their dishwashers ruined by discoloured water and when are people going to be able to stop spending 20 a week, 1,000 a year on bottled water in a cost of living crisis because they are nervous about what is coming out of their taps, especially for their kids.
He said that the three Cork ministers Micheal Martin, Michael McGrath and Simon Coveney had been very quiet about the issue.
Questions
It is not just me who is asking these questions, thousands of my constituents are asking the very same questions and the Minister of State and his government would want to start providing a few answers to my constituents very damned soon.
In response, Minister Noonan said that government was aware of the discolouration issue and of people purchasing bottled water.
It is something that is affecting communities in Cork and we are conscious of that, said Minister Noonan.
As part of Budget 2024, the Minister secured funding of 1.6billion to support Uisce Eireann in the delivery of water services.
The National Development Plan commits to almost 6 billion in capital investment to be undertaken by Uisce Eireann in the period 2021-30. The minister said that Uisce Eireann had informed him that there were 600km of water mains in Cork city and that 507km were cast iron pipes and up to 100 years old.
He added that, as a result of work carried out to date to flush the system, there was a downward trend in reported cases.
I THINK Dianne McLauren was the only anthropologist Ive ever met, and that meeting must be 25 or 30 years ago. She came from America and I dont know how she poked me out at all!
It was definitely long before I got a computer and Id say before internet and suchlike were invented.
I think I got a phone call out of the blue from this lady, saying she was coming to Ireland soon and could I meet her? No bother, says I, thinking that, like so many before and since, she was just looking for her roots -some ancestral link with his area.
I often surmise that if we had close on 5,000 people living in this parish in 1841, and that was down to around 600 a century later, even allowing for the horrors of the Famine, there must be literally thousands of folk all over the world with familial ties here.
For the life of me, I cannot recall who gave Dianne my name, but anyhow, she came. She introduced herself as an anthropologist, which in plain mans language meant she studied humanity! Right, says I - that sounded like a fairly onerous study. She laughed and explained her trip to Ireland was in search of the mystical - or mythical - leprechaun!
Well, I told Diane that as a six-year -old boy I had definitely seen a kangaroo one morning in the Little Iron Gate Field, but Id never seen trace nor tidings of any leprechaun. She wasnt surprised. In her opinion, the last leprechauns had probably died out in Ireland maybe in the late 1700s or early 1800s.
Her studies of humanity and the movements of peoples had informed her three decades of research. Her theory as regards Ireland was that in very ancient pre-Celtic times, this country - still joined physically to mainland Europe - was probably inhabited by the group, clan or race that has been named as the Tuatha de Dannain.
This is not just a theory espoused by Dianne, but its widely held belief of many scholars.
When were these lads here? Well, the well laid out Ceide Fields in Mayo could be proof of farmers in that area perhaps 6000 years ago. This site is an amazing example of a complex, structured and highly developed system of agricultural husbandry.
Were these the Tuatha? No-one knows. One way or another, various new settlers like the Partalonians and others arrived in this country over the years.
Diannes theory was that the original settlers, the Tuatha de Dannan, were then marginalised, living in the woods and mountains on the outskirts of society. They were in effect ostracized little people, but then the average height of the populace of Ireland has risen dramatically over the centuries.
Living as outcasts, they continued their families within their own kind. The absence of new blood causes genetic problems in successive generations. Inter-breeding also brought maladies, thus resulting in declining numbers of a low-sized race of people.
Dianne believed, from her research and exhaustive studies, that this marginalised grouping lived in hollows and even in the old and abandoned raths or forts that still dot our countryside. They struggled on, but their future was doomed and destined for eventual extinction. Dianne thinks this happened about 300 years ago.
I asked her about the link between the leprechauns and gold and hidden treasure. She thought that an ancient race probably living so close to nature had cures, remedies and other traits now lost.
I suppose the little people were seldom seen but often heard by night and this added to their mystique.
Fair enough, says I - not yet fully convinced about the veracity of her pronouncements - but what can I do or say to help you? All she wanted from me was any lore or stories I had heard over the years that might fit in with her research.
Eamonn Kelly used say after telling a yarn: Im only saying what I heard and I only heard what was said . and what was said was mainly lies! Dianne just wanted stories and shed be the arbitrator of whether they were truth or lies. She wanted lore about leprechauns, ghosts and spirits.
Mrs Johanah Scanlan died in 1978 at the great age of 96. She lived with her bachelor sons Tom and Martin. They were farmers but much, much more - they were historians, aviators, mechanics, engineers, spiritualists, folklorists, and men who awakened and fostered a love of local history in my teenage head.
In the early 1970s, Donncha O Dulaing was in Castlelyons recording a radio programme for RTE. Mrs Scanlan was a Morrisson from just outside Castlelyons. Herself and Peter Hegarty, of Kilcor, recalled when An tAthair Peadar O Laoghaire was a priest in Castlelyons - when they were youngsters.
I can still hear Mrs Scanlan describe the whish she often heard of a summers evening on Mellahen Moor - high ground, now forested. Back in the 1890s it was wide open, bare moorland and heres where she often heard the whish of the hurling games of the little people.
But did ye see them? Donncha enquired. No, but we could hear the sounds on a calm, still evening away across the moor - we knew what it was alright.
Mrs Scanlan was buried with her Morrison ancestors in Gortroe - she was the last person to go into that grave. On the headstone over her grave, a Richard Morrisson is commemorated. He died in 1777, aged just 35. He was bringing a load of coal by horse and butt from Janeville Quay below Tallow. On his journey home, as he passed along the road through Kilcor - nearly in sight of his home - he got some kind of a shocking fright. He got home shortly afterwards, took to his bed and died in a few days.
Richard was unable to describe who or what he saw on the hillside above the road. Some say the ghost of a slain Monk from the Cromwellian persecution was often to be seen. This couldnt adequately explain what happened to poor Richard.
Strange things happen, and the absence of the ESB cant be the reason for so many sightings and soundings.
At Coneen na Sprioda, above our house, the path trodden by a black dog crossing the road was still pointed out when I was child. Ive never seen or heard the animal, but to this day or night Id walk a bit faster and pull my coat tighter when passing the spot - especially of a moonlit night.
The Heaphy brothers lived in the next parish, Lisgoold. When Sonny died, the banshees lonesome cry was heard all along the nearby valley.
I know people who say the banshees call is simply the mating call of foxes, but ask anyone whos heard both and youll get your answer!
Sonny Heaphy died after Eddie, and on the night of his death a dog literally galloping along the road was heard - it was a calm night. The sound was so clear, but no sight of the dog was observed.
Eddie milked three cows, and the day after he died two neighbours tried might and main to get the cows in out of the field for milking. If they were there yet, the cows would not oblige.
Only when one of the men put on Eddies coat and hat did the three animals walk in in single file.
Leprechauns, ghosts, banshees, spirits, ghostly dogs - figments of the imagination, or just a manifestation of all thats around us all the time?
There are none so blind as those who refuse to see.
High Court reporters
The High Court has appointed joint provisional liquidators to a financial firm that issues prepaid cards allowing customers to buy goods and services throughout the European Union.
On Wednesday, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey appointed experienced insolvency practitioners Kieran Wallace and Andrew O'Leary of Interpath Advisory Ireland as provisional liquidators to PFS Card Services Ireland Ltd, which is owned by the Australian financial technology group EML.
PFS Card Services Ireland, which is not currently insolvent, brought the winding up petition before the court on the grounds that its business model is no longer commercially viable or sustainable, is loss-making and is bound to fail in the coming months.
Mr Justice Sanfey noted that despite its current position, the company expects to be in a position to pay all of what it owes his creditors.
The company current holds 516 million of segregated funds for its customers with 2.4 million prepaid cards in issue.
Kelley Smith SC, with John Lavelle Bl, the company, told the court that, unusually in a winding up application, the company is currently solvent.
However, counsel said that the firm was "significantly financially distressed" for reasons including that its operating revenues were falling, and its costs were rising.
Losses
It lost 7.3 million in 2022, is expected to confirm some 15 million in losses for 2023, and in the current financial year is projected to lose an additional 3.7 million, counsel said.
There was also risk that key commercial counterparties, which account for a large part of its revenues, will cease trading with it in the coming year.
Counsel said that the company, which was acquired by EML in 2020, requires substantial future investment in areas including technology and operational efficiency.
While significant capital investment had been put into the company by its parent since 2020, the EML group was not prepared to invest further in the company.
The company employs 144 people, 112 of whom are based at the company's facilities at Bray, Co Wicklow and Trim in Co Meath. The rest of the employees are based at the firms branches in Spain and France.
The court also heard that company has been authorised to operate as an electronic money institution by the Central Bank of Ireland and that there had been extensive engagement between the company and the bank since 2020.
The bank opened an investigation into the firm's business after it raised concerns about its alleged failings in respect to anti-money laundering controls and governance arrangements.
The bank also imposed certain regulatory directions, including restrictions on its ability to accept payments from customers.
PFS Card Services Ireland put a plan in place to address the issues raised, counsel said, adding that it was hoped that the plan would be completed before the end of last year.
However, the bank expressed its dissatisfaction with the firm's plan, and had indicated that it was considering issuing a direction that would limit the firm's ability to grow.
Following those compliance issues, the company changed its board of directors, and its parent commenced a strategic review of PFS's operations, counsel said.
After detailed considerations, it was decided that the best option for all the relevant stakeholders, including the employees and customers, was to put the company into liquidation via the courts.
Counsel said that the company's parent had given careful consideration as to what to do with the firm, but given that it is expected to continue to make losses it had come to the conclusion that it was justice and equitable that the Irish entity be wound up.
Counsel said that the company believes that it is in the best interests of all parties that court appointed liquidators be put in place.
It was anticipated that there may be considerable unease among the firm's customers once its liquidation became public knowledge. The liquidators would be able to communicate professionally and effectively with the firm's customers.
Alternative providers
They could ensure that customers will continue to be able to avail of the firm's prepaid card services for an acceptable period until alternative providers can be obtained.
They will further be able to engage with the various regulatory bodies and the company's employees.
Caren Geoghegan SC for the Central Bank told the court that her client has been made aware of the application.
It was not objecting to the company's application, but counsel added that the decision did not mean that anything would automatically follow in relation to the Central Bank's regulatory role over the firm.
After considering the application, Mr Justice Sanfey agreed that, given the circumstances, the best option for all parties was to appoint the joint provisional liquidators to the company.
The judge directed that relevant parties be put on notice of the application, and adjourned the matter to a date next month.
This story was amended at 11am on January 18th, 2024.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.
Children wait in line to collect safe drinking water in a flooded area in Companiganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh on June 21, 2022. Syed Mahamudur Rahman / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Climate-induced sea level rise will lead to dangerous levels of arsenic being released into Bangladeshs drinking water, putting tens of millions of people in the country at greater risk of cancer, new research by scientists from Norwich University has found.
Scientists say global heating due to human-caused climate change will lead to extreme weather, sea level rise and flooding, which will speed up the release of arsenic into the well water nearly half the country relies on.
Over 165,000,000 people live in Bangladesh; approximately 97% of Bangladeshis drink well water. Approximately 49% of Bangladeshs area has drinking well water with arsenic (As) concentrations that exceed the 10 micrograms per liter (g/L) World Health Organization (WHO) guideline, the authors of the study wrote.
The researchers said this will escalate the countrys current public health crisis, reported The Guardian.
Chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking water is a real problem, not a theoretical exercise, said Dr. Seth Frisbie, research lead and a Norwich University emeritus professor of chemistry, as The Guardian reported. I once walked into a village where no one was over 30 years old.
The study, Sea level rise from climate change is expected to increase the release of arsenic into Bangladeshs drinking well water by reduction and by the salt effect, was published in the journal PLOS One.
The problem of arsenic water contamination in Bangladesh started in the 1970s, when the country had one of the highest infant mortality rates caused by surface water pollution. A program of boring into sedimentary rocks to access clean water had been sponsored by aid agencies from the United Nations and NGOs. The wells lowered the rates of infant mortality, but in the following two decades it was obvious that the water had naturally high arsenic levels.
Jamie Williams, senior policy advisor with NGO Islamic Relief, said the country has been experiencing water shortages because of pesticide pollution, especially in fishing regions, reported The Independent.
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its population density, and limited low-lying land area dominated by major rivers that drain the Himalayan mountains and foothills, Williams told The Independent. Many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; waterborne diseases are prevalent.
Bangladesh had its first chronic arsenic poisoning case from drinking well water in 1993, which WHO described as the largest mass poisoning of a population in history, The Guardian said.
According to Frisbie, sediments washed down from the uplift of the Himalayas contain arsenic.
So all the sediments from the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Irrawaddy [and] Mekong river basins are rich in naturally occurring arsenic, Frisbie said. It wasnt a problem when people drank surface water, because the surface water is in communication with the oxygen in the atmosphere and that makes the arsenic insoluble and removes it from the water. But the deep well water does not communicate as well with the oxygen in the atmosphere. And thats why all of a sudden giving people access to these deep water wells has been a tremendous public health crisis.
Frisbie said approximately 45 percent of the countrys wells have water with five times or more the maximum WHO limit for arsenic.
Arsenic builds up in organs inside the body, causing cancers. Chronic arsenic poisoning can also manifest as keratinization on peoples palms and the soles of their feet.
My current estimate is about 78 million Bangladeshis are exposed, and I believe a conservative estimate is that about 900,000 Bangladeshis are expected to die from lung and bladder cancer, Frisbie said, according to The Guardian.
The climate crisis will make the situation worse, as sea level rise is predicted to cause more flooding in the country. This will trigger a process called reduction, which will alter aquifer chemistry and lead to greater arsenic leaching from sediment.
Flooded homes after a heavy storm in the coastal area of Khulna, Bangladesh on Aug. 17, 2023. Kazi Salahuddin Razu / NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sea level rise will also cause aquifers to be inundated with seawater, increasing their salinity. That will speed up the leaching of arsenic through a process called the salt effect.
The effects of climate change on the underlying chemistry of water drawn from aquifers is not only a problem in Bangladesh.
These chemical processes are global, said Frisbie in The Guardian. Theres this reduction of arsenic in Manchester, theres the salt effect in Louisiana [because of] floods like Hurricane Katrina. So because these are universal chemical processes, this is a global problem.
As hurricanes, drought and the other symptoms of our climate crisis become increasingly present in our daily lives, many of us are looking for ways to learn more about our changing world. The following beautiful and entertaining works of graphic nonfiction also grapple with difficult issues regarding climate change, fossil fuel extraction and the loss of once-natural spaces, for readers of all ages.
Climate Changed: A Personal Journey through the Science, Philippe Squarzoni (2014)
Abrams Books
Imagine a documentary, but portrayed in squares of cartoons and lines of text, or a textbook on climate science, but much more engaging and with much better pictures. Climate Changed by French cartoonist Philippe Squarzoni takes readers through his own quest to learn about the science of climate change, after he realized that he knew next to nothing about it. Deftly combining research, personal reflection, interviews with climate experts and stunning black-and-white visuals, Squarzoni teaches readers about the basics of climate change, breaking down difficult concepts like atmospheric science, the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy options, the IPCC, and how we got here that is, at the center of a climate crisis in the first place. At nearly 500 pages, its no light read, but the subject matter isnt light either, and nearly a decade after its publication, the book is still highly relevant and beneficial to all readers hoping to understand more about our changing planet.
Paying the Land, Joe Sacco (2020)
Macmillan Publishers
Joe Saccos 2020 blend of comic and journalism, Paying the Land, centers around the Dene people an indigenous group in the Northwest Territories of Canada in the Mackenzie River Valley and the mining industry that began to encroach in the late 1800s. Mining for oil, gas and diamonds brought jobs to these territories, and with it, waste, scarred landscapes, pipelines and development, as well as rising rates of alcohol abuse and other social problems. Sacco explores the benefits and the steep costs of mining on the Dene people, to whom the land was essential to their livelihoods and ways of being and which they believe cannot be owned in the first place. He digs into the history of the region, including the residential school system that isolated indigenous children from their families and culture, and how the Dene came to rely on wage labor.
The books name is derived from the long Dene tradition of repaying the land when something is taken from it, thereby allowing the earth to continue sustaining itself. This idea is commented on throughout the book both visually and in words on the fossil fuel industrys antithetical treatment of the land, taking from it by drilling for oil and fracked gas, and leaving only toxins behind.
The book asks us to see how the fossil fuels that we use are linked to the displacement of indigenous people and the desecration of our environment, and the deep complexity of these issues.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands, Kate Beaton (2022)
Drawn & Quarterly
In 2008, hundreds of migrating ducks died after landing in the oil sludge of Albertas oil sands. This graphic memoir chronicles Kate Beatons time as a laborer in those sands, trying to pay off her student loans during the lucrative Alberta oil rush. Against a backdrop of Canadas stunning landscapes, Beatons illustrations of industrial development and razed earth show the visible and devastating impact of the oil sands on the environment. During her two years on the job, Beaton faces harassment, misogyny and threat of violence from the men she works alongside. The book exposes the trauma and hardship inherent to this kind of work that isnt often discussed. She considers the land that was taken from First Nations people for this industry, and how theyve become economically wrapped up in the oil sands, but have also suffered from higher rates of cancer. Ultimately, the book serves as a critique of the way we cheaply, irresponsibly and violently source our energy.
Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West, Lauren Redniss (2020)
Penguin Random House
In Oak Flat, artist and writer Lauren Redniss follows the long battle of the Apache people to save their land from development. The title refers to Oak Flat itself, a mesa in southeastern Arizona near the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. The site has historical and cultural significance to the Apache people as an ancient burial ground, and as the place where young Apache women hold their coming-of-age Sunrise Ceremony. Ten years after copper reserves were discovered in the area in 1995, a law passed that transferred ownership of the land to Resolution Copper, which is still planning mining development that would alter this landscape forever. While the company has promised jobs an attractive prospect in an area that has faced much economic hardship skepticism and fear of another boom-and-bust cycle pervades in the divided community. The book is structured around interviews with native people who live near Oak Flat two families in particular, including one of an Apache teenage activist, and a mining family. Through it all, Redniss vibrant and colorful pencil sketches of the landscape and its people depict the beauty of Oak Flat.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.
The European Parliament has voted to adopt a law regulating sustainability claims on product labels. The law will prohibit retailers from making general environmental claims and sustainability claims without evidence.
The law bans the use of terms including eco, biodegradable, environmentally friendly, natural and climate neutral without evidence. The EU will now require sustainability labels to be linked to official certifications or those established by public authorities, such as the the EU Ecolabel, the European Environmental Bureau reported.
Further, the law addresses carbon offsetting, banning labels from noting that products have a neutral, reduced or positive impact on the environment because of companies participation in carbon offsetting programs. The move comes at a time when more and more studies are revealing that carbon offset programs do little to actually mitigate emissions, instead operating more as phantom credits that dont remove any carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
The EU directive against greenwashing received strong support with 593 votes to approve the law and 21 against, as well as 14 abstentions.
We will step away from throwaway culture, make marketing more transparent and fight premature obsolescence of goods, European Parliaments rapporteur Biljana Borzan said in a press release. People will be able to choose products that are more durable, repairable and sustainable thanks to reliable labels and advertisements. Most importantly, companies can no longer trick people by saying that plastic bottles are good because the company planted trees somewhere or say that something is sustainable without explaining how. This is a big win for all of us!
In addition to banning greenwashing claims, the directive will target false or unfounded durability claims, to promote reusability and repairability. Brands will not be able to claim that products last longer than they would with normal use or promote replacing a product sooner than necessary, with such claims currently common on labels for technology products, such as printer ink.
Once approved by the European Council, the legislation will be recorded in the EUs Official Journal. Afterward, member states of the EU will have two years to enact the law. In the meantime, the law will be a complement to the Green Claims Directive, still under review. The Green Claims Directive will provide more information on the use of environmental claims, the EU reported.
According to the European Environmental Bureau, about 75% of products on the market in the EU have some sort of sustainability claim, but more than half of these claims are vague, confusing or without evidence to back them up.
Activists have applauded the move to ban greenwashing but also hope to see legislation that bans planned obsolescence, which is when a product is designed to break or become useless quickly.
This law cuts through the smoke of misleading green marketing, putting a leash on shady claims and boosting the credibility of sustainability labels, Miriam Thiemann, European Environmental Bureaus policy officer for sustainable consumption, said in a statement. People will also have access to more information about the durability and reparability of products before buying them. But we still need stronger rules to make durable, repairable products the norm.
(Photo: Courtesy Open Doors)Social media is increasingly being used by Hindu extremists in India to stir up hatred of Christians; the country is number 10 on the Open Doors World Watch List.
More than 365 million, or one in seven, Christians face high levels of persecution for their faith and persecution is becoming dangerously violent in countries on the 2024 World Watch List.
The Christian advocacy group Open Doors reported that attacks on churches and Christian properties sky-rocketed in 2023, as more Christians than ever recorded faced violent attacks.
Open Doors monitors persecution and supports the Church in more than 60 countries.
It released its World Watch List 2024 on Jan. 17, documenting trends and ranking the 50 worst countries in the world when it comes to Christian persecution.
Thirteen Christians a day were killed for their faith in 2023, on average a total of 4,998.
Nigeria remains the deadliest place to follow Jesus; 82% of killings happened there.
The number of attacks on churches and Christian-run schools, hospitals and cemeteries exploded in 2023, up seven-fold compared to the previous year.
It was driven by mob violence in India, church closures in China, and attacks in Nigeria, Nicaragua and Ethiopia.
At least 10,000 churches closed in China in 2023.
"Most were house churches but official churches are under pressure too. New regulations mean churches must display signs reading, 'Love the Communist Party, love the country, love the religion,'" said the report.
Digital surveillance is growing, with Christians in one province required to register on a state-controlled app before attending church services.
Still, once again, North Korea is the most dangerous place in the world for Christians says Open Doors.
Being discovered as a follower of Jesus is effectively a death sentence there in that north Asian country.
In 2023, North Korea strengthened its border with China so it's now harder for Christians to flee and harder for support to reach them, noted Open Doors.
- VIOLENCE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Political instability, war and extremism has been creating a perilous situation for Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Amid lawlessness, jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and Boko Haram have thrived. Weak governments fail to stop them. And militants attack Christian communities and churches with impunity.
Most Christians murdered for their faith in 2023 were killed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria accounted for nine out of 10 religiously-motivated murders.
Christians were also killed in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burkina Faso, Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Many more Christians have also been forced from their homes. Of 34.5 million displaced people across Sub-Saharan Africa, around 16.2 million are Christians.
- CHURCHES FACE ATTACK
More than 14,700 churches or Christian properties such as schools and hospitals were targeted in 2023. It marked a six-fold increase compared with attacks recorded the previous year.
In China, at least 10,000 churches were closed, while in India, violent mobs raided Christian properties.
And in Algeria, where there were 47 official Protestant churches, only four remain open where they now face intense pressure.
"These attacks put huge pressure on Christian communities, sparking fear and insecurity. Even if believers do regroup in smaller numbers, they have limited leadership and few resources," said Open Sources
- FORCED FROM HOME
In 2023, more than twice as many Christians were forced to flee their homes compared to the previous year. Political instability, war, extremism and natural disasters have all driven believers from their homelands across the Middle East and North Africa.
Believers are often more vulnerable than other displaced people because of their faith.
In countries such as Syria, Christians are easy targets for violence. Extremists attack churches and leaders and put pressure on Christians to move on, notes the report.
Behaviour Interactive is the latest notable game developer to lay off workers. The Dead by Daylight studio confirmed to Game Developer that the cuts affected less than three percent of the total workforce. Kotaku first reported on the layoffs, stating that they took place earlier this month and affected around 45 people across several departments. It initially appeared that the layoffs were limited to Behaviour's Montreal headquarters, but the publisher hasn't confirmed whether that's the case.
"Recently, changing market conditions necessitated adjusting the scope of several Behaviour projects," Behaviour told the publications in a statement. "In these situations, our preference is always to reassign talent to other projects. Unfortunately, this option is not always available to us. These departures represented less than three percent of our total workforce."
Behaviour bought several studios last year, including ones in the UK and the Netherlands as part of a deeper expansion into Europe. While much of the company's focus is on Dead by Daylight (a new Alan Wake-focused chapter will arrive later this month), it has been working on other projects, such as last year's Meet Your Maker .
The European Parliament is calling for new regulations to ensure streaming services pay artists fairly. The proposal also calls for more transparency around how algorithms generate suggestions for which artists to stream and what tracks get the most promotion.
The proposed changes will be designed to ensure smaller artists are compensated fairly. Currently, royalty rates are set in a way that makes artists accept lower pay for the distribution of their content in exchange for visibility on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. The members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are primarily concerned with introducing new legal frameworks to help support artists.
MEPs believe that the current way royalties are distributed is unfair. Current algorithms favor major labels and artists when providing suggestions, making it more difficult for less popular and diverse genres to get exposure. Cultural diversity and ensuring that authors are credited and fairly paid has always been our priority; this is why we ask for rules that ensure algorithms and recommendation tools used by music streaming services are transparent as well as in their use of AI tools, placing European authors at the centre, rapporteur Iban Garcia del Blanco of Spain said.
As part of this call for change, the MEPs want there to be more regulation regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The actual implementation of a legal framework by EU regulators might take some time to come to fruition. Similarly, UK regulators also raised the issue of pay fairness on streaming apps and even started investigating the effects of algorithms on listening habits. It's no secret that streaming platforms account for more than half of the music industrys revenue. Streaming represents about 67 percent of the music industrys revenue on a global scale.
Last December the state of New Mexico sued Meta for failing to protect children, claiming that Facebook and Instagram algorithms recommended sexual content to minors. Now, an unredacted internal Meta presentation has been revealed, with the company's own employees estimating that 100,000 child users were harassed daily, The Wall Street Journal reported.
According to a 2021 internal document, Facebook's "People You May Know" (PMYK) algorithm was singled out as a primary connector of children to predators. When employees reported those findings to Meta executives, they reportedly rejected recommendations that the algorithm be redesigned to stop recommending adults to minors.
The feature was responsible for 75 percent of all inappropriate adult-minor contact, according to one employee. "How on earth have we not just turned off PYMK between adults and children?" another employee said. "It's really, really upsetting," added another.
The issues were particularly insidious on Instagram, according to an internal 2020 memo, with "sex talk" 38 times more prevalent on that platform than Facebook Messenger in the US. In one case an Apple executive reported that his 12-year-old child was solicited on Instagram. "This is the kind of thing that pisses Apple off to the extend of threat[en]ing to remove us from the App Store," said an employee charged with addressing the issue.
New Mexico claims that Meta has failed to address large-scale predation on its platform, particularly around recommendation algorithms. State investigators originally set up phony accounts for children, providing adult dates of birth, as kids often misstate their ages to access online services that they're not supposed to. Then, they implied that the accounts were being used by children, with one posting about a lost baby tooth and starting seventh grade. The suit alleged that, among other things, the accounts were sent child sex images and offers to pay for sex.
The state further alleges that Meta leaders didn't take action to limit adult predation on minors until late 2022, and still stopped short of strict measure recommended by safety staff. Instead it, only attempted to block suggestions to adults who previously demonstrated suspicious behavior toward children. However, according to a Meta study, 99 percent of accounts disabled for grooming children failed to state their age.
Meta recently introduced measures for teen users on Instagram and Facebook, including stopping non-followers from messaging them and blocking offensive comments. On top of the New Mexico complaint, Meta is facing lawsuits from 41 states complaining it harms the mental health of its youngest users. Another recently unsealed complaint filed by 33 states alleges that Meta "coveted and pursued" users under the age of 13 and has been dishonest about how it handles underage users' accounts when they're discovered.
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"1,000-Lb Sisters" star Tammy Slaton opened up about her sexuality months after her husband Caleb Willingham died.
In a TikTok video uploaded Tuesday, the 37-year-old reality star addressed a fan's question if she was trans. Tammy clarified she wasn't trans and said she has identified as a pansexual but has become more like a lesbian after losing her husband.
"No, I'm not a trans. I'm just a supporter of everybody," she said. "I'm actually, well, I was saying I was pansexual, but I kinda stopped messing with guys after my husband passed. So, I'm like a lesbian."
She clarified that she's just a supporter and not a hater. Tammy also stressed that she acknowledges all types of love.
"Love is love. Everybody deserves love whether they're gay, straight, trans, pan, bi, nonbinary [or] whatever. I'm just a lover," she added.
In November, Tammy paid a moving tribute to her late husband on social media. She shared a series of photos of them on TikTok with Dylan Matthew's "Love Is Gone" playing in the background. The post featured their wedding photo, a setting sun and a quote with a butterfly.
"Whisper I love you to a butterfly, and it will fly to heaven to deliver your message," the quote read.
She also included a shot of her watching the sunset solo.
"Even though I'm not in love with him, I will always love him, and I miss him everyday; things will get better," she wrote in the caption with a smiling face with tears of joy emoji.
Tammy met Caleb at Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio, in 2022. He proposed to her in October of the same year, and they wed a month later.
Their relationship and weight loss journey were documented in Season 4 of "1,000-Lb. Sisters." Caleb made his debut in episode 8, featuring their courtship, proposal and wedding in the rehab.
Their relationship continued after Tammy left rehab and returned home, while Caleb remained in the facility as he struggled with his weight loss. They communicated through video calls. Their romance was short-lived after Caleb passed away in July.
"I am devastated to share the news of my husband's passing," Tammy said in a statement to People.
"He was my best friend, and I loved him dearly. When I met Caleb, he became my guardian angel, and now he really is watching over me."
Thursday, January 18, 2024
We suggest that President Marcos read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue, so as to draw the right conclusions. That was friendly advice, gently offered by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. The spokesman was admonishing President Marcos for making a congratulatory phone call to the president-elect of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te. The call had angered China so much that its leaders cautioned President Marcos not to play with fire.
This furious reaction to the laudatory phone call is reminiscent of Chinas aggressive response to former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan in August last year. In that instance, President Xi Jinping of China warned that Those who play with fire will perish by it.
As Marcoss reading assignment shows, Chinese leaders have a good sense of humor. But on the Taiwan issue, they are often quite belligerent. In the months leading up to the presidential elections, the Chinese authorities repeatedly warned the people of Taiwan that voting for Ching-te, the most pro-independence of the three candidates, would risk war with the mainland. By ignoring those threats, the Taiwanese again confirmed their strong desire for self-determination.
The overwhelming majority of countries around the world, including the U.S. and most of its allies, adhere to the one-China principle, which views Taiwan as part of China. A September 2023 poll conducted by the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation showed that 48.9% of Taiwanese are in favor of the island becoming fully independent, with 26.9% preferring the status quo and 11.8% supporting unification with China.
Although nearly half of the population desires independence, there is a general sense, both inside and outside Taiwan, that maintaining the status quo is the best option, at least for the foreseeable future.
What is also clear is that the Taiwanese do not want to surrender their cherished democratic freedoms. They saw what happened to Hong Kongers during their 2019 pro-democracy protests, and how life has changed in the administrative region since then. Not many people in Taiwan want to be under the thumb of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
I have observed over a long period of time that around the world, socialisms most vocal proponents are almost always people who have never lived under its ruleand likely never will. Those who most strongly abhor the ideology tend to be people who have actually experienced it in practice.
Life in capitalist societies can unquestionably be quite harsh. Extreme inequality, high incidence of poverty, homelessness, lack of health care for the poor, and myriad insecurities, make life brutally difficult for millions of people. These highly negative features of capitalist societies are well documented, but people from everywhere flock to them anyway. For whatever reason, few want to migrate to the advertised utopias.
Socialist societies are never as egalitarian and stress-free as they are frequently portrayed to be. At its peak in the early 1980s, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) had about 19 million members, representing approximately 7% of the countrys population. At the end of 2022, the CCP had around 98 million members, constituting 6.9% of Chinas population.
Card-carrying members of the communist parties in both countries have always enjoyed privileges that non-members do not. Members often get the best jobs, have easier access to elite institutions, get better housing, food and other necessities of life. During my six-year stay in the Soviet Union from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, I had thousands of conversations with ordinary Soviets, both members and non-members of the CPSU. The non-members, particularly those from ethnic-minority groups, griped constantly about all manner of issues. Many said they felt like second-class citizens. Some of their complaints were in many ways quite similar to those that I have heard from underprivileged Americans over the nearly thirty-two years that I have lived in the U.S.
Within those exclusive party organizations, there is always fierce competition for the top jobs and luxuries. Greed, corruption, nepotism, and all the other vices normally associated with capitalist societies, are quite prevalent in socialist ones, too. The difference is that in socialist societies, the bosses have total control over information flow so they are able to hide their dirty linen in ways that their capitalist counterparts cannot.
Capitalism has many drawbacks, and I often wish that there were easy ways to fix them. Unfortunately, there arent. What I do know is that socialism is not the answer to my prayers. It may be a neat concept on paper, but human beings still have to operate whatever system is built on that ideological foundation. That is where the problem lies. Real world experience has taught me that most likely, even Heaven would quickly become a lot less idyllic than it currently sounds if we humans were put in charge of it.
I count myself lucky that Ive had the opportunity to see both socialism and capitalism in practice. That invaluable exposure helps free me from the unnecessary distractions of wishful thinking.
Regardless of what adherents of socialism say, the resistance to it from the vast majority of ordinary citizens in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Venezuela and elsewhere demonstrates that it is not an ideology that much of the world is in love with. It is never a good sign when extreme coercion has to be used to sell something.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
In the dynamic landscape of retirement planning, a ray of hope emerges through the Retirement Savings for Americans Act. The implications of this bill are substantial, particularly for the millions of Americans who currently lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. While it has not become the law yet, it is a significant cornerstone for countless individuals.
The Retirement Savings for Americans Act is a proposed bill in Congress that seeks to address the retirement savings crisis for Americans without an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This legislation is designed to extend retirement savings opportunities to full- and part-time workers. So, it is particularly for the workers who do not have retirement plans from their employers.
That means the target beneficiaries are both full- and part-time workers under the mentioned criteria. This encompasses a vast demographic, including gig workers, freelancers, and employees of small businesses that may not offer retirement benefits.
The eligibility criteria are clear. An account would be available to any full- or part-time employee who is not enrolled in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. The automatic enrollment provision is a game-changer. It means that people can enroll at a rate of three percent of their income without having to deal with a lot of paperwork or take initiative.
Here are some key features that you should know about the Retirement Savings for Americans Act.
Expanded Access: The bill aims to provide retirement savings opportunities to those currently excluded due to the absence of employer-sponsored plans.
The bill aims to provide retirement savings opportunities to those currently excluded due to the absence of employer-sponsored plans. Automatic Enrollment: The automatic enrollment feature ensures that eligible individuals are enrolled seamlessly, fostering higher participation rates.
The automatic enrollment feature ensures that eligible individuals are enrolled seamlessly, fostering higher participation rates. Income Contribution: Participants would be automatically enrolled at a contribution rate of 3% of their income, providing a structured and manageable approach to retirement savings.
Participants would be automatically enrolled at a contribution rate of 3% of their income, providing a structured and manageable approach to retirement savings. Tax Advantages: The bill may also include provisions for tax advantages, encouraging individuals to participate in the program and maximize their retirement savings potential.
The bill may also include provisions for tax advantages, encouraging individuals to participate in the program and maximize their retirement savings potential. Bipartisan Support: The Retirement Savings for Americans Act has garnered support from both liberals and conservatives, emphasizing its potential to bridge political divides for the greater good.
The Retirement Savings for Americans Act has garnered support from both liberals and conservatives, emphasizing its potential to bridge political divides for the greater good. Corporate Backing: Companies such as DoorDash, Uber, and Goldman Sachs have thrown their weight behind the legislation, recognizing its importance in promoting financial security for their workforce.
Companies such as DoorDash, Uber, and Goldman Sachs have thrown their weight behind the legislation, recognizing its importance in promoting financial security for their workforce. Voluntary Opt-Out: While automatic enrollment is a key feature, the legislation allows individuals to opt-out if they choose not to participate, respecting the autonomy of workers in managing their finances
While automatic enrollment is a key feature, the legislation allows individuals to opt-out if they choose not to participate, respecting the autonomy of workers in managing their finances October 19, 2023, Deadline: Although not yet law, the bills current status in Congress makes it a crucial time for individuals to express their support.
As this vital legislation is being deliberated, individuals need to take action and voice their support. By following the progress of the Retirement Savings for Americans Act and engaging with local congressional leaders, we can contribute to its successful passage. Here are some ways you can show support for the bill.
Follow the Legislation: Stay informed about the progress of the Retirement Savings for Americans Act. Regularly check for updates, amendments, and any Congress-related developments related to the bill.
Contact Congressional Leaders: Contact local congressmen and senators to support the legislation. Communicate the importance of this bill in providing financial security for those without employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Engage in Public Discourse: Utilize social media, community forums, and other platforms to engage in discussions about the Retirement Savings for Americans Act. Encourage your network to support the bill and amplify the message of its potential benefits.
The Retirement Savings for Americans Act represents a pivotal step toward addressing the retirement savings gap. By supporting this legislation, Americans can create a more inclusive and secure financial future for all. So, share your thoughts on the topic by joining our forum. Register to stay with us and take part in our movement.
Icelanders forced from their town by a dramatic volcanic eruption face never returning home, after lava engulfed several homes in the town, something the island nation had not seen in five decades.
On Sunday, a volcanic fissure opened up in a field near the fishing town of Grindavik -- which had been hastily evacuated just hours earlier.
A second crack opened around midday right on the edge of town, sending orange lava flowing into the streets and reducing three homes to ashes.
"Everyone is tired of the stress that comes with not knowing when you can go to your home and how safe it is going to be," Grindavik native Erla Osk Petursdottir, 43, told AFP.
On Wednesday, the Icelandic Meteorological Office (IMO) said there were no longer any visible signs of the eruption but noted that "magma accumulation" continued in the area and the level of danger for Grindavik remained "very high".
"There is a continued likelihood that new eruption fissures may open without warning," it said.
"We don't know how long this will last but it could be years and it is possible that lava will engulf the town," Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson, professor of geophysics at the University of Iceland, told AFP.
On Tuesday, Gudmundsson faced questions from 500 evacuated residents who had gathered in the capital Reykjavik to discuss the future of their town, which was once home to 4,000 people.
In a signal of the importance afforded to the issue, Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir and Finance Minister Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir also attended the meeting.
"The biggest issue for the people is that they have been displaced. They cannot access their homes," Gudmundsson said.
"Their work may not exist any more because they worked in town. And they have seen a very steep rise in their costs and this is a big issue," he added.
- Financially stranded -
In 1973, locals on Heimaey island were woken from their beds at dawn to a fissure erupting just 150 metres (164 yards) from the town centre.
On an island where there had been no eruption for nearly 6,000 years, a third of homes were destroyed and the 5,300 residents were evacuated. One person died.
Over time, the Heimaey community returned, but Grindavik's future has been shrouded in uncertainty for the last two months.
On November 11, Grindavik was evacuated after hundreds of earthquakes damaged buildings and opened up huge cracks in roads.
The seismic activity was triggered by the displacement of magma beneath the Earth's crust, seen as a precursor to a volcanic eruption.
On December 18, a volcano erupted three kilometres (1.8 miles) from the town.
Residents were able to return to their homes briefly several days later, and then for good on December 23, although only a few dozen chose to do so.
Those who had returned had to be hastily evacuated again on Saturday night when it became clear another eruption was imminent.
Stunned by the destruction in their town, many families now find themselves struggling financially.
They are required to continue mortgage payments for their homes, as well as pay rent for temporary lodgings elsewhere unless they are able to stay for free with relatives.
Some 200 families are in urgent need of housing, Grindavik's mayor told Tuesday's meeting.
"We need to prepare for the long term," Petursdottir said, explaining that most inhabitants were resigned to the prospect of not returning.
Their priorities are to live in safety and with stable finances, she added.
Residents have also asked the government to buy their homes in Grindavik, even if they might need to buy them back at a later date -- which is currently only a hypothetical prospect.
"We are stuck," 44-year-old real estate agent Pall Thorbjornsson told AFP, insisting it was currently up to the government to find a solution.
- 'Scattered' -
Some measures have already been introduced.
Temporary financial aid has been granted to residents since November and the government has ordered the purchase of more than 200 homes for rehousing.
At the same time, everyone is dealing with the sadness of leaving their homes and the break-up of their community.
"We're scattered all over now and we crave nothing more than to get back together," Petursdottir said.
But Thorbjornsson remained hopeful.
"We need to give ourselves a little bit of time," he said.
"I cannot do anything. There's the government and then Mother Nature."
The Grindavik eruption was Iceland's fifth volcanic eruption in under three years.
Iceland is home to 33 active volcano systems, the highest number in Europe.
It straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a crack in the ocean floor separating the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
str-nzg/ef/jll/po/gil/gv
James Brown signs his candidate filing paperwork. (Photo: James Brown campaign)
Montana Public Service Commission chairman and former Montana Supreme Court justice candidate James Brown announced Thursday he is running for State Auditor this year.
Having successfully served the last several years as President of the Montana Public Service Commission, a regulatory decision-making and consumer protection role similar to that role played by the auditor, I am uniquely suited to serve successfully in this office, Brown said in a statement.
Brown is a private practice attorney from Beaverhead County and was elected as the District 3 PSC commissioner in 2020, defeating Democrat Tom Woods by about 12,000 votes.
In 2022, he ran for a Montana Supreme Court seat but lost the November election to incumbent Justice Ingrid Gayle Gustafson by about 38,000 votes in a race in which Brown was endorsed by several high-profile Republicans in a nonpartisan race.
In his state auditor campaign announcement, Brown compared his new campaign to the Supreme Court campaign saying he is stepping up to run after being asked by people in Montana to do so.
As Montanas auditor and a land board member, I will work collaboratively with all parties to protect multiple use of Montanas public lands, enhance funding for public education, and promote stewardship of state trust properties, Brown said.
He also said he would work to defend consumers, investors, protect older Montanans from financial abuse, help with insurance in places where Montanans are being denied, and create regulations that are fair to small businesses and homeowners.
As auditor, I will hold Montana insurers accountable for refusing to write property insurance in certain areas of Montana due to perceived wildfire risk, Brown said. Further, I will fight to ensure those with pre-existing conditions will receive the care they need, and ensure the zealous prosecution of white-collar criminals.
A longtime attorney, Brown also holds degrees from the University of Montana and University of Washington. He is also a member of several associations and societies in Montana, and a board member of the Montana Council on Economic Education.
Brown and his fellow commissioners on the PSC, all of whom are Republicans, have been criticized in recent months for unanimously approving another rate hike for NorthWestern Energy customers in October that meant customers are now paying 28% more for their service than they were in August 2022.
According to state records, Brown is the first candidate to file for State Auditor for 2024. Current State Auditor Troy Downing is running in the 2nd Congressional District primary as a Republican.
The post PSC Commissioner Brown announces run for State Auditor appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Government plans to cut the budget for illegal meat seizures at the Port of Dover by 70% has been called 'catastrophic' for the British pig sector.
Defra is considering the budget cut for work carried specifically for the purpose of keeping African swine fever (ASF) out of the country.
The National Pig Association (NPA) said it would leave the UK pig industry exposed to a potentially devastating outbreak of ASF.
The NPA has joined the Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) and Dover Council in urging the department to reconsider the plan.
The DPHA, working with UK Border Force, seized 1.1 tonnes of illegally imported meat at Dover on Saturday 13 January alone, highlighting the scale of the work.
Defra introduced new rules in September 2022 making it illegal to bring pork and pork products over 2kg into Britain unless produced to the EUs commercial standards,.
Since then, DPHA and Border Force have seized more than 57 tonnes of meat products, often bought in in very large quantities.
This has been described as "just the tip of the iceberg", with significantly greater volumes getting through undetected.
This has prompted calls from DPHA, the NPA and others for Defra to put more resource into the activity, given the impact of an ASF outbreak.
DPHA is also being asked to extend this work to Coquelles, where the Channel Tunnel starts in France, identified as a key risk point for the illegal meat trade.
However, last month, Defra announced it would be cutting the funding provided to police the ASF measures by as much as 70%, according Lucy Manzano, head of port health & public protection at Dover District Council.
They want us to do twice the work in two different locations, with Coquelles presenting far more significant challenges, with a reduced budget, she said.
We dont have enough resources now to provide the number of people needed on the ground to cover a 24-hour period, so there are gaps and thats why we have called for greater resources."
She explained how the scale of the illegal trade in pork through Dover had 'shocked everyone' since the work start in September 2022.
With very minimal resource, we have found significant amounts we are talking mega numbers, Ms Manzano said.
She warned that cutting funding by 70% would make it impossible to continue this work in its current form, especially with the extra resource required for Coquelles.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said the decision to cut funding and would leave the UK pig industry exposed to a potentially devastating outbreak of ASF, which she said would be 'catastrophic'.
This makes it absolutely imperative that, rather than slashing funding, more resources are made available for this absolutely critical work, especially as there is currently no detail on the personal imports checks will supposedly serve as a replacement.
Mitigating the risk of incursion of all notifiable diseases starts with prevention. What government is proposing will essentially create an opening in our borders which didnt previously exist.
The NFU is 'deeply concerned' that poultry products produced outside of the UK are being imported from countries where salmonella cases are on the rise.
The concern comes in response to an increase in Salmonella enteritidis linked to poultry products imported from Poland.
There were over 200 human cases of salmonellosis linked to such products, including meat and eggs, in 2023 alone.
The Food Standards Agency, along with with UK Health Security Agency, has reminded consumers to take care when handling and cooking poultry products at home.
The NFU called the news 'deeply concerning', adding that the government should "not be allowing imported products to enter our food system that may not be produced to the same standards".
The FSA said it was in discussion with officials in Poland and the EU to ensure steps are taken to improve the safety of poultry and eggs imported from Poland.
Forthcoming import controls on food and feed coming into the UK from the EU will also allow checks that these controls are in place and to help uphold the UKs high food and feed standards.
Responding to the news, NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead urged the public to be 'confident' in the high standards of the nation's food producers.
"British poultry farmers are proud to produce to some of the worlds highest food standards and have to meet stringent food safety and environmental legislation.
"Even though we will always be a trading nation in food, we should not be allowing imported products to enter our food system that may not be produced to the same standards.
Shoppers can be confident that British poultry and egg farmers are working hard to produce affordable, safe and nutritious food for their plates.
"When shopping consumers can identify these products by looking out for produce with British logos on packs that they know and trust.
Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said the agency's advice includes taking care when storing, handling, and cooking poultry products.
You should always check the cooking instructions on food packaging, as different brands of the same type of product might have different instructions.
"Cooking food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time will ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed."
She added: A number of the cases have involved the consumption of eggs produced in Poland and used in meals in restaurants and cafes.
"As a result, the FSA is asking local authorities to remind food businesses about the importance of good hygiene practices."
Sheep farmers are being encouraged to seek support if they need it as cases of bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus continue to add pressure on the sector.
Concerns from bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV) have caused difficulty for many this year already, the National Sheep Association (NSA) said.
The two 'impactful and devastating' diseases, both spread by biting midges, are a 'cause for worry' amongst sheep farmers in several parts of the country.
Bluetongue was grabbing most of the headlines at end of 2023, being seen as a big risk for the future.
Positive cases continue to be found in and around the temporary control zones, located in Kent and Norfolk.
The total number of positive cases this week now stands at 52 positive animals, four of which are sheep and 48 of which are cattle.
Meanwhile, SBV continues to affect an increasing number of sheep farms across many regions in England.
Cases have been quite serious, with scanners reporting numbers of dead lambs and early lambers, with some producers losing between 10 - 25% of lambs.
At a time when some farmers already feel under pressure, the NSA has called on the farming community to access support if they are battling cases of SBV or bluetongue.
NSA communications manager, Katie James said: There has been few times in recent years where the sector has faced such a worrying time concerning animal disease.
"The farming community is also in a fortunate position to be supported so well by a number of fantastic charities who can offer specialised help with both personal issues and those on farm if needed.
"NSA would encourage anyone struggling at this time to reach out to one of these and not to suffer alone.
For anyone currently affected by BTV or SBV or struggling with personal challenges of their own, support can be reached via Farming Help on 03000 111999.
Farmers can also access and call a dedicated bluetongue hotline to get advice or ask questions linked to the current situation on 024 7771 0386.
Aliens could be observing the ancient wonders of Earth.
Aliens could be watching Earth from afar
Scientists are convinced that clever extraterrestrials could be able to pick out buildings from other planets - but from 3,000 years ago due to the vast amount of time it takes light to cross the universe.
Zaza Osmanov, from the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence Institute, has argued that aliens might be using large telescopes to view structures of the major historical civilisations - including the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians.
He explained: "Since the question is to identify our society with civilisation, the major focus should be on the search for large ships, buildings and space satellites.
"Such artefacts might easily be identified as artificial constructions."
Emily Ratajkowski says she doesnt care about critics who target her for wearing revealing outfits.
Emily Ratajkowski says she doesnt care about critics who target her for wearing revealing outfits
The model, actress and author, 32, whose book My Body debated feminist topics, added she is at a point in her life where she now cares a whole lot less what people think.
She added in an interview with Glamour UK magazine: So, if I am in a certain type of mood where I want to post something or wear something that I could be judged for because its, quote-unquote desperate, Im a little bit like, Well, thats where Im at.
Emily added she has learned to put own happiness first as shes gotten older, and has bigger fish to fry than caring about the politics of whether or not Im appealing to the male gaze in a given moment.
She said: I guess where I am is a little bit of a true liberation, in a personal sense, in the way that I just dont really (care.)
But the Gone Girl actress did admit she is secretly self-conscious, confessing shes so afraid of people not taking her seriously.
She also said even though she wants women and girls to stop torturing themselves she is still afflicted by self doubt.
The model said about her inner criticism: I still kind of do (criticise and doubt myself), about everything; about the days that I dont look great or Im not dressed sexy or when I am dressed sexy, and its just constant.
Earlier this week, she took to Instagram to post an image of herself in a low-cut black dress and referenced how people saw her as a bimbo.
She captioned the picture: Decided Im never beating the bimbo allegations so why not lean in, you know?
Jacob Elordi has reportedly split from Olivia Jade Giannulli.
Jacob Elordi has split from Olivia Jade Giannulli
The 26-year-old actor and the 24-year-old beauty have called time on their romance, according to Us Weekly.
However, it's not currently clear when they decided to end their relationship.
The celebrity duo were first spotted together back in December 2021, one month after the Hollywood star split from model Kaia Gerber.
A source confirmed that Jacob and Olivia were dating in May 2022.
However, the actor and the YouTuber - who is the daughter of fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli and actress Lori Loughlin - were initially determined to take things slowly.
The insider told Us Weekly at the time: "They both got out of relationships recently, so theyre not rushing into anything serious.
"So far its going well and theres sparks between them."
The couple then split in 2022, before rekindling their romance in the following year.
A source explained around that time: "They both seem really happy, and their friends wouldnt be surprised if they officially got back together."
Jacob and Olivia always made a concerted effort to remain tight-lipped about their romance.
By contrast, the actor was previously more transparent about his relationship with Kaia, posting photos of them together on his Instagram account.
The 22-year-old model - who is the daughter of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber - also discussed their romance during an interview with Vogue in 2021.
The brunette beauty said at the time: "Being able to be with someone I trust, where we dont want anything from each other, having a safe, steady relationship like that, has really opened my eyes to the possibilities of love and what it feels like to love without conditions.
"Lust is touching other people or wanting them, but love is really seeing someone."
Jessie Buckley has got married.
Jessie Buckley marries after being set up on blind date
The 34-year-old actress - who was previously in a relationship with fellow actor James Norton - has wed a man known only as "Freddie", a mental health worker from north London, after they were set up on a blind date by their mutual pal, music boss Marc Robinson.
Speaking about her husband, Jessie told the Daily Mail newspaper's Eden Confidential column: "He's gone back to university to work in mental health."
The couple tied the knot at their home in Norfolk, eastern England, over the summer, where cheese toasties were served, washed down with Guinness.
Following their nuptials, the pair have been on numerous honeymoons to celebrate.
Jessie - who earned a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nomination for 2021 psychological drama movie 'The Lost Daughter' - added: "We had many moons.
"We actually just kind of bottled into friends' holidays. Loads of friends were going away and they rented a place and were, like, 'Come with us'.
"It was really nice. Usually I'm away shooting or something, and because of the [Hollywood] strike everything got moved, so I've had a whole year just to, like, hang out."
The pair also followed their friends when it came to buying a house in Norfolk.
Jessie added: "We were originally going to move to Suffolk because we'd fallen in love in Suffolk. And, then, friends of ours had moved to Norfolk and bought this old place for, like, nothing at an auction, like pulled weeds out of it and just did the whole thing up.
"And then they showed us this house that we live in, which is, like, 1500s and falling down and orange. It's a really amazing old house that's been there forever."
In 2018, Jessie confirmed she and James - who had met on the set of BBC drama 'War and Peace' - had split up.
She told The Times newspaper: "We have broken up, yes. It was acrimonious, but its a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. Thats it. How diplomatic can I sound?"
"If you are away for a year filming, you are just not physically around at points."
King Charles is said to have been at his private residence in Balmoral when he was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate.
King Charles is said to have been at his private residence in Balmoral when he was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate
The 75-year-old monarch is set to attend hospital next week to be treated for the condition, Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday (17.01.24) afternoon.
A source has now told the DailyMail.com he is currently staying at his private home of Birkhall on the Balmoral estate in Scotland, where it said he received the diagnosis.
It added aides said the kings condition was benign and he would be having a corrective procedure.
His engagements will be postponed for his short period of recovery.
The Mail added even though the level of detail on Charles health update is unusual for the royal family, he had been keen to share it to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked for the condition.
Kensington Palace separately announced at 2pm on Wednesday (17.01.24) Catherine, Princess of Wales, 42, was being treated in hospital after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
Charles had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in Ayrshire for the rest of this week, which have now been postponed.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said at 3.30pm on Wednesday: In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.
His Majestys condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.
The Kings public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.
Royal expert Phil Dampier said on X about the announcement: Todays medical news about the King and Princess of Wales reminds us that they are human beings with the same problems as the rest of us.
Cue the usual suspects complaining they get better treatment. But the point remains.
Matthew McConaughey says making his new tequila brand is the best thing he and his wife have made with their pants on.
Matthew McConaughey says making his new tequila brand is the best thing he and his wife have made with their pants on
The True Detective Oscar-winner, 54, boasted about his drink as acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud hosted an intimate celebrity party at Cafe Boulud on Park Avenue, New York, to toast the actors new brand Pantalones, which he created with his partner Camila Alves.
A source told Page Six Matthew gave a hilarious toast about the beverage in which he apparently told guests: I measure my drink in five ways. One, how does it taste? Two, how is the time had on it, hows the buzz? Three, how is the sleep? Four, how are the dreams? Five, how is the hangover?
He is also said to have added: The juice we have here will bat five for five, and said its the best thing that Camila and I made with our pants on!
Matthew has three children with wife Camila, 40, and ahead of the party Matthew filmed a spot on Jimmy Fallons The Tonight Show.
He told the host, 49, he recently took one of his kids to a Six Flags park in Texas to ride roller coasters for her birthday and lost his phone on one of the rides.
He said: It landed off in the middle a swamp phones gone, right. These guys at Six Flags say, We cant check down there right now, because were still open, but when it closes tonight, well go out with flashlights and look for your phone.
The next afternoon at 6pm, my phone shows up in the mail. Yeah, they found it and sent it to me!
Paris Hilton wishes she had been told her ADHD would become her superpower.
Paris Hilton wishes she had been told her ADHD would become her superpower
The billionaire hotel heiress, 42, suffered abuse at the schools for troubled teens she was sent to while growing up and has reflected on how she wishes her childhood had been different.
She said on X: I wish someone had told me my ADHD would become my superpower.
Paris added she details the impact of the condition on her life in her memoir, and posted a link to a video in which she talked about suffering with ADHD.
She said in the clip: I just wish there was someone out there that wouldve talked about it hack when I was a teenager.
Because back then, no one was talking about ADHD, so I didnt even know what it was. I just wasnt able to focus in school.
I was getting bad grades and constantly getting punished by the teachers.
When asked by her interviewer if she thought it had become a superpower, Paris replied: I dont think that I would be the person I am today if it wasnt for that.
The heiress marked her son Phoenix Barron Hilton Reums first birthday on Tuesday (16.01.24), after having the boy via surrogate with her 42-year-old venture capitalist husband Carter Reum.
Paris reveals in her autobiography how she made the decision to use a surrogate after her IVF treatment was so gruelling she was prescribed attention deficit disorder medications during it.
She said about the process: Month after month of injections, several egg-harvesting procedures, more IVF injections, new ADHD meds, my natural state of chaos it was a lot. The shots are painful.
At times, I felt like I couldnt take it anymore.
Paris added she came to the conclusion the abuse she suffered at the schools for troubled teens she was sent to had impacted too strongly on her body and she hadnt healed enough to have a child.
She said: I had to confront the fact that my mind and body had never fully healed and probably never will fully heal from the trauma I went through as a teenager.
Prince William has been seen visiting his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales as she recovers from her successful abdominal surgery.
Prince William has been seen visiting his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales as she recovers from her successful abdominal surgery
The 41-year-old royal who has children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis, with 42-year-old Catherine arrived at the London Clinic in Marylebone where the mum-of-three is understood to be doing well as she starts a recouperation that may last up to two weeks after undergoing a planned procedure there on Tuesday. (16.01.24)
William was seen driving an Audi e-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung from the back entrance of the facility, followed by a Land Rover Discovery.
A short statement from Kensington Palace said about his visit: The Prince has just left hospital after visiting his wife.
It came after William was hailed Catherines rock amid her hospitalisation.
Royal expert Phil Dampier told The Sun: William will be Kates rock while she is in hospital but other members of the royal family will be giving her their love and support as well.
At home William will be looking after the children but of course he is ably assisted by the kids Spanish nanny Maria Borrallo who has always been there for them.
They are all very fond of her and they are in safe hands.
It has also been reported William will be doing the school run for his and Catherines three children, who all attend Lambrook School, close to their home Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire.
Phil added about Catherines mum Carole Middleton being a great support system: Carole is also very close to the three children, especially George.
She will be reassuring the children that their mother is safe and being well looked after.
Meanwhile, DailyMail.com has reported William will not undertake official duties while his wife is in hospital.
It added he will also do no royal duties during the immediate period after Catherines return home, with royal aides set to provide a revised schedule for Williams official duties in due course.
Its understood neither William or Catherine will travel internationally over the coming months, with Catherines parents Carole and Michael Middleton and her siblings Pippa Matthews and James Middleton set to support her recovery in hospital and then at home.
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AAAA
to ARMY
ARMYs have you been doing well healthily?
tomorrow is the day i will complete my training .
about a little over a month has passed
sometimes it feels long but because jungkook is beside me, i feel like it goes by fast too.
it hasn't been a haruharuAAAAAA (slow) (@haruharu_w_bts) January 17, 2024
BTS' Jimin recently posted on Weverse to provide an update on his military training and his current well-being alongside his fellow bandmate Jungkook. Jimin shared a handwritten letter a day before his recruit training graduation ceremony, which marks the completion of five weeks of training. Following the ceremony, both Jimin and Jungkook will be stationed at an army camp for their service.As per a fan's translation, the letter read, "ARMYs have you been doing well healthily? tomorrow is the day I will complete my training . about a little over a month has passed. Sometimes it feels long but because Jungkook is beside me, I feel like it goes by fast too. it hasnt been a long time but i already miss you all seriously so much. Ive been saying hello while using the public phone to call the members. Jungkookie is also working hard with his military life. Hes doing extremely well with his military life that everyone else is like as expected, Jungkookie hyung. While being beside him, I feel like I can depend on him a lot and he has been giving me strength. I will be going to military base but I will adjust well and try to be well. our ARMYs, be careful to not catch a cold, dont be sick, eat your meals well, and only think of good thoughts hehe. Anyway once I go to the base, I will write a letter too. I love you Jimin."The BTS members regularly exchange letters with their fans. Recently, RM, also known as Kim Namjoon, wrote a letter to fans on Weverse before his military enlistment.Presently, all seven members of BTS are fulfilling their military duties under South Korea's conscription laws, which mandate that all healthy men aged 18 to 35 must serve in the military for a minimum of 18 to 21 months.The group intends to come together again in 2025, following their compulsory service. The oldest member, Jin, was the initial member to enlist on December 13, 2022, and was followed by J-Hope on April 18, 2023.Suga's shoulder injury prevented him from participating in combat duty, but he started working as a social service agent on September 22, 2023. RM and V joined the military on December 11, 2023, while Jimin and Jungkook enlisted a day later on December 12, 2023.
Actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor is all set to make her foray into South cinema with her theatrical debut, "MaayaOne." In the film, she will star opposite Tollywood star Sundeep Kishan, and it will be directed by ace filmmaker C.V. Kumar. Busy shooting for her theatrical debut in Hyderabad, Akansha took a break to celebrate the New Year in Mumbai.
Before returning to Hyderabad to resume the shoot of "MaayaOne," she recently visited Jai Hind College in Mumbai as she was invited as a chief guest for their annual media fest, Detour.
Akansha, known for her outstanding performances in projects like "Guilty," "Ray," and "Monica, Oh My Darling," was invited for a special meet & greet to interact with the students. Going back to college was surely a nostalgia trip for her as she visited a college for the first time after her graduation.
The festival drew students from various colleges across Mumbai, all thrilled to have Akansha as a guest. Upon her arrival, Akansha received praise and cheers from the enthusiastic students. Speaking to the students, she revealed that being invited as a guest by colleges was always on her bucket list as an actor.
Observing the students' enthusiasm, the actor expressed, "This is my first time at a college event, and it's pretty amazing. The energy from the students and the good vibes are just awesome. It was really nice to be around the students and feel their enthusiasm. It reminded me of my own college days, and I could remember those times clearly."
Akansha also became nostalgic about her college days, sharing fond memories. She revealed, "I always used to volunteer in fests, running here and there, making calls. We used to have sleepless nights. I think it was the best time. Even our annual days were crazy energies. For a week or 10 days, we were so involved and worked so hard. I remember eating three vada pavs after the fest was over, and that used to give a high sigh of relief. It's been so long, and I am feeling so old, but the energy was just like this."
Acclaimed actors and now producers Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are set to present their maiden production, "Girls Will Be Girls," at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The film, which is also in contention in the World Dramatic Cinema category, promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative. Richa and Ali have eagerly left for Park City, Utah, in the United States, ready to showcase their labour of love on an international stage.
The date set for this prestigious moment and the world premiere is 20th January. "Girls Will Be Girls" is a joint venture of Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's production houses: Pushing Buttons Studios, Blink Digital, Crawling Angel Films and Dolce Vita Films.
The film, directed by Shuchi Talati, unfolds a gripping tale set in a boarding school nestled in a small Himalayan hill town in northern India. The storyline follows the rebellious awakening of a 16-year-old girl played by Preeti Panigrahi, intricately woven with her mother's unfulfilled coming-of-age experience portrayed by the talented Kani Kusruti. The film also stars Jitin Gulati and Kesav Binoy Kiron in pivotal roles.
B-town Couple Richa Chadha And Ali Fazal Collaborate For An Exciting New Project That Every Couple Will Relate
Richa Chadha expresses her excitement, saying, "Getting through such a competitive cinema festival is itself a big deal. I have high hopes from Shuchi as a director and the rank newcomers as actors. Kani, the world has witnessed her brilliance again in 'Killer Soup'. I feel blessed".
Ali Fazal adds, "As new founders, we're exploring new worlds through new stories, Sundanc happens to be the greatest step one into the next worlds to be discovered by us hopefully soon. I am thrilled that we get to share our creation with the world. Also very glad to be blessed with such an amazing jury on world competition that's gona watch Girls Will Be Girls".
The Sundance Film Festival, known for showcasing groundbreaking independent cinema, provides a fitting stage for the world premiere of "Girls Will Be Girls." Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's debut production promises to leave a lasting impact, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling and the human experience.
Recently, the trailer of Fighter has been released and it opened a whole new world that is loaded with heavy dialogues, enthralling visuals, and top-notch VFX.
With aircraft flying in the high skies, the blasts, the firing, the high mountain ranges, or the massive air bases, the trailer presents a little glimpse of everything grand that the film is about to bring to the big screens. Well, this is just a little glimpse, we wonder what we will get to witness in the film.
Fighter is indeed a film with a grand scale. Well, it has to be because the world of our brave IAF warriors, their resilient attitude, and their undying spirit aren't things that can be captured in a nutshell. They need a sky to fly, and certainly, the director Siddharth Anand has crafted it brilliantly in Fighter.
The trailer opens with a fighter jet roaring high in the sky, and the first thought that strikes here is that this is worth watching on the big screen. The canvas of the film looks immensely enormous. Every frame flares on a larger ground.
The giant aircraft, the air base, or the huge open sky-Fighter seems to be a film of grand scale with everything that will make it a visual spectacle of its kind.
But, for all the astonishing visuals, the VFX of the film deserves profound credit. Every scene in the trailer looks so grand and real at the same time. It is etched with perfection, and it is visible. The VFX indeed plays a significant role in exuding the real essence of the film.
The trailer has certain visuals that are breathtaking. It is evident that every small detail has been considered while crafting the VFX. To date, Indian cinema has not seen such an international level of VFX that Fighter is about to bring onto the screens.
With Fighter all set for its release on the eve of India's 75th Republic Day, the film is a perfect watch that has the perfect blend of patriotism with power-packed action.
Well, what could be a better start to the year than this? It's worth it to say that Fighter properly qualifies for being the best film of 2024, and the excitement for the film is real.
Kshetrapathi OTT Release: Directed by Shrikant Katagi, 'Kshetrapati' is a Kannada drama film that features Naveen Shankar and Archana Jois in prominent roles.
Neru Worldwide Box Office Collection Update: Mohanlal's Movie Reigns Supreme, Crossing The 85+ Cr Mark
The movie also includes a strong ensemble cast, with Achyuth Kumar, Rahul Ainapur, Krishna Hebbale, Shailashree Urs, Natya Ranga, Harsha Arjun, and more in supporting roles. The musical score is composed by Ravi Basrur, while YBV Shiva Sagar handles the cinematography.
Kshetrapathi Synopsis
In 'Kshetrapathi,' Basavaraj (Naveen Shankar), a final-year engineering student, envisions a future in the US. However, his aspirations shatter when he learns of his father's tragic suicide. Returning to his village, he confronts the harsh reality that his father's fate mirrors the plight of countless farmers amidst a severe agrarian crisis. The pervasive grip of systemic corruption and the looming threat of corporate influence push Basava to a pivotal juncture. He must take a stand and lead a battle against the forces of darkness. Can he, armed with limited support, make a solitary stand? Or will the adversary prove insurmountable in his pursuit?
Kshetrapathi Cast and Crew
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Naveen Shankar, Archana Jois, Achyuth Kumar, Rahul Ainapur, Krishna Hebbale, Shailashree Urs, Natya Ranga, and Harsha Arjun, among others.
The creative team behind the movie comprises writer and director Shrikant Katagi, with music composed by Ravi Basrur and background score by the same; cinematography handled by Y V B Shiva Sagar; editing by Manu Shedgar; and production by Ashraga Creations.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Story Revealed: 'Mohanlal Is Back' In Lijo Jose Pellissery's Tale Of A Warrior
Kshetrapathi OTT Release Date And Platform
A movie focused on agrarian concerns, Kshetrapathi, was released in theatres on August 18, 2023. It is anticipated that the film will be available for digital streaming on JioCinema, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Trailer Release: The highly anticipated period action film 'Malaikottai Vaaliban,' starring Mohanlal and directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, is preparing for its release on January 25.
Neru Worldwide Box Office Collection Update: Mohanlal's Movie Reigns Supreme, Crossing The 85+ Cr Mark
Earlier on December 6, the makers of the film released the teaser. In it, Mohanlal's character can be heard saying, 'What you have seen is the truth, what you have not seen is a lie. What you have seen till now is a lie. What I will show you now is the truth.' Subsequently, Mohanlal's character, 'Avalaram,' is introduced in the teaser.
Shot over 130 days from January to June 2023 in diverse locations like Rajasthan, Chennai, and Pondicherry, the movie features a stellar cast led by Mohanlal, Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Danish Sait, and others. With Prashant Pillai handling the music, the film promises an enthralling mix of period drama and gripping action sequences.
At the wrap-up event of 'Malaikottai Vaaliban,' Mohanlal expressed that the film will offer audiences an unprecedented cinematic experience unlike anything seen before on Indian screens.
Tinu Pappachan, the Associate Director of 'Malaikottai Vaaliban,' in an earlier interview, left fans buzzing with excitement as he shared thrilling insights into the much-anticipated film.
According to Tinu Pappachan, the film promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience, with legendary actor Mohanlal's grand entrance set to make theatres tremble.
Tinu Pappachan's enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about Mohanlal's introduction scene in the movie, expressing his desire to witness the first show from outside the theatre, believing it would be an unforgettable spectacle. He playfully shared, "I can't talk much about the movie because LJP will beat me. But I wish I could see the first show of the movie from outside the theatre instead of inside. One of my beliefs is that Lal Sir's introduction will really rock the theatre. That's the kind of introduction it is. If we look from outside, the theatre will be literally shaking. Lal sir's intro will be like that."
While Tinu Pappachan refrained from divulging precise scene details, his remarks piqued fan curiosity, building anticipation for the magic set to grace the silver screen.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Trailer Release Time
Mohanlal took to his social media platforms to share exciting news with his fans, revealing that the official trailer for "Malaikottai Vaaliban" is set to drop today at 7:30 PM. The actor urged everyone to stay prepared for this eagerly anticipated glimpse into the upcoming movie.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Synopsis
According to TIFF, Mohanlal is back. Lijo Jose Pellissery's 'Malaikottai Vaaliban' follows an undefeated warrior as he faces new challenges after meeting a beautiful dancer.
Malaikottai Vaaliban Cast and Crew
Produced by Shibu Baby John's John and Mary Creative in collaboration with Max Lab Cinemas and Century Films, "Malaikottai Vaaliban" boasts a stellar cast that includes Marathi actress Sonali Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Hariprashanth Varma, Manikandan R. Achari, Suchithra Nair, Manoj Moses, and Bengali actress Katha Nandi.
Prashant Pillai, a consistent collaborator of director Lijo Jose Pellissery, composed the original background score and songs for the film. The lyrics for the songs were penned by screenwriter P. S. Rafeeque. The music album was distributed by Saregama. The initial release from the album, the video song "Punnara Kattile Poovanathil," debuted on December 15, 2023. Subsequently, the second single, "Raakk," was unveiled on December 29, 2023.
Abraham Ozler Box Office Collection Day 8 Prediction: Jayaram's Film Sees Gradual Slowdown In Earnings
"Malaikottai Vaaliban" promises an extraordinary cinematic experience, and fans around the world can hardly wait to embark on this thrilling journey come January 25, 2024.
Bigg Boss 17 voting trends week 14: The race for the finale has kick-started with a bang. Four contestants advanced to the finale week of Salman Khan's show after the Torture task ended. In a major development, a team got disqualified and nominated for elimination.
Vicky Jain and Munawar Faruqui locked horns a day after the torture task as the latter tried to fetch the buckets that the businessman threw on the roof. Vicky manhandled Munawar following which the Lock Upp winner lost his calm and grabbed Jain's collar. Vicky faced flak for his behaviour on social media as the netizens were not pleased with his antics.
BIGG BOSS 17 VOTING RESULTS: WHO WILL GET HIGHEST VOTES?
Isha Malviya, Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain and Ayesha Khan are nominated for eviction in the current week. Who will get eliminated from Bigg Boss 17 before grand finale? This is the question on everyone's mind.
Arun Srikanth Mashettey, Mannara Chopra, Abhishek Kumar and Munawar Faruqui have every reason to rejoice as they have secured spots in the finale week. While they are not finalists as of now, they can breath a sigh of relief as they don't have to face eviction process in week 14 of Bigg Boss 17.
While the early Bigg Boss 17 voting trends are yet to be revealed by Khabri and other portals, fans have shared their opinion on social media. A user tweeted, "I believe Ankita Lokhande will survive the eviction while Ayesha Khan or Vicky Jain will get evicted."
"Isha Malviya can get eliminated from the show on weekend ka vaar," another fan said on the micro-blogging site X.
Bye bye Bicky and Chayesha , Dono ko ek saath tunnel tak chhod ke ayega Munawar #MunawarFaruqui #MunawarFaruqui #BB17 #BiggBoss17 Shreya (@shreyasharmaa13) January 17, 2024
BIGG BOSS 17 VOTING TRENDS: WHO WILL GET LOWEST VOTES IN WEEK 14?
If we take into account the social media fan following and popularity of the nominated contestants, Ankita Lokhande wins by a great margin. It's a close call between Isha Malviya and Ayesha Khan for the second and third spot.
While Vicky Jain has been hailed as the mastermind of Bigg Boss 17, he has lagged in terms of votes and popularity on social media polls and X pages. If Vicky receives the lowest votes from the audience, he will get evicted.
The Bigg Boss 17 elimination results will be announced on Weekend Ka Vaar episode, which will air on Colors channel.
In the highly anticipated Shark Tank India 3, meet Adil Qadri, a self-made entrepreneur with an extraordinary story. Despite failing school in 4th grade due to asthma, Adil's business has processed a whopping 10 lakh orders, averaging 3000 per day. From a software repairer to an SEO expert, he's now the face of a brand that's putting Bilimora on the map. Indeed, Adil proceeded to establish a business, defying the odds posed by his asthma. He introduces the Sharks to a Desi way of using attars, emphasizing long-lasting effects and premium packaging. However, a 6 crore debt sparks conflict among the Sharks. Will the Sharks dive in and embrace Adil's aromatic venture? Tune in to Shark Tank India 3 to find out!
While talking about his experience on Shark Tank India, Adil Qadri (Founder & CEO) said, "Appearing on Shark Tank India with our brand ADILQADRI was a whirlwind, a roller coaster of emotions and opportunities. The intense pitch sharpened my ability to face sharks' questions and honed my strategic thinking. Their feedback provided invaluable insights for refining my business model. The experience underscored the importance of composure in high-stakes situations, molding me into a resilient and articulate entrepreneur."
Don't forget to watch this extraordinary pitch on Shark Tank India 3 on Sony LIV.
Photo Credit:
Devara Part 1 OTT Release Date & Time On Netflix: Jr NTR, Tollywood's Young Tiger, is gearing up to take over the silver screen with the biggest and much-hyped film of his career so far, Devara, written and directed by Koratala Siva. The movie's shooting and post-production works are going hand-in-hand and the makers are leaving no stone unturned to bring it to the audiences and fans on April 5, 2024.
The makers of Devara recently released the teaser and first look of Jr NTR from this intense action thriller set in the backdrop of a sea and people of a community. The teaser that was released on January 8 met with a humongous response and fans thoroughly enjoyed their favourite Young Tiger in the get-up of Devara.
Devara Part 1 OTT Rights Sold To Netflix
Tarak's prestigious movie's digital streaming rights, audio, and satellite rights along with the theatrical rights are completing the deals. The OTT deal has been signed with Netflix India by the NTR Arts and Yuvasudha Arts banners for a massive Rs 155 Crore. Check out the tweet below.
Devara Part 1 OTT Streaming Date
Reportedly, the makers as well as the OTT giant signed an agreement to make the movie available for subscribers in all the major Indian languages two months after the movie's theatrical release. In all likelihood, Devara Part 1 will start streaming on Netflix in the second week of June 2024.
Devara Part 1 Overseas Rights Sold For Rs 35 Crore?
On the other hand, reportedly, the buzz has it that the makers of the Jr NTR-starrer, Yuvasudha Arts and NRT Arts have quoted a massive Rs 35 Crore for the theatrical rights of this actioner for the overseas business. However, the deal has not been finalized yet and is expected to close for a lucrative amount shortly.
#Devara - Part 1 All 5 Languages Digital Rights Sold For 155 Crores To @netflix
Note :- Movie Streaming on OTT After 60 Days pic.twitter.com/aQBr8JxJPX Milagro Movies (@MilagroMovies) January 18, 2024
Devara Cast
The movie stars Jr NTR aka Tarak as Devara. Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor are making their Telugu debut with Koratala Siva's directorial. Saif will be seen playing the role of Bhaira. In addition, the movie features seasoned actors: Prakash Raj, Srikanth Meka, Shine Tom Chacko, Murali Sharma, Narain, Kalaiyarasan, Chaithra Rai, and Abhimanyu Singh among others playing important characters.
Devara Crew
Koratala Siva is the film's writer and director. Sudhakar Mikkilineni and Kosaraju Harikrishna are funding the project under their banners Yuvasudha Arts and NTR Arts. R Rathnavelu is cranking the camera, while A Sreekar Prasad is working on its editing. Anirudh Ravichander is on board to compose electrifying music and background score for Jr NTR.
Rani from Rani Padmini
Rima Kallingal and Manju Warrier, renowned for their impactful portrayals in 'Rani-Padmini,' contribute to the new wave of women-centric cinema in Mollywood. Beyond being a feminist film, 'Rani Padmini' is a family-oriented entertainer that delves into themes such as women's security and the intricacies of familial bonds. The actress in the film finds herself entangled in a web of financial troubles and pursued by a gang of criminals after she discloses their hideout to the police. Fleeing from home, she grapples with a myriad of challenges relentlessly following her.
RIMOUSKI, Quebec, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA, OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to outline its key accomplishments and discoveries in 2023 and present its proposed 2024 Exploration Program at its 100% owned Williams Brook Gold Project located in Northern New Brunswick.
Marcel Robillard, President and CEO of Puma, stated: "2023 was another extraordinary year for Puma. We successfully fulfilled our objectives: we proved that mineralization at the Lynx Gold Zone ("LGZ") extends to depth; we validated and refined our exploration discovery model and demonstrated that the LGZ extends at least 3 km northeast. We managed this under very difficult market conditions. I want to thank Puma's technical team for its ongoing adaptability and our supportive shareholders who recognize the value of our low-cost, high-return exploration method. On the heels of a successful raise at the end of 2023, our team is excited to launch our 2024 exploration program and continue to build volume and scale at Williams Brook."
Rejean Gosselin, Puma's Executive Chairman, added, "Our 2023 drilling delivered high-grade gold results, with many intersections showing robust metal factors - up to 165! This continues to highlight the potential scale and calibre of the Williams Brook Gold Project. A sizeable orogenic kilometre-wide and deep gold system, similar to Fosterville, is possible here, and we'll continue to diligently apply our discovery model to build the resource. Pay attention to Puma; we have lots in store for 2024!"
2023 Highlights:
Williams Brook
Positive metallurgy: Initial metallurgical testing revealed the rock at the Lynx Gold Zone ("LGZ") is non-acid-generating and that 92% of the gold can be recovered by gravity alone.
non-acid-generating and that 92% of the gold can be recovered by gravity alone. Puma received the permit for 4,000 T bulk sampling at the LGZ.
Grab samples on newly identified gold-bearing quartz veins graded up to 288.00 g/t gold .
. A new gold showing, the Tiger Gold Zone, was discovered 350 m from the LGZ along the Lynx Gold Trend and returned 19.90 g/t gold and 14.50 g/t gold , confirming continuous high-grade gold mineralization over 1.5 km.
, confirming continuous high-grade gold mineralization over 1.5 km. A new prospective area, the Cheetah Gold Zone ("CHGZ"), was discovered 3km along strike from the Tiger Gold Zone, returning 6.69 g/t gold in initial trenching operations.
The 24 holes (3,475 m) drilled in 2023 successfully extended the width and length of the high-grade gold shoots identified previously at the LGZ. They demonstrated the continuity of mineralization over long intervals:
Gold was intercepted at depth in areas never drilled before.
Half of the holes intersected visible gold between 100 m and 211 m downhole depth. Highlights include 137.0 g/t gold over 0.60 m (WB23-139), 96.0 g/t gold over 0.45 m (WB23-139), 63.6 g/t gold over 0.30 m (WB23-136), 16.85 g/t gold over 0.79 m (WB23-137).
High-grade gold mineralization was shown to start at surface. WB23-136 returned 30.90 m grading 1.10 g/t gold from 8 m depth, and WB23-137 returned 5.00 m of 2.79 g/t gold from 2 m below surface.
The high-grade gold shoots were shown to consist of multiple stacked veins extending to depth.
Hole WB23-125 intersected fifteen (15) separate quartz veins and returned 90 m of 0.70 g/t gold from surface (at 2.90 m) with an impressive 50.85 m of 1.05 g/t gold starting at 42 m depth, including a 4.50 m interval of 6.46 g/t gold at 75 m depth.
WB23-139 intersected 63.05 m at 2.49 g/t gold, including two (2) high-grade gold intervals of 37.40 g/t gold over 2.50 m and 21.66 g/t gold over 2.55 m .
The high-grade shoots have now been traced to at least 250 m depth and 400 m strike length .
Drilling showed that thick lower-grade gold envelopes surround the higher-grade gold shoots ( 0.49 g/t to 0.67 g/t gold over 22.80 to 30.95 m ), resulting in impressive lengths of continuous gold mineralization, such as 100.90 m of 1.25 g/t gold in WB23-142 and 98.05 m of 1.24 g/t gold in WB23-145. These long intervals favour open pit mining scenarios and will positively impact the mineral resource estimation of the deposit.
The Lynx Gold Zone now spans 750 m along strike, 100 m wide and 175 m deep.
The Panthera Gold Zone ("PGZ") was discovered about 12 kilometres northeast of the Lynx Gold Zone. Three (3) trenches exposed gold in quartz veins at surface that graded 9.87 g/t Au, 8.67 g/t Au, 7.45 g/t, 6.18 /gt Au, 5.92 g/t Au, 5.15 g/t Au, 4.05 g/t gold and 3.27 g/t Au.
Figure 1. Main gold zones at the Williams Brook Gold Project
Corporate
Under its "DEAR" (Development, Exploration, Acquisition and Royalties) strategy, Puma continues to identify opportunities to increase shareholder value. To further increase its landholdings in Northern New Brunswick, the Company staked another 105 claims (2,300 ha) contiguous to its Williams Brook South property and signed an LOI to acquire the TIMM property. Both additions are strategically located and can potentially add to the project's gold inventory.
Couloir Capital initiated analyst coverage.
Puma raised $3,035,645 in May 2023 to fund 100% of its 2023 exploration program. Another $1,340,000 was raised in December 2023 to launch the Company's 2024 program.
Puma received 3,637,873 common shares of Canadian Copper (CSE: CCI) as part of CCI's first-anniversary payment outlined in the Option Agreement dated June 30, 2021. Puma now holds 10,001,968 CCI shares, representing a 13.48% ownership.
Puma strengthened its technical and advisory committee. Dr. Simon Dominy, an expert in the design and implementation of bulk sampling programs, will supervise the Company's upcoming Bulk Sampling Program and ensure proper planning and success. Mr. Jean-David Moore, a consultant and advisor to several mineral exploration and development companies, will contribute his extensive industry experience, knowledge, and network as we continue to develop our Williams Brook Gold Project.
2024 Outlook
Puma is focused on growing the volume, scale and grade at the Williams Brook Gold Project. The 2024 plans include:
With drilling, prove the continuity of the high-grade gold mineralization sampled at surface at the Tiger Gold Zone along the 1.5km strike extension of the Lynx Gold Trend. Drilling is expected to begin in February 2024.
Expand to depth the high-grade mineralized intercepts drilled in 2023 at the Lynx Gold Zone. Drilling is expected to follow the initial drilling at Tiger Gold Zone.
Demonstrate and continue to improve the gold recoveries at Williams Brook with conventional processing techniques.
Expand regional exploration to new areas of the property and newly acquired land packages to identify additional priority targets and add to the project's gold inventory.
Upcoming Gold Investor Events
Puma invites shareholders and interested parties to stop by the booth, attend a presentation, or schedule a meeting at the upcoming conferences to discuss the Company's recent news and proposed developments:
VRIC 2024, Vancouver, BC
Booth 409
January 21-22, 2024
Marcel Robillard will present on Sunday, January 21, at 10:50 am in Workshop 2
Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (cambridgehouse.com)
Prospector and Developers Association Conference (PDAC), Toronto, ON
Booth IE2152
March 3-6, 2024
Convention (pdac.ca)
About the Williams Brook Gold Project
Puma's flagship Williams Brook Gold Project comprises four properties covering more than 49,000 ha in Northern New Brunswick-an established and mining-friendly jurisdiction near paved roads and with excellent infrastructure nearby. The land package is located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region.
Since 2021 and with less than C$12.5M of exploration investment. Puma has made multiple gold discoveries at the Williams Brook property and believes that the property hosts an extensive orogenic gold system. Puma's ongoing exploration programs are focused on building a gold camp in Northern New Brunswick, Canada.
Dr. Gregg Morrison, a leading expert on intrusion-related, porphyry and epithermal gold systems, stated: "I believe Williams Brook is part of the same family of gold systems as Fosterville and Sunday Creek in Australia and Valentine Lake in Newfoundland. These other deposits are known for their structure-controlled mineralization, metal zoning, free gold in bonanza shoots and kilometre scale depth extent. The similarities to these more comprehensively explored deposits gives real confidence to deeper drilling in the Lynx Zone and continued exploration around the feeder structures in the Williams Brook District.''
Figure 2. Main gold showings and occurrences at the Williams Brook Gold Project
Qualified Person
The technical information of this release was reviewed and approved by Dominique Gagne, P.Geo. a consultant of Puma and a qualified person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Puma Exploration
Puma Exploration is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company with precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Famous Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC"). Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. As a first mover, the Company quickly and strategically accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings in the area. Puma's successful exploration methodology combines old prospecting methods with detailed trenching and up-to-date technology such as Artificial Intelligence ("AI") to facilitate an understanding of the geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data and consultants' expertise, Puma has developed a perfect low-cost exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results.
The Company is also committed to deploying its DEAR strategy (Development. Exploration. Acquisition. and Royalties) to generate maximum value for shareholders with low share dilution.
Connect with us on Facebook / X/ LinkedIn.
Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact:
Marcel Robillard. President and CEO. (418) 750-8510;
president@explorationpuma.com
Mia Boiridy. Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development. (250) 575-3305; mboiridy@explorationpuma.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.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23d3b843-d3e6-40a9-bbeb-c0d08d861d6d
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Accelerating global decarbonization by expanding the clean energy value chain to encompass production, storage, and transportation
Building and owning green vessels to drive demand for decarbonization technology in shipping and shipbuilding
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dong Kwan (DK) Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, unveiled a new vision for the decarbonization of shipping and introduced Hanwha's plans to build a zero-emission gas carrier. Powered entirely by alternative fuels, the new vessel will be an industry first - developed using Hanwha's proprietary green technology. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Kim emphasized the importance of global collaboration to bring such green technologies to fruition and grow market demand.
Hanwha has a strong footprint in clean energy, with a value chain covering the production of solar, hydrogen, and wind energy as well as clean energy storage systems. This announcement further advances Hanwha's commitment to a stronger clean energy value chain, which includes carbon-free transport in shipping.
"Hanwha is challenging existing industry frameworks, spearheading new innovations, and paving the way for maritime decarbonization," said Dong Kwan (DK) Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group. "We're taking a holistic approach to the energy transition, driving disruptive change not only in the production and storage of clean energy but in transportation as well. Advancing green ship technology and establishing a robust clean energy value chain will help us gain ground in our journey toward net zero."
At a session titled "The First Fossil-Free Ship on the Water," Kim shared Hanwha's blueprint for the development of a carbon-free vessel powered by alternative fuels such as ammonia. As existing internal combustion engines require 5% to 15% of pilot fuel, diesel, for the purpose of ignition, building a vessel free of carbon emissions requires a fundamentally different approach. This is why Hanwha is developing an ammonia-powered gas turbine to replace conventional engines, thus eliminating the need for pilot fuel.
To achieve carbon-free electrification, Hanwha also plans to install hydrogen fuel cells with energy storage systems (ESS) as the vessel's auxiliary source of power. An integrated ammonia cracker will produce the hydrogen required for the fuel cells on board.
Kim also announced plans to own and operate the newly developed green ships to bring the technology to maturity. Deep-sea vessels are capital-intensive investments. They take anywhere from two to three years to build and remain in service for two to three decades, making it extremely difficult for shipowners to invest in budding technologies. By demonstrating the benefits of green ship technology, Hanwha aims to lower the barriers for shipowner investment and drive demand.
In November, Hanwha Ocean joined the World Economic Forum's First Movers Coalition (FMC), a leading global initiative supported by 13 government partners that represent over 50% of global GDP. The FMC aims to harness the purchasing power of the world's leading companies to create guaranteed early markets for advanced technologies within hard-to-abate sectors, including shipping, steel, chemicals, and aviation. As one of the 95 members, comprising top global companies and non-profit organizations, Hanwha aims to create new partnerships and pilot programs to build sustained momentum for the adoption and commercialization of green ship technology.
"We are thrilled to welcome Hanwha to the First Movers Coalition, marking a significant step in our collective journey towards a net-zero future. Hanwha's commitment underscores the critical role of innovative collaboration in accelerating the decarbonization of the shipping industry," said Rob van Riet, Interim Head of the FMC. "Together, we are poised to make impactful strides in reducing emissions and setting new standards for global shipping."
The decarbonization of shipping is seen as integral in the journey to net zero, as nearly 90% of all globally traded goods are shipped by sea, accounting for 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
As a strategic partner of the WEF, Hanwha is involved in multiple climate action initiatives. Kim has participated in the WEF Annual Meeting every year since 2010. In 2013, he was selected as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the WEF.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hanwha-vice-chairman-dong-kwan-kim-unveils-vision-for-decarbonization-of-shipping-at-davos-2024-302037586.html
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 officially kicked off in Davos, Switzerland, with the theme "Rebuilding Trust". During the Davos Summit, LONGi Green Energy Technology, a leading renewable energy company, signed a partnership agreement with Shenzhen Power Solution, a professional off-grid solar home system manufacturer, to provide tailor-made solar products, including cells and modules, to off-grid communities in Africa to help alleviate poverty and improve education.
Dennis She, Vice President of LONGi held a talk with Li Xia, Chief Executive Officer of Shenzhen Power Solution at the World Economic Forum Congress Center. They both shared the best practices of affordable solar power solutions for poverty alleviation, especially for the population at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
Li Xia received the 2024 Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Awards--Social Entrepreneurs in Davos. Li Xia was the only recipient from China this year and is the first Chinese woman to be honored for this award.
It is reported that over 780 million people, about 10% of world's population, live in off-grid regions, most in the Sub-Saharan Desert areas. Founded in 2009, Power Solution has offered products in 66 countries and helping over 7.8 million families, including 54 million extreme poverty.
Dennis She said technological innovations in the solar power industry has offered solutions for global energy transition. "As a pioneer for innovation on renewable energy. LONGi has been committed to reducing costs and improve efficiency for solar power, which is not only beneficial to countries seeking energy transition, but also important to the underdeveloped regions to have access to green power."
Li Xia said Power Solution is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the global BOP (Bottom of the Pyramid) population with green energy. "Joining hands with LONGi will allow Power Solution offer more innovative solutions in the future for African countries", added Li Xia.
"We believe that by working closely with Power Solution, LONGi can offer the most-needed communities with affordable green solar solutions to empower the BOP communities in Africa to improve income and have better access to education", Dennis She said.
Francois Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and Head of Foundations, World Economic Forum said: "It's exciting today to witness the partnership between LONGi and Power Solution, to be able to demonstrate what is possible when a company and a social enterprise come together, using the power and scale of a company and the grassroots ability of a company like Power Solution to bring electricity, energy and opportunity to BOP population."
Dennis She added "Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7) is key to achieve all United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a more sustainable future. The decrease of solar power costs is the very foundation for energy equity at the global scale, especially to the underdeveloped regions."
Dennis She said "We have confidence in working together with Power Solution team to best leverage the power of affordable and clean energy to more communities to address the other SDG goals, including "No Poverty", "Good Health and Well-being", "Quality Education", "Gender Equality", "Clean Water and Sanitation", "Decent Work and Economic Growth", "Climate Actions", etc. This is also in line with LONGi's sustainable development concepts "L-I-G-H-T" initiated last year in Beijing."
In December, 2023, LONGi's Jiaxing Production Base in China's East Zhejiang Province has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Global Lighthouse Factory. This recognition was the world's first solar module manufacturing base joining WEF's Global Lighthouse Network (GLN). LONGi's Jiaxing Factory was one of the 21 new Global Lighthouse Factories recognized in 2023.
The World Economic Forum recognized LONGi for the innovative adaptation of intelligent technologies to promote intelligent solar products manufacturing. The World Economic Forum said that "many of LONGi's technological innovations are industry-first, and independent patented technologies, and could reduce unit manufacturing costs by 28% within one year, unit energy consumption by 20%".
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SHANGHAI, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UnionPay, one of the world's largest payment brands, is embracing a new chapter of development after its global acceptance scope spanned 183 countries and regions and issuance outside the Chinese mainland surpassed 230 million cards recently.
Thanks to its 20 years of internationalization efforts, it can contribute more "Chinese solutions" to the global payment industry.
On Jan 18, 2004, with approval from the People's Bank of China, UnionPay launched card services in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the internationalization efforts made by Chinese bank card brands.
In 2012, UnionPay International, dedicated to international business, was established. Its international strategy evolved from "where Chinese go, UnionPay card services follow" to a more comprehensive "global network, international brand," aiming to better serve China's resolve to open wider and to set a high standard in the payment sector.
With the recent initiation of UnionPay card services in El Salvador, its global acceptance scope now covers 66.4 million online and in-store merchants outside of the Chinese mainland. UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. Currently, UnionPay International has cooperated with more than 2,600 institutions globally.
First choice of tourists
As China's payment industry has rapidly evolved over the past two decades, UnionPay International has actively enhanced its network service capabilities, diversified product offerings, and improved payment scenarios to provide high-quality financial payment services for both Chinese and international residents engaged in trade and cooperation.
During the New Year holidays, Chinese tourists celebrating globally found UnionPay's distinctive three-color logo ubiquitously present, whether in the streets of Hong Kong and Macao or at merchants in Bangkok, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi and beyond.
According to a Nielsen report, UnionPay has become the most widely accepted international card brand globally. Since the first UnionPay transaction landed in Hong Kong, UnionPay cards have been accepted in 183 countries and regions around the world, among which 99 countries and regions support UnionPay mobile payment products. UnionPay acceptance rates in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and other regions have increased to approximately 80 percent.
In China's Hong Kong and Macao, hundreds of thousands of merchants, millions in South Korea, and almost all QR code merchants in Malaysia and Sri Lanka support the UnionPay app.
Building on the foundation of practicality, UnionPay International has collaborated extensively across industries to create a rich ecosystem for UnionPay payments, giving cardholders more convenience and ease when making payments.
In 2023 alone, tourism bureaus in Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, international duty-free group DFS, travel platform Trip.com, and tax refund agency Planet Tax Free, among others, have collaborated with UnionPay International, enhancing its payment capabilities in scenarios such as hotel bookings, transportation, dining, and shopping.
Currently, UnionPay payment services are supported in more than 5,000 overseas schools, the top 10 hotel groups globally, renowned airlines, cross-border transportation such as the China-Laos Railway and public transportation in popular overseas tourist destinations.
Close collaboration in cross-border payments between commercial banks and UnionPay International provides personalized options for residents. Various commercial banks have introduced distinctive UnionPay card products, such as cross-border cashback cards, Prestige Asia, cards themed in "Tour South Korea", and more, catering to different customer segments. Connected to the UnionPay app Network Payment Platform, commercial bank apps can also directly use UnionPay QR codes in overseas acceptance scenarios.
Global expansion
Since the resumption of cross-border movement, international events like Canton Fair and the China International Import Expo have been successfully held in China, making it essential to provide quality payment services for overseas visitors in China.
Currently, outside the Chinese mainland, more than 230 million UnionPay cards have been issued in 81 countries and regions, 180 UnionPay local wallets have been established in 35 countries and regions. These diverse UnionPay payment products cover multiple functions, including card swiping, scanning and cash withdrawals, meeting the needs of both daily life and cross-border payments, positioning UnionPay as one of the preferred payment brands for visitors to China.
This journey began with the opening of UnionPay card acceptance in China's Hong Kong, where Bank of China (Hong Kong) issued the first local UnionPay card in the same year. This marked the localization of UnionPay International business and the starting point for exploring payment services for residents around the world.
Currently, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area has issued 30 million UnionPay cards in total. In the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, the cumulative issuance reaches 170 million cards. In countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Mongolia, Singapore and Kazakhstan, UnionPay has become the go-to payment card, favored by local students, workers and teachers, becoming integrated with local life.
These cards can be used in almost all POS terminals and scenarios in China, including taking public transportation, shopping on the Taobao app, booking tickets on travel agency Trip.com, hailing a ride on the Didi app, and ordering food through the Meituan app.
Drawing from its experience of promoting QR code payments domestically, UnionPay has continually extended its mobile payment services to residents outside the Chinese mainland.
In 2018, the Hong Kong-Macao version of the UnionPay app landed in Hong Kong. Subsequently, UnionPay International has innovated cooperation models, supporting overseas wallets to bind UnionPay cards or issue UnionPay virtual cards within their apps. This allows users to utilize familiar local products for payments on the Chinese mainland, without the need for additional account creation or downloading domestic apps. Authentication can be completed through local institutions, eliminating the requirement to provide sensitive personal information to third-party platforms.
Leading Chinese solution
While providing high-quality payment services for overseas residents, UnionPay International collaborates with central banks, national payment networks, and payment alliances of various countries to establish technical standards for payment networks, QR codes, and chip cards. In doing so, it contributes more "Chinese solutions" to the global payment industry.
Adapting to the trends of industrial development, UnionPay International actively seeks new strategies to build global network advantages through the development of both cards and mobile payment.
In recent years, many countries have accelerated the construction of local payment networks and promoted the interoperability between different networks. Since 2023, UnionPay International has collaborated with local networks in 15 countries and regions overseas to promote the interoperability of QR codes. Sixteen projects have been implemented or are in progress including payment networks from Southeast Asian countries such as PayNet of Malaysia, NAPAS of Vietnam, Bakong of Cambodia and LAPNet of Laos. The acceptance scope of UnionPay QR codes outside the Chinese mainland has subsequently increased to 6.5 million merchants in 45 countries and regions. This establishes UnionPay as a payment product with major advantages in the Asia-Pacific region.
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SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 17, 2024. NEOTORCH is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of toripalimab in combination with perioperative platinum-based chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with resectable stage II or III NSCLC.
NEOTORCH is the world's first phase III clinical study of a anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for NSCLC perioperative treatment (including neoadjuvant and adjuvant) with positive EFS results. NEOTORCH's latest study results were announced in an oral presentation at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Plenary Series held last April, as well as during the 2023 ASCO annual meeting.
"Whether it is clinical diagnosis and treatment level or clinical research ability, we have gradually transformed from a 'follower' to an 'equal,' even becoming a 'leader' in certain aspects. An increasing number of innovative solutions are originating from China and going global, ultimately changing international treatment standards. The publication of NEOTORCH by JAMA is a starting point. China's '3+1+13' perioperative treatment model has the highest evidence-based medical value and will establish new treatment standards for patients, bringing transformative changes to the diagnosis and treatment landscape of lung cancer in China and beyond," said NEOTORCH's principal investigator, Dr. Shun LU of the Shanghai Chest Hospital within Shanghai Jiaotong University.
As a phase 3 clinical study of perioperative treatment, NEOTORCH enrolled the largest sample of resectable stage III NSCLC patients in China. Of the 501 randomized patients, 404 stage III NSCLC (202 in the toripalimab + chemotherapy group and 202 in the placebo + chemotherapy group) were included in this interim analysis. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive toripalimab or placebo, once every 3 weeks combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for 3 cycles before and 1 cycle after surgery, followed by toripalimab only or placebo for up to 13 cycles.
As of November 30, 2022 (median follow-up of 18.3 months), results showed that the addition of toripalimab to perioperative chemotherapy led to a significant improvement in event-free survival for patients with resectable stage III NSCLC, and this treatment strategy had a manageable safety profile.
For the primary outcome of event-free survival (assessed by investigator), the median length was not estimable in the toripalimab group compared with 15.1 months in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.40 [95%CI, 0.28-0.57], P<0.001). The major pathological response rate (another primary outcome assessed by blinded, independent pathological review) was 48.5% in the toripalimab group compared with 8.4% in the placebo group. The pathological complete response rate (secondary outcome assessed by blinded, independent pathological review) was 24.8% in the toripalimab group compared with 1.0% in the placebo group.
Of the 82.2%(166/202) of patients in the toripalimab group and 73.3% (148/202) of patients in the placebo group who underwent surgery, 95.8%and 92.6%, respectively, had their resections classified as R0. Among the patients who underwent surgery, the median length of disease-free survival (assessed by the investigators) was not estimable vs. 19.3 months, respectively (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.33-0.76], P<0.001). The median length of overall survival was not estimable in the toripalimab group compared with 30.4 months in the placebo group (HR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.38-1.00]).
"NEOTORCH's significant research findings have been published by JAMA, underscoring the international academic community's recognition of toripalimab and the world's first '3+1+13' perioperative immunotherapy model for lung cancer. We anticipate that toripalimab will guide China's perioperative lung cancer treatment into a new era. Junshi Biosciences will also continue to innovate, and we aim to bring more advanced and improved treatment options to patients," said Dr. Jianjun ZOU, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Junshi Biosciences.
About Toripalimab
Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed for its ability to block PD-1 interactions with its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and for enhanced receptor internalization (endocytosis function). Blocking PD-1 interactions with PD-L1 and PD-L2 promotes the immune system's ability to attack and kill tumor cells.
More than forty company-sponsored toripalimab clinical studies covering more than fifteen indications have been conducted globally by Junshi Biosciences, including in China, the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Ongoing or completed pivotal clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of toripalimab cover a broad range of tumor types, including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney, and skin.
In China, toripalimab was the first domestic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for marketing (approved in China as TUOYI). Currently, there are seven approved indications for toripalimab in China:
unresectable or metastatic melanoma after failure of standard systemic therapy; recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma ("NPC") after failure of at least two lines of prior systemic therapy; locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that failed platinum-containing chemotherapy or progressed within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy; in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as the first-line treatment for patients with locally recurrent or metastatic NPC; in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin in first-line treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced/recurrent or distant metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); in combination with pemetrexed and platinum as the first-line treatment in EGFR mutation-negative and ALK mutation-negative, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); in combination with chemotherapy as perioperative treatment and subsequently with monotherapy as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of adult patients with resectable stage IIIA-IIIB NSCLC.
The first six indications have been included in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) (2023 Edition). Toripalimab is the only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody included in the NRDL for the treatment of melanoma.
In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Biologics License Application for toripalimab in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic or recurrent locally advanced NPC, and for toripalimab, as a single agent, for the treatment of adults with recurrent, unresectable, or metastatic NPC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy in October 2023. The FDA has granted toripalimab 2 Breakthrough Therapy designations for the treatment of NPC, 1 Fast Track designation for the treatment of mucosal melanoma, and 5 Orphan Drug designations for the treatment of esophageal cancer, NPC, mucosal melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).
In Europe, marketing authorization applications (MAA) were accepted by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for 1) toripalimab combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic NPC and 2) toripalimab combined with paclitaxel and cisplatin for the first-line treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced/recurrent or metastatic ESCC, in December 2022 and February 2023.
In Australia, the new chemical entity (NCE) application was accepted by the Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in November 2023. The TGA has also granted toripalimab an Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of NPC.
About Junshi Biosciences
Founded in December 2012, Junshi Biosciences (HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapeutics. The company has established a diversified R&D pipeline comprising over 50 drug candidates, with five therapeutic focus areas covering cancer, autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. Four of the company's innovations have already reached the Chinese or international markets, one of which is toripalimab, China's first domestically produced and independently developed anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, approved in China and the US. Additionally, more than 30 drugs are currently in clinical development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Junshi Biosciences actively shouldered the social responsibilities of a Chinese pharmaceutical company through its involvement in developing etesevimab, MINDEWEI, and other novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
With a mission of "providing patients with world-class, trustworthy, affordable, and innovative drugs", Junshi Biosciences is "In China, For Global." At present, the company boasts approximately 3,000 employees in the United States (San Francisco and Maryland) and China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Guangzhou, etc). For more information, please visit: http://junshipharma.com.
Junshi Biosciences Contact Information
IR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
info@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-6105 8800
PR Team:
Junshi Biosciences
Zhi Li
zhi_li@junshipharma.com
+ 86 021-6105 8800
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, as the Australian economy jobs lost in December.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the Australian economy lost 65,100 jobs in December. That was way off from forecasts for an increase of 17,600 jobs following the addition of 61,500 jobs in November.
Specifically, full-time jobs were down 106,600 after gaining 57,000 in the previous month.
The jobless rate managed to hold steady at 3.9 percent, while the participation rate fell to 66.8 percent from 67.2 percent a month earlier.
Wednesday, the Australian dollar fell against the euro, the U.S. dollar, the New Zealand dollar and the Canadian dollar. Meanwhile, the aussie rose slightly against the yen.
In the Asian trading today, the Australian dollar fell to nearly a 2-month low of 1.6675 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.6600. The aussie may test support near the 1.68 region.
Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the aussie slipped to 0.6526 and 96.72 from Wednesday's closing quotes of 0.6550 and 97.04, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.64 against the greenback and 95.00 against the yen.
Against the Canada and the New Zealand dollars, the aussie slipped to more than a 2-month low of 0.8815 and a 3-day low of 1.0692 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.8846 and 1.0703, respectively. On the downside, 0.87 against the loonie and 1.05 against the kiwi are seen as the next support levels for the aussie.
Looking ahead, Eurozone current account data and construction output, both for November, are due to be released in the European session.
At 7:30 am ET, European Central Bank will publish monetary policy meeting accounts.
In the New York session, U.S. building permits for December, weekly jobless claims data, housing starts for December, U.S. Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index for January and U.S. EIA crude oil data are slated for release.
At 10:15 am ET, ECB board member Christine Lagarde will participate in Stakeholder Dialogue 'Town Hall: How to Trust Economics' during World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
At 11:30 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic will give brief remarks on the economic outlook before the Metro Atlanta Chamber board of directors meeting, in Atlanta, U.S.
At 12:05 pm ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic will deliver a speech on the 2024 economic outlook before the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2024 Economic Outlook lunch, in Atlanta, U.S.
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Strong CAGR of +90% since 2019
Excellent sales momentum in France at December 31, 2023: A customer base of 34,000, up +42% vs. 2022 A network of 30 branches, with the opening of 7 new branches over the year
Accelerated development of the Group's two new business lines in 2023, with ramp-up planned for 2024: Energy transition, including new business support services (3% of sales in 2023) International expansion with the Group's presence in Spain: 1 Sales Director recruited and 1,000 additional customers in 2023 (1% of 2023 sales).
Confirmation of Group targets for 2025
Regulatory News:
Mon courtier energie groupe (ISIN code: FR001400H3A0 Mnemonic: ALMCE), an energy broker for businesses, today announced its 2023 sales figures.
Guillaume Rouaud, CEO of Mon courtier energie groupe, comments: "Our revenue growth in 2023 is due in particular to the excellent sales momentum in France, supported by the densification of the branch network and the acquisition of new customers. This momentum will continue from 2024, with the gradual deployment of our two other growth drivers: the 'Energy Transition' offering and the internationalization of our business, with a successful first move into Spain. To support this growth, we have stepped up our recruitment drive, adding 60 new employees by 2023, and strengthened our financial resources, thanks in particular to our successful IPO on the Euronext Growth market in Paris. On the strength of these assets, we are confident of achieving our targets set for 2025."
2023 Revenue
With a solid CAGR1 of +90% since 2019, revenue in 2023 will reach 21 million (+10% compared with 2022), breaking down as follows:
96% achieved thanks to excellent sales momentum in France in 2023
In fiscal 2023, the Group acquired 10,000 new customers. As a result, at December 31, 2023, the Group had 34,000 customers, up 42% on 2022. At the same date, the Group's French network comprised 30 branches (vs. 23 branches in 2022), covering almost the entire country. Lastly, 30 new brokers joined Mon courtier energie branches this year.
3% from "Energy transition" business line
In November 2023, the Group launched its 360 solution for managing companies' energy transition, from technical and financial control to negotiating green energy purchase tariffs, while facilitating access to grants and financing. Deployed since November, this offering is part of the energy transition services range, which accounts for 3% of 2023 revenues, and will be ramped up in 2024, to reach the target of 10% of revenues by 2025.
1% from international sales, with the first sales in Spain
In 2023, the Group initiated its international expansion with a successful first move into Spain: by December 31, 2023, the Spanish company had acquired an additional 1,000 customers in Spain. To coordinate the local team, at the beginning of January 2024, the Group appointed Joel Campos as Sales Director for Spain. The Group plans to continue the internationalization of its business with the gradual establishment of operations in Italy (2024) and Germany (2025).
Events in 2023
Initial public offering
In May 2023, the Company successfully listed on Euronext Growth Paris, with a capital increase of 7.3 million after partial exercise of the over-allotment option.
Governance
In November 2023, Claire Vernet-Garnier, an independent director of the Group and member of the Audit Committee, stepped down from her position on the Board of Directors. Mon courtier energie groupe's Board of Directors is now made up of 8 members and will co-opt a new director to replace her (decision subject to ratification at the next Annual General Meeting in 2024).
At the beginning of January 2024, the Board of Directors of Mon courtier energie groupe decided to evolve the Group's governance to meet the highest standards by separating the functions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer: Guillaume Rouaud, previously Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, and Charlie Evrard, until now Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will continue his mandate as Chairman of the Board.
Corporate
Mon courtier energie groupe has been certified Great Place To Work 2023 and ranked 28th in the "Companies with 50 to 250 employees" category.
2025 targets confirmed
Revenues in excess of 40m
- of which more than 10% in energy transition consulting
- of which over 15% outside France
Operating income of around 5 million
A network of over 40 branches
Next financial publication
Annual Results 2023: April 11, 2024 (before market opens)
About Mon Courtier energie Groupe
Founded in Bordeaux in 2017, in just a few years Mon Courtier energie groupe has become a major player in energy brokerage and the leading French network on the B2B market. The Group's mission is to help companies with the global management of their energy budget in order to reduce or optimise their gas and/or electricity bill. Mon Courtier energie groupe's service offer comprises brokerage and advice regarding energy purchasing, the management and optimisation of contracts and energy transition guidance.
Mon Courtier energie groupe draws on the expertise of circa 180 people at its head offices and in "licenced" branches around the country.
For further information, please go to www.moncourtierenergie.com.
Disclaimer regarding forward-looking statements and risk factors
This press release contains forward-looking statements, not historical data, and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data stated will occur. These forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by Mon courtier energie groupe. Mon courtier energie groupe operates in a competitive and rapidly changing environment. The company is therefore unable to anticipate all risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of any risk or combination of risks could lead to results materially different from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Mon courtier energie groupe draws your attention to the fact that forward-looking statements are in no way a guarantee of its future performance, and that its actual financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as developments in the industry in which Mon courtier energie groupe operates, may differ materially from those contemplated or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Furthermore, even if the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and development of the sector in which Mon courtier energie groupe operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this document, such results or developments may not be a reliable indication of Mon courtier energie groupe's future results or developments. Readers are invited to examine carefully the risk factors described in the registration document approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers ("AMF"), which is available free of charge on the Company's website. Should any or all of these or other risk factors materialize, Mon courtier energie groupe shall in no event be liable for any decision made or action taken in connection with the information and/or statements contained in this press release, or for any damages related thereto. This information is given only as of the date of this press release. Mon courtier energie groupe undertakes no obligation to update this information or the assumptions on which it is based, except in the event of any legal or regulatory obligation applicable to it. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for shares in Mon courtier energie groupe in any country.
1 Compound annual growth rate
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117255034/en/
Contacts:
Mon Courtier Energie Groupe
Guillaume Rouaud
CEO
investisseurs@moncourtierenergie.com
NewCap
Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky
Investor Relations
mce@newcap.eu
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94
NewCap
Nicolas Merigeau
Media Relations
mce@newcap.eu
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Secretariat, the global disputes, economics, and expert witness advisory firm, announces the expansion of our Dubai office by establishing a new team focused on global investigations and compliance services. The team is led by the recent additions of recognized global experts Bhavin Shah, Stephen Millington, and May Mhanna, each joining as a Managing Director.
Bhavin Shah's career spans more than 20 years, helping clients navigate intricate legal matters, conduct multi-jurisdictional investigations, steer regulatory negotiations, manage crises, and implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) strategies. His global experience includes working with Boards of Directors, CXOs, government regulators, and leading law firms that span multiple industries, including financial services, sovereign wealth funds, public sector entities, and governmental institutions. He has advised on high-profile corporate failures, enforcement actions, regulatory monitorships, and regulatory remediation plans for well-known global brands and financial institutions.
Stephen Millington is an expert in forensic accounting, financial investigations, and disputes with more than 20 years of experience. Working internationally throughout his career, including being based in the Middle East for more than a decade, he has led numerous cross-border investigations requiring the unraveling of complex structures and transactions, including tracing those transactions through multiple entities and jurisdictions. He has advised executives, Boards of Directors, regulators, and government bodies on the best strategies for approaching these investigations and recovering funds. Having worked across a range of industries he is known for his methodical approach to solving complex financial problems, achieving effective resolutions, and recovering funds.
May Mhanna brings more than 17 years of experience advising clients across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on financial and operational engagements. Her expertise spans a range of clients, including governmental bodies and national and multinational enterprises, predominantly within financial services and public sectors. Her expertise covers forensic investigations and monitorships, crisis management and special situations, large-scale remediation reviews, financial crimes and anti-money laundering (AML), corporate strategy, and public policy advisory.
"The addition of this distinguished and talented team is a natural expansion of our ability to address clients' complex risk, regulatory, and legal challenges with world-class investigative and compliance skills that span industries and geographies," says Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey. "Each team member is a trusted advisor to their renowned law firm, corporate, and institutional clients, adding great depth to the dynamic talent we have at Secretariat."
Speaking on behalf of the team, Managing Director Bhavin Shah says, "Secretariat's stellar reputation and multidisciplinary capabilities are second to none. The firm is the ideal platform for us as we expand how we help clients address the high-stakes investigative and regulatory matters they face daily." Managing Director Stephen Millington adds, "The opportunities for our team to put their expertise to work and grow their careers are endless with Secretariat. We are excited to help the firm grow in the MENA region and beyond."
The team will operate from a new office located in the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) at Unit 1207, Index Tower.
About Secretariat
Secretariat experts are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world. With nearly 500 professionals located in key commercial and arbitration centers, renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions rely on our disputes, economics, forensics, and data analytics expertise to answer complex business and legal challenges with clarity and confidence. Learn more at www.secretariat-intl.com.
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MAIN TRANSACTION TERMS
Subscription price: EUR 0.0133 per new share
Subscription ratio: 7 new shares for 31 existing shares
Trading period for preferential subscription rights: from January 19 th to January 31 st , 2024 inclusive
Subscription period: from January 23 rd to February 2 nd , 2024 inclusive
Subscription commitments by the members of the Groupement up to approximately EUR 196 million and backstop by the SteerCo for the remainder
Regulatory News:
ORPEA Announces the Launch of a Share Capital Increase With Shareholders' Preferential Subscription Rights for an Amount of Approximately EUR 390 Million, to Which the Members of the Groupement1 Have Committed to Subscribe in the Amount of Approximately EUR 196 Million (Severally but Not Jointly), the Balance, i.e. Approximately EUR 194 Million, Being Backstopped by the Members of the SteerCo2
Not to be published, distributed or circulated directly or indirectly in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan.
This press release is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017
ORPEA S.A (Paris:ORP) (the "Company") announces today the launch of a share capital increase with shareholders' preferential subscription rights, in an amount (including the issue premium) of EUR 390,019,672.62, by way of issuance of 29,324,787,415 new shares (the "New Shares"), to be subscribed in cash, at a subscription price (including the issue premium) of EUR 0.0133 per New Share, to which the members of the Groupement have committed to subscribe by exercising their preferential subscription rights, in the amount of approximately EUR 195.7 million (severally but not jointly), the balance, i.e. approximately EUR 194.3 million being backstopped by the members of the SteerCo (the "Rights Issue
The Rights Issue follows the Equitization Capital Increase and the Groupement Capital Increase (as defined below) and is carried out in the context of the accelerated safeguard plan of the Company adopted by the Nanterre Specialised Commercial Court on July 24th, 2023 (the "Accelerated Safeguard Plan
REMINDER ON THE ACCELERATED SAFEGUARD PLAN
The Accelerated Safeguard Plan provides for the implementation of three capital increases, namely (i) a capital increase with shareholders' preferential subscription rights backstopped by the unsecured creditors (the "Equitization Capital Increase"), having been the subject of a prospectus approved by the AMF on November 10th, 2023 under number 23-465, and whose delivery-settlement occurred on December 4th, 2023, (ii) a share capital increase without preferential subscription rights reserved for named persons, namely the Groupement members, with a priority right granted to the shareholders whose shares are evidenced by book-entries (inscrit en compte) at the end of the accounting day of November 15th, 2023 (the "Existing Shareholders"), having been the subject of a prospectus approved by the AMF on December 5th, 2023 under number 25-503, and whose delivery-settlement occurred on December 19th, 2023 (the "Groupement Capital Increase"), and (iii) the Rights Issue as detailed in this press release (and together with the Equitization Capital Increase and the Groupement Capital Increase, the "Capital Increases", all three Capital Increases forming an indivisible whole).
On November 30th, 2023, the Company published the results of the Equitization Capital Increase for an amount of EUR 3,884,212,344.65, which led to the issue on December 4th, 2023 of 64,629,157,149 new shares at an issue price of EUR 0.0601 per new share (of which EUR 0.01 of nominal value and EUR 0.0501 of issue premium).
Moreover, on December 15th, 2023, the Company published the results of the Groupement Capital Increase, for an amount of approximately EUR 1,160,080,552, which led to the issue on December 20th, 2023 of 65,173,064,696 new shares at an issue price of EUR 0.0178 per new share (of which EUR 0.01 of nominal value and EUR 0.0078 of issue premium).
Following the completion of the Equitization Capital Increase and the Groupement Capital Increase, the Company's share capital stands at EUR 1,298,669,156.96 comprised of 129,866,915,696 shares with a par value of EUR 0.01 each, distributed as follows:
Groupement: 50.18%, of which: Caisse des Depots et Consignations (directly) 3 : 22.41%, Mutuelle Assurance des Instituteurs de France (MAIF): 14.81%, CNP Assurances: 5.56%, and MACSF Epargne Retraite: 7.41%;
Concert Concert'O, Nexstone Capital and Mat Immo Beaune: 5.93% 4
Free float: 43,895
INDEPENDENT EXPERTISE
The Company appointed on a voluntary basis the firm Sorgem Evaluation, located at 11 rue Leroux, 75116 Paris, and represented by Mr. Maurice Nussenbaum, as independent expert, in accordance with Article 261-3 of the Autorite des marches financiers' ("AMF") General Regulations, in order to give an opinion on the fairness of the terms and conditions of the Company's restructuring from the current shareholders' standpoint.
This independent expert's report, together with its addendum, provided at the Company's request, are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (as defined below) related to the Rights Issue, with the consent of Sorgem Evaluation which has approved its content and allowed the Company to report the conclusion of this expertise in publicly available documents.
MAIN TERMS OF THE RIGHTS ISSUE
The Rights Issue will be carried out with shareholders' preferential subscription rights (the "Rights"), pursuant to the 4th resolution attached to the Accelerated Safeguard Plan, and will result in the issue of 29,324,787,415 New Shares, at a subscription price of EUR 0.0133 per New Share (i.e. EUR 0.01 nominal value and EUR 0.0033 issue premium), to be fully paid up upon subscription, representing gross proceeds, including the issue premium, of EUR 390,019,672.62.
The subscription of the New Shares will be reserved by preference to (i) holders of existing shares as of record (inscrit en compte) as at January 22nd, 2024 according to the indicative calendar6, who will receive one (1) Right per share and (ii) the transferees of preferential subscription rights. Each Right will entitle its holder to subscribe on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) for seven (7) New Shares for every thirty-one (31) Rights held.
Subscriptions on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) will be accepted. Any New Shares not subscribed on an irreducible basis will be allocated to the holders of the Rights having submitted additional subscription orders on a reducible basis subject to reduction in the event of oversubscription.
On the basis of the closing price of the Company share on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris ("Euronext Paris") on January 16th, 2024, i.e. EUR 0.0143:
the subscription price of EUR 0.0133 per New Share reflects a discount of -6.99%;
the theoretical value of one (1) Right is EUR 0.00018;
the theoretical ex-right price of the share is EUR 0.0141; and
the subscription price per New Share reflects a discount of -5.78% compared to the theoretical value of the Company ex-right share.
These values do not necessarily reflect the value of the Rights during their trading period, the ex-right price of an existing share of the Company or the discounts, as determined in the market. A potentially very low value of the Right could be likely to significantly impact its liquidity and thus make it difficult to trade.
The Rights Issue will be open to the public in France only.
Credit Agricole Corporate Investment Bank, Natixis and Societe Generale are acting as joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners (the "Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners" and BNP Paribas as joint bookrunner (the "Joint Bookrunner") in respect of the Rights Issue.
INDICATIVE TIMETABLE FOR THE RIGHTS ISSUE
The Rights will be detached on January 19th, 2024 and tradeable from January 19th, 2024 until January 31st, 20247 inclusive on Euronext Paris under ISIN code FR001400MXO7. Unexercised Rights will automatically lapse at the end of the New Shares subscription period, which will be run from January 23rd, 2024 until close of trading on February 2nd, 2024.
The issuance, settlement and delivery of the New Shares and admission of trading on Euronext Paris are expected to take place on February 15th, 2024. The New Shares will immediately entitle their holders to receive dividends declared by the Company as from the date of issuance. They will be immediately fungible with existing shares of the Company and will be traded on the same trading line under the same ISIN code (FR0000184798).
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds of the capital increase of the New Shares, which are estimated to approximately EUR 323 million (after deduction of the balance of the financial restructuring-related costs and miscellaneous commissions (excluding the Adhering Commission) remaining to be paid in cash after October 31st 2023, for around EUR 67 million, but excluding deduction of the total amount of approximately EUR 39 million, which would be owed by the Company to the SteerCo and the Groupement pursuant to the Accelerated Safeguard Plan in the event that the Groupement Warrants (as defined below) and the SteerCo Warrants (as defined below) were not issued within 6 months following the settlement-delivery of the Rights Issue, scheduled for February 15th, 2024) will be allocated to general corporate purposes, and in particular the financing of its Refoundation Plan, in view of restoring the Group's EBITDAR margin and completing the rebalancing of its balance sheet by 2026.
FINANCIAL SITUATION AFTER COMPLETION OF THE RIGHTS ISSUE
After completion of the Rights Issue, the last capital increase planned in the Accelerated Safeguard Plan, on the basis of an adjusted view compared to the situation as of 31 October 2023, the Company's net financial debt (excluding IFRS 16) will amount to EUR 4.2 billion, split into cash and cash equivalents of EUR 1.8 billion, current financial liabilities of EUR 1.25 billion and non-current financial liabilities of EUR 4.75 billion.
As a reminder, in the context of the adoption of the Accelerated Safeguard Plan, the members of the Groupement share the objective for the Company not to distribute any dividends for the fiscal years 2023, 2024 and 2025. At the end of a three-year period from the date of entry into force of the shareholders' agreement entered into between the members of the Groupement, CDC and MAIF will consult together to decide on the continuation or possible modification of this objective.
SUBSCRIPTION COMMITMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE GROUPEMENT AND BACKSTOP COMMITMENTS FROM THE STEERCO
The issue of the New Shares is neither guaranteed by a bank syndicate nor underwritten.
Subscription Commitments from the Groupement
Under the terms of the agreement dated February 14th, 2023 between the Company, the Groupement and the SteerCo (the "Lock-Up Agreement") and as provided under the Accelerated Safeguard Plan, members of the Groupement have undertaken (severally but not jointly) to subscribe to the Rights Issue, and have undertaken to exercise all of their Rights on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) for a total of approximately EUR 195.7 million in the following proportions and amounts (the "Subscription Commitments from the Groupement")
Caisse des Depots et Consignations: 6,570,267,970 New Shares representing a total subscription amount (including issue premium) of EUR 87,384,564.02;
Mutuelle Assurance des Instituteurs de France (MAIF): 4,343,978,821 New Shares representing a total subscription amount (including issue premium) of EUR 57,774,918.32;
CNP Assurances: 1,629,306,077 New Shares representing a total subscription amount (including issue premium) of EUR 21,669,770.83; and
MACSF Epargne Retraite: 2,172,124,892 New Shares representing a total subscription amount (including issue premium) of EUR 28,889,261.07.
Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo
Under the terms of the Lock-up Agreement and the Accelerated Safeguard Plan, the members of the SteerCo (or companies affiliated with them as provided under the terms of the Lock-Up Agreement) have committed to backstop the Rights Issue (excluding the share of the issue subject to Subscription Commitments from the Groupement), for a total of approximately EUR 194.3 million (the "Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo" and together with the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement, the Subscriptions Commitments
Under the Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo, each member of the SteerCo has committed if (x) the amount of all subscriptions on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) and the subscriptions on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) of the holders of preferential subscription rights in the Rights Issue (other than the members of the Groupement pursuant to the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement) increased by (y) the amount of the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement, would not represent 100% of the amount of the Rights Issue (the difference between (A) the amount of the Rights Issue and (B) all subscriptions on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) and subscriptions on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) referred to in (x) and (y) above being the "Available Amount"), to subscribe, in cash, a number of shares corresponding to the Available Amount, i.e. a maximum amount of approximately EUR 194.3 million, split between them pro rata to the unsecured debt held by each of them as of 31 January 2023.
It is specified that the members of SteerCo have not undertaken to subscribe either on an irreducible base (a titre irreductible) or on a reducible basis (a titre reductible), to the Rights Issue. Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo are only intended to be implemented, in whole or in part, only in the event subscriptions on an irreducible basis (a titre irreductible) (including subscriptions on an irreducible basis of the members of the Groupement under the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement) and subscriptions on a reducible basis (a titre reductible) by holders of Rights to the Rights Issue, would not represent 100% of the amount of the Rights Issue.
The Subscription Commitments from the Groupement and the Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo are summarized in the below table:
Number of shares subscribed Amount subscribed (issue premium included) % of the Rights Issue Subscription Commitments from the Groupement of which: 14,715,677,760 EUR 195,718,514.24 50.18% Caisse des Depots et Consignations 6,570,267,970 EUR 87,384,564.02 Mutuelle Assurance des Instituteurs de France (MAIF) 4,343,978,821 EUR 57,774,918.32 CNP Assurances 1,629,306,077 EUR 21,669,770.83 MACSF Epargne Retraite 2,172,124,892 EUR 28,889,261.07 Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo Maximum of 14,609,109,665 Maximum of EUR 194,301,158.42 49.82%
Issuance of warrants in return of the Subscription Commitments
It is reminded that in return for the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement described above, the Accelerated Safeguard Plan provides for the granting by the Company to the Members of the Groupement, following completion of the Rights Issue, and the Reverse Split, of 1,170,888 warrants (the "Groupement Warrants")8, corresponding, on the basis of a theoretical value of the Company's equity post-financial restructuring of approximately EUR 2,700 million, to a total value equivalent to 10% of the amount of the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement, i.e. approximately EUR 19.6 million, allowing their holders to subscribe (being specified that each Warrant gives the right to subscribe one share of the Company, at a price of EUR 0.01 per share) for shares representing (after taking into account the Reverse Split) 0.725% of the Company's share capital, on a fully diluted basis. The issuance of the Groupement Warrants was subject to the 27th resolution being passed at the shareholders annual general meeting of the Company held on December 22nd, 2023. Such resolution was ultimately rejected by the shareholders with 65.55% votes in favor (it being specified that the members of the Groupement did not take part in the vote).
Moreover, in return for the Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo the Accelerated Safeguard Plan provides that the Company will grant Members of the SteerCo, following completion of the Rights Issue, 1,162,279 warrants9 (the "SteerCo Warrants" and together with the Groupement Warrants, the "Warrants") corresponding, on the basis of a theoretical value of the Company's equity post-financial restructuring of approximately EUR 2,700 million, to a total value equivalent to 10% of the amount of the Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo, for an amount of approximately EUR 19.4 million allowing their holders to subscribe for shares representing (after taking into account the Reverse Split) 0.720% of the Company's share capital, on a fully diluted basis. The issuance of the SteerCo Warrants was subject to the 28th resolution being passed at the shareholders annual general meeting held on December 22nd, 2023. Such resolution was approved by the shareholders (it being specified that the members of the SteerCo or their affiliate did not take part in the vote).
If all of the Warrants are not issued within six months after the settlement of the Rights Issue scheduled on February 15th, 2024, the Accelerated Safeguard Plan (paragraph 3.5.5(b) of part III) provides that the members of the Groupement and the members of the SteerCo will receive from the Company their equivalent in cash, i.e. 10% of the Subscription Commitments from the Groupement and 10% of the Backstop Commitments from the SteerCo (i.e approximately EUR 19.6 million for the benefit of the Groupement and approximately EUR 19.4 million for the benefit of the SteerCo, representing a total amount of approximately EUR 39 million).
The Company reserves the right to submit for approval to the general meeting of the shareholders which will take place to approve the accounts for the financial year ending December 31st, 2023, resolutions allowing to grant Warrants to the members of the Groupement and the SteerCo.
Under this assumption and in the event of approval by the general meeting of shareholders, the Company will issue the Groupement Warrants for the benefit of the members of the Groupement and will issue the SteerCo Warrants for the benefit of the members of the SteerCo according to the above-mentioned terms. In the event of rejection by the general meeting of shareholders, the Groupement Warrants and the SteerCo Warrants will not be issued, and the Company, in accordance with the provisions of the Accelerated Safeguard Plan (paragraph 3.5.5(b) of part III), will therefore pay an amount of approximately EUR 19.6 million to the members of the Groupement and an amount of approximately 19.4 million euros to the members of the SteerCo, i.e. a total amount of approximately 39 million euros.
DILUTION
The implementation of the Equitization Capital Increase and the Groupement Capital Increase under the Accelerated Safeguard Plan has resulted in a massive dilution for the Existing Shareholders (i.e. the shareholders whose shares are evidenced by book-entries (inscrit en compte) at the end of the accounting day of November 15th, 2023), who hold, as of this date and to the Company's knowledge, 0.98% of the share capital of the Company. If Existing Shareholders decide not to exercise their preferential subscription rights, they will hold 0.80% of the Company's share capital following completion of the Rights Issue (based on the number of share they held on November 15th, 2023).
Moreover, for illustrative purposes only, the theoretical impact of the Rights Issue on the participation in the capital of a shareholder holding 1% of the share capital of the Company prior to the completion of the Capital Increases and not subscribing to it (calculations based on the number of shares comprised in the Company's share capital as of the date of the Prospectus (as defined below)), would be as follows*:
Prior to the issue of the 29,324,787,415 New Shares as part of the Rights Issue 1.0000% After the issue of the 29,324,787,415 New Shares as part of the Rights Issue 0.8158% *As of June 30th, 2023, the number of free shares allocated under the Company's free share plans and not yet vested on that date amounted to 218,756 shares. Given the significant number of new shares to be issued as part of each of the Capital Increases, the allocation of these shares would not have any additional impact on the dilution of a shareholder holding 1% of the share capital of the Company, which is therefore not presented on a diluted basis
REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
A reverse stock split will be implemented following the settlement-delivery of the Rights Issue, such that one thousand (1,000) ordinary shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 each will be exchanged for one (1) new share with a nominal value of EUR 10 euros (the "Reverse Split"). The Reverse Split could be launched following the settlement-delivery of the Rights Issue and close 30 days later. The detailed terms of the Reverse Split and its expected timetable will be specified in a press release that the Company will publish on the day of launch of the Reverse Split.
THEORETICAL MARKET CAPITALISATION AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE RIGHTS ISSUE
For illustrative purposes only, based on the number of shares comprised in the share capital of the Company after completion of the Rights Issue, i.e. 159,191,703,111 shares, and retaining a theoretical stock price of the ORPEA share post-Capital Increases being established at the level of theoretical value of the share post-Capital Increases, i.e. EUR 0.0170 (for illustrative purposes as a reminder, the closing price of the ORPEA share is EUR 0.0143 on January 16th, 2024), the Company's theoretical market capitalisation after completion of the Rights Issue would amount to approximately EUR 2.7 billion.
AVAILABILITY OF THE PROSPECTUS
The prospectus (the Prospectus ) in the French language approved by the AMF under number 24-006 on January 17th, 2024 and comprised of (i) ORPEA S.A. 2022 universal registration document filed with the AMF on June 7th, 2023 under number D. 23-0461 (the "Universal Registration Document" or "URD"), (ii) a first amendment to the URD filed with the AMF on November 10th, 2023 under number D.23-0461-A01 (the "First Amendment to the URD"), (iii) a second amendment to the URD filed with the AMF on December 5th, 2023 under number D.23-0461-A02 (the "Second Amendment to the URD") (iv) a third amendment to the URD filed with the AMF on January 17th, 2024 under number D.23-0461-A03 (the "Third Amendment to the URD"), (v) the securities note dated January 17th, 2024 (the "Securities Note") and (vi) the summary of the Prospectus (included in the Securities Note) is available on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and the Company (www.orpea-group.com). Copies of the Prospectus are available free of charge at the Company's registered office (12, rue Jean Jaures, 92813 Puteaux).
Potential investors are advised to read the Prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the New Shares. The approval of the Prospectus by the AMF should not be understood as an endorsement of the offer or admission to trading of the New Shares on Euronext Paris.
RISK FACTORS
Investors' attention is drawn to the risk factors relating to the Company included in chapter 2 Internal Control and Risk Factors of the URD as updated in Chapter 2 of the First Amendment to the URD, in Chapter 2 of the Second Amendment to the URD, and in Chapter 2 of the Third Amendment to the URD and the risk factors relating to the transaction and the New Shares mentioned in Chapter 2 "Risk Factors" of the Securities Note, in particular risk factor 2.1 related to the massive dilution implied by the Capital Increases and the need for Existing Shareholders to invest significant amounts if they want to maintain their stakes unchanged.
About ORPEA
ORPEA is a leading global player, expert in providing care for all types of frailty. The Group operates in 20 countries and covers three core businesses: care for the elderly (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homecare and services), medical and rehabilitation care and mental health care (specialized clinics). It has more than 76,000 employees and welcomes more than 267,000 patients and residents each year.
https://www.orpea-group.com/en
Since December 2023, the ORPEA Group is held at 50.2% by Caisse des Depots, CNP Assurance, MAIF and MACSF Epargne Retraite.
ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120 and CAC Mid 60 indices
Disclaimer
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of ordinary shares 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 distribution of this document may, in certain jurisdictions, be restricted by local legislations. Persons into whose possession this document comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such potential local restrictions.
This press release 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"). Potential investors are advised to read the prospectus before making an investment decision in order to fully understand the potential risks and rewards associated with the decision to invest in the securities. The approval of the prospectus by the AMF should not be understood as an endorsement of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market.
With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area (others than France) and the United Kingdom (each a "Relevant State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of the securities referred to herein requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Relevant State. As a result, the securities may and will be offered in any Relevant State only (i) to qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation, for any investor in a Member State of the European Economic Area, or Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as part of national law under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"), for any investor in the United Kingdom, (ii) to fewer than 150 individuals or legal entities (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Regulation or the UK Prospectus Regulation, as the case may be), or (iii) in accordance with the exemptions set forth in Article 1 (4) of the Prospectus Regulation or under any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Company of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation, of the UK Prospectus Regulation and/or to applicable regulations of that Relevant State.
The distribution of this press release has not been made, and has not been approved, by an "authorised person" within the meaning of Article 21(1) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. As a consequence, this press release is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that (i) are "investment professionals" falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.") of the Order, or (iii) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Article 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this document 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 document or any of its contents.
This press release may not be published, distributed or transmitted in the United States (including its territories and dependencies). This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer of securities for sale or any solicitation to purchase or to subscribe for securities or any solicitation of sale of securities in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the law of any State or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company does not intend to register all or any portion of the securities in the United States under the Securities Act or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States.
__________________________________
1 The "Groupement" referring to Caisse des Depots et Consignations (CDC), Mutuelle Assurance des Instituteurs de France (MAIF), CNP Assurances and MACSF Epargne Retraite (or companies affiliated with them).
2 The "SteerCo" referring to five institutions holding a significant portion of the Company's unsecured debt set off as part of the Equitization Capital Increase (as defined below).
3 It is specified that the CDC holds directly and indirectly 37,300,644,461 shares of the Company representing as many voting rights i.e. 28.72% of the capital and voting rights of the Company (based on the Groupement's declaration of thresholds crossing dated December 21st, 2023), distributed as follows:
Shares % capital Voting rights % Voting rights CDC (direct holding) (member of the Groupement) 29,096,901,032 22.41% 29,096,901,032 22.40% CNP Assurances (member of the Groupement) 7,215,498,346 5.56% 7,215,498,346 5.56% CNP Vita Assicura S.p.A. (outside Groupement) 491,618,393 0.38% 491,618,393 0.38% La Banque Postale (outside Groupement) 496,615,690 0.38% 496,615,690 0.38% Total CDC 37,300,633,461 28.72% 37,300,633,461 28.72%
4 By mail received on December 22nd, 2023, the concert composed of the companies Concert'O, Nextstone Capital and Mat Immo Beaune declared having crossed downward, on December 19th, 2023, the thresholds of 10% of the capital and voting rights of the Company and holding 7,702,414 196 ORPEA shares representing as many voting rights, i.e. 5.93% of the capital and voting rights of this company, specifying that this crossing of thresholds results from the Groupement Capital Increase.
5 Including unsecured creditors which unsecured debt have been converted into Shares as part of the Equitization Capital Increase and who still hold Shares on the date of this press release.
6 In order to allow the registration in the securities account as of such date, the execution of purchases in the market of existing shares must occur on January, 18 2024 at the latest.
7 Due to processing delays, custodians may bring forward the cut-off dates and hours for receiving their clients' instructions in respect of their Rights. In this regard, custodians must inform their clients through corporate event notices and the relevant investors are invited to contact their custodians.
8 For purely illustrative purposes, the number of Groupement Warrants which would have been granted excluding the effect of the Reverse Split would amount to 1,170,888,000 Groupement Warrants (i.e. 1,170,888 x 1,000). On this basis, the theoretical exercise price of the Groupement Warrants would be EUR 0.00001 (i.e. 0.01 1,000).
9 For purely illustrative purposes, the number of SteerCo Warrants which would have been granted excluding account of the Reverse Split would amount to 1,162,279,000 Groupement Warrants (i.e. 1,162,279 x 1,000). On this basis, the theoretical exercise price of the SteerCo Warrants would be EUR 0.00001 (i.e. 0.01 1,000).
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117552960/en/
Contacts:
Investor Relations
ORPEA
Benoit Lesieur
Investor Relations Director
b.lesieur@orpea.net
Toll-free number for shareholders:
0 805 480 480
Investor Relations
NewCap
Dusan Oresansky
01 44 71 94 94
ORPEA@newcap.eu
Press Relations
ORPEA
Isabelle Herrier-Naufle
Investor Relations Director
07 70 29 53 74
i.herrier-naufle@orpea.net
Image7
Charlotte Le Barbier // Laurence Heilbronn
06 78 37 27 60 06 89 87 61 37
clebarbier@image7.fr
lheilbronn@image7.fr
JTI was certified Global Top Employer for the tenth year in a row. The award acknowledges JTI's continued commitment to creating a great place to work for its diverse workforce located in 47 countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and North America.
"This recognition acknowledges that our people are at the heart of everything we do and shows the progress we continue to make in improving our environment, caring about the wellbeing of our employees, as well as our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Being awarded Top Employer ten years in a row demonstrates to our future employees that JTI is a great place to work. This certification is a key component in attracting and retaining top talent," said Guergana Andreeva, Senior Vice President, People Culture.
JTI is one of only 17 companies to be honored with the Global Top Employer award. Eleven countries where JTI has a presence were ranked number one.
Globally, JTI ensures that its employees and their families have the best-in-class support thanks to its global family leave policy aiming to provide equal opportunities for both parents to spend time with their newborn. Also, JTI has implemented new flexible working measures which allow employees to choose how, when, and where they work, and with the help of the Employee Resource Groups provides great support to various underrepresented groups, including, but not limited to, supporting females in leadership roles and LGBTQ+ communities.
"While we are very pleased to have received the Global Top Employer certification for the tenth consecutive year, we are even more delighted that the various initiatives we have put in place in our locations across the world have helped improve our employees' wellbeing, job satisfaction and opportunities to continue to develop their careers. JTI was awarded the Top Employer certification thanks to its 46'000 employees of 119 different nationalities who set goals and commit to achieving them." Andreeva added.
About JTI:
JTI is a leading international tobacco and vaping company selling its products in more than 130 countries. It is the global owner of both Winston, the number two cigarette brand in the world, and Camel, outside the USA. Other global brands include MEVIUS and LD. JTI is also a major player in the international vaping market with its heated tobacco brand, Ploom, and e-cigarette brand, Logic. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the Company employs about 46,000 people and was awarded Global Top Employer for the tenth consecutive year in 2024. JTI is a member of the JT Group of Companies. For more information, visit www.jti.com.
About Top Employers Institute:
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Programme, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognised as an employer of choice. In 2024, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2 300 organisations in 122 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240117084303/en/
Contacts:
For further information, please contact:
Caroline Kulko
Corporate Media Relations
+41 22 703 02 91
pressoffice@jti.com
STOCKHOLM, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinode, a leading SaaS-platform for consultancy firms, proudly announces its expansion to the Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in its mission to drive growth and success in the global consultancy sector. Founded in 2010 in Stockholm, Cinode has established itself as the go-to platform for consultancy firms in the Nordics, and is now set to bring its innovative solutions to Dutch consulting companies.
Empowering Consultancies with All-In-One SaaS Solutions
At its core, Cinode is an all-encompassing SaaS-platform designed to fuel consultancy firms' growth by offering crucial insights into sales, delivery, and skills. Understanding the dynamic needs of the consultancy sector, Cinode addresses fundamental questions like 'Who knows what?', 'Who's available?', and 'What can I sell?'. This strategic focus has been instrumental in helping nearly 300 customers streamline their operations to date.
Enhancing Growth and Profitability
"Cinode's platform is a powerhouse of features that include fast client response times, optimized resource utilization, and transparent information for decision-making. By enhancing internal efficiency, Cinode plays a pivotal role in helping consultancies achieve better profitability and growth," says Anders Hagberg, CEO at Cinode.
A Network that Connects and Collaborates
One of Cinode's unique offerings is its network, encompassing over 6000 consultancies. The Cinode Network is a collaborative space where consulting firms can connect to share deals, skills, and expertise.
"The expansion into the Netherlands is expected to further enrich this community, bringing new opportunities for collaboration and growth," says Anders.
A Future of Possibilities
With its expansion into the Dutch market, Cinode is excited to replicate its success story from the Nordics. Dutch consulting firms now have the opportunity to leverage Cinode's proven solutions to enhance their operations, collaborate effectively, and accelerate their growth trajectory.
Read more at https://cinode.com/nl/ or https://cinode.com/en/
CONTACT:
Mattias Loxi
Co-founder/CMO
mattias.loxi@cinode.com
+46 73-514 21 70
The following files are available for download:
https://news.cision.com/cinode-ab/i/anders-hagberg-ceo-cinode,c3258654 anders hagberg ceo cinode
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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited ("COPL" or the "Company") (CSE:XOP)(LSE:COPL), an international oil and gas exploration, production and development focused in Converse and Natrona Counties, Wyoming, USA, announces the following executive and director changes:
Mr. Peter Kravitz has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer;
Mr. Mark Wall has joined its Board as a Non Executive Director to replace Mr. Atul Gupta who has stepped down.
Mr. Kravitz, a founding principal of Province, LLC, a leading restructuring advisory firm. Mr. Kravitz has an extensive resume of engagements, many of which involve notable brands like Sable Permian, PetSmart, BoardRiders, Samson Resources, Circuit City, RESCAP, Fleetwood, Radio Shack, Aegean Marine Petroleum, Core Media, Sable Permian, Nextpoint Financial, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, Intelsat, 5e Advanced Materials, Claire's and Washington Prime Group, among others.
Mr. Wall has more than 27 years of experience in the mining industry in executive, commercial, operations and sustainability roles. He has operated at various senior levels of publicly listed mining companies, including as the CEO of a Canadian TSX listed mining company, the Senior Vice President & Operations Officer for one of the world's largest gold mining companies listed on the TSX and NYSE, and the Chief Commercial Officer and lead Operations executive for a TSX listed copper project in the United States, which included the construction of a copper processing facility in Nevada. Mr. Wall holds various degrees and qualifications, including a Diploma in Minerals Processing, Master of Business Administration, Master of Management, Masters Certificate in Risk Management & Business Performance and Diploma of Project Management. Mr. Wall is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
The Company thanks Mr. Gupta for his service as a Non Executive Director.
About the Company:
COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, development and production company actively pursuing opportunities in the United States with operations in Converse County Wyoming.
For further information, please contact:
Mr. Tom Richardson, Chairman
Mr. Ryan Gaffney, CFO
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited
Tel: + 1 (403) 262 5441
Cathy Hume
CHF Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (416) 868 1079 ext. 251
Email: cathy@chfir.com
Charles Goodwin
Yellow Jersey PR Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 77 4778 8221
Email: copl@yellowjerseypr.com
The Common Shares are listed under the symbol "XOP" on the CSE and under the symbol "COPL" on the London Stock Exchange.
Caution regarding forward looking statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "initial, "scheduled", "can", "will", "prior to", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", "forecast", "future", "continue", "may", "expect", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including, but not limited to, the ability to raise the necessary funding for operations, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements since the Company 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 most of which are beyond the control of Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd. For example, the uncertainty of reserve estimates, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, cost overruns, health and safety issues, political and environmental risks, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation affecting the oil and gas industry could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Canadian Overseas Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
SOURCE: Canadian Overseas Petroleum Ltd
View the original press release on accesswire.com
The global stained glass market is experiencing growth due to several factors such as growing demand from the residential sector. In addition, renovations and new construction projects that emphasize unique and custom designs are expected to drive the demand for stained glass.
WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, " Stained Glass Market by Type (Cathedral, Opalescent, and Others) and End Use (Commercial, Residential, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032". According to the report, the global Stained-glass market was valued at $4.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2032.
Prime determinants of growth
Economic conditions, including construction and renovation activities, can impact the stained glass market. During periods of economic growth, there may be increased investments in construction projects that incorporate stained glass. However, stained glass requires regular maintenance to preserve its beauty. Over time, dust, dirt, and pollutants accumulate on the surface, diminishing the clarity of the glass and the vibrancy of the colors. Moreover, increase in the use of stained glass in the residential sector offers remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the stained glass market.
Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3211
Report coverage & details:
Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size In 2022 $4.1 Billion Market Size In 2032 $6.8 Billion CAGR 5.3 % No. Of Pages In Report 280 Segments Covered Type, End Use, And Region. Drivers Growth In Trends Of Art And Design In Building And Construction, Commercial, And Other Industrie Increase In The Demand For Stained Glass From The Architectural Industry Opportunity Increase In Demand For Stained Glass From The Paints And Coatings Industry Restraint High-Cost Maintenance
Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on the Stained Glass Market
Trade disruptions and sanctions associated with geopolitical conflicts can affect international trade. If there are restrictions on the movement of goods or financial transactions, stained glass manufacturers involved in cross-border trade may face challenges.
Currency values can be influenced by geopolitical events. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the costs of importing and exporting stained glass products, potentially affecting the competitiveness of businesses in the global market.
The cathedral type segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period.
Based on the type, the cathedral segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for two-fifths of the global stained glass market revenue and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to the fact that many cathedrals and historical buildings undergo restoration and preservation projects. Stained glass windows, being integral parts of these structures, are replaced or refurbished during such projects, driving the demand for cathedral glass. Stained glass windows have deep-rooted religious and cultural significance, especially in cathedrals and religious institutions. The aesthetic appeal and the ability of stained glass to convey narratives or religious messages contribute to its demand for use in cathedral settings. Contemporary architects often integrate traditional elements into modern designs. The timeless beauty and uniqueness of stained glass make it a desirable choice for architects and designers working on cathedral projects. However, the opalescent segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of more than 5.0% from 2023 to 2032.
Procure Complete Report (287 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/491RFCZ
The residential end use segment is expected to lead the trial by 2032.
Based on the end use, the residential segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global stained glass market revenue and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to stained glass windows being a classic application in residential settings, providing homeowners with an opportunity to introduce color, pattern, and artistic elements to their living spaces. Stained glass panels can be inserted into cabinet doors, providing an elegant and decorative element to kitchen and dining areas. Stained glass can be incorporated into staircase windows, creating a visually appealing focal point, and allowing natural light to filter through. Glass panels with stained glass inserts can be used in staircase balustrades, adding a decorative and artistic element. However, the commercial segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of more than 5.2% from 2023 to 2032.
Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032.
By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the stained glass market revenue, and is anticipated to expand during the forecast period. India, China, and Japan are anticipated to contribute considerably to the Asia-Pacific stained-glass market. Rapid economic growth and urbanization in these countries may lead to increased construction activities and demand for unique architectural elements, including stained glass. Stained glass has cultural and religious significance in these countries.
Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3211
Players: -
TAIZHOU WANDA STAINED GLASS CO., LTD.
AANRAKU GLASS STUDIOS
PENDLE STAINED GLASS LTD
COATINGS BY SANDBERG
CREATORS STAINED GLASS
DIAMOND TECH.
CASCADE METALS
BULLSEYE GLASS CO.
KOKOMO OPALESCENT GLASS CO.
ARMSTRONG GLASS COMPANY
The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global stained glass market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.
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Double Glazing Glass HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/double-glazing-glass-market-A13649"Market: HYPERLINK "https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/double-glazing-glass-market-A13649" Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031
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About Us
Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of " Market Research Reports " and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.
Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.
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Orphalan announces China NMPA's approval of its trientine tetrahydrochloride product for the treatment of Wilson disease
Paris, France 18 January, 2024 - Orphalan SA ("Orphalan" or "the Company"), an international orphan drug development and commercialization company, today announces the approval of its trientine tetrahydrochloride product by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This product, already marketed as Cuprior in the EU, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Colombia, and as Cuvrior in the US, represents the first trientine approved by the NMPA. It offers a new treatment option for Wilson disease in children aged five years and older and adults intolerant to penicillamine therapy.
China is home to an estimated 80,000 individuals with Wilson disease, of whom approximately half have their diagnosis confirmed, and 25,000 are receiving regular treatment. The introduction of new treatment alternatives such as Orphalan's trientine tetrahydrochloride, particularly for patients who are intolerant to currently available therapies, presents a significant opportunity to meet the needs of a broader segment of the Wilson disease population in China. Orphalan anticipates its product to be available in the country in the coming months.
Dr Naseem Amin, Chief Executive Officer at Orphalan, said: "We are pleased with the marketing authorisation approval of our trientine tetrahydrochloride product in China, which offers a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for patients with Wilson disease. This approval is a crucial step towards providing a much-needed treatment option for the Wilson disease community in China and reaffirms our commitment to improving the experience for patients living with rare diseases worldwide."
Yan Qin, Director of Wuhan Tongxin (Wilson disease patient group in China) added: "We were thrilled when we heard that NMPA approved Orphalan's trientine tetrahydrochloride in China. It is a significant step for those of us living with Wilson disease, representing a much-needed alternative treatment option. This approval, a result of Orphalan's patient-focused approach, offers us a chance to better manage our condition with a new, effective treatment."
Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder of copper transport primarily affecting the liver and brain. Early treatment with legacy agents such as D-penicillamine (DPA), trientine HCI, and zinc salts can effectively slow the progression of the disease, however these options may not be suitable for long-term care due to adverse events associated with DPA and the need for close monitoring during treatment with zinc salts and DPA.
ENDS
About Orphalan
Orphalan is an international orphan drug development and commercialization company headquartered in Paris. Founded in 2011, the Company develops and deliver innovative therapies for people living with rare and debilitating diseases. Our trientine tetrahydrochloride product has been approved for the treatment of Wilson disease and is available in more than 20 countries, branded as Cuprior in EU, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Columbia, and as Cuvrior in the United States. For more information visit www.orphalan.com and follow us on LinkedIn .
For more information, please contact:
Orphalan:
Geraldine van den Broek, Head of Corporate & BD
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 49 82 64
info@orphalan.com
ICR Consilium:
Tracy Cheung, Sukaina Virji, Davide Salvi
Tel: +44 (0) 203 709 5700
HELSINKI, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Zanders, a renowned global treasury and risk management consultancy firm, joined the Nomentia Partner Network. Zanders will support Nomentia with implementing new client projects using its extensive industry expertise in treasury and risk management.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, efficient treasury and risk management technologies are crucial for companies of all sizes. With the increasing complexity of financial regulations, global market fluctuations, and growing demands for real-time information, organizations need robust tools and expert guidance to implement treasury technologies successfully to tackle these challenges. With the help of Zanders, new Nomentia customers will be able to implement the solutions rapidly with expert consultants and projects managers from Zanders who all received training and completed the Nomentia partner certification.
Zanders has grown strongly to become the leading global independent treasury and risk consulting firm with about 300 employees across ten offices in Europe, the UK, Middle-East, US and Asia. With a specialized focus on treasury and risk, Zanders has been committed to providing best-in-class solutions to their customers in more than 40 countries. Zanders' advisory services consist of treasury strategy and organization, technology selection and implementation, financial and non-financial risk management, including debt advisory and working capital management. In addition, Zanders has developed its own suite of innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions. Zanders combines thought leadership with a high-quality approach and client involvement across the value chain.
"We are excited to join Nomentia as a partner and support their growing client base with new system implementations. Nomentia offers a full suite of treasury, risk and payment technology solutions and is focused on future product development" says Sander van Tol, Partner at Zanders. "Our goal is to provide added value as a subject matter expert to both Nomentia and their clients."
The partnership between Nomentia and Zanders represents a significant step forward in the realm of treasury and risk management. By combining Nomentia's innovative technology and Zanders' expertise, organizations gain access to comprehensive solutions that empower them to optimize their financial operations, and make informed decisions.
"We want to welcome Zanders to the Nomentia partner program and we are thrilled about implementing our first client projects together" says Tapani Oksala, Head of Partnerships at Nomentia. "Zanders' expertise in the market is well-known for a reason - and now, Nomentia's clients will be able to work with world-class treasury consultants and project managers as a result of this partnership."
CONTACT:
Zanders
Marianne Myburgh'
Head of Marketing and Communications
m.myburgh@zandersgroup.com
+31 625530026
Nomentia
Barbara Babati
Head of Marketing
barbara.babati@nomentia.com
+358407623356
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Today, the Academy for Theranostics, a transformative initiative developed by the International Centers for Precision Oncology (ICPO) Foundation, announced that ADACAP (Advanced Accelerator Applications International S.A), a Novartis company, has signed a grant agreement to fund 130 stipends for the Academy's online education program. The primary beneficiaries of the ICPO Academy for Theranostics include clinicians, researchers, physicists, radiochemists, as well as nurses and technologists, all dedicated to integrating Radiomolecular Precision Oncology (RPO) into patient treatment. RPO brings a spectacular improvement in cancer care while today's global demand largely exceeds patient access. Standardized education is key to bridge this gap. Radiotheranostics has the power to offer novel patient-focused precision oncology treatments according to the principle: "We treat what we see and see what we treat". The ICPO Foundation, through its global Community, will identify promising recipients for the Novartis stipends, enabling young professionals to access world-class education and laying the ground for their future in theranostics.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118004350/en/
ICPO ACADEMY FOR THERANOSTICS powered by the ICPO FOUNDATION Global Community (Photo: Business Wire)
Cancer remains a pressing global issue, impacting millions of individuals annually. In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a staggering 9.9 million deaths attributed to cancer. In response, the Radiomolecular Precision Oncology (RPO) approach, which empowers personalized treatments has gained remarkable significance. Nevertheless, the broad adoption of Radiomolecular Precision Oncology faces substantial hurdles due to a critical shortage of skilled professionals. Thus, the imperative of nurturing and guiding young talents in this domain has never been more pronounced. It is therefore of great importance to set standards in a rapidly developing field where the increase in patient access must be controlled qualitatively on a global level.
The ICPO Academy for Theranostics addresses this imperative by offering an extensive online educational program developed by the ICPO Foundation. This online program, supported by a global community of experts, encompasses over 50 hours of content, led by more than 30 leading experts from medicine, science, technology and patient care. The content is accessible in multiple languages. The primary objective of this program is to disseminate knowledge in Radiomolecular Precision Oncology, thereby improving patient outcomes with radiopharmaceutical therapies.
The certification process for the online program is structured to ensure that participants thoroughly understand the key learning points of each teaching unit. Each pillar, i.e. medical, physics, chemistry or nursing, of the program is divided into multiple teaching units. After completing a teaching unit, participants are required to take a multiple-choice test to assess their comprehension of the material. To successfully complete a teaching unit, participants must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly. This ensures that they have a solid grasp of the knowledge presented.
Odile Jaume, CEO of ICPO Foundation, conveyed her deep enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating "The global expansion of the Academy for Theranostics, with a particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, is central to the strategic initiatives. Our aim is to extend the benefits of theranostics and cutting-edge cancer treatments to one of the most severely impacted regions to enhance the care access and quality of life for patients in this region."
Udo Vetter, Chairman of ICPO Board of Trustees,is pleased about the continuation of the pilot project in China and explains "Over 700 users from more than 300 hospitals in China took part in our program in 2023, 400 of whom were actively involved in learning. Impressively, more than 340 participants obtained their final certificates within just 8 weeks. We believe that Novartis' commitment to the industry will serve as a catalyst, encouraging others to follow suit."
About ICPO Foundation
The International Centers for Precision Oncology Foundation (ICPO) is a non-profit organization established in 2019 under German law by leading international medical practitioners and life sciences entrepreneurs. Recognizing a paradigm shift in cancer care from one size fits all to a personalized approach, the ICPO Foundation is helping to build momentum to scale global patient access to Radiomolecular Precision Oncology to support this shift. To scale patient access, the ICPO Foundation aims to develop an international network of physical diagnostic and therapeutic Centers for Precision Oncology organized in a Social Franchise model based on shared know-how, certified education with so called Academy, and design and process standardization that enables best clinical practice globally. Furthermore, it is the ICPO Foundation's objective to empower its Centers by embedding them in a highly inclusive Community that spearheads its model and lives up to the Precision Oncology promise, by making it available to all patients in need, irrespective of country or social status.
Learn more at www.icpo.foundation
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118004350/en/
Contacts:
Media relations ICPO Foundation
Susanne Simon
Head of Communications Community
Email: susanne.simon@icpo.foundation
Phone: 49 172 8666093
www.icpo.foundation
Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre Stabilisation- Sixt SE EUR 500mil 5yr
PR Newswire
LONDON, United Kingdom, January 18
Pre-Stabilisation Notice
January 18, 2024
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
Sixt SE
EUR 500mil Fixed Rate Notes due 25 January 2029
Issued pursuant to the Issuer's Debt Issuance Programme
Commerzbank AG (contact: Ian Turner; telephone: +44-207-7475-1817) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).
The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Sixt SE Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 500mil Description: EUR 500mil Fixed Rate Notes due 25 January 2029 Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: denoms 1k/1k, listing Luxembourg Stock Exchange Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG BNP Paribas (B&D) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft UniCredit Stabilisation period expected to start on: January 18, 2024 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange
In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.
This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
END
CHICAGO, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Oil Immersed Power Transformer Market is expected to reach USD 28.3 billion by 2028 from USD 21.2 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 6.0% during the 2023-2028 period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. This robust growth is attributed to the anticipated reinforcement of power distribution infrastructure, responding to the escalating global demand for electricity. Additionally, the market is poised to benefit from the expanding capacity of renewable energy sources and heightened investments in industrial production, both contributing to an increased demand for Oil Immersed Power Transformers. A notable driver of this growth is the rising adoption of high-voltage direct systems, further propelling the market towards accelerated expansion over the forecast period.
Browse in-depth TOC on "Oil Immersed Power Transformer Market"
186 - Tables
62 - Figures
263 - Pages
Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=167611515
Oil Immersed Power Transformer Market Scope:
Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $21.2 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $28.3 billion Growth Rate Poised to Grow at a CAGR of 6.0% Largest Market Asia Pacific Market Size Available for 2021-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Installation, By Phase, By Voltage, and By End User Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Key Market Opportunities Innovations in Transformer Management, Eco-Friendly Solutions, and Smart Grid Technologies for a Sustainable Future. Key Market Drivers Integrating Renewable Energy for Sustainable Power Solutions.
Pad-mounted segment, by installation, to occupy majority of Oil Immersed Power Transformer Market share.
The pad-mounted segment is expected to dominate the majority share in the oil-immersed power transformer market, and this can be attributed to several key factors. Pad-mounted transformers offer a compact and ground-level installation, making them more accessible and easier to maintain compared to other installation types. Their design facilitates efficient distribution in urban and residential areas where space constraints may limit the deployment of larger substation installations. Moreover, the pad-mounted transformers are aesthetically more pleasing and environmentally friendly, blending seamlessly into urban landscapes. As urbanization and infrastructure development continue to drive the demand for reliable electricity distribution, the practicality and versatility of pad-mounted transformers make them a preferred choice. Additionally, advancements in technology and the incorporation of smart features in pad-mounted transformers contribute to their growing popularity, enhancing monitoring capabilities and overall operational efficiency. With these advantages, the pad-mounted segment is poised to maintain a significant market share in the oil-immersed power transformer market.
By voltage, the high voltage segment is expected to be the largest market.
The high voltage segment is anticipated to emerge as the dominant market in the oil-immersed power transformer industry, and this can be attributed to several key factors. High voltage transformers play a crucial role in transmitting electricity across long distances with minimized energy losses, making them integral components of transmission grids. As the demand for electricity continues to rise globally, particularly in densely populated urban areas and industrial hubs, the need for efficient and reliable high-voltage power transmission becomes paramount. High voltage transformers are well-suited to meet these demands, offering the capacity to handle substantial power loads and ensuring stable transmission across extensive networks. Moreover, the expansion of renewable energy projects, which often operate at higher voltage levels, further contributes to the prominence of the high voltage segment. With advancements in technology and a focus on enhancing grid reliability, the high voltage segment is positioned to hold the largest market share in the oil-immersed power transformer market.
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Asia Pacific to emerge as the largest Oil Immersed Power Transformer Industry.
Asia Pacific is poised to assert itself as the largest market in the oil-immersed power transformer industry, driven by a confluence of significant factors. The region is experiencing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and substantial infrastructure development, leading to an escalating demand for electricity. As economies in Asia Pacific continue to grow, there is a parallel need for robust power distribution systems, wherein oil-immersed power transformers play a pivotal role. Governments across the region are investing substantially in upgrading and expanding their power infrastructure to meet the increasing energy requirements of a burgeoning population. The prevalence of three-phase power systems, which aligns with the dominant use of oil-immersed transformers, further boosts the market in the region. Additionally, the deployment of high-voltage direct systems and the integration of renewable energy sources contribute to the burgeoning demand for oil-immersed power transformers. With these dynamics at play, Asia Pacific stands out as a key player in the oil-immersed power transformer market, and its prominence is expected to persist as the region continues to undergo dynamic economic and energy landscape changes.
Key Market Players
Key players in the global Oil Immersed Power Transformer Companies include ABB (Switzerland), General Electric (US), Siemens (Germany), Schneider Electric (France), and Eaton (Ireland).
Browse Adjacent Markets: Energy and Power Market Research Reports & Consulting
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Switchgear Market by Insulation (Gas-insulated, Air-insulated), Installation (Indoor, Outdoor), Current (AC, DC), Voltage (Low (up to 1 kV), Medium (2-36 kV), High (Above 36 kV), End User and Region - Global Forecast to 2028
Switchgear Monitoring System Market by Type (GIS, AIS), Voltage (High & Extra High Voltage, Medium Voltage, Low Voltage), Component (Hardware, Software & Services), Monitoring, End User (Utilities, Industries, Commercial) & Region - Global Forecast to 2028
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EQS-News: Oldenburgische Landesbank AG / Key word(s): Bond
OLB successfully optimizes its capital structure by its first issuance of a EUR 170 million Tier 2 bond
18.01.2024 / 10:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Strong investor demand leading to a successful debut for OLB in the Tier 2 space Oldenburgische Landesbank AG (OLB) successfully placed its first Tier 2 bond on the capital market on Wednesday, 17 January 2024. The 10.25NC5.25 bond with a final size of 170 million euros was very well received by investors and 1.6times oversubscribed. After two days of roadshow and positive feedback from core investors OLB decided to move ahead on Wednesday.
"With our successful inaugural Tier 2 issuance, we have set another important milestone in our capital market presence. With our first Covered Bond and AT1 in 2021, followed by another Covered Bond in 2022, our inaugural Senior Preferred in 2023 and the new Tier 2 we now have access to the full range of refinancing and capital instruments. Sub-benchmark issuances are particularly challenging, for issuers as well as for institutional investors. We are proud and honored that more than 35 investors trusted us again and continue to support our sustainable and highly profitable growth path at OLB. We are committed to be a reliable partner for our investors and over time become an even more regular issuer across the funding and capital space. The strong demand reflects the investors' confidence in OLB's performance and prospects, and I am once more very pleased with the result", says Rainer Polster, Chief Financial Officer of OLB.
The bank syndicate for the issue, rated Ba1 (positive outlook) by Moody's, was led by Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE and UBS Investment Bank as Joint Bookrunners.
About the OLB Oldenburgische Landesbank AG is a profitable and growing universal bank for private and corporate customers in Germany and neighbouring European countries. Under its OLB Bank and Bankhaus Neelmeyer brands, OLB advises its more than 660.000 customers in person and via digital channels in its Private & Business Customers and Corporates & Diversified Lending segments. The Bank has about EUR 25 bn of total assets. You can also visit us at www.olb.de and www.neelmeyer.de as well as on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube . Contact details:
Oldenburgische Landesbank AG
Investor Relations
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 108
60486 Frankfurt am Main
Telefon: +49 (0)69 756193-0
investor.relations@olb.de
Sandra Buschken
Telefon: +49 (0)69 756193-36
sandra.bueschken@olb.de
Oldenburgische Landesbank AG
Corporate Communications
& Investor Relations
Stau 15/17
26122 Oldenburg
Telefax 0441 221-2425
ccir@olb.de
Britta Silchmuller
Telefon: +49 (0)441 221-1213
britta.silchmueller@olb.de
Timo Cyriacks
Telefon: +49 (0)441 221-1781
timo.cyriacks@olb.de
Disclaimer This release may contain forward looking statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of OLB ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the management of OLB and involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements included herein only speak as at the date of this release. We undertake no obligation, and do not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any of the information, forward-looking statements or the conclusions contained herein or to reflect new events or circumstances or to correct any inaccuracies which may become apparent subsequent to the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We accept no liability whatsoever in respect of the achievement of such forward-looking statements and assumptions.
18.01.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.eqs-news.com
Stuart Neal appointed CEO on 1 January, having served as CEO Designate for the past six months
Neal previously served as Boku's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer of Boku's Identity Division
Neal's appointment follows landmark year for the business, including expanding its partnerships with Local Payments Methods to over 300, reaching over 7.5 billion consumer payment accounts in more than 90 countries
Jon Prideaux appointed Non-Executive Director of Boku
Boku Inc (LON: BOKU), the global network for localized payment solutions, has appointed Stuart Neal as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2024, and as a Director of the Company, effective 17 January 2024. Neal takes the helm from Jon Prideaux, who announced his intention to retire in July 2023, and will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118330994/en/
Stuart Neal, CEO, Boku Inc. (Photo: Business Wire)
Boku is revolutionizing the payments industry with technology that enables payment choice. Its global network of localized payment solutions, which includes Direct Carrier Billing (DCB), digital wallets and Account-to-Account (A2A) connections give people the freedom to pay for their favorite goods and services using their preferred payment method no matter where they are in the world. Boku's customers are global merchants including industry giants Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, Spotify, Tencent and Sky.
Local Payment Methods (LPMs) now represent two-thirds of all global online payments a significant rise from 2010, when they accounted for one quarter of all online payments. During the first half of 2023, Boku continued to expand its network to over 300 LMPs across 60 countries and saw rapid customer adoption with over 32 million new consumers making their first purchase with Boku. Globally, Boku's network reaches over 7.5 billion consumer payment accounts in more than 90 countries.
Boku CEO Stuart Neal brings more than 20 years of payments, banking and innovation leadership experience to Boku, combined with a deep understanding of the Boku business. He previously served as Boku's Chief Financial Officer between 2011 and 2014 and again between 2017 and 2019, seeing the company through soaring demand and its IPO. Neal returned to Boku in 2022, where as Chief Business Officer of Boku's Identity Division, he led the division's growth and acquisition by Twilio. Neal re-joined Boku as CEO Designate in July 2023 after Jon Prideaux announced his plans to retire. During the course of his career, Neal has also held senior leadership positions at companies including Barclaycard, Featurespace, VocaLink, GlaxoSmithKline, and Virgin Media.
As CEO and company director, Stuart will continue to build on Boku's commercial momentum and drive innovation, as the company executes its mission to enable payment choice globally and unlock new growth for merchants.
"I am excited to return to Boku as CEO at such a dynamic and promising time for the payments industry," commented Stuart Neal, CEO, Boku. "Our mission at Boku is to empower people everywhere to pay for the services they love the way they want, and allow global merchants to seamlessly offer localized payment choice and unlock new growth. I look forward to leading the phenomenal Boku team as we continue to innovate and forge new partnerships, creating the global network of localized payment solutions and giving both merchants and consumers real payment choice."
Jon Prideaux, Non-executive Director and former CEO at Boku, said; "We've secured partnerships with all the major tech players, successfully expanded beyond carrier billing and established ourselves as a global force in local payments driven initially by e-wallets and later by account-to-account payments. It's the perfect time to pass the baton to someone who can lead the Company into its next chapter. Knowing Stuart well, I believe he is the ideal candidate to continue the strategy we have set out."
Notes to editors.
About Boku Inc.:
Boku helps people pay the way they want to by building a global network of localized payment solutions including digital wallets, direct carrier billing, and account to account real-time payments schemes. Boku's global payments network now includes over 300 local payment methods worldwide, reaching over 7.5 billion consumer payment accounts in more than 90 countries. Boku works with the world's largest merchants including Amazon, Google, Spotify, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, Spotify, Tencent and Sky, helping them to grow their businesses in every corner of the globe.
Boku Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in the US, India, Brazil, China, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan and Vietnam.
To learn more about Boku, please visit our website at www.boku.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118330994/en/
Contacts:
Press enquiries:
Cat Lenheim
ThoughtLDR
cat@thoughtldr.com
+44 7511 117587
To celebrate National Mentoring Month, the world's leading Private Tutoring company, Tutors International, today announced they are searching for a new mentee to join their prestigious Mentorship Programme.
OXFORD, England, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- January is the UK's National Mentoring Month and a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship, and Tutors International is delighted to announce that they are now accepting nominations for an exceptional student to join their transformative Mentorship Programme.
For students navigating the complexities of senior school, preparing for university entrance exams, or charting their career paths, the Tutors International Mentorship Programme offers tailored support and guidance to help young people from families that couldn't normally access the services of world-class private tutors.
The Tutors International Mentorship Programme is a unique opportunity for motivated students with thirst for knowledge and a drive to succeed.
Adam Caller, CEO of Tutors International, stresses the importance of giving access to the programme to all students wanting to realise their full potential:
"We believe that education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints. Our mentorship programme is designed to break down barriers and empower individuals with exceptional talent and ambition."
The Tutors International Mentorship Programme and the Benefits of Mentorship
Expert mentorship: The Tutors International team of experienced tutors and seasoned professionals will be the student's personal guides, providing academic support, career advice, and unwavering encouragement.
The Tutors International team of experienced tutors and seasoned professionals will be the student's personal guides, providing academic support, career advice, and unwavering encouragement. Financial assistance: Tutors International understands that financial barriers can hold back even the most talented students. The Mentorship Programme offers financial support to help families overcome these challenges so students can focus on their education.
Tutors International understands that financial barriers can hold back even the most talented students. The Mentorship Programme offers financial support to help families overcome these challenges so students can focus on their education. Personalised learning: No two students are alike. Tutors International believes in providing a customised approach to learning, tailored to students' unique needs and aspirations.
No two students are alike. Tutors International believes in providing a customised approach to learning, tailored to students' unique needs and aspirations. Confidence building: Tutors International will help students unlock their inner confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed in academia and beyond.
Tutors International will help students unlock their inner confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed in academia and beyond. A supportive community: Students will connect with a network of like-minded peers and mentors who will be there to support them every step of the way.
Nampet is a bright young student from East Anglia, UK, who has been part of the Tutors International Mentorship Programme for over three years. She says. "The support and guidance I've received from my mentor have been invaluable, pushing me beyond the curriculum in some subjects and supporting my understanding in other subjects."
Tobias, also a mentee on the programme since 2019 added, "The mentorship programme has instilled in me a sense of self-belief and determination. I am confident now with the support of my mentor and the programme I can achieve my academic goals and my dreams in aeronautical engineering."
Applicants to the Tutors International Mentorship Programme are considered on a case by case basis. Find out more at https://mentorship.tutors-international.com , and potential mentees and their families should submit detailed applications to mentorship@tutors-international.com .
About the Tutors International Mentorship Programme
Tutors International is the leading provider of elite private tuition worldwide. The Tutors International Mentorship Programme supports individuals and causes which align with our educational ethos of providing the freedom to learn in a flexible, supportive, and tailored environment.
Drawing on the extensive educational experience of Tutors International's senior management team, we provide advice, financial support, and guidance to select students of all backgrounds who demonstrate aptitude, aspiration, and fortitude. Applicants to the Tutors International Mentorship Programme are considered on a case by case basis.
Tutors International encourages students who are looking to reach excellence in their academic goals, gain valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers, and connect with a supportive community of mentors and peers to apply now.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2321445/Nampet.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/699064/4501313/Tutors_International_Logo.jpg
Contact
+44 (0)20 3637 3337
marketing@tutors-international.com
Tutors International
Prama House
267 Banbury Road
Summertown, Oxford
OX2 7HT
England
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/national-mentoring-month-tutors-international-mentorship-programme-now-accepting-new-mentee-nominations-302038218.html
Highlights:
The updated Technical Presentation focuses on American Eagle's latest drill results, including 302 m of 1.09% Copper Equivalent within 606 m of 0.74% Copper Equivalent, beginning at 98 m downhole in NAK23-17.
Technical Presentation details NAK's IP survey and its correlation to the highest grade intersections that will guide high-priority targets for 2024's drill campaign.
American Eagle has posted a webinar with its technical team discussing these results.
American Eagle will present at the Metals Investment Forum on January 20 and attend the Vancouver Resources Investment Conference on January 21 st and 22 nd .
Drill Core from NAK's 2024 Drill program will be displayed at AME's Mineral Exploration Roundup Core Shack on January 24 and 25 at Booth 820.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - American Eagle Gold Corp. (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF) ("American Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to share an updated comprehensive Technical Webinar and Presentation on its NAK project, located near Smithers, British Columbia, Canada. The Company is also pleased to provide details of its executive and technical team's participation at three Vancouver, British Columbia conferences during January 2024.
Click Here to View Updated Technical Presentation
Click Here to View the Recorded Technical Webinar Hosted
American Eagle Conference Schedule in January
On January 20 at 10:45 am PT American Eagle presents at the Metal Investors Forum Vancouver in the Star Sapphire Ballroom and Foyer (Level 3) in the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Learn more about the Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver
On January 21-22, American Eagle will attend the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference in the Exhibit Hall at Vancouver Convention Centre West.
On January 22-25, American Eagle is exhibiting at both #1201 at the AME Roundup Conference in the Exhibit Hall at Vancouver Convention Centre East. NAK Core will be display at Core Shack Booth #820 on January 24 and January 25 Learn more about the 2024 AME Roundup Conference
Please get in touch with the Company to arrange an in-person meeting at any of these conferences.
About American Eagle's NAK Project
The NAK Project lies within the Babine copper-gold porphyry district of central B.C. It has excellent infrastructure, being accessed by a network of active all-season logging roads, and being supported by proximity not only by nearby logging camps, but also by the vibrant town of Smithers B.C., through which a cross-Canada rail line and a major Provincial Highway (Hwy. 16) pass. The property is also close to the past-producing Bell and Granisle open pit Cu-Au mines. Historical drilling and geophysical, geological and geochemical work at NAK, which began in the 1960's, tested only to shallow depths, but the work revealed a very large near-surface copper-gold system that measures over 1.5 km x 1.5 km. Drilling by the Company in 2022 and 2023 has returned significant intervals of high grade copper-gold mineralization that lie beyond the extent of historical drilling, indicating that a number of zones of near surface and deeper mineralization, locally with considerably higher grades, exist within the broad NAK property mineralizing system.
For the latest videos from American Eagle, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Chanel: youtube.com/@theoregroup
About American Eagle Gold Corp.
American Eagle is focused on exploring its NAK project in the Babine Copper-Gold Porphyry district of central British Columbia. In May, the Company announced a strategic investment by Teck Resources Limited, who now owns a 19.9% equity stake in the Company after subsequent investments in August and November 2023.
Anthony Moreau, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 416.644.1567
Email: amoreau@oregroup.ca
www.americaneaglegold.ca
QP Statement
Mark Bradley, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., a Certified Professional Geologist and 'qualified person' for the purposes of Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties, has verified and approved the information contained in this news release.
Reader Advisory
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to, statements regarding whether the Company can exercise its option to acquire the Project as anticipated and whether the Company's exploration efforts on the Project produce the results anticipated by management. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results might differ materially from those suggested in forward-looking statements. American Eagle Gold Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to American Eagle Gold Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by American Eagle Gold Corp. with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under American Eagle Gold Corp. profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194700
SOURCE: American Eagle Gold Corp.
EQS Newswire / 18/01/2024 / 12:00 CET/CEST
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 18 January 2024 - In its latest Innovation Mixer to the West Coast of the US, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) organised a dinner reception which attracted around 150 tech professionals from leading enterprises, universities and venture capital firms including Google, Alibaba, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, JP Morgan, US Capital and East West Bank, among others. The participants were intrigued by the enormous opportunities and resources available in Hong Kong's booming innovation and technology (I&T) sector, as well as HKSTP's all rounded support to tech ventures such as incubation and tenant programmes. With high engagement and huge interest generated, the event would contribute to HKSTP's mission in attracting global talent and investment to Hong Kong.
Around 150 US tech entrepreneur, investors and talent attended the "HKSTP Innovation Mixer - Make Your Mark in Hong Kong's Vibrant Tech Ecosystem" event to explore vast opportunities in Hong Kong's I&T sector.
Co-presented by HKSTP, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO), San Francisco and the Hong Kong Association of Northern California, the dinner reception aimed to inspire tech professionals in the US to discover the wealth of opportunities in Hong Kong's I&T ecosystem, clinching it as their base to expand to Asia and beyond.
Spoke in a sharing session, Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, pointed out the distinctive advantages of the city, "Hong Kong is now in a golden era of I&T that the resources and support provided to the sector are unprecedented. As an international I&T hub, we are home to five of the world's top 100 universities with strong R&D capabilities. Located at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong serves as an important gateway to attract international companies and investment to China while assisting Mainland enterprises to go global."
"Hong Kong is also a stage for talent from around the world to realise their potential and attain success," he added. "On top of its strategic location in the GBA, competitive salaries and supporting government policies, HKSTP offers a diverse range of programmes to help overseas talent settle down and thrive in this dynamic hub. Our InnoCell is a prime example which provides affordable high-quality accommodation for global I&T talent."
Jacko Tsang, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco said that ETO in San Francisco was pleased to welcome HKSTP's delegation and was happy to assist companies and individuals interested in exploring opportunities in Hong Kong.
A panel discussion was arranged to enlighten participants on different tech landscapes across the Pacific and how to navigate opportunities in Hong Kong. Two entrepreneurs, who had successfully developed their businesses in both Hong Kong and the US, were invited to share their views and experiences. Dr Louis Wong, President and CEO of Advanced Sensor Integrations, said that the well-established intellectual property protection law and free flow of capital made Hong Kong an ideal place for startups. Mr Redg Snodgrass, Co-Founder & CEO of EdgeIn, said that enterprises would be greatly benefited from the enormous investment opportunities in Hong Kong's ecosystem and the huge market potential in China.
Following the visits to Southeast Asia last year, HKSTP continued its Innovation Mixer to connect the tech talent and enterprises in the US with vast opportunities in Hong Kong, the GBA and Asia. In addition to the dinner reception, the HKSTP delegation will be meeting with like-minded innovators, academics and talents from world-class tech ventures and prestigious institutions such as NVIDIA, Stanford University and UC Berkeley to introduce the fast-growing I&T ecosystems in Hong Kong.
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Hashtag: HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 with a mission to position Hong Kong as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. HKSTP has created a thriving I&T ecosystem supporting over 10 unicorns with more than 13,000 research professionals and around 1,700 technology companies from 24 countries and regions focused on healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies.
We offer comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures on their I&T journey. Our growing innovation ecosystem is built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Shatin, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long. The three InnoParks are realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined for a new generation of industry.
To support Hong Kong's future development and its growing demands of the I&T industry, HKSTP is actively connecting the city with Shenzhen. This aims to strengthen cross-border exchange, attract technology companies as well as talent from around the world, helping them go global by exploring the mainland China and overseas markets.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen, opened in September this year with a gross floor area of 31,000 square meters. The two buildings provide both dry and wet laboratories, co-working areas, conference and exhibition spaces, and more. We will focus on attracting enterprises in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability.
Through our infrastructure, services, expertise, and network of partnerships, HKSTP will help establish I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong, while reinforcing the city's international I&T hub status as a launchpad for growth at the heart of the GBA innovation powerhouse.
News Source: Media OutReach
18/01/2024 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media archive at www.todayir.com
Appleby previously held the role of Managing Partner for the Stagwell (STGW) agency
LONDON, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Assembly announced the promotion of James Appleby to the position of UK Managing Director, reporting to Europe CEO Matt Adams. Appleby joined Assembly in September 2023 as one of three new managing partners and has been instrumental in shaping what's next for Assembly while setting strategic priorities to ensure Assembly remains at the forefront of the media industry.
In his previous role, Appleby oversaw Assembly's European client experience leadership team and closely supported clients across retail, luxury and lifestyle categories. As Assembly endeavors to establish a more substantial presence in the UK, Appleby will be charged with expanding market reach and cultivating stronger ties with UK clients as the agency actively invests in the region.
"I'm proud of what we've accomplished in my short time at the agency. I'm fortunate to have worked across verticals in varying capacities throughout my career, and that experience has proven invaluable," says Appleby. "I'm eager to dig into my new role and lead our talented teams in delivering innovative and impactful media solutions for our clients."
As the newly appointed UK Managing Director, James Appleby will play a pivotal role in shaping the agency's strategic vision, fostering innovation, and enhancing client relationships. Appleby's deep understanding of media trends, and his proven ability to navigate the evolving competitive landscape, positions him as the ideal partner to Europe CEO Matt Adams.
"James is an exceptional leader for our people and clients - everyone wants to work for and with him," said Matt Adams, Assembly Europe CEO. "I'm excited to see how he can push us deeper into the UK market, driving transformation for brands and talent."
Appleby's role is effective immediately.
ABOUT ASSEMBLY EUROPE
Assembly is a leading global omnichannel media agency, operating in 26 offices worldwide. Our Europe headquarters in London serves as a dynamic regional hub, with presence in Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Warsaw, Barcelona, Madrid, Copenhagen, and Tel Aviv. With a team of over 400 experts specializing in omnichannel strategies, digital brand and performance, e-commerce, data science, and sustainability, we are committed to finding the change that fuels growth for the world's top brands. As a trusted strategic partner, our collaborations have predominantly centered around renowned brands in the spheres of luxury, fashion, beauty, retail, and technology. Assembly is honoured to be named one of the few recipients of the prestigious Google Premier Partner of the Year 2023. Our work is powered by our proprietary in-house technology solution, STAGE, and supported by our global talent base of over 1,700 professionals. Assembly is a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing. For more information, visit assemblyglobal.com .
CONTACT:
Jess Santitni, jess.santini@assemblyglobal.com
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Hovione has been recognized as a Top Employer in all four of its manufacturing sites, in Lisbon (Portugal), Cork (Ireland), East Windsor (NJ) and Macau.
Hovione is the first company to be certified as a Top Employer in Macau.
Hovione's 3 other sites, who had achieved Top Employer status in 2023, showed improved results this year.
LISBON, Portugal, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hovione, the specialist integrated CDMO, leader in spray drying and particle engineering, is delighted to announce that it has been recognized as a Top Employer in all four of its manufacturing sites. Hovione is the first ever company to be certified as a Top Employer in Macau.
This marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to fostering a supportive workplace environment and providing meaningful and rewarding roles for its team members. It also demonstrates that "One Hovione", a company's strategic initiative to give team members an equally high-quality experience across all locations, is delivering.
The certification program by the Top Employers Institute evaluates organizations through their participation in and outcomes of the HR Best Practices Survey. This comprehensive survey encompasses six domains and addresses 20 topics from Career Development to Leadership and from Employee Wellbeing to Equity & Inclusion and Wellbeing, amongst others. The program has certified and recognized over 2,300 Top Employers in 121 countries/regions across five continents.
" Hovione is a company committed to excellence and differentiation and being a Top Employer is an integral component of Hovione's People Strategy. I am pleased to see that our continuous improvement program, supported by Top Employer's best practices benchmarks, resulted in our progressing along multiple dimensions at all our locations", commented Ilda Ventura, Vice-President for Human Resources and Member of the Management Board of Hovione.
Local
Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Macau
Douglas Lau, Human Resources Director for Hovione Macau, said that "It is a real achievement to be the first company in Macau to be a Top Employer. This demonstrates that companies in Macau can offer the same high quality workplace environment as anywhere else in the world. Coming so soon after Hovione was awarded the Medal of Merit from the Macau Government, it is also a further demonstration of how Hovione creates jobs that have real value to both our team members and the wider society.
Portugal
Catarina Tendeiro, HR Senior Director for Hovione Portugal, said that "We are thrilled to announce that Hovione has once again been recognized as Top Employer. This is a confirmation of our ongoing commitment to developing an exceptional workplace environment for our team members, who represent our most significant resource and our company's main differentiator. I was especially pleased that this year's report demonstrated improvement in several key areas, including Business and People Strategy, Leadership, Performance and Career and Learning. This demonstrates our desire to listen to feedback and to continue to improve our workplace experience.
USA
Erin Tetreault, HR Director for Hovione New Jersey said, "We are thrilled to announce that Hovione has once again been certified as a Top Employer. We believe that our people are our strongest asset and this certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to create a workplace culture that goes beyond safety and quality and helps all team members to feel truly valued. I was especially pleased that this years' report showed improvement in several key areas, including Leadership, Work Environment and Employee Wellbeing. This demonstrates our desire to listen to feedback and to continue to improve our workplace experience."
Ireland
Imelda Cummins, HR Director for Hovione Ireland commented, "We are delighted that Hovione has once again been certified as a Top Employer. Hovione's team members represent our strongest asset and enable us to offer our customers the high-quality products and services that Hovione is known for. It also shows our ongoing commitment to developing a great workplace environment. I was especially pleased that this year's report demonstrated improvement in several key areas, including Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Learning, Sustainability and Career Development. This demonstrates our desire to listen to feedback and to continue to improve our workplace experience.
About Hovione:
Hovione is an international company with over 60 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing operations. As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) it has a fully integrated offering of services for drug substances, drug product intermediates and drug products. The company has four FDA inspected sites in the USA, Portugal, Ireland and China and development laboratories in Lisbon, Portugal and New Jersey, USA. Hovione provides pharmaceutical customers services for the development and compliant manufacture of innovative drugs, including highly potent compounds, and customized product solutions across the entire drug life cycle. In the inhalation area, Hovione offers a complete range of services, from API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients), formulation development and manufacturing, capsule filling and devices.
Hovione's culture is based on innovation, quality and dependability. Hovione is a member of Rx-360, EFCG and participates actively in industry quality improvement initiatives to lead new global industry standards.
About Top Employers Institute
Top Employers Institute is the global authority on recognising excellence in People Practices. We help accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Through the Top Employers Institute Certification Programme, participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognised as an employer of choice. In 2024, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2300 organizations in 121 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 12 million employees globally.
For more information, please visit www.hovione.com or contact:
Will Frost | Global Communications Lead wfrost@hovione.com |Tel: +351 21 982 9000
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Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Experience rugged computing in any environment.
LOGAN, Utah, Jan. 18, 2024is excited to announce that the all-new Mesa 4 Rugged Tabletrunning Windows 11 is now available and shipping worldwide. The Mesa 4 brings mobile workers the computing power they need while providing the rugged protection their work environment demands. Featuring performance upgrades across all its major internal components when compared to the Mesa 3, Mesa 4 allows workers to take their office anywhere. Like Juniper Systems' other products, Mesa 4 was designed and units are assembled in the USA.
"Mesa 4 is a true leap forward for the 7-inch Mesa family," said Tyler Jessop, Mesa 4 product manager at Juniper Systems. "Mesa 4 offers mobile workers computing performance not seen in a 7-inch Windows 11 rugged tablet. We took the opportunity to focus on the internal components of the Mesa 4 and make those as robust as the ultra-rugged features of Mesa 3."
Mesa 4 performance upgrades include up to three times the CPU performance of the Mesa 3 thanks to the all-new Intel N200 processor. Increases in RAM size and speed also provide Mesa 4 with increased processing power. Mesa 4 also moves to an NVMe-based SSD storage that provides up to six times the read and write speeds of the flash memory found in Mesa 3.
Mesa 4 maintains the same rugged features as the Mesa 3, such as an IP68 rating, MIL-STD-810H certification, ergonomic design for all-day carrying, and extensive testing beyond that of the tested certifications and ratings, that's Juniper Rugged.
"We are eager for users to get their hands on Mesa 4," Jessop said. "Mesa 4 offers the ultra-rugged durability mobile users need while having the necessary computing power to get work done."
Mesa 4 joins the current family of Mesa 7-inch devices and the Mesa Pro 10-inch tablet. The Mesa family of devices helps Juniper Systems achieve its mission of providing powerful rugged computing and data collection devices to mobile field workers everywhere.
Mesa 4 is now available and shipping worldwide. Visit junipersys.comtoday to learn more.
About Juniper Systems
Founded in 1993, Juniper Systems, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of ultra-rugged tablets, handheld computers, GPS receivers, mapping software, and field computing solutions. Professionals utilize Juniper Systems' innovative mobile computers in natural resources, utilities and public services, geospatial, agriculture, industrial, and military markets. In addition, the company's HarvestMaster brand makes solutions for agricultural applications.
Juniper Systems is based in Logan, UT, USA, and employs more than 190 people there, and at its EMEA office based near Birmingham, UK. It was twice recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Beehive State and honored with awards for best compensation, work-life balance, and employee happiness among small and mid-sized U.S. companies by business research firm Comparably.
Visit us online at www.junipersys.com.
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Caption Picture 1: WIEF Business Networking Breakfast - an engaging session where industry experts lead thematic clusters.
Caption Picture 2: WIEF has consistently championed the strengthening of networking and fostering of strategic alliances through exchange of ideas, information and knowledge.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - In a remarkable departure from traditional Forum, the 14th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) has evolved into a diverse array of experiences that extend far beyond the conventional boundaries of academia and economics. Taking place from 6 to 8 February 2024 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this Forum is set to offer a range of enlightening sessions, including engaging plenary sessions, insightful panel discussions and enriching masterclasses. The focus will be on technology's evolving role and its transformative impact on global economy, with particular attention to East Asia's rising influence.Emphasising its unwavering commitment to forging a global community that transcends geographical confines, this year's edition will also introduce extensive mix of complementary events thoughtfully crafted to cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of a wide-ranging audience. "14th WIEF aims to be an inclusive and diverse platform where everyone can find value and inspiration," says Tan Sri Mohd Radzi Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of WIEF Foundation. "We believe that by celebrating the different facets of life and offering a diverse array of complementary events, we can foster a stronger global community that thrives on inclusivity and cooperation," he adds.Acknowledging the profound influence of art in shaping cultural identities and societal norms, he also highlights the establishment of Marketplace of Creative Arts (MOCAfest) as a platform to not only push the boundaries of artistic expression but also provide nuanced perspectives on the ever-evolving world of contemporary art. The theme "Blurred" for MOCAfest 2024, inspired by the pandemic's blurring of lines between work, life and virtual versus physical realities, advocates for embracing ambiguity. This theme encourages a blend of life, art and technology, leading to the creation of innovative, multidisciplinary art.As Jalal Luqman, a visual artist from Abu Dhabi and MOCAfest artist, aptly states, "When I create art, it's the result of a lengthy cognitive process triggered by a visual or emotional stimulus. The resultant artwork must convey a message to the world, with an emphasis on our local culture."These sentiments are echoed by Saiful Razman, a visual artist from Malaysia, who emphasises that the creative arts industry serves as a powerful voice for the current generation, shaping the story of our time and contributing to the enhancement of cultural identity within society.MOCAfest, the arts and culture festival by WIEF Foundation, runs concurrently with the Forum from 6 to 9 February 2024. Forum delegates can access MOCAfest for all three days, while free admission to the public starts on day two. This year, it will bring together a diverse ensemble of international artists, showcasing talents of Tamtam, Charlie Lim, Samar Tarik, Vraell, Adiga, Arqam, the Noon Band, Ghalia, Elham Al Marzooqi, Justin Hackney, Orkhan Mammadov, Saks Afridi, 33.3 Studio and Sasan Nasernia.On the other hand, 14th WIEF also extends its reach to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation. In collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) as well as Plug and Play, "ScaleUp" provides a golden opportunity for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. The pitching session offers invaluable guidance and strategies to help budding ventures scale up and thrive in today's dynamic business landscape. This partnership underscores the Forum's commitment to fostering growth and innovation, positioning it as a catalyst for entrepreneurial success and technological advancement.During the event, participating entrepreneurs can pitch their products or services on 7 February 2024, in front of international investors who are eager to forge impactful partnerships and meaningful collaborations.Mark your calendars for the 14th WIEF and join us for a knowledge-packed event that promises innovation and strategic insights for all participants.About Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the catalyst for economic growth and diversification, regulates the business sector in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and leads economic initiatives to achieve a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy. ADDED adopts best policies and practices based on the latest research and statistics, devotes its efforts to elevate the development across various sectors, and prepares strategic programmes and plans by adopting the best economic and administrative practices, applying the latest technology, and drawing on global expertise. ADDED strives to improve the investment ecosystem in the emirate by enhancing prospects for cooperation with strategic partners and ensure principles of innovation, transparency, and knowledge-sharing are followed to strengthening the business ecosystem to enhance Abu Dhabi as preferred destination for talent, businesses, and investments.For further info, please visit: www.added.gov.aeFor media enquiries, mediateam@ded.abudhabi.aeAbout World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)WIEF began in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is an economic forum that promotes global commerce, economic wellbeing and equality through a multiple-day programme consisting of panel discussions, masterclasses and impactful networking opportunities. WIEF brings together government leaders, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and academicians to discuss current issues that affect as well as shape the future of commerce. Also, to explore opportunities for partnerships between Muslim and non-Muslim businesses. WIEF has been held in various cities including London, Dubai and Jakarta. This unique mobility allows the forum to adapt to changing economic landscapes, engage with a broad spectrum of perspectives and bridge cultural as well as geographical divides.14th WIEF, themed Global Economic Agenda: Shaping a Sustainable Future is happening on 6 to 8 February 2024 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE.For media enquiries, email media@wief.org or faizah@wief.org or shazana@wief.orgSource: World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF)Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
LR Health Beauty is pleased to announce the launch of its completely redesigned corporate website. With this step, the company is presenting its content in a refreshing, clearer, and more structured form that will benefit media representatives, the public, and, above all, LR sales partners. The corporate website of LR not only serves as an international business card, but also as a central point of contact for all countries in which the company is active. In addition, it is now even better aligned with the needs and expectations of the global community.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118583126/en/
New corporate website www.LRworld.com (Photo: Business Wire)
An outstanding feature of the new design is the implementation of the "mobile first" approach. This enables unrestricted access to all information on the website via tablet and smart-phone. The website adapts seamlessly to any format, ensuring an optimised user experience on all devices.
The homepage is divided into two sections, "Business Model" and "Company", with a link to the LR e-shop and the LR sales partner page. The latter continues to serve as a digital business card for interested parties. In the "Company" section, interested parties can find information divided into the categories "About us", "Aloe Vera Expert", "LR Worldwide", "LR Global Kids Fund", "Compliance", "Sustainability", "Investor Relations", and "Vacancies". Career starters and job seekers can access the HR page directly via the vacancies category, which offers a comprehensive overview of entry-level opportunities, vacancies, and employee benefits in line with the guiding principle of the company ("More quality for your life").
"Our aim was to create a platform that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers the best possible orientation and outstanding user experience, in other words, convenient access to information. The new structure of the corporate website helps us to communicate current topics even more clearly, for example via the slider on the front page", says Nele Hutte, Director eCommerce Digital Solutions.
The new website was created with the active support of internal employees and two dedicated agencies. The agency "neteleven" was responsible for the implementation of the content management system. The agency "Valantic" provided support for the system landscape. The concept for the new website, the UX design, and the layout of the site were mainly developed internally by LR.
Visit our new website at www.LRworld.com and discover the wealth of information about LR, which is now accessible even more intuitively.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118583126/en/
Contacts:
Almut Kellermeyer
Head of Corporate Communication
Tel.: 0049 (0)2382 7813-106
Email: A.Kellermeyer@LRworld.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Torq Resources Inc. (TSX-V:TORQ)(OTCQX:TRBMF) ("Torq" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a summary of key activities and achievements over the past calendar year and look ahead at what's to come in 2024. Torq kicked off this year with the completion of a financing of $5.3M on January 4th, which will allow the Company to initiate its second drill program at its flagship gold-copper project in Chile, Santa Cecilia, where it completed a successful inaugural drill program last year. The second half of 2024 will focus on advancing the Margarita iron-oxide-copper-gold project by expanding upon the multiple discoveries made in 2022 - 2023 through a phase IV drill program.
A Message from Shawn Wallace, CEO:
"We're starting off 2024 with a cashed-up treasury, discoveries on deck and the resolve to obtain additional high-quality exploration results that can move the needle. Over the last year we've made multiple discoveries, improved on the grade from a historical discovery and identified numerous highly prospective targets -continually minimizing the speculative risk through exceptional results. We are working to keep this trend of success going into 2024, as we believe the increasing potential our projects demonstrate for significant new deposits in Chile is unmatched."
2023 Highlights:
Improved Grade at Santa Cecilia : In Torq's inaugural drill program, the first comprehensive drilling on the project in over 30 years, it intercepted 557 metres (m) of 0.38 g/t gold, 0.23% copper and 56 ppm molybdenum in wall rock at a depth of 442 m - 999 m. This intercept bottomed in grade and represented an 81% increase in the gold grade from historical drilling, indicating that Torq may be vectoring toward the higher-grade causative intrusion.
: In Torq's inaugural drill program, the first comprehensive drilling on the project in over 30 years, it intercepted 557 metres (m) of 0.38 g/t gold, 0.23% copper and 56 ppm molybdenum in wall rock at a depth of 442 m - 999 m. This intercept bottomed in grade and represented an 81% increase in the gold grade from historical drilling, indicating that Torq may be vectoring toward the higher-grade causative intrusion. Multiple New Discoveries at Margarita : Further to the initial Falla 13 discovery made in 2022, Torq drilled two new discoveries in 2023, which included 42 m of 1.1 g/t gold and 0.48% copper in sulphide mineralization on a structure parallel to Falla 13, and 132 m of 0.48% copper in oxide mineralization on the southern portion of the project at the Cototuda target.
: Further to the initial Falla 13 discovery made in 2022, Torq drilled two new discoveries in 2023, which included 42 m of 1.1 g/t gold and 0.48% copper in sulphide mineralization on a structure parallel to Falla 13, and 132 m of 0.48% copper in oxide mineralization on the southern portion of the project at the Cototuda target. Numerous Highly Prospective Targets Identified : Torq has created a pipeline of high potential targets for drilling in 2024 at both its Santa Cecilia and Margarita projects. At Santa Cecilia, this includes undrilled porphyry targets with copper mineralization on surface within 1km - 2km of the Norte Abierto project, owned jointly by Newmont and Barrick. At Margarita this includes a newly identified mineralized structure as well as burgeoning copper oxide structures that require further drilling.
: Torq has created a pipeline of high potential targets for drilling in 2024 at both its Santa Cecilia and Margarita projects. At Santa Cecilia, this includes undrilled porphyry targets with copper mineralization on surface within 1km - 2km of the Norte Abierto project, owned jointly by Newmont and Barrick. At Margarita this includes a newly identified mineralized structure as well as burgeoning copper oxide structures that require further drilling. Financial Strength : The Company started off 2023 by putting a base shelf prospectus in place to allow for ease in raising capital and a few months later, in March, raised $6.26M.
: The Company started off 2023 by putting a base shelf prospectus in place to allow for ease in raising capital and a few months later, in March, raised $6.26M. Strategic Support : Torq capped off the year by initiating an additional financing, which included participation from strategic investor, Gold Fields. The international mining company bolstered their initial investment ($15M in 2022) with an additional $1.3M in this latest financing, bringing their ownership position to 15.48%.
: Torq capped off the year by initiating an additional financing, which included participation from strategic investor, Gold Fields. The international mining company bolstered their initial investment ($15M in 2022) with an additional $1.3M in this latest financing, bringing their ownership position to 15.48%. Industry Recognition : Analyst coverage was officially initiated on Torq in August by Red Cloud Securities and continues from Beacon Securities.
2024 Exploration Plans:
Torq will be announcing the drill plan for Santa Cecilia in the coming weeks, followed by the commencement of drilling at the project, which is expected in February. In addition, the Company has been preparing a plan for the next phase of drilling at Margarita, which is expected to take place in the summer, following the Santa Cecilia drill program.
For more details on the outlook for 2024, you can listen to the recent interview on the Korelin Economics Report with CEO, Shawn Wallace, and Chief Geological Officer, Michael Henrichsen.
LISTEN HERE: https://www.kereport.com/2024/01/10/torq-resources-2024-work-outlook-at-santa-cecilia-and-margarita-discovery-mode-including-follow-up-on-2023-discoveries/
Torq's exploration team at Santa Cecilia in 2023
Upcoming Event:
In addition, the Company will be exhibiting at the upcoming Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) on January 21-22 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, West. To meet with the team, you can visit booth #116. Torq will be presenting on the first day of the conference at 11:00 am in Workshop 4.
REGISTER HERE: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference
Michael Henrichsen (Chief Geological Officer), P.Geo is the QP who assumes responsibility for the technical contents of this release.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,
Shawn Wallace
CEO
For further information on Torq Resources, please visit www.torqresources.com or contact Natasha Frakes, VP, Communications, at (778) 729-0500 or info@torqresources.com.
About Torq Resources
Torq is a Vancouver-based copper and gold exploration company with premium mineral projects in Chile. The Company is establishing itself as a leader of new exploration in prominent mining belts, guided by responsible, respectful and sustainable practices. The Company was built by a management team with prior success in monetizing exploration assets and its specialized technical team is recognized for their extensive experience working with major mining companies, supported by robust safety standards and technical proficiency. The technical team includes Chile-based geologists with invaluable local expertise and a noteworthy track record for major discovery in the country. Torq is committed to operating at the highest standards of applicable environmental, social and governance practices in the pursuit of a landmark discovery. For more information, visit www.torqresources.com.
Santa Cecilia Drilling
Analytical samples were taken by sawing HQ or NQ diameter core into equal halves on site and sent one of the halves to ALS Lab in Copiapo, Chile or La Serena, Chile for preparation and then to Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru for analysis. All samples are assayed using 30 g nominal weight fire assay with AAS finish (Au-AA23) and multi-element using four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61). QA/QC programs for 2023 core samples using internal standard samples and duplicates, lab duplicates, standards and blanks indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed.
Margarita RC Drilling
Analytical samples were taken using 1/8 of each 2 m interval material (chips) and sent to ALS Lab in Copiapo, Chile for preparation and then to ALS Labs in Santiago, Chile and Lima, Peru for analysis. Preparation included crashing core sample to 90% < 2mm and pulverizing 1,000 g of crushed material to better than 85% < 75 microns. All samples are assayed using 50 g nominal weight fire assay with AAS finish (Au-AA24), multi-element four acid digest ICP-AES/ICP-MS method (ME-MS61), and copper sulphuric acid leach with AAS finish (Cu-AA05). Where MS61 results were greater or near 10,000 ppm Cu the assays were repeated with ore grade four acid digest method (Cu-OG62). QA/QC programs for 2023 RC drilling samples using internal standard samples, field and lab duplicates, standards and blanks indicate good accuracy and precision in a large majority of standards assayed.
True widths of mineralization are unknown based on current geometric understanding of the mineralized intervals.
Canadian mineral terminology and standards differ from those of other countries. The Company's public disclosure filings highlight some of these differences.
Forward Looking Information
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking information is information that includes implied future performance and/or forecast information in particular relating to or associated with the financing of exploration work on its mineral properties. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different (either positively or negatively) from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including risks relating to securing investor interest and participation in the target financing goal, and general market and economic conditions. For a discussion of risk factors which could adversely affect the forward looking statements, see the Company's public record filings at www.sedarplus.ca.
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: Torq Resources Inc.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
GREENVILLE, SC / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Today, Whiskey Lore officially announces the worldwide release of best-selling author Drew Hannush's epic tale, The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey on audiobook and paperback. After living for more than a century in the shadow of Kentucky Bourbon, this new book shows a completely different side to America's early distilling legacy. With stories collected from historic books, newspapers, and government archives, Hannush gets past marketing and oral tradition to find the authentic story of a state that was once at the forefront of whiskey production in America.
The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey By Drew Hannush
Book cover
The book chronicles a distilling tradition that goes back to the very origins of the country. In this 420 page epic, Hannush digs into the state's pre-Revolutionary War distilling heritage, the barter economy, the state's agricultural development, the rise of the industry, tavern culture, wholesalers and distillers, the temperance movement, and the impact of the federal excise tax on traditional distilling.
"So much happened before Jack Daniel ever partnered in his first distillery. Yet people still think that is where the story started," said Hannush. "The Uncle Nearest story opened my eyes to the incomplete story of Tennessee whiskey. I found a whole century hidden from the record."
There is a certain amount of serendipity in Drew Hannush connecting with the lost stories of Tennessee Whiskey. For the last four years, he has traveled to over 250 distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, absorbing the histories inherent in each region. The contradictions in some stories led Hannush to seek the truth in his myth busting podcast Whiskey Lore Stories. Tennessee was a treasure trove of stories and myths.
"One of the great stories I tell is of Nancy Patterson, an enslaved woman who became a well respected distiller and ran her own distillery for nearly thirty years. There were stories of political intrigue and battles between moonshiners and revenuers. And the biggest shocker was the gun battle in the streets of Nashville that killed the Tennessee whiskey industry," said Hannush. "These stories were lost for too long."
Since doing his research for this book, Hannush says bottles that say Tennessee Bourbon seem strange to him now. "I think a lot of Tennesseans will be surprised at how strongly their ancestors opposed their spirits being compared to Bourbon. They were strict traditionalists. To them, Kentucky distillers took shortcuts for the sake of industrialization. There was a pride in the legacy of Tennessee Whiskey. I hope these stories reignite that passion for Tennessee's heritage."
The Lost History of Tennessee Whiskey is published by Travel Fuels Life, LLC and available as an audiobook from Apple Books and Spotify. The paperback is available at all major online retailers.
CONTACT
To reach Drew Hannush for interview opportunities or for questions about the book, email media@whiskey-lore.com or phone +1 864-918-5812 or visit whiskey-lore.com/mediakit
Contact Information
Drew Hannush
Publisher and Author
media@whiskey-lore.com
(864) 918-5812
SOURCE: Travel Fuels Life, LLC (dba Whiskey Lore)
View the original press release on newswire.com.
The "Spain Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market 2023-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The Spanish construction industry was forecast to grow by 3.5% in 2023, supported by public and private sector investments in the transport, renewable energy, housing, and industrial sectors along with a financial support from the European Union (EU) under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). According to Eurostat, the total Gross Fixed Capital Formation rose by 2.9% year on year (YoY) in the first three quarters of 2023, while the construction industry value add grew by 2.4% YoY during the same period.
Over the remainder of the forecast period, the construction industry's output is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 2.6% between 2024 and 2027, supported by investments in the energy, transportation, housing, and industrial sectors.
Under the revised National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the government aims to have 214GW of total installed capacity in the electricity sector by 2030. This includes 76GW of photovoltaic power, 62GW of wind power, 22GW of storage capacity, 4.8GW of solar thermal power, and 1.4GW of biomass power and estimates a mobilization of investments worth EUR294 billion ($300.2 billion) from 2023 to 2030.
Forecast-period growth of the construction industry will also be supported by foreign direct investment (FDI). According to the data released by Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business, the country received EUR12 billion ($12.3 billion) FDI in the first half of 2023, compared to EUR16.4 billion ($16.7 billion) received during the same period of 2022. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism approved eight battery production projects in early November 2023, that will receive support from the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE VEC II) with EUR338.2 million ($345.4 million) in grants and EUR100 million ($102.1 million) in loans. In addition to this, in October 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a EUR700 million ($714.8 million) loan to support the extension and modernization of Naturgy's electricity distribution network in the country.
The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Spanish construction industry, including -
The Spanish construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity
Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, as well as an analysis of key risks and opportunities in the Spanish construction industry
Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, focusing on development stages and participants, in addition to listings of major projects in the pipeline.
Historical (2018-2022) and forecast (2023-2027) valuations of the construction industry in Spain, featuring details of key growth drivers.
Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector
Analysis of the mega-project pipeline, including breakdowns by development stage across all sectors, and projected spending on projects in the existing pipeline.
Listings of major projects, in addition to details of leading contractors and consultants
Key report benefits:
Identify and evaluate market opportunities using the standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies.
Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts.
Understand the latest industry and market trends.
Formulate and validate strategy using the critical and actionable insight.
Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures.
Evaluate competitive risk and success factors.
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6dd61q
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118722643/en/
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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - M&T Bank Corporation (MTB), on Thursday reported a decline in net profit for the fourth-quarter, amidst higher provision for credit losses, decline in net interest income as well as non-interest income. For the fourth-quarter, the lender reported a net income of $457 million or $2.74 per share, lesser than $739 million or $4.29 per share, posted for the same period last year. Provision for credit losses surged to $225 million from $90 million a year ago. Higher provision for credit losses reflects continued pressure on investor-owned commercial real estate borrowers and a $1.7 billion increase in loan balances from September 30, to December 31, 2023. Net interest income declined to $1.722 billion from $1.827 billion of previous year. Non-interest income also dropped to $578 million, from $682 million in 2022. Noninterest expense was $1.450 billion, up from previous year's $1.408 billion. Net operating earnings plunged to $494 million or $2.81 per share from last year's $812 million or $4.57 per share. MTB was trading down by 0.20 percent at $130.70 per share in the pre-market trade on the New York Stock Exchange. 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.
Secures Two Research Grants from Belgium's New Technological Innovation Partnership
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / The Company (LSE:GENF)(OTCQB:GENFF), an emerging leader in the field of longevity research developing therapeutics that potentially halt or slow the ageing process is pleased to announce two significant new research programs in collaboration with Revatis SA and EXO Biologics, backed by substantial non-diluting and non-reimbursable research grants by the Government of Wallonia in Belgium. Funding for the two research programs, as part of the Wallonia Recovery Plan by the Walloon Government in Belgium, will be disbursed annually to the Company, contingent upon Genflow and its collaborators achieving specific, activity-based milestones. Continued receipt of the grants by Genflow is dependent on the parties meeting predefined criteria each applicable year.
Technological Innovation Partnership (ATMP)
The two research programs are a part of a broader innovation partnership that the Walloon Government has launched, dedicated to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). The partnership boasts a substantial budget of 81 million euros, a mix of 60% public funding and 40% private contributions from various companies, spread over three years. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving BioWin, the Health Cluster of Wallonia and the Public Service of Wallonia, representing a significant commitment to advancing medical research and development in the region.
Sarcopenia Research Program with Revatis SA
Genflow, together with Revatis SA, has launched a 3-year sarcopenia research program, generously funded by a grant totalling 1.34 million euros. Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and function associated with ageing, poses a significant health risk and affects the quality of life for millions of elderly people worldwide. This collaborative effort aims to expand and diversify Genflow's research pipeline, addressing this growing concern as the global population ages. The partnership will leverage both companies' expertise to develop innovative solutions and contribute valuable insights into the mechanisms of age-related muscle deterioration.
mRNA Delivery Research with EXO Biologics
Genflow and EXO Biologics have initiated a 3-year scientific program, supported by a grant of 1.55 million euros. The project focuses on the development of a novel mRNA delivery system using exosomes to encapsulate and transport Genflow's proprietary centenarian SIRT6 gene. This cutting-edge approach aims to harness the natural advantages of exosomes, such as enhanced stability, improved cellular uptake, reduced immunogenicity, minimal toxicity, natural cargo sorting and reduced off-target effects, among others. This endeavour not only demonstrates Genflow's momentum in leading-edge research, but also holds the potential to revolutionize therapeutic interventions for Werner Syndrome, an accelerated ageing condition and holds great promised for a range of other age-related conditions.
Dr. Eric Leire, CEO of Genflow commented: "We are excited to embark on this exciting new research, which aligns with our quest to understand and alleviate the impacts of ageing. Launching both of these programs represents a strategic move to enhance our research capabilities, while contributing to the understanding of age-related conditions. Both of these strategic initiatives will strengthen Genflow's position at the forefront of ageing-related research, and its mission to improve the health and well-being of older adults."
The information communicated in this announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.
For further information please contact:
Genflow Biosciences Plc Dr Eric Leire
Chief Executive Officer +32 477 495 881 Clear Capital Markets Joint Corporate Broker
Bob Roberts +44 203 869 6080 Capital Plus Partners Ltd Joint Corporate Brokers
Dominic Berger
Keith Swann
Jon Critchley +44 203 821 6167
+44 0203 821 6169
+44 0203 821 6168 Harbor Access Investor Relations
Jonathan Paterson +1-475-477-9401
About Genflow Biosciences
Established in 2020, Genflow Biosciences Ltd is a UK-based biotechnology company, with R&D facilities in Belgium, developing and researching potential novel therapeutics that halt or slow the ageing process enabling society to live longer, healthier lives. Genflow Biosciences lead compound is GF-1002, works through the delivery of a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene which has yielded promising preclinical results. Genflow Biosciences expects to commence a clinical trial in 2024 to study the potential benefit of GF-1002 in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) for which there are few or no-approved therapies. By treating ageing as a risk factor to disease, Genflow Biosciences aims to reduce the financial, emotional, and social costs of an ageing population.
For more information: www.genflowbio.com
About Revatis SA
Revatis SA is a biotechnology firm based in Luxemburg specializing in the collection, production and storage of autologous muscle-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MdMSC) for immediate therapeutic use or storage for further processing. RevaTis technology is minimally invasive and offers benefits for generating a large number of autologous stem cells. Their expertise in sarcopenia research makes them a valuable partner in addressing muscle deterioration in the elderly.
For more information: www.revatis.com
About EXO Biologics
EXO Biologics is Belgian biotech company committed to developing biopharmaceuticals using Extracellular Vesicles (EVs). Their work in mRNA encapsulation and delivery is revolutionizing the approach to genetic and cellular therapies.
For more information: www.exobio.be
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
SOURCE: Genflow Biosciences PLC
View the original press release on accesswire.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Nextech3D.ai (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:1SS), a Generative AI-Powered 3D model supplier for major e-commerce retailers announces its recently launched AI 3D model search engine can deliver up to a 500% increase in the production of 3D models, which is a marked increase from its previously announced 80% increase in productivity. The Company plans on releasing its AI search engine to the public in Q1 2024 for general use and charging on a per use basis which could contribute significantly to the Company's growth in 2024.
CEO Evan Gappelberg recently joined Proactive Investors to discuss the 500% increase in productivity and breakthrough AI 3D model search engine - watch here
As previously mentioned, the Company plans on continuously providing reports on the AI and its ability to increase productivity and lower costs of 3D model production over time. As more searches are conducted and the tool is used more frequently, the AI learns and becomes progressively more productive.
In a recent press release, the Company initially reported an 80% increase in productivity. Upon further research based upon Nextech3D.ai's own internal usage of thousands of searches over the last 2 weeks, the Company reports an updated 500% increase in 3D modeling productivity. The 500% increase in productivity is due to an 80% reduction in time it takes to create a 3D model by using the 3D model search engine. Instead of a 3D artist having to create an intricate or complex 3D model from scratch, they are able to find a similar 3D model quad or triangle mesh using the AI search engine, and then modify it as needed. This groundbreaking AI-driven search engine quickly locates comparable model meshes in Nextech's extensive library, which houses hundreds of thousands of 3D parts and meshes. Within mere seconds, a 3D artist can select from a variety of 3D matches, taking advantage of the library's existing collection of 3D models that share similar colors, textures, and shapes.
Watch a demo of the AI-Powered 3D model search engine tool - click here
Earlier this month, the Company announced it had gone live with its proprietary AI-Powered 3D model search engine. This cutting-edge AI search engine combines computer vision and artificial intelligence to enhance and expedite the 3D modeling process. By leveraging this proprietary technology, the Company aims to streamline and accelerate its in-house 3D model production operations significantly. In addition, it plans to sell its search engine to others, which could lead to significant revenue and profit growth.
The AI-based search engine operates by the user showing the search engine an image - the AI then goes to work searching through Nextech's extensive internal library of hundreds of thousands of 3D product models and parts, and suggests a close match to the provided image. In just a few seconds the 3D artist is able to choose from multiple 3D models that closely match the image and fine tune the pre-built 3D model into a net new 3D model which creates another searchable new mesh. The constant creation of new 3D models creates a virtuous cycle and a tremendous amount of value for the platform. The Company sees this as a breakthrough in 3D modeling and is expecting to launch a general purpose version that can become the gold standard for the massive global $5.5 trillion dollar e-commerce market, which is pivoting to 3D models from flat 2D photos in Q1, 2024.
Recent News
Nextech3D.ai's Breakthrough AI Powered Search Engine Reports an 80% Increase In 3D Modeling Productivity
Nextech3D.ai Announces Six New 2024 3D Modeling Contracts & Renewals
Nextech3D.ai Launches AI Powered Search Engine To Scale The Production of 3D Models
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About Nextech3D.ai
Nextech3D.ai or the "Company," (OTCQX:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR)(FSE:1SS), is a versatile augmented reality and AI technology company that utilizes its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) to craft immersive 3D experiences at scale for E-COMMERCE. The Company's primary focus lies in creating high-quality 3D WebAR photorealistic models for Amazon and various other online retailers. Nextech3D.ai has adopted a unique approach to creating shareholder value beyond its operating business of creating 3D models.
The Company also develops or acquires disruptive AI-technologies, which are subsequently spun out to shareholders as standalone public companies. This spin-out strategy allows Nextech3D.ai to issue stock dividends to its shareholders while maintaining significant ownership in the public spin-out, without dilution to the parent company Nextech3D.ai.
Notably, Nextech3D.ai successfully spun out "ARway," (OTCQB:ARWYF)(CSE:ARWY)(FSE:E65 ) its spatial computing platform, as a standalone public company on October 26, 2022. The Company retains a 49% stake with 13 million shares in ARway Corp. while distributing 4 million shares to Nextech shareholders.
Similarly, Nextech3D.ai accomplished its second spin-out launching Toggle3D.ai, (OTCQB:TGGLF)(CSE:TGGL)(FSE:Q0C ) an AI-powered 3D design studio aimed at competing with Adobe. The Company retains a 44% stake with 13 million shares in Toggle3D.ai Corp.
To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com.
For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations Contact
Julia Viola
investor.relations@nextechar.com
Nextech3D.ai
Evan Gappelberg
CEO and Director
866-ARITIZE (274-8493)
Forward-looking Statements
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as 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. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai
View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - White Gold Corp. (TSXV: WGO) (OTCQX: WHGOF) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #108 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 21 - Monday January 22, 2024.
Notable keynote speakers include former Premier of BC Christy Clark and former Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall. Other keynote speakers will include dozens of globally respected economists, legendary money managers, and investors.
"We are entering a new era of de-globalization. The trust that allowed for global trade over the last 30 years has shifted irreversibly and countries are now scrambling to secure supplies of natural resources as a matter of national security. As a result, demand for key resources, will skyrocket. We have gathered over 300 companies that are exploring for and producing these natural resources so investors can position themselves accordingly," said Jay Martin, Host of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.
For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.
We look forward to seeing you there.
About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference:
The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the epicentre of junior mining investment in Canada for 25 years and attracts over 5000 mining investors annually. Previous years have been attended by former Prime Minister Stephan Harper and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.
The VRIC will include a marketplace of over 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, spanning early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.
For further information:
David D'Onofrio
Chief Executive Officer
(647) 930-1880
ir@whitegoldcorp.ca
www.whitegoldcorp.ca
SOURCE: Cambridge House International
New scholarships established with University College London (UCL), Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin will support 10 students
Funding is part of Baxter's Activating Change Today initiative in partnership with the Baxter MultiCultural Network business resource group
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX), a global medtech leader, announced today three new collaborations to support financially in-need students from multicultural backgrounds pursuing degrees at UCL, Dublin City University and Trinity College Dublin. Baxter's funding will support 10 students in total over the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years.
"Through our Activating Change Today (ACT) initiative, Baxter has proudly created several programs that support students in the U.S. who are pursuing health and science degrees. The funding announced today is ACT's first investment benefiting students internationally," said Angela Lee, Baxter's chief diversity officer. "In partnership with the Baxter MultiCultural Network business resource group-which promotes inclusion and belonging by embracing diversity among different dimensions of race, ethnicity and culture-we're delighted to work with three higher-educational institutions in the UK and Ireland to help address barriers to education that can exist at the intersection of ethnicity and affordability."
Each of the institutions are applying Baxter's contributions to best meet the needs of their respective student bodies. This includes:
UCL will establish the Baxter Healthcare Scholarship to fund one undergraduate student in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and one Master of Science student in the Global Business School for Health in the 2024/2025 academic year. The scholarships will be awarded based on financial need to UK students of Black-African or Black-Caribbean descent.
Dublin City University Educational Trust will offer five full- or part-time teaching masters postgraduate scholarships in the 2023/2024 academic year through its University of Sanctuary program, which welcomes refugees and asylum seekers into the university. The scholarships will be open to university graduates who are not eligible for state support or grants, but need to complete a postgraduate degree in Ireland to gain access to the country's competitive employment market.
Trinity College Dublin will offer three scholarships to undergraduate ethnic minority students through its Trinity Access Program, which aims to increase participation in higher education by students from underrepresented groups and communities in Ireland.
About Baxter
Every day, millions of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers rely on Baxter's leading portfolio of diagnostic, critical care, kidney care, nutrition, hospital and surgical products used across patient homes, hospitals, physician offices and other sites of care. For more than 90 years, we've been operating at the critical intersection where innovations that save and sustain lives meet the healthcare providers who make it happen. With products, digital health solutions and therapies available in more than 100 countries, Baxter's employees worldwide are now building upon the company's rich heritage of medical breakthroughs to advance the next generation of transformative healthcare innovations. To learn more, visit www.baxter.com and follow us on X/Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Baxter is a registered trademark of Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118389163/en/
Contacts:
Media Contact
Bess Featherstone, +1 (224) 948-5353
media@baxter.com
Investor Contact
Clare Trachtman, +1 (224) 948-3020
BANGKOK, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- H.I.S. Tours Co. Ltd. (HIS Thailand), a Thailand-based travel agency and authorised agent for Thailand Privilege Membership Programs, formerly known as Thailand Elite Membership Programs, is proud to commemorate their successful three-year partnership with Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC). To mark this milestone and TPC's 20th-anniversary rebranding in October 2023, HIS Thailand has launched a new website, his-thailandprivilege.com, to enhance access to TPC's newly revamped membership programs.
The new Thailand Privilege memberships - Gold Membership (5 years), Platinum Membership (10 years), Diamond Membership (15 years), and Reserve Membership (20 years) - offer international residents comprehensive privileges and benefits tailored to their needs through the accrual of Privilege Points.
As an authorised agent, HIS Thailand's exclusive benefits to customers applying through its website include gift vouchers for flights, hotels, tours, and shopping that can be used at top department stores in Thailand. HIS Thailand also provides comprehensive customer service and support.
HIS Thailand has served hundreds of satisfied Thailand Privilege members over the past three years and continues to provide comprehensive customer service and support.
TPC President Manatase Annawat commented, "The Thailand Privilege Card has reached an impressive 20-year milestone, and we introduced significant rebranding and enhancement of benefits to ensure utmost satisfaction and convenience for international residents aspiring to establish long-term residency in Thailand."
"HIS has continuously developed services to cater to the evolving needs of international residents seeking long-term residency in Thailand. We are proud to achieve impressive results and serve successful Thailand Privilege members who receive exclusive privileges and additional complimentary services, HIS will continue to enhance the visibility of new Privilege Membership Programs in key markets and foster dynamic growth." said Mr. Norikazu Tsuda, Managing Director of HIS Thailand.
With TPC's rebranding and HIS Thailand's relaunched website, those interested in Thailand's new residency programs can easily apply online or contact HIS Thailand to learn more. Readers can visit his-thailandprivilege.com to discover the privileges, benefits and exclusive experiences the reinvented Thailand Privilege memberships offer.
About HIS Thailand
HIS Thailand is a Thailand-based travel agency established in 1997 in Bangkok. With nine branches in Thailand, it offers travel services for domestic and international travellers. It is fully supported by its parent, HIS Japan, with its global network, ensuring customers globally can have their travel needs met.
Media Contact
tha-thailandelite@his-world.com
+66-2-022-0966
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316512/IMG.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/his-thailand-commemorates-successful-partnership-and-announces-new-thailand-privilege-membership-programs-302036958.html
VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lithium South Development Corporation (the "Company") (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) is pleased to provide an update regarding the ongoing development of the HMN Li Project, located on the Hombre Muerto salar, in Salta Province, Argentina.
Spanning 3,287 salar located hectares, the HMN Li Project is comprised of five key claim blocks: Alba Sabrina (2089 hectares), Norma Edit (115 hectares), Viamonte/Natalia Maria (595 contiguous hectares), Gaston Enrique (55 hectares), and Tramo (383 hectares).
Alba Sabrina Production Well One (ASPW1) has been drilled to 340 meters depth and is nearing the target depth of 400 meters. The well has encountered sand and sand/broken rock from surface to the current depth. Porosity is anticipated to be good. Upon target depth, the well will then be cased, developed, and a pumping test will be completed. A technical review is underway to determine the optimal location for further pumping wells on the Alba Sabrina claim block.
Company President and CEO, Adrian F. C. Hobkirk is quoted, "We are excited to be nearing the completion of our first deep pumping well at the Alba Sabrina claim block. We look forward to pumping test results."
The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) announced October 18, 2023, is nearing completion. Knight Piesold Consulting and JDS Energy and Mining are now completing the financial model. Full results are expected shortly. The PEA will have an Initial Design Capacity of 15,000 tonnes per year Lithium Carbonate Equivalent.
Further details are available at the Company website at www.lithiumsouth.com.
About Lithium South
Lithium South (LIS) owns 100% of the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project (HMN Li Project) located in Salta and Catamarca Provinces, Argentina, the heart of the lithium triangle. The HMN Li Project is surrounded by a US$4 billion lithium development under construction by POSCO (Korea) and the Sal de Vida Project under development by Arcadium Lithium. LIS has delineated a NI 43-101 compliant 1,583,100 tonne Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) resource on the Alba Sabrina, Natalia Maria, and Tramo claim blocks, three of five non-contiguous blocks that make up the HMN Li Project. A pumping/production well drilling campaign is underway. A Preliminary Economic Assessment based on the Tramo, Alba Sabrina and Natalia Maria claim blocks is expected in January, 2024. LIS is transitioning from being a lithium explorer to becoming a lithium developer.
Mr. William Feyerabend, CPG, a Consulting Geologist and Qualified Person under NI 43-101 contributed to the production of this press release and approves of the technical and scientific information contained herein.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Adrian F. C. Hobkirk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Investors / Shareholders call 1-855-415-8100 / website: www.lithiumsouth.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed the content of this news release and therefore does not accept responsibility or liability for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release.
This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward- looking statements. We seek safe harbor.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lithium-south-pumpingproduction-well-drilling-update-302038011.html
Powerful new people development capabilities to equip Dayforce customers with optimized training and development programs for the extended workforce
TORONTO and MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceridian (NYSE: CDAY; TSX: CDAY), a global leader in human capital management (HCM) technology, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire eloomi, a leading learning experience platform software provider based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Orlando, Florida. The acquisition is expected to close in Q1 2024 and will be funded with existing balance sheet cash.
"The dynamic learning and development needs of today's boundless workforce require leading enterprise solutions. The acquisition of eloomi will help supercharge the people development capabilities of Dayforce, equipping customers with more engaging learning and development experiences, AI-driven content creation, and extended enterprise learning capabilities," said Joe Korngiebel, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Ceridian.
With the global Learning Management System (LMS) market size expected to reach $54.69 billion by 20321, forward-thinking leaders need to focus on continual skills optimization to remain competitive and to foster communities of engaged and empowered learners.
Ceridian is seizing on this opportunity for its customers by integrating eloomi's capabilities seamlessly into the Dayforce platform to improve existing learning management and talent offerings. Dayforce customers worldwide will benefit from a single data model and a single experience that includes an end-to-end learning platform, learning content, people development, skills intelligence, and employee communications functionality.
The eloomi acquisition will introduce innovations that expand and enhance Ceridian's current learning and development offerings, such as:
Enterprise-grade learning capabilities to support tailored training programs for the extended enterprise including employees, contingent labor, partners, and customers.
to support tailored training programs for the extended enterprise including employees, contingent labor, partners, and customers. Mobile-first frontline training and communication solutions connecting employees to engaging and accessible content and resources.
connecting employees to engaging and accessible content and resources. Powerful AI co-writer that augments content authoring, saving valuable time and dramatically improving the productivity of L&D teams.
that augments content authoring, saving valuable time and dramatically improving the productivity of L&D teams. Upskilling and reskilling functionality through curated learning content, automated suggestions for tailored training, and personalized learning paths.
functionality through curated learning content, automated suggestions for tailored training, and personalized learning paths. Innovative people development with clear and actionable goal management combined with automated development journeys, conversation talking points, and action items.
with clear and actionable goal management combined with automated development journeys, conversation talking points, and action items. Industry-leading learning content marketplace featuring high-quality content - all accessible on-demand.
featuring high-quality content - all accessible on-demand. Engaging employee communications delivered through an engaging mobile and web-based news and activity feed, secure chat, and community spaces platform.
eloomi's all-in-one, modern learning platform offers the power of a compliance-driven LMS together with the benefits of a leading Learning Experience Platform (LXP). It provides leading learning and development capabilities to more than 850 customers around the world, including BigChange, GettyImage, Icelandair, and PM Hotels.
"Our customers are at the heart of everything we do - and we couldn't be more excited to expand the breadth and depth of our worldclass learning and development capabilities to new and existing customers with Dayforce," said Claus Johansen, Founder and CEO, eloomi.
"Together with eloomi, we'll fulfill our shared ambition of making work life better for our customers and their modern, boundless workforce," concluded Korngiebel.
eloomi is backed by the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark, Kennet Partners www.kennet.com, and Great Hill Partners www.greathillpartners.com.
About Ceridian
Ceridian. Makes Work Life Better.
Ceridian HCM Holding Inc.or follow us @Ceridian.
About eloomi
eloomi is a global recognized software company within learning and development. The eloomi platform makes it easy for companies worldwide to train and develop their employees, clients and partners. eloomi combines easy-to-use Learning Management System.
Forward-Looking Statement and Risk Factors
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements regarding the acquisition of eloomi; the integration of eloomi's products into ours; the enhancement of Dayforce's learning management and talent offerings as a result of the acquisition; and our expectations, hopes, intentions, or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Because such statements are based on expectations as to the future and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
This press release should be read in conjunction with the risks detailed in the "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information," "Forward-Looking Statement", "Risk Factors" and other sections of Ceridian's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are posted on our website and are available from us without charge.
Investor Relations contact:
Matt Wells
investors@ceridian.com
Media contact:
Teri Murphy
1- 647-417-2117
teri.murphy@ceridian.com
1 https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/11/22/2784882/0/en/Corporate-Learning-Management-System-LMS-Market-Size-to-Reach-USD-54-69-Bn-By-2032.html
More than a dozen organizations helping Floridians overcome hunger and financial challenges received donations
ST. PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Duke Energy has awarded $425,000 to more than a dozen Florida organizations that provide food assistance and other community resources to help seniors and families throughout the state.
The funding, provided by the Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Florida, helped wrap up the holiday giving campaigns of many organizations, with many including matching donations by private donors, thus creating an even greater impact for customers and communities.
"Every bit of support to local and statewide food banks and community resources is helpful any time of year but particularly during the holiday season," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We are proud to support these incredible organizations and the great work they do throughout the year to keep Floridians and their families fed, healthy and secure."
This year's holiday donations are in addition to $100,000 donated previously to Feeding Florida, a statewide organization dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious meals through its network of food banks.
"We are grateful for Duke Energy's investment in our capacity building, as well as the extra steps they've taken to provide healthy food for those who need it most," said Robin Safley, Feeding Florida executive director. "The refrigeration Duke Energy funded allowed more than 45 local food pantries to store and distribute more nutritious food than ever before, and this most recent gift will fill those coolers with fresh Florida produce. This effort will provide positive health impacts for years to come."
The funding also allowed the Florida Council on Aging (FCOA) to distribute free holiday gift cards for seniors through various organizations throughout the state.
"The Florida Council on Aging is happy to have a relationship with Duke Energy and its Foundation because they truly share our commitment in giving back to the community," said Jeff Johnson, FCOA president. "In December, 1,750 seniors in 11 different counties received gift cards to be used at a retail establishment through the generosity of Duke Energy and its Foundation.
"FCOA thanks Duke Energy for their support and the numerous service providers who distributed the gift cards," said Johnson. "Thank you all for making the holidays brighter for Florida seniors."
Some of the organizations that received funding include:
Feeding Florida
Florida Council on Aging, to be distributed through the following organizations: Seniors First, Orange County
Neighborly Care Network, Pinellas County
Council on Aging of Volusia County
NU-HOPE Elder Care Services
CARES, Pasco County
Citrus County Support Services
Marion Senior Services
211 Tampa Bay Cares
St. Pete Free Clinic
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Hope Partnership in Central Florida
Community Food Bank in Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties
Heartland Food Bank, Highlands County
Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida
To learn more about assistance programs, including how to seek utility bill assistance, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp 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
View original content here.
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Duke Energy
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: Duke Energy
View the original press release on accesswire.com
LONDON, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Stanbic Bank Uganda was conferred the "Best Banking Brand, Uganda" for 2023 at the prestigious Global Brand Awards.
The Prestigious Global Brand Awards , an annual event by Global Brands Magazine (GBM) based in England, strives to honour worldwide brands that distinguish themselves across diverse industries while ensuring that readers are up-to-date on pivotal trends in the realm of branding. In their comprehensive evaluation, Global Brands Magazine considered a range of criteria including financial performance, customer satisfaction, innovation and technology, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), employee satisfaction and development, and many more. Stanbic Bank Uganda emerged distinctively across all these criteria, earning it well-deserved recognition from Global Brands Magazine.
Commenting on winning the award, Jay Reddy, Director, "We are delighted to recognize Stanbic Bank Uganda as the Best Banking Brand in Uganda. Their commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and strong customer service makes them a standout in the industry. This award reflects their significant contributions and dedication to shaping the future of banking in the region."
Accepting the award, Anne Juuko, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda said: "We are honoured to be recognised as the best banking brand in Uganda. It is a recognition we could only have achieved with the support of our dedicated staff and loyalty of our clients. With the continued support of our stakeholders, we are committed to our purpose of driving Uganda's growth."
ABOUT STANBIC BANK UGANDA
Stanbic Bank Uganda (SBU) is the country's largest commercial bank by assets, income, and customer deposits as of June 2023. The Bank is also an anchor subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL), a listed entity on the Uganda Stock Exchange, and a member of the Standard Bank Group (the Group)-Africa's largest lender by assets. The Group operates in 20 African countries and four global financial centers, enjoying a strategic position that enables its purpose of driving growth on the continent, by connecting Africa to select emerging markets as well as pools of capital in developed markets. The group has over 46000 employees and operates more than 1143 branches and over 6600 ATMs across Africa, enabling delivery of a range of services across personal, business, corporate and investment banking segments.? The Group's headline earnings for the period ending December 2022 (FY22) were R34.2 billion. Return on equity (ROE) improved to 16.4%, Net asset value grew by 10% while market capitalisation was R284 billion (USD17 billion). The group's largest shareholder is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world's largest bank, with a 20.1% shareholding. In addition, Standard Bank Group and ICBC share a strategic partnership that facilitates trade and deal flow between Africa, China and select emerging markets. For further information, go to http://www.standardbank.com.
ABOUT GLOBAL BRANDS MAGAZINE (ENGLAND)
Global Brands Magazine (GBM) has been at the forefront, bringing news, views and opinions on brands shaping the future of their industry. The UK-based magazine provides its readers with the latest news and information on 'best-in-class brands across the globe. Each year, GBM develops awards for companies that stand out, have a unique vision, exceptional service, innovative solutions, and consumer-centric products among their industry leaders. The Magazine has over 8.5 million visitors and 15 million page views per month, making it one of the best online magazines. The Magazine also maintains a strong presence on social media, with over 20k+ Facebook likes, 10k+ Instagram followers, 25k+ Twitter followers, and 3k+ LinkedIn followers.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL BRAND AWARDS
Global Brand Awards honours brands for their excellence in performance and rewards companies across different sectors for the quality of their services. The Brand Awards highlight the accomplishments of organisations that have performed remarkably well in finance, education, hospitality, automotive, lifestyle, education, real estate, technology, and others. Global Brand Awards recognise vital players who progress towards excellence by providing a platform to acknowledge their efforts. In addition, GBM strives to create awareness concerning the significance of such organisations and rewards them for their notable efforts with the ultimate global recognition. We are excited to announce the highly anticipated awards ceremony, which will take place at The Athenee Hotel in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2024. To learn more about the awards, please visit the Brand Awards Winners section on the GBM website.
To nominate your company or business leader for the Global Brand Awards 2023, please click on the following link:
https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/
Check out our social media shout outs from the links below:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Hv3JAF
Linkedin: https://bit.ly/48XBW7J
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stanbic-bank-uganda-is-awarded-the-best-banking-brand-uganda-at-global-brands-magazine-awards-302038430.html
The vibrant innovation brand is about to put its newest member in the intelligent machine portfolio, the HTVRONT Hat Heat Press, on a shelf on 20th February 2024.
SACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / HTVRONT, the well-known handicraft industry player developing premium and advanced machines and materials, will announce the debut of its latest smart heat press machine, the HTVRONT Hat Heat Press, on the market on 20th February 2024. Among the vanguard techniques the heat press machines perform, the exclusive structure design for space saving and convenience and NTC technology improving heat efficiency, notably the straightforward display screen and flexible heat settings, allow users to craft diverse hat styles out of seconds.
As HTVRONT's first-generation hat heat press, this machine stands for the boundless creative inspiration and high quality under great value HTVRONT has been striving for. Equipped with a digital screen displaying the real-time heating temperature and countdown intuitively and adjustable settings, it presents precise control, management, and an unparalleled heat transfer experience during the ironing process.
Leveraging the benefits of NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) technology and a cast aluminum heat plate, this hat heat press provides up to 200? (390?) heat evenly from edge to edge, endowing craft lovers with professional results out of diverse heat transfer and sublimation materials requiring different levels of heat. Furthermore, like many other HTVRONT heat press family members, the HTVRONT Hat Heat Press features a safety-conscious auto-off function capable of shutting itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity, ensuring a greatly protected crafting environment.
"Other than the fancy technologies we adopt in the machine for an exceptional hat designing experience, we also take the external convenience and user-friendly feature into account like always. Based on our marketing and product research and analysis, this hat heat press is developed with an all-in-one storage design. It helps realize less storage space, easy portability, and homely tidiness while offering strong support for hat ironing," said Herman, the CEO of HTVRONT.
Armed with a sturdy lid and match ironing mat, this machine also guarantees excellent suitability for the exclusive curved heat plate and various hat and cap blanks, such as structured caps and low-profile caps, providing users every chance to realize as many trendy and stylish hats as possible and set the hat trend freely.
For now, the HTVRONT Hat Heat Press has earned numerous calls for its upcoming debut in America and Australia. It's said that the machine will be the flagship product in the 3rd HTVRONT Fans Carnival Event, giving back love and support as an excellent deal for HTVRONT customers. Industrial influencers and craft lovers, including Crafting with Delonda, commented that they genuinely look forward to being the first batch of users and seeing what HTVRONT would bring them this time.
For regular updates on HTVRONT, follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htvront
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/htvront
Contact Information
Kimberly Xiong
Brand PR
kimberly@htvront.com
+8619542807347
SOURCE: HTVRONT
View the original press release on newswire.com.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Canadian North Resources Inc. (TSXV: CNRI) (OTCQX: CNRSF) (FSE: EO0) (FSE: E-O-zero) ("the Company") is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (the "VRIC") in Vancouver on January 21-22, 2024.
Having served as the focal point for junior mining investment in Canada for a quarter-century, the VRIC consistently draws over 5,000 mining investors yearly. The event will showcase more than 300 investment opportunities within the mining industry, spanning from early-stage exploration to advanced-producing mines.
CNRI invites attendees to visit its team at booth 532, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Ferguson Lake Project and planned initiatives for 2024. For those eager to attend the VRIC, registration can be completed at: VRIC Registration Link.
About Canadian North Resources
Canadian North Resources Inc. is an exploration and development company focusing on the critical metals for the clean-energy, electric vehicles, battery and high-tech industries. The company is advancing its 100% owned Ferguson Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, and platinum project that covers an area of 253.8 km2 of mining leases (96.9 km2) and surrounding exploration claims (156.9 km2) in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada.
The Ferguson Lake mining property contains substantial resources in compliance with NI43-101 standards, which include Indicated Mineral Resources of 24.3 million tonnes containing 455 million pounds (Mlb) copper at 0.85%, 321Mlb nickel at 0.60%, 37.5Mlb cobalt at 0.07%, 1.08 million ounces (Moz) palladium at 1.38gpt and 0.18Moz platinum at 0.23gpt; Inferred Mineral Resources of 47.2 million tonnes containing 947Mlb copper at 0.91%, 551.5Mlb nickel at 0.53%, 62.4Mlb cobalt at 0.06%, 2.12Moz palladium at 1.4gpt and 0.38Moz platinum at 0.25gpt. The resource model indicates significant potential for resource expansion along strike and at depth over the 15 km long mineralized belt. (Refer to "Independent Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate, Ferguson Lake Project, Nunavut, Canada, Prepared by Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience Inc. and Francis Minerals Ltd " filed by the Company to Sedar.com on July 13, 2022). In addition, the Company has identified the pegmatites with lithium potential at the Ferguson Lake project.
Sophy Cesar, Head of Corporate Development
Phone: 905-696-8288 (Canada) 1-888-688-8809 (Toll-Free)
Email: info@cnresources.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194682
SOURCE: Cambridge House International
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of the first follow-up diamond drill holes on the newly discovered Rainbow porphyry Cu-Au-Mo zone (two holes) and younger, shear-hosted Thunder Au zone (two holes) on its Rabbit North property in the heart of the Kamloops mining district (see Fig. 1).
Holes 047 and 048, Rainbow Cu-Au-Mo Zone
The February 2023 Rainbow Zone discovery holes, Nos. 041 and 042, intersected the eastern edge of the zone which, based on its magnetic response (see Fig. 2), appears to extend 350 m westward to the Durand Creek Fault (see press release of November 14, 2023). These holes were drilled from the same pad with the steeper hole, No. 042 at -65, intersecting 72.4 m at an average 0.57% Cu-equivalent grade (0.27% Cu, 0.40 g/t Au, 0.01% Mo).
The discovery portion of the Rainbow Zone lies beneath ~10 m of glacial till and 35 m of Miocene basalt cover rocks (see Fig. 3) that infill a narrow (~150 m wide) bedrock trough - an erosional paleo-drainage channel - that cuts westward across the Rainbow Zone to a deeper paleo-valley along the Durand Creek Fault. In discovery Hole 042, the mineralization occurs between vertical depths of ~51 and 116 metres.
New holes 048 and 049, were designed to follow the Rainbow Zone westward beneath the basalt flows which, although strongly magnetic, are reverse-polarized and thus tend to cancel the positive magnetic anomaly produced by the magnetite-bearing magmatic-hydrothermal breccica that hosts the Rainbow mineralization. The 150-m-wide paleo-channel traced by the cover basalt was found to deepen rapidly into a canyon in which the entire Rainbow Zone has been eroded at Hole 048 and only the basal 10 m is preserved in Hole 049. However, the preserved section is of a higher grade than the corresponding basal part of the thick intersection is discovery Hole 042.
Stu Averill, P.Geo, a Company Director, commented: "While we inadvertently drilled Holes 048 and 049 where the Rainbow Zone is deeply eroded, we obtained sufficient information from the preserved basal section in Hole 049 and a deeper satellite zone in Hole 048 to show that Rainbow extends to the west at roughly the same depth as in the discovery area and its grade may be increasing. This information will be invaluable for planning our next step-out holes on the large, 350 x 1200 m Rainbow target."
Hole 048 was drilled vertically 50 m west of Hole 042 on the northern edge of the paleo-channel. It did not encounter any basalt, instead intersecting an exceptional 57-m-thick glacial till section followed by a 40 m dyke of post-Rainbow quartz-feldspar porphyry (QFP) to 96.8 m before reaching the targeted magmatic-hydrothermal breccias. Together the till and QFP occupy the same interval as the Rainbow Zone occupies in Hole 042 (see Fig. 3), precluding intersection of the zone. The underlying breccias is, however, weakly mineralized like the corresponding breccias interval directly below the Rainbow Zone in Hole 042. A slightly deeper, high-grade, 8.0 m satellite interval between 154.0 and 162.0 m averaged 0.86% Cu-equivalent (0.45% Cu, 0.59 g/t Au, 0.009% Mo; see Fig. 3 and Table 1), significantly higher than the average 0.57% Cu-equivalent grade of the Rainbow Zone in Hole 042.
Hole 049 was drilled at a -50 dip from the same pad as Holes 041 and 042 but in the opposite (south-southwest) direction. Due to the unforeseen westward deepening of the underlying paleo-channel, it encountered much thicker basalt and only reached the targeted underlying breccia 63 m down-hole at a vertical depth of ~63 m (see Fig. 4). The Cu-equivalent grade of the directly underlying 10 m (core length; true thickness ~8 m) remnant of the Rainbow Zone averages 0.62% (0.29% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, 0.002% Mo; see Table 1) - significantly higher than the 0.39 grade of the corresponding basal part of the Hole 42 intersection. Interestingly, the host breccia is oxidized and part of the Cu from the primary chalcopyrite has been converted to native copper (see Fig. 5). This may account, in part, for the apparent metal enrichment although Mo appears to be significantly depleted rather than enriched in the upper part of the section.
As in Hole 042 other, deeper, lower-grade mineralized zones were encountered. Each of Holes 048 and 049 intersected two of these zones, typically about 20 m thick (see Table 1). These zones occur where the grain size of the magmatic (monzodiorite) matrix of the breccia is finest - ideally aphanitic - indicating that it cooled and crystallized rapidly, trapping the mineralizing hydrothermal fluid phase. Breccia zones with a coarser-grained matrix that cooled more slowly and thus crystallized later tend to be unmineralized. The Rainbow Zone appears to represent the upper part of the breccia chamber where the fluid concentration was highest and the magma crystallized most rapidly. In the slightly deeper and higher grade satellite zone in Hole 048 the magma crystallized so rapidly that it trapped bubbles of the mineralizing fluid which were then replaced by chalcopyrite.
Holes 046 and 047, Thunder Au Target
As explained in the Company's November 14 press release, Holes 046 and 047 at the shear-hosted Thunder Au Zone were not drilled to expand the zone but rather to determine whether the two discovery intersections of Holes 039 and 041 from the previous (February 2023) drilling program (see Fig. 2) were from a single, south-southeast striking shear zone or two parallel, east-northeast trending shear zones related to the major Lightning shear trend.
The drilling targeted only the area near Hole 039 and the locations of the drill pads were constrained by a protected riparian creek corridor. Partly due to this limitation the first and longer hole, No. 046, did not reach far enough to intersect mineralization that would confirm the east-northeast shear model. Hole 047 was drilled across the trace of Hole 046. It unequivocally discounted the south-southeast shear model and thereby indirectly confirmed that there are two parallel, east-northeast trending gold zones, Thunder North and Thunder South.
Next Steps
With Holes 048 and 049 clearly showing that the cover basalt follows and fills in a 150-m-wide paleo-channel that cuts across and locally has eroded through the Rainbow Cu-Au-Mo Zone, the next drilling program will focus on those portions of the Rainbow-associated magnetic anomaly on either side of the basalt (see Fig. 2). Since the magnetic target is large, measuring ~350 x 1200 m, wider 100 m step-outs are planned, with the initial holes drilled vertically. Also, since most of the deeper, satellite Cu-Au-Mo zones intersected below the Rainbow Zone in Holes 042, 048 and 049 are not of a sufficient grade to be of immediate economic interest, most drill holes will be terminated about 50 m below Rainbow unless strong mineralization is still present at that depth. This will allow more holes to be drilled and a significant portion of the Rainbow magnetic target to be tested by the drilling program.
Follow-up drilling is also planned for Thunder South, the higher grade of the two Thunder Zones with Discovery Hole 041 obtaining two closely spaced (10 m apart) intersections averaging 3.28 g/t Au over 13.25 m and 2.19 g/t Au over 10.12 m at a shallow depth of ~100 metres. As Thunder South lies south of the protected riparian corridor and can be accessed from this side, it can be tested efficiently with relatively short, 150 to 200 m drill holes.
Methods and Qualified Person
The drill core was logged at Tower's leased, fully equipped core facility near Kamloops by Matthew Husslage, P.Geo, and Dev Rishy-Maharaj, B. Sc. Mr. Husslage has managed or co-managed all of Tower's Rabbit North diamond drilling programs since the discovery of the Lightning Zone in December 2021.
Split samples of the core, generally 1.0 or 1.5 m in length, were delivered directly to Activation Laboratories (ActLabs) in Kamloops, BC, a laboratory certified as ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited (Lab 790) by the Standards Council of Canada. QA/QC samples including blanks and standards were inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a ratio of approximately 1:20.
The samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay and ICP-OES and for Ag and 36 additional elements by ICP-OES using a four-acid, near-total digestion. Any over-limit (>5 g/t) Au analyses were repeated using the same fire assay procedure but with a gravimetric rather than ICP finish.
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stuart Averill, P.Geo., a director of the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Tower Resources
Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, all in B.C., are the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton copper-gold and Highland Valley copper mines in the Kamloops mining district, the Nechako porphyry-associated gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the More Creek epithermal gold project on the critical "red line" structural zone connecting the mineral deposits of the Golden Triangle.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Tower Resources Ltd.
Joe Dhami, President and CEO
(778) 996-4730
www.towerresources.ca
Reader Advisory
This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the 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 statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements 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. 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.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Figure 1 - Location of the Rabbit North property.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/194689_towerfigure1.jpg
Figure 2 - Locations of the new diamond drill holes relative to the February 2023 holes that discovered the Thunder and Rainbow Zones.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/194689_towerfigure2.jpg
Figure 3 - East-west cross section, looking north, through Holes 042 and 048.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/194689_towerfigure3.jpg
Figure 4 - NNE-SSW cross section, looking north-northwest, through Holes 042 and 049.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/194689_towerfigure4.jpg
Figure 5 - Polished drill core of supergene-altered magmatic-hydrothermal breccia from the Rainbow Cu-Au-Mo Zone, Hole 049. Most of the primary hydrothermal chalcopyrite has been altered to secondary native copper and most of the breccias fragments have been stained purple by hematite. Note the low matrix:clast ratio and the aphanitic texture of the injected magmatic diorite/monzodiorite matrix. The black colour of the matrix is due to the presence of 5-10% finely disseminated magnetite.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/194689_towerfigure5.jpg
Depth (m) Grade
Cu Au Mo Cu-Equivalent Hole No. Zone From To Length (m) % g/t % %
RN23-048 Sub-Rainbow 154.0 162.0 8.0 0.45 0.59 0.009 0.86
Deep 225.0 252.0 27.0 0.13 0.17 0.007 NA
Deep 272.0 290.0 18.0 0.12 0.28 0.004 NA
RN42-049 Rainbow 82.0 92.0 10.0 0.29 0.51 0.002 0.62
Deep 150.0 170.0 20.0 0.12 0.27 0.005 NA
Deep 249.0 268.0 19.0 0.11 0.12 0.002 NA
Table 1 - Average grade of the main Rainbow Zone and other, deeper intersections of porphyry-style mineralization in Holes 048 and 049.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194689
SOURCE: Tower Resources Ltd.
Milestone report shares the firm's commitments to a nature-positive future
TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management (Manulife IM) announced it has published its inaugural timberland and agriculture nature disclosure, aligned with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). As an early supporter of TNFD, Manulife IM will be an early adopter with its publication of its TNFD-aligned disclosure. As the world's largest manager of natural capital, Manulife IM prioritized issuing this report, which outlines its responsible approach to the stewardship of timberland and agricultural assets.1 Manulife IM oversees approximately 5.5 million acres of timberland across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and Chile and manages approximately 400,000 acres of prime farmland in major agricultural regions of the United States and in Canada, Chile, and Australia. These assets total more than $15 billion as of June 30, 2023, as part of Manulife IM's comprehensive private markets strategies.
"Although the TNFD is a recent initiative, we have maintained a longstanding commitment to the responsible stewardship of timberland and farmland for over 30 years," said Brian Kernohan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets, Manulife Investment Management. "Our first TNFD-aligned nature disclosure marks an important milestone, and it further attests our ongoing pursuit of excellence in responsible operations and transparent reporting as well as our commitment to nature and our support for the TNFD framework."
The TNFD aims to bring changes to the culture and actions of companies and financial institutions through risk management and mainstream corporate reporting as it relates to nature-related assessment and disclosure. The TNFD recommends 14 disclosures covering governance, strategy, risk and impact management, and metrics and targets, to promote the provision of clear, comparable, and consistent information by companies to investors and other providers of capital. Manulife IM has supported the development of the TNFD since its early stages, championing the release of the TNFD's final recommendations and reporting framework in September 2023.
"Nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities are thoroughly considered throughout our business, from the initial stages of investment due diligence to the operational management. We believe it's our responsibility to keep natural capital assets healthy and productive over the long term," said Thomas Sarno, Global Head of Timberland Investments, Manulife Investment Management. "We strive to proactively assess and manage nature-related risks and opportunities to help our clients achieve their objectives and build resilient portfolios."
"Nature plays a vital role in the future success of our businesses, the economy, and society," added Oliver S. Williams IV, Global Head of Agriculture Investments, Manulife Investment Management. "Alignment with the TNFD general requirements and disclosures, with the data and information currently available, is a significant step in our journey to achieving key priorities of our sustainability program supporting climate change mitigation and positive biodiversity and nature-related outcomes."
Highlights from the report include:
Materiality in the investment process Across both timberland and agriculture, Manulife's IM's stewardship approach focuses on climate, nature, and people throughout the cycle of an investment. Since 2021, the firm has used a proprietary process-its sustainability tool kit-that was co-developed in house by its sustainability, acquisitions, and operations teams to identify, assess, and score environmental, social, and governance components of every transaction. Together with its deforestation policy, carbon principles, and carbon tool kit (used specifically for forest carbon project evaluation) this approach is designed to systematically consider all identified material sustainability considerations.
Materiality in operations Manulife IM believes independent third-party sustainability certification is a comprehensive mechanism for credibly demonstrating sustainable asset management and, critically, that it provides independent assurance to stakeholders. As of December 31, 2022, 100% of Manulife IM's managed forests were certified under either the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). 2 In agriculture, 100% of its U.S. farmland investments were certified in June 2022 to the Leading Harvest Farmland Management Standard by a third party, 3 and other agriculture investments have participated in Leading Harvest pilot programs in Australia and Canada. Some assets have been certified to additional agriculture standards on a case-by-case basis. Overall, 223 of the 245 properties (91%, or approximately 80% of agriculture assets under management) in the global agriculture investment portfolio carried one or more third-party certifications.
Consideration of time horizons Long-term thinking is fundamental to timberland and agriculture investment management and Manulife IM's experience operating timberland and farmland assets over the past 30 years has shaped and refined its ability to manage sustainably over extended time horizons. Manulife IM's financial models and asset management plans are forecast over 50 years for timberland, while for agriculture the forecast is typically 10 to 30 years ahead, depending on the type of asset.
1 IPE research, as of February 5, 2023. Ranking is based on total natural capital assets under management (AUM), which includes forestry/timberland and agriculture/farmland AUM. Firms were asked to provide AUM and the as of dates vary from December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2022. 2 As of December 31, 2022, 100% of our forests were certified under either SFI (3.2 million acres in the United States and Canada) or FSC (2.2 million acres in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Chile). 3 Certification as of June 2022, by Leading Harvest and is based on an annual assessment of the conformation to the Farmland Management Standard. Manulife Investment Management's timberland and agriculture team (then operating as Hancock Natural Resource Group) is a founding member of Leading Harvest. In addition, Oliver Williams, global head of agriculture, is current chair of the Board of Directors for Leading Harvest. For more information on Leading Harvest, please see leadingharvest.org/about.
About Manulife Investment Management
Manulife Investment Management is the brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering investors for a better tomorrow. Serving more than 17 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members, we believe our global reach, complementary businesses, and the strength of our parent company position us to help investors capitalize on today's emerging global trends. We provide our clients access to public and private investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternative, and sustainability-linked strategies, such as natural capital, to help them make more informed financial decisions and achieve their investment objectives. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.
Media Contact: Elizabeth Bartlett, Elizabeth_Bartlett@Manulife.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/manulife-investment-management-publishes-inaugural-tnfd-aligned-nature-related-disclosure-for-timberland-and-agriculture-302038456.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Bloomberg
The Global Regulatory Brief provides monthly insights on the latest risk and regulatory developments. This brief was written by Bloomberg's Regulatory Affairs Specialists.
Originally published on bloomberg.com
Green finance regulatory developments
The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) galvanized the energy around the global green finance agenda, setting the stage for a busy 2024 of green-related rulemaking and policy guidance for the financial services sector. The following developments from the past month in green finance stand out:
Singapore: MAS finalizes transition finance taxonomy
MAS finalizes transition finance taxonomy EU: Lawmakers agrees new corporate sustainability due diligence rules
Lawmakers agrees new corporate sustainability due diligence rules UK: FCA confirms sustainability disclosure and labeling regime
FCA confirms sustainability disclosure and labeling regime US: CFTC issues proposed guidance regarding the listing of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts
CFTC issues proposed guidance regarding the listing of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts International: ICMA and IRSG launch voluntary code of conduct for ESG ratings and data product providers
ICMA and IRSG launch voluntary code of conduct for ESG ratings and data product providers Switzerland: FINMA welcomes NGFS recommendations
FINMA welcomes NGFS recommendations Australia: Treasury launches green bond framework
Treasury launches green bond framework US: FSOC discusses climate risks in 2023 Annual Report
FSOC discusses climate risks in 2023 Annual Report Australia : Sustainable Finance Institute makes progress on sustainable finance taxonomy
: Sustainable Finance Institute makes progress on sustainable finance taxonomy Hong Kong: HKMA announces it will soon launch green classification framework
HKMA announces it will soon launch green classification framework EU: ESAs draft amendments to SFDR technical rules
ESAs draft amendments to SFDR technical rules Singapore: MAS finalizes code of conduct for providers of ESG ratings and data products
MAS finalizes code of conduct for providers of ESG ratings and data products International: IOSCO consults on Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) and issues report on supervisory practices to address greenwashing
IOSCO consults on Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) and issues report on supervisory practices to address greenwashing EU: Member States and Parliament agree on respective negotiating mandates for ESG ratings
Member States and Parliament agree on respective negotiating mandates for ESG ratings EU: Platform on Sustainable Finance consults on EU taxonomy-aligned benchmarks
Platform on Sustainable Finance consults on EU taxonomy-aligned benchmarks International: Basel Committee issues consultation on disclosure of climate related financial risks
Basel Committee issues consultation on disclosure of climate related financial risks International: Proof of Concept for Net-Zero Data Public Utility launched at COP28
MAS launches world's first multi-sector transition taxonomy
MAS launched the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (Singapore-Asia Taxonomy) setting out detailed thresholds and criteria for defining green and transition activities that contribute to climate change mitigation across eight focus sectors.
Focus on transition: The Singapore-Asia Taxonomy is the first taxonomy globally to pioneer the concept of a "transition" category in recognition of the need to properly contextualize "transition" for the Asian region. Transition activities are comprehensively defined through two new approaches:
A traffic light system that defines green, transition and ineligible activities across the eight focus sectors. "Transition" refers to activities that do not meet the green thresholds now but are on a pathway to net zero or contributing to net zero outcomes. To signal the importance of progression towards a 1.5 degree celsius (1.5C) aligned outcome, transition thresholds do not last indefinitely and have a sunset date
A "measures-based approach" that seeks to encourage capital investments into decarbonisation measures or processes that will help reduce the emissions intensity of activities and enable the activities to meet the green criteria over time
Enhancing interoperability: To align with global taxonomies, MAS has commenced an exercise to map the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy to the International Platform for Sustainable Finance (IPSF)'s Common Ground Taxonomy (CGT). Financial institutions and market participants will be able to refer to a common set of definitions under the CGT to facilitate sustainable development in markets covered by the CGT.
EU agrees new corporate sustainability due diligence rules
EU negotiators reached a political agreement on the corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD).
Who will this apply to? The CSDDD will apply to EU companies with more than 500 employees and a net worldwide turnover of 150 million. Non-EU companies will be included in the scope if they generate a 150 million net turnover in the EU, three years from the entry into force of the directive.
The new rules in detail: The CSDDD imposes mandatory obligations for EU and non-EU companies operating in the union to conduct due diligence within their own operations and across their global value chains with a view to identifying, preventing, mitigating and, where necessary, terminating adverse impacts on human rights and the environment. Financial services will only need to conduct due diligence within their own operations. Companies will need to meet a number of obligations to comply with the directive, namely:
Adopt and put into effect a transition plan for climate change mitigation
Integrate due diligence into their policies and risk management systems
Maintain a complaints mechanism and seek contractual assurances from business partners and employees
Non-compliant behavior will be punishable with fines based on companies' turnover, with a minimum penalty of 5% of net turnover.
Next steps: The new rules will have to be formally endorsed by the EU Parliament and Member States in the coming months before publication in the EU Official Journal. EU Member States will have two years to transpose the directive into national law.
FCA confirms sustainability disclosure and labeling regime
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a policy statement setting out its final rules and guidance on Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and investment labels.
The measures in sum: The package of measures is intended to improve trust and transparency in the market for sustainable investment products and minimize greenwashing. The FCA will introduce:
An anti-greenwashing rule for all authorized firms to make sure sustainability-related claims are fair, clear and not misleading
Product labels to help investors understand what their money is being used for, based on objective sustainability goals and criteria
Naming and marketing requirements so that products cannot be described as having a positive impact on sustainability when they do not
Accompanying consultation: In parallel, the FCA has published its consultation on expectations for FCA-authorized firms making claims about the sustainability of a product or a service. The proposed guidance is designed to help firms better understand the FCA's expectations under the anti-greenwashing rule and other associated requirements. Comments are due by January 26, 2024.
Next steps: The anti-greenwashing rule will come into effect from May 31, 2024. Firms can use the investment labels from July 31, 2024. The naming and marketing rules for asset managers come into effect from December 2, 2024.
CFTC issues proposed guidance regarding the listing of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts
The US CFTC has approved a proposed guidance and request for public comment regarding the listing for trading of voluntary carbon credit derivative contracts.
The details: The proposed guidance outlines certain factors a CFTC-regulated exchange, or designated contract market (DCM), should consider when addressing requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations that are relevant to the contract design and listing process.
Important context: This follows two voluntary carbon market convenings where the CFTC brought together industry participants and heard about problems in the voluntary carbon markets and the lack of standardization to address the integrity of voluntary carbon credits.
Deadline for comments: The comment period will end on February 16, 2024.
FCA welcomes the launch of industry code of conduct for ESG ratings and data products providers
The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG) have launched a voluntary code of conduct for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings and data products providers.
For background: In 2022, the FCA appointed the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG) to convene an industry group to develop a globally consistent voluntary code for those providing the third-party data and ratings increasingly relied upon by the market. The FCA, the Treasury and other national and international financial regulators acted as observers as the code was agreed.
The code in summary: In line with IOSCO's recommendations, the code focuses on:
Promoting transparency, good governance, management of conflicts of interest, and strengthening systems and controls in the sector
Playing a key role in increasing transparency and trust in the ESG data and ratings market
Providing a benchmark for any providers that fall outside the scope of potential future regulation
Looking ahead: The implementation period for ESG ratings providers is six months and the implementation period for ESG data products providers is twelve months. Providers are encouraged to sign up to the Code by publishing their Annual Statement of Application and informing ICMA.
FINMA implements NGFS recommendations
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) is taking various measures to implement the relevant recommendations of the Network for Greening the Financial System.
On FINMA's agenda: FISMA's agenda includes the following key initiatives:
Drafting a new FINMA circular on nature-related financial risks, which will apply to banks and insurance companies
In 2024, FINMA will also review whether a revision of the current FINMA disclosure requirements is necessary due to the many developments in the area of climate and sustainability reporting
FINMA will also conduct a data collection exercise for climate risk covering various features and transmission channels of climate risks. The data collection will be carried out for the first time in 2024 and only at larger institutions (supervisory categories 1 to 3)
Australian Treasury launches green bond framework
The Australian Office of Financial Management and federal Treasury issued Australia's Green Bond Framework.
In detail: The Green Bond Framework sets out the Australian Government's key climate change and environmental priorities and outlines how green bonds will be used to finance eligible green expenditures. This includes the basis for identifying, selecting, managing, and reporting on expenditures financed with green bonds. The program will enable investors to back public projects that drive Australia's net zero transformation and support environmental objectives.
Next steps: The first issue of green bonds is expected to occur in mid-2024.
FSOC discusses climate risks in 2023 Annual Report
On climate-related financial risk, the Financial Stability Oversight Committee (FSOC) noted more severe and frequent climate-related events are imposing significant costs on the public and the economy, with economic costs from climate change expected to grow.
The details: FSOC and its member agencies have significantly increased their capacity to evaluate and address climate-related financial risks. FSOC's Climate-related Financial Risk Committee (CFRC) is developing a framework to identify and assess these risks, and the FSOC recommends enhanced coordination of data and risk assessment through the CFRC. FSOC also recommends state and federal agencies continue to coordinate to identify, prioritize, and procure data necessary for monitoring climate-related financial risks. At the same time, financial regulators should continue to promote consistent, comparable, and decision-useful disclosures that allow investors and financial institutions to consider climate-related financial risks in their investment and lending decisions.
Australia makes progress on sustainable finance taxonomy
The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) published two methodology papers as a further step towards the development of Australia's sustainable finance taxonomy.
The papers in sum: The reports outline the key methodological design features of the Australian sustainable finance taxonomy. These features, which have been endorsed by the Taxonomy Technical Expert Group, form the basis on which the Australian taxonomy's technical screening and further qualifying criteria will be developed over the next twelve months.
The first paper sets out the definitions of "green" and "transition", in addition to how sectors and activities will be assessed as eligible or not for inclusion in the taxonomy under one of those two labels
The second paper clarifies the process for determining the other environmental objectives and social considerations in the taxonomy
Consultation ahead: The public consultation for defining the draft criteria under Australia's taxonomy will begin in late March 2024 and run for six months.
HKMA due to launch Hong Kong's green classification framework
HKMA announced that it would very soon release the first version of Hong Kong's green classification framework.
The background: In May 2023, the HKMA released a discussion paper and prototype of a green classification framework setting out its thinking.
What to expect: Hong Kong's green classification framework will help banks and other financial institutions identify environmentally sustainable activities, and then align their business decisions with global climate goals to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Furthermore, HKMA expects that it will continue to expand the sectors and activities covered under the framework such as to include transition activities.
ESAs draft amendments to SFDR technical rules
The ESAs published their draft amendments to the technical rules under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
In detail: The three European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA - ESAs) have published their Final Report amending the draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) to the Delegated Regulation supplementing the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). The ESAs propose adding new social indicators and streamlining the framework for the disclosure of principal adverse impacts of investment decisions on the environment and society.
Additionally, the ESAs propose the following technical revisions to the SFDR Delegated Regulation:
Improvements to the disclosures on how sustainable investments "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) to the environment and society
Simplification of the pre-contractual and periodic disclosure templates for financial products
Other technical adjustments concerning, among others, the treatment of derivatives, the calculation of sustainable investments, and provisions for financial products with underlying investment options
Next steps: The EU Commission will study the draft RTS and decide whether to endorse them within three months.
MAS finalizes Code of Conduct for providers of ESG rating and data products
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) published its finalized Code of Conduct for ESG Rating and Data Product Providers ("CoC").
In detail: The CoC aims to establish baseline industry standards for transparency in methodologies and data sources, governance, and management of conflicts of interest that may compromise the reliability and independence of the products. It builds upon the IOSCO recommendations for good practices for such providers.
The following actions are encouraged:
Providers' self-attestation on the checklist should, where feasible, undergo third party assurance or audit
Providers should disclose their adoption of the CoC and publish their completed checklist within 12 months of publication of the CoC
Going forward: MAS will continue to monitor developments in the industry and the global regulatory landscape when considering any further enhancements to the regulatory regime for such providers.
IOSCO publishes Consultation on Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) and report on supervisory practices to address greenwashing
IOSCO has launched a public consultation outlining a set of Good Practices to promote the integrity and orderly functioning of the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs), as well as a final report on supervisory practices to address greenwashing.
The consultation in detail: IOSCO put forward 21 non-binding good practices that relevant regulators and other authorities or market participants could consider in addressing vulnerabilities in VCMs and enhancing financial integrity. The good practices related to regulatory frameworks, primary market issuance, secondary market trading, and use and disclosure of use of carbon credits. The deadline for comments on the consultation report is March 3, 2024.
The report in detail: The report provides an overview of initiatives undertaken in various jurisdictions to address greenwashing, in line with IOSCO recommendations published in November 2021 and the subsequent call for action in November 2022.
The report presents potential challenges that could hinder the implementation of these recommendations, including data gaps, transparency, quality, and reliability of ESG ratings, consistency in labeling and classification of sustainability-related products, evolving regulatory approaches, and capacity building needs
IOSCO finds that while some of these challenges are currently being addressed, greenwashing remains a fundamental market conduct concern that poses risks to both investor protection and market integrity
Member states and parliament agree on respective negotiating mandates for ESG ratings
On December 20, 2023 the council's member states reached an agreement on its negotiating mandate on a proposal for a regulation on environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings. Earlier this month, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) voted to adopt their position on ESG ratings.
The council's position in detail: The council clarified the circumstances under which ESG ratings fall under the scope of the regulation, providing further details on the applicable exemptions. The member states make the following amendments:
The council clarifies the territorial scope of the regulation, outlining what constitutes operating in the EU, and provides further clarification on the applicable provisions under the endorsement regime
The council also introduces a lighter, temporary and optional registration regime of three years for existing small ESG rating providers and new small markets entrants
Finally, the council introduces the possibility for ESG ratings providers to not have a separate legal entity for certain activities, provided that there is a clear distinction between activities and that they put in place measures to avoid conflicts of interests
The parliament's position in detail: Members of the ECON Committee voted to approve a number of significant changes to the commission's original proposal.
Rating providers should refrain from aggregating the E, S and G scores, as this could obscure poor performance on any of these individual metrics
The adopted report adds provisions to ensure that the rating products should explicitly disclose the rated entity's materiality
ESG rating providers should also disclose information to the public on the methodologies, models and key rating assumptions which those providers use in their ESG rating activities and in each of their ESG ratings products
Next steps: The parliament and the council will meet to begin trilogue negotiations in January.
Platform on Sustainable Finance consults on EU taxonomy-aligned benchmarks
The Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) published for feedback a draft report including proposals for EU taxonomy-aligning benchmarks (TABs).
In summary: The report puts forward two proposals for voluntary benchmarks (TABex & TAB), with an aim to initiate a discourse on the pivotal role the taxonomy could assume in shaping climate and environmental benchmarks. The suggested benchmarks do not discard alternative approaches to leveraging the taxonomy in the development of benchmarks. The proposals are inspired by the success of the EU Paris-Aligned Benchmarks (PABs), which have played a significant role in financing a low-carbon economy since their adoption in 2019.
Potential legislation: The PSF's proposed benchmarks do not constitute a legislative proposal - it will be up to the European Commission to take them forward into legislation based on the PSF's recommendations.
Basel Committee issues consultation on disclosure of climate related financial risks
The Basel Committee has issued a consultation paper on a Pillar 3 disclosure framework for climate-related financial risks. This work forms part of the committee's approach to address climate-related financial risks to the global banking system.
In detail: The committee is analyzing how a Pillar 3 disclosure framework for climate-related financial risks would further its mandate to strengthen the regulation, supervision and practices of banks worldwide with the purpose of enhancing financial stability, and the potential design of such a framework.
The committee's preliminary proposal includes qualitative and quantitative Pillar 3 disclosure requirements that would complement the work of other standard setters, including the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and provide a common disclosure baseline for internationally active banks.
The Committee also proposes a potential implementation date of 1 January 2026 and welcomes views on whether any transitional arrangements would be required.
Feedback welcome: The consultation will close on 29 February 2024.
Proof of concept for Net-Zero Data Public Utility launched at COP28
French President Emmanuel Macron and UN Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions Michael R. Bloomberg announced the proof of concept for the Net-Zero Public Utility (NZDPU) at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The details: Overseen by the Climate Data Steering Committee, the proof of concept will provide an initial set of companies' greenhouse gas emissions data (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 GHG emissions) and emissions reduction targets. CDP will provide core data comprising around 400 high impact companies that disclose publicly through CDP. Over time, the data will expand and the NZDPU ultimately will be integrated into the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's Global Climate Action Portal.
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View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, is proud to be partnering with Dublin City University (DCU) in their innovative Accesseducation program, which provides financial support, internships and mentoring opportunities for students affected by economic and social adversity.
For over 30 years, DCU has delivered Ireland's original and largest university Access Program, enabling more than 1,000 students each year from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their dream of third level education. The program helps raise awareness of higher education opportunities within disadvantaged communities and offers tailored support to students in accessing them.
Under the terms of the partnership, Trane Technologies has agreed to financially contribute to the Access Program over a four-year period, supporting the provision of scholarships as part of a comprehensive package of financial, academic, personal, and professional supports offered to students enrolled in the program. In addition to this, the company will also offer summer internships, and will provide volunteer mentors for the students.
Investing in great potential
Deidra Parrish Williams, Director of Citizenship and Community Engagement for Trane Technologies said, "our company's corporate citizen strategy, Sustainable Futures, perfectly aligns with DCU's Access Program, supporting a new generation of learners who have the potential to transform their lives, and our world. Our vision is to uplift under-represented groups in our community by giving them access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and other sustainability-focused careers. What we choose to invest in today, can help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to not just dream big, but to live out those dreams in the tomorrows yet to come."
Cathy McLoughlin, Head of DCU Access Service added, "the work of the Access Program begins early, through an outreach program that engages with 25 linked post-primary schools in north Dublin communities, to raise student aspirations and awareness of higher education. DCU reserves 10% of all places in our undergraduate courses for Access students, who also receive a comprehensive package of post-entry personal, financial and academic support. We have also developed an additional program called DCU Access to the Workplace that aims to enhance the employability and career prospects of these students by providing them with summer internships, hosted by some of Ireland's leading companies who also partner with us in providing financial support for our Access scholarship program."
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About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes, and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit www.tranetechnologies.com.
About Dublin City University (DCU)
DCU is proud to be one of the world's leading Young Universities, with a mission to transform lives and societies. Through education, research and innovation, we are focused on delivering real impact, and addressing global challenges in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. For more information, visit www.dcu.ie.
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Trane Technologies
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: Trane Technologies
View the original press release on accesswire.com
EQS-News: Marley Spoon Group SE / Key word(s): Personnel
FEDERICO ROSSI BECOMES NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER OF MARLEY SPOON
18.01.2024 / 15:30 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
"We are delighted to welcome Federico to our team. With his strong expertise and track record, he will continue to develop our multi-brand marketing platform, supporting our company growth and strengthening the Marley Spoon brands globally," says Fabian Siegel, Founder & CEO of Marley Spoon.
"As part of the team, I look forward to leveraging my previous experience in marketing and technology to enhance the Marley Spoon brand platform, support the team, and help to take the company to the next level in this exciting industry," says Rossi about his new role.
Federico Rossi brings an impressive track record and more than 12 years of e-commerce, technology, and marketing experience to Marley Spoon. Rossi led Planning, Analytics, AI, Data, Performance Marketing, and CRM at Zalando over his 12 years at the company. His last position was VP Traffic - Performance Marketing and CRM.
About Marley Spoon
Marley Spoon Group SE, is a global direct-to-consumer (DTC) meal-kit company. Our Vision is to "Build a better everyday, just for you, just right". We started Marley Spoon in 2014 to help our customers to cook for their families and deal with their busy lives. We also felt there should be a more sustainable way to cook at home, reducing food waste that traditional supermarket supply chains generate. Marley Spoon currently operates various brands in three regions: Australia, the United States, and Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands). Our meal-kit brands, Marley Spoon, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, and Dinnerly, bring pre-portioned fresh ingredients with tasty and simple recipes and other eating solutions reliably to our customers every week. Our customers just decide what to eat, when to eat, and leave behind the hassle of grocery shopping. Chefgood is our direct-to-consumer ready-to-heat (RTH) service that offers premium-priced, high-quality, healthy, and nutritious RTH meals and eating solutions for our wellness and health-focused customers.
18.01.2024 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.
Archive at www.eqs-news.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Cosa Resources Corp (TSXV: COSA) (OTCQB: COSAF) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #119 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 21 - Monday January 22, 2024.
Notable keynote speakers include former Premier of BC Christy Clark and former Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall. Other keynote speakers will include dozens of globally respected economists, legendary money managers, and investors.
"We are entering a new era of de-globalization. The trust that allowed for global trade over the last 30 years has shifted irreversibly and countries are now scrambling to secure supplies of natural resources as a matter of national security. As a result, demand for key resources, will skyrocket. We have gathered over 300 companies that are exploring for and producing these natural resources so investors can position themselves accordingly," said Jay Martin, Host of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.
For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.
We look forward to seeing you there.
About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference:
The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the epicentre of junior mining investment in Canada for 25 years and attracts over 5000 mining investors annually. Previous years have been attended by former Prime Minister Stephan Harper and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.
The VRIC will include a marketplace of over 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, spanning early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.
For further information:
Keith Bodnarchuk
President and CEO
18888992672
info@cosaresources.ca
www.cosaresources.ca
SOURCE: Cambridge House International
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Investor Technology Group - the makers of Mosaic, the world's leading Digital Deal Modeling platform for private equity investors - today announced the release of Mosaic Vision, the first commercially available financial model reader and translator powered by a combination of OpenAI and Mosaic's proprietary models.
With Mosaic Vision, investors can take a screenshot of financial projections (e.g., from a CIM, pitch book, public company investor presentation, etc.) and by uploading it to Mosaic Vision, be instantly able to (i) adjust growth rates, margins, and other forecast items; (ii) clone upside, base, and downside cases; and (iii) add transaction assumptions to calculate deal returns (e.g., IRR, MOIC, etc.) - all from a static page and without opening a spreadsheet.
"Since inception, our mission at Mosaic has been to shift the mix of investment professionals' time away from tedious, undifferentiated clerical work towards thoughtful business diligence," said Ian Gutwinski, Founder & CEO of Investor Technology Group, and former Principal at Onex Partners. "There's no better example than the tedium of financial data entry and formatting that is the precursor to any model building process. For decades, this exercise has consumed the time and mindshare of countless investment professionals who could have instead been talking to management teams, customers, and suppliers or digging into commercial diligence topics. With the invention of Mosaic Vision, we believe we have unlocked the next wave of productivity in our industry."
As competition for high quality acquisition targets continues to intensify, private equity firms, investment banks, and corporate development teams have been looking to leverage AI-enabled solutions like Mosaic Vision to scour a larger set of opportunities and identify the most promising targets faster without a commensurate step-function increase in headcount.
For more information on the specific functionality mentioned above (and more), see:
https://www.mosaic.pe/blog/unveiling-mosaic-vision
"We're excited to bring this revolutionary technology to the private equity industry in a way that is safe, secure, and responsible." noted Matt Satorius, Mosaic's Chief Technology Officer. "By leveraging Generative AI solely for what it is exceptional at (i.e., data capture and classification) and continuing to drive Mosaic's core calculation engine with deterministic, human-approved rules, investors using Mosaic get the best of both worlds - unparalleled speed without the risk of hidden "hallucination errors" sometimes experienced by Large Language Models."
Mosaic Vision will continue to adhere to the rigorous security and confidentiality standards of its parent company, Investor Technology Group, enforcing encryption at all levels and meeting the SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria for Security. Mosaic Vision will only be trained on public company data collected and managed by Mosaic employees outside of the production environment. Mosaic customer data will not be used to train Mosaic's or OpenAI's models.
For more information on Mosaic Vision, please speak to your Mosaic Account Executive or contact sales@mosaic.pe
About Investor Technology Group
Investor Technology Group is digitizing the private equity front office through its pioneering Digital Deal Modeling platform, Mosaic.
Thousands of the world's best investment professionals at firms managing over half a trillion of assets including Warburg Pincus, CVC, New Mountain Capital, Bridgepoint, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, The Riverside Company, and many more leverage the Mosaic platform to efficiently screen a world of opportunity and identify the handful of investments worthy of their portfolios.
By combining our founding team's deep sector expertise with cutting edge digital technologies - and the collective intelligence of our pioneering user base - we're building the future of private equity. To be a part of that future, visit Mosaic.pe or contact info@mosaic.pe.
Media Contact: info@mosaic.pe
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/investor-technology-group-unveils-mosaic-vision--the-worlds-first-ai-powered-financial-model-reader-302038467.html
Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) forecasts a dynamic acrylic polymer market, propelled by construction growth and rising disposable income but tempered by raw material volatility and environmental regulations. Dive deeper into the intricate dynamics of this burgeoning market and uncover compelling stakeholder opportunities in our comprehensive FMI report
NEWARK, Del., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The Global Market Size For Acrylic Polymer is estimated to be around US$ 683.1 million in 2024. In 2023, the market was valued at US$ 642.6 million, and it is projected to exhibit a growth of 5.9% over the forecast period. The industry is estimated to cross a valuation of US$ 1,200 million by 2034.
Request Exclusive Sample Report: Acrylic Polymer Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-18810
The increasing demand from the construction industry is the key reason for the growth of the acrylic polymer market. The rising disposable income in emerging economies also drives consumer spending on durable and aesthetically pleasing goods, further boosting the demand for acrylic polymer-based products in various consumer applications. However, raw material price volatility poses a challenge, as fluctuations in the prices of acrylic monomers can impact manufacturers' production costs and profit margins.
While driving the adoption of eco-friendly solutions, stringent environmental regulations can also increase compliance costs for industry players. The market's dependency on petrochemical feedstocks makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the oil and gas sector, impacting the overall cost structure of acrylic polymer production.
Manufacturers of acrylic polymers can capitalize on the development of biodegradable alternatives to meet the rising demand for sustainable and biodegradable polymers. The acrylic polymer market is vulnerable to economic downturns, impacting consumer spending and decreasing demand for acrylic polymer-based products across various industries. Fierce competition may lead to pricing pressures, affecting profit margins for companies in the market.
"The development in water-borne acrylic polymer formulations and the exploration of bio-based alternatives reflecting industries' commitment to reducing its environmental footprint," says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.).
Key Takeaways from the Market Study
Water-borne dominates the market with a CAGR of 5.6 during the forecast period.
Polymethyl methacrylate type accounted for a CAGR of 5.7 during the forecast period in the acrylic polymer industry.
The acrylic polymer market is estimated to grow at 5.9% through 2034.
The market for acrylic polymer in the United States is predicted to rise at a whopping 6.1% CAGR through 2034.
The acrylic polymer industry in China has the potential to increase at 6.3% CAGR through 2034.
The Japan acrylic polymer market is likely to rise by 7.4% CAGR through 2034.
The market in South Korea is projected to evolve at a CAGR of 7.2% through 2034.
Competitive Landscape
Acrylic polymer technology is continuously evolving, and key players such as Dow Inc., BASF SE, and Arkema are driving innovation and research in this field. Substantial investments in research and development have contributed to developing advanced formulations that address industry trends and evolving customer needs.
Leading players, like Sumitomo Seika Chemicals and Nippon Shokubai, leverage their strong supply chain networks and global presence to cater to diverse regional demands. This enables them to ensure a steady supply of acrylic polymers worldwide, which ultimately influences market dynamics across different continents.
Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis.
For instance, Roehm unveiled two acrylic-based copolymer compounds, Cyrolite GP-20, and MD zk6, at the 2023 MD&M West trade show on February 9, 2023. These compounds displayed a balance of properties that are ideal for medical devices.
Acrylic Polymer Market Segmentation:
By Type: Polymethyl Methacrylate Sodium Polyacrylate Polyvinyl Acetate Polyacrylamide Others
By Solution Type: Water-Borne Solvent-Borne
By Application: Dentistry Cosmetics Paints & Coatings Cleaning Others
By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania The Middle East and Africa (MEA)
Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here!
About the Author:
Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.
His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.
Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.
Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Chemicals Domain:
Analysis of Acrylic Fibre Market by Staple and Filament Fibre Forms, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
by Staple and Filament Fibre Forms, 2023-2033. - Acrylic Paints Market by Type, Application, End Use & Region | Forecast 2022 to 2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
by Type, Application, End Use & Region | Forecast 2022 to 2032. - Acrylic Foam Tapes Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012 - 2016 and Opportunity Assessment; 2017 - 2027. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
Global Industry Analysis 2012 - 2016 and Opportunity Assessment; 2017 - 2027. - Joint Compound Demand Outlook in Latin America by Ready Mix, Setting Type, and Drying Type, 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
by Ready Mix, Setting Type, and Drying Type, 2023 to 2033. - Coatings and Application Technologies for Robotics Market Analysis by Solvent Borne Coatings, Water Borne Coatings, UV Cure Coatings, and Powder Coatings for 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis helps businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition.
Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/increasing-demand-in-construction-and-a-shift-toward-eco-friendly-formulations-are-thrusting-the-acrylic-polymer-market-302037949.html
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing operations at the company's 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.
Lion One Metals' Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff stated: "2023 was a year of noteworthy accomplishments for Lion One Metals. Within one year we have gone from pouring concrete to pouring gold. We built the entire processing plant at Tuvatu within one year, completed over 2,000 m of underground mine development, drilled over 40,000 m of core, completed Stage 1 of our Tailings Storage Facility, and on October 10th we celebrated with over 1,000 community members, employees, and government officials as we poured our first gold at Tuvatu. We're very proud of our technical team's ability to achieve these significant milestones, especially in such a short period of time."
"In 2024 we expect another watershed year for Lion One Metals. During the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations we will be focusing on the development of the mine and the expansion of the processing plant to 500 TPD. We are pursuing a staged increase in development and the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is a critical step in the continuous improvement of mining and milling at Tuvatu. The knowledge and experience gained during the pilot plant stage of operations will be crucial in achieving long-term success and in optimizing performance at the 500 TPD stage. The goal for 2024 is to have the 500 TPD processing plant in operation by the end of Q3. We will then use the cash flow from our 500 TPD operations to fund the next stage of growth for Lion One, which includes the development of the 500 Zone at Tuvatu, and the advancement of our regional exploration program throughout the Navilawa Caldera, where we intend to discover and develop the next Tuvatu."
Mine Operations
The focus of mining activities during the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations is the development of the underground mine, with the goal of advancing the main decline to the 500 Zone as quickly as is safely possible. A secondary goal during this phase of operations is the development of as many stope access points as feasible in advance of the plant expansion to 500 TPD. A significant portion of the material mined during the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations is therefore expected to be development material.
As mine development has progressed at Tuvatu, additional mineralization has been discovered in areas in Zone 2 that were not previously expected to be mineralized. This includes mineralization associated with stockwork veining as well as entirely new mineralized lodes. Many of the development headings at Tuvatu have been found to contain low-grade gold mineralization. This low-grade development material is ideal for use as feed stock to test the different gold recovery circuits during the initial stages of plant operation. Processing the development material also serves to offset costs during mine development as this material needs to be removed regardless of whether it is mineralized. Most of the mill feed during the start-up of the 300 TPD pilot plant has therefore consisted of low-grade development material. The first production material was extracted on December 13th, 2023, from the URW1 leading edge stope in Zone 2. This stope is located outside the original PEA resource and represents an expansion of the resource.
Mining activities at Tuvatu in 2024 will consist of a mix of handheld and mechanized mining methods. Handheld mining is ideal for narrow vein mining as it is precise and enables the effective development of narrow drives, thereby minimizing dilution. Mechanized mining produces wider voids and results in a considerably higher production rate. It is therefore the preferred alternative for wider zones of mineralization that are not sensitive to dilution. At Tuvatu there are areas more suitable for handheld mining and others more suitable for mechanized mining. The mining method employed will be tailored to the style of mineralization being extracted. Mine development is proceeding in a manner designed to preserve the optionality of switching between mining methods as appropriate. To date, development mining at Tuvatu has progressed using both handheld and mechanized mining, yet production mining has been limited to handheld methods. Mechanized production is scheduled to start in Q1 2024. Production mining refers to the mining of production stopes through which most of the mineralized material will be extracted, whereas development mining refers to all the supporting development required to access the production stopes, such as the declines, access drives, crosscuts, ventilation rises, and so on. While the primary mining objective during the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is development, mine production is anticipated to steadily increase as production mining is introduced and as the number of available production areas increases ahead of the plant expansion to 500 TPD.
Mill Operations
The focus of mill operations during the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is on determining the best methods and parameters required to maximize gold recovery from each type of gold mineralization at Tuvatu. Mill operations to date have consisted of a start-up period and a campaign period with feed from different areas within Zone 2 and Zone 5.
During the start-up period of operations from late October to early December 2023, predominantly low-grade material was put through the mill. This is typical of mill start-ups and is done while identifying and resolving any start-up issues that may be present before ramping up production. It also serves to build the in-process store of gold that is retained within the plant. During the subsequent campaign periods of operation, the focus changed to the metallurgical variability of the gold mineralization. Several different types of mineralization have been identified at Tuvatu, including three different types within Zone 2 and Zone 5. Due to the complexity of the deposit, additional variability in mineralization is anticipated as development progresses deeper into the mine. The campaign period of operations, which began in mid-December, has consisted of processing separate batches of material from specific parts of Zone 2 and Zone 5 to determine how the plant responds in each case. The knowledge gained from these campaigns will be applied to maximize gold recovery from the larger production stopes in these areas. Gold recovery rates during the start-up and campaign periods have been in line with expectations.
In addition to the start-up and campaign activities, mill commissioning and upgrading has been carried out. Commissioning of both the continuous gravity concentrator and the intensive leach circuit has been on hold due to a delayed shipment of component parts from suppliers. Both circuits are expected to be brought on-line by early February. Similarly, the blowers supplied to aerate the CIL tanks and cyanide detoxification circuit were found to be undersized by the supplier. New blowers will be installed, along with new air spargers and diffusion cones to improve the performance of the CIL circuit.
The mill expansion to 500 TPD is scheduled to be complete by the end of Q3 2024. The expansion consists of three main components: a tower mill, a flotation circuit, and a third ball mill. The purpose of the tower mill is to produce a finer grind of concentrates from the continuous gravity concentrator, thereby further increasing recoveries. The tower mill is expected to be on site in February. The flotation circuit is also being added to maximize recoveries, while the third ball mill is required to increase the milling capacity of the plant. Site preparations for both the flotation circuit and the third ball mill are already complete and construction is pending. All three mill components are on schedule for completion and commissioning by the end of Q3 2024, which is a year ahead of the originally scheduled completion date of Q3 2025.
Figure 1. Aerial Views of Tuvatu Processing Plant and Mine Portal, December 2022 and January 2024. Top image: Aerial view in December 2022 shortly after plant construction started. Bottom image: Aerial view in January 2024 after construction is complete and the 300 TPD pilot plant is in operation. These views highlight some of the substantial progress made at Tuvatu throughout 2023.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2178/194707_liononeimage.jpg
Options
The Company also announces it has granted stock options pursuant to its 10% rolling stock option plan to an officer of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at $1.00 per share and expire 5 years from the date of grant.
Qualified Person (NI43-101)
In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company, and has reviewed, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.
About Lion One Metals Limited
Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.
As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO
Contact Information
Investor inquiries: info@liononemetals.com
Phone:1-855-805-1250 (toll free North America)
Website: www.liononemetals.com
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-Looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194707
SOURCE: Lion One Metals Limited
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / The Chemours Company's Belle, West Virginia plant recently awarded a nearly $99,000 Vibrant Community grant to Explore the New Manufacturing as part of the company's commitment to invest $50 million in its communities to increase access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, safety initiatives, and sustainable environment programs by 2030. The investment will directly benefit middle and high school students participating in educational learning programs designed to support STEM, technical careers, and development opportunities to fuel a high-potential, future workforce. The grant will benefit students in Explore's Kanawha Valley and Mid-Ohio Valley hubs.
"As a chemistry company, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals through early access to STEM education and mentoring," said Nicholas Martino Chemours Belle Plant Manager. "This is more important than ever with 800,000 expected job openings in STEM-related fields by 2031."
The Vibrant Communities grant will have a broad impact on Explore's programming, helping the organization to expand engagement throughout the Kanawha and Mid-Ohio areas. Significant enhancement will occur in five program areas:
Explore Academies (field day) and Explore Workshops (in-class) give middle schoolers the opportunity to meet some of the region's manufacturers and learn about how their workers help to produce products for local, national, and international clients.
Manufacturing Day Virtual Lab Series provides all West Virginia middle schools with in-class learning opportunities that have been developed to meet state educational curriculum objectives. The series explores the manufacturing processes, products, and employees who make it all happen.
The Manufacturing Innovation Challenge introduces problem-solving learning projects for high school career and technical education students. Each project allows a group of students working as a team to serve as consultants for a local manufacturing company to solve real-world challenges with real-world solutions.
Emerging Elite in Manufacturing and Outstanding Industry Educator awards annually recognize a select group of West Virginia high school students and technical education teachers who are committed to careers in manufacturing.
Explore the New Manufacturing Educator's Roundtable provides the opportunity to hold in-depth conversations with middle and high school educators who have participated in the Explore Program. Their insight is used to space future educational initiatives, so the program remains on target to assist West Virginia teachers involved in career learning classrooms.
"The Explore Program is grateful for Chemours' generous support," said Executive Director Monica Cross, who oversees the Explore the New Manufacturing program's efforts to create student awareness and excitement about careers in manufacturing and the educational opportunities toward these positions. "We are very excited that Chemours' funding will support the development and release of two 30-minute videos as part of the Manufacturing Day Virtual Lab Series. The new videos, provided to schools in all fifty-five counties, will help middle school students better understand West Virginia products and the diversity of careers necessary to deliver them to consumers around the world. The year ahead of us will be transformative for Explore the New Manufacturing, thanks to Chemours' belief and support of our mission."
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Chemours Company on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: The Chemours Company
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/chemours-company
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: The Chemours Company
View the original press release on accesswire.com
document
President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Inauguration of His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi on January 20, 2024, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Honorable Scott Nathan, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, will lead the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Lucy Tamlyn, United States Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
The Honorable Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development
Ms. Chidi Blyden, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the World Economic Forum's (WEF) innovation platform UpLink today signed two agreements to catalyze innovative global solutions to today's most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118389548/en/
Saudi Arabia expands partnership with World Economic Forum's UpLink platform to catalyze breakthrough innovations, achieve sustainable development goals (Photo: AETOSWire)
Signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos, Switzerland, by His Excellency Faisal F. Alibrahim, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Economy and Planning and Brge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum, the agreements focus on 'Catalyzing Innovation for an Ocean Positive Economy' and 'Catalyzing Innovation for a Positive Circular Carbon Economy (CCE).'
The two agreements aim to foster innovation ecosystems around early-stage impact entrepreneurs to stimulate investments and support for breakthrough solutions that address critical sustainable development challenges including ocean degradation, biodiversity loss, and the circular carbon economy.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) and the WAVE Initiative under FII.
Commenting on the signing of the new agreements at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2024, His Excellency Alibrahim said, "Saudi Arabia is determined to meet this moment of deepening climate and sustainable development challenges with responsible environmental stewardship, and driving transformative investments in breakthrough, innovative and scalable technological solutions.
"By expanding our collaboration with UpLink, we are doubling down on our commitment to support climate-positive solutions that can help build a sustainable and resilient resource future, while unlocking inclusive economic growth opportunities, in line with the Kingdom's commitment to realizing the sustainable development agenda at the national and international level."
John Dutton, Head of UpLink, highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate emergency, underscoring the importance of rapid, coordinated action. "Innovative solutions from early-stage entrepreneurs are crucial for realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.
"UpLink, in partnership with global collaborators, is developing a supportive ecosystem for these entrepreneurs, providing vital resources, exposure, expertise, and funding. This enhanced partnership between UpLink and Saudi Arabia demonstrates the transformative impact of innovation and collaboration."
Building on the MEP-UpLink partnership established in 2022, this new agreement further advances initiatives like the 'Food Ecosystems in Arid Climate Challenge' and the 'Smarter Climate Farmers Challenge,' previously launched with MEWA. These challenges attracted over 430 submissions, leading to 22 winners who were recognized for their innovative and impactful solutions. Winners received funding, global exposure, and access to WEF and partner events.
Source: AETOSWire
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118389548/en/
Contacts:
Wooud Alquaied
walquaied@mep.gov.sa
Calcivis is launching its groundbreaking new preventive dental technology in the United States. The business filed a PMA supplement with the FDA for enhancements to its imaging system last year and the new ergonomic, wireless, handheld imaging device is now approved for commercialization.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118281588/en/
Calcivis device (Photo: Business Wire)
As part of the business' projected growth in the American market, the Scottish-based company has established its US headquarters in Milton, MA and has strengthened its commercial team with the hire of Ronald Frezel as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Jill McGregor as Chief Financial Officer.
The two executives have extensive experience in the dental and medical device space. Mr. Frezel has been responsible for bringing dental products to market in the United States and Europe for more than 20 years and Ms. McGregor has led financial management for multiple early-stage companies in the United Kingdom and in the United States. The US roll out will begin with a limited release launch in the greater Boston area in early 2024.
Adam Christie, CEO at Calcivis, said: "With our US commercial team in place and a very user-friendly, ready for market device, we are confident that the Calcivis Imaging System will significantly improve patient care and enable restorative dentistry to move to a more preventive approach."
Ronald Frezel, VP of Sales and Marketing added: "We are excited to bring the Calcivis Imaging System to market and are planning for our launch at the Yankee Dental Meeting, to be held in Boston January 25-27, 2024. For the first time dental professionals and their patients will be able to visualize active demineralization due to carious lesions in real time, chairside."
The Calcivis Imaging System will revolutionize caries management through early detection which allows for a more preventive treatment model. The ability to visualize active demineralization (an early indicator of decay) 'live' as it happens on patients' teeth, provides crucial insight as to whether a caries lesion is likely to progress and requires treatment.
The imaging system applies a patented photoprotein which, in the presence of free calcium ions released from an actively decaying tooth surface, produces a very short, low level light flash. An integrated intra-oral sensor within the Calcivis imaging device immediately detects the luminescence (light flash) and presents clinicians with a chairside demineralization map. The Calcivis Imaging System is safe and effective for use in adults and children 6 years of age or older and can be used on all accessible coronal tooth surfaces.
Since it was founded in 2012, Calcivis has raised over 18 million in funding. Investors include Archangels, the world's longest-running business angel investment syndicate, which has been involved with the company from the outset, and Scottish Enterprise, Scotland's national economic development agency.
About Calcivis:
Calcivis has developed a completely novel imaging technology that enables clinicians to visualize early signs of active decay, when it can be stopped and potentially reversed, so that patients can be treated before a cavity develops that would require drilling and filling.
For more information visit www.calcivis.com
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118281588/en/
Contacts:
Adam Christie, CEO
Tel: +44-(0)-7795-600571
E-mail: info@calcivis.com
Award-winning solution leverages AI for early detection of wastewater pipeline issues, safeguarding communities and saving billions
Fluid Analytics was named a Top Innovator for their work towards global freshwater conservation, at the World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland. This award is supported through UpLink, the forum's Innovation Ecosystem which offers enabling resources.
"We are honored and excited to be at the World Economic Forum this week with worldwide leaders and to receive this award as a Top Innovator," said Asim R. Bhalerao, chief executive officer of Fluid Analytics. "This challenge is part of the 'Aquapreneur' Innovation Initiative. The use of artificial intelligence by Fluid Analytics to mitigate risks related to wastewater pipeline system failures is a critical part of the solution to make cities and urban environments around the world water resilient."
Within the highly competitive field of the water-focused Zero Water Waste Challenge, which received applications from 192 global companies this year, only ten winners were selected. Of those ten, only two Top Innovator awards were bestowed upon U.S.-based organizations: Fluid Analytics and Membrion, a Seattle-based company.
This challenge calls for innovative water usage approaches to improve freshwater conservation from supply to demand, moving towards zero water waste. In line with the Global Commission of the Economics of Water, this challenge is seizing high potential opportunities to bolster global water conservation by sourcing innovative approaches to water usage that will strengthen freshwater ecosystem resilience from supply to demand.
Fluid Analytics is committed to addressing urban water pollution. The company uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence to ensure cities effectively monitor water and wastewater infrastructure. Through a unique platform, they can monitor infrastructure conditions and the spread of water-borne diseases using unique mathematical and machine-learning models trained on proprietary global datasets. They were also the 2020 recipient of the Imagine H2O Urban Water Challenge award and the 2021 Global Edison Awards, among others.
Access to the World Economic Forum's annual meeting is fiercely sought after, with companies readily enduring a years-long wait for the coveted opportunity to join in person. This intense competition speaks volumes about the immense value placed on engaging with this gathering of major international organizations, a testament to the forum's platform for shaping global agendas and driving impactful change. "Climate change and population growth have made water one of the most stressed resources on this planet. Deploying Fluid Analytics to predict and prevent wastewater pipeline failures has helped our customers significantly reduce the environmental and public-health impact of untreated wastewater," Bhalerao said.
UpLink is the open innovation platform of the World Economic Forum. It is described on the forum's website as a platform "with the ambition to nurture a world where anyone, anywhere, with a high-impact solution for global issues is empowered to scale their action." To drive sustainable freshwater conservation and management, HCL Tech, a multinational information technology consulting company, is partnered with UpLink to create a first-of-its-kind innovation ecosystem that enables water-focused entrepreneurs (Aquapreneurs) to scale and thrive.
About Fluid Analytics, Inc.
Fluid Analytics was founded by Asim R. Bhalerao, Nidhi Jain and Acumen Fellow. The company provides AI solutions for sub-surface wastewater infrastructure inspections to utilities, contractors, and engineering firms, that predict and prevent sanitary sewer system failures. Fluid Analytics has successfully deployed solutions, monitored over 400+ million gallons (1.5B liters) of urban wastewater spills, and enabled the treatment and reuse of 200+ million gallons (800M liters) daily. The company continues to monitor a population of over 17.5 million for water-borne diseases, as an indicator of drinking water contamination caused by untreated wastewater. Its turnkey, solutions-oriented business model empowers cities to sustainably combat water pollution, including sanitary sewer outflow (SSO) and inflow and infiltration (I&I). For more information, visit fluidanalytics.ai.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118825872/en/
Contacts:
Alexa Hess, BPR International
Telephone: (740) 624-2983
Email: alexa@bpr.international
EASTON, PA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Paragon Technologies, Inc. ("Paragon"), a diversified holding company, owning approximately 4.8% of the outstanding shares of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American:OPTT), ("Company") ("OPT"), calls on CEO Phillip Stratmann to immediately substantiate his misleading statements about OPT's future made in the Company's January 17, 2024 press release.
Mr. Stratmann now claims, "OPT expects that recent meaningful contract wins. will enable [OPT] to reach profitability during calendar year 2025 using current capital resources." Yet the supporting slide presentation states that OPT expects to be "EBITDA breakeven, excluding extraordinary expenses , in calendar 2025."
Mr. Stratmann, is it profitability or EBITDA breakeven in 2025 - These are not equivalent terms. Or is that your way of covering yourself given the increasing financial disaster you have created as CEO?
Mr. Stratmann, how will OPT finance itself in 2025? With less than $19 million in cash, and quarterly expenses of $6 to $8 million, OPTT will likely have NO capital resources by the end of 2024. Mr. Stratmann has failed to announce any numerical transparency cost reductions and as we have stated previously, a modest decline in expenses from current levels will likely not be enough to generate any profitability.
As shareholders, we call on Stratmann to explain and demonstrate to shareholders precisely how OPT will indeed reach profitability in 2025 with the current capital resources. Stratmann has yet to announce a numerical and quantifiable cost cutting strategy or provide any projections reflecting how the company plans to achieve what the company is now claiming.
Stratmann also says, "Now that OPT's research and development phase has been substantially completed, we have reallocated headcount towards execution and commercialization. we have built a cutting-edge suite of products that will help drive profitability in calendar year 2025."
In case Mr. Stratmann has forgotten, here are figures taken directly from OPT's SEC fillings:
FY 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 $ millions Sales $ 511,00 $ 632,000 $ 1.7M $ 1.2M $ 1.8 $ 2.7M R&D $ 4.3M $ 5.0M $ 4.3M --- --- --- Expenses $ 7.0M $ 7.6M $ 6.9M $ 12.5M $ 21.5M $ 28.3M
After Mr. Stratmann became CEO in 2021. OPT stopped disclosing R&D spending, leading us to conclude OPT stopped R&D expenditures in 2021.
Now Stratmann tells shareholders R&D is substantially complete? Then why did OPT stop disclosing R&D expenses the same year he became CEO? Why did expenses balloon - more than quadruple in the past four years?
We invite Mr. Stratmann to correct our assertions outlined above by providing the transparency that shareholders deserve and require from their CEOs and board members. We believe Mr. Stratmann has no answers and is only making these statements as a disguised attempt to obtain shareholder support.
The continued absence of a quantifiable and measurable plan from OPT suggests:
Stratmann and OPT have no real, viable strategy. Despite 30 years of failing to commercialize a single product in the private sector, that somehow the government is going to save OPT. So far, the results have been terrible.
Despite 30 years of failing to commercialize a single product in the private sector, that somehow the government is going to save OPT. So far, the results have been terrible. OPT's Board cares only about holding on to their positions , where they are compensated handsomely. They have spent millions of the Company's dollars putting the Company through litigation to deny shareholders a fair and valid election of directors.
, where they are compensated handsomely. They have spent millions of the Company's dollars putting the Company through litigation to deny shareholders a fair and valid election of directors. Given the continuing financial deterioration under CEO Stratmann, the Board has resorted to making vague and misleading statements about OPT's future in a desperate attempt to give shareholders false hope in lieu of a viable plan.
Rather than constructively engage with Paragon and its nominees - who have a proven track record of delivering significant shareholder value from underperforming businesses - OPT's board continues to weaken OPT's financial condition to entrench themselves further.
We believe OPT's Board has continued to take measures and make statements that are self-serving and highly misleading to shareholders. The results speak for themselves.
Paragon asks shareholders to think carefully about whether OPT's CEO and Board can be trusted with the future of the Company if they continue to make critical statements about OPT's future without ever providing numerical substantiation of any of their claims.
OPT is in dire need of change. Please only vote on the BLUE proxy card so we can begin the work and effort that this Board appears incapable of doing.
By voting on Paragon's BLUE universal proxy card, you can send a message to OPT that you do not support their actions in relation to the Annual Meeting and attempting to block the recognition of Paragon's nominees.
Please email us at ir@pgntgroup.com with any questions about how to vote your BLUE proxy card.
We appreciate the support from shareholders thus far. If shareholders have any questions, please contact our Proxy Solicitor, Alliance Advisors at:
Alliance Advisors
200 Broadacres Drive, 3rd Floor
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Toll-Free Phone: 855-200-8651
Email: OPTT@allianceadvisors.com
No matter how many shares you hold, we would like to hear from you. Please email us at ir@pgntgroup.com if you need any help in voting your BLUE proxy.
OPT has said that it will disregard proxy votes in favor of Paragon's director nominees. Whether OPT may lawfully disregard Paragon's director nominees is an issue that Paragon expects will be resolved by the Delaware courts.
Stockholders should review the section of Paragon's proxy statement titled "Questions And Answers Relating To This Proxy Solicitation--Why is OPT saying it will disregard Paragon's director nominations, and how does that impact proxies that stockholders provide to Paragon?"
____________
Paragon Technologies, Inc., together with the other participants named herein, intends to make a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of a proxy statement and an accompanying proxy card to be used to solicit votes for the election of director nominees at the 2023 annual meeting of shareholders of Ocean Power Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "company").
Paragon Technologies, Inc. is the beneficial owner of 2,649,141 shares of common stock of the company, par value $0.001 per share ("common stock").
Paragon Technologies, Inc., and Paragon's director nominees Hesham M. Gad, Shawn M. Harpen, Jack H. Jacobs, and Samuel S. Weiser, will be the participants in the proxy solicitation. Mr. Gad, Executive Chairman of Paragon's Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Paragon, and Messrs. Jacobs and Weiser, directors of Paragon, may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of the company's common stock held by Paragon. Ms. Harpen does not own beneficially or of record any securities of the company. Updated information regarding the participants and their direct and indirect interests in the solicitation, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in Paragon's proxy statement and other materials filed with the SEC.
SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY SHOULD READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL MEETING, PARAGON'S SOLICITATION OF PROXIES AND PARAGON'S NOMINEES TO THE BOARD. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV OR FROM PARAGON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REQUESTS FOR COPIES, WHEN AVAILABLE, SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO PARAGON'S PROXY SOLICITOR.
SOURCE: Paragon Technologies Inc.
View the original press release on accesswire.com
Conference Set for April 23-25 in Dallas, Texas
ATLANTA, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for the Safety in Action conference, which will be held April 23-25, 2024, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. The annual event will celebrate its 37th year and is hosted by DEKRA, a global leader in safety.
The theme for 2024's conference is Holistic Safety: Defining the Future of Safety at Work. The two-day conference will feature over 100 breakout sessions, close to 15 pre-conference development seminars, and two keynote presentations emphasizing practical application, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
Sessions and workshops are focused on nine key areas:
Foundations for the Front Line
Explore Human Performance Reliability
Preventing Serious Injuries and Catastrophic Events
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Holistic Well-Being
Leveraging AI, Analytics, and Technology for Safety
EHS Performance
Best Practices in Operational Risk Management
High-Voltage Safety and Sustainable Energy Transition
"Envisioning a holistic future, our focus is on bringing together people passionate about well-being, safety, technology, and cutting-edge expertise," expressed DEKRA vice president Angelica Grindle, the dynamic force behind the conference. "Uniting thought leaders, we're poised to craft a fresh approach to workplace safety, paving the way for its future and fostering a journey towards safety excellence."
The conference includes a one-day Leadership Summit, where executives can share best practices and discuss current challenges. This year's topic is Connected Leaders & Teams: Safety Engagement Innovation and Benchmarking. It will be an immersive experience in safety innovation, co-created by DEKRA and industry-leading organizations that have innovated how they approach a safer workplace.
"I'm excited to champion this pivotal safety conference - a nexus where innovation, expertise, and commitment converge to shape a future where safety is ingrained into the culture, fostering excellence at every turn," said Ryan Gallagher, senior vice president at DEKRA North America.
With close to 1,500 safety and operations professionals from across industries and continents, Safety in Action is the world's largest privately held front-line employee safety conference. For over 35 years, the conference has provided a forum for supervisors, managers, and leaders to network and learn about industry developments and cutting-edge solutions. For more information, visit www.safetyinaction.com.
About DEKRA North America
DEKRA North America protects people, assets, and our community by providing comprehensive testing, inspection, certification, and consulting services around the globe. DEKRA NORTH AMERICA is a service unit of DEKRA S.E., a global leader in safety since 1925, with nearly 48,000 employees in 60 countries across six continents.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y0iPb7GJQs
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320958/DEKRA_NORTH_AMERICA_Safety_in_Action.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-safety-in-action-conference-opens-registration-302038618.html
Gurit Holding AG / Key word(s): Conference/Sustainability
Gurit Announced as Finalist in JEC Composites Innovation Awards 2024
18.01.2024 / 17:45 CET/CEST
Zurich, January 18, 2024
Gurit (SIX Swiss Exchange: GURN) proudly announces its nomination as a finalist for the JEC Composites Innovation Awards 2024, in the Maritime Transportation and Shipbuilding category.
In partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and McConaghy Boats, Gurit's advanced composite materials and structural engineering helped to pioneer the revolutionary hydrogen powered chase boats for America's Cup teams.
Gurit's collaboration with ETNZ, the driving force behind the introduction of zero-emission vessels for the America's Cup, along with McConaghy Boats, represents an exceptional synergy of expertise. ETNZ undertook the detailed design, naval architecture, foils, systems integration, and software development, while Gurit Composite Engineers used FEA model optimization to help develop a lightweight, structurally continuous hatch which included ventilation, resulting in the distinctive triangular pattern seen in the side decks of the boat. This structure is designed to ensure maximum flexibility in the design and installation of the hydrogen fuel cell and supporting systems. With the prototype vessel successfully demonstrated, McConaghy Boats then produced the production version while making the technology available to the race committee and other teams.
This prototype and further production of hydrogen chase boats demonstrates the possibilities for wider adoption of zero-emission technology for other marine applications such as high-speed ferries and high-speed commercial vessels, to decarbonize these forms of transport.
Gurit is honored to be recognized as one of three finalists out of a rigorous selection process from hundreds of submissions in the JEC Innovation Awards 2024 and remains committed to promoting sustainable solutions in maritime transport and shipbuilding.
The award ceremony will take place on February 8, 2024 in Paris, France. Gurit experts will be present at the JEC World exhibition in Paris, March 5 - 7, 2023 in hall 5A, booth K20.
About Gurit
The subsidiaries of Gurit Holding AG, Wattwil/Switzerland, (SIX Swiss Exchange: GURN) are specialized in the development and manufacture of advanced composite materials, composite tooling equipment and core kitting services. The product range comprises structural core materials, structural profiles, prepregs, formulated products such as adhesives and resins as well as structural composite engineering. Gurit supplies global growth markets such as the wind turbine industry, marine, building and many more. Gurit operates production sites and offices in Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Ecuador, India, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
www.gurit.com
Gurit Group Communications
Phone: +41 44 316 15 50, e-mail: investor (at) gurit.com
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
Forward-looking statements:
To the extent that this announcement contains forward-looking statements, such statements are based on assumptions, planning and forecasts at the time of publication of this announcement. Forward-looking statements always involve uncertainties. Business and economic risks and developments, the conduct of competitors, political decisions and other factors may cause the actual results to be materially different from the assumptions, planning and forecasts at the time of publication of this announcement. Therefore, Gurit Holding AG does not assume any responsibility relating to forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.
The above resources may be used free of charge for editorial purposes directly related to the contents of this media release.
All rights remain with the respective copyright holders.
End of Media Release
TheArtFactory creates gala weddings for couples who want to get married in the same spaces where Steven Spielberg filmed West Side Story, Disney filmed Doctor Strange, Martin Scorsese filmed The Irishman, and Chopped filmed Season 50 "Playing with Fire", amongst others.
PATERSON, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / TheArtFactory announces that couples can now have their wedding in TheArtFactory, known as the go-to film location on the East Coast, attracting movie giants including Spielberg, Scorsese, Disney, Universal, Netflix, Paramount, NBC, and HBO, as well as music industry giants, including Bon Jovi, Alice in Chains, DJ Khalid, DMC, French Montana, Thalia, Sony, and Atlantic Records. Its versatile and visually stunning spaces have set the stage for countless productions, making it a coveted choice for storytellers and creatives.
'Chopped' at TheArtFactory
Art Factory Film Weddings
Steven Spielberg's West Side Story was filmed in TheArtFactory's "International" venue. Recognized for its unique blend of historical charm and modern innovation, TheArtFactory served as the ideal canvas for Spielberg's vision. Spielberg's decision to shoot West Side Story at TheArtFactory reflects a harmonious fusion of art and culture, providing an enchanting backdrop for this timeless tale of love and rivalry.
TheArtFactory's "Hemp venue" was the stage and filming location for Season 50 of the Food Network's Chopped. For eight exhilarating episodes of "Chopped: Playing with Fire," viewers were not only captivated by the culinary showdown but also left in awe of the expansive factory space that deviated from the usual Chopped filming location.
Another Disney production at TheArtFactory was Marvel's Doctor Strange, utilizing the authentic backdrops of the "International" and "Jute" venues.
TheArtFactory's "EpicPrime" venue, with its attached cobblestoned courtyard, was the location for HBO's Plot Against America, along with many more productions and major music videos.
Each couple is the star at their custom movie-set wedding at TheArtFactory.
Contact Information
David Garsia
General Manager
create.artfactory@gmail.com
973-405-7350
SOURCE: TheArtFactory
View the original press release on newswire.com.
Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares
PR Newswire
LONDON, United Kingdom, January 18
For immediate release
18 January 2024
FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC
(the "Company")
MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES
The Company announces that it has today purchased 109,672 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 832.83 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 17 January 2023.
Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 27,560,257; 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 197,431,046.
The figure of 197,431,046 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
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company"), the nickel development company, is pleased to confirm the appointment of Nicholas (Nick) Michael as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect.
Paul Smith, Chair of the Board, said: "I am delighted to welcome Nick to Horizonte's Board. He brings considerable experience within the mining industry, particularly in technical diligence and engineering. We will be drawing on this extensive knowledge as Horizonte continues its review of the outstanding capital expenditure and schedule for the Araguaia project, in addition to capitalising on his skills as we progress discussions with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders as part of a full funding solution for the project."
About Nicholas Michael
Mr Michael has over 37 years of experience in the mining industry, including ferronickel in Brazil, as a successful Technical Director, having retired from Orion Resource Partners in 2023 where he held the position of VP Technical Services. Nick has been involved in the design and construction process, technical diligence and has acted as an independent engineer (for investors) across multiple mines globally.
Mr Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining & Extractive Metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Willamette University, Oregon, and is a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration.
On appointment, Mr Michael is not considered to be an independent director of the Company for the purposes of the QCA Corporate Governance Code by reason of him representing a significant shareholder of the Company, Orion Resource Partners.
For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:
Horizonte Minerals plc
Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@horizonteminerals.com
+44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)
Ross Allister
David McKeown
Bhavesh Patel +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker)
Thomas Rider
Pascal Lussier Duquette
Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Barclays (Joint Broker)
Philip Lindop
Richard Bassingthwaighte +44 (0)20 7623 2323 Tavistock (Financial PR)
Jos Simson
Cath Drummond +44 (0) 20 7920 3150
Regulatory
The following information is disclosed under Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies ("AIM Rules") and Schedule Two Paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules:
Nicholas Michael, aged 62, is or has been a director of the following companies in the past five years:
Current Directorships Past Directorships (within the last five years) N/A N/A
There is no further information which is required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of Nicholas Michael.
Mr Michael does not hold any ordinary shares nor options over ordinary shares in the Company.
ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS
Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/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. 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, Glencore and Orion Mine Finance.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Except 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 with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. 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 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.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals PLC
View the original press release on accesswire.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Antea Group
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their long-lasting nature, have raised alarms in public health circles and environmental regulatory bodies. Their ability to resist degradation, coupled with their potential to accumulate in the environment and human tissue, has led to an urgent call for more stringent oversight.
In recent years, the environmental and regulatory landscape has witnessed a significant shift toward the inclusion of PFAS within NPDES permits. This move underscores a growing awareness and concern about the widespread presence and persistence of PFAS in the environment.
We've put together a primer to explain how these changes may impact organizations and municipalities that require NPDES permits for stormwater discharge management.
Understanding PFAS and NPDES Permitting
What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s. Known for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil, PFAS are commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing.
However, their chemical stability, which makes them useful in products, also means they do not break down in the environment or the human body, leading to potential health risks and environmental concerns.
What is NPDES permitting?
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, established under the Clean Water Act, is a critical component of the United States' efforts to preserve water quality.
NPDES permits are required for any entity discharging pollutants into waters of the United States. These permits set limits on what can be discharged and mandate monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. By controlling the direct discharge of pollutants into navigable waters, NPDES permits play a vital role in protecting water quality and public health.
Impact on various entities
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Permits
These permits apply to certain municipal storm sewer systems. MS4 permits are designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from these systems to the maximum extent practicable, safeguarding local water bodies.
Industrial Stormwater Permits
Industrial facilities, due to their potential to contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff, are generally required to obtain NPDES permits. These permits aim to minimize the impact of industrial activities on water quality through measures like implementing stormwater pollution prevention plans.
Construction Stormwater Permits
Construction sites can significantly impact water quality due to sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff. NPDES permits for construction activities are designed to reduce sediment and control other pollutants from these sites, ensuring that construction projects maintain adherence to water quality standards.
Managing PFAS in Stormwater Discharge
The integration of PFAS monitoring and management into some NPDES permits marks a significant step in environmental regulation. This integration is driven by the need to address the growing concern over the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment and their potential health impacts. However, keep in mind, not all stormwater NPDES permits include PFAS regulations yet. Moving forward, it is likely that more and more permits will include PFAS requirements, so this is just a peek of what the future could hold.
The inclusion of PFAS in NPDES permits involves several key components:
Setting discharge limits: Some NPDES permits are being revised to include specific limits on the concentration of PFAS allowed in discharge waters. These limits are based on state and federal guidelines and scientific studies concerning the environmental and health risks of PFAS.
Some NPDES permits are being revised to include specific limits on the concentration of PFAS allowed in discharge waters. These limits are based on state and federal guidelines and scientific studies concerning the environmental and health risks of PFAS. Enhanced monitoring requirements: Again, some permit holders are now required to conduct regular monitoring of their discharges for the presence of PFAS. This involves collecting and analyzing samples using approved methods to ensure that PFAS concentrations stay below the permitted levels.
Again, some permit holders are now required to conduct regular monitoring of their discharges for the presence of PFAS. This involves collecting and analyzing samples using approved methods to ensure that PFAS concentrations stay below the permitted levels. Reporting and compliance: Entities subject to these revised NPDES permits must report their PFAS monitoring results to regulatory agencies. Failure to comply with PFAS limits and monitoring requirements can result in penalties, reinforcing the importance of effective PFAS management strategies.
Entities subject to these revised NPDES permits must report their PFAS monitoring results to regulatory agencies. Failure to comply with PFAS limits and monitoring requirements can result in penalties, reinforcing the importance of effective PFAS management strategies. Risk assessment and reduction strategies: Permittees are encouraged to assess the sources of PFAS in their operations and implement measures to reduce PFAS discharge. This may include changes in materials, processes, or treatment technologies.
States leading the charge in PFAS management
Several states have already taken proactive steps toward incorporating PFAS management and monitoring into their wastewater treatment plant discharges. While this is not the same thing as stormwater, this offers a good glimpse into the future, as it is likely more and more companies will do the same thing for their stormwater monitoring.
Michigan
Maine
New Hampshire
California
Massachusetts
This list is representative of states who have implemented action around PFAS and NPDES permitting, but should not be viewed as exhaustive. Always check with your state and local regulatory agencies to confirm permitting requirements.
As scientific understanding and public awareness of PFAS risks continue to grow, more states are expected to follow suit, expanding PFAS regulation into their NPDES permit programs. As such, industries and municipalities need to stay informed and prepared for new compliance requirements.
Tips and Best Practices for Navigating PFAS Regulatory Changes
Understanding the implications of PFAS, whether you manufacture them or not, is critical. Here are key tips and best practices to help businesses prepare for these anticipated changes.
Broaden your regulatory perspective
It's a common misconception that regulations around PFAS only apply to manufacturers or direct users of these substances. However, PFAS can be present in many products and processes, even in trace amounts. Companies should evaluate their potential exposure to PFAS regulations, recognizing that indirect involvement with these substances may still necessitate compliance measures.
Utilize specialized tools for PFAS management
Antea Group's Desktop PFAS Screening Tool offers a valuable resource for companies to assess their risk and exposure to PFAS. This tool is designed to help businesses understand their PFAS footprint, guiding them in making informed decisions about managing these substances. Utilize this tool to gain a comprehensive view of your PFAS-related risks and responsibilities.
Leverage regulatory dashboards
Staying current with regulatory changes is crucial. Antea Group's PFAS dashboard provides real-time updates and insights into regulatory trends and requirements, helping companies stay ahead of compliance issues.
Consider professional assistance for sample collection
Understanding your company's PFAS profile is imperative. While Antea Group can assist with sample collection and analysis, it's important to establish a clear plan for how to address potential PFAS contamination. Regular testing and monitoring can provide critical insights into the presence and concentration of PFAS in your operations.
Examine your supply chain thoroughly
Investigate both intentional and unintentional sources of PFAS in your supply chain. As regulatory scrutiny increases, being aware of the entire lifecycle of your products, including raw materials and manufacturing processes, becomes essential. The EPA's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program has updated its reporting requirements for PFAS, which can be a useful reference for understanding regulatory expectations.
By staying informed, utilizing specialized tools, and proactively examining operations and supply chains, companies and municipalities can effectively navigate the changing regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS.
For support on PFAS monitoring in your stormwater management strategy, connect with our team of experts today.
View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Antea Group on 3blmedia.com.
Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Antea Group
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group
Email: info@3blmedia.com
SOURCE: Antea Group
View the original press release on accesswire.com
Kenyan Cult Leader Mackenzie Charged With Child Torture, Cruelty
Shakahola cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 38 co-accused persons have denied charges of child cruelty and infringement of children's before the Tononoka Children's Court.
Mackenzie and fellow suspects, facing 16 counts, including child torture, allegedly committed the offences between 2020 and 2023 in Shakahola Forest.
On January 23, Mackenzie, together with his wife and 93 other co-accused, were charged with manslaughter in a Mombasa court.
Mackenzie who led the Good News International Church, allegedly ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children to death so that they could go to heaven before the world ended. He was arrested in April 2023 after the gruesome discovery was made.
Investors in crypto profit from lower fees compared to the world of traditional investment assets
PRAGUE, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The realm of crypto exchanges is experiencing profound changes. Alongside introducing new features, key players are drastically reducing their fees. BITmarkets, one of the crypto exchanges featured in Trader Magazine's Top 5 Crypto Exchanges Guide, has recently made a bold move by eliminating spot trading fees altogether.
This development highlights the crypto industry's disruptive potential towards traditional finance. Even the fees of around 0.1%, as charged by another market leader, Bybit, are merely a fraction of what retail customers typically pay to banks or brokers for standard investment orders.
Only time will show whether the elimination of fees will become the standard in crypto markets, or if the current fee war is a temporary phase before market consolidation, similar to what we have seen in traditional finance after the emergence of new market players, and integration and widespread adoption of digital technologies in this industry.
Analysts at Trader Magazine have identified five major crypto exchanges that cater to the broad needs of crypto traders and investors. The analysis examines how these exchanges meet critical security requirements, deemed the alpha and omega of any sensible trader, and compares the crypto trading fees they offer.
The Crypto Exchange Fee Ranking is regularly updated.
Contact: info@trader-magazine.com
During its five years of existence, trader-magazine.com has become an influential international portal for financial education with a focus on investments and crypto markets. Currently, it is published in six language versions, providing daily updated news, reviews, warnings, and educational articles relevant to investors worldwide.
The trader-magazine.com website is owned and operated by Almina Corp a.s.
Disclaimer
The information on trader-magazine.com does not serve as an investment or trading recommendation. The server operator, Almina Corp a.s., is not a registered broker, investment advisor, or broker. The financial products offered by the companies listed on this site pose a high risk and can lead to the loss of all your funds. When trading financial instruments, including but not limited to stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other derivatives such as CFDs, consider whether you understand their mechanisms and be aware of the high risk of losing your funds.
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Redde Northgate Plc - Transaction in Own Shares
PR Newswire
LONDON, United Kingdom, January 18
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
18 January 2024
REDDE NORTHGATE PLC
("Redde Northgate" or the "Group" or the "Company")
Transaction in Own Shares
Redde Northgate plc (LSE:REDD) announces that on 18 January 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 : 50,000 Weighted average purchase price paid : 343.25 pence per share Highest purchase price paid : 343.5 pence per share Lowest purchase price paid : 343 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 17,965,071 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 228,126,352 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 Purchases - Individual Transactions (as at 18 January 2024)
Number of shares
purchased Transaction price
(GB pence per share) Time of transaction Transaction reference number Venue 25,000 25,000 343.00 343.50 09:55:39 15:30:56 00068504274TRLO0 00068518326TRLO0 LSE 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:
Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) forecasts a robust future for the biological indicator vial market, driven by its vital role in validating sterilization procedures and increasing emphasis on quality assurance. Dive deeper into the intricate dynamics of this burgeoning market and uncover compelling stakeholder opportunities in our comprehensive FMI report
NEWARK, Del., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Biological Indicator Vial Market is poised for significant growth, with its size expected to increase from US$ 163.3 million in 2024 to US$ 265.9 million by 2034. During this period, a modest 5.0% CAGR in the demand for biological indicator vials is projected to drive this expansion.
Request Exclusive Sample Report: Biological Indicator Vials Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6240
Biological indicator vials are in high demand, which emphasizes their critical function as test devices containing live bacteria that have a known resistance to particular sterilizing procedures. These vials are significant in supplying information regarding whether the prerequisites for eradicating a given quantity of germs during a given sterilizing procedure have been satisfied.
Biological indicator vials play an integral part in satisfying the changing needs of enterprises. This is particularly evident as organizations prioritize efficient sterilizing procedures due to the convergence of technical advancement and dependability demands. Moreover, increasing healthcare infrastructure development creates a conducive environment for the market to thrive.
The requirement for quality assurance further propels the biological indicator vial market expansion. Healthcare institutions are emphasizing upholding the highest standards of quality in an environment where patient safety and infection control are critical. Biological Indicator Vials are becoming a growing trend because they meet the demand for quality assurance by offering a way to validate sterilizing methods.
"The outlook for the biological indicator vial market appears bright, driven by significant technological strides. Innovations like fluorescence readout, rapid-read BIs, SPR devices, and flexible bioelectronics tech are poised to reshape the industry. These developments, which show how open the market is to new technology, portend a bright future." according to Ismail Sutaria (Lead Consultant, Packaging and Materials).
Key Takeaways from the Biological Indicator Vial Market
Between 2019 and 2023, the biological indicator vial industry recorded a CAGR of 3.0%.
The biological indicator vial industry in China is estimated to witness prominent growth with a projected 5.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, driven by the increasing emphasis on healthcare infrastructure development
France's biological indicator vial industry is projected to follow closely with an estimated 3.2% CAGR through 2034, attributed to a growing demand for quality assurance in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Japan's biological indicator vial industry is likely to exhibit a 2.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, affected by a growing emphasis on precision and reliability in sterilization processes
The biological indicator vial market in the United States is likely to show a steady 2.5% CAGR between 2024 and 2034, influenced by the ongoing advancements in medical research and technology.
Germany's biological indicator vial industry is projected to develop at 2.1% CAGR through 2034, propelled by an increasing focus on patient safety and infection prevention.
Key Players and Strategies for Success in the Biological Indicator Vial Market
Companies strategically differentiate by prioritizing innovation as well as investing in robust research and development for advanced technologies. The competitive landscape is shaped by collaborative initiatives, fostering partnerships across the industry. Market players also concentrate on global market penetration. They focus on adapting to diverse regulatory landscapes. Product offers are backed by strict quality control procedures, which increase the trust of the customer. The synergy of inventive solutions, strategic alliances, and stringent quality assurance defines a competitive market environment.
Key Biological Indicator Vial Market Players
3M Company
VWR Corporation
STERIS plc.
Mesa Labs, Inc.
Siltex Australia (c)
CertoClav Sterilizer GmbH
ParaSure Limited
Purchase this report now to get key companies with their Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis.
Recent Developments in the Biological Indicator Vial Market
For 3M Attest Rapid Readout Biological Indicator 1295, 3M has been granted marketing clearance. The purpose of this biological indicator is to observe the sterilizing procedures using vaporized hydrogen peroxide regularly.
With Canada-based surgical supplies manufacturer Keir Surgical Ltd., Terragene formed a business alliance. The company plans to make its biological indicators for steam and plasma sterilization as well as instant-read steam biological indicators available through this cooperation.
Key Segments in the Biological Indicator Vial Market Report:
By Incubation Time: Up to 24 hours 24 to 32 hours 32 to 48 hours Above 48 hours
By Sterilization Type: Steam sterilization Ethylene oxide sterilization
By End Use: Food & Beverages Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Others
By Region: North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa
Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here!
About the Author:
Ismail Sutaria (Lead Consultant, Packaging and Materials) has over 8 years of experience in market research and consulting in the packaging & materials industry. Ismail's strength lies in identifying key challenges faced by the client and offering logical and actionable insights to equip the clients with strategic decision-making power.
Ismail has been an instrumental part of several transformational consulting assignments. His key skills include competitive benchmarking, opportunity assessment, macroeconomic analysis, and business transformation advisory. Ismail is an MBA holder in Marketing and has a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics.
Ismail is a regular at industry conferences and expos and has been widely covered in electronic and print media. He is a Speaker at our upcoming Talk show - Rise of the Intelligent Packaging. Ismail has been quoted in leading publications, including the European Pharmaceutical Review and the European Adhesive Tape Association.
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Tinplate Packaging Market Forecast by Containers and Lids Product Type from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
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Analysis by Plastic, Paper, and Aluminum from 2023 to 2033. - Fabric Cutting Machine Market Forecast by Manual, Semi-Automatic, and Automatic from 2024 to 2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF.
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the United Kingdom, the United States, and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis helps businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition.
Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.
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Istanbul, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - CoinTR, is pleased to announce that former Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey, Murat Uysal, has officially joined the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Murat Uysal served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey from 2016 and later assumed the role of Governor in 2019, making outstanding contributions to Turkey's monetary policy and financial stability during his tenure.
Murat Uysal
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In his statement regarding joining CoinTR, Murat Uysal emphasized the innovative power and potential of combining blockchain technology with traditional finance. He expressed his confidence in CoinTR's technological infrastructure, skilled human resources, talents, and the experienced team in traditional finance. Uysal stated, "We will work to create a secure, efficient, and leading digital financial infrastructure for Turkey and support the country's digital transformation."
CoinTR CEO Ali Eselioglu, in his statement about Murat Uysal's joining CoinTR, expressed great honor and joy. He highlighted Uysal's superior experience in the Central Bank and finance industry, which will bring valuable insights and leadership to their brand and team. Eselioglu emphasized the commitment to continue working together under Uysal's leadership for more innovative steps in the development of the digital asset industry and to create additional value for the sector and customers in building the blockchain financial infrastructure.
Previously, four senior officials from banks and regulatory institutions had already joined CoinTR, holding key positions. This includes Sakir Ercan, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Financial Monitoring in Turkey; Mehmet Emin, former Vice President of Vakif Bank at the Central Bank of Turkey; Ali Eselioglu, former Deputy Head of the Market Department at the Central Bank of Turkey; and Yakup Demir, former Deputy Head of Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency in Turkey.
The "Official team" of Turkey has repeatedly joined CoinTR due to its unique positioning and mission.
CoinTR CEO Ali Eselioglu previously stated, "Keeping USD reserves in Turkey, as well as USD stablecoins, protecting the assets of Turkish citizens, and reducing Turkey's outflow of foreign exchange will be an important mission and business innovation direction for CoinTR. This goal cannot be achieved by a single exchange alone. CoinTR will collaborate extensively with traditional financial sectors and actively experiment in regulatory sandboxes. Our vision is to create a blockchain-based financial infrastructure for Turkey and the Middle East, fostering positive growth in the blockchain industry in Turkey."
About CoinTR:
CoinTR is a global digital asset exchange located in Turkey, founded by a team of product and technology experts. As of now, CoinTR has accumulated over 1 million users, with a daily trading volume reaching $300 million. CoinTR has brought together wallet security teams from the three largest exchanges globally, including over 100 product and technology experts, with approximately 80% of employees having over three years of experience in the world's leading exchange industry. Its wallet system has been running smoothly for eight years, maintaining a high security record in the industry, managing digital assets worth over $50 billion.
Media contact name: Ali Eselioglu
Email: Business@CoinTR.com
Company: CoinTR
Country/city: Turkey\Istanbul
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194575
SOURCE: Asiacryptos
BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Xeventy, a pioneering force in the realm of decentralized finance, is set to revolutionize traditional financial services with the launch of the world's first AI-powered crypto mobile payment and investment platform. This innovative platform seamlessly integrates the complexities of both the fiat and crypto worlds, ushering in a new era of financial freedom and convenience.
At the core of Xeventy's groundbreaking offering is an advanced AI-driven platform that transforms the way users interact with mobile payments and investments. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, Xeventy provides intelligent assistance that enhances user interactions, offering personalized recommendations and predictive insights. This forward-looking approach ensures a smarter and more intuitive financial experience for users.
Xeventy's unique features include a comprehensive investment platform that grants users access to a variety of investment products. Pioneering crypto fund products set the platform apart, providing users with a distinctive and engaging investment experience. Additionally, Xeventy enables mobile payments through widely used platforms such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, offering users the ability to spend both fiat and cryptocurrencies effortlessly.
The platform further facilitates decentralized money transfer, allowing users to transfer funds to anyone, anywhere, with just a few clicks. Powered by blockchain technology, this process ensures simplicity, safety, and instant transactions.
Security and privacy are paramount in the Xeventy ecosystem. The platform employs cutting-edge measures, including personal data encryption through an AI-powered Personal Data Vault. This ensures the secure storage of encrypted personal data, with KYC verification history immutably recorded on the blockchain using hash technology.
Xeventy's commitment to economic sustainability is evident through its utility and governance features. The XVT token serves as the utility token within the ecosystem, enabling transactions, accessing premium features, and allowing users to participate in governance decisions. Staking programs, buyback mechanisms, and governance participation opportunities contribute to the overall sustainability and value appreciation of the XVT token.
As Xeventy embarks on this transformative journey, it reaffirms its dedication to continuous assessment and adjustments to the tokenomics model. This commitment ensures economic sustainability, alignment with community interests, and the long-term viability of the Xeventy ecosystem.
For more information, please visit xeventy.net.
About Xeventy: Xeventy is a trailblazing decentralized finance project that aims to redefine financial services by seamlessly integrating the fiat and crypto worlds. Through its AI-powered platform, Xeventy provides users with intelligent assistance, comprehensive investment options, and secure mobile payment solutions.
Media Contact:
Florian Bumgarner
contact@xeventy.net
About Xeventy: Xeventy is a trailblazing decentralized finance project that aims to redefine financial services by seamlessly integrating the fiat and crypto worlds. Through its AI-powered platform, Xeventy provides users with intelligent assistance, comprehensive investment options, and secure mobile payment solutions. SOURCE: Xeventy Network
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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - In a recent social media exchange, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly criticized 'Shark Tank' star Mark Cuban for his views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. The argument was sparked by an essay written by Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager and donor to Harvard University, in which he opposed DEI. Ackman's essay was published following the resignation of Claudine Gay, the first Black president of Harvard, who faced criticism for her appointment due to the university's 'focus on diversity' rather than her qualifications or ability. Musk shared the essay and said, 'DEI is just another word for racism,' expressing his agreement with Ackman's viewpoints. Whoever uses it should be ashamed.' Cuban, however, disagreed with Musk, emphasizing the positive impact of DEI initiatives and responding with a series of tweets outlining the benefits. Musk then criticized United Aviate Academy's diversity goal, which aimed to have '50% of enrolled students who are women and/or people of color.' He wrote, 'The airline industry can't find enough qualified pilots even without insane DEI requirements!' Later, Cuban refuted Musk's statement, stating that the objective only applied to the airline's training facility and not the airline itself. Musk, however, continued to discount Cuban's justification and retorted, 'You are a liar.' This heated exchange highlights the differing opinions on DEI within the business community. DEI initiatives are questioned for their effectiveness and alignment with merit-based principles by some, including Musk, who sees them as potentially discriminatory or counterproductive. Others, such as Cuban, contend that DEI can vastly improve and boost a competitive edge in the industry by allowing it to access a wide range of talent. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Resouro Strategic Metals Inc. (TSXV: RSM) (FSE: 8TX) ("Resouro" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on activities at the Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium project in Brazil ("Tiros Project" or "Project").
Key highlights from recent assays received include;
38 metres at 6,444 ppm TREO with 1,524 ppm NdPr and 17.5% TiO2 from 40m (Aircore)
34 metres at 4,216 ppm TREO with 1,020 ppm NdPr and 10.6% TiO2 from 24m (Aircore)
28 metres at 4,585 ppm TREO with 1,012 ppm NdPr and 12.7% TiO2 from 29m (Aircore)
12 metres at 8,150 ppm TREO with 1,575 ppm NdPr and 20% TiO2 from surface (Auger)
10.5 metres at 7,181 ppm TREO including 2,222 ppm NdPr and 17.5% TiO2 from surface (Auger)
14 metres at 4,340 ppm TREO with 911 ppm NdPr and 12.1% TiO2 from 29m (Auger)
In summary, the 518 samples taken from the 13 holes (AC and Auger) in the recent campaign produced (see figures 1 - 3)
83% of the samples had a TREO grade above 3,000 ppm;
84% of the samples had a NdPr grade of over 500 ppm; and
85% of samples had a TiO2 grade of over 10%.
Note: The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
Commenting on the significance of these high-grade assays results from Tiros, CEO and President of Resouro, Chris Eager, said:
"We are extremely pleased with the assay results from the recent drilling campaign at Tiros, which demonstrate both the highest grades (TREO, NdPr and TiO2) and thicknesses we have seen at the project to date. Drilling to date has consistently demonstrated thick intercepts of high-grade TREO and TiO2. The latest results continue to indicate Tiros could be a globally significant REE and TiO2 project."
Figure 1: Grade Distribution of Total Rare Earth Oxides from drilling results received to date from the Tiros Project
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_3867efcbd41a6a59_002full.jpg
Figure 2: Grade Distribution of NdPr Rare Earth from drilling results received to date from the Tiros Project (Note: The distribution percentages outlined)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_3867efcbd41a6a59_003full.jpg
Figure 3: Grade Distribution of Titanium Dioxide from drilling results received to date from the Tiros Project
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_3867efcbd41a6a59_004full.jpg
Resouro has focused drilling on the Tiros Centre (see figure 5) which covers 44 km2 in the centre of the Tiros Project with its northern tenements (Tiros North) also producing excellent results. The Tiros Centre covers approximately 9.5% of the total 477 km2 of the Tiros Project. The program includes Air- Core, Diamond and Auger drilling, all to provide data for a maiden Resource Estimation.
Resouro has now completed 257m over 25 auger holes, 1,562m over 30 Air-Core holes and, 1,634m over 26 Diamond holes, excluding historical drilling by Vincenza and Iluka with 950m over 20 holes of Air-Core drilling and 1 diamond drill hole at 82m by Vincenza. The assay results published in this release are the first of significant number of drill samples currently in the laboratory for assay.
The recent results from Tiros confirm the Company's technical analysis of the geology showing a high grade REE and Tio2 resource below overburden in the plateaus of the regional Capacete Formation indicating a relative homogeneous globally significant high grade ore body as indicated in figure 4 below.
Figure 4: a typical resource section of the Tiros Project across the plateaus of the Capacete Formation.
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_3867efcbd41a6a59_005full.jpg
Figure 5: Tiros Tenements Location Map (left) and current drilling program hole locations on Tiros central (right)
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_3867efcbd41a6a59_006full.jpg
Quality Assurance Quality Control
A QA/QC program is in place for every batch of samples sent to the laboratory including blanks, different types of standards, for REE and titanium, and also field duplicates. Further, a number of samples in each batch are later chosen for testing in a secondary laboratory and in the primary laboratory, as pulp or coarse duplicates.
Qualified Person ("QP")
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Rodrigo Mello B.Sc. Geology, FAusIMM and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr Mello has reviewed and verified the drilling and assay data included in this announcement.
Important Notice
The Company refers to its release on SEDAR Plus on 17 August 2023 titled "Resouro Completes Historical Desktop Study Including Historical Resource at Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium Project in Brazil" (Release), which included disclosures regarding the Company's initial resource target and historical resource estimates.
The Company advises that the initial resource target and resource estimates table disclosed in the Release were not compliant with either the standards prescribed by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects or the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. The Company retracts that information and advises that investors should not rely on the retracted information in assessing the Company's Tiros Rare Earths and Titanium Project or for any investment decision.
Figure 6 - Grade Profile from Selected Air-Core and Auger Holes
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_figure6resouro.jpg
Figure 7: Typical Diamond Drill Core from Tiros Showing Capacete Formation Clays
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5944/194740_figure7resouro.jpg
Tiros Acquisition Update
Further to the Company's recent announcements regarding the acquisition of Tiros, the Company is pleased to advise that it is closing out the final states of the acquisition with one of the key requirements, being the approval of the issue of 4 million options to the Company's President & CEO, Chris Eager, approved by shareholders at the special meeting held earlier this week with the results summarised below. The remaining outstanding items relate to the submission of a NI 43-101 technical report in relation to the Tiros Project and a report on the Project's title and accompanying opinion to that effect. These matters will be rounded out in coming days and, subject to confirmation by the TSXV that the documents submitted are satisfactory, the Company will formally proceed to close the acquisition and issue the consideration equity.
Meeting Results
Further to the Company's news release dated December 22, 2023, on January 16, 2024, the shareholders of the Company were asked to approve, among other matters, a new stock option plan (the "Amended and Restated Option Plan") at a special meeting of the shareholders (the "Meeting").
At the Meeting, four resolutions were placed before the shareholders. The first of which was a resolution requiring ordinary and disinterested shareholder approval to amend the stock option plan, to, among other things, permit the Company to issue stock options exercisable for up to 14,193,752 common shares of the Company, being 20% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as at the date of the management information circular in respect of the Meeting (the "First Resolution"). The second, a resolution requiring two separate disinterested shareholder approvals of the grant of 4,000,000 options with an exercise price of $0.20 per Common Share (the "Options") to Christopher Eager, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "Second Resolution"). The third, a resolution requiring disinterested shareholder approval of the issuance of additional options equal to up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company to Insiders of the Company, as such term is defined by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, within the 12 month period following the Meeting, in excess of the grant of the Options (the "Third Resolution"). The fourth, a resolution requiring disinterested shareholder approval of the issuance of additional options equal to up to 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company to Christopher Eager within the 12 month period, following the Meeting, in excess of the grant of the Options (the "Fourth Resolution").
A total of 25,305,276 Common Shares, or 99.99% of the votes cast at the Meeting by holders of Common Shares present or represented by proxy were cast in favour of the First Resolution with respect to the ordinary resolution approval required. 7,149,527 Common Shares, or 99.99% of the votes cast at the Meeting by holders of Common Shares present or represented by proxy were cast in favour of the First Resolution with respect to the disinterested approval required. Similarly, a total of 7,149,527 Common Shares, or 99.99% of the votes cast at the Meeting by holders of Common Shares present or represented by proxy were cast in favour of the Second Resolution, Third Resolution and Fourth Resolution with respect to each of the levels of disinterested approval required for each of the relevant resolutions.
Details of all matters voted upon at the Meeting are provided in the management information circular in respect of the Meeting, a copy of which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile.
About the Company
Resouro is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in Brazil, including the Tiros Project in Minas Gerais and the Novo Mundo Gold Project in Mato Grosso. The Tiros Project represents 25 mineral concessions totaling 477 km2 located in the state of Minas Gerais, one of the most infrastructurally developed states of Brazil, 350 km from Belo Horizonte, the state capital.
This announcement has been authorised by Mr. Chis Eager, on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Chris Eager, President & CEO
RESOURO STRATEGIC METALS INC.
For further information, please contact the Company at:
+1 416 642-1807 (Principal Office - Toronto, Canada)
Chris Eager, CEO
chris.eager@resouro.com
Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward- looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation and environmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required, including obtaining conditional and final acceptance of the TSXV; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; liabilities inherent in the mining industry; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; geological, technical, processing and transportation problems; changes in tax laws and incentive programs; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities of the Company in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities of the Company in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
Selected High Grade Drilling Intervals to Date
HOLE-ID Type FROM TO Thickness TREO ppm NdPr ppm TiO2% ACTIR-02 AC 36 42 6 1,986 377 10.23 ACTIR-03 AC 44 48 4 3,082 393 13.01 ACTIR-04 AC 37 51 14 4,125 822 11.83 includes AC 46 49 3 8,478 1,924 22.27 ACTIR-05 AC 36 47 11 2,530 409 11.71 ACTIR-08 AC 44 55 11 3,382 516 15.77 includes AC 53 55 2 5,986 1,163 22.39 ACTIR-09 AC 13 28 15 4,873 1,027 17.00 includes AC 16 25 9 6,728 1,489 21.62 ACTIR-10 AC 26 39 13 4,599 980 16.73 includes AC 31 36 5 7,268 1,763 22.57 ACTIR-11 AC 11 53 42 4,116 866 16.47 includes AC 13 22 9 6,014 1,162 20.20 ACTIR-12 AC 51 60 9 5,521 1,136 17.12 includes AC 53 60 7 6,587 1,368 19.22 ACTIR-13 AC 29 36 7 2,865 659 8.78 ACTIR-14 AC 31 35 4 2,629 535 10.06 ACTIR-16 AC 30 51 21 3,334 726 11.23 includes AC 38 41 3 5,948 1,277 21.39 ACTIR-18 AC 22 33 11 4,933 1,047 14.25 includes AC 29 32 3 8,147 1,995 22.96 ACTIR-20 AC 13 27 14 5,495 1,220 15.19 includes AC 21 25 4 10,421 2,567 22.43 ACTIR-21 AC 29 43 13 4,340 911 12.13 ACTIR-22 AC 23 58 32 4,120 996 10.35 ACTIR-23 AC 29 57 28 4,585 1,012 12.74 ACTIR-24 AC 34 78 44 5,739 1,356 15.44 includes AC 43 53 10 10,703 2,491 22.95 FT-01 Auger 0 6 6 4,189 501 20.56 includes Auger 1 6 5 4,184 488 21.30 FT-02 Auger 0 11 11 5,253 1,056 15.26 includes Auger 8 11 3 6,671 1,979 17.62 FT-03 Auger 0 6 6 4,058 1,103 15.03 includes Auger 2 4 2 4,712 1,156 19.96 FT-04 Auger 3 15 12 6,699 1,330 19.41 FT-05 Auger 2 9 7 3,455 774 10.92 FT-07 Auger 0 2 2 3,610 802 10.82
HOLE-ID Type FROM TO Thickness TREO ppm NdPr ppm TiO2% FT-09 Auger 3 11 8 5,768 1,085 16.03 includes Auger 5 9 4 7,952 1,453 21.82 FT-10 Auger 7 10 3 3,143 250 8.76 FT-11 Auger 0 10.5 10.5 7,181 2,222 10.47 FT-14 Auger 12 15 3 662 105 9.37 FT-15 Auger 3 16 13 1,846 264 9.92 FT-16 Auger 0 13 13 1,546 209 7.20 FT-18 Auger 2 9 7 2,508 467 7.66 FT-19 Auger 0 11 11 4,131 1,010 8.78 FT-20 Auger 6 7 1 223 11 6.14 FT-21 Auger 0 2 2 1,882 145 4.65 FT-23 Auger 0 11 11 5,155 952 14.03 includes Auger 7 11 4 9,087 1,940 21.47 FT-24 Auger 0 15 15 3,885 665 13.01 includes Auger 10 13 3 6,498 1,394 18.74 FT-25 Auger 0 12 12 8,150 1,575 20.10 includes Auger 2 12 10 8,710 1,760 21.50 PMC-FD-0074 Core 20.3 72.2 51.9 3,608 820 11.73 includes Core 24.9 32.1 7.2 8,382 1,782 23.27
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-002
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 36 37 10.05 817 165 37 38 7.41 1,502 299 38 39 10.07 2,148 410 39 40 10.22 1,711 313 40 41 11.03 2,469 445 41 42 12.61 3,271 628 Average Grade 10.23 1,986 377 Metres 6
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-003
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 44 45 10.32 2,007 86 45 46 11.21 2,050 226 46 47 13.96 5,498 869 47 48 16.56 2,771 391 Average Grade 13.01 3,082 393 Metres 4
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-004
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 37 38 10.54 2,073 220 38 39 6.98 1,881 122 39 40 9.81 2,119 290 40 41 11.68 1,730 199 41 42 6.40 1,697 248 42 43 7.31 2,434 471 43 44 8.45 2,625 655 44 45 7.73 2,330 544 45 46 10.49 7,880 1,103 46 47 25.00 10,380 2,082 47 48 18.67 6,810 1,886 48 49 23.14 8,243 1,804 49 50 11.64 4,714 1,312 50 51 7.78 2,831 566 Average Grade 11.83 4,125 822 Metres 14
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-005
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 36 37 11.58 1,574 177 37 38 11.54 1,515 184 38 39 9.03 1,182 150 39 40 9.90 1,642 171 40 41 12.42 2,231 375 41 42 12.72 3,312 538 42 43 12.74 2,838 519 43 44 10.67 2,562 455 44 45 11.99 2,827 494 45 46 12.13 3,627 594 46 47 14.07 4,523 845 Average Grade 11.71 2,530 409 Metres 11
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-008
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 44 45 6.43 725 59 45 46 9.65 1,134 101 46 47 11.25 1,592 182 47 48 24.29 4,927 954 48 49 10.74 2,720 408 49 50 18.38 3,740 450 50 51 19.28 4,220 319 51 52 15.19 2,630 310 52 53 13.54 3,545 570 53 54 25.00 7,178 1,490 54 55 19.77 4,794 837 Average Grade 15.77 3,382 516 Metres 11
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-009
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 13 14 6.58 648 44 14 15 9.41 2,128 124 15 16 9.29 2,077 199 16 17 18.77 2,444 275 17 18 18.46 2,886 373 18 19 17.08 3,505 548 19 20 18.27 4,972 968 20 21 25.00 10,468 2,596 21 22 23.83 8,369 1,961 22 23 25.00 10,619 2,518 23 24 25.00 11,197 2,659 24 25 23.19 6,092 1,506 25 26 9.43 2,154 490 26 27 12.74 2,795 597 27 28 12.93 2,741 542 Average Grade 17.00 4,873 1,027 Metres 15
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-010
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 26 27 14.31 2,103 73 27 28 15.93 2,404 146 28 29 16.53 3,941 602 29 30 15.72 2,942 380 30 31 14.89 3,517 404 31 32 19.90 5,210 1,051 32 33 25.00 6,680 1,834 33 34 19.81 5,297 1,442 34 35 23.16 10,000 2,294 35 36 25.00 9,154 2,192 36 37 12.02 3,551 836 37 38 5.11 1,560 443 38 39 10.15 3,427 1,040 Average Grade 16.73 4,599 980 Metres 13
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-011
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 11
12 12
13 16.66 2,354 371 15.30 2,841 462 13 14 19.47 2,135 334 14 15 12.65 1,639 226 15 16 14.10 4,894 669 16 17 20.84 6,729 1,526 17 18 25.00 11,611 2,368 18 19 21.45 6,699 1,314 19 20 23.87 6,749 1,315 20 21 24.12 8,621 1,622 21 22 20.34 5,049 1,085 22 23 13.45 3,476 580 23 24 7.08 1,280 210 24 25 9.08 1,299 204 25 26 11.80 5,580 630 26 27 14.83 4,201 819 27 28 13.78 3,752 531 28 29 18.39 3,863 768 29 30 16.86 5,568 1,221 30 31 15.24 7,002 1,446 31 32 15.69 8,158 2,079 32 33 20.46 6,704 1,821 33 34 14.63 6,195 1,560 34 35 13.93 3,408 840 35 36 12.97 2,946 674 36 37 16.42 2,763 635 37 38 16.42 2,308 562 38 39 16.23 2,856 722 39 40 15.33 3,362 868 40 41 11.69 3,017 753 41 42 16.77 2,341 563 42 43 18.69 3,011 735 43 44 20.33 3,265 816 44 45 20.31 2,924 698 45 46 17.21 2,668 590 46 47 17.35 2,958 634 47 48 19.35 3,085 661 48 49 17.62 3,401 884 49 50 12.68 3,799 976 51 52 12.23 2,550 427 52 53 18.65 2,935 506 50 51 - 114 2- .65 2,863 676 Average Grade 16.47 4,116 866
Tiros Air-Core Hole - AC-TIR-012
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 51 52 8.34 1,154 198 52 53 11.14 2,427 446 53 54 18.97 8,031 1,591 54 55 14.55 4,965 942 55 56 22.25 8,874 1,708 56 57 20.33 6,793 1,350 57 58 19.02 5,824 1,233 58 59 19.50 5,931 1,340 59 60 19.94 5,690 1,413 Average Grade 17.12 5,521 1,136 Metres 9
Tiros Air Core Hole - AC-TIR-0013
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 29 30 8.08 2,891 678 30 31 8.30 3,483 787 31 32 9.19 3,088 710 32 33 9.52 3,072 699 33 34 9.40 2,585 590 34 35 8.56 2,573 604 35 36 8.39 2,362 543 Average Grade 8.78 2,865 659 Metres 7
Tiros Aircore Hole - AC-TIR-0014
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 31 32 10.79 1,220 203 32 33 9.78 1,150 188 33 34 10.17 1,597 277 34 35 9.48 6,547 1,472 Average Grade 10.06 2,629 535 Metres 4
Tiros Aircore Hole - AC-TIR-0018
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 22 23 7.78 1,635 356 23 24 8.33 2,111 458 24 25 8.39 2,509 417 25 26 10.58 3,145 504 26 27 12.88 4,676 577 27 28 11.68 4,621 790 28 29 12.00 5,154 820 29 30 25.00 9,530 2,148 30 31 23.49 8,070 1,968 31 32 20.39 6,842 1,870 32 33 16.24 5,970 1,604 34 35 9.59 2,931 698 35 36 6.99 2,520 622 36 37 7.10 4,275 630 37 38 7.49 2,517 686 38 39 10.84 4,127 1,083 39 40 10.40 4,604 1,247 40 41 8.93 3,977 1,100 41 42 6.42 2,818 788 Average Grade 11.82 4,317 967 Metres 20
Tiros Aire Core Hole - AC-TIR-0021
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 29 30 8.18 842 142 30 31 7.05 845 147 31 32 12.90 5,296 835 32 33 18.93 5,424 907 33 34 14.50 4,539 765 34 35 17.64 7,817 1,631 35 36 11.19 3,565 658 36 37 10.28 3,911 804 37 38 14.50 3,822 870 38 39 8.39 4,429 1,005 40 41 10.58 3,767 920 41 42 13.92 6,728 1,739 42 43 9.61 5,440 1,425 Average Grade 12.13 4,340 911 Metres 14
Tiros Aircore Hole - AC-TIR-0022
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 23 24 3.68 1,160 233 24 25 6.67 1,128 202 25 26 8.57 1,034 172 26 27 8.69 1,342 233 27 28 7.90 1,538 277 28 29 13.33 1,804 309 29 30 14.88 2,662 463 30 31 14.68 4,484 588 31 32 22.47 8,939 2,068 32 33 16.18 5,813 1,305 33 34 14.37 5,224 1,299 34 35 15.38 5,827 1,435 35 36 7.36 4,539 1,062 36 37 7.75 4,498 1,173 37 38 12.26 7,201 2,074 38 39 10.70 6,927 1,575 39 40 6.26 2,903 679 40 41 8.47 3,954 895 41 42 8.77 4,279 1,240 42 43 7.90 4,276 1,232 43 44 8.70 5,141 1,563 44 45 7.32 6,503 1,797 45 46 10.92 4,150 1,116 46 47 7.70 4,108 992 47 48 10.87 5,757 1,471 48 49 8.28 5,247 1,353 49 50 11.32 5,430 1,374 50 51 14.97 5,219 1,207 51 52 0.09 23 9 55 56 8.78 2,883 643 56 57 13.74 4,120 960 57 58 12.11 3,744 861 Average Grade 10.35 4,120 996 Metres 35
Tiros Airecore Hole - AC-TIR-0023
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 29 30 8.80 1,174 269 30 31 14.81 1,436 264 31 32 15.89 3,314 639 32 33 13.11 3,805 741 33 34 14.38 3,045 550 34 35 14.15 4,681 701 35 36 16.93 6,936 1,453 36 37 25.00 12,309 2,303 37 38 25.00 10,789 2,343 38 39 22.96 7,432 1,613 39 40 9.89 3,646 845 40 41 9.21 3,697 912 41 42 10.44 5,000 1,430 42 43 9.91 3,559 1,099 43 44 13.40 5,337 1,252 44 45 7.75 4,956 1,288 45 46 8.66 5,124 1,161 46 47 10.66 5,059 1,166 47 48 8.73 3,680 809 48 49 9.88 4,060 899 49 50 11.43 3,891 884 50 51 10.61 4,144 891 51 52 9.57 3,725 799 52 53 14.14 4,710 1,111 53 54 8.43 2,951 690 54 55 9.98 3,178 754 55 56 10.21 3,052 710 56 57 12.85 3,691 771 Average Grade 12.74 4,585 1,012 Metres 28
Tiros Aircore Hole - AC-TIR-0020
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 13 14 11.49 1,513 208 14 15 15.66 2,946 451 15 16 12.53 2,032 325 16 17 12.59 3,887 585 17 18 14.39 3,949 626 18 19 12.28 3,271 452 19 20 14.09 4,649 867 20 21 17.70 7,697 1,986 21 22 18.44 8,588 1,984 22 23 25.00 11,987 2,884 23 24 24.22 10,949 2,796 24 25 22.07 10,160 2,605 25 26 5.55 2,652 653 26 27 6.65 2,650 661 33 34 6.63 1,782 469 34 35 7.69 3,364 956 35 36 11.83 6,359 1,995 36 37 10.76 5,968 1,612 37 38 6.74 3,277 778 38 39 9.14 4,403 994 39 40 10.15 3,587 828 40 41 9.17 2,879 654 41 42 7.67 2,493 581 42 43 8.58 2,535 589 43 44 10.31 2,928 690 44 45 8.71 2,370 547 45 46 8.27 2,493 578 46 47 11.46 3,121 730 47 48 9.10 2,594 612 48 49 12.53 3,524 850 49 50 8.42 2,182 522 50 51 12.33 3,311 753 51 52 10.12 2,458 571 52 53 11.05 2,637 596 53 54 11.17 3,026 719 Average Grade 11.84 4,121 963 Metres 41
Tiros Air Core Hole - AC-TIR-0024
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 40 41 8.71 4,417 974 41 42 12.88 1,889 397 42 43 13.87 3,502 742 43 44 21.76 5,666 1,210 44 45 17.75 9,267 2,137 45 46 25.00 7,817 1,637 46 47 25.00 10,173 2,427 47 48 25.00 15,152 3,626 48 49 25.00 17,775 4,368 49 50 25.00 16,960 3,960 50 51 22.76 9,088 2,058 51 52 18.65 6,764 1,532 52 53 23.57 8,365 1,951 53 54 12.49 4,472 996 54 55 9.43 3,240 726 55 56 12.49 2,901 707 56 57 17.33 4,131 1,044 57 58 9.11 3,054 729 58 59 14.83 4,366 994 59 60 16.31 4,708 1,127 60 61 15.03 5,386 1,131 61 62 17.81 5,600 1,224 62 63 12.58 4,210 911 63 64 9.16 3,663 829 64 65 13.08 6,030 1,487 65 66 13.03 4,846 1,231 66 67 13.65 5,866 1,319 67 68 14.96 7,281 1,815 68 69 13.06 5,583 1,487 69 70 16.59 5,678 1,468 70 71 14.49 5,475 1,489 71 72 19.83 5,704 1,437 72 73 19.19 5,286 1,290 73 74 16.52 5,268 1,319 74 75 18.78 5,769 1,446 75 76 23.30 6,343 1,548 76 77 24.83 7,055 1,685 77 78 20.36 6,082 1,470 Average Grade 17.19 6,443 1,524 Metres 38
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-01 FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 0 1 16.86 4,215 566 1 2 19.83 4,673 570 2 3 20.70 4,208 486 3 4 20.09 4,422 501 4 5 20.89 3,931 470 5 6 25.00 3,686 416 Average Grade 20.56 4,189 501 Metres 6
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-02
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 0 1 12.64 5,617 544 1 2 15.91 4,960 580 2 3 14.01 4,597 632 3 4 14.28 4,623 508 4 5 15.96 4,293 745 5 6 14.39 4,648 777 6 7 14.10 4,415 924 7 8 13.77 4,615 972 8 9 18.05 4,713 1,016 9 10 16.78 5,017 1,175 10 11 18.02 10,283 3,745 Average Grade 15.26 5,253 1,056 Metres 11
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-03
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 0 1 15.04 3,251 811 1 2 17.80 6,675 2,153 2 3 21.43 4,645 1,051 3 4 18.48 4,779 1,261 4 5 10.67 2,999 805 5 6 6.78 1,997 539 Average Grade 15.03 4,058 1,103 Metres 6
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-04
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 3 4 6.84 1,220 83 4 5 15.43 3,125 383 5 6 18.20 3,476 372 6 7 19.83 3,581 445 7 8 14.17 3,818 507 8 9 25.00 10,070 2,203 9 10 22.13 9,796 1,833 10 11 24.51 9,711 2,322 11 12 25.00 8,991 1,930 12 13 25.00 10,161 2,471 13 14 25.00 10,166 2,424 14 15 11.84 6,272 992 Average Grade 19.41 6,699 1,330 Metres 12
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-05
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 2 3 13.98 4,547 895 3 4 11.30 3,972 954 4 5 10.56 4,326 1,008 5 6 8.95 2,640 612 6 7 11.98 3,140 717 7 8 10.28 2,732 627 8 9 9.41 2,827 606 Average Grade 10.92 3,455 774 Metres 7
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-07
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 0 1
12.22 4,065 907 1 2
9.42 3,155 697 Average Grade 10.82 3,610 802 Metres 2
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-09
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 3 4 7.08 1,932 263 4 5 12.82 4,244 524 5 6 18.35 4,943 690 6 7 25.00 10,397 1,972 7 8 23.01 10,340 1,687 8 9 20.90 6,127 1,466 9 10 11.11 3,606 874 10 11 9.97 4,552 1,204 Average Grade 16.03 5,768 1,085 Metres 8
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-10
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 7 8 7.26 2,374 145 8 9 9.84 2,275 280 9 10 9.18 4,779 324 Average Grade 8.76 3,143 250 Metres 3
Tiros Auger Hole - FT-11
FROM TO TiO2% TREOppm NdPrOxide 0 1 16.69 5,234 934 1 2 9.90 5,035 1,211 2 3 10.43 5,652 1,573 3 4 10.93 7,709 3,173 4 5 10.68 6,651 2,183 5 6 10.38 6,548 1,956 6 7 10.73 7,846 1,933 7 8 8.70 9,536 3,380 8 9 8.73 9,026 2,937 9 10 10.40 9,068 3,108 10 10.5 7.59 6,682 2,051 Average Grade 10.47 7,181 2,222 Metres 10.5
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194740
SOURCE: Resouro Strategic Metals Inc.
Organizations join forces to offer digital transformation solutions and full stack energy services at competitive rates; AIQ CEO Blake Wetzel to speak at Abundant IoT Annual Sales Kickoff January 25
SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / AIQ (www.aiq.co), a leading technology-enabled cost management and profitability improvement company backed by Copley Equity Partners, announced it has entered into a partnership agreement with Abundant IoT, a global provider of IoT technology solutions. Through this arrangement, the two companies will work together to help enterprises deploy advanced IoT technology combined with full stack energy services at the lowest possible negotiated cost.
To kick start the partnership, AIQ chief executive officer Blake Wetzel will join a panel of experts at Abundant IoT's annual sales kickoff event to discuss strategies for delivering strategic value and cost savings to clients. The session takes place January 25 at 3:30 p.m. at the Abundant IoT demo site in Malibu, California.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, AIQ provides end-to-end technology vendor assessment, procurement, and negotiation services to large enterprises around the world. Through AIQ's proprietary reverse-auction process, clients have enjoyed supplier savings of 44 percent, on average, since the company's inception 20 years ago. AIQ handles all facets of the procurement process, including vendor identification and vetting, reverse auctions and direct negotiations, finalizing terms and conditions, and executing contracts. AIQ's clients organically increase enterprise value and improve their cash positions without having to reduce headcount, slash budgets, or secure external funding.
"We are excited to partner with the Abundant IoT team, who have been recognized for their creativity in helping businesses access superior IoT and comprehensive energy solutions," said Wetzel. "We believe our relationship with Abundant IoT will translate into many benefits for companies that are looking to leverage the power of these technologies at price points that are highly attractive."
Based in Malibu, California, Abundant IoT is a pioneering player in the Internet of Things (IoT) space with its unique energy integration, eIoT. Distinguished by its portfolio of sustainable IoT ecosystems encompassing connectivity, mobility, and energy solutions, the company stands out through its award-winning eIoT, focusing on recurring revenue services and its ability to help with ESG and smart city consulting.
"AIQ's patented procurement and reverse auction process is considered the gold standard for technology expense reduction," stated Vince Bradley, chief executive officer of Abundant IoT. "We are eager to work side-by-side with AIQ and help our clients maximize their technology stack at the best available price."
For more information about AIQ, please visit www.aiq.co. For more information about Abundant IoT, please visit http://www.abundantiot.com or to register for the Abundant IoT Kickoff event, please visit https://abundantiot.com/2024-kickoff-registration/.
About AIQ:
For over 20 years, the AIQ team has helped clients increase their enterprise value and operating cash by materially reducing IT costs. AIQ is backed by Boston-based private equity firm Copley Equity Partners. AIQ specializes in creating industry-leading savings of technology-centric IT services in over a hundred categories, such as cloud, SaaS, digitization, and big data, through the application of its unique tools, expertise, and business processes. Its patented technology and business process platform ensures maximum savings for clients, while measurably improving quality and service levels from IT suppliers.www.aiq.co
About Copley Equity Partners:
Established in 2012, Copley is a private investment firm with offices in Denver and Boston. Copley partners with growing, lower-middle market private companies. The firm invests out of an evergreen, single-family office capital base and is comfortable in both majority and minority ownership positions. Copley's patient and flexible capital base allows the firm to provide each portfolio company significant support post investment. www.copleyequity.com
Media Contact:
Glenn Goldberg
Parallel Communications, Inc.
ggoldberg@parallelpr.com
??: @Parallel_PR
516-776-3282
SOURCE: AIQ
View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Myriad Uranium Corp. (CSE: M) (OTCQB: MYRUF) (FSE: C3Q) ("Myriad" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Jim Davis, renowned geologist and the pre-eminent authority on Copper Mountain and its uranium endowment, has joined the Company's Technical Committee.
Myriad's CEO, Thomas Lamb, commented, "On October 31, 2023 we announced historic resource estimates and resource targets relating to Copper Mountain. These estimates and targets were the product of C$100 million in exploration and development spend by Union Pacific during the 1970s. Much of this work was led by Jim Davis, and we are delighted he is joining our Technical Committee. He is already helping us thoroughly understand the large trove of data we recently obtained and the exciting potential of Copper Mountain."
Figure 1, The Copper Mountain Project
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6301/194760_9fe50549941418be_002full.jpg
Mr. Davis was educated at the University of Wyoming and MIT. His first discovery as a young geologist was the Arrowhead Uranium Mine located at the centre of Copper Mountain (see Figure 1 above). Arrowhead produced 500,000 lbs eU3O8 during the 1950s and 60s and may still contain a significant resource. Mr. Davis subsequently led Union Pacific's extensive exploration at Copper Mountain, leading to the discovery of the Canning Deposit and several others in the district. During his career Mr. Davis has discovered a number of uranium deposits, several of which have become producing mines, and has also made a number of significant gold discoveries. He was Chief Consulting Geologist for Neutron Energy (now part of enCore), a previous owner of part of Copper Mountain. Over the years he has consulted for Freeport, Kennecott, several other mining companies, and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Mr. Davis commented, "It's not generally known that the amenability of the North Canning uranium deposit [at Copper Mountain] is quite good. The real possibility of processing the uranium into yellowcake or high-grade concentrate is intriguing. The highly uraniferous Copper Mountain granite also provides a potential source for significant deposits elsewhere in the district. I am enthused to be part of your exploration program. After many decades of working and making discoveries there in the district I am optimistic for more to come."
Thomas Lamb continued, "Copper Mountain might be an operating uranium mine today - given its significant historical resource and big exploration upside - if not for Three Mile Island. Our job as management is to make production and new discoveries a reality. We have the ingredients. Historical estimates and exploration targets are there. We are well on our way to assembling a remarkable team of sector experts, including several true uranium experts who worked for leading companies and know Copper Mountain intimately. It is no mean feat for a junior to accomplish this in the United States, which has not had a particularly active uranium sector for many decades, and therefore has a very limited pool of homegrown experts. Our technical team, which includes David Miller, George van der Walt, and now Jim Davis, has extensive experience finding, developing, and operating conventional and ISR mines with Orano, Freeport, Kennecott, Peninsula, and other leading companies. On top of this, we are located in the centre of the best possible jurisdiction. For those who don't know, Wyoming accounts for about 65% of domestic uranium supply. However 95% of the uranium that fuels U.S. reactors is currently imported from foreign sources. That is set to change, and Wyoming is going to boom as a result. You may have seen recent headlines such as "Wyoming goes nuclear: Cowboy State is set to see uranium mining boom". This is because Congress passed a bill in December 2023 that would require the US to source a portion of its nuclear fuel domestically. Another bill that aims to block all Russian imports of uranium by 2028 was before the Senate in mid-December. The uranium price is rising fast. These bipartisan bills and full endorsement of nuclear power at the COP28 UN climate conference in Dubai, have helped electrify an already fast-rising uranium spot price to $106, a sixteen-year high."
In a 2010 report for Neutron Energy Mr. Davis and a co-author noted that there is "World class potential in the "brownfield" exploration and expansion of the district. The Copper Mountain Uranium District has an enormous uranium endowment in the granites which make up the core of the Owl Creek mountain range. This uranium endowment, mobilised by extensive hydrothermal solutions acting within a complex structural system and demonstrated host situations, represents an attractive potential for large uranium deposits based on world class models, including the French granites: Nabarlek, Australia, and Beaverlodge, Canada. This conclusion is based on our own mapping and studies of historical data, enhanced by extensive data developed and published since the last exploration in the district 30 years ago. Characteristics such as hydrothermal alteration which had not previously been factored into exploration, let alone recognized, now enable us to visualize a greater number of deposit types and potential targetsthe major uranium deposits have yet to be evaluated."
Qualified Person
The scientific or technical information in this news release respecting the Company's Copper Mountain Project has been approved by George van der Walt, MSc., Pr.Sci.Nat., MGSSA, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. It is based on the Qualified Person's initial review of historical reports which were recently obtained by the Company. The information did not include original data such as drilling records, sampling, analytical or test data underlying the information or opinions contained in the written documents. Therefore, the Qualified Person has not reviewed or otherwise verified the information and has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Qualified Person considers the information to be relevant based on the amount and quality of work undertaken and reported historically. A more thorough review of any available original data will be undertaken and reported on in more detail in future releases.
About Myriad Uranium Corp.
Myriad Uranium Corp. is a uranium exploration company with an earnable 75% interest in the Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming, USA. Copper Mountain hosts several known uranium deposits and historic uranium mines, including the Arrowhead Mine which produced 500,000 lbs of eU3O8. Copper Mountain saw extensive drilling and development by Rocky Mountain Energy, a subsidiary of Union Pacific, which developed a mine plan and built a leach pad for one of the deposits at Copper Mountain. Operations ceased in 1980 before mining could commence due to falling uranium prices. Approximately 2,000 boreholes have been drilled at Copper Mountain and the project area has significant exploration upside. Rocky Mountain Energy is estimated to have spent C$100 million (2023 dollars) exploring and developing Copper Mountain, generating significant historical resource estimates which are detailed here.
Myriad also holds 80% ownership of over 1,800 km2 of uranium exploration licenses in the Tim Mersoii Basin, Niger, with the option to earn up to 100%. These licenses are surrounded by many of the most significant uranium deposits in Africa, including Orano's 384 Mlbs eU3O8 Imouraren, Global Atomic's 236 Mlbs Dasa, and Goviex's 100 Mlbs Madaouela, and on the same fault structures. Myriad also has a 50% interest in the Millen Mountain Property in Nova Scotia, Canada, with the other 50% held by Probe Metals Inc. For further information, please refer to Myriad's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), contact Myriad by telephone at +1.604.418.2877, or refer to Myriad's website at www.myriaduranium.com.
A recent interview with VSA is here and an earlier one with Crux Investors is here. A video overview of the Copper Mountain Project is here.
Myriad Contacts:
Thomas Lamb
President and CEO
tlamb@myriaduranium.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Mineralization hosted on adjacent or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's properties. This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, the Company's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect, including with respect to the Company's business plans respecting the exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, the proposed work program on the Company's mineral properties and the potential and economic viability of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or 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 law.
The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194760
SOURCE: Myriad Uranium Corp.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CCMI) (OTCQB: RIINF) ("CCMI" or the "Company") hereby announces the appointment of Chris Stewart as an independent Director of the Company.
Mr. Stewart holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. He has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry in engineering, operations, permitting, performance improvement, safety and ESG stewardship. Mr. Stewart has held various senior management roles as President, CEO, COO and Vice President Operations at Canadian mining companies including Lakeshore Gold, Kirkland Lake Gold, McEwen Mining, Treasury Metals and Minto Metals. He has significant underground mining experience with gold and copper and has raised monies in the capital markets. He has successfully implemented turnaround strategies at several Canadian mines. Mr. Stewart is registered as a professional engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario ("PEO").
Chris Stewart commented, "I am excited to join Canadian Critical Minerals at this time as an independent Director. The Company has assembled an impressive suite of mineral properties and I look forward to working with management and the Board in unlocking the value of these assets."
Ian Berzins, President, CEO and Interim Chairman commented, "We are delighted to welcome Chris Stewart to our Board given his significant practical experience in the mining industry in mine engineering, mine operations, project development, permitting and startup and turnaround implementation. Our top priority remains the restart of the Bull River copper, gold and silver mine. We are extremely fortunate to add a seasoned mining executive of Chris' calibre to further strengthen the depth of our Board."
About Canadian Critical Minerals Inc.
CCMI is a mining company primarily focused on two near-term copper production assets in Canada. CCMI's main asset is the 100% owned Bull River Mine project (>135 million lbs of copper) near Cranbrook, British Columbia which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, gold and silver. CCMI also owns a 34% interest in the Thierry Mine project (>1.3 billion lbs of copper) near Pickle Lake, Ontario which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, nickel, silver, palladium, platinum and gold.
Contact Information
Canadian Critical Minerals Inc.
Ian Berzins
President & Chief Executive Officer
M: +1-403-512-8202
E: iberzins@canadiancriticalmineralsinc.com
Website: www.canadiancriticalmineralsinc.com
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; and other risks.
Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and the risks identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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 new release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194775
SOURCE: Canadian Critical Minerals Inc.
Calls For Probe Into Massive Explosion in Nigerian City of Ibadan
Nigeria's Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde promised to bring the culprits of a massive blast in Oyo State's the capital city Ibadan on January 16, 2023, to book, writes Olawunmi Ojo for Premium Times.
Makinde called for calm, assuring that the state government has been on top of the situation and that it was leaving no stone unturned regarding the search and rescue of victims at the rubble of the incident as well as the welfare of victims and the security of their properties.
"We have ordered a detailed investigation and our officers will work and collaborate with Oyo State Government to know the actual cause."
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake expressed sadness over the explosion, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio demanded a thorough investigation into the devastating explosion, writes Abdulqudus Ogundapo for Premium Times.
While rescuers are searching the rubble for survivors, three deaths have been recorded so far.
Golden Ocean Group Ltd ("GOGL" or "the Company") announces the appointment of Mr. Cato Stonex as Director.
Mr. Stonex has had a long career in fund management, initially with J Rothschild Investment Management. He was then a founder and partner of Taube Hodson Stonex (THS) for 20 years, which managed institutional portfolios of global equity mandates. THS was sold to GAM in 2016, after which he established Partners Investment Company, which focused on stock picking in small and mid-cap equities, largely in Europe. In 2021, Partners Investment Company became Stonex Capital Partners Ltd and that same year Mr. Stonex also funded WMC Capital Ltd, an investment company focused on the recovery of the global shipping industry. Mr. Stonex has also been involved in a range of other business areas. He holds an undergraduate degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he served for ten years as a Governor and is now an Emeritus Governor. He has chaired its Development Committee and is now an advisor to the Endowment Investment Committee. Mr. Stonex is closely involved with LSE Ideas, a leading academic think tank.
The Board of Directors
Golden Ocean Group Limited
Hamilton, Bermuda
January 18, 2024
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act or the Continuing Obligations of Oslo Brs.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Nevada Lithium Resources Inc. (CSE: NVLH) (OTCQB: NVLHF) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #400 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 21 - Monday January 22, 2024.
Notable keynote speakers include former Premier of BC Christy Clark and former Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall. Other keynote speakers will include dozens of globally respected economists, legendary money managers, and investors.
"We are entering a new era of de-globalization. The trust that allowed for global trade over the last 30 years has shifted irreversibly and countries are now scrambling to secure supplies of natural resources as a matter of national security. As a result, demand for key resources, will skyrocket. We have gathered over 300 companies that are exploring for and producing these natural resources so investors can position themselves accordingly," said Jay Martin, Host of the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference.
For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.
We look forward to seeing you there.
About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference:
The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the epicentre of junior mining investment in Canada for 25 years and attracts over 5000 mining investors annually. Previous years have been attended by former Prime Minister Stephan Harper and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.
The VRIC will include a marketplace of over 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, spanning early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.
For further information:
Stephen Rentschler
Chief Executive Officer
+1 (647) 254-9795
ir@nevadalithium.com
www.nevadalithium.com
SOURCE: Cambridge House International
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) ("NOP" or the "Company"), a B.C. based company engaged in the exploration for organic sedimentary raw rock phosphate in Nevada, is pleased to announce it has approved the issuance of 2,000,000 stock options to certain officers, directors, and consultants of the Company for the purchase of up to 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan. Each option vested immediately and is exercisable for a period of five (5) years at an exercise price of $0.075 per share.
Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc.
NOP is a junior exploration company with a sedimentary rock phosphate property (the "Murdock Property") hosting a nearly flat lying sedimentary bed of known phosphate mineralization in NE Nevada.
The increasing interest in organic and sustainable agriculture practices has contributed to the demand for organic fertilizers, including those derived from rock phosphate. Organic rock phosphate is often marketed as a fertilizer that not only provides phosphorus but also contributes to overall soil health.
The Issuer aims to be one of the only certified organic rock phosphate producers with large scale potential in North America. The Murdock Property is situated adjacent to a main highway and the rail head to California.
For More Information
Robin Dow, CEO
T: 604.355.9986
E: robin@dowgroup.ca
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services providers have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information ("FLSI") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. FLSI may include expectations, anticipations, beliefs, opinions, plans, intentions, estimates, forecasts, projections, guidance or other similar statements and information that are not historical facts. All statements which are not historical statements are considered FLSI. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering. All FLSI is based on assumptions, which may prove inaccurate, and subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's public securities filings, which may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in FLSI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance or value on FLSI. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any FLSI in this news release are reasonable at the present time, it can give no assurance that such FLSI will prove to be correct. Any FLSI in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any FLSI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Any FLSI in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/194814
SOURCE: Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc.
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Fortunately, were here to help. Here are 5 simple tips you can follow for a better press release distribution strategy.
Optimize your Release for Distribution
A crucial step to getting the most out of your press release, and earning the right attention from journalists, is optimizing your content. Start by figuring out what kind of content your intended publications will be interested in sharing.
For instance, 63% of journalists say that event announcements are the best PR pitches and the top-performing press releases cover product or service releases.
Once you know what newsworthy topic youre going to cover, look for formatting guidelines. Most publications follow a specific format when sharing press releases, so its important to ensure you understand what your ideal publications are looking for in advance. Typically, youll need to keep your press release short and sweet, and avoid overly-promotional or hyperbolic language.
Finally, add multimedia assets like images and videos to your Press release to increase audience engagement and stickiness.
Look for Journalists and Platforms
Next, start looking for journalists and press release distribution platforms that align with your goals. Ideally, youll be looking for platforms and content creators who already have a strong relationship with your customers, and a reputation as an authority.
There are a few ways you can look for potential PR partners. The first option is to simply type a specific topic into Google and look at what comes up. For instance, if your press release is about a new finance software, typing this into Google and clicking on News will give you an insight into the websites and writers that cover similar topics.
You could also consider using a media database to find reporters and journalists connected to your industry. Alternatively, you can head straight to a press release platform, common options include:
Newswire : Ideal for multilayer targeting by industry, location, and other filters
: Ideal for multilayer targeting by industry, location, and other filters eReleases: Great for businesses looking into mass distribution efforts
Great for businesses looking into mass distribution efforts PR distribution: Fantastic for international media
Make a list of the websites and journalists that make the most sense for your brand.
Get the Timing and Cadence Right
As excited as you may be to share your news with the world, timing is crucial in the PR industry. A study in 2022 found that Thursdays have the highest email open rates, while Wednesdays and Fridays are the worst days for sending press releases. And in its a well-known fact in the media circles that Tuesday is the day of choice for distributing a press release, preferably before noon in your target market.
You may need to experiment a little before you find the timing that works best for you. Pay attention to email open rates and responses, so you know when people are seeing and engaging with your content. Additionally, make sure youre getting the cadence right.
Dont overwhelm journalists with numerous requests in a single week. Give them time to read your pitch and respond, and only then send your press release. And remember a press release is a vehicle to communicate factual information, so refrain from using adjectives, superlatives and marketing jargon in general.
Build Relationships with Journalists
Part of the success of your press release distribution strategy depends on the relationships you build with journalists and publications over time. If you simply contact journalists whenever you want something, theyre less likely to pay attention to your content.
With that in mind, find ways to connect on a consistent basis. After a journalist publishes your release, follow up and thank them via email or social media. Follow them on social media and comment on, like, or engage with their posts. You can also strengthen relationships with journalists by:
Providing access to valuable resources, such as reports and downloads, that they might consider useful (they dont have to be linked to your product).
Personalizing your pitch whenever you reach out, highlighting why you think theyre the right journalist or publication for their needs.
Responding to requests and messages quickly, such as when your journalist asks for more information or a tailored quote for an article.
Make sure youre respectful too, dont rush your journalist if they dont publish your content straight away, or complain if they dont respond immediately.
Do Your Part to Increase Exposure
A reputable journalist can increase the visibility of your press release. But your journalist isnt the only person responsible for your success. You can play a role in drawing more eyes to your content too. This not only enhances the ROI of your earned media strategy, but also increases the chances of publications seeing you as a valuable partner.
Share links to the press release on your own website, in blog and news posts. Share your press release on social media, and ask for feedback from your audience. Respond to their comments, and follow up with extra answers to their questions where possible.
Think about how you can distribute the content to as many people as possible, by adding it to your email newsletter, or including a banner on your website with a direct link to the page.
Mastering Press Release Distribution in 2024
A press release can be a valuable resource for your business, increasing exposure, improving your brands reputation, and paving the way for rapid growth. However its important to know how to distribute your press releases effectively if you want to get the right results.
Follow the five tips above to ensure youre sending the right content, to the correct people, at the best possible times, to boost your chances of success.
Soly, a Groningen, The Netherlands-based international solar energy company, raised 30M in funding.
The round was led by ArcTern Ventures in partnership with US-based Fifth Wall, and existing investors Shell Ventures & the pension fund ABP completing the round.
The company intends to use the funds to expand into new countries including Italy, Spain, France, and Scandinavia and offer a wide-range of innovative energy services.
Founded in 2013 by brothers Patrick and Milan van der Meulen, Soly aims to make solar energy accessible to all selling and leasing solar energy systems, batteries, and charging stations. The company cuurently operates in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, South Africa and Italy. A certified B Corp, Soly plans to supply 500K+ households & businesses with renewable energy by 2030.
FinSMEs
18/01/2024
The main issue with the series is that the actors, on many occasions, mistake stiffness for spunk. Shetty knows how to create emotional vulnerabilities, but the filmmaker, along with his co-director Sushwant Prakash, prioritizes scale and sweep, and spurts of cheerful silliness
Cast: Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Sharad Kelkar, Mukesh Rishi
Director: Rohit Shetty and Sushwant Prakash
Language: Hindi
First of all, it was wonderful to see Mukesh Rishi after what feels like ages. Now to the show- Indian Police Force is Rohit Shettys ode to the spirit of the forces that guard our country and think for the nation and about the nation before thinking about themselves. Its an age-old cinematic sentiment being milked even today. The series begins with glimpses from a blast that has shook the capital, but Shetty, the larger-than-life filmmaker he is, and his magnanimous vision for his OTT debut, cannot control his urge to introduce his hero in slow-motion shots. So even when theres destruction all over, Sidharth Malhotra arrives at the scene with a swelling background score that quickly establishes his heroism.
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We then get a two-hour old flashback where his mother says he should wear the police uniform more often as he looks drop-dead handsome. His senior, played by Vivek Oberoi, gets an opposite introductory shot where hes searching for his mobile and his son asks him why hes wearing a uniform (??). The intent is clear and so is the idea, but Indian Police Force has some questionable scenes that may have been written to evoke a debatable reaction. A car with a bomb planted in it is dragged by Malhotra towards a warehouse near a hospital by a vehicle Ajay Devgn used for his entry in Sooryavanshi . Result? Of course, a claptrap moment for the masses. After all, you can break the rules at the cost of saving lives. Okay then.
Real or Cliched?
By now, the narrative about the selflessness and heroism of the forces cant be distinguished between being real and being cliched. Yes, they dont take their holidays when it comes to duty, and these scenes and sermons do make it to movies too; but how much of it still feels fresh? There are scenes about wives making phone calls to their officer husbands, conversations about duty and death, and dialogues about Jehad now done to death. The main issue with the series is that the actors, on many occasions, mistake stiffness for spunk. Shetty knows how to create emotional vulnerabilities, he did that with his first film itself (Zameen), but the filmmaker, along with his co-director Sushwanth Prakash, and co-writers Vidhi Ghodgaonkar, Anusha Nandakumar, Sandeep Saket, and Ayush Trivedi, prioritizes scale and sweep, and spurts of cheerful silliness.
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I use the term cheerful silliness because this director has carefully crafted some of the most implausible scenes with unapologetic swag, and you cant help but smile, if not entirely guffaw. Who can forget Prakash Rajs now-viral climatic speech (read screech) in Singham , or Ranveer Singhs antics in Simmba? Here, that moment comes pretty early when Shilpa Shetty enters the scene. She storms right inside an evidence warehouse in her black SUV, wearing a pair of black shades and a black dress, entering the frame that can only be directed by Rohit Shetty.
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A Globetrotting Narrative And A Fresh Villain
What is also refreshing is to see the director finally branching out of his fetish for Goa (even though the series does take us to his favorite state later) and giving the show a globetrotting touch. We get fleeting encounters and sprawling shots of Iran, Bihar, Jaipur, and Uttar Pradesh. Also nice is to see an antagonist whos young and fresh, and Mayank Tandon carries the role with composure.
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Fast And Furious, And Flawed
Unfortunately, the shortcomings overtake the strengths. The action scenes are swiftly shot, theres some thrill to be had in the chases that happen across the streets of Goa, but the ferocity comes with a bunch of flaws. That a cop chooses to ignore the prime suspect because two of his allies have been caught is a scene hard to digest, that an arrested recruit is able to escape from the police jeep guarded by officers is harder.
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But the one thing I shall never forget Indian Police Force for is how Malhotras character declares with all his stoicism when his wife quotes Rajesh Khannas iconic line about life from Anand- I hate that movie. Okay sir.
Indian Police Force is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Rating: 2 (out of 5 stars)
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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Collins also graced the stage as she presented the Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series or Anthology Series. Her 58-year-old husband, Percy Gibson, also accompanied her at the event to support her
The 75th Annual Primetime Emmys saw various celebrities putting their best foot forward but diva one stole the limelight for her gracious presence on the red carpet. She is a true fashion icon even in her 90s and her mesmerizing look to attend the event is now making headlines. The Hollywood royalty Joan Collins left everyone drooling as she donned a stunning Jenny Packham gown for the award night.
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The icy blue dress was adorned with sparkly designs gleaming from every angle whereas the flowing sleeves added an ethereal effect to her shimmery ensemble. Her choice of accessories including a pair of bold chandelier earrings and satin gloves added allure to her look. Adding perfection to her stylish gown was her gorgeous brunette hair which she kept voluminous and a dramatic bold red lip.
Collins also graced the stage as she presented the Emmy for Outstanding Limited Series or Anthology Series. Her 58-year-old husband, Percy Gibson, also accompanied her at the event to support her. The 32-year age gap doesnt affect the legendary actress relationship with her husband of almost 22 years. Speaking to a magazine about her husband in the year 2022, Collins said, Im so lucky. He takes care of everything. He takes care of my children and all our finances. Hes the love of my life. Its a great marriage, a great relationship.
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Sharing a secret to her youthful glow, the Hollywood legend, while speaking to The Guardian, once claimed, Ive had nothing done. I couldnt do all that. First of all, Im needle-phobic. It was my mother who told me to moisturize and use night cream.
Meanwhile, she also shared a fashion tip and said that she does not believe in throwing away her clothes as the trends come and go and are usually repeated a few months later. Speaking with The Sunday Times, Collins revealed that she still had a wardrobe from her years. She said, Oh, when I was doing Dynasty, I would go to Paris sometimes for Dior. I knew [Gianni> Versace very well. Versace gifted me with several beautiful things that I still have.
On Wednesday, the Indian Navy came to the rescue of a US-owned MV Genco Picardy under a drone attack by Houthis in the Gulf of Aden. India deployed the guided missile destroyer INS Vishakhapatnam to intercept the vessel and provide assistance
On Wednesday, the Indian Navy came to the rescue of a cargo vessel under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden.
The distress call was made from a US-owned merchant vessel (MV) in the Red Sea.
India deployed the guided missile destroyer INS Vishakhapatnam to intercept the vessel and provide assistance.
The incident occurred as Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupted commercial shipping routes, claiming to be in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are constantly targeted by Israel, led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Heres what happened.
Indian Navy saves ship hit by drone
Navy officials said MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew, including nine Indians, was hit by a bomb-carrying drone on Wednesday night. It happened about 60 nautical miles South of Port Aden.
An Indian Navy spokesperson confirmed the developments on X.
INS Visakhapatnam, undertaking anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden, acknowledged the distress call and intercepted the vessels at 0030 hrs on 18 Jan 24 in order to provide assistance. MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (09 Indian) reported nil casualties and fire under control," the Navy said in a statement.
#IndianNavy's Guided Missile Destroyer #INSVisakhapatnam, mission deployed in #GulfofAden for #antipiracy ops, swiftly responded to by Marshall Island flagged MV #GencoPicardy following a at 2311 hrs on #17Jan 24 & intercepted the pic.twitter.com/FOs5aAxLzV SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) January 18, 2024
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After intercepting the vessel, Indian Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team specialists boarded the ship to inspect the damaged area. The Navy said, Specialists, after a thorough inspection have rendered the area safe for further transit. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call.
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According to The Associated Press, in a statement, the Genco Picardys owner, New York City-based Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd., said the ship was carrying a load of phosphate rock. All seafarers aboard the vessel are confirmed to be uninjured, the company said, adding that the vessel has remained stable and underway on a course out of the area.
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Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar issued instructions to firmly deal with such maritime incidents, according to NDTV.
A second attack on a US-owned ship
The attack on the Genco Picardy was the second this week targeting vessels directly linked to the United States after US-led strikes targeting the Houthis.
On Monday, a Houthi missile hit the US-owned bulk carrier Gibraltar Eagle. The US militarys Central Command said the ship reported no injuries or significant damage.
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The Houthi movement on Wednesday said its missiles had made a direct hit on the US Genco Picardy bulk carrier. Hours after this US military said its forces had conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region.
According to AP, the Houthis say their attacks on shipping are aimed at backing Hamas and Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip during Israels war on Hamas. The US and its allies have carried out three rounds of airstrikes targeting Houthi sites over the last week to try to deter the militants.
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Past incidents of Indian Navys swift response
As the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Hamas forces in Gaza has escalated, attacks by the Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea since November have hindered trade between Asia and Europe and worried world leaders.
The incident occurs amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, as worries about Houthi terrorists increasing their attacks on commerce vessels in the Red Sea are escalating.
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Responding to a piracy incident in December 2023, the Navy helped the Malta-flagged MV Ruen in the Arabian Sea some 700 nautical miles off the Indian coast.
As per Indian Express, while travelling to New Mangalore on 23 December 2023, the MV Chem Pluto, a merchant vessel with a Liberia flag and carrying a crew of 22, of whom 21 were Indians, was targeted by a drone strike approximately 220 nautical miles southwest of Porbandar.
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According to the daily, an analysis of the attacked area by the Navy showed the ship was attacked by a drone. It called for further forensic and technical analysis recommended to establish the vector of attack, including type, and amount of explosive used.
A day after the MV Chem Pluto attack, a Gabon-flagged MV Sai Baba, a commercial oil tanker carrying 25 Indian crew members, was targeted by a drone attack in the southern Red Sea, along with Norwegian-flagged ship.
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A hijacking attempt on a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier was foiled by the Navy earlier in January in the Arabian Sea.
Following these events, the Navy deployed frontline destroyers, frigates, and long-range maritime patrol aircraft to bolster maritime security and surveillance in the Central and North Arabian Seas.
There are now 10 or 12 warships in the Arabian Sea, including a Talwar Class frigate and the Indian Navys INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, Kolkata, and Chennai. In addition to the warships, improved observation of the area is also being conducted by Dornier aircraft, MQ-9B Predator drones, and P8I maritime patrol aircraft, the report suggests.
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The Navy is actively investigating ships in the Arabian Sea, which includes boarding dhows.
With inputs from agencies
After Iran launched a strike against Pakistan, targeting the militant group Jaish-al-Adl, New Delhi said it understood actions countries take in their self-defence. India faces terror threats from Pakistan and has carried out cross-border operations in 2016 and 2019, taking out terrorist camps
In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran carried out missile strikes on two bases of the militant outfit Jaish-al-Adl at Kouh-Sabz in Balochistan in Pakistan, raising fears of a wider conflict in the West Asia region.
A fuming Pakistan then recalled its ambassador from Tehran and expelled the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan. It called the strike as an illegal and unacceptable act and asserted that Islamabad reserves the right to respond, according to news agency Reuters. Pakistan has also suspended all ongoing and planned high-level visits with its neighbour, Tehran.
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And on Thursday morning, Pakistan responded to Irans strikes with a set of its own targeting bases of the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army.
Amid this situation, New Delhi reacted to Irans actions in Pakistan, seemingly justifying them. We take a closer look at Indias reaction to Irans strikes in Pakistan and why it has chosen such a stance.
Understand actions taken in self-defence
On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued a statement in reaction to the strikes, saying, This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self defence.
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Significantly, the Ministry of External Affairs chose to remain mum on Irans strikes against Kurdish areas in Iraq as well as in Syria, which had taken place a day earlier.
Our response to media queries regarding Iran's air strikes in Pakistan:https://t.co/45NAxXTpkG pic.twitter.com/1P4Csj5Ftb Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 17, 2024
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New Delhis reaction comes after Iran launched a combination of missile and drone attacks , targeting strongholds of the Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans Balochistan province. Pakistan foreign office had first issued a statement that two children were killed and three girls injured in the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran.
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Later, Irans foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, on the sidelines of the Davos meeting, said, None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, adding, The so-called Jaish al-Adl group, which is an Iranian terrorist group, was targeted.
Amir-Abdollahian said Irans attack on Pakistans soil was a response to the Jaish al-Adl groups recent deadly attacks on the city of Rask.
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He further added that Tehran respected sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan but would not allow the countrys national security to be compromised or played with.
Indias defence of Iran
Its not too surprising that India has justified Irans attack on Pakistan soil, as New Delhi had carried out a cross-border operation in 2016 and 2019, taking out terror camps on Pakistan soil.
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In September 2016, the Indian Army had launched surgical strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The strike was in response to an attack by Pakistan-based terrorists on an army base in Kashmirs Uri on 18 September in which 19 soldiers were killed.
The surgical strike was hailed by the people of the country as well as the armed forces, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh saying that it gave a clear message to the world that we can kill terrorists on this side as well as by crossing the border if the need arises.
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Three years later, India took on a similar operation in 2019. Twelve days after a convoy of vehicles carrying CRPF personnel was attacked by a suicide bomber in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Balakot, launching attacks on the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp. IAF pilots dropped five Spice 2000 bombs, out of which four penetrated the rooftops of the building in which the terrorists were sleeping.
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India-Irans ties
New Delhi has long shared ties with Iran; the countries ancient and modern histories have been intertwined.
Since Indian independence, the relations have been essentially peaceful, friendly and empathic. They have turned more fruitful and productive after the Iranian revolution of 1979, the war in Afghanistan and the tense Iranian-Pakistani ties.
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However, the relationship between the two countries has seen its share of lows. In 2019, India stopped its imports of oil from Iran owing to US sanctions following the revocation of the Iran nuclear deal. Also issues like New Delhis close ties with Israel, and Irans ties with China have been sticky matters between the two countries.
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There are others issues too Indias improving ties with Saudi Arabia, and even Irans statement on the Modi governments abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Kashmir. Nonetheless, Tehran and New Delhi have tried to maintain a cordial trajectory of ties.
In recent times, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have wreaked terror on the high seas, attacking ships belonging to India, US and any other vessel. However, India is hoping to appeal to Iran to use its clout to make the Houthis stop their attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
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In fact, just a day before Iran struck Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was in Tehran where he flagged the issue of ships being attacked as a matter of grave concern. S Jaishankar on Monday said that such threats have a direct bearing on Indias energy and economic interest as he underlined that this fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party.
There has also recently been a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean, he said in a joint press statement after wide-ranging talks with Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian.
Geopolitically speaking, India would also like to maintain its ties with Iran so as to have a hold in the Arab world. New Delhi realises that China has also entered the sphere and would not like to lose ground to Beijing.
Will New Delhis gamble pay off? Only time will tell.
With inputs from agencies
Pakistan said it struck separatist Baloch militants inside Iran using rockets and killer drones in an operation called Marg Bar Sarmachar. Iran said several missiles hit a village in the Sistan-Baluchestan province leaving nine people including four children dead
Pakistan has struck back at Iran.
A day after Tehran conducted strikes inside Pakistani territory, Pakistans Air Force has launched retaliatory attacks on what it says are militant hideouts.
A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation, Pakistans foreign ministry said, describing it as a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts.
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This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities, it said. This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised, the ministry added.
Iranian media said several missiles hit a village in the Sistan-Baluchestan province that borders Pakistan, killing at least nine people, including four children.
But how did Islamabad strike inside Tehran exactly?
Lets take a closer look:
What happened?
Pakistan said it struck separatist Baloch militants inside Iran using rockets and killer drones.
The Times of India quoted Pakistani sources as saying that the Joint Staff Headquarters of the Pakistan Armed Forces initiate the action just before 6 am.
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These strikes were conducted successfully using Pakistan Air Force fighter jets using stand-off extended range munitions, while they remained inside Pakistani airspace, a source said.
Seven locations were chosen after confirming the presence of multiple high-value terrorist targets using UAVs. The source said the targets were more than 80 kilometres inside Iranian territory.
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They were chosen to make sure no harm would come to Iranian civilians or military personnel.
Hindustan Times quoted the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as saying it used killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons to carry out precision strikes in Iran.
Stand-off weapons are missiles fired from aircraft at a distance.
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Pakistan said it hit hideouts of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front in an operation called Marg Bar Sarmachar.
In Iranian Farsi, marg bar means death to and is a famous saying in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution used to refer to both the United States and Israel.
In the local Baluch language, sarmachar means guerrilla and is used by the militants operating in the cross-border region.
The BLF, which Islamabad targeted inside Iran, is waging an armed insurgency against the Pakistani state, including attacks against Chinese citizens and investments in Balochistan.
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The army claimed terrorists who carried out recent attacks in Pakistan used these hideouts.
It added that notorious terrorists such as Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham and Wazir alias Wazi were among the people using these hideouts.
Maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage, the army said in a statement.
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Pakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistan citizens against acts of terrorism, the ISPR statement added as per Hindustan Times. We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan.
Going forward, dialogue and cooperation is deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two neighbouring brotherly countries, it added.
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I can only confirm that we have conducted strikes against anti-Pakistan militant groups that were targeted inside Iran, a senior intelligence source not authorised to give information to the media told AFP.
Pakistans Baluchistan province, as well as Irans neighbouring Sistan and Baluchestan province, have already faced a low-level insurgency by Baluch nationalists for more than two decades.
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Martyred innocent Baluch people
A deputy governor of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, Ali Reza Marhamati, gave the casualty figures from Thursdays strike, saying the dead included three women, four children and two men near the town of Saravan along the border in Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province.
He added that the dead were not Iranian citizens.
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The Baluch Liberation Army, an ethnic separatist group thats operated in the region since 2000, said in a statement the strikes targeted and killed its people.
Pakistan has martyred innocent Baluch people, it said.
The Baluch Liberation Army, which has no religious component and has launched attacks against Pakistani security forces and Chinese interests, is suspected of hiding out in Iran. The Baluchistan Liberation Front is similarly nationalistic.
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While Pakistans military said the strikes hit targets associated with the Baluchistan Liberation Front, the group has not acknowledged the claim.
HalVash, an advocacy group for the Baluch people, shared images online that appeared to show the remains of the munitions used in the attack. It said a number of homes had been struck in Saravan. It shared videos showing a mud-walled building destroyed and smoke rising over the strike immediately after.
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Iran later summoned Pakistans charge daffaires in the country.
This came days after Tehran said it attacked the bases of another group within Pakistani territory.
Iran said on Tuesday it had hit targets inside Pakistan that it alleged were bases of Jaish al Adl (JAA).
The Jaish al Adl is an ethnic militant group with Sunni Islamist leanings that primarily Shiite Iran sees as a threat.
The group has carried out attacks in Iran against its powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps.
It grew out of another Islamic extremist group known as Jundallah once alleged to have ties to al-Qaida.
All the targeted groups are ethnically Baloch, but it was not clear if JAA has links with the other two.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan said civilians were hit and two children killed, warning of consequences for which Tehran would be responsible.
Islamabad recalled its ambassador from Iran on Wednesday in protest against a blatant breach of its sovereignty.
The two countries have accused each other of providing safe haven to the groups in their respective territories. The neighbours have had rocky ties in the past, but the strikes are the highest-profile cross-border intrusions in recent years and come amid growing worries about instability in the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on 7 October.
The strikes imperil diplomatic relations between the two neighbours, as Iran and nuclear-armed Pakistan have long regarded each other with suspicion over militant attacks.
Each nation also faces its own internal political pressures and the strikes may in part be in response to that.
For Iran, theres been growing pressure for action after the Islamic State group attack, Israels war on Hamas and wider unrest against its theocracy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faces a crucial February general election as its military remains a powerful force in its politics.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-kilometre largely lawless border in which smugglers and militants freely pass between the two nations. The route is also key to global opium shipments coming out of Afghanistan.
The Taliban separately urged restraint amid the tensions.
A senior Pakistani security official told Reuters the military was on extremely high alert and would meet any misadventure from the Iranian side forcefully.
Tehran strongly condemned the strikes, saying civilians were killed, and summoned Pakistans charge daffaires, its most senior diplomat in Iran, to give an explanation.
The information received indicates that four children, three women and two men, who were foreign nationals, have been killed in the explosion that occurred in a village, Irans Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi told state TV.
In Islamabad, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar would cut short a visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos and return home.
Iran had been flexing its muscles in the region, even before its cross-border incursion into Pakistan.
It launched strikes on Syria against what Tehran said were Islamic State sites and Iraq, where it said it had struck an Israeli espionage centre. Baghdad recalled its ambassador from Tehran.
The neighbours had appeared to be improving ties, with Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Pakistans Kakar meeting at Davos this week, before the Iranian strikes on Pakistan.
Pakistans comments after its retaliatory strikes signal a desire to keep the row contained, but analysts warned it could get out of hand.
Irans motivation for attacking Pakistan remains opaque but in light of broader Iranian behaviour in the region it can escalate, Asfandyr Mir, a senior expert on South Asia security at the US Institute of Peace, told Reuters.
What will cause anxiety in Tehran is that Pakistan has crossed a line by hitting inside Iranian territory, a threshold that even the U.S. and Israel have been careful to not breach.
Khwaja Asif, Pakistans defence minister until August, said the action was retaliatory.
A measured response has been given and it was important, he told Geo TV.
There should be ongoing efforts on the side that this doesnt escalate.
Pakistans international bonds fell after the strikes. Longer-dated bonds slipped as much as 1.3 cents in early trading though they later trimmed losses, according to Tradeweb data. .
The targeted militant groups operate in an area that includes Pakistans southwestern province of Balochistan and Irans southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province. Both are restive, mineral-rich and largely underdeveloped.
For both Iran and Pakistan, the cross-border attacks renew questions about the preparedness of their own militaries, particularly their radar and air defense systems.
For Pakistan, such systems are crucial as tensions always remain at a low boil with India, their nuclear-armed rival. Their equipment has long been deployed along the frontier, rather than its border with Iran. For Iran, it relies on those systems against potential strikes by its main enemy, the US.
The government and military have been under immense pressure, said Abdullah Khan, an analyst at the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Iran celebrated (Tuesdays) attack in its media and the Pakistani public perception of a strong army is not as it used to be, so it had to respond.
Theres also complex geopolitical considerations in the tensions. Pakistans military relies on American, Chinese and French fighter jets for its air force meaning some of those foreign weapons were used in Thursdays attack.
China, a crucial partner in both countries, has urged restraint. Beijing is a key regional player and has a major Belt and Road development in Gwadar port in Pakistans Baluchistan province. Baloch, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said she was not aware of any direct Chinese mediation in the conflict so far, though Beijing has offered it.
China sincerely hopes that both sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid escalation of tension, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday.
With inputs from agencies
? MIDAGRI: Malasia abre sus puertas a la palta peruana. Mas del 80% de las unidades productivas que certificaron sus lugares de produccion de palta, pertenecen a pequenos productores.
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Islamabads retaliatory strikes inside Iran have raised fears of a wider conflict between the two neighbours. The US has condemned Tehran for targeting Pakistan, Iraq and Syria this week. China has offered to play a mediator between its two partners. What has India said?
Pakistans retaliatory attack in neighbouring Iran has killed at least nine people, including four children. Islamabad said on Thursday (18 January) that it conducted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in southeastern Iran.
These attacks come a day after Iran launched its own strikes on what it called were bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans Balochistan. Islamabad had condemned the strikes, slamming Iran for unprovoked violation of its airspace and warning it of serious consequences.
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These tit-for-tat strikes endanger diplomatic relations between nuclear-armed Pakistan and its neighbour Iran. The latest attacks have also raised concerns about a wider conflict in West Asia, which is already witnessing Israels war with Hamas in Gaza.
How have countries reacted to Pakistan and Iran tensions? Lets take a closer look.
What has Pakistan said?
The Pakistani foreign ministry said it targeted separatist Baloch militants based on credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities, reported Associated Press (AP).
A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation, Pakistans foreign ministry claimed, terming it a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts.
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Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the ministrys statement was quoted as saying by Reuters. The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
According to Iranian media, several missiles hit a village in the Sistan-Baluchestan province near the Pakistan border. Ali Reza Marhamati, deputy governor of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province, said three women, four children and two men near the town of Saravan died due to the strikes, reported AP.
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Pakistan named its operation Marg Bar Sarmachar. While marg bar means death to in the Persian language, sarmachar means fighter in the local Baloch tongue, reported Al Jazeera.
The Pakistani military said its strikes targeted hideouts used by terrorist organisations namely Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front. Its statement said that killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons were used to carry out the attack.
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Going forward, dialogue and cooperation is deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two neighbouring brotherly countries, the statement read, as per Al Jazeera.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar would cut short his visit to Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos to return home.
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Irans reaction
Iran strongly rebuked Pakistans retaliatory strike inside its territory. The countrys foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, said Pakistans charge daffaires, its most senior diplomat in Tehran, had been summoned to offer explanations for the morning attacks.
Pakistan had already recalled its ambassador from Tehran over Tuesdays strikes.
Irans interior minister confirmed the strikes, telling state media that all nine killed were foreign citizens and that the deadly attack occurred about 3-4km inside Iran.
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According to Al Jazeera, Pakistans strikes on Thursday were the first missile attack on Iranian soil since the end of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988.
Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun military exercises in Irans southeast, close to Pakistan, Al Jazeera reported citing state media.
Before Thursdays attack, Irans foreign minister had confirmed striking targets inside Pakistani territory, saying the countrys armed forces hit terrorist organisation Jaish al-Adl.
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Iran justified its attack, saying it was a response to the militant groups recent attacks on the Iranian city of Rask in Sistan-Baluchestan.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahiah, had said that none of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted
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Not just Pakistan, Iran also launched strikes on Iraq and Syria earlier this week. IRGC hit targets at what it claimed were Israeli spy headquarters in Iraqs Kurdish region and those linked to Islamic State in northern Syria.
Following the attack, Baghdad withdrew its ambassador from Tehran.
Indias stand
India also reacted to the latest tensions between the two countries, stating it was a matter between Iran and Pakistan.
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However, New Delhi also said that it understands actions that countries take in their self defence. The statement had come after Irans missile and drone strikes on Pakistani soil.
On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self defence.
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Our response to media queries regarding Iran's air strikes in Pakistan:https://t.co/45NAxXTpkG pic.twitter.com/1P4Csj5Ftb Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 17, 2024
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Other countries
The United States, which has taken the lead in attacking Houthi positions in Yemen, denounced Iran for its strikes in Pakistan, Iraq and Syria.
We condemn those strikes. Weve seen Iran violate the sovereign borders of three of its neighbours in just the past couple of days, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.
I think it is a little rich on one hand Iran (is) the leading funder of terrorism in the region, and, on the other hand, (it claims) it needs to take these actions to counter terrorism, he added.
The US military said on Wednesday it launched its fourth round of strikes on Houthi targets in less than a week. The Iran-backed rebel group has been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November, saying it was avenging Israels attack on Hamas in Gaza.
Meanwhile, China, which is a crucial partner in both nations, has offered to play the role of a mediator to ease tensions between Iran and Pakistan.
The Chinese side sincerely hopes that the two sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid an escalation of tension, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Thursday.
We are also willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation if both sides so wish, she said.
A day back, Beijing had urged both countries to show restraint. We call on both sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension and work together to maintain peace and stability, the foreign ministry spokeswoman was quoted as saying by AFP.
Frances foreign ministry also criticised Iran for contributing to the escalation of regional tensions", adding that it must stop.
Will tensions between Iran and Pakistan escalate?
Experts believe there could be a wider escalation between the two neighbours.
Irans motivation for attacking Pakistan remains opaque but in light of broader Iranian behaviour in the region it can escalate, Asfandyr Mir, a senior expert on South Asia security at the US Institute of Peace, told Reuters.
What will cause anxiety in Tehran is that Pakistan has crossed a line by hitting inside Iranian territory, a threshold that even the US and Israel have been careful to not breach.
Baqir Sajjad Syed, a Pakistan fellow at the Washington, DC-based organisation, the Wilson Center, warned of a possible revival of militancy in Iran and Pakistan.
I doubt that this will end with Pakistans retaliation. The mistrust that earlier prevented action against armed groups on both sides of the border would grow. As a result of which I foresee a resurgence of militancy on both sides, he told Al Jazeera.
With inputs from agencies
Pakistan on Thursday conducted retaliatory strikes against terrorist hideouts in Iran. The intelligence-based operation was codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar and reportedly targeted Pakistani-origin terrorists who call themselves sarmachars. But who are these militants?
The conflict in West Asia is likely to spread with Iran fuelling tensions. After attacking targets in Iraq and Syria, Iran carried out airstrikes on the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan. Islamabad had warned of serious consequences and now on Thursday has reportedly struck targets in Iran.
A statement released by the Pakistan ministry of foreign affairs said that it undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran. Several terrorists were killed in the intelligence-based operation codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar , a phrase which loosely translates to the death of guerilla fighters.
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According to reports in local media, Pakistan has attacked the posts of two Baloch separatist groups the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army. News agency AFP reported citing Pakistan intelligence officials that the countrys military conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran.
Whats going on between Iran and Pakistan? And what are the separatist groups that Pakistan has targeted in Iran?
What do we know about Pakistans airstrikes in Iran?
The Pakistani military conducted a series of highly co-ordinated retaliatory strikes against terrorist hideouts inside Iran on Thursday morning, said Pakistans foreign ministry office. A number of terrorists were killed in the operations, it says.
Nine people have been killed in the Pakistan strikes, claims Iranian media said that four children, all non-Iranians, were killed after several missiles hit a village in the Sistan-Baluchistan province that borders Pakistan, Reuters reports.
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According to IRNA, several explosions were heard in the vicinity of Saravan, a city in the southeastern Iranian province near the Pakistan border.
An informed official was quoted as telling Irans state media. Iran demands an immediate explanation from the Pakistani authorities about this incident.
Why did Pakistan strike Iran?
The attack was in retaliation to Irans missile and drone strikes in Pakistans Balochistan province on Tuesday night.
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The Pakistan ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement, Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran. Pakistan also shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.
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However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars, it added.
Pakistan has not named the terror groups it targeted. According to a report on NDTV, the posts of Baloch separatist groups the Balochistan Liberation Front and the Balochistan Liberation Army were hit near the city of Saravan in Irans Sistan-Baluchistan province.
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: PR NO. 17/2024
Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar
https://t.co/1n5BvtEZBZ pic.twitter.com/VVf5VwL00L Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 18, 2024
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What do we know about Baloch separatist groups?
A separatist movement in Pakistans restive Balochistan province has given rise to several insurgent groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF).
The BLA is the largest and the oldest surviving insurgent group in the region and has been categorised as a terrorist group by Pakistan, the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a report in ThePrint.
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The outfit seeks independence from Pakistan and the formation of a separate state of Greater Balochistan. They believe that the Pakistani state has been exploiting resources in the region. Balochistan borders Afghanistan to the north, Iran to the west and has a long coastline on the Arabian Sea.
The BLA reportedly began operations in 2000 and is an armed group with a cadre of at least 6,000, according to ThePrint report. They are influenced by the radical Marxist idealogy and some of its leaders are allegedly trained in Russia.
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The insurgent group has since carried out several attacks in Pakistan. It rose to prominence in 2003 after a series of attacks in the Balochistan province which led to the deaths of several police officials and non-native residents. Two years later, the BLA attacked a federal paramilitary camp when the then-President Pervez Musharaff was visiting, prompting the government to declare it a terrorist group.
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After the attack, Pakistans security forces went after the BLA and killed several leaders. Its main leader Balach Marri, the scion of an influential Baloch family, was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
The separatist outfit was part of a ceasefire agreement with the Pakistan government but it it withdrew in January 2009 as it was upset that the Pakistani government had made no meaningful attempts to begin negotiations, according to a Standford University study.
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Since then attacks have continued across Pakistan. The development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Balochistan, has left the BLA disgruntled. It has been accused of targeting Chinese infrastructure including an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in 2018, which left four people dead. It has been regularly attacking Chinese citizens working in Pakistan, saying it does so because Beijing ignored warnings not to enter deals and agreements regarding Balochistan before the province had been liberated.
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The other separatist group is the Balochistan Liberation Front.
According to a note by Standford University, BLF is an ethnic-separatist political front and militant organisation fighting for an independent state. It was founded in Damascus, Syria by Juma Khan Marri in 1964 and four years later, it joined the Iranian Balochi Revolt, an insurgency of Balochi groups fighting the Iranian government.
It tried to destabilise Iran and had support from the Iraqi government which publically supplied the outfit arms. In 1973, the BLF was decimated from five years of fighting and negotiated with the Shah of Iran.
After the conflict ended, it turned its attention to inciting insurgency against the Pakistan state, demanding independence for Balochistan. The Independent Movement of Balochistan continued from 1973 to 1977 and in response to the rebellion, then Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto dismissed the Balochi provincial government, prompting the BLF and other Balochi insurgent groups to attack several Pakistani security forces convoys, the Standford note says.
Pakistan deployed troops in the province and the BLF went into exile in Afghanistan, putting an end to the insurgency. But the group did not disband and re-emerged in 2003 killing three Chinese foreign workers. It has since then carried out several attacks against Pakistan security forces and foreign nationals.
It is not Pakistans Balochistan province alone even Irans neighbouring Sistan and Baluchestan province have faced a low-level insurgency by Baloch nationalists.
Both Iran and Pakistan have fought militants in the Baloch region. The two countries share a common separatist enemy and it is unusual for either side to attack militants on each others soil, says a report in CNN.
How Iran-Pakistan ties have deteriorated
Tensions between Iran and Pakistan rose after Tehran targetted two bases of the militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans Balochistan province with missiles and drones on Tuesday night.
Condemning Irans violation of its airspace, Pakistan warned the neighbouring country that such actions can have serious consequences. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act and the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran, Pakistans foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
Pakistan also recalled its ambassador from Iran and stopped Tehrans envoy from returning to Islamabad.
Iran admitted carrying out a missile and drone attack on western Pakistan on Tuesday. Its foreign minister said the operation targeted the militant group Jaish al-Adli, which he described as an Iranian terrorist group in Pakistan.
Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Davos, insisted that no Pakistani citizens had been targeted, only members of Jaish al-Adl. We only targeted Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan, Mr Amir-Abdollahian said.
But Pakistan claimed that at least children died.
However, Pakistan is not alone. Iran attacked targets in Iraq and Syria earlier this week.
Iran attacks and Islamabads retaliation come amid the Hamas-Israel war in West Asia and rising attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. And while governments insist that they do not want the conflict to spread, an escalation now appears more imminent than ever.
With inputs from agencies
A day after Iran launched an attack against Pakistan, Islamabad retaliated with its own operation. The actions have fuelled fears of a full-blown conflict between the two nations. Heres a comparison of their militaries from land assets to missile capabilities
Its a game of tit-for-tat. Less than 48 hours after Iran launched an attack on Pakistani territory, Islamabad has carried out retaliatory strikes against militant targets on Iranian soil.
Pakistans ministry of foreign affairs in a statement on Thursday (18 January) said that it had undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes and killed a number of terrorists during the intelligence-based operation codenamed Marg Bar Sarmachar . It added that its actions were only aimed at the terrorists known as sarmachars.
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And just as Iran had said following the strikes that it respected Pakistans sovereignty, so did Islamabad. Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the foreign ministry said, The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
Irans media has reported loud explosions from Siestan-o-Balochistan province, adding that three women and four children have been killed.
This retaliation from Pakistan once again raises fears of a bigger conflict looming, with some even expressing concern of an all-out war between the two nations.
As worries escalate, heres a comparison between the military firepower of Iran and Pakistan, and whether it would be enough to act as a deterrent to a full-scale military conflict.
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Persian might against Pakistan power
Iran and Pakistan are two very influential nations in the West Asia region. Iran, with its rich history and status as a Shia-majority nation, stands as a powerhouse, while Pakistan, a Sunni-majority country in South Asia, has been a key player in the regional security dynamics.
As per the recent Global Firepower rankings, which lists the most powerful militaries in the world, Pakistan is ninth with a score of 0.1711 whereas Iran has been placed on the 14th spot (0.2269) out of 145 countries.
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According to Global Firepower, while Iran has a defence budget of $9.95 billion whereas Pakistan has allocated a budget of $6.34 billion. When it comes to manpower, Pakistan comes out on top, having 6.54 lakh active personnel in their armed forces, while Iran has 6.1 lakh personnel.
However, Irans military establishment, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), does not depend merely on the state budget for its funding, according to the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).
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The military establishment controls (one-fifth) of the market value of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and owns thousands of other companies, all of which generate revenue for the armed forces, the FDD reported. Additionally, the IRGC controls a significant portion of Irans underground economy.
Land power: Iran vs Pakistan
To explain their military strengths, we now break down each of their military branches, starting with their land assets.
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Pakistan boasts of a stronger arsenal it has 3,742 tanks, also known as war elephants as compared to Irans 1,996. Also, when it comes to self-propelled and towed artillery, Pakistan has the higher numbers.
Iran, however, has more armoured vehicles (65,765) than Pakistan (50,523) and also more mobile rocket projectors 775 in comparison to 602 respectively. For the unaware, armoured vehicles are crucial in deploying infantry to the battlefield quickly. They not only add firepower but also speed in an operation to ensure better manoeuvering during battle.
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Naval might
The Iranian Navy is, comparatively, a modest force that has neither an aircraft carrier nor a destroyer. As per Global Firepower, Pakistan has a fleet strength of 114 vessels whereas Iran has 101.
Notably, neither countries have aircraft carriers. Pakistan does trump Iran when it comes to destroyers two vs zero, as well as frigates (9-7), and corvettes (7-3).
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Flying high
In the ever-evolving realm of military prowess, the air forces of nations play a pivotal role in shaping strategic capabilities.
Irans air force comprises a total of 551 aircraft, with 186 fighter jets, 23 dedicated attack aircraft, 129 helicopters and 10 special mission aircraft. This diverse fleet highlights Irans commitment to maintaining a versatile and technologically advanced air force.
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On the other hand, Pakistan has 1434 aircraft, of which 387 are fighter jets, 90 are dedicated aircraft, 352 helicopters and 25 special mission aircraft.
Its important to note here that Iran also has a full arsenal of drones. In fact, the IRGC has a cyberattack unit that is known to have been responsible for several attacks abroad.
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Missiles and nuclear strength
If reports are to be believed Iran has no nuclear weapons. As The Atlantic notes, They have a ballistic-missile program but no long-range missiles that can reach the United States.
On the other hand, Pakistan, as per a report published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, has 170 nuclear weapons in its stockpile. This makes it the worlds sixth largest nuclear arsenal.
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Iran has approximately 1,000 strategic missiles, believed capable of striking throughout the Gulf and beyond. Tehran has also domestically produced Shahab-3 strategic intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM), with a reported range of up to 1,000 km, the Ghadr-1 with an estimated 1,600 km range and a Shahab-3 variant known as Sajjil-2 with a reported range of up to 2,400 km, according to Reuters reports. If true, Israel and much of eastern Europe would be within range.
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But as Kamran Bokhari, vice-president of Middle Eastern and South Asian Affairs with Stratfor, told Al Jazeera, All of this is shrouded in mystery and not really transparent. We dont have a very good understanding of what Iran can actually do.
On the other hand, Pakistan has a missile programme boasting of mobile short- and medium-range weapons. Shaheen 2 has the longest range of up to 2,000 km.
Irans sphere of influence
If it comes to a full-blown conflict between the two countries, Iran, however, may have the edge as it has over decades shaped an axis of resistance, a web of proxy forces, patronage and influence networks across the region, from Syria to Afghanistan.
One of Irans main and biggest proxy is the Hezbollah . Emerging as a fighting force in the early 1980s, it has become one of the most effective fighting groups and has waded into the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The US government has said that it believes that Iran provides the group with an estimated $700 million in support annually.
Tehran also backs the Houthi rebels in Yemen, providing them with cash and hi-tech weaponry, including drones that can operate in the air and water. Presently, the Houthis have wreaked terror in the Red Sea, attacking merchant vessels, prompting a strong response from the United States as well as the United Kingdom.
However, its important to note that the numbers dont portray the true picture, as is reflected by the Russia-Ukraine war. On paper, Moscow has the bigger and stronger military, but Kyiv has been able to fend off Vladimir Putins men and protect their land.
With inputs from agencies
Nearly 132 students, mostly of Indian origin, took to the streets when they all failed in one subject of the IT graduation course at Algoma University in Brampton. The students also drew support from three other classes and are demanding an external probe for unfair enrolment and grading practices
Amid freezing temperatures in Canada, nearly 132 students, mostly of Indian origin, took to the streets when all of them failed in one subject of the IT graduation course at Algoma University.
Unfair enrolment and grading practices, the students alleged.
The students, who also drew support from three other classes, are now demanding an external investigation.
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Lets take a closer look at the matter.
The protest
According to the Toronto Star, the protests started on 3 January when a group of primarily Indian and Pakistani students gather outside of Algomas satellite campus in Brampton, Ontario, after a professor failed nearly 132 students in the subject Techniques of a System Analyst without explanation.
In the pictures circulating on social media, students can be seen carrying posters and placards with powerful messages such as Students Justice Now, Stop Scamming Students, and Education is not for sale.
The university buildings located at the northeast corner of Main and Queen streets were circled by them in a parade.
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Students are looking for answers after failing one course twice at Algoma. Apparently they did well in every other class. They are trying to reach the professor who is on vacation. Algoma comes in #3 as a share of total international students enrolled. pic.twitter.com/6BlxK0taw4 Justice_Queen (@RE_MarketWatch) January 4, 2024
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Their combined voice echoed calls for Algoma University officials to be held accountable, and transparent, and to conduct a fair re-evaluation.
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We are not doing this just to pass the exam. We are not liking it. We are not having fun outside in this weather, one of the protesting students, Simran Kaur told the Canadian news portal The Star.
She is enrolled in Algomas two-year postgraduate certificate programme in human resources and business management and has failed a management course.
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We are not forcing this university to randomly pass us overnight. We just demand a transparent, a fair grading system, she said.
"CAD 26,000 are not enough"
"Algoma is runing students' career".
Yeah, not surprised you fellas failed. pic.twitter.com/JKPgVlIF44 Curious Insight (@CuriosInsight) January 13, 2024
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Not the first time
Students at Algoma University have claimed that this is not the first time that Indian students have been given a failing grade in a particular course taught by a particular professor.
This is a money-making technique. They know that students will get scared and will have to reappear for that subject, which means they will have to pay an additional exam or semester fee. They are generating money by such petty tricks, Mandeep, convenor of Montreal Youth Students Organisation (MYSO), told Indian Express.
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Algoma Universitys response
The university, however, has denied the claims by saying that only 32 out of 132 students had received a failing grade.
In a written statement, Algoma University said, In a class of 230 students, 32 have a failing grade. Those students have been offered an opportunity to write an aptitude competency exam at no cost to them, composed and graded by a different faculty member.
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It added, The University will also continue its review, which will include reviewing students previous tests and assignments. We will continue to communicate with the impacted students.
An @AlgomaU international student collapsed while waiting for 6 hrs for a collective meeting with the dean along with other students demanding a reassessment & transparency. It should be noted Algoma told the media there are issues of academic integrity. pic.twitter.com/Hpgj0ejMiE Justice_Queen (@RE_MarketWatch) January 18, 2024
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After releasing the statement, protesting students claimed nearly 100 students were marked pass out of the blue.
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As a public university, Algoma University deeply values academic integrity. While we provide all students a range of resources to support their success, it is up to them to do the work and pass their exam. Algoma University very much wants the small group of protesters some of whom are Algoma University students and some of whom are not to come inside where they are safe and warm. We can extend an invitation, not a promise of better grades, The Star quoted a statement by the university.
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Notice of offence
Even after the review, a few students who had passed were given notices of offence for supposedly breaking academic integrity rules.
Students are concerned about these notices from Michael Twiss, the dean of science, as they could now be expelled for alleged infractions.
The letter advised the students of their right to appeal to a committee, which will weigh the professors and the students evidence when determining if the student engaged in academic dishonesty and needs to be punished further. Additionally, it threatened to expel students for committing another academic integrity violation, according to Toronto Star.
The @AlgomaU students say they want justice as they hold up signs saying boycott Algoma education is not for sale and Algoma stop exploiting students should they go home now? pic.twitter.com/sq07J5PcrC Justice_Queen (@RE_MarketWatch) January 14, 2024
One of the accused students, Lovepreet Singh, was surprised at the claim that he merely spent a minute on the exam and turned in the paperwork.
The 24-year-old stated that, despite downloading the exam paper at 9:05 am and turning in his answers in PDF format at 11:54 am, he only had enough time to respond to six of the eight questions during the three-hour final on 7 December.
Some students, such as Himanshu Nagi, have expressed a desire to repeat exams if necessary and have demanded to view their answer sheets to advocate for transparency.
1/ The @AlgomaU students continue to stay out in the cold. One of the supporters says he will ensure that everyone in Punjab knows not to come to Algoma. After seeing one student show proof that one prof ignored his suicidal ideation I tend to agree. pic.twitter.com/n2TvxVm72q Justice_Queen (@RE_MarketWatch) January 13, 2024
Kanwar Sierah, an immigration consultant and former international student himself, pushed for an in-depth inquiry, asking the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and the Ontario Ombudsman to look into the concerns.
What this should bring is a detailed investigation into all the colleges and universities across Canada, and how many students they have failed in the last two years, from which courses and, more importantly, how many of them were domestic students versus how many of them were international students, said Sierah, who spoke at the student rally reported by Toronto Star.
An Algoma representative stated on Sunday that while the institution was unable to comment on a specific students violation of academic integrity, it remains committed to its earlier stance. She stated that all students are entitled to an appeals process for both grade appeals and notices of academic integrity violations.
International students programme under scrutiny
The protest has drawn attention to Canadas international student programme and sparked questions about its effectiveness given the rise in enrolment of international students in recent years.
The Justin Trudeau administration has come under fire for abandoning the Canadian economy in complete chaos.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the system is out of control due to the large influx of foreign students in Ottawa during an interview with the Canadian news outlet CTV News.
The minister remarked, The volume is disconcerting. Its really a system that has gotten out of control.
The federal government has come under heat for allegedly welcoming a rising number of immigrants into the nation, which has led to a serious housing crisis in the nation.
Amid the chaos, Miller has announced that the country is considering a cap on the number of international students allowed to live in the country. The final intake numbers as well as the date of implementation have not been announced yet.
With inputs from agencies
In India, there are more than 2 million Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5 (CKD5) patients who have only two options to stay alive transplant or maintenance dialysis. With transplant having its challenges, dialysis hence is the mainstay of survival for these patients. Significant numbers get added every year with a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in our population.
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For these patients to lead meaningful and productive lives, dialysis services in the country are delivered across the public, private and trust centres. There are also several private dialysis chains that operate across all of these models augmenting the penetration of dialysis treatment to the remote corners of the country. Yet only a small percentage of CKD5 patients avail maintenance haemodialysis which is estimated to be a little above 20 million sessions in a full year across all centres. The existing patient load coupled with the medical guidelines of 3 sessions every week per patient clearly reflects that as a country, we deliver a minuscule percentage of the actual required dialysis sessions.
Challenges for patients:
Major challenges for patients include accessibility, affordability & lack of standardised mandatory quality protocols in all settings for such lifesaving therapy. Some service providers with limited competence, skill, and commitment to deliver this critical service, tend to cut corners thus compromising treatment outcomes and ultimately patient survival. Inadequate awareness and knowledge among the patients about disease management compound the problem.
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Challenges for industry:
Lack of standardised protocols along with the absence of quality/credibility-based qualification criteria & service level agreements with minimum/no mention of outcome parameters means there is no entry barrier and anyone & everyone with limited knowledge and/or low commitment to quality tends to become a service provider making this a highly fragmented industry. For those who want to deliver global quality dialysis with the desired treatment outcome, the cost of service is continuously increasing as dialysis machines and many consumables are still imported. Local commercial production is extremely limited. Delayed payments from most government projects further shrink the wafer-thin margins raising questions on sustainability.
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Challenges for government:
The government with a responsibility to ensure that all patients receive certain minimum standards of quality of dialysis and to justify the large spending of taxpayers money in these PPP programs needs to demand accountability from every dialysis centre/agency/organisation in terms of treatment outcomes and patient benefits. However, it is difficult for the Government to continuously monitor individual components of the dialysis service process, which involves physical checking of numerous components of the dialysis delivery process framework. Hence, the Government needs a simple, verifiable, real-time metric to compare service quality of different providers and patient survival can be an important parameter for the same.
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Way forward:
To address such challenges, industry and government need to work together and the theme must be akin to that followed by the National TB program where the focus is not merely to make the coverage widespread for afflicted patients but to simultaneously ensure that it delivers desired treatment outcomes and ultimately improves survival and quality of life for patients.
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Thankfully, the penetration of dialysis services in rural India is progressively unfolding with the state PPP models along with the central government-sponsored PMNDP (Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program) largely addressing this, enabling mostly rural patients to avail the life-saving treatment. However, it is equally important that the services so provided achieve the best possible patient survival. This in turn depends largely on patient compliance with dialysis schedules, as well as the quality of the services being so provided. If we have to achieve the target of having a dialysis population who are physically fit, employed, productive and leading good quality lives, it is essential to monitor the quality and quantity of dialysis for every patient. This monitoring can be done by using the metric of patient survival, since this parameter is a convergence of the two variables of per-patient compliance (quantity of dialysis) as well as its efficacy (quality of dialysis). Being data-driven will eliminate the human bias in these assessments. Reimbursements to service providers can be linked to achieving targets based on this metric and such a process can progressively help raise the bar of dialysis quality. Across developed nations, some registries monitor patient survival on dialysis. In India too we now have the PMNDP portal which is commissioned to track several parameters on dialysis treatments and patients and survival should be incorporated in the same.
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Initiatives like mandatory quality protocols related to service delivery along with stringent periodic audits by independent authorities will ensure execution and compliance to set standards across different models. Incentives to industry encouraging local production of dialysis machines and key consumables like dialyzers, bloodlines, etc will help cut down on imports thus rationalizing cost and ensuring smooth supply. Similarly, incentivising service providers to achieve controllable quality parameters will be essential to encourage service delivery compared to global standards. Continuous patient education programs on disease management and the right to quality healthcare will further augment two critical factors for improved survival quantity and quality of dialysis. A combination of such critical initiatives along with relentless execution of the same together by both government and industry will be the key to achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in dialysis delivery.
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The author is Group Chief Executive Officer, Apex Kidney Care Pvt. Ltd., Member of NATHEALTH. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The temple serves as a reminder of the nations ability to navigate its diverse and complex history, fostering a future where cultural identity and progress go hand in hand
The Ram Mandirs eagerly anticipated consecration on January 22, 2024, is set to be a seminal event in the tapestry of Indian history, intertwining time-honoured traditions of the past with the robust progress of contemporary India.
The temples inception has brought to life the decades-old chant Ram Lalla Hum Aayenge, Mandir Wahin Banayenge, a powerful slogan that has echoed in the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who envisioned the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya as a young swayamsevak and is now realising this vision as the nations leader, this journey has been one of unwavering faith and devotion.
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End of a protracted struggle
Those familiar with Indias political trajectory attest to this being the culmination of a lifelong commitment; its a testament to both his dedication and the unwavering commitment of millions of devoted swayamsevaks, all united in their effort to realise this historical vision.
However, theres a long history that led to the re-establishment of the Ram Temple. A history that is deeply intertwined with a complex and longstanding dispute that epitomises the challenges of communal harmony in India.
In a landmark decision in 2019, the Supreme Court judiciously resolved this long-standing conflict. The courts verdict not only facilitated the construction of the Ram Mandir on the contested site but also underscored the importance of balance and equity by allocating a separate area for the erection of a mosque.
This judgement was more than a legal resolution; it represented a pivotal moment in Indias ongoing journey towards communal harmony and mutual respect. By addressing the complex interplay of history, religion, and modern legal principles, the verdict aimed to pave a path forward that honours the diverse tapestry of Indian society.
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Set to open its doors on January 22, 2024, the Ram Mandir heralds a significant moment in Indian history, ending a saga that has stretched over five centuries. This journey has been fuelled by the unwavering commitment of numerous devotees, who have longed to restore this sacred site, once lost to external forces.
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Universal appeal of Lord Rams teachings
The Supreme Courts historic decision to greenlight the construction of the temple marked the end of this protracted struggle, a narrative reminiscent of Lord Rams own period of exile and eventual return to Ayodhya. This mirrors the citys prolonged anticipation for its spiritual rejuvenation.
The reconstruction of the Ram Mandir transcends its role as a mere religious edifice; it represents a confluence of faith, unity, and a celebration of Indias rich civilisational heritage. It signals the dawn of a new chapter of hope and spiritual awakening. Every brick laid in the temple, imbued with devotion and reflective of Indias renewed spirit, contributes to this historic monument. It stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the collective aspirations and rejuvenated spirit of India.
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Beyond its religious significance, the temple underscores the combined strength of Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage), propelling the nation forward. The upcoming consecration event is set to draw attendees from across the world, underscoring Indias rich heritage and the universal appeal of Lord Rams teachings, which transcend religious barriers. It reiterates Indias status as a guardian of old wisdom and cultural legacy; the temple complex would strengthen Indias soft power.
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The re-establishment of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple transcends national and religious confines, holding profound significance globally. It is part of a larger strategy to foster national unity and a cultural renaissance. Further, it stands as a testament to faith, unity, and the continuity of civilisation, differing from other monuments in its profound emblematic representation.
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Ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
Rooted in the heart of Ayodhya, the Ram Mandir not only represents a revered place of worship but also stands as a profound embodiment of the timeless principles of Sanatan Sanskriti. It is a striking manifestation of Dharma (righteousness) and Nyaya (justice), the foundational pillars of Sanatan Sanskriti. Embracing the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), the temple resonates with the philosophy of universal kinship and environmental guardianship, reflecting a worldview that transcends mere religious practices to encompass a more holistic understanding of our interconnected existence.
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In todays world, where global challenges often blur geographical boundaries, the teachings of Sanatan Dharma, as embodied by the Ram Mandir, provide a valuable blueprint for sustainable living and peaceful coexistence. The temple, honouring Lord Ram, an exemplar of virtue and moral rectitude, stands as a beacon of the ethical and spiritual values championed by the Sanatan tradition. Its presence in Ayodhya is a continuous reminder of the need for a moral compass to guide societal development and foster a sense of global community, reminding us of the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary times.
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Daihik daivik bhautik tapa, Ramraj nahin kahuhi byapaNahin Daridra kou dukhi na dina, Nahin kou abudh na lakshan hina.!
The concept of Ram Rajya, revered in Indian culture, epitomises an ideal state characterised by justice, equality, universal brotherhood and the welfare of all, resonating with the aspirations of modern democracies and welfare states.
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This vision, eloquently articulated by poet-saint Tulsidas, envisages a society free from suffering where every individual is nurtured and cared for. In Ramcharitmanas, Lord Ram exemplifies this ideal, representing the essence of democratic values, dignified conduct, and societal welfare. His just and prosperous reign in Kosala serves as a timeless model for virtuous governance.
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The Ram Mandir, thus, stands as a symbol of these enduring principles, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary societal values. Its significance, heightened by the global attention it garners, especially with the upcoming consecration ceremony, reaffirms its status as a monument of historical and cultural importance.
This temple not only represents the age-old ideal of Ram Rajya but also resonates with the principles outlined in the Indian republics constitution, mirroring the ethos of an ancient Bharatiya republic redefined within a modern constitutional framework. This fusion of traditional values and contemporary governance, championed by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, continues to inspire a balance between ethical leadership and societal welfare.
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Nav Kalyanvaad
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has embarked on a journey of Nav Kalyanvaad (new welfarism), echoing the principles of Ram Rajya. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, a financial inclusion programme, embody the principle of economic empowerment by providing access to banking services for the unbanked. Similarly, the Ayushman Bharat programme, offering health insurance to the underprivileged, echoes the Ram Rajya tenet of healthcare for all. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at improving sanitation and cleanliness, aligns with the ideal of a pure and healthy environment. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojanas focus on affordable housing reflects a commitment to ensuring a dignified life for every citizen, resonating with the shelter for all ideals of Ram Rajya.
Moreover, Modis governance extends these principles to various other sectors. The Saubhagya Scheme, focusing on rural electrification, symbolises the equitable distribution of resources, a core value of Ram Rajya.
In the realm of employment and self-reliance, initiatives like Skill India and Startup India encourage skill development and entrepreneurship, resonating with Ram Rajyas emphasis on self-sufficiency and prosperity.
The governments policies emphasise empowering the marginalised sections of society, resonating with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Upadhyay. The PM-KISAN scheme, supporting Indias agrarian community, underlines the importance of nurturing and protecting the primary providers of sustenance, aligning with the nurturing aspect of Ram Rajya.
The Modi government has embraced digitalisation with open arms. The Digital India campaign and a push towards e-governance are steps towards reducing corruption and enhancing transparency in governance, resonating with the ancient ideal of a just and transparent administration. Ujjwala Scheme, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and Nari Shakti Vandan Act etc aim to empower Matrishakti.
Collectively, these programmes under Modis leadership illustrate an effort to forge a society where justice, welfare, and prosperity are not just ideals but tangible realities, reflecting the ancient virtues of Ram Rajya in a contemporary democratic framework.
PM Modis leadership in the Ram Mandir issue also reflects his approach to governance, which blends traditional cultural values with modern developmental goals.
His government has emphasised the development of Ayodhya as a cultural and pilgrimage hub, which aligns with his broader vision of promoting Indias cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and pride.
The construction of Ram Mandir has been a pivotal factor in initiating an economic revival within the city. This resurgence is largely attributed to key development projects, most notably the Sarayu riverfront development. This ambitious project has dramatically enhanced the citys visual appeal, turning it into a more attractive destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The beautification and modernisation of the riverfront have not only enriched the citys cultural and spiritual ambiance but will also stimulate local businesses. The growth in tourism, spurred by these developments, will have a multiplicative effect on Ayodhyas economy.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops will witness increased patronage, providing a boost to the hospitality and retail sectors. Moreover, the influx of visitors will lead to the creation of new job opportunities, benefiting the local population directly. Additionally, the development projects have included infrastructural improvements such as better roads, enhanced public facilities, and upgraded transportation links. This infrastructural upliftment not only serves the immediate needs of tourists and pilgrims but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic growth and stability in Ayodhya.
Peaceful culmination
Furthermore, the peaceful culmination of the Ram Mandir issue under Modis governance is significant. It demonstrates his administrations ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues in a manner that seeks to balance legal mandates, historical contexts, and diverse religious sentiments, thus paving the way for a more prosperous, equitable, and harmonious society. This has been an important aspect of Modis tenure, highlighting his approach to handling Indias pluralistic and often contentious socio-religious landscape.
In conclusion, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya stands not just as a religious symbol but as a beacon of Indias evolving narrative. Its construction is a harmonious blend of faith, heritage, and modernity, symbolising Indias journey towards an integrated society where ancient traditions coexist with contemporary aspirations.
The temple serves as a reminder of the nations ability to navigate its diverse and complex history, fostering a future where cultural identity and progress go hand in hand.
As the temple opens its doors on January 22, 2024, it will not only be a place of worship but a monument to Indias unyielding spirit, embodying the essence of Ram Rajya in its truest form.
This historic moment marks a significant milestone in Indias story, a story of resilience, unity, and the perpetual quest for harmony, guided by the principles of righteousness and justice. The day will see the streets and hearts of India illuminated, echoing the traditional Diwali festivity but with a unique resonance.
The nation will come together, transcending the usual calendar, to honour this momentous occasion, symbolising a new epoch in Indias cultural and spiritual journey.
The author is Professor in Kirori Mal College, Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_s views._
Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Iran is emboldened by the recent activities of its proxies in Israel, Lebanon, and Yemen. Tehran is also encouraged by the realisation that Pakistan has a caretaker government and the country is in turmoil
Iran launched attacks in Pakistan on 16 January targeting what it described as bases for the militant group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan. This strike came a day after Irans Revolutionary Guards attacked targets in Iraq and Syria with missiles.
Irans news agency Tasnim stated, Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jaish al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan were specifically targeted and successfully demolished by a combination of missile and drone attacks.
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Turbat and Panjgur are reportedly the two places targeted. Tasnim reported that the focal point of this operation was the region known as Kouh-Sabz (green mountain) in Balochistan. The village is about 45 km from the Iranian border and 90 km from the nearest town Panjgur. The area is described as a sparsely populated area home to livestock-owning Baloch tribes where smuggling of goods, drugs and weapons is rampant.
Jaish al-Adl had previously attacked Iranian Security Forces in the border area with Pakistan. The Jaish ul-Adl, or the Army of Justice, is the most active and influential Sunni militant group operating in Sistan-Baluchistan. It is also designated as a terrorist group by Washington and Tehran.
The Iranian attack in Pakistan follows strikes on Iraq and Syria less than a day earlier, as Tehran lashed out following a dual suicide bombing this month claimed by the Sunni militant group Islamic State that killed over ninety people.
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Adding to the multiple crisis across the region
On 3 January, Iran suffered its worst domestic attack when two bombs killed 84 people at a ceremony in Kerman to commemorate the US assassination of Irans Revolutionary Guard General, Qasem Soleimani.
In retaliation on 15 January Iran fired ballistic missiles at Syria and Kurdish-controlled Northern Iraq. Iran said it was targeting Islamic State and Israels Mossad, both of whom it said had been involved in the Kerman bombings.
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The strike on Iraq hit a building in Irbil. Four civilians were killed and six hurt in the attack. The US condemned the attack. Iran then struck Syrias North-Western Idlib province, which is the last remaining opposition stronghold in the country and home to 2.9 million displaced people.
Pakistan and Iran have a delicate relationship. Both have accused one another of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks on the other in their border areas for years.
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Security on either side of their shared border, which runs for about 900 km has been a long-running concern for both countries.
Pakistans reactions
Pakistan strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs saying that the strike inside Pakistani territory killed two children and injured three girls.
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This violation of Pakistans sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences, the Ministry said in a statement but did not mention the location of the attacks.
As per reports a missile hit a Mosque, partially damaging it and injuring some people. In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the violation of Pakistans sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences .
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Calling it an illegal act , the statement said it took place despite the existence of several channels of communication between Pakistan and Iran. Further Islamabad said a strong protest had been lodged with Tehran, while the Iranian Charge DAffaires had been called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to convey the strongest condemnation of this blatant violation.
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However, Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking in Davos, insisted that no Pakistani citizens had been targeted, only members of Jaish al-Adl.We only targeted Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan, Mr Amir-Abdollahian said.
He added that he had spoken to his Pakistani counterpart and assured him that we do respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq.
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Nonetheless, Islamabad has recalled its ambassador to Iran and said that the Iranian ambassador would not be allowed back into the country for the time being.
Further recent reports suggest that Islamabad has taken some retaliatory measures. This morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan claimed in a statement on Thursday.
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Talking and striking
Confrontations between terrorists and security forces are common along the Pakistan-Iran border, which often result in the loss of both Pakistani and Iranian personnel.
Surprisingly this strike coincided with a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, the caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and when both navies held drills together in the Gulf.
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In July 2023 Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir visited Iran. He met the Iranian President and Foreign Minister, as well as Tehrans military hierarchy. Border Security was a dominant theme during the visit.
As per then statement of Inter-Services Public Relations, both sides vowed to eradicate the menace of terrorism along the common border by sharing intelligence and enhancing cooperation.
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This was the second high-level exchange between the leaderships of both countries, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Ebrahim Raisi had met in May to inaugurate the Mand-Pishin border sustenance market.
President Raisi again reiterated the need for safe economic borders during his meeting with General Munir.
However, the world has changed to a substantial degree since the 7 October attack by Hamas on Israel. Irans proxies in the form of the three Hs, Hamas, Hezboullah and Houthis have been hyperactive thereafter.
On 15 December Jaish al-Adl attacked a police station in Rask, a town close to the border with Pakistan and killed eleven policemen. Soon after the attack, Iranian officials blamed weak Pakistani border control measures and claimed that militants had crossed from Pakistan to carry out the assault.
Pakistan realities
This strike was not the first time that Iranian forces had hit inside Pakistan, but the attack was the deepest inside Pakistani territory. In 2021, Iran rescued two Iranian soldiers who were being held hostage by Jaish al-Adl inside Pakistani territory. In 2017, the Pakistan Air Force had shot down an Iranian drone.
But these attacks have brought to light the fact that Iran is emboldened by the recent activities of its proxies in Israel, Lebanon, and Yemen. Further, in Syria and Iraq, the Shia regime is dependent on Iran to a large extent. It is also encouraged by the realisation that Pakistan has a caretaker government and the country is in turmoil.
As per some reports the missiles and drones were launched from Sirkan area of Iran. However, like Balakot, the Pakistan army may only open the area to reporters after they have cleaned up the damage and claimed that no terrorists were killed.
The country is headed for parliamentary elections shortly, and will find it difficult to be in a position to strike back militarily in view of its rapidly deteriorating situation.
To quote Husain Haqqani, a former Pakistani ambassador to the US, If Pakistan hits back, it risks getting drawn into Middle East conflicts it has avoided so far. If it does not retaliate, it will appear weak yet again, and that will have consequences for the prestige of its Armed Forces.
No wonder China has urged Pakistan and Iran to show restraint and avoid actions that would lead to an escalation of tension. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning added that Beijing saw the countries as close neighbours.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Irans hitting of its nuclear-armed eastern neighbour is a dramatic escalation. But Pakistans nuclear deterrence was clearly not a factor when Iran decided to strike at terror camps across the border. What stands out is that it did not bother to use its proxies but sent a message by using its own military, perhaps sensing a weakness in Pakistan. While matters are unlikely to calm down soon, this is also something both countries would not like to escalate.
For Pakistan its troubles on its western borders are only increasing. It already faces security issues with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Islamic State Khorasan (ISKP) and its deteriorating relationship with the Afghan Taliban a group it sheltered for decades. Now a new front has been opened up with the Iranians resorting to targeting it directly with missiles and drones, which is going to further stretch their resources.
However, countries reserve the right to retaliate against terrorist groups and proxies supported by hostile states who have vitiated the atmosphere. Promoting and nurturing terrorists and extremists by state institutions is undoubtedly a failed policy that can backfire anytime. Hence, it is imperative that the leaders of both countries must reign in their proxies as plausible deniability is not elastic.
The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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The geopolitical temperature in West Asia is refusing to come down. Not only the Israeli retaliation against Hamas has completed 100 days, but the events in the Red Sea have proved to be a new flare-up bringing a lot of global attention to the region. Even as all this is going on, Iran has sprung a surprise by conducting a surgical strike against Pakistan in the wee hours of Wednesday. Iranian missiles hit a village in the Iran-Pakistan border region that falls in Pakistans Balochistan province. According to Tehran, the strike was aimed at Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni Balochi terrorist group which it accuses of being under the patronage of Irans rivals in the region.
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Interestingly Irans surgical strike on Pakistan comes on a day when its Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar had a meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland. Not just this, the navies of the two countries were also conducting a joint naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf on the same day. It also comes at a time when the Pakistani air force has been very active on the social media platform X boasting about its air defence capabilities, but the Iranian strike has exposed the hollowness of its claims. Meanwhile, Pakistan has responded to the strike by saying it is a violation of its sovereignty and Iran has done it despite several communication channels being open between the two countries.
Jaish al-Adl, the terrorist group which was on Irans radar during the strike was founded in 2012 and operates both in Iran as well as Pakistan. It is notorious for conducting terror activities in Iran which includes an attack on a police station in December 2023 in the southeastern part of Iran that claimed the lives of more than 11 policemen. At that time, Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi had accused Pakistan of failing to take adequate security measures thus enabling terrorists to cross over into Iranian territory and conduct the attack.
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Iran shares a 909-km-long border with Pakistan which divides the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan from the Pakistani province of Balochistan. The Sistan-Baluchestan province is the only Sunni-dominated province of Iran where almost 2 million of its total 85 million population resides. Jaish has a stated goal of liberating the Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan from Iran which it alleges to be facing discrimination and repression in a Shia-dominated country. It is a relatively new terrorist group, but it has posed as a significant challenge to Iran by conducting various attacks including a 2019 suicide attack that killed 27 troops of Iran. It has an Indian connection as well. It was Jaish al-Adl that had kidnapped Kulbhushun Jadhav, an Indian businessman from Iran and traded him with Pakistans intelligence agency the ISI for a monetary reward. Later Pakistan claimed that Jadhav is a former Indian Navy officer and a spy.
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Iranian surgical strikes have sent a wave of shock in Pakistan with their top leadership caught completely unaware of Irans plan. But people in Pakistans neighbouring countries including Afghanistan and India seem to have thoroughly relished Irans actions because they are a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The best take on this has come from Amrullah Saleh, former Vice President of Afghanistan, who in a post on X recalled his interaction with Pakistani president General Pervez Musharraf. According to Saleh, Musharraf had once boasted to him that Pakistan is not a banana republic where he can send agents and tell the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden. But as Saleh also pointed out, Pakistan has indeed become a banana republic and Iranian surgical strikes have completely vindicated this.
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For too long, Pakistan has fashioned itself as the self-appointed leader of the Islamic world. It has also left no chance in showing off its nuclear weapons while basking in the glory of being the only Islamic nation to have acquired nukes. However, India punctured its claims for the first time when it conducted a surgical strike on Pakistan in September 2016 to avenge the Uri attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terror group that thrives on support and safety from Pakistan. India again conducted a surgical strike on Pakistan in 2019 to avenge the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force had lost their lives. Both instances of India conducting surgical strikes on Pakistan not only called out its nuclear bluff, but the Balakot airstrike also exposed the Pakistani claims of having a superior air defence system. While India showed the way, Iran has followed its path by conducting surgical strikes in Pakistan and targeting terrorist assets in its territory. This for all practical purposes means that Pakistan is now officially a banana republic.
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A banana republic means a country that has a weak government and is dependent on export of one single commodity for its sustenance and that is bananas. However, in the case of Pakistan that single commodity is not even bananas but state-sponsored terrorism! Pakistan has four countries with which it shares a border India, Iran, Afghanistan and China. Three of its neighbours except China are a perennial victim of Pakistans export of terrorism. India has witnessed the worst kind of terror attacks due to Pakistans proxy war against India especially in Kashmir. Similarly, Afghanistan has been reduced to a pale shadow of itself due to a decades-long history of conflict. Pakistan had played a key role in the creation of the Taliban which returned to establish the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, neither women nor children have been able to live freely or dream of a bright future in that country.
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It is a different matter that the same Afghan Taliban which was created and supported by Pakistan has today turned against the country. Afghan Talibans support to Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) has irked Islamabad big time with both countries breaking their diplomatic ties in November 2023. TTP has been emboldened due to Talibans return to power and is responsible for many attacks on Pakistani territory. The same djinn of terrorism that Pakistan let out from the bottle has come to possess this country itself. Meanwhile, all the neighbours of Pakistan are tired of its assurances and empty talks. Iran is particularly worried about Pakistan giving a safe base to anti-Iran terrorists on the instructions from Irans strategic opponents in the region and even the United States.
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Due to Pakistans record as a state-sponsor of terror, all of its neighbours, excluding China, have degraded diplomatic ties with the country. On one hand, Pakistan is struggling with a failing economy and on the other hand, its neighbours are bombing terror camps without even taking its sovereignty seriously. Is Mohammed Ali Jinnah able to rest peacefully in his grave knowing the country he envisioned has turned into a banana republic?
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The author is a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She writes on Indias foreign policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost_s views._
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The diplomatic outreach is palpable with the number of Turkish embassies in Africa escalating from 12 in 2002 to 44 two decades later
In the ever-evolving global landscape, Africa has become a battleground for influence and investment with China leading the charge. However, amidst the giants, a surprising contender has emerged in the form of Turkey, making significant strides in the region. As we delve into the numbers, it becomes evident that Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is positioning itself strategically in Africa, leveraging economic, political and military avenues.
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Economic impact
Turkish firms have undertaken over 1,800 projects in Africa, with a total investment exceeding $85 billion. These ventures have not only contributed to the continents economic development but have also generated employment for approximately 100,000 Africans. The bilateral trade between Turkey and African nations has witnessed substantial growth soaring from $5.4 billion in 2003 to an estimated $50 billion in the last year.
Turkeys growing presence in Africa is not accidental. Rather, it is a result of a meticulously crafted long-term strategy. In 1998, faced with the denial of full European Union membership in 1997, Ankara pivoted its foreign policy. Erdogan, first as prime minister and later as president, actively redirected attention towards Africa culminating in the unveiling of the Action Plan for Africa.
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Political and diplomatic engagement
The diplomatic outreach is palpable with the number of Turkish embassies in Africa escalating from 12 in 2002 to 44 two decades later. Erdogan, personally invested in this relationship, has visited Africa an astounding 40 times in 20 years, more than any other world leader. Turkeys efforts were recognised with observer status at the African Union in 2008 and a declaration as a strategic partner.
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Turkeys approach in Africa combines cultural influence, economic projects and military cooperation. Erdogans security agreements with 30 African nations, including training programs for soldiers and military deployments, have established Turkey as a key player in the region. The countrys pitch as a defence equipment provider, particularly in the realm of drones, has gained traction, with sales to countries like Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.
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Islamic diplomacy
Erdogans emphasis on Islamic diplomacy is evident with 27 per cent of Africas population being Muslim. Projects like the Blue Mosque in Ghana, fully funded by Turkey, showcase Erdogans religious credentials and add another dimension to Turkeys engagement with Africa.
For African nations, Turkey offers a viable alternative with less historical baggage. Unlike former colonial powers, Turkey wasnt a colonial force in most of Africa and is less concerned about democratic governance. Erdogans willingness to engage with military regimes, sell weapons without judgment and maintain a level of secrecy sets Turkey apart in a landscape dominated by more transparent global players.
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While China and other major players may dominate the headlines, Turkeys silent ascent in Africa is reshaping the continents geopolitical landscape. Erdogans multifaceted strategy, encompassing economic investment, political engagement and military cooperation, positions Turkey as a formidable player in the new scramble for Africa. As the world grapples with the implications of Turkeys growing influence, one thing is clear Erdogans vision for Africa is rapidly becoming a reality and the global community cannot afford to overlook it.
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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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During discussions in Tehran, reports suggest that Jaishankar provided an assessment to Iranian officials, outlining Indias perspective on the Houthi threat
Recently External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, visited Iran, engaging in crucial discussions with top officials. The focus of their talks included addressing the threat posed by Houthi attacks and navigating complex geopolitical issues.
The Houthi threat
During the visit, Jaishankar expressed concerns about the Houthi threat, emphasizing the international communitys shared interest in resolving the issue. He highlighted recent incidents, including the drone attack on the MV Chem Pluto, a ship bound for India. Despite the United States attributing the attack to Iran, India refrained from contesting these claims, choosing instead to pledge a commitment to halt such attacks and punish the perpetrators.
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Jaishankar reinforced Indias unwavering stance against terrorism, characterising the attacks as acts of terrorism that require a resolution. However, one month after the MV Chem Pluto incident, India has yet to publicly identify the attackers, prompting speculation about its internal deliberations.
We have even seen some attacks in the vicinity of India. This is a matter of great concern to the international community. This fraught situation is not to the benefit of any party and this must be clearly recognised, said Jaishankar.
Diverging views in Tehran
During discussions in Tehran, reports suggest that Jaishankar provided an assessment to Iranian officials, outlining Indias perspective on the Houthi threat. However, the views on the matter diverged, with Iran not entirely endorsing Indias position.
The disagreements between India and Iran extend beyond the Red Sea tensions. Jaishankars meeting with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi touched upon two crucial issues: Israels actions in Gaza and Indias investments in Iran.
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Raisi expects India to play a greater role in influencing Israel to end the bombings in Gaza. Iran publicly stated its desire for India to contribute to ending the conflict, lifting the blockade and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people.
America cannot stand by Israel with all its power and participate in the killing of 24,000 civilians in Gaza, including 1,000 women and more than 12,000 children, and at the same time invite others to exercise restraint, silence, and non-action, said Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.
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Chabahar port development
The second demand from Iran pertains to the development of the Chabahar Port, a strategic gateway to Afghanistan. President Raisi expressed dissatisfaction with the progress and urged India to expedite the ports development. The Chabahar Port holds immense strategic value for India, serving as an alternative route to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.
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While reports indicate progress in the Chabahar Port talks, Raisis demands present a challenge for India to balance its diplomatic relationships. The situation underscores the need for India to navigate its ties with Iran carefully, addressing concerns while maintaining its strategic autonomy.
As India and Iran grapple with diverging views and expectations, the dynamics of their relationship are undergoing scrutiny. The successful resolution of issues such as the Chabahar Port development will be a litmus test for Indias strategic autonomy and its ability to uphold longstanding friendships amidst challenging geopolitical scenarios.
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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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10:04 | Zarumilla (Tumbes region), Jan. 18.
These actions are carried out within the framework of the state of emergency implemented in northern Peru, which was declared by Supreme Decree No. 003-2024-PCM
As part of this mission, the First Infantry Brigade has deployed two patrols, which are duly equipped with drones, vehicles, and arms, in order to conduct surveillance tasks and ensure the territorial integrity of Peru's neighboring areas.
Thus, a patrol composed of the 5th Motorized Infantry Battalion's staff was deployed from Fort Zarumilla to the Pesqueros area, located in Aguas Verdes district, Zarumilla province, Tumbes region.
Moreover, another patrol made up of troops from the 11th Motorized Infantry Battalion was deployed from Fort Papayal to the Dos Bocas y La Pampa sector, situated in Papayal district, also in Zarumilla province.
The above-mentioned supreme decree, issued on January 10 this year, declares for a period of 60 calendar days a state of emergency in the districts and provinces along the country's border with Ecuador.
Likewise, it provides that the control of domestic order will be in charge of the Peruvian National Police (PNP), which will be supported by members of the Armed Forces.
(END) NDP/JCC/RMB/MVB
Using technology, the Peruvian Army has been conducting dissuasive patrols along the border with Ecuador, in support of Peruvian National Police (PNP) efforts, thus complying with the operations plan mandated by the Defense sector.Published: 1/18/2024
The bravery and dedication of the Indian Army in these covert operations have not gone unnoticed
In the realm of international geopolitics, few issues have commanded as much attention and concern as the ongoing border standoff between India and China. For nearly four years, the two Asian giants have been entangled in a tense and precarious situation along their shared borders, most notably in the Galwan Valley. While the world is familiar with the tragic events that unfolded in 2020, recent developments shed light on the continuous challenges faced by both nations.
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Galwan Valley incidents
The Galwan Valley clashes of 2020 marked a significant escalation in tensions between India and China. Chinese troops, without provocation, attacked Indian soldiers, resulting in fatalities on the border for the first time in 45 years. Since then, the Galwan Valley has become a focal point, witnessing multiple incursion attempts by the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in subsequent years.
Contrary to expectations of de-escalation, there have been at least two more skirmishes between September 2021 and November 2022. The PLA targeted Indian Army positions at Shankar Tekri and Atari, both strategically positioned along the Line of Actual Control. Despite these provocations, Indian troops successfully repelled the incursions, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
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On-ground operations
What sets the recent revelations apart is the insight into on-ground operations that have largely remained shrouded in secrecy. Since the Galwan Valley standoff, Indian troops have not merely defended their positions but have actively undertaken reconnaissance missions. These missions involve venturing behind enemy lines, exemplifying the Indian Armys commitment to monitoring and safeguarding its borders.
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One remarkable operation unfolded in the Sikkim area, where a Major from the Para-Special Forces crossed into enemy territory. Stationed for 120 hours, the Major provided live-feed intelligence on military movements despite challenging weather conditions. Another mission involved crossing into Chinese territory, the details of which remain classified, but the Indian Army emerged successful.
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Recognition of bravery
The bravery and dedication of the Indian Army in these covert operations have not gone unnoticed. In a rare acknowledgment, officers involved in these missions were awarded gallantry awards. The citations, once publicly available, outlined the extraordinary acts of bravery displayed during these operations.
Despite the international reporting of these incidents, there seems to be hesitation in openly sharing the details of these stories. The video of the award ceremony, where officers were recognised for their bravery, was initially in the public domain but has since been taken down. The reasons for this removal remain unclear, prompting speculation about the sensitivity surrounding these revelations.:
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General Manoj Pande, the Indian Army chief, emphasized the stability but sensitivity of the current border situation. The need for vigilance persists, as challenges may continue to arise. The question remains: What are Indias options beyond maintaining a large troop presence on the border? Should New Delhi publicise these provocations to keep Beijing in check, or does some level of secrecy serve a strategic purpose?
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As the world watches, the delicate balance between transparency and strategic advantage remains a critical consideration for India in navigating this protracted border dispute.
Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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While Shell bids farewell to onshore drilling in Nigeria, it will maintain its presence in the country
Nigeria, the economic powerhouse of Africa and a former British colony, is on the brink of economic decolonisation as Shell, the second-largest oil company globally, prepares to sell its onshore oil drilling business. After almost 90 years of operation, Shell is divesting its assets for a substantial upfront payment of $1.3 billion and additional payments totalling $1.1 billion.
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The deal encompasses various assets, including existing facilities and 18 oil mining leases, with estimated reserves of approximately 458 million barrels of oil equivalent. The financial implications are significant, translating to a substantial sum far exceeding the selling price.
Shells decision to exit its onshore business in Nigeria is rooted in the numerous challenges it has faced over the years. Major oil spills in 2008 led to legal battles where locals sued Shell for millions of dollars. The company paid claimants $83 million in 2015 and an additional $110 million in 2021. The United Nations has also pressed Shell to address environmental damage, projecting a cleanup process lasting 30 years and costing over a billion dollars.
Local environmental groups have actively pursued lawsuits against Shell for both major and minor spills, the latter often resulting from theft. Frequent incidents of oil theft have led to smaller spills, compelling Shell to engage in continuous cleanup efforts. The company also faces sabotage attempts by locals seeking wealth-sharing and reparations for damages caused.
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The relentless challenges prompted Shell to seek an exit from its onshore business for the past two years. The company has found buyers in a consortium of five companies, four of which are local firms, ensuring more of the oil wealth remains within Nigeria. However, the consortium will inherit the responsibility of addressing the environmental mess left behind by Shell.
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Future operations
While Shell bids farewell to onshore drilling in Nigeria, it will maintain its presence in the country. The company will continue operating in the deep sea, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, where mining is more profitable and less susceptible to theft or sabotage. Shell also retains other businesses in Nigeria, including a gas supply firm, a solar power unit and stakes in liquefied natural gas.
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With the impending sale of its onshore business, Shell is set to resolve a major problem that has plagued both the company and local communities in Nigeria. The approval from the Nigerian government is the final step, signaling the end of a troubled relationship and the beginning of a new chapter for Shell and the economic powerhouse of Africa.
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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of global demographics, the vitality of a nation often hinges on its ability to manage and harness its greatest asset: its people. While natural resources and geographic location are undeniably crucial, the utilisation of these assets relies fundamentally on human resources.
Frances demographic crisis
France, traditionally an outlier in Western Europe with a stable population, is now grappling with a demographic crisis. Recent statistics reveal a significant decline in the birth rate, with 678,000 births recorded last year, marking a 7 per cent decrease from 2022 and a substantial 20 per cent drop since its peak in 2020. This decline poses a threat to the nations future as its population faces the prospect of shrinking.
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President Emmanuel Macron recognises the urgency of the situation and has proposed reforms to parental leave policies. Currently, parents have access to basic maternity leave and an additional one-year leave, which is inadequately compensated and often disconnects women from the job market. Macrons proposed changes aim to allow both parents to take six months of well-compensated leave, thereby addressing the economic and societal factors hindering family growth.
After the extension of paternity leave, I strongly believe that the introduction of a new childbirth leave will be a useful element in such a strategy. Childbirth leave will replace current parental leave. Firstly it will be better paid, it will allow both parents to be with their child for six months if they so wish, said President Macron.
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Despite the historically positive demographic trends in France, recent polls indicate a shift in perspective. Economic concerns and the impact of climate change were cited by 30 per cent of French couples as reasons for not having children. Additionally, 28 per cent expressed concerns about the high cost of raising children. This shift suggests that external factors, rather than a cultural aversion to children, are impeding family expansion.
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Chinas demographic challenge
In stark contrast, China is contending with a prolonged decline in population attributed, in part, to its rapid economic growth. The implementation of the one-child policy in the 1980s significantly impacted the birth rate, dropping from around 17 per 1,000 people to 6.4. Although the policy was relaxed in 2015 and expanded in 2021 to allow three children per couple, China continues to face demographic challenges.
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Chinas economic slowdown and a competitive job market have led to a staggering 21 per cent youth unemployment rate. The financial burden of raising a family, compounded by the high cost of marriage, deters many young Chinese from starting families. Incentives introduced by Beijing, such as subsidies and payments, have not yielded the desired results, indicating a complex interplay of economic and social factors.
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Chinas demographic challenge has broader implications for its future. With an aging population and a declining workforce, there is a looming burden on social welfare and healthcare systems. The need for a youthful demographic is crucial, especially for a nation aspiring to be a global superpower and compete with countries like the United States, whose population continues to grow.
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A 32-year-old entrepreneur and mixer attendee, Victor Li said, Its very expensive for us to get married, especially in a big city like Shanghai. For example, if we get married, we need a place to settle down, and having a house is definitely an essential. Very few people, perhaps very few women, would be willing to rent a house with a man, then get married. So in terms of financial ability, it actually puts a lot of pressure on young people, including myself.
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The demographic challenges faced by France and China underscore the delicate balance between economic, societal and governmental factors in shaping population dynamics. While France has the advantage of being a wealthy and open society, China faces a more complex situation due to economic disparities. The contrasting approaches of these nations serve as valuable lessons in the intricate realm of demographic policy-making, emphasizing the need for holistic strategies that address both economic and societal aspects to foster sustainable population growth.
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Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
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Google is bringing a new search feature called Circle to Search. Although the name is a misnomer, it makes searching about objects or texts as and when we come across them while browsing social media, or any other content on our phone much simpler
Google has introduced a brand new feature at the launch of Samsungs Galaxy S24 series, called Circle to Search. The new feature, that does exactly what its name implies, is actually a pretty innovative functionality that allows users to tap a button, circle an item on their phone screen and instantly receive a page filled with Google search results related to the circled item.
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Initially launching on Samsungs Galaxy S24 series and Googles Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Circle to Search is set to expand to other select, premium Android phones in the future.
While reminiscent of Google Lens, Circle to Search offers the added convenience of accessibility from anywhere on the device.
Users can activate the feature by long-pressing the home button in three-button navigation or using the navigation handle in gesture navigation, making it appear on top of the current app or screen. The tool allows circling, highlighting, or tapping on subjects, including both text and images.
In a brief demo on a Galaxy S24, the feature showcased effective subject isolation and provided relevant search results.
While not a revolutionary method of internet searching, Circle to Search offers a practical solution, eliminating the tedious process of taking screenshots, switching apps, and selecting images for searches.
Contrary to its name, the Circle to Search feature on Android is more about engaging with text or images on the screen to initiate a search, rather than relying solely on circling gestures. While circling is one option for triggering a search, other gestures can also be used for a seamless search experience.
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For example, if watching a video or viewing a photo and wanting to identify a specific item, users can employ circling gestures. However, if chatting about a restaurant in a messaging app, a simple tap on the restaurants name can prompt a search for more details. Another option is swiping across a series of words to turn them into a search query, as demonstrated with the term thrift flip in a YouTube Shorts video about thrifting.
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In scenarios where the user is interested in something visual on the screen, circling or scribbling gestures can be employed. Google suggests circling sunglasses in a video or scribbling on boots to explore related items on Google without the need to switch between different apps. The scribble gesture is applicable to both images and words.
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Search results may vary based on the query and the users participation in Google Labs products. Simple text searches may yield traditional results, while queries combining text and images, referred to as multisearch, utilize generative AI. Users participating in Googles Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment via Google Labs can expect AI-powered answers for relevant queries within the SGE framework.
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The feature seamlessly integrates into the user experience, feeling like an intuitive capability that should have been present from the start.
The launch of Circle to Search coincides with an update to Googles multisearch feature. This enhancement to an existing Lens feature enables users to refine visual searches with complex questions.
For instance, a picture of a plant can be accompanied by the question, How often should I water this? The upgraded multisearch, available in the Google app starting today, allows users to delve deeper into understanding the reasons behind things, not just identifying them. However, this feature is currently limited to the US on both Android and iOS devices.
Google Search has progressively been getting worse for some time, especially when you look for specific products. This is mainly because of affiliate marketing. Critics also point to the increasing number of ads in search results and Google displaying information from its own services
A recent study conducted by researchers from Leipzig University, Bauhaus-University Weimar, and the Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence highlights a decline in the quality of Google search results, particularly in product-review searches.
The study focused on 7,392 product-review search terms over a year on Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. The findings revealed that the highest-ranked pages featured more optimization, affiliate links, and lower-quality text.
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This decline is attributed to aggressive affiliate marketing strategies, where websites prioritize monetization through product reviews with affiliate links.
Affiliate marketing involves websites earning commissions by directing users to retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, BestBuy, and Walmart through special links.
While major publishers often maintain strict policies separating reviews and editorial decisions from business concerns, some less scrupulous sites focus on maximizing profits, contributing to the prevalence of low-quality content.
The study indicates that search engine optimization (SEO) tactics, employed to boost website visibility on search engines like Google, are intensifying, leading to a constant battle between search engines and SEO engineers.
Google, along with competitors, constantly adjusts algorithms to combat spam and improve results. However, the study suggests that search engines are losing the cat-and-mouse game against SEO spam, with spammers exploiting new loopholes as algorithms evolve.
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Despite these challenges, the study acknowledges that Google performed better compared to Bing and DuckDuckGo, and Googles results showed improvement over the course of the study. However, the broader narrative suggests a growing concern about the declining quality of Google search results.
Lily Ray, Senior Director of SEO and Head of Organic Research at Amsive Digital, notes that while Google is aware of its problems and actively working to address them, there is a consensus within the SEO community that the search engine is currently in a state of disarray.
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The complexity of managing billions of daily searches, combined with the evolving nature of SEO tactics, presents an ongoing challenge for Google.
Critics also point to the increasing prominence of ads in search results and Googles preference for displaying information from its own services.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence and narratives suggesting a decline in Googles search quality in recent years, prompting concerns about the overall state of the internet economy, which heavily relies on the search giant.
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(With inputs from agencies)
Samsung has launched a bunch of new features under their new Galaxy AI features, powered by Googles Gemini. The multi-year deal between Samsung and Google involves incorporating Gemini Nano, Googles highly efficient large-language model, into the flagship series
Samsung has officially launched its flagship for 2024, the Galaxy S24 series, with a significant focus on the smartphones AI capabilities powered by Googles Gemini
The multi-year deal between Samsung and Google involves incorporating Gemini Nano, Googles highly efficient large-language model, into the flagship series.
Additionally, access to Gemini Pro and Imagen 2 text-to-image technology through the cloud will be provided, making Samsung the first Google Cloud partner to implement these features.
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Janghyun Yoon, Corporate EVP and Head of Software Office of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing shared values with Google in making technology more helpful and accessible.
The Galaxy S24 series introduces several AI features, including the Live Translate function for real-time voice and text translations within the native app, eliminating the need for third-party applications. The Interpreter feature provides split-screen view translations for live conversations, even without cellular data or Wi-Fi.
The AI Live Translate function in the Galaxy S24 series facilitates two-way, real-time voice and text translations for phone calls within the native app, eliminating the need for third-party applications. Taking it a step further, the Interpreter feature provides split-screen view translations for live conversations, even without cellular data or Wi-Fi.
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AI Chat Assist enhances messaging and various applications by ensuring that conversational tones are tailored for different contexts. The Samsung Keyboard incorporates AI to translate messages in real-time across 13 languages.
On the go, Android Auto streamlines connectivity by summarizing incoming messages and suggesting relevant replies and actions while driving.
AI Note Assist in Samsung Notes assists in organizing random notes taken during meetings. This feature includes AI-generated summaries, streamlined note templates, and cover creation for easy note identification. Transcript Assist employs AI and Speech-to-Text technology to transcribe, summarize, and translate voice recordings, even in scenarios with multiple speakers.
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The Galaxy S24 series also introduces a gesture-driven Circle to Search feature in collaboration with Google. Users can conduct intuitive searches by circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on anything displayed on the screen, providing high-quality search results without leaving the app. Generative AI-powered overviews offer context and information for specific searches.
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AI extends its influence to photo editing in the Galaxy S24 series. Edit Suggestion uses Galaxy AI to recommend suitable adjustments for each photo, while Generative Edit allows users to fill in parts of an image background with AI assistance. To maintain transparency, a watermark appears on the image and in metadata whenever the Galaxy S24 utilizes generative AI to enhance an image.
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The competitive landscape between Google and Microsoft involves a race to embed GenAI in everyday applications and devices, including smartphones, personal computers, and productivity software. This competition reflects the companies pursuit of new avenues to monetize these advanced tools.
(With inputs from agencies)
Sundar Pichai has warned that there will be more layoffs this year. The year started at Google with thousands being fired from the ad team, which was then followed by another round of layoff at YouTube, where over 100 people were fired
Google has initiated a significant round of layoffs, affecting more than a thousand employees across various departments since January 10. In an internal memo shared with employees, CEO Sundar Pichai indicated that more cuts should be anticipated as the company aims to invest in its ambitious goals for the year.
Pichais message acknowledged the challenging decisions being made, emphasizing the need to create capacity for strategic investments. The recent workforce reductions and reorganizations have impacted teams involved in hardware, ad sales, search, shopping, maps, policy, core engineering, and YouTube.
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While Pichai assured employees that the current layoffs are not on the scale of last years massive reduction of 12,000 jobs, he acknowledged the difficulty of witnessing colleagues and teams being affected. The CEO explained that the focus this year is on removing layers to simplify execution and drive velocity in some areas.
Despite some changes being already announced, Pichai remained transparent about ongoing resource allocation decisions, suggesting that more roles may be impacted throughout the year. The move reflects Googles efforts to streamline operations and allocate resources strategically to meet its objectives, even as it recognizes the challenges and impact on its workforce.
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Furthermore, Google is set to cut 100 employees at its renowned video platform, YouTube, marking another round of layoffs following the elimination of over 1,000 jobs in the past week from the ad team, reports The New York Times.
In an email reviewed by The New York Times, YouTubes chief business officer, Mary Ellen Coe, informed workers from YouTubes operations and creator management teams about the elimination of their positions. The cuts primarily impact groups providing support to the millions of content creators on the platform. As of Tuesday, YouTube had a total workforce of 7,173 people.
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The decision to reduce staff comes as YouTube faces challenges in fully recovering from an advertising slowdown in the past year and contends with robust competition from TikTok, a short-video service popular among younger users.
The layoffs are part of Googles ongoing efforts to cut costs and streamline operations. Last week, the company eliminated over 1,000 jobs from its core engineering division, Google Assistant (its voice-operated product), and certain augmented reality projects.
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Mary Ellen Coes note to employees mentioned that individuals in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region who may be impacted would be notified by the end of the day. Andrea Faville, YouTubes head of corporate communications, emphasized that the company is responsibly investing in its top priorities and significant opportunities while acknowledging ongoing organizational changes, including role eliminations, across various Google teams globally.
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(With inputs from agencies)
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating whether Boeing failed to make sure a panel that blew off a jetliner in midflight last week was safe and manufactured to meet the design that regulators approved.
On January 5th, 2024, the first weekend of the new year, some Americans saw their worst nightmares come true. People were still in their holiday mood; some were perhaps returning back their quotidian jobs when passengers aboard the Alaska Airlines 1282 were shaken by a gut-wrenching incident.
The plane was leaving Portland and was headed to California but just ten minutes into the flight, a chunk of the plane went flying into the air. As the airplane was beginning to ascent, a door panel blew away, leaving a gaping hole in the body of the aircraft.
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The flight almost teetered into a near disaster but since the seat next to the door was empty a major calamity was averted. The plane made a quick U-turn and made an emergency landing back at the Portland airport.
The incident brought back all eyes at the infamous planemaker Boeing. Alaskas flight 1282 was a Boeing 737 Max 9 and the accident added to an already stained history of Boeings 737 Max jets.
Almost immediately, Alaska Airlines grounded its fleet of 65 Boeing 737 Max 9. In a statement, CEO Ben Minicucci said that the aircraft will be returned to service only after completion of full maintenance and safety inspection.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also ordered a temporary grounding of about 171 of the jets. The FAA is investigating whether Boeing failed to make sure a panel that blew off a jetliner in midflight last week was safe and manufactured to meet the design that regulators approved. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also launched an investigation into the accident.
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Boeing had said it would cooperate with the investigation, which is focusing on plugs used to fill spots for extra doors when those exits are not required for safety reasons on Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners.
Alaska says it has since found more loose hardware on several other Boeing vehicles during its inspections. United Airlines also informed of finding loose bolts on the vehicles plug doors.
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What caused the mid-air accident?
The 737 Max 9 aircraft involved in the accident, was a fairly new vehicle. It was delivered to Alaska on October 31, 2023. It would have completed only around 100 flights a month which rules out the possibility of normal wear and tear.
The NTSB, on the other hand, has already said it does not suspect a design flaw. This means either the door itself could have been faulty, or it was not bolted in place correctly. However, there is no conclusive report yet.
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Later in the week, the missing door panel was finally discovered in the backyard of a school teachers house in Portland. The discovery of the missing door is likely to provide vital clues to investigators about what went wrong and why.
Who was responsible for the accident?
The door that blew off the Alaska aircraft was produced by Boeings supplier Spirit Aerosystems. Spirit Aerosystems has previously faced criticism in the past for serious quality control failures. However, Boeing itself is not too far behind. The planemaker is plagued with long-running quality issues. Boeing used to have a reputation for unmatched safety and quality in its commercial jets but that no longer stands.
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In 2011, Boeing started working on its Max variants billing it as an update to its previous 737 jets. The company said the new jets would not require additional pilot training which eventually became a key selling point for the 737 Max planes. However, the new versions did include significant changes, some of which Boeing downplayed. One of them was the addition of an automated flight-control system called MCAS that pilots didnt know about. This gave way to two of the most catastrophic crashes for Boeing in recent times.
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In October 2018, a 737 Max 8 operated by Indonesias Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea. Shortly after, in March 2019, another 737 Max 8 operated by Ethiopian Airlines crashed just six minutes after take-off. A total of 346 people were killed in both crashes. This led to the grounding of all Max jets for nearly two years. Boeing had to pay a whopping $2.5 billion to settle an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.
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Do Indians face the risk of similar accidents?
In India, airlines do not use Boeings 737 Max 9 variants, however, many still use the 737 Max 8 aircraftthis includes Akasa Air (22), SpiceJet (9) and Air India Express (9). Following the weekend accident, Indias aviation regulator ordered the inspection of all these aircraft. During its review, the regulator found a missing part in at least one of the vehicles.
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In the wake of the accident, Boeings CEO Dave Calhoun offered an apology saying the company will ensure that this never happens again. But it remains to be seen if Calhouns assurances appease the investors.
On the Monday after the accident, when trading began on Wall Street, Boeing saw its share prices plummet. Its shares plunged by at least 7% in midday trading. Just as the firm was beginning to recover from its previous losses, it seems to have hit an impasse. Back in 2020, as costs mounted after two disastrous crashes, Boeing posted its first annual loss in two decades.
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And just last year it laid off about 2000 people from its finance and human resource team. Perhaps, its not an exaggeration to assume that the planemaker is headed towards the same fate. The bigger question now is- will Boeings business make a U-turn in time or will it crash?
Apple can no longer sell its Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch 2 Ultra, and has been banned from importing the devices to China. This may lead Apple to disable the disputed feature during this period to comply with the ban and continue selling the watches
A US appeals court has ruled that Apple cannot sell the Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watch models in the US due to an ongoing legal battle with medical technology company Masimo over patents related to a blood oxygen measurement feature.
The court decision, which could extend for a year, may lead Apple to disable the disputed feature during this period to comply with the ban and continue selling the watches.
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Following the ruling, Apples shares closed 0.5 per cent lower at $182.68. The court specified that Apple is prohibited from importing the affected watches starting at 5PM ET on Thursday while the company appeals a December decision by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to halt imports of these devices. Apple Watches represent about a quarter of the global smartwatch market.
Masimos CEO, Joe Kiani, stated that the ruling emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, even for large companies like Apple. Apple has not yet responded to the courts decision.
Separately, US Customs and Border Protection has determined that a proposed redesign from Apple could allow the importation of reconfigured Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches without violating the ITCs restrictions. Apple has not publicly disclosed the redesign details.
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Analysts suggest that Apple may choose to disable the blood oxygen features on the affected models rather than cease sales, considering the significance of Apple Watch sales in the wearables segment.
While the legal proceedings impact sales only in the US, Apple Watchs contribution to the companys wearables segment was substantial, accounting for $39.84 billion of Apples overall $383.29 billion in sales for fiscal 2023.
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The ongoing legal dispute involves allegations from Masimo that Apple hired its employees and stole pulse oximetry technology for use in Apple Watches. The ITC had previously barred imports and direct sales of Apple Watches with blood-oxygen reading capabilities in response to Masimos complaint.
Apple had briefly halted sales in compliance with the ITCs import ban, but the Federal Circuit temporarily lifted the ban as it considered Apples request for a longer-term pause. Apple resumed sales pending the outcome of the appeals process.
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(With inputs from agencies)
India and Bangladesh share close economic ties, which have been fostered in recent times. The two countries bilateral trade has been $14.2 billion in 2022-23 and $8.13 billion in 2021-22. Bangladesh has been the fifth largest market for Indian goods.
On the first bilateral visit after the new government formed in Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will visit India for three days on February 7.
Speaking to the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Thursday, he noted that the agenda of the visit is yet to be finalised.
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I will be visiting the country at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, he said.
Dr S Jaishankar expressed his felicitations and anticipation for collaborative efforts to enhance the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh share close economic ties, which have been fostered in recent times. The two countries bilateral trade has been $14.2 billion in 2022-23 and $8.13 billion in 2021-22. Bangladesh has been the fifth largest market for Indian goods, as per the Indian Express, only behind the United States, the UAE, the Netherlands, and China.
Additionally, under Hasina, connectivity is being improved between Indias northeast and Dhaka. India has also offered more than $7 billion in Line of Credit to Bangladesh since 2010 for infrastructure and development projects.
In the 20th century, there were more black rhinos than any other type of rhino; perhaps as many as one million, per Britannica. Between 1960 and 1995, the world's black rhino population experienced a dramatic reduction of 98 percent, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The black rhino received the IUCN Red List status critically endangered in 1996, and is still critically endangered today. The biggest threat to black rhinos is the illegal wildlife trade of rhino horns.
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"You've got to imagine an animal walking around with a gold horn; That's what you're looking at, that's the value and that's why you need incredibly high security," Simon Stuart, former Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, told the BBC in 2011, when the organization declared the subspecies western black rhino (Diceros bicornis longipes) extinct.
The IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) does not release specific location information for surviving populations to protect black rhinos.
Thanks to anti-poaching efforts, black rhino populations are slowly increasing. In 2022, IUCN counted 6,487 black rhinos, a 4.2 percent increase from 2021.
"With this good news, we can take a sigh of relief for the first time in a decade. However, it is imperative to further consolidate and build upon this positive development and not drop our guard, AfRSG chair Michael Knight said in a press release.
Sunak faced down the rebellion by right-wingers in his Conservative Party by offering token compromises to those who demanded he toughen a new bill to tackle illegal immigration in moves some feared could breach human rights protections
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defeated a Conservative rebellion on Wednesday over his plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, winning a costly victory that weakens his authority and deepens divisions in his party.
Sunak faced down the rebellion by right-wingers in his Conservative Party by offering token compromises to those who demanded he toughen a new bill to tackle illegal immigration in moves centrists feared could breach human rights protections.
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In the end only 11 of Tuesdays almost 60 rebels decided to vote against the legislation in a vote in the lower house, known as a third reading. Some worried that if they did not back it, they could inadvertently collapse the government.
With the Conservatives trailing the opposition Labour Party in opinion polls before this years election, some lawmakers were concerned about rejecting a plan voter might feel could reduce illegal immigration a crucial issue for some Britons.
The passing of the bill tonight marks a major step in our plan to stop the boats, said a spokesperson for Sunaks office.
We have a plan, we have made progress and this landmark legislation will ensure we get flights off to Rwanda, deter people from making perilous journeys across the Channel and stop the boats.
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But rebels are angry over what they see as Sunaks disregard for their concerns, something that could come back to haunt him as he tries to unite his party before the election later this year.
Earlier, votes on proposed changes to the draft legislation showed almost a fifth of Conservative lawmakers wanted their leader to toughen the plan, an argument that deepened divisions in his party between its right-wing and more numerous centrists.
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While ultimately most backed Sunaks plan, they warned him they would continue to inflict pressure on him to reduce immigration.
Some Conservatives blame Sunak for failing to reinvigorate the partys fortunes after replacing his short-lived predecessor Liz Truss in 2022. But faced with the possibility of triggering an early election, they decided voting against him was a step too far.
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LAST CHANCE
Sunak has made stopping arrivals of asylum seekers crossing over from France in small boats a central aim of his government and says the Rwanda plan would create a deterrent.
Under the plan, migrants who arrive in Britain illegally face being sent to Rwanda some 4,000 miles (6,400 km) away to have their asylum claims processed.
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While most migrants say they are fleeing wars in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, the British government describes many of them as economic migrants rather than genuine refugees.
During the earlier debate in parliament, Suella Braverman, who was sacked as interior minister by Sunak last year and is a vocal supporter of a toughened Rwanda plan, said strengthening the law was our last chance to get it right.
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Ultimately, Sunak sided with his more centrist lawmakers, who said that strengthening the plan could result in Britain breaking international law something Rwanda warned the government could force it to leave the deal.
The government says it has paid 240 million pounds ($304 million) to Rwanda so far, and no asylum seekers have been sent there.
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Labour leader Keir Starmer said only Sunaks government could spend hundreds of millions of pounds on a removals policy that doesnt remove anyone.
Yolande Makolo, Rwandas government spokesperson, said Rwanda had no obligation to return the funds but would consider a request for a return of a portion of the money if no migrants arrived in Rwanda.
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Defeating the rebellion may offer Sunak some breathing space to focus on tackling Britains flagging economy and offer voters tax cuts in a budget on March 6.
But immigration is not likely to go away, as the Rwanda legislation will next head to parliaments House of Lords, where it could face stumbling blocks.
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It is not the case that tonights vote is the end of matters, said a source at a meeting of some rebels before the vote. The prime minister is by no means out of the woods.
In Davos, there were several occasions on which such a tete-a-tete between Li Qiang and Zelenskyy could have happened, the Chinese side was just not interested, reports said
China has made its intentions on Ukraine pretty clear-Beijing does not want the war with Russia to end. While it did not say that in so many words, but the Chinese side, according to reports, refused to meet Ukraine President Zelenskyy in Davos, Switzerland.
The snub comes amid longstanding Ukrainian efforts to somehow have a face-to-face meeting with highly placed Chinese functionaries. Politico reported that while there were several occasions on which such a tete-a-tete could have happened in Davos, the Chinese side was just not interested.
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The news outlet quoted a US official in the know of things as having said that the meeting got shot down not owing to any scheduling issues, but because Beijing just flatly refused all Kyiv overtures for a sit down.
Politico, quoting another US official, attributed the Chinese rebuff to a request from Moscow to cease any and all diplomatic engagements with Ukraine.
The news outlet, though, also referred to Ukraines version of events. Kyiv maintained that it never sought any sit down with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, hit back at reports of the Chinese rebuff. The Ukraine president, reportedly, feels that Chinese President Xi Jinping, and not his deputy Li Qiang, is the befitting diplomatic level at which he would want to take things forward.
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Li Qiang is not at his level, is essentially what Zelenskyy has tried to peddle as a sort of face-saver.
There is a Chinese Premier then our prime minister will meet with him. I would love to meet with the leader of China. As far as I know, [in China> Xi Jinping makes decisions, and in Ukraine, I make decisions. I dont need just any dialogues; I need important decisions from the leaders who make these decisions, Zelenskyy, said according to Russia Today.
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China-Ukraine relations have frozen since the middle of last year. Since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine, Zelenskyy and Xi Jinping spoke on the phone last April, while Chinas Ukraine envoy visited Kyiv in May.
Islamabad said the action against Iran was a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats
Retaliating to Iranian airstrikes within its sovereign territory, Pakistan has responded in teh same coin as it undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Sistan-o-Baluchistan province inside the Iranian border. In operation Marg Bar Sarmachar, Pakistan claimed to have killed a number of terrorists.
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The attack was a response to missile and drone strike launched by Tehran on Tuesday targeting the Jaish al-Adi groups headquarters in Balochistans Green Mountain area. Two were dead and three girls injured in the attack.
Pakistan denounced the strike by Tehran near the nations shared border.
This action is a manifestation of Pakistans unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats. The successful execution of this highly complex operation is also a testimony to the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces," Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of its people which is sacrosanct, inviolable and sacred, the ministry said.
Also Read: Pakistan strikes militant targets in Iran day after serious consequences warning
The statement by the foreign ministry said over the last several years, Pakistan, in its engagements with Iran, has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani-origin terrorists calling themselves Sarmachars on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran.
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It further claimed to have shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence of the presence and activities of these terrorists.
However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This mornings action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities by these so called Sarmachars, the Pakistans foreign ministry said.
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Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and the sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised, it said.
As a responsible member of the international community, Pakistan upholds the principles and purposes of the UN Charter including territorial integrity and sovereignty of member states. Guided by these principles, and in exercise of our legitimate rights within international law, Pakistan will never allow its sovereignty and territorial integrity to be challenged, under any pretext or circumstances, the countrys foreign ministry said.
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Terming Iran a brotherly country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the people of Pakistan have great respect and affection for the Iranian people.
We have always emphasised dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endevaour to find joint solutions," it added.
On Wednesday, hours after Irans unprovoked attack, Islamabad downgraded its diplomatic relations with Tehran, and expelled Irans ambassador as well as called back its envoy in Tehran.
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Islamabad also announced suspending all high-level visits that were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days.
Maersk said earlier this month it was diverting all container vessels from Red Sea routes around Africas Cape of Good Hope for the foreseeable future, and warned customers to prepare for significant disruption.
Denmark, home to shipping company Maersk fully supports the U.S. and British strikes against Yemens Houthis, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said in a statement on Friday.
Denmark last week joined a U.S. statement warning the Houthis to halt their attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
It will come with a huge bill if the Houthis succeed in forcing international shipping traffic away from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. 12% of all civilian ships sail through exactly that strait, Lokke Rasmussen said.
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Maersk said earlier this month it was diverting all container vessels from Red Sea routes around Africas Cape of Good Hope for the foreseeable future, and warned customers to prepare for significant disruption.
The theme of the summit is Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence, and it will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar arrived in Kampala on Thursday to lead the Indian delegation at the two-day 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) starting from January 19. The summit will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels.
Arrived in Kampala to represent India at the 19th NAM Summit. Looking forward to engaging colleagues over the coming two days, said External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in a post on X.
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Arrived in Kampala to represent India at the 19th NAM Summit.
Looking forward to engaging colleagues over the coming two days. pic.twitter.com/WvIjctyxwL Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 18, 2024
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announcing Jaishankars two-nation visit to Uganda and Nigeria, said the NAM Summit under the leadership of Uganda brings together more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance.
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It said Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan will represent India at the G-77 Third South Summit to be in Kampala on January 21 and 22.
The theme of the summit is Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence, and it will be preceded by deliberations at the ministerial and senior official levels.
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Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh is representing India at the NAM foreign ministers meeting.India wholeheartedly supports Ugandas theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with the NAM under Ugandas leadership.
As one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement, the MEA said in a statement. On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, Jaishankar is expected to meet with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from several other NAM member states.
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From Kampala, the external affairs minister will travel to Nigeria for a three-day visit from January 21. He will co-chair the sixth India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart and meet with other leaders.
Jaishankar will also inaugurate the third edition of the Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, deliver a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, interact with business delegates and inaugurate a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
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The MEA said he will also chair the regional conference of Indian heads of missions.India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. This is the external affairs ministers first visit to Nigeria which will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries, the MEA said.
Cesar Suarez was in charge of identifying the gang behind last weeks terror-inspiring attack on state-owned TC Television in the port city of Guayaquil by hooded attackers carrying guns and explosives, a prosecution source told AFP
In a brutal intensification of the ongoing war between the government and criminal organizations, the prosecutor looking into a spectacular armed assault by gangsters on live television was shot and killed on Wednesday, according to officials.
Cesar Suarez was in charge of identifying the gang behind last weeks terror-inspiring attack on state-owned TC Television in the port city of Guayaquil by hooded attackers carrying guns and explosives, a prosecution source told AFP.
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Images of Suarezs car were obtained by AFP; they showed a street in Guayaquil, the epicenter of Ecuadors rapidly intensifying drug war, with bullet holes in the drivers side window.
In the face of the murder of our colleague Cesar Suarez I am going to be emphatic: organized crime groups, criminals, terrorists will not stop our commitment to Ecuadoran society, Attorney General Diana Salazar said on X, formerly Twitter.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo said the government rejected all forms of violence and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutions in the administration of justice.
The murder came amid a surge in violence in the once-peaceful South American country, which has become a hub for the global export of cocaine from neighbors Colombia and Peru.
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The government last week declared war on powerful drug gangs, who in turn threatened to execute civilians and security forces and carried out a wave of attacks that have left about 20 people dead.
Last Tuesday, attackers stormed the TV station, firing gunshots and forcing staff to lie on the ground as a woman could be heard pleading: Dont shoot, please dont shoot.
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Please, they came in to kill us. God dont let this happen. The criminals are on air, a terrified TC employee told AFP in a WhatsApp message at the time.
Police entered the studio after about 30 minutes of chaos, arresting 13 assailants, many of them teenagers.
The attack, seen live by many, caused widespread panic across Ecuador, with people leaving work early to seek shelter at home.
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- State of war -
Since last week, drug cartels have been waging a bloody campaign of kidnappings and attacks in response to a government crackdown on organized crime, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare the country in a state of war.
Once consider a bastion of peace in Latin America, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of expansion by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship drugs to the United States and Europe.
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More than 20 criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have in excess of 20,000 members in all.
The latest outburst of violence was sparked by the discovery of the prison escape of one of the countrys most powerful narco bosses, Jose Adolfo Macias, known by the alias Fito.
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In response, Noboa imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew, but the gangs hit back, threatening to execute civilians and security forces and taking hostage dozens of police and prison officials, since released.
Gang members instigated numerous prison riots, set off explosions in several cities and torched cars in public places.
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On Sunday, the authorities said they had taken back control of prisons.
This was not the first time the gangs have targeted a prosecutor.
In June last year, Leonardo Palacios was mowed down in the town of Duran, near Guayaquil, and in 2022, two prosecutors and a judge were shot dead in other parts of the country.
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Anti-graft and anti-cartel presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed in a barrage of submachine-gun fire after a campaign speech just weeks before elections last year won by Noboa.
Salazar herself has reported receiving death threats from Los Lobos, one of Ecuadors principal gangs.
Weeks before the recent spate of attacks, the attorney general had warned the country to brace itself for violence after she launched a campaign of raids and arrests targeting top officials accused of dodgy dealings with the powerful gangs.
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The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the violence on Wednesday and urged the state to investigate, prosecute, and punish all the events with due diligence.
Ecuadors murder rate quadrupled between 2018 and 2022. Last year was the worst yet, with 7,800 murders and a record 220 tons of drugs seized.
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(with inputs from AFP)
The resolution, which is non-binding and highly symbolic, was adopted by 312 votes in favour, 131 against and 72 abstentions. It was the first time the Parliament called for a cease-fire after lawmakers in October agreed on a call for a humanitarian pause.
European lawmakers on Thursday approved a resolution advocating for a permanent cease-fire in Israels conflict with Hamas. However, the resolution comes with the condition that the Palestinian militant group in Gaza, Hamas, must be dismantled and all hostages it holds must be released.
The adoption of the resolution was a challenging process, given the division among European Union countries and political groups on the matter.
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The original text underlined the need for a permanent cease-fire. It was adopted after an amendment tabled by conservative lawmakers was passed, insisting that Hamas needed to be dismantled for a cease-fire to happen and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.
The resolution, which is non-binding and highly symbolical, was adopted by 312 votes in favor, 131 against and 72 abstentions. It was the first time the Parliament called for a cease-fire after lawmakers in October agreed on a call for a humanitarian pause.
The amendment insisted that all the hostages be immediately and unconditionally released and (that) the terrorist organization Hamas is dismantled.
Palestinian militants are still putting up resistance across Gaza in the face of one of the deadliest military campaigns in recent history. More than 24,400 Palestinians have been killed. Some 85% of the narrow coastal territorys 2.3 million people have fled their homes, and the United Nations says a quarter of the population is starving.
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Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas to ensure it can never repeat an attack like the one on Oct. 7 that triggered the war. Militants burst through Israels border defenses and stormed through several communities that day, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing around 250, taking them back to Gaza as hostages.
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Since the attack, the bloc has struggled to strike a balance between condemning Hamas, supporting Israels right to defend itself and ensuring that the rights of civilians on both sides are protected under international law.
Hamas is on the EUs list of terrorist groups.
European lawmakers also expressed their deep concern at the dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and asked for the moribund two-state solution between Israel and Palestinians to be revived, and for the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
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With inputs from AP.
During the more than three-month Gaza war, Eilat has been the target of long-range missile and drone launches by Yemens Houthis who, like the Palestinian militant group Hamas, are Iranian-aligned.
The Israeli military said on Thursday that the sounding of sirens in the southern resort of Eilat and the launch of an interceptor missile over the Red Sea were a result of a false alarm.
Despite Eilat being targeted during the more than three-month Gaza war, the recent incident was attributed to a mistaken alert, and there was no actual threat.
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After sirens sounded in Eilat, witnesses reported hearing an explosion and local TV carried images of smoke over the Gulf of Aqaba. The military said it had launched an interceptor missile at an incoming threat, without specifying if it was shot down.
In a follow-up statement, the military said the incident was due to a misidentification, by its sensors, of the interceptor launch as an incoming threat which set off the sirens.
The military did not immediately explain why the interceptor was launched. Medics said no one was hurt in the incident.
The Houthis, like several other Iranian-linked groups in the region, have been carrying out attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinian Hamas militants fighting a war with it in Gaza.
The U.S. on Wednesday returned the Yemen-based Houthi rebels to a list of terrorist groups, as the militants attacked their second U.S.-operated vessel in the Red Sea region this week and the U.S. military carried out fresh strikes.
Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi militia on ships in the region since November have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers in an escalation of the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza.
With inputs from agencies.
It comes days after Saudi Arabias foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said on a Davos panel that the kingdom agreed regional peace includes peace for Israel.
At the World Economic Forums annual meeting in the Swiss town of Davos, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Thursday that normalising ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be a key element of ending the war with Hamas and a game-changer for the entire Middle East.
Its still delicate, its fragile, and it will take a long time, but I think that it is actually an opportunity to move forward in the world and the region towards a better future, Herzog said.
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The move comes days after Saudi Arabias foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said on a Davos panel that the kingdom agreed regional peace includes peace for Israel. He said Saudi Arabia certainly would recognize Israel as part of a larger political agreement.
But that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians, through a Palestinian state, he said.
US Secretary Antony Blinken also reiterated in a talk at Davos that a pathway to statehood for Palestinians could help improve Israels security and its relations with other countries in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government, however, are opposed to the concept of a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Herzog, whose ceremonial role is meant to serve as a national unifier, said public support for it is low because traumatized Israelis are focused on their own safety following Hamas deadly Oct. 7 rampage. He displayed a photo of Kfar Bibas, the youngest Israeli held hostage in Gaza whose first birthday is Thursday.
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When nations come forward and say two-state solution, they have to first deal with a preliminary question, which is a core question for human beings: Are we offered real safety? Herzog said. Israelis lost trust in the peace process because they could see that terror is glorified by our neighbours.
Herzog also stressed the global implications of Hamas attack on Israel, which he said is just one of the proxies of the empire of evil emanating from Tehran.
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Amid the conflict in Gaza, Iran has taken military action against what it called an Israeli intelligence operation in Iraq and launched attacks in Pakistan and Syria. Iran-backed rebels in Yemen known as Houthis also have upended global shipping by attacking vessels in the Red Sea, triggering retaliatory strikes from the U.S. and Britain.
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The Houthi issue is a number one priority because it raises the cost of living for every family in the universe, a little tribe of 50,000 people, amassed with the weapons of an empire, Herzog said.
On Wednesday in Davos, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian insisted Irans strike in Iraq, as well as against an alleged militant base in Pakistan, are part of his countrys right to self-defence and accused Israel of genocide in its campaign against Hamas, which has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also condemned the war in Gaza during a Davos talk Thursday, saying the international community has failed.
But Sudani sought to balance his position between the U.S. and Iran, saying Iraq has interests and strategic partnerships with both. He also reiterated calls for U.S.-led coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq, saying their presence is no longer justified because the Islamic State group is no longer a threat to the Iraqi people.
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The Iraqi and Israeli leaders were headliners in Thursdays flurry of activity in Davos venues where world leaders, corporate titans and other elites mingle.
Norway Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told The Associated Press that a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians might seem far away right now, but it could also be closer than we think.
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A lot of people who used to pay lip service to this are now actually more worried than in the long run, that absent of such a development, we will have a continued escalation of violence, he said.
The four-day confab at Davos which has been criticized as a talkfest about weighty ideas but few solutions has taken up a vast array of topics, such as climate change and artificial intelligence, a technology that may offer both economic promise and peril.
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Sam Altman, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, made his Davos debut after leadership turmoil late last year. During a panel on technology and humanity, he faced gentle questioning about the boardroom bust-up as well as a lawsuit by the New York Times to stop OpenAI from using its stories to train AI chatbots.
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At breakfast panel on the meetings sidelines Thursday focused on Ukraines fight against Russia, Polish President Andrzej Duda called for frozen Russian assets in Western banks to be used for Ukraine.
He said $60 billion earmarked for Ukrainian reconstruction by the U.S. and 50 billion euros ($54 billion) by the European Union were crucial.
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British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged the EU and U.S. to move forward with stalled aid packages and for allies to remember that together their economies are 25 times bigger than Russias.
All we need to do is make our economic strength show, make it pay, and we will be able to help Ukraine bring this to a conclusion, said Cameron, who met with Irans foreign minister at Davos.
Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, arrived to speak out against hatred, including Islamophobia, saying theres been a crisis of antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Speaking to a group of businesswomen, Emhoff, who said I love being Jewish, noted that his concerns about antisemitism surged after he drove by a highway sign that read Kanye was right an allusion to antisemitic comments by the rapper formerly known as Kanye West. Ye has since apologized.
And it just pissed me off it just struck a chord. And I knew I had to do more, Emhoff said Thursday.
What came next was what he called the first national strategy to fight antisemitism in the U.S.
A day earlier, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with several former hostages and relatives of those still held by Hamas, as did some 150 business leaders including CEOs Albert Bourla of Pfizer, Andy Jassy of Amazon and Michael Dell of Dell computers.
Nili Margalit and Moran Stela Yanai, who were released from Hamas captivity, told participants about the hostages they left behind and the urgent need to reach a deal to bring them home before it is too late, according to a group formed by hostages families.
With inputs from AP.
Significantly, Kagames remarks came before UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a potentially leadership-ending rebellion among Conservative MPs. Sunak, survived the rebellion, by offering token compromises to those who demanded he toughen the new bill to tackle illegal immigration
Indicating he would be happy if the asylum deal with the United Kingdom were to be scrapped, Rwandas president Paul Kagame has said there are limits to how long attempts to implement such a scheme with Britain can drag on.
Significantly, Kagames remarks on Wednesday came before UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced a potentially leadership-ending rebellion among Conservative MPs. The lawmakers had threatened to vote down his Rwanda deportation bill on Wednesday night. Sunak, survived the rebellion, by offering token compromises to those who demanded he toughen the new bill to tackle illegal immigration in moves some apprehended could breach human rights protections.
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Asked by The Guardian after an event at the World Economic Forum in Davos if he was following the debate in London, Kagame curtly said: It is the UKs problem, not ours.
British lawmakers voted on Wednesday evening on the third reading of the Rwanda bill and about a dozen Tories have said they are prepared to vote against it.
Only 29 rebel Tories are needed for the bill to fall.
In comments that are likely to set alarm bells ringing in London, Kagame expressed frustration at the drawn-out debate about whether asylum seekers would be processed in Rwanda. There are limits for how long this can drag on, he said.
Asked by the media if the UK deal was working, he replied: Ask the UK. It is the UKs problem, not Rwandas problem.
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Kagame also appeared to signal a shift in the Rwandan governments position on returning funding that the UK has already paid as part of the deal When asked about the money the UK had spent on the scheme, he said: The money is going to be used on those people who will come. If they dont come, we can return the money.
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About 240m had been paid to Rwanda so far as part of the deal, the UK government said last year, while a further payment of 50m was expected in the 2024-25 financial year. Two further payments are scheduled.
A Rwandan government spokesperson had said last year there was no provision for refund as the money has already been allocated to a number of infrastructure projects.
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Asked if the UK would get its money back, the prime ministers spokesperson said: Our focus is on securing the progress of that bill through the house.
On Wednesday Yolande Makolo, the Rwandan governments spokesperson, said they would consider a future UK request for a refund, but declined to say how much of the UKs money had been spent so far.
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Under the terms of the agreement, Rwanda has no obligation to return any of the funds paid. However, if no migrants come to Rwanda under the scheme, and the UK government wishes to request a refund of the portion of the funding allocated to support the migrants, we will consider this request, she said.
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To talk about figures at this point is premature, as we are still awaiting the conclusion of the UK legislative process and remain committed to making the partnership work, she said.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, used the opportunity to place pressure on the government, saying: If Rwanda says we can have the money back from this failing scheme, Rishi Sunak should seize the chance, instead of dragging out this Tory asylum chaos any longer. We need proper grip, not more of this failing gimmick.
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A few right-wing MPs in Britain also seized on Kagames words as evidence that the Rwanda scheme must block international law to satisfy the Rwandan president.
In Davos, foreign secretary, David Cameron, said he was confident the third reading of the Rwanda bill would pass in the Commons.
Taking questions, he admitted that Sunaks asylum policy was unorthodox but stressed the need for out-of-the-box thinking to tackle illegal migration.
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Sunak came under fire over Rwanda at prime ministers questions, where he was asked three times by the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, about what had happened to 4,250 people who had been earmarked for removal to the central African country but whom the government was said to have lost contact with.
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The prime minister accused Labour of blocking the governments actions on illegal immigration, adding that 20,000 people had been removed while enforcement raids were also up.
Bluefin tuna is any of three large tuna (Thunnus) species: Pacific bluefin tuna, Southern bluefin tuna and Atlantic bluefin tuna. All three species are used in sushi and sashimi.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) is the most expensive fish in the world. In 2019, a single fish sold for $3 million. At 612 pounds, the Pacific bluefin tuna cost over $5,000 per pound.
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Some conservationists think the price wasn't high enough; Pacific bluefin tunas were declared "near threatened" by the IUCN Red List in 2021. Since the 1950s, the species has declined by almost a quarter.
Pacific bluefin tuna inhabit the eastern Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, Mexico, and the western Pacific Ocean from the southern Sea of Okhotsk to the northern Philippines.
Southern Bluefin Tuna
Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is the rarest of the three bluefin tuna species. It was declared critically endangered by the IUCN Red List in 1996, but has moved down to endangered status as of 2021.
Southern bluefin tuna live in the southern parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. One conservation issue may be that fishing limits are set by weight of the catch, but a common practice is catching wild juveniles and fattening them up in captivity.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), also known as the northern bluefin tuna or giant bluefin tuna, is the most abundant and largest of the three bluefin tuna species. A 1,496-pound (678.58 kg) adult Atlantic bluefin caught in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1979 set the International Game Fish Association record for largest tuna ever caught.
Although Atlantic bluefin tuna face overfishing just like Pacific and Southern bluefins, the global population has not faced a major decline in the past three generations and therefore its IUCN Red List Status is "least concern."
There are two major populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna:
Eastern Atlantic stock : These fish live in the eastern Atlantic ocean and spawns in the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern Atlantic population comprises 80 percent of the global population and may be increasing.
Western Atlantic stock: These tunas live in the western Atlantic Ocean from eastern Canada to northern Brazil and spawns in the Gulf of Mexico. This much smaller population has experienced significant decline.
Outside of spawning season, there is significant mixing of the two stocks.
In 2022, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) adopted its first management procedure for both stocks of Atlantic bluefin tuna, including catch limits for Atlantic bluefin fishing.
ArcelorMittal, which owns 62% of the group while state-owned investment agency Invitalia has the remaining 38 per cent.
Italy will put the former Ilva steel company under special administration to keep it afloat, the government told trade unions in a meeting on Thursday. The move follows weeks of clashes between Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis administration and ArcelorMittal, the main shareholder in Acciaierie dItalia (ADI), as Ilva is now known.
ArcelorMittal, which owns 62% of the group while state-owned investment agency Invitalia has the remaining 38%, was not immediately available for comment. It could potentially launch a legal appeal against Romes decision once it is effective. Michele De Palma, from the FIOM major metalworkers union, said the government needed around two weeks to appoint one or more commissioners.
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Meanwhile, he added, ArcelorMittal has started a procedure for an extra-judicial agreement which government officials have said seems a way to waste time.
Similar to Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, the special administration would allow ADI to reorganize debts and obligations while the government is looking for a new industrial partner. Rome aims to provide liquidity to ADI through an up to five-year loan worth 320 million euros ($347.65 million).
Weighed down by an increase in energy prices and a drop in rolled steel coil prices, ADI has run out of cash and has accumulated huge debts with suppliers including energy giant Eni.
ADIs main plant in the southern Italian city of Taranto is one of the largest in Europe and is a major employer in Italys under-developed south.
The exercise, composed of a series of smaller individual drills, will span from North America to NATOs eastern flank, close to the Russian border. It will involve 50 naval vessels, 80 aircraft and over 1,100 combat vehicles.
Aimed at showing the capabilities of the alliance to defend all of its territory up to its border with Russia, NATO announced to launch its biggest military exercises in decades next week with around 90,000 personnel set to take part in months-long wargames.
The exercise, composed of a series of smaller individual drills, will span from North America to NATOs eastern flank, close to the Russian border. It will involve 50 naval vessels, 80 aircraft and over 1,100 combat vehicles.
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The exercise the biggest since the 1988 Reforger drill during the Cold War comes as NATO overhauls its defences in the face of Russias war on Ukraine.
NATO as an organization is not directly involved in the conflict, except to supply Kyiv with non-lethal support, although many member countries send weapons and ammunition individually or in groups, and provide military training.
The US-led alliance has dispatched thousands of troops to its eastern flank and drawn up its most extensive plans since the collapse of the Soviet Union to protect itself from a Russian attack.
In the months before President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022, NATO began beefing up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine. Its the alliances biggest buildup since the Cold War. The wargames are meant to deter Russia from targeting a member country.
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The exercises dubbed Steadfast Defender 24 will show that NATO can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometers (miles), from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in any condition, the 31-nation organization said.
Troops will be moving to and through Europe until the end of May in what NATO describes as a simulated emerging conflict scenario with a near-peer adversary. Under NATOs new defense plans, its chief adversaries are Russia and terrorist organizations.
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The alliance will demonstrate its ability to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transatlantic movement of forces from North America, NATOs Supreme Allied Commander, U.S. General Christopher Cavoli, told reporters.
Cavoli said it will demonstrate our unity, our strength, and our determination to protect each other.
The chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer, said that its a record number of troops that we can bring to bear and have an exercise within that size, across the alliance, across the ocean from the U.S. to Europe.
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Bauer described it as a big change compared to troop numbers exercising just a year ago. Sweden, which is expected to join NATO this year, will also take part.
U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps has said that the government in London would send 20,000 troops backed by advanced fighter jets, surveillance planes, warships and submarines, with many being deployed in eastern Europe from February to June.
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With inputs from agencies.
Iran has also summoned Pakistans envoy for an explanation following missile strike that hit a border region
Pakistan caretaker prime minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has cut short his Davos trip and are urgently returning to Islamabad amid escalating tension with Iran.
The Pakistans interim PM is in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum 2024. As per reports, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar is now headed back to Islamabad after the Pakistans militarys Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar.
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PM Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has decided to cut short his visit in view of the ongoing developments, Pakistans foreign ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a press conference.
Also, caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, who embarked on a week-long official visit to Kampala on Tuesday, Uganda to participate in the 19th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Third South Summit, was returning to his country.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistans army and military carried out a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes in Sistan-o-Baluchistan province inside the Iranian border.
The attack was a response to missile and drone strike launched by Tehran on Tuesday targeting the Jaish al-Adi groups headquarters in Balochistans Green Mountain area. Two were dead and three girls injured in the attack.
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According to Iranian state media reports, nine people have been killed in Pakistans airstrike in Iran.
Iran summons Pakistans envoy
Iran Thursday summoned Pakistans envoy following missile strike that hit a border region.
Following the early morning attack by Pakistan on a border village in Sistan Baluchistan province, an hour ago the Pakistani charge daffaires in Tehran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry for an explanation, Tasnim news agency said.
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With inputs from agencies
As per reports, Pakistan attacked the posts of two Baloch separatist groups the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
Pakistan, who warned Tehran of consequences over its deadly missile and drone strike in Balochistan, on Thursday reportedly launched air raids on militant targets within Iranian territories.
Pakistan striking militant targets in Iran were confirmed by several reports in Pakistani media which said the country attacked the posts of two Baloch separatist groups the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
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The strikes by Pakistan were carried out a day after Iran carried out missile and drone attack on the Jaish al-Adl groups headquarters in Balochistan.
The attack resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to three others in Balochistan.
Iran called the attack at the Jaish al-Adl groups headquarters in Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province another decisive step taken by Iran in response to the aggression against the security of our country.
Tehrans foreign minister acknowledged Iranian operation and claimed that the strikes were aimed at Jaish al-Adl, a group Iran considers a terrorist organisation operating within Pakistan.
Jaish ul-Adl, or the Army of Justice, is a terrorist group blacklisted by Iran and largely operates across the border in Pakistan. Founded in 2012, the group has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil in the recent years.
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Condemning violation of its airspace, Pakistan warned Iran that such actions can have serious consequences.
Last nights unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistans sovereignty by Iran is a violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. This illegal act is completely unacceptable and has no justification whatsoever, Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
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Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act and the responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran, Islamabad said.
We have conveyed this message to the Iranian Government. We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being. We have also decided to suspend all high level visits which were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in coming days, the spokesperson added.
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With inputs from agencies
Pakistans former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit highlighted the need to find a diplomatic solution and said Pakistan cannot include Iran in the same category as India.
Following Pakistans counter-strike in Irans Sistan-o-Balochistan province on Thursday, which resulted in nine casualties, former diplomats, intellectuals, and international relations experts have provided their perspectives on what is perceived as a response to Tehran violating Pakistani airspace. However, caution has been urged in the analysis.
In the early hours of Thursday, Pakistan conducted precision military strikes against what it termed terrorist hideouts in Irans Sistan-Balochistan province, leading to nine fatalities.
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The military action is widely seen as a reaction to Iranian missile and drone attacks on Tuesday, targeting two bases of the Sunni Baloch militant group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistans restive Balochistan province.
Former foreign secretary of Pakistan Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Islamabad acted responsibly and has proved with this response that we dont want to do it but we can do it, Geo News reported.
A friendly country does not attack their friends but long-term thinking is required, Chaudhry said and urged the highest authorities in Pakistan and Iran to talk and settle this through bilateral communications and Chinas help.
Irans government has good relations with Pakistan so we should talk to them. [Pakistans> border situation is not okay with India and Afghanistan so I dont think they [Pakistan> would want to open up [a conflict on> another border, the former diplomat stated.
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Pakistans former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit highlighted the need to find a diplomatic solution and said Pakistan cannot include Iran in the same category as India.
We have partnered with them (Iran) a lot over our past. Pakistan and Iran have collaborated many times before. We should move towards de-escalation, he was quoted as saying by the Dawn.com.
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In a post on X soon after the Pakistan Army came out with a statement related to the attack, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari described Pakistans response as swift and proportionate.
She applauded how the full spectrum deterrence reasserted militarily - meeting the threat at a level of our choosing & prevailing, but rued: One of the many disturbing questions arising is why both supposedly friendly brotherly Muslim countries, with deep historical & social ties, allowed space creation for these militant groups in each others territories?
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Need for serious introspection by both states, Mazari added. Political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi warned of a very dangerous and unpredictable situation.For years, Iran has actively curated terrorists that target Pakistan - worst of all, Iran works with India to undermine Pakistani security.
On the surface, Pakistans targeting of these groups is perfectly defensible, Zaidi posted on X.Pointing out that Pakistans stakes require the absence of war, he stated: It is no accident that Pakistans negative economic trajectory is aligned chronologically with the regional instability it endures. Michael Kugelman, a scholar of South Asian affairs at the Wilson Center in Washington, called for a third-party mediation.
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Pakistans retaliation appears to have been proportionate to Irans earlier strike, and notably it targeted only militants and not Iranian security forces. With both sides even, so to speak, this provides an opening for de-escalation, if cooler heads prevail.
But thats a big if, he posted on X.Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and senator Sherry Rehman told Geo News that the people on both sides should not fan the flames and this should stop here.
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Noting that such border exchanges (between Pakistan and Iran) have been going on for a long time since 2013 and that there were treaties on it as well, she said the strike by Iran was unpredictable and Pakistan would have thought about the matter a lot before retaliating.
With inputs from agencies.
Council members didnt directly address the concerns Tuesday, WALB-TV reported. Safer Human Medicine is led by executives who formerly worked for two other companies that provide animals for medical testing
A group that advocates for animal rights and a few locals are opposing plans to build a monkey breeding facility in southwest Georgia.
On Tuesday, opponents pleaded with the Bainbridge City Council to stop Safer Human Medicines plans to erect a $396 million facility that would eventually house up to 30,000 long-tailed macaques, which would be sold to academic institutions and pharmaceutical firms for use in medical research.
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According to the company, it intends to hire up to 263 people. According to WALB-TV, council members didnt directly address the issues on Tuesday.
Safer Human Medicine is led by executives who formerly worked for two other companies that provide animals for medical testing. One of those companies, Charles River Laboratories, came under investigation last year for obtaining wild monkeys that were smuggled from Cambodia.
The monkeys were falsely labeled as bred in captivity, as is required by U.S. rules, federal prosecutors have alleged. The company suspended shipments from Cambodia.
Charles River had proposed a similar facility in Brazoria County, Texas, south of Houston, but it has been stalled by local opposition.
The Bainbridge facility would provide a domestic source of monkeys to offset imports, the company said. Medical researchers use the animals to test drugs before human trials, and to research infectious diseases and chronic conditions like brain disorders.
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In the aftermath of the pandemic, we learned the hard way that our researchers in the U.S. need reliable access to healthy primates to develop and evaluate the safety of potentially life-saving drugs and therapies for you, your family, your friends, and neighbors, Safer Human Medicine wrote in an open letter to the Bainbridge community.
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Many of the medicines in your medical cabinets today would not exist without this essential medical research and without these primates, research comes to a halt.
But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and some local residents say they fear the possibility of monkeys escaping into the community along with other harms.
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Theyre an invasive species and 30,000 of them, wed just be overrun with monkeys, Ted Lee, a local resident, told WALB-TV.
Lisa Jones-Engel, PETAs science advisor on primate experimentation, said theres a risk that local people will be exposed to pathogens and diseases.
In a bid to attract a few jobs many of them low-paying and risking exposure to zoonotic diseases city and county officials have rolled out the red carpet for an unethical plan by some questionable characters that could spell ecological disaster and potentially spark the next pandemic, Jones-Engel said in a statement last week.
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PETA urges Bainbridge officials to withdraw their support and shut down this project before a shovel hits the dirt, she wrote.
The company and local officials said the nonprofit and communitys concerns are baseless. Rick McCaskill, executive director of the Development Authority of Bainbridge & Decatur County, said risks are low because veterinarians and trained staff will be working with the monkeys.
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There are going to be a lot of monkeys, theres no question. We got more cows in the county then we got people too, and we got more chickens in the county then we have people too, McCaskill said.
Local officials in December agreed to property tax breaks for the project waiving them for the first 10 years and then gradually decreasing tax breaks until they end after 20 years.
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(with inputs from The Associated Press)
Washingtons push for restarting nuclear arms talks is rooted in a desire to try to establish control over our nuclear arsenal and minimize nuclear risks for itself, but those risks are emerging as a result of forceful pressure on our country" the minister said.
Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the United States proposal to resume a dialogue on nuclear arms control, saying Thursday that its impossible while Washington offers military support to Ukraine.
Accusing the West of fueling global security risks by encouraging Ukraine to ramp up strikes on Russian territory, Lavrov warned that Moscow will achieve its goals in the conflict regardless of Western support for Kyiv.
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Commenting on a U.S. proposal to resume contacts in the sphere of nuclear arms control, Lavrov said that Moscow has rejected the offer. He said that for such talks to be held, Washington first needs to revise its current policy toward Russia.
Lavrov charged that Washingtons push for the revival of nuclear talks has been driven by a desire to resume inspections of Russias nuclear weapons sites. He described such U.S. demands as indecent in view of Ukraines attacks on Russian nuclear-capable bomber bases during the conflict.
Amid a hybrid war waged by Washington against Russia, we arent seeing any basis, not only for any additional joint measures in the sphere of arms control and reduction of strategic risks, but for any discussion of strategic stability issues with the U.S., he said. We firmly link such possibility to the West fully renouncing its malicious course aimed at undermining Russias security and interests.
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Washingtons push for restarting nuclear arms talks is rooted in a desire to try to establish control over our nuclear arsenal and minimize nuclear risks for itself, but those risks are emerging as a result of forceful pressure on our country" the minister said.
He accused the West of blocking any talks on ending the conflict and inciting the ramping up of attacks on Russia.
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Such encouragement and the transfer of relevant weapons shows that the West doesnt want any constructive solution, Lavrov said. The West is pushing toward the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, and that raises new strategic risks.
He reaffirmed that Russia will pursue what it calls the special military operation regardless of Western pressure.
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We will consistently and persistently press the goals of the special military operation and we will achieve them, he said. They should have no hope that Russia could be defeated in any way. Those in the West who fantasize about it have failed to learn history lessons."
With inputs from AP.
A special song titled They Call Me Gingi has been released for Kfirs birthday. Its a way for entertainers, relatives, and Jimmy Miller to show support and ask for help to bring Kfir and his family back home
On Thursday, January 18, Kfir Bibas turned one, but it was a sad day for him as he remains stuck in the captivity of Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Kfir, along with his family, was taken by Hamas on October 7.
Jimmy Miller, Kfirs relative, called it the saddest birthday in the world.
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To draw attention to Kfirs situation, a gathering is planned in Tel Aviv on Thursday at 3 p.m. Major childrens entertainers will join the event to help tell Kfirs story and raise awareness about his familys tough situation.
A special song titled They Call Me Gingi has been released for Kfirs birthday. Its a way for entertainers, relatives, and Jimmy Miller to show support and ask for help to bring Kfir and his family back home.
The community in Kibbutz Nir Oz tried to make Kfirs birthday special by organising a birthday party with balloons and a cake, but it felt incomplete without Kfir, his brother Ariel, and their parents, Shiri and Yarden.
The Bibas familys troubles began on October 7 when they were taken from their home during a difficult time in southern Israel. Yarden, Kfirs dad, was taken separately and faced violence during the journey to Gaza. Despite hopes of their release in November, the family is still captive.
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Hamas initially said another group was holding Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir. Later, they claimed the family was killed in an airstrike by Israel. However, the Israeli Defense Forces said these claims were not true and were just meant to cause fear.
Kfirs first birthday in Gaza has left his family feeling sad and helpless. Jimmy Miller shared, We met with everyone, with actors, famous people, thinkers, and they all hug us and listen to the story with empathy, but we dont feel that anyones doing anything.
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The situation has affected not only Kfirs immediate family but also the wider community. Shiris parents were tragically killed on the day of the abduction. Jimmy Miller, who last saw his cousin during a festival in May, explained how the family has become vocal about the need to bring the hostages, including Kfirs family, back home.
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Even though theyve been speaking out for 103 days, progress has been slow. Jimmy Miller expressed concern, saying, The hostages will not survive if there is no deal. The family is urging the world to understand the seriousness of their situation and join them in asking for help to bring their loved ones back.
The BRICS grouping of five major emerging economiesBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaat the end of its meeting in Johannesburg announced its decision to invite six new members to join beginning January 1, 2024.
Saudi Arabia is still considering an invitation to become a member of the BRICS bloc of countries after the first opportunity to join passed earlier this month, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
The BRICS grouping of five major emerging economiesBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaat the end of its meeting in Johannesburg announced its decision to invite six new members to join beginning January 1, 2024.
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January 1 was not the deadline for a decision, the two sources said, with one adding there were strong benefits to joining the bloc as China and India are the kingdoms biggest trading partners.
Saudi Arabia is assessing the benefits and then will make a decision, there is a process happening, one of the sources said.
WHAT IS BRICS?
The acronym BRIC, which did not initially include South Africa, was coined in 2001 by then Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim ONeill in a research paper that underlined the growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The bloc was founded as an informal club in 2009 to provide a platform for its members to challenge a world order dominated by the United States and its Western allies.
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Its creation was initiated by Russia.
The group is not a formal multilateral organisation like the United Nations, World Bank or the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
The heads of state and government of the member nations convene annually with each nation taking up a one-year rotating chairmanship of the group.
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With inputs from agencies.
Lilian, 28, faced a harsh 30-year sentence in 2015 after giving birth to a girl in a public hospital, where the infant tragically succumbed to health complications three days later
In a significant development, a Salvadoran woman, known as Lilian, has been released from prison after more than seven years following her conviction for abortion.
Lilian, 28, faced a harsh 30-year sentence in 2015 after giving birth to a girl in a public hospital, where the infant tragically succumbed to health complications three days later.
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El Salvador maintains one of the worlds strictest anti-abortion laws, imposing a comprehensive ban since 1998. Lilians ordeal began when prosecutors accused her of neglecting the fetus during her pregnancy, resulting in charges of negligence and aggravated murder.
Maintaining her innocence throughout, Lilian, a mother of a 10-year-old daughter, expressed her relief upon release, urging an end to the unjust prosecution of innocent women in a news conference last Wednesday.
Advocacy groups, which had supported Lilian during her long legal battle, revealed that her release occurred in December, with the information only now being made public.
The judges decision to free Lilian hinged on the recognition that she was in a vulnerable state during the loss of her baby in the hospital. Despite the recent releases prompted by rights campaigns, many women remain incarcerated under suspicion of abortion, with some serving decades-long sentences.
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El Salvadors abortion ban lacks exemptions for cases of rape or when the mothers health is at risk. Those convicted of terminating pregnancies face imprisonment ranging from two to eight years.
In numerous instances, the charge is elevated to aggravated homicide, carrying a minimum sentence of 30 years.
During the news conference, Mariana Moisa from the civil rights group Nos Faltan Las 17 emphasized the ongoing plea for justice, advocating for women to access their sexual and reproductive rights.
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While President Nayib Bukele aims to enhance childbirth conditions in hospitals for safety, he has emphasized his intent to maintain the current stringent abortion law. With the majority of the population adhering to Roman Catholic or Evangelical beliefs, asserting the sanctity of life from conception remains a prevailing stance.
Sumatran rhinos were listed as critically endangered in 1996 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
How Many Sumatran Rhinos Are Left?
According to a 2022 report, there are 34 to 47 Sumatran rhinos left, representing a yearly population decline of 13 percent from 2017 to 2021.
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Threats to Sumatran Rhinos
Like other endangered and rare animals, Sumatran rhinos face several threats, including habitat loss, poaching and risks inherent to such a small population size.
Rhino Protection Units (RPUs) are empowered by the Indonesian government to prevent poaching for rhino horns in Sumatra. No Sumatran rhino carcasses have been found since 2006, which may be due in part to the fact that sighting Sumatran rhinos dead or a live is challenging in their dense tropical forest habitat.
Sumatran rhinos are generally solitary creatures with a large range. Replacement of their rainforest habitat with coffee, rice and oil palm plantations by illegal settlers reduces means Sumatran rhinos are losing critical forest cover.
In 2018, Indonesia formed the Sumatran Rhino Rescue initiative, which aims to identify and relocate wild Sumatran rhinos and increase captive breeding. Captive breeding has been moderately successful. In 2023, two sumatran rhino calfs were born at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park.
The US Central Command said said the Houthi missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time
The US military Wednesday conducted strikes from the Red Sea on 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded and ready to be fired from Yemen.
In a statement on social media platform X, US Central Command said the Houthi missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time. This prompted the US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves.
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These strikes, along with other actions we have taken, will degrade the Houthis capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, it further said.
The US conducted strikes on the Houthi missiles around 11.59pm (Sanaa time) on 17 January.
The actions by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt the commercial shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea and adjacent waterways, said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.
We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and we will always protect our people, General Michael Erik Kurilla further said.
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U.S. CENTCOM Strikes Houthi Terrorist Missile Launchers
In the context of ongoing multi-national efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on U.S. and partner maritime traffic in the Red Sea, on Jan. 17 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central pic.twitter.com/MMCQbzr1f7 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 18, 2024
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Earlier on Wednesday, the US Central Command said a drone from areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen had struck a U.S.-owned vessel in the Gulf of Aden. There was some damage, but no injuries in the attack, it added.
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The new strikes against Houthi targets followed official announcement on Wednesday with the US putting the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists. These sanctions which come with the formal designation are meant to sever violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.
Over the past months, Yemen-based Houthi militants have engaged in unprecedented attacks against United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism. They have endangered US personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation, said US national security advisor Jake Sullivan.
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Sullivan further said the decision was a response to the continuing threats and attacks perpetrated by the Houthis in the strategic waterways.
Attacks by the Iran-allied Houthi terrorist group on ships in the region since November last year have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major powers. The US strikes are meant to degrade the Houthis ability to carry out attacks in the Red Sea.
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But the Houthis, who control most of Yemen, say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and have threatened to expand their attacks.
With inputs from Reuters
Samsung has just announced its Galaxy S24 series in San Jose, California. We went behind the scenes and had the opportunity to play with these shiny new devices for some time. Samsung is going all-in on AI and calling it Galaxy AI, with AI integrated into several aspects of the phones.
Samsung is hosting this edition of Unpacked at the heart of Silicon Valley in California, at SAP Center in San Jose. Samsung is making a bold statement about its AI capabilities, where other tech giants such as Apple and Google are headquartered. OpenAI, which has been at the forefront of AI news, is also located in the Bay Area.
TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, stated that this launch is a eureka moment for mobile phones, and the company aims to democratize access to AI as mobile phones become the primary platform for accessing AI tools. Samsung has partnered with Google for several features on the new S24 lineup. Googles Hiroshi Lockheimer was on stage and shared that Samsung is utilizing Googles Gemini Nano on-device AI model on the Galaxy S24 series. It is very interesting to see Samsung integrating AI into several aspects of the Galaxy S24 series.
Live Translate
Live Translate offers two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls within the native app, supporting over 13 languages out of the box. I had a call with someone who spoke in Spanish, and I spoke only in English. The person on the other end of the call can even be using a landline.
Intrepreter
With Interpreter, you can have a real-time conversation with someone and get instant translations in a split-screen view. It even works completely offline, and I observed it working even when the phone was in Airplane mode.
Chat and Note Assist
For messaging and social media, Chat Assist can help get your conversation started, and AI built into the Samsung Keyboard can also translate messages in real-time in 13 languages. With Note Assist in Samsung Notes, you can get AI-generated summaries and formatted content with a single click.
Circle to Search with Google
This feature, as the name suggests, lets you circle any portion of the screen on the Galaxy S24 to see search results from Google. It is triggered with a long press on the home button.
Expressive texts with AI on Google Messages
Magic Compose powered Gemini Nano, helps you craft unique messages in different styles like excited, formal or even lyrical. Photomoji lets you create a new emoji from your own photos using generative AI.
Android Auto
Android Auto will automatically summarize long texts or busy group chats while youre driving, so you can keep in touch while staying focused on the road. Android Auto will also suggest relevant replies and actions that you can take without touching your phone.
Android Auto will soon reflect the design elements, like your wallpaper and icons, of the Samsung Galaxy phone, offering a seamless transition and consistent experience from the phone to car.
Photography
The Samsung Galaxy S24 series packs the new ProVisual Engine, enabling AI-powered tools for content creation. Paired with the latest camera hardwareQuad Tele System, users can capture photos from a distance at various zoom levels up to 100X with improved clarity.
Photo Editing gets a big boost with Generative AI-based Edits. To prevent misinformation, Samsung is adding a watermark and metadata to AI-generated images. Super HDR, Night photography and Video stabilization are available through in-app cameras on Instagram and Snapchat on the S24 series. Instagram supports HDR photos on Instagram on the S24 series for the first time.
Samsung hopes to democratize access to AI tools through its Galaxy devices. The company does have the first-mover advantage by being one of the first manufacturers to bring a native AI experience to the S24 lineup.
Leveraging the latest generative AI features and the power of Lens, Google has introduced a new search feature called Circle to Search and upgraded its existing multisearch feature. The Circle to Search is a new way to search for anything on your Android phone without switching apps.
Circle to Search
First announced for the Galaxy S24 series, this feature lets you search anything instantly with gestures like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping at the search element.
Just long-press the home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate Circle to Search. From there, you can select any item you see with your preferred gesture like circling sunglasses, or a bag in the image to quickly find similar, shoppable options from retailers across the web.
Upgraded Multisearch
Multisearch is an existing feature on Lens that lets users search with text and images at the same time. In the latest update, this feature now uses Googles generative AI to offer a more interactive experience to users.
When users point the camera to an object or upload an image, asking a question through the Google app yields AI-powered insights beyond visual matches. This enables users to pose more complex questions and swiftly gather key information.
Availability
The Circle to Search feature will be available from January 31 on select premium Android smartphones the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series in all languages and locations.
Upgraded multisearch results are launching this week in English in the U.S. for everyone. Outside the U.S., the feature is limited to previewers who have opted into the Search Generative Experience (SGE).
The Yangtze finless porpoise also known as the narrow-ridged finless porpoise, scientifically known as Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis is a remarkable species that has adapted to life in freshwater habitats, playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Yangtze River ecosystem.
As the only freshwater porpoise in the world, the Yangtze finless porpoise has captured the attention of scientists and conservationists alike.
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Unique Characteristics of the Yangtze Finless Porpoise
The finless porpoise, as its name suggests, lacks a dorsal fin, distinguishing it from its marine (ocean-dwelling) relatives. Instead, it possesses a narrow ridge along its back, covered in wartlike tubercles.
With a streamlined body, the porpoise can reach lengths of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) and weigh up to 220 pounds (100 kilograms). Its bulbous head and lack of a beak further contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise: Habitat and Distribution
The Yangtze finless porpoise is primarily found in the Yangtze River, which stretches more than 3,900 miles (6,300 kilometers) through China. However, its distribution has become increasingly fragmented due to various factors.
The porpoise is now confined to specific sections of the river, such as the areas between Ezhou and Nanjing, and from Yichang to Jingzhour. It is also found in Poyang and Dongting Lakes, which are connected to the Yangtze River.
As we mentioned, the angel sharks live up to their "squatty" name, with most species of Squatina measuring only about 5 feet (1.5 meters). A few species, such as the Japanese angel shark (Squatina japonica), may be as long as 6.5 feet (2 meters), but that's about as long as they get.
" " The anatomy of an angel shark. HowStuffWorks
Most weigh about 60 pounds (27 kilograms).
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Fins
Angel sharks look more like rays than great whites, but they have all the same basic equipment as sharks. It just happens that the equipment is flattened dorsoventrally, or from top to bottom. The broad pectoral fins that give the angel shark its name are probably the first thing to strike your eye.
To review, these fins aren't attached to the head, as they are in rays. The pelvic fins are similarly flattened and expand outward from the body.
Mouth
The mouth is located at the very tip of the snout, and inside are some truly scary teeth. Shaped like triangles, the teeth are extremely sharp and come to needlelike points.
On either side of the mouth are barbels, which are whisker-like antennae that sniff out the chemical reactions of prey along the bottom of the ocean floor.
Gills
Along the side of the head are gill slits that allow the angel shark to breathe. The positioning of the gill slits represents another important distinction from rays and skates, which have gill slits on the bottom of their heads.
Unlike many other sharks that must constantly swim to pull water over their gill slits, the angel shark uses its muscles to pull water over the gill slits while in a resting position. This shark also has a spiracle, or a tube behind the eyes that can pull in water when the shark's mouth is closed.
Tail
One way that angel sharks do differ from other sharks is their caudal fin, or tail. Most sharks' tails are top-heavy, meaning that the top lobe of the fin is bigger than the second one. The opposite holds true for angel sharks.
They have a longer lower lobe, which may help them achieve a quick liftoff when they attack their prey from below.
A Body for the Seafloor
A successful attack from below is the key to an angel shark's next meal. Many of the angel shark's features, from its flattened body to its barbels to a tail that helps it move upward quickly, allow it to live at the bottom of the ocean floor, waiting for prey to swim by.
Even its coloring provides camouflage. Angel sharks are various shades of white, gray, brown and black, colors that blend in with the ocean floor. Some have red spotting, which may provide even more coordination with their habitat.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Crossroads of Peace project shows all roads and railways that the country is ready to open, a Member of Parliament has said.
Armenia has presented the Crossroads of Peace project which clearly shows all the roads, railways, possible connections, which it is ready, and wants to, and is interested in opening, MP Arusyak Julhakyan told reporters when asked whether or not Azerbaijan has offered to open any specific road.
And regarding what the President of Azerbaijan is saying, specifically which part of our project he is interested in, thats his agenda, I dont think it would be right for us to enter that agenda. I think its right to advance our own agenda, Julhakyan said.
The MP added that Armenia has presented the Crossroads of Peace project to the international community, including Azerbaijan and other regional countries.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has met with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin within the framework of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The effective cooperation that has been developed as part of the ITU and ongoing projects in Armenia were discussed at the meeting, Khachaturyans office said in a readout.
Khachaturyan and Bogdan-Martin discussed the possibilities for enhancing the technical assistance given to Armenia by the ITU in telecommunication and high technology sectors.
President Khachaturyan said that the high technology sector is a priority direction for Armenias development and the government keeps the area under focus.
The sides also discussed the possible impact and consequences of AI on the economy, public life and global realities. They expressed readiness to continue steps aimed at deepening cooperation.
Explainer: How should one look at the Chinese economy? Check the numbers
Xinhua) 08:14, January 18, 2024
People visit the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Xin)
China's economic rebound benefits not just itself but also its global partners. Engaging with the Chinese market is increasingly seen as an opportunity rather than a risk.
BEIJING, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- China's gross domestic product (GDP) posted a growth of 5.2 percent year on year in 2023, beating the whole-year target of around 5 percent, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed Wednesday.
Against a world economy in the doldrums, China is managing to regain its vigor - much like the northeast tourist city of Harbin, where the bitter cold cannot shadow its warm hospitality.
How well is China's economy faring? Here are some numbers you need to know.
SOLID FUNDAMENTALS
The Chinese economy cannot navigate ups and downs without solid fundamentals.
Regarding industrial infrastructure, China stands unique as the only nation with industries across all categories in the UN industrial classification.
The country's manufacturing industry, contributing about 30 percent of the global total, has maintained the top global position for 14 consecutive years.
It is also home to over 200 well-established industry clusters, demonstrating its vast industrial capacity in line with its rising social productivity.
Concerning production factors, China is seeing a talent dividend. It now boasts the world's largest talent pool, particularly in science and technology, and leads in the total number of researchers.
Additionally, about 30 percent of the world's annual capital formation is attributed to China. The nation's substantial data output and rich data resources position it as the world's second-largest data repository.
Innovation in China is also on the rise. The country's investment in R&D and the high-tech sector has been increasing at double-digit rates for several years. This surge has led to the emergence of new products and business models, including intelligent terminals, robots and telehealth services.
With around 400,000 high-tech enterprises, it ranks second globally in the number of unicorn companies.
The dynamic environment is set to accelerate the development of new growth drivers in China.
An aerial drone photo taken on June 28, 2023 shows a 16-megawatt wind turbine installed at the Fujian offshore wind farm operated by the China Three Gorges Corporation off the coast of southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)
SUPERSIZE MARKET
As the market becomes the most scarce resource, the growing depth of the Chinese market is proving more popular.
China currently has over 400 million individuals in the middle-income bracket, a number projected to double in the next decade or so.
With this demographic shift, a growing preference for quality over quantity will be a powerful catalyst for consumption upgrades.
The urbanization rate in China still trails the average of developed countries by more than 10 percentage points, indicating significant potential for infrastructure enhancement in urban renewal, transportation and telecommunications.
Furthermore, about 300 million rural migrants are on the path to obtaining permanent urban residency. The transition is expected to create substantial demand for housing, education, healthcare and elderly care services.
China is committed to sustainable development and accelerating its shift towards green and low-carbon growth. The country houses nearly half of the world's installed photovoltaic capacity, illustrating its leading role in solar energy. Additionally, over half of the world's new energy vehicles (NEVs) run on roads in China, with the country's NEV ownership exceeding 20 million units. China also contributes to a quarter of the global increase in afforested areas.
The country is actively fostering large-scale new growth drivers in sectors like green energy, green transportation and green lifestyles. This will generate investment and consumption markets with an estimated size of 10 trillion yuan annually, underscoring the vast potential of China's market.
MORE OPPORTUNITY THAN RISK
China's economic rebound benefits not just itself but also its global partners. Engaging with the Chinese market is increasingly seen as an opportunity rather than a risk.
China is a key trading partner for over 140 countries and regions. Its overall tariff level has been reduced to 7.3 percent, aligning closely with the developed members of the World Trade Organization.
Multinational corporations have long leveraged the Chinese market and have expanded their global production by utilizing China's manufacturing strength, achieving rapid growth and substantial returns.
Over the past five years, foreign direct investment in China has yielded an impressive return of about nine percent, a highly competitive figure on the global stage.
China welcomes investment from companies from across the globe and is committed to creating a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment.
Regardless of global changes, China will open its door even wider to the world.
Such a panoramic perspective, highlighted by a series of positive indicators, bodes well for China, with a rising Chinese economy becoming a substantial pillar for a global economic recovery.
(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The so-called Zangezur corridor has never been discussed within the framework of the trilateral agreements between Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.
The Zangezur Corridor has never been discussed as part of the agreements that were made by President Putin, President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan on November 9 in 2020, he said at a press briefing.
Speaking about unblocking regional connections, Lavrov said the three countries have decided during trilateral task force meetings that the countries will retain sovereignty and jurisdiction over routes which will be unblocked through their territory. This was agreed and discussed with Putin during his Yerevan visit for the CSTO summit, Lavrov said.
Lavrov said the agreement wasnt realized for unknown reasons.
I remember quite well, how positively this was accepted, but then it just went away.I dont know what hindered the implementation of the agreements on opening connections between Azerbaijan proper and Nakhijevan, the Russian FM said.
Juveniles have the same speedy trial rights as adults, and prosecutors must show the same exemptions in any request that is made without a defendants consent to continue a case beyond that time before a court can grant it, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.
In a precedent-setting case out of Mesa County, a three-judge panel said the same state law that allows for a continuance beyond the six-month speedy trial time frame is no different in juvenile cases.
Under that law, exceptions to it can be made when prosecutors are awaiting crucial evidence after showing they have done their due diligence on obtaining that evidence, or they need additional time in felony cases because of exceptional circumstances.
In the Mesa County case, however, neither of those exceptions were satisfied in a case involving a juvenile convicted in 2022 for arson, burglary and criminal mischief in connection to an April 2021 fire that destroyed the Fruita Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As a result of the ruling, the court is ordered to vacate the juveniles conviction and dismiss the case, which was overseen by former Judge Lance Timbreza.
On appeal, the parties do not dispute, and we agree, that the speedy trial deadline was November, 26, 2021, Judge Lino Lipinsky wrote in the ruling, which was joined by Judges Craig Welling and Christina Gomez.
But the parties disagree as to which statues apply, Lipinsky added. The juvenile argues that their statutory speedy trial rights were violated because the court failed to apply (the adult speedy trial law), while the people contend there was no speedy trial violation because the court satisfied the general good cause standard found in (juvenile justice laws).
Those laws, called the Childrens Code, refer to the adult speedy trial law, but provide for a lower standard for granting continuances.
The court said that the Colorado General Assembly in enacting those laws made it clear that trials for juveniles should be done faster than trials for adults, so allowing for a more lenient standard for granting continuances makes no sense.
For this reason, it would run counter to the General Assemblys policy decisions to conclude that a continuance resulting in a violation of an adults speedy trial rights would not, under similar circumstances, result in a violation of a juveniles speedy trial rights, Lipinky wrote. Further, the reference to (the adult speedy trial law) found in (the juvenile law) means that the provisions of the former section apply to juvenile adjudications to the extent they are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Childrens Code.
The Mesa County District Attorney's Office is appealing the ruling.
A federal appeals court ruling last year means a proposed Utah oil train project is losing its U.S. Forest Service authorization for the project, at least for now.
The Forest Service is withdrawing its permit for the project, which as proposed could result in billions of gallons a year of waxy crude oil traveling from northeastern Utah along the Colorado River corridor in western Colorado on its way to refineries. That prospect has raised concern among some residents and elected officials about the potential for accidents that could result in oil getting in the river or wildfires being started. The project also faces opposition over concerns about its contributions to climate change if approved.
The special use permit the Forest Service has revoked for the Uinta Basin Railway would have allowed for construction and operation of a new rail line across 12 miles of the Ashley National Forest in Utah.
Altogether the proposed rail line would cover 88 miles. The Seven County Infrastructure Coalition in Utah applied to the federal Surface Transportation Board for permission to build and operate the railway, and that agency completed an environmental impact statement, which the Forest Service adopted as a cooperating agency.
However, in August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated portions of that EIS, citing inadequate environmental analysis. It also vacated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services biological opinion for the project, and overturned the Surface Transportation Boards approval of the project. On Dec. 4, the court denied a petition for rehearing on the matter.
The Forest Service said Wednesday that because its permit approval decision was based on the partly vacated EIS and the vacated biological opinion, it is withdrawing that decision and an associated forest plan amendment. It said that if the deficiencies are addressed and resubmitted for consideration, it may issue a new decision in the matter.
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., and U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Lafayette, last year called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, of which the Forest Service is a part, to suspend authorization of the railway until a supplemental review could be conducted to fully evaluate its effects on Colorado communities and the environment.
The appeals court found that the Surface Transportation Board failed to appropriately look at things such as wildfire risk, the risk of accidents that could result in spills, and possible impacts on water resources along the railroad the trains would travel. It said the biological opinion failed to assess impacts on endangered, threatened and other fish in the Colorado River.
The court sent the matter back to the Surface Transportation Board for further consideration based on its findings. Eagle County and the Center for Biological Diversity had brought the legal challenges that led to last years ruling.
Neguse in a news release described the Forest Service decision as making us one step closer to avoiding the dangers that accompany this project and helping us to preserve our states water supplies, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation assets and the broader River Basin.
Bennet said in the release, A derailment along the headwaters of the Colorado River could have catastrophic effects for Colorados communities, water and environment. Im glad the Forest Service has taken this important step to protect the Colorado River and the tens of millions of people who depend on it.
State Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, called the Forest Services action important and positive news for all of us on the Western Slope.
Keith Heaton, executive director of the Seven Counties Infrastructure Coalition, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Forest Service decision and where the project now stands.
Its estimated that the project, if it goes forward, could increase oil production in the Uinta Basin by 350,000 barrels a day and result in nearly 10 additional train trips a day between Utah and Denver, passing through Mesa and other Western Slope counties.
Heaton has said the waxy crude oil would shipped as a solid, meaning that if anything is spilled it would be in a waxy rather than liquid form and would be easier to clean up.
State Rep. Rick Taggart announced plans Wednesday to run for reelection to the Colorado Legislature this year, joining all the other area incumbents who arent facing term limits.
The Grand Junction Republican, who currently is filling in for a colleague on the Legislatures Joint Budget Committee, said he wants to continue the work he started when first sworn into office last year.
Throughout my first session, I introduced 21 bills and joint resolutions, with 18 successfully becoming law, Taggard said in a statement. (House) District 55s unique needs have remained my top priority in shaping legislation for Colorado.
Some of the things Taggart accomplished as a freshman legislator include updating antiquated airport authority polices and procedures, extending tax increment financing to downtown development authorities and increasing funding for food banks.
He also changed laws enabling local wineries, breweries and distilleries to introduce their products to more special events and farmers markets, and extended tax credits for employers to sell their businesses to employees.
What Taggart says he wants to do during this years session, which started earlier this month, is to ease workforce requirements, address liability issues for private helicopter companies that aid in search and rescue missions and allow unincorporated areas of counties to use tax increment financing for special projects.
As the House GOPs representative on the JBC, he also wants to increase funding for after-school programs, and help colleges and universities in their efforts to encourage more first-generation students get their degrees.
Other local lawmakers who also are running for reelection, and dont yet have any challengers like Taggart, include Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs; Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs; and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta.
Reps. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, cannot run again because of term limits.
In Catlins House District 58, which stretches from Delta County to parts of Montezuma County, three people are in the race. They include former Rep. Kathleen Curry, a Gunnison Democrat-turned-independent-turned-Democrat; Paonia Republican Jonathan Roeber; and Cortez Republican Larry Suckla.
In McLachlans House District 59, which goes from parts of Montezuma County to all of Archuleta County, two people are running: Ignacio Republican Clark Craig and Durango Democrat Katie Stewart.
In the Colorado Senate, state Sen. Perry Will, R-New Castle, is running for reelection in Senate District 5 against two Democrats, Cole Buerger of Glenwood Springs and Barbara Bynum of Montrose.
Meanwhile in Senate District 6, incumbent Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, who is running for reelection, now has a Democratic challenger, Vivian Smotherman of Durango.
Prior to running for the House District 55 seat, Taggart served on the Grand Junction City Council.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy skies early followed by increasing clouds with showers developing later at night. Low 43F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that French Ambassador Pierre Levy has been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
"In connection with the destruction of the foreign fighters' temporary deployment point in Kharkiv by the Russian Armed Forces, among whom were several dozen Frenchmen, the French ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry," Tass quoted Maria Zakharova as saying.
Philippines continues S.China Sea provocations
Global Times
By Chen Qingqing Published: Jan 17, 2024 09:37 PM
Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines persists in its provocative actions and maneuvers despite repeated warnings from China. Manila intends to forge a military agreement with Japan in early 2024, while simultaneously preparing a court action against China concerning alleged "destructive environmental activity" in the South China Sea. This legal action comes in the wake of the Philippine military chief's statement about developing islands in the South China Sea region to enhance their suitability for troops.
Some Chinese experts believe that the Marcos Jr. government's policy toward China has been constrained by multiple factors including domestic political struggles and the US' Indo-Pacific strategy. Although the possible court action may not have a substantial impact in practice, it could carry symbolic weight to increase international pressure on China regarding the South China Sea. And with support and encouragement from the US and Japan, the Philippines could continue provoking China through various means, experts warned.
Philippine prosecutors are preparing a case against China that will be filed before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands, for destructive environmental activity in the South China Sea, the Manila Times reported on Tuesday.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Philippine government had been gathering evidence for years, but the documentation only gained momentum "in the last few months" of 2023.
Also on Tuesday, Japanese media reported that the Philippines hopes to sign an agreement with Japan allowing the deployment of military forces on each other's territory in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the Philippines and Canada are also working on a memorandum of understanding for enhanced defense cooperation, the Japan Times reported.
Those moves came after Manila's military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters that The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China to make them more habitable for troops, toward which the Chinese Foreign Ministry voiced strong opposition on Tuesday, saying that "China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and the adjacent waters."
From the current actions taken by the Philippines regarding the South China Sea, it seems unlikely that the Marcos Jr. government's stance will change. The influence of the US plays a significant role, and the Marcos government faces considerable constraints, Ge Hongliang, deputy director of the College of ASEAN Studies at Guangxi University for Nationalities, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines will further contribute to Japan's involvement in the South China Sea, including broader regional security aspects, Ge said. "This could potentially lead to heightened military competition among major powers in the South China Sea region, increasing security risks in the area as a whole."
The recent developments involving China and the Philippines in the South China Sea are caused by the Philippines' change in policy and position, refusing to honor its commitments, violations of international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and deliberate infringement of China's sovereignty and provocations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on December 26, 2023. "The responsibility lies with the Philippines," she said.
Also, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly warned that relevant countries should halt their irresponsible moves and respect regional countries' effort to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.
"Matters between the Philippines and China should ideally be resolved through bilateral discussions between the two parties, and external countries should avoid interference," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Involvement by extra-regional nations can complicate the situation further, especially when they insert themselves into issues between the Philippines and China, potentially pursuing their own interests through the Philippines, Song said.
"Such involvement can only lead to more trouble, given the already tense regional situation. If this continues, it could escalate tensions further," he said.
With the support and encouragement of the US and Japan, the Philippines might continue provoking China through various means, experts warned. This could include legal means, such as highlighting the invalid South China Sea arbitration case, initiating new legal arbitrations, or establishing a South China Sea patrol mechanism with multiple countries.
"Also, vowing to undertake infrastructure projects on disputed features like China's Ren'ai Jiao, which are provocative actions, the Philippines may expand its military capabilities despite financial constraints," Song said.
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Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, January 17th, 2024, 20:40
IDF Press Release
January 17, 2024
17.01.24
IDF
Good evening,
This evening, I will explain what is happening in the war in Gaza, focusing on the scale of the forces, their missions, the duration of the activity, and the impact of all these on the top goal of returning the hostages.
Currently, three divisions are operating in Gaza.
One division is fighting in the north, the north of the Strip, and is conducting operations to thwart terror, this is the same terror that remains after significant action was taken in the north of Gaza to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. The second division is holding the corridor that separates northern Gaza from southern Gaza, and this division is fighting in the center of the Strip and is conducting operational activity. The third division, with the widest scope of forces, is fighting in the Khan Yunis area.
There is fighting on the ground; last night, rocket fire was carried out from the Central Camps area towards Netivot. Shortly after, within a close range of about 500 meters, Reserve Paratroopers conducted an operation in the area, located and destroyed thirty rocket launcher barrels that were hidden underground, loaded with additional rockets for further launch and ready to be fired. The forces are on the ground and are ready to conduct such operations against any threat. We will continue to operate in this manner all the time.
We have completed the destruction of the weapon production infrastructure of Hamas's Central Camps Brigade, a brigade that controlled the center of the Gaza Strip. The infrastructure included workshops and factories above and below ground. These were central to Hamas's empowerment capability, and from there, they transported the weapons and rockets to all areas of the Strip. The dismantling of the infrastructure took time due to a complex underground layout and also combat challenges with terrorists in the area. It was only possible to dismantle this layout through ground operations. We will later publish the documentation of the dismantling and the entire operation in the area.
The division operating in the Khan Yunis area operates with the largest force. It expanded its operations; it was in east Khan Yunis and extended its attack on another Hamas battalion found in south Khan Yunis, and now it is carrying out strikes there. In the past day, there have been heavy battles there and unfortunately, there were casualties. Our forces eliminated more than thirty terrorists in the area, just in the last day. Underground in Khan Yunis, an additional operation is underway for scanning, locating, and destroying what we call - the underground maze beneath the ground. This is a time-consuming operation because we must maintain the safety of our forces and also the safety of hostages who may still be in that area.
The fighting in the tunnels and their destruction is challenging, combining new combat methods, some of which did not previously exist in the IDF, and even, If I can modestly say, not in other places in the world. There are Engineering forces above ground and special forces underground. We are learning every day, drawing lessons, improving, and advancing in this underground warfare.
This week, we rotated a division to be refreshed. The rotation of the forces is an operational matter - first and foremost due to the safety of our forces, which also requires the relief of the forces. It's impossible to fight for such a long period of time, without also training and drawing lessons. The operational situation on the ground also requires adjusting the forces, changes are happening on the ground based on intelligence, the enemy's location, etc., sometimes even reducing forces in the field, for our security and achievement of a better mission accomplishment. The forces must operate relative to all the threats in the area, and the IDF conducts daily situational assessments, looking at all the combat zones and making decisions on the placement of forces accordingly.
We have amazing reservists, some of whom we send for rest tell us that they want to keep helping in the war efforts. We are required to plan ahead in case it is required for us to activate them again. The planning and relieving of soldiers is necessary to be prepared not only for Gaza but for all combat zones.
We are making every effort to produce intelligence about the hostages and adjust the operational activity according to the intelligence available to us. It must be said to the public - there is no complete picture of the hostages. We are in a continuous intelligence effort to complete this picture, to build it, to achieve it all the time. The effort to return the hostages is of the highest priority. This sentence is expressed in the highest priority and in actions, in intelligence activity and in very complex activity that we do not publish in its entirety. And perhaps most importantly, maybe very importantly, is to create optimal conditions in the field that the IDF creates for there to be processes for returning the hostages.
In the north, we struck a series of Hezbollah targets in Lebanese territory today. We eliminated a terrorist cell that fired rockets from Lebanon in the Har Dov area. In addition, we eliminated a Hamas terrorist cell that carried out shooting from the Qlaileh area in southern Lebanon.
Hamas continues to carry out terror from Lebanese territory. The Hezbollah organization is providing shelter for Hamas in Lebanon, thereby endangering the residents of Lebanon and especially the residents of southern Lebanon.
Today the General Chief of Staff visited an exercise in the Golan Heights as part of a series of training taking place these days in the north for the ground forces. The Chief of Staff was impressed by the preparedness of the forces in the north and spoke with the commanders.
Our goal in the north is clear - to bring about change so that the residents of the north can return to their homes safely.
In Judea and Samaria, together with the Israel Security Agency, we eliminated the head of the terror infrastructure in the Balata camp in Nablus. Additional terrorists were also eliminated in this operation. Just an hour later, our forces began a wide-ranging operation to thwart terror in Tulkarm, and this operation is still ongoing. In the village of Bani Naim, near Hebron, IDF fighters are preparing to demolish the homes of the two terrorists who carried out the terrorist attack in Ra'anana.
We will continue to act to thwart terror wherever required.
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Hamas rules out two-state solution
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- Senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal has categorically dismissed Western proposal for pursuing a two-state solution to end the long-run disputes between the Palestinian nation and the Israeli regime.
According to Sama news agency, Mashal stated that the West claims that the battle of October 7 opened a horizon for a political insight; thus, they once again resorted to propagating their old proposal of the two-state solution.
Hamas will not accept the so-called two-state solution and will rule out such proposal, because the solution implies that "we have a promised state and we should recognize the other side, which is the Israeli regime, as a legitimate entity, but this issue is definitely rejected", Mashal argued.
The chief of the External Region of Hamas Political Bureau since early 2021 also said that after Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, which kicked off on October 7, 2023, the hope for the establishment of a Palestinian state stretching from the river to the sea and from the north to the south has been rejuvenated among the majority of the Palestinian people.
The 1967 borders merely cover one-fifth of Palestinian territories, and therefore the Palestinian nation will never accept it, he emphasized.
The Palestinian people are of the consensus that "we will not abandon our legitimate right", which entails territories from the sea to the river and from Ras al-Naqoura to Umm Al-Rashrash or the Gulf of Aqaba; so, that is our right, he said, adding that "we have been residing in this land since ancient times", while the occupying regime has emerged in this territory since 1948.
It is worth mentioning that amid the escalation of the ongoing tension in the Gaza Strip, certain parties in particular Western supporters of the Israeli regime have once again put forward the so-called "two-state solution".
4208**2050
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France opts out of US-led coalition against Yemen
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that his country will not join a US-led coalition against Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah resistance movement which has taken retaliatory actions against the Zionist regime in the Red Sea for its bloody war on Gaza.
"France has decided not to join a coalition that has carried out pre-emptive strikes against the Houthis on their soil," Macron told reporters.
He said the reason behind the decision is that France has a position that seeks to avoid any escalation, emphasizing that the subject was not "military" but "diplomatic".
The United States has formed a naval coalition to counter the operations of the Yemeni army in the Red Sea. Over two dozen ships linked to the Zionist regime or those heading to Israeli ports have been targeted in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in recent weeks in response to the regime's genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The US and UK militaries recently targeted several areas inside Yemen in violation of the Arab country's sovereignty and in breach of international law.
However, the Yemeni armed forces have pledged to continue attacking Israeli-linked ships until the regime stops its genocidal onslaught on Gaza and ends its blockade of the Palestinian coastal sliver.
4354**4261
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Qatar announces Israel-Hamas deal on medicine, aid into Gaza
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- Qatar says the Israeli regime and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas have reached an agreement on medicine and humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Qatari Foreign Ministry announced that Doha through mediation was able to strike a deal between Israel and Hamas for much needed medicine and aid to Gaza.
"This agreement includes the delivery of medicine and help to civilians in exchange for the delivery of medicine needed by Israeli captives in Gaza", the statement said.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also confirmed the deal, saying the transfer of medicine to captives in Gaza will begin from tomorrow.
The Israeli war on Gaza is on its 103rd day which the Zionist regime launched following a surprise operation called "Al-Aqsa Storm" from Gaza against the positions of the Israeli regime on October 7, 2023.
In late November, a short-lived 7-day truce saw more than 100 Israeli captives freed in exchange for Palestinians illegally held in Israeli jails and also allowed the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza after weeks of Israeli aggression plunged the besieged territory into a humanitarian catastrophe.
During Operation Al-Aqsa Strom, Hamas fighters captured more than 240 Israeli soldiers and settlers as captives.
The Palestinian resistance movement is also holding 105 Israeli captives who are among nearly 240 people whom Hamas took captive during its unprecedented Al-Aqsa Storm Operation on October 7.
The Palestinian resistance movement is also holding 105 Israeli captives and says many of them have been killed or injured in recent weeks amid the regime's continued bombing and shelling campaign against Gaza.
"The enemy has failed to achieve its goals and was even unable to get the captives released from Gaza. Israeli captives have had an uncertain fate in recent weeks, with many of them being killed, and the responsibility lies squarely with the Zionist regime", Al-Qassam Brigades Spokesman Abu Ubaida said on Saturday.
4399
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Iran Leader: Yemen's blow to Zionist regime's lifeline is admirable
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Wed / 17 January 2024 / 12:02
In a meeting with a large number of Friday Prayer leaders from across the country in the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah on Tuesday, Imam Khamenei described Yemen's blow to Zionist regime's lifeline as "admirable" and "fighting on the path of God."
Tehran-ISNA- At the beginning of this meeting, Imam Khamenei spoke about the significance of the Islamic month of Rajab, describing it as one of the most virtuous days of the year. He advised the people and the believers to make the most of this great divine blessing by engaging in meaningful supplications, invocations, and repentances.
Pointing to the issue of Gaza and the patience and steadfastness of the Palestinians, the Leader emphasized that God's presence is apparent in these events. "The oppressed and strong Gazans were able to influence the world with their battles and today the world views these people, their fighters and the resistance group as heroes," he said.
Imam Khamenei drew attention to the fact that despite facing oppression, the people of Gaza have achieved victory in the eyes of the international community and he attributed this outcome to their patience and their trust in God. "On the other hand, no one in the world today believes that the evil usurping Zionist regime has won the war in Gaza. In the global opinion and in the opinion of the world's politicians, the [Zionist] regime is an oppressive, ruthless, bloodthirsty wolf that has lost the battle and is being disintegrated," he added.
While emphasizing that the people of Gaza have spread Islam and made the Quran dear to the seekers of truth around the world with their resilience, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution asked God to increase the honor of the fighters of the Resistance Front, especially the Gazan people and fighters.
Imam Khamenei also praised and commended the great work of the Yemeni nation and the Ansar Allah government for their support of the Palestinians. "The Yemenis targeted the key channels of the Zionist regime and did not fear the threats of the US, because a God-fearing person does not fear anyone but God. What they did is truly and justly an example of fighting for the cause of God," he said.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed hope that these battles, acts of resistance, and endeavors would continue until victory is achieved, and requested God's help and assistance for those who strive to please Him.
Elsewhere during the meeting, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution expressed that leading the Friday Prayers is regarded as a highly challenging responsibility. The reason for this, noted the Leader, is primarily due to the fact that the individual in this role must maintain a strong connection with God and strive to satisfy Him, and at the same time take into consideration the interests and contentment of the people.
He noted that paying attention to the people during the Friday Prayer is a sign of the fundamental position of the people in Islam, adding that, "The role and rights of the people in the Islamic system is such that, according to Imam Ali (pbuh), if the people do not want something and if they do not involve themselves in it, even a righteous individual like Imam Ali (pbuh) would not be obliged to fulfill that duty. However, if the people expressed a desire for something, it would become his obligatory responsibility to accept and address that need."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution also deemed it necessary to inform the people about "domestic and global issues, the enemy's conspiracies and plots, and societal needs and realities" during Friday prayer sermons.
Imam Khamenei stressed that it is crucial for a Friday Prayer leader to connect with the audience and have a good understanding of their needs and thoughts, while pointing out the fact that the minds of today's youth are exposed to a diverse range of information and perspectives.
"To assess the needs and correctly understand the minds of his audience, it is essential for the Friday Prayer leader to socialize with people and for him to be a people person," he said.
Imam Khamenei underlined that another obligation that needs to be fulfilled by Friday Prayer leaders in their important mission involves showing care and kindness towards the people.
He went on to describe the exceptional qualities of the Iranian people, highlighting their strong morals and faith. He also noted that even those who do not strictly adhere to certain Islamic practices, still possess a deep reverence for God and spiritual values.
Another quality of the Iranian people, emphasized by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, is their commitment and willingness to defend their country and the Islamic system against all kinds of attacks from detractors.
"Our people have shown their loyalty in every situation when the country and the Revolution needed to be defended. They did this by coming to the streets, by practicing patience, by shouting slogans, by showing their support and even by going to the battlefield," he noted.
He continued by stressing the necessity of people's participation in the upcoming elections, highlighting that it is their right to take part in the elections so they can choose their representatives in the legislative and law enforcement bodies.
End Item
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Yemen: Israel-bound Greek ship was targeted due to ignoring warnings
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Wed / 17 January 2024 / 11:58
Yemeni armed forces spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced in a recent statement, that Yemen has targeted a ship headed to Israel after it ignored warning calls to turn back.
Tehran (ISNA) - This operation serves as evidence of the Yemeni Armed Forces' persistence top maintain the blockade against Israeli navigation in the Arabian and Red Seas despite last week's US-UK aggression aimed at deterring them.
"Triumphing the oppressed Palestinian people [of Gaza] who are subjected to aggression and siege, the naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted the ship Zogravia, which was headed to the ports of occupied Palestine, with several adequate missiles: leaving direct hits," Brigadier General Saree opened up his statement.
The Yemeni Armed Forces had deliberated on striking the vessel after the crew had repeatedly ignored their calls and warning messages, Saree specified.
The Yemeni Armed Forces remain steadfast in executing their military operations to block Israeli navigation in the Arab and Red Seas until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza and the siege on the Palestinian people is lifted, he added.
"The Yemeni Armed Forces continue to take all defensive and offensive measures within the scope of their legitimate right to defend Yemen and in affirmation of continued practical solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people," Saree ended his statement.
End Item
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Israel cuts off telecoms, Internet from Gaza
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Wed / 17 January 2024 / 11:57
The Gaza government media office has confirmed that the Israeli occupation, amid its ongoing aggression, has disrupted communication and Internet networks in the Gaza Strip.
Tehran (ISNA) - The Gaza government media office confirmed that the Israeli occupation cut off all means of communication for the seventh time during its ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip.
In a press statement, the media office explained that the Israeli occupation is deliberately cutting off and completely disrupting telecoms in the Gaza Strip, during what it described as a "genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the Strip," revealing that "this crime has been continuing for five consecutive days."
In its statements, the office highlighted that severing telecommunication and internet networks poses a significant threat to the lives of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It emphasized that the interruption of communication means that many martyrs and wounded individuals won't receive timely assistance. Consequently, this disruption is expected to result in a considerable escalation in the number of casualties.
The statement emphasized that the persistent disruption of communications and internet networks is a deliberate and premeditated crime. This tactic by the occupation is seen as an attempt to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The government office held the Israeli occupation responsible for the ongoing crimes against 2.4 million people in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, it held the United States and the international community accountable for the occupation's crimes, emphasizing their role in what is perceived as a genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
In its media statement, the office urged what it described as "all countries of the free world" to promptly and urgently halt the genocidal war against the Palestinian people. It also called on these nations and international organizations specializing in communication to exert pressure on the occupation, urging the restoration of communication and internet networks in the Gaza Strip to bring an end to this ongoing tragedy.
Concerning the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, now in its 103rd day, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory asserted in a relevant context that "the Israeli army is not only starving Palestinians in the northern Gaza Valley, but has also killed dozens of individuals who tried to receive the meager aid that did arrive there, perpetuating the genocide that Israel has been committing against the people of the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023."
End Item
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Gitanas Nauseda in Davos: The Three Seas Initiative is changing the direction in which Europe moves
President of the Republic of Lithuania
Januray 17, 2024
On Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Gitanas Nauseda stressed the importance of the Three Seas Initiative not only in strengthening transatlantic ties, but also in changing the direction in which Europe moves. The Lithuanian President invited the world's business leaders to actively participate in the Business Forum at the Three Seas Initiative Summit to be held in Vilnius in April.
The Lithuanian leader took part in an open discussion at the Three Seas Initiative House together with Polish President Andrzej Duda, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.
"Russia's aggression in Ukraine has shown that we need to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and Europe's resilience in the areas of energy, food security and the environment; first and foremost by speeding up key infrastructure projects. The strategic importance of the Three Seas Initiative, in which cooperation is based on the North-South axis, has increased significantly, both for regional security and as a counterweight to the prevailing East-West axis," the Head of State spoke.
The President stressed that the development of transport links, the development of energy infrastructure and the creation of resilient infrastructure for both civilian and military purposes are key challenges for regional integration. As an example of such integration, Gitanas Nauseda referred to the strategic decision of the Baltic States to implement synchronization of the Baltic electricity system with continental Europe one year ahead of schedule.
During the discussion, the Lithuanian Head of State stressed the importance of transport links, in particular the Via Baltica and Via Carpathia highways and the Rail Baltica railway, for the development of regional cooperation and security.
"The importance of military mobility was highlighted at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Today, when Russia is aggressively threatening the security of the whole region, the ability to move troops quickly is crucial. At the same time, transport links ensure even closer economic cooperation between the countries of the region and the development of tourism, as well as expanding the opportunities to connect to global transport routes," President Gitanas Nauseda pointed out.
The Lithuanian presidency of the Three Seas Initiative is focusing on mobilizing support for Ukraine's accelerated integration into the EU and for the reconstruction of the country without waiting for the end of the war.
Gitanas Nauseda also presented the agenda of the Three Seas Initiative Summit to be held in Vilnius in April this year and invited business community to actively participate in the Business Forum and other events of the Initiative to be held in the Lithuanian capital.
The President's Communication Group
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New air defense system advances Corps' air dominance
US Marine Corps News
17 Jan 2024 | Morgan Blackstock, Office of Public Affairs and Communication PEO Land Systems
Yuma Proving Ground, Az. -- The Marine Corps is one step closer to defeating unmanned aircraft systems.
In December, Program Executive Officer Land Systems successfully tested the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, low-rate initial production model, hitting several launched drones during a live-fire test at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
The live-fire test subjected MADIS to actual battlefield scenarios, where it detected, tracked, identified, and defeated unmanned aerial threats.
"MADIS can complete the entire kill chain, and we witness that during this event," said Col. Andrew Konicki, program manager for Ground Based Air Defense. "It is a linchpin for mission success and our ability to neutralize airborne threats...which in turn, increases our lethality."
MADIS is a short-range, surface-to-air system that enables Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions to deter and neutralize unmanned aircraft systems and fixed wing/rotary wing aircraft. Mounted aboard two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, the system is a complementary pair. MADIS includes multiple disparate systems, including radar systems, surface-to-air missiles, and command and control elements. In layman's terms, one detects, and the other attacks.
Drones continue to be a threat, especially with the emergence of easily accessible, commercial off-the-shelf products. MADIS uses real-time communication and coordination to destroy or neutralize low-altitude aerial threats in defense of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
"The importance of countering UAS threats cannot be overstated," said Konicki. "We see it all over the news. MADIS is the key. We're excited to get this out to Marines."
During the test, MADIS successfully tracked and hit multiple targets using the Stinger missiles and 30mm cannon. Information passed through the Common Aviation Command and Control System to the "fighting pair" of vehicles, executing the engagements while continuing to track other UAS targets.
"We've taken multiple disparate commercial off-the-shelf and government off-the-shelf technologies and put them together," said Konicki. "This is a capability the Marine Corps has never had, and it was a challenge for the acquisition community. This test event shows we met that challenge."
The program office has additional live-fire testing planned for new equipment training, system verification testing, and initial operational test and evaluation in FY24, prior to the start of fielding, said Maj. Craig Warner, product manager for Future Weapons Systems. The 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion will be the first battalion in the Marine Corps to receive the MADIS.
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YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, within the framework of the Davos Economic Forum, had a meeting with the Federal Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg.
During the meeting, agenda issues related to both bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Armenia and Austria were discussed, the Presidential Office stated.
A special reference was made to the Armenia-EU partnership.
According to the source, the interlocutors exchanged ideas on the regional situation, existing challenges and developments.
It is noted that during the discussion, the parties emphasized issues of fully usage of the existing potential in the economy, culture, tourism, and other fields of the two countries.
NATO Chiefs of Defence meet with NATO's Deputy Secretary General
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
17 Jan. 2024
Today, 17 January 2024, NATO's highest Military Authority, the Military Committee, meets in Chiefs of Defence format at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The focus of the meeting is on strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence by maximising the executability of the new defence plans.
In his opening remarks, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the Military Committee stressed, "The tectonic plates of power are shifting. As a result: we face the most dangerous world in decades. NATO has entered into a new era of collective defence. Together we are defending much more than the physical safety of our 1 billion people and 31 (soon to be 32) nations. We are defending freedom and democracy".
The Deputy Secretary General thanked the Chiefs of Defence for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the Alliance: "Few have done more to ensure the security of our Alliance than you and all your predecessors. So I want to start by thanking you all for the incredible work that you and your men and women in uniform have done, are doing, and will continue to be doing for our security, for our Nations, and indeed CMC, to protect our security."
Admiral Bauer praised NATO's political-military structure and welcomed Mircea Geoana's constant engagement with military leadership: "It is by working together that we make sure that political will is matched with military capabilities. It is testament to the unique nature of our political-military Alliance".
During his remarks, the Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana outlined some of the main priorities for the Washington D.C. Summit in July 2024. "At this year's summit in Washington, we will go further. Doing what is necessary to ensure the security of our people, our nations and yes, the international rules-based system. We will strengthen our collective defence, especially our air and missile defence. We will boost our support for Ukraine. And I'm thankful for all of you for meeting your Ukrainian counterpart later today. The first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Chiefs of Defence format is another testament of our enduring support for this nation, because the Ukrainians are also fighting our fight. And we will work even more closely with our partners around the world. Thank you again for meeting our partners. NATO may be a regional alliance and this will not change. But we face global challenges and we need to engage even more".
Discussing the new defence plans, Admiral Bauer said: "These are the most comprehensive defence plans NATO has had since the end of the Cold War. Never before have NATO and national defence plans been so closely interlinked", highlighting the importance of the new defence plans, and how they will shape Allied armed forces for decades to come.
Admiral Bauer went on to emphasize how Allies are now actively working to maximise the executability of the new defence plans. Militarily there are more steps to be taken to get where NATO wants to be for its collective defence.
Noting the importance of NATO's warfighting transformation, Admiral Bauer spoke of the need to focus on effectiveness instead of efficiency in this new era of collective defence.
In anticipation of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi the Ukrainian Chief of Defence's briefing on the situation in Ukraine, the Chair of the Military Committee stipulated: "Ukraine will have our support for every day that is to come. Because make no mistake: the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world.
Concluding his opening remarks, Admiral Bauer focused on NATO's cooperation with Partners. In a more dangerous world close cooperation and increased interoperability is paramount. There is an increased need to prepare for the unexpected and look at challenges from all threat perspectives: "for this, our cooperation with Partners is key", stressed Admiral Bauer.
Tomorrow, Thursday 18 January 2024 at 15:15 there will be a joint press conference by Admiral Bauer, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Cavoli, and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Badia. The joint press conference will be livestreamed on the NATO website.
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NATO releases first ever quantum strategy
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
17 Jan. 2024
Quantum technologies are getting closer to revolutionizing the world of innovation and can be game-changers for security, including modern warfare. Ensuring that the Alliance is ''quantum-ready'' is the aim of NATO's first-ever quantum strategy that was approved by NATO Foreign Ministers on 28 November. On Wednesday (17 January 2024), NATO releases a summary of the strategy.
The strategy outlines how quantum can be applied to defence and security in areas such as sensing, imaging, precise positioning, navigation and timing, improve the detection of submarines, and upgrade and secure data communications using quantum resistant cryptography.
Many of these technologies are already used in the private sector and have become the subject of strategic competition. NATO's quantum strategy helps foster and guide NATO's cooperation with industry to develop a transatlantic quantum technologies ecosystem, while preparing NATO to defend itself against the malicious use of quantum technologies.
Quantum is one of the technological areas that NATO Allies have prioritized due to their implications for defence and security. These include artificial intelligence, data and computing, autonomy, biotechnology and human enhancements, hypersonic technologies, energy and propulsion, novel materials, next-generation communications networks and space.
Quantum technologies are already part of NATO's innovation efforts. Six of the 44 companies selected to join NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)'s programme are specialised in quantum. Their innovations are expected to help progress in the areas of next-generation cryptography, develop high-speed lasers to improve satellite connectivity, and deploy quantum-enhanced 3-D imaging sensors in challenging undersea environments. DIANA also anticipates quantum technologies forming a key part of solutions to its future challenge programme.
Building on its new strategy, NATO will now start work to establish a Transatlantic Quantum Community to engage with government, industry and academia from across the innovation ecosystems.
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A look at the Defence news 8 - 14 January
Netherlands Ministry of Defence
News item | 17-01-2024
"Coups in the Sahel, the ruthless destruction that Russia is wreaking in Ukraine, rising tensions in the South China Sea." Outgoing Netherlands Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren delivered a sober message to her department in The Hague in her New Year address on 11 January.
The minister summed up why 2023 marked a turning point, as this was the year in which the full extent of the geopolitical challenge facing the Defence organisation became clear.
The Minister also said that a new government should respect the commitments made at the NATO Summit in Vilnius, meaning that the Netherlands will have to allocate at least 2% of its GDP to the Defence organisation over the next years.
Netherlands contributes 3 million to anti-terrorism academy in Ivory Coast
The Netherlands is to increase its contribution to the international anti-terrorism academy in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) by 3 million for the next 3 years, in order to support the fight against terrorism in West Africa. Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren announced this during a visit to the country last week.
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Keeping up its support for Gaza, Yemen announces 'accurate hit' against American ship
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 9:33 PM
Yemen's Armed Forces have announced striking an American ship in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have come under a genocidal Israeli war that enjoys full-on support on the part of the United States.
The forces' spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced the development in a statement on Wednesday.
He identified the target as "American Genco Picardy ship" and the whereabouts of the operation as the Gulf of Aden.
"The operation was carried out using a number of appropriate naval missiles," he said, adding, "The hit was accurate."
"Yemeni Armed Forces will not hesitate to target all sources of threat in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea as part of legitimate right to self-defense of Yemen, and continued support for oppressed Palestinian people," the statement noted.
The Israeli regime began the war on October 7, following an operation staged by Gaza's resistance movements, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm. Tel Aviv has simultaneously been exercising an all-out siege against the Palestinian territory, preventing the flow of water, food, electricity, fuel, and medicine into the coastal sliver.
Nearly 24,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have died in the brutal onslaught so far.
The US has been providing the military campaign with ample military and political support.
It has armed the Israeli regime with more than 10,000 tons of military hardware since the onset of the war. Washington has also vetoed all United Nations Security Council resolutions that have been calling for cessation of the Israeli attacks.
As part of their support for Palestinians, Yemen's Armed Forces and Ansarullah popular resistance movement have, over the past month, targeted several ships owned by the Israeli regime or bound for ports in the occupied territories in the strategic Red Sea after multiple warnings.
Saree said, "We continue to prevent Israeli ships or those heading to the occupied ports of Palestine until aggression ceases, and blockade on Gaza is lifted."
He, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Yemeni forces' "full commitment to ensuring uninterrupted navigation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf to all destinations, except for ports of the occupied Palestine."
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Israeli drone strikes kill 7 more Palestinians in West Bank
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 4:36 PM
Israel has killed 7 Palestinians in drone strikes on the occupied West Bank.
Three of the victims were killed in a vehicle near the Balata camp, east of the city of Nablus.
The other four were killed in the camp of Tulkarm, where infrastructure was destroyed.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society said in a statement it could not "transport four martyrs from inside Tulkarm camp due to the occupation's bombardment." It said two of its ambulance workers were wounded by Israeli fire as they tried to reach the victims.
The Israeli military on Wednesday confirmed one of its soldiers was "seriously wounded" in clashes in Tulkarm.
Residents say Israeli troops are going from house to house, sometimes even blowing up doors to enter. In occupied East al-Quds, Israeli troops have set up new checkpoints.
Since the onset of Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza in early October, troops and settlers have staged indiscriminate attacks on the Palestinians in the West Bank. The regime has killed 360 people and abducted many more in that region.
The regime has shifted its focus from Gaza's devastated north to the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis lately.
The total death toll has passed the 24,000 mark. Communications and internet services are completely cut off in wide areas of the Gaza Strip.
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Iran warns Biden not to 'tie his destiny' to Netanyahu's fate
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 8:51 AM
Iran has warned US President Joe Biden not to "tie his destiny" to that of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is leading the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip while enjoying Washington's all-out support.
Speaking to the American business news channel CNBC on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian described the US backing for the occupying entity as "the root of insecurity" in West Asia.
"The US should not, Mr. [Joe] Biden should not, tie their destiny to the fate of Netanyahu," he said during the interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos.
"The full-scale cooperation of Biden and the White House with thugs like Netanyahu in Israel is the root of insecurity in the region."
Israel waged its genocidal aggression against Gaza on October 7 following a historic operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance group against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
However, more than 100 days into the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has failed to achieve its objectives in Gaza despite killing at least 24,285 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 61,154 others.
The US is a partner in the Gaza carnage as it has supplied Israel with weapons and intelligence support, and blocked UN resolutions calling for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
In solidarity with the Palestinians in besieged Gaza, the Yemeni armed forces have targeted ships in the Red Sea with owners linked to Israel or those going to and from ports in the occupied territories.
In response, the US has formed a military coalition in the Red Sea and launched strikes on Yemen, endangering maritime navigation in the strategic waterway.
'Yemenis, other regional nations do not get orders from Tehran'
Amir-Abdollahian said Iran wants the US to "stop the war in Gaza," stressing that security in the Red Sea is important to the Islamic Republic.
"The people of Yemen and other countries in the region who defend the Palestinian people are acting according to their own experience and through their own interests, and they are not receiving any orders or instructions from us," he added.
Highlighting the importance of maritime security for Iran as an oil exporter, the top diplomat said, "If there is insecurity near our vicinity, it will not be in our favor."
"We believe that any action to destabilize the region is rooted in Israel and its genocide in Gaza," he emphasized.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes on an Israeli spy base in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and a gathering of anti-Iran terrorist groups, especially Daesh, in northwestern Syria.
Amir-Abdollahian said the attacks were "in line with combating terrorism and legitimate self-defense."
"We have no reservations when it comes to securing our national interest with any other country," he added.
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Jan. 16: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 6:58 AM
By Press TV Website Staff
Resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against Israel and its Western backers amid the regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of almost 24,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women.
The operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Tuesday, January 16, are as follows:
Qassam Brigades' operations on Jan. 16:
Bombarded the occupied city of Netivot with a massive barrage of rockets.
Targeted an Israeli troop carrier with a 'Shuath' device and an 'Al-Yassin 105' shell, north of Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City.
Targeted an Israeli military vehicle with a 'Yassin 105' shell and engaged in clashes with an infantry force using machine guns and grenades west of Tal al-Hawa in Gaza City, causing Israeli casualties.
Pounded a gathering of Israeli military vehicles and soldiers in Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, with mortar shells.
Seized an Israeli military drone that was on a spying mission in the border region.
Targeted two Israeli military tanks with 'Al-Yassin 105' shells and a military bulldozer with two anti-armor devices, and engaged in clashes an infantry, south of Khan Yunis city.
Targeted concentrations of Israeli military penetrating north of the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip with heavy-caliber mortar shells.
Targeted an Israeli troop carrier on Jabal Al-Rais, east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City, and engaged in clashes with soldiers near it, causing deaths and injuries.
Targeted concentrations of Israeli soldiers east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City with mortar shells.
Hezbollah's operations on Jan. 16
Eastern Sector:
At around 14:00 local time, targeted the Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms with missile weapons, hitting it directly.
At around 15:30 local time, pounded the vicinity of the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied area of Nabi Yusha with appropriate missiles as a response to Israeli attacks on southern villages.
At around 16:20 local time, targeted the Bayad Blida site with appropriate weapons, hitting it directly.
Western Sector:
At around 10:45 local time, targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers east of the 'Even Menachem' settlement with rocket weapons.
At around 16:20 local time, bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers around the Ramia site with appropriate weapons, hitting them directly.
At around 18:20 local time, targeted the Hadab Al-Bustan site with Burkan missiles, hitting it directly.
Iraqi resistance's operation on Jan. 16:
Released the footage of an operation in which it used a long-range missile (Arqab) against an Israeli target in the heart of the occupied territories.
Attacked the US-occupied Conoco base deep inside Syria with a rocket salvo, inflicting heavy damage and possible casualties.
Yemeni military's operations on Jan. 16:
The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out an operation against the 'Zogravia' ship, which was heading to the ports of occupied Palestine, with several appropriate naval missiles, hitting it directly and inflicting damage.
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ASEAN chair Laos faces rising tensions in South China Sea
Could a land-locked country help mediate maritime disputes in the disputed waters?
By RFA Staff 2024.01.17 -- Laos, a land-locked country, has taken over the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with one of the major tasks in 2024 being to moderate the complex situation in the South China Sea.
Analysts say Vientiane is likely to try its best to stay neutral and strike a compromise between disputing parties.
"Laos is a reactive ASEAN chair and not a proactive one," said Carlyle Thayer, a Southeast Asia specialist, noting that Laos and Myanmar were the only two ASEAN members who did not submit draft Codes of Conduct to make up the Single Draft Negotiating Text released in August 2018.
ASEAN and China have been negotiating a legally-binding Code of Conduct after reaching an initial Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002. In 2018, the regional bloc and Beijing managed to release the Single Draft Negotiating Text - or a draft agreement - but progress has been stalled.
China claims historical rights to almost 90% of the South China Sea, an area roughly demarcated by the so-called "nine-dash line." Other claimants, including ASEAN members Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, have rejected those claims and a 2016 international arbitration tribunal ruled that they had no legal basis.
Meanwhile tension has been rising in recent months between Beijing and Manila over some atolls claimed by both countries.
In 2023, under Indonesia's chairmanship, there were efforts by ASEAN to once again accelerate the negotiating process, but it may stall again with Laos in the hot seat this year.
"Laos' indebtedness to China will impede any efforts to resume negotiations over competing maritime claims in the South China Sea," said an assessment by Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence firm.
"Laos is unlikely to make progress on restarting talks over the Code of Conduct due to its weak negotiating position, as it owes China billions of dollars related to infrastructure projects and is in the midst of an economic crisis, and its neutral stake in the matter as a landlocked country beholden to both China and ASEAN," said the Stratfor report.
Middle ground
The theme of Laos' 2024 ASEAN year is "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience" and the focus will be "leading ASEAN to promote the community building and enhancing a connected and resilient ASEAN community," a report by the state-run Vietnam News Agency paraphrased Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Saleumxay Kommasith as saying on Nov. 17.
Laos' external debt was about U.S. $14.5 billion in 2022. The World Bank said in a country report in November 2023 that China accounted for about half of the external public debt stock in 2022 and for about half of external debt repayments scheduled for 2024-2027.
Vientiane also does not want to upset other ASEAN members, especially Vietnam, its immediate neighbor and traditional ally. Hanoi, as a claimant in the South China Sea, has been at odds with China over a number of issues, from the building of artificial islands to the exploitation of natural resources.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited Hanoi in early January.
During a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, the two prime ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability in the region, including maintaining ASEAN's solidarity, common stance and centrality in regional security and strategic issues, such as the East Sea [South China Sea] issue, according to the Vietnamese government's website.
"Vietnam is keen to lobby Laos on the South China Sea," said Canberra-based Carlyle Thayer.
"I was leaked the transcript of the ASEAN Ministerial retreat in 2012 when Cambodia was ASEAN Chair and quashed the joint statement because of its paragraphs on the South China Sea," Thayer told Radio Free Asia (RFA).
"As ministers discussed the draft joint statement in alphabetical order, Laos said virtually nothing or on the South China Sea said it would accept whatever the other members decided."
Yet the previous time Laos was ASEAN chair in 2016, it orchestrated a generic joint communique on the South China Sea that said "maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea region serves the fundamental interests of ASEAN member states and China, as well as the international community."
While this could be seen as passing the South China Sea dilemma to the next chair, it was a step up from the failure to issue a joint communique in 2012 by Cambodia and Vientiane is likely to maintain this approach this year.
Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan.
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 January 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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Renewable energy surge: Southeast Asia's wind, solar power grow by 20% in a year
Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines see the largest increase.
By Subel Rai Bhandari for RFA 2024.01.17 -- Operating solar and wind capacity in Southeast Asia grew in 2023 by a fifth, reaching over 28 gigawatts (GW), accounting for 9% of the total electricity generation capacity, a new report by Global Energy Monitor said.
The ASEAN countries, which include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor Leste, added 3 GW of solar capacity and 2 GW of wind power in 2023, according to GEM's report.
However, it said that the slow pace in initiating new projects, combined with a difficult regulatory landscape for renewable energy and persistent dependence on fossil fuels, presents a significant challenge for achieving a transition to clean energy.
Despite having a substantial potential capacity of 220 GW in announced and various stages of construction projects, only a tiny fraction - 6 GW or 3% - is actively being constructed in Southeast Asia, according to the San Francisco-based think tank tracking global energy projects.
With the exception of China, which has the world's largest and fastest renewables growth, the global average under construction is over twice that of ASEAN countries.
The ASEAN nations, known for their rapidly expanding economies, are experiencing a corresponding surge in energy demand, which has grown by a quarter between 2015 and 2021, much higher than the global average.
In November, the ASEAN Centre for Energy reported that the region has an installed power capacity of 310 GW, predominantly comprising coal, gas and hydropower, with capacities of 106.3 GW, 89.6 GW, and 61.2 GW, respectively.
The growth of renewable energy in 2022 was hindered by the prevalence of fossil fuel capacity, partly due to project delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in a small shortfall from the ASEAN goal of a 35% renewable energy share in installed capacity by 2025.
This week's report said ASEAN would have to build just 17 GW of utility-scale wind and solar capacity by 2025 to reach this goal, thanks to a large hydropower base.
In ASEAN, the potential for offshore wind power (124 GW) is nearly five times greater than that of onshore wind and almost double the global operating capacity for offshore wind (69 GW).
Vietnam leads the solar-wind power growth
The report revealed that Vietnam leads the region in operating utility-scale solar and wind capacity with 19 GW, followed by Thailand and the Philippines, each contributing 3 GW.
The Philippines and Vietnam, with prospective capacities of 99 GW and 86 GW respectively in solar and wind power, account for four-fifths of the region's total. These figures place them as the eighth and ninth largest in terms of prospective capacity globally.
Laos is significantly outpacing its economic size in developing utility-scale solar and wind capacity, with over 3 GW prospective capacity, rivaling Thailand and surpassing Malaysia by over 150%, despite its much smaller economy, GEM said in its report.
Additionally, Laos is on track to host the region's largest onshore windfarm, the Monsoon, which is under construction and projected to reach a capacity of 600 MW upon completion.
There are currently no utility-scale solar or wind projects in operation in Brunei, Laos, and Timor Leste, and none under construction in Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei.
"The growth of renewables across the region is impressive, but so much more can be achieved," said Janna Smith, researcher and lead author of the report.
"With the world now aiming to triple renewables capacity by 2030, governments need to make it easier to bring wind and solar power online. Switching to renewables now from coal and gas will save countries time and money on the path to a clean energy future."
At the recent COP28 climate summit in Dubai, more than 120 governments agreed to triple global renewable capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030.
Only Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei signed the agreement from the ASEAN region, which is highly susceptible to climate change impacts, including flooding, drought, rising sea levels, and heat waves.
These challenges put pressure on electricity supplies amidst the region's increasing energy demand.
According to GEM, fossil fuels remain entrenched in ASEAN, which has hampered new investment in utility-scale wind and solar, with coal-fired power capacity seeing 7% annual growth for the past seven years.
Experts have blamed insufficient grid infrastructure investment as a significant hurdle in the fast renewable rollout.
Earlier this week, Southeast Asia's largest economy, Indonesia, announced plans to decrease the targeted share of renewables in the national energy mix from 23% to 17-19% by 2025, as coal-fired power plants remain a dominant energy source.
Last year, Indonesia saw its coal production reach a record high at 775 million metric tons, up from 687 million a year earlier, with more than two-thirds of it exported.
GEM said solar and wind power contribute to less than 1% of Indonesia's total operating capacity, and while 19 GW are in development, none of this capacity is currently in construction.
Edited by Elaine Chan 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 January 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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Climate change in South China Sea will have global weather impact: experts
Scientists forecast more drought and heavier rainfall in the region.
By Subel Rai Bhandari for RFA 2024.01.17 -- The impact of climate change in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas on the local and global weather system could be "profound," new scientific research has found.
The "unique characteristics" of climate change in the South China Sea and surrounding area (SCSSA) - such as the Indo-Pacific region, Southeast Asia, and the Tibetan Plateau - include rapid warming in key regions, leading to increased precipitation during the Asian summer monsoon and notable shifts in the frequency and origin of tropical cyclones, the researchers said in a study published in the Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research journal on Tuesday.
The alterations in weather patterns within this region have a ripple effect on a global scale, influencing atmospheric circulation, oceanic currents, and the overall climate system, the researchers said.
The South China Sea, located in the eastern part of Southeast Asia, is a partially enclosed sea surrounded by various nations such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Renowned for its diverse biological richness, it plays a crucial role in the worldwide climate system.
"Climate change in the South China Sea and its surrounding areas is very complex. It has a significant impact on shaping not only regional climates but also exerting far-reaching impacts on weather and climate patterns across the globe," said Song Yang, a professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Zhuhai, China.
The South China Sea is experiencing a significant rise in sea surface temperatures due to global warming, leading to more powerful typhoons and hurricanes with increased frequency and severity, resulting in catastrophic consequences, substantial loss of life and property damage in coastal areas.
Climate change has also disrupted rainfall patterns in the area, leading to extreme weather events like droughts or heavy rains, which significantly impact agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.
This week's study highlighted the Hadley circulation's expansion, a key atmospheric pattern between the equator and subtropics, and a broader influence on the Madden-Julian Oscillation, an essential tropical atmospheric disturbance.
The researchers said that increased atmospheric convection over the SCSSA can result in abnormal descending air movements, leading to drought conditions and increased humidity in southern China, South Asia, and northern Africa during the boreal - or northern region - spring and summer.
The paper forecasts increased precipitation across South Asia, East Asia, and northern Australia, attributed to warmer sea surface temperatures, a heightened water vapor supply, and intensified circulations over the South China Sea.
The research also indicates that under various projected future scenarios, the impacts of climate change in the SCSSA on both local and distant weather and climate extremes are likely to intensify.
Last week, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the global temperature reached a record high in 2023, fast approaching the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold above pre-industrial levels, a key upward limit in the 2015 Paris climate agreement to save the earth from devastating impacts.
Utilizing six leading international datasets, the WMO reported Friday a new annual average temperature of 1.45 C compared to the pre-industrial era (1850-1900), with every month from June to December setting new records.
Notably, July and August were the hottest months ever recorded. Regional temperature breakdown was not provided.
Midway through last year, the Pacific Ocean region transitioned from the cooling effects of La Nina to the warming influence of El Nino. Since El Nino typically significantly impacts global temperatures after it peaks, 2024 is expected to be even warmer, according to scientists.
"While El Nino events are naturally occurring and come and go from one year to the next, longer-term climate change is escalating, and this is unequivocal because of human activities," said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
Long-term monitoring of global temperatures, alongside other indicators like atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, ocean heat and acidification, sea level, sea ice extent, and glacier mass balance, provide insights into the changing climate, blamed primarily on fossil fuel usage.
Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
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Warning signs are required to be placed ahead of mobile speed cameras, but can you successfully contest a fine if they arent?
Driver Scott Richardson captured a video on the Golden Highway in Dunedoo, New South Wales, showing warning signs lying on the ground - leaving drivers unaware of the impending speed check - and raising questions about the fairness of fines for drivers who may have unintentionally exceeded the speed limit.
The warning signs were reintroduced last year after years of controversy and now all mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW are required to carry portable warning signs in addition to a retractable rooftop sign.
The sign was lying on the ground but that doesn't necessarily mean a fine can be challenged. (Source: supplied) (picture alliance via Getty Image)
So, as many Australians struggle with their finances and the stubbornly high cost of living, are they able to claw back some money from a fine if the signs are not appropriately set up?
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Sam Macedonia, principal at Macedonia Legal, warned there was no opportunity to contest a fine simply because youd not seen a sign.
Speed limits are speed limits and we all have to obey them, whether we get a friendly warning or not, he told 2GB. Think of all the people who get caught on an expressway where there's a highway patrol car in the bushes and you fly past and you get caught on the radar. There's no warnings there but youre still guilty of speeding.
"If you break the speed limit, you're gonna get fined.
Macedonia argued that the presence or absence of warning signs was a courtesy extended to drivers, but the obligation to adhere to speed limits remained unchanged.
Richardson's account claimed the mobile speed camera operator appeared oblivious to the fallen signs, sparking further debate on the effectiveness of the current system. But NSW Transport has confirmed no fines were issued that day.
Story continues
Warning signs have been enforced by the NSW government but are not legislatively mandated, and simply serve as a gesture of goodwill, alerting drivers to the presence of a speed camera, Macedonia said.
The debate surrounding the visibility of these signs gained prominence after the former Liberal NSW government removed their requirement in 2020. When fixed signs were scrapped, low-range speeding fines jumped from about $4 million a year to about $45 million in just one financial year. Current Labor Premer Chris Minns said hed rather people slow down in the first place than receive a fine in the mail two weeks after they committed the offence.
They were partially reintroduced - with a sign required on top of vehicles - in 2021 but with no warning ahead of time. A final decision to reintroduce them completely came in 2023, with the intention of promoting better driver behaviour.
Minns said the current approach underscored ongoing efforts to strike a balance between enforcing speed limits and ensuring drivers were adequately informed.
Does there need to be signage on a mobile speed camera?
Mobile speed cameras are operated by Transport for NSW and require four signs for each session - one between 180m and 250m, the second between 30 and 60m a retractable rooftop sign and between 30m and 60m behind the mobile speed camera vehicle.
The mobile speed camera program is one of the most visible and transparent in Australia and the world," a Transport for NSW spokesperson told Yahoo Finance.
"The NSW government is committed to ensuring mobile speed camera signage is visible to motorists to provide a warning, and allow motorists to adjust their behaviour.
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Laos governor: $4.2 million for dam collapse survivors has gone missing
Four provincial officials have been accused in the misappropriation of compensation funds.
By RFA Lao 2024.01.17 -- As much as US$4.2 million allocated for survivors of a dam collapse in southern Laos has been misappropriated, the governor of Attapeu province has told the State Inspection Authority, provincial officials told Radio Free Asia.
The newly appointed governor, Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany, reported the missing funds to the agency on Jan. 10, the officials said.
"Many provincial government departments are involved in the loss," said an Attapeu Province official, who like other sources in this report requested anonymity for safety reasons.
"The upper-level authorities haven't given us a lot of information," he said. "The money must have been used inappropriately."
On the night of July 23, 2018, following heavy rains, billions of cubic feet of water poured over a collapsed saddle dam at the Xe Pian-Xe Namnoy hydropower project. The disaster swept away homes and caused severe flooding in villages downstream, leaving 71 people dead and displacing 14,440 others.
The chairman of the State Inspection Agency, Khamphanh Phommathat, first reported the missing funds in a meeting with National Assembly lawmakers in November.
The previous governor of Attapeu Province, Leth Xayaphone, was transferred to a new post at the Lao Federation of Trade Union in October, according to the Vientiane Times.
Another Attapeu Province official told RFA last week that at least four other provincial officials have been accused of being involved in the misappropriation of the funds.
Resettlement villages
Since 2018, provincial officials have handed out donations and paid out compensation to people from 19 villages who lost their homes and personal possessions, an aid worker who has been working with provincial authorities on the distribution told Radio Free Asia.
There have been five rounds of payments, with a sixth and final payment still pending, the worker said.
But the State Inspection Authority has discovered that 81.22 billion kip (US$4.06 million) of compensation money has been used inappropriately, and there wasn't proper accounting for expenses of 1.81 billion kip (US$90,500), according to Khamphanh Phommathat.
More than 697 billion kip (US$35 million) compensation still hasn't been paid to survivors because their properties haven't been assessed, he told lawmakers.
Vanthong Kongmany's report this week to the State Inspection Authority was a confirmation that the funds have gone missing.
Khamphanh Phommathat is also the head of the country's Central Anti-Corruption Agency.
The government has vowed to address corrupt practices that are pervasive in politics and every sector of Laos' economy.
The State Inspection Authority reported in 2022 that the government had lost US$767 million to corruption since 2016, with government development and investment projects - such as road and bridge construction - the leading source of the widespread graft.
A survivor of the dam collapse told RFA that most families have relocated to resettlement villages where they have received parcels of land that are too small for growing rice and vegetables.
Other survivors told RFA that relocated residents suffered from a water shortage in the relocation villages in 2020.
"We were living in a camp that was very crowded," one survivor said. "We didn't even have water in our bathrooms. The camp authorities said that they didn't have money to install more pumps or to fix the broken pumps."
Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January 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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Bosnian Serb Leader's Trial Postponed For Third Time
By RFE/RL's Balkan Service January 17, 2024
The trial of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, who is accused of defying the rulings of an international peace envoy, was postponed for a third time on January 17 after a decision by the judge to hear a co-defendant's case separately.
Dodik and Milos Lukic, the acting director of the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, are charged with failing to execute the decisions of High Representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina Christian Schmidt. Dodik faces a sentence of six months to five years in prison and a ban on public duties.
Lukic has been hospitalized due to high blood pressure, and his defense requested a postponement of the opening of the main hearing on January 17. Judge Mirsad Strika rejected the request and went on with the hearing, but only managed to rule on separating the proceedings.
Dodik's defense responded by requesting the disqualification of Strika, arguing that the judge is biased, leaving Strika with no option but to postpone the main hearing for the third time. A new hearing is scheduled for January 30.
Dodik spoke to journalists outside the courthouse after the postponement, saying the proceedings against him and Lukic were unjustifiably separated and the move showed that the trial was just a "political process."
He also said he would sue Bosnia and predicted that he would not go to prison as a result of the trial.
He asserted that he "respected the constitution of Bosnia-Herzegovina" and claimed that the Republika Srpska Constitution was "harmonized" with the Bosnian Constitution and the Dayton agreement that ended the 1992-95 Bosnian War.
"Nowhere does it say that the constitution of the [Republika Srpska] should be adapted to a 'false' high representative," Dodik said, referring to Schmidt.
Since the Dayton agreements, Bosnia has been administered under a Bosniak and Croat federation and the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska. It is overseen by a civilian high representative with UN backing and sweeping powers, the position currently held by Schmidt.
Dodik, who has close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been charged over two laws he signed in July that allow the Bosnian Serb entity to bypass or ignore decisions made by Schmidt.
One of the laws blocks the publication of decisions made by the high representative in the Official Gazette of Republika Srpska, effectively meaning the entity can disregard them. The other law concerns the nonimplementation of decisions by the Bosnian Constitutional Court in the territory of the entity.
Both laws were adopted in June by the assembly of Republika Srpska in which Dodik's Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) has a majority.
Schmidt on July 1 annulled both laws and used his so-called Bonn powers to impose changes to the Criminal Code of Bosnia, stipulating that an official who does not respect the decisions of the high representative can be punished with a prison sentence of six months to five years and banned from all public duties.
Earlier this week, a new criminal complaint against Dodik and his accomplices was filed by Ramiz Salkic, a member of the Republika Srpska National Assembly, in connection with the celebration of the unconstitutional Republika Srpska Day on January 9.
January 9 marks the date in 1992 when Bosnian Serbs who opposed an independent Bosnia after the breakup of Yugoslavia declared a separate state, triggering the interethnic Bosnian War.
The leadership of Republika Srpska persists with celebrations on January 9 despite Bosnia's Constitutional Court twice having declared the holiday unconstitutional.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bosnia-dodik-trial-postponed- again/32780062.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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Kosovar Serbs Launch Petition To Dismiss Local Ethnic Albanian Mayors
By RFE/RL's Balkan Service January 17, 2024
Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo have begun signing a petition to dismiss Albanian mayors in two of the four Serb-majority cities who were elected in snap polls last year amid a boycott of the vote by local Serbs.
Kosovo, after facing punitive measures from the European Union, pledged to reorganize the elections in the four Serb-majority municipalities in the north -- North Mitrovica, Zvecan, Zubin Potok, and Leposavic -- but said it would do so only through an administrative instruction that enables the residents of each city to dismiss their mayors through a petition signed by at least 20 percent of registered voters.
The four cities are currently led by ethnic Albanian mayors who took office amid very low voter turnout in the April snap polls prompted by a Serb boycott spearheaded by the dominant ethnic Serbian party, Srpska Lista (Serbian List), which has close ties with neighboring Serbia.
The snap polls had been called after the ethnic Serbian mayors of the four cities resigned in November 2022 to protest a cross-border dispute between the central Kosovar government and Serbia over vehicle registrations.
Hundreds of people gathered to sign the petitions after the lists were opened at 9 a.m. on January 17 in North Mitrovica and Leposavic, RFE/RL correspondents reported. In the other two cities, Zvecan and Zubin Potok, the petition will be opened for signatures next week.
Serbian List representatives were among the first to sign the petitions.
In North Mitrovica, at least 3,640 signatures out of the 18,199 registered voters are needed for the mayor to be dismissed, while in Leposavic, at least 2,689 out of 13,441 voters must sign the petition to oust the current mayor.
If all the required administrative steps are met, then a vote can be held on the departure of the mayors and new elections announced.
In May, dozens of NATO-led KFOR troops were injured in Zvecan in clashes with ethnic Serbs who were attempting to prevent the installation of the ethnic Albanian mayor.
Ethnic Serbs, concentrated in the north, compose some 1 to 2 percent of Kosovo's population of around 2 million people.
Fifteen years after the mostly ethnic Albanian former province declared independence from Serbia, Belgrade continues to oppose recognition of Kosovo.
Many ethnic Serbs in Kosovo continue to lean heavily on support from Serbia and nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-serbs-petitions- removal-mayors/32779175.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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Rights Groups Urge Kyrgyzstan To Stop Crackdown On Independent Media
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service January 17, 2024
Eight international human rights groups have called on the Kyrgyz government to stop its crackdown on independent media after 11 journalists were detained in a move the watchdogs said was aimed at "intimidating and harassing" journalists to keep them from carrying out their work.
In a statement dated January 16, Civil Rights Defenders, Human Rights Watch, the International Partnership for Human Rights, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, People in Need, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the International Federation for Human Rights, and the World Organization Against Torture urge the Kyrgyz authorities to respect freedom of the press and cease their repressive actions.
The statement came the same day Kyrgyz police detained 11 former and current reporters of Temirov Live investigative group and its Ait Ait Dese project after searching their homes and offices on a charge of "calls for disobedience and mass riots" over the group's reporting. A court decision on the journalists' pretrial restrictions is pending.
The day before that, the State Committee for National Security (UKMK) briefly detained for questioning the director and two editors of the independent 24.kg news agency after searching their homes and offices in a case of "propagating war" because of the outlet's coverage of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Kyrgyzstan's civil society and free press have traditionally been the most vibrant in Central Asia. But that has changed amid a deepening government crackdown.
The searches and detentions took place as Kyrgyz lawmakers prepare to discuss a draft media law that has been criticized by journalists and right activists who say that if adopted, the law would increase government control over the media and allow it to obstruct journalists' activities and shut down media outlets.
The joint statement by the human rights groups calls on the Kyrgyz authorities "to take immediate and decisive steps to bring the country's respect for press freedom in accordance with its international obligations, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."
Kyrgyz authorities "should immediately cease their repressive actions against independent media outlets and journalists and allow them to report on events in the country and the rest of the world without fear of retribution," the joint statement says.
"The authorities should also refrain from pursuing the draft media law in its current format. The Kyrgyz authorities' respect for freedom of expression should be an important consideration by the EU and other actors seeking closer engagement with the country," it added.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-rights-groups- free-media/32778330.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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Yemen's Houthis Attack Another US Ship in Gulf of Aden
Sputnik News
20240117
DOHA (Sputnik) - The Houthi rebels in Yemen have attacked another ship of the United States in the Gulf of Aden after the beginning of the US and the United Kingdom's airstrikes against their positions, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Wednesday.
"Yemen's navy carried out attacks with the use of anti-ship missiles on a US ship in the Gulf of Aden in response to the aggression against the territory of Yemen," the spokesman said in a televised appearance on the Al Masirah broadcaster, adding that Yemen's navy would respond to any attacks against the republic.
According to the spokesman's post on X (formerly Twitter), the Houthis have targeted a US cargo ship identified as Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden, which has been hit with several "naval missiles, leaving direct hits."
The spokesman said the movement "will not hesitate to target all sources of threat in the Arab and Red Seas," adding that "a retaliation to the American and British attacks is unavoidable."
According to marine traffic data, the bulk carrier Genco Picardy was heading to the port of Thoothukudi in India from Egypt under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
On Monday, the Houthis targeted a US-owned and operated container ship in the Gulf of Aden after the beginning of the US and UK airstrikes.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a US-owned bulk carrier was struck by Yemen's Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.
"At approximately 8:30 pm (Sanaa time) Jan. 17, an assessed one-way attack UAV [drone] was launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and struck M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. M/V Genco Picardy is a Marshall Islands-flagged, US-owned and operated bulk carrier ship," CENTCOM said via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
The ship remained seaworthy and continued its trip with no injuries, but some material damage was reported, CENTCOM said.
The Houthis vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. US and UK forces launched major strikes against Houthi positions last week in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels.
On Wednesday, the US designated Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, a specially designated global terrorist in light of their attacks on commercial ships passing through the Red Sea. The designation will go into effect on February 16.
Sputnik
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Houthis Consider Any US, UK Ship as Legitimate Target - Official
Sputnik News
20240117
ROME (Sputnik) - Yemen's rebel Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, considers any US or UK ship a legitimate target and will continue attacking them, Deputy Head of the Ansar Allah Media Authority, Nasr al-Din Amer, said on Wednesday.
The Houthi official told Italian newspaper Corriere della sera that the recent attack on a US-owned ship in the Red Sea was a response to the airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen by the United States and the United Kingdom last week.
"Since that time, both their [US and UK] military and civilian ships have become legitimate targets," Amer said.
A potential naval blockade of Yemen to prevent the Houthis from receiving arms supplies from Iran will not be a problem, because all weapons used by the rebel movement are fully produced in Yemen, the official said. He also dismissed the statements about Iran's arms supplies to Yemen as "false."
"We have two goals: to support Palestinians and to retaliate against Americans and Britons. Therefore, we will continue blocking the passage of ships heading to Israel and will strike against the US and UK," Amer said.
The Houthis vowed in November to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. US and UK forces launched major strikes against Houthi positions last week in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels.
Sputnik
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Iran to Join South Africa's Suit Against Israel as Third Party
Sputnik News
20240117
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran is preparing documents to participate as a third party in the process initiated by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Iranian Vice-President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehghan said on Wednesday.
South Africa filed a lawsuit accusing Israel of genocidal intent in Gaza at the ICJ on December 29 in response to a rising civilian death toll in the besieged Palestinian enclave. It seeks to prove that Israel's military campaign is genocidal in nature and targets Gazans as a part of the broader Palestinian people.
"As soon as South Africa filed the lawsuit, we formed a commission ... and will soon bring our case to the ICJ as a third party. South Africa's case was initiated based on the 1948 Genocide Convention. Taking into account its Article 9, Iran has not filed a suit on its own as it would have meant recognizing Israel as a state," Dehghan was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.
On January 11-12, the top United Nations court in The Hague held public hearings on South Africa's suit. In its address, South Africa's representatives urged the ICJ to obligate Israel to end its military operation in the Gaza Strip, ensure that the enclaves' residents have access to food, water and humanitarian aid, and abstain from actions that could worsen the situation. Israel, for its part, argued that the escalation of conflict in the Gaza Strip started with Hamas's October 7 attack and insisted on its right to self-defense.
Sputnik
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Norway to Allocate Over $190Mln to Boost Defense Industry Capacity
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said on Wednesday that Norway would earmark over $190 million to boost the capacity of the country's defense industry after the Ukraine conflict had created a situation that required expansion of ammunition production.
"A billion kroner [over $95 million] will go to Nammo's [Nordic Ammunition Company] specific projects to increase the production of artillery ammunition. A billion kroner will be earmarked for other projects of the Norwegian defense industry," the prime minister said in a statement published by the Norwegian government.
The Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram clarified that boosting defense industry capacities would play an important role for both Ukraine and Norway's security.
Norway is one of Ukraine's major military aid donors. It has provided around 11 billion kroner worth of military aid to Ukraine in 2023 alone and plans to continue supporting Kiev militarily during what its government says may become a prolonged conflict.
On January 1, the Norwegian government allowed domestic arms makers to export weapons directly to Ukraine, thus making an exception from a 1959 guideline that advises against funneling Norwegian arms to war zones.
Sputnik
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Ecuador's Forces Detained Over 1,750 People Since January 9 Amid Unrest
Sputnik News
20240117
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - The Ecuadorian police and army have detained more than 1,750 people from January 9-16, including 158 suspected of terrorism, amid a wave of gang violence that swept the South American country last week, the office of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said Tuesday.
As of Tuesday morning, the country's security forces detained as many as 1,753 people in the said period, including 219 people over the past 24 hours, the office said in a blog post.
A total of 645 pieces of firearms and 488 pieces of explosives and explosive devices, nearly 15,000 rounds of ammunition, 400 vehicles, 235 motorbikes and 15 boats have been seized in 18,108 operational actions and 41 large-scale operations from January 9-16, the office added.
Violent unrest erupted in Ecuador at the beginning of last week after the prison break out by the leader of the Los Choneros gang, Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, also known as Fito, who is considered the most dangerous criminal in the country. Fabricio Colon Pico, the leader of Ecuador's second-largest criminal gang, Los Lobos, has also escaped from prison.
On January 8, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency in Ecuador as multiple hostage-taking incidents took place in various cities and prisons. After that, riots broke out in a number of cities on the night of January 9, criminals started burning cars and buses, using improvised explosive devices. Several police officers were kidnapped. On January 9, Noboa declared a state of internal armed conflict and ordered Ecuador's army to neutralize the criminal groups operating in the country.
Sputnik
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Designation of Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla for Involvement in Significant Corruption
US Department of State
Press Statement
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
January 17, 2024
The State Department is designating Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla, former president of Guatemala, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption. The State Department has credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes in exchange for the performance of his public functions during his tenure as president of Guatemala, actions that undermined the rule of law and government transparency.
The United States has made clear that it stands with Guatemalans who seek accountability for corrupt actors. Over the past three years, we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions or sanctions on nearly 400 individuals, including public officials, private sector representatives, and their family members for engaging in corrupt activities or undermining democracy or the rule of law in Guatemala. Corruption weakens the rule of law and democratic institutions, enables impunity, fuels irregular migration, hampers economic prosperity, and curtails the ability of governments to respond effectively to their people's needs.
The United States remains committed to strengthening transparency and governance in Guatemala and throughout the Western Hemisphere and we will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine it.
These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, as carried forward by the Continuing Appropriations Act. The Department is also designating his adult daughter, Ana Marcela Dinorah Giammattei Caceres, his adult son, Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Caceres, and his adult son, Stefano Giammattei Caceres, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, in accordance with U.S. law.
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An iconic shed on an Australian beach is expected to be sold for almost half a million dollars at the end of January after being listed for sale for the first time in over 50 years.
The licence for Boatshed 26 on the "exclusive" McCrae beach strip in Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula has been listed with a guide of $430,000 to $470,000 more than $60k above the median sale price for one-bedroom units in Melbourne.
The shed is currently owned by the family of Carlton Football Club forward Matthew Owies who inherited it and recently told Realestate.com.au they have made the difficult decision to sell up now that theyre older and its getting less use.
When buying a beach box a person is buying a licence and not the land according to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Source: RealEstate.com
The heritage shed with approximately 18.55sqm internal space plus a deck of around 4.86sqm is one of just 1300 available on the popular Mornington Peninsula and is a "non-commercial and non-residential" structure used for "storing equipment", "changing facilities" and "shade and shelter".
But, despite not being permitted to live or stay in the sheds and a large portion of ones in this area having no running water, sewerage or electricity, many believe this is a "status symbol" worth the money.
'Rare' heritage beach boxes a Melbourne icon
Melbourne's beach boxes are highly sought after because of their scarcity and heritage status. Tourists come far and wide to photograph them, some use them as a backdrop for their wedding and people are willing to pay a small fortune to have one of their own.
"Best investment. Beach boxes are scarce & in demand. Family friends own one in Rye, people are always trying to buy it," one Aussie said online after seeing the advertisement.
"They tend to be owned by rich families, they're rare as hens teeth, and sell like hotcakes regardless of how ridiculous that looks if you're middle-class or lower," another said.
Beach boxes in the area range from $150,000 in some places all the way past $650,000 in others like the "rare" Boatshed 127 South Beach currently for sale in the nearby Mount Martha.
Story continues
The real estate agent behind Boatshed 26, Jarrod Eastwood, told Yahoo News Australia that different strips of sheds are more exclusive than others. "This [McCrae] strip is more exclusive," he said. This is due to a number of reasons including how tightly held they are, the shops nearby, and how close it is to a patrolled swimming area, he explained.
So in demand are these finite number of sheds that in 2018, a slightly larger boatshed in Portsea, 30 minutes further south of McCrae, sold for almost $1 million more than the median house price in Melbourne at the time.
Beach sheds are highly sought after because of how few there are and how tightly they're held on to by existing owners. Source: RealEstate.com
The price is for the shed's licence, not the land
Boatsheds and bathing boxes along the peninsula are either owned or managed by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (MPSC) or by a volunteer committee. As all sit on crown land, when purchasing a shed you are not buying the land, but rather a licence from the shire or committee.
"Purchasing a boatshed or bathing box from someone else therefore means you are purchasing the rights to occupy the site subject to the same conditions as the previous licensee," MPSC stipulates in its boatshed fact file.
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Imposing Sanctions on Former Guatemalan Official for Corruption
US Department of State
Press Statement
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
January 17, 2024
The United States is imposing financial sanctions on Alberto Pimentel Mata, Guatemala's former Minister of Energy and Mining, for his role in corruption. Pimentel used his official position to exploit the Guatemalan mining sector though bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts and mining licenses.
Corrupt and anti-democratic acts undermine Guatemala's public institutions, threaten regional stability, and fuel migration from the northern Central America region. The United States remains committed to taking action against illicit activities carried out by officials who abuse their positions of power to seek personal benefit at the expense of the Guatemalan people.
On October 31, 2023, the Secretary of State announced the public designations under Section 7031(c) of Alberto Pimentel Mata, and his immediate family members, for his involvement in significant corruption. The Department of the Treasury action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. For more information on this designation, see Treasury's press release.
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Senior Administration Officials On Yemen
US Department of State
Special Briefing
Office of the Spokesperson
Via Teleconference
January 17, 2024
MODERATOR: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to tonight's background call on Yemen. This call will be on background attributable to senior administration officials, and it is embargoed until 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time tomorrow, on Wednesday, January 17th.
For your information only and not for reporting, joining us on the call this evening will be: from the National Security Council, [Senior Administration Official One]; from the State Department, [Senior Administration Official Two]; and from the Department of Treasury, [Senior Administration Official Three].
We'll take brief opening remarks from each of our speakers, then we'll turn it over to all of your questions. And so with that, let's turn it over to Senior Administration Official One from the NSC to kick us off. Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great, thank you, and thank you all for joining. As you'll be aware, over the past months, Yemen-based Houthi militants have engaged in unprecedented attacks against U.S. military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism: they have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners; jeopardized global trade; and threatened freedom of navigation.
The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms and have taken extensive diplomatic action to counter these attacks. Last month, the United States operated - launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The U.S. also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats. This month, together with 13 allies and partners, the U.S. issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And last week, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.
Last week, U.S. military forces, together with the United Kingdom with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world's most vital waterways. Despite countless warnings, however, and diplomatic engagement, these attacks from Houthis have not stopped. In fact, yesterday the Houthis launched an ASBM at a U.S.-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel, and this morning they launched one at a Greek-owned, Maltese-flagged merchant vessel. Fortunately, no one was injured and the vessel remains seaworthy.
In response to these ongoing and escalating attacks, tomorrow the United States will designate Ansar Allah, or more commonly known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order 13224.
Now, let's be clear: We are taking this action because of the Iranian-backed Houthis' continued attacks on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks are a clear example of terrorism and a violation of international law and a major threat to lives, global commerce, and they jeopardize the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
We have taken this action to pressure the Houthis to cease their terrorist activities, including missile and drone attacks against international shipping. The ultimate goal of sanctions is to convince the Houthis to de-escalate and bring about a positive change in behavior. If the Houthis cease their attacks, we can consider delisting this designation. We will continue to monitor the situation and assess the group's actions to inform our position going forward.
Now, importantly, this destination will take effect 30 days from now to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carveouts are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out, as we take this action, unprecedented carveouts and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people. The people of Yemen should not pay for the price - pay the price for the actions of the Houthis.
We are sending a clear message: Commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine, and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions. This will be in addition to the existing humanitarian carveouts that exist in many sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.
The United States is the world's leading donor of humanitarian assistance for Yemen. We recognize the grave humanitarian situation in Yemen and we are taking many steps to ensure these sanctions do the least harm to the Yemeni people. The United States has continued to work with our partners to use all available tools to promote accountability for the Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and bring an end to such attacks.
With that, I'm going to pause and turn it over to my colleague, [Senior Administration Official Two], from the State Department.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Hi, and as my colleague noted, the Secretary of State will announce tomorrow the designation of Ansar Allah, as noted, again, commonly referred to as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, or SDGT, and that's pursuant to Executive Order 13224, as amended. And as noted, the designation will become effective 30 days from today, which is approximately February 16th. And we are working to mitigate any adverse impacts of the designation on the people of Yemen, as just noted.
Ansar Allah is being designated as an SDGT for having committed or attempted to commit, posing a significant risk of committing, or having participated in training to commit, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of the United States' nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States. And at this time, for more specific information on the general licenses and other mitigation measures, I'll now turn it over to my colleague from Treasury.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL THREE: Thanks so much, [Senior Administration Official Two]. As [Senior Administration Official One] mentioned, the administration is prioritizing the mitigation of unintended adverse impacts from this designation that may otherwise arise for the people of Yemen. OFAC will be publishing additional broad general licenses - five broad general licenses that authorize certain transactions related to the provision of food and medicine and medical devices, fuel, personal remittances - that's funds that could be sent by individual to individual, telecommunications, operations at ports and airports.
These broad general licenses will be in addition to existing humanitarian carveouts that exist under our terrorism sanctions program that authorize activity by the U.S. Government that includes USAID implementers and contractors as well as the operations of nongovernmental organizations and certain international organizations.
During the 30-day, these broad general licenses will become effective concurrent with the effective date of the designation, which will be 30 days - approximately February 16th. During this 30-day implementation delay, the U.S. Government will conduct outreach with stakeholders crucial to facilitating humanitarian assistance and the commercial import of critical commodities into Yemen. That includes with financial institutions, commercial shippers, NGOs, UN humanitarian assistance agencies, and other critical international organizations that deliver vital humanitarian assistance to Yemen.
Thank you.
MODERATOR: Thank you so much. If our AT&T moderator wouldn't please mind just repeating the instructions for joining the question queue.
OPERATOR: Absolutely. It will be 1 then 0 on your telephone keypad. You may withdraw your question by repeating the command, and please pick up the handset before pressing the numbers. Again, it'd be 1 then 0.
MODERATOR: Thank you. Let's please go to the line of Missy Ryan from the Washington Post.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) very much. Just wanted to see if you guys could comment on why the administration - what were the substantive reasons, if there were any - if there were substantive versus sort of procedural or, like, concerns-about-impact reasons - for doing the SDGT versus the FTO designation, because obviously there's been call - calls for that. And does this mean that the administration review of that step, which, as I understood, had been ongoing, is over? Is this - is this the conclusion of that, or is there still the possibility that the FTO step will be taken sometime soon? Thanks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: So I can answer that.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Okay, maybe I'll start - oh, go ahead. Go ahead, [Senior Administration Official One].
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Go ahead.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: No, go ahead, [Senior Administration Official One].
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Okay. I'll start and then [Senior Administration Official Two] will, I'm sure, supplement with maybe a better answer. So I think - I think we believe that the SDGT designation is the appropriate tool at the moment to pressure the Houthis. And I think this is - as with all sanctions, we are looking to make sure that our sanctions are effective in putting pressure on an actor to cease activity that are - is problematic to achieve the foreign policy goals. We think the SDGT does that in a number of ways, including cutting off Houthis from financing, putting pressure on them, and calling out their terrorist behavior in a clear manner.
I think we are always trying to make sure that the impact of our sanctions is - it's used for the desired foreign policy effect while minimizing unintended consequences. And the SDGT allows us the possibility of making sure that we are continuing to - in our efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen to deliver humanitarian assistance, to make sure that there aren't unintended consequences for the humanitarian situation and the people of Yemen.
And so I think the - the where we've come to is I think we do think that the SDGT provides better flexibility to achieve the aims that we have in terms of carving out and safeguarding humanitarian assistance as well as the broader well-being of the people of Yemen and targeting the action towards the Houthis while still achieving our foreign policy aims, which is to call out the Houthis' actions for what they are, which is unacceptable terrorism.
[Senior Administration Official Two], you may have things to add on top of that. Let me turn it back to you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: No, that's a perfect answer. I think it's just a carefully calibrated action to maximize, again, the deterrent impact while mitigating impact on vulnerable Yemeni civilians. As always, we do continue to monitor, and we will in this case, Ansar Allah's destabilizing activity against peaceful maritime trade, and then continue to calibrate its response accordingly if we choose to do so. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Great. Can we please go to the line of Simon Lewis from Reuters?
QUESTION: Hi, thank you. Yeah, I hope you can hear me. Yeah, just a couple of questions very quickly. Given that you're expressing confidence that you're able to have these carveouts that will avoid impact on the humanitarian situation, well, why wasn't the administration sort of able to do carveouts I guess in the first place when these designations were removed two years ago, three years ago now? Why at that time couldn't you do these carveouts if they're, as you say, sort of likely to avoid the humanitarian impacts?
And I wondered also if any of you are able to talk about the impact this could have on the talks towards a peace deal between the Houthis and the Saudis. Is this potentially going to disrupt those discussions?
Thanks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: [Senior Administration Official Two], do you want me to start again? I'm happy to flip the order - switch the order.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Yeah, go for it, and then I can - I can also talk about the second question a little bit. Thanks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great, sounds good. So I think - I think both the questions are in fact in some ways related, but I think the key thing for us is I think we think that it is the correct step, and it was the correct step in 2021, to revoke the Foreign Terrorist Organization and SDGT designations for the Houthis. That was made by the - a decision that the Secretary of State made in recognition of a very dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, and the revocations were intended to ensure that relevant U.S. policies weren't impeding assistance.
I think that there are a couple of things that have changed in the situation at this moment. First of all, there's been a resumption of commercial shipping to Yemen of crucial goods, although we remain concerned about the humanitarian situation, which explains the unprecedented steps that we are taking in conjunction with this action. And I'll turn to [Senior Administration Official Three] as well to add anything there on the details of why we think those will be effective.
I think that allows us to think about how do we make sure that we - or maximize the chances that this action is not going to set back the humanitarian situation, although of course we're going to monitor it, and it's something that we're going to have to work toward.
I think the context is also one in which the recent attacks since November are really unacceptable. We cannot sit idly by and watch what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea and not recognize their actions for what they are, and so I think we have tried to design in this action a way to take forward what would be a natural response, which is to designate the Houthis, who are day in, day out committing terrorism in the Red Sea at the moment, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, while making sure that given what we have learned, given how we are - the evolving situation on the ground in Yemen and trying to find a way forward, using unprecedented carveouts to minimize the humanitarian consequences that we saw with the Trump administration's designation.
Let me turn to [Senior Administration Official Two] to see if she has anything to add, and also [Senior Administration Official Three] if there's anything she wanted to add on the carveouts.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: I don't have anything to add, so I don't know if you want to turn to Treasury before I answer the question on the peace deal.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL THREE: I - thanks, [Senior Administration Official Two]. I mean, happy to jump in, just a little more context on the authorizations. I think we - we had an extensive engagement even after the previous designation with the NGO community; have also sort of closely studied trade flows, et cetera, and what is most critical for the people of Yemen, and fuel is one of those. So you'll see a fuel authorization, and that's sort of in response to what we see, critical needs on the ground.
You also have this delay in effectiveness of 30 days, and what this does is buys us additional space to have these critical conversations with key interlocutors for both humanitarian and commercial trade to make sure that we can craft any additional authorizations to make the mitigation as effective as possible.
Over to you, [Senior Administration Official Two].
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Hi, so on - just on - I'm not the expert on the peace deal, but I can say that the United States remains committed to resolving the conflict in Yemen and supports efforts by Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UN, and others to reach a durable ceasefire beyond the current truce in Yemen, and an inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni peace process. So we are designating Ansar Allah - again, often known as the Houthis - because of its terrorist activities that's been outlined here, notably its continued and indiscriminate attacks on merchant vessels and international shipping in the Red Sea. Such activity is incompatible with pursuing peace in Yemen and hinders further progress on implementing the roadmap agreement. Thanks.
MODERATOR: Thank you. Can we please go to the line of Shannon Crawford from ABC News?
QUESTION: (Inaudible) doing this call. A couple questions. The Secretary of State said today that the reason for the U.S. strikes on Houthi sites was for the purposes of getting them to stop attacks on commercial shipping, but there's been a lot of conversation from the SAOs too about how many of their capabilities were degraded. But we're talking about a penalty that takes effect in 30 days, so is there an acknowledgment from or an understanding that - from the administration that the strikes won't be enough to stop the attacks?
And also I was wondering if you could get a little bit more specific about what exactly you would have to see to consider removing the designation. Is it just the Houthis stopping attacks for a period of time, or are there going to be other - kind of a different rubric for that? Thanks so much.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Maybe I'll start off again. So I think I would think about it slightly differently from the way that you posed that question. It's absolutely not the case that our delayed implementation is around some sort of expectation on the rest of our efforts, and those efforts, as you mentioned, include the strikes on Houthi sites and capabilities, and specifically equipment and staging areas that are used to attack ships. They also include the diplomatic efforts that are ongoing and including the coalition that we've built with many, many partners, Security Council resolutions, and other pieces. We see these sanctions as one piece - and that is often how we see sanctions - of a broader effort to try to bring the Houthis back from the terrorist attacks that they are currently committing and convince them to cease their illegal actions.
I think the 30-day implementation period is not some sort of prediction around what may happen in those 30 days, but instead a real acknowledgment that we need to do some work to make sure that this designation impacts the Houthis, puts pressure on them, while absolutely minimizing potential impact on the people of Yemen. And delayed implementation is a tool that we have in our sanctions programs, so [Senior Administration Official Three] may want to speak more on the technical details there, but we tend to use it in cases where there is reason to have outreach - for example, to commercial shippers who are shipping food into Yemen; to humanitarian partners who - on whom we rely to deliver crucial aid in Yemen to make sure they understand what the impact of the restrictions is and what it should not be, and also to make sure that we've calibrated those licenses and carveouts appropriately. And given the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, which remains a focus for the United States, we wanted to be extra careful. So I would just really separate that out.
Absolutely, if we saw a - as we said - I said at the top, if we saw a cessation of Houthi attacks on ships, we are willing to relook at this designation. It is very much targeted on that specific terrorist behavior. We are also - would be willing to look at it not coming into effect. If the Houthis stopped tomorrow, that is something that we, again, would be willing to look at. We are absolutely targeting the cessation of these attacks rather than a broader suite of behavior with these sanctions. And the 30 days is not, again, some sort of deadline; it is really just the implementation period that we thought was necessary to make sure that we could live up to what we are pledging to do, which is try to minimize as best we can any adverse impact on the people of Yemen.
I don't know, [Senior Administration Official Three], if you wanted to say anything more on that delayed implementation, or [Senior Administration Official Two], if you wanted to add.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL THREE: That's right, [Senior Administration Official One]. I mean, we use it in select and distinct situations, including those that not only do we have the need to make sure that the humanitarian situation has all the mitigation it needs, but also in situations where we're not concerned about asset flight. So it's - this is a group that doesn't hold their assets in the U.S., for example, that risks the movement of assets out of the U.S. So that is another factor that goes into our thinking of whether a delayed implementation is a - is the right approach. Okay.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: And I don't have anything else to add. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Thank you so much. Can we please go to the line of Joseph Haboush from Al Arabiya?
QUESTION: Yeah, thanks for doing this. Two quick ones. Could you talk about, if you've reached out to our U.S. Gulf partners ahead of the move, what their reaction has been? And then secondly, can you talk about any pushback by U.S. diplomats or State - at State or elsewhere in the administration against making this move? Thank you.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ONE: [Senior Administration Official Two], I don't know if you want to take that one, as it's State Department outreach. I would confirm that as with our normal sanctions outreach, we are reaching out to our partners, including in the region. We - normally, we conduct notifications. We don't typically talk about specific reactions of our partners, trying to keep our diplomatic conversations diplomatic. But let me turn to [Senior Administration Official Two] in case she has anything to add from the State Department perspective.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: No, no, no, that's absolutely correct. We do - tend to do it on all of our designations, but in particular this one we usually reach out to key partners. We would not be able to speak to the reactions, and I'm not going to speak to any internal conversations or pushback within State or elsewhere. Thank you.
MODERATOR: Thank you. Can we please go to Tom Bateman from BBC? Oh, I'm sorry, I think he - we lost him. He dropped from the queue. Can we please go to Jeff Schogol from Task and Purpose?
QUESTION: (Inaudible) against the Houthi have not stopped them from continuing to launch missiles and continuing to attack shipping. What makes you think this will deter the Houthi?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great, thanks for that question. Look, I think - I think as I said in response to one of the previous questions - and I'll turn to my colleagues as well to add - that this is one piece of a broader effort. I think often our sanctions are not best seen in isolation but part of a broader strategy. I think the key thing for us is to make sure that it's very clear how we view the Houthi behavior, and designating Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist is part of an overall strategy to put pressure - financial pressure, diplomatic pressure - to make clear how we view these actions and how we - and to also create broader effects for the Houthis.
I think we wouldn't see that as something that we would view in isolation. It's part of a broader strategy that also includes a military intervention as well as other actions that we've taken to try to restore safety for commercial shipping in the west - in the Red Sea. That remains our goal and we are going to continue, as we usually do in an important area where we do need to stand up for the rights of commercial ships and the safety of American personnel. We are going to take a multipronged strategy, and this is one piece of it.
MODERATOR: Great. Can we please go to Elizabeth
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: [Senior Administration Official Two], I don't know if there's something
MODERATOR: Sorry. Anyone else?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: No, I can just - I mean, I'll highlight just in general the sanctions - these terrorist designations aim to highlight the malign activity of and isolate Ansar Allah and the individuals involved with Ansar Allah. It enables coordinated action across the U.S. Government and with our international partners to disrupt terrorist activities. It denies target access to the U.S. financial system. It enables the imposition of sanctions on other bad actors who support them, and it provides an additional basis for U.S. law enforcement action. But it is really holding them accountable for its activities in the region and attempting to disrupt terrorism and terror threats. But it is not isolated by itself. Again, it is part of a broader strategy. So those are just additional pieces too that that designation provides.
MODERATOR: Great. Can we please go to the line of Elizabeth Hagedorn from Al-Monitor?
QUESTION: Hi. You said this label would help cut off Houthi financing. Can you elaborate on how they're using the international financial system and why this tool is needed when you already have sanctions on the books, some of which were imposed recently, aimed at disrupting their financial networks? Thanks.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great. [Senior Administration Official Three], did you want to lead off on that given that it's a Treasury question? Or I'm happy to jump in. Why don't you lead and I'll jump in after?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL THREE: Sure. Designating an entity in connection with other - other pieces of its network is one - is - it's - when we look at taking down a network, it's not just the piece parts but it's the entity as well. So while you're correct that there are times and movement of funds that may be through front companies or facilitators, the entity itself in doing transactions with the quasi-government operations of the entity, et cetera, that might fall squarely within transferring money to the entity, it's critical that that designation be out there globally.
And even if the transaction is not flowing through the U.S. financial system, large banks that operate throughout the world often ingest our risk and put guidance through their AML/CFT factors, et cetera. So we do think that it will have an impact even if a lot of these transactions that are conducted may be with front companies. It's a critical piece of the entire puzzle when you're looking to stop financial flows to an entity. Over.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Yeah, I would just add to that I think in terms of how we're thinking about it and some of the efforts that we've put in, obviously we are absolutely concerned that this might, if not for the humanitarian carveouts and delayed implementation, have - have actually too much of an effect and actually spill over in terms of harm for the people of Yemen. So I think we do think that this will have an effect on - on Houthi finances.
That's not to say that we don't have other sanctions in place that are relevant, but we do think that this is an impactful designation and is also important really for many of the reasons that [Senior Administration Official Two] mentioned, including coordination and clarity both within the U.S. Government and with allies and partners in terms of how we are viewing the attacks that we've seen in the Red Sea.
MODERATOR: Can we please go to the line of Cindy Saine from Voice of America?
QUESTION: (Inaudible) to anyone who can answer. Can you talk about the destabilizing role of Iran behind these Houthi attacks, and do you think that this designation will impact Iran's actions? And what options are available to the U.S. to counter that? Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great, thanks. Maybe I'll lead, but then, [Senior Administration Official Two], you should jump in as well. Look, I think we've been very clear that we see that these attacks have been enabled by and supported by Iran. I think we've been very clear also around Iran's role in supporting Houthi acts of terrorism and destruction more broadly. I think this, again, designation helps to provide more clarity about how we are seeing the Houthis themselves. I think you will note - and actually, to the previous question - we do have a number of sanctions in place that are targeting and trying to - already they cut off support from Iran to the Houthis and also the shipment of components of missiles and drone components from Iran, so we have a number of pieces here.
I do think that this designation is important in this broader context, again, to clarify how we view the Houthi attacks and also to have some of those real impacts that [Senior Administration Official Two] enumerated earlier on the call, which also will make things somewhat more difficult and impede Iranian support. Again, it is part - as we think about how do we target and discourage Iran from continuing its support for attacks on commercial vessels via their enabling actions for the Houthis, I think providing a comprehensive strategy and having this one piece of it is, I think, the way that we view this. So - but I think, [Senior Administration Official Two], you may have more to add.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Not much more. I mean, you're right, we believe this designation will apply additional pressure on the Houthis to change its behavior and turn away from Iran, and then for the Houthis to become a constructive actor in the UNSC process. I mean, they currently use IRGC funding, training, and weapons to destabilize Yemen and engage in terrorist activities or terrorism that affects the region. So we will continue to also counter and blunt Iranian malign influence wherever we can. So, of course, the choice to move away from Iran is now in the hands of the Houthis. Over.
MODERATOR: Great, and we are running a bit short on time. I know there's still a number of folks in the queue, so we'll try to get to as many as possible. Can we please go to Laura Seligman from Politico?
QUESTION: Hi, thanks for doing this. I wanted to just ask - re-ask, I guess - a question that was asked earlier about the potential impact of this on the peace deal with Saudi. I know that the - taking the Houthis off the FTO list was part of the reason that there was a ceasefire that was agreed to, so can you just address any more specifically the concern that this might kick off another round of fighting?
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: [Senior Administration Official Two], did you want to go first on that? I'm happy to jump in after you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: Yeah, I mean, I'm not the expert. I just - again, we - the U.S. still supports reaching a durable peace in Yemen, and these ongoing attacks are incompatible with the peace in Yemen. So if they choose to focus on pursuing peace in Yemen - the Houthis - the U.S. can work with them to support implementation through licenses or other measures. So I - aside from the fact that we do support the peace process, we are looking for them to change their behavior. But over to you, [Senior Administration Official One], to have more.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: No, [Senior Administration Official Two], that's helpful, and I think I was going to say something very similar. I think this - our sanctions are not designed specifically to impede the implementation of a peace deal but instead designed to try to bring the Houthis back to a place and move them - get them away from the terrorist activity which we think is incompatible with peace. We are still very committed from the White House and across the U.S. Government to resolving the conflict in Yemen in a durable way, and we are prepared, as we move down the path of this designation, to also consider whether any licenses or carveouts might be appropriate depending on the circumstances as it pertains to the peace deal. The sanctions per se will not impede the peace deal, and we do have the tools that would be needed if we needed to facilitate any elements of implementation if that were appropriate.
On the other hand, exactly as [Senior Administration Official Two] has just said, I think we thought it was very important actually to preserve the prospect of peace, to really be very clear around the need for the Houthis to cease this terrorist activity and move away from the attacks that we've seen in recent weeks.
MODERATOR: Thanks. And unfortunately, we only have time for one more question, and that will go to Hiba Nasr from Asharq News.
QUESTION: Hi, thank you. Thanks for taking my question. Actually, it was asked but I will follow up. Obviously, this step would have its impact on diplomatic engagement with the Houthis. Can you - can we consider it a clear - that all the diplomatic ways are already exhausted?
And when you say it is one piece of a broader strategy, what do you mean? Can you elaborate a little bit more? What do we expect in case their behavior didn't change? Thank you.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Great. [Senior Administration Official Two], did you want to start on that one? Or I'm happy to jump in.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL TWO: No, I mean, I don't think - we're always - with the State Department, we always are looking for diplomatic opportunities to continue to engage and work with international partners and multilateral institutions to address both the international - the challenges with the international shipping in the Red Sea and addressing Houthis' terrorist behavior. We do work with international partners, again, when we talk about these designations and looking at countries to possibly do some more actions. But again, this is part of a broader effort to look at all ways to engage to get them to stop this activity in the Red Sea and their destabilizing terrorist behavior. But I'll turn to [Senior Administration Official One] if she wants to talk a little bit about what happens if they don't.
SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL ONE: Sure, sure. And maybe just to start off, just to be clear, when we pursue a sanctions designation, it does not foreclose the ability of the United States to continue to talk with that entity and to continue diplomatic outreach and to continue to offer a path back towards diplomacy. In fact, we see this designation as hopefully being something that pushes us on a path that could eventually do the opposite. I think we think it's very important to react and to protect, as the President said, shipping; to protect the international waterways and to protect U.S. personnel. That is incredibly important and we can't let attacks that are unprovoked on commercial ships, on civilians who are operating those ships, and on U.S. personnel to go unanswered.
I think, that said, I would be very clear that designating an entity or even an individual does not stop the United States Government from continuing to talk to that individual or that entity, and I think we would see this as something that we would urge the Houthis to cease their attacks and we would like to be able to continue to think about our engagement in a way that directs us towards a durable peace in Yemen. So that's not something that we're turning away from with this designation. I do think we think of it as part of a broader strategy.
When I spoke of broader strategy, I think you're already seeing the pieces of it. We're pursuing a diplomatic strategy to make sure that we have a coalition of partners around the world. We're pursuing a strategy in the UN consistent with international law and have a UN Security Council - just this week - resolution calling on the Houthis to cease their attacks, as well as other UN Security Council designation back in December. So a strategy at the UN, a diplomatic strategy with the coalition of partners across the world, a coalition working to protect freedom of navigation, and then we have, as you will all be aware, engaged in a military response to try to degrade the capabilities and directly prevent Houthis from continuing to attack commercial ships.
So I think we have a pretty comprehensive strategy already underway. Our goal is to continue to make clear the United States is going to protect freedom of navigation, protect our personnel, protect civilians from terrorist attacks in international waters, and I think you'll continue to see us think about the tools in our toolkit and deploy them in a way that is well-synced and coordinated across the sanctions, military, and diplomatic space.
MODERATOR: Great. And unfortunately, that does conclude the time we have for this call. As a reminder, this evening's call was on background to senior administration officials, and it is embargoed until 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time tomorrow. Thank you all so much for joining us and thank you to our speakers.
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Treasury Sanctions Former Guatemalan Official for Engaging in Mining-related Corruption
U.S. Department of the Treasury
January 17, 2024
WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Alberto Pimentel Mata (Pimentel) for his role in exploiting the Guatemalan mining sector through widespread bribery schemes, including schemes related to government contracts and mining licenses. Pimentel is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. Today's action follows the Department of State's October 2023 announcement of visa restriction on Pimentel and other individuals for their involvement in significant corruption.
"The United States remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse their positions in pursuit of personal benefit, weakening the public's faith in government institutions," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "We stand in solidarity with the Guatemalan people as they strive to foster greater transparency, accountability, and government integrity within their system."
Corrupt and anti-democratic acts undermine Guatemala's public institutions and threaten the stability of Guatemala and the region as a whole. Today's action demonstrates the U.S. government's continued commitment to promote accountability for corrupt and undemocratic actors in Guatemala and expands upon the Administration's efforts to address corruption as a root cause of irregular migration through the northern Central America region.
ALBERTO PIMENTEL MATA
Pimentel became the Minister of Energy and Mining in January 2020 and resigned from this position in July 2023. As Minister, Pimentel engaged in numerous corruption schemes related to government contracts and licenses. Additionally, Pimentel reportedly accepted large monthly payments to facilitate the acquisition of necessary permits and licenses for a private company operating in the energy and mining sector of Guatemala.
In another instance, Pimentel reportedly received a large illicit payment to begin the consultation process with local communities in El Estor, Izabal, Guatemala for the benefit of private entities. Separately, he reportedly requested large bribes of more than $1 million from mining industry groups in Guatemala in exchange for mining licenses.
Pimentel reportedly misused his position by agreeing with a private company in Guatemala to write the terms of reference for an upcoming tender to favor the prospective bidder. Pimentel also reportedly took payments in exchange for accepting a bid for a contract from a local company with no experience in the project activities. The winning bidder not only lacked experience, but the offer had a significantly higher price than the bid from a more experienced incumbent. Additionally, Pimentel reportedly engaged in retaliation against companies operating in the Guatemalan energy and mining sector that would not offer to pay him bribes.
Pimentel is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being a foreign person who is a current or former government official, or person acting for or on behalf of such an official, who is responsible for or complicit in, or who has directly or indirectly engaged in, corruption, including the misappropriation of state assets, the expropriation of private assets for personal gain, corruption related to government contracts or the extraction of natural resources, or bribery.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the person described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here.
GLOBAL MAGNITSKY
Building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons.
Click here for more information on the individual designated today.
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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York
17 January 2024
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
** Noon Briefing Guest
Good afternoon.
In just a short while, we are going to be joined by Sean Casey, the Emergency Officer for the World Health Organization (WHO). He's here in person but he was very recently in Gaza and he will brief you on the situation in Gaza.
Tomorrow, our guest will be Edem Wosornu, the Director of OCHA's (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) Operations and Advocacy branch. She will be joining us from Niamey in Niger to brief you on the situation there.
** Secretary-General's Travels
In Davos, in Switzerland, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, delivered a special address to the World Economic Forum on the state of the world.
It's good to see Davos highlighting the global crisis in trust, he told the government and business leaders gathered, adding that this crisis is the result of a paradox facing our world: We seem powerless to act in the face of the existential threats of runaway climate change chaos and runaway development of artificial intelligence without guardrails.
Geopolitical divides are preventing us from coming together around global solutions for these challenges. But, Mr. Guterres said, he is confident we can build a new multipolar global order with new opportunities for leadership, balance and justice in international relations. Rebuilding trust is not just a slogan or a PR campaign, he said. It requires deep reforms to manage geopolitical tensions in new eras of multipolarity.
We shared his remarks with you.
He continued to have a number of bilaterals. We flagged to you yesterday afternoon the bilaterals he had yesterday, he's having more today. He met with the Prime Minister of Iraq. He also had a discussion with Hans Grundberg, his Special Envoy on Yemen, and he also met with the President of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. And more bilaterals will be made clear later. He also had a press encounter on artificial intelligence with members of his Advisory Board. We're working on that transcript, which we will share with you.
And tomorrow, as we previously announced, he will be travelling to Thun, also in Switzerland, to meet with his Special Envoys and Special Representatives in their annual retreat.
** Gaza
And you will have noticed in his remarks in Davos, the Secretary-General obviously touched on the situation in the Middle East and in Gaza particularly, saying that the world is standing by as civilians, mostly women and children, are being killed, maimed, bombarded, forced from their homes and denied access to humanitarian aid.
He repeated his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and a process that leads to sustained peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-State solution. This is the only way to stem the suffering and to prevent a spill-over that could send the entire region up in flames, he said.
Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that since Friday, an ongoing telecommunications blackout in Gaza has impeded the humanitarian response, as well as prevented people from calling for first responders and accessing life-saving supplies and information obviously, accessing lifesaving information. There have been recurrent telecommunications outages in Gaza since 7 October.
Despite all of the ongoing challenges that we have talked about often here, partners in Gaza have managed to deliver since 7 October some 34,000 cubic metres of water through water trucking, as well as 2,400 cubic metres of bottled water, which is obviously, not enough to meet the needs, but we continue to pursue our efforts despite the challenges. And if they weren't there, we could do obviously a lot more.
Meanwhile, UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) projects that child wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, could impact 10,000 children in Gaza in the next few weeks. Additionally, UNICEF has warned that children in southern Gaza are accessing only 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, well below the recommended requirement for survival. According to humanitarian standards, the minimum amount of water needed in an emergency is 15 litres, which includes water for drinking, washing, and cooking. For survival alone, the estimated minimum is three litres of water per day.
And a number of you had asked me this morning about Sigrid Kaag and her whereabouts, and in answer to your questions, I can tell you that our Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator was in Gaza today. She crossed through the Rafah crossing. She was there briefly, where she was able to see for her own self the logistical operation that we have.
Today, she also visited Al Arish, which, as you know, is a critical staging area for humanitarian aid into Gaza. And Al Arish is of course in Egypt.
Speaking to reporters at Al Arish, she said that this was the first of many visits as part of her mandate to facilitate, to accelerate and to expedite humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. She underscored the importance of the collaboration by all parties to improve and to move faster, adding that the only goal is to meet the needs of the civilian population.
Yesterday, she held productive discussions with Egyptian officials, as well civil society organizations, and she is currently in Israel and we will update you on the meetings she will have there.
** Deputy Secretary-General's Travels
Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, has travelled to France to meet with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) officials, OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) senior government officials and other stakeholders to accelerate the follow-up actions to the Transforming Education Summit and the Secretary-General's Financing for Development Agenda.
She will then continue to Switzerland to meet with Member States, the Chairs of the Governing Bodies and Executive Boards of Geneva as well as Heads of Agencies based in Geneva all of this to engage on the accelerated action needed for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the follow-up of the SDG summit.
After her travels to Switzerland, the Deputy Secretary-General will go to London to meet with senior Government officials there to discuss the lead-up to the Summit of the Future and reform of the UN development system.
At the invitation of the President of Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Deputy Secretary-General will head to Chile to address the ECOSOC Special Meeting entitled "The future of work: towards a productive, inclusive and sustainable global society, to strengthen input for the 2024 Summit of the Future", and she will also of course there meet with Government officials in Chile.
We expect Amina Mohammed to be back in New York on 24 January.
** Democratic Republic of the Congo
Moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our peacekeeping colleagues in the DRC continue to report violence against civilians by CODECO militia in Ituri province.
Peacekeepers responded to alerts and information they received over the past few days as part of its protection efforts. In Nya, close to Djugu territory in Ituri province, MONUSCO (United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) deployed a patrol to protect civilians and support local leaders in negotiating the release of five persons abducted by the group. The Mission has also intervened in response to an attack against a position for the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in Tcha; that's about 30 kilometres north-east of Bunia. Peacekeepers are also continuing to protect civilians who sought refuge close to a MONUSCO temporary base in the Drodo area in Ituri.
As we informed you last week, our peacekeepers sent a patrol to the area in response to clashes between CODECO and Zaire militia. The situation is now reported calm.
** Ethiopia
Turning to Ethiopia, somebody had asked me about Tigray yesterday... I'm answering your question. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is concerned at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the north of the country, in the drought-affected regions including in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia. Multiple and often overlapping crises have severely weakened people's ability to cope with climate shocks such as drought that leaves millions of people vulnerable to falling even further into severe need and destitution.
We, along with our partners, are supporting the Government in its efforts with extremely limited funding in a very challenging operating environment, particularly amid active hostilities in Amhara and Oromia. However, our humanitarian colleagues stress the need to scale up the response to support four million people in these regions with food aid, nutrition, water and sanitation as well as health services. They tell us that the main issue is lack of funding and insecurity.
Last year, between January and November, we and our humanitarian partners reached more than 12 million people with aid. The 2023 $4 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Ethiopia was just one third funded, receiving $1.33 billion. The 2024 appeal should be shared shortly.
** Ukraine
Moving back north to Europe, our colleagues at OCHA tell us that ongoing attacks and hostilities across Ukraine in recent days have led to further deaths, damage and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
In both Odesa and Kharkiv, humanitarian organizations are providing hot meals and materials for emergency repairs and legal and psychosocial support to the residents who have been impacted by the continued barrage of hostilities.
Strikes overnight in the eastern city of Kharkiv, according to what national authorities are telling us, left scores of civilians injured, but we are supporting them.
** Security Council
And as you know, this morning, Colin Stewart, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), briefed the Security Council in closed consultations. He spoke to you at the stakeout not long ago.
I just want to flag an annual publication which I find of great use, and that is our colleagues at the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) have released the "2023 Highlights of Security Council Practice". That's available on our website.
The Highlights Paper contains information about the work of the Council in 2023 the meetings held, the missions conducted to the field, the items dealt with, the decisions adopted as well as those that were not adopted, and there were a few of those last year, unfortunately, and the work of its subsidiary bodies.
It's a very good research tool. I urge you to bookmark it.
** Honour Roll
Finally, money. Money means quiz. Food quiz. What do fermented shark, Jani cheese, coconut fish, Hainanese chicken rice and rosti all have in common? They're all from countries that have paid. If you can guess at least some of them... so we have Jani, fermented shark, Hainanese chicken rice and rosti. [Responses from crowd] Ok, Singapore. Who said Singapore? Yes, Singapore is right on the Hainanese chicken rise. No. Rosti... come on. Switzerland. So we thank Iceland, Latvia, Nauru, Singapore and Switzerland all have joined the Honour Roll.
We thank them all very much for taking the total to 15.
** Questions and Answers
Spokesman : Edith?
Question : Thank you, Steph. In the Secretary-General's meetings with the Iraqi and Kurdish leaders, can you confirm that the attacks by Iranian missiles were discussed? And is the Secretary-General increasingly concerned about the spread of the Israeli-Hamas war into the much broader region as a result of these attacks?
Spokesman : I think yes on all your questions. The regional situation was discussed in those two meetings. He is, of course, concerned about the spread. He's talked about that, really, almost since the beginning of this crisis. He's deeply concerned about what we've seen, those Iranian strikes on targets in Pakistan that reportedly killed two children and injured several others. He again appeals strongest possible term for restraint and avoidance of any further escalation. Margaret Besheer?
Question : Thanks, Steph, the United States announced today that it's going to relist the Houthis/Ansar Allah as a specially designated global terrorist group following all these attacks in the Red Sea. So it doesn't go into effect for 30 more days, in essence, for the humanitarian carve-outs to be put in place. But can you just tell us your concerns or, if you have any, about how this will affect aid operations, particularly to Yemen?
Spokesman : Well, first of all, this is a bilateral, this is a designation made by one Member State, so that's not one that we are involved in. As you mentioned yourself, there is a 30-day moratorium. I mean, as we've always said, Yemen is highly dependent on commercial imports for its goods and also on humanitarian aid. So we are committed to continuing to support the people of Yemen with our humanitarian work, in line with our principles of impartiality, neutrality and independence of our work.
Question : But we even though it is only one country, we've seen before when the US has imposed sanctions has a little bit of a chilling effect on some companies who are afraid to get caught in it.
Spokesman : That's correct.
Question : So do you have any concerns about procurement issues coming up?
Spokesman : Well, I mean, listen, I think that answers itself. I mean, we have we have this 30-day moratorium and I think unilateral sanctions in any context can have an impact, often unintended, on the well-being of civilians. Madame?
Question : Thank you, Steph. Regarding the Gaza tunnels, that were discovered and how much larger they are than anticipated. I was just wondering, given the UN's big role in Gaza, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), the role it has played in humanitarian efforts, has there ever been any indication to the UN that tunnels, you know, tunnels are being built under the city?
Spokesman : Not to us. I mean, it seems to me that all this infrastructure was built in a highly secretive way. I mean, just to see it as an observer, to think that the UN had any understanding of what was... any information about those operations, I think, is: No is clearly the answer for that. Mr. Ignatiou?
Question : How are you, sir?
Spokesman : So far so good, but let's hear your question.
Question : Any idea what is plan from now on for Ms. Maria Angela Holguin, I hope I will say the name correctly? I mean, when is she going to Cyprus? Also, is she going to Ankara? You know, that the problem of Cyprus is in Ankara. Is she going to Athens, London, Brussels? And how long she's going to stay in Cyprus?
Spokesman : My understanding is that she will be going to Cyprus in the next few weeks or so. I don't have her detailed agenda, but it would seem to me that she would also stop in various capitals that have a stake or an influence on the situation. Gabriel?
Question : Thank you, Steph. In Davos, yesterday, the Secretary-General gave a media interview and in that interview, he confirmed that he is not spoken to...
Spokesman : He gave an interview to Al Jazeera. The network you worked for. Yes. Yeah. [laughter]
Question : Yeah.
Spokesman : Hey, give yourself a little publicity, Gabriel, come on.
Question : It wasn't me. It was my colleague, who we all know, of course. But in that interview, he confirmed that he's not spoken to Benjamin Netanyahu since 7 October. Can you add any more context to that, on has the Secretary-General reached out to the Prime Minister's office? If so, any more details about how often and what the response is?
Spokesman : I mean, there are certain diplomatic protocols, right? So when a call, when somebody requests a call, they send a message to have the call placed and created. That message was sent to the prime minister's office. It's not as if people call every day: Call me back. Call me back. It's just, you know, there's a process. No doubt the message... we know the message was received. The fact that they haven't called hasn't stopped the Secretary-General with engaging - and his staff - with engaging with a wide array of Israeli officials, whether it's the president, whether it's the permanent representative here, whether it was minister of defence two weeks ago with Jamie McGoldrick and Tor Wennesland. So the contacts are continuing. I just, I used two words to describe those contacts yesterday. I think in his answer to Mr. Bays, the Secretary-General went on a little at length. So that's the context.
Question : Are you at all frustrated that the Secretary-General cannot speak to the Prime Minister in the biggest conflict that's happening in the world right now... one of the biggest, I mean?
Spokesman : The Secretary-General remains determined to do whatever he can to have an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and to use this tragedy, for lack of a better word, and to turn it into an opportunity.
Question : One more, if you don't mind. Qatar and France, medical aid going to Gaza. It should be... it left Doha, I think, Wednesday. As part of the deal, Israel cannot inspect the cargo before it goes into Gaza. That's something the Secretary-General has spoken about previously that that has been a problem when Israel was allowed to inspect it. Does the Secretary-General see this as a positive development, presumably that in this deal, that's not allowed?
Spokesman : Well, let me... obviously, it's a good thing. We are not involved in the implementation of this particular agreement. I don't know what the inspection regime is for it. So you would have to ask the Israelis or the Qataris or the French. Thank you all. Oh... Dezhi, who's apparently online. Dezhi, please go ahead and then Iftikhar and Abdelhamid.
Question : Hi, Steph. I have a follow-up with Gabriel's question on the call of Prime Minister Netanyahu. You just explained a little bit of the context. But is the UN still working on that call? Is UN still trying to push for that call or is it just that just you have to submit it...?
Spokesman : Let me just say, I think you all have to kind of understand how these things work in diplomatic circles. The request for the call has been placed. There's been no request to withdraw the request, so the request stands. The fact that it hasn't happened we move on and we keep working and we keep working with the goals and ideals that we've we talk about with every day.
Question : So you don't, you don't issue, let's say, resubmit the requests?
Spokesman : That's not how it works.
Question : Okay. So can I, can I get some updates on the situation of the two border crossings to Gaza, the Kerem Shalom and the Rafah? Because I don't think we, we heard about the numbers of the trucks recently. Is there, is it smooth enough for these two border crossings?
Spokesman : Nothing is smooth.
Question : Okay, one last question, if I may. Just now you mentioned, about the Iranian strike in Iraq, in Pakistan and together with the attack from Israel in Beirut in early this month. It seems it's a trend that countries could use national security reasons to attack things in other countries. Do you consider these, like, a violation of international territorial integrity and sovereignty
Spokesman : One of the bedrocks of the principles of this organization is the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States. Abdelhamid and then Iftikhar?
Question : Thank you, Stephane. I was hopeful to hear more about the visit of Sigrid Kaag to Gaza. How long she stayed, whom she contacted, what did she do? I mean, which areas she was able to visit? Can you give us more details about her visit to Gaza?
Spokesman : Not really. It was a very brief visit to Gaza. She crossed into Rafah to look at our logistics operations. If there is more travel to announce, I will share that with you.
Question : As a follow-up to the same question, does she need the Israeli approval when she starts her actual work of channelling humanitarian aid into Gaza? Does she need the approval a prior approval of Israeli authorities?
Spokesman : First of all, she has been in touch with all parties that we need to be in touch with, and she will continue to increase to enlarge that circle. But as you know, she went... she was in New York, so she went to Washington. She's currently in Israel. She went to Jordan. She went to Egypt, met with very senior ministers there. It's a conflict situation. She will need the active cooperation of all those involved to ensure that the mandate she has been given by the Security Council can be fully implemented. Iftikhar?
Question : Thank you, Steph. You have already made a mention in your opening remarks about the Iranian attack on Pakistan's Balochistan, missile attack. My question is, the leaders of Iran and Pakistan are present in Davos. Has the Secretary-General met them in this regard?
Spokesman : Not in this regard. I don't think any meetings were possible but he spoke to the Iranian Foreign Minister a couple of days ago. As you know, he remains in close touch with all the parties in the region. If there are any contacts with the Pakistani authorities, I will share that with you.
Question : Thank you very much.
Spokesman : Alright. Thank you.
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UN coordinator for Gaza visits Egypt to 'expedite all areas' of aid
17 January 2024 - The UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza visited Al-Arish, Egypt, on Wednesday in efforts to scale-up assistance to the enclave, where more than 100 days of war between Israel and Hamas militants have left most of the population in dire need of food, water, medicines and other basic items.
Sigrid Kaag was appointed to monitor and verify aid shipments into Gaza, in line with a UN Security Council resolution adopted last month.
She will also work to establish a mechanism for accelerating aid flows into Gaza through States that are not party to the conflict.
Acute needs
Ms. Kaag said she was in Egypt "to see how we can facilitate, accelerate and expedite all areas of the assistance that is so much needed for civilians in Gaza, given the very acute humanitarian conditions that they have to live with."
She arrived in the capital, Cairo, on Monday, where she held "very good meetings and discussions" with the Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, Social Solidarity and Defence, as well as the Egyptian Red Crescent Society.
"This is a very important visit because we see firsthand how much Egypt is doing with the volunteers and the government and everybody involved, to provide humanitarian assistance for the innocent civilians in Gaza," she told reporters.
She said the visit "is for me to see to discuss with colleagues how to improve how we can assist the Government and the Red Crescent as they wish, and how they see it useful, so we can ultimately benefit the civilians, innocent civilians, in Gaza."
The information and discussions will be very important for her briefings to the Security Council, she added.
Ms. Kaag went on to Rafah, one of two crossing points for aid into Gaza, located roughly 40 kilometres from Al-Arish.
The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, reported on Wednesday that 204 trucks carrying food, medicine and other supplies, entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings between 15 and 16 January.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society received 25 trucks from the Egyptian Red Crescent through the Rafah crossing on 16 January which contained humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical supplies and other relief items.
More than 500 trucks carried aid into Gaza every day before the start of the current hostilities on 7 October.
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UN presence in Sudan 'in a precarious situation', says IOM country chief
17 January 2024 - The fierce fighting between the Sudanese army and rebel RSF forces risks reaching the UN bases in the east of the country, warns the head of IOM, the UN migration agency in the country, sharing his frustration at being unable to reach the millions of civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
The conflict in Sudan, which has now been raging for over nine months, has been described by the UN office for humanitarian affairs as one of the fastest unfolding global crises, with some 7.4 million people displaced from their homes, around half of the total population needing humanitarian assistance and thousands hit by outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.
Since the fighting began in April of last year, about half a million people have fled into neighbouring South Sudan, one of the poorest countries in the world, and thousands more are expected to follow the exodus. The UN has shared reports of horrific abuse and widespread rights violations. Loaded trucks have been unable to bring aid supplies because of fierce fighting. Drivers have been beaten and extorted for money, and aid workers have been detained and killed.
Peter Kioy, the Sudan Chief of Mission for IOM, spoke to Conor Lennon from UN News from his temporary base in the eastern city of Port Sudan about the dangerous situation facing the Sudanese people and the humanitarian workers trying to support them.
Peter Kioy: The humanitarian community has no capacity to oversee or access the areas where people are fleeing to or fleeing from, which makes it really difficult for us to ensure the international protection rights that they are entitled to. The lack of humanitarian aid makes them more vulnerable. Access remains one of the key issues for the humanitarian community in Sudan; we need more secure access for humanitarian actors. Both sides agreed to allow humanitarian access during peace talks, but they are still not delivering on that.
UN News: Do you still have people on the ground?
Peter Kioy: In some areas, we don't have people because it's too dangerous, and the humanitarian space is shrinking. Recently, the conflict reached Al Jazirah state and White Nile state, which meant that humanitarian actors had to move out. Truck drivers do not feel secure going into some of those localities to deliver aid.
UN News: How have IOM staff been affected?
Peter Kioy: A staff member was killed at the onset of the crisis, and we had to regroup around our eastern offices in Kassala, Al Qadarif and Port Sudan.
However, we don't know for how long. The RSF have said that they're making their way east towards Port Sudan as well. We don't know how quickly they will advance, so we remain in a precarious situation, where we don't know what will happen in the next two months or even the next two weeks.
For now, the situation in Port Sudan remains relatively stable and calm, but it is a probably a false calm because we're not sure of what is happening in and around the city.
So, we remain vigilant in case we find ourselves in a similar situation to Khartoum.
UN News: Can you describe the evacuation from Khartoum in April 2023?
Peter Kioy: I think it's a situation you would not want to find yourself in again.
It was chaotic. Bullets flying all around, people unable to move and seeking shelter under the furniture in their houses, hiding in corners and hoping that no stray bullets come through the windows.
No one expected that Khartoum would bear the brunt of the fighting, and so the necessary security measures were not in place. This made it very scary, especially for those who had family.
It was a nightmare that no one would want to live through or wish on others.
I remember that we were trying to coordinate our staff to get them to the gathering sites for the evacuation. It was difficult even in the relatively calm areas because of the number of rebel and government checkpoints. We didn't know how the soldiers would react.
UN News: What is morale like amongst the UN teams in Port Sudan?
We have stayed behind to deliver aid, and we have the capacity, but we do not have access to the people who are in need of our support, and that has become frustrating.
There are pockets of hope. We managed, for example, to bring in cross-border support from Chad into Darfur and deliver some vital humanitarian aid. But, it still remains a challenge, and we hope that with the ongoing negotiations greater access can be granted to the humanitarian community at large.
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Secretary-General's Special Address to the World Economic Forum
United Nations Secretary-General
17 January 2024
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you very much for your warm welcome.
It's good to be back - to be back and to see Davos highlighting the global crisis in trust.
I believe this crisis is the direct result of a paradox facing our world.
In the face of the serious, even existential threats posed by runaway climate chaos, and the runaway development of Artificial Intelligence without guard rails, we seem powerless to act together.
As climate breakdown begins, countries remain hellbent on raising emissions.
Our planet is still heading for a scorching three-degree increase in global temperatures,
Droughts, storms, fires and floods are pummeling countries and communities.
Before travelling to the United Nations climate talks at COP28 in Dubai, I saw for myself the dramatic receding of Himalayan glaciers, and the accelerated melting of the ice sheet in Antarctica.
Here in Switzerland, glaciers are disappearing before our eyes.
Some are gone forever; and others have lost 10 percent of their volume in just the past two years. Such rapid changes should disturb us all.
2023 went down as the hottest year on record.
But it could be one of the coolest years of the future.
The media has recently reported that the U.S. fossil fuel industry has launched yet another multi-million-dollar campaign to kneecap progress and keep the oil and gas flowing indefinitely.
Let me be very clear again: the phaseout of fossil fuels is essential and inevitable. No amount of spin or scare tactics will change that. Let's hope it doesn't come too late.
We must now act to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy.
At the same time, every new iteration of generative AI increases the risk of serious unintended consequences.
This technology has enormous potential for sustainable development - but as the International Monetary Fund has just warned us, it is very likely to worsen inequality in the world.
And some powerful tech companies are already pursuing profits with a clear disregard for human rights, personal privacy, and social impact.
This is no secret. Now these two issues - climate and AI - are exhaustively discussed by governments, by the media, and by leaders here in Davos.
And yet, we have not yet an effective global strategy to deal with either.
And the reason is simple. Geopolitical divides are preventing us from coming together around global solutions for global challenges.
Little wonder that people everywhere are losing faith in governments, institutions, and financial and economic systems.
Dear friends,
At times of existential peril in the past, the world was able to come together to mitigate risks.
Even during the Cold War, the world faced terrible regional conflicts and moments of great danger. But there were systems in place to promote predictability, including initiatives on arms control and nuclear hotlines.
Today, many of these systems have been eroded or undermined.
Instead of nuclear disarmament, there is talk of nuclear re-armament.
States are spending billions making their nuclear arsenals faster, stealthier and more accurate.
The Cold War, an era of two superpowers was followed by a brief period of unipolarity.
But now, some analysts predict we are moving into a totally chaotic situation, in which geopolitical divides at all levels prevent any global response to global threats.
But I strongly believe it is possible to prevent this disastrous scenario.
I am confident we can build a new, multipolar global order with new opportunities for leadership, and with balance and justice in international relations.
But multipolarity creates complexity.
Left to itself, it could deepen fault lines: between North and South; East and West; developed and developing economies; within the G20; and between the G20 and everyone else.
The only way to manage this complexity and avoid a slide into chaos is through a reformed, inclusive, networked multilateralism.
Now this requires strong multilateral institutions and frameworks, and effective mechanisms of global governance.
Without them, further fragmentation is inevitable, and the consequences are clear.
We see an epidemic of impunity around the world.
We see some countries doing whatever it takes to further their own interests at all costs.
From Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to Sudan, and, more recently, Gaza, parties to conflict are ignoring international law; trampling on the Geneva Conventions; and even violating the United Nations Charter.
The world is standing by as civilians, mostly women and children, are killed, maimed, bombarded, forced from their homes and denied access to humanitarian aid.
I repeat my call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and a process that leads to sustained peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution.
This is the only way to stem the suffering and prevent a spillover that could send the entire region up in flames.
And I also call for a just peace in Ukraine. A peace in accordance with the United Nations Charter. A peace in accordance with international law.
Dear friends,
Geopolitical divisions are a major risk factor affecting our faltering global economy.
Political instability is adding to economic insecurity.
Meanwhile, inequality and injustice are reaching obscene levels - a serious obstacle to sustainable development.
Oxfam reports that the world's five richest men - and they are men - have more than doubled their fortunes since 2020 - at a rate of $14 million US dollars per hour.
At the same time, more than half the world, nearly five billion people, have become poorer.
The World Bank warns we are heading towards the worst half-decade for growth in 30 years.
And many of the same countries battered by climate chaos are in a financial chokehold.
More than half the world's poorest 75 countries face debt distress.
Their interest payments have quadrupled in recent years.
After decades of reductions in poverty and hunger, progress has slowed and, in some countries, gone into reverse. And this is fueling resentment and anger.
Dear friends,
When global norms collapse, so does trust.
And I am personally shocked by the systematic undermining of principles and standards we used to take for granted.
I am outraged that so many countries and companies are pursuing their own narrow interests without any consideration for our shared future or our common good.
And I am certain that unless we take action, we can expect much, much worse.
So let's be clear: Rebuilding Trust is not a slogan or a PR campaign.
It requires deep reforms to global governance to manage geopolitical tensions during a new era of multipolarity.
And it is essential to building a safer, more stable and prosperous world.
So Dear Friends,
The institutions and frameworks of global governance, from the Security Council to the Bretton Woods system, were created 80 years ago.
We can't build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents.
The United Nations is fully engaged this year in efforts to bring them up to date, rooted in equality and solidarity, based on the UN Charter and international law.
In September we will host a Summit of the Future, focused on solutions.
The Summit will consider essential reforms to the global financial architecture to make it responsive to today's challenges and representative of today's world - [including] countries in the Global South that were under colonial rule when it was created and so they have today a minimal weight.
Reforms to the Security Council, and a proposed New Agenda for Peace, would also help to prevent and resolve conflict, rebalance geopolitical relations, and give developing countries a proportionate voice on the global stage.
A Global Digital Compact can turbocharge the SDGs and help to close the digital connectivity gap, share data, and build digital public goods.
The private sector is in the lead on AI expertise and resources. And we need your full engagement in our multi-stakeholder effort to develop a governance model that is networked and adaptive.
I believe the UN should play a central convening role.
The Advisory Board I created on Artificial Intelligence has already made preliminary recommendations on AI governance that tap the benefits of this incredible new technology, while mitigating its risks.
We need governments urgently to work with tech companies on risk management frameworks for current AI development; and on monitoring and mitigating future harms.
And we need a systematic effort to increase access to AI so that developing economies can benefit from its enormous potential. We need to bridge the digital divide instead of deepening it.
Dear Friends,
Rebuilding Trust will not happen overnight - but I am convinced that it's both essential, and possible.
I urge everybody, I urge you to influence to prevent further damage and to get our world back on track to safety, to prosperity, and peace.
And I Thank you.
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Surface Combat Systems Training Command Highlights Warfighting Training at the Surface Navy Association's 36th National Symposium
US Navy
17 January 2024
From Kimberly M. Lansdale, Surface Combat Systems Training Command Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) educated the Surface Force, Cuttermen, and industry partners on how they are molding Sailors into combat systems warfighters who are prepared to fight, to win, and to return home safely during the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) 36th National Symposium, Jan. 9 -11.
SCSTC is part of the Naval Education and Training Command, led by Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko. With over 6,500 staff and students across 12 global locations, SCSTC delivers training to over 37,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 27 partner nations annually. With surface community partners and force development counterparts, SCSTC provides system and platform specific combat systems training to a growing surface Navy.
In alignment with this year's theme, "The Fight, The Force, The Future," attendees were able to get a firsthand look at how SCSTC is adapting and implementing innovative ways to train our future warfighting force.
SCSTC's team of subject matter experts, consisting of military and civilian instructors, provided demonstrations of Surface Training Advanced Virtual Environment - Combat Systems (STAVE-CS) training systems to include the Aegis Virtual Maintenance Trainer, Aegis Part Task Trainer, Multi-Mission Team Trainer Ship Self Defense System Sensor Supervisor, Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Operator, and CIWS Visual Integrated Simulation and Training Application Maintenance. STAVE-CS, the Director, Surface Warfare's (OPNAV N96) program of record, was introduced in 2015 as a means to invest in training technologies, devices, and facilities to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and availability of all surface training.
"A key component to our training approach is to immerse trainees in realistic real world training environments by emulating, simulating, or providing the physical elements of the equipment and operating conditions," explained Capt. George A. Kessler, Jr., SCSTC's commodore.
Both Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commander, Naval Surface Force, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, emphasized the importance of training in their remarks at the symposium. Unveiling her priorities in a paper titled "America's Warfighting Navy," Franchetti highlighted Warfighting, Warfighters, and the Foundation that supports them. Outlining his vision for the Surface Force, McLane discussed continuing the Competitive Edge strategy and achieving the North Star goal of 75 mission capable ships on any given day that are sufficiently manned, trained, and ready for the fight.
"As a global training organization, SCSTC plays an integral role in achieving both the CNO and SWO Boss' objectives by training warfighters to employ, maintain, and repair their systems while defending our national interests and protecting the global commons - whenever and wherever called," said Kessler. "We must ensure our warfighters possess the tactical and technical competence and proficiency needed to execute across the spectrum of operations in today's challenging environment."
Surface Navy Association (SNA) was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business, and academic communities who share a common interest in Surface Warfare while supporting the activities of Surface Forces. SNA's annual National Symposium brings together joint experts and decision-makers in the military, industry, and Congress to discuss how the Surface Force is a critical element of national defense and security.
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Canada Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 150
US Navy
17 January 2024
From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain -- The Royal Canadian Navy assumed command of a multinational maritime task force during a change-of-command ceremony Jan. 17.
French Navy Capt. Yannick Bossu turned over command of Combined Task Force 150 to Royal Canadian Navy Capt. Colin Matthews. CTF 150 was established in February 2002, and is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces. CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from non-state actors. The core staff of CTF 150 consisted of French, British, New Zealanders, Australians, and Bahrainis.
Since France took command of CTF 150 in July 2023, ships working in support of the task force carried out 14 successful boardings, in which more than 16 tons of illegal narcotics with a street value of over $600 million were seized. These seizures prevent criminal and terrorist organizations generating income from drug-smuggling.
While Commander of CTF 150, Bossu also spread CMF's message through key partner engagements with countries including Seychelles, Mozambique and India. These engagements help strengthen ties between CMF nations and provides an opportunity to discuss the work of CMF with countries not yet members.
"Today marks the end of the French Navy's successful 12th command of CTF 150. I would like to express my thanks to all those who have continually supported us during our tenure, including Vice Admiral Cooper, Commodore Anderson, Commodore Dennis and Rear Admiral Al bin Ali," Bossu said. "Integral to CTF 150's achievements over the past six months are, of course, the French, British, American, Indian, and Pakistani ships that have been working in support and my team made up of staff from a range of nations. We are pleased to welcome the Royal Canadian Navy to Combined Task Force 150; it has been a pleasure to meet your team. To everyone, keep on enjoying and serving in Combined Maritime Forces."
Matthews joins CTF 150 following a tour as Director of Naval Information Warfare. Over the years, he has participated in numerous overseas deployments to the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea regions in support of counterterrorism operations.
"It is an honor to take command of Combined Task Force 150 and a privilege to lead this team of dedicated personnel from Canada, Bahrain, Australia, and New Zealand for the next six months," Matthews said. "We are eager to build on the achievements of Capt. Bossu and his team. The success of this operation lies with our ability to work with like-minded nations toward the same goals, ensuring that legitimate commercial shipping can transit the region free from non-state threats and we are ready to face this task."
Combined Maritime Forces, headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 39 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world's most important shipping lanes.
CMF's other task forces include CTF 151, which leads regional counter-piracy efforts; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.
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Japan, Republic of Korea, U.S. Navies Partner in Trilateral Maritime Exercise
US Navy
17 January 2024
From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cole C. Pielop
PACIFIC OCEAN -- U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by its flagship, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), conducted a trilateral maritime exercise, demonstrating their commitment to bolstering regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Jan. 16.
Participating ships include USS Carl Vinson, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Sterett (DDG 104); Hyuga-class helicopter destroyers JS Hyuga (DDH-181), Kongo-class guided missile destroyer JS Kongo (DDG-173) of the JMSDF; guided missile destroyer ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG-991) and ROKS Wang Geon (DDH-978) of the ROKN.
During the three-day event, the three maritime forces sailed together, conducted advanced maritime communication operations, maritime interdiction operations training, air combat drills, staff exchanges and integration. The allied forces last trained together in Nov. 2023.
"Our strike group welcomes the opportunity to train again and further build on our capabilities as a combined force with maritime forces from Japan and the Republic of Korea," said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, CSG-1 commander. "Sailing and flying together safely alongside our allies demonstrates our commitment to improving information sharing and working together effectively, to enhance our ability to coordinate on maritime domain awareness and other shared security interests."
The U.S. military regularly conducts exercises like these to strengthen ties among allied and partner countries. These exercises enhance combined readiness and capabilities and support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
This year marks the 71st anniversary of the U.S.-Republic of Korea Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953, and over 70 years of partnership with Japan since the 1951 Security Treaty between the U.S. and Japan.
The strike group departed San Diego on Oct. 12 for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. Since entering the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, CSG-1 participated in the Multi-Large Deck Event and Annual Exercise 2023 in the Philippine Sea. These exercises provided opportunities to collaborate with allied forces such as the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and JMSDF to further strengthen regional cooperative efforts.
CSG-1 is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response. CSG-1 is currently deployed to U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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Locals in Bali are pleading with authorities to blacklist a tourist over his highway hijinx in a further sign Balinese people have hit their threshold with misbehaving travellers. The calls come just a week after an Aussie man was pronounced brain dead following a scooter crash in Bali.
Balinese are naturally friendly, kind and hospitable but now they've got to this kind of tipping point where the friendliness and hospitality of people has been overcome by this sense that they don't have any control over their wellbeing, Joseph Cheer, a professor of Sustainable Tourism and Heritage at Western Sydney University, told Yahoo News Australia.
In the latest clip to come out of the holiday hotspot, a shirtless tourist in shorts can be seen riding a scooter along Kuta Beach walking street the main thoroughfare through Balis most popular resort area in the south of the island. He begins by pulling the handlebars up to perform a wheelie before darting in and out of traffic along the busy road.
The man was filmed doing a wheelie before darting in and our of traffic in Kuta, Bali. Source: Instagram/denpasar.viral
The video has since sparked outcry from furious locals over the dangerous behaviour after being shared on social media. Bule without respect and education, out and blacklisted! one person wrote on the Instagram post, using the word for foreigner which Professor Cheer said can be seen as a pejorative or a kind of slur on the person.
Arrest and put in jail in Indonesia, another said. A year after that, deportation and blacklisted to enter Indonesia. Others begged authorities to take action for the sake of Bali tourism and the comfort and safety of the road user community, while someone else criticised the polices lack of action.
As long as our law enforcement officers are not firm, they [tourists] will continue to be like that, they wrote. If the police can be firm... as in his country, then they [tourists] will not dare to do all sorts of things.
Story continues
What has changed?
While the Indonesian government has spent the last year trying to crack down on unruly tourists who think they can let loose on holiday without facing consequences, it's the people on the ground who have really reached the end of their tether.
Professor Cheer believes a number of reasons have resulted in this change in attitude towards tourists. One, tourist numbers have intensified in the last decade, he said. So it's not like there's only a few tourists now. There's a lot of tourists.
He adds that there's a lot more expatriates or foreigners not only visiting Bali, but living there. "That has had an impact on the lifestyle in Bali and the cost of living for regular Balinese," Cheer explains. "Prices are going up. Traffic is intensifying. And then on top of that you throw in this misbehaviour of people and it's pushing them over the edge.
Theres this kind of sense that Bali is being consumed by foreigners at the cost of the wellbeing of local people, and a lot of it has intensified since Covid.
What about the Indonesian crackdown?
Authorities have reinforced laws and introduced stricter penalties, as well as set up a taskforce to monitor for illegal activity, and a hotline to dob in a tourist. But despite the threats, the warnings appear to be falling on many deaf ears.
People's ideas of Bali have been shaped by this sense that you can go to Bali and anything goes, and I think that's stuck hard and fast, said Professor Cheer, who is also the Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council for the Future of Sustainable Tourism.
While we might see a lot of these discussions online and people protesting about it [the crackdown], the vast majority of people are probably oblivious to all of this, and they might say, oh you know, its just a laugh.
The only thing the crackdown appears to be doing, is firing up the Balinese people. When they see authorities saying, We've had enough of this, and formalising this sense of dissatisfaction about tourist behaviour, it almost gives them a licence to say, exactly, we don't want this anymore, Professor Cheer explained.
Balinese have been emboldened to react against this kind of behaviour because they see the authorities and society at large doing it, and they also see other foreigners who are doing the right thing, saying, Yeah, this is unacceptable.
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WHO Official: Gaza's Health Care System Collapsing
By Margaret Besheer January 17, 2024
A World Health Organization official who recently returned from the Gaza Strip said on Wednesday the health care system is rapidly deteriorating, and more staff, supplies and access are urgently needed.
"I've seen the health care system collapsing before my eyes," Sean Casey, WHO Health Emergency Officer, told reporters at the United Nations.
Casey spent five weeks in Gaza, starting in early December, and he met with medical professionals and patients across the territory.
"I saw patients in hospitals every day with severe burns, with open fractures, waiting hours or days for care, and they would often ask me for food and water," he said.
Casey noted a cease-fire is the most critical need, but access, the ability to move people and relief supplies safely and quickly within Gaza, also would help ease suffering.
Before Hamas' October 7 terror attack inside Israel that triggered the war, Gaza had a robust health care system with 36 hospitals and some 25,000 doctors, nurses and specialists. Now, the WHO says, only about 15 hospitals are partially functioning, some just barely, making it difficult to assist the more than 50,000 injured people.
Casey said there is a shortage of supplies but also of staff, many of whom are displaced and struggling to survive and care for their own families.
"There are unbelievably brave health workers across Gaza who are staying and taking care of people because there is no one else to do it," he said. "Many more would return to work if they had a safe way to do so and if they had a place to live and care for their families."
Casey was in Gaza to see how to bring in more international medical teams to help cope with the staggering needs.
He said getting supplies to northern Gaza is especially challenging. During the five weeks he was there, his team was unable to deliver supplies to the largest hospital in the north, al-Shifa, for 12 consecutive days.
At Al-Ahli hospital, also in the north, Casey said the situation was grim.
"I saw patients who were lying on church pews, basically waiting to die in a hospital that had no fuel, no power, no water, very little in the way of medical supplies and only a handful of staff remaining to take care of them."
Israel has accused Hamas of stealing relief supplies, but Casey said he had not seen evidence of that during his hospital visits.
"I have no evidence of supplies that have been delivered to hospitals going anywhere except to those hospitals," he said. "I have seen them used immediately; I've seen the boxes opened, so that specific drugs can be accessed."
Dr. Seema Jilani, International Rescue Committee senior technical adviser for emergency health, returned recently from a two-week mission to Gaza with five British doctors.
A pediatrician who has worked in several conflict and post-conflict countries, Jilani said what she saw in Gaza was the most extreme situation she has experienced in her career.
In a briefing with reporters, she said she treated scores of children at Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza. She lacked pediatric supplies, including morphine and chest tubes.
During her first few hours at the hospital, she treated a 1-year-old boy who had both his right arm and leg blown off.
"I treated him while he lay on the ground because there were no stretchers available, because the hospital had become a de facto shelter with hundreds if not thousands of people pouring in seeking safe shelter and a safe space," Jilani said.
She said Palestinian doctors and nurses worked shifts at the hospital during the day and then searched for food and shelter for their families at night.
The U.N. secretary-general recently appointed a special humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. Sigrid Kaag visited Gaza briefly on Wednesday, where a U.N. spokesperson said she observed the logistical operations. She was also on the Egyptian side of the border at the humanitarian staging area at Al Arish, not far from the Rafah border crossing.
In Davos, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told business leaders that an immediate humanitarian cease-fire is needed in Gaza, followed by a process that leads to sustained peace for Israelis and Palestinians, based on a two-state solution.
"This is the only way to stem the suffering and prevent a spillover that could send the entire region up in flames," he said.
Israel put Hamas-controlled Gaza under a total blockade following Hamas' shock attack in southern Israel on October 7, which killed some 1,200 people. The United States- and European Union-designated terror group also abducted around 240 Israeli and foreign hostages to Gaza. Just over a hundred were released during a weeklong pause in late November.
The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports more than 24,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, most of them women and children.
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Medicine for Hostages, Palestinian Civilians Due to Reach Gaza After Agreement
By VOA News January 17, 2024
Medicine for hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza is to be delivered Wednesday under a deal brokered by France and Qatar.
France said the medication is destined for 45 hostages who have chronic illnesses, and that the delivery will be made with the help of the International Red Cross.
Qatar said the agreement also included medicine and other humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
As the Israel-Hamas war rages in its fourth month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that a "pathway to a Palestinian state" is essential for peace in the Middle East.
Israel would not "get genuine security absent that," the top U.S. diplomat said Wednesday at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos.
Blinken said if Israel and several Arab countries work together, they could isolate Iran, which he called "the biggest concern in terms of security," as well as its proxies. Those include Yemen's Houthi rebels who have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea.
"The problem is getting from here to there, and of course, it requires very difficult, challenging decisions. It requires a mindset that is open to that perspective," Blinken said.
But he said currently "we're in the midst of what is human tragedy in so many ways in the Middle East right now for the Israelis and Palestinians alike."
A day earlier, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, said during a Davos panel that his country agreed "regional peace includes peace for Israel" and responded "certainly" when asked if Saudi Arabia would recognize Israel as part of a larger political agreement.
"But that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians, through a Palestinian state," he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a right-wing government that is opposed to Palestinian statehood, and Netanyahu himself recently said that his actions over the years prevented the formation of such a state.
Blinken said Israelis would need to decide on their leadership and direction, saying it's up to them whether the country can "seize the opportunity that we believe is there." He called this "an inflection point" for the Middle East that requires hard decisions.
Hamas militants abducted about 240 people during the October 7 attack on Israel during which they also killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel began its military campaign to wipe out Hamas after that attack.
More than 100 hostages were released during a temporary truce in November, but about 130 are believed to still be held by Hamas in Gaza, including two dozen or so who could already be dead.
The United States said Tuesday it is hopeful that talks brokered through Qatar could lead to a new deal to release the hostages in exchange for a cease-fire in the fighting between Hamas and Israel.
"I don't want to say too much publicly here as we have these talks, but we're hopeful that it can bear fruit, and bear fruit soon," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at a White House briefing.
The war continued Wednesday with Israel's military saying it killed six Palestinian fighters, including a Hamas officer it said was in charge of interrogating suspected spies in southern Gaza.
Gaza health authorities said that in the last day Israeli forces had killed 163 people in the Palestinian enclave, raising their toll for the war to 24,448, a figure that includes both Hamas fighters and civilians.
Since the war began in October, Israeli forces have also killed more than 350 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian Ministry of Health. The deaths have mostly come during protests and Israeli military raids.
The Israeli military said Wednesday it carried out an airstrike that killed a senior Palestinian militant in the West Bank city of Nablus. It accused Ahmed Abdullah Abu Shalal of being responsible for planning multiple attacks against Israelis in Jerusalem.
Four others were killed in the attack in the Balata refugee camp, the Israeli military said.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli forces prevented medical personnel from reaching the airstrike site to evacuate the wounded, including directing gunfire at its teams.
The organization also said Israeli troops blocked ambulance teams from entering the Tulkarm refugee camp in the West Bank after Israeli shelling there injured multiple people.
There has been no comment from Israel on the Palestinian allegations.
Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
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Africa's Humanitarian Crises Underreported Amid Conflicts in Europe, Middle East
By Mohammed Yusuf January 17, 2024
In a new report, Care International says events in Africa are being underreported in the media as global attention shifts to conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Care International's research singled out 10 African countries including Zimbabwe, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, and Senegal that are suffering crises such as climate change, conflict, poverty, hunger, violence and political instability but are getting little news coverage.
It said more than 77,000 articles were published last year about these countries while the iPhone 15 generated more than 273,000 stories.
The report, released last week, took the unusual approach of aggregating online articles in Arabic, English, French, German and Spanish. It found there were more than 215,000 articles last year about Prince Harry's book "Spare," but only 11,000 about the deadly violence and displacement in Burkina Faso.
There were more than 273,000 articles about the "Barbie" film, but only about 1,000 about the floods, drought and hunger in Angola that affected some 7 million people.
The report, titled Breaking the Silence, mentions many other African crises that are getting little to no media attention.
Stefan Brand, who works with Care Germany, explained why the continent's humanitarian crisis is underreported.
"The crises, the conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and now in the Middle East are receiving the most coverage by the international journalists in every country or in most of the countries and therefore smaller crises are more in the shadow of these big conflicts," said Brand. "But I also think that the media channels are more and more forced to save money because of a lack of interest by the public."
Experts point to reduced media budgets
Douglas Okwatch is the secretary of the Foreign Press Association, Africa, an organization of African journalists working for foreign media. He said media budgets have been shrinking, reducing the number of stories being produced from the continent.
"I think post-COVID countries globally really are constrained in terms of resources," he said. "Therefore, many countries, particularly the ones that own these big international media, are looking at where to cut budgets. And probably the media is one of the places, or the easiest places, to cut budgets. And when you cut budgets, then that has a direct implication on coverage."
International media's closure of foreign bureaus also is blamed for the underreporting and fatigue that has set in after decades of unending conflicts and humanitarian crises in some African countries.
Some critics have accused foreign media of focusing more on Africa's conflicts and suffering than its potential and contributions to the world.
Okwatch, who is also a journalist, said other sectors and global competition for Africa's resources and support are getting more coverage than the humanitarian crises.
"We are not just focused on the humanitarian the fewer, the lesser humanitarian stories and things in Africa are on a downward spiral in terms of focus on Africa," he said. "I think if there's less coverage on humanitarian crises, probably the coverage has also shifted toward economic interests and geopolitical interests."
Brand said access to African countries and investment in stable media can improve coverage in Africa.
"I think, in general, governments need to give journalists access to the countries and especially the crisis of the region so reporters and journalists can report on these crises," said Brand.
"Foreign media needs to pay more attention, accept more pictures from African journalists, freelancers from countries, foreign countries, African countries," said Brand. "And media needs to invest in good, stable journalism, foreign correspondents, freelancers and local partners."
According to the United Nations, more than 300 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2024, about half of them in Africa.
Care International calls for the media to tell African humanitarian crisis stories so aid agencies and relevant authorities can take urgent action to save the situation.
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US, UK launch 4th round of airstrikes on Yemen: Report
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 18, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- The United States and Britain have launched a new round of airstrikes on Yemen, which a Yemeni military source describes as an attempt to break the naval blockade imposed on ships heading to the ports of Israeli occupied Palestinian territories.
The military official, on the condition of anonymity, told the Al-Masirah network that the Yemeni armed forces will continue attacking Israeli ships or other vessels moving towards the ports of occupied Palestine despite American and British aggression against the country.
Earlier, the American CBS news channel reported the fourth round of attacks by Washington and London on the Yemeni soil.
This news network while quoting unknown US officials claimed that the targets of attacks were Houthi and Yemeni army as they, according to the report, were prepared to carry out attacks on the United States' positions.
The Lebanese news network, Al-Mayadeen also reported that even the "Takhiyeh" area in the northern Saada province was not spared from the American and British attacks.
Yemen has confirmed the strikes on different areas of its territory, with some sources quoted by media as saying that warplanes keep targeting areas across al-Hudaydah, Saada, Taez, Zamar and al-Bayda provinces.
So far, there are no information available about possible casualties or damage from the latest invasion of Yemen by British and American warplanes.
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US, UK warplanes keep pounding Yemeni cities: Sources
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 18, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- The US and Britain have reportedly kept targeting different Yemeni cities and regions under the pretext of the Arab country's actions against Israeli or Israeli bound ships in the Red Sea.
Tehran, IRNA - The US and Britain have reportedly kept targeting different Yemeni cities and regions under the pretext of the army army's actions against Israeli or Israeli bound ship in the Red Sea.
Informed sources have been quoted by Yemen's Al-Masirah news channel on Thursday morning that the US and British warplanes keep pounding the provinces of al-Hudaydah, Saada, Taez, Zamar and al-Bayda.
Sabrin News has also quoted a Yemeni official as saying that the American and British attacks on the mentioned areas are still continuing.
CBS News on Thursday morning quoted an American official, that the United States attacked Yemen for the fourth time in the past week.
The official, whose name has not been disclosed, claimed that several places were targeted in these attacks.
Last week, American and British warplanes, ships, and submarines launched dozens of airstrikes against Yemen following a United Nations Security Council resolution adopted on Friday.
The aggression against Yemen prompted harsh criticism from Iran, Russia, Turkey, and several other countries, saying Washington and London bear full responsibility for the violation of international law.
Despite the joint US-UK attacks on Yemen, the Arab country's army has reiterated that its stance would not change and that it will keep targeting Israeli ships until the regime stops spilling the blood of innocent Palestinians.
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Yemen, CENTCOM confirm attack on US ship in Gulf of Aden
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 18, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni armed forces confirmed a recent attack on an American ship in the Gulf of Aden with missiles, warning that it would never hesitate to attack the source of threats in the water off the Arab country's coast.
Tehran, IRNA- The Yemeni army confirmed its attack on an American ship in the Gulf of Aden with missiles, warning that it would never hesitate to attack the source of threats in the water off the Arab country's coast.
"Our navy launched an operation against American ship named "Genco Picardy" in the Gulf of Aden and targeted it with a number of appropriate missiles", Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesman of the Yemeni Armed Forces was quoted by the Al-Masirah network.
Saree also warned that any new aggression against Yemen will not go unanswered and punished. "We will never hesitate to attack all sources of threats in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea within the framework of our legitimate right to defend Yemen and continue to support the oppressed Palestinian nation", he emphasized.
The spokesman reiterated that all ships except those bound for Israeli ports are allowed to sail through the Red Sea to reach their destinations.
"Our operations against Israeli ships or ships heading toward ports in occupied Palestine will continue until the Zionist regime ends its aggression and siege of Gaza", Saree noted.
Meanwhile, US Central Command Center (CENTCOM) also confirmed on Thursday morning that a US-owned ship sustained damage after "a drone fired from Yemen hit" the vessel.
CENTCOM announced on the X social network that Genco Picardy was hit at around 8:30 p.m. Sana'a time in the Gulf of Aden. "The Marshall Islands-flagged ship is owned by the United States and is a bulk carrier. The attack on the vessel caused some damage but no injuries".
This statement was issued after the Yemeni spokesman announced that the country's army had targeted a ship in the Red Sea.
The spokesman warned that the response to the aggressions and attacks of the United States and Britain against Yemen is inevitable.
The United States and the United Kingdom launched attacks on Yemen following a resolution of the United Nations Security Council on Friday morning.
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Yemen's Houthis say Washington redesignation for political purposes
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 11:20, January 18, 2024
SANAA, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group on Wednesday said that re-classifying the group as "terrorists" by the United States came for political purposes.
Mohammed Abdulsalam, Houthi spokesman and head of negotiator, was quoted by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV as saying "What we did in the Red Sea was a kind of pressure to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip."
"The recent American decision will only increase our adherence to our position in support of the Palestinians," he added.
Meanwhile, the Houthi group considers the talk about forming a maritime alliance of European Union countries in the Red Sea an interference in the internal affairs of Yemen, according to a statement reported by the Houthi-controlled Saba news agency.
It stressed that the Houthis "will not be deterred by any threat or desire to stop blocking ships owned by Israel or heading to Israeli ports," said the statement.
Also on Wednesday, the Yemeni government welcomed the U.S. decision, saying it is "consistent with the Yemeni government's classification of this group as a terrorist organization in accordance with Yemeni laws," according to a statement released by the state-run Saba news agency.
The Houthis have been fighting a deadly civil war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government since late 2014, and have seized control of much of northern Yemen, including the capital city of Sanaa and the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.
The Houthi group was designed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on the global "terrorist" list before the administration of President Joe Biden revoked Trump's decision in February 2021.
Washington re-designated the group as a "terrorist" organization on Wednesday, once again labeling it a so-called "Specially Designated Global Terrorist."
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement that the designation was in response to the Houthis' continued threats to and attacks on "United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden."
Sullivan said if the Houthis cease their attacks, "the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation."
The designation will become effective in 30 days. The intervening time between now and when the designation becomes effective will allow the U.S. to "ensure robust humanitarian carve-outs are in place, so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen," he added.
The inclusion of the Houthis on the "terrorist" list will come into effect on February 16, according to the U.S. resolution.
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Israeli strikes on Rafah kill 16 Palestinians, including children
Iran Press TV
Thursday, 18 January 2024 6:45 AM
At least 16 Palestinians, including small children, have been killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on the southern city of Rafah, as the regime continues its brutal war against the besieged Gaza Strip.
According to local sources and video footage verified by Al Jazeera, the civilians were killed after Israeli warplanes targeted a house east of Rafah on Wednesday.
Earlier, footage showed the bodies of three children killed in the Israeli attack arriving at Abu Youssef Al Najjar Hospital in the city.
Rafah has been packed with tens of thousands of displaced civilians.
Israeli airstrikes have been pounding locations across Gaza, including southern parts that Israel had declared as safe zones.
Homes, hospitals, cemetery targeted
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says the occupying regime's artillery has targeted residential buildings, a cemetery and hospitals in Khan Yunis over the past two days, as the southern Gaza Strip is reeling under heavy Israeli bombardment.
"Initial reports and video footage show that much of the al-Namsawi cemetery was destroyed and graves empty with some corpses reportedly missing," the OCHA said.
It went on to say that an Israeli missile had reportedly struck the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) health clinic in the Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, but noted that "further details on the impact of the projectile are yet to be established."
The report comes as an ongoing telecommunications blackout has limited the latest update from OCHA, with information from northern Gaza even further limited by highly restricted access.
Fierce fighting in Khan Yunis
Separately on Wednesday, Israeli troops and members of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas engaged in the most intense fighting so far in Khan Yunis, two US-based think tanks reported, as resistance groups in Palestine continue their operations against Israel amid the regime's genocidal war on Gaza.
The Critical Threats Project (CTP) and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) also reported that a senior Hamas official has called for Palestinian fighters from other resistance groups to escalate their attacks on Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
The monitors also said Gaza is experiencing its longest and most widespread internet blackout since Israel's war on the enclave started in early October.
The Israeli regime waged the war on Gaza on October 7 after Hamas carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's atrocities against Palestinians.
Since the start of the aggression, Israel has killed more than 24,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
The Tel Aviv regime has also imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food, and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.
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Russo-Ukraine War - 17 January 2024 - Day 692
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 on 14 January 2024, a Russian A-50 MAINSTAY, an Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, almost certainly explodedand subsequently crashed into the western Sea of Azov. Concurrently, a Russian IL-22M COOT B aircraft was reported
damaged but landed in a nearby Russian airfield. As of 15 January 2024, Ukrainian Commander in Chief, General Valery Zaluzhnyi claimed responsibility for the loss of the A-50 and damage to the COOTB.
The possible successful targeting of an A-5O MAINSTAY by Ukraine is significant. It is likely that Russia will now be forced to reconsider limiting the operational areas of its aircraft. The A-50is critical to the Russian air surveillance picture over the battlespace.
The Russian Air Force possesses eight A-5O airframes which can likely cover the immediate operational impact. However, theincreased stress on the remaining airframes coupled with the loss of the crew will likely constrain longer term mission sustainability.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of January 17, there were 71x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 6x missile and 69x air strikes, carried out 35x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. Private residential and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged.
Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine.
Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Fedorivka and Vovchans'k (Kharkiv oblast). Around 30x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Bleshnya, Karpovychi, Yeline (Chernihiv oblast), Seredyna-Buda, Romashkove, Sosnivka (Sumy oblast), Okip, Kozacha Lopan', Hatyshche, Pletenivka (Kharkiv oblast).
Kup'yans'k axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 6x assaults in the vicinity of Syn'kivka (Kharkiv oblast), where Russian forces made attempts to improve their tactical situation. The Russian invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast).
Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x assaults near Terny, Yampolivka (Donetsk oblast), and 8x attacks near Makiivka, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, made failed attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched an air strike in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Makiivka, Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Yampolivka, Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).
Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 7x attacks in the vicinities of Hryhorivka, Ivanivske, Andriivka and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Kalynivka, Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Andriivka (Donetsk oblast).
Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 11x Russian attacks near Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, and 13x more attacks in the vicinities of Sjeverne, Pervomais'ke and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the Russian occupiers, with air support, made unsuccessful attempts to improve their tactical situation. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Novokalynove, Novobakhmutivka, Berdychi, Avdiivka, Sjeverne (Donetsk oblast).
Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, made 9x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched an air strike near the settlement of Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Krasnohorivka, Maksymil'yanivka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Katerynivka were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers.
Shakhtars'ke axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 1x attack north of Novodonets'ke (Donetsk oblast), where the adversary failed to improve its tactical situation. Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Vodyane (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast).
Zaporizhzhia axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. Russian forces launched an air strike near Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast), More than 20x settlements, including Malynivka, Charivne, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanylivka, Robotyne, P'yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under Russian artillery and mortar fire.
Odesa operational-strategic group, Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the city of Kherson, the settlements of Antonivka (Kherson oblast) and Dmytrivka (Mykolaiv oblast). On top of that, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Chervonyi Mayak, Zmiivka, Tyahynka (Kherson oblast).
Russian forces do not abandon their intention to drive Ukrainian units out of their footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro. Thus, during the day, Russian forces made 6x unsuccessful assaults.
During the day of January 17, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 7x concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment, 1x command post, 5x air defense systems of the occupiers. Also, Ukrainian air defense troops shot down 1x Kh-59 air-launched guided missile.
The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of troops, 2x radar stations, 2x air defense systems, 2x artillery systems, 1x ammunition depot of the Russian invaders.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled one attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 95th Air Assault Brigade near Terni (Kharkov region).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 30 Ukrainian troops, two armoured personnel carriers, and three motor vehicles.
In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled three attacks launched by assault detachments of the 5th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade, 25th Airborne Brigade, and 63rd Mechanised Brigade near Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).
Enemy manpower was struck near Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Serebryansky forestry.
The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer.
In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by artillery repelled six attacks launched by units of the AFU 81st Airmobile Brigade, 22nd and 24th mechanised brigades near Belogorovka, Krasnoye, and Bogdanovka (Donetsk People's Republic).
In addition, manpower and hardware of the AFU 22nd, 28th, and 42nd mechanised brigades was struck near Kleschcheyevka, Kurdyumovka, and Andreyevka (Donetsk People's Republic).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 290 Ukrainian troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, five armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, two D-30 howitzers, and one Pion self-propelled artillery piece.
In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on units of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 79th Air Assault Brigade, and 127th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novomikhailovka, Paraskoviyevka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one D-20 howitzer, and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system.
In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by artillery and aviation inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade, 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, 82th Air Assault Brigade, and 15th Ukrainian National Guard Brigade near Verbovoye, Kamenskoye, Rabotino, and Mirnoye (Zaporozhye region).
The AFU losses amounted to up to 25 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer.
In Kherson direction, as a result of strikes of the 35th and 37th marines brigades near Tyaginka and Ivanovka (Kherson region), the AFU losses amounted to up to 25 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems.
Missile Troops and Artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation wiped out one POL base for AFU hardware, three ammunition depots of the AFU 23rd Mechanised Brigade, P-18 and Nebo-SV radar stations for detecting and tracking air targets, one temporary deployment area of foreign mercenaries, 103 artillery units in firing positions, as well as engaged manpower and military hardware in 119 areas.
Air defence units intercepted 11 Olkha and Czech-made Vampire MLRS projectiles over the past 24 hours. Moreover, 21 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down near Zolotaryovka, Belogorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Novonikolayevka, Gorlovka, and Peski (Donetsk People's Republic).
In total, 567 airplanes and 265 helicopters, 10,779 unmanned aerial vehicles, 450 air defence missile systems, 14,658 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,202 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,759 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 17,560 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.
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US re-lists Yemen's Ansarullah as 'terrorist' group over Red Sea shipping attacks
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 4:42 PM
The United States says it put Yemen's Houthis back on a list of "terrorist" entities, accusing them of repeated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
"In response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in statement.
Officials said the move means the popular resistance movement will be hit by sanctions.
Senior American officials told Western media that the designation would take effect in 30 days and that it could also be reversed if Yemenis cease their attacks.
As part of their support for Palestinians, Yemen's armed forces have over the past month targeted several ships owned by Israel or bound for ports in the occupied territories, in the strategic Red Sea after multiple warnings.
Yemen says the measure is meant to help bring a halt to the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has so far killed over 24,000 people, mostly women and children.
However, the US and its allies have portrayed Yemen's attack as a threat to international peace.
Last week, American and British warplanes, ships, and submarines launched dozens of airstrikes against Yemen. They were followed by multiple US strikes in recent days.
Iran, Russia, Turkey, and several other countries have sharply criticized the United States, the United Kingdom, and their allies for their recent acts of aggression against Yemen, saying these countries bear full responsibility for the violation of international law.
The Donald Trump administration added Ansarullah to two lists, designating them as terrorists a day before its term ended.
That prompted the United Nations, aid groups, and some US lawmakers to express fears that sanctions would disrupt flows of food, fuel, and other commodities into Yemen.
Back in February 2021, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revoked the designations in "recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen."
The United Nations describes the humanitarian crisis in Yemen as "severe" with more than 21 million people a two-thirds of the population a in need of aid.
It says more than 80% of the population struggles to access food, safe drinking water, and adequate health services.
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Efforts to cancel jet skis on a popular Aussie lake are splitting a quiet town apart. At the centre of the uproar are allegations that hoons have been terrorising dolphins.
But one local council member believes the problem has been exaggerated by an older crowd who moved to the region from Sydney and now want peace and quiet. Its the same people who dont like drag racing or dont like motorsport, or dont like younger people having any fun, councillor Peter Howard told Yahoo News Australia.
While downplaying the problem, he accepts there are some idiots who do the wrong thing, and more policing is needed to ensure they follow the rules. But to have everyone lumped into one basket is beyond the pale, certainly all the locals do respect our dolphins, Howard said.
Locals have been feuding over the use of jet skis on Lake Wallis. Source: Getty
The division over jet skis is occurring across the 25km Wallis Lake which splits the towns of Forster and Tuncurry on the NSW Mid North Coast and feeds into the sea.
Councillor pinpoints cause of jet ski problems
While jet skis are permitted on the lake, they are banned on Sydney Harbour and at some Newcastle beaches, and Howard believes thats part of the problem. People who own them down there come up here on holiday and want to use their toys, and this is what happens, he said.
The problem was first reported in the Daily Telegraph. It published allegations from a Surf Lifesaving NSW drone operator that the jet skis were driving many locals nuts and getting close to dolphins. A local Marine Rescue NSW volunteer told the publication he was also fed up with jet ski cowboys.
Across Australia jet ski riders love engaging with dolphins. This image shows a man watching them in Victoria. Source: AAP
But accusations about hoons terrorising dolphins are not limited to that region. Around 4500 km away, on the other side of the country, a letter to the editor of the local newspaper in Busselton claims jet ski riders were showing a lack of respect and frightening dolphins.
It's not only jet ski operators who have been accused of harassing marine life. In 2022, Victorian authorities slammed motorboat drivers for getting too close to whales so they could film TikTok videos.
Story continues
Reasons jet skis are 'harming dolphins'
Although dolphins are known to sometimes enjoy swimming in the wake created by jet skis, Humane Society International is concerned increasingly busy and noisy waterways are becoming problematic for them.
We do have to remember our presence on the water changes the way that these animals behave, marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck told Yahoo. While it could be seen that dolphins do enjoy it and we know that dolphins love to play, it is crucial that we behave responsibly on the water.
Noise is an additional problem caused by jet skis, as is other motorboat noise. Dr Delphine Chabanne studies estuarine dolphins at Murdoch University, explained in shallow water, like lakes the noise can be louder, and its often more difficult for the animals to get away.
Another aspect of the problem with human presence are collisions between animals and jet skis. They do not have a propellor like a boat, but they do go fast and collisions can be high risk, and people often dont see them come up to the surface because we rarely have clear water, she said.
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Explainer: What is 'Jaish al-Adl' and what makes it a dreaded terrorist group?
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 12:43 PM
By Press TV Website Staff
The headquarters of the Pakistan-based terrorist group, 'Jaish al-Adl', was pounded by a barrage of missiles late on Tuesday, which destroyed the group's terror infrastructure.
The long-anticipated military operation against the dreaded terrorist group based in the border region of Pakistan - southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province - has generated intense debate on social media about the terrorist group, its activities and origins.
We try to explain the past and present of the 'Jaish al-Adl' terrorist group, which has been involved in numerous terror attacks on the soil of Iran, including most recently in December when 11 policemen were killed in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province.
What is Jaish e Adl and who are its leaders?
The terrorist group was founded in 2012 by members of Jundallah, another Pakistan-based terrorist group that was destroyed by Iranian security agencies and ceased to exist after the capture and subsequent execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi in June 2010.
Rigi, the mastermind of several deadly terror attacks in Iran, was arrested in February 2010 while on a flight from Dubai to Kyrgyzstan and subsequently executed at Evin Prison on June 19, 2010.
In a statement at the time, the Iranian judiciary said the terrorist group leader was "responsible for the killing of 154 members of security forces and other innocent people and wounding of 320 people since 2003" and was "linked to members of foreign intelligence services."
'Jaish al-Adl' group claims to fight for the "independence" of Sistan and Baluchestan province and its modus operandi is targeting civilians and police stations in the province to foment chaos and disorder.
The murderous ideology of the group is reflected by its green-colored logo, featuring an assault rifle.
The present leadership of the 'Jaish e Adl' group isn't publicly known except for Salahuddin Farooqui and his deputy Mullah Omar Darakhshan, who are believed to be running the day-to-day militant activities of the group.
Farooqui was born in 1979 in Rask, Sistan and Baluchestan province, and has strong tribal connections with Baloch groups in Pakistan's Balochistan province.
He has openly voiced opposition to the Iranian government, vowed to divide the country and also unapologetically backed the Israeli-American aggression on Syria.
Darakhshan is the brother of Mullah 'Mauluk' Darakhshan, the slain Iranian Baloch separatist who was the founder of Sipah-e-Rasool Allah in the 1990s, a key ally of Pakistan-based anti-Shia outfits.
How many attacks it has carried out in Iran?
The 'Jaish al-Adl' terrorist group has been directly involved in a number of deadly attacks on the soil of the Islamic Republic of Iran, mostly in the southwestern Sistan and Baluchestan province.
The group has claimed responsibility for all these attacks through its social media channels.
More recently, it claimed responsibility in December for an attack on a police station in the province bordering Pakistan, which led to the martyrdom of 11 police personnel.
One of the earliest attacks came in August 1012, when 10 members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) were martyred in a deadly attack.
In October 2013, the terrorist group claimed responsibility for an attack that led to the martyrdom of 14 Iranian border guards in the city of Saravan in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Weeks later, a city prosecutor in Zabol was assassinated in a targeted attack, which also killed his driver. In November of that year, the group attacked a border police patrol, killing 14 and wounding 6 others.
In February 2014, five Iranian policemen were abducted by the Pakistan-based terrorist group, which prompted Iranian authorities to issue stern warnings to the group as well as Pakistani authorities.
In October of that year, three security personnel were killed in the Sistan and Baluchestan province.
In April 2015, eight Iranian border guards were martyred in a cross-border attack from the Pakistan-based terrorist group, which was followed by another attack days later that killed two IRGC officers.
In April 2017, the group claimed responsibility for an ambush that led to the martyrdom of nine border guards who had been patrolling the Pakistan-Iran border at the time of the attack.
In October 2018, the terrorist group kidnapped 12 security personnel and took them to Pakistan, five of whom were released a month later and four others in March 2019.
In December 2019, 'Jaish al-Adl' claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the port city of Chabahar, which killed two police officers and injured 40 others.
In January and February 2019, a series of attacks were reported in Sistan and Baluchestan province, which resulted in a number of casualties - both civilians and military personnel.
One of the biggest attacks was on February 13, 2019, when a suicide attack on a bus carrying IRGC officers left at least 27 martyred, which drew strong condemnation from the Iranian leadership.
Iranian leadership has time and again urged the Pakistani authorities to rein in the terror group.
What are its links with other terrorist groups and West?
The group, according to intelligence sources, receives financial and military support from the Israeli regime as well as the United States and other Western countries for its terror activities inside Iran.
Interestingly, it is a designated terrorist organization in the United States, apart from Japan, New Zealand and Iran. In Iran, it's known as 'Jaish al-Zulm' (the party of injustice).
In 2008, Pakistan's former army chief Mirza Aslam Baig revealed that the US was militarily and financially supporting the Jundullah, the parent organization of 'Jaish al-Adl', to destabilize Iran.
He said the US military was providing training to Jundullah fighters to stoke unrest in the border region of Iran and "affect the cordial ties between Iran and its neighbor Pakistan."
There have also been reliable reports about the group's close affiliation with the Daesh terrorist group and Al-Qaeda, as they share the same Takfiri and terror ideology and see Iran as the main adversary.
In a November 2023 interview with Midstone Centre, 'Jaish al-Adl spokesman Hossein Baloch refused to comment on the October 2023 Shah Cheragh shrine attack that was claimed by Daesh.
"We do not want to answer this question at this time," he stated, pointing to the group's close alliance with Daesh and possible involvement in the dastardly attack.
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US Redesignates Yemen's Houthis as Major Terror Group
By Jeff Seldin, Cindy Saine January 17, 2024
The United States is cracking down on Yemen's Houthi rebels, redesignating them as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group following weeks of missile and drone attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The move came nearly three years after the Houthis were first designated as a terror group and then subsequently delisted because of humanitarian concerns, and it followed repeated demands from the U.S. and other countries for the Houthis to stop firing on commercial shipping.
But the demands have been ignored, and attacks have continued despite a series of airstrikes by the U.S. and Britain, aimed at taking out radar systems and launch sites used in the attacks.
"We cannot sit idly by and watch what the Houthis are doing in the Red Sea and not recognize their actions for what they are," a senior U.S. administration official told reporters, briefing the condition of anonymity ahead of the official announcement.
"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism," a second official said, likewise speaking on the condition of anonymity. "They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardized global trade and threatened freedom of navigation."
U.S. officials point to about 30 attacks from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen since mid-November, impacting citizens, cargo and vessels from more than 50 countries.
Officials have also said that since the attacks started, some 2,000 ships have been diverted thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Additionally, Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.
On Tuesday, the U.S. for the first time carried out a series of preemptive strikes, destroying four Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles before they could be launched.
That followed two waves of U.S. and British strikes last week against more than 60 targets in 16 locations across Houthi-controlled Yemen.
Houthi officials Wednesday described the U.S. designation as an attempt at "blackmail."
"Whoever fails with aggression will certainly fail with a decision [of designation]," Houthi media official Abdul-Rahman Al-Ahnumi said in an interview with Reuters.
"The decision came at this time after Britain and America launched a military aggression against Yemen and failed to achieve the same goal, which is to dissuade Yemen from its position," Al-Ahnumi said. "It is also an attempt to dissuade Yemen from its position supporting Palestine and Gaza."
But in separate statements Wednesday, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the Houthi attacks "unprecedented."
"This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets," Sullivan said.
"The Houthis must be held accountable for their actions," Blinken said.
Several U.S. officials, though, left open the possibility the designation could be revoked if the attacks cease.
"The ultimate goal of sanctions is to convince the Houthis to de-escalate and bring about a positive change in behavior," one of the senior administration officials who briefed on the condition of anonymity told reporters. "If the Houthis cease their attacks, we can consider delisting designation."
But the official added the U.S. is taking steps to ensure that the designation does not harm efforts to help Yemen's civilian population, where the United Nations estimates 24 million people are at risk of starvation.
The re-designation of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group will not go into effect for 30 days, "to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve-outs are in place," the official said.
The official also said commercial shipments to Yemen of for food, medicine and fuel would not be affected by the sanctions.
The designation, however, will block the ability of the Houthis to access the U.S. financial system and paves the way for other sanctions and law enforcement actions against the group.
U.S. officials said the ability to ensure to continuation of humanitarian aid played a role in the decision to label the Houthis with the SDGT designation.
They said designating the Houthis with the harsher Foreign Terrorist Organization, or FTO, label would require additional sanctions that could ensnare aid organizations trying to provide relief for Yemen's civilians.
"We found in our conversations with groups that are providing humanitarian aid in Yemen that an FTO designation ran the risk of having a deterrent effect on some of those aid groups continuing to provide aid, worried that they might be charged as providing material support to a terrorist organization," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters during a briefing on Wednesday.
"So, when weighing those options, we decided that the SDGT designation gave us the tools to deny the Houthis access to the financial system, and gave us the tools to impose additional actions, additional sanctions, on anyone who does business with the Houthis, while minimizing some of the downstream harm to Yemeni civilians," he said.
Some aid groups, though, have already raised concerns that the SDGT designation will hurt more than it helps.
"Even with carve-outs, there is likely to be a serious chilling effect," the International Rescue Committee's Anastasia Moran said in a statement. "We are concerned some private sector actors, including food importers and banks facilitating transactions for humanitarian organizations, may choose to disengage altogether."
In contrast, some U.S. lawmakers are warning the SDGT designation does not go far enough.
"Designating the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist only applies sanctions and avoids taking any real action," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner said in a statement. "It's time to lead and protect and call them what they are a a Foreign Terrorist Organization."
Elisabeth Kendall, a Yemen specialist at the University of Cambridge in Britain, cautioned that regardless of the type of terrorist designation, the impact on the Houthis was likely to be minimal.
"Houthi hardliners and leaders will see this as a badge of honor and continue business as usual," she told VOA via email.
"They will not be the ones to suffer," she added. "The war economy is booming and has enriched many powerful figures. The smuggling trade may even prove more lucrative following the designation."
There are also questions about how the new designation will affect countries like Iran that have been supplying the Houthis.
"They [Houthis] currently use IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] funding, training and weapons to destabilize Yemen and engage in terrorist activities or terrorism that affects the region," said a third senior administration official in response to a question from VOA.
"So, we will continue to also counter Iranian malign influence wherever we can," the official said. "Of course, the choice to move away from Iran is now in the hands of the Houthis."
The U.S. first designated the Houthis, also known as Ansarallah, as both an SDGT and a FTO during the last days of President Donald Trump's administration in January 2021.
According to a statement by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the move was intended "to hold Ansarallah accountable for its terrorist acts, including cross-border attacks threatening civilian populations, infrastructure and commercial shipping."
But the designation was revoked about a month later under current U.S. President Joe Biden, with officials citing the need to get humanitarian aid into Yemen to prevent a possible famine.
"This decision is a recognition of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the time. "By focusing on alleviating the humanitarian situation in Yemen, we hope the Yemeni parties can also focus on engaging in dialogue."
The White House on Wednesday defended its decision to remove the terror designation for the Houthis, despite the need to redesignate them now.
"A big reason why we delisted them literally on day one was to address a dire, dire humanitarian situation on the ground," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
The Pentagon on Wednesday said the decision to designate the Houthis would not affect military operations in the region.
White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some information came from Reuters and The Associated Press.
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Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Terrorist Designation of the Houthis
January 17, 2024
Over the past months, Yemen-based Houthi militants have engaged in unprecedented attacks against United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism. They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.
Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions. If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation.
The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people. The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis. We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions. This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.
As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce.
###
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Canada takes Command of Combined Task Force 150
National Defence
News release
January 17, 2024 - Ottawa - National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Canada assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) from France at a ceremony held earlier today in Bahrain. Captain (Navy) Collin Matthews of the Royal Canadian Navy has assumed command of the multinational coalition tasked with conducting maritime security operations and capacity building in the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea, until July 2024.
CTF 150 is one of five Combined Task Forces, each with its own area of operations or focus, operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the world's largest multinational maritime partnership. CMF was created in 2001 to uphold the Rules Based International Order by countering illicit actors on the high seas and promoting security and stability across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Canada is currently contributing approximately 25 CAF personnel to CMF task forces, including holding the deputy commander position of CTF 154, which leads multinational training across partner nations. This also includes the contribution of staff officers to Op Prosperity Guardian, the new security initiative launched in December of 2023 under CTF 153, addressing the security challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Quotes
"I am proud to see Canada take the lead of CTF 150 once again. This opportunity demonstrates Canada's dedication to maritime security and the confidence our Royal Canadian Navy personnel inspire with our international allies and partners. I wish Captain (Navy) Matthews, his fellow CAF personnel, and our partners from Australia and New Zealand, fair winds and following seas." Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
"It is an honour to take command of CTF 150 and a privilege to lead this collection of dedicated CAF personnel for the next six months. We are eager to build on the achievements of the French command team. The success of this operation lies with our ability to work with like-minded nations toward the same goals, ensuring that legitimate commercial shipping can transit the region free from non-state threats and we are ready to face this task." Captain (Navy) Colin Matthews, Commander Combined Task Force 150
Quick facts
CMF is the world's largest multinational naval partnership, consisting of 39 member nations. The Canadian Armed Forces has been a member of CMF since its inception, and has routinely deployed ships, aircrafts, as well as land-based staff to CMF operations in support of regional stability and security.
CTF 150's area of responsibility includes some of the world's busiest shipping lanes and spans over five million square kilometers, covering the Gulf of Oman and North Arabian Sea. CTF 150's mission is to disrupt criminal and terrorist organisations' ability to conduct illicit activities in the area, so that legitimate navigation can transit the region, free from non state threats.
Command of CTF 150 rotates among partner nations, and this is the sixth time Canada has commanded the task force, the last time having been from January to July 2021. The Canadian command contingent is supported by personnel from the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces.
Canada's contribution to the CMF takes place through Operation ARTEMIS, which provides support to multiple UN Security Council Resolutions related to arms embargoes, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorism and crime, all while enhancing regional security.
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Housing market shows further stabilization, has foundation for longer term
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Jan 17, 2024 04:58 PM
China's real estate market has witnessed some positive signs of stabilization, and its long-term healthy development has a relatively good foundation, Kang Yi, head of the National Bureau of Statistics, told a press conference on Wednesday.
Declines in real estate investment and property sales narrowed last year. Investment in real estate development fell by 9.6 percent year-on-year, with the rate of decline narrowing by 0.4 percentage points from 2022.
The rate of decline in residential housing sales narrowed significantly, Kang said. The sales area of commercial housing fell by 8.5 percent, narrowing 15.8 percentage points from 2022. The sales volume fell 6.5 percent in 2023, down 20.2 percentage points compared with the previous year.
The area of housing completed by developers in 2023 increased 17 percent on a yearly basis.
Kang said that the long-term healthy development of the real estate market has a relatively good foundation, and the rate and quality of urbanization still has a lot of scope to improve. The country has great potential to build a new mode of real estate development, the official noted.
"The urbanization rate in 2023 stood at 66.16 percent, compared with about 80 percent in developed economies, indicating there are still more than 10 points for improvement. China's urbanization remains in the process of continuous growth," Kang noted.
The urbanization rate increased by an average of 0.93 percentage points annually over the past five years, and more than 10 million rural residents enter cities each year, which will produce rising new demand for housing, the official said.
Kang said that the demand to improve housing quality remains acute, which will also form an important driving force of the real estate market.
The demand for improved housing in the 70 surveyed medium-sized and large cities is obvious, as evidenced by the fact that the turnover of secondhand homes in those 70 cities exceeded that of new homes, according to Kang.
Yan Yuejin, research director at Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute, told the Global Times on Wednesday that in 2023, both the supply and demand sides were under pressure, which indicates that the effort to stabilize the real estate sector has to be further consolidated.
"However, some of the financial risk issues have been suppressed or better prevented and resolved, including at the corporate and household levels," Yan noted.
China has made stabilizing the real estate market a top priority for economic work in 2024. The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference held in December called for active and prudent efforts to defuse risks in the sector, address the reasonable financing needs of real estate enterprises and accelerate the development of a new model for the sector.
"The new mode of real estate development is being actively constructed, which is the fundamental solution to the problem of real estate development," Kang said.
Housing and Urban-Rural Development Minister Ni Hong said at the ministry's annual work conference held in December 2023 that the construction of affordable housing and public infrastructure for both normal and emergency use, as well as urban renewal, will be pushed forward. Another focus will be addressing the housing needs of new urban residents, young people and migrant workers.
Kang noted that these projects will help address problems in the housing market and boost related investment and consumption, promoting the healthy development of the real estate market.
Yan said that in 2024, with the stable recovery of the country's economy and the adjustment of the real estate market, the property market will show healthier development and confidence will be further enhanced.
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China's Charm Offensive in Davos to Woo Investors Falls Short, Analysts Say
By Lin Feng January 17, 2024
China brought a large delegation to this year's World Economic Forum in Davos to try to convince the world that the globe's second-largest economy is still open for business and a reliable place to invest. But analysts say Premier Li Qiang's speech on Tuesday was short on specifics that might have reassured investors.
Li led a delegation of 140 people to this week's five-day meeting of global political and business leaders. China brought as many as 10 ministerial-level officials related to China's economic affairs, according to the U.S. news website Politico. Li is the highest-ranking Chinese leader to attend the annual meeting since 2017, reflecting the importance Beijing attaches to it.
Anna Ashton, director of China corporate affairs and U.S.-China at Eurasia Group, a New York-based global political risk consulting firm, told VOA in an email that China's attention to the meeting "underscores 1) Beijing's continued interest in shaping global economic relations and development efforts, and 2) the importance Beijing places on reviving its international trade and investment relationships."
In his speech, Li assured investors and politicians that China's economy has "huge potential" and remains an "important engine" of global growth despite the serious economic headwinds the country has seen over the past year.
Signs of trouble
China's economy has been struggling to recover post-pandemic with the property market tanking, high youth unemployment and a drop last year in exports for the first time since 2016.
In the third quarter of last year, China recorded its first quarterly foreign direct investment deficit of $11.8 billion, the first time that has happened since records began in 1998. That means divestments and business downsizing were $11.8 billion greater than new investment, according to Bloomberg.
China's official gross domestic product growth for 2023 was 5.2%, meeting its target of around 5% but lower than analysts' expectations and one of its lowest annual growth rates in decades
Despite the challenges, Li on Tuesday said that the economy's long-term positive trend would not change, and that China would continue to contribute to world economic development. He also promised China would stay committed to its fundamental policy of opening its door wider to the world.
Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told VOA that Li's speech was generally positive and showed that he hoped to eliminate outsiders' negative views of China's economy.
But he added that Li's speech did not list any specific measures Beijing would take that would attract Western companies, doing little to alleviate their concerns about where China's economy is headed.
"I think the business community, especially firms that have big operations in China, would have the mood of 'show me,' because they can recite all sorts of regulations and restrictions that hamper their ability to do business, take their intellectual property, and make it really not such a friendly environment," he said.
"So this speech did not have anything that I would call 'concrete measures' that would really appeal to the business community. So they will be more skeptical."
Reasons for concern
Some trade groups say there is a shift away from investment in China's economy in response to tightened political controls, including raids on firms and exit bans on foreign executives.
A November survey by the Conference Board, a U.S.-based nonprofit business membership and research group, showed that CEOs of multinational companies with operations in China are quickly losing confidence in that country.
The survey's confidence index dropped to 54 on a scale of 0-100 from a record high of 72 in April. Forty percent of CEOs surveyed also expected capital investments in China to decrease, and almost as many expected to lay off employees in the next six months, compared with 9% in the first half of last year.
Japan's Chamber of Commerce in China on Monday published figures showing 48% of companies surveyed said they did not invest in China or reduced their investment in 2023 compared with a year earlier.
According to Reuters news agency, Li said at a luncheon after his speech Tuesday, "We will take active steps to address reasonable concerns of the global business community."
Just as Li was telling the world that China's door would only open wider, China's President Xi Jinping was sending a different message that emphasized the primacy of the Chinese Communist Party.
In a speech on January 16, Xi reiterated that China should advance economic development with "Chinese characteristics" that is different from Western financial models, adhering to the party's centralized and unified leadership over economic work.
Eurasia Group's Ashton said business thrives on predictability.
"The significance of Li's words will be best assessed in the follow-through," she said. "China's own actions have and will continue to factor into the turbulent geopolitical atmosphere that Li described. Divergent priorities, interests and convictions cannot just be wished away, and cooperating effectively to address them is easier said than done."
Just days before its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum released a survey of economists showing that none of them anticipate anything more than moderate expansion in China's economy this year.
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China always supports Africa in accelerating its independent development and promote upgrading of bilateral cooperation: Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Jan 18, 2024 12:40 PM
China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more benefits from China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said while meeting with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe in Lome, Togo on January 17, 2024 local time during his first overseas trip in 2024, which is taking place between January 13 to 18 at the invitation of four African countries, Egypt, Tunisia, Togo and Cote d'Ivoire.
Wang conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said that the China-Togo friendship, forged by the older generation of leaders, has become a model of South-South cooperation.
China will enhance the synergy of development strategies with Togo and support Togo in achieving sustainable development, Wang said.
China understands and believes in Africa, Wang said, noting that as long as Africa is united and independent, grows stronger through unity, and is seeking out a development path suited to local conditions, the continent will be able to overcome difficulties and create new opportunities.
The 21st century is a century of revitalization for developing countries, Wang stressed, noting that China will always stand firmly with Africa, support Africa in accelerating its independent development, and promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, to deliver more benefits from China-Africa cooperation to Togo and other African countries.
Wang added that China has provided a reference for developing countries to explore development paths suited to their national conditions, and China stands ready to share development experience and opportunities with Africa to realize modernization for both China and Africa.
Faure Gnassingbe asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to President Xi and spoke highly of the bilateral relations and practical cooperation.
Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Togo and other African countries have realized development in infrastructure construction, Faure Gnassingbe said.
Africa has accelerated its economic growth, enhanced security and brought benefits to the people on the continent, he said, stressing that these achievements cannot be realized without China's long-term and selfless assistance.
Togo expresses gratitude to China for upholding justice in the international arena, opposing interference in Africa's internal affairs, and playing an indispensable role in Africa's peaceful development.
The African people need a friend like China, who takes care of Africa's realities, listens to Africa's demands, and never imposes its will on others, he said.
As a beneficiary of Africa-China cooperation, Togo will always trust China and carry forward the traditional friendship while deepening cooperation in various fields, he added.
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China, Philippines hold new round of bilateral consultation meeting, agree on improving sea-related communication
Global Times
By Global Times Published: Jan 18, 2024 08:47 AM
China and the Philippines held the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Shanghai on Wednesday amid rising tensions, and the two sides agreed on improving the sea-related communication mechanism and handling maritime emergencies, especially the situation on the Ren'ai Jiao.
Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong co-chaired the meeting with Philippine Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro. Both sides reiterated that South China Sea disputes do not define the entire bilateral relationship and emphasized the importance of communication and dialogue in maintaining maritime peace and stability.
Both sides agreed to enhance the sea-related communication mechanism, manage maritime conflicts and differences through friendly consultations, address maritime emergencies, particularly the situation on the Ren'ai Jiao, and further promote practical maritime cooperation. These efforts aim to create opportunities for the healthy and stable development of China-Philippines relations.
It has been more than a month since the Philippines last sent ships to intrude into the waters around China's Ren'ai Jiao (also known as Ren'ai Reef). This marks the longest period without Manila's provocations since August, 2023.
According to some experts, this situation represents a temporary de-escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, following China's display of determination in safeguarding its sovereign security and maritime rights through legitimate measures.
Nevertheless, the Philippines has continued with provocative actions and maneuvers in recent days, despite China's repeated warnings. These actions include the Philippines' preparations for legal action against China, alleging "destructive environmental activity" in the South China Sea, and the Philippines' claims to be developing islands in the South China Sea region to enhance their suitability for military purposes.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines also recently congratulated Lai Ching-te, who won the regional election in China's Taiwan region, and expressed a desire for close collaboration in the years ahead. However, this move faced strong opposition from the Chinese side.
During the Wednesday meeting, China strongly conveyed its position to the Philippines regarding Taiwan-related questions. China demanded that the Philippines sincerely adhere to the one-China principle and promptly cease any incorrect statements or actions related to Taiwan.
The Philippines reiterated its commitment to the one-China policy and affirmed its intention to continue implementing it effectively.
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DPRK Foreign Minister Meets Russian President
Korean Central News Agency of DPRK
Pyongyang, January 17 (KCNA) -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea who is leading the DPRK government delegation on an official visit to the Russian Federation, paid a courtesy call on Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on Tuesday.
Choe Son Hui courteously conveyed the warm greetings from President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong Un to President Putin.
President Putin asked the head of the delegation to convey his New Year greetings to Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the DPRK.
The talk reaffirmed the stand of both sides to promote the dynamic development of the overall bilateral relations, in conformity with the strong desire of the peoples in the two countries to usher in a new heyday of the strategic and traditional DPRK-Russia relations of friendship and achieve common prosperity and development, and closely cooperate and keep pace with each other for ensuring the regional and global peace and stability.
The talk proceeded in an amicable atmosphere overflowing with feelings of friendship.
Present there were members of the DPRK government delegation and DPRK Ambassador to the Russian Federation Sin Hong Chol, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov and officials concerned of the Russian Federation. -0-
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Talks Held between Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Russian Federation
Korean Central News Agency of DPRK
Pyongyang, January 17 (KCNA) -- Talks were held between Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea who is heading the DPRK government delegation on an official visit to the Russian Federation, and Sergei Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, on Tuesday.
Present there from the DPRK side were Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon Il and other members of the delegation, DPRK Ambassador to the Russian Federation Sin Hong Chol and from the Russian side Vice Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko, officials of the Foreign Ministry and Russian Ambassador to the DPRK Alexandr Matsegora.
The talks discussed in detail the issue of developing the DPRK-Russia relations of friendship onto a higher stage on the basis of the agreements reached at the historic DPRK-Russia summit in September 2023 and the issues of strengthening the strategic and tactical cooperation between the foreign policy bodies of the two countries to actively promote the bilateral exchange and cooperation in all fields including the economy and culture this year marking the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of the DPRK-Russia agreement on economic and cultural cooperation.
Both sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on intensifying the joint action over the regional and international issues including the situation in the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia and reached a consensus of views.
The talks proceeded in a warm and comradely atmosphere. -0-
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This particular gharial, a river-dwelling crocodilian, lives at Chambal National Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, India. Kevin Schafer / Getty Images
The gharial is one of the rarest and most unusual-looking crocodilian species on the planet. Learn more about this unique species and discover what conservation groups are doing to protect gharial populations.
Gharial Basics
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also called gavial, is a river-dwelling crocodilian species that was once prevalent on the Indian subcontinent and is now critically endangered.
The first thing most people notice about gharials is their long, narrow snout. A gharial will sweep its slender snout sideways to catch fish with its sharp teeth.
This predominantly aquatic crocodilian inhabits rivers and females dig their nests on riverbanks during the dry season. Adult gharials typically reach a body length of 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 meters) long.
The Ghara
The gharial is the only living crocodilian with highly visible sexual dimorphism, meaning mature males are easy to distinguish from females. Male gharials develop a hollow bulbous nasal protuberance at the end of their long snout once they reach sexual maturity.
This bulbous growth, known as a ghara (after the clay pot it resembles) gives the species its common name, "gharial." Adult males use their ghara to make a buzzing noise.
The False Gharial
The gharial is not to be confused with the Malayan or false gharial (Tomistoma schlegeli), another river-dwelling, fish-eating crocodile found in Southeast Asia. The two species both have narrow snouts specialized for eating fish, and a 2018 study found the false gharial is the gharial's closest living relative.
Despite these similarities, there are a few key differences, including:
Conservation status : False gharials are less rare than gharials, with an IUCN Red List status of "vulnerable" and an estimated population of several thousand mature individuals, compared to the critically endangered gharial's estimated population of several hundred adults.
Habitat : False gharials live in Malaysia and Indonesia; gharials live in Bangladesh, Nepal and India.
Color: False gharials are red-brown with dark spots; gharials are green-gray and darken with age.
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Gharial Conservation Status
Gharials are on the IUCN Red List as "critically endangered." There are about 650 adult gharials in the wild, with more than three-quarters of the total gharial population living in the protected National Chambal Sanctuary in North India.
Human disruption of the gharial habitat is the biggest threat to the critically endangered gharial, including sand mining which causes habitat loss by destroying the sand banks gharials use as nesting sites in the dry season and water control such as dam construction.
Although people rarely hunt gharials, they do take gharial eggs for food and medicine. Gharials are also at risk of getting caught in gill nets from fishing activity.
Young gharials are more likely to get caught in fishing nets, but adult gharials are vulnerable, too. In June 2023, an adult male gharial was found dead, entangled in a fishing net, in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.
Original article: Gharial: The Rare Crocodilian With an Extremely Narrow Snout
N Korean FM meets Putin in Moscow, praises 'comradely' bilateral ties
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 6:16 AM
North Korean Foreign Minister has lauded the "comradely" ties with Russia during talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as they discussed deepening bilateral ties.
Choe Son Hui said the meeting was evidence that "friendly" bilateral ties were "developing in accordance with the plans of the two countries' leaders".
The North Korean top diplomat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and presidential aide Yury Ushakov briefed Putin on the results of agreements reached at a meeting earlier in the day, according to a Kremlin statement.
Choe said, "The fact that now the foreign ministers of the two countries often meet and deepen comradely ties is yet more proof that the Korean-Russian friendly relations, with a long history of friendship and tradition, are energetically moving forward in accordance with the plans of the leaders."
Lavrov also said, "We always support North Korea at the United Nations and very much appreciate your similar stance in support for Russia's position, including on matters related to our special military operation in Ukraine."
According to Lavrov, one of the goals of the meeting was "to conduct a preliminary review of efforts" toward the implementation of agreements reached by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Vostochny Space Launch Center in September 2023, including helping Pyongyang build satellites.
"These contacts mark the beginning of an intensive and demanding but also fruitful and rewarding work to expand our relations across the board. We are preparing several other important events, including on cultural and humanitarian matters," he said.
In mid-September, Putin and Kim met at a summit at the space center located in Russia's far-eastern Amur region where they inspected the facilities and held talks on how Russia could help North Korea build satellites, as well as a possible arms deal.
At the time, the United States claimed its intelligence sources confirmed that Russia and North Korea were "actively advancing" in the weapons deal.
North Korea has been under harsh sanctions by the US and the United Nations Security Council for years over its defensive nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The sanctions have, however, failed to halt the country's nuclear program.
Pyongyang also says its missile drills are a "just countermeasure" against the joint US-South Korea war games.
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Hamas slams Germany for planning to give Israel tank shells
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 6:18 PM
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned Germany's plan to give Israel tank ammunition.
Since early October 2023, Israel has killed more than 24,000 people in the besieged Gaza Strip. The Palestinian territory faces a dire humanitarian situation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas said Germany's move would amount to its direct involvement in Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza.
The move "makes Germany a direct partner in the war against our people in Gaza," it said.
The resistance movement further underlined that if Germany goes ahead with its plan, the Palestinians will hold Berlin fully responsible, both politically and morally, for the crimes of Israel against the people of Gaza.
Hamas said Germany has apparently not learned lessons from the past.
On Tuesday, the news magazine Der Spiegel reported that the German government was considering an Israeli request for about 10,000 precision-guided 120mm tank shells. All the agencies involved have approved the request.
Israel has made a similar request to other partners, not least its great benefactor the United States.
US President Joe Biden approved the delivery of 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition for almost $106 million in December.
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Germany considers delivery of tank ammunition to Israel amid Gaza genocidal war
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 9:25 AM
Germany's government is considering the delivery of tank ammunition to Israel amid genocidal war against Gaza, the German magazine Der Spiegel has reported, as Western governments keep on backing the Tel Aviv regime for its ongoing massacre.
Israel requested Germany in November to approve the delivery of around 10,000 rounds of 120-millimeter precision ammunition manufactured by Rheinmetall, the report said.
The departments involved have already fundamentally agreed behind the scenes to fulfill a request from the Israeli government.
The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor thanked the German government for its unrelenting support it has shown.
"Since October 7, Germany has unmistakably stood by Israel and expressed its unreserved support," Prosor told Der Spiegel. "Israel thanks Germany for this," he added.
The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that arms deliveries were also possible.
According to the report, in order to promptly address the request, there is consideration being given to releasing ammunition from the stocks of the German army as the industry is unable to provide the desired precision ammunition immediately.
In November apart from Germany, Israel had also asked other partners for military aid because of its heavy use of ammunition against the Gazans.
US President Joe Biden approved the delivery of 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition for almost $106 million at the beginning of December, after he bypassed Congress.
The Western-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza has been escalating because of the continuous support of Western governments, as they have been persistently arming Israel and supporting the regime with large amounts of funds.
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Statement from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on the summoning of the Iranian chargA d'affaires
Government Offices of Sweden
17 January 2024
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs today summoned Iran's chargA d'affaires in Sweden. Sweden's demands for the immediate release of the Swedish citizens arbitrarily detained in Iran, consular access to detained citizens and respect for international commitments on consular matters were stressed at the meeting.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs also presented a protest against Iran's missile strike on Erbil, Iraq on 15 January.
The Government has heard reports of further arrests of Swedish citizens. In late 2023, a man with Swedish and Iranian citizenship was detained for no apparent reason. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is in contact with his relatives.
The Government is working intensively and tirelessly to secure the release without delay of Swedish citizens detained in Iran for no apparent reason.
The Government takes a serious view of the situation and reminds Swedes of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' advice against all travel to Iran already in effect.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs continues to seek additional information about the Swedish citizen who was reportedly detained in Iran last week.
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FM says Iran backs security of navigation, shipping
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that his country backs the security of navigation and shipping in regional and international waters, and will continue efforts aimed at ensuring security in the West Asia region.
Amirabdollahian made the comments on Wednesday as tensions remain high in the region over US-led airstrikes against Yemen in the wake of its attacks on Israeli-linked ships in retaliation for the regime's war on Gaza.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran backs navigation security and considers it as important for its foreign trade. But it is necessary to pay attention to the root cause of the crisis in the Red Sea, which is the war against Gaza", the top Iranian diplomat said as he met with his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Iran will continue efforts to ensure lasting security in the region, Amirabdollhaian added.
He also said that if the genocide in Gaza is stopped, the spillover of the war will be controlled as well, and stability will return to the region and the Red Sea.
The Slovenian foreign minister said that her country is opposed to the Gaza war and urges an end to the conflict there.
She also announced Slovenia's readiness to contribute to efforts to resolve regional crises including the Palestine issue.
In addition to Gaza, the two foreign ministers discussed cooperation between their countries, with Amirabdollahian calling for the expansion of trade and economic ties with Slovenia, including between their private sectors.
Fajon said that her country is also interested in developing ties with Iran.
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Iran border guards destroy terrorist group in southeast borderline
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- An Iranian commander has announced that border guards have succeeded in dismantling a terrorist group, who had been trying to enter the country through southeastern borderline.
Brigadier General Ahmadali Goudarzi, commander of border guards of Sistan and Baluchestan province, said on Wednesday that border regiment of Jakigor district vigilantly identified an armed group, who were attempting to enter the country with the aim of carrying out sabotage, and engaged in a confrontation, which led to the exchange of heavy fire.
Amid the fierce clash, an element of the terrorist group was killed, and two others were injured who could escape, he said, adding that border guards continue to apprehend the terrorists in that region.
The senior police official further noted border guards succeed in seizing a vehicle as well as a significant number of arms, ammunition, explosive devices, hand grenades, detonators, and an RPG launcher.
Jakigor district is located in the Rask County of Sistan and Baluchestan province. In an attack on a police headquarters in Rask County 11 police officers were killed and several others were wounded overnight December 14/15, 2023.
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Terrorist killed in clashes with IRGC forces in southeastern Iran
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- Ground Force of the Quds base of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) of Sistan and Baluchestan province, in southeastern Iran, has announced that a terrorist agent was killed in the armed clashes with IRGC forces in the province.
Office for the Public Relations of the Quds base headquarters said on Wednesday that it had killed one terrorist during armed clashes with the fully equipped terrorist group so-called "Jaish al-Adl" who were attempting to enter Iran through its eastern borders in Kastag village, Rask county.
Some other members of the terrorist group fled the scene, it added.
Huge amounts of ammunition, explosives, and bomb-making equipment were confiscated in the operation and their terror plans in the region were foiled, it declared.
Back in December, gunmen of the "Jaish al-Adl" (better known in Iran as Jaish al-Dhulm) terrorist group stormed the police station in Rask, killing 11 servicemen and injuring a number of others.
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Iran has no limit in defending its security: Defense minister
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammadreza Ashtiani says that Iran respects the territorial integrity of other countries but insists that it has no limits in defending its security.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the cabinet session on Wednesday, Ashtiani referred to missile attacks by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) against terrorists in the region, saying: "It doesn't matter to us, we will react from any area that threatens Iran."
However, he said that Iran's reaction will be proportionate, decisive, and tough.
We condemn terrorism all over the world, the minister noted, adding that in case of any violation of people's rights and terrorist actions against the Iranians, we will react strongly and we do not set any limits in this regard.
Ashtiani said that Iran respects the sovereignty, interests of countries, their rights and laws, and the territorial integrity of all countries, especially our neighbors.
The IRGC said on Tuesday that four Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles had been launched from Khuzestan province in southwest Iran towards Daesh terrorist positions in Idlib, Syria.
Daesh claimed responsibility for two bomb blasts that killed nearly 100 people at a memorial service for Iran's top anti-terror commander General Qassem Soleimani in southeastern Iran early this month.
Four more missiles were launched from western Iran, along with seven others from the northwest of the country, targeting a Mossad center in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Nine missiles of various types also struck the positions of other terrorist groups in different areas of the occupied territories in Syria, according to IRGC statements.
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Amirabdollahian hails Iran-Pakistan ties as deep, historical
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 17, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described relations between Iran and Pakistan as deep and historical, highlighting Tehran's readiness to expand its ties with Islamabad as much as possible.
He made the remarks in a meeting with Pakistan's interim Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral ties, saying the two countries' leaders strive to increase to the volume of bilateral trade from $2.5 billion to $5 billion.
Appreciating Pakistan's expression of sympathy with Iran over a deadly terrorist attack in the southern city of Kerman earlier this month, Amirabdollahian said fighting terrorism is one of the most important sources of concern for both countries.
He also touched on the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate end to the Zionist regime's war on the besieged territory, warning that although the Americans think they can manage the situation as they wish, "during wartime anything could happen."
Kakar, for his part, underscored the importance of Tehran-Islamabad relations and expressed his country's desire to strengthen its ties with Iran.
He also said the two Islamic republics are facing common challenges such as terrorism, calling for joint efforts and cooperation to limit such perils.
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Iran defends anti-terror operations against ISIS, Mossad targets
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Wed / 17 January 2024 / 12:08
Iran's UN envoy has defended the country's recent anti-terror operations targeting the facilities belonging to Takfiri terrorists in Syria and Mossad bases in northern Iraq.
Tehran-ISNA-Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter addressed to the world body's Security Council on Tuesday.
The diplomat said the operations had been conducted in line with the Islamic Republic's "inherent right of self-defense under international law and the Charter of the United Nations." as PressTV reported.
"The operations were necessary and proportionate, precisely targeting bases of terrorist groups and fully respecting Iran's international obligations, especially international humanitarian law," he added.
"Iran reiterates its inherent rights, as recognized by international law, to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and its citizens against any threats or attacks."
The letter, meanwhile, underscored Iran's "unwavering commitment" to fully respecting the national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria.
A day earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had fired barrages of ballistic missiles against facilities belonging to the Daesh and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria.
ISIS claimed responsibility for two explosions that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores of others at a memorial for Iran's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on January 3.
In a simultaneous operation on Monday, the IRGC had struck an intelligence unit used by anti-Iranian terrorist groups associated with the Israeli regime in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Separately on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the IRGC strikes were part of "just punishment" against violators of Iran's security after the deadly terrorist attacks in Kerman.
The Islamic Republic has always supported peace, stability, and security in the region and respected other countries' sovereignty. Nonetheless, Tehran will not hesitate to exercise its legitimate and legal right to deter all sources of threats against its national security, defend its citizens, and punish the criminals," said ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani.
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A young mum is lucky to be alive after an enormous tree branch fell onto her and and her daughter in a freak accident, "snapping her leg like a twig" and breaking it in three places.
Adelaide mum Anna Frances-Wood will now have to learn to walk again after the horrific accident at Keith Stevenson Park in Mount Barker on Sunday.
She is recovering after emergency surgery but says she's at least grateful the tree didn't seriously injure her four-year-old daughter Juniper who was right beside her when the tragedy unfolded.
Anna Frances's leg 'snapped like a twig' after a branch from a gumtree fell eight metres onto her and her daughter. Source: GoFundMe
"I just heard this massive sort of cracking noise and I just felt my leg snap like a twig," Anna told 7 News. The mum said the massive gumtree branch fell eight metres onto her leg and her young daughter, as she heard her terrified screams.
"I just saw her getting crushed by the tree branch and she started screaming," she recalled.
"It did just drop at no notice," a witness told 7 News, saying there was no indication or signs the tree was sick of weak.
According to arborists, SA's recent "drastic weather changes" can distress trees causing them to drop their branches.
The Adelaide mum will now have to learn to walk again after the freak accident at Keith Stephenson Park. Source: 7News.
SA woman now has to learn to walk again
Anna was treated at the Royal Adelaide where she's since undergone surgery and will now have to learn how to walk again. Mount Barker Council has reached out to her and will now reassess the safety of all trees at the playground.
"My prognosis is still to be determined as to whether I'll be able to walk properly again," Anna said.
A fundraising campaign has since been established for the mum, where she revealed the true extent of her journey ahead.
"I cant bear any load or weight on my leg for 6-12 weeks, after which Ill need to learn to walk again, strictly no walking or hobbling," Anna said, in messages shared by her friend on the page. "Ill be in crutches or a wheelchair. No cast, it's been removed since having surgery, Ill instead have a knee brace as my bones are now fixed internally with metal."
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It's understood Anna does not have extended family she can rely on as unfortunately her mother is not in the picture, and her father is deaf and vision impaired, the campaign said.
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Foreign Minister receives telephone call of the Foreign Minister of Iran
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is currently leading the Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, today.
The Foreign Minister firmly underscored that the attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory, on 16 January 2024, was not only a serious breach of Pakistan's sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Expressing Pakistan's unreserved condemnation of the attack, the Foreign Minister added that the incident has cause serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act.
Stressing that terrorism was a common threat to the region and required concerted and coordinated efforts to combat this menace, the Foreign Minister underlined that unilateral actions could seriously undermine regional peace and stability. No country in the region should tread this perilous path.
Islamabad
17 January 2024
16/2024
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Iran views Pakistan's security as that of its own: Amir-Abdollahian tells Jilani
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 4:57 PM
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian tells his Pakistani counterpart that Iranian attacks on terrorists based in Pakistan's territory were meant to remove security threats to both nations, reiterating Iran's respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its eastern neighbor.
In a phone call with Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday, Amir-Abdollahian said that the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group that was targeted in Iranian missile and drone attacks a day earlier has been working against the security of both Iran and Pakistan for the past years.
He reiterated the fact that no Pakistani national had been affected by the attacks which he said had solely targeted terrorists of Iranian origin operating against the Islamic Republic's security from the Pakistani territory.
"Iran's security has repeatedly been threatened by this Iranian terrorist grouplet from the Pakistani soil and the grouplet has repeatedly claimed responsibility for terrorist moves on the Iranian soil," said the top Iranian diplomat.
He expressed hope that military and security officials of Iran and Pakistan would continue to exchange ideas to boost their security cooperation.
For his part, Jilani said in the phone call that Pakistan has always took measure against any threat targeting the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran from its soil.
He said that Pakistan expects that operations against terrorist groups in the country are solely carried out by Pakistani forces.
The minister further called on the Iranian side to share intelligence about terrorist groups operating in Pakistan with Islamabad as part of joint cooperation between the two countries.
Iranian media said on Tuesday that bases controlled by Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's Balochistan province had been hit and destroyed by missiles and drones fired by the Iranian Armed Forces.
That came a day after Iran's elite military force the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on targets controlled by terrorists and the Israeli spies in Syria and in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
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IRGC Ground Force fights off Jaish al-Adl-affiliated terror team, kills one terrorist
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 3:04 PM
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has managed to fight off a team of militants affiliated with the Pakistan-based so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan close to the border with Pakistan.
The IRGC Ground Force's Quds Base said in a statement on Wednesday that the IRGC servicemen, having fully detected the fully-armed terrorists and been informed of their plans for terrorist activities, clashed with them in Kastag village of Rask County.
The statement added that a terrorist was killed in the operation, while the rest fled the area into southwestern Pakistan.
The operation also resulted in the confiscation of ammunition, weapons and explosives from the militants, it said.
Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan, has witnessed several terror attacks targeting both civilians and security forces over the past years.
Iran's security forces have invariably protected the border areas and managed to repel almost all terrorist attacks by foreign-backed anti-revolution elements across the country.
Back on December 15 last year, the Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for a vicious terrorist assault on Rask County's police headquarters.
Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor in security and political affairs, said at the time that 11 police forces, including officers and conscripts, were killed in the attack.
Majid Mirahmadi, deputy interior minister for security and police affairs, also said the terrorists attacked the police post from several directions and later ambushed reinforcements deployed to the location.
He said two of the terrorists were killed and one of them was injured and arrested in hours-long clashes, while the rest escaped.
Six police forces were injured during the exchange of fire, he said.
The attack, which occurred around midnight, was one of the deadliest in years for the region sitting close to Iran's border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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Iran attack didn't target Pakistani nationals, but Iranian terrorists: FM Amir-Abdollahian
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 2:10 PM
Iran's foreign minister says the country's Tuesday missile attack on areas in Pakistan adjacent to Iranian borders was directed at the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group and no Pakistani national was targeted.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said members of the terrorist group are Iranians who have taken shelters in Pakistan and that Tehran had repeatedly warned Islamabad to prevent their anti-Iran cross-border operations.
"None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones," he said.
"The so-called Jaish al-Adl group, which is an Iranian terrorist group, was targeted," he said, adding that this was a response to the recent attacks on Iran by the group, which he said is linked to Israel.
Jaish al-Adl, which was formed in 2012, has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.
The group claimed responsibility for an attack in December on a police station in the southeastern city of Rask that killed at least 11 Iranian police officers. On January 10, another attack by the group on a police station in the city killed a policeman.
On Tuesday, Iran launched simultaneous drone and missile attacks into two bases of Jaish al-Adl.
The strike came after Iran launched missile attacks on spy headquarters and terrorist targets in Syria, and in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.
'Attacks meant to boost regional security'
The minister also touched on Iran's attack into Iraq's Kurdistan region, saying they were retaliation for recent anti-Iran attacks staged by Israel's Mossad.
The Iranian minister said Tehran has shared intelligence with Iraq about Mossad activities in Iraq's Kurdistan, adding that Israel is an enemy of both Iraq and Iran.
He cited a 2023 security pact between Iran and Iraq, saying it obliges Iraqi officials not to allow Iran's security to be threatened from their soil.
The top Iranian diplomat said Iran respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq but would strongly react to any attack on its national security.
"We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and Iraq, but we do not allow our national security to be compromised, and we have no compunction about [dealing with] terrorist parties inside Pakistan and Israeli movements in the Kurdistan region of Iraq."
He said the attacks were aimed at protecting the security of Iran, its neighbors, and also the wider region.
"What we did was aimed at boosting the security of Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, and the region. We consider the security of Iraq and Pakistan to be that of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.
'End of Gaza war will calm region'
In his remarks, Amir Abdollahian said the only solution to prevent escalation in the Red Sea and other parts of the region is for the US-Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to come to an end.
He said Iran had repeatedly warned that the continuation of the genocide against Palestinians will lead the Gaza war to spread to other parts of the region.
He also urged Washington to stop its unwavering support for Israel, and to push for an end to the onslaught.
He said Washington's support for Israel was its first mistake concerning the ongoing situation in the region, and its second mistake was staging direct attacks on Yemeni boats.
Amir-Abdollahian stressed the importance of maritime security in the Red Sea, saying Iran conducts much of its trade through seas and it benefits from security in international waters.
He said Yemen also believes that international waters must be secure, and that its attacks are only aimed at bringing the Israeli genocide in Gaza to a halt.
Amir-abdollahian warned that "everyone will be harmed" if Israel's crimes in Gaza do not stop immediately.
"An end to the genocide in Gaza will lead to an end of attacks and crises in the region."
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Iranian, Pakistani forces hold joint naval exercise in Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 6:39 AM
Iranian and Pakistani military forces have staged a day-long joint naval training exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf as the two neighbors move to enhance cooperation and forge stronger relations.
Combat vessels and missile-launching warships of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and the Pakistan Navy took part in the drills, which were held off the coast of the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Tuesday.
The main goals of the naval drills were described as elevating the level of training interactions and exchanges, promoting military relations and implementing bilateral maritime agreements.
Young officers and cadets of Iranian and Pakistani navies employed a raft of naval tactics through their maneuvers and exercised communication and interaction through various telecommunication systems.
They also practiced the transmission and reception of messages during emergencies at sea.
Iran and Pakistan have stepped up military cooperation in recent years and have held a number of joint naval exercises.
Last June, senior military commanders from Iran and Pakistan weighed plans for cooperation between the navies and air forces of the two neighbors.
Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, who had traveled to Islamabad, held separate meetings with Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi and Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force Zaheer Ahmad Babar.
The Iranian Navy chief and his delegation were briefed on the Pakistani Navy's professional activities in ensuring maritime security in the region, and the plans for bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The Iranian and Pakistani commanders also discussed plans to promote cooperation between the navies of the two neighboring countries in various sectors, including training courses and the exchange of delegations.
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In letter to UN, Iran defends anti-terror operations against Takfiri, Israel-linked targets
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 12:36 AM
Iran's UN envoy has defended the country's recent anti-terror operations targeting the facilities belonging to Takfiri terrorists in Syria and Israel-linked anti-Iranian terror groups in Iraq.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter addressed to the world body's Security Council on Tuesday.
The diplomat said the operations had been conducted in line with the Islamic Republic's "inherent right of self-defense under international law and the Charter of the United Nations."
"The operations were necessary and proportionate, precisely targeting bases of terrorist groups and fully respecting Iran's international obligations, especially international humanitarian law," he added.
"Iran reiterates its inherent rights, as recognized by international law, to safeguard its sovereignty, national security, and its citizens against any threats or attacks."
The letter, meanwhile, underscored Iran's "unwavering commitment" to fully respecting the national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria.
A day earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) had fired barrages of ballistic missiles against facilities belonging to the Daesh and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria.
Daesh had claimed responsibility for two explosions that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores of others at a memorial for Iran's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on January 3.
In a simultaneous operation on Monday, the IRGC had struck an intelligence unit used by anti-Iranian terrorist groups associated with the Israeli regime in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
Separately on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the IRGC strikes were part of "just punishment" against violators of Iran's security after the deadly terrorist attacks in Kerman.
"The Islamic Republic has always supported peace, stability, and security in the region and respected other countries' sovereignty. Nonetheless, Tehran will not hesitate to exercise its legitimate and legal right to deter all sources of threats against its national security, defend its citizens, and punish the criminals," said ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani.
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Pakistan Recalls Ambassador After Iran's 'Unprovoked' Attack Kills Two Children
By RFE/RL January 17, 2024
Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from Iran in response to strikes by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) that killed two children in the southwestern Balochistan Province.
The decision was announced by a Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman on January 17, just a day after Iraq recalled its envoy from Tehran after civilians were killed in an IRGC missile strike in Irbil.
"Last night's unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran is a violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations," the spokesman said in the statement, adding that the Iranian ambassador had not been allowed to return to Islamabad from Tehran "for the time being."
The statement added that Pakistan "reserves the right to respond to this illegal act" and that Iran bears responsibility for the "consequences" of the attack.
The governor of Sindh Province, who was on a four-day visit to Iran to participate in a Joint Border Trade Committee meeting and attend the 2024 Chahbahar Expo, announced the cancellation of his trip and returned to Karachi late on January 17.
Speaking to media at the Karachi airport, Governor Kamran Tessori said he had asked all traders to return to Pakistan. This included a 50-member delegation of traders accompanying him to the expo.
The IRGC on January 16 struck targets in Balochistan that it said were linked to the Sunni Baluch militant group Jaish al-Adl. The other missile attacks targeted "spy headquarters" and "terrorist" targets in Syria and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.
The IRGC attack in Pakistan killed two children and injured three others, according to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.
The United States condemned the attacks, and Britain urged Iran to stop supplying weapons to the Huthis.
"We've seen Iran violate the sovereign borders of three of its neighbors in just the past couple of days," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he urged Tehran to stop backing the Huthi rebels in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
"Iran must cease supplying the Huthis with weapons and intelligence and use its influence to stop Huthi attacks in the Red Sea," said Cameron, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
"Iran must also stop using the regional situation as cover to act recklessly and violate others' sovereignty. I made this clear to FM @Amirabdolahian," he said on X, formerly Twitter.
The IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency was the first outlet in Iran to report the strikes in Pakistan late on January 16, claiming two bases operated by Jaish al-Adl had been targeted and "destroyed."
Tasnim reported that a combination of drones and missiles was used to attack a village in Balochistan Province, which is located in southwestern Pakistan on the border with Iran.
As reports of the attack spread on social media, Amir-Abdollahian had met with Pakistani acting Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar at the World Economic Forum.
The strikes appeared to be a response to recent attacks claimed by Jaish al-Adl, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both Iran and the United States.
The group took responsibility for a deadly attack on a police station in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province last month that killed at least 11 officers. Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said after the incident that Jaish al-Adl fighters had entered Iran from Pakistan.
In its first statement on Telegram, Jaish al-Adl said the strikes had missed its military bases "in Iran" and had struck the homes of its fighters in Pakistan.
"With God's grace and the enemy's poor intelligence and technical know-how, no harm was inflicted on the mujahedin [fighters]," the group said in a second statement on January 17.
The porous, 900-kilometer-long border between Iran and Pakistan has proven difficult to control, allowing various insurgent groups, particularly those who harbor Baluch nationalist ideologies, to operate in the area.
Jaish al-Adl is the most prominent offshoot of the Salafist militant group Jundullah, which was established in 2003 and splintered after its founder, Abdolmalek Rigi, was executed by Iran in 2010.
With reporting by AFP
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-attacks-militant-bases- pakistan-/32777766.html
Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Iran's Supreme Court Denies Retrial For Four Kurds Facing Death Sentences
By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 17, 2024
Iran's Supreme Court has rejected a request for a retrial for four Kurdish political prisoners facing death sentences after being convicted of cooperating with Israel, charges they denied, lawyer Masud Shamsnejad said.
In a statement posted on social media on January 16, Shamsnejad said the court dismissed the retrial request, citing the absence of initial and final verdict documents in the cases of the four -- identified as Vafa Azarbar, Mohammad (Hajir) Faramarzi, Mohsen Mazloum, and Pejman Fatehi -- even though in such cases security issues are cited for keeping such crucial documents from defense lawyers.
Throughout the case, Shamsnejad has complained that both he and his clients were denied their rightful legal protections. He described his efforts as "unavailing" and "merely nominal."
Joana Teymasi, the wife of Mazloum, posted a video on social media on January 13 in which she asked people to "take all necessary measures to save the lives of these four prisoners."
The United States has publicly condemned the execution orders for the four, adding an international dimension to the ongoing human rights discourse in Iran.
Iran's Intelligence Ministry has identified the group as operatives from the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan, but the party has denied the claim. It has said previously that several of its members have been arrested.
In December, Iran executed four people -- three men and one woman -- accused of working for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.
Iran and Israel have been engaged in a yearslong shadow war. Tensions have been exacerbated by the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, which has been declared a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
Meanwhile, the rate of executions in Iran has been rising sharply, particularly in the wake of the widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022 after she was arrested for wearing a hijab improperly.
Iran Human Rights said that as of December 2023 more than 700 people had been executed in Iran, with a marked increase in recent months.
Amnesty International says the regime in Tehran executed more people than any other country in the world other than China last year.
Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-kurds-death-sentences-appeal- denied/32780107.html
Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Iran's Army, IRGC to Hold Joint Air Defense Drills - Reports
Sputnik News
20240117
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran's regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will conduct joint aerial drills, Iranian media reported on Wednesday.
The drills are codenamed the Guardians of the Velayat Sky 1402, the Tasnim news agency reported, without providing any details on the program, date and participants.
A similar joint air defense exercise between the Iranian army and the IRGC took place in Iran's central areas in August 2023. It involved homegrown electronic warfare devices, drones and radars in addition to conventional military aircraft and air defense equipment.
The announcement of the joint drills comes amid missile and drone attacks carried out by IRGC against a number of "anti-Iranian terrorist groups".
On Tuesday, the IRGC bombarded bases belonging to the Jaish ul-Adl terrorist militia group in a remote area of Pakistan, with the strikes coming less than 24 hours after separate Iranian attacks on jihadist and Mossad targets in Syria and Iraq.
A Sputnik
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Iran's Strikes Into Pakistan 'Sent Strong Message' to US, Israel and Their Terror Proxies
Sputnik News
20240117
Ilya Tsukanov
The IRGC bombarded bases belonging to the Jaish ul-Adl terrorist militia group in a remote area of Pakistan on Tuesday, with the strikes coming less than 24 hours after separate Iranian attacks on jihadist and Mossad targets in Syria and Iraq. Sputnik asked veteran political analyst Mohammad Marandi about the Pakistan strikes' implications.
Iranian media has released details about Tuesday's dramatic Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile and drone attacks against two major bases belonging to the Jaish ul-Adl (lit. "Army of Justice") terrorist group in Baluchistan, western Pakistan, revealing that the strikes targeted the Koh-e-Sabz area of the province, the militants' home base.
"We see no limitations in defending our national interests and people, and will certainly do this authoritatively," Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said Wednesday in the wake of this week's series of extra-territorial missile strikes. "No matter where threats against the Islamic Republic come from, we will react and the response will surely be proportionate, decisive and strong."
Pakistan recalled its ambassador to Iran on Wednesday and barred Tehran's envoy from returning to Islamabad, with the Pakistani Foreign Ministry condemning the "illegal and unacceptable" Iranian strikes and reserving the right to respond. Just hours before the attacks, warships from the two countries held a naval drill in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf near the port city of Bandar Abbas.
'Strong Messages'
"The Iranians are sending strong messages both to the Israeli and US regimes as well as their proxies" through their campaign of long-range missile and drone strikes, political analyst and Tehran University Professor Mohammad Marandi told Sputnik. "The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terror group has massacred many innocent Iranians. Since Pakistan's government has limited control over areas near the Iranian border, Iran felt that it had no option but to strike at this group," Marandi explained.
While Pakistan has condemned the strikes, there is "more understanding between the Iranian government and the Pakistani government than meets the eye," with the two countries traditionally enjoying "very good" ties and remaining in constant dialogue, according to Marandi.
"Of course, the Pakistani government needs to protest, but behind closed doors, both sides are cooperating, and both sides are very concerned about terrorism. The same is true with Iraq. The central government in Iraq has to protest against Iran for obvious reasons. But they know quite well that they do not have the sort of control over northern Iraq that they should have. They understand that American and Israeli influence there is detrimental to their interests and to the interests of the Iraqi people. So, behind closed doors, the relationship is very different. Iran and Pakistan as well as Iran and Iraq, will continue to preserve strong relations," the scholar stressed.
Ultimately, Marandi believes Iran's hand was forced in Pakistan by the recent escalation of terror attacks inside Iran, including in Rask and Kerman, which the observer characterized as an attempt to "pressure" the Islamic Republic over its support for the Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israeli military's assault.
"The United States and Israel are using terror organizations to strike at Iran and the Resistance Front," Marandi said, referring to the loose anti-US and anti-Israeli coalition of countries and groups including Iran, Syria, Lebanon's Hezbollah and Palestine's Hamas militias.
"They're using northern Iraq, Syria, as well as the no man's land in Pakistan near the Iranian border to carry out these operations. We know that these terror organizations have a long-lasting relationship with Western intelligence agencies and the Mossad. So, as genocide is taking place in Gaza, US and Israeli terror groups have escalated attacks against Iran and the Resistance. For example, we saw the terror attacks in South-Eastern Iran. The Iranian strikes were retaliation for the terror attacks but also preemptive measures to prevent future attacks," Marandi summed up.
Who are Jaish ul-Adl?
Hiding outside Iran to avoid a crackdown by the Islamic Republic's military and security services, Jaish ul-Adl is a Sunni Salafist separatist group with links to al-Qaeda* which has waged a decade-plus long campaign of low-intensity guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks against the Iranian government since its founding in 2012. Over the past 12 years, the militants have targeted IRGC troops, border guards, police, and dozens of civilians in armed attacks, kidnappings and suicide bombings - with their latest attack occurring in mid-December, when Jaish ul-Adl attacked a police station in Rask in southeastern Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing 11 police officers in an ambush. The group has also been accused of drug smuggling, with Sistan and Baluchestan long serving as a crossroads of the international drug trade from Afghanistan to Europe before the Taliban** crackdown on opium poppy cultivation following the collapse of the US puppet government in the country in 2021.
* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.
** A group under UN sanctions for terrorist activities.
A Sputnik
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As supermarkets across the country are scrutinised for alleged deceptive pricing strategies, another popular Aussie grocery chain has been accused of using tricks to encourage time-poor customers into buying more than they need.
Harris Farm, a fruit and vegetable market with over 30 locations across NSW and Queensland, was called out for offering a $6 bundle deal for two punnets of cherry tomatoes. But on closer look, the individual price of one packet was $3 each meaning there was no advantage in buying multiple packs. There are countless more examples including cucumber and mushroom bundles leading one consumer psychologist to brand the move a perceptual trick.
But Harris Farm Markets has defended its marketing of specials, saying the unique approach means everyone can access affordable products without penalty as part of its we wont sting you approach.
Harris Farm Markets has come under fire for its pricing strategy. Source: Facebook
Harris Farm hits back at 'trick' claims
The fruit and veg chain told Yahoo News that by not offering "2-for deals", the company stand[s] apart from other supermarkets by not compelling customers to buy multiple items to enjoy special pricing.
We understand that some questions have arisen regarding the presentation of our specials, particularly the use of red and yellow tickets, and we welcome this opportunity to clarify our approach, a Harris Farm Markets spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
Specials at the supermarket are denoted with red and yellow tickets and prominently labelled as "special", something the supermarket claims to have done since its inception in 1971.
We believe in offering our customers the flexibility to benefit from these special offers without imposing bulk purchases.
"This principle stems from the vision of our founder, who believes in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could access quality products at affordable prices without being penalised.
Aussies 'fooled' by advertising posters
Despite the chain's explanation, Macquarie University professor Jana Bowden argues the individual price on the special tag still requires additional cognitive effort and attention from the customer.
Story continues
"It is not a forced bulk purchase but it is designed to encourage customers to buy more and some customers who are not paying close attention during their shop will be coaxed, tricked, mistaken whatever you wish to call it into buying more simply because they think the bundle deal is better value than buying a single item," she told Yahoo.
Bowden said the strategy of advertising has little benefit to the customer. Most shoppers will automatically assume they are getting a value-added deal simply because there is a sale sign with a bundle two-for-one offer," she said.
She describes the strategy as a trick of perception and says not only did the store grab the shopper's attention with a brightly coloured sign, but theyre coaxed into adding more items to their basket. Meanwhile the customer didnt really get a real bundle deal they just bought more items during their shop, she told Yahoo.
Jana admits to falling for these pricing tricks herself. I admit, that even as a consumer psychologist, I fall for this pricing strategy too every now and then, especially when Im in a rush to get to the shopping over with, or if I have my daughter with me and Im pushed for time and concentration.
Stopping to assess prices takes a lot of cognitive effort and many of us dont always prioritise that when on the grocery trip. We are all human after all.
Aussies divided over advertising posters
Aussies could not agree on whether they liked the strategy or not. While some said they felt they were being fooled by the advertising despite it being a special offer, others said they liked it.
"This attempt at trying to fool the customers is the main reason I avoid shopping at Harris Farm, said one disgruntled customer. I hate it when businesses play stupid mind games with their customers.
They are a disgrace and they think their customers are idiots, added another.
"I actually like this," shared a third. "You get the discount without having to buy 2!" Another echoed that view, saying that the tactic was perfectly in order.
Supermarkets 'on notice' over pricing practices
The Harris Farm advertising comes as major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have been put on notice by the consumer watchdog over deceptive pricing tactics.
On Tuesday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, said it was carefully looking at a claim that retailers were conducting deceptive pricing behaviour.
The ACCC will not hesitate to take action against large suppliers who are misleading customers about prices, an ACCC spokesperson told Yahoo Finance.
Social media has been full of shoppers showing examples of alleged Coles and Woolworths price tag discrepancies. Earlier this month, a Coles customer caught the supermarket in a 'dead dodgy' practice where the initial price of an item was exaggerated on the specials tag to make the promotion appear more appealing. While the supermarket "corrected" the price tag, it did not respond to questions regarding accusations that the supermarket was doing it on purpose.
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Foreign Secretary David Cameron met Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 17 January.
17 January 2024
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:
The Foreign Secretary met the Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian today (17 January) at the World Economic Forum.
The Foreign Secretary condemned the attacks in Erbil in Iraq, which killed UK-Iraqi dual national Karam Mikhael. Attacks like this violate the sovereignty of other states.
He also made clear that the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are illegal and unacceptable, and that Iran must use its influence with the Houthis to prevent further threats.
Seven killed in Pakistan attack on southeastern Iran
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 18, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- Seven people who did not have Iranian nationality were killed during Pakistan's missile attack on the southeastern Iranian city early on Thursday, a provincial security official announced.
The attack which occurred at 04:05 hours local time (0335 GMT) targeted an Iranian border village, Ali Reza Marhamati, the deputy governor general of Sistan-Baluchestan province in southeast of Iran told IRNA.
The security official found this after several explosions were heard in the vicinity of Sravan, the official said.
Those who were killed included three women and four children, according to Marhamati.
He went on to say that another explosion occurred near Saravan, fortunately it caused no casualties.
Saravan located 347 km southeast of Zahedan, the capital city of Sistan-Baluchestan, borders with Pakistan.
1483**2050
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Several explosions heard in southeastern Iran: Report
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Jan 18, 2024
Zahedan, IRNA -- Several explosions have been heard in the vicinity of Saravan, a city in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan near the border with Pakistan, a provincial security official announced on Thursday.
Ali-Reza Marhamati, the deputy governor general of the province, told IRNA that security officials and the Police are investigating the issue, according to Marhamati.
Reports said on Tuesday night (two days before today) that positions of Jaish al-Adl terrorist group had come under attack in the restive Baluchistan region, which borders Iran.
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, that the target of the cross-border airstrikes on Tuesday night were "Iranian terrorists present on Pakistani soil".
"We targeted Jaish al-Adl, not Pakistani citizens."
1483**2050
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Nine non-Iranian nationals killed in explosions in Iran's southeast
Iran Press TV
Thursday, 18 January 2024 4:49 AM
Nine non-Iranian nationals have been killed in several explosions in the country's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
An Iranian security official said several explosions were heard in different areas around the southeastern city of Saravan in Sistan and Baluchestan province, close to the border with Pakistan early on Thursday morning.
Deputy governor of the province Alireza Marhamati told IRNA that Iranian security officials are investigating the issue.
He added that the fatalities included two men, three women and four children.
An informed source said Iran has demanded Pakistan's "immediate explanation" about the incident.
In a press release on Thursday, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed that the country undertook "a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts" in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province.
"This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large-scale terrorist activities," it added.
The ministry reiterated Pakistan's full respect for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity and said, "We have always emphasized dialogue and cooperation in confronting common challenges including the menace of terrorism and will continue to endeavor to find joint solutions."
It emphasized that the action showed Pakistan's "unflinching resolve to protect and defend its national security against all threats" and vowed to continue to take all necessary steps to preserve the safety and security of the country's people.
"The sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of Pakistan's own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised," the press release pointed out.
The explosions occurred after Iran on Tuesday carried out simultaneous drone and missile attacks into two bases of the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan adjacent to Iranian borders.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said members of the terrorist group are Iranians who have taken shelter in Pakistan and that Tehran had repeatedly warned Islamabad to prevent their anti-Iran cross-border operations.
Jaish al-Adl, which was formed in 2012, has carried out several attacks on Iranian soil in recent years.
The group claimed responsibility for an attack in December on a police station in the southeastern city of Rask that killed at least 11 Iranian police officers.
On January 10, another attack by the group on a police station in the city killed a policeman.
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Key Mossad agent killed in IRGC missile attack in Iraq's Erbil
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 7:25 PM
A key Israeli intelligence officer has been killed in a Monday missile attack by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on a building in Erbil in Iraq's Kurdistan region, Press TV has learned.
Ilan, nicknamed Fox, was a Mossad officer who coordinated the agency's anti-Iran operations and also its recruitment efforts in the country.
Additionally, he coordinated Mossad operations in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, according to informed sources.
He had been traveling to the Kurdistan region for over 20 years.
Four members of Ilan's team, namely Malka, Adika, Hen, and Sharabir, were also killed in the attack.
The strike saw the IRGC firing a barrage of seven ballistic missiles against an espionage center of the Israeli regime's spy agency in Erbil.
Simultaneously, the Corps fired another missile barrage against facilities belonging to the Daesh and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Takfiri terrorist groups in Syria.
Daesh had claimed responsibility for two explosions that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores of others at a memorial for Iran's top anti-terror commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman on January 3.
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Baghdad govt. has outlined plans for pullout of foreign forces, says Iraqi prime minister
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 1:17 PM
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani says the Baghdad government has outlined plans aimed at ending the presence of US-led foreign military forces in the Arab country.
Sudani made the remarks during a meeting with Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos on Wednesday.
He went on to say that "Iraq is still open to cooperation with the coalition member states in the fields of supply of military equipment and training within the framework of bilateral relations."
Stoltenberg, for his part, commended the Iraqi government's efforts and measures to expand the capabilities of security forces, especially as to prosecution of the remaining members of terror groups and restoration of security and stability.
He also expressed NATO's eagerness for increased joint cooperation with Baghdad in various security spheres.
Iraq adopted the law to expel foreign forces after Washington's assassination of top Iraqi and Iranian anti-terror commanders four years ago.
General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), were martyred along with their comrades in a US drone strike that was authorized by then-president Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.
The two iconic anti-terror commanders are greatly admired for their instrumental role in fighting and decimating the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria.
A Sunday statement from the Iraqi parliament said Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi had stated the previous day that the bill adopted in January 2020, which requires the government to end the presence of all US-led foreign military forces in the Arab country, is "a fundamental and irreversible piece of legislation" and will not change because it enjoys popular support.
Mandalawi called on the Iraqi government to implement the legislation and to expand the capabilities of Iraqi security forces instead of relying on foreign troops to fight terror groups.
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Security Agreement Between Iraq, Iran May Be Suspended - Iraqi Defense Minister
Sputnik News
20240117
DOHA (Sputnik) - The security agreement between Iraq and Iran may be suspended, Iraqi Defense Minister in light of Tehran's attacks on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi said on Wednesday.
"Iranian bombing of Kurdistan is condemned and categorically rejected. The attacks violate a security agreement with Iran, which may be suspended," al-Abbasi told Al Arabiya broadcaster.
on Tuesday Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took responsibility for missile attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan's capital of Erbil, claiming that it targeted bases of anti-Iranian terrorist groups.
Earlier, Iraq has submitted a complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about Iran's "aggression" following the strikes.
The the Iraqi Foreign Ministry commented that "this aggression is a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and the security of the Iraqi people."
A Sputnik
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Human shields and airstrikes used in junta raids on Myanmar jade mining town
The raids began on Jan. 9 in response to attacks on military outposts.
By RFA Burmese 2024.01.17 -- Junta troops abducted around 20 civilians to use as human shields from a village in northern Myanmar's Kachin state and are heavily bombarding the area as part of raids that have forced some 20,000 people to flee their homes since last week, residents said Wednesday.
The raids on Hpakant township's Hway Hkar village began on Jan. 9 and followed attacks by anti-junta People's Defense Force paramilitaries on military outposts in the area three days earlier, sources told RFA Burmese.
A resident of Hway Hkar who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity citing security concerns, said the military retaliated with airstrikes and artillery before junta troops stormed the village and seized around 20 male residents who he said earn a living as scavengers at nearby jade mines.
"When you leave Hway Hkar, there is a place called a 'strategic hill' where [the troops] are now stationed, and [detained] people are taken there," he said. "They are local residents who live as scavengers. We haven't been able to contact them."
Since the initial raid, the military has been attacking areas near Hway Hkar every day with Russian-made Mi-35 combat helicopters and heavy artillery fired from the strategic hill, located around 11 kilometers (7 miles) outside of the village, residents said.
Another villager told RFA that the entire population of Hway Hkar and nearby Nam Tein had been forced to flee to take shelter from the attacks, as had residents from the surrounding area, leaving as many as 20,000 displaced.
"The fighting is taking place on the ground, but the junta is sending aircraft to drop bombs," he said. "The entire village [of Hway Hkar] fled in panic ... [The military] sent [planes] three times and dropped two or three bombs each time ... in and around the village."
Displaced people in need
More than 1,000 people who fled Hway Hkar have been taking temporary shelter in area religious buildings, said a person who is helping internally displaced persons, or IDPs, in Hseng Taung village.
"They have been taking shelter in churches and monasteries," he said. "Residents [of Hseng Taung] who can afford it have been providing food for them."
The aid worker said the IDPs include the ill and elderly, and that they need access to emergency health services.
Another resident of Hway Hkar told RFA that villagers fled with only what they could carry and now have no way to earn an income.
"This is a place where people scavenge to make a living - migrant workers across the country and laborers depend on the income from jade," he said. "But now, it is difficult for scavengers to make ends meet and the prices of commodities are rising. We're in deep trouble because fighting has resumed in Hpakant."
Nay Phone Latt, the spokesman for Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, said that the junta is increasingly using airstrikes and heavy artillery to terrify the public.
"While the [junta] is facing defeat on the ground, we are witnessing them kill people every day with airstrikes and shelling," he said. "[The NUG is] continuously conducting campaigns - not only in the areas that we control, but also elsewhere - to keep people alert for danger at all times."
Displaced residents of Hpakant told RFA that junta troops have blocked the Hpakant-Hway Hkar road since Jan. 6, so that even if fighting stops, they may not be able to return home.
Civilians targeted
Kachin Human Rights Watch, which has been monitoring and documenting human rights violations in Kachin state since the military's Feb. 1, 2021, coup, said that the junta is committing its worst rights violations against civilians.
"The junta has not only conducted airstrikes on non-military targets, but on civilian areas such as villages and IDP camps," the group recently said in a report. "This kind of thing should never occur and it's a clear violation of international humanitarian laws."
Calls by RFA to Sai Naing Naing Kyaw, the junta's ethnic affairs minister for Sagaing region, seeking comment on the situation in Hpakant went unanswered Wednesday.
According to Myanmar's 2014 census, more than 300,000 people live in Hpakant township, most of whom are migrant workers from around Myanmar and local ethnic residents.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced on Dec. 15 that there are currently more than 2.5 million people displaced by conflict in Myanmar.
Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January 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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Days after ceasefire, northern Myanmar sees more battles
Troops on both sides may be unaware of the ceasefire due to lack of communication, military analysts said.
By RFA Burmese 2024.01.17 -- Fighting erupted between the junta and allied ethnic groups in northern Myanmar just days after the two sides agreed a ceasefire, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
The alliance accused junta soldiers remaining in Shan state's Kokang of firing grenades, the statement said. It added that junta troops launched the weapons from 30 meters (98 feet) away while allied Kokang resistance fighters were stationed near Kachin mountain.
Despite the ceasefire reached during a third round of China-brokered peace talks in Kunming on Thursday night, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army retaliated and fighting began again around 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
The alliance claimed junta troops fired back three times with heavy weapons before retreating.
Despite the ceasefire, it's possible that remaining junta troops separated from the rest of the army would open fire and attack, a military analyst who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons told Radio Free Asia on Wednesday.
"The areas of Laukkai, Konkyan, and Yan Long Keng are very rough and it's difficult to communicate there. It's probably the remnants of the junta army that went into the forest during the [previous] battles," he said.
"I am not sure whether they know about the ceasefire after the [Kunming] talks."
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, one of the groups making up the Three Brotherhood Alliance, captured Laukkai city in Kokang's Self-Administered Zone when more than 1,000 junta troops surrendered on Jan. 4
Although the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army sent the surrendering troops back to Lashio, some who were separated from the main group may have initiated the attack, military observers said.
Both the alliance and regime announced their public agreement to the ceasefire on Friday.
According to the agreement, all parties involved would immediately cease fighting in their current locations. Starting Friday, the Three Brotherhood Alliance agreed to refrain from attacks on cities and junta camps. Regime forces similarly committed to halting airstrikes and other heavy weapons attacks.
However, tensions still run high. When the Kachin Independence Army launched an attack on a Kutkai military base Sunday night, the junta Defense Service released a statement claiming the Three Brotherhood Alliance's Ta'ang National Liberation Army was involved.
Despite the ceasefire, the alliance is still preparing for future battles, claiming in a statement released Sunday that the regime is launching an offensive that began on Saturday. The statement added the junta is also responsible for airstrikes and heavy weapons attacks in Mongmit, Kutkai, and Kyaukme townships after the ceasefire agreement.
RFA called Shan state junta spokesperson Khun Thein Maung and national junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun for more information on these accusations, but calls went unanswered Wednesday.
According to data compiled by RFA, in the more than two months since Operation 1027 launched on Oct. 27 to Friday's ceasefire, the alliance captured 15 cities in northern Shan state.
Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn.
Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January 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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Pakistan's plan to buy Chinese FC-31 stealth fighter jets 'win-win cooperation'
Global Times
By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 17, 2024 07:37 PM
Pakistan recently announced a plan to procure FC-31 stealth fighter jets from China, a move experts said will not only significantly enhance the Pakistan Air Force's capabilities, but also open up the international market for the Chinese aircraft, marking a win-win cooperation.
The Pakistan Air Force introduced its transformative modernization initiative in a press release posted on its social media platforms on Tuesday.
A key milestone in this strategic transformation has been the acquisition of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, the foundation of whose induction into the Pakistan Air Force has already been laid, the Pakistan Air Force said.
According to a video attached with the press release, the fifth-generation stealth fighter jet to be inducted is China's FC-31.
This confirmed media reports earlier this month that Pakistan is seeking to purchase the FC-31.
Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said at an induction ceremony for new equipment on January 2 that the FC-31 would enter service in the near future, US media outlet Defense News reported.
Independently developed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the FC-31 is a single-seat, twin-engine, medium stealth fighter jet that analysts said is comparable with, if not superior to, the US' F-35.
The FC-31 has strong comprehensive air combat capabilities, including its stealth advantages that allow it to spot opponents first and launch surprises attacks, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
The aircraft has outstanding situational awareness and can carry a wide selection of munitions, including not only air-to-air missiles, but also precision bombs as well as air-to-ground and air-to-surface missiles, Wei said.
The Pakistan Air Force has long been using weapons and equipment procured from China, including J-10C medium fighter jets, JF-17 light fighter jets, HQ-9BE long-range surface-to-air missile systems, HQ-16FE mid-to-long-range surface-to-air missile systems and the YLC-8E anti-stealth 3D surveillance radar systems, according to the video it published.
Pakistan will have no difficulties integrating the FC-31 into its combat systems, and the stealth aircraft will in return significantly enhance its military capabilities by a generation, experts said.
The FC-31 will allow the Pakistan Air Force to enjoy a generational gap over its rivals with fast delivery, while Pakistan's main rival will not likely get stealth fighter jets anytime soon, Wei said.
The purchase plan will also benefit China, Wei said, noting that if Pakistan finalizes the deal, other countries, particularly those from the Middle East, could also follow.
In potential joint exercises with other countries, the Pakistan Air Force could display the capabilities of the FC-31, and more potential customers will get to know how competitive the Chinese aircraft is, Wei said.
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The mates of an Aussie dad are rallying to finish a backyard project he poured his heart and soul into after the loving 36-year-olds life was cut tragically short.
Wanting to create a beautiful space for his family, Russell Cranwell, a cabinet maker, spent much of his time working on his Adelaide home, and had recently overhauled the backyard to build a playground for his three daughters, Ashton, 6, Hallie, 4, and his mini-me, Josie, 2, to enjoy.
Russell Cranwell, 36, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in late 2022, five years after he first told doctors about his pain. Source: Supplied
Even after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and having a 9cm tumour removed in November 2022, the dedicated dad continued to chip away at the project, determined to complete his dream.
He was ultra-focused on that, his wife Rachael Cranwell, 33, told Yahoo News Australia on Thursday. He was really hands on and could do anything he put his mind to. He just wanted to make our house the best house for the kids.
'Gutted' dad battles bowel cancer
Despite his devastating diagnosis which he admitted left him gutted and robbed Russell never made peace with it and remained positive during chemotherapy, which helped negate several tumours also found on his liver. He was just super, super positive that he was going to eradicate it and he was going to survive. He couldnt fathom not surviving it, Rachael, who met her husband as a teenager, said. We had built a perfect live.
The dad was diagnosed not long after he started to overhaul his backyard so his young daughters can play. Source: Supplied
In August last year, the 36-year-old was keeping himself distracted by working in the yard and putting in roof sheets, when he felt an intense pain in his back. A scan revealed the cancer had spread to his spine. The area was treated with radiation, but just before Christmas Russell was informed his bowel tumour had recurred and started growing again. The cancer had also returned to his spine and was spreading again, causing significant pain.
It was then doctors pulled Rachael aside and told her it was not looking good for her partner of many years. He was able to chat to the girls while he was still around to prepare them for the worst, she said. It was awful. It was not something he ever wanted to do, he never wanted to let them think that he was giving up he never wanted to think like that.
Story continues
Following his tragic death, Russell's mates have rallied to finish his final project. Source: Supplied
Tragically, despite fighting really, really hard, Russell died on January 4, leaving behind his heartbroken family and friends. Not wanting to let him down, Russells best mate is now raising money so he and other friends can pay tribute and help complete his last wish a space for his girls to play.
I think it will play a big part in their healing journey as well, Rachael said of those who have rallied around her. If we raise $5,000 or $20,000 any money is going to go on the house to make it amazing for them.
Wife's plea after husband misdiagnosed for five years
Speaking of her husbands cancer battle, Rachael explained Russell was misdiagnosed for five years before he was told he had just 12 months to live. In 2017, the dad went to the GP because he was bleeding from his rectum but was told he had internal haemorrhoids, she said. Over several subsequent doctor and emergency room visits, Russell was told he had a parasite, constipation, or that he was too young to have cancer and prescribed several antibiotics.
Rachael is calling on doctors to eliminate the worst case scenarios first after her husband was misdiagnosed for years. Source: Supplied
In late 2022, his pain was so severe Rachael rushed her husband to the ER again, refusing to leave until they found out what was going on. His diagnosis quickly followed. People need to advocate for themselves but doctors need to start ruling out the worst-case scenarios first, the mum of three urged.
Over the past two decades, the incidence of bowel cancer in 20 to 39-year-olds has more than doubled, according to a 2021 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report. A recent Wall Street Journal article claims more people under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with cancer, leaving doctors baffled.
For more information, visit Bowel Cancer Australia.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
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Positions of Pakistan-based Jaish al-Adl terror group struck by missiles, drones
Iran Press TV
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 7:24 AM
Two major strongholds of the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan have been precisely struck and completely wiped out by a salvo of missiles as well as a squadron of combat drones.
According to reports obtained by Tasnim news agency, the bases were specifically targeted and successfully demolished late on Tuesday in the Koh-e-Sabz area of the province, which is known to be among the main bastions of Jaish al-Adl terrorists.
Jaish al-Adl is a notorious terrorist group with headquarters in Pakistan, and has been involved in numerous terror attacks against Iran.
Back on December 15 last year, the group claimed responsibility for a vicious terrorist assault on Rask County's police headquarters in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
Alireza Marhamati, deputy provincial governor in security and political affairs, said at the time that 11 police forces, including officers and conscripts, were killed in the attack.
Majid Mirahmadi, deputy interior minister for security and police affairs, also said the terrorists attacked the police post from several directions and later ambushed reinforcements deployed to the location.
He said two of the terrorists were killed and one of them was injured and arrested in hours-long clashes, while the rest escaped.
Six police forces were injured during the exchange of fire, he said.
The attack, which occurred around midnight, was one of the deadliest in years for the region sitting close to Iran's border with Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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IRGC Strike on Pakistani Territory Damages Tehran-Islamabad Ties - Pakistani Ministry
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran's recent missile strike on the Pakistani territory has seriously damaged bilateral ties between Islamabad and Tehran, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday, adding that Islamabad has a right to respond.
On Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones at a base of terrorist group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan region in retaliation for terrorist attacks on its own territory.
This was the first missile strike by the Iranian armed forces on Pakistani territory. Islamabad said that the attack left two children killed and three people injured, condemned Iran's actions and voiced concerns over Tehran not forewarning Islamabad about the strikes via existing communication channels.
Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian held a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart, Jalil Abbas Jilani, to discuss this issue.
"Expressing Pakistan's unreserved condemnation of the attack, the Foreign Minister [Jilani] added that the incident has cause serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran. The Foreign Minister added that Pakistan reserved the right to respond to this provocative act," the ministry said in a statement after the phone conversation between Jilani and Amirabdollahian.
Jilani also described terrorism as a "common threat," adding that unilateral actions could "undermine regional peace and stability," according to the ministry.
A Sputnik
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Pakistan Informs Iran About Decision to Recall Its Ambassador - Foreign Ministry
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Islamabad has informed the Iranian government about its decision to recall its ambassador in Tehran in light of the recent attacks on the Pakistani territory, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones at a base of terrorist group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan region in retaliation for terrorist attacks on its own territory. This was the first missile strike by the Iranian armed forces on Pakistani territory. Islamabad said that the attack left two children killed and three people injured, condemned Iran's actions and voiced concerns over Tehran not forewarning Islamabad about the strikes via existing communication channels.
"We have conveyed this message to the Iranian Government. We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being. We have also decided to suspend all high level visits which were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in coming days," the ministry said in a statement.
Islamabad considers the attacks "unprovoked and blatant breach of Pakistan's sovereignty by Iran," the ministry said, adding that this is a "violation of international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations."
"This illegal act is completely unacceptable and has no justification whatsoever. Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran," the statement read.
A Sputnik
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China Calls on Iran, Pakistan to Exercise Restraint After Deadly Strikes
Sputnik News
20240117
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China calls on Iran and Pakistan to show restraint and desist from actions that could lead to escalation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday after Tehran's strikes on a terrorist group targets in Pakistan killed two children.
"Iran and Pakistan are neighbors, and both are major Islamic countries. We call on the sides to show restraint, avoid actions that could lead to escalation and together safeguard regional peace and stability," Mao told a daily briefing.
On Tuesday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles and drones at a base of terrorist group Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan region in retaliation for terrorist attacks on its own territory. This was the first missile strike by the Iranian armed forces on Pakistani territory.
Pakistani authorities said that the attack left two children killed and three people injured, condemned Iran's actions and voiced concerns over Tehran not forewarning Islamabad about the strikes via existing communication channels.
In December 2023, a bombing attack on a police headquarters in Iran's Rask city left 12 officers killed and seven others injured. Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni terrorist group based in Pakistan's Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.
A Sputnik
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Pakistan Suspends Diplomatic Ties With Iran to Protest Cross-Border Deadly Raid
By Ayaz Gul January 17, 2024
Pakistan announced Wednesday it was recalling its ambassador to Iran and suspending all bilateral engagements with the country to protest an overnight "unprovoked" deadly cross-border airstrike by Iranian security forces.
The unprecedented move by Islamabad came after Tehran claimed "missile and drone strikes" by the paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Tuesday night destroyed alleged bases of an anti-Iran militant group, Jaish al-Adl or the Army of Justice, in the Pakistani border province of Baluchistan.
"Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch warned in a nationally televised statement Wednesday.
She said the bombings killed two "innocent children" and injured several other Pakistani civilians. Baloch added that Islamabad had conveyed to the government in Tehran that the strikes were a "blatant breach" of Pakistan's sovereignty and a violation of international law.
"We have also informed them that Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being," Baloch said. She added that Islamabad had also suspended "all high-level visits which were ongoing or were planned between Pakistan and Iran in the coming days."
Iranian Foreign Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, while speaking Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, defended the overnight attack.
"None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones," he claimed. They hit "Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan," Amir-Abdollahian added.
Amir-Abdollahian later spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and told him that "Jaish ul-Adl is a terrorist group that acts against the common security of the two brotherly countries," the Iranian embassy said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A post conversation Pakistani statement quoted Jilani as telling his Iranian counterpart that Tuesday's "incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran."
The cross-border raid came after Tehran also struck targets in Iraq and Syria against what it called "anti-Iranian terrorist groups."
The attack against suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan came hours after Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the forum in Davos.
The strikes also occurred as Iranian and Pakistani navies were conducting a joint naval training exercise on Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf to enhance cooperation and forge stronger relations, according to officials in both countries.
Pakistani opposition and hardline groups criticized what they called a muted response by Islamabad to the aggression by Tehran, demanding a military response to it. Others, such as veteran Senator Mushahid Hussain, stressed the need for nuclear-armed Pakistan to show restraint.
"Pakistan's response is both mature and measured, which is what the situation demands," said Hussain, who heads the defense affairs committee of the upper house of parliament. "However, the Iranian government must rein in its trigger-happy 'Deep State,' the Revolutionary Guards, whose actions are destabilizing the region and damaging Pakistan-Iran relations," he said.
China urged both countries Wednesday to exercise restraint and stressed that all countries' sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity should be respected.
"Iran and Pakistan are close neighbors and major Islamic countries. We call on the two sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate the tension, and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing.
Iran and Pakistan share a roughly 900-kilometer-long border, separating the turbulent southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province and Pakistan's insurgency-hit Baluchistan.
Islamabad and Tehran routinely accuse each other of not doing enough to prevent anti-state armed groups from sheltering on their respective territories and plotting cross-border terrorist attacks against security forces on both sides.
Iran has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on alleged Jaish al-Adl bases in Baluchistan. The militant group from the Iranian Sunni Muslim minority claims to be fighting for greater rights for the community in the predominately Shiite Muslim country.
Last month, a Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for killing around a dozen Iranian police forces in a raid near the Pakistani border, prompting Tehran to demand Islamabad move against the group's hideouts.
The Iranian foreign minister said Wednesday that the previous day's attack inside Pakistan was a response to the December raid by Jaish al-Adl on the police forces in the Iranian city of Rask in Sistan-Baluchistan.
Amir-Abdollahian said Iran respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan but would not "allow the country's national security to be compromised or played with."
For its part, Islamabad alleges that anti-Pakistan ethnic Baluch insurgent groups have established bases on the Iranian side of the border and direct deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces as well as civilians in impoverished, natural resources-rich Baluchistan.
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Pakistan Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against 'Terrorist Hideouts' in Iran
By Ayaz Gul January 18, 2024
Pakistan said Thursday that its military carried out strikes against "terrorist hideouts" in neighboring Iran two days after Tehran bombed what it said were "Iranian terrorists" sheltering on Pakistani soil.
The Pakistani foreign ministry said that its "highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision" military strikes killed a "number of terrorists" in Iran's border province of Sistan-Baluchistan in what was codenamed as "death to terrorist."
"Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of Pakistan's own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised," the ministry said.
A security official told VOA anonymously that fighter planes conducted the bombings without entering the Iranian airspace and targeted camps of anti-Pakistan Baluchistan Liberation Army or BLA, which is designated a global terrorist organization by the United States.
Iran's state media quoted security officials as saying the Pakistani strikes killed at least seven "non-Iranian nationals" in the southeastern border city of Saravan. The dead reportedly included four children and three women.
The Pakistani retaliatory military action came after Iranian authorities said on Tuesday their "missiles and drone strikes" destroyed bases of an anti-Iran militant group, Jaish al-Adl, or the Army of Justice, in Pakistan's border province of Baluchistan.
Islamabad condemned the strikes, saying it killed two children and several other civilians, vowing to respond accordingly.
Thursday's military retaliation by Pakistan marked an unprecedented escalation in mutual tensions.
On Wednesday, Pakistan said it was recalling its ambassador from Tehran and suspending all bilateral engagements with Iran to protest the "unprovoked" deadly cross-border airstrike by Iranian security forces.
"Pakistan reserves the right to respond to this illegal act. The responsibility for the consequences will lie squarely with Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch warned in a nationally televised statement.
She said that Islamabad had conveyed to the government in Tehran that the strikes were a "blatant breach" of Pakistan's sovereignty and a violation of international law.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, defended the overnight strike.
"None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones," he claimed. They hit "Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan," Amirabdollahian added.
The cross-border attack followed Iranian strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria linked to what Tehran called "anti-Iranian terrorist groups."
The United States condemned the Iranian attacks.
"We've seen Iran violate the sovereign borders of three of its neighbors in just the past couple of days," U.S. State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller told reporters in Washington. "I think it is a little rich for - on one the hand, Iran to be the leading funder of terrorism in the region, the leading funder of instability in the region; and on the other hand, claims that it needs to take these actions to counter-terrorism."
The attack against suspected terrorist targets in Pakistan came hours after Pakistani caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar met with Amirabdollahian on the sidelines of the forum in Davos.
Iran's strikes also occurred as Iranian and Pakistani navies were conducting a joint naval training exercise Tuesday in the Strait of Hormuz and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf to enhance cooperation and forge stronger relations, according to officials in both countries.
Pakistani opposition and hard-line groups criticized what they called a muted response by Islamabad to the aggression by Tehran, demanding a military response. Others, such as veteran Senator Mushahid Hussain, stressed the need for nuclear-armed Pakistan to show restraint.
"Pakistan's response is both mature and measured, which is what the situation demands," said Hussain, who heads the defense affairs committee of the upper house of parliament. "However, the Iranian government must rein in its trigger-happy 'Deep State,' the Revolutionary Guards, whose actions are destabilizing the region and damaging Pakistan-Iran relations," he said.
China urged both countries Wednesday to exercise restraint and stressed that all countries' sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity should be respected.
"Iran and Pakistan are close neighbors and major Islamic countries. We call on the two sides to exercise restraint, avoid actions that escalate the tension, and jointly keep the region peaceful and stable," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a news conference in Beijing.
"With Pakistan now having retaliated militarily against Iran, now is the time for third-party mediation to ensure that a sudden but increasingly dangerous crisis doesn't spiral out of control," said Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center in Washington. "Beijing is the most logical intermediary, and it has (the) capacity and leverage to succeed," Kugelman wrote on X.
Iran and Pakistan share a roughly 900-kilometer-long border, separating Iran's turbulent southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province and Pakistan's insurgency-hit Baluchistan.
Islamabad and Tehran routinely accuse each other of not doing enough to prevent anti-state armed groups from sheltering on their respective territories and plotting cross-border terrorist attacks against security forces on both sides.
Iran has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on alleged Jaish al-Adl bases in Baluchistan. The militant group from the Iranian Sunni Muslim minority claims to be fighting for greater rights for the community in the predominately Shiite Muslim country.
Last month, Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for killing around a dozen Iranian police officers in a raid near the Pakistani border, prompting Tehran to demand Islamabad move against the group's hideouts.
The Iranian foreign minister said Wednesday that the previous day's attack inside Pakistan was a response to the December raid by Jaish al-Adl on the police forces in the Iranian city of Rask in Sistan-Baluchistan.
Amirabdollahian said Iran respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan but would not "allow the country's national security to be compromised or played with."
For its part, Islamabad alleges that anti-Pakistan ethnic Baluch insurgent groups have established bases on the Iranian side of the border and from there direct deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces as well as civilians in impoverished, natural resources-rich Baluchistan.
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Russia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the latest developments in case of Alexei Navalny and other political prisoners
European Council / Council of the European Union
Council of the EU
Press release
17 January 2024
Today marks three years since Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny returned to Russia. He was arbitrarily arrested, prosecuted and sentenced following his return from Germany, where he was receiving medical treatment after an assassination attempt on him in Russia. Mr Navalny was poisoned with a toxic nerve agent of the "Novichok" group banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which the Russian Federation is a State Party.
Ever since, the European Union has closely followed the developments in his case. The EU has repeatedly condemned in the strongest possible terms all politically motivated rulings against him for actions which constitute legitimate political and anti-corruption activities.
Mr Navalny continues to serve politically motivated sentences amounting to more than 30 years. He endures persistent ill-treatment with great risks to his life and grave violation of his human rights. Last year, he was moved to one of the most remote penal colonies in the Yamalo-Nenets region in Siberia in an attempt to isolate him from the rest of the world. This is a stark indication that the Russian legal system continues to be instrumentalised against Mr Navalny and of how much Russian authorities are afraid of him, also in the context of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and the Russian Presidential elections in March.
The EU deplores that three lawyers defending Mr Navalny were added to Russia's list of "terrorists and extremists" on politically motivated charges in November 2023. Lawyers have a fundamental role in upholding the rule of law and the human rights of defendants. The lawyers remain in pre-trial detention facing up to six years imprisonment.
The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Navalny and all political prisoners in Russia, including Yuri Dmitriev, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Ilya Yashin, Alexei Gorinov, Lilia Chanysheva, Ksenia Fadeeva and Ivan Safronov. It remains extremely concerned about the health conditions of Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Alexandra Skochilenko, Igor Baryshnikov and Alexei Gorinov, critically aggravated by prison conditions, ill-treatment and lack of access to adequate medical care. Russia's political leadership are responsible for the safety, health and well-being of Mr Navalny and other prisoners and they will be held accountable. The EU recalls that the prohibition of torture is absolute under international law.
The EU reiterates its call on Russia to comply with the interim measure of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) requiring the immediate release of Mr Navalny from prison. The EU recalls that Russia remains bound to fully implement the ECtHR judgements related to human rights violations that have occurred before 16 September 2022, when Russia ceased to be a Party to the European Convention on Human Rights. Russia also remains bound by the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its other obligations under international human rights law.
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Police Violently Disperse Thousands Protesting Russian Bashkir Activist's Jailing
By RFE/RL's Idel.Realities January 17, 2024
Thousands of demonstrators have been violently dispersed by police in the town of Baimak in Russia's Bashkortostan region as they protested against the sentencing of noted activist Fail Alsynov to four years in prison on a charge of inciting hatred, which he and his supporters reject.
The protesters, who were participating in one of the largest demonstrations in Russia since Moscow launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, were angry after a court on January 17 jailed Alsynov for a speech he made in April 2023 at a rally over plans to mine for gold in Bashkortostan, which is located in Russia's southern Ural Mountains near the border between Europe and Asia.
Alsynov, the former leader of the banned Bashqort group, which for years promoted the Bashkir language and culture, was immediately handcuffed and taken away by guards.
He told his supporters that he "did not expect" such a harsh sentence, stressing that prosecutors had asked the court to sentence him to four years in a dormitory-like penitentiary located near an industrial facility where convicts work alongside regular employees.
Instead, the court sentenced him to four years in a more strict prison. Alsynov added that he will appeal the sentence.
"I do not accept guilt. I have always fought for justice, for my people, for my republic, so we will see each other again.... I will appeal. I do not understand the policies of [Bashkortostan's head Radiy] Khabirov. The people came to support me, and I do not know what is going to happen. We did not want this," Alsynov said.
Alsynov's lawyer, Ilnur Suyundukov, said the court's ruling "has nothing to do either with law or with morals."
The announcement of the sentence sparked angry confrontations between security forces and Alsynov's supporters, with police in riot gear firing tear gas and stun grenades as they pushed people away from the courthouse.
"What are you doing? Why are you beating me?" one protester screamed as police used shields and batons to push her away.
The SOTA Telegram channel quoted an ambulance worker as saying some 22 people turned to them for injuries sustained during the clashes with police, adding that two people needed to be taken to a hospital.
SOTA also reported that National Guard troops were sent to Baimak to back up police.
The Vyorstka Telegram channel said police had detained dozens of protesters.
Several Telegram channels that have covered Alsynov's trial and the protests, such as RusNews, Kushtau Bairam, Tot samy Bashkort, Ruslan Gabbasov, became inaccessible on January 17. A day earlier, Telegram blocked several opposition channels in Bashkortostan, but activists set up new ones in their place.
Internet access also became difficult and restricted in Baimak on January 17.
Alsynov's supporters vowed to block all highways around Baimak and roads in the town to prevent Alsynov's transportation to a detention center.
On January 16, police detained several noted activists across Bashkortostan in an apparent attempt to prevent the protest from taking place.
The charge against Alsynov stemmed from a speech he gave at a rally in late April 2023 in the village of Ishmurzino. In it, he criticized the local government's plans to start gold mining near the village as it would bring in migrant laborers.
Investigators said Alsynov's speech "negatively assessed people in the Caucasus and Central Asia, humiliating their human dignity."
The investigation of Alsynov was initiated by Bashkortostan head Khabirov, who accused the activist of "inciting ethnic hatred" as well as "calling for anti-government rallies and extremist activities" and "discrediting Russia's armed forces."
In the end, Alsynov was charged only with inciting hatred.
Bashkortostan's Supreme Court banned Alsynov's Bashqort group, which for years promoted equal rights for ethnic Bashkirs, in May 2020, declaring it extremist.
Bashqort was banned after staging several rallies and other events challenging the policies of both local and federal authorities, including Moscow's move to abolish mandatory indigenous-language classes in the regions with large populations of indigenous ethnic groups.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/bashkortostan-activist- sentenced-protest-russia/32778008.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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Toilet Wars: Kremlin Steps Up Claims Of Defending 'Traditional Values' Amid Rising Social Tensions
By Robert Coalson January 17, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin digressed during a meeting with municipal officials from around the country on January 16 to comment on bathrooms in foreign countries.
"Common bathrooms for boys and girls or something like that -- it has become an ordinary, everyday thing," he said, before adding a baseless claim that many Russians who had previously left the country had begun returning because of this issue.
"It is very difficult for people with traditional, normal human values to live under such circumstances," Putin asserted.
His comments came just days after St. Petersburg Governor Aleksandr Beglov posted on Telegram about a visit with soldiers who had been wounded fighting in Ukraine. Such men, he said, "understand why we are fighting."
"You don't need to explain the values we are defending to these guys who have seen school toilets where instead of two bathrooms -- one for boys and one for girls, there were three bathrooms -- for girls, boys, and gender neutrals," he wrote.
Such pronouncements produced a wave of ridicule on Russian social media, with some Russians speculating that the third bathrooms in Ukrainian schools -- if indeed they exist at all -- were for teachers and others noting that such complaints seem strange considering that according to government figures, more than one-fifth of Russian households lack indoor toilets.
"If I were Beglov, I would 'shed blood' for something completely different," wrote journalist and blogger Aleksandr Khots on Facebook. "In Russia, at least 20 percent of the population still visits outhouses, which often exist in the singular. But the guardians of empire prefer to teach their neighbors how to go to the toilet rather than mastering toilets themselves instead of a hole in the ground."
Controlling The Message
But the toilet rhetoric comes at the start of a noncompetitive, highly controlled presidential-election campaign that the Kremlin views as a chance to demonstrate public support for Putin, 71, and for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that he unleashed in February 2022.
For the government, the campaign "presents a challenge because the regime must demonstrate a complete willingness and a complete ability to manage social processes," political analyst Kirill Rogov said.
"The war is unpopular," he told RFE/RL's Russian Service. "Putin is at the end of his career and people are tired of him. He does not promise anything for the future."
Events of recent weeks have tested the Kremlin's ability to control the messaging as the March presidential election approaches. Protests by relatives of mobilized soldiers have popped up around the country. Tens of thousands of Russians across the country have been left without heating or hot water in the depths of winter as aging and poorly maintained infrastructure has collapsed.
As the full-scale invasion approaches its third year, a grinding near-stalemate that is occasionally punctuated by embarrassing setbacks for Russia, such as Kyiv's January 15 assertion that it had shot down a $300 million A-50 airborne early-warning-radar aircraft and the December 2023 sinking of a Russian Navy landing ship in the occupied Crimean port of Feodosia.
Resisting The 'Satanic' West
For the Kremlin, analysts say, such developments increase the attractiveness of turning to narratives about "gender-neutral toilets" and "traditional values" -- of doubling down on Putin's portrayal of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine as part of a defensive battle to protect Russia and the rest of the world from what he casts as a decadent, immoral, overly liberal West.
Case in point: In an interview with The Spectator earlier this month, pro-Kremlin far-right ideologist Aleksandr Dugin described Russia's attack on Ukraine as "a kind of religious act" and "the beginning of the fight against Satan."
In July 2023, Russia banned gender transitions, annulled marriages in which one person has "changed gender," and barred transgender people from adopting children. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court upheld the government's request to list the nonexistent "international LGBT social movement" as an "extremist" organization.
"With its decision, the Supreme Court permitted the law enforcement organs to apply the full force of anti-extremism legislation to LGBT people, their supporters, and those involved in LGBT initiatives," said lawyer Maks Olenichev, who works with LGBT clients. "And the anti-extremism laws are extremely amorphous."
"As the decision comes into effect, LGBT stereotypes will be strengthened in Russian society," he added.
'Bad Dream Of An Aging Chekist'
Fyodor Tsipilev, an LGBT activist who left Russia two years ago, agreed, saying the government's actions had led to the "activization of marginal forces" in society -- so far primarily online.
"But in the future it will increasingly move offline," he said. "The risks for LGBT people, and not only them, will only grow. Homophobes have publicly been given the green light."
Vitaly Bovar is a former St. Petersburg municipal lawmaker who has opposed the war against Ukraine and has spoken publicly against the vilification of the LGBT community.
"These homophobic and transphobic laws are genocide in practice, an attempt to destroy human diversity in Russia. Our society has fallen into the bad dream of an aging chekist," he told RFE/RL, using a term to describe agents of the Russian security organs.
"And I am not just speaking of Putin," he said, referring to the fact that the president for many years was an agent of the Soviet KGB and in the 1990s headed its successor, the Federal Security Service. "He did not initiate these laws by himself."
Written by Robert Coalson with reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-toilet-wars-presidential- election/32780032.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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On Third Anniversary Of Arrest, Navalny Says Putin's Power Structure 'Built On Lies'
By RFE/RL's Russian Service January 17, 2024
Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, marking the third anniversary of his incarceration on charges widely believed to be politically motivated, said the model of power created by President Vladimir Putin in Russia "is inviable because it is built on lies."
Navalny's associates read a statement on YouTube explaining why he decided to come back to Russia on January 17, 2021, when he was arrested after returning from Germany, where he was treated for poisoning with what European labs concluded as Novichok-like Soviet-style nerve agent.
"I have my country and my beliefs. And I do not want to give up my country and my beliefs. I cannot betray either the former or the latter. If your beliefs are worth something, you must be ready to stand up for them. And if necessary, to be ready for sacrifices," Navalny's statement said.
"By returning I kept my promise given to my voters.... Those who do not lie must appear at last in Russia. It turned out that I have to pay by being incarcerated in solitary confinement for my right to have and proclaim my beliefs. And of course, I do not like to be imprisoned. But I will not give up my ideas and my motherland," the statement said.
Navalny, who nearly died from the poisoning, which he blames on Russian security operatives acting at Putin's behest, was initially handed a 2 1/2-year prison sentence for violating the terms of an earlier parole during his convalescence abroad. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in Navalny's poisoning.
The original conviction is widely regarded as a trumped-up, politically motivated case.
In March 2022, Navalny was handed a nine-year prison term on charges of contempt and embezzlement through fraud that he and his supporters have repeatedly rejected as politically motivated.
Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and his network of regional offices were designated "extremist" organizations and banned after his arrest, which led to another case against him on extremism charges. In August 2023, a court extended Navalny's prison term to 19 years and sent him to a harsher "special regime" facility from the maximum-security prison where he was held.
Last month, Navalny was transferred to such a prison in Russia's Arctic region.
Navalny's associates announced earlier that they plan to organize rallies in dozens of cities across the world demanding Navalny's release and Putin's resignation.
The European Union issued a statement on January 17 calling Navalny's incarceration politically motivated and expressing concerns over his health and life.
The EU statement also urged the Kremlin to immediately release Navalny and other political prisoners in Russia, including among others Ilya Yashin, Vladimir Kara-Murza, Yury Dmitriyev, Aleksei Gorinov, and Lilia Chanysheva.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-navalny-putin-power- lies/32779956.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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A group of roommates say they are on edge after spotting a man with binoculars allegedly looking into their Melbourne apartment almost everyday.
One of the tenants said the mans hobby initially occurred every now and then but it recently seems to have picked up. Theres this apartment directly across from mine, where the inhabitant has been looking into my and other peoples apartments with binoculars and cameras, they wrote online, explaining they had been renting the flat in the city for about a year.
A Melbourne renter says a neighbour has been looking into their apartment with binoculars and cameras. Source: Reddit
Not much out of the ordinary has been happening until recently, the tenant said alongside images of the man, one of which he appears to be shirtless. This guy dashes from window to window looking at peoples units with binoculars. He even has what seems to be a phone set up on a tripod pointed towards an apartment building.
The Melburnian said the curious behaviour wouldnt bother them as much if it was every now and then but it has become a daily occurrence. This dude is doing it every afternoon and into the night sometimes.
In an attempt to deter him, the tenant and their roommates have started to just star back at him with their faces pushed up against the window so its clearly visible.
When he does see us, it makes him look away quickly from our general direction, they explained before pleading with others online for advice on what to do. Wanting to know what you guys would do in this situation? I assume nothing can be done legally but thought Id get suggestions anyway.
When contacted by Yahoo News Australia, Victoria Police indicated residents with such concerns should contact police so it can be investigated.
One of the images of the neighbour with binoculars shows him shirtless standing in front of the window. Source: Reddit
Aussies react: 'That is so creepy'
Aussies were quick to chime in with their ideas of how to get rid of the seemingly peeky neighbour, including person who said to print out a life-size image of him with his binoculars and stick it to your window.
Story continues
Thats so creepy. Talk to the building manager, neighbours who are also bothered by this and go together to warn the person etc. If it persist, get police involved, another person recommended.
Despite some social media usurers theorising the man could be bird watching, the tenant explained theres not really a wide variety of birds in the CBD to be out every afternoon and until 10pm some nights. Theres apartment buildings on either side of me so there no where else he can be looking besides a persons room, they said.
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The UK has issued a statement on the third anniversary of the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
17 January 2024
Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty said:
Today marks three years since Alexei Navalny was arrested.
His continued imprisonment is an indictment of Russia's deteriorating human rights record, and demonstrates Russia's contempt for freedom of speech and its international obligations. The Russian state's increasing repression at home both enables and is driven by its aggression abroad.
Alongside our partners, we reiterate our call for Russia to immediately and unconditionally release Alexei Navalny and all those imprisoned on political grounds.
Palau pledges support for Taiwan after Nauru breaks ties
ROC Central News Agency
01/17/2024 10:27 PM
Taipei, Jan. 17 (CNA) Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. congratulated President-elect Lai Ching-te() on his Jan. 13 election victory during a phone call on Wednesday, saying bilateral ties between Palau and Taiwan remained robust.
The phone call, which was made public in a press release issued by Taiwan's Presidential Office on Wednesday evening, came just two days after another Pacific nation, Nauru, switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing, leaving Taiwan with only 12 allies.
Taipei has criticized Beijing for poaching one of its Pacific allies, calling the move, which occurred just one day after Lai was elected president, "a retaliatory act against democratic values and a clear challenge to the stability of the international order."
According to the press release, Whipps Jr. offered his congratulations to Lai, who is currently vice president, and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim () on winning the presidential race, noting that the election showcased "the firm support of the people of Taiwan for freedom and democracy."
This year, Taiwan and Palau will celebrate the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which have been robust and steadily growing, the Palauan president said.
Whipps Jr. pledged his country's support for Taiwan, saying both sides would continue to uphold democracy and the rule of law, stand in solidarity with each other, and render mutual support.
Lai, meanwhile, told Whipps Jr. that Taiwan looked forward to enhancing existing bilateral collaborations on public health, agriculture and fishing, green energy, infrastructure development, and climate change, among others, the press release said.
Exchanges with Palau are of great importance to Taiwan, Lai said, adding that the close ties shared by the two sides had been bound by their adherence to democracy.
He also invited Whipps Jr. to attend his inauguration ceremony slated for May, and the Palauan president responded by saying he looked forward to traveling to Taiwan for the occasion.
(By Teng Pei-ju)
Enditem/m
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Mainland to unswervingly advance reunification, oppose secessionism and uphold peace: Taiwan Affairs Office
Global Times
By Wang Qi Published: Jan 17, 2024 08:30 PM
In 2024, the Chinese mainland will adhere to the principles of "peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems," continue to oppose Taiwan secession and external interference, continue to promote cross-Straits exchanges, cooperation and integrated development, and unswervingly advance reunification of the motherland, a mainland Taiwan affairs spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Responding to media queries at the first press briefing of Taiwan Affairs Office in 2024, spokesperson Chen Binhua looked ahead the cross-Straits relations in the new year, and reiterated the mainland's determination on achieving national reunification.
Only by realizing reunification of the motherland can we fundamentally remove the hidden dangers of Taiwan secession, completely crush the attempts of external forces to "use the Taiwan card to contain China," and safeguard our national sovereignty, security and development interests, Chen said, "only then can we put an end to the special state of long-term cross-Straits political antagonism and realize permanent peace in the Taiwan Straits."
On the mainland's policy toward Taiwan for some time to come, Chen said, "We will unswervingly adhere to the 1992 Consensus that embodies the one-China principle, firmly oppose 'Taiwan independence,' and uphold peace."
Chen said the discussion of "reunification by force" circulating on the internet after Lai Ching-te's election reflects the concern of all sectors on the island that the DPP might aggravate the tense and volatile situation across the Straits.
"The mainland is willing to create a broad space for peaceful reunification and is willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and effort," Chen stressed.
According to Li Zhenguang, deputy director at the Institute of Taiwan Studies under the Beijing Union University, the tone of spokesperson's remarks was very clear: the mainland will continue to promote reunification in accordance with the Party's overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era.
The general policy will not be swayed by a small twist or turn, Li said, echoing Chen's remarks that the elections "will not change the basic landscape and development trend of cross-Straits relations, will not alter the shared aspiration of compatriots across the Taiwan Straits to forge closer ties, and will not impede the inevitable trend of China's reunification."
"The overall situation in the Taiwan Straits, the dominance and initiative are still firmly in the hands of the mainland," Li said.
The fact that 60 percent of Taiwan's voters did not support the DPP's continuation in power in this election shows that the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, in fact, feels the risk posed by secessionists, Li said, "the majority of Taiwan compatriots do not want to see the Straits shadowed in danger of war, but want more integration and peaceful development and exchange."
Although Lai mentioned cross-Straits exchanges and dialogues in his post-election speech, he referred to the mainland as "China" and smeared the mainland as "authoritarian," revealing his nature as a diehard secessionist, analysts said.
In this regard, Chen remarked that on the basis of the one-China principle, there is no obstacle for any political party or group in Taiwan to interact with the Chinese mainland. "The DPP's stubborn insistence on the separatist position of 'Taiwan independence' is a fundamental obstacle to its interaction with us."
Chen called on the vast number of Taiwan compatriots to "uphold the general principles, grasp the general trend, stand firmly on the right side of history," and work with the Chinese mainland to promote cross-Straits relations to get back to the right track of peaceful development.
Compared to the rash calls on the internet, mainland decision-makers are calm and rational, always focusing on the top interests of the Chinese nation on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Li said.
At the same time, the mainland is also well-prepared to deter Taiwan secessionists. Under the pressure of the mainland, neither the US nor the DPP authorities dare to act recklessly and radically, he added.
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The delicate dance: Taiwan's new path with China amid economic strains
The ruling party's third term may worsen cross-strait economy; increase need for new trade deals, experts warn.
By Elaine Chan for RFA 2024.01.17 -- When choosing the independent-leading incumbent vice-president as their new leader, the Taiwanese people not only affirmed their commitment to their current political discourse but also voiced a strong desire for improved economic ties with the Chinese mainland.
This optimistic vision, however, is not without its complexities, suggesting that the journey ahead could be more arduous than initially hoped.
China is Taiwan's biggest trading partner, but tension between Beijing and the island's ruling party, the Democratic People's Party (DPP), which the President-elect Lai Ching-te belongs to, has been high in the past eight years that the DPP has been in power, marred inevitably by waning economic ties.
With a third four-year term for the DPP ahead, cross-strait economic relations are not expected to remain in the standoffish climate they currently are but could take a further dive, as China could continue to weaponize economics as a tactic, according to experts who spoke to Radio Free Asia.
"The election outcome wasn't what Beijing wanted, though it was within the Chinese government's expectation," said Cheng Cheng-ping, a professor of finance at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taipei.
"Post-election, cross-strait relations on the economic front will worsen," Cheng said, in addition to military tactics like Chinese vessels encircling the island.
Trade between Taiwan and China has fluctuated amid a collapse in exports and imports, which could also be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, exports rebounded 25%, but that came from a low base of a negative 3.2% in 2022, according to Taiwan Customs data.
Economists in Taiwan said the problem lies more with Beijing than the Taiwan side, where the slowing domestic economy is hamstrung by a property market crisis and mounting local government debts, issues that authorities are struggling to fix.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's economic decisions are not rooted in improving China's economy but are related to politics or the Chinese Communist Party's interests, according to Li Chen-yu, Taishin Financial Holdings' chief economist.
"If you look at it [the economic issue] from this angle, you'd see that they would do things that benefit themselves at the expense of others," said Li.
"Therefore, the new government when dealing with China needs to have some bottom line, that is you can't separate diplomacy, security and economics. There needs to be a team [from the new government] that works together in a consolidated approach. I feel that this is something we need to think about."
Li also doesn't believe that any ongoing trade disputes between the two sides could be effectively resolved through the World Trade Organization route as urged by Taiwan's economic affairs ministry.
Just days ahead of last Saturday's elections, China's commerce ministry said it was considering suspending concessions on more Taiwanese goods under the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) - the free trade agreement signed with China during the rule of the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang, or KMT.
The agreement was signed in 2010 in the hope that China would stop pressuring other countries to avoid free trade agreements with Taiwan. In December, the Chinese already suspended tariff relief on 12 petrochemical products.
"China won't engage as this means dealing with it at a country-to-country level," Li said at a post-election symposium by Taiwanese think-tank the Institute of National Policy Research, with reference to Beijing's long-held position that Taiwan was a part of the People's Republic of China.
He urged that the new government should instead focus on brokering new free trade agreements with other individual economies and reducing its emphasis on ECFA.
"Taiwanese relations with Japan are currently at their peak," Li said, adding that the ties are enhanced by activity in the semiconductor industry by both sides.
He also downplayed the benefit of joining multilateral agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership that the opposition presidential candidate KMT's Hou Yu-il had pushed for in his election campaign.
"Multilateral agreements are complex ... all it takes is one country to disagree," Li said.
Dialed up pressure
China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that should be politically reunited with the mainland by force if necessary. The democratic island of Taiwan has been self-governing since being separated from mainland China in 1949 after the Chinese Civil War.
Beijing has dialed up diplomatic and economic pressure on the island, as well as increasing military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait since the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen's administration first came to power in 2016, as Tsai and the DPP refuse to acknowledge that Taiwan and the mainland belong to "One China."
To reduce economic reliance on China and diversify risks, Tsai has promoted a southbound policy to increase trade with South Asia and ASEAN, as well as with Australia and New Zealand.
According to Taiwan Customs data, exports to ASEAN rose 14.7% in 2022 but contracted 5% last year. But exports to China shrank more - widening from a negative 3.8% to a negative 20.9% in 2023.
Last year, Taiwanese-approved outbound investments to the Chinese mainland plunged by nearly 40% to US$3 billion, the lowest since 2002, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Tuesday. This compared with $9.6 billion when the DPP came into power in 2016.
While these official numbers are indicative of the investment trend, they do not include investments routed via popular third-party conduits such as Hong Kong to enter the Chinese market.
The ministry's investment review department noted that China-bound investments peaked in 2010 when they accounted for a whopping 84% of all outbound investments. The trend took a downturn from 2016, with the share dropping to 11% last year.
The trade and tech wars between the United States and China, coupled with geopolitical uncertainty in the region, forced Taiwanese businesses to recalibrate their global supply chains to diversify their interests to the U.S., European, Japanese and other Asian markets, the department noted.
The decline is also reflected in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan. The annual growth rate of inbound Chinese visitors has been on a decrease since 2016 until 2020, when Taiwan was closed off to foreigners during the pandemic. But reopening hasn't seen the return of Chinese tourists as Beijing's ban on Chinese individuals and tour groups to Taiwan has remained since August 2019 and 2020 respectively due to cross-strait tensions.
Limited moves
Cheng from the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology believes there are limited ways in which China can economically pressure Taiwan on the back of its own domestic struggle.
For instance, China's suspension of tariff relief on Taiwanese petrochemical imports last month could also hurt Chinese businesses that import competitively-priced Taiwanese products in an integrated global supply chain.
But what Beijing "can't touch" is Taiwan's high-tech sector, Cheng said, which is bound by the Information Technology Agreement under the auspices of the World Trade Organization, keeping tariffs at zero.
"And the high-tech sector is Taiwan's core. So it [China] could only target the traditional industries through ECFA to continue to penalize Taiwan, where cross-strait economic relations have been bad in the past few years."
Cheng expects cross-strait economic activities to stay weak, more so as a result of China's increased inward-looking investment policies that have shooed off foreign interests, including Taiwanese businesses, in turn crimping its own demand for imports.
He cited a similar decline in China's imports from Japan and South Korea, which, according to Chinese official data, fell 14% and 20% respectively in the first 11 months of 2023.
Taiwan's economy
The fallout from the U.S.-China tech war will become more pronounced this year, experts say. This is in part due to the increased scrutiny to plug loopholes introduced by new American regulations.
Cheng said as the Americans stepped up controls, they noticed ways of circumventing them from the Taiwanese players. He added that U.S. officials would come to Taiwan to explain these new curbs - aimed primarily at China - in detail to Taiwanese companies, which in turn would depress chip exports to China.
Semiconductors and semiconductor-related products, which account for nearly half of Taiwanese exports to China, fell 17% to $904 billion in the first 10 months of 2023.
Taiwan has forecasted GDP growth of 1.4% for 2023, the lowest since the 2008 global financial crisis. Economic issues have elicited the biggest criticisms from the Taiwanese people towards the DPP, particularly from the younger generation, who are dissatisfied with low wage growth, high housing costs, and power shortages.
Still, Cheng believes that if geopolitical pressures such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as tensions in the region - which hinge on how U.S.-China relations evolve - do not spread, the Taiwanese economy should be in a healthier state in 2024, boosted by the strength of its tech sector.
"Taiwan's various economic indicators are not bad - export orders are beginning to increase, excess supplies from the pandemic are being digested. Additionally, foreign investments in Taiwan are growing. Taiwan's domestic consumption is robust, as is the government taxation revenue."
Taiwan's national research institute, the Academia Sinica, has projected 3.02% economic growth for this year.
Edited by Taejun Kang and Mike Firn.
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After Taiwan election, Beijing vows to step up influence ops
Xi Jinping calls for an all-out effort to win 'patriotic' hearts and minds to the cause of 'unification.'
By Huang Chun-mei for RFA Mandarin, Chi Chun Lee for RFA Cantonese 2024.01.17 -- Since Taiwanese voters elected Beijing's least favorite candidate Lai Ching-te as their next president, China is responding with growing pressure towards what it terms "peaceful unification," in a bid to bring the island under its control through propaganda, threats and infiltration rather than armed invasion, analysts told Radio Free Asia.
China launched its diplomatic offensive just two days after the elections, with Taiwan's former diplomatic ally Nauru announcing it had switched diplomatic ties to Beijing.
The ruling Chinese Communist Party followed that up with warnings from the Ministry of National Security, which vowed on its official WeChat account that "Our will is unwavering, and we are fully confident that we have sufficient capabilities to make good use of the sharp sword of the Anti-Secession Law to fight infiltration and sabotage activities planned by pro-independence separatist forces and external forces in Taiwan."
Beijing passed its anti-secession law against Taiwan in March 2005, in a move it said would legalize the use of force against the island, which split from the mainland in 1949 amid civil war and has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party.
But it has also used the law, along with its National Security Law, to threaten arrests and sanctions against anyone it deems to be working towards formal independence for the island, a sovereign state under the 1911 Republic of China whose government fled there after losing the civil war to Mao Zedong's communists in 1949.
Party leader Xi Jinping has repeatedly said that Taiwan must be "unified" with China, and refused to rule out the use of military force to annex the island.
'Winning hearts and minds'
But a lengthy article calling for the redoubling of "United Front" influence operations in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan was recently published in the party's ideological journal Qiushi and on the front page of its official newspaper the People's Daily on Tuesday. This suggests Xi may be hoping that war won't be necessary, and that China can undermine Taiwan's democratic way of life through a gradual process similar to that used in Hong Kong.
Taking its text from Xi's speech to a United Front conference last July, the article lists Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as key targets for the expansion of Chinese influence.
"[We must] do a good job of winning hearts and minds in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas, promoting patriotism in Hong Kong and Macau and patriotic forces in favor of unification in Taiwan," Xi wrote.
"We must also mobilize and develop patriotism among overseas Chinese, strengthening the unity of the Chinese people at home and abroad, as we build a model for the broader United Front operation," he said. "If everyone works together, we will be collectively stronger."
"We must ... develop and strengthen Taiwan's patriotic unification forces, oppose acts [promoting] 'Taiwan independence' and separatist acts, and promote the total unification of the motherland," Xi said, adding that "returned overseas Chinese and their family members should devote themselves ... to the cause of peaceful unification."
'War without smoke'
Chau Chun-shan, a senior aide working on ties with Beijing during the administration of former Kuomintang President Ma Ying-jeou, said there hadn't been much "visible" military saber-rattling since Lai's victory was announced.
He pointed to the restarting of military talks between China and the United States following the Xi-Biden summit in November, where Xi reportedly denied there was a timetable for the invasion of Taiwan.
Instead, China looked more likely to weaponize its own laws against Taiwan, he said.
"The Anti-Secession Law is domestic Chinese legislation, so using it is tantamount to making the Taiwan question an internal matter," Chau said, adding that there are plenty of ways to step up pressure on Taipei without military exercises.
"That includes economic and trade [sanctions], cognitive warfare," he said. "These are all different kinds of warfare - it's just a war without smoke."
Chau expects the pressure to ramp up further when Lai assumes office on May 20, after winning an unprecedented third-term victory for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has refused to go along with China's territorial claim on Taiwan - known as the "one China principle" - since President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2020.
"China will definitely put pressure on them, because if it didn't, it would be hard to explain domestically, and harder to send a warning signal to the rest of the world, especially the United States," he said.
Hong Kong current affairs commentator Sang Pu said he fully expects Beijing to reproduce the influence tactics it used to subjugate Hong Kong, and use them in a broad-based attempt at infiltration in Taiwan, something the ruling DPP has vowed to resist.
"China has insufficient [military] strength, and invading Taiwan may not be a priority at the moment," Sang said. "They are probably thinking they need to prepare the ground with advanced brainwashing in Taiwan, or even ... infiltration and the instigation of rebellions."
"This is their most important task," he said, adding that United Front work takes various forms, including propaganda, cognitive warfare and "lawfare" using legislation.
He said the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong had been successfully eliminated by a combination of those factors, particularly through the use of the 2020 National Security Law to prosecute anyone critical of the authorities.
May 20 inauguration
Chang Wu-yueh, director of the Cross-Strait Relations Research Center at Taiwan's Tamkang University, said the process will likely start building around the annual session of the National People's Congress in Beijing in early March.
By the time Lai takes office, early campaigning will be under way for U.S. presidential elections in November.
"This will be a warm-up for the election campaign, so pressure from Beijing will be concentrated in the period between March and May," he said.
But he said Lai's inauguration speech is unlikely to further antagonize China.
"Lai's May 20 inauguration speech isn't expected to anger Beijing, because it must be affirmed by the United States to some extent, so [Washington] must have no objections to it," he said.
A person working in national security in Taiwan said the government expects most of the pressure will be verbal and political, rather than military, in the post-election period, as China is unlikely to want to jeopardize its slowly thawing ties in the form of resumed military talks with Washington.
"Also, Xi Jinping doesn't seem to be done with his anti-corruption purge of the military yet, and there are various very different voices within the [military] leadership," the person said. "All of that restricts Xi Jinping from carrying out very large-scale or intensive operations."
But there is likely to be a resurgence in military activity by the People's Liberation Army after May, backing up China's economic sanctions and information warfare targeting Taiwan, the person said.
Chau agreed. "They will go both soft and hard," he said. "The military operations won't stop -- crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait has become normalized, and will become more and more frequent in future."
"[Beijing] is now focused on the Nov. 5 elections in the United States, not on the Jan. 13 elections in Taiwan," he said.
Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January 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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Myanmar junta reaffirms support for China's Taiwan policy after elections
Analysts say the move is a bid to curry favor with Beijing as it seeks backing.
By RFA Burmese 2024.01.17 -- Myanmar's junta has reaffirmed its support for China's claims over Taiwan following the democratic island's general election over the weekend, in what observers say is a bid to curry favor with Beijing as it seeks international backing.
On Saturday, Lai Ching-te from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party emerged as president-elect, beating Beijing-favored Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party.
Western countries, including the United States, were quick to deliver messages of congratulations for the Democratic Progressive Party's election victory in Taiwan, prompting objections by China's foreign ministry.
But on Monday, the junta's ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement saying it will continue to back Beijing's "one China principle," which holds that the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China and that the island of Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
The junta also expressed opposition to "separatist activities" aimed at securing Taiwan's independence and foreign interference in the internal affairs of other states, as well as support for the island's peaceful reunification.
The statement followed a similar one in a new year message from Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, on Jan. 1, which included a pledge of support for the policy, as well as a vow to maintain friendly relations between Myanmar and its northern neighbor and safeguard Chinese economic interests in the country.
Panic over NUG statement
China-based political analyst Hla Kyaw Zaw said the junta was obligated to put out Monday's statement once the Democratic Progressive Party was confirmed as the victor in Taiwan's elections, as Beijing is one of the few governments to recognize its authority in Myanmar. The junta has faced widespread international condemnation following the military's Feb. 1, 2021, coup d'etat.
"It had to say that [Myanmar] supports the one China principle and that Taiwan is a part of mainland China," she said. It's meant to curry favor with China."
But a former military officer in Myanmar, who spoke to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said that the NUG's statement of support earlier this month had thrown the junta into a panic.
"Actually, [the statement] wasn't necessary because Myanmar already held this position from the beginning," said the former officer, who now works as a political analyst. "I think [the junta] did so because they were concerned about the NUG's statement. They want to reiterate that they already support [China] and have already designated it as a partner country."
Calls by RFA to junta Deputy Information Minister Major General Zaw Min Tun for comment on the ministry of foreign affairs' statement went unanswered Tuesday, as did emailed requests to the Chinese Embassy in Yangon.
Statement follows defeats
Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, pointed out that the junta's statement comes amid a number of military defeats in northern Myanmar at the hands of resistance forces.
"It is seeking China's help to get relief from these defeats," he said.
Htet Myet, another political commentator, went further, noting that neither the junta nor the NUG would dare oppose Beijing's policies.
"The [junta] is afraid that the Chinese government will be angry with them," he said. "The NUG also did it, because it understands that it has to have good relations with China in order not to be blocked by its prospects and expectations ... That's why the NUG and the [junta] are on the same page."
Last week, junta officials and an ethnic rebel resistance force known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance agreed to a temporary ceasefire during peace talks brokered by Beijing in China's Yunnan province.
The allied Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta'ang National Liberation Army agreed to cease capturing cities and military camps in northern Shan state, while junta officials agreed not to instigate aerial attacks and operate heavy weaponry.
However, observers have suggested that the decision is a result of Chinese pressure and would not be sustainable in the long run.
Translated by Htin Aung Kyaw. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster.
Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January 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's Nationalists Urge War to Reintegrate Taiwan After Presidential Election
By Kelly Tang January 17, 2024
The record third win for Taiwan's most independence-leaning party in Saturday's presidential election has sparked calls for war from Chinese nationalists who are losing patience, despite more than 70 years of status quo, and want to see the island forcefully reunified with the mainland.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate Lai Ching-te, who was Taiwan's vice president, was elected the self-governing island's new president by just over 40% of the vote, which he said in his victory speech told the international community that "between democracy and authoritarianism, we will stand on the side of democracy."
The more China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih won just over a third of the vote and the Taiwan People's Party candidate Ko Wen-je received over a quarter of ballots cast.
The DPP has said it is open to talks with Beijing, which has so far rejected them while stepping up military probing and threats to Taiwan and underscoring its plans to one day reunify it with China, by force if necessary.
Chinese officials had characterized the election as a choice for Taiwan between peace and war.
But it is mainland Chinese nationalists who seem to listening to that message.
In interviews with VOA, mainland Chinese reacted to the election result with calls for China to make good on its threat to force Taiwan's reunification.
They asked VOA only use their last names due to safety concerns.
Mr. Ni, a media worker in China's south-central Hunan Province, said people around him didn't talk about the Taiwan election publicly, but they did very passionately in private. "Liberating Taiwan was the main theme," he said, without clarifying what China would be liberating the self-governing, democratic island from.
He added that nationalism was rising in China with more calls to invade Taiwan to forcefully reunify it with the mainland.
In China's southeastern coastal province of Fujian, Mr. Gao in the capital, Fuzhou, said he was "very pleased" about Lai's win because it could speed up the pace of military reunification with China. "War is inevitable, and the central government has already made arrangements," he said, adding that democracy and freedom were in his view just slogans for politicians to obtain power and political capital.
Nationalists on the Chinese internet also declared that reunifying Taiwan by force was the only option. One comment under the name of "Star Sky Strawberry Little White" said, "The voting has shown the public opinion on the other side (of the strait). It's not a minority, but a considerable majority. There is no way to save Frog Island [meaning Taiwan]. Give up your illusions and militarily reunify it."
"This matter cannot be delayed any longer," wrote the well-known nationalist social media influencer Midnight Knight, who has more than 1 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. "It's better to fight early than late, and it's better to fight big than small."
An online survey published by the North America-edited Journal of Contemporary China in May 2023 showed more than half of mainland respondents favored unifying Taiwan by force.
Mr. Xu, a Hong Kong analyst born in mainland China who also declined to give his full name due to security concerns, told VOA that Lai's win will push Taiwan in the direction of war, especially as China sanctions his deputy, Hsiao Bi-khim, for advocating for Taiwan's independence, which will create barriers to Taiwan's international economic and trade investments.
"Lai's reputation in mainland China is very bad. When (President) Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, her reputation in mainland China was very good. Lai doesn't have this honor," he sai
But there are exceptions to mainland Chinese pushing for war or who see military conflict as inevitable, including some who see Taiwan's election as an example that China could one day follow.
Mr. Zhang, who lives in China's eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, told VOA that on Taiwan's election day, his social media groups were flooded with news about the vote. "This positive signal shows that more and more Chinese are observing how democracy works in Taiwan," he said, adding that only when China has democratic voting can the Taiwan Strait be safe.
Despite the authoritarian one-party state's efforts to disparage and limit discussion of Chinese electing their own leaders in Taiwan, the election was one of the most searched topics on Weibo, garnering more than 163 million post views Saturday before authorities blocked it.
A spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office on Wednesday said that Beijing's refusal to swear off the use of force is not targeted at "Taiwan compatriots" but at "interference from external forces" and what he called the "tiny number of Taiwan independence separatists and their separatist activities."
Polls among people in Taiwan have shown the vast majority of people prefer to keep their sovereignty and that most identify as Taiwanese - not Chinese.
Taiwan split from China during the 1940s Chinese civil war, which saw the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rise to power and the defeated nationalist Kuomintang army flee to the island, which transitioned to democracy in the 1990s while China remained under CCP rule.
The U.S., which does not support Taiwan declaring independence but has vowed to defend it from any effort by Beijing to take the island by force, congratulated Lai on his victory and the people of Taiwan for demonstrating the strength of their democratic system.
Adrianna Zhang and Wenhao Ma contributed to this report.
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January 17, 2024
Release
Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker's Meeting With U.K. Ministry of Defence Director General Security Policy Mr. Paul Wyatt
Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:
Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Sasha Baker met with U.K. Ministry of Defence Director General Security Policy Mr. Paul Wyatt today at the Pentagon to discuss current matters important to the U.S.-UK defense relationship.
The leaders discussed a range of defense and security issues including Red Sea security, Middle East developments, NATO, and on-going support for Ukraine.
They expressed their commitment to continuing to strengthen the U.S.-UK special relationship.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3648192/
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Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Argentine President Javier Milei met for the first time at the World Economic Forum in Davos on 17 January.
17 January 2024
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said:
The Foreign Secretary met the President of Argentina Javier Milei at the World Economic Forum in Davos today [17 January 2024]. It was a warm and cordial meeting, setting out mutual support for a more constructive relationship between the UK and Argentina.
The Foreign Secretary and President Milei discussed how to enhance UK-Argentina relations through greater cooperation on areas of mutual interest including trade, education, culture and enhancing people to people links.
On the Falkland Islands, the Foreign Secretary and President Milei said they would agree to disagree, and do so politely. The UK position and ongoing support for the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination remains unchanged.
Digital defence transformation boosted by A150 million UK contract
Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a A150 million contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter.
17 January 2024
UK-based technology services provider Computacenter awarded four-year contract.
Contract expected to reduce current costs by around 64% (A84m).
Covering over 220,000 devices in use by MOD personnel worldwide.
Digital services across Defence will be transformed in a A150 million contract awarded to UK-based technology services provider, Computacenter.
The four-year contract will support tens of thousands of laptops and desktop computers used by MOD personnel worldwide, from head office to the front line, as well as creating additional jobs at Computacenter's Hatfield and Nottingham sites.
Reducing operating costs by around A84 million, the new services will provide a high-quality, secure and sustainable service to defence personnel, enabling defence to more rapidly respond to changing needs and market conditions.
The contract represents a wider MOD move away from large, aggregated contracts to smaller, more measurable contracts that will improve organisational flexibility.
Defence Digital's improvement programme is a priority for the MOD, and we are investing over A4 billion annually in our digital transformation, to streamline the MOD's processes and increase our operational capability.
Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:
Delivering on our digital transformation will ensure high-quality, rapidly accessible global data, which is a critical component of our fighting power. Bolstered technology can strengthen our deterrence, our resilience, and our national prosperity. The service will improve performance standards and speed of access across 220,000 devices including laptops, desktops, peripherals and software applications.
MOD Chief Information Officer, Charles Forte, said:
This new relationship is a significant component in our ongoing progress to bring new business into the team and ensures we are modernising and innovating in support of our international customers to deliver greater value for money.
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Popular ocean fish could disappear from restaurant menus and supermarket shelves in favour of farmed varieties as aquaculture becomes cheaper and more widespread than commercial trawling.
Species like tuna and salmon that thrive in ocean pens will be commonplace, but other species which grow slowly in captivity will likely become niche and hard to find. Ocean ecology specialist Professor Jianguang Qin explained yellowtail kingfish is the latest fish to be successfully farmed. But others grow too slowly to make them commercially viable, because raising them over a long period of time is expensive and risky.
For fisheries the only cost is going to the ocean and catching them, but for aquaculture we need to consider if they will make money or not. For example the King George whiting is a wonderful fish in the ocean, however when they try to cultivate them in aquaculture their growth is too slow they cant make money out of it, he said.
Common fish could become more niche as aquaculture becomes the dominant supplier of seafood. Source: Getty/Michael Dahlstrom
Would 'whiting' disappear from menus?
King George whiting is one of the most commonly eaten fish in Australia, particularly in restaurants. But if King George whiting wasn't able to be commercially farmed, we still may not see "whiting" disappear completely. That's because there are several other whiting species.
"King George whiting is not necessarily the most popular fish in this category. Sand whiting and school whiting both sell in much higher volumes than King George whiting at our daily auction," Sydney Fish Market's head of quota Gus Dannoun told Yahoo.
When homogenisation of available foods happened before
Qin, who is based at Flinders University, believes farmed fish will increasingly become dominant and the switch can help ease pressures on wild populations that are stressed by warming water temperatures and overfishing.
It will be the biggest change to commercial fishing since super-trawlers began revolutionising the industry in the 1950s, but it could have a downside in terms of limiting the variety of species available. This homogenisation could mirror the 20th centurys agricultural green revolution which saw high-yield crops becoming dominant, and rare plants and seeds becoming less common. Some low-yield grains even faced extinction.
Story continues
Qin hopes lessons will be learned from the green revolution, and that the upcoming blue revolution could actually save some species from extinction. In Victoria, researchers are hoping to crack the code and understand the conditions required to beed endangered Macquarie perch, a fish so rare anglers are banned from catching.
Farmed fish could become cheaper than commercial trawling of wild species. Source: Flinders University
How fish farming will become more environmentally friendly
China appears to be leading the way in aquaculture and it is successfully breeding over a dozen commercial species including yellowfin tuna, mackerel tuna, and even coral trout.
Fish farming has reputational problems in Australia, largely due to pollutants created around salmon farms in Tasmania that have pushed a native species, the Maugean skate, to the brink of extinction. But Qin thinks new technologies have the ability to reduce pollutants by controlling nitrogen levels through multi-layered farms that mimic the natural environment. These structures use oysters to filter the waste created by fish, and seaweed to further dissolve nutrients in the water.
By controlling the production environment, Qin believes fish produced using aquaculture will actually be "safer" for consumers. In particular, toxic materials like mercury which are commonplace in larger species like shark, which is commonly sold as flake, will be less prevalent in species chosen for aquaculture .
Qins paper New Techniques in Marine Aquaculture has been published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.
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War in Ukraine - Military support for Ukraine
Germany - Federal Government
Germany provides support for Ukraine by supplying equipment and weapons, these come from supplies of the Federal Arms Forces and from deliveries from industry financed from the Federal Government's funds for security capacity building. An overview.
Tuesday, 16 January 2024
This list provides an overview of military assistance provided by the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine. It includes deliveries from the Federal Armed Forces, from industry and assistance measures together with partners, which have, inter alia, been financed from Federal Government funds for security capacity building.
Funding for the security capacity building initiative amounts to 5.4 billion Euros for 2023 (after 2 billion Euros for 2022) and additional authorisations to enter commitments in the following years amounting to 10.5 billion Euros. These funds are to be used primarily for military assistance to Ukraine. At the same time, they will be used for re-filling Federal Armed Forces stocks for items delivered to Ukraine as well as for Germany's contributions to the European Peace Facility (EPF), from which costs incurred from providing military assistance to Ukraine can be re-imbursed to EU member states.
Delivered military support to Ukraine:
(Changes compared to the previous update in bold)
Armoured fighting vehicles
ammunition for main battle tank LEOPARD 1*
24 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)* (before: 16)
ammunition for LEOPARD 2 A6 (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
90 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER with ammunition and spare parts (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
69 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*
30 main battle tanks LEOPARD 1 A5*
138 MG3 for LEOPARD 2, MARDER and DACHS
18 LEOPARD 2 A 6 main battle tanks with ammunition and spare parts (German share in joint project with further LEOPARD 2 operators)
50 MRAP vehicles DINGO
54 M113 armoured personnel carriers each with 2 MG* (systems of Denmark, upgrades financed by Germany)
Air defence
IRIS-T SLM missiles*
1 air defence system SKYNEX with ammunition*
8 air surveillance radar TRML-4D*
52 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD with spare part
116,362 rounds ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
2 air defence systems PATRIOT with spare parts
PATRIOT missiles
3 air defence system IRIS-T SLM*
IRIS-T SLS missiles
2 IRIS-T SLS launchers*
2 PATRIOT launchers
4,000 rounds practice ammunitions for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns
500 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STINGER
2,700 Man Portable Air Defense Systems STRELA
Artillery
44,970 rounds 155mm ammunition (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
ammunition for multiple rocket launchers MARS II
20,872 rounds 155mm smoke/illuminating ammunition
2 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)
155mm precision guided ammunition* (SMArt, VULCANO)
5 multiple rocket launchers MARS II with ammunition (German share in joint project with USA and Great Britain)
14 self-propelled howitzers Panzerhaubitze 2000 with spare parts (German share in joint project with the Netherlands)
20 rocket launchers 70mm on pick-up trucks with rockets*
counter battery radar system COBRA*
10 laser target designators and portable fire control modules for VULCANO artillery ammunition*
Military Engineering Capabilities
material for explosive ordnance disposal (from Bundeswehr and industry stock s*)
16 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*
14 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER with spare parts*
6 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*
250 tool kits with blasting material*
11 mine ploughs for T-72*
18 heavy and medium bridge systems and 12 trailers
5 bridges for bridge-laying tank BEAVER
15 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*
2 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 3
5armoured engineer vehicles DACHS*
12 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*
Protective and Special Equipment
125 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN* (before: 100)
280 SatCom terminals* (before: 230)
248 border protection vehicles* (before: 243)
33,190 combat helmets (before: 31,350)
500 LED lamps*
212 drone detection systems*
56 ground surveillance radars GO12*
162 reconnaissance drones VECTOR with spare parts*
4 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*
1 LUNA NG reconnaissance system*
50 mobile antenna mast systems*
63 laser range finders*
2,667 Crypto Phones*
90,600 safety glasses (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
7 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE*
20 unmanned surface vessels*
1 PCB printer*
1 antenna hub station
1 Satcom surveillance system*
1,288 binoculars
5 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*
10 radio jammers*
57 anti-drone sensors and jammers*
40 frequency range extensions for anti-drone devices*
1 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*
32 reconnaissance drones*
40 laser target designators*
10 anti-drone guns*
1 radio frequency system
3,000 field telephones with 5.000 cable reels and carrying straps
353 night vision goggles*
12 electronic anti-drone devices*
165 field glasses*
6 mobile decontamination vehicles HEP 70 including decontamination material
10 HMMWV (8x ground radar capability, 2x jamming/anti drone capability)*
1 high frequency unit with equipment*
Logistics
361 vehicles (trucks, minibuses, all-terrain vehicles) (from Bundeswehr and industry stock s*) (before: 358)
24 tankers Zetros * (before: 8)
* 250 trucks Zetros*
90 truck tractor trains 8x8 HX81 and 90 semi-trailers*
25 trucks MAN TGS*
40 load-handling trucks 8x8
34 load-handling trucks 15t*
6 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 21 roll of containers*
14 tracked and remote controlled infantry vehicles THeMIS*
179 Pick-ups*
12 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*
30 protected vehicles*
Combat Readiness and Survivability
305 assault rifles MK 556*
47.85 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
1.162 winter camouflage nets (from Bundeswehr and industry stocks*)
2,000 winter camouflage ponchos*
239,991 rounds ammunition 40mm*
medical material
500,000 first aid kits*
30 grenade launchers GMG*
15 precision rifles HLR 338 with 60,000 rounds ammunition*
10 All Terrain Tracked Carrier Warthog Ambulances
49 ambulances*
30,000 winter clothing sets
27,477 backpacks
3 spare part packages for VECTOR drones
1,202 Infusion kits
Spare parts WISENT
field hospital*
100 machine guns MG5*
8 dental sterilizers
11,000 group module rations
103,000 tourniquets
500 pistols SFP9*
2 hangar tents*
8 lift trucks*
295 generators
168 mobile heating systems*
36,400 wool blankets
14,000 sleeping bags
Mi-24 spare parts*
spare parts for heavy machine gun M2
200 tents
116,000 winter jackets
80,000 winter trousers
240,000 winter hats
405,000 pre-packaged military Meals Ready
67 fridges for medical material*
3,000 anti-tank weapons Panzerfaust 3 with 900 firing devices
14,900 anti-tank mines (9,300* from industry stocks)
50 Bunkerfaust with 15 firing devices
100 machine gun MG3 with 500 spare barrels and breechblocks
100,000 hand grenades
5,300 explosive charges
100,000 m detonating cord and 100.000 detonators
350,000 detonators
100 auto-injector devices
15 palettes military clothing
1,200 hospital beds
18 palettes medical material, 60 surgical lights
protective clothing, surgical masks
1 field hospital (project jointly financed with Estonia)*
Diesel and gasoline*
10 tons AdBlue*
500 medical gauzes*
MiG-29 spare parts*
7,944 man-portable anti-tank weapons RGW 90 Matador*
Military support to Ukraine in planning/in execution
(due to security concerns, the Federal Government abstains from providing details on transportation modalities and dates until after handover)
Armoured fighting vehicles
30 infantry fighting vehicles MARDER* (before: 10)
105 LEOPARD 1 A5 main battle tanks* (project jointly financed with Denmark)
4 tracked all-terrain vehicles Bandvagn 206 (BV206)*
42 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC)*
ammunition for main battle tanks for LEOPARD 2 and LEOPARD 1*
ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles MARDER*
Air defence
15 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns GEPARD *
9 air defence systems IRIS-T SLM*
1 air defence system SKYNEX with ammunition*
IRIS-T SLM/SLS missiles*
22 launchers IRIS-T SLS*
259,680 rounds of GEPARD ammunition*
Artillery
more than 250,000 projectiles 155mm*
18 wheeled self-propelled howitzers RCH 155*
14 wheeled self-propelled howitzer Zuzana 2* (project jointly financed with Denmark and Norway)
Military Engineering Capabilities
250 tool kits with blasting material*
material for explosive ordnance disposal*
6 armoured recovery vehicles Bergepanzer 2*
4 mobile, remote controlled and protected mine clearing systems*
12 bridge-laying tanks BEAVER*
2 mobile and protected mine clearing systems Ahlmann*
26 mine clearing tanks WISENT 1*
2 heavy and medium bridge systems*
Protective and Special Equipment
124 reconnaissance drones RQ-35 HEIDRUN*
27,510 combat helmets (before: 26,850)
1,500 LED lamps*
50 drone detection systems*
725 laser range finders*
11 reconnaissance drones Primoco ONE*
12 AMPS self-protection systems for helicopters*
10,000 safety glasses*
10 mobile reconnaissance systems SurveilSPIRE*
263 reconnaissance drones VECTOR*
121 reconnaissance drones*
50 unmanned surface vessels*
2,000 portable light systems*
252 border protection vehicles*
vehicle decontamination system
11 communications electronic scanner/jammer systems*
Logistics
46 tankers Zetros* (before: 22)
20 Zetros refrigerator trucks*
41 Mercedes trucks*
2 Toyota Land Cruiser*
11 tank transporter tractor M1070 Oshkosh*
1 load-handling trucks 8x6 with 7 roll of containers*
2 tractors and 4 trailers*
10 protected vehicles*
Combat Readiness and Survivability
4,695 assault rifles MK 556*
8.75 million rounds of ammunition for fire arms*
8.000 anti-tank mines*
435 precision rifles HLR 338 with 9.9m rounds ammunition*
18,000 man-portable anti-tank weapons*
2 dental sterilizers
191,925 rounds ammunition 40mm for grenade launchers*
continuing deliveries of medical material*
70 grenade launchers GMG*
* Deliveries from industry stocks financed by German funds for security capacity building. Some of the deliveries require upgrades or productions is ongoing; also training measures take place.
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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment following the latest Copenhagen-format meeting on Ukraine in Davos
16 January 2024 21:39
36-16-01-2024
On January 14, Davos, Switzerland, hosted the fourth Copenhagen-format meeting on Ukraine.
According to reports, the number of participating countries and organisations may have increased to 82 compared to 66 in the previous round, held in Malta on October 28, 2023. However, quantity does not necessarily equal quality, and the Davos meeting was no exception. Apart from participants posing for a family photo and tentatively agreeing to meet again, the outcomes of this gathering were a complete failure for Kiev and its Western masters.
As usual, China refused to attend the meeting. Many other countries from the Global Majority chose to lower their level of representation or attended as observers, which can hardly be regarded as active participation.
In addition, there was a growing divide among the countries represented at the meeting. Despite the increased attendance, Ukraine and the West were unable to recruit new members into the anti-Russian camp or adopt an outcome document. Even the statement released by Ukraine and Switzerland as the meeting's chairs contains a note stating that the document does not reflect the opinions of all attendees.
Today, more countries from the Global South and East, including those that attended the Copenhagen-format meetings, are openly saying that discussing any possible contours of an eventual settlement of the Ukraine crisis does not make any sense without Russia.
There is a growing understanding that the ultimatums set forth in the Zelensky Formula cannot bring about a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. This framework is based on delusional demands, such as withdrawing Russian troops to the 1991 borders, holding Russia accountable and making it pay reparations. At the same time, the Kiev regime does not hide the fact that it demands the withdrawal of troops in order to launch a genocide against Russians who support reunification with Russia. Supporting these demands means endorsing ethnic cleansing, which is a crime.
All Copenhagen-format meetings, including the one in Davos and any future gatherings, are ineffective and undermine the prospects for achieving a settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The organisers have been trying to draft The Principles for Peace in Ukraine but they are inherently unviable since they are based on the Zelensky Formula, absurd and unacceptable as it is. Moreover, Zelensky has enacted a legal ban that prevents him from engaging in peace talks with Russia. In addition, meetings of this kind make it impossible to take up useful and reasonable initiatives put forth by the Global South, which aim to address the root causes of the crisis, namely, the West and its Kiev underlings demonstrating disregard for Russia's legitimate security interests and ignoring them.
It is only by returning to the roots of its statehood, including neutrality, non-bloc and non-nuclear status while fully respecting the rights and freedoms of people of all ethnic backgrounds living on its territory, that Ukraine would be able to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace settlement. Unfortunately, the Zelensky Formula and the agenda of the Copenhagen-format meetings fail to address these crucial matters.
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Finland grants additional support to Ukraine through the Council of Europe
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Press releases, 17.1.2024
Finland continues to support the Council of EuropeAction Plan for Ukraine with four million euros in 2024-2025. Finland's support emphasizes, disability inclusion, gender equality and prevention and combatting of violence against women.
The Council of Europe's work is guided by the action plan for 2023-2026, which has been developed in close consultation with the Ukrainian authorities and that builds on the results achieved during the previous action plan (2018-2022).
The Council of Europe supports Ukraine in strengthening human rights, democracy and the rule of law to align them with European standards. The Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine is also supporting the country's economic recovery and reconstruction. The priority is to support Ukraine's EU accession.
Finland will support the Council of Europe's action plan for Ukraine with four million euros in 2024-2025. Finland's support will emphasizeon gender equality, the implementation of the Istanbul Convention preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, and disability inclusion. The support is allocated from Finland's development cooperation funding.
"Supporting structural reforms is crucial for Ukraine's future. It is important that Finland is cooperating with the Council of Europe in this matter", says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.
The action plan focuses on strengthening the rights of the most vulnerable groups and war affected populations. In addition, the action plan supports Ukraine in implementing the anti-corruption strategy for 2021-2025 and in combatting money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Council of Europe action plans for Ukraine have been implemented since 2005, and Finland has supported the Action plans since 2014. Finland supported the previous four-year action plan (2018-2022) with 3.5 million euros. Despite of the Russia's aggression, the Council of Europe was able to implement the Action Plan and support Ukraine in reform processes. Good progress was made in many areas, including combatting violence against women, the rights of minorities, the consideration of war crimes and human rights violations committed during Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and the implementation of the rule of law reform.
Since the start of Russia's invasion, Finland has supported Ukraine through development cooperation and humanitarian assistance funds totalling over EUR 570 million.
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Ukraine Looks To Regain Control Of Skies Amid Nationwide Air-Raid Alert
By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 17, 2024
Ukraine's priority this year is to regain control over its skies, the country's foreign minister said, as Russia continues to use aerial attacks to pound its neighbor as the Kremlin's full-scale invasion nears its third year.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 17, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Ukraine's Western backers to provide advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets, to help Kyiv "throw Russia out of the sky."
Ukraine has been subjected to a series of unusually intense Russian air strikes since the start of the year that has put its air defenses under massive pressure amid dwindling stocks of ammunition and equipment.
"In 2024, of course the priority is to throw Russia from the skies," Kuleba said during a panel discussion. "Because the one who controls the skies will define when and how the war will end."
Kuleba's comments echoed remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said a day earlier at the forum that his country "must gain air superiority."
"Just as we gained superiority in the Black Sea, we can do it. This will allow progress on the ground.... Partners know what is needed and in what quantity," Zelenskiy said.
Russian missiles later on January 17 struck a town outside Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, killing one person and damaging an educational institution, the regional governor and the military said.
Governor Oleh Synyehubov said on Telegram there were two strikes on the town of Chuhuyev. A woman employee of a heating and power plant was killed. Another person was injured. A military source, also reporting on Telegram, said the attack involved S-300 missiles.
Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with two S-300 missiles on January 16, wounding 17 people, including 14 who have been hospitalized.
The Ukrainian military said it destroyed six Iranian-made Shahed drones over the Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions late on January 17.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on January 17 said the Biden administration was "working very hard" to secure additional funding for Ukraine from Congress, warning that failure to do so would be a "real problem."
"If we don't get that money, it's a real problem. It's a real problem for Ukraine. I think it's a problem for us and our leadership around the world," he said.
President Joe Biden convened top congressional leaders at the White House to underscore Ukraine's security needs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) and other Republicans used the meeting with Biden to push for tougher border security measures.
"We understand that there's concern about the safety, security and sovereignty of Ukraine," Johnson told reporters after the meeting "But the American people have those same concerns about our own domestic sovereignty and our safety and our security."
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Democrat-New York) stressed that Biden has repeatedly said he is willing to compromise on certain border measures. He told reporters that there was a "large amount of agreement around the table" on both funding for Ukraine and border security.
The German parliament meanwhile rejected a motion put forward by the conservative opposition that called for the government to send long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. Nearly all lawmakers from the three-party governing coalition -- Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democrats (FDP) -- opposed to the motion on January 17.
The Greens and the FDP have been pushing Scholz for months to send the missiles, but lawmakers from the two parties said they voted against the proposal because the conservative opposition had linked it to a debate on the annual report on Germany's military.
As Kuleba made his comments in the Swiss ski resort, Ukrainian authorities were declaring an air-raid alert for the whole country.
The Ukrainian Air Force warned on Telegram that a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet had taken off from the Mozdok airfield in Russia's North Ossetia, while Telegram monitoring channels reported that an Il-78M refueling plane was also airborne.
Earlier on January 17, a Russian drone attack on Odesa wounded three people and caused damage to civilian residential infrastructure, prompting the evacuation of 130 people, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram.
The Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine said separately that it shot down 11 Iranian-made drones during the attack on Odesa, with the vast majority of the debris falling into the sea.
"Air-defense units worked for almost three hours.... The main efforts of the enemy were concentrated on attacks on Odesa," the military said in a statement.
Russian forces on January 16 attacked Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, with two S-300 missiles, which were fired from Russia's Belgorod region. The attack wounded 17 people, 14 of whom have been hospitalized.
The latest Russian attacks came as the United Nations said the past several weeks have seen a steep increase in civilian victims in Ukraine due to unusually intense missile and drone strikes.
In December alone, 101 Ukrainian civilians were killed and 491 were wounded in Russian strikes, amounting a 26.5 percent month-to- month increase in verified casualties, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said in a report published on January 16.
In Brussels, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Bob Bauer, said on January 17 that the alliance would keep supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
"Today is the 693rd day of what Russia thought would be a three-day war. Ukraine will have our support for every day that is to come because the outcome of this war will determine the fate of the world," Bauer said at the start of a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers.
"This war has never been about any real security threat to Russia coming from either Ukraine or NATO," Bauer added. "This war is about Russia fearing something much more powerful than any physical weapon on Earth: democracy. If people in Ukraine can have democratic rights, then people in Russia will soon crave them too."
Bauer also urged a fundamental overhaul in the conflict readiness of the 31-member alliance.
"In order to be fully effective, also in the future, we need a war-fighting transformation of NATO," he said.
With reporting by Reuters and AP
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-nationwide-air- raid-alert-russia-strikes-odesa/32778091.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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UN Says Recent Wave Of Russian Strikes Caused Steep Increase In Ukrainian Civilian Casualties
By RFE/RL January 17, 2024
Russia's massive wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine over the past several weeks has caused an abrupt rise in civilian casualties, reversing a downward trend observed earlier last year, the United Nations says in a new report.
The report by the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) said that in December alone, 101 Ukrainian civilians were killed and 491 were wounded in Russian strikes, amounting a 26.5 percent month-on-month increase in verified casualties. HRMMU said the actual figure is believed to be higher, as many reported cases are still pending verification.
"The December increase in civilian casualties was mainly due to intensified missile and loitering munitions attacks by Russian armed forces across Ukraine on 29 and 30 December. Attacks with these types of weapons accounted for 34 percent of civilian casualties in December compared with 16 percent in November," the report said.
Danielle Bell, the head of the HRMMU, said the wave of attacks in late December and early January have reversed a downward trend observed in 2023.
"These attacks sow death and destruction on Ukraine's civilians who have endured profound losses from Russia's full-scale invasion for almost two years now," Bell said.
The intensified wave of missile and drone strikes caused the largest number of casualties among civilians on December 29 and January 2, with the HRMMU saying it is currently verifying reports that 86 people may have been killed and 416 being wounded during that interval.
Heavy Russian strikes continued after January 2, the UN mission said, highlighting a missile attack on the small town of Pokrovsk and nearby Rivne village on January 6 in the eastern region of Donetsk close to the front line.
The attack left two families -- six adults and five children -- buried under the rubble after their homes were struck. Some of the bodies are still missing, despite days of frantic efforts by rescue teams, the UN said.
In another incident, in Novomoskovsk in the Dnipropetrovsk region, a Russian missile strike on January 8 wounded 31 civilians, including eight passengers of a minibus during the morning commute, the UN said.
Since the start of Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the total number of verified civilian casualties has risen to 29,330 -- 10,191 people killed and 19,139 wounded, the HRMMU report said.
The UN humanitarian office's operations director, Edem Wosornu, told the UN Security Council on January 10 that at least 575 children have been confirmed killed since the start of the invasion.
With reporting by AP
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-russian-strikes-ukraine- civilian-casualties-rise/32777837.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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German Parliament Rejects Resolution Urging Supply of Taurus Missiles to Ukraine
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The German parliament has rejected a resolution calling for the immediate supply of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, German media reported on Wednesday.
The resolution, proposed earlier in the day by the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), urged the left-green coalition government to "finally and immediately supply Ukraine with the greatest possible number of operational Taurus cruise missiles."
Many lawmakers from the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) voted against the resolution despite having continuously called for deliveries of Taurus missiles to Kiev in the past, German broadcaster n-tv reported. Their decision was mainly driven by their unwillingness to support the opposition as well as the fact that the resolution was proposed for parliamentary discussion of the annual report of the Commissioner for German Bundeswehr Affairs.
On Tuesday, CDU leader Friedrich Merz described the position of Ukrainian troops on the battleground as "critical." Kiev has "no prospect" of pushing Russian forces back to reverse their gains, Merz was quoted as saying by the n-tv broadcaster.
The main issue with the supply of Taurus missiles is their range of 500 kilometers (311 miles), which makes them capable of striking deep inside Russian territory. Germany has previously not supplied Kiev with weapons with similar characteristics. The German expert community has even discussed whether the missiles could be programmed so that they could not be used to strike on Russian territory. It was precisely this issue that interested German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and therefore negotiations were allegedly held with representatives of the military industry, Der Spiegel newspaper reported.
A Sputnik
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Russian Strike Destroys Building in Kharkov Hosting French Mercenaries - Defense Ministry
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian military has destroyed a building in Ukraine's Kharkov that hosted French mercenaries after it launched a precision strike against it, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
"On the evening of January 16, the Russian armed forced carried out a high-precision strike on the temporary deployment location of foreign fighters in the city of Kharkiv, and the majority of fighters were French mercenaries. As a result of the strike, the building in which the mercenaries were located was completely destroyed. More than 60 fighters were killed, and more than 20 were taken to health facilities," the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Sputnik has found out that a US mercenary, retired officer, and founder of the Trident Defense Initiative mercenary group who is operating in Ukraine has published the aftermath of the presumably Russian strikes on Kharkov on his social media.
In late December, the Russian armed forces have hit Ukrainian decision-making centers and military facilities in Kharkov in response to the Ukrainian terrorist attack in the Russian city of Belgorod.
In particular, the former Kharkov Palace Hotel, where Ukrainian intelligence and military officials, along with up to 200 foreign mercenaries were staying, was hit that day. The mercenaries were supposed to participate in terrorist raids into Russian border areas.
The Russian military also launched another high-precision missile strike on the building of the Ukrainian intelligence service in the city, destroying special service officials, foreign mercenaries and volunteer unit fighters, who were preparing sabotage on Russian territory.
A Sputnik
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China Refused to Meet With Ukrainian Officials in Davos Despite Kiev's Request - Reports
Sputnik News
20240117
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Beijing has rejected Kiev's request to hold a meeting between the Ukrainian and Chinese delegations on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing unnamed US officials.
The Ukrainian delegation, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, left Davos without meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Premier Li Qiang, although Kiev clearly expressed its intent to hold such a meeting, the report said.
According to a US official cited in the report, Kiev requested a meeting with the Chinese delegation in Davos but was refused.
However, the report also cites an unnamed Ukrainian official who refutes this account by saying that Zelensky's team never asked for a meeting with their Chinese counterparts.
Another US official claimed that Russia asked China to cease diplomatic encounters with Ukraine and that was the main reason that a meeting was not held in Davos.
The World Economic Forum gathering is taking place from January 15-19 and includes about 2,800 participants from some 120 countries.
A Sputnik
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Russian Forces Hit Ukrainian Temporary Staging Area for Foreign Mercenaries
Sputnik News
20240117
The Russian military hit a Ukrainian point of temporary deployment of foreign mercenaries, as well as three ammunition depots of the 23rd mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"Over the course of the day, a fuel base for military equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, three ammunition depots of the 23rd mechanized brigade, radar stations for detection and tracking of air targets P-18 and Nebo-SV, a point of temporary deployment of foreign mercenaries, 103 artillery units in firing positions, personnel and military equipment in 119 areas were hit," the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 290 soldiers near Donetsk in the past day, the ministry added.
Russia also repelled six Ukraine attacks near the settlements of Belogorovka, Ivanovskoe (also known as Krasnoe), Bogdanovka of the Donetsk People's Republic.
"The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 290 servicepeople, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, five armored combat vehicles, 12 vehicles, two D-30 howitzers, as well as a self-propelled cannon Pion", the ministry said.
The Russian military repelled three Ukrainian attacks, and Kiev has lost up to 210 soldiers in the Krasny Liman area, the ministry said.
"As a result, the enemy's losses amounted to 210 soldiers, one tank, two armored combat vehicles, two cars, as well as a D-30 howitzer," the ministry said.
A Sputnik
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Four Rockets of RM-70 Vampire MLRS, Two Drones Destroyed Over Belgorod Region - MoD
Sputnik News
20240117
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems destroyed four rockets fired using the RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and intercepted two Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the Belgorod Region overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
"This morning, yet another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on facilities in the territory of the Russian Federation with the use of the RM-70 Vampire multiple launch rocket system and aircraft-type UAVs was foiled," the ministry said in a statement, adding that four rockets were destroyed and two drones were intercepted over the territory of the Belgorod Region.
Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said earlier in the day that seven Ukrainian drones were shot down over the region and the city of Belgorod, adding that the preliminary information showed that there were no casualties. The rocket danger was declared in Belgorod earlier on Wednesday, the Belgorod city mayor's office said, urging residents to stay at home and stay away from windows.
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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Scrolling on Instagram, travellers looking to visit the picturesque Rottnest Island will be greeted with an abundance of smiling selfies taken by tourists cuddling up to the island's famous quokkas.
While it's a right of passage for people visiting the popular nature reserve off the coast of Western Australia and even encouraged some are flouting rules just to get the perfect photo.
A holidaymaker visiting the tourist hotspot which is accessible from Perth was recently tracked down by authorities after posting an incriminating photo to social media which showed the unnamed man holding one of the tiny, and famous, marsupials. Signs erected around the island clearly indicate visitors can look but not touch the furry animals, a vulnerable species.
Tourists are encouraged to take selfies with the famous quokkas at Rottnest Island in Western Australia, however touching or feeding them is not allowed. Source: Instagram
"The signs are everywhere," Samuel Cornell, a research fellow from UNSW, told Yahoo News Australia. "I went there myself a few weeks ago, it's quite obvious that you're not supposed to do things like that."
"I do find it hard to believe that they didn't know that you weren't supposed to do that," Cornell, whose research looks at the environmental impacts of tourism and social media, added.
Tourist fined $200 for ignoring rules
Rottnest Island rangers reportedly spotted the Instagram post and tracked down the defiant tourist who later copped a $200 fine. A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson confirmed to Perth Now an infringement had been issued over the weekend but said the offender was not evicted from the island.
"Feeding and touching quokkas is not permitted for the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals," the spokesperson said.
The message is also clear on the Rottnest Island website."Its important, for their safety and yours, that you dont touch the quokkas," it reads. Tourists are warned that touching the animals can make them sick, spread disease and cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent. Tourists themselves are also at risk.
Story continues
The man visiting the area posted a photo to social media showing him holding a quokka, which isn't allowed. Source: Perth Now
"The rules are there usually to protect people's own safety, first and foremost. And then secondly, of course, we enact rules to protect the environment," Cornell said. "They are still wild animals, but because they're plastered all over social media and people are used to seeing pretty pictures with them, I think people then have this interpretation of them that they're just some fluffy, safe creature that you can just go up to and pick up."
'A problem across Australia'
But it's not just Rottnest Island falling victim to bad behaviour. "It's a problem across Australia," said Cornell. "People go to national parks in particular and disobey the rules. They ignore warning signs, they traverse barriers, they just sort of do what they want. And I think a massive part of that is social media driven," he explained.
Tourists visiting K'gari, formally Fraser Island, have long been criticised for ignoring signage warning visitors against interacting with the native animals, which can be dangerous, rangers on the island warn yet there's still been a surge in reports of people flouting the rules.
Visitors to Babinda Boulders are ignoring safety advice warning them of significant risk in some areas. Source: Instagram
Babinda Boulders, near Cairns in Queensland, is another example where flouting strict rules can have serious and sometimes deadly consequences. So far, there have been 21 deaths at the Far North Queensland site, three since April 2020. And the reason, according to Cairns councillor Brett Moller, is people disregarding warning signs at the dangerous waterway..
Wedding Cake Rock in Sydney's south has also been made famous by social media. The popular cliff edge has long been a highlight on the coastal path of the Royal National Park, however safety warnings are regularly ignored by those seeking new social media content.
"Some people do just ignore rules or signs because they think they know better or they really want a photo in a certain place," Cornell explained. "But there are a subset of people that will claim 'oh, I didn't actually see the sign or I wasn't really aware'".
The solution isn't easy though, said Conell who noted most of these iconic places rely on tourism. He said "trying to communicate risk better" could go a long way in stamping out defiant behaviour, and tougher fines could also help deter peopleo.
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The fundamental task is to retain the initiative so that we can become stronger - address by the President of Ukraine
President of Ukraine
17 January 2024 - 22:12
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Key points for today.
I held a meeting of the Staff. Operational level - the situation at the front now. Reports from the commanders. Different directions. East. South. North as well - countering subversive groups, fortifying the border.
There was also a strategic level of discussion - our actions this year. And not just defense. Ukraine needs an ambitious, active perspective. We want our country to retain the initiative, not the enemy. We want the end of the war to depend on Ukrainian actions. The world supports those who have a perspective. And this is a fundamental task - to retain the initiative so that we can become stronger.
I also held a debriefing after all the meetings and negotiations within the official visit to Switzerland and participation in the Davos Forum. There were many good, useful meetings. Europe, America, Africa, Asia. We talked to politicians and business leaders.
Today, government officials continued their work at the forum. In particular, to attract more business and technological opportunities to Ukraine - to the defense sector. It is very important that we present not only the needs of Ukraine and our warriors, the entire society, but also, despite all the difficulties of the war, Ukraine's capabilities - what we do, what we can do, what we can contribute to the common security in Europe.
I held a separate meeting with the Minister of Defense. We are preparing more power for our country.
A meeting with law enforcers. In particular, with the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine. The keynote report was on countering collaborators and destroying enemy logistics. I am grateful to the Service for the results.
Separately, I would like to address the situation with our journalists. In particular, the fact of surveillance of journalists. The Security Service of Ukraine has launched an investigation and will find out all the circumstances. Any pressure on journalists is unacceptable.
Today I would like to recognize and thank all our people who continue to work day and night helping after the Russian strikes. Our rescuers - the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Local authorities that are truly with their communities, truly with their people. Every Ukrainian doctor. All medical workers. Volunteers. Everyone who helps Kherson and Kherson region, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk region, residents of our frontline and border communities, Kharkiv and the region.
Today there was another Russian air strike on Kupyansk district - two children were injured, including a 10-year-old boy. He was very seriously wounded... One person was killed by that strike. My condolences... It was a deliberate Russian strike with a guided aerial bomb on one of the villages in the Kupyansk district. Kherson is under almost continuous shelling. Unfortunately, there are also wounded and dead. We will definitely respond to the occupiers. And everyone can see that our responses are really tangible.
It is also important not to forget to thank those whose job it is to rescue people after Russian terrorists' attacks.
Kharkiv: Ihor Fedorchenko, 6th state fire and rescue unit, and Oleksandr Huzhva from the 9th state fire and rescue unit of the region. Thank you!
Odesa: doctor Vladyslav Kryzhanovskyi from the Odesa Regional Emergency Medical Center and firefighters-rescuers: Sergeant Kostiantyn Vilchynskyi and Master Sergeant Serhiy Pihar. Thank you!
Donetsk region: Vladyslav Halushko, a feldsher from the city of Lyman, who works for the State Emergency Service, and Ivan Ponomarenko, a firefighter-rescuer from the city of Toretsk. Thank you very much!
Our Sumy region: Volodymyr Pylypenko and Oleksandr Nebylytsia, employees of the 8th state fire and rescue unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and Vladyslav Lysokon, the city of Shostka, a feldsher at the emergency medical station. I thank you for your professionalism, and I thank all our doctors, all your colleagues, the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, each emergency medical team, all doctors, feldshers and nurses.
I thank everyone who cares about Ukraine, our people and our country. I thank everyone who is destroying the occupier and working to hold Russia accountable for everything it has done.
Glory to Ukraine!
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Yermak-McFaul Sanctions Group presented new research on Russia's circumvention of export control restrictions in the technological and digital spheres
President of Ukraine
17 January 2024 - 12:04
The International Task Force on sanctions against Russia, chaired by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman-Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Ambassador Michael McFaul, has developed new research focusing on Russia's attempts to circumvent export control restrictions on military and dual-use goods and software.
"The International Task Force on sanctions has indeed become a key platform where independent experts generate ideas for new sanctions and recommend how to implement the restrictions more effectively. I am grateful to each expert who contributed to the development of proposals in the key areas of export controls and IT," said Andriy Yermak.
For his part, Ambassador Michael McFaul emphasized: "Limiting Russia's ability to produce weapons is key. This is what I consider the number one priority for sanctions policy. Much has been done, but our experts point to many ways to increase effectiveness. We continue to work."
The first study, "Problems of Ensuring Export Controls," prepared jointly with the Kyiv School of Economics, exposes the ways in which military and dual-use goods are supplied to Russia. The report examines nearly 2,800 foreign components found in Russian military equipment, as well as the companies responsible for their production.
It is noted that in 2023, imports of military goods to the Russian Federation almost completely recovered after the introduction of restrictions and amounted to 90% of the volume before the full-scale invasion. On the other hand, imports of dual-use goods decreased by almost 29%, which is evidence of the success of export control measures if they are properly applied and enforced.
Products of more than 250 Western companies were found in samples of destroyed or captured Russian weapons. In the first ten months of 2023, Western companies supplied Russia with critical components totaling $2.9 billion. Imports of CNC machines to Russia in January-October 2023 increased by 33% compared to the pre-sanctions period and amounted to $292 million.
Experts call for measures to be taken to ensure that export controls outpace Russia's attempts to circumvent them. Such measures should take into account the specific challenges at different stages of the supply chain, and should be aimed at eliminating gaps in export control policy, increasing corporate accountability, countering circumvention attempts by third countries, and strengthening institutions and international cooperation.
The second study, "How to Identify and Exploit Kremlin's Weaknesses in Computer Networks and Software," analyzes the use of Western software by the Russian Federation for the operation of critical systems in the military, energy, and financial sectors, as well as in the development of artificial intelligence and the use of cloud technologies.
Russia's military-industrial complex relies heavily on interconnected software systems based on Red Hat Linux. The Neutrino, Alt 8 SP, and Astra Linux systems were also developed with the participation of Western companies.
Russian energy companies rely heavily on Western software to estimate deposits in natural resource fields. Key systems include Roxar RMS, Paradigm, Landmark Engineer's Desktop, and STARS. Despite the sanctions, these software packages are available through local representatives and intermediaries. Rosneft and Gazprom, both of which are subject to Western sanctions, are among the main users of this software.
Russian banks continue to use software products from Oracle and Microsoft. Problems with the use of SAS and IBM systems are pushing financial institutions to look for alternative software products, such as Digital Q.Reporting and Polymatica. Thus, ineffective import substitution in the financial sector opens a window for potentially successful sanctions restrictions. Dependence on VMware and Citrix software forces Russian institutions to use their own alternatives, which have problems with functionality and reliability.
The Group's experts recommend imposing sanctions against Russian developers and ending support for Russian software products by contractors from partner countries, including holding such companies liable for violating KYC (know your client) principles. Other proposed restrictions include the requirement to stop financial transactions with Russian companies, to ban the participation of Western companies in joint developments, and to create a separate database of alternative software used by the Russian Federation.
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Russia will not stop voluntarily. For this to happen, Ukraine must win - Andriy Yermak speaking at a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos
President of Ukraine
17 January 2024 - 09:26
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak took part in the panel discussion "Ukraine's Horizons" at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The panel discussion was also attended by President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas NausAda, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain JosA Manuel Albares Bueno, and Minister of Defense of the Netherlands Kajsa Ollongren. The panel was moderated by Timothy Snyder, Professor of History at Yale University.
Answering a question about the lessons learned during the last two years of war, Andriy Yermak said: "First, every frozen conflict leads to a new war. Second, there are no more local wars in the world. Every conflict, including the Russian war, is a global phenomenon that affects global security - food, environmental, etc. Third, "hacking" of international organizations is one of the tools of war. This needs to be rectified. Decisions in the modern world must be made quickly, and there must be appropriate effective mechanisms. If such mechanisms existed, we would probably have been able to avoid such a large number of casualties in our war. Fourth, a conscious and responsible policy of today should be based on values rather than solely on interests. And finally: Russia will not stop voluntarily. For this to happen, Ukraine must win."
In response to Timothy Snyder's question about what needs to change in geopolitics for Ukraine to gain a military victory and what needs to be improved in Ukrainian politics and society to make this victory most meaningful, the Head of the Presidential Office emphasized that unity is needed first and foremost both between states and within the country.
In addition, according to him, if Ukraine receives additional air defense equipment now, Ukrainian citizens will begin to return home from other countries.
"We are grateful to all our friends and partners for their invaluable support over the past two years. Thanks to our heroic warriors and this support, we have liberated over 50% of our occupied territory and are establishing corridors for further export of our grain. We have proven that today we can truly defend our independence, values and principles. And we are not tired. We are ready - it's time to finish our job," said Andriy Yermak.
The President of Lithuania, for his part, noted that Western countries should set very clear goals regarding Ukraine, primarily focusing on swift military assistance. He also mentioned the need for substantial economic support and support for Ukraine's political ambitions for future membership in both the European Union and NATO.
"Ukrainians need our support - both economically and militarily. We shouldn't talk about war fatigue," added Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.
The moderator noted that millions of Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homeland because of Russian hostilities are a sign of genocide, as it leads to the depopulation of Ukraine. And if they do not return, it means that Russia has achieved its genocidal goal.
JosA Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation of Spain, emphasized the need to convey to the countries of the Global South the understanding that the war in Ukraine is not only about Europe, because if Russia wins, it will affect the security of every country in the world.
Penny Pritzker, the U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery, noted that Ukraine has a unique opportunity for a large-scale recovery. This includes talented, highly skilled personnel, highly motivated population, a well-developed system of state institutions, and a considerable path to the EU and NATO already covered.
In her opinion, along with long-term goals, some aspects in Ukraine require rapid development. For example, reforms need to be expedited and infrastructure needs to be restored quickly to ensure that the country's export potential is realized. Penny Pritzker emphasized that Ukraine currently has one of the world's best e-government tools, which surpasses many Western counterparts.
"For Ukraine, the goal is also to return its citizens who are abroad and, together with the best experts, to find legal mechanisms to use confiscated Russian assets to rebuild its country," the Special Representative added.
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London, United Kingdom, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Crypto Legal, a prominent legal and forensic firm based in London, has marked the year 2023 with significant achievements and recognition in the field of cryptocurrency and blockchain law. The firm is proud to announce the reception of the "European Legal Award in Blockchain Law" by the European Legal Awards, the "Most Trusted Cryptocurrency Legal Specialists" award at the AI Legal Awards 2023, and the "Legal Innovator Firm of the Year" and "Crypto Legal Partner of the Year" awards at The European Global Business Awards 2023.
Since its establishment in 2017, Crypto Legal has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of its clients in the cryptocurrency arena. The firm has built strong connections with clients at regional, national, and international levels, prioritizing their legal interests above all else.
Specializing in forensic and legal support for a broad spectrum of issues related to corporate, commercial, and personal matters in the blockchain realm, Crypto Legal has consistently provided a superior level of service regardless of the complexity of the matter.
"At Crypto Legal, we comprehend the distinct intricacies and subtleties of the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector. Leveraging our profound expertise and experience, we offer customized legal and forensic solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients" states the company.
The Crypto Legal team comprises highly proficient legal and forensic experts with extensive knowledge spanning various domains, including cyber-fraud, blockchain technology, AML and regulatory compliance, claims, disputes, financial fraud, and asset recovery. With a global reach, they extend their services worldwide.
Notable among Crypto Legal's solicitors is Manuel Duenas Lopez, a well-versed fraud solicitor and partner at Duenas Lopez Abogados. With over 14 years of experience in fraud cases, Manuel currently ranks as the best fraud solicitor in Madrid and one of the top fraud lawyers in Europe. All Crypto Legal solicitors are duly registered and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and The Law Society, underscoring their unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethical standards.
The company's forensic analysts undergo rigorous training and certification in tracing complex transactions, equipping them with the essential skills to navigate intricate financial dealings effectively. All investigations are overseen by a Cryptocurrency Tracing Certified Examiner (CTCE), with extensive expertise in crypto tracing, asset recovery, and fraud cases. The forensic team has received in-depth training from CipherTrace, an entity owned by Mastercard, renowned for its industry-leading position in crypto intelligence.
Crypto Legal takes great pride in its extensive list of fraudulent crypto companies, comprising over 40,000 entries, curated over several years. This valuable resource aids individuals and businesses in protecting themselves from scams and fraudulent activities in the crypto space. The company underscores the voluntary nature of this undertaking, highlighting its dedication to continuously improve and update the list, contributing to the creation of a safer environment for the entire crypto sphere. Crypto Legal places paramount importance on the reliability, accuracy and relevance of this repository. The company takes meticulous care in ensuring the trustworthiness of the information contained within, recognizing its crucial role in fostering transparency and integrity within the crypto industry.
A UK-based firm offers significant advantages when addressing disputes, claims and AML investigations (including proof of source of funds and source of wealth declarations) with crypto exchanges as well as in navigating fraud cases, given the well-defined regulatory landscape governing crypto assets in the country under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Recognising crypto assets as property, this regulatory framework subjects them to comprehensive regulation, aligning with existing property laws. This ensures clarity through explicit guidelines and provisions governing their treatment and ownership.
Engaging the services of such a firm in the UK not only leverages the clarity provided by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 but also taps into a broader legal landscape encompassing other pertinent legislation. This strategic approach grants clients the distinctive advantage of accessing legal protections enshrined in the aforementioned act and beyond. These safeguards empower clients with rights and entitlements analogous to those associated with traditional forms of property, thereby fortifying their legal position in matters pertaining to crypto assets.
What sets Crypto Legal apart is its distinctive structure and size, enabling it to offer a genuinely personalized service to its clientele. The firm's partners and principal associates are dedicated to ensuring efficiency at every phase of the process, guaranteeing the highest level of protection and safeguarding clients' investments. Crypto Legal places clients' interests at the forefront and works diligently to address their specific requirements, providing a level of care and attention that distinguishes them within the industry.
If you require assistance with any cryptocurrency-related matters, you can reach out to Crypto Legal via email at info@cryptolegal.uk.
Connect With Crypto Legal: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter
Media Contact:
Name: Cristina Kikajon
Company Name: Crypto Legal Ltd
Website: https://www.cryptolegal.uk/
Email Address: press@cryptolegal.uk
Location: London, United Kingdom
Disclaimer:This press release is for informational purposes only, and should not be viewed as financial or investment advice. Neither distribution company, its partners, nor any other distribution company are responsible for any losses incurred due to financial decisions made based on the content of this press release. Before making any such decisions, please conduct deeper research or consult with a professional. For further information, please contact the source company
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeuroSigma today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared use of NeuroSigmas second-generation Monarch eTNS System for treating pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The second-generation Monarch eTNS System (i.e., Monarch 2.0) is indicated for treatment of pediatric ADHD as a monotherapy for patients ages 7 through 12 years old who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medications. Monarch 2.0 significantly improves upon the first-generation Monarch eTNS System. The device is approximately one-third the size, includes a high-resolution color LCD screen and optimized user interface, and, eventually, will serve as a hub for NeuroSigmas planned digital health platform.
We believe that 2024 will be a transformative year for NeuroSigma, said Dr. Colin Kealey, President and CEO of NeuroSigma. In 2023, NeuroSigma executed on the first part of its commercial rollout by introducing patients, families, and physicians across the United States to eTNS therapy. With FDA clearance and a mid-year launch of Monarch 2.0, we can begin scaling our commercial operations to help treat the millions of children in the U.S. and worldwide suffering from ADHD. In the second half of 2024, our academic partners at UCLA, Seattle Childrens Hospital, and Kings College London are projected to complete enrollment of 375 subjects in two multicenter double-blind trials of eTNS for pediatric and adolescent ADHD. We believe that data from these trials will definitively establish the role of eTNS for the treatment of ADHD and further accelerate commercial adoption and payer coverage of this innovative treatment.
FDA clearance of Monarch 2.0 is a major commercial and strategic milestone for NeuroSigma, and we look forward to further progress in 2024, said C. Thomas Paschall, Director of NeuroSigma and CEO of Checkmate Capital Group. Monarch 2.0 is a scalable device platform that will facilitate rapid commercialization not just in the United States, but also in China, Singapore, Korea and ultimately throughout the world. We anticipate NeuroSigma announcing additional global partnerships and continuing to build a world class dataset for ADHD and other indications, such as drug resistant epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder.
About NeuroSigma
NeuroSigma is a Los Angeles, California-based bioelectronic medical device company developing technologies to transform medical practice and patients lives. The company is commercializing the Monarch eTNS System, which is the first non-drug treatment for pediatric ADHD cleared by the FDA. Pipeline indications for the Monarch and NeuroSigmas TNS platform include a wide spectrum of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as ADHD, drug-resistant epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and depression. For more information about NeuroSigma, please visit www.neurosigma.com. For more information on the Monarch eTNS System, please visit www.monarch-etns.com.
Contact:
Colin Kealey, M.D., President of NeuroSigma at CKealey@neurosigma.com
Orphalan announces China NMPAs approval of its trientine tetrahydrochloride product for the treatment of Wilson disease
Paris, France 18 January, 2024 - Orphalan SA (Orphalan or the Company), an international orphan drug development and commercialization company, today announces the approval of its trientine tetrahydrochloride product by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This product, already marketed as Cuprior in the EU, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Colombia, and as Cuvrior in the US, represents the first trientine approved by the NMPA. It offers a new treatment option for Wilson disease in children aged five years and older and adults intolerant to penicillamine therapy.
China is home to an estimated 80,000 individuals with Wilson disease, of whom approximately half have their diagnosis confirmed, and 25,000 are receiving regular treatment. The introduction of new treatment alternatives such as Orphalans trientine tetrahydrochloride, particularly for patients who are intolerant to currently available therapies, presents a significant opportunity to meet the needs of a broader segment of the Wilson disease population in China. Orphalan anticipates its product to be available in the country in the coming months.
Dr Naseem Amin, Chief Executive Officer at Orphalan, said: We are pleased with the marketing authorisation approval of our trientine tetrahydrochloride product in China, which offers a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for patients with Wilson disease. This approval is a crucial step towards providing a much-needed treatment option for the Wilson disease community in China and reaffirms our commitment to improving the experience for patients living with rare diseases worldwide.
Yan Qin, Director of Wuhan Tongxin (Wilson disease patient group in China) added: We were thrilled when we heard that NMPA approved Orphalan's trientine tetrahydrochloride in China. It is a significant step for those of us living with Wilson disease, representing a much-needed alternative treatment option. This approval, a result of Orphalan's patient-focused approach, offers us a chance to better manage our condition with a new, effective treatment.
Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder of copper transport primarily affecting the liver and brain. Early treatment with legacy agents such as D-penicillamine (DPA), trientine HCI, and zinc salts can effectively slow the progression of the disease, however these options may not be suitable for long-term care due to adverse events associated with DPA and the need for close monitoring during treatment with zinc salts and DPA.
ENDS
About Orphalan
Orphalan is an international orphan drug development and commercialization company headquartered in Paris. Founded in 2011, the Company develops and deliver innovative therapies for people living with rare and debilitating diseases. Our trientine tetrahydrochloride product has been approved for the treatment of Wilson disease and is available in more than 20 countries, branded as Cuprior in EU, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Columbia, and as Cuvrior in the United States. For more information visit www.orphalan.com and follow us on LinkedIn .
For more information, please contact:
Orphalan:
Geraldine van den Broek, Head of Corporate & BD
Tel: +33 (0)1 42 49 82 64
info@orphalan.com
ICR Consilium:
Tracy Cheung, Sukaina Virji, Davide Salvi
Tel: +44 (0) 203 709 5700
NEW TREASURE ISLAND HIGH-GRADE GOLD-COPPER TARGET HIGHLIGHTS:
In addition to advancing our Surebet, Bonanza and Golden Gate Zones with diamond drilling during the 2023 field season, our team also successfully carried out regional exploration across the broader Golddigger Property. These three existing mineralized zones which have seen 222 diamond drillholes, are undergoing meticulous 3D modelling which is revealing what shows to be world-class discoveries.
The Surebet, Bonanza and Golden Gate Zones were discovered by the Goliath Resources Geological team by initial widespread boots-on-the ground prospecting that identified mineralized outcrops, followed by detailed prospecting, grab and channel sampling. This target-grooming then allowed us to successfully drill and define these mineralized zones.
The Goliath regional exploration team adopted these same strategies to develop new targets across the Golddigger property, with particular focus on the Cambria Icefields, where melting and subsequent icefield recession has exposed new, previously unseen-to-human-eyes outcrops.
During the 2023 exploration season, their exceptional work has led to an exciting new discovery, Treasure Island, which we report on in this release. This discovery is in addition to the Jackpot Zone that was described in a previous release.
Treasure Island is located on the Cambria Icefields, 36 km north of the Surebet discovery, 6 km east of, and on trend with, the Porter Idaho mine, which between 1922 and 1950 produced 27,000 tons of ore averaging 0.97 gpt Au and 2,700 gpt Ag.
An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d8a0b6d-6234-4688-a1d2-f1592f3aa203
The new Treasure Island high-grade copper-silver-gold discovery consists of multiple shear-hosted, polymetallic zones covering an area of approximately 550 by 450 meters and is NW-SE trending. The extent of mineralization is currently open in all directions.
An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55732f11-80c9-4916-bd32-4c36c0a849fd
Broad high-grade mineralized zones are up to 20 meters wide with sections of massive chalcopyrite and pyrite occupying shears and forming sulphide-rich mineralization at structural intersections and embayment zones within strongly folded and sheared mudstone, siltstone, and tuff units.
The Treasure Island is unique amongst other prospects on the Golddigger property due to the presence of High-Grade Copper in the metal suite.
Channel samples collected assayed up to 28.08 gpt AuEq (20.60 gpt Au, 63.60 gpt Ag and 5.04 % Cu) over 0.85 meters; and 3.54 gpt AuEq (0.13 gpt Au, 23.96 gpt Ag and 2.34 % Cu).
An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0cb00d1-6206-49b0-8ffa-0f52c9d9e226
Widespread grab and chip samples collected on Treasure Island assayed up to 11.08 gpt AuEq (0.04 gpt Au, 126.00 gpt Ag and 7.15 % Cu); and 8.00 gpt AuEq (5.85gpt Au, 20.70 gpt Ag and 1.43 % Cu). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9f40f37c-a8fb-4b7e-a962-72fdad0a55c0 An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99f09d56-a2e6-431f-b056-b43a0a72d7ea
A noteworthy 13 out of 19 grab and chip samples (68%) taken on Treasure Island over a wide area assayed >1.00 gpt AuEq.
An exceptional 15 out of 16 channel cuts (94%) assayed >1.00 gpt.
The new Treasure Island target demonstrates the excellent untapped potential for additional discoveries across the large Golddigger property, which encompasses 56 km of the Red Line, which is the name we use to describe a key geological contact between two regional stratigraphic packages.
In the Golden Triangle the most important discoveries and mines are on either side of Red Line and within a few thousand meters of it. We consider this a critical exploration vector and the Golddigger project is within the sweet spot of the Red Line.
The new Treasure Island target is drill ready and will be tested for the first time during the maiden 2024 drill campaign with at least 2,000 meters of drilling from 5 pads and could quickly evolve into a significant high-grade discovery.
An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd4d8da4-2a91-4864-9cf5-dedb3cd1769e
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CAMBRIA ICEFIELDS:
Multiple additional high-grade gold-silver-base-metals showings were discovered on the Cambria Icefields claims as a result of the regional exploration team assessing the Red Line mineral potential. These showings will be further explored during the 2024 field season in preparation for future drilling.
Newly discovered Metallica Showing. Grab sample ST112904 assayed 6.26 AuEq (2.00 gpt Au, 73.70 gpt Ag, 0.24 % Cu, 2.62 % Pb and 5.43 % Zn); Grab sample ST115896 assayed 1.41 gpt AuEq (0.10 gpt Au, 8.71 gpt Ag, 0.55 % Cu, 1.15 % Zn); and The Metallica Showing is located 19 km east of Treasure Island and consists of strongly altered quartz-sulphide stockwork and veins up to 30 cm wide hosted in intermediate volcanic rocks, with 2 % pyrite, 1 % chalcopyrite and 1 % galena. Follow up mapping is planned in preparation for drilling.
Newly Discovered Big One Showing Grab sample ST116395 assayed 19.25 gpt AuEq (15.00 gpt Au, 351 gpt Ag, 0.15 % Zn); Grab sample ST116178 assayed 2.00 gpt AuEq (1.93 gpt Au, 3.01 gpt Ag); Grab sample ST116033 assayed 2.44 gpt AuEq (2.42 gpt Au and 0.94 gpt Ag); and The Big One Showing is located 23 km southeast of Treasure Island and comprises several quartz calcite veins up to 10 cm wide hosted in sedimentary rocks, with up to 5 % pyrrhotite, and minor pyrite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. Follow up mapping is planned in preparation for drilling.
Newly Discovered Honey Pot Showing Grab sample ST116363 assayed 2.75 gpt AuEq (2.44 gpt Au and 24.40 gpt Ag); and The Honey Pot showing is located 15 km south of Treasure Island and consists of quartz veins up to 30 cm wide hosted in a diorite, with aggregations of pyrite. Follow up mapping is planned in preparation for drilling.
Multiple other showings have been discovered on the Cambria Icefields and more prospecting, sampling, and work is required in order to assess and expand on their mineral potential.
TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the Company or Goliath) is excited to report the discovery of the new high-grade gold- copper Treasure Island target that remains open on the Cambria Icefields at its 100% controlled Golddigger Property (the Property), Golden Triangle, British Columbia. The new target contains channel samples that assayed up to 28.08 gpt AuEq and grab samples that assayed up to 11.08 gpt AuEq. Treasure Island is located 36 km north of the Surebet discovery, 6 km to the east of, and on trend with, the Porter Idaho mine and 9 km east of Stewart, British Columbia. The target has recently been exposed as a result of glacial abatement and will be drill tested for the first time during the 2024 field season.
A total 15 out of 16 channel cuts assayed > 1.00 gpt AuEq, which corresponds to 94 % of channel cuts collected on Treasure Island to date. In addition, 13 out of 19 grab and chip samples assayed > 1.00 gpt AuEq, which corresponds to 68 % of chip and grab samples collected on Treasure Island to date. Channel samples collected on Treasure Island assayed up to 28.08 gpt AuEq (20.60 gpt Au, 63.60 gpt Ag and 5.04 % Cu) over 0.85 meters; and 3.54 gpt AuEq (0.13 gpt Au, 23.96 gpt Ag and 2.34 % Cu). Grab and chip samples collected on Treasure Island assayed up to 11.08 gpt AuEq (0.04 gpt Au, 126.00 gpt Ag and 7.15 % Cu); and 8.00 gpt AuEq (5.85gpt Au, 20.70 gpt Ag and 1.43 % Cu). See Table 1 and 2 below for complete assay results.
The new high-grade gold-copper Treasure Island target consists of new mineralized bedrock outcrops that have been exposed by glacial melt. This newly discovered mineralized area shows multiple shear-hosted, polymetallic zones over a 550 meter by 450 meter NW-SE trending area that remains open in all directions. Mineralized domains are up to 20 meters wide with sections of massive chalcopyrite and pyrite occupying shears and forming sulphide-rich mineralization at structural intersections and embayment zones within strongly folded and sheared mudstone, siltstone, and tuff units.
The new Treasure Island Showing is located on the Cambria Icefields, 6 km east of, and on trend with, the Porter Idaho mine, which between 1922 and 1950 produced 27,000 tons of ore averaging 0.97 gpt Au and 2,700 gpt Ag. The outcrop has only recently been exposed as a result of glacial retreat and permanent snowpack abatement and it demonstrates the strong untapped potential for additional discoveries on the Golddigger property, which encompasses 56 km of the Red Line. The new target is drill ready and will be tested for the first time during the maiden 2024 drill campaign with at least 2,000 meters of drilling from 5 pads and could quickly evolve into a significant high-grade discovery.
Table 1: 2023 grab and chip samples from Treasure Island.
Sample ID Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) AuEq (gpt) ST115881 0.04 126.00 7.15 0.00 0.02 11.08 ST115879 0.04 89.30 5.61 0.00 0.02 8.59 ST116045 5.85 20.70 1.43 0.00 0.00 8.00 ST116174 0.43 66.70 4.85 0.00 0.01 7.70 ST116398 3.72 38.60 1.76 0.00 0.00 6.52 ST116388 0.37 56.80 4.11 0.00 0.00 6.52 ST115874 2.04 47.30 2.73 0.00 0.01 6.24 ST116038 0.34 47.70 2.47 0.00 0.00 4.20 ST116397 0.44 28.10 1.99 0.00 0.01 3.43 ST116399 0.60 25.20 1.58 0.00 0.00 3.00 ST116044 0.02 27.00 1.41 0.00 0.01 2.22 ST113101 0.91 14.15 0.80 0.00 0.00 2.14 ST115884 0.05 6.07 0.81 0.00 0.00 1.20 ST116391 0.03 10.95 0.56 0.00 0.01 0.90 ST115882 0.04 5.46 0.34 0.00 0.01 0.55 ST115872 0.02 5.12 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.47 ST115883 0.28 0.72 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.33 ST115873 0.01 2.56 0.21 0.00 0.00 0.33 ST115885 0.02 0.17 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03
Table 2: 2023 channel samples from Treasure Island.
Channel ID Length (m) Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) AuEq (gpt) Treasure_RP_2
Interval 2.48 0.13 23.96 2.34 0.00 0.01 3.54 Including 1.44 0.13 37.76 3.97 0.00 0.01 5.87 Including 0.33 0.20 126.00 14.45 0.00 0.02 20.98 GD_CHA_15_JS
Interval 2.20 0.55 14.09 1.25 0.00 0.00 2.39 Including 1.00 0.78 24.30 2.24 0.00 0.00 4.06 GD_CHA_16_JS
Interval 1.50 0.59 17.57 1.51 0.00 0.01 2.83 Including 0.70 1.11 33.10 3.20 0.00 0.02 5.78 NN1 Interval 0.85 20.60 63.60 5.04 0.00 0.01 28.08 NN2 Interval 0.97 4.06 22.20 0.78 0.00 0.01 5.37 NN3 Interval 1.00 0.58 44.40 2.58 0.00 0.01 4.55 GD_CHA_18_JS
Interval 3.65 0.44 8.74 0.50 0.00 0.00 1.22 Including 0.60 1.89 36.80 1.98 0.00 0.00 4.97 GD_CHA_99_JS
Interval 1.05 0.77 28.79 1.84 0.00 0.00 3.57 Including 0.50 0.99 36.80 2.40 0.00 0.00 4.63 Treasure_RP_3
Interval 1.05 0.11 24.73 1.58 0.00 0.01 2.52 Including 0.58 0.12 31.40 2.31 0.00 0.01 3.58 Treasure_RP_1 Interval 1.01 0.11 19.58 1.46 0.00 0.01 2.28 NN5 Interval 1.00 0.37 22.40 1.16 0.00 0.00 2.18 GD_CHA_17_JS Interval 0.80 0.66 15.60 1.26 0.00 0.00 2.53 NN4 Interval 0.52 3.47 3.12 0.05 0.00 0.00 3.58 Treasure_RP_4 Interval 0.64 0.23 26.70 1.72 0.00 0.00 2.84 Treasure_RP_5 Interval 0.44 0.42 37.00 2.07 0.00 0.01 3.62 Treasure_RP_99 Interval 0.81 0.17 0.44 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.19
Multiple additional high-grade gold-silver-base-metals showings have been identified on the Cambria Icefields claims. These showings will be further explored during the 2024 field season in preparation for future drilling and include the previously announced Metallica showing, as well as some new showings. The Metallica showing is located 19 km east of Treasure Island and consists of strongly altered quartz-sulphide stockwork and veins up to 30 cm wide hosted in intermediate volcanic rocks, with 2 % pyrite, 1 % chalcopyrite and 1 % galena. The Big One showing is located 23 km southeast of Treasure Island and comprises several quartz calcite veins up to 10 cm wide hosted in sedimentary rocks, with up to 5 % pyrrhotite, and minor pyrite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. The Honey Pot showing is located 15 km south of Treasure Island and consists of quartz veins up to 30 cm wide hosted in a diorite, with aggregations of pyrite. Multiple other showings have been discovered on the Cambria Icefields and more prospecting, sampling, and mapping is required in order to assess and expand on their mineral potential.
Table 3: Selected 2023 samples from other showings on the Cambria Icefields.
Location Sample ID` Au (gpt) Ag (gpt) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) AuEq (gpt) N/A ST116361 101.00 10.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 101.13 Big One ST116395 15.00 351.00 0.02 0.02 0.15 19.25 Metallica ST112904 2.00 73.70 0.24 2.62 5.43 6.26 N/A ST112804 1.17 340.00 0.28 0.64 0.19 5.86 Honey Pot ST116363 2.44 24.40 0.01 0.00 0.00 2.75 Big One ST116033 2.42 0.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.44 Big One ST116178 1.93 3.01 0.02 0.00 0.01 2.00 Metallica ST115896 0.10 8.71 0.55 0.04 1.15 1.41
Roger Rosmus, Founder and CEO of Goliath Resources, states: Discovering an outcrop along the Red Line with such extensive high-grade mineralization is truly a remarkable result and it is now drill ready for 2024. This discovery shows the early makings required to quickly evolve into the next big material gold discovery at Treasure Island. It's located within a few kilometers of the Red Line and from a past producer. It further confirms the teams quality work and the extraordinary untapped discovery potential remaining on the Golddigger property. The success of the 2023 exploration program further validates the Companys vision to keep our known drilled discoveries in Goliath and hold these newly evolving assets into a new company 100% owned by Goliath for a potential spin-out dividend to unlock additional value for our shareholders.
Golddigger Property
The Golddigger Property is 100% controlled covering an area of 64,264 hectares (158,800 acres) and is in the world class geological setting of the Eskay Rift within the Golden Triangle of British Columbia and within 3 kilometers of the Red Line that is host to multiple world class deposits.
The Surebet discovery has exceptional metallurgy with gold recoveries of 92.2% inclusive of 48.8% free gold from gravity alone at a 327-micrometer crush (no deleterious elements and no cyanide required to recover the gold based on metallurgical work completed to date).
It is in an excellent location in close proximity to the communities of Alice Arm and Kitsault where there is a permitted mill site on private property. It is situated on tide water with direct barge access to Prince Rupert (190 kilometers via the Observatory inlet/Portland inlet). The town of Kitsault is accessible by road (190 kilometers from Terrace, 300 kilometers from Prince Rupert) and has a barge landing, dock, and infrastructure capable of housing at least 300 people, including high-tension power.
Additional infrastructure in the area includes the Dolly Varden Silver Mine Road (only 7 kilometers to the East of the Surebet discovery) with direct road access to Alice Arm barge landing (18 kilometers to the south of the Surebet discovery) and high-tension power (25 kilometers to the East of Surebet discovery). The city of Terrace (population 16,000) provides access to railway, major highways, and airport with supplies (food, fuel, lumber, etc.), while the town of Prince Rupert (population 12,000) is located on the west coast and houses an international container seaport also with direct access to railway and an airport with supplies.
Qualified Person
Venessa Bennett P. Geo is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Goliath Resource Limited projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.
Other
Oriented HQ-diameter or NQ-diameter diamond drill core from the drill campaign is placed in core boxes by the drill crew contracted by the Company. Core boxes are transported by helicopter to the staging area, and then transported by truck to the core shack. The core is then re-orientated, meterage blocks are checked, meter marks are labelled, Recovery and RQD measurements taken, and primary bedding and secondary structural features including veins, dykes, cleavage, and shears are noted and measured. The core is then described and transcribed in MX Deposit. Drill holes were planned using Leapfrog Geo and QGIS software and data from the 2017-2022 exploration campaigns. Drill core containing quartz breccia, stockwork, veining and/or sulphide(s), or notable alteration are sampled in lengths of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. Core samples are cut lengthwise in half, one-half remains in the box and the other half is inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag. Standards, blanks and duplicates were added in the sample stream at a rate of 10%.
Grab, channels, chip, and talus samples were collected by foot with helicopter assistance. Prospective areas included, but were not limited to, proximity to MINFile locations, placer creek occurrences, regional soil anomalies, and potential gossans based on high-resolution satellite imagery. The rock grab and chip samples were extracted using a rock hammer, or hammer and chisel to expose fresh surfaces and to liberate a sample of anywhere between 0.5 to 5.0 kilograms. All sample sites were flagged with biodegradable flagging tape and marked with the sample number. All sample sites were recorded using hand-held GPS units (accuracy 3-10 meters) and sample ID, easting, northing, elevation, type of sample (outcrop, subcrop, float, talus, chip, grab, etc.) and a description of the rock were recorded on all-weather paper. Samples were then inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag for transport and shipping to the geochemistry lab. QA/QC samples including blanks, standards, and duplicate samples were inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a rate of 10%.
All samples are transported in rice bags sealed with numbered security tags. A transport company takes them from the core shack to the ALS labs facilities in North Vancouver. ALS is either certified to ISO 9001:2008 or accredited to ISO 17025:2005 in all of its locations. At ALS samples were processed, dried, crushed, and pulverized before analysis using the ME-MS61 and Au-SCR21 methods. For the ME-MS61 method, a prepared sample is digested with perchloric, nitric, hydrofluoric, and hydrochloric acids. The residue is topped up with dilute hydrochloric acid and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Overlimits were re-analyzed using the ME-OG62 and Ag-GRA21 methods (gravimetric finish). For Au-SCR21 a large volume of sample is needed (typically 1-3kg). The sample is crushed and screened (usually to -106 micron) to separate coarse gold particles from fine material. After screening, two aliquots of the fine fraction are analysed using the traditional fire assay method. The fine fraction is expected to be reasonably homogenous and well represented by the duplicate analyses. The entire coarse fraction is assayed to determine the contribution of the coarse gold.
The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled.
About Goliath Resources Limited
Goliath Resources Limited is an explorer of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia and Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Quebec. All of its projects are in world class geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada.
For more information please contact:
Goliath Resources Limited
Mr. Roger Rosmus
Founder and CEO
Tel: +1.416.488.2887
roger@goliathresources.com
www.goliathresourcesltd.com
* Widths are reported in drill core lengths and the true widths are estimated to be 80-90% and AuEq metal values are calculated using: AuEq metal values are calculated using: Au 1924.79 USD/oz, Ag 22.76 USD/oz, Cu 3.75 USD/lbs, Pb 2128.75 USD/ton and Zn 2468.50 USD/ton on December 23, 2023. There is potential for economic recovery of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc from these occurrences based on other mining and exploration projects in the same Golden Triangle Mining Camp where Goliaths project is located such as the Homestake Ridge Gold Project (Auryn Resources Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Homestake Ridge Gold Project, prepared by Minefill Services Inc. Bothell, Washington, dated May 29, 2020). Here, AuEq values were calculated using 3-year running averages for metal price, and included provisions for metallurgical recoveries, treatment charges, refining costs, and transportation. Recoveries for Gold were 85.5%, Silver at 74.6%, Copper at 74.6% and Lead at 45.3%. It will be assumed that Zinc can be recovered with the Copper at the same recovery rate of 74.6%. The quoted reference of metallurgical recoveries is not from Goliaths Golddigger Project, Surebet Zone mineralization, and there is no guarantee that such recoveries will ever be achieved, unless detailed metallurgical work such as in a Feasibility Study can be eventually completed on the Golddigger Project.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliaths current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. 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 Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above.
The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal.
The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Manchester, United Kingdom, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the festive season unfolds, Sun Miner, a globally recognized leader in cloud mining, is delighted to announce special offerings as part of its New Year and Christmas celebrations. In keeping with the spirit of giving, Sun Miner introduces a subtle and welcoming gesture for new users alongside a rewarding referral program. This initiative aligns with the company's commitment to community engagement and inclusivity in the world of cryptocurrency mining.
Established in March 2019, Sun Miner has rapidly emerged as a top cloud mining platform, serving over 9,550,000 users worldwide. The company's innovative approach to digital asset mining has simplified the process, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise. Sun Miner's mission is centered on democratizing cloud mining, allowing users to leverage large-scale industrial data centers and state-of-the-art technology from any device, anywhere in the world
Sun Miner's user-friendly platform offers a variety of cloud mining contracts, each designed to suit different investment preferences. Users can effortlessly choose a plan and start earning daily profits, which are transparently and automatically settled to their accounts every 24 hours. The platform's clear and straightforward contract terms, including price, term, and profits, reflect its commitment to transparency and ease of use.
In addition to cloud mining, Sun Miner also provides comprehensive services in mining machine hosting and self-mining. This multifaceted approach not only demonstrates the company's robust business model but also its ability to adapt to market dynamics. Sun Miner's diverse offerings cater to both new entrants and seasoned experts in cryptocurrency mining, handling the repetitive and technical aspects of mining operations.
The platform's success is underpinned by its skilled team of professionals, with over 60% dedicated to research and development. This commitment to innovation is key to Sun Miner's vision of expanding its services across the entire cryptocurrency industry chain, continually offering technological advancements and superior services to a global audience.
Security, compliance, and transparency form the cornerstone of Sun Miner's operations. The company has created a blockchain infrastructure that is secure, compliant, and transparent, eliminating common challenges in cryptocurrency mining like equipment purchase and maintenance. This focus on security and ease of use is echoed in the platform's customer support, available 24/7 to assist users with any inquiries.
This holiday season, Sun Miner extends heartfelt wishes to its customers and their loved ones. The company's festive message conveys gratitude for the continued support and trust from its user community. As part of the celebration, Sun Miner subtly encourages new users to join the platform, offering a welcoming bonus in a manner that is considerate and in line with industry best practices.
Moreover, Sun Miner's referral program presents an opportunity for users to earn rewards by inviting friends to the platform. This program is designed to be both lucrative and long-term, fostering a sense of community and shared success among users.
Sun Miner stands as a paragon of cloud mining solutions, offering seamless, secure, and profitable cryptocurrency mining experiences. With its advanced technology, dedicated team, and unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, Sun Miner is poised to continue leading the digital asset mining industry into the new year and beyond.
About Sun Miner
Based in Manchester, United Kingdom, Sun Miner is a world-leading cloud mining company that has established a significant presence in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2019. The company offers a range of services, including cloud mining, mining machine hosting, and self-mining, across more than 100 countries. Managing a hashrate of over 10 EH/s and using the latest mining equipment, Sun Miner is dedicated to providing stable profits, professional technical services, and continuous customer support, ensuring its position as a trusted name in the global digital asset mining industry.
To delve deeper into what SunMiner has to offer, visit the official site: https://sunminer.com.
The SUN miner app can be easily downloaded by searching for "SUNminer" in the Google App Store (click to download) or the Apple Store.
Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only, and should not be viewed as financial or investment advice. Neither distribution company, its partners, nor any other distribution company are responsible for any losses incurred due to financial decisions made based on the content of this press release. Before making any such decisions, please conduct deeper research or consult with a professional. For further information, please contact the source company.
Media Contact:
Website: https://sunminer.com
Company Name: SunMiner
Founder: Sun Aileen
Email: info@sunminer.com
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 104,653 passengers cruised through inCruises in 2023 and saved over $31 million. This is a new annual record for the worlds fastest-growing travel membership club.
"Record numbers of passengers cruising and booking and continued growth amongst Partners and Members helped increase revenue by 38% in 2023. We are very encouraged by our momentum and confident everything is in place to break more records this year, says Frank Codina, inGroups Co-Founder and Co-CEO.
2023s milestones and other achievements are showcased as the company celebrates its 8th Anniversary aboard MSC Virtuosa.
January 16th, 2024, marks our 8th Anniversary, and we are appropriately celebrating while cruising the Persian Gulf with nearly 700 Club Members from 45 different countries, says Michael Hutchison, Co-Founder and Co-CEO.
In addition to growing revenues, inGroup earned multiple prestigious honors in 2023, including 3 Magellan awards, and was recognized as MSC Cruises' #1 Agency in emerging markets.
We expect inGroups recent award will be the first of many, says Angelo Capurro, Executive Director of MSC Cruises. We are honored to host their anniversary celebration aboard MSC Virtuosa. We admire the new energy and passion they bring to cruising, and we have proudly Partnered with this innovative company from the very beginning as they have effectively introduced the cruising concept in different new markets all over the globe.
About inGroup International and inCruises
inCruises is a division of inGroup International and one of the worlds largest subscription-based travel clubs. Since launching in 2016, inCruises has added more than one million Members and Partners from more than 200 countries and territories. inStays was added in 2022, giving Members access to nearly 200,000 cruises, hotels, and resort offers. inCruises Club Members can earn Reward Points, which they can use to book cruises, hotels, and resorts through the inCruises website, which supports 17 languages.
inGroup is making a measurable difference in its Club Members' lives and provides a world-class business to its growing Partner team. inCruises Club Membership grows exclusively through independent referring Partners who can earn compensation by sharing the exclusive Membership advantages with others.
inGroup International is deeply committed to being a positive global corporate citizen and actively supports Mercy Ships and other humanitarian relief efforts. For more information, visit in.Group and inCruises .com.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06805c0e-8c2f-418f-b5ef-957cf56adec3
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91ffbdf2-ccc1-4caa-8ba6-55bbb1a6b004
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Reno, Nevada, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. (OTC Markets: NGLD) (the Company or Nevada Canyon) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Schaff, B.Sc. and Mr. Smith Miller, B.A. as new independent directors to its Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Mr. Schaff has worked for over 30 years in the exploration industry for both junior and senior mining companies. John has actively participated in numerous discoveries including Kennecotts Gemfield, Midway, Castle Au deposits in Nevada, the Whistler Cu-Au deposit in Alaska; Rio Tintos Eagle Cu-Ni deposit in Michigan, the Tamarack Cu-Ni deposit in Minnesota, the Diavik Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada; and Norandas Lynne VMS deposit in Wisconsin. Mr. Schaffs experience also includes serving as Exploration Manager with Coeur Explorations Inc, where he was an integral part in the discovery of the +500k ounce C-Horst Au deposit located in the highly active Bare Mountain Mining District near Beatty, Nevada. In 1987 John received his Bachelor of Science (Geology) from Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minnesota.
Mr. Miller is the CEO and founding member of Strategic Tax Solutions (STS) with offices in Boise, Idaho and Loomis, California. He has more than 20 years of experience working with various size companies providing research & development (R&D) tax credit services. STS has successfully completed R&D tax credits for hundreds of projects, across multiple industries including but not limited to: architecture, engineering, manufacturing, design build contractors, aerospace/DOD, and Software. Prior to starting STS, Mr. Miller spent numerous years with two regional accounting firms building some of the industrys best tax credit and incentive programs. During his career, Smith has developed a reputation for his expertise and strategic approach as a leader in federal and state research and development tax credits and incentives. In 1987, Mr. Miller received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.), from California State University, Sacramento, CA and his B.S. General Business from Regents College, Albany N.Y.
Additionally, the Board has established the following three independent committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised of Smith Miller (Chair), Robert List and John Schaff, the Compensation Committee is comprised of John Schaff (Chair), Robert List and Smith Miller and the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Robert List (Chair), John Schaff and Smith Miller.
With the appointment of these additional Directors, the Board is now comprised of five (5) directors, of which three (3) are considered independent.
Were excited to expand our board of directors with these new members who bring both a wealth of experience in Nevada and contacts to the Company, said Jeffrey Cocks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. John and Smith are both highly respected and well known in Nevada and Idaho respectively. I look forward to working with them in building the Company and reaching our strategic goals.
Alan Day, President and CEO of the Company stated: "We are pleased to have such qualified professionals join our Board at this critical stage of development of the Company. John and Smith expand the relevant industry experience of the Board, as we build out our business and grow the Company. I look forward to working with John and Smith as we execute our growth strategy."
About Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.
Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. is a US-based natural resource company headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The Company has a large, strategic land position and royalties in multiple projects, within some of Nevadas highest-grade historical mining districts offering year around access and good infrastructure in proven and active mining districts. The Company has a three-fold business model; i) mineral royalty creation and acquisition; ii) precious-metals and exploration streaming; and iii) exploration Project accelerator.
For further information please contact:
Corporate Communications
Larry Heuhert
Tel: 1-888 909-5548 Ext. 2
Email: ir@nevadacanyongold.com
Web: www.nevadacanyongold.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of exploration, delays in completing various engineering and exploration programs, and any potential results from such programs. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include statements with respect to the potential mineralization and geological merits of the Company properties and various other factors beyond the Nevada Canyon Gold Corp.'s control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events except as required by applicable securities legislation. Investors are advised to carefully review the reports and documents that Nevada Canyon Gold Corp. files from time to time with the SEC, including its Annual Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Quarterly Reports and Current Reports.
We were warned to expect a warmer, and drier than average, spring and summer, threatening to make life hot and sweaty for millions of Aussies. We were told to brace for heatwaves and bushfires. So what happened?
Although there has been heat and humidity, there's also been a whole heap of rain, and while spring forecasts were largely accurate, with both Sydney and Perth recording their hottest spring on record, some meteorologists have "been surprised" by the buckets of rain that have dumped down on the east in recent weeks.
One Aussie meteorologist said he was surprised by how much rain had fallen on the country so far this year. Source: Getty.
Large parts of the country have been swamped by flooding just weeks into 2024, a situation in part due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Many of those regions, mostly in Queensland and Victoria, are still being lashed by the effects of heavy rainfall, set to cost their local economies millions. Earlier this month in Victoria alone, some 200 millimetres fell on parts of the state in just days.
With the El Nino system arriving on our shores, after three years of wet conditions brought by La Nina, things haven't exactly been as expected, leaving some Aussies growing increasingly distrustful of the weather man.
'Weird' weather due to warmer ocean
While it's not abnormal to see heavy rainfall during an El Nino cycle, Dr Andrew King, climate scientist at Melbourne University, said the rainfall seen throughout the summer has caught him by surprise.
"I've been a bit surprised at how wet it's been it's a weird El Nino, actually, because we've got very warm ocean conditions to the east of Australia, unusually warm," he said.
"And that's basically helping deliver more moisture and destabilising the atmosphere a bit, which is increasing the rainfall in the southeast of the continent. That wasn't really something that most people would have been expecting."
Sometimes weather apps predict rain, and it ends up being sunny, and vice versa. Source: Getty.
Can we trust our weather apps?
If you're reliant on the weather app on your phone regardless of whether you sport an iPhone or Android this year you may have noticed a daunting little rain icon appear on certain days, only to later walk outside to sunny skies. You might also have seen a sunny icon, only to be dampened by rain.
Story continues
With storms in general being tough to predict, even the experts sometimes get it wrong. But are we putting too much emphasis on our weather apps? Should we be taking these forecasts and "rain icons" with a grain of salt? Or, do we just not know how to interpret them?
American companies like Apple using international data as well as local, which can produce varied results for Aussies. Source: Getty.
King says it's a little bit of both. Aussies should know what to expect from the apps, and know how to interpret them.
"Firstly, I think all the apps vary a bit," King told Yahoo News Australia. "The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for example will say there's a chance of showers and include a rain icon, when there's a relatively low likelihood, and it might just be at one point in the day but the rest of the time, it's sunny," he said.
So when looking at your weather app, it really pays to look beyond the iconography and read the finer details.
Different apps use different models, meaning varied forecasts
According to King, most apps also use "different models", resulting in "slightly different forecasts". When it comes to Apple products for instance, the tech giant says it sources its weather data from a range of organisations, many of them based overseas. Though some of its data is from the BoM, it claims.
If tech companies behind weather apps are sourcing data from overseas, King said it might mean information is "less tailored to Australian weather climates". "The BoM is probably the best source of weather forecast information in Australia," he said, adding that for the most part the weather authority is as accurate as they can be at the time of forecasting.
"The American models are perfectly skilled. But the BoM uses its own model, which it runs at higher resolution, from Australia, so it can produce kind of finer scale information."
Apps using American models might "scrape data" a couple of times per day, but Australian resources "might update its forecasts more frequently".
"At least for a few hours, generally, yes [you can rely on the apps]," King said. "But it's better to use the BoM app, instead of say Google or Apple, if you're planning some kind of event that's outdoors several days in advance."
The hottest spring on record for was reported in Sydney and Perth last year. Source: BOM.
King also noted that often, if meteorologist gets a small detail wrong, it could "make quite a big difference". "On summers days, when the land really heats up, you can trigger local circulations, so things like sea breeze effects, because the sea is a lot slower to heat up, you get a breeze from the sea to the land," he said.
"The timing of those kinds of wind patterns is quite hard to forecast. And if you get it slightly wrong, that can make quite a big difference to a temperature forecast. So it can be hard to predict."
What's on the cards for the rest of summer?
The bulk of El Nino's effects are felt in spring, King said, meaning we're past the thick of it, and the cycle "will last probably another three or four months".
"At the moment, the BoM's outlook is for slightly wetter than normal conditions to persist in the southeast as we have these lingering high sea surface temperatures off the east coast, but also drier than normal conditions through the northern and western coasts," he explained.
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Charlotte, NC, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, The Duke Endowment officially launches a yearlong celebration of a century of philanthropic giving throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. December 11, 2024, will mark 100 years since James B. Duke signed his Indenture of Trust creating The Duke Endowment, a private foundation dedicated to supporting grantees and partners as they nurture children, promote health, educate minds and uplift spirits. Today, the Endowment also announces centennial gifts totaling $175 million to the four higher education institutions named in Mr. Dukes Indenture of Trust Davidson College, Duke University, Furman University and Johnson C. Smith University. These gifts include individual $25 million grants to Davidson, Furman and Johnson C. Smith University. An announcement of a centennial gift of $100 million to Duke was shared on November 30, 2023.
We are excited to launch our centennial year and celebrate the lasting legacy of James B. Duke and the Duke family. One of the cornerstones of the Endowments enduring vision is its steadfast commitment to higher education, said Charlie Lucas, chair of The Duke Endowments Board of Trustees. For the past 100 years, the Endowment has partnered with the four schools named in Mr. Dukes Indenture of Trust by supporting key priorities at each school as they work to advance high-value education for all students. The breadth of our funding includes supporting key institutional strategies and initiatives, student scholarships and financial aid, faculty recruitment and development, and capital building projects. We work alongside these schools to promote their long-term success so they may effectively serve their students and the Carolinas.
Davidson College
To support Davidson Colleges commitment to access and excellence, the Endowments $25 million centennial gift to Davidson College will provide endowed support in three areas. Half will provide financial aid to students from the Carolinas. Davidson is one of the few institutions in the country that admits students without attention to financial need and, thanks to The Davidson Trust, meets students' full calculated need through scholarship and campus employment, without requiring that students take loans. The remaining half will be used to expand high-impact student experiences and establish two new professorships. Access to Davidson for the most talented students of all backgrounds and meaningful learning opportunities from a world-class faculty are enduring Davidson priorities, said President Doug Hicks. We are deeply grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Endowment and the ongoing support for these and other foundational and transformational initiatives at Davidson over the past century as the college aims to prepare students with humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds for lives of leadership and service.
Furman University
Furman strives to support students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. The Endowments $25 million centennial gift helps fund The Furman Advantage, a distinctive initiative aimed at providing students with an unparalleled educational experience through engaged learning, reflection, belonging and mentoring. The cornerstone of The Furman Advantage is the Pathways Program, four required one-credit classes that guide students from self-reflection to career preparation. The Furman Advantage is not just an education model, its a transformative journey that empowers students to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence, knowledge, and curiosity, said Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman University. The support from the Endowment is a catalyst for positive change, giving students the skills to excel academically and graduate as compassionate, innovative leaders ready to make a profound impact on society.
Johnson C. Smith University
For a century, the Endowment has advanced James B. Dukes vision of supporting a historically Black university. At Johnson C. Smith University, the Endowments $25 million centennial gift is part of a larger award that helps fund the implementation of the universitys strategic plan in coordination with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles Racial Equity Initiative. The initiative recognizes the importance of the university to Charlotte and aims to transform it into a top-tier Historically Black College and University by advancing the universitys four strategic pillars:
Delivering signature academic programs aligned to local and regional market demand.
Becoming a critical higher education partner to employers in Charlotte and beyond.
Developing deeper academic partnerships that create seamless student pathways.
Implementing a cohesive recruiting and retention strategy to drive greater student engagement.
As Johnson C. Smith continues to serve as a critical higher education partner to Charlotte and surrounding areas, its work with the Mayors Racial Equity Initiative is vital. Aligned with this vision, the Endowment is committed to ensuring that Johnson C. Smith students have academic and other supports and opportunities that will allow them to thrive, said Dr. Valerie Kinloch, president of Johnson C. Smith University.
In addition to these gifts within higher education announced today, the Endowment will recognize its centennial throughout the year with stories of impact told through its grantee partners across all the focus areas of the Endowment and conclude with a significant announcement on December 11, 2024. To follow along and learn more about the Endowment and its centennial year, visit dukeendowment.org or 100years.dukeendowment.org.
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About The Duke Endowment
Based in Charlotte and established in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke, The Duke Endowment is a private foundation that strengthens communities in North Carolina and South Carolina by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits. Since its founding, it has distributed $4.5 billion in grants. The Endowment shares a name with Duke University and Duke Energy, but all are separate organizations.
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Chicago, IL, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACGME President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Nasca, MD, MACP announced yesterday that he intends to step down from his current role on January 1, 2025, to establish the ACGME Center for Professionalism and the Future of Medicine. Dr. Nasca will serve as the initial Senior Fellow and Administrative Director. The ACGME Board of Directors will undertake a national search to identify the next President and CEO.
During Dr. Nascas 17-year tenure at the ACGME, graduate medical education (GME) has undergone tremendous growth, with ACGME-accredited residencies increasing from 3,633 programs to 5,270 and accredited fellowships increasing from 4,112 programs to 7,292. In the face of this rapid growth, Dr. Nasca was able to advance the accreditation model for GME by implementing the Next Accreditation System, a data-driven, analytic process of both accrediting programs and institutions and identifying and providing opportunities for their continuous improvement. By developing and instituting the ACGMEs Clinical Learning Environment Review (CLER) Program, Milestones, and the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, he enabled the ACGME to assist programs and their Sponsoring Institutions in achieving the Quintuple Aim in preparing the future physician workforce. While improving the accreditation process, Dr. Nasca also strengthened the ACGME as an organization. The list of his accomplishments in this area is long and includes:
Creating the Department of Education and facilitating the subsequent growth and impact of the Annual Education Conference
Founding the Journal of Graduate Medical Education, providing a venue for resident, fellow, and faculty scholarly achievement
Establishing a research division with a focus on Milestones development, GME outcomes studies, and physician well-being
Establishing the CLER Program, an institutional effort to assess clinical learning environments and improve education in patient safety and quality improvement
Establishing and overseeing ACGME International, which provides GME accreditation services outside the United States
Establishing the Department of Communication and Public Policy
Establishing the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Designing and developing a new ACGME facility for efficient meetings and conferences,
Providing international accreditation resources and consultative services through ACGME Global Services to countries and governments interested in creating GME accreditation functions locally
Leading the ACGME through two major strategic planning cycles, resulting in many of the innovations and improvements described above
Leading the ACGME and GME through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic
Dr. Nasca has also been a national and international leader in GME. As Co-Chair and participant in the National Academy of Medicines Action Collaboratives, including those focused on clinician well-being, and substance abuse disorder education and treatment, he has advanced resident and fellow awareness and understanding of these complex issues, assisting their formation as compassionate, capable, and confident physicians.
Dr. Nascas vision of consistent and uniform national accreditation standards and desired outcomes for GME led to the osteopathic and allopathic medical communities creating a single system for accrediting US residencies and fellowships. This development recognized the ACGME as the organization where both traditions of medicine convene and shape the development of the next generation of physicians.
ACGME Board Chair Ms. Claudia Wyatt-Johnson, a public member of the Board, said of Dr. Nasca, Tom personifies the publics highest expectations for physicians. He is compassionate, value- driven, and leads by staying true to his personal and professional ethical standards. He has been a strong advocate for the social contract in medicine and has embodied its principles through his dedication to the education of the next generation of physicians and his commitment to realizing the Quintuple Aim of health care.
During his time at the ACGME, Dr. Nasca demonstrated his dedication to teaching medical students and residents and fellows by continuing to publish and lecture both domestically and internationally. He also served as professor of Medicine at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, and as senior scholar in the Department of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Reflecting on his time at the ACGME, Dr. Nasca commented, It has been an honor and a privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside such a talented group of employees, Board members, and volunteers in pursuit of better health and health care for all people. Our future physicians will be well positioned to care for the needs of an increasingly diverse population with evolving health challenges because of the work of the ACGME, performed by these dedicated individuals who exemplify the best of the medical profession.
The ACGME thanks Dr. Nasca for his outstanding leadership and service and looks forward to continuing to collaborate with him as he explores the role of professionalism in the future of medicine.
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The ACGME is a private, non-profit, professional organization responsible for the accreditation of 13,066 residency and fellowship programs and the 886 institutions that sponsor these programs in the United States. Residency and fellowship programs educate close to 160,000 resident and fellow physicians in 182 specialties and subspecialties. The ACGME's Mission is to improve health care and population health by assessing and enhancing the quality of resident and fellow physicians' education through advancements in accreditation and education.
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Chicago, IL, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright announced today that nationally recognized litigators Joshua Lee and Edward Casmere have joined its Chicago office as partners. They will serve as the Chicago offices Co-Heads of Litigation and Disputes, focusing on product liability and consumer disputes as well as environmental and mass tort litigation.
Lee and Casmere join from Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila, a Chicago-based litigation firm they helped form. They advise clients on high-stakes bet-the-company issues, working to set strategy, manage regulatory affairs and negotiate complex deals. With decades of product liability and mass tort experience, they have defended clients across a range of subject matters including pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering and chemical exposure.
The duo have practiced together for more than 20 years, litigating a diverse array of complex disputes including environmental affairs, intellectual property, collective bargaining, consumer fraud/class action, constitutional law/First Amendment, employment and labor, cryptocurrency, catastrophic injury and wrongful death, toxic tort and a variety of other general commercial claims. Both Lee and Casmere have been named as Notable Gen X Leaders in Law by Crains Chicago Business.
Jeff Cody, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Managing Partner, said:
The Chicago legal market is ripe with opportunity, and we continue to expand there and elsewhere in the Midwest as part of our overall growth strategies.
Steve Jansma, Norton Rose Fulbrights US Head of Litigation and Disputes, commented:
Josh and Ed are tremendous litigators and first-class trial lawyers with an impressive history of helping clients with their most complex and significant cases. I am thrilled that they will lead the disputes team in Chicago, where the firm has grown significantly over the last two years.
Lee, who was recognized in 2024 by The Best Lawyers in America for mass tort litigation and class action defense, said:
Clients are looking to outside counsel for help navigating increased regulatory scrutiny that has resulted in more product liability lawsuits. Norton Rose Fulbright is a recognized leader in this space, so joining the firm was a no-brainer for me. The clients I serve will appreciate the firms global reach and deep bench of talented lawyers in virtually every industry.
Casmere, who was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for mass tort and product liability litigation in 2024 and named to the Crains Chicago Business inaugural list of Chicagos Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys in 2023, said:
Norton Rose Fulbright is a global leader in litigation and dispute resolution, making the firm a great fit for me and my evolving practice. I look forward to collaborating with my disputes colleagues in Chicago and around the globe to assist clients with their greatest challenges.
Lee is licensed in California, Illinois, Michigan, New York and Wisconsin. He received his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and his bachelors degree from Valparaiso University.
Casmere is licensed in Illinois, Missouri and New York. He received his law degree magna cum laude from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law and his bachelors degree from Illinois State University. He also completed the Harvard Negotiation Master Class at Harvard Law School.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright provides a full scope of legal services to the worlds preeminent corporations and financial institutions. The global law firm has more than 3,000 lawyers advising clients across more than 50 locations worldwide, including Houston, New York, London, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg, covering the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. With its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognized for its client service in key industries, including financial institutions; energy, infrastructure and resources; technology; transport; life sciences and healthcare; and consumer markets. For more information, visit nortonrosefulbright.com.
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Dublin, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Philippines Car Rental Market Outlook to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The latest comprehensive analysis presents a deep dive into the Philippines Car Rental market's potential through 2027. The research covers an extensive range of factors including the current industry stature, forecasted revenue size, and anticipated growth considering the tailored analytical approach per sub-sector.
Insightful Market Growth Projections
The study brings forward detailed projections, forecasting the market's trajectory from its present size of approximately $293.0 Mn to an impressive $448.7 Mn by the year 2027. This projection rests on the expanding tourism sector, rising levels of internet penetration, and increased adoption of smartphones within the Philippines.
Exploring the Market Dynamics
Unpacking the market dynamics, the research focuses on various elements such as key growth drivers, industry challenges, and emerging trends. The analysis spotlights the significant role of leisure travel and the predominant consumer base comprising tourists and corporate clients in driving revenue.
Upward trends in adoption are attributed to the shift towards online booking platforms, with approximately 60% of bookings now being conducted online marking a notable change in consumer habits aligned with technological advancements.
Market Segmentation Insights
By Type of Booking: Online bookings have become the preference, attributed to enhanced internet connectivity and user comfort with digital platforms.
By Type of Car: Medium-sized vehicles are favored for their balance of comfort, affordability, and practicality, especially among tourists who require space for luggage.
Stance on the Competitive Landscape
The Philippines Car Rental Market is highly fragmented, with Avis reportedly securing the lion's share with a 4.60% market chunk. Similarly, in the car leasing sector, Orix leads with a commanding 75% of the market, whereas in ride-hailing, Grab remains the dominant force, having captured 93% of the market.
The market analysis concludes with future projections on each segment and tailored analyst recommendations, providing stakeholders with essential insights and a clearer outlook on the upcoming trends and market behaviors in the Philippines' car rental industry.
With an in-depth view of the various drivers shaping the market and a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape, this report is an indispensable tool for industry participants looking to navigate the complexities of the Philippines Car Rental market in the coming years.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Executive Summary
1.1 Philippines Car Rental Market
1.2 Philippines Car Leasing Market
1.3 Philippines Ride Hailing Market
1.4 Philippines Ride Sharing Market
1.5 Philippines Self-Drive Car Rental Market
2. Country Overview of Philippines
2.1 Socio-Demographic Outlook of Philippines
2.2 Economic Landscape and Internet Penetration of Philippines
3. Philippines Overall Car Rental Market Overview
4. Philippines Overall Car Rental Market Industry Analysis Overview
4.1 Trends and Developments
4.2 SWOT Analysis
4.3 Regulatory Landscape
5. Philippines Car Rental Market
5.1 Market Size on the basis of Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2017-2022
5.2 Market Segmentation by Type of Booking
5.3 Market Segmentation by Type of Car
5.4 Market Segmentation by Purpose
5.5 Industry Analysis: Issues and Challenges
5.6 Industry Analysis: Impact of Covid'19
5.7 Competitive Landscape: Market Share of Companies
5.8 Competitive Landscape: Gartner's Magic
5.9 Competitive Landscape: Cross Comparison
5.10 Competitive Landscape: Strength and Weakness of Major Players
5.11 Future Outlook: Market Size by Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2022-2027
6. Philippines Car Leasing Market
6.1 Market Segmentation by Type of Time Duration
6.2 Market Segmentation by Type of Car
6.3 Market Segmentation by Type of End User
6.4 Competitive Landscape: Market Share of Companies
6.5 Competitive Landscape: Gartner's Magic
6.6 Competitive Landscape: Cross Comparison
6.7 Competitive Landscape: Strength and Weakness of Major Players
6.8 Future Outlook: Market Size by Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2022-2027
7. Philippines Ride Hailing Market
7.1 Market Segmentation by Type of Region
7.2 Industry Analysis: Growth Drivers
7.3 Industry Analysis: Issues and Challenges
7.4 Industry Analysis: Regulatory Landscape
7.5 Competitive Landscape: Market Share of Companies
7.6 Competitive Landscape: Cross Comparison
7.7 Competitive Landscape: Strength and Weakness of Major Players
7.8 Future Outlook: Market Size by Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2022-2027
7.9 Future Outlook: Market Segmentation by Type of Region
8. Philippines Ride Sharing Market
8.1 Market Segmentation by Point of Service
8.2 Market Segmentation by Type of Car
8.3 Market Segmentation by Type of Distance
8.4 Growth Drivers
8.5 Issues and Challenges
8.6 Regulatory Landscape
8.7 Impact of Covid'19
8.8 Competitive Landscape: Market Share of Companies
8.9 Competitive Landscape: Cross Comparison
8.10 Future Outlook: Market Size by Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2022-2027
9. Philippines Self-Drive Car Rental Market
9.1 Market Segmentation by Type of Region
9.2 Market Segmentation by Type of Booking Channel
9.3 Market Segmentation by Type of Usage
9.4 Market Segmentation by Time Period
9.5 Market Segmentation by Type of Car
9.6 Market Segmentation by Type of Booking Period
9.7 Market Segmentation by Type of Car Segmentation
9.8 Market Segmentation by Status Ownership
9.9 Market Segmentation by Point of Service
9.10 Industry Analysis: Issues and Challenges
9.11 Industry Analysis: Impact of Covid'19
9.12 Competitive Landscape: Market Share of Companies
9.13 Competitive Landscape: Gartner's Magic
9.14 Competitive Landscape: Cross Comparison
9.15 Future Outlook: Market Size by Revenue and Volume of Fleet Size, 2022-2027
10. Case Study
10.1 Case Study of Zoomcar
11. Analyst Recommendations
12. Industry speaks
12.1 Interview with Senior Fleet Sales Specialist, Toyota Mobility Solutions
12.2 Interview with Ex Transport Operations Consultant, Grab
12.3 Interview with APAC Regional Sales Manager of a leading car rental company
Company Coverage:
Diamond Rent-a-Car
Luxicar
Voyg
Rent a Car ECLPI
Avis
Hertz
SafeRideEuropcar
Thrifty
Juzzr Car Rental
Hertz
Voyg
SafeRide
VPIGrab
JoyRide
Hirna
MaximGrab
HirnaOrix
Avis
Diamond Rent-a-Car
Europcar
Herts
ECLPI Rent a Car
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/elnrgd
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.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ballad Health, several community colleges and career technical education (CTE) centers and five local school districts have announced an unprecedented partnership that will launch a region-wide initiative in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia to create a regional program dedicated to accelerated pathways into healthcare careers.
The innovative school-within-a-school approach, called Ballad Health Academy, addresses the unique rural nature of the Appalachian Highlands by providing access to accelerated education and training in a healthcare career, while maintaining the benefits of attending a childs community school. The new program will incorporate in-person, virtual and in-hospital education and integrate healthcare career knowledge and job training with a high-quality, well-rounded high school experience for students throughout the Appalachian Highlands. Graduating students will have the opportunity to move directly into high-demand healthcare jobs with family-sustaining wages upon graduation from high school.
The program is planned to open in fall 2025 and could serve more than 400 students, expanding to potentially touch thousands of students throughout the Appalachian Highlands once scaled to every community where Ballad Health has a presence.
This initiative is part of a first-of-its-kind $250 million effort led by Bloomberg Philanthropies that is connecting healthcare and education systems to create new CTE high schools in 10 urban and rural communities across the country. Ballad Health disclosed plans to begin the program with six schools across five local school systems Greeneville City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, Kingsport City Schools, Bristol Tennessee City Schools and City of Elizabethton Schools as well as academic partners Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) in Elizabethton and Morristown, Northeast State Community College, Walters State Community College and East Tennessee State University. The health system then plans to scale the initiative throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, opening the opportunity to students in any school or school system in the region as the initiative moves beyond its initial pilot phase.
Ballad Healths efforts to launch accelerated pathways began in Wise County and the City of Norton, Virginia, where the health system led the development of a career exploration program for fifth- to eighth-graders. This program helps children advance in high school to enroll in Certified Nursing Assistant Courses through local CTE schools. The program also assists high school seniors in becoming employed by Ballad Health and furthering their education at Mountain Empire Community College or the University of Virginias College at Wise.
Additionally, Ballad Health is the clinical learning partner for the soon-to-be-opened lab school in Marion, Virginia, a regional alternative school created by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and housed at Emory & Henry College.
It is supported by an initial $15.3 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Ballad Health and the local school systems will co-develop a high school curriculum, which will offer robust academic programming, specialized healthcare classes, work-based learning and the opportunity to earn industry-valued credentials and certifications along with traditional high school learning and diplomas, with a goal of graduating high school with the credentials and certifications to qualify the students for immediate full-time work opportunities.
As Ballad Health is the largest employer in the Appalachian Highlands, this initiative will create virtual schools in partnership with each students own high school, offering students an opportunity to gain direct work experience and access to attractive jobs within the health system immediately following graduation. Beginning with nursing, students can graduate as an LPN and begin full-time work immediately post-graduation, while earning a scholarship toward a full RN credential. This model will be replicated in other areas of healthcare, including information technology, healthcare finance and other clinical opportunities.
Elementary through high schools, TCATs and community colleges throughout the region currently offer varying programs designed to accelerate pathways. The creation of Ballad Health Academy will bring virtually guaranteed employment opportunities, a standardized curriculum and a regionally focused healthcare academy to bear as part of the effort to close the historic gap in healthcare manpower. This labor shortage is projected to worsen, absent efforts similar to the one created by Ballad Health and its school partners, with funding from the Bloomberg Philanthropies.
For too long, and despite important efforts, our education system has failed to prepare enough students to meet the growing demands for good jobs in high-growth industries, said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP and 108th mayor of New York City. By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, these specialized healthcare high schools will prepare students for careers with opportunities for growth and advancement. America needs more healthcare workers, and we need a stronger, larger middle-class and this is a way to help accomplish both goals."
As Governor of Tennessee, one of my top priorities has been providing families with choices when it comes to their childs education, said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Ballad Health Academy will provide students with accelerated pathways to healthcare careers and help solve an industry-wide labor shortage. Tennessee is continuing to lead the nation as one of the best places to do business and raise a family, and I thank the local school systems, Ballad Health, our community colleges and TCATs for partnering to create something that will serve the entire region.
Increasing the nursing workforce in the Commonwealth has been a priority of mine, and partnerships like this between our hospitals, school systems, community colleges and technical training programs help us meaningfully build these career pathways to deliver better care to Virginians, said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. I am proud that the initial programming for these accelerated pathways began in Southwest Virginia and that Ballad Health will expand their reach to students in every community in Virginia where Ballad Health operates a hospital.
Ballad Health has been a leader of many initiatives to advance high-quality child care, sustain rural hospitals, and create pathways for young people to accelerate toward high-paying jobs in healthcare. I am grateful for Ballad Health's and CEO Alan Levine's leadership in this area, and my administration looks forward to supporting these efforts to continue to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
The health manpower labor shortage is an extreme crisis throughout the nation, and Ballad Health, our team members and our patients have experienced first-hand the difficulties resulting from the shortage, said Ballad Health Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine. Our region has the capability to contribute to solving this problem, and Ballad Health Academy will become a national model for how local communities can help fill these important workforce needs.
As an example of the Appalachian Highlands stepping forward, Levine pointed to the creation of the Tennessee Center for Nursing at East Tennessee State University, a center initially started by Ballad Health and ETSU, but later adopted by the Governor of Tennessee and the Tennessee Legislature as Tennessees statewide center for nursing advancement. ETSU president Dr. Brian Noland announced today that, due to the investment by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Tennessee Center for Nursing will contribute resources to Ballad Health Academy to help develop and advance the nursing components of the academy.
The Tennessee Center for Nursing was developed to help create accelerated pathways, and to test new models for filling the critical need for nurses, Dr. Noland said. It was Ballad Healths investment that created the Center, and we are pleased that the Center will now be positioned to expand Ballad Health Academy throughout the region."
Through Ballad Health Academy, students with aptitudes for science and service professions will be identified at the middle and early-high school level, and they can be enrolled in the pathway in the ninth grade. While working toward an LPN degree in high school, they will remain in their local public school and take core classes, but overlay those studies with Tennessee College of Applied Technology and community college courses for dual credit.
Counselors will work with students throughout high school to schedule and sequence courses and navigate dual enrollment, so students have support to explore and navigate their paths and handle logistical tasks needed to get them to success. The program also focuses on ensuring students have every opportunity to progress in roles, responsibilities and wages, and there is also a management track available to students who complete the program and no ceiling of how far they can succeed.
Bloomberg Philanthropies investment will support school start-up costs, including personnel needs, classroom and lab renovations and other work-based learning requirements. Ballad Health Academy will be specifically designed to provide traditional academic courses based on state graduation requirements, as well as specialized healthcare classes co-taught by Ballad Health team members using the co-designed curricula.
Other leaders from throughout the State of Tennessee and Commonwealth of Virginia commented on this major announcement:
Tennessee Sen. Jon Lundberg, Chair of the Tennessee Senate Education Committee: As chair of the Tennessee Senates Education Committee, I take pride in the entrepreneurship of our school systems and organizations like Ballad Health that seek opportunities to solve the national healthcare labor shortage by thinking differently. Offering parents and students choices and accelerated pathways to good-paying jobs is precisely the innovation needed. I will do whatever is necessary to ensure our school systems and Ballad Health are successful with the new Ballad Health Academy.
Tennessee Sen. Rusty Crowe, Chair of the Tennessee Senate Health Care Committee: As chair of the Tennessee Senate Health Care Committee, I am keenly aware that workforce shortages have been extremely disruptive to hospitals and their patients all over America and Tennessee. I am excited to see this local effort add to the already important partnerships between the health system and our school systems to produce highly qualified graduates to fill these much-needed positions. The combination of hands-on experience with the integration of effort between Ballad Health and our school systems is a truly innovative approach.
Tennessee State Rep. Mark White, Chair of the Tennessee House Education Committee: As Chair of the Education Committee in the Tennessee House of Representatives, I am extremely pleased to see this type of innovation in creating education opportunities for our young people. Ballad Health has done extraordinary work sustaining access to healthcare in an important rural region, and recognizing the national problem with labor shortages, they sought their own innovative solution to the problem. I applaud Bloomberg for recognizing the value of this investment into Tennessee, and I stand ready to work with Ballad Health to ensure Ballad Health Academy is a success that we can all learn from.
Tennessee State Rep. Jeremy Faison, Chair of the Republican Caucus: As a member of the Health Committee of the Tennessee House, I applaud the effort by Ballad Health to find innovative solutions to the labor shortages impacting Tennessees hospitals. Our region of Tennessee takes pride in coming up with solutions to problems, and this is an example of how its done. Im also excited that all schools in the region will be invited to participate as this scales up. Ballad Health Academy is a great idea, and I stand ready to help ensure it is successful.
Virginia Sen. Todd Pillion, Member of the Education and Health Committee of the Senate: From high-quality early childcare investments in Southwest Virginia to the creation of the Ballad Health Academy, we are demonstrating that our region finds solutions to problems. The national healthcare labor shortage is a major challenge for our nation. I am proud that our local schools in both Virginia and Tennessee are already partnering with Ballad Health to accelerate opportunities for our young people. And Im committed to ensuring Ballad Health Academy is successful so all our young people can have the security of knowing a high-quality, good-paying job will be available to them.
Virginia Del. Terry Kilgore, Chair, Southwest Virginia Health Authority: From the reopening of Lee County Community Hospital to the creation of dental residencies and primary care physician training, Ballad Health has kept its word in finding solutions to the healthcare manpower shortages. This investment into the creation of Ballad Health Academy has its origins in Southwest Virginia, where partnerships in Wise County and Marion have led to the idea behind a partnership program with school systems. This innovation is what we need, and its our own unique solution to what is a national problem. I stand with our school systems and Ballad Health in seeking to ensure the success of Ballad Health Academy.
Tennessee State Rep. Tim Hicks: My top priority is to support accelerated pathways into jobs, and its something Ive personally been working on since being elected to the legislature. The creation of Ballad Health Academy in partnership with local school systems throughout the region is precisely the type of approach that will get young people to good-paying jobs faster, and it will help ease the labor shortages experienced by hospitals all over the country. I look forward to seeing this initiative get underway and expanding. And I stand ready to do what is necessary to help support the curriculum that will speed up the time to graduation and career readiness.
Tennessee State Rep. David Hawk, Chair of the Health Subcommittee of Tennessee House of Representatives: Our local schools have worked so hard to provide students with opportunity, and the partnership between Ballad Health and our local schools has always been a model. This news of the creation of Ballad Health Academy in partnership with our schools is both innovative and collaborative, and a responsible way to deal with nationwide challenges created by major labor shortages. Im proud that Greeneville is a part of this solution, and excited that all of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia will benefit from this.
Jeff McCord, Former Tennessee Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development/President of Northeast State Community College: Northeast State Community College has been fortunate to be involved in the development of this idea from its inception. We are thrilled to be a part of this collaborative effort that we believe will expand opportunities for our young people to get good-paying, sustainable jobs, while at the same time serving the healthcare needs of people across our region. Ballad Health has been an integral partner of Northeast State as we help provide the training and education necessary for the great careers at Ballad Health. Ensuring our local health system has the people it needs to serve the needs of the region is a top priority for our college. We are so pleased to be a part of the creation of Ballad Health Academy.
Dr. John W. Wells, President, Emory & Henry College: To think what our region would be without trained and competent healthcare practitioners can be overwhelming as our population ages and future generations need reliable healthcare to remain healthy and productive in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. We value Ballad Healths support in our current pathways and partnerships with Emory & Henrys School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, and we applaud this new initiative to grow the talent as early as possible, make an immediate impact, keep young professionals in the region, and eventually pursue additional higher education opportunities to elevate in leadership and build upon their professional skill set obtained through this new pathway program.
Dr. Donna Henry, Chancellor, University of Virginias College at Wise: UVA Wise has a long and productive relationship with Ballad Health, where we have worked to create pathways into careers for people in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Our success with current pathway programs has helped create this model that led to the creation of Ballad Health Academy, and we look forward to working with Ballad Health to scale this throughout the entire region. We are excited to be a part of this solution, and determined to ensure its success.
Dr. Kris Westover, President, Mountain Empire Community College: Mountain Empire Community College has long been a partner with Ballad Health, helping to match our young people with meaningful jobs serving others throughout the Ballad Health organization. We are proud that our local initiatives were the inspiration behind the creation of Ballad Health Academy, and we are eager to work with Ballad Health to see this program grow and expand throughout Southwest Virginia. We applaud the innovation behind this initiative, and its a great part of our local story that we helped inspire it!
Enrollment information for Ballad Health Academy will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, all jobs for the health system are available at www.balladhealth.org/careers.
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About Ballad Health
Ballad Health is an integrated community health improvement organization serving 29 counties of the Appalachian Highlands in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina and Southeast Kentucky. Our system of 20 hospitals, post-acute care and behavioral health services, and a large multi-specialty group physician practice works closely with an active independent medical community and community stakeholders to improve the health and well-being of close to one million people. By leading in the adoption of value-based payments, addressing health-related social needs, funding clinical and health systems research and committing to long-term investments in strong children and families in our region, Ballad Health is striving to become a national model for rural health and healthcare. Learn more at www.BalladHealth.org.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloombergs giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
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Washington, DC, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Monday, Jan. 15, President Biden, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and AmeriCorps members spent the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service in Philadelphia, Pa., at Philabundance. Philabundance, a hunger relief organization, hosted a meal-packing event where volunteers prepared pre-packaged meals to be distributed to the Philadelphia community.
Ahead of his service activities, Smith issued a statement emphasizing how serving alongside neighbors and strangers builds unity. He authored an opinion piece in The Grio calling on Americans to take this moment to build a true culture of service and a stronger, more united America.
This year, in more than 20 states nationwide, MLK Day of Service projects focused on bringing communities together while inspiring a new generation to engage in community service year-round.
Hands On Atlanta hosted mobile food pantries and cleared invasive species from nearly 40 acres of land.
The Montgomery County Volunteer Center in Maryland wrote letters for US military members.
United Way of Northeast Florida spearheaded the biggest MLK Week of Service ever for Northeast Florida with more than 1,000 volunteers addressing economic mobility and helping with the healing process after a tragic shooting in August.
The Girard College High School in Pennsylvania, which hosts one of the longest-running and the biggest MLK Day of Service event in the country, made gun safety hygiene kits to help clean wounds and stop bleeding when community members are injured.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. For nearly 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact has increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities.
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AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nations most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.
AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.
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CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NJMEP remains committed to serving South Jersey Manufacturers. A new temporary NJMEP office will open in Rowan Universitys South Jersey Technology Park to better serve the South Jersey community. In about 18 months, the NJMEP South Office will relocate permanently. As the goal of the South Jersey Technology Park is to lead the economic revitalization of South New Jersey through an integrated program of science and technology initiatives, NJMEPs presence will help further support this revitalization.
Following up on the South Jersey Revitalization Summita formal discussion that occurred at Rowan College of South Jersey back in August, 2023 between industry leaders and partners, academia, and political advocatesPeter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP, announced that the NJMEP South Office would relocate to Rowan Universitys South Jersey Technology Parka move that is as much a symbolic gesture as it is a practical one. The move to Rowan is also intended to strengthen NJMEPs partnership with Rowan University, one that can offer new talent pipelines for South Jersey Manufacturers and can also create new career pathways for young South Jerseyans.
"I am thrilled to announce the opening of our new office at the Rowan Technology Park in South Jersey. This strategic expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting and empowering South Jersey's vibrant manufacturing sector. We look forward to fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in this underserved area within our state. South Jersey holds so much promise, it just needs the resources and visibility to foster a thriving manufacturing industry. This continued collaboration with Rowan is an important step forward toward progress." - Peter Connolly, CEO of NJMEP
NJMEPs South Jersey Office relocation is currently underway, beginning with the temporary relocation of certain NJMEP staff to Rowan University, to be followed by a full office relocation in early 2025.
About NJMEP: NJMEP helps to improve the profitability and competitiveness of small to medium-sized manufacturers in New Jersey. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. For more than 20 years, NJMEP has used its extensive network of connections and proven track record of success to help manufacturers adapt to the latest innovative technologies and best practices to realize nearly $8 billion in value.
Contact:
Michael Womack | Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager
mwomack@njmep.org
973-747-5491
Njmep.org
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (Inspire Medical or the Company) (NYSE: INSP). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.
The class action concerns whether Inspire Medical and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
You have until February 20, 2024 , to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com .
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On November 7, 2023, Inspire Medical issued a press release announcing disappointing earnings results for the third quarter of 2023its first reported revenue miss since becoming a public company in 2018. In the press release, the Companys Chief Executive Officer (CEO) advised that in tracking the results of the Companys pilot program (the Acceleration Program), which was designed to facilitate customers receiving prior authorizations from doctors for the Companys products and, in turn, increase demand for the Companys Inspire therapy implantable device, we observed a decline in prior authorization submissions for patients seeking Inspire therapy.
After recognizing this trend, we reinvigorated our efforts to facilitate patient access to Inspire therapy by more closely engaging with our customers with the prior authorization submission process . . . to assure consistency and accuracy of submissions.
Further, Inspire Medical admitted that it had started to track problems with the Acceleration Program in the second quarter of 2023, including a decrease in the number of prior authorization submissions for the Inspire therapy, and recogniz[ed] this trend early in the third quarteri.e., as early as July 1, 2023. Indeed, the Companys CEO explained that prior to the Companys second quarter 2023 earnings call on August 2, 2023, we had strong confirmation of the problems with the Acceleration Program, and we realized we needed to take some corrective action.
On this news, Inspire Medicals stock price fell $31.79 per share, or nearly 20%, to close at $129.65 per share on November 8, 2023.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lerner Publishing Group is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Planetary Society and CEO Bill Nye to create educational and fun books for young readers. The collaboration launches in 2024 and will include 15 titles for all markets about space science and exploration.
Available on January 1, 2024, the brand will launch with Casting Shadows: Solar and Lunar Eclipses with The Planetary Society written by The Planetary Societys Chief Scientist Bruce Betts, PhD. The year 2024 will be bursting with multiple solar and lunar eclipses, including three lunar eclipses in March, September, and October and a total solar eclipse in April. Casting Shadows captures the thrill and mystery of eclipses of the sun and moon with engaging diagrams and photos, helping readers experience these unique phenomena with a deeper understanding.
Coming in Fall 2024, Exploring Our Solar System with the Planetary Society, a new 8 book series for children in grades 2-4, will feature groundbreaking resources that bring our solar system to life.
More books are also in the works that will empower young readers to explore space and science with new books from The Planetary Society and Lerner Publishing Group.
Lerner is proud to partner with The Planetary Society and their CEO, Bill Nye, to create books that will promote a strong passion for science, said Adam Lerner, Publisher and CEO of Lerner Publishing Group. Our new books will make The Planetary Societys innovative resources and materials accessible to students across the country so they can learn about space, science, and amazing solar system.
Lerner Publishing Group is the perfect home for our new Planetary Society books, said Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society. Lerners strong connections with schools and libraries will bring an out of this world experience to new readers.
Click here to watch a special message about The Planetary Society Books from CEO Bill Nye.
About Lerner Publishing Group
Lerner Publishing Group creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults. Founded in 1959, Lerner Publishing Group is one of the nations largest independent childrens book publishers with fourteen imprints and divisions: Carolrhoda Books, Carolrhoda Lab, Darby Creek, ediciones Lerner, First Avenue Editions, Graphic Universe, Kar-Ben Publishing, Lerner Publications, LernerClassroom, Lerner Digital, Millbrook Press, Twenty-First Century Books, Zest Books, and Lerner Publisher Services. For more information, visit www.lernerbooks.com or call 800-328-4929.
About The Planetary Society
With a global community of more than 2 million space enthusiasts, The Planetary Society is the worlds largest and most influential space advocacy organization. Founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman and today led by CEO Bill Nye, we empower the public to take a meaningful role in advancing space exploration through advocacy, education outreach, scientific innovation, and global collaboration. Together with our members and supporters, were on a mission to explore worlds, find life off Earth, and protect our planet from dangerous asteroids. To learn more, visit www.planetary.org.
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Akron, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Akron, Ohio -
The Allen Thomas Group, based out of Akron, Ohio, is proud to bring its specialized insurance programs to manufacturers in various states across the country. These programs are part of a strategic initiative to provide manufacturers with custom-tailored insurance solutions to address the unique challenges and risks that are part of this type of industry.
As a leading insurance agency. The Allen Thomas Group has been providing customized insurance options to individuals and businesses for nearly two decades. They offer a wide range of options for personal and business insurance.
Joe Race, founder of The Allen Thomas Group, says, Manufacturers can face many challenges, especially if they are operating across multiple state lines. Having reliable insurance can help a great deal when you have to contend with so many moving parts, and The Allen Thomas Group is committed to providing our nations manufacturers with bespoke insurance solutions that are not only tailored to their industry but also adaptable to the diverse regulatory environments they navigate regularly.
This strategic initiative is designed to give manufacturers the support they need to address their industry's unique challenges and risks. As the firm explains, manufacturers face a myriad of risks, from equipment breakdowns and supply chain disruptions to environmental hazards and workplace injuries, and The Allen Thomas Group recognizes the importance of comprehensive and customized insurance coverage. By leveraging its years of expertise and industry knowledge, the firm is now equipped to deliver tailored insurance solutions designed to meet the specific needs of manufacturers operating in multiple states.
The Allen Thomas Group provides its manufacturing insurance services to a wide range of businesses, from appliance and accessories manufacturing to medical device manufacturing and everything in between. Their insurance offerings are meticulously designed to counter the distinct risks each kind of manufacturer faces, including property damage, product liability, business interruption, and equipment breakdown.
The team already has extensive experience working in diverse regulatory landscapes, and as such, they are able to ensure that their insurance solutions comply with local regulations. This guarantees manufacturers seamless coverage regardless of their locations. They also collaborate closely with manufacturers to identify and mitigate any potential risks that are unique to their operations. This proactive approach aims to enhance risk management and reduce the likelihood of disruptions.
Race says, No two manufacturers are alike; we know that. If you are manufacturing clothing, you are facing different challenges than you would face if you were manufacturing industrial machines. This is why our insurance policies are customizable to a specific degree. Our team will help you tailor your coverage to align with your particular needs, and you will be furnished with a comprehensive and cost-effective risk management strategy. You will be able to rely on our team to help you sort out any particular issue that might arise during the process.
The Allen Thomas Groups commitment to understanding their communitys unique needs (and their provision of comprehensive insurance solutions) have earned them great praise from their clients. Brian C. in a review, Gwen was amazing to work with. Gwen was very responsive, efficient, knowledgeable with recommendations, and best of all, saved us a few hundred dollars. Gwen took care of everything from start to finish, setting up new policies and canceling previous policies. A fantastic experience all around!
In another review, Joseph K. writes, I spoke to several other insurance agencies before going with The Allen Thomas Group. I had so much trouble getting other companies to take the time to understand what we do at my business. Joe at The Allen Thomas Group took the time to listen thoroughly about what we do and what options we have as a startup business. I highly recommend giving them a call and see how they can help.
Businesses who want to learn more about The Allen Thomas Groups customized insurance offerings can visit the firms website for a more comprehensive breakdown of all the services on offer. Joe Race encourages clients to contact his office or team directly for any additional questions or concerns. The Allen Thomas Group can also be found on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
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For more information about The Allen Thomas Group, contact the company here:
The Allen Thomas Group
Joe Race
(440) 826-3676
453 S High St Ste 101, Akron, OH 44311
A council has agreed to cancel a womans fine after she complained about a parking sign with a word in the wrong place confusing locals.
The sign posted by Canada Bay Council at Cabarita Park in Sydney displays a green P with two separate messages underneath, the first part reading vehicles with trailer. Under a gap it states only Sat, Sun and public holidays.
Woman battles council over parking sign 'with word in the wrong place'. Source: 2GB
Local woman Jane told 2GB on Wednesday when she first saw the sign she assumed it meant that vehicles with a trailer were only allowed to park in the designated area on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
However, after copping a fine, she said she was informed by the council the sign actually means only vehicles with a trailer are allowed to park there and only on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays meaning that the word 'only' was printed on the wrong line.
I'm not alone. And I'd like not only for me not to have to pay my fine, but I'd also like them to reverse everyone elses fine, she told breakfast show host Ben Fordham, adding that she had contacted the council to no avail and was quite happy to take this to court.
Council admits to printing error on parking sign
Canada Bay Council told Yahoo News Australia on Thursday the new signage was installed after the community requested a small number of specific spaces for cars with trailers on weekends and public holidays.
Unfortunately, the signs that were installed contained a printing error that was not picked up by our team on review, General Manager John Clark said. The error led to confusion and has resulted in some members of our community receiving fines.
Clark said he had since contacted Jane to apologise and ensured her that the fine is being cancelled. Id like to apologise to our residents for the confusion caused by this signage in Cabarita Park, and for the poor customer service the resident experienced, he continued, explaining that all other fines for those car spaces since the installation of the new signs a few weeks ago are under review.
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The signs have been covered, and new replacement signs are in production, Clark said. Id also like to thank this resident for bringing her experience to our attention we are always looking to create a better customer experience for our community and in this instance, we let the resident down.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
DENVER, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) announced today that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend to shareholders. The quarterly cash dividend of twenty-seven cents ($0.27) per share of common stock will be payable on March 15, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 23, 2024.
About National Bank Holdings Corporation
National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high quality client service and committed to stakeholder results. Through its bank subsidiaries, NBH Bank and Bank of Jackson Hole Trust, National Bank Holdings Corporation operates a network of over 90 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, New Mexico and Idaho. Its comprehensive residential mortgage banking group primarily serves the banks core footprint. Its trust and wealth management business is operated in its core footprint under the Bank of Jackson Hole Trust charter. NBH Bank operates under a single state charter through the following brand names as divisions of NBH Bank: in Colorado, Community Banks of Colorado and Community Banks Mortgage; in Kansas and Missouri, Bank Midwest and Bank Midwest Mortgage; in Texas, Utah, New Mexico and Idaho, Hillcrest Bank and Hillcrest Bank Mortgage; and in Wyoming, Bank of Jackson Hole and Bank of Jackson Hole Mortgage. Additional information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com.
For more information visit: cobnks.com, bankmw.com, hillcrestbank.com, bankofjacksonhole.com, or nbhbank.com, or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements contain words such as anticipate, believe, can, would, should, could, may, predict, seek, potential, will, estimate, target, plan, project, continuing, ongoing, expect, intend or similar expressions that relate to the Companys strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve certain important risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the Risk Factors referenced in our most recent Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other risks and uncertainties listed from time to time in our reports and documents filed with the SEC. The Company can give no assurance that any goal or plan or expectation set forth in forward-looking statements can be achieved and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not intend, and assumes no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances, except as required by applicable law.
Contact:
Analysts/Institutional Investors:
Aldis Birkans, 720-554-6640
Chief Financial Officer
ir@nationalbankholdings.com
or
Media:
Jody Soper, 303-784-5925
Chief Marketing Officer
Jody.Soper@nbhbank.com
Source: National Bank Holdings Corporation
NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (Arbor or the Company) (NYSE: ABR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Arbor and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On November 17, 2023, hedge fund Viceroy released a research report entitled Arbor Realty Trust Slumlord Millionaires. In its report, Viceroy concluded that Arbors high-risk multifamily bridge loans, which comprise substantially all of its asset book, are going bad fast The end is near. Then, on December 5, 2023, after purportedly receiving information from whistleblowers regarding distressed Arbor deals and underlying assets, Viceroy released a second research report on the company entitled, Arbor Jacksonville Case Study. The second report highlighted three multifamily properties in the Jacksonville, Florida area encumbered by Arbor loans, which Viceroy submits have property values likely below Arbors loan balances. Asserting that Arbors entire loan book is distressed and underlying collateral is vastly overstated, Viceroy concluded that Arbor is a donut. $0.00.
On this news, Arbors stock price fell $0.71 per share, or 5.12%, over two trading sessions, to close at $13.15 per share on December 6, 2023.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2024 The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Dim Sum Factory Inc., a Flushing, N.Y., establishment, produced and distributed raw, frozen pork dumpling products without the benefit of federal inspection. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
The raw, frozen pork wonton dumpling products were produced on various dates since September 6, 2023, and have a shelf life of 18 months. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view label]:
1.5-lb. vacuum-packed packages containing GOGO DUMPLING Pork & Shepherds Purse Wontons (Handmade).
The products bear establishment number EST. 1656 inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to a distributor in New York and sold online nationwide.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS surveillance activities. FSIS determined that the location where the pork wonton products were being produced were not on the official premises of the establishment and, therefore, were not inspected.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact Daisy Ching, Sales Manager of Dim Sum Factory Inc., at 862-872-0076.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Irvine, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UnitedAg is pleased to announce the successful election and addition of three distinguished professionals to its esteemed Board of Directors. The newly elected members are:
Matt Bastone: CFO, Plantel Nurseries, Inc.
CFO, Plantel Nurseries, Inc. Marylu Ramirez: HR Manager, GoodFarms
HR Manager, GoodFarms Gary Thiara: President & CEO, Empire Farming Company, LLC
These individuals were elected by regular members in recognition of their outstanding leadership and expertise within their respective fields. UnitedAg believes that their diverse skills will greatly contribute to the organization's strategic direction and governance.
The 2024/25 Board of Directors now comprises the following members:
Veronica Urzua-Alvero: Chair, Church Brothers Farms
Chair, Church Brothers Farms Eric Bream: Vice Chair, Bream Family Farms, Inc.
Vice Chair, Bream Family Farms, Inc. Loretta Brown: Treasurer, Rijk Zwaan USA, Inc.
Treasurer, Rijk Zwaan USA, Inc. Matt Bastone: Plantel Nurseries, Inc.
Plantel Nurseries, Inc. Sarah Gargan: Kaweah Pump, Inc.
Kaweah Pump, Inc. Santiago Martin, Jr.: Trilogy Personnel & Land Management, Inc.
Trilogy Personnel & Land Management, Inc. Daniel Nelson: Latin Berry Plants
Latin Berry Plants Richard Plato: Christopher Ranch, LLC
Christopher Ranch, LLC Marylu Ramirez: GoodFarms
GoodFarms Gary Thiara: Empire Farming Company, LLC
UnitedAg extends a warm welcome to Matt Bastone, Marylu Ramirez, and Gary Thiara, expressing anticipation for their valuable contributions. Their insights and collaboration with the Board of Directors will play a pivotal role in advancing UnitedAg's mission.
About Matt Bastone:
Matt is the CFO of Plantel Nurseries, a large vegetable transplant nursery in Santa Maria, CA. Matt is a CPA with over 18 years of diverse experience in finance, accounting, and operations. He began his career with Deloitte in Los Angeles, performing audit work for clients in a variety of industries. Prior to joining Plantel, Matt had most recently worked with DAOU Vineyards as the VP of Finance & Accounting, as well as Walker Zanger as the Managing Director of their ceramic tile factory in Mexico.
About Marylu Ramirez:
Marylu joined the GoodFarms team to oversee human resource compliance with a focus on improving data quality from the field to the office. With a career spanning 29 years in the agricultural sector, including a dedicated nine-year tenure at GoodFarms. Marylu holds an Associates of Science in Accounting from Heald Business College and Human Resources certifications from various industry institutions.
About Gary Thiara:
Gary Thiara is President & CEO, Empire Farming Company, responsible for the management of a diversified farming operation engaged in growing prunes, walnuts, almonds, peaches and raisins in the northern and central valleys of California. He has served as Chairman of the Board, Sunsweet Growers Inc. and is currently a member of the California Prune Board. Gary has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University Fresno.
About UnitedAg
Established in 1980, UnitedAg represents more than 1,000 agriculture-affiliated member companies and helps its members meet their employee benefits needs, promotes their interests with lawmakers, and complying with health legislation and regulation. Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices in Irvine, Salinas, and wellness centers throughout the Central Valley and Northern California and provides benefits to over 55,000 agricultural workers in California and Arizona.
Visit us at http://www.unitedag.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
For more information, contact Maribel Ochoa at 714.615.5583.
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Heavy rainfall is known to bring about floods, leaks and even mould in the home. But, did you know it can also cause thousands of worms that look like giant centipedes to infest local creeks?
An Aussie dad and his daughter were out mud-crabbing at Waverley Creek in northern Queensland when they found "thousands" of worms taking over the creek. "Never in all my years on the water seen this phenomenon," he said in a video shared online.
These sea worms that look like they have legs can be used as fishing bait according to some. Source: Facebook/Robert Norris
Aussies online claim they have seen the worms too
After sharing the video with a local fishing group on Facebook, hundreds of shocked Aussies responded, with some in other parts of Queensland even revealing they'd seen the strange worms near them after the rain.
"Yeh we have them in Yeppoon too now, never seen one in my life, I've been there 40 years," one person said. "Ive seen them at Midge Point too. They fall apart easily," another commented.
Others shared these types of worms were "good bait" to use for fishing, while the rest commented on how "alien" the invertebrates looked. "Thats totally disgusting looking. Omg all the legs crawling," a horrified person said.
The video has since been viewed over 1.8 million times after being shared across other social media platforms, like TikTok.
Identified as a type of seaworm
Some people in the comments who claim to be marine biologists themselves identified the worms as polychaetes, which Australian Museum senior fellow and expert Doctor Pat Hutchings confirmed with the ABC.
"[The swarm] is actually quite a common phenomena, but probably something most people don't ever see," she told the broadcaster.
The worms belong to the Nereididae family, and are commonly known as ragworms, though Hutchings could not identify the exact species from watching the video and said it could even be a species not yet known by science. "A large proportion of our invertebrate fauna is still undescribed," she said.
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The worms live in a shallow burrow in the muddy water bed but leave their home to mate. "Near mating time in most species [of ragworm], the rear part of the body becomes swollen with sperm or eggs. The worm leaves its shallow burrow on the sea bottom and, usually at night, releases sex cells near the water surface," Brittanica states online.
The moon phases and temperature can trigger this mating event, though marine biology associate professor Ian Tibbetts told the ABC the recent rainfall in north Queensland may have had an impact on creatures on this occasion.
Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Highlights:
E3 Lithium is presenting at TD's 2024 Annual Global Mining Conference taking place January 23 to 25, 2024
Investors are invited to visit E3 Lithium in Vancouver February 2 and 3 and join us for our presentation at the World Outlook Financial Conference
E3 Lithium's geosciences team is chairing a session at the Energy and Emerging Technology in Geoscience Symposium in Calgary on February 7
E3 Lithium Ltd. (TSXV: ETL) (FSE: OW3) (OTCQX: EEMMF), "E3 Lithium" or the "Company," Alberta's leading lithium developer and extraction technology innovator, is pleased to share its upcoming schedule for investor relations and technical presentations in January and February.
TD 2024 15th Annual Global Mining Conference
Dates: January 23-25, 2024
Location: TD Tower, Toronto
Details: E3 Lithium will be attending TD's Global Mining Conference from January 23 to 25, with a presentation from Chris Doornbos, President and CEO, on Thursday, January 25 at 2:05 p.m. EST/12:05 p.m. MST. This conference is in-person only.
World Outlook Financial Conference
Dates: February 2-3, 2024
Location: The Westin Bayshore Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver
Details: E3 Lithium will be at the World Outlook Financial Conference on February 2 and 3. Investors are invited to connect with the E3 Lithium team at our booth and hear directly from Chris Doornbos at his presentation on Saturday, February 3 at 10:45 a.m. PST/11:45 a.m. MST. This conference is in-person only but will be recorded and streamed online afterwards. Please click here for more information on how to participate.
Energy and Emerging Technology in Geoscience Symposium (EETiG) 2024
Dates: February 7-8, 2024
Location: ConocoPhillips Auditorium, Calgary
Details: E3 Lithium's geosciences team will be chairing a session titled Deepening our Geologic Understanding at EETiG's upcoming Adventures in Pore Space: Shared Reservoirs in New Energy conference on Wednesday, February 7 at 9 a.m. MST/11 a.m. EST. This conference is in-person only.
E3 Lithium also looks forward to attending PDAC from March 3 to 6 in Toronto, including hosting a booth and delivering a presentation. The Company will release more details about its PDAC participation closer to the conference.
Subject to regulatory approval, effective January 15, 2024, E3 Lithium has engaged Oakstrom Advisors (Oakstrom) to provide strategic investor relations services in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policies. Oakstrom will assist with strategic investor relations counsel and expanding awareness of E3 Lithium's business within the investor community. The agreement is for an initial term of six months and may be terminated by either party with 60 days' notice.
Under the agreement, Oakstrom will receive compensation of CAD$8,000 per month for the term of the agreement, the first two months of which will be prepaid as a retainer (valued at CAD$16,000). There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and Oakstrom will not receive shares or options as compensation. Oakstrom and E3 Lithium are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and at the time of the agreement, neither Oakstrom nor its principals have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company.
E3 Lithium's engagement with Meadowbank Strategic Partners is complete effective February 15, 2024. We would like to thank Meadowbank for their strong work on behalf of the Company.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Doornbos, President & CEO
E3 Lithium Ltd.
About E3 Lithium
E3 Lithium is a development company with a total of 16.0 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) Measured and Indicated and 0.9 million tonnes LCE Inferred mineral resources1 in Alberta. As outlined in E3's Preliminary Economic Assessment, the Clearwater Lithium Project has an NPV8% of USD 1.1 Billion with a 32% IRR pre-tax and USD 820 Million with a 27% IRR after-tax1. E3 Lithium's goal is to produce high purity, battery grade lithium products to power the growing electrical revolution. With a significant lithium resource and innovative technology solutions, E3 Lithium has the potential to deliver lithium to market from one of the best jurisdictions in the world.
1: The Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Clearwater Lithium Project NI 43-101 technical report is amended Sept 17, 2021. Gordon MacMillan, P.Geol, QP, Fluid Domains Inc. and Grahame Binks, MAusIMM, QP (Metallurgy), formerly of Sedgman Canada Limited (Report Date: June 15, 2018, Effective Date: June 4, 2018 Amended Date: September 17, 2021). The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the North Rocky Property, effective October 27, 2017, identified 0.9Mt LCE (inferred). The mineral resource NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Bashaw District Project, effective March 21, 2023, identified 16.0Mt LCE (measured & indicated). All reports are available on the E3 Lithium's website (e3lithium.ca/technical-reports) and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
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 emerging lithium extraction technologies which have not yet been tested or proven on a commercial scale or on the Company's brine, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 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.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240118935546/en/
Contact
E3 Lithium - Investor and Media Relations
Robin Boschman
Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
investor@e3lithium.ca
587-324-2775
TSX.V: FKM OTCQB: FKMCF FRANKFURT: F7E1
ROUYN-NORANDA, QC, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Fokus Mining Corp. ("Fokus" or the "Company") (TSXV: FKM) (OTCQB: FKMCF) (FSE: F7E1) is pleased to provide an exploration update on its Galloway project located in the Abitibi region of Quebec.
As mentioned in previous press releases, last November's program was to include a minimum of 1,500 metres of diamond drilling with seven or eight holes. This target has been exceeded:
Five holes have been drilled on the Moriss mineralised area for a total of 903 metres (holes GA-23-75 to GA -23-79); and
Three holes have been drilled in the Fayolle mineralised area for a total of 840 metres (holes GA-23-80 to GA-23-82).
The press release of November 29, 2023, described the objectives of the drilling campaign on the Moriss zone, which followed on from an earlier drilling campaign by Fokus. However, this is the Company's first exploration effort to test the Fayolle area of Galloway located approximately one kilometre north of the Hurd area and approximately 3.5 km north-east of the GP zone. Previous companies drilled a few shallow holes on Fayolle and obtained some low-grade gold values.
Jean Rainville, CEO and President, says: "We hope to be able to increase the resource on Moriss. Furthermore, with our tests on Fayolle we are now moving out of the areas where we have been concentrating. The goal is not only to evaluate Fayolle with these drill holes but also to investigate the potential extensions of Hurd. In fact, a 417-metre-long hole should also provide information on another copper-gold target to the north-west. Core logging was completed for this program last week and we expect to receive some of the assays before the end of the month."
Jean Rainville also said: "As indicated in our press release of December 4, 2023, we expect to resume another minimum 1,500-metre diamond drilling campaign towards the end of the month. We are in the process of finalising the program, but we will certainly include at least a few holes on the recently discovered RB mineralised zone, where we have already drilled 19 holes (press release dated 6 September 2023).
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical disclosure for Fokus included in this news release have been reviewed and approved by Gilles Laverdiere, P. Geo. Mr. Laverdiere is geologist and qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and a director of the Company.
About Fokus
Fokus Mining Corp. is a mineral resource company actively acquiring and exploring precious metal deposits located in the province of Quebec, Canada. In undertaking and implementing this major project within the Canadian mining industry, we are determined to unlock the secret of the Galloway gold project. The Galloway project covers an area of 2,865.54 hectares and is located just north of the Cadillac-Larder Lake deformation which extends laterally for more than 100 km. Numerous gold deposits are related to that structure and its extensions. The current work focuses on the western portion of the mineral claims where several mineral occurrences have been identified. For more information, visit our website: www.fokusmining.com.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Related Links
http://fokusmining.com/
Caution regarding forward-looking statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "will have", "should", and other similar expressions. Forward-looking 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. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information due to regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes in the Company's strategic growth plans and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and, accordingly, such forward-looking information should not be relied upon as such. All forward looking information contained in this press release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.
SOURCE Fokus Mining Corp.
CALGARY, Jan. 18, 2024 - Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG | OTCQB: PAANF | FRA: SS60) ("Pan American" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged EarthEx Geophysical ("EarthEx") to conduct a 2D seismic survey at its flagship project, the Horizon Lithium Project ("Horizon" or the "Project") in Big Smoky Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. The seismic survey will be conducted with the support of the Company's previously announced contractor partner, RESPEC Consulting Inc. ("RESPEC"), in support of the next stages of exploration and the planned Phase 3 drill program at the Project, which is being designed to expand the known mineral resources at the Project through step-out drilling to extend the deposit to the Northwest, South, East and West and at greater depths.
The Company has contracted EarthEx to undertake a Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio ("HVSR") survey using a Tromino passive seismic device at the Horizon Lithium Project. The survey is expected to comprise 86 line-km with a line spacing of 1,000 meters and station spacing of 250 meters. Local and regional faulting may have displaced and/or offset blocks of the targeted Siebert Formation in relation to each other, which would affect the thickness of overlaying alluvial gravels otherwise known as overburden. The HVSR survey is expected to help map overburden thickness and identify fault lines on the Project, allowing for the design of a more targeted and efficient Phase 3 drill program.
Jason Latkowcer, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "After a thorough evaluation of technologies and service providers that could support Phase 3 drill planning, EarthEx Geophysical Solutions was selected to utilize their HVSR 2D seismic survey. Working in collaboration with RESPEC, we expect this survey to play an instrumental role in our drill targeting. We do not intend to waste any time in advancing our flagship project in the United States."
Once the geophysical survey is captured and interpreted, RESPEC will support the Company with results analysis, mapping, and drill planning. RESPEC will also support permitting the high-priority drill targets identified through the survey with the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM"), Tonopah Field Office, with the goal of advancing a logistically sound and fully permitted Phase 3 drilling plan in 2024.
Tromino Passive Seismic Surveying:
There are ambient vibrations moving in the Earth's crust at all times and these vibrations translate into all layers, including the unconsolidated overburden. The behaviour of these vibrations, at certain frequencies is a function of the thickness of the layer in which they are moving. The Tromino Passive seismic device makes use of the HVSR method (horizontal over vertical spectral ratio) to analyze these vibrations and estimate the depth to bedrock in a study area. The relationship between the depth of the bedrock and the frequencies at which peaks form in this ratio is dependent upon the velocities of the unconsolidated cover. In areas where cover material is fairly consistent and some good areas with known bedrock depth can be used for calibrating the frequency-depth relationship, this method is expected to produce depth estimates which are accurate within about 20%. The method is quick and efficient and does not suffer from penetration issues that may be present in ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys.
Figure 1: Outline of the Horizon Lithium Project (black), The Horizon Lithium boundary (black), proposed survey lines (yellow), and access roads (red polylines). The survey is estimated to comprise 86 line-km with a line spacing of 1,000 m and 250 m station spacing
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jared Suchan, PhD P.Geo, who is an independent consultant of the Company, and a "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101.
About Pan American Energy Corp.
Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTCQB: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America.
The Company executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources, providing for the right to acquire up to a 90% interest in the drill-ready Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company has also entered a property option agreement with Horizon Lithium LLC providing for the right to acquire a 100% interest in the Horizon Lithium Project, located within Esmeralda County - Tonopah Lithium Belt, Nevada, USA.
To register for investor updates, please visit https://panam-energy.com.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Jason Latkowcer
CEO & Director
Contact
Phone : (587) 885-5970
Email: info@panam-energy.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company's plans at the Project, including the nature and type of the Company's activities, the timing of such activities and the aim and objectives of the Company's efforts; and the ability of the Company to expand the mineral resources at the Project through the planned phase three drill program.
Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the Company's ability to execute on its plans at the Project, including that it will be successful in carrying out such activities on the anticipated timeline and that such activities will yield the desired outcomes, including the expansion of the mineral resources at the Project.
Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Company's activities at the Project does not proceed in the manner and on the timeline currently contemplated, or at all; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to receiving requisite permits and approvals, changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project; that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company, including that the Company may fail to expand the known mineral resources at the Project through its planned phase three drill program; and that mineral exploration activities are often unsuccessful. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this ?press release.?
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1076ee68-5a33-4501-8f16-8b99f74c8699
VANCOUVER, Jan. 18, 2024 - Vortex Energy Corp. (CSE: VRTX | OTC: VTECF | FRA: AA3) ("Vortex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the core drilling program has now recommenced at its Robinsons River Salt Project (the "Project") located near Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador. The drilling program is once again being conducted by Major Drilling Group International Inc. ("Major Drilling") under the support of the Company's consultant partner, RESPEC Consulting Inc. ("RESPEC"). The Company is currently drilling core well two at the West structure of The Project.
The objective of the drill program is to confirm the depth of the salt structure and attain core which will be used for future analysis of geological and geochemical properties of the salt and non-salt rocks. During the drilling of core well one, the Company intersected salt rock top at a depth of 581.5 meters at the Western Salt Structure located within the Robinsons River Salt Project.
Paul Sparkes, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to announce the recommencement of our drilling program. Having successfully intersected salt during our initial drill program, we are optimistic about once again intersecting salt at core well two. I would also like to thank our invaluable partners who have played a critical role in assisting Vortex with this drill program and wish them the best of luck for a safe and successful drilling program."
Figure 1: Core Hole 2 Drill Rig
Figure 2: Core Hole 2 Drill Rig
About Vortex Energy Corp.
Vortex Energy Corp. is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in North America. The company is currently advancing its Robinson River Salt Project comprised of a total of 942 claims covering 23,500 hectares located approximately 35 linear kms south of the town of Stephenville in the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador. The Robinson River Salt Project is prospective for both salt and hydrogen salt cavern storage. The company is actively evaluating technologies to efficiently store hydrogen or energy in salt caverns. Vortex Energy Corp. also holds the Fire Eye Project, which is located in the Wollaston Domain of northern Saskatchewan, Canada.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Paul Sparkes
Chief Executive Officer, Director
+1 (778) 819-0164
info@vortexenergycorp.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans at the Project, including the nature and type of the Company's exploration activities, the timing of such exploration activities and the aim and objectives of the Company's exploration efforts; and the Company's optimism regarding intersecting salt at core well two.
Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the Company's ability to execute on its exploration plans at the Project, including that it will be successful in carrying out such exploration activities on the anticipated timeline and that such exploration activities will yield the expected information and the desired outcomes; and that the results of the Company's exploration activities to date are representative of the actual geological conditions and mineralization at the Project.
Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that exploration at the Project does not proceed in the manner and on the timeline currently contemplated, or at all; risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to receiving requisite permits and approvals, changes in project parameters or delays as plans continue to be redefined, that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and that the results of mineral exploration may not be indicative of the actual geology or mineralization of a project; that mineral exploration may be unsuccessful or fail to achieve the results anticipated by the Company; and that mineral exploration activities are often unsuccessful. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this ?press release.?
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/728687d7-8b35-47f5-8c70-94a82e7f0b26
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc3a9029-d994-4acf-b9e8-9248c98602de
TSX: GMIN
OTCQX: GMINF
BROSSARD, Jan. 18, 2024 - G Mining Ventures Corp. ("GMIN" or the "Corporation" or "us") (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2024 OTCQX Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market last year.
The OTCQX Best 50 is an annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX market. The ranking is calculated based on an equal weighting of one-year total return and average daily dollar volume growth in the previous calendar year. Companies in the 2024 OTCQX Best 50 were ranked based on their performance in 2023.
Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We appreciate this tremendous recognition of the GMIN team's efforts at creating value for our fellow stakeholders. 2024 has been off to a great start for GMIN, with the ahead of schedule completion of our powerline project, the graduation to the TSX, and our flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Project now at 76% complete. I can't wait to lead our team to achieve commercial production at Tocantinzinho in the second half of 2024, and continue to grow GMIN into the next leading intermediate gold producer.
The OTCQX Best Market offers transparent and efficient trading of established, investor-focused U.S. and global companies. To qualify for the OTCQX market, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.
About G Mining Ventures Corp.
G Mining Ventures Corp. (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects, to capitalize on the value uplift from successful mine development. GMIN is well-positioned to grow into the next mid-tier precious metals producer by leveraging strong access to capital and proven development expertise. GMIN is currently anchored by its flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Project in mining friendly and prospective State of Para, Brazil.
Additional Information
For further information on GMIN, please visit the website at www.gminingventures.com
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those featured in (i) the comments quoted from GMIN's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"); and (ii) more generally, the section entitled "About G Mining Ventures Corp.".
Forward-looking statements 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. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those underlying the CEO's comments as well as the contents of the above section entitled "About G Mining Ventures Corp.".
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, notably but without limitation, GMIN will (i) bring its Tocantinzinho Project to commercial production in the second half of 2024, or at all, and (ii) grow into the next leading intermediate gold producer .
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 management's 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 the Corporation's other filings with the securities regulators of Canada including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the relevant sections of the Corporation's (i) Annual Information Form dated April 28, 2023, for the financial year ended December 31, 2022, and (ii) Management Discussion & Analysis. The Corporation cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. 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.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/g-mining-ventures-named-to-2024-otcqx-best-50-302038598.html
SOURCE G Mining Ventures Corp.
The Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency has postponed its January meeting due to heating issues.
The agency will now meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at its regular location at 2 State St., Auburn. The meeting is being postponed due to heating issues there.
Haas new team boss can handle top F1 job
Haas' new team boss Ayao Komatsu can handle the big step up from engineering to running a Formula 1 team.
Kevin Magnussen, Abu Dhabi GP 2023
Haas F1 Team / LAT
That is the view of Vitaly Petrov, who was race-engineered by the 47-year-old Japanese at Renault in 2011. Komatsu then followed Romain Grosjean to the brand-new Haas team for 2016, and there worked his way up the engineering ranks.
Team owner Gene Haas decided to oust Gunther Steiner for 2024, with Komatsu named as his surprise successor.
I spent a lot of time with Ayao, Russian driver Petrov told SMP Racing.
At that time, he was still learning and getting the experience to be promoted to race engineer, but he already knew a lot. And it was very easy to work with him. I always saw great potential in Ayao.
Petrov, now 39, says it was always clear to him that Komatsu had the potential to rise the ranks in F1.
It was obvious to me that he would not stay in the position of a race engineer. It was obvious that he had a great future, he said.
"He sees and understands a lot and is not afraid to express his opinion. Yes, difficult work awaits him now. Many more people will report to him now compared to before.
"But, on the other hand, you shouldn't think that a race engineer works only with those who go to the races, or is focused solely on setting up the car. Outside of race weekends, he works with the entire team and is actively involved in the process of improving the car.
So I think Ayao has everything he needs for his new role, Petrov said. I am sure that a great future awaits him and I am happy for him.
As for Komatsu, he reveals that one of his first priorities as Haas' new team boss is to improve the way the unique American team operates between its two facilities in the UK and Italy.
If you could start a team now, you wouldn't have two factories in England and Italy, but that's just the structure, he says. In 2016 to 2018, it was very helpful to get us started. Then the rules changed, and the team has to develop accordingly.
However, he says Haas' multiple facilities is not the reason Haas finished dead last in 2023 with an apparently flawed development program.
Can we already do better? Yes, absolutely, said Komatsu. "In 2023 we were not where we should be, and that is why the decision to change something followed.
But you can't change things too drastically, because then 2024 will be a complete disaster, he added. "We have to improve the team in 2024 but I see it as a gradual process.
AUBURN Three Cayuga County men are set for prison time on separate drug-related offenses after Cayuga County Court on Thursday.
David K. Kalet, 36, of Montezuma, was arraigned that morning and then pleaded guilty before Judge Thomas Leone to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (a class B felony).
Kalet, who was one of dozens arrested in the fall as a part of a major central New York drug trafficking investigation called Operation Blockbuster," is set to be sentenced March 21 to 4.5 years in state prison followed by three years of post-release supervision. He is one of 31 defendants charged with more than 190 drug trafficking and weapons crimes in connection with two networks that were distributing fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine, the New York State Attorney General's Office said.
Later in court, James B. Dorsey II, 36, of Auburn, was sentenced to four years in state prison followed by three years of post-release supervision for third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, satisfying a count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (a class C felony). He was also sentenced to two to four years in prison for a separate charge of driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction in the last 10 years. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Additionally, Jerad A. Stiles, 35, of Auburn, was sentenced to four years in prison followed by four years of post-release supervision for third-degree attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance (a class C felony).
Also in court
Amy R. Graham, 51, was sentenced to five years of shock probation, with the "shock" portion being the first six months in the Cayuga County Jail.
In court on Tuesday
Quincy D. Atkins, 40, of Auburn, was sentenced to two to four years in prison for both first-degree criminal contempt and aggravated family offense, satisfying an additional aggravated family offense count, counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree criminal contempt, two additional counts of first-degree criminal contempt and two counts of second-degree menacing. Both sentences will be running concurrently.
Brandon A. Dutcher, 38, was sentenced to two to four years for both criminal possession of a firearm and first-degree disseminating indecent material to minors. He was also sentenced to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison for failure to notify of address change as sex offender.
Dejour Nesmith, 32, of Auburn, was sentenced to 3.5 to 7 years on three counts of second-degree attempted assault, with two of those counts running concurrently and one running consecutively.
CHEYENNE An Albany County judge ordered the dismissal of a case that would have kept former President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Sen. Cynthia M. Lummis, R-Wyo., off future Wyoming ballots.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open for future lawsuits regarding their access to the ballot.
The matter mirrors attempts in several other states to ban the former president from appearing on state ballots based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prevents elected officials from serving in elected office if they have engaged in an insurrection.
A lawsuit in Colora...
Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon with the intention of establishing a clear process for recovering species on the verge of extinction. In the years that have passed since its enactment, this well-intended law has taken on a life of its own and has dramatically shifted from its original purpose to the point where it does far more harm than good.
Since its passage, the ESA has become a weapon wielded by the Left to appease environmental activists that has punished landowners and once-thriving communities with virtually no improve...
GRHS students perform in All State Band and Choir
Making it to the State level in any competition is an impressive accomplishment, and band and choir are no exception.
This week several Green River High School students had the honor of performing at the All State Music Festival in Casper in the All State Band and All State Choir.
Band Director Quinn Kalinski presented to the Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Board during their January 9 meeting to introduce and honor the students who made it into these groups.
"Every year the band and choir students have the opportunity to audition for these honor ensembles," Kalinski explained. "...
The Central New York Welcome Center is at Destiny USA in Syracuse, but a bill introduced by state Sen. Rachel May would designate the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn as the region's official welcome center.
The legislation would direct the state Department of Economic Development to enter into a contract with the city of Auburn, which operates the Equal Rights Heritage Center.
In 2016, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state would establish 10 welcome centers, one in each of the economic development regions. The initial plan called for the central New York welcome center to be located in Auburn.
Although the state followed through on its plan to build a new facility in Auburn, it was not designated as the central New York welcome center. The regional welcome center was placed at Destiny USA, a large shopping center in Syracuse. It was never explained why the state changed course and chose Syracuse, not Auburn, as the host city for the welcome center.
May, D-Syracuse, acknowledged the state invested $10 million to construct the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. But the city has been responsible for covering operating expenses it does not get aid from the state to run the center. In its current fiscal year, the city is paying $262,000 to operate the facility.
Most of the state-designated welcome centers receive annual funding. Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2024-25 budget proposal includes $125,000 for the city of Geneva, which operates the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. The spending plan does include $215,000 for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County to run the Taste NY market at the Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn.
There was a one-time $50,000 grant from the state to support the center, according to Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason. The funding was provided in 2018 the year the center opened to the public.
May's legislation, according to a summary, would "give the Equal Rights Heritage Center the recognition it deserves and fulfill a commitment made in 2016 by designating it the official central New York visitors center."
The Equal Rights Heritage Center drew more than 20,000 visitors from its opening day in November 2018 through 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic affected attendance, but the facility rebounded with over 10,000 visitors in 2022 and 11,304 in 2023.
NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center marks 5 years as 'spark' in Auburn In five years, the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn has established itself as a starting point for visitors. But it has faced challenges, namely COVID-19, along the way.
Google Cloud on Thursday announced plans to land two subsea telecommunication cables on Guam, which will fundamentally transform the speed of internet on the island, according to Google Vice President of Global Network Infrastructure Brian Quigley.
Once completed around 2026, the next-generation Google cables will connect Guam to Fiji and French Polynesia.
The cables will tie into a planned network linking the two island nations to the U.S. mainland and Australia that Google already announced late last year.
Latency, a delay in internet speed caused by the large distance between Guam and other locations, should be reduced by the new cables, improving connections speed, Quigley said during a digital press conference with Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Thursday morning.
These cables are the evidence of the governments commitment to bridging the digital divide and strengthening the telecommunications infrastructure, not just across the island, but to all the islands of the Pacific, the Google executive said.
He said Guam, which is already a hub for various subsea cables, made a good choice for Googles larger Pacific Connect Initiative, which is building network infrastructure across the region.
Tying Guam into Googles planned Pacific network should also improve the reliability and resilience of connections to the island by allowing for multiple paths along which data can travel, according to Quigley.
If the Guam cable gets cut, it can route down to Fiji and throughout. So we model and plan our network based on a statistical likelihood of outages, which includes things like 100 year events and weather factors that we havent thought of, he said.
The two new cables will bring the number of subsea cables Google has publicly announced up to 29, according to Quigley. He said Google could not publicly disclose the investment on the Guam venture, which also involved a number of other telecom companies.
Linking Guam and French Polynesia will be the Halaihai cable, named for the beach-growing vine and the subject of the CHamoru expression telefon halaihai.
The expression is the CHamoru equivalent of getting information through the grapevine.
Quigley, during Thursdays press conference, presented the governor with a piece of the Halaihai cable.
On behalf of the people of Guam, we express a Si Yuus Maase for your vision and for realizing the importance of Guam as the central, core hub for this conductivity that will provide great, great opportunities for improving the quality of life for our people in the Pacific, Leon Guerrero said.
She said she had first invited the Google team to Guam back in 2019.
They were a little bit lukewarm, she said, but had since come around to the idea.
On Guam, improving internet speeds would build towards the Leon Guerrero administrations plans to reduce broadband costs and eventually provide islandwide free WiFi, the governor said.
Laying the cable through Guam would also provide the opportunity for smaller islands to connect through the Pacific, Leon Guerrero said, improving economic opportunity and healthcare through the region.
The governor also said she was open to providing any land thats available through either the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission or the CHamoru Land Trust Commission for Google to land the cables on.
The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam crews successfully resolved the Rescue 21 issue restoring VHF-FM radio communications in the Mariana Islands Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the Coast Guard.
We express our sincere gratitude for the publics patience and support from our partners during this brief communication disruption; ensuring the safety of all individuals remains our top priority, said Lt. Kira Adams, the command center chief at U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guams Joint Rescue Sub-Center. In the face of ever-evolving challenges, our Information Systems and Electronics Technicians demonstrated significant fortitude and diligence.
The outage began on Jan. 12. The disruption was an unintended consequence of a routine and pre-planned router relocation to enhance the units operational capabilities.
The outage didnt impact the effectiveness of Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking alerts from 406 MHz beacons, HF communications, or phone services.
Gale watch
The National Weather Service issued a gale watch for the coastal waters of Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
The public can expect northeast winds of 25 to 35 knots with gusts of up to 40. In addition, a hazardous seas warning is in place, with seas expected to reach 14 to 17 feet.
The U.S. Coast Guard strongly encourages mariners and waterway users to:
Have alternative communication methods available, including cellular and satellite phones, 406 MHz emergency beacons, and H.F. radios.
Stay vigilant and informed about weather and maritime conditions. Up-to-date information is available from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/gum/
Ensure readiness with emergency procedures and safety equipment.
Watchstanders can be reached on VHF-FM Channel 16 or by phone at (671) 355-4824 for maritime emergencies.
Duayne Richard Peters, convicted for multiple felony counts of sexual assault in 2022, was conditionally released from the Department of Corrections on Jan. 10 pending his appeal to the Supreme Court of Guam.
As part of his release, Peters is under a 24-hour electronic monitoring system in addition to full-time house detention.
It is a similar arrangement to his pre-trial release.
Peters was charged in February 2020 on allegations he repeatedly raped a girl who was a minor at the time of the allegations.
More than two years later in August 2022, a jury found Peters guilty of five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct as a first-degree felony, according to Pacific Daily News files.
Additionally, because the victim was younger than 14 years old at the time of the sexual abuse, Peters also was charged with a special allegation of a vulnerable victim.
The charges were slightly reduced a month later and in July 2023, Peters was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Peters filed a motion for bail pending appeal in August 2023, which the court addressed in November.
He returned to the courtroom in November 2023 for that hearing and on Jan. 10, 2024, Judge Arthur R. Barcinas granted the conditional release.
In addition to house detention and electronic monitoring, Peters is prohibited from making contact with anyone that testified in his case.
He may only leave his house for medical emergencies, approved medical visits and for visits with his lawyer.
Hospital leadership fielded a number questions about the $4.9 million worth of questioned costs in a deal with MedHealth Solutions LLC during a three-hour-long oversight hearing on Tuesday.
GMH administration was found to have given MedHealth preferential treatment and unreasonable contract terms in a recent audit by the Office of Public Accountability.
The deal, signed off on during former Attorney General Leevin Camachos term, is now the subject of a probe under Attorney General Douglas Moylans administration.
MedHealth, in 2021, was hired to help the hospital improve its historically slow billing and collections, among other revenue issues. But the contract was terminated in November 2022 after the hospital deemed the costs for the contract were too high.
Questioned by Sen. Telo Taitague, GMH Administrator Lilian Perez-Posadas said that hospital leadership has not heard anything from the current attorney general about an ongoing investigation of the deal, nor has any questioning of leadership begun.
I havent been indicted, Perez-Posadas told Taitague.
She told lawmakers that the contract was executed to improve services for patients, though MedHealth ultimately did not deliver as expected.
According to Perez-Posadas, a number of issues with the hospitals handling of revenue had been pointed out when a representative from MedHealth approached GMH in 2019.
For example, the hospitals emergency room charge rate was $90, very low compared to other hospitals, she said.
There were also only about 17,000 items, like services, supplies, or drugs, that the hospital was charging patients for, when a facility as large as GMH should have 70,000, Perez-Posadas added.
GMH had decided to provide MedHealth a variable rate because hospital leadership was concerned that they would have to pay up even if MedHealth did not help improve collections, she said.
The hospital was cited in the OPA audit for agreeing to pay the consultant 12% of every dollar collected over $7.2 million a month, resulting in the unreasonable $4.9 million charge.
A contingency fee was similarly applied in American Samoa, where MedHealth also operated, Perez-Posadas said.
Hospital Chief Financial Officer Yuka Hechanova told lawmakers that billings had improved after MedHealth was brought on board, going from $8 million billed monthly prior to the contract, to $22 million a month after it ended.
Notably, MedHealth had helped GMH install and run a claim scrubber and bill scrubber, software that helped process insurance claims and Medicare reimbursements, Hechanova said.
Of the $4.9 million bill from MedHealth, all but the final month of billing for November 2022 were paid out, according to Hechanova and Perez-Posadas.
The hospital administrator said the last month was disputed because MedHealth did not provide any service, but that the hospital was not otherwise seeking to fault the contractor for breach of contract.
Health oversight chair Speaker Therese Terlaje said she had asked the AG to pursue the $4.9 million billing, if possible.
Reasonable to rely on AG
Pressed about the legality of the deal, GMH legal counsel Jordan Pauluhn noted that it was the prior attorney general who had signed off on the final contract, not any private attorney hired by the hospital.
For Guam Memorial Hospital, it was reasonable for them at that time to rely on that certification, Pauluhn told the speaker, who pressed GMH leadership at length about the MedHealth deal.
Pauluhn started working as an attorney for GMH around last March, long after the MedHealth deal was finalized in the summer of 2021, based on hospital staffing records.
Pauluhn said he believed that recently resigned hospital attorney Jeremiah Luther was not hired until after the MedHealth contract was finalized.
Luther first appears on hospital staffing records in June 2022, five months before the MedHealth deal was terminated. Pauluhn said Luther had resigned and moved off island for personal family reasons.
Terlaje took issues with responses from Pauluhn.
The findings of the auditor was not make sure that the AG gets it right. They said, make sure GMH in their procurement rules and regs are able to follow a process that is consistent with procurement law, Terlaje told Pauluhn.
Pauluhn at one point noted that someone from the AGs office was involved at every step of the process in a procurement as large as MedHealth.
Asked whether GMH would follow the recommendations made by the recent audit, Perez-Posadas told Terlaje, Yes maam.
By examining trash dumped near the entrance of Two Lovers Point in Dededo, police tracked down a woman and cited her for littering, according to the governors office.
Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio on Wednesday warned that laws preventing illegal dumping will be enforced.
He said last weekend, while the Department of Public Works Highway Maintenance crew was clearing a recurring illegal dump site along the entrance of Two Lovers Point, Park Police sifted through the trash and discovered a name and address on multiple documents.
When approached by officers, the woman reportedly admitted to dumping because the dump was closed, Tenorio said. This is no excuse for behavior that not only diminishes the beauty of our island home but also adds to the growing littering problem that threatens our islands aquifer.
The officers were recent graduates from the Department of Parks and Recreations first Park Police Academy.
Adelup said these officers are already hard at work enforcing Guams laws, including local anti-littering statutes.
Violators of Guams illegal dumping laws could face fines of up to $1,000 per day per violation, along with the cleanup cost associated with the violation.
To report violations, call the Guam Environmental Protection Agency at (671) 300-4751/2, or visit epa.guam.gov/report.
For more information on Guam Solid Waste Authority facilities, including customer service centers, residential transfer stations, Layon landfill, and hauler-only transfer stations, visit gswa.guam.gov or contact customer service at (671) 646-3111 or email customerservice@gswa.guam.gov.
The Little Prince, a beloved childrens book which is the second most translated book behind the Bible, is now available in CHamoru.
Pale Eric Forbes, a Capuchin priest and a long-time advocate for the CHamoru language, was tapped to translate the book, titled I Dikkiki na Prinsipi in CHamoru.
The fact that it is in CHamoru shows that our language is worthy, Forbes said Thursday at a press conference at the Guam Department of Education headquarters in Tiyan.
The CHamoru language is now one of the hundreds of languages the book is translated into.
He shared that linguist Thomas Stolz, from the University of Bremen in Germany and a big fan of the CHamoru language, presented his name to the Jean-Marc Probst Foundation for the Little Prince to translate the book into the native language of the Marianas.
He said Jean-Marc Probst has two great passions, traveling and The Little Prince. In his travels, Probst saw the book translated in various languages. Probst then began collecting copies of the book in various languages.
When the foundation started and a source of income was identified, it set out to translate The Little Prince into hundreds of other languages, Forbes said.
Its a grant through the Jean-Marc Probst Foundation for the Little Prince that supported the publication of the book by Glimpses Media.
Glimpses Publisher Maureen Maratita said it was an honor for the company to be associated with the project. Around 1,500 copies of the book were printed, she said.
The books will be distributed to GDOE schools, as well as charter and private schools that teach the CHamoru language.
Forbes said the foundation doesnt want to sell the book and it was printed for the benefit of schoolchildren. However, he said if the foundation gets enough emails from people from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands interested in buying the book, they may be open to responding to the request.
But as of now, the books will be available for students around the island in classrooms and in libraries to be used as a learning resource.
The Little Prince was written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French writer and aviator who published the book in English and French in the U.S. in 1943.
The book has sold more than 140 million copies worldwide and has been translated into over 569 languages and dialects, making it the second most translated book ever.
The book narrates the adventures of a young prince who explores the cosmos and discovers valuable insights about life, love and friendship.
Forbes said the The Little Prince is so popular because of the message of the book.
Even if you are a grown up, have the heart of a child, he said.
He said some of the most essential things in life are not visible. They are seen with the heart and thats what children do.
We need that in our world today, Forbes said.
He thanked the late Pale Jose Villagomez, a first language CHamoru speaker, who helped him with the project during the COVID-19 lockdown. Forbes said he tried to do most of the work on his own and asked Villagomez to review his work, which was a big help.
When Forbes was first approached to do the project, he said he was intimidated but told himself if he didnt take it on, it may never get done or it could take another 10 years before it happened.
It took about four years to finish the project and he had some difficulty along the way in translating the book into CHamoru. He said those challenges arent the reason it took four years, but the other things that kept him busy during that time period.
Challenges
Forbes said some terms and concepts written in the book were hard to translate into CHamoru. For example, asteroid, which isnt a word found in CHamoru, or railroad switchman. He didnt translate some words because it made more sense to leave it as is since CHamoru, like any language, borrows foreign terms and makes it their own.
But words like lamp lighter were simple enough to translate into CHamoru or the word decorum which, in the context, was translated into dinanche na seremonias or correct ceremonies.
There was some days I was just scratching my head, Forbes said.
He approached Glimpses, which helped put the book together and now that its done, hes happy that the books will be going out to students throughout Guam.
One question posed to Forbes was the orthography used for the book, which may not be consistent with government of Guam orthography. Forbes said he used an orthography, or spelled the words, in a way that was comfortable to him since it wasnt funded by GovGuam.
He also pointed out that the orthography in the CNMI is different as well, so it was important to use spelling that reached a broader audience. He said being literate in CHamoru means being used to multiple orthographies.
It is my honor and privilege to have been able to do this work, Forbes added.
No one testified against a bill seeking to abolish the Sinajana vice mayors post but its proponents on Thursday acknowledged they are racing against time to have it enacted into law before homebound voting begins on Feb. 26, in a special election to fill the vacancy left by the late vice mayor, Rudy Don Iriarte.
Guam Election Commission Executive Director Maria Pangelinan said one other key consideration is the possibility that no one turns in a candidate packet for Sinajana vice mayor.
That will be up to our commissioners, Pangelinan said at the hearing on Sen. William Parkinsons Bill 230-37 removing the elected position.
Those interested to fill the Sinajana vice mayors post have until Feb. 8 to file their candidate packet with GEC.
Long before his passing, Iriarte was already advocating for the removal of the vice mayors position because of Sinajanas shrinking population, at 2,611 as of the 2020 Census, while villages that have populations of 6,000 or more have been operating without a vice mayor.
Regardless of Parkinsons bills status, the law requires GEC to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy, because it occurred more than the 240-day threshold before the Nov. 5 general election.
March 9 is the special election for the Sinajana vice mayor position, but there are many other steps that GEC needs to take as part of the whole process.
Pangelinan told senators that homebound voting for the special election begins on Feb. 26.
Besides that, GEC also needs to start sending out public notices and training precinct officials all part of the estimated cost of $25,000 to conduct the special election.
Parkinson wanted to find out the drop dead dates he needed to be aware of in order to push for his Bill 230-37s passage and enactment into law, to help save GEC from spending that $25,000.
He is pushing for Bill 230-37 to be taken up by senators during the next session, so that GEC doesnt have to conduct a special election and save resources.
I would never want to be in a position where people have cast their vote and then weve eliminated the position, Parkinson said at the hearing.
Pangelinan said GEC is ministerial in nature, so she testified on the administrative process of conducting the special election to fill the vacancy left by Iriartes passing.
Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann was the only one who testified in support of Parkinsons bill, which not only honors Iriartes wish of a streamlined government but is also in line with Parkinsons own advocacy for government efficiency.
It represents a progressive step toward a more efficient and financially responsible government structure. By eliminating the position of vice mayor, we will not only honor the memory of a devoted public servant but also pave the way for substantial savings and the redistribution of resources that would then directly benefit the essential services within our community, Hofmann told senators led by Sen. Telo Taitague, vice chair of the committee with oversight of elections.
Taitague, however, raised concerns about the lack of testimony in support of the elimination of the Sinajana vice mayors position from the Mayors Council of Guam and the Sinajana Municipal Planning Council, or any other Sinajana resident.
Our view: Raise more awareness about the law on fair chances hiring
Riley Shurtleff thought Cayuga County was a lock to receive $1.3 million from the federal government for improvements to the fire training tower in Auburn.
However, the project is now on hold because congressional appropriators denied the request. Shurtleff, the county's emergency services director, learned Cayuga County would not receive the money when U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney recently visited the fire tower.
Tenney, who represents Cayuga County, sought a $1.3 million congressional earmark for the fire tower upgrades. The project was also supported by New York's U.S. senators, Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The improvements include adding a 2,200-square-foot space with a classroom and kitchen area. The classroom is a necessity because the existing area has been declared unfit for instruction by the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Shurtleff told The Citizen last year that the classroom was in a support garage. While firefighters can continue to train at the tower, any classes must be held at another location.
When the county applied for federal funding, the total project cost was $1.6 to $1.7 million, according to Shurtleff. The federal grant would've covered most of the project.
But the appropriations committees in the House and Senate did not include the funding in spending bills for the 2024 fiscal year. It was one of the few projects endorsed by Tenney, R-Cleveland, that did not make the cut. Most of her 15 requests were included in approporations bills, which must be passed by Congress.
The funding for the fire training tower was Tenney's lone earmark request for Cayuga County.
"I am a strong supporter of this project and knew it was vital for the community, so I used one of our 15 community projects funding submissions this year," Tenney said in a statement. "While I am disappointed it was not approved by the House Appropriations Committee, considering the obvious need for the community, I look forward to working with the county to make sure it receives the resources it needs to keep our communities safe."
Without the federal support, it's unclear how the project will be funded.
So far, Shurtleff said $123,000 has been budgeted for the completion of construction documents needed for the project. He told lawmakers at the Cayuga County Legislature's Judicial and Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday that there are other options to finance the upgrades. A new state program that supports volunteer firefighting infrastructure is a possibility the fire tower is used by numerous volunteer fire departments in the county or the county could submit another application for federal funding in the 2025 fiscal year.
"But beyond that, we're at a standstill until we work our way through the federal budget or see what direction this body wants to go in terms of the tower," Shurtleff said.
Another challenge is the rising cost of the project. For the addition with a classroom and other space, Shurtleff said the price tag has increased from $1.3 to $1.4 million to between $1.7 and $1.8 million. That does not include the construction of a 4,000-square-foot building that would be used to store vehicles and equipment.
Shurtleff is hopeful that funding can be identified to support the improvements. He highlighted the tower's importance as a training facility for 800 firefighters in the county. But he doesn't think the county can fund it without federal or state support.
"We were all good to go," Shurtleff said. "We thought this was basically guaranteed up until a couple of weeks ago."
Haiti - USA : The trial of Yonyon will begin, he risks 20 years in prison
Wednesday January 17, 2024, Germine Joly alias 'Yonyon' Historical leader of the "400 Mawozo" one of the most powerful gangs in Haiti, after being extradited to the United States in May 2022 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36576-haiti-flash-the-powerful-leader-of-the-400-wawozo-gang-extradited-to-the-usa.html , will now face a jury trial in federal court in Washington, D.C.
48 counts weigh against "Yonyon" : smuggling firearms, in violation of several American laws, such as exporting and laundering ransoms for kidnappings in order to support the violence of his gang.
The weapons sold by Joly included AK47 and M1A assault rifles, as well as ammunition purchased from dealers in Miami and other areas of Florida with the help of "fake buyers" according to an indictment filed in July 2022, two months after the revelation of the first charges against him.
Jury selection began Wednesday and Joly faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years for the most serious charge, exporting weapons to Haiti without the proper U.S. license.
Let's recall that Germine Joly, while detained in the United States, collaborated with the FBI to free a Dominican diplomat kidnapped in Haiti in April 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36562-haiti-dr-a-kidnapped-dominican-diplomat-the-400-mawozogang-demands-500-000-us$-for-his-release.html He had been authorized by the FBI to "call an active member of the 400 Mawozo, known as the name 'Gaspiyay', to coordinate the release" of the diplomat indicates court documents. After several phone calls, the diplomat was released https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36583-haiti-news-zapping.html and allowed to go to the Dominican Embassy.
SL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - EU Sanctions : Ti Lapli Leader of the Grand Ravin Gang and reasons for the sanctions (2-4)
Friday January 12, 2014, the European Union added to its sanctions list 4 Haitian gang leaders, included on the UN list by the Sanctions Committee on December 8, 2023 :
Johnson Andre alias alias "Izo" Leader of the "5 Segond" gang (1-4)
Renel Destina alias "Ti Lapli" Leader of the "Grand Ravin" gang (2-4)
Wilson Joseph alias "Lanmo San Jou" Leader of "400 Mawozo" (3-4)
Vitelhomme Innocent aka "Vitelom" Leader of the "Kraze Barye" gang (4-4)
For each of these individuals, the UN Sanctions Committee provided a summary of the reasons for the listing. We invite you every day to discover each of these gang leaders and the reasons for their inscription.
Renel Destina alias "Ti Lapli" :
Function : leader of the Grand Ravin Gang
Date of birth : June 11, 1982
Place of birth : Haiti
Nationality : Haitian
Date of designation by the United Nations : December 8, 2023
Gender : male
Additional information from the narrative summary of reasons for listing provided by the Sanctions Committee :
Renel Destina (aka "Ti Lapli") is the leader of the Grand Ravine gang and Johnson Andres key ally. Grand Ravine, composed of 300 members and an ally of G-Pep coalition, has been involved in various actions that threaten peace, security, and stability in Haiti (see UN document S/2023/674, paragraph 65).
Under Destinas leadership, Grand Ravine gang has committed serious crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery, destruction of property, kidnapping for ransom, theft of vehicles, hijacking of trucks and goods, and spoliation (see UN document S/2023/674, para. 136, Annex 4). Destina is also wanted by the Haitian National Police for crimes including murder, vehicle theft, truck hijacking, illegal arms possession, and kidnapping for ransom (see UN document S/2023/674, Annex 18).
Since late 2022, the gang has tried to expand its territorial control over the neighborhoods of Carrefour-Feuilles and Savanne Pistache, committing crimes against residents and continuous attacks against the Haitian National Police such as killings, robberies, rapes, looting and burning of residences, and attacks on police officers. Two police officers were killed on August 4 and 14, 2023. On August 14, 2023, Grand Ravine attacked and rendered the Haitian electricity substation non-operational in the area. On August 15, 2023, approximately 1 020 households, comprising 4 972 individuals, had fled from Carrefour-Feuilles and Savane Pistache (see UN document S/2023/674, paragraph 65). On May 24, 2023, gunmen from Grand Ravine attacked the Carrefour-Feuilles area, killing a schoolboy (see UN document S/2023/674, Annex 40).
According to a November 7, 2022 Department of Justice press release, Destina was indicted on charges related to the kidnapping a U.S. victim in February 2021. The victim was held for approximately 14 days, during which time the victim was threatened daily at gunpoint, while his family attempted to secure funds for release.
According to an October 22, 2020 Haitian Times article, Destina announced on a radio broadcast that he had kidnapped Wolf Hall, the president of Titi Loto & T-Sound Lottery organization on October 18, 2020.
In addition, Grand Ravine has established control along the National Road 2 (NR2) connecting Port-au-Prince to the South, to collect revenue from extortion, hijacking of trucks, contraband, and other illicit activities (see UN document S/2023/674, paragraph 79). This has restricted access to strategic infrastructure and stifled the local economy by disrupting access to food and other critical goods, including humanitarian aid.
See also :
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41453-haiti-eu-sanctions-izo-leader-of-the-5-segond-gang-and-reasons-for-the-sanctions-1-4.html
HL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - News : Zapping...
Complaint: Guy Philippe summoned by the courts
The former elected Senator of Grande Anse, Guy Philippe is invited to the Fort-Liberte Prosecutor's Office on January 26, 2024 following a complaint filed against him by farmers from the Northeast department. He Guy Philippe is accused of destruction of property, fire, assault, criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of automatic weapons, confirmed Me Eno Zephyrin, Government Commissioner of this jurisdiction.
The SDP for the retention of the PM
The Transition led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry will end with the organization of elections and the transmission of Political Power to the authorities freely chosen by the Population affirms the radical opposition of the Democratic and Popular Sector (SDP) which asks all political actors and Civil Society to find an agreement with the Head of Government to lead the Country towards constitutional revision, the expansion of the High Transitional Council (HCT), the formation of a Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) credible, the organization of the next elections and the establishment of a Government of National Unity...
Mariani : more than 100 schools closed for almost 3 months
According to the results of a survey conducted by the Progressive Parents' Union of Haiti, at least a hundred schools located in the commune of Carrefour have not operated since November 6, 2023 due to armed violence in Mariani.
Jeremie demonstration : Several injured
Wednesday January 17, 2024 in Jeremie, the anti-government demonstration which has reached its 3rd day has become more violent, cases of stabbing injuries between demonstrators have been reported in the "Makandal" district where at least 5 people were injured with machetes and several others were arrested by the police.
Protected Areas Brigade or militia ?
The Protected Areas Security Brigade (BSAP), an autonomous General Directorate at the Ministry of the Environment, has left its scope of protecting protected areas to transform itself into a well-equipped armed group equipped with weapons of war. Made up of 100 agents in 2018, the government is today unaware of the number and sources of financing of this Brigade while we are now talking about numbers of more than 2,000 men without being able to officially verify it...
Haitian cuisine in the spotlight in Ottawa
The Embassy of Haiti in Canada encourages you to experience the tasty Haitian cuisine of Chef Paul Toussaint, currently in residence at the National Arts Center in Ottawa. During the months of January and February, Chef Toussaint will co-sign with other Canadian chefs the five-course menu at restaurant 1 Elgin, at the National Arts Centre.
HL/ HaitiLibre
WASHINGTON Congress sent President Joe Biden a short-term spending bill on Thursday that would avert a looming partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies into March.
The House approved the measure by a vote of 314-108, with opposition coming mostly from the more conservative members of the Republican conference. Shortly before the vote, the House Freedom Caucus announced it strongly opposes" the measure because it would facilitate more spending than they support.
Nevertheless, about half of Republicans joined with Democrats in passing the third stopgap funding measure in recent months. The action came a few hours after the Senate had voted overwhelmingly to pass the bill by a vote of 77-18.
The measure extends current spending levels and buys time for the two chambers to work out their differences over full-year spending bills for the fiscal year that began in October.
The temporary measure will run to March 1 for some federal agencies. Their funds were set to run out Friday. It extends the remainder of government operations to March 8.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president would sign the resolution and urged Republicans to quit wasting time on partisan spending bills.
House Republicans must finally do their job and work across the aisle to pass full-year funding bills that deliver for the American people and address urgent domestic and national security priorities by passing the Presidents supplemental request, Jean-Pierre said.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has been under pressure from his right flank to scrap a $1.66 trillion budget price tag he reached with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier this month. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said the continuing resolution passed Thursday will facilitate that agreement.
It's Groundhog Day in the House chamber all the time, every day, yet again spending money we don't have, Roy said.
Johnson has insisted he will stick with the deal, and moderates in the party have stood behind him. They say that changing course now would be going back on his word and would weaken the speaker in future negotiations.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, said Americans expect Congress to govern and work in a bipartisan fashion.
Some of my colleagues would see that this government would shut down and don't care how hurtful that would be, DeLauro said.
House Republicans have fought bitterly over budget levels and policy since taking the majority at the start of 2023. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted by his caucus in October after striking an agreement with Democrats to extend current spending the first time. Johnson has also come under criticism as he has wrestled with how to appease his members and avoid a government shutdown in an election year.
We just needed a little more time on the calendar to do it and now thats where we are, Johnson said Tuesday about the decision to extend federal funding yet again. Were not going to get everything we want.
Most House Republicans have so far refrained from saying that Johnsons job is in danger. But a revolt of even a handful of Republicans could endanger his position in the narrowly divided House.
Virginia Rep. Bob Good, one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy, has been pushing Johnson to reconsider the deal with Schumer.
If your opponent in negotiation knows that you fear the consequence of not reaching an agreement more than they fear the consequence of not reaching an agreement, you will lose every time, Good said this week.
Other Republicans acknowledge Johnson is in a tough spot. The speaker was dealt with the hand he was dealt, said Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr, noting the constraints imposed by the party's slim majority.
The short-term measure comes amid negotiations on a separate spending package that would provide wartime dollars to Ukraine and Israel and strengthen security at the U.S.-Mexico border. Johnson is also under pressure from the right not to accept a deal that is any weaker than a House-passed border measure that has no Democratic support.
Johnson, Schumer and other congressional leaders and committee heads visited the White House on Wednesday to discuss that spending legislation. Johnson used the meeting to push for stronger border security measures while Biden and Democrats detailed Ukraines security needs as it continues to fight Russia.
Biden has requested a $110 billion package for the wartime spending and border security.
Read more:
Pat year unrivaled for Havre Area Chamber
As I reflect on my term as the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce president, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Serving as your Chamber president in 2023 was a privilege.
Throughout my tenure on the board, the Chamber has been steadfast in its commitment to partnering with and promoting our local businesses. We have worked hard to attract more people, business and culture to our community. This past year has been unrivaled for the Chamber. Not only did we grow our membership, but we also kept over $700,000 local through our Chamber gift certificate program. Those dollars support our people and small businesses while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in our community.
To our dedicated board of directors, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment of time and energy to our community. It has been an honor to serve with such a dynamic group of leaders. I would also like to recognize our wonderful community of volunteers. The volunteer spirit in Havre and the surrounding area is truly remarkable and deserves our deepest gratitude.
Witnessing our community's enthusiasm in supporting local businesses and events has been a highlight of my time on the Chamber board. As I hand over the reins, I remain optimistic about the future of our businesses and the community at large. I have great confidence in the prosperity of Havre and its people, and I wish you all success in the coming year.
Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Past President Maia Lasalle
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 16, 2024, Vitesco Technologies Investment (China) Co., Ltd. and CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. signed a "New Energy Electric Drive and Control Joint Innovation Laboratory Strategic Cooperation Memorandum," marking a significant milestone in the joint endeavor to establish the "New Energy Joint Innovation Laboratory," according to Vitesco's press release.
Photo credit: Vitesco Technologies
The establishment of the New Energy Joint Innovation Laboratory will facilitate comprehensive exchanges and collaboration in fundamental research, common technology research, and cutting-edge technology research. The aim is to achieve resource synergy, complementary advantages, and mutual benefit, ultimately contributing to the creation of a lifestyle centered around clean transportation.
In April 2023, Vitesco Technologies' Tianjin laboratory, equipped with 55 units of testing equipment and occupying an area of nearly 2,000 square meters, officially commenced operations. The operational laboratory has effectively shortened product development and validation cycles, reducing testing costs and bolstering Vitesco Technologies' breakthroughs in the field of electrification.
CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary established by China Automotive Technology & Research Center ("CATARC"), plays an important role in serving Chinas "Dual Carbon" strategy. Focusing on energy system transformation and promoting the development of the new energy and fuel cell vehicle industry, the center is committed to building a world-class comprehensive R&D, verification, and testing evaluation base covering the entire research and development process, product chain, lifecycle, and application domains of new energy vehicles.
Covering tens of thousands of employees, the 24-hour strike will start at midnight and end at 11.59pm on 1 February.
SERVICE UNION UNITED (PAM) on Wednesday announced its decision to hold a series of strikes at hotels, restaurants, retail shops, service stations and cleaning and real estate companies in early February.
PAM sees no choice but to demonstrate and stage a political strike to plead with the government to amend the negative changes it intends to implement, commented Annika Ronni-Sallinen, the chairperson at PAM.
The cuts in unemployment security will not create more jobs, but they will further undermine the status and livelihood of people who are already struggling with unemployment.
PAM has also decided to take part in the demonstration scheduled to take place at Kansalaistori Square in Helsinki on 1 February.
The demonstration is organised by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK). The two central organisations have invited all citizens and non-governmental organisations who are concerned about the policy direction of the government to participate in the demonstration.
PAM on Wednesday said the Finnish government has already slashed unemployment security and the housing allowance. It is also planning on making it easier to lay off staff, restrict the right to strike and make the first day of sick leave unpaid.
In addition, further cuts will be targeted at unemployment security, which will hurt people employed in service sectors, it stated.
The strikes will affect all shops and service stations of S Group, all grocery shops of Kesko and shops of Lidl and Tokmanni, according to PAM. In the tourism and accommodation sector, it will affect all hotels and restaurants of Scandic, S Group and Sokotel.
PAM assured that the strike will not jeopardise any urgent work or work that is critical for the functioning of key societal services. It also pledged to design the strike such that it has no impact on the operations of advance polling stations adjacent to commercial facilities.
The Finnish Hospitality Association (Mara) on Wednesday viewed that the strikes suggest poor judgement by PAM.
Demand for the industrys services has decreased substantially across Finland, with the exception of Northern Finland. Finland has not enjoyed the same kind of tourism growth as other Nordic countries after the coronavirus pandemic due to the negative effects of the war started by Russia, argued Timo Lappi, the managing director of Mara.
The situation is especially difficult in Eastern Finland and Helsinki. The capital region has over 4,000 hotels rooms more than in 2018, but the number of foreign visitors is over 20 per cent lower. PAM is not promoting the welfare of its own members by holding a strike in this situation, he added.
Ilkka Oksala, the director of labour market affairs at the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), stated to STT on Wednesday that the strikes are poorly timed given the economic challenges faced by Finland. With virtually all sectors already struggling, he gauged, the strikes could be the last straw for some companies in the private sector.
Strikes loom also over air travel and education
The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (JHL) has revealed it intends to organise a strike with effects on air travel to demonstrate its disapproval of government measures affecting employees, the unemployed and other social security recipients.
The union is expected to provide more details about the timing and scope of the strike at a news conference on Friday.
The Trade Union of Education in Finland (OAJ), meanwhile, is expected to announce the conclusions of its recent extraordinary meeting next week. A survey commissioned by the union found recently that more than 80 per cent of its members would be prepared to participate in a political strike if the government insists on moving forward with measures that gnaw away at the status of employees.
OAJ is opposed especially to the proposal to prevent the national conciliator and conciliatory boards from offering pay hikes that exceed those agreed on in export industries.
The Industrial Union and Trade Union Pro in December communicated that they will launch a work stoppage at two large industrial areas, in Kokkola and Porvoo, on 1 February.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
The upcoming demonstration in Helsinki on January 20 takes on significant importance as it aligns with Finland's longstanding commitment to human rights and international justice. Organized by various pro-Palestinian and peace organizations, the event is not just a show of solidarity with Palestine but also a firm backing of South Africa's move to charge Israel with genocide at the UN's International Court of Justice.
The march from Railway Square to Parliament House is expected to draw a diverse crowd, including Finnish politicians, artists, and activists, each lending their voice to the cause.
The rally underscores a broader narrative in Finnish foreign policy - a steadfast support for justice in international conflicts, mirroring its stance on Ukraine. The emphasis is not solely on condemnation but also on fostering peace and non-discrimination, reflecting Finland's diplomatic ethos. This demonstration, therefore, serves as a platform not only for protest but for dialogue and understanding, as Finland seeks to contribute positively to global human rights issues.
HT
SDP's presidential candidate Jutta Urpilainen has voiced concern over the increasingly populist tones in the ongoing Finnish presidential election debate regarding dual citizenship, particularly among Finnish Russians. The discussion has reached a point where some candidates are suggesting the retrospective removal of dual citizenship, potentially stripping tens of thousands of Finnish residentswho have been educated, employed, and integrated into Finnish societyof their Finnish citizenship.
Urpilainen stressed that while security threats must not be underestimated, it is impractical and unfair to collectively penalize Finnish Russians. She pointed out that these individuals have chosen to live in Finland for its democratic values and freedoms. The candidate also noted that spreading Kremlin propaganda is not exclusive to Russians, as it has also been observed among ethnic Finns.
The current Finnish law stipulates that citizenship can be revoked for severe crimes, such as treason. However, Urpilainen highlighted the complexities and potential injustices of retrospectively removing dual citizenship, emphasizing that such a move wouldn't eliminate the security threats posed by a significant Russian minority in Finland. She remarked that Russia's disregard for laws, agreements, and facts means it could use any pretext, irrespective of legal status, for actions against Finland.
The proposal to retroactively strip current dual citizens of their Finnish citizenship also presents a legal challenge. Urpilainen questioned how the candidates proposing this plan intend to implement it and what consequences they foresee. She emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of a legal state, even when it is not the most popular stance.
In Russia, renouncing citizenship is extremely difficult, which means that forcing current dual citizens to choose could result in many unwillingly giving up their Finnish citizenship, subsequently increasing the number of individuals with only Russian citizenship in Finland.
Urpilainen advocated for integrating the Russian minority more firmly into Finnish society and culture rather than alienating them. She cautioned that the debate on retrospectively removing dual citizenship fuels Russia's disinformation narrative about the mistreatment of Russian speakers.
While not ruling out the possibility of critically examining the criteria for granting new dual citizenships to Russian citizens in the current global situation, Urpilainen suggested a thorough investigation into the merits, drawbacks, and risks of allowing dual citizenship, including the possibility of transitioning to a reciprocal approach. She believes in treating all countries uniformly in this regard.
HT
THE Mayor of Henley has clashed with a resident over boy racers plaguing the town.
Kellie Hinton insisted that the town council was doing as much as it could about the problem at the car park at the Tesco store off Reading Road.
Since September, 14 unofficial car meets have been held there at night involving mostly young men who rev their engines, bang their exhausts and screech their brakes while performing doughnuts.
Residents have complained about the noise, saying it is intolerable and can be heard as far away as the other side of town.
They have called on the town council, which owns the land, Thames Valley Police and Tesco to take action to stop the events.
Marcus Binney, who lives in Mill Lane, next door to the supermarket, raised the issue at a town council meeting last week.
He said that he and his neighbours had been repeatedly disturbed by the car meets.
Mr Binney said: Weve had 14 episodes over the last four months. Thats nearly one per week. Sometimes we get two per week when were really lucky.
It is not a bit of noise, it is very extreme, very dangerous.
This is not a minor issue or a bit of inconvenience. Theres a nasty accident waiting to happen there.
As Im sure youre aware, there has been one unfortunate [Tesco] employee who was involved in a road traffic collision as a result of people coming to have good old fun at our expense.
I live next door to two octogenarians, one of whom has had a stroke.
When these little darlings are igniting the fuel in their exhaust, it makes extremely loud bangs like an explosion or a gunshot and its extremely worrying. Come the spring, we dont want this going on. You cannot imagine whats going to happen during regatta if this is still going on. He asked what the council was doing about the problem and whether it was putting pressure on Tesco.
The council has already come under fire from another Mill Lane resident who accused it of inaction.
Sam Evans, a former councillor, said the council could have formed a working party to tackle the issue but the idea was rejected.
Councillor Hinton insisted that the issue had absolutely nothing to do with the town council.
She said: We have no remit or responsibility or authority in this matter. However, as a town council, we will continue to engage with Tesco and the police.
If there are any details that we need to give you, we will give you them in a report to the town and community committee if we decide its relevant, which it may not be.
We have done more than we need to do, more than as is our responsibility. Actually, we are not a pressure group, were not an extreme group. We are 16 volunteers sitting around the table doing the best that we can and we dont feel the need to form a working group or anything like that.
The Mayor said she sympathised with Mr Binney and that she could also hear the disturbance from her home in Upton Close.
She said: It sounds like fireworks outside my bedroom window. I sympathise with you but Im also realistic.
We are a town council. We are not the police, we are not the ambulance service, we are not the fire service and we are not Tesco.
Mr Binney said the council was the landowner, adding: So are you not somewhat liable if there is, as there will surely be, a large accident at some point because this is just going to get worse?
He suggested that Tesco could secure the site using a variety of measures such as blocking the entrance to the site with a van, installing barriers or rising bollards and traffic-calming measures.
Cllr Hinton said that while a temporary barrier installed initially seemed to have stopped the trespassers it didnt prevail as the meets restarted.
She said: Theyve tried something to secure the site. That was more of a temporary measure. This did work actually there was no noise, there was no event, so it seemed like it worked.
However, it may just have been that there was nothing organised for that time.
Town clerk Sheridan Jacklin-Edward said Tesco had tried to block the entrance using a vehicle.
He said: At the latest incident they did have a delivery vehicle driver try to park there but he was prevented from doing so by the people attending who then verbally abused him.
Mr Jacklin-Edward said the council had been in regular contact with Tesco and Thames Valley Police.
He said: So they have put in automatic number plate recognition cameras to tackle it.
They said that had worked at their Reading site so they have tried it here [but] it looks like drivers are removing or changing their number plates.
They did phone the police on a number of occasions but the police did not have the resources to come out to deal with it.
As a result, they are looking at putting in a permanent barrier as soon as possible. They are just as keen to do that as we are for their own staff welfare, if nothing else.
The motion sensor cameras operate 24 hours a day. Next to them is a sign which reads: Antisocial drivers will be prosecuted.
There are also three metal barriers, which are tied together with chains and put across the entrance when the car park is closed at 9pm.
Mr Jacklin-Edward said that the council had also contacted South Oxfordshire District Council about the possibility of enforcing a public space protection order to cover car meets specifically.
A Tesco spokesman said: We have recently put in place a range of measures, including new parking time limits, and have installed cameras overlooking the car park.
The store would advise any local residents with concerns to contact the police to help them keep a log of any incidents.
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said officers had attended after a report of antisocial behaviour in the car park at about 9.20pm on Sunday, January 7.
Their investigation was concluded and filed after it was found no crime was committed.
We are in discussions with Henley Town Council and Tesco to address the ongoing issues, he added.
THE Conservative Party will lose the Henley parliamentary seat at the general election, according to an opinion poll.
The YouGov national survey suggested the Tories will retain only one of the seven seats available in Oxfordshire when the country goes to the polls, probably late this year.
It predicted the Tories will secure Witney but the other six seats will go to either the Liberal Democrats or Labour.
The survey of 140,000 people suggested that the Conservatives, who have been in Government since 2010, face a polls disaster across the UK.
YouGov predicts Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will retain just 169 seats and that Labour will secure an overall majority with 385 seats.
This means the Tories will secure 196 fewer seats that in 2019, when former Henley MP Boris Johnson won a massive majority.
John Howell is the MP for the Henley constituency, succeeding Mr Johnson when he became mayor of London in 2008.
He will not be standing for re-election.
YouGov said that Liberal Democrat candidate Freddie van Mierlo, who is a county councillor, will overturn Mr Howells majority of more than 14,000.
If this happened, it would be the first time since 1910 that the constituency has not been represented by a Conservative MP.
The YouGov poll was carried out using the Multilevel Regression with Poststratification method, which is a statistical technique used for correcting model estimates between a sample and target population.
Before the 2019 election, this method predicted that Mr Johnson would win 359 seats, six fewer than the actual total.
Meanhwile, Mr Howell remained loyal to the Government when he voted against amendments to the Rwanda Bill put forward by rebel Conservative MPs in Parliament on Tuesday.
More than 60 MPs backed the amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill.
Right wing MPs claimed the amendments would help to protect the Governments flagship asylum policy from legal challenge.
Two deputy Conservative chairmen, Lee Anderson and Brendan Clarke-Smith, stepped down in order to vote for the amendments.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Changan Automobile's 2024 Global Partners Conference, held in Chongqing on January 16, showcased the company's comprehensive review of past successes and in-depth analysis of future industry trends.
Photo credit: Changan Automobile
With over 30 proprietary technologies, including the industry-first APA 7.0 (Automated Parking Assist), Changan Automobile has garnered robust technological growth. In collaboration with Huawei, Changan aims to lead the global automotive intelligent driving system and components industry. Moreover, the company also formed strategic synergies with over 30 key enterprises, focusing on high-value technology advancements, positioning China at the forefront of automotive intelligence.
Complementing its technological strides, Changan officially unveiled the "Vast Ocean Plan" in 2023, outlining overseas development goals and driving the global "1+5+2" layout. Changans products are now successfully distributed in 63 countries and regions, entering markets such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Chile, and Mexico.
In a significant move, Changan held a brand launch event in Bangkok last year, introducing the two signature DEEPAL models to the Thai market. Concurrently, the company initiated its first overseas base, the "Thailand New Energy Base," emphasizing Changan's proactive expansion and consolidation of its leading position in international markets.
E07; photo credit: Changan NEVO
Changan Automobile also disclosed at the conference that the Changan NEVO E07, the first vehicle riding Changan's SDA Super Platform architecture, will begin large-scale production in October 2024. The model integrates customized solutions in hardware and software across "Smart Brain," "Smart Body," and "Smart Service," and stands as a pinnacle in Changan's pursuit of smart, next-gen vehicles.
Looking ahead to 2024, Changan Automobile set an annual sales target of 2.8 million vehicles, with 2.204 million under its wholly-owned brands and 480,000 vehicles for overseas sales. Specifically, the Changan NEVO, DEEPAL, and AVATR new energy vehicle brands each ascribe to 250,000 units, 280,000 units, and 90,000 units of the annual target sales volume, respectively.
In addition, the automaker will work strictly to its schedule in new product development, ensuring to launch 8 all-new new energy vehicle products in 2024.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On January 18, Dongfeng Motor's e new energy vehicle brand commenced pre-orders for the e007 sedan, with a starting presale price of 159,000 yuan.
Photo credit: Dongfeng e
This mid-to-large-sized sedan is set to hit the market in the first quarter of this year, marking the beginning of Dongfeng e's strategic push into both the pure electric and extended-range segments, promising over 10 new models within the next three years.
Photo credit: Dongfeng e
With dimensions measuring 4,880mm in length, 1,895mm in width, and 1,460mm in height, boasting a wheelbase of 2,915mm, the e007 showcases sleek lines achieving a low drag coefficient of 0.209Cd. Featuring scissor doors, a streamlined roof design, and panoramic sunroof seamlessly connected to the rear window, the vehicle's aesthetic is both sporty and minimalistic, complementing its high-speed retractable spoiler.
Inside, the car boasts a fully digital flip-up instrument panel, a large central touchscreen, and ample storage beneath the center console. The e007 offers 8-point massage seats, an intelligent fragrance system, and a 64-color ambient lighting system.
Photo credit: Dongfeng e
The e007 adopts the SOA smart cockpit, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, catering to various personalized driving scenarios through 38 service modules and over 300 customizable scenario options.
The car comes standard with L2+ intelligent driving systems, including 31 smart perception hardware components, supporting LAPA in-parking lot memory parking and P2P highway point-to-point assisted driving.
In terms of power, the Dongfeng e007 comes with both extended-range and pure electric options. The four-wheel-drive dual-motor version boasts a maximum power of 400kW, a whopping 7600 Nm of wheel torque, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. The extended-range model achieves a combined range of 1,200km on a full charge and full tank.
(JNS) A Telegram channel for UNRWA teachers in Gaza with over 3,000 members contains messages glorifying the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7 and encouraging the execution of Israeli hostages, an investigation by Geneva-based human rights NGO UN Watch has found.
This is the motherlode of UNRWA teachers incitement to jihadi terrorism, said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch.
The Telegram group provides a forum for Gaza-based education workers from the United Nations agency tasked with supporting Palestinians displaced during the 1948 war and their descendants.
Neuer exposed...
(JTA) One woman was killed and 17 injured in a terror attack in the Tel Aviv suburb of Raanana on Monday, a rare fatal incident in central Israel amid the countrys war in Gaza.
Two Palestinian men carried out the attack on Monday afternoon, stabbing people and ramming others with cars in Raanana, a suburb of about 75,000 north of Tel Aviv with a large population of English-speaking immigrants. The woman who was killed was identified as Edna Bluestein, 79, and two additional victims were seriously injured, including a 16-year-old boy. The attack took place at the end of the school day...
(New York Jewish Week) Commuters faced major delays Monday morning as several pro-Palestinian protests shut down traffic on the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges on the East River as well as the Holland Tunnel under the Hudson River linking New Jersey to Manhattan.
Organizers said that the goal of the coordinated protests was to escalate disruption and send a message to the city about Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. Particularly with blocking main arteries of transit, the idea is to confront New Yorkers just for a brief hour or two hours with the kind of reality...
(JTA) On March 29, 2011, the body of a decapitated woman was discovered in a vineyard in Arvin, a town just over the Los Angeles county line.
Earlier this month, nearly 13 years later, the victim was identified as Ada Beth Kaplan, a Jewish woman who was 64 at the time of her death.
The tortuous journey to cracking the mystery of Kaplans name involved a long and hard multiyear effort by a DNA-focused nonprofit, eight generations of family records and the work of two Jewish genealogists who understood just how thorny it can be, sometimes, to ascertain the identity of an unkno...
WASHINGTON (JTA) Americans for Peace Now, a left-wing pro-Israel organization, is calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war, the first American Zionist group to do so after more than three months of fighting.
Continuing this devastating war poses unacceptable risks for Israel, Gazan civilians and the entire region, James Klutznick, the groups chairman, said Monday in a statement. For the sake of the security and wellbeing of civilians in Israel and in Gaza, the Biden administration must push Israel to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities and pivot from war to p...
(JNS) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for tangible steps towards the creation of a Palestinian state in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip during a meeting with Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Wednesday.
Sources cited by Sky News Arabia described the tete-a-tete, during which Blinken also touched on administrative reforms in the P.A. that Washington would like to see, as tense and marked by arguments.
Abbas reportedly demanded that Blinken push Israel to unconditionally release all tax revenue it collects on...
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.
Dongfeng Nissan Pathfinder kicks off pre-sale
On January 18, Dongfeng Nissan's Pathfinder commenced pre-sale with three trim levels, offering a price range between 239,800 yuan and 279,800 yuan. Tailored for the Chinese market, the Pathfinder enters the competition against the Volkswagen Teramont and the Toyota Highlander in the mid-to-large-sized SUV segment.
Photo credit: Dongfeng Nissan
All-new BMW 5 Series to hit Chinese market on January 25
BMW Group on January 17 announced the official market launch of the all-new BMW 5 Series on January 25 in China. The model has already rolled off the production lines at the Shenyang manufacturing base on January 2, and is set for nationwide deliveries early this year.
Revamped Hongqi H9 images revealed by MIIT
The latest information on the refreshed Hongqi H9 has been uncovered from Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's official website. With subtle exterior adjustments and a redesigned interior to enhance its technological appeal, the all-new H9 also introduces additional 1.8T and 2.5T engines for improved performance.
Dongfeng e007 starts pre-sale at 159,000 yuan
On January 18, Dongfeng Motor's e new energy vehicle brand commenced pre-orders for the e007 sedan, with a starting presale price of 159,000 yuan.
Chinese battery raw materials developer JOMO Technology secures angle round
Chinese battery raw materials developer JOMO Technology disclosed the recent successful acquisition of angel round financing led by a renowned investment firm, with additional backing from a wholly-owned subsidiary of the government of Changsha city's Xiangjiang New Area, according to the company's press release.
Li Auto plans to put Li L6 model onto market in April 2024
Li Auto's Senior Vice President, Zou Liangjun, recently revealed in an interview that the company's first model priced below 300,000 yuan, the Li L6, is set to officially hit the market in April 2024, targeting a challenging monthly sales goal of 30,000 units.
China exempts NEVs from 121.8 billion yuan worth of vehicle purchase tax, vehicle & vessel tax in 2023
On January 18, China's State Council Information Office held a press conference on the high-quality development of tax services, where Shen Xingguo, director general of the Taxpayer Service Department of the State Taxation Administration, announced that in 2023, the exemption of the vehicle purchase tax and the vehicle and vessel tax for new energy vehicles (NEVs) amounted to 121.8 billion yuan, promoting carbon reduction in the automotive industry.
Huawei Smart Cockpit teams up with Baidu Map on innovative in-car navigation experience
On January 16, 2024, Huawei Smart Cockpit and Baidus navigation platform, Baidu Map, inked an ecosystem cooperation agreement, focusing on enhancing the navigation and travel experience within Huawei's smart cockpit.
Lotus EMEYA electric sedan hits market, equipped with Hesai Technologys AT128 LiDAR
On January 18, supercar maker Lotus latest million-yuan all-electric luxury sedan, the EMEYA, hit the market, and will begin sales simultaneously in China, North America, and Europe.
Changan Automobile sets annual sales target of 2.8 million vehicles in 2024
Changan Automobile's 2024 Global Partners Conference, held in Chongqing on January 16, showcased the company's comprehensive review of past successes and in-depth analysis of future industry trends.
China initiates pilot project for integrated vehicle-road-cloud applications in intelligent connected vehicles
On January 17, China's Ministries of Industry and Information Technology, Public Security, Transport, Natural Resources, and Housing jointly issued a notice titled "Notice on Conducting Pilot Projects for the Application of 'Vehicle- Road-Cloud Integration' in Intelligent Connected Vehicles."
SemiDrive aims to nab 20% share in Chinas automotive chip market by 2025
Chinese automotive chip supplier SemiDrive announced at an event on January 16 that by the end of 2023, the company has secured nearly 200 production designation projects, serving over 90% of the Chinese automakers and achieving a cumulative production of over 3 million units of chips across nearly 40 mainstream vehicle models.
CATLs Shenxing batterys L Series to debut on NETA L SUV model
Zhang Yong, the CEO of NETA Auto, made an announcement on his personal Sina Weibo account on Jan. 17, revealing that CATL's ultra-long-life Shenxing battery's L series will debut on NETA Auto's NETA L model.
Vitesco Technologies, CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) to build joint innovation lab
On January 16, 2024, Vitesco Technologies Investment (China) Co., Ltd. and CATARC Automotive Test Center (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. signed a "New Energy Electric Drive and Control Joint Innovation Laboratory Strategic Cooperation Memorandum," marking a significant milestone in the joint endeavor to establish the "New Energy Joint Innovation Laboratory," according to Vitesco's press release.
EVE Power, Aksa intend to build joint venture for conducting energy storage projects in Turkey
On January 12th, EVE Energy's subsidiary, Hubei EVE Power Co., Ltd. (referred to as "EVE Power"), reached a cooperative consensus with Turkish company Aksa Jenerator Sanayi A.S (referred to as "Aksa") by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to EVE Energy's press release.
In 2005, the United Nations established, Jan. 27, the day Auschwitz was liberated by the Red Army, as the International Holocaust Memorial Day. In conjunction with this special date, Chabad of North Orlando will be hosting Saul Dreier and his band in the Orlando area on Jan. 24, 2024. The entire community is invited to enjoy the music of the Holocaust Survivor Band and to have the chance to meet this special man and hear about his life directly from him.
Saul Dreier was born in April 1925 in Krakow and had an idyllic childhood until 1939. His father, an officer in the Polish army...
(JTA) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that if Israel were faced with a second Holocaust, he could understand why it would remove Palestinian civilians from the Gaza Strip.
The statement came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has no intention of doing so.
DeSantis remarks at a Republican presidential debate came on the eve of opening arguments at The Hague, where Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice. The debate was the final one ahead of the Iowa Republican caucuses on Monday the first contest in the Repub...
(JTA) Frances newest prime minister is getting attention for the two firsts he brings to the job: Gabriel Attal, at 34, is the countrys youngest ever prime minister, and its first to be openly gay.
He says another facet of his identity also shapes him: His late fathers Jewishness.
Attals mother raised him and his siblings in her Russian Orthodox Christian faith. But his father, the film producer Yves Attal, was Jewish, born in Paris to Tunisian Jewish and European Jewish parents.
My father said to me, Perhaps youre Orthodox but youll feel Jewish all your life, ma...
(JNS) CNN anchor Jake Tapper interviewed Dor Steinbrecher, the brother of hostage Doron Steinbrecher, a nurse and veterinarian from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, who told him that a Red Cross worker had dismissed a concern from their mother for needed medication, rebuking the family that they should be more concerned about Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
On Monday, Steinbrecher described his 30-year-old sisters experience on the morning of Oct. 7. He told Tapper how she called their mother and cried, saying she was lying under her bed in a safe room after attempting to barricade the door. ...
(JNS) Israels Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan ripped the U.N. General Assembly during a Tuesday morning meeting, while holding up a cake with the face of Kfir Bibas, who will turn one year old in the coming days. Bibas, along with his family, was taken hostage by Hamas during their massacre on Oct. 7.
A quarter of Kfirs life has been spent as a hostage. He was kidnapped before he could even learn to say mama said Erdan. Is he getting the food and vitamins he needs to grow and develop? Is he crawling? How can a baby be a target? A deliberate target?...
(JNS) The musician and actor Idan Amedi, 35, who plays Sagi in the Netflix series Fauda, was reportedly injured seriously while serving as a reservist with the Combat Engineering Corps in Khan Yunis in Gaza.
We would like to share with everyone that Idan has been injured in action in Gaza. Idan is one of the kindest, warmest, and most passionate people, loved by all of us. His love of music is a very special part of our set, the television show posted. Together let us pray for his full and speedy recovery.
Praying for the speedy recovery of Fauda star Idan...
(JNS) The Israel Defense Forces struck some 150 targets across the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, as ground operations continued in Khan Yunis and Al Maghazi, the IDF said on Wednesday.
IDF forces uncovered more than 15 tunnel shafts in the Al Maghazi area, and seized rocket launchers, missiles, UAVs and explosive devices during targeted raids on Hamas sites. Israeli troops also destroyed a machine used for manufacturing rockets, according to the military.
During operational activity in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, IDF ground forces directed an air strike that eliminated 10 terror...
(JNS) Five Hamas leaders secretly planned the bloody invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, with 70 commandos from the terrorist groups elite Nukhba Force leading the charge across the Gaza border, the London-based, pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Citing Palestinian sources close to the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamass military wing, the newspaper disclosed that these 70 terrorists received training that focused on infiltrating Israeli communities close to the Gaza Strip. They pledged secrecy following the training despite being unaware of a...
(JTA) With the arrival of the Iowa Caucus on Monday, the 2024 presidential primary season is officially underway and so is the race to win the votes of Jewish and pro-Israel voters.
Four Republicans are vying to be the candidate to face off against President Joe Biden. Former President Donald Trump maintains a considerable lead in the polls, while challengers Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis remain firmly in the race. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is still in the mix but is polling below 1 percent.
The Iowa Caucus has kicked off the Republican presidential primary for decades, and...
(JTA) After Oct. 7, Michael Kahana joined hundreds of his colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania in signing an open letter condemning Hamas and expressing support for Israel and its right to self defense. But the psychology professor wanted to do more.
So Kahana sent an email to the 340 signatories on the letter, which came amid scathing criticism of Penns response to Hamas attack on Israel, and invited them on a trip.
This week, the 39 Penn professors who took Kahana up on the invitation spent three days traveling in Israel, in the first solidarity visit by faculty members...
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese automotive chip supplier SemiDrive announced at an event on January 16 that by the end of 2023, the company has secured nearly 200 production designation projects, serving over 90% of the Chinese automakers and achieving a cumulative production of over 3 million units of chips across nearly 40 mainstream vehicle models.
Photo credit: SemiDrive
Among the top 15 hotter-selling SUVs under Chinas indigenous brands in 2023, 40% of the models featured SemiDrive's chipset, the company claimed. Additionally, SemiDrive dominated the top three production models in the mid-to-large SUV segment under Chinas wholly-owned brands. The company demonstrated its global influence with partnerships in half of the top ten Chinese automotive brands regarding full-year vehicle exports in 2023.
Looking ahead, SemiDrive is set to introduce innovative products such as next-generation cockpit and driving integrated chips, along with advanced high-performance MCUs for domain controllers. The company is committed to deepening its presence in the domestic market, targeting a 20% market share by 2025, while also expanding its footprint overseas.
As the first Chinese intelligent automotive chip enterprise with a holistic approach, SemiDrive boasts a professional team with 20 years of experience in automotive chipset R&D and production. They have successfully built a comprehensive product matrix covering intelligent cockpits, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), central gateways, and high-performance MCUs, aiming to establish a technological foundation for smart vehicles.
Surge in illegal Arab building January 19, 2024 A map showing illegal Arab construction along the Judea and Samaria security barrier, Jan. 8, 2024.
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Noa Maman (l), and Ido Cohen, both 21, attended a three-day therapy program at Kibbutz Hazorea in northern Israel for survivors of the Nova party massacre by Hamas attackers on Oct. 7, 2023.
KIBBUTZ HAZOREA, Israel - Fifteen young men and women, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings and to each other, dance around a bucolic field, twisting their bodies to trance music blasting through their headphones.
Beyond their earphones is silence, except for the constant rumble of fighter jets taking off from Ramat David air base in the nearby Jezreel Valley.
Yet the aircraft and the dancers are connected.
Some of these jets are heading south toward Gaza, to bomb the hideouts and munitions storehouses of Hamas terrorists who on Oct. 7 killed 1,200 Israelis - including some 360 atten...
(JNS) Two U.N. human rights experts on Monday called for full accountability for the multitude of alleged crimes, including sexual torture, committed against civilians by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, saying they amount to war crimes.
Alice Jill Edwards, special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and Morris Tidball-Binz, special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said violations include killing, hostage-taking, torture and sexual torture.
As armed Palestinian groups rampaged through communities in Israel bo...
Advice for Life, a six-week course by the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is set to debut at the end of January 2024. This immersive journey explores the extensive written communications of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneerson, of blessed memory. Through thousands of typewritten letters and transcripts of spoken discourse, the Rebbe interacted with individuals of all walks of life, both from within and outside the Jewish community on matters of work, family, health, and well-being.
The Rebbes spiritual leadership is the force behind the modern Chabad movement and his w...
(JNS) American and British forces shot down 21 Houthi drones and missiles over the southern Red Sea on Tuesday night, according to U.S. Central Command.
Two U.S. security officials told CNN that the number of Houthi drones and missiles intercepted by naval forces was actually 24 and that it was one of the largest Houthi attacks that occurred in the Red Sea in recent months.
CENTCOM tweeted early on Wednesday that a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile took place at 9:15 p.m., add...
(JNS) A proposal to encourage the voluntary emigration of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as part of a post-war plan is no longer being considered due to opposition from the Biden administration, a leading Israeli lawmaker said Wednesday.
The idea, which former Israeli Ambassador to the U.N. MK Danny Danon of the ruling Likud Party and MK Ram Ben Barak of the opposition Yesh Atid Party raised anew in a meeting with dozens of foreign diplomats at the Knesset on Wednesday, is not on the government agenda due to American pressure, Danon told JNS.
He spoke a day after visiting Secretary...
(New York Jewish Week) On Tuesday, a group of Jewish men gathered to pray under a leaky white tent in the drizzling rain outside the Chabad-Lubavitch movement's world headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, draping their wet jackets over portable bookshelves and talking about what had happened there the previous afternoon.
As for the building itself, it was closed off. Outside the entrance to the complex's main synagogue, a line formed in the rain, with Chabadniks waiting patiently to retrieve personal belongings from a storage room. They chatted with police officers who were standing...
Members of the Mothers of Combat Soldiers group protest outside the hotel of U.S. States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv, Jan. 9, 2024.
(JNS) - A group composed of some 7,000 mothers of Israeli soldiers fighting in the Gaza Strip held up huge posters depicting the children of senior U.S. officials as IDF recruits during a protest in front of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Tel Aviv hotel on Tuesday.
The message: What if it were your children fighting in the Gaza Strip? Would you continue to demand the resupply of the enemy?
The group behind the protest, Imahot HaLohamim ("Mothers of Combat Soldiers") is demanding an end to U.S. pressure on Israel.
"Our message is very simple. Our soldiers' lives have to come f...
Recently, the Heritage brought to its readers attention the suspension of Dr. Darren Klugman, a pediatric cardiologist and associate professor at Johns Hopkins University, for sharing his emotional anti-Hamas, pro-Israel comments on social media (see Dec. 29, 2023 issue, The double standard of free speech may cost one doctor his career).
Since then, the Zionist Organization of America has called on Johns Hopkins University to terminate its investigation into Dr. Klugman and reverse the unjust and unwarranted decision to suspend him.
Dr. Klugman is Jewish and a supporter of Isra...
(JNS) A week after the horrors of Oct. 7, when the Biden administration first convinced Israel to open up the siege of Gaza and allow in international aid, it promised Hamas would not get it.
If Hamas in any way blocks humanitarian assistance from reaching civilians, including by seizing the aid itself, well be the first to condemn it. And we will work to prevent it from happening again, Secretary of State Blinken pledged.
The problem with such a promise was obvious once Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer struggled to explain to CNN how it would stop Hamas from t...
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 12th, EVE Energy's subsidiary, Hubei EVE Power Co., Ltd. (referred to as "EVE Power"), reached a cooperative consensus with Turkish company Aksa Jenerator Sanayi A.S (referred to as "Aksa") by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to EVE Energy's press release.
Photo credit: EVE Energy
This collaboration is geared towards the establishment of a joint venture in Turkey between the two parties. The joint venture aims to engage in the production, marketing, and sales of battery modules, outdoor cabinets, and containers. Furthermore, it will act as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor for energy storage system projects in Turkey.
Turkey's government has undertaken a series of policies and measures in recent years to align with global energy trends. The enactment of the "Law on Incentives for Electricity Storage" and the announcement of the "National Renewable Energy Action Plan" have provided robust support for the development of Turkey's energy market. The anticipated continuous growth in Turkey's energy demand over the coming years is a direct outcome of these initiatives.
Aksa, as a leading power plant and grid operator in Turkey, brings valuable experience and resources to the energy market. On the other hand, EVE Energy, a global leader in battery manufacturing with 23 years of expertise in lithium battery research and development, maintains a consistent position at the forefront of the global lithium battery market. In 2023, EVE Energy initiated power and energy storage battery manufacturing operations in Hungary, Malaysia, and the United States, gradually establishing a new paradigm of "global manufacturing, global delivery, and global service."
The establishment of this joint venture represents a synergistic combination of Aksa and EVE Energy's dual strengths. By integrating Aksa's local market resources and EVE Energy's lithium battery manufacturing capabilities, the joint venture is poised to inject vibrant energy into Turkey's rapidly advancing energy market.
(JNS) The world feels like its on fire, with flames spreading in diverse directions. If the Jewish state was not at center stage, however, there would not have been any smoke. Ukrainians wonder why no fuss was made over Russias invasion of their country nearly two years ago. Twenty thousand Ukrainian children were kidnapped. No posters exist for them; no one is tearing down posters, insisting that its all propaganda.
What a difference a change of scenery and age-old antisemitism makes. Ukrainians shouldnt feel too neglected, though. The infant Israeli hostages of Hamas, or...
(JNS) Council on American-Islamic Relations Los Angeles executive director Hussam Ayloush recently defended Hamass barbaric slaughter of 1,200 Jewish, Thai, Filipino, Bedouin and other men, women and children. He claimed Israel is an occupier that does not have the right to defend itself. He condemned Israels subsequent war in Gaza and said only Palestinians have a right of self-defense.
His assertions reflect language in the charters of the Palestinian Liberation Organization and Hamas. Israel is an imperialist, colonialist, racist, anti-human, even...
Israels 17-year coexistence policy with Hamas died on Oct. 7.
Egypt controlled the Gaza Strip from 1948-1967 until they lost it to Israel in the 1967 6-Day War. Between June 5-10, 1967, Israel conquered the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. Egypt, Jordan, and Syria attacked Israel on three fronts, outnumbering the Jewish people three to one, and failed to destroy the State of Israel.
The Right of Conquest is a right of ownership to land after immediate possession via force of arms. Israel owns the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East...
In his first State of the Union, President Biden laid out the Administrations vision to transform behavioral health by strengthening system capacity, connecting more Americans to care, and supporting the wellbeing of Americans by creating healthy environments.
Last year, Secretary Becerra, Deputy Secretary Palm and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency Leaders introduced the HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration. The HHS Roadmap articulated HHS commitment to engaging our entire Department in service of the following goal to further advance the Presidents vision:
The full spectrum of behavioral health care will be integrated into health care, social service, and early childhood systems to ensure all people have equitable access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, person-centered care.
Since launching the HHS Roadmap, HHS has advanced a number of critical policy actions to expand access to and the quality of behavioral health care. A subset of these actions are highlighted below. Please note this list is not exhaustive of our efforts. HHS is committed to continuing this important work, and to providing bold leadership that transforms our nations behavioral health system to meet the needs of every American.
HHS has taken the following steps over the last year to expand access to behavioral health by integrating behavioral health with primary care and other physical health and community settings:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new policy guidance to encourage direct reimbursement for interprofessional consultations in Medicaid and the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if the consultation is for the benefit of the patient, even if the specialist does not see the patient. This policy supports improved integration of mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment into additional settings, including pediatric primary care offices, emergency departments, and school-based health centers.
Medicare recently started paying for behavioral health integration services performed by clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors in primary care settings. Medicare is also now covering Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services, closing one of the biggest gaps in Medicare behavioral health coverage. These services can also be provided in hospital outpatient departments, community mental health clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, and Community Mental Health Centers as well as by Opioid Treatment Programs, expanding access in primary care settings for underserved populations.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) implemented a new track within its Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care program to support the development of Collaborative Care programs in primary care settings for states receiving these grants.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, awarded nearly $60 million in funding to support integration of mental health training into the training of primary care clinicians with a specific focus on preparing primary care providers to treat the mental health needs of children and adolescents.
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and SAMHSA provided trainings about childrens mental health to parents, caregivers and community members. The trainings were developed in partnership with parent and youth leaders and featured their expertise.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) awarded 14 grants to Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Urban Indian Organizations totaling $5.5M in 2022 through the Behavioral Health Integration Initiative (BH2I).
CMS partnered with SAMHSA to implement the Medicaid Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) Demonstration across a growing list of states. The CCBHC model promotes complex comprehensive mental health (MH) and SUD services and improved care coordination for individuals with mental illness and/or SUDs.) As part of this demonstration program, CMS issued prospective payment system guidance on reimbursement for clinics that supports wider adoption of the CCBHC model. HHS also most recently awarded $15 million towards this endeavor.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is funding several studies on strategies for incorporating SUD screening and management into primary care settings.
HHS has taken the following steps over the last year to help recruit, train, and support a diverse behavioral health workforce:
CMS announced policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2024. This included provisions to broaden the behavioral health workforce such as Medicare Part B coverage and payment for marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor (MHC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) services billed by these professionals, as well as provisions to allow for better integration of physical and behavioral health care.
HRSA, through the National Health Service Corps, supports more than 18,000 primary care medical, dental, and behavioral health providers through scholarships and loan repayment programs. The NHSC has increased access to much-needed mental health and opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment in hard-hit areas of the country by supporting more than 8,700 behavioral health providers in 2023.
HRSA, through the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program- Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Program, awarded over $11 million to 23 organizations to train more behavioral health providers focused on serving children, adolescents, and young adults in underserved and rural areas.
SAMHSA funded new Providers Clinical Support System grant awards to provide training and mentoring for practitioners in primary care to assist them in managing SUD in their practices
CMS, in consultation with HRSA, is advancing opportunities to authorize loan repayment for qualified health care providers through Medicaid 1115 demonstrations. Recently, CMS approved section 1115 demonstration activities for New York and Massachusetts that specifically allocate loan repayment to support behavioral health and the primary care workforce, including for family nurse practitioner residency programs at community health centers.
SAMHSA, in partnership with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), developed Core Curriculum Elements for integration of SUD content into the early academic training of healthcare professionals; incorporating SUD education into training will prepare the future workforce of tomorrow to address SUD in healthcare.
To address provider stigma, NIH launched a study aimed at documenting the impact of substance use stigma in mental health care settings. Lessons from this study will be incorporated into new training curricula designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the behavioral health workforce by reducing the professional stigma toward people who use drugs.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics to design and launch the first ever National Center for Relational Health and Trauma-Informed Care. This effort will ensure that pediatric providers have the training and resources they need to understand the impact of trauma on all aspects of health and to provide trauma-informed care to children and their families.
CMS has worked with SAMHSA to create the Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities, a centralized resource hub with easy access to staff trainings, technical assistance, and additional resources, at no cost. The Centers work is aimed at improving the quality of life for residents living with behavioral health conditions.
HHS has taken the following steps to help strengthen the implementation and enforcement of behavioral health parity:
HHS, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Treasury proposed critical rules to better ensure that people seeking coverage for mental health and substance use disorder care can access treatment as easily as people seeking coverage for other medical care. Specifically, these proposed rules would amend the existing standard to require health plans to evaluate the outcomes of their coverage rules to make sure people have equivalent access between their mental health and substance use disorder benefits and their medical benefits. Importantly, these proposed rules would require health plans to make changes if these analyses show inadequate access to mental health care. SAMHSA has developed publications to support public understanding of parity health conditions.
public understanding of parity health conditions. HHS, the Department of Labor and the Department of Treasury released the second Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Acts Comparative Analysis Report to Congress. As summarized in the report, CMS requested 21 comparative analyses from 6 non-federal governmental group health plan sponsors and 5 issuers in direct enforcement states between March 25, 2022 and June 6, 2022. After CMS reviewed the comparative analysis from each of the plan sponsors and issuers, CMS identified areas of noncompliance and issued an initial determination of non-compliance to each plan sponsor and issuer.
CMS works with state agencies to ensure compliance with federal parity requirements in Medicaid managed care and CHIP and issued a request for public comment seeking suggestions for updates to the processes used for implementing parity.
HHS has taken the following steps over the last year to help engage several of the highest-risk populationsincluding youth, people who are experiencing homelessness, people who are justice-involved, people with co-occurring disabilities, older adults, people involved with the child welfare system, pregnant people, and victims of domestic violence, trafficking, and other forms of traumain integrated behavioral health care through targeted outreach tailored to their needs:
ACF, IHS, and SAMHSA, with the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, held a Tribal Behavioral Health Convening on May 11-12, 2023, to highlight promising practices and outcomes of behavioral health prevention and services developed and implemented by and for children, youth, and families in tribal communities
ACF has approved 47 Title IV-E prevention plans, including 42 states, 4 tribes, and DC, which allow child welfare agencies to access behavioral health services to prevent unnecessary involvement in the child welfare system. ACF has provided technical assistance to states, territories, and tribes to support the implementation of Title IV-E prevention plans.
ACF launched the first-ever National Center for Child Welfare Competent Mental Health Services. This Center will provide technical assistance and evidence-informed training to strengthen coordination and capacity among child welfare and mental health professionals and systems to improve the quality of mental health services they provide to children, young adults, and their families and caregivers who are involved in the child welfare system and who have experienced adoption.
SAMHSA and ACF developed a critical online training course available in both English and Spanish for mental health consultants and anyone who currently uses or wants to learn more about Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC).
SAMHSA developed and disseminated the National Guidelines for Child and Youth Behavioral Health Crisis Care as well as additional technical guidance in a companion report, A Safe Place to Be: Crisis Stabilization Services and Other Supports for Children and Youth.
SAMHSA awarded $185.7 million in funding for 299 child and family-serving grants through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, including for Mental Health Awareness Training, Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma, Trauma-Informed Services in Schools, National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, and Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education. These grantees are supporting health efforts across 231 cities in 47 states, DC, and three territories.
HRSAs National Maternal Mental Health Hotline celebrated its one-year anniversary on Mothers Day 2023. Since its launch in 2022, the 24/7, free, confidential hotline has offered support from professional counselors to nearly 20,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals who struggled with mental health concerns, and their loved ones. Support is available by phone or text, and in English and Spanish. With additional resources received in 2023, HRSA launched and expanded partnerships and increased staffing and promotion efforts to increase the number of people served.
SAMHSA created the LGBTQI+ Family Support grant program and awarded four grants to prevent health and behavioral health risks (e.g., suicide, depression, homelessness, drug use, HIV) and to promote well-being for LGBTQI+ youth in the context of their families/caregivers, cultures, and communities by establishing LGBTQI+ family counseling and support programs and training providers on effective provision of these evidence-based services.
to prevent health and behavioral health risks (e.g., suicide, depression, homelessness, drug use, HIV) and to promote well-being for LGBTQI+ youth in the context of their families/caregivers, cultures, and communities by establishing LGBTQI+ family counseling and support programs and training providers on effective provision of these evidence-based services. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has funded the Link Center, a national technical assistance and resource center to improve services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), brain injury (BI) and other cognitive or communication disorders who have co-occurring mental health conditions. This year ACL partnered with SAMHSA to launch a collaboration between the Link Center and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to improve crisis support services to this population, including through a Policy Academy to assist states in creating inclusive, accessible 988/Lifeline and crisis response systems that can effectively support this population.
CMS announced a new Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity that allows state Medicaid programs to help increase care for individuals who are incarcerated in the period immediately prior to their release to help them succeed and thrive during reentry. To-date, CMS has approved demonstrations in California and Washington with several other state proposals currently under consideration.
Medicare has increased payment rates for crisis psychotherapy outside of clinical settings such as in the home of the beneficiary, and for Opioid Treatment Programs to furnish treatment via mobile units. These services are expected to increase treatment to hard-to-reach populations such as people in rural areas and persons experiencing homelessness.
HHS is leveraging strong, interdisciplinary research-practice partnerships to better diagnose and treat opioid use disorder and mental illness. For example, through the Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative, or NIH HEAL Initiative, NIH has funded four cooperative agreements, one research project grant, and nine supplemental awards to improve the treatment and management of services for people with opioid use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions and/or suicide risk.
To address the persistent youth behavioral health crisis, HHS has taken the following steps over the last year to help align structural supports and financing to integrate promotion and prevention programs in community-based settings from early childhood to young adulthood, inclusive of schools:
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) established a Children & Youth Resilience Challenge, a $1 million prize competition to encourage community-led, innovative solutions to support resilience in children and youth in the wake of the pandemic. OASH received 500 submissions and in August 2023 awarded 14 finalists to pilot and test community-led solutions to promote resilience in children and adolescents. In May 2024, finalists will participate in an innovators summit in Washington DC and compete for the grand prize.
CMS released Delivering Services in School-Based Settings: A Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid Services and Administrative Claiming.Developed in consultation with the U.S. Department of Education, this guide offers new flexibilities and consolidates existing guidance, making it easier for all schools, no matter their size or the resources available to them, to receive payment for delivering Medicaid- and CHIP-covered services.
CMS, together with the Department of Education, launched a new technical assistance center to assist and expand the capacity of State Medicaid agencies, local education agencies (LEAs), and school-based entities to provide greater assistance through the Medicaid program in schools.
CDC released a new school mental health action guide, Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools: An Action Guide for School and District Leaders, that provides school and district leaders with prevention strategies, approaches, and practices that can help promote students mental health and well-being. By providing prevention and early intervention strategies designed to reach large numbers of students, schools can promote positive behavioral and mental health and help reduce the need for services. The guide describes six proven in-school strategies to promote and support mental health and well-being, specific approaches to put each strategy into action, and examples of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.
CMS is also reviewing all states compliance with the Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit and providing technical assistance to states while preparing guidance on best practices, and yearly Reports to Congress on the findings.
Since 2021, HRSA has awarded a total of $55 million in funding to 229 HRSA-funded health centers to expand school-based service sites to increase behavioral health screening and treatment for children. This expansion has led to over 4,000 school-based sites providing services to nearly 1 million children. With the expansion of funds in fiscal year 2023, for the first time ever, all school-based service sites are required to provide mental health services.
HRSA, through Bipartisan Safer Communities Act funding, expanded the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access grant program, which funds pediatric mental health care teams to provide tele-consultation for providers in settings such as primary care practices, emergency departments, and schools. With this expansion, 36 states have expanded into schools.
CDC funded 12 recipients as part of the Essentials for Childhood: Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences through Data to Action program. Recipients will use data to inform the implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies and approaches to ensure safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children.
SAMHSA awarded $2 million in funding to establish a National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Mental Wellness, which is developing and disseminating information, guidance, and providing training on the impact, including risks and benefits, that social media use has on children and young people, especially in regard to their mental health.
HHS has taken the following steps over the last year to help test models of care integration facilitated through value-based payment arrangements and emerging technologies as well as an opportunities to reduce technology gaps between behavioral health care providers and physical health care providers:
CMSs Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) announced a new state-based Medicaid and Medicare aligned payment model for integrated services Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) focused on improving the quality of care for people with behavioral health needs.
CMS continues to use Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations as an opportunity to encourage state Medicaid agencies to increase use of Health Information Technology (HIT), which is a key tool for supporting increased integration, to improve care for people living with MH conditions and SUDs. Specifically, 1115 demonstrations focused on serious mental illness and for children, serious emotional disturbance, as well as section 1115 demonstrations focused on community reentry, and improved care transitions for people who were incarcerated.
SAMHSA and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) will invest more than $20 million of SAMHSA funds to advance health information technology (IT) in behavioral health care and practice settings. The Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative will identify and pilot a set of behavioral health data elements among SAMHSAs Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant (SUPTRS BG) and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) grantees. The data elements will become a United States Core Data for Interoperability extension, or domain, for behavioral health called USCDI+BH and will improve data integration and reduce the costs of data capture, use, and exchange for behavioral health providers.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) Version 4 which includes Patient Demographics, Health Insurance Information, Mental/Cognitive Status Health Assessment, Alcohol Use Health Assessment, Substance Use Health Assessment, and Medications, among other data elements that facilitate behavioral health integration with primary care and other physical care.
HHS continues to work towards achieving other opportunities to drive resources into integrated care through pay-for-reporting and pay-for-performance mechanisms based on integration related quality measures.
For more information regarding the HHS Roadmap for Behavioral Health Integration, please visit: https://www.aspe.hhs.gov/reports/hhs-roadmap-behavioral-health-integration
Amazon.com said on Thursday it is laying off fewer than 5% of employees at its Buy with Prime unit. According to website analytics firm Alexa, Amazons India website was now ranked the 6th most visited website locally and the 83rd most visited site globally.
Launched in 2022, Buy with Prime gives retailers, who are not Amazon merchants, fulfillment and delivery services through its logistics network.
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Amazon said that the unit remains a top priority and would "continue investing significant resources in Buy with Prime." It did not specify how many employees are part of this unit.
The cut has affected a little over 30 employees at the unit, a source inside Amazon told Reuters.
Amazon, however, said it is supporting the laid-off staff to find roles inside and outside the company.
The e-commerce giant laid off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations last week. Many jobs were also cut in its Twitch live-streaming platform and Audible audiobook unit, according to media reports.
Earlier this week, Alphabet-owned Google announced that it was laying off hundreds of employees in its advertising sales team.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has warned employees about more job cuts in the coming months in an effort to simplify execution, reported The Verge. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has warned of more layoffs in the company.(Reuters file photo)
In a memo, Pichai said the layoffs will focus on "removing layers" from several departments to drive velocity in the company, the report added. "These role eliminations are not at the scale of last year's reductions, and will not touch every team," he said.
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This development in Google comes just a few days after the Alphabet-owned company cut hundreds of jobs across its Voice Assistant and hardware departments. Google Nest, Pixel, Fitbit, ad sales team, and augmented reality team were the worst hit in these layoffs.
In January 2023, Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 6%, of its global workforce. As of September 2023, the company had 182,381 employees globally. This was the biggest layoff in the history of Google, but was "essential" for the company, Pichai had said earlier.
Google has laid of these employees as a cost-cutting measure amid the massive restructuring in the company's employee structure. The tech behemoth also ended up firing Fitbit co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman during this restructuring.
Job cuts in Jan: 7,500 and counting
The new year kicked off with hopes of an economic revival in the United States and Europe, bit tech firms have started 2024 with a string of layoffs as they continue to make investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and employ cost cutting measures.
Firms like Google and Amazon have laid of hundreds of employees in the first two weeks of the month, and have announced that they will continue to cut more jobs due to advancements in AI in the next few months.
Overall, tech firms have let go more than 7,500 employees so far in January, according to tracking website Layoffs.fyi. This includes job cuts in Google, Amazon-backed Twitch and Microsoft-backed HumaneAI.
Amazon.com laid off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations last week. Hundreds of jobs were also cut in its Twitch live-streaming platform and Audible audiobook unit, according to media reports.
This comes as both Amazon and Google are investing billions into AI development to streamline jobs and structuring within the company, competing directly with Microsoft in the artificial intelligence race.
(With inputs from Reuters)
NEW DELHI: The Union government has finalised a draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023 to have a modern stamp duty regime, paving the way for the e-stamping of digital instruments in line with its focus on e-governance and removing traces of redundant colonial laws, one of the five pledges enunciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2022, a government official said. The finance ministry said a draft Indian Stamp Bill, 2023 has been proposed to align the law with a modern stamp duty regime (FILE PHOTO/Representative Image)
The new law will equip India for a seamless digital era as it has a provision of e-stamping digitally, the official said requesting anonymity.
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The draft law defines an electronic stamp or e-stamp as an electronically generated impression denoting the payment of stamp duty by electronic means or otherwise.
Stamp duties are levied by the central government, but within the states where they are levied, are collected and appropriated by the states concerned.
While delivering his Independence Day speech on August 15,2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about five pledges, or panch pran, for the next 25 years the goal of a developed India, removing a colonial mindset, taking pride in Indias roots, unity, and a sense of duty among the citizens.
Once enacted, the Bill shall replace the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, the finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The Indian Stamp Act, 1899 is a fiscal statute laying down the law relating to tax levied in the form of stamps on instruments recording transactions.
The Indian Stamp Act has been amended from time to time to enable a more modern stamp duty regime but it still has a number of provisions that have become redundant and inoperative. ... and hence, there is a need to re-orient the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, the finance ministry statement said.
Accordingly, it has been proposed that the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 is repealed and a new legislation is enacted to reflect the present realities and objectives, it added. The government has initiated a pre-legislative consultative process and invited suggestions from the public. The government has given one month to the public for its suggestions on this matter.
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All eyes were on the Chandigarh mayoral polls today as this would test the coming together of the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a coalition of the Opposition's INDIA bloc, months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. However, the polling has been postponed till further orders in view of the ill health of nominated presiding officer Anil Masih....Read More
Under the arrangement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will fight for the mayor's seat while the Congress will contest the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts.
In the 35-member Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 14 councillors, the AAP has 13 councillors, and the Congress has seven. The Shiromani Akali Dal has one councillor in the House.
600 personnel of Chandigarh Police, along with CRPF, RAF troops, have been deployed at the municipal corporation office situated in Sector-17 to ensure smooth polling.
Protests erupted outside the municipal corporation office after a message was circulated among councillors regarding the ill health of the nominated presiding officer, which led to the postponement of the mayoral election.
AAP and Congress councillors alleged that the BJP knew the elections would be postponed as they didn't reach the corporation building, just as it was requested by the deputy commissioner in an official message allegedly circulated at 10:30 am half an hour ahead of scheduled polling time.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal may skip the fourth summons from the Enforcement Directorate, which asked him to appear before it on Thursday, 18 January in connection with its investigation into the money laundering aspects of the Delhi excise policy case, because he is scheduled to leave for Goa for a 3-day visit. CM Arvind Kejriwal at the departure of a train of pilgrims as part of the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra scheme on Wednesday. (AAP - X)
Also Read: Political slugfest after fourth ED summons to Kejriwal
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Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to leave for Goa on Thursday as per a pre-announced schedule, an official in the Chief Ministers office said. This person added that Kejriwal, also the head of the Aam Aadmi Party, will assess the partys preparedness in the state for the coming Lok Sabha polls.
Responding to a question from reporters during an event on Wednesday, Kejriwal said, We will act as per law.
HT reached out to ED, but officials there did not respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Kejriwal of evasive behaviour .
Also Read: BJP links ED summons to Arvind Kejriwal to AAP's Sundarkand Path event
CM Kejriwal is behaving like a fugitive but the law will soon reach him. The day ED takes cognisance of his evasive behaviour and takes stern action against the CM, then Aam Aadmi Party will start playing victim card, 0said Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor.
Kejriwal has skipped three previous summons on November 2, on December 22, and on January 3 calling them illegal and politically motivated.
ED issued its fourth summons on January 13 a day after AAP announced Kejriwals three-day Goa tour leading to Delhi AAP convenor Gopal Rai accusing the central agency of issuing the summons in a bid to stop Kejriwal from campaigning.
On November 2 the date of the first summons Kejriwal travelled to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh to address a rally, and alleged that ED was acting at the behest of the BJP to malign his image. On December 22, Kejriwal was in Punjab for meditation retreat, and on January 3, Kejriwal did not appear before the agency citing preparations for Republic Day celebrations as well as the then ongoing Rajya Sabha polls for three seats in Delhi.
Also Read: Union minister's thag jibe after Arvind Kejriwal summoned for 4th time
Kejriwal and his party have repeatedly and consistently objected to the summons saying that it is not clear whether he was asked to appear as a witness or suspect; as chief minister or as AAP chief; and that the agency has not made available any details of its line of questioning. On January 3, Kejriwal claimed that the BJP-led central government wanted to have him arrested before the 2024 elections.
Former Delhi deputy CM Manish Sisodia and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh have been arrested in connection with the Delhi excise policy case and are in judicial custody.
My lawyers have told me that the ED summons is illegalThe BJPs purpose is not to question me, but to arrest me so that I cannot campaign in the Lok Sabha polls, Kejriwal said on January 3.
The Delhi governments 2021-22 excise policy aimed to revitalise the citys flagging liquor business. It aimed to replace a sales-volume based regime with a licence fee-based one for traders, and promised swankier stores, free of the infamous metal grilles, ultimately giving customers a better buying experience. The policy also introduced discounts and offers on the purchase of liquor, a first for Delhi.
The plan, however, came to an abrupt end, with lieutenant governor VK Saxena recommending a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the regime. This ultimately resulted in the policy being scrapped prematurely and being replaced by the 2020-21 regime, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging that Saxenas predecessor sabotaged the move with a few last-minute changes that resulted in lower-than-expected revenues.
ED has alleged that the AAP received kickbacks to the tune of 100 crore to finalise the excise policy, and that some of this money was used by the party in its Goa elections campaign. The agency has already arrested at least 14 top AAP leaders, in connection with the case, and the central probe agency has approached the court seeking permission to investigate AAP as a beneficiary of the proceeds of crime.
AAP, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Singh have denied all charges, and have called the case a witch-hunt and political vendetta at the behest of the Union government. The party has also been running a campaign to seek public feedback on whether Kejriwal should step down as chief minister if he is arrested.
Kolkata: The Calcutta high court on Thursday rejected the petition filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking postponement of the Sampriti Yatra , which will be held by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on January 22 in Kolkata, lawyers who attended the hearing said. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (left) and Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari (right) (File Photo)
The inter-faith rally, which the TMC supremo and Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will lead, is coinciding with the consecration ceremony at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, said the lawyers.
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A division bench of chief justice TS Sivagnanam also rejected the BJPs demand for the deployment of Central paramilitary forces across all Bengal districts on that day.
On Tuesday, Banerjee announced that she will lead the rally from Hazra to Park Circus and, en route, visit places of worship associated with every religion. She said TMC workers will take out similar processions at every community block in every district.
Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the opposition in the Bengal legislative assembly, filed the petition on Wednesday. The plea mentioned that 35 programmes related to the consecration ceremony would be held in Kolkata on January 22 and there could be unrest because of the TMC rally.
Bengals advocate general, Kishore Dutta, argued on Thursday that the petition was based entirely on speculation.
The division bench directed the state to ensure that none of these programmes are affected. The court also issued a directive that no speeches or expressions hurting the sentiments of any religious or sectarian group should be made at the TMC rally.
Welcoming the courts decision, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said, The order is a tight slap on Adhikaris face. He tried to engineer communal tension with his provocative remarks.
Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, Our party expressed genuine concerns. We feel that Banerjee has planned the rally to create divisions when the nation witnesses a historic moment.
While announcing her plans, Banerjee said, I am not doing this to counter anyone or protest anything. I have already said religion belongs to individuals but festivals are for all. On January 22, I will first offer prayers to Maa Kali and then lead the rally. It will touch temples, mosques, gurdwaras and churches along its route before reaching Park Circus where a meeting will be held. People of all faiths are free to take part.
She said the rally is a homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose before his birth anniversary on January 23.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Li Auto's Senior Vice President, Zou Liangjun, recently revealed in an interview that the company's first model priced below 300,000 yuan, the Li L6, is set to officially hit the market in April 2024, targeting a challenging monthly sales goal of 30,000 units.
Photo credit: MIIT
This yet-to-be-launched model has been included in the latest batch (No. 379) of the "Announcement on Road Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Enterprises and Products" by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ("MIIT"). The declared information indicates that the Li L6 will continue Li Autos iconic design language, featuring a through-type front and rear lighting design and matrix headlights on both sides of the front.
The Li L6 measures 4,925/1,960/1,735mm in length, width, and height, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,920mm. Despite its generous size, the L6 is positioned slightly below the Li L7, emphasizing family travel and practicality.
Photo credit: MIIT
In terms of power, the Li L6 will be equipped with the L2E15M 1.5-liter engine, delivering a maximum power of 113kW, paired with the lithium iron phosphate batteries from CATL. This configuration ensures both driving performance and meets energy-saving and environmental requirements.
Li Auto achieved a delivery volume exceeding 376,000 vehicles in 2023, and has set an ambitious sales target of 800,000 vehicles for 2024. Currently, the monthly sales of its three existing models Li L7, L8, and L9 consistently surpass 10,000 units. The introduction of the Li L6 is expected to contribute to Li Auto's continued prominent presence in the market segment ranging from 200,000 yuan to 300,000 yuan.
Mr. Zou Liangjun also disclosed that Li Auto plans to launch three high-voltage pure electric models in the second half of 2024.
Berhampore: The West Bengal police said they have apprehended four school boys, aged between 15 to 17 years old, on charges of murdering an 18-year-old man. (Representative Photo)
The incident took place on January 8 in Murshidabad district following an altercation over a mobile game, police said.
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Police said that the victim was hit on the head, then strangulated with a nylon string and also his throat was slit. His decomposed body was found in a bush along a feeder canal near Farakka Barrage on January 15, said police.
The matter came to light following a missing complaint from the victims mother to the police on January 11, three days after the incident. Following the complaint, an investigation was launched, and police apprehended the four minors.
The four have confessed to the murder. They were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on Thursday and were sent to a home in Berhampore, Ananda Roy, superintendent of police (SP), Jangipur police district, told media persons.
The accused have been charged with section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code, police said.
Initially, the accused declined to know anything about the incident, however, they confessed to the murder after police confronted them with the phone call records and autopsy report.
To be sure, a confession or disclosure statement of any person made before a police officer is not admissible as evidence before a court unless it is backed by other evidence. Only a confession before a judge is admissible as evidence against an accused.
Preliminary investigations reveal that it all started as an altercation over a mobile game, which led to a confrontation.
They met near a ghat on January 8 to settle the dispute. In the meeting, a heated altercation broke out between the five of them, and one of them hit the victim with a wooden log from behind, an officer said. They then strangulated the victim with a nylon string and also slit his throat using a razor blade to ensure death. Later, the accused burned the victims body using petrol, added the officer.
One worker was killed and four others sustained injuries in a series of explosions at a chemical factory in the Thane district of Maharashtra, reported PTI. The injured individuals have been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, with the severity of their injuries yet to be disclosed. Fire at a chemical factory in Badlapur MIDC.(ANI)
The blasts also triggered a fire, prompting the fire department to deploy fire tenders and rescue teams to control the ensuing blaze and prevent any further escalation.
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The factory is located in the Kharvai MIDC area.
According to Bhagwat Sonawane, chief fire officer at the Kulgaon-Badlapur Fire Services, tempos and vehicles parked outside also caught fire as some chemicals filled in drums exploded and spilt.
The explosions were so loud that they could be heard from a distance of one kilometre, reported PTI quoting Sonawane.
The dead worker is yet to be identified.
According to the Times of India, the reactor caught fire and some of its parts fell around half kilometres in the surrounding area of the company.
Authorities are currently working to ascertain the cause of the fire and evaluate the extent of damage to the facility.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Indian Institute of Information Technology-Allahabad (IIIT-A) will provide technological assistance to Prayagraj police, to enhance law-enforcement operations in the district. Police Commissioner, Prayagraj, Ramit Sharma, at IIIT-A on Wednesday evening (HT Photo)
As part of an understanding reached between the Prayagraj police and the IIIT-A, the two have jointly identified areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analysis, internet of things, cyber security, crowd management etc, so that the policing system may be bettered, IIIT-A officials said.
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Police commissioner, Prayagraj, Ramit Sharma, led a posse of police officials to IIIT-As Jhalwa campus and addressed post-graduate students and research scholars on Wednesday evening, urging them to work to help the existing policing system.
Policing practices are constantly evolving to keep up with the complexities of modern society. The integration of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), has played a crucial role in enhancing law-enforcement operations, he said.
The commissioner said that in todays digital age, technology integration is becoming increasingly important in policing. It offers a wide range of benefits, including improved situational awareness, enhanced communication and collaboration, streamlined operations, and more efficient resource allocation.
By embracing technology, police departments can leverage the power of AI, data analytics, and other advanced tools to address emerging challenges and deliver better outcomes for both officers and the communities they serve.
By harnessing the power of AI, law enforcement agencies can improve their decision-making processes, optimise resource allocation, and ultimately enhance public safety, he said.
The rapid access to information enhances the overall efficiency of law enforcement operations, he said.
Director, IIIT-A, Prof Mukul Sharad Sutaone, said that the institute was ready to extend support to law enforcement agencies, as and when their help was required.
Khuldabad police on Wednesday arrested two notorious criminals in possession of seven crude bombs. One of the arrestees has 34 cases of offenses registered against him, while the other is an accused in the violence at Atala on June 10, 2022, and was out on bail. A case has now been filed against them under the Explosives Act, according to police. For Representation Only (HT File)
Vinod Kumar Sonkar, station house offucer of Khuldabad police station, said that acting on a tip-off, the police team arrested 52-year-old Mohd Azam and Shakeel Ahmad, also known as Manna, near Mali Park. Seven crude bombs were recovered from their possession.
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Mohd Azam has an extensive criminal history, with 34 cases, including charges of attempt to murder, Explosive Acts, Goonda Act, 7 CLA Act, Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, Gangster Act, and Arms Act, all registered against him at Khuldabad police station. The other accused, Shakeel Ahmad, was arrested for his involvement in the violence at Atala on June 10, 2022, but had been granted bail by the court.
It is noteworthy that the violence erupted in the Atala area of the old city during a protest against objectionable comments about Prophet Muhammad by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Over 100 individuals were arrested for the violence, including the alleged mastermind Javed Mohd, aka Javed Pump. While most of the accused were granted bail, Javed is still incarcerated at Deoria Jail.
West Bengal Police Recruitment Board, WBPRB released the WB Police SI Admit Card 2023 on January 18, 2024. Candidates who will appear for the preliminary examination can download the admit card through the official website of WBPRB at wbpolice.gov.in. WB Police SI Admit Card 2023 releasing today, heres how to download
The preliminary examination for recruitment to the post of Sub Inspector/Sub-Inspectress (Unarmed Branch), Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch) and Sergeant in Kolkata Police 2023 has been scheduled for January 28, 2024.
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The eAdmit Card will be available on the websites of West Bengal Police Recruitment Board & West Bengal Police from 18.01.2024 on the keying of their Application Serial No. and Date of Birth. To download the admit card, candidates can follow the steps given below.
Visit the official website of WB Police at wbpolice.gov.in.
Click on the recruitment link available on the home page.
A new page will open where candidates must click the Sub Inspector link.
Now click on the WB Police SI Admit Card 2023 link on the home page.
Enter the login details and click on submit.
Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
Check the admit card and download the page.
Keep a hard copy of the same for further need.
For more related details candidates can check the official website of WB Police.
The recent development about how non-biology students can become doctors comes as good news, especially for students hoping to study medicine abroad. Since many countries require Indian students to take the NEET exam to be qualified for admission to medical schools, the move is a great development (Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image)
The change has occurred following the declaration made by the National Medical Commission (NMC) about the eligibility conditions for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
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The main change is the addition of students, who are not majoring in biology, to the medical education programme. Students can now apply for NEET (UG) if they complete their 10+2 education with math, chemistry, and physics as their major subjects.
The prerequisite is to pass an exam in biology or biotechnology as an extra subject at the 10+2 level from any recognised board, though. On the other side, candidates will also be eligible to receive an eligibility certificate from the commission, which is an official record attesting to their eligibility for studying medicine abroad as an undergraduate.
Also Read: NMC introduces post-doctoral fellowship courses in medical colleges
Since many countries require Indian students to take the NEET exam to be qualified for admission to medical schools, the move is a great development. However, students who had not studied biology in school frequently found it challenging to meet the exam requirements. This obstacle will be removed by the new policy, enabling more students to pursue their aspirations of studying overseas to become doctors.
Before beginning their medical studies, students at many international medical schools are expected to have a solid background in biology. These students will have more possibilities accessible to them if they can complete this prerequisite through additional education after Class 12. Also, now that students know the requirements to meet for both their intended undergraduate medical programme and their selected international medical school, they can strategically plan their academic route.
In addition to that, this development provides relief for those who succumbed to peer pressure when choosing subjects and also offers a potential solution to the pressing issue of doctor shortages.
Vulnerable Stage of Decision Making
When students transition from Class 10 to Class 11, they are faced with the critical decision of choosing their subjects. Often, lack of proper guidance or succumbing to peer pressure leads them to select subjects based on their friends' choices, only to regret it later.
If you find yourself in this situation, having chosen Mathematics over biology, consider it a hidden opportunity. It will allow you to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor.
Addressing the Doctor Shortage Crisis
This decision to encourage more students to pursue medicine will play a crucial role in addressing the widespread shortage of doctors, a problem faced by nearly every country, including India.
The report of the Association of American Medical Colleges has warned of a potential shortage of up to 124,000 physicians in the USA by 2034. It will open up opportunities for more individuals to enter the medical profession and contribute to combating the shortage of healthcare professionals.
In addition to this development, the implementation of NExT brings about significant changes in the medical field. Students of batch 2024 must prepare diligently to take NExT in February 2028.
Will NExT Replace NEET PG?
Not only will the National Exit Test (NExT) take the place of the NEET PG, but it will also replace the FMG, the test taken by foreign medical graduates. The goal of this one exam is to streamline and standardise medical education across the nation, which is a step in the right direction.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya suggests that the NExT is notably less challenging compared to NEET. To qualify for a Post Graduate seat, students will need to successfully pass the NExT.
Understanding NExT and Pattern
The concept of the National Exit Test (NExT) was put forward by the National Medical Commission Bill 2019.
It serves two purposes - It certifies MBBS students in their final year and grants healthcare professionals a licence to practice contemporary medicine. Essentially, the main concern is ensuring that postgraduate medical professionals in India receive fair and effective evaluations.
The first edition of the NExT exam, which will be available to MBBS students beginning in the class of 2024, will be administered in 2028, as revealed by the National Medical Commission.
Also Read: NEET UG eligibility criteria relaxed, Biology allowed as additional subject after 12th
The NExT exam structure comprises two essential steps. Firstly, NExT Step 1 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) focusing on theory, encompassing six papers that include MBBS/Final MBBS subjects. Candidates have the liberty to attempt this stage multiple times.
Secondly, NExT Step 2 is a practical examination covering seven clinical subjects. This phase occurs face-to-face and is conducted by respective health universities or institutes. Similar to Step 1, candidates can retake Step 2 until they achieve their desired outcome. Crucially, candidates must successfully clear both Step 1 and Step 2 within ten years of starting the MBBS course.
The NMC's decision is a positive move that will help the medical field overall and future generations of physicians in particular. It is a step in the direction of an inclusive and adaptable educational system that will enable students to follow their passions and contribute significantly to society.
(Authored by Rohit Sethi, Director, ESS Global. Views are personal)
The ASER 2023 report, released by the NGO Pratham Foundation, focuses on the youth of the age group 14-18 years. The report titled Beyond Basics" carried out an intensive survey in 28 districts across 26 states, eventually interacting with 34,745 youngsters of the aimed age group. From the figures shared in the ASER report, of the students surveyed, 42.5% of males and 48.3% of females did not have a role model for their aspired work.(Representative picture/HT File Photo.)
One out of every five youth were unable to name any type of work or job that they aspired to, mentions the ASER report, putting the spotlight on the dearth of clarity available to the students that would be detrimental to decision-making regarding their future.
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What to study, how much further to study, what kind of work should they look out for, what kind of jobs are in demand and many such questions are not answered by any and neither do these students have valuable resources/ interactions to bring more clarity into their aspirations.
Also Read: Varanasis enrolment percentage higher than pan India figure: ASER report
From the figures shared in the ASER report, of the students surveyed, 42.5% of males and 48.3% of females did not have a role model for their aspired work.
Our school education system is yet to be modified to drive students more future-oriented. There is a lack of resources as well as informed people who can help guide these kids into paths that may benefit them and place them in secure positions, says Bindu SJ, a teacher from Hyderabad.
Only 11.5% of the youth surveyed knew someone in the school/college doing similar work and just 15.7% of the teens knew a relative doing what they aspired to do.
As many as 1 in every 4 young people surveyed were not able to name a future work option that they aspired to. Of those who could do so, close to half were unable to identify anyone who was doing the kind of work that they aspired to do, whether in the family or community or even a public figure whom they did not know personally, mentions the ASER report.
Also Read: 42% rural children in 14-18 age group can't read easy sentences in English: Report
Having proper guidance for students both at the school level and familial support to help them explore different streams, work opportunities and help them plan their further studies makes them prepared with a roadway for the future.
The Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as a part of the survey observed that the idea of having work aspirations for these students emerged in situations where they interacted/ saw others like themselves working and were able to imagine them also in the same shoes.
Nature of Exposure
The kind of exposure students receive can influence their further decisions of choosing a stream or choosing the kind of work aspirations. The examples cited by the survey are of schools being visited in Solan (Himachal Pradesh), Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh) and Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh).
While schools in Solan and Dhamtari offered all three streams in Std XI and XII (arts, science and commerce), the schools in Sitapur only offered arts. The unavailability in streams offered leaves students with restrictive choices that would influence their further studies.
The scope of broadening the options that are available for the students to make informed decisions would be effective with early exposure.
In early adulthood itself many of these students need to earn and support their families financially. It's a vicious cycle. Even if there are inspirations they could look upon they remain far-fetched. Cause many of these inspirations boast of the eventual success that comes with meritocracy. It negates the sheer struggle of growing up, coping with disturbed households, caste struggles etc. Early childhood education needs real focus. If the foundational literacy and aspiration of a child are not given preference, they will be blocked out of opportunities and exposure, says Srilakshmi Santhosh, Researcher at Vismaya Kalike, an NGO focussed on joyful learning.
Years before being crowned Miss World 1994, Aishwarya Rai took up modelling jobs, including one with actor Sonali Bendre in 1992. Even after winning the crown and becoming an actor, Aishwarya posed in many memorable photoshoots. A fan on Reddit has shared a series of old pictures of Aishwarya from her modelling days, including a topless magazine spread she shot alongside former supermodel Madhu Sapre and others. Also read: Aishwarya Rai's old video before her film debut wows fans Reddit reacts to pics of young Aishwarya Rai; don't miss her modeling with Sonali Bendre.
Aishwarya Rai's modelling photos
Sharing the photos on Reddit, a person wrote, "Lesser-seen Aishwarya pics: I put in the last pic because I was curious if the first model from far left was indeed Aish (Aishwarya Rai) as credited in the magazine." The alleged picture did not show Aishwarya's face as she posed in only a pair of blue denim shorts with other models.
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There were also a couple of pictures of Aishwarya in a blue swimsuit during the Miss World 1994 pageant and one photo of her dressed in white and posing with former supermodel Milind Soman. There were also some black-and-white photos of Aishwarya from various shoots and catalogue photos of her modelling for an ethnic wear brand alongside Sonali Bendre.
Reactions to Aishwarya Rai's old pics
"She's not just pretty..there's this '90s supermodel thing going on in her picsit's way beyond just being gorgeous. Every photo is giving off serious '90s Vogue feels," wrote a Redditor. A person said, "Every single one of the photos is so mesmerising, but the first one is (heart emoji)." Another said about the picture that featured the actor in a backless dress, looking straight into the camera, "The first pic looks AI-generated."
A fan also wrote, "She had supermodel or superstar vibe but marrying into a conservative house made her different. "Aishwarya is married to actor Abhishek Bachchan since 2007; they are parents to a daughter, Aaradhya Bachchan.
More about Aishwarya's career
Aishwarya is known primarily for her work in Hindi and Tamil films. She made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam's 1997 Tamil film Iruvar and had her first Hindi film release, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, that same year. Before becoming an actor, she gained recognition in 1993 for her appearance in a Pepsi commercial with actors Aamir Khan and Mahima Chaudhry. At the 1994 Miss India pageant, she won second place behind Sushmita Sen and was crowned Miss India World.
The government of India honoured her with Padma Shri in 2009, and the government of France bestowed her with Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2012. Some of Aishwarya's notable films include Mohabbatein (2000) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), Dhoom 2 (2006), Guru (2007), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).
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Javed Akhtar turned 79, and a party was held for his close friends and family members in Mumbai. From Farhan Akhtar to Boney Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, several celebrities were seen arriving for the celebration at Anil Kapoor's house. As media was stationed outside the venue, Javed stepped outside with his friends and family to pose for pictures. Also read: On Javed Akhtar's birthday, revisiting his 7 most unserious, whacky songs we love Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi outside Anil Kapoor's house. (Varinder Chawla)
Javed Akhtar to paparazzi
In a paparazzi video, Javed is seen not happy with the chaos outside Anil's house. As several photographers kept calling his name while he was trying to pose with his wife, Shabana Azmi, he told them not to make noise. He said, Shor mat karo (don't make noise).
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Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi
He went on to hold Shabana Azmi's hand and pose for the cameras. The senior writer also thanked those from the paparazzi who wished him his special day and even sang the birthday song. Javed wore a traditional kurta and a jacket for the party. Shabana opted for a contemporary outfit.
Celebs at Anil Kapoor's house
Javed also posed with his children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar outside his house. His close friends Boney Kapoor and Anil Kapoor also joined them. Sonam Kapoor and her husband, Anand Ahuja, were also snapped arriving at the party. Sonam wore an experimental black jumpsuit, while Anand kept it casual for the night. Divya Dutta, Ashutosh Gowariker, Anupam Kher, Ritesh Sidwani and Rajkumar Hirani also attended the party.
Besides them, Madhuri Dixit made a stunning entry with her husband Dr Shriram Nene. She wore a yellow saree with a matching jacket. Farhan came with his wife Shibani Dandekar. Javed's first wife, Honey Irani, was also spotted. Zoya Akhtar posed with her mother Honey, in front of the paparazzi.
Javed shares a close bond with Anil. They are often seen at each other's house on several occasion. They are expected to share inside photos from the party on social media soon.
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Mukesh Chhabra surprised the internet with the idea of a Dil Bechara sequel. The original film, directed by Chhabra, starred late actor Sushant Singh Rajput with Sanjana Sanghi. The film marked Mukesh's directorial debut and was released after Sushant's death. Also read: Vicky Jain talks about Sushant Singh Rajput's death during argument with Ankita Lokhande Dil Bechara sequel is seemingly in talks.
Dil Bechara 2
Mukesh took to X and wrote, Dil Bechara 2, without much context. But things took a different turn as the idea has clearly upset many fans of Sushant. Reacting to the post, a Twitter user wrote in the comment section, Dil Bechara is an emotion! I still can never watch it in one go! Its a request Please dont ruin it for Sushant n us.
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No one will watch it without Sushant in it! Thats movie of yours only succeeded coz of Sushant period, added another user. One more commented, Big no to Dil Bechara 2. Someone else also said, You are going to make the second part but we will miss #Sushant sir a lot. We will never be able to forget him. May this part 2 also be a hit. We miss you Sushiii. Even though he won't be there in Part 2, his memories will always be with you through part one.
Sushant's last release
Dil Bechara was released after Sushant's death. It marked Sanjana's debut as a lead actor in films. The film also starred Swastika Mukherjee and Saswata Chatterjee. Dil Bechara is the Hindi remake of the Hollywood hit The Fault In Our Stars, which is based on the novel with the same title and stars actors Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.
How did Sushant die?
Sushant was found dead on June 14, 2020, at his Bandra apartment. His death sent shock waves across the country and is still being investigated. His death was initially probed by Mumbai Police, which later got transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). His death has been treated as a suicide after the AIIMS medical board submitted its report to CBI confirming that the actor died by suicide, ruling out the murder angle.
Talking about Sushant last year, Mukesh, who was his best friend, told Lallantop, It was during the (Covid-19) pandemic. If I knew what he was going through, I wouldve gone and spoken to him. We used to meet very often. From his first film to his last one, our relationship remained strong.
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Ex Bigg Boss contestant, actor Pooja Bhatt is unhappy with the latest events inside the Bigg Boss 17 house. She took to her Twitter handle and slammed Vicky Jain after he commented on Mannara and called her cheap for being improper. Pooja equally did not spare Ankita Lokhande and omitted her from a list of contestants that she feels deserve to be in the finale of the show. Also read: Mrunal Thakur roots for Ankita Lokhande ahead of Bigg Boss 17 grand finale Pooja Bhatt reacted to Vicky Jain for calling Mannara cheap on Bigg Boss 17.
Pooja Bhatt on Vicky calling Mannara cheap
Pooja tweeted, Very, very Improper, the way you are sitting. Says a male contestant attempting to shame #MannaraChopra who is merely attempting to protect a friend. When all else fails, shame the woman and then go on to self righteously call yourself a Gentleman. Not cool. #Biggboss17.
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Vicky and his quest for spice box against Munawar
Her tweet arrived after a fight broke out between Vicky Jain, Abhishek and Arun in the house. It began when Mannara tried to shield Munawar Faruqui, who was sitting on a couch. As Munawar was trying to save a box of spices under his jacket, Vicky tried his best to snatch it from him.
Mannara, in an attempt to protect Munawar, stood in front of him alongside Arun Mahashettey and Abhishek Kumar. Soon she went on to sit on the armrest of the sofa and tried covering Munawar with her one hand.
Vicky and Ankita to Mannara
Ankita Lokhande lashed out at Mannara and called her Munawars assistant.' She also blamed Mannara for not being able to talk to Munawar. Vicky added to Mannara, Achha lag raha hain aapko ek ladke ka god mein baithke? Achha lag raha hai? Look at the way you are sitting. So cheap. Chhi chhi chhi ( Are you liking what are you doing? Sitting on a man's lap).
To this remark, Ankita stopped him saying, Ye saab maat bol (don't say that). While she leaves, Vicky continues to try snatching the spices. Abhishek stands in front of Mannara and Munawar to cover them further. Vicky said, "Mannara, if you come in between, you will get pushed. The way you are sitting is very improper.
Pooja on deserving finale contestants
Reacting to the current scenario, Pooja further shared her desired candidates for the final round and it doesn't include Ankita and Vicky. She posted, Nothing like a torture task to reveal people for what they are. The ones that deserve to be in the finale are #Arun #Abhishek #Mannara & #Munawar. The game does not make us Inhuman & toxic. It gives us choices. The rest is upto us. Simple & Oh so revealing.
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Shraddha Kapoor had a blast at her friend's wedding ceremony. In a new video that has surfaced on the internet, the actor was seen decked up with her girlfriends and set the dance floor on storm with her dance performance at the wedding. (Also read: Akshay Kumar calls out hateful comments from Maldivians; Salman Khan, Shraddha Kapoor ask fans to explore Indian islands) Shraddha Kappor danced with her friends in the new video.
Shraddha dances with her friends
In the new video that surfaced on several paparazzi accounts on Instagram, Shraddha was seen twinning with her girlfriends as all of them dressed up in white sarees for the morning. Next, she was spotted in a bright orange lehenga dancing with the whole clan. At the end of the video, Shraddha was seen dancing at the back and cheering for her friends.
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Several fans reacted to the video and commented with red heart emoticons. One fan wrote, Shraddha looks so cute in white! Another fan said, This looks like such a fun wedding!
Shraddha shows support for tourism in Lakshadweep
In the last week, Shraddha was one of the many celebrities who joined the trend of promoting Indian tourism soon after some prominent personalities from Maldives mocked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pitch to visit Indian islands. She asked fans to explore Indian islands like Lakshadweep instead of planning a vacation in Maldives.
Sharing a stunning picture of the Lakshadweep Islands, Shraddha wrote on X, All these images and memes making me super FOMO now. Lakshadweep has such pristine beaches and coastlines, thriving local culture, Im on the verge of booking an impulse chhutti (holiday). This year, why not #ExploreIndianIslands.
Shraddha was last seen in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar opposite Ranbir Kapoor. She is currently working on Stree 2, the second installment in the hit horror-comedy franchise. It will bring back the original cast of Shraddha, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurrana and Abhishek Banerjee once again. The film is scheduled for release in August, 2024.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger was held at Munich airport on Wednesday for failing to declare an expensive watch, a customs spokesman told AFP. The Austrian-born actor and former governor of California, 76, was detained in the customs area on Wednesday afternoon after arriving from the United States, spokesman Thomas Meister said. Also read: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo and many Hollywood stars react to Hamas attack Former California Governor, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger facing charges for for tax evasion over his luxury watch. (Photo by DAVID SWANSON / AFP)(AFP)
Arnold Schwarzenegger at Munich
Schwarzenegger was expected to be able to continue his journey later in the day but "the watch will probably have to stay", Meister said. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the Terminator star and former bodybuilding icon for tax evasion, he said.
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Tax should have been paid on the watch because Schwarzenegger was intending to sell it in the European Union, according to Meister.
The luxury watch
The luxury timepiece was due to be auctioned at a fundraising dinner for Schwarzenegger's climate initiative in Kitzbuehel on Thursday, the Bild daily reported.
Items typically auctioned at such dinners include works of art and signed memorabilia, according to the initiative's website.
The bespoke timepiece was made specially for Schwarzenegger by luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet, according to Bild.
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On late actor-politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Raos 28th death anniversary on January 18, his son, actor Balakrishna and grandsons Jr NTR and Kalyanram were spotted paying their respects. Pictures and videos that surfaced online show the family visiting NTR Ghat early on Thursday in remembrance of the actor who remains legendary in Telugu cinema. (Also Read: Jr NTR is deeply shocked on his return from Japan as it gets hit by an earthquake) Kalyanram, Jr NTR, Balakrishna at NTR Ghat in Hyderabad
Jr NTR pays tribute
Jr NTR and his brother Kalyanram visited NTR Ghat before sunrise on Thursday and despite the early hour, hundreds of fans could be seen in the pictures and videos, trying to catch a glimpse of the actors. Balakrishna arrived a little later and showered his fathers grave with flowers, before interacting with those present there. Every year, NTRs family visits the ghat to pay their respects on his birth and death anniversaries.
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About NTR
NTR acted in hundreds of films and even served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. He debuted in 1949 with Mana Desam and received three National Awards for co-production and direction in his career. He became a messiah of the masses when his roles as the Gods Krishna, Shiva and Rama in the 1950s gained him immense popularity. This didnt stop NTR from experimenting and playing characters with grey shades, which were also received well.
Upcoming work
Jr NTR was last seen in SS Rajamoulis RRR with Ram Charan and Alia Bhatt as his co-stars. He is currently shooting for Koratala Sivas Devara, which will mark Janhvi Kapoors debut in Telugu. He will also debut in Hindi with Hrithik Roshan-starrer War 2, though an official announcement is yet to be made. Kalyanram was last seen in Abhishek Namas Devil: The British Secret Agent and is currently filming for an untitled project. He will also star in the sequel of Bimbisara. Balakrishna is shooting for NBK 109 with director Bobby.
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One of the biggest travel trend of 2024 is spiritual tourism. According to travel aggravators, there is a recorded 97% growth in the searches for spiritual destinations in the last two years. Ayodhya saw 585% rise in the searches and from India it went up to 1806% since the inauguration announcement. According to Make My Trip, there is a heightened interest in Ayodhya globally with maximum search contribution coming from USA, Gulf, Canada, Nepal and Australia. According to various estimates, Ram Temple in Ayodhya is likely to see traffic of between 300,000 to 700,000 people in the first week post inauguration.
According to various estimates, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is likely to see traffic of between 300,000 to 700,000 people in the first week post inauguration. To bring you the most fascinating elements from Ayodhya, we speak to Dikshu Kukreja, master planner of Ayodhya city.
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Talking about the most unique features of the city, he says, The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra stands as a unique testament to the revival of Ayodhya's old-world charm, reminiscent of the legendary tales of Ram Nagari and Ram Rajya.
Rejuvenation of the legendary spots
The authorities have rejuvenated Sarayu riverfront which has a special mention in Ramayana. Also known as Ghagra, Rama along with the residents of Ayodhya, went to Vaikunth lok from this river and became deities in the heaven afterwards. There is a rejuvenation of the Sarayu Riverfront, restoration of 108 kunds (watre bodies) and the establishment of green spaces, including a spiritual forest. An extraordinary aspect lies in the construction of the Ram Mandir, where approximately 4.75 lakh cubic feet of Rajasthan's Bansi Paharpur stone (popular for its shine and longetivity) has been employed, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of around 1,200 artisans engaged in carving these stones both in Rajasthan and at the Ayodhya workshop run by the trust," says Kukreja.
The choice of stone over iron or cement ensures the temple's earthquake resistance. Another unique aspect is the development of Ramayana Forest, an ecological forest on the banks of the Sarayu River that promises to be a cultural landmark, preserving and celebrating the rich heritage associated with Ayodhya and the Ramayana. The forest will showcase the lifestyle of lord Ram during the 14 years of exile and the rich tapestry of the Ramayana, says Kukreja.
The must visit locations
As you wander through the old town, the enchanting Lata Mangeshkar Chowk captures the essence of historical richness. A 40 feet-long, 12-metre-high, 14-tonne classical Indian instrument Veena along with a lotus has been installed at this Chowk near Naya Ghats. Designed by Ram Vanji Sutar, the same sculptor who designed the worlds tallest statue the Statue of Unity belonging to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat.
Explore the spiritually significant Panch Kosi and 14-Kosi Parikramas, pilgrimage routes that lead through the sacred landscapes of Ayodhya. During Kartik Purnima, the city will come alive with the vibrant Kartik Mela, infusing the air with festive fervor.
Discover the architectural marvel of Sugreev Mahal and witness the spiritual ambiance at Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats along the banks of the Saryu River.
Kanak Bhawan, located in Tulsi Nagar near Ram Janmabhoomi, is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
Ayodhya is adorned with various temples, including the revered Hanumangarhi, Nageshwar Nath Temple, and the exquisite Birla Temple, each narrating a unique story of devotion.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan adds another layer to Ayodhya's cultural tapestry, honoring the great poet-saint Tulsidas. This comprehensive journey through Ayodhya's sacred and cultural landmarks promises a soulful experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual and historical legacy of this revered city.
Food for the soul
Indulge in Ayodhya's culinary treasures. Begin your gastronomic journey with Tehri, a fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and vibrant vegetables, offering a taste of Ayodhya's traditional cuisine.
Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of Lassi, for a heartier meal, savor the rustic flavors of Baati Chokha, (baati) paired with a spiced vegetable mash (chokha). T
he sweet tooth finds satisfaction in the locally beloved Peda, a milk-based sweet that encapsulates the region's sweet culinary heritage.
Explore the streets with Kachori Sabzi, a delightful combination of deep-fried bread stuffed with spiced lentils served alongside a savory vegetable curry.
Ayodhya's street food scene beckons with Chaat, a tantalizing medley of flavors and textures, and the classic Puri Sabzi.
Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained bullet injuries in a mob attack in ethnic violence-hit Manipurs Thoubal district late on Wednesday. The attack came hours after two police commandoes were killed in Moreh. (PTI)
Police said the mob fired at security forces and tried to vandalise and burn installations in the Meitei-dominated district. ...targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Khangabok, Thoubal district. Security forces repelled them using minimum necessary force, said a Manipur Police statement issued early Thursday.
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The statement added the mob also attempted to storm the Thoubal police headquarters, prompting the security forces to use force. It added some armed people from among the mob fired. The statement said the three BSF personnel Gourav Kumar, Sobram Singh, and Ramji were injured.
The attack came hours after two police commandoes, both Meiteis, were killed and six other policemen injured at Moreh in the Kuki-dominated Tengnoupal district and triggered protests in Imphal Valley.
The situation prompted the authorities to order a total curfew. The Manipur government has sought a helicopter from the Union government to airlift security personnel and ammunition to Moreh.
At least 200 people have been killed and around 50,000 displaced since ethnic violence between the Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities began in May last year.
GUWAHATI: Five civilians were killed and three BSF personnel injured in fresh violence that spread throughout several districts in Manipur on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. This comes a day after two police personnel were killed and six others injured in an attack by armed militants in Tengnoupal on Wednesday morning, taking the toll over the two days to seven dead and nine injured. mphal: Police personnel fire tear gas at women who came to meet Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, in Imphal, Thursday. (PTI)
Across Thursday, there were violent protests in several parts of the state that continued to be tense, with security personnel and the administration struggling to put a lid on violence that has now lasted eight months.
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Senior police officials confirmed that in Bishnupur district, four persons, all Meiteis, were killed by armed miscreants at Ningthong Kha Khunou around 2 pm on Thursday. The deceased have been identified as Ningthoujam Nabadeep (40), Oinam Bamonjao (63), Oinam Manitomba (37) and Thiyam Somen (56).
Four persons were killed in an attack by armed miscreants on Thursday afternoon. We have managed to recover all the bodies and sent them to Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for postmortem and other formalities, Meghachandra Singh, Bishnupur superintendent of police said.
The four killed were reportedly tilling a farm when they came under attack, and after the deaths, there were protests that erupted in several places in parts of the Imphal Valley. In a separate incident earlier in the morning, a gunfight broke out between armed village volunteers at Kangchup in Imphal West district, where a 23-year-old identified as Takhelambam Manoranjan, a Meitei, was killed.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been in the throes of ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community, and the tribal Kukis, with other communities increasingly sucked in to the violence that has continued unabated. Over the past eight months, at least 207 people have lost their lives, and over 50,000 people have been displaced.
The fallout of the long running-ethnic hostilities has meant that the Meiteis, who live largely in the plains of the Imphal valley, and the Kukis, who predominantly live in the hills, have withdrawn to their respective strongholds. In response, security forces have created buffer zones in different border districts, which have also been divided on ethnic lines. They have also set up camps and are posted on the highway to ensure that the groups remain separated, do not enter each others districts, and trigger violence. But often, militants from both groups use the hills and the jungle area to cross into other districts and attack each other, according to security officials. The sweeping ethnic violence has also led to the creation of community based armed defence volunteers, underlining how faultlines have deepened beyond the Meitei-Kuki divide, pitting different communities and groups against each other.
Thursdays incidents come after a violent Wednesday night, when three personnel from the Border Security Force sustained bullet injuries after a mob attacked security forces and police installations in Thoubal. An irate mob targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) in Khangabok, Thoubal district. Security forces repelled them using minimum necessary force, said a statement issued by Manipur Police around 1am on Thursday.
The statement added that the mob attempted to breach Thoubal police headquarters and that armed miscreants from among the mob fired with live rounds. As a result, three personnel from BSF sustained bullet injuries namely constable Gourav Kumar, ASI Sobram Singh, and ASI Ramji. The injured security forces have been evacuated to Raj Medicity for medical treatment, the statement said. Following the attack, total curfew was imposed in Thoubal.
Officials said that the attack was a reaction to events earlier on Wednesday morning when two police commandos, both Meiteis, were killed and six others were injured after they came under an RPG attack by armed militants in Moreh, bordering Myanmar. In view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the district, where total curfew was imposed from Tuesday, the Manipur government had even sought a helicopter from the union home ministry to airlift security personnel and ammunition to Moreh.
Kuldiep Singh, security adviser to the Manipur government, admitted that the heightened tension was a cause for concern, and said that forces across the state have been alerted. Forces are trying to tighten things but somehow or the other, Kuki militants are taking an active role in targeting innocent civilians and security forces all over, he said.
Chennai: Referring to Ayodhya's Ram Temple, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday said his party is not in agreement with a temple that was constructed after demolishing a mosque. Udhayanidhi Stalin (L) with Tamil Nadu chief minister ML Stalin. (File photo)
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin, said his grandfather, iconic politician MK Karunanidhi, had said the DMK wasn't against any particular religion or faith.
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"We don't have a problem with a temple coming up there. We are not in agreement with the construction of a temple after demolishing a mosque," the DMK Youth Wing chief said, referring to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, PTI reported.
The leader, who triggered a massive row last over over his Sanatan Dharma remark, said religion shouldn't be mixed with politics.
"Our Treasurer (T R Baalu) has already stated that spiritualism and politics should not be mixed," said Udhayanidhi.
The consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple will be held in Ayodhya on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other politicians, actors and hundreds of other celebrities have been invited to the event.
Also read: SC issues notice to Udhayanidhi Stalin over his eradicate Sanatan Dharma remarks
The Congress and many other Opposition parties, including CPI(M) and TMC, have turned down the invitation to the event saying the BJP is trying to exact political mileage from the religious ceremony.
After nearly three decades since the Babri demolition, the Supreme Court in 2019 ordered the construction of the temple on the disputed site. It also asked the authorities to provide a separate parcel of land for a grand mosque.
In September last year, Udhayanidhi Stalin courted controversy with his remark that Sanatana dharma was against the idea of social justice and must be eradicated.
"A few things cannot be opposed, that should be abolished only. We cant oppose dengue, mosquitoes, malaria, or corona. We have to eradicate this, thats how we have to eradicate Sanatana, Udhayanidhi had said.
Reacting to the remark, the BJP had accused Stalin of appeasement politics.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that he met his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Uganda's Kampala and that the two leaders had a "frank conversation" on ties between the two countries. EAM S Jaishankar with his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer.(X)
"Met Maldives FM Moosa Zameer today in Kampala. A frank conversation on India-Maldives ties. Also discussed NAM-related issues," Jaishankar posted on X.
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Zameer also posted about the meeting on the social media website, saying it was a pleasure to meet Jaishankar on the margins of the NAM Summit.
"We exchanged views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM," he wrote. "We are committed to further strengthening and expanding our cooperation."
The meeting between Jaishankar and Zameer came amid an unease in India's relationship with Maldives.
Maldives has recently asked India to withdraw its personnel from the Indian Ocean archipelago by March 15.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said that all Indian military personnel should be called back by this deadline. "Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration," Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, principal secretary to the Maldivian president, said during a media briefing.
While New Delhi is yet to officially respond to the demand, it has said that more discussions in this regard will be held for a resolution. Notably, there are around 70 Indian personnel, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives currently.
Prior to this, a row also erupted on social media earlier this month after the deputy minister of Maldives, along with some other ministers, made racist remarks targeting India and mocked Modi's attempt to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination.
Also Read | Maldives' Muizzu wants Indian personnel withdrawal before Majlis elections
The incident also triggered an online campaign to boycott the popular tourist destination, with prominent figures from the Indian film industry and celebrities endorsing the call to promote beach tourism in Lakshadweep and other domestic destinations.
After India strongly took up the issue with Male, the Maldivian government issued a statement distancing itself from the derogatory remarks made by the leaders and suspended three ministers - Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid.
PANAJI: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal landed in Goa on Thursday on a three-day visit along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann, saying the visit had been in the works for a long time. The Aam Aadmi Party has two MLAs in Goa and they have been doing a good job said Arvind Kejriwal (X/AamAadmiParty)
Kejriwal told reporters at the Mopa airport that he was in the state to meet the partys legislators and volunteers apart from other engagements.
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We have two MLAs here and they have been doing some good work. They have been working for a long time, especially Venzy (Viegas, Benaulim MLA) was calling me to see me a mohalla clinic that he has set up. Ill be meeting him as well as (state president) Amit Palekar, which whom I am scheduled to have dinner, Kejriwal said.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chiefs visit to Goa comes against the backdrop of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sending him notices to seek his appearance. On Thursday, Kejriwal called the fourth set of summons from the ED illegal, and alleging that they were part of a political conspiracy to stop him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Asked about the ED summons in Goa, Punjab chief minister Bhagwat Mann said: Let the ED do their work, we will do ours.
We have the government in Punjab and Delhi. We are doing some very good work in the health sector, education, infrastructure, power and water supply. We had been to Gujarat recently and held meetings with all our MLAs and with the public on how much work is being done, how much money they are getting, whether they are happy with the work of their opposition MLAs. We have come to do the same thing in Goa -- meet volunteers, MLAs, Mann said.
We are expecting that now since we are a national party, we will travel the country, he said.
On Friday Kejriwal will visit the two constituencies represented by the AAPs MLAs in south Goa before holding meetings with partys supporters and volunteers later in the day.
Leonardo DiCaprio says he felt a great deal of responsibility getting Killers of the Flower Moon right.
This was a very dark chapter in American history, he says of the Osage Nation murders depicted in the film. We needed to tell the story correctly and that meant we had to listen.
Before and during filming, DiCaprio, co-star Lily Gladstone and director Martin Scorsese sought the advice of the Osage community and pored over considerable research compiled by author David Grann.
The Osage are still affected by this moment in history, he says. We just knew it was our job and our responsibility to listen and get their perspective. A lot of those meetings (resulted in) the movie that you see today.
In the film, DiCaprio plays a white soldier who marries a Native woman, played by Gladstone. Because oil had been discovered on Osage land, Indigenous women were wealthy. As a result, theres a desire to get their money any way possible. The soldiers uncle (played by Robert DeNiro) tells him hell get her oil rights if he survives her.
Contract killings, mysterious deaths and rampant illness suggest somethings afoot.
To understand the sense of dread that permeated the community, Gladstone and DiCaprio, listened to tribal members.
It was actually kind of a fun acting exercise, Gladstone says. It reminded me of being in school again, where youre just given text without any context.
The key was to find the love that was in the relationship. Just as Ernest (DiCaprios character) maintained until the day he died, Gladstone says. Since there are no living people who knew Mollie (her character), we started looking to the legacy of who they were in stories of how their kids were.
Stories about Cowboy and Elizabeth, their children, informed what the parents wouldve been like, she says.
An early scene, in which Mollie outdrinks Ernest was abandoned because the community didnt feel like that was Mollie, Gladstone says. They said Mollie wouldve enjoyed a glass of whisky, but she wasnt known for being somebody who could handle liquor like her sister, so the scene changed.
DiCaprio and Gladstone improvised moments throughout the film, including a first car ride. Mollie says something to him in the Osage language and Ernest says, It must be Indian for handsome devil.
That was Gladstones idea, DiCaprio says. We knew that this entire movie and the entire structure of the narrative was reliant on this love story working.
Scorsese told Gladstone he saw The Heiress as an inspiration for the film. Whats nice (about that) is Osage ladies really do fill that grace, that regality the way classic stars of the era did, Gladstone says. In The Heiress, Olivia de Havillands character came from an oppressive patriarchal society, whereas Mollie comes from a matrilocal society. De Havillands character was told she was worthless. Mollie comes from a community where families celebrate when a daughter is born.
De Havilland, she says, showed how to hold the screen.
Killers of the Flower Moon, she says, is a reimagining with Native American women from a very woman-loving, woman-supportive society.
While prepping the film, we were in a bit of a free fall, Gladstone says. We werent certain this dynamic was going to function on screen the way that it clearly did in reality. Once editor Thelma Schoonmaker cut scenes together, the dynamic started to emerge. Thelma could see we were solving this big puzzle.
DiCaprio got to see film footage of the real Ernest talking about Mollie: The one quote was, Well, she was a good one. I felt the entire community had their take on this relationship. We developed this love story very much based on those stories. And, strangely, enough, I felt like I had more than enough to work with to create Ernest as a character.
An FIR was registered against the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' and its chief organiser KB Byju for allegedly deviating from its permitted route inside Jorhat town in Assam on Thursday, police said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, in Jorhat, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (PTI)
According to an official, the march took a different turn in the town instead of going towards KB Road as permitted, and it led to a "chaotic situation" in the area.
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"Some people fell due to the sudden rush of people and a stampede-like situation was created. A suo motu FIR has been registered at Jorhat Sadar Police Station against the Yatra and its chief organiser," he added.
According to the official, the FIR mentioned that the Yatra did not follow the district administration's norms and it violated road safety norms.
When contacted, Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia told PTI that the FIR was a ploy to create unnecessary obstacles before the Yatra.
"There was no police manning the traffic diversion at the PWD point. The assigned route was too small and we had a huge gathering. So, we took a detour for just a few metres. Himanta Biswa Sarma is scared of the Yatra's success on the first day (in Assam) and now wants to derail it," he added.
The Assam leg of the march will continue till January 25. It will travel 833 km in 17 districts.
The Yatra, led by the Congress MP, commenced from Manipur on January 14 and will culminate on March 20 in Mumbai.
It has been planned that the Yatra will cover 6,713 km in 67 days while passing through 110 districts in 15 states.
As Republic Day nears, there is yet again the annual row over which state or department makes it to the tableau that's an integral part of the parade. Opposition states like Delhi, West Bengal, Punjab and Karnataka have complained that the Union government has deliberately left them out but the defence ministry has said that the process of choosing tableaux has nothing to do with politics. So how does the system work? HT spoke with officials to find out how each department and state is selected to find pride of place in the R Day parade.
The process
18 to 24 different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force (total nearly 55) with their bands marching past in all their finery. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this parade. Approximately 15 tableaux from states/UTs are selected for the Republic Day parade, and a selection is made on a zonal basis and states need to meet some guidelines set by the defence ministry. Between six and eight ministries also participate in the parade.
An expert committee set up by the defence ministry is involved in selecting the tableaux.
The final selection depends on a combination of factors such as visual appeal, potential impact on the public, idea or theme of the tableaux, degree of detail, accompanying music, and use of local resources. The selected models are then moved into the custody of the defence ministry, at a safe location. The evaluation process typically extends over five to six rounds of meetings.
A state can pitch multiple proposals to the committee but only one is chosen for the final parade. The defence ministry argues that only a limited number of tableaux can be selected due to time constraints and to ensure that the best get selected.
The protocol and the allegation of politics
This often leads to tussles between state governments and the Centre. Like in 2020, at least 16 proposals from states and UTs were rejected including the ones from Maharashtra and West Bengal.
Back then, the defence ministry had argued that West Bengals tableau was rejected because the pitches made were similar to Central schemes, like the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme of the WB government was similar to the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao scheme launched by the Modi government,
In 2022, the Union government rejected the Republic Day tableau submissions from Kerala and West Bengal, two states led by opposition parties and gave similar reasons.
In 2023, the Karnataka tableau was rejected initially but after a backlash, the defence ministry had included it in the list.
This year the defence ministry has proposed a rotational plan to ensure that states and UTs get a chance to display their tableaux at the Republic Day parade within a three-year rolling plan, people aware of the development said.
Multiple discussions were held with Resident Commissioners from various states and UTs at a meeting chaired by the defence secretary and after four rounds of meetings, 16 states and UTs were selected for this years parade.
The states which made it to the list are Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh.
The two themes for this year are Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Bharat: Loktantra ki Matruka (India: Mother of Democracy).
To encourage new talent, the culture ministry had empanelled 30 agencies for the design and fabrication of tableaux through an open selection process.
The ministry had also considered recommendations from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to form an expert committee for the selection process, on the basis of their eminence in the field of arts, architecture, sculpture, music and dance among others.
However, this year too some states are at loggerheads with the Centre over the disqualification of their tableaux. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Punjabs chief minister, Bhagwant Mann, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal have criticised the move.
The selection of tableaux was carried out in the most transparent and consultative manner giving equal opportunity to all the States/UTs irrespective of the ruling dispensation, the defence ministry has said.
While defending the selection process, the ministry pointed out how the tableaux of Opposition-ruled states of Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Meghalaya had been selected by this years expert committee, adding: On the other hand States such as Uttarakhand and Goa etc. have not been selected.
Siddaramaiah said that the Central Government had insulted the seven crore Kannadigas by denying the opportunity for the state's tableau at the Republic Day parade.
We had conceptualised the tableau of Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar to depict his immense contributions to democracy and development of our state.The fact that the Congress government is in power in the state seems to be a concerning factor to the BJP-led Central Government. Now, by denying the state the opportunity in the tableau presentation, it has attacked our identity again, Siddaramaiah wrote in a post on X.
Karnataka has displayed its tableau in the Republic Day parade every year from 2015 to 2023.
Mann alleged that the Union government was saffronising the Republic Day and Independence Day events
The power-mad Centre is demeaning and humiliating the enormous sacrifices made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle.the BJP government is playing dirty tactics to humiliate Punjab. This indifferent treatment is unacceptable and unwarranted, Mann had said after receiving a letter from the Centre stating that their tableaux were rejected.
The AAP after Delhis tableaux were rejected said that the move was politically motivated.
"The Delhi government wanted to showcase its education and health model at the Republic Day parade," AAP's spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said while adding that the tableaux of BJP-governed states like Assam and Gujarat have been given opportunities continuously for the last five years.
In its argument, the defence ministry said the states, which did not get selected for the parade have been invited to showcase their tableaux at Bharat Parv from 23rd to 31st January 2024 at Red Fort.
So far 28 States including Karnataka are signatories to the MoU. In accordance with the MoU, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, J&K, Goa, Assam and Uttarakhand will take part in Bharat Parv, Red Fort, Delhi, the ministry said.
Three of the 11 men convicted of gang raping Bilkis Bano and murdering her seven relatives during the 2002 Gujarat riots have cited family responsibilities, aged parents, winter crop harvest, and failing health while seeking an extension of the deadline for surrendering by January 21. The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to list the plea on Friday. (AFP)
The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to list on Friday the applications of the three, days after it quashed the early release of the convicts. On January 6, the court said the Gujarat government was complicit with the convicts and wrongly exercised its power to order their release in August 2022. The court nullified a 2022 judgment directing Gujarat to consider the remission applications of the convicts, saying it was obtained by playing fraud.
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Mitesh Chimanlal Bhatt, 62, sought six more weeks to surrender in an application filed late Wednesday. ...the applicant needs 5 to 6 weeks for harvesting and other processes to be completed. He said he was unmarried while urging the court to consider his advanced age and that he had undergone cataract surgery.
Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana, 58, a second convict, told the court he was on medication after undergoing angiography. He added surrendering immediately would adversely impact his mental and physical health while seeking six weeks to surrender.
Chandana said his crop was ready for harvest and he is the only male member in the family. He added his 86-year-old mother suffers from multiple age-related ailments. Chandana sought time to make viable arrangements for her before surrendering.
Govindbhai Nai, 55, another convict, sought four weeks claiming he is the only caretaker of his ailing 88-year-old father and 75-year-old mother. The respondent himself is an old man who is suffering from asthma and in really poor health...was recently operated upon and had to undergo an angiography. He added he has two dependent children.
Bano was three-month pregnant when she was gang raped. Her three-year-old daughter was among seven of her relatives killed in the riots, which claimed the lives of 1,000 people. Bano and her family were among those trying to escape when they were attacked in a forested region. The attack left 14 people, including seven members of Banos family, dead.
The Union Jal Shakti ministry on Wednesday asked the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments to hand over the operation and maintenance of the Nagarjunasagar major irrigation project on Krishna river to the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), while continuing the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to control the security at the dam, people familiar with the matter said. The meeting was held in the backdrop of a tense atmosphere that prevailed on the interstate Nagarjunsagar dam on November 29 (Wikkimedia commons)
Secretary of Jal Shakti department Debashree Mukherjee conveyed the information to the senior officials of the irrigation departments of both the states during a meeting held in New Delhi recently, the people quoted earlier said.
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The meeting was held in the backdrop of a tense atmosphere that prevailed on the interstate Nagarjunsagar dam on November 29, a day before the polling for assembly elections.
The irrigation department authorities of Andhra Pradesh allegedly trespassed into the project site along with their state police, clashed with the Telangana police and took control over half of the project spillway and put up barricades and barbed wire fencing till 13th gate out of total 26 crest gates to prevent the Telangana police and the irrigation officials entering into their territory.
Later, the irrigation officials of the Andhra Pradesh government released around 2,500 cusecs of Krishna water from the dam to meet the drinking water needs of their region for a couple of days, till the Centre intervened and took control over the project with the help of CRPF.
At Wednesdays meeting, Mukherjee said that the entire project would be taken over by the KRMB, including the power project and water outlets through which water is released to Andhra Pradesh on the right side and Telangana on the left side.
However, the officials of both the states said since it is a policy decision, they would take up the matter with the respective state governments and get back to the Centre, an official of the Telangana irrigation department privy to the meeting said on the condition of anonymity.
The officials said that there were several technical issues involved in the operation and maintenance of the Nagarjunasagar dam and they cannot be handled by the KRMB alone.
However, there was a consensus on continuing the CRPF security at the dam till a final decision is taken, the official added.
New Delhi: Congress stalwart P Chidambaram appeared to be visibly uncomfortable with a media query on the Adani Group's proposed investment in Congress-ruled Telangana. At a press conference on the party's Lok Sabha polls manifesto on Wednesday, Chidambaram deflected the question on his leader Rahul Gandhi's bete noire to party colleague Supriya Shrinate, who refused to comment. Congress leaders P. Chidambaram , T.S. Singh Deo and Supriya Shrinate address a press conference at AICC headquarters, in New Delhi.(PTI)
Asked about the investment proposal, P Chidambaram swiftly moved the mic towards Shrinate. The video of the incident has gone viral.
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Supriya Shrinate requested the media to ask queries linked to the manifesto.
"I think this is the press conference for the manifesto. We should concentrate on this topic only. Please don't mind. But manifesto launch is a big thing," she said.
Senior Congress MP Rahul Gandhi often accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of providing undue benefits to industrialist Gautam Adani. He calls Adani Modi's "friend". Several other Opposition leaders also accuse the government of promoting crony capitalism.
Also read: 'Jitna paisa Narendra Modi Adani ko deta hai...: Rahul Gandhi's retort to PM's 'moorkh' jibe
The Adani Group on Thursday signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Revanth Reddy-led Telangana government for an investment of over 12,400 crore.
Reddy signed the deal with Adani himself. The Adani Group will invest 5000 crore for a data center, 5000 crore for two pup storage projects and 1400 crore for a cement plant.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Khushboo Sundar slammed the DMK as well over the same matter.
"Here, even a shameless DMK is not different. After singing a tune of "Adani is Modi, Modi is Adani" , they have signed up a 42700 crores pact with Adani group. Yet they won't accept that #Adanis are the best in business and our PM Narendra Modi ji will work only with the best to ensure the growth of this country. No mediocrity is acceptable, unlike the CONgress times when all that mattered was how much of commission cut they were getting," she wrote on X.
The Congress high command on Wednesday announced the names of National Students Union of India (NSUI) Telangana unit president Balmoor Venkat Narsing Rao and Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Bomma Mahesh Kumar Goud as the party candidates for by-elections to the state legislative council elections. An announcement to this effect was made by All India Congress Committee general secretary K C Venugopal as per the directions of party president Mallikarjun Kharge (HT Archive)
An announcement to this effect was made by All India Congress Committee general secretary K C Venugopal as per the directions of party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
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The by-elections to the two MLC seats under MLAs quota were necessitated with the resignation of two Bharat Rashtra Samithi members of the legislative council Kadiyam Srihari and Padi Kaushik Reddy after they got elected to the state assembly in the November 30 elections.
The Election Commission notified the two vacancies and commenced the election process by issuing two notifications on January 11. The last date for the nominations is Thursday and the election, if necessary, would be held on January 29.
Since the Congress has absolute majority in the state assembly, it can win both the seats comfortably without any contest. Both Venkat Rao and Mahesh Goud will file nominations on Thursday, a statement from the PCC said.
According to a PCC leader familiar with the development, the AICC on Tuesday sent a message to the state Congress that it had finalised the names of Venkat Rao and prominent Dalit leader Addanki Dayakar from Suryapet district.
Both were asked to file nominations on Wednesday afternoon. But at the eleventh hour, Dayakars name was dropped and Mahesh Gouds name was finalised, the PCC leader quoted above said.
Dayakar, however, said he was not disappointed with the high commands decision. The partys decision is paramount and I shall abide by it. I hope the party will provide me with another good opportunity very soon, Dayakar posted on social media platform.
The Congress on Thursday issued a show cause notice to the party's national media panellist Alok Sharma for allegedly making derogatory remarks against senior party leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, PTI reported. Congress leaders Alok Sharma and Kamal Nath.(X)
The notice, issued by the chairperson of Congress' media and publicity department Pawan Khera, urged Sharma to explain why he made the remarks against Nath.
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Sharma, during an interaction with a media channel, said that he wonders whether Kamal Nath was aligning with the BJP during elections. He had said that there should have been introspection by the Congress leadership into Nath's actions during the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections.
The BJP swept the Madhya Pradesh assembly election by winning 163 of 230 seats, successfully beating anti-incumbency. The win came at a time when the saffron party, contested the election for the first time in 20 years without a chief ministerial face.
Also Read | Congress Working Panel calls for Bharat Jodo 2.0; KamalNath blamed for MP poll loss
The election also marked the BJP's first time participating without a designated chief ministerial candidate in 20 years. The Congress managed to win only 66 seats.
In Thursday's notice, Khera directed Sharma to explain within two days his position, failing which appropriate action would be initiated against him.
Khera said that the statements, coming from an office bearer like Sharma are unauthorised, baseless and defamatory, according to PTI.
These statements, coming from a senior office bearer such as yourself, are not only unauthorised, baseless and defamatory but also demonstrate an attempt to undermine the party and your senior colleagues, Khera said in the notice to Sharma.
"Being a member of the Indian National Congress, you are aware that the party discipline is sacrosanct and any violation of the same, has severe consequences. Hence, you are hereby put to notice and given two days from the receipt of this notice to provide your clarification on your statements," it added, according to the news agency.
The Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday held the second round of seat-sharing talks in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but no final decision was made, even as both sides expressed confidence of reaching a fruitful agreement soon. Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, SP secretary general Ram Gopal Yadav in Delhi. (ANI)
The discussions that lasted for two hours were held at the residence of Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, who is also the convener of the partys seat-sharing committee, and attended by senior leaders from both allies in the opposition INDIA bloc.
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For the Congress, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, senior leader Salman Khurshid and Mohan Prakash besides UP party chief Ajay Rai took part in the talks, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) was represented by party national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav, Rajya Sabha member Javed Ali Khan and former legislator Udaiveer Singh.
Khurshid, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, said there are clear signs of a rainbow and added that both sides put across their wish lists that yielded a good and productive conversation.
We held talks with the Samajwadi Party and our tie-up will happen with them. We explained to each other everything in detail and understood the other side too, he said. We cannot tell anything on numbers till a final decision is taken. However, we held a very good discussion today and I am hopeful of a very good alliance in Uttar Pradesh.
The senior leader said that details of each seat in Uttar Pradesh, which sends the highest 80 members to the Lok Sabha in the country, were shared by both sides during the meeting.
We are hopeful that we will receive their suggestions and then we will finalise our plans. We will decide on which seats we will contest. We have put forth details of seats that each one of us wants to contest, he added.
Senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav also sounded enthusiastic after the meeting. We have covered half the distance (of seat-sharing talks) and the remaining half will be covered soon, he told reporters.
When asked if former chief minister Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will be taken on board, Yadav said: So far, we are talking to the Congress and the Congress is talking to us.
Earlier this week, Mayawati announced that her party will not join either the INDIA bloc or the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming general elections.
A senior SP leader aware of details said both parties held talks on seat by seat. The INDIA bloc will contest all the 80 UP seats. The Congress placed its arguments on the seats it wants to contest, and similarly, the SP team put forth its arguments for the seats it wants to contest. Congress is not opposed to most of the seats the SP is claiming, the leader said, requesting anonymity. But there are some seats where the claims are overlapping. The next meeting will be held soon to sort out those.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who was on a person visit to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, expressed confidence there would not be any glitches in seat-sharing talks among the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc.
I am confident that the sharing of seats will be proper. The Samajwadi Party, Congress and our allies together will defeat the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav told reporters. He also put behind the feud between his party and the Congress in the run-up to the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, saying it was a thing of the past.
Former Union minister Khurshid also said the two parties hope to zero in on all seats in the third meeting, which will be held soon. The third round of meeting will primarily focus on ascertaining which party expresses a preference for contesting specific seats and identifying seats where a united front can be established, he said.
On a question of another INDIA constituent Rashtriya Lok Dals share of seats, Khurshid said the SP will deliberate with the RLD, adding it does not warrant Congresss involvement.
New Delhi: The ministry of external affairs on Thursday said that India is deeply concerned about the situation unfolding in the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea as attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial vessels in the region impact not only the countrys economic interests but of others too. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (Twitter Photo)
Whatever is happening there impacts not just us but the economic interests and several other interests of so many people across the world. We are closely monitoring the situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to a question during a weekly press briefing.
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His comments came on a day Indias guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam swiftly responded to a distress call made by Marshall Islands-flagged merchant vessel Genco Picardy that came under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden. The incident is the latest in a series of drone and pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the region.
The situation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the violence there and the destabilised nature of things were discussed by external affairs minister S Jaishankar with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran on January 15, he said.
Also Read: Indian warship responds to drone attack on merchant vessel in Gulf of Aden
We are deeply concerned about the whole situation. Its an important shipping lane, not just for India, but for the entire world. We have our own interests there, which are being impacted. But at the same time, we have the Indian Navy, which is patrolling the area, trying to secure the sea lanes and doing its best so that our economic interests are not impacted, Jaiswal said.
The Indian Navy has stepped up surveillance in the troubled region substantially and deployed task groups consisting of around ten warships following the recent attacks on India-bound merchant vessels, including MV Chem Pluto and MV Saibaba.
The Iran-backed Houthi militia has been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. The fraught situation in the seas is not to the benefit of any party, and this must be recognised, Jaishankar said at a joint press conference with Iranian minister Amir-Abdollahian on January 15.
On the former Indian Navy personnel detained in Qatar, the spokesperson said India was recently granted consular access to them, and the Indian ambassador and other officials from the embassy met the veterans and enquired about their well-being.
A Qatari court on December 28 commuted the death sentence given to eight former Indian Navy personnel earlier in 2023 and sentenced them to prison for varying durations.
The ruling by Qatars Court of Appeal came during the hearing of an appeal by the families of the eight men, who were detained in August 2022 on undeclared charges.
Also Read: No shortage of fertilisers but Red Sea crisis hampering shipments: Mandaviya
Reports have suggested they were accused of espionage, though Qatari and Indian authorities havent provided details of the charges against them.
The legal team is looking into the appeal aspect. There is a 60-day period within which they must file this appeal before the Court of Cassation. The Court of Appeal gave its verdict on December 28. We still have some time, Jaiswal said.
India remains committed to taking forward its development agenda with the Maldives, he said, adding that at a time when the bilateral ties are under pressure following President Mohamed Muizzus call for the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelago by March 15.
We remain committed to our projects and to taking them forward. We have been an important development partner of the Maldives. We remain committed to doing all things that we can do as a development partner of the Maldives, Jaiswal said.
Muizzu made the demand as the high-level core group set up by India and the Maldives held its first meeting in Male on January 14.
Jaiswal said the next meeting of the core group set will be held in India soon.
Also Read: Working with Tehran on the Red Sea crisis
The core group held detailed discussions (in Male) on several aspects of the bilateral relationship. Both sides held discussions on finding a mutually workable solution to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. The next meeting of the core group is to be held in India soon to take the discussions forward, he added.
India and the Maldives agreed to set up the high-level core group when Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the margins of COP28 in December.
The groups meeting was held against the backdrop of a dramatic downturn in bilateral relations since the election victory last year of Muizzu, who has sought to move the Maldives closer to China. Following his return from a visit to China, Muizzu announced a slew of measures apparently aimed at curtailing the Maldives dependence on India in key sectors such as healthcare and food security.
Following several victories in court battles and being recognised by the Election Commission as AIADMKs general secretary, Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) now faces a litmus test in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. Hitherto, EPS has enjoyed the complete support of his party, barring a few, who backed O Panneerselvam (OPS) and the perceived rebels have been expelled. But, recently there has been a quiet discontent within the party even among those close to EPS. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami distributes sweets among the party supporters on the 107th birth anniversary of party founder MGR, at party headquarters, in Chennai on Wednesday (ANI)
There is a grouse that EPS isnt active as the leader of the opposition in taking on the ruling DMK on several issues. Some party workers believe that EPS should have been vociferous in December last year when the heavy rains from Cyclone Michaung flooded the state. Though he criticised the DMK government over its management of flood relief in Chennai, But, we could have still done more to take on the DMK during the floods, a second-line AIADMK leader said on condition of anonymity.
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The leader also pointed out how EPS failed to react when K Ponmudi was disqualified as higher education minister after the Madras high court convicted him in a corruption case last year. With this, the cabinet is short of two ministers since Senthil Balaji, who is in jail, remains a minister without a portfolio.
The cadre really needs a win and some encouragement, the party leader added.
Even when they were in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Dravidian party had internal consultations that the national party was taking up more space and visibility than the opposition. Now, despite EPS taking a bold step to leave BJP last September, some members believe that he isnt leveraging his position with only months to go for the parliamentary polls.
After all, he has overcome so many struggles to be the sole leader of the party, so he needs to be more visible in opposing the DMK, a second leader not wishing to be named said.
AIADMK has lost every election since the death of J Jayalalithaa in December 2016. However, EPS led the party to a credible performance despite losing to the DMK in the 2021 assembly elections. The AIADMK coalition registered a 33.29% vote share with the Dravidian major alone winning 66 out of the 234 assembly seats.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK is still clutched together in public.
Under our general secretary, we will contest the Lok Sabha elections without a Prime Ministerial face and make people aware of the failings of the ruling DMK. We will win the 2026 assembly elections and anna (brother) EPS will form the government in Tamil Nadu again, said AIADMK leader, D Jayakumar. We will go full throttle in our campaign from now, he added.
Another leader RB Udhayakumar maintained that EPS is the only leader who can continue to work like his stalwart predecessors, Late J Jayalalithaa and party founder MG Ramachandran (MGR).
We have unshakeable faith in him. He will come back as chief minister, he asserted.
A Billings man admitted Wednesday to offering meth to a teenager in exchange for sexual acts.
Bradley Engelhardt Thompson pleaded guilty in Yellowstone County District Court to felony counts of child sex abuse and drug possession with intent to distribute. The 40-year-old reached a plea agreement with county prosecutors after criminal charges were filed last year. His guilty plea followed an investigation on the part of state and federal authorities.
In May 2023, court documents said agents with the FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation were aware that Thompson was giving meth to teenage girls at his South Side home. Police spoke with several of the girls, none of whom said they had sex with Thompson in exchange for drugs. However, Thompson did offer at least one girl money in exchange for lewd pictures.
That same month, Thompson began an online exchange with an underage girl, during which he badgered the girl to meet with him and sent a picture of what appeared to be meth. Thompson then started exchanging messages with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, sending her photos of his penis and encouraging her to send him pictures of herself.
Police arrested Thompson on May 31, 2023, according to court documents, and found him carrying a baggie containing meth. He agreed to speak with investigators, and said he had 17- and 18-year-olds at this home while he smoked meth, but he wasnt sure if any others smoked from his bong. None of the girls at his home ever paid Thompson for meth, he said, but he frequently shared the drug with others.
Thompson was booked into Yellowstone County Detention Facility that same day. He was initially charged with prostitution of a child and possession with intent to distribute. Thompson, who was previously sentenced for drug possession, remained in custody on a $250,000 bond.
In exchange for Thompsons guilty plea, prosecutors are recommending he be sentenced to 25 years in prison for child sex abuse, with no time suspended, and five years for drug possession to run concurrently. In Montana, a conviction for child sex abuse comes with the possibility of up to life in prison.
Thompson entered his guilty pleas Wednesday via teleconference, appearing before Yellowstone County District Judge Jessica Fehr via Zoom. His sentencing will be scheduled after he undergoes a psychosexual evaluation.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will no longer accept Aadhaar card as a valid proof for date of birth. EPFO which comes under the Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Government of India, made the announcement through a circular (No: WSU/2024/1/UIDAI Matter/4090) on Tuesday. The decision has been made with the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC). The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) will no longer accept Aadhaar card as a valid proof for date of birth(File photo)
EPFO has followed a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). As per UIDAIs directive (Circular No. 08 of 2023), Aadhaar was being considered as proof for date of birth by several beneficiaries. Aadhaar, while a unique identifier, was not recognized as proof of date of birth according to the Aadhaar Act, 2016. In its directive, UIDAI emphasized that Aadhaar was a proof of identity, not proof of birth.
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In light of UIDAIs directive, EPFO has removed Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents for correcting date of birth. The circular noted that Aadhaars removal pertained to Table-B of Annexure-1 of the Joint Declaration SOP issued earlier.
ALSO READ| 42% rural children in 14-18 age group can't read easy sentences in English: Report
Necessary modification in EPFO's application software will be made to align with the updated guidelines. Internal System Division (ISD) will make the necessary changes. EPFO has directed all its zonal and regional offices to ensure widespread implementation of the latest guidelines.
Notably, recent court judgments, including the one by the Bombay High Court, reinforced that Aadhaar could not be considered as proof of date of birth.
Here are the documents which are valid as proof of Date of Birth for EPFO
-Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths
-Marksheet issued by any recognised Government Board or University
-School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/ School Transfer Certificate (TC)/ SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth
-Certificate based on the service records
-PAN card
-Central/ State Pension Payment Order
-Domicile Certificate issued by the Government
-Medical certificate issued by Civil Surgeon after examining the member medically and supported with an affidavit on oath by the member duly authenticated by a competent court.
Mysuru: The Mysuru farmers association staged a protest on Tuesday against the alleged auctioning of a farmers house despite him having repaid a loan. . HT Image
Farmers said Doreswami had got a loan of 15 lakh in 2013 from Krishnarajanagara branch of Karnataka Gramin Bank where he offered his house deed as collateral. They claimed that while Doreswami made regular payments on a monthly basis, covering both interest and principal amount, the bank authorities had still auctioned his house to a single bidder. This prompted more than 50 farmers to stage a protest at the Karnataka Gramin Bank, accusing the bank of illegally seizing the property. Doreswami said he has repaid nearly 19 lakh till now.
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However, the bank authorities refuted the allegations made by the farmers.
The farmer availed a loan of 15 lakh from the K R Nagar branch of the bank in 2013, but he started defaulting on the payments after some time, Shankar Narayana, the banks regional manager, told HT. Though we initiated the legal proceedings to recover the payment, we halted it in 2020-21 owing to Covid. Then in 2022, we again started the process under Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, added Narayana.
While the farmer approached the debts recovery tribunal (DRT), seeking stay on the auction, the tribunal declined, the official said.
The e-auction is pending and the bank has to recover an outstanding amount of 44.5 lakh from the farmer. We are even ready for one one-time settlement but the farmer is not cooperating. The customer availed loan by mortgage category, so it does not come under the agriculture category, said the regional manager.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be conducting the first round of tests for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Indias own space station which will be the hub for conducting micro-gravity studies, international collaborative research and further studies around space biology and medicine, chairman S Somanath said on Thursday. Isro scientists said the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will serve as a gateway to interplanetary missions for India. (ANI file photo)
Speaking to Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the India International Science Festival in Faridabad on Thursday, Somanath said that the space agency is currently focusing on setting up the Indian Space Station, the preliminary version of which is expected to go up by 2028.
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By next year we are hoping to conduct the first round of tests for the space station, the Isro chief said.
Last year, Isro confirmed that before the final space station is set up in 2035, the space agency will be setting up a preliminary version in 2028.
The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will have a crew command module, habitat module, propulsion module and docking ports. The entire capsule is estimated to have a mass of around 25 tonnes, which will be increased in the future depending on the expansion of the station.
A basic model of the space station is expected to be put in orbit by 2028, by 2035 we will have the full, expanded version of it. I have been reviewing some of the designs, Somanath said.
Also Read: For Gaganyaan astronauts, Isro may opt for Russian-made spacesuits
In a review meeting with the department of space in October last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set ambitious targets for Indias future space missions, announcing that Isro will be setting up an Indian Space Station by 2035 and will be sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
Building on the success of the Indian space initiatives, including the recent Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions, the Prime Minister directed that India should now aim for new and ambitious goals, including setting up Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and sending first Indian to the Moon by 2040, PM was quoted in an official statement in October.
The department of space, which oversees the operations of Isro, was also directed to develop a roadmap for Indias future Moon exploration missions, which would essentially work towards planning subsequent series of the Chandrayaan mission, the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which would be equipped to undertake return missions, the construction of a new launch pad and the setting up human-centric laboratories and associated technologies.
Currently, there is already an International Space Station which is in orbit, which brings together international flight crews, multiple launch vehicles, globally distributed launch and flight operations, training, engineering, and development facilities, communications networks, and the international scientific research community.
The space station was designed between 1984 and 1993 and elements of it were in constructed around US, Canada, Japan, and Europe.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the ISS is the largest humanmade object ever to orbit Earth, having a pressurised volume of approximately 900 m3 (31,000 ft3) and a mass of over 400,000 kg (900,000 lbs). It orbits at an altitude of between 370km and 460km (200250 nmi).
Isro scientists said the Bharatiya Antariksh Station will serve as a gateway to interplanetary missions for India and will also become an international platform for collaborative space research.
There is a committee that has been formed that is dedicatedly overseeing the progress of space station designs. This will be a major milestone for Indian space programme, said a senior ministry official.
PANAJI: The Goa police is unlikely to seek further custody of Suchana Seth, 39, who was arrested on January 8 on charges of killing her four-year-old son at a resort in north Goas Candolim, police officials familiar with the investigation said on Thursday. Suchana Seth, accused of murdering her four-year-old son in Goa, was produced before the court in Panaji on January 15. (ANI FILE)
Seth will be produced before a judge at the end of her police custody on Friday and is likely to be remanded in judicial custody. A police officer said she has been consistently stonewalled investigators on the events leading up to the childs death and insisted that she woke up to find him dead.
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She has offered no further detail of the murder. We have gathered sufficient evidence, a police officer said on condition of anonymity.
Police said the bitter custody battle between Seth and her estranged husband PR Venkatraman was the most likely motive for the murder.
A family court in Bangalore had granted her husband visitation rights every Sunday between 10am and 4pm but save for the first few Sundays after the order, Seth avoided giving her husband access to the child in violation of the Court order. Instead, she travelled to Goa including on the Christmas and New Years weekends before making the fatal last minute trip to Goa on January 6 during which she is alleged to have committed the murder.
The grisly crime was confirmed when Suchana Seth was nabbed in Karnatakas Chitradurga district, just 160 km short of Bengaluru, in a dramatic operation that involved Goa police officers contacting the driver of the Toyota Innova she had hurriedly arranged and telling him to drive to the nearest police station.
Seth, who founded the Bengaluru-based firm The Mindful AI in 2020 after stints at Harvard University and Raman Research Institute, is currently in custody of the Calangute police station after being booked under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code, and section 8 of the Goa Childrens Act (Child Abuse and Trafficking).
Ahmedabad: At least five school children went missing after the boat carrying a group of students capsized in the Harini Lake in Vadodara in Gujarat on Thursday, officials aware of the matter said. (Representative Photo)
The boat was ferrying 27 students of a private school in Vadodara who had gone for a picnic. The boat was overloaded and there were no life jackets on board, the official said.
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A senior police official, when contacted, said rescue operations were on and the rescued people were admitted to different hospitals for treatment. The police declined to comment on the death toll or the total number of people who had gone missing.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel took to X to express grief over the incident.
The incident of children drowning after the boat capsized in Vadodaras Harani lake is extremely heartbreaking. I pray for the peace of the souls of the innocent children who lost their lives, he wrote.
He added, My deepest condolences to his family in this hour of sorrow. May the Merciful God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The rescue operation of the students and teachers on board the boat is currently going on. The administration has been instructed to provide immediate relief and treatment to the victims of the accident, he wrote.
AGARTALA: A truck driver from Haryanas Sonipat arrested in Tripura with 456kg of cannabis hidden in the vehicle has been sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment by a Tripura court. Trucks parked during a strike by drivers over new penal provisions in Nagpur, (PTI/REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)
Harpal Singh, 51, and his associate, Naveen, 39, were arrested by officers of Mungiakami police station in Khowai district on April 6, 2022. During a search of the 12-wheel truck, police officers found 456kg of dry cannabis hidden in a compartment in the drivers cabin.
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....accused person namely Harpal Singh is convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 14 ( fourteen) years and fine of Rs. 100,000/- in default to undergo rigorous imprisonment for another 06 ( six months) , so as to send a clear message to the society to deter other like minded criminals to commit such crime in future, the court order said. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday but the order was only made available on Thursday.
The court did not pronouce the verdict in connection with Naveen since he is absconding.
The court said the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 mandates a jail term ranging from 10 to 20 years, in addition to a fine of not less than 100,000, and a maximum of Rs. 200,000.
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 18 (ANI): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla at the grand temple on January 22, Kameshwar Chaupal, a member of the Ram Janmbhoomi Teertha Kshetra, said that Indian culture is being "revived" under the leadership of PM Modi, "who has been connected with spirituality since his childhood." HT Image
In an exclusive interview with ANI, when asked about PM Modi's role in the Ram Mandir movement, he said, "PM Modi has been connected to spirituality since his childhood... The Indian culture is being revived under his leadership."
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"Maybe God has sent PM Modi under some plan. It seems he was born for this work," he added.
"He did not join the Ram Temple struggle after becoming the PM. He had been working for Indian culture and values since his childhood. When LK Advani carried out the Rathyatra from Somnath, PM Modi was the 'Sarathi'", he added.
PM Modi was one of the organisers of the Rath Yatra as a then-party leader. The yatra was the biggest mass mobilisation event. BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani announced a rath yatra, of 10,000 kilometres passing through 10 States from Somnath to Ayodhya, between September 25 and October 30.
On the struggle for the Ram Temple movement, he said, "There was a struggle when the British ruled the country... After independence, the struggle saw bloodshed; unarmed Ram devotees were fired and lathi-charged. There was a struggle from the road to the Parliament."
On the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ram Temple, Chaupal said, "This moment is undescribable for those who dreamt of it, those who struggled for a long time. Not just individuals but people have sacrificed their generations for it... I think that this is the result of the sacrifice and devotion of generations... The Pran Pratishtha ceremony is the moment of India's pride..."
He further said that when the country became independent, "the Lord appeared here in 1949 and the struggle followed thereafter."
"After a long-fought struggle, Prabhu Ram got his birthplace. Hence, there is an atmosphere of joy," he added.
Kameshwar Chaupal was the first man who laid the foundation stone (Ram sila) for Ram Temple in Ayodhya on November 9, 1989. Kameshawar Chaupal is the lone Dalit member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust. (ANI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday dubbed Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government in Assam as the "most corrupt" in India. Soon after Congress's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' entered Assam, Gandhi hit out at the ruling BJP and its ideologue Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for "spreading hatred and looting public money". Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during the party's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'.(Congress X)
Addressing party workers at Halowating in Sivasagar district, Gandhi said, Perhaps, the most corrupt government in India is in Assam. We will raise the issues of Assam during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
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Countering BJP's statement that such marches will not benefit the Congress, Gandhi said last year's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' has changed the "political narrative" of the country.
"The BJP and RSS are spreading hatred and making one community fight against the other. Their only job is to loot public money and exploit the country," he said.
Gandhi reached Mariani town around noon and saw hundreds of rural women standing in a queue at a government-controlled centre in the Nakachari area to collect forms for a newly announced scheme. Seeing Gandhi's convoy passing through, all the women left their lines and ran to the road to meet the Congress MP.
Later, Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications who is accompanying Gandhi in the yatra, shared the video on social media platform X.
"Women assembled for a function organised by the Assam CM in Mariani spontaneously and enthusiastically met @RahulGandhi on Day 5 of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. NYAY for Assam has begun!" Ramesh added.
The 6,713-km-long march, led by the Congress MP, commenced from Manipur on January 14 and will culminate on March 20 in Mumbai. The Assam leg of the yatra will continue till January 25.
The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is scheduled to cover 110 districts in 15 states.
India on Thursday dubbed the security situation in the Red Sea as a matter of concern, adding that it is closely watching the developments in the critical sea lanes in the region. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.(Youtuber/MEA)
It is a matter of concern to us. We give a lot of importance to freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce in that region, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a weekly media brief. Whatever is happening there not just impacts us, but it impacts economic interests and several other interests of so many people across the world.
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The remarks come hours after Indias guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam rescued the crew of a merchant vessel which came under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday night.
About five to six armed people boarded the vessel, according to a report received by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency. According to the Indian navy all 21 crew on board, including 15 Indians, have been evacuated. No pirates were found.
The incident was the latest in a series of drone and pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the region including the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea.
The rising number of attacks by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, key trading routes, have triggered global concerns. The Houthi rebels have declared their support for Hamas saying they are targeting commercial ships travelling to Israel using drones and rockets.
Also Read | US designates Houthis as terrorists after rise in Red Sea attacks
The situation has forced mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
The US and the UK have already launched air strikes targeting the Houthi positions in Yemen.
Last week, during his visit to Tehran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the situation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
"We are deeply concerned about the whole situation. It is an important shipping lane for not just India but for the world. We have our interests there which are being impacted," he said.
Indias guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam on Thursday swiftly responded to a distress call made by a merchant vessel that came under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists from the Indian warship boarded the ship to inspect the damage, the Indian Navy said on Thursday. Marshall Islands flagged MV Genco Picardy is carrying a crew on 22, including nine Indians. (Indian Navy)
The Mayday call was sent out by Marshall Islands flagged MV Genco Picardy at 11:11pm on Wednesday, and INS Visakhapatnam intercepted the vessel at 12:30am the following day, the navy said in a statement.
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The incident is the latest in a series of drone and pirate attacks on merchant vessels in the region including the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea.
The merchant vessels crew of 22, including nine Indians, is safe and the fire on board under control.
Indian Naval EOD specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel in early hours of 18 Jan 24 to inspect the damaged area. EOD specialists, after a thorough inspection, have rendered the area safe for further transit. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call, the statement added.
Also Read:Indian Navy is aggressively going after piracy: Admiral Hari Kumar
The Indian Navy has stepped up surveillance in the troubled region substantially and deployed task groups consisting of around 10 warships in the face of the recent attacks on India-bound merchant vessels including MV Chem Pluto and MV Saibaba.
The drone attack on MV Chem Pluto took place around 220 nautical miles south-west of Porbandar, while the other vessel was targeted in the southern Red Sea.
Houthi militia has been targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea with missiles and drones after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared their support for Hamas. Several shipping companies have suspended their operations in the Red Sea following the Houthi attacks, which have forced mariners to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
The situation in Gaza and the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and parts of the Arabian Sea were on January 15 the focus of discussions between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, with the Indian minister flagging concerns about a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime traffic in the region including attacks in the vicinity of the Indian coast.
The fraught situation in the seas is not to the benefit of any party and this must be recognised, the minister said at a joint press conference with Iranian minister Amir-Abdollahian.
This is a matter of grave concern to the international community. Obviously, it also has a direct bearing on Indias energy and economic interests, Jaishankar told reporters.
As county commissioners hatch plans for a multimillion-dollar jail expansion, the Billings Public School system is taking a different approach to addressing youth violence and crime by training school staff to teach conflict resolution skills.
Law enforcement officials in Yellowstone County have noticed a common thread among many of the juveniles charged with violent crimes they seem to have no conflict resolution skills short of using weapons.
Police and community leaders are looking to schools to help teach those skills. In the new Billings schools program, wrongdoing and conflict are viewed as learning opportunities. Misbehavior is reframed as harming people and relationships, rather than breaking school rules. Rather than outsourcing discipline to the front office, teachers facilitate problem-solving processes, which engage wrongdoers and those affected or harmed.
Its called restorative practices, and if it seems hippie-dippie, the program has serious backers. Its being funded through a Juvenile Justice Grant from the Montana Board of Crime Control.
The grant-funded restorative practices training for 30 elementary school and 30 middle school staff, including teachers, counselors, and principals, which was conducted by a Colorado-based non-profit called Restorative Justice Education. Participating staff attended two days of training in October and another two days in early January.
Adding strategies
The philosophy takes its name from restorative justice, a movement within the criminal justice system focusing on repairing the harm caused by a crime.
Teachers and principals asked for restorative practices training, according to Amity Burkhardt, Wellness and Resiliency Project Coordinator for BPS. The grants only provided enough training spots for 60 staff, so participants were those who were interested in the program and wanted to apply.
The inclusion of restorative practices will not change the formal disciplinary policies of BPS.
Its not the removal of consequences, but the addition of strategies, Burkhardt said.
Travis Niemeyer, principal of Beartooth Elementary, participated in the training, and hopes restorative practices can help teach children empathy and how to talk to each other.
We want to support kids through this growth, Niemeyer said. Kids arent learning through suspension.
Under restorative practices, students and teachers talk about problem behavior and come up with a plan to address it.
Both students and teachers learn how to make good choices when wrongdoing and conflict occur. They learn how to make peaceful and nonviolent choices, according to the training manual.
The foundation of the program is building community in schools, through a daily community building circle that gives students the opportunity to connect with one another.
When students know their teachers and peers, they learn better, comprehend better, and score better on tests, said Everett Vigil, the lead facilitator of the Billings training and the managing director of Restorative Justice Education.
Everrett said he hasnt faced much pushback from parents in his decade of bringing restorative practices to schools, but when he has, hes been accused of bringing therapy into schools which is less controversial amid the present mental health crisis.
So, if your kid becomes more emotionally intelligent than you, telling you that all behavior is a form of communication, asking you to have a conference and take turns with the talking stick, requesting you to de-escalate and process your feelings, youll know why.
New Delhi: The Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam on Wednesday night responded to a distress call by a Marshall Island-flagged ship in the Gulf of Aden. According to reports, the ship was victim to a drone attack launched by unknown assailants. MV Genco Picardy has 22 crew, including 9 Indian sailors. (ANI )
INS Visakhapatnam has been deployed by the Indian Navy in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations. The naval ship responded to a distress call by Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy. The merchant ship was attacked by a drone at 11.11 pm on Wednesday.
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The Indian naval ship acknowledged the distress call and intercepted the vessel at 12.30 am today and provided assistance.
MV Genco Picardy has 22 crew, including 9 Indian sailors. No casualties were recorded.
The Navy's EOD specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel in the early hours of 18 January 24 to inspect the damaged area.
Also read: Navy's MARCOS rescue 21 sailors from 'hijacked' ship; Watch dramatic footage
After a thorough inspection, they allowed the ship for further transit.
INS Visakhapatnam, undertaking anti piracy patrol in Gulf of Aden, acknowledged the distress call and intercepted the vessels at 0030 hrs on 18 Jan 24 in order to provide assistance. MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (09 Indian) reported nil casualties and fire under control. Indian Naval EOD specialists from INS Visakhapatnam boarded the vessel in early hours of 18 Jan 24 to inspect the damaged area. EOD specialists, after a thorough inspection have rendered the area safe for further transit. The vessel is proceeding to the next port of call, the Navy said in a statement.
Earlier this month, Navy's marine commandos rescued 21 crew members on a bulk carrier in the North Arabian sea. They had responded to a distress call to the British Authorities from Liberian flagged MV Lila Norfolk.
The ship's crew had said six armed men had hijacked the merchant vessel. INS Chennai responded to the call. After having intercepted the ship, the MARCOs team approached the vessel on a small boat. They boarded the ship but didn't find the hijackers.
"All 21 crew including 15 Indians onboard the vessel were safely evacuated from the citadel," Indian Navy's spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal had said.
"Sanitisation by MARCOS commandos has confirmed the absence of the hijackers," he added.
There has been a spate of drone attacks at the Red Sea on merchant ships. The Indian Navy has pressed several vessels in the region.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday alleged that the Congress-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, is a Miya Yatra, saying they visit areas with Muslim populations. During a press conference, Sarma also accused the Gandhi family of being the most corrupt in the country, according to news agency PTI. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (PTI Photo)
"The Gandhi family is the most corrupt family in the country. This is not 'Nyay Yatra, it's 'Miya Yatra'. Wherever there are Muslims, they visit those places," Sarma was quoted as saying by PTI. Miyas refer to Muslims who migrated to Assam from what is now Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), occurring in successive waves over time.
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The Assam chief minister's remark about the Congress Yatra follows Rahul Gandhi's allegations that the BJP-led government in Assam is the most corrupt in the nation.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered Assam from Nagaland on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, the Congress party accused the Assam government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of creating obstacles for its Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, which commenced in the state on Thursday. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in Charge of Communications, asserted during a press conference that the Himanta Biswa Sarma government is actively working to ensure that Bharat Jodo Yatra is not a success
"We are in Assam till 25th January. The state government is making all efforts to ensure that Bharat Jodo Yatra is not a success here. Assam government posing hurdles to the yatra, but we have faith that all sections of Assam including youth and women will listen to what Rahul Gandhi has to say," he said.
Himanta cancels programmes amid Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced the cancellation of his scheduled programmes in the state's upper districts on Thursday and Friday to avoid clashes with the Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra events.
Regarding the clash with the Yatra and the cancellation of his programmes, Sarma said, Rahul Gandhi (yatra schedule) is coinciding with our welfare dates (dates on which forms are to be distributed for a new scheme). These dates were declared even before we knew he was coming.
About the Miya community Sarma claimed, We are not preventing anyone from attending the yatra, but people, barring from one community, don't even want to go. People are ashamed of going to Congress meetings.
I don't have any hesitation in naming the community. Even they don't want to go (to Congress meetings) nowadays. They have seen people getting benefits of government schemes; we are working for everyone, he further said.
Sarma also accused the Congress Yatra of "espousing the cause of anti-Hinduism." He said, "You (Congress) are anti-Hindu, and we are pro-Hindu. However, we are also not anti-Muslim or anti-Christian or against any community."
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
The Congress MP Rahul Gandhi-led Yatra, which kicked off from Manipur on January 14, is set to conclude in Mumbai on March 20. The Assam leg, spanning from January 18 to 25, covers 833 km across 17 districts, starting from Sivasagar.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra aims to traverse 6,713 km over 67 days, passing through 110 districts in 15 states. This Yatra, following Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, precedes the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, signifying the Congress party's active engagement.
New Delhi: Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has yet again moved the Delhi High Court against Directorate of Estate's notice to vacate the government bungalow in the national capital. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra(ANI)
The case has been listed before the bench of Justice Girish Kathpaliya of the Delhi High Court, reported ANI.
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The DoE has asked Moitra to vacate the government bungalow because of her expulsion from the Lok Sabha last year. The house was allotted to her as a Member of Parliament. Since she is no longer an MP, the department has asked her to vacate the house.
The Directorate of Estates manages and maintains the Central government's official and residential properties.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry sent her another notice to vacate the house.
Also read: Mahua Moitra asked to 'immediately' vacate government bungalow, gets new notice
"Since the eviction notice was issued to her (Moitra) on Tuesday, a team of officials from the directorate of estates will now be sent to ensure that the government bungalow is vacated at the earliest," a source had told PTI.
Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha last month because the Ethics Committee found her guilty of misconduct. She was accused of sharing her parliamentary website's login credentials with businessman Darshan Hiranandani in return for bribes. In her defense, Moitra had said no money trail could be established. She said she had shared the details only to ask him to have his staff type out her questions on the portal.
The Directorate of Estates later asked her to vacate the house by January 7. The department has sent several notices to Mahua Moitra.
On January 4, the Delhi High Court asked the Trinamool leader to approach the Directorate of Estates for permission to occupy the government accommodation allotted to her.
The court observed that, per the rules, the authorities can allow a resident to overstay for up to six months. It, however, said the DoE can decide on her case after applying its own mind.
The Delhi high court on Thursday dismissed Trinamool leader Mahua Moitras plea seeking a stay on the order directing her to vacate the government accommodation immediately. The court was of the view that Mahua Moitra did not have the right to continue in the government accommodation since she was allotted the accommodation as a Lok Sabha MP, a post that she no longer holds following her expulsion. Mahua Moitra's plea seeking a stay on the eviction order was dismissed by the Delhi high court.
The allotment of government accommodation to the petitioner was co-terminus with her status, which has come to an end upon her expulsion. No specific Rule has been brought before this court which would deal with the eviction of Members of Parliament from the government accommodation after they cease to be the members, the court said in the order.
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Mahua Moitra says she's hospitalised
During the hearing, Mahua Moitra's counsel said Mahua Moitra is undergoing treatment at a hospital. The counsel pleaded to the court not to throw a single woman who is hospitalised at the moment out of her residence.
Whatever you wish to charge, I am ready to pay. Dont throw me out. I have a medical condition. I am being treated at Medanta Hospital here and was in ICU. I have no other house in Delhi. Treat it as my mercy petition. I am pleading for mercy, the counsel submitted on Mahua Moitra's behalf and added that Moitra was the first woman to be expelled from Parliament.
Mahua Moitra's counsel Brij Gupta told the court that she would need at least four months to vacate the property but even two and 2.5 months would be fine.
You say you are ill and you need some time, on these grounds... Why four months? Why not three days to vacate? My thought is if you would have said three days, four days or a week, they would have looked into it, the judge said.
Moitras counsel said courts have considered humanitarian aspects in matters like these and allowed people to stay on in government accommodations.
Mahua Moitra was expelled from the Lok Sabha on December 8 last year and was asked to vacate the house by January 7.
(With inputs from PTI)
Moreh (Manipur) [India], January 18 (ANI): Two Manipur police commandos were killed and six others injured in the Moreh area amid reports of fresh violence in the state, officers informed on Thursday. HT Image
Taking to its official handle on X, Manipur Police posted that in the early hours of Wednesday, armed militants mounted an attack on a state police team, killing two commandos identified as Somorjit Meetei and Takhellambam Sieleshwor Singh.
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"Today (January 17, 2024) in the early morning, armed militants orchestrated a violent attack on the state forces, employing firearms and explosives in Moreh, Tengnoupal district. In the incident, one personnel of the 6th Manipur Rifles namely Wangkhem Somorjit Meetei S/O (L) W. Chaoton Singh of Malom Tulihal Mayai Leikai (R/No.- 0620211015) was martyred in the line of duty. Further, another Manipur Police personnel of the 10th IRB namely Takhellambam Sieleshwor Singh S/o. (L) T. Babu Singh of Akham Village, Imphal West District (Hav. No. 112005762) presently attached to Spl. CDO, was also martyred in the attack by the armed militants at Moreh," Manipur Police posted from its official X handle.
https://twitter.com/manipur_police/status/1747701931215380962
The state police informed further that the forces were engaging elements deemed inimical to the state's security as well as law and order.
"Also, the following six police personnel also sustained injuries in the attack. (i) Rfn. No. 1310818 Md. Kamal Hassan, 3rd Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) (ii) Rfn. No. 1310823 Songsuathui Aimol, 3rd IRB (iii) Rfn. No. 022006172 Md. Abdul Hasim, 3rd IRB (iv)C/No 8018561 Ngasepam Vim, 8th IRB (Spl CDO) (v) ASI Sidarth Thokchom, 8th IRB (Spl CDO) (vi)Rfn No. 112005750 K Premananda of 1st IRB (Spl CDO). Security forces are engaging the inimical elements," the police added.
In another incident in the Thoubal district, the state police informed that three personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) sustained bullet injuries and were shifted to Raj Medicity for treatment.
"Today (January 17, 2024)), an irate mob targeted the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion (3IRB) in Khangabok, Thoubal District. Security forces repelled them using the minimum necessary force. Further, the mob attempted to breach Thoubal Police Headquarters, prompting the security forces to use legal force. Armed miscreants from among the mob fired with live rounds. As a result, 03 (three) personnel from BSF sustained bullet injuries namely (i)Constable Gourav Kumar, (ii)ASI Sobram Singh, and (iii)ASI Ramji," Manipur Police posted.
https://twitter.com/manipur_police/status/1747702046307020975
"The injured security forces have been evacuated to Raj Medicity for medical treatment," they added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday drew a contrast between his government and the earlier United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, saying that while the latter was weak and unstable and allowed terrorist attacks to hurt investment, his administration has built infrastructure such as ports and ship-repair clusters to make India a global maritime power. He also exhorted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cadre in Kerala to remind voters about the difference. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs Pooja and Darshan at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on Wednesday. (ANI)
Modi made the comments on the second day of his two-day visit to southern India where he inaugurated three major shipping and energy projects in Kochi, visited the Guruvayur temple and addressed a convention of party workers. This is the second visit of the PM to Kerala since the turn of the year, after he travelled to the state as well as Lakshwadeep and Tamil Nadu on January 2 and 3.
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Speaking to around 6,000 BJP in charges of shakti kendras, composed of booth workers, Modi told the cadre to identify beneficiaries of central government schemes and talk to their families.
Understand how a voter can benefit from central schemes. Find out their problems and decipher if they have benefited from Digital India. The PM SVANidhi yojana is there for street vendors. As the booth in-charge, you should take responsibilities of families in your booths. Ask people to add their names to the voter list as no one should be excluded from the voting process, he said.
He said that the message that the BJP worker must carry from house to house should also include the weak and unstable government that existed till 2014.
In those days, terrorist attacks took place which adversely affected investments and our expatriates in foreign countries. You must tell voters that the politics of fronts like the LDF [Left Democratic Front] and UDF [United Democratic Front] revolves around corruption and scams, he said. The two major political coalitions usually alternate in power in Kerala.
He also asked BJP workers to engage in cleanliness campaigns in temples in the run up to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, and asked them to light lamps in their homes on that evening.
The PM inaugurated three key projects a new dry dock at the Cochin Shipyard Limited built for 1,800 crore, a 970 crore International Ship Repair Facility that can berth seven 130-metre length vessels, and a 1,236 crore Indian Oil LPG Import Terminal.
Until 10 years ago, the ships at our ports had to wait a long time to unload (their cargo). But the situation has changed completely. Today, India has raced ahead of other developed countries in terms of ship turnaround time. The world understands Indias role in global trade. During the G20 summit, consensus was reached on Indias proposal for an economic corridor connecting the Middle East and Europe. It is proof of the sentiment that the corridor will strengthen the creation of developed India. Our coastal economy draws power from it, the PM said in Kochi.
He said that the Maritime Amrit Kaal vision, launched in 2021, was a road map for how the country can strengthen its maritime facilities. We are focusing on creating infrastructure like shipbuilding, ship repair clusters, and mega ports to make India a global maritime power, he said.
He said that the new dry dock, a one-of-a-kind 310-metre long stepped dry dock project that will help handling strategic assets such as aircraft carriers and large commercial vehicles, was the pride of India.
With these projects, the contribution of the maritime sector to Indias growth will increaseWith this, large vessels can not only be accommodated, but shipbuilding and ship repairs can also be strengthened. Indias dependence on foreign countries will reduce and the money we used to send abroad earlier will be spent here. Kochi will become India and Asias largest ship repair centre, he said.
The PM praised the green technology capabilities of the Cochin Shipyard by underlining its role in rolling out electric hybrid ferries for the water metro project in Kochi as well as for similar ferry projects in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura and Guwahati.
The work on the worlds first hydrogen-fueled feeder container vessel is progressing. It strengthens our vision of Make in India and Make for the world. Cochin Shipyard is powering our mission of taking India towards hydrogen fuel-based transport. I am confident that the country will soon get an indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry, he said.
He also said that fishermen had a key role to play in the blue economy and port-led development. Under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, modern infrastructure is being built for fishing. The Centre is giving subsidies for modern boats to fishermen for deep sea fishing. Like farmers, fishermen too are being given the Kisan credit cards. These efforts have led to a major rise in fish production and exports in the last 10 years, he said.
The PM spent the morning offering prayers at the Shri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur and the Shri Rama temple in Triprayar, both in Thrissur. He also attended the wedding ceremony of Bhagya Suresh, daughter of actor and BJP leader Suresh Gopi at the Guruvayur temple. Gopi is likely to be the BJP candidate for the Thrissur assembly constituency, a seat the BJP hopes to win, senior party leaders said.
The Supreme Court recently granted protection from arrest to Union minister of state for home affairs Nisith Pramanik in a five-year-old attempt-to-murder case registered in West Bengals Cooch Behar district.
At the time, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP was with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). He joined the BJP in March 2019 and contested and won the Lok Sabha elections from Dinhata in Cooch Behar.
In May 2021, when Pramanik contested the West Bengal assembly polls, the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India revealed that at least 13 criminal cases were pending against him.
These include charges of murder, dacoity, attempt to murder, causing grievous hurt and theft among others. The former primary school assistant teacher hasnt been convicted in any of the cases according to the affidavit.
An attempt to murder case was filed against Nisith Pramanik in 2018 at Dinhata police station and sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (causing grievous hurt) were issued, said Aditi Shankar Chakraborty, additional public prosecutor at the Calcutta high courts circuit bench at Jalpaiguri.
Two rounds were fired in which two persons were injured. One of them was shot in the chest and another sustained a bullet injury in his hip. Both survived, he added.
Police identified the two as Abul Kalam Azad and Azadul. While Azad was shot in the chest, Azadul was shot in the hip and is now wheelchair-bound. Both were residents of Gitaldaha village in Cooch Behars Dinhata.
In 2018, just before the panchayat elections in the state, a clash broke out between two factions of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
A few rounds were fired in which the duo got injured, said a police officer.
Rabindranath Ghosh, a senior TMC leader and a former state minister, said that the party has been providing regular support to the two.
In the Supreme Court, senior advocate PS Patwalia explained Pramanik's apprehension of an imminent arrest, pointing to an arrest warrant issued by a magistrate in March last year. He is also a minister of state. He is [concerned about] some embarrassment, Patwalia stated in the court.
In January 2023, Pramanik surrendered before a court in Cooch Behar and received bail in a 14-year-old case pertaining to theft at two jewellery shops in 2009 when the Left Front was in power in West Bengal.
Pramanik was unreachable for comment. His counsel Sayak Chakraborty said: There are no specific allegations against him. An incident had happened. A series of persons were named and he is one of them. This is happening every day. This is entirely political. His name was deliberately included.
Pramaniks affidavit also stated that a murder case is pending against him. While the attempted murder case was registered against him on August 14, 2018, at Dinhata police station, the murder case was registered by the same police station on April 4, 2018.
The cases were lodged between 2009 and 2020 and are all pending at various courts in North Bengal.
Pramanik started as a youth leader with the TMC. He climbed up the ladder to become one of the key leaders in the party in North Bengal. In 2018, however, he rebelled against the TMC and reportedly fielded 300 independent candidates against the party in that years panchayat elections. He joined the BJP in February 2019 and was fielded from Cooch Behar. He won the election.
In the 2021 assembly polls, the BJP bagged 30 of the 54 seats in the eight North Bengal districts although the TMC won 213 of the states 294 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP bagged 18 of the states 42 seats. In North Bengal, it secured seven of the eight seats. Pramanik had contested both elections and won. Though the BJP won 30 assembly seats in North Bengal in 2021, its tally came down from 77 to 75 as two MLAs from North Bengal did not take oath and resigned from the assembly to retain their Lok Sabha seats. Pramanik was inducted into Prime Minister Narendra Modis cabinet in July 2021 through a reshuffle, becoming the first-ever Union minister from Cooch Behar. Pramanik is also the first Rajbongshi to become a Union minister.
Pramanik rose to prominence because of his organisational prowess and his connection with the Rajbongshi community. He was a strongman in the TMC and the BJPs reply to TMC minister Udayan Guha in north Bengal, said Biswanath Chakraborty, political commentator.
The Rajbongshi community, the largest Scheduled Caste (SC) group of West Bengal, forms around 30% of the population in north Bengal. They remained a strong support for the Left before shifting allegiance to the TMC in 2011. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, however, the community backed the BJP.
Pramaniks name hit headlines several times in July 2021, Assam Congress chief Ripun Bora alleged through a social media post that Pramanik was a Bangladeshi citizen. The BJP, however, rubbished the allegation saying that Pramanik came to India from Bangladesh as a refugee.
India will have no shortage of fertilisers critical for the countrys food security as there are adequate reserves amid a deepening Red Sea crisis, which has upended global trade, delayed shipments and stoked logistics costs, Union minister for health, fertilisers and chemicals Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya. (ANI)
The minister said the longer-term impacts of crises in the Black Sea and Red Sea were not possible to foretell, but current inventories were more than sufficient to cover both the ongoing winter or rabi season as well as the coming June-September kharif farming cycle.
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The Union government has set up an interministerial group anchored in the commerce ministry to monitor the crisis, which is witnessing a violent regional spillover of Israels war with Hamas, HT had reported on Tuesday.
The Red Sea, which leads up to the Suez Canal, lies on the east-west trade route from Asia to Europe. About 80% of Indias shipping traffic accesses the Suez Canal via the Red Sea. Most Indian exports are now going around the Cape of Good Hope, adding up to 6000 nautical miles and 14 days extra.
I can say three things. There will be no shortage because of adequate advance stocks. The government and the ministry of external affairs are planning interventions and monitoring the situation while all vessels are being escorted by the Indian navy, the minister said, presenting his book Fertilsing the Future, a volume on Indias stride towards self-sufficiency in the sector.
The countrys food security is closely linked to the availability of fertilisers, which are federally subsidised for millions of farmers. India relies on imports to meet its total demand. Global prices rocketed in 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict, stretching the governments estimated spending on crop-nutrient subsidies for 2022-23 to a record 2.5 lakh crore.
During 2022-24, the government hopes to spend 1.70-1.80 lakh crore as fertilizer subsidy, the minister said, against a budgeted 1.75 lakh crore.
The cost of shipping out Indian goods has more than doubled in the past week. A standard 24-foot-long container to Europe costs nearly $1600-1700, up from $500-600 before the Red Sea crisis erupted, an exporter said, wishing anonymity.
Indias import of urea had come down because of higher domestic production, including the commissioning five new manufacturing plants.
To hedge against price and supply swings amid a lingering Russia-Ukraine conflict and other geopolitical risks, the Modi government has signed several long-term import deals at pre-negotiated rates with several nations.
The fertilizer ministry in coordination with the external affairs ministry has overseen a slew of these deals. Indian firms have for the first time finalised investments in several North African mineral-rich nations, part of measures aimed at securing long-term fertilizer supplies.
According to official figures, among key farm chemicals, the country has reserves of 7 million tonnes of urea, two million tonnes of DAP, one million tonne of MoP, 4 million tonne of NPK and 2 million tonne of SSP, which are adequate to meet the next seasons need.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS) on Wednesday announced that the countrys population fell for the second year in a row in 2023 to reach 1,409.7 million (or 1.41 billion) This is a decline of 2.08 million compared to 2022. If projections made by the UN in 2022 are believed, the country is also likely to have lost its title as the most populous country to India during the course of the year. Although China has seen two consecutive years of population decline before, in 1960 and 1961, data suggests that unlike then, the decline this time around is due to larger demographic trends. The charts below explain these trends and what they mean for the country in detail.
Chinas population will peak in 2029 at 1.44 billion before beginning a period of unstoppable decline, a government report said.(AP File Photo)
Chandigarh: The Congress on Thursday alleged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) postponed the Chandigarh mayoral elections because its Operation Lotus failed. The party also claimed the move shows the BJP can't accept their defeat. Cops at the entry gate of Chandigarh MC office on Wednesday. (Ravi Kumar/HT)
'Operation Lotus' is the moniker used by the Opposition to describe alleged attempts by the BJP to topple governments by engineering defections.
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"The 'Operation Lotus' has failed in Chandigarh. They (BJP) can sense their defeat. They lost morally when they did not even turn up (to cast vote). We (AAP and Congress) all are here to cast our votes. This shows that the BJP cannot accept their defeat," said Chandigarh Congress chief H S Lucky.
The mayoral elections, scheduled to be held today, were postponed till further notice on account of the illness of the presiding officer.
AAP leader Raghav Chadha claimed the BJP sent the presiding officer Anil Masih to the hospital.
"BJP has intentionally hospitalised the presiding officer Anil Masih. Earlier they had threatened the MC Secretary. The elections can not be cancelled due to ill health of the presiding officer. We had valid passes to enter the MC building but police are not allowing us to enter. We are moving the High Court to make an appeal to appoint a new presiding officer to hold the elections today," he told HT.
Also read: Amid AAP-Congress seats talk on LS polls, INDIA bloc breakthrough in Chandigarh
Congress leader Pawan Bansal said the BJP wants to stop the elections.
The Congress and AAP have formed an alliance for the Chandigarh polls. Together, the two parties outnumber the BJP.
In the 35-strong Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the BJP has 14 councillors. It also has an ex-officio member MP who has voting rights.
The Aam Aadmi Party has 13 councillors and the Congress seven. If these 20 councillors vote per their parties' political lines, the newly forged alliance can score a major victory. However, since the mayor is elected by the councillors through secret ballots, the possibility of cross-voting cannot be ruled out.
The development comes amid seat sharing talks between the AAP and the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections.
With inputs from PTI
The statewide Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission has approved a recommendation to invest in credentialing care workers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The approval is part of an an effort to address staffing shortages and high turnover in the field.
The 88% turnover rate for intellectual and developmental disability care workers in Montana is more than double the 43% average found in a study of 48 states.
Turnover is bad for outcomes for clients (imagine if your child got a new teacher each month) and is costly for providers. Each turnover costs providers between $2,700 and $5,200, because of the costs of training and onboarding.
Patrick Maddison, a commissioner who also runs an organization serving those with developmental disabilities, said his organization spent $280,000 on turnover last year.
A top cause of turnover is the notably few to no opportunities for career growth other than stopping direct support and moving into management roles, according to the proposal. The initiative seeks to retain workers by offering opportunities for credentialing that could lead to advancement within the field.
If approved by the governor, the initiative would provide grants to five service providers across Montana, for each to credential 25 care workers through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. The organizations will be provided with funding to cover the cost of having employees shifts covered while theyre being credentialed, and workers will receive one-time bonuses between $1,000 and $2,000 after completing credentialing.
It would also allocate funding for 500 spots in an online course in intellectual and developmental disability healthcare, open to licensed healthcare and behavioral health professionals, as well as college students.
Montana has a 29% vacancy rate for full-time intellectual and developmental disability care workers, compared to an average of 17% across the 48-state study. And 87% of the states intellectual and developmental disability programs stopped accepting new referrals due to staffing issues, compared to the studys average of 52%.
Whether the most short-staffed providers will be able to make use of this initiative remains to be seen.
How can we get staff off the floor to do training when we dont have any staff? wondered Tara Williamson, executive director of Support and Techniques for Empowering People (STEP), a Billings-based organization that has served adults and children with developmental disabilities for over 40 years.
She said the organization has been presented with other opportunities for training through the Department of Health and Human Services, but was unable to use them due to lack of staff who could fill in.
STEP closed its residential group home a few years back due to staffing shortages.
It currently has three full-time care providers for its remaining day program. They need two more full-time employees and a few others for relief.
Recently, for the first time since Ive been involved, the day program had to be shut down due to lack of staff, Williamson said. We couldnt staff it in a way that would keep everyone safe.
This poses a problem for families relying on these services to be able to work themselves, and for employees missing out on a days pay which doesnt brighten the outlook for employee retention.
The lack of staff has decreased the organizations ability to improve the quality of life for their clients, like getting kids to a level where they no longer need special education, for example.
The return on investment there is huge, because of the cost of special education compared to regular education, Williamson said. But weve lost track of providing quality services, at this point were just trying to keep people safe.
Taco Bell wages
Rate increases for developmental disability services funded by Medicaid were increased last year for the first time in seven years, but wages remain low. The statewide average wage for a direct care worker in the developmental disability field is $14.80 per hour.
Taco Bell is offering what our wages are, Williamson said.
She said STEP is considering cutting holidays, vacation, or even health insurance an area close to home for Williamson, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Maybe if we cut these down, we can pay a dollar more an hour, said Williamson, though she acknowledged that decreased benefits arent great for recruiting and retaining employees.
Its like a snake eating its tail, she said.
Leveling up
Carrie Krepps, executive director at Florence Family Services, a youth maternity and recovery home in Helena, spoke during public comment at the commission meeting and voiced concerns about losing staff credentialed through the initiative to higher paying jobs.
The minute you credential them they become very marketable, she said. Once theyre trained, away they go to higher paying jobs.
Maddison, commission member and CEO of Flathead Industries, said that this isnt necessarily a bad thing.
I understand the concern, but getting workers into higher paying jobs is the goal, he said.
Medicaid needs to level up to compete and to keep up with the cost of living, he added.
Thursdays recommendation allocates $600,000 of the $300 million allocated last year to improve behavioral health and developmental disabilities. It was the product of a December commission meeting in Kalispell, which focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The approval of the recommendation came on day two of a three-day commission meeting, beginning with a listening session at the Billings library on Wednesday followed by two days of panels and public comment on childrens mental health.
The four panels, covering topics from prevention to family and caregiver support, included social workers, doctors, school administrators, and juvenile justice professionals.
Other initiatives
Thursdays initiative is the fifth to be approved by the commission.
At an October meeting in Missoula, the commission approved an initiative to incentivize community-based court-ordered evaluations, costing $7,094,000, and another to increase the number of beds available for residential treatment, for another $7,170,000.
At the Kalispell meeting, the commission approved an initiative to provide grants to support mobile crisis response services, for $7,500,000, and another to train crisis workers, for $1,500,000.
Gov. Greg Gianforte approved the initiatives from Missoula in December. The court-ordered evaluations initiative is expected to launch in March and the residential treatment grant in February.
Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said the incident of IndiGo passengers eating on tarmac on Sunday was a shameful one and he does not mind accepting it. Safety and the security of the passengers is the primary focus of civil aviation and hence a meeting was convened past midnight after the incident came to light, the minister said. IndiGo has been fined 1.20 crore and Mumbai Airport 90 lakh in connection with the incident. The penalty was necessary, the minister said amid flights facing delays, and cancellations owing to the prevailing fog situation in Delhi. Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said it was unacceptable that the passengers were inconvenienced, security was compromised
"There are the vagaries of nature over which unfortunately we don't have control. Those vagaries of nature happen all across the globe. We have a couple of very bad fog days in Delhi. As you all are aware, there are some base stations in any civil aviation ecosystem. When due to weather or any other incident, the base station gets affected, it produces a cycle of unfortunate delays and cancellations across the length and breadth of the system," the minister said.
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"We have a few days of zero visibility in Delhi...landing and take-offs are not determined by runway capabilities alone..." Scindia said explaining what happened to the Delhi-Goa IndiGo flight which was diverted to Mumbai and the passengers came on the tarmac. "As opposed to it (the aircraft) going into the parking stand, for reasons that I can't even imagine, it was sent to a parking bay...Within hours of being informed that the incident happened, a meeting was held with all officials, showcase notice was immediately issued," the minister said.
"The fact the passengers were inconvenienced, the fact that they had to eat on the tarmac, the fact that security had been compromised across all points was unacceptable. Within 3-4 hours, notices were issued and within 24 hours of the notices being issued, the necessary penalties have been levied," Scindia said adding that a clear SOP has been issued reminding the airlines what they should do in such a case.
"The aircraft should be taken at a contact stand. Passengers should be deboarded. They should be provided with meals. When the new crew comes, then the passengers should be moved from arrival to departure, go through security and board again -- but in an environment which is comfortable for the passengers," the minister said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released a series of commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and a book featuring stamps from around the world honouring the revered deity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on Ram Temple and a book of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world.
The intricate design of the stamps captures the essence of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, with six distinct components. These include the Ram Mandir itself, the timeless Choupai 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', a radiant depiction of the sun, the sacred Saryu River, and sculptures found in and around the temple.
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The six stamps within the collection represent key figures and elements from the Ramayana. These include the Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj, and Ma Shabri.
Today, I got an opportunity to engage myself in another programme related to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Today, six postage stamps dedicated to the Ram Temple were released. Besides, a book of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world was also released, Prime Minister Modi said in a video statement.
Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and stories of Ramayana are connected with everyone irrespective of his/ her religion or caste. Ramayana teaches us about the victory of love despite all the challenges. It connects the entire humanity with itself, and that's why it has gathered attraction across the entire world, he said.
Officials said that each stamp is adorned with a touch of elegance, featuring a gold leaf of sun rays and the Choupai, adding a majestic touch to the entire miniature sheet.
What sets these stamps apart is the incorporation of the 'Panchabhutas or the five physical elements - sky, air, fire, earth, and water. Through various design elements, the stamps symbolize the perfect harmony of Panchamahabhutas, believed to be essential for all manifestations in Hindu philosophy.
Accompanying the stamp release is a 48-page book that sheds light on the international resonance of Lord Ram. The book showcases stamps issued by more than 20 countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia, and even by international organisations such as the United Nations. This collection aims to underline the universal appeal and influence of Lord Ram on diverse societies across the globe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit significant temples in Tamil Nadu from January 20 to 21 ahead of the 'pran prathishtha' ceremony for the Ram Temple on January 22, as per a statement from the prime minister's office. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs Pooja and Darshan at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on Wednesday. (ANI)
Modi will start with a programme at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, where scholars will recite verses from the Kamba Ramayanam. Following this, he will visit Rameswaram to perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. Continuing the tradition of attending Ramayana chanting in various languages, Modi will participate in the program 'Shri Ramayana Paryana' at this temple.
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On January 21, PM Modi is scheduled to conduct Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi. In proximity to Dhanushkodi, he will also visit Arichal Munai, believed to be the location where the Ram Setu was constructed.
"In the programme, eight different traditional Mandalis will recite the Sanskrit, Awadhi, Kashmiri, Gurumukhi, Assamese, Bengali, Maithili, and Gujarati Ramkathas (recounting the episode of Shri Rama's return to Ayodhya). This is in line with Bharatiya cultural ethos and bonding, which is at the core of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. In Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Prime Minister will also participate in Bhajan Sandhya, where multiple devotional songs would be sung at the temple complex in the evening," the release stated on Thursday.
In the lead-up to the Ayodhya consecration ceremony on January 22, just days away, Modi has been visiting temples associated with Lord Ram during his official state visits. Over the past week, while unveiling developmental projects or engaging in party activities in different states, the focus of the messaging has been linked to Lord Ram.
On Wednesday, amid the ongoing 11-day rituals leading to the inauguration, the PM offered prayers at the Lord Krishna Temple in Guruvayur town, Thrissur district, where he also attended the wedding of actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi's daughter.
Importance of these temples in Tamil Nadu
-The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, situated in Srirangam, Trichy, stands among the oldest temple complexes in the country. Referenced in ancient texts like the Puranas and Sangam era texts, it is renowned for its architectural magnificence and multiple iconic gopurams. The philosopher and saint, Sri Ramanujacharya, have strong connections to the history of this temple. Within this temple complex, several significant locations hold importance. The renowned Tamil poet Kamban publicly presented the famous Kamba Ramayanam at a specific site within this sacred precinct.
-The Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram venerates the principal deity Sri Ramanathaswamy, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. A widespread belief holds that the main lingam in this temple was consecrated and worshipped by Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.
-The Kothandaramaswamy Temple in Dhanushkodi is dedicated to Sri Kothandarama Swamy, signifying Rama with the bow. Positioned in Dhanushkodi, it is said to be the site where Vibhishana sought refuge from Lord Rama. According to some legends, it is also where Sri Rama conducted the coronation of Vibhishana.
Armed militants on Wednesday shot dead two police commandos and injured five others in a fresh attack on security forces in the border town of Moreh, officials confirmed, marking the 6th attack on personnel this month in the restive state where more than 200 people have died in ethnic clashes that began last May. Security personnel carry mortal remains of policeman Wangkhem Somorjit, who sustained gunshot wounds in a militant attack and succumbed to injuries during treatment, in Manipur, on Wednesday. (PTI)
Also Read: CBI files chargesheet against five in Manipur arms loot case
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Officials said the firing on men from the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), started around 3:30 am on Wednesday. The unidentified militants lobbed bombs, fired bullets at a security post and rocket propelled gun (RPG) shells.
Two police commandoes have been killed and five others sustained injuries in the attacks. The situation in Moreh continues to remain tense, Rahuil Gupta, superintendent of police, Tengnoupal, said over the phone.
The deceased were identified as W Somorjit and Takhelambam Saileshwor.
Due to the deteriorating law and order situation in the district, where total curfew was imposed from Tuesday, the Manipur government sought a helicopter from the Union home ministry to airlift security personnel and ammunition to Moreh.
Also Read: Amid the violence, a search for Manipurs missing
The law-and-order situation at the border town of Moreh has become a matter of serious concern as there has been continuous exchange of fire taking place and this has resulted in the death of one IRB [India Reserve Batallion] personnel this morning, said a letter from the state government to the Union home ministry.
In view of the prevalent situation, the situation may deteriorate further in Moreh (and) medical emergency may arise anytime. Police department informed that there is need for airlifting of security personnel, ammunition etc to Moreh, added the letter written by T Ranjit Singh, commissioner (home), to the additional secretary, police-II division of MHA.
The letter requested that a helicopter be placed at Imphal from Wednesday for at least seven days to meet emergency requirements.
Moreh sits on the international border between India and Myanmar and has long been notorious for smuggling of arms, drugs and movement of cadres from terror groups in Manipur and across the northeast who have camps in the neighbouring country. Moreh is part of Tengnoupal, a Kuk-dominated district since December 30. There have been six attacks by armed miscreants on security forces in which at least a dozen security personnel have been injured and two killed.
Kuki groups in Moreh said that a woman was severely injured after being hit by an Assam Rifles vehicle on Wednesday. They also claimed that several houses were burnt by police forces. Police officials refused to comment on it.
At least 11 residential houses and two schools were burnt by Manipur commando today in Moreh, Ginza Vualzong of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), a Kuki group, said.
The fresh spate of violence in Moreh follows the arrest of two persons from the Kuki community on Monday for their alleged involvement in the killing of a Manipur Police officer in October last year. This led the district administration to impose total curfew from Tuesday.
Two prominent Kuki groups, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), condemned the arrests and said that attempts to link them to the death of a police officer was a blatant lie.
Manipur has been roiled by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities since May last year. The violence has claimed at least 202 lives and displaced around 50,000 people.
Commenting on the attacks on security forces in Moreh, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh earlier this month said, We have doubts about the involvement of foreign mercenaries from the Myanmar side, adding that there were reports about the involvement of the Kuki National Army-Burma in the Moreh violence. But state security adviser Kuldiep Singh told journalists later that there was no proof of involvement of Myanmar-based outfits in the violence in Moreh.
Apart from Moreh, Manipur has been witnessing sporadic violence in border areas of districts which are dominated by Meiteis and Kukis.
Late on Wednesday night, incidents of violence were reported from Thoubal district too. A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was injured when militants attacked the office of Thoubal district superintendent of police. The gates and walls of the SPs office was set on fire after militants threw Molotov cocktails, officials said.
So far we have reports of a BSF personnel injured in the attack. He has been taken to Raj Medicity hospital, an official aware of the matter said.
Following the late night attack, the control room has asked for more forces in Thoubal.
Last week, four people, all from the Meitei community, who had gone to collect firewood went missing in Bishnupur district. Their bullet-riddled bodies were found few days later.
New Delhi: Supreme Court justice Abhay S Oka on Wednesday said that the public faith in the judiciary has eroded considerably, and the reason behind this was the failure of the judiciary to provide quality access to justice at a reasonable cost. Supreme Court Justice Abhay Oka (Twitter Photo)
It is my personal view that whatever faith was there in 1950 (when the Constitution was framed), it has eroded considerably for various reasons. And the main reason is that we are not able to provide access to quality justice at a reasonable cost, justice Oka said.
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His remarks came during the second Shyamlha Pappu memorial lecture on Wednesday on the topic Access to justice in the context of 75 years of the Indian Constitution.
Justice Oka recalled his interaction with stakeholders during his tenure as judge of the Bombay high court and said, I firmly believe that judges should not stay in ivory towers. What I can gather from my interaction with stakeholders is that the judiciary has not fulfilled the expectations of the common citizens of India. We are lagging far behind.
In his memorial address, he said, In my view, we must find out where we have gone wrong...we must look back at the 75 years and virtually conduct an audit whether the Courts have really achieved what the common man wanted.
After India became independent, each citizen had very high expectations from the legal system, said Oka. The common man expected that this legal system would provide easy access to justice.
Justice, he said, has to be quality and expeditious justice rendered at reasonable cost and not just filing complaints before the courts of law or police.
He listed a few reasons for the judiciary not being able to fulfil the expectations of the common man. One of the main reasons, he said, was that the trial and district courts are neglected.
The real place where a common man gets justice is our trial/district courts... For a common man who cannot afford to have multiple litigations for social, economic reasons, perhaps, these are the courts which are the final courts, he said.
For years together, we used to describe these courts as lower courts or subordinate courts. There cant be a lower court. Every court is a court, he added.
Justice Oka said that throughout his career, he heard people talk about Supreme Court and high court judges. He spoke about the salary and remuneration payable to the judges of the district and trial court.
Look at how these courts have been treated. There were fifth, sixth and seventh pay commissions. While the pay commission does not cover the judiciary, our civil and district court judges were the last of the category of public servants to receive a revision of pay... This is one reason we are lagging behind as we have not strengthened our courts at the grassroots level, he said.
Speaking about the low-judge-population ratio, he referred to a 2002 judgement of the Supreme Court in which the top court ruled that in 10 years, the ideal judge-population-ratio should be 50 judges per million population.
As of date, there are only 23 judges per million population, he said, pointing this factor to be another reason for failing to achieve access to justice.
To some extent, the legislature has clogged the system, Oka said, attributing the rise of cases of cheque bounce under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Justice Oka further questioned the priority accorded to commercial courts which constitute less than 5% of the cases pending in trial courts. I believe our courts are for the common man. But we have dedicated commercial courts with all modern facilities.
Justice KV Viswanathan of the Supreme Court was also present on the occasion to pay his tributes to Shyamlha Pappu, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court who was a champion of womens rights and was awarded Padma Shri in 2019 for her contribution to society. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 82.
Public sector banks, insurance companies, financial institutions and regional rural banks will remain closed for a half-day on January 22 due to the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, an order by the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday. Ayodhya: Construction work underway at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple ahead of the consecration ceremony, in Ayodhya. (PTI)
The subject of the order stated, Half-day closing (till 2:30 PM) of Central Government Offices, Central Institutions and Central Industrial Establishments on 22nd January 2024.
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Earlier in the day, the Department of Personnel and Training issued an order stating that all Central Government offices, Central Institutions, and Central Industrial Establishments nationwide will observe a half-day closure until 2:30 pm.
The DOPT order extends to public sector financial institutions and RRBs, allowing employees to participate in the Pran Pratishtha celebration, as stated in the notification from the finance ministry on Thursday.
It read, This isto inform that DoPT's (Department of Personnel and Training) order in respect of Central Institutions and Central Industrial Establishments shall also apply to all Public Sector Banks/ Public Sector Insurance Companies/ Public Sector Financial Institutions and Regional Rural Banks to enable employees to participate in the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha celebrations.
Officials said the department made the decision because employees across the country had requested a day off to participate in the ceremony.
Various activities have been planned by organisations and groups of people across India and abroad to coincide with the ceremony, a government official said.
The Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple is scheduled for January 22 at 12:30 pm, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various dignitaries in attendance. The ceremonies commenced at the Ayodhya temple complex on January 16, spanning seven days leading up to the significant event. Specific rituals are being conducted each day as part of the preparations for the Pran-Pratishtha.
Arrangements have been made for a live screening of the ceremony on a large screen at public places across India and abroad, added an official.
Central government offices and institutions will observe a half day on Monday to enable people to participate in the consecration of the idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training said on Thursday. The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on 22nd January 2024 across India (File Photo)
The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on 22nd January 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all Central Government Offices, Central Institutions and Central Industrial Establishments throughout India will be closed for half a day till 14.30 hours on January 22, 2024, the order said.
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Also Read: Ram Mandir consecration event: Where to watch live telecast of ceremony?
Officials said the department made the decision because employees across the country had requested a day off to participate in the ceremony.
Various activities have been planned by organisations and groups of people across India and abroad to coincide with the ceremony, a government official said.
Arrangements have been made for live screening of the ceremony on large screen at public places across India and abroad, added official.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be taking part in the consecration ceremony on January 22, which will likely start at 12.20pm. Rituals ahead of the Ram Temple consecration have already started inside the complex, which will continue till January 21.
National broadcaster Doordarshan has made elaborate arrangements for the live telecast of the entire event, which will also be shown live on several private channels, the government official said.
Ahead of the ceremony, Ayodhya has been fortified with personnel of the state police and the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces. Invites have been sent to nearly 8000- 10000 people from across the country for the ceremony on Monday.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced a ban on the sale of meat and fish in the state on January 22 - the day the inauguration of the Ram temple will take place. A construction crew works on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (AP)
The Yogi Adityanath-led government has already banned the sale of liquor on that day.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will also share the dais with several other dignitaries.
More than 7,000 people have been invited to the ceremony by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust.
Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a priest from Varanasi, will perform the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at 12.20 pm. The ceremony is expected to conclude by 1 pm.
The idol of Ram Lalla, sculpted by Mysore-based sculptor Arun Yogiraj, has been selected for installation. The seven-day rituals of the consecration ceremony began on Tuesday. The rituals include various forms of puja. The deity of Ram Lalla will get a divine bath with 125 urns on January 21.
After the January 22 event, the Ram temple will be opened to devotees. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across India are expected to visit the temple every day.
All central government offices will be closed for half day on January 22 on the occasion of the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. The minister told the news agency that the decision on the half-day closure of the office has been taken in view of the overwhelming sentiments. All central government officer will work half-day on January 22 on the occasion of the Ram Temple consecration.
"The Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya will be celebrated on 22nd January 2024 across India. To enable employees to participate in the celebrations, it has been decided that all central government offices, central institutions and central industrial establishments throughout India will be closed for half day till 1430 hours on 22nd January 2024," the order issued to all central government ministries/ departments read.
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Ayodhya Ram Mandir Opening Ceremony: Full coverage
At 12.30pm on January 22, the pran-pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple will take place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other dignitaries from all walks of life. The ceremonies began at the Ayodhya temple complex on January 16, seven days before the D-day. Specific rituals are being performed every day ahead of the pran-pratishtha.
Ram Mandir pre-consecration rituals day 3: Follow LIVE updates
The Bar Council of India on Wednesday wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and requested him to grant a holiday on January 22. "As you are aware, the inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is scheduled for January 22, 2024. This event holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance for millions of people across the country, marking the realization of a long-awaited dream and the culmination of legal proceedings that have been pivotal in defining the nation's structure," Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra wrote in his letter.
PM Modi on Thursday released commemorative postage stamps on the Ram Temple depicting the history and historical moments around the opening of the Ram Temple.
The idol of Lord Ram arrived at the temple complex on Wednesday night -- the second day of the pre-consecration rituals. It has been kept inside the sanctum sanctorum but not installed yet. On Thursday, the third day of the rituals, the idol is supposed to be cleansed with water as part of the 'Jaladhivas' ritual and 'Ganesh Pujan' and 'Varun Pujan' will be held.
Traditional wedding bands are getting ready in Delhi for a bustling day on January 22, as numerous celebratory events are scheduled at temples across the city to commemorate the Ram Temple inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya. In preparation for the event, band members, typically associated with playing wedding songs, are now gearing up to perform devotional songs in honour of Lord Ram. (File)
Chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) Brijesh Goyal stated that over 1,500 events are scheduled across Delhi, encompassing temples, societies, markets, and communities, leading up to and on the day of the consecration ceremony. He said, There has been a surge in demand for music groups and people who perform 'Sundar Kand' and Dharmik Paath due to the wedding season and 'Pran Pratishtha'.
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For these programmes, several wedding bands have been booked in order to perform devotional songs and bhajans, adding to the festive spirit.
These celebrations align with the commencement of the wedding season in Delhi, resulting in wedding bands receiving numerous booking requests, exceeding their typical seasonal load. Despite the surge, they are making efforts to accommodate all requests, PTI reported.
Jea Band owner Satya Anil Thadani told PTI, This year has witnessed a substantial increase in the demand for dhol, and band, baaja due to 'Ram Barats' being taken out. We will start our day at 4 am. Both small and large bands are preparing.
He added that the company has divided the members of the band into small teams so the requests for January 21 and 22 events can be accommodated. This year has seen a 50-60 per cent rise in the demand for wedding bands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to perform the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ram temple on Monday.
In preparation for the event, band members, typically associated with playing wedding songs, are now gearing up to perform devotional songs in honour of Lord Ram.
Thadani said, We are fully booked due to the significant event. We are practising special songs for the day. Performers are preparing to play the popular bhajan 'Ram Aayenge to Angana Sajaungi', and special dhol beats during the aarti.
On that day, Jea Band members are set to don saffron-coloured uniforms for the occasion.
A dhol wallah, set to perform at a temple, mentioned that they would play instruments during the aarti and are curating a special playlist of bhajans and kirtans. Likewise, the Madan Band Baaja group is too gearing up to perform religious songs dedicated to Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman.
Ajay Prakash Sharma, owner of a wedding band, noted that musical groups were experiencing a shortage of members due to the date clash. He told PTI, We are adding more people to the group as the location of events are also far from each other. We have made teams of six, 10, and 15 people.
Member of the Chauhan Band Naushad told PTI about being fully booked for weddings and other events on January 21 and 22. He said, During the same time last year, we got bookings for just one or two weddings. But this year's Ayodhya ceremony has brought a lot of work to us.
The Sadar Bazaar Traders' Association is among those that have secured a wedding band for January 22. Rakesh Kumar Yadav, President of the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association, expressed their anticipation for the upcoming day.
He said, We aim to create the best atmosphere in the market, where the streets will be filled with sounds of devotional songs and bhajans. We have booked a band for the day. We aim to celebrate the joy, ensuring we don't miss out on anything.
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The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that the petitions regarding the validity of the immunity to a husband from marital rape are an important issue that will have to be heard and decided as it agreed to consider listing the matter on an early date. The case has not been effectively heard since January 2023. The Supreme Court. (ANI)
We will hear the matter. Give me time until evening. We will try and see where we can give a slot between the Constitution bench hearings. It is an important issue that will have to be listed, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud told a bunch of lawyers associated with the case.
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In January, the array of matters relating to marital rape was listed at least four times before a three-judge bench, which also included justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The matters could not be heard because the CJIs court has been hearing some important constitutional bench matters, including the minority status of the Aligarh Muslim University.
On Thursday, senior counsel Indira Jaising mentioned the matter before the CJI, requesting a fixed date. Advocate Karuna Nundy, who appears for one of the petitioners in the case, on Wednesday made the same request.
The court is seized of a batch of petitions that relate to the exception to Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which exempts forceful sexual intercourse by a man with his wife from the offence of rape.
A set of public interest litigations (PILs) have challenged the validity of the immunity clause in the IPC on the grounds of discrimination against married women who were sexually assaulted by their husbands. The split verdict by the Delhi high court in May 2022 is also pending before the top court for a final word.
Judges of the high court disagreed in their 2022 judgment with one terming the clause protecting husbands from prosecution for non-consensual sex with their wives as morally repugnant, while the other said it did not violate any law and could continue to exist.
One petition before the Supreme Court is an appeal by a man whose trial for raping his wife was approved by the Karnataka high court in a March 2022 ruling. While the top court in July 2022 stayed the trial in this case, the then Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Karnataka filed its affidavit in November last year, supporting the criminal prosecution of the husband.
The Basavaraj Bommai government claimed that the IPC permits the prosecution of a man for raping his wife and therefore, a husbands trial under Section 375 of the IPC is valid. The new government in Karnataka has so far not clarified whether it abides by the stand of the BJP government.
On January 16, 2023, the top court-appointed advocates Pooja Dhar and Jaikriti S Jadeja as nodal counsel in the matter to prepare a common compilation and collaborate with all the lawyers in the matter to facilitate the proceedings.
On that day, the Union government told the court that making marital rape a criminal offence would have social ramifications, which is why it has commenced the process of consultation with states and other stakeholders.
Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta maintained during the proceedings last year that the subject cannot be looked at only through the prism of legalities and that its social impact must also be considered. The government is yet to file its affidavit to bring on record its final stand.
While delivering a judgment in a case related to the medical termination of pregnancy, the Supreme Court said in September that the pregnancy of a married woman due to forcible sex by her husband can be treated as rape under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, in what was the first legal recognition of marital rape under an Indian statute.
In 2017, the top court interfered with Exception 2 of Section 375, but only to the extent that it protected husbands from prosecution under the rape charge if the wife was not below 15 years. The Supreme Court read down the exception clause to hold that a wife must not be below 18 for the immunity to operate. At the same time, it clarified that no opinion was being rendered on the issue of marital rape.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed by the Punjab government against the bail granted to Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in a case registered against him in 2015 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira (File Photo)
We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order passed by the high court, said a bench of justices Bela M Trivedi and KV Viswanathan, refusing to stay the bail order.
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On the materials you have relied on and in the background of the case, when the high court has already applied its mind, we dont think it is a fit case for interference by this court, the bench held.
While the allegations are indeed serious, the bench added, it was not inclined to review the high court order of granting bail to Khaira in the facts and circumstances of this case. This is a case registered in 2015. We are now in 2024. The high court has already looked into everything and granted bail, it added.
On a contention that Khaira could be a threat to witnesses and that he has been making controversial statements after his release, the bench said that the state government was at liberty to bring all the relevant facts to the notice of the trial court or the high court.
Also Read: Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira accuses AAP govt of unleashing vendetta politics
Subsequent events cannot be a reason to interfere with the order now...We are not interfering nor are we going to comment on anything. We are not granting anything in this matter, it further remarked.
The Punjab and Haryana high court on January 4 granted bail to the Congress MLA from Bholath in a 2015 drugs case. However, the reprieve was short-lived as he was arrested by the Kapurthala police in another case for threatening and intimidating a witness in the NDPS case. A Kapurthala court on January 15 released Khaira on bail in the second case, paving the way for the three-time MLA to walk out of the Nabha jail four months after he was arrested in the 2015 drugs case on September 29 last year.
In its appeal before the top court, senior counsel Sidharth Luthra, representing the Punjab government, argued that the bail order completely ignored Section 37 of the NDPS Act, mandating the court to be satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for believing that the accused was not guilty of such offence and that he was not likely to commit any offence while on bail.
Senior advocate PS Patwalia, representing Khaira, contended that the state government had malice against Khaira as Patwalia cited his clients arrest in another case hours after he was released on bail by the high court in the 2015 case.
The drug case was registered in March 2015 at Jalalabad in Fazilka. Nine people, including Gurdev Singh, allegedly a close aide of Khaira, were booked in connection with the case and later convicted. The police had reportedly seized two kg of heroin, 24 gold biscuits, a country-made pistol, a .315-bore pistol and two Pakistani SIM cards from them.
Khaira was arrested in September in connection with the 2015 case following a further investigation, triggering accusations of political vendetta against the states ruling Aam Aadmi Party from the Congress.
Khaira was also arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2021 on charges of money laundering linked to the 2015 case. He was, however, granted bail in 2022.
Even a single day is one day too many when liberty of a person is involved, the Supreme Court held on Wednesday as it ordered immediate release of a 25-year-old woman illegally detained by her parents to stop her from being with a man of her choice and pursue a career in Dubai. New Delhi, Jan 10 (ANI): A view of the Supreme Court building, the apex judicial body of India, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (Sanjay Sharma)
A bench of justices Bhushan R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta declared that forcible detention of the woman by her parents in Bengaluru for over four months is illegal and that she must proceed further as per her own wishes.
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Warning her parents of inviting contempt of court action if they breach its order, the bench also directed them to return the womans passport, her devices and other documents within 48 hours so that she could pursue her career in Dubai as per her volition.
When the question of liberty of a person is involved even a days delay counts, underlined the top court, adding it was not for any court or parents to take decisions for a major woman regarding her relationships or her choice of career or the place where she wants to stay.
She is highly qualified. Interaction with her showed that she is mature enough to understand as to what is right and what is wrong for her in her life. In any case a major girl cannot be compelled to do something against her wishes, highlighted the bench, which interacted with her in judges chamber before passing the order.
The court, in its order, also castigated the Karnataka high court, for adjourning the matter for at least 14 times, noting the high court ought to have ensured her release immediately after she made a statement that she wanted to go back to Dubai and pursue her career.
Adjourning the matter on fourteen occasions and now postponing it indefinitely and posting it in the year 2025 depicts a total lack of sensitivity on the part of the high court in such a matter. As a matter of fact, not passing appropriate orders at an appropriate stage has contributed to further illegal detention of the detenue, said the bench.
The womans boyfriend had approached the Supreme Court, complaining that she was confined to her uncles place in Bengaluru by her parents, who did not approve of their relationship. They knew each other for the last nine years while they studied in Dubai and had a steady relationship. Unhappy over this, the parents brought the woman back citing grandfathers sickness and did not let her go back, as per the plea.
The man first filed a habeas corpus petition in the Karnataka high court in September, demanding her appearance before the judge there. Following a direction of the high court, the police recorded the womans statement in which she categorically stated that she was forcibly taken away from Dubai on the pretext of her grandfathers sickness and that she is being forced to have an arranged marriage. The high court, on October 10, also interacted with the woman but the case was later repeatedly adjourned, compelling the boyfriend to move the Supreme Court.
On January 3, the Supreme Court bench regretted that the high court was hearing a habeas corpus petition at a snails pace, and asked for the presence of the woman, her parents and the boyfriend before it on January 17. On Wednesday, they were all present. As the boyfriend had a pre-fixed professional engagement, his parents attended the court hearing.
The woman told the judges that although she has all the love and respect for her parents, she would like to go back to Dubai and pursue her career. She also rued that she could not attend at least three interview calls from Dubai because she was under a house arrest by her parents. The woman wished to go back to Dubai with her boyfriends parents.
The parents, on their part, said that they would first want their daughter to be financially independent before she takes other important decisions about her life. Once she is financially stable, they added, she was free to take whatever decisions she desires.
This, the apex court held, was impermissible since an adult woman could not be forced against her wishes by anyone, including her parents. It directed the parents to not stop their daughter from going wherever she wishes, adding they must also return her passport and other documents since she wanted to go back to Dubai.
In its order, the bench also recorded its anguish against the Karnataka high court, which was expected to hear the case next in April 2025. When, in a habeas corpus petition, she had in unequivocal terms expressed before the high court that she desired to go back to Dubai to pursue her career, the high court ought to have passed the order setting her at liberty with immediate effect, it noted.
Owing to such lackadaisical approach, the bench added, the boyfriend and his parents were compelled to make frequent trips from Dubai to Bengaluru just to ensure the well-being of the woman.
The court has fixed the next hearing of the case on January 22 for ascertaining compliance with its directions.
The proceedings on Tuesday echo the mandate of the Supreme Court in the 2018 Kerala love-jihad case, which had ended with the court restoring the inter-faith marriage of Hadiya who it held was free to follow her pursuits and lead her life her own way. Hadiyas marriage was annulled by the Kerala high court and she was later kept in confinement by her parents.
The top court, in its judgment, held: The choice of a partner whether within or outside marriage lies within the exclusive domain of each individual. Intimacies of marriage lie within a core zone of privacy, which is inviolable Neither the state nor the law can dictate a choice of partners or limit the free ability of every person to decide on these matters. They form the essence of personal liberty under the Constitution.
In a terrible tragedy, 16 people including 14 school children andtwo teachers, died on Thursday as the boat they were on overturned in the Harni Lake on the outskirts of Vadodara in Gujarat. The boat was carrying 27 students accompanied by their teachers who were out on a picnic. Chief minister Bhupendra Patel has reached the site; Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office announced ex gratia. 27 students were on the boat that capsized in a lake in Vadodara on Thursday.
Gujarat education minister Kuber Dindor said the NDRF and the fire brigade personnel have been deployed for the search operation. After hours-long rescue operation, chief fire officer Parth Brahmbhatt said there was no one missing.
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"A boat carrying school students, who came here on a picnic, overturned in Harni lake in the afternoon. The fire brigade has so far rescued seven students, while search is on for the missing ones," Vadodara's chief fire officer Parth Brahmbhatt said.
Some locals rescued some children before the fire brigade personnel reached the spot.
Vadodara MP Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt said strict action will be taken against whoever is responsible for the mishap. The rescued students have been taken to different hospitals, the MP said. The boat was loaded beyond its capacity.
Distressed by the loss of lives due to a boat capsizing at the Harni lake in Vadodara. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, Prime Minister's Office issued a statement.
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences to the families of the children who lost their lives. "The incident of children drowning after the boat capsized in Vadodara's Harni lake is extremely heartbreaking. I pray for the peace of the souls of the innocent children who lost their lives. My deepest condolences to their families in this hour of sorrow. May the Merciful God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The rescue operation of the students and teachers on board the boat is currently going on. The system has been instructed to provide immediate relief and treatment to the victims of the accident," the chief minister posted on X.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted, The news of the death of many students, including teachers, due to the boat capsizing in Vadodara, Gujarat is extremely heart-wrenching. Many students are still reported missing in this accident. The Gujarat government and administration are requested to expedite the relief and rescue operations and make every possible effort to save the lives of the students. In this hour of grief, we stand with the bereaved families and express our deepest condolences.
Vadodara boat mishap: What we know so far
According to reports, the students accompanied by some teachers were from New Sunrise School in Panigate.
They came for a picnic at the lake at around 4.30pm and boarded a boat.
The boat apparently had a seating capacity of 16 but 27 were on it.
It is not yet known whether they were wearing life jackets.
PM Modi announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased.
Chief minister Bhupendra Patel announced a compensation of 4 lakh each to the next of kind of deceased and 50,000 for the injured.
New Delhi: As many as 400 projects being undertaken by about ten cities under the Centres flagship Smart Cities Mission (SCM) are unlikely to meet the extended deadline of June 2024, an official aware of the matter said on Thursday. A total of 100 Smart Cities have been selected through four rounds of competition from January 2016 to June 2018 (Twitter/@SmartCities_HUA)
The ministry of housing and urban Affairs (MoHUA) extended for the second time the Smart Cities Mission by a year till June 2024 to complete the pending work after requests from some cities that sought more time to complete their ongoing projects.
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We are tracking these 400-odd projects regularly. There is no doubt that the other remaining projects will be completed, a MoHUA official said, adding that some of the stalled projects include road-building works stuck due to land disputes.
In some cities, there are infrastructure-heavy projects such as pipe laying for city-scale water supply. The SCM team at MoHUA is holding meetings with the respective smart city CEOs to oversee the progress of these projects, the official said.
Puducherry, Port Blair, Atal Nagar, Silvassa, Namchi, Kohima, Agartala, Pasighat, Imphal and Aizawl are some of the cities where the projects have been delayed. These are smaller cities which do not have the experience of executing such high-cost projects, said the official.
A total of 100 Smart Cities have been selected through four rounds of competition from January 2016 to June 2018. The project was slated to be completed within five years.
Applications of SCM are varied and include crime tracking, safety and security of citizens, transport management, solid waste management, water supply, and disaster management.
To date, installation of 76,000 CCTV surveillance cameras, building of over 2,500 km of roads with utility ducts and proper signages, introduction of more than 7,500 new buses, laying of 600 km of cycle tracks, creation of 6,855 smart school rooms, setting up of 40 digital libraries are some of the works completed under the flagship mission.
MoHUA is hosting a three-day National Smart Cities Pavilion ending Friday to showcase many of its lighthouse projects across cities of India.
As part of the event, projects such as Chappan Dukaan of Indore Smart City a street food hub, area-based development of Udaipur Smart City and digitisation of manuscripts by Prayagraj Smart City are being highlighted.
A SpiceJet passenger who was stuck inside the aircraft's lavatory mid-way on Tuesday was slipped a do not panic note by the crew members when they failed to open the door and get him out. The passenger was stuck for almost an hour as the door of the toilet malfunctioned mid-air. SpiceJet crew slipped don't panic note to passenger stuck in aircraft lavatory(Twitter)
A picture of the crew members' do not panic note to the passenger is going viral on social media. Sir we tried our best to open the door, however, we could not open. Do not panic, we are landing in a few mins, so please close the commode lid and sit on it and secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open, an engineer will come. Do not panic, the handwritten note read.
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SpiceJet cabin crew's note to passenger stuck in aircraft's lavatory(Twitter)
Shortly after taking off, the passenger - aboard a Mumbai-Bengaluru SpiceJet flight - went to use the restroom. However, the situation turned out to be quite distressing as he got stuck in the lavatory for almost an hour due to a malfunction in the door. According to the Airline's spokesperson, the cabin crew provided the passenger with assistance and guidance throughout the journey.
Upon the flight's arrival in Bengaluru, an engineer was rushed to the aircraft who successfully opened the malfunctioned door. The passenger was immediately attended to by medical professionals to assess his well-being, the spokesperson said.
The incident occurred on flight SG-268 which took off from Mumbai airport at around 2 am.
According to an aircraft engineer with a leading domestic carrier, flights have an emergency redressal system that can be used in case the lavatory door gets jammed, reported PTI. However, if the crew failed to unlock the door using the system outside, then it is a serious issue, he added.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet on Wednesday apologised for the inconvenience caused to the passenger and announced to provide him with a full refund.
Silchar: The chief ministers Special Vigilance Cell (SVC) on Thursday arrested a suspended Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer in connection with an alleged Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) financial scam, officials aware of the matter said. The officer, identified as Sukanya Borah, was arrested after five rounds of interrogations (HT Photo/Sourced)
The officer, identified as Sukanya Borah, was arrested after five rounds of interrogations, which started in March last year, said officials.
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Borah, 34, was suspended in March last year for her alleged involvement in suspected irregularities in carrying out projects funded by the MPLAD.
In May last year, Borah appealed to the Gauhati High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the case which was turned down.
The scam involved misappropriation of funds from Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyans MPLAD fund.
During the investigation, the vigilance cell found that Borah approved payment for road construction in Barpeta before the completion of the work, officials said.
The vigilance team also found that Borahs wealth increased abnormally and she bought properties in the name of her family members in Guwahati, Morigaon, Hajo, and North Guwahati, among others.
Apart from Borah, other officers, including retired Public Works Department engineer Samed Ali and Deputy Conservator of Forests Bhaskar Deka were also arrested by the special vigilance cell for their alleged connections with the same MPLAD scam.
Officials aware of the matter said all the arrested persons are being interrogated by the special cell. They were arrested as they were not cooperating with the vigilance cell, an official said.
The Telangana government led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with several industrial groups for investing in various infrastructure projects in the state at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) summit being held in Davos, Switzerland. Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy meets Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani on the sidelines of World Economic Forum's 54th Annual Meeting, in Davos on Wednesday (ANI)
Godi India Private Limited founder and chief executive officer Mahesh Godi, who held a meeting with the Telangana delegation led by Revanth Reddy, announced setting up of a 12.5 Gwh cell manufacturing with an investment outlay of 8,000 crore over a period of five years. An MoU was signed between the representatives of the company and the state government officials.
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An official statement from the chief ministers office said the proposed project has employment generation potential for 6,000 people in Phase-I. The project aims to establish a 2.5 Gwh cell assembly line in Phase-I, with planned expansion to 10 Gwh in the second phase.
After signing the MoU, Reddy said the Telangana government was working towards promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and establishing a comprehensive EV & ESS ecosystem in the state.
Similarly, JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, also announced setting up of a Pumped Storage Project in Telangana, with an investment of 9,000 crore. The proposed Pumped Storage Project will have energy generation capacity of 1,500 MW.
An MoU was signed between the state government and JSW Neo Energy during a meeting at the World Economic Forum, after a meeting of JSW group chairman Sajjan Jindal with Revanth Reddy.
Earlier, the chief minister met Adani group chairman Gautam Adani at the Telangana pavilion in Davos. State information technology and communications and industries D Sridhar Babu and president of Adani groups Aerospace and Defence wing Ashish Rajvanshin exchanged four MOUs with the state government for investments amounting to the tune of 12,400 crore.
The Adani group would set up two pumped energy storage projects of 1,350 MW capacity at a cost of 5,000 crore, AdaniConneX Data Centres at 5,000 crore at Chandanvelly with a total capacity of 100 MW, a cement grinding unit at an investment of 1400 crore and Adani Aerospace and Defence will invest 1,000 crore in Counter Drone Systems and Missile Development and Manufacturing Centres at the Adani Aerospace and Defence Park
Additionally, Adani Group has also agreed to support the skill development universities in Telangana.
Later, the chief minister and his delegation met with CEO of Iron Mountain William Meaney and CEO of Web Werks Nikhil Rathi. The meeting led to Web Werks announcing an investment of 5,200 crore to establish data centres in Telangana. Revanth Reddy also met Nadir Godrej, chairman and managing director of Godrej Industries Ltd, which evinced interest in making strategic investments in Telangana.
The official release said Godrej is already a key player in driving the oil palm mission of the state, wherein they are setting up one of Indias largest integrated oil palm processing complex with an investment of 270 crore in first phase in Khammam district.
The Godrej also agreed to establish a 1000-cr chemical plant in Telangana. Other key areas discussed included collaborative ventures in skill development, real estate development projects, and expanding the creamline dairy business, the official release added.
Mallikarjun Kharge, who was made president of the Congress party in 2022, was recently announced as the chairperson of the INDIA bloc the group of 28 Opposition parties. In a political career spanning over five decades, Kharge has won nine assembly and two Lok Sabha elections, losing for the first time only in 2019. He is still hailed as Solillada Saradara (undefeated chieftain) by the Karnataka public. Now entrusted with the task of not only revitalising the grand old party but also ensuring a smooth and effective functioning of the Opposition alliance, 81-year-old Kharge faces a formidable challenge.
Pitched by Mamata Banerjee as a prime ministerial candidate, the Dalit leader is the first non-Gandhi to lead the main opposition party for the first time in 25 years. HT takes a look at the challenges in store for him this election season:
Leadership dynamics
His predecessor Rahul Gandhis resignation in 2019 created a leadership vacuum and Sonia Gandhi assumed the role that Kharge stepped into in 2022. Kharge became the boss, but Rahul Gandhi also plays a significant role as part of the Congress Working Committee he is often consulted for all major decisions. In fact, last weekend, this came to the fore when Kharge's name was recommended for chairperson of the INDIA bloc, the veteran leader immediately said that Rahul Gandhi should take that position. Gandhi lobbed it back to Kharge.
Political scientist Zoya Hasan feels that this doesn't have to be a disadvantage. "Rahul Gandhi's ideological position stands out prominently as a counterforce surpassing others in the opposition. Kharge acknowledges his primacy in the Congress. But that hasnt weakened his authority. Hes not constrained by the presence of Gandhi. His sharp speech in Manipur while flagging off the Bharat Jodo Nyaya Yatra is a testament to his strength, and his non-Gandhi status appears to afford him a certain space and bandwidth to critique the ruling party frontally, she said. Kharge had made a pointed reference to the prime minister Narendra Modi while flagging off the yatra at the start of the week.
According to her, a notable challenge lies in navigating the significant influence of the Gandhis, particularly Rahul Gandhi, who has emerged as a mass leader, and exerting his authority as Congress president. Kharge has deftly managed this balancing act, asserting himself while allowing ample space to Rahul Gandhi. His political acumen, extensive experience, education, multilingual proficiency, and communication skills further contribute to his effectiveness in navigating these complexities.
Ideological challenges
The second challenge for Kharge is to help his party and the INDIA bloc establish what it stands for. In contrast to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which adheres to a Right-wing Hindutva ideology, INDIA encompasses parties with ideological positions spanning from the left to centre, resulting in a range of perspectives. While there is consensus among most partners on a demand for a caste census, it may not be adequate for ensuring electoral success. The Congress' freebie policy has also not proven to be advantageous in recent polls in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarhthe Hindi belt.
A pivotal ideological challenge emerges in the context of the upcoming consecration of the Ram temple on January 22nd an event being celebrated as a festival in the country. The Congress party has officially stated that Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have politely declined the invitation to participate in the consecration event. They allege that the Ayodhya Temple has been transformed into a "political project" by the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Congress further contends that the advancement of the consecration event is a strategic move for "electoral gain" in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha polls. CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury also declined the invite and the party stated that it believes religion is a personal choice not to be converted into an instrument for political gain. Mamata Banerjees TMC will be holding an interfaith rally on the same day as the consecration. Though these moves may be perceived as being anti-Hindu.
Hasan said, Congress is attempting to put forward a counter-narrative. Not going for the Ayodhya temple inauguration signals an ideological stand against the politicisation of religion. Most Congress leaders have said they are not against religion but against using it for electoral gain. That's a counter-narrative which is not negative but is making a distinction between private religion and public religion which is important for a secular State.
CPR fellow Rahul Verma said, Kharge has to come up with a vision of this alliance and why they are contesting as a bloc. So far, we have seen elements of it but not a full-blown narrative of why India needed this alliance.
Adding complexity to the situation is veteran politician Sharad Pawars closeness to billion-dollar industrialist Gautam Adani. Pawar dismissed the demand for a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe based on the Hindenburg report, and suggested that the report may be motivated. The Congress has been aggressively targeting the government on this issue. Pawar was invited to Adani's plant inauguration last September, raising eyebrows. The party clarified that its alliance and the invitation were distinct matters. Meanwhile, West Bengal and Bihar both of whose ruling parties are part of INDIA have Adani projects lined up/currently ongoing such as Bengals deep-sea port at Tajpur in East Midnapore district and an MoU signed between Bihar government and Adani of 8,700 crore investments in the state.
Kharge has to keep the interest of the Congress party along with the interest of the allies because Congress is in a decline mode and they wouldn't want to give too much space in terms of seats where their revival post-2024 elections becomes harder, Verma said.
Thus, Kharge along with the other opposition leaders has to take a call on what they stand for, other than being against Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Cadre commitment
Finally, the significance of coordination among workers from allied parties cannot be overstated, especially for parties with robust cadres who have previously campaigned against each other. Convincing them to collaborate with equal enthusiasm for the allies, or at least refrain from opposing them, poses a challenge.
Verma said the Congress must ensure sustained cooperation of its allied partners during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The hot and cold dynamics observed among the allies after the initial round of discussions last year highlight the potential for disagreements during subsequent election phases, he said. Congress must refrain from disregarding the perspectives of its allied partners, he said.
Historically, alliances have faced internal contradictions leading to their dissolution, as observed in cases like the Janata Party in 1979 and the United Front in 1977. Kharge now bears the responsibility of ensuring that the INDIA bloc avoids a similar fate. The Congress has long grappled with the issue of prominent leaders leaving the party, with Maharashtras Milind Deora being the latest example. This not only highlights internal rifts but also the challenge of cadre managementa skill in which the BJP has demonstrated proficiency through its micro-level booth management policy, exemplified by recent success in Rajasthan.
The other challenge before the INDIA bloc is to ensure cadres campaign for parties that have traditionally been their rivals. Notably, AAP's Punjab unit has already stated its reluctance to ally with the Congress in the state. However, if seat-sharing negotiations result in the Congress securing seats in Punjab, the critical question arises: Will the cadres be willing to actively campaign for the Congress in those constituencies?
Meticulous planning is essential and the focus should be on strategically allocating resources to constituencies where the party is competitive and stands a good chance of winning, Verma said. Kharge will have to manage the various interests in the face of a lack of feedback mechanisms and friction between the allies.
Some mergers and divisions remained stark as AIADMK, its expelled leaders, breakaway factions and former allies paid tributes to the Dravidian partys founder and three-time chief minister M G Ramachandran (MGR) on his 107th birth anniversary on Wednesday. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami distributes sweets among the party supporters on the 107th birth anniversary of party founder MGR, at party headquarters, in Chennai on Wednesday (ANI)
Despite the AIADMK breaking off the four year-old alliance with the BJP last September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a wish on X describing it as a day to celebrate MGR. He was a true icon of Tamil cinema and a visionary leader. His films, particularly those on social justice and empathy, won hearts beyond the silver screen, Modi said.
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As a leader and Chief Minister, he worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people, leaving a lasting impact on Tamil Nadus growth and development. His work continues to inspire us. The wish has nothing to do with their ties, said AIADMKs organising secretary D Jayakumar adding that their general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) will form the Tamil Nadu government following the 2026 assembly elections. Our general secretary has already made it clear that there is no alliance with the BJP, not now and never. It is good that he (PM) wished him (MGR) since he inspired the nation, Jayakuamr said.
While AIADMKs general secretary paid tributes at the party headquarters, expelled leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) and his supporters observed the day at MGRs statue on a city junction. Let us vow to take back AIADMK from a treacherous group and restore it to its glory, OPS said.
AIADMKs breakaway faction, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) led by TTV Dhinakaran said that he and OPS are working together, after he paid his tributes. On a question if the duo will join hands with the BJP, Dhinakaran said, There is nothing wrong with two parties contesting together. We will announce our alliance plans for the Lok Sabha elections at the right time.
Dhinakarans aunt and another expelled leader V K Sasikala continued to call for all of them to unite and reclaim the AIADMK. I will surely bring everyone together, she said.
A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) was suspended on Thursday after he abused and slapped a passenger onboard the Barauni-Lucknow Express for not having a ticket. An inquiry has been initiated against the TTE. (Screengrab/Twitter)
As per railway officials, the incident occurred on Thursday when the train was travelling between Uttar Pradesh's Gonda and Barabanki. An inquiry has been initiated against the TTE.
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Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X, formerly Twitter, Zero tolerance for such misconduct, TTE has been suspended.
The Indian Railways told ANI, A video surfaces on social media of TTE on Barauni-Lucknow express slapping a passenger. The concerned TTE has been suspended by the competent authority and an inquiry has been initiated against the concerned.
Lucknow Division Public Relations Officer (PRO) told PTI, We came to know that a Deputy Chief Ticket Inspector (DCTI) named Prakash assaulted a passenger, possibly because he was having an irregular ticket. He was not authorised to travel in that particular class with the ticket that he had purchased. However, we have taken a very strong note of his act and suspended him immediately. We have constituted an inquiry and will take strictest action against him
In a viral video, Prakash was seen continuously slapping the passenger. He is also seen grabbing the passenger by the neck. He is seen trying to attack another passenger trying to make a video of the incident.
In another video, Prakash is seen hurling abuses on the passenger making a video. He is heard abusing the passenger and asking, Media se ho?
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway, in whose jurisdiction the incident took place, posted on X, The concerned TTE has been suspended by the competent authority and an inquiry has been initiated.
Posting the video on X, Rajya Sabha MP and former Delhi Commission of Women chief Swati Maliwal said, No matter how much we celebrate Vande Bharat, India's railways will improve only when the poor people of the country can travel comfortably and with dignity. Blood boils watching this video. Honorable Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw please take cognizance of the matter and take strict action against this TC. Train Number 15203.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday maintained that though it wants hate speeches and incitement to violence to stop, it cannot pre-empt peoples right to free speech and assembly by restraining them from holding meetings or processions without first granting them an audience. New Delhi, Jan 10 (ANI): A view of the Supreme Court building, the apex judicial body of India, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI Photo) (Sanjay Sharma)
A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta emphasised that the top court was inclined to strengthen the guidelines laid down by it in 2018 to prevent hate crimes and instigation for violence, including hate speeches, by making nodal officers and the police authorities at the district level accountable.
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After we passed the last order (on appointment of nodal officers), it did have an impact on the ground. It (hate speech) stopped...And we want it to stop, the bench told senior counsel Kapil Sibal, who pressed for a direction to the authorities in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh for stopping rallies planned by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA T Raja Singh later this week.
According to Sibal, the MLA from Telanganas Goshamahal constituency was a habitual offender of hate speeches and was booked by the Maharashtra police in a separate case for allegedly making incendiary speeches at a rally in the Solapur district.
See the kind of venom and hate that is being perpetrated. No action is being taken despite lodging of the FIR. There is no arrest, and he (Singh) keeps on. Whats the point of all this? asked the senior counsel, requesting the court to stop the proposed rallies on January 18 and 19.
But the bench turned down Sibals plea. See, they are objectionable. But some action has been taken in the other case that you are citing. But we are not going to stay the procession...Authorities will take action if there is any hate speech or incitement to violence. But it cannot be pre-emptory.
Sibal, who was appearing for one of the petitioners in the batch of pleas relating to hate speech, argued that the guidelines on taking preventive steps and installation of CCTV cameras have not made a difference due to lack of concrete action by police.
At this point, the bench, however, pointed out that the applicant has not made Singh a party to the plea despite seeking direction against his holding processions, which is also a face of fundamental right.
Mr Sibal, is he (Singh) a party in your application? The order you are seeking is going to affect someone. Have you made that person a party here? Your prayer is dont grant permission to X. And if the permission is granted, withdraw it. Can we do it without hearing him? How can we pass this order without this person being a party or hearing them? it asked Sibal, who conceded that the MLA has not been added as a party to the application.
The bench then underscored that it would be in breach of principles of natural justice to pass an order impacting a persons rights without hearing him. That goes against the fundamentals of natural justice, it highlighted.
The court added that since there are already guidelines in place, it would ask the authorities concerned to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps during the rallies in Maharashtras Yavatmal and Chhattisgarhs Raipur.
It is to be noted that persons against whom allegations have been made are not made parties. Nevertheless in view of assertions made, we require authorities to be cautious of the fact that no incitement to violence or hate speech can be permitted. We accordingly direct the district magistrates and superintendents of police of Yavatmal in Maharashtra and Raipur in Chhattisgarh to take notice of the allegations and take appropriate steps as required. If necessary and deemed appropriate, police will install CCTV cameras with recording facilities so that perpetrators can be identified if anything happens, the court said in its order.
Adjudicating a clutch of petitions seeking to curb hate speeches, the court had in November said that the Supreme Court cannot monitor the problem pan-India by dealing with scores of applications filed by individuals and groups citing various instances of hate speech. In a country as big as India, there will be problems. But the question to be asked is whether we have an administrative mechanism to deal with it, it noted on November 29, adding that the mechanism envisaged under the 2018 judgment ought to be strengthened.
The 2018 judgment in the Tehseen Poonawalla case laid down extensive guidelines and preventive steps to be taken by states to curb instances of mob lynching and hate speeches.
The court had at the time sought to know the status of compliance by the Centre and states with a slew of previous orders requiring nodal officers , not below the rank of superintendent of police, to maintain case diary of hate speeches, installing CCTVs at places where the police apprehended trouble and sensitising police about reporting hate speeches to the nodal officer. It had further asked the Centre to propose guidelines on how nodal officers could aid in preventing hate speeches by way of quick action.
To be sure, there is no definition of hate speech under the Indian Penal Code and the offenders are booked under the provisions dealing with creating enmity between two different groups, acts intended to outrage religious feelings and statements conducive to public mischief.
The lead petition in the case was filed in 2021 by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, demanding a specific definition and a separate law on hate speech.
The Law Commission of India, in its 267th Report that was released in March 2017, suggested that criminal law should be amended to introduce specific legal provisions to deal with hate speech. It proposed two new provisions to penalise instances of hate speech, entailing a jail term up to two years. The commission sought to define hate speech as an incitement to hatred or discrimination, primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief and the like. The government, however, is yet to introduce specific provisions on hate speech in the penal law.
Bengaluru: The developed west is watching Indias experiment to extensively use costly research equipment bought by government higher educational and research centres by any researcher located anywhere in the country, experts said. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary in the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, inaugurated an I-STEM event, Samavesha, at Indian Institute of Science to further popularize the concept of collaborative research across the country. (HT Photo)
Mooted at the instance of the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) was launched five years ago by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has notched up success with 2350 research institutions and 27,730 researchers (users) registered on the platform that allows individual researchers access the most difficult to get research equipment for use, at a user fee.
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I-STEM launched Samavesha at Indian Institute of Science, an event to further popularize the concept of collaborative research across the country. .
The biggest success is in persuading the countless research bodies to lend their costly research equipment for use by the needy students and academicians across the country, to make more than optimal use of the equipment bought at huge costs, said Prof Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Research, I.I.Sc. Bangalore and chief investigator of I-STEM. Now, European Union is keenly watching our experiment, the first of its kind in the world, and is keen to have a similar collaborative program in Europe too, to pool their research equipment and capabilities, he told Hindustan Times. He added, Even the United States of America has expressed keen interest in this and is keeping a close watch on the progress.
I-STEM, a portal, provided a platform to provide research infrastructure and labs that can be availed by users across India. It targets connecting researchers with scientific institutes through an online portal.
Only when we have a large number of institutions and researchers join the fold of I-STEM and subscribe to the idea that we need shared resources and create this culture of collaboration, we will be able to do research at the highest level, innovate and translate. That is the idea of I-STEM, Prof Bhat added.
I-STEM saves the researchers, industry, and start-ups the prohibitive capital expenditure of purchasing advanced equipment, and at the national level, prevents duplication of resources.
The I-STEM network already has 27,730 users such as researchers, industry, and start-ups, alongside 2,350 research and academic Institutes across India that lend their scientific infrastructure, such as labs, to the users.
Inaugurating Samavesha, Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary in the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, I-STEM plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and economic growth. Today, everyone is stressing inclusive growth for a sustainable society. A more equitable distribution of resources will contribute to social stability. The resources we share will also cause a lot of social stability among the entire community.
The country has seen rapid growth of R&D organizations in the public sector. Most of the R&D in our country is publicly funded. The Researchers who have public-funded projects are custodians of the equipment and Government is the owner. To ensure that all researchers in the country get an equal opportunity to work and have access to the equipment and facilities, the idea of I-STEM was originated, Dr Maini said.
Now the focus is to ensure that I-STEM reaches all strata of researchers. Dr Maini urged I-STEM to see that researchers from the economically weaker sections get an edge. We must try and reserve 10 to 15% of funds for the economically weaker sections and give them free of cost. Regardless of gender, ethnicity or other characteristics, equal opportunities ensure that most qualified and capable individuals contribute to the economy of the country, she added.
I-STEM should think of getting the international community engaged on the I-STEM portal on projects with Indian Collaborators. We must give first and foremost emphasis on Indian collaborators, she said. But, given the huge population of researchers and students who pursue higher education, research and science in regional languages, I-STEM should also think of connecting with them through portals like BHASHINI or the National Language Translation Mission, she added.
The vision of I-STEM is to create a future where one million New-Age researchers, brimming with ideas, are seamlessly connected to a network of 10,000 cutting-edge labs across India. By 2024, I-STEM aims not only to connect individuals to equipment but also to ignite a collaborative ecosystem where start-ups, industries, and academia co-create the next wave of innovation.
Highlighting the role of I-STEM in boosting the Science and Technology sector in India, its Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator Dr. Harilal Bhaskar said, Samavesha is not just an event but a movement propelling the Nation into an era in which collaboration is the currency of progress. Let us unlock its power, breaking barriers, fostering connections, and creating an environment in which ideas flourish. As we embark on this transformative journey, I am sure Samavesha will become a beacon, lighting the path to a future where innovation knows no bounds. With Samavesha, any publicly funded lab will become available the fingertips of researchers, creating awareness and access like never before.
The immediate benefits for the society from Samavesha include, increased indigenous product innovations as collaborative synergy is expected to boost innovations, that ultimately benefit the man on the street. The strengthening of the Knowledge Exchange Ecosystem will break down access barriers and make the country a hub for groundbreaking discoveries and scientific advancements.
The land acquisition spree of financially strong developers and entities continues and as many as 97 separate land deals were closed for over 2707 acres in 2023 across the country. Backed by strong residential sales momentum across cities, at least 72% of the total land area closed in 2023 is slated to be used for residential development, data shared by Anarock Research showed. The land acquisition spree of financially strong developers and entities continues and as many as 97 separate land deals were closed for over 2707 acres in 2023 across the country.(ISTOCK)
In 2022, 82 land deals for more than 2508 acres were closed across the country. This means that the last two years saw at least 179 land deals for a whopping over 5215 acres closed, the data showed.
In terms of the total number of deals, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) clocked the highest number of land deals with 25 but these were for small land parcels covering about 289 acres. Delhi-NCR was second with 22 land deals closed in 2023.
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Land deals in 2023
Of the 97 land deals closed in 2023, about 74 deals for over 1,945 acres are proposed for residential development across tier 1, 2 and 3 cities.
Also Read: At least 59 land deals totalling 2,018 acres closed so far this year: Report
Over 564.75 acres in six separate deals are earmarked for Industrial and Logistic Parks and Manufacturing. As many as seven deals for over 126 acres are for mixed-use developments. As many as five deals for over 27.5 acres are for commercial and IT Parks. Approximately 43.35 acres in 5 separate deals earmarked for other asset classes including retail, hospitality, and some are undecided.
Ahmedabad witnesses highest land area transacted
Ahmedabad saw the highest land area transacted with 739 + acres in 3 separate deals and accounted for over 27% of the total land transacted in 2023. All three deals are for large township projects.
Bengaluru sealed 11 separate deals accounting for a 16% share of the total land area transacted in 2023, with 424+ acres changing hands - 10 deals for residential development, and one for manufacturing.
Land-scarce MMR saw the highest number of deals (25) for approx. 289 acres, earmarked largely for residential (20), 2 deals for mixed-use developments, and 1 deal each for an IT Park, hotel and retail developments.
Also Read: Kansai Nerolac sells 4.13 acre Lower Parel plot for 726 cr
NCR saw 22 separate land deals for 190+ acres, including 16 deals for 138+ acres in Gurugram, 3 deals for 19+ acres in Noida, and one deal each in Delhi, Faridabad and Greater Noida. The proposed developments in NCR include residential, retail, mixed-use, commercial, and plotted development.
Hyderabad saw 9 separate deals for 69.5+ acres earmarked for residential development. Pune saw 6 separate deals for 49+ acres of land, proposed for residential and mixed-use developments. Chennai saw 7 deal for 198+ acres proposed for a township project, IT Park and residential development.
Land deals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities gaining traction
Tier 2 and 3 cities, including Ludhiana, Nagpur Mysuru, Sanand and Dahej in Gujarat, among others, saw at least 10 land deals closed for 646+ acres closed in 2023. The proposed developments include residential development, township project, manufacturing, logistics park, and mixed-use.
In terms of transaction size, Ahmedabad was the front-runner with the biggest land transaction in 2023. Land prices in the city are comparably still among the most affordable. With rising commercial and residential demand since the pandemic, developers and entities are making a beeline to Ahmedabad to close land deals here. In terms of total number of deals, MMR clocked the highest with 25 - however, these were for small land parcels covering approx. 289 acres. NCR came in second highest with 22 land deals closed in 2023, said Anuj Puri, chairman ANAROCK Group.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has said that the ChatGPT maker's next model will be able to do lot more than what the existing ones can, adding that artificial intelligence is evolving much more rapidly than previous technologies.
In an interview to Axios at Davos, Altman, who was ousted from OpenAI last November before being quickly reinstated, said the evolution and proliferation of the company's technology will require uncomfortable decisions.
According to Altman, AI products will have to allow a lot of individual customisation that will make a lot of people uncomfortable. He reasoned that AI will provide different answers for varied users on the basis of their values preferences and possibly the country they live in. Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI, during a panel session on day three of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.(Bloomberg)
If the country said, you know, all gay people should be killed on sight, then no ...that is well out of bounds. But there are probably other things that I don't personally agree with, but a different culture might. ... We have to be somewhat uncomfortable as a tool builder with some of the uses of our tools, Altman said in this interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
According to Altman, soon the users might be able to ask AI about the most important emails they received in the day, and let AI summarise for them.
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Altman also stated that the AI advances will help in accelerating the rate of scientific discovery. However, the OpenAI CEO does not expect it to happen this year itself. But according to him, it will be a big deal whenever it happens.
Altman, who said his top priority is to launch the new AI model, likely to be the GPT-5, said he is nervous about AI's impact on elections around the world this year. Around 50 countries including India will elect their next government this year.
OpenAI said it will stop people from using its technology to create chatbots that not only impersonate real candidates or governments but also misrepresent how voting works or discourage people from voting.
When asked about OpenAI partnering with the US Defence Department, Altman said the decisions is due to the desire of supporting Washington DC but he conceded that there will be a lot of things to start slowly on.
A museum in Hyderabad came up with a unique creation ahead of the consecration ceremony of Ayodhyas Ram Mandir. Sudha Car Museum crafted a masterpiece that shows a replica of the temple mounted on a car. A video of the creation was posted on X. The image shows a replica of Ayodhyas Ram Mandir. (X/@ANI)
ANI took to X to share the video of the model. In a unique blend of technology and art, Hyderabad-based Sudha Car Museum has crafted a mobile masterpiece a model of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir mounted on a car, the news agency wrote.
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Take a look at the video that shows the replica of the temple:
The video was shared a day ago. Since then, the video has collected nearly 30,000 views. The post has also accumulated more than 600 likes.
Why did the museum create this model?
Sudhakar Yadav, owner of Sudha Car Museum, told ANI that he has been planning the project for the past two years. A total of 21 people worked together to create the model.
This is a mobile van. I am so happy that I could finish it on time. On 19th January, we are going to place this car at the famous Exhibition Grounds here. It will be there on display from 19th January to 15th February. After that, we are going to take it to villages because everybody can't go to Ayodhya. We will take Ayodhya to their doorsteps, he added.
Consecration ceremony of Ayodhyas Ram Mandir:
The event will take place on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest in this event that will also be attended by thousands of people from different walks of life - politicians, saints, and celebrities. The event will be telecasted live on Doordarshan, DD News and DD National.
A doctor is being hailed as a hero after he saved a passengers life on Akasa Air flight from Kochi to Mumbai on January 14. The passengers oxygen level had dropped, and his blood pressure was high, but Dr Cyriac Abby Philipss quick thinking helped stabilise him. Philips shared the incident on X, and many have lauded his efforts in responding to the medical emergency. The doctor used a stethoscope after three and half years on an Akasa Air flight from Kochi to Mumbai to save a passengers life. (AFP)
As a doctor, the first time I actually used a stethoscope after three and half years was on a mid-air flight, two days ago, wrote Dr Philips, who uses the X handle @theliverdr.
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He added, On my flight from Kochi to Mumbai via @AkasaAir, the man sitting next to me became breathless. I found the air hostess trying to plug in the mans nebuliser for emergency inhalational treatment and I helped her get the machine running. He spoke in broken sentences, but he was not getting better. He had an oximeter, which showed oxygen saturation was 36%, he added.
The doctor then used a stethoscope to listen to the mans lungs, but he couldnt hear any sound from the left side as it was filled with water. The man then told the doctor that he undergoes dialysis three days a week. To learn more about his medical history, the doctor checked the mans unlocked phone and found several prescriptions, primarily for high blood pressure.
I checked his blood pressure and found it was 280/160 and he was in accelerated hypertension with drowning lungs. We had 1 hour to land for emergency medical services to attend to him. We had to keep him alive, he further wrote.
Dr Philip shared that he did a double puncture on the mans only accessible vein on the right side and lost further access. The other upper limb had a dialysis fistula made, and he could not use it. So I gave him a frusemide injection into his buttock muscles ( a very long time since I gave an adult an intramuscular injection) after telling him it was going to pain, but I had no other options and also because it was so hard to find a vein as he was struggling and the flight was a bit turbulent.
The man was rushed to the hospital after the flight landed. I have no idea what happened next, but it felt like I was inside an ICU and had to make quick decisions.
Dr Philips also informed the patients family about his condition. The next day, his family messaged me to let me know that he was well. In the evening, after my podcast recording, the patient himself called me after he was shifted out of ICU post-emergency dialysis, the doctor said.
Dr Philips also thanked Akasa Air flight attendants. The female and male attendants on Akasa Air who helped me were so calm and composed that I was able to work with a clear mind as they followed instructions. They quickly changed and provided oxygen cylinders without haste that helped me get his saturation to above 90%.
The doctor also shared two screenshots of his WhatsApp conversation with the mans wife.
Take a look at the entire tweet here:
In response to Dr Philipss post, Akasa Air wrote, We are extremely grateful for your quick response and immediate assistance, which was instrumental in saving the life of a fellow passenger onboard our flight QP 1519. Our crew members Dhanya, Zargaam, Arnav, Kiritika in the cabin and Munish & Neha from the flight deck were privileged to have you as a crucial part of the team. Thank you once again for embodying the true spirit of care and compassion.
The post, since being shared, has accumulated over 7.1 lakh views, and the numbers are still increasing. Many even took to the comments section of the post to share their thoughts.
Heres how people reacted to the post:
This is awesome, posted an individual.
Another added, Great work Dr Abby Philips. Amazing!
Felt so happy reading this update. Great work, Dr. Abby, shared a third.
A fourth commented, I had goosebumps reading this! You are a hero! Hats off!
Grateful for your presence and the airline staffs prompt support... this is indeed incredible. Keep up the great work! expressed a fifth.
Ashley Singh, 39, and Sophie Bruyea, 20, a couple living in South London's Bromley, lived a luxurious lifestyle until the Metropolitan Police realised where their money was coming from. As per the police, the couple targeted people at a gym and maxed out their credit cards on expensive things. A couple from the UK funded their luxurious lifestyle by stealing from others. (Unsplash)
The two would buy pricey items such as tech and designer gear, sell them and used the cash to buy bags, shoes, holidays, and a pedigree puppy. While they lived a fairytale life, their victims had money drained from their accounts and incurred massive losses.
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Singh and Bruyea's lavish lifestyle met an abrupt end when a local police officer noticed a pattern and reported it to detectives who specialised in economic crime. Then, a Lewisham-based team used CCTV to track down their vehicles, phones and faces in order to connect them to every crime, reported the police.
There were 18 fraud reports in total, with 14 in the Metropolitan area, one from Sussex, one from Hertfordshire and two from Cambridgeshire, reported the police. (Also Read: Bill is on us: When a UK restaurant treated couple on their 50th wedding anniversary. Heres why)
DC Luis Da Silva, from the Mets economic crime team, said in the police statement, "You couldnt fail to be moved by the devastating impact their callous behaviour had on people, and we hope that by catching them this offers victims a little bit of solace. I would urge anyone who has had something stolen to get in touch because we do want to drive down this crime and go after those who target the public."
He added, "We will now look to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes to try and help compensate those who went through this.
The attack happened some 70 miles (110 kilometers) southeast of Aden, where the drone smashed into the vessel, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, an arm of the British navy that oversees Mideast waterways. HT Image
The ship's captain reported there was fire onboard which has now been extinguished, it said. Vessel and crew are safe and proceeding to next port of call.
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The British military did not immediately identify the vessel, nor whom they suspected in the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Houthis have launched a series of similar attacks on vessels since November in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea over what they say is an attempt to back Hamas and Palestinians trapped in the Gaza Strip amid Israel's war on Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade.
The U.S. and its allies have carried out three rounds of airstrikes targeting Houthi sites over the last week, to try to deter the militants. However, the Houthis have launched several attacks in the time since, further imperiling ships traveling on a crucial trade route for cargo and energy shipments moving from Asia and the Middle East toward Europe.
The Houthi attacks are one part of the wider tensions gripping the region. Iran staged airstrikes late Monday in Iraq, killing at least four people. The U.K.'s ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, said Wednesday that a British national, Karam Mikhael, was among the civilians killed there.
Meanwhile, Iran has been edging closer to acknowledging its own role in attacking a vessel in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka and India back on January 4. Then, the chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck by what the U.S. Navy called an Iranian one-way attack drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.
On Wednesday, the Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen reported Iran's Revolutionary Guard carried out that attack, as well as another one not independently confirmed on a separate vessel. Al-Mayadeen is a channel politically affiliated with Hezbollah that has previously announced other Iran-linked attacks in the region.
The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Eastern Pacific previously has been targeted in suspected Iranian attacks.
But Iran potentially acknowledging the Pacific Gold attack comes as Tehran has been trying to lash out without directly targeting either the U.S. or Israel. (AP) AMS
LOS ANGELES (AP) President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday finalized approval of $1.1 billion to help keep Californias last operating nuclear power plant running. HT Image
The funding is a financial pillar in the plan to keep the Diablo Canyon Power Plant producing electricity to at least 2030 five years beyond its planned closing.
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Terms of the aid package were not released by the Energy Department.
In 2016, plant operator Pacific Gas & Electric, environmental groups and plant worker unions reached an agreement to close the four-decade-old reactors by 2025. But the Legislature voided the deal in 2022 at the urging of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said the power is needed to ward off blackouts as climate change stresses the energy system.
California is the birthplace of the modern environmental movement and for decades has had a fraught relationship with nuclear power. Environmentalists argued California has adequate power without the reactors and that their continued operation could hinder development of new sources of clean energy. They also warn that long-delayed testing on one of the reactors poses a safety risk that could result in an accident, a claim disputed by PG&E.
The fight over the seaside plant located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco is playing out as the long-struggling nuclear industry sees a potential rebirth in the era of global warming. Nuclear power doesnt produce carbon pollution like fossil fuels, but it leaves behind waste that can remain dangerously radioactive for centuries.
Separately, PG&E has submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year extension of the plant's operating licenses, typical in the industry, but emphasized the state would control how long the reactors run.
Chinese researchers had mapped the Covid-19 virus in December 2019, at least two weeks before Beijing revealed it to the world, documents related to the US Congressional investigation accessed by The Wall Street Journal revealed. An illustration of the novel coronavirus seen next to a health care worker at a Covid-19 testing centre in New Delhi(HT)
The documents said Chinese researchers uploaded a nearly complete sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the US government-run database on December 28, 2019. However, Chinese officials shared the data with the World Health Organisation (WHO) only on January 11, 2020.
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The new revelation poses questions about the level of access China had to the deadly virus and the extent to which the outbreak, which caused millions of deaths in the months to come, could have been controlled had the world been aware of it just two weeks earlier.
Defending its government's administrative move, a Chinese embassy spokesperson told the US daily that their Covid response policies were science-based, effective and consistent with China's national realities. China has kept refining our Covid response based on science to make it more targeted, the official said.
Chinese scientist Dr Lili Ren, who uploaded the Covid sequence in 2019, never responded to the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) request for more technical details. Eventually, the data was removed from the government database and was never published. Later, on January 12, 2020, the NIH published a fresh Covid virus it received from a different source.
Meanwhile, a recent study revealed that Chinese scientists are experimenting on what is considered to be a deadly virus dubbed GX_P2V, having a 100% capacity to kill mice whose brains were engineered similarly to the genetic matrix of humans. Interestingly, the novel virus resembled characteristics of SARS-CoV-2.
According to the study by the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, published on bioRxiv, the mice lost a substantial amount of weight within five days of infection, their eyes turned white and they died after eight days. Scientists wrote that they were surprised to see such a rapid death rate.
After close analysis, they found that the virus had infected mice's lungs, bones, tracheas, brains and eyes. The primary cause of death was a severe infection of their brains.
Several experts raised concerns after the study was uploaded online, calling it scientifically totally pointless. Epidemiologists said there is nothing of vague interest that could be learned from force-infecting a weird breed of humanised mice. Another scientist said, This madness must be stopped before it is too late.
Read the full study here.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday praised India's impressive achievements under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as an "extraordinary success story." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during the plenary session at the Congress Hall during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.(AP)
Speaking at the World Economic Forums annual meeting in the Swiss ski resort of Davos, "We see the remarkable achievements that PM Modi has achieved," Blinken said, highlighting the positive trajectory of India's growth and development.
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The top American diplomat underlined the dedication and deliberate efforts of both Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden in taking the relationship between the two countries to new heights.
"The relationship between our countries is in a new place, at a new level. That has been the very deliberate effort of both Prime Minister (Modi) and President Biden who believes in this deeply," Blinken affirmed, underscoring the commitment of the leaders of both nations to strengthen the ties between the United States and India.
Asked to comment on the worry about runaway Hindu nationalism, Secretary Blinken stressed that these topics are a constant and regular part of the diplomatic dialogue between the United States and India.
"At the same time, a constant regular part of our conversation is the conversation about democracy, about rights," Blinken added.
"When President (Biden) took office, he wanted to make sure that we put back into our foreign policy these fundamental concerns about democracy and about human rights. We do it in different ways in different places. In some places may be it is more overt, more vocal. Another is because of the nature of the relationship we may have with the country, it's part of a very sustained very real conversation that produces positive change. That's the case with India."
On the ongoing war in Gaza, Blinken said that Israel cannot achieve genuine security without a pathway to a Palestinian state, insisting such a move could help unify the Middle East and isolate Israels top rival: Iran. He said the view of leaders in the Arab and Muslim world have changed on Israel and the creation of a Palestinian state would help Israel integrate in the region.
The problem is getting from here to there, and of course, it requires very difficult, challenging decisions. It requires a mindset that is open to that perspective, Blinken said.
The European Commission is set to recommend the EU reduces its net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, from 1990 levels, to ensure the bloc can reach net zero emissions a decade later, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The European Commission will present its recommendation for a 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 on Feb 6. (AP/File)
The European Union is drafting its first 2040 climate target, to bridge the gap between its existing goals to cut net emissions 55% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.
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With EU Parliament elections in June, the new target is set to test political appetite to continue Europe's ambitious green agenda - which is facing pushback from some governments and industries concerned about the cost, even as climate change unleashes more destructive heat, floods and wildfires across Europe.
The European Commission will present its recommendation for a 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 on Feb 6., the sources told Reuters.
They said the EU presentation would lay out the mounting costs climate change is inflicting on Europe, and the benefits a 90% emissions reduction by 2040 could yield - including by slashing Europe's bill for imported fossil fuels.
Brussels will outline options to aid each sector in meeting the 2040 goal - with a key focus on supporting the competitiveness of European industries, twinning public and private funding to support low-carbon manufacturing projects and jobs as Europe races to compete with China and the U.S., the sources said.
While the Commission is set to recommend the 2040 climate target next month, it will be the job of the new EU Commission formed after the EU elections to make a final proposal to fix the goal into law.
Passing previous EU climate targets has required unanimous approval from the 27 EU country leaders.
A 90% emissions cut by 2040 would just align with the 90%-95% target recommended by the EU's official climate science advisers.
On Thursday, the advisers urged the EU not to put the brakes on its climate policies, but to consider new actions to reach the 2040 goal - including by putting a price on emissions from farming after 2030.
Countries including Denmark, Poland and Bulgaria have signalled openness to a 90% emissions cut target for 2040.
Others have appeared more cautious. Hungary's state secretary for environment Aniko Raisz on Monday declined to confirm if the country would support a 90% emissions cut, and said the 2040 target must be "realistic".
The move makes it a direct contest between former president Donald Trump and Indian American Nikki Haley for the crucial Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire on January 23. HT Image
The latest poll released Wednesday showed that Trump and Haley are tied in this State with both polling 40 per cent each.
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New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has endorsed Haley.
Trump won the first Republican presidential caucus this Monday by bagging more than 51 per cent of the votes. DeSantis came second with over 21 per cent of the votes and Haley followed him with 19 per cent of the votes.
On Wednesday the DeSantis campaign signalled that it would largely skip campaigning in New Hampshire and instead pour its entire resources and energy into South Carolina, which also happens to be the home State of Haley, where she was elected twice as governor.
Im the only candidate who beats Joe Biden by double digits. And a victory that big means a conservative landslide from school boards to the US Senate. We will have a mandate to stop the chaos and save America, Haley wrote in an op-ed for the New Hampshire Journal.
Sununu told the New Hampshire Journal that the presidential primary is still a two-person race between Haley and Trump.
Because DeSantis isnt here (in New Hampshire). Hes out of money, he has no momentum, and hes in single digits, he said.
The New York Times wrote that the change in strategy by DeSantis appeared to set up the one-on-one contest in New Hampshire that Nikki Haley has been hoping for against former President Donald J. Trump, who leads in polls but is more vulnerable in the moderate state than in socially conservative Iowa. At the same time, the shift could put new pressure on Haley in South Carolina, where she once served as governor, it said.
According to the Daily and multiple other media outlets, the DeSantis Campaign began moving a majority of its staff to South Carolina to prepare for its February 24 primary.
When Nikki Haley fails to win her home state, shell be finished and this will be a two-person race. Were wasting no time in taking the fight directly to Haley on her home turf, Andrew Romeo, a campaign spokesman, told the New York Times in a statement.
But the move showed that DeSantis was all but giving up on competing in New Hampshire, where his poll numbers have been abysmal, trailing in the single digits far behind Trump and Haley, the daily reported.
The Pakistani army on Thursday shared operational details of the airstrikes against hideouts inside Iran used by terrorists of two leading Baloch terrorist groups. A man looks at a television screen after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran on January 18.(Reuters)
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that it carried out precision air strikes in Iran using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons, according to local media reports. Follow Pakistan-Iran news LIVE updates here.
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The army said that it struck the hideouts of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front in an intelligence-based operation, code-named Marg Bar Sarmachar.
The army claimed that these hideouts were used by terrorists responsible for recent attacks in Pakistan. It added that targeted hideouts were being used by notorious terrorists including Dosta alias Chairman, Bajjar alias Soghat, Sahil alias Shafaq, Asghar alias Basham and Wazir alias Wazi, amongst others, according to Geo News.
A Pakistani checks morning newspapers covering front page story of Iran's strike, at a stall in Islamabad, Pakistan on January 18.(AP)
The precision strikes were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons. Maximum care was taken to avoid collateral damage, it said.
The ISPR said armed forces resolve to ensure that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan is respected and safeguarded against any misadventure, remains unwavering.
Pakistan Armed Forces remain in a perpetual state of readiness to ensure the safety of Pakistan citizens against acts of terrorism, the statement added. We reaffirm our determination to defeat all enemies of Pakistan with the support of the people of Pakistan.
The militarys media wing also stressed upon the need for dialogue and cooperation in resolving bilateral issues between Pakistan and Iran.
Going forward, dialogue and cooperation is deemed prudent in resolving bilateral issues between the two neighbouring brotherly countries, it said.
Pakistan-Iran standoff
Nine people were killed in retaliatory air strikes by Pakistan on a border region in Iran's southeast on Thursday, stoking regional tensions.
Three women and four children were among those killed in the strikes, Iran's IRNA news agency reported, quoting the deputy provincial governor of Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province.
The development comes two days after Iran carried out strikes against "terrorist" targets in Pakistan which left at least two children dead. Islamabad expelled the Iranian envoy to the country and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-km somewhat lawless border that enables militants to move freely between nations. Notably, it was the first missile attack on Iranian soil since the end of the gruelling eight-year Iran-Iraq War in 1988, according to the Associated Press.
The attack and counter-attack raise the threat of violence spilling over to other parts of the Middle East, which is already reeling under the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
The Pakistan Air Force on Thursday launched airstrikes on alleged Baloch separatist camps situated inside Iranian territory, according to multiple media reports citing people aware of the development. The reports indicate that the targeted locations allgedly housed hideouts of Baloch militants who were wanted by Pakistan. Pakistan in retaliatory strikes hit hideout camps of Baluch separatists. (Purported visuals of the strikes)
"I can only confirm that we have conducted strikes against anti-Pakistan militant groups that were targeted inside Iran," AFP quoted a senior intelligence source as saying.
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Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs later confirmed the strikes, claiming a "number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation - codenamed "Marg Bar Sarmachar"."
This action follows Iranian airstrikes in Pakistan, after which Islamabad asserted its right to respond to the provocative act.
Tensions escalated between the two neighbouring nations after Iran insisted it had successfully targeted militant elements operating from Pakistani soil. Pakistan, however, refuted these claims, asserting that the Iranian action resulted in civilian casualties rather than the intended strike against militants.
Pakistan's foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani in a phone call with Iraninan counterpart underscored that the attack was "not only a serious breach of Pakistan's sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations" between the two countries, the spokesperson said in a statement.
Pakistan also recalled its ambassador from Iran and blocked Tehran's envoy from returning to Islamabad after the Iranian air strike.
Iran foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, however, insisted his country's armed forces had targeted "Iranian terrorist group" Jaish al-Adl in Pakistan.
"None of the nationals of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan were targeted by Iranian missiles and drones," he said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Meanwhile, responding to the media queries on Iranian airstrikes, India maintained that it has a complete zero tolerance for terrorism and understands the actions that countries take in their self-defence.
"This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self defense, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry of external affairs, said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
Nine people were killed in retaliatory air strikes by Pakistan on a border region of Irans Sistan and Baluchestan province on Thursday. Youth activists of Muslim Talba Mahaz (MTM) holding a banner shout slogans during a protest against Iranian air strike in Islamabad on January 18.(AFP)
The Pakistan army said that the air strikes in Iran were carried out using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons against the hideouts of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front. The intelligence-based operation was code-named Marg Bar Sarmachar.
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The development comes two days after Iran carried out strikes against "terrorist" targets in Pakistan which left at least two children dead. Islamabad expelled the Iranian envoy to the country and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.
Both, Iran and Pakistan, share a 900-km somewhat lawless border that enables militants to move freely between nations, according to the Associated Press.
Here's what more we know about the two groups targeted by Pakistan in Iran.
According to Reuters, the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) seeks independence for Pakistan's western province of Balochistan.
For decades, the ethnic Baloch insurgents have been in conflict with the Pakistan government, seeking an independent state.
They argue that the central government unjustly benefits from the abundant gas and mineral resources in Balochistan province, located along the borders of Afghanistan and Iran.
A man looks at a television screen after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran targeting separatist militants, two days after Tehran said it attacked Israel-linked militant bases inside Pakistani territory, in Karachi, Pakistan January 18.(Reuters.)
Balochistan is Pakistan's largest province by area, and is vital to China's Belt and Road initiative through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As per the news agency, the BLF often target gas projects, infrastructure and security posts there and has also been launching attacks in other parts of Pakistan. They often target Chinese citizens and interests, despite assurances of safety by the Pakistan government.
Similarly, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is another separatist group which has remained active in the region since 2000. It is listed as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and often targets Chinese infrastructure and personnel.
According to Al Jazeera, the BLA accuses China of not only aiding Pakistan but strengthening it in its fight against rebels by providing equipment to the Pakistani military.
A man watches a news channel on television inside a shop after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran targeting separatist militants, two days after Tehran said it attacked Israel-linked militant bases inside Pakistani territory in Peshawar on January 18.
Pakistan-Iran news Highlights: Nine people were killed in retaliatory air strikes by Pakistan on a border region in Iran's southeast on Thursday, stoking regional tensions. Three women and four children were among those killed in the strikes, according to the deputy provincial governor of Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province....Read More
The development comes two days after Iran carried out strikes against "terrorist" targets in Pakistan which left at least two children dead. Islamabad expelled the Iranian envoy to the country and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.
Iran and Pakistan share a 900-km somewhat lawless border that enables militants to move freely between nations. Notably, it was the first missile attack on Iranian soil since the end of the gruelling eight-year Iran-Iraq War in 1988.
The attack and counter-attack raise the threat of violence spilling over to other parts of the Middle East, which is already reeling under the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
US President Joe Biden said Thursday that air strikes by Pakistan and Iran on each other's territory showed Tehran was not "well-liked", as the White House warned against any escalation. A man looks at a television screen after the Pakistani foreign ministry said the country conducted strikes inside Iran targeting separatist militants, (REUTERS)
Also Read: Pakistan unleashes killer drones in retaliatory strike against Iran
Tensions between nuclear-armed Islamabad, a key US ally, and Washington's foe Tehran have soared after Iran struck alleged militant targets in Pakistan and Pakistan responded in kind.
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The situation has also added to broader tensions in and around the Middle East, where Iran's proxies are in confrontation with Israel and the United States following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7.
"As you can see, Iran is not particularly well liked in the region," Biden told reporters at the White House when asked about the clashes.
Biden said the United States was now trying to understand how the Iran-Pakistan situation would develop, adding: "Where that goes we're working on now -- I don't know where that goes."
Also Read: Pakistan strikes alleged Baloch separatist hideouts in Iran
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the United States was monitoring the situation "very, very closely" and was in touch with Pakistani officials.
"These are two well-armed nations and again we don't want to see an escalation of any armed conflict in the region, certainly between those two countries," Kirby told journalists aboard Air Force One.
Islamabad had a right to defend itself after the initial strikes by Iran, which Tehran said had targeted a Sunni Muslim extremist group behind a series of attacks in Iranian territory.
Pakistan responded with strikes in Iran against what it said were separatist militants backing an insurgency in its restive southwestern province of Baluchistan.
"They were struck first by Iran, which was obviously another reckless attack, another example of Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region," added Kirby.
Kirby said he was "not aware" that Islamabad had notified Washington before striking Iran.
He would not comment when asked if the United States would provide support for Pakistan, which is a major non-NATO ally but long had tense relations with Washington over claims it covertly backed the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Saudi Arabia is still considering an invitation to become a member of the BRICS bloc of countries after being asked to join by the grouping last year, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday. Leaders of BRICS nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.(Reuters)
The group had in August invited Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, Argentina, and Ethiopia to join starting Jan. 1, although Argentina signalled it would not take up the invitation in November. The two sources said Jan. 1 was not a deadline for a decision, with one adding there were strong benefits to joining the bloc as members China and India are the kingdom's biggest trading partners.
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"Saudi Arabia is assessing the benefits and then will make a decision, there is a process happening," one of the sources said.
The expansion of the group would add economic heft to the BRICS, whose current members are China, Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. It could also amplify its declared ambition to become a champion of the Global South.
Also Read | India watches BRICS new members warily because of Chinese influence
Saudi Arabia's consideration of membership comes against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China and Russia, and as the kingdom's warming ties with Beijing have caused concern in Washington.
Despite continued strong ties with the U.S., Saudi Arabia has increasingly pursued its own path out of concern that Washington is less committed to the Gulf's security than in the past.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's minister of commerce stated that Saudi Arabia had not joined the BRICs in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Following the minister's statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that integrating Saudi Arabia into the BRICs bloc was very important work that was continuing on Wednesday.
Saudi state TV reported earlier this month that the kingdom had joined the bloc, only to remove the reports from its social media accounts later.
Fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member, the UAE, said it had accepted the invitation and joined the bloc, according to the ministry of foreign affairs.
Forensic analysis experts at a research facility in Kyiv meticulously examined the remnants of missiles, to verify that, despite stringent sanctions, Russia is successful in employing imported components for its assaults on Ukraine. Forensics are at work in Kharkiv outside the destroyed building following a Russian missile strike, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. (AFP)
The courtyard of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is adorned with dozens of missiles, shells, and drones, all coated in a delicate layer of snow, AFP reported. Within metal-walled cabins, these specialists scrutinise debris from recent attacks, utilising microscopes, screwdrivers, and computers in their examinations.
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Ukraine's research of Russian weapons
These researchers, predominantly comprising former military engineers, have successfully identified components sourced globally, navigating through the challenges posed by stringent sanctions on Russia's technology imports.
In a demonstration for AFP journalists, a Russian drone carburettor labelled "Made in Ireland" and Japanese camera lenses extracted from a Russian Kartograf reconnaissance drone were showcased. An expert named Oleksiy explained to AFP that Russia occasionally erases foreign markings from components, dismissing these efforts as futile.
Oleksiy said, It doesn't matter, basically. How do you hide it? If there are thousands of these microchips, if they wipe off a few of them, what difference does it make?
Due to inadequate domestic production of sufficiently high-quality materials, Russia resorts to importing microelectronics and other advanced components for its missiles.
The Ukrainian government maintains a website named War & Sanctions, featuring a comprehensive database of components discovered in Russian weaponry, tracing their origins to over 30 countries.
Which countries have been supplying weapons to Russia?
Oleksiy told AFP that there was a necessity for "constant pressure" to forestall Russia from acquiring microelectronics originally designed for civilian purposes. He identified countries engaged in this trade as including China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey.
In a report released this month by Kyiv's KSE Institute and the Yermak-McFaul international working group, concerns were reiterated about Russia's ongoing ability to import significant quantities of goods essential for military production.
In early January, the United States declared that North Korea, a close ally of Russia, had supplied Moscow with missiles that were used to carry out attacks on Ukraine. However, Kyiv has yet to officially confirm this assertion.
The institute's team is presently awaiting fragments of the suspected North Korean missiles and pointed out the ease with which North Korea could supply Russia through their shared land border. Oleksiy said, To conduct an investigation, you need samples, you need some documentation, some technical literature.
Quality of Russian missiles
These experts, actively investigating missile attack sites in Kyiv, have observed signs indicating a decline in the quality of missiles.
Andriy Kulchitskyi, 68-year-old former high-ranking military sapper and head of the military research laboratory, expressed concerns about the recent missile barrages from Russia targeting Ukrainian cities, noting a decrease in precision.
What we see from their use of their so-called high-precision weapons... [is that] accuracy is missing. It's not necessarily linked to a lack of components. They [Russia] have them. But if they specify accuracy of seven to 10 metres and it strikes 50-100 metres away, that already means there are production problems in the Russian industry, bad missiles.
In response to investigative requests, the experts at the Kyiv Institute compile their findings, which are then submitted to courts. In cases involving civilian casualties, their conclusions are forwarded to international courts investigating potential war crimes.
The US military said on Wednesday that its forces conducted strikes on 14 missiles that were loaded and ready to be fired from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) defeating a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea.(AFP / File)
US Central Command said in a social media post that the Houthi missiles presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time.
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The US conducted strikes on the Houthi missiles at around 11.59pm (Sanaa time) on January 17.
US Central Command asserted that the pre-emptive strikes would degrade the Houthis capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
The actions by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt the commercial shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea and adjacent waterways, said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander. "We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and we will always protect our people.
The strikes followed an official announcement Wednesday that the US has put the Houthis back on its list of specially designated global terrorists. The sanctions that come with the formal designation are meant to sever violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.
"Over the past months, Yemen-based Houthi militants have engaged in unprecedented attacks against United States military forces and international maritime vessels operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism. They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation," said US national security advisor Jake Sullivan.
Sullivan stressed that the decision is a response to the continuing threats and attacks perpetrated by the Houthis in the strategic waterways.
The designation will come into effect 30 days from now, allowing for the implementation of robust humanitarian carve-outs to ensure that the action targets the Houthis without adversely impacting the people of Yemen. Sullivan assured that unprecedented carve-outs and licenses will be introduced to prevent adverse effects on the Yemeni population, emphasizing that the people of Yemen should not bear the consequences of the Houthis' actions.
"We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine, and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions. This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance," Sullivan stated.
A Republican legislator in Oklahoma, who previously stated that transgender people suffer from a mental illness, introduced a bill that would empower animal services to expel students who identify as furries from schools. Students who purport to be an imaginary animal or animal species, or who engage in anthropomorphic behavior commonly referred to as furries.(AP )
Rep. Justin Humphrey introduced a bill on Tuesday that would ban furries from public schools in Oklahoma and allow animal control to apprehend individuals who disobey the new legislation.
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The furries would not be allowed to participate in school-related events, according to the bill.
The law would mandate guardians or parents to pick up their kid from school. Otherwise, animal control services shall be contacted to remove the student, the House Bill 3084 states. If passed, the legislation would come into effect in November.
While introducing the bill, Humphrey did not explain about furry-esque behavior or what kind of animalistic demeanors or attire would result in a child being expelled from the classroom.
Earlier, the Republican in a video explained why he is sponsoring a bill banning furries from school.
People are going to call me insane for running this bill. Hell, Id say theyre insane. If you got an animal coming to school: how about we get them vaccinated? How about we get them neutered and how about we send them to the pound? he said in the video, referring to a bogus report that a Michigan school district was offering litter boxes to school kids who identified as furries.
Who are furries?
There are around 250,000 people in the United States who identify themselves as furries, NY Post reported.
A "furry" is someone who enjoys anthropomorphism, or the practice of giving human characteristics to non-human phenomena. "Furries" frequently claim that they identify as animals, leading some of them to dress like animals or wear collars, tails, or ears.
Some of them even prefer to communicate in traditional animal sounds like barking or squeaking.
Florida schools plans to ban furries to curb meowing
In Florida, a number of school board members are attempting to prevent pupils from dressing like "furries".
Last year, the school board of Brevard Public Schools (BPS) deliberated over possible changes to the district-wide dress code policy. Students from BPS brought the debate topics to the board's notice, ranging from hats and tank tops to tails and animal ears.
"I'm not a big fan of the furry movement, but at the same time, if ears means a headband with pointed ears on them, it's a hair accessory," BPS school board member Katye Campbell said.
He further stressed that "meowing and barking" at one another in the school premises is "not cool".
Police officials who responded to the deadly Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting waited far too long to confront the gunman, acted with no urgency in establishing a command post and repeatedly communicated inaccurate information to grieving families, according to a Justice Department report released Thursday that identifies cascading failures in law enforcement's handling of the massacre. A damning Justice Department report on January 18, 2023, cited "critical failures" by Texas police who waited until 21 people had been killed by a mass shooter at a school before finally intervening. Nineteen young children and two teachers were killed when a teenage gunman went on a rampage at Robb Elementary School in May 2022 in America's worst school shooting in a decade. Police eventually shot and killed the gunman. (Photo by Mark Felix / AFP)(AFP)
The Justice Department report, the most comprehensive federal accounting of the maligned police response to the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School, catalogs a sweeping array of training, communication, leadership and technology problems that federal officials say contributed to the crisis lasting far longer than necessary. All the while, the report says, terrified students inside the classrooms called 911 and agonized parents begged officers to go in.
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I told the families gathered last night what I hope is clear among the hundreds of pages and thousands of details in this report: Their loved ones deserved better, Attorney General Merrick Garland said at a news conference in Uvalde on Thursday after briefing family members on the Justice Department's findings.
Even for a mass shooting that has already been the subject of intense scrutiny and in-depth examinations an earlier report by Texas lawmakers, for instance, faulted law enforcement at every level with failing to prioritize saving innocent lives over their own safety" the nearly 600-page Justice Department report adds to the public understanding of how police failed to stop an attack that killed 19 children and two staff members.
The report underscores how police made a costly error in assuming that the shooter was barricaded, or otherwise contained or dead, even as he continued to fire shots. That mistaken mindset permeated throughout much of the incident response" as police, rather than rushing inside the classrooms to end the carnage, waited nearly an hour to confront the gunman in what the report called a costly lack of urgency.
The gunman, Salvador Ramos, was killed roughly 77 minutes after police arrived on the scene, when a tactical team led by the Border Patrol eventually went into the classroom to take him down.
An active shooter with access to victims should never be considered and treated as a barricaded subject, the report says, with the word never emphasized in italics.
In other errors, the report says, police acted with no urgency in establishing a command center at the scene, creating confusion among police about who was in charge. Officials also hindered the response, with the then-school district police chief, Pete Arredondo, discarding his radios on arrival because he deemed them unnecessary.
Although Arredondo tried to communicate by phone with officers elsewhere in the school hallway, he told them not to enter the classrooms because he appeared to determine that other victims should first be removed from nearby classrooms to prevent further injury.
Uvalde, a community of more than 15,000 about 85 miles (140 kilometers) southwest of San Antonio, continues to struggle with the trauma left by the killing of 19 elementary students and two teachers, and remains divided on questions of accountability for officers actions and inaction. Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell has said shes still considering whether to bring criminal charges related to the shooting.
In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott initially praised the officers courage, and blame was later cast on local authorities in Uvalde. But a report from a panel of state lawmakers and investigations by journalists laid bare how over the course of more than 70 minutes, a mass of officers went in and out of the school with weapons drawn but did not go inside the classroom where the shooting was taking place.
In fact, the Justice Department report details how early policing errors were compounded by communication failures in the ensuing days as authorities distributed inaccurate and conflicting information, sowing rumors and misinformation.
In one case, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw falsely accused a school staffer of propping open a door that the shooter used to enter the building, a statement that unleashed a wave of anger and vilification. In fact, the employee was among the first to call 911 and warn others about the shooter, and she did not prop open the door.
The actions of the responding officers, combined with the heroic storyline that started with (a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety) and continued the next day during the Governors and directors news conference, dealt a serious blow to public confidence in local and state law enforcement, the report states.
The report intentionally omits the identify of the gunman, focusing solely on the failed police response. But it does include page-long remembrances of each of the victims, including 10-year-old Jose Flores Jr., who loved cars and the Houston Astros, and Amerie Jo Garza, who on the morning of the shooting had celebrated her appointment to the honor roll.
It also includes anguished and panicked quotes from the students Help! Help! Help! I don't want to die. My teacher is dead on a 911 call while they remained trapped in the classroom, experiencing unimaginable horror while law enforcement was in the hallway.
In the 20 months since the Justice Department announced its review, footage showing police waiting in a hallway outside the fourth-grade classrooms where the gunman opened fire has become the target of national criticism.
Garland was in Uvalde on Wednesday ahead of the release of the report, visiting murals of the victims that have been painted around the center of the town. Later that night, Justice Department officials privately briefed family members at a community center in Uvalde before the findings were made public.
Velma Lisa Duran, whose sister Irma Garcia was one of the teachers killed, said she spoke by phone with a Justice Department official Tuesday and is grateful for the agencys work but has not yet read the report.
Duran, 52, said she had read the state lawmakers' report and watched body camera video from the shooting. Shes daunted by the prospect of reliving the circumstances of her sisters death, once again, over hundreds of pages, and what she really wants is criminal charges.
A report doesnt matter when there are no consequences for actions that are so vile and murderous and evil, said Duran. What do you want us to do with another report? ... Bring it to court, she said.
The federal review was launched just days after the shooting, and local prosecutors are still evaluating a separate criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers. Several of the officers involved have lost their jobs.
How police respond to mass shootings around the country has been scrutinized since the tragedy.
The delayed response countered active-shooter training that emphasizes confronting the gunman, a standard established more than two decades ago after the mass shooting at Columbine High School showed that waiting cost lives. As what happened during the shooting has become clear, the families of some victims have blasted police as cowards and demanded resignations.
At least five officers lost their jobs, including two Department of Public Safety officers and the on-site commander, Arredondo.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Thursday heaped praises on the self-proclaimed 'anarcho-capitalist' Argentinian President, Javier Milei, for backing free markets and lambasting socialism as a threat to the West at Davos during his first overseas tour. Argentina's President Javier Milei arrives to deliver a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos on January 17, 2024. (AFP)
Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF), Milei said that socialism is a phenomenon that creates poverty. Free enterprise capitalism is the only tool we have to end hunger and poverty, he added.
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Taking to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), South African-born billionaire Musk, who has earlier expressed his support to Milei for the ideas of freedom, shared a video of the Argentinian President's Davos speech, calling it a good explanation of what makes countries more or less prosperous.
This is not the first time that Musk has expressed support for Milei on social media. Last year in December, shared a video in which Milei says equality should never come before freedom, in a sign of how some notable conservatives are closely watching the incoming libertarian head of state.
After Mileis electoral victory in presidential run-off November 19, the Space X CEO said: Prosperity is about to come to Argentina".
Milei's WEF speech key highlights: Western world is in danger
While hailing entrepreneurs as "heroes" in his Davos speech, Milei took jabs at "social justice" and "radical feminism".
"I am here today to tell you that the West is in danger," Milei declared, promoting free-market capitalism as the only workable avenue to end poverty.
"It is in danger because those who are supposed to have to defend the values of the West are co-opted by a vision of the world that inexorably leads to socialism and thereby to poverty," he said.
Milei further praised business professionals as "heroes" who should not fear the "political caste" or "the parasites that live off the state".
"The state is not the solution. The state is the problem," he said.
"You are the true protagonists in this story. You should know that from now on, you can count on Argentina as an unconditional ally," Milei added while concluding his address with his battle cry, "long live freedom, damn it!"
After Donald Trump's sweeping victory in the first Republican caucus in Iowa, US Vice President Kamala Harris admitted that she was "scared as heck'' that the former president would return to the White House in the 2024 presidential election. US Vice President Kamala Harris(AP)
Speaking at the ABC's 'The View' on Wednesday, Harris talked about the concerns raised by former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama about Trump's possible win.
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I am scared as heck, which is why I'm traveling to our country... we should all be scared, she replied when asked about the outcomes if Trump ever became president again.
There is an old saying that there are only two ways to run for office, either without an opponent or scared. So on all of those points, yes, we should all be scared, but as we know, and certainly, this is a table of very powerful women, we dont run away from something when were scared. We fight back against it, Harris added.
Also Read: Biden trailing behind Trump in Georgia poll amid Dem's 'dismal' numbers with independents
We have to earn the re-elect, says Kamala Harris
Urging Democrats to "fight back", the 59-year-old Harris stressed that she and President Joe Biden required to earn their re-election.
"We have to earn the re-elect, and we have to communicate what we have achieved," she said. "And that is going to be one of our big challenges. We've done a lot of good work, we have to let people know who bring it to them."
Biden has recently increased his direct criticism of Trump, stating that the twice-impeached former president threatens to undermine US democracy as he faces 91 criminal indictments.
Harris has been playing a bigger part in the president's re-election campaign as it focuses on mobilising Black, females, and young voters in 2024 election.
According to an ABC News poll, Biden's approval rating fell to the lowest on record for the US President in the previous 15 years.
The survey found Biden's approval rating is just 31% and 58% of the respondents don't think he is doing a good enough job. According to ABC News, this puts his approval rating below even the lowest of the previous Trump's tenure, which stood at 36%.
Michelle Obama reveals her biggest fears about 2024 presidential race
Amid the intense White House race, former US first lady Michelle Obama reflected on her worries, stating that she is terrified about what could possibly happen in this years elections.
Appearing in an interview on Jay Shettys On Purpose podcast which premiered earlier in January, Obama, 59, said: Because our leaders matter. Who we select, who speaks for us, who holds that bully pulpit it affects us in ways that sometimes I think people take for granted." She went on to disclose some of the worst nightmares that keep her up at night.
During the podcast, Michelle took an indirect swipe at Trump and called his leadership "childish".
The tone and tenor of the message matters. We cant just say what the first thing that comes to our minds," she said
That is not authenticity to me. Thats childish, and we see childish leadership right before us what that looks like and how that feels, where somebody is just base, and vulgar and cynical in a leadership position, she told Shetty.
Her remarks come amid worries from Barack Obama on the dangers that Trump might pose if he were to win the presidency again.
In a report recently published by Wall Street Journal, one of the close aides of the ex-president said, Obama "knows this is going to be a close race" and "feels that Democrats very well could lose."
J.P. Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has said that Donald Trump was "kind of right" about NATO and immigration. He also asked Democrats to "be a little more respectful" of voters backing his campaign. Jamie Dimon speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee oversight hearing to examine Wall Street firms on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)(AP)
"When people say MAGA, they're actually looking at people voting for Trump, and they think they're voting they're basically scapegoating them, that you are like him. But I don't think they're voting for Trump because of his family values," Dimon said during a CNBC "Squawk Box" interview.
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"He's kind of right about NATO. Kind of right about immigration," the chief executive continued. "He grew the economy quite well. Tax reform worked. He was right about some of China." During his presidency, Trump has been very critical of NATO.
Dimon also said he wanted Democrats "think a little more carefully" while speaking about MAGA, reiterating that he believes Trump was right about some critical issues.
I dont like how [Trump] said things about Mexico but he wasnt wrong about some of these critical issues, and thats why theyre voting for him, Dimon continued. And I think people should be a little more respectful of our fellow citizens.
I mean, really, can we just stop that stuff and actually grow up and treat other people with respect and listen to them a little bit, he said, adding, I think this negative talk about MAGA is going to hurt Bidens election campaign.
After Trump's Iowa caucus win, Biden wrote on X, Looks like Donald Trump just won Iowa. Hes the clear front runner on the other side at this point. But heres the thing: this election was always going to be you and me vs. extreme MAGA Republicans. It was true yesterday and itll be true tomorrow.
A juror has been dismissed from the Michelle Troconis trial after telling a female prosecutor we love you. The man who has been dismissed has only been identified as juror 420. Michelle Troconis listens to arguments at the start of her trial, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Stamford, Conn (Richard Harbus/Dailly Mail via AP, Pool)(AP)
The juror directed the inappropriate comment towards assistant state attorney Elizabeth Moran as they met after coming out of an elevator in Stamford Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon, January 17. A court marshal overheard the conversation and went on to report it to Judge Kevin Randolph, who dismissed the juror. The juror was reportedly one of five alternates on the subs bench in the Jennifer Dulos murder case.
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The trial of Michelle was derailed as a result of the chaos. She is accused of helping her late ex-boyfriend kill his wife, Jennife, and cover up the crime.
The juror and the marshal who overheard the conversation were called into the witness box by Randolph on Wednesday. Both of them confirmed that the statement was made. They also confirmed that another juror was present at the time.
Juror 420 said that he directed the comment towards Moran and another lawyer, supervisory state attorney Michelle Manning. Randolph said that the remark indicated that he was favoring the state's case, throwing his impartiality and fairness into question, according to the Daily Mail.
While the alternate juror was dismissed, Randolph allowed the other juror, who was present at the scene, to stay. The incident took place during a break at the time Dulos family nanny Lauren Almeida was testifying.
Meanwhile, a Connecticut court declared Jennifer dead shortly before Michelle was set to appear in court. Jennifer went missing from New Canaan, Connecticut, on May 24, 2019. Although her body was never found, police previously said that evidence suggests she was the victim of a violent crime.
Her husband, real estate developer Fotis Dulos, was charged with her murder, but he maintained that he was not involved in his wifes disappearance, going to the extent of saying on TV that he was worried about her. He died at a New York City hospital two days after attempting suicide at his home in 2020.
Michelle faces charges of second-degree hindering prosecution, tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy to commit murder. She was allegedly involved in Jennifers murder, along with Fotis, and helped cover up the crime.
Donald Trump is making headlines again after his recent appearance amid the $10 million defamation trial. However, this time around, netizens are more interested in red spots on the former US president's hands. As Trump waved to his supporters on Wednesday morning, mysterious red cuts were visible on his palm and fingers, per DailyMail. The pictures of Trump's red hands took the internet by storm, sparking wild conspiracy theories online. Former President Donald Trump leaves Trump Tower in New York for Manhattan federal court Wednesday.(Charly Triballeau / AFP - Getty Images)
The mystery of Trump's red hands
In the pictures taken by the outlet, Trump can be seen waving to his supporters with red blisters on his hand. After the said photos went viral, netizens erupted on social media with outrageous conspiracy theories in an attempt to figure out the mystery behind it. From McDonald's ketchup and fake suntan to curling iron burns, here are some of the viral conspiracy theories online.
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ALSO READ: Trump attends defamation trial with mysterious red marks on his hand as E Jean Carroll testifies
Ketchup residue
Many suggested that he had ketchup residue on his hands. One X, formerly Twitter user wrote on the platform, He carries ketchup packets with him so he can have mini tantrums. He forgot to wash it off. Another queried, Ketchup stains ?
Blisters from frostbite
While some joked about his hands drawing wild theories, others suggested that he could have had blisters due to frostbite. One X user said, Im going with grabbing a handrail in sub-zero Iowa while not wearing gloves. Not a fan; but the wound pattern matches. Another suggested, Ooh, I was thinking a burn, but frostbite works as well, and I couldnt see Trump trying to cook anything.
Jelly doughnut
However, many suggested that he could have eaten jelly doughnuts prior to his appearance. A user wrote, Jelly donut failure. One more quipped, Let the man enjoy a jelly donut.
Nikki Haley had to briefly leave her campaign trail on Tuesday night, January 16, to look after her father Ajit Singh Randhawa, who was hospitalised. Her campaign confirmed the news. Haley was in New Hampshire, attending various events. Republican presidential candidate former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at a campaign rally Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, in Rochester, N.H (AP/PTI)(AP)
The campaign did not reveal more information about Randhawa. He is believed to be in his 90s at present. On Wednesday, Haley returned to New Hampshire for a rally in Rochester. An ABC News reporter who spoke to Haley campaign officials said her father is believed to be doing OK.
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Randhawa hails from Indias northern Punjab region and was a biology professor at Voorhees College in Denmark, South Carolina, from 1969 until 1998. It is a historically black institution.
I am the proud daughter of Indian immigrants. They came to America and settled in a small southern town. My father wore a turban. My mother wore a sari. I was a brown girl in a black and white world, Haley said of her parents at the 2020 Republican National Convention.
We faced discrimination and hardship, but my parents never gave into grievance and hate, she added.
Haley has now turned her attention to New Hampshire after coming third in the Iowa caucuses. As per a CNN poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire, Haley stands within seven percentage points of Donald Trump, who won the Iowa caucuses.
"When you look at how we're doing in New Hampshire, in South Carolina and beyond, I can safely say tonight Iowa made this Republican Primary a two-person race," Haley said in West Des Moines after finishing third.
Earlier, before finishing third, Haley called on Iowa caucus goers to reconsider supporting Trump. She said the GOP must choose a "new generational leader, adding that "you dont defeat Democrat chaos with Republican chaos."
"I trust all of you. Iowans do their homework. They know their issues," Haley said. "But more than that, youre patriotic, God-fearing, hardworking Americans and this is your chance to show the power of your voice. And this is your chance to lead the way to get our country back on track."
The pope has spoken out about the importance of sexual pleasure and the dangers of pornography in a recent address to the faithful. Pope Francis holds a weekly general audience at the Vatican, January 17, 2024. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS (via REUTERS)
Pope Francis, 87, said that sexual pleasure is a gift from God and should be valued, but it is being corrupted by the influence of porn.
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We must defend love, he said, according to The Guardian. Winning against the battle of lust can be a lifelong undertaking.
The pope, who was born in Argentina, said that porn can create addictive behaviours and lead to a dangerous vice.
He continued, Lust plunders, it robs, it consumes in haste, it does not want to listen to the other but only to its own need and pleasure; lust judges every courtship a bore, it does not seek that synthesis between reason, drive and feeling that would help us to conduct existence wisely, according to the Telegraph.
ALSO READ| Pope Francis says war is in itself a crime against humanity: Let us not forget
He also warned that lust can cause one to treat the other as an object and try to possess them.
Not the first time the pope has addressed the issue of porn
In Oct. 2022, he confessed that he was aware of priests and nuns who watched porn and cautioned them and the laity that the devil enters from there.
He advised them, If you can cancel it from your phone, then cancel it, then you wont have temptation in your hand.
The popes latest comments came after the revelation that Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, had authored a book in 1998 that detailed male and female orgasm.
ALSO READ| Pope Francis suffers a touch of bronchitis, fails to complete his speech
The book, which is no longer in print, was criticized as scandalous by some conservative Catholics who called for his removal, the Telegraph reported.
The pope also defended the churchs recent decision to allow blessings for same-sex couples on Sunday.
He responded to the criticism and resistance from some priests who refused to follow the new rules, saying, Sometimes decisions are not accepted, but in most cases when decisions are not accepted, it is because they are not understood.
Three Miami-Dade police officers were rushed to hospital late Wednesday evening after they were shot during an investigation at a home in SW Miami-Dade, Florida, officials said. The two injured officers were shifted to Ryder Trauma Center Jackson South, the department said.(Unsplash)
According to Miami-Dade Police Department, South District uniform patrol officers responded to a home in the 22000 block of SW 162nd Avenue, where they found a man wielding a shotgun.
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As the cops approached the front door, the man opened fire at them, police said. Following this, there was an exchange of gunfire between the gunman and the officer. The gunman was shot dead during the encounter, according to Fox News.
"He shot at the officers and there was an exchange of gunfire," said Detective Alvaro Zabaleta. One officer, a 35-year-old male, was struck in the upper extremity. The second officer, a 57-year-old male, was struck in the upper extremity and face.
The two injured officers were shifted to Ryder Trauma Center Jackson South, the department said. A 40-year-old female officer was also hospitalised for medical treatment.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigation the incident.
Miami-Dade officers are in good spirits and stable condition
Speaking to NBC News, MDPD Director Stephanie Daniel informed that all the injured officers are in stable condition, denouncing the violence against the officers.
This type of violence toward my officers will not be tolerated. By the grace of God, they are alive today, Daniel said.
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed regret over the unfortunate incident. "They are are doing what they do each and every day -- keeping our community safe. We owe them a great debt of gratitude."
1 student dead, 5 injured in Iowa shooting
Earlier in January, a teenager armed with a shotgun killed a classmate and injured five others at a high school in the US state of Iowa, according to authorities.
Emergency vehicles and armed forces rushed to Perry High School, in response to the incident which occurred at around 7:30 am on January 4.
Mitch Mortvedt, assistant director of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said the sixth-grade victim who died in the incident was probably in the high school for a breakfast program.
The official also informed that four other children and a school official sustained injuries in the incident.
E Jean Carroll is a 79-year-old American journalist, author, and former advice columnist for Elle magazine. She is currently involved in two defamation lawsuits against former US President Donald Trump, who she accused of sexually assaulting her in the department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll (C) arrives at Manhattan federal court in New York on January 17, 2024 for the second defamation trial against former US President and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump.(Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)(AFP)
Carroll was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University, where she was crowned Miss Indiana University and Miss Cheerleader USA. She moved to New York and became a successful writer for tier-one magazines such as Esquire, Rolling Stone, and Playboy. She also wrote for Saturday Night Live and hosted a TV talk show, Ask E Jean.
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In 1993, she started writing the Ask E Jean column for Elle, which became one of the longest-running advice columns in American publishing. She was known for her witty, irreverent, and feminist style, as well as her compassion for her readers. She was reportedly fired from Elle in 2020, after she sued Trump for defamation.
ALSO READ| Donald Trump says he would love it after judge threatens to kick him out of E Jean Carroll defamation trial
All about the E Jean Carroll vs Donald Trump lawsuit
Carrolls lawsuit stems from her 2019 book, What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal published by New York magazine, in which she detailed her alleged encounter with Trump in a department store dressing room in Manhattan in 1996. She claimed that the former president raped her and then threatened her to keep quiet. She also accused other public figures, such as former CBS CEO Les Moonves, of sexual misconduct.
Trump denied ever meeting Carroll and called her a liar who was trying to sell her book. Ive never met this person in my life. She is trying to sell a new book that should indicate her motivation. It should be sold in the fiction section, he said.
After Trump's comment, Carroll sued him for defamation, saying he damaged her reputation and caused her emotional distress.
In May 2023, a jury in New York found Trump liable for defamation and sexual abuse and awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Trump appealed the verdict, and the case is still pending. Carroll also filed a second defamation lawsuit against Trump in federal court, seeking more than $10 million in damages.
ALSO READ| Trump attends defamation trial with mysterious red marks on his hand as E Jean Carroll testifies
The trial began in January 2024, but Trump left the courtroom before Carrolls lawyers opening statement. The jury will only decide the amount of damages, not the facts of the case.
Carroll has said she is not afraid of Trump and that she wants to hold him accountable for his actions. She has also said she hopes her case will inspire other women to speak out against sexual violence.
Four people were killed and one was critically injured after ahot air balloon crash-landed in the southern Arizona desert on Sunday, January 14. Those who died have now been identified asChayton Wiescholek, 28, of Union City, Michigan; Kaitlynn Bartrom, 28, of Andrews, Indiana; Atahan Kiliccote, 24, of Cupertino, California; and pilot Cornelius Van Der Walt, 37, of Eloy and originally from Namibia. Valerie Stutterheim, 23, of Scottsdale, remains in the hospital. The exact cause of the crash is unknown (Pixabay - representational image)
The balloon was carrying 13 people in total eight skydivers, four passengers and a pilot. It has been reported that as many as eight skydivers leaped from the aircraft before the crash. While one person died at the scene, the others died in the hospital.
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What message did Chayton Wiescholeks girlfriend receive?
Wiescholeks girlfriend, Kinsey Taylor, was one of the skydivers who jumped and saved themselves. Wiescholeks parents have now revealed that Taylor realised what had happened only after she found a heartbreaking message from her boyfriend after landing safely. She looked at her phone and had a message from my son. It said, I love you. He knew he was going to die, mom Rhonda Wiescholek told Fox 17.
Chayton texted Kinsey on the way down and said that this aint gonna be good, I love you, goodbye, and signed off. So his last thoughts were with his girlfriend, Wiescholeks dad, Gary, said.
Taylor immediately tried to contact Wiescholek. Somebody else answered his phone and said, This is not good, you need to be here now, Gary said. Wiescholek had recently told his parents that he wanted to marry Taylor.
She shedded her parachute harness and she ran two miles to get to him and officials wouldnt let her near him, Gary added.
Chayton Wiescholek and Kinsey Taylor (Chayton Wiescholek/Facebook)
Rhonda flew to Arizona after she learned about the accident. Im staying here until I can take my son home. I am not leaving without him, she told Arizonas Family.
Wiescholek and Taylor lived with Rhonda and their cats in Union City, Michigan. At the time of the tragedy, they were vacationing in Arizona.
Theres not a whole bunch more you can say. Youre just broken," Rhonda said. He was just up in the balloon to be with her and all the skydivers had jumped out of the balloon and then something went wrong and we still dont know what. AGoFundMe has been launched for Wiescholek.
The exact cause of the crash is unknown. However, the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the incident, said that as per preliminary information, it happened after the balloon had an unspecified problem with its envelope.
Former US President Donald Trump said he will skip the E. Jean Carroll trial on Thursday as he would attend former first lady Melania Trump's mother's funeral at a church located closer to the family's Mar-a-Lago estate, Fox News reported. Former US President Donald Trump (Bloomberg)
Melania Trumps mother, Amalija Knavs, passed way last week at the age of 78. Her funeral is expected to take place on Thursday in Palm Beach, Florida.
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Trump's remarks come after he lambasted the judge overseeing his defamation trial in New York as "nasty" for not postponing the court proceedings for the day so he could attend his late mother-in-laws funeral.
On his social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump called Judge Lewis Kaplan abusive, rude, and obviously not impartial after Kaplan rejected his plea. He said the judge suffers from a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Speaking to media about his request denied by the judge, Trump said: So, it happened very terribly as we asked to just delay the trial for one day so I could go to the funeral tomorrow and then we could start Friday or Monday or any time they want. And he said, absolutely not, the trial will go on just as it is.
The Republican frontrunner, who has alleged the judge is "Clinton appointee", stated Kaplan said, You can go to the funeral or you can go to the trial, but you cant do both."
I thought it was terrible. I thought it was terrible, the ex-US president continued. So he would rather have me miss the funeral or go to the funeral and miss the trial.
Also Read: Donald Trump says he would love it after judge threatens to kick him out of E Jean Carroll defamation trial
Carroll faced Donald Trump in court for the first time
Carroll testified in her defamation lawsuit against Trump on Wednesday morning, her first court appearance alongside the former president.
She filed a lawsuit against Trump, claiming that he had raped her in a department store dressing room almost thirty years ago, accusing him of lying and harming her reputation.
The rape accuser is suing Trump for defamation for the second time. She was awarded $5 million in May after a jury declared him guilty of slander and sexual assault.
Trump thanks Melania's incredible, beautiful mother in a heartfelt tribute
After winning the Iowa Caucuses, Trump in his victory speech on Monday thanked his late mother-in-law.
I want to thank my incredible wife, first lady, Ill say former and maybe future, but more important than Melania, I want to thank her incredible, beautiful mother who passed away a few days ago, Trump asserted. And shes up there, way up there. Shes looking down and shes so proud of us. And I just want to say to Amalia, you are special, one of the most special people Ive ever known.
Earlier, Melania announced the passing away of her mother Amalija on X (formerly Twitter).
Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity, Melania wrote. She was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law. We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy, she added.
On Wednesday morning, Carroll faced former Trump in court for the first time, as she testified in her defamation case against the former president.
Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room nearly 30 years ago, and sued him for lying about it and damaging her reputation. Trump, who denied ever meeting Carroll, reacted with anger and defiance to her testimony, causing repeated disruptions and risking his expulsion from the courtroom.
This is Carrolls second defamation trial against Trump. In May, she won a $5m verdict against him, after a jury found him guilty of sexual assault and defamation. Carroll revealed her rape allegation against Trump in 2019, in an excerpt from her book, What Do We Need Men For? A Modest Proposal, published by New York magazine.
CHICAGO (AP) An American woman who pleaded guilty to helping kill her own mother and stuffing the body in a suitcase during a luxury vacation in Bali was sentenced Wednesday to 26 years in prison. HT Image
Judge Matthew Kennelly gave Mack credit for the approximately two years she spent in custody in Chicago awaiting trial since her return in 2021. Mack's attorney Michael Leonard said her formal sentence will be around 23 years total.
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Federal prisoners also get credit for good behavior, roughly 50 days for each year.
Federal prosecutors had recommended a 28-year prison sentence for Heather Mack for conspiring with her boyfriend to kill Sheila von Wiese-Mack in 2014.
The government also wanted the 28-year-old Mack to get five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution of $262,708. In a filing last week, prosecutors said the recommended sentence "is warranted and sufficient, but not greater than necessary to serve a just and appropriate punishment for Macks heinous crime.
The sentencing hearing began Wednesday morning with testimony from Bill Wiese, Wiese-Mack's brother and Mack's uncle. He asked Kennelly to impose the maximum sentence possible, saying Mack has never shown remorse.
If it were up to me, Heather would spend the rest of her life behind bars, Wiese said.
Mack, who wore an orange jumpsuit, orange slip-on shoes and glasses, remained mostly impassive as her uncle spoke, occasionally looking at attendees and giving small smiles to some.
Mack pleaded guilty last June to one count of conspiring to kill von Wiese-Mack with her then-boyfriend to gain access to a $1.5 million trust fund. Prosecutors have said Mack, then 18 and pregnant, covered her mothers mouth while Tommy Schaefer bludgeoned Wiese-Mack with a fruit bowl in a hotel room.
Prosecutors said Mack and Schaefer had planned the killing for months, and that video evidence showed Mack and Schaefer trying to get the small suitcase containing Wiese-Macks body into an Indonesian taxicab.
Mack, who lived with her mother in suburban Chicagos Oak Park, served seven years of her 10-year Indonesian sentence for her 2015 conviction of being an accessory to Wiese-Macks murder. She was deported in 2021 and U.S. agents arrested her on her arrival at Chicagos OHare International Airport.
Mack's then-6-year-old daughter was with her when she was arrested. The girl was placed with a relative after a custody fight.
Macks lawyers had sought a 15-year prison term, but with credit for her seven years in the Indonesian prison. She was automatically credited for the more than two years she spent in custody in Chicago.
For the taxpayers to incur the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to incarcerate Ms. Mack for an extended period of time within the BOP is particularly unnecessary, attorney Michael Leonard said in a recent court filing, referring to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The plea agreement called for a sentence of no more than 28 years and for two other charges against Mack to be dropped.
Schaefer was convicted of murder and he is serving an 18-year sentence in Indonesia. He is charged in the same U.S. indictment. His mother, Kia Walker, was in the courtroom Wednesday for Mack's sentencing.
According to the Associated Press, an airstrike in southern Syria that killed at least nine people may have been undertaken by the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
Syrian opposition activists say the area that was struck is a hotbed for cross-border drug smugglers. The strike reportedly took place in the province of Sweida, but there has been no official confirmation as of yet.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is based in Britain, confirmed that nine people were killed, including two children and at least three women, in the village of Orman.
Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the war monitoring organization Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told the AP that the individuals killed in the air strike had nothing to do with drug smuggling and suggested that the Jordanians may have had bad intel from local residents.
The area has had increased drug smuggling traffic in recent years as they look to move Captagon, a type of amphetamine, out of Syria into more lucrative markets throughout the Arab Gulf states. Smugglers have become sophisticated enough to use drones in their attempts.
Hundreds of millions of pills have reportedly been smuggled out of the country over the years. The drug is used recreationally and for people who have physically demanding jobs. The effects simulate a feeling of alertness.
This is but the most recent of several airstrikes that have been attributed to the Royal Jordanian Air Force. An alleged drug factory in southern Syria near the border with Jordan was attacked in August and another airstrike occurred in the village of Sweida, which killed a Syrian drug lord and his family.
What About Hamas?
Last year HNGN reported that Hamas fighters who participated in the assault on southern Israel were found to have Captagon in their pockets. The drug effects include euphoria, reduced sleep requirements, hunger suppression and persistent energy. Fenethylline, caffeine, and other fillers are said to be in the drug, which has been called the Poor Man's Cocaine.
Jordan has so far not claimed responsibility for any of the recent strikes. However, this is par for the course for the country as they didn't claim responsibility for any of the prior drug-related airstrikes either.
HNGN will update these stories as additional details are made available.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long sought to block the establishment of a Palestinian state throughout his political career, despite occasional lukewarm support for the notion.
In a nationally broadcast news conference on Thursday, Netanyahu pledged to continue the offensive until Israel attains a "decisive victory over Hamas." He also conveyed his rejection of a Palestinian state to the U.S. The firm stance against U.S. foreign policy comes at a time when the Biden administration has invested significant domestic political capital to support Israel, both militarily and in international arenas.
In an article published by The Guardian, the White House responded by saying the U.S. would continue working towards a two-state solution and said bluntly that there could be no Israeli reoccupation of Gaza when the war concluded.
"There will a post-conflict Gaza, no reoccupation of Gaza," the White House national security adviser, John Kirby, told reporters onboard Air Force One, after Netanyahu's speech.
Israel's assault, one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history, has killed nearly 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, caused widespread destruction, and uprooted over 80% of the territory's 2.3 million people from their homes, reported The Associated Press.
Global Calls to Halt War
The staggering cost of the war has led to increasing calls from the international community to halt the offensive. After initially giving Israel wall-to-wall support in the early days of the war, the United States, Israel's closest ally, has begun to express misgivings and urged Netanyahu to spell out his vision for postwar Gaza.
The United States has said the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which governs semi-autonomous zones in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, should be "revitalized" and return to Gaza. Hamas ousted the authority from Gaza in 2007.
Speaking Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Blinken said the two-state solution was the best way to protect Israel, unify moderate Arab countries, and isolate Israel's arch-enemy, Iran, the AP further revealed.
Without a "pathway to a Palestinian state," he said, Israel would not "get genuine security."
Netanyahu, who leads what has been characterized as a far-right government that is opposed to Palestinian statehood, repeated his longstanding opposition to a two-state solution. He said a Palestinian state would become a launching pad for attacks on Israel.
Buffalo writer-producer Tom Fontana said he barely made it through a French course at Canisius High School in the 1960s.
Several decades later, he is the co-creator of a highly unusual series, Monsieur Spade set in the 1960s.
It is unusual in part because it has dialogue in English and French. For those viewers unfamiliar with French, subtitles explain what the characters are saying.
The six-episode series, which premiered Sunday on AMC, AMC+ and Acorn and continues with weekly episodes through Feb. 11, imagines a world where Dashiell Hammetts iconic character, detective Sam Spade, has retired and moved from San Francisco to France to get away from it all.
Fontana joined forces with Scott Frank, the director of the award-winning Netflix series The Queens Gambit who also has received Academy Award nominations for the films Out of Sight and Logan.
They live a block apart in New York City.
Frank explained over lunch that he had the rights to the character of Sam Spade, but not Hammetts 1930 crime novel The Maltese Falcon or short stories.
He said, Id like to do Sam Spade 20 years after The Maltese Falcon, explained Fontana. Sam is retired and living in the south of France. And I said, when do you want me there? Im in. It just sounded like such a rich place to put a television series. Not just the south of France, but just the whole idea of Sam Spade in middle age once his expiration date has passed and him totally a fish out of water in a country that he barely speaks the language.
Fontana barely speaks the language, too. He said he only knows the French phrase for Im looking for good wine.
Which brings up the question: How does one write a show with so much French dialogue without speaking French?
First of all, Scott speaks passable French, so he was able to deal with the French crew, explained Fontana. We had a very able translator.
He said the scripts were side by side in English and French and if the French actors felt a line didnt seem right, they would speak up.
Almost all of our French actors speak English beautifully, said Fontana. So, they could read the English to make sure that the French had been translated properly.
One of the keys was getting the right actor to play Spade, who was played by the legendary Humphrey Bogart in The Maltese Falcon.
By chance, 59-year-old British actor Clive Owen was a Spade fan.
Fontana and Frank wrote a pilot script for free without having a producer.
When we finished it, we were like, who do we see as Sam Spade? Scott had the idea of Clive Owen, and it just turns out kismet that Clive Owen is passionate about Sam Spade. He has one of the original Maltese Falcon posters in his house. He had been trying to develop a script of The Maltese Falcon so he could play Sam. The development didnt go well. So we just sent him the script, he read it and called us and said, I want to do this.
The series was filmed between September and Christmas of 2022 and took so long to complete because of the actors and writers strikes.
It has a complicated plot involving the murder of six nuns, Spades marriage to a French woman who owns a vineyard, a nightclub owner, Algeria-French relations and a mysterious boy who is believed to have extraordinary powers.
Besides Owen, the most recognizable name in the cast of European actors likely is Chiara Mastroianni, the daughter of actors Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. She plays Spades wife, Gabrielle, who owns the vineyard he inherits.
Dean Winters, who is part of Fontanas acting ensemble, has a minor role as a Catholic priest. He may be best known for the Mayhem commercials.
Several characters in the series are not who they appear to be.
Alfre Woodard arrives in the final episode, which has an Agatha Christie element. She brings almost all the characters together to explain their motivations.
What we were trying to do was not copy film noir in terms of the look of the show, said Fontana. First of all, we wanted it to look like French movies in the 1960s.
Fontana said the French town of Bozouls was chosen to film because of his familiarity with it. The late actor Richard Belzer, who starred in Fontanas series, Homicide: Life on the Street, had a house there.
I knew about the town because Id stayed there, said Fontana. His wife is still there.
He conceded the story is a very complicated one. That may be especially true for American audiences used to cases being solved in weekly episodes.
I would say in that regard, we are typical of the kind of Dashiell Hammett stories. Hammett stories are incredibly complex and yet very human. So what were hoping is that people will be more interested in the characters than worried about the plot.
He is not concerned about Owen stepping into a role made famous by Bogart in the 1941 film of The Maltese Falcon.
First of all, only people of a certain age know that Humphrey Bogart played Sam Spade, said Fontana. You talk to anyone under 40 and they will not even know who Humphrey Bogart is.
Owens Spade is trying to quit smoking and trying to understand the teenage girl he must protect.
What I think is extraordinary about Clives performance is that first of all, hes British. Hes doing an American accent and hes also not imitating Bogart. But there are rhythms that hes paying homage to Bogart without it being an impersonation. Plus, he had to speak French with an American accent.
The character constantly displays Spades dry wit, which is one of the strengths of the series.
Which is typical of the character that Hammett wrote, said Fontana. We have to remember that Hammett was the guy who created this, not the movie.
Owen was committed to the role.
He studied French in order to do this, said Fontana. Im telling you he was serious about playing this part.
The question now is whether there will be a second season.
The reality is until it airs and they see what kind of kind of traction the show gets, I dont know, said Fontana. Id certainly be happy to do another season with Scott and Clive.
In other words, cest la vie. Especially in television.
Kerzner International recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest venture, the One&Only One Za'abeel in Dubai, marking a significant milestone as their inaugural urban high-rise resort. The resort's interior design, crafted by Jean-Michel Gathy, boasts a harmonious blend of rooms, suites, and the standout Villa One penthouse, all adorned with a soothing neutral color scheme and delicate sand-inspired elements in its textiles, artworks, and unique sculptural lighting.
This luxury destination is distinguished by its two towering skyscrapers, connected by the world's longest cantilever, The Link - a majestic sky-high boulevard situated 100 meters above ground. The resort offers a variety of suite options: the Za'abeel Suite with panoramic views of Dubai's skyline, Creative Suites equipped with advanced acoustics and AV technology, and the lavish Royal Suite, which includes three distinct living spaces, a dining area for 10, and a private sitting room.
Additionally, the resort features two-level accommodations like the Skyline Loft and Villa One. The 755sqm Villa One penthouse redefines luxury with a design reminiscent of One&Only's signature beach villas, offering two bedrooms, a majlis, an outdoor infinity pool, a private cinema, and a gym, complete with a personal chef service.
The Link will host a range of F&B options, including Tapasake on its summit, offering contemporary Nikkei cuisine alongside the UAE's longest suspended infinity pool with stunning Dubai skyline views. The resort will also introduce Dabiz Munoz's renowned StreetXO concept to Dubai, alongside Andaliman, One&Only's latest concept offering Indonesian fare, and Aelia, celebrating French Riviera cuisine.
Event and meeting facilities include two grand ballrooms, six meeting rooms, and an exclusive club on the 53rd floor for suite guests. The resort also introduces the UAE's first Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie, spanning three floors with 29 treatment rooms, a Movement Studio, a Longevity Bar, and the region's first Longevity Index lounge.
Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International, expressed pride in leading the way in innovative hospitality experiences with One&Only One Za'abeel, stating, "We have set aside convention and reinvented what an ultra-luxury resort in the heart of the city can deliver. Adding to Dubai's dynamic skyline and embracing the soul of the city, this architectural landmark pushes the boundaries of excellence and vibrant city living - we're thrilled to welcome the world into our first Urban Resort."
Hotel website
Accor, a world leading hospitality group, announces today the opening of the first Mercure in Azerbaijan. Located in the capital's city center, Mercure Baku City introduces guests to the country's rich cultural heritage with its "Locally Inspired" brand philosophy.
The new hotel is conveniently located on Ismayil Bey Gutgashinli street, close to the Old City (Icheri Sheher), the historic and the oldest residential quarter of Baku, and other attractions. The hotel's proximity to Elmler Akademiyasi metro station also provides easy access to other parts of the city, as well as many local restaurants, boutiques and shops.
Mercure Baku City boasts 140 rooms of different categories, including stylish suites, connecting rooms and rooms with enhanced accessibility. The hotel's interior design features light colors complemented by contrasting accents and bright textiles. All rooms offer city views and are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay, from workspaces with high-speed internet, to cozy lounges with tea and coffee stations.
The on-site Fuego restaurant offers guests a range of international and local delicacies, while all-day lobby bar serves tasty cocktails and soft drinks. Guests have also access to a fitness and SPA area featuring a Turkish hammam, a sauna, a modern fitness center and a small indoor pool. Families traveling with children can access a dedicated kids' area with a range of toys, games and books. The hotel boasts versatile meeting rooms equipped with modern technology to accommodate business meetings and special events.
Mercure Baku City is the third hotel in the portfolio of Accor Group in Azerbaijan. Mercure is a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
Hotel website
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) celebrated the groundbreaking of its inaugural StudioRes brand hotel, as Concord Hospitality began construction of its first property in Fort Myers, Florida. Announced in June 2023, the StudioRes brand is Marriott's new affordable midscale extended stay brand in the U.S. & Canada.
The StudioRes property in Fort Myers is projected to open in Spring 2025 and is being developed by Concord Hospitality with its long-time partner Whitman Peterson. Concord expects to develop around 50 StudioRes properties, spanning several dozen submarkets in major U.S. cities, with several more slated to break ground in the coming months.
Consistent with the company's approach to meeting the needs of guests with regionally relevant lodging products for every stay purpose, StudioRes seeks to deliver reasonably priced modern comfort for guests seeking longer stay accommodations in the U.S. & Canada. At 124 rooms and 54,000 square feet, the StudioRes prototype is expected to be Marriott's most affordable cost-per-key product to develop and build. Guests who are looking for an extended-stay option will have the comfort of fully furnished studio rooms complete with kitchen and queen beds. Public spaces will offer amenities such as daily coffee service, a fitness center, laundry room, vending area, communal table and covered patio.
Those who attended the groundbreaking ceremony included Marriott International President & CEO Tony Capuano and Group President, U.S. & Canada Liam Brown, along with other senior leaders from the company. They joined Concord Hospitality Co-Founder and CEO & President Mark Laport and Whitman Peterson Co-Founder and Partner Bob Whitman, and Partner Paul Novak to celebrate this significant moment in the development of the StudioRes brand.
Over the company's nearly four decades, Concord Hospitality has developed and operated a number of Marriott hotels across North America, and currently operates nearly 80 properties within the company's portfolio, with its properties frequently receiving recognition for outstanding service and hospitality excellence.
Hotel website
General Manager Haje Roger Thurau joined InterContinental Hotels in December 2022 to lead the Pre-Opening Team to launch the world's largest and oldest luxury hospitality brand's premier hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Thurau is a 30-year hospitality veteran with international assignments across a variety of upscale business and leisure, convention center, and resort properties with luxury brands around the globe, including Germany, Spain, the Island of Mykonos, the Indian Ocean Islands territory, and various European destinations. He has a passion for the culinary arts and providing impeccable guest experiences. He believes that "The product and its team stand in the foreground, not the GM, as alone you can do a lot, but with the support of a team, you can do extraordinary things." Born in Germany, Thurau now calls Bellevue, WA, home with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys multi-cultural cooking and staying active in a variety of outdoor sports.
CHALLENGE
Theres always a lot happening in the market and it takes a lot of time to understand exactly where to focus.
SOLUTION
My role has a marketing function attached to it and having forward-looking demand insights (from Market Insight) allows me to better plan and target our initiatives.
PRODUCTS USED
About Eaton DC by Eaton Workshop
Eaton DC is Eaton Workshops flagship property in downtown Washington DC. The hotels design references the buildings past lives as a bus terminal and printing press all while offering a modern, green and culture-filled space that champions diversity and inclusion. Apart from its 209 stylish rooms, Eaton DC offers a cinema, radio station, wellness center, members workspace, rooftop bar, exhibition and event spaces, a restaurant, and a coffee shop.
We recently had a chat with Monica Schmidt, Director of Commercial Strategy at Eaton Workshop. She told us how she uses Market Insights live, forward-looking market and competitor data to better understand demand shifts, refine pricing strategies and drive more revenue.
Quick and easy access to live market and competitor data
With Market Insight I was impressed by how streamlined, user-friendly and fast Market Insight is. Market Insight presents information in an actionable way, which makes the data points accessible and easy to follow. Now, I can get a full market overview for the next month or even 90 days in a few clicks. Its also possible to drill down and take a closer look at a specific date.
I also use Market Insight to keep an eye on our competitors rates. Price alerts let me know on which days we need to adjust our rates to maintain our ideal positioning. Since theres always a lot happening in our market, Ive set filters to prioritize especially high and low price alerts. That saves me a lot of time because I immediately see where I need to focus.
Source: Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight)
My role has a marketing function attached to it and having forward-looking demand insights allows me to better plan and target our initiatives.
Deeper knowledge of demand developments in the market
When I zoom in on a specific date, a map shows the various levels of demand in different parts of the city. This helps me understand and explain short-term shifts and long-term market dynamics. For example, when a convention is announced, I can see which downtown areas are experiencing the strongest demand uptick as a result.
Seeing the search volume on GDS and metasearch sites on Market Insight has also been immensely helpful. It allows me to look ahead and identify periods that will likely have higher demand than others. Along with the geographic demand representation, this plays into our pricing decisions and how we shape our strategies. Since we can make more data-driven choices further in advance now, we get more chances to capitalize on revenue opportunities.
New opportunities to share data across departments
While we mainly use Market Insight to inform pricing and distribution decisions, the tools data is useful for other departments as well. For example, my role has a marketing function attached to it and having forward-looking demand insights allows me to better plan and target our initiatives.
I also use Market Insight during the bi-weekly revenue meeting with our department heads. When I present new strategies and ideas, I can pull up the tool and show which data Im basing them on. Since the dashboard is clear and easy to understand, it helps me quickly clarify my thought process if anyone has questions.
Our sales team already uses Rate Insight to see what the Comp Set is offering for certain dates. In the near-term future, I will share data from Market Insight with them as well. Getting an overview of future demand will allow them to identify the best opportunities more easily and maximize their results.
I absolutely recommend Market Insight because it provides live market and demand insights you wouldnt be able to access otherwise.
Source: Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight)
Responsive customer service
Lighthouses customer service is great for several reasons. The team is very responsive and gets back to me quickly when I have a question. Thats important because it allows me to clear up any doubts immediately and make the most of the tool.
Another aspect I like is that they take requests for new features seriously. Lighthouse keeps developing its solutions and regularly adds new useful functions - often ones which hoteliers said theyd find useful.
Get the edge you need
I absolutely recommend Market Insight because it provides live market and demand insights you wouldnt be able to access otherwise. This gives you an edge since you always have an extra layer of detailed real-time information at your fingertips. Apart from saving valuable time, Market Insight allows you to make well-informed pricing and distribution decisions that will keep your property ahead of the competition.
About Lighthouse
Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.
Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partnerstheir success is our success.
www.mylighthouse.com
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ROCKVILLE, Maryland Arch Amenities Group, a full-service, global provider of wellness, amenity management and meeting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels, private clubs and pools, today announced the opening of its first Privai Spa + Fitness Center in a hotel: the 411-room, luxury Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami.
The 13,000-square-foot, newly renovated facility incorporates a 5,000-square-foot fitness and wellness center and features a full range of innovative and restorative spa treatments, Technogym fitness equipment, group and private classes, a Wellness Lounge and programs designed to deliver world-class experiences and unique products for the mind, body and soul.
The Privai brand, Arch's signature skin and body care line, was established in 2006 with the goal of harmoniously synchronizing the spa and wellness experience. The new Privai Spa + Fitness space incorporates product and treatment modalities that reflect the brands holistic approach to well-being and personalized experiences.
Charlotte Prescott, Privai Spa + Fitness Center director, said touchless technology is a key to the facilitys identity. Currently featured in the Wellness Lounge are Somadome technology-enabled meditation pods, which offer color light therapy and energy medicine that derives benefits from magnets and crystal strips. The pods also include sound therapy, designed to promote consciousness.
Our intent is to feature new technology therapies in the Wellness Lounge every six months or so, she said.
Another of the spas signature technologies is PureWave Technologies VEMI, which couples vibration and electromagnetic therapy with infrared heat and sound to create a holistic approach to rejuvenation, relaxation and energy restoration.
We also bring in technology and touchless experiences to augment our wellness benefits, such as high-dose sauna blankets that can be an add-on to a massage experience, Prescott said. As a whole, the Privai Spa + Fitness center offers both state-of-the-art services and traditional therapies that have been around for thousands of years.
Complementing the touchless technologies are waxing and other Privai signature body treatments, including restorative sleep rituals, detox treatments and essential balance. Facial treatments include Glo2Facial by Geneo, Dr. Babor Prescription Facial, Powered by Green Science Facial and Privai Bespoke Facial.
The fitness centers Technogym equipment includes the Excite Live Run treadmill, Selectorized strength machines and free weights. Classes include high-intensity interval training, cardiovascular and strength training, meditation and movement, yoga, sound bath meditation, dance, group Reiki and Yogalates, a blend of yoga and Pilates.
Massages include relaxation and therapeutic modalities like Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and Cryo Pain Reliever with CBD. Time-honored Eastern therapies, including reflexology, reiki and cupping therapies, are featured as well as healing-energy therapies such as acupressure ear seeding and aura cleansing.
Unique to the Miami market is Privai Spas co-ed communal sauna, which complements its separate facilities for men and women, Prescott said. Also unique is the optional concurrent infrared sauna experience in the saunas salt chambers.
Privai Spa + Fitness Center has established a partnership with The Biostation, a leading provider of hospitality medical wellness led by Medical Director Dr. Martin G. Bloom. Our focus is on restoring guests' health, from the inside out, offering personalized treatment protocols, doctor-designed nutrient infusions, medical weight-loss programs and high-quality supplements that strive to promote optimal health and prevent age-related symptoms, he said. Additionally, our aesthetics providers offer advanced solutions that aim to prevent and eliminate signs of aging and restore natural beauty and radiance.
Privai Spa + Fitness Center offers memberships to residents of the adjacent EPIC Residences Condo Towers and other local residents. Benefits include unlimited group exercise classes, access to locker rooms and spa facilities, two guest passes per month, hotel pool access Mondays through Fridays (excluding holidays) and access to e-mindful and members-only sales and events.
Members also receive discounts of 15% off spa services Mondays through Thursdays, 10% off any spa boutique purchase, 15% off food service at the pool, 15% off dinner at the hotels Area 31 restaurant, 15% off hotel accommodations (based on best available rate) and discounted parking for four hours at $10 per day.
Upon joining, members receive the following gifts: one fitness assessment via In Body, a Privai wellness oils gift box, one touchless technology spa experience treatment and a $100 credit toward Medi Spa services.
About Arch Amenities Group
Arch Amenities Group, based in Rockville, Maryland, is a leading provider of amenity management, hospitality consulting and recruiting services for commercial and residential properties, hotels, spas, private clubs, and pools. Arch provides preopening and sustaining strategy and support for leading wellness and amenity spaces in the United States and across the globe. Arch is a portfolio company of private equity firm CI Capital Partners.
Rich Roberts
RDR PR LLC
717-685-9003
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Los Angeles, CA - BLLA announces its exclusive Roundtable discussion and Summit being held Sunday, January 21, 2024, in downtown Los Angeles at the Redbird owned by Chef Neal Fraser who's Frasers flagship restaurant features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Frasers native city Los Angeles.
BLLA Events continuously evolves and the smaller, more intimate events are a beloved part of the organization, per the feedback from attendees. We are thrilled to welcome guests to the Hotel Technology & Innovation Summit, set in the vibrant heart of Downtown Los Angeles with keynote speaker, Vaughn Davis, CEO of Relevant Hospitality. This isn't just another conference; it's a nexus for the most brilliant minds in the hospitality industry.
Why Attend?
Meet the Disruptors: Connect with a small, hand-picked group of innovators and industry disruptors. You'll be in the company of those who are redefining the future of hospitality.
Intimate & Impactful: We believe in quality over quantity. Our event is designed to be intimate, fostering organic relationships and meaningful dialogues that invoke radical change.
Innovative Ideas, Real Solutions: Dive into sessions that challenge the status quo. Be part of discussions that turn revolutionary ideas into real-world solutions.
Right People, Right Place, Right Time: This is where the magic happens. The right conversation at the right moment can spark a transformation in your business and career.
Details
Date: This Sunday, January 21
Venue: Downtown Los Angeles
Dress Code: Business Casual
Spots are limited, as we aim to keep this event as exclusive and engaging as possible. Reserve your seat now and be part of the revolution in hotel technology and innovation.
Register Now
Looking forward to welcoming you!
About BLLA
The official organization for the world's independent boutique lifestyle hotels and leaders who are entrepreneurs themselves, promoting capital, resources, connection, education, and advocacy. As a pioneer in forecasting the boutique movement, BLLA's boutique community currently extends to more than 10,000 verified boutique and lifestyle hotels. BLLA is a catalyst for trends and the future of the boutique lifestyle, exactly what today's traveler is embracing. BLLA.org / Stay-Boutique.com. BLLA is also a capital/partner matchmaker via its Boutique Money Group division.
The corporate manifesto is: Experience the intention behind the brand.
Press Office
BLLA
+1-818-883-4363
BLLA
July 20, 1922 Dec. 14, 2023
During World War II, Anna Post escaped death at many turns.
The first time, in December 1941, she was pulled from a train by the Gestapo, accused of impersonating a non-Jew and forced to dig her own grave. But darkness fell before she finished. She woke up the next day expecting to die, but instead she was released.
That morning I found out the Jewish Council had made a bribe a pair of boots for life, she said.
During the following year, she was warned one day not to return home from a work detail in the countryside. She slipped away and learned the next day that all of the Jews in the city had been killed or deported.
Escaping to Krakow, she was caught without ID and sent to Auschwitz. Blond and blue-eyed, she did not look Jewish, so she was consigned to forced labor instead of the gas chambers.
When she watched NBC-TVs five-part Holocaust series in 1978, she was so chilled by the memories that she jumped up and got a blanket.
Mrs. Post went on to become one of the Buffalo areas earliest and foremost speakers about the genocide, talking about her harrowing experiences for 40 years in schools, places of worship and community forums. Her 3-hour testimony on film is preserved at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
She died Dec. 14 in Jacksonville, Fla., where she had lived for the past four years. She was 101.
The youngest of six children, she was born Anna Dula in the village of Bronocice, Poland, about 35 miles northeast of Krakow, where her father ran a flour mill. The family moved in 1929 to the nearby city of Dzialosyce, which had a strong Jewish community and better schools.
Her family disappeared after the Nazis deported all the Jews from the city in 1942. Shortly after that, she met up with two of her brothers, who briefly helped her hide, but she never saw her parents again.
She nearly died from typhoid fever in Auschwitz, ate tree bark to survive on a death march in January 1945 and lived to greet the American soldiers who liberated the Neustadt-Glewe prison camp in northern Germany in May.
We danced around them, kissing the grass and the trees and the flowers, she told Buffalo News reporter Barbara Snyder in 1978.
After regaining her strength, she went back to Dzialosyce, where she learned her family had died in the prison camps.
She returned to Krakow, studied medicine and met Jacob Post, a survivor of Mathausen, the death camp in Austria. They were married in 1947 and had two children. Her son, Dr. Louis Post, said that his father operated an illegal factory that made compacts for cosmetics.
They were relatively prosperous, her son said, but she did not like living under a totalitarian regime. When the Polish government loosened restrictions on emigration in 1957, she convinced her husband to leave. They lived in Israel before coming to Buffalo in 1962.
Mrs. Post became a kindergarten teacher at Kadimah School, a day school for Jewish children, and taught there for 30 years. Beloved by staff, students and parents, she was honored by the Buffalo Chapter of Hadassah in 1994 and by the Kadimah Parent Teacher Organization in 2015.
She began telling her story of survival in the late 1970s and was active for many years with the Speakers Bureau of the Holocaust Resource Center of Buffalo. She wrote a Viewpoints article for The News in 1982 and was featured in a 1984 documentary on Holocaust survivors by Rich Newberg on WIVB-TV.
Having lost all of her family except one brother, Szlomo Sol Dula, who died in New York City in 1970, she was particularly devoted to her grandsons.
A longtime Eggertsville resident, she and her husband wintered in Florida after she retired in 1992. A former jeweler in the Ellicott Square building, he died in 1998.
She enjoyed folk dancing, reading and duplicate bridge.
In addition to her son, a clinical psychologist, survivors include two grandsons and two great-grandsons. Her daughter, Margalit Post, a researcher at the University at Buffalo, died in 2012.
Services were held Jan. 7 in Amherst Memorial Chapel, Getzville.
Amsterdam - Munich, Germany Katanox, the travel accommodation distribution and fintech platform, announced today its deal with travel management company Lanes & Planes.
Using Katanoxs streaming distribution capabilities, Lanes & Planes can connect directly with leading accommodation providers, giving the travel management company the ability to increase revenue both from connecting with new partners and growing existing relationships.
Lanes & Planes will reap the rewards of numerous benefits provided by the Katanox platform including commission reconciliation and having the ability to receive net payouts. This will allow the TMC to operate more efficiently both in terms of time and monetarily.
Many say such things with hyperbole, but I truly mean it when I say Katanox are real game-changers and are making a real and necessary difference within the hospitality industry, said Veit Blumschein, CEO and Co-founder of Lanes & Planes. Katanox provides an efficient and effective way to reach and work with accommodation providers on terms that are favourable for everyone.
Lanes & Planes was founded in 2017 and is a fully digital travel and expense management solution. With over a thousand companies as customers and tens of thousands of users on its platform, the TMC recently secured a $35 million Series-A funding round, led by Smash Capital, Battery Ventures and Coparion.
Lanes & Planes is an ideal buyer for the Katanox platform in terms of what they want to achieve, and given our shared vision to transform hospitality, said Paul Beukers, CCO and Co-founder of Katanox. As a leader in the German business travel market, the TMC provides our accommodation provider partners with a lucrative distribution channel for the largest economy in Europe.
About Katanox
Katanox is a travel accommodation distribution and fintech platform bringing together travel sellers and travel accommodation providers. Katanox facilitates distribution of travel accommodation inventory and payments. The platform is unlocking the programmatic era for B2B distribution in hospitality. The team is led by Mendel Senf, Georgios Georgiadis, Imre Vogelezang and Paul Beukers and supported by a group of experienced industry professionals.
LinkedIn: Katanox
About Lanes & Planes
Lanes & Planes is a leading SaaS provider specializing in efficient B2B solutions for corporate travel. Dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, Lanes & Planes simplifies and enhances the corporate travel experience while maintaining a focus on growth and efficiency.
LinkedIn: Lanes & Planes
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Mark S. Adams is an experienced trial lawyer, partner, and senior member of JMBMs Global Hospitality Group. In his more than 14 years with the Firm, Mark has created an international reputation as a Hotel Dispute Lawyer, handling litigation, arbitration, jury trials, and alternate dispute resolution in hundreds of matters affecting hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality properties. But not every matter should, or does, end up in litigation. Mark also provides pre-litigation strategic advice to avoid litigation and optimize a clients position for settlement where possible.
What is the difference betweenLitigation andDispute Resolution?
In many circles, the term litigation refers to the process that starts with the filing of a lawsuit in the traditional court system and includes all that follows until a final resolution. This more restrictive definition does not include arbitration or other alternative dispute mechanisms.
In other circles, however, litigation has a much broader meaning which includes the first definition of court litigation. This second meaning includes all methods of dispute resolution and refers to the entire progression of a dispute from reviewing and advising on pre-contract drafting, through the first disagreement, preparing correspondence, and on to negotiations to amicably resolve issues. It also encompasses all related matters in the dispute from notice of default, strategic positioning for a lawsuit or other action, and engaging in dispute resolution by any procedure such as filing and then prosecuting or defending a lawsuit, arbitration, mediation, or judicial reference (see below).
We generally use litigation in the second, broadest meaning of all stages of any dispute and any type of dispute resolution process. In this article, we will specifically name a particular means of dispute resolution where it may provide greater clarity.
Dispute arbitration compared to court trials and judicial reference
Binding arbitration is the dispute resolution mechanism embodied in most hospitality contracts, particularly hotel management or operating agreements and hotel franchise agreements. The choice of binding arbitration may have profound effects on the process and outcome of the dispute. As a result, many parties opt out of arbitration, or attempt to opt out of it. The Pros and Cons of arbitration vs. court trials are summarized below:
Arbitration:
Pros: Almost always a faster resolution, typically private and confidential proceedings, parties can choose arbitrators, avoids jury trials of complex business issues and the potential for runaway verdicts. Arbitration is favored by strong public policy behind the Federal Arbitration Act and most state arbitration statutes.
Cons: Extremely limited appeal options, if any, less formal discovery, potential for biased arbitrators (e.g., frequent flyer customers), binding decisions, now offers little savings in cost can be outrageously expensive. Without mutual agreement, a dispute can only be forced into arbitration when the parties have signed a binding arbitration agreement before the dispute arises, or, the parties sign such an agreement for the particular dispute after it arises.
Court Trials:
Pros: Adherence to legal procedures, comprehensive discovery, public record, right to appeal.
Cons: Lengthy process, high discovery costs, less control over timing, potential for complex rules and delays, jury trial waivers may not be enforceable in many jurisdictions (such as California) except when arbitration or judicial reference is provided.
Judicial Reference (or Reference) A better alternative dispute resolution process with the best of both arbitration and court litigation?
Although it is less well known than arbitration or traditional court litigation, in states like California, there is another process that offers the best of both worlds. Many of our most experienced litigation attorneys believe that judicial reference deserves thoughtful consideration for hospitality contractual provisions for the dispute resolution process.
This judicial reference is so important that a more robust treatment of it is provided in a dedicated article on Judicial Reference. See Judicial Reference Basics and Judicial Reference Advanced.
For now, lets just say that the California Constitution and settled judicial precedent make it a reliable way to avoid jury trials (overcoming Californias general policy of voiding jury trial waivers). The procedure effectively uses private arbitration (usually with retired judges), while preserving the right to appeal. Because the parties must pay the fees of the judge, it is sometimes called private judging or rent-a-judge.
Should mediation be mandatory in arbitration and other dispute resolution clauses?
Mandatory mediation in contractual arbitration has both supporters and critics. Supporters argue it promotes efficiency and resolution, while critics emphasize the importance of party autonomy, and that the process is not productive until the parties have dropped most of the emotion triggered by the dispute and are ready to be pragmatic.
The choice depends on factors like the nature of the contracts and the legal relationships between the parties. In most hospitality contract litigation, there will be a time when the case is ripe for mediation. The parties can voluntarily agree to submit to mediation at any time in a dispute (even without a mediation clause). Our preference is to work toward an early mandatory mediation that the parties agree to. Although it rarely results in a quick settlement, it gets the parties talking, provides an independent partys assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each case, and it usually also provides a better refinement of the issues.
Getting qualified arbitrators (without bias)
The parties generally include in their arbitration provisions the minimum qualifications for the arbitrator. Those often require as much as 10 years of experience in the hotel industry, among other things. These criteria are a built-in bias in favor of the brands and operators because the 10 years of experience usually come from having worked for and been indoctrinated by the brands.
Practically speaking, these experience requirements are often self-defeating because the parties cannot find an available arbitrator with those experience criteria. In that case, the parties have to modify their requirements (with a dispute pending). That inevitably creates excusable delay in getting the matter arbitrated.
And then there is the Frequent Flyer problem mentioned above. Most experienced arbitrators are professional arbitrators. Serving as an arbitrator is their full-time job, or represents a substantial source of income. Despite integrity and the best intentions, this makes arbitrators reluctant to find against or award significant damages against their best customers who will be back with more disputes for the arbitrator to handle and support their livelihood.
Cost and timing of arbitration
So long as the parties can select an arbitrator relatively quickly, the timing of the arbitration is somewhat left to the needs of the parties and the availability of the Arbitrator to try the case. In general, the time for completing an arbitration is far less than for a traditional court trial procedure.
For many decades, arbitration advocates claimed that arbitration is much less expensive than litigation in court. That may have been true at some point in decades past, but is not so valid in current times. Arbitration is expensive. In some cases, very expensive. For example, the initial filing fee is typically a fixed amount (such as $5,000), but some arbitration providers charge a percentage of the amount in dispute. The initial filing fee is just the beginning. Typically, the arbitrator(s) will require a significant advance against their anticipated fees and will require interim refreshment of their retainers. After that, there are substantial charges for each task, such as status conferences, procedural orders, discovery motions, evidentiary hearings, and so on. A $3 million dispute could easily cost $100,000 in arbitration costs. These arbitration costs do not include each partys legal fees, and possible liability to the prevailing party to pay all costs.
Who does arbitration favor?
Arbitration always favors the winner. In general, sloppy cases based on flimsy evidence may succeed in arbitration because the rules of evidence are more lax. There is also the tendency of arbitrators to split the baby between the parties claims so that each party gets something but not necessarily what they deserve. We have observed that most arbitration awards fall somewhere in the middle based on the law that the arbitrator chooses to follow, and based on the amount of damages. We rarely see a blow-away, one-sided award in an arbitration.
For more information about Hospitality Dispute Resolution, you can find below some links to selected articles by Mark S. Adams:
*See how JMBMs Global Hospitality Group can help you.
Jim Butler
+1 310 201 3526
JMBM
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KSL Capital Partners, LLC, a leading investor in travel and leisure businesses, today announced that Kevin Neher has joined the firm as a partner and Co-Head of Strategic Operations.
Kevin joins KSL after a 17-year career with McKinsey & Company, where he served as a Senior Partner and founded the company's Denver office. With a background advising travel and leisure businesses at McKinsey, he advised public- and private-sector clients on challenges that cut across strategy, operations, and technology. Strongly focused on understanding and improving the experience for customers, his work centered on assessing and transforming customer-facing operations and services. Most recently, Kevin led McKinsey's global Customer Experience practice, emphasizing understanding and improving customer relationships and experiences. At KSL, he will utilize his unique expertise to drive operational transformations and strategic decisions across the KSL portfolio. Kevin received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School.
Eric Resnick, Chief Executive Officer of KSL, said "We could not be more thrilled to welcome Kevin to KSL after an extraordinary career at McKinsey. His client focus, background driving tangible, positive change at consumer facing businesses and passion for travel will only further enhance KSL's operational approach to investing."
Bryan Traficanti, Co-Head of Strategic Operations at KSL, added: "I have had the pleasure of working with Kevin several times over the years for KSL. As our firm continues to grow, so have the demands on our Strategic Operations team as we help create value for our investments. I look forward to working alongside Kevin and leveraging his expertise as we strive to continually enhance our capabilities and deliver results for our investors."
Kevin Neher added: "Knowing firsthand KSL's track record and focus, I view this as an extraordinary opportunity to transfer my skills from being client-focused to being investor-focused, and having the ability to have a long-term positive impact on KSL's investments, which consistently set the standard for innovation, experience, sustainability and operational excellence within the travel and leisure industry."
Hudson, NY (12534)
Today
Overcast. High 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..
Tonight
Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
State to Boost Reimbursement Rates for Child Care Providers
WORCESTER, Mass. The Board of Early Education and Care unanimously approved the Healey-Driscoll Administration's changes to how the state reimburses early education and care providers who accept state child care financial assistance, known as rates.
Child care providers across Massachusetts will start to receive at least a 5.5 percent increase to their daily per child reimbursement rate beginning in February 2024, an increase of over $2,000 a year on average per child. They will also soon receive a one-time retroactive payment to account for the increased rates back to July 1, 2023.
The approved rates make progress on addressing long-standing inequities in rate amounts by geographic region and age group of children served. Massachusetts will be using the cost of providing care as a metric for setting rates for the first time, investing $65 million from the state's fiscal year 2024 budget to raise regions with similar economic indicators to the same rate amount. Providers will also start to receive higher reimbursements for infant and toddler care to better cover the true cost of providing care to these age groups.
"I thank the Board of Early Education and Care for their support in approving our transformational rate proposal, setting Massachusetts up to be a national leader in using the cost of care to more accurately and equitably determine reimbursements for our child care providers. These deserved increases will help providers to recruit and retain a high-quality workforce and reduce costs for families," said?Governor Maura Healey. "I also thank the Legislature for their partnership in making historic investments in early education and care this fiscal year. Team Massachusetts is continuing to prioritize making child care more affordable and accessible."
In Western Mass the current rate for an infant is $72.37 and the current rate for a toddler is $66.36. The infant rate will increase 34 percent to $97.18 and the toddler rate will increase 14 percent to $75.48. ??
Rates provide direct needs-based financial assistance to increase low-income families' purchasing power in the market and help pay for the cost of care. Under this approved rate proposal, Massachusetts is one of the first states in the country to use the cost of care as an additional metric when setting rates. There is growing recognition nationally that a market rate survey alone is not the best?metric to use and that the cost of care should also be included, as the price of care is often more reflective of how much parents are able to pay for care and the local market for tuition versus the cost of providing high quality care. Federal rules require states to use a market rate survey or alternative methodology to set rates. Massachusetts is one of the first six states in the country federally approved to move forward with an alternative methodology when setting rates for child care financial assistance.
"Here in Massachusetts, we don't just want to get 'back' to how things were before the pandemic we are focused on transforming our early education and care system forward towards access and equity for all families," said?Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler.?"Today's approved rate changes continue our efforts to transform our state's child care financial assistance system to be what all our children, families and early education and care providers deserve."?
Berkshire VNA Ratifies First Contract
PITTSFIELD, Mass. Unionized nurses and health-care professionals of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association have settled a contract after about two years of negotiation.
On Dec. 22, the union represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association ratified its first contract with Berkshire Health Systems. The vote had unanimous support from members who were satisfied with the contracts wages and productivity standards.
Members see these components as crucial to preserving staff and quality of care.
"Our goal in forming a union was to have a strong voice in making improvements for our patients and staff and we accomplished that in this contract. We are happy that we were able to get the step scale and some of the productivity language that was much needed. We achieved this through the support of our labor leaders, politicians, and community," co-Chair Tamaryn Clowdus said.
"We are so thankful to everyone. Now we are ready to do the hard work of making sure our contract is implemented correctly. We will use the solidarity we gained through tough negotiations to ensure that going forward our contract is used to help with recruitment, retention, and patient care access."
The more than 40-page contract states that through 2025, the weekly productivity expectation for a full-time employee is 30 units, and for part-time employees, the expectation is prorated based on 40 hours a week.
Productivity standards that went into effect on Dec. 15 include: the equal amount of meeting time being included in the calculation of weekly units (one hour of meeting equals one unit,) travel more than 50 miles equaling one unit, and a revisit remaining equal to one unit.
A Niagara Falls man has been sentenced to 65 years to life in prison for a 2022 murder the second killing he has committed and other crimes.
Prosecutors said 49-year-old Shaquan Gibson received the maximum possible punishment for murdering 24-year-old Cyjear Betton on May 2, 2022, in Niagara Falls and shooting another man in the leg minutes earlier.
Gibson was sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder, 25 years for first-degree assault and 15 years for possessing an illegal handgun. The sentences were imposed by Niagara County Court Judge Caroline Wojtaszek, who ordered that the sentences be served consecutively.
Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman commended the Niagara Falls Police Department for its investigation of the case.
"The evidence they compiled allowed my prosecutors to present to the jury, in an extremely compelling fashion, how this individual hunted down a young man and executed him over a petty debt," Seaman said.
Harold McNeil
The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann and Grand Jury Bureau Chief Maria Stoelting.
In December 2007, Gibson was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 12 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Noah Willoughby, 22, earlier that year in the 1900 block of Falls Street, according to the District Attorney's Office. Gibson was released on parole in January 2019.
Construct Receives $2M for Renovation of Cassilis Farm in New Marlborough
NEW MARLBOROUGH, Mass Construct, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and support services in the Southern Berkshires, has received over $2 million in funding from Federal Home Loan Bank Boston's (FHLB) Affordable Housing Competitive Funding Program, in partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union.
This award is a step toward providing New Marlborough with its first affordable housing units. The money will help Construct create 11 new apartments at Cassilis Farm, a Gilded Age estate set on eight acres. Two additional single-family houses on the property will be funded privately, providing more immediate homes for New Marlborough's essential workers.
FHL Banks Boston's Affordable Housing Program (AHP) supports the development and rehabilitation of stable and affordable rental and for-sale properties in New England. Grants and loans help pay construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation costs. The $2 million awarded to Construct consists of a $1.2M subsidized mortgage and a $850,000 grant. Partnering with Construct, Greylock Federal Credit Union will hold its construction loan, which will become a permanent subsidized mortgage at the end of the project's construction phase.
"At Greylock, we recognize and understand that affordable housing is essential to maintaining a strong and vital community," Michael Barbieri, Greylock Federal Credit Union's vice president and manager of business banking said. "This project will help to ensure that members of our local workforce in New Marlborough will be able to live in the community where they invest their time, talent, and energy each day."
In 2020, New Marlborough's Affordable Housing Committee released a report stating that the town has no affordable housing and businesses are struggling to keep their doors open due to severe staff shortages. In 2022, with the housing crisis at an all-time high in southern Berkshire County, Construct purchased Cassilis Farm with the generous financial support of friends, neighbors, and New Marlborough ARPA funds. When construction is complete, Construct will have created a total of thirteen new units of 1-3 bedroom affordable housing, expanding New Marlborough's community base, promoting economic stability, and contributing to a future of growth and development. Full occupancy at Cassilis Farm is anticipated in early 2026.
"Receiving this funding in partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union is a positive step forward," Jane Ralph, Construct's Executive Director said. "It is gratifying to see our shared vision of affordable housing in New Marlborough gain momentum in this way. It's a long and complicated process, and this vote of confidence and support means so much."
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Families and teachers often hear a short phone message, receive an email or see their school listed on a television crawler when schools close because of bad weather.
Suddenly things change for them, but the decision ranks among the most stressful and deliberate that district leaders face.
A lot hangs in the balance. Parents nervously weigh child care options, and teachers and staff express concerns about the safety of their commutes to work, all while getting weather forecasts that may or may not come true.
Any snow event creates a lot of stress around potentially closing or not, Pioneer Central Schools Superintendent Nick Silvaroli said Thursday afternoon.
Almost all schools in Erie County were closed Wednesday and Thursday, during the latest of almost back-to-back storms that blasted much of Western New York.
Buffalo Schools closed Tuesday through Thursday and announced Thursday afternoon that they would remain that way on Friday. South Buffalo, among the hardest-hit in the region, continues to dig out from nearly 6 feet of snow that accumulated over six days.
Multiple neighborhoods, especially south of Broadway, still have streets that are unsafe for school buses to travel on, unpassable sidewalks and high snowbanks that make it dangerous for students to walk to and from school, Buffalo Schools spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond said Thursday afternoon.
Other districts facing similar circumstances were still weighing options for Friday.
Four superintendents interviewed for this story immediately said student safety was their top priority when deciding to close schools.
Leaders say they are also compelled to stay open due to the importance of classroom instruction, intense student needs that schools fulfill in disadvantaged districts and the importance especially in elementary schools of keeping a routine.
Closing discussions often start the day before, especially when forecasts are ominous, the superintendents said. Superintendents across the region are in contact, too, said Darren Brown-Hall, superintendent of Williamsville Central Schools.
Determining the availability of teachers and staff, many of whom live outside their school districts, is vital.
The decision is especially hard for leaders of districts just outside the range of where snowstorms have hit hardest.
When you start to see other districts close, you start to maybe doublethink what youre doing, Silvaroli said.
Pioneer, which touches four counties, was believed to be the only district in Erie County to remain open all four days. On Wednesday, when areas only a short distance north were bombarded by snow, Pioneer enjoyed sunny skies.
The decision to close or remain open is often met with public scrutiny and pressure to act quickly.
Buffalo Schools Superintendent Tonja M. Williams wrote a thorough Facebook post Wednesday evening that provided an inside look at how she wrestles with the decision.
Leadership is not for the faint at heart, she wrote. I learned early on in my career that my decisions would not and could not possibly please everyone all of the time. I try, but its just not possible. Its a reality that I have grown to accept.
She illuminated factors she and Chief Operating Officer David Hills consider when deciding whether its safe to hold school.
Can children reach their bus stops safely?
How would they be affected by waiting for a bus that is likely to be delayed?
Would their rides to school be safe?
Would staff be able to attend school, especially when three-quarters of teachers live outside the city?
Would forecasted weather later in the day allow students and staff to return home safely?
Students might be able to trot freely to the bus stop in North Buffalo, but the mountainous snowbanks in South Buffalo, coupled with the uncertainty of a boomeranging lake-effect snow band, meant answering yes to all those questions would be impossible for schools, including Southside Elementary and South Park High School.
That was the case in Buffalo even on Tuesday, which brought a short respite to Erie County from a holiday weekend snowstorm.
The decision that I made to close schools was the right decision, she wrote. It was made with great care, analysis, strategy and with our children in mind.
In Buffalo, more than 75% of students are economically disadvantaged, but they are not alone. Hamburg, in which Michael Cornell serves as superintendent, and Pioneer also have large contingents of school-dependent students.
Theyre dependent on school for a warm breakfast and a warm lunch, Cornell said Thursday. Theyre dependent on school for mental and emotional health support through our school-based mental health professionals.
I think we have to remember that theres a lot of kids in our communities where the actual snow day experience is far different from that kind of idealized, romanticized view of a snow day.
News Staff Reporter Barbara OBrien contributed to this story.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz exercised his rarely used veto power to kill a proposed county law that would require many official government documents to be translated into the top six languages spoken in Erie County.
Some documents to be translated into six languages under new Erie County law The County Legislature approved the Language Access Act, mandating that some official documents be translated into the top six languages spoken in Erie County, including American Sign Language.
Poloncarz said that while the goal of the legislation is noble, it seems to overlap and conflict with other existing state and federal language access laws. He also raised concerns about unknown and unbudgeted costs associated with implementing the law.
If a new draft of a Language Access Local Law is put forth, a cost analysis should be done that clearly articulates anticipated fiscal impact to Erie County while also identifying funding in the subsequent budget, Poloncarz stated in his veto letter to the County Legislature.
Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin said she understands Poloncarzs concerns and wants to bring together a revision team that would redraft the legislation into a more acceptable document that could become law within the next three months.
I think thats just a matter of rewriting the language so that its clearer, she said.
County Legislature Democrats passed the local law in a 7-4 vote late last month, with support from immigrant advocacy groups. At the time, the legislation was celebrated for making Erie County the first county in the state outside of New York City to adopt such a law. Baskin said she intends to follow through on the commitment to getting the law adopted as soon as possible.
However, both Legislature Republicans and the county administration raised concerns about costs and implementation. Republicans had wanted more committee discussion to consider the impact on county departments, while Democrats argued that the inability for non-native English speakers to understand information vital to accessing county services was inhumane and should not be delayed.
The Language Access Act would have amended the County Charter to establish an advisory board that would determine the top six non-English languages spoken in Erie County, based on a variety of data sources. The committee would also determine which county documents were important enough to require translation.
An evaluation of the top six languages would be redone every two years and consider U.S. census and school population data, as well as information from local interpreter and refugee resettlement agencies. Provisions of the law would also accommodate American Sign Language interpretation or real-time caption and transcription services for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
The proposed law was amended last month, at the request of the administration, to permit the use of artificial intelligence and online applications and machine interpretation and translation services in limited circumstances.
Poloncarz noted that both the Democratic and Republican Board of Elections commissioners objected to the law. They sent him a letter last week stating that the new law may require that registration documents and election ballots be translated. That would be a heavy lift and unbudgeted cost to the Board of Elections.
The law does not explicitly state that elections documents would fall under the Language Access Act.
But Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr said he and Democratic Commissioner Jeremy Zellner both raised concerns that if an advisory board decided that registration documents and ballots did fall under this law, it would create huge burdens and potential conflicts with state and federal election requirements.
The specific wording for voter registration documents, for instance, is set by the state. And the burden of printing ballots in six languages this year could be financially unmanageable, Mohr said.
Without more specifics laid out in the law, more consultation with departments potentially affected, and explicit exemptions for documents that already fall under state and federal language access requirements, the elections commissioners objected to the laws passage. Mohr noted that the Board of Elections is gearing up for the presidential election this year and a 26th Congressional District special election.
Were not necessarily opposed to the concept, Mohr said, but we think there needs to be some clarification and some definition.
Baskin said the county law is not intended to supersede any state or federal language access regulations, but to complement and extend the existing state and federal requirements. For instance, she said, the county law makes specific reference to accommodating residents who are hearing impaired.
Basin said she hopes a revisions committee would include herself and representatives from county departments, who would work together to develop a new draft of the legislation that is clearer and more specific.
The sooner, the better, she said.
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It was a very Bafta list of nominees. If youre someone who keeps a close eye on the intricacies of awards season either through professional obligation or some deep-rooted cinephilic sickness then by now, youve probably got a feel for the foibles and idiosyncrasies of the various awards bodies. The Golden Globes, for instance, like to plump for glamour. The Baftas tend to skew toward older, white people. The Oscars, increasingly diverse, are becoming harder to predict.
Today (18 January), the nominations for this years Baftas were announced. By and large, these nominees are the same big hitters that will dominate the Oscars this March, the same ones that already dominated the Golden Globes earlier this month. Christopher Nolans nuclear physicist biopic Oppenheimer is in pole position, with 13 nominations; Yorgos Lanthimoss quirked-up fantasy Poor Things follows with 11. There are a lot of worthy picks here Jonathan Glazers unrelenting and innovative holocaust drama The Zone of Interest scoops a richly deserved nine nominations, likewise Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon. In the acting categories, there are a couple of enjoyably left-field, unsung selections: Vivian Oparah, star of Peckham-set romcom Rye Lane, and Teo Yoo, star of culture-clash romance Past Lives. But there are also some glaring snubs.
For all its nominations, Killers of the Flower Moon is conspicuously absent from some of the most deserving categories. Theres no Lily Gladstone, for instance, whose brilliant and subtle Lead Actress turn may be the only thing standing between Emma Stone and her second Oscar. Wherever you fall on the merits of Barbie, theres no denying its well-directed yet theres no Greta Gerwig or Scorsese in the Best Director category. Meanwhile, The Holdovers Alexander Payne, a filmmaker who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2020, does make the cut. (He has denied the allegations.) Whatever you think of The Holdovers, a very fine and brilliantly acted drama, the optics of snubbing Gerwig for Payne are bad.
Its pointless getting too worked up over snubs each awards season; that way lies madness. If you were to ask me personally which actors actually deserved to be in the conversation this year, Id give you names like Glenn Howerton (Blackberry), Kiefer Sutherland (The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial) and Sakura Ando (Monster). But they arent, and theres no value in losing sleep over these sorts of omissions. Awards shows are inherently flawed and subjective; theres always a mix of factors campaigning, narrative, popularity, and, yes, merit behind every win. And yet, this years Bafta nominations have snubbed a few films and people so egregiously that it cant help but rankle.
Todd Hayness luscious and intelligent sex-scandal dramedy May December one of the years very best films was shut out completely. Malia-set drama How to Have Sex, undoubtedly one of the best British films of the year, got three nods, in Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, and Casting. But its cast, especially the phenomenal young lead Mia McKenna-Bruce, were nowhere to be seen. (McKenna-Bruce is up for the Rising Star award, announced earlier this month and, perhaps significantly, voted on by members of the public.) If Bafta is supposed to champion the very best of British films, then the limited recognition it extends to How to Have Sex seems like a dereliction of duty.
Theres something fundamentally head-scratching about some of the 2024 Bafta nominations. How could anyone think that Jacob Elordis performance as Jack Whitehall in Saltburn was more worthy of a nomination than Mark Ruffalos sensational turn as cucked fop Duncan Wedderburn in Poor Things? Or that Jeffrey Wrights career-best seriocomic performance in American Fiction was somehow inferior to Saltburns Barry Keoghan (giving, it should be said, one of his limpest performances in years)? Its a jarring reminder that people really do walk around harbouring these sort of opinions. This is the gift and tragedy of awards season seldom does the mind of our fellow man feel so very alien to our own.
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A former Apple Daily publisher said media mogul Jimmy Lai instructed the editorial staff to use the newspaper to encourage people to join protests in Hong Kong and draw the attention of Western nations.
Cheung Kim-hung, former chief executive of Apply Daily who worked for Mr Lai for more than 30 years, testified as the first prosecution witness on the 11th day of the landmark national security trial.
Mr Lai, a 76-year-old UK citizen, is facing the prospect of life in prison if found guilty of the charges brought against him under the draconian national security laws. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges of sedition and collusion.
Mr Cheung is one of the six former Apple Daily staff to plead guilty in November 2022 to conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country.
Dressed in a brown leather aviator jacket and white-collared shirt, Mr Lai listened to the questioning as Mr Cheung described him as the "ultimate decision maker and top leader of the media house.
Mr Cheung on Wednesday alleged that the media mogul held the view that in the wake of the 2019 pro-democracy movement it was important to get the attention of Western democracies for imposing sanctions on Hong Kong.
He said Mr Lai believed a proposed law that would allow people in Hong Kong to be sent to China to face trial in courts controlled by the Chinese Communist Party would be used to crackdown on the territory's democracy and freedoms.
The bill was later withdrawn by the government. But mass demonstrations over the bill evolved into pro-democracy protests that rocked the city for months.
Mr Lai said "the business community was very much concerned" and "if the law was enacted, media would not survive", according to the witness.
Mr Cheung added that Mr Lai instructed him to "use Apple Daily to call people to take to the streets, to demonstrate, and to pressure the government".
He told the court that the image of Mr Lai "was all along very clear, who pursued democracy, freedom and was anti-totalitarian".
Mr Lai had a view of "getting the attention of Western democratic countries, hoping that they could provide assistance, and even take stronger actions, including imposing sanctions", the witness said.
Mr Cheung said he joined Apple Daily's sister publication, Next Magazine, in 1991 before moving up the ranks and consolidating the media outlet's expansion to Taiwan.
He rejoined the company at Mr Lai's invitation in 2010 and became editor-in-chief. Six years later he was promoted to publisher and in 2018 appointed the chief executive of Next Digital.
Other prosecution witnesses include Apple Daily's former associate publisher Chan Pui-man, former editorial writer Yeung Ching-kee, activist Andy Li and paralegal Chan Tsz-wah. They have all pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at the end of the trial.
The proceedings are expected to last 80 days and have been condemned by both the UK and the US as an "attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of [Mr Lais] rights to freedom of expression and association".
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A number of prominent US lawmakers from across the political spectrum will visit Taiwan in the coming weeks to display solidarity with new president-elect Lai Ching-te, officials aware of the trip said.
The lawmakers set to go to Taipei as early as next week include top Democrat on the House foreign affairs Indo-Pacific subcommittee Ami Bera, and Republican leaders Andy Barr and Mario Diaz-Balart, who are the two other co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, FT reported on Thursday, citing people familiar of the details.
In the next delegation, Republican chief chairing the bipartisan House China committee, Mike Gallagher, is expected to visit Taiwan, the report added.
In a statement last week, the three Caucus co-chairs cheered the success of Taiwan in holding a free, fair and transparent election, in a move further angering China which does not recognise the self-governed islands independence.
The United States and Taiwan share many core values including a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Our bilateral relationship has benefited the global community and is critical to prosperity, stability, and peace in the Indo-Pacific, the statement read.
China fiercely objects to the US having any shape of official communication with Taiwan and brands Mr Lai a separatist and troublemaker. It claims the self-governed island to be its own territory and repeatedly criticises the US for backing its democratic process.
The Chinese foreign ministry also criticised the "incorrect actions" of the US and other Western nations, including the UK and Canada, in congratulating the president-elect.
On Monday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning asked the US to exercise extreme prudence in handling Taiwan-related issues, calling the elections of the sovereign island affairs of a region in China.
We urge the US to have a clear understanding of the extreme complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan question, earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and act seriously in accordance with the commitments that have been reaffirmed multiple times by the US leaders to not supporting Taiwan independence, two Chinas or one China, one Taiwan, and not seeking to use the Taiwan question as a tool to contain China, the spokesperson said.
Washington must not obscure and hollow out the one-China principle in any form or send any wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces, Ms Ning said.
As of Monday, Taiwan shares official diplomatic ties with just 12 nations, but maintains robust trade relations with Western democracies, including the US.
The US switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 and has long said it does not support a formal declaration of independence by Taiwan.
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Frenzied preparations were underway Wednesday in India's northern holy city of Ayodhya to mark the opening of a grand temple for Lord Ram, Hinduisms most revered deity.
The Ram Mandir's opening Monday would fulfill a decadeslong Hindu nationalist pledge that is expected to resonate with voters during the upcoming national election expected in April or May.
Several sprawling tent cities were being erected nearby to accommodate tens of thousands of devotees who are expected to attend. Dozens of private jets will fly Indias powerful elite, including top industrialists, movie stars and celebrities, to Ayodhya to see the ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has planned live screenings across the country, as well as at some Indian embassies across the world.
Modi will be in attendance, alongside several Hindu priests, for the consecration ceremony in which a statue of Ram is to be placed in the temple's inner sanctum.
Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has long campaigned for the temple to replace the 16th-century Babri Mosque that was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992, sparking nationwide riots that killed more than 2,000 people, mostly Muslims. The decadeslong dispute ended in 2019 when, in a controversial decision, Indias Supreme Court granted the site to Hindus and gave a different plot of land to Muslims for a mosque.
The temple's opening at one of Indias most contentious religious sites ahead of the national polls scheduled for the spring is expected to give major momentum to Modi as he looks to extend his rule for a record third-consecutive term by drawing on the religious sentiments of Hindus, who make up about 80% of Indias population.
The temple, a three-story structure clad in pink sandstone, stretches across 2.9 hectares (7.2 acres) in a 28-hectare (70-acre) complex. It will have a 1.3-meter (4.25-foot) idol of Lord Ram, whom Hindus believe was born at the exact site where the razed mosque once stood.
The city, once dotted with tightly packed houses and rundown stalls, is already witnessing an elaborate makeover.
Nearly 7,500 people are expected at the opening ceremony, and by the end of the year a staggering 100,000 devotees per day are predicted to descend on Ayodhya, according to official estimates.
The narrow roads have given way to four-lane pilgrim route, including the newly developed 13-kilometer (8-mile) Ram Path leading to the temple. The city boasts a new airport and a sprawling railway station with a daily passenger capacity of more than 50,000 people. Major hotel chains are building new properties and locals are converting their homes into homestays. Flower sellers and street food vendors, anticipating a surge in demand, have transformed their shops.
Ananya Sharma, a local tour operator, said Ayodhyas transformation gained momentum after the 2020 groundbreaking ceremony of the temple, also attended by Modi.
Subsequent development initiatives have elevated Ayodhya to a destination of both spiritual and economic significance, Sharma said.
The temple is being built at an estimated cost of $217 million, but it is far from complete. The site is filled with roaring bulldozers and busy builders still working on the elaborate 46 doors 42 of which will have a layer of gold totaling around 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and numerous wall carvings that will form the final architecture of the temple.
At least two head priests from a Hindu sect have refused to go the opening ceremony, saying consecrating an unfinished temple goes against Hindu scriptures. Some top leaders from India's main opposition Congress party have turned down invitations to attend, with many opposition lawmakers calling the temple a political project.
Across India, however, the mood among Hindus has reached a feverish pitch.
Politicians are visiting local temples and mopping the floors, obeying a directive that came directly from Modi. Indian TV channels are running wall-to-wall coverage ahead of the event. And volunteers from Modis party and other Hindu nationalist groups are going door to door, distributing religious flags and pamphlets.
On a recent afternoon, Om Prakash Bhatia went to house after house in a New Delhi neighborhood inviting people to take part in Hindu ceremonies at local temples. Joined by other volunteers, he passed saffron flags a color associated with Hinduism to the residents, who presented him with marigold garlands and smeared vermillion on his forehead.
Lord Ram is the center of our faith. After slavery and struggle of 500 years, finally the name of Lord Ram is victorious, Bhatia said, referring to the Mughals who ruled India before the British colonized it.
He chanted Jai Sri Ram, or Hail Lord Ram, a slogan that has become a battle cry for Hindu nationalists, who claim the Muslim Mughal rulers destroyed Hindu culture. It has prompted Hindu nationalists to seek ownership of hundreds of historic mosques, sparking fears over the status of religious places for Indias Muslims, a minority community that has come under attack in recent years by Hindu nationalist groups who seek to turn officially secular India into an avowedly Hindu nation.
Many others shared Bhatia's feelings about the temple's opening.
I am very happy, said Gaurav Shourey, a local resident. While our ancestors saw the temples being destroyed, our generation takes pride in seeing the construction of them.
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Japan Airlines (JAL) has named a former cabin attendant as its first woman president an important step in a country struggling to close the gender gap in the workplace.
Mitsuko Tottori, a senior managing executive, is the first woman in the company to climb the ranks from being cabin attendant to president. She joined JAL in 1985, the year it suffered one of the worst crashes in airline history, and will take charge as president from 1 April.
Ms Tottori on Wednesday said she would stick to her commitment of prioritising aviation safety. There are female employees out there who are struggling with their career steps or going through big life events, she told a news conference.
I hope my appointment as a president can encourage them, or give them the courage to take the next step," she added.
The announcement comes two weeks after a collision between one of its flights and a coast guard aircraft on the runway during the Japanese New Year holidays that left five people dead in Tokyo.
On 2 January, an Airbus A350-900 carrying 379 passengers and crew landed right behind the coast guard's much smaller Bombardier Dash-8 preparing to take off on the same seaside runway. The crash engulfed both aircraft in flames.
All passengers of the JAL airliner were safely evacuated in 18 minutes, but five of six coast guard flight crew died.
Ms Tottori praised the aircraft's cabin attendants' commitment to safety, evacuating everyone on board, and thanked the passengers for their cooperation. "But there was an accident and that means there are things we still need to improve," she said.
An ongoing probe into the collision has focused on whether the coast guard aircraft was given the green light for takeoff. A partial release of the air traffic control transcript showed no clear takeoff approval was given to the Bombardier, which was on a mission to deliver relief supplies to the residents in Japan's north-central region hit by a magnitude 7.6 quake on New Year's Day and hundreds of aftershocks.
A Japan Airlines plane is on fire on the runway of Haneda airport in Tokyo, on 2 January 2024
JAl's current president, Yuji Akasaka, will become chair while continuing to hold a representative director title. Yoshiharu Ueki, the current chair, will retire from his post in April and leave the director position upon shareholder approval in June.
Mr Akasaka, said that he hoped the investigation into the runway incident would provide "lessons to be learned". He also pointed out that an analog element of relying on voice communication between pilots and traffic control has been an industry-wide safety risk internationally.
"I believe the analog voice communication is definitely one of the major risks," said Mr Akasaka on Wednesday, in his first news conference since the collision.
Ms Tottori said the shock from the 1985 JAL Flight123 crash, which killed 520 people in the north of Tokyo, was still "deeply carved in my heart".
"And I have maintained a strong sense of responsibility to hand down the importance of aviation safety to younger generations," she said.
JAL has set itself a target for women to make up 30 per cent of managers across the group by the end of the fiscal year to March 2026. By the end of March 2023, the corresponding figure was 22.8 per cent.
Additional reporting by agencies
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Pakistan and Iran launched air strikes into each others territories this week in most significant escalation of tensions between two neighbours, inflaming the already strained ties at a time of rising turmoil in the Middle East.
The latest developments are threatening to escalate into a major conflict in the region and spiral out of control as rising tensions in the Middle East with the Israel-Hamas war are having repercussions all over the world despite intensified diplomatic efforts.
The risk of unprecedented escalation is exacerbated as Iran had been flexing its muscle in the region even before it hit Pakistan.
Iran conducted airstrikes on Syria against what Tehran said were Islamic State sites and Iraq, where it said it had struck an Israeli espionage centre.
Iran and Pakistan sharing a 900km (559-mile) long volatile border have a long history of fighting militancy with restive Balochistan province on one side of the border and Irans Sistan on another.
The situation is heating up as the US and UK launched strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who had been targeting vessels in the Red Sea over Israels assault on Gaza.
The Israel-Gaza war has continued for more than 100 days since 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel, inflaming the long-standing conflict to dangerous levels while Tel Aviv also fought with Iran-backed group Hezbollah across the Lebanon border.
(Independent )
What we know so far
It began on Tuesday with Iran launching strikes on Pakistans Balochistan province, killing two children and causing injuries to three others, according to Pakistani authorities. Iran claimed it targeted Jaish al-Adl, the Sunni separatist group.
Iran claimed that its strikes only targeted Iranian terrorists on the soil of Pakistan and that no Pakistani citizen was the target of its strikes.
But Islamabad condemned the attack furiously, calling it an illegal act and "unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran".
This violation of Pakistans sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences, a foreign office spokesperson said.
It prompted the Pakistani government to recall its ambassador to Iran and blocking the envoy from returning.
Two days later, on Thursday, Pakistan conducted retaliatory airstrikes in Iran, apparently targeting militant hideouts, killing at least nine people and injuring others.
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Pakistan used its "killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons in the strikes, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military.
The operation was given a code name Marg Bar Sarmachar which means death to guerrilla in Iranian Farsi. It is a famous saying in Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution used to refer to both the United States and Israel.
Pakistan reportedly used Chinese-built fighter jets JF-17 Thunder and J-10C Vigorous Dragon. The JF-17 Thunder fighter jets belonged to the Number 2 Minhasians Multirole Squadron from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
Following the attacks, Islamabad attempted to dial down the tensions and said it conducted a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes in the Sistan-Baluchistan province.
It added: Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
Pakistan said it struck militant hideouts of Baluch Liberation Army, an ethnic separatist group thats operated in the region since 2000.
The group confirmed in a statement that the strikes killed its people and vowed that Pakistan will have to pay a price for it.
"Now the Baluch Liberation Army will not remain silent. We will avenge it and we announce war on the state of Pakistan."
Who are the militants targeted by Pakistan?
Both Tehran and Islamabad targeted militant groups that operate in the area that includes Pakistans southwestern province of Balochistan and Irans southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province. Both are restive, mineral-rich, and largely underdeveloped.
Pakistan said it struck militants of the Baluch Liberation Army (BLF) which is waging an armed insurgency against the Pakistani state.
Formed in 2000, the ethnic Baloch rebels say they are fighting the government in Pakistan for better share of resources and self-autonomy and demand a separate state.
The group has claimed that the the central government unfairly exploits the provinces rich gas and mineral resources of Balochistan province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
The western province of Balochistan in Pakistan is a vast province of roughly 15 million people is mostly arid desert and mountainous territory holding untapped mineral wealth.
It is Pakistans largest of the four provinces by size, but the smallest by population.
It has strongly opposed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and blamed it for targeting the projects and occasionally killing Chinese workers despite Pakistans assurances that it is doing all it can to protect the Chinese projects.
They have been also blamed for attacks on gas projects, infrastructure, and security posts there.
Who did Iran target in Pakistan?
Iran said it targeted two bases of a Baloch Sunni militant group, Jaish al-Adl, in Pakistan.
Jaish ul-Adl, also referred to as Jaish al-Adl meaning Army of Justice in Arabic, is a separatist militant organisation that mainly comprises of the Sunni militant Jundullah group, which was weakened after Tehran launched a crackdown it, arresting most of its members.
The anti-Iranian group that is predominantly active in Southeastern Iran has been waging rebellion to seek independence from Irans eastern Sistan and Pakistans southwestern Baluchistan provinces.
It was formed in 2012 by former members of Jundallah, whose head Abdol Malek Riki was executed in 2010.
Jaish al-Adl has been designated as terrorist organisation by Iran, Japan, New Zealand and the US.
The group whose members are from the ethnic Baluch community and live on both sides of the border have strongly opposed Iranian involvement in Syrian civil war.
Iranian state media has often blamed the US and Saudi Arabia for backing these outfits for carrying out attacks against the leadership in Iran. The government has also blamed Pakistan for harbouring the terrorists, a claim Islamabad denies.
Pakistan insists the group has no organised presence in the province or elsewhere but acknowledges that some militants might be hiding in remote areas of Baluchistan, which is the countrys largest province by area and its most sensitive because of a long-running insurgency.
Additional reporting by agencies
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Pakistan has launched missiles into Iran, killing at least nine people, in retaliation for Iran airstrikes inside Pakistan earlier this week. The move has heightened fears of instability spreading across the Middle East in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Pakistan had warned Tehran that there would be serious consequences for Tuesdays attack, which it said had killed at least two children in western Pakistan.
Multiple blasts were heard in Irans southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan on Thursday, according to state news agency IRNA. Four children were said to be among the dead.
Pakistans foreign ministry said it had conducted airstrikes targeting Baloch separatist groups inside Iran, such as the Balochistan Liberation Front and the associated Baloch Liberation Army. Several missiles hit a border village, officials in Tehran said.
The victims three women, four children and two men were all non-Iranian citizens and were killed near the town of Saravan, according to Ali Reza Marhamati, a deputy governor of the province.
Pakistans foreign ministry said it had conducted a series of highly coordinated strikes in the Sistan-Balochistan province. It said: A number of terrorists were killed during the intelligence-based operation.
Pakistans military described using killer drones, rockets, loitering munitions and stand-off weapons in the attack. Stand-off weapons are missiles fired from aircraft at a distance.
On Tuesday, Iran carried out missile strikes on targets in Pakistan, saying they had hit two bases connected to the militant group Jaish al-Adl.
Pakistans foreign office said the attack was an illegal act and condemned the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran that it said had resulted in the deaths of two children and injured three girls.
This violation of Pakistans sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences, a foreign office spokesperson said.
Pakistans caretaker prime minister, Anwaar ul-Haq Kakar, cut short a trip to Davos to return to Pakistan, while acting foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani returned from a visit to Uganda.
Iran strongly condemned the strikes and summoned Pakistans charge daffaires to give an explanation. Pakistan had already withdrawn its ambassador over Tuesdays attack.
Mr Jilani firmly underscored in a telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, that Irans attack on Tuesday was not only a breach of sovereignty but also an egregious violation of international law.
However, both sides appeared to signal a desire to keep the situation contained. Irans foreign ministry said on Thursday that it was committed to good neighbourly relations with Pakistan, but called on Islamabad to prevent the establishment of terrorist bases on its soil.
Pakistan issued a similar statement, saying: Pakistan fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sole objective of todays act was in pursuit of Pakistans own security and national interest, which is paramount and cannot be compromised.
In state media reports, which were later withdrawn without explanation, Iran said its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had targeted bases used by the militant group Jaish al-Adl, or Army of Justice, in Pakistan on Tuesday. The group, which seeks an independent Balochistan and has spread across Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, acknowledged the missile strike in a statement shared online.
Pakistan was the third country to be struck by Tehran this week after earlier attacks on targets in Iraq and Syria, in a move that has further escalated fears of a conflict spreading across the Middle East.
The attacks were condemned by the United States, which accused Iran of violating the sovereign borders of three of its neighbours in just the past couple of days.
Nations across the Middle East have been on edge since a Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October that killed 1,200 people and saw more than 240 taken hostage.
In response, Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas and has launched airstrikes and ground operations inside Hamas-controlled Gaza, backed up by a blockade. Health officials in Gaza say more than 24,000 people have been killed in the three-month conflict.
Hamas is backed by Iran, with Tehran also supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Hezbollah has been engaging in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israeli forces on the Israel-Lebanon border, while the Houthis have been striking ships in the Red Sea, a vital route for global trade.
The Houthis claim they are targeting Israel-bound ships, but have struck several US-owed vessels, sparking the creation of a multi-national force in the area, led by Washington, to protect shipping.
The UK and the US have also struck several Houthi sites across Yemen with missiles to try to deter attacks. The latest US strikes took place place on Wednesday. Some 14 Houthi missiles, which the US says may have been intended for attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, were targeted by American forces.
Israels president, Isaac Herzog, told the Davos conference that there was an empire of evil emanating from Iran, which must be tackled by a very strong coalition. Mr Herzog said billions of dollars were being spent to destabilise the world as Iran funded proxies around the region to undermine any peace process.
China, a crucial partner for both countries, has urged restraint. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning said: China sincerely hopes that both sides can exercise calm and restraint and avoid escalation of tension.
India has backed Iran in its strikes on Pakistan, calling them an act of self-defence. Indias foreign ministry said on Wednesday: Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self-defence.
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Malaysias King and Queen went on air for the first time on Wednesday playing the roles of television news anchors and charmed their audiences on social media.
King Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah and his wife, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, presented three news items on channel TV3 on Wednesday during the 8pm slot.
The 10-minute segment was pre-recorded in the morning during their visit to media conglomerate Media Prima Groups headquarters in Selangor.
The first news piece focused on unity, the second on the economic contribution of patin fish in Pahang, and the third on their visit to Media Primas office.
Their Majesties were given a corporate brief by the Media Primas management, followed by a visit to the Radio City. They even went live with the DJs at Hot FM, the Queen read while the TV broadcast showed accompanying b-roll footage of her and the King.
She pointed out, their faces look familiar and the King and Queen let out a chuckle.
Both took turns to read the news. On social media, several observers were charmed by the royal couple as news anchors. One user wrote on X/Twitter: Can I just say, (with all due respect): They are the coolest King & Queen of Malaysia.
Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah, who has actively influenced Malaysian politics, will be succeeded by Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar on 31 January. The official title of the monarch, known as the yang di-pertuan agong, undergoes a five-year rotational cycle among a set of hereditary sultans. These sultans serve as nominal heads of nine Malay states, while the remaining four states are led by governors.
According to reports, the Royal couple visited the TV channel to congratulate the media conglomerate that is celebrating 40 years.
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A minister has been accused of corruption and is now facing at least 27 charges, including obtaining gratification as a public servant, in a rare such case in Singapore.
Transport minister S Iswaran resigned from his position on Tuesday.
He faces allegations of unlawfully accepting benefits exceeding $123,570 (97,383), including flights, hotel accommodations, and event tickets, as part of an arrangement to promote the business interests of billionaire tycoon Ong Beng Seng.
Mr Iswaran, who played a key role in bringing the Formula One Grand Prix to Singapore, was arrested in July along with the billionaire.
Mr Ong owns the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix and is chairman of race promoter Singapore GP. Mr Iswaran has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He is facing separate accusations of acquiring approximately S$218,000 (127890) worth of valuable items in his capacity as a minister who was involved with Mr Ong and his company in his role as the chairman of the F1 Steering Committee.
Mr Iswaran is also alleged to have corruptly acquired several tickets for the September 2022 Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.
His arrest was publicly disclosed on 14 July last year, but at that time, no details were revealed regarding the nature of the investigation.
He was asked to take leave until investigations concluded, while still receiving a monthly salary of S$8,500.
If found guilty of obtaining a valuable thing as a public servant, Mr Iswaran could face a maximum penalty of up to two years in jail, a fine, or both.
If convicted of corruptly obtaining gratification, the potential consequences include a maximum imprisonment term of up to seven years, a fine of up to S$100,000, or both.
In the case of being convicted for obstructing justice, Iswaran may face a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
Meanwhile, Singapores prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday: I am determined to uphold the integrity of the party and the government, and our reputation for honesty and incorruptibility. Singaporeans expect no less. He said he will deal with the case rigorously.
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The famous tutu once worn by Sarah Jessica Parker - aka Carrie Bradshaw - in Sex and the City has been auctioned off for a staggering amount. However, the now-iconic tulle skirt wasnt always worth thousands of dollars.
The oyster white, three-tier skirt with satin waistband was auctioned off by Juliens Auctions with an estimated price between $8,000 and $12,000. Bidding began on 11 January, with a starting bid of $2,000, as part of Juliens Unstoppable: Signature Styles of Iconic Women In Fashion collection. But when the auction finally closed on 18 January, one lucky bidder purchased the iconic tutu for $52,000.
For fans of the beloved HBO series, which ran from 1997 to 2004, viewers will recognise the tutu from the opening credits, in which sex columnist Carrie galivants through a busy New York City street. Pairing the tiered skirt with a basic pink tank top, Carrie famously gets splattered by water from a yellow taxi.
As legend goes, Sex and the City lead costume designer Patricia Field found the skirt while sifting through a five-dollar bin in Manhattans garment district. Series creator Darren Starr initially wanted Parker to wear a blue sheath dress from Marc Jacobs spring 1998 runway collection in the opening credits, but Field wanted the actor to wear an item that wasnt specific to any time.
Her decision to dress Parker in the white tutu was so pivotal for Field that she recounted it in her 2023 memoir, Pat in the City. I imagined pairing the short, tiered tulle skirt with a small tee or tank for a look that was both contemporary and cool, she wrote. I also thought Sarah Jessica would be able to relate to this crazy skirt because of her background as a ballet dancer. Just as important, though, the tutu-style skirt was whimsical, adventurous, and unexpected.
Sex and the City tutu sells for $52,000 at auction (Juliens Auctions)
The iconic tutu made a second appearance in the 2008 Sex and the City film adaptation, when Carrie enlists pals Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte to help organise her closet. The writer puts on a fashion show for her friends, as they decide which items she should keep and which ones to toss. Unsurprisingly, the tutu was a keep.
In 2022, Parker revealed who was in possession of the beloved tutu in a video interview for Vogues Life in Looks series. According to Juliens, there are a total of five tutu skirts used for the series opening credits. The skirt that was auctioned was one of the original five, and was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Field.
A lot of people claim they have the tutu. I think Pat has one. Michael Patrick [King] has one, the And Just Like That star recalled, later revealing that she also owns one of the five. We just used one, so my guess is that - that sequence required a splash, that there were probably four or five or six [tutus].
'Sex and the City Opening Credits
According to Parker, the entire scene was filmed in one or two takes.
This isnt the first time the iconic tutu has been up for auction. Back in 2021, it was auctioned off for the first time after Field donated the piece to Housing Works. It was also displayed in the Museum of the City of New Yorks exhibition, This Is New York: 100 Years of the City in Art and Pop Culture, in June 2023.
In addition to Carrie Bradshaws white tutu, other memorable vintage items up for sale included the champagne evening dress worn by Paris Hilton on the cover of her self-titled 2006 album, and a black and white Catherine Walker cocktail dress once worn by Princess Diana. In fact, the late Princess of Wales black velvet dress sold for $325,000.
The Sex and the City tutu came with copies of the Sex and the City movie and season one of the original series DVDs.
A onetime Lancaster landfill has new life as the site of a solar panel installation.
The site is located on 118 acres of the former Lancaster Sanitary Landfill, off Gunnville and Shisler roads behind the Lancaster Motorplex racetrack. The landfill closed in 1985 after more than 20 years in operation.
The solar panels will generate more than 12 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 1,500 homes, said Steve Owen, senior vice president of business and project development with Catalyze, the company that owns and operates the project.
Marilla curbs solar projects: 'We didnt realize what the impact was' Officials in the Town of Marilla are concerned that solar arrays are being erected on valuable farmland.
It started generating power in October.
Utilizing brownfields for solar development has been a focus, not only at Catalyze, but generally speaking, looking to do something with these sites that are contaminated or filled with trash, Owen said.
Brownfields are lands that were developed for industrial purposes, polluted and then abandoned.
The site is made up of two separate solar arrays, which both generate around 6 megawatts of power.
Though much smaller than some of the largest solar installations in Western New York that produce hundreds of megawatts of power, the Lancaster project is one of many sites that make up a network of community solar providers.
Through community solar, the local utility pays the solar provider for the energy generated, and each subscriber receives a credit, typically applied to a customers monthly electric bill.
New York pushing solar to meet green energy goals, but neighbors have their concerns Some Western New Yorkers who live near these project sites are concerned about the impact these facilities could have on the environment, their property values and agricultural production.
Finger Lakes Health is the anchor commercial utility off-taker and will receive discounted electricity. Homeowners and renters can also apply for a credit.
Catalyze is also required to pay for necessary upgrades to the power grid to enable their project, offsetting the cost to ratepayers.
Solar projects are part of the states push to reduce its dependence on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels for electricity generation. New York State wants a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, with the goal of hitting 70% renewable energy generation by 2030. The state is also striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% from 1990 levels by 2050.
Catalyze worked with a company called AC Power to develop the Lancaster sites. Catalyze now owns and operates them and leases the land from the owner of the landfill, Gunnville Energy Systems Inc., formerly known as Lancaster Sanitary Landfill Inc.
Catalyze has 51 solar projects in the construction or pre-construction phase in upstate New York, Owen said.
Were producing clean energy, limiting fossil fuel generation locally the more solar were able to generate, Owen said. The long-term benefit, of course, is hopefully less pollution, less carbon emissions. Its a slow but steady progress that we have to make in order to meet the lofty goals that New York State has set that really benefit everybody.
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A woman who thought she had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but was diagnosed with an ovarian tumour and told she may not be able to have children as a result now feels like a sitting duck waiting for the growth to return.
Lucy Rudd, 29, a biomedical scientist, who lives in Cumbria with her fiance John Atkinson, 34, began experiencing pain during sex, irregular bleeding, and IBS-like symptoms in January 2023.
By April of the same year, she developed a lump on her abdomen, so visited the doctors.
Post surgery, she was diagnosed with a mucinous borderline tumour which, according to Cancer Research UK, is when abnormal cells form in the tissue covering the ovary a tumour which is not made of cancer cells but generally does hold a low risk of becoming cancerous or returning. For Lucy, the chances of recurrence are 25% in the first two years post-surgery.
The tumour on the left ovary was 20cm in size and weighed 1.6kg, when Lucy herself only weighs 50kg, but in an effort to maintain her fertility she refused a hysterectomy and instead had surgery to remove one ovary and fallopian tube but this still means her chances of conceiving are now very low as her remaining ovary is not functioning as it should.
At the time, she and her fiance had only just started talking about having children, and were planning on getting married in 2025 but since her diagnosis, they have moved the wedding to March 2024 and started looking at fertility treatments.
Lucy said she often feels like shes drowning in her feelings, recalling getting home from her surgery and seeing the hideous scar right down (her) middle and it being a constant reminder of what she has lost and the baby (she) might not get to carry.
Lucy Rudd, 29, a biomedical scientist, who lives in Cumbria with her fiance John Atkinson, 34, began experiencing pain during sex, irregular bleeding, and IBS-like symptoms in January 2023. (Collect/PA Real Life)
Lucy told PA Real Life: I felt and still feel like a sitting duck at the fear of recurrence, and I am mourning a loss.
While the surgery left my right ovary to conserve my fertility, it has not been as wed hoped and conceiving has been given five to 10% chance of success.
I felt like I was drowning, I was angry and feeling guilty for my feelings I think everyone expects to choose when you have a baby and if you want one, so I always thought, the choice is there when Im ready.
Its drilled into us from a young age, to use protection and were so fertile, when that actually isnt the case for a lot of people.
I didnt realise how much I want mine and Johns baby until I was told actually you might not get to have one it shocked and scared me how desperate I felt, and feel, for our baby.
I think thats been part of my guilt that it wasnt a life dream until I got told I might not have the choice, and its looking like we might not get our baby.
Lucy got her first warning signs for a tumour in January 2023, when she began spotting outside of her period, experiencing pain during sex, and could feel a lump in her stomach.
Initially, Lucy put it down to having a copper coil contraceptive or IBS, but by April, her symptoms got worse.
She said: Passing urine became painful and so frequent I was getting up multiple times during the night.
I was also suffering from frequent acid reflux and night sweats.
Lucy asked for fertility-sparing surgery, for them to remove as little as possible, but she was warned she may have to have further surgery depending on her histology report (Collect/PA Real Life)
When I felt this lump in my stomach it quickly changed into a pelvic mass so I decided Id visit the GP.
At her first appointment, she was asked to do a pregnancy test, which came back negative, and a CA-125 blood test a non-specific ovarian tumour marker test.
She said: I never realised that there wasnt a screening programme for ovarian cancer, and that the CA-125 blood test along with the ultrasound, CT and MRI can only indicate not confirm.
My CA-125 result came back high and from then I was worried.
I was told if these scans show the mass to look complex Id be referred to the specialist hospital for surgery.
Her next appointment, where she was supposed to be given information about next steps, made her worry even more.
She said: We were only in the room for about 10 minutes, and they told me and John that I had an urgent appointment tomorrow, and I can take as many family members as I want with me.
They gave us a bunch of leaflets for ovarian cancer and Macmillan, and that was it.
I was a bit in shock we were just walking out the hospital and I said to John, Well, this doesnt look good.
The next day the hospital prepared Lucy for a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer, and it was recommended that she have a full hysterectomy.
John has a little girl but we dont have any children together and its something weve only just started speaking about, Lucy explained.
At the time, we were supposed to get married in November 2025, and we had said we were going to maybe start trying a few years after that.
I just couldnt stop crying because they said I might struggle to have kids in the future.
Lucy asked for fertility-sparing surgery, for them to remove as little as possible, but she was warned she may have to have further surgery depending on her histology report.
The surgery was successful it was less complex than they anticipated from the scans and the tumour was confined and not stuck to other organs.
But Lucy lost one ovary and a fallopian tube, meaning her chances of conceiving are very low.
The size of the tumour had been putting pressure on my other organs which had led to some of my symptoms, Lucy said.
The thickening of my peritoneum picked up on the scans, which they thought was the cancer spreading, was put down to inflammation due to the tumour being so big.
But, when I came home and saw myself in the mirror, I burst out crying at the hideous scar right down my middle a constant reminder of what I have lost, the surgery still to come and the baby I might not get to carry.
A week later, Lucy was told the tumour was stage one mucinous borderline.
She said: I was kind of relieved because it wasnt cancer, but it basically means it could turn into cancer so its so worrying.
Three millimetres of my tumour was actually malignant and I think about how if I was a bigger person and didnt notice that lump, my tumour was growing up squashing my organs, it could have gone on for longer and crossed over to that threshold of being a cancer.
Im so fortunate to have caught it at the stage I did.
She is currently having regular check-up appointments to check her tumour has not spread and turned cancerous.
Lucy and her partner have since been to a fertility centre and discovered her chances of conceiving and chance of successful IVF are five to 10%.
She explained: We went to see if we could freeze embryos because they basically told me they still recommend a full hysterectomy sooner rather than later because the chances of a recurrence are out there.
It could be in six months, it could be in five years, I just feel like my ovary is a ticking time bomb, and Ive basically been told that I need to have kids now, or never.
On what she would say to others experiencing a similar health scare, she said: I am trying to process what Ive gone through in such a short space of time and want others to know, its okay to feel exactly how you are feeling and you should not feel guilty.
You still had a tumour with potential removed, youre still mourning a loss, scans are still ongoing and your feelings are still valid, its okay to cry every day.
Looking back on her experience, she said: I didnt know that unlike breast cancer and cervical cancer there isnt a screening tool, and I didnt know the symptoms, nor did my friends.
I believe that if we know the symptoms persistent bloating, abdominal pain, needing to wee more often and feeling full quickly, acid reflux women might go to see their GP with their concerns.
Id encourage concerned women to say they are worried about cancer, and if in doubt ask for a CA-125 blood test but remember this is a starter, it doesnt necessarily mean you have cancer.
For more information, visit: targetovariancancer.org.uk
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For those who cant help but feel the sudden urge to use the bathroom every time they enter their favourite store, youre not the only one. Now, a doctor has explained the scientific reason behind this so-called phenomenon.
Dr Joseph Salhab, also known as @thestomachdoc on social media, went viral after giving his Instagram followers an explanation why they need to go number two in stores like Target, Walmart, or Barnes & Noble. The sudden urge to poop while shopping. Does this happen to you? he began the clip, which has been liked more than 95,000 times.
The licenced gastroenterologist a doctor who specialises in conditions affecting the digestive system admitted that he had never heard of this supposed phenomenon until his followers informed him that when they visited a bookstore, they would immediately need to use the restroom. According to Salhab, the need to use the restroom while shopping might simply be because you feel more relaxed at your favourite store.
It was described as early as 1985 in Japan, where people would enter bookstores and would have to immediately go number two, Salhab continued. The person who described it called it the Mariko Aoki phenomenon, but apparently its a real thing.
The medical doctor explained that its unclear whether the urge is due to some sort of stimulus such as smelling fresh coffee or books and feeling more at peace. He said that the anxiety of shopping at any store could also trigger a diuretic effect.
There are some people that go to specific stores every single day just to be able to use the restroom, Salhab added.
It seemed that the gastroenterologists video struck a chord with many followers, who took to the comments section to admit that this has happened to them while shopping. Whats more, some users even revealed their favourite stores and establishments to go number two.
In the comments section, the official Instagram account for Barnes & Noble chimed in: Oh. We know about it.
Libraries and Barnes & Noble, another person admitted. And craft stores. I didnt know this was a thing lol!! Did I find my people??
Target and TJ Maxx!!!!!!! a third user said. I always thought it was because Im relaxed and happy to be there. Annnd Im sharing way too much on the internet.
Someone else confessed they prefer to go number two in Walmart, but they always speculated it was because of the lighting.
Its called TJ Laxx, one person joked, while another user exclaimed: We have found our people in this comment section.
This isnt the first time someone has gone viral on social media for their bowel-related content. In fact, those who shared that they feel comfortable pooping in public restrooms may have found the perfect guide to luxury restrooms.
Back in September, TikToker Abbey Whalen gained thousands of followers after she posted a video of herself reviewing fancy restrooms. Her reviews specifically target high-end stores, such as Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Whalens theory is that the bathroom should be as nice as the expensive items people are likely buying from these stores.
For her bathroom reviews, Whalen gives each place a score of one to five. Her list of criteria includes the quality of the toilet paper and paper towels in the restroom. Whalen has also thrown in other random benchmarks, like the symmetry of flushes, the density of doors, and the brand, colour, and shape of the toilets themselves.
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Jessie Buckley has revealed she secretly married her partner identified only as Freddie during a ceremony last summer.
The 34-year-old Irish actor said she has had many moons with her new husband as she described their wedding celebrations complete with a keg of Guinness and gourmet cheese toasties in a new interview.
Buckley, who was previously dating Happy Valley star James Norton, told Mail Online she met Freddie after they were introduced by a mutual friend, the music executive Marc Robinson.
The Oscar-nominated actor said that their wedding ceremony was held in Norfolk, and the event was catered by the couples friends Lori de Mori and Laura Jackson, who co-founded the Towpath Cafe in east London.
One of my favourite memories of the day was: I wanted a keg of Guinness, and I definitely wanted their cheese toasties at a certain hour, The Lost Daughter star told the newspaper. And then they came and did breakfast the next day.
The Hollywood actors strike which brought the industry to a standstill last year meant the newlyweds had a whole year just to, like hang out, the Olivier award-winning star continued.
We actually just kind of bottled into friends holidays. Loads of friends were going away and they rented a place and were, like, come with us, Buckley said of their moons after the wedding.
It was really nice. Usually Im away shooting or something, and because of the [Hollywood] strike everything got moved, so Ive had a whole year just to, like, hang out.
The Oscar-nominated actor was previously dating Happy Valley star James Norton (Apple TV+)
Since the wedding, Buckleys husband has gone back to university to work in mental health, she told the newspaper on Wednesday (17 January). The couple currently split their time between London and Norfolk, where they have properties.
Buckley and Norton, 38, began dating in 2015 after they met on the set ofWar & Peace, the BBCs screen adaptation of Leo Tolstoys historical novel.
Describing their subsequent break-up in 2017 as acrimonious, Buckley told the BBC: It was acrimonious, but its a tough job to have a relationship and he is a great man and we are great friends. Thats it. How diplomatic can I sound?
Appearing to address the reason for their split, she later admitted to The Times: If you are away for a year filming, you are just not physically around at points.
After his relationship with Buckley ended, Norton began dating his McMafia co-star Imogen Poots in 2018. He proposed to Poots after four years of dating.
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Olivia Jade Giannulli has compared her kitchen to a prison following her mother Lori Loughlins college admissions scandal.
The 24-year-old YouTuber made the quip about her home in a recent video posted to her channel, as she documented a week in [her] life in 2024. Her joke came nearly four years after her mother and father, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, served time in prison for their role in the national college admissions bribery scandal.
In her YouTube video, Giannulli could be seen standing in her kitchen, as she was making herself something to eat. She then began to describe her space and some of the renovations that shell be making to it.
Sorry for the mess thats behind me, the kitchen needs a clean, she said. Im so excited, you guys, I finally ordered wallpaper for the kitchen so its not going to feel so sterile.
She continued the video by quipping about how the wallpaper would impact her kitchen, adding: Its not going to feel like a prison.
Giannulli went on to acknowledge how viewers would mock her for the prison reference, with jokes about her parents college admission scandal. Save the jokes, she said. Dont want to hear it. I set you up, and I dont want you to tee off, okay?
In 2019, the Full House star and her husband were among 33 wealthy parents who were charged with trying to rig the American college admissions system. They admitted to paying half a million dollars to guarantee their daughters Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose Giannulli admission at the University of Southern California (USC) under false pretences.
In October 2020, Loughlin was sentenced to two months in prison, while the designer was sentenced to five months. In addition to the prison sentence, Loughlin was ordered to pay a $150,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service. Under his own plea deal, Loughlins husband was ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and perform 250 hours of community service.
Months later, Olivia Jade Giannulli broke her silence about the college admissions scandal during an appearance on Red Table Talk. I think that what hasnt been super public is that there is no justifying or excusing what happened, she said during the episode, which aired in December 2020. Because what happened was wrong.
Giannulli then said it was important for her to learn from the mistake and not be shamed and punished and never given a second chance. She added: I feel like I deserve a second chance to redeem myself, to show Ive grown.
At the time, she also clarified that she was not trying to victimise [herself] in her decision to speak out. I dont want pity. I dont deserve pity, she said. We messed up. I just want a second chance to be like: I recognise I messed up. And for so long I wasnt able to talk about this because of the legalities behind it. I never got to say: Im really sorry that this happened, or, I really own that this was a big mess-up on everybodys part.
During a 2021 episode of her podcast, Conversations with Olivia Jade, the influencer also opened up about her fears of being cancelled for saying the wrong thing after her parents college admissions scandal, after noting that shes hesitant to talk about the bribery scheme and her parents involvement because of the trauma.
I feel like I walk on eggshells when I talk, just because I dont want to say the wrong thing, and I want to make it clear to people listening that, like, Im not trying to victimise myself, she said.
She also admitted that the incident had changed her but not entirely in a good way sometimes. For explained, the influencer said she was way harder on herself in the aftermath of the backlash.
You kind of start to believe what people are telling you. Like, you dont deserve a second chance and there is no room for growth, she explained. "You feel like, not to sound super dark, but how do you bounce back then? Because I want to be alive. I still want to grow up."
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Queen Camilla has said that the King is fine as he awaits treatment for an enlarged prostate, as the Prince of Wales visited his wife, the Princess of Wales, in hospital while she recuperates from abdominal surgery.
Charles is set to be admitted to hospital next week for a corrective procedure after being diagnosed with a benign enlarged prostate, prompting concern about the monarchs health.
Camilla, who was visiting the Aberdeen Art Gallery, was asked about Charles by the Lord Provost on Thursday afternoon.
Camilla said: Hes fine, thank you very much. Looking forward to getting back to work.
Meanwhile, Prince William was pictured driving himself to The London Clinic, where Kate is recovering following surgery. The couples three young children were not with their father.
Buckingham Palace, in an unprecedented double royal health scare, announced the news of the Kings medical issue just an hour and a half after Kensington Palace revealed Kates operation on Wednesday afternoon.
The 75-year-old monarch, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago, was said to be keen to go public with his condition to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get checked.
The King is staying at Birkhall in Aberdeenshire with the Queen but the palace has not confirmed whether he will be treated in London or Scotland next week.
Prince of Wales drives himself away from The London Clinic after visiting his wife (AFP via Getty)
Charles had a series of meetings and events planned at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire on Thursday and Friday, which have been postponed on his doctors advice.
William was seen leaving the private London Clinic at around 12.35pm on Thursday after visiting Kate. Sources say that Kate is doing well but will spend up to three months recovering.
The princess was admitted on Tuesday for the successful, planned procedure but is expected to stay in hospital for 10 to 14 days before returning to her Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor.
The nature of the princesss condition has not been revealed, although Kensington Palace confirmed it was not cancerous.
Buckingham Palace announced the news of the Kings medical issue just an hour and a half after Kensington Palace revealed Kates operation on Wednesday afternoon (Getty)
It is serious enough, however, for heir to the throne to be postponing official duties while his wife is in hospital and in the immediate aftermath while she recuperates.
The princess is not expected to return to public duties until after Easter but this will depend on medical advice at the time.
William was looking after George, 10, Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Louis on Wednesday evening.
The royal youngsters were at school all day and are yet to visit their mother in hospital.
Camilla meets young people during a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery (PA)
A spokesperson said the princess wanted to share news of her surgery to explain to those affected by the postponement of her engagements.
She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible, and her wish that her personal medical information remains private, they added.
Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness progress when there is significant new information to share.
There will now be no international travel for the prince and princess in the coming months.
The London Clinic was chosen to care for Kate this time, rather than King Edward VIIs Hospital which is usually the go-to establishment for royal medical matters and where she was admitted in 2012.
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The mob wife trend has gone viral as the latest way to dress chic amid colder temperatures.
After a year of fashionistas touting minimalist clean girl looks and quiet luxury aesthetics, it seems as though the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction, with social media favouring the maximalist flair of mob wives.
As a blowback to the conservative stealth wealth fashion popularised in 2023, this year is all about the filthy wealth of the mob wife. From lush fur coats to animal print galore, theres nothing subtle about this sultry look.
According to a TikTok video, Chrissy (@trolov) told viewers that if they wanted to nail the trend this winter they should try to incorporate the following into their look: leather pants, a fur coat, lots of gold accessories, sunglasses that look like theyre from 2003, and a designer handbag. She added, Activate the mob wife energy and you are ready to go for mob wife winter.
According to LOfficiel, Smoky eyeshadow, lined lips, and chiselled contour are key to rocking the aesthetic, with an emphasis on nothing being too perfect or blended. The makeup should be sexy and glamorous rather than pared down. The aesthetic also reportedly calls for immaculate nails, typically a French tip or classic red.
While it may seem like another fleeting microtrend, many signs point to the look enjoying some prominence throughout the next year or so. Red carpet fashion had a host of celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Jennifer Lawrence donning mob wife fashion, rocking glamourous fur coats and bouncy blowouts that were all the rage in the 90s.
Luxury fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, and Saint Laurent have also reportedly embraced the mob wife trend in their Spring/Summer 2024 collections, with animal print, leather, and big, statement earrings dominating the runways.
The sexy confidence of a mob wife isnt just an aesthetic, its a mentality, and it doesnt just end with the fashion. In a viral video that has since received over 3 million views, TikTok user Avery (@averybrynn) jokingly asked viewers, Would a mob wife text him first? Would a mob wife check her Insta story 25 times to see what it looks like from someone elses point of view? I dont think so. Avery added that its all in the mentality rather than the money you have.
LOfficiel adds that the aesthetic partly works thanks to the confidence, sexiness, and attitude exuded by those who wear it.
To embrace your inner mob wife, the outlet suggests that people take inspiration from some of the most prominent mob wives in pop culture: Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos, Ginger McKenna from Casino, Karen Hill from Goodfellas, Elvira from Scarface, and Rosalyn Rosenfeld from American Hustle.
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Uniqlo recently hit Shein with a lawsuit over the fast-fashion company selling dupes of its viral shoulder bag.
On 28 December, Uniqlo filed documents in the Tokyo District Court in Japan, according to a statement from Uniqlos parent company, Fast Retailing. In the filing, Uniqlo accuses Shein of creating overt copies of its Round Mini Shoulder Bag, which has become a viral success on TikTok. The company requested that the Chinese retailers operators - Roadget Business Pte, Fashion Choice Pte and Shein Japan - immediately cease all production of the imitation products and compensate the retailer for damages.
Uniqlo called for the immediate cessation of sales of the imitation products, and compensation for damages incurred by the Company as a result of these sales.
In another statement, the parent company added that an imitation product significantly undermines the high level of customer confidence in the quality of the Uniqlo brand and its products.
On the lawsuit, a Shein spokesperson told CNN that the company was currently investigating this matter. They added: Shein respects the intellectual property rights of others and takes all claims of infringement seriously.
The practical, crescent-shaped purse - which has been lauded for its androgynous look - was featured on Lysts Year of Fashion report in 2023. Its also notably affordable, sold at just $19.90 in the US. Part of its popularity can be credited to TikTok, which led the bag to go viral and sell out multiple times throughout 2022 and 2023. From styling tips to whats in my bag videos, videos starring the bag were garnering millions of views on the platform, with the hashtag #uniqlobag receiving more than 133.2mil views as of 17 January.
Fast Retailer cited the shoulder bag for sparking considerable interest on social media and expanding its reach among female and younger demographics, according to an investor report from the third quarter of 2023.
But as the bag reached new heights of popularity thanks to social media, Fast Retailing warned consumers of counterfeit versions. It said in a statement: We are considering legal action against the companies that manufacture and sell the products.
This isnt the first time Shein has come under fire for copying the designs of other companies. Chrome Hearts sued the fast-fashion retailer in August 2023, alleging that the company was guilty of trademark infringement and unfair competition after it reportedly copied one of the luxury brands cross designs.
In December 2023, fellow Chinese fast-fashion brand Temu sued Shein, claiming that the company used aggressive and unlawful mafia-style tactics to undermine the competition. The companies reportedly have yet to reach a resolution.
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Germany's governing parties assailed a resurgent far-right opposition party on Thursday over a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including some with German citizenship, which has led to a string of protests in recent days.
Media outlet Correctiv last week reported on the alleged far-right meeting in November, which it said was attended by figures from the extremist Identitarian Movement and from the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD. A prominent member of the Identitarian Movement, Austrian citizen Martin Sellner, presented his remigration vision for deportations.
National polls currently show AfD in second place with support of over 20% behind the mainstream opposition center-right bloc, but ahead of the parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholz's unpopular center-left governing coalition. The party is even stronger in three regions in the formerly communist east that will hold state elections in September.
AfD has sought to distance itself from the meeting, saying it had no organizational or financial links to the event, that it wasnt responsible for what was discussed there and members who attended did so in a purely personal capacity. Still, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel has parted company with an advisor, Roland Hartwig, who was there while also decrying the reporting itself.
In recent days, we have heard fears and concerns; we have seen that, at kitchen tables in Germany, German citizens are discussing the question of whether they must flee their own country, Lars Klingbeil, the co-leader of Scholz's Social Democrats, told parliament on Thursday.
You are a wolf in sheep's clothing, but I'm telling you that your facade is beginning to crumble, he told AfD lawmakers.
Konstantin Kuhle, a senior lawmaker with the Free Democrats, one of Scholz's coalition partners, said the reported meeting showed that AfD is working to serve as civic proxies to right-wing extremists.
There have been repeated demonstrations against the far-right in German cities in recent days, including one in Cologne on Tuesday that attracted tens of thousands of participants.
AfD chief whip Bernd Baumann complained that mainstream parties are falsifying our demands, particularly on the issue of remigration'" and asserted that his party faces a devious campaign by politicians and journalists from the ruined left-green class.
Little private debating clubs are being blown up into secret meetings that are a danger to the public, he said.
The furor has prompted calls for Germany to consider seeking to ban AfD, which has moved steadily to the right since its founding in 2013. Many of its opponents have spoken out against the idea, arguing that the process would be lengthy, success is highly uncertain and it could benefit the party by allowing it to portray itself as a victim.
The novelist turned filmmaker famed for The Beach is attempting to build on the success of Ex Machina with the dystopian political thriller Civil War. Geoffrey Macnab looks back at the career of one of the UKs great modern auteurs
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Democrats in majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced several gun control measures Wednesday, including one that would ban sales of automatic and semi-automatic guns, after years of standstill in the politically divided state government.
The bills were passed by the Judiciary Committee on party lines and await the full House's consideration.
Even if the bills clear the House floor, however, they will likely face a cold reception in the state Senate; other gun control measures passed by the House last year did not even get called up in committee. Instead, senators have prioritized working with Democrats to boost funding for anti-violence and mental health programs.
Still, its the second time since Democrats regained majority status in the chamber that they've used their heft to push gun control measures. They kicked off the current two-year session last March with a hearing on gun violence. Under Republican majorities in both chambers until last year, the Legislature has not seriously considered broadening gun-control measures since 2018.
The slate of bills that passed Judiciary on Wednesday would balance gun ownership with protecting average citizens, Democrats argued.
These are issues that we were clear at the beginning of the session we wanted to tackle, said the committee's chairman, Democratic Rep. Tim Briggs of Montgomery County. The first thing we did was have a hearing on gun violence prevention measures.
Republicans raised concerns about infringing upon constitutional rights.
If the government can infringe on our Second Amendment rights, no rights can be enjoyed by citizens of this nation, said Rep. Joe Hamm, a Republican from Lycoming County.
One bill the committee approved would ban future sales of assault weapons, defined as automatic and semi-automatic firearms. Sponsors cited the use of high-capacity semi-automatic rifles in a number of mass shootings, including in Pittsburgh, where a gunman carried out the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history in 2018 armed with an AR-15 rifle and other weapons.
Previously, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has said hed support legislation that limits the availability of such firearms. At least 10 states have enacted laws banning them, sometimes spurring litigation.
Among the other legislation that passed the committee, one bill would prohibit accelerated trigger activators, which increase the rate of gunfire. Another bill would prohibit the purchase, sale and production of untraceable gun parts. A fourth would subject 3D-printed firearms to the same regulations as standard firearms.
Another bill would shorten the time a judge has to notify the Pennsylvania State Police about a person with mental health from about a week to four days.
Adam Garber, executive director of CeaseFirePA, a gun violence prevention group, said the advancing of the bills showed a commitment to survivors. He called the automatic weapons ban proposal the first such effort in modern times.
This is what it looks like to tackle the violent crime that plagues cities from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and everywhere else in between," Garber said.
Nationally, the U.S. set a record pace for mass killings in the first six months of 2023. But gun violence measures also seek to address domestic violence killings, community violence and suicides.
In Philadelphia, gun violence played a significant role in the campaign for mayor, with now-Mayor Cherelle Parker, a Democrat, promising a tough-on-crime approach that included declaring a public safety emergency.
Philadelphia has been buffeted by violent crime, tallying a record number of homicides in 2021, most of them gun-related. That number has steadily fallen, but it still remained above pre-COVID-19 levels in 2023.
A full House vote likely wont come for months, as the chamber is deadlocked at 101-101 after the resignation of a Democratic lawmaker. A special election will again determine majority status in February.
WASHINGTON Postal union officials and Buffalo-area politicians are strongly objecting to a U.S. Postal Service proposal to move some operations from its William Street mail processing facility in Buffalo to a similar building in Rochester even though no one knows exactly what that proposal is.
A day after the Postal Service announced an upcoming public meeting about the plan, officials complained that the agency has offered too few details about it.
Frank Resetarits, president of the American Postal Workers Union local in Buffalo as well as its statewide operation, on Wednesday termed the Postal Services description of the plan as vague, sprinkled in with a heavy dose of deception.
State Sen. Timothy Kennedy, a Buffalo Democrat, said: I think its totally misguided. And I think it undermines the credibility of the United States Postal Service.
And Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, a New York Democrat, wrote to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, saying: The people of Western New York deserve full transparency from the USPS and I am concerned that the present lack of full transparency is leaving our communities in the dark about the potential impacts of USPSs proposed plan.
In its announcement about the upcoming public meeting, the Postal Service on Tuesday said it is considering converting the Buffalo facility from a regional processing and distribution center into a local processing center.
The Buffalo LPC will be a critical node to the unified movement of mail and packages across the regional processing and transportation ecosystem, the notice said. The facility will offer expanded and streamlined package processing capabilities in the local market and new workplace amenities for USPS employees. Additionally, the business case supports transferring some mail processing operations to the Rochester P&DC.
The proposal is part of the agencys decadelong Delivering for America plan aimed at making postal delivery more efficient. But the Postal Service announcement included no specifics on what would change under its plan.
Business mail entry, Post Office, station and branch retail services are not expected to change, and delivery services will be unaffected throughout this review, the announcement said without mentioning what would happen to those services after the review is completed.
The evaluation is a first step in the Postal Service review and investment process in this facility and will not result in this facilitys closure or career employee layoffs, the Postal Service said without saying what could happen to local Postal Service jobs at the end of the review.
Asked for more details, Postal Service spokesman Mark Lawrence said via email: We have no further information beyond the news release at this time.
But lawmakers want much more information.
Right now, our postal workers and the public feel left in the dark, so we need a whole lot more info from the USPS ASAP on any proposal to alter mail operations, Schumer said.
Rep. Nick Langworthy, a Republican who represents many Buffalo suburbs as well as the Southern Tier, also said he objected to the Postal Service proposal.
"There are 700 jobs at stake in our community, and this move raises serious concerns about the timeliness and reliability of essential mail services like prescription medication, payments, and other deliveries," Langworthy said. "I look forward to sitting down with USPS officials soon to advocate for keeping this facility in Western New York."
And Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat, on Tuesday sent a letter to DeJoy objecting to any changes and asking that the proposal be abandoned.
I am concerned that the United States Postal Service is trying to sneak this by Buffalo, Higgins said.
Resetarits, the union official, said he had no idea how the Postal Service plan would affect local mail delivery or jobs.
We cant make any determination on the impact on the workforce because we dont know what mail, what percentage of the mail, would be going to Rochester, Resetarits said, adding that it could be anywhere from 10% to 100%.
But Kennedy said he feared that the proposal, whatever it is, would have a negative impact not only on Buffalo-area mail delivery but also the economy.
The last thing our community needs is concern about our ability to get packages from point A to point B, Kennedy said. Its just ludicrous. Its bad for our economy. Its bad for our city. And were not going to stand for it.
The proposal comes 12 years after the Postal Service launched an attempt to close the William Street facility altogether and move its operations to Rochester. The agency eventually dropped that plan amid pressure from lawmakers and the public.
The Postal Service said it will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposal at 3 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Creekside Banquet Facility, 2669 Union Road, Cheektowaga. The agency said it will release a summary of the results of its review at least a week before that meeting.
In addition, the Postal Service is seeking public comments on the proposal. Members of the public can submit their comments on an online form. Comments must be received by Feb. 15.
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Watch again as Fujitsu employees give evidence in the Post Office scandal Horizon IT inquiry on Thursday (18 January).
They appeared before the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry which focuses on providing compensation to victims of the scandal, which saw more than 700 branch managers given criminal convictions.
The scandal centered on the faulty Horizon IT system, made by Fujitsu, which made it appear as though money was missing.
Fujitsu Europe director Paul Patterson apologised to sub-postmasters wrongly convicted during the scandal, when he appeared before the inquiry on Tuesday (16 January).
Mr Patterson said: To the sub-postmasters and their families, Fujitsu would like to apologise for our part in this appalling miscarriage of justice.
We were involved from the very start. We did have bugs and errors in the system. And we did help the Post Office in their prosecutions of subpostmasters. For that, we are truly sorry.
Rishi Sunak has agreed to quash new legislation to exonerate the wrongly convicted Post Office sub-postmasters, and provide those eligible with a 75,000 upfront payment. There are also a number of other compensation schemes.
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Two men have had their names posthumously cleared after they were fitted up on the word of one of Britains most corrupt police officers.
British Rail workers Basil Peterkin and Saliah Mehmet died with wrongful convictions after racist British Transport Police officer Detective Sergeant Derek Ridgewell accused them of theft from a site he later admitted stealing from.
Their 1977 convictions for conspiracy to steal from the goods depot where they worked were today overturned almost 50 years later after the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) referred them to the Court of Appeal.
The court heard that the subsequent conviction of DS Ridgewell in 1980 for stealing 364,000 of property from the same depot represented fresh evidence which made the convictions unsafe. Ridgewell died of a heart attack in prison in 1982 at the age of 37.
The CCRC has referred a total of 11 cases which relied on his evidence back to court, after investigating the officers historical racist and corrupt practices. Other cases include the wrongful convictions of members of the so-called Oval Four and Stockwell Six.
DS Derek Ridgewell (File)
Overturning their convictions to a courtroom filled with Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehments family and friends, Lord Justice Holroyde said: A most important matter was not put before the jury which was not then known was that the principal prosecution witnesses were themselves engaged in the very same criminal activity as that which they alleged against Mr Peterkin and the co-accused.
If the jury had been aware of that fact it would have been very telling.
He added: It is very unfortunate that so many years have passed before the injustice which the appellants and their families have suffered can be rectified and that the appellants have not lived to learn of their vindication.
Mr Peterkin and Mr Mehmet were sent to prison for nine months in 1977 for robbing the British Rail depot at the Bricklayers Arms in Southwark, south London.
They protested their innocence for their entire lives before Mr Peterkin died aged 51 in August 1991 and Mr Mehmet passed away aged 75 in August 2021.
Henry Blaxland KC, for the appellants, said the two men were effectively fitted up by the corrupt officer, who should have been sacked in 1973 when a series of prosecutions were dismissed over allegations of police violence and corruption.
He said: What might have been expected at that point is that the BTP would conduct a thorough investigation in the hope that [Ridgewell] would have been dismissed. Instead he was transferred to a different section.
Mr Blaxland also criticised a systemic failure by BTP, who did not review all the convictions based on Ridgewells evidence after he was himself jailed.
Mr Ridgewell should have been sacked in 1973 theres absolutely no doubt about that. Secondly, the convictions - all of the convictions - which were derived from evidence which he gave should then have been investigated, he told the hearing.
Vindicated: Basil Peterkin (PA)
Vindicated: Saliah Mehmet (PA)
In emotional statements outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Mr Mehmet and Mr Peterkins families called for a new law to ensure that the cases of police officers convicted of a crime are automatically reviewed.
Mr Mehmets son Regu Saliah said he and his mother were left penniless and homeless after his father was wrongly jailed, while DS Ridgewell was kept in his position of power where he continued to victimise families like ours.
Although todays judgement brings some relief, he added: Regrettably, though, our father doesnt get to experience this judgment today, he passed away two years ago.
He lived as a victim of DS Ridgewell, the corrupt and racist police officer, for over 43 years. What he was put through those years left a traumatic legacy that stayed with him his whole life, unfortunately.
Despite learning of DS Ridgewells conviction just three years after his father was jailed - no review was triggered to give him his life back.
Instead, its taken 46 years for this conviction to be reversed and the fact that he was a victim has only just been acknowledged as a result.
He added: We hope that this will prompt a new law that following police officers receiving a prison sentence there is an automatic independent review of the cases that they were involved in so that no other family goes through what we had to go through.
Supporters and family members of Basil Peterkin and Saliah Mehmet outside the Royal Court of Justice in London (PA)
Mr Peterkins daughter Janice described her father as a law-abiding citizen and a family man who did not deserve to go to prison.
Basil was unfairly targeted and framed by the ex-policeman Ridgwell who was clearly racist and corrupt, she added.
We also call for a reform of the law so that when a police officer is sent to prison there is an automatic and independent review of their files for wrongful conviction.
Helen Pitcher OBE, chair of CCRC, urged anyone else who believes they are a victim of a miscarriage of justice involving DS Ridgewell to contact them.
While BTPs Chief Constable Lucy DOrsi said the force is appalled by actions of the corrupt officer.
My colleagues and I are profoundly sorry to all those affected by DS Ridgewells atrocious actions and the trauma that victims and their families suffered as a result, she said.
I would like to reiterate my sincere apology for the trauma caused to the British African community by a corrupt BTP officer, whose misuse of his powers caused harm not only to the innocent young people criminalised, but also to their families and community.
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of helping Daniel Khalife allegedly escape from HMP Wandsworth in south London.
The Metropolitan Police said the 24-year-old was apprehended on Wednesday morning at an address in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of their ongoing investigation.
The force said the arrested man is not a member of staff at the prison and has been bailed until late April.
The arrest was carried out by officers from the Mets Counter Terrorism Command.
Khalife, 22, is due to go on trial at the Old Bailey in October. The former soldier has denied escaping in September last year from the Category B prison, where he was being held on remand after being charged with terrorism offences.
Detective chief superintendent Gareth Rees, of the Mets Counter Terrorism Command, said: This arrest follows months of careful investigation into the alleged escape and enquiries remain ongoing into this.
We understand that there will be significant public and media interest in this arrest but with Khalife now charged and awaiting trial, it is extremely important that people do not report, comment or share information including online which could in any way prejudice these future court proceedings.
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A prison warden in Scotland who was rushed to hospital after inhaling drugs being used by inmates has won a payout from the Scottish Prison Service.
The officer was left hallucinating and became violent after being exposed to toxic fumes from psychoactive substances at HMP Shotts in north Lanarkshire in 2019.
He has since suffered long-term health problems and brought a civil claim against the SPS, which was settled out of court.
BBC Scotland reports that compensation was paid to the officer, with a spokesperson adding: The health, safety, and wellbeing of all those who live and work in our establishments is a key priority for SPS.
The incident occurred at HMP Shotts in 2019 (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Archive)
The presence of illicit substances in the wider community is a constant challenge and we continue to work hard to safeguard staff, and those in our care, from the harm they cause.
Drug taking amongst inmates is one of the biggest problems in Scottish prisons, with concerns raised about wardens being exposed to second-hand smoke from popular substances such as Spice.
Data collected by the Scottish Conservative party in January 2023 found the number of prisoners caught with drugs had increased by 1100 per cent since 2014.
Meanwhile, 75,000 worth of drugs, knives and other contraband were flown into Scottish prisons in October 2023 using drones.
On Wednesday, a drone thought to be carrying a package of drugs crashed near HMP Edinburgh, with Police Scotland launching an investigation.
Last year, a guard who smuggled cocaine for inmates into HMP Shotts was jailed for more than six years.
Mother-of-two Heather McKenzie had formed a close relationship with murderer Zak Malavin and ferried drugs and mobile phones into the prison before she was caught.
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Farmers have been given the go-ahead for the fourth year in a row to use a banned pesticide that kills bees prompting anger among nature lovers.
Food and farming minister Mark Spencer has authorised the use of a neonicotinoid to protect this years sugar beet crops against viruses.
Just one teaspoon of thiamethoxam can kill 1.25 billion bees, according to biology professor and insect expert Dave Goulson, of the University of Sussex.
Bees exposed to a single dose of pesticide may require generations to recover, previous research has found.
Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, Englands largest environment and wildlife coalition, said: This decision flies in the face of ecological sense. These pesticides are banned for a reason: they are a risk to our wildlife and to human health.
Industry promised to find replacements, and government promised better environmental protections, but what were getting is delays and yet more broken promises that leave the UK increasingly falling behind on pesticide action.
Neonicotinoids are so toxic that the UK and the EU banned them in 2018, but since then countries including the UK and France have granted exceptional permission for them to be used.
The pesticide can kill bees en masse (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Government officials say they recently met members of the British sugar industry and environmental organisations during which the industrys plan to move away from neonicotinoid use was discussed.
They say the pesticide Cruiser SB, which contains thiamethoxam will be used only if there is a threat to the crop, and that stringent controls are attached.
They point out that the threshold for neonicotinoid use has increased on previous years to its highest level ever - a risk of virus incidence of 65 per cent or more.
The Wildlife Trusts branded the decision a death blow for wildlife, a backward step in evidence-based decision-making and a betrayal to farmers who try to produce food sustainably.
Pesticide Action Network UK wrote on social media: Shocking but not surprising Defra supinely rolls over to meet the demands of the sugar industry and allow the use of bee toxic neonicotinoid once again! Sugar before bees and profits before people, as always.
Mr Spencer said: We recognise the damaging impact that an outbreak of beet yellow virus could have on farmer livelihoods. We therefore regard issuing an emergency authorisation as a necessary and proportionate measure.
The official decision was announced on the day its own advisers warned that the government risks missing legally binding targets to halt nature decline by 2030.
In the first major review of the Environment Improvement Plan, the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has concluded that government needs to speed up and scale up delivery.
It also warned that the plan lacked transparency and accountability.
Dame Glenys Stacey, chair of the OEP, said: Deeply, deeply concerning adverse environmental trends continue. With the depleted state of our natural environment and the unprecedented pace of climate change, it does seem to many that we are at a crossroads.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: We were always clear that our targets are ambitious and would require significant work to achieve, but we are fully committed to creating a greener country for future generations and going further and faster to deliver for nature. We will carefully review the Office for Environmental Protections findings and respond in due course.
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Dilapidation is endemic in Britains crumbling court system, with around 100 unplanned courtroom closures every week exacerbating trial delays, the head of the judiciary has warned.
Appearing at the justice committee on Thursday, the Lady Chief Justice described courts with no drinking water and judges forced to hand out sentences to convicts in basement holding cells because panic alarms were broken in the courtrooms above.
She warned that a further 200 courtrooms come close to being rendered unusable by such problems every month.
These are very serious problems, and of course they impact on performance, by definition, Dame Sue Carr told MPs.
You cant use the court, you cant list the case, you cant be efficient. But beyond that, theres also the knock-on effect on security, and theres a knock-on effect, frankly, on morale. It doesnt make you feel great if you are doing a difficult case and youve got a bucket next to you because the roof is leaking.
In the past week alone, Sheffield Crown Court was forced to close after a burst pipe caused catastrophic flooding, trials at Londons flagship Rolls Building were moved due to a power outage, and it was decided that Blackpool Magistrates Court would be permanently closed due to the discovery of unsafe Raac concrete.
The backlog of cases in the criminal courts is now at a record high of more than 66,000 cases, having doubled in just four years. Of those, 6,500 cases had been stuck in the court system for more than two years, up from just 530 in 2019.
In a blow to Rishi Sunaks government which has vowed to cut the backlog to 53,000 cases by 2025 Dame Sue said she believed this target was not achievable without radical reform.
The endemic, ingrained dilapidation of court buildings is one of the key issues fuelling trial delays, the Lady Chief Justice warned, with last-minute courtroom closures leaving officials hand to mouth, scrabbling around trying to find solutions so that hearings can go ahead.
Dame Sue Carr was appointed Lady Chief Justice in October (Parliament TV)
Stating that justice secretary Alex Chalk is definitely aware of these problems, Dame Sue said: At a very basic level, [government] has got to keep us safe. If you cant do that then the courts wont open. If were safe, then is it actually acceptable? Is it freezing cold? Is it boiling hot?
Analysis of official figures by The Independent shows at least 71 crown court trials were cancelled in the year to September as a result of equipment or accommodation failure more than three times higher than on average in the six years prior to the pandemic. A further 285 trials in magistrates courts were also cancelled.
These on-the-day cancellations which can delay trials for months are in addition to hundreds of other hearings rescheduled due to there being no judge or barrister available, and failures to bring suspects from prison cells to court in time, if at all.
Calling the dilapidated court estate an indictment on the state of our justice system, Law Society vice president Richard Atkinson said: We have been raising concerns about the dire condition of our crumbling courts for some time and share the views of the Lady Chief Justice.
Leaking toilets, broken heating, sewage, mould and asbestos were just part of the picture painted by our survey of solicitors about the state of the courts in which they work.
Hundreds of trials were unable to go ahead due to problems with courtrooms or court equipment in the year to September (PA Archive)
The courtroom closures only add to the delays faced by victims, witnesses and defendants, Mr Atkinson told The Independent, adding: Sustained investment is needed to repair and restore our creaking court estate.
Tana Adkin KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said: It should be taken as a given that there are safe and working court rooms, with basic heating and cooling systems and roofs that dont leak so that trials can go ahead at all and justice be done.
We must not lose sight of the fact that the criminal justice system involves people and buildings: judges, court staff, working court rooms juries, defendants, complainants, victims and witnesses and criminal barristers and solicitors and their staff. All are participants in a process that is fundamental to our society.
Describing repairing and rebuilding courtrooms as a tangible sign of seriousness of investing again in our criminal justice system, Ms Adkin said the justice system would benefit from a dedicated criminal court buildings repair and modernisation budget ring-fenced for at least five years.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Were investing 220m over the next two years to modernise and maintain the court and tribunal estate ensuring it is equipped with the latest technology to deliver modern justice.
HMCTS will continue to work closely with the judiciary so this investment is prioritised and targeted in the most effective way to minimise disruptions.
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Dozens of newbuild homes on an estate said to be worth 40m have started being torn down due to faulty foundations.
Darwin Green, less than two miles from the centre of the prestigious university city, is still under construction and has outline approval for just under 1,600 new homes.
Problems first came to light in June 2023, when developers Barratt and David Wilson said they had discovered issues with the design of some of the foundations of some properties during phase two of construction of the estate.
In a letter to residents that month, the developers said that some of the properties which require demolition had been reserved by our customers. They said that customers had been offered a range of options and support.
We sincerely apologise for any negative impact this situation may have on you and we are fully committed to minimising any impact of the remedial work as much as we possibly can, the letter added.
Diggers moved on to the site on Thursday and some of the properties have already been reduced to rubble.
The demolition process is expected to take 12 weeks and is thought to cost millions of pounds (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
In an application to Cambridge City Council last year, the developers suggested circa 83 units could be demolished due to faulty foundations. However, in a statement this week they reported that 36 properties would be demolished with remediation to be undertaken on a further 47 plots.
The demolition process is expected to take 12 weeks and is thought to cost millions of pounds, while water cannons are being used to reduce the amount of dust, according to the Cambridge Independent.
Water cannons are being used to reduce the amount of dust (PA)
Problems first came to light last year when a issues were discovered with the foundations (PA)
A statement published on the website for the newbuild estate said Barratt and David Wilson received approval for the phased demolition of a number of homes at Darwin Green.
To provide clarification, 36 homes currently at the roof stage of construction are scheduled for demolition and in addition to this, remediation will be undertaken on a further 47 plots, each at different stages of partial construction, the statement said.
The developers said they remain committed to ensuring that mitigation measures are in place to ensure that there is as little impact as possible to residents and the environment.
The demolition comes at the same time as a public inquiry continues over the non-determination of plans for more than 1,000 homes at Darwin Green, after councils said they had not seen evidence that water could be sustainably supplied to the site.
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Police are continuing to look for a missing mother from Edinburgh who was last seen in October.
Khasha Smith, 35, was reported missing from Calder Grove on 5 January.
She was last in contact with her family on 4 November 2023.
In an update on Wednesday, Police Scotland established that the last confirmed sighting of Ms Smith was 10 October 2023.
Khasha Smith, 35, was reported missing from Calder Grove on 5 January (Police Scotland )
Ms Smith is around 5ft tall, with a slim build. She has blue eyes and long, blonde hair.
She also has tattoos, one which is visible on her right wrist that says, Forever, and she often visits the Gorgie, Broomhouse, and Wester Hailes areas.
Khasha Smith has blue eyes and long, blonde hair (Police Scotland )
Police Scotland has issued several appeals in the search for the mother, as officers checked a potential sighting in the Slateford area of Edinburgh between 21 and 24 November.
Officers are continuing to look for Ms Smith as they distribute and pin up posters in an effort to remind people she remains missing.
Officers are continuing to look for Ms Smith as they distribute and pin up posters (Police Scotland )
Police Scotland said: Khashas family is extremely concerned for her and are hoping the posters remind people shes still missing and that we are still looking for information which could help us find her.
When she was reported missing, Inspector Keith Forrester said: We are extremely concerned for Khasha. She normally maintains contact with her family and it is unusual for her to not be in touch for this length of time.
Appealing to anyone who has information, he added: Please dont think what you know is irrelevant, let us decide its significance, your information could be vital in helping us trace Khasha.
If anyone has seen Khasha or has any information on where she may have gone, you can call 101, quoting reference 3915 of 5 January.
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Police have issued a warning to so-called blade runners cutting down ultra low emission zone (Ulez) cameras after two children were injured in a car crash.
The youngsters were among six injured in a crash between two cars after five traffic lights and Ulez cameras were destroyed in Orpington, south London at 8.30am onThursday morning.
Police had been managing the traffic at the time of the collision hours after the cameras were cut to the floor at a busy junction on Court Road and Old Priory Avenue.
Locals said they saw one young girl aged around 7-years-old bleeding from the face.
One witness Phil told The Independent: The accident had already happened before I arrived but I could see a few children in one of the cars.
I dont agree with extending Ulez into the suburbs but putting our kids at risk is taking it too far.
The crash at a busy junction in Orpington (Supplied)
A Met spokesman said two were assessed and their condition was confirmed to be non-life threatening.
He added: We are aware of criminal damage to five sets of traffic lights in the Orpington area this morning Chief Inspector Priya Shome, based in Bromley, said the crimes had taken up valuable policing resources in the borough.
CI Shome added: Two police units, who should have been available to answer 999 calls, were instead required to spend the morning managing traffic.
The people who are carrying out this criminal damage are putting the public at risk.
This morning, there has been a collision between two cars on Court Road, at the location of one of the damaged traffic lights, in which a child was injured.
I would urge the people carrying out these crimes to stop immediately.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a medic in a fast response car and an incident response officer.
Our first medic arrived on scene in approximately four minutes.
We treated six patients at the scene before taking them all to hospital.
Police have recorded nearly 1,000 crimes relating to Ulez cameras being damaged or stolen (AJ Simpson/PA) (PA Media)
The crash came as two men were arrested after a Ulez camera was blown up the same day it was installed.
Counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police investigating the incident said the camera was blown up using a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED) at about 6.45pm on December 6 in Sidcup, south-east London.
At the time, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London called the incident grotesquely irresponsible and the incident was believed to have been a deliberate act, according to the London police force.
No one was injured during the explosion but vehicles and a residential property suffered damage.
Fgures released by the Met in November showed nearly 1,000 crimes linked to Ulez cameras being stolen or vandalised have been recorded in the past seven months.
The Ulez zone was expanded in August to cover all of Londons 32 boroughs. Those who drive in the area with a vehicle that does not meet emission standards are then charged a 12.50 fee.
After the incident a spokesman for mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: This grotesquely irresponsible behaviour puts both lives and property at risk. Police are rightly investigating this dangerous and reckless act.
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Steel giant Tata is to press ahead with plans to close blast furnaces at its plant in Port Talbot, south Wales, putting up to 2,800 jobs at risk, sources have said.
Unions were meeting the company on Thursday after presenting alternative proposals aimed at saving jobs in Port Talbot.
Sources said Tata rejected the plan and was pressing ahead with proposals for a greener form of steelmaking to cut emissions and stem financial losses.
The steelworkers union Community had urged Tata to reconsider its plans to move Port Talbot to an electric arc furnace-only site.
The so-called multi-union plan was put forward by the GMB and Community unions under which Tata Steel could have transitioned Port Talbot toward greener steelmaking over a longer timeline.
Under the plan, there would have been no compulsory redundancies and Britains domestic steel supply would have been protected - avoiding reliance on imports from countries such as India while the electric arc furnace is built.
Community assistant general secretary Alasdair McDiarmid said: We met Tata today and they responded formally to the multi-union plan.
We continue to believe the multi-union plan is the best strategy for Tata Steel UK and can avoid compulsory redundancies, protect our steelmaking production capacity, and safeguard the future of Port Talbot and the downstream plants.
Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberavon, home of the Port Talbot steelworks, said Tata was following the Conservative business model of managed decline for British steelmaking.
[It] will cause the job losses of 3,000 hard-working men and women, each of whom have dedicated their lives to an industry which underpins Britains automotive industry, railways, defence sector, consumer goods, construction, wind turbines and so much more, he said.
Mr Kinnock urged Tata and the government to reconsider the multi-union plan, adding: Global demand for steel is actually growing, but by pursuing a narrow electric arc furnace-only model, Tata Steel will be unable to seize the commercial opportunities of the future, while at the same time leaving Britain more dependent on imported steel from countries whose governments wont always have Britains best interests at heart.
The Port Talbot plant is the largest steelworks in the UK and currently employs 4,000 of the companys 8,000-strong UK workforce. The move would see 75 per cent of workers lose their jobs.
Unions will now consult their members on how to respond to job losses, with industrial action not being ruled out.
Sources said Tata accepted a union plea to keep the hot strip mill open over a transition period.
The move would see Tata Steel Europe, owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata, ending more than a century of steel manufacturing at the plant.
Unions had been negotiating to keep the site open (PA)
A Tata Steel spokesperson said ahead of the meeting: We have recently announced a joint agreement between Tata Steel and the UK government for a proposal to invest in [a] state-of-the art electric arc furnace steelmaking in Port Talbot.
We are committed to meaningful information sharing and consultation with our trade union partners about the plan to develop sustainable steelmaking in the UK and to find solutions for concerns they may have.
While those discussions are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said: I am deeply disappointed to hear that Tata Steel will be closing their remaining blast furnaces in the UK, something which could have a devastating impact on communities across the country, particularly in Port Talbot, where the local economy is reliant on the nearby steel plant.
The government, through their inability to support investment into UK steel, has failed towns like Port Talbot across the country.
If the government was willing to implement a real and sustainable industrial strategy that protected jobs whilst simultaneously supporting the transition to low carbon sectors, we wouldnt find ourselves in this mess.
But now we are here, on the verge of witnessing the destruction of Port Talbot.
The Port Talbot site employs at least half of the companys 8,000-strong UK workforce (PA)
The prime minister and his cabinet will never know what its like for the thousands of workers at risk of losing their jobs, they will never know the constant worrying and anxiety that comes with the prospect of losing ones livelihood.
The second round of a one-two weather punch that pummeled Western New York over the past five days is coming to an end with snowfall totals being measured in feet in some communities.
The Sunday snowstorm has led to certain areas experiencing up to 3 feet of snow, National Weather Service Buffalo meteorologist Heather Kenyon said. The weather service recorded 41.3 inches of snowfall in Hamburg, 41 inches in West Seneca and 31 inches in Lackawanna, among other places across the region.
For the second storm Wednesday, here are the figures from National Weather Service as of Thursday morning, which exclude the snow totals from the first event and which in some cases were measured in different spots in the same community:
South Buffalo: 25-30 inches
Buffalo International Airport: 12.2 inches
Kenmore: 7.1 inches
Lackawanna: 25-30.8 inches
Lancaster: 15-28 inches
West Seneca: 29-37.8 inches
Cheektowaga: some areas received 12 inches while others recorded up to 24 inches
Hamburg: 21.2 inches
East Aurora: 16 inches Thursday morning while some areas saw up to 20 inches Wednesday
Snyder: 17 inches
Elma: 13.5-22.3 inches
Williamsville: 12 inches
Orchard Park: 12-21 inches
Eden: 11.5 inches
Amherst: 4.8 inches
Clarence: 8-10 inches near the southern end, 2-4 inches accumulation in north end
Tonawanda: 2-5 inches
The airport broke a 61-year record for the date on Sunday after receiving 8 inches of snow, the weather service reported. Previously, the record for the date was 7.8 inches in 1963.
CoCoRaHs, a volunteer network of weather observers, listed multiday accumulation from Sunday through Thursday for several regions across Erie County. According to their totals, West Seneca received 74.8 inches, while Hamburg and South Buffalo both received 62.5 inches, about five feet of accumulation.
"Fresh snow is ongoing today," Kenyon said Thursday morning. The lake-effect band is moving north from the Southtowns where it was expected to deposit an additional 6 to 10 inches of snow into the Buffalo metro area and Northtowns Thursday afternoon, bringing an extra 3 to 6 inches there, Kenyon added.
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A cold snap has seen the UK blanketed in snow as plunging temperatures reach lows of -10C in parts of the country. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health alert, meaning that the impacts of the weather are likely to be felt across the health service for a long period.
To help support people during cold snaps like these, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) runs the Cold Weather Payment scheme for qualifying households. This is a one-off payment of 25 that is triggered for every seven-day period where the temperature in your area is at or below zero degrees.
Am I eligible for a Cold Weather Payment?
You are eligible for the payment if you receive any of the following:
Pension Credit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Universal Credit
Support for Mortgage Interest
You must also live in an area that has experienced seven days of zero or sub-zero temperatures. If you want to check if your postcode is in a qualifying area, the government has a handy tool.
The DWP uses their own equipment to measure temperatures across all UK postcodes. If you disagree with their judgement, it is possible to appeal directly to the department.
You do not qualify for this scheme if you live in Scotland, as the Scottish government has has recently replaced the scheme with Winter Heating Payments.
When will I get the payment?
If you're eligible, you will get these payments automatically. They should arrive in the same bank account you receive benefit payments, within 14 working days of the cold period.
If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payments, you should contact the DWP.
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The volume of wine that bar and pub customers drink in one session is reduced if the largest serving by the glass is removed, a study suggests.
Researchers say the discovery could nudge people to drink less alcohol, after finding people tend to consume the same number of glasses, regardless of the glass size.
They suggest that even a small cut in consumption could boost the health of the population. The number of women dying from alcohol-related diseases has soared in recent years, The Independent revealed this week.
Even when taking into account the day of the week and total revenue, the scientists found that removing the largest wine glass serving usually 250ml led to a drop in wine on average sold each day of around 420ml at any given pub or wine bar a 7.6 per cent decrease.
They also found no evidence that people were making up for drinking less wine by buying more beer or cider.
The findings suggest that licensed premises did not lose money as a result of removing the largest serving size by the glass. This was perhaps down to the higher profit margins of smaller serving sizes of wine, the experts suggest.
Alcohol consumption is the fifth-largest contributor to premature death and disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, the harmful use of alcohol led to around three million deaths worldwide in 2016.
First author Dr Eleni Mantzari, of the University of Cambridge, said: It looks like when the largest serving size of wine by the glass was unavailable, people shifted towards the smaller options, but didnt then drink the equivalent amount of wine.
People tend to consume a specific number of units in this case glasses regardless of portion size.
So someone might decide at the outset theyll limit themselves to a couple of glasses of wine, and with less alcohol in each glass they drink less overall.
Professor Dame Theresa Marteau, the studys senior author, said: Its worth remembering that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health, with even light consumption contributing to the development of many cancers.
For the research, published in Plos Medicine, the team studied 21 licensed premises mainly pubs in London, Cambridgeshire, Southampton, Gloucester and Brighton and Hove for four weeks.
Managers at four of the premises received complaints from customers about the removal of the largest glass option, and the researchers say the alcohol industry would be likely to resist a nationwide policy.
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The UKs statistics watchdog has slammed Rishi Sunak for his repeated claim to have cleared the asylum backlog and warned that the assertion could erode trust in the government.
Sir Robert Chote, the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, also said voters may have felt misled.
The prime minister was accused of trying to cook the books and a barefaced lie over the assertion, made despite figures showing nearly 100,000 migrants still waiting for a decision.
Mr Sunaks home secretary James Cleverly later said it was impossible to forecast how long it would take to deal with the outstanding cases.
The government said it had met Mr Sunaks pledge to clear all so-called legacy asylum claims counted as those submitted before June 2022. But official statistics also confirmed that 4,500 of those cases were still ongoing.
Mr Sunak also came under fire for a tweet suggesting the government had cleared the entire backlog as figures showed a total 98,599 asylum claims still languishing in the system.
On 2 January, Mr Sunak posted on X, formerly Twitter: I said that this government would clear the backlog of asylum decisions by the end of 2023. Thats exactly what weve done.
In a letter published on Thursday, to Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael who had raised concerns with the watchdog, Sir Robert said: The average member of the public is likely to interpret a claim to have cleared a backlog especially when presented without context on social media as meaning that it has been eliminated entirely, so it is not surprising that the governments claim has been greeted with scepticism and that some people may feel misled when these hard cases remain in the official estimates of the legacy backlog.
Mr Carmichael, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman, said Sir Roberts letter showed once again that Mr Sunak had not cleared the asylum backlog. Not only is the Conservative government celebrating something that is no achievement, they are twisting the facts as proven by the UK Statistics Authority just today.
Thousands of vulnerable people are still living in limbo as they wait for their claims to be processed. The British public deserves better than this.
Mr Chote went on to say: There may be a perfectly good case for excluding cases of this type from any commitment to eliminate the backlog over the timeframe the government chose, but this argument was not made at the time the target was announced or when it was clarified in the letter to the home affairs committee.
He added: This episode may affect public trust when the government sets targets and announces whether they have been met in the other policy domains. It highlights the need for ministers and advisers to think carefully about how a reasonable person would interpret a quantitative claim of the sort and to consult the statistical professionals in their department.
The statistics watchdog also said it had raised concerns with the Home Office after a press release on the backlog was published but without the accompanying data which prevented (journalists) from being able to scrutinise the data when first reporting it.
Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock had accused the PM of promoting a barefaced lie that was an insult to the publics intelligence.
As the row grew, the claim was denounced as false by opposition parties, campaign groups and even Fraser Nelson, the editor of Tory bible The Spectator magazine, who likened the tweet to that of a snake oil salesman and urged the PMs social media team to take the row as a lesson learned.
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Defiant peers have rejected Rishi Sunaks warning not to frustrate the will of the people by opposing his flagship Rwanda legislation, as the prime minister heads for a showdown with the House of Lords.
The PM said his controversial deportation plan is an urgent national priority and told the upper chamber it is now time to pass this bill.
But peers described his comments as vacuous and said that they showed he did not understand the role of the Lords, as they warned him not to try to ram his legislation through.
In a sign of the depth of opposition the prime minister faces, leading lawyer and crossbench peer Alex Carlile denounced the bill as a step towards totalitarianism.
The former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation also accused ministers of trying to place themselves to an unacceptable level above the law, as he warned that the integrity of the legal system was under attack because of internal political quarrelling in the Conservative Party.
The fight to save Mr Sunaks embattled plan to stop small boat crossings comes as a new YouGov poll shows that support for the Conservatives is at its lowest level since Liz Trusss final days in Downing Street, with just 10 per cent of voters under the age of 50 saying they would back the party.
Mr Sunak suffered a blow on Tuesday when two deputy chairs of the Tory party resigned in order to support amendments designed to toughen up his Rwanda plan.
But 24 hours later he saw a threatened Commons rebellion against the legislation melt away, as MPs backed the bill by a majority of 44.
Rishi Sunak has declined to say whether flights to Rwanda will take off before this years general election (PA)
However, the prime minister now faces stiff opposition from the Lords, who could stall his plans significantly and place in jeopardy any hopes of getting flights airborne by the spring.
During a hastily arranged press conference in Downing Street on Thursday morning, Mr Sunak refused to publicly commit to a timeline.
Asked twice if he could guarantee that flights would take off before the general election, he said the question was for the Labour Party and the House of Lords, although his official spokesperson later said the governments aim was still to put the plan into action this spring.
Mr Sunak also urged peers to do the right thing and back his Rwanda legislation.
It is now past time to start the flights, he said, as he accused Labour of having no plan.
He also said he was prepared to disregard injunctions issued by the European Court of Human Rights, despite warnings that doing so could breach international law.
Mr Sunak is trying to keep the scheme alive after the Supreme Court ruled it was unlawful. The basis of the policy is that migrants who cross the Channel in small boats will be sent to Rwanda rather than being allowed to seek asylum in the UK.
Crossbench peer Alex Carlile has described the prime ministers comments as vacuous (Rex Features)
The new legislation, alongside a recently signed treaty with Kigali, is designed to make the plan legally watertight by having parliament declare Rwanda a safe country.
Following the press conference, Lord Carlile described the prime ministers comments as vacuous and banal.
He denounced the legislation as exceptionally malign and said it would be legitimate for peers to put it to the test, to amend it, and above all to ensure it does not damage the reputation of our great UK jurisdictions across the world, which this bill will if it is passed in its present form.
He said it was right for peers to send it back to the Commons in a process known as parliamentary ping pong and that they should do so repeatedly if necessary.
He added: The Lords is not in the business of killing bills that come from the House of Commons. Our first task is to try to make it work. But there are some of us who might well consider killing it if what emerges is not acceptable under UK legal norms.
The PM has described his controversial deportation plan as an urgent national priority (PA)
Former pensions minister Ros Altmann told The Independent it would be unwise for Mr Sunak to try to ram his Rwanda bill through the Lords.
It is the upper chambers national duty to properly scrutinise, debate and discuss legislation, she said, as she urged the PM to not start overriding the House of Lords, adding: We dont want to hear what you have to say.
Former child refugee and Labour peer Alf Dubs told The Independent that the prime ministers exhortations to the Lords to get on and pass his Rwanda bill were outrageous.
Lord Dubs said Mr Sunak was politically illiterate for piling pressure on peers, adding that it is not a matter of party politics but one of basic constitutional principles.
He also attacked the prime ministers claim that the Rwanda policy is the will of the people. Politicians claim that when they have no good arguments left, he said.
A post on the prime ministers X account earlier this month claimed that the asylum backlog had been cleared (PA)
It came as the UKs statistics watchdog criticised Mr Sunak for his repeated claim to have cleared the asylum backlog and warned that the assertion could erode trust in the government.
Sir Robert Chote, the chair of the UK Statistics Authority, said voters may have felt misled.
The prime minister was accused of trying to cook the books and of promoting a barefaced lie following the assertion, which was made despite figures showing that nearly 100,000 migrants were still waiting for a decision.
Polling guru Professor Sir John Curtice also warned Mr Sunak that voters were likely to be more concerned with the state of the economy and the cost of living than with immigration at the next election.
Speaking at a briefing for the charity Citizens Advice, Prof Curtice said that voters are in a state of deep, deep economic pessimism and are still punishing the Tory party for Liz Trusss mini-Budget, which caused the pound to fall sharply and led to a spike in mortgage rates.
He said: The economy and the cost of living does matter in the electoral contest to come ... It will probably become more important for voters than immigration, on which the government has focused over the course of the last week.
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A leading lawyer who sits in the Lords has warned that Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill is a step toward totalitarianism.
Lord Carlile, the former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said ministers were seeking to elevate themselves to an unacceptable level above the law.
The crossbench peer, a leading critic of the Rwanda deportation plan in the House of Lords, also warned the integrity of our legal system is under attack because of internal political quarrelling in the Conservative Party.
His intervention came the morning after Mr Sunak faced down rebels within his own party to win a showdown Commons vote on the plan to deport asylum seekers to the east African country.
Lord Carlile warned that the integrity of our legal system are under attack (PA)
MPs passed the embattled PMs controversial bill by 320 votes to 276 - with 11 Tories voting against the government.
But Mr Sunak still faces a lengthy battle to get the bill into law, as the House of Lords is likely to push for significant changes or to throw the bill out altogether.
Policing minister Chris Philp said the bill would be able to pass through the upper chamber fairly fast as it is pretty short.
He told Times Radio: It is a pretty short Bill, it is only about five or six substantive clauses. To give you a sense of context, the Criminal Justice Bill that I am taking through Parliament has about 80 clauses.
So it is a pretty short bill which means it should be able to get through the House of Lords fairly fast.
But Lord Carlile told BBC Radio 4s Today programme it is the upper chambers role to revise legislation and protect the public from abuses of the law by ministers.
He added: I think many of us in the House of Lords believe that is exactly what has happened, that good policymaking and the integrity of our legal system are under attack because of internal political quarrelling in the Conservative Party.
He said lawyers are being unfairly blamed for the hurdles the Rwanda policy has faced, adding that lawyers on the whole do not accept that.
What we are doing is trying to countermand meddling by politicians in the law, he added.
And Lord Carlile said: Its been the government elevating itself to an unacceptable level above the law, above our much-admired Supreme Court, and above the reputation internationally of the United Kingdom law.
Weve seen in various countries the damage that is done when governments use perceived and often ill-judged political imperatives to place themselves above the courts this is a step towards totalitarianism and an attitude that the United Kingdom usually deprecates.
I think youll find that many of us in the House of Lords will say this is a step too far, this is illegitimate interference by politics with the law, on an issue that can be solved in other ways.
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Watch as Rishi Sunak held a press conference on Thursday, 18 January, after seeing off the prospect of a defeat on his Rwanda asylum policy at the hands of right-wing Conservative MPs.
The prime minister's speech came after the Safety of Rwanda Bill passed its third reading in the Commons yesterday unamended with a majority of 44.
Only 11 Tories, including former home secretary Suella Braverman, voted against Mr Sunak's flagship immigration legislation.
Prior to the third reading vote, Mr Sunak was hit by another revolt following similar-sized rebellions on Tuesday as 61 Tory MPs backed an amendment, proposed by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, designed to toughen the bill.
However, rebels signalled before the third reading vote that they were prepared to back the bill without any changes after an 11th-hour meeting in parliament on Wednesday.
They conceded that a defeat for the government would be damaging ahead of a general election that is only months away.
Close MP's anger at Tata Steel Port Talbot closure
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Tatas decision to axe 3,000 jobs at its plant in South Wales will leave the UK reliant on foreign steel imports for years to come, as an MP warned the move raised serious questions about national security.
Stephen Kinnock, the shadow minister for immigration and Labour MP for Aberavon - home of the Port Talbot steelworks - said the move leaves the UK the only G20 country unable to make its own steel from scratch.
Earlier Tata confirmed plans to close blast furnaces at the plant, with the loss of more than 3,000 jobs. About 2,800 jobs will go over the next 18 months, with a further 300 to be lost after. The Indian-owned firm said the plans were aimed at reversing more than a decade of losses.
The move also sparked outrage among several unions.
A statement by the GMB and Community said: It is an absolute disgrace that Tata Steel, and the UK government, appear intent on pursuing the cheapest instead of the best plan for our industry, our steelworkers and our country.
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Lee Anderson has said he could not vote against Rishi Sunaks Rwanda bill because Labour MPs were giggling at him.
The ex-Tory deputy chairman, who quit on Tuesday in order to rebel over the policy, said opposition MPs were giggling and laughing and taking the mick, adding: I couldnt vote no.
In an extraordinary interview with GB News, the top Tory said he had entered the no lobby, in order to reject Mr Sunaks Safety of Rwanda bill. But after two or three minutes of being mocked, outspoken Mr Anderson walked out and abstained.
He said: I was going to vote no. I went into the no lobby to vote no, because I couldnt see how I could support the bill after backing all the amendments.
Conservative MP Lee Anderson stepped down as deputy Tory chairman to rebel over the Rwanda bill (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)
I got into the no lobby and I spent about two or three minutes with a colleague in there. The Labour lot were giggling and laughing and taking the mick and I couldnt do it: In my heart of hearts, I couldnt vote no.
So I walked out and abstained.
He quit his role as deputy Tory chairman on Tuesday night alongside Brendan Clarke-Smith, who held the same post, saying that he could not carry on in my role when I fundamentally disagree with the bill.
I cant be in a position to vote for something I dont believe in, Mr Anderson said.
His abstention came as an expected Tory rebellion fizzled out, with just 11 Tory MPs voting against the deportation bill, including former home secretary Suella Braverman and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
MPs passed the embattled prime ministers controversial deportation bill by 320 votes to 276, after most Conservative rebels wimped out of a threatened revolt.
The PM still faces a lengthy battle over the legislation in the House of Lords and the courts, however, as the government refused to say when flights to the African country might finally take off.
Rishi Sunak and Lee Anderson had been close in the days before Mr Anderson resigned as Tory deputy chairman (PA)
A close ally of Mr Sunaks said it was inevitable that Tory right-wingers would wimp out of taking part in a revolt that could have triggered a general election, in which the party would be set to face a thumping from Labour.
Mr Anderson was appointed deputy chairman of the Conservatives in February 2023 in a move Mr Sunak hoped would help the Tories remain connected to Red Wall voters who backed the party in 2019.
His inability to put up with giggling Labour MPs is in contrast with his own propensity for making controversial comments.
The ex-Tory deputy chairman has said that people who use food banks cannot cook properly, and earned the nickname 30p Lee for suggesting people can make meals for 30p a day.
And, before entering the House of Commons, Mr Anderson said nuisance tenants should be forced to live in tents and pick potatoes.
He recently said asylum seekers arriving in the UK should be sent to the remote Scottish Orkney Islands - adding that they would be perfect for people fleeing persecution.
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The head of Britains trade unions has slammed the countrys "broken" sick pay system, as new figures show women are more than twice as likely as men to miss out on statutory payments.
Across the UK, 1.3 million people do not meet the 123 a week earning threshold to qualify for statutory sick pay, and 7 in 10 of these are women.
Figures compiled by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which represents Britains biggest unions, show that 6.5 per cent of women do not earn enough to qualify for statutory sick pay, compared to just 2.8 per cent of men.
And the figures, seen by The Independent, show that Black and minority ethnic (BME) women are the most likely to miss out on statutory sick pay, with 7 per cent ineligible, compared with just 2.7 per cent of white men.
Women are less likely to qualify for the payments as they are more likely to work in lower-paid jobs.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak told The Independent it is a national scandal that so many people, most of them women, are forced to go without financial support when sick.
Paul Nowak said the low level of statutory sick pay is a national scandal that primarily hits women (PA)
While campaigner Amanda Walters, director of Safe Sick Pay, said: "Women already suffer disproportionately from low pay.
To add insult to injury these new figures show that many working women are also losing out when they need time off ill."
Mr Nowak also said the UKs statutory sick pay system - under which workers are entitled to 109.40 per week for 28 weeks from their employer if they cannot work - is broken.
The TUCs intervention comes after former Tory health secretary Matt Hancock told the Covid inquiry statutory sick pay was far, far too low and far lower than the European average.
Mr Hancock added that low sick pay encourages people to go to work when they should be getting better and aids the spread of illnesses.
The TUC called the 109.40 figure paltry and not enough to live on - noting it is just 18 per cent of the average weekly wage in Britain.
Mr Nowak said: Its a national scandal that so many low-paid, insecure workers up and down the country most of them women are forced to go without financial support when sick.
And for those who do get it, its not nearly enough to live on.
Ministers could have boosted sick pay and made sure everyone got it, but they chose to turn a blind eye to the problem during the pandemic.
The failure to provide proper financial support was an act of self-sabotage that left millions brutally exposed to the virus especially those in low-paid, insecure work.
Ms Walters added: "The UKs statutory sick pay system is unequal, unfair and ripe for reform. By paying a higher weekly amount to every worker from day one, well all see the benefits of a happy healthy workforce."
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner is in charge of delivering the partys New Deal for Working People (PA) (PA Wire)
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner told The Independent the pandemic exposed just how precarious work is for those on low incomes, forcing people to choose between their health and finances.
She said: "It is simply unacceptable that the safety net of sick pay should not be available to those who need it most.
Labour has promised to raise statutory sick pay and make it available all workers, including the self-employed and those on low wages currently cut out by the lower earnings limit for eligibility.
Mr Nowak said: Enough is enough its time for a new deal for workers, like Labour is proposing which includes stronger sick pay and a ban on zero hours contracts.
A spokesman for the government said: Statutory Sick Pay is part of a wider financial safety net, including Universal Credit and new style Employment and Support Allowance for those who need extra financial help.
Employers can also decide to pay occupational sick to those who do not meet the criteria for Statutory Sick Pay.
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Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said he would rather see Donald Trump win the upcoming US election than Joe Biden, claiming the current President dislikes Britain.
The former business secretary said President Bidens tenure has been very unfortunate for UK-US relations.
And he said Mr Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom.
Jacob Rees-Mogg said Mr Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom (PA Wire)
His comments came after the ex-President overwhelmingly won the Iowa caucuses on Monday evening in the first official contest of the Republican presidential primaries.
Sir Jacob told ITV: I would rather have Donald Trump than President Biden.
I think Donald Trump is better disposed towards the United Kingdom, I think President Biden has shown his dislike for the United Kingdom throughout his presidency and thats been very unfortunate and unhelpful to whatever you make of the special relationship.
Asked for his view on what would happen if, as some fear in the US, Mr Trump stopped backing Ukraine in its war against Russia, he said that would be a terrible thing.
We cannot let the tyrant Putin win, and I would hope that any American president would support those efforts, Sir Jacob said.
He added: I would be very surprised if he did that. But Donald Trump often says things in a way that excites people and then hes much more pragmatic when hes in government.
Certainly that was true with all that he said about Nato when he was president last time around.
The former US President had dangled the prospect of striking a very big trade deal with Britain while in office, hopes of which have been dashed under Mr Biden.
But defence chiefs have warned of the prospect of Mr Trump withdrawing his backing for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in Europe.
A former Nato secretary general has said he was sceptical about the US continuing to provide military aid for Ukraine if Donald Trump was re-elected as president.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen told PBS Newshour on Wednesday that it was detrimental for Americas national security interests for Russia to win the war against Ukraine. We cannot allow (Vladimir) Putin any success in Ukraine.
He was asked about US aid for Ukraine that has been held up by Congress, as Republicans seek to force the Democrats into passing tougher immigration controls.
If a new aid package cannot be passed under president Joe Bidens government before the US goes to the polls in November, Mr Rasmussen said he was sceptical of the chances one would be agreed under a potential Trump administration.
12 plays, 21 performances, the inheritance and breakthrough of the new and old, ignited a fire on the national art stage, illuminated the vigor of Anhui opera stage art, and planted artistic sparks in the hearts of more audiences who do not understand Anhui regional culture. The youthful interpretation of outstanding traditional repertoires such as "Marriage of the Fairy Princess" and "Female Consort Prince" of Huangmei Opera is very popular. A batch of newly compiled historical and literary repertoires such as "The Story of Liu Ming-chuan" of Anhui Opera and "Dream of the Red Chamber" of Huangmei Opera have highlighted each other, while a batch of modern repertoires such as "The Light Illuminates the World" and "The Stormy Wangjiaba Town" bring life to the stage with the breath of the times and Anhui's distinctiveness. Only by drawing inspirations from excellent traditional culture, refining elements from contemporary life, and meeting the aesthetic needs and values of the present can we create works with a richer sense of the times and a youthful spirit that resonate with the hearts of the people. As stages of various sizes spread throughout urban and rural areas, talented and charismatic emerging artists gain experience on stage, constantly creating authentic "Chinese aesthetics" that appeal to young people. When the New Huiban (opera troupes from Anhui), imbued with youthful energy, utilizes more contemporary and fashionable means of creation and dissemination to captivate a wider audience, "Youxi Anhui" will seamlessly integrate traditional art with modern technology, connect cultural heritage with market resources, inherit and develop, providing more momentum for cultural breakthroughs and the growth of cultural tourism.
Source: Anhui Daily
All travel bans will have been lifted in Erie County as of 8 a.m. though the county will remain under a travel advisory, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said.
The City of Buffalo lifted its partial ban for the area south of Broadway and the Town of Orchard Park also lifted its ban at 8 a.m.
Lackawanna and the Town of Hamburg lifted their bans at 7 a.m., while West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Depew, Sloan and the Town and Village of Lancaster lifted their bans at 6 a.m.
The travel advisory, urging no unnecessary travel, is set to expire at 7 p.m.
The commercial vehicle ban has been lifted around 8 a.m. Thursday for the Thruway from the Pennsylvania line to Exit 46/I-390 near Rochester and Interstate-190.
Closures
Buffalo Public Schools are closed Thursday. The University at Buffalo also is closed Thursday.
Visiting hours are canceled for the Erie County Holding Center in downtown Buffalo and the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden for the rest of the week due to the forecast, the Sheriff's Office announced.
Federal court in downtown Buffalo is closed.
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Only 10 per cent of voters under the age of 50 intend to vote Conservative in the next general election, according to a poll.
In the YouGov survey of more than 2,000 adults, only 20 per cent said they would vote for Rishi Sunaks party, while fewer than half (49 per cent) of those who backed the Tories in 2019 intend to support them again.
The poll lays bare just how unpopular the party is with young people, with just 4 per cent of those aged between 18 and 24 saying they intend to vote Conservative, and only 12 per cent of 25- to 49-year-olds. It also shows that support for the Conservatives is at its lowest level since Liz Trusss final days as prime minister.
It comes after a testing week for the prime minister, who on Wednesday night staved off a major rebellion over his flagship Rwanda policy.
Rishi Sunak has insisted his small boats plan is working despite party divisions (PA)
The Rwanda bill passed its third reading in the Commons after days of Tory infighting, as 60 Conservatives backed rebel amendments to the government bill.
Only 11 Conservative MPs voted against the government, but the highly publicised conflict has exposed deep divisions in the party over the legislation and Mr Sunaks leadership.
Mr Sunak also faced further criticism earlier in the week, when The Daily Telegraph published a YouGov survey, commissioned by several Tory donors led by former minister David Frost, which showed that the Conservatives were on track for a 1997-style electoral wipeout in which they could retain as few as 169 seats.
Lord Frost, who called for a new Conservative leader back in December, told the Telegraph that the only way to reverse the trend is to be as tough as it takes on immigration, reverse tax increases, and perform a U-turn on renewable energy measures.
The latest survey also reveals that the right-wing party Reform UK has hit its highest ever level of support, at 12 per cent, and that one in four (25 per cent) of 2019 Conservative voters now say they plan to vote for the challenger party.
Reform UK leader Richard Tice says his party will field a candidate against every Conservative MP at the next election (PA)
Labour is also set to make gains, with the poll indicating a lead of 27 points the largest since Mr Sunak became prime minister.
On Thursday, Mr Sunak gave a press conference in an effort to assuage fears about the progress of the immigration bill and the disunity in his party.
He said: The House of Commons has spoken. The Conservative Party has come together. The Rwanda bill has passed. Its now for the Lords to pass this bill too. This is an urgent national priority.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said that instead of tackling economic issues, Rishi Sunaks government is too busy fighting over an unworkable and expensive policy that is destined to fail.
He added: It just confirms how desperately out of touch and out of ideas this Conservative government is. We urgently need a general election so we can finally put an end to this cycle of Conservative chaos and get on with tackling the huge challenges facing us all.
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The genetic details of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, was reportedly entered into a database managed by the National Institutes of Health two weeks before the same information was released by the Chinese government, according to documents shared with US lawmakers.
The sequence that was submitted before the Chinese submission does not detail the origins of the virus, but does call into question the timeline given by the Chinese government concerning its knowledge about the virus, according to CNN.
If the genetic information had been noted when it was first submitted, it could have provided several additional weeks for world governments to prepare to mitigate its spread and work on vaccines.
The first genetic sequence was submitted by Dr Lili Ren of the Institute of Pathogen Biology at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College on 28 December, 2019. The information was sent to GenBank, which serves as a repository that "collects, preserves, and provides public access to assembled and annotated nucleotide sequence data from all domains of life."
The submission was flagged to US lawmakers in a letter by Dr Melanie Egorin, the assistant secretary of legislation at the US Department of Health and Human Services. The letter was sent to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers in December.
The National Centre for Biotechnology Information, which is part of the US National Institutes of Health, manages GenBank.
Dr Ren's submission was reportedly incomplete and needed additional information in order to meet the standards for submission to GenBank, according to the letter. The doctor was asked to resubmit her genetic sequence with the necessary information, but she reportedly never sent any further information.
The submission was in process, but was removed on 16 January 2020. It never appeared publicly on GenBank, according to the letter.
On 12 January, a "nearly identical" submission was made to GenBank. The day prior, China submitted its genetic sequence to the World Health Organisation.
Dr Jesse Bloom of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre analysed Dr Ren's submission, and concluded that it clearly falsifies the Chinese governments claim that the causative agent of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak still had not been identified near the end of the first week of January 2020.
The analysis further concluded that the initial submission would have provided adequate information to initiate vaccine production in late 2019 if it had been made public."
Dr Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Translational Institute said that even two weeks of forewarning would have made a huge difference in the pandemic, according to CNN.
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Chad Daybells attorney will remain on the accused killers murder case after an Idaho judge denied his motion to withdraw just two months ahead of the long-awaited death penalty trial.
John Prior, who has represented Mr Daybell since he was arrested on murder charges in 2021 along with his wife Lori Vallow, filed the motion last week saying his client cannot afford to pay him, and that he is not qualified to defend someone in a death penalty case.
During the hearing at the Fremont County Courtroom on Thursday, Mr Prior repeatedly told Judge Steven Boyce that he didnt need to get paid, but that he would like to be. He also claimed he hasnt been able to find additional attorneys to help, which has left him without enough time to effectively prepare for the trial slated to begin on 1 April.
I dont desire to get off this case. I want to stay on this case and regardless of Mr Daybells financial situation, I want to stay on this case, he said. I could care less about this money. Mr Daybell wants me to stay on this case.
Mr Prior said he has been trying to find death penalty-qualified attorneys, but in Idaho, there is a shortage of such attorneys. He explained that in order for Mr Daybell to have the trial he deserves with the qualified attorneys, he would need to step aside, so that the court would appoint two such public defenders.
Chad Daybell faces multiple murder charges in the deaths of Lori Vallows children and his former wife Tammy (Post Register)
If the court denies my motion, Im prepared to go forward and push this case to the end regardless and Im committed to that, he said. Do I think its fair I dont get paid? No. Do I want to get paid? I absolutely want to get paid for the work that I do.
State prosecutors opposed the motion with prosecutor Lindsey Blake arguing that the request to withdraw from the case appears to be an attempt to delay the proceedings and part of a long-term strategy to delay and obstruct the States efforts for justice for Tylee Ryan, J.J. Vallow and Tammy Douglas Daybell.
Ms Blake added that Mr Daybell waived his rights to a capital-qualified lawyer and that the alleged cult leaders money issues were known a year ago yet Mr Prior continued to represent Daybell.
Before making his ruling, Judge Boyce pointed out that Mr Prior has been on Mr Daybells case for a long time and if the motion was granted and new representation was brought in, the trial could be pushed out a year or longer, affecting a number of people.
Tammy and Chad Daybell were married in 1990. He is now accused of conspiring with Lori Vallow to kill her (Facebook)
At some point the court has to consider the timing here, he said. Thats the big issue with this motion. The motion, if granted, would absolutely require a continuance of the trial and not just a brief continuance.
I dont have any idea of who would be appointed but what I do know, the trial would have to be vacated and continued and I think likely for a long time. Maybe a year. Maybe even more, he said.
With that, he made his ruling and denied Mr Priors motion to withdraw from the case.
I dont find anything in the record that Mr Prior has been ineffective in assistance in Mr Daybells case, he said.
Mr Prior has been Mr Daybells defence attorney since May 2021 when a grand jury indicted him along with his wife Vallow, on murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges in the deaths of Vallows children Tylee and JJ, and Daybells former wife, Tammy Daybell.
Lori Vallow was found guilty last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole
Vallow was found guilty last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
She is currently in Arizona on charges of conspiracy to murder her fourth husband Charles Vallow and her former nephew-in-law Brandon Boudreaux. After her trial, she will return to Idaho to serve the rest of her life sentence.
Kay Woodcock, JJ Vallows grandmother, posted about the judges decision on Thursday.
YES YES YES!!!! No trial delay! Our Lord is guiding this, he wants chud in PRISON where he belongs, she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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A security guard in Colorado charged with first-degree murder was arrested with a severed hand inside of his pocket just one day after a headless body was found in a nearby creek.
Solomon Martinez, 26, was arrested at work last week when police found the hand inside a plastic bag in the chest pocket of his jacket, according to an affidavit obtained by the Pueblo Chieftain.
Mr Martinez was charged in Pueblo, Colorado, in connection with a woman found dead by police on 10 January at Fountain Creek, with her head decapitated, court documents obtained by KRDO show.
The suspect told investigators that he had hired the woman as a prostitute, court records said, but claims that he did not murder or dismember anyone.
The woman has yet to be publicly identified, the Pueblo Chieftain reports.
Before disposing of the womans remains, Mr Martinez, according to arrest records, asked for the help of his roommate, Joshua Mazzurco.
He had walked up to me, and he had asked me, you know, You want to absolve $1,000 off your debt? I need a ten-foot hole. And he looks at me, goes, Im not playing around, Mr Mazzurco told KRDO.
The roommate said he refused to help but watched Mr Martinez, who had visible dirt on his clothing, wash blood off his hands at a local car wash.
When investigators asked why he was washing his hands with a pressure washer, he told them he was a germaphobe, the affidavit reportedly said.
I was terrified. I was beyond terrified, Mr Mazzurco told KRDO, adding that Mr Martinez had previously been alone with members of his family.
Like, I cant even put into words how physically scared I was.
He allegedly made several comments on 9 January to another witness, a friend of the roommates, about needing a six- to ten-foot-deep hole, the Pueblo Chieftain reported.
That witness told police that Mr Martinez was driving a vehicle when he stopped and dragged what appeared to be a womans body down to the creek.
The witness claimed to police that Mr Martinez asked him to help but refused, despite him allegedly threatening him with a gun.
After Mr Martinez left the scene, the witness recorded a video of the body to cover for himself. Police later viewed this footage after the witness came forward to them.
Along with the severed hand found on Mr Martinezs person, police also allegedly found bloodstains in the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Mr Martinez reportedly blamed the murder on the witness, saying he had borrowed his vehicle, which had his gun and phone inside at the time, and went to find the woman who Mr Martinez claimed he dropped off, saying that the witness then killed her, the outlet said.
Police wrote in the affidavit, according to local reports, that Mr Martinez was being deceitful throughout the interview, struggled to remember locations and times, and was inconsistent.
Reports said Mr Martinez was employed by former Pueblo County Sheriff Dan Corsentino at his security guard company.
Mr Corsentino told KRDO that before being hired in late December, Mr Martinez passed all background checks and had no criminal history.
Mr Martinez is being held at the Pueblo County Jail on a $1m bond.
The Independent has contacted the Pueblo Police Department for further comment.
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In a harrowing look inside the booking process at jails across America, one man wearing only American flag-print swim trunks and multiple crosses around his neck demanded to know why he had been arrested when cops should be after the real criminals.
Robert, 58, is featured on the A&E series Booked: First Day In, which follows arrested individuals through Americas booking process, offering an extraordinary look at the most unusual, bizarre and often tense bookings.
Every year in America, nearly 9 million people are arrested and booked into jail. Robert, who was taken into custody at Virginia Beach for public intoxication in 2023, was one of them.
Im Robert and Im pissed. Why dont yall chase some real criminals? Not a Christian who drank a third of a beer that was offered to me, he exclaimed to a nearly empty booking room in an exclusive first look at tonights episode provided to The Independent.
I didnt even buy it, it was given to me. Why? Because I was thirsty.
Robert then pleads with a deputy, Can I get a drink of water?
Or do I need to lick the pee off the floor, he scowls.
Robert, 58, is featured on the A&E series Booked: First Day In (A&E )
The deputy responds to Robert, telling him that if he stops with the attitude, shell let him go to the bathroom and the water fountain.
Roberts attitude suddenly changes and he tells the deputy, Im sorry, I hope you can forgive me.
But his drunken rant nor his attitude isnt anything the deputies havent seen many times before. Its something they encounter daily
Each episode of the series, which is in its second season, follows the story of an arrestee, with their permission, as they move through the system and recount what ultimately led them to their time in jail.
From petty offences to serious crimes, viewers will be taken on a harrowing adventure while they watch the arrestees throughout the booking process.
Executive producer Greg Henry has visited multiple jails across the country with production company Lucky 8 as they followed the booking process from the perspectives of both the arrestees and the deputies.
He told The Independent that the series unveils the booking unit as an unbiased and neutral space, but also a relatable space with folks from all walks of life some faced with charges of major crimes while others are minor.
The production crew collaborates with each jail facility to conduct interviews, capture wild rants, and highlight how deputies respond to each situation.
The booking unit at jails across the country can go from zero to 100 in a heartbeat, Mr Henry said. These folks, theyve seen it all.
New episodes of Booked: First Day In air Wednesday nights at 10pm ET/PT on A&E (A&E)
An array of characters emerge in season two including Robert in Virginia Beach, who is busted for being drunk in public and then requires medical attention; a teen who goes joyriding around with his best friend and makes a mistake that he dreads telling his out-of-town parents about; a mom to young twins who is brought in on traffic warrants and desperately scrambles to find someone to bail her out so she can return to her kids.
Henry pointed out that while many of the individuals featured in the series offer an entertaining spectacle with their over-the-top rants, there are also many heartfelt moments.
In one instance, an arrestee called home for bail when he was given the bad news that his dog had been rushed to the veterinarian.
Suddenly, he wasnt worried about his bail, Mr Henry said. He was just worried about his dog. Unfortunately, the dog died overnight.
Law enforcement agencies have embraced having the production crew shine a light on the booking process and have told Mr Henry that they hope its a deterrent for potential criminals.
At the end of the day, our hope is for these folks to know why they were featured, and to know they helped others, he said.
Many have reached back out and said they were glad they were featured, and that if it could help someone else from being in the same situation, then it was worth it.
New episodes of Booked: First Day In air on Wednesday nights at 10pm ET/PT on A&E.
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The nanny who cared for Jennifer Duloss five children revealed in court on Wednesday that the slain Connecticut woman was so terrified of her husband, Fotis Dulos ,that she hired an armed bodyguard to stand outside her hotel room while she filed for a divorce.
She was afraid of what Fotis would do to her and the kids if she filed for divorce while they were living under the same roof, Lauren Almeida told jurors in Stamford. She was terrified.
It was the second day on the stand for Ms Almeida at the trial of Michelle Troconis, Fotis former girlfriend who is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and other crimes on allegations that she helped him cover up the killing of Jennifer Dulos.
At the time of her disappearance in May 2019, Jennifer whose remains have never been found was in the middle of a bitter divorce and custody battle with Fotis. The Greek-born luxury home builder killed himself after being charged with Jennifers murder in January 2020.
On Wednesday, the Duloss nanny Ms Almeida continued her testimony, recalling what happened after Jennifer first voiced suspicions about her husbands affair on a trip to Miami in 2017, two years before she vanished.
Lauren Almeida recalled the sinking feeling she had on the day Jennifer Dulos disappeared (Law&Crime)
Ms Almeida first met Ms Troconis that same year at a water ski club in Miami. It was clear the five children already knew her.
They were calling her Michi and they hugged her, so they already knew her. Fotis introduced her as a friend. She was nice. She was with Fotis a lot. Theyd go on the boat to ski, Ms Almeida said on the stand.
Ms Almeida told the court that Fotis stayed behind with Ms Troconis and her daughter in Miami, while Ms Almeida returned to Farmington with the children.
Upon returning home, Jennifer reportedly told Ms Almeida that she had confirmed her suspicions that Fotis Dulos was having an affair.
Through email and receipts, she found out that he went to Utah with Michelle, Ms Almeida said. She was just like, I knew it. She was, again, very soft-spoken. She seemed sad but also like she was trying to figure out what to do.
Ms Almeida said that Jennifer told her she was no longer in love with Fotis but for the sake of their five children, the Duloss would try to work out what they could.
When Jennifer confronted Fotis about the affair, she said he admitted it and things became tense in the household.
Ms Almeida said Fotis had threatened Jennifer that he would take the kids to Greece and never come back.
After that, Jennifer asked Ms Almeida to start secretly moving things out of the home things that Fotis wouldnt notice.
Her anxiety was really bad. She lost weight. She was just afraid, Ms Almeida said.
Jennifer Dulos vanished in May 2019 and was recently declared dead (New Canaan Police Department)
In 2017, Ms Almeida and one of the kids witnessed a frightening scene.
Ms Almeida said that she was playing with the Duloss youngest daughter when a terrified Jennifer came running inside the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She looked scared and Fotis was behind her, yelling and trying to push the door open.
Ms Almeida said Fotis had reportedly chased Jennifer outside the home with a piece of paper and had a screaming argument with her inside the Farmington home.
Fotis was yelling. Im not sure what he was yelling. She closed the door behind her and pushed her body up against the door, and he was trying to get in, and her face, she was terrified, Ms Almeida said.
When he managed to get inside the room, Fotis realised Ms Almeida and his daughter were inside.
His demeanour changed. He was like, Jennifer, I just want to talk, Like very soft-spoken. Ms Almeida said. It was very weird.
Ms Almeida took Jennifers offer to continue being the childrens nanny after Jennifer made arrangements to move out of the family home. She also put in her two-week notice at Fotis Duloss construction company.
Its started to become very tense and uncomfortable to be in the presence of both of them, Ms Almeida said. They were arguing all the time.
Ms Almeida told the court that Jennifer was afraid of filing for divorce, so she created a plan to leave the family home without Fotis Dulos suspecting her intentions.
Fotis Dulos died by suicide in January 2020 (AP)
So after weeks of planning, Jennifer, Ms Almeida and the five children spent a week in Manhattan, where the divorce was filed, before moving to New Canaan.
Jennifer had told Fotis that she and the children would be visiting her fathers grave in New York.
We went to New York often because thats where Jennifers parents were, Ms Almeida recounted. Her plan was to file for divorce, once we were in the city.
That night, Ms Almeida said, Jennifer hired an armed bodyguard to stand outside the room she, Ms Almeida and the children shared at the Mandarin Oriental. Fotis Dulos then called Ms Almeida and accused her of kidnapping the children.
He was angry, yelled at me, and told me the only reason I was there for Jennifer was because she paid off my student loans, which is an absolute lie, Ms Almeida said. He was yelling in front of the kids.
Ms Almeida also testified about the day Jennifer disappeared in May 2019, her growing dread as the mom failed to return text messages and phone calls.
On 24 May 2019, Ms Almeida was supposed to drive the children to Manhattan, where she would meet Jennifer at her mothers home.
But when she arrived at the familys New Canaan home around 11am a short time after Jennifer Duloss SUV was seen on a neighbours camera leaving the neighbourhood Ms Almeida noticed that her Range Rover, which she said she would be taking to New York, was still in the garage.
Ms Almeida said she thought it was weird but dismissed her concerns after she realised the SUV was missing. She did not notice blood in the garage, she testified.
When she went to the kitchen, she also found it odd that Jennifer had left her tea and granola bar on the counter and that her purse had been left on the floor, something she said Jennifer would not do.
Ms Almeida also testified sthat he noticed 10 rolls of paper towels were missing from the pantry. The prosecution believes Fotis Dulos killed Jennifer Dulos in the garage, and used the towels to clean up the crime scene.
Bodycam video of Jennifer Dulos search shows damage to SUV
Ms Almeida said on Wednesday that she had four of their children with her the other was at a friends when she was supposed to meet up with Jennifer in Manhattan that afternoon. She texted and called Jennifer, but she didnt respond.
The second I called Jennifer, my stomach just sank, she said. She would never not answer her phone. I started calling people who could have heard from Jennifer.
Ms Almeida went to a doctors office in Manhattan where Jennifer had a scheduled appointment, hoping to find her there.
And so when she wasnt there... I was shocked but also like, OK, I have the four kids in front of me and dont know what to do, Ms Almeida said. I just walked outside, and I started to call people who could have heard from Jennifer.
Ms Almeida said she was in a panic as she called Jennifers friends and others who might know where she was. She also called hospitals but had no luck. She called her mother, who tried to calm her down, she testified. Then she called New Canaan Police.
We told the police that a mother of five was missing and that she was in a very contentious divorce. And I knew that he (Fotis Dulos) had purchased a gun, and so I was afraid. And they were on it right away, Ms Almeida said.
Judge Kevin Randolph struck the comment about the gun from the record, after prosecutor Sean McGuinness said he was not claiming that Fotis Dulos had a gun. Ms Troconis lawyer, Jon Schoenhorn, later called for a mistrial based on Ms Almeidas comment, but Judge Randolph denied the motion.
Michelle Troconis, 49, has pleaded not guilty (AP)
Ms Almeida, 32, continues to be a nanny for the five children, who have been living with Jennifer Duloss mother, Gloria Farber, in Manhattan since their mother vanished.
Police believe Fotis Dulos attacked Jennifer in the garage of her home in New Canaan, Connecticut, after she dropped off the children at school that day. Then, authorities said, he drove off in her own SUV with her body, which has never been found.
Fotis denied having anything to do with her disappearance. He died by suicide in early 2020, shortly after being charged with murder.
Ms Troconis, 49, has pleaded not guilty and denies the charges, which also include evidence tampering and hindering prosecution.
Also Wednesday afternoon, Judge Randolph dismissed an alternate juror who reportedly said We love you to two prosecutors involved in the case outside the courtroom during a lunch break. Randolph said the comment gave the appearance of favouring the prosecution.
Ms Troconiss trial began last week. Police have testified about blood evidence found in Jennifers garage and her SUV, which was found abandoned at a New Canaan park. There was also evidence of an attempted cleanup in the garage, police testified.
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The UN has said that the scheduled execution of a man in Alabama later this month using a new and experimental method would amount to torture.
Kenneth Eugene Smith is set to be executed on 25 January from suffocation by nitrogen gas, a proposed method that has already raised concerns. The wholly untested procedure has been decried as inhumane by death penalty experts and deemed unfit even for killing most mammals.
On Wednesday Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights office voiced similar concerns, stating that the organisation had serious concerns over the proposed execution.
We are alarmed by the imminent execution in the United States of America of Kenneth Eugene Smith, through the novel and untested method suffocation by nitrogen gas, Ms Shamdasani said at a press conference.
This could amount to torture or other cruel or degrading treatment or punishment under international human rights law. Nitrogen gas has never been used in the United States to execute human beings.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends giving even large animals a sedative when being euthanised in this manner, while Alabamas protocol for execution by asphyxiation makes no provision for the sedation of human beings prior execution.
Ms Shamdasani added: We have serious concerns that Smiths execution in these circumstances could breach the prohibition on torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, as well as his right to effective remedies.
The potentially torturous method comes in the wake of a botched execution attempt, which Smith survived in November 2022.
The 58-year-old, who was sentenced to death over the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett in Alabamas Colbert County, was punctured with intravenous needles repeatedly for nearly four hours.
Kenneth Eugene Smith (Alabama Department of Corrections)
The execution was eventually called off after prison employees were unable to set an IV line into Smiths veins, making it the third failed lethal injection attempt in Alabama in 2022.
In fact, it was Smith who requested he be put to death by nitrogen hypoxia, one of three legal methods along with electrocution in the state, following the failed attempt.
When a prisoner challenges a method of execution, the state of Alabama forces them to name an alternative, and Smith filed a lawsuit with the request.
The method is legal in three states but has never been implemented on a death row inmate in the US, or anywhere else that experts are aware of.
Echoing remarks made by the UN, the American Veterinary Medical Association has rejected the use of nitrogen as a means of suffocation on almost all mammals and says it is distressing for some species.
The Independent and the non-profit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to its Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives such as Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.
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An alternate juror has been dismissed from Michelle Troconis murder conspiracy trial after reportedly making remarks to prosecutors.
The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon outside the Stamford, Connecticut courtroom where Ms Troconis is standing trial on charges in connection to the murder of her ex-boyfriend Fotis Dulos estranged wife Jennifer Dulos, who disappeared on 24 May 2019. Investigators believe Dulos killed Jennifer in the garage of her home and that Ms Troconis helped him cover up the murder.
Ms Troconis faces charges of conspiracy to murder, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. Fotis killed himself in 2020 after being charged with murder.
Judge Kevin Randolph dismissed the alternate juror who reportedly said We love you to two prosecutors involved in the case. The comment gave the appearance of favouring the prosecution, the judge explained.
Assistant State Attorney Liz Moran brought the incident to the courts attention upon returning from the lunch recess. Ms Moran said that she and fellow prosecutor Michelle Manning tried to go inside an elevator but realised two jurors and a bailiff were inside.
Michelle Troconis faces charges of conspiracy to murder in the death of Jennifer Dulos
Ms Moran said she had heard the bailiff say We love you, to the two attorneys as the elevator doors closed. Judge Randolph and the defence first agreed that the exchange was inadvertent and that the juror would be advised to dismiss the remarks allegedly made by the marshal.
Once jurors were removed from the room, Judge Randolph explained that the comments made to prosecutors came from one of five alternate jurors.
I was on the elevator, coming back from lunch with the two jurors and it made a stop on the second floor, bailiff Christian Alvarado said under oath. Attorneys Moran and Mannin tried to get in the elevator, they turned back around and in the midst of this I said, Thanks, Liz. The juror stuck his head out and said, We love you. The door closed and we went on our way.
The juror accused of making the remarks was questioned by Judge Randolph without cameras present in the courtroom. When cameras were brought back in, Judge Randolph announced that the juror had been dismissed.
The appearance that there was a favourable opinion to the states case indicates to the court that it would be difficult to proceed with him as a juror because the impartiality and fairness of that juror can reasonably be questioned, Judge Randolph said.
The judge also advised the other juror who was present in the elevator to dismiss the We love you comments. There are four alternate jurors remaining.
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A Texas man shot four family members including his eight-year-old niece, before turning the gun on himself, authorities have said.
Alrick Shawn Barrett, 46 opened fire at a home in suburban Houston just before 7am on Saturday, killing his estranged wife, her two siblings, and the young girl.
The incident occurred after Barrett returned his young child from a visit, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan said at a news conference on Wednesday.
Mr Fagan said that after arriving at the home, Barrett told his estranged wife that he wanted to reunite, but she refused.
Officers responded to the home after getting a call from a 13-year-old boy identified by the sheriffs office as Barretts nephew in the home.
Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan at a press conference on Wednesday (AP)
The sheriffs office said that the 13-year-old and Barretts seven-year-old child hid during the shooting and were not harmed. The mother of Barretts estranged wife was also in the home and was also unharmed.
In addition to killing his niece and estranged wife, who was 44, Barrett also killed her 43-year-old brother and 46-year-old sister, according to the sheriffs office. Sheriff Fagan said the names of the deceased would not immediately be released.
He added that some of the family members lived in the home, while others were visiting.
Last January, authorities had responded to a disturbance call because of a verbal argument between Barrett and his estranged wife.
At Wednesdays news conference, Sheriff Fagan said that they were still looking into Barretts background but so far hadnt found any further interaction between him and their office.
The sheriffs office said that since it remains an ongoing investigation, details about the weapon Barrett used are not available at this time.
Additional reporting from The Associated Press.
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A man who has been arrested on suspicion of unprovoked stabbing attacks in New York gave an eerie grin at his first victim after knifing him in the back.
The victim, a 61-year-old grandfather, told The New York Post that he felt he was punched by a stranger until he felt the blood dripping down his pants.
The man was allegedly attacked by Jermain Rigueur, 27, who has now been arrested on charges of attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
I felt the weight, but I thought he had punched me hard in my back, the victim, who did not want to be identified, told the outlet, adding that he was on the way to the laundromat on 8 January when he was attacked.
After he stabbed me, he passed, turned to look at me and smiled.
The man was reportedly the first of around five victims in Queens who were attacked during the stabbing spree over nine days,
NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell told a news conference on Wednesday that before the suspects arrest, he was randomly stabbing people with a hunting knife and police believed there was no connection between the victims and the suspect.
All of the victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
It didnt appear as though he was looking to stop anytime soon, Mayor Eric Adams said about the attacker on Thursday.
The suspect has been detained by NYPD (NYPD)
The most recent attack happened on Wednesday when the suspect and a 36-year-old victim got into a verbal dispute over a seat on a bus, said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny.
A 74-year-old man and a 41-year-old man were also stabbed while they were both walking, police said.
Surveillance footage also captured the suspect talking to himself and stabbing the front window of a bodega, Mr Kenny said.
A fifth victim, a 34-year-old woman was also stabbed in the torso while walking back home on Tuesday after a man came up behind her.
Mr Rigueur has no prior arrests and passed a background check for his workplace, Woodhull Hospital.
A hospital official told reporters that the suspect started to work at the hospital in mid-November as a greeter but has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Police said that there was no indication of him having mental difficulties.
The police were able to detain Mr Rigueur after interviewing and interacting with more than a thousand members of the public.
One person was able to give police video that helped them track the suspect back to his house, setting up surveillance and arresting him when he returned home.
He was wearing the same clothing, sneakers and carrying a backpack, also wearing the same distinctive lanyard seen in other surveillance.
Police said it is still unclear what motivated the suspect to perform these attacks, with Police Commissioner Caban describing it as random, unmotivated violence
The officials do not believe he was targeting a specific group of people in the stabbing spree.
Charges against the suspect could change as the investigation continues, and police are investigating if he was involved in another stabbing incident in a Brooklyn subway on Wednesday.
As he walked Gracie Allen, his West Highland terrier, through the hall connecting St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church with his home, Father Bill Quinlivan mused Wednesday morning about the relentless lake-effect snowstorm that struck his community of South Buffalo over the past five days. He recalled something his sister Eileen Moriarty had just told him.
What did you ever do to Lake Erie to make it so mad at you? Quinlivan relayed from his sibling.
The pastor of five South Buffalo-area Catholic churches was, like most of his communitys residents, cooped up inside as more than 60 inches fell on the hardest-hit part of the city over two spurts: Saturday through Monday, then with a vengeance on Wednesday. Quinlivan called the snowstorm apocalyptic.
Everyone is in shutdown, stuck-in-your-house mode, he said.
In the heart of a city driving ban instituted early Wednesday south of Broadway, encompassing areas such as Kaisertown, Lovejoy, the Old First Ward and part of downtown, South Buffalo residents heeded city leaders call to stay put as Department of Public Works crews and city contractors lifted heaps of snow using front-end loaders and dumping it into trucks that carried the snow elsewhere.
Emergency warming shelters, a vital resource during last years storms, were put into action.
Tosh Collins Community Center, staffed by city emergency personnel, was open with cots, blankets, a backup generator and rations. JFK Recreation Center near Clinton Street and Machnica Community Center in Kaisertown also served residents Tuesday and Wednesday. A fourth, Lincoln Field House near the border of Emerson and Lovejoy neighborhoods on the East Side, opened late Wednesday afternoon.
Because there were no major power failures reported in South Buffalo, shelters were lightly used as of Wednesday afternoon. A city spokesperson said about a dozen people had gone to JFK and another 14 to Tosh Collins for shelter.
Even if one person uses it, its done its job, said Michael Weidrich, executive director of the South Buffalo Community Association, a senior center that shares the building with Tosh Collins. Weidrich said he checked in with emergency personnel over the weekend and on Tuesday to monitor supplies and provide extra food.
General preparedness aided by response to the November storm last year followed quickly by the December blizzard created a greater sense of calm compared to last winters storms, but back-to-back storms were still nerve-racking for many.
Theres a lot of anxiety I cant get out of my house, I cant see my car, my meds are running low, Weidrich said of messages from seniors. He said South Buffalo Community Association was able to pass out extra food from its pantry to help them cope with the duration of the storm.
About a mile south, a lifelong South Buffalo resident echoed Weidrichs sentiment. Im turning 87 next week, and Ive never seen anything like this, said Marge Ryan of Coolidge Road, referring to the storm. She and her husband, Tom, were thankful they were able to go grocery shopping and attend a doctors appointment Tuesday a fairly quiet day sandwiched between the two lake-effect systems but the narrow bands expected return Wednesday night loomed as a concern.
Its frightening to think if we had to get out, we couldnt, she said.
One difference from last years snowstorms, Weidrich said, is the lived experience that fueled community preparedness. He said more than 100 residents attended each of two emergency preparedness seminars at the senior center in April and September. Attendees left with an emergency kit and education about the importance of candles, can openers and extra gloves.
Quinlivan, the pastor, remembered being startled by his carbon monoxide detector going off during the December blizzard. A maintenance worker for the South Buffalo family of parishes last year helped him clear his vents a crucial safety measure to combat large amounts of blowing snow. This year, Quinlivan proactively took it upon himself.
Individual preparation has been backed by a focused response by city emergency crews to South Buffalos plight. DPW workers and contractors spent much of Tuesday evening hauling snow while simultaneously preparing for Wednesdays return, Commissioner Nathan Marton said at a news conference.
Ryan applauded the City of Buffalo for learning lessons from last years cleanup efforts. An island in the middle of Coolidge Road was a natural hindrance to snow removal, but Ryan said she saw front-end loaders working diligently and neighbors using more navigable Kubota utility vehicles as a complement.
At least theyre not dumping 8 feet on my lawn like they did last year, she said. I think they learned a lot from it. I think they did their homework Im very happy with what theyve done.
Quinlivan credited his maintenance crew for its work in this years storm, plowing St. Martin of Tours, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Theresas and Holy Family. It was their efforts that allowed him to hunker down, address a boiler concern at one of his parishes and try to figure out if he will be able to hold Mass in person Sunday.
I cant find a thank you card big enough when the storm is over, Quinlivan said.
The pastor said hes heard of good Samaritans helping their disadvantaged neighbors with snow removal. Theyre rising above the frustration of this thing, he said.
While essential workers acted, South Buffalo residents could ride out the storm in their homes.
Theres an end in sight, Weidrich said.
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Federal officials say a Mississippi slaughterhouse is to blame for a 16-year-old workers death after he was sucked into a deboning machine and sustained fatal injuries.
The incident happend on 14 July 2023 in Hattiesburg and was the second work-related fatality at the Mar-Jac Poultry MS, LLC plant in roughly two years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said in a news release on Tuesday.
Based on US Department of Labour information, the teenager, identified as Duvan Perez, was a contract worker employed by Onin Staffing, LLC, and was deep cleaning the deboning area when he was sucked into a machine he was sanitizing.
A manager on site did not initiate lockout/tagout protocol to disconnect power to the machine to prevent it from starting during the cleaning process. The company has been fined over $200,000 in penalties, an amount officials said was set by federal statute.
Mar-Jac Poultry is aware of how dangerous the machinery they use can be when safety standards are not in place to prevent serious injury and death, OSHA Regional Administrator Kury Petermeyer said. The companys inaction has directly led to this terrible tragedy, which has left so many to mourn this childs preventable death.
The company has been cited with 14 serious and three other-than-serious violations after officials say the company failed to ensure safety standards were in place.
OSHA, an office under the Department of Labor, previously cited the company in 2021 after a workers shirt sleeve was caught in a machine, subsequently pulling them in. The employee died from their injuries.
Following the fatal incident in May 2021 Mar-Jac Poultry should have enforced strict safety standards in its facility, Mr Petermeyer continued.
Only about two years later nothing has changed and the company continues to treat employee safety as an afterthought, putting its workers at risk.
No worker should be placed in a preventable, dangerous situation, let alone a child.
The Department of Labor has launched a child labour investigation against the company. In Mississippi, its against the law for minors to be employed in packing or processing meat and poultry and working with power-driven machinery, in addition to other dangerous occupations.
According to NBC News, the company did not comment on OSHAs decision.
However, in another statement provided to the outlet by Mar-Jac Poultry attorney Larry Stine, the company said Mar-Jac thoroughly investigated the accident and has not found any errors committed by its safety or human resources employees.
It has learned many lessons from the accident and has taken aggressive steps to prevent the occurrence of another accident or hiring underage workers.
After the teenagers death, the company found that Duvan was hired under the identity of a 32-year-old man, the outlet reported. He was from a village in Guatemala called Tuimuca, per media reports in the country.
In the last fiscal year, the Department of Labor found 835 companies had employed more than 3,800 children. The number of children illegally employed has gradually risen since 2018.
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A public prosecutor in Ecuador who was leading an investigation into the dramatic siege of a television station has been assassinated in Guayaquil.
Cesar Suarez, who launched the high-profile investigation of organised transnational crime, was shot while driving a vehicle in Guayaquil, considered to be the most dangerous city in Ecuador.
The countrys attorney general, Diana Salazar, said on social media: The criminals, the terrorists, will not hold back our commitment to Ecuadorian society.
We call on the forces of order to guarantee the security of those who are carrying out their duties.
Ms Salazar said her office was conducting a preliminary investigation into the murder, and expressed grief for the prosecutors family.
Ecuador has recently been hit by a dramatic surge in violence, including prison riots, explosions in several cities, and the dramatic attack on the studio of TC Television in Guayaquil.
Heavily armed gunmen stormed the studio of the TV station during a live broadcast just over a week ago. At least 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, which involved pistols, shotguns, machine guns, grenades and sticks of dynamite.
Cesar Suarez was leading two high-profile investigations when he was assassinated (Supplied)
The attack prompted Ecuadors president, Daniel Noboa, to declare that the country is in an internal armed conflict amid a spate of seemingly coordinated killings and other crimes tied to drug trafficking.
President Noboa instituted a 60-day state of emergency, including curfews at night, and ordered that 22 criminal gangs be designated terrorist organisations.
Suarez was also in charge of the high-profile Metastasis investigation, an operation to root out narco-corruption involving an Ecuadorian drug lord who allegedly received favourable treatment from judges, prosecutors, police officers and other high-ranking officials.
The investigation led to raids across Ecuador and 30 arrests, with charges raised against judges for allegedly giving favourable rulings and police officers for tampering with evidence.
Soldiers frisk two men suspected of belonging to a criminal gang in Guayaquil (AFP/Getty)
Ecuador was considered one of the most peaceful countries in Latin America until about three years ago. But criminal activity has permeated both affluent and working-class neighbourhoods, with a surge in professional hitmen, kidnappers and extortionists, and a significant number of thieves and robbers.
Over the past five years, Ecuador has experienced a dramatic surge in its murder rate, which reached a record high of 7,878 killings last year as Mexican and Colombian drug cartels settled into coastal cities like Guayaquil, from where cocaine produced in neighbouring Colombia and Peru is shipped overseas.
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Air pollution caused by wildfires has been linked to a surge in eczema and dermatitis cases in North America, research shows.
Arianne Shadi Kourosh, from Harvard Medical School, said she saw patients with eczema worse than usual for summer months in Boston, Massachusetts, as it suffered the fallout from wildfires in Canada.
In August 2022 carbon monoxide levels in Boston were about 0.2 parts per million with around 20 dermatology clinic visits for dermatitis and eczema.
For the same period in 2023, carbon monoxide levels had tripled, and dermatology visits had risen eightfold, according to Dr Kouroshs research.
We were having patients come in with their eczema worse than usual, or in a couple of cases people with no history of the condition and suddenly having skin inflammation, she told The Times.
Air pollution caused by wildfires has been linked to a surge in eczema and dermatitis cases in North America (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
One extra aggravating factor with the wildfires is that fire retardants containing ammonium phosphates were used, which are known to contribute to dermatitis, and may have spread in the smoke plume.
There are possible mechanisms by which carbon monoxide might directly aggravate skin as an irritant. It also acts as a proxy for other pollutants though, such as fine particulates.
Dr Kourosh warned skin conditions could be aggravated by all forms of air pollution around the world - not just that caused by wildfires.
Wildfires are one form of acute air pollution event. But what about the London smog? This paper really is about the broader issue of chronic and acute air pollution. This affects London, it affects China, it affects many places in the world, she told the same newspaper.
In Spain, a study of 20,000 schoolchildren found a link between raised levels of some general air pollutants and eczema, as well as the expected respiratory complaints.
The McDougall Creek wildfire burns on the mountainside above houses in West Kelowna, British Columbia, on 18 August 2023
Chinese researchers also tracked 30,000 hospital visits and compared them with pollution levels, finding a similar link.
In August, smoke from more than 500 wildfires in Canada blanketed large areas across the country and caused unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality conditions for residents. More than 100 million people were under air quality alerts.
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A former Obama White House official who hurled Islamophobic abuse at a New York City food truck vendor will be allowed to undergo anti-bias training to avoid a hate crime prosecution.
Stuart Seldowitz, 64, was arrested in November after he unleashed a torrent of abuse on Mohamed Hussein at the Adam Halal Food Cart on New Yorks Upper East Side.
Mr Seldowitz appeared in court on Wednesday where he agreed to submit to a 26-week anti-bias programme at Queens Counseling for Change at the prosecutors request, according to Vice News.
If he completes the programme and does not violate the terms of a witness protection order, the case against him will be dismissed, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.
Cellphone footage of three separate incidents where Mr Seldowitz harassed the vendor went viral after being posted to social media.
Mr Hussein, 24, told The Independent in an interview at the time how the former National Security Council adviser ridiculed his religion, taunted him about his immigration status and threatened his family in Egypt.
I was terrified, I just kept quiet, Mr Hussein said, speaking in Arabic as food truck owner Islam Moustafa translated.
Stuart Seldowitz was arrested in November after hurling racist abuse at a food truck vendor on New Yorks Upper East Side (X / @itslaylas)
The first encounter took place on the morning of 7 November, when Mr Seldowitz allegedly pushed open the food truck window on the corner of East 83rd St and 2nd Ave while staff were preparing to open for the day.
Mr Seldowitz asked where the vendor was from, to which he responded Egypt.
You guys support Hamas, youre a terrorist, and you guys like killing Jewish people, Mr Seldowitz says in one of the videos.
Mohamed Hussein, 24, was racially abused by former Obama national security adviser Stuart Seldowitz (Bevan Hurley )
Mr Seldowitz returned to the food truck on three further occasions over the following three weeks to harass staff, the owner said.
Mr Hussein shared the cellphone footage with a friend, which went viral after it was posted to X/Twitter on 21 November.
In the video Mr Seldowitz, who worked on Israel-Palestine policy for the US State Department, can be heard insulting the Prophet Muhammad and berating the vendor over the Israel-Hamas war.
If we killed 4,000 Palestinian kids, you know what, it wasnt enough. It wasnt enough, he said.
Mr Seldowitz later offered a half-hearted apology in media interviews, telling City and State he was not Islamophobic and regretted raising Mr Husseins religion.
He was taken into custody on 22 November on charges including aggravated harassment, hate crimes, and stalking.
Mr Seldowitzs attorney Scott Bookstein did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
He is due to appear in court again on 17 April.
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Funeral services for former first lady Melania Trump's mother, Amalija Knavs, are scheduled for Thursday at a church not far from the family's Mar-a-Lago estate.
Private services for Knavs, 78, will be at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, the congregation former President Donald Trump sometimes attends and where he and his wife were married in 2005. Knavs died Jan. 9 in Miami after an undisclosed illness.
Melania Trumps mother Amalija Knavs (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
During the Trump presidency, the first ladys mother lived in New York along with her father, Viktor Knavs, who survives her, and occasionally appeared at the White House. Amalija Knavs was at a 2018 ceremony where the first lady debuted her Be Best public awareness campaign to help children.
The Knavses raised Melania, born Melanija, and her older sister, Ines, in the rural industrial town of Sevnica while Slovenia was under Communist rule as part of Yugoslavia. Amalija Knavs was a textile worker and homemaker, while her husband worked as a chauffeur before becoming a car dealer.
The former first lady, 53, attended high school in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, and changed her name to Melania Knauss when she started modeling. She settled in New York in 1996 and met Trump in 1998.
She sponsored her parents immigration to the United States, and they became citizens at a New York City courthouse in 2018, while Trump was president.
Their lawyer said at the time that they applied for citizenship on their own and didnt get any special treatment.
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Plans to build a monkey-breeding facility for medical research in southwest Georgia have triggered opposition from local residents and an animal rights group.
Their concerns were heard at a city council meeting in Bainbridge, calling for the plans to build the project to be blocked.
The plans are held by Safer Human Medicine, which hopes to build a complex to hold up to 30,000 primates, according to WALB, that will be sold to universities and pharmaceutical companies for medical research.
The company said it plans to employ about 263 workers and will invest around $270m into the project over the next 15 or more years, but is projecting that they may invest something approaching $400m as the project continues.
Council members did not directly address the opponents concerns on Tuesday, WALB reported, but residents and PETA officials plan to attend the county commission meeting next Tuesday to air the same worries.
Local government bodies in the Bainbridge area voted and approved for the husbandry facility, known as Project Liberty, to have a tax abatement for the first 10 years of the project, the Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County wrote on their website.
In an open letter from Safer Human Medicine posted on the development authoritys website, the company said they are excited to bring good-paying jobs to the area and are committed to saving human lives by breeding cynomolgus macaques, a breed of monkey they say is best suited for medical research.
The company added that their project is strictly animal husbandry and is not a research facility; they house and care for the primates, providing them with toys and enrichment.
Safer Human Medicine did acknowledge those who opposed their plans to open a facility.
While we respect the views of those who may not agree with our purpose, we think it is important to share the facts with this community, the company wrote.
Given their genetic similarity to humans, primates provide the most reliable model to demonstrate how a drug will impact our biological systems. No one would ever imagine giving a drug to a family member, a loved one, or anyone else battling a disease or needing medical attention unless it had been thoroughly evaluated for safety.
However, some residents have not been so convinced with the project, such as Yvena Merrit, who said according to WALB,that it is overall jacked up.
How are we supposed to survive this? They have diseases. We have a huge water right here, the Flint River, so the environment is a big thing too, she said.
Dr Lisa Jones-Engel, PETAs senior science advisor on primate experimentation, said, according to the outlet, that theres a risk of dangerous pathogens coming from the animals.
The cost that this community is going to bear when they drop 30,000 monkeys into an environment that has no business holding 30,000 monkeys. Its their tax dollars, its their backyards, its their environment. Theyre the ones bearing the risks, Ms Jones-Engel said.
However, in the open letter, the company claims that such concerns should not be a worry, as the primates will be rigorously quarantined and nothing discharged from their facility, such as wastewater, will create an environmental hazard or risk.
Others are also concerned that the number of monkeys that could eventually fit inside the facility will be over double the number of people who live in Bainbridge, an estimated 14,000.
Yet Rick McCaskill, the director of the development authority, told WALB: There are going to be a lot of monkeys, theres no question. We got more cows in the county than we got people too, and we got more chickens in the county than we have people too.
So, you got to kind of take a deep breath and look through all the misinformation out there.
The Independent has contacted Safer Human Medicine for comment.
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A severe drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship transits by 36% in one of the worlds most important trade routes.
The Panama Canal figures announced on Wednesday by authorities are set to deal an even greater economic blow than previously expected.
Canal administrators now estimate that dipping water levels could cost them between 500 million US dollars and 700 million dollars in 2024, compared to previous estimates of 200 million dollars.
One of the most severe droughts to ever hit the Central American nation has stirred chaos in the 50-mile maritime route, causing a traffic jam of boats, casting doubts on the canals reliability for international shipping and raising concerns about its affect on global trade.
COP28 Climate Net Negative Emissions (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
On Wednesday, Panama Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez said they would cut daily ship transits to 24, after already gradually slashing transits last year from 38 a day in normal times.
Its vital that the country sends a message that were going to take this on and find a solution to this water problem, Mr Vasquez said.
Mr Vasquez added that in the first quarter of the fiscal year the passageway saw 20% less cargo and 791 fewer ships than the same period the year before.
It was a significant reduction for the country, Mr Vasquez said.
But the official said that more efficient water management and a jump in rainfall in November has at least enabled them to ensure that water levels are high enough for 24 ships to pass daily until the end of April, the start of the next rainy season.
Canal authorities attributed the drought to the El Nino weather phenomenon and climate change, and warned it was urgent for Panama to seek new water sources for both the canals operations and human consumption.
The same lakes that fill the canal also provide water for more than 50% of the country of more than four million people.
The water problem is a national problem, not just of the Canal, Vasquez said. We have to address this issue across the entire country.
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Two lawyers asked the Texas State Medical Board to provide clear guidance about abortion exceptions following the states Supreme Court ruling that prohibited a woman with an unviable pregnancy from getting the procedure.
Steve and Amy Bresnen, lawyers and lobbyists, filed a petition on 16 January asking the board to give clarity on abortion exceptions for both pregnant individuals and physicians.
The petition states that the Texas Supreme Court expressly called for the boards action in the Kate Cox decision. A Texas judge initially granted Ms Cox, a Dallas woman whose foetus was diagnosed with a fatal condition, an emergency abortion. However, that decision was reversed by the states supreme court.
The decision said that while the court cannot go further by entering into the medical-judgment arena, the board can do more to provide guidance in response to any confusion that currently prevails.
Now, a month after the ruling, the attorneys are asking the board for clarification.
Pregnant females in life-threatening situations and the health care providers otherwise willing to save their lives simply cannot be required to stand idly in the void when the [board] has the authority to act and the duty to regulate medicine in this state in the public interest, the petition said.
The Independent has reached out to the Texas Medical Board.
To eliminate lingering questions about what is legal when it comes to abortions performed in the state, the lawyers proposed a few rules.
These rules include clarifying when the medical emergency exception allows a provider to perform the procedure, identifying conditions that constitute the emergency exceptions, and asking the board to point out steps to ensure that providers adhere to the reasonable medical judgment standard.
The lawyers also called out the board. Last month, the boards response after being asked to intervene in court cases following the Cox decision. Were going to hold back on getting involved in anything until all these issues, at least at the judicial setting, are resolved, the board chair Dr Sherif Zaafra told the Texas Tribune. It wouldnt be appropriate for us to start making any kind of movement or decisions while all that is out there still being adjudicated.
In the petition, the lawyers called the boards response insufficient. They added, Delay in favor of litigation is at least as unacceptable to many pregnant females and their physicians.
Its time for the Medical Board to get off the sidelines. The fact that life-threatening conditions related to pregnancy are driving women out of state for abortion care is not acceptable, Steve Bresnen told the Texas Tribune.
The Legislature, the Governor, the Supreme Court of Texas and physicians have asked for clarity and the TMB has the power to give it. There is no excuse for further delay, he added.
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On 25 January, Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) officials will strap Kenneth Eugene Smith to a gurney in Holman Correctional Facility and pump his lungs full of pure nitrogen.
Having survived one horribly botched execution, Smith faces being put to death by a wholly untested method that has been decried as inhumane by death penalty experts and deemed unfit even for killing most mammals.
So experimental is nitrogen asphyxia as a form of capital punishment that ADOC has required Smiths spiritual adviser Reverend Jeff Hood to sign a waiver that forces him to maintain a distance of at least three feet (.9m) during the execution.
The legal document states that it would be possible, though highly unlikely, that a hose supplying nitrogen to Smith's mask detaches from his face, filling an area around him with the potentially deadly odourless, tasteless, invisible gas.
Theyre asking for my trust, Dr Hood told The Independent in an interview. The problem is they have a history of being untrustworthy.
Kenneth Eugene Smith is due to become the first person to be executed by nitrogen asphyxia in January (Alabama Department of Corrections)
Dr Hood believes that depriving him of the sacred right to anoint Smith with oil and administering his last rites is unconstitutional as it infringes on his religious liberties.
On 13 December, he filed a lawsuit in Alabama contesting the states right for him to remain at a distance during the execution.
The Texas-based anti-death penalty activist has counselled dozens of death row prisoners and attended four executions in the past year in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama.
Alabama Set To Bring In Controversial New Execution Method
He says Alabama stands out for its incompetence and bloodlust.
I can tell you without a doubt that the state of Alabama is the most unprofessional, unprepared buffoonery that I have ever seen.
The execution chamber looks like a medical procedure in other states. In Alabama, it looks like a torture chamber.
Alabamas dark history of bungled executions has death penalty advocates raising the alarm about the potential dangers of it becoming the first state to use nitrogen asphyxia.
Distressing for some species
The first time Alabama attempted to execute Kenneth Eugene Smith in November 2022, the death row prisoner was punctured with intravenous needles repeatedly for nearly four hours.
Writhing in agony, the 58-year-old cried out for help as he was stuck in the same hole like a freaking sewing machine, he told NPR in a recent interview from his cell.
The execution was eventually called off after prison employees were unable to set an IV line into Smiths veins, making it the third failed lethal injection attempt in Alabama in 2022. Death row inmates Joe Nathan James and Alan Miller experienced similar botched executions, which advocates say were akin to torture.
Governor Kay Ivey paused executions in the state and ordered an internal review of procedures.
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is pushing ahead with plans to execute Smith, over the concerns of death panelty advocates (Associated Press)
While other states such as Tennessee that had seen botched lethal injections hired independent advisers to investigate their use of lethal injection, Gov Ivey ordered ADOC to conduct an internal review.
In its report published in February, Commissioner John Hamm said the department was as ready as possible to resume executions.
When a prisoner challenges a method of execution, the state forces them to name an alternative.
So Smith filed a lawsuit requesting he be put to death by nitrogen hypoxia, one of three legal methods along with electrocution in the state.
The method is legal in three states but has never been implemented on a death row inmate in the US, or anywhere else that experts are aware of.
While it is used to kill poultry in the US, the American Veterinary Medical Association has rejected its use on almost all mammals and says it is distressing for some species.
After the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled in Smiths favour, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall asked the US Supreme Court to weigh in and reverse the decision. When they declined, Smiths execution was scheduled for 25 January.
In September, Smith filed a lawsuit asking judges to deny Alabamas request to carry out his death sentence using the unproven method.
The Supreme Court denied the claim in November, prompting AG Marshall to thank the judges and prosecutors who had cleared the way for Smiths execution.
Though the wait has been far too long, I am grateful that our talented capital litigators have nearly gotten this case to the finish line.
Abject incompetence
Though nitrogen hypoxia sounds scientific, it is not even a medical term. Its a made-up expression to describe low oxygen through the use of nitrogen gas, Joel Zivot, an expert on lethal injection and associate professor of anesthesiology at Emory University, told The Independent.
He prefers the term nitrogen gas execution.
No one cares, seemingly, about the experience of the person that is dying, even though thats what the law turns on, said Dr Zivot.
This whole thing is about the witness experience. How does it look? They think that nitrogen will kill people in a way that outwardly looks pretty mild. Im not so sure.
Many questions remain about whether the dose of nitrogen will have the desired effect of a humane death.
Dr Zivot wants to know exactly how the nitrogen will be administered, whether the prisoner will be given an anaesthetic, or if not, how their compliance will be enforced.
Alabama has so far refused to say.
Reverend Jeff Hood, left, attended the execution of Alabama death row prisoner Casey McWhorter in November (Courtesy of Jeff Hood)
Dr Zivot cites studies that have shown the use of nitrogen gas to deprive healthy humans of oxygen and that after 15 or 20 seconds, around 80 per cent of participants had seizures.
Were the inmate to have a seizure they would stop breathing, so how could they continue to inhale the deadly dose of nitrogen?
Dr Zivot says the form of execution requires the tacit cooperation of the prisoner, and that he fears the state could put pressure on Smith to comply.
For example, an inmate could just hold their breath and make a scene of it. The prisoner could move their head about to force the mask off.
Killing inmates lawfully, killing them constitutionally seems to be a concept that is elusive to members of the (Alabama Department of Corrections) and the courts.
Dr Zivot plans to attend and observe the execution and perform an autopsy on Smith, in the event it goes through. But he says that nobody should sign a waiver acknowledging they could be exposed to the lethal dose, whether it be religious observers or corrections staff.
This is just a gross display of serious and abject incompetence. This is the bloodlust of these people, who are willing to kill other people, just so they can kill Kenny Smith, Dr Zivot says.
Dr Hood describes Alabamas secretive protocols around the use of nitrogen as a tyranny of vagueness.
They are able to say very little so they can do whatever they want to do.
Jeff Hood has counselled dozens of death row inmates, and attended four executions in the past year (Associated Press)
In May 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that religious advisers must be permitted to touch and audibly pray during an execution.
However, Dr Hood believes the state is deliberately creating an atmosphere as hostile as possible towards religious advisers to discourage their involvement.
They are trying to make this process one that they have complete control over. And I cant think of a more intentional way of controlling a spiritual adviser than making them think that the state is going to kill them for participating.
If these are people who botched three lethal injections, can you imagine that they are going to be the first person to use nitrogen hypoxia and do so successfully? This would be like asking my 8-year-old son to play one-on-one with LeBron James.
The married father of five children under 12 told The Independent he was prepared to die to be able to administer Smith his last rites.
But he adds that the thought of corrections officials handling deadly amounts of nitrogen was frightening.
Dr Hood said he speaks to Smith multiple times a day, and that Kenny is highly aware of the various legal challenges.
With Kenny, this is someone who has been through absolute hell. Its a whole nother level of hell to be playing games with this persons life.
Dr Hood said that Alabama elected officials like to wrap themselves in a cloak of evangelical Christianity, but their cruel enforcement of the death penalty tells a different story.
By filing the lawsuit contesting the states ability to restrict his administering last rites to Smith, he hopes to deliver a message: Yall are a bunch of hypocrites.
If nitrogen hypoxia becomes a thing all over the country, were not just going to throw religious liberty out the window. We are going to fight for the rights of the condemned.
(AG Marshall) is defending a system that has not just denied religious liberty, but has done so with an ambivalence, with a shrug.
Concept of cruelty
Smith was convicted in the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett in Alabamas Colbert County.
He confessed to being one of two men who were each paid $1,000 to kill Sennett on behalf of her husband Charles Sennett, who was deeply in debt and wanted to collect on insurance, according to court documents.
His accomplice in the plot, John Forrest Parker, was executed in 2010. Charles Sennett, a Church of Christ pastor, killed himself after detectives suspected he had ordered the hit on his wife.
Smith was sentenced to death in 1989, but it was overturned on appeal in 1992. A jury then sentenced him to life without parole by a vote of 11 to one, which was overruled by the judge who gave him the death penalty for a second time in 1996.
States that use lethal injections have struggled for years to source the cocktail of drugs used in the procedure after manufacturing companies began restricting their use.
Dr Zivot has conducted autopsies on death row prisoners executed by lethal injection and says that claims that it is a humane form of execution are no longer backed up by science.
In 80 per cent, prisoners lungs are filled with bloody, frothy fluid. This claim that the method is akin to falling off to sleep no longer holds, it is in fact like death by drowning.
States are a little worried that the jig is up on lethal injection, and I think most people would agree death by drowning would be cruel. But the Supreme Court struggles with this concept of cruelty.
In 2014, Oklahoma state representative Mike Christian first proposed using nitrogen gas as a method of execution after several botched executions in the state, based on a report by a criminal justice professor.
Trip Pittman, the former Alabama state senator who proposed nitrogen asphyxia as an execution method, has disputed that it is experimental in previous interviews.
Mr Pittman has said that even though no state has carried out a death sentence with nitrogen, people have died by breathing nitrogen during industrial accidents and suicide attempts.
The use of nitrogen hypoxia has been the subject of delays in Alabama that have focused not on whether it is inhumane, but logistical issues of how it would be administered.
Even though the legal case for nitrogen asphyxia remains shrouded in secrecy and confusion, Alabama is pushing ahead with it anyway.
The Alabama Department of Corrections did not respond to a request for comment by The Independent.
The Independent and the non-profit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to the death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to its Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty with The Independent as the latest on the list. We join high-profile executives such as Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.
A year ago, anti-abortion activists from across the U.S. gathered for their annual March for Life with reason to celebrate: It was their first march since the Supreme Court, seven months earlier, overturned the nationwide right to abortion.
At this year's march, on Friday, the mood will be very different reflecting formidable challenges that lie ahead in this election year.
"We have undeniable evidence of victory lives being saved," said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life. "But there is also a realization of the significant hurdles that our movement has right now in the public conversation."
Participants at the march in Washington will salute the 14 states enforcing bans on abortion throughout pregnancy. They will proclaim that thousands of babies have been born who otherwise might have been aborted, even as studies show the number of abortions provided in the U.S. rose slightly in the year after that enforcement began.
Moreover, anti-abortion leaders know that their side has a seven-state losing streak in votes on abortion-related ballot measures. Even in red states such as Ohio, Kansas and Kentucky, the outcomes favored keeping abortion access legal.
In this year's election, several more states are expected to have abortion-rights ballot measures, and Democratic candidates in many races, including President Joe Biden, will highlight their support for abortion access.
The Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling in June 2022 overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
The key consequence of Dobbs was to return decision-making on abortion policy to individual states. Abortion-rights supporters fear a Republican sweep of Congress and the White House could trigger a bid to impose a federal abortion ban.
Some Democratic-governed states such as California, New York and New Jersey strengthened protections for abortion access. About 20 states with Republican-controlled legislatures either banned abortion or sought to impose new restrictions.
After Dobbs, "I didn't want anyone to get the false sense that we were at the end of our work," said Brent Leatherwood, an abortion opponent who heads the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy wing.
Even the current claims of lives being saved due to the Dobbs decision are subject to question. While abortions decreased to nearly zero in states with total bans, they increased elsewhere notably in states such as Illinois, Florida and New Mexico, which are near those with more restrictions.
Anti-abortion leaders are keenly aware that their opponents in the abortion debate depict the wave of state bans as an infringement on women's rights and a potential danger to their health.
J.J. Straight, part of an American Civil Liberties Union team working to protect and broaden abortion access, says her side also feels determined, especially in light of the recent ballot-measure results.
"We've seen a tremendous pushback to the anti-abortion agenda," she said. "There's a huge coalition of folks, regardless of their party and other demographics, who absolutely draw the line at this kind interference in their health care."
Among the reasons for uncertainty for all parties in the debate is the inconsistent way that federal and state courts adjudicated abortion-related cases. There have been numerous legal challenges to the various state laws banning or restricting abortion, some failing and others succeeding at least temporarily.
There's a pending lawsuit in Texas filed by women who say the state's abortion ban forced them to continue pregnancies despite serious risk to their health.
In an even higher profile Texas case, Kate Cox, a mother of two, sought an abortion after learning the baby she was carrying had a fatal condition. Her request for an exemption from Texas' ban one of the country's strictest was denied by the state Supreme Court, and Cox left Texas to seek an abortion elsewhere.
For abortion-rights activists, Cox's case was a powerful illustration of how abortion bans could be dangerous for women with pregnancy complications.
"Never in our history have we had such overwhelming reaction to any case," said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. "We got phone calls, emails, snail-mail. Over and over, people talked about her with awe, her courage in going public."
The new bans make an exception to allow abortion if deemed necessary to save the life of the mother. There are divides within the anti-abortion movement over additional exceptions for example, in cases of rape and incest, or when severe fetal abnormalities are diagnosed.
Other divisions have surfaced over who should be criminalized by the new laws.
Dr. Jamila Perritt, an abortion-rights supporter who is president of Physicians for Reproductive Health, worries that abortion opponents in states with bans will criminalize people who seek abortions outside the formal medical system.
"The impact of their campaign has been devastating and it will get worse," she said. "I'm worried about many more people being arrested and prosecuted."
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Remarks made by Donald Trump lawyer Alina Habba in a recent interview about faking being smart resurfaced after she endured two tough days in court during her clients civil trial for defamation damages.
Ms Habba repeatedly clashed with New York judge Lewis A Kaplan in court on Tuesday and Wednesday, during the former presidents civil trial to determine damages for defaming columnist E Jean Carroll.
These included the response to repeated objections, and her failure to stand up when making them, as well as continuing to petition for a postponement of the trial so that the former president can attend the funeral of his mother-in-law.
After a further attempt of the latter on Wednesday, Ms Habba was issued a sharp rebuke from Judge Kaplan. She responded by asking the judge not to speak to her in that way.
I dont like to be spoken to that way. And we are going to be here for several days, she said. I am asking your honour to please refrain from speaking to me in that manner.
Alina Habba (AFP via Getty Images)
Social media users were quick to return to a clip of Ms Habba during a recent interview on a 4 January episode of the PBD podcast, in which she said she would rather be pretty than smart.
Discussing her looks, Ms Habba said: I dont think Id be on TV or sitting here if I didnt look the way I look. I think I caught attention.
Im very honest about that and I dont mind. Im not a feminist, I believe in strong women but I want my door opened [for me].
She continued: Somebody said to me Alina, would you rather be smart or pretty? and I said Oh easy, pretty I can fake being smart.
Sharing the clip on Wednesday, Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of Meidas Touch, wrote: Alina Habba proved in court today that this statement is categorically false.
Former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen also responded to Ms Habbas performance, predicting another bigly loss for the former president, while US political blogger Jeff Tiedrich wrote: f****** shocked to learn that Alina Habba cant fake being smart.
Elsewhere in court, Ms Habba appeared to struggle when referring to documents that had not been put into evidence. Judge Kaplan ordered a recess in proceedings so that she might refresh her memory on how to.
Donald Trump and Alina Habba in court (REUTERS)
She later asked the judge how should I proceed? when questioning Ms Carroll about tweets she had received and then requested a mistrial on grounds that evidence had been deleted which was immediately denied.
Ms Habba ended her cross-examination of Ms Carroll by pointing out that the gun the writer had bought to defend herself against hundreds of death threats was unlicensed. Dont even start, Judge Kaplan told her.
Mr Trump has already been found liable for sexually assaulting Ms Carroll in the 1990s and for defaming her. The current trial is to establish how much the former president must pay for repeating the defamation.
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Maga Republican lawmaker Anna Paulina Luna lashed out an immigration expert after he laughed at her defence of the Trump administrations policies of separating migrant children from their parents.
During a House of Representatives hearing on Wednesday, Ms Luna contested that the policies had inflicted psychological trauma on the children.
Responding to Cato Institute immigration expert David Bier, she said: You talk about intentional trauma and that the Trump administration caused intentional trauma by separating these children from their quote-unquote parents.
The fact is, is that you dont know what these people are like. Ms Luna then paused to ask: Mr Bier why are you laughing?
Mr Bier responded: Because you said, quote-unquote parents, as if they werent really their parents.
Apparently riled by his response, Ms Luna shot back: You have no idea if these are their intentional parents or not Are you psychic? Have you won the lotto, Mr Bier? I dont think you have.
She continued: You have no idea what youre doing and you are hurting these children. The reason why we want family separation until we can confirm if they are the actual biological parents is because these kids are being trafficked.
We can go back and forth but Im done talking to you because what you did was destructive.
During the hearing Mr Bier told the congresswoman to read a report from the Office of the Inspector General dropped in 2021 that was critical of the Trump administrations "zero tolerance" policy on migrants.
The report accused Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions of knowing families would be separated under the strict guidelines of the policy.
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Democratic voters in New Hampshire hoping to support President Joe Biden in the states primary on Tuesday may be surprised to find his name missing from their ballot papers.
Instead, they will see only those of his challengers Minnesota congressman Dean Phillips and eccentric self-help guru Marianne Williamson and will have to write in Mr Bidens name themselves if they wish to cast a vote for him.
His absence is a result of a disagreement between the Granite State and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) over the presidents request that South Carolina be the first state to have a say in his pursuit of a second term in the White House on the basis that it is more reflective of the partys diverse demographic makeup, which is why he was not in contention in the Iowa Caucus on 15 January.
South Carolinas Democratic presidential primary is scheduled for 3 February so New Hampshire would have been required to move its own contest to 6 February, the same day as Nevada, in order to accommodate Mr Bidens preference.
However, the Republican-run state of New Hampshire cherishes the first-in-the-nation status its primary contests enjoy and which is enshrined in its law and has therefore refused to play ball, insisting that the Democratic vote goes ahead with or without the president.
That leaves only Mr Phillips and Ms Williamson on the ballot and no delegates at stake, with the DNC dismissing the event as insignificant and instructing the New Hampshire Democratic Party to educate the public that next Tuesdays primary is of no consequence to the 2024 race.
However, its attitude has angered the states attorney general John Formella, who wrote a cease and desist letter to the committee on 12 January warning it not to try to prevent or deter New Hampshire voters from participating in the primary.
Mr Formella continued: Regardless of whether the DNC refuses to award delegates to the partys national convention based on the results this New Hampshire election is not meaningless.
He suggested that any statements to the contrary were false, deceptive, and misleading.
Ray Buckley, chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, appeared amused by Mr Formellas hurt tone and responded: Its safe to say in New Hampshire the DNC is less popular than the New York Yankees.
But he also assured Mr Formella: Nothing has changed, and we look forward to seeing a great Democratic voter turnout on 23 January.
The standoff between the state and the DNC means Mr Biden has not been allowed to campaign in the state, but that has not stopped him sending Cabinet members north to look in on things, notably transport secretary Pete Buttigieg, education secretary Miguel Cardona, energy secretary Jennifer Granholm and US trade representative Katherine Tai.
A local grassroots volunteer group, not formally aligned with the presidents official re-election campaign, has meanwhile set about organising a write-in effort to ensure Democratic voters are apprised of the situation in the hope of saving their man from suffering negative headlines about his defeat in the New Hampshire primary, which could have a knock-on impact elsewhere, given that momentum and perception are such crucial factors in presidential races.
The group, Write-In Biden, has acknowledged that asking people to manually add the presidents name to their ballot paper is very difficult and warned that Tuesdays results are unlikely to reflect the true extent of his support in their state.
Whatever happens, Mr Biden actually performed dismally in the last Democratic presidential primary in New Hampshire in February 2020, finishing a lowly fifth behind Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Mr Buttigieg and winner Bernie Sanders but nevertheless went on to secure the party nomination and, eventually, the presidency.
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Nikki Haley is going all in on what she sees as the safest line of attack against Donald Trump questions about his mental fitness and temperament in a year where the incumbent Democratic president is facing similar concerns.
The former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador sat down with NBCs Craig Melvin for an interview with the Today show on Tuesday as she prepares for a showdown with Mr Trump in her home state that is a litte more than a week away. The primary election in South Carolina could be a jolt in the arm of her campaign as she continues to steeply trail the frontrunner or, it could be the death knell of her presidential bid. It could also be neither of those things, as she plods along towards Super Tuesday in March.
Ms Haley made some of her most forceful criticism of Mr Trumps mental state yet during the interview.
The problem now is, he is not the same person he was in 2016. He is unhinged; he is more diminished than he was, just like Joe Bidens more diminished than what he was, Ms Haley told NBC.
We have to see this for what it is, she went on. This is a fact: he is now saying things that don't make sense.
She contrasted Mr Trumps mood and temperament now with what she experienced during his administration, when the former UN diplomat said that Mr Trump was responsive when his deputy came to him with concerns. Two of those concerns she named directly: his response to a white nationalist riot in Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as his pattern of rhetoric about women.
If something was wrong ... I had a conversation with him about Charlottesville, I had a conversation about something that he would say about women, I had a conversation with him about multiple things, said Ms Haley.
Ms Haley has made her opponents age an issue the same way Trump-aligned Republicans have sought to cast doubts about Mr Bidens focus and mental clarity. Some of the ex-presidents more rabid supporters have even taken things a step further and openly suggested that the incumbent president has dementia.
Concerns about Mr Bidens memory were energised by the release last week of a report authored by Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Hur regarding the investiation into the presidents handling of classified documents. During interviews, Mr Hur described the president as severely forgetful and unable to recall details about major events from his life, including the death of his son Beau. Mr Biden would go on to angrily rebut that criticism at a press conference.
"You've got Joe Biden, where the special counsel said he was diminished, and he's not the Joe Biden he was two years ago," Ms Haley told NBC on Tuesday. "You've got a Donald Trump who's unhinged, and he's more unhinged than he ever was.
[W]hy are we settling for that when the country is in disarray and the world is on fire?" she aked. We don't want these two old men running. We want someone who's going to go and fight for us and work for us, with no drama, no vendettas."
The no vendettas line was a clear reference to Mr Trump frequent vows of revenge against his political enemies; he has told supporters that he will direct the Justice Department to prosecute Joe Bidens family if he is elected for a second term, and a group of conservative organisations is purportedly working on plans to seriously diminish the independence of the Justice Department to allow him to do so.
Ms Haley continues to trail Mr Trump according to all available polling, both in South Carolina and nationwide. Her campaign has begun looking ahead to primary states voting in March even as she hopes for a shock performance in her home state similar to the stronger-than-expected showing she had in New Hampshire.
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The judge in the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case is sabotaging the proceedings in favour of former president, Donald Trump, two legal experts have argued.
Dennis Aftergut, a former federal prosecutor, now counsel to Lawyers Defending American Democracy, and Laurence Tribe, professor emeritus at Harvard, wrote for Slate that its deeply offensive to the rule of law for judges to bend the law to benefit those who put them on the bench. Sadly, Cannon does just that.
Mr Trump appointed Judge Cannon in 2020. She was confirmed by the Senate in the days following that years election.
On Friday, Judge Cannon issued a ruling rejecting a request from special counsel Jack Smith that she order Mr Trump to say if he will use an advice of counsel defence before the proceedings move on to the trial, which is scheduled for 20 May.
The advance notice would speed up the trial as defendants using that defence will need to provide further discovery to the prosecution. The advice of counsel defence removes attorney-client privilege, meaning that defendants must share all their communications with their lawyers.
Judge Cannons order rejecting the request states that the special counsels motion was not amenable to proper consideration at this juncture, prior to at least partial resolution of pretrial motions and additional discovery.
Sound innocuous? Its anything but, Mr Tribe and Mr Aftergut write. Instead, its part of a pattern weve already seen of Cannon laying the groundwork for delaying Trumps trial until its too late for a jury to be empaneled and the case tried to verdict before the election. That is, of course, just what Trump has been angling for.
They add that Judge Cannon issued an order in November last year slow-walking all pretrial motions.
Former Central Intelligence Agency attorney Brian Greer told Politico that her move not to expedite pretrial motions could be seen as a stealth attempt to delay the ultimate trial date without actually announcing that yet.
Andrew Weissmann, a New York University law professor and the former deputy to special counsel Robert Mueller, wrote on X in November, Judge Cannons bias is showing over and over again. Smith has to be weighing whether, when, and how to seek her reversal by the Court of Appeals and her removal.
Not scheduling a CIPA Section 5 hearing, which is routine, is a clear sign she is just as much in the bag for Trump as when she issued her horrendous pretrial rulings (both reversed in scathing language by the conservative 11th Circuit). What a piece of work is she, he added.
The special counsel had requested a CIPA Section 5 hearing where the defendant would be required to reveal what classified information hes planning to use at trial.
By continuing to maintain the trial date while rendering the date virtually impossible to keep, Cannon evidently hopes to maintain plausible deniability from charges like Greers or Weissmanns, the legal experts write for Slate. At the same time, her pretence that the trial will commence on schedule prevents any attempt by Fulton County, Georgia, district attorney Fani Willis to seek to advance into May the scheduling of her prosecution of Trump for attempting to interfere with Georgias 2020 election.
Its difficult to imagine that anything that deserves to be called justice will emerge from a criminal proceeding over which Cannon presides, in which the fate of her benefactor, and thus her own career, is at stake, they note.
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A Democratic lawmaker has filed a formal censure for GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik after she referred to jailed Capitol riot convicts as "hostages."
Congressman Dan Goldman filed the censure on Wednesday, according to The New York Times.
Ms Stefanik made the comments during an appearance on Meet the Press earlier this month. The appearance marked the third anniversary of the Capitol riot.
The lawmaker said she had "concerns about the treatment of the Jan 6 hostages."
Donald Trump has also called individuals convicted for attacking Congress and the Capitol police during the riot "hostages."
She likened their convictions to the "weaponization of the federal government against not just President Trump, but were seeing it against conservatives.
Mr Goldman said he did not intend to force a quick resolution of the censure which, as a member of Congress, he has the right to do but said he hoped the GOP would stand up and hold their own accountable.
Our preference would be for Republicans to recognize that kind of rhetoric has to stop and find a spine and stand up to Donald Trump, he said in an interview.
Mr Goldman said he would consider forcing a vote on the matter if Republicans refuse to address Ms Stefanik's comments on their own.
Ms Stefanik defended herself in a post on X/Twitter.
Desperate corrupt Far Left House Democrats are attempting to force a vote to censure me for my unwavering support for the Constitution, the rule of law, and election integrity. Democrats are in desperate free fall because they know President Trump will defeat Joe Biden this November, she wrote.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticised the move, calling it absurd.
I just heard about Goldmans censure resolution against Elise Stefanik. I think Its patently absurd. Shes one of the best leaders and best communicators in Congress. She is doing an exceptional job and the the idea that he would use censure to attack a political opponent is just ridiculous, he said, according to Puncbowl News Jake Sherman.
Democrats have largely criticised Ms Stefanik's use of the word "hostages" to describe the individuals convicted of participating in the Capitol riot.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said she should be "ashamed of herself."
Congressman Jamie Raskin, who served on the House Select Committee that probed the Capitol riot, suggested she was trying to convince Mr Trump to select her as a running mate in the 2024 election.
Censuring has become more commonplace in the modern, highly divisive American political landscape. Last year, Republicans censured three Democratic lawmakers. Congressman Adam Schiff was censured for investigating Mr Trump, Congressman Jamaal Bowman was censured for setting off a fire alarm in an office building inside the House, and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib was censured for comments she made regarding Israel's military action in Gaza.
Democrats have also censured other Republicans. In 2021, Congressman Paul Gosar was censured for posting an animated video that depicted him murdering Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Prior to that, only one other member of the House has been censured in nearly 40 years.
While Democrats have largely attempted to shy away from issuing censures over speech issues, Mr Goldman argued his move was justified considering the context of the comments made by Ms Stefanik.
What it comes down to is whether the speech by a member of Congress does it go over the line where it promotes violence, some form of discrimination or bring serious disrepute on the institution, he said.
He went on, stating that her comments were directly related to "the safety and security" of the Congress.
If you provide comfort to those people who have been charged and convicted of violent attempts to overthrow our government, you are supporting people who attacked the Capitol and attacked this body," he said.
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After Donald Trump repeatedly loudly complained about E Jean Carrolls testimony in a second defamation trial against the former president, the federal judge overseeing the case in New York warned he could remove him from the courtroom for his outbursts.
Mr Trump ignored several warnings from US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Wednesday after he could be heard calling the case a witch hunt and a con job as he watched Ms Carrolls testimony, which detailed the daily abuse and death threats she has received as a result of the former presidents ongoing defamatory statements about her.
Mr Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, which what has been reported to me consists of, the judge said. I hope I dont have to consider excluding you from the trial.
Mr Trump then tossed up his hands, telling the judge I would love it.
I know you would, Judge Kaplan replied. You just cant control yourself in this circumstance, apparently.
The latest courtroom outburst from Mr Trump, who is not obligated to attend the trial, follows a series of gag orders in his civil fraud case that were upheld after his derogatory comments about the courts chief clerk sparked a wave of credible death threats.
The former president also defied the judge overseeing that case by lashing out from the defence table during closing arguments last week. He also lambasted the judge, the state attorney general suing him, the state lawyer questioning him, and the case itself when he appeared on the witness stand during that trial last year.
Mr Trump has relied on a growing list of criminal indictments and lawsuits against him for his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination for president, casting himself as a victim of political persecution and baselessly asserting that the cases are a Democratic-led conspiracy to keep him away from the White House.
Following Judge Kaplans warning, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social that he has an obligation to be at every moment of this ridiculous trial, because we have a seething and hostile judge who suffers from a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
He is abusive, rude, and obviously not impartial but, thats the way the crooked system works! he wrote.
A jury will determine monetary damages owed to Ms Carroll, a former Elle magazine writer whom Mr Trump repeatedly defamed by calling her a liar and denying that he sexually assaulted her. Ms Carroll is seeking $10m in compensatory damages and punitive damages.
The facts in the case have already been established; Mr Trump is barred from disputing that he sexually abused her, and a judges pretrial ruling has already found him liable for defamation, leaving a narrow trial to determine how much he should pay, if anything.
Earlier on Wednesday, while jurors were not in the room, Ms Carrolls attorney Shawn Crowley told the judge that Mr Trump was loudly dismissing Ms Carrolls testimony as false.
Before the jury returned, Judge Kaplan asked Mr Trump to take special care to keep his voice down so the jury does not overhear it.
The request didnt appear to stick, teeing up the judges warning before a brief break for lunch.
Before the jury returned to the courtroom, Mr Trumps attorney Michael Madaio demanded that the judge recuse himself from the case.
Denied, the judge replied.
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Around 130 people were arrested after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during a protest at the US Capitol organised by the group Mennonite Action, according to protesters and police.
Videos shared on social media by the group showed the Tuesday arrests at the sit-in organised in the Cannon House Office Building, which is part of the Capitol complex, as the group sang hymns and chanted ceasefire and let Gaza live.
The Mennonite Action site states that it calls for a permanent ceasefire, a release of all hostages, and an end to the occupation of Palestine.
Mennonite Action is a movement of Mennonites bonded by a common belief that we have a responsibility to use our voices as powerfully as possible for the cause of peace and justice, the site says. We know that whats happening right now in Israel and Palestine is unprecedented and tragic. We draw on our Mennonite history of opposing war, and in providing aid and relief to Palestine and to the Middle East.
US Capitol Police said that a group had legally entered the Cannon House Office Building after being screened. About 130 people were subsequently arrested for crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, according to The Washington Post.
Demonstrations are not allowed inside congressional buildings, so when they started to protest and refused to stop, we began arresting them, the agency said in a statement.
Mennonite Action spokesperson Jonathan Brenneman told The Post that Mennonites are members of a historic peace church that is against all kinds of violence. Mr Brenneman said that around 150 protesters were arrested inside and about 200 protesters remained outside.
Mennonite Action has organised 40 actions at the offices of lawmakers and policymakers since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war.
Israel has said they will root out Hamas, the group behind the 7 October 2023 attack during which around 1,200 Israelis were killed. Hamas also systematically used sexual violence in its attacks.
Since the counterattacks began, more than 24,000 people in Gaza have died, according to Palestinian authorities.
Mr Brenneman noted that since Mennonites live in rural parts of the US, they represent a broad swath of society.
As Christians who see Christian nationalists championing Israels genocide, we felt compelled to speak clearly as Christians, he told The Post. To demand a cease-fire. To demand an end to US military funding of the Israeli military. To call for a release of all hostages Israeli and Palestinian and an end to the occupation.
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Nearly every Republican senator and 130 GOP House members are urging the US Supreme Court to keep Donald Trump on 2024 ballots as the justices prepare to hear whether he should be disqualified under the insurrection clause of the 14th Amendment.
Among the members of Congress who joined Thursdays brief is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who previously characterised the attack on the US Capitol on January 6 as a violent insurrection and, in remarks on the Senate floor during Mr Trumps impeachment for inciting it, said there is no question he was practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of that day, when a mob assaulted the halls of Congress in his name.
He was among 42 Senate Republicans telling Supreme Court justices that Congress, not the courts, should decide whether to disqualify a candidate.
Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney all of whom voted to convict Mr Trump for inciting an insurrection did not join the brief.
Neither did Senators Rand Paul or Steve Daines, who submitted a separate brief supporting the former president.
Senator Todd Young, among a handful of Republican Trump critics in the senate, also did not join the brief.
The 37-page filing from Republican members of Congress questions whether Mr Trump bore any responsibility for January 6, after a Colorado Supreme Court decision at the centre of the high courts case determined that his actions constituted overt, voluntary, and direct participation in the insurrection.
Last months historic ruling disqualified the former president from appearing on the states 2024 presidential ballots under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits anyone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.
The case was appealed to the Supreme Court as Trump v Anderson, among more than a dozen challenges to Mr Trumps eligibility to appear on 2024 ballots under the provisions of the 14th Amendment.
Supreme Court justices will hear oral arguments on the Colorado case on 8 February.
Congressional Republicans argue that enforcing Section 3 would require legislation from Congress to protect candidates from abuse by state officials. The Colorado decision short-circuited and tramples congressional authority, they argue.
Lawmakers have a strong interest in ensuring that the rules for eligibility for federal office are clear, objective, and neutral, rather than malleable and conveniently applied to ensnare political opponents, they wrote.
In other words, they wrote, Section 3 enforcement mechanisms are left to Congress, not to a patchwork of state officials and courts.
The filing also scrutnises the dramatic consequences of an exceedingly broad interpretation of engaged in insurrection, suggesting that Mr Trumps actions fell outside those bounds.
A decision from the Supreme Court on the 14th Amendment challenge will likely have nationwide impacts, as voters and state officials challenge his eligibility in courts across the country. A challenge to a similar decision from Maines top elections official is on hold until the high court weighs in.
The justices are also likely to review whether Mr Trump has presidential immunity from charges connected to his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, pending an imminent decision from a federal appeals court.
A three-judge federal appeals court panel heard arguments in that case earlier this month. An appeal of that case would likely head to the high court.
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A jury has already determined that Donald Trump sexually abused E Jean Carroll in the 1990s, then defamed her by lying that it never happened.
Now the former Elle magazine columnist says she has been branded a fraud and a whack job by the same man, who appeared in a federal courtroom in New York City on Wednesday to watch her testimony during a second defamation trial stemming from her allegations against the former president.
Im here because I was assaulted by Donald Trump and when I wrote about it, he said it never happened, she testified.
He lied, she said. And he shattered my reputation.
Mr Trump who also watched opening arguments in the case on Tuesday shook his head and made comments about Ms Carroll and the case within earshot of the jury as he sat with his attorneys at the defence table.
US District Judge Lewis Kaplan warned Mr Trump could be kicked out of the courtroom for his outbursts, which have become a central part of his campaign to become the Republican nominee for president as the race overlaps with a long list of criminal and civil cases.
Asked by her attorney how Mr Trumps remarks have damaged her career, Ms Carroll said: People dont write to an advice columnist thats being attacked like this.
Previously I was known simply as a journalist, she said. Now Im known as a liar, a fraud, and a whack job.
Ms Carroll while testifying about the deluge of derogatory messages she receives that label her a liar, call her names, or threaten violence sobbed as she recalled her fears that someone would shoot her.
A jury will determine monetary damages owed to Ms Carroll, whom Mr Trump repeatedly defamed by calling her a liar and denying that he sexually assaulted her. Ms Carroll is seeking $10m (7.9m) in compensatory damages and punitive damages.
The facts in the case have already been established; Mr Trump is barred from disputing that he sexually abused her, and a judges pretrial ruling has found him liable for defamation, leaving a narrow trial to determine how much he should pay, if anything.
A courtroom sketch depicts E Jean Carroll testifying as Donald Trump watches from the defence table (Reuters)
The trial is the second stemming from defamation claims brought by Ms Carroll. Last year, a jury found him civilly responsible for sexual abuse and awarded her $5m. The second trial stems from similarly defamatory remarks about Ms Carroll while he was still in the White House.
Despite the defamation claims against him, he insists he never met her and has repeatedly mocked and ridiculed Ms Carroll in the wake of that verdict.
In opening arguments on Tuesday, Ms Carrolls legal team asked the jury to consider not just an appropriate amount Mr Trump owes for his defamation, but how much is necessary to make him stop.
Think carefully about what exactly Donald Trump did here, attorney Shawn Crowley told jurors on Tuesday. Its time to make him pay, dearly, for what hes done.
The former president has baselessly cast the trial among a growing list of legal challenges, including criminal charges and lawsuits that threaten his eligibility for 2024 ballots and his ability to do business in the state of New York as part of a conspiracy from Democratic officials and Joe Biden to keep him out of the White House.
As he arrived at the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan on Tuesday, he unleashed 30 posts on his Truth Social platform repeating the same false claims at the centre of the defamation cases against him. After his courtroom outbursts on Wednesday, he returned to his social media platform to attack the judge.
He has continued to lie, Ms Carroll told the court on Wednesday. He lied last month. He lied on Sunday. He lied yesterday.
To be repeatedly cast as a liar by a sitting president ended the world that I had been living in. And I entered a new world, Ms Carroll said.
Carroll arrives at a Manhattan federal courthouse for the second day of a trial that will determine how much Donald Trump owes for defaming her (Reuters)
In 2019, while Mr Trump was president, New York magazine published Ms Carrolls account of Mr Trumps assault in a Bergdorf Goodman department store in the mid-1990s. She also published details in her 2019 book What Do We Need Men For?: A Modest Proposal.
Mr Trump denied her account in an official government statement, claimed he never met her and that Ms Carroll is trying to sell a new book that should be sold in the fiction section. He also called on the public to report allegations to his administration to determine whether the Democratic Party is working with Ms Carroll or New York magazine.
The thing that really got me about this is from the White House, Ms Carroll said during her testimony on Wednesday.
Mr Trump also was quoted by The Hill in 2019 denying the allegations and stating that Ms Carroll is not my type.
It means Im too ugly to assault, Ms Carroll said on the witness stand on Wednesday.
Throughout Wednesdays hearing, the judge repeatedly admonished Mr Trumps attorney Alina Habba who represented the former president in his fraud trial and serves as a senior counsel for a political action committee affiliated with his campaign for repeat objections and failures to properly introduce evidence.
Mr Trumps legal team called on the judge to recuse himself and then demanded a mistral. Both motions were denied.
Before the trial adjourned for the day, Ms Carroll told the court that said she pursued the case to show that a woman can speak up and win.
I dont want to be quiet, she said. Im 80, its not right to make women quiet it has been going on for too long.
RIO VISTA, Calif. After years of secretly snapping up farmland for a new city northeast of San Francisco, the CEO of a company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires pitched voters Wednesday on his vision for a walkable, affordable community that would appeal to their California pride.
Jan Sramek, a former Goldman Sachs trader spearheading the ambitious city-building effort, offered the first detailed look Wednesday at his proposal to construct least 20,000 homes in rural Solano County, between Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area.
His plan needs the approval of county voters in November to bypass protections put in place in 1984 to keep agricultural land from being turned into urban space. If approved, it would be built on more than $800 million of rural land Sramek and his company, California Forever, stealthily purchased.
He said the development could be "an amazing success story" in a state in need of a win at a time when leaders of Texas and Florida are routinely beating up California, something he said was unimaginable 50 years ago when all anyone could talk about was the "California Dream."
"California used to be this place of optimism," said Sramek, who was born in the Czech Republic and now lives in Solano County. "And if this project is done right, I do think it's going to change the conversation. It's going to open up a new path for the state and for the region."
The state is in desperate need of more housing, especially homes affordable for teachers, firefighters and other municipal employees that make a community run. Project proponents say Solano County is the ideal place to build, and the location near Travis Air Force Base would appeal to military contractors.
Critics, including a congressman and environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, remain skeptical about the project's aims, especially after Sramek's company spent years secretly buying up land around the base and even suing local farmers who refused to sell. They say more urban sprawl could harm sensitive ecosystems and tax the region's already strained water supply.
"Buying up farmland at low prices and rezoning for housing development has been a quick way to make a buck for decades in California," the Solano Farm Bureau said in a statement released by Solano Together, a coalition that opposes the initiative.
The company's newly revealed 83-page initiative, submitted to county elections Wednesday, next requires a ballot title and summary from the county before the campaign can collect signatures. The campaign needs signatures from roughly 13,000 county voters to place the measure before voters in November.
Sramek's presentation before media and supporters in the tiny city of Rio Vista, which would sit near the new community's eastern edge, outlined his plan for 50,000 residents living in rowhouses and apartment buildings between three and six stories tall within walking distance to jobs, schools, bars, restaurants and grocery stores.
Eventually, the city could grow to 400,000 people, the group says, but only if it can create at least 15,000 jobs that pay above-average wages. The plan calls for an initial $400 million to help Solano County residents and air force base families buy homes in the proposed community, among other investments. The money also could go toward new affordable housing for seniors, veterans and farm workers.
Veteran Democratic consultant Bill Carrick said the group faces a tough challenge winning over local residents at a time of high voter cynicism, hostility between political parties and inevitable doubts about wealthy outsiders coming into the community.
"People are wary of the unknown," Carrick said. The proponents "have to make Solano County voters believe this is better for them than the current status quo. People are suspicious about ballot measures otherwise, more of them would pass."
It could be a costly ballot fight, given the deep pockets of the project's backers, which include philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen and others. It's unclear if the opposition is poised to raise significant cash.
Carrick guessed it could cost at least $10 million, though Sramek declined to state how much he is prepared to spend. He said the campaign is not about money, but about tapping into a genuine desire from local officials and residents to build a sustainable community.
"I'm going to make this happen no matter what," he told reporters after the presentation.
Created in 2017, California Forever purchased more than 78 square miles of farmland in Solano County.
Critics of the project held signs outside the building during the presentation Wednesday. They spoke to reporters about their fears that Solano County does not have the infrastructure to accommodate such growth.
"I do feel that they're marketing to the younger generation, and they're throwing out a bunch of financial incentives to make it look bright and shiny to those people," said Rio Vista resident Roxanne Stiles-Donnelly, who is retired from nursing.
Sramek said he decided to build from scratch because the needs are too great to build within existing cities, construction costs are too high to make affordable housing work and there's not enough land to meet demand for jobs and homes.
Today in history: Jan. 17 1944: Monte Cassino 1955: USS Nautilus 1961: Dwight D. Eisenhower 1966: Simon & Garfunkel 1994: Northridge Earthquake 1995: Earthquake 2016: Iran Prisoner Release 2017: Chelsea Manning 2022: Sergey Lavrov
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Moments after the second day of a jury trial to determine how much money he owes a woman he defamed for lying about sexually abusing her, Donald Trump claimed that he is the one who suffered damages.
The former president on trial a second time for defaming E Jean Carroll, who has accused Mr Trump of sexually assaulting her and then lying about never meeting her briefly spoke at his 40 Wall Street property after jurors in a federal courtroom heard several hours of testimony from the former Elle magazine writer.
Mr Trump, who baselessly casts his growing pile of legal challenges as a Democratic conspiracy to keep him away from the White House, called the trial rigged and election interference based on a made-up, fabricated story.
The facts of the case have already been established, and Mr Trump is barred from disputing that he sexually abused Ms Carroll. She is seeking $10m (7.9m) in compensatory damages and punitive damages, and a jury will determine how much Mr Trump should pay, if anything.
I frankly am the one who suffered damages, Mr Trump said on Wednesday. I should be given money, given damages.
The former president watched Ms Carrolls testimony as she described the threats she faced after his defamatory statements, and how his statements shattered her reputation, she said.
The trial is the second stemming from defamation claims brought by Ms Carroll. Last year, a jury found him civilly responsible for sexual abuse and awarded her $5m. The second trial stems from similarly defamatory remarks about Ms Carroll while he was still in the White House.
Mr Trump has repeatedly denied the accusations, claims he never met Ms Carroll and has disparaged her and the case dozens of times on his Truth Social account.
His latest statement is at least the second time within a week that he demanded to be paid for his legal challenges.
In closing arguments in a long-running civil fraud case in New York County Superior Court last week, the former president seized an opportunity to lash out at the judge and the trial, painting himself as the victim of political persecution who should be owed money for the litigation against him.
We should receive damages for what weve gone through, he said. What happened here, sir, is a fraud on me.
Mr Trump was under no obligation to appear at either trials, but has falsely claimed that he is being pulled off the campaign trail to attend them, underscoring what has become an inextricable link between his courtroom battles and his campaign for the presidency.
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Faced with numerous legal battles, Donald Trump is once again arguing that he should be granted immunity from criminal prosecution even in the case of events that cross the line.
At 2am on Thursday, in an all-caps post on his social media platform Truth Social, the former president wrote that all presidents should have full immunity in order to properly function in their position.
ANY MISTAKE, EVEN IF WELL INTENDED, WOULD BE MET WITH ALMOST CERTAIN INDICTMENT BY THE OPPOSING PARTY AT TERM END, he wrote. EVEN EVENTS THAT CROSS THE LINE MUST FALL UNDER TOTAL IMMUNITY, OR IT WILL BE YEARS OF TRAUMA TRYING TO DETERMINE GOOD FROM BAD.
Mr Trump has been attempting to get federal charges against him, which accuse him of election interference, dismissed. A federal appeals court is expected to make a ruling on the matter soon. So far, the three-judge panel does not seem likely to rule in his favour.
In the Truth Social post on Thursday, Mr Trump invoked the example of rogue cops and bad apples in police departments for why he should be immune from prosecution.
YOU CANT STOP POLICE FROM DOING THE JOB OF STRONG & EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION BECAUSE YOU WANT TO GUARD AGAINST THE OCCASIONAL ROGUE COP OR BAD APPLE, he wrote. SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH GREAT BUT SLIGHTLY IMPERFECT.
In the midst of his 2024 presidential campaign, Mr Trump is facing several separate court cases against him, including 91 criminal charges across four separate indictments.
Currently in New York, E Jean Carroll who has accused Mr Trump of sexual assault is in federal court for her a civil defamation case against him. He also faces a judgment following a civil fraud trial stemming from accusations that he vastly inflated his net worth in order to fraudulently obtain favourable financing terms.
The frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination is also facing criminal charges in Georgia for election interference, as well as a federal case over allegations that he mishandled classified documents.
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Ousted Fox News host Tucker Carlson is certainly a contender to be former President Donald Trumps running mate in the 2024 election, Mr Trumps eldest son Donald Trump Jr has said.
Mr Carlson is in the running despite the earlier revelation that he privately shared his disgust with the ex-commander-in-chief, writing in a text I hate [Trump] passionately.
The hosts candid view of Mr Trump was revealed in the discovery process in the lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News for its defamatory and inaccurate coverage of baseless allegations that the voting machine manufacturer had helped rig the 2020 election in favour of President Joe Biden. They reached a settlement in April last year.
Appearing on Newsmax, Mr Trump Jr said that Carlson as a possible VP pick clearly would be on the table.
I mean theyre very friendly, I think they agree on virtually all of these things. They certainly agree on stopping the never-ending wars. And so, I would love to see that happen. That would certainly be a contender, he added.
Mr Trump said in November that he would consider Carlson because hes got great common sense.
But when asked by Roseanne Barr on her podcast late last year about the possibility of joining Mr Trumps 2024 ticket, Carlson said: I put that in the category of an asteroid striking the Earth. Good or bad, its so far outside of my control.
He said being in contention was flattering but added that hes never been in politics.
When asked if he would accept the opportunity if offered, he said: I guess Id have to think about that.
Carlson grew into one of the largest stars on Fox News as he peddled white supremacist, racist ideas, and various conspiracy theories.
His show was taken off air in April last year, with Carlson later telling his biographer Chadwick Moore that his removal was part of the $787.5m settlement between Fox and Dominion.
They agreed to take me off the air, my show off the air, as a condition of the Dominion settlement, he said. They had to settle this, [now-retired Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch] couldnt testify. I think that deal was made minutes before the trial started. I mean, I know it was.
Mr Moore wrote last year that a Dominion lawyer wanted to make clear personally that Dominion made no requests or demands whatsoever regarding Mr Carlsons employment with Fox or his appearance, or non-appearance, on Fox News.
On Newsmax, Mr Trump Jr took the same line as his father during a Fox News town hall before the Iowa Caucuses saying that the former president has decided who will be his running mate but refusing to reveal their identity.
Mr Trump Jr didnt rule out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who came second in Iowa, about 30 points behind Mr Trump. He mentioned Ohio GOP Senator JD Vance, a Trump critic turned ally, saying that hes principally in alignment [with Mr Trump] as well as aggressive, HuffPost noted.
Ex-House and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who ran against Mr Trump in 2016 and then served in his cabinet, was dismissed by Mr Trump Jr as almost too nice for politics.
Regarding former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who came in third in Iowa and is making a push to close in on Mr Trump in New Hampshire, Mr Trump Jr said he would make sure it isnt her.
I dont think thats currently really on the table, he added.
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Several families of the Uvalde school shooting victims are calling for charges to be brought against law enforcement officials who responded to the tragedy after a nearly 500-page US Department of Justice report was released on Thursday.
Speaking about the probes findings, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said, Lives wouldve been saved. People wouldve survived if officials responding to the scene had followed proper procedures.
Nineteen students and two teachers died at Robb Elementary School on 24 May 2022 after an 18-year-old gunman barged into the school with an AR-15 rifle and began firing into classrooms. Hundreds of law enforcement officials from several departments arrived at the site of the incident, creating chaos about who was in charge.
A series of major failures, failures of leadership and tactics and communications in training and in preparedness were made by law enforcement, The attorney general said at a press conference in Uvalde on Thursday.
Officers waited outside classrooms for approximately 77 minutes before intervening to save the lives of those inside. Former School District Police Chief Pete Arredondo previously said he did not realise he was in charge of the incident, even though protocol listed him as incident commander.
The former law enforcement official told officers intending to gain entry into the building to stop.
The report provides new details, including how students who had already died were placed into ambulances and victims whod been struck by bullets were put onto school buses without being brought to the attention of medics.
One woman who was wounded was placed on a walkway, where she eventually died.
Additionally, some family members were told their loved ones survived when they had not. The incident became the second-deadliest school shooting in the nations history.
These families didnt need a 400 or 500-page government report to learn that law enforcement failed them in a historic way, an attorney representing the families said at a news conference following the reports release.
Kimberly Rubio, whose 10-year-old daughter, Lexi Rubio, died in the shooting said she hopes the failures end today and local officials do right by the victims and survivors terminations and criminal prosecutions.
Several relatives of the victims nodded when asked if they believed Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell had everything she needed to pursue criminal charges against responding officials.
What else does she possibly need to prosecute? one relative said in response to a reporters question.
Family members were also asked about their reaction to the attorney generals comment about lives potentially being saved had officials responded to the incident properly.
I just couldnt believe it, one man said. For these officers who shit there and just not do anything and still be out here on the streets like nothing happened.
Close Private plane makes emergency landing on a highway due to snowy conditions
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At least 89 people have been killed across the country over the past two weeks as severe weather plagues the United States, according to an updated count by CBS News.
The most winter weather-related deaths have occurred in Tennessee after a truck spun out of control due to snowy conditions, causing it to slam into a tractor-trailer.
The governor of Oregon declared a state of emergency as its state is being pelted with freezing rain and winter storms that have led to fallen trees, massive power outages and at least 16 deaths.
Two adults and one teenager died after a power line fell onto a car in northeast Portland on Wednesday morning following a severe storm in Oregon. Officials also found an uninjured two-year-old on the scene whom they took to the hospital.
Now, several inches of lake-effect snow is hitting the Great Lakes region and northeast US, while arctic temperatures settle over the southeast US.
In Florida, meteorologists say low temperatures could impact wildlife, leading to a rare weather-related phenomenon: falling iguanas.
The severe winter storms have also unleashed travel chaos across the country, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays across the country.
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A political party started as a joke has now announced plans to run in this years parliamentary elections.
Austrias Beer Party hopes to provide some kick against more established parties as its leader on Thursday announced plans to run.
The party, set up in 2015, is known for its light-hearted projects but has taken serious swipes at the political establishment and those embroiled in corruption and other scandals.
It has campaigned on issues as frivolous as installing public beer fountains in Vienna, but also on improving the public health system.
It ran in the last parliamentary election in 2019 and secured just 0.1% of the vote but its leader Dominik Wlazny, a 37-year-old doctor and rock musician with the stage name Marco Pogo, came third in 2022s presidential election with 8.3%. To enter parliament, a party needs 4% of the vote.
Yes, we are ready, for now, Wlazny told a news conference in a black hooded sweatshirt, outlining issues including reducing child poverty, improving equality of opportunity in education and addressing the surging cost of living.
Why are we doing this? We dont want to moan but rather do things ourselves. Because we are convinced the Beer Party can make a positive contribution in parliament, he said.
Whether the party actually enters the race, however, will depend on whether it can gather enough funds, which is plans to do by increasing its membership to 20,000 by the end of April from around 1,300 active members at the end of 2023, Wlazny said. Party membership dues are 59 euros a year, he added.
Any effect on other parties in the race remains to be seen. The party has been particularly critical of the far-right Freedom Party, which is currently leading in the polls.
The Beer Partys egalitarian message also appeals to left-wing voters: the leader of the opposition Social Democrats, Andreas Babler, has said he voted for Wlazny in the last presidential election.
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A man has died in an explosion at a hostel in Dublin city centre.
Dublin Fire Brigade and gardai (police) were called to the scene at Little Britain Street, off Capel Street, following reports of a blast inside a Depaul homeless hostel soon after 3.30pm.
Gardai said a man sustained fatal injuries, and there are no reports of any other injuries.
Ambulance crews at the scene (PA)
The building was evacuated and a cordon was established, with local traffic diversions in place.
Emergency services said the precise cause of the explosion was under investigation, and the Garda Technical Bureau would examine the scene.
It is understood that gardai did not suspect foul play in their initial assessment.
A spokesperson for the Depaul homeless hostel in Dublin confirmed there was an incident in the building.
Depaul can confirm that there was an incident this afternoon in our Little Britain Street service, the statement said. It was a localised incident confined to one room.
All service users will be evacuated from the building tonight and alternative placements will be found.
Depaul are working with the DRHE (Dublin Region Homeless Executive) and our NGO partners to ensure no person will be left without accommodation this evening.
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Russia is preparing legislation to ban British fishermen from the Barents Sea, one of the biggest fisheries for cod and haddock in the world, according to a major Russian newspaper.
Vladimir Putins government is in favour of draft legislation submitted by the agriculture ministry that would see Russia pulling out of a Soviet-era fishing agreement that allowed British vessels to operate in the sea, according to Izvestiya.
The 1956 fisheries agreement came as part of concerted diplomatic efforts to ease post-war tensions with the West, and allowed British vessels to fish for seafood along the coast of the Russian Kola Peninsula, east of Cape Kanin Nos, off Kolguev Island and the small islands in the Barents Sea.
The sea is along the northern coasts of Norway and Russia.
Already fraught relations between the UK and Russia crashed in February 2022 when Putin ordered the invasion of European neighbour Ukraine, beginning a war that will reach the two-year mark late next month.
Britain has been one of Ukraines most important international allies ever since, providing an estimated 12bn in direct support as well as imposing a string of sanctions on Russian entities and businesses.
The bill denouncing the Barents Sea fishing agreement has already been approved by Russias cabinet after it was submitted by the agriculture and foreign ministries, according to Izvestiya, and is now with the Kremlin.
The legislation would also need to be approved by Russias rubber-stamp parliament before becoming law.
Russian fish farming company Russian Aquacultures salmon and trout farm operating in Ura Bay in the Barents Sea n 2017 (AFP via Getty Images)
The Russia-Ukraine war shows no signs of abating. Short on cash and defence supplies, Ukraine is currently defending its lines against a fresh Russian assault after its own counteroffensive over the summer and autumn failed to yield significant gains.
Moscow has also resumed a campaign of mass air strikes on population centres far beyond the frontline.
At the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the gathering and called for a strong decision this year on what to do with frozen Russian assets held in Western banks.
He made no direct appeals for the supply of weapons for new offensives on the battlefield but called for help to build and reconstruct war-battered Ukraine.
He called for the frozen funds roughly $300bn in Russian Central Bank money to be directed towards defence against the Russian war and for reconstruction of Ukraine.
Putin loves money above all, he said. The more billions he and his oligarchs, friends and accomplices lose, the more likely he will regret starting this war.
Close Moment Russian plane carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war appears to crash
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At least seven people, including three children, have been killed overnight after a Russian drone hit a petrol station in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv.
The strike caused a massive fire that burned down 15 private houses, while 50 people were evacuated as emergency workers tackled the blaze.
It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sacked army chief Valeriy Zaluzhny and replaced him with Oleksandr Syrsky.
It follows days of speculation that Zelensky was considering dismissing Zaluzhny, who is seen by many Ukrainians as a national hero for overseeing the war effort since February 2022.
We discussed what renewal the Armed Forces of Ukraine need. We also discussed who could be in the renewed leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The time for this renewal is now, Zelenskys statement said on Telegram.
In other developments, Ukrainian troops have shot down a Russian attack helicopter in eastern Ukraine near the city of Avdiivka as soldiers step up street fighting, Kyiv claimed.
Meanwhile, Russian forces launched the second largest combined drone and missile strike on Ukraine this year with around 64 munitions hitting the country, according to a US think tank.
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Ukraine has targeted an oil facility in the Russian city of St Petersburg, more than 500 miles from the border, in a drone attack.
A Ukrainian military source said the assaults on Vladimir Putins hometown were part of a new phase of strikes, with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky having previously pledged to hit more targets inside Russia this year, with the goal of disrupting life and increasing the pressure on Mr Putin.
Kremlin state media claimed three drones were fired toward St Petersburg in the early hours of Thursday, with the Russian ministry of defence claiming that all had been intercepted. The Ukrainian military source, however, told Reuters: There are confirmed hits. This is a new stage of work in this region.
One Russian outlet, Baza, citing its own sources, suggested that one drone had exploded between two fuel tankers in the St Petersburg oil facility. They added that a resultant fire was quickly extinguished.
Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told a press conference in Moscow that the war in Ukraine was having a positive impact on life in Russia (AP)
A Ukrainian intelligence source also claimed the drone had flown over Valdai Palace south of St Petersburg, which is one of Putins residences outside of Moscow.
St Petersburg governor Alexander Beglov later acknowledged the attack but said no one was injured.
Russian authorities also reported a missile attack on the city of Belgorod, close to the border. Local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said air defences had downed all 10 missiles but that one person had been injured.
The attacks forced the regional emergencies ministry to cancel the citys traditional Orthodox Epiphany festivities, according to state news agency Tass, which were set to take place on Friday. The annual celebrations are widespread in Russia.
Belgorod, roughly 60 miles north of Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, has been one of the worst-hit areas in Russia. On 30 December, shelling in the centre of Belgorod killed 21 people and wounded 110, according to regional officials.
In spite of the recent spate of attacks, and the anger felt by many Russians who have been forced to evacuate areas such as Belgorod, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov tried to claim the war in Ukraine was having a very positive impact during a nearly three-hour annual press conference.
It has united our society in an unprecedented way, he said, despite a widespread crackdown on dissent that has left anyone opposing the war risking a hefty prison sentence.
As he spoke, Vnukovo airport in Moscow briefly suspended all flights in and out, according to Russian media, over fears of another Ukrainian drone attack.
Russian firefighters tackle a fire in Belgorod after a Ukrainian drone attack (Russia Emergency Situations Ministry telegram channel)
Meanwhile, a Moscow state prosecutor has called for ultranationalist Igor Girkin, a figure who is anti-Putin but avowedly pro-war, to be jailed for nearly five years on charges of extremism.
Mr Girkin was arrested in July last year for peppering Mr Putin with personal insults and urging him to pass power to someone truly capable and responsible for carrying out an effective war in Ukraine. He has been in pretrial detention ever since.
It comes as the Hungarian administration, Mr Putins closest ally in Europe, cast doubt on hopes that the European Union could persuade it to cease blocking further aid to Ukraine to help fight off Moscows invasion.
Addressing a domestic briefing, the chief of staff of Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, said our positions are far from the EU over how to broker a deal.
We are negotiating with the [European] Commission but our positions are far from each other, so an agreement is not certain, chief of staff Gergely Gulyas said, before adding that Hungary did not rule out supporting Ukraine bilaterally.
Ursula von der Leyen, who heads the EUs executive commission, said on Wednesday she was confident of finding a solution between the blocs 27 members.
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The Israeli military say troops have pushed further south than ever before during the war in Gaza, with heavy fighting and intense bombardment in the city of Khan Younis.
Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said the army was targeting the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis with particular force in order to dismantle the Hamas leadership.
"What is happening in Khan Younis now is complete madness: the occupation bombards the city in all directions, from the air and the ground too," Abu El-Abed, 45, told Reuters. He is now living in Khan Younis after being displaced several times with his family of seven since leaving Gaza City in the north earlier in the war.
APTOPIX Israel Palestinians (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza said 170 people had been killed in Israeli strikes throughout the territory across the last 24 hours including 16 in a single strike on a house in the southern city of Rafah, where many people have fled.
The Israel-Hamas war was triggered by Hamas shock attack inside southern Israel on 7 October, which saw around 1,200 killed and around 240 taken hostage back into Gaza. In response, Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas and has launched airstrikes and ground operations inside Gaza, backed up by a blockade. Health officials in Gaza say more than 24,000 people have been killed in the three-month conflict.
It comes as a new wave of violence sweeps across the occupied West Bank, with a series of raids launched across the territory. Israeli forces remained in Tulkarem, in the north of the West Bank, on Thursday afternoon, more than 36 hours after launching a raid on a refugee camp there.
A 27-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in Tulkarem on Thursday, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. On Wednesday, five Palestinians were killed inside the same refugee camp, according to the Palestinian health ministry, while Israel's military said that an airstrike had killed "a number of terrorists" during a raid there.
In a separate operation, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike near the entrance to the Balata refugee camp. The five were with the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbass, Fatah party bringing the total killed in the West Bank on Wednesday to 10. Among the dead was Palestinian militant Ahmed Abdullah Abu Shalal, whom the Israeli military said was targeted after they received intelligence "of his cell's intentions of carrying out an imminent terrorist attack". The army said Abu Shalal had been responsible for a "number of terrorist attacks" over the past year.
At least 355 people have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers across the West Bank since 7 October, according to UN statistics. That includes 90 children. Of the 355, 346 were killed by Israeli forces, eight by Israeli settlers and one by either Israeli forces or settlers.
A doctor at the West Banks largest hospital in Ramallah, who did not want to be named for security reasons, told The Independent: Since 7 October, Ive treated around five patients per week who were directly shot by Israelis.
On Thursday morning, he treated a 15-year-old child who was shot by Israeli forces, who is expected to survive.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967. It is home to about three million Palestinians as well as around 490,000 Israelis, who live in settlements deemed illegal under international law.
The World Health Organisation's Sean Casey, who left Gaza recently after five weeks of trying to get more staff and supplies to the territory's 16 partially-functioning hospitals, told a UN news conference that he saw "a really horrifying situation in the hospitals" as the health system collapsed day by day.
Last week, Mr Casey said, he visited the Nasser medical complex, the main hospital in Khan Younis, which is at 200 per cent of its bed capacity with only 30 per cent of its staff, so "patients are everywhere, in the corridors, on the floor."
"I went to the burn unit where there was one physician caring for 100 burn patients," he said.
Israel has also vowed to return all the hostages remaining in Hamas captivity after more than 100 mostly women and children were released during a November ceasefire in exchange for the release of scores of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Family members and supporters were marking the first birthday of Kfir Bibas, the youngest Israeli hostage, in a somber ceremony Thursday in Tel Aviv.
The red-haired infant and his four-year-old brother Ariel were captured along with their mother, Shiri, and their father, Yarden. All four remain in captivity.
Meanwhile, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has informed Washington that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of any postwar scenario. The US has called on Israel to scale back its offensive and said that the establishment of a Palestinian state should be part of the "day after."
In a televised news conference, Mr Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with the offensive until Israel realises a "decisive victory over Hamas." He also rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood. He said he had relayed his positions to the Americans.
"In any future arrangement Israel needs security control all territory west of the Jordan," Mr Netanyahu said. "This collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can you do?"
"The prime minister needs to be capable of saying no to our friends," he added.
Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
Close Biden and Sunak spoke about Red Sea attacks, Gaza on phone call, according to White House
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Houthi rebels have vowed that the latest round of US and UK strikes against them in Yemen will no go unanswered - as their allies Hamas killed nearly two dozen Israeli soldiers in Gaza.
The US launched their eighth attack on Houthi positions in western Yemen overnight, firing up to 30 munitions. UK defence secretary Grant Shapps said four Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoons were involved in the strikes.
Mohammad Ali al-Houthi, head of the Houthis supreme revolutionary committee wrote on X, after the joint strikes by the US and the UK: Trust well that every operation and every aggression against our country will not be without a response.
It comes as 21 soldiers have been killed in the Gaza Strip in the deadliest attack on Israels forces since the 7 October Hamas raid that triggered the war, the military has said.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the soldiers but vowed to press ahead with the offensive until "absolute victory" over Hamas was achieved.
The soldiers were killed after a militant fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a tank stationed next to two buildings being prepared for demolition. The area was packed with explosives.
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The US military carried out more strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on Wednesday, the US Central Command said.
It marks the fourth time within a week that the United States targeted the Iran-backed rebel group.
The military said it conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time prompting US forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves, it added.
The missiles were loaded to be fired in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and posed an imminent threat to commercial vessels and US Navy ships, according to US Centcom.
The recent US strikes against the Houthis are part of a series of actions following significant joint strikes with the UK last week, backed by support from several other allies.
The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency reported that the US and the UK conducted the strikes overnight in the provinces of Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar, al-Bayda, and Saada. However, Centcom did not acknowledge any British involvement in the recent attacks.
These developments come against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza could escalate further in the region.
Tensions in the Middle East have risen after Houthi rebels began attacking ships passing through the Red Sea in December. The Islamist group claims it began striking a narrow strip of sea between Yemen and East Africa, which is a key international trade route, in a bid to end Israels air and ground offensive against Hamas.
Hours earlier on Wednesday, the Houthis attacked a US-owned and operated vessel for the second time this week. According to the US Central Command, the rebel group utilised a one-way attack drone to target the M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.
The Central Command reported that no injuries occurred on the commercial vessel, and although the ship sustained some damage, it was able to proceed on its course.
The US and UK airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen began on Friday last week when more than 60 targets in 25 locations were hit. On Saturday, the Pentagon said a Tomahawk missile fired from the Navy destroyer USS Carney hit a Houthi radar site.
The strikes come as the Pentagon announced on Tuesday that two US Navy SEALs were lost at sea in a mission targeting Iranian weapons deliveries to the Houthis.
US president Joe Biden called the strikes a direct response to an onslaught of attacks on Red Sea ships which jeopardised trade, and threatened freedom of navigation.
Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, said the action was necessary and proportionate.
US Central Command posted photos of Iranian weapons components seized on route to Houthi rebels in Yemen (X / US Central Command )
On Wednesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj Gen Pat Ryder said the US would continue to take military action to prevent further attacks by the Houthis.
They are exploiting this situation to conduct attacks against ships and vessels from more than 50 countries around the world. And so were going to continue to work with our partners in the region to prevent those attacks or deter those attacks in the future.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has redesignated the Houthi rebels as specially designated global terrorists. However, the designation will be reconsidered if the Houthis cease their Red Sea attacks.
The group was first listed as terrorists under Donald Trump and delisted in 2021 by Anthony Blinken. He said in a statement on Wednesday: This designation seeks to promote accountability for the groups terrorist activities. If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will reevaluate this designation.
Strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen were a 'last resort', Sunak insists
The rebel groups spokesperson Mohammed Abdelsalam told Al Jazeera in the wake of fresh strikes by the US: We will not give up targeting Israeli ships or ships heading towards ports in occupied Palestine in support of the Palestinian people.
It is an open war, and they must endure the earth-shattering, powerful, and crushing strikes and responses, God willing, Houthi official Ali al-Qahoum wrote on X/Twitter after the latest strikes, according to the outlet.
Mr Blinken told CNBC earlier this week that when Houthis started the attacks: We pressed very hard for them to stop, but without escalation of any kind. This has been an attack on international commerce, international shipping, not an attack on Israel, not an attack on the United States. Thats why more than 40 countries came together to condemn what the Houthis were doing. Its why other countries came together to say, if this continues, there are going to be consequences, not for purposes of escalating, but for purposes of getting them to stop.
He continued: Weve not wanted to see escalation anywhere since October 7. Were working every single day to prevent it, including in the Red Sea.
But several other leaders from across the globe said that the Houthi attacks are a result of Israels aggression in Gaza.
Earlier this week, during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that military strikes will not effectively contain Houthi attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Instead, he emphasised that ending the war in Gaza is essential to defusing tensions in the region.
We need to address the central issue, which is Gaza in order to get everything else defused...if we are just focusing on the symptoms and not treating the real issues, (solutions) will be temporary, he said.
Additional reporting with agencies
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Several members of the US Congress expressed concerns on Wednesday about Nasas Artemis Moon-landing mission being delayed with China at Americas heels to put humans on the lunar surface.
I remind my colleagues that we are not the only country interested in sending humans to the Moon, Frank Lucas, chairman of the US House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology, said, warning that Chinas Communist Party is actively seeking international partners to put boots on the Moon by 2030.
Its no secret that China has a goal to surpass the United States by 2045 as global leaders in space. We cant allow this to happen, Rich McCormick, a Republican member of the US congress, said, adding that Americas leading edge in space will protect not just its economy, but also technologies that can benefit humankind.
The concerns raised by members of the US Congress come as Nasa postponed the launch date of its Artemis Moon landing mission by about 12 months to 2026 to give its commercial partners, including Elon Musks SpaceX, more time to develop the technology.
Nasas Artemis II mission aims to take a four-person crew around the Moon without landing on it, while the subsequent Artemis III is expected will put humans back on the Moon for the first time since the 1970s.
While the Moon landing mission was initially planned for 2025, it is now pushed further into 2026.
In order to safely carry out our upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon with astronauts, we are now targeting September 2025 for Artemis II and September 2026 for Artemis III, Nasa announced in an X post.
Referring to the announcement, Nasas Catherine Koerner said in her testimony that the agencys intent is to be on the surface of the Moon before China is.
NASA delaying return to moon over safety issues
A growing body of studies by agencies across the globe now indicate that the Moons south pole could be a rich source of valuable minerals and ice, that could propel further space exploration and mining.
Officials, including Nasa chief Bill Nelson, have warned China may attempt to claim territory on the Moon if it beats the US in setting up permanent bases on the lunar surface.
Mr Nelson warned last year that the US was in a new space race with China, adding that geopolitical tensions between the two countries on Earth could extend to the Moon.
Multiple members of the Congress Committee on Science, Space, and Technology warned that coming second in the space race with China may threaten US national security.
Let me be clear: I support Artemis. But I want it to be successful, especially with China at our heels, California Democrat Zoe Lofgren said.
And we want to be helpful here in the committee in ensuring that Artemis is strong and staying on track as we look to lead the world, hand-in-hand with our partners, in the human exploration of the Moon and beyond, Ms Lofgren added.
Committee chairman Mr Lucas voiced similar concerns, adding that the country that lands first will have the ability to set a precedent for whether future lunar activities are conducted with openness and transparency, or in a more restricted manner.
However, Mike Griffin, who was Nasas administrator from 2005 and 2009, said in his testimony that the Artemis missions are unlikely to be completed within a stipulated timeline.
In my judgment, the Artemis program is excessively complex, unrealistically priced, compromises crew safety, poses very high mission risk of completion and is highly unlikely to be completed in a timely manner, even if successful, Mr Griffin said during the hearing.
For the US and its partners not to be on the Moon when others are on the Moon is unacceptable, he added.
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Elon Musk has demanded a larger stake in Tesla that would nearly double his current share.
In a series of posts on X, the Tesla chief executive said he would be uncomfortable growing the automaker to be a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics without having at least 25 per cent voting control of the company.
I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control. Enough to be influential, but not so much that I cant be overturned, Mr Musk wrote.
Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla.
Mr Musk previously held a stake of more than 20 per cent in Tesla, but now owns around 13 per cent of the companys stock after selling billions of dollars of shares in 2022 partly to help finance his $44bn purchase of Twitter.
Tesla remains the leader in electric vehicles, but Mr Musk said he believes the companys future lies in AI and robotics.
Elon Musk has demanded a larger stake in Tesla that would nearly double his current share (AP)
In January 2022, he said the companys goal of building a humanoid robot is the most important technology its developing.
This I think has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time, he said on a call with Wall Street analysts.
Tesla introduced its humanoid robot at its AI Day in September, but leaders at the company have noted that it is not ready for prime time.
At the AI Day, the robot, dubbed Optimus by Tesla, was seen walking stiffly on stage before it slowly waved at the crowd and gestured with its hands for roughly one minute.
Nevertheless, Tesla believes the robot technology is key to its future and to keeping its investors onside.
Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, said the comments had created a firestorm for Tesla. If Musk ultimately went down the path to create his own company (separate from Tesla) for his next generation AI projects this would clearly be a big negative for the Tesla story, he wrote.
Mr Ives added that he expected the Tesla board would be able to resolve the issue. We also believe Musk having a back and forth about such an important issue over X is far from ideal for the investment community, he added.
Mr Musk, whose rank as the worlds wealthiest person is tied to his Tesla shares, is currently facing a lawsuit over his compensation package.
Tesla shared a video on 12 December, 2023, showing the latest version of its Optimus robot (Tesla)
In 2018, his compensation package was worth $56bn - the biggest pay package for any CEO in history.
The deal was so large it prompted shareholder Richard Tornetta to take legal action against Mr Musk and the Tesla board over the 10-year pay package.
The package won approval from more than 70 per cent of Tesla shareholders but the lawsuit argued that many of those shares belonged to people closely tied to Mr Musk.
The lawsuit awaits a Delaware Chancery Court ruling on whether the pay was excessive.
Mr Musk said on X there was no feud with the board over his new compensation package and said the pending verdict was holding back the discussions.
I should note that the Tesla board is great, he said. The reason for no new compensation plan is that we are still waiting for a decision in my Delaware compensation case.
If I have 25%, it means I am influential, but can be overridden if twice as many shareholders vote against me vs for me, Mr Musk wrote. At 15% or lower, the for/against ratio to override me makes a takeover by dubious interests too easy, he added.
The Independent has contacted Tesla for comment.
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The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. Since November 2023 the Icelandic authorities have been monitoring seismic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik.
The latest eruption began on 8 February, north of the fishing town of Grindavik. The Icelandic Met Office reported: At 5.30 this morning intense seismic activity started northeast of Mount Sylingarfell. Around 30 minutes later, a volcanic eruption started at the site. The eruptive fissure lengthened both towards north and south during the first minutes.
Lava flows mostly towards west at the moment. The lava fountains reach about 50-80m height and the volcanic plume rises about 3km above the eruptive fissure.
The Foreign Office warns: Recently there have been a series of volcanic eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland.
The capital city, Reykjavik, and the rest of Iceland has not been impacted by these eruptions. It is likely there will be further eruptions in this location. You should monitor local media for updates and follow the authorities advice on travel to the area.
The location is around 10 miles southwest of Keflavik airport, a major North Atlantic aviation hub. Flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal.
These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights.
I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave?
Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. Isavia, which runs the airport, said: An eruption has started on the Reykjaness Peninsula.
Keflavik airport and regional airports in Iceland are not impacted and fully operational.
You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty.
The FCDO advises travellers to check the following resources for updates:
Earlier earthquakes struck just 10 miles south of Icelands main airport, Keflavik International, but the UK Foreign Office said travel can go ahead (Vafri.is)
But didnt an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week?
Yes. Travellers may remember where they were in April 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week.
A quarter of a billion cubic metres of volcanic ash was ejected and was carried southeast towards the UK and continental Europe by the breeze. The fear was that volcanic ash could damage jet engines and potentially bring down aircraft. In the biggest shutdown of aviation since the Second World War, 50,000 flights were cancelled and 8 million passengers had their travel plans wrecked.
More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled.
So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst.
Thankfully, the circumstances are very different. Eyjafjallajokull erupted with a glacier on top. The addition of melting water meant that the lava cooled very quickly into tiny fragments. These were promptly propelled into the atmosphere to a height of 30,000 feet by the steam produced in the eruption.
The current eruption is not having anything like the same effect. The lava will cool and remain on the ground.
In addition, new guidelines established in the wake of the 2010 eruption allow aircraft to fly if volcanic ash is present in reasonably small quantities. Another Icelandic volcano erupted in 2011, and in that case only 1 per cent of flights in northern Europe were cancelled rather than 100 per cent on some days in that extraordinary time.
Icelands Blue Lagoon has been closed as a precuation (AP)
What if I am booked on a package holiday?
Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal with no automatic right to cancel.
Iceland is a country peppered with volcanic sites (Icelandic Met Office)
Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal.
The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon, an increasingly popular wellness destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site.
The Blue Lagoon has closed, with a statement on its website explaining: Due to a volcanic eruption that commenced on the morning of 8 February, we have closed all our operational units today, Thursday.
The current eruption site is a safe distance from Blue Lagoon.
Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future.
Can I claim on insurance?
No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare cancel for any reason policies. On standard travel insurance, disinclination to travel is not an acceptable reason for a claim.
Would you go to Iceland at the moment?
Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Winter is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show from the Northern Lights, which are near the peak of the regular 11-year cosmic cycle.
The Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place.
I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund.
It could also be that the new eruption becomes an attraction in its own right, as some have done. But not right now. Clive Stacey, founder of the leading Iceland specialist travel firm Discover The World, said: As things stand this is not a tourist eruption in its present phase and sightseers have been warned to stay away from the area.
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A passenger was trapped in the lavatory of a plane for the entire duration of the flight in India after the door malfunctioned during the flight.
The man, flying from Mumbai to Bengaluru on a SpiceJet flight on Wednesday, went to use the toilet soon after the plane took off. But he found himself stuck in what turned out to be a harrowing, one hour and 45 minute journey.
After discovering the man was trapped in the bathroom, the crew attempted to unlock the door from the outside but were unsuccessful.
The passenger was only freed from the cramped restroom after the flight landed at Bengaluru airport and technicians intervened.
The private air carrier SpiceJet expressed regret over the incident and said the passenger will get a full refund of his fare.
On 16 January, a passenger unfortunately got stuck inside the lavatory for about an hour on a SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Bengaluru, while the aircraft was airborne due to a malfunction in the door lock, a statement from the airline said.
Throughout the journey, our crew provided assistance and guidance to the passenger. Upon arrival, an engineer opened the lavatory door, and the passenger received immediate medical support, it added.
The crew of the flight reportedly also communicated with the passenger stuck in the lavatory with the help of a note slipped under the door.
The passenger was urged to not panic after their attempts to unlock the door failed. The note said that the plane is preparing for landing in few mins, so please close the commode lid and sit on it.
And secure yourself. As soon as the main door is open engineer will come, the note said. Do not panic.
The incident comes at a time when aviation in India is grappling with a spate of incidents amid flight delays and cancellations.
The situation has become even worse as dense fog triggered by a cold wave shrouded parts of northern India, disrupting flights.
On Monday, a video of a passenger hitting a pilot onboard an IndiGo flight went viral. A passenger assaulted the pilot who had come out to announce further delay of the Delhi-Goa flight, which was delayed by more than 10 hours.
An Air India flight was also delayed for around 17 hours and the incident sparked a debate after videos showed passengers eating their meals on the runway as they waited.
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Passengers on a Thai AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Phuket were shocked when they spotted a snake in the cabins overhead compartment.
The discovery led to some passengers moving away from the seats that were closer to the snake while others took out their phones to record the reptile. A TikTok video of the incident, shared by a user with the handle @wannabnailssalon, has gathered more than 3.4 million views since it was posted.
The tiny snake was seen slithering over the cabin lights on an AirAsia Airbus A320 plane on 13 January.
One of the cabin crew members reportedly tried to capture the snake inside an empty plastic water bottle. The snake was later swept into a garbage bag using a plastic bottle.
It was not immediately clear how the snake ended up inside the aircraft.
The snake was found as the plane was preparing to land at the Phuket airport.
Once the plane landed, the plane was searched thoroughly. Reports said that no other snakes were found.
Some observers on TikTok likened the situation to the Hollywood film Snakes on a Plane a 2006 action thriller starring Samuel L Jackson that follows an FBI agent escorting a witness on a flight when criminals release venomous snakes, causing chaos.
The Independent has reached out to AirAsia for comment.
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The dispute between the train drivers union, Aslef, and 14 train operators in England is into its third calendar year.
With no settlement in sight to the long and bitter row over pay and working arrangements, the union has begun its first strikes for 2024.
Train drivers belonging to Aslef are stopping work region-by-region over the course of a week between Tuesday 30 January and Monday 5 February. Thousands of trains will be cancelled on each day.
The effect is exacerbated by a nine-day ban on overtime running from 29 January to 6 February.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, says some members have not had a pay rise for five years and ministers have refused to engage with the union for a year.
He told The Independent: Any industrial action is incredibly damaging, but after 18 months out on strike, and after a year with no one in the government or the [train operating] companies talking to us, we are forced to raise the profile of our issues.
Rail minister Huw Merriman told The Independent: Strikes just hold the railway back. We believe a fair and reasonable offer is there on the table for Aslef if they put it to their members.
These are train drivers that paid an average 60,000 for a 35-hour, four-day week, That pay deal would take them up to 65,000.
We hope that they will take the opportunity to take it. Then we can all talk about the positives of rail.
Separately, the 14 train operators have reached a tentative agreement with the RMT union that has put an end to walk-outs while talks continue on a local level. But the RMT has called two 48-hour strikes in February and March on the London Overground.
These are the key questions and answers.
Which rail firms are affected?
Aslef is in dispute with the train operators that are contracted by the government to provide rail services. They are:
Intercity operators:
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
LNER
TransPennine Express
Southeast England commuter operators:
C2C
Greater Anglia
GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
Southeastern
South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)
Operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England:
Chiltern Railways
Northern Trains
West Midlands Railway
ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth Line), Merseyrail and open-access operators such as Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo are not involved. But their services are likely to be extremely crowded on stretches where they duplicate strike-hit companies.
What is the strike schedule?
Monday 29 January: overtime ban begins.
Tuesday 30 January: South Western Railway, Southeastern and GTR (Southern, Gatwick Express, Great Northern and Thameslink).
Wednesday 31 January: Northern and TransPennine Express.
Thursday 1 February: no strike but overtime ban continues.
Friday 2 February: Greater Anglia, C2C and LNER.
Saturday 3 February: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway.
Sunday 4 February: no strike but overtime ban continues.
Monday 5 February: Great Western, CrossCountry and Chiltern.
Tuesday 6 February: no strike but overtime ban continues for a final day.
What are the likely effects of the strikes?
These predictions are based on latest statements from rail firms and The Independents observation of previous strikes. They should be confirmed before travel.
Great Northern (30 January): Shuttle service calling at London Kings Cross and Cambridge only (and probably branded Thameslink) with limited operating hours.
Thameslink (30 January): Shuttle service calling at St Pancras, Luton Airport Parkway and Luton only. The firm says its trains will be extremely busy and that queueing systems will be in place.
You may not be able to board your chosen service, says Thameslink. If you are planning to travel on one of the last trains of the day, please be aware that, depending on the size of the queue, you may not be able to board a service at all, and no alternative transport options will be provided after the last train departs. Please plan ahead and leave plenty of time to reach your destination.
Southern (30 January): No trains except a nonstop shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport, from 6am to 11.30pm.
Gatwick Express (30 January): The Southern airport shuttle, above, is doing the work.
Southeastern (30 January): No trains.
South Western Railway (30 January): The service is relatively extensive compared with other train operators.
Up to four stopping trains per hour between London Waterloo and Woking.
Hourly semi-fast trains between Waterloo and both Guildford and Basingstoke. A shuttle will run from Basingstoke to Salisbury every 90 minutes.
Two trains per hour will also run between Waterloo and Feltham via Richmond and Twickenham. No trains on the Isle of Wight.
Northern (31 January): No trains. The operator says that it expects two key routes to be very busy on 3 February when East Midlands Railway is on strike: Leeds-Sheffield-Nottingham and Sheffield-Manchester.
TransPennine Express (31 January): No trains. There will be some alterations to evening services on Tuesday 30 January and to early morning services on Thursday 1 February, the company says.
C2C (2 February): No trains. The company warns: Upminster car park will likely become full and close early in the day. Upminster is the eastern end of the District Line of the London Underground, which will be running normally.
Greater Anglia (2 February): Limited service linking London Liverpool Street with Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester; Southend Victoria; Cambridge; and Stansted airport.
LNER (2 February): Regular trains on core routes linking London Kings Cross with Doncaster, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. First trains will depart at around 8am, with most journeys finished by 7pm. Leeds will have a limited direct service, but connections are available from Doncaster.
Avanti West Coast (3 February): No trains. The operator says: Services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected.
East Midlands Railway (3 February): No trains. The train firm warns: No rail replacement bus services will be provided. Other train operators may be running a reduced service due to an overtime ban.
West Midlands Railway (3 February): No trains, and a warning that services on Sunday 4 February will see widespread delays and cancellations.
Chiltern (5 February): No trains either on the strike day or on the previous day, Sunday 4 February, as the train operator is dependent on drivers working overtime on Sunday to operate any trains at all. The overtime ban means no services will run.
CrossCountry (5 February): No trains.
Great Western Railway (5 February): On the actual strike day, a core service will run between London Paddington and Oxford, Bath and Bristol, with a link from Bristol to Cardiff. A limited service on branch lines in Devon and Cornwall. The Night Riviera sleeper service from London to Penzance will not run for a number of nights.
In addition to the disruption on strike days, trains on adjacent days may be affected. Services on these days are also likely to be extremely busy due to passengers moving their journeys to avoid industrial action.
What about the new minimum service levels law?
Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action.
No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers union. LNER said it might do so, and opened consultations, at which point Aslef called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.
The BBC reports that the prime minister is disappointed that train operators had not implemented minimum service levels. A Downing Street spokesperson said: Yes, its something that we and the public expect them to use.
Weve been repeatedly been clear that this legislation is available for train operators to use.
The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.
The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working.
Is there a worst day?
Yes. In terms of sheer number of passengers hit, Tuesday 30 January is the most disruptive. It is aimed at commuters in southeast England, the majority of whom use the affected train operators. Normally Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, South Western Railway and Southeastern carry around 40 per cent of all passengers.
Intercity travellers will be worst affected on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February, when the main operators on the East Coast and West Coast main lines, plus the Midland main line, will be hit.
Sunday 4 February is also likely to be severely disrupted mainly because of the ban on rest-day working. Chiltern Railway, which would normally run trains between London and Birmingham, says no services will run at all due to the overtime ban.
Disruption will be heightened by planned engineering work between Birmingham and Wolverhampton on the West Coast main line and between London Kings Cross and Stevenage on the East Coast main line.
What will be the wider impact of the overtime ban?
The overtime ban alone will cause thousands of cancellations. Aslef says no train operator employs enough drivers to provide the service they promise passengers and businesses they will deliver without asking drivers to work their days off.
Sunday is still not part of the working week at a number of train operators, so 4 February will be particularly disrupted by the ban on rest-day working.
GWR says: There will be significant disruption to services and customers should travel on alternative days. No trains will operate on long-distance routes between London Paddington and Bristol, South Wales and Exeter/Plymouth/Penzance.
Several rail firms have announced pre-emptive cancellations due to the previous overtime ban, as follows:
C2C: Severely reduced service at weekends, with many trains also cut on weekdays.
Chiltern: Significantly reduced service on most routes, with no trains at all on some branch lines. Services on all routes will finish earlier than usual. No trains will run on Sunday 4 February.
Gatwick Express: No trains during the overtime ban. Southern trains will link London Victoria and Gatwick airport throughout the industrial action.
London Northwestern Railway/West Midlands Railway: Branch lines between Bletchley and Bedford, Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, and Leamington Spa and Nuneaton, will be closed on most or all days.
Southern: An amended timetable with fewer services will run. Services may start later and finish earlier than usual.
Thameslink warns: A reduced frequency amended timetable will be in operation.
Some trains may restrict either boarding or leaving trains at certain stations to avoid overcrowding.
What if I need to reach an airport?
London Heathrow will remain accessible at all times on the Heathrow Express, the Elizabeth Line and the Tube.
Passengers using London Gatwick will be significantly affected on the first day of strikes, Tuesday 30 January, when no Gatwick Express nor Thameslink trains will run. But passengers between London and Gatwick will be able to travel on a Southern shuttle service, nonstop between Victoria and the airport. The GWR link from Gatwick to Redhill, Guildford and Reading will run normally on 30 January but not on 5 February.
London Stansted will have an hourly skeleton service from the capital on Tuesday 2 February, with service alterations on all the other days of the overtime ban. The link to Norwich will be axed on 2 February, but CrossCountry trains to Cambridge (and on to Birmingham) will still run. On 5 February, though, no CrossCountry trains will run to Stansted airport or anywhere else.
Luton airport will remain accessible by rail, at least from London, on all days: on the Thameslink strike day, 30 January, Thameslink will have a reduced service from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway. In addition, the East Midlands Railway link will be running. On 3 February, when no East Midlands Railway services are likely to run, Thameslink will be operating.
Southend airport: hourly trains on Friday 2 February with restricted hours.
Southampton airport will not be served by South Western Railway on Tuesday 30 January nor by CrossCountry on Monday 5 February.
Manchester airport will have a drastically reduced rail service on Wednesday 31 January. With Northern and TransPennine Express drivers on strike, there will be only an hourly link on Transport for Wales to and from central Manchester, Chester and North Wales.
Birmingham airport is likely to be inaccessible by rail on Saturday 3 February, except for Transport for Wales from Birmingham New Street.
Will Eurostar be affected?
No. Trains will continue to run as normal between London St Pancras International and Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. But connecting journeys will be difficult on strike days particularly Tuesday 30 January, when Thameslink and Southeastern are out, and on Saturday 3 February when no East Midlands Railway services are likely to run.
What does Aslef say?
In an exclusive interview with The Independent, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: When we get to February, itll be half a decade without a pay rise. What do we do? Do we do nothing?
The only thing that is going to get us out of this is a clean deal.
Without an agreement, he says: Its going to get messier. Its going to get worse.
What do the rail firms say?
A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, said: There are no winners from these strikes that will unfortunately cause disruption for our customers. We believe rail can have a bright future, but right now taxpayers are contributing an extra 54m a week to keep services running post-Covid.
Aslefs leadership need to recognise the financial challenge facing rail. Drivers have been made an offer which would take base salaries to nearly 65,000 for a four-day week before overtime that is well above the national average and significantly more than many of our customers that have no option to work from home are paid.
Instead of staging more damaging industrial action, we call on the Aslef leadership to work with us to resolve this dispute and deliver a fair deal which both rewards our people, and makes the changes needed to make services more reliable.What does the government say?
What does the government say?
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: Its very disappointing to see Aslef continuing to target those who travel to work, school or important medical appointments by train.
Aslef is now the only rail union that is continuing to strike while refusing to put a fair and reasonable offer to its members. The offer that remains on the table and would bring the average train drivers salary up to 65,000.
The Aslef leadership should do the right thing and let their members decide their own future, instead of deciding it for them.
What does the Labour Party say it would do if elected?
Louise Haigh, Labours shadow transport secretary, said: It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasnt got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last.
Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldnt still be having strikes on our railways.
The shadow rail minister, Stephen Morgan MP, has previously said: Labour will bring our railways back into public ownership, as contracts expire, and ensure services work in the interests of the passenger.
What are the London Overground strikes about?
Pay. More than 300 members of the RMT will stage two 48-hour walkouts on the London Overground on Mondays and Tuesdays two weeks apart: 19-20 February 2024 and 4-5 March 2024. Among those taking action are security, station, revenue and control staff.
The RMT said that Arriva Rail London, which has the contract for London Overground, has offered a below inflation pay offer.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, said: If this dispute cannot be resolved then RMT is more than prepared for a sustained period of industrial action to get London Overground workers the pay rise they deserve.
The Independent has contacted the Department for Transport and Arriva Rail London for comment.
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Escape to Africa from the UK deep freeze for 1.40 per hour: this is one of the tempting propositions over the next three weeks, as travel firms desperately try to shift unsold flights and holidays.
The Independent has found Tui, Europes biggest holiday company, is selling packages to Tunisia for departure tomorrow or on Friday 26 January for just 235 per person. It represents a 54 per cent discount on the full price of 506, which is being charged the following Friday, 2 February.
The deal includes flights (and 15kg of checked baggage) from London Gatwick to Enfidha airport and a transfer to the four-star Phenicia Hotel in Hammamet where, as well as a room for a week, bargain-seekers get breakfast and dinner included.
Bargain-seekers get a room for a week, breakfast and dinner included, as well as the beach in Hammamet (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Someone earning the national minimum wage could earn enough for the weeks package in just three days. BBC Weather predicts a high of 22C for Friday, with sunny intervals and light winds.
On Saturday 20 January, Jet2 Holidays is offering a week in Torremolinos on Spains Costa del Sol for 261, including flights from Birmingham (with baggage), transfers and self-catering accommodation.
The following day, Jet2 has a deal from East Midlands to Praia da Rocha on Portugals Algarve coast for 232 per person again with self-catering accommodation. Clear skies are forecast for Sunday and all of next week.
Blue-sky thinking: Midwinter day in Bizerte, Tunisia (Simon Calder)
Flight-only deals from budget airlines are selling at below cost. Flying out to Rome from London Stansted on Monday 22 January for a week, Ryanair has a deal for 26 return. The same price, on the same day, applies from Birmingham to Valencia.
For maximum sunshine within Europe, the destination of choice is Spains Canary Islands. From Prestwick in Scotland to Tenerife, flying out on Monday 22 January for 10 days, the Ryanair fare is 45 return.
Egypt for cheap
In Egypt, Red Sea destinations such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are suffering because of travellers concerns about the Israel-Gaza conflict and attacks on shipping even though these are taking place 1,000 miles away.
On 27 January, easyJet is offering flights from Belfast International to Hurghada for 109 return a round-trip distance of over 5,500 miles, almost as far as from the Northern Ireland capital to Boston and back.
The day before, 26 January, Wizz Air is selling Gatwick-Sharm el-Sheikh flights for 126 return. The outbound fare of 72 is 15 less than the Air Passenger Duty payable by the airline when a passenger steps aboard the flight. The current rate for most destinations outside Europe from Britain is 87.
City breaks are on offer, too. From Edinburgh to Beauvais in northern France, which Ryanair calls Paris even though it is 75km from the capital, a Monday-to-Wednesday trip is 26 return next week.
This coming weekend, British Airways will fly travellers from London Heathrow to Milan, with two nights in a four-star hotel, for 166 per person less than the airfare alone for a passenger checking in a bag, which is included in the package price.
Ski flights are also inexpensive: on easyJet, flying on the benchmark route from London Gatwick to Geneva on Saturday 27 January for a week, the cheapest flights are 79 return.
Once February half-term is underway, fares soar. Making exactly the same easyJet journey two weeks later costs almost five times as much, with some Gatwick-Geneva fares over those weekends exceeding 1,100.
Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, says: Some of these deals prove that you really can get some bargains at the 11th hour.
If you have the flexibility to travel at the last minute, then some of these offers are in fact too good, and too true, to bypass.
Tour operators, airlines and travel agents have had a really strong start to 2024 so the majority of their sales are at higher prices for later in the year. But these late deals prove that there are still a smattering of great offers for those desperate to escape the cold.
New York State students need help with reading, and Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to help provide it through what is called the science of reading.
Some argue that the basics of the science of reading phenomic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension have been taught by educators all along. Instead, they argue, what may have been missing in the equation is a particular publisher of the texts from which students would learn.
This particular governor, in my estimation, has been far more engaged in a positive way in things that matter to the school experience that kids have than any other governor, said Hamburg Superintendent Mike Cornell. When she has an interest in things like youth mental health, or teacher recruitment, for example or, in this case, early literacy she has, I think rather productively inserted herself into the conversation with support and funding. And I think thats something that everybody who cares about public education would readily say they appreciate about Gov. Hochul. Cornell added that many school districts, his included, have taken many steps to incorporate the science of reading in their reading instruction over the past few years.
All children may not need the exact same phonics program. But they need help. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress scores showed that more than 40% of New York fourth graders could not read at a basic level.
There is no pass/fail, but a proficiency scale that changes annually. Still, what is not different from year to year is that standardized tests are essentially a proxy for socioeconomic status. Poor kids usually do worse on standardized tests and wealthy kids do better, for various reasons.
To help all kids to read and comprehend requires action.
The governor recently announced her Back to Basics plan as something of a major policy shift that would ensure students receive foundational, evidence-based instruction in reading. With that, Hochul said she will propose legislation providing $10 million to train 20,000 teachers across the state in the science of reading.
The idea, as the governor put it, is to return to best practices.
In recent decades, New York schools have opted for a balanced literacy or whole language method for reading instruction. That involves encouraging students to discern how to read by, for example, using contextual clues and books they are known to enjoy.
Science of reading or structural literacy advocates would say balanced literacy isnt working for students, and the post-Covid-19 data showing that proficiency has fallen among New York students would support that argument.
New York City school leaders said they would switch to a curriculum based on the science of reading and Hochul, in her State of the State address, called for legislation directing the state Education Department to create and share standards for science-based reading instruction. All school districts by 2025 will be required to certify that they are following this departmental guidance.
Not all educators are sold on the science of reading as the answer to the problem of low literacy levels. But, as the governor acknowledges in her pledge to seek more resources, low reading levels among New York students is a critical problem that must be solved. This counts as an important step.
Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
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This winter might be one of Arctic chill but that doesnt mean theres not hot new hotels to get your wanderlust flowing.
The UK has welcomed a flock of incredible places to stay over recent months. Raffles London at The OWO has grabbed much of the attention, taking pride of place as part of the massive transformation of an Edwardian Baroque building in the heart of Whitehall.
Outside the capital, a Lake District favourite has been given an exciting facelift, with Langdale Chase more delightful than ever, while Surreys grand mansion of Beaverbrook now has a sister in which to stay in the form of The Village. In the West Country, one of Somersets top restaurants, Holm, has added a string of rooms making it more destination dining than ever.
Heres where to stay if you want to get away and experience something new.
Raffles London at The OWO
A staircase to impress at Raffles London at The OWO (Raffles London at the OWO)
Its been a bumper year for swish hotel openings in London, with the arrival of The Peninsula London, artotel Battersea and The BoTree to name but a few. Latest to add to the list is the long-awaited Raffles London at The OWO, which has seen the Old War Office an imposing Edwardian Baroque building in the heart of Whitehall transformed by way of a seven-year, 1.5bn investment into the polished, ultra-elegant UK debut from Raffles Hotels and Resorts.
Fittingly, given The OWO was once an epicentre of British government, Raffles has enlisted a raft of todays heavyweight creative talent to ensure fresh intrigue for guests. As well as restored original features, such as the photogenic marble grand staircase, 120 bedrooms including plush heritage suites inside Winston Churchill and John Profumos offices have been designed by the late Thierry Despont, who, during his career, reimagined the Statue of Liberty and The Ritz, Paris.
Read more on UK travel:
Spaces once frequented by Ian Fleming a naval intelligence officer at the OWO during WWII, and the author who created James Bond now holds a trio of restaurants overseen by renowned Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, of Mirazur fame; by the end of 2024, there will be a roster of nine world-class dining options to choose from. Plus, theres a showstopping, four-floor Goddard Littlefair-designed Guerlain Spa, with gym and movement studio, 20-metre swimming pool, thermal suite, and experts from Pillar Wellbeing for training and nutrition advice. And, if the nightly cost north of 1,000 is out of reach? Make for the crimson-hued Guards Bar and Lounge to sip on a London Sling a new riff on Raffles signature cocktail, using British ingredients, including local honey, lime leaf tea and strawberries.
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Langdale Chase, Lake District
A year-long renovation has given this lakeside hideaway a fresh look (Langdale Chase)
Another grand getaway given an exciting facelift is Lake District favourite Langdale Chase, an 1890s vision in Brathay Blue stone with mullioned windows and turrets, which has a plum position at the shore of Lake Windermere. Reopen after a year-long revamp, interiors are more cossetting than ever, and its 30 bedrooms (with lake or fell views) have earthy brown and lake-blue palettes alongside wallpapers blooming with curling florals and leaf motifs.
Expect Italian marble bathrooms stocked with natural skincare from Cumbrian brand Bath House, stacks of books to thumb through, and in-room binoculars to take a closer look at the steamers and Canada geese that glide across the lake.
The Langdale Pikes suite, with slipper bathtub and its own octagonal turret lounge, is particularly special. For lovers of the great outdoors, staff can help set up off-road driving trips, paddleboarding and boating sessions, and stock picnic baskets for mid-hike feasts. Those who prefer the great indoors are well catered for, with wine tastings, screenings of classic films in the hotels cinema room, nooks by flickering fireplaces to tuck yourself into, and meals at the two AA Rosette restaurant, where chef Michael Cole serves up British dishes with a by-the-Lakes twist.
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The Village, Surrey
The JRR Tolkien room at The Village (The Village)
Beaverbrook, the grand mansion and former home of press magnate Lord Beaverbrook turned spoiling hotel, offers a masterclass in refined stays, with its spoiling spa, rolling pergola-peppered grounds and botanical print-filled Art Deco bar. A little sister property, The Village, has just opened in the heart of the estates pine forest, a 10-minute stroll (or quick self-drive buggy whizz) from the main house.
Built on the site where estate workers cottages would have stood in days gone by are 10 slate-roofed, Victorian-style cottages with sage-trimmed buttermilk facades and 21 rooms for guests to slumber in. Rooms full of flounce and flourish, dreamt up by Nicola Harding, are as imaginative as the great British authors and playwrights theyre named after (Edward Lear, Beatrix Potter and Jane Austen, and more) with sweeps of olive and cherry red gingham, accordion pleat lampshades and frilled armchairs. Some, with discreet design-led bunk beds, will suit families; interconnecting options work well for groups.
As well as having access to Beaverbrooks delightful grounds, The Village has its own restaurant, Mrs Beetons, for classic British food delivered with contemporary flair think duck shepherds pie followed by knickerbocker glory.
From 600 B&B; book now
The Lawns Rooms, Norfolk
The Lawns Rooms is sibling to The Feathers (Emma Cabielles)
Another popular property with an appealing new offshoot is The Feathers, a pub-with-rooms in the middle of picturesque Georgian market town Holt. Just a two-minute walk away comes its little sister property, The Lawns Rooms, with 15 bright rooms inside a red brick townhouse opposite Gresham schools playing fields.
The latest Chestnut Collection opening has a peaceful, homely feel, with a communal lounge and nooks stocked with tea bags and gear for DIY shoe shining. Bedrooms, designed in collaboration with Holt-based interiors whizz Birdie Fortescue, deliver countryside charm in a contemporary rather than chintzy way, with walls licked in sages, duck-egg blues, and blush pinks, rattan headboards and floral-patterned blinds.
Bathrooms have Bramley goodies to lather up with, and some of the best rooms have extra pull in the form of exposed beams and window seats. As for dining, Adam Cooks menu at The Feathers celebrates north Norfolks ingredients in a good range of pub grub, from ploughmans and fish sharing platters to butternut squash and truffle Wellington. For another lunchtime option, The Owl Tea Rooms Norfolks oldest tea rooms are close by for slabs of quiche and an excellent roster of cakes by the slice, including pistachio and cherry, and ginger treacle.
From 90 B&B; book now
Holm, Somerset
Dine on West Country fare before heading off to bed at Holm (Dave Watts)
In brilliant news for foodie travellers, hit 34-cover Holm has just opened seven bedrooms upstairs. Channelling the same minimal-yet-warm design allure as the restaurant itself, rooms feature exposed lime plaster walls, muted tones and abstract art.
Much as Holms menus are zoned in on best-of-the-best local produce in the likes of moreish panisse topped with pickled walnut and Westcombe cheddar, the design narrative upstairs underlines Holms commitment to a local connection.
As well as beautiful oak headboards from furniture designer Tortie Hoare who also calls South Petherton home there are ikebana vases made in reclaimed materials by Devons Pacha Design, and cosy British wool blankets from Somerset-based Gather to snuggle under.
Theres also a lounge-meets-studio space with an honesty bar where guests can potter or have a nightcap, that will also be used for Pilates classes, exhibitions and events. As for breakfast? Expect a seasonally shifting roster of deliciousness: foraged mushrooms in truffle butter on housemade sourdough and decadent cinnamon butter brioche buns.
From 140 B&B; book now
Room2, Belfast
Winnies Cafe and Bar is the place to hang out at Belfasts Room2 (Room2)
Forward-thinking Room2, who launched a net zero hometel just off Chiswick High Road in London three years ago, have made their Irish debut in Belfasts city centre this winter. With parent company Lamington Group achieving B Corp certification, room2s ethos remains rooted in creating places to stay that have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of visitors, staff and the planet.
As such, the 175-room property which has a reception deck crafted from leftover soap bottles from the Chiswick property is run on 100 per cent electric and low-carbon renewable energy, has two on-site lab rooms to monitor consumption, a focus on local sourcing and suppliers who offer packaging-free deliveries, and any carbon generated through operations throughout the year will be rebalanced to zero.
As well as relaxing bedrooms with colour-pop details some with kitchenettes and living rooms and a communal laundry room (ideal for long stays), theres Winnies Cafe and Bar, a space of terracotta arches, orb lighting and potted monstera plants for light-bite focaccias and salads, open-mic nights and art exhibitions. Another welcome draw is that 24-hour stays come as standard, with both check in and check out at 2pm.
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Watch the moment police in Florida captured a suspect who attempted to evade arrest by hiding on the back porch of a home.
Pedro Cuevas Machado tried to avoid capture by jumping a fence and entering the residence, squeezing behind what appeared to be an oven.
He was soon tracked down by an officer and a police dog.
Deputies then arrested Machado and discovered stolen vehicle keys during the search.
Working together, our Aviation Unit, K9 team and patrol deputies located Machado hiding on a residences back porch, Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office wrote, sharing the footage.
This criminal thought he could avoid the consequences of his actions, but our deputies relentless commitment to protecting the community ensures that justice prevails.
Rishi Sunak did not guarantee that a flight would take off to Rwanda before the general election if legislation passed the House of Lords quickly.
Asked if he would give such a guarantee, the Prime Minister told a Downing Street press conference today (18 January): Look at my actions.
We had the Supreme Court ruling middle of November and within a matter of weeks after that happened we negotiated and signed a treaty with Rwanda, and brought fresh legislation to Parliament that had its first vote as well and was supported.
So, that gives you a sense, I hope, of the urgency with which we are attacking this problem."
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Republicans in Congress simultaneously got a flashback to life under Donald Trumps presidency and a preview of what life will be like in the future should he re-take the White House.
For the past few months, a bipartisan group of senators has been negotiating immigration restrictions that Republicans have demanded in exchange for more money to Ukraine.
Many Democrats in the House fear the Senate will give away too much on immigration and that Republicans are acting in bad faith to tie foreign policy to the Rubiks cube that is American immigration policy, even as the problem continues to vex President Joe Biden. Republicans argue that focusing on Ukraines security without securing Americas border and curbing the influx of migrants would be hypocritical, and per usual, House Republicans seem dissatisfied unless they get everything they want.
On Wednesday, Mr Biden held a meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson and the rest of congressional leadership. As Inside Washington reported on Wednesday, Republicans feared Mr Johnson might cave. Then, the Speaker intimated on Fox News that he had spoken with Mr Trump frequently about negotiations.
To top it off, the former president said on Truth Social that he did not think there should be an agreement on Ukraine aid and immigration restrictions unless we get EVERYTHING needed.
The remarks bore resemblance to Mr Trumps presidency when delicate negotiations would be underway before he would extemporaneously react to something he saw on right-wing media via tweet and blow up negotiations and Republicans would respond by saying I havent seen the tweet. For all of Mr Trumps talk of The Art of the Deal, the business tycoon wrecked more negotiations in Washington than he shepherded.
Sen James Lankford of Oklahoma, part of the bipartisan team of negotiators, told your dispatcher when asked about them early in the day that I havent seen his comments. Later on, he tried to spin the remarks to say he and Mr Trump agreed.
He's been passionate with the border, he said. We wouldn't have same border issues now if he was actually his policies, and he was actually carrying those things out.
Mr Lankford, a conservative Republican if there ever was one, has staked plenty on the negotiations, but his attempt to spin Mr Trumps remarks in his favor are a reach, to say the least.
Sen John Cornyn, a Republican who represents the border state of Texas and is nobodys idea of a dove on immigration, for his part rejected Mr Trump.
Well, number one, there's no deal, he told The Independent. So there's nothing to accept or reject. But I think if we can make some progress, then we shouldn't turn that down.
Sen Susan Collins of Maine for her part reprised her role of furrowing her brow in response to Mr Trumps erratic remarks.
I disagree with that, she told The Independent, saying the United States has a vested interest both in securing its border with Mexico and assisting Ukraine.
Sen Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who was part of the bipartisan group of senators negotiating the deal, defended it, saying that Democrats would not agree to such a deal should Mr Trump return to the presidency.
I believe that current course and speed is likely a Republican is going to be in the White House, he said, arguing that any Republicans who want to secure the US-Mexico border should look at the bill even though text has not been released. Mr Tillis said that under the first Trump administration, the administration could not implement Title 42, a measure that restricted migration during the Covid-19 pandemic and is used for other health emergencies.
But imagine having something on the books that is effectively Title 42 authority that he could use statutorily authorized, he told The Independent. Imagine the additional resources that he could put on an interior enforcement when people look at the bill when it gets filed judge it on that basis.
Mr Tilliss argument is effectively one that many other Senate Republicans have made in recent weeks: that should a Republican take the White House, the House of Representatives and the Senate, the party would still be unable to pass restrictions to immigration given that Democrats would likely filibuster them. Similarly, Democrats desire to secure funding for Ukraine to push back against Russian President Vladimir Putins aggression gives them substantial leverage that they otherwise will not have should Mr Trump return to the Oval Office.
If we fail to get this border deal done soon, then they're going to own the responsibility for interior enforcement and statutory authority to fall short because they are the ones who caused this bill not to get passed, Mr Tillis said.
Mr Johnson and Mr Trumps good-cop-bad-cop routine on immigration served as a rude reminder that Mr Trump could easily return to the White House. For the longest time, Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have ignored the prospect of Mr Trump returning as much as they could, despite the fact that Mr Trump continued to lead the polls in the presidential primary.
Mr Trumps overwhelming victory in the Iowa caucuses earlier this week disabused them of this fantasy. It reminded them that they still answer to Mr Trump and, just as importantly, the voters who resoundingly support him.
For the past three years during Mr Bidens presidency, they have been able to negotiate for the most part without Mr Trump breathing down their backs. But the confirmation of Mr Trumps status as the leader of the Republican Party means he will still provide the litmus tests they must pass.
Democrats for their part were more dismissive.
Who gives a s*** what he thinks, Sen John Fetterman of Pennsylvania told The Independent.
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Around 367,000 households in Britain are without central heating as the UK faces an Arctic cold snap with temperatures as low as -10C.
An amber cold health alert is currently in place for the whole of the UK and has been extended until midday on Saturday.
Experts at the UK Health Security Agency warned the cold snap can bring an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections and pose a particularly serious risk for older people.
According to data from the last Census run by the Office for National Statistics in 2021, 367,119 households are without any central heating at all.
The UK has faced sub-zero temperatures for days in a prolonged cold snap (Getty Images)
Some of the worst affected places include Manchester, which had the fourth highest number without central heating in England and Wales with 4,884 and almost 2.3 per cent of households. Salfords 1,952 households is also above the national average at 1.7 per cent of homes.
The worst place affected by no central heating is Birmingham with nearly 10,000 households without central heating.
The Independent has listed the top ten lower tier local authorities without central heating according to Census 2021 data below.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, deputy leader of Manchester Council told BBCs Local Democracy Reporting Service, said it was a sad indictment of the current political and economic climate that in 2024 there are thousands of people in Manchester living in fuel poverty.
Tameside Council leader Ged Cooney said it was a damaged statistic which meant more needed to be done. Were appalled, especially when you think of how cold its been, he told the BBC.
New research by the End Energy Poverty coalition on Wednesday revealed that almost 5,000 excess winter deaths were caused by cold homes last winter.
A spokesman for Fuel Poverty Action told The Independent: Its a really dangerous situation. New research from the End Energy Poverty coalition shows that last winter we had 5,000 excess deaths from cold and damp homes. That was in a relatively mild winter. The risks that people face is death and lasting health impacts for those who do survive.
It goes beyond heating, when people go without that due to fuel poverty, they could also not be eating properly, and then its about whether theyre able to wash themselves and their clothes. The government could be doing more.
They could be intervening on the decision to instal pre-payment meters for people who are being cut off, for example.
National Energy Action, a national fuel poverty charity said that the figures could mean users without central heating were using alternative fuels.
A yellow weather warning is in place (Getty Images)
They said: We know hundreds of thousands of homes do not have central heating in England. That doesnt mean they are without heat altogether - they could have oil heaters, plug in radiators or use solid fuel - but they are more likely to be much more expensive to heat economically.
They are also more likely to be poorly insulated and therefore loose heat quicker. Conversely, just because people have central heating, it doesnt mean that they can afford to use it.
The cost of heating and powering an average home with gas and electivity has almost doubled since the energy crisis began just over two years ago. Regardless of how they heated their home in the past, many of the people our charity tries to help are only heating one room, going without heating at all, warm food and hot showers, its desperate.
With Waterford continuing to pick up awards for its tourism attractions, the citys commercial property is about to undergo a test of the extent of the bounce which the international awards bestow on the market.
Local estate agent Sherry FitzGerald John Rohan is offering two retail properties which could present interesting market challenges as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.
One of these is a going concern convenience retailer Kilcohan Stores, a Spar outlet at Kilcohan Shopping Centre which has a 700,000 guide price.
Owner Kevin Casserly is retiring after building up the business of selling groceries, fresh produce, deli and household items serving local clientele. It also benefits from an ATM facility to the rear of the shop and a small off-licence and CCTV throughout.
Extending to 154 sqm, it comprises a shop floor, large store room with exit to rear and delivery access, ATM room, office and WC.
Kilcohan is located on the Old Tramore Road and is near a number of residential developments, making it a go-to place for locals seeking everyday essentials. Neighbouring occupiers include: Boyle Sports, Kilcohan Barbers, Kilcohan Pharmacy, Woking Chinese Takeaway, Stan Tasty Bites Takeaway, Carry Out, MA Heffernans pub and the Kilcohan Medical Centre.
Eddie Rockets diner at The Cove Centre on Dunmore Road, Waterford
Another business opportunity is offered with the sale of the leasehold interest in Eddie Rockets diner at The Cove Centre on Dunmore Road. The vendor is seeking 225,000 by way of key money but in return the purchaser will benefit from the fit-out which includes, restaurant tables, seating, bar counter, a restaurant floor, kitchen, wash-up area and customer WCs.
Extending to 239 sqm over two storeys, its basement provides a dry store prep area, storage space, walk-in fridge and freezer, staff room and WC, office space and an emergency exit. The property also benefits from gas-fired central heating in the basement, electric air-conditioning heating system on the first floor and CCTV and security alarm. Those fit-out facilities would represent considerable savings for a new food and beverage operation. Its rent is 65,000 per annum and the property is in its sixth year of a 15-year lease.
Located close to Waterford University Hospital, the Cove Centre provides customers with free off-street parking for up to two hours.
Gail Goldie is the new chief executive of Bank of Ireland's UK operation
Bank of Ireland has announced two senior appointments, including a new head of its UK business and a group chief operating officer who will oversee vital technology functions. Last year a massive tech failure caused significant reputational damage to the bank and much customer disruption.
Incoming COO Ciaran Coyle has joined from Ulster Bank/NatWest Group where he most recently held the position of managing director of retail banking and was previously also COO.
His role at Bank of Ireland will including leading the groups technology, digital, data, payments, and change delivery, the bank said.
In the UK, Bank of Ireland has recruited Gail Goldie as UK chief executive officer and executive director of Bank of Ireland (UK) PLC. She is joining from Tesco Bank where she was chief banking officer and she previously held senior roles at Barclays (UK), Santander (UK), and American Express.
In her new post she will lead the delivery of what the bank describes as the next phase of its UK strategy.
Bank of Ireland's new chief operations officer Ciaran Coyle
Last month Bank of Ireland announced that it will stop providing mortgages and personal loans through the UK Post Office and ended a joint venture with the AA in the UK.
The bank last year also wound down residual elements of its Bristol and West brand, which had stopped making new loans in 2009.
The banks UK business still includes savings products offered via the UK Post Office partnership agreement as well as a higher margin specialist residential mortgage lending business distributed through broker channels.
Gail Goldie and Ciaran Coyle will join the group executive committee in January 2024.
In addition, Dave Sutherland, who has been interim UK chief executive officer since July 2023, will take up a new role as group director of business efficiency, where he will manage a range of third-party supplier relationships to maximise efficiency, value for money, and delivery for customers.
Bank of Irelands group CEO, Myles OGrady, said the bank has successfully completed year one of a three-year strategy.
The appointments of Ciaran, Gail and Dave are critically important, helping us further accelerate strategic delivery. Id like to welcome Ciaran and Gail to Bank of Ireland, and congratulate Dave Sutherland on his new role.
The co-producer of the multi-Oscar nominated The Banshees of Inisherin and Netflix hit Valhalla has won a victory in its long-running labour dispute with a group of film-set workers.
The Labour Court has ruled that Metropolitan Films Productions Ltd was not the employer of Stephen Preston, a stage hand who was represented in the case by the Irish Film Workers Association (IFWA) .
Katie Connolly, the deputy chairwoman of the court, found it had no jurisdiction to hear Mr Prestons substantive complaint against Metropolitan, as the wrong company was named in the case. She said: The court finds that Metropolitan Film Production Ltd was not at any material time the employer of the complainant. It follows that the incorrect respondent has been impleaded. Accordingly, the court determines it has no jurisdiction to hear the substantive matter.
The Labour Court ruling is separate to a large number of decisions made late last year by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in favour of dozens of film workers, including Mr Preston. Its adjudicator awarded a total of 434,216 to IFWA members against Metropolitan Films International Ltd.
In his case at the WRC, Mr Preston was awarded 7,227.44 after Catherine Byrne, the adjudicator, found Metropolitan was in breach of the Terms of Employment Act. She also ruled that a contract which purported to show Mr Preston was a contractor providing services to a designated activity company, Badlands Three TV Productions DAC was a contrivance and is false.
The case before the Labour Court was a separate and earlier claim Mr Preston had brought against Metropolitan Film Productions Ltd to the WRC, where he was unsuccessful.
This latest ruling will give the film production company, whose production credits also include Disneys Disenchanted, grounds for optimism that the earlier WRC awards can eventually be overturned on appeal to the Labour Court.
A spokeswoman for Metropolitan Films said: It is not our practice to comment on matters that are currently the subject of legal proceedings.
Liz Murray, an industrial relations officer with the IFWA, said it had been unable to cross-examine Metropolitan in the Labour Court case, and therefore she believe the principles of natural justice did not apply.
She said Mr Preston is considering appealing the Labour Court ruling to the High Court.
Flexibility to work from home has opened up opportunities with Galway and Cork the favourite destinations
A national survey of workers has revealed that 14pc of respondents have relocated following the introduction of remote-working policies.
The National Remote Work Survey, undertaken by the Western Development Commission (WDC) and the University of Galway, revealed that 840 of the 5,929 people surveyed had already moved because they can now work remotely.
The vast majority had decided to leave Dublin, with 486 of those who opted to relocate departing from the capital.
This was followed by Cork and Galway, which each had just 49 respondents relocating since the pandemic.
Top destinations for workers who have already relocated include Cork, Galway, Kildare, Mayo and Donegal.
Cork was the most popular destination for workers looking to relocate, with 10.4pc choosing to move there. This was followed by Galway, with a 10pc share.
The analysis showed that motivations for relocation include an improved quality of life, a return to hometown roots and the affordability of housing.
The return of some mandatory days in the office may also influence the decision of where to relocate, with the WDC pointing to the fact that Kildare was the third most-popular county for relocation last year.
The data also illustrated the profile of those who are now choosing to move following the introduction of more flexible working arrangements.
Typically, they are younger, with more than a third who have relocated aged 34 and under.
A total of 61pc who have now moved do not have dependant children.
This indicated that many of those opting to relocate are choosing to do so before they have families, the WDC said. This surge in relocation may contribute to population regeneration in the areas they relocate to, according to the WDC.
Around 45pc of those who have already relocated have a masters or doctoral degree.
These workers are also focused on three main sectors, the data found. Over 22pc were based in ICT, with almost 20pc working in the professional, scientific and technical industries. A further 17.5pc were employed in the areas of finance, insurance and real estate.
The majority were employed in the private sector, with just 22.6pc of those choosing to move working in the public sector.
The survey also revealed that more than half of the respondents would not consider relocating but a fifth would be open to the idea of moving.
Those who participated in the survey had hybrid working arrangements or had roles which could be completed remotely.
What was initially a policy tool for regional development has evolved into a significant driver behind relocation patterns, WDC policy analyst Deirdre Frost said.
The data shows how the extensive remote-working practices since the start of Covid-19 have enabled relocation with individuals actively embracing the flexibility offered by remote work.
WDC chief executive Allan Mulrooney added: This survey underscores the benefits that remote work brings to the west, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to embrace a lifestyle that marries professional fulfilment with the natural beauty and rich culture of our counties.
Worries that volatility in Ukraine and the Middle East could send prices back up
Petrol and diesel prices fall for the fourth month in a row
Petrol and diesel prices fell for the fourth month in a row this month, the first time this has happened in years.
Pump prices are now 17c a litre cheaper than they were in September. Petrol fell from 1.72 a litre in December to 1.68.
Diesel also dropped by 4c a litre, from 1.72 last month to 1.68 now, according to the latest AA Ireland fuel survey.
The last time both prices fell four months in a row was in 2017.
However, there are warnings that the conflict in the Middle East, particularly attacks on ships in the Red Sea, could send pump prices up again.
Oil giant BP said this week it would pause all shipments of oil through the Red Sea after recent attacks on vessels by Houthi rebels.
Crude oil prices have crept up to $79 a barrel in recent days.
Despite the four consecutive months of petrol and diesel costs dropping, pump prices are still the levels they were at last year.
In 2023, petrol hit a low of 1.57, with diesel falling as low as 1.47.
Electric vehicle fuelling costs have fallen marginally, but the AA says they remain elevated.
Head of communications at AA Ireland Blake Boland welcomed price drops at the pumps.
Motorists in Ireland have been struggling with costs of late, and this fuel price drop takes a little of the sting out of their monthly bills, Mr Boland said.
This means that prices are now 17c cheaper than they were in September.
However, prices are still high in comparison to summer of last year when we saw lows of 1.57 a litre for Petrol in May. Diesel was as low as 1.47 in May.
Taxes make up around half the price of a litre of motor fuel. The Government deferred restoring the full rate of excise duty on petrol and diesel in the Budget in October.
However, 4c will be added to petrol, with 3c added to diesel prices, on April 1 and with the same amounts added again on August 1.
Mr Boland said crude oil prices had risen slightly since December, but were far below peaks they hit last year.
Thankfully, crude oil prices have reduced since we saw highs of $94 a barrel in late September. It is now hovering around $79 a barrel.
Although not directly linked, it is great to see this fall in crude oil prices transferring to the pumps in Ireland over recent months.
But Mr Boland said this does not necessarily mean that prices in forecourts would continue to fall.
We have seen a lot of producers stepping up supply of oil based on high prices seen in September.
That incentive was not there as strongly any more, Mr Boland said.
A combination of factors lead to the price we pay at the pumps, and further escalation of conflict in Ukraine or the Middle East could swing market prices, he said.
As a way to save money on petrol and diesel, drivers were advised by AA Ireland to consider adjusting their speed.
An AA Ireland experiment showed that reducing your speed on the motorway from 120kmh to 100kmh could cut fuel bills by close to a third.
AA Ireland said electric vehicle owners had seen a marginal drop in charging costs in January. EV owners will pay on average 967 a year, compared with the December average of 975 to cover the national average of 17,000km a year.
This figure of 967 was far higher compared to before Russias invasion of Ukraine, but still compared quite favourably with combustion engine equivalents, AA Ireland said.
A similarly-sized diesel vehicle would cost approximately 2,000 to cover that same distance of 17,000km.
Mr Boland said: EV drivers need to shop around to get the best rates possible on their home electricity. There are new entrants to the market and lots of favourable switcher rates.
EV drivers with smart meters taking advantage of cheap night-time rates could cut their yearly bill for the national average of 17,000km to just under 300.
Antonio Guterres warns Davos about the pitfalls of AI, but Bill Gates says not to worry
Despite wars and climate change, delegates at Davos all saw AI as the issue of the day
Bill Gates at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Photo: Bloomberg
Adrian Weckler Thu 18 Jan 2024 at 03:30
At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, theyre talking about one thing: AI.
Alphabets Google is rolling out a series of broad changes to some of its core search, browser and data products in Europe, in order to stay in line with the European Unions new rules to rein in the market dominance of big tech.
Google said yesterday that online shoppers in the EU will see different search results, featuring more links to comparison sites from across the web, and will also be shown an additional consent banner for user data on certain services.
Google has also pledged the possibility of additional choice screens for search engines and browsers on Chrome.
The US company did however say that the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) which has forced it to make the changes involves difficult trade-offs and warned that the firm is concerned that some of these rules will reduce the choices available to people and businesses in Europe.
The new DMA rules, which come into force on March 7, boost the European Commissions existing powers as the regions antitrust enforcer by imposing a strict regime on the largest digital firms.
It will be illegal for certain platforms to favour their own services over those of rivals, as has happened in the past.
They will also be barred from combining personal data across their different services, prohibited from using data they collect from third-party merchants to compete against them, and will have to allow users to download apps from rival platforms.
Alphabets Google Search, Apples Safari, Amazons marketplace, Bytedances TikTok and Metas Facebook are among a list of 22 companies offering services that come under the scope of the EUs Digital Markets Act.
Earlier this week, Google Ireland targeted a number of Irish advertising staff as part of a global round of job cuts.
While the Government has been briefed on the issue, the number of staff affected is understood not to have triggered mandatory notification protocols under Irish law.
Its the second wave of firings globally in the company in recent weeks.
The tech giant, which employs almost 9,000 people in Dublin, over half of which are staff, announced last week that it would be globally firing hundreds of people from its digital assistant, hardware and engineering divisions.
Small Things Like These, an Irish historical drama about Magdalene laundries starring Cillian Murphy in the midst of his award-winning streak as Oppenheimer, will open the Berlin Film Festival next month, organisers said in a statement on Thursday.
With the Murphy-led film, the festival known for being more overtly political is bringing in a massive dose of star power ahead of the Oscars, at which Oppenheimer looks likely to come away handsomely based on its triumphs at the Golden Globes.
"With 'Small Things Like These,' Tim Mielants tells the story of a man of few words, with wide open eyes, as clear as the skies of Ireland," said festival co-director Carlo Chatrian.
Small Things Like These is set in 1985 and follows a coal merchant, played by Murphy, as he learns about the Magdalene laundries for "fallen young women" in his town.
Based on a 2021 book of the same name by Claire Keegan, the film will reunite Murphy with director Mielants after working together on the hit historical crime drama "Peaky Blinders" and also features "Game of Thrones'" Michelle Fairley, Emily Watson of "God's Creatures" and Eileen Walsh.
Cillian Murphy at the Critics Choice Awards this month. Photo: Getty
The laundries, which have also been depicted in the award-winning film "The Magdalene Sisters", starring Walsh, put 10,000 women and girls as young as nine through uncompromising hardship from the foundation of the Irish state in 1922 until 1996.
Run by Catholic nuns, the laundries have been accused of treating inmates like slaves, imposing a regime of fear and prayer on girls sometimes put in their care for becoming pregnant outside marriage. One in 10 inmates died.
Small Things Like These, of which Murphy is also a producer, along with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, will also be in competition for the Berlinale top prize, said the festival.
The 74th Berlin Film Festival runs from Feb. 15-25.
Pierce Brosnan will be honoured at the ceremony on March 7 in Santa Monica, California (Suzan Moore/PA)
Irish actor and film producer Pierce Brosnan will be honoured with an Oscar Wilde Award for his considerable contribution to cinema on both sides of the Atlantic.
The ceremony, run by the US-Ireland Alliance, which promotes Irish and American relations, will be held next month in California at the production company of Hollywood director JJ Abrams.
The Co Meath native, who hails from Navan, is also an environmentalist, philanthropist, and artist, on top of his extensive career in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes as a producer.
US-Ireland Alliance founder, Trina Vargo said: The success of Irish actors in the film industry in recent years has highlighted the remarkable talent in Ireland.
In the 1990s, Brosnan reinvigorated the popularity of the Bond franchise in the box-office blockbusters Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
His first three Bond films earned over a billion dollars at the international box-office and Die Another Day garnered nearly half a billion dollars worldwide.
Brosnan is starring in a new hitman thriller, Fast Charlie, based on Victor Gischlers Edgar Award-nominated novel, Gun Monkeys.
He recently finished production on Four Letters of Love and The Last Rifleman, the latter of which is inspired by a true story of a World War II veteran living in a care home in Northern Ireland.
He also featured opposite Adam Devine, Ellen Barkin and Michael Rooker in the Netflix action-comedy, The Out-Laws.
Pierce reunited with Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Amanda Seyfried in the Universal film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, the 2018 sequel to the worldwide blockbuster film Mamma Mia.
In addition to his work in front of the camera, he also has a passion for the art of film production.
He expanded the range of his film work by launching his own production company, Irish DreamTime, in 1996, along with producing partner Beau St. Clair.
With the assistance of his wife Keely Shaye Brosnan, the married couple have been drawn into a passionate leadership role in numerous environmental projects.
They worked together on the 2017 documentary film Poisoning Paradise, which looked at the effect pesticide use was having on the local population in Hawaii.
The Oscar Wilde Awards appeals to industry insiders as the non-traditional Oscars-week event.
The ceremony consists of an informal dress code, casual food and drinks.
Another honoree is Dublin-born Richard Baneham a two-time Academy Award winning VFX Supervisor for his work on the original AVATAR and last year for AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER.
Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen are among the many sponsors supporting the event.
On the ceremony, taking place March 7, Ms Vargo added: Were thrilled to be honouring one of the most talented Irish legends, who paved the way.
Angus Woods: Farmers complain about the factories but its the retail giants that really determine our meat prices
Would having more processors, undercutting each other to sell to a few dominant retailers, really return a higher farm-gate price for beef and lamb? I have my doubts
'Across the developed world, small shops and small supermarkets have been squeezed out by large retailers'. Photo: Getty
Angus Woods Thu 18 Jan 2024 at 10:05
Rumours of a proposed takeover of a meat processor always alarm farmers. The Irish beef processing sector has undergone significant change and consolidation since the days of selling beef into intervention.
Minister of State Pippa Hackett has encouraged farmers to call out bad practice when they see it. Photo: Roger Jones
Farmers asking contractors to spread slurry during the closed period has been described as a tricky situation by the Chairman of the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), John Hughes.
Its entirely up to the individual if they want to be compliant. Its in their own interest to be compliant, he said.
How do you be compliant if your client wants you to spread slurry out of season? What do you do - do you tell them to wait? Its a tricky situation.
The comments come as most of the country has opened to spreading slurry again, from mid January.
Recent increases in stocking rate on many farms has led to inadequate slurry storage capacity around the country which is driving pressure during the closed period, Mr Hughes told the Farming Independent.
If you dont have the capacity to store slurry, what are you going to do with it? It has to go somewhere so the temptation is there during the closed period to try and get rid of some of it, he said.
Im sure lads are flat to the mat this fine weather but then I see Teagasc saying that farmers shouldnt be spreading slurry until the end February. Thats all very well but the practicalities are different in the farmyards.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
Teagasc has advised farmers to hold off if they can until late February and early March for optimum utilisation of nutrients and to prevent run-off.
Farmers in Zone C (Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan) must continue to observe their closed period until the end of January.
Mr Hughes said his association has brought the issue of inadequate slurry storage up in previous meetings with the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Public Expenditure.
We suggested that they put more emphasis on slurry storage for farms especially through TAMS. They were in agreement with that but its up to the farmers on the ground to decide what they want to do, he continued.
Contractors wouldnt be under as much pressure this time of year if there was more capacity. Theyd be able to get around to do a couple of tanks everyday for different lads. Its hard to go into one farmer and say sorry I can only do four or five fills for you, I have to go down the road and your neighbours are in the same boat.
Mr Hughes raised concerns around the current good ground conditions encouraging farmers to spread slurry.
If were going to get the rain on Saturday and Sunday, will a lot of this slurry stay on the ground? It wont be utilised anyway because the grass isn't growing, it's just sitting there.
At the IFA AGM last week, Minister of State Pippa Hackett encouraged farmers to call out bad practice when they see it because I see it several times a week in the middle of winter, she said.
Thats where were falling down a whole host of other aspects that arent adhering to best practices in terms of water quality and thats whats pulling us down. Its not just derogation farmers.
Irelands beef sector has hailed the Governments success in reopening the market to China after a summit with premier Li Qiang yesterday.
The market has reopened immediately following a two-month suspension after a sample tested positive for suspected bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec organisation representing primary beef processing in Ireland, said it was pleased to welcome the resumption.
This significant development will empower our member companies to enhance trade opportunities with valued customers in China, Dale Crammond, director of MII said.
The suspension of beef exports in November 2023 was a regrettable setback to a market worth at least 40m a year.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the breakthrough after his meeting with Mr Li in Farmleigh yesterday afternoon.
The Taoiseach said: Theyve accepted our scientific data that the BSE case wasnt typical.
And that allows us to reopen that export market, which is important for Irish farmers for the food industry, because the more markets we have, the better price we get, and the less risk of volatility as well.
Chinas reopening of its market to Irish beef is very positive and will be welcomed by farmers around the country and also the food industry.
Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue travelled with Mr Li to the airport for his departure from Dublin after a flying visit, in order to confirm all details.
The Chinese premier had earlier paid a courtesy call on President Michael D Higgins.
The Taoiseach said the issue of human rights was discussed in a later discussion at Farmleigh.
I raised our concerns about the situation in Xinjiang and Tibet, in Hong Kong as well, and also the forthcoming trial of Jimmy Lai.
But I think its fair to say that the Chinese government have a different perspective on these things than we do but they were certainly willing to have them raised.
On the beef ban being rescinded, Mr Crammond said: Accessing the Chinese market has been a strategic priority.
Members will now focus on re-establishing contacts with customers in China with a view to re-commencing trade as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, China is to liberalise its visa rules in relation to Irish citizens, making it easier to travel there.
Irish citizens will now be able to travel to China and stay for up to 15 days without a visa.
Mr Varadkar said: Thats going to make family visits, tourism, business and academic visits so much easier just being able to go to the airport without having to get a visa in advance.
Earlier Mr Li met President Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain to impart the greetings of president Xi and his wife to you and your wife. He recalled that President Higgins had met Chinese president Xi Jinping on a visit to China in 2014.
President Higgins also raised human rights issues with Mr Li.
Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar said that Mr Li had invited him to visit China at a later date.
Luna (left) and Daisy play in the snow during a walk at Sixmilewater Park in Ballyclare, Co Antrim. Photo: PA
Forecasters have predicted more wintry conditions across the country, and while the snow and ice can produce some stunning views, it does also carry a risk, not just to people, but also the health of dogs.
A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning for all of Ireland was extended for another day and will now be in place until noon today, Thursday.
Met Eireann has also extended a status yellow snow and ice warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, which will be in effect until 11am today, Thursday.
A weather advisory for Ireland remains in place until midday on Friday as cold Arctic air brings difficult conditions this week.
Here is what you need to know to keep yourself and your pooch safe on a walk in icy conditions.
How cold is too cold to walk your dog?
A pets size helps to determine when its safe for it to play outside in the cold. Use caution when the temperature drops below about 7C. If its below 7C, its too cold for your dog to swim.
Its potentially unsafe for small or medium-sized dogs with thin coats to be outside, but large dogs with heavier coats might be an exception.
When the temperature drops to -7C and below, all dogs are at a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
How to keep your dog warm in cold weather
Some dogs have thick furry coats all year round so, as the weather gets colder, its worth letting their coats grow longer to give them added protection. Some shorter-haired breeds may need more help staying warm and so would need to wear a coat in colder weather.
If its dark, its worth making sure your dog is visible to other owners, so adding a reflective coat with a flashing collar or light attachment could help.
Wearing a coat or light attachment is a new experience for some dogs and needs to be introduced in a gradual and positive way. This will help your dog enjoy wearing its equipment for winters to come.
How to supervise your pets in cold weather
Stay near your dog while it is playing or otherwise outside.
Remember that if you feel uncomfortable in cold weather, chances are your dog does too.
Be aware of the possibility of hypothermia if your dog shows signs such as shaking, lethargy, stiff muscles, low heart rate or dilated pupils, its important to act quickly. Call a vet or move them into a warmer area.
If a woman who died hours after being discharged from hospital had been given an anticoagulant it would have prevented her from developing the blood clot in her lung which led to her cardiac arrest and death, the High Court has heard.
A medical expert told the second day of the civil action over the death of the 21-year-old Eve Cleary that if she had been given the anticoagulant Heparin at the time of her hospital discharge or within an hour of it, it would have prevented the pulmonary embolism which is when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung.
Teenager charged with violent disorder after death of gunman Tristan Sherry in steakhouse on Christmas Eve
Teenager charged with violent disorder after death of gunman Tristan Sherry in steakhouse on Christmas Eve
Andrew Phelan Thu 18 Jan 2024 at 13:51
A teenager has been charged with violent disorder following the death of a gunman who was tackled and fatally injured after opening fire in a steakhouse on Christmas Eve.
A teenager is due in court this morning after being charged in connection with the fatal attack on gunman Tristan Sherry in a restaurant in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve.
Family and friends carry the remains of Kevin Walsh from St Anne's Church in Bohernabreena
A Dublin man who was fatally injured in a stabbing attack has been remembered as a man who had a troubled life.
Kevin Stretch Walsh (34), who had a conviction for manslaughter after an attack on a man in 2005, died on January 7 after he was found seriously injured at an apartment in Lucan, Dublin.
A senior DUP source has said the party appears to have made no substantive progress on ending the Irish Sea border, and accused the leadership of over-egging the UK governments proposed deal.
The insider was speaking after a Daily Telegraph report that UK negotiators had held secret talks with EU officials over possible wriggle room in Rishi Sunaks Brexit deal for Northern Ireland in a bid to end the DUPs Stormont boycott.
The discussions in Brussels were part of a doomed effort to broker a last-minute deal with the party to restore devolution this week.
Senior British officials reportedly conceded there was no room for any renegotiation of the Windsor Framework, but asked for favourable language on the implementation of the green lane.
It was hoped that securing confirmation from Brussels that its officials agreed with the UKs interpretation of the deal would help win the DUP around, according to the report.
The senior DUP source accused the leadership of over-egging what was on offer from the UK government to restore devolution over recent months.
They questioned what Jeffrey Donaldson, Gavin Robinson and Emma Little-Pengelly have actually been doing in the talks in terms of ending the Irish Sea border.
The source claimed that party officers had been led to believe that a much better deal than the one emerging would be on the table.
A DUP spokesman denied the sources allegation, adding: We dont recognise this. Its untrue and without foundation.
A Downing Street source told the Daily Telegraph it did not recognise the newspapers account of UK government officials talks with Brussels and claimed it was based on limited information.
The Number 10 source said significant and substantive progress had been made with the goal of strengthening the UK internal market and future-proofing Northern Irelands place in the economic union.
Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill MLA with party colleagues leaving Stormont
Meanwhile, MLAs failed to elect a speaker as the Assembly was again recalled yesterday.
The Secretary of State has said it is time for politicians here to take the decision to restore devolution.
Chris Heaton-Harris acknowledged that todays strike would be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland, but defended his decision not to intervene.
While public sector pay is devolved, the UK government has offered a fair and generous package worth over 3bn which would address public sector pay and provides more than 1bn to stabilise public services, he said.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll
This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round.
I am deeply disappointed that the significant funding offer from the UK Ggovernment to address such issues has not been taken up.
The Secretary of State said it was regrettable that the parties were yesterday unable to elect an Assembly speaker and restore the executive.
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris
The people of Northern Ireland deserve local political leadership from representatives they have elected to govern on their behalf.
The UK government has made a significant offer that would help address the challenges facing public sector pay and Northern Irelands finances.
It is time for the parties to take decisions on how they will best serve the interests of the people.
There have been warnings of severe disruption to public services
Public sector workers across Northern Ireland will take part in a generalised day of strike action on Thursday bringing many services in the region to a standstill.
Unions, politicians and Stormont departments have warned of severe disruption.
Why are workers going on strike?
Unions have been involved in long-running pay disputes, in some cases lasting for several years.
Workers are demanding that pay awards made to counterparts elsewhere in the UK are introduced in Northern Ireland.
Workers in health, education, the civil service and public transport have taken part in strike action over the past 12 months, but Thursday will be the first time all of the industrial action has been co-ordinated on a single date.
How has it come to this?
Setting public sector pay is a devolved issue in Northern Ireland. However, the Stormont power-sharing Assembly and executive has been dormant for almost two years.
Stormont departments are being run by senior civil servants and they have said that a budget set for the region by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris last year did not provide them with enough funds to offer pay awards to workers.
What has been done to try to avoid the industrial action?
During his negotiations with the Stormont parties, Mr Heaton-Harris offered a 3.3 billion package to stabilise finances in Northern Ireland, including 600 million to settle public sector pay claims.
However, the UK Government has insisted the package is dependent on a deal to restore Stormont.
The DUP, the largest unionist party, which collapsed the power-sharing institutions in protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements, has said the Government should divorce the issue of public sector pay from the wider financial offer and settle the workers claims immediately.
The other parties, while urging the DUP to return to Stormont, have also called for the Government to release the funds to public sector workers.
Mr Heaton-Harris has, however, insisted he does not have the power to intervene in what is a devolved issue.
What has the head of the civil service said?
Jayne Brady, head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, has written to Mr Heaton-Harris calling for funding urgently to be released to stop Thursdays strike action.
Her letter said: You have publicly stated that the UK Government cannot, and will not, stand by and allow public services and finances to decline further.
This Thursday will represent the single biggest day of industrial action in a generation, reflecting the strength of feeling and deteriorating, and frankly untenable, position we are now in.
How many workers are taking part in the industrial action?
Fifteen trade unions representing 170,000 workers will be taking part. However, it is not clear how many members will be involved in the strikes.
Which services will be disrupted?
Unions on strike represent workers right across the public sector in Northern Ireland so disruption is expected to be substantial.
In health, nurses, midwives, ambulance staff and other workers will be involved.
Health chiefs have warned that disruption will be on a massive and unprecedented scale.
Minimum services, equivalent to those available on Christmas Day, will be offered.
The Department of Health has advised people to take all sensible steps to reduce your chances of requiring health service treatment on the day.
Schools across Northern Ireland are expected to be closed as all the main teaching unions and other education staff will be on strike.
Public transport will not be running.
Normal road gritting services will not be carried out, with the Department for Infrastructure advising people to avoid all but necessary travel on Thursday.
MOT services, emergency flood response and road repair services will also be impacted.
While officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will not be on strike, civilian police staff in participating unions will join the industrial action. There will be restricted services in courts.
Regarding social security benefits, the Department for Communities has said it is working to ensure that payments will be made on Thursday.
Those in receipt of jobseekers allowance are excused from signing on on Thursday and it is advised that customers may experience delays in telephone and online services.
What else will happen on Thursday?
Unions have called on the public to support their industrial action. A series of marches and parades are planned for locations across Northern Ireland. Unions have said they expect tens of thousands of people to take part.
Are there other concerns?
Northern Ireland is currently in the grip of severe winter weather with ice and snow already causing travel and schools disruption.
A normal road gritting service is not expected to resume for seven days from midnight on Wednesday as members of the Unite and GMB unions are involved in week-long industrial action.
Hospitals are already struggling to deal with the impacts of winter pressures, which will be exacerbated by the postponement of routine surgeries due to the strike action.
Will Thursday be the end of the matter?
No. Unions have said they will continue with industrial action until the outstanding pay claims are settled.
Will there be action beyond strikes?
Nipsa, one of the largest unions in Northern Ireland, has called for a campaign of civil disobedience to protect public services in Northern Ireland. It has been suggested this could involve blocking roads and occupying buildings.
The other participating unions have not echoed this call.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland, which represents rank-and-file PSNI officers, has called on striking workers to act in a proportionate and lawful manner.
Denis Naughten flags inconsistencies in hospital review
A former cabinet minister is pushing for an inquiry by someone external to the HSE into head injuries sustained by nine newborn babies during their delivery at the same hospital in 2022.
The call comes amid concern over the findings of an unpublished review commissioned by Saolta Hospital Group. This review report, seen by the Irish Independent, concluded each of the cases at University Hospital Galway (UHG) was mild or minor.
But this is now being queried by Independent TD Denis Naughten due to contradictory information emerging in one of the cases.
The review was launched last year due to a higher-than-usual prevalence during 2022 of subgaleal haemorrhages, an accumulation of blood between a babys skull and the skin on their scalp.
The injury is usually associated with difficult deliveries involving a vacuum cup, known as a ventouse, and has been linked with seizures, brain damage, cerebral palsy and development disabilities when not recognised or treated properly. Some of the children delivered at UHG suffered fractures.
But the review, conducted by a team from the HSEs National Womens and Infant Health Care Programme, said the nine cases were in the minor category and were all managed to a high standard.
Mr Naughten has called for the report to be formally published and has questioned the conclusions after discovering an inconsistency between one of the findings and an internal hospital report on one of the children.
According to the review report, none of the children developed jaundice requiring phototherapy as a result of the injury. However, this is contradicted by the hospitals own separate internal review, which said a baby did in fact require phototherapy for jaundice.
The inconsistency is significant as, according to the review, jaundice is common in moderate or severe cases.
Mr Naughten is due to raise the issue in the Dail today.
The review incorrectly states that none of the babies concerned developed jaundice or required phototherapy, while it was clearly acknowledged in one of the internal patient reports that at least one baby did indeed develop jaundice and require phototherapy, a fact that should have prevented this particular case from being classified as mild, said Mr Naughten.
The Roscommon-Galway TD also said it seemed the admission of one mother for sepsis has been ignored by both reviews, despite the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar in the same hospital as a result of sepsis.
Until the review is published, we cant be sure if there are more contradictions or omissions in addition to the one I have highlighted, he added.
I am now seeking an inquiry, external to the HSE, which is given full access to the records of both mothers and their babies concerned and which has the ability to look at cases both prior to and post 2022 in light of reports from parents of additional cases with poor outcomes.
In a statement, Saolta Hospital Group said it interpreted the finding that no infant developed jaundice requiring phototherapy as referring to severe neonatal jaundice.
A small number of newborns developed a degree of neonatal jaundice as is common in newborns. In these cases the neonatal jaundice was not severe and resolved with a short period of phototherapy, it said.
The statement said UHG was progressing with the implementation of eight considerations for management identified in the review.
Saolta said it could not comment on individual cases when asked about the sepsis issue being ignored. It did say, however, that full case notes for all of the women and the infants concerned were made available to the team conducting the review.
Coleman Legal, a law firm specialising in medical negligence and personal injury cases, said it had been instructed by several families from Galway and around the country in relation to subgaleal haemorrhage incidents.
Given the early stage that matters are at, we are not in a position to comment on behalf of the clients who have consulted us, said its managing partner Dave Coleman.
The commissioning of the review was revealed by the Irish Independent last August. At the time, the HSE refused to say how many cases were being looked at, but stated all of the infants were discharged from the hospital well.
The review report said it had been impossible to explain why there had been a cluster of cases at the hospital. Different senior obstetricians were present for all deliveries, including members of consultant staff.
It also said that while there was an increase in occurrences, the numbers were still within published accepted limits. In two cases, a fracture of the occipital bone, which links the skull and the spine, was reported. The report said six of the nine babies were irritable after sustaining the injury, which was described as a painful condition.
Counties on the west coast of Ireland are housing the majority of Ukrainian refugees who fled the Russian invasion, new figures reveal
Extra nurses in GP practices, more reserve gardai and additional English language teachers for schools are some of the options on the table as part of a new package of state supports for areas which have taken the most migrants.
GPs may receive more staff, such as nursing assistants or other roles filled by locum workers under some of the proposals being discussed.
Schools could be in line for extra English language teachers, as well as additional co-ordinators who are tasked with finding school places for children and supporting schools to meet the needs of these children. The provision of additional reserve gardai is also on the table as garda numbers approach 15,000.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar asked government departments to come up with possible measures that can be put in place across the 10 regions nationwide which have taken in the most migrants since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Once the regions are drawn up, officials across government departments will then examine resources in each area and any shortfalls will then be pinpointed.
While there are shortages of workers across different workforces, there may be ways around this through locums, a government source said.
Any additional measures implemented will come with their own separate pot of money, the source said.
Some ministers expect the package to include additional GPs and teachers. However, a source said a lot of work has already been done in increasing GP numbers.
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) last year was seeking to attract at least 100 doctors from overseas to rural practices during last year.
For every GP retiring, theres one and a half to three GPs entering practice, having been fully trained, the source said.
The number of GP training places will also rise to 350 in July, which will see a total of 1,300 trainees undertaking the four-year programme.
The prospect of any additional primary care centres was downplayed as the population required for one of these to be established is high, and an increase of even a few hundred extra people in communities is not believed to make a sufficient difference.
Instead, additional locum staff may be put into practices, including extra nursing assistants.
The details of a 10m fund announced by Media Minister Catherine Martin in the Budget to help businesses which have seen their revenues impacted as a result of hotels being taken up by Ukrainian refugees are also expected to be further fleshed out in the coming weeks.
The Community Recognition Fund, a 50m pot of money which aims to support community infrastructure and facilities, is currently being drawn down.
Mr Varadkar said: One option is opening that to new applications, or finding ways to make it more flexible, because there has been some difficulty in drawing down some of the existing money and getting some of the existing projects off the ground.
But more so than that, I have particularly asked Health, Education and Justice to see what they could do.
When it comes to Justice, obviously its around policing resources, when it comes to Education, its around schools, and when it comes to Health, it is particularly around primary care.
A lot of this happening already. But I really want to emphasise that we need to particularly focus on those parts of the country that have seen a very large number of people from Ukraine and people seeking international protection move into their areas.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael MEPs were split on a European Parliament vote calling for a ceasefire in the Israeli offences against Hamas in Gaza.
Fianna Fail MEPs said they could not support the final vote because Right leaning political groupings put forward too many conditionalities on a ceasefire in the war-torn Palestinian region.
Fine Gael MEPs did support the final resolution which state that a ceasefire should come with the conditions that the terrorist organisation Hamas disbands and releases all Israeli hostages. The vote was passed by 312 to 131 votes and noted Israels right to defend itself but condemn its disproportionate military response in Gaza.
Fine Gael MEPs supported an amendment from left-wing members of parliament calling for an unconditional ceasefire and during a speech Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly called for an immediate ceasefire.
Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher said Fianna Fail could not support the resolution on Gaza because it was not balanced enough.
The inclusion of conditionality clauses with respect to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, supported by right wing MEPs, was a red line issue for us. Sadly, its inclusion meant that we could not vote in favour of todays resolution on the conflict in Gaza, Mr Kelleher said.
Furthermore, progressive, balanced amendments were also defeated which meant that the final text did not, we feel, reflect our views, and crucially the views of the vast majority of Irish people who we seek to represent in the European Parliament, he added.
Mr Kelleher said a coalition of right-wing forces scuppered the potential for resolution calling for a ceasefire without conditions despite more than 24,000 Palestinian being killed by Israeli attacks since the October 7 Hama terror attack in Southern Israel.
Dublin MEP Barry Andrews released an identical statement to his colleague criticising the final resolution.
Mr Kelly said his Fine Gaels European Parliament delegation has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire and a peaceful end to the conflict in Gaza along with the release of any remaining hostages.
"We voted in favour of the European Parliament's Resolution calling for a ceasefire today, he said.
"We have raised our concerns over the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and the huge loss of life there with our colleagues at an EU level. We support the Irish governments efforts to intensify the pressure for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and we urge the EU to do the same.
"We fully condemn the actions of the terrorist organisation Hamas, and underline Israel's right to exist. All hostages taken by Hamas should be released unconditionally as soon as possible. A ceasefire could be a first step towards a peaceful resolution, within which a two-state solution should be revisited, he added.
Fine Gael MEP also include former Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Maria Walsh, Deirdre Clune and Colm Maskey.
The divisions in the Parliament have been mirror at a European Council level where EU leaders have also struggled to agree on calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus also voted against the final resolution.
The cordoned off scene in Lanesboro, Co Longford, where gardai are continuing to carry out a technical examination.
A local councillor has condemned the fire at a building that had been earmarked as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, adding that half of the town could have burned if not for a rapid emergency response.
Gardai have launched an investigation into the fire, which was swiftly brought under control, at Lanesboros former Convent building late on Tuesday night.
The fires happened at the front and back doors of the old convent in the tourist town at around 9.30pm. There was little or no damage caused to the building.
Local councillor Colm Murray has since said that the application to house refugees has been withdrawn.
He told Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One that the building was purchased by its current owner almost a year ago and in the time since, it had been the subject of discussions with the Department of Integration and with the Ukrainian Response Team in Longford County Council about its use as accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
Gardai at the scene of where a fire broke out at a building earmarked to accommodate over 80 Ukrainian nationals in Lanesboro
In the last few weeks, some work has started on the building which is what got more talk going locally with regard to the purpose of the building, who was going to be going into it, what extra services would be coming to the area or not, and I suppose that lead to some consternation among locals, Mr Murray said.
He said a meeting took place on Tuesday between local representatives from the town of Lanesboro, council officials and the building owner to discuss the plans, where some reassurances were sought and concerns were shared.
It was agreed that an open day would be held in the coming weeks where locals could drop in, have a look at the plans, talk to the owner, relay their concerns to him, he would take them on board and try to mitigate however he could with regard to the development going forward, he said.
However, on Tuesday night, he said there were a series of small fires at the building.
There were accelerants used, the gardai are investigating and thankfully, our fire service reacted extremely quickly. The fires were put out before there was any damage done to the building which is, in itself, a good thing because for anyone who doesnt know the town of Lanesboro, there are a number of buildings that join at the convent building and its not an exaggeration to say that if there hadnt been a timely response, half the town could have went up in fire on Tuesday night.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
Mr Murray said the building owner last night withdrew the application to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in the property during a council meeting.
My own view of what happened is it shouldn't have happened. Yes, there are genuine concerns in the community. Yes, there are a number of issues that need to be addressed and everybody should always be free to highlight their concerns with regard to any development that's going on in any town, regardless of what the development is, he added.
However, we cannot condone the actions that that occurred on Tuesday night. It's absolutely disgraceful."
He added: The message coming from the council and the message coming from me is that we utterly, utterly condemn the actions that happened the other night.
"This cannot be the way we do business in Longford or anywhere in Ireland that if we dont like a development thats happening next door, regardless of what the development is, sure well burn the place down because its better nobody has it rather than whats going to go on there because I dont like it.
Mr Murray said Longford has been one of the best spots for integrating the Ukrainian community and the is not the message that we want portrayed around the country.
There is no intolerance or theres very little intolerance, I should say, in Longford towards the Ukrainian community.
Police are appealing for information after a man convicted of killing a police officer in 2014 absconded.
Shane Frane (36), who is currently unlawfully at large, was convicted of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds.
Ms Reynolds died following a fatal road traffic collision in February 2013 when a Toyota Landcruiser crashed into her unmarked police car in the Waterside area of Derry.
Philippa Reynolds
He has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release by absconding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Frane is described as being 6ft 3ins in height, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement. He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
Despite attempts to arrest Frane, police have been unable to locate him. He may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Frane had been serving an indeterminate prison term for the death of the police officer, and despite a minimum six-year tariff expiring in 2019, Parole Commissioners repeatedly determined that he must remain behind bars.
In November 2023, the High Court ruled he had been unlawfully suspended from a pre-release testing scheme after he failed a drugs test.
Frane later claimed the drugs had been placed in beverage by another inmate without his knowledge and later issued judicial review proceedings against the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Probation Board for suspending him from the scheme and removing his enhanced status.
His legal team said it was procedurally unfair and based on an adjudication.
Ruling on the challenge, Mr Justice Colton said prison chiefs should have engaged with Frane about his explanation for the failed drugs test.
In February 2023, the PSNI paid tribute to Constable Reynolds on the 10th anniversary of her death.
"Its hard to believe it's been 10 years since we lost our colleague and dear friend Constable Philippa Reynolds. Philippa touched the lives of so many people, including her colleagues, and the community she served, the organisation posted on social media.
We miss her, and we will never forget her.
While her family also said on the anniversary of her death they talk about her every day.
Shane Frane
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
A PSNI spokesperson said: Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous.
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received pay uplifts given to counterparts elsewhere in the UK, due to the ongoing political impasse at Stormont.
She urged them to "not give up" and called Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris "dishonest" for his refusal to release pay awards for workers.
Campaigners say a state medical assessment plan that aims to categorise people with disabilities based on their ability to work is Dickensian and puts peoples mental health at risk.
The plan has been compared to a discredited welfare reform plan in Britain that slashed benefits for disabled people and was blamed for a series of tragic deaths before it was revoked.
The Department of Social Protection has rejected the comparisons, but campaigners are highlighting their concerns about the Green Paper on Disability Reform that suggests the restructuring of long-term disability payments under a three-tier system.
Under the tiers, levels of disability payments would be dictated by the nature and restrictions of the disability and the persons perceived ability to work.
Maryam Madani, founder and chair of Disability Power Ireland, told the Irish Independent: Disabled people are feeling lost and terrified at this prospect. Im worried about the impact of the plan on mental health.
I can already see signs of the distress from people at the thought of having to engage with Intreo, or of being forced into that position.
Independent senator Tom Clonan, who is an advocate for people with disabilities, said: A similar plan was brought into disrepute in Britain. It led to a surge of suicides in the UK and in Northern Ireland.
Instead of helping, the Department of Social Protection wants to impose this Dickensian, Victorian system of classification of the deserving and undeserving poor.
The British government announced last year it was scrapping its disability-to-work tests. This came in the aftermath of the Errol Graham Inquiry, launched in England after a 57-year-old mentally ill grandfather died from starvation after his benefits were cut in 2018.
Mr Clonan said while the UK was coming to terms with the aftermath of this cruel policy, he felt the Irish Government had instead copied and pasted it.
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said: While comparisons have been made with the UK, the department has made it clear this isnt a cost-cutting measure.
The changes proposed, if introduced, would cost an additional 130m each year. Many people will see a significant increase of over 45 per week.
Nobody will lose their entitlement to a disability payment arising from the Green Paper proposals, nor will they see that payment level reduced. Engagement with public employment services will be on a voluntary basis. Nobody will be forced to work.
But campaigners remain unconvinced. Mr Clonan said: At this point, when disabled rights are in freefall, the department proposes to medically examine everyone on Disability Allowance a quarter of a million people. People like my son cant get medical appointments for meaningful interventions.
Its vile and repulsive. If brought in, thats 1,000 medical assessments, every week, 52 weeks of the year, for five years. Where will they even get the doctors to do this?
In Britain, the controversial policy meant physical tests were carried out on thousands of disability benefit claimants who were given scores based on the severity of their conditions so that anyone regarded as fit to work could be removed from employment support.
However, a study led by the University of Liverpool found the strategy may have been linked to 600 suicides. The research found just the benefit tests alone had serious adverse consequences on mental health.
The Green Paper goes against the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by Ireland in 2018, to commit to promote and protect the full enjoyment of all human rights by people with disabilities, Ms Madani said.
This is a copy of a British policy, a Tory plan. It also categorises disabled people by their capacity to work. The plan is inhumane.
Such tests would add undue stress to people worried theyll not have enough to live on.
Many disabled people cannot afford to even pay rent. They cant dream of ever owning their own home, or of getting married, so why place them under additional pressure of medical tests linked with finances? A departmental spokesperson said: The Government is very mindful of the commitment under Article 4(3) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to consult closely with and actively involve disabled people and their representative groups in changes to policies and services that will impact them.
The proposals are trying to address the twin challenges of insulating people who cannot work from experiencing poverty; and promoting and supporting a higher rate of employment for disabled people.
An addiction charity has welcomed Drug Minister Hildegarde Naughton comments on decriminalising addiction but Sinn Fein has warned against unintended consequences.
Ana Liffey chief executive Tony Duffin welcomed the Ministers comments to the Irish Independent that people caught with a small amount of drugs should not end up in the criminal justice system.
The Labour Party has called on the Minister to speed up the implementation of these changes and Sinn Fein also welcomed her comments but warned against an increase in drug use as a result.
Its clear to me that drugs will remain illegal in Ireland and our response will be a health response rather than a criminal-led response for drugs for personal use, said Tony Duffin.
Theres no silver bullet, theres no model that removes all the risks associated with drugs.
We want people to be safe and to understand the risks theyre taking.
We have a very significant drug problem in Ireland and we need to respond differently to how were working on the whole issue. So this is a good policy to implement.
Mr Duffin said the Government should make changes as soon as possible.
Sinn Fein also said there should be a health intervention when people are caught with drugs as opposed to going through the criminal justice system.
However, health spokesperson David Cullinane warned against more people ending up using drugs.
We have always consistently said that its better that we have a health led approach and that if people are caught with drugs for personal possession, then there should be a health intervention as opposed to a criminal record, said Mr Cullinane.
He said addiction and recovery services should be much better resourced.
My starting point in any of this is not that you would want more people taking drugs - its always that you would want less, as you would with smoking or any other addiction.
We have to be conscious of all of those potential unintended consequences because certainly, I dont think anybody would want - certainly I wouldnt want - to take measures that ultimately over time would increase abuse so I think we need to be obviously careful.
However, Mr Duffin said this would not be an issue.
The statistics are clear in other jurisdiction that the numbers reduce down all the indicators, in regards to HIV and overdose deaths. We would just be responding in a more effective way.
Thats not something I would be concerned about with this particular model but we do need to keep an eye on things and we would need to make sure that it is working.
Labour TD Aodhan O Riordain welcomed the ministers comments and said she has political backing to get the plans through.
He said people who do not follow this health-based consequence to tackle their addictions then may be punished in other ways.
In Portugal, there can be criminal sanctions if you dont participate fully. There can be fines, there can be restrictions on your travel, your passport can be taken off you and there can be a criminal sanction at the end if youre not engaging, he said.
There were dozens of CCTV cameras, but no clue where she is disappearance of Jean Tighe four years ago was plagued by confusion from the start
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has told how he was knocked out by a cow on his farm after he attempted to move her calf.
The Independent politician urged farmers listening that they cant be careful enough when dealing with animals during calving season.
Speaking to Morning Ireland, Mr Healy Rae said he was entering a pen to move a calf when he was set upon by the cow.
"The message for this morning and this year and I thank the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for the good work that they do but to let people remember that animal husbandry is very important, looking after our animals is very important, but you have to see after yourself as well and always expect the unexpected.
"In my case, what happened to me was familiarity breeds content. It was a particular cow that was a very quiet cow, an older cow and she was after calving on the slats and I went in to take the calf out and to bring her onto straw bedding and I didnt have my eyes open, that was the long and the short of it and when the cow saw me taking away the calf, she got me down on the ground and whatever way I hit my head off a barrier gate, I was knocked out.
"People talk about a cow kicking you, a cow doesnt actually kick you like that if youre on the ground but what a cow will do is they will stand up on top of you and theyll pull back their leg, so not only was it the cow that had the calf but another few more joined in as well and they had a right party on top of me.
"Thankfully, there were people nearby that realised something was wrong and they literally came in two of them and picked me up and threw me out over. The cow was bad at that stage.
"They had to mind themselves and they literally threw me over the barrier and onto a heap of silage.
"The message is, you cant be careful enough and if you know your animals well, you really dont because after calving some sort of wiring goes wrong in a cows head in many cases and if she was the quietest cow in the world she can be very angry. Its not the cows fault.
"The message is that if youre going into a pen, you have to have something to defend yourself.
He said the one thing needed is a four-pronged pike and a stick may not be enough.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
It comes as the HSA has launched a new two-week awareness campaign to support farmers during calving season and ensuring they have a plan and adequate facilities in place.
"If youre fatigued, your guard goes down and you might take a risk that is unnecessary and because youre tired you dont realise it, said Mark Cullen, a senior inspector at the Health and Safety Authority.
He urged farmers to rest and to get the help of neighbouring farmers to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Accidents do happen and unfortunately in the last five years we have had 80 people who have lost their lives in agriculture and 18 of those are down to livestock.
Mr Cullen said an upcoming inspection campaign will be focusing on animal handling facilities and other risk factors.
Kitty photographed on her 109th birthday at her home in County Cork
Kitty with Rev Richie Cronin, Minister of Trinity Cork and Aghada Presbyterian Churches and the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rt Rev Dr Sam Mawhinney, last year
Tributes have been paid to Ireland's oldest woman, Kitty Jeffery, who has died at the remarkable age of 109.
Kitty passed away, with her devoted family by her bedside, at Cork University Hospital (CUH) following a short illness.
She became Ireland's oldest living woman just last year.
Up until recent years, Kitty had lived at the family home outside Cloyne in east Cork where she was cared for by her children and grandchildren.
She was born on November 12, 1914, in Glenville, just north of Cork city and lived through some of the most momentous events in Irish history, being able to vividly recall the War of Independence, the Civil War, the hardships endured during World War II and the various booms and recessions in the Irish economy over the past century.
Throughout her life, Kitty never drank or smoked and worked hard, firstly to help her mother and father and, latterly, her own family.
Kitty and her husband George on their wedding day, St John's church, Cork.
Kitty was devotedly cared for over the years by her children, Anne, George, Ivor and Norman.
She married George Jeffery, an east Cork farmer, after they met at a dance in Garryvoe in the 1940s.
They wed at a ceremony at St John's Church and enjoyed a honeymoon in Dublin.
Her parents were James Clancy and Anne Mills.
Incredibly, but for a quirk of fate, her father might never have met her mother.
James, who was from Kilfinnan in Limerick, emigrated to Australia for work in the late 19th Century.
However, he did not like the heat of the Australian climate and decided to return to Ireland after a few years.
The cake served in honour of Kitty's birthday.
On his return, he met Anne Mills from Ballynoe and they married and settled in Glenville where they had two children, William 'Bill' and Kitty.James worked as the steward at Glenville Manor.
To mark her 109th birthday, a special party was organised for Kitty and her son George recalled some of the dramatic events his mother recalled from her youth.
She remembers during the troubled times there was a British soldier who rode into the yard looking for the local volunteers and they were told there was nobody here so he went off out again on his horse, he said.
She also remembered that during the Civil War a lot of the big houses were burnt. They came to burn the manor and the local people stood up and said, No these are good people in Glenville, theyve always looked after us. So they went away. They didnt burn the manor at that time."
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
Kitty always told her children that the Civil War was the saddest and most turbulent time she lived through.
She worked as a secretary to help provide for her family, eventually being employed by the wealthy Jackson family in Cork city at their Queen's Old Castle gown shop.
Through her work she got to know many members of the Jewish community in Cork which, at that point in the 1930s-50s, was quite extensive. Many later emigrated to Israel.
Tragically, Kitty's brother Bill, who was employed by Musgraves, another of the great Cork 'Merchant Prince' families, died while quite young after contracting tuberculosis.
Kitty was a founder member of the ICA, was very active in the Mother's Union group and played an active role in the family farm, making butter and managing the books and finances.
A very religious woman, Kitty went to church every Sunday and refused to tolerate bad language or anyone who fudged telling the truth.
She adored flowers and chocolates with her family clear that her favourite present for Mother's Day, birthdays and special occasions was a family lunch at a Cork restaurant, a box of Black Magic chocolates and a bouquet of flowers.
General scene at Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford. There has been an arrest in the human trafficking case. Photo: Colllins
A truck driver has been arrested in relation to the human trafficking investigation into the discovery of 14 people hidden in a refrigerated trailer at Rosslare Europort last week.
The Romanian national is suspected of being the driver of the truck that brought the migrants into the country on Monday of last week.
Senior sources said gardai believe the suspect, aged in his 30s, has many questions to answer and is considered a person of very significant interest in the case.
The international investigation has been hampered by the fact that most of the migrants left Irish state care last week and were not interviewed by gardai as part of their trafficking probe.
Minister Eamon Ryan on Rosslare migrants discovery
It is understood that most of the migrants have now left our jurisdiction.
The individual in custody was identified as a person of interest in the case and he obviously had no clue he was on the garda radar, a source said last night.
So when he arrived back in Rosslare yesterday driving a vehicle that had arrived from continental Europe he was arrested on sight.
The trucker is being detained at Wexford garda station.
Nine men, three women and two young girls were found on January 8, when the vehicle was stopped and searched after arriving from Belgium.
Its understood that only the children remain in Ireland.
The Irish Independent previously revealed that the migrants didnt realise they were being brought to Ireland.
Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle ONeill has called on the DUP to restore power-sharing in Stormont. Photo: PA
Philip K Dick once wrote that reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesnt go away. Politics or at least as it is practised in the North again proves itself an awkward exception to that rule.
Once a conviction takes hold, it is conferred with unique qualities, rendering it immutable and impervious to empirical fact.
For nearly two years, voters in Northern Ireland have been without a government.
Today, civil servants there are on strike, frustrated that they are not being paid money the British government has approved, but which cannot be signed off because the Stormont Assembly is in cold storage.
The DUP boycott of Stormont is responsible for the paralysis. It argues that trade is being harmed by post-Brexit agreements, and will not return to the assembly until its demands for changes have been met in full.
The damage being done by the perception that the North is not functioning as befits a normal democracy or how a mass strike will play out among potential investors is clearly not factored into the DUPs considerations of the long-term economic outlook.
The deadline for the restoration of the political institutions runs out today.
First minister designate and Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle ONeill told the Stormont Assembly yesterday which met again in a doomed bid to elect a speaker that she fears the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are now in freefall.
If it is the case that the DUP will not respect the outcome of the election and restore democracy, then there is an obligation on both the British and Irish governments to look at plan B, Ms ONeill said.
Any plan other than chaos would be welcomed with open arms.
Disregarding the democratic mandate of an election for such a long period makes for a precarious political landscape. The wishes of the people cannot be set aside.
The Alliance Party, Ulster Unionists and SDLP have all also called on the DUP to drop its boycott.
More than 170,000 workers will strike in todays mass protest. There is clearly anger at the economic fallout from the stasis at Stormont.
The anger appears to be aimed at secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris. He has said the finances to dampen the burning industrial issues are in place, but they will only be released once Stormont is reinstated.
As the North freezes, workers are being told not to drive because the roads will not be gritted council drivers are on strike.
The DUP must know it too is on thin ice if it believes it is reasonable to bring the machinery of politics to a halt because the Brexit deal done by its government did not meet all its expectations.
For as intimated earlier, in the real world, one either deals with reality or eventually it will most surely deal with you.
The clashes between gardai and protesters in Roscrea and at other asylum and refugee locations around the country are reflective of the abolition of 80 town councils by Fine Gael and the centralisation of decision-making away from affected communities (Racket Hall Hotel protest: Child asylum-seekers upset at clashes following stand-off with gardai, says minister Irish Independent, January 16).
In their place we now have something called public participation networks and local development companies. These are essentially public bodies masquerading as not-for-profit groups.
The Department of Social Protection, Department of Rural and Community Development and various local authorities have outsourced key programmes to these bodies, which, on paper, might have looked good as a cost-saving measure, but in practice have created a huge vacuum in which people and their local representatives have little knowledge of or say in what is happening in their communities.
Multi-million-euro programmes like the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme that supports disadvantaged communities and individuals including unemployed people and those living in deprived areas are increasingly being used to support refugees and asylum-seekers, leading to resentment among their original intended beneficiaries.
While the root of the current problem can be laid squarely at the door of Fine Gael and the then Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan, who reduced the number of councillors in the country from 1,627 to the current 949, there are no concrete proposals from any of the main political parties to reverse what is clearly not working outside of the major population centres.
We are the worst country in Europe with regard to local representation and devolved decision-making.
Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry
Winnie-the-Poohs simple approach to life can show us the way forward
A century ago, AA Milne introduced the world to Winnie-the-Pooh, a honey-loving bear whose innocence, kindness and honesty have captivated millions.
Today, January 18, marks the authors birthday a good day to celebrate his most famous characters timeless reminder that youre braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
While these words may have originated in the Hundred Acre Wood, they resonate far beyond the pages of a childrens book, especially for those committed to battling climate chaos.
Winnie-the-Pooh, with his simple and optimistic approach to life, inspires the notion that anyone, regardless of background or abilities, can play a role in caring for the natural world.
By shifting the narrative away from the challenges and costs of the net-zero transition, the fictional bear encourages us to take whatever steps we can towards a future that promotes better, fairer and more liveable societies. We must rise above our fears and make the changes towards a net-zero society now.
Hans Zomer, Global Action Plan, Dublin 9
Energy poverty means far too many households are struggling to pay the bills
Addressing the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands this morning, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) said SVP members see many households living in conditions that are unacceptable.
These include living with damp and mould at home, extremely poor heating systems and, in the face of severe financial limitations, situations where people are prevented from making improvements to their home themselves.
Dr Tricia Keilthy, SVP head of social justice, said rural households reliant on oil often cannot afford to fill the tank and must resort to buying solid fuel or containers of kerosene, which is unsafe and more expensive.
As well as health implications, there are also financial consequences to energy poverty as it leads to utility debt or causes households to fall behind on other bills.
While for some people a winter of high bills will be painful, they can still cope. For far too many people the SVP meets on a weekly basis, the financial consequences have instead built up as unpaid bills are added to ongoing usage. This is the group we are most worried about.
Dr Keilthy said: I will touch briefly on three priorities on this subject: the need to include everyone within retrofitting strategies; the need for adequate income supports to accompany energy efficiency; and the need for an energy advice service.
Jim Walsh, SVP Ireland
In the face of Middle East conflict, we must ensure our neutrality is preserved
Step forward the United States of America, condemning Iran for a reckless missile strike in Iraq on reputed spying bases.
This wouldnt be the same US that lied to the UN regarding Iraqs supposed weapons of mass destruction in order to invade the country in 2003 and implement its man to rule it, would it? Hopefully, our Government is aware of this duplicity and nation-rebuilding we are in the midst of.
Our neutrality was compromised back then as we allowed American warplanes to use Shannon. Lets ensure we preserve that neutrality now. Ours might be one of the few voices of reason in this new Dark Ages.
John Cuffe, Co Meath
As the bombs fall, it is very clear that life is considered precious by only a few
People are being killed through hatred as the rest of the world stands idly by. Asking politely to stop dropping bombs is falling on deaf ears. Our TV screens continue to show the horrors of needless war.
The perpetrators should be ordered to stop, not politely asked by some foreign ministers. Those responsible claim the result justifies the means. Unfortunately, life is precious to only the few.
Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth
My grandad showed we need all the relief that we can get when its cold out
During this cold snap, I cant help thinking of my late grandfather who emigrated to Toronto. He said the only upside of the freezing winter was that he could pee in the bed: when it froze, he kicked it to the floor with a tinkle. It might offer a bit of light relief if you pardon the pun.
D OBrien, Dalkey, Co Dublin
Start-up company Wizard & Grace Essential Oil candles was launched in 2022 when founder Paula McGovern realised that the natural candles she regularly bought all contained synthetic or artificial fragrance.
The Kinsale-based brand manufactures a unique range of 100 per cent natural essential oil intention candles designed to not only smell beautiful but also actively support wellbeing.
The company can boast a range of successes in its first two years, and has been selected as one of three Cork businesses to attend Showcase Ireland.
The brand will represent the area of West and North Cork through the Local Enterprise Office.
I wanted to buy something 100 per cent natural, made only with essential oils, that I felt comfortable burning in my home with children and dogs. When I couldnt find a luxury essential oil candle, I began to make my own, said Paula.
The Wizard & Grace range of eight essential oil candles and four Celtic goddess journals are all inspired by Irish language, landscape and life and designed to help people to both connect with nature and themselves.
Wizard & Grace is one of 400 exhibitors at Showcase, one of Irelands largest trade shows.
This year the showcase is putting a keen focus on the buyer, encouraging them to choose Irish products for their craftsmanship.
For Paula there seems to be no sign of slowing down anytime soon as her brand has been nominated for two awards due to be announced in coming weeks the West Cork Start-up of the Year and a Best in Cork award which celebrate innovative Cork businesses.
The event will be attended by leading members of the Arts Council
The Triskel Arts Centre will play host to a 'Meet the Arts Council' session later this month.
Cork creatives will have the opportunity to meet members of the Irish Arts Council at a session that will be held at the Triskel Arts Centre on January 25.
The Tobin Street venue will play host to Arts Council director, Maureen Kennelly, representatives from all Council artform teams as well as local artists who have benefited from Council funding.
At the event, creatives in attendance will be able to avail for an informal setting to pose questions about funding and supports to Arts Council members. It will also be an ideal event for those wishing to network and connect with others working in their sphere.
Arts Council director, Maureen Kennelly, said that her organisation have a big appetite for developing the arts and are excited to meet people working in the arts sector at the event.
This gathering will provide a valuable platform for a vibrant arts community to directly connect with our dedicated staff and to find out how best we can provide support, she said.
Artistic director of Triskel, Tony Sheehan, said that he and his colleagues are looking forward to welcoming creatives at the Arts Council session.
These sessions are aligned with our mission as an arts centre fostering relationships and creating opportunities for people to experience art in our communities, he said.
The Triskel session is one of four Meet the Arts Council events set to take place throughout the country the next month. Other sessions will take place in Carlow (January 19), Sligo (January 30) and Dublin (February 2). An online event will also be held on January 22.
The delay in the funding is impacting our communities, said Cllr Bernard Moynihan after it was revealed that there was no update on the allocation of funding for the LEADER programme in North Cork.
The information was provided at a recent Northern Committee meeting after the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn sought an update on funding.
Kay Keegan, Chief Officer with North Cork Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) provided the councillors with an update. We have competing bids in all three LCDC areas of Cork County which is complicating the issue I would imagine. There are other competing bids as well around the country. The ones announced to date are the ones that had no competing bids. We dont have a timeline. We were promised information by Christmas but that didnt materialise, she said.
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Fianna Fail councillor Bernard Moynihan was critical of the delay in announcing the funding. We have communities all over the place looking for money to do jobs here and there. The Glen Theatre in Banteer needs 10,000 to do it up. There are a lot of projects around the place that need that extra bit of money. Our role is getting money out to communities and doing our best for our communities. We have to get the money to do it. Right now our hands are behind our back because we have no LEADER money, he said.
Cllr Moynihan suggested that a letter should be sent to the Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys seeking the release of LEADER funds to communities in North Cork. I like Heather Humphreys. I think she is a good minister. I have no issue with her. What is going on in the department? There is some problem that this has not been announced. This money needs to be announced immediately.
It is impacting us in helping our communities. We are all on the frontline. We need to get money out to the communities. That is our job. There is a process, but we need to get the money out urgently. We will write as the northern committee to the minister and we will also bring this to a full council meeting, he added.
A decision needs to be made, said Fine Gael councillor Gerard Murphy who seconded Cllr Moynihans motion. The LEADER programme is a European programme and it is strictly bound by European rules and audits. That creates difficulties for the minister and the department.
Cork County Councils Divisional Manager for North Cork, Kevin Morey said a letter to the minister would highlight the impact in the North Cork division. I would suggest that the members would write as a committee to the minister to highlight the impact on this in the division. It is a county wide issue.
It was subsequently agreed that the Northern Committee would also bring the motion to full council.
Cork County Council has agreed to write to Uisce Eireann calling on them to extend the wastewater infrastructure in the centre of Kilworth village in order to meet the needs of future housing development.
The motion was brought before a recent Northern Committee meeting by Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre OBrien who said there are areas in Kilworth that are not connected to the main sewer. There is infrastructure in Kilworth where they have the wastewater treatment but there is gaps. There are areas in Kilworth that are not connected to the main sewer. I am looking for Irish Water to come in and lay the piping, put in the connectivity and mains where there are areas in the village not serviced. This would benefit the village development and encourage housing development in zoned development areas, she said.
This would also lead to social economic benefits for Kilworth, Cllr OBrien said. There are areas that dont have access to the mains. It appears that you have it in one side of Main Street and you dont have it in another. Why not do the full village and create the linkage? I want the gaps to be filled in the village. I just want support to write to Irish Water in relation to this. It would be a matter of extending the piping.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn who seconded the motion said the network should be extended. We are lucky in Kilworth that there is a wastewater treatment plant there. We also need capacity. Kilworth is very near the motorway. People can go up and down to Cork in 25 minutes.
Kilworth is a beautiful area to live in. I have no doubt that quite a large number of houses will be built in Kilworth over the next couple of years. They have all the facilities. When there is a need for extra houses, we should extend the network to cover those areas, he added.
Cork County Councils Divisional Manager for North Cork, Kevin Morey said a letter will be sent to Uisce Eireann on behalf of the councillors. If the committee wants to write to Uisce Eireann, the engineers office can provide support in terms of the detail of the letter on how to phrase it. That is the best we can do as we dont have a direct role other than that.
The 100m plan to redevelop St Stephens Green shopping centre has hit a potential roadblock after an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanala.
Permission for the redevelopment was granted on December 14 last year after the applicants reduced the scale and massing of the scheme.
However, the proposal faced a backlash from the community, sparking concerns about the potential loss of certain iconic features in the current building.
The ambitious project aims to replace the current glass dome and facade, elements that have graced Dublins skyline since 1988, making it one of the citys most recognisable structures.
Public react to proposed redevelopment of St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre
An artists impression of the proposed development shows a complete transformation for the buildings exterior, replacing its dome roof, arched windows and flower baskets.
The new building will have up to 8 floors, including a proposed cinema and gallery space.
In a statement, An Bord Pleanala confirmed the decision to give the redevelopment the green light has now been appealed.
The development has been appealed within the normal appeal period as is an appellants right under law. As the case is ongoing An Bord Pleanala has no further comment to make, they said.
An online petition was also launched to preserve the current design, while prominent figures, including TV presenter James Kavanagh, voiced their disapproval.
The podcaster and social media star likened the proposed redevelopment to a car park, hospital, or something from Sandyford Industrial Estate, saying it was not the vibe for the areas character.
Im not opposed to new buildings at all. However, I do favour old-styles of buildings, he said.
Those are the ones that tend to make it on our postcards when we advertise Dublin, and Grafton Street is the essence of our capital, which I feel is slightly fading away.
The glass dome and facade would be replaced under the proposed redesign
He believes the proposed design has nothing interesting or beautiful about it.
This is our Oxford Street and if I was a tourist, I think the building is one that would make me take out my phone and take a picture. But with the new one, I certainly wouldnt, he added.
The Irish Independent took to the streets of Dublin to gauge opinion on the redevelopment plans.
Sean Leahy, a documenter of Dublins busking scene, said he favoured maintaining the shopping centres current state instead of the new design.
It looks a little square. If its not broken, then why fix it? I think its one of the nicest buildings in Dublin, and I thought that when they first built it, he said.
Brian Hogan, with 42 years of experience working in the Royal College of Surgeons, is opposed the 100m redevelopment and said the existing design is already appreciated for its charm.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Dublin City Council said: An appeal has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala which means that the Bord will assess the application now and make a determination. Their decision will supersede Dublin City Councils decision.
If An Bord Pleanala approve and uphold Dublin City Councils decision, then the applicant can proceed with a commencement notice assuming all of their pre commencement compliance conditions have been met.
An Bord Pleanala can also refuse the application which would overturn Dublin City Councils decision.
Patricia Brady and her husband Pat have been teaching people of all ages how to jive in Dublin
A Dublin woman who has hosted dance classes in Copper Face Jacks, says she is keeping jive alive in the capital.
Patricia Brady and her husband Pat, from Kinsealy, have been teaching people of all ages how to jive in Dublin. Theyve held classes in the famous Harcourt Street nightclub, the Red Cow Hotel and local GAA clubs.
Mrs Brady says she didnt have an interest in the dance until she went to a Mike Denver concert and fell in love with it. Eight years later, shes keeping the jive alive.
Jiving is not really in Dublin. I mean, Ive never even seen it until I went down the country with my mam and we saw Mike Denver, she said.
We saw all these people jiving and I loved it, the atmosphere, everyone on the floor having fun. There were no classes in Dublin, so I went down the country to learn, and then I started teaching it here.
Patricia Brady and her husband Pat have been teaching people of all ages how to jive in Dublin
Were trying to push Dublin, but its a lot harder here than the country. I dont think theres dancing anymore in Dublin. But well get the city jiving yet.
Things are different these days. Its more of the modern country jive now with lots of moves and twists and turns, not just for the lady but for the lads as well.
You have to move with the generation and a lot of the younger people dont want the waltz or the foxtrot. They want jives and line dancing. Were moving with the times.
You have to keep the young people interested because if theyre not interested in a few years time, its going to be gone. Youve to bring them in and eventually theyll want to do the dances.
Its hard to get the Dubs going. The men come just because the lady wants to do it, but they end up loving it when they see the craic.
Its great when they come in and they havent a clue, but they learn quickly. Its more than just dancing. Its the fun that you have at class and the people you meet, Mrs Brady added.
Jive dance classes are open to all ages
She believes jiving is a great way to exercise compared with going to the gym.
Its not like the gym where youre dreading it. With dancing, you dont even realise youre doing all this exercise, you keep going because of the music.
January is always busy. Everyone wants to get fit after sitting around during Christmas, so everyone just wants to do something.
We teach all all ages. One of the lads in our class is 86, but then you have 20-year-olds too. I always get the students in college in Dublin. Its a fun class.
Its also great if youre on your own. This is a great way of getting back out there and meeting up with like-minded people.
They meet up to just go dancing. It gets them back out to a dance with a group of friends, Patricia added.
It has been a dark start to 2024 in Killarney with the news that four separate business are to shut their doors. The rising cost of doing business and the difficulty in sourcing staff are the main factors local businesses have said.
Three of the businesses are in the hospitality sector Garrets restaurants, Wild Cafe and Bake My Day while the final is a maternity clothes shop.
Several of the businesses have put notices up that they that to close several expressing disappointment that they have been forced to make the difficult decision to do so.
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Bake My Day said that the increased minimum wage led to rising costs for them and is one of the factors for their closure. The said the lack of footfall on New Street in Killarney, is also a factor as there is a higher footfall in other locations in the town.
This lack of footfall is also due to reduced visitors to the town because of the high-cost of accommodation.
Garrets restaurant on College Street said in a post on social media that it was with a heavy heart that he had made a decision to close. He said the lack of chefs led to the decision.
Sourcing staff is a significant factor according to Cathaoirleach of Killarney MD Cllr Niall Kelleher (Fianna Fail).
"There are pressures on businesses at the moment, he said.
He said the feedback he has received also includes rising costs of doing business including the increase in the minimum wage, though welcome, has put added to the cost of doing business.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
He believes that lack of accommodation is a key problem as well as there is no staff accommodation or homes for people wanting to live in the town.
He said domestic tourism was down for several reasons which include the bad weather and good value sun holidays and that has led to less footfall.
The use of hotels in the town for accommodation for refugees has also been blamed previously for business closures.
Some of the cast of Killorglin Pantomime Group's Goldilocks and The Three Bears in The CYMS Hall Killorglin which kicks off on Saturday afternoon next with a matinee.Photo by Michael G Kenny
Niamh (Bronagh Murphy ) and Oisin (Denis Fenton) preparing for Killorglin Pantomime Group's Goldilocks and The Three Bears in The CYMS Hall in Killorglin.Photo by Michael G Kenny
Killorglin Pantomime Group presents Goldilocks and The Three Bears in The CYMS Hall Killorglin starting on Saturday afternoon next with a matinee L-R:Mama Bear (Declan Mangan) Papa Bear(Michael F O'Sullivan) and Baby Bear(Carmel O'Connor Standing in for Shona Murphy) Photo by Michael G Kenny
Goldilocks(Caroline Hennessy ) and The Seanchai (Stephen Scales) getting ready to tread the boards in The CYMS Hall Killorglin for this years Pantomime Goldilocks and The Three Bears which opens next Saturday. Photo by Michael G Kenny
Killorglin Pantomime Group presents Goldilocks and The Three Bears in The CYMS Hall Killorglin starting on Saturday afternoon next with a matinee L-R:Mama Bear (Declan Mangan) Papa Bear(Michael F O'Sullivan) and Baby Bear (Carmel O'Connor,Standing in for Shona Murphy) Photo by Michael G Kenny
Oh yes it is...It's that time of the year again in Killorglin...Panto Time! The annual Pantomime kicks of in The CYMS Hall on Saturday next with a Matinee of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Pictured here Baby Bear (Carmel O'Connor standing in for Shona Murphy) Mama Bear (Declan Mangan) Papa Bear(Michael F O'Sullivan) and Goldilocks( Caroline Hennessy) getting ready for what will be Killorglin Pantomime Group's 61st production. Photo by Michael G Kenny
As the saying goes, if you didnt laugh, youd cry, and its certainly true for this years Killorglin Panto as the town gives its very own unique and rather unusual take on Goldilocks and The Three Bears.
It is rather a complicated tale of Goldilocks. We start off in ancient Ireland with Fionn Mac Cumhail and head to Tir na nOg and, on the advice of our druid, we search for Goldilocks and the three bears to get some honey. Then we finish off with a bearbeque, explains Declan Mangan.
Declan who traditionally plays the Dame and has done so for more than 50 years has this year handed over this role to Caroline Hennessy but, nonetheless, the famed stalwart will be still be centre-stage with his role as Mama Bear.
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Declan has in fact starred in every one of the 61 pantos that Killorglin Pantomime Group has hosted, working alongside his wife Ann who plays her own the lead role as stalwart costume designer.
There will be a host of other performers young and old to host the now traditional and very much-loved pantomime that will hit the stage this Saturday, January 20, with a matinee performance.
The long-running cast is also joined by new members of the Killorglin community, including Ukrainian refugees playing roles on and off the stage and an African Zumba dancing group made of refugees living in the area, making Killorglin pantomime a multi-cultural affair.
In keeping with the community ethos, funds raised from this year's event will also be donated to the Kerry Hospice Foundation, in memory of Killorglin mother Aoife Kingston, who passed away following a courageous cancer battle. Aoife, too, played a key part in the panto over the years as child welfare officer and her family have been a huge part of the show, so her presence is sorely missed this year.
Asked what Declan think makes Killorglin panto so special, he replied simply: "It brings out the child in everyone.
So be ready to bring out your inner child and have some fun in Killorglin CYMS Hall over the next two weeks with seven shows in total. There are four matinees two this weekend, January 20 and 21, and again next weekend, January 27 and 28. There are three nigh-time shows also, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 24 to January 26.
A protest is being organised in Limerick to highlight the continuing problem of record overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick.
Protestors will be calling for the reopening of emergency departments at St Johns Hospital, Nenagh and Ennis to alleviate the intense pressure on UHL.
The event will take place on Sunday January 21 at 1pm, one year after thousands of people marched through the streets of Limerick city also to demand action against the hospitals overcrowding.
The event is being organised by Mike Daly, who lost his father in 2010 at Milford Care Centre. An inquest in 2012 found that he died of cardiac failure due to natural causes, however, following Mikes investigations, a second inquest took place in 2017, overturning the verdict to medical misadventure.
After the verdict, Mike applied for a non-statutory inquiry to his dads death and he is currently active in the community as admin of the Protest of UHL Hospital Limerick Facebook page.
Mike said he decided to organise the protest as nothing is being done to improve the situation at University Hospital Limerick.
Read more 122 Limerick University Hospital patients waiting on trolleys
He explained that many people, nearly one or two hundred people contacted him only over the past year sharing their experiences at the hospital.
He said: Recently there was an 81-year-old man who was reportedly left on a trolley for a few days and the family just took him out of there to a private hospital as he needed emergency care. Who knows if he would have lived if he stayed there?
Then we hear that not only theres overcrowding, and people are on trolleys, but now theres not even enough trolleys and people were told by medics to lie on the ground.
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My own uncle went out to the hospital about five weeks ago and it was a minor issue such as a stomach problem and he had to get a scan, and while he was waiting he developed sepsis and now hes in intensive care.
I mean this is a third world hospital, Mike claimed.
The protest will take place exactly one year after about 11,000 people gathered in Limerick city highlighting the hospital overcrowding. This year, the community will once again demand the reopening of emergency departments in St Johns Hospital, Nenagh and Ennis.
Mike explained: In the course of the year since the last protest overcrowding has gone an awful lot worse.
There is nothing ever going to fix this overcrowding unless they open A&Es in St Johns [Hospital], Ennis and Nenagh.
There is nothing, nothing, the government can do to alleviate the waiting times in UHL because its a simple mathematical problem.
He added: These problems started with the closure of the three A&Es in 2009, the crowds got bigger and bigger every year.
Its a failure, and the politicians wont admit okay we made a mistake, were reopening these A&Es again. Its only about the will and wanting to do it, the money is there.
Mike hopes a huge crowd will be there on Sunday and also invited University Hospital Limerick CEO Colette Cowan to join them.
January 21 is the date of the first anniversary of the first protest we had, its at 1pm, last year we walked the streets of Limerick, this year were going straight to the hospital.
Were gathering at the back of the Crescent Shopping Centre, well be there for only about 10 minutes, well leave at 1pm and well march up to the hospital, where we will stay for one hour or two. There wont be any public speakers, this is what you might call a silent protest, people know why we are there, we dont need speakers, a massive congregation of people I hope will speak louder.
I dont know if well ever reach 11,000 again, which you never know. I [with the help of volunteers] delivered over 10,000 flyers and over 200 posters to a multitude of people around Limerick and all the counties.
So lets hope its a massive protest this time around and the government takes notice.
Every year there are incidents where dogs are destroyed following attacks on lifestock, most often sheep, warned Garda Mark Gavin. (Stock image)
Gardai in Waterford are reminding dog owners of the legislation around handling dogs in public, especially in relation to attacks on sheep in upland areas at this time of year.
Every year there are incidents where dogs are destroyed following attacks on livestock, most often sheep. This is extremely distressing for all involved and we would encourage dog owners to keep dogs under control and to be aware of the regulations and laws when hillwalking or hiking, he said.
There is an offence under law with respect to worrying of livestock by a dog.
Where a dog worries livestock on agricultural land, the owner of the dog or if the dog is in the charge of a person other than the owner that person also, shall be guilty of an offence unless the dog is owned by, or in the charge of the occupier of the land, a member of his family or a person employed by him, or is the owner of the livestock, or a member of his family or a person employed by him.
It is a defence in a prosecution for an offence under this section if the defendant proves that reasonable care was taken to prevent the worrying of the livestock.
A person who is guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the Euro equivalent of twenty pounds, and in a case where the person has been convicted previously of an offence under this section in respect of the same dog, to a fine not exceeding the Euro equivalent of fifty pounds.
The seizure of a dog worrying livestock can take place in the case of a dog found on agricultural land, or if the dog has been worrying livestock on the land, and no person is present who admits to being the owner of the dog or in charge of it.
A member of the Garda Siochana may seize the dog, and thereupon the provisions of sections 3 and 9 of the Dogs Act, 1906, in relation to seized stray dogs will apply.
Where in the case of a dog found on agricultural land when worrying livestock lawfully on the land and no person is present who admits to being the owner of the dog or in charge of it, the finder may seize the dog and deliver it to a member of the Garda Siochana at the nearest Garda Siochana station, and thereupon the provisions of sections 3 and 9 of the Dogs Act, 1906, in relation to seized stray dogs will apply
In an action for damages for the shooting of a dog, it is a defence if the defendant proves that the dog was shot when worrying livestock on agricultural land, that the livestock were lawfully on the land, that the defendant was the occupier of the land, or a member of his family or a person employed by him, or the owner of the livestock, or a member of his family or a person employed by him, and that the defendant notified the shooting within 48 hours to a member of the Garda Siochana at the nearest Garda Siochana station.
Siobhan and Andrew Byrne enjoyed the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
At the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening were Cecila Byrne and Mary Catherine Murphy. Pic: Jim Campbell
Norman and Caroline Dixon were at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Pictured at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening were Aoife, Colette and Brendan Manning. Pic: Jim Campbell
Laura Williams, Anthony Nolan, Niamh O'Connell and Willie Murphy enjoyed the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Eileen Kinsella and Willie Gilbert at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Joan McGrath, Joe McGrath, Matt Kavanagh and Eileen Kavanagh were at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Paddy Brady and Darren Parker were at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Brian and Marian Fitzpatrick attended the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Reverend Canon Mark Hayden and Jim Gilbert pictured at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Pat Cody, Mick Keegan and Bernard Manning enjoyed the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
John O'Connell, Niamh O'Connell and John Molloy were at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Members of the UN Vets pictured at their Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Back- Norman Dixon, Willie Gilbert, John Molloy, Matt Kavanagh, Pat Cody, Brian Fitzpatrick, Bernard Manning. Front- John O'Connell, Paddy Brady, Jim Gilbert, Mick Keegan, Joe McGrath. Pic: Jim Campbell
The Gorey United Nations (UN) Veterans recently held their annual Christmas dinner as well as a largely attended mass at St Michaels Church.
Pat Cody, Mick Keegan and Bernard Manning enjoyed the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
A ceremonial colour party was conducted at the mass which consists of three flags being raised; the national flag, the United Nations flag and the host flag are marched up the aisle of the church. The flags are raised and then lowered at the end of the mass.
Paddy Brady and Darren Parker were at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
The mass paid tribute to three of their comrades Seamus Byrne, Charlie Rally and Eddie Fisher who have passed away in the last few years. In their honour, their wives wore the medals they received for their peacekeeping work overseas. Its a very special mass and it was nice to pay tribute to their families who were all in attendance, said spokesperson for the UN Veterans in Gorey, Jim Gilbert.
Eileen Kinsella and Willie Gilbert at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
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A piper serenaded attendees throughout the mass and outside of the church. This is the first year the group have held a mass but from now on it will become an annual tradition.
Reverend Canon Mark Hayden and Jim Gilbert pictured at the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
Later on that evening, around 30 people attended their Christmas party at the Loch Garman Arms Hotel. The families of the three comrades were in attendance as special quests and veteran Mark Hayden was also a guest of honour on the night.
Jim served in Cyprus and Lebanon and some of the other members of the group served in the Congo. Although, they are united in Gorey, not many of the members have served together abroad.
Siobhan and Andrew Byrne enjoyed the UN Vets Christmas party in The Loch Garman Arms Hotel on Saturday evening. Pic: Jim Campbell
The UN Vets group meet for a coffee and chat at 11p.m. at the Masonic Lodge on the Avenue in Gorey every Friday morning. The group have started hosting talks and their most recent one was given by Margaret Quinn, the development office of Muintir na Tire. They will be organising more talks in the New Year as theyre trying to encourage ex-members to attend and become more involved.
Near misses with children reported, and drivers colliding with bollards
The residents of Adamstown village are furious about the placement of bollards outside the forecourt and shop as part of Active Travel works for the nearby primary and secondary schools, according to local resident, Cllr Pat Barden.
Speaking at the January New Ross Municipal District meeting, Cllr Barden said a great job was done outside of the two schools. We have been experimenting with car parking outside the shop, with bollards being put in place.
He said the bollards which were put in place as a temporary measure until a new footpath is laid stretch to the T junction and towards the church. The shop owner has been very accommodating but after nearly three months of experimenting people and the shop owners are very unhappy. It should have been a safe car park but now its not. People are not happy and its too close to the junction. There are further problems. Put simply, its a bit of a mess. The people of Adamstown just want these bollards taken out.
Cllr Barden said he has been living in the Adamstown area for most of his life, adding that he has never seen local residents as exercised as they are about the bollards.
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This Christmas there has been untold turmoil over these bollards. People have vented their anger to the engineers and to me. You have to listen to the local people; its their area. I say its time for the bollards to go.
Cllr John Fleming agreed, saying: The Active Travel people shot themselves in the foot. It was a bad site or bollards, if youre bringing kids up to the shop. The engineers need to come to an agreement as these cones are not welcome. Area engineer David Murphy said council engineers met the Active Travel team and the shop owners prior to the project going to public consultation. No submissions or complaints were submitted. a safety audit was carried out.
He said as the road had been identified as a problem area, a meeting was held with the shop owner before Christmas, with a revised layout. Two councillors were also in attendance at the meeting, he said.
It was a very positive meeting and we were led to believe the issue was sorted out but there are still some issues and I have spoken to the Active Travel team and they will meet the shop owners again to resolve the issue. Cllr Barden again asked for the bollards which were always supposed to be a temporary measure to be removed.
Its causing unbelievable turmoil in the area. At the moment cars are reversing into (the path of) children at the shop. Since the bollards came in there have been two or three very lucky escapes. Weve also had pensioners reversing into the bollards.
Turning to director of services for roads, Eamonn Hore, for reassurance, Cllr Barden said: Im appealing to you to get them out of there.
Mr Hore said they are temporary and the shop owner was initially very satisfied with the arrangement.
AMMAN, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- A cultural event was held Tuesday at Philadelphia University in Jordan to showcase the traditions of China's Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 10 this year.
The event was jointly held by the university's Confucius Institute and the China Cultural Center in Amman, attracting the participation of more than 300 students who were eager to learn about Chinese Spring Festival culture.
During the event, the Jordanian students tasted dumplings, the quintessential festive food of China, enjoyed a Chinese classical music performance, practiced Chinese calligraphy, and learned traditional Chinese paper cutting.
Shi Wei, the cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Amman, said the Spring Festival, which sees families reunited, embodies traditional Chinese values of peace, harmony, and balance... were shared by Jordanians.
Shi added that the event has allowed students in Jordan to deepen their understanding of and interest in Chinese culture byclosely experiencing the Spring Festival traditions by themselves.
The counselor noted that the Spring Festival has become an international festival, and an increasing number of people across the globe are joining the Chinese people in the festive celebrations.
In December last year, the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, was officially listed as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings as of 2024.
Participants of a Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group carrying out inventory on a site in Ballycar, New Ross.
The Irish Wood Producers are organising an information session in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the new forestry programme in the Rhu Glenn, Slieverue, on Wednesday January 24, from 10am to 12pm.
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Registration for the session starts at 9.30aM, with information stands followed by presentations at 10am and the event will be followed by refreshments and one-to-one clinics.
Anyone interested in the upcoming Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups (two hours every week for seven weeks) will also be able to sign up on the day at the Rhu Glenn Hotel near Waterford.
The Irish Wood Producers is a not for profit forestry cooperative covering the south east and is based in New Ross.
The new forestry programme provides more opportunities for diverse silvicultural practices with better grant supports for many aspects of forestry.
There has been great interest in the newly launched native Tree Area Scheme already, a spokesperson said.
Having been founded less than three years ago, the Hooked on Swimming group has already raised more than 50,000 for charity.
This years 12 Swims of Christmas has raised around 10,500, including a 3,500 donation from Greenlink, who are building a 500m Interconnector between Co Wexford and Wales, with cables passing under Baginbun Beach out into the Irish Sea.
The first charity festive swim of 12 took place on Friday morning, December 1, on Baginbun Beach with about 30 members of the Hooked on Swimming Group braving the freezing cold water. Joining them in the water on the day were four equally brave Greenlink employees including Gary Nolan, Project Manager Ireland. Fethard on Sea Lifeboat also called in on the beach while out on routine manoeuvres that day.
Helen Mason of the swimming group said: There was a lot of weather that made it difficult to get out some days during December. No one is under any obligation to complete all 12 swims; I completed six for instance.
She said around 50 people took part in the fundraiser, with many turning up on Christmas Day.
People did a dip and enjoyed hot port or other hot drinks afterwards. A huge number turned out on New Years Day, including a lot of swimmers from the local triathlon club and from other clubs, including from Kilmore Quay and members of the Booley Bay swimming group. A lot of people came to support it and the Cliff Top Coffee shop was open, specially on the ay, serving refreshments and hot drinks.
Helen said the New Years swim was a lovely way to mark the start of a 2024.
Several members of the group took part in a Nollaig na mBan swim on January 6, raising money for Womens Aid a national feminist organisation working to prevent and address the impact of domestic violence and abuse since 1974.
Helen said since it was founded in 2021, the swimming group has raised over 50,000 for charities, most of the money going to the local RNLI, along with money being raised for suicide prevention charity, Pieta House, cancer support service centre, Solas in Waterford, with members also participating in the 2023 Dip in the Nip.
As part of the groups 2023 fundraising efforts, they held an RNLI Coffee Morning in December.
Its quite incredible, she said, adding that the group now has over 200 members.
A lot of them are quite active. We all swim at different times.
Group members enjoyed a festive meal out at Georgios in Fethard on Sea over the Christmas period.
Helen said there is a core group of about 40 winter swimmers who take part.
The 12 Swims of Christmas is brilliant in terms of keeping the group motivated. We had great fun together in the sea and having chats and eating cake after our freezing dips, said Helen.
Father Joe Whelan, Mill Hill Missionary, passed away at Herbert House, Liverpool, on Thursday, January 11, surrounded by his family and the Mill Hill Community.
Predeceased by his parents Kevin and Maureen, he is sadly missed by his brothers Seamus, Frank, Kenny; his sisters Anne, Maura, Gretta, Ethna, Ita and Amy; his sisters in law, brothers in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, uncles Fintan and Fr John OSA, cousins, extended family, friends and the Mill Hill Missionary Community.
The late Fr Joe Whelan.
Fr Whelan's is a story of a childhood dream becoming a reality and the living of a life less ordinary.
Above all, Fr Whelan's life-story is characterised by equal measures of courage and conviction, underpinned by an unfaltering religious faith.
From the late 70s since his ordination to the Mill Hill Missionaries, the Loughnageer, Foulksmills man devoted his life to the impoverished people of Pakistan.
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The fourth in a family of ten children, 'Fr Joe' (as he is known) decided on a clerical path at a very young age. He cited near neighbour, Fr. Aidan Miskella as the figure who 'inspired' him to become a priest.
Fr Miskella, who hailed from the townsland of Mullinderry, visited Clongeen National School to speak about the priesthood. It was this visit which led the-then 12-year-old and two other young lads in the class - including the later ordained Fr. Tom Sinnott - to express an interest in becoming a priest.
The young Loughnageer man completed six years of schooling in Freshford and subsequently studied English, History and Philosophy at UCD. On completing his Bachelor of Arts Degree, he went to the Mill Hill Fathers headquarters in London to study theology and was appointed Deacon to the parish of Chiswich in 1977. His appointment to a parish in the large urban sprawl of inner city London proved an eye opener.
As a Deacon, I had to preach, undertake house visits, attend the sick and go out into the community. Even though I had lived away from home and spent several years in Dublin, I found London a very lonely place, he said in an interview with this newspaper in 2003.
I came from a parish with a great sense of community where the ICA, Tug-o-War, GAA, Macra na Feirme and Church were strong. Now, I was in a place with little or no sense of community. It was an experience which made me value the importance of a sense of belonging, he recalled.
Fr Joe was ordained in his native Clongeen on July 29, 1978. Aged 25, he was the first Irish priest to be ordained to the Mill Hill Fathers in three years and was one of just seven missionary priests to be ordained that year.
Fr. Joe and his fellow missionary priests were informed of their postings by the Superior General of the Mill Hill Order - four were destined for Brazil and Pakistan, the remainder to Zaire and Kenya.
He was told he was going to Pakistan, a country he had very little familiarity with. Living in the Hyderabad region of South East Pakistan for decades led to a profound change in his outlook on life.
His impression of missionary work was the evangelical ethos of converting people to the faith.
Here I was in a strange country, with a strange language and I realised that what I had trained for during the previous years bore very little resemblance to the reality. In a word I felt useless, as if the magnitude of the poverty and corruption was something I could do very little about, he said.
After some time in Pakistan his Grandmother Curtis became seriously ill with cancer. He arrived home to be with her and it was an experience which changed his whole attitude.
After three and a half months, she died but the important thing I learned was that if you can make a difference to one person's life then your presence is worthwhile. I went back to Pakistan with this attitude and even though I still feel powerless and disillusioned, I realise I can't change a country or a system. I can just try to make the lives of some of the people better.
Fr Joe witnessed so much sickness and so much poverty, saying he couldn't do much but if he could just bring one person to a hospital or have enough money to feed one child, then he would have done something worthwhile.
One of the most remarkable, and indeed fitting, testimonies to Fr. Joe's work in Pakistan was the establishment of primary schools in the parish of Khipro. Since arriving there in 1995, he established an education centre and over ten village schools.
Pakistan is never going to be a success story in terms of building the Christian faith as the country is over 96 per cent Muslim. But, perhaps my greatest joy and most worthwhile venture is establishing primary schools and helping the children and their parents to gain a sense of pride and community.
My own grandmother was a teacher in Clongeen for 47 years. She wasn't a qualified teacher, but many people still speak of the impact she had on their lives. In Pakistan, our teachers are largely unqualified but they impart their life's knowledge, their skills and their sense of hope to the children. I see Pakistan as similar to Ireland during the post Famine years and look how far we have come. I believe that is largely down to education and primary school is where it all begins, where people build their confidence to see a brighter future, he recalled.
In August 2013, Fr Joe attended the unveiling of a plaque in memory of one of the great Irish heroes of the American Civil War, Fr. Peter Whelan from Foulksmills, at his ancestral home and at Clongeen parish church.
Fr Peter administered to sick and dying Confederate and Union soldiers during the bitter American conflict in appalling conditions, having volunteered for duty.
As part of The Gathering, all of Fr Whelan's descendant relatives and friends from Savannah were invited to the unveiling of a memorial plaque in his memory in Clongeen, in his family's old home, as well as outside the parish church. Monsignor William O'Neill, (who officially launched the book), was among the guests from Savannah, while relatives also travelled from New York.
Fr Joe, who discovered the information linking Fr Whelan directly with Clongeen, was in attendance at what was the biggest event held in the village for some time an event he thoroughly enjoyed.
His legacy of empathy will live on in Pakistan.
A memorial mass for Fr Joe will take place on Sunday, January 21, in St Aidan's Church, Clongeen, at 2 p.m.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
A file will now be prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for direction.
General scene at Rosslare Europort, Co Wexford. There has been an arrest in the human trafficking case. Photo: Colllins
A man arrested on Wednesday in connection with the discovery of 14 people hidden within a refrigerated shipping container at Rosslare Europort is to be released from garda custody this afternoon.
The man, a Romanian national aged in his 30s, is to be released from Wexford garda station while a file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the case.
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Suspected of being the truck driver who brought the migrants into the country, the man had been arrested on Wednesday afternoon in Rosslare for an alleged offence under the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act of 2021.
Upon his arrest, senior garda sources said that the man had many questions to answer and that he was a person of significant interest in the case.
However, nearly 24 hours after he was arrested, a garda source confirmed that the man was being released without charge while a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
The investigation has been significantly hampered by the fact that most of the migrants who travelled on board the container left Irish state care last week before they were interviewed by gardai as part of their trafficking probe.
The nine men, three women and two young girls arrived into the country on a ferry from Zebrugge on January 8.
The authorities were alerted to their presence after an emergency call was made to the UK police, stating that they were inside a container and were struggling to breathe. They subsequently cut a hole in the side of the container and were eventually discovered by crew on board the ferry.
One of the Dutch-inspired and thought-provoking tiles designed by Alanna Plekkenpol in Ashford.
Showcase, Irelands international creative expo, returns to the RDS in Dublin this Sunday, and will feature close to 400 exhibitors with more close to 20 of them hailing from Wicklow.
Showcase will put a keen focus on the buyer, encouraging them to choose Irish products for their craftsmanship, connection to the maker, and provenance. Founded in 1976 by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), it represents a huge opportunity for Wicklows local producers.
One of Wicklows exhibitors, Louise OHara of Culu Design said: I am absolutely gobsmacked and ecstatic that my earring design Cha Emerald has been selected by Showcase Ireland for the trade show in the RDS. If you're visiting you might spot them in The Edit display, along with some other fabulous Irish designers and makers. These last few months have been an absolute whirlwind.
The Wicklow exhibitors will also include Alanna Plekkenpol, who designs and creates art tiles at her studio in Ashford, while Cardboutique.ie is a leading supplier of greeting cards based in Hollywood. Dolphin Distributors Ltd in Arklow specialises in the creation of unique hanging crystals and crystal angels, and Aidan White of Wicklow town is behind Living Earth Photography,
Real Ireland Design was established in 1979 and was responsible for ushering in a whole new concept in postcard design. Since 1997, Alphabet Jigsaws based in Rathnew has been creating original handcrafted wooden jigsaw puzzles for kids of all ages.
The Whimsical World of Thomas Joseph is the home of the iconic Celtic gift range, while Culu Design is a Wicklow design studio that creates modern, colourful and eclectic handmade jewellery. Brooke & Shoals was founded by Alison Banton in Greystones and specialises in fragranced candles.
Fragrances of Ireland are a family-owned boutique perfumery operating from a converted Wicklow farmhouse. Brendella Skirts are based in Kilcoole and Alexa Design is operated by Alexandra Zolich, who is an accomplished artist, designer, and tutor. Eriu creates blankets, fashion items and accessories.
Kelly Hood Art and Design Studio was one of the winners of the Irish Enterprise Awards. The number one mission of Be Kind Industries is to promote and encourage healthy well-being to lead a fulfilling life with a positive mindset. Irish Decal Products are based out of Kilcoole.
Silvia Ortega, a talented Spanish fashion designer based in Wicklow town, has been passionate about creating garments and exploring the versatility of fabrics since her childhood. Gabrielles Cards n Prints involve Irish greeting cards designed by artist and photographer Gabrielle Kirby.
Showcase 2024 will see a continuation of successful features from previous years, including a dynamic event that will fuse dance, music and products to convey the heritage and craftsmanship of Irish craft and design. Sectoral development presentations and panel discussions will take place on the Inspiration Stage ranging across topics from insights into aspects of Irish craft and design to retail trends and AI.
Niamh Dunne and Ellie Deering pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
Rosie O' Rourke, Shane O' Rourke, Lily Figgis and Geraldine Figgis pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
Annie Davis, Jacinta Murtagh, Linsey Walsh and Avril Cronin pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
Trish Cocks, Anne Barrett, Aideen Colburn and Margaret Lawlor pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
John O' Reilly and Lisa Byrne pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
Community members pictured at Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow at the launch of the club's first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up. Photo: Joe Byrne
The Dunlavin GAA Club in west Wicklow was a hive of activity and community spirit when they hosted their first walk and talk event as part of Ireland Lights Up.
Over 100 residents from Dunlavin and its surrounding areas were in attendance for the launch of the GAAs popular initiative in partnership with RTEs Operation Transformation, Get Ireland Walking, and the Irish Life My Life app bringing the community closer together in a safe environment on the dark winter evening.
Having recently installed new lighting around the footpath that encircles their pitch, Dunlavin club reps were delighted to showcase their upgraded facilities to encourage their community to utilise the new and safe resource.
Praising the communitys response to the walk and talk event which will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays (at 7 p.m.) for the next five weeks Annie Davis from Dunlavin GAA said it went above and beyond their wildest expectations.
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We weren't sure what numbers to expect, so to have 100 people showing up to walk, we were delighted with it, Annie said.
We were delighted with the turnout, and I would expect we might have more again this week, as some people couldn't make it and let us know they would be there the following weeks.
It was a great mix of all ages, including families and some people who have never been down at the pitch before. A couple of ladies from a neighbouring community asked if they could use the facilities some morning and that's what we wanted to achieve.
We laid out a table of high-vis jackets, so anyone who didn't have one popped it on. Garda Damien also came down, fair play to him, and parked up and put on his lights for us to show a bit of community spirit.
The event was great in terms of bringing people down to see the facilities we have, she added.
People were delighted with the lights, and were going to have a social membership going forward 20 for the year so that people can keep walking under the lights, and people were thrilled that that was going to happen.
Our local Garda was delighted with it too, that it will help keep people off the roads where it is unsafe in the winter evenings.
Praising her community for the fantastic event, local councillor and Dunlavin GAA Healthy Clubs Officer Avril Cronin said: What a night tonight in Dunlavin GAA Club for our first night for Ireland Lights up.
There was a huge crowd there and it was great to say everyone doing it at their own pace, with some women absolutely flying it around!
It was a huge success, and wed be hoping to build on that over the coming weeks and see people keep coming.
Its definitely a lot easier to get going when you have company along the way!
Oppenheimer is among the films on the Bafta shortlist (Universal/PA)
Oppenheimer leads the nominations for the Bafta film awards, with 13 nods.
Here are the nominations in full:
Best FilmAnatomy Of A FallThe HoldoversKillers Of The Flower MoonOppenheimerPoor Things
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Outstanding British FilmAll Of Us StrangersHow To Have SexNapoleonThe Old OakPoor ThingsRye LaneSaltburnScrapperWonkaThe Zone Of Interest
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Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or ProducerBlue Bag Life Lisa Selby (Director), Rebecca Lloyd-Evans (Director, Producer), Alex Fry (Producer)Bobi Wine: The Peoples President Christopher Sharp (Director) [Also Directed Moses Bwayo]Earth Mama Savanah Leaf (Writer, Director, Producer), Shirley Oconnor (Producer), Medb Riordan (Producer)How To Have Sex Molly Manning Walker (Writer, Director)Is There Anybody Out There? Ella Glendining (Director)
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Film Not In The English Language20 Days In MariupolAnatomy Of A FallPast LivesSociety Of The SnowThe Zone Of Interest
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Documentary20 Days In MariupolAmerican SymphonyBeyond UtopiaStill: A Michael J. Fox MovieWham!
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Animated FilmThe Boy And The HeronChicken Run: Dawn Of The NuggetElementalSpider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
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Director All Of Us Strangers Andrew HaighAnatomy Of A Fall Justine TrietThe Holdovers Alexander PayneMaestro Bradley CooperOppenheimer Christopher NolanThe Zone Of Interest Jonathan Glazer
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Original ScreenplayAnatomy Of A FallBarbieThe HoldoversMaestroPast Lives
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Adapted ScreenplayAll Of Us StrangersAmerican FictionOppenheimerPoor ThingsThe Zone Of Interest
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Leading ActressFantasia Barrino The Color PurpleSandra Huller Anatomy Of A FallCarey Mulligan MaestroVivian Oparah Rye LaneMargot Robbie BarbieEmma Stone Poor Things
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Leading ActorBradley Cooper MaestroColman Domingo RustinPaul Giamatti The HoldoversBarry Keoghan SaltburnCillian Murphy OppenheimerTeo Yoo Past Lives
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Supporting ActressEmily Blunt OppenheimerDanielle Brooks The Color PurpleClaire Foy All Of Us StrangersSandra Huller The Zone Of InterestRosamund Pike SaltburnDavine Joy Randolph The Holdovers
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Supporting ActorRobert De Niro Killers Of The Flower MoonRobert Downey Jr. OppenheimerJacob Elordi SaltburnRyan Gosling BarbiePaul Mescal All Of Us StrangersDominic Sessa The Holdovers
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CastingAll Of Us StrangersAnatomy Of A FallThe HoldoversHow To Have SexKillers Of The Flower Moon
CinematographyKillers Of The Flower MoonMaestroOppenheimerPoor ThingsThe Zone Of Interest
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EditingAnatomy Of A FallKillers Of The Flower MoonOppenheimerPoor ThingsThe Zone Of Interest
Costume DesignBarbieKillers Of The Flower MoonNapoleonOppenheimerPoor Things
Make Up & HairKillers Of The Flower MoonMaestroNapoleonOppenheimerPoor Things
Original ScoreKillers Of The Flower MoonOppenheimerPoor ThingsSaltburnSpider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
Production DesignBarbieKillers Of The Flower MoonOppenheimerPoor ThingsThe Zone Of Interest
SoundFerrariMaestroMission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part OneOppenheimerThe Zone Of Interest
Special Visual EffectsThe CreatorGuardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part OneNapoleonPoor Things
British Short AnimationCrab DayVisible MendingWild Summon
British Short FilmFestival Of SlapsGorkaJellyfish And LobsterSuch A Lovely DayYellow
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EE Rising Star Award (Voted for by the public)Phoebe DynevorAyo EdebiriJacob ElordiMia Mckenna-BruceSophie Wilde
The EE Bafta film awards will be hosted by David Tennant at the Royal Festival Hall on February 18 and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Charithra Chandran is starring in Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon (Suzan Moore/PA)
Bridgertons Charithra Chandran will make her West End debut in one-woman show Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon.
The 27-year-old actress is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in season two of the hit Netflix Regency-era drama.
On Thursday, Katy Galloway Productions announced Chandran will star in the play at the Garrick Theatre in London for a six-week run from March 17 to April 28.
Charithra Chandran will appear in the West End (Yui Mok/PA)
The 75-minute play follows a 17-year-old girl after the untimely death of her sister.
It is written by Rosie Day and her debut book of the same title was published by Hachette in 2021.
Writer, author and actress Day first presented the show at Southwark Playhouse in 2023.
This version of the show is directed by Georgie Straight who was an associate director for the UK tour of Dawn French Is A Huge Tw*t and Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre.
The cast and crew of Bridgerton season two (Yui Mok/PA)
Chandran has acting credits in TV spy series Alex Rider and 2021 Marvel film Eternals and she will next be seen in the upcoming romantic comedy How To Date Billy Walsh, starring alongside British actors Nick Frost and Lucy Punch.
The actress is also a global ambassador for Room To Read, a charity committed to tackling illiteracy and gender inequality.
Instructions For A Teenage Armageddon will open on March 17 and tickets, which start from 25, will be available to purchase from January 19.
Jessie Buckley pictured on the red carpet at the IFTA Awards 2023. Picture Andres Poveda
Irish actress Jessie Buckley has revealed she has kept her marriage under wraps since last summer.
The Oscar nominated star of The Lost Daughter met an English mental health worker who she calls Freddie on a blind date.
She will not reveal his surname, when their wedding was or divulge many details about their relationship.
Jessie Buckley at the 95th Academy Awards in Hollywood last year. Picture: Arturo Holmes/Getty
Speaking to the Table Manners podcast, the Killarney-born actress said her husband has returned to university and he is working in mental health.
"I came to London at 17 and anytime I brought an English boyfriend back to Ireland, my granny would call him Seamus, whatever his name was. How are you Seamus?... Freddie stayed Freddie. I dont know why she did it.
The pair tied the knot in summer in Norfolk, which she describes as their heart home.
When we first started dating we would go to the Towpath (cafe) in Dalston all the time and I just fell in love with (owners) Lori and Laura so much, she said, revealing they catered the wedding.
"It was amazing. They are such great people and one of my memories of the day was: I wanted a keg of Guinness and I definitely wanted their cheese toasties at a certain hour, after they served all the delicious things.
Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 18th
On whether the pair honeymooned together, Buckley said they had many moons.
"We actually just kind of bottled into friends' holidays. Loads of friends were going away and they rented a place and were, like, 'come with us'.
It was really nice. Usually I'm away shooting or something, and because of the (writers) strike everything got moved, so I've had a whole year just to, like, hang out.
Met Eireann has issued a new snow and ice warning for one county as temperatures are set to plummet again tonight.
The alert for Donegal is now in place and will be valid until 6am on Friday.
This will result in difficult travelling conditions and some travel and service disruption.
People across the country woke up to yet another very cold day today with frost, ice and fog slow to clear.
Highest temperatures will be just between 1 and 5 degrees, and temperatures are set to drop tonight to between -6 and -2 degrees again.
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Snowy conditions could be observed in many areas across the country this morning, such as Co Cork, Co Mayo, and Co Kerry.
A Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning for all of Ireland expired at noon today. The alert has been extended for another day and will come back into force at 5pm today until 11am on Friday.
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Very cold weather with severe frost and icy stretches might lead to difficult travelling conditions across the country, with low-temperature issues for vulnerable people, and animal welfare issues.
An extended Status Yellow snow and ice warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo, was in effect until 11am today, and has now expired.
A weather advisory for Ireland remains in place until midday on Friday as cold Arctic air brings difficult conditions this week.
Met Eireann meteorologist Linda Hughes said there is still some lying snow across parts of Sligo, Donegal and Mayo.
She said the area most likely to see further snow is Donegal, with showers possible throughout today, into tonight and tomorrow morning.
"Were going to see very low temperatures again tonight, -5C, maybe even -6C, so again widespread severe frost and icy stretches," she told RTE's Today with Claire Byrne.
"The only difference is temperatures increasing later tomorrow so it's not going to linger any further past tomorrow. Friday night well start to see some rain moving in and temperatures will start to increase moving up towards double figures.
At the weekend, were going to see temperatures of 12C, 13C, maybe even 14C, so kind of a shock to the system after this freezing weather that weve had.
Ms Hughes said temperatures next week will be above average for the time of year.
Very, very different and quite a sudden change to much milder weather but it is also going to be very unsettled.
The UKs Met Office has issued a Yellow snow and ice warning for 5 counties in Northern Ireland.
Antrim, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry will see further snow showers and ice, possibly leading to travel disruption.
The warning has been in place since midnight on Thursday, and will expire at midnight on Friday.
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However, today will be a sunny and mostly dry day for most areas around the country.
Meanwhile, Ulster and north Connacht might see scattered showers of rain, sleet and snow, which will continue overnight.
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Tonight will be very cold with widespread sharp to severe frost, ice and freezing fog.
Tomorrow will have another cold start with frost and ice, however Friday will not be as cold as previous days this week, with temperatures of 4 to 7C.
The cold spell is due to break tomorrow night.
Friday night will start off cold, with temperatures rising overnight to between 5 to 9C.
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After another cold and bright start, temperatures will steadily rise on Friday and the weather will become milder, and often wet and windy, for the weekend.
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Read more Cold weather advice for dog owners as temperatures plummet
Carlow Weathers Alan OReilly has forecast the freezing temperatures to be followed quickly by mild weather and a potential massive storm on Sunday.
Speaking to RTE Radio Ones Claire Byrne yesterday morning, Mr OReilly said we were set for a dramatic change.
We are set for a dramatic change for the weekend. If you dont like the cold weather, its good news, but if you dont like the rain then its not good news, Mr OReilly said.
Were in for a massive storm on Sunday, very strong gusts and very heavy rain.
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Looking further ahead, Mr OReilly said the forecast is for unsettled weather next Monday and Tuesday.
Weve had an exceptionally mild winter so far. Most people are happy enough when it is cold and crisp and dry, and theres a nice blue sky, but the cost of the heating is probably the biggest issue, he said.
Mr OReilly added that Ireland was only halfway through winter, since meteorologists determine winter to be from December to February.
"The weather models show that we could have another high-pressure system at the start of February so we could see another cold spell yet. But the first half of the winter will certainly go down as mild, he said.
William drives away from the London Clinic, in central London (Lucy North/PA)
The Prince of Wales has visited the hospital where the Princess of Wales is recuperating after undergoing successful abdominal surgery.
William drove himself away from the London Clinic in an Audi e-Tron GT Carbon Vorsprung, followed by a Land Rover Discovery, and left by the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
Cult leader appears in court accused of murdering 429 people, including 191 children
Paul Mackenzie is accused of convincing hundreds of people to starve themselves to death to get to heaven
Paul Mackenzie, a Kenyan cult leader accused of ordering over 400 of his followers to starve themselves to death, sits in the dock at the Malindi Law Courts in Malindi, Kilifi, Kenya. Photo: Reuters
Tom Watling UK Independent Thu 18 Jan 2024 at 03:30
A suspected cult leader in Kenya has appeared in court charged with the deaths of more than 400 people, including 191 children.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Red Sea security is tied to Israel ending its bombardment of Gaza. Photo: AP
At least $15 billion (13.8bn) will be needed to rebuild housing in the Gaza Strip, according to the chairman of the Palestine Investment Fund.
Mohammed Mustafa made his comments at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town of Davos yesterday. It follows much of the besieged enclave being flattened by Israels war on Hamas militants.
Desperate scenes of overcrowding in Rafah as 1.2million people seek shelter at Egyptian border
Palestinians stand in a line as they wait to receive food as supplies dwindle amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters
Israel pressed its assault on Khan Younis in southern Gaza yesterday, sending tanks westwards and prompting accusations from Jordan that its field hospital in the city had been badly damaged by nearby shelling.
The Jordanian army said it held Israel responsible for a flagrant breach of international law in what it said was the damage to the facility as a result of Israeli shelling in the vicinity. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.
PARIS Eurazeo has taken a minority stake in French niche perfumery brand Ex Nihilo.
The European group has invested approximately 25 million euros in the company, while Ex Nihilo cofounders Sylvie Loday, Olivier Royere and Benoit Verdier are majority owners.
More from WWD
Niche fragrance brands are a sweet spot in the swiftly growing perfume industry today.
Consumers are now looking for more personalized fragrance to express their individuality, creating strong demand for niche fragrance brands, said Aishwarya Rajpara, senior research analyst at Euromonitor International.
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Simultaneously, new demographics, such as Chinese shoppers, are swiftly becoming niche fragrance aficionados, expanding the overall market substantially.
Eurazeos investment is mean to help support Ex Nihilos growth, with the investment group leveraging its international network spanning Europe, Asia and the U.S. Eurazeo is also to lend its digital capabilities, home in on Ex Nihilo and its community, as well as bolster the brands organization worldwide.
Ex Nihilo, which is Latin for created out of nothing, was founded in 2013. The brand is rooted in French luxury perfumery savoir-faire and has made a mark with its modern approach to craftsmanship, artistic and brand collaborations, and the possibility for personalization of fragrances and packaging.
When we created the house, the idea was to represent the French avant-garde, Verdier said.
The brand partners with Givaudan perfumers. Ex Nihilos bestselling fragrance was among its first Fleur Narcotique, by Quentin Bisch.
We love to collaborate with the outsiders, the young and emerging talents that could bring a lot to the house, Verdier said.
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Ex Nihilo cofounders Benoit Verdier, Sylvie Loday and Olivier Royere.
Ex Nihilo has about 50 perfumes today, with prices upward of 280 euros for a 100ml. bottle.
Fragrance blending is possible through the brands Osmologue machines, which let consumers customizecertain Ex Nihilo scents. The brand also produces collectible pieces and unique, made-to-measure perfumes on demand.
Ex Nihilo generates about $60 million in retail sales through brick-and-mortar and digital retail channels. Its distribution includes prestige department stores, such as Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Galeries Lafayette and Saks Fifth Avenue. There are also seven flagships offering the personalization service, plus partnerships with specialty stores and niche perfumeries.
The brand has about 300 sales points globally today.
Europe and the Middle East are Ex Nihilos geographic anchors at present.
Verdier said organically, the time has become right to bring in an investor.
After 10 years, we were quite big and well-established, but still quite small and very exclusive, he said. Now, we want to give a new momentum. We wanted to find the right partner.
Eurazeo was a great fit in many ways, including corporate culture and on a personal level, according to Verdier.
Geographically, a strategy is to grow Ex Nihilos presence in the U.S. and soon in China, as well as elsewhere in Asia and digitally.
All its stores are inspired by the first Paris boutique, on Rue Saint-Honore, with the houses signature royal blue as well as a local detail.
[Eurazeo is] expert in growing mid-sized companies into something bigger, Verdier said. They bring a lot of knowledge.
That includes consumer-related data.
Laurent Droin, managing director of Eurazeo Brands, called the relationship with Ex Nihilo founders a partnership.
Its a whole story and a very differentiated brand, he said.
Droin explained Eurazeo was drawn to Ex Nihilo for various reasons.
One is the sector [its in], he said. Niche fragrance is a very interesting sector. Fragrance in general is a growing market, but niche fragrance is the segment that is growing the most.
Droin described perfume as a category that gives a lot of experience and content, what consumers are after.
The fragrance you wear tells who you are, its an experience that you smell every day. It is also a message you want to pass on to people, he explained. So its incredibly powerful.
Droin sees the niche fragrance segment poised for growth.
The high-end niche fragrance is here to stay, he said.
Eurazeos Laurent Droin
Eurazeo was also drawn to Ex Nihilo itself.
Its quite difficult to build a differentiated brand in this market, and the three founders have managed to create a brand of scale, said Droin, adding this has been done through the consumer experience and perfume quality. He also lauded Ex Nihilos authenticity.
The third piece is the quality of the partnership, Droin said. Its very important that we are value-add capital. I think there was a real fit between what they were expecting support, a sparring partner and what we want to do. There has been a good chemistry with them.
The first orders of the day will be to structure the company for the next phase of growth. That includes recruiting and reinforcing the brands culture.
The second point is going to be to help them polish the brand they have a gem, Droin said. When you scale it, you have to polish the diamond.
Thirdly, its to support Ex Nihilos international growth, in a limited number of key markets. Growing business in the U.S. is the next frontier, while Asia, especially China, is a commitment for the long term.
Eurazeo has been refocusing on Europe. Jill Granoff, formerly chief executive officer of U.S.-based Eurazeo Brands, has shifted her role to become a senior adviser. In Eurazeos December newsletter, Christophe Baviere and William Kadouch-Chassaing, co-CEOs of Eurazeo, wrote: Our ambition is to become the leading player in private asset management in Europe in the mid-cap, growth and impact segments.
In April 2022, Eurazeo, through its brands team, led a Series B funding round for Gisou, the premium honey-based hair and beauty brand from the Netherlands. That left Eurazeo with a minority stake in the business. Eurazeo sees in the consumer segment an opportunity to invest in growth equity Droin underlined Eurazeos commitment to the long-term prospect of brands offering whats relevant and meaningful to consumers.
We are really about the future of consumers, he said. And we believe that consumers are here to stay the spending is not going down. They are just reallocating in a more meaningful way.
Theyre about less but better, more experience and content, outlined Droin.
Every shift is an opportunity for investors, he said.
In the consumer segment, especially beauty, exit opportunities are very good, as many big strategics are looking to invest in the category today. Over the past two years in niche perfumes, major deals have included Kering acquiring Creed and Puig purchasing Byredo.
Strategics are after innovative brands to scale for the long term.
Eurazeo, which is listed on Euronext Paris, has 33.5 billion euros in diversified assets under management and supports more than 600 mid-market companies. It has offices in Paris, New York, London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Milan, Madrid, Luxembourg, Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore and Sao Paulo.
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Photo courtesy: twitter.com/TelanganaCMO
Hyderabad/UNI: Tata Group on Thursday said it would make major new investments and expand its presence in Telangana.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran met during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024 in Davos in Switzerland on Thursday and discussed Tata Groups ongoing and future business plans for Telangana.
The salt-to-software conglomerate has a very large and diversified business presence in Telangana.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the tech consulting arm of Tata Group, employs more than 80,000 people in Hyderabad, making them one of the largest IT employers in the state.
TCS has large plans for Hyderabad and will continue to grow over the next few years.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited has successfully grounded multiple joint ventures in leading global defence and aerospace companies like Boeing, Sikorsky, GE, and Lockheed Martin and is committed to expanding further in this strategic sector.
Tata Technologies Limited (TTL) is also partnering with the State government to upgrade and transform Government ITIs as Advanced Technology Centres to impart long-term and short-term courses in industry 4.0 trades and bridge the skill gap.
TTL will be investing around Rs 1,500 crore to set up advanced skilling centres in 50 Govt ITIs and also deploy master trainers for handholding the new courses.
Tata Group is expanding its Air India fleet and has plans to increase both domestic and international connections from Hyderabad and make Hyderabadi an important transit hub.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said on the occasion, Tata group is a vital partner and key contributor to the state's economic growth. Our government is committed to facilitating Tata Group's investments in different sectors. We are happy to partner with TTL to establish advanced tech centres in Govt ITIs and welcome TTL to join the initiative to set up dedicated skill universities in Telangana.
N Chandrasekaran said, Telangana is a strategically important location for the Tata group. As a group, we intend to expand in Telangana as much as possible and we look forward to working cooperatively with the new Government.
Minister for Industries and ITE&C D. Sridhar Babu, Principal Secretary ITE&C, I&C Jayesh Ranjan, and Special Secretary, Investment Promotion Vishnu Vardhan Reddy were present during the meeting.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay
New Delhi: Nearly 25% of adolescents aged 14-18 struggle to read a 2nd-grade level text in their regional languages, according to the latest Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) survey.
At least 42.7% of them read sentences in English with difficulty, the survey revealed.
In the 14-18 age group, 26.5% were unable to read a Class 2-level textbook in their regional language, and just under half, 42.7%, struggled to read sentences in English.
Among those who could read these sentences, more than a quarter 26.5% did not grasp the meaning of the content.
The ASER 2023 report, titled "Beyond Basics" and conducted by the Pratham Foundation, sheds light on rural Indian youth aged 14 to 18, surveying 34,745 individuals in 28 districts across 26 states. This age group was last covered in the ASER report in 2017.
A majority of the students surveyed, specifically 56.7%, were unable to solve a basic division problem involving a 3-digit number divided by a 1-digit number. The proficiency in division is considered a proxy for the capability to perform fundamental arithmetic operations.
Moreover, ASER 2023 evaluated the surveyed individuals on their competence in applying fundamental arithmetic and reading skills to practical scenarios such as everyday calculations, comprehending written instructions, and financial calculations.
The most worrying indicator, less than half of them, nearly 45%, could calculate the number of hours a child had slept based on the time she went to bed at night and woke up in the morning.
In most of the tasks assessing the application of basic numeracy and reading skills, boys consistently performed better than girls. For example, in the 14-18 age group, 45% of boys showed the ability to perform at least division, compared to 41.8% of girls. When presented with a scenario involving time calculations, 50.5% of boys were able to perform the task, whereas only 41.1% of girls exhibited the same proficiency.
The report indicates that 86.8% of 14 to 18-year-olds are enrolled in school or college, with enrollment percentages decreasing with age.
It is worth noting, concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic about older children dropping out of school due to livelihood threats were deemed unfounded, as the proportion of out-of-school children has been consistently decreasing, driven by government efforts to universalize secondary education.
However, the report highlights a lack of significant improvement in foundational literacy and numeracy skills (FLN) despite prolonged school attendance.
In 2017, 76.6% of 14-18 year olds could read at a 2nd-grade level, compared to 73.6% in 2023. In arithmetic, the ability to solve simple division problems (grade 3-4 level) increased slightly from 39.5% in 2017 to 43.3% in 2023.
However, over half of the teens struggle with more complex division problems, with only 43.3% able to solve them correctly.
The report also notes gender disparities, with boys outperforming girls in various tasks testing basic numeracy and reading skills.
Despite the extended duration of school attendance, the ASER 2023 findings underscore the persistent challenge of inadequate foundational skills among young people in India.
Emphasising the importance of foundational learning and life skills, not just for academic advancement but also to traverse daily life, ASER Centre Director Wilima Wadhwa said, At some level, India is in a unique position right now For India to become the worlds third-largest economy, the quality of our labour force has to keep pace with our developmental needs. We can only reap the demographic dividend associated with a young population if our youth are well supported to achieve their aspirations and participate productively in the growth process of the economy.
The survey shows that more than half (55.7%) of the young people in this age group were enrolled in the Arts/Humanities stream, followed by STEM (31.7%) and Commerce (9.4%). More males report enrolling in the STEM stream (36.3%) than females (28.1%), the report said.
The report also revealed that nearly 89% of the surveyed students had a smartphone in their households, and 92% said they were familiar with its usage.
Iowas attorney general is suing TikTok for allegedly misleading parents about their childrens access to inappropriate content on the companys app.
In a lawsuit filed in a state court in Polk County, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird accused TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, of lying about the prevalence of content on its platform that included drugs, nudity, alcohol and profanity.
TikTok has kept parents in the dark, Ms Bird, a Republican, said. Its time we shine a light on TikTok for exposing young children to graphic materials such as sexual content, self-harm, illegal drug use, and worse.
Iowa is seeking financial penalties and an order barring TikTok from engaging in deceptive and unfair conduct.
TikTok said it has industry-leading safeguards in place for young people, including parental controls and time limits for those under 18. We are committed to tackling industry-wide challenges and will continue to prioritise community safety.
It is the latest lawsuit by a US state against TikTok, which is facing pressure from regulators globally to protect children from harmful content.
In October, Utah filed a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that the company was baiting children into addictive and unhealthy social media habits.
The lawsuit claimed TikTok lures children into hours of social media use, misrepresents the apps safety and deceptively portrays itself as independent of its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Arkansas and Indiana have filed similar lawsuits.
Iowas attorney general is suing TikTok for allegedly misleading parents about inappropriate content (AP)
Research into the TikTok algorithm in 2022 by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) found some young users on the app were being shown potentially dangerous content that could encourage eating disorders, self-harm and suicide.
Meanwhile, 2023 research showed a third of 13- to 17-year-olds have seen footage of real-life violence on TikTok.
The company insisted that such research does not reflect the genuine behaviour or viewing experiences of real people who use the app.
Story continues
Last year, Utah became the first state to pass laws that aim to limit children and teenagers use of social media apps such as TikTok. The laws are set to take effect this year.
They will impose a digital curfew on people under 18, which will require minors to get parental consent to sign up for social media apps and force companies to verify the ages of all their Utah users.
TikTok has also come under scrutiny for its links to the Chinese government.
Earlier this month, Montana said it was appealing a decision by a US judge in November to block Montanas first-of-its-kind state ban on the use of TikTok.
Montanas ban had been set to take effect on 1 January but US District Judge Donald Molloy on 30 November issued a preliminary injunction to block the ban, saying Montanas law violates the Constitution in more ways than one and oversteps state power.
The bill was initially signed into law by state governor Greg Gianforte in May last year with the aim of protecting Montanans from Chinese Communist Party surveillance, he claimed.
Under the law, Montanas 200,000 TikTok users would not have faced any repercussions for using the app, however TikTok and other companies faced a $10,000 daily fine for each time someone accessed the app or was offered the ability to download it.
ByteDance sued Montana in May to prevent the state of Montana from unlawfully banning TikTok, the company said at the time, after state officials alleged the Chinese government could access data about TikTok users, and that TikTok exposes minors to harmful online content.
TikTok has previously insisted that it does not share data with the Chinese government.
In January 2020, the United States Army and Navy banned TikTok on government devices after the Defense Department labelled it a security risk.
US lawmakers have expressed concern over the ability of the Chinese Communist Party to access the data of US citizens using the app, and have considered implementing a nationwide ban on TikTok.
Photo courtesy: UNI
Srinagar/UNI: The All-Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has taken an exception to a recent judgment by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court about the title of a Sikh.
The Committee has referred to the judgment as an "interference".
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court recently made it clear that having "Singh" or "Kour" as surnames is not mandatory to be recognized as a Sikh person.
Reacting to a judgement about titles like 'Singh' and 'Kour' by a judge of Jammu & Kashmir High Court while hearing a petition filed during Gurdwara elections, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said in a statement that although the judgement was within the parameters of the J&K Gurdwara Endowment Act, the learned judge "should have had the basic knowledge of the Sikh religion, adding that ignorance of religious rules is no excuse."
"Challenging the basic tenants of any religion, be it Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism, is equivalent to provoking the religious sentiments of people belonging to that particular religion.
"In the instant case, the Supreme Court of India should take suo motto cognizance and force the concerned judge to resign. Every community in the country needs respect, honor, and credibility," said Raina.
The APSCC Chairman said that religions are defined by religious scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Holy Quran, and Guru Granth Sahib, and nobody has the power to redefine the same even though the said person belongs to the judiciary or legislature.
He asked the people to believe in co-existence and allow the others to practice their own faith or religion.
Photo courtesy: UNI
New Delhi/UNI: Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra has written a letter to the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, to declare January 22, a holiday for all the courts across the country, as a consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is scheduled that day.
The event of Pran Pratishta, which is the result of a long legal battle, holds immense religious, historical, and cultural significance for the country and millions of people across the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries are slated to be present for the consecration ceremony.
Manan, while asserting the importance of the event, said that the ceremony has garnered international attention, with approximately 100 dignitaries hailing from 55 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and America expected to arrive.
The guest list includes ambassadors and parliamentarians from various countries. The Korean Queen, who asserts her lineage to Prabu Shree Ram Vanshaj and is a proud descendant of Lord Shri Ram, is on the list of attendees.
Lord Ramas universal significance extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries, touching the hearts of people across the world, Manan said.
Manan, in his letter, said, "In light of the religious, cultural, national, and international importance of the event, I humbly request your esteemed office to consider declaring a holiday in the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, and other courts across India on January 22, 2024.
"This holiday would allow members of the legal community and court staff to participate in or observe the inauguration ceremonies in Ayodhya and other related events across the country."
Manan further said that he understands the importance of the continued functioning of the justice system and suggested that urgent matters could be accommodated through special arrangements or rescheduled for the next day.
Manan said that this gesture will not only recognize the profound cultural significance of the Shri Ram Mandir inauguration but will also demonstrate a harmonious blend of the legal process with the cultural ethos of our nation.
Image Credit : UNI
New Delhi: Seven of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case have cited reasons like son's wedding, leg surgery and only caretaker of elderly parents before the Supreme Court to seek an extension of their surrender, media reports said.
On January 8, the Supreme Court annulled the Gujarat governments order granting early release to the 11 men convicted of gangraping Bilkis Bano and murdering seven of her family members in the 2002 riots in the state.
Seven out of the 11 convicts filed a petition seeking an extension with the Supreme Court on Thursday, just three days before their scheduled surrender, reported India Today.
Govindhbhai Nai, one of the convicts, said his 88-year-old father and 75-year-old mother were dependent on him and sought additional time to fulfill his domestic responsibilities before surrendering.
Another convict Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana said in his petition that he required time to make arrangements for his son's wedding. Mitesh Chimanlal Bhat, in his plea, stated that his winter produce was ready for harvest and wished to complete this task before surrendering.
The fourth convict, Pradip Ramanlal Modhiya, cited recent lung surgery and he needed time to recover before complying with the surrender schedule.
Bipinchand Kaniyalal Joshi said his recent leg surgery had left him partially handicapped and sought more time to surrender.
Jaswant Chaturbhai Nai, another convict, approached the Supreme Court, requesting a six-week extension to surrender to complete the harvest of winter crops.
The seventh convict to seek relief from the top court was Radheyshyam Bhagwandas Shah.
The matter was mentioned before a bench of Justices BV Nagarathana and Sanjay Karol. The bench asked the Supreme Court Registry to place the plea before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, the report said.
After surrendering, the convicts have the option to file a review petition before the Supreme Court or apply for fresh remission before the Maharashtra government, as the trial was conducted in that state.
The convicts were released on August 14, 2023, without completing their entire imprisonment sentence, following the grant of remission by the Gujarat government. Gujarat governments decision was challenged by several petitioners, including Bilkis Bano, before the Supreme Court.
Cancelling the order, the top court said the Gujarat government was not competent to grant remission to the convicts.
"I have wept tears of relief. I have smiled for the first time in over a year and a half. I have hugged my children. It feels like a stone the size of a mountain has been lifted from my chest, and I can breathe again," Bilkis Bano said in a statement issued through her lawyer Shobha Gupta.
"This is what justice feels like. I thank the honourable Supreme Court of India for giving me, my children and women everywhere, this vindication and hope in the promise of equal justice for all," she said.
Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped during the Gujarat riots that broke out after the Godhra train burning incident in 2002. Her three-year-old daughter was also killed along with six of her family members.
New Delhi/IBNS: Amid the row over the video in which passengers of an IndiGo flight are seen eating on the tarmac in Mumbai airport as they waited for take-off, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Thursday said that the way security was compromised is "completely unacceptable".
The minister's statement comes after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) slapped a Rs. 1.2 crore fine on IndiGo.
passengers of IndiGo Goa-Delhi who after 12 hours delayed flight got diverted to Mumbai having dinner just next to indigo plane pic.twitter.com/jGL3N82LNS JY (@baldwhiner) January 15, 2024
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also slammed Mumbai airport authorities and imposed a Rs. 30 lakh fine.
Scindia's remarks also come against the backdrop of an uproar over poor airline services and long delays caused by dense fog conditions in north India.
"This is a sector that has grown phenomenally well, it is a sector that is going to assume even greater importance and greater demand. It is a sector that has to continuously evolve as the number of passengers grows and also service to them must be of the highest quality level. Having said that, there are vagaries of nature over which we, as human beings, do not complete control," he said during a press meeting.
As Delhi witnessed a couple of days of very dense fog, the airport functions were affected with delays and cancellations following across the system, he explained.
"We have had a had a few days of zero visibility. In those days, even with CAT-III runways, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for landings and take-offs," he said.
AT-III refers to high standards at airports that enable precision landing and take-offs amid bad weather conditions.
Scindia explained that it is not the capability of the runway alone that determines flight movement. "They are determined by three independent variables: the capability of runways, the capability of aircraft and the capability of the human resource. It is the highest common factor among the three that determines capability," he said.
On Tuesday, the Centre issued show-cause notices to IndiGo and Mumbai Airport over the video of passengers eating on the tarmac.
IndiGo has been asked to pay the amount - the highest penalty to be imposed on a carrier recently - within 30 days, the Bureau Of Civil Aviation Security, or BCAS, said in a statement.
Calling it a "violation of apron discipline", the DGCA said, "It came to the notice of the DGCA through social media that on January 15, passengers of two IndiGo flights were on the apron for a considerable period at the CSMI Airport, Mumbai (MIAL).
"This is in violation of Para 5 of DGCA Air Safety circular 04 of 2007 which directs all agencies working at the airport not to permit walking on an active apron. The presence of passengers on the apron for a considerable period is in violation of apron discipline as it jeopardised the safety of the passengers and the aircraft."
A file picture of Indian PM Narendra Modi meeting Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Photo Courtesy: PIB
New Delhi/IBNS: India and Maldives dwelled upon a "mutually workable solution" for the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms to provide humanitarian service to the people of Maldives, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.
Addressing a weekly press conference here, Randhir Jaiswal said, "On 14 January we held a meeting of the core group of both countries and we discussed several aspects of bilateral relationships".
When asked about the Maldives government's decision to withdraw Indian troops from the country, the MEA spokesperson said: "Whatever's discussed was put out in the press release... this is an ongoing discussion, so things will go forward or things will be discussed in the next meeting of the core group very soon."
The diplomatic ties between both countries hit a new low recently after Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiunas disparaging comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "clown" and "puppet" in posts on X, which have since been deleted.
The tweets were removed following criticism and backlash on the micro-blogging site.
The row erupted also under the shadow of strained India-Maldives ties after President Mohamed Muizzu, who is seen as a pro-China politician, came to power.
Muizzu assumed the presidency of the Maldives in November 2023. As part of his election promise, he committed to withdrawing a group of approximately 75 Indian military personnel from his country and revising the Maldives' longstanding "India first" policy.
Over the issue of India's stand on the Iran-Pakistan issue, he said, "India has a clear stand on terrorism and we have released a press statement in this regard yesterday".
"It's a matter between Iran and Pakistan and we will not make any further comments on this issue."
On Wednesday reacting to Irans strikes on militant group Jaish al-Adl bases in Pakistan, India said this is a matter between the two countries.
"Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising position of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self defense, said the statement.
When asked about India's position regarding the Israel-Hamas, Randhir said, "We have condemned terrorism, called for the release of hostages, sought the protection of civilians, and called for the provision of humanitarian assistance.
We also stand for a long-term two-state solution".
On the question of the Red Sea and discussion in Iran with the external affairs minister, "We are deeply concerned about the whole situation. It does impact not just us, but it's an important shipping lane for not just India, but for the world".
He further added that the Indian Navy is patrolling the area and trying to secure the sea lanes and do their best so that our economic interests are not impacted".
On the relationship with China, the MEA spokesperson said, "Our relations with China are not normal, as we have said before...Diplomatic and military level talks are going on between the two countries to maintain peace at the border."
[With UNI inputs]
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video
Islamabad/UNI: Pakistani security forces have struck "terrorist centers" in Iran with precision, a security official told Xinhua on Thursday morning.
Sources from Pakistan's armed forces said that all targets were hit precisely.
"We hit the confirmed terrorists. In our view all terrorists are our targets irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, or sect," added the security official.
Sources from the Pakistani government told Xinhua that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a statement about the recent development.
Iran on Tuesday claimed it conducted missile and drone attacks that destroyed two strongholds of the Sunni Balochi terror group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan.
"Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jeysh al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan have been obliterated through precision missile and drone strikes," reported Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
Iran's action was in response to the terror group's alleged attack at a police station in Sistan and Balouchestan provinces city of Rask, southeast of Iran, which resulted in the death of 11 Iranian Police forces.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video
Tehran/UNI: Seven non-Iranian nationals, including three women and four children, were killed on Thursday in Pakistan's missile strikes in a border village in the Iranian southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor for security and law enforcement of the province, said.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said earlier on Thursday morning that its military has carried out a series of precision strikes against "terrorist hideouts" inside Iran, which killed a number of "terrorists."
"Sound of several explosions were heard around 4:30 am [local time, 01:00 GMT] today ... one of our border villages was hit by a Pakistani missile attack...
"Three women and four children, who were non-Iranian nationals, were killed in the incident," Iranian news agency Fars quoted Marhamati as saying.
Marhamati added that another explosion was heard near the city of Saravan in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, but there were no casualties.
Iran on Tuesday claimed it conducted missile and drone attacks that destroyed two strongholds of the Sunni Balochi terror group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan.
"Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jaysh al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan have been obliterated through precision missile and drone strikes," reported Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
Iran's action was in response to the terror group's alleged attack at a police station in Sistan and Balochistan provinces city of Rask, southeast of Iran, which resulted in the death of 11 Iranian Police forces.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video
After 11 people were killed in missile strikes between Iran and Pakistan, indicating an escalation of tension and armed conflict in the Middle East already hit by bloodshed and destruction, China, India and the United States have issued statements.
China and India issued statements regarding the series of airstrikes conducted by Iran. Beijing urged "restraint" from both parties, while New Delhi distanced itself, considering it as "a matter between Iran and Pakistan." The Indian Foreign Ministry also said it "understand(s) actions countries take in self-defence".
The US State Department censured Iran for breaching the sovereign borders of three nations within a 48-hour period. Currently, Washington is leading strikes against Houthi militants in the Red Sea region, perceived to be supported by Tehran and labelled as "global terrorists" by the US.
"I think it is a little rich... on one hand Iran (is) the leading funder of terrorism in the region, and, on the other hand, (it claims) it needs to take these actions to counter terrorism," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, media reported.
Taking a more neutral stance, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters, "We call on the two sides to avoid actions that escalate tension, and jointly keep the region peaceful."
China finds itself in a challenging position at this juncture, given its strong ties with Pakistan and its substantial reliance on oil imports from Iran.
New Delhi, meanwhile, has underscored its "zero tolerance" stance towards terrorism, but it also understands "actions that countries take in their self-defence".
"This is a matter between Iran and Pakistan. Insofar as India is concerned, we have an uncompromising zero tolerance towards terrorism. We understand actions that countries take in their self-defence," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a press briefing.
What happened so far
Seven non-Iranian nationals, including three women and four children, were killed on Thursday in Pakistan's missile strikes in a border village in the Iranian southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Alireza Marhamati, the deputy governor for security and law enforcement of the province, said.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said earlier on Thursday morning that its military has carried out a series of precision strikes against "terrorist hideouts" inside Iran, which killed a number of "terrorists."
"Sound of several explosions were heard around 4:30 am [local time, 01:00 GMT] today ... one of our border villages was hit by a Pakistani missile attack...
"Three women and four children, who were non-Iranian nationals, were killed in the incident," Iranian news agency Fars quoted Marhamati as saying.
Marhamati added that another explosion was heard near the city of Saravan in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, but there were no casualties.
Iran on Tuesday claimed it conducted missile and drone attacks that destroyed two strongholds of the Sunni Balochi terror group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan.
"Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jaysh al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan have been obliterated through precision missile and drone strikes," reported Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
Iran's action was in response to the terror group's alleged attack at a police station in Sistan and Balochistan provinces city of Rask, southeast of Iran, which resulted in the death of 11 Iranian Police forces.
image credit: Taiwan President and Vice President-elect, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. PhotoCourtesy: twitter.com/@ChingteLai
Taipei: Taiwanese Prime Minister Chen Chien-jen and his cabinet tendered their resignations in accordance with the constitutional precedent before the new Parliament starts its term, the Focus Taiwan public news agency reported on Thursday.
The resignations were submitted in line with Taiwan's constitutional court interpretation number 387 during the cabinet's weekly meeting, the news agency wrote.
Under the regulation, the premier, despite being appointed by the president, is accountable to the parliament and should step down along with the cabinet before the first session of the newly elected parliament, which is scheduled for February 1.
However, the resignation request is likely to remain a mere formality as the island's outgoing leader, Tsai Ing-wen, is expected to ask the cabinet to continue in their posts until the inauguration of their successor, Lai Ching-te, which is scheduled for May 20, the report read.
Last Saturday, Taiwan held a general election in which pro-independence candidate Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) party won with 40.05% of the vote to head the island's administration.
However, the DPP itself lost 11 seats in the island's parliament.Taiwan has been governed independently of mainland China since 1949.
Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan, a territory with its own elected government, maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence.
The 1992 Consensus refers to a meeting between Beijing and Taipei delegations during which they agreed to the one-China principle. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable.
(With UNI/Sputnik inputs)
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay
University teachers in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)'s Bagh region recently took out a protest rally against the administration over a backlog of payments and demanded a long-due salary hike, media reports said.
Protestors on campus grounds were seen carrying huge posters and placards during their demonstration, ANI reported.
The protesters claimed they did not have salary-hike for quite sometime now and demanded payment of old backlogs.
Speaking at the site, one of the protesting university teachers was quoted as saying by ANI, In 2021, we got 25 per cent hike. But we received it only six months later and we still havent received the previous backlog. In 2022, a 15 per cent hike was given but the previous backlog was again not given. Is it not inefficiency? You (Pakistan administration) are not doing your work, and when I am demanding my rights, how can it be termed misconduct?
Today, if it is being said that the reputation and atmosphere of the university are being hampered, the administration must take note of it and think about what impact it will have, another protestor said.
This male western lowland gorilla, 32 years, sports silver coloring on his back as he walks along the edge of the forest at Dzanga Sangha Special Dense Forest Reserve. Younger gorillas don't typically have this silverback color. Anup Shah / Getty Images
The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is fortunate enough to boast the highest population numbers of all gorilla subspecies, but they are still considered endangered. They can be found in various countries in Western Africa, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Angola and the Republic of the Congo.
These gorillas inhabit dense rainforests, swamps and lowland forests, making their exact population size difficult to determine due to the remote and inaccessible nature of the western lowland gorilla's habitat.
Gorilla Taxonomy
The western lowland gorilla is one of two subspecies of western gorillas. Cross river gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli) are the other subspecies of western gorillas and are much rarer than western lowland gorillas, numbering a few hundred individuals compared to the western lowland gorilla's population of several hundred thousand.
In 2001, eastern gorillas (Gorilla beringei) were recognized as a separate species, also with two subspecies: Grauers gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) and mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei).
Physical Characteristics of Western Lowland Gorillas
How can you distinguish western lowland gorillas from other gorilla subspecies? They're slightly smaller than their cousins, but you might not catch that unless you've arranged a side-by-side comparison. (They're actually the smallest of the four gorilla subspecies.) Western lowland gorillas also have brownish-gray hair, lighter chests, wider skulls with pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears.
Adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks, can reach a height of 4.5 to 5.5 feet (1.4 to 1.75 meters) and weigh between 300 and 600 pounds (136 to 272 kilograms). Adult female western lowland gorillas typically weigh between 150 to 300 pounds (113 to 136 kilograms).
The silverbacks have (as you might expect) silvery-gray fur on parts of their body specifically their backs and upper legs which becomes more prominent as they mature.
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A pronounced brow ridge and a broad, flat nose are easily spotted characteristics of this species. You may also notice that they have flat ears and particularly sharp canines, which come in handy for both eating and self-defense. They possess 32 teeth in all.
Their legs are actually shorter than their arms, creating a poster that allows gorillas to "knuckle-walk," meaning they walk on all fours. Gorillas have opposable thumbs and toes, enabling them to climb, grasp objects and manipulate their environment.
Western Lowland Gorilla Habitat and Range
Western lowland gorillas inhabit a wide range of habitats within the Congo Basin, including rainforests, swamps and lowland forests. They have been recorded in areas up to 8,000 feet (2.4 kilometers) above sea level.
These gorillas are distributed across more than 270,000 square miles (699,297 square kilometers) of Western and Central Africa, including Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo.
The dense rainforests and swamps provide an abundant food source for western lowland gorillas. They primarily feed on fruit, roots, leaves, bark, roots, pith and wild celery. Water is primarily obtained through the consumption of vegetation.
Troops and Social Organization
Western lowland gorillas live in groups called troops, which can range in size from as little as a single pair to 30-plus members. However, the average troop size is around five individuals.
A typical troop, led by a dominant silverback male, often consists of at least one other black back male in addition to several adult females and, of course their offspring. The composition of the group can vary due to a number of factors, including immigration/emigration patterns, as well as births and deaths within the troop.
Mature offspring, both males and females, usually depart form the group they were born within to find mates. Females emigrate into new groups at around eight years old, choosing the silverback based on factors such as size and home habitat.
A female gorilla may change family groups multiple times throughout her life. Some sexually mature males may attempt to replace the silverback in an established group, but they often spend a few years as bachelor males. Troops can also be formed when non-related females join a lone male.
The dominant silverback male leads the group, regulating their activities such as feeding, nesting and movement within their home range. He also has what you might call the "right of first refusal" when it comes to breeding, although sub-adult males may have opportunities to mate with females as well, depending on the group.
Threats to Western Lowland Gorillas
Despite being the most numerous gorilla subspecies, western lowland gorillas face significant threats, leading to their classification as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to their survival are poaching and disease.
Poaching
Poaching poses a severe threat to western lowland gorillas. Although the hunting and killing of gorillas are illegal, they are still targeted for bushmeat or captured as pets.
In some regions, approximately 5 percent of western lowland gorillas are killed each year. The opening of once remote forests by timber and other companies has facilitated poaching and the bushmeat trade.
Poaching also carries risks for humans, as the butchering and handling of gorilla and other primate meat may contribute to the spread of diseases such as Ebola.
Disease
Western lowland gorillas are susceptible to infectious diseases, including the deadly Ebola virus. Outbreaks of Ebola have caused significant die-offs among western lowland gorilla populations, with estimates suggesting that it has killed up to one-third of the wild gorilla population.
The toll has been even higher in certain areas, such as the Minkebe Forest, where the virus may have decimated more than 90 percent of the gorilla and chimpanzee populations.
Conservation Efforts and What You Can Do to Help
Conservation organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are working to protect western lowland gorillas and their habitat. Efforts focus on establishing protected areas across the Congo Basin and promoting sustainable development practices in logging and mining industries.
These initiatives aim to conserve the gorillas' habitat, reduce poaching, and mitigate the spread of diseases. Even as just one person, there are several ways you can contribute to the conservation of western lowland gorillas.
Raise awareness : Share information about the threats facing western lowland gorillas and the importance of their conservation with friends, family and colleagues.
Support conservation organizations : Donate to reputable organizations working to protect gorillas and their habitats.
Choose sustainable products : Purchase products that are certified as sustainable, such as timber and palm oil, to reduce habitat destruction.
Avoid wildlife products : Refrain from purchasing products made from gorilla or other endangered animal parts, as this contributes to the illegal wildlife trade.
Engage in responsible tourism: If visiting areas where western lowland gorillas are found, choose responsible tour operators that prioritize the well-being and conservation of the gorillas. Follow guidelines to minimize disturbance to the animals and their habitat.
By taking these actions, we can contribute to the preservation of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla population and ensure a future for these magnificent creatures in the wild.
This article was created in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: The Western Lowland Gorilla Is Susceptible to Ebola
In image representative image of missile attack/ courtesy: Unsplash
New Delhi/IBNS: In a retaliatory action, Pakistan Thursday carried out strikes against "terrorist hideouts" in Iran, a day after warning Tehran of "serious consequences" over its attack on the Balochi group Jaish al-Adl's headquarters in its territory.
"A number of terrorists" were killed during the intelligence-based operation codenamed 'Marg Bar Sarmachar', Pakistan's Foreign Ministry told the media.
Iranian media reported that nine people including four children were killed in the attack.
The retaliatory strikes came days after Iran attacked "terrorist targets" in Pakistan's Balochistan, an attack that Islamabad claimed killed two children.
"This morning Pakistan undertook a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Siestan-o-Baluchistan province of Iran," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in an official statement.
Calling Iran a "brotherly country", Pakistan said that the action was a "manifestation of Pakistan's unflinching resolve" to protect and defend its national security against all threats.
"The sole objective of today's act was in pursuit of Pakistan's own security and national interest which is paramount and cannot be compromised," the Ministry said, adding that Islamabad "fully respects" the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.
"Over the last several years, in our engagements with Iran, Pakistan has consistently shared its serious concerns about the safe havens and sanctuaries enjoyed by Pakistani origin terrorists calling themselves 'Sarmachars' on the ungoverned spaces inside Iran," the statement read.
Pakistan also said that it shared multiple dossiers with concrete evidence about the presence and activities of these terrorists.
"However, because of lack of action on our serious concerns, these so-called Sarmachars continued to spill the blood of innocent Pakistanis with impunity. This morning's action was taken in light of credible intelligence of impending large scale terrorist activities by these so-called Sarmachars," the statement said.
Iran's missile attack:
Iran on Tuesday claimed it conducted missile and drone attacks that destroyed two strongholds of the Sunni Balochi terror group Jaish al-Adl in the border town of Panjgur in Balochistan.
"Two key strongholds of the Jaysh al-Dhulm (Jeysh al-Adl) terrorist group in Pakistan have been obliterated through precision missile and drone strikes," reported Iran's Tasnim News Agency.
Irani's action was in response to the terror group's alleged attack at a police station in Sistan and Balouchestan provinces city of Rask, southeast of Iran, which resulted in the death of 11 Iranian Police forces.
Pakistan Wednesday expelled Iran's ambassador and recalled its envoy from Tehran.
"Pakistan has decided to recall its ambassador from Iran and that the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan who is currently visiting Iran may not return for the time being," Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said while addressing a press briefing in Islamabad as quoted by Geo News.
It also condemned Iran for violating the Islamic country's sovereignty and claimed two children were killed in the attack.
In its statement, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "Pakistan strongly condemns the unprovoked violation of its airspace by Iran and the strike inside Pakistani territory which resulted in the death of two innocent children while injuring three girls."
"This violation of Pakistan's sovereignty is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences," it said.
Pakistan described Iran's action as an 'illegal act'.
Jimmy Shergill, a Sikh by birth and born Jasjit Singh Gill, spoke about the "mistakes" he made that caused his parents to stop communicating with him for a year and a half. The actor also talked about how he wanted to accomplish much more after being viewed as the "chocolate boy."
Jimmy Shergill Talks About The Painful Part Of His Life
In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Jimmy said that his parents were upset after he cut his hair as a Sikh. You are a kid, you make mistakes, even I made a few mistakes. Someone brought it up and it went on a little too far, he said. Maybe it was destiny, and it works more than your plans. At that time, I could not even think that I would land in this industry but maybe it was written. You call it a mistake, an incident, or an accident, things happened, and I landed here, he added.
Jimmy/Instagram
Why Did Jimmy Shergill Return Signing Amount Of Films?
Jimmy claimed in the same interview that he wanted to move on since he realized that the same types of parts wouldn't benefit him in the long run.
After working a lot for the first two years, I returned the signing amount to a lot of people because I wanted to do something different. Because this chocolate boy thing was a little too much at the time. Everybody would say why? This is amazing and I would say no, there is something inside me telling me that this wont last for more than 2-3 years. So I knew that I needed to look for thats where films like Munna Bhai, Haasil, Yahaan, these films came to me, said the actor.
jimmy shergill in mohabbatein/ X
Jimmy Shergill and his venture into the OTT space!
Jimmy took a bold step and ventured into the OTT Space in 2023, following years of delivering us some hits and becoming the crush of 90s girls. He starred in the Netflix show Choona and he was highly praised for it too!
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
It wasn't long ago when Suchitra Krishnamoorthi said that 'Orry culture' is dangerous and it needs to stop. Well, we don't know about that, but the mystery man who has been dominating our social media feeds, the guy who is working on himself and goes to the gym is definitely living our dream life. No one knows who he is, but Orhan Awatramani aka Orry has made it to Koffee With Karan already and everyone is in disbelief. Once again, he made some weird revelations about himself that will not only take time for your brain to process but will also leave you dumbfounded.
9 Statements by Orry on Koffee With Karan season 8
Hotstar
1. He has three doppelgangers who pose and dress like him!
As Karan Johar asked him, "You mentioned doppelgangers, are there many more that look like you." Orry replied, "So, you made a statement right now saying Orry is here, Orry is there, he is everywhere. I am everywhere. I am everywhere and I take great pride in being Orry the omnipresent. But sometimes, people forget that I'm not actually a mystical creature and I can't actually be everywhere... I have three silent doppelgangers."
2. All his look-alikes fill in for him at events.
"So, we do have the lookalikes that have to be sent out to hold the fort until I arrive. So, there will be an Orry lookalike who'll be at the event, and you'll think it's me for the first 20 minutes, till I actually get from Nariman Point to BKC... We all wear the same outfits, we have the same look. They just won't talk, because the minute they talk, it goes away."
3. Out of his three doppelgangers, one of them is his friend.
Hotstar
"I was in London one day and someone's like, Orry your photos from Bastian were so cute last night. I am like what pictures? I am not even in the city. And then I open Instagram and some boy is posing like this is me." What happened next? Orry hired the person. "I need to be in Mumbai while I am... I was like, you are hired. And just like that... One is a friend actually. He is an actual friend who just fills in when he has to."
4. After I am a liver, he said, 'I am a cheater.'
Talking about his plans of getting married, he said, "Once you are married, you cant cheat. If I have to cheat, its gotta be now. I am cheating, I am a cheater, Orry is a cheater."
5. He is dating 5 people because it's fun.
Hotstar
"Dating one person is so fun, God damn, date five of them. Youre only young once. Live fast, die young."
6. Orry knows he has an attitude problem, so now, he is planning his own downfall!
When Karan asked him whether he is experiencing his 15 minute of fame, he said, "Yes, the fame is getting to my head. Yes, I have an attitude problem. I think Im better than everyone. But I am planning my own downfall now. Anything that goes up must go down, the brightest stars burn the fastest. So, right now, in the relevance room, were planning my digital demise. The audience wants to see me fall. Then we will have a comeback."
7. He has minions working for him at 'Orry Office'!
Hotstar
Spilling details on relevance room, he said, "In the Orry office, my office, there is a room called the relevance room. All my minions, who have to dress up like me and think like me and talk like me..." Just like all of us, even Karan Johar was baffled, so he asked what did he mean by minions. To which, the man replied, "Orry number 2, Orry number 3, Orry number 4. Theyre all the Orrys. To be a minion, you have to be an Orry. You have to think like me, dress like me, work like me, struggle like me and hustle like me. In my relevance room, all my minions come up with ideas. We have mood boards, and they pitch ideas on how to keep me relevant, and thats how I stay in the news. This is a hustle."
8. He killed off 'Orry number 3'!
"As of right now, we have Orry 2, 4, 5 and 6. There was an Orry 3, but she got more relevant than me, so we killed her off. Shes gone now."
9. Not on the big screen, he is acting in real life all the time.
"I am not an actor, so I consider my life the movie I am acting in. When you see me on pap pages and on-screen, that is the story I am telling."
Well, these statements by Orry are making us wonder if he is from another planet. What about you?
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Get ready for a bibliophile's dream! The Kolkata Book Fair, also known as Boi Mela, is back for its 47th edition, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. From January 18th to 31st, 2024, the fair will transform Kolkata's Maidan Park into a bustling hub of all things literary, attracting over two million visitors and boasting over 1,000 stalls.
What's New in 2024?
This year, the fair features over 1,000 stalls, the highest ever in its history. All these stalls will be a combination of 900 larger stalls and 100 smaller ones. The small ones are for small publishers who have requested a space for the first time. This means more publishers, more books, and more diverse literary experiences for everyone. Other than that the UK takes centre stage as the Theme Country for 2024, bringing with it a vibrant program of author talks, workshops, and cultural events celebrating British literature and its connection to India. The fair organizers are also dedicating special initiatives to honour senior citizens, recognizing their lifelong love for books and reading.
Things to Look Forward To This Year
Publishers hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Bangladesh, Australia, Peru, Argentina, and Colombia, are poised to participate in the upcoming edition of the exhibition. Reliable sources indicate that the preceding edition of the fair garnered an impressive attendance of over 26 lakh visitors, generating sales amounting to Rs 25 crore. Noteworthy national and multinational publishers such as Oxford University Press, Rupa, Penguin Random House, Harper Collins, Hachette, Bloomsbury, and Pan Macmillan are expected to be prominent participants, contributing to the diverse and enriching literary landscape of the fair.
Kolkata Book Fair 2024 is not just an event; it's a celebration of literature, culture, and the power of stories. So, pack your bags, grab your reading glasses, and prepare to be swept away by the magic of Boi Mela!
For more stories like these, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang rejoined the Indian National Congress on Wednesday, eight years after he had quit the party.
The 80-year-old tribal leader from Dibirisingi, Orissa is also a former nine-time MP and has held several positions including Union Ministers of Communications, Food Processing Industries, Mines, etc.
TWITTER
How Giridhar Gamang vote changed Indian politics
However, his most notable and most controversial act was a vote in the Parliament in 1999 that led to the fall of a government.
Gamang was the Lok Sabha MP from Koraput in 1998 when he was appointed the Chief Minister of Odisha.
He assumed office as the CM but did not resign as MP. Two months later when the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was facing a no-confidence motion, Gamang voted against the NDA government.
BCCL
The no-confidence motion was passed with a majority of just one vote - 270 in favour and 269 opposing. This led to the resignation of the 13-month-old Vajpayee government followed by a general election later in the year.
What Gamang said about the vote
While there was nothing illegal in what Gamang did, many had questioned the ethics of the move, since he was already appointed as a Chief Minister, after which he should have resigned from the Lok Sabha.
Gamang has always defended his actions and blamed AIADMK and the National Conference which had withdrawn their support to the NDA government for it.
In his book, Coalition Years 19962012, the former President of India and Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee had defended Gamang saying that he acted as per the directions of the Congress.
BCCL
Gamang's political career after Congress
Gamang, who is also a trained musician had quit Congress in 2015, ending his 43-year-long relationship with the party.
He later joined the BJP, but the relationship did not last long. In 2023 he quit BJP and joined Bharat Rashtra Samithi led by KCR.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a recent statement, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy shared his perspective on the significance of Ayodhya's Ram Temple compared to the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam, Telangana. Reddy, a regular visitor to the Bhadrachalam temple, expressed that he plans to visit Ayodhya but doesn't perceive a significant difference between the two temples. Let's get to know all about the temple in Telangana.
PTI
Telangana temple holds a significant mythical relevance
The Sita Ramachandraswamy temple in Bhadrachalam, situated on the banks of the Godavari River, holds a special place in religious narratives. The icon worshipped there is Vaikuntha Rama, a form Lord Vishnu took to fulfill a promise made to a devotee. It is said that in his hurry to appear as Ram, Lord Vishnu forgot that the former was a mortal and he retained his four arms. The deity features wife Sita sitting on the lap of Ram and brother Lakshman standing beside him.
So, the temple features a distinctive four-armed deity known as Vaikuntha Rama, a form Lord Vishnu assumed to fulfill a devotee's promise. The icon depicts Lord Ram with four arms, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshman.
A devotee's sacrifice
One of the temple's intriguing legends revolves around a devotee named Bhadra, who, due to Lord Ram's grace, transformed from a stone into a human being. Expressing gratitude, Bhadra meditated on the banks of the Godavari, seeking to meet his Lord. Despite encountering Lord Ram during his exile in the Dandaka forest, the deity couldn't halt to meet Bhadra, promising to return later.
Years later, Lord Vishnu fulfilled the promise, appearing with Sita and Lakshman, and the place was named Bhadrachalam or Bhadradri.
A dream
Another captivating story involves a devotee named Pokala Dhammakka, who dreamt of a hidden statue of God in the forest. After a thorough search, she discovered the buried icon of Lord Ram in an anthill and established it as a deity with the help of villagers.
The temple's construction in the 17th century is credited to Bhakta Ramadasu, also known as Kancherla Gopanna. He is a legendary figure in the Telugu-speaking states and numerous movies have been made on his life. His real name was Kancherla Gopanna and he was a tehsildar under the reign of the last Sultan of Golconda, Abul Hasan Qutb Shah.
He was known for his Ram bhakti and is one of the most renowned vaggeyakaras in Telugu. As part of his job, he had to collect taxes from villagers. When he came across the Ram deity in Bhadrachalam, he expressed a desire to build a temple there. He asked villagers for contributions, and when the money fell short, he used the revenue he had collected for the government.
Bhadrachalam temple
Though the temple was built, he was sent to prison for 12 years for fraud. Even in confinement, he composed hymns in praise of Lord Ram. It is said that two young men, who were none but Rama and Lakshmana in disguise, paid the Sultan gold coins to release Ramadasu.
The rich history and unique features of the Bhadrachalam temple make it a cultural and spiritual landmark, showcasing the intertwining of devotion, legends, and community efforts in its existence.
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In the United States, a young boy found himself in emergency care after consuming nearly 13 times the recommended adult dosage of THC-laced (Tetrahydrocannabinol) candy.
Representational Image/ Reuters
She thought she was buying fruit-flavored candy Skittles
The candy was mistakenly purchased by his mother, Catherine Buttereit, who believed she was buying a pack of the well-known fruit-flavored candy Skittles.
The incident occurred while the Buttereit family was having lunch in Charlotte's South End neighborhood in North Carolina. The boy spotted the bag of candy at a store and expressed his desire to buy it, leading his mother to make the purchase under the impression that it was a special edition pack of Skittles.
She told New York Post, I said, Of course yeah, that looks cool. Lets try it. And he handed me the bag and I handed it to the cashier, she punched it in and we finished up the transaction. I was never asked for an ID. I was never informed of what I was purchasing.
Getty
The boy complained of discomfort shortly after consuming it
Shortly after consuming nearly one-third of the THC-laced candy, Catherine Buttereit's son began experiencing discomfort. He complained of pain in his pelvic area, mentioned that his chest felt cold, and expressed discomfort in his stomach and head.
Concerned about his well-being, Buttereit offered him water, but when he described the water as 'disgusting,' she became alarmed. In a state of panic, Buttereit promptly dialed 911, suspecting that her son might have been poisoned.
Upon examining the bag of candy, Buttereit's fiance discovered that the candy was infused with Delta-9 THC, a variant of cannabis. After being admitted to the hospital, Buttereit's son slept for 17 hours before being discharged. The impact of overconsumption of Delta-9 THC on children remains unclear, despite its classification as a 'therapeutic' drug.
Convenience stores and hemp stores are permitted to sell Marijuana
Marijuana is illegal in North Carolina, but convenience stores and hemp stores are permitted to sell Delta-9 THC products with a maximum content of 0.3 percent, without imposing age restrictions on sales. While many THC products carry warnings, Buttereit mentioned that the candy package she purchased had a warning in small lettering that was easy to overlook.
She blamed the store for not informing her about candy and said, Im really just trying to bring awareness to other parents and caretakers that this extremely new drug product is available now in family-type settings where children are going to be, not only in exclusive vape-type shops anymore. She added, I completely accept my negligence as a parent. I made the mistake of not reading the package and Im dealing with those consequences. But it was 50-50 negligence. That product was not in its proper storage place."
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A supersonic aircraft capable of flying between London and New York in under four hours has been unveiled.
When was the plane ready?
NASA and Lockheed Martin presented the X-59 on January 12 | Image: AFP
According to the New York Post, NASA and Lockheed Martin presented the X-59 on January 12, with the jet being nicknamed the 'son of Concorde.'
Why is this aircraft special?
The plane is one-of-a-kind, created as part of NASA's effort to construct 'silent' supersonic aircraft | Image: NASA
The plane is one-of-a-kind, created as part of NASA's effort to construct 'silent' supersonic aircraft. With a massive nose that takes up a third of the aircraft's length and blocks the pilot's view, those in command rely on a screen to see what's ahead of them.
This has all been done to accelerate the supersonic plane and test how to avoid the noisy portion of breaching the sound barrier.
It's part of an effort to circumvent a 1973 US restriction on civilian supersonic aircraft operating in their territory, and the large nose is expected to help significantly.
What happens if the 'silent' supersonic travel can be mastered?
If 'silent' supersonic travel can be mastered, technological advancements may open up a variety of new prospects, but there are several 'ifs' in place right now.
Anyone wishing to fly the X-59 as a passenger will be disappointed, because, while some refer to it as the "son of Concorde," it is nothing like as capable as the passenger jet designed and built by British and French engineers decades ago.
How much speed can it attain?
The X-59 is planned to reach speeds of 925 mph | Image: File
The X-59 is planned to reach speeds of 925 mph, but the Concorde was capable of reaching 1,350 mph and carrying passengers, while the 'son of Concorde' is simply intended to test the sound.
The X-59 is scheduled to make its debut flight later this year, after which it will fly over many US cities to measure public opinion on the sound it produces while flying over them.
What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.
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Prime Minister Kyriakosoutlined the governments plan to render Greece an exporter of green energy at least to the Balkan countries during his participation in a round table discussion
Mitsotakis outlines plan to render Greece an exporter of green energy -
Some suspected bandits in military uniforms, have invaded the village of Garam, a border community between Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
It was gathered that the assailants, on Wednesday, rode into the village on motorcycles wielding guns, inquiring about the direction to Jere, a community in Kaduna state.
However, Daily Trust, quoted an eyewitness, saying that the bandits, armed with AK 47 rifles, swords, and arrows, and all dressed in military camouflage or combat trousers.
The eyewitness said: Over 100 bandits arrived in Garam on motorcycles. There were more than 40 bikes, with three bandits on each one. They openly brandished AK 47 rifles and carried arrows and swords. Fearing the unknown, most people fled for their lives.
Another witness confirmed the incident to newsmen, noting that the development caused residents to scatter in panic upon the arrival of the bandits on their motorcycles.
READ MORE: Bandits Kidnap Man Who Volunteered To Deliver Ransom In Kaduna
He said: I saw people running when the bandits arrived. I also peeped where I was hiding, and I saw some of them using scarves to cover their faces while some used masks. Some of them wore combat trousers.
A witness said: The bandits started attacking around 10:30 p.m. They started burgling shops, especially the shops where some boys were sleeping. They later entered a house close to ours, forced the gate open, broke the windows and removed the burglary, but none of the occupants slept at home.
Since the last attack on January 2, most people have stopped sleeping at home. They come in the morning and leave at night. But after two weeks of relative peace, some people decided to return and the same day, the bandits struck.
Generative AI
Arizona State University Partners with OpenAI to Explore Gen AI Potential in Education
Through a new partnership, Arizona State University has become the first higher education institution to work with OpenAI to explore the potential of generative AI to enhance teaching and learning. The collaboration brings ChatGPT Enterprise to the university, with the goal "to leverage ASU's intense knowledge core the faculty, researchers, and staff who drive one of the largest public research universities in the United States to be at the forefront of discovery and implementation," according to a news announcement.
ASU said it will take a phased approach to deploying the tool, focusing on its use in three areas:
Enhancing student success;
Forging new avenues for innovative research; and
Streamlining organizational processes.
Beginning in February, faculty, researchers, and staff will be invited to submit their ideas on the best uses of the tool to "create, discover, learn, and transform" at ASU. "A hybrid team of education leaders, faculty, and technologists from the Office of the University Provost, ASU Enterprise Technology. and various communities of practice will work together to evaluate submissions and grant access accordingly," the university said. As users explore and learn more about the tool, ASU will provide ongoing feedback to OpenAI, with the hope to eventually transform ideas into solutions that can scale across ASU and beyond.
ChatGPT Enterprise's security features ensure that any prompts utilized by the ASU community remain private, and the data is not used for OpenAI's training models.
"ASU recognizes that augmented and artificial intelligence systems are here to stay, and we are optimistic about their ability to become incredible tools that help students to learn, learn more quickly, and understand subjects more thoroughly," said ASU President Michael M. Crow, in a statement. "Our collaboration with OpenAI reflects our philosophy and our commitment to participate directly in the responsible evolution of AI learning technologies."
"Learning is core to why so many users love ChatGPT. ASU continues to lead in innovation by integrating ChatGPT into its educational programs," commented Brad Lightcap, chief operating officer for OpenAI. "We're keen to learn from ASU, and to work toward expanding ChatGPT's impact in higher education."
Former Governor Bisi Akande of Osun State, has expressed concerns that future politicians in Nigeria will likely be more corrupt.
The elder statesman disclosed this at his 85th birthday anniversary and the unveiling of the Adebisi Akande Foundation (AAF) held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He warned all Governors and other political leaders, especially the ones on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to beware of political vagabonds who would later come out to challenge and accuse them of corruption, in a bid to take over the mantle of leadership.
The APCs former interim national chairman said he was afraid because Nigerians were talking about corruption among the present crop of political leaders.
However, he said another set of political vagabonds were coming who would be more corrupt, vicious, richer, and more influential than the present ones.
We are in a Nigeria where everybody is more corrupt. Corruption is on everybodys mind. These vagabonds are in the party and struggling to become leaders. Armageddon has started. These coming political vagabonds are going to fight with you.
Today the vagabonds are hiding under your armpits, under your garments. The current political leaders in Nigeria should be careful of these new sets of vagabonds. They (vagabonds) are the most corrupt, and they are becoming more popular in the minds of the people.
They have more money and are possibly richer than you. They will fight and possibly take over power if you are not careful, but they dont mean well for the nation, he said.
READ ALSO: Corruption Is Difficult To Tackle In Nigeria Bisi Akande
Speaking, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said it was his joy to witness the 85th birthday of the grand old man and one of the moving forces of the progressive movement in Nigeria.
It is delightful and gratifying to know that Akande is still fit, mentally alert, in good health, and continues to contribute meaningfully in our quest for a fairer, more just, and more equitable society.
Baba Akande turning 85 is a landmark achievement that calls for celebration. We must also be thankful to God for his life and for giving the nation an eminent leader like him, he said.
Listening to the remarks from the podium, they are inspirational enough. It has been said that you are Mr. Integrity, we, the younger ones, are very lucky to have you. You deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for always being forthright and being honest. I do not want to repeat myself beyond the fact that, lucky enough for me, I have you. I thank God for your life.
Anyone who wants to learn about forgiveness, candour, reliability, should see Chief Bisi Akande. You taught us perseverance, patience, honesty, and management of resources, be it human or capital. See me standing before you, I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
You know how many times and how long that we spoke truth to power, deliberate on how to take the cuff off this nation, how to change and comply with our developmental objectives. You have been doing it whispering silently, be patient, forget the past, look forward,' the President said.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammadu Badaru, has urged Nigerians to stop the payment of ransom to kidnappers and bandits.
Badaru, on Wednesday, warned that such practices would worsen the situation and encourage the criminals to make demands after kidnapping their victims as it will make criminal activities attractive.
The minister let this out while addressing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council meeting in the State House, Abuja.
Badaru insisted that while government is concerned about the kidnappings, raising ransom through crowdfunding wont help the situation.
He said: We all know theres an existing law against payment of ransom. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet, radio asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only worsen the situation, it will not help.
READ MORE: I Suffered A Panic Attack Reactions As Toyin Abraham Parades Pirators Of Her Movie Malaika
If we stop, over time the kidnapping will not be profitable and they will stop. It is not easy though but that is the law.
As you are aware, people are saying FCT, FCT, these kidnappings happen around the suburb, around now and locations that are bothering Kaduna and Niger and this is as a result of the current operations going on in the northwest and some parts of north central.
The bandits are fleeing and they are getting shelters around these areas and the security agencies are working very hard to push them out, block the movement and finish this thing once and for all.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, have arrested suspected cultists, allegedly responsible for a series of killings in the state.
The officers also disclosed that they arrested some suspects who snatched an AK 47 rifle from a police officer.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, while parading over some of the suspected criminals at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday, said that the command also recovered several ammunition from the culprits.
The CP said: One Toheeb Oyekunle m, Victor Jimoh m, Samuel Okanlawon m, Segun Babatunde m, Pelumi Ajuloye m, Mohammed Ibrahim m and Bello Ahmed m in connection with the invasion that took place at Iju Ishaga area of the state where the suspects snatched an AK47 rifle from a police officer.
READ MORE: 15-Year-Old Boy Dies As Fire Guts Apartment In Lagos Police Barracks
The suspects confessed to the crime and other criminal activities within Lagos and itsThe operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, have arrested some suspected cultists, allegedly responsible for a series of killings in the state. environs. One cut-to-size AK47 was recovered from them.
On January 3, 2024, around 10:30 pm, wanted notorious and deadly cultists who were involved in a series of cult-related killings in Ijora Badia and its environs were traced to their hideout in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos where the duo of Christian Obadiah m aged 30 and Opeyemi Khadiri m aged 30 were arrested.
The operatives of Kano state police command have arrested five persons over alleged constituting nuisance and instigating violence while celebrating the Supreme Court verdict on the state governorship election.
Recall that on Friday, the apex court restored the victory of the States Governor, Abba Yusuf, in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.
INFORMATION NIGERIA earlier reported that the Governor was initially sacked by both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nasiru Gawuna, as the winner of the poll.
However, the development, created tension in the city, while the restoration of his victory brought relief and sparked off wild celebrations by his supporters.
READ MORE: Kano Residents Storm Streets As SCourt Affirms Gov Yusufs Election Victory
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, said that five persons were arrested following a clash between jubilant supporters of the governor and his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and supporters of the APC in the Gaya Local Government Area.
He said: We have since arrested five suspects, while two victims are on admission at the General Hospital, Gaya.
At this moment security has been beefed up in strategic locations to maintain peace. I hereby call on the leadership of all political parties to prevail on their supporters to shun unguarded utterances that may spark violence.
We are, therefore, advising them to celebrate moderately without infringing on the fundamental rights of other members of the public.
Anyone or groups that attempt to disrupt the peace and cause a breakdown of law and order will face the full wrath of the law.
Muhammadu Badaru, Nigerias Minister of Defence, on Wednesday, called on citizens to refrain from making illegal ransom payments to kidnappers and bandits.
Speaking during a press briefing after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Badaru emphasized that such payments would only empower criminals, posing a threat to public safety.
He highlighted that the President, during a meeting with service chiefs on Tuesday, instructed security agencies to escalate their efforts in rooting out perpetrators of criminal activities in society.
Yesterday, we are aware that Mr. President called us and all the service chiefs to discuss this issue. So, concerted efforts are being made by security to stop it immediately.
As you are aware, people are saying FCT, FCT. These kidnappings happen around the suburb, around locations that are bothering Kaduna and Niger states. And this is as a result of the current operations going on in the northwest and some parts of north central.
The bandits are fleeing, and they are getting shelters around these areas, and the security agencies are working very hard to push them out, block the movement, and finish this thing once and for all, he said.
According to him raising funds to pay ransom was an illegal act and an action that would further encourage the perpetrators to continue their wicked acts.
READ ALSO: Kidnappers Of Benue LG Chair, Three Others, Demand N50m
Information Nigeria reports that the Senate passed the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, into law and particularly amended Section 14.
It prohibits the payment of ransom to kidnappers in Nigeria.
The section says, Anyone who transfers funds, makes payment, or colludes with an abductor, kidnapper, or terrorist to receive any ransom for the release of any person who has been wrongfully confined, imprisoned, or kidnapped is guilty of a felony and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years.
The minister urged Nigerians to avoid discussing security issues in public or the media because of their implications for thwarting criminals by security agencies.
He said Nigerians should manage the kidnapping situation intelligently and quietly to achieve a productive resolution of the incidents.
Regarding crowdfunding, we all know theres an existing law against the payment of ransom. So, it is disheartening to witness people going online and on radio platforms asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only exacerbate the situation; it will not provide any assistance, as evidenced by recent events. Initially, a ransom of N60 million was demanded, and now, due to this funding, Ive learned that someone has raised N50 million through friends and the media, prompting an increase in the ransom.
We firmly believe that we have to cease responding to ransom payments. Painful as it may be, we have to stop, as over time, kidnapping will become less profitable, and they will cease. It is not an easy task, but that is the law that you are aware of. Therefore, we urge the public to manage the kidnapping situation intelligently and discreetly because excessive public discourse, especially fundraising through the media, is counterproductive and should be discontinued, he said.
Popular Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olisa Agbakoba, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, against using military approach to resolve irregular warfare in the country.
Agbakoba, while addressing newsmen on Monday, in Lagos, told Tinubu to ensure he creates a process of fostering peace across the nation.
The legal icon disclosed that the challenges confronting Nigeria are not insurmountable, and urged the Nigerian leader to bring in people who would give the nation peace.
He said: We cannot resolve our problem using a military solution. You dont use military solutions for irregular warfare. We must find a way to resolve our problem.
READ MORE: I Wont Rest Until Agents Of Darkness Causing Insecurity Are Eliminated Tinubu Vows
We need to have a process to create peace. Theres a need to bring key people that would give us peace.
Nigerias challenges may seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable.
If all these government issues are implemented in the short term, we are likely to continue to feel the pain, but the long-term results will continue to show.
The Tinubu government has a unique opportunity to articulate and drive an uncommon agenda for development.
The recent evolution of .NET has been fun to watch. Since .NET became an open-source platform, it has finally delivered on its cross-platform promise. At the same time, support for Linux has given it more traction in the cloud-native space, with the latest releases supporting container runtimes.
Having cross-platform capabilities means that you can run .NET in any cloud, too. All you need is a supported Linux virtual machine host or a Kubernetes instance that supports distro-less containers. Thats enough to run .NET code on infrastructure as a service platforms, like AWS, or on managed Kubernetes like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE). Code can migrate from platform to platform, using REST APIs to access platform services. In some cases, there are SDKs, either from the platform provider or developed by the community.
Portability like this is a good thing: It allows you to move from cloud to cloud, with minimal changes to your code (especially if youre not using any service-specific applications). But there are limitations, as you cant take advantage of serverless platform features that allow you leverage the scalability of the cloud, and the economic benefits that come with on-demand operations. Without them youre simply lifting and shifting on-premises .NET code.
Using C# in AWS Lambda
If youre using AWS Lambda for your serverless applications, youve had the option of using .NET with C# for some time now, alongside JavaScript, Go, Python, Java, Ruby, Rust, PowerShell, and TypeScript. Amazon support began with .NET Core, and has been updated with successive releases of the platform. Currently theres support for both .NET 6 and .NET 7. You will most likely want to use .NET 6 for now, as .NET 7 is only available for hosted containers.
Much like Azure Functions, AWS Lambda is a serverless compute platform built around event-driven operations. Lambda functions are triggered by events, often from other AWS services, and can be used for data processing, stream processing, API-driven back ends for web and mobile applications, and to support IoT (internet of things) deployments, among many different options.
The most important aspect of AWS Lambda is that, like Azure Functions, you have no control over the compute resources it uses. The service scales on demand, and you pay for the resources you consume.
Building Lambda functions in .NET
Using .NET with AWS Lambda requires no changes to your development toolbox. You can use Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, or any third-party IDE. All you need do is install a set of AWS templates from NuGet via the .NET CLI.
At the heart of AWSs C# functions is a Lambda function handler. This method is what the underlying service invokes to launch your code. Its an essential component of a Lambda function, delivering both an event and a context object to your code. The event object is probably the most useful, as it delivers information about the event, while the context object delivers information about the runtime environment. Data will need to be serialized as a JSON object ready for use in your code.
Understanding the context object is important to ensuring your C# code will run well. The important runtime information it provides includes the amount of time available before a function times out and AWS takes back its resources. You can use this information to write appropriate error handling controls, cancelling tasks and delivering notifications if a timeout is about to be triggered.
C# code in AWS Lambda is called in one of two ways. The first option is to provide a function as a class library, configuring the service with its class and assembly names, and the method that will be called when the function is triggered. The second option is to provide an executable assembly that will be run when invoked.
Simplifying C# function development with Lambda Annotations
Amazon provides additional features that can simplify writing a C# function. The Lambda Annotations framework is a way of hiding much of the Lambda-specific code from your business logic, using source generators to create it from a REST API path, at the same time constructing the appropriate Lambda handlers. You can find a template for building an Annotations Framework project in the AWS Toolkit for Visual Studio, as part of the bundled blueprints.
Because the Annotations Framework can programmatically set Lambda properties, youre able to add timeouts and memory limits as part of the initial function definition. Once your code is ready, simply build it and deploy it directly to AWS from inside Visual Studio.
One option with .NET 7-based functions is to use AOT (ahead-of-time) compilation to reduce startup times. As AOT needs to run in the target environment, youre compiling code in an Amazon Linux container, using Docker as a host. Its a relatively simple process, whereby you use the .NET CLI and the Lambda templating to download the Linux image. The compilation is run automatically as part of deploying your code to AWS.
Youre not limited to standalone C# applications. Lambda can be used to host and run ASP.NET Core web applications too, giving you an on-demand back end for sites that see relatively low usage or that need to respond to bursty demands.
Using .NET 8 in AWS Lambda
Amazon is working to deliver .NET 8 support for AWS Lambda hosts, with the final release is due soon. As the GitHub issue notes, there are a lot of moving parts that must come together to deliver a long-term stable release of a managed runtime. In addition to building a new host based on the latest releases of Amazons own internal Linux distribution, AWSs .NET team is also developing and testing an updated set of .NET APIs and CLI tools to help build new Lambdas and update existing code.
That last point is important, as AWS plans to start deprecating both its .NET 6 and .NET 7 support in 2024, with a hard limit for updating .NET 6 functions in February 2025. Migrating to the long-term support release of .NET will help ensure your code remains supportedby both Microsoft and Amazon. Some tools are already available, including an update to the AWS Toolkit for Visual Studio, which lets you build custom runtime templates based on .NET 8, and support for a .NET 8 container base image.
If you plan on using this Amazon Linux 3 base image, youll need to clone the AWS .NET GitHub repository and build the image on your own development systems (see this blog post). This will allow you to test code before packaging and deploying it to AWS. When AWS finalizes its .NET 8 tools, this will become part of the platform, and you will be able to use it as part of your standard build process.
Support for .NET in AWS AWS Lamba makes your .NET skills portable beyond traditional application development and Azure cloud-native platforms. Its important to note that this is not a one-off, but a long-term project that has been through multiple updates to the underlying runtime, in line with .NETs own support life cycle. With an effective set of abstractions that make it easier to concentrate on your code, AWS is delivering an approach that should simplify porting serverless .NET code from other cloud platforms as well as from on-premises applications.
When working on applications, you will often need to convert one type to another. Object mapping is the process of mapping a source object to a destination object, where the types of the source and destination objects might differ.
For example, you might need to create an instance of one class from an instance of another class, then copy the data from the source object to the destination object. Although there are many object mappers available to use, you may need to implement your own custom mappers in certain situations. In this article, well see how we can implement a simple but fast object mapper in C#.
Create a console application project in Visual Studio
First off, lets create a .NET Core console application project in Visual Studio. Assuming Visual Studio 2022 is installed in your system, follow the steps outlined below to create a new .NET Core console application project.
Launch the Visual Studio IDE. Click on Create new project. In the Create new project window, select Console App (.NET Core) from the list of templates displayed. Click Next. In the Configure your new project window, specify the name and location for the new project. Click Next. In the Additional information window, choose .NET 8.0 (Long Term Support) as the framework version you would like to use. Click Create.
Well use this .NET 8 console application project to implement a custom object mapper in the subsequent sections of this article.
AutoMapper benefits and limitations
The popular object mapping library AutoMapper is an excellent choice when you want to map objects of incompatible types having similar property names and structure. AutoMapper works nicely with Entity Framework, and writing unit tests for types that use AutoMapper is easy. One you have set up the mapping between the types, all you have to do is write a few lines of code to test the properties of the destination instance.
AutoMapper has several benefits that make it one of the most widely used mapping libraries around. Nevertheless, there are scenarios in which we should design our own custom object mappers in lieu of using any third-party object mapper. For example, while you can use AutoMapper when the destination type comprises a flattened subset of properties of the source type, AutoMapper is not well suited for complex layered architectures, or architectures that require complex mapping logic between objects of incompatible types.
Moreover, even if you use the latest versions of AutoMapper in your application, there are performance drawbacks you should be aware of. If you use a custom mapper, you will have more fine-grained control over the design, which means you can write code to optimize your custom object mapper.
What is a custom object mapper? Why do we need it?
A custom object mapper is a component used to map or transform a source object of one type to a destination object of another type. You can use a custom object mapper to handle complex mapping logic and tailor the mapping logic to cater to the needs of your application. Custom object mappers are useful in scenarios where you need to map objects of incompatible types, i.e., when the types have no inherent mapping relationship.
A custom object mapper makes code easier to read and maintain, and allows you to reuse mappings between projects. It reduces the processing time wasted on manual mappings, providing added flexibility to handle complicated scenarios with nested object collections. If you use a custom object mapper, you will be able to map data between complex and diverse data structures.
You can avoid writing unnecessary mapping logic by encapsulating it within a custom mapper and then reusing it throughout the application. When developing the models and entities that make up your application, it is recommended to employ lightweight data structures rather than hefty ones in order to achieve optimal speed.
Typical use cases for a custom object mapper
Here are a few reasons you might need to use a custom object mapper:
Support for mapping incompatible data structures: An object mapper bridges the gap between two classes or data structures that represent similar information but have different property names, types, or structures. You can take advantage of an object mapper to copy data from the source object to the destination object even if the objects possess similar or dissimilar names or data structures.
Support for integration with external components: When working with external APIs or databases, you might need to handle data models that are not aligned perfectly with your internal data models. You can use a custom object mapper to handle the mapping logic between different systems and data structures, primarily for types that have differing property names.
Support for versioning: Over time, your software will evolve in accordance with changes in business requirements. These requirements may include eradicating legacy types and models and introducing new types and models. You can easily handle the transformation to the new version of your models if youre using a custom mapper instead of a third-party mapper such as AutoMappr.
Performance optimization: A custom mapper allows you to write performance optimization code in your types and to control which properties are mapped, thereby reducing unnecessary overhead and improving performance. Additionally, you can write custom code to compress or decompress data, thereby reducing the network bandwidth and improving performance.
Domain-specific processing: A custom mapper also lets you write code for domain-specific rules and transformations in your types. For example, you might need to perform specific business operations, execute certain business rules, or perform data conversions that are specific to your application domain. In such cases, you can take advantage of a custom object mapper to incorporate code for domain-specific rules, data conversions, and transformations.
A custom object mapper example in C#
Let us now dig into a bit of code. Consider the following two classes.
public class AuthorModel { public int Id { get; set; } public string FirstName { get; set; } public string LastName { get; set; } public string Address { get; set; } } public class AuthorDTO { public int Id { get; set; } public string FirstName { get; set; } public string LastName { get; set; } public string Address { get; set; } }
The following code listing implements a custom object mapper that maps a source object to a destination object.
public class CustomObjectMapper { public TDestination Map<TSource, TDestination>(TSource sourceObject) { var destinationObject = Activator.CreateInstance<TDestination>(); if (sourceObject != null) { foreach (var sourceProperty in typeof(TSource).GetProperties()) { var destinationProperty = typeof(TDestination).GetProperty (sourceProperty.Name); if (destinationProperty != null) { destinationProperty.SetValue (destinationObject, sourceProperty.GetValue(sourceObject)); } } } return destinationObject; } }
You can use the following code snippet to use the custom mapper. Note how the generic Map method has been used to map an instance of type AuthorModel to an instance of AuthorDTO.
var source = new AuthorModel(); source.Id = 1; source.FirstName = "Joydip"; source.LastName = "Kanjilal"; source.Address = "Hyderabad, India"; CustomObjectMapper mapper = new CustomObjectMapper(); var destination = mapper.Map<AuthorModel, AuthorDTO>(source); Console.WriteLine("Id = {0}, First Name = {1} Last Name = {2} Address = {3}", destination.Id, destination.FirstName, destination.LastName, destination.Address); Console.ReadLine();
Use a custom object mapper in action methods in C#
In this section, well examine how to use our custom mapper in action methods. First create an interface called IAuthorRepository and enter the following code.
public interface IAuthorRepository { public AuthorDTO GetAuthor(int id); }
The AuthorRepository class will implement this interface. So, create a new class named AuthorRepository and write the following code in there.
public class AuthorRepository : IAuthorRepository { private readonly CustomObjectMapper _customObjectMapper; public AuthorRepository(CustomObjectMapper customObjectMapper) { _customObjectMapper = customObjectMapper; } public AuthorDTO GetAuthor(int id) { var sourceObject = GetAuthorInstance(id); var destinationObject = _customObjectMapper.Map<AuthorModel, AuthorDTO>(sourceObject); return destinationObject; } }
Now, create another class named AuthorController and replace the auto-generated code with the following code listing.
public class AuthorController : ControllerBase { private readonly IAuthorRepository _authorRepository; public AuthorController(IAuthorRepository authorRepository) { _authorRepository = authorRepository; } public IActionResult GetAuthor(int id) { var author = _authorRepository.GetAuthor(id); //Write your code here based on specific business rules return Ok(author); } }
Note that in both of these classes dependency injection has been used to inject dependencies in the constructors. The AuthorRepository class encapsulates all calls to the custom mapper. This is why we have not written any code to access or use the custom mapper in the AuthorController class.
The AuthorController class retrieves data from the database using an instance of the AuthorRepository, i.e., it doesnt need to interact with the database directly. In other words, your controllers action methods should not contain code to perform CRUD operations against the database directly.
Object mapping is not always easy
Using a custom object mapper allows you to create cleaner, maintainable code bases and streamline data access and data transfer. By taking advantage of the flexibility and efficiency of custom object mappers, you can build solutions that contain mapping logic tailored to your specific requirements.
That said, you can avoid using a custom object mapper if the mapping is trivial, because the mapping will be easier to do without it. The bottom line is you have many design patterns and approaches to choose from. Use AutoMapper when you can, and take advantage of custom mappers when you need to.
IBM on Thursday said that it was acquiring application modernization assets from Advanced in an effort to enhance the mainframe application and data modernization services of its consulting business.
Advanced, which is headquartered out of Birmingham, UK, provides mainframe modernization and OpenVMS and VME migration services.
The assets and services acquired from Advanced are expected to complement the capabilities of IBM watsonx Code Assistant for Z, the company said in a statement.
IBM released watsonx Code Assistant for Z, a generative AI-assisted product, in August last year as part of its efforts to help IBM Z systems customers modernize their applications.
The employees from Advanced who will join IBM Consulting once the acquisition is complete have more than 30 years of experience in supporting clients mainframe strategies and application modernization agendas through an array of mainframe application modernization services, including assessment and design; mainframe transformation and integration; and full deployment, IBM said in a statement.
These employees have also worked across different industry sectors, including financial services, insurance, automotive, travel and transportation, government, utilities, and media, the company said.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. However, both companies expect the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2024.
Why IBM is acquiring assets to aid mainframe modernization
Mainframes, despite what many may believe, are far from dead, at least for IBM, according to experts and analysts.
Mainframe application modernization (MAM) assets are a good investment for IBM as many enterprises still prefer mainframes for their superior security, resiliency, and transaction throughput, said Michael Azoff, chief analyst at Omdia.
IBM in its annual report published in 2022 claimed that 45 of the worlds top 50 banks run on IBM zSystems. Furthermore, the company claims that mainframes are used by 71% of Fortune 500 companies, handle 68% of the worlds production IT workloads, and process 90% of all credit card transactions.
The market for MAM is therefore strong and makes sense for IBM to be a prime mover in this space, Azoff explained.
Along with acquiring mainframe assets, IBM released new z mainframes last year, and saw its mainframe business grow.
IBMs acquisition spree under Krishna as CEO
While this is IBMs first acquisition in 2024, the company has been on an acquisition spree. Since CEO Arvind Krishna took charge in April 2020, the company has acquired more than 35 companies in efforts to bolster its consulting business and boost its hybrid cloud and AI capabilities.
Last year in August, IBM acquired Indonesia-based ERP specialist and cloud consulting services provider Equine Global in a bid to boost its consulting business in the Asia Pacific region. In the same month, the company acquired Manta Software, a data lineage platform, to complement its capabilities within watsonx.ai.
Prior to that, IBM had acquired software provider Apptio for $4.6 billion to help enterprises optimize their IT expenditure, particularly cloud costs. The year 2023 also saw Big Blue acquiring SaaS-based PrestoDB provider Ahana in April.
Willingboro Township Deputy Mayor Nathaniel Anderson recites the Pledge of Allegiance before a township council meeting in 2016. Read more
Federal authorities on Wednesday accused the deputy mayor of Willingboro Township with lying to banks and setting up a phony short sale of his home the latest in a series of scandals to plague the Burlington County municipalitys fractious local government.
Prosecutors say Nathaniel Anderson, a 56-year-old Democrat and a fixture on the township council for over a decade, conspired with a business associate to save his home while facing foreclosure in 2015.
But the plan, according to a complaint filed in federal court in New Jersey, involved that associate Chrisone D. Anderson, 56, of Sicklerville fraudulently posing as a buyer of the home and claiming that Anderson would no longer live there so that the deputy mayors mortgage lender would forgive the rest of his loan.
The Andersons, who are not related, now face charges including conspiracy, bank fraud, and making false statements on a loan application that could send them to prison for decades on the most serious count.
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Neither replied to requests for comment Wednesday.
Nathaniel Andersons lawyer, Daniel M. Rosenberg, declined to comment on the charges against the deputy mayor. Troy Archie, an attorney for Chrisone D. Anderson, said his client intended to plead not guilty and looks to clear her name in this matter.
This is not the first time Willingboro has faced the prospect of an extended court fight involving one of its elected leaders. Its mayors and deputy mayors are chosen by the township council, not by a popular vote.
And though Democrats have held all five seats on the council for decades, the townships politics tend toward the personal, divisive, and litigious.
In 2016, Anderson, then serving as mayor, sued his own deputy mayor and fellow Democrat, Christopher Walker, for defamation. In a bit of political theater, he served Walker with the lawsuit and a subpoena during a township meeting.
Their civil dispute settled in 2018, but not before Walker replaced Anderson in the mayors seat only to abruptly resign himself after a week due to litigation alleging he did not actually live in the township.
Andersons own problems with his residency began in 2009 as he and his then-wife fell behind on mortgage payments, federal prosecutors said in court papers this week.
Though the couple divorced, Anderson was determined to hold onto the home through a short sale a process by which a mortgage lender agrees to write off the remaining debt of a mortgage holder in default if they can arrange a sale of the property to dispense with most of the remaining debt.
Short sales typically require the new buyer to have no personal or financial ties to the owner of the foreclosed home and the owner must agree to vacate the property within a certain period of time.
Prosecutors said Wednesday Anderson had no intention of doing either. Twice in 2015, they maintained, he unsuccessfully tried to arrange a sham short sale before finding a willing partner in Chrisone D. Anderson.
The pair allegedly arranged for Chrisone D. Anderson to obtain a $162,000 mortgage for the property and submitted various documents to the bank that held the deputy mayors mortgage, saying she intended to use it as her primary residence.
In exchange, that bank forgave the rest of the money Nathaniel Anderson owed on his home loan roughly $122,000.
But rather than move out, Nathaniel Anderson continued to live there for years, secretly leasing the property from its new owner, paying the new mortgage payments, and covering all its utility bills, prosecutors said.
Andersons fiancee eventually bought the house back from Chrisone D. Anderson in 2017, according to public records.
In addition to the charges of conspiracy and bank fraud, Chrisone D. Anderson was also charged Wednesday with lying to federal authorities about her involvement in the scheme.
When agents approached her in 2022, she maintained she wasnt aware that the home she purchased was being sold by Anderson and that shed lived at the property from 2016 to 2017.
Prosecutors say both of those statements were lies.
Both Andersons were released on $50,000 unsecured bonds after an initial court appearance Wednesday. A trial date has not yet been set in their case.
Students leave North Penn High School in this 2015 file photo. For years, ninth-grade students in the district have not been housed at the high school. Read more
Voters in the North Penn School District on Tuesday rejected a proposal to borrow $97 million to expand the districts high school to accommodate ninth graders, after opposition mounted to the projects tax impact.
The proposed borrowing part of a renovation plan that would have cost more than $400 million in total failed in the special election, with 58% voting against it, said the districts superintendent, Todd Bauer.
Were disappointed, obviously, with the results, school board president Tina Stoll said Wednesday. She said the project, which would have enabled the district to move 1,000 ninth graders from its three middle schools to its high school, would have been transformational coming about 30 years after an effort to build a second high school in the district failed.
Today, North Penn is one of few districts in Southeastern Pennsylvania that doesnt have ninth graders in its high school, Stoll said; Central Bucks, Pennsylvanias third-largest district, also doesnt, but is planning to move ninth graders to high schools as part of an upcoming grade realignment.
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The result in North Penn, Stoll said, is that ninth graders dont have the same access as their older classmates to the high schools offerings, like Advanced Placement classes or classes at the technical high school, requiring bus rides and travel time back and forth.
It was an investment in our childrens education, and the future, and a community facility, Stoll said. The opposition was mostly I think people didnt want to have their taxes increased.
READ MORE: The North Penn School District is launching a health center to save money and attract teachers. Others may follow.
A mailing sent by the district to voters showed that homeowners with properties assessed at $100,000 would see taxes increase by $162 a year as a result of a yes vote, while those with properties assessed at $300,000 would receive a $487 annual tax increase. It also included estimated tax impacts over 32 years, topping $10,000 for some households.
Even with a no vote, taxes would still increase to make other upgrades at the high school, the district said.
Those plans are anticipated to cost $236 million, according to the district, which didnt need to seek voter approval for those upgrades. Pennsylvania law caps how much districts can raise in property taxes annually; the broader high school addition project to include ninth graders would have exceeded that limit by $97 million.
Opponents suggested that the district had enough money already. In one post on Facebook, North Penn United, a political action committee that supports Republican school board candidates, said ninth grade could be added to the high school if budgeted within the legal limits.
READ MORE: Which school board candidates are backed by Moms for Liberty? Around Philly, its hard to tell.
But the district said it needs to make other upgrades to the high school, including to its heating and air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Basically the same footprint, with a few smaller additions to make sure were [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliant, Stoll said of the planned $236 million project.
Following Tuesdays special election which drew 25% turnout officials will go back to the drawing board, Stoll said. Not moving ninth graders to the high school will likely require the district to make renovations to the three middle schools, Stoll said, resulting in increased costs.
We understand there are people on fixed incomes, and they had concerns, but in the long run we felt this would be less expensive, she said.
The U.S. Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights has dropped an investigation into antisemitism allegations at the University of Pennsylvania, though it doesnt really have to do with the merits of the case.
The department said Wednesday in a statement to The Inquirer that it dismissed the case because a complaint was filed last month by two Penn students in federal court with the same allegations as the complaint that was filed with the department.
The relief sought is the same as would be obtained if OCR were to find a violation regarding the allegation(s), a department spokesperson said.
READ MORE: Brandeis Center files federal discrimination complaint against Penn over handling of antisemitism
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Penn said in a statement that it confirmed the complaint filed by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, a nonprofit aimed at advancing civil and human rights of Jewish people, had been dismissed. The center filed the complaint in mid-November, alleging that Penn had failed to address harassment and discrimination against Jewish students in September, October and November.
On Dec. 5, two Penn students, senior Eyal Yakoby, a political science and modern Middle East Studies major from Princeton, and freshman Jordan Davis, sued Penn in U.S. Federal Court in Philadelphia, claiming the school had become an incubation lab for virulent anti-Jewish hatred, harassment and discrimination.
The university has failed to protect its Jewish students against that hate, the lawsuit alleges.
READ MORE: U.S. Department of Education investigates Penn, Lafayette, over antisemitism and Islamophobia allegations
Penn enforces its own rules of conduct selectively to avoid protecting Jewish students from hatred and harassment, hires rabidly antisemitic professors who call for anti-Jewish violence and spread terrorist propaganda, and ignores Jewish students pleas for protection, the suit said.
Beth Gellman-Beer, regional director of the education departments Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights, told Penn in a Jan. 2 letter announcing its decision to dismiss the case that it had reviewed the lawsuit, and although it was not seeking class-action status, it seeks systemic relief. Gellman-Beer also said that her office could resume the investigation after the court proceedings.
The allegation(s) may be re-filed with OCR within 60 days following the termination of the court proceeding if there has been no decision on the merits or settlement of the allegation(s), she wrote.
Penn is among dozens of colleges and K-12 schools facing inquiries since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The department this week noted that it was opening an investigation at Temple University in North Philadelphia. Drexel, also in Philadelphia, and Lafayette and Muhlenberg Colleges in the Lehigh Valley also face probes.
In announcing the first round of investigations in November, the department said schools that do not address the offices findings could lose their federal funding. The department states on its website that opening an investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to the merits of the complaint.
The complaint against Penn and education department scrutiny followed months of discontent on the Ivy League campus following the Palestine Writes Literary Festival, which was held there in September and which some critics said included speakers with a history of making antisemitic remarks.
Penn also experienced several antisemitic acts last semester, including the drawing of a swastika inside Meyerson Hall and vandalism at Penn Hillel. The university also faced a backlash from donors, who said the university wasnt doing enough to respond to the concerns.
In November, then-Penn president Liz Magill rolled out a plan to combat antisemitism, including a task force that is expected to issue its report this spring, and a student advisory group on the Jewish student experience. Magill resigned last month after an uproar over her congressional testimony on antisemitism on campus.
Magill testified that it was a context-dependent decision when asked whether calling for the genocide of Jewish people was a violation of the universitys code of conduct.
Wasim Muhammad, minister with Muhammad's Temple No. 20, speaking to young, male students after morning prayer in 2022. Read more
N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy has called for Camden Advisory School Board president Wasim Muhammad to resign immediately, citing the appalling and heinous nature of allegations that Muhammad abused a former female student for years.
In a statement, however, Muhammads attorney said Muhammad would take a leave of absence from the board, pending the outcome of his civil trial on allegations that he sexually assaulted his former student when he was her teacher starting in 1994 at Cooper B. Hatch Middle School. He has denied the allegations.
During that period of time, he will be focused on the case and will not have any contact with the board or the district administration, his attorney, Troy Archie, said Thursday. He does not want to distract from the business of the school district during this period of time and will reassess his elected position once the issues are remedied.
READ MORE: A former student has alleged sexual abuse for years by current Camden Advisory School Board president
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The action followed Murphys statement to The Inquirer in response to questions about the sexual abuse allegations. The troubled school system has operated under a 2013 state takeover that stripped the nine-member school board of its governing authority.
While we understand litigation is ongoing, the appalling and heinous nature of these allegations casts doubt on Mr. Muhammads ability to effectively serve the Camden City School District, Murphys spokesperson Maggie Garbarino said in a statement.
The plaintiff, named Jane Doe in the lawsuit to keep her identity confidential, said in a statement through her lawyer, Jeffrey Fritz, After counseling, I was able to come forward after decades of being silenced by fear and embarrassment. I spoke out to protect children and am encouraged by Gov. Murphys support for the safety of children and to call for the immediate resignation of Camdens school board president.
Muhammad did not respond to messages Thursday seeking comment. He has served on the board since 2013 and has been president since 2020. The board serves in an advisory capacity and has no real authority to make and enact changes. State-appointed Superintendent Katrina McCombs runs the district.
Spokespeople for the state Department of Education did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Camden school district spokesperson Sheena Yera said, We acknowledge the troubling nature of these allegations; our utmost priority is and will always be protecting the safety and welfare of our students and families.
She said vice president NNamdee Nelson will serve as interim president on the advisory board, which will now be down to six active members. Falio Leyba-Martinez resigned after he was elected to City Council in November. Clayton Gonzalez stepped down in November after his arrest on gun-related charges in a domestic violence case. Gonzalez was placed on leave from his city job as a recreation supervisor, said city spokesperson Vince Basara.
In a notice to fill the vacancies, the board said it would accept any applications received at its Jan. 23 meeting.
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen declined through a spokesman to comment about the allegations and Muhammads leave of absence. Carstarphen and Muhammad are childhood friends and were classmates at Camden High School and played on the Panthers 1986 state championship basketball team. In a 2022 interview about Muhammad, the mayor said, Thats my guy.
The details of the allegations
A lawsuit filed in September 2021 accuses Muhammad, now a minister and prominent community activist, of grooming his student for abuse by singling her out for special attention. The lawsuit alleges that district employees who knew about the abuse failed to stop it.
The alleged abuse began when the girl was 14, and Muhammad then known as Donnie Walker was her social studies teacher, the lawsuit said. At least one sexual encounter occurred on school property and the others at motels and his home, the lawsuit said.
Now 44, married, and the mother of two teenage sons, the former student tried to lodge criminal charges in 2020 with Cherry Hill police, but the statute of limitations had expired, her attorney said.
Archie has maintained that the allegations against Muhammad are a frivolous and meritless case lacking legitimate facts. These allegations remain more than 30 years old with no physical, forensic evidence or credible live witnesses.
According to court documents, another Hatch teacher testified that she saw the girl and Muhammad leaving his home on Baird Boulevard during the school day and questioned her about it. The victim said she denied it was her. The teacher told the girls mother about it and she again denied it, the lawsuit said.
Archie said the teacher and Muhammad had a romantic relationship.
READ MORE: Who is Wasim Muhammad, Camden's school board president accused of sexually abusing a student?
An arbitrator who reviewed the files and depositions recommended a $1 million settlement that would have made Muhammad liable for 60% of that amount, but that was rejected.
The alleged acts began when the woman was an eighth grader, according to the lawsuit. Muhammad relied upon her young age in assuming control over her, the lawsuit said.
When the girl enrolled in nearby Camden High School as a freshman, the sexual activity continued, the lawsuit said, and she was instructed to go to his house before and after school where they had sexual intercourse. The sexual activity continued when the girl moved to the South with her family, and Muhammad visited her, the lawsuit alleges.
Muhammad contends he married the girl under the Muslim faith when she turned 18. The plaintiffs lawyer, Jeffrey Fritz, denies his client was married to Muhammad. Muhammad has multiple Islamic wives and one legal wife and more than a dozen children.
Superior Court Judge John Kennedy was scheduled to hear arguments Friday on motions by Muhammad and the district to dismiss the case, but the hearing has been rescheduled for Jan. 26 due to weather. A trial date has been set for Feb. 5, depending on the outcome of the dismissal hearing.
Joseph Schwartz, the owner of a defunct nursing home chain, including 10 in the Philadelphia area, pleaded guilty to failing to pay $38 million in payroll taxes from mid-2017 through June 2018, the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey announced Wednesday.
Schwartz admits he willfully failed to pay over employment taxes, basically stealing money from his employees and the IRS, James E. Dennehy, special agent in charge of the FBIs Newark office, said in a news release.
The guilty plea is the latest development in a case that captured national attention in 2018 and was a factor in Pennsylvanias adoption last year of new and more rigorous regulations for reviewing individuals who want to buy nursing homes in the state.
Schwartzs Skyline Healthcare LLC, which acquired nearly 100 nursing homes in 11 states in 2016 and 2017, underwent a rapid-fire collapse during the spring of 2018 as the Wood-Ridge, N.J., company ran out of cash.
Regulators in Pennsylvania and several other states put emergency operators in place to protect thousands of residents.
Different companies have since taken over the facilities, most of which had been operated by Golden Living, a company that subsequently left Pennsylvania after being sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General over allegedly misleading marketing.
Schwartz, 64, of Suffern, N.Y., also pleaded guilty to not filing a financial report required by the U.S. Department of Labor for his companys 401(k) retirement plan. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
Penn Medicine surgeons connected this liver from a genetically modified pig to the body of a recently deceased human being, a test case for doing the same in a living patient. Read more
Penn Medicine surgeons announced Thursday they had successfully connected a functioning pig liver to the body of a recently deceased person, a pivotal test case for someday performing the procedure to help living patients.
The surgeons used a pig liver that had been genetically modified with the precision gene-editing technique called CRISPR, a key step that prevented the organ from being rejected by the persons immune system.
The recipient had been declared brain-dead, meaning they had experienced a permanent loss of brain function, said Abraham Shaked, the lead surgeon on the project at the Penn Transplant Institute. But because a ventilator was still circulating oxygen throughout the persons body, it was considered a valid proving ground for what it would be like to connect a pig liver to a living patient.
It was amazing, he said, describing the animals liver after it was connected. It was functioning.
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Elsewhere, other surgeons have successfully transplanted pig hearts into two gravely ill human patients, extending their lives by a month or two. For now, Shaked and his colleagues have stopped short of doing that with pig livers, a far more complicated organ than the heart. Instead, the initial proof-of-concept procedure, performed in late December, involved connecting the pig liver to the persons circulatory system through an external machine.
Yet it was nevertheless a significant advance, others not involved with the project said. Even this intermediate step connecting a pig liver to a patient through an external machine could serve as a bridge to recovery, said Jayme Locke, director of the transplant center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The external pig liver could buy some time for gravely ill patients, keeping them alive until a human donor organ becomes available or until the patients own liver has a chance to recover, she said.
This was the first step, and I think this was really valuable and important, she said of the Penn study. You can think of what they did as like dialysis for the liver.
The pig was raised in a secure facility by eGenesis, a Cambridge, Mass.-based biotech firm which funded the study. Company scientists had edited the animals genome in 69 places so that the liver would be compatible with the human body. Some of the edits were designed to prevent rejection by the human immune system. Other edits eliminated the risk from viral DNA that is contained within the pig genome, company chief executive officer Mike Curtis said.
A mini pig
Whats more, the animal was a special breed, called a Yucatan mini pig, that grows to just 150 pounds just big enough so that its organs are comparable in scale to their human counterparts.
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, the nonprofit Gift of Life Donor Program was on the alert for any families of deceased patients who might consent to donate the body for this type of research.
Program coordinators identified such a family in December, and a team from Penn then drove to Massachusetts to retrieve the pig liver from the eGenesis facility.
The livers function was maintained during the return journey by connecting it to a machine made by OrganOx, a company based in Oxford, England.
After connecting the pig liver to the deceased persons circulatory system, the Penn team monitored the organ for three days and detected no signs of inflammation or other problems.
Transplant surgeons hope that eventually, livers and other organs from genetically modified pigs will provide at least a partial answer to the nations chronic shortage of donated human organs.
In 2023, even as the number of liver transplants passed 10,000 for the first time, many patients still were left waiting. More than 900 people died while waiting for a liver transplant, and close to 1,000 patients were removed from the waiting list because they became too sick for a transplant, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).
A gift for research
The Penn team now plans to repeat the pig-liver procedure with additional donors, measuring how well a pig liver filters toxins from the human bloodstream, Shaked said.
That will involve getting the consent of additional families who have lost their loved ones, said Rick Hasz, the president and chief executive officer of Gift of Life.
In such cases, surgeons must first determine whether the persons organs can be immediately used for transplant, he said.
But when they are not, as in the December case at Penn, the deceased person still can play a broader role in the pursuit of science, Hasz said.
Its really a unique opportunity to still advance the science of transplantation and have a huge impact on helping not only one patient or two patients or three or four, like most organ donors can do, he said. It really can change the course of how we treat end-stage liver failure.
Domenico Pratico, an Alzheimer's disease researcher at Temple University, has had four studies retracted since the end of 2022. Read more
When Temple University scientist Domenico Pratico helped secure a $3.8 million state grant to study Alzheimers disease, school officials hailed the news as a sign that his research center was poised to become a national leader in dementia research.
Not mentioned in the announcement: School officials had been alerted to allegations that Pratico improperly reused or altered images of mouse brains that accompanied his studies, thereby making his findings appear stronger than they really were.
The next month, a group of Praticos Temple colleagues wrote the universitys board of trustees to urge an investigation into the allegations, which had been posted on a public peer-review site called PubPeer. In their October 2020 letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Inquirer, the faculty members wrote that Praticos research contained numerous instances of data incongruity.
Since then, scientific journals have retracted four of Praticos studies. Critics on PubPeer, some of them anonymous, have raised questions about more of his studies, bringing a total of 36 under scrutiny.
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Research misconduct has drawn increased concern in recent years, and in 2023, an analysis by the journal Nature found that more than 10,000 research papers had been retracted that year meaning they were formally withdrawn due to deliberate fabrication, major errors, or other serious flaws a record high.
Although that represents a small fraction of studies published, the consequences can be severe. In July, the president of Stanford University stepped down after a school inquiry found that images in his studies had been manipulated, though it determined that he did not personally engage in the misconduct. Also that month, federal officials found that former University of Pennsylvania scientist William Armstead had falsified or fabricated 51 figures in his studies, and he agreed to a seven-year ban on conducting federally funded research.
Asked about the allegations against Pratico, Temple officials said the university does not comment on internal investigations or personnel issues.
Allegations of research misconduct are reviewed and investigated centrally through Temples Office of the Vice President for Research in accordance with university policy and applicable federal regulations, school officials said in a statement.
In a lawsuit he filed Jan. 9, Pratico acknowledged flaws with two of the 36 studies and blamed them on a former graduate student, whom he accused in the suit of defamation and fraud. Citing the litigation, Praticos lawyer said the scientist would not answer questions about specific criticisms.
Dr. Pratico has no comment, other than he categorically denies engaging in scientific misconduct, lawyer Christopher Ezold said.
A physician trained in his native Italy, Pratico, 63, joined the faculty of the North Philadelphia university in 2007 and drew prominent supporters for his work. He is the founding director of the Alzheimers Center at Temple, established in 2018 with a gift from university trustee Phillip C. Richards and a philanthropic group that he chairs.
In a ceremony at the time, Pratico thanked the trustee with these words:
Extraordinary advancements in science happen because there is a core belief and commitment that we can overcome the odds.
Mice in a water maze
Among the first to raise questions about Praticos research was Mu Yang, the director of a center for testing the behavior of laboratory mice at Columbia University Medical Center.
Yangs concerns began when a graduate student asked for help replicating one of Praticos experiments, she said in a phone interview. The Temple scientist had found that mice swam faster through a water-filled maze after they were given an experimental drug, an indication of improvement in the animals cognitive ability.
But upon reviewing Praticos published results, Yang thought they looked too good to be true. The animals progress over a four-day period yielded a graph with an unnaturally straight line. There was little to none of the variability that would be expected in how quickly various animals navigated the maze.
This is not real data, she recalled saying. It was impossible.
Yang had similar misgivings upon looking at the graphs in three additional water maze studies from Praticos lab. She consulted two other behavioral neuroscientists and found that they shared her concerns. In February 2020, the trio wrote letters to the journals that had published the studies and to the Office of Research Integrity at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In June 2020, agency officials told Yang and her coauthors that the matter had been referred to Temple for review.
An intention to mislead? Or sloppiness?
Since then, critics on the PubPeer site have flagged concerns with dozens of other studies from Praticos lab. Run by a California-based nonprofit, PubPeer allows critiques of studies from scientists and nonscientists alike, provided they follow strict guidelines, use polite, neutral language, and submit supporting documentation where possible.
Some targets of these critiques have pushed back against the PubPeer model, saying they had been wrongly maligned by anonymous critics.
Yet one of Pratico's chief critics commented under her own name: Elisabeth Bik, a former Stanford University microbiologist who now works as a science integrity consultant for publishers, universities, and lawyers.
In dozens of studies, Pratico or his colleagues appeared to have digitally cut and pasted images and graphs from different experiments he had published in the past, Bik said in an interview.
It suggests an intention to mislead, or a sign of sloppiness, at best, she said.
In one study, Pratico and his coauthors included a pair of images of mouse brains with varying levels of inflammatory proteins.
But in looking through Praticos previous studies, Bik found one with what looked like a flip-flopped version of the same pair of images. In the text accompanying the earlier version, Pratico wrote that he had been conducting a completely different experiment: treating mice with a drug.
Using software to reverse an image, as Bik thinks was done in this case, would make it look like a new image from a new experiment, she said.
Typically, something like that doesnt happen by accident, she said.
Retracted studies
After some of the concerns on PubPeer were highlighted by a blog called For Better Science, a group of Pratico's Temple colleagues wrote the October 2020 letter urging the school to investigate.
One of the letters authors was John W. Elrod, who has collaborated with Pratico on two studies, neither of which was among those flagged on PubPeer. Asked about the letter and whether he still had concerns about his colleagues work, Elrod declined to comment.
Though the status of Temples review of Praticos research is unclear, two academic journals have concluded their reviews, retracting a total of four of Pratico's studies between October 2022 and February 2023.
One of them, in a journal called Molecular Neurobiology, was the study in which Bik had spotted the brain images that looked like mirror images of those in the earlier study.
The journal formally withdrew that study in February 2023, though it remains visible online with the words RETRACTED ARTICLE at the front of its title.
In an accompanying notice, the publisher and a handling editor wrote that the image of the mouse brain looked very similar to the one that had been published earlier in a different journal. They also listed a dozen concerns with other images, writing that the figures appeared to have been reused or copied from elsewhere in the same study or from earlier studies.
The Handling Editor and Publisher therefore no longer have confidence in the data reported, they wrote, adding that Domenico Pratico does not agree to this retraction.
Yet in his lawsuit, Pratico acknowledges flaws in that study and one other, for which he blamed the former graduate student. That student duplicated, altered, and improperly used data and also copied images from external sources and passed them off as his own, Pratico alleged in the Jan. 9 complaint, filed in Common Pleas Court. The Inquirer is not identifying the student, who could not be reached for comment. He collaborated with Pratico on several of the other studies that drew criticism on PubPeer, though they were not cited in the eight-page lawsuit.
The three other retracted Pratico studies were in a different journal, Molecular Psychiatry two of them in October 2022 and a third in January 2023.
Three of the four retractions cited concerns with images. The fourth was relatively minor, saying the authors had copied language from one of their own previous studies.
Research integrity
Thirty-two additional Pratico studies look potentially problematic to Bik, Yang, and other commenters on PubPeer, who have notified the publishers and are waiting to hear the results of any review.
Bik said she has no direct knowledge of actions by Pratico and his lab members. But generally, she says, the cutthroat pressures of academic publishing can tempt a person to cut corners.
When the results look better, youll have a better chance of getting the next grant or the next scientific award, she said. I think thats a slippery slope that as a scientist, you need to be careful of falling into.
Whether flaws in research are intentional or the result of mistakes, many go undetected for years, said physician Ivan Oransky, cofounder of the science media site Retraction Watch. But the rate at which flawed studies are retracted is on the rise, he said.
Its pretty clear this is because of better detection of misconduct and error thanks to technology and a growing army of sleuths, he said. Whether misconduct is actually on the rise is less clear.
Yet the pace at which they are investigated by journals and universities is too slow, said Yang, the behavioral neuroscientist at Columbia and this concerns her more than the actions of any one researcher. While four of Pratico studies have been retracted, she said some remain under review at other journals, years after concerns were raised.
Working through this case, I think Im more concerned about the system thats protecting him, she said. Thats taxpayers money. But nobodys willing to do anything. That is a very painful realization.
The 6abc helicopter known as Chopper 6 flies over Philadelphias Penn's Landing in September. Read more
The 6abc helicopter that crashed in New Jersey last month, killing its pilot and a photographer, had no engine problems that would have prevented normal operation, according to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.
Issued Wednesday, the report details the final flight of the helicopter, known as Chopper 6, but does not describe a potential cause. The helicopter went down at about 8 p.m. Dec. 19 in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County during its return to Philadelphia following an assignment shooting Christmas lights in Atlantic County.
Pilot Monroe Smith, 67, of Glenside, and photographer Chris Dougherty, 45, of Oreland, died in the crash.
The helicopter, a 2013 American Eurocopter AS350B2 owned and operated by North Carolina-based US Helicopters Inc., took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 7:23 p.m. Following a 20-minute flight, it hovered for about 10 minutes to collect video footage, according to the NTSB report.
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After 6abcs news assignment desk cleared Smith and Dougherty to return, they began their flight back to Philadelphia. By 8:01 p.m., the helicopter had drifted from its flight path, and at 8:03 p.m., tracking platforms recorded its position for the last time.
A witness said he observed a solid light traveling quickly at a steep angle around that time, according to the NTSB report. Another witness described a giant orange ball descending into the forest.
At 10 p.m., the stations assignment desk notified U.S. Helicopters, which contracts with 6abc to provide pilots and photographers, that they were unable to reach the crew. Authorities were notified of the situation following confirmation that the helicopter did not return to Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the NTSBs report says.
Authorities later located the crashed helicopter in a wooded area of the Wharton State Forest near Hammonton at about 12:05 a.m. Dec. 20. At the time of the crash, blades from the helicopters main rotor and tail rotor were spinning and under power, striking trees as it descended.
The debris field from the wreckage stretched across about 600 feet.
Much of the aircraft was destroyed during the crash, but investigators were able to recover the engine, which was later examined at an unidentified secure location.
No anomalies of the engine were discovered that would have precluded normal operation, the NTSB said in its report.
The helicopters last airworthiness inspection had been conducted the day of the crash. It was refueled before the flight, which was its third of the day. Its flight record indicated that it had no prior reported accidents.
In total, the aircraft had about 7,300 hours of operation. Smith, meanwhile, reported that he had 8,597 flight hours as a pilot as of July, when the Federal Aviation Administration last issued him a medical certificate.
The NTSB did not provide a potential cause of the crash in its report, but its investigation is ongoing. A final report is expected to be issued in about a year and a half, NTSB investigator Todd Gunther said in December.
U.S. Helicopters said in a recent statement that it would cooperate with the investigation.
We deeply sympathize with their families and share in their grief as a result of this tragic event, the companys statement read. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our cherished colleagues.
Former president Donald Trumps lawyers say they may use evidence suggesting that Trump had a high-level security clearance as recently as last year to bolster their defense that the former president was acting in good-faith and non-criminal states of mind when he took sensitive documents from the White House to his Florida residence after leaving office.
The revelation came in a legal filing late Tuesday night in which Trump's attorneys urged Judge Aileen M. Cannon - who is overseeing Trump's federal trial in Florida for allegedly mishandling classified documents - to force prosecutors to produce more information about the evidence they have about the former president. A "motion to compel discovery" is a standard part of pretrial legal proceedings.
In the 65-page filing, Trump's lawyers disclosed some of the defenses they plan to use in the case, one of four criminal trials Trump is facing. They asked for communication between prosecutors and the Biden administration, which they said could show that the indictment against Trump is politically motivated, and they argued that prosecutors must show more evidence that Trump damaged national security by possessing the documents.
Among the more specific possible defenses: Lawyers for Trump say he had an active security clearance years after leaving the White House, based on a government document from June 2023 that still listed him with a "Q" clearance from the Department of Energy. The document was dated a few weeks after prosecutors indicted Trump in the case. He faces 40 counts related to willful retention of national defense information; obstruction, withholding or altering of documents; and making false statements, and has pleaded not guilty.
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Trump attorney Todd Blanche first publicly referred to the "Q" clearance at a November court hearing in Florida, saying he had learned Trump "continued to have an active clearance" when prosecutors turned over the Department of Energy documentation as part of what is known as Brady material - evidence that prosecutors must share with defense lawyers that could be helpful to the defense.
In the latest filing, Trump's attorneys suggested they still do not know the entirety of what the Department of Energy filing entails and asked the judge to force prosecutors to provide more information about the "Q" clearance. The term refers to a type of security clearance handled by the agency, whose classified information focuses largely on nuclear secrets. It became popular in right-wing conspiracy circles because of the movement known as QAnon, which originated during Trump's presidency and centers on made-up claims circulated by a person known as "Q," who supporters claimed had that level of clearance.
Trump's attorneys did not suggest that they believed the clearance would allow Trump to store highly classified material at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida home and private club. Rather, they said it speaks to his state of mind and shows that he was acting in good faith when he stored the materials at his personal residence.
Their filing accuses the Energy Department of trying to modify an "inconvenient truth" by removing Trump's name from the clearance list weeks after his indictment.
"In order to permit President Trump to prepare his defenses and present them to the jury, the Office must produce documents and communications relating to that decision," the filing says.
So why would Trump be on a "Q"-level security clearance list even after he left the White House?
Security experts - who have not seen the list and do not know if Trump is on it - said that every agency has different protocols to track who is eligible to access certain information. The Department of Energy, they said, maintains a list that is not always updated regularly. Being eligible to view the sensitive material doesn't give someone unfettered access to it, however.
"A clearance alone is not sufficient for access to classified materials," said Steve Aftergood, a security expert. "You need a clearance, and you need a need to know. As a former president, Mr. Trump's need to know - unlike his security clearance - would have expired."
Presidents do not go through the same security-clearance process as other government officials. Instead, they automatically gain access to restricted material upon taking office.
Former presidents retain some level of access to classified materials because they can be included on some sensitive discussions to offer their expertise, said Mark S. Zaid, a lawyer who has handled espionage cases. But he agreed with Aftergood that such access is only granted when there is a specific need.
"The reality is that [Trump] wouldn't necessarily still have access because no one would have given him access," Zaid said. "But he would have had eligibility regardless as a former president."
The charges Trump faces in Florida include 32 counts of improperly retaining national defense information, with each count representing a different document that was allegedly in Trump's possession at Mar-a-Lago.
According to court filings, one of those documents related to nuclear weapons and would have been off-limits to anyone without a "Q" clearance. That document is marked as "Formerly Restricted Data," according to a previous court filing, which means that it contains information related to the workings, location or procedures for securing nuclear weapons. While the bureaucratic label has the word "formerly" in it, security experts say it is a misnomer because such information is still classified and restricted.
Other documents that Trump is accused of retaining require different types of clearance. Trumps lawyers said in their filing that they may use the Department of Energy documentation as a basis to at least dismiss the charge for retaining the nuclear document.
Susan Gibbs and Jorge Gonzalez look up at the SS United States ocean liner at Pier 82 in Philadelphia in July. Read more
The SS United States, once known as the Queen of the Seas and better known today as the Ikea boat, faced its landlord in court Wednesday, the culmination of a yearslong rent dispute.
Still, by the end of the daylong testimony, U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody made a suggestion ahead of whats expected to be the final day of the bench trial Thursday.
I think you may have to settle, said Brody, warning that if she had to decide whether the SS United States gets evicted from its berth or continues to pay according to the terms of an agreement signed in 2011, there would be only losers in the case.
The nonprofit caring for the ship, the SS United States Conservancy, has been in a prolonged rent dispute with its landlord Penn Warehousing, which leases Pier 82 along Christopher Columbus Boulevard. In August 2021, Penn Warehousing doubled rent from an $850 daily dockage fee to $1,700, but the conservancy continued to pay the original rate stated in the 2011 berthing agreement. In response, Penn Warehousing terminated the lease in March 2022.
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Penn Warehousings attorney Craig Mills described the conservancy as having been an unproblematic tenant for a decade. But that suddenly changed when Penn Warehousing asked the conservancy to change how it secured the ship to avoid damaging the pier and bollards. It refused to pay rent and refused to leave even after Penn Warehousing, citing back rent, voided the lease.
They were every landlords nightmare, Mills said.
Penn Warehousings legal team told Brody the conservancy owes $730,000 in back rent and asked the judge to order the tenant to pay their past-due bill, repair bollards, and leave the pier.
The conservancys attorneys focused their case on the language of the berthing agreement, which laid out the daily dockage fee at $850 continuing until upon removal of the vessel from its current location.
At the heart of the case is the question of whether the 2011 agreement is a lease in perpetuity and under what circumstances Penn Warehousing can terminate its lease.
John Mitchell, part of the conservancys legal team, argued Penn Warehousing doubled the rent without discussing it with the conservancy and that theres no mechanism in the agreement to raise rent unilaterally. He pointed to the notice the ships landlord sent at the time of the increase, which only made mention of rising costs, not all the claims of the SS United States causing damage to the pier.
The conservancys legal team asked the judge to enforce the berthing agreement, saying the ship could be headed to the scrapyard otherwise.
They want to seal the fate of whats an American icon, said Mitchell.
The latest obstacle for the SS United States
Christened in 1952 and at the time considered a feat of American engineering, the vessel was once visited by future presidents, royalty, and celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe. The vessel broke the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing and could transform into a military vessel capable of carrying thousands of troops. Its historical significance earned the ship a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
But as flying became a much more efficient way to cross the Atlantic, the SS United States popularity declined. The vessel was retired in 1969, going into U.S. Navy control and serving as a reserve ship until 1978, when it was put up for sale.
The ship would go on to change ownership several times as investors imagined redevelopment plans, including time-share condos and a cruise line, that would time and time again prove to be too expensive or poorly timed.
Just as its then-owner Norwegian Cruise Line was ready to sell the ship for scrap in 2010, philanthropist H.F. Gerry Lenfest the late former owner of The Inquirer and whose Lenfest Institute now owns the paper stepped in. He pledged $5.8 million to the cause, allowing the conservancy to buy the ocean liner. But the relief was short-lived. The conservancy was once again sending an SOS in 2015 to avoid the scrapyard. The following year, the possibility of making the ocean liner functional again was ruled out.
All of its potential partners walked away, said Mills in court.
He argued the berthing agreement was worded how it was because nobody knew when the ship would leave Pier 82.
During testimony, Susan Gibbs, president of the conservancy and granddaughter of the vessels designer, was asked if she expected the ship to remain at Pier 82 a decade after signing the berthing agreement.
She said it was a difficult question to answer, in part, because she never expected so many donors from around the globe to make financial contributions over the years. She said its hard to say just how long the conservancy will be able to continue to pay for the ships rent and other expenses, but it was never the plan to keep the vessel at Pier 82 indefinitely.
Still, Gibbs insisted the conservancy has a viable redevelopment plan, released in January, but just needs more time to find a partner.
This image from video provided by Elizabeth Le shows passengers near the damage on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, Flight 1282, which was forced to return to Portland International Airport on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Read more
The murder of a pregnant Boston woman named Carol Stuart, shot in a car while riding home from a birthing class with her husband, still resonates loudly decades after it happened on the night of Oct. 23, 1989 mainly for what that husband, Charles Stuart, told a 911 operator as he claimed the fatal bullet was fired in a failed carjacking.
A Black guy did it.
In a moment of national moral panic over urban crime and a crack epidemic, the accusation that a Black assailant had attacked a white couple sent shock waves through Bostons predominantly African American and overpoliced neighborhoods such as Roxbury and Mission Hill, where as Slate reported recently upon the release of a Max documentary series as many as 150 men were stopped and frisked every day. One African American was arrested and another was named as a suspect before the real killer was identified. That was the victims husband, Charles Stuart, who jumped to his death in Massachusetts Mystic River after his story unraveled.
But the spirit of a Black guy did it lived on long after Chuck Stuart. From Susan Smith, the white South Carolina woman who drove her two kids into a lake, to the Florida case of Crosley Green, a Black grandfather who was briefly freed by a judge who agreed his three decades behind bars was a racial hoax, white suspects have sought to use stereotypes about Black criminality to fool the public.
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But the employment of this tired trope goes beyond crime and punishment, especially in an America soaking in an ugly backlash against a record of uneven progress on diversity in the six decades since the passage of the Civil Rights Act.
The latest shocking example of this occurred last week after one of the most troubling aviation incidents in the skies over America in the last 15 years: the midair explosion that blew out a door panel on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max jet at 14,000 feet, shortly after its takeoff from Portland, Ore. The pilots turned around and safely landed the aircraft despite harrowing minutes for the 171 passengers as misty cold air whipped through the cabin, ripping off one passengers shirt and sucking out anothers iPhone.
READ MORE: Capitalism saving the Earth? GOP wont allow it | Will Bunch Newsletter
The incident sparked robust conversation about air safety a major software glitch had caused fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia in 2018-2019 that took a bizarre turn when it reached the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, who burned $44 billion on taking over Twitter, renaming it X, and making it a platform for his increasingly conspiratorial views.
Musk gleefully joined in an X/Twitter discussion railing against stepped-up corporate initiatives for racial and gender diversity, equity, and inclusion, commonly known as DEI. The electric car guru responded favorably to a fact-free post suggesting that pilots hired by United Airlines out of historically Black colleges have lower IQs than Air Force-trained pilots that sounded like a eugenics rant from the 1920s, then added: It will take an airplane crashing and killing hundreds of people for them to change this crazy policy of DIE.
Its not clear whether Musk misspelled DEI on purpose, but the next day the $231 billion man was back on the warpath, piling onto an attack on diversity initiatives at Boeing in a post that was viewed 14 million times: Do you want to fly in an airplane where they prioritized DEI hiring over your safety? That is actually happening.
This is actually not happening.
Musk is surfing atop a much bigger zeitgeist, in which as the backlash to 2020s George Floyd protests gets louder and louder has declared DEI as the new right-wing boogeyman for 2024, replacing last years critical race theory. At Harvard, allegations of plagiarism became the MacGuffin for hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman a white billionaire dude-bro cut from the same cloth as Musk to oust president Claudine Gay, when his tweets revealed his real cause was blaming DEI for his alma mater hiring a Black woman he believed was unqualified. The Orwellian claim that DEI actually causes racism is now gaining volume on the Trump-flavored right wing.
Nowhere is this more absurd, though, than applying the DEI critique to Boeings airline safety issues, or to what happened aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The history of American aviation has been marred not by too much diversity but too little. Any push at United to employ qualified pilots who arent white men is long overdue at a company that didnt hire its first Black pilot until after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The airline ultimately forked over $1 million in back pay under pressure from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1976 and was sued again for discrimination in 2016 by 18 African American pilots who charged, among other things, that a secret cabal of white pilots called The Vault pushed back against diversity.
Ditto for Boeing, which refused to hire Black workers until 1942, and did so only after Franklin D. Roosevelts White House order barring discrimination by defense contractors and under pressure from civil rights lawyer, later the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall. The DEI allegations by Musk seem especially ridiculous since the company policy cited on X/Twitter, about diversity and executive bonuses, came after the two 737 Max crashes. Whats more, although Alaska Airlines has shielded the identities of the Flight 1282 crew, air traffic tapes show at least one of the heroic copilots was a woman. In reality, the recent diversity push in American aviation comes during a remarkable stretch of 15 years without a fatal commercial crash on U.S. soil.
But then, you dont need to be some kind of corporate Sherlock Holmes to sleuth out the real culprit at Boeing: the surrender of an engineering-driven, safety-oriented culture to one dominated by cost-cutting and a quarterly profit mentality aimed at boosting shareholder value above all else. Since the dawn of the 21st century, Boeing has been led by protegees and acolytes of the legendary and also notorious late GE boss Jack Welch, who pioneered the managerial philosophy of steering dollars toward investors and away from other stakeholders including customers like the hapless souls who clung to their dear lives aboard Flight 1282.
The 346 people killed aboard Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 were not so lucky. Despite Boeings initial attempt to blame the pilots, it soon became clear that an engineering flaw led to the twin crashes, and that shoddy practices and a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision to redesign its old 737s, instead of spending the $20 billion on designing a new class of jetliners from scratch, was largely to blame. And yet Boeing seems to have learned little from that fiasco.
After the Alaska Airlines door plug landed in an Oregon familys backyard earlier this month, the Lever reported that the subcontractor that made the faulty part and had been spun off from Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, is facing a federal lawsuit from former employees. They charge that cost-cutting, including major layoffs in 2020, triggered production problems, yet executives ignored their warnings of an excessive amount of defects.
Simply put, it wasnt a Black guy or a slew of Black guys, or women, or any other nonwhite hires behind the new wave of airline safety concerns. It was the shortsightedness of late-stage capitalism. And capitalisms obscene winners like Musk and Ackman have suddenly become economic Charles Stuarts, calling the modern 911 of social media to blame the financial crimes of their world on African American hiring.
Its not just that college campuses in the age of DEI initiatives (despite a muddled record in actually making student bodies more diverse) have coincided with rising interest among millennials and Gen Z in socialism and in policies that might raise Musk and Ackmans current low tax rates. Its even more about status, and these billionaires fear that workplaces and universities that reflect Americas rich diversity might prove their success and power is less about the actually rigged meritocracy the story they tell themselves in order to live and more about inherited and stolen privilege. They are terrified that their cover story will unravel as suddenly as it did for Charles Stuart on a dark Boston night.
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Despite the constant media coverage of violent crime, Philadelphia has actually achieved a significant reduction in gun violence this year. As of Dec. 30, homicides are down more than 20%, and nonfatal shootings are down 28% compared with the same period in 2022. And while gun violence is slightly down throughout the country, few cities have experienced Philadelphias level of reduction. Some cities even saw large increases in murders in 2023, like Washington, D.C., and Memphis.
For the past year, the organization where I work as executive director the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform has assessed the violence reduction efforts of the Philadelphia Police Department and the citys community violence intervention programs, in partnership with the Civic Coalition to Save Lives.
While we have been critical of certain shortcomings, such as a lack of coordination, collaboration, and communication, it is also clear that recent improvements have led to the decrease in shootings. These include increasing the number of case managers, making referrals to community violence intervention programs, and replicating a successful employment and cognitive behavioral therapy program in Chicago.
In mid-2022, the Philadelphia Police Department redesigned Operation Pinpoint a program started in 2019 to identify, collect, analyze, and disseminate information that officers and commanders need to target the most violent offenders and the most impacted areas. Operation Pinpoint also improved its use of intelligence-driven policing and focused more effectively on the small number of people in the city who drive most of the violence.
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A recent external academic evaluation found that the citys group violence intervention program has been successful at engaging very high-risk neighborhood crew members and supporting them in not participating in gun violence. The latest evaluation of group violence intervention in Philadelphia (along with an evaluation of the citys last attempt at group violence intervention) provides a clear proof of concept that such interventions can work in Philadelphia.
New investments in community-based organizations working to reduce gun violence have also paid off. Launched in 2021, the citys Community Expansion Grant program awarded 31 community groups between $100,000 and $1 million each in support of this work. An external evaluation found that these investments helped the community organizations build capacity and improve services. The evaluation concluded that as of December, programs funded by the Community Expansion Grant program served nearly 5,000 people, saying the city successfully implemented an innovative approach to funding a constellation of programs proximate to the communities and individuals most likely to be impacted by violence.
The Philadelphia Police Department also increased resources to solving shootings, expanding its shootings investigations group, which contributed to a higher clearance rate for shootings and homicides this year. Police also more routinely collect and quickly analyze DNA on bullet shell casings from crime guns.
Not only are shootings down, but carjackings also decreased in 2023. The Philadelphia Police Department said that this decrease is due, at least in part, to a newly formed task force between the police department, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other local and state agencies. And despite tensions with the district attorneys office, an agreement between the police department and the DAs office resulted in higher bail for the small number of defendants involved in gun violence.
Last year, 30 police commanders were reassigned. This new leadership in critical divisions has also helped to improve outcomes.
After more than a year of planning and some delays, Philadelphia launched P3, a replication of the renowned READI program in Chicago that provides cognitive behavioral therapy and employment opportunities to people at high risk of being involved in gun violence. And hospital violence intervention programs throughout the city which help victims and survivors heal have been meeting regularly to improve collaboration.
All of these new efforts have contributed to the reduction in shootings and homicides.
There are still too many shootings in Philadelphia. Increased focus, greater use of intelligence, and continued and increased coordination among various programs are needed. But we must also acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous progress that has been made in the past year.
David Muhammad is the executive director of the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. NICJR has worked with the Civic Coalition to Save Lives and the Philadelphia mayors office to conduct a detailed assessment of gun violence in the city.
The Philadelphia Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, has been defined by missteps and incompetence, writes the Editorial Board. Read more
Another month, another scandal at the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office.
In recent years, the department under the leadership of Sheriff Rochelle Bilal has lost guns in its custody (two were illegally sold by deputies), hired a top deputy who moonlights as a defense attorney in violation of city ethics rules, employed a former city police officer accused of sexual assault, and has repeatedly failed to collect weapons from gun owners who are subject to protection from abuse orders. To add insult to injury, the sheriff also tried to double her own salary last year.
These failures, among many others, are part of why this board has called for the office to be abolished and endorsed Bilals strongest primary opponent last May.
Unfortunately, after a successful reelection bid in November, Bilals tenure continues as do the missteps and incompetence. The latest is the sheriffs offices apparent inability to sell off tax-delinquent properties, one of its core functions.
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READ MORE: The Sheriffs Office is broken. Will Philadelphias next mayor help fix it? | Editorial
At the heart of the issue is Bilals decision, made without the support of the citys Law Department, to turn over sheriffs sales to an online real estate auction website called Bid4Assets. The move, which garnered immediate criticism from City Council members in 2021, was done without issuing a public request for proposals.
Bilals office defended the move, saying it was authorized to enter the pact because of a set of emergency powers city departments were granted during the pandemic.
But now, the office is failing to hold property sales altogether, a move that encourages tax delinquency, calcifies blight, and spurs the risky investing practice of land speculation.
For their part, Bilals team has blamed the citys Law Department, claiming that they cannot move forward with sales absent the required paperwork from city lawyers. The Law Department has asserted that Bilals decision to enter into a six-year contract with Bid4Assets without its oversight violates the City Charter which would nullify the contract. If that agreement is invalid, any auctions conducted by the website would be illegal and subject to reversal.
To resolve the dispute with the Law Department, Bilal should meet with acting City Solicitor Renee Garcia and agree on a path forward to restore sales and resolve the outstanding Bid4Assets contract issues.
But given the long-standing concerns around the office, that should just be the start. The citys political leadership must once again take up the cause of trimming the citys row offices starting with the sheriff.
Under Mayor Michael Nutter, the city abolished the Clerk of Quarter Sessions, an office charged with collecting fines, maintaining records, and staffing courtrooms. At the time, the city was losing out on about a billion dollars in uncollected forfeited bail money and had millions of dollars sitting in accounts with no records indicating where they came from or to whom they belonged.
The performance record of the sheriffs office is, if anything, worse.
READ MORE: As new troubles surround Sheriffs Office, Philly should abolish row offices | Editorial
Still, getting city leaders to take the situation seriously has been a challenge. During last years mayoral primary, this board asked each campaign if they would support abolishing the office. Many candidates, including Cherelle L. Parker, refused to comment. Only Allan Domb the real estate mogul and former City Council member, whose ability to self-fund largely insulated him from the need to engage in political niceties clearly and unequivocally supported the move.
When Nutter signed legislation abolishing the Clerk of Quarter Sessions, he called it a tangible piece of proof that government can be reformed. If Philadelphia fails to change course at the sheriffs office, it will be a disturbing sign that when it comes to this kind of needed overhaul, Philadelphia has given up.
Rep. Andy Kim received the endorsements of several Pennsylvania Democratic Congressional members this week. Kim is running to replace Sen. Bob Menendez in the Senate. (Erin Scott/AP, File) Read more
U.S. Rep. Andy Kims campaign for Senate just got a boost from his colleagues across the river in Pennsylvania.
Sen. John Fetterman, who has been the leading critic of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendezs decision to remain on the job while facing federal bribery charges, endorsed Kim in the Democratic primary race for Menendezs seat on Thursday.
The Pennsylvania Democrat is the first senator to endorse in the heated primary. Menendez, who has maintained his innocence, has not said whether hell seek reelection.
Congressman Andy Kim is a man of integrity and deep honor, Fetterman said in a statement Thursday. Weve seen that in his leadership in the Obama administration and in Congress. We saw it when he rolled up his sleeves to clean up our Capitol after the January 6th insurrection. And were seeing it, now, taking on powerful political bosses as he fights to restore integrity to the Senate.
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Also on Thursday, six Pennsylvania Democratic members of the U.S. House endorsed Kim Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, Chrissy Houlahan, Madeleine Dean, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Susan Wild.
Kims district encompasses Philadelphias eastern suburbs in southern and central New Jersey.
Im really grateful for the support from my colleagues in Pennsylvania and the Philly area, Kim said in an interview. Many strongly indicated they wanted to say something because I think they recognize the fight that Im in and the challenges that Im having in New Jersey right now that are unprecedented.
The Democratic primary is shaping up to be a test of whether New Jerseys county chairs will maintain their grip on traditionally determining who wins elections in the state.
The Pennsylvania backing comes three months after Kims opponent, New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy, received the endorsements of most of the New Jersey Democratic Congressional delegation. She also has the backing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who held a fundraiser for her in December. An internal poll from Kims campaign showed him with a double-digit lead on Murphy in December.
Kim announced his run the day after Menendez was indicted on corruption charges in September. He said then that Menendezs refusal to step down pushed him to run.
Fetterman, who has called repeatedly on Senate colleagues to oust Menendez, used his endorsement as another opportunity to criticize the sitting senator, who is accused of acting as a foreign agent and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.
I am incredibly proud to endorse Andy Kim for Senate. And I feel very secure knowing that he has no gold bars underneath his mattress and wont ever be accused of being a foreign agent for Egypt or Qatar, Fetterman said.
Murphy, who has never run for office, has lined up substantial support among powerful Democrats in the state. She has been a prolific fundraiser for Democratic candidates, though she was previously registered Republican and voted in Republican primaries as recently as 2014.
Fetterman said in an interview with The New York Times that Murphys past association with the Republican Party gave him pause.
One of the most important things is that we have a reliable Democratic vote, Fetterman said. We have to run this table in 24 in order to maintain the majority. But we need to count on every Democratic vote. Andy Kim is the kind of guy we can count on.
And he added a jab, saying while he was sure Murphy was a lovely woman, ... the last time I had to deal with a Republican from New Jersey, that was my own race.
Fetterman beat celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz, who is from New Jersey, in the 2022 Senate race in Pennsylvania.
Murphys campaign did not respond directly to the endorsements, but campaign spokesperson Alex Altman said Murphy is the only candidate in this race with the strength, resolve, and experience to stand up for key Democratic values in D.C. Altman said Murphy looks forward to continuing her travels up and down the state meeting New Jerseyans.
Thursdays endorsements for Kim are a strong showing of his Democratic support among Pennsylvania colleagues in D.C. who might help him with messaging or fundraising, though none can vote for him.
Still, Kim said he saw the backing from Pennsylvania colleagues as a recognition of problems with how New Jersey Democrats have long run elections. Hes centered his campaign on challenging the Democratic power center and painting Murphy as part of the states establishment.
Never before have we had the spouse of a sitting governor run for a high office having not run for office before, and I think my colleagues have seen some of the dynamics there, which, Ill be honest, are frustrating in terms of just not feeling like Im not given a fair shot and not feeling like Im being treated with the kind of fairness that our democracy should demand.
Kim also cited a New York Times report last week in which a college student who was in contact with Murphys campaign tried to pressure New Jersey college Democrats to back Murphy instead of Kim.
Altman, Murphys campaign spokeswoman, told the Times that the womans comments were totally and completely inappropriate, and they in no way represent this campaign or what we stand for.
Kim said the incident, shows the brokenness of New Jersey politics. Its not just about the indictment of Menendez but recognition theres a deeper systemic problem. Im grateful my colleagues across the river see that and wanted to have my back.
If your community has a neighborhood board, do you know whos on it?
In Philly, registered community organizations (RCOs) are groups that are meant to give residents a voice when it comes to development in their neighborhoods.
The city officially recognizes these groups, but it doesnt say who can lead them.
In one neighborhood on the border of Center City and South Philly, the makeup of an RCO board is raising some residents eyebrows. Thats because a developer who played a major role in transforming the area in and around the neighborhood is one of its newest members, along with some of his employees.
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Keep scrolling for that story and to see what size apartment you can get for $1,700 a month in different Philly neighborhoods, peek into a house that combines the tastes of an Italian immigrant and a Philly area native, and find out why home prices were a little surprising last month.
How does your household decide how to decorate? Does one person have more say than another? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me.
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The Graduate Hospital neighborhood has seen radical change over the last few decades. Lots of new construction came to this part of Philly for the first time in generations. Many older Black residents left, and the neighborhood shifted from majority Black to majority white.
Its made residents wary.
Now one-third of the 15-member board that leads a Graduate Hospital RCO works for or owns OCF Realty, a real estate company on the edge of the South of South Neighborhood Associations (SOSNA) realm.
Its unusual to have such a large real estate presence on an RCO board, but its not against any city rules or SOSNAs bylaws.
But some neighborhood residents told me theyre worried that having more board members with real estate backgrounds could lead to decisions that benefit development interests over residents interests.
Board members affiliated with OCF Realty say theyre just being civically engaged in their community and would steer clear of conflicts of interest.
Keep reading for more details about whats going on.
Paying $1,700 a month in rent could get you a spacious home or a shoe box, depending on where you live.
In Philly, that budget could buy a 1,500-square-foot apartment if youre looking in the Northeast. Or it could buy less than 500 square feet in a section of West Philly.
Thats according to a report from the national apartment search website RentCafe. It looked at more than 1,600 zip codes in the countrys 50 largest cities.
Compared to some other big cities, Philly looks pretty spacious. In the northeastern United States, a rent of $1,700 could get you more than 1,000 square feet in only six zip codes. And theyre all in Philly.
And then theres New York. A zip code in Manhattan has the smallest average apartment size for this price in the country just 211 square feet.
Keep reading for more comparisons with other cities and an interactive map of Phillys zip codes.
The latest news to pay attention to
A Philly area native and an Italian immigrant walk into a Chestnut Hill home ... and they somehow combine their different decorating tastes in a way that works.
Homeowners Joseph Kotarski and Federico Mingozzi had been living only a few blocks away when the five bedroom, 3-bedroom home went on the market. Mingozzi called it humble and charming.
The couples home was built in the 1970s by the owner of a commercial construction company, so it was sturdy. But that made it harder to make alterations. And alterations were necessary.
The house was dark and needed to be opened up. An architect got rid of a bunch of interior walls. Ceilings got taller, and large French doors let in more light.
Peek inside the home and see how Kotarski and Mingozzi were able to celebrate both of their backgrounds.
Trivia time
Twenty-one of Pennsylvanias 67 counties are expected to grow their populations through 2025, according to a research arm of the General Assembly. Counties in the Poconos are predicted to have some of the biggest population drops.
Question: All our local counties except one are expected to gain residents by 2050. Which is expected to lose people?
A) Chester County
B) Philadelphia
C) Delaware County
D) Bucks County
This story has the answer.
The market
Lets take a look at the local real estate market in the final month of 2023.
Overall, it wasnt easy last year for buyers to afford a home. The Philly area market stayed competitive throughout the year. And even December a usually sleepy month didnt let up on unaffordability.
Sure, fewer home buyers were out searching. But in the Philly metro area, thanks to a low supply of homes for sale, the median sale price grew at the fastest annual rate since May 2022. And as we know, spring is one of the busiest times of the year for the housing market.
According to the multiple listing service Bright MLS, in December:
The regions median sale price $350,000 was up more than 9% compared to December 2022.
The number of new pending sales 3,754 was down 4% compared to the previous December.
New pending sales dropped by roughly 21% between November and December.
Monthly pending sales dropped to their lowest levels since April 2020 and we all know what was happening then.
Our region had fewer home sales because there werent enough homes on the market.
Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, said she was a little surprised that prices throughout the Mid-Atlantic rose so fast last month. But as long as home supply stays low and buyer demand continues, prices will keep rising.
Photo quiz
This is the top of which Old City building?
If you think you know, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter.
Lots of readers knew that last weeks photo showed Welcome Park in Old City, which had been in the news over the fate of its William Penn statue.
Shout out to Steve W., Janet P., and Lars, who were the first few readers to email me with the correct answer.
I told you last month how the Philly region is a top-10 housing market to watch in 2024.
Well, heres some news for the renters: Philly also is a must-watch city for apartment rentals, according to a report by the national apartment search website RentCafe.
Philly was one of the top 30 most in-demand cities for renters in 2023.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
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As we continue to strengthen our leadership team in the Asia-Pacific region, the addition of Robert Barnum to Canopius is a significant milestone, said Craig Elliot, head of casualty for Asia Pacific at Canopius. With his experience in Financial Lines and proven success in the industry, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and help us continue to offer leading-edge products to our customers.
Which is, you get to the end of a quarter, you submit a bordereau, it goes off to the insurer and perhaps three months later, you get some feedback on that bordereau, said Baird.
You may not know what you want to do with it today, but tomorrow, when you may need it on a property renewal, for example, when you need to plug a layer or write an excess layer as part of the property program, youve got it right there, Charnley said.
I imagine we certainly are looking at another year, two years, five years, eight years, something of that effect, to take care of everything that was impacted by the derecho," Nickel reportedly said.
This SCEL team is an outstanding group of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds and experience, driven to significantly grow the business while delivering exceptional client service and strategic advice, Pennington said. I am thrilled to work with this team to help our clients navigate the ever-changing risk environment.
New York City housing is often jammed into tight spaces. Old houses are carved into several apartments. Not all of them are legal.
Alexi Home Designs property in the Bronx had two official residences on the main floor and an unofficial basement apartment below. When the company purchased a property insurance policy, only two apartments were listed on the application.
After a fire damaged the property, Union Mutual Fire Insurance Co. asserted that the unlisted third apartment gave it grounds to rescind the policy and not pay Alexis claim. A New York appellate court rejected that argument on Thursday, when it affirmed a decision by the Bronx Supreme Court that the insurance application was ambiguous and must be interpreted in favor of the policyholder.
The term apartment units was not defined in the relevant policies or elsewhere; and it is thus unclear whether the premium would have been higher if plaintiff had disclosed the presence of a walk-in basement apartment that was not listed on the certificate of occupancy, the decision by a panel of the First Department of the New York Appellate Division says.
Alexi Homes attorney, Craig A. Blumberg, said Union Mutuals ploy is a common strategy for insurers of New York properties. He said hes been practicing in the city for more than 30 years and has seen a fair share of similar cases even at the appellate division level decided in favor of insurers.
Its just a real easy way for insurance companies to get way with not paying claims here, he said.
Alexi Home filed a lawsuit alleging breach of contract after Union Mutual denied its claim. The insurer filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that no coverage is owed because of the misrepresentations on Alexis Designs insurance application.
Blumberg said he didnt know who provided the information on the application, but they are almost always filled out by insurance agents. He said policyholders typically only report the legal dwelling units within their properties. And he said sometimes its difficult to discern what is an apartment and what is not. Tenants often sublet bedrooms within their apartments. Are those rooms separate apartment units?
Property owners often dont find out that they have what the insurer considers to a separate unit until after they file a claim.
The insurance companies will just read it the way they want to, Blumberg said. They see something that can be an extra apartment and then automatically, Well, thats another apartment, and they dont pay.
The appellate divisions opinion says case law has established that a misrepresentation on an insurance policy is material to a claim if the insurer can show that it would refused to issue a policy or charged a higher premium if the facts were known.
Union Mutual, however, had failed to show either was true. Even if it had proved that it would have charged more or refused to issue a policy to Alexis, the lack of any definition for the term apartment units in the insurance application rendered the term ambiguous, the opinion says.
The appellate panel noted that Union Mutual had sent a representative to inspect Alexi Homes property in 2016 and 2018 and renewed the policy after the inspections.
The panel affirmed the Bronx County Supreme Courts decision to dismiss Union Mutuals counterclaim and deny the insurers motion for summary judgment against Alexi Home.
Top photo: Aerial view of The Bronx in New York City.
Topics Carriers New York
Chris Nunnally joined Alliant Insurance Services as senior vice president within its employee benefits group. Nunnally is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Before working with Alliant, Nunnally was area vice president within the Boston office of insurance broker Gallagher and prior to that was director of broker sales, Northeast, at Teladoc.
Alliant is headquartered in Irvine, California.
Hilb Names Harm to Carrier Relations and Insurance Strategy
The Hilb Group, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia., appointed Amanda Harm as vice president, carrier relations and insurance strategy.
Harm joined Hilb Group in March 2023 as the tri-state director of market placement. She has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. She previously served as a commercial placement specialist and regional marketing coordinator at Edgewood Partners Insurance Center.
Marshall Promoted to Run Arthur Halls Program for Delaware United Way
Arthur Hall Insurance, headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, promoted Vicki Marshall to account executive and plan administrator for the United Way of Delaware Insurance Program.
Marshall began her insurance career in 2006 as an agency receptionist. She joined Arthur Hall Insurance in 2019 as an account manager. She is based in Wilmington, Delaware.
Topics Carriers Alliant Delaware
Testimonies from 40 women across banking, insurance, and asset management in Britain describe diversity and inclusion initiatives as often tokenistic, and lacking the teeth to make a change in an industry where misogynistic attitudes linger.
The summary of a private roundtable held in November 2023 with lawmakers was released on Wednesday ahead of the final session of a Parliamentary inquiry into the extent of sexism in the City of London. Leaders from the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of Englands Prudential Regulation Authority spoke on the issues and the regulators proposals to boost diversity and inclusion within firms.
When it comes to ways of addressing imbalances, such as collecting data on the representation of women, it is not completely straightforward to make progress in these areas, said Vicky Saporta, executive director of prudential policy at the PRA. Even if your intentions are extremely good and completely dedicated.
Harassment of Women in Financial Services Eclipses Other Industries: Aviva CEO Blanc
Attendees of the roundtable said that wider social changes have barely affected the finance world since the #MeToo movement that brought sexism to the fore half a decade ago. Although issues such as sexist office banter have abated, the testimonies said that misogynistic mindsets remained widespread, with behaviors having instead become more underhand and pernicious. Most of the attendees had experienced sexual harassment or knew of colleagues who had.
The most recent inquiry started in 2023 in the wake of scandals surrounding hedge fund manager Crispin Odey and the Confederation of British Industry. It follows an inquiry in 2018 that drew attention to the underrepresentation of women at senior levels of finance.
The testimonies also described company HR systems that were inadequate for dealing with complaints, with attendees saying HRs role was clearly to protect the firm rather than support the victim. Little or no action was being taken for most allegations of sexual misconduct, they said and often the woman reporting the incident faced repercussions, including being forced out the industry altogether. Many felt that a woman needed to be prepared to lose her career in order for her to report a case of sexual harassment, the summary said.
We see this evidence come to us also as the leaders of the FCA and its deeply troubling, said Nikhil Rathi, chief executive for the FCA, at the Parliamentary inquiry. And weve spent a lot of time thinking through and talking about what further steps we can take.
Photograph: The City of London financial district. Photo credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
Related:
Topics London
Russia has allocated an additional 107.7 billion roubles ($1.23 billion) from its rainy day fund to a state company that has been purchasing aircraft from foreign lessors, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.
The ministry said it had purchased bonds of NLK-Finance, a subsidiary of state-owned insurance company NSK, bringing the total amount spent on NLK-Finance bonds to 296.8 billion roubles ($3.38 billion).
After the West imposed sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow re-registered aircraft leased from Western companies and then started negotiations to buy them out. Most of the planes were manufactured by Boeing and Airbus.
Russia has already settled insurance claims with Western lessors including AerCap, for over 100 planes, using money from the rainy day fund and transferring ownership of the planes to NSK.
($1 = 87.8330 roubles)
(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov and Darya Korsunskaya; editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Related:
Topics Russia
Mauritius lifted its highest weather alert and eased a nationwide curfew Tuesday after a deadly cyclone battered the Indian Ocean island, causing heavy flooding and extensive damage in the capital and other parts of the country.
The nearby French island of Reunion was assessing the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Belal. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said two more bodies had been found, bringing the death toll there to three. One person died in Mauritius.
Belal ripped through the region off the east coast of Africa on Monday and early Tuesday but was now heading further into the Indian Ocean, the Mauritius Meteorological Services said.
The Mauritius government said that the head of the meteorological services had stepped down after his institution was accused of not giving adequate warning about the storms impact.
Roads in the Mauritius capital, Port Louis, and elsewhere turned into raging rivers on Monday as Belal brought torrential rains and high winds. Some people climbed onto the roof of their cars and clung on, according to videos published by Mauritius LExpress newspaper.
The person killed in Mauritius was a motorcyclist who died in an accident caused by the flooding, authorities said. The three who died in Reunion all appeared to be homeless people who had not taken cover in shelters.
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and other members of his Cabinet visited areas that had been hardest hit, especially in the south. The government said that Belal had left a trail of damage over the country.
Mauritius has a population of about 1.2 million people and is a popular tourist destination.
Police were still mobilized across Mauritius, the governments National Emergency Operations Command said, but people could leave their homes. Schools and many businesses were to remain closed until at least Wednesday.
Mauritius had enforced a curfew until noon Tuesday, with everyone ordered to remain at home except emergency workers, some hospital workers and security forces.
On Reunion, residents emerged from their homes Tuesday to clean up. Men in shorts trudged through ankle-high waters down a street in the town of Saint-Paul as winds buffeted the palm trees. Emergency workers scooped up branches and other debris blocking roads.
In the nearby town of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, trees had crashed onto quays and into the picturesque marina, and several boats were damaged. The winds hit hardest on the higher, inland areas, but roads to reach them remained impassable.
Some 40% of Reunions 860,000 people had no electricity and nearly half the island was without internet or cell phone service, the head of the local administration, Jerome Filippini, told a news conference. Schools will remain closed all week.
The French government sent some 150 rescuers and electrical workers from the mainland and the nearby French island of Mayotte to help, and Darmanin was expected on Reunion on Wednesday.
Cyclones are common between January and March in the Indian Ocean near southern Africa as seas in the southern hemisphere reach their warmest temperatures. The hotter water is fuel for cyclones.
Scientists say human-caused climate change has intensified extreme weather, making cyclones more frequent and rainier when they hit.
In 2019, Cyclone Idai ripped into Africa from the Indian Ocean, leaving more than 1,000 people dead in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe and causing a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations said it was one of the deadliest storms on record in the southern hemisphere.
___
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa. Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this story.
Photograph: Debris is strewn across the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, on Tuesday Jan. 16, 2024, after a cyclone battered the Indian Ocean island, causing heavy flooding and extensive. (Lexpress.mu via AP)
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
An Iowa man was sentence last week to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to crimes of insurance fraud.
Timothy Daryle Sletten, age 32, of Marshalltown, was sentenced on January 11, 2024. The charges against Sletten stem from an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Divisions Fraud Bureau that began in January 2021.
Sletten engaged in two separate schemes to defraud the insurer of his numerous residential rental properties. In 2018, following the EF-3 tornado that hit Marshalltown, he presented false work invoices for claim benefits. After a derecho hit Iowa in the summer of 2020, Sletten again presented false work invoices from contractors alleging he had paid the contractors for repairs for disaster-related damage to his rental homes when in fact he had not done so.
As a result of these fraudulent schemes, Slettens insurer, State Farm, paid Sletten loss claim benefits totaling over $180,000. Following his 2020 claim, State Farm opened an internal investigation that caused the company to deny payment of disaster-related claims made by Sletten.
Sletten was ordered to pay $125,003.68 in restitution and a fine of $50,000. Following his prison sentence, Sletten will be required to serve a three-year term of federal supervised release.
Source: Iowa Insurance Division
Topics Fraud Iowa
Alliant Insurance Services named Greg Zimmer chief executive officer, taking over for Tom Corbett, who has served as CEO for more than 30 years.
The new leadership roles will take effect April 1, 2024. Zimmer joined Alliant in 1998 as chief financial officer and was named president in 2007.
Corbett, who joined Alliant in 1977, will remain executive chairman.
Additional leadership promotions include:
Ralph Hurst was appointed president. He previously oversaw the companys retail brokerage operations.
was appointed president. He previously oversaw the companys retail brokerage operations. Peter Arkley will assume Hursts position of president, national brokerage, overseeing retail property & casualty and employee benefits.
will assume Hursts position of president, national brokerage, overseeing retail property & casualty and employee benefits. Sean McConlogue will lead Alliant underwriting and consumer solutions as president.
WTW Names Five-Member Client Growth Team
WTW formed a new Strategic Client Engagement Leaders (SCEL) team. SCEL combines a hybrid of sales, strategic consulting, and executive stewardship.
SCEL team members include:
Ken Gould joined WTW from Lockton in October 2023, bringing 35 years of industry experience.
joined WTW from Lockton in October 2023, bringing 35 years of industry experience. Nikki Hall Jones joined the team from the WTW health, wealth and career investment team, where she was part of the insurance investment advisory group.
joined the team from the WTW health, wealth and career investment team, where she was part of the insurance investment advisory group. Michael Reese joined the team from the WTW health, wealth and career investment team, having worked at WTW for over 15 years in various roles.
joined the team from the WTW health, wealth and career investment team, having worked at WTW for over 15 years in various roles. Lori Seidenberg joined WTW in January 2024 from BlackRock, where she most recently served as the global director of insurance in their private market funds vertical.
joined WTW in January 2024 from BlackRock, where she most recently served as the global director of insurance in their private market funds vertical. Angela Taylor joined WTW in May 2023 from her role as global risk manager for equitable life insurance.
Flynn Hired at Xceedance to Lead Personal Lines, Americas
Xceedance, headquartered in Boston, appointed Peter Flynn as senior vice president, personal lines, Americas.
Flynn brings 25 years of insurance experience, having spent the first 15 years of his career various roles with Chubb and, more recently, as senior vice president of broker development at PURE. Flynn served as a member of the senior team at Frenkel & Company, now a part of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants.
Topics Alliant Willis Towers Watson
Underwriters who thought the growing cyber risk landscape of the past several years would level off soon might want to think again. Woodruff Sawyers annual survey of cyber insurance carriers found all underwriters surveyed believe cyber risk will increase in 2024.
The survey, included as part of Woodruff Sawyers 2024 Looking Ahead Guide, sought underwriter perspectives on the current risk environment, risk appetite and future pricing expectations from a range of insurance carriers including domestic carriers, Lloyds syndicates and startup managing general agencies.
In fact, more than half56%of underwriters surveyed said they believe cyber risk will increase greatly in 2024. While the survey found 2024 is bringing a shift in concern for underwriters, with privacy violations and data breaches drawing more concern than last year, ransomware remains the most significant threat as 63% ranked it their No. 1 threat for 2024.
Carriers started sounding the alarm as early as the second quarter of 2023, and by the end of the year, the trend was clearransom claims had risen to 2021 levels, the highest year of ransom claims on record, the report said, adding that an increase in attacks relying on data exfiltration was also seen in 2023. Attackers are exploiting a reality that many companies have discovered: Data is often most valuable to the company from which it is stolen.
Other concerns noted in the survey include business email compromise and generative artificial intelligence. Indeed, Woodruff Sawyer predicted more companies will incorporate AI technologies into their internal processes or external products in 2024. While AI can introduce efficiencies for carriers, the report warned that carriers should proceed with caution as it can also introduce opportunities for error.
Similarly, AI-powered cybersecurity tools will be used to protect organizations. Hackers will leverage AI to further their own causes, the report said. The battle will continue as it does todaywith each side having an upper hand at different times.
Woodruff Sawyer stated in its report that it doesnt see AI substantially changing cyber risk, but it does believe the technology could exacerbate the severity of cyber issues when they arise.
This will increase the importance of making an informed choice using data science and analytics when purchasing cyber insurance, the report said.
That said, the cyber insurance landscape is changing along with cyber risk, as many carriers are exercising greater scrutiny and premiums have continued to rise. The survey indicated 44% of carriers believe underwriting scrutiny will increase slightly during the next 12 months.
This may be bad news for insurance buyers already frustrated at the amount of information required to complete a cyber insurance application, the report said. However, it does prove the trend of higher scrutiny has staying power. With a risk as complex as cyber, higher underwriting scrutiny will become the norm.
Although the hard market of 2021 and 2022 brought stricter underwriting standards with it, the report found a silver lining as more insureds are investing in the maturity of their cybersecurity standards. This is paying off on the insurance side, according to the report.
Stronger cybersecurity controls strongly correlate to more carriers willing to offer insurancecreating the needed competition to drive premium savings, the report said.
On the back of this trend, stability and moderation are likely on the horizon for cyber insurance coverage, according to the survey, with 75% of underwriters anticipating coverage to remain unchanged compared to 24% the previous year.
A growing percentage of underwriters believe cyber insurance premiums will continue to increase slightly, however, up 22 percentage points from last year. Only 19% said they expect premiums to remain unchanged, while none anticipated a decrease, the survey said.
This suggests a notable industry shift toward higher premiums amid growing cybersecurity concerns, the report said.
Along with these concerns, risk mitigation is top of mind for carriers, according to the report. Half of those surveyed said they believe companies should be more aware of their cyber risk. The survey showed a decrease in emphasis among carriers on strengthening security, down to 38% from 59% last year, while improvement of processes and procedures remained a crucial measure for 50 percent of carriers as the market continues to change.
The cyber insurance market continues to evolvethe industry constantly faces new and serious risks, the report said. External factors continue to affect the market, including wars, federal and state regulations, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Topics Trends Cyber Underwriting
The US Supreme Court questioned a longstanding legal doctrine that gives federal agencies wide berth to interpret unclear laws as the justices heard two appeals that would constrain environmental, consumer-protection and financial regulators.
The court is considering overturning a watershed 1984 ruling that often requires judges to defer to agencies when they offer a reasonable interpretation of a statute. Democratic administrations have relied heavily on the ruling, using it to justify mandates on energy, the environment and the workplace.
Although it wasnt clear after 3 1/2 hours of argument whether the court had the votes to overturn the ruling, the conservative majority generally signaled skepticism toward it.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the so-called Chevron doctrine, named after the oil company involved in the case, had fostered legal instability.
Chevron itself ushers in shocks to the system every four or eight years when a new administration comes in, whether its communications law or securities law or competition law or environmental law, he said. Its just a massive change that is at war with reliance.
Another conservative, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, repeatedly voiced concern about a legal upheaval, alluding to the more than 15,000 court cases that have cited Chevron.
Maybe nothing happens immediately to those cases, but isnt the door then open for litigants to come back? she asked. Isnt it inviting a flood of litigation, even if for the moment those holdings stay intact?
The court could choose to limit the reach of the Chevron doctrine, rather than overturn it altogether.
Artificial Intelligence
The case could be especially important for efforts to regulate new industries and issues, including cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. Justice Elena Kagan said overturning Chevron risked forcing the courts to decide AI-related matters that would be better left to an expert agency.
Even if Congress passed a law regulating AI, Congress knows that there are going to be gaps, because Congress can hardly see a week in the future with respect to this subject, let alone a year, or a decade in the future, Kagan said. Does the Congress want this court to decide those questions policy-laden questions of artificial intelligence?
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw Chevron as doing the very important work of helping courts stay away from policy making.
The cases involve a National Marine Fisheries Service requirement that some herring boats cover the cost of government-approved observers aboard their vessels. Fishing companies based in New England and New Jersey are challenging the estimated U.S. $710 daily fee, though it isnt in effect currently.
The challengers say that while federal law lets the Fisheries Service require monitors, Congress didnt authorize the agency to demand boat owners pay the cost.
Fishing Law
In each case, a federal appeals court invoked Chevron and said the payment requirement was based on a reasonable interpretation of the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Act, a law that governs the management of marine fisheries in federal waters.
The Biden administration is defending the requirement and urging the court to leave the Chevron doctrine intact. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said scrapping Chevron could breed more uncertainty, as courts nationwide weigh regulations interpreting ambiguous federal laws.
There are 800 district court judges around the nation, and I think its fair to say they will likely have different takes about what to do, she said.
Roman Martinez, the lawyer for the fishing companies in one of the cases, said the vacillating views of federal agencies pose their own risk.
Chevron is really a reliance-destroying doctrine, he said. If youre a person or regulated entity and youre trying to figure out what the law is, you should be able to rely on the best interpretation of the law and not have to check for updates every few years.
Paul Clement, who represents the other group of challengers, told the justices that there is no justification for giving the tie to the government.
The appeals also offer the court a narrower path for backing the fishing companies without directly overturning Chevron. The fishing companies say the court alternatively could rule that, because the 1976 law doesnt say anything about requiring the industry to pay for the cost of inspectors, Chevron doesnt even apply.
The challengers drew support from several of the courts conservatives, including Justice Neil Gorsuch, who said Chevron may be a disadvantage for individuals clashing with the federal government, including immigrants, veterans seeking benefits and applicants for Social Security disability.
These are people who have no power to influence agencies, who will never capture them, and whose interests are not the sort of things on which people vote, Gorsuch said.
The court is scheduled to rule by late June. The cases are Relentless v. Department of Commerce, 22-1219, and Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, 22-451.
Photo: The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg
Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
Topics USA
State Farm Insurance and its subsidiaries owe the state of Florida more than $2.6 million in back taxes and interest after a state appeals court ruled against the insurer on an interpretation of state and federal tax laws.
We disagree with State Farm and affirm a Leon County Circuit Court ruling that sided with the Florida Department of Revenue, the states 1st District Court of Appeals said Wednesday.
The issue arose after the Department of Revenue conducted an audit and found that State Farm had incorrectly calculated its income in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and owed extra corporate income tax plus $668,000 in interest.
The DOR had argued that the insurance giant had failed to include the full amount of tax-exempt interest earned on state and local bonds. State Farm officials countered the tax exemptions lowered its losses, which affected its federal income tax and the amount of state tax owed in those three years.
The court did not indicate if other insurance companies have followed similar practices, or if State Farms federal tax bill would be affected. Corporate tax attorneys could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
The appeals court warned that the case made for some compelling reading.
This opinion contains discussion of some dense tax-code material. Equal doses of patience and attention will be required, Judge Adam Tanenbaum wrote for the 1DCA panel of judges.
The dispute hinged on the wording of the Florida corporate tax statute. Net income, as defined by the law, is based on a corporations adjusted federal income, the appeals court explained. And an insurance companys adjusted federal income is its gross income (investment plus underwriting income) minus the allowed deductions.
One of those deductions is interest earned from state and local bond purchases. The Florida revenue department said that state law requires that all tax-exempt bond interest to be added back to its reported underwriting income. State Farm, now one of the largest property insurers in Florida, took a different approach, the court noted. The company said that when it calculated losses incurred, which impacts its underwriting income, it had to reduce the amount of its losses by 15% of its tax-exempt interest.
Paraphrasing State Farms position, the appeals court said: Because it had to subtract from its losses (thereby increasing its income) an amount equivalent to fifteen percent of the state-and-local, tax-exempt interestamong other amountsit effectively paid federal tax on that amount, the court explained. So even though that interest otherwise was fully deductible from its gross income, in application the interest was not fully excluded from its gross income.
But the exclusions should apply to taxable income, not gross income, the court noted. State Farms approach was inconsistent with the specific wording of the Florida tax law, Tanenbaum wrote.
To be sure, the analysis would be different had the Legislature specified that the excluded amount to be added back to taxable income under section 220.13(1)(a)2 (Florida code) is reduced by an amount equal to the portion of the interest included in the formula that serves either to reduce the losses-incurred deduction or to reduce federal taxable income for the taxable year.'
Judges Joseph Lewis Jr. and Kemmerly Thomas concurred in the opinion.
State Farm officials could not be reached late Wednesday to comment on whether the higher tax bills could affect the insurers purchase of state and local government bonds, or if State Farm will ask the Florida Supreme Court to review the case.
Topics Florida
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued to block the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons, two of the nations largest grocery chains.
In the suit filed in King County Superior Court, Ferguson argued that the $25-billion deal would harm consumers and raise prices, The Seattle Times reported. Kroger and Albertsons have more than 300 locations in the state and account for more than half of its grocery sales, according to the suit.
This merger is bad for Washington shoppers and workers, Ferguson said in a news release Monday. Shoppers will have fewer choices and less competition, and, without a competitive marketplace, they will pay higher prices at the grocery store.
Kroger, which owns QFC and Fred Meyer and is based in Cincinnati, is seeking to acquire Albertsons, which owns Safeway and Haggen and is based in Boise, Idaho.
In a statement, Kroger said it was pushing back its timeline for closing the deal due to ongoing dialogue with regulators, including state attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission. It now anticipates the closure may occur in the first half of its fiscal year, which ends in mid-August.
While this is longer than we originally thought, we knew it was a possibility and accounted for such potential timing, the statement said.
The company claimed the merger will bring lower prices for consumers.
Fergusons lawsuit was endorsed by United Food & Commercial Workers, Local 3000, which represents Kroger and Albertsons employees in Washington, northeast Oregon and northern Idaho, The Seattle Times reported.
Workers, shoppers and our communities need to prevent this proposed mega-merger from taking place, Yasmin Ashur, a union member who works in an Albertsons grocery store, said in a union statement Monday.
Last year, seeking to clear a path for a merger, Kroger and Albertsons announced plans to sell more than 400 stores and other assets to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a wholesale grocery supplier, amid concerns about market dominance.
Kroger and Albertsons agreed to merge in 2022. The grocery chains say they must merge to compete with Walmart, Amazon and other major companies that have stepped into the grocery business.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Lawsuits Mergers & Acquisitions Washington
A California court has dismissed a lawsuit from a group of fishermen against a conservation group that added New England lobster to its list of seafood to avoid.
The lawsuit stemmed from a decision by Seafood Watch, which rates the sustainability of different seafoods, to add American and Canadian lobster fisheries to its red list of species to avoid in 2022. The organization, based at Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, said lobster fishing poses risk to the North Atlantic right whale because of entanglement in fishing gear.
The fishermen, based in Massachusetts, sued last year, saying that the aquarium knew its action would result in financial harm to plaintiffs and lobstermen like them. But court papers filed last week in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California state that all parties involved have agreed to dismiss the lawsuit.
The dismissal is both a victory for the critically endangered right whale and for the free speech of those committed to protecting vulnerable species and preserving the ocean for future generations, said Rebecca Kaufman, an attorney for the aquarium.
The fishermen had initially hoped to win a class action lawsuit and sought damages over $75,000. Attorneys for the fishermen did not return calls seeking comment on Tuesday.
The aquariums red-listing also attracted another lawsuit from a coalition of Maine lobster industry groups last year. That lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, is awaiting review by a judge, said Kevin Kelley, a spokesperson for the Maine Lobstermens Association.
The red-listing resulted in some national retailers removing lobster products from their inventories. Thousands of businesses rely on Seafood Watch to make decisions about sustainability of seafood.
The U.S. lobster industry is based largely in Maine and Massachusetts and has experienced record profitability in recent years. The industry is also challenged by new rules designed to safeguard the vanishing right whales, which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The whales number less than 360 and they are vulnerable to entanglement in gear and collisions with large ships. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said last week that a right whale calf spotted off Florida suffered serious injuries consistent with a ship strike and will likely die.
Every mom and calf is critical to the recovery of this endangered species, the agency said in a statement.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Lawsuits California Maine
An unspecified problem with the balloon portion of a hot air balloon may have led to Sundays crash in the Arizona desert that left four people dead and another critically injured, federal authorities said.
The National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement that investigators had not found any mechanical anomalies. They separated the balloon from the basket, which carries passengers, and everything appears to be intact.
An electronic device that could have relevant flight information and a video camera have been sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for further analysis, the agency said. The balloons maintenance records and information on the pilots flight experience have been collected.
Eloy police said the Federal Aviation Administration also was assisting in the investigation.
Authorities said 13 people were aboard the Kubicek BB 85 Z hot air balloon when it took off. Eight were skydivers who exited the gondola before the crash around 7:45 a.m. Sunday in Eloy, about 65 miles southeast of Phoenix.
Eloy Mayor Micah Powell said witnesses told investigators that the balloon itself appeared deflated, with its material just straight up and down seconds before a hard impact in an empty field that serves as a drop zone for skydivers.
The dead included pilot Cornelius van der Walt, 37, of Eloy; and three passengers: 28-year-old Kaitlynn Katie Bartrom of Andrews, Indiana; 28-year-old Chayton Wiescholek of Union City, Michigan; and 24-year-old Atahan Kiliccote of Cupertino, California.
Authorities said a 23-year-old woman frpm the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday.
Van der Walt was the founder of Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides that operates in Arizona and Utah, according to the companys website.
Droplyne conducts daily flights up to 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in elevation from the Eloy area November to April and from Moab, Utah, during the spring and summer.
The website also said Droplyne was founded in 2017 and had a perfect safety record.
A call to the company Tuesday seeking comment wasnt immediately returned.
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Arizona
January 18, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Pro-declining scenarios, price action and... their consequences for market participants. What's next?
Since the beginning of the month, the price of many oil stocks has turned south, realizing pro-downward scenarios. What are their consequences in the case of Conoco Phillips, BP, and Chevron Corporation? In today's article, we will take a closer look at the price action that took place and look for clues as to the direction of the next move. Have a nice read!
Conoco Phillips - Bearish Engulfing Pattern and Its Implications
Let's start today's analysis with the quote from the last commentary on Conoco Phillips posted on Jan.5:
The first thing that catches the eye on the above chart is a huge red candlestick formed during yesterday's session on higher volume (compared to earlier candles), which, in combination with the earlier white candle, created a pro-declining bearish engulfing pattern.
This is a strong bearish formation, which usually is enough to stop further improvement and encourage the sellers to act (you could read about its disastrous effect for bulls in an article on copper published on Dec.29, 2023) - especially if it is formed in the resistance area.
(...) Yup, yesterday's red candle broke temporarily above the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement (based on the entire October-December downward move), but then reversed and declined, invalidating the earlier breakout. (...)
Additionally, when we take a closer look at the chart, we can notice negative divergences between all indicators and the price, which doesn't bode well for the bulls - especially when we factor in the sell signals generated by the CCI and the Stochastic Oscillator.
On top of that, there is one more disturbing sign that speaks in favor of the bear.
What do I mean by writing that?
Just look at the RSI behavior (I marked both similar situations with orange rectangles).
At the beginning of September, the indicator moved to its overbought area, then generated a sell signal, which translated into lower prices of the stocks. After a rebound, it moved higher once again, but the negative divergence occurred (stocks hit a fresh high, but we didn't see a fresh high in the RSI reading), which preceded a bigger move to the downside.
We can observe a very similar situation now: on Dec. 26 stocks hit high of 119.43 and then corrected earlier move. After that pullback, the price increased to a fresh high, but the RSI didn't do the same. Yup, another negative divergence appeared, which suggests that since history repeats itself, further declines may be just around the corner - especially when we take into account all the earlier mentioned technical factors.
How low could the price go?
If the supports mentioned below the weekly chart fail, it seems that the closest solid short-term support (based on the daily chart) may be around 111.85-112.95, where the big green gap created on Dec. 14 is. Additionally, this is the last stop before the test of the December lows.
From today's point of view, we see that the situation developed in tune with the above scenario, and oil bears implemented a pro-declining plan in the following days.
Thanks to their attack, the price moved quite sharply to the first downside target (as expected), but as you see, the buyers were unable to defend it, which resulted in closing the gap. In this way, the bulls lost their important ally, which suggested that it was only a matter of time before the declines deepened. We didn't have to wait long for the effects.
On Jan. 12 the buyers tried to push the price above the upper border of this gap, but they failed, which accelerated the downward move during yesterday's session. Thanks to this drop, the stocks not only slipped to the next downside target (which I wrote about at the beginning of the month), but also hit a fresh multi-month low of 108.34.
What's next?
Let's take a look at the daily chart once again, but this time from a bit broader perspective.
As you see, the recent downward move took the price to the next support area based on another green gap (107.92-108.92) created on Jul.20, 2023, which seems to be the last stop before a potential test of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement based on the entire May-October upward move.
Will it withstand the selling pressure?
Time will tell. But before we find out about this, let's check if the bulls have any arguments to fight (apart from the supporting space of the mentioned gap). Well, it's very hard to see them. The only ally seems to be the position of the indicators at the moment. As you see the CCI and the Stochastic Oscillator dropped to their oversold areas, which suggests that we could see a buy signals in the coming days, but, in my opinion, it's not enough to stop the sellers - especially when we factor in increased volume during yesterday's session, a breakdown under the 200-day moving average and the breakdown under green solid support zone based on the previous lows and the 50% Fibonacci retracement, which support pro-declining scenario.
Nevertheless, there is one thing which is worth commenting on when discussing indicators.
What do I mean?
The behavior of the RSI. When we take a closer look at the chart, we see that it dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of December. What happened back then? It preceded the bottom - just like it did at the beginning of October (I marked all situations with green vertical lines). Therefore, in my opinion, it's worth keeping an eye on it, because it can give us important clue for the future. If we see the bulls' strength in the coming days and the green gap withstood the selling pressure plus the RSI shows, for example, a positive divergence, it could translate into a reversal in the following day(s).
Until this time, the bears have more reasons to act and a test of the lower border of the mentioned gap should not surprise us in the coming day(s).
Summing up, the sellers have shown great strength and determination since the beginning of the month, which resulted in closing an important price gap and breaking important supports, which ultimately led to the formation of a new multi-month low during yesterday's session. Thanks to this price action, the price slipped to another support, which is the last stop before the test of the strength of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement. Therefore, the outcome of the battle here will show where the stocks hit next.
BP - The Breakdown and Its Consequences
In the last article on BP posted on Jan.8, you could read the following:
Looking at the daily chart, we see that (...) a big red candle was formed on Jan.4, which together with a white candle in front of it created a dark cloud cover bearish reversal candlestick pattern. Additionally, the mentioned red candle invalidated the earlier small breakout above the green rising resistance line (based on the previous peaks), which is also the upper border of the green rising wedge, increasing the probability of further deterioration in the coming days.
This scenario is also reinforced by the current position of the daily indicators: the CCI remains in its overbought area, signaling that a sell signal may be just around the corner, while the Stochastic Oscillator generated already a sell signal, encouraging the sellers.
On top of that, (...) the bulls tried to push the price higher on Friday, but they failed, which, combined with earlier pro-declining technical factors, suggests that we'll likely see at least a test of the lower border of the green rising wedge in the coming week (currently at around 35.66).
(...) Nevertheless, taking into account a potential breakdown under the lower border of the green rising wedge, the minimal size of the downward move could result even in a test of the mid-Dec. low of 34.25. (...)
From today's point of view, we see that on the same day the article was published, BP opened the session well below the lower border of the rising wedge, which gave a green light for the bears to launch the pro-downward scenario that I wrote about.
In the following days, from session to session, the price falls lower and lower only to perfectly implement the pro-downward scenario and reach the target based on the range of the described formation.
Thanks to this decline, oil bears hit a fresh multi-month low, which doesn't bode well for the price - especially when we factor in the fact that they gain another ally at the beginning of yesterday's session- the red gap (34.60-34.86), which serves as the nearest resistance.
Nevertheless, when we take a closer look at the chart below (yup, once again the daily chart, but from a broader perspective), we can see that the space for further declines may be limited as not far from current levels, the bulls may find support.
What do I mean?
From this perspective, we see that quite close to yesterday's low, there is a red dashed declining line, which is a lower border of the red declining channel, which could encourage the buyers to trigger a rebound in the near future.
This scenario is also reinforced by the fact that the bears realized the pro-declining scenario described in the last article on BP, which suggests that they may be satisfied with the gains they have made and refrain from further strong attacks.
Additionally, the current position of the indicators suggests that higher prices may be just around the corner as the CCI remains in its oversold area, while the Stochastic Oscillator generated a buy signal. At this point, it is worth noting that such low readings of the indicators we saw at the beginning of November.
What did this lead to in the following sessions?
Yes, such low readings preceded the reversal, which suggests that similar price action may be just around the corner. However, before this happens, the bulls will have to show strength and prove that they are ready to fight for higher levels.
In my opinion, the best confirmation would be a pro-growth candlestick pattern, a significantly higher volume during the formation of the white candle, and the best proof of their determination would be the closure of the red gap formed during yesterday's session.
Summing up, the bears realized the pro-declining scenario, which in combination with the current position of the indicators, suggests that the space for declines may be limited (by the lower line of the red declining channel) and we could see a rebound in the coming days.
Chevron Corporation - The Channel
Shifting our focus to Chevron Corporation, in my last article on CVX posted on Jan.9, you could read the following:
(...) the price moved sharply lower, reaching our downside target - the previously broken upper border of the blue rising trend channel during yesterday's session.
What's next?
On the one hand, the above-mentioned line (which serves as the nearest support) encouraged the bulls to fight, which resulted in a rebound. On the other hand, however, yesterday's session started with another red gap (148.42-150.40), which, in combination with the sell signals generated by the indicators, doesn't bode well for further improvement.
Therefore, if the bulls do not manage to break above this resistance and close the gap, it seems that the sellers may want to try their strength and willingness to defend yesterday's support. If (...) the bulls fail here, the way to around 145.60-145.98 (where the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement based on the entire Nov.-Jan. upward move and the 50-day moving average are) will be likely open.
On the above chart, we see that the bulls failed to push the price above the gap, which resulted in a sharp decline that took the price even below our downside target (the same day the article was published). Thanks to this drop, the earlier breakout above the upper line of the channel was invalidated, which in combination with the bearish engulfing pattern formed that day opened the day to lower levels. Additionally, on the following day, the sellers closed the green gap formed on Dec.14, which didn't bode well for the bulls.
Although they tried to come back above the upper blue line, they failed, which translated into another invalidation of tiny breakout (another bearish sign). This show of weakness triggered further deterioration and resulted in one more red gap (146.51-147.27), which together with earlier price action created a reversal island pattern.
What does it mean for the price?
That we'll likely see a test of the lower border of the blue channel in the very near future (maybe even later in the day). At this point, it is worth noting that this area is also supported by the bullish engulfing pattern created on Dec. 13, 2023, which, together could discourage bears from further attacks.
Such scenario is also supported by the current position of the indicators (just like in the case of both previously discussed companies), which dropped to their oversold areas, suggesting that buy signals in the coming days are quite likely.
Therefore, if the bulls manage to hold this important support area a reversal should not surprise us - especially when we factor in the fact that not far from current levels there is another support zone (based on early November and early December low).
Summing up, the bulls showed their weakness in recent weeks, which resulted in an invalidation of the earlier breakout above the upper line of the blue channel, two more red gaps and bearish candlestick patterns. Despite these bearish developments, the space for declines seems limited as the support areas are just around the corner, which could translate into a rebound in the coming days.
If you'd like to know what the current technical picture of crude oil is or to find out what arguments the bulls have or what allies do the bears have, I encourage you to subscribe to Oil Trading Alerts, where you'll find the answers to these (and many other) questions.
See you tomorrow.
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January 18, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) New data has revealed which states are most interested in pursuing a career in game development - with Vermont proving to be the keenest.
The research, pulled together by CSGO Gambling site, CSGOLuck, analyzed Google search volume for keywords related to a game development career over 12 months, to identify which states are looking to follow a career path in that sector.
And it turns out those in Vermont are searching for information on how to do so more than any other state in the US. The state averaged 51.1 monthly searches per 100k residents, which is a huge 88% higher than the national average of 27.2.
Alaska is the second state most interested in game development, with 47 searches per 100k - almost three quarters (73%) higher than the national average. In third is Delaware with 46.1 searches per 100k.
The ten states most interested in a game development career
State Average Monthly Search Volume Per 100k 1 Vermont 51.1 2 Alaska 47.0 3 Delaware 46.1 4 Rhode Island 43.1 5 New Hampshire 42.5 6 North Dakota 41.8 7 Wyoming 41.0 8 Hawaii 40.8 9 Maine 37.6 10 South Dakota 36.0
On the other end of the scale, Ohio is considerably less intrigued by the prospect of a game development career, with only 14.8 searches per 100k - 46% below the national average.
Behind Ohio as the second-least interested is Pennsylvania, with those in the Keystone State searching 45% less than average, with only 15.1 searches per 100k. In third is Florida with just 16.2 searches.
As well as revealing where has the most aspiring game developers, the study analyzed data on the average annual salaries offered in each state, compared to the average consumer spending, to identify where Americans are best off launching their gaming career.
Idaho developers rake in the biggest bucks in the industry, as - when adjusted to consumer spending - game developers' annual salary comes out at $135,559 - which is 24% higher than the national average wage ($109,223).
Following closely behind Idaho as the second-best state for a game development career is Mississippi at $131,158, which is 20% higher than the national average. New Mexico is third with $126,287 - still $15,000 higher (20% increase) than the average.
Vermont, on the other hand, is only 2% above at $111,662, despite being home to the most individuals looking to enter into game development.
Game developers in Delaware are even worse off, ranking sixth with an average of $96,640 - 12% below the national average.
The top 10 highest-paying states for a career in game development
State Annual Salary Adjusted to Consumer Spending ($) 1 Idaho $135,559 2 Mississippi $131,158 3 New Mexico $126,287 4 Indiana $125,105 5 Iowa $124,234 6 Wisconsin $122,631 7 Oklahoma $121,014 8 Georgia $120,797 9 Nevada $120,242 10 New York $117,845
Commenting on the findings, a CSGOLuck spokesperson said: "As a multi-billion dollar business that's not going anywhere anytime soon, it's no surprise that the gaming industry is booming - especially given the career is adaptable to suit so many lifestyles, such as remote workers or those who prefer part-time hours.
"Given this flexibility and popularity, it makes sense numerous people are looking to move into the thriving sector of game development. However, it seems that money isn't the main appeal, as the states where individuals could have the most disposable income don't align with those that are most interested in pursuing the career.
"This suggests development is more of a passion for those who end up working in it - or that people are willing to relocate to pursue their dream role".
Sources: Google Keyword Planner (analyzed search volume data in the US over 12 months, and then scaled against 100k population)
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The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra aims to redefine your audio encounters with its wireless capabilities and top-tier noise cancellation. It comes with a hefty price tag that puts it in the premium range for wireless headphones more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM5 but cheaper than the Apple AirPods Max.
Design
The QC Ultra exudes sophistication thanks to the simple yet stylish combination of plastic and metal elements. Little details like the rubber anti-clash dot on the headphone cups prevent damage and soften the sound when the cups hit against the headband, contributing to a premium feel.
The left ear cup has a small LED indicator light, a USB-C port for charging and a 2.5mm headphone jack a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable is included in the box.
Having the flexibility to connect with a cable is undeniably convenient. However, given the increasing trend of smartphones abandoning the 3.5mm headphone jack, one can't help but speculate whether this traditional connector will eventually become obsolete for wireless headphones.
The XM5s from Sony faced considerable backlash for their redesign as they could not fold. In contrast, the QC Ultras address this concern by using a foldable design that allows them to lie flat and fit into a stylish, compact hardshell case, ideal for travel.
Comfort is king
When wearing the QC Ultra, you will feel surrounded by soft leather foam material, which makes for a cosy and pleasant wear. The headphones snugly fit on your head, distributing weight evenly with the adjustable friction locking mechanism on the headband. While it may feel a bit snug initially, the overall comfort is impressive, catering to various ear sizes and shapes. They feel super light at only 254g, and I felt no fatigue after wearing them for hours.
Controls
With a focus on simplicity, the QC Ultra features a minimalistic set of three controls for basic functionality. Two buttons handle power and Bluetooth pairing, connect two devices simultaneously, and are your go-to control for play, pause, skip track, and more. The third control is a capacity touch strip on the bottom side of the right earcup, which offers a unique touch to your audio adjustments.
Running my finger along the strip offered great precision when fine-tuning the volume. You can also touch and hold the volume strip as a shortcut to hear the battery level, cycle through Immersive Audio modes, summon your voice assistant or resume Spotify.
When you remove the headphones, they enter sleep mode to save battery after 10 minutes. When you put them on, they wake up and power off completely if you dont use them for 24 hours. You can change the auto-off time in the app settings.
Intuitive app integration
The Bose app works well with the headphones, allowing minimal but effective customisation. Naming your headphones, switching between paired source devices, adjusting the three-band EQ, and selecting immersive modes are among the limited yet impactful features. Bose keeps it simple, acknowledging that sometimes less is more regarding smart headphone functionalities.
Audio features and quality
Bose knows its audience, delivering a sound profile that leans towards the fun side. The boosted bass is punchy and clear, maintaining a balance that prevents muffled mid-range vocals. While not the most transparent and natural-sounding option, they offer an enjoyable listening experience many users will appreciate.
I plugged the headphones into my Macbook Pro and Chord Mojo 2 headphone DAC Amp for testing purposes. This should provide the best possible fidelity from your audio since it doesnt have to stream it over lossy Bluetooth. By using the cable, you will still get all the advantages of ANC, immersive audio and transparency modes. However, it's important to note that, unlike in Bluetooth mode, the audio won't automatically pause when the headphones are removed, and the onboard microphones and playback controls will not be operational either.
Top-of-the-line Active Noise Cancellation
Bose truly shines in its noise-cancellation capabilities. The QC Ultra takes the crown with superb noise cancellation, rivalled only by a select few in the market. From reducing office chatter and keyboard clicks to subduing the low, bassy tones of aeroplane engine rumbles, the Ultras take noise cancelling to the next level with their class-leading technology.
The transparency mode stands out, providing a natural, immersive experience that rivals the competition.
Endurance and immersive audio
With a battery life of 24 hours, the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra falls slightly short compared to Sennheiser's 60 hours. The immersive audio feature adds a unique touch, making your audio feel in the room with you. While it may be considered a gimmick, it adds an element of fun to the overall experience, albeit at the expense of battery life. While Im not an audiophile or audio purist, Im not a massive fan of 3D, spatial or immersive audio for stereo music. I prefer to listen to music in its stereo mix, but your mileage may vary. The only exception I would make is for live recordings.
In movies with multitrack-recorded soundtracks, immersive audio creates a more engaging experience. Even with just two speakers, it enhances the overall cinematic immersion and the Ultras do an excellent job here.
Verdict
Despite minor drawbacks, the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra justifies its hefty price point with premium comfort, a sophisticated design, and unparalleled noise cancellation. If you're seeking a top-tier Bluetooth headphone experience, especially in noise cancellation, the Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra is a strong contender in the market.
Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra in a choice of three colours 479.99
With a location right up against a number of houses, a 38-acre holding in County Waterford not only benefits from its high-quality acres but also may hold some development potential down the line.
For the present, its a parcel of high-quality land on the outskirts of the village of Rathgormack in East Waterford approximately 9km from Carrick-on-Suir and 35km west of Waterford City. The price guide is between 15,000 and 20,000/acre.
Bord Bia has reactivated its 1.6m EU co-funded beef and lamb campaign in China in response to Ireland regaining export access to this market.
The resumption of access for Irish beef exports to China was confirmed on Wednesday.
Beef shipments to China had been suspended following the confirmation in November 2023 of an isolated case of atypical BSE in a cow.
The resumption of exports follows high-level discussions between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Chinese Premier Li Qiang this week.
Recommence trade
Bord Bia chief executive Jim O'Toole said this is "welcome news" for the Irish beef sector and "allows our beef exporters to immediately recommence trade with their Chinese customers".
As part of the 1.6m campaign, Bord Bia said it will be inviting Irish exporters to exhibit at SIAL China, a meat trade show held in Shanghai in May.
"We will also host Irish beef information seminars in Beijing in March and Shanghai in May, inviting Chinese beef buyers and stakeholders," Mr O'Toole added.
According to CSO figures, over 3,200 tonnes of Irish beef, valued at 19.7m, were exported to China in 2023 prior to the November suspension.
Speaking from Shanghai, Bord Bias China manager Conor OSullivan said: "Since Irish beef was first granted access to the Chinese market in 2018, Bord Bias Shanghai office and Irish exporters have been building close trading relationships with Chinese customers.
"When the Chinese market reopened in January 2023 after the previous suspension, there was immediate interest from Chinese buyers.
"The medium-term forecast for the Chinese beef market is positive as we expect Chinese consumer demand for beef to grow steadily throughout the year."
'Significant development'
Meat Industry Ireland, the Ibec sector organisation representing the primary beef processing companies in Ireland, said this "significant development" of regained access will "empower our member companies to enhance trade opportunities with valued customers in China".
"The suspension of beef exports was a regrettable setback, occurring amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships and expand the types of beef product that we can export to China," MII said.
The importance of international markets was highlighted in the recent Bord Bia Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2023/24. In 2023, beef exports contributed a noteworthy 2.7bn to the Irish economy, reflecting a commendable 2% increase in value.
"This demonstrates the robustness of the Irish beef sector in international export markets."
Cost of production
Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association beef chairman Edmund Graham has welcomed the regained access, but stressed that farmers "must see a dividend as a result this time".
"We have fought hard once again to get Irish beef back into the Chinese market and the opportunity is there to really make that market count, and count for the primary producers of beef, not just the processors," Mr Graham said.
The resumption of exports to China must lead to an increase in beef price.
"Beef farmers are enduring yet another long, hard, and expensive winter and the current price of beef is still not enough to cover our increased cost of production.
"Beef price needs to go to a base price of a least 6.00/kg in the short term to cover the costs of this winter."
Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy has paid tribute to director Christopher Nolan after the film was nominated for 13 Baftas.
The Cork star, who plays J Robert Oppenheimer, the theoretical physicist described as the father of the atomic bomb, in the epic biopic, is nominated for the leading actor prize.
His co-stars Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr are also nominated in supporting categories, while Nolan is nominated for his directing and his screenplay.
Murphy said: I couldnt be happier that the British Academy recognised so many of my collaborators on Oppenheimer, especially Chris Nolan.
Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy (Ian West/PA)
Working on the film was an experience Ill never forget.
Rosamund Pike said it is bliss bliss bliss to be nominated for the best supporting actress for Saltburn. Her co-star, Dublin actor Barry Keoghan was also nominated for leading actor.
The actress plays the mother of a wealthy Oxford student who invites a less privileged friend, played by Keoghan, back to his family estate for the summer in the film, which has become a viral sensation.
She said: Its something uniquely special to be nominated for a Bafta.
It happened once before. I thought realistically it might never happen again.
Rosamund Pike (Lauren Hurley/PA)
I am proud to be nominated in this group of varied and powerful supporting actresses.
And overjoyed that Jacob and Barry and our mad special film got recognition. Bliss Bliss Bliss.
Gothic fairytale Poor Things is nominated for 11 Baftas, including a nod for star Emma Stone, who is also a producer.
A statement from Stone, director Yorgos Lanthimos and their fellow producers Ed Lowe and Andrew Guiney, said: We are delighted with this recognition from Bafta for our amazing cast and creative team on Poor Things based on Alasdair Grays iconic novel.
Its particularly gratifying that Bafta has recognised the work of our many talented UK-based heads of department across cinematography, costume design, makeup and hair, original score, production design and special visual effects.
Emma Stone (Jonathan Brady/PA)
We are also very grateful to our financiers, Film4 who helped us develop the film, Searchlight Pictures who have put it out into the world so brilliantly and to the team at Element who have contributed so much at every step of the way.
Poor Things is produced by Dublin-based Element Pictures, and Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan was nominated for his work on the film.
"We are delighted with these nominations from Bafta, which build on the recent success of the film at the Golden Globes, and recognise the amazing work of our incredible cast, led By Emma Stone, our brilliant screenwriter Tony McNamara and the artistry and talent of our amazing heads of department," said Element Pictures producers Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe, who also paid tribute to "our brilliant Element Pictures colleagues in Dublin and London who have been integral to the development and production of the film."
Irish stargazers were given a treat on Thursday evening, as many reported seeing a shooting star around the same time as the International Space Station and Starlink satellites were passing over the country.
Astronomy Ireland hailed a magical night sky tonight with many sharing images on social media capturing the events.
Its not uncommon, said Astronomy Irelands David Moore. A big fireball was also seen yesterday evening over Ireland.
"Its clear skies that are uncommon over Ireland. In Ireland, one in nine nights are totally clear.
He said that Ireland gets two meteorite falls every year, and around half a dozen shooting stars that can happen anytime but can only be seen on clear evenings.
The groups Twitter account said earlier: The upside of cold weather. If youve never seen the planet Jupiter then just look at the moon now. Youre also looking at Jupiter.
Mr Moore said that the 20 or so Starlink satellites being launched just last week meant it would be prime time to see them over our skies.
Theyre always very close within a few weeks of being launched, he said.
However, Mr Moore added that the proliferation of such satellites in the night sky would actually be a detriment to stargazers hoping to see the various different natural phenomena that grace our skies.
The top astronomer in Ireland was recently put as director of the European Southern Observatory, he said.
Even its plans for a 1.2bn telescope will see 30% of photographs ruined because of these satellites. Ive had some ruined too.
Theyre vermin. Theyre going to ruin the night sky for astronomers in the future.
Mr Moore added that Astronomy Ireland would be publishing details on its website for keen stargazers to witness the next passings over in the coming weeks.
A Dublin man accused of dealing crack cocaine and heroin in Cork City in December was remanded in custody on Wednesday until January 31.
Detective Garda Derry OBrien arrested 30-year-old Josh McGuinness of no fixed address and originally of Harmonstown Road, Raheny, Dublin, last month and brought him before Cork District Court on charges of dealing heroin and cocaine on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.
Det. Garda OBrien gave evidence of the accused man being questioned during his detention: Mr McGuinness made admissions in relation to knowing that deals being sold were to blame for the recent epidemic of overdoses in the Cork City area over the past week.
Josh McGuinness is charged with four counts, namely being in possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and cocaine for his own use and having both drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others.
Refusing the district court bail application, Judge Mary Dorgan said: Everyone is entitled to their freedom and the presumption of innocence. He was caught red-handed and it is alleged that he made admissions to being responsible for the recent epidemic of overdoses.
During the objection to bail, Det. Garda OBrien said the accused had a severe crack cocaine addiction that extended to consuming 15 to 20 deals of the drug per day at a daily cost of 600.
The detective said the accused was stopped and searched and found in possession of heroin valued 2,000 and cocaine worth 1,000 and that the drugs were broken down into deal-sized bags, ready for sale and distribution in Cork city centre.
The cocaine he was allegedly dealing was described as crack cocaine in 34 individual deals and 21 deals of heroin.
A man arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Kevin Conway has been released on bail.
The 37-year-old had been taken into custody for questioning about the killing in west Belfast last week.
If Eve Cleary, who died hours after being discharged from University Hospital Limerick, had been given an anti-coagulant it would have prevented her from developing the blood clot in her lung, which led to her cardiac arrest and death, the High Court has heard.
A medical expert told the second day of the civil action over the death of the 21-year-old Limerick woman that even if Ms Cleary had been given the anti-coagulant Heparin at the time of her hospital discharge or within an hour of it, it would have prevented the pulmonary embolism which is when a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung.
Intensive care specialist Dr Christopher Danbury told counsel for the Cleary family Dr John OMahony SC if Ms Cleary even had the Heparin injection at the time of her 8.30pm discharge on July 20, 2019, or by 9.30pm, she would have avoided the pulmonary embolism which occurred after 11pm and which caused cardiac arrest and death.
Eve Cleary, 21, from Corbally, Limerick, died in the early hours of July 21, 2019, two days after she fell and hurt her leg and went to the A&E department of the Limerick Hospital and over three hours after she had been discharged from the hospital and told to go home and rest.
Her parents, Barry Cleary and Melanie Sheehan Cleary, and her sisters Kate, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Emma and her brother Sean, all of Corbally, Co Limerick, have sued the HSE over her death and also for mental distress.
It is claimed Ms Cleary was allegedly allowed to develop a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in her vein and that an opportunity had been allegedly missed at the hospital to put her on the anticoagulant Heparin on admission.
The HSE accepts a formal risk assessment in relation to blood clots was not done but has denied all other claims. The HSE, the court heard, does not accept the failure to carry out the risk assessment was a breach of duty. It says the treatment and management of Ms Cleary was reasonable and appropriate.
In a report prepared after reviewing the Cleary case, Dr Danbury concluded that if Ms Cleary had been given the anti-coagulant Heparin on the balance of probabilities it would have prevented her from developing a pulmonary embolism.
He further concluded that but for the failure to prescribe and administer the Heparin, she would not have developed a clot in her lung, would not have gone into cardiac arrest and would not have died.
Eve Cleary, 21, died in the early hours of July 21, 2019, over three hours after she had been discharged from University Hospital Limerick. File picture: David Raleigh
In his report, which was presented to court on behalf of the Cleary side, he said if a blood clot VTE risk assessment had been made at the hospital, the anti-coagulant treatment would have been prescribed and administered.
I agree that on the balance of probabilities Ms Cleary had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) secondary to the lower leg trauma she had suffered."
If the anti-coagulant Heparin had been given while she was in hospital, he said it would either prevented the formation of a DVT or stabilised the clot if it had already formed.
He reported when Ms Cleary was discharged home at 8.30pm on July 20, 2019, part of the DVT broke off the clot in the leg, passed through the systemic circulation, and became lodged in a pulmonary artery, causing a pulmonary embolism which caused a cardiac arrest.
Therefore, it is my opinion, but for the failure to administer the Heparin Ms Cleary would not have suffered a pulmonary embolism, would not have suffered a cardiac arrest, and would not have died, he said in his report.
Counsel for the HSE, Simon Mills SC, told the court it was the HSE case that Ms Cleary was triaged and it was a number of hours before she was seen by a doctor.
Counsel said Ms Clearys mother had previously told the court the hospital A&E department was a very unpleasant place for Ms Cleary to be unwell.
He said Ms Cleary did not want to be there.
Ms Justice Emily Egan interjected to say Mrs Clearys evidence had been that Eve spoke to her mother and said she wanted to go home but her mother advised her to stay.
Counsel said his instructions were that the evidence will be that Eve was so determined to leave that a discharge against medical advice form had been prepared. The blank form was not signed but had a sticky note on it.
Mr Mills said the emergency doctor and staff were so alive to the difficulty of her plight, Ms Cleary's leg CT scan was expedited.
The case before Ms Justice Egan continues.
Contentious plans from a Cork GAA club for an access road as part of a planning application for a new pitch have been shot down.
It follows a split decision by city council planners to grant planning to Douglas GAA Club for the new pitch, but with conditions, one of which states that no permission is granted for the proposed access roadway and junction off Inchvale Road, the construction of a set down parking area, turning area and connections to adjacent lands.
The club, which is based on the southside of the city, had applied for planning for a new pitch, with an access road off Inchvale Road to the rear of the existing club, and for the construction of a small set-down parking area, a turning area, associated floodlighting, and ball-stopping netting, fencing, and supports.
The planning application was lodged following a land swap deal between the club and the owners of the adjoining almost five-hectare landbank at Inchisarsfield, the development firm Dooneen Property Developments, linked to members of the McElhinney family.
The land had been previously rezoned to facilitate housing, with consultants acting for Dooneen suggesting the site could accommodate up to 100 units.
However, the inclusion of the proposed access road in the GAA clubs planning application sparked opposition from local residents, with opponents describing the road as a trojan horse designed to open up the private landbank to development.
Green Party Cllr Dan Boyle described the planning application as the most cynical use of the planning system in Cork since the demolition of The Sextant bar, and dozens of submissions were made opposing the access road element.
In their request for further information, planners advised the club to drop the road proposal.
However, consultants for the GAA club argued that it is good planning to ensure that possible future connections to residentially zoned lands are facilitated.
Not having regard to adjacent residentially zoned lands by indicating or providing for potential access to those lands, it is submitted, would constitute bad planning and would effectively land lock lands zoned by council for residential purposes and for which it is a core strategy objective of the council's own development plan to develop, they said.
This is the only potential access point for the residentially zoned lands and all of the required traffic counts have been done and modelled and as such it is contended that adequate justification for the provision of the access has been provided.
The club further argued that the road would facilitate access for heavy pitch maintenance machinery, would facilitate delivery of heavy loads of soil and sand, that it would facilitate emergency vehicle access to its pitches, and would eliminate the need to have to carry a casualty on a stretcher across two pitches.
But in its final decision, the council refused planning for the access road.
The Green Partys Honore Kamegni, who was among those who made a submission on the application, citing also concerns about tree cutting and the potential loss of beautiful woodland in the area, welcomed the decision.
I would like to commend the council for listening to the residents, he said.
It is not yet clear if the club will appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanala.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that there will be arrests over recent arson attacks on buildings earmarked for asylum-seeker accommodation.
Speaking in Davos at the World Economic Forum, Mr Varadkar said gardai anticipate there will be arrests made in relation to the attacks.
There are a number of Garda investigations under way. There have been people questioned and searches have been carried out, Mr Varadkar said.
The Taoiseach said arson is a serious crime which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
He said that if such attacks are motivated by hatred towards certain groups of society, even tougher sentences can apply.
He said that attacks against someone with migrant status would not be included in upcoming hate-crime legislation, but that racism would apply.
Mr Varadkar said he remains concerned that someone could be killed in an arson attack on a building that is due to accommodate asylum seekers.
Ive a real worry that an arson attack might occur in a building that has somebody inside it.
"People who are carrying out these attacks just dont know that for sure and Im really fearful that a tragedy like that will happen, Mr Varadkar said.
In recent months, there have been a string of arson attacks on buildings due to hold asylum seekers, including in Longford earlier this week.
Mr Varadkar said he remains concerned about protests taking place outside asylum-seeker accommodation.
There can often be a tendency in any society, not just in Ireland, to target people who are different.
"It might be because of their nationality, their race, their gender, because theyre members of the Travelling community, because they live their lives in a certain way, Mr Varadkar said.
I think those of us who are in the centre ground of politics and those of us who believe in honest politics have a responsibility to push back against some of the myths and against some of the ideas that are put about that try to divide people and try to say that other people are different from us and therefore its ok to mistreat them or even engage in violence against them.
Mr Varadkar disagreed with assertions that the climate in Ireland had changed, though he did accept there is rising concern about migration in the country.
Some of that is understandable and legitimate concerns. That shouldnt be dismissed, Mr Varadkar said.
In some cases it's not, in some cases theres an element of racism to it, quite frankly.
However, he admitted that the issue has been rising for quite some time, saying that it hadnt changed in Ireland overnight.
I dont think by any means Ireland is a racist country. The vast majority of people in Ireland are willing to judge people by the content of their character, to see them as individuals not as a group," he said.
The clock is ticking, an election is looming, and the Government is at a defining crossroads.
Its almost two years since Ukrainians were forced to flee their home country to seek refuge.
At the same time, there has been a noticeable rise in people seeking asylum here from other countries.
But almost two years on, the Government is still operating in emergency mode.
No one could have envisaged Russias invasion nor an uptick in international protection applicants who are also fleeing difficult circumstances and have a legal right to seek asylum here.
That being said, the Government has waited too long to reveal what its long-term plan is to accommodate the surge in numbers.
Far-right agitators have taken advantage of that vacuum and growing protests show support in some communities is wearing thin.
Genuine concerns have been raised and we're still waiting for the long-term plan as to how all these people are to be adequately and safely housed.
The clock is ticking.
While some ministers continue to deny there has been a delay to a coherent plan because of the impact it may have on other departments, its been clear for months that Integration Minister Roderic OGorman has been struggling to sell a comprehensive medium- to long-term system to his colleagues.
His plan to introduce a 90-day stay in State accommodation for Ukrainians was initially pushed back, with some around the Cabinet table questioning how it may impact the homelessness figures.
And still, no one can provide answers as to where exactly Ukrainians will find their own accommodation after their 90-day stay comes to an end.
Teresa Hogan hands out soup to the protesters at Racket Hall Hotel. Picture. Brian Arthur
One solution being floated is the possible purchase of a student accommodation complex in Cork.
First mooted in October, sources said it was taken off the agenda after concerns were raised as to where students currently living there would be accommodated.
However, its understood officials in Mr OGormans department intend to bring this proposal to Government again for consideration because they have very little options to choose from.
The potential use of student accommodation will result in uproar given the already desperate supply of rental properties available.
Student unions in Cork have warned the shortage of accommodation and excessive rents are leading to increasing desperation with some students skipping meals and not turning on heating.
Sources have said if the Government agrees to buy the complex, students will be housed elsewhere.
But the optics arent good regardless and discussions on the matter both publicly and privately are expected to be heated.
Within weeks, Mr OGorman is to present a revised white paper which aims to end direct provision and will outline a broader plan on where the State will either buy, lease or acquire six or more reception centres.
Officials may be under increasing pressure to source these buildings and land, but what will prove more difficult for this Government is selling it to the public.
The mood music has changed and there is no doubt that there will be objections once the locations of the centres are made public.
But its time for the Government to bite the bullet and deal with the matter head-on.
The longer the delay, the more it feeds into the narrative that the Coalition can not handle the situation and its time for a change.
We need a plan. We need it now.
The clock is ticking.
AS some buyer interest is expressed in West Cork's Mountain Bar and Restaurant in coastal Ardfield by auctioneers Hodnett Forde, there's also active interest reported by them in an even older bar, with 220 -years history, on the Cork-Bantry line.
Hitting the market just before Christmas at Aughaville, between Drimoleague and Bantry is O'Driscolls, a family-owned bar which has been five generatios in O'Driscoll hands, since being set up as a forge and bar in 1800 by a Humphrey O'Driscoll.
Always a well-kept bar, and a five-bed, c 260 sq m residential licensed premises on a prominent roadside acre, it's priced at 275,000 by Mark Kelly of Hodnett Forde, a price tag which include the licence.
Always well-kept
He says it could suit a number of uses, with or without the license, as a roadhouse, glamping/tourism, or some other commercial use, or just be bought for residential occupation and have the seven-day bar license sold on to defray the purchase for a modest size home buy.
One of the five bedrooms
He describes the two-storey premises as a well-maintained landmark building, on the main tourist/commuter throughfare to Bantry, close to Tadhg MacCarthaigh GAA Club with river frontage to the rear.
Mountain House Ardfield under active viewing since closing with a grand finale on on New Year's Eve
Meanwhile, another West Cork pub and restaurant which went for sale in August and which had a grand finale closing with its recent operators on New Year's Eve is under active viewing.
The Mountain House Bar, on the Wild Atlantic Way and five miles from Clonakilty near Galley Head lighthouse and beaches in picturesque Ardfield was launced at 500,000 by Andy Donoghue of Hodnett Forde.
Owned by a Clonaklity builder, Patrick and Carol O'Sullivan who bought it from its long-time owner Ellen O'Mahony in 2010 for c 700,000, it was leased in recent years to popular locals, the Hegarty family, who built up a strong trade despite covid restrictions along the way.
It's a 3,500 sq ft 60-seat bar and steak and seafood restaurant with commercial kitchen, and overhead two-bed accommodation on an acre with views.
Near numerous beaches, and Dunmore House Hotel, the Ardfield community has a national school, playground, St James GAA pitch, tennis courts, high-qulity guest accommodation options and other facilities and, says Mr Donoghue, deserves its Mountain House bar and eatery to be back in business for the coming season.
DETAILS: Hodnett Forde 023-8833367
People may buy less wine in pubs if the biggest serving typically a 250ml glass is removed from sale, research suggests.
Experts at the University of Cambridge said people could be nudged into drinking less, which could have a positive effect on their health.
Furthermore, the study found no evidence that people made up for drinking less wine by buying more beer or cider.
The research, published in Plos Medicine, found that removing large wine glasses led to a drop in the amount of wine sold at pubs and bars of just under 8% on average.
Taking into consideration factors such as day of the week and total revenue, taking away big glasses led to an average decrease of 420ml of wine sold per day per venue.
Researchers found no evidence the move affected total profits, suggesting pubs and bars did not need to worry about losing money.
This was perhaps due to the higher profit margins of smaller serving sizes of wine, the experts suggested.
First author Dr Eleni Mantzari, from the University of Cambridge, said: It looks like when the largest serving size of wine by the glass was unavailable, people shifted towards the smaller options, but didnt then drink the equivalent amount of wine.
People tend to consume a specific number of units in this case glasses regardless of portion size.
Data suggests wine is the most commonly drunk alcoholic drink in the UK and Europe (Alamy/PA)
So, someone might decide at the outset theyll limit themselves to a couple of glasses of wine, and with less alcohol in each glass they drink less overall.
Drinking too much is the fifth largest contributor to premature death and disease worldwide, figures show.
According to the World Health Organisation, the harmful use of alcohol resulted in approximately three million deaths worldwide in 2016.
Professor Theresa Marteau, the studys senior author and an honorary fellow at Christs College, Cambridge, said: Its worth remembering that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for health, with even light consumption contributing to the development of many cancers.
Although the reduction in the amount of wine sold at each premises was relatively small, even a small reduction could make a meaningful contribution to population health.
A number of different factors, such as advertising, labelling and availability, can influence how much people drink and previous research from the Behaviour and Health Research Unit at Cambridge has shown that even glass size can influence how much alcohol is consumed.
In the new research, the Cambridge team carried out a study in 21 licensed premises (mainly pubs) in England London, Cambridgeshire, Southampton, Gloucester, Brighton and Hove to see whether removing their largest serving of wine by the glass for four weeks would have an impact on how much wine is consumed.
Some 20 pubs completed the experiment which took place between September 2021 and May 2022.
In the study, managers at four of the 21 premises reported receiving complaints from customers.
However, the researchers were unable to assess the sales of other alcoholic drinks apart from wine, beer and cider, estimated to comprise approximately 30% of alcoholic drinks sold in participating premises.
According to the experts, even though removing the largest serving glass would potentially be acceptable to pub or bar managers, given there was no evidence that it can result in a loss in revenue, the alcohol industry may resist the move.
Public support for such a policy would also depend on its effectiveness and how clearly this was communicated, they said.
Data suggests wine is the most commonly drunk alcoholic drink in the UK and Europe.
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group, which regulates alcohol marketing in the UK, said: It is worth remembering that the majority of UK adults already either do not drink or drink within the chief medical officers recommended low risk guidelines.
Whilst we are vocally supportive of measures to increase moderation among drinkers, there should be more efforts to increase consumer choice in this area rather than to unnecessarily restrict it for instance the wider availability of 125ml glasses of wine and of lower strength alternatives.
Thursday, Jan 18th, 2024 (12:01 am) - Score 1,440
Alternative network operator Telcom (ClearFibre, WeFibre, HyperCity etc.), which via its UK brands is building various 10Gbps capable full fibre broadband and Ethernet networks across the Midlands and North West of England, has won a deal to deploy their network to cover businesses at the future 400m St Michaels site in Manchester.
A long-term project by Gary Nevilles development company, Relentless Developments, and its strategic partners, St Michaels is a 400 million mixed use development in the heart of the city. Combining nine floors of modern office space with a five-star hotel, 217 luxury apartments, and a new public square.
The first phase of this development is the 150m No. 1 St Michaels building, which is due to complete in 2024 and is expected to be Manchesters first fully net-zero carbon commercial development (operation and delivery). After that, No. 2 St Michaels is a 250m, 41-storey tower that will house a 162-bed five-star W Hotel, W Residences and 75,000 sq ft of office space. The second phase is expected to be completed in 2027.
As part of this Telcom, alongside property consultants Zerum, will use their Preconnect solution to supply No. 1 St Michaels with a dedicated 10Gbps (symmetric speeds) capable full fibre network, which can be up and running within 24 hours of a new business establishing itself within the site. The network will also reach all the way up to the roof top restaurant, where Japanese-Peruvian restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, will be located.
Steven Calder, Head of Connected Buildings at Telcom, said: We are immensely proud to be a part of the St Michaels development. As a Mancunian-born company, Telcom couldnt be more humbled or thrilled to be contributing to the revitalisation and development of our citys historic centre. Preconnect, our market-leading commercial property solution, will give tenants an unparalleled connection experience by getting them connected to 10Gbps full fibre internet in as little as 24 hours. Whats more is that theres absolutely no cost to the building owner or management company for the upfront installation and ongoing management. We look forward to working with Relentless Development, their partners, and the future tenants of St Michaels to provide seamless, full fibre internet connectivity in support of their business objectives.
The new network will apparently be delivered via Telcoms own fibre and rooftop wireless network across the city, although its unclear where the wireless solution will come into play if they already have access to the operators fibre.
Shelton, CT January 18, 2024 As the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, one of the largest and longest-running business technology events, approaches, we are pleased to announce the addition of MetTel to the already impressive lineup of exhibitors and sponsors.
ITEXPO, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, once again projects total attendance of more than 7,000 business and technology professionals.
MetTel will showcase their innovations and contribute to the dynamic discussions shaping the future of business technology.
Details:
Event Name: ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW
Dates: February 13-15, 2024
Location: Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Event Website: https://www.itexpo.com
Exhibitor Company: MetTel
Exhibitor Booth Number: #727F
Exhibitor Website: www.mettel.net/
Media Opportunities at the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW:
Explore innovations and new releases from more than 400 exhibitors.
Conduct interviews with company representatives.
Gain insights into the latest business technology trends, including AI, automation and new contact center technologies.
For Media Inquiries or Press Passes:
Michelle Connolly
Senior Marketing Manager
[email protected]
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Edited by Greg Tavarez
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241
A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley has canceled Saturday's free Learn to Fish event because of insufficient ice at the fishing location, according to the press release.
The decision was based on guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the release says.
In replacement, the Chippewa Falls YMCA will be open to the community, though the gymnasium will not be available until after 1 p.m. because of scheduled programming.
No fees will be required to enter the YMCA, but visitors will need a valid driver's license and background screening at the welcome desk. Those ages 11-18 will need the guest agreement signed by a parent or guardian, and those under 11 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
As staff and students return to campus following winter break, leaders gathered Wednesday in a packed ballroom at UW-La Crosse to show cohesion and establish a sense of stability at the institution.
When fall semester classes ended in December, few could have predicted how different things would be upon their return.
Betsy Morgan made her first public appearance as interim UW-L chancellor after she replaced fired chancellor Joe Gow.
When I was thinking about how to articulate my first thoughts when I heard the news, I decided to go with a quote from comedian Charlie Berens: Aw jeez Morgan said.
Gow was fired Dec. 27 by the UW Board of Regents for starring in and posting pornographic films featuring him, his wife, and other adult film stars online. Morgan was appointed as his temporary replacement the same day.
As she addressed the gathered staff and faculty, Morgan confirmed that Gow would not teach in the new semester while he is under investigation. The audience applauded in support. As a tenured faculty member, there is potential for Gow to teach on the campus in the future.
None of the cabinet or any other person I have spoken to knew of the reasons until the outcome of the Regents meeting and the subsequent press," she said about Gow's dismissal. "I knew slightly before the meeting, because they asked if I would serve as interim if needed."
The university system is still searching for a permanent replacement. Enilda Delgado, co-chair of the search committee, said semi-finalists will be selected in mid-February with finalists making campus visits the first week of March. Gow already had announced he would retired as chancellor at the end of the school year and planned to stay on as faculty. Delgado said Gow's early departure would not affect the search committees timeline.
Morgan did not say whether she would seek the permanent chancellor role.
Im taking it one day at a time right now and trying to keep my options open, Morgan said.
The interim chancellor said that stability was in the near future for the UW-L community and that other successes should not be outshined by controversy.
"This is relatively easy because we're a good school with a good reputation. Certainly it's challenging right now but we're just really going to be looking at the future," she said.
Morgan earned a Ph.D in Social Psychology from the University of California-Irvine. She started at UW-L in 1993 as a professor and later became chair of the psychology department. In 2017, Morgan began serving as UW-Ls provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Her repeated message to UW-L was forecasting good news in the works for the university. Retention for first-years was high, undergraduates staying from fall to winter term was even higher and there are new initiatives to help students on the cusp of a degree achieve their graduation.
There were no follow ups on Gow or his punishment. Morgan remained upbeat and joked with the audience about her time at UW-L and stories from around campus over the years.
Before she dismissed the crowd to a chili luncheon, the interim chancellor fielded questions from UW-L staff and one question from the media. When asked how she felt in the moment she was asked to be interim chancellor, Morgan had a message that reflected the rest of her address.
This is the benefit of being here for 30-plus years. I do love the people here, I know the university and this is just the obvious step. Im happy to provide the stability and take us into the future, Morgan said.
The soon-to-close Silver Dollar Tavern, the citys oldest bar, will live on in a new form.
The taverns 1930s mahogany bar and other memorabilia are being incorporated into a gathering and events space in the $160.5 million Wisconsin History Center opening next door on Capitol Square in 2027.
The Teasdale family, fourth-generation owners of the Silver Dollar Tavern, have donated the 43-foot-long mahogany bar as well as vintage backbar cabinetry and lighting, neon signs and other memorabilia to the Wisconsin Historical Society for use in the coming history center, the Historical Society announced Wednesday.
Opened in 1933 by Clyde Teasdale after the end of Prohibition, the Silver Dollar Tavern became a Madison institution. The Teasdale family recently sold the property, at 117 W. Mifflin St. next to the History Center site, to Hovde Properties of Madison.
The Wisconsin Historical Societys five-story, 100,000-square-foot History Center will provide unprecedented access to the states vast collection while sharing regional stories in the context of American history.
The Silver Dollar Tavern was selected for its historical significance locally and its familiar representation of post-Prohibition-era bars and the family-owned taverns that were prominent in the states social and cultural history, the Historical Society said.
The historic bar set and memorabilia will serve as inspiration for the final design of the fifth-floor gathering and event space in the history center. The bar will be a full-service destination within the center, welcoming guests to pull up a stool and order a beverage.
It feels good to know that when we close the doors next month, the 90-year legacy of our family business will live on in Wisconsin history, said Chuck Teasdale, fourth-generation co-owner of the Silver Dollar Tavern. Just down the street, stories of our city and state will continue to be told around the Silver Dollar bar top.
The Silver Dollar Tavern will serve its last drink on Feb 3. I plan to have as many of the current and past staff on hand that day as possible and we will do a final last call at 2:15 a.m. No program, no speeches and no (TV) cameras, Teasdale recently told the Wisconsin State Journal. He said he wants to respect the privacy of his customers.
Its rare to see a fourth-generation tavern its an extraordinary thing, said Jim Draeger, architectural historian, historic preservation expert and co-author of Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsins Historic Bars and Breweries. At a time when family-owned taverns are falling by the wayside, its fitting that the Wisconsin Historical Society would preserve one of the rare survivors from our state, giving it new life for future generations.
Hovde Properties is scheduled to buy the property on Feb. 20, Teasdale has said. The sale clears the way for the company to redevelop that part of a blighted block.
We are incredibly grateful to the Teasdale family for this generous gift to the Wisconsin History Center, said Christian Overland, director and CEO of the Historical Society. Weve been searching for the right iconic tavern bar to serve as a focal point of the top floor event space. Welcoming one of the states oldest post-Prohibition bars and the stories and meaningful memories that come with it into the design of a dynamic new space is an exciting opportunity.
The History Center, which will rise on the Downtown site of the former, undersized museum at 30 N. Carroll St. and adjacent properties at 20 and 22 N. Carroll St., will feature a facade with offset top floors to offer differing views from various vantage points.
Inside, a glassy lobby will feature an expansive wooden staircase meant to echo an ancient dugout canoe, inspired by the recovery in recent years of two Native American dugout canoes from Lake Mendota.
It will lead to a cafe, community gallery and temporary gallery that can host national-caliber shows and exhibit spaces featuring interpretative, interactive and multimedia presentations. The fifth floor, where the bar will be located, will feature event space and a terrace overlooking the Capitol.
Endearing dives: Madison's best-loved dive bars Antler's Tavern Jerry's/Bailey's Bennett's Meadowood Country Club Brothers Three Bar & Grill Club Lamark Caribou Tavern Chief's Tavern Eagle Crest Bar The Farm Ideal Bar Jade Monkey The Knuckle Down Saloon Licari's Tavern Le Tigre Lounge Locker Room Bar Mackesey's Irish Pub Main Depot Bar & Grill Mike's Horseshoe Bar & Grill Mondays Paradise Lounge Pitcher's Pub Player's Sports Bar & Grill Red Shed The Rustic Tavern Silver Dollar Tavern Slice's Bar & Grill Snick's Sportsman's Bar Up North Bar Villa Tap Wilson's Bar & Grill The Wisco Woody-Anne's Tavern Did we forget your favorite dive bar?
Weather Alert
...INCREASED FIRE DANGER FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING... After coordination with local land managers, a Fire Danger Statement has been issued for Alleghany, Surry and Wilkes Counties in northwest North Carolina, as well as Virginia Counties along and east of the Blue Ridge, and parts of the southern Shenandoah Valley. In these affected areas, gusty winds will coincide with low humidity and dry fuels. Fires will have an easier time starting and spreading. Refer to your local burn-permitting authority on whether you may burn today. If you do burn, exercise extreme caution.
Chicago (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) In 1968, the Youth International Party nominated a pig named Pigasus for president; in 2024, the Republican Party will likely nominate a Traitor named Trump for president, a dumber and more corrupt candidate than Pigasus. The Youth International Party the anarchic, counter-culture Yippies nominated the pig as an absurd joke. While its absurd to nominate an indicted felon who tried to overturn the 2020 election, the GOP is not joking.
The Yippies pig had no chance of becoming president: according to the Constitution Pigasus wasnt qualified, being younger than 35 years old. Trump as an insurrectionist is like the pig unqualified to be president, according to the Constitution. Yet, unlike Pigasus, he has a good chance to become president: the Supreme Court will likely discount the Constitution, he leads Biden in some polls and, if he loses, he will try to steal the election again, threatening bedlam if that happens.
Global Image Works Video: In 1968, This Pig Ran For President
To rational people, it is mind-bogglingly surreal that an incompetent, ignorant megalomaniac and sexual abuser like Trump, whose grating voice alone rattles teeth, would be deemed fit for the presidency, let alone close to winning power. Yet he is. Despite his enabling of the pandemic, his 2020 defeat, his instigation of the January 6 attack on the Capital, the 91 charges across four criminal cases, and his never-ending hurricane of lies, millions of reality-challenged Americans worship and support him.
Exposing its total MAGA-tization, the Republican Party has crawled with Trump into a moral abyss that turns out to be a bottomless pit of unreality. The fake GOP primary delivers phony, cowardly candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, who are terrified of criticizing him and have promised to support him even if he were a convicted felon. They continue their sham candidacies, hoping that the laws of gravity will reverse on Trump and he will be sucked up into the vacuum of outer space. Failing that, it is perfectly fine with them that the defeated president attempted a coup and, though stopped, he can still return to the presidency.
The deranged Trump swamped his opposition in the Iowa caucus by thirty points. Watching cable news afterwards, it felt like I was living in Russia and Putin was running against two puppet candidates. The pundits seriously discussed the micro-details of the race and how each of the candidates fared in Nowheresville, Iowa, and no one screamed, This is insanity this is the cult of a madman!
The nightmarish possibility of electing the shameless septuagenarian a self-described dictator is helped by his politically weak octogenarian opponent Joe Biden who frames the election as a choice between him and doomsday, but provides doomsday-style weapons and unconditional support for Israels Gaza genocide. In addition, Biden risks a Red Sea War by bombing Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the world.
Embed from Getty Images
Former US President Donald Trump during a campaign event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, US, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. Trump signaled he would again make his stance on China a key part of his US presidential campaign strategy, drawing an unsubstantiated correlation between turbulence in the nations equity markets and his runaway Iowa Republican caucus victory. Photographer: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg via Getty Images.
Angry with Biden, pro-Palestine anti-war progressives might turn away from him in disgust not voting or voting for third party candidates, undoubtedly funded by Republican donors. Other voters dont like him because he is too old. In any case, Biden-hating voters might help elect the Muslim-hating, also elderly Trump, who is even more supportive of Netanyahu than Biden. In his first torturous term, Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem and left Palestinians out of the Abraham Accords, which many viewed as a betrayal of Palestine.
In his first term, Trumps brutality and corruption were slightly mitigated by his ignorance and laziness. In a second, Trump older and lazier would better understand the systems vulnerabilities and loop-holes. On inauguration day 2025, Trump will be an indicted or convicted outlaw. He will commit the first crime of his second term at noon: his oath to defend the United States Constitution will be a perjury.
In a second term, he would install an army of political loyalists whose fealty to his most unhinged demands will take precedence over their commitment to the Constitution or legal governance. They will help him drive a much more focused agenda of vengeance against his adversaries and impunity for himself. For his own survival, he must destroy the rule of law by stopping all state and federal, civil and criminal cases against him. If a president can order the justice department to stop a case against him as Trump would surely do then obstruction of justice becomes a normal privilege of the presidency.
A former insurrectionist re-elected to the Presidency, he would use the Insurrection Act to order the military to crush protests which he hoped to do during the summer of 2020 and turn the power of the federal government against his perceived enemies. Paraphrasing Hitler, he said, We will root out the communists, Marxists, fascists, and the radical-left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. It has always been Trumps supreme political wish to wield military violence as personal weapons of power a wish that many in his party now seem determined to help him achieve.
As xenophobe-in-chief, he hopes to institute a program of mass detainment and deportation of undocumented immigrants, who he says are poisoning the blood of the country, employing the rhetoric of European totalitarians. His aides have already drawn up plans for new detention centers at the U.S.-Mexico border, where anyone suspected of illegal entry would be held until officials have settled the persons immigration status.
American democracy will disintegrate piece by piece as a second Trump term erects a postmodern fascist state modeled on Victor Orbans Hungary destroying the legitimacy of elections, trampling constitutional rights, instituting a nation-wide abortion ban, cutting off immigration, suppressing derogatory media, promoting Christian nationalism, and undermining the rule of law.
Even beyond this horror, the craven cult that inflates Trumps already-enormous self-esteem has given him the power to bend the arc of reality. His hallucinating supporters believe in an elaborate MAGA phantasmagoria that Trump has concocted: that the previous election was stolen, that Biden is an illegitimate president, that Biden has weaponized the legal system to prosecute his strongest opponent Trump, and that the January 6 riot was not an insurrection by Trump supporters but an instigation by the FBI and antifa.
In a brief moment after the January 6 Capitol attack, many in the GOP thought the Trump monster had been banished, a pariah in the Party. Republican leaders blamed him for the insurrection. Party fund-raisers assured donors they were done with him. Trumps own loyalists turned against him. Former Attorney General Barr said Trumps conduct was a betrayal of his office and supporters.
The Murdoch-owned lapdog Wall Street Journal argued that Trump was done: This week finished him as a serious political figure. He has betrayed his loyal supporters by lying to them about the election and the ability of Congress and Mr. Pence to overturn it. He has refused to accept the basic bargain of democracy, which is to accept the result, win or lose. Trump also got blamed when the 2022 midterms went seriously awry as Trump-endorsed election deniers lost winnable races and the much-hyped red tsunami turned into a dribble. In her book, purged Republican Liz Cheney reported that afterwards Trump was depressed and refused to eat.
After condemning Trump for January 6 and even suggesting that he resign, now-deposed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy traveled to Mar-a-Lago and, in an historically spineless act of recantation, embraced and absolved the starving former President. Cheney and many others have identified this as a pivotal moment in reviving the former presidents political viability and appetite.
Still, previous to this submission, the Republican Party threw away its best chance to bury him forever when 43 senators voted to acquit him in his impeachment after the Capitol riot. They could have relegated him to Palm Beach and saved America from hearing the despicable rants of this malfunctioning moron and putting the police and the nuclear button under his thumb.
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Supporters of US President Donald Trump hold a rally outside the US Capitol as they protest the upcoming electoral college certification of Joe Biden as US President in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. Joe Bidens Democratic Party took a giant step Wednesday towards seizing control of the US Senate as they won the first of two Georgia run-offs, hours before Congress was set to certify the president-elects victory over Donald Trump. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images).
Trump resumed eating, lying, and constructing a new absurd reality that has proven more politically salient with the GOP and its voters than many of us thought possible on January 7, 2021, even after seeing it happen over and over for the previous six exhausting, gut-wrenching years.
Pulling off a kind of double coup, this psychopathic fabricator added to the original Big Lie about the rigged election. He called January 6 a beautiful day and he designated the nearly thirteen hundred defendants arrested in connection with the Capitol attack martyrs and hostages. He has promised to pardon insurrectionists and threatened to lock up the police who tried to defend the Capitol that day. If Trump is returned to office, he will undoubtedly make January 6 a national holiday the Day of the Patriotic Martyrs.
The GOP and the right wing media echo system has been so effective in pumping out Trumps upside-down-world propaganda that polling recently found that, in the intervening three years, the number of Republicans who believe Trumps lies about a rigged election has, in fact, gone up. Today, only thirty-one per cent of Republicans believe that Biden is the legitimate President, down from thirty-nine per cent in late 2021. The poll also showed that Republicans thought the insurrectionist mob were mostly peaceful.
For millions of people, Trump has managed to transmute historical events that everyone saw with their own eyes into theater of the absurd, an anti-realistic dramatic genre characterized by dark humor, incoherent language, strange symbolism, and themes that relate to human irrationality.
An example of absurdist drama that prophesied Trumpist transformation is Eugene Ionescos Rhinoceros the classic play in which an entire town devolves into hard-skinned, monstrous Rhinoceroses that issue ear-shattering bellows that silence any hope of coherent conversation. Rhinoceros thundered onto the stage, in 1960, with a chilling yet farcically funny allegory of how fascism can mutate ordinary people into angry, violent, mindless beasts whose articulateness dissolves into a cacophony of guttural honks.
Writing in the wake of Hitler and Stalin, Ionesco painted a picture of a society succumbing to the contagion of rhinoceritis, a disease that erodes individuality and replaces it with groupthink and casual brutality as well as a hatred of non-rhinoceroses. The transformative infection suggests the dehumanizing force of tyrannical ideologies.
Becoming a huge, horned rhinoceros is gradually normalized: a formerly concerned character Jean dismisses his friends terror at the multiplication of grotesque rhino mutations and their deleterious effects on human freedom. Jean debases himself and enables rhinoceritis when he says that despite their savage deformity, theyre harmless, docile herbivores and seem so sure of themselves. This mindless acceptance and rationalization foreshadows the insidious nature of the disease, disguising its destructive potential.
Ionescos play exposes the lure of surrendering to a mass authoritarian movement and abandoning the burden of independent thought. Among Trumps abettors are numerous verifiably insane congress people who have been infected by rhinoceritis for a long time such as Marjorie Taylor Green, Lauren Boebert, and Matt Gaetz. But its the transformed normies that are most pathetic.
Current House Majority Whip Tom Emmer angered Trump when he voted to certify Bidens election, unlike 147 colleagues who voted to overturn the election. When Emmer ran for his dream-job Speaker of the House, Trump sank his candidacy, warning that he would be a tragic mistake and calling him a Globalist RINO (not a rhinoceros). Two months later, Emmer like nearly 100 members of the House, said, I am proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for President. Expressing his gratitude to Emmer for his miserable self-abasement, Trump smirked, They always bend the knee.
The Lincoln Project Video: God Made a Dictator
One of the more pitiful examples of Trump Debasement Syndrome is Sen. Josh Hawley, the guy who egged on the January 6 rhinoceros-thugs with a fist-pump that lamely showed solidarity with them and then was recorded in security footage fleeing for his life to avoid those same stampeding thugs. Hawley has decided to forget his traumatic escape from the mob, though he had not endorsed King Rhinoceros as the Iowa caucus approached. Exhibiting concern for Hawleys electoral health, Trump warned him to be very careful in his Senate re-election campaign. Shortly thereafter, Hawley joined the Republican Rhino herd and publicly endorsed Trump saying, Im with him.
Rhinoceros explored the erosion of moral values, the seductive nature of power as people become mere instruments of brute strength and aggression. As authority figures collapse and undergo metamorphosis, other people find it easier to justify why becoming a rhinoceros is desirable. As one character declares, Its the strength that counts, dont you want to be strong?
Once a rising conservative normie in the party an acolyte of former Republican VP candidate Paul Ryan, Rep. Elise Stefanik has transmogrified into an automated MAGA rhinoceros. She trumpeted Trumps reference to the January 6 criminals as hostages, and embraced the claim that the 2020 election was an unconstitutional circumventing of the Constitution. Stefanik refused to commit to certifying the results of the 2024 election, saying We will see if this is a legal and valid election. After calling the media biased against Trump, she said the border crisis is poisoning Americans. Desperately thirsty for Trumps VP spot, Stefanik has become a eager demagogue.
What began, in Rhinoceros, as isolated incidents becomes a rhinoceros contagion as the towns residents witness an astonishing metamorphosis as more and more people sprout horns, grow enormously huge with hard green skin, and succumb to the allure of the rampaging Rhino fascists. There are no elections in Rhinoceros Town so the entire society is transformed, except for one individual Berenger who shouts, Ill take on the whole of them! Ill put up a fight against the lot of them! Im the last man left, and Im staying that way until the end. Im not capitulating.
The entire Republican Party elected officials and voters have capitulated. Theyve chosen the sickness, nihilism, and absurdity. Fortunately, we still have democracy. Stopping the Trump contagion will not suddenly eradicate the disease and make America perfectly healthy, but it is vital to embrace reality, reject the absurd, prevent further suffering, and preserve the possibility of progress.
A number of scholarships are available to high school seniors with Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company (NNTC) services at home thanks to the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS).
The FRS is the non-profit arm of the National Rural Broadband Association (NTCA). The NTCA is a national membership association with the goal of improving communication services, like broadband, in rural America by advocating for rural providers in Washington, D.C.
Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company is a supporting member of both organizations. NNTC supports the FRS mission by assisting in providing scholarship opportunities to its customers.
To be eligible for a scholarship through the FRS with NNTC as a sponsoring company, the applicant must:
Be a 2024 graduating high school senior
Be a U.S. Citizen
Have NNTC phone, TV and/or internet at home
Have been accepted by a two or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school
Have a GPA of at least 2.0
Express an interest in returning to a rural community after graduation
The value of the scholarships range from $500-$7,000, based on a variety of criteria. One application qualifies a student for all available FRS scholarships.
Since 1994, the FRS has awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to over 700 students.
Information and instructions on how to apply can be found on NNTCs website: nntc.net under About Us. Applications are due online by Feb. 16. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May.
Stephennie Mulder, The University of Texas at Austin
The Omari Mosque in Gaza was largely destroyed by Israeli bombardment on Dec. 8, 2023. It was one of the most ancient mosques in the region and a beloved Gazan landmark.
The mosque was first built in the early seventh century and named after Islams second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab, a successor to the Prophet Muhammad and leader of the early Islamic community. It was a graceful white stone structure, with repeating vistas of pointed arches and a tall octagonal minaret encircled by a carved wooden balcony and crowned with a crescent.
The lower half of the minaret and a few exterior walls are reported to be the only parts of the mosque still standing.
The Omari Mosque of Gaza.
Mohammed Alafrangi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Gaza is rich in cultural treasures, with some 325 formally registered heritage sites within just 141 square miles, including three designated for UNESCOs World Heritage tentative list. The Omari Mosque is one of over 200 ancient sites damaged or destroyed in Israeli raids since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
As a scholar of Islamic architecture and archaeology, I know the Omari Mosque as a building that embodies the history of Gaza itself as a site of frequent destruction, but also of resilience and renewal. While narratives about Gaza often center on war and conflict, Gazas rich history and pluralistic identity as expressed through its cultural heritage equally deserve to be known.
Layered histories
The sun-soaked coastal enclave of Gaza, with the tidy stone buildings of its old city and its verdant olive and orange groves, has been a trade hub that connected the Mediterranean with Africa, Asia and Europe for millennia. It was famed in particular as a transit point for incense, one of the ancient worlds most precious commodities. Given its abundant agricultural and maritime riches, Gaza has known conquest by nearly every powerful empire, including the ancient Egyptians, the Romans, the early Islamic caliphs, the Crusaders and the Mongols.
Gazas history of repeated conquest meant that buildings were often destroyed, reimagined and rededicated to accommodate changing political and religious practices. New sacred structures were continually built over old ones, and they frequently incorporated spolia, or stones reused from prior buildings. The Omari Mosque, too, was such an architectural palimpsest: a building embodying the layered, living material history of the city.
In the second millennium B.C., the site of the mosque is believed to have been a temple for Dagon, the Philistine god of the land and good fortune. The temple is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the one whose walls were felled by the warrior Samson, who is locally believed to be buried in its foundations.
In 323 B.C., Gaza fiercely resisted the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the city endured devastating destruction when it was finally subdued. Yet after Gaza was conquered by the Romans in 50 B.C. it entered a period of renewed wealth and prosperity. A concentric domed temple was built for Marnas, a god of storms and the protector of the city, on the site of the future mosque. He was venerated there until just before 400 A.D., when the Byzantine Empress Eudoxia imposed the new faith of Christianity and ordered the destruction of the temple.
The priests of the temple barricaded themselves inside and hid the statues and ritual objects in an underground room. But the temple was destroyed and a Greek Orthodox church rose in its place. The stones, however, preserved the tale: in 1879 a monumental, 10-foot-high statue of Marnas, portrayed in the guise of Zeus, was excavated and its discovery made international media headlines. The statue is now in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums.
The Byzantine church, too, was destined to be transformed. In the early seventh century, the Muslim general Amr ibn al-As conquered Gaza, and the church was converted into the Omari Mosque. Yet the continued presence of Gazan churches and synagogues attested to pluralistic norms that characterized the region under various Islamic dynasties until the modern era.
Gaza under Islamic rule
Gaza thrived under Islamic rule: Medieval travelers described it as a remarkably fertile, creative and beautiful city, with prominent Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. It was still a flourishing urban center when the European Crusaders arrived. When the city fell to the Crusader King of Jerusalem, Baldwin III, in 1100, the Omari Mosque was converted once again this time into a Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. John the Baptist.
The Muslim general Saladin defeated the Crusaders in 1187, and Gaza returned to Islamic rule. The church was transformed back into a mosque, and in the 13th century its elegant octagonal minaret was raised. Yet the reconversion into a mosque preserved much of the Crusader church, and the majority of the nave and the western portal were still visible in modern times.
It was in this period that the mosque became famed for its extraordinary library containing thousands of books, the earliest dating to the 13th century. After the library of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, the Omari Mosques collection was one of the richest in Palestine.
In the 13th century, the mosque endured destruction by the Mongols as well as major earthquakes that would repeatedly topple the minaret. Its rebuilding after each of these disasters speaks to the ongoing centrality of the mosque in the communal life of the people of Gaza.
The stones tell the tale
Later, Gaza continued to flourish as a coastal port city, where Muslims, Christians, Jews and others lived in the vast, cosmopolitan Ottoman Empire.
In the late 19th century, as scholars explored Gazas heritage, an eloquent reminder of the buildings layered history emerged: a relief on a mosque pillar depicting a seven-branched menorah and Jewish ritual objects, including a shofar, or horn, surrounded by a wreath. The name Hanania, son of Jacob, was engraved in Hebrew and Greek.
Its date is uncertain, but it seems likely to have been a column from a synagogue reused during the building of the Byzantine church, which was used again in the building of the mosque: yet another layer in the architectural palimpsest that was the Omari Mosque.
A few decades later, during World War I, the mosque was severely damaged when a nearby Ottoman arms depot was targeted by British artillery fire. In the 1920s, the stones were once again gathered and the mosque was rebuilt.
After the 1948 creation of the state of Israel, Gaza became the sanctuary of tens of thousands of Palestinian refugees. The area was primarily administered by Egypt until it was captured by Israel in 1967.
It was at some point after the 1967 war, when Jewish symbols had come to be associated with the state of Israel and its occupation of Gaza, that the menorah relief was effaced from the column in the mosque.
A future for the Omari Mosque
On Dec. 8, 2023, Israel became the most recent military force to target the mosque. The library, too, may have been ruined, a treasure house of knowledge that will not so easily be rebuilt. A digitization project completed in 2022 preserves an imprint of the librarys riches. Still, digital files cant replace the material significance of the original manuscripts.
The hundreds of other heritage sites damaged or destroyed include Gazas ancient harbor and the fifth century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, one of the oldest churches in the world.
From todays vantage point, it seems extraordinary that the menorah relief had endured for over 1,000 years: a Jewish symbol unremarkably cohabiting inside a Muslim prayer hall. In truth, both the relief and its removal embody the story of Gaza itself, a fitting reminder of the many centuries of destruction, coexistence and resilience embodied in the mosques very stones.
And if the Omari Mosques richly layered history is any indication, the people of Gaza will raise those stones again.
Stephennie Mulder, Associate Professor of Art History, The University of Texas at Austin
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The United States is demanding an end to attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, but it wont support a ceasefire in Gaza.
By Edward Hunt |
( Foreign Policy in Focus ) While Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, the United States is directing a major military operation in the Red Sea, where U.S. warships are maintaining a persistent presence to protect shipping lanes.
With its recently launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, the United States is leading a multinational military coalition to occupy the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab, where oil tankers and commercial vessels have come under attack by Houthi militants in Yemen. The U.S.-led military intervention has brought the United States into direct conflict with the Houthis, who insist that they will continue their attacks until Israel ends its military offensive in Gaza.
This is about the protection of one of the major commerce routes of the world in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, a senior official in the Biden administration said.
Strategic Waterways
For years, the U.S. military has played a central role in the Red Sea, a large waterway between northeastern Africa and the Arabian peninsula that facilitates regional commerce. In April 2022, the U.S. military oversaw the creation of Combined Task Force 153, a multinational naval partnership to patrol the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and Gulf of Aden.
As everyone can appreciate, those waters are critical to the free flow of commerce throughout the region, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the regional U.S. naval commander, explained at the time.
The Red Sea is a vital shipping route, accounting for nearly 15 percent of all seaborne trade. It facilitates commerce between Europe and Asia, enabling commercial ships to save time by passing through the Middle East rather than taking a longer route around Africa.
The Red Sea is also a major transit route for the worlds oil and natural gas. Significant amounts of oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Persian Gulf are routed through the Red Sea to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. Overall, the Red Sea accounts for 8 percent of global trade in liquefied natural gas and 12 percent of seaborne trade in oil.
The Red Sea is a vital waterway, White House spokesperson John Kirby said at a January 3 press briefing. A significant amount of global trade flows through that Red Sea.
Attacks in the Red Sea: After US-UK strikes, what next for Yemen? FRANCE 24 English Video
Of particular concern to U.S. officials is the Bab al-Mandab, a strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. Only 18 miles wide at its narrowest point, the strait forms a chokepoint that forces commercial vessels into tight shipping lanes. As of early 2023, an estimated 8.8 million barrels of oil passed through the Bab al-Mandab every day, making it one of the worlds most significant chokepoints.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a strategic route for oil and natural gas shipments, the U.S. Energy Information Agency notes.
Operation Prosperity Guardian
Now that the Houthis are attacking commercial vessels in the Red Sea, the United States is establishing a larger military presence in the region with Operation Prosperity Guardian. Under this new initiative, the United States is working with its coalition partners to establish what U.S. officials call a persistent presence in the southern Red Sea, meaning that coalition warships and other military assets will remain actively spread out across the area in a kind of military occupation.
Together, we now have the largest surface and air presence in the southern Red Sea in years, Cooper said at a January 4 press briefing.
As part of the operation, warships from France, Great Britain, and the United States are positioned throughout the southern Red Sea. They have been reinforced by the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, which is located in the Gulf of Aden.
Already, the U.S.-led military coalition has engaged in hostilities with the Houthis, including one incident on December 31 in which U.S. forces sank three Houthi small boats, killing 10 fighters.
Its up to the Houthis to halt the attacks, Cooper insisted. Theyre the instigator and initiator.
The United States and the Houthis
This is not the first time that the United States has come into conflict with the Houthis. For years, the United States supported Saudi Arabias war in Yemen against the Houthis. Both the Obama and Trump administrations provided a Saudi-led military coalition with advanced weaponry and military advice, even as it repeatedly committed war crimes by striking civilian targets.
The Saudi-led military intervention sparked one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, leading to the deaths of more than 377,000 people. A temporary truce that began in April 2022 led to a reduction in hostilities, but the war has never ended, creating fears that it could reignite at any moment.
Nobody should believe that the current state of affairs with relatively low levels of fighting is going to last, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) noted late last year.
Throughout Saudi Arabias military campaign in Yemen and Israels military campaign in Gaza, the United States has been the main power behind the scenes, arming its allies while their military operations have caused tremendous harm to civilians. Officials in Washington have insisted that they have sought to minimize civilian casualties, but their priority has been to prevent the wars from disrupting commerce in nearby waterways, especially in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
Theres no question in my mind that this is very important, not only to the countries in the region but globally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said last month, referring to the need to ensure freedom of navigation. What the Houthis are doing affects commerce around the globe.
U.S. Considerations
As several powerful companies have begun halting their operations in the Red Sea, some current and former U.S. officials have been calling for stronger military action, such as military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The United States previously took direct action against the Houthis in October 2016, when a U.S. warship fired cruise missiles against radar sites in Yemen.
Still, high-level officials have been careful about taking the war directly to the Houthis. So far, President Biden has decided against striking Houthi targets, even after being presented with military options.
A major concern in Washington is that any kind of escalation against the Houthis could reignite the war in Yemen, which has already left the Houthis with the upper hand. When former CIA analyst Bruce Riedel considered the prospect of a U.S. war in Yemen late last year, he questioned whether the people of the United States would support such a war.
I would venture that if you ask 100 Americans, who are the Houthis? Riedel said, 99 percent of them would say, the whats, the whats?
Another major concern is that a U.S. war against the Houthis would create further complications for the United States and its allies. If the United States attacked the Houthis, then the Houthis might respond by bringing the war to areas beyond the Red Sea, such as Israel. Already, the Houthis have launched drones and missiles toward Israel.
Officials in the Biden administration have been so concerned about the implications of going to war against the Houthis that they have not accused the Houthis of attacking the United States, even as the Houthis have repeatedly fired drones and missiles in the direction of U.S. warships. Administration officials have claimed that they cannot conclude with certainty that the Houthis have deliberately targeted U.S. military forces.
Additional members of the current U.S.-led military coalition share similar concerns, with some even going so far as to refuse to disclose their participation in the U.S.-led military coalition. Whereas some are concerned about retaliation, others fear what people might think about their participation in a military operation that is indifferent to the suffering of the people of Gaza.
Not all want to become public, Kirby acknowledged.
Implications for Gaza
While officials in Washington weigh their options, they are doing little to address the core issue, which is Israels ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The Biden administration opposes a ceasefire, even as it repeatedly demands that the Houthis end their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Essentially, the Biden administration is engaging in a form of imperial management, as its works to help Israel continue its military campaign in Gaza while limiting its effects on regional dynamics and global markets. Rather than backing a ceasefire, the Biden administration is hoping to minimize the repercussions of Israels offensive for the global economy and contain any movement toward a wider war.
What the Biden administration has shown, in short, is that it cares far more about protecting fossil fuels and the worlds most powerful businesses than it does about protecting the people of Gaza.
Edward Hunt writes about war and empire. He has a PhD in American Studies from the College of William & Mary.
LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 18, 2024 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM:HZM )(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company"), the nickel development company, is pleased to confirm the appointment of Nicholas (Nick) Michael as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect.
Paul Smith, Chair of the Board, said: "I am delighted to welcome Nick to Horizonte's Board. He brings considerable experience within the mining industry, particularly in technical diligence and engineering. We will be drawing on this extensive knowledge as Horizonte continues its review of the outstanding capital expenditure and schedule for the Araguaia project, in addition to capitalising on his skills as we progress discussions with our cornerstone shareholders and senior lenders as part of a full funding solution for the project."
About Nicholas Michael
Mr Michael has over 37 years of experience in the mining industry, including ferronickel in Brazil, as a successful Technical Director, having retired from Orion Resource Partners in 2023 where he held the position of VP Technical Services. Nick has been involved in the design and construction process, technical diligence and has acted as an independent engineer (for investors) across multiple mines globally.
Mr Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining & Extractive Metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines and an MBA from Willamette University, Oregon, and is a registered member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration.
On appointment, Mr Michael is not considered to be an independent director of the Company for the purposes of the QCA Corporate Governance Code by reason of him representing a significant shareholder of the Company, Orion Resource Partners.
For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:
Horizonte Minerals plc
Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)
Ross Allister
David McKeown
Bhavesh Patel +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker)
Thomas Rider
Pascal Lussier Duquette
Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Barclays (Joint Broker)
Philip Lindop
Richard Bassingthwaighte +44 (0)20 7623 2323 Tavistock (Financial PR)
Jos Simson
Cath Drummond +44 (0) 20 7920 3150
Regulatory
The following information is disclosed under Rule 17 of the AIM Rules for Companies ("AIM Rules") and Schedule Two Paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules:
Nicholas Michael, aged 62, is or has been a director of the following companies in the past five years:
Current Directorships Past Directorships (within the last five years) N/A N/A
There is no further information which is required to be disclosed under Schedule Two, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in respect of Nicholas Michael.
Mr Michael does not hold any ordinary shares nor options over ordinary shares in the Company.
ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS
Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/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. 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, Glencore and Orion Mine Finance.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Except 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 with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. 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 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.
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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) ("Maritime" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional bedrock sample assays from the Black Ridge gold rich volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) target in Newfoundland and Labrador. Black Ridge is located at the southwest corner of the Company's land holdings, approximately 15 km from the Hammerdown Gold Project near the communities of King's Point and Springdale. The property is at an early stage of exploration but hosts several high-grade gold, silver and copper showings in outcrop, float, and soil samples.
Highlights:
New project covers 150 hectares of highly prospective VMS ground.
Recent grab samples by Maritime from outcrop returned high grades of gold, copper and silver 12.6 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold ("Au"), 181.2 gpt silver ("Ag") and 11.8% copper ("Cu") 7.6 gpt Au, 127.6 gpt Ag, 12.3% Cu 5.9 gpt Au 125.6 gpt Ag, 10.4% Cu 2.9 gpt Au, 16.9 gpt Ag, 0.8% Cu, 1.0% Pb and 2.0% Zn
Untested geophysical anomalies - electromagnetic conductor and property scale magnetic anomaly.
Compilation of historical soil geochemical surveys and recent soil analysis by Maritime has defined several anomalous zones of gold and or copper.
Recent geological mapping has identified the potential for the property to host both ophiolitic VMS style and epigenetic structurally controlled gold mineralization.
Excellent property access and proximity to local infrastructure.
"We continue to see high grade gold, silver and copper samples in outcrop and anomalous gold/copper trends in soils at our Black Ridge prospect. There are two large geophysical anomalies that remain to be tested this spring as part of a comprehensive exploration program including soil sampling, trenching and mapping. This area is highly prospective for copper-gold rich volcanic massive sulphide deposits and represents some exciting blue sky exploration potential for the Company like other known deposits along the district," comments Garett Macdonald, President and CEO.
Black Ridge Property Description
The Black Ridge property is centrally located within the western boundary of Maritime's Gull Ridge Project (see Figure 2). The claims are proximal to the Baie Verte Line a major suture zone that separates Precambrian Laurentia continental margin rocks from Cambrian/Ordovician ophiolitic complexes and cover sequence rocks of the Baie Verte Oceanic Tract.
Further north of the property along the Baie Verte Line similar ophiolitic rocks are host to several important past producers of copper-gold rich VMS style deposits including the current Firefly Metals Green Bay Copper-Gold Project. Subsidiary structures of the Baie Verte Line to the northeast are also host to numerous prospects and showings of high-grade gold in orogenic style structurally controlled veins.
After staking the new claims in November 2023, Maritime sampled the historical main showing represented by thin massive to semi-massive sulphides which had been previously reported by historical explorers (see Maritime Press Release November 27, 2023). The grab samples confirmed the high-grade nature of the mineralization. Three grab samples returned: 5.92 gpt Au, 125.6 gpt Ag and 10.4 % Cu, 12.57 gpt Au, 181.2 gpt Ag and 11.8 % Cu, 7.63 gpt Au, 127.6 gpt Ag and 12.3 % Cu. A second showing of brecciated quartz veining with minor base metals 200 meters north of the main showing returned 2.86 gpt Au, 16.9 gpt Ag and 0.8 % Cu in a grab sample.
A compilation of soil geochemical analysis from previous explorers and more recent soil sampling by Maritime peripheral to the newly acquired mineral claims has revealed several anomalous copper and gold trends (Figure 1). A 1.5-kilometer-long northwest to southeast trending single and multi-station anomalous gold (ranging from 41 to 434 ppb Au) and copper (ranging from 50 to 266 ppm) occurs coincident with the high-grade copper, gold and silver grab samples taken by Maritime in November 2023. A similar 2-kilometer-long narrow northwest to southeast trending gold (ranging from 41 to 249 ppb Au) and copper (ranging from 50 to 200 ppb Cu) anomalous zone is located approximately 500 meters north of the main showing and parallels the more southerly trend. A cluster of anomalous gold (ranging from 41 to 286 ppb Au) occurs in the vicinity of an EM conductive trend identified by a 2021 airborne VTEM survey and ground-based EM survey completed by Maritime.
The Black Ridge property also hosts several conductive and magnetic geophysical anomalies that were identified in Maritime's 2021 versatile time domain electromagnetic ("VTEM") and magnetic surveys. The conductive anomaly identified in the airborne VTEM survey was followed up with ground based electromagnetic surveys and generated a conductive plate anomaly measuring over 1 km in strike length. The untested conductive anomaly occurs along strike to the northeast of the high-grade copper/gold showings and coincident with anomalous gold in soils.
Figure 1. Compilation Map of Black Ridge Property
Figure 2. Location map with Total Magnetic Intensity base from 2019 airborne survey
Qualified Person
Exploration activities at the Hammerdown Gold Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Manager, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. Exploration Manager, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects.
Analytical Procedures
All samples assayed and pertaining to this press release were completed by Eastern Analytical Limited (EAL) located at Springdale, Newfoundland and Labrador. EAL is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited laboratory for a defined scope of procedures. EAL has no relationship to Maritime Resources. Samples are delivered in sealed plastic bags to EAL by Maritime field crews where they are dried, crushed, and pulped. Samples are crushed to approximately 80% passing a minus 10 mesh and split using a riffle splitter to approximately 250 grams. A ring mill is used to pulverize the sample split to 95% passing a minus 150 mesh. Sample rejects are securely stored at the EAL site for future reference. A 30-gram representative sample is selected for analysis from the 250 grams after which EAL applies a fire assay fusion followed by acid digestion and analysis by atomic absorption for gold analysis. Other metals were analyzed by applying an acid digestion and 34 element ICP analysis finish. EAL runs a comprehensive QA/QC program of standards, duplicates and blanks within each sample stream.
About Maritime Resources Corp.
Maritime (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) is a gold exploration and development company focused on advancing the Hammerdown Gold Project in the Baie Verte District of Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier global mining jurisdiction. Maritime holds a 100% interest directly and subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership in the Green Bay Property which includes the former Hammerdown gold mine and the Orion gold project. Maritime controls over 439 km2 of exploration land including the Green Bay, Whisker Valley, Gull Ridge and Point Rousse projects. Mineral processing assets owned by Maritime in the Baie Verte mining district include the Pine Cove mill and the Nugget Pond gold circuit. The Company also owns the Lac Pelletier gold project in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec.
On Behalf of the Board:
Garett Macdonald, MBA, P.Eng.
President and CEO
1900-110 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5C 1T4
Phone: (416) 365-5321
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www.maritimeresourcescorp.com
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Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements:
Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "intends", "indicates" "plans" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning the low capital intensity and rapid payback of the Project, the exploration upside relating to the Project, the pursuit of mine life extensions, the potential to increase mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, returns and FCF relating to the Project, capital financing processes relating to the Project, development of the next drill program on the Project, exploration and development of the Orion deposit, "Run of Mine" ore scheduled to be mined from the Project, timing of submission of the Project Development Plan and the Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plan for Hammerdown, timing of future site construction, timing to first gold production, length of construction period for the Project, timing of completion of required permitting, timing for approvals to be obtained for the closure and development plans relating to the Project, timing of an updated feasibility study incorporating the Pine Cove mill, availability of capital financing, the non-equity portion of any construction capital financing, timing of completion of construction capital financing process, amongst other things, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. All forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company in good faith as at the date of such information. Such assumptions include, without limitation, the price of and anticipated costs of recovery of, base metal concentrates, gold and silver, the presence of and continuity of such minerals at modeled grades and values, the capacities of various machinery and equipment, the use of ore sorting technology will produce positive results, the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices, mineral recovery rates, and others. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to continue to be able to access the capital markets for the funding necessary to acquire, maintain and advance exploration properties or business opportunities; global financial conditions, including market reaction to the coronavirus outbreak; competition within the industry to acquire properties of merit or new business opportunities, and competition from other companies possessing greater technical and financial resources; difficulties in advancing towards a development decision at Hammerdown and executing exploration programs at its Newfoundland and Labrador properties on the Company's proposed schedules and within its cost estimates, whether due to weather conditions, availability or interruption of power supply, mechanical equipment performance problems, natural disasters or pandemics in the areas where it operates; increasingly stringent environmental regulations and other permitting restrictions or maintaining title or other factors related to exploring of its properties, such as the availability of essential supplies and services; factors beyond the capacity of the Company to anticipate and control, such as the marketability of mineral products produced from the Company's properties; uncertainty as to whether the acquisition of assets and new mineral property interests will be completed in the manner currently contemplated by the parties; uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves once economic considerations are applied; uncertainty as to whether inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied; government regulations relating to health, safety and the environment, and the scale and scope of royalties and taxes on production; and the availability of experienced contractors and professional staff to perform work in a competitive environment and the resulting adverse impact on costs and performance and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in each MD&A of financial condition and results of operations. In addition, forward-looking information is based on various assumptions including, without limitation, assumptions associated with exploration results and costs and the availability of materials and skilled labour. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Maritime undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Targeting Additional Near Mine Oxide Ounces
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Orla Mining Ltd. (TSX: OLA) (NYSE: ORLA) ("Orla" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its near-pit exploration activities at Camino Rojo completed in the second half of 2023.
2023 Exploration Highlights: Camino Rojo Oxides ( Mexico )
In 2023, Orla completed 6,500 metres of drilling near the Camino Rojo Oxide Mine in Mexico to define additional oxide mineralization near the open pit. This near-pit exploration included 2,500 metres of drilling to confirm oxide gold mineralization on the Fresnillo plc property (the "Layback Area"), located immediately north of and adjacent to the Camino Rojo Oxide Mine open pit, and 4,000 metres of drilling targeting the extension of oxide gold mineralization hosted by key structures controlling deeper levels of oxide mineralization within and beyond the currently designed oxide open pit (Figure 1). An updated resource is planned for the first half of 2024, incorporating, for the first-time, mineral resources in the Layback Area.
"Our 2023 near-mine exploration validated near-surface oxide gold in the Layback Area and uncovered oxide expansion potential near the edge of the Camino Rojo Oxide Mine. The positive results from our near-mine oxide drilling program highlight the opportunity to replace a portion of the depleted ounces at the mine by incorporating incremental near-mine oxide material. These positive results pave the way for the 2024 near-mine drill program."
Sylvain Guerard, Orla's Senior Vice President, Exploration
The Layback Area drilling confirmed and delineated gold mineralization immediately north of and adjacent to the Camino Rojo Oxide Mine open pit (Figure 2). Results from the Layback Area drill program confirmed historical drill results and the continuity of oxide hosted gold mineralization across the property boundary.
Highlights of the Layback Area drill program:
Camino Rojo Layback Hole CRLB23-03 : 0.85 g/t Au over 76.0 m incl. 1.28 g/t Au over 28.0 m and 1.27 g/t Au over 10.5 m Hole CRLB23-08 : 0.48 g/t Au over 67.0 m incl. 1.00 g/t Au over 5.8 m Hole CRLB23-01 : 0.37 g/t Au over 73.5 m incl. 0.65 g/t Au over 21.5 m and 0.59 g/t Au over 10.5 m Hole CRLB23-14 : 1.09 g/t Au over 21.0 m incl. 1.60 g/t Au over 10.5 m and 0.76 g/t Au over 6.0 m Hole CRLB23-05 : And 1.06 g/t Au over 18.7 m incl. 4.06 g/t Au over 4.0 m 0.92 g/t Au over 22.5 m incl. 3.08 g/t Au over 3.0 m
Cut off grade 0.2g/t Au, minimum length 1.5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 6m. See the Appendix to this news release for full drill results.
In near-pit oxide extension drilling, Orla's exploration approach was to test along strike and down dip of key structures controlling oxidation to define additional oxide gold mineralization. Results from this program identified significant structurally controlled oxide mineralization up to 50 metres below (e.g., CROX23-08, 67.1m at 1.16 g/t incl. 58.0m at 1.32 g/t Au, Figure 3) and up to 15 m southeast (e.g., CROX23-17, 23.5m at 0.45 g/t Au, Figure 4) of the current ultimate oxide pit boundaries. Notably, the shallow oxide material intersected southeast of the current pit extents is considered to have the highest potential for driving a pit expansion. Follow-up drilling of the oxide mineralization southeast of the pit wall is planned for 2024.
Highlights of the near-pit extension drill program include:
Camino Rojo Oxide Extension Hole CROX23-08: 1.16 g/t Au over 67.1 m (Ox/Tx/Sx) incl. 1.32 g/t Au over 58.0 m Hole CROX23-04: 0.86 g/t Au over 65.1m (Tx/Sx) incl. 1.02 g/t Au over 22.5 m and 1.02 g/t Au over 18.5 m Hole CROX23-16: 0.63 g/t Au over 63.0 m (Ox/Tx/Sx) incl. 1.71 g/t Au over 7.9 m Hole CROX23-05: 0.52 g/t Au over 69.7m (Ox/Tx/Sx) incl. 1.46 g/t Au over 8.0 m and 1.33 g/t Au over 3.1 m Hole CROX23-15: 0.49 g/t Au over 41.0 m (Ox/Tx/Sx) incl. 1.29 g/t Au over 6.4 m Hole CROX23-11: 0.87 g/t Au over 21.0m (Tx) Hole CROX23-17: 0.45 g/t Au over 23.5 m (Ox) incl. 3.11 g/t Au over 1.6 m
Cut off grade 0.2g/t Au, minimum length 1.5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 6m. See the Appendix to this news release for full drill results.
Qualified Persons Statement
The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Sylvain Guerard, P Geo., SVP Exploration of the Company, who is the Qualified Person as defined under the definitions of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").
To verify the information related to the 2023 drilling program at the Camino Rojo property, Mr. Guerard has visited the property in the past year; discussed logging, sampling, and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control 2023 Drill Program
All gold results at Camino Rojo were obtained by ALS Minerals (Au-AA23) using fire assay fusion and an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. All samples are also analyzed for multi-elements, including silver, copper, lead and zinc using a four-acid digestion with ICP-AES finish (ME-ICP61) method at ALS Laboratories in Canada. If samples were returned with gold values in excess of 10 ppm or base metal values in excess of 1% by ICP analysis, samples are re-run with gold (Au-GRA21) by fire assay and gravimetric finish or base metal by (OG62) four acid overlimit methods. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results were performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards were inserted at a frequency of one in every 50 samples, and blanks were inserted at a frequency of one in every 50 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the lab. ALS Laboratories is independent of Orla. There are no known drilling, sampling, recovery, or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the drilling data at Camino Rojo.
For additional information on the Company's previously reported drill results referenced in this news release, see the Company's news releases dated September 12, 2022 (Orla Mining Advances Exploration & Growth Pipeline) and January 31, 2023 (Orla Mining Continues to Intersect Wide, Higher-Grade Sulphide Zones and Expose Deeper Potential at Camino Rojo, Mexico).
Historical drill results at Camino Rojo were completed by Goldcorp. Inc. ("Goldcorp"), a prior owner of the project. The Company's independent qualified person, Independent Mining Consultants, Inc. was of the opinion that the drilling and sampling procedures for Camino Rojo drill samples by Goldcorp (and prior to its acquisition by Goldcorp, Canplats Resources Corporation) were reasonable and adequate for the purposes of the Camino Rojo Report, and that the Goldcorp QA/QC program met or exceeded industry standards. See the Camino Rojo Report (as defined below) for additional information.
About Orla Mining Ltd.
Orla is operating the Camino Rojo Oxide Gold Mine, a gold and silver open-pit and heap leach mine, located in Zacatecas State, Mexico. The property is 100% owned by Orla and covers over 160,000 hectares. The technical report for the 2021 Feasibility Study on the Camino Rojo oxide gold project entitled "Unconstrained Feasibility Study NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Camino Rojo Gold Project Municipality of Mazapil, Zacatecas, Mexico" dated January 11, 2021 (the "Camino Rojo Report"), is available on SEDAR and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. Orla also owns 100% of Cerro Quema located in Panama which includes a gold production scenario and various exploration targets. Cerro Quema is a proposed open pit mine and gold heap leach operation. The technical report for the Pre-Feasibility Study on the Cerro Quema oxide gold project entitled "Project Pre-Feasibility Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Cerro Quema Project, Province of Los Santos, Panama" dated January 18, 2022, is available on SEDAR and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. Orla also owns 100% of the South Railroad Project, a feasibility-stage, open pit, heap leach project located on the Carlin trend in Nevada. The technical report for the 2022 Feasibility Study entitled "South Railroad Project, Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Feasibility Study, Elko County, Nevada" dated March 23, 2022, is available on SEDAR and EDGAR under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. The technical reports are available on Orla's website at www.orlamining.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the potential mineralization at Camino Rojo based on the 2023 drill program and the Company's 2024 exploration plans. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold, silver, and copper; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development, and mining activities; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; decommissioning and reclamation estimates; the Company's ability to secure and to meet obligations under property agreements, including the layback agreement with Fresnillo plc; that all conditions of the Company's credit facility will be met; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits, including those approvals and permits required for successful project permitting, construction, and operation of projects; the timing of cash flows; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: uncertainty and variations in the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves; the Company's dependence on the Camino Rojo oxide mine; risks related to the Company's indebtedness; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations, including the COVID-19 pandemic; foreign country and political risks, including risks relating to foreign operations and expropriation or nationalization of mining operations and risks associated with operating in Mexico and Panama; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; delays in or failures to enter into a subsequent agreement with Fresnillo plc with respect to accessing certain additional portions of the mineral resource at the Camino Rojo project and to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals related thereto; the mineral resource estimations for the Camino Rojo project being only estimates and relying on certain assumptions; loss of, delays in, or failure to get access from surface rights owners; uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; water rights; financing risks and access to additional capital; risks related to guidance estimates and uncertainties inherent in the preparation of feasibility and pre-feasibility studies; uncertainty in estimates of production, capital, and operating costs and potential production and cost overruns; the fluctuating price of gold, silver, and copper; unknown labilities in connection with acquisitions; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; assessments by taxation authorities in multiple jurisdictions; foreign currency fluctuations; the Company's limited operating history; litigation risks; the Company's ability to identify, complete, and successfully integrate acquisitions; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; risks related to historical data; the Company not having paid a dividend; risks related to the Company's foreign subsidiaries; risks related to the Company's accounting policies and internal controls; the Company's ability to satisfy the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; enforcement of civil liabilities; the Company's status as a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes; information and cyber security; gold industry concentration; shareholder activism; and risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies; as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 20, 2023, which are available on www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers
This news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian standards for the reporting of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, which differ from the previous and current standards of the United States securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve", "probable mineral reserve", "inferred mineral resources,", "indicated mineral resources," "measured mineral resources" and "mineral resources" used or referenced herein and the documents incorporated by reference herein, as applicable, are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Definition Standards").
For United States reporting purposes, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to modernize the mining property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which became effective February 25, 2019. The SEC Modernization Rules more closely align the SEC's disclosure requirements and policies for mining properties with current industry and global regulatory practices and standards, including NI 43-101, and replace the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants that were included in SEC Industry Guide 7. Issuers were required to comply with the SEC Modernization Rules in their first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system, the Corporation is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, mineral reserve and mineral resource information contained or incorporated by reference herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.
As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be "substantially similar" to the corresponding CIM Definition Standards that are required under NI 43-101. While the SEC will now recognize "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources", U.S. investors should not assume that all or any part of the mineralization in these categories will be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves without further work and analysis. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable without further work and analysis. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of inferred mineral resources will be upgraded to a higher category without further work and analysis. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms are "substantially similar" to CIM Definitions, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definition Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules or under the prior standards of SEC Industry Guide 7.
Appendix: Drill Results
Table 1: Camino Rojo Layback Program Composite Drill Results (Composites 0.2g/t Au cog)
HOLE-ID From
(m) To
(m) Core Length
(m) Estimated
True Width
(m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu ppm Zn ppm Au GXM Including
0.2g/t Au COG
Outside Pit Including
1g/t Au COG
Outside Pit Met Code CRLB23-01 26.40 41.15 14.8 14.3 0.31 4.8 37.7 1464.9 4.57 OX CRLB23-01 49.00 50.50 1.5 1.5 0.24 4.1 63.0 837.0 0.35 OX CRLB23-01 57.50 131.00 73.5 41.4 0.37 6.0 53.6 1277.7 27.52 57.5 - 99 OX
99 - 116.5 TROH
116.5 - 123.15 TROL
123.15 - 131 TRSX CRLB23-01 138.50 175.00 36.5 20.4 0.51 11.1 66.6 2901.7 18.77 14m @ 0.9g/t Au 4.25m @ 2.23g/t Au TRSX CRLB23-02 86.40 93.95 7.6 7.2 0.73 7.4 36.2 999.0 5.54 OX CRLB23-02 106.00 125.50 19.5 2.0 0.28 6.3 43.0 1017.8 5.52 12m @ 0.35g/t Au OX CRLB23-03 61.00 71.50 10.5 5.9 1.29 8.8 40.3 3033.6 13.50 OX CRLB23-03 79.00 155.00 76.0 43.1 0.85 20.6 76.6 4501.4 64.74 4.5m @ 0.66g/t Au 1.5m @ 1.25g/t Au 79 - 104.2 OX
104.2 - 120 TROH
120 - 131.4 TROL
131.4 - 155 TRSX CRLB23-04 67.00 68.50 1.5 1.4 0.22 2.2 29.0 165.0 0.32 OX CRLB23-04 79.50 84.50 5.0 0.5 0.25 5.9 34.8 1681.0 1.24 1.5m @ 0.34g/t Au OX CRLB23-04 90.50 92.00 1.5 0.2 0.27 1.9 55.0 555.0 0.41 1.5m @ 0.27g/t Au OX CRLB23-05 58.00 59.50 1.5 1.3 0.29 4.0 39.0 1410.0 0.44 OX CRLB23-05 68.00 73.50 5.5 4.9 1.59 7.8 79.5 1469.1 8.75 OX CRLB23-05 84.00 87.00 3.0 2.7 0.31 5.2 48.5 988.5 0.94 OX CRLB23-05 97.00 115.70 18.7 16.6 1.06 5.9 52.4 1031.0 19.74 97 - 105 OX
105 - 115.7 SX CRLB23-05 127.50 150.00 22.5 19.9 0.92 16.6 82.2 3114.2 20.78 127.5 - 145.1 TROL
145.1 - 147.3 OX
147.3 - 150 TROH CRLB23-06 39.00 42.00 3.0 2.7 0.77 1.8 22.0 595.5 2.32 OX CRLB23-06 52.50 60.00 7.5 5.4 0.29 4.6 48.4 644.8 2.15 OX CRLB23-06 69.00 70.50 1.5 1.1 0.43 5.3 49.0 1065.0 0.65 OX CRLB23-06 94.50 100.00 5.5 4.9 0.22 4.4 39.5 1672.3 1.23 OX CRLB23-06 129.00 134.60 5.6 4.1 0.63 4.3 48.5 824.9 3.51 129 - 129.65 TROH
129.65 - 134.35 TROL
134.35 - 134.6 TRSX CRLB23-06 149.50 151.00 1.5 1.1 0.24 8.3 49.0 1385.0 0.35 TRSX CRLB23-06 166.00 167.50 1.5 1.3 0.24 5.9 36.0 1445.0 0.35 1.5m @ 0.24g/t Au TRSX CRLB23-06 175.00 190.50 15.5 11.3 0.31 4.7 56.0 933.5 4.81 15.5m @ 0.31g/t Au TRSX CRLB23-07 41.00 48.50 7.5 5.4 0.33 3.2 32.8 780.8 2.47 OX CRLB23-07 63.50 65.00 1.5 1.1 0.22 2.1 37.0 193.0 0.33 OX CRLB23-08 6.90 14.50 7.6 7.2 0.27 4.4 47.7 866.1 2.06 OX CRLB23-08 22.00 31.00 9.0 8.5 0.54 4.7 34.3 1691.3 4.86 OX CRLB23-08 40.00 41.50 1.5 1.4 0.33 4.3 32.0 1430.0 0.49 OX CRLB23-08 44.50 46.00 1.5 1.4 0.33 3.2 29.0 820.0 0.50 OX CRLB23-08 52.00 53.50 1.5 1.4 0.41 4.2 44.0 651.0 0.62 OX CRLB23-08 62.50 64.00 1.5 0.9 0.45 4.6 40.0 1095.0 0.67 OX CRLB23-08 73.00 140.00 67.0 63.0 0.48 8.0 48.1 1376.6 32.44 73 - 89 OX
89 - 93 TROL
93 - 104.2 TRSX
104.2 - 121.95 TROH
121.95 - 128.9 TROL
128.9 - 130.4 TROH
130.4 - 137.5 OX
137.5 - 140 TROL CRLB23-09 7.50 10.50 3.0 1.7 0.27 6.3 51.5 982.5 0.81 OX CRLB23-09 22.00 23.50 1.5 1.5 0.37 3.7 42.0 1545.0 0.55 OX CRLB23-09 42.00 54.00 12.0 11.6 0.37 4.5 49.4 964.1 4.46 OX CRLB23-09 61.50 64.50 3.0 1.7 0.44 3.3 38.0 527.0 1.31 OX CRLB23-09 75.00 93.10 18.1 10.2 0.37 5.2 37.3 1683.1 6.70 75 - 89.85 OX
89.85 - 93.05 TROL
93.05 - 93.1 SX CRLB23-09 112.50 114.00 1.5 0.8 0.40 1.3 53.0 424.0 0.60 SX CRLB23-09 118.50 120.00 1.5 0.8 0.38 2.4 37.0 344.0 0.57 SX CRLB23-09 127.50 135.00 7.5 4.2 0.22 1.0 33.0 348.2 1.64 1.5m @ 0.4g/t Au SX CRLB23-09 138.00 139.00 1.0 1.0 0.30 0.9 46.0 422.0 0.30 1m @ 0.3g/t Au SX CRLB23-10 6.00 41.00 35.0 19.7 0.22 3.8 41.4 1333.8 7.83 OX CRLB23-10 50.00 91.50 41.5 23.1 0.21 3.2 41.6 1134.7 8.62 50 - 72.35 OX
72.35 - 80 TROH
80 - 91.5 TROL CRLB23-10 110.40 121.50 11.1 6.3 0.66 16.3 78.4 2590.9 7.27 110.4 - 111.3 TROL
111.3 - 115.25 TROH
115.25 - 121.5 SX CRLB23-10 133.50 145.50 12.0 6.6 0.51 3.5 39.5 845.9 6.13 SX CRLB23-10 166.50 170.00 3.5 3.4 1.70 11.6 51.0 3974.3 5.95 3.5m @ 1.7g/t Au 3.5m @ 1.7g/t Au SX CRLB23-11 16.00 17.50 1.5 1.3 0.37 7.0 39.0 830.0 0.55 OX CRLB23-11 44.50 55.00 10.5 9.3 0.36 3.0 41.1 719.3 3.83 OX CRLB23-11 73.00 91.00 18.0 15.9 0.22 2.5 40.2 593.4 3.99 73 - 80.05 OX
80.05 - 91 TROL CRLB23-11 98.50 107.50 9.0 7.9 0.38 6.3 39.8 956.7 3.40 98.5 - 101 TROH
101 - 107.5 TROL CRLB23-11 126.00 129.00 3.0 2.6 0.85 6.3 67.5 973.0 2.54 SX CRLB23-11 145.50 147.00 1.5 1.1 0.26 0.3 40.0 264.0 0.39 SX CRLB23-11 156.00 157.50 1.5 1.3 0.47 0.3 38.0 108.0 0.70 SX CRLB23-11 166.50 172.50 6.0 5.3 0.65 4.7 62.8 1220.8 3.89 1.5m @ 2.03g/t Au 1.5m @ 2.03g/t Au SX CRLB23-12 13.50 15.00 1.5 0.3 0.30 4.3 67.0 875.0 0.45 OX CRLB23-13 4.50 25.50 21.0 16.8 0.32 4.0 45.9 1131.8 6.65 OX CRLB23-13 42.00 43.50 1.5 1.2 0.36 2.6 51.0 368.0 0.54 OX CRLB23-13 49.00 52.70 3.7 2.9 0.35 3.8 51.0 1030.0 1.28 OX CRLB23-13 64.50 74.00 9.5 7.6 0.61 5.0 47.0 804.9 5.81 64.5 - 69.9 OX
69.9 - 74 TRSX CRLB23-13 89.00 125.50 36.5 28.9 0.50 4.7 56.1 1155.8 18.20 89 - 90 TRSX
90 - 100.8 TROL
100.8 - 113.5 TRSX
113.5 - 125.5 SX CRLB23-13 136.00 137.50 1.5 1.2 0.24 5.6 43.0 655.0 0.36 SX CRLB23-13 145.00 151.00 6.0 4.7 2.16 3.1 48.0 1156.3 12.98 SX CRLB23-13 160.00 161.50 1.5 1.2 0.21 9.9 85.0 1540.0 0.31 SX CRLB23-13 164.50 185.50 21.0 16.5 0.44 6.3 60.2 2391.4 9.23 12m @ 0.63g/t Au 1.5m @ 2.18g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.34g/t Au SX CRLB23-14 9.00 10.50 1.5 0.1 0.28 2.4 47.0 775.0 0.42 OX CRLB23-14 21.00 33.00 12.0 1.2 0.42 4.5 40.6 1343.3 5.01 OX CRLB23-14 46.50 67.50 21.0 2.1 1.09 6.5 61.8 1076.1 22.86 OX CRLB23-14 96.00 103.50 7.5 7.2 0.23 1.8 42.2 389.2 1.76 SX CRLB23-15 16.50 18.00 1.5 0.1 0.30 5.6 23.0 705.0 0.45 OX CRLB23-15 51.00 54.00 3.0 0.2 0.27 1.6 30.0 286.5 0.80 OX CRLB23-15 82.50 84.00 1.5 0.1 0.37 4.6 51.0 671.0 0.55 1.5m @ 0.36g/t Au OX CRLB23-16 18.00 43.50 25.5 22.8 0.32 3.3 42.9 710.9 8.17 OX CRLB23-16 58.50 60.00 1.5 1.3 0.95 4.7 39.0 1100.0 1.43 OX CRLB23-16 87.00 99.25 12.3 10.9 0.23 4.3 36.8 775.7 2.80 87 - 88.05 OX
88.05 - 99.25 TROL CRLB23-16 123.00 124.50 1.5 1.3 0.35 1.0 42.0 483.0 0.52 SX CRLB23-16 138.00 139.95 1.9 1.7 0.32 0.8 45.0 523.0 0.62 SX CRLB23-16 160.50 178.50 18.0 15.9 0.31 22.0 52.8 1673.9 5.61 12m @ 0.26g/t Au SX CRLB23-17 66.50 69.50 3.0 0.3 0.29 1.3 33.0 309.5 0.87 66.5 - 69 OX
69 - 69.5 TROL CRLB23-18 4.50 6.00 1.5 1.4 0.70 1.3 31.0 441.0 1.05 OX CRLB23-18 20.50 25.00 4.5 4.1 0.36 4.1 55.3 930.0 1.62 OX CRLB23-18 37.00 41.50 4.5 4.1 0.61 6.2 52.3 2276.7 2.74 OX CRLB23-18 64.00 68.50 4.5 3.2 0.49 5.4 54.7 1022.7 2.19 OX CRLB23-18 83.50 85.00 1.5 1.4 0.20 2.6 24.0 829.0 0.30 OX CRLB23-18 97.00 106.00 9.0 6.4 0.22 4.5 39.8 674.8 1.94 TROL CRLB23-18 163.50 180.00 16.5 14.8 0.27 3.0 41.5 1274.7 4.52 SX CRLB23-18 189.00 200.00 11.0 10.0 0.51 12.9 88.5 2845.2 5.63 SX CRLB23-19 30.00 31.50 1.5 0.1 0.34 4.1 52.0 898.0 0.50 OX CRLB23-19 39.00 42.00 3.0 0.3 0.46 7.2 75.5 1332.5 1.38 OX CRLB23-19 51.00 55.50 4.5 0.5 1.16 6.3 48.3 974.3 5.22 OX CRLB23-19 82.50 84.00 1.5 0.2 0.24 4.6 33.0 414.0 0.36 TROH CRLB23-20 49.80 51.70 1.9 1.7 0.35 1.2 31.0 171.0 0.67 OX CRLB23-20 57.00 60.00 3.0 2.7 0.28 5.8 53.1 794.3 0.84 OX CRLB23-20 79.50 81.00 1.5 1.3 0.25 11.7 48.0 913.0 0.37 TROL CRLB23-20 97.00 98.50 1.5 1.3 1.76 28.0 111.0 2520.0 2.63 TROH CRLB23-20 149.00 152.00 3.0 2.7 0.36 2.0 39.0 1135.0 1.08 3m @ 0.36g/t Au TRSX CRLB23-20 158.00 160.00 2.0 1.8 0.25 5.4 56.0 662.0 0.50 2m @ 0.25g/t Au TRSX CRLB23-21 3.00 7.00 4.0 2.2 0.47 12.9 56.0 1066.7 1.87 OX CRLB23-21 19.00 25.00 6.0 3.4 0.23 4.5 53.3 622.3 1.39 OX CRLB23-21 29.50 31.00 1.5 0.8 0.38 3.4 35.0 598.0 0.57 OX CRLB23-21 44.50 56.50 12.0 6.7 0.56 5.5 44.6 872.0 6.75 OX CRLB23-21 73.10 74.50 1.4 0.8 0.42 6.6 76.0 1375.0 0.59 OX CRLB23-21 94.50 96.00 1.5 0.8 0.58 7.8 41.0 742.0 0.88 TROH CRLB23-21 122.00 125.00 3.0 1.7 2.66 1.4 36.0 375.5 7.98 TRSX CRLB23-22 28.50 33.00 4.5 4.1 1.07 5.0 25.0 1163.3 4.80 OX CRLB23-22 64.50 66.00 1.5 1.4 0.47 7.6 45.0 857.0 0.70 TROL CRLB23-22 164.60 165.65 1.1 0.9 0.40 11.8 20.0 710.0 0.42 1.05m @ 0.4g/t Au 164.6 - 165.6 TROL
165.6 - 165.65 SX CRLB23-24 19.50 21.00 1.5 1.5 0.38 7.9 53.0 1210.0 0.57 OX CRLB23-24 51.00 52.50 1.5 0.8 0.25 11.6 34.0 1245.0 0.37 OX CRLB23-24 60.00 61.50 1.5 0.8 0.26 20.6 54.0 1055.0 0.39 TROL CRLB23-24 72.00 73.50 1.5 0.9 0.22 1.5 37.0 211.0 0.33 SX CRLB23-24 85.50 87.00 1.5 0.9 0.20 1.9 45.0 355.0 0.30 SX CRLB23-24 91.50 93.00 1.5 0.8 0.27 2.3 26.0 283.0 0.41 SX CRLB23-24 103.50 105.00 1.5 0.8 0.35 2.5 55.0 699.0 0.52 1.5m @ 0.34g/t Au SX
Criteria: Cut off grade 0.2g/t Au, minimum length 1.5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 6m, if Au grade x length > 0.3 the composite will be added Price Assumptions: Au = 1750usd oz, Ag = 21usd oz, Cu = 3.5usd lb, Zn = 1.2usd lb FR= Fresh Rock, OX= Oxide, TROL= Transition Oxide Low, TROH= Transition Oxide High, MX= Mixed, TRSX= Transition Sulphide, SX= Sulphide
Table 2: Camino Rojo Oxide Program Composite Drill Results (Composites 0.2g/t Au cog)
HOLE-ID From
(m) To
(m) Core Length
(m) Estimated
True Width
(m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu ppm Zn ppm Au GXM Including
0.2g/t Au COG
Outside Pit Including
1g/t Au COG
Outside Pit Met Code CROX23-03 0.00 243.00 243.0 165.3 0.72 14.6 82.3 3294.1 176.09 46m @ 0.75g/t Au 2m @ 1.72g/t Au
6m @ 1.87g/t Au 0 - 133.3 OX
133.3 - 176.8 TROH
176.8 - 191 TROL
191 - 206.45 OX
206.45 - 228 TROH
228 - 243 TROL CROX23-04 0.00 34.50 34.5 28.3 0.36 7.1 50.1 1852.4 12.44 OX CROX23-04 52.20 74.50 22.3 18.1 0.61 6.4 48.4 1523.2 13.64 52.2 - 71 TROH
71 - 74.5 TROL CROX23-04 96.50 126.50 30.0 24.1 0.84 8.7 57.4 1483.7 25.21 96.5 - 114.65 SX
114.65 - 126.5 TROH CROX23-04 144.00 145.50 1.5 1.2 0.22 0.9 36.0 643.0 0.34 SX CROX23-04 156.00 267.00 111.0 88.4 0.91 11.4 104.9 4473.0 101.04 65.05m @ 0.86g/t Au 22.5m @ 1.02g/t Au
18.5m @ 1.02g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.9g/t Au 156 - 178.3 SX
178.3 - 183.35 TROL
183.35 - 202.87 SX
202.87 - 209 TROL
209 - 213 SX
213 - 214.8 TROL
214.8 - 253.6 SX
253.6 - 267 TROL CROX23-05 0.00 260.00 260.0 105.3 1.07 15.0 88.4 4747.1 277.64 69.7m @ 0.52g/t Au 7.95m @ 1.46g/t Au
3.09m @ 1.33g/t Au 0 - 69 OX
69 - 76.3 TROH
76.3 - 80.35 TROL
80.35 - 83.1 TROH
83.1 - 86.4 TROL
86.4 - 89.72 SX
89.72 - 91 OX
91 - 119.65 TROH
119.65 - 125.4 SX
125.4 - 133.5 TROH
133.5 - 138 TRSX
138 - 161.85 TROH
161.85 - 175.3 TROL
175.3 - 197 OX
197 - 212.05 TRSX
212.05 - 257.1 TROL
257.1 - 260 SX CROX23-06 31.00 160.00 129.0 109.0 0.67 15.7 60.3 4215.0 86.26 24m @ 0.31g/t Au 1.5m @ 1.16g/t Au 31 - 104.55 OX
104.55 - 111.65 TROL
111.65 - 120.75 SX
120.75 - 126 TRSX
126 - 141 SX
141 - 144 TRSX
144 - 160 SX CROX23-07 0.00 240.00 240.0 171.2 1.04 20.4 109.9 5132.4 249.24 37.5m @ 0.63g/t Au 10.5m @ 1.07g/t Au 0 - 80.2 OX
80.2 - 103.55 TROH
103.55 - 108.85 SX
108.85 - 118.4 TROL
118.4 - 128.9 SX
128.9 - 136.95 TROL
136.95 - 171.6 TROH
171.6 - 191.5 TROL
191.5 - 199.5 OX
199.5 - 220.1 TROL
220.1 - 225.75 TROH
225.75 - 240 TRSX CROX23-08 0.00 40.50 40.5 37.0 0.64 11.8 45.5 1605.3 26.08 0 - 33 OX
33 - 35.51 SX
35.51 - 40.5 TROH CROX23-08 60.00 63.00 3.0 2.7 0.65 4.6 50.5 379.5 1.95 SX CROX23-08 73.50 80.50 7.0 6.4 0.65 5.6 51.8 1362.6 4.55 73.5 - 75 SX
75 - 79.15 TRSX
79.15 - 80.5 TROH CROX23-08 87.70 220.00 132.3 119.7 0.84 18.5 73.4 4724.3 111.28 67.1m @ 1.16g/t Au 58m @ 1.32g/t Au 87.7 - 89.9 SX
89.9 - 99.2 OX
99.2 - 105.45 SX
105.45 - 117 OX
117 - 129.9 SX
129.9 - 135.75 TROH
135.75 - 137.8 SX
137.8 - 146.1 OX
146.1 - 153 SX
153 - 156 TROL
156 - 157.85 TROH
157.85 - 162 OX
162 - 162.6 SX
162.6 - 165.75 TROH
165.75 - 193.8 OX
193.8 - 198.05 TROH
198.05 - 200.45 TRSX
200.45 - 220 SX CROX23-09 7.80 54.10 46.3 39.2 0.66 11.1 51.1 1765.7 30.49 OX CROX23-09 66.00 83.00 17.0 14.4 1.46 6.9 33.7 806.3 24.75 66 - 80 OX
80 - 83 TRSX CROX23-09 90.20 120.50 30.3 25.6 0.43 3.2 41.6 931.8 13.03 90.2 - 91.3 TROL
91.3 - 103.5 SX
103.5 - 103.75 TROL
103.75 - 115.4 SX
115.4 - 120.3 TRSX
120.3 - 120.5 SX CROX23-09 134.00 218.00 84.0 70.4 0.58 6.6 67.6 3248.9 48.77 76.5m @ 0.63g/t Au 1.5m @ 1.08g/t Au
10.5m @ 1.24g/t Au
10.5m @ 1.43g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.56g/t Au SX CROX23-10 87.70 180.00 92.3 82.4 0.43 10.5 54.3 2210.8 39.75 27m @ 0.44g/t Au 1.9m @ 2.32g/t Au 87.7 - 132.2 OX
132.2 - 139.6 TROL
139.6 - 170.5 SX
170.5 - 174.1 OX
174.1 - 177.35 TRSX
177.35 - 180 SX CROX23-11 76.35 166.50 90.2 67.5 1.03 17.9 74.1 3224.8 92.41 21m @ 0.87g/t Au 1.5m @ 1.53g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.95g/t Au
1.5m @ 4.22g/t Au 76.35 - 131 OX
131 - 132.2 TROL
132.2 - 166.5 TRSX CROX23-11 174.00 175.00 1.0 0.8 0.44 6.2 92.0 1040.0 0.44 1m @ 0.44g/t Au SX CROX23-12 46.50 53.50 7.0 5.8 0.84 5.6 68.3 1991.4 5.91 7m @ 0.84g/t Au 1.5m @ 3.55g/t Au OX CROX23-12 62.50 64.00 1.5 1.4 0.27 5.9 38.0 2050.0 0.40 1.5m @ 0.26g/t Au OX CROX23-12 68.50 70.00 1.5 1.4 0.50 5.0 111.0 1095.0 0.74 1.5m @ 0.5g/t Au OX CROX23-12 74.50 77.50 3.0 2.7 0.24 3.4 41.5 736.5 0.71 3m @ 0.24g/t Au OX CROX23-13 69.00 70.50 1.5 1.4 0.91 4.4 31.0 765.0 1.37 OX CROX23-13 118.00 119.50 1.5 1.4 0.23 13.1 38.0 390.0 0.35 SX CROX23-13 160.50 161.70 1.2 1.1 0.40 16.1 59.0 694.0 0.48 SX CROX23-13 171.50 174.50 3.0 2.7 1.82 2.2 36.5 897.5 5.47 3m @ 1.82g/t Au 3m @ 1.82g/t Au SX CROX23-13 191.00 204.50 13.5 12.3 0.26 4.9 35.6 895.8 3.46 13.5m @ 0.26g/t Au 191 - 198.5 TRSX
198.5 - 204.5 SX CROX23-13 213.50 215.00 1.5 1.4 0.20 4.4 42.0 590.0 0.30 1.5m @ 0.2g/t Au SX CROX23-13 219.50 259.00 39.5 36.1 0.37 9.2 55.1 2573.0 14.49 39.5m @ 0.37g/t Au 1.5m @ 3.31g/t Au SX CROX23-14 96.50 155.50 59.0 33.0 0.71 22.1 60.7 2278.8 41.82 24.5m @ 0.45g/t Au 1.5m @ 1.27g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.36g/t Au 96.5 - 127.85 OX
127.85 - 135.5 TRSX
135.5 - 145.2 OX
145.2 - 155.5 TRSX CROX23-14 163.00 165.00 2.0 1.1 0.52 15.0 65.5 2225.0 1.04 2m @ 0.52g/t Au TRSX CROX23-15 96.15 124.50 28.4 20.3 0.34 12.2 44.7 1679.8 9.56 OX CROX23-15 133.50 174.50 41.0 29.2 0.49 9.9 56.2 1642.8 20.04 41m @ 0.49g/t Au 6.4m @ 1.29g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.08g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.36g/t Au 133.5 - 143.6 SX
143.6 - 155.15 OX
155.15 - 163.9 TRSX
163.9 - 171.55 SX
171.55 - 174.5 TRSX CROX23-15 182.00 201.00 19.0 13.5 0.25 5.4 48.9 1391.9 4.82 19m @ 0.25g/t Au 1.1m @ 1.66g/t Au SX CROX23-15 216.00 217.50 1.5 1.1 0.48 6.3 67.0 1410.0 0.72 1.5m @ 0.48g/t Au SX CROX23-16 108.00 178.50 70.5 38.7 0.66 14.0 62.5 1921.2 46.85 63m @ 0.63g/t Au 7.85m @ 1.71g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.36g/t Au
1.5m @ 1.38g/t Au 108 - 141 OX
141 - 144.55 TRSX
144.55 - 161.6 SX
161.6 - 164.1 TRSX
164.1 - 168 SX
168 - 178.5 TRSX CROX23-17 81.00 126.50 45.5 40.4 0.50 7.3 48.4 2163.9 22.60 23.5m @ 0.45g/t Au 1.6m @ 3.11g/t Au OX
Criteria: Cut off grade 0.2g/t Au, minimum length 1.5m, maximum consecutive internal waste 6m, if Au grade x length > 0.3 the composite will be added FR= Fresh Rock, OX= Oxide, TROL= Transition Oxide Low, TROH= Transition Oxide High, MX= Mixed, TRSX= Transition Sulphide, SX= Sulphide
Table 3: Camino Rojo Layback Drill Hole Collars
HOLE-ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth (m) CRLB23-01 244598.7 2676292.5 1943.2 0.0 -90.00 175.0 CRLB23-02 244696.4 2676290.9 1941.7 0.0 -60.00 130.0 CRLB23-03 244696.5 2676289.5 1941.7 0.0 -90.00 155.0 CRLB23-04 244600.1 2676369.0 1943.2 0.0 -60.00 95.0 CRLB23-05 244597.7 2676343.3 1943.2 150.0 -60.00 150.0 CRLB23-06 244551.4 2676393.8 1944.0 150.0 -60.00 190.5 CRLB23-07 244499.0 2676447.1 1944.9 150.0 -60.00 120.0 CRLB23-08 244502.7 2676341.1 1944.5 150.0 -53.00 140.0 CRLB23-09 244502.6 2676341.4 1944.5 0.0 -90.00 180.0 CRLB23-10 244498.1 2676292.5 1944.7 0.0 -90.00 170.0 CRLB23-11 244449.2 2676373.9 1945.3 150.0 -60.00 180.0 CRLB23-12 244448.3 2676372.6 1945.6 0.0 -65.00 93.3 CRLB23-13 244448.5 2676325.5 1945.1 150.0 -70.00 190.0 CRLB23-14 244397.6 2676297.5 1945.8 0.0 -60.00 150.1 CRLB23-15 244401.0 2676374.0 1948.0 0.0 -60.00 100.0 CRLB23-16 244342.5 2676369.2 1946.8 150.0 -60.00 180.0 CRLB23-17 244342.4 2676370.2 1946.7 0.0 -60.00 90.0 CRLB23-18 244303.4 2676345.6 1946.9 150.0 -60.00 200.0 CRLB23-19 244302.2 2676350.7 1947.0 0.0 -60.00 115.0 CRLB23-20 244249.4 2676395.7 1947.9 150.0 -60.00 160.0 CRLB23-21 244246.7 2676299.2 1947.3 0.0 -90.00 155.0 CRLB23-22 244197.3 2676374.9 1948.2 150.0 -60.00 170.0 CRLB23-23 244197.7 2676373.9 1948.2 0.0 -60.00 70.0 CRLB23-24 244134.0 2676296.8 1947.9 0.0 -90.00 106.0
Table 4: Camino Rojo Oxide Drill Hole Collars
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on ongoing operations at the company's 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.
Lion One Metals' Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff stated: "2023 was a year of noteworthy accomplishments for Lion One Metals. Within one year we have gone from pouring concrete to pouring gold. We built the entire processing plant at Tuvatu within one year, completed over 2,000 m of underground mine development, drilled over 40,000 m of core, completed Stage 1 of our Tailings Storage Facility, and on October 10th we celebrated with over 1,000 community members, employees, and government officials as we poured our first gold at Tuvatu. We're very proud of our technical team's ability to achieve these significant milestones, especially in such a short period of time."
"In 2024 we expect another watershed year for Lion One Metals. During the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations we will be focusing on the development of the mine and the expansion of the processing plant to 500 TPD. We are pursuing a staged increase in development and the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is a critical step in the continuous improvement of mining and milling at Tuvatu. The knowledge and experience gained during the pilot plant stage of operations will be crucial in achieving long-term success and in optimizing performance at the 500 TPD stage. The goal for 2024 is to have the 500 TPD processing plant in operation by the end of Q3. We will then use the cash flow from our 500 TPD operations to fund the next stage of growth for Lion One, which includes the development of the 500 Zone at Tuvatu, and the advancement of our regional exploration program throughout the Navilawa Caldera, where we intend to discover and develop the next Tuvatu."
Mine Operations
The focus of mining activities during the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations is the development of the underground mine, with the goal of advancing the main decline to the 500 Zone as quickly as is safely possible. A secondary goal during this phase of operations is the development of as many stope access points as feasible in advance of the plant expansion to 500 TPD. A significant portion of the material mined during the 300 TPD pilot plant phase of operations is therefore expected to be development material.
As mine development has progressed at Tuvatu, additional mineralization has been discovered in areas in Zone 2 that were not previously expected to be mineralized. This includes mineralization associated with stockwork veining as well as entirely new mineralized lodes. Many of the development headings at Tuvatu have been found to contain low-grade gold mineralization. This low-grade development material is ideal for use as feed stock to test the different gold recovery circuits during the initial stages of plant operation. Processing the development material also serves to offset costs during mine development as this material needs to be removed regardless of whether it is mineralized. Most of the mill feed during the start-up of the 300 TPD pilot plant has therefore consisted of low-grade development material. The first production material was extracted on December 13th, 2023, from the URW1 leading edge stope in Zone 2. This stope is located outside the original PEA resource and represents an expansion of the resource.
Mining activities at Tuvatu in 2024 will consist of a mix of handheld and mechanized mining methods. Handheld mining is ideal for narrow vein mining as it is precise and enables the effective development of narrow drives, thereby minimizing dilution. Mechanized mining produces wider voids and results in a considerably higher production rate. It is therefore the preferred alternative for wider zones of mineralization that are not sensitive to dilution. At Tuvatu there are areas more suitable for handheld mining and others more suitable for mechanized mining. The mining method employed will be tailored to the style of mineralization being extracted. Mine development is proceeding in a manner designed to preserve the optionality of switching between mining methods as appropriate. To date, development mining at Tuvatu has progressed using both handheld and mechanized mining, yet production mining has been limited to handheld methods. Mechanized production is scheduled to start in Q1 2024. Production mining refers to the mining of production stopes through which most of the mineralized material will be extracted, whereas development mining refers to all the supporting development required to access the production stopes, such as the declines, access drives, crosscuts, ventilation rises, and so on. While the primary mining objective during the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is development, mine production is anticipated to steadily increase as production mining is introduced and as the number of available production areas increases ahead of the plant expansion to 500 TPD.
Mill Operations
The focus of mill operations during the 300 TPD pilot plant stage is on determining the best methods and parameters required to maximize gold recovery from each type of gold mineralization at Tuvatu. Mill operations to date have consisted of a start-up period and a campaign period with feed from different areas within Zone 2 and Zone 5.
During the start-up period of operations from late October to early December 2023, predominantly low-grade material was put through the mill. This is typical of mill start-ups and is done while identifying and resolving any start-up issues that may be present before ramping up production. It also serves to build the in-process store of gold that is retained within the plant. During the subsequent campaign periods of operation, the focus changed to the metallurgical variability of the gold mineralization. Several different types of mineralization have been identified at Tuvatu, including three different types within Zone 2 and Zone 5. Due to the complexity of the deposit, additional variability in mineralization is anticipated as development progresses deeper into the mine. The campaign period of operations, which began in mid-December, has consisted of processing separate batches of material from specific parts of Zone 2 and Zone 5 to determine how the plant responds in each case. The knowledge gained from these campaigns will be applied to maximize gold recovery from the larger production stopes in these areas. Gold recovery rates during the start-up and campaign periods have been in line with expectations.
In addition to the start-up and campaign activities, mill commissioning and upgrading has been carried out. Commissioning of both the continuous gravity concentrator and the intensive leach circuit has been on hold due to a delayed shipment of component parts from suppliers. Both circuits are expected to be brought on-line by early February. Similarly, the blowers supplied to aerate the CIL tanks and cyanide detoxification circuit were found to be undersized by the supplier. New blowers will be installed, along with new air spargers and diffusion cones to improve the performance of the CIL circuit.
The mill expansion to 500 TPD is scheduled to be complete by the end of Q3 2024. The expansion consists of three main components: a tower mill, a flotation circuit, and a third ball mill. The purpose of the tower mill is to produce a finer grind of concentrates from the continuous gravity concentrator, thereby further increasing recoveries. The tower mill is expected to be on site in February. The flotation circuit is also being added to maximize recoveries, while the third ball mill is required to increase the milling capacity of the plant. Site preparations for both the flotation circuit and the third ball mill are already complete and construction is pending. All three mill components are on schedule for completion and commissioning by the end of Q3 2024, which is a year ahead of the originally scheduled completion date of Q3 2025.
Figure 1. Aerial Views of Tuvatu Processing Plant and Mine Portal, December 2022 and January 2024. Top image: Aerial view in December 2022 shortly after plant construction started. Bottom image: Aerial view in January 2024 after construction is complete and the 300 TPD pilot plant is in operation. These views highlight some of the substantial progress made at Tuvatu throughout 2023.
Options
The Company also announces it has granted stock options pursuant to its 10% rolling stock option plan to an officer of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 common shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at $1.00 per share and expire 5 years from the date of grant.
Qualified Person (NI43-101)
In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company, and has reviewed, validated, and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.
About Lion One Metals Limited
Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.
As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Walter Berukoff, Chairman & CEO
Contact Information
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Phone:1-855-805-1250 (toll free North America)
Website: www.liononemetals.com
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release
This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-Looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA TheNewswire -- January 18th, 2024SORRENTO RESOURCES LTD. (the Company) (CSE:SRS) (OCT:SRSLF) is pleased to announce that it has received analytical results from the fall geochemical sampling program carried out at the Wing Pond Property. In total 274 soil samples were collected across the Property in an approximate 400m x 400m spaced grid. In addition, 27 grab samples were collected over the course of the program.
The geochemical sampling program produced 6 samples above the 98th percentile for gold (>16.54 ppb Au) and 6 samples above the 98th percentile for arsenic (>106.32 ppm As) with the highest samples returning 254ppb Au and 2700ppm As respectively. These results are displayed in Figure 1 & 2.
Figure 1: Soil geochemical results gold (Au ppb)
Figure 2: Soil geochemical results (As ppm)
The anomalies in some cases are expressed as single point anomalies but there are several coincident areas with anomalous gold and arsenic values. The highlighted area in Figure 1 & 2 represents a high priority area for follow up in the next field program on the Property due to the association of gold and arsenic at known gold occurrences along the Wing Pond Shear Zone.
Grab samples were collected in narrowly focused areas and returned results of no significant values. No grab samples were collected in the anomalous areas defined by the geochemical sampling program.
All samples were analyzed by SGS Canada Inc. Samples were prepared at the SGS Grand Falls, NL site and analysis was performed at the SGS Burnaby, BC site. Samples were analyzed using a 2 Acid Leach (HCL/HNO3) with ICP-MS finish (GE_ARM3V25). SGS Canada Inc accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards and certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards.
The Company will continue analysis of the field data collected which will be integrated with historical data sets to determine the next phase of follow-up work on the Property.
Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Garry Clark, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About the Company
Sorrento Resources is engaged in acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral property assets in Canada. The Companys objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit in including the Wing Pond, Tom Joe, Silver Mountain, Jacksons Arm, and Taylors Pond gold projects, the PEG lithium project, and the Harmsworth (VMS) project all located in Newfoundland.
For more information, visit https://sorrentoresources.ca/.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brayden Sutton
President and Chief Executive Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
604-290-6152
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements 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, including statements regarding the anticipated results of the prospecting program at the Peg Property are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Property and its mineralization potential, the Companys objectives, goals or future plans with respect to the Property and the timing of results. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of the management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.
.
Highlights
Historical drilling on the Project intersected up to 9ft of 0.69% U 3 O 8 including 4.90% U 3 O 8 over 1ft from 8ft depth 1 .
The Project hosts high grade samples of up to 4.36% U 3 O 8 , 53.16 oz/t Ag, 1.15% Pb and 7.0% Ni 1 .
The Project sits within an intersection of multiple tectonic features including reactivated basement faults and a major unconformity.
The Project is located just ~55km north of the 43MLb Angilak Uranium Deposit 2 (formally owned by Latitude Uranium Inc.) which was recently bought (pending shareholder approval) by Atha Energy Corp. for a CDN $57 million valuation.
The Project hosts multiple coincident anomalies which could be considered favourable for a potential uranium discovery including, elevated uranium in soils, radiometric highs, magnetic lows, VLF electromagnetic highs, Track-etch radon anomalies, and hyperspectral Helium anomalies.
The Project consists of three contiguous mineral licences encompassing a total land area of approximately 4,036Ha (~40km) (See Figure 1).
The combination of historically defined anomalies and an increase in the availability of modern exploration techniques provides prime ingredients for the potential of delineating a robust uranium system within the Project area.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenridge Exploration Inc. (Greenridge or the Company) (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3), is pleased to announce it has entered into an Option Agreement (the Agreement) with three optionors (the Optionors) to acquire a 100% interest (the "Acquisition") in the Nut Lake Uranium Project (the Nut Lake Property or the Project) located in the Thelon Basin in Nunavut. The Project covers 4,036 hectares near the Northern Tip of the Yathkyed Basin, a sub-basin of the Thelon Basin (See Figure 1).
The Project is located approximately 55km north of the Angulak Uranium Deposit or 180Km southwest of Baker Lake, Nunavut in the Yathkyed Basin (a sub-basin of the prolific Thelon Basin) in Nunavut Territory, Canada. The Project consists of three contiguous mineral licences encompassing a total land area of approximately 4,036 hectares (~40km).
Russell Starr, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, The Nut Lake Project is a highly prospective project and a major step forward for the Company's development. The project hosts high grade samples of up to 4.36% U 3 O 8 , 53.16 oz/t Ag, 1.15% Pb and 7.0% Ni. We look forward to building on these results with additional work programs in the near future.
Figure 1 Nut Lake Property
Nut Lake Property Previous Work
In 1979, Pan Ocean Oil Ltd. performed an exploration program consisting of ground geophysics, geological mapping, prospecting and Winkie drilling as follow up to previous sampling with elevated uranium in dyke swarms, fractures and contacts between syenites and trachytes. The geology of the Project area consists of basal sedimentary rocks of the South Channel Formation, composed of white quartzites and pink to grey arkose and arkosic rocks. The sedimentary sequences of the lower Dubawnt Group are unconformably or disconformably overlain by volcanic rocks of the Christopher Island Formation.
The Project hosts high grade vein hosted grab samples of up to 4.36% U 3 O 8 , 53.16 oz/t Ag, 1.15% Pb and 7.0% Ni.
During the 1979 field season, geological mapping at a scale of 1:1,000 was completed on a major portion of the Project. This was concurrent with prospecting on, and in the immediate area of the Project. Results from prospecting were the discovery of two (41 m wide) syenite dikes and a frost heaved area of felsic gneiss with up to 3,000 cps on fracture surfaces. Two significant Uranium bearing showings were discovered, the Lake Showing and the Heartbreak Showing. The most noteworthy was the Heartbreak showing which revealed a 3.0 and 3.5 samples across a fracture that assayed 2.11% U 3 O 8 and 4.36% U 3 O 8 respectively. The results were followed up with a radon gal survey, a VLF-EM survey and an overburden sampling program. The radon survey results showed that the response is irregular with several good highs and the VLF-EM survey showed a series of northwesterly trending anomalies. It was concluded that further drilling of the Lake Showing is recommended.
The Project and surrounding proximal area has seen approximately 805ft of Winkie Drilling and 6920ft of diamond drilling completed on it. Multiple holes interesected significant uranium mineralization, with the most noteworthy being at the Tundra Showing Hole Winkie AX W-24 intersected 9ft of 0.69% U 3 O 8 including 4.90% U 3 O 8 over 1ft from 8ft depth (Pan Ocean Oil Ltd., 1979 Assessment Report #81075).
The combination of historically defined anomalies and modern exploration techniques provides prime ingredients for the potential of discovering a high-grade uranium system within the Project area. The Nut Lake Property has the potential to host unconformity vein and breccia type, sygenentic and sandstone-hosted phosphatic type mineralization.
Option Agreement Details
On January 17, 2024, the Company entered into the Agreement to acquire an option from the Optionors to earn a hundred percent (100%) interest in the Project through a combination of cash payments and common share issuances, as follows:
(1) paying the Optionors an aggregate of $40,000 in cash as follows: a. $15,000 on or before the date that is five (5) calendar days after January 17, 2024 (the Effective Date); and
b. $25,000 on or before the date that is forty-five (45) calendar days after the Effective Date; and (2) issuing to the Optionors an aggregate of 3,500,000 common shares (Shares) as follows: a. 1,000,000 Shares on or before the date that is forty-five (45) calendar days after the Effective Date (the First Tranche Shares);
b. 1,000,000 Shares on or before the date that is one (1) calendar year after the Effective Date (the Second Tranche Shares);
c. 750,000 Shares on or before the date that is two (2) calendar years after the Effective Date (the Third Tranche Shares); and
d. 750,000 Shares on or before the date that is three (3) calendar years after the Effective Date.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the First Tranche Shares, Second Tranche Shares and Third Tranche Shares will all be subject to escrow, with the First Tranche Shares released over a 36-month period, the Second Tranche Shares released over a 24-month period and the Third Tranche Shares released over a 12-month period. All securities issued in connection with the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Optionors will retain a 2% net smelter returns royalty on the Nut Lake Property. No finders' fees were paid on this arm's length Agreement.
References
1 Source: 1978 Assessment report (number 81075) by Pan Ocean Oil Ltd
2 Reported by ValOre Metals Corp. in a Technical Report entitled Technical Report and Resource Update For The Angilak Property, Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada, prepared by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geo. of APEX Geosciences, Robert Sim, B.Sc., P.Geo. of SIM Geological Inc. and Bruce Davis, Ph.D., FAusIMM of BD Resource Consulting Inc., dated March 1, 2013. Note: The historical mineral resource estimate was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).
National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure
Nicholas Rodway, P. Geo, (EGBC Licence# 46541) (Permit to Practice# 100359) and qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical content in this release.
About Greenridge Exploration Inc.
Greenridge Exploration Inc. (CSE: GXP | FRA: HW3) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to creating shareholder value through the acquisition, exploration, and development of critical mineral projects in North America. The Company is led by an experienced management team and board of directors with significant expertise in capital raising and advancing large mining projects.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Russell Starr
Chief Executive Officer, Director
Telephone: +1 (778) 897-3388
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Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
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MONTREAL, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX: AYA) (OTCQX: AYASF) ("Aya" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce new high-grade drill exploration results from its 2023 completed program of 76,000 meters at Boumadine in the Kingdom of Morocco. The new results confirm the large, high-grade mineralized zones in the southern and northern portions of the Main Trend, which remains open in all directions.
Key Highlights1
Definition of new high-grade mineralization from the infill drilling program: BOU-DD23-223 intersected 763 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver equivalent ("AgEq") over 38.3 meters ("m") (1.53 g/t Au, 311 g/t Ag, 4.4% Zn, 1.8% Pb and 0.04% Cu), including 11.0m at 996 g/t AgEq BOU-DD23-230 intersected 991 g/t AgEq over 17.6m (2.64 g/t Au, 247 g/t Ag, 7.7% Zn, 1.2% Pb and 0.3% Cu), including 3.7m at 1,662 g/t AgEq BOU-DD23-248 intersected 1,136 g/t AgEq over 5.9m (5.94 g/t Au, 59 g/t Ag, 8.8% Zn, 1.0% Pb and 0.1% Cu) BOU-DD23-220 intersected 575 g/t AgEq over 10.9m (1.77 g/t Au, 91 g/t Ag, 4.5% Zn, 1.7% Pb and 0.1% Cu), including 2.4m at 1,275 g/t AgEq BOU-DD23-218 intersected 1,409 g/t AgEq over 4.2m (13.59 g/t Au, 115 g/t Ag, 0.1% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 0.1% Cu) and 978 g/t AgEq over 5.8m (9.21 g/t Au, 80 g/t Ag, 0.1% Zn, 0.1% Pb and 0.2% Cu) BOU-DD23-251 intersected 531 g/t AgEq over 9.4m (2.66 g/t Au, 32 g/t Ag, 4.4% Zn, 0.2% Pb and 0.04% Cu), including 2.4m at 1,719 g/t AgEq
"Today's high-grade drill results including BOU-DD23-223 in the south and BOU-DD23-218 in the north of the Main Trend confirm continuity and grade of the Main Trend at Boumadine," said Benoit La Salle, President & CEO. "Infill drilling has decreased the spacings between drill holes to improve our confidence in grades and tonnages for the upcoming Q1-2024 mineral resource estimate, which will provide visibility on Boumadine's potential for near-term value creation."
1 All intersections are in core lengths; Ag equivalent is based on a 100% recovery with the following ratios: 1g/t Au: 93.4 g/t Ag; 1% Cu: 130.4 g/t Ag; 1% Pb: 31.8 g/t Ag; 1% Zn: 54.1 g/t Ag
Table 1 Significant Intercepts from Boumadine Drill Exploration Program (Core Lengths)
DDH No. Section Zone From
(m) To
(m) Au
(g/t) Ag
(g/t) Length*
(m) Cu
(%) Pb
(%) Zn
(%) Mo
(g/t) Ag Eq**
(g/t) BOU-DD23-208 6675N Main 129.9 139.4 1.60 35 9.5 0.2 0.1 0.4 35 231 Including 134.9 139.4 2.51 59 4.5 0.3 0.1 0.5 55 367 BOU-DD23-211 9150N Main 6.0 9.8 2.01 99 3.8 0.0 4.3 0.0 17 426 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Main 214.0 223.0 4.77 61 9.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 5 535 Including 216.2 221.5 6.61 90 5.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 6 749 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 244.3 247.5 14.72 19 3.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 4 1,411 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 252.6 256.8 13.59 115 4.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 3 1,409 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 261.2 275.1 1.22 30 13.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 5 153 Including 272.3 274.0 5.89 119 1.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 13 698 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Main 280.3 286.1 9.21 80 5.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 8 978 Including 280.3 284.3 13.05 108 4.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 8 1,377 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 290.0 302.0 1.98 58 12.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 8 265 Including 292.1 297.4 3.50 107 5.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 11 459 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 333.1 334.3 0.03 1026 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 1,031 BOU-DD23-220 6575N Main 105.0 115.9 1.77 91 10.9 0.1 1.7 4.5 133 575 Including 112.3 114.7 6.26 261 2.4 0.3 1.2 6.6 16 1,275 BOU-DD23-220 6575N Para 133.4 136.8 0.89 76 3.4 0.3 2.5 7.0 7 649 BOU-DD23-221 6575N Main 225.5 239.0 1.07 12 13.5 0.0 0.2 0.3 4 136 BOU-DD23-223 6525N Main 131.6 169.9 1.53 311 38.3 0.0 1.8 4.4 101 763 Including 144.9 155.9 2.34 494 11.0 0.1 1.9 3.9 36 996 BOU-DD23-223 6525N Para 239.5 247.0 0.46 94 7.5 0.0 0.2 0.7 35 192 BOU-DD23-225 9325N Para 47.4 53.7 1.44 54 6.3 0.0 0.9 5.3 12 508 Including 50.8 53.7 2.88 86 2.9 0.0 1.0 9.9 21 927 BOU-DD23-225 9325N Main 73.2 77.4 2.70 21 4.2 0.1 0.3 3.2 16 465 Including 75.2 77.4 4.72 31 2.2 0.1 0.3 4.5 16 738 BOU-DD23-226 9325N Main 182.8 186.7 1.26 35 3.9 0.1 1.5 4.7 8 466 Including 184.5 185.7 3.33 53 1.2 0.1 1.8 9.5 14 951 BOU-DD23-226 9325N Para 197.0 198.1 7.73 47 1.1 0.3 0.5 0.5 8 852 BOU-DD23-227 9325N Main 259.7 268.3 3.34 18 8.6 0.1 0.1 0.5 6 369 Including 263.5 268.3 5.42 21 4.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 7 545 BOU-DD23-228 6300N Main 267.2 276.1 1.99 81 8.9 0.0 1.0 3.4 59 488 Including 267.7 273.0 3.09 119 5.3 0.0 1.5 4.7 87 715 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 111.9 116.0 1.60 175 4.1 0.1 1.9 7.3 259 810 BOU-DD23-230 6575N Main 166.6 184.2 2.64 247 17.6 0.3 1.2 7.7 86 991 Including 177.6 181.3 2.91 651 3.7 0.1 3.2 11.5 106 1,662 BOU-DD23-230 6575N Para 188.2 202.3 2.78 97 14.1 0.2 0.4 6.5 31 755 BOU-DD23-231 5375N Main 582.0 585.7 0.96 110 3.7 0.0 0.6 2.4 339 371 BOU-DD23-232 7825N Main 426.4 431.8 3.91 18 5.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 2 402 Including 426.4 427.7 10.72 49 1.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 2 1,092 BOU-DD23-234 6575N Main 310.6 317.3 1.40 19 6.7 0.1 0.3 4.5 1 407 Including 315.0 316.3 4.78 41 1.3 0.2 0.4 18.4 2 1,518 BOU-DD23-238 7825N Para 216.0 217.8 1.59 47 1.8 0.1 3.7 3.5 10 517 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 64.0 70.4 1.06 49 6.4 0.0 0.7 2.0 131 287 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 112.8 120.6 0.71 62 7.8 0.0 0.2 1.3 196 216 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 134.6 145.4 0.41 41 10.8 0.0 0.8 1.2 361 190 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Main 148.5 155.1 0.52 56 6.6 0.0 0.9 2.6 298 295 Including 150.5 152.1 1.19 187 1.6 0.0 2.5 9.0 946 925 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 106.0 111.0 0.05 17 5.0 1.5 0.4 1.5 70 312 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Main 198.4 206.5 0.73 122 8.1 0.0 2.3 4.7 68 524 Including 198.4 200.2 1.83 299 1.8 0.1 4.8 13.1 269 1,355 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 217.5 226.5 0.86 6 9.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 2 112 BOU-DD23-248 6450N Main 329.5 335.4 5.94 59 5.9 0.1 1.0 8.8 23 1,136 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Main 598.7 601.8 4.19 48 3.1 0.1 0.1 2.5 12 587 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 693.1 695.5 2.18 57 2.4 0.0 0.7 7.3 10 680 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 236.7 239.7 3.34 1 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5 316 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Main 377.7 384.0 1.44 49 6.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 12 225 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 448.8 455.5 1.02 25 6.7 0.1 0.1 0.4 12 155 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Main 345.9 355.3 2.66 32 9.4 0.0 0.2 4.4 14 531 Including 346.4 348.8 7.99 91 2.4 0.1 0.3 15.8 19 1,719 BOU-DD23-254 7650N Main 241.4 243.4 5.63 61 2.0 0.3 0.2 1.4 6 703
* True width remains undetermined at this stage; all values are uncut. ** Ag equivalent is based on a 100% recovery with the following ratio: 1 g/t Au: 93.4 g/t Ag; 1% Cu:130.4 Ag; 1% Pb: 31.8 Ag; 1% Zn: 54.1 Ag.
2023 Exploration Results
For 2023, 197 diamond drill holes ("DDH") for 74,295m were completed at Boumadine (Figure 1 and Appendix 2) with the remaining meterage of the 76,000m were completed in the first week of January 2024. Infill drilling was conducted on strike along the Main Trend (South, Central, and North Zones) while exploration drilling also targeted the North-West, Tizi and North-East Zones.
The majority of results have been received for drill holes up to BOU-DD23-255 (Table 1, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Appendix 1).
Results received since November 2023 confirm the high grade of the southern infill sections of the Main Trend, notably with holes BOU-DD23-223 and BOU-DD23-230 intersecting large, mineralized zones.
The main mineralization generally consists of 1m to 4m wide (locally reaching over a 10m width) N340- oriented massive sulphide lenses/veins sharply dipping eastward (> 70). The massive sulphide veins (>80%) are mainly composed of pyrite, with variable proportions of sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite. Figure 3 presents the results of the Boumadine Main Zone on a longitudinal section along the deposit, defining ore shoots shallowly dipping toward south, in both the Central and South Zones.
Next Steps
Following completion of the 2023 drilling program, the Corporation expects to publish an NI 43-101 compliant resource by the end of Q1-2024.
The 2024 drill program is already underway, a portion of which will continue extending the strike-length of the Boumadine Main Trend but with a primary focus on exploring targets outside of the Main Trend. Final numbers will be announced later in Q1.
Fieldwork commenced on the new permits in 2024 with a hyperspectral survey, mapping and prospecting. High resolution airborne geophysics (magnetics and MobileMT) is expected to begin later in Q1.
Technical Information
Aya has implemented a quality control program to comply with best practices in sampling and analysis of drill core. Drill core samples were transported in sealed bags for analysis at Afrilab laboratory in Marrakech. Standards of different grades and blanks were inserted every 20 samples in addition to the standards, blanks and pulp duplicate inserted by Afrilab.
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this press release have been reviewed by David Lalonde, B. Sc, Head of Exploration, Qualified Person, for accuracy and compliance with National Instrument 43-101.
About Aya Gold & Silver Inc.
Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is a rapidly growing, Canada-based silver producer with operations in the Kingdom of Morocco.
The only TSX-listed pure silver mining company, Aya operates the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and is exploring its properties along the prospective South-Atlas Fault, several of which have hosted past-producing mines and historical resources. Aya's Moroccan mining assets are complemented by its Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania, which is being advanced to feasibility.
Aya's management team maximizes shareholder value by anchoring sustainability at the heart of its production, resource, governance, and financial growth plans.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"), which reflects management's expectations regarding Aya's future growth and business prospects (including the timing and development of new deposits and the success of exploration activities) and other opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "confirm", "remains", "confidence", "potential", "complete", "expect" "extend", "belief", and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will", or are "likely" to be taken, occur or be achieved, have been used to identify such forward-looking information. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements and information with respect to the exploration and development potential of Boumadine and the advancement of and success of the exploration program at Boumadine , and timing for the release of the Company's disclosure in connection with the foregoing. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release reflect management's current beliefs based upon information currently available to management and based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Aya cannot be certain that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions, and its expectations of future developments that management believe to be reasonable and relevant but that may prove to be incorrect. These assumptions include, among other things, the ability to obtain any requisite governmental approvals, the accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource Estimates (including, but not limited to, ore tonnage and ore grade estimates), silver price, exchange rates, fuel and energy costs, future economic conditions, anticipated future estimates of free cash flow, and courses of action. Aya cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: the inherent risks involved in exploration and development of mineral properties, including government approvals and permitting, changes in economic conditions, changes in the worldwide price of silver and other key inputs, changes in mine plans (including, but not limited to, throughput and recoveries being affected by metallurgical characteristics) and other factors, such as project execution delays, many of which are beyond the control of Aya, as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in Aya's 2022 Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2023, and in other filings of Aya with securities and regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, Aya's corporate update of May 28, 2020 regarding the materiality of its assets as well as to studies regarding non-material assets remains applicable as at the date hereof. Aya does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs, and opinions change. Nothing in this document should be construed as either an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy or sell Aya securities. All references to Aya include its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.
Appendix 1 Full Drill Results from Boumadine (core lengths)
DDH No. Section Zone From
(m) To
(m) Au
(g/t) Ag
(g/t) Length*
(m) Cu
(%) Pb
(%) Zn
(%) Mo
(g/t) Ag Eq**
(g/t) BOU-DD23-170 8025N Para 8.5 9.6 0.27 45 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.8 1 118 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 28.6 29.1 0.22 35 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.4 7 84 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 124.2 125.4 0.25 32 1.2 0.0 0.7 0.4 1 100 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 154.9 155.5 0.81 51 0.6 0.0 0.5 6.2 5 481 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 222.1 224.3 1.38 21 2.2 0.0 0.5 1.0 6 222 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Main 255.0 255.8 0.19 12 0.8 0.0 0.5 1.0 235 112 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 340.6 341.3 1.99 23 0.7 0.1 0.3 0.6 4 260 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 365.6 366.1 0.33 40 0.5 0.0 0.6 1.2 5 154 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 380.6 382.8 1.83 25 2.2 0.0 0.2 3.3 11 383 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 436.8 437.4 0.76 16 0.6 0.0 0.1 1.6 8 180 BOU-DD23-199 8275N Para 441.4 442.0 0.70 32 0.6 0.0 0.3 2.7 12 255 BOU-DD23-204 8375N Para 7.8 9.0 0.59 32 1.2 0.0 0.3 0.5 7 127 BOU-DD23-204 8375N Para 74.2 74.8 1.19 28 0.6 0.0 0.4 0.9 12 203 BOU-DD23-204 8375N Para 367.2 368.5 0.54 16 1.3 0.1 0.2 0.3 1 97 BOU-DD23-204 8375N Main 373.8 375.0 1.92 68 1.2 0.3 0.2 0.6 1 323 BOU-DD23-204 8375N Para 428.3 429.9 2.38 79 1.6 0.3 0.9 1.6 3 460 BOU-DD23-205 8850N Main 118.7 120.2 0.20 60 1.5 0.0 2.4 4.8 15 422 BOU-DD23-205 8850N Para 415.0 415.9 0.56 24 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 10 85 BOU-DD23-206 6100N NSR 0.0 207.0 0.00 0 207.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 64.4 65.4 0.74 16 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 12 92 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 68.4 69.6 0.73 8 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 8 89 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Main 76.1 78.0 0.28 44 1.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 4 89 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 92.4 93.1 0.44 19 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 7 80 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 95.9 96.4 0.21 32 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.2 4 86 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 146.5 148.7 1.36 27 2.2 0.0 0.6 1.3 27 249 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 356.4 358.1 0.70 8 1.7 0.0 0.1 0.0 2 78 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 360.8 362.7 0.83 1 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 6 82 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 365.1 365.8 0.47 20 0.7 0.0 0.1 0.0 7 71 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 367.9 369.0 0.66 48 1.1 0.0 1.4 0.7 5 192 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 370.0 370.6 0.42 33 0.6 0.0 0.4 2.9 5 244 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 417.8 418.4 0.18 60 0.6 0.0 0.7 1.2 198 173 BOU-DD23-207 6675N Para 449.2 449.8 0.56 32 0.6 0.0 0.3 0.5 1 124 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Para 119.4 120.4 1.42 29 1.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 5 190 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Para 125.8 126.8 0.65 28 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 3 132 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Main 129.9 139.4 1.60 35 9.5 0.2 0.1 0.4 35 231 Including 134.9 139.4 2.51 59 4.5 0.3 0.1 0.5 55 367 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Para 239.0 243.5 0.51 9 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 7 66 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Para 247.5 248.5 0.69 4 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 72 BOU-DD23-208 6675N Para 250.5 252.1 0.65 9 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.1 5 76 BOU-DD23-209 6100N Para 163.3 165.6 0.69 36 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 23 107 BOU-DD23-209 6100N Main 170.5 171.3 1.77 65 0.8 0.1 0.1 0.3 35 258 BOU-DD23-209 6100N Para 173.7 174.2 1.68 39 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 31 214 BOU-DD23-209 6100N Para 213.5 217.5 0.34 72 4.0 0.0 0.9 0.8 57 180 BOU-DD23-209 6100N Para 240.0 240.5 0.21 36 0.5 0.0 0.3 4.6 1 316 BOU-DD23-210 6100N Para 221.8 222.8 0.63 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 64 73 BOU-DD23-210 6100N Main 390.6 391.6 0.11 4 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7 18 BOU-DD23-210 6100N Para 575.6 576.2 0.33 16 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 2 56 BOU-DD23-210 6100N Para 580.3 581.4 0.67 4 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 68 BOU-DD23-210 6100N Para 585.6 586.6 0.55 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 62 BOU-DD23-211 9150N Main 6.0 9.8 2.01 99 3.8 0.0 4.3 0.0 17 426 BOU-DD23-211 9150N Para 18.0 18.8 0.96 44 0.8 0.0 0.3 0.0 13 147 BOU-DD23-211 9150N Para 103.8 104.9 0.03 65 1.1 0.0 0.3 0.3 3 95 BOU-DD23-211 9150N Para 140.6 143.0 1.20 26 2.4 0.0 0.2 1.0 6 200 BOU-DD23-212 6675N Main 182.4 183.4 0.99 13 1.0 0.0 1.3 0.6 11 181 BOU-DD23-212 6675N Para 189.4 190.3 0.03 61 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.6 21 109 BOU-DD23-213 6675N Main 270.4 271.5 0.03 66 1.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 2 77 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Para 146.6 147.6 0.97 12 1.0 0.0 0.3 0.5 23 143 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Para 200.2 201.2 0.14 60 1.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 8 88 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Main 214.0 223.0 4.77 61 9.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 5 535 Including 216.2 221.5 6.61 90 5.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 6 749 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Para 224.0 226.0 0.52 10 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 5 76 BOU-DD23-214 8850N Para 228.9 229.4 2.13 56 0.5 0.1 0.4 5.3 25 571 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Para 39.6 40.8 0.48 20 1.2 0.0 0.2 1.0 12 125 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Main 179.9 181.0 0.35 1 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.5 6 66 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Para 276.8 277.6 0.46 24 0.8 0.0 0.3 0.2 3 88 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Para 280.1 280.7 0.54 39 0.6 0.0 0.1 0.1 1 100 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Para 294.8 297.6 1.38 22 2.8 0.0 0.5 0.9 5 217 BOU-DD23-215 9150N Para 307.3 308.2 1.31 29 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.0 8 155 BOU-DD23-216 6100N Para 296.0 297.2 0.59 4 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 62 BOU-DD23-216 6100N Para 299.6 300.8 0.47 4 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 50 BOU-DD23-216 6100N Main 483.1 485.5 1.25 32 2.4 0.2 0.3 0.1 22 194 BOU-DD23-216 6100N Para 531.9 532.4 0.94 60 0.5 0.1 5.2 1.3 3 390 BOU-DD23-216 6100N Para 559.0 559.8 0.51 16 0.8 0.2 0.3 0.3 10 110 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 47.2 48.4 0.64 8 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 7 83 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 220.4 220.9 1.03 39 0.5 0.1 0.6 7.8 19 593 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 226.6 227.8 0.94 49 1.2 0.0 0.1 0.6 18 174 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Main 232.9 233.5 6.92 58 0.6 0.1 1.0 2.8 7 895 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 310.8 312.2 1.49 66 1.4 0.0 0.1 0.0 6 214 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 313.2 314.3 0.25 24 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 1 55 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 327.5 328.0 2.02 96 0.5 0.0 1.1 3.3 5 502 BOU-DD23-217 9150N Para 337.3 337.8 1.28 84 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.0 9 211 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 226.3 227.1 0.86 13 0.8 0.0 0.4 2.2 1 226 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 238.6 239.7 0.57 12 1.1 0.0 0.1 0.4 5 91 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 244.3 247.5 14.72 19 3.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 4 1,411 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 250.6 251.6 0.53 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 1 76 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 252.6 256.8 13.59 115 4.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 3 1,409 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 257.8 258.7 0.43 28 0.9 0.0 0.1 0.1 8 78 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 261.2 275.1 1.22 30 13.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 5 153 Including 272.3 274.0 5.89 119 1.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 13 698 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Main 280.3 286.1 9.21 80 5.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 8 978 Including 280.3 284.3 13.05 108 4.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 8 1,377 BOU-DD23-218 8850N Para 290.0 302.0 1.98 58 12.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 8 265 Including 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381.0 0.51 20 0.5 0.0 0.3 0.1 6 86 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 84.0 85.0 0.40 11 1.0 0.1 0.3 1.1 7 130 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 87.8 89.4 0.33 27 1.6 0.0 0.5 1.8 24 179 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 90.3 91.2 0.24 24 0.9 0.1 0.5 1.1 22 133 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 92.1 93.0 0.38 16 0.9 0.0 0.5 0.6 3 97 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 102.2 103.2 0.67 5 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.3 14 92 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 111.9 116.0 1.60 175 4.1 0.1 1.9 7.3 259 810 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 119.3 120.3 1.32 15 1.0 0.0 0.1 1.4 44 221 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 141.4 142.4 0.48 16 1.0 0.0 0.3 0.4 48 98 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 153.4 153.9 1.02 64 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 19 166 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 162.9 163.4 0.20 103 0.5 0.0 8.5 1.1 5 452 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Para 257.4 258.4 0.03 85 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 95 BOU-DD23-229 6525N Main 306.0 306.7 0.88 23 0.7 0.0 0.1 0.5 9 134 BOU-DD23-230 6575N Para 143.4 145.4 0.84 22 2.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 6 116 BOU-DD23-230 6575N Para 157.4 158.4 0.51 12 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.6 38 102 BOU-DD23-230 6575N Para 162.9 163.8 0.26 24 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624.8 625.5 3.07 4 0.7 0.0 0.4 0.6 5 337 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 47.4 48.1 0.28 20 0.7 0.0 0.2 0.6 13 86 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 52.7 53.5 0.64 39 0.8 0.0 0.1 0.1 12 112 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 64.0 70.4 1.06 49 6.4 0.0 0.7 2.0 131 287 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 72.6 73.5 0.39 16 0.9 0.0 0.7 2.2 22 194 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 74.4 76.2 0.47 34 1.8 0.0 0.3 2.3 98 221 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 79.2 80.2 0.58 4 1.0 0.0 0.4 1.3 4 144 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 81.2 83.2 0.40 8 2.0 0.0 0.2 0.6 6 88 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 87.9 88.7 1.40 126 0.8 0.0 2.0 9.1 68 821 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 102.1 103.6 0.50 45 1.5 0.0 0.6 3.0 74 280 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 105.5 106.4 0.38 52 0.9 0.0 0.5 2.5 31 240 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 112.8 120.6 0.71 62 7.8 0.0 0.2 1.3 196 216 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 125.6 126.1 1.87 16 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.3 37 214 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 131.9 132.8 0.33 24 0.9 0.0 0.3 1.1 64 129 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 134.6 145.4 0.41 41 10.8 0.0 0.8 1.2 361 190 Including 138.0 0.70 90 1.7 0.0 1.9 3.5 866 456 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Main 148.5 155.1 0.52 56 6.6 0.0 0.9 2.6 298 295 Including 150.5 152.1 1.19 187 1.6 0.0 2.5 9.0 946 925 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 172.0 172.5 0.58 29 0.5 0.0 0.6 1.7 7 198 BOU-DD23-244 6450N Para 173.4 174.2 0.27 28 0.8 0.0 0.3 0.2 8 78 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 106.0 111.0 0.05 17 5.0 1.5 0.4 1.5 70 312 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 146.4 149.4 0.34 32 3.0 0.0 0.2 1.5 29 153 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 157.4 159.6 0.50 86 2.2 0.0 1.5 3.4 161 377 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 179.4 180.4 0.35 24 1.0 0.0 0.6 0.4 6 98 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 184.4 185.4 0.46 44 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 9 105 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Main 198.4 206.5 0.73 122 8.1 0.0 2.3 4.7 68 524 Including 198.4 200.2 1.83 299 1.8 0.1 4.8 13.1 269 1,355 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 213.5 214.5 0.64 20 1.0 0.0 0.2 0.6 7 117 BOU-DD23-245 6450N Para 217.5 226.5 0.86 6 9.0 0.0 0.3 0.3 2 112 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Para 46.6 48.9 0.56 38 2.3 0.1 0.3 0.7 8 145 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Para 50.9 54.0 0.26 31 3.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 7 75 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Para 138.4 139.9 0.66 12 1.5 0.0 0.7 1.0 3 156 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Main 383.2 384.2 0.08 196 1.0 0.0 1.6 0.2 2 265 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Para 554.9 556.3 1.21 16 1.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 4 153 BOU-DD23-246 7650N Para 617.8 618.8 0.99 24 1.0 0.0 0.3 0.7 3 167 BOU-DD23-247 6450N Para 38.7 42.3 0.03 13 3.6 0.8 1.4 1.1 38 230 BOU-DD23-247 6450N Para 104.2 105.2 1.13 4 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 16 119 BOU-DD23-247 6450N Main 254.0 257.5 0.75 48 3.5 0.0 0.2 0.6 44 159 BOU-DD23-247 6450N Para 261.9 262.6 0.33 45 0.7 0.0 0.5 2.7 5 242 BOU-DD23-248 6450N Para 261.0 262.0 0.03 55 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 1 71 BOU-DD23-248 6450N Para 322.0 323.0 0.37 24 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 2 67 BOU-DD23-248 6450N Main 329.5 335.4 5.94 59 5.9 0.1 1.0 8.8 23 1,136 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 346.9 347.7 1.68 28 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.3 23 202 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 357.4 358.0 0.46 1 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 47 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 400.0 400.9 0.64 31 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.2 8 115 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 477.7 479.5 0.91 29 1.8 0.0 0.1 0.0 10 124 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 480.5 481.5 0.46 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8 57 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 517.8 524.3 0.62 19 6.5 0.0 0.1 0.2 10 98 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 532.4 532.9 0.73 32 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.0 26 118 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 557.3 558.3 0.47 8 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 14 59 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 559.3 561.6 1.16 12 2.3 0.0 0.1 0.0 13 132 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 590.1 590.9 0.42 12 0.8 0.1 0.2 0.1 18 83 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 593.7 594.2 0.52 32 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.2 9 115 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Main 598.7 601.8 4.19 48 3.1 0.1 0.1 2.5 12 587 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 603.7 605.7 0.31 18 2.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 9 52 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 606.7 607.7 0.35 12 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 3 53 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 609.7 610.7 0.69 4 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 2 74 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 647.3 651.5 0.98 10 4.2 0.0 0.1 0.2 2 118 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 658.1 658.7 0.52 8 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 60 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 693.1 695.5 2.18 57 2.4 0.0 0.7 7.3 10 680 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 714.3 718.5 0.55 15 4.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 3 107 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 725.5 727.5 0.44 12 2.0 0.1 0.4 0.1 2 81 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 747.6 748.2 1.15 60 0.6 0.1 0.2 0.1 9 196 BOU-DD23-249 5800N Para 747.6 748.8 0.85 38 1.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 33 148 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 221.0 222.0 0.62 1 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 2 61 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 226.0 228.0 0.81 4 2.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 5 85 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 229.0 230.0 0.58 1 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3 58 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 236.7 239.7 3.34 1 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5 316 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 326.8 327.8 0.71 40 1.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 82 116 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 373.7 374.7 0.45 8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5 54 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Main 377.7 384.0 1.44 49 6.3 0.1 0.1 0.5 12 225 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 411.0 411.9 0.31 24 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.1 18 62 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 420.1 421.1 0.22 36 1.0 0.0 0.4 2.2 20 192 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 448.8 455.5 1.02 25 6.7 0.1 0.1 0.4 12 155 BOU-DD23-250 5800N Para 508.9 509.5 0.67 32 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.0 5 121 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Para 262.0 263.0 0.03 44 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1 49 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Para 278.6 279.4 0.03 51 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 12 59 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Main 345.9 355.3 2.66 32 9.4 0.0 0.2 4.4 14 531 Including 346.4 348.8 7.99 91 2.4 0.1 0.3 15.8 19 1,719 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Para 431.4 432.1 6.65 139 0.7 0.4 0.1 0.0 1 818 BOU-DD23-251 6450N Para 439.1 439.8 0.50 24 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.0 1 82 BOU-DD23-252 5800N Main 204.5 207.4 0.63 58 2.9 0.0 0.7 1.1 230 210 BOU-DD23-252 5800N Para 258.0 261.0 0.04 164 3.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 2 179 BOU-DD23-253 7650N Para 203.0 204.0 1.01 106 1.0 0.7 0.4 0.1 4 312 BOU-DD23-253 7650N Main 281.0 283.5 0.52 24 2.5 0.0 0.3 0.5 1 110 BOU-DD23-254 7650N Para 162.1 162.7 0.62 24 0.6 0.0 0.3 1.2 6 158 BOU-DD23-254 7650N Para 220.9 221.5 0.53 16 0.6 0.1 2.6 2.6 5 306 BOU-DD23-254 7650N Main 241.4 243.4 5.63 61 2.0 0.3 0.2 1.4 6 703 BOU-DD23-254 7650N Para 269.3 270.1 0.51 12 0.8 0.1 0.3 0.5 3 101
* True width remains undetermined at this stage; all values are uncut. ** Ag equivalent is based on a 100% recovery with the following ratio; 1 g/t Au: 93.4 g/t Ag; 1% Cu: 130.4 Ag; 1% Pb: 31.8 Ag; 1% Zn: 54.1 Ag.
Appendix 2 New Drillhole Coordinates of 2023 Boumadine Exploration Program (completed holes)
TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to report the discovery of a significant new zone of precious metal mineralization at the Trap target ("Trap") as part of its Guayabales Project in Caldas, Colombia. Today's results from two diamond drill holes are interpreted to have intercepted the upper portions of a porphyry system which is overprinted by late-stage carbonate base metal ("CBM") sheeted vein zones. Trap is located approximately 3.5 kilometres along the molybdenum soil trend to the northeast of the Apollo porphyry system and is now the second major porphyry discovery made at the Guayabales Project.
Highlights (see Table 1 and Figures 1-4)
Drill hole TRC-2, which was drilled from the northwest to the southeast, has intercepted multiple mineralization styles while displaying excellent continuity over the entire interval as follows:
646.0 metres @ 0.81 g/t gold equivalent from 19.5 metres depth including: 301.5 metres @ 1.01 g/t gold equivalent from 19.5 metres downhole (19.1 metres vertical depth)
TRC-2 bottomed in mineralization with the final 11.05 metres averaging 0.98 g/t AuEq
with the final 11.05 metres averaging 0.98 g/t AuEq Drill hole TRC-3 was drilled from the east to the west from a separate pad to TRC-2. The hole cut two intervals of continuous mineralization with a post mineral dyke in between that is expected to be limited in dimensions based on surface mapping. Assay results for this hole are as follows:
159.75 metres @ 1.04 g/t gold equivalent from 86.80 metres downhole (44 metres vertical depth) including: 47 metres @ 2.25 g/t gold equivalent from 188 metres downhole (133 metres vertical depth)
72.7 metres @ 0.77 g/t gold equivalent from 359.35 metres downhole (286 metres vertical depth)
The Trap porphyry target has been traced by rock and soil sampling over a large area measuring 2 kilometres by 2 kilometres. Reconnaissance drilling to date has outlined mineralization only over a small portion of the target area measuring 340 metres along strike (in a SE-NW direction) by 170 metres across by up to 687 metres vertically and remains open in all directions.
Mineralization at Trap is hosted predominantly in a quartz diorite unit with two styles of late stage CBM sheeted veins overprinting a gold-copper mineralized porphyry system (magnetite and minor chalcopyrite). The core for both holes is heavily altered with sericite indicating that drilling to date likely has only covered the shallow elevation of this porphyry system.
Drilling at Trap is expected to resume in the coming days. The next hole will be drilled steeper to test for continuity of mineralization at depth and see if the porphyry system alteration transitions from the current sericitic phase to the potassic phase.
Ari Sussman, Executive Chairman commented: "When one steps back and thinks about the multiple discoveries we have made at our Guayabales Project and the geological relationship to the multi-million ounce Marmato mine next door, it is clear that we are onto a new emerging large-scale metals district and must remain aggressive with exploration. It is not every day that a company drills such significant intercepts from surface into a newly generated target. We are excited to resume drilling in the coming days at Trap as we embark on a quest to understand the potential of the discovery."
Table 1: Assay Results for TRC-2 and TRC-3
Hole # From
(m) To
(m) Length
(m) Au
(g/t) Ag
(g/t) Cu
(%) Mo
(%) AuEq
(g/t*) TRC-2 19.50 665.50 646.00 0.71 6 0.02 0.001 0.81 incl 19.50 321.00 301.50 0.84 7 0.04 0.003 1.01 and incl 385.60 477.30 91.70 0.96 4 - - 1.00 TRC-3 86.80 246.55 159.75 0.69 15 0.07 0.004 1.04 Incl 188.00 235.00 47.00 1.68 28 0.12 0.003 2.25 and 359.35 432.05 72.70 0.61 6 0.04 0.003 0.77
*AuEq (g/t) is calculated as follows: (Au (g/t) x 0.97) + (Ag (g/t) x 0.016 x 0.88) + (Cu (%) x 1.79 x 0.90)+ (Mo (%) x 11.62 x 0.85) utilizing metal prices of Cu US$3.85/lb, Ag US$24/oz, Mo - US$25/lb and Au US$1,475/oz and recovery rates of 97% for Au, 88% for Ag, 85% for Mo and 90% for Cu. Recovery rate assumptions for gold are based on metallurgical results announced on October 17, 2023. Recovery rates for copper, molybdenum and silver are speculative as limited metallurgical work has been completed to date on these metals. True widths are unknown, and grades are uncut.
About Collective Mining Ltd.
To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com
Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective Mining is a copper, silver, gold and tungsten exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines.
The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo system, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper-silver-gold-tungsten Apollo porphyry system. The Company's near-term objective is to drill the shallow portions of the Apollo system, continue to expand the overall dimensions of the system, which remains open in most directions and test newly generated grassroots targets.
Management, insiders and close family and friends own nearly 45% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CNL" and on the OTCQX under the trading symbol "CNLMF".
Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure
David J Reading is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr. Reading has an MSc in Economic Geology and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG).
Technical Information
Rock, soils and core samples have been prepared and analyzed at ALS laboratory facilities in Medellin, Colombia and Lima, Peru. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. No capping has been applied to sample composites. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.
Information Contact:
Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski73) on X
Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In this news release, forward-looking information relate, among other things, to: anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans.
These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated April 7, 2022. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Ethereum Staking Platform Kiln Raises $17 Million in Funding Round Led by 1kx
Paris-based Ethereum staking infrastructure provider Kiln has closed a $17 million funding round to expand its institutional-grade offering internationally. The funding will also support more decentralized finance (DeFi) reward models.
The funding round was led by 1kx. Several prominent investors participated in the round, including Crypto.com, IOSG, Wintermute Ventures, KXVC, and LBank. Existing investors, including Kraken Ventures, GSR, and Avon Ventures, also contributed to the funding.
Thrilling start to 2024! We have secured $17M in funding led by @1kxnetwork for our global expansion. We are opening a new office in Singapore and are gearing up to provide exciting new features on our platform, such as DeFi rewards. Huge thanks to our existing and pic.twitter.com/R3lEnIF3ga Kiln (@Kiln_finance) January 18, 2024
Kilns Future Plans
Kiln plans to utilize the capital to support its global expansion efforts, particularly in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, following the establishment of its regional headquarters in Singapore in Q1. The funding will also contribute to product development, with a focus on additional reward mechanisms in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
In late 2023, Kiln partnered with Ledger Live, Crypto.com, and Coinbase to provide pooled staking services, allowing every ETH holder to access staking with any amount of ETH. In alignment with Kilns mission of maximum inclusivity, these latest integrations continue to expand access to value creation in the digital asset ecosystem.
This latest investment brings Kilns total funding to $35 million from investors across various leading crypto investing groups, including Illuminate Financial, Kraken Ventures, Avon Ventures, Consensys, GSR, Leadblock Partners, Sparkle Ventures, XBTO, and renewed participation from existing investors 3KVC, Blue Yard Capital, SV Angel, and Alven, among others.
However, Kiln would not disclose a valuation for the round. The platform has seen significant growth, increasing its staked assets under management to $4.2 billion, marking a more than fivefold increase in 2023. Kiln has integrated with multiple custody solutions, wallets, and exchanges over the past year.
Kilns co-founder and CEO, Laszlo Szabo, stated,
Our mission is to democratize value creation in the digital assets ecosystem, providing millions of users with easy access to rewards through our platform. We have an exciting lineup of products and upcoming expansion plans, including the establishment of an office in Singapore.
The funding will also support further product development, including the integration of additional reward mechanisms in DeFi space. The platform is also working on a DeFi product that enables its integrator customers, such as wallets, exchanges, and custodians, to monetize stablecoin reward opportunities.
Kiln Is The Largest Ethereum Validator Node Operator with Over $3.1 Billion in Staked Assets
Kilns white-label staking technology platform brings together stakers, node operators, and integrators with multiple applications. The platform has been growing steadily over the past 12 months. Since its launch, Kiln has cemented itself as one of the largest saking platforms in the market and is now the largest operator of Ethereum validator nodes, representing about 4% of the Ethereum network.
While it supports multiple proof-of-stake blockchains, the majority of Kilns staked assets are on Ethereum, totaling over $3.1 billion. The platform uses specialized smart contracts to enable users to stake smaller amounts and pool stakes collectively to reach the 32 ETH minimum required for native ether staking, providing an alternative to traditional options.
In 2022, the platform completed a $5 million funding round, which included Third Kind Managing Partner and Andreessen Horowitz board partner Shana Fisher, SV Angel, Blue Yard, Alven, and Kima Ventures.
Notably, the funds were used to bring on new talent, enhance its technology, and build out its service, which enables fintech, crypto companies, and financial institutions to offer 1-click staking of crypto assets to their customers or to stake their crypto assets directly with Kiln.
In September, Coinbase Cloud integrated Kilns on-chain staking protocol to offer native ether staking below the 32 ETH minimum. This integration addressed the prohibitive barrier to entry for many potential participants.
Kiln plans to broaden its technology platforms compatibility to support additional consensus models and DeFi revenue streams beyond pure staking. Delegated proof-of-stake networks like Cardano or reward-bearing liquidity pools across Ethereum may soon fall under Kilns infrastructure umbrella.
UK police said Tuesday that specialist officers will assess whether to open a war crimes probe into Israel's war with Hamas, following a referral from an advocacy group for Palestinians.
London's Metropolitan Police said its small war crimes team, which is hosted within its counter terrorism command, would determine if any further action or formal investigation will be launched.
The Met, the UK's biggest and best-resourced police force, confirmed it had received a "referral" last Friday "relating to allegations linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict".
"The information within the referral will now be assessed by specialist officers as part of a scoping exercise to determine whether any further action or formal investigation will be carried out," a police spokesman said.
"At this time, there is no UK-based investigation into this matter, or any other matters relating to this particular conflict."
The spokesman noted the assessment would be done using guidelines for probing possible war crimes crafted with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which makes the final decisions on prosecuting cases in England and Wales.
However, the CPS must seek permission from the attorney general -- a senior government minister and the state's chief legal advisor -- over war crimes prosecutions.
Met Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads its counter terrorism command, insisted the force would adhere to the "very clear set of guidelines which we use when assessing all war crimes referrals made to us".
- 'Evidence dossier' -
The UK-based International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) -- an independent organisation of lawyers, academics and politicians advocating for Palestinian rights -- said it had filed a "war crimes complaint" with the Met.
The group said its investigators had handed the Met a 70-page "evidence dossier" which detailed a range of alleged crimes by Israel in recent months.
Announcing the move, ICJP director Tayab Ali said they include attacks against properties, monuments, hospitals, and blocking humanitarian aid and basic necessities "to wilfully cause great suffering or serious injury to body or health".
The dossier also accuses Israel of "intentionally using starvation of civilians and deprivation of objects indispensable to survival as a method of warfare".
It alleges complicity in that by "high-ranking Israeli officials and military personnel" as well as "nine named British citizens" serving in the Israeli military.
The file also includes "four British government ministers and officials alleged to have abetted these crimes".
The development comes as the International Criminal Court, the world's only independent court set up to probe the gravest offences including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, continues its probe into the long-running conflict.
It opened an investigation in 2021 into Israel as well as Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups for possible war crimes in the Palestinian territories.
Meanwhile, South Africa has in recent weeks launched an emergency case at the International Court of Justice, arguing that Israel stands in breach of the UN Genocide Convention, signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust.
France does not back a case against Israel at the UN's top court accusing the country of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the French foreign minister said on Wednesday.
"Accusing the Jewish state of genocide crosses a moral threshold. The notion of genocide cannot be exploited for political ends," Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne told parliament.
South Africa has launched an emergency case at the International Court of Justice, arguing last week that Israel stands in breach of the UN Genocide Convention signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust.
It wants the court to "immediately" stop Israel's military operations in the besieged Palestinian territory of Gaza.
Fighting has ravaged Gaza since Palestinian militant group Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attacks on Israel that resulted in the death of about 1,140 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
At least 24,448 Palestinians, more than 70 percent of them women, young children and adolescents, have been killed in the subsequent Israeli bombardments and ground assaults in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.
Israel and its ally the United States have dismissed the case at the ICJ as groundless.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has said the South African case was "unfounded", claiming it was "those who are violently attacking Israel who continue to openly call for the annihilation of Israel".
The German government has "decisively and expressly" rejected South Africa's accusations against Israel, calling it a "political instrumentalisation" of the UN Genocide Convention with "no basis in fact".
Namibia, a former German colony, has expressed "deep concern" over Germany's stance, criticising its "inability to draw lessons from its horrific history".
Germany was responsible for the massacres of more than 70,000 Indigenous Herero and Nama people in Namibia between 1904 and 1908, which historians widely consider the first genocide of the 20th century.
A Cameroonian member of the UN peacekeeping force in northwestern Central African Republic has been killed in a landmine blast and five others wounded, the United Nations said.
The region regularly sees clashes between rebel groups and the CAR army backed by mercenaries from Russia's Wagner group.
Soldiers from Cameroon's contingent of the UN peacekeeping force were escorting a team from the International Organization for Migration on Monday when the device exploded, the MINUSCA mission said in a statement seen by AFP on Wednesday.
It went off as the convoy passed by in the village of Mbindale, 450 kilometres (280 miles) north of the capital Bangui, it added.
Two of the wounded are "seriously" hurt and all were taken to hospital, MINUSCA said.
The explosion happened 20 km from the site of a December 21 massacre of 23 civilians by armed elements of the 3R rebel group.
UN peacekeepers were subsequently deployed to the village of Nzakoudou where the killings took place.
The 3R (Return, Reclamation and Rehabilitation) is one of the most powerful of the armed groups and criminal gangs produced by years of civil war that operate in the region.
Civilians are often victims of the conflict, with the United Nations accusing all sides of perpetrating war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In July, a Rwandan member of the UN peackeeping force was killed by an unidentified armed group in an attack on a UN patrol in eastern CAR.
Since 2022, five MINUSCA soldiers have been killed in the country, according to figures from the organisation.
- Wagner mercenaries -
Civil war has plagued the CAR since a Muslim-dominated armed coalition called the Seleka ousted former president Francois Bozize in 2013.
He raised his own predominantly Christian and animist militias, known as the anti-Balaka, to try to regain power.
The conflict lost intensity from 2018 but the country still suffers bouts of violence by rebel groups or over its resources, which include gold and diamonds.
French intervention and deployment of UN peacekeepers paved the way for elections in 2016 which Faustin Archange Touadera won.
Two years later, Touadera brought in fighters from Russia's Wagner mercenary group to help train his armed forces.
The conflict lost intensity but the country still suffers bouts of violence by rebel groups or over its resources, which include gold and diamonds.
In 2020, CAR brought in more Russian operatives as rebel groups advanced on the capital and repelled a siege of Bangui.
However, some areas of the country remain outside government control.
Baba Jobe was a business partner and close ally of Yahya Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia with an iron fist from July 1994 to January 2017. He enjoyed a great degree of power and popularity during the time he worked in government. He was the majority leader in parliament for the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, Jammehs party. Then he fell out with the dictator.
In March 2004 Baba Jobe was convicted for economic crimes. He served his prison term of 9 years and eight months at Mile 2 prison, on the outskirts of Banjul, Gambias capital city. But when he completed his sentence he was not released. According to his wife Tida Jaitehs testimony before the Gambian Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), when she asked the director general of Mile 2 prison David Colley about her husbands release after he completed his sentence, Colley referred her to the Interior Minister Ousman Sonko, who she said never accepted her request to meet despite her coming to his office on three occasions.
This is when a number of Junglers, Jammehs death squad Omar Oya Jallow, Pa Sanneh, Michael Jatta, Malick Manga, Mustapha Sanneh, Nfansu Nyabally, Sulayman Sambou and Momodou Jarju alias Rambo were given access to the room of Baba Jobe, where he was suffocated with his blanket, according to Omar Jallows testimony before the TRRC.
Lamin Sannehs testimony
On the day Baba Jobe was killed, a prison guard was deployed to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital to watch over him. This guard was Lamin Sanneh. On January 15, the Swiss Federal Court in Bellinzona, where Ousman Sonko is being tried for crimes against humanity, heard from prison officers of The Gambia Prisons Services. This was the first time Sanneh, a former orderly to Colley (now deceased), publicly testified about the murder of Baba Jobe. He had not come forward before the TRRC, although the commission had his written statement.
It was on a weekend when I was called by Director General David Colley when I was informed that I was posted at the Edward Francis Small Hospital. The evening of 7 October 2011, I was informed by David Colley and told to go and guard Baba Jobe. He told me strange or unknown men would come and I should not challenge them, otherwise I would lose my life, Sanneh told the court.
According to Sanneh, he did not know that the Junglers had come to kill Baba Jobe. The President of the court told the witness that when Omar Oya Jallow, one of the Junglers who confessed to the TRRC to participating in this operation, was interviewed by the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, he said: The security guard that we met there knew. He said the patient was sleeping and the doctor had just left. When we went, we suffocated him and left. But Sanneh denied he knew about the plan earlier on. I was feeling very bad because had I known about it before I went there, it was better for me to resign, he said.
Asked if Colley mentioned that he received these instructions from Ousman Sonko, the witness said: He did not tell me that but I knew that whatever David was doing, the minister was aware. David will feed the minister [with information]. He will feed him in and out of the prisons daily, whatever is going on there.
It was put to the witness that several individuals, as well as media reports, said Jammeh was responsible. The witness was slightly reluctant to comment on this. I cannot say that its true. Maybe what they said is true, but I cant say that its done by Jammeh.
When asked why Colley chose him specifically for this operation, Sanneh said: They just sacrificed me. I was being sacrificed. This is how I see things. Because normally, its not supposed to be like that.
Sonkos defence
The court told the accused that Colley claimed that he had informed Sonko that Baba Jobe had fallen during an exercise with other prisoners and had been taken to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and that a few days later Sonko had called to inform him about a visit to Baba Jobe by army member Nuha Badjie. According to Colley, when he informed Sonko that other prison officers were already on sight, Sonko asked him to send them away and replace them with a senior officer.
The defendant read out the statements of four prison officers Lamin Sowe, Bakary Kujabi, Yahya P. Jarju and Momodou Jarju who Colley had said were part of a panel to choose a guard who would be posted at the hospital. The four statements were made at the Gambia Police Force on March 14 and 15, 2018. The four officers denied being present at any such panel.
Since according to Colleys claim, he wanted a senior officer deployed at the prison, Sonkos defence lawyer asked his client whether Sanneh, who was an orderly at the time, was qualified for the task. The rank Lamin Sanneh had at the time could not qualify him as a senior officer, Sonko replied.
Baba Jobe was sick and taken to Edward Francis Small Hospital. He was admitted at the main ward, that is the Shell ward. It was on the orders or executive directives from the State House that he was moved to the private block and this executive directive was communicated to him [Baba Jobe] by two management [staff] at the hospital, Sonko explained in response to a question from his counsel. David Colley as director general of prisons had special relations with the president. He was able to do some things without passing through the ministry. They came from the same village, and they had that bond in between them. So the president was able to talk to David Colley directly without even passing through the minister, the accused further said.
When asked about the testimonies and media reports that said Yahya Jammeh was responsible for the killing of Baba Jobe, Sonko replied: Baba Jobe was Majority leader in parliament representing APRC, that is the ruling party of Yahya Jammeh. So he was not a political opponent. He was charged for economic crimes, he was tried and sentenced accordingly. So I dont consider him a political opponent.
No post mortem
After Baba Jobe was killed, his body was handed over to his family without a post mortem being conducted. According to his widow, she did not allow it. She told the Gambias truth commission that they had suspicions that her husband was killed and that the post mortem would have been conducted by the very people who killed him. The one that kills you pays you condolences and announces your death, she testified to the TRRC.
Was it you who instructed for the body to be given to the family? the president of the court asked the accused.
Yes, I did and it is based on an affidavit in which they [the family] swear that they dont want a post mortem to be conducted. When [prison officer] Bakary Kujabi went with them to the hospital and they said they don't need post mortem to be conducted, they came to the ministry and they were asked to write it formally, replied Sonko.
You wont take a human being there
Asked about torture, Sanneh explained: Well, throughout my experience, some inmates would be tortured whilst they are taken away. Those inmates, whenever you asked, they said they were taken to the NIA [National Intelligence Agency]. Most of the time, the Junglers would come there. They would pick inmates to NIA and after, when they bring them back, you would know that this guy has gone through something.
Sanneh was not the only one to testify on prison conditions. Abdou Jammeh is both a former prison officer and a former prisoner at Mile 2, where he spent nine months in detention in 2016. He initially began testifying in Jola, a local dialect in The Gambia, and later changed to Mandinka. Mile 2, I worked there and know people there, he told the court. It is not a clean place. It is not clean because when you see their toilet, you wont take a human being there. Some places are big halls. Those in remand on trial, their cells are tight.
According to both officers, they were not aware of any steps taken by former minister Sonko to improve prison conditions. When the defence lawyer put it to Sanneh that Colley, in his testimony before the TRRC, had said that maximum security facilities were controlled by the military, Sanneh said Colley was just running away from responsibility, because as director general, nobody can come to your place and tell you what to do.
Sonko contested this, claiming that during that period the military was responsible for the maximum security wing. And up to the date I was relieved, state guards were responsible for the prisons except the main entrance where you had prison guards.
Did you have authority over the military? asked Sonkos lawyer.
No, replied the accused.
Just when things turn more romantic between Park Ji Hoon and Hong Ye Ji, a tragedy occurs inside the palace in "Love Song For Illusion" episode 5. Read on to know what happened.
The True Killer Gets Exposed
Things take a darker turn in "Love Song For Illusion" after the king is found dead in his chamber and all clues lead to Yeon Wol (Hong Ye Ji).
Even Sajo Hyun (Park Ji Hoon), who has fallen for her charms, suspects Yeon Wol even when she denies murdering his father.
"Love Song For Illusion" episode 5 begins with Sajo Hyun mourning his father's death while Yeon Wol is sent to prison for her alleged crimes.
Despite it all, Sajo Hyun's heart tells him that she's not the killer. Because of this, the romance between the two begins to fade as they are tested by time.
Ak Hee Saves Yeon Wol
Thankfully, it is revealed that Yeon Wol is innocent. Sajo Yung (Hwang Hee), the king's illegitimate son, is the killer.
He used a poisoned needle to kill his own father. He's a part of the White Knife, the rebel group that wants the king dead to take over the throne.
READ MORE: 'Love Song For Illusion' Episode 4: Hong Ye Ji's Memories Return
Sajo Yung also tries to kill his half-brother. Much to the viewers' delight, Ak Hee, Sajo Hyun's alter ego, steps in and defeats the former.
Elsewhere, Yeon Wol gets tortured to confess to the crime she didn't commit. Ak Hee pleads with Sajo Hyun to save her but the latter hesitates to do so.
Ak Hee Professes Love For Yeon Wol
In the end, Ak Hee makes a deal with Sajo Hyun. He even takes Yeon Wol to a small cottage before she gets executed.
The latter wakes up with Ak Hee taking over Sajo Hyun's body, making everything awkward between them after all that has happened.
Because of this, Yeon Wol tries to escape, only to be attacked by Sajo Yung's men. Ak Hee then pulls her in, and they both jump off the cliff into the river.
"Love Song For Illusion" episode 5 ends with Ak Hee and Yeon Wol sharing a romantic kiss. The atmosphere becomes more romantic when the former professes his true feelings for her.
Inside Ak Hee's mind is a trapped Sajo Hyun. A dark force surrounds him as he realizes what's happening, confusing him even more.
ALSO READ: 'Gyeongseong Creature' Episode 8-10: Park Seo Joon Parts Ways With Han So Hee
KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.
Singapores MAS Denies Listing Bitcoin Spot ETF, Retail Investors Can Still Access US ETFs
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has made it clear that spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs will not be allowed to be listed in Singapore for retail investors.
The decision stems from the fact that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are not considered eligible assets for ETFs according to Singapores regulations, a spokesperson for the MAS told Lianhe Zaobao.
While Singapore may restrict the listing of Bitcoin spot ETFs, retail investors still have an avenue to access these investment products.
Licensed capital market intermediaries in Singapore, authorized by the MAS to provide overseas market-related investments, can facilitate the trading of spot Bitcoin ETFs listed in other countries.
These intermediaries are required to ensure adequate risk disclosure and conduct appropriate client suitability assessments to safeguard the interests of retail investors.
Retail Investors in Singapore Can Participate in CIS
The MAS spokesperson reiterated that retail investors in Singapore can participate in collective investment schemes (CIS) regulated under the Securities and Futures Act, which include ETFs.
However, there are limitations on the types of assets that these CIS can invest in, and currently, Bitcoin and other digital payment tokens (DPT), commonly referred to as cryptocurrencies, are not eligible assets for retail CIS in Singapore.
The spokesperson further emphasized the speculative and highly volatile nature of cryptocurrency trading, stating that it is not suitable for retail investors.
Those who still choose to trade Bitcoin ETFs in overseas markets must exercise extreme caution. In addition, they should also carefully consider trading with overseas markets. associated additional risks.
In Singapore, retail investors refer to individuals who are not classified as qualified investors or institutional investors under the Securities and Futures Act.
Qualified investors are defined as those with financial assets exceeding NT$1 million, a minimum income of NT$300,000 in the previous 12 months, or a personal net worth exceeding NT$2 million, excluding the value of their principal residence after deducting any guaranteed loan.
To strengthen investor protection and discourage speculative retail trading of cryptocurrencies, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority recently initiated a public consultation on regulatory measures for players in the crypto industry.
The consultation results and new measures were released in two phases in July and November of the previous year.
US Approves 11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs
While Singapores MAS has denied the listing of Bitcoin spot ETFs, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a different approach.
It approved the listing of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs, which commenced trading on the following day. Prominent issuers such as BlackRock, Fidelity, Invesco, and Ark Invest, in partnership with Swiss Crypto 21Shares, have entered the ETF market.
The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has witnessed significant trading volume, with Grayscale Investments Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, which converted into an ETF, achieving the highest first-day trading volume in history, surpassing $2.3 billion.
Additionally, BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a trading volume exceeding $1 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
In their first three days, spot Bitcoin ETFs achieved a cumulative trading volume of nearly $10 billion.
E-scooters could be ridden on Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna during the summer-long closure to most motorized vehicles under changes proposed for the program this year.
Darryl Burns, right, whose sister Gloria Burns was killed during the the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Sask., mass stabbings in 2022, and Stewart Head, whose brother was also killed, speaks to media at the public coroner's inquest in Melfort, Sask., Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Settlement agencies are preparing for a surge in Ukrainians arriving in Canada before emergency visas for those fleeing the Russian invasion expire at the end of March. An apartment building damaged in a Russian rocket attack is seen in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in a Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-HO, Kharkiv Regional Administration
Thursday, January 18, 2024
- A middle-aged man is wanted in connection with the theft of laptops at a meeting room in Westlands.
The suspected thief was captured on CCTV being dropped by a motorbike before entering a meeting room, where he stole all the laptops.
The meeting was being hosted at the Golden Tulips Hotel.
In the footage, the casually dressed young man is seen entering the hotel and going straight to the meeting room while carrying a bag.
He steals several laptops in the room and puts them in the bag.
He then vanishes after completing his mission.
The theft incident happened when those who had attended the meeting had gone for a break.
The footage has sparked reactions on social media, with a section of social media users claiming that the theft incident was planned.
Watch the CCTV footage and reactions.
happened today.Westie.Mans get dropped by a nduthi.Enters meeting room and collects all laptops and vanishes.If you know him snitch on him pic.twitter.com/AsN3CMKiOp Maliks 14/09/15/21 (@maliks_88) January 17, 2024
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Irish actor and film producer, Pierce Brosnan has pleaded not guilty to allegedly wandering into a 'delicate' and dangerous hot springs at Yellowstone National Park, despite being pictured standing on the protected area.
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, setting up a virtual conference for February 20 instead.
Brosnan was cited twice over the alleged violations at the thermals in the Mammoth Terraces section of the park and had been due to appear in court on January 23.
The alleged offences are said to have taken 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.
Brosnan is just the latest tourist to try to bend the rules at the stunning national park.
At least 22 people have died from burns sustained in Yellowstone's 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 park's Norris Geyser Basin in search of a place to soak in 2015.
In 2021, a Connecticut woman was jailed for seven days, fined $2,000, and banned from Yellowstone for two years for leaving the walkway and approaching the thermals.
Cumberland County has no shortage of residents with unique talents and independent spirits.
From artists to mechanics, office workers to outdoor professionals, these entrepreneurs showcase the best of what businesses in the county have to offer.
Every week, The Sentinels Small Business Spotlight will feature these people and share their stories.
Discover your local connection through this series that focuses on small business owners in your own backyard and highlights the services they provide for their community.
Hunter Merideth
Business Name: Merideth Law LLC
Years in Business: 1 year
Location: 14 W. King St., Shippensburg
Contact information: 717-220-5351
Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?
A: I opened Merideth Law to provide affordable legal services to the very community that I grew up in. I believe that by serving compassionately and exceeding expectations, I can change the negatively charged stigma towards your stereotypical attorney. My goal is to build a long-lasting brand, built on quality relationships, that will continually focus on treating clients as much more than a case number.
Q: How did you get your start?
A: After passing the bar exam in October 2022, I took a risk and began the planning stages of opening my own law firm. Shortly after opening our doors, I was overwhelmed with support from my community and colleagues. Through this support I was able to build several positive relationships in the legal community, which allowed me to expand my brand exponentially.
Q: What does your business sell or provide?
A: Merideth Law primarily practices four areas of law, being family law, criminal law, estate planning and business formation. We typically handle a lot of divorce and child custody cases, however we have seen a large increase in the number of estate planning clients who utilize our $100 Simple Will Promotion. Additionally, we like to provide free consultations to all potential new clients, which provides the community a resource to inquire about their legal issues, without making the full commitment of hiring an attorney right away.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?
A: The biggest challenge that we are facing now is facilitating the unanticipated increase in clients. We are excited to have this problem, as it opens the door to our expansion project. We intend to acquire an additional attorney, and potentially a second location, in early 2024 to mitigate this issue. The main goal of this expansion is to ensure that no matter the caseload on the attorney, the clients are all still receiving the passionate and personal approach to legal services.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?
A: My favorite activity to do in Cumberland County is to hike the Appalachian Trail. I enjoy getting outside and being surrounded by nature, as it allows a good break from the stresses of work and day-to-day life.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Hollywood actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained at an airport in Germany after police searched his luggage.
The Hollywood star, 76, was held by customs officers in Munich after flying in from Los Angeles and failing to declare a luxury watch.
He was pulled aside to have his luggage inspected and officials found a custom-made Audemars Piguet watch in his bag.
Thomas Meister, spokesman for the main customs office in Munich, said the watch should have been registered because it is an import - and they have now "initiated criminal tax proceedings".
A photo - obtained by BILD - showed Arnie being questioned by two customs officers in a side room.
The actor had brought the luxury watch from his private collection with him for his World Climate Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
- A 22-year-old lady has been arrested in Butula Sub-County for impersonating a police officer.
The suspected impersonator, identified as Jacinta Merlin Ouma, was nabbed after police officers got a tip-off from the public about her activities.
She was en route to Butula police station dressed in a GSU uniform and armed with an AK47 riffle when she was arrested.
She was later arraigned in Busia High Court, where she was accused of impersonating a police officer.
She pleaded guilty to the offence.
Magistrate Peter Oleng ordered her to be remanded at Bumala police station for 21 days to enable the investigating officers to complete their investigations.
According to reports, the suspect has been roaming in police stations across the country.
Her area of operations includes Kabete police station and other stations in Kisumu and Busia.
It is believed that she poses as a police officer and solicits bribes from unsuspecting members of the public.
Below are photos of the suspect.
Thursday, January 17, 2024 The Kirima Land saga has taken another turn that has left the settlers a very happy lot.
This is after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino managed to stop the looming evictions and demolitions on the land.
In a statement, the ODM legislator lauded the Court of Appeal for issuing conservatory orders on the controversial Gerishon Kirima land Njiru, Embakasi East.
Judge Mohammed Warsame allowed the current land settlers to continue residing on the said piece of land until the case is heard and determined.
We don't want our orders to evict anybody. Lawyers, talk with your clients, sit together, and resolve this matter.
"This is not a matter for the court and it's a matter that you can resolve and when there's consent people will be happy. You must negotiate and live together, Justice Warsame stated.
The court further urged the parties in the case to consider an amicable out-of-court settlement.
In his response, Babu Owino pledged to protect the residents from eviction and harassment until the Appeal is heard and determined.
"We will defeat you the Kirimas'. This case will last for 50 years, the legislator added.
The great people of both Embakasi East and Kasarani Constituencies should now sleep tight after the Court of Appeal admitted their Appeal on the Kirima Land Question. We will win eventually.
"Thanks to the Court of Appeal for being on the side of the Great People of Embakasi and Kasarani Constituencies," Babu Owino stated.
On November 22, the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi also directed that residents occupying the land should not be evicted until the case is heard and determined on January 29, 2024.
The ruling was issued by Justice Anne Omollo in the case filed by Joseph Omito and 680 residents seeking an injunction against the impending evictions.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
Thursday, November 18, 2023 - Three police officers suspected of involvement in a foreign national's kidnapping at Mlolongo in Machakos County on January 8, 2024, have been arraigned at Mavoko Law Courts.
The three suspects; PC Fredrick Mwongela Mwololo, PC Samuel Mwiti, and PC Kimwele Musyoki all attached to the General Service Unit were arrested in Nairobi a week after the incident, before their arraignment at the Machakos court where detectives sought custodial orders to finalize investigations as manhunt for the kidnapping mastermind gains momentum.
In the incident that has unearthed an international criminal ring whose targets are well-picked after a background check on their financial muscles, the victim (a Chinese national) was waylaid on his way to work, where two cars blocked his vehicle before the suspects cuffed him and sped off towards Machakos direction.
After hours of disappearance, concerned friends reported to the DCI the businessman who never arrived at his workplace as expected, where detectives forensically traced him to Mua Hills in Machakos.
But even as a team was being deployed to the area in search of him, the panic-stricken victim resurfaced at Athi River and narrated his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers who also robbed him violently.
Detectives established that five men including a Chinese national (the mastermind), a taxi driver, and three police officers had executed the kidnapping, and upon arriving at the Mua Hills, the mastermind called the victim's family back in China demanding an unestablished amount of ransom which was wired to a bank account in China.
After the money was deposited, the gang's accomplices in China confirmed that the family had complied, and the victim was released.
Swinging into action, DCI's Crime Research and Intelligence detectives initiated a systematic probe into the abduction right from Mombasa Rd, where two vehicles, a taxi Reg no. KDL 070P and another KAN car were picked as vehicles of interest.
On Friday, January 12, the taxi was traced to Rongai, and the owner was arrested.
He, however, informed the police that on the day in question, a friend of his had borrowed his car while he (the owner) took his kids to school on the reporting day.
Investigations revealed that the named suspect who is still at large was a former staff at the victim's company, and had been in constant communication with the arrested officers. Indeed, forensic analysis placed the four at the scene of the crime.
Further investigations have also led to the recovery of the KAN vehicle which has been detained at Mlolongo Police Station.
As the search for the mastermind in the kidnapping of fellow Chinese nationals continues, Interpol operations have also been launched to pursue the gang's accomplices in China.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - President William Ruto has suffered a major blow after one of his key lieutenants in Western Kenya dumped his party and joined the Orange Democratic Movement(ODM).
Speaking at the ODM rally in Bungoma County on Wednesday, Fred Wetang'ula declared his full return to the party, vowing to assist their brother, Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi, in reaching the stature of Moses.
"Where Moses has reached, he does not need support.
"He is our patriarch and needs somebody behind him as a battle plan.
"It is Tim we now want to help him rise to where our elder brother is.
"Or can you put all your eggs in one basket? , Wetangula said.
Fred also expressed gratitude, acknowledging Raila's crucial role in the success of his brothers, including the elder, Moses.
The politician contended that they don't need to back Moses's previous party, Ford Kenya, for their political survival, emphasizing the need to diversify support and not rely solely on one option.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will not proceed with the petition seeking the removal of Justice Esther Maina.
Gachagua had been chest-thumping that he would file a petition before the Judicial Service Commission(JSC) seeking Justice Maina's removal from office over allegations of corruption.
According to Gachagua, the petition is in response to Chief Justice Martha Koome's appeal to the executive to table evidence linking any judge to corruption after President William Ruto recently accused the courts of being used by malicious actors to sabotage government projects.
"She (Koome) has challenged us and I will lead by example.
"On Thursday, this coming week, at 2:15 pm I will personally present a petition before Lady Chief Justice Martha Koome against Justice Esther Maina for her removal from the judiciary for misconduct and corruption," Gachagua vowed.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Gachagua's office said the DP will not file a petition seeking the removal of Justice Esther Maina.
"The Deputy President will not proceed with the matter of the petition, for now," a statement by his communication service, DPPS, said.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Federal prosecutors alleged in a scathing response to US first son, Hunter Biden's attempt to dismiss weapons charges against him, that his gun pouch was loaded with cocaine in October 2018.
Five years after Hunter's sister-in-law-turned-lover Hallie Biden dumped Hunters firearm in a trash can behind a grocery store in Delaware, FBI officials have now revealed some damning information after they re-examined the pistol.
Agents removed the sealed Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver from a state police vault to photograph the weapon sometime last year and found white powder on the pouch that held the weapon, a court filing from special counsel David Weiss revealed.
An FBI chemist subsequently analyzed the residue and determined that it was cocaine, the 52-page document read.
To be clear, the prosecution motion added, investigators literally found drugs on the pouch where the defendant had kept his gun.
Weiss team was responding to a motion to dismiss the gun charges filed by Hunter Bidens lawyers last month.
In the rebuttal, Weiss team recounted the evidence they had to confirm that the troubled first son was using illicit drugs at the time he completed a background check to buy the pistol and stated he was not addicted to any illicit substance, committing a federal crime in the process.
At another point in the rebuttal, prosecutors referenced the 53-year-old Hunter Bidens 2021 memoir Beautiful Things in which he made countless incriminating statements about his years-long drug usage.
The defendants choice to sell a book containing these admissions not only made the governments case against him stronger but also increased a potential prosecutions general deterrence value, Weiss team wrote.
Prosecutors noted that Hunter Biden ploughed ahead with writing the book after he was made aware that local authorities had recovered the weapon from an elderly man who was sorting recyclables from the trash can and that there was an ongoing federal investigation into the matter.
They also pointed to messages, including ones Hunter exchanged with Hallie, who had discarded the weapon about 11 days after he bought it.
Hunter Bidens legal team, led by attorney Abbe Lowell, has claimed Weiss caved to political pressure by bringing the firearm charges in Delaware.
This past July, Hunter Biden was poised to enter a jail-free plea agreement for two misdemeanour counts of willful failure to pay taxes and enter a diversion program for the felony federal firearms charge.
But the deal imploded during a dramatic courtroom hearing once it became clear to the first sons attorneys that the deal was not meant to provide blanket immunity from prosecution for other offences.
A month later, Weiss, the Delaware US Attorney, was granted special counsel status by Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Hunter is now facing three federal gun-related felony charges over the ordeal.
Additionally, he has three felony and six misdemeanour counts pending against him in Los Angeles for allegedly evading $1.4 million in taxes between 2016 and 2019.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - The Owner of the TRM Drive Airbnb where a young woman was killed and her head decapitated is among five people who have been arraigned before Makadara Magistrate Court to answer murder charges.
Priscila Maina, who is the owner of the Airbnb, was arraigned together with Kelvin Mutiso, Eugene Omondi, and Brian Kinoti, all of whom were allegedly near the house on the night Rita Waeni was murdered by her Nigerian hooker.
According to the application made by the police, Priscilla is accused of failing to register her tenant details as required by the law, which would have helped the police in tracing the suspected killer.
Makadara Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku allowed the police to continue holding the suspects for 10 more days to complete their investigations.
While granting the orders, Kituku said the case is of great public interest in light of recent mysterious murders at Airbnb.
"There is no doubt that the nation's psyche has been gripped by the increased cases of victims being lured and killed in rental apartments.
"The most recent unfortunate incident is now what is before the court," the magistrate said.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu may have just hammered the last nail in Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas political coffin.
This is after he claimed that Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is more popular than Gachagua on the ground, urging President William Ruto to drop him in 2027.
Speaking during an interview, Senator Nyutu said that if Ruto wants to win the 2027 elections, he should pick the most popular candidate in Mt Kenya, who according to him, is Nyoro.
"I would want President William Ruto to win again and I wouldn't want to see him encounter any difficulties.
"If Ruto wants to win the 2027 elections, he needs to go with the most popular running mate. MP Ndindi Nyoro is more popular than DP Rigathi Gachagua on the ground," Nyutu stated.
The Murang'a Senator mentioned that he was not disrespecting the Deputy President but saying what many leaders don't dare to say.
"Nobody has said UDA is not intact or disrespected DP Gachagua.
"What we are saying is that we need to win the election in 2027 and to do that, we need to carry out nominations to establish the most popular candidate," remarked Nyutu.
This comes days after Gachagua slammed a section of UDA politicians focusing on succession politics barely two years after Ruto was elected.
The Deputy President said it was disrespectful to start debating President Rutos succession barely two years after he was elected.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, has defended President William Ruto over his onslaught on the Judiciary.
In a statement on Thursday, Malala said Ruto, like any other Kenyan, has every right to give his views on the Judiciary.
"As much as the Judiciary is independent, it is there to serve Kenyans.
"The President just like any other Kenyan has the right to express his dissatisfaction with how the judiciary is performing," he said
Still defending his party leader, Malala said that previous presidents and leaders have also expressed their concerns about the Judiciary.
"So what is wrong with the President who has been mandated by Kenyans through the constitution and a competitive election just saying he is dissatisfied with certain orders from the court?" Malala posed.
Early this month President Ruto accused the Judiciary of teaming up with cartels to stall his legacy projects.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Information is from police reports and may be incomplete depending on the status of an investigation. Phone numbers are nonemergency.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
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Controversial city preacher Victor Kanyari of Salvation Healing Ministry Church has warned his congregants against asking for financial assistance from him.
Kanyari noted that some needy people among his congregation have been visiting his office to borrow money, prompting him to address them during a church service.
The flamboyant preacher made it clear that he was not Red Cross and threatened to beat up whoever will visit his office to ask for financial assistance.
Mimi si msalaba mwekundu(I am not Red Cross) he said.
Kanyari further said that his office should be visited by only those people who are willing to give tithes and offerings.
His remarks come days after he stated that anyone attending his church empty-handed would not be allowed entry.
Watch video.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
- President William Ruto has said it is better to be called Zakayo than allow the country to sink into debt and the youth to be jobless.
Speaking yesterday in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Ruto said some people branded him the moniker after he introduced the housing levy.
Ruto argued that the Affordable Housing plan will create opportunities for Kenyans who are jobless.
"The biggest challenge we have in Kenya is that many youths are unemployed.
"That's why I have initiated a plan to create employment opportunities for these young people.
"When I said we implement the housing levy, some people criticized me, saying that I am introducing Zakayo's ideas.
"I would rather be called Zakayo and ensure that the youth have jobs, and I would rather be called Zakayo than see Kenya plunge into debt, said Ruto.
At the same time, the Head of State called on Kenyans to apply for the international jobs that the government has advertised.
"I went to Germany looking for jobs, I have also advertised them in the newspaper for you to apply and You have just been sitting without applying.
"How do you want me to help you?" Ruto posed.
The Zakayo moniker was imposed on President Ruto in 2023 by opposition leaders led by ODM chief Raila Odinga.
Zakayo is a Swahili version of the biblical Zaccheus who was the chief tax collector in Jericho.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Nairobi County Chief Health Officer, Geoffrey Omatoke, has responded to claims that he was stabbed by a lady at an Airbnb in Kilimani.
It was alleged that the senior county government official met the lady through Tinder and invited her to the Airbnb for a good time.
However, the date turned tragic after she stabbed him, following a disagreement.
Initial reports indicated that Geoffrey was heard screaming from the 2nd floor of the Kindaruma Airbnb, prompting the guards to come to his rescue.
However, he has disputed the allegations and clarified that it was an elaborate extortion scheme by bloggers on Twitter who have already been arrested thanks to his connections.
Watch video.
Nairobi County Chief Health Officer responds to claims that he was stabbed by a lady at Airbnb in Kilimani pic.twitter.com/TzYIL71UdR Mushene Moto (@MotoMushene) January 18, 2024
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Over 3500 residents of Obama Estate in Nairobi risk eviction after a high court sitting in Nairobi stated that they are occupying the land illegally.
The residents were issued with an eviction notice on Wednesday by the owner identified as Broadwell Limited.
The landlords of the hundreds of rental apartments, schools, churches, and personal homes have a maximum of two weeks to either enter an agreement of payment for the plots they occupy or they vacate.
The deadline for these two options is January 31, failure to which Broadwell Limited will have to ensure the squatters on its land are forced out.
The unsuspecting landlords at Obama were sold plots in the 18.6 acre land, LR No 18282 by Daylight Self-help Group on diverse dates.
Documents show that despite numerous attempts by Broadwell Limited to stop the invasion of the land by groups of people did not bear fruits.
We tried to stop the invasion severally but were always threatened with violence and that is why we went to the court, Nicholas Mage, the Managing Director of Broadwell Limited, said.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - President William Ruto has fulfilled the wish of his former classmate, Emily Jepkemei.
This is after he assisted her in reclaiming ownership of a disputed 20-acre piece of land near Eldoret Airport.
Jepkemei is among five parties who are claiming ownership of the disputed property in a case that has dragged in court for years.
On Monday, the woman was captured on video conversing with President Ruto during his tour in Eldoret, seeking his help over the matter.
Reports indicated that she urged the president to assist her in repossessing the 20-acre piece of land.
At the same event, Ruto summoned Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who, according to Jepkemei, was instructed to sort the issue.
"I was his former classmate and when he came to greet me, I informed him of my situation and sought his help. I also informed him that Sudi knew the ownership wrangles involving the property.
"At that moment, Ruto summoned Sudi and instructed him to sort the issue in great haste.
On Wednesday, Sudi led a group of youth in demolishing structures erected on the piece of land.
This raised questions from the occupants of the piece of land who claimed that the MP violated a ruling by the court which deemed another resident of the region as the rightful owner.
"We have a title deed. We went to court and the court deemed that the status quo should remain the same," the resident explained.
"We have the legal documents but they have not produced theirs. The politician now claims that we are criminals."
In a rejoinder, Sudi claimed that he would not allow alleged graft in the court system in Eldoret to prevail.
The legislator dared anyone who sought to dispute the action to face him over the matter.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 Fake Lawyer Brian Mwenda may soon have freedom thanks to President William Ruto and his Cabinet.
COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli urged the Law Society of Kenya to beseech the courts to drop charges against fake lawyer Brian Mwenda on Rutos orders.
In a statement, Atwoli said Mwenda should be freed since the Cabinet approved the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework.
He stated that Mwenda should be subjected to various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL.
In this regard, COTU (K) calls upon the Law Society of Kenya, in supporting the move by the Government of Kenya to promote RPL, to beseech the courts to drop all charges against Brian Njagi and subject him to the various processes as contained in the guidelines on RPL, read the statement in part.
The COTU boss commended Ruto and his Cabinet for approving the RPL framework, saying it acknowledges and values the knowledge, skills, and competencies individuals acquire through non-traditional learning pathways.
It's worth noting that many Kenyan youth, despite their outstanding abilities acquired through practical experience, self-study, and non-formal educational avenues, often find themselves excluded from opportunities in the formal sector because the system typically prioritizes qualifications from traditional learning pathways, said Atwoli.
The trade unionist also said the RPL Framework will ensure that thousands of youth, in both formal and informal sectors of the economy, acquire a formal qualification that matches their knowledge and skills, and thereby contribute to improving their employability, mobility, lifelong learning, social inclusion, and self-esteem.
Mwenda was on October 2023 arrested and charged with six counts of uttering a false document, making a false document, as well as a practicing certificate.
He pleaded not guilty and was freed on a Sh200,000 cash bail.
On January 9, Mwenda was ordered to present himself at the Muthaiga police station following a warrant of arrest that had been issued against him by the Makadara Law courts.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
- Nairobi County Governor, Johnson Sakaja, has urged his colleagues in Kenya Kwanza Alliance to stop
engaging in 2027 succession politics.
The governor, in his view, says succession politics is not only an insult to voters but an injustice.
"The focus right now should be on delivery.
"We do injustice to people when as soon as we are elected we start thinking about the next elections, instead of thinking about the next generation," Sakaja said during an interview with one of the local dailies.
"We say politicians think of the next elections, leaders think of the next generation."
The governor further said that his administration has taken bold actions in thinking of the next generation in terms of projects.
"That is why we are feeding the next generation children through Dishi na county, why we are issuing bursaries," he said.
Sakaja said within one year, his administration had increased bursaries by Sh1.8 billion which is more than half what was done in 10 years.
"In 10 years Nairobi did Sh3 billion for bursaries and in one year, we have surpassed more than half of that.
"This is because we are investing and going to the ground," he said.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - The Nigerian government, through its high commission in Nairobi, has dismissed claims that its citizens are behind the ritual-like killings of women in Nairobi.
Over the weekend, a young woman was killed and her body dismembered in what the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) termed a ritual killing.
CCTV footage showed the man who carried out the murder inside an Airbnb was a Nigerian national.
Following the gory murder of Rita Waeni, Kenyans on Twitter called for the deportation of the West African country's citizens who are in the country illegally.
Seeking to disprove the assertion linking Nigerians to the killings, the High Commission suggested it was in bad taste.
According to the diplomatic mission, such killings were being claimed on Nigerians even without evidence.
"Following the unfortunate murders of two young ladies in the past couple of weeks which have rightly elicited public condemnation, the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Nairobi is concerned by the preponderance of online blogs, doctored videos, and social media posts, maliciously entrenching a spurious speculation that 'Nigerians' have perpetrated these heinous crimes," the consulate said.
Noting supposed attacks on Nigerians, the consulate counselled them to "remain calm and to continue to be law-abiding and respectable members of the public."
They were also advised against making unnecessary movements even as investigations continue and formal communication from the host law enforcement authorities awaited.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Three police officers are guests of the state after they were arrested for kidnapping a Chinese national.
The three who are from the General Service Unit (GSU) were arrested in an operation led by Interpol.
The victim was waylaid on his way to work, where two cars blocked his vehicle before the suspects cuffed him and sped off towards Machakos direction.
After hours of disappearance, concerned friends reported to the police about the businessman who never arrived at his workplace as expected, where detectives forensically traced him to Mua Hills in Machakos.
Upon arrival at the Mua Hills, the mastermind called the victim's family back in China demanding an unestablished amount of ransom, which was wired to a bank account in China.
After the money was deposited, the gang's accomplices in China confirmed that the family had complied, and the victim was released.
Swinging into action, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) with the help of Interpol initiated a systematic probe into the abduction right from Mombasa Road, where two vehicles were picked as vehicles of interest.
The GSU officers were arrested and were on Wednesday arraigned at Mavoko Law Courts.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
New Dominion Bookshop will present a book talk and signing with author and University of Virginia School of Nursing professor Kimberly D. Acquaviva at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Acquaviva will speak about The Handbook of LGBTQIA-Inclusive Hospice and Palliative Care, her new guide to LGBTQIA-inclusive approaches to end-of-life care. Many patients are reluctant to seek support from hospice and palliative care programs as a result of overt and subtle barriers, and the guide from Columbia University Press offers both new and experienced care providers the knowledge to help make sure high-quality care is available to everyone.
Acquaviva, a social worker, serves as the Betty Norman Norris Endowed Professor at the UVa Schol of Nursing and as a Provosts Office Fellow. In her book, she includes anecdotes about her own experiences caring for her wife, Kathy, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019.
She has a doctorate in human sexuality education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, a masters in social work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Public Policy and Practice, and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences.
For details go to ndbookshop.com or call (434) 295-2552.
Charlottesville Reading Series will present novelist Tope Folarin and poet Mara Adamitz Scrupe at 7 p.m. Friday at New Dominion Bookshop.
Folarin, a Nigerian-American writer serves as director of the Institute for Policy Studies and the Lannan Visiting Lecturer in Creative Writing at Georgetown University. His debut novel, A Particular Kind of Black Man, was published by Simon & Schuster.
Scrupe, a poet, writer, visual artist and documentary filmmaker, has published five full poetry collections. She serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota Morris and dean and professor emerita, School of Art, at the University of the Arts Philadelphia.
Learn more at readingseries.org.
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library will present the following events in the coming week:
2:30 p.m. Thursday at Scottsville Library: Crafternoon Club offers craft supplies and time to create for ages 3 to 8.
3 p.m. Thursday at Northside Library: Paws to Read offers young readers ages 18 and younger a chance to gain confidence by reading aloud to Scout, a licensed therapy dog. Schedule a 20-minute time slot to read aloud, practice a foreign language or rehearse an oral presentation by calling (434) 973-7893, Ext. 5.
6:30 p.m. Thursday at Northside Library: Next Step: Writing Workshop offers participants an opportunity to network with other writers and develop their skills. For details, contact Maureen Spokes at mspokes@jmrl.org or (434) 973-7893, Ext. 4.
All day Friday at Nelson Memorial Library: Author and poet Edgar Allan Poe will be honored all day on his birthday.
10 a.m. Saturday at Crozet Library: Saturday Stories and More, best for ages 2 to 5 with their caregivers, offers half an hour of stories, music and other kinds of book-related fun. Registration is encouraged at www.jmrl.org/crozet, but not required.
3 p.m. Monday at Scottsville Library: Blue Ridge Heath District representatives will be on hand to connect people with available services in the area and help people navigate the health care system.
6:30 p.m. Monday at Crozet Library: An interactive workshop presented by Stephanie Weldy will explore the Tiny Habits method developed by BJ Fogg. Registration is not required, but its possible to register to receive a reminder about the event. To see the book ahead of time, go to https://hestia.jmrl.org/findit/Record/1455136.
All JMRL branches offer a variety of storytimes and other programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Learn more online at www.jmrl.org/kids.
Albemarle CiderWorks is launching the areas newest Silent Book Club chapter with events starting at 1 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and March 24.
The Silent Book Club, which started in 2012, offers a chance to read without the pressure of a traditional book club. Plan to arrive at the scheduled time with a book, order a drink, and spend an hour reading in silence. There are no assigned readings. After the hour of silent reading ends, participants can socialize and talk about their books if they wish.
The club offers a guilt-free way to meet other book fans and make time to read.
The event is free. Everyone is welcome, and the staff recommends arriving early to get a seat and a non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink. Reservations are not required. Outside food is allowed, so bring our own snacks if you want.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - Kapseret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has shocked the country after he defied a court order and led a demolition of houses in a contensted land in Uasin Gishu County.
According to Sudi, he was sent by President William Ruto to recover the 20-acre piece of land that had been grabbed by unknown criminals.
The land in question, according to Sudi, belongs to a classmate of the Head of state.
Speaking to the media, Sudi pointed his accusing finger at the Judiciary, arguing that they were aiding cartels to grab people's land.
"There is corruption in the court, and it's people from one side...we won't let this Eldoret case continue like this...and if anyone has evidence or a question mark, they should come and ask me...let them take me to court, not someone else," Sudi said.
The latest development comes a few days after a woman laying claim sought the help of President William Ruto in occupying the property.
In the viral video, the president summoned Sudi and instructed him about what the woman had told him.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
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T here was drama in Kilimani after Nairobi County Chief Health Officer, Geofrey Omatoke, was stabbed by a lady at an Airbnb.
The senior county government official met the lady through Tinder and invited her to the Airbnb for a good time.
However, the date turned tragic after she stabbed him, following a disagreement.
He was heard screaming from the 2nd floor of the Kindaruma Airbnb, prompting the guards to come to his rescue.
He was rushed to Nairobi Womens Hospital and later transferred to Coptic hospital, where he is responding well to treatment.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has made another milestone that may make President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, very jealous.
This is after he built a private airport situated right at the heart of his Northlands City in Ruiru.
A photo of the private airport in Northlands City has divided Kenyans.
The infrastructure which can be publicly viewed through Google satellites at coordinates 111'29"S 3658'42"E is marked as Northlands Aerodrome and described as a domestic airport.
The airport has a functional runway strip that can allow the landing of private planes and jets.
At the far end of the runway strip, there is an unmarked building believed to be a hanger.
A section of Kenyans congratulated the former President for having his own airport noting that it was one of the best assets to invest in.
Martor Muriithi commenting on social media remarked that this was a game changer for the Kenyatta family as well as the Northlands project.
The Northlands City is a futuristic commercial and residential housing project expected to cost upwards of Ksh500 billion.
Other Kenyans worried about how the facility would be regulated considering it was on private property.
They raised fears that few individuals may use the private airport to bring unregulated goods to the country.
The Northlands City sits on an 11,000-acre piece of land in Ruiru and transverses the Eastern bypass from City Cabanas to Ruiru.
Once completed, the project will play home to commercial spaces, industrial parks, schools, and residential areas among others.
It's not clear if the Kenyatta family would extend the use of the private airport to residents of Northlands City.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 US President Joe Biden's plans to re-designate Houthis as terrorists over the bombing of an American cargo ship three years after the administration removed them from the terror list
The Biden administration is reportedly planning to put the Houthi rebel group in Yemen back on its list of foreign terrorist organizations.
The move comes after the US carried out four fresh strikes on Yemen on Tuesday targeting anti-ship ballistic missiles used by the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
The administration is expected to make the announcement on Wednesday.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken delisted the Houthis as both foreign terrorist organizations and as specially designated global terrorists in February 2021 as the administration sought to make it easier to get humanitarian aid into Yemen.
In its waning days, the Trump administration designated the Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization over the strong objections of human rights and humanitarian aid groups.
The foreign terrorist designation barred Americans and people and organizations subject to U.S. jurisdiction from providing 'material support' to the Houthis, which the groups said would result in an even greater humanitarian catastrophe than what was already happening in Yemen.
Shortly after the Biden administration took office, Blinken removed the designations in a step that was roundly criticized by conservative lawmakers and others but was intended to keep much-needed food, medicine, and other aid flowing to Yemen.
The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing 'material support' and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the FTO label.
Asked during an exchange with reporters last week if he thought the Houthis are a terrorist group, President Joe Biden responded, 'I think they are.'
The US military's latest move against the Iran-aligned group is over its targeting of Red Sea shipping after it declared war on the US over its support of Israel in the war against Hamas.
The strikes came a day after the Yemeni rebels attacked a US cargo ship on Monday.
US Central Command said Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired the anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the M/V Gibraltar Eagle, a Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and operated container ship.
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - President William Ruto has reacted angrily to the move by Opposition Leader Raila Odinga to oppose the planned talks between the Executive and the Judiciary.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, Ruto accused Raila of being the enemy of progress.
The Head of State indicated that he was surprised why Azimio was opposed to the talks yet it was a viable avenue to iron out the differences with the Judiciary.
Ruto further castigated Raila for opposing dialogue with Chief Justice Martha Koome over graft in the Judiciary yet he was among the leaders defending the institution.
He appealed to Raila to set aside his selfish ambitions and allow the dialogue between the Executive and Judiciary to prevail just like he did with the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza talks.
"So, you have all heard that this Kitendawili guy (referring to Raila) is opposing talks with the Judiciary. I really do not understand why he is opposed to it.
"When he complained, I agreed to engage him. So why is he opposed to these talks, does that mean Kenya only belongs to him? Ruto posed.
Speaking in Vihiga, Raila insisted that there is no need for the Judicial Service Commission to hold talks with Ruto.
He noted that there is an active case in court that the Executive has appealed and a ruling is set for January 25, and the meeting might compromise the ruling.
Ruto had earlier vowed to lead the tasks with CJ Koome to address corruption in the Judiciary.
The Head of State accused some judicial officers of being used to sabotage his affordable housing and social health care plans.
The Kenyan DAILY POST.
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I was recently reminded that you always learn something from your patients, no matter how long your medical profession is. I was reminded of this when I had the opportunity to treat a young person in transition. I reviewed the chart before walking into the exam room. Among other things, it listed the patients chief complaint (i.e., in this case, lower back pain), age of nineteen, female sex, and a female name for the patient. As I entered the exam room, I assumed there had been a mistake with the chart. I am sorry, I think I have the wrong chart, I saidmaybe before I had even said hello. You do not, the patient explained, with a tired expression as if they had made the same correction many times before.
It turns out that the patient was in the process of transitioning from female to male. He preferred to be called Marco. Marco had not legally changed his birth name yet, but he wasI later learnedengaged in separate medical care for gender dysmorphia. Surprisingly, my chart did not include any notes about Marcos transition. I was, therefore, caught unprepared. I had treated transgender patients in the past, but this was the first time in 35 years of practicing medicine that I was treating a person in the early stages of transition (i.e., where their legal and major sexual characteristics had not yet caught up to the rest of the process).
I must admit that I fumbled for a minute but then collected myself and performed the required physical examination of the patients back pain. Although I was missing the medical history regarding Marcos gender transition, I decided not to ask. I told myself it was not relevant to his back pain.
As human beings, we all have biases that are deeply ingrained in our psychology. They are the product of our life experiences and cultural and personal stereotypes with which we have grown up. Importantly, our biases may impact our thoughts, beliefs, and actions in ways we may not realize. By acknowledging our biases and consciously recognizing and questioning them, we can help prevent them from negatively affecting our decisions and behavior. This increased self-awareness can lead to a more equitable and just society where people are judged based on their merits rather than their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics. In Marcos case, I was driven by fear of not asking questions about his transition. My discomfortborn of my own biasesprevented me from providing the absolute best care at that moment because I failed to ask the questions that may have made me understand the patients condition and build a better doctor/patient relationship.
After reviewing a preliminary lumbar X-ray and an MRI report, I recommended lumbar facet joint injections under fluoroscopic guidance. Physical therapy had been ineffective for Marco. We followed the surgical centers standard protocol to prepare the patient for the procedure. However, almost right away, my staff needed to learn how to proceed. Several nurses approached me about obtaining the required pregnancy test. They did not know how to approach Marco about it. Sadly, I felt uneasy, too. I consulted the medical director to let them make a decision. The patient was then asked to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test by one of our practitioners. Marco wanted to be happier about the bureaucratic requirement. I am sure it felt unfair and unnecessary to him. My obvious discomfort in managing the patient did not help matters.
In truth, the experience left me questioning my competency and level of empathy. In the state of Florida, before renewing our medical licenses, the state requires medical doctors to take mandatory courses on sex trafficking, domestic violence, medical errors, and controlled substance prescriptions. Surprisingly, these courses still do not cover transgender issues, regardless of the medical specialty.
In hindsight, I realized I had so many questions I could not answer. What is the best way to document a patients transgender status in a medical chart? How many questions about the specific treatment are appropriate? Medication histories are critical in a surgical setting, but what about other interventions? If a pregnancy test is required for a person identifying as male, what is the best way to explain that to the patient without disrespecting them?
Some doctors, I suspect, avoid specific topics and questions with transgender patients, particularly those who are in the early stages of transition. What might we be missing by failing to engage professionally and respectfully? Doctors and other medical professionals would be in a better position to provide high-quality health care services if they possessed a comprehensive understanding of the medical implications that gender issues can have on the overall health of individuals. By better grasping the various gender-related concerns that a patient may have, doctors can tailor their diagnosis, treatment, and care to meet each patients specific needs, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided. Medical training must evolve to better prepare doctors for this population in medical school and continuing education settings. This will ensure that doctors in the back half of their careers are as equipped with the appropriate protocols and pertinent medical information as the younger generations. The effective treatment of these patients demands it.
Francisco M. Torres is an interventional physiatrist specializing in diagnosing and treating patients with spine-related pain syndromes. He is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the American Board of Pain Medicine and can be reached at Florida Spine Institute and Wellness.
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First, a disclaimer. I do not know Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and I am not involved in his medical care. As an academic infectious disease physician, I am ignorant of the internecine hierarchy of the Defense Department. However, I listen to the news and thus am aware of his recent prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. On National Public Radio, reporters were discussing why the secretary of defense did not reveal his prostate cancer diagnosis. In summary, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, underwent surgery, and developed the complication of a urinary tract infection requiring hospitalization and intensive care, all without notifying some of his most important colleagues. Why is this notable? It drew attention because the executive and legislative branches of government were unaware of his illness, and the delegation of authority during his incapacitation was unclear.
Reporters kept repeating the same question, Why did the secretary of defense hide his diagnosis and treatment? The secretary is known to be an unusually private man, which provides a partial explanation. As a doctor with expertise in sexual health, I thought there might be more to his behavior than meets the eye. I hesitate to speculate and do not want to be likened to the psychiatrists who attempted to diagnose Donald Trump via media posts rather than through a standard medical interview. Thus, I would ask the reader to consider my musings as almost regarding a generic patient, an Everyman, rather than a specific individual. I claim no special insight into the secretarys thought process.
What would be the rationale for avoiding disclosure of a medical condition? The patient may have been ashamed. Was he ashamed of being ill? Was he ashamed of having cancer? Was he ashamed of having prostate cancer in particular? The prostate is a walnut-sized organ in the male pelvis that releases seminal fluid during ejaculation. Prostate cancer is a disproportionate cause of death among African American men. There is controversy regarding screening for prostate cancer, with some arguing that the small cancers detected would not result in death and that aggressive treatment results in erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Others counter that prostate cancer remains a leading cause of death and is easily treated when caught early. This is a man who is a four-star Army general who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet perhaps he was afraid to reveal his condition.
Men fear appearing weak, and our culture views illness as a sign of weakness. This bias may influence a leaders decision-making in a male-dominated military. In addition, there remains a stigma attached to a cancer diagnosis, even if the malignancy is limited and responsive to treatment. There is also reluctance to speak publicly regarding sexual organs, and this hesitation augments public health problems such as HIV transmission and teen pregnancy. If we cant use proper terminology for genitals, how can we promote reproductive health? Given the susceptibility of African American men to prostate cancer and that the secretary is African American, there is a racial component here as well. He was motivated to receive prompt detection and treatment but was penalized for obtaining care and suffered complications, despite treatment at the esteemed Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
There is a right to privacy in medical care, enshrined legally in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). It is understandable why the secretary, his staff, and his physicians did not want to broadcast his personal information to the world. But this right to privacy must be balanced with the need for firm control of military interests in the United States and abroad, especially given the ongoing active conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. In future planning for similar situations regarding the health of high-level government figures, we need more transparency to ensure the safety of our citizens. However, we will not be able to achieve this goal without changing our attitudes. Just as HIPAA ensures the right to medical confidentiality, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires reasonable accommodation from employers. Yet, people who are ill are reluctant to ask for assistance in the workplace. As a society, we need to recognize cancer as a medical condition, not a moral frailty. We also must be able to talk about sexual health openly. Changing our culture around illness and sexual health will help not only the function of our government but our society.
Catherine Diamond is an infectious disease physician.
The Arts Center in Orange: Form + Vision, featuring works created by the art and art history faculty at the University of Mary Washington, remains on view through Jan. 27. artscenterinorange.com. (540) 672-7311.
The Barn Swallow: Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Other times available by appointment. 796 Gillums Ridge Road in Charlottesville. thebarnswallow.com.
Beverley Street Studio School: Works by Sarah Jones on view through Feb. 25. 217 W. Beverly St. in Staunton. bssschool.org. (540) 886-8636.
Blue Ridge Studio of Fine Arts: Studios new location is 131 E. Main St. in Orange. www.brsofa.com. (540) 360-4370.
Botanical Fare Restaurant: Acrylic and oil paintings by Terry M. Coffey will be on view and for sale in January and February. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. botanicalfare.com. (434) 217-4496.
Buck Mountain Episcopal Church: Acrylic works by Matalie Deane can be seen through Feb. 29 in the main room of the classroom/office area at 4133 Earlysville Road. Parking is free. Call for hours. (434) 973-2054.
Cville Arts Cooperative Gallery: The Studio Sale, offered throughout January, offers lowered prices on locally made, high-quality arts and crafts. 118 E. Main St. (434) 972-9500.
The Center at Belvedere: Near and Far: Oil Paintings from Virginia, Maine and Tennessee by Randy Baskerville will be on view through Feb. 29. https://thecentercville.org/.
Chroma Projects and Vault Virginia: Ordered Worlds, abstract paintings by Cyd Black, can be seen through Jan. 26 in Chromas Micro Gallery. Alan Box Levine: Sculpted Harmony and Amdane Sanda: Sabr can be seen in the Great Halls of Vault Virginia on view through March. Third Street Southeast, just off the Downtown Mall. artlab@chroma projects.com. chromaprojects.com.
Crozet Artisan Depot: crozetartisandepot.com.
Cuppa Joe Coffee: Paintings and etchings by Tom Tartaglino on display at 90 Joshua Lane in Palmyra. Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (434) 906-4172.
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia: Madayin: Eight Decades of Aboriginal Australian Bark Paintings from Yirrkala, one of the most significant touring exhibitions of Aboriginal Australian art ever stages, will be on display from Feb. 3 to July 14, 2024. uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu.
The Gallery at Studio Ix and The Charlottesville Black Arts Collective: Black-Eyed Peas, Greens and Cornbread: A Group Exhibition by the Charlottesville Black Arts Collective can be seen through Jan. 28. Look for works by Lizzie Brown, Gabrielle Cash, Sahara Clemons, Sarah Jones, Jae Johnson, Jowarnise, Davis Marion and Ron Stokes. Gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. studioix.co. (434) 242-0905.
Grace Estate Winery: 5273 Mount Juliet Farm in Crozet. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. graceestatewinery@gmail.com.
The Guild Gallery: 300 E. Main St. (434) 227-1333.
Harrison Institute and Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia: Their World As Big As They Made It: Looking Back at the Harlem Renaissance, featuring works of writers, artists and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, on view through June 8 at 170 McCormick Road. library@virginia.edu. (434) 924-3021.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection: Performing Country, which explores the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists explore the complex idea of Country, on exhibition through March 3. Free tours are offered by volunteer guides at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. daily. 400 Worrell Drive. (434) 243-8500.
The Looking Glass: Open Saturdays and Sundays. Ix Art Park Foundation has opened a major expansion of its immersive art museum featuring works by new and returning artists. ixartpark.org.
Louisa Arts Center: Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at 212 Fredericksburg Ave. in Louisa. louisaarts.org. (540) 967-2200.
Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery: Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. (434) 984-0774.
McGuffey Art Center: On view through Jan. 28 are De-Circulated, Karen Duncan Papes photography exhibition of reconstructed covers of banned books, in the Smith Gallery; New Members Show, featuring works by Carolyn Brandt, Tori Cherry, Jenn Clemons, Gary Colson, Sarah Gondwe, Stephen Haske, Alan Kindler, Some Lewis, Tobiah Mundt, Jen Poteet, Chris Roelofs, Joe Sheridan and Tammy Tatum, in the First- and Second-Floor galleries; and Quiet in the Associates Gallery. mcguffeyartcenter.com.
McIntire School of Commerce: Spirit of Place, winter art exhibit featuring works in oil, acrylic and pastel on Masonite, canvas and paper by Meg West and Mae Stoll, on view through March 1 in the Connaughton Gallery on the third floor of Rouss & Robertson Hall. Artists reception is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays; closed on weekends.
Museum of Culpeper History: The Culpeper Minute Men Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a new exhibit recognizing 100 years of DAR activity in Culpeper County, will run through July. www.culppermuseum.com or (540) 829-1749.
Northside Library: Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closed Sundays.
Phaeton Gallery: 114 Old Preston Ave. phaetongallery.org.
Piedmont Virginia Community College: pvcc.edu/performingarts. (434) 961-5362.
Possums Store Art and Artisan Gallery: 914 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike in Criglersville. www.firnewfarmartistscircle.com. (540) 718-0370.
Pour la maison: pourlamaisoncville.com. (434) 284-8706.
Quirk Gallery Charlottesville: game of telephone by Michael Reisor is on display through Monday. Interplay by Frankie Slaughter will be on view from Jan. 25 to March 31, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25 and an artist talk at 6 p.m. March 1. (434) 365-3774.
Random Row Brewery: Acrylic landscapes and abstracted encaustic landscapes and seascapes by Carol Williams on display through the end of February. Works also are offered for sale. Hours: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 4:30 to 11 p.m. Fridays, noon to 11 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Revalation Vineyards: Stained glass artist Wayne Cain of Bremo Bluff will speak as part of the Sip and Learn series at 6 p.m. Jan. 25. There will be question-and-answer time and conversation after his presentation. Free; must be 21 or older. 2710 Hebron Valley Road in Madison. (540) 407-1236.
Rockfish Valley Community Center: (434) 361-0100.
Nan Rothwell Studio: 700 Wilder Drive. (434) 263-4023.
Scottsville Museum: Museum is closed for the winter season and will reopen in April for regular weekend hours. To research local history, go to scottsvillemuseum.com. To schedule special tours, email info@scottsvillemuseum.com or call (434) 286-2247. 90 E. Main St. scottsvillemuseum.com. (434) 286-2247.
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital: Andy Staffords photography can be seen from Feb. 9 through April 8 in the third-floor hallway gallery near labor and delivery at 500 Martha Jefferson Drive. Check in at the front desk. (434) 654-7000.
Shenandoah Valley Art Center: An opening reception for Laura Allen: Anthropogenic will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. An opening reception for Karen Rosasco: Real and Imagined, Part 2 will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 3. www.svacart.org.
Sweet Art Emporium: New collages by Susan Brown and wooden bowls by Tom Grinnell are among works by more than 70 artists on view. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. 264 Turkeysag Trail, Unit E, in Palmyra. www.sweetartemporium.com. (434) 882-2087.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville: Intuitive or process paintings by Shirley Paul can be seen during January and February. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. (434) 293-8179.
Wayne Theatre: Seated in Creativity: An Exhibition of Chairs and Drawings by Joe Sheridan can be seen through Feb. 18 in the Exhibit Art Gallery. wayetheatre.org. (540) 943-9999.
Welcome Gallery: Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. newcityarts.org. (434) 202-5277.
Woodberry Forest School: Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.woodberry.org/arts/baker-gallery.
Les Yeux du Monde: Gallery will be closed during January for renovations. LYDMGallery@gmail.com. LYDM.co. (434) 882-2622.
Exhibits shares information about exhibitions presented on display or online in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange counties. Items must be received by noon Friday for the next weeks issue. Include the opening and closing dates of your exhibit and a telephone number the public may call with questions. Send your information to jsathe@dailyprogress.com.
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, leaders of different political parties including the National Unity Platform, Democratic Party, Peoples Progressive Party, Justice Forum, Congress Party, Forum for Democratic Charge, and a section of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) led by Peter Walubiri, convened at Dr. Kizza Besigyes offices at Katonga road where they urged Ugandans to expose the pot-holed Kampala City to the visiting Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) delegates.
KFMs Patrick Kamara hosts Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on the Hot Seat show to talk more about the state of roads in the city.
Listen to the show below;
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mr Joel Ssenyonyi has criticized government for blocking todays activities earlier planned by various opposition political parties under the United Forces of Change group.
Through his official X handle, Ssenyonyi advised the government to fix Kampalas pot-holed roads instead of blocking their activities.
The regime should focus resources and energies on fixing roads and other issues of concern to Ugandans, not focusing resources and energies on curtailing those raising an alarm about the issues, Ssenyonyi posted on Thursday.
His post is a reaction to heavy deployment around the homes of opposition leaders including National Unity Platform Leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, former Forum for Democratic Change leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago. The move is aimed at blocking them from participating in activities intended to expose Kampalas pot-holed roads to the visiting Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) delegates.
The opposition leaders under the United Forces of Change on Tuesday rallied Ugandans to join them in planting trees in the citys potholes.
Speaking to NTV on Thursday morning, Lukwago said he had not received any notification from security officers on why they deployed heavily at his home in Rubaga.
The Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) has distanced itself from todays activities organized by various political parties under the United Forces of Change group.
On Tuesday, leaders of different political parties including the National Unity Platform, Democratic Party, Peoples Progressive Party, The Justice Forum, the Congress Party, Forum for Democratic Charge, and Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) led by Peter Walubiri, convened at Dr. Kizza Besigyes offices at Katonga road where they announced the call for action over governments failure to offer good leadership to its citizens.
The group rallied Ugandans to join them today in planting trees, among other activities. They also urged Ugandans to expose the pot-holed Kampala City to the visiting Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) delegates in an activity aimed at expressing their dissatisfaction with the government over the state of the countrys infrastructure.
The group is also expected to hold joint prayers in Iganga and Lira districts next week.
According to the head of media and communication at UPC, Mr Faizo Muzeyi, their party is not involved in the said activities. urging their supporters not to participate.
He explained that UPC did not receive official communication from the organizers of these activities, noting that the group that represented UPC at the United Forces of Change presser is not recognized by the party.
Businesses in Kilkenny trading in goods to the UK need to act now to ensure theyre complying with new UK import rules, Fine Gael TD John Paul Phelan has urged.
Irish businesses must get ready now for new UK import rules starting on January 31, 2024 just over two weeks away, Deputy Phelan said. Many small businesses, particularly those in the craft, food and agri sector across Kilkenny trade regularly with the UK and must be ready.
If a business exports goods to Great Britain, or across the UK landbridge, these new UK rules will impact them and may require changes to their operations. Businesses need to urgently examine their supply chains, talk to their UK customers as well as their transport and logistics providers and make the changes necessary to get ready.
There are two key changes from January 31. All goods being exported to Great Britain will need customs declarations to be lodged in advance. Agri-food products will also need to be pre-notified and accompanied by an export health certificate, depending on the product.
These new UK requirements are in addition to the existing EU formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU. It is important that businesses familiarise themselves with what is required and more information is available at www.gov.ie/brexit, Deputy Phelan revealed.
These new UK rules will not apply to North-South trade on the island of Ireland.
Shawn Jackson, the Huguenot High School student shot and killed after the school's graduation June 6, participated in the ceremony without the school principals authorization and without consideration of safety concerns that were known by several school staff members, according to the Richmond School Boards newly released report into the fatal shooting outside the Altria Theater.
On Wednesday the school board released the report on the order of a Richmond circuit court judge. The Richmond Times-Dispatch, WTVR-TV and transparency activist Joshua Stanfield sued the school board to force it to release the results of the investigation that it paid a law firm to conduct.
Jackson, 18, and his stepfather Renzo Smith, 36, were shot and killed and five others were wounded in the shooting. One suspect, Amari Pollard, has been charged with one count of first degree murder and with a firearms charge.
Jacksons mother, Tameeka Jackson-Smith, did not contribute to the report.
Jackson was on Homebound instruction, and the RPS home instruction handbook prohibits such students from participating in school-sponsored activities without the authorization of the school principal or his designee, according to the report, conducted by Sands Anderson, a Richmond-based law firm.
Despite this prohibition the Student in this case did participate in graduation without authorization from the HHS principal, Robert Gilstrap, according to the report. No information was provided that supported the proposition that Mr. Gilstrap authorized a designee to make that decision.
Jackson-Smith said Wednesday in an interview with The Times-Dispatch: If they felt like he wasnt supposed to be there, they should have let us know ... If he earned his grades, and he earned his credits, why was he not supposed to be there?
School system staff members had varying understandings as to whether the Homebound policy was a requirement or mere guidance.
Numerous staff members interviewed for the review advised that prior to the graduation they were aware of safety and security issues surrounding the Student, the report says, referring to Jackson.
The report says that on June 8, 2022, via email, Jacksons mother advised a school counselor and the schools principal, and copied RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras, that we are still homeless from our home being shot up by students in Huguenot.
Jackson-Smith said Wednesday that the familys home was shot at twice. She said she thinks the shooters were targeting her son because of his association with a suspect in a different shooting.
She recalled one bullet coming through the familys window right where her daughter, Rennyah, had been playing.
He was a good kid but he got caught up in the wrong crowd, Jackson-Smith said of her son.
Jackson-Smith emailed her sons school counselor, Monique Harris, on Feb. 2, 2023, saying that her son was placed in class to take a test with people who literally tried to kill him... Those kids could have had somebody in the parking lot waiting to follow him or anything, according to the report.
It was one of several instances in which Harris learned of threats against Jackson, according to the report, which says Harris did not initiate a threat assessment as school system policy requires in such circumstances.
The Altria refused to cooperate with Sands Anderson, according to the report.
Jackson did not participate in rehearsals for the graduation ceremony, according to the report, and his mother asked Harris a few days before the ceremony if her son could participate in the ceremony. Harris responded via email, I will just squeeze him in if you feel that (graduation practice is) too dangerous.
He was so excited, he really wanted to graduate, Jackson-Smith said.
RPS previously conducted its own internal investigation into the shooting. That report, which school board members received in July, concluded that Harris had acted as the principals designee to authorize Jacksons participation in the ceremony. The newly released external report says Harris repeatedly and explicitly advised that she did not engage in any discussions with then-Principal Gilstrap or other leadership about the issue.
As principal of Huguenot High during the 2022-2023 academic year, Gilstrap had ultimate responsibility for all activities and processes in the school building. Gilstrap was supervised by a principal director, but that position was vacant for most of the school year. Solomon Jefferson, the school systems chief academic officer who assumed those responsibilities, described Gilstrap in the report as checked-out and looking for another job.
Gilstrap declined to be interviewed for the external report. On Aug. 1, 2023, the state education department hired him as the assistant superintendent of educator preparation with an annual salary of $150,000.
According to the school divisions threat assessment handbook, school officials are required to report to higher-ups any communication or behavior that indicates an individual may pose danger to the safety of school students or staff through acts of violence or other behavior that would cause harm to self or others.
Although Harris, Gilstrap and other staff members were aware of safety concerns related to Jackson, the report did not identify any vetting of the security considerations.
School Board member Kenya Gibson, one of two board members who voted in favor of releasing the report, said Wednesday: The public can now fully comprehend where the district has failed. There has been a pattern with administration not following basic safety procedures.
These missteps have led to emergencies in escalating magnitude. We cant allow this to continue, Gibson added.
When Fox Elementary School burned down we learned the alarms didnt work. When the bus depot burned we learned there were no smoke detectors. We had security issues when there was a school shooting months before the graduation. After those events, I called for the board to hire a safety auditor to monitor compliance with protocols. I hope my colleagues can now agree that position is necessary, and I hope they will support funding it.
In response to the public records requests seeking the reports release, the school board had cited an attorney-client privilege exemption in Virginias public records law. Richmond Circuit Court Judge W. Reilly Marchant ruled Tuesday that, with few exceptions, the exemption did not apply to the 32-page report.
In a statement Wednesday, top Richmond schools officials said they welcome the reports release.
Our shared commitment is to learn from this tragedy and continue to improve in order to further safeguard our students and staff, said the statement, signed by School Board Chair Stephanie Rizzi, Vice Chair Elizabeth Doerr and Kamras.
The officials said RPS has already taken several steps, including updating our policies about who can authorize students to participate in a graduation ceremony, revising our security protocols for all student events (including graduations), and investing millions in updated security infrastructure, including cameras, access control systems, metal detectors, intercoms, digital school maps for first responders, and more.
School board member Jonathan Young, who represents the 4th District, which includes Huguenot, had advocated for the reports release.
The report shows there were personnel failures, there were policy failures, there were operational failures, Young said Wednesday.
Its very evident in reviewing the report that we put peoples lives in jeopardy.
Thursday, Jan. 18
"Compass," through Jan. 27, Corrine Woodman Gallery, The Arts Center, 700 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis; reception, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Exhibit of art by Vicki Wilson. The center's house are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, closed Sundays and Mondays.
"Vistas and Vineyards Juried Show," through Feb. 29, Giustina Gallery, LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. The oldest continuous plein air painting group in Oregon. Some of this year's painting locations are Davis Family Farm, Frey's Dahlias, Garland Nursery, Harrisburg, Independence, Lumos Winery, Newport, Peoria Road Farm Market, Soap Creek Schoolhouse, Spring Hill Vineyards and Waldport. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and evenings and weekends during scheduled events.
Works of Chinh Le, through late February, Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. The local artist gives one last exhibit of his paintings on silk before moving out of the area. The center's hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, and closed Sundays.
Corvallis Arts Walk, 4 to 8 p.m., downtown. Tour the working studios of local artists, see them at work, view their art. The Corvallis Museum, 411 SW Second St., will offer free admission until 7 p.m. For a map, visit theartscenter.net/corvallisartswalk.
Podcasts 'A Place to Sleep' podcast: Catch all the episodes here Our podcast, A Place to Sleep, explores how Oregon cities are responding to a new law that is meant to provide homeless individuals a place to rest.
Friday, Jan. 19
Annual Winter Rod and Speed Show, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, Linn County Fair & Expo Center, 3700 Knox Butte Road E., Albany. A benefit for Fish of Albany, a food bank. Actress Candy Clark will meet patrons and sign autographs. Drivers Buddy Hull and Garrett Bateman will be on hand. On Friday, patrons who bring a nonperishable food item will get in for half price, and Back Again will play classic rock. Saturday will bring a swap meet and a giant model car contest and scale auto extravaganza. The first 50 children both days will receive a free Hot Wheels car; tickets to Willamette Speedway and Woodburn Dragstrip will be randomly given away to adults. Admission: $10, free for those under 8. Parking is free.
Screening of "An Oregon Story: Saving our Beaches, Farmland and More," 6:30 p.m., Darkside Cinema, 215 SW Fourth St., Corvallis. Parkdale Valley Land Trust in association with Bergman Productions has announced the January statewide theater release of this documentary, which delves into the heart of Oregon's identity, showcasing its pioneering efforts of conservation and protection of its natural resources. The feature-length film, executive-produced by Jim Gilbert, highlights Oregon's innovative land-use planning program, which has been a model for the nation. Through a blend of archival footage and interviews, the film honors both the visionaries who established these vital policies and the individuals who have defended them over the past 50 years. The screening will be followed by a discussion with local farmer and land use activist Peter Kenagy, Oregon Department of Agriculture land-use specialist Jim Johnson and film-maker Jim Gilbert. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of Linn County and Friends of Polk County, two nonprofit agencies dedicated to protection of farms, forests and wildlife habitat. For additional screenings, check https://www.darksidecinema.com.
Chamber Music Corvallis presents Spanish Brass in concert, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 114 SW Eighth St. Pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. Tickets: $35 to $150 at chambermusiccorvallis.org.
The Majestic Theatre presents William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19 and 20, and Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 21 and 28 (American Sign Language interpretation on Jan. 21), 115 SW Second St., Corvallis. Tickets: majestic.org.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Contra dance, 7 p.m., Gatton Hall, First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. New England folk dancing for everyone. Live music by Joyride with Kelly Tabor. Introductory lesson, 7 p.m.; dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. No partner necessary. Admission: $12 to $20 on a sliding scale. Information: corvallisfolklore.org.
Sunday, Jan. 21
"Almost Home" fundraiser dinner, 5 p.m., Sybaris Bistro, 422 W. First Ave., Albany. A benefit for Hub City Village, Albany's first tiny house community for unhoused residents. Funds raised will go to finance the final construction costs of the village. A paddle raise will follow the main meal. Tickets: $85 per person, $700 for a table of eight; includes appetizers, wine, dinner and dessert; call 541-791-6341.
Monday, Jan. 22
Maxtivity Arts & Crafts Creative Space presents Adult Craft Night, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Pride Pavilion, Common Fields, 545 SW Third St., Corvallis. This month: "Watercolor Cute Animals." Cost: $25 plus kit fee.
Open auditions for Majestic Reader's Theatre production of "The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra," 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 22 and 23, 115 SW Second St., Corvallis.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Fourth Tuesday Craft Night, 5:30 p.m., Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. Tissue-paper mosaics. All supplies provided.
Wintervention, 6 p.m., The Barn, 640 NW Hickory St., Albany. Hoodoos Wintervention is back. The last installment of this season's biggest snow series giveaway, distributing the last of $50,000 worth of prizes, including lift tickets, gear, skis, boards and more. Play silly games, compete in SnOlympics, take a whack at Winter Trivia and throw down some Snowballers Bingo. Help raise scholarship funds for SNOWDAYS. Sign up for your chance to win a pass to the Snowlab, where you can design, build and shred your very own skis/board. Cash, prizes and fun for all ages. Hosted by Harold the Hodag and his friends Yeti and Sas. Free admission. Information: 541-666-2974.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Lecture, 10:30 a.m., the Corvallis Museum, 411 SW Second St. Anna Fidler will present "Vampires of Oregon: From Historical Photographs to a Reimagined Past." Fidler will talk about her series of artworks and how it relates to her use of 19th- and 20th-century photographs from the Oregon Historical Society. Admission: $5. Information: www.bentoncountymuseums.org.
Movies at the Whiteside presents "Raiders of the Lost Ark," 7 p.m., Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Admission: $6 in advance, $8 at the door.
Mid-Valley Live
Crosses mark a memorial dedicated to the 19 children and two adults killed during a mass shooting on May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
By Ko Dong-hwan
POSCO International broadened its market for electric vehicle (EV) motor cores in Europe by finalizing a supply agreement with Hyundai Motor Group's EV plants in Turkey and Slovakia, according to the trading arm of POSCO Group, Thursday.
The deal is expected to cement the company's strategic market expansion in Europe and broader goal of increasing manufacturing bases worldwide in order to reach 10 percent of the global EV motor core market.
With the latest deal, POSCO will supply 550,000 motor cores to the group's plant in Turkey and 480,000 to another plant in Slovakia from 2025 until 2034. The parts, before being shipped to the plants, first go through an electrification plant at Hyundai Mobis' factory in Slovakia. The parts are for EVs the global car giant is set to assemble at its factories in Europe for the first time.
The deal has allowed POSCO International and its subsidiary behind the motor core's technological development, POSCO Mobility Solution, to supply to the group a total of over 11.8 million motor cores for the past 15 months.
The deal came after POSCO last June established an invested firm in Poland to build a local EV motor core plant. The plant to be built in Brzeg is in the vicinity of the country's southwestern border region flanking Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary where manufacturing plants for other global complete car brands are located.
The plant, once completed next year, will produce and supply 1.2 million EV motor cores each year until 2030.
Near the last year's end, POSCO completed a plant in Suzhou in China's southern province of Jiangsu which can produce 900,000 EV motor cores each year. The company also began operating its first plant in Mexico last October and plans to start building another local plant during the first half of this year.
"We are expanding our manufacturing bases worldwide to reduce the risks of trade barriers for EVs and thus supply more promptly our parts to complete car companies in overseas," a POSCO International official said. "At the center of our motor cores is hyper non-oriented electrical steel, a technology we exclusively possess in the country. It has improved the energy-loss problem of conventional electrical steels."
Kendallville, IN (46755)
Today
Occasional snow showers. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..
Tonight
Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Auburn, IN (46706)
Today
Snow likely. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch..
Tonight
Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
In a photoshoot for Alo Yoga, Jisoo stunned netizens, BLINKs, and the K-pop community with her captivating visuals.
Here's what they're saying about the idol!
Jisoo Dubbed as Alo Yoga's 'It' Girl as Idol Flaunts Visuals, Presence in Mesmerizing Photoshoot
On January 17, Jisoo of BLACKPINK became the newest face of apparel company Alo Yoga.
The company released numerous images of the K-pop star, who proudly exhibited the brand's Spring 2024 collection. In the photos, Jisoo wore the brand's pink sporty outwear, leggings, sneakers, coat, and more.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: BLACKPINK Jisoo Net Worth 2023: How Rich Is 'FLOWER' Songstress?
According to GLOSSY, Summer Nacewicz, Alo Yoga's EVP of Marketing and Creative, expressed enthusiasm over Jisoo's inclusion.
The official shared how Jisoo had found Alo Yoga by herself, and that she was invited to the brand's headquarters during BLACKPINK's final stop for their "BORN PINK" tour in the United States in August 2023. Moreover, Jisoo was also gifted with the brand's products.
It's official The queen of K-pop hits all the high notes in our 2024 lineup. #JISOO pic.twitter.com/JrpVWKxdwE Alo Yoga (@aloyoga) January 17, 2024
Nacewicz also added how the brand doesn't make partnerships without determining essential factors such as longevity and synchronization. Furthermore, Nacewicz added how they look for people who are excited about Alo Yoga and want to be part of the brand.
The exclusive report also shared how Alo Yoga let Jisoo choose what she wanted to wear in the collection, serving its aim to showcase the idol's excitement and displaying her own style.
Jisoo also shared her thoughts regarding the partnership, saying how the joint venture was a perfect match since she prioritizes her health and wellness through mental and physical exercises.
"This partnership with Alo was the perfect match because I've always prioritized my health and wellness," Jisoo commented. "Whenever I have the time, I love to move, especially by doing Yoga and Pilates."
BLINKs Overjoyed with BLACKPINK Jisoo's Partnership with Alo Yoga
On X (Twitter), BLINKs expressed how happy they were for the third-gen idol. Fans sent their compliments to Jisoo, while also congratulating her for securing the deal.
Read their reactions below:
jisoo x alo is honestly one of the best things that happened in sooyaville and it's only january!!!!
JISOO ALO IT GIRL#JISOOxALO pic.twitter.com/1hPNI6B0Xy (@jisoobest) January 17, 2024
Okay okay On my way buy alo #JISOO
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BusinessWire India
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 18: LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announced its consolidated results today for the third quarter ended December 31, 2023, as approved by its Board of directors. "Our strong operational performance in a seasonally weak quarter speaks about the organization's resilience amid the continuing macro challenges. For the quarter, we reported a revenue of USD 1.08 billion, a 3.5% YoY growth in USD terms, an EBIT margin of 15.4%, an increase of 150 bps YoY, and a PAT margin of 13%, an increase of 140 bps YoY. We have booked our highest-ever order inflow at USD 1.5 billion, representing a 21% increase YoY, and our strong cash flow metrics helped us cross INR 10,000 crore in cash and investment balance. These strong indicators make us confident to deliver on our path to success as we enter the new year."
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-Debashis Chatterjee, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Key financial highlights: Quarter ended December 31, 2023
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* In USD:
- Revenue at USD 1,083.7 million (growth of 0.8% Q-o-Q / 3.5% Y-o-Y) - Net profit at USD 140.5 million (growth of 0.1% Q-o-Q / 15.6% Y-o-Y)
* In INR:
- Revenue at Rs 90,166 million (growth of 1.2% Q-o-Q / 4.6% Y-o-Y) - Net profit at Rs 11,693 million (growth of 0.6% Q-o-Q / 16.8% Y-o-Y)
Nine Months ended December 31, 2023 (YTD FY24 vs YTD FY23)
* In USD:
- Revenue at USD 3,217.9 million (growth of 5.6%) - Net profit at USD 421.1 million (growth of 2.7%)
* In INR:
Revenue at Rs 2,66,241 million (growth of 8.7%)Net profit at Rs 34,839 million (growth of 5.7%)
Other highlights:
* Clients:
- 739 active clients as of December 31, 2023- USD 5 million+ clients increased by 5 on a Y-o-Y basis, total 149- USD 10 million+ clients increased by 8 on a Y-o-Y basis, total 89- USD 20 million+ clients increased by 3 on a Y-o-Y basis, total 40- USD 50 million+ clients increased by 1 on a Y-o-Y basis, total 12
* People:
- 82,471 professionals as of December 31, 2023- Trailing 12 months attrition was 14.2%
Deal Wins
* A global leader in the design, engineering, and delivery of customized facilities for high-tech industries has selected LTIMindtree as their preferred strategic partner for their Digital Transformation journey over the next 5 years. LTIMindtree will drive transformation across the technology landscape through multiple services including Cloud Migration, End User Services, Security, and Application Development and Support.
* A US-based premier oil and gas producer selected LTIMindtree as their strategic partner for end-to-end technology services. As part of the partnership, LTIMindtree will provide services across several value-based portfolios covering Digital Solutions, Platforms and Operations.
* A diversified multinational mass media corporation has chosen LTIMindtree as their preferred ServiceNow transformation partner. This engagement will help unlock the value of their ServiceNow investments, improve ROI, and drive cost efficiency.
* A leading US-based energy producer has expanded its infrastructure managed services scope with LTIMindtree.
* A global financial services technology company has chosen LTIMindtree for its Product Development initiatives.
* A utilities company in the Middle East continues to strengthen its relationship with LTIMindtree by signing another 3-year agreement where LTIMindtree will support their transformation journey by identifying areas of expansion and optimizing the technology landscape. Partnerships
* LTIMindtree received the "Global Partner of the Year award" for Sustainability from #AWS at #reinvent2023. We received this commendation for the business impact we created for one of our marquee Utility customers, enabling them to reduce over 2 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions. This recognition accentuates LTIMindtree as a conscientious, futuristic, and sustainable organization committed to an inclusive vision, shared growth, and positive value creation with our stakeholders.
* LTIMindtree was honoured with "Partner on Boomi Award" at the Boomi World Tour. This recognition endorses LTIMindtree's deep expertise to deliver integrated environments, power automation, and enable data-driven decision-making to give our joint customers the best business outcomes. Recognitions
* LTIMindtree named Global Future 50 Company by Fortune Magazine in its latest edition, being the only IT Services company to feature on the list.
* LTIMindtree positioned as a Leader in Everest Group's Cloud Services in Insurance PEAK Matrix Assessment 2024.
* LTIMindtree recognized as Leader and Star Performer in Everest Group's Talent Readiness for Next-gen IT Services PEAK Matrix 2023.
* LTIMindtree recognized as Leader in Everest Group's Lending Services 2023 PEAK Assessment.
* LTIMindtree recognized in Forrester's 'The Application Modernization and Migration Services Landscape, Q4 2023'.
* LTIMindtree interviewed for Forrester's November 2023 report, 'Layers, Gates, Pipes, And Loops: A GenAI Application Architecture'.
* LTIMindtree recognized in Forrester's 'The Continuous Automation and Testing Services Landscape, Q4 2023'.
* LTIMindtree recognized in Forrester's 'The Microsoft Business Applications Services Landscape, Q42023'.
* LTIMindtree recognized as an Enterprise Innovator in HFS Horizons: Generative Enterprise Services Horizons.
* LTIMindtree recognized as an Enterprise Innovator in HFS Horizons: Life science service providers 2023.
* LTIMindtree positioned as an Innovator in HFS Horizon's Retail & CPG Industry 2023.
* LTIMindtree positioned as a Rising Star in ISG Supply Chain Services 2023.
* LTIMindtree positioned as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Cloud Security Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023.
* LTIMindtree recognized as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Digital Interactive Experience (IX) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023 - North America.
* LTIMindtree recognized as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Artificial Intelligence(AI) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2023.
* LTIMindtree recognized as a Major Contender in Everest Group's Healthcare Digital Payer Services PEAK Assessment 2023.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
PRNewswire
New Delhi [India], January 18: Max Life Insurance CompanyLtd. ("Max Life"/ "Company") has introduced the 'Midcap Momentum Index Fund' (SFIN: ULIF02801/01/24MIDMOMENTM104) in the ULIP segment. The new fund offering is structured around the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index, which has displayed a noteworthy 28.7 per cent* 5-year and 26.7 per cent* 10 year CAGR returns (returns as on 31st Dec'23). Investors can participate in the new fund until January 29, 2024, at a unit price of Rs 10, applicable exclusively during this limited NFO period.
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This new fund offering aligns strategically with the surging trend of Index funds in India which have witnessed a staggering 175 per cent**CAGR growth in AUM over the last 3 years (FY20-FY23). Specifically targeting the growth potential of mid-cap companies, the Midcap Momentum Fund aims to replicate the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index by investing in companies with similar weights as in the index and generate returns as closely as possible, subject to tracking error.
Apart from unlocking strategic investments in mid-cap space, Max Life's Midcap Momentum Index Fund, will also enable investors to diversify their investment portfolios with a proven track record of good returns, capitalise on stock market momentum and steer clear of fund manager bias while also enjoying the added advantage of life cover.
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Sachin Bajaj, Head-Investments, Max Life said, "Recognizing the evolving preferences of today's investors, we are delighted to unveil our first-ever Midcap Momentum Index fund. This fund, with its distinctive momentum strategy, aligns with the expectations of modern consumers, and aims to harness the heightened growth potential within India's midcap companies. This offering underscores our commitment to delivering excellence and value in the dynamic landscape of life insurance and investment."
The Fund's momentum strategy focuses on selecting winning stocks i.e. stocks that have performed better than the broader market/stocks basket in the recent past and are expected to continue on this winning streak in the foreseeable future, contributing to the fund's unique approach.
During the launch period, the fund is available with the Max LifeOnline Savings Plan (UIN: 104L098V05) (OSP) with zero allocation and admin charges. It is also offered with Max Life Fast Track Super (UIN: 104L082V04), and capital guarantee solutions that offer OSP as the market-linked product. The fund will also be available with Max Life's leading products such as Max Life Platinum Wealth Plan (UIN: 104L090V05), Max Life Flexi Wealth Plan (UIN: 104L115V02), Max Life Flexi Wealth Advantage Plan (UIN: 104L121V02), and Max Life Smart Flexi Protect Solution [a combination of Max Life Flexi Wealth Plus (UIN:104L115V02) and Max Life Critical Illness and Disability Secure Rider (UIN:104A034V01)] in the near future.
*These are returns of benchmark index as on 31st Dec 2023 and are not indicative returns of Max Life Insurance's newly launched Mid-Cap Momentum Index Fund. Nifty Mid-Cap 150 Momentum 50 index was launched in Aug'22. The past returns are back tested based on the historical returns and formula provided by NSE.
**Source: AMFI
About Max Life Insurance
Max Life Insurance Company Limited is a Joint Venture between Max Financial Services Limited and Axis Bank Limited. Max Financial Services Ltd. is a part of Max Group. Max Life offers comprehensive protection and long-term savings life insurance solutions, through its multi-channel distribution including agency and third-party distribution partners. Max Life has built its operations over two decades through a need-based sales process, a customer-centric approach to engagement and service delivery and trained human capital. As per annual audited financials for FY2022-23, Max Life has achieved a gross written premium of Rs 25,342 Cr.
For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.maxlifeinsurance.com.
THE UNIT LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS DO NOT OFFER ANY LIQUIDITY DURING THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF THE CONTRACT. THE POLICYHOLDER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SURRENDER / WITHDRAW THE MONIES INVESTED IN UNIT LINKED INSURANCE PRODUCTS COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY TILL THE END OF FIFTH YEAR.
Unit Linked Insurance Products (ULIPS) are different from the traditional insurance products and are subject to the risk factors. The premium paid in the Unit Linked Life Insurance Policies is subject to investment risks associated with capital markets and the NAVs of the units may go up or down based on the performance of fund and factors influencing the capital market and the insured is responsible for his / her decisions.
Max Life Insurance Company Limited is only the name of the insurance company. Max LifeOnline Savings Plan, Max Life Fast Track Super,Max LifePlatinum Wealth Plan, Max Life Flexi Wealth Plan, Max Life Flexi Wealth Advantage Plan, and Max Life Smart Flexi Protect Solution are only the name of the unit linked insurance contract and does not in any way indicate the quality of the contract, its future prospects or returns. The premiums & funds are subject to certain charges related to the fund or to the premium paid. Past performance of the investment funds do not indicate the future performance of the same. Investors in the Scheme are not being offered any guaranteed / assured returns.
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(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
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PRNewswire
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 18: We are thrilled to announce that Location Bank India's Director, Dhaval Doshi has been selected as a judge for the prestigious APAC Search Awards, recognising excellence in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). This recognition reaffirms Location Bank's position as a leader in the local search industry, despite the business being just over 2 years old in India.
Also Read | Bilkis Bano Case: Rape Convicts Seek Four Weeks Extension of Time To Surrender, Supreme Court to Hear Plea Tomorrow.
Dhaval shares his thoughts on Location Bank's growth and position with the local search space.
In the ever-evolving landscape of local SEO, we've witnessed a shift from technical compliance to a more extensive approach. The rise of mobile internet has brought forth challenges and opportunities, requiring advanced techniques such as accelerated mobile pages, structured data, and rendering speed enhancements. In the local SEO realm, keeping location data consistent and updated is challenging, especially in a diverse market like India.
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To address this, Location Bank has emerged as a growth partner for businesses in India. Unlike many other platforms, we automate and scale the local SEO process efficiently. Our platform not only publishes data across all endpoints but also responds to reviews, ensures data accuracy, and offers a single source of truth for enhanced SEO legacy.
In just 2.5 years, we've achieved significant milestones, commanding 5 per cent of Location Bank's global revenue. This success can be attributed to finding product-market fit, streamlining processes based on client needs, establishing a robust operations team, and forging partnerships with a number of agencies. Our focus on integrating with the business goals of enterprises and agencies has paved the way for substantial revenue growth.
Local SEO in India goes beyond updating data on local listings. Our efforts involve educating and collaborating closely with marketing and operations teams. By tracking ROI and leveraging ORM best practices, evolving keyword strategies, and deep analytics, we enable brands to tap into local audiences and bridge the gap between online and offline channels.
As the future of local search unfolds in India and the broader APAC region, personalized and location-specific content takes center stage. Location Bank is at the forefront, offering a robust platform that automates data consistency, review management, and API integration. Our commitment is to continue customizing our offerings by integrating with regional mapping platforms, ensuring clients remain accurate and consistent across popular mapping platforms.
About Location Bank:
Location Bank is a SaaS platform that works with enterprises by helping them manage their location information across mapping platforms globally. Location Bank is headquartered in South Africa with presence in 57 countries and over 250+ clients in its roster. In the past two years it has established its presence in India working with many renowned brands to manage hundreds of their locations. The platform commands a 95 per cent retention rate with its clients as its organic hyperlocal growth partner by leveraging hyperlocal SEO and continually improving their cost of customer acquisition.
Website: www.locationbank.co
Media Contact:Dhaval Doshidhaval@location.experthttp://www.linkedin.com/dhavald+91 98201 99530
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320642/Dhaval_Doshi__Managing_Director_India.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2320643/Location_Bank_Logo_Logo.jpg
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
SRV Media
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 18: In recent years, the Indian stock market has witnessed a significant upsurge in trader participation. Retail traders, in particular, are increasingly investing in the markets directly or via mutual funds. Between November of 2022 and 2023, retail AUM grew by nearly 30%. Derivatives trading also surged by over 100% between March and October 2023, to around $4.2 trillion.
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Addressing the concerning trend of high losses among traders, particularly in the F&O segment, Samco Securities, a leader in the tech-driven brokerage space, launched a modern community hub on January 11, 2024. This innovative platform is dedicated to empowering traders with accurate, reliable, and actionable insights.
The need for such an initiative is underscored by a recent SEBI report, which revealed that a staggering 90% of traders in the F&O segment incur losses. This is largely attributed to the lack of access to practical and trustworthy information in real time.
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What is the Samco Community Forum?
The Samco community forum is an innovative platform that's specifically tailored for Samco's growing trading community. Designed to align with Samco's core objective of revealing the 'Andekha Sach' or hidden insights in every trade, the forum fosters gainful trading conversations and empowers members to better understand Samco's products. Traders can even provide valuable feedback to help Samco tailor its offerings to better suit customer needs.
The forum is also a dynamic space for traders to engage directly with experts and with each other. In this unique space, traders can freely discuss a wide array of topics, including:
* Market Updates: Latest trends and developments in the market
* Stock Updates: Insights and analyses of individual stocks
* Futures & Options: Detailed discussions on futures and options trading strategies and outcomes
* Trade API: Technical aspects and innovations in trade APIs
* Product Announcements & Support: Information on new product releases and related support services
* IPO Updates: Latest news and updates on initial public offerings
* My Trade Story: A unique section to discuss the use cases and insights from Samco's industry-first 'My Trade Story' feature
Decoding the Need for Samco's Community Forum for TradersA vast majority of traders often only have access to unverified and inconsistent data. This hampers their decision-making process and exposes them to significant financial risks. In a market where timely and accurate information is crucial, the absence of a reliable community can be a major setback for traders.
Recognising this gap, Samco Securities has launched its community forum. This initiative directly addresses the crucial need for a centralised hub where traders can access trustworthy information and engage in meaningful discussions. Such a collaborative environment is essential for several key reasons, such as:
* Combating MisinformationIn this age of digital connectivity, traders are often inundated with unverified information from various unsolicited influencers on social media. This leads to a pressing need for a platform that provides authentic and direct communication among traders and experts.
* Facilitating Expert AccessTraders frequently require immediate and direct access to expert insights. The Samco community forum fulfils this need by connecting users directly with experts in market research, trading, products and customer support.
* Encouraging Community EngagementBuilding a community where traders can engage with experts and other seasoned traders is crucial for facilitating information-driven trade strategies. This kind of engagement creates a supportive environment where traders can share experiences and insights with others.
* Collecting Feedback for Product DevelopmentThe community forum also allows traders to directly let Samco Securities know of any gaps in their offerings. It allows the brokerage firm to gather valuable feedback directly from its users and ensure that the products offered truly align with customer needs.
* Democratising Educational ResourcesThe community hub created by Samco Securities can also serve as an educational resource. It offers insights into market trends, stock updates and trading strategies -- all of which are essential for informed trading decisions.
Key Features of the Samco Community Forum
The community forum from Samco offers comprehensive features to elevate every trader's journey. Some of the key features of this platform include:
* Wide-Ranging DiscussionsThe forum is a hub for extensive discussions on various aspects of trading. The topics range from market and stock updates to in-depth analyses of futures and options, as well as the technicalities of trade API.
* Expert InsightsThrough this forum, traders enjoy direct access to insights from industry experts -- like product developers, market researchers, trading experts and customer support teams. This is invaluable for traders who need guidance on complex trading concepts or products.
* Real-Time Market UpdatesThe Samco community forum is also a source for real-time updates about stocks in particular or the market in general. Traders can rely on these updates to remain informed about the latest trends and movements in the financial markets.
* Product Announcements and SupportTraders also receive timely updates on new product launches and support services via this community forum. Such announcements make it easier for traders to remain up-to-date with Samco's offerings.
* IPO Updates and DiscussionsIPOs can be a critical aspect of a trader's strategy. This is why a section on the forum is dedicated to IPO updates. It ensures that traders can stay informed about upcoming and current initial public offerings.
* Sharing Personal Trade StoriesA section on the forum is reserved for 'My Trade Story' -- a unique feature that offers trading insights hidden in every Samco customer's past trades. It is like a report card that grades a trader's historical trading patterns and behaviours, so they can learn from the past.
* Feedback and InteractionThe forum encourages feedback and interaction among traders. By facilitating a dynamic and collaborative environment where ideas and strategies can be freely exchanged, it acts as a hub for beginners to improve and for experts to pass on their wisdom.
ConclusionSamco's community forum is now live, and every trader who is a part of the online trading community supported by Samco Securities can participate in the forum easily online. Fundamentally, this forum will transform how traders engage with the financial markets and what they factor into each trading decision.
It also broadens the horizon for the inputs used to make trading decisions. In the coming years, this initiative by Samco is set to revolutionise the trading experience, bridge the gap between information availability and trading success, and foster a sense of community among traders in India.
For more details, visit https://www.samco.in/
For further details, please contact:
Samco Securities.
Yagnesh Kansara: +91 9892538847
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
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Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 18 (ANI): In a bid to realise the vision of a developed and sustainable India, Union Minister of State for Panchayat Raj, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, unveiled ambitious plans here for rural development under Viksit Bharat campaign on Thursday.
The primary goal of this initiative is to ensure the sustainable development of every village across the country.
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Highlighting the importance of remote villages in the development process, Patil emphasised that all schemes initiated under Prime Minister Modi's leadership commence at the grassroots level. The minister stressed that for the nation to progress, it was imperative that every Panchayat undergo comprehensive development.
Under the Digital India initiative, Patil announced plans to connect every Panchayat to the Internet, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and communication in rural areas. This move aligns with the overarching goal set by Prime Minister Modi to achieve Viksit Bharat by the year 2047.
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Budi Mutyala Naidu, the State Panchayat Raj Department Minister, expressed the collaborative efforts between Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy and the central government in driving the development of villages. Naidu underlined the commitment to ensuring that every welfare scheme reaches the intended beneficiaries through an efficient secretariat system.
As part of the comprehensive development plan, CM Jaganmohan Reddy's government is undertaking initiatives such as the widespread provision of CC roads, LED lights, and internet facilities in villages. The focus on these essential amenities reflects the dedication of the Chief Minister to uplift rural areas and improve the overall quality of life in villages.
With a united effort at both the central and state levels, Viksit Bharat aims to bring about transformative changes in the country's rural landscape, contributing significantly to the overall development narrative.
Viksit Bharat is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness through outreach activities to achieve saturation of schemes of the Government of India across the country covering all Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra was launched by the Prime Minister on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand but the launch of the Yatra was delayed in five states as the model code of conduct was enforced due to assembly elections. (ANI)
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New Delhi, January 18: Three of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case have approached the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of time to surrender before the jail authorities. Senior Advocate V Chitambaresh, appearing for the three convicts, mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna, seeking urgent listing of the case, saying the time of surrender is expiring on January 21.
Justice Nagarathna said that the bench that passed the judgement in the Bilkis Bano case, comprising herself and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, has to hear the applications. The apex court then directed its Registry to seek orders from the Chief Justice of India for the constitution of the bench and listing of the case on Friday. Bilkis Bano Case: Rape Convicts Seek Four Weeks Extension of Time To Surrender, Supreme Court to Hear Plea Tomorrow.
Three Convicts Move SC for Extension of Time To Surrender
Another counsel told the bench that another convict would also file applications during the day. The applications have been filed by three convicts--Govindbhai Nai, Mitesh Chimanlal Bhatt, and Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana--who, among others, were granted remission by the Gujarat government in the gangrape of Bilkis Bano and the murder of her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots.
They were sentenced to life imprisonment but released in August 2022 after serving 14 years of sentence. Govindbhai has sought an extension of time by four weeks to surrender, citing health issues and the fact that he is the only caretaker of his elderly parents.
Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana sought an extension of six weeks, citing health issues, harvesting of crops and his son's marriage. Mitesh Chimanlal Bhatt, 62, says he is an old senior citizen, has undergone eye surgery for a cataract and sought six weeks to surrender due to the impending harvest of crops. Bilkis Bano Gang-Rape Case: Supreme Court Directs 11 Convicts To Surrender Within Two Weeks; Check Their Names Here.
On January 8, the Supreme Court struck down the Gujarat government's order granting remission to 11 convicts. It had quashed the Gujarat government's remission order, by which convicts were released pre-maturely, and asked them to surrender before jail authorities within two weeks.
The bench had held that the Gujarat government was not competent to pass the remission orders but the Maharashtra government. It held that the judgement of May 13, 2022, by which another bench of the apex court had directed the Gujarat government to consider remission of the convict as per the 1992 policy, was obtained by "playing fraud" on the court and by suppressing material facts.
The convicts had not approached the court with clean hands, said the bench, adding that proceedings before this court were due to "suppression of facts" and that is why it is fraud played on this court. The judgement of the top court had come on a petition filed by Bilkis Bano and others challenging the premature release of 11 convicts.
Earlier, the Gujarat government, in its affidavit, defended the remission granted to convicts, saying they had completed a 14-year sentence in prison and their "behaviour was found to be good." In March 2002, during the post-Godhra riots, Bano was allegedly gang-raped and left to die with 14 members of her family, including her three-year-old daughter. She was five months pregnant when rioters attacked her family in Vadodara.
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New Delhi [India], January 18 (ANI): BJP National President JP Nadda will be participating in two public programmes in the national capital today (Thursday).
The first programme will involve the BJP President's voluntary contribution of labour for cleanliness under the Swachh Teerth Campaign.
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The cleanliness drive will be held at Pashupati Nath Temple in East Delhi's Vishwas Nagar area.
This comes in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the cleaning up of temples ahead of Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala in Ayodhya's Ram Temple on January 22.
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A number of BJP leaders and Chief Ministers have so far undertaken the Swachh Teerth Campaign and participated in the cleaning of temples across the country.
On January 14, the BJP President had contributed towards the 'Swachhta Abhiyaan' ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22, by participating in a cleanliness drive at Guru Ravidas Mandir in Delhi on Sunday.
The second public programme of JP Nadda in Delhi will involve his participation in the Vikisit Bharat Sankalp Yatra from East Delhi's Vishwas Nagar. The Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is an initiative aimed at ensuring 100 percent saturation of government schemes across the nation.
The Yatra was launched by PM Modi on November 15 in Khunti, Jharkhand.
In just two months, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has drawn over 15 crore enthusiastic participants.
People's participation numbers increased dramatically after the campaign was launched in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana by PM Modi on December 16, 2023.
"While the Yatra had reached out to 2.06 crore people at the end of Week 4 on December 13, 2023, the numbers swelled to 5 crores at the end of the 5th week by December 22, 2023. Over the next four weeks, the Yatra drew 10 crore participants, crossing the 15 crore milestone. As of January 17, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra dashboard read 15.34 crore participants, covering 2.21 lakh Gram Panchayats and 9,541 urban locations," the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Noida, Jan 18 (PTI) A fight over who would have momos first has landed two college students in Greater Noida behind bars, police officials said on Thursday.
The episode unfolded Wednesday night at a fast food cart in the Alpha 2 commercial market of the city, they said.
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"The two students had arrived at the cart for snacks, like several other youngsters. Both of them had order a plate of momos. Soon a plate arrived but an argument broke out between them as both claimed it was their order," a local police officer said.
"The argument soon escalated into a brawl with expletives being hurled and fisticuffs starting between them right next to the momos' cart. Soon some more youths joined and a fight broke out," the officer said.
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According to the police, some witnesses called up the emergency 112 service after which the local Beta 2 police station officials were alerted and they reached the spot.
The two persons who started the fight were taken into police custody and it was found that they are students at a private college in Greater Noida who were staying as paying guests in nearby accommodations, the police said.
However, the students were granted bail later on Thursday after spending some time in the lock up.
"They were produced before a local magistrate who granted them bail," Beta 2 police station in-charge Munendra Singh told PTI.
Both were arrested by the police which has initiated action against them under Indian Penal Code section 151 (knowingly joining or continuing in an assembly of five or more persons likely to cause a disturbance of the public peace, after such assembly has been lawfully commanded to disperse).
The offence is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months or fine, or both, but is bailable, according to officials.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) is undergoing physiotherapy following a hip replacement surgery.
A video provided by the BRS showed the party chief walking with the help of a metallic walking stick.
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KCR had undergone left hip replacement surgery after he suffered a fall at his farmhouse in Erravalli on December 7. He was discharged from hospital on December 15.
KCR's daughter, K Kavitha, had thanked the doctors and staff of the Yashodha Hospital where KCR was admitted for the surgery.
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"After a successful surgery, dad was discharged from the hospital today. Thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff who helped in every way possible. All the warmth and love we received from across the country during this difficult time was very heartwarming to KCR garu and the entire family. To all the BRS family my gratitude & love" K Kavitha posted on X.
Meanwhile, KCR was elected as legislature party leader on December 9 by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs.
The BRS Legislative Party met at Telangana Bhavan and unanimously elected KCR as their leader in the newly elected assembly.
The meeting, chaired by BRS Parliamentary Party leader K Keshava Rao, saw former Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy proposing Chandrashekhar Rao's name and former ministers T Srinivas Yadav and Kadiyam Srihari supporting it.
The meeting unanimously passed a resolution entrusting the responsibility of selecting the rest of the office-bearers on KCR.
Congress won an absolute majority in Telangana for the first time since the state was founded, winning 64 of 119 seats.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi, which ruled India's youngest state for 10 years, finished significantly behind the Congress, at 38 seats.
The BJP won eight seats, and AIMIM got seven. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh, Jan 18 (PTI) Ahead of the Chandigarh mayoral polls, the municipal councillors of the Congress and the AAP staged a protest here, claiming that they were not being allowed to go inside the municipal corporation.
Councilors owing allegiance to the AAP and the Congress also shouted slogans against the BJP.
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The Chandigarh mayoral polls are scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal said they have come to know that presiding officer Anil Masih has fallen sick, apprehending that the poll for the Chandigarh mayoral polls may not take place on Thursday.
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"I have just come to know that the presiding officer for the elections has been hospitalised," said Bansal while speaking to reporters.
Bansal accused the BJP of not allowing the polls to take place on Thursday as they were to face defeat in the elections.
The polls for the posts of mayor, senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor will be held on Thursday.
(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, Jan 18 (PTI) With thousands of Indians looking for jobs in Israel notwithstanding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said it is conscious of its responsibility to ensure safety of Indian citizens abroad.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India concluded a labour mobility pact with Israel much before the Israel-Hamas conflict began last year.
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"We have mobility pacts with several countries across the world and we have an agreement now with Israel as well," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
"The idea behind this agreement was that we put in place an institutional mechanism which regulates migration to that country," he added.
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Jaiswal said large number of Indians are already employed in Israel, especially in the healthcare sector.
"We already have a large number of people, especially in the care-giving sector in Israel, and through this agreement, we want to ensure that there is regulated migration and the rights of people who go there are protected," he said.
Asked about the safety of the Indians looking for jobs in Israel as the security situation in that country is perceived to be precarious in view of the conflict in Gaza, Jaiswal said: "We are very conscious of our responsibility to ensure security and safety of our people who are abroad."
He also said that labour laws in Israel are very strict and robust.
"It is an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) country. Therefore, labour laws are such that they provide for protection of labour rights," the MEA spokesperson said.
To a question on Taiwan electing Lai Ching-te as its next president, he said, "We have taken note of the recent developments in Taiwan. India has strong people-to-people, cultural, educational and investment links with Taiwan."
"The government of India facilitates these and look forward to continuing them for shared prosperity and development," he added.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Anantnag (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 18 (ANI): The Indian Army on Thursday organized an event for the Gujjars and Bakarwals community that are residing in South Kashmir.
Indian Army distributed lights, food items, wheelchairs among handicapped persons and other necessary items.
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Indian Army's 15 Corps Commander Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai was the Chief guest among others were GOC Victor force, DIG police, SSP Anantnag and other officers from the police and army.
"Army conducted this programme and we are thankful to them. Gujjar and Bakerwals reside in hilly areas. Here elders, disabled persons also attended the event. We are happy. We got ration, wheelchairs and other necessary items. We are 101 percent happy. Such programmes should be regularly conducted by the Army," Khadim Hussain, a resident who came from Shopian told ANI.
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The local population of South Kashmir who attended the event appreciated the effort by Indian Army and said that these types of events would reduce the gap between the Indian Army and the local citizens. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
The fire broke out at MIDC chemical factory in Badlapur (Photo/ANI)
Thane (Maharashtra) [India], January 18 (ANI): A fire broke out at Badlapur in Thane district after a blast after a blast in a chemical factory of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), officials informed on Thursday.
According to officials, five persons were injured in the fire.
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Several fire tenders reached the spot and launched an immediate dousing operation after receiving word of the fire, officials said.
The fire tenders were still in the process of bringing the blaze under control at the time of filing this report.
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Further reports are awaited. (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, Jan 18 (PTI) BJP national president J P Nadda took part in a Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra programme in Vishwas Nagar area here on Thursday and administered a pledge to the people to make India a developed nation by 2047.
On the occasion, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that unprecedented work for public welfare is undertaken by giving top priority to the underprivileged in the policies of his government.
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"A large number of people have benefited by participating in this campaign that has connected every person with the resolve of building a developed India," the BJP chief said.
Accompanied by other party leaders, Nadda performed cleanliness work at Pashupati Nath Temple in East Delhi, the Delhi BJP said in a statement.
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Nadda also listened to a live interaction of Prime Minister Modi with the beneficiaries of Central government schemes. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and many other national and state-level leaders were present on the occasion.
During a virtual interaction with beneficiaries of the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra', the prime minister asserted on Thursday that a transparent system put in by his government, its honest efforts and emphasis on people's participation have led to nearly 25 crore people being lifted out of poverty in the last nine years.
Nadda administered a pledge to the beneficiaries of central government schemes and the BJP workers to extend their full support to make India a developed nation by 2047.
He also interacted with the people who visited the camp held for disseminating information about various central government schemes and encouraged them to avail maximum benefits of it.
Many other leaders of the party attended the campaign in different parts of Delhi.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thane, Jan 18 (PTI) One worker was killed and four others were injured after a series of explosions, which also triggered a fire, at a company manufacturing chemicals in Maharashtra's Thane district on Thursday, an official said.
The injured workers have been admitted to a local hospital, he said.
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The incident occurred around 4.30 am in an industrial pocket, said Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Disaster Management cell of the Thane Municipal Corporation.
According to Bhagwat Sonawane, chief fire officer at the Kulgaon-Badlapur Fire Services, the factory is located in the Kharvai MIDC area.
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He said there were a series of loud explosions at the unit which also triggered a fire.
Drums filled with some chemicals exploded, causing the contents to spill onto tempos and vehicles parked outside, resulting in the vehicles catching fire, he said.
Four fire engines from Ambernath, Badlapur and Ulhasnagar were rushed to the spot. The fire, which had spread to two adjoining units, was brought under control after about two hours, said Sonawane.
The explosions were so loud that they could be heard from a distance of one kilometre, he said.
The dead worker is yet to be identified, he said, adding that the cause of the explosions is still to be determined.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Jaipur, Jan 18 (PTI) The Rajasthan Cabinet on Thursday postponed the state administrative service main exam and declared the BJP's election manifesto as a policy document.
In its first meeting, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's Cabinet also decided to constitute a committee of ministers to review the decisions taken by the previous Congress government in the last six months of its tenure, an official statement said.
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The government has declared the BJP's election manifesto, the 'Sankalp Patra', as a policy document and extended the date of the proposed main examination of the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) scheduled later this month, Cabinet Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told reporters after the meeting.
"In today's meeting, it was decided by the CM and all the members of the Council of Ministers that a committee will review the decisions taken by the previous state government in the last six months," Rathore said.
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The decisions taken during the period when the model code of conduct was in force for the Assembly polls will also be reviewed, the statement said.
"The committee will present its review report to the CM in three months," Rathore said.
A special officer would be appointed in the chief minister's office for the implementation of the resolution letter, the statement said.
It was also decided to restore the Loktantra Senani Samman Nidhi 2008. With this, those jailed under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) for fighting to protect democracy during the Emergency will get a pension again, the minister said.
A pension of Rs 20,000 per month and monthly medical aid of Rs 4,000 will be given to such people, he added.
He said the announcement made by the party in its 'Sankalp Patra' to provide LPG cylinders for Rs 450 has been implemented starting January 1.
In the state, 72.83 lakh families, including about 70 lakh families associated with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, are eligible for the scheme. Each family will be given one cylinder at a subsidised rate per month, he said.
Minister Kirori Lal Meena said, "Considering the demands of the agitating candidates as fair, the government has decided to extend the date of the RAS examination."
"On the lines of the Union Public Service Commission, Rajasthan Public Service Commission will also release its examination calendar," he added.
The candidates were protesting here to postpone the examination which was scheduled to be held on January 27-28.
A comprehensive presentation was given on the 100-day action plan of the state government during the Cabinet meeting. A presentation on the major achievements of the first 30 days of the government was also made, the statement said.
The statement said a special investigation team was formed for the prevention of paper leaks, to ensure prompt investigation in the cases registered in this regard and strict action against the culprits.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 18 (PTI) The BJP in Kerala on Thursday urged the CPI(M)-led Left government to declare a holiday for its institutions on January 22, due to the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.
BJP state chief K Surendran said the state government should emulate the model of the Centre, which has declared a holiday for its institutions till 2.30 pm on January 22.
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Describing the Ayodhya Temple as the pride of the nation, he said Lord Rama is the role model of the country in terms of governance.
In a statement, he further said that the consecration day is a moment being awaited by lakhs of devotees in the southern state.
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Lord Rama and the epic Ramayana have a special place in the hearts of Malayalees, Surendran said, adding that the state government should respect the sentiments of believers.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Ooredoo Myanmar announced that it is now offering eSIMs to subscribers, making it the first telco in Myanmar to support the technology.
Existing Ooredoo Myanmar subscribers can upgrade to eSIM at no charge, while customers in need of a new SIM can buy eSIMs at the same price as physical SIM cards.
In either case, eSIMs can be purchased and installed direct to the users device by obtaining a QR code from the Ooredoo SuperApp or website and following the instructions. Customers can also visit the usual mobile shops if they need help installing it.
Ooredoo Myanmar is pitching eSIMs as a convenient, fast alternative to buying physical SIMs, as well as an efficient option for frequent travelers who use local providers or worry about losing their original SIM card. The telco says its eSIMs can be used in 118 countries via its international roaming service.
Ooredoo Myanmar is also promoting the fact that customers can use multiple SIMs on a single phone, rather than having to buy multiple devices. eSIM-compatible handsets can store between five to eight eSIM profiles. Users can switch between them instantly with just a few clicks on the phone.
With more and more modern mobile devices supporting eSIM technology, we are very proud to launch among the most globally advanced eSIM services in Myanmar, said Ooredoo Myanmar acting CEO Chris Peirce in a statement.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 18 (PTI) All the Odisha government offices will remain closed for half a day on January 22 on the occasion of the Ram temple consecration ceremony to be held in Ayodhya.
In view of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya, the government of Odisha has been pleased to declare that the state government offices, as well as the revenue and magisterial courts (executive), will remain closed for half a day till 2.30 pm on January 22, 2024 (Monday), said a notification issued by the state revenue and disaster management department.
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The state's order comes after the Centre announced a half-day holiday for all its employees on January 22.
Notably, the Odisha government had declared January 17 as a public holiday in the state in view of the inauguration of 'Parikrama Prakalpa (heritage corridor project)' constructed around the Shree Jagannath temple in Puri.
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Leader of Opposition in state assembly Jayanarayan Mishra and Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu had urged the state government to declare a public holiday on January 22 in view of the Ram temple consecration ceremony.
Besides, the Kendrapara district administration had ordered the closure of all liquor outlets on January 22.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 18 (ANI): Telangana Governor, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has decided not to take any action on the proposal of the State government to fill the vacant two MLC seats under the Governor Quota till the Writ Petitions are finally decided by the High Court.
This decision comes as a response to the pendency of Writ Petitions (W.P No. 180 of 2024 and W.P No. 181 of 2024) filed by Dasoju Sravan Kumar and K Satyanarayana challenging the rejection of their MLC nominations.
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The press release from Rajbhavan reads, "Raj Bhavan hereby informs that in light of the pending Writ Petitions (W.P No. 180 of 2024 and W.P No. 181 of 2024) filed by Dasoju Sravan Kumar and K Satyanarayana challenging the rejection of their MLC nominations, and the High Court of Telangana's observation that in accordance with the gentlemen's agreement, no further steps will be taken in filling the vacant MLCs under Governor Quota."
In view of this observation, the Governor has decided not to take any action on the proposal of the State Government to fill the vacant two MLCs under Governor Quota till the above Writ Petitions are finally decided by the High Court, it added. (ANI)
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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Jan 18 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress on Thursday welcomed the Calcutta High Court order allowing the party's harmony rally on January 22, the same day as the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The TMC said it is a victory of the people over the "communal designs" by the saffron camp.
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The high court did not grant senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's prayer for not allowing the Sampriti rally on the same day due to concerns about potential unrest.
Adhikari's counsel told the court that permission had been granted for 35 programmes in the city related to the consecration of Ram temple, from 11 am to 5 pm on January 22.
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The court also directed the West Bengal government to ensure that peace is maintained during the rally.
"We welcome the Calcutta High Court order regarding the rally. It is a tight slap for the BJP leaders who had moved court trying to stop it. This is a victory of the people over the communal designs by the BJP, " TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said.
The court, however, did not pass any order on a request by Adhikari, leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, for deployment of paramilitary forces in the state on that day.
Reacting to Ghosh's remark, the BJP said it is the TMC government, which has a poor track record of tackling communal disturbances.
"Earlier we have seen the state getting engulfed in communal riots during Ram Navami processions, " BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya told reporters.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Lucknow, Jan 18 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday gave its approval to the state's own semiconductor policy which aims to attract investments in the sector and aid the country's push towards chip manufacturing.
The state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave its approval to the Semiconductor Policy 2024.
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"This approval is expected to attract significant investments in the state on a large scale. The policy aims to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in the semiconductor manufacturing sector," Cabinet Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said.
Enterprises investing in semiconductor manufacturing units will receive Rs 80,000 crore from the Centre, with the state government contributing 75 per cent of this amount, he said.
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The policy also includes provisions for providing financial incentives to industries and a subsidy of 75 per cent on land up to 200 acres in the form of land subsidy, he said, adding that so far, 13 companies have expressed their intention to set up semiconductor manufacturing units in the state.
Besides, adequate water and uninterrupted electricity will be provided to these units.
As per the policy, the state government will provide Rs 10 lakh for patents at national level and Rs 20 lakh for patents at the international level.
Collaborations with the industry will be done under the CM Internship Program to ensure the availability of skilled workforce. Furthermore, arrangements for training related to semiconductor manufacturing will be made in the technical institutes of the state, he said.
Before Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu have formulated semiconductor policies, Upadhyay said
Meanwhile, the state Cabinet also approved setting up of three new private universities in Uttar Pradesh.
Upadhyay, who is also the higher education minister, said that proposals for the establishment of JSS University in Noida, Saroj University in Lucknow, and Sharda University in Agra under the private sector have been approved.
He said that there has been significant improvement in the quality of higher education in the state and currently, the state boasts of five government and five private universities in the A++ ranking.
In addition, there are three universities with A+ ranking, he said.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal to change the name of Mundera Nagar Panchayat in Gorakhpur to Chauri Chaura.
This decision reflects a gesture of respect towards the legacy, marking the centenary year of the historical Chauri Chaura incident during the independence movement.
An approval was also given to make changes in the Uttar Pradesh Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Policy to exempt private MSME units and PLEDGE parks from conversion fees for changing the land use under development authorities from agricultural to industrial.
Besides, the cabinet has also gave its nod to exempt the Metro Rail, RRTS (Regional Rapid Transit System), and all their assets from acquisition under the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.
(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, Jan 18 (PTI) Shares of HDFC Bank extended their previous day's decline, falling more than 11 per cent in two days, after the company's December quarter earnings failed to impress investors.
The stock fell by 3.26 per cent to settle at Rs 1,486.80 apiece on the BSE on Thursday. During the day, it lost 3.70 per cent to Rs 1,480.
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On the NSE, it declined 3 per cent to Rs 1,490.
In two days, the stock has slumped 11.44 per cent. During this time, the company's market capitalisation (mcap) eroded by Rs 1,45,889.59 crore. Its market valuation stood at Rs 11,28,850.63 crore on Thursday.
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The stock was the biggest drag among the 30-share BSE Sensex firms.
The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 313.90 points or 0.44 per cent to settle at 71,186.86, and the Nifty declined 109.70 points or 0.51 per cent to 21,462.25.
Shares of HDFC Bank fell by over 8 per cent on Wednesday.
HDFC Bank on Tuesday reported a 2.65 per cent rise in consolidated net profit of Rs 17,258 crore for the October-December period against Rs 16,811 crore in the preceding September quarter.
The largest private sector lender, which merged mortgage lender parent HDFC into itself in July, reported a net profit of Rs 16,372 crore against Rs 15,976 crore in the quarter-ago period on a standalone basis.
"HDFC Bank reported a mixed quarter," according to a report by Motilal Oswal Research.
Its core net interest income grew to Rs 28,470 crore during the quarter, while the other income stood at Rs 11,140 crore, according to exchange filings.
On the asset quality front, it registered an improvement in the gross non-performing assets ratio at 1.26 per cent against 1.34 per cent in the quarter-ago period.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, Jan 18 (PTI) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance on Thursday launched a new pension plan offering 100 per cent return at any stage of the policy, making it the industry's first annuity plan that offers to return full refund of premium paid at any time starting from the date of purchase.
The product is the first one after the regulator Irdai issued draft guidelines last November mandating insurers to return a higher amount on surrender of a policy mid-term.
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In a statement, the company said this is the industry's first annuity product to give back 100 per cent of the premium paid at any time in alignment with the proposed regulations on offering policyholders fair and appropriate surrender value. The new product also offers loan against the policy to meet liquidity needs of the insured.
Customers can choose from an array of annuity options such as single-life option, in which the income is paid for as long as they live, or a joint-life option, where after one passes away, the income is paid to the spouse, child, parent or sibling, known as the secondary annuitant, the company said.
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The new plan also offers guaranteed life-long income ensuring financial independence in the golden years. Particularly, the waiver of premium benefit ensures continuity of income for the spouse in case of the unfortunate demise of the policyholder.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mumbai, Jan 18 (PTI) The Reserve Bank has called upon internal ombudsmen of banks, NBFCs, and CICs to provide inputs for enhancing internal systems and processes.
As part of the Reserve Bank's continuing engagement with regulated entities, the second Conference of Internal Ombudsmen on the theme 'Orchestrating Customer Delight through an Empowered Internal Ombudsman', was held in Mumbai on January 16, 2024.
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Deputy Governor Swaminathan J in his keynote address emphasised the pivotal role of Internal Ombudsmen as the vigilant observers and facilitators in a fair and just dispute resolution process, for ensuring effective and impartial redress of customer grievances within the regulated entity itself, the RBI said in a release on Thursday.
He called upon the Internal Ombudsmen to provide valuable inputs for enhancing internal systems and processes as well as to proactively guide the regulated entity in taking remedial measures to address recurring complaints, it said.
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Swaminathan also outlined RBI's expectations from the board/ top management of the regulated entities by emphasising that a well-functioning Internal Ombudsman mechanism is beneficial for all stakeholders.
The conference was attended by MD & CEOs, executive directors in charge of customer service verticals, internal ombudsmen, principal nodal officers of select regulated entities from among banks, NBFCs and CICs, besides senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India.
The conference included a presentation on the context, challenges and coordinated approach for an empowered Internal Ombudsman and experience-sharing sessions by Managing Directors, Executive Directors and Internal Ombudsmen of regulated entities.
(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, Jan 18 (PTI) Tata Communications on Thursday reported an 88.6 per cent drop in its third-quarter net profit to Rs 44.81 crore.
The firm had a net profit of Rs 393.88 crore in October-December 2022.
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It posted revenue from operations at Rs 5,633.26 crore in October-December 2023, up 24.4 per cent as against Rs 4,528.34 crore during the third quarter of FY23, the firm said in a statement.
Following the Supreme Court ruling that held that licence fee paid at regular intervals should be classified as capital expenditure, the telecom company said that it created a tax provision for Rs 185.52 crore towards interest and Rs 21.09 crore towards tax (net), due to change in effective tax rate on account of adoption of new tax regime. This was recorded as an exceptional item.
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Data Revenue rose 28.5 per cent to Rs 4,618 crore. Digital portfolio revenue grew by 78.2 per cent, contributing about 45 per cent to the data portfolio.
Consolidated EBITDA stood at Rs 1,134 crore, improving by 5.3 per cent year-on-year and 11.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter.
Commenting on the results, AS Lakshminarayanan, MD and CEO, Tata Communications, said: "Even as we increase our impetus on people and platforms to deliver long-term value, our acquisitions of Oasis, The Switch and Kaleyra have created new avenues for growth and innovation. We remain confident about our medium-term ambitions."
Kabir Ahmed Shakir, Chief Financial Officer, Tata Communications, said: "We are extremely encouraged that Kaleyra has turned EBITDA positive in the first quarter itself, in line with our 'Fit to Grow' strategy. We are excited about the medium term as we see multiple levers to maximise value from both our organic and inorganic investments. We continue strongly on the new growth trajectory with robust cash flow generation as the focus."
(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, Jan 18 (PTI) A man was allegedly strangled by two of his housemates after a fight over "his turn" to fill a bucket of water, police said on Thursday.
The accused, one of them a juvenile, tried to evade arrest by making it look like a suicide, they said. They were apprehended from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi.
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"On January 11, a PCR call was received at Nihal Vihar police station about a suicide case in a rented house. Our team reached the spot and found a dead body lying on the bed in a room at the first floor," Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram said.
The officer further said that initially the matter seemed to be suicide case as per the caller's version.
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Police ruled out hanging as the ceiling was very high and there was no way to reach it. "Our staff suspected the matter may not be a suicide case. An inspection of the body was conducted. The team also discussed the matter with doctors who conducted autopsy," the DCP said.
"Doctors told the team that there was some ligature marks present on the neck of the deceased who was identified as Rachit, a labourer by profession. He was strangulated to death," Chiram said.
Police said that an FIR under sections 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence), and 34 (common intentions) of the IPC was registered on January 16.
"We got to know that the victim was residing with two other people in a rented house. When we inquired about them, the staff found their mobile phones off.
The team located them in Hardoi of Uttar Pradesh and a raid was conducted there, the officer said.
A juvenile was apprehended and another accused identified as Abhay Kant Mishra (27) was arrested," he added.
During interrogation, the accused told police that they had a verbal spat with the victim after the latter refused to bring a bucket of water during "his turn".
"They were drunk. They strangulated him to death using a rope and fled from the spot," the DCP said.
A rope and a knife was recovered from the accused's possession, he added.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
San Jose (California) [US], January 18 (ANI): Samsung, the renowned South Korean tech giant has introduced a smartphone series globally at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Event 2024 event in San Jose, California.
Samsung unveiled three phones, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 Plus, and the Galaxy S24.
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According to The Verge, Samsung's new AI-infused features are now available, and the most essential thing to know about Samsung's new S24 series is that they are the same whether you choose the USD 799.99 Galaxy S24, the USD 999.99 Galaxy S24 Plus, or the USD 1,299.99 Galaxy S24 Ultra.
In the United States, all phones have Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processors, therefore the performance of on-device AI functions should be similar.
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Samsung also promises seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates for all three phones, which matches Google's remarkable support period for its Pixel 8 lineup.
One of the Ultra's most striking new features is its construction. This year's model features a titanium frame, similar to Apple's iPhone 15 Pro, which Samsung claims provides more durability.
Unlike Apple, Samsung did not employ the material to make the phone lighter; titanium is heavier than aluminium, but it is more robust, allowing you to use less of it.
In this case, Samsung has simply chosen to prioritise endurance. The S24 Ultra weighs almost the same as the S23 Ultra (8.22oz or 232 grams) making it somewhat heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The other big change up front is the display. The S24 Ultra comes with a 6.8-inch 1440p display, just like the S23 Ultra, but it finally ditches the curved edges inherited from the Note series in favour of a flat screen.
There's still a slight curve to the edge of the device, unlike the straight-edged S24 and S24 Plus, but now there's much less chance of accidentally running your S Pen over the side of the display.
The flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This chipset also claims to provide significant NPU improvements for efficient AI computation. It comes with three storage options: 12GB+1TB, 12GB+512GB, and 12GB+256GB.
For gaming, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has an excellent thermal control system with a 1.9 times larger vapour chamber, which improves device surface temperature while increasing sustained performance power. Ray tracing creates realistic pictures with enhanced shadow and reflection effects.
The S24 series includes a number of new picture and video editing tools powered by generative AI, which are represented across the UI by a highly Google Bard-esque star icon. You can circle photo topics to isolate and resize them, reposition them, or completely eliminate them from the frame. You may also modify the horizon level in your shot and have AI fill in the image's edges instead of cropping.
Aside from their AI-infused features, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus are largely a continuation of what we saw with last year's S23 devices, but there are still a few hardware upgrades to be found.
The screens, for example, are both bigger and brighter this year. They now measure 6.2 and 6.7 inches in size (a 0.1-inch improvement in both cases), with peak brightnesses of 2,600 nits (up from 1,750 last year). And the S24 Plus also now boasts a 1440p resolution, up from 1080p, according to Verge.
The other four cameras' hardware remains unaltered from last year, so still be working with a 200-megapixel f/1.7 main, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide on the back, as well as a 12-megapixel selfie camera in the front.
Both the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+ have 4,000mAh and 4,900mAh batteries, respectively. These devices also enable quick and wireless charging.
All Galaxy S24 devices run Android 14 and Samsung's latest OneUI 6.1. Samsung also revealed that the Galaxy S24 series will be the first from the tech giant to receive seven years of operating system and security updates. It is the only smartphone manufacturer to do so, following Google's Pixel 8 series.
Samsung claims that with OneUI 6.1, the new Galaxy S24 series will create new opportunities for the application of AI. The new series' interpreter and live translation elements are among its strengths. The latest version of Live Translate allows for two-way, real-time text and voice translations during phone calls within the native app.
However, individuals positioned across from one another can read a text transcription of the other's words thanks to the Interpreter, which allows live conversations to be translated instantaneously on a split-screen display. It functions even in Aeroplane mode, without Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Chat Assist can be useful in daily chats for messaging and other apps. With the gesture-driven Circle to Search with Google feature on the Galaxy S24 series, online search has also been revolutionised.
It is an amazing new tool that has, in some ways, allowed for the exploration of new avenues with a single motion. Users can circle and highlight anything on the Galaxy S24's screen to view beneficial, excellent search results by long pressing the home button.
Samsung's voice recorder is also getting Pixel-like live transcriptions with speaker labels and the ability to translate your transcriptions into another language. The Notes app is getting some handy tools, too, with the ability to automatically format and summarize pages for you.
And if any of the above is enticing enough to tempt you to trade in your S23, you can stop right there. Samsung plans to bring these AI capabilities to S23-series phones and the Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 sometime in the future, reported The Verge. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Somalian operator Hormuud Telecom revealed its offices and sister company Salam Somali Bank had been raided by government agents, over a data privacy dispute where the government allegedly demanded subscriber information.
In a translated statement, Hormuud accused Somalias National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of storming its offices on January 14, demanding personal information of subscribers and bank account holders.
The companies refused, and this resulted in NISA against arresting three members of staff from two separate locations.
Hormuud said the governments act was one of intimidation and suppressive action and it felt pressure in supplying personal customer data. The operator stressed Nisas intimidation tactics were a violation of Somali law.
Horn Observer reported the dispute between both parties has ended after talks yesterday (Jan 17).
A government statement from the Horn Observer stated: The Somali government is committed to protecting the security and safety of Somali citizens and their property by always following the law.
The publication reported NISA had arrested staff of Hormuud in the past and closed offices in Mogadishu.
Beirut, Jan 18 (AP) An airstrike on southern Syria early Thursday killed at least nine people and was probably carried out by Jordan's air force, Syrian opposition activists said, the latest in a series of strikes in an area where cross-border drug smugglers have been active.
There was no immediate confirmation from Jordan on the strike that hit the province of Sweida,
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The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said nine people, including two children and at least three women, were killed in the strike on the village of Orman.
The head of the Observatory, Rami Abdurrahman, said the people killed had nothing to do with smuggling, suggesting that the Jordanian air force might have received incorrect intelligence from local residents.
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Smugglers have used Jordan as a corridor over the past years to smuggle highly addictive Captagon amphetamines out of Syria, mainly to oil-rich Arab Gulf states. The Jordanian authorities have managed to stop several smuggling attempts, including some in which smugglers used drones to fly the drugs over the border.
Rayan Maarouf, Editor-in-Chief of local activist collective Suwayda24, told The Associated Press that 10 people were killed in the strike on Orman. There was also a strike on the nearby village of Malah, he said, but no casualties were inflicted. Maarouf said that search operations are still ongoing and the death toll might still rise.
Innocent people are always losing their lives in such strikes, he said, adding that sometimes the strikes hit the homes of people living near smugglers or close to warehouses where drugs are stored.
The Captagon industry has been a huge concern for Jordan, as well as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries, as hundreds of millions of pills have been smuggled over the years. The drug is used recreationally and by people with physically demanding jobs to keep them alert.
In late August, an airstrike hit an alleged drug factory in southern Syria near the Jordanian border, an attack believed to have been carried out by Jordan's air force. In May, another airstrike on a village in Sweida killed a well-known Syrian drug kingpin and his family. Activists believe that strike was conducted by the Jordanians. There was also a strike in last month.
Jordan has so far not claimed responsibility for any of the strikes. (AP)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Brussels, Jan 18 (AP) The European Union's institutions are gearing up for a fight over Hungary and a contentious transfer of 10 billion euros (nearly USD 11 billion) in funds to Budapest.
The European Parliament decided to assess Thursday whether to take the bloc's executive branch, the European Commission, to court over allegations that it gave into blackmail from Prime Minister Viktor Orban to get his approval to start membership talks with Ukraine.
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The European Parliament made the decision in a 345-104 vote and tasked its legal department to prepare the groundwork for a possible challenge at the EU's highest court. It wants to see whether the European Commission took all measures to protect the EU's financial interests in its dealings with Orban. They said that Hungary didn't meet the rule of law requirements to get the money.
The vote followed a bruising debate in the plenary during which legislators of major centre-right and centre-left groups all criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for making sure the money was approved just before Orban unexpectedly and crucially abstained from the Ukraine vote at a summit in December.
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The funds were only supposed to be released if Hungary had shown enough effort to force through some rule of law reforms on judicial independence and political interference, and during Wednesday's plenary, von der Leyen said that the country had pushed through measures to earn the release of funds.
She said the European Commission had no option but to approve the funds and strongly denied the two issues were linked.
These are the rules we have all agreed to, she said. We will follow them. This is what makes the rule of law stand out from arbitrary power.
Many parliamentarians disagreed, however.
Once again the Parliament is having to step in," said parliamentary rapporteur Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield of the Greens group, complaining that the European Commission and the member states seem happy to give a carte blanche to Viktor Orban to continue his bullying tactics and attacks on the rule of law.
The EU is still blocking around 20 billion euros (nearly USD 22 billion) in funds over similar rule of law concerns, and the parliament doesn't want to see them fall prey to political brinkmanship. On February 1, EU leaders will have another summit, hoping to approve 50 billion euros (nearly $55 billion) in much-needed financial aid to Ukraine, which Orban did block at the last summit in December.
It wasn't the first time Orban had derailed EU plans to provide funding to Ukraine. The nationalist leader is widely considered to be Russian President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in the EU, and has been accused by his critics of promoting Moscow's interests over those of his EU and NATO allies.
Orban has advocated for an immediate end to the fighting and pushed for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv, though he hasn't detailed what such a step would entail for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Orban has been at odds with his fellow EU leaders, top officials and legislators for years, ranging from fights over COVID-19 recovery money to his declining respect for the Western democratic principles that are the essence of the EU. Yet as the longest-serving EU leader, he knows the EU rules inside out and has been able to extract financial concessions time and again to shore up his struggling economy. (AP)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) [Pakistan], January 18 (ANI): In an effort to tackle the growing use of tobacco and e-cigarettes among young individuals, the Deputy Commissioner of Mardan has enforced Section 144, restricting the sale of cigarettes and vaping devices to individuals below 21 years of age, Geo News reported.
The directive includes a ban on sales within a 50-meter radius of educational institutions in the city.
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Authorities emphasise the seriousness of the measure, warning of legal consequences for violators under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The move aims to protect youth from the adverse health effects associated with smoking and vaping, as reported by Geo News.
Simultaneously, British American Tobacco (BAT) faces regulatory action in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that BAT must cease advertising its e-cigarettes on Instagram, including influencer accounts. Earlier directives from ASA had instructed the removal of all Vype-related ads on Instagram.
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The decision follows an investigation into seven Instagram posts by Vype, prompted by complaints from health groups in March. Allegations included content likely to appeal to those under 18 years old and the use of models appearing to be under 25, a violation of UK regulations.
The ASA's statement upholds the complaints, declaring that the ads, in their contested form, must not reappear. The ruling underscores the importance of compliance with online advertising laws and age restrictions, contributing to efforts to safeguard young individuals from the influence of tobacco-related promotions.
As Pakistan implements stricter measures and the UK takes regulatory action, both countries demonstrate a commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, especially among the youth, Geo News reported. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 18 (ANI): The Pakistan Air Force on Thursday conducted retaliatory airstrikes on alleged Baloch separatist camps inside Iran, according to multiple media reports.
According to the reports, the retaliatory strikes by Pakistan Air Force targeted hideouts located inside Iranian territory of Baloch militants wanted by Pakistan.
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The move comes a day after Tehran said it used "precision missile and drone strikes," to destroy two "important headquarters" of Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) in Pakistan. Following this Islamabad denounced the violation of Pakistan's sovereignty as "completely unacceptable" and warned of serious consequences.
Salman Masood, the editor of a Pakistan local daily and Pakistan correspondent of New York Times took to X on Wednesday to post, "Pakistan Air Force has conducted airstrikes on Baluch separatist camps inside Iran. The move comes a day after Iran claimed to have targeted militants inside Pakistani territory, a claim rejected by Pakistan, citing civilian casualties."
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https://x.com/salmanmasood/status/1747811468853006837?s=20
Meanwhile, another Pakistani local daily also reported today that hideouts of Baloch militants wanted by Pakistan have been targeted in Iran.
https://x.com/khorasandiary/status/1747800117896184285?s=20
On Wednesday, Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian underscored that the January 16 attack conducted by Iran inside Pakistani territory was not only a serious breach of Pakistan's sovereignty but was also an egregious violation of international law and the spirit of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Expressing Pakistan's unreserved condemnation of the attack, Jilani added that the incident has caused serious damage to bilateral ties between Pakistan and Iran.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar met the Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, around the same time, the Iranian government announced targeting Jaish Al Adl basis inside Pakistan through drone and missile strikes.
https://x.com/AnasMallick/status/1747314133102637467?s=20
Formed in 2012, Jaish al-Adl, designated as a "terrorist" organization by Iran, is a Sunni terrorist group that operates in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, Al Arabiya News reported.
Over the years, Jaish al-Adl has launched numerous attacks on Iranian security forces. In December, Jaish al-Adl took responsibility for an attack on a police station in Sistan-Balochistan that claimed the lives of at least 11 police personnel, according to Al Arabiya News reported.
Tuesday's attacks on Pakistan comes after Iran launched missiles in northern Iraq and Syria on Monday. Iran's foreign ministry on Tuesday defended the strikes by the Revolutionary Guards in Iraq and Syria, labelling them as a "precise and targeted" operation aimed at deterring security threats, CNN reported.
According to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, the strikes targeted a "terrorist headquarters" in Idlib, Syria, and a "Mossad-affiliated centre" in Erbil, Iraq. Kanaani emphasised the precision of the operation, stating that ballistic missiles were used to identify and strike the "headquarters of criminals." (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bangkok [Thailand], January 18 (ANI): At least 22 people were killed in an explosion at a Suphan Buri fireworks factory in Thailand on Wednesday, Bangkok Post reported. About 10 people are said to be missing.
The explosion took place at village Moo 3 in Tambon Salakhao of Muang district in Thailand at around 3:30 pm (local time). So far, 20 deceased people have been identified. The debris due to the force of the explosion, spread over a radius of 100 metres, with human remains scattered everywhere, according to the report.
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According to residents, about 20 workers had arrived to work at the factory in the morning and added that they witnessed nobody come out after the explosion. The factory owner was not among the dead as he had gone out to deliver fireworks to customers at the time of the explosion, according to the Deputy Chairman of Tambon Salakhao Municipality, Thongsuk Suenui, Bangkok Post reported.
The factory was operating out of a farmhouse where gunpowder and other raw materials for fireworks were stored. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was briefed on the explosion. Thavisin, who is currently attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland's Davos, called for a swift investigation.
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Srettha Thavisin's office said, "The prime minister ordered an inspection of the plant to see if it was operating legally and if the explosion was caused by negligence. The law must be enforced to the fullest extent because there are innocent deaths and injuries," Bangkok Post reported.
Local officials said the 20 people confirmed as dead included 12 women and 8 men. According to records, 24 explosions took place at fireworks factories and warehouses in Thailand over the past 15 years between 2008 and 2023, with each incident causing extensive damage, including deaths and injuries. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington, DC [US], January 18 (ANI): Amid the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea, the United States forces launched strikes on 14 Houthi missiles "that were loaded to be fired in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen" on Thursday.
US called the attack its ongoing multi-national efforts to protect freedom of navigation and prevent attacks on US and partner maritime traffic in the Red Sea on January 17 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa time).
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"These missiles on launch rails ... could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves," CENTCOM said on X.
The strikes are meant to degrade the Houthis' "capabilities to continue their reckless attacks on international and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden", it added.
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"The actions by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists continue to endanger international mariners and disrupt the commercial shipping lanes in the Southern Red Sea and adjacent waterways," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander.
"We will continue to take actions to protect the lives of innocent mariners and we will always protect our people," he added.
"We will not give up targeting Israeli ships or ships heading towards ports in occupied Palestine ... in support of the Palestinian people," the group's spokesperson, Mohammed Abdelsalam, Al Jazeera reported.
The Houthi-controlled Saba news agency said the US and the United Kingdom launched the strikes in the provinces of Hodeidah, Taiz, Dhamar, al-Bayda and Saada overnight. However, CENTCOM did not mention any involvement of the UK in the latest attacks, Al Jazeera reported.
"It is an open war, and they must endure the earth-shattering, powerful, and crushing strikes and responses, God willing," Houthi official Ali al-Qahoum wrote on X after the latest strikes.
The US redesignated the Yemeni group as a "terrorist" organisation in response to its continuing attacks and threats to shipping and imposed sanctions on it. The designation does not go into effect for 30 days.
The Houthis said the designation will not affect its operations to prevent Israeli ships or vessels heading to Israel from crossing the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Houthis, who support the Palestinian armed group Hamas, launched their attacks in response to Israel's war on Gaza. Their strikes have slowed trade between Asia and Europe and alarmed major world powers, Al Jazeera reported.
Earlier on Wednesday, CENTCOM said a drone launched from areas controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen struck the US-owned ship Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden. It inflicted some damage, but no injuries, it said. (ANI)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kanpur,January 18: A 29-year-old PhD student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur allegedly committed suicide here on Thursday, the third such case in recent weeks, police said. Priyanka Jaiswal, who was pursuing a PhD in Chemical engineering, allegedly hanged herself from the ceiling fan in her hostel room, they said. Jaiswal, a native of Jharkhand's Dumka, had taken admission in the institute on December 29 last year. This was the third suicide in the IIT-K campus in a month.
Talking to PTI over the phone, Additional DCP (West) Akash Patel said they received information about a suicide by a PhD student at around 1 pm. As police teams rushed to the spot, they found the door of Jaiswal's room was locked from inside. After breaking open the door, they found the woman's body hanging from the ceiling fan, he added. Uttar Pradesh: Two Sisters Die by Suicide in Brahma Kumaris Ashram in Agra, Blame Employees in Suicide Note; Probe Launched.
Jaiswal's hostel mates had informed IIT-K authorities who later called the police. A forensic team has been called to the spot, Patel said, adding that more information will be shared with the media regarding the suicide. On January 11, M.Tech second-year student Vikas Kumar Meena (31) allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his IIT, Kanpur hostel room, reportedly after he was "temporarily" barred from continuing with his course. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Man Dies by Suicide in Ballia After Killing Wife and Two Children Over Dispute.
On December 19, postdoctoral researcher Pallavi Chilka (34) hanged herself from the ceiling fan of her second-floor hostel room on the campus. Possible reasons behind Jaiswal's suicide will only be revealed after a preliminary probe and completing other formalities, Patel said.
Trichy district administration has banned the flying of drones ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trichy Srirangam Sri Ranganathasamy Temple on January 20th, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.
New Delhi, January 18: Leading startup incubator T-Hub on Thursday announced the selection of 10 startups in partnership with the UK Government's 'UK-India Emerging Tech Exchange Programme'. The primary goal of this partnership is to use both nations' capabilities in the disciplines of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Semiconductors. The selected startups are -- Alice Camera, B-Secur, ValueChain, Wootzano, Zeal Pay, Biva.AI, Monitra Healthcare, StarBuzz.AI, SegriTech, and BluJ Aero.
"The collaborative effort between India and the UK under the UK-India Emerging Tech Exchange Programme aims to leverage these advantages. In sync with this visionary collaboration, T-Hub stands committed to providing a robust platform," Mahankali Srinivas Rao (MSR), CEO, T-Hub, said in a statement. Galaxy Unpacked 2024: Samsung Teases Galaxy Ring During Its Launch Event, Expected To Come With Advanced Health Tracking Features; Know More Details.
According to the company, the programme will enable knowledge exchange, establish relationships with key entities in India, and highlight the strengths and advancements of both nations' industries.
Moreover, the company said that T-Hub will assist in the implementation of the emerging technologies accelerator programme for UK companies through knowledge-sharing sessions, resource access, and mentorship opportunities, boosting cooperation and research and innovation.
"Through T-Hub's exciting programme we can strengthen knowledge-sharing and market access in critical technologies like AI and semiconductors, enhancing our two countries prosperity and security," said Christina Scott, the British Deputy High Commissioner to India. Google Plans To Add Its Image Generator to Its AI Chatbot Bard Using Googles Text-to-Image Diffusion Models Imagen.
The programme will offer selected entrepreneurs an array of opportunities such as a dynamic innovation ecosystem, live market access, expert sessions, financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The three-month programme is slated for completion in March.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 18, 2024 07:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 17 January the US State Department announced it was designating Guatemalas former president(2020-2024) for involvement in significant corruption, which bars him from entering the US.
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On 17 January, the Ecuadorean prosecutor leading an investigation into the storming of a television station by gunmen on 9 January, was shot dead.
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In a surprising turn of events, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who once traded sharp criticisms with former President Donald Trump, has officially endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential race, according to The Daily Beast.
Cruz, who had previously called Trump a "sniveling coward," a "bully," and a "pathological liar," made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News.
Cruz's endorsement came on the heels of Trump's victory in the Iowa caucuses.
Appearing on Hannity, Cruz declared, "At this point, I believe this race is over, so I'm proud to endorse Donald Trump for president of the United States."
The endorsement seemed to be a reconciliation between the two after their contentious battle in the 2016 Republican primary.
Eight years ago, during the primary contest, Cruz and Trump engaged in a bitter exchange of insults.
Despite the animosity, Cruz eventually endorsed Trump for the 2016 election.
Ted Cruz's recent endorsement aligns with a broader trend, as Trump has also gained support from another former rival, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).
READ NEXT: Donald Trump Gets Laughed at in Court
Donald Trump's Past Comments on Ted Cruz
Less than two weeks ago, a report surfaced revealing Trump's past disdain for Cruz, stating that the senator "shouldn't even exist."
Trump claimed that he could have "destroyed him" in 2016 but chose not to, per Business Insider.
The 2016 Republican primary witnessed intense clashes between the two, with Trump making controversial remarks about Cruz's family.
Donald Trump suggested Ted Cruz's father was linked to JFK's assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, Vanity Fair reports.
"His father was with Lee Harvey Oswald before Oswald's being-you know, shot. I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous. What is this, right before his being shot, and nobody even brings it up. They don't even talk about that. That was reported, and nobody talks about it. But I think it's horrible. I mean, what was he doing-what was he doing with Lee Harvey Oswald shortly before his death? Before the shooting? It's horrible," Trump previously said.
He also hinted at exposing details about Cruz's wife, Heidy Cruz, and implied that she is ugly.
Complex Political History: Ted Cruz and Donald Trump
Ted Cruz and Donald Trump share a complex political history, marked by the intense 2016 Republican presidential nomination race, Fox News noted.
Cruz, the runner-up to Trump, initially withheld his endorsement after Trump secured the GOP nomination.
Over the years, they repaired their relationship and supported each other, leading to Cruz's recent endorsement.
Sources indicate that Cruz faced mounting pressure from Trump's camp to endorse the former president ahead of the Iowa caucuses.
Trump, using his social media platform Truth Social, also targeted Cruz over his 2024 re-election bid.
Despite Cruz's endorsement, the other Texas senator, John Cornyn, has chosen to remain neutral in the nomination race, emphasizing a preference for a new direction within the GOP.
READ MORE: Donald Trump New York Fraud Trial
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Ted Cruz endorses Trump for president: 'Time to unite' - From Fox News
The Haiti Crisis may have grown even more complicated as supporters of the captured coup leader, Guy Philippe, have launched mass protests all over the struggling country in support of their leader.
Several cities across the Caribbean country have been paralyzed by these protests as the supporters of the former rebel leader demand Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the de facto leader of Haiti's government, after President Jovenel Moise's assassination.
The Associated Press reported that Guy Philippe's supporters forced several schools, government agencies, and private businesses to close down in several cities outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The affected cities include the southern cities of Jeremie and Miragoane, as well as the northern city of Ouanaminthe, along the Dominican Republic-Haiti border.
In the southern Haiti city of Les Cayes, hundreds of protesters gathered, with more demonstrations also expected to happen in the coming days as the country continues with its growing number of problems, from violent street gangs taking over the capital to civil unrest all over.
Guy Philippe was initially imprisoned in the US following his coup attempt. After several years, the US extradited him back to Haiti. With the country in turmoil, he is gaining many supporters as poverty deepened and gang violence continued to plague the nation.
"My revolution is for the people, for the people only," he said in an address to his supporters and the Haiti National Police. "I'm asking police to do their job, to protect the people."
He also promised his supporters that "the suffering is going to be over pretty soon."
READ MORE: Latin America Politics 2023: Election, Conflicts, Other Major Issues in the Region
Haiti Coup Leader Guy Philippe Extradited To Haiti After Serving Drug Charges in US
The presence of the Haiti coup leader certainly complicated things even further in Haiti, even though he remains under arrest over his failed coup attempt in 2004 against then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
A former police officer, senator, and coup plotter, he was arrested and jailed in the United States after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to launder money from drug trafficking, being linked to the drug trade from the late 1990s and the early 2000s. After he served his time in prison, he was deported back to Haiti, where he was immediately arrested again.
InSight Crime Analysis noted that "Philippe could take advantage of his political, economic, and police connections to insert himself in the presidential race and mitigate the impact of gang violence through institutional measures."
Who Is Haiti Coup Leader Guy Philippe?
When he was still the commander of Haiti's police force, Guy Philippe led a rebellion in 2004 that led to the overthrow of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. He gained popularity back in Haiti, even becoming a senator, but was then linked to drug trafficking in the United States.
According to the Miami Herald, Philippe's deportation was the latest in a series of deportations by the Biden administration. The move was considered controversial as Philippe's presence in the country could complicate things further.
READ MORE: Haiti Crisis Explained: How Did It Get This Bad?
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Former Haitian Police Commander Sentenced To Prison - CBS Miami
In a tragic turn of events, Prosecutor Cesar Suarez, who was actively investigating a recent attack on an Ecuador TV station, was shot and killed on Wednesday in Guayaquil, the country's most dangerous city, AP reports.
The Ecuador prosecutor, known for handling high-profile cases, was targeted while driving, according to Attorney General Diana Salazar.
The attack at TC Television last week saw masked assailants storming the studio during a live broadcast, leading to the arrest of thirteen individuals.
President Daniel Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" in response to escalating violence linked to drug trafficking.
Suarez, who was also overseeing the Metastasis case involving a drug lord, had not been provided with police protection, as revealed in an interview one day before his tragic death.
The motive behind Suarez's killing remains unclear, raising concerns about its potential connection to the TV station attack investigation.
READ NEXT: Ecuador: TV Studio Attacked by Gunmen
Dramatic TV Station Attack Leaves Journalists Threatened and Injured
During the televised assault last week, masked individuals entered TC Television's studio, threatening journalists at gunpoint, BBC noted.
The live broadcast caught scenes of journalist Jose Luis Calderon pleading with the gunmen while the station staff were forced to sit or lie on the studio floor.
The attack resulted in injuries, with one cameraman shot in the leg and another sustaining a broken arm.
In a poignant response to Suarez's death, Attorney General Diana Salazar expressed her sorrow, emphasizing their commitment to the fight against organized crime.
"It is impossible not to be broken by the death of a colleague in the fight against organized crime. We will remain firm in his name: for him, for the country, for justice. "Thank you for your work, Cesar. Rest in peace," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The killing adds to the recent surge of violence in Ecuador, marked by prison escapes, hostage situations, and explosions in various cities.
Drug Cartels Unleash Violence in Response to Government Crackdown
Ecuador, once considered a haven of peace in Latin America, is grappling with a wave of violence orchestrated by drug cartels in response to government efforts to crack down on organized crime, according to Black Hills Pioneer.
President Noboa declared a "state of war" as drug cartels escalated their campaign of kidnappings and attacks.
The country, home to more than 20 criminal gangs with over 20,000 members, faces a crisis fueled by transnational cartels using its ports for drug trafficking.
The recent violence intensified after the escape of narco boss Jose Adolfo Macias, triggering a series of retaliatory actions by the gangs.
Authorities imposed a state of emergency and nighttime curfew, but the gangs retaliated, threatening civilians and security forces and taking dozens of hostages.
Prison riots, city explosions, and car burnings ensued.
While authorities recently regained control of prisons, Ecuador faces challenges as violence targets key figures, including prosecutors and anti-cartel campaigners.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the violence, urging the state to investigate and prosecute with diligence.
Ecuador's escalating murder rate and a record 220 tons of seized drugs in 2022 underscore the urgency of addressing the complex issues contributing to the country's security crisis.
READ MORE: History of Ecuador Tradition, Inti Raymi
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Ecuador enters 'internal armed conflict' after gang attack at tv station - From NBC News
Pablo Escobar, the infamous drug lord, once admitted to being intimidated by Griselda Blanco, Colombian Cocaine Godmother, known for orchestrating a notorious drug cartel.
In a new six-part Netflix series titled "Griselda," Modern Family star Sofia Vergara steps into the shoes of this enigmatic figure, bringing to life the gripping narrative of one of the most profitable cartels in history, The Economic Times reports.
Produced by the team behind Narcos, the series delves into Blanco's cunning and ambitious character, set against the chaotic backdrop of 1970s and 80s Miami.
READ NEXT: Netflix Drops First Look of Sofia Vergara as Griselda Blanco
The Colombian Cocaine Godmother's Reign in Miami: A Dark Tale Unfolds
Miami in the 1970s and 80s witnessed chaos, largely influenced by Griselda Blanco, famously known as "La Madrina" or "The Godmother," per The Wrap.
As the city's most significant cocaine dealer, Griselda Blanco, the Killer Queenpin, left a trail of death and destruction, making her mark in history.
The Netflix series "Griselda," starring Sofia Vergara, offers a unique perspective on the notorious female drug trafficker, revealing her empowered yet grisly persona.
Director Andres Baiz, known for his work on the "Narcos" series, introduces Griselda as a formidable figure from the opening scene.
Beautiful, well-dressed, and tough as nails, she tends to a wound, showcasing her resilience.
The narrative, crafted by Baiz and Eric Newman, initially draws empathy for Griselda, similar to their approach with Pablo Escobar in "Narcos."
From Kidnapping to Drug Empire: Griselda's Complex Journey
Born in 1943 in Colombia, Griselda Blanco's life took a criminal turn from an early age.
At 11, she allegedly shot a wealthy boy she had kidnapped, according to BBC.
She illegally migrated to New York at 21, in 1964, where she began her criminal activities, initially selling marijuana.
Sofia Vergara emphasizes Griselda's challenging early life as an immigrant raising three children alone.
The Netflix series aims to humanize the Colombian Cocaine Godmother, Griselda Blanco, showcasing her as a complex character with reasons, if not excuses, for her actions.
A single mother fleeing an abusive relationship, she navigates a male-dominated world with wit and intelligence, earning initial support from viewers.
By 1970, Griselda Blanco's involvement in criminal activities escalated as she ordered her first husband's murder and relocated to Miami.
Blanco's audacious approach to drug smuggling, including using women to transport cocaine, propelled her to the helm of the criminal enterprise.
The series highlights her ruthless nature, evident in the 1975 shooting of her second husband and the 1983 assassination of her third husband.
Griselda Blanco, also known as the Black Widow, reached the height of her power in the early 1980s, overseeing the trafficking of massive cocaine shipments to the US monthly.
Sofia Vergara reflects on Blanco's initial intentions of protecting her family upon moving to Miami, suggesting that along the way, power and money transformed her into a monster.
In the early 1980s, Blanco rejected a $15 million offer from a rival cartel, solidifying her reign as one of the world's richest and most feared women.
The Netflix series "Griselda" unfolds a dark tale of power, crime, and the complex journey of a woman who left an indelible mark on the history of drug cartels.
READ MORE: Sofia Vergara Facts
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Mary Webber
WATCH: Griselda | Official Trailer - From Netflix
Donald Trump continued scowling and complaining as he attended his rape trial in New York, leading to the judge scolding him, as well as his lawyer, Alina Habba for their antics. While Trump was being disruptive with his gesturing and table banging, Habba repeatedly asked the judge to delay the trial even after being told no, annoying him in the process and leading him to tell her to "sit down."
US District Judge Lewis Kaplan rebuked the former president for repeating comments found to be false by the previous rape trial. Donald Trump reportedly repeated comments within earshot of the jury, including muttering that the case is a "witch hunt," among other similar comments, which were the reason why former Elle Magazine columnist E. Jean Carrol was suing him in the first place.
As Trump was repeatedly muttering his false claims over and over again, Judge Kaplan finally warned him that as the judge overseeing the case, he has the right to throw the former president out of the courtroom over his disruptive antics.
"Mr. Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited, and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, which is what has been reported to me," he told those present in the courtroom, per Politico. He then addressed Trump directly after, as he was sitting at the defense table.
"Mr. Trump, I hope I don't have to consider excluding you from the trial," the judge told the twice-impeached former president. "I understand you are probably very eager for me to do that."
However, Donald Trump answered, "I would love it. I would love it," while throwing his hands up. This led the judge to retort. "I know you would. I know you would," Judge Kaplan told him. "You just can't control yourself in this circumstance, apparently."
Judge Also Shuts Down Donald Trump Lawyer Alina Habba
As for Alina Habba, she was asking the judge to delay the proceedings so her client, former President Donald Trump, could attend the funeral of his late mother-in-law. However, the judge told her no, saying that Trump was not required to attend the trial and was only there voluntarily, as his presence was only optional.
READ MORE: Donald Trump Gets Laughed at in Court During Latest Rape Trial in New York
Despite this, Habba continued to ask the judge the same thing, prompting Kaplan to tell her once again, "The application is denied. I will hear no further argument on it." However, she continued speaking, but Kaplan had enough and said, "None. Do you understand that word? Sit down."
Habba kept on complaining but the judge finally put his foot down, according to Salon, repeating himself as he cut her off, "It's denied. Sit down."
E. Jean Carrol Delivers Powerful Testimony as Donald Trump Rages Amid Rape Trial
During that same trial where Donald Trump and Alina Habba were reprimanded, the woman suing him, E. Jean Carroll, took to the stand.
"I'm here because Donald Trump assaulted me, and when I wrote about it, he said it never happened," she testified in court. "He lied, and it shattered my reputation." This was when Trump could be heard complaining and doubling down on his claims in a court that previously found them false.
Carrol then explained her side of the story and added. "I expected him to deny it, but to say it was consensual when it was not. But that's what I expected him to say."
READ MORE: Donald Trump Received Millions of Dollars From China, Other Countries While US President
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Trump CRUSHED by OPENING STATEMENTS in Federal Trial - MeidasTouch
A 33-year-old man was hurt in a shooting Wednesday evening on an Easton street, city police said.
The man checked himself into St. Lukes Hospital-Anderson campus in Bethlehem Township with a gunshot wound, Easton Police Lt. Matthew Gerould said. The man is expected to survive his injuries, he said.
The gunfire was reported to have happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Davis and Palmer streets. About an hour later, investigators learned the man was at the hospital.
Police, however, say investigators found no evidence at the scene any gunfire happened. Witnesses also reported not hearing any shots fired in the area. The man has been uncooperative with investigators, police said.
Wednesdays incident remains under investigation by the Easton Police Department. Those with information are asked to call city detectives at 610-250-6780 or the tip line at 610-250-6635.
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Five women from New York were killed when a tractor-trailer struck people at the scene of a crashed minivan on Interstate 81 in snowy northeastern Pennsylvania, state police said Wednesday.
The minivan, carrying four women, went out of control in the northbound lanes of I-81 in Lackawanna County, hit a concrete barrier and was left disabled in the left lane shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, police said. A sedan carrying two of their relatives then stopped on the right shoulder, and both occupants crossed both lanes to talk with the minivans occupants, police said.
A northbound tractor-trailer then hit the minivan and also struck the people standing on the highway, killing three of them, and two people inside the minivan were also killed, police said.
Pronounced dead at the scene were Harvrist Zebari, 42, of Endwell; Fatma Ahmed, 71, of Binghamton; Shahzinaz Mizouri, 56, of Vestal; and Berivan Zebara, 43, and Aleen Ameen, 19, both of Johnson City, police said. The 22-year-old man who had been driving the sedan had moderate injuries and the truck driver had minor injuries, police said.
A winter weather advisory had been in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday for the area, with several inches of snow tapering off in the afternoon. The National Weather Service warned of hazardous road conditions amid freezing temperatures, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advised motorists to use caution.
A trucker who traveled the same direction hours later, Janet Pohoda, said the roads were slick from snow, WNEP reported.
Its sad, but I would tell them to get off the road for tonight until the roads are in better condition, you know, cleared up more, she said.
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The second winter storm of the week in the Lehigh Valley is forecast to drop at least 3 inches of snow across most of the region and as much as 6 inches in some spots Friday ahead of a chilly January weekend.
Meteorologists are tracking a system that includes a coastal low developing off the Carolina coast by Thursday evening, heading east-northeastward. Meanwhile, a more intensifying system will head eastward from the Ohio Valley toward the Mid-Atlantic, where it will meet with the coastal system, according to the National Weather Services area forecast discussion.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m to 10 p.m. Friday for Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County in New Jersey, as well as the surrounding areas. Motorists should expect slippery roadways during the day and icy, dangerous conditions overnight as temperatures plunge into the teens, the advisory states.
A Hazardous Weather Outlook additionally was issued by the weather service for Northampton County through Thursday evening.
Meteorologists expect snow to push in during the early Friday morning hours and continue falling through the afternoon. AccuWeather is making similar predictions, calling for a total of 3 to 6 inches of total accumulation when its all said and done Friday evening.
This means that yes, another day of remote learning, school closures or early dismissals is possible.
At Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, cloudy conditions are in the forecast for Thursday with highs struggling to reach the freezing mark of 32 in most of the region.
The chance of precipitation on Thursday evening is 30% with new snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. The low temperature is expected to dip to 24 degrees by Thursday evening, the weather service says.
AccuWeather is predicting a real feel of 27 degrees for the region Thursday evening.
Theres a chance of snow before 4 a.m. Friday with a better chance of snow mainly after 8 a.m. Friday. Then, snow is forecast to fall throughout the day, mainly before 11 p.m., with a 100% chance of precipitation for Friday. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible for Friday and another new snow accumulation of less than one inch is possible for Friday evening, according to the weather service.
The high temperature Friday is forecast by both weather agencies to stay around 30 degrees. Overnight temps once the snow pushes out of the area, however, will dip into the teens with wind chill values in the single digits, both the weather service and AccuWeather say.
Saturday will be another frigid day with highs in the 20s and wind gusts of up to 30 mph, the weather service said in its Friday morning forecast discussion. Saturday evenings forecast continues to be blustery, with a low temperature of 13 degrees.
Sunday wont be much warmer highs only make it into the upper 20s, the weather service says. AccuWeather predicts a high temp reaching 31 degrees. Sunny skies, however, are expected both days.
Current weather radar
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A man who was caught with 2,170 in cash pleaded guilty to a charge of money laundering.
Ali Mamisi, 23, of 16 Waterfront Apartments, French Church Street, Portarlington was charged with money laundering at Millbrook, Portlaoise on August 3, 2023.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant was stopped and searched and the money was discovered. He failed to explain where it had come from. He said the defendant had 43 previous convictions for offences including drugs and robbery and was given a prison sentence for drug possession in 2022.
He hasnt been deterred, Judge Nicola Andrews said on hearing of the sentence.
Sgt Kirby said the defendant had a difficult upbringing.
He became involved in criminality of all kinds, he said.
In the last six months he has improved, said Sgt Kirby.
Solicitor Michael Byrne said his client was pleading guilty.
He puts his hand up for this matter, he said.
He said that although his client had the cash there are no trappings of wealth in his background.
He is willing to do community service, Judge, said Mr Byrne.
Judge Andrews noted the defendant has had a two month period of sobriety which she said was a massive achievement.
I always like to give people a chance, said Judge Andrews.
He is 23 years of age. His next stop is to go to a prison, she said.
She decided to refer the defendant for community service to see if he is a suitable candidate.
Judge Andrews warned the man that she would not hesitate in dealing with him if he gets in trouble in the meantime.
She ordered that the 2,170 be donated to the court poor box. The case was adjourned back to Portlaoise District Court on April 22 for a probation report.
POLICE in Northern Ireland are searching for an Irish man convicted of the manslaughter of a PSNI officer, who is unlawfully at large.
Detectives say Shane Frane, 36, who is originally from County Limerick may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Frane was convicted in February 2014 of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds, following a road traffic crash in February 2013, in the Waterside area of Derry.
A PSNI spokesman said he has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release by absconding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Constable Philippa Reynolds was killed in 2013 (PSNI/PA)
Frane is described as being 6ft 3in tall, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement.
He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
The spokesman said: Despite attempts to arrest Frane, police have been unable to locate him. He may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
The funeral of Constable Philippa Reynolds in 2013 (Niall Carson/PA)
Ms Reynolds, 27, was a passenger in a police vehicle which was hit by a stolen car driven by Frane in 2013.
Frane pleaded guilty to eight offences including manslaughter, causing her death by driving without a licence or insurance, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, and failing to remain at the scene and report an accident.
The officer was the back seat passenger in an unmarked police car that was hit by the stolen 44 vehicle that had been travelling at up to 80mph.
Mourners at Ms Reynolds funeral were told that she had touched many lives and had been killed in her prime.
Bail was granted to a Naas District Court defendant accused of leading gardai in a chase while driving a stolen vehicle.
The man appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan during an in-camera (in private) court session on Thursday, January 11 last.
A garda who was sworn in told the judge that the man faces 11 charges in total: eight of which relate to dangerous driving offences.
He has also been charged with the breach of a domestic violence protection order and simple drug possession.
In addition, he was also brought in by gardai in relation to the execution of a bench warrant.
DETAILS
The garda explained that gardai were informed about a car which was allegedly stolen by the defendant.
When gardai arrived to inspect the car and question the driver, the man 'failed to co-operate' and took off at speed.
It was heard that a garda helicopter was involved in the chase, and that the man failed to stop at red traffic lights, had weaved in-and-out of traffic, and had collided with two separate cars.
The chase came to a halt when the man exited the car and fled on foot.
The garda said that he was later found hiding in a shed.
AGREED CONDITIONS
Bail was granted for the accused under the following conditions: he must provide an independent surety with a 500 bond; he must observe curfew of between 10pm and 7am; he must provide an approved address to gardai; he must provide his phone number to gardai and be contactable at all times; he must stay away from Dublin Airport; and he must remain of sober habits.
As directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were not yet ready in the case, Judge Zaidan adjourned the matter to a later date to allow time for DPP directions.
In relation to the execution of the bench warrant, Judge Zaidan sent the man forward to a separate court date in another District Court.
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Cllr Paddy Farrell called on Leitrim County Council "to make every effort in 2024 to contact the IDA and Enterprise Ireland with a view to bringing high tech industrial jobs to Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon to keep our young people at home as both towns are ideally located to road and rail networks."
He was speaking at the most recent Carrick-on-Shannon municipal district meeting.
A report by the Economic Development section said that Leitrim County Council are "very conscious of the need to attract sustainable jobs to both Carrick and Mohill to provide employment opportunities for all age cohorts in Leitrim and is actively seeking a meeting with the IDA in early 2024 at which the existing lands and facilities within the county to attract and sustain an IDA investment will be discussed in conjunction with the wider benefits that Leitrim has to offer.
"The Local Enterprise Office are in continuous discussions with Enterprise Ireland and are meeting the Enterprise Ireland Regional manager in late January to discuss the work programme for 2024."
IDA Ireland has appointed Leitrim man, Michael Lohan, as its new chief executive.
Cllr Enda Stenson said that he felt it would be beneficial for Mr Lohan to attend the full council meeting.
"We have some fine buildings here, particularly in Carrick, that are vacant at the moment," he said.
Cllr Thomas Mulligan supported the motion and said the council are "doing quite a bit with regards to regeneration in Mohill and there have been some very commendable developments there such as the Enterprise Centre" and "great facilities put in place".
He added that there was a need for jobs in the county "let it be high tech or whatever; we'll take anything that comes."
Cllr Sean McGowan also supported the motion and remarked that public realm works in Mohill "will leave it looking very well" and commended the Town Team.
He welcomed the recently announced development planned for Lough Rynn Castle Estate which will consist of the construction of three extensions at the existing hotel to provide 51 additional guest bedrooms (increasing the total accommodation to 95 guest bedrooms), a restaurant, leisure centre, spa and treatment rooms.
He concluded, "We do need some industry and both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland should be contacted to push for it."
Cllr Des Guckian said that the council should be supporting the "revival of the building industry and also the agriculture industry to improve employment available in the county."
Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire supported the suggestion to have Mr Lohan come and meet with council members.
"With the N4 coming through and good rail services from Dromod to Carrick, we're just updating him on what's here and giving him the enthusiasm for the county that he already has."
Cllr Stenson complimented the council on the work it's doing to promote the county.
Justin Fannon, Leitrim County Council, added that Mr Lohan attended a business meeting in Dublin prior to Christmas, at which the IDA man spoke.
"There were 100 Leitrim people there and business people from Dublin; the Leitrim Dublin Business Network it's called."
He said that Joseph Gilhooly, Chief Executive (Interim) at Leitrim County Council gave a presentation on Leitrim and "what's happening and what's available and Mr Lohan was very interested."
He said that an invitation can be sent to Mr Lohan to ask him to come to Leitrim County Council to meet with members.
Estimates of 800-900 abortions per month being carried out in Ireland have been described as a devastating tragedy by Sean Wynne, Drumshanbo Secretary of the Irish Catholic Association Campaign, at a very well attended March for Life last Saturday, outside Sligo University Hospital.
While there are official figures as to the number of abortions/terminations which have taken place in Ireland since the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 came into effect, the START group, (Southern Task Group on Abortion & Reproductive Topics) which represents some of the medical professionals involved in abortion provision, said its members estimate they are carrying out between 800-900 terminations per month.
Commenting on termination figures, Sean Wynne expressed dismay that rather than being horrified at the number of terminations / abortions taking place, these START medics have been campaigning for additional changes to the legislation, which they claim are needed, changes which would in fact facilitate even more abortions/terminations.
It is stunning how the goalposts keep shifting, without any scrutiny or hard questions being asked.
The public was misled every step of the way during the referendum campaign, as people were repeatedly told, and falsely reassured, that abortions/ terminations/ unlawful killings would be restricted in the event of the Eighth Amendment being repealed, he said.
Mr Wynne continued, But now the sad and tragic truth is starting to emerge. Pro-life campaigners were accused of scaremongering in the run up to the referendum, but based on the latest figures, if anything, they underestimated what would happen in Ireland if the 8th amendment was repealed, now that we see the true figures emerging.
Factoring in the number of abortion pills previously bought online, as well as the drop in the number of Irish women travelling to England for abortions, 800-900 abortions per month still represents an almost trebling of Irelands abortion rate, or, over 12,000 terminations in one year.
97% of babies terminated are perfectly healthy, so the question must be asked; why are life-giving alternatives to abortion not even being discussed? said Sean Wynne.
He added, This outcome is a devastating tragedy and a huge indictment of the Government, resulting from all of the misleading statements made during the referendum campaign five years ago, as well as their refusal to support positive alternatives to terminations.
The Minister for Health at the time of the referendum, Simon Harris, closed his eyes and ears to everyone who predicted what was likely to happen in the event of repeal of the 8th amendment.
In conclusion, Mr Wynne said, We are hugely encouraged by the way in which pro-life activists remain committed to the right to life of all human beings, given the setback that happened in 2018.
Responsibly and persistently, we will fight on to ensure that the truth gets out about the kind of abortion/termination regime that this Fine Gael-led government has introduced.
One only has to look at whats happening in other countries, with great hope and optimism, to see that this battle for the right to life of the unborn is far from over, Mr Wynne concluded.
The much-anticipated Leitrim Design House SALE started on Sunday, January 14th at 10am on our online shop until Sunday 21th and continues in store from Mon 15th to Saturday 20th www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie. Dont miss this opportunity to own inspiring creative gifts at incredible value.
What makes us different from other sales? We dont compromise on quality. Our sales are genuine discounts on existing stock of outstanding quality handmade Irish products.
Theres immense value across our store why not shop smartly and efficiently by planning out your gifts for the year ahead! Make huge savings on birthdays, anniversary, or home gifts.
Browse designer jewellery with a difference such as Miriam Wades collection, an award-winning goldsmith from Westmeath. Her pieces are inspired by the historical landscape of the midlands in simple modern designs that are both timeless and elegant. Each piece is Irish hallmark guaranteed.
A seasonal sale is a great opportunity to wrap yourself up in luxury with a Hanley pure wool throw, woven in Co. Tipperary.
The perfect item to add colour and warmth to any room. Pair with lavish scented candles by Soak and add a hint of intrigue to any space, like their orange, mint and eucalyptus essential oil candle.
Orange oil lifts your mood and aids in reducing stress. Mint is known to enhance memory and increase alertness. Eucalyptus helps refresh and energise the body and has a calming, soothing effect on the mind. Ideal for the start of a New Year!
Each candle is crafted with 10% essential oil blend, sustainable soy wax and is hand poured in small batches, with premium essential oils and topped with dried organic mint from the Wild Atlantic Way.
Invest in unique sustainable products and support small Irish businesses who are hand making these products locally and around the island of Ireland.
Spend your hard-earned money in a not-for -profit organisation that mentors, trains, and supports Irish designers, artists and craft makers.
By choosing to shop local, youre supporting our rich and diverse creative community. Its a great time to treat yourself and set yourself up for the year ahead.
Whether it's study or business, let your commitment and professionalism shine through with a beautifully crafted Tinnakeenly leather bag.
The range includes timeless leather handbags, leather MacBook satchels, sturdy travel bags, wallets, and purses.
Alternatively, Wild by Water waterproof bags, are perfect for the Irish climate, each has a print of a Irish landmark or scene to inspire journeys around our beautiful landscape.
Support talented Irish artists with 20% off all our Irish made gifts for one week only! Lighten the mood in your home with artwork from our current ARTWALL exhibition by Bairbre Browne. Humorous, quirky, and individual! This is a great time to own something no one else has.
A sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in art with significant reductions. Start your own art collection, gather original works by emerging and established artists that you can share with family members and visiting guests. Join in our events and build a rapport with the artists behind the works.
Art makes great conversation starters and helps build lasting memories of experiences shared. This is a wonderful chance to own an original work to cherish and share for generations to come.
Our unique designer products add value to your home. Select a piece of Irish art that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Let the light in this winter with beautifully crafted lamps by Kaiko designs. Save 50 off their Wabi Sabi Concrete Orb Table Lamp. Inspired by Brutalist architecture with Wabi Sabi twist. Wabi Sabi- In traditional Japanese aesthetics, its a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.
Rejuvenate your skin for the year ahead with our sensitive skin care range. Yvonne from LORE natural skincare is passionate about using the healing properties of plants in all her skincare for all different skin types.
With the use of knowledge and tradition and sustainably sourced natural ingredients LORE Natural Skincare came about.
SPA cottage skincare also came about through the use of knowledge and tradition.
Leitrim based Michael McManus created this range of organic facial products using Sulphur Water that encourages keratin and collagen production.
Both essential for youthful and radiant skin, hair, and nails.
Irish made gifts supports jobs at home and keeps communities thriving so keep visiting us through 2024.
Browse at ease in our spacious store or from the comfort of your own home through our click n collect or tele sales options.
For further queries or gift guidance phone us on 071 9050550 or email us on shop@leitrimdesignhouse.ie or visit us at The Leitrim Design House, in the beautiful The Dock Art Centre, a beautiful 19th century building in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannons cultural quarter in Leitrim www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie
Two bishops who govern the dioceses covering Roscrea have issued a joint statement in response to the ongoing protests outside a hotel accommodating asylum seekers in the town.
The Catholic Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan and the Church of Ireland Bishop of Killaloe, Limerick and Tuam, Michael Burrows, said they have found it "disturbing and sad to see some of the strong protests against the arrival of people seeking emergency accommodation in Roscrea, and also other venues and locations of the country."
"Many of our ancestors were at one time economic migrants, and our children today continue to travel to gain work and life experience. We Irish, more than most, know what it is like to be a stranger in a foreign land," they continued.
They have appealed for calm and "for a peaceful approach to the issues involved".
"Our joint appeal is for us all to keep on mind the bigger picture and the emergency situation that presents itself," the statement from their Excellencies read.
"Many of the people coming to our shores are coming from very distressful situations and are in dire need of refuge and shelter. They deserve whatever level of help can possibly be offered and provided, even if it involves some sacrifice or inconvenience, going the extra mile, so to speak."
The statement praised the "great tradition of hospitality, welcome and friendship" of the people of Roscrea, and welcomed the announcement of the government of "extra provision for local areas in relation to health, education and policing".
"It is our strong hope also that these developments will be accompanied with an increased level of communication and consultation of local communities involved or affected should any new projects arise."
"As we enter this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18 to January 25, we pray that all who follow the way of Jesus Christ would pray for peace and an end to war and conflict in the many troubled spots of the world," the statement concluded.
Getchell Gold Corp to Attend the 2024 Vancouver Resource Investment Conference
Exhibiting at Booth 808
Live Corporate Presentation: 11:10 - 11:20am - Sunday, Jan 21 st, Workshop 3
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 17, 2024 /CNW/ - Getchell Gold Corp. (CSE: GTCH) (OTCQB: GGLDF) (FWB: GGA1) ("Getchell" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming 2024 Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (the "VRIC") in Vancouver on January 21-22, 2024.
The VRIC, a key event in the junior mining sector for 25 years, draws over 5,000 investors annually. It will feature a marketplace with more than 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, covering the spectrum from early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.
This conference presents a unique opportunity for Getchell to highlight its latest achievements at the Fondaway Canyon Gold Project and to outline its strategies for 2024. The conference schedule includes tailored meetings that match investors with appropriate projects, supported by expert analyses and updates on the latest trends in the mining sector.
Investors keen on attending the VRIC can register here: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference. Getchell invites attendees to visit its booth where they can directly interact with the Company's leadership team and gain insights into Getchell's recent progress and future plans.
About Getchell Gold Corp.
The Company is a Nevada focused gold and copper exploration company trading on the CSE: GTCH, OTCQB: GGLDF, and FWB: GGA1. Getchell Gold is primarily directing its efforts on its most advanced stage asset, Fondaway Canyon, a past gold producer with a large mineral resource estimate. Complementing Getchell's asset portfolio is Dixie Comstock, a past gold producer with a historic resource and two earlier stage exploration projects, Star (Cu-Au-Ag) and Hot Springs Peak (Au). Getchell has the option to acquire 100% of the Fondaway Canyon and Dixie Comstock properties, Churchill County, Nevada.
For further information please visit the Company's website at www.getchellgold.com or contact the Company at [email protected].
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although management of Getchell have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Getchell Gold Corp.
17 january 2024 at 16:00
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Former Teacher Michael Fuchigami Puts Spotlight On Lack Of Student Mental Health Protection: Ontario School Refuses To Inform Parents About School Shooting Lesson, And Ontario Courts Uphold Decision
OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - In a recent decision, the Ontario Divisional Court ruled in favour of the Ontario College of Teachers, affirming their decision not to pursue a disciplinary complaint against school staff involved in a controversial bullying lesson at Longfields Davidson Heights in Ottawa. (Fuchigami v. Ontario College of Teachers, 2024 ONSC 106. Divisional Court file No. 239/22)
The complaint stemmed from a 2018 incident in which a mental health lesson on bullying, delivered to elementary students, ended with a fictional reenactment of a school shooting. The performance allegedly caused distress and raised significant concerns about student mental health safeguards.
The lesson depicted a bullied student responding to his situation by killing his bullies and justifying his actions, a scenario not vetted by mental health professionals. Teachers were not provided with training to support at-risk students, and no appropriate messaging about school shootings was part of the mental health lesson.
Mike Fuchigami, a teacher at the time, filed the complaint, seeking to address these shortcomings and the systemic failures in protecting student mental health. He made the complaint because the Ottawa Carleton District School Board refused requests to inform parents about the potential risk of suicidal ideation following the lesson. According to Fuchigami, this decision left potentially vulnerable students with mental health challenges without support.
However, with the court's recent decision in Fuchigami v. Ontario College of Teachers, 2024 ONSC 106, the concerns about safeguarding at-risk students still need to be addressed. Fuchigami expresses disappointment with the outcome, but remains committed to raising awareness about the case. He aims to engage mental health professionals, student mental health advocates, and the public in a dialogue to improve mental health support and educational practices. Fuchigami emphasizes the importance of active citizenship and the need for courageous conversations to bring about collaborative change in Ontario's educational system.
"The bullying lesson at my school failed to consider invisible students with undisclosed mental health challenges," said Fuchigami. "As chief psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Paquette from the Ottawa Catholic School Board once noted about '13 Reasons Why', 'In a classroom, there's always going to be some vulnerable students, and it's always those students that are our concern in the mental health field.'"
Regarding the issues with parental communication in this matter, Fuchigami remarked,
"Actively refusing to inform parents about this controversial school shooting lesson is something I believe most elementary teachers in Ontario would find inappropriate. However, the court primarily considered whether I have the limited standing required to challenge the College's decision, and did not delve into the steps that should have been taken by the staff members who put on the play."
Fuchigami found the process of raising his concerns with relevant education bodies to be a frustrating experience. As he explained, "I didn't have objective evidence from a mental health expert to question the school shooting bullying lesson and the College dismissed the testimonial I provided from a public health nurse / parent who withdrew their child from the lesson because it would be triggering."
The College of Teachers did not contact the OCDSB school board psychologist whether there were vulnerable students at risk; However, in response to an internal work health safety complaint filed by Fuchigami, the school board psychologist created a mental health policy that would have blocked this controversial lesson if the policy existed at the time.
"The College of Teachers dismissed my concerns as subjective," Fuchigami added. "They said 'you have pre-existing, undisclosed mental health challenges. The school can't be held responsible for your response to the lesson.' But I think my anxiety, depression, and paranoia help me appreciate what vulnerable students might be going through."
Despite the legal outcome, Fuchigami believes that this case underlines a crucial shortfall in how Ontario's education system and regulatory bodies like the College of Teachers safeguard (or don't safeguard) vulnerable and invisible students with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. He said, "Schools are doing some great things to promote student mental health. But when things go wrong if the College of Teachers isn't going to stand up for our vulnerable students with mental health challenges, who is?"
Fuchigami's commitment to this issue is grounded in a fundamental question he poses to parents: "If your child was taught by a school that a solution to bullying is killing the bullies, would you want to be informed?"
He remains available for interviews and further comments on the case and its broader implications for student mental health advocacy. For more information or to schedule an interview, please visit https://michaelfuchigami.ca/media/
SOURCE Michael Fuchigami
18 january 2024 at 06:00
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Ecopetrol issues statement on information published by the media
BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) issues statement on the information published by some media outlets regarding the Arauca 8 well, located in the Municipality of Saravena in the Department of Arauca, Colombia, where the Company and Parex Resources Inc. (Parex) work together through a Business Collaboration Agreement.
To determine the materiality for Ecopetrol of the discovery, it is necessary to complete the analysis and evaluation tests of said well. Therefore, once a comprehensive study of the production potential of this well is completed, the discovery will be formal notified to the National Hydrocarbons Agency, within the deadlines and subject to the contractual requirements of the Arauca agreement executed by Ecopetrol.
Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, and the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
Head of Capital Markets
Carolina Tovar Aragon
Email: [email protected]
Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia)
Marcela Ulloa
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
18 january 2024 at 06:10
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SmartLabs Announces $48 Million Series C Funding to Advance Its Laboratory Infrastructure and Resourcing Solutions
Financing will be used to further develop and optimize SmartLabs' innovative product portfolio in order to address the modern needs of customers across the life sciences industry
BOSTON, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartLabs, the leading provider of flexible laboratory infrastructure and resourcing solutions, today announced the raise of a $48 million Series C financing. The funding round included participation from ArrowMark Partners, Winslow Capital Management, and Conversion Venture Capital (CVC2). The Series C financing marks the beginning of the next chapter in the advancement and optimization of SmartLabs' laboratory solution portfolio, and follows a number of important strategic milestones for the company ? including the appointment of industry veteran Brian Taylor as interim CEO earlier this month, and the launch of its new San Francisco-based CleanSuitestm offering and most advanced research center to date in August, 2023 ? positioning the company for sustained growth moving forward.
"This new round of financing underscores the confidence of our existing investors in SmartLabs' unique lab infrastructure and resourcing solutions, validating the potential of our innovative model for the industry," said Taylor. "The financing will help us expand the boundaries of SmartLabs' integrated operational model, and enhance our ability to deliver innovative, cost and capitally efficient solutions to accelerate scientific development and innovation across the biopharma industry. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead as we redefine the landscape of laboratory solutions and unlock unparalleled value for our customers."
Today's biopharma landscape has ushered in a rise in diverse, novel therapies with the potential to address a multitude of complex and devastating diseases. But realizing this promise requires the ability to scale and adapt in ways that match the unprecedented pace and diversity of modern science. Innovative and flexible lab and manufacturing solutions are a critical success factor in drug development and delivery. With a continued tightened funding market and growing competition, these solutions also need to reduce risk and be capitally efficient to offer companies needed runway to meet important milestones.
SmartLabs delivers fully resourced lab environments at enterprise-scale that offer multifunctional research and development spaces, vivariums, process development and pilot-scale suites, and cGMP capacity under one roof on both the East and West Coasts. This unique ability allows companies of all stages and sizes to launch, scale, and shift as programs and projects evolve. By co-locating R&D infrastructure and resources with manufacturing solutions, SmartLabs facilitates unprecedented collaboration and access between all players in the R&D and manufacturing space. Clients are able to accelerate timelines while controlling their own science, saving 6-24 months in scale-up time and up to 95% in upfront capital expenditures, compared to traditional options.
"SmartLabs is pioneering nimble and capitally efficient laboratory and manufacturing resourcing solutions with the power to meet the ever-changing needs of scientific development," said Clayton Freeman, Portfolio Manager at ArrowMark Partners. "We're thrilled to support them in this mission and look forward to their next phase of growth. We're fully committed and wholeheartedly believe in SmartLabs' revolutionary solutions for the life sciences industry. The collective support from other investors is a testament to our shared enthusiasm, providing SmartLabs the tools they need to evolve in this dynamic market."
SmartLabs' integrated research centers offer dozens of programs accelerating the development of therapies across a wide spectrum of modalities, including cell therapies, gene therapies, and personalized medicine. Its flexible offerings ensure companies are better supported and resourced as they tackle today's toughest scientific challenges.
About SmartLabs
Founded in 2015, SmartLabs offers the first integrated platform combining flexible lab infrastructure, operations, and scientific expertise. Its Managed Research Centers allow companies to purchase private, enterprise-grade R&D infrastructure and manufacturing solutions "as-a-service" without upfront capital investments. With headquarters in Boston and locations across the U.S., SmartLabs serves over 120 diverse biotech, biopharma and life sciences organizations. For more information, visit www.smartlabs.com.
SOURCE SmartLabs
18 january 2024 at 07:00
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Nanoscope Therapeutics Provides Regulatory Update on MCO-010 for the Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa
FDA and EU Regulators provide consistent advice that visual acuity may serve as primary endpoint to evaluate the effectiveness of MCO-010 in the treatment of low-vision retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients
Regulatory feedback provides clarity for potential path to approval in the US and in Europe for MCO-010 in RP; Nanoscope preparing for immediate execution
DALLAS, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc., a late-stage clinical biotechnology company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degenerations (AMD), today provided an update following recent regulatory discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") and from the Scientific Advice meeting with the Icelandic Medicines Agency ("IMA"), regarding the regulatory path of MCO-010 for the treatment of RP.
In connection with the productive Type B End-of-Phase 2 discussion with the FDA, Nanoscope received feedback on its MCO-010 optogenetic gene therapy program in patients with severe vision loss from advanced RP. The FDA stated that change from baseline in a measure of visual acuity in low vision patients could be an appropriate primary efficacy assessment in an adequate and well-controlled study to provide substantial evidence of benefit to support BLA approval. MCO-010 has received both orphan drug and fast track designations from the FDA.
Nanoscope also received positive feedback from a Scientific Advice meeting with the IMA as part of the approval path for MCO-010 in Europe.
The IMA endorsed visual acuity as the appropriate primary endpoint to evaluate low-vision RP patients after MCO-010 treatment.
The IMA also endorsed 0.3 logMAR change as being clinically meaningful for the severe vision loss RP patients.
The IMA suggested Nanoscope explore conditional approval for MCO-010 in Europe based on the existing data.
Based on regulatory discussions, Nanoscope has reverted to visual acuity as the primary endpoint in the ongoing randomized, double-masked, multicenter Phase 2b study (RESTORE). The end-of-study, 100-week data are expected to be reported in H1 2024.
"Consistent input from both the FDA and IMA on the potential for visual acuity to serve as the primary endpoint for the clinical program is a major milestone for Nanoscope and provides MCO-010 with a clear regulatory path in the US and in Europe," said Sulagna Bhattacharya, Co-founder, and CEO of Nanoscope.
About Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) encompasses a group of rare genetic disorders in which the retina's photoreceptor cells degrade over time, leading to impaired vision and eventual blindness. These disorders are believed to be linked to over 100 different gene mutations. Approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. and an estimated 2 million people worldwide suffer from RP, making it the leading cause of inheritable blindness.
About MCO-010
Current gene therapies aim to treat patients with specific gene mutations, and are further limited in advanced disease with degenerated outer retina cells. Ambient-light activatable MCO optogenetic monotherapy targets abundant inner retinal neurons and has the potential to restore vision permanently lost due to advanced RP. MCO-010 (sonpiretigene isteparvovec, suspension for intravitreal injection) is the only broadband, fast, and most-light sensitive opsin currently in clinical trials. With bipolar cell targeting via mGluR6 promoter-enhancer, the MCO-010 expression cassette is designed for restoring high quality vision in real-world environments. The proprietary AAV2 vector allows robust transduction of MCO-010 in bipolar cells upon intravitreal injection. The Phase 1/2 study of MCO-010 in advanced RP patients demonstrated favorable safety and dose-dependent improvement in visual acuity. Nominally significant visual acuity improvements in MCO-010 treated patients were observed in comparison to control in Phase 2b RESTORE trial. There were also nominally significant functional vision improvements as assessed by multi-luminance vision-guided mobility and shape discrimination, along with a favorable safety profile.
About Nanoscope Therapeutics Inc.
Nanoscope Therapeutics is developing gene-agnostic, sight-restoring optogenetic therapies for the millions of patients blinded by inherited retinal diseases, for which no cure exists. The company's lead asset, MCO-010, recently reported topline results from the RESTORE Phase 2b multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical trial in the U.S. for retinitis pigmentosa (NCT04945772). The company has also recently completed the Phase 2 STARLIGHT trial of MCO-010 therapy in patients with Stargardt disease (NCT05417126 ). MCO-010 has received FDA fast track designations and FDA orphan drug designations for both retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease. Preclinical assets include non-viral laser-delivered MCO-020 gene therapy for geographic atrophy.
Investor Contact:
Argot Partners
212-600-1902
[email protected]
SOURCE Nanoscope Therapeutics
18 january 2024 at 07:00
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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Acquires The Rowley Agency, LLC
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Concord, New Hampshire-based The Rowley Agency, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Rowley Agency is a retail insurance broker providing property/casualty, surety and employee benefits products to commercial and personal lines clients primarily in New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. Dan Church, Gary Stevens and their team will remain in their current location under the direction of Brendan Gallagher, head of Gallagher's Northeast region retail property/casualty brokerage operations, and John Neumaier, head of Gallagher's East region employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations.
"The Rowley Agency's expertise in niches including construction, manufacturing and healthcare enhances our existing capabilities as we continue to expand our presence in New England," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "I am delighted to welcome Dan, Gary and their associates to Gallagher."
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
Investors: Ray Iardella, VP - Investor Relations Media: Paul Day, Communications Manager 630-285-3661/ [email protected] 630-285-5946/ [email protected]
SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
18 january 2024 at 09:00
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Lenovo joins the ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation Partner Program to drive customers' digital transformation
Today, Lenovo announced it has joined the ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation Partner Program to help organizations take advantage of innovative workflows developed by Lenovo using ServiceNow platform capabilities.
As a ServiceNow Consulting and Implementation partner, Lenovo will utilize its extensive industry expertise, services track record, and large-scale implementation knowledge to help customers accelerate their digital transformation through the Now Platform. Lenovo will initially offer a gateway for transformative Digital Workplace capabilities to customers in Australia and Hong Kong, with further territories across the globe to follow.
The revamped ServiceNow Partner Program recognizes partners for their varied expertise and experience to drive opportunities, reach new markets, and help joint customers in their digital transformation efforts.
Lenovo is expanding its Digital Workplace Solutions capabilities with the Consulting and Implementation Partner Program to supply services through the Now platform, such as Order Management, Enterprise Asset Management, Service Bridge, Service Portfolio Management, Technology Provider Service Management, Security Operations, IT Service Management, IT Operations Management and Generative AI solutions which can be bundled with Lenovo Care of One platform capabilities.
Through the program and Lenovo's implementation of the Now Platform, customers will benefit from the latest Lenovo Digital Workplace Solutions, meaning they will be able to more effectively manage the client, vendor, and employee experience, integrate new services into existing systems, improve security and data protection controls and leverage AI capabilities.
"This joint go-to-market approach with ServiceNow means we're providing customers with the very latest IT solutions to help them transform and stay competitive in a digital world. We're supporting customers across all industries both as a ServiceNow service provider as well as offering consulting and solutions integration capabilities across Lenovo's service management portfolio. It means we can harness our collective expertise to elevate the customer experience, solve customers' most complex business challenges and accelerate successful digital transformation outcomes," said Linda Yao, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Strategy, Lenovo Solutions & Services Group.
"As a customer and now a valued ServiceNow partner, Lenovo will drive continuous business improvement for our customers and leverage the Now Platform to help accelerate time to revenue," said Marion Ryan, VP, Alliances and Channel Ecosystem APJ at ServiceNow. "This partnership will enable faster collaboration with customers, measurable value and high levels of client satisfaction."
Consulting and Implementation partners leverage industry or domain expertise to guide customers on how to introduce and utilize ServiceNow solutions to help their businesses grow and succeed. Partners use ServiceNow resources to influence deals, track technology deployments, and drive adoption of new solutions.
Visit www.lenovo.com/digital-workplace-solutions to learn more about Lenovo's Digital Workplace Solutions.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world's largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ?New IT' technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo's world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992)(ADR: LNVGY). To find out more, visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.
LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2024 Lenovo.
ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, Now, Now Platform, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
18 january 2024 at 09:05
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MEDIA ADVISORY - The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. to sign the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement in Iqaluit
OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Please be advised that Aluki Kotierk, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, and the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, will participate in the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement signing ceremony in Iqaluit. The ceremony will be preceded by a technical briefing for the media and followed by a media availability at 4:15 p.m. (ET).
More information regarding the announcement will be issued shortly.
Technical briefing
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 11:30 ? 12:30 p.m. (ET)
Where: Teleconference
Senior officials from the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and representatives of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will hold a technical briefing by teleconference. This technical briefing will be for background information only and not for attribution.
NOTE: To join the technical briefing teleconference, media representatives are asked to register by contacting Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Media Relations at [email protected] .
Ceremony
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. (ET)
NOTE: Virtual attendance is available to members of the media.
Media interested in participating can contact [email protected] for details.
Media availability
Date: Thursday, January 18, 2024
Time: 4:15 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. (ET)
Media attending the event in person are requested to arrive on site at 3:30 p.m.
NOTE: Virtual participation is available to members of the media.
Media interested in participating can contact [email protected] for details.
GovCan ? North (@GovCanNorth) / Twitter
SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
18 january 2024 at 10:48
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Seal River Watershed Alliance, Government of Canada, and Manitoba Government sign a historic agreement to protect one of the largest ecologically intact watersheds in the world
Memorandum of Understanding provides a framework to assess the feasibility of establishing an Indigenous protected and conserved area in northern Manitoba
WINNIPEG, MB, Jan. 18, 2024 /CNW/ - The Boreal Forest of northern Manitoba, with its rich and varied ecosystems and watersheds, is vital to the multitude of species that rely on it to thrive.
Today, representatives from the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Indigenous nations, the Government of Canada, and the Manitoba Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formally work together on a feasibility assessment to establish a potential Indigenous protected and conserved area and possible national park reserve in the Seal River Watershed.
Located in northern Manitoba, the 50,000 km2 Seal River Watershed is one of the largest remaining ecologically intact watersheds in the world. Portions of the watershed are currently protected by three Manitoba wilderness parks and an ecological reserve but protecting it in its entirety with this proposed Indigenous protected and conserved area would ensure its long-term wellbeing and longevity. It would also contribute approximately 0.4 per cent or 42,808 km2 to the Government of Canada's goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030. That's an area roughly the size of Denmark.
The Seal River still flows freely into Hudson Bay, unhindered by dams and industrial development, and the region is home to beluga whales and at least 25 known species at risk including wolverines, polar and grizzly bears, barren-ground caribou, and olive-sided flycatchers. Large numbers of harbour seals can be found as far as 200 kilometers inland from the mouth of the Seal River, giving the river its name.
The Seal River Watershed is the ancestral territory of many Indigenous nations and communities, including the Sayisi Dene First Nation, Northlands Denesuline First Nation, Barren Lands First Nation, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation. Together, these four First Nations comprise the Seal River Watershed Alliance. Their members have extensive knowledge of the lands and waters in this area. Traditional Knowledge, coupled with science, will be used as the foundation for the feasibility assessment of the potential Indigenous protected and conserved area.
At the December 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, the governments of Canada and Manitoba joined the Seal River Watershed Alliance in announcing their intentions to work together to explore the feasibility of an Indigenous protected and conserved area in the Seal River Watershed. The MOU signed today formalizes that commitment, clearly outlines the next steps, and provides a framework for advanced collaboration on the feasibility assessment. The feasibility assessment will explore the possibility of establishing an Indigenous protected and conserved area, potentially including a national park reserve. This will involve a public engagement process to seek input from individuals and organizations. In addition, the MOU provides the feasibility assessment study area with temporary protection from mineral exploration and staking, to help gain a better understanding of the area's geological attributes.
Working together, the Seal River Watershed Alliance and the Governments of Canada and Manitoba are taking action to assess and protect this iconic natural and cultural landscape for future generations.
A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding can be found on the Seal River Watershed Alliance's webpage.
Quotes
"The Seal River Watershed Alliance is proud to reach this major milestone in the journey to establish an Indigenous protected area. Our four First Nations are asserting our inherent right to care for these lands and waters, and in the process, we are strengthening our cultures, our languages, habitat for the caribou, the regional economy, and the commitments made by the province and federal governments. Today's agreement shows that Nation-to-Nation-to-Nation partnerships generate benefits for all."
Stephanie Thorassie
Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance
"This is a profound moment in Manitoba, where all levels of government are working together for the people of our province. Today's MOU is a direct result of Indigenous leadership and governments following through on that commitment. Together, we are ensuring a safer, cleaner, and healthier vision for Manitoba's lands and waters for generations to come."
The Honourable Wab Kinew
Premier of Manitoba
"Today marks a historic agreement to protect one of the largest and most ecologically intact watersheds in the world. Covering an area of land the size of Denmark, this is a major step forward in our Government's goal to protect thirty per cent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030, done in full partnership with Indigenous nations and the provinces and territories. This secures one of the largest carbon sinks needed to fight climate change, critical habitat for a wide range of northern wildlife, and preserves the land on which Indigenous nations depend. We still have a number of steps to go, but this sets us on the path for the long-term protection of the incredible Seal River Watershed for current and future generations."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
"I am proud to be part of this historic moment of advancing the establishment of an Indigenous protected and conserved area in northern Manitoba. The freely flowing water of the Seal River and its intact watershed are truly ecological and cultural gems worthy of long-term protection. I look forward to taking the next steps, together, in protecting these lands and waters for generations to come."
Terry Duguid
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for water
"The Seal River Watershed study area, which makes up nearly 8 per cent of Manitoba, is a major step forward in our commitment to protect 30 per cent of Manitoba's lands and waters by 2030. The creation of an Indigenous protected and conserved area would allow this ecologically significant watershed to continue to safeguard biodiversity and at-risk species in Manitoba."
The Honourable Tracy Schmidt
Manitoba Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"In a world that's rapidly losing its wild spaces, the value of protecting large intact landscapes like the Seal River Watershed in Northern Manitoba cannot be understated. The pristine forests, wetlands and tundra of the Seal River Watershed provide habitat for iconic wildlife including polar bears, wolverine, caribou, and seals. It also acts as a shield against the impacts of climate change by storing massive amounts of carbon. We are grateful to the members of the Seal River Watershed Alliance for their leadership in protecting this global treasure.
Indigenous peoples have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Conserving the Seal River Watershed as an Indigenous protected area is an important act of reconciliation. Our Manitoba chapter is honoured to have been a partner in the initiative since the initial discussions to protect the watershed began. Everyone at CPAWS is thrilled to celebrate this important milestone."
Chris Rider
National Director, Conservation, CPAWS
"Today's signing ceremony is a testament to what can be achieved when Indigenous leadership on the land is respected. These four First Nations have a vision for caring for the Seal River Watershed that will strengthen communities, generate jobs, and lead to one of the largest terrestrial protected areas in the country to conserve vital lands and waters. That's good for everyone. And that's why honouring Indigenous decision-making and stewardship will deliver positive results in the watershed, in Manitoba, and across Canada."
Valerie Courtois
Executive Director/Utshimau, Indigenous Leadership Initiative
"We're pleased to see this agreement come at a time when the value of Indigenous protected and conserved areas is being increasingly recognized as a necessary step toward reconciliation. IPCAs are also critical tools that can help Canada reach our climate and biodiversity goals?the Seal River Watershed, for example, stores more than 2 billion tonnes of carbon, making it particularly important for climate resiliency on a national scale. Congratulations to the Seal River Watershed Alliance?along with the members of its communities?and the governments of Manitoba and Canada on this historic milestone in one of the largest intact watersheds in the world."
Megan Leslie
President & CEO, World Wildlife Fund Canada
Quick Facts
The proposed Indigenous protected and conserved area in the Seal River Watershed is a conservation initiative put forth by the Seal River Watershed Alliance and in which decisions will be made on a nation-to-nation-to-nation level.
An Indigenous protected and conserved area is a designation that supports people, communities, and sustainable and culturally appropriate human uses while conserving ecosystems and biodiversity.
Canada has approximately 24 per cent of the world's boreal forests and about 25 per cent of the world's temperate forests. The 1.5 million square kilometers of wetlands in Canada make up about 25 per cent of the world total.
has approximately 24 per cent of the world's boreal forests and about 25 per cent of the world's temperate forests. The 1.5 million square kilometers of wetlands in make up about 25 per cent of the world total. Ecosystems like the Seal River Watershed act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide through trees, soils, mosses, and phytoplankton (tiny plants and plantlike organisms living in water). Carbon dioxide, released mainly because of human activities, is the primary contributor to climate change.
dioxide, released mainly because of human activities, is the primary contributor to climate change. The focus of the feasibility assessment stage is the development of an overall protected area concept. During this stage, additional emphasis is placed on identifying the opportunities and challenges associated with the proposal through an information gathering process that incorporates Traditional Knowledge and science, and that addresses issues that are important for each of the parties in the MOU.
In collaboration with Indigenous partners, stakeholders, and other levels of government, Canada is committed to protecting biodiversity and conserving 30 per cent of land, inland waters, and marine and coastal areas in Canada by 2030.
is committed to protecting biodiversity and conserving 30 per cent of land, inland waters, and marine and coastal areas in by 2030. The Manitoba government is committed to working with Indigenous communities on the goal of protecting 30 per cent of Manitoba's diverse landscapes by 2030.
Related Links
SOURCE Parks Canada
18 january 2024 at 12:00
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Wisconsin Wants to Make Your Cheese Dreams Come True on National Cheese Lover's Day
From making your very own variety of cheese to an all-expenses-paid trip exploring the State of Cheese, what is your cheese dream?
MADISON, Wis., Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Some states dream in bikini-covered beaches or barrel-aged bourbon, but Wisconsin dreams in cheese. This National Cheese Lover's Day Wisconsin Cheese is giving turophiles nationwide a chance to have their most cherished cheese dreams come true with the Wisconsin Cheese Dreams Contest.
Wisconsin Cheese truly believes that great cheese makes the world a happier, tastier place, and they should know, considering they've been making cheese longer than they have been a state! Over the years, Wisconsin Cheese has made lots of cheese dreams come true ? from pulling off some of the most elaborate cheese parties to setting the Guinness World Record for Largest Cheese Board. Whether its towers of cheese for weddings, fabulous fondue parties, or crafting a cheese ferris wheel, Wisconsin knows how to dream big. Now, they're searching for anyone looking for their cheese dreams to become reality.
"We're so fortunate to be surrounded by the deeply rooted cheese culture in Wisconsin ? artisan cheesemaking established before Wisconsin became a state, the only Master Cheesemaker program (Ph.D. in cheese) outside of Switzerland, chefs honoring artisanal cheeses in featured dishes, and it doesn't stop there," said Suzanne Fanning, CMO at Wisconsin Cheese. "Wisconsin dreams in cheese and if you are as obsessed with cheese as we are, we want to hear from you."
Wisconsin is putting out two questions to all turophiles this National Cheese Lover's Day. Enter the contest by uploading a 15-45 second video post to Instagram feed or reels highlighting your cheese dream, tagging @wisconsincheese, and using #wisconsincheesedream OR by going to www.wisconsincheese.com/dreams and uploading a 15-45 second video and written description of your dream. Video entries should paint a picture of answers to one or both of the questions.
What is a Wisconsin Cheese experience you have always wanted to have but never thought would be possible?
Interested in receiving a personal wheel of award-winning parmesan to prepare the ultimate pasta dinner? Wisconsin is the only place outside of Switzerland with a Master Cheesemaker program ? how about traveling to Wisconsin and making cheese alongside one of the Greats? What about spending a night in a cheese cave?
How can Wisconsin Cheese plus up your happiest moment of 2024?
For cheese lovers getting married, how about a cheese wedding cake and a beautiful cheese display? Imagine an entire cheese grazing table for your next party, no matter the size! For dreamers waiting to ensure their cheese drawer is always stocked for special moments, how about a year's supply of Wisconsin Cheese? What about a reunion with a seven-course cheese dinner prepared by a James Beard -nominated chef?
The Wisconsin Cheese Dreams Contest will be open from 8:00 AM CST January 20, 2024 until February 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST, with grand prizes delivered on or around National Cheese Day on June 4, 2024. In addition to bringing the two grand prize winners' cheese fantasies to life, Wisconsin Cheese will deliver a dreamy Wisconsin Cheese box to 100 randomly selected entrants. If you dream in cheese like Wisconsin does, share your most profound cheese fantasies and let Wisconsin, The State of Cheese, help make them come true! Head to http://www.wisconsincheese.com/dreams to learn more.
About Wisconsin Cheese: The tradition of cheesemaking excellence began more than 180 years ago before Wisconsin was recognized as a state. With 90% of the State's cow's milk being turned into cheese, Wisconsin's 1,200 cheesemakers, many of whom are third- and fourth-generation, continue to pass on old-world traditions while adopting modern innovations in cheesemaking craftsmanship. Wisconsin has won more awards for its cheese than any other state or country. For more information, visit WisconsinCheese.com or connect on Facebook.
About Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin: Funded by Wisconsin dairy farmers, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that focuses on marketing and promoting Wisconsin's world-class dairy products.
SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
18 january 2024 at 12:45
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President of the French far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party Jordan Bardella attends a plenary session at the European Parliament on January 16, 2024 in Strasbourg, eastern France. FREDERICK FLORIN / AFP
The chairman of France's main far-right party on Thursday, January 18, rejected accusations in a television report that he used an anonymous Twitter account to share racist messages when he was a local elected official.
The allegations against Jordan Bardella, the 28-year-old president of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, were made in an investigative report to be broadcast on the France 2 channel on Thursday evening, a copy of which Agence France-Presse (AFP) obtained and watched.
In the report, four sources three of which are anonymous claim that from 2015 to 2017, Bardella used the pseudonym "RepNat du Gaito" on Twitter, now X, to share racist messages and celebrate Jean-Marie Le Pen, co-founder of the RN's ancestor party the Front National (FN).
The last post from that account, dated February 2017, is an obscene image mocking Theo Luhaka, a young Black man who suffered severe anal injuries from a police baton that year, in an assault for which three policemen are now on trial.
'I only have one Twitter account'
Bardella in the report denies this, telling France 2: "I am sorry to disappoint you but I only have one Twitter account. I will not stand by comments I did not make."
RN spokesman Victor Chabert on Wednesday defended Bardella on X, in a reply to a France 2 journalist who posted part of the report on the controversial Twitter posts to promote it. "You will be prosecuted and a formal notice has been sent to France Televisions," the group that owns France 2, Chabert wrote.
A source close to the RN told AFP that an ex-assistant of Florian Philippot, a former vice-president of the RN who has since left the party, was the person behind the "RepNat du Gaito" Twitter handle.
Bardella was formally elected to lead the RN in 2022, replacing three-time presidential candidate Marine Le Pen after more than a decade at the head of the party. He has also been a member of the European Parliament since 2019.
Read more Subscribers only French PM Attal's other challenge: Countering the far right in European elections
Le Pen, who is widely expected to run in the 2027 presidential elections and seek to make Bardella prime minister if she wins has long sought to distance herself from the openly racist and anti-Semitic reputation of her father Jean-Marie Le Pen. Bardella too likes to emphasise that he is from a new generation of nationalists with little in common with Jean-Marie Le Pen.
President Emmanuel Macron who beat Le Pen in 2017 and 2022 in a rare press conference on Tuesday adopted some of the far right's themes in an apparent bid to stem the RN's rising popularity. The RN looks set to top the vote in June's European Parliament election.
Read more Subscribers only Macron attacks far-right 'party of lies,' kicking off European elections race
Lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi (center), returning from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), at OR Tambo International Airport in Ekurhuleni, South Africa, January 14, 2024. ALAISTER RUSSELL / AFP
It is no coincidence that one of the brightest counsels on the legal team arguing South Africa's case against Israel for genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an Irish lawyer. Wearing a 17th-century white wig over her long hair, Blinne Ni Ghralaigh gave a fearsomely clinical presentation on Thursday, January 11, in The Hague, Netherlands, of what she described as "the first live-streamed genocide" of the Palestinians in Gaza. The young lawyer, argue some of her admirers, benefits from a double qualification: A recognized expert in the defense of human rights in international law, she comes from a country that is a former colony.
Read more Subscribers only 100 days of war in Gaza: An appalling toll and no end in sight
This double qualification, and the fact that it is mentioned at all, illustrate the very particular dimension of the case brought against Israel before the United Nations' highest court. Focusing on the massive scale and human toll of Israel's military response to the massacres committed by Hamas on October 7, the South African appeal goes beyond mere legal proceedings. It is the complaint of the Global South against Western criteria of moral superiority. It calls into question an international order established by the defendant's most powerful ally, the United States. It is also a challenge to a collective memory dominated by the Holocaust, which is openly opposed to that of colonization.
Israel accused of genocide before the ICJ is "an upside-down world," said an indignant Benyamin Netanyahu, prime minister of a country born of the greatest genocide of the 20th century, when 6 million Jews were exterminated by the Nazi regime. He couldn't be more right. The world is turning upside down, and what is happening these days before the 17 judges of the ICJ in The Hague is symbolic of this shift.
'Seventy-five years of apartheid'
Whatever the Court's final verdict on the genocidal nature of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, whatever its decision on Pretoria's request to suspend military operations, the mere fact that, in the current context, the case against Israel has been brought by a country, itself a symbol of colonial repression and racial segregation, is historic.
"Palestinians have endured 75 years of apartheid, 56 years of occupation and 13 years of blockade," South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola told the court. The figure of Nelson Mandela, an icon of resistance to apartheid and moral clarity, inevitably looms large over these hearings. To defend itself, Israel has chosen another symbol, a survivor of the Holocaust, 87-year-old Judge Aharon Barak.
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POLICE in Northern Ireland are searching for a Limerick man convicted of the manslaughter of a PSNI officer, who is unlawfully at large.
Detectives say Shane Frane, 36, who is originally from the west of the county, may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Frane was convicted in February 2014 of the manslaughter of Constable Philippa Reynolds, following a road traffic crash in February 2013, in the Waterside area of Derry.
A PSNI spokesman said he has since breached the conditions of his temporary prison release by absconding from the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Constable Philippa Reynolds was killed in 2013 (PSNI/PA)
Frane is described as being 6ft 3in tall, of medium build with blue eyes with a left eye disfigurement.
He has tattoos on his upper right arm, has fair hair and speaks with a Republic of Ireland accent.
The spokesman said: Despite attempts to arrest Frane, police have been unable to locate him. He may have travelled to the Republic of Ireland.
Officers are appealing to anyone who has seen him or who knows of his whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1425 on 17/01/2024.
Police would also appeal directly to him to hand himself in.
Ms Reynolds, 27, was a passenger in a police vehicle which was hit by a stolen car driven by Frane in 2013.
Frane pleaded guilty to eight offences including manslaughter, causing her death by driving without a licence or insurance, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, and failing to remain at the scene and report an accident.
The officer was the back seat passenger in an unmarked police car that was hit by the stolen 44 vehicle that had been travelling at up to 80mph.
Mourners at Ms Reynolds funeral were told that she had touched many lives and had been killed in her prime.
THE USE of posters for the upcoming local elections has been called into question for environmental reasons and the fact that when the posters are taken down there are always plastic ties left behind.
The use (or not) of posters in the Adare-Rathkeale municipal district was debated at the municipal districts latest monthly meeting.
A motion was submitted by Fine Gael councillor, Stephen Keary who believes the use of election posters is a total waste of money and that they should not be allowed.
These posters are the cause of pollution and littering in our towns and villages,Cllr Keary said.
The former mayor believes the Adare-Rathkeale district needs to stand up and lead by example by banning the use of posters in the upcoming local elections.
Fianna Fail councillor Kevin Sheahan, who will not be putting his name forward following his decision to retire, says he has often noticed plastic/cable ties from the posters remaining on the poles after an election with nothing being done to clean them up.
That is a great insult to the public that you asked to vote for you. There should be serious legislation about that, Cllr Sheahan said.
Independent councillor John ODonoghue said he agrees that there is a Tidy Towns element to the whole situation and an environmental aspect to it but said its very very easy for people who have been elected to turn around and say there should be no election posters.
Thats not giving the next person a chance, Mr ODonoghue said.
I find it a bit odd in fairness that a man who got almost double than what he needed to get through in the last election and a man who is not running in the next election are the two who have brought this (motion) forward, Mr ODonoghue added referring to Cllr Keary and Cllr Sheahan.
In response, Cllr Sheahan said: I am a community activist and he reiterated his point that these plastic ties holding up the posters are not coming down.
There should be a strong compulsion on either the party or the individual about the plastic ties, he said.
Independent councillor Emmett OBrien disagreed with the motion calling it grossly, grossly anti-democratic.
Are ye afraid of posters from other candidates? Mr OBrien asked at the meeting. I think it is grossly unfair. It is the shutting out of other candidates.
Fianna Fail councillor Bridie Collins said it is in the public interest to have posters up but mentioned that the council could work with local community groups to establish poster-free areas.
Ms Collins said the local elections fall around the time of the judging for the tidy towns competition and posters may be unwelcome street clutter in certain areas.
A social worker, who brought a boy in the care of the State to her home and defiled him, will remain behind bars.
After losing a bid to overturn her conviction, the 44-year-old woman was jailed in 2022 and lost her appeal in court this Thursday.
The convicted woman, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of her victim, appealed the conviction on the grounds that Facebook messages she and her victim exchanged.
She argued that the State's request to the social media giant for the messages was made under the wrong section of a 2008 treaty on mutual legal assistance between Ireland and the United States.
The woman was jailed for four years with the final two years suspended by Judge Cormac Quinn, sitting at Clonmel Circuit Criminal Court in November 2022. The woman had pleaded not (NOT) guilty but was convicted by a jury after an 11-day trial.
The boy, who was 16 at the time, was in her care at a midlands school when she sexually defiled him at her home on unknown dates between April 1 and May 15, 2016.
At the Court of Appeal hearing last October, Dermot Cahill SC, representing the woman, submitted that the request for Facebook messages between the appellant and the boy that were used in the trial was not made by the requisite body.
It was submitted by the appellant's lawyers that the request for the material provided was made not by the Central Authority for Ireland (The Minister for Justice) as it should be but rather by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and was not, therefore, in accordance with the Ireland/US Treaty.
It was also submitted that there was insufficient evidence that the "certificate of authenticity" signed by an official of Facebook Inc actually related to the disc containing the material which the prosecution put into evidence.
In reply, Michael Delaney SC for the State had argued: "There is no requirement under the Treaty that the written request be formulated or signed by the Central Authority, merely that it be transmitted by the Central Authority."
Mr Delaney said the State was "entitled to rely on the certificate and the process" which had satisfied US authorities and the Department of Justice.
"It was important evidence. A degree of common sense must prevail in what the prosecution has to do," said Mr Delaney.
In dismissing the appeal today, Thursday January 18, 2024, Ms Justice Tara Burns said the treaty insisted the transmission of the mutual assistance request had to be made by the relevant central authority the Department of Justice - but the request itself could be formulated by the DPP.
Ms Justice Burns said this, of course, makes complete sense, as the designated authority could not possibly be in the position to understand the details of the request to be made in a given prosecution.
Ms Justice Burns said that the receipt of Facebook information on dates outside of the timeframe requested did not mean it could not be put before a jury.
The appellant had argued that as the Facebook request did not extend to material beyond May 18, 2016, the extra material could therefore not be introduced into evidence. Irish authorities actually received Facebook account information extending to May 31, 2016, which the prosecution put before the jury.
The material was issued on foot of a search warrant and was subject to a certificate of authenticity. The fact that material was provided which was outside the timeframe of the original request did not render its production unlawful, said Ms Justice Burns.
Ms Justice Burns said the mutual assistance request was made under the appropriate international convention and was correctly admitted into evidence despite the fact that material relating to a wider time period than that requested was provided.
Mr Justice Burns said the evidence was sufficiently connected with the certificate of authority and that it was open to the jury to accept or reject its authenticity regarding the disc received from Facebook.
In circumstances where we have not upheld any of the appellants grounds of appeal, her appeal against conviction is dismissed, said Ms Justice Burns.
The plan to house 85 Ukrainian refugees at a former convent building in county Longford from the second week in May 2024 has been abandoned following an arson attack at the property on Tuesday night.
The news came during a meeting of Longford County Council where acting director with Longford County Councils Humanitarian Response Team, Michael Nevin, revealed to members that the property owner wasn't proceeding with the plans as he had concerns for the safety of himself, his family, his company and his employees.
It also emerged on Wednesday evening that efforts were made to burn the building, located on the main street of Lanesboro, Co Longford, at six different locations and accelerants were used.
Deputy Joe Flaherty commented, "Arson is reckless and endangers lives. It is deeply alarming to learn that efforts were made to burn the building at six different locations and accelerants were used.
"I grew up in Lanesboro and am as passionate about the community as the next man, however, burning buildings is not reflective of the local community."
Local Independent councillor Mark Casey hit out on Wednesday at those responsible for the fire and at the Government for their lack of consultation with the community.
Cllr Casey said, "The fire put people in jeopardy. There are people who live beside that building, there are businesses beside that building, it is an absolute disgrace what is going on. Id be very surprised if it was anyone local who had anything to do with this. It is not a thing you would see normally in Lanesboro. It is not the mindset of the people of Lanesboro.
Just hours prior to the fire, Cllr Casey, along with other local elected representatives, attended a meeting with the developer and Longford County Council executives to be briefed on the plans for the property.
He said it was the first time they heard officially about the plans for the former convent building.
We were informed that this is a done deal and that the contract has been signed with the Department of Integration to house 85 Ukrainian refugees in the old convent from the second week in May. It was the first time we heard anything about it which I think is a disgrace. Being able to change the use of a building like that without any sort of planning or consultation with local people is disgraceful in my view.
We are a welcoming community, we are a tourist town but the way this has happened is a disgrace from the Government. We are saying that we havent been given the proper infrastructure. We need to be consulted and we need to bring the community along with this.
Jenny Schaben |
More than 300 first-year Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from 21 high schools journeyed to Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) to attend the annual Area 8 Greenhand Motivational Conference on January 8, 2024. The Greenhand Motivational Conference allows new FFA members to familiarize themselves with the program and learn how to become more involved while being positive role models. As a youth organization, FFA actively promotes leadership, teamwork and a deep understanding of the agricultural industry among its members.
Dr. Douglas Lavergne addresses new FFA members, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a positive attitude.
During the events opening remarks, Dr. Douglas LaVergne, Dean of LU College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences (CAEHS), offered words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing. LaVergne spoke of the impact of a positive attitude on life and success, urging the audience to consider their mindset during the conference. As new members, this is a start to a long journey in FFA and into your professional lives. There are two things that you can always control your attitude and your effort. The greater the attitude, the higher you will go in life.
FFA State Officers of the Greenhand Conference engage and educate new members by presenting entertaining and informative performances through comedic skits.
The Greenhand Motivational Conference, orchestrated by the Missouri State FFA Officer Team and assisted by the Area 8 Officer Team, serves as the inaugural event for new FFA members beyond their school chapter. These State FFA Officers, college students holding leadership roles at the state level, serve as guides for the upcoming generation of FFA students. Through engaging skits and workshops, they actively encourage students to build character skills, explore talents and try new opportunities within the program.
During breakout sessions at the conference, students gained a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities provided by FFA, offering a platform for engagement in a wide range of agricultural activities. These include but are not limited to livestock judging, public speaking, community service and hands-on agricultural projects. State FFA Officers also spoke on the importance of making a positive difference within yourself, your school and your community.
The Greenhand Motivational Conference provides members with the opportunity to participate in dancing, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for the event.
New members were also encouraged to set goals for their education, career and FFA experience. The Future Farmers of America program aims to positively impact students' lives by developing their potential for outstanding leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Area 8 FFA President Ivy Elwell commented afterward, Today went well. It's important that all first-year FFA students come together to learn about opportunities in FFA, so they can grow their leadership skills and become our next generation of FFA leaders.
During workshops, new members learn about various activities such as competitions, conferences and community service projects that they can become involved in for FFA.
The FFA Greenhand Conference for Area 8 is held annually at Lincoln University. FFA alumna Amy Bax, CAEHS special assistant to the dean, helped organize the event. She reported, We at Lincoln University are consistently grateful that Area 8 chooses this institution for its Greenhand Motivational Conference. It is an honor for us at Lincoln University to host the event. We enjoy the energy the students bring to campus.
Abbey Tauchen |
During fall semester 2023, Dr. Brian Norriss Foreign Policy class and Dr. Elizabeth Dorssoms American Executive & Congress class traveled to the White House Decision Center to participate in a simulation. The White House Decision Center is a nationally recognized history lab where visitors step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors, work with formerly classified primary source documents and collaborate to discuss some of American historys greatest challenges.
Lincoln students engaged in a simulation regarding Reacting to the Soviet Blockade of Berlin, where they portrayed President Truman and his White House Cabinet as they made a decision regarding the Soviet Blockade of Berlin. Students used primary sources to inform their decisions. The trip was funded by the LU Honors College and Truman Library.
Students divided up into different rooms and read facsimilies of historical documents, such as declassified intelligence reports, relevant to the role they were playing in the simulation. Not everyone had the same information.
Hear from two students Emily Botts and Nia Walker on their experiences while participating in the simulation.
Emily Botts
I enjoyed the class trip I took to the Truman Library on October 18 with my American Executive & Congress class. We were able to participate in the White House Decision Center Simulation and tour the museum. The Decision Center was set up as if we were actual members of the executive branch carrying out decisions that President Truman had to make during his presidency. We were assigned roles of real people in President Trumans cabinet. In the simulation that my class participated in, I got the honor of acting as President Truman as we decided how to approach the Berlin Blockade of 1948.
In the simulation, LU student David Kinard (as a press member) asks President Truman (LU student Emily Botts) a tough question.
During the simulation, each person was given a stack of documents for the person they were roleplaying, which included declassified documents the person had written or been given during the Berlin Blockade. Then we had 45 minutes to read the documents before we had a cabinet meeting to discuss our plan. Since everyone had different information, the experience was very collaborative. Acting as the president, I felt that I had a sense of duty to my people, even if it was fake. The simulation puts you in the shoes of world leaders making big decisions. I also learned more about the Berlin Blockade through the experience. Our class had just written a paper about it, but living the experience helped it sink in.
Nia Walker
The trip to President Harry Trumans White House Decision Center was an insightful experience because it allowed me to learn how to make real-time decisions and tackle the same issues the Truman Administration faced during the Berlin Blockade of 1948. The simulation allowed us to look over classified documents to make foreign decisions and respond to Stalins Berlin Blockade. The main objective I learned from the experience is that you must be able to make sound and risky decisions with the information that is given to you. I would encourage people to visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library to gain more knowledge about his presidency and his foreign policy.
In addition to participating in a role-playing educational simulation of the Berlin blockade of 1948, Lincoln University of Missouri political science students toured the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri.
Apples new App Store payment policies are stirring outrage among software developers who say the iPhone maker is skirting the intention of a court ruling.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear appeals Tuesday of an antitrust ruling covering the App Store stemming from a legal dispute between Apple and Epic, developer of the popular videogame Fortnite."
That move prompted Apple to issue new policies that require developers to pay it a 27% commission if they use an alternative payment method, much like the company did in the Netherlands and South Korea in response to legal rulings over related issues in those countries.
With this change, Apple is effectively saying we refuse to back down," said Fiona M. Scott Morton, a former antitrust official in the Obama administration. Its a clear statement by Apple that they intend to fight."
Epics chief executive, Tim Sweeney, said on X that his company will contest Apples new policies in the Northern California District Court, where a trial judge in 2021 had largely ruled against Epic with the exception of finding that Apple must allow developers to steer customers to payment options within their own apps. Sweeney described the tech giants approach to complying with the steering component as an act of bad faith."
Once again, Apple has demonstrated that they will stop at nothing to protect the profits they exact on the backs of developers and consumers under their app store monopoly," Spotify said. The music streaming service said the move is outrageous and flies in the face of the courts efforts to enable greater competition and user choice."
In a court filing Tuesday, Apple disclosed the new policies and stated that the court had acknowledged that Apple can collect a commission for off-app purchases. Separately, Apple requested that Epic reimburse about $73 million in legal expenses from the legal battle.
Legal experts say it appears that Apples changes satisfy the requirements of the District Courts ruling. Apple is taking the smallest steps it believes it can under the courts injunction, which is pretty limited," said Paul Swanson, Denver-based antitrust lawyer at Holland & Hart.
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, who oversaw the case between Apple and Epic, has previously said she would be watching how Apple complies with her order and could decide at some point to amend her ruling.
If she concludes Apple is violating it, she still has jurisdiction to clarify or refine the order," Swanson said. She could say obviously this does nothing to address the conduct I found was unfair in my judgment."
Herb Hovenkamp, an antitrust professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, said he thinks it is going to be a heavy lift for Epic to go after Apple again. The court of appeals has already rejected Epics claim because of Apples lack of market power, he said.
Still, Hovenkamp said, the whole idea of using the App Store as a bottleneck to lock up sales, rather than keep these things open and competitive, this is a problem that the courts are going to have to confront one way or the other."
Apples new fees have drawn sharp criticism from the app-developer community, with opponents arguing the 27% commission the company will now impose on in-app purchases made through alternative payment methods will cost developers and, ultimately consumers, more money.
Developers would also be subject to payment processing fees, which would likely push the total amount paid to well above the 30% cut Apple takes.
It defeats the entire purpose of allowing competition in the payments space," said Rick VanMeter, executive director of the Coalition for App Fairness, an advocacy group whose more than 70 app-developer members include Epic, Spotify and Match Group. Theyre reaching beyond the App Store to web-based payments, which is new and pretty audacious."
The latest spotlight on Apple comes as the company is under investigation by the Justice Department for a potential antitrust complaint around its business practices. The probe began in 2019 and deals in part with Apples policies governing mobile third-party software on its devices, which has been the focus of criticism, The Wall Street Journal has reported.
Apple has been in hot water before over similar types of compliance issues. When the Dutch competition authority ordered Apple to permit alternative payment methods for dating apps in the Netherlands, Apple responded by charging these apps a fee of 27% for using other payment systems. Dutch authorities ended up fining Apple around $55 million, alleging the company failed to comply with its orders.
Apple believes its solution is fully compliant with Dutch law," Apples then Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer said in a letter to the regulator in 2022.
In 2021, legislators in South Korea passed a law requiring Apple and Google to allow alternative payment methods for app developers. Apple responded by telling developers in that country it would charge a 26% commission if they used third-party payment methods. Last year, South Koreas telecom regulator said it planned to fine Apple and Google a total of $51 million for breaching the countrys regulations.
Apple also faces legal challenges to its locked down App Store policies. In particular, the European Unions Digital Markets Act will require Apple to permit the so-called sideloading of apps onto its iPhones and iPads outside of the confines of its App Store, including alternative app stores. The European law goes into enforcement in March, and Apple is preparing to meet an early March deadline to comply, the Journal previously reported.
Developers are concerned that the company will make it difficult for sideloading to flourish, similar to the companys plan to charge 27% to use a third-party payment system. Apple has argued that sideloading could allow malicious actors to access users phones and last year it said the EU law would cripple the privacy and security protections that users have come to expect."
Apple doesnt break out how much it makes through the App Store, but it is seen by analysts as providing billions in highly-profitable revenue. Last year, app store spending reached $171 billion, according to data.ai, a mobile data and analytics firm.
Meanwhile, demand for Apples iPhones has cooled lately. The companys fiscal fourth-quarter results, released in November, showed Phone sales advanced 2.8%. On a conference call at the time, Apple said it expected overall revenue for the December quarter to be flat compared with the same period a year earlier.
Children using Instagram and Facebook have been frequent targets of sexual harassment, according to a 2021 internal Meta Platforms presentation that estimated that 100,000 minors each day received photos of adult genitalia or other sexually abusive content.
That finding is among newly unredacted material about the companys child-safety policies in a lawsuit filed last month by New Mexico that alleges Metas platforms recommend sexual content to underage users and promote underage accounts to predatory adult users.
In one 2021 internal document described in the now unredacted material, Meta employees noted that one of its recommendation algorithms, called People You May Know," was known among employees to connect child users with potential predators.
The New Mexico lawsuit says the finding had been flagged to executives several years earlier, and that they had rejected a staff recommendation that the company adjust the design of the algorithm, known internally as PYMK, to stop it from recommending minors to adults.
In comments appended to the report, one Facebook employee wrote that the algorithm had in the past contributed up to 75% of all inappropriate adult-minor contact."
How on earth have we not just turned off PYMK between adults and children?" another employee responded, according to the lawsuit. Its really, really upsetting."
Meta declined to comment on the newly unsealed references to internal documents, referring the Journal to a previous statement in which it said New Mexico mischaracterizes our work using selective quotes and cherry-picked documents."
Calling child predators determined criminals," the company has said it has long invested in both enforcement and child safety-focused tools for young users and their parents.
New Mexico alleges that Meta has failed to address widespread predation on its platform or limit design features that recommended children to adults with malicious intentions. Instead of publicly acknowledging internal findings such as the 100,000 child-a-day scale of harassment on its platforms, the suit alleges, Meta falsely assured the public that its platforms were safe.
Much of the internal discussion described in the newly unredacted material focused on Instagram. In an internal email in 2020, employees reported that the prevalence of sex talk" to minors was 38 times greater on Instagram than on Facebook Messenger in the U.S. and urged the company to enact more safeguards on the platform, according to documents cited in the lawsuit.
One employee that year reported that an Apple executive had complained that the executives 12-year-old child was solicited on Instagram. The Meta employee, tasked with addressing the issue, noted that this is the kind of thing that pisses Apple off to the extent of threating [sic] to remove us from the App Store," and asked whether there was a timeline for when the company would prevent adults from messaging minors on the platform.
A November 2020 presentation titled Child Safety: State of Play" said that Instagram employed minimal child safety protections" and described policies regarding minor sexualization" as immature." It further noted the platforms minimal focus" on trafficking.
Despite knowing the scale of the problem, New Mexico alleges, Meta leaders didnt take action to prevent adults from sexually soliciting children until late 2022and they stopped short of the broad messaging limitations its safety staff had recommended.
Rather than to broadly stop recommending the accounts of children to adults, Facebook and Instagram sought to block such suggestions to adults who had already demonstrated suspicious behavior toward children.
Metas approach of limiting contact with only known suspicious accounts was bound to be less effective than shutting down the recommendations, New Mexico says, because both malicious adults and children routinely lied about their age.
Meta internally acknowledged in 2021 that the majority of minors on Metas platforms falsely claim to be adults, New Mexicos complaint says, and a study of accounts disabled for grooming children found that 99% of those adults failed to state their age.
Meta in June established a task force to address child-safety problems on its platforms after an article in The Wall Street Journal revealed that Instagrams algorithms connected and promoted a vast network of accounts openly devoted to the commission and purchase of underage-sex content.
Additional Journal articles last year showed that Meta is struggling to fix problems on Instagram as well as on Facebook, where it recently introduced encryption for direct messages.
The companys safety staff had long warned of the dangers of enshrouding exchanges that could be used to prosecute child exploitation, the Journal reported. Meta said it had spent years developing safety measures to prevent and combat abuses.
In addition to New Mexicos suit, more than 40 other states sued Meta in October alleging that it misled the public about the dangers its platforms pose to young people.
Meta this month said it would start automatically restricting teen Instagram and Facebook accounts from harmful content including videos and posts about self-harm, graphic violence and eating disorders.
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Vacation ownership company Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) has inked a strategic partnership with the state government of Tamil Nadu to build hotels in the state.
For this, the company said it has earmarked 800 crore investment to develop three greenfield resorts over the next five to six years. It said the investments will come from the internal accruals and will be infused over the next five to six years as the company identifies and finalizes the locations.
This, the company said in a statement, will be its second-largest investment yet. It said it has about 290,000 members in its programme. This investment, it said, is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for about 1,500 people. However, the announcement has not yet been put out on the BSE platform by the listed entity.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts said it expects to double its room inventory from 5,000 to 10,000 by 2030 and with existing resorts in Ooty and Kodaikanal, the new projects will strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu.
In September last year, the company had inked a similar MoU with the government of Uttarakhand to invest 1,000 crore to develop 4-5 large resorts in the state over the next few years.
For its second quarter ended September 30, Mint reported that the company had posted a 9.51% year-on-year increase in revenue. However, the profit for the quarter declined by 47.78% compared to the same period last year. The second quarter of FY24 presented a mixed picture. On the one hand, revenue saw a positive climb, suggesting an appetite for leisure travel despite economic uncertainties, there was a decline in profit.
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NEW DELHI : The National Company Law Tribunal deferred hearing a case involving low-cost carrier SpiceJet and aircraft lessor Celestial Aviation Services Ltd on Thursday after the two sides informed the court that they were in advanced stages of reaching a settlement.
In the previous hearing, SpiceJet had informed the tribunal about making initial payments to the lessor.
NCLT is now likely to hear the case in the last week of February.
Earlier, the tribunal had advised SpiceJet to address its issues with its aircraft lessors by allocating shares. This was in alignment with a notification by the ministry of corporate affairs in October exempting aviation leases related to aircraft, aircraft engines, airframes, and helicopters from any moratorium.
SpiceJet has allocated more than 48 million shares to nine aircraft lessors to settle outstanding dues amounting to 2.31 billion (about $28 million).
Celestial Aviation is one of five lessors that had approached NCLT to recover their pending dues from the airline. The other lessors are Willis Lease Finance Corp., Wilmington, Aircastle, and Alterna Aircraft BV Ltd.
Alterna Aircraft, an Ireland-based lessor, has filed an insolvency plea against SpiceJet with the NCLT seeking recovery of $11.1 million and 265,000, as ordered by English courts.
The tribunal had in December dismissed a plea from Willis Lease Finance to initiate insolvency proceedings against the financially strained airline. Pleas from the other lessors are still pending.
Simultaneously, SpiceJet is also entangled in legal disputes with lessors in the Delhi High Court over the pending dues.
Engine Lease Finance BV recently moved the high court to restrain SpiceJet from using its engines after talks of an interim settlement in October fell through. In the proposed settlement, SpiceJet had committed to pay over $2 million to the lessor by January 25 and return the leased engines by that date.
On 19 December, the Delhi High Court had ordered SpiceJet to pay $450,000 by 3 January to engine lessors EAM France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.
The lessors had claimed unpaid dues of $12.9 million for over two years. The court had also considered barring the airline from using three engines following lease termination.
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New Delhi: Akasa Air has placed an order with US aircraft manufacturer Boeing for an additional 150 narrow-body 737 MAX planes that will cost Indias youngest airline an estimated $20 billion.
The announcement was made at the Wings India civil aviation event that started in Hyderabad on Thursday.
In 2021, Akasa Air had placed its initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was followed up with an order of 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. The latest order takes the airlines cumulative order book to 226 aircraft.
Akasa Air currently operates a fleet of 22 aircraft. The airline said it will take the delivery of the remaining 204 aircraft over eight years through 2032. The latest order will comprise Boeing 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft.
Earlier, the airline had said that it is open to both aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing as it was planning to place a three-digit aircraft order.
These decisions of choice are based on multiple factors. Airbus is a great company and has good aircraft but for us, this was the right decision and right combination of multiple factors. Fleet simplicity, not just engine and spare parts, pilot training, the ability to rotate aircraft to get better utilization, better network and schedule reliability, commercials and availability of aircraft are important elements too," Vinay Dube, founder and chief executive officer, Akasa Air, told Mint.
When you put all of this together, it made sense for us to go with Boeing who stood by us for a long time," Dube added.
The discussions for the new order started months ago, and came to a fruition over the last few weeks, people aware of the development said. The airline came into the limelight ahead of its launch, with the backing of billionaire investor the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The airline commenced flight operations in Aug 2022 and commands 4.4% share in the domestic civil aviation market.
We have opted for MAX-8-200 and MAX 10 and we will have the flexibility to choose which one we want, as time and operations go. The main fundamental part of negotiation is always to protect the company at every way, we feel good about the deal, basic is to ensure that the company is always covered in any scenario," Priya Mehra, chief legal, regulatory and strategic relations officer, said.
The airline now awaits completion of paper work as it prepares to launch international flights.
We fly to 18 domestic destinations. Currently, we have rights to fly to Riyadh, Kuwait, Jeddah, Doha and as we get to summer, you will see more rights being awarded to us and that is when phase-2 expansion will start for the international segment," Praveen Iyer, co-founder and chief commercial officer, told Mint. The airline is also expected to introduce more varieties of food on board as it launches international flights.
Consumers are looking for freshness, every three-four months you will see a new variety, when we cater to international you see the audience and decide accordingly," Belson Coutinho, co-founder and chief marketing & experience officer, said. On the timeline for the next order of Akasa, which has created a record by ordering over 200 aircraft within two years of operations, Dube said that the next order is expected to take a while".
Since its launch, Akasa Air has served over 6.3 million passengers and connects 18 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, and Ayodhya.
Indian airlines have been at the forefront of global aviation since 2023, with massive orders for aircraft by IndiGo and Air India. At the Paris Airshow in June last year, Indias largest airline IndiGo placed an order for 500 aircraft with Airbus, while the Tata Group-owned Air India signed pacts to purchase 470 planes worth $70 billion from Airbus and Boeing.
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Global 500 Rankings: Indian brands are pushing the bar with Tata, Infosys, LIC, HDFC, Reliance Group, Airtel, HCL Tech, SBI, Wipro , Mahindra Group, Jio, L&